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Though you're supposed to always claim a book is better than its resulting movie version, that might not be the case with the 1976 cult flick... More >>
Blink-182 at the Cruzan Amphitheatre September 23 More >>
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Dance music flavors come and go, but you've got to hand it to the dirty Dutch. Heading into the last quarter of 2011, clubs, radio, and your... More >>
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Exposé with Lisa Lisa at Seminole Coconut Creek Casino August 13 More >>
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Designer Drugs at the Fillmore Miami Beach July 23 More >>
Last week, Crossfade urged you to gobble some Designer Drugs and dance till death at the Fillmore Miami Beach's July edition of the more-or-less monthly Honeymoon Series. So ... Did you heed that ... More >>
Tomorrow marks dubstep ambassador 12th Planet's much-anticipated return to Miami, when he'll headline an evening at Grand Central rounded out by Juan Basshead, MC Jumanji, Animal Krackerz, and Mike De... More >>
Electronic music producers Michael Vincent Patrick and Theodore Paul Nelson, better known as Designer Drugs, represent the grimy underground club scene of the New York-Philly axis. Don't expect to ... More >>
Wiz Khalifa at Sunset Cove Amphitheater July 15 More >>
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When 12th Planet (AKA John Dadzie) talks, the world of bass music listens. That's because, as we explain in last week's mini-feature on the DJ, producer, and label co-founder, the man has been ha... More >>
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Call to Order Homemade Pies
Open Mon.-Sun., 6am-8pm ** Winter Hours (starting Dec. 3): Tues.-Sun, 7am-7pm (closed Mondays.)
Russell & Sally Grape barn photo
by Amanda Hines
Julie Karlstad (below) and her husband, Chuck, have reopened the recently idle café in the Red Barn retail complex. Both Karlstads are Ellsworth natives.
The café can seat up to 65 people and the banquet hall up to 350. Ready to book weddings, meetings, parties and small public events into the hall.

subset: commoncrawl


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Harnessing the Power of Story – Customers make their experiences real,
for themselves and others, through stories. 'Word of mouth' swirls around our lives, shaping our reality as we talk. We story the world into existence. Those in the know use stories to advantage, for the rest – we are tossed in its flows and eddies The Voice of the Customer – Customer feedback improves product design and enables six sigma projects. Feedback is the petrol driving 'sense and respond' organization.
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After three years of Alzheimer's ravaging his mind, he looked at me, his 18 year old granddaughter, and asked, "Are you mad at me mommy?"
tags: sad life sickness mental illness Alzheimer's [add]
2008-06-04 10:07:17 / Rating: 922 /
This is a single story of a single sentence. If you want more, visit the archives.


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Davidson Doozie 10K & 3.6Mi 2013
Sorry, but the online registration is no longer available for this event.
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, on May 11, 2013, Family Services of Davidson County (FSDC) will host the 2nd Annual 10K. & 3.6 Mi
Our goal for this event is to bring Davidson County and the surrounding communities together to raise awareness and to advance services provided through FSDC.
The 1st Annual Family Services of Davidson County Davidson Doozie 10K & 3.6 Mi race will be held on May 11, 2013.
The 10K USATF certified race course will wind through beautiful Davidson County and is sure to be a challenge . This year we have added a shorter 3.6 mile option, as well.
The event will be fun for runners and families alike.
All proceeds for the race support life changing counseling and support services provided to children and families, especially those coping with family violence, trauma, and issues of sexual abuse.
Register, volunteer, or donate now at fsdc.org and help change the route for families!
Runners and Sleep-In participants who register by April 30th will receive a heavy-weight cotton race t-shirt.
Additional shirts will be available race day and at packet pick-up, however sizes will be based on a first come first serve basis.
Register early to be sure to get a race shirt.
Advanced Check-in will be held on Friday, May 10 from 5 - 7 pm at Family Services of Davidson County, 1303 Greensboro St. Ext. Lexington, NC 27295. Those who come to advanced check-in will not have any line to wait in on race morning.
Race day packet pickup and registration begins at 7 am at Family Services.
The Davidson Doozie runs through the open roads of beautiful Davidson County.
Both the 10K and 3.6 mile routes make a full circle from the start line. The Doozie is a tough and rewarding race.
Inaugural race participants commented on the Doozie being a challenge, yet all said they were proud to have successfully completed the course. The 3.6 mile route has been added in 2013 to afford more folks the opportunity to participate.
The race will utilize start-of-the-art disposable bib-chip timing by www.PrecisionRace.com
Runners can register to receive a text message with their results as they cross the finish line. You can also see and print your personal results at the Precision Race touch-screen Results Kiosks.
Prize categories include overall top male and female along with top male and female in the following age groups:. 18 & Under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+
Race prizes will be local pottery from Mission's Pottery.
If you're not a runner, but you want to support the Davidson County Family Services, you can register for the Sleep In option.
Sleep In participants receive a race shirt. You can pick your shirt up at the race or during the following week at the Davidson County Family Services office.


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Starbreeze, which was behind EA's recent attempt to reboot the classic Syndicate series, acquired Payday alongside developer Overkill Studios earlier this year.
Though P13 is still masked in secrecy, we know it will be a downloadable "action-adventure game" and that Starbreeze has partnered with Swedish film director Josef Fares to help guide its "storyline, look and feel."
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – September 6, 2012 – 505 Games, a global publisher of video games, and acclaimed video game developer Starbreeze Studios today announced they have partnered to bring the previously announced titles PAYDAY 2 and P13 (working title), to gamers worldwide in 2013.
"Our partnership with Starbreeze Studios is a testament to 505 Games' commitment to working with top development talent," said Ian Howe, president, 505 Games North America. "In addition to working with an amazing studio we are honored to also partner with acclaimed Swedish film director Josef Fares whose creative genius is bringing P13 to life."
"When we started to plan the next steps for Starbreeze we wanted to find a partner, not just a traditional publisher, and 505 Games fit that criteria," said Mikael Nermark, CEO and president of Starbreeze. "We feel that this collaboration can grow into a long-term partnership."
P13 is being developed by Starbreeze Studios in conjunction with Fares whose visionary talents are guiding the storyline, look and feel of the upcoming action-adventure game which will be available for download.
PAYDAY 2, in development at Starbreeze's Overkill Studios, is the next installment after the wildly successful FPS PAYDAY: The Heist. The game will be available for download.


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Abstract Detail |
Kalman filter models of multiple-object tracking within an attentional window41.26, Monday, 19-May, 8:15 am - 9:45 am, Talk Room 2 Sheng-hua Zhong1, Zheng Ma1, Colin Wilson2, Jonathan Flombaum1; 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 2Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University Multiple-object tracking has been an influential paradigm for evaluating attention and working memory limits. Recent work has made the consequences of these limits concrete, employing the Kalman filter—a Bayesian state estimator—as a computational model, and demonstrating how noisy estimates of position lead to target/nontarget confusions. Moreover, they have accounted for declining performance with increasing load by assuming that noise in spatial estimates is regulated by limited resources. But these models have also been unrealistic in several ways that we investigated in a series of computational and behavioral experiments. First, extant models sample at the frame rate of presentation. In an experiment with a tracking load of one, we found that models with fast sampling rates (>20Hz) overestimate human performance at high speeds. Second, extant models track all items including nontargets (labeling the targets). This leverages mutual exclusivity to make identity decisions. But it belies the assumption that limited resources impair estimation; if all items are tracked regardless, why does the number of targets matter? When we contrasted target-only and track-all models, the latter did a worse job of accounting for human performance in several ways, including by overestimating performance for tracking with different target loads. Finally, we investigated the possibility that an attentional window might supply an opportunity for mutually exclusive but local identity assignments. We implemented a model that tracked other items only within a limited window surrounding each target. Performance improved considerably compared to no-window models, and fits to human results also improved. Overall, models with limited sampling rates and attentional windows supply a better and more intuitive account of human MOT performance. They also illuminate a wider range of opportunities for a resource-limited observer to respond to load demands, including the control of sampling rate and the scope of attentional selection. < Back |


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Charles Ross & Son Company offers skid-mounted high-pressure reactors in its line of agitated reactors for chemical processe and sanitary applications. The 30-gallon dished-bottom reactors are equipped with a top-entering impeller agitator, dip tube, multiple feed ports, removable thermowell and flush bottom ball valve. Designed for 100 psig internal pressure at 200°F, the reactor vessels are built to ASME Code Section VIII, Div. 1 and registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. A dry-running single mechanical seal allows the agitator to be operated at the in-tank pressures. The vessel sides and bottom include a 50-psig baffled jacket for heating/cooling to the optimal reaction temperature.
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I bought this on clearance at ULTA yesterday and its going to be returned tomorrow. I thought this would be like silk therapy and leave my previously bleached strands feeling softer but it did nothing. I have coarse wavy over-processed hair that I normally wash at night before bed and I don't like sleeping with any products in my hair. So for me I need hair products to apply to dry hair in the morning; when I applied this to my dry hair it made my hair shine but left my locks feeling dry still. I will stick with using CHIs silk infusion. I also didn't like the texture and consistency of this product as it was too watery.
Moral of the story: Most items are on Clearance for a reason!
I've actually bought this stuff 3 times in a row. I like that it leaves my hair really smooth. I use it in conjunction with Silk Therapy and they work well together with a straghtening iron. My hair looks better when I use both products.
I am addicted to flat ironing/blow drying. This product stinks for me. It made my hair soft but super dry.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
This stuff works GRRREAT! I was kinda skeptic buying it at first, but then I realized I had my free stuff b/c of my Trade Secret card. So when I got home, I had to go to my little cousin's dance recital and you have to dress up for that. I washed my hair as usual and put this stuff in when my hair was damp. After blowdrying, it was soooo straight! The only part I had to flat iron was the back of my head which does weird flippy things. I love this stuff b/c my hair was so silky soft! This stuff doesn't take much so I'll have this bottle for a while!
i love this product.. it really keeps my hair STICK straight.
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I have to agree with the user mzgrvr. . . I have thick, coarse ethnic hair (filipino/black) that is occasionally relaxed. I bought this stuff today and I'm IN LOVE!! I relaxed my hair a few days ago, deep conditioned it twice, and prior to applying Silk Strate, I also applied some Lanza Urban Elements Leave-in. I'm glad I did since some reviews complain about dryness. Not only did it make blowing out my hair easier, it added shine and gloss once I ran a flat-iron through my hair. I eliminated the use of a protectant, pomade, and finishing gloss! I also separated my hair and applied Silk Strate to each part, rather than my whole head of hair at one time, which makes the most out of this product. I simply cannot believe I got these results at home -- my hair looks like I used a ceramic flat-iron, and it's just a "vintage" Babybliss original! ($12.25 seemed like a lot for 11.6 fl oz, but where a good flat-iron is concerned, who cares?)
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This is a great straightener - it made my hair smooth, straight, and helps with frizzies. Not to mention that it has that divine Biosilk scent! I don't think this is the best straightening product out there, but it is very good!
I have straight hair and was looking for soemthing to make my hair ultra-straight/sleek. Doesn't work for me. It also appears to be making my hair drier when i use this.Overall useless. Will not rebuy, the original silk therapy is way better.
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got really curly wild hair and this works real well as a frizz tamer watered down in a bottle and smoothed over hair.
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This smells good and comes in a pretty big bottle, but my L'Oreal Ironing Gel works just as well for 1/4 the price.
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What Book Changed Your Life?
Blogger: Michelle Ule
I'm filling in for Rachel Kent, who is on a much needed vacation away from the computer.
As I was beginning to write this blog post, a friend sent me an article entitled "Has Any Book Ever Changed Your Life?"
Since this is a holiday weekend, I'll ask the same question and give you a few answers of my own.
For the Christians reading this blog, we'll assume the Bible and ask for other choices.
Here are a few of mine:
Miss Manners Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior by Miss Manners.
My brother gave me this book, and after I got over being insulted that he thought I needed it, I read it with laughter, pleasure and real insight. I was a young naval officer's wife who found herself in curious social situations, and I needed a guide.
Miss Manners taught me I don't have to explain why I'm not attending a function. I could smile politely when asked awkward questions and turn the conversation without feeling guilty.
I learned that sometimes not saying something is more important than finding a soothing remark.
And I should always send thank you notes.
She also provided instructions on eating unusual foods (who would serve artichokes at a formal dinner?), explained what all the cutlery is at formal meals, and described how to address my "superiors."
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I read this book while spending the summer in Europe with Swiss relatives who were . . . not like me.
Bonhoeffer hammered home the concept of "cheap grace," that I could not willfully sin knowing I could ask for forgiveness later. This meant I had to treat my challenging relatives with respect even when they did things I didn't like. It made for a better trip, even if I was embarrassed by their behavior a lot of the time.
It also asked me what I really believed and was I ready for the words, "Christ bids you come and die."
I had a lot on my mind that summer, and Bonhoeffer's book changed how I saw my life and where it would go.
The Tapesty by Edith Schaeffer
I've written elsewhere on how this book changed my life, but the story boils down to: When given a choice, do I take the easy way or the hard way?
While reading Edith's book, I realized I chose the easy way. Right then, I promised God the next time I had a choice I'd take the hard one.
The hard one walked in the door an hour later and that was the hinge of my life. Be careful what you pray for . . .
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
I've been reading this devotional for a dozen years, and nearly every day "OC" nails me to the wall with some pointed insight that makes me squirm. I've read the question about being "broken bread and poured out wine," and sometimes remembered to claim that designator as my own. I've been brought to task for questioning the value of prayer by a simple question on August 28; "What's the Good of Prayer?"
The book starts my morning, and the good it has brought me is invaluable.
And from a friend of mine…
C. S. Lewis's books changed the life of a friend in a Borders bookstore one evening. She was looking at C.S. Lewis's fiction–stories she'd read countless times. A man noticed her interest, struck up a conversation, and she ended up marrying him.
When Borders went out of business several years later, he returned and bought that specific bookshelf.
Just loving C.S. Lewis's work changed her life.
So here's the question: What book changed your life? Click to Tweet
Enjoy the holiday weekend!
By Michelle Ule on Jul 5, 2013 in Blog, Life, Reading | 34 Comments
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Michelle I love how you share books that have changed your life. You got me thinking. For me, OC's My Utmost For His Highest has also been life changing. And I knew the references you made. I took a year off from reading it, but you made me thirst for it again.
Another book that spoke to me in a dark place was Streams in the Desert, by L.B.E. Cowman. This taught me, among other things, not to fear trials.
One fiction book (of many) that significantly impacted the way I see loving others as Jesus does is The Debt, by Angela Hunt. It's been a number of years since I read it, but I'm still challenged by this story.
Thanks so much for sharing your books and the reasons why they changed you. Have a wonderful day!
I forgot two other books: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp had a huge impact on my and in helping me see the beauty and necessity of gratitude, and Jesus Calling, which I have been reading through this year. It seems to speak truth to my heart just as I need it on more days than not.
Okay. I think I am done now. Probably.
I LOVE 'Jesus Calling'! Love it.
Good Morning, Michelle. I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day.
I wish I had a story that was as good as the one about your friend and her love of C.S. Lewis' works. But I don't.
The book that had the most influence on my life (except for the bible) was a thin little paperback book I read when I was seven. It was called "Heroines of God." I still have the book. The brief stories of young women who gave up marriage and, sometimes, their lives for the love of Jesus filled me with a determination to dedicate my life to Him. It also put into my head a desire to be a nun–a life path that didn't work out. Nevertheless, the book helped bring me into a close relationship with Jesus that has deepened as I have grown into and through adulthood. God continued to call me into deeper relationship and to challenge me to grow through the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux and Julian of Norwich. God continues to be the center and focus of my life.
I've been wracking my brain to come up with a non-religious, literary example of a book that's changed my life, but I just can't think of one. Many books have touched my life and added to it, but the only book I can honestly say has dramatically impacted it was that tiny book I read when I was seven.
Of course, as soon as I post this comment and move on with the day, I'll probably think of three other books. Isn't that always the way?
I hope you have a relaxing holiday weekend.
See? I stepped away from the computer and the non-religious book that impacted my life came to me (it's a set of books actually): Collier's Encyclopedia. My parents bought a set for my sister and me shortly after we started school. I began looking up subjects I was interested in, then started reading the cross-references. This led to my reading the cross-references of the cross-references. Soon, I reading the encyclopedia became a favorite pastime. I got to the point where I would just pull out a volume, open to a random page and start reading. All of this helped set me on the path of being a life-long lover of learning and researching.
(And yes, I know I'm a nerd )
The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. I had, up until I started A Voice in the Wind, shunned Christian fiction as tepid, preachy, and not very interesting. Then Hadassah's story captured me and transformed my opinion of what Christian fiction could be and do. I never would have started writing my novels if not for that book.
Me too, Sarah. I LOVED that trilogy!
I am a Christian, but I'm going out a limb here and reference a secular book called "Secrets of Consulting" by Gerald Weinberg. While Weinberg is a technical consultant, the book is not specifically technical. As a matter of fact, I believe the subtitle is something like "A book for anyone who gives or receives advice." And while he is not a Christian, it is heavy on honesty and ethics. It is a fun read extremely useful. I have always considered it my "secular bible."
Two come to mind. Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. One sentence in particular struck home to me during a difficult time in life and my life has ever since taken a different road. "What would you do if you were not afraid."
The second book that came immediately to mind is Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. One of Nouwen's prominent themes was reconciling his battle with life long depression and his Christian faith.
Quote from Wikipedia: " Nouwen describes love and forgiveness as unconditional. In that book, he invites the reader to follow him in his personal return to the spiritual fountains, and a parallel meditation on all the characters of the parable, and their rendering by Rembrandt, and the painter's personal life."
The non-fiction books that have had the biggest influences on me are 'The Hiding Place' by Corrie ten Boom, and 'Peace Child' by Don Richardson. Corrie ten Boom and her family laid everything on the line for Christ and the Jews they hoped to save in Holland during WW2. The Nazis didn't just cart someone off to jail, they tortured them, and if they couldn't find who they wanted, they'd torture and kill a loved one or friend. Or they'd raze a whole town. Standing up to that? Oh my word.
She taught me that I must either be all in, or not in at all.The Richardsons are missionary rock stars. And the concept of giving a child to another tribe to ensure peace? Well, didn't that just kick me in the guts.
Fiction? Hahaha! We have to pick?
I can think of two–and oddly enough, they're both fiction. When I was little, I loved the book Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. It taught me to trust my heart and do the right thing–even when culture and society are pushing you a different direction.
And Watership Down by Richard Adams showed me how our community and culture is shaped by shared stories and how we each have a vital part to play in life–no one is unimportant.
Mark Knoll's The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind (his premise being that we don't have one any more — EASILY the most amazing book read during seminary), and Machiavelli's The Prince, which I gave to both kids for their 13th birthdays. (Of course, Ozzie Baby's — as he's known in this family — My Utmost remains a every-other-year journey.)
I'm writing a book that includes OC, so I'm happy to see how he has positively affected so many of you! Love that Ozzie's Baby! (Did you know that Os Guiness, Oswald Guiness, came from a family close to Biddy?)
One of my son's used Machiavelli's The Prince while on a summer missions trip with Campus Crusade for Christ. He happened to be reading it when he came upon a young man on the beach who was interested in politics. Fascinating how God can use any book for his glory.
We got into a great conversation with a young Peace Corps worker once, who had just read a book about Albert Einstein. My nuclear engineer husband had all his answers!
"In the world, but not of it."
I hope we can engage with almost anyone based on broad reading, varied experiences, and a gentle, inquisitive spirit. BTW, I heartily recommend Knoll's book. (The kids have read it, too. Books get a lot of mileage in this house.) And Machiavelli opens all sorts of doors…
I love that! God has a way of equipping us for the "real stuff" of life, and He seems to use books often.
Fun to see so many of my favorites listed by others here…from Jesus Calling and 1,000 Gifts to Caddie Woodlawn and The Hiding Place. Another book that has really impacted me is One Church Many Tribes by Richard Twiss, Native American leader and follower of Jesus, who went to be with his Creator unexpectedly earlier this year. Powerful, stretching, and challenging.
I can think of many books of big impact, but one that really changed my life. Happiness is a Choice by Minirth and Meier. In my young adult life, I suffered off and on for about a dozen years from clinical depression. The book is very technical and shows how the emotion of anger, when turned inward, causes biochemical reactions in the body that produce the imbalances that cause depression. Antidepressants don't cure, but only mask this. I learned to limit negative thinking and focus on beautiful and pleasurable things. I am free of medications and I have not suffered another bout of depression in 20 years. When I look back on the direction my life has taken, I realize it would not have been possible had God not used these authors. And, I'm grateful to them for writing this book.
If I had to pick one book that changed my life, I'd have to say it was "The Baronet's Song"—actually first entitled, "Sir Gibbie"—by George MacDonald. It's a story, written in the mid-1800s about a mute boy. I'd read a number of MacDonald's fiction, but when I went looking in the bookstore for one, Sir Gibbie was all they had. I'd taken some writing classes by this time and wondered how an author could sustain a book where the main character had no dialogue. I decided to read it anyway and it became my favorite book of all time. I read it three times before my son was born—my son who is mute due to the effects of autism. When he was two-to-three years old I read it to him. He loved it, though I don't imagine he understood a word of it. But it was at that moment I realized God had given me this story in order to prepare me for the generous and sweet boy I would one day have. A boy, who like Gibbie in the story, is kind and considerate and always wanting to help others when he can—wordlessly.
What a blessing.
I think the two books that have most impacted my life are "When God Writes Your Life Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy and "Shadow of the Almighty" by Elisabeth Elliot.
In fiction it would be "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn and "Riven" by Jerry B. Jenkins. Wonderful books!
I thought I was a Christian until I read The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. By the time I finished the book I really was a Christian and my life has never been the same since.
I thought of another one besides Gone with the Wind….The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. That book completely changed the way I viewed people and how a dedicated Christian deals with adversity.
How bad would I look if I said the thing that made me realize that there were writers and what they did was work, and even taught me a little about passionate writing, was The Amazing Spider-Man 151, written by Len Wein. It only changed my life in that it showed me that coming up with story ideas and getting them out for others to read is an incredible idea. I was about 8 when I read it and it made me think I could be a writer.
God's Smuggler was a book that really spoke to me. Charles Price's book, Real Christians was eye opening as well.
Loved God Smuggler. My daughter is reading it mow
Power of a Praying Wife and Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian have been life changing.
Christy by Catherine Marshall had a powerful impact on me in my younger years.
Right now I'm reading The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, and I have a feeling that life change is on the horizon. -
Power of a Praying Wife changed my husband! You know, of course, the Christy Award was named for Catherine Marshall's book.
Long time reader here, but first time commenter.
The book that, as a young person, made a significant impact upon my life is The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis. It so influenced my thinking that to this day I give copies to every young person that darkens my door in hopes that they too, will be so influenced.
"Too Much Tranquility" by Nicholas Horatio Goodlad.
Epilogue by Nicholas Horatio Goodlad
"When we look at the hardships, dangers and sufferings of the men of the sea, only by throwing a veil over their faults can we appreciate their often hidden virtues. May we always give comfort to those rare men who bravely sail the tempestuous seas of life and let us be ready with a word of good cheer, ever encouraging them towards a clear conscience and an honest heart. But most important, we ought to cherish these men, "who go down to the sea in ships and do business on the great waters. These men see the works of the Lord; and his wonders in the deep…" -
I opened this late due to a heavy work day.
Great shares!
I read Oswald Chambers every morning.
Books that changed my life ~ No Easy Road, by Dick Eastman. A very convicting book about prayer.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.
When I was a baby believer, it was Hannah Hurnard's, Hinds Feet on High Places.The most recent was my Bookie book club selection ~ I Dared to Call Him Father, By Bilquis Sheikh. I have not been asked by the Lord to endure such persecution ~ yet.
Great books.
Debbie Pearl's "Created To Be His Help Meet" was given to me as a gift at a time when I was in real danger of becoming a grumbling young wife. Now I thank God every day for my Mr. Visionary and delight in all our adventures.
I'm excited to read Bonnhoeffer's book you mentioned. Great gift idea for my mom as well. Thanks! -
Christy by Catherine Marshall.
"The Diary of a Young Girl," by Anne Frank
"I Capture the Castle," by Dodie Smith
Anything by Jane Austen!
"North and South," by Elizabeth Gaskell
"To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee
"The Help," by Kathryn StockettJust to name a few!
Hi Michelle,
Besides the Bible, the books that have changed my life the most are: Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield (which showed me that one of the best way to support our loved ones serving in the military is to be brave at home); Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard (which showed me that God's love trumps my fears); Adventures in Prayer by Catherine Marshall (which changed my mindset about prayers and who God is and who I am in relationship to Him); The Lies We Believe by Dr. Chris Thurman(the title alone helped me focus on God's truth vs. the lies of the world); and Jesus Calling (which each day reveals to me more about a personal relationship with Jesus). -
The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson. That book CHANGED my prayer life.


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President Lyndon B. Johnson announces that he has ordered an increase in U.S. military forces in Vietnam, from the present 75,000 to 125,000. Johnson also said that he would order additional increases if necessary. He pointed out that to fill the increase in military manpower needs, the monthly draft calls would be raised from 17,000 to 35,000. At the same time, Johnson reaffirmed U.S. readiness to seek a negotiated end to the war, and appealed to the United Nations and any of its member states to help further this goal. There was an immediate reaction throughout the world to this latest escalation, with communist leaders attacking Johnson for his decision to send more troops to Vietnam. Most members of Congress were reported to favor Johnson's decision, while most U.S. state governors, convening for their annual conference, also supported a resolution backing Johnson. This decision to send more troops was regarded as a major turning point, as it effectively guaranteed U.S. military leaders a blank check to pursue the war.
Also on This Day
- Lead Story
- 14th Amendment adopted, 1868
- American Revolution
- Sargent and Hutchinson arrive at Horn's Hook, New York, 1776
- Automotive
- Tazio Nuvolari triumphs over Germans at the Nurburgring, 1935
- Civil War
- Battle of Ezra Church begins, 1864
- Cold War
- U.S. Senate approves United Nations charter, 1945
- Crime
- A soft drink containing liquid cocaine sickens an unsuspecting drinker, 1990
- Disaster
- Plane crashes into Empire State Building, 1945
- General Interest
- Bonus Marchers evicted by U.S. Army, 1932
- Worst modern earthquake, 1976
- Hollywood
- Animal House released, 1978
- Literary
- Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin elope to France, 1814
- Music
- Rudy Vallée is born, 1901
- Old West
- Indian agent James McLaughlin dies, 1923
- Presidential
- Future first lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy is born, 1929
- Sports
- Dennis Martinez pitches perfect game, 1991
- Vietnam War
- Johnson announces more troops to Vietnam, 1965
- CIA reports minor damage done to North Vietnam's dikes, 1972
- World War I
- Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, 1914
- World War II
- Hamburg suffers a firestorm, 1943
Johnson announces more troops to Vietnam
Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!
This Week in History, Jul 28 - Aug 3
- Jul 28, 1965
- Johnson announces more troops to Vietnam
- Jul 28, 1972
- CIA reports minor damage done to North Vietnam's dikes
- Jul 29, 1965
- 101st Airborne Division arrives in Vietnam
- Jul 29, 1967
- Fire ravages U.S. carrier off Vietnam
- Jul 29, 1972
- Former U.S. Attorney General visits North Vietnam
- Jul 30, 1964
- South Vietnamese boats raid islands in the Tonkin Gulf
- Jul 30, 1969
- Nixon visits South Vietnam
- Jul 31, 1964
- Agreement on conduct of war
- Jul 31, 1972
- Hanoi claims that U.S. bombers have struck dikes
- Aug 01, 1964
- North Vietnamese accuse South Vietnam and the United States of attack
- Aug 02, 1964
- North Vietnamese torpedo boats attack U.S. destroyer
- Aug 02, 1971
- Nixon administration acknowledges secret army in Laos
- Aug 03, 1965
- TV news shows Marines burning village
- Aug 03, 1966
- Marines launch Operation Prairie
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Learn the secrets of America's most recognizable residence.
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Poster | Download (11x17") Download (8x10") Order Online |
PowerPoint | Download |
For more information on the cultures and history of Greece, Macedonia, England, and the other countries featured this quarter, check the travel section of a local library or visit a travel agency and ask for brochures.
Visit our website for recipes, language pages, and other activities that you can download and print to make mission more fun for children. Go to www.AdventistMission.org. Click on "Children's Mission Magazine" in the "Mission Resources" box. Then click on "Activities" on the left side of the screen. Select the activity or resource you would like to download or print.
Adventist Mission DVD is a free video that features stories from the Trans-European Division and the worldwide mission of the Adventist Church. Ask your Sabbath School superintendent to make you a copy of it for use by other divisions. Or go online at www.AdventistMission.org to download one of the DVD programs.
Remind members also that the ongoing work of the world church depends on the weekly Sabbath School mission offerings. On the twelfth Sabbath, report on mission giving during the quarter and remind Sabbath School members to prepare their Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the next week.


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DIY Halloween Costume: Unicorn
Turn fantasy into reality with this homemade get-up
By Vanessa Boer and Kristine Trevino
Special Offer
Turn fantasy into a reality with this mythical creature costume. All you have to do is add a horn, ears and mane to a white hoodie and leggings.
White felt or foam paper
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Spray adhesive
White hooded sweatshirt
Stiff felt: white, pink
Tape measure
Yarn in desired colors
Large safety pin
White leggings or pants
White sneakers (Kids Sneakers in white, shown, $19.99; Target.com)
1. Roll the white foam paper into a cone shape and mark off where to trim; cut and hot-glue edges together. Let dry. In a well-ventilated area, on a newspaper-covered surface, spray cone with adhesive and sprinkle on glitter; let dry. Hot-glue the bottom of the horn to the top of the hood; let dry.
2. Cut white felt into two ear shapes. Cut two smaller pieces of pink felt for inner ears; hot-glue on top. Fold the flat sides of each ear back 3/4" and hot-glue to sides of hood; let dry.
3. Cut a 12" x 1" strip of felt. Cut 3040 (or more if desired) pieces of 20"-long yarn (adjust the measurement based on how long you want the mane to be). Line felt with hot glue; center yarn crosswise over felt, leaving equal lengths hanging like fringe on both sides; let dry. Hot-glue underside of felt to back of hood; let dry.
4. Cut 4050 pieces of 14"-long yarn (adjust the measurement based on how long you want the tail to be). Gather pieces and tie the top in a knot. Pin the knot to the bottom back of the sweatshirt. Dress child in white leggings, sweatshirt and sneakers.


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Inside PAMM: The New Miami Art Museum Lets the Sunshine In (Photos)
People come to Miami for the beaches, for the palm trees, for the weather. Art Basel aside, they don't generally come to Miami to stand around inside under a bunch of fluorescent lighting. (Not during the daylight hours, anyway.)Ciara LaVelle A sunny day at the PAMM site.
So Herzog & de Meuron, the architects of the rapidly rising Perez Art Museum Miami, have made it their mission to make the new museum feel as breezy and tropical as possible. Some of it was simple; include an open-air deck facing Biscayne Bay to capitalize on those soothing sea breezes, for example. But some of it had never been done before. Today, the largest single sheet of hurricane-resistant glass ever manufactured was installed at the new building.
We stopped by to see the building-in-progress for ourselves. Check out our photos after the jump.
See also:
- Art Basel's Biggest Buy: Jorge Perez Gets MAM Name For $35 Million, Over Objections
- Miami Art Museum Receives $5 Million From MBF Healthcare Partners Chairman Mike Fernandez
- "New Work Miami 2013" at Miami Art Museum Through June 2
Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate several of the museum's galleries, adding a touch of natural light these spaces that you won't find in most museums.
Installing the windows was, understandably, a slow and careful process. The largest measure 17.5 ft. by 7 ft., and weigh 2,500 lb., requiring about 10 construction workers to fit them into place.
Sponsor Content


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Meteorologist Marisa Woloszyn's Forecast Discussion:
More sunshine in store for Monday. High temperatures will be cooler than this weekend and in the low 60s along the coast, mid to upper 70s in the Willamette Valley and foothills of the Cascades, and near 80 degrees for the Umpqua Basin.
Mostly sunny skies continue through Wednesday with this temperatures remaining in the low 60s along the coast and mid to upper 70s inland.
A weak system will slide in Thursday. We'll have the chance for some showers Thursday and Friday. Showers won't be too impressive as the storm doesn't have much moisture with it. Temperatures will be cooler and in the low 60s along the coast and near 70 inland.
Have a wonderful week!!
~ Meteorologist Marisa Woloszyn


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Let's Lower your Kittitas Washington County Tax Assessor Taxes:
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• Your current assessment | • Our proposed assessment | • Your estimated tax savings
We will send you everything you need to appeal your Kittitas Washington County Tax Assessor property tax assessment. Just sign the forms and drop your pre-addressed pre-paid envelope in the mail.
What County Property Tax Offers to You:
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• A personalized property valuation for your home in Kittitas Washington County Tax Assessor Washington WA
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Kittitas Washington County Tax Assessor Appeal Process
Homeowners in Washington WA are overpaying on property taxes. The county property tax assessor in Kittitas Washington County Tax Assessor Washington WA does not automatically adjust property values with a market decline. Property taxes are the same as any other tax that is collected. The government has the goal of maximizing the total tax that can be collected from you.
We specialize in working with the Kittitas Washington County Tax Assessor and real estate property tax collector offices nationwide. We have all the forms and the relationships that are needed for a quick and easy process to reassess your current home value and adjust your property taxes.
If you purchased your home after 2001 you are most likely eligible for a reduction in your property taxes.
It is no secret that property values in Washington WA have plummeted and continue to drop. You could possibly save thousands of dollars by using our property tax reduction program.
It is likely that the assessed value of your home is less than the appraised value. With the recent market activity current assessed values of homes exceed the actual appraised value of homes.
Say you bought your home for $700,000 and have a property tax rate of 0.9%. This would mean that you are currently paying annual taxes of $6,300.
Now, assume that the value of your home has been reduced to $200,000 your new property tax would be $4,500.
That is a saving of $1,800 per year. (Every Year!)
Get your appeal started today. Fill in your address above at step 1 and click on the "Calculate my Savings" button to get your FREE savings assessment. You could save a bundle!
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overpaying on your property taxes, follow the three simple steps on our home page and one of our friendly agents will be in touch with you right away.
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Type your address into the boxes under START HERE FREE and click "Calculate my savings" You will see your current assessment, proposed assessment the value difference and the estimated savings. (Our savings are based on a tax rate of 0.9% yours may be higher or lower. We can provide you with an accurate calculation based on your counties property tax rate.)
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Click on the "Start your appeal now" button to go to our form page. Fill out the form and one of our Tax Assessment Appeal Counselors will contact you directly to fill out your application completely.
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We will send you a package in the mail consisting of your completed application, a personalized property assessment and a self-addressed postage paid envelope. All you do is sign the application and drop it in the mail. It may take up to 14 months to be notified by your county with the results of your appeal.
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Kittitas County Assessor | Property Search
If you are interested in obtaining a property profile, use our online search application.
Kittitas County Assessor | Home Page
This is the home page for Kittitas County Assessor. The County Assessor determines the value of all real and personal property in Kittitas County. The County Assessor is Marsha Weyand.
Kittitas County Home Page | From the Cascades... to the Columbia
Welcome to the Kittitas County web site. Learn more about the services provided to Kittitas County employees and the general public.


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Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis
Description provided by Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis is located just 15 minutes east of downtown on I-40, making us one of the most convenient hotels in Memphis, Tennessee. Located near popular attractions such as Graceland, Beale Street, FedExForum and Mud Island, were a great option for weekend stays. If you're in town on business, you'll enjoy our close proximity to FedEx, Brother, the Chrysler Training Center, Keebler, Shelby Oaks Business Park, Pfizer, Smith & Nephew and AutoZone. All guests are invited to enjoy our free hot breakfast buffet in the modern breakfast area and encouraged to relax in our indoor pool & whirlpool, work out in our fitness center and utilize our off-site dry cleaning or on-site guest laundry facilities. Each of our 63 beautifully-appointed guest rooms has a 32 flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, a large work desk with ergonomic chair. When searching for hotels in Memphis, Tennessee, look no further than Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis.
List of Amenities for Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis
· 24-hour front desk · Accessible facilities · Accessible parking · Barber shop · Beauty shop/salon · Boarding pass print-out available · Bookstore · Buffet breakfast · Business center · Business services · Car rental desk · Check cashing policy · Coin operated laundry · Complimentary breakfast · Complimentary buffet breakfast · Complimentary coffee in lobby · Complimentary continental breakfast · Complimentary in-room coffee or tea · Complimentary newspaper in lobby · Continental breakfast · Dinner delivery service from local restaurant · Drugstore/pharmacy · Dry cleaning · Efolio available to company · Elevators · Exercise gym · Express check-out · Florist · Free high speed internet connection · Free parking · Front desk · Front desk · Full service housekeeping · Hair dryer · Health club · High speed internet access · High speed wireless · Housekeeping - daily · Ice machine · Individual Efolio available · Indoor pool · Interior corridors · Ironing board · Laundry/Valet service · Meeting rooms · Motorcycle parking · Non-smoking rooms (generic) · On-Site parking · Onsite laundry · Parking · Pool · Public area air conditioned · Restaurant · Safe deposit box · Security · Spa · Valet cleaning · Valet same day dry cleaning · Vending machines · Wakeup service · Whirlpool · Wireless internet connection in public areas |
Restaurant Information
Fairfield Inn & Suites Dining RoomOur Barlett, TN hotel serves a free hot breakfast buffet each morning complete with hot coffee, scrambled eggs, Belgian waffles, Dannon yogurts, assorted cereals & much more!
Recreation Information
Health club
Horseback riding
Mountain biking trail
Nature preserve trail
Bike trail
Hiking trail
Indoor pool
Bowling alley
Putt putt golf
Children's program
Fitness center on-site
Area Attractions
MemphisMemphis Tours
Blues City Tours
Memphis Mojo Tours
Graceland Platinum Tours
National Civil Rights Museum Tours
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Tours
Christian Brothers University
Strayer University
University of Memphis
Crichton College
LeMoyne- Owen College
Baptist College of Health Sciences
Rhodes College
Southwest Tennesse Community College
J P Morgan Florida
Memphis Zoo
Shelby Farms Park
sun Studio
Memphis Rock N Soul Museum
Stax Museum of American Soul
National Ornamental Mtl Museum
Fire Museum of Memphis
Childrens Museum of Memphis
Pink Palace Museum
Mud Island River Park and Museum
Beale Street
Wolfchase Galleria Mall
Liberty Bowl
Autozone Park (Memphis Redbirds baseball)
Mississippi River
Tunica Casinos
Shelby County
Agricenter International
Brother Industries
Chrysler Training Center
Kraft Food Ingredients
Wright Medical
UP Regions Goodlett Farms
International Paper
Saint Francis Hospital
Defense Contract Auditing Institute
Thomas & Betts
Shea Clinic
Mike Rose Soccer Complex
Primacy Relocation
BanCorp South
US Postal Service
Service Master
Memphis Cook Convention Center
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Memphis International Airport
Room Information for this hotel
The amenities listed in this description represent a sample of amenities available in some or all guest rooms in this hotelMeal included - breakfast, Interactive web TV, Free local calls, Coffee/Tea maker, Alarm clock, Air conditioning, Air conditioning individually controlled in room, Shower, Bathtub/shower combination, Jacuzzi, Oversized bathtub, Private bathroom, Hairdryer, Upgraded bathroom amenities, Separate closet, Closets in room, Iron, Bathroom amenities, Down/feather pillows, Foam pillows, Pillow top mattress, Sofa bed, Cribs, Local calls, Free toll free calls, Mini-refrigerator, Microwave, Color television, Cable television, Premium movie channels, CNN availaible, HBO available, ESPN available, All news channel, AM/FM radio, CD player, Stereo, Remote control television, Large desk, Chair provided with desk, Desk with electrical outlet, Electrical current voltage, Telephone, Voice mail, List of movie channels available, Multi-line phone, Connecting rooms
Miscellaneous Information provided by Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis
· American Dollars is the native currency.
· Check in time is 3:00 PM
· Check out time is 12:00 PM
· Opened in 1995
· Renovated in 01/01/2006
· 63 rooms.
· 0 suites.
· 3 floors.
This Hotel's Cancellation Policy
Cancel policy may be more restrictive based on rate / room booked, season, special events


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Set in Jodhpur's old walled city, in the shadow of majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Raas boutique hotel brings an 18th-century haveli (Maharaja's mansion) bang up to date. A butler-serviced pool and smart alfresco dining may speak of the Med, but the call to prayer from a nearby mosque is a soul-stirring reminder that you're in the heart of Rajasthan.
Smith Extra
Here's what you get for booking Raas with us:
A fruit basket. Guests staying two nights or more also get a heritage tour; for three-night stays, you'll also get a cooking class and dinner set-up (food and drinks extra). For four nights or more, return transfers and a bottle of wine are thrown in.
Special offers
Exclusive rates, packages and special offers at Raas
10% off Three-night cultural package Three-night spa package 3 nights for the price of 2 Three-night Raas experience offer


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© Intex Natural Products Inc. - FLOBAX Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment FLOBAX: Relieves chonic back pain caused by Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica, Herniated Disc and Degenerative Disc Disease. Unless otherwise specified, all product names appearing in this Internet site are trademarks owned by or licensed to Intex Natural Products Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates. No use of any Intex Natural Products Inc. trademark, trade name, or trade dress in this site may be made without the prior written authorization of Intex Natural Products Inc., except to identify the product or services of the company.
Order Flobax | Contact Us Home | Company | Why Flobax | Our Minerals | FAQs | Quality Assurance Info Center | Spinal Stenosis | Degenerative Disc Disorder | Spinal Lumbar Stenosis | Sciatica Pain Relief | Lower Back Pain Customer Login | Legal | Sitemap


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Tell Your Senators: Support Senate Rules Reform
With the new Congress, we need real change. Americans have been impatiently waiting for discussion and debate on immigration, climate change and the economic stagnation that has destroyed the American dream.
For too long now in the U.S. Senate, tactics like the filibuster have been misused and abused. Congress has stopped legislating effectively, with Senators using ridiculous dodge tactics to block real progress.
We have a chance to restore the filibuster to its original purpose and to streamline Senate procedures, but we need your help to do it.
Ask your Senators to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 4, which would make meaningful Senate rules changes, including requiring Senators to speak on the floor if they wish to filibuster. If you have time, please personalize the sample letter and tell your Senators which issues important to you are being held up by our dysfunctional Congress.


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Friday, January 02, 2015PSW Staff 01/02/15 10:00 AM,A new outdoor amphitheatre hosting a wide range of live music performances in the growing community of Beaver Dam, KY, incorporates a sound reinforcement system headed by dB Technologies DVA Series line arrays and subwoofers. Called the Beaver Dam Amphitheater, it recently opened with a concert featuring country stars Joe Diffie and Lonestar. The dual-tier design of the space accommodates concerts up to 1,200 with lawn chairs, with the ability to expand to 5,000 with a bowled grass second-tier berm.… View this story
Filed in: AV • Live Sound • News • AV • Concert • Installation • Line Array • Loudspeaker • Software • Sound Reinforcement • Subwoofer -
Tuesday, August 19, 2014PSW Staff 08/19/14 11:09 AM,Chicago-based Pink Noise provided a dB Technologies sound reinforcement system for the annual Festival Cubano this year in Chicago. Now in its fifth year, the three-day summer festival is recognized as one of the largest in the nation providing a high quality, authentic experience that features the best of Cuba's rich, colorful and lively culture. This year's lineup included Frankie Ruiz, Eddie Santiago, Falardo Jr., El Gran Combo and the African-Cuban funk band Palo. The concerts drew crowds of over… View this story
Filed in: Live Sound • News • Concert • Line Array • Loudspeaker • Sound Reinforcement • Stage • Subwoofer -
Wednesday, March 12, 2014PSW Staff 03/12/14 06:46 AM,RCF USA, the wholly-owned distributor of RCF and dB Technologies loudspeaker products in the U.S., announced its 2013 manufacturer representative awards at its recent bi-annual rep meeting in Atlantic City, with Cowser Marketing named the company's USA Rep Of The Year. Cowser Marketing, which operates several offices in Texas, handles that entire state as well as Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. "They earned it," states RCF USA national sales manager John Krupa. "They exceeded all expectations." Cowser Marketing president Jim Cowser… View this story
Filed in: AV • Live Sound • Church Sound • News • AV • Business • Line Array • Loudspeaker • Manufacturer • Sound Reinforcement • Subwoofer -
Friday, January 10, 2014PSW Staff 01/10/14 11:52 AM,dB Technologies has introduced DVA Composer 4.0, the latest version of its software program for configuring and aiming DVA Series active line arrays and subwoofers. The software is designed for intuitive handling, determining the optimum angles and system presets based on the array height, desired range and number of DVA components entered by the user. It also provides all of the mechanical data, frame angle positions and flybar settings, and determines the proper DSP EQ presets. In the initial composer… View this story
Filed in: AV • Live Sound • Church Sound • News • Product • AV • Line Array • Processor • Software • Sound Reinforcement • Subwoofer -
Thursday, October 10, 2013PSW Staff 10/10/13 10:06 AM,dBTechnologies has introduced the Sigma Series of loudspeakers, incorporating new custom components designed exclusively for the series by RCF, as well as the latest generation of DSP and the company's Digipro power amplifiers. The series includes three cabinets which can be used by themselves, or stacked or pole mounted to create the size system necessary for the venue. Models include the S115 single 15-inch, 2-way active model, S215 dual 15-inch, quasi 3-way, and the S118 single 18-inch subwoofer. The 24-bit/48… View this story
Filed in: AV • Live Sound • Church Sound • News • Product • AV • Loudspeaker • Sound Reinforcement • Subwoofer -
Wednesday, July 03, 2013PSW Staff 07/03/13 03:34 PM,Building 429, a Christian rock band signed to Essential Records, is touring the U.S this summer with a full complement of dBTechnologies line arrays and RCF subwoofers. Jackson, Mississippi-based Legend-Seven Productions is providing full production for the Nashville-based band. "The band needed high quality sound from a box that would provide a lot of flexibility," explains Darrell Henderson, owner of Legend-Seven Productions. "We've been using dBTechnologies for four years. The DVA T12 powered line array is compact, lightweight and sounds… View this story
Filed in: Live Sound • News • Concert • Line Array • Loudspeaker • Sound Reinforcement -
Monday, June 17, 2013PSW Staff 06/17/13 05:03 PM,The new dBTechnologies DVA-T8 is the last and most advanced incarnation of the successful DVA Series of modular line array products. The DVA-T8 is an active 3-way line array module equipped with the same innovative technologies that are included in the compatible DVA-T12 in a form factor that mirrors the original DVA-T4 in the series. New driver technology, higher output and RDNet control are additional features the DVA-T8 offers. The 3-way design incorporates an 8-in neodymium woofer paired with a… View this story
Filed in: AV • Live Sound • Church Sound • News • Product • Amplifier • AV • Line Array • Loudspeaker • Networking • Processor • Software • Sound Reinforcement -
Friday, October 14, 2011PSW Staff 10/14/11 05:42 AM, 0 CommentsMotocross has never sounded so good, with db Technologies digital line arrays towering above the Motocross World Championship racecourse in Fermo last month. The dramatic undulations of the Italian track used for the last Grand Prix of the season presented quite a challenge to provide complete coverage during the two-day event, but Andrea Salvioli was up to the challenge. Making use of the manufacturer's newest release, DVA T12, dBTechnologies Product Manager and Audio Specialist, Salvioli explains the system's design. "We… View this story
Filed in: Live Sound • News • Poll • Line Array • Loudspeaker • Sound Reinforcement
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Currently under attack is Undernet, whose administrators say that the service has been under a constant DoS attack since last Friday, barraged with a flood of garbage data that ties up their servers and renders them inaccessible to users.
Some Undernet servers have been taken down at the request of the ISP that hosts the service, and Undernet officials say the chat may be forced to go offline permanently if the attack continues. "
Read this full article at Wired
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AmeriGas Elects Anne Pol To Its Board Of Directors; Dr. Stephen Ban Retires
AmeriGas Propane Inc., general partner of AmeriGas Partners, L.P. (NYSE:APU), announced today that Anne Pol has been elected a director of AmeriGas Propane, Inc.
Lon R. Greenberg, chairman of the board of AmeriGas, and chairman and chief executive officer of UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI), said, "In Anne Pol, AmeriGas has found an individual who has been successful in a variety of senior management roles in both publicly traded companies and in the private sector. Anne has served as a director of UGI Corporation and UGI Utilities, Inc. for nearly 18 years and AmeriGas will certainly benefit from her experience and input in the future."
Pol, 65, retired in 2005 as President and Chief Operating Officer of Trex Enterprises Corporation (a high technology research and development company). Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Thermo Electron Corporation (an environmental monitoring and analytical instruments company and a major producer of recycling equipment, biomedical products and alternative energy systems). Mrs. Pol also served as President of Pitney Bowes Shipping and Weighing Systems Division, a business unit of Pitney Bowes Inc.
Concurrently, Dr. Stephen Ban retired from the boards of AmeriGas Propane, Inc., UGI Corporation and UGI Utilities, Inc. having reached the mandatory retirement age. Greenberg noted, "Steve's contribution to both AmeriGas and UGI is clearly reflected in the success we have achieved during his nearly 22 year tenure. His strong leadership, outstanding judgment, and extensive knowledge of gas markets will be missed and all of us wish him well in retirement."
About AmeriGas AmeriGas is the nation's largest retail propane marketer, serving over two million customers in all 50 states from over 2,100 locations. UGI Corporation, through subsidiaries, is the sole General Partner and owns 26% of the Partnership. An affiliate of Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. owns 32% of the Partnership and the public owns the remaining 42%.Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
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Your Monday Classic Lunch Menu: "It's A Cryin' Shame!"
You got a great live rarity from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers today, along with a Beatles cover that actually didn't suck! We could've easily done another hour of Boo-Hoo's, but then again, we also like to leave you always wanting…more…
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Smith, Caroline L. and Anthony, Shelagh and Hubank, Mike and Leiper, James M. and Vallance, Patrick (2005) Effects of ADMA upon gene expression: an insight into the pathophysiological significance of raised plasma ADMA. PLoS Medicine, 2 (10). pp. 1031-1043. ISSN 1549-1277
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Official URL: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcg...
Background: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis that accumulates in a wide range of diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and enhanced atherosclerosis. Clinical studies implicate plasma ADMA as a major novel cardiovascular risk factor, but the mechanisms by which low concentrations of ADMA produce adverse effects on the cardiovascular system are unclear. Methods and Findings: We treated human coronary artery endothelial cells with pathophysiological concentrations of ADMA and assessed the effects on gene expression using U133A GeneChips (Affymetrix). Changes in several genes, including bone morphogenetic protein 2 inducible kinase (BMP2K), SMA-related protein 5 (Smad5), bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1A, and protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3; also known as HRMT1L3), were confirmed by Northern blotting, quantitative PCR, and in some instances Western blotting analysis to detect changes in protein expression. To determine whether these changes also occurred in vivo, tissue from gene deletion mice with raised ADMA levels was examined. More than 50 genes were significantly altered in endothelial cells after treatment with pathophysiological concentrations of ADMA (2 lM). We detected specific patterns of changes that identify pathways involved in processes relevant to cardiovascular risk and pulmonary hypertension. Changes in BMP2K and PRMT3 were confirmed at mRNA and protein levels, in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Pathophysiological concentrations of ADMA are sufficient to elicit significant changes in coronary artery endothelial cell gene expression. Changes in bone morphogenetic protein signalling, and in enzymes involved in arginine methylation, may be particularly relevant to understanding the pathophysiological significance of raised ADMA levels. This study identifies the mechanisms by which increased ADMA may contribute to common cardiovascular diseases and thereby indicates possible targets for therapies.
Item Type: | Article |
Additional Information: | Online ISSN 1549-1676 |
Research Community: | University of Westminster > Life Sciences, School of |
ID Code: | 1533 |
Deposited On: | 12 May 2006 |
Last Modified: | 11 Aug 2010 15:30 |
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
Punctuated equilibrium (also called punctuated equilibria) is a theory in evolutionary biology which proposes that most species will exhibit little net evolutionary change for most of their geological history, remaining in an extended state called stasis. When significant evolutionary change occurs, the theory proposes that it is generally restricted to rare and rapid (on a geologic time scale) events of branching speciation called cladogenesis. Cladogenesis is the process by which a species splits into two distinct species, rather than one species gradually transforming into another.[1]
Punctuated equilibrium is commonly contrasted against the theory of phyletic gradualism, which states that evolution generally occurs uniformly and by the steady and gradual transformation of whole lineages (called anagenesis). In this view, evolution is seen as generally smooth and continuous. In 1972, paleontologists Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould published a landmark paper developing this theory and called it punctuated equilibria.[2] Their paper built upon Ernst Mayr's theory of geographic speciation,[3] I. Michael Lerner's theories of developmental and genetic homeostasis,[4] as well as their own empirical research.[5][6] Eldredge and Gould proposed that the degree of gradualism commonly attributed to Charles Darwin is virtually nonexistent in the fossil record, and that stasis dominates the history of most fossil species.
Punctuated equilibrium originated as a logical extension of Ernst Mayr's concept of genetic revolutions by allopatric and especially peripatric speciation as applied to the fossil record. Although some of the basic workings of the theory were proposed and identified by Mayr in 1954,[3] historians of science generally recognize the 1972 paper by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould as the foundational document of the new paleobiological research program.[7][8][9] Punctuated equilibrium differs from Mayr's hypothesis mainly in that Eldredge and Gould placed considerably greater emphasis on stasis, whereas Mayr was generally concerned with explaining the morphological discontinuity (or "sudden jumps")[10] found in the fossil record.[7] Mayr later complimented Eldredge and Gould's paper, stating that evolutionary stasis had been "unexpected by most evolutionary biologists" and that punctuated equilibrium "had a major impact on paleontology and evolutionary biology."[7]
A year before their 1972 Eldredge and Gould paper, Niles Eldredge published a paper in the journal Evolution which suggested that gradual evolution was seldom seen in the fossil record and argued that Ernst Mayr's standard mechanism of allopatric speciation might suggest a possible resolution.[5]
The Eldredge and Gould paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America in 1971.[2] The symposium focused its attention on the possibility that modern microevolutionary studies could revitalize various aspects of paleontology and macroevolution. Tom Schopf, who organized that year's meeting, assigned Gould the topic of speciation. Gould recalls that "Eldredge's 1971 publication [on Paleozoic trilobites] had presented the only new and interesting ideas on the paleontological implications of the subject—so I asked Schopf if we could present the paper jointly."[11] According to Gould "the ideas came mostly from Niles, with yours truly acting as a sounding board and eventual scribe. I coined the term punctuated equilibrium and wrote most of our 1972 paper, but Niles is the proper first author in our pairing of Eldredge and Gould."[12] Eldredge in his book Time Frames recalls that the pair "after much discussion, each wrote roughly half. Some of the parts that would seem obviously the work of one of us were actually first penned by the other—I remember for example, writing the section on Gould's snails. Other parts are harder to reconstruct. Gould edited the entire manuscript for better consistency. We sent it in, and Schopf reacted strongly against it—thus signaling the tenor of the reaction it has engendered, though for shifting reasons, down to the present day."[13]
John Wilkins and Gareth Nelson have argued that French architect Pierre Trémaux proposed an "anticipation of the theory of punctuated equilibrium of Gould and Eldredge."[14]
When Eldredge and Gould published their 1972 paper, allopatric speciation was considered the "standard" theory of speciation.[2] This theory was popularized by Ernst Mayr in his 1954 paper "Change of genetic environment and evolution,"[3] and his classic volume Animal Species and Evolution (1963).[15]
Allopatric speciation suggests that species with large central populations are stabilized by their large volume and the process of gene flow. New and even beneficial mutations are diluted by the population's large size and are unable to reach fixation, due to such factors as constantly changing environments.[15] If this is the case, then the transformation of whole lineages should be rare, as the fossil record indicates. Smaller populations on the other hand, which are isolated from the parental stock, are decoupled from the homogenizing effects of gene flow. In addition, pressure from natural selection is especially intense, as peripheral isolated populations exist at the outer edges of ecological tolerance. If most evolution happens in these rare instances of allopatric speciation then evidence of gradual evolution in the fossil record should be rare. This stimulating hypothesis was alluded to by Mayr in the closing paragraph of his 1954 paper (p. 179).
As time went on Gould moved away from wedding punctuated equilibrium to allopatric speciation, particularly as evidence accumulated in support of other modes of speciation.[16] Gould was particularly attracted to Douglas Futuyma's work on the importance of reproductive isolating mechanisms.[17]
Other biologists have also applied punctuated equilibrium to non-sexual species, including the evolution of viruses.[18]
Before Eldredge and Gould alerted their colleagues to the prominence of stasis in the fossil record, most evolutionists considered stasis to be rare or unimportant.[7][19][20] George Gaylord Simpson for example believed that phyletic gradual evolution (called horotely in his terminology) comprised "nine-tenths" (90%) of evolution.[21] Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the putative causes of stasis. Gould was initially attracted to I. Michael Lerner's theories of developmental and genetic homeostasis. However this hypothesis was rejected over time,[22] as evidence accumulated against it.[23] Other plausible mechanisms which have been suggested include: habitat tracking,[24][25] stabilizing selection,[26] the Stenseth-Maynard Smith stability hypothesis,[27] constraints imposed by the nature of subdivided populations,[26] normalizing clade selection,[28] and koinophilia.[29][30]
Evidence for the existence of stasis has also been corroborated from the genetics of sibling species, species which are morphologically indistinguishable, but whose proteins have diverged sufficiently to suggest they have been separated for millions of years.[31] According to Gould "stasis may emerge as the theory's most important contribution to evolutionary science."[32]
Philosopher Kim Sterelny adds, "In claiming that species typically undergo no further evolutionary change once speciation is complete, they are not claiming that there is no change at all between one generation and the next. Lineages do change. But the change between generations does not accumulate. Instead, over time, the species wobbles about its phenotypic mean. Jonathan Weiner's The Beak of the Finch describes this very process."[33]
The fossil record includes well documented examples of phyletic gradualism and punctuational evolution. As such, much debate persist over the prominence of stasis in the fossil record.[23]
Punctuated equilibrium has also been cited as contributing to the theory that species are Darwinian individuals, and not just classes, thereby providing a stronger framework for a hierarchical theory of evolution.
Much confusion has arisen over what proponents of punctuated equilibrium actually argued, what mechanisms they advocated, how fast the punctuations were, what taxonomic scale their theory applied to, how revolutionary their claims were intended to be, and how punctuated equilibrium related to other ideas like quantum evolution, saltationism, and mass extinction.
The punctuational nature of punctuated equilibrium has engendered perhaps the most confusion over Eldredge and Gould's theory. Gould's sympathetic treatment of Richard Goldschmidt,[34] the controversial geneticist who advocated the idea of "hopeful monsters," only exacerbated the matter, which led some biologists to conclude that Gould's punctuations were occurring in single-generation jumps.[35][36][37][38] This interpretation has frequently been exploited by creationists to mischaracterize the weakness of the paleontological record, and to portray contemporary evolutionary biology as advancing neo-saltationism.[39] In an often quoted remark, Gould stated, "Since we proposed punctuated equilibria to explain trends, it is infuriating to be quoted again and again by creationists—whether through design or stupidity, I do not know—as admitting that the fossil record includes no transitional forms. Transitional forms are generally lacking at the species level, but they are abundant between larger groups."[40] Although there exist some debate over how long the punctuations last, supporters of punctuated equilibrium generally place the figure between 50,000 and 100,000 years.[41]
Quantum evolution was a controversial hypothesis advanced by Columbia University paleontologist George Gaylord Simpson, who was regarded by Stephen Jay Gould as "the greatest and most biologically astute paleontologist of the twentieth century."[42] Simpson's conjecture was that according to the geological record, on very rare occasions evolution would proceed very rapidly to form entirely new families, orders, and classes of organisms.[43] This hypothesis differs from punctuated equilibrium in several respects. First, punctuated equilibrium was more modest in scope, in that it was addressing evolution specifically at the species level.[1] Simpson's idea was principally concerned with evolution at higher taxonomic groups.[43] Second, Eldredge and Gould relied upon a different mechanism. Where Simpson relied upon a synergistic interaction between genetic drift and a shift in the adaptive fitness landscape,[44] Eldredge and Gould relied upon ordinary speciation, particularly Ernst Mayr's concept of allopatric speciation. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, quantum evolution took no position on the issue of stasis. Although Simpson acknowledged the existence of stasis in what he called the bradytelic mode, Simpson considered it (along with rapid evolution) to be unimportant in the larger scope of evolution. In his Major Features of Evolution Simpson stated, "Evolutionary change is so nearly the universal rule that a state of motion is, figuratively, normal in evolving populations. The state of rest, as in bradytely, is the exception and it seems that some restraint or force must be required to maintain it." Despite such differences between the two models, earlier critiques—from such eminent commentators as Sewall Wright and G. G. Simpson—have argued that punctuated equilibrium is little more than quantum evolution relabeled.[45][46]
Punctuated equilibrium is often portrayed to oppose the concept of gradualism, when it is actually a form of gradualism.[47] This is because even though evolutionary change appears instantaneous between geological sediments, change is still occurring incrementally, with no great change from one generation to the next. To this end, Gould later commented that "Most of our paleontological colleagues missed this insight because they had not studied evolutionary theory and either did not know about allopatric speciation or had not considered its translation to geological time. Our evolutionary colleagues also failed to grasp the implication(s), primarily because they did not think at geological scales".[12]
Richard Dawkins dedicated a chapter in The Blind Watchmaker to correcting, in his view, the wide confusion regarding rates of change. His first point is to argue that phyletic gradualism — understood in the sense that evolution proceeds at a single uniform rate of speed, called "constant speedism" by Dawkins — is a "caricature of Darwinism"[48] and "does not really exist."[49] His second argument, which follows from the first, is that once the caricature of "constant speedism" is dismissed, we are left with one logical alternative, which Dawkins terms "variable speedism." Variable speedism may also be distinguished one of two ways: "discrete variable speedism" and "continuously variable speedism." Eldredge and Gould, believing that evolution jumps between stability and relative rapidity, are described as "discrete variable speedists," and "in this respect they are genuinely radical."[50] They believe that evolution generally proceeds in bursts, or not at all. "Continuously variable speedists," on the other hand believe that "evolutionary rates fluctuate continuously from very fast to very slow and stop, with all intermediates. They see no particular reason to emphasize certain speeds more than others. In particular, stasis, to them, is just an extreme case of ultra-slow evolution. To a punctuationist, there is something very special about stasis."[51] Dawkins therefore commits himself here to an empirical claim about the geological record, in contrast to his earlier claim that, "The paleontological evidence can be argued about, and I am not qualified to judge it."[52] It is this particular commitment that Eldredge and Gould have aimed to overturn.
Richard Dawkins believes that the apparent gaps represented in the fossil record document migratory events rather than evolutionary events. According to Dawkins, evolution certainly occurred but "probably gradually" elsewhere.[53] However, the punctuational equilibrium model may still be inferred from both the observation of stasis and examples of rapid and episodic speciation events documented in the fossil record.[54]
Dawkins also emphasizes that punctuated equilibrium has been "oversold by some journalists",[55] but partly due to Eldredge and Gould's "later writings".[56] Dawkins contends that the theory "does not deserve a particularly large measure of publicity".[57] It is a "minor gloss," an "interesting but minor wrinkle on the surface of neo-Darwinian theory," and "lies firmly within the neo-Darwinian synthesis".[58]
In his book Darwin's Dangerous Idea, philosopher Daniel Dennett is especially critical of Gould's presentation of punctuated equilibrium. Dennett argues that Gould alternated between revolutionary and conservative claims about the theory, and that each time Gould made a revolutionary statement—or appeared to do so—he was criticized, and thus retreated to a traditional neo-Darwinian position.[59] Gould responded to Dennett's claims in The New York Review of Books,[60] and in his technical volume The Structure of Evolutionary Theory.[61]
Literary scholar Heidi Scott argued that Gould's use of analogy and metaphor constitutes a non-scientific discourse attempting to validate a scientific theory.[62] She claims that Gould—particularly in his popular essays—uses a variety of strategies from literature, political science, and personal anecdotes to substantiate the general pattern of punctuated equilibrium (long periods of stasis interrupted by rapid, catastrophic change). Gould responded that critics often made the mistake of confusing the context of discovery with the context of justification. While Gould is celebrated for the color and energy of his prose, as well as his massive interdisciplinary knowledge, critics such as Scott have concerns that the theory has gained undeserved credence among non-scientists because of Gould's rhetorical skills.[62]
John Lyne and Henry Howe, in a more positive evaluation, states that "re-analysis of existing fossil data has shown, to the increasing satisfaction of the paleontological community, that Eldredge and Gould were correct in identifying periods of evolutionary stasis which are interrupted by much shorter periods of evolutionary change."[63]
The sudden appearance of most species in the geologic record and the lack of evidence of substantial gradual change in most species—from their initial appearance until their extinction—has long been noted, including by Charles Darwin who appealed to the imperfection of the record as the favored explanation.[64][65] When presenting his ideas against the prevailing influences of catastrophism and progressive creationism, which envisaged species being supernaturally created at intervals, Darwin needed to forcefully stress the gradual nature of evolution in accordance with the gradualism promoted by his friend Charles Lyell. He privately expressed concern, noting in the margin of his 1844 Essay, "Better begin with this: If species really, after catastrophes, created in showers world over, my theory false."[66]
It is often incorrectly assumed that he insisted that the rate of change must be constant, or nearly so, but even the first edition of On the Origin of Species states that "Species of different genera and classes have not changed at the same rate, or in the same degree. In the oldest tertiary beds a few living shells may still be found in the midst of a multitude of extinct forms... The Silurian Lingula differs but little from the living species of this genus". Lingula is among the few brachiopods surviving today but also known from fossils over 500 million years old.[67] In the fourth edition (1866) of On the Origin of Species Darwin wrote that "the periods during which species have undergone modification, though long as measured in years, have probably been short in comparison with the periods during which they retain the same form."[68] Thus punctuationism in general is consistent with Darwin's conception of evolution.[66]
According to early versions of punctuated equilibrium, "peripheral isolates" are considered to be of critical importance for speciation. However, Darwin wrote, "I can by no means agree ... that immigration and isolation are necessary elements.... Although isolation is of great importance in the production of new species, on the whole I am inclined to believe that largeness of area is still more important, especially for the production of species which shall prove capable of enduring for a long period, and of spreading widely."[69]
The importance of isolation in forming species had played a significant part in Darwin's early thinking, as shown in his Essay of 1844. But by the time he wrote the Origin he had downplayed its importance.[66] He explained the reasons for his revised view as follows:
Throughout a great and open area, not only will there be a greater chance of favourable variations, arising from the large number of individuals of the same species there supported, but the conditions of life are much more complex from the large number of already existing species; and if some of these species become modified and improved, others will have to be improved in a corresponding degree, or they will be exterminated. Each new form, also, as soon as it has been improved, will be able to spread over the open and continuous area, and will thus come into competition with many other forms ... the new forms produced on large areas, which have already been victorious over many competitors, will be those that will spread most widely, and will give rise to the greatest number of new varieties and species. They will thus play a more important role in the changing history of the organic world.[70]
Thus punctuated equilibrium contradicts some of Darwin's ideas regarding the specific mechanisms of evolution, but generally accords with Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.[66]
Recent work in developmental biology has identified dynamical and physical mechanisms of tissue morphogenesis that may underlie abrupt morphological transitions during evolution. Consequently, consideration of mechanisms of phylogenetic change that have been found in reality to be non-gradual is increasingly common in the field of evolutionary developmental biology, particularly in studies of the origin of morphological novelty. A description of such mechanisms can be found in the multi-authored volume Origination of Organismal Form (MIT Press; 2003).
In linguistics, R. M. W. Dixon has proposed a punctuated equilibrium model for language histories,[71] with reference particularly to the prehistory of the indigenous languages of Australia and his objections to the proposed Pama–Nyungan language family there. Although his model has raised considerable interest, it does not command majority support within linguistics. Separately, recent work using computational phylogenetic methods claims to show that punctuational bursts play an important factor when languages split from one another, accounting for anywhere from 10 to 33% of the total divergence in vocabulary.[72] Note that punctuational bursts also occurs in mythology in even greater proportions.[73]
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When studying the complexities of cancer biomarkers, the ability to monitor gene expression within live that have become cancerous, provides better insight than examining fixed or lysed tissues. However, monitoring RNA within intact cells can prove to be challenging with current techniques, which involve complex RNA isolation procedures that compromise cell viability. Further, amplification methods can create false positives or erroneously inflate differences. In this poster read about a probe-based detection method that allows for the detection of ErbB-2 and EGFR mRNA levels across live intact SKBR-3 breast cancer cells without the need for transfection reagents. The detection methodology is based upon an oligonucleotide gold nanoparticle conjugate capable of detecting intracellular levels of mRNA and miRNA in living cells. The probes enter the cell by means of the cell's native endocytosis machinery.
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