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A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including an articulation mechanism in an elongate shaft that incorporates an electrically actuated polymer (EAP) actuator for remotely articulating the end effector. Pivoting connections between a distal frame portion and a proximal frame portion are actuated by EAP fiber actuators and thereafter are locked at the selected articulation angle by deactivating an EAP lock release.
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector;
an elongate shaft;
a pivoting articulation joint including a first frame member attached to a selected one of the end effector and a distal end of the elongate shaft, a second frame member attached to the other one of the end effector and the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a pivoting connection between the first and second frame members; and
an electroactive polymer actuator connected between the first and second frame members.
2. The surgical instrument of
3. The surgical instrument of
4. The surgical instrument of
5. The surgical instrument of
6. The surgical instrument of
7. The surgical instrument of
8. The surgical instrument of
9. The surgical instrument of
10. The surgical instrument of
11. The surgical instrument of
12. The surgical instrument of
13. The surgical instrument of
14. The surgical instrument of
15. The surgical instrument of
16. The surgical instrument of
17. The surgical instrument of
a longitudinally translating locking member attached to a selected one of the first and second frame member and biased to extend toward and engage the other one of the first and second frame member; and
an electroactive polymer actuator operatively configured and positioned to overcome the bias on the longitudinally translating locking member when activated to unlock the articulation joint.
18. A surgical instrument, comprising:
an elongate shaft comprising a frame assembly encompassed by a longitudinally, slidingly received closure sleeve assembly;
a staple applying assembly comprising an elongate channel, a staple cartridge engaged in the elongate channel, and an anvil pivotally attached to the elongate channel presenting a staple forming surface to the staple cartridge;
an articulation joint formed in the frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising a distal frame portion attached to the elongate channel and a proximal frame portion pivotally pinned to the distal frame portion;
a handle portion attached to a proximal end of the elongate shaft and operatively configured to selectively communicate an electrical signal to the elongate shaft; and
an electroactive polymer actuator connected to the articulation joint and responsive to the electrical signal to perform articulation of the staple applying assembly.
19. The surgical instrument of
20. A surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector;
an elongate shaft including a distal frame portion attached to the end effector and a proximal frame portion;
a pivoting attachment between the distal and proximal frame portions; and
a means for actuating the pivoting of the distal frame portion relative to the proximal frame portion about the pivoting attachment in response to an electrical signal.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/591,694, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED ARTICULATION MECHANISM" to Shelton IV, filed 28 Jul. 2004.
The present invention relates in general to surgical instruments that are suitable for endoscopically inserting an end effector (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, staplers, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and an energy device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.) to a surgical site, and more particularly to such surgical instruments with an articulating shaft.
Endoscopic surgical instruments are often preferred over traditional open surgical devices since a smaller incision tends to reduce the post-operative recovery time and complications. Consequently, significant development has gone into a range of endoscopic surgical instruments that are suitable for precise placement of a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through a cannula of a trocar. These distal end effectors engage the tissue in a number of ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, staplers, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and energy device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.).
Positioning the end effector is constrained by the trocar. Generally these endoscopic surgical instruments include a long shaft between the end effector and a handle portion manipulated by the clinician. This long shaft enables insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby positioning the end effector to a degree. With judicious placement of the trocar and use of graspers, for instance, through another trocar, often this amount of positioning is sufficient. Surgical stapling and severing instruments, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895, are an example of an endoscopic surgical instrument that successfully positions an end effector by insertion and rotation.
More recently, U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/443,617, "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM" to Shelton et al., filed on 20 May 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes an improved "E-beam" firing bar for severing tissue and actuating staples. Some of the additional advantages include affirmatively spacing the jaws of the end effector, or more specifically a staple applying assembly, even if slightly too much or too little tissue is clamped for optimal staple formation. Moreover, the E-beam firing bar engages the end effector and staple cartridge in a way that enables several beneficial lockouts to be incorporated.
Depending upon the nature of the operation, it may be desirable to further adjust the positioning of the end effector of an endoscopic surgical instrument. In particular, it is often desirable to orient the end effector at an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the instrument. The transverse movement of the end effector relative to the instrument shaft is conventionally referred to as "articulation". This is typically accomplished by a pivot (or articulation) joint being placed in the extended shaft just proximal to the staple applying assembly. This allows the surgeon to articulate the staple applying assembly remotely to either side for better surgical placement of the staple lines and easier tissue manipulation and orientation. This articulated positioning permits the clinician to more easily engage tissue in some instances, such as behind an organ. In addition, articulated positioning advantageously allows an endoscope to be positioned behind the end effector without being blocked by the instrument shaft.
Approaches to articulating a surgical stapling and severing instrument tend to be complicated by integrating control of the articulation along with the control of closing the end effector to clamp tissue and fire the end effector (i.e., stapling and severing) within the small diameter constraints of an endoscopic instrument. Generally, the three control motions are all transferred through the shaft as longitudinal translations. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,840 discloses an accordion-like articulation mechanism ("flex-neck") that is articulated by selectively drawing back one of two connecting rods through the implement shaft, each rod offset respectively on opposite sides of the shaft centerline. The connecting rods ratchet through a series of discrete positions.
Another example of longitudinal control of an articulation mechanism is U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361 that includes an articulation link offset from a camming pivot such that pushing or pulling longitudinal translation of the articulation link effects articulation to a respective side. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,537 discloses a similar rod passing through the shaft to effect articulation.
In co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/615,973 "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN ARTICULATION MECHANISM HAVING ROTATION ABOUT THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS" to Frederick E. Shelton IV et al, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, a rotational motion is used to transfer articulation motion as an alternative to a longitudinal motion.
While these mechanically communicated articulation motions have successfully enabled an endoscopic surgical stapling and severing instrument to articulate, development trends pose numerous challenges and barriers to entry into the market. Conflicting design objects include a shaft of as small a diameter as possible to reduce the size of the surgical opening yet with sufficient strength to perform the several motions (e.g., closing, firing, articulation, rotation, etc.)
Consequently, a significant need exists for an articulating surgical instrument that incorporates an articulation mechanism that requires less mechanical mechanisms passing through the shaft of the instrument.
The invention overcomes the above-noted and other deficiencies of the prior art by providing a surgical instrument having an articulating shaft attached between a handle and an end effector. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator disposed in an articulation joint of the shaft is responsive to an electrical signal passed through the shaft to effect articulation. A distal portion of the shaft is pinned to a proximal portion of the shaft forming a pivoting articulation joint. The EAP actuator is connected between the distal and proximal frame portions to effect articulation. Thereby a shaft of an advantageously small diameter may be achieved yet have the functionality of remotely controllable actuation.
In one aspect of the invention, a surgical instrument includes an articulating joint attached between an end effector and a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrical actuator is positioned to actuate the articulation joint in response to an electrical signal remotely produced in a handle proximally attached to the elongate shaft.
In another aspect of the invention, a surgical instrument has an elongate shaft having a frame assembly and an encompassing and a longitudinally, slidingly received closure sleeve assembly. A staple applying assembly includes an elongate channel, a staple cartridge engaged in the elongate channel, and an anvil pivotally attached to the elongate channel presenting a staple forming surface to the staple cartridge. An articulation joint is formed in the frame assembly. In particular, a distal frame portion is attached to the elongate channel and a proximal frame portion is pivotally pinned to the distal frame portion. A handle attached to a proximal end of the elongate shaft selectively communicates an electrical signal to the elongate shaft to an electroactive polymer actuator connected to the articulation joint that responds thereto to perform articulation of the staple applying assembly. Thus, a surgical stapling and severing instrument is provided that may approach tissue from a desired angle.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
Overview of Articulating Shaft.
Correct placement and orientation of the staple applying assembly 12 is facilitated by controls on the handle 14. In particular, a rotation knob 30 causes rotation of the shaft 16 about its longitudinal axis, and hence rotation of the staple applying assembly 12. Additional positioning is enabled at an articulation joint 32 in the shaft 16 that pivots the staple applying assembly 12 in an arc from the longitudinal axis of the shaft 16, thereby allowing placement behind an organ or allowing other instruments such as an endoscope (not shown) to be oriented behind the staple applying assembly 12. This articulation is advantageously effected by an articulation control switch 34 on the handle 14 that transmits an electrical signal to the articulation joint 32 to an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuator 36, powered by an EAP controller and power supply 38 contained within the handle 14.
Once positioned with tissue in the staple applying assembly 12, a surgeon closes the anvil 22 by drawing a closure trigger 40 proximally toward a pistol grip 42. Once clamped thus, the surgeon may grasp a more distally presented firing trigger 44, drawing it back to effect firing of the staple applying assembly 12, which in some applications is achieved in one single firing stroke and in other applications by multiple firing strokes. Firing accomplishes simultaneously stapling of at least two rows of staples while severing the tissue therebetween.
Retraction of the firing components may be automatically initiated upon full travel. Alternatively, a retraction lever 46 may be drawn aft to effect retraction. With the firing components retracted, the staple applying assembly 12 may be unclamped and opened by the surgeon slightly drawing the closure trigger 40 aft toward the pistol grip 42 while depressing a closure release button 48 and then releasing the closure trigger 40, thereby releasing the two stapled ends of severed tissue from the staple applying assembly 12.
It should be appreciated that herein spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are given with reference to the figures, assuming that the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument 10 is horizontal with the anvil 22 of the staple applying assembly 12 aligned vertically on top and the triggers 40, 44 aligned vertically on the bottom of the handle 14. However, in actual practice the surgical instrument 10 may be oriented at various angles and as such these spatial terms are used relative to the surgical instrument 10 itself. Further, "proximal" is used to denote a perspective of a clinician who is behind the handle 14 who places the end effector 12 distal, away from himself.
While a multi-stroke handle 14 advantageously supports applications with high firing forces over a long distance, applications consistent with the present invention may incorporate a single firing stroke, such as described in co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" to Frederick E. Shelton IV, Michael E. Setser, and Brian J. Hemmelgarn, Ser. No. 10/441,632, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Electroactive Polymers.
Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are a set of conductive doped polymers that change shape when an electrical voltage is applied. In essence the conductive polymer is paired to some form of ionic fluid or gel and electrodes. Flow of the ions from the fluid/gel into or out of the conductive polymer is induced by the voltage potential applied and this flow induces the shape change of the polymer. The voltage potential ranges from 1V to 4 kV depending on the polymer and ionic fluid used. Some of the EAPs contract when voltage is applied and some expand. The EAPs may be paired to mechanical means such as springs or flexible plates to change the effect that is caused when the voltage is applied.
There are two basic types and multiple configurations of each type. The two basic types are a fiber bundle and a laminate version. The fiber bundle consists of fibers around 30-50 microns. These fibers may be woven into a bundle much like textiles and are often called EAP yarn because of this. This type of EAP contracts when voltage is applied. The electrodes are usually a central wire core and a conductive outer sheath, which also serves to contain the ionic fluid that surrounds the fiber bundles. An example of a commercially available fiber EAP material is manufactured by Santa Fe Science and Technology and sold as PANION™ fiber and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,825, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The other type is a laminate structure. It consists of a layer of EAP polymer, a layer of ionic gel and two flexible plates that are attached to either side of the laminate. When a voltage is applied, the square laminate plate expands in one direction and contracts in the perpendicular direction. Commercially available laminate (plate) EAP material is available from Artificial Muscle Inc, a division of SRI Laboratories. Plate EAP material is also available from EAMEX of Japan and is referred to as thin film EAP.
It should be noted that EAPs do not change volume when energized; they merely expand or contract in one direction while doing the opposite in the transverse direction. The laminate version may be used in its basic form by containing one side against a rigid structure and using the other much like a piston. It may also be adhered to either side of a flexible plate. When one side of the flexible plate EAP is energized, it expands, flexing the plate in the opposite direction. This allows the plate to be flexed in either direction depending on which side is energized.
An EAP actuator is usually numerous layers or fibers bundled together to work in cooperation. The mechanical configuration of the EAP determines the EAP actuator and its capabilities for motion. The EAP may be formed into long stands and wrapped around a single central electrode. A flexible exterior outer sleeve will form the other electrode for the actuator as well as contain the ionic fluid necessary for the function of the device. In this configuration when the electrical filed is applied to the electrodes, the strands of EAP shorten. This configuration of EAP actuator is called a fiber EAP actuator. Likewise, the laminate configuration may be placed in numerous layers on either side of a flexible plate or merely in layers on itself to increase its capabilities. Typical fiber structures have an effective strain of 2-4% where the typical laminate version achieves 20-30% utilizing much higher voltages.
EAP Actuated Articulation Joint.
In the illustrative version of
With particular reference to
With particular reference to
The staple applying assembly 12 is described in greater detail in co-pending and commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/955,042, "ARTICULATING SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A TWO-PIECE E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM" to Frederick E. Shelton IV, et al., filed 30 Sep. 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
With particular reference to
With particular reference to
With particular reference to
An EAP actuation system 580 includes left and right EAP stack actuators 582, 584 that selectively expand to assert an articulation force on the center bar 564 of the dog bone link 560, which passively compresses the other EAP stack actuator. In
Articulation Locking Mechanism for Pivoting Articulation Mechanism.
Closure of the anvil 22 may occur by action of a closure mechanism that is not shown, such as an EAP actuator that acts upon the anvil pivot. Alternatively, a firing motion may first close the anvil prior to further motion effecting stapling and severing. As a further alternative, a closure sleeve assembly or other longitudinally coupled mechanism (not shown) may impart a closing motion to the anvil 22.
An upper EAP actuated articulation locking mechanism 800 advantageously unlocks the pivoting articulation joint 702 to allow articulating movement. The EAP actuated articulation locking mechanism 800 then relaxes to a locked state, providing a stable locked position that does not require power dissipation, and thus component heating, between changes in an amount of articulation. An upper locking bolt assembly 802 is shown in a rectangular upper lock recess 804 formed in the proximal frame ground 708 proximal to and vertically farther from the longitudinal centerline than the upper pivoting tab 710. A locking bolt 806 extends a locking tip 808 out of a distal slot 810 formed in the upper lock recess 804 into engagement in a nearest tooth root 812 of a gear segment 814 formed about a proximal surface about the upper pivot tang 714 of the distal frame ground 718. The locking bolt 806 proximally terminates in a cross plate 816 that slides longitudinally in the rectangular upper lock recess 804 between the urging of a proximally positioned compression spring 818 and upper left and right EAP stack actuator 820, 822 that may be activated to expand longitudinally, compressing the compression spring 818 as the lock bolt 806 is moved proximally, thereby disengaging the locking tip 808 from the gear segment 814, allow the pivoting articulation joint 702 to be repositioned. An upper lock cover 824 closes the upper lock recess 804.
For additional locking support, in
In use, an unarticulated end effector 720 and pivoting articulation joint 702 (
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art.
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'3rd Birthday' is essential for RPG fansWritten by Michael Siebenaler | | email@example.com
In "The 3rd Birthday," (Square Enix) "Twisted" monsters take Manhattan as "Parasite Eve" heroine Aya Brea, part of a special team trying to save humanity, fights back. Her character abilities still fall within the "special power" realm, but "Parasite Eve II" (2000) fans should not expect a straight sequel. Great cutscenes and familiar music will please veteran fans, but do not expect much continuation from previous games or easy explanations bridging Aya's past into her challenges.
This PlayStation Portable third person sci-fi shooter has auto-aim, boss fights, desirable unlockables and tense action sequences. Highly accessible content and strong cutscenes throughout the game. The special overdrive features lets players take over beings in the game, which can be great for misdirection moves against enemies. OE chips provide special powers when combined with Aya's DNA board. Aya gets some help from other characters, like a mild Crossfire feature where allies concentrate their firepower, but mastering her abilities always packs a more potent punch.
Players can resolve initial lagging camera issues in the sensitivity settings, though boss fight sequences can limit and even block views at times. The customization options boost the replay value, which easily has a double-digit hour tally at the core. The top-notch visual and production values make this PSP game an essential addition for fans and RPG/shooter players. Hardcore players should beat the game twice for a special sequence after the ending credits.
The upcoming Twisted Edition will include a 48-page "CTI Confidential" art book, two "deluxe" lithographs and an Aya Brea costume code for Square Enix's other current release "Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy." Special note: this exclusive code is included inside first run copies of these "Dissidia" games. A mobile game version also planned (***1/2, rated M (mature) for blood, partial nudity, strong language, and violence).
Tags: Ava Brea, Parasite Eve, PlayStation Portable, the 3rd Birthday

subset: commoncrawl


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Usually at this time of year, two things are on the mind of NFL fans: The draft and free agency. This spring, unfortunately, enthusiasm is overshadowed by the stark reality of a labor impasse looms.
If there's no collective bargaining agreement in place and the league owners lock out the players starting Friday at 12:01 a.m. ET, the only personnel movement that matters is if the two sides somehow bridge the gap in time to salvage the 2011 season.
As in all labor negotiations, this rift is based on how to split revenue. The NFL owners and players must come to an agreement on how to divvy up the league's $9 billion of annual revenue.
"The players must agree to share the risk of operating the business," former Packers vice president Andrew Brandt said. "The owners must agree to increase the compensation for the safety risk."
When the existing CBA came into fruition in 1993, the two sides compromised on major issues: The players were granted free agency, and the owners got a salary cap. Veteran players could maximize salaries on the open market, and owners had fixed player costs, a cap based on the previous year's total revenue.
Even though that system worked well for almost two decades, the owners decided just making a few adjustments wouldn't cut it — or there would be a new CBA by now. Another key aspect of the CBA is the regulation of working conditions. It's the fundamental part of preserving labor peace, long term.
Brandt says there is risk involved for both the players and owners:
— The players. This means making concessions toward the game's infrastructure, which includes stadium construction, practice facility maintenance, team travel and funding for the league-owned NFL Network.
— The owners. This ties right in with the desire to expand the regular season to an 18-game schedule, balancing that with increased roster sizes and reduced contact in practices. These improved working conditions continue into retirement, where the owners must provide greater health coverage after a player's career.
The NFL and NFL Players Association resumed negotiations Tuesday, overseen by federal mediator George Cohen. With so many issues on the table, there are considerable complications preventing either side from compromising.
Although the CBA expires Friday morning, it's not a hard deadline. Barring an unlikely agreement in the near term, an accelerated offseason once both sides come to terms — even in late summer — still could save the '11 season
"Negotiations can result in anything, including an abbreviated free-agency period, training camp and/or season," Brandt said. "I am sure both sides will be flexible to get in a legitimate season if at all possible."
With all the optimism that comes with the draft and free agency, it's as important for fans to remain optimistic that cooler heads will prevail about how to split up $9 billion annually in time to play a full season. No matter what happens this week, it will remain in the best interest for owners and players to come to terms on a new deal by summer.


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Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:10-11, 28
HAMPTON — On Friday, November 11, 2011, Shelby J. Davenport, 68, of Hampton, passed into His Presence at Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following an extended illness and is singing with God's Heavenly Choir.
She was the daughter of the late Donald and Ida Tester Finney, and was born in Carter County.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Whitehead and three brothers, Bill, D.C. and Bobby Finney.
She was a 1960 graduate of Hampton High School. Mrs. Davenport was a member of Union Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and was Chairman of the Fellowship Committee. She was the former owner/operator of Abloom Floral Shop in Hampton.
She is survived by her husband of forty-three years, Smith Davenport Jr., of the home; three daughters, Angela McNeil and her husband, Ed, Kristi Davenport, all of Hampton, Danielle Rogers and her husband, Tim, Anderson, SC; two sons, Chris Davenport and his fiancée, Cathy, and Jason Davenport and his special friend, Kristy, all of Hampton; five grandchildren, Erin McNeil, Hayle and Hunter Davenport, Makayla Ratcliffe, Layla Rogers; a great-granddaughter, Addisyn McNeil; and a very special sister, Peggy Davenport, Butler. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Davenport will be conducted on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at 8:00 PM in the Chapel of Peace, Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Dr. Danny Bright and Rev. Ray Green officiating.
The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday prior to the service and at the home at other times.
The graveside service and interment will be conducted on Monday, November 14, 2011, at 11:00 AM in the Whitehead Cemetery, Butler. Active pallbearers will be selected from nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be the 1960 Class of Hampton High School, the staff of Roan Mountain Medical Center, the staff of the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital Wound Care Center, friends and neighbors, and a very special friend, Ken Rainbolt. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 AM Monday.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax 423 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the family. Office 423-542-2232, Obituary line 543-4917.


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Versatile cajón with stunning looks and great tones.
The Yaqui is the most visually captivating cajón in the DG De Gregorio line with its special beating surface. All sides of the Cajón are made with Avio birch plywood. It features a set of jingles applied on the inner post, which vibrate lightly when the bass tone is performed. The sound has compressed and controlled basses, cutting high tones, a "bass drum-brushed snare" effect, and a very strong and modern sound that is versatile.


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read the recent NRA email and realized that after I purchase a gun at the LGS i do not know where i placed my paperwork to proove where i bought it from etc
how do i get another copy of the paperwork from guns that i have purchased?
id try to contact the place you purchased it from because they SHOULD have a copy of it.
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Hotels in 48807 - Bannister MI
Only hotels in 48807 zip code are listed below. Search for cheap and discount hotel rates in Bannister, MI for your upcoming leisure or conference / group travel. We list the best 48807 hotels and motels so you can review the Bannister hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. Hotels in Gratiot county and area code 989 are also listed.
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No More Heroes 2 Review
Played on:
It's no secret that mature Wii games have struggled to find an audience. Despite claims that there's not enough core gamer titles available for the family-friendly platform, excellent M-rated efforts such as MadWorld, House of the Dead: Overkill and Dead Space: Extraction have failed to significantly light up the sales charts. Grasshopper Manufacture's bloody, brain-bending, and downright bizarre 2008 hit No More Heroes was an exception to this rule; while it didn't exactly post Mario or Zelda-like numbers at the cash register, it sold pretty well and, just as importantat least to gamers, if not the bean countersattained valuable cult status. Its addictive lightsaber-like combat, crazy-cool style, and appealing parody of gaming and anime culture earned it enough street cred to convince creator Suda 51 to crank out a sequel...thank god!
Fans of the first title were fairly passionate about the over-the-top exploits of otaku-turned-top-ranking-assassin Travis Touchdown, so a second serving of similar thrill-killing and insider geek jokes probably would have been enough to get them to return to Santa Destroy. But No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle offers far more than a quick cash-in rehash. On the contrary, it improves on its predecessor in almost every way, building a bigger, better and, believe it or not, more bizarre experience for hungry fans to sink their teeth into.
The set-up and core gameplay will be familiar to anyone who hacked and slashed their way through the first game's line-up of crazy assassins. Once again, Travis is tasked with climbing the professional killer ranks to number one, but this time 50rather than 10hired guns stand in his way. This doesn't actually translate to five times as many dedicated boss battles though, as the story uses some creative tricks to combine the killers into single battles or present them in other unexpected ways. However, you'll still be facing many more big bads than you did the first time around. And, as expected, these battles are the title's highlight, blending mind-melting humor, lightning-quick action, and strategic sword play in ways you absolutely will not find in any other game. No joke; the perfect storm of crazy action and insane personalities can occasionally even make Kojima's famously strange boss encounters seem rote.
While slicing and dicing through NMH 2's parade of main maniacs is a perverse blast, it's also a great deal of fun butchering all manner of low level Santa Destroy scum. As in the first game, wielding the blade katana with the Wii-mote will continually stretch a smile across your face. By handling normal attacks with button presses, and saving the waggling for finishing moves, the controls never become gimmicky or burdensome, allowing you to relish every killLucasArts should actually take note of NMH 2's refined mechanics before arming players with another wonky virtual lightsaber. Keeping with the title's bigger and better approach, Travis is also armed with some new death dealerslike dual katanasthat leave a near non-stop bloodbath in his wake.
Of course, when you're not spilling blood by the bucket load, you'll be engaged in a variety of money-earning mini-games. Where the original NMH's balls-out action was occasionally broken up by repetitive activities such as collecting coconuts and mowing lawns, the sequel's side diversions are far more interesting. Well, the actual tasks are still mostly menial, but they're now presented as addictive little 8-bit styled challenges that'll please any fan who was brought up on a steady diet of NES games. Similar to the mini-games in last year's DS gem Retro Game Challenge, these simple, yet challenging tasks please with equal parts nostalgic charm and addictive thumb twitching. You even get to play as an adorable pixelated Travis.
Making these old school throwbacks even better is the fact that you're not required to play them to earn entry into boss battles. You'll still rake in the coin by playing them, but your loot can now be spent more leisurely on costume upgrades and other fun indulgences. This will come as a relief to anyone who spent hours picking up trash just so they could earn enough qualifying cash to enter critical missions in the first game. Similarly satisfying is the new level structure that forgoes the original game's desolate open-world in favor of a map that allows you to jump around Santa Destroy with ease. The fictional metropolis still has plenty of personality, and you'll still get to tool around on Travis' space-age-looking hog, but, as with the mini-games, this aspect of the game has been markedly improved upon.
On top of all the aforementioned tweaks, NMH 2 also adds a couple of new playable character cameos, the ability to transform Travis into a mauling tiger, and many more surprises that'll turn your mind to mush. In fact, it throws so much at you, the beyond-bizarre sensory overload may be too much for some. To be sure, its stubborn determination to be the weirdest kid on the block will turn off many, while its adolescent sexual obsessions will certainly alienate others. This is not a game for Wii Fit-playing soccer moms. However, if you dug Travis' first blood-soaked spree, consider yourself a gamer's gamer, or just want to experience a Wii-enabled fever dream, then, by all means, take the Suda 51 express to crazy-town.


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Governor Terry Branstad had a warning for state troopers Monday. He said, "If they value their job, they're going to abide by the law."
The governor's warning follows a report last week that a second trooper driving the governor in August got caught speeding with Branstad in the back seat. That incident happened after another trooper got cited for driving too fast in April taking the governor to an event.
Brian London served as the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety at the time. London quit in August.
A reporter asked Branstad Monday whether the second speeding incident played a role in London's resignation.
As the governor listened to the question, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, standing next to the governor, whispered, "We're not going to talk about that." A few moments later, she continued, "Personnel." Presumably, as in it was a personnel issue.
Meanwhile, Des Moines State Senator Jack Hatch, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, continued to make the speeding incident part of his campaign.
Hatch ran a campaign ad following the first speeding incident.
Hatch said news of this second speeding case shows Branstad is "arrogant" when it comes to the law. Hatch said, "He continues to show that he doesn't have concern about that part of the law. He feels that he's above the law apparently."
Hatch thinks the governor should have paid the first trooper's speeding ticket for the April case.
Although, the governor's spokesman said Branstad didn't because he wasn't driving and didn't direct the trooper to speed. Branstad said, while the second trooper only received a warning because he wasn't driving more than ten miles per hour above the speed limit, he did receive a citation and additional punishment from the Department of Public Safety.
Branstad declined to say what that punishment was.


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Hear from IT leaders and industry experts in more than 100 sessions at the leading business technology event.
Chief Marketing Officer, Terremark
Randy Rowland, Terremark Senior Vice President of Product Development, will present a practical guide to evaluating enterprise clouds and cloud providers. Go beyond the marketing hype, the brands and the buzzwords, and learn how differences in architecture, infrastructure, security and design can have significant impact on your ability to take advantage of the cost-effectiveness and agility of infrastructure-as-a-service without compromise to availability, performance and compliance, and learn how leading enterprises and government agencies are taking advantage of the power and flexibility offered by enterprise cloud computing architecture.


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- ambrose mayonza
- Kampala
- Uganda
This conversation is closed.
TCH capacity pool in GSM networks to eliminate BTS cabinets on sites
Traditionally, GSM networks have Base transceiver stations allover countries to boost signals. what happens is that the BTS is connected to an antenna using feeders and RF is radiated. BTSs have various TRX configurations like 4/4/4 etc. from practice it can be noticed that not all the time that all TCHs are used in a cell hence dedicating a cabinet or TRXs to a cell is so wasteful.
How about having regional TCH banks in specific regions such that all remote sites simply have Remote Radio Units mount on the antennas to push the RF and just some fibre cable to terminate to the microwave or TX equipment to backhaul to the TCH pool bank many miles away?
this way, if a person makes a call in a given cell, they are given exactly one TCH and the rest can be used by someone else in another cell else where. This will eliminate the use of costly BTSs and reduce on power consumption and points of failure alongside capacity efficiency since its centrally managed and shared.


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Multiplying Marvels
I'm really old, but yet I can still remember learning my multiplication tables when I was in 3rd grade. Mrs. Lynch would have us listen to each times table as a song on her record player, and I could sing you those songs still today. Combine her strategy with having us practice with flash cards, and needless to say, I memorized all of my facts by years' end.
I carry some of that tradition to my own classroom, and I hope it is effective. Students have been listening to and watching the Schoolhouse Rock! videos for each of the times tables through ten. Some tunes are catchier than others, but they are all cute. I can sing those, too, ha ha.
We continue to progress through our quizzes. We have a specific routine for quizzing that I learned from working with Laura Candler and her book Mastering Math Facts: Multiplication and Division. We are working as a team to conquer the 0-10's tables this year, and so far, we have all mastered 0-2.
Last year, I videotaped our routine to share with families at home. Miss Sally (my mom) was nice enough to run the camera while we went about our business. You can check out the video here:
To practice, students can be using flash cards, online games, oral practice, or our XtraMath program online. In fact, many of the same programs we use in the computer lab and on iPads can also be accessed while at home (ScootPad, Sumdog, XtraMath, etc…)
Five minutes per night is really all it takes – but just imagine how much progress can be made if each student practiced for 10 minutes per night!!
I sent home a request for drivers last week for our upcoming field trip on the 7th. We need seats for 16 students, and at this point, we don't have any space at all. If you are able to drive, please send me a note to let me know. Thank you!!
Book Talks started this past Friday and WOW – they were terrific!! Congrats to our first brave friends, and we can't wait to see the rest of our upcoming performances.
Stand Tall,
Hi! I noticed in your video that you used a sheet inside your sheet protectors for the students to complete the test. I didn't see a sheet like you described in the video in Laura's book. What did you use?


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Speed up your CSS workflow. Extract CSS from an existing design comp automatically using Photoshop's Copy CSS feature.
Reveals how designers can create vibrant web graphics, wireframes, and complete web site mockups in Photoshop with navigation bars and buttons.
"lynda.com has enabled me to grow my skill set at an affordable price. I find the business profiles/documentaries inspiring and the training is top notch." —Shawn C.
more from our members »


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Teen In Custody For Molotov Cocktail Attack In Florissant
Vandals targeted restored jet fighter outside Eagan Civic Center.
Franklin County Man Dies In Jet Ski Crash
Lee Gildehaus collided with a dock on a private lake.
Fighter Jets Latest Bone of Contention In Jefferson City
Gov. Nixon supports St. Louis-made F/A 18, but MO House urges funding for F-35 JSF.
IDOT Chief Questioned about Agencies 15 Planes
Illinois lawmakers also question minority hiring.


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Ensuring PC Health
Best practices for keeping your PC and data safe over time
Computer viruses, malware, spyware, phishing schemes, and identity theft are very real threats to the safety of your personal information, data, and ongoing computing experience. However, such threats can often be significantly reduced by following a few simple principles to ensure PC health over time.
A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that helps screen out hackers, viruses, and worms that try to reach your computer over the Internet. In short, "If you use a computer at home, the most effective and important first step you can take to help protect your computer is to turn on a firewall." (Microsoft Firewall FAQ)
UITS recommends firewalls are activated across all network interfaces.
The following links provide step by step instructions for activating the built-in firewall by operating system.
Related Information:
Modern operating systems are designed to automatically check for updates and prompt you to update them over time. Taking the time to run these updates is critical to protecting your computer against the latest viruses and security threats and ensures continued compatibility with peripherals and installed software. When you enable your computer to automatically update, you don't have to search for updates online or worry that critical fixes might be missing, the operating system will automatically download and prompt to install them for you, using a schedule that you determine.
UITS recommends setting updates to download/install automatically.
The following links provide step by step instructions for activating automatic updates by operating system.
Related Information
Antivirus software is a computer program that detects, prevents, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs, such as viruses and worms. Computer viruses are software programs that are deliberately designed to interfere with computer operation, record, corrupt, or delete data, spreading themselves to other computers and throughout the Internet. To help prevent the most current viruses, you must update your antivirus software regularly. You can set up most antivirus software to update automatically.
UConn's standard antivirus solution is provided by Symantec.
The following are specific guidelines for using antivirus solutions, for each platform.
Related Information:
Keeping your computer secure extends beyond just the core operating system and antivirus, but the common software on your computer as well. Given its popularity, the Microsoft Office suite has become a popular attack vector for malicious code, so keeping Office updated over time is critical to overall system security. Fortunately, all University of CT faculty/staff have access to install and update their Office suite on University-owned computers through the Office Update website listed below.
The following are links to common software suites and their update pages.
Browser plugins such as Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, and Java represent a convenient way to view media content on the Internet, but similarly a common attack vector for malicious web code that exploits plugins that have not been kept updated over time. UITS recommends you regularly and consistently check for updates to browser plugins to ensure your computer is protected over time. Newer versions of Java and certain web browsers will prompt you to update automatically, others you will have to manually check. Below are the links to download sites.
Stories of stolen identities, credit cards, or identity fraud abound, yet often simply adhering to a set of best practices for online interactions can go a long way to keeping your computer and information safe and protected.
Related Information:
The information contained in this webpage cannot possibly illustrate all of the best practices for ensuring your PC is maintained over time. The following websites are additional resources that you can use to discover other ways to ensure you PC runs smooth over time.
Updated: 6/28/11


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"Frank's Redhot - I Put That **** On Everything!" ~ Ethel
um. at least someone should orgasim during sex. otherwise wtf is the point?
"Now when I go to the bathroom I find out who my friends are." - Jake Scott after both broken hands were in casts following the 1972 season
Bull****. $1000 says the guy just goes and finishes himself off in the can if he doesn't blow it during.
And now his fires have gone out.
Valandui's Weekly Music Video
Down: Ghost Along the Mississippi
Has the painful subject of "Blue Balls" ever occurred to any of these idiots?


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CyberLink - 176.73MB (Demo commerciale)
Power DVD is simply the best Blu-ray/DVD player software today. It delivers outstanding Blu-ray and DVD movie playback quality on your PC:
Corel Corporation - 127.49MB (Trial commerciale)
Watch your favorite DVDs on your home theater system, desktop or laptop PC, and enjoy crystal-clear pictures with top audio performance. With broad fo...


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|Saifi Khan <saifi.khan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
|Thu, 4 Mar 2010 07:30:25 +0530 (India Standard Time)
Hi: On an AMD64X2 box running 2.5.1-DEVELOPMENT DragonFly v220.127.116.117.gb527c-DEVELOPMENT based on X86_64_GENERIC with options APIC_IO SMP On running any of the commands, # ping 10.10.10.1 or # /etc/rc.d/sshd start The following errors are seen intr2 at 17174/20000 hz, livelock removed intr2 at 40001/40000 hz, livelocked limit engaged ! . ... nfe0: watchdog timeout - lost interrupt recovered The network access from this machine or to this machine is at best sporadic and SSH clients timeout. The box has a NVIDIA nForce 405 Nvidia (nfe0@pci0:0:7:0). Is there any workaround to fix this issue ? -- thanks Saifi.


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News, trends and ideas we're tracking today.
Posts filtered on Tag
KPRC-TV: Man stabbed in the face over a woman
A man is in stable condition following an argument turned ugly early Saturday morning, KPRC-TV reports. Police say two men got into an argument around 3:30 a.m. at an apartment complex near downtown Houston. The two men live in the same building but in different apartments. The argument was reportedly about a woman. During the […] [Read More]
Man shot, killed in west Houston driveway
Police are seeking the public's help to track down whoever shot and killed a man early Wednesday in his west Houston driveway, Houston's KPRC (Channel 2) reported. Houston police were called to the home in the 12400 block of Shadowmist shortly before 6 a.m. Investigators said the victim was getting ready to go to work when […] [Read More]
Rabid bat found at Houston-area elementary school
State health officials are planning to contact parents of students who handled a bat that was later found to be rabid, according to a report on KPRC-TV. The dead bat was found recently on the playground at a Cedric C. Smith Elementary school in the Magnolia district, KPRC reported. In a statement, school officials told […] [Read More]
2 women accused of stealing panties from store
Police said they found additional stolen items in their car in the parking lot. The women were released on $2,000 bail and are due back in court next week, according to KPRC. [Read More]
Deputies will close Bryan Beach bridge if big party happens
Authorities plan to close the only bridge to Quintana, a beach community near Freeport and Surfside Beach, this weekend if a rumored party materializes, KPRC-TV is reporting. Town Hall in Quintana issued a notice to all residents and property owners, warning that police have "intercepted a message about the Texas Beach Party making its way […] [Read More]
Richmond toddler accidentally shot with father's gun
A toddler in Richmond was hospitalized Wednesday after being accidentally shot with her father's gun, KPRC-TV (Channel 2) is reporting. [Read More]


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Going under the hammer
Posted: January 24, 2013|
IF picking up a bargain really gets your juices flowing, then buying a property at auction may be just the thing to send the adrenalin coursing through your veins.
Who knows, you could well end up with a cut-price home, or a nice little earner which will turn a healthy profit once it's been fully refurbished.
But tread carefully: buying at auction is a rather different proposition to buying in the usual by 'private treaty' method. Once the hammer comes down, that's it: there's no backing out. You will be asked to sign a contract there and then, cough up a 10% deposit and complete within 28 days of signing.
So before you sally forth, collect all the relevant information on the properties you hope to bid for.
Local searches, a survey, and finance all need to be sorted out in advance so, if you have a property in mind, instruct your surveyor and solicitor and consult with your lender. You will also need to be clear about how high you are willing to go and fix a price limit.
Information on the properties is provided by the auction houses, which produce a catalogue three to four weeks before the property auction with price guides and details of what's about to come under the hammer.
Some come with 'unless sold prior' appended to the details, which means that the owner will sell before the auction if a good offer is made.
The guide is a conservative estimate which will usually be exceeded. There's also a reserve price, agreed between the vendor and the auctioneer. The price achieved is usually well beyond the reserve.
If the reserve is not reached the property is withdrawn but, if you are among the last bidders, it is possible to approach the agent with a price and see if the vendor will accept the offer.
Having perused the catalogue and decided what takes your fancy you must then arrange to view the property and have a survey done.
Many auction properties are unmodernised or need refurbishment so it's definitely a good idea to get a professional to cast a skilled eye over prospective purchases.
The auction house will provide a seller's pack with all the details your solicitor will need, usually for a small fee. Once you have that, you're in a position to take on all-comers. But remember: if you are outbid for the property you don't just lose the house, you also forfeit the cost of the survey as well as the solicitor's fees.
Bidding is not for the fainthearted and can be a nerve-wracking process, so it's a good idea to attend a couple of property auctions and see how it's done.
You can always get your solicitor to go along and bid for you. Alternatively, you can choose to remain out of sight and bid over the phone. You can also bid online at some auctions.
But there is one simple, golden rule: fix a limit in advance and stay within it. A cool head and a clear limit will ensure that you don't get drawn in by the excitement.
If you are successful with your bid you are contractually obliged to complete the deal and you must have that 10% up front.
Because many auction properties need attention, the building society will probably want you to have the cash to pay for these repairs.
It's perhaps for this reason that most who buy property at auctions are professional investors, house-builders and developers but more owner occupiers are getting in on the action, too.


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A life in dance came as a complete, yet thrilling surprise to the young Pascal Rioult. Except for a chance encounter at a disco club, the modern dance choreographer with his own acclaimed company would likely have followed an entirely different path.
Exuding an effortless, affable charm, Rioult, speaking by phone from New York City where his eponymous company is based, chatted — seemingly with no worries about time constraints — about his unexpected, life-altering journey.
A former Martha Graham principal dancer, Rioult was a track-and-field star in France, a hurdler, and a bit of a wild child when he encountered a professional dancer in a club in his Normandy hometown.
Admitting that in those young days he was "a maniac," he recalled: "I loved to dance in clubs. …By chance I met a professional dancer, and she said why don't you watch a class. My life was changed."
Powerful physicality is still a major component of Rioult's choreography, which is also noted for its inventiveness, exquisite musicality, precise architectural structure and undercurrents of sensuality and emotion.
In dance, he said, he discovered the perfect communion for his love of movement and music. "It was the ideal marriage. … And as an athlete, I knew what hard physical work means."
In a mere five years, he went from disco to the legendary Martha Graham.
Along the way, he moved to New York City ("the world capital of dance") in 1981 to study modern dance on a fellowship from the French Ministry of Culture. Once there, he took classes with Merce Cunningham (then considered "the" contemporary choreographer) and performed with the companies of former Graham student Paul Sanasardo ("my first real mentor") and former Graham principal dancer May O'Donnell — who created the role of the "Pioneering Woman" in the original "Appalachian Spring" — before being invited to join the Graham company where he danced for a decade.
In 1990, Graham created the central role of the Death Figure in "The Eye of the Goddess" for him. He later performed opposite of Mikhail Baryshnikov and Joyce Herring in Graham's "El Penitente" and also was featured in two television specials, "Martha Graham in Japan" and "Five Dances by Martha Graham at the Paris Opera."
Although he "took it somewhere else," in essence, Rioult, now 58, said, he still uses the techniques and ways of training dancers that he learned with Graham but with an even deeper understanding.
"What I took from her was determination. Even at 90 years old, you could feel that in her. And the sharpness of her focus," he said.
Suggesting that the founding of his own company was "inevitable … an epiphany," Rioult also recalled Graham advising him: "You don't choose to be a choreographer, it chooses you."
He mused, "It's like finding the right person in marriage. You just know, and I didn't question it."
Rioult, which he founded in 1994 and features 11 dancers and one apprentice, makes its first appearance in the greater Washington, D.C., area at George Mason University's Center for the Arts on March 8.
Its Mason program consists of four pieces that are different in style and period. They include: 2011's "Celestial Tides," danced to Johann Sebastian Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 6;" two works danced to music by Maurice Ravel: 1995's "Wien," set to "La Valse," and 2008's "Bolero," set to the piece by the same name; and 2011's "On Distant Shores," a work inspired by Helen of Troy and danced to music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis.
"I always try to give the audience a well-balanced meal but with different ingredients and tastes. … It's not just putting steps to music," he said.
Very architectural, his dances, he explained, are like successful buildings. They are both functional and visually pleasing, and they must abide by certain laws of physics, Rioult said.
"I like works to be both intriguing and interesting, a bit off-kilter but structurally sound. … I concentrate on the patterns dancers make on stage; it looks very architectural … Modern technique informed by very classic forms," he said.
The challenge, he noted, is to continue to evolve and find new forms of expression without "losing the soul behind it."
While his individual style favors abstract forms, in which structure is preeminent, it retains undercurrents of strong emotion, sensuality and sexuality. These qualities, he said, come naturally from the way his dancers move, how their bodies relate to the space and each other and their exceptional muscle tone and physicality.
Amplifying his choreography's sensuality is Rioult's penchant for lots of partnering and duet work. He said, "I love people, and I love women, and it just comes out."
His dancers, he emphasized, fit no particular type. What unites them is the ability to go "beyond what the normal human body would do. That's what makes it so exciting; what makes modern dance so powerful," he said. "Within reason, I push them beyond physics and physicality."
Also critical is that they "must believe in what I do … be there for the work."
Difficult, dramatic and symbolic "Wein," choreographed a year after the founding of his company, is a signature Rioult work. Part of his "Ravel Project," Rioult, who has a self-described "great affinity" for Ravel music, regards "Wein" as an important piece ... a piece that greatly developed his "craft."
"It was like learning from a master and then finding my own way," he said.
A "choreographic poem for orchestra," "La Valse" was written by Ravel for the Ballets Russes two years after the end of World War I but was never produced by that legendary company. The vortex-like trajectory of its waltz-themed music has been described as a metaphor for the destruction of old imperial Europe in the aftermath of the war.
"Ravel takes the Vienna waltz and twists it until it explodes at the end," said Rioult, who is among those who see it as a "metaphor for a society being taken into a whirlpool of violence and shredded … a very intricate piece physically and emotionally."
Though as a Frenchman, it vividly reminds him of the Nazi period, Rioult does not consider "Wein" a period piece but finds multiple other modern-day analogies, including what is now happening in Syria.
"I don't put it at the end of program," he said, "because of the feelings it leaves you with."
In contrast, while Rioult's choreography for "Wein" is very expressionistic, his interpretation of Ravel's "Bolero" is a purely abstract piece and its patterns are most striking seen from above.
"In the cheap seats, you get a better view; in the first row you get sweat," Rioult said only half joking. You could almost picture him grinning on the other side of the phone.
Perhaps Ravel's most famous and incessantly played work, Rioult said his challenge was "how to top that," how to do something new.
He said he took his cue from a famous, repeated phrase in "Bolero," which is famed for its crescendo. While Ravel had hundreds of musicians, he has choreographed for only eight dancers. So, he needed to find a way to build that crescendo, that intensity.
What he did was to build up the energy and movement by building up the intricacy of the patterns, creating a "dancing machine that starts slowly and revs up and revs up."
Extremely demanding, Rioult's "Bolero" is made up of 17 variations on Ravel's crescendo. "My dancers said no way," he recalled, "but they do it. It's a real tour de force physically."
After working for more than three years with Ravel and four years on a Stravinsky program, Rioult gravitated to the ultimate challenge, Bach.
"Celestial Tides," choreographed to Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 6," in Rioult's hands is a pure dance piece, done "for the pure joy of the body moving in space and time."
Opening the Mason evening, Rioult describes it as celebrating the excitement and beauty of both dance and life itself.
A kind of double duet, while it has no sexual content, it has great sensuality and male vulnerability, he suggested.
Its name, "Celestial Tides," he said, references the movement of the planets and "Bach's divine harmony."
In the fourth piece in the Mason program, "Distant Shore," the dance came first and inspired the music.
Although set to a commissioned piece of modern music, "Distant Shore," like the works of Graham, evokes ancient myths. Inspired by Helen of Troy and the great warriors of the Trojan War—Achilles and Ajax, Paris and Hector, "Distant Shore" is "a fantasy voyage … a piece about redemption."
Also, perhaps, setting the record straight, Helen, Rioult suggested, takes a bad rap and was used by men as a pretext to go to war. He wondered, "What if these great warriors had lived [rather than died] for her."
An impressionistic dance piece, Rioult said "Distant Shore" is very sensual, a piece with a strong emotional undercurrent.
Among Rioult's missions — the man and his company — is educational outreach. In keeping with that, though not open to the public, Rioult will be teaching a masterclass for the dancers in Mason's School of Dance on March 7.
Rioult also will be conducting the pre-performance discussion before his company's dance performance. This talk is open to the public.
"Modern dance has a bad reputation … so we do outreach very often," he said. "Demystifying the genre is important."


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GuideStar Advanced Search API
GuideStar is an information service that reports on IRS-registered nonprofit organizations in the U.S. Their database provides information about each company's finances, impact, governance, reputation, programs, legitimacy, mission, etc. This search API allows you to Search GuideStar's most common set of data about nonprofits to quickly find organizations most relevant to your users, and use those results to get more data from their other APIs. This advanced search API allows for more specific queries.
GuideStar Charity Check API, GuideStar Exchange API, Search API, Advanced Search API, Detail API, and Simplify Common Data Profile API
Allows for more advanced search queries
HTTP Basic Auth
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The Defense Department offers the second in a series of briefings on enemy prisoner of war issues on Wednesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. EDT, via satellite-teleconference to the DoD Briefing Studio, Pentagon, Room 2E781.
Topic for this event will be EPW treatment, and Law of War as it applies in the field. Speakers will include Army Col. John Della Jacono, deputy chief of staff for the Coalition Forces Land Component Commander, along with several staff members from the newly-opened Theater Internment Facility (TIF) in Umm Qasr, Iraq. This TIF is the main holding facility for Iraqi prisoners from Operation Iraqi Freedom. TIF staff speakers will include various police, medical, religious, and translator personnel.
The final briefing from this series will take place on Friday morning, April 11, at 9 a.m. This briefing will be satellite-teleconferenced live from the hospital ship, USNS Comfort, in the Arabian Gulf. The USNS Comfort has been providing enemy prisoners of war with medical care since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Media representatives without a Pentagon building pass who are interested in attending this event must have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification and be at the Pentagon North Parking Entrance by 8:30 a.m. Please call (703) 697-5131 for escort into the building.


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Thank you. If a matching email exists we will send you an email in a few minutes with instructions on how to reset your password.
Don't forget to check your spam folder if you cannot find the email. For further assistance please contact us at email@example.com .Okay
CB Station
In heavy-duty cream cotton canvas with turquoise accents, this boat bag is a fresh take on a classic style.


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• The 21st annual National Association of Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" Postal Food Drive will be held today. This is the country's largest one-day food collection effort. People can participate by hanging a bag of non-perishable food on their mailboxes for their mail carriers to pick up. The most needed items are canned meats, boxed meals, pasta, cooking oil, canned fruit, peanut butter and jelly. To learn more, contact NALC Food Drive Co-Coordinator Coleen Mundy at (919) 770-2956.
• The drama department will present "The Taming of the Shrew" at 7 p.m. at Lee County High School; admission is $5. The play is being put on by two advanced theatre arts classes. One class will perform on Wednesday and Friday, and the other on Thursday and Saturday.
• A fun shoot will be held at 10 a.m. (registration and the Wobble Deck open at 9 a.m.) at Deep River Sporting Clays, 284 Cletus Hall Road, Sanford. Entry is $50 for non-members, $35 for members. This is a 100-target shoot. Each class winner will receive a $25 gift certificate.
• The Carolina Pines Ballroom Chapter 6091 USA Dance invites the public to its "Mother's May Blossom Dance, staring at 7 p.m. at 105 McReynolds St., Carthage (across the street from Fred's on the second floor of the Sinclair Building). The dance begins with snacks, followed by a complimentary dance lesson from 7:30-8 p.m., and open dancing from 8-10 p.m. Singles and couples are welcome. Please bring an appetizer or a food to share. The cost is $7 for members, $10 for guests. All first-time guests get in free.
• The Temple Theatre will present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at 8 p.m. at 120 Carthage St., Sanford. Tickets can be bought in person or by contacting the box office at (919) 774-4155 or email@example.com. Ticket prices are: adult, $23; Thursday night adult, $19; children/student, $13; Lee County teacher/educator, active military and groups of 10 or more, $19. See www.templeshows.com.
• Lee County Arts Council presents The Barnyard Bash from noon-4 p.m. in Depot Park The event will feature barbecue plates, entertainment, children's activities and the auction of The Sanford Strutters. The big auction will be at 2 p.m. This event marks the grand finale of the Lee county Arts Council's first community arts project of 2012/2013, "LCAC Sanford Strutters." For additional information, please contact Beth Whitehead, executive director, at (919) 774-6139 or via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
• The Rooster's Wife brings twelve more shows this season, starting at 6:46 p.m., to the listening room of Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., in downtown Aberdeen. The rooms seats 110, with additional seating under the awning and on the patio. Americana sensation Harpeth Rising comes to Aberdeen tonight to celebrate Mother's Day with community music. Shows are family friendly. Admission to this week's show is $15. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit theroosterswife.org, call (910) 944-7502 or email email@example.com.
• The Temple Theatre will present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at 2 p.m. at 120 Carthage St., Sanford. Tickets can be bought in person or by contacting the box office at (919) 774-4155 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Ticket prices are: adult, $23; Thursday night adult, $19; children/student, $13; Lee County teacher/educator, active military and groups of 10 or more, $19. See www.templeshows.com.
• The First Baptist Church of Sanford and Sandhills Center LME will sponsor a free, community-wide educational event from 5:30-7 p.m. The topic is "Understanding Emotional Disorders in Children." This should be an informative session for parents, foster parents, professionals and others working with children. Child care and light dinner provided free, but registration is required. To register, contact Linda Swann, firstname.lastname@example.com, or call toll free 1-877-776-6702.
• The May meeting of Republican Women of Lee County will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Lee GOP headquarters, 101 S. Steele St., Sanford. Joyce Cotten, chairperson of the second congressional district, will be the speaker. Come enjoy good fellowship with other conservatives.
• The public alert notification sirens around the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant will be tested from 10-11 a.m. The 83 sirens within 10 miles of the plant will be tested at full volume for approximately five seconds. The test may be performed more than once to make sure each siren works properly. This test is conducted in cooperation with the State of North Carolina, as well as Chatham, Harnett, Lee and Wake counties. Progress Energy Carolinas performs full-volume tests annually. Silent tests are conducted every two weeks, and short duration, full-volume tests every three months. Questions about the tests may be directed to county or state emergency management agencies.
• The Democratic Women of Lee County will meet at 6 p.m. at Democratic Headquarters at 143 Charlotte Ave. Bob Atwater, Former Senator for District 18 (Chatham, Durham, Lee), will present the program. For questions, please call Lynda F. Turbeville, president, at (919) 776-9916.
• The N.C. History Quiz Bowl will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the Old Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and presented by The Lee County Library, the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum and the Museum of the Cape Fear. To participate, call the library at (919) 718-4665.
• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Sanford.
• The Veterans Upward Bound program of Chatham/Lee/Harnett/Johnston/Wake counties will host an informational session about VUB resources and services from 5-7 p.m. in Room 9107, Science Building, Central Carolina Community College's Lee County Campus, 1105 Kelly Drive, Sanford. The conference is for veterans who want to return to school and obtain an associate or bachelor's degree, as well as for professionals working with veterans. For more information, call (919) 718-7463 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Residents of Nemaha county and adjacent areas experienced tremors at about 9:00 p.m. yesterday. USGS has confirmed that most parts of Nebraska did experience an earthquake. The magnitude of the earthquake on the Ric hter scale is measured to be around 3.5. Popular news channels and news papers offices started receiving a barrage of telephone calls to know more about the damage and about the danger of the aftershocks.
The full investigation of the damage done would be carried out this morning, however it is suspected that the earthquake may have caused broken gas lines or some minor damage only. The earthquake's affects were felt even as far as in some parts of Missouri.
U.S Geological survey's immediate press release says that the earthquake is the result of 'Humboldt Fault Line'. The earthquake originated from a point near Auburn. They have assured the residents that the aftershocks are felt as a result of the earthquakes whose epi centre is located near the surface of earth.
However the present 3.5 magnitude earthquake had its epicenter located deeper so there is no apparent danger of further aftershock.
There is no news of any serious damage to property or lives until now however the full details would be available only after the investigation of to be carried out in the morning when teams would be sent to the affected areas.
The fault line are places where huge under the earth plates meet each other. Earthquakes result when the plates move against each other. Nebraska has also experienced some minor and major earthquakes in the past.
Read more here:
Nebraska Earthquake


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Last Updated: August 6, 2013
RiverRock To Open Denver Office
NEWPORT BEACH, CA-The Western-based property-management firm will operate throughout California, Arizona and the greater Denver area, president Steve Core tells GlobeSt.com in an UPDATE to this morning�s story.
You can now be notified via email if this story is updated by clicking on the "Follow this Story" link. You must be a registered member to take advantage of this "members only" benefit.


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Tuesday, September 2, 2014 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
A two-part program for UTHealth students, faculty and staff. Topics include "Overview of Clinical Technology," presented by Kristine Estes and Dr. Steve Laman; and "IT Security Brush-Up 2014," presented by Beverly Moore. Presentations will be short to allow time for questions.
Location: SOD 4340
Contact: Hal Halpin


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Hang tight!
Recipe by SHARONAIR
"This is a great side dish that goes well with beef entrees. It combines sour cream, horseradish and garlic salt in a creamy sauce. My friend Libby makes this all the time for her dinner parties!"
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1 pound
asparagus spears, ends trimmed
1 1/2 cups
sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons
prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon
garlic salt
1 1/2 tablespoons
butter, melted
1/2 cup
dry bread crumbs
My fiance made this dish for me and it turned out to be one of my favourites yet. Easy and delicious! I would recommend using more than the 1 lbs of asparagus though. There was plenty of sauce to go around.
i was so disappointed in this. i absolutely loved the sauce - before i put it on the asparagus and then broiled it. something happened to the consistency of it when it went in the oven. it looked terrible. i won't make this one again. i do, however, think that the sour cream/horseradish mixture would be great as a sauce on top of a burger or roast beef sandwich.
19 Ratings
I made this for Easter dinner. I adjusted the recipe as follows: 4 lbs asparagus, 2 cups reduced fat sour cream, 3 Tbsp butter, 1.5 cups bread crumbs, 3Tbsp horseradish, garlic powder, salt, pepper to taste. I quadrupled the asparagus called for, and only added 1/2 cup more sour cream, and everyone thought there was more than enough sauce. The entire thing took less than 20 minutes to assemble and cook.
Really good and different way to prepare asparagus. As others have said you could use more asparagus because there was more than enough sauce. Be careful not to burn them at the end.
Unlike the previous review, this was a huge Christmas success! I used the recommended ingredients and followed the recipe to the letter, and I got nothing but compliments! It was delicious and simple - I highly recommend it!
This is AWESOME; easy, quick and a beautiful presentation. Will make again and would be great for a lovely holiday dish to bring and share. (I did decrease the amounts of the sour cream sauce and could have halved that portion of the recipe.)
Very delicious, quick, and easy. I made half the amount of sauce and it was the perfect amount. The crispiness of the bread crumbs is amazing. I would definitely make this for guests because it looks appealing as well.
This is a wonderful way to do asparagus; definitely a keeper! After reading the reviews about all the sauce, I cut back on the sour cream to 1 cup and kept the horseradish the same. Due to a wheat allergy, I had to find a gluten-free alternative to the bread crumbs, so I used finely chopped/ground nuts. Very easy to make, too.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Sour Cream and Horseradish Asparagus
Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 302
Calories from Fat: 210
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West Virginia Outlasts Oakland
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Aaric Murray came off the bench to score 12 points and grab 10 rebounds to lead West Virginia to a 76-71 victory over Oakland Wednesday night at the WVU Coliseum.
West Virginia (5-5) trailed by as many as eight points in the first half, and by as many as seven early in the second half, before Murray keyed a strong finish for the Mountaineers.
"We don't sustain things and we didn't rebound the ball," said West Virginia coach Bob Huggins of his team's 34-32 disadvantage on the glass to a much smaller Oakland team. Because Oakland was having success against West Virginia's bigger lineup, Huggins was forced to go small to counteract that.
"The problem I think with playing that small is we don't rebound the ball," said Huggins. "We got out-rebounded by two, turned it over 15 times and they were dumb turnovers. We dropped it out of bounds twice."
Following a Ryan Bass 3 that gave Oakland a 47-40 lead, Murray responded with a traditional three-point play when he scored along the baseline, was fouled by Corey Petros, and converted his free throw.
Two Juwan Staten free throws cut the Grizzlies lead to two and then Eron Harris busted a 3 from the corner to give West Virginia a 48-47 lead. With the score tied at 52, Keaton Miles knocked down back-to-back 3s from the corner, Staten converted another traditional three-point play, and Dominique Rutledge threw down an alley oop pass from Staten to give West Virginia its biggest lead of the game at nine, 63-54, with 9:03 left.
However, three empty offensive possessions by the Mountaineers allowed Oakland to chip away, the Grizzlies getting a basket from Drew Valentine and a deep 3 from Travis Bader to reduce West Virginia's lead to six, 66-60. Free throws from Valentine and Bader, and another long 3 from Duke Mondy cut West Virginia's lead to two, 68-66, with 5:34 remaining.
Juwan Staten hit an open jumper at the top of the key to make it a four-point game, but Bader eventually tied it up at 71 with his sixth 3 with 2:29 to go.
Gary Browne hit a critical jumper with 1:50 to go as the shot clock was winding down to make it 73-71, and then Murray came up with a pair of big rebounds that led to three free throws that iced the game.
"We went to a little half court pressure and I thought that got us going, got us out in transition and got us some baskets," said Huggins.
A key stat in the game was West Virginia outscoring Oakland's bench 37-2, with 11 different Mountaineer players scoring.
"The plan coming in was we were going to play 10 guys and try and wear them out and I don't know how much we wore them out," said Huggins. "We were going to play full-court pressure and do some things but quite frankly, that's hard to do when you can't guard the ball."
Staten added 11, going 3 for 3 from the floor and 5 for 5 from the line, Miles came off the bench to contribute 10 and Terry Henderson added 10.
In addition to his double-double, Murray also contributed five block and four assists in 24 minutes of action.
"(Murray) would have played a whole lot more if he hadn't got into foul trouble," said Huggins. "I thought he was a factor around the rim. He's got great hands. If he gets a hand on it he's going to keep it."
Bader led everyone with 25 points while Valentine added 15 and Petros scored 14.
"They are good and they are extremely well coached," said Huggins. "Greg (Kampe) does a great job with them."
Oakland, which led Pitt by 14 in the second half before losing by 10 in overtime, drops to 4-8.
"We shoot 53 percent (52.9%) and they shoot 40 (40.4%) and it's a heck of a game," said Huggins. "ust think if we don't make any shots."
West Virginia has a quick turnaround facing Radford in a late afternoon game at the Coliseum on Saturday.
West Virginia Mountaineers, WVU, Oakland Grizzlies, Big 12 Conference men's basketball
Big 12 Media Days: Karl Jospeh
Men's Basketball: Bahamas Preview
Womens Soccer: Kadeisha Buchanan Press Conference
Big 12 Media Days: Dana Holgorsen
Women's Soccer: Amanda Hill and Mocha
Big 12 Media Days: Nick Kwiatkoski


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The only thing better than a fresh bouquet of flowers in January is sporting a floral blazer. Not quite the same thing, but hey, it's a close second. Throw in a sequin headband and that's my kind of Monday :)
Winter Florals
posted on: January 6, 2014
The only thing better than a fresh bouquet of flowers in January is sporting a floral blazer. Not quite the same thing, but hey, it's a close second. Throw in a sequin headband and that's my kind of Monday :)
15 comments:
You are the sweetest! Adore you floral blazer and your sequins bow, just adorbs!ReplyDelete
Cee. ♥
Code Overdressed
- AnonymousMon Jan 06, 01:59:00 PM
Love this outfit! Is the floral blazer from Forever 21 a recent purchase?ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you :) The blazer was recent, maybe a month ago? xoDelete
Aww this is such a cute outfit! Your hair looks amazing!ReplyDelete
Love this look - I'm dreaming of being able to wear warm things as I just did in Texas! Have yet to purchase a floral blazer, but am thinking it's about time. Happy New Year!ReplyDelete
you are just the cutest!! and I love that blazer so much, can't believe it's from forever21!ReplyDelete
what a fun blazer and that headband is so darling! i need that blazer lolReplyDelete
C's Evolution of Style
Ahhhh I've had that blazer in my cart for a while and I just realized it sold out :( so sad! You look gorgeous as always my friend! xxReplyDelete
This is adorable Alicia, I love everything about this outfit! The backdrop is gorgeous too.ReplyDelete
Love this esp jacket - great blog in generalReplyDelete
I love your headband!ReplyDelete
xo Jennifer
This is such a cute outfit, the floral blazer is amazing & your headband is so adorable. As always, great photos!ReplyDelete
Beautiful look and the view is breathtaking!!!ReplyDelete
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text:
The photograph of the recumbent ridden Saturday by Jackson physician Russell Rooks following an accident late that afternoon on the Natchez Trace Parkway in which Rooks was hit from behind by a motorist. Rooks and the bicycle went airborne, and Rooks, still on the bicycle, was thrown to the shoulder of the road, luckily receiving only scrapes and bruises. The mangled bike now sits at RideSouth, a recumbent bicycle shop in Brandon owned by Jim Snider.
- Filed Under
RideSouth owner Jim Snider today wrote a blog entry on the site of his Brandon business, www.ridesouth.com, in which he described the accident Saturday afternoon on the Natchez Trace Parkway in which Jackson surgeon Russell Rooks riding a recumbent bicycle, was hit from behind by a motorist driving 50 mph.
"I'm looking at this bike right now," Snider said today from RideSouth, the largest recumbent bicycle dealer in the South. "His seat might have saved him."
Here is Snider's blog entry, titled "Reflections: A Living Story." ...


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Everyday and luxury pens and pencils
Colouring & Sketching
Brush pens, drawing pencils, colouring pencils and pencil erasers
Tombow Pens
Since 1913 Tombow of Japan has been associated with designer writing instruments and original office products. Each Tombow product is a successful fusion of beauty, ergonomics and technical perfection. Appearance and practicality complement one another.
Many Tombow products have received renowned design prizes, such as the 'Haus Industrieform' (Essen) prize, the 'Industrie Forum Design Hanover' prize and the 'Design Plus Award' from the well-known Frankfurt Paperworld show. These awards reflect the perfection and innovation this company constantly aims for, and achieves.
The Tombow range includes fountain pens, rollerball and ballpoint pens, alongside multifunctional writing instruments.
You can read a review of the Tombow Airpress ballpoint pen on our blog.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us, as we are able to supply you with any item you would like from the Tombow pen collection.
ABT Brush Pen ($2.78)£1.78
Double ended brush pen with bush tip for colouring large areas and fine tip for detail work. Available in 95 colours, blend-able with the blender pen.
ABT Brush Pen Set of 6 ($18.39)£11.80
Pack of 6 Tombow ABT brush pens. Available in 5 colourways.
ABT Brush Pen Set of 12 ($36.79)£23.60
Pack of 12 Tombow ABT brush pens. Available in 5 colourways.
ABT Brush Pen Set of 18 ($55.21)£35.42
Pack of 18 Tombow ABT brush pens. Available in 4 colourways.
Mono Zero Eraser ($4.51)£2.89
Precision refillable eraser pen.
Mono One Eraser ($3.38)£2.17
Handy pocket size pencil eraser.
AirPress ($5.30)£3.40
The AirPress ballpoint pen delivers pressurised ink simply by clicking the button to extend the point to write.
Havanna ($53.80 - $63.68)£34.52 - £40.85
Inspired by Cuban Cigars, winner of two design awards. Avaliable as Fountain and Roller Ball pens.
Ladies Telescopic Ballpoint Pens ($39.80)£25.53
A small, telescopic, designer ball pen with leather case.
Object ($26.53 - $39.80)£17.02 - £25.53
The Object collection is a range of vibrant coloured fountain and roller ball pens.
Olno ($6.48)£4.16
A range of mechanical pencils with a clever 'body bend' mechanism with brightly coloured translucent barrels and large contrasting rubberised grip section.
Onbook ($5.30)£3.40
The slim bean-shaped profile of the Tombow Onbook has been designed to be the perfect pen for clipping to the cover or spine of a notebook or journal, whilst being comfortable to use.
PFit ($3.17)£2.03
A clever, compact and eye-catching pen, the Tombow PFit features a over-sized clip with a clever mechanism.
Reporter 4 ($3.48)£2.23
Multifunction pen with 4 colours, large comfortable rubberised grip section and sprung clip.
Reporter 4 Compact ($3.17)£2.03
A compact 4 colour multifunction pen available in 6 vibrant colours.
XPA Telescopic Ballpoint Pens ($31.82 - $32.44)£20.42 - £20.81
A sporty, telescopic ball pen. Available in black or silver.
Zoom 101 Carbon Fibre Pens ($95.53 - $105.06)£61.28 - £67.40
Sleek new range of light-weight carbon fibre pens avaliable as fountain, rollerball and ball pens.
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The Tombow Zoom 707 is probably the thinnest writing instrument in the world. The multi-award winning Zoom 707 is available as a ball pen or mechanical pencil.
Zoom 707 de Luxe ($37.15)£23.83
A de Luxe version of the popular slim Tombow Zoom 707 pen and pencil in shiny chrome.
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A very compact and slender ball pen available in three vibrant colours.
Zoom 727 ($42.45)£27.23
The Zoom 727 is an award winning, slim ball pen of modern design.
We carry the complete range of Tombow pen refills including the excellent 'Superpen' rollerball refill, ballpoint refills, pencils leads and erasers


text:
The Lady Mocs improved to 5-10 overall while the Lady Toppers drop to 9-5 on the year.
Annie Green put the Lady Mocs up 2-0 with a straight sets win at the No. 5 spot. Emily Hangstefer earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 3 over Margot Van Bussel and Jennemieke van der Veek clinched the win with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Western Kentucky's Jacomiey Feilzer at the No. 2 spot. Charlotte Bossy earned UTC's fifth point with a 6-0, 7-5 over Jessi Brown at No. 4.
At the No. 1 spot Western Kentucky's Marlou Van Bussel won the first set 6-2 and the Lady Mocs' Shaina Singh came back to split the match with a 6-2 decision in the second set. Since the match was already decided in
In doubles action,
The Lady Mocs will return to Southern Conference action with a Wednesday match against Samford at the UTC Tennis Courts at 2 p.m.
1. Marlou Van Bussel (WKU) def. Shaina Singh (UTC) 6-2, 3-6, 10-6
2. Jennemieke van der Veek (UTC) def. Jacomiey Feilzer (WKU) 6-1, 6-3
3. Emily Hangstefer (UTC) def. Margot Van Bussel (WKU) 6-1, 6-0
4. Charlotte Bossy (UTC) def. Carrie True (WKU) 6-0, 7-5
5. Annie Green (UTC) def. Jessi Brown (WKU) 6-0, 6-0
6. Brianna Wishing (UTC) forfeit
1. Marlou Van Bussel/Margot Van Bussel (WKU) def. Charlotte Bossy/Jennemieke van der Veek (UTC) 8-3
2. Emily Hangstefer/Brianna Wishing (UTC) def. Jacomiey Feilzer/Carrie True (WKU) 8-6
3. Annie Green/Kate Ksiezopolski (UTC) forfeit
Order of finish: Doubles (1,2); Singles (3,5,4,2,1)


text:
Key things you need to know aboutDr. Loomis:
Dr. Loomis' Experience
Research training, expertise and qualifications
Dr. Loomis' Specialties
- Neurosurgery
Procedures Dr. Loomis Performs
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Shunt - Insertion, Repair or Removal
- Craniectomy, Craniotomy, Surgery of Skull Base, Neuroendoscopy
- See all 11 procedures
Conditions Dr. Loomis Treats
- Brain and Nervous System Cancer (incl. Gliomas, Astrocytoma, Schwannoma, Medulloblastoma, Chordoma)
- Brain Aneurysm
- See all 33 conditions
More About Dr. Loomis' Background
Hospital Quality
The right hospital is as important as the right doctor
- Mission Health
- 509 Biltmore Avenue
- Asheville, NC 28801
- Pardee UNC Healthcare
- 800 North Justice Street
- Hendersonville, NC 28791
9 Facts About Hospital Quality
Patients' risk of dying during a hospital stay for heart bypass surgery could be 85.2% lower, on average, at a hospital rated 5 stars compared to a hospital rated 1 star for that procedure. Choosing the right hospital is critical to your health. View Slideshow
Patient Satisfaction
Patients' feedback on their experience with Dr. Loomis
Likelihood of recommending Dr. Loomis to family and friends is 3.7 out of 5 5 1 31
See More Survey Results
8 Facts About Patient Satisfaction Surveys
Patient satisfaction surveys provide a standardized way of reporting about healthcare experiences. But there can be more than meets the eye when reviewing scores. Here's what you should know
Appointments & Offices
Check insurance plans, locations and make an appointment
Accepting new patients?
- Yes
- Carolina Spine/Neurosurgery Ctr
- Asheville Office
- 7 Vanderbilt Park Dr Bldg 7
- Asheville, NC 28803
7 Tips to Prepare for Your Appointment
The key to a successful appointment is communication. To get the most out of your visit, prepare ahead of time so you can lead the conversation with your doctor. These 7 tips will get you ready
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Want a chance to win some fantastic prizes to heat up the cool Autumn nights? Join me on the Lucky13 Blog Hop!
My novels run the range from sweet and sexy to sweet and smoking hot so you have a chance to win one of each, among other prizes. DECADENCE is my most recent Ellora's Cave release. It definitely falls in the smoking hot category because it's all about a couple reigniting the passion in their marriage—and the do! They really, really do. And most of the story takes place on a single fall day. Autumn has always been my favorite season (beautiful colors as the leaves change, apple and pumpkin picking, dressing up for Halloween, starting the fireplace up again) but I get the feeling everyone would pick fall as their favorite season if it guaranteed them a day like Eric and Jessica have in Decadence.
Here's the blurb…
In eight years of marriage, Eric Carlson has never forgotten to kiss his wife Jessica goodbye—until this morning. As Jessica runs her errands, all she can think about is the missing kiss. When Eric calls to tell her he thinks he left the toaster oven on, she rushes home, annoyed and afraid her house may be burning down. Instead of smoke and flames she finds Eric, looking hot and sexy as hell as he prepares fresh waffles.
Eric knows he and Jessica have been drifting apart. He's bought the hot new product everyone's talking about—the Spice Rack, guaranteed to spice up your love life. The jar he opens advises them to "Spend a decadent day indulging all your senses." With the whole day ahead of them, a fridge full of tempting treats and the house to themselves for a change, that's exactly what Eric intends to do—in the kitchen, on the washing machine, wherever the mood strikes. And Jessica's got a super-steamy surprise for him too.
To be entered for a chance to win an e-copy of Decadence, leave me a comment and let me know YOUR favorite thing about fall. (One winner will be chosen at random—open internationally!)
For a chance to win my sweet but still exceptionally sexy foodie romance, THEN,AGAIN enter the main BLOG HOP drawing for the TREAT prize package.
THEN, AGAIN is also a seasonal love story as it takes place during a summer spent at the beach.
Here's a peak at the blurb…
Sometimes you have to lose it all to find what you really need.
Photographer Kay Turner is dealt a double whammy when she flies home for her grandmother's funeral to find her boyfriend with another woman. Now with two losses to mourn, she retreats to her newly inherited beach house to clear her head.
Everything at the beach is familiar: the sounds of the ocean, the scent of her grandmother's perfume—and the irresistible smile of James Margolis. The man Kay spent her adolescence pining for is every bit as charming as she remembers.
James always thought of Kay as "a nice kid", but he feels something very different for the woman she's become. Especially when he asks if she'd be willing to part with some of her grandmother's recipes for his new restaurant—and they wind up sharing much more than culinary secrets.
But as their relationship deepens, Kay finds herself caught between the demands of her dream career as a travel photographer, and a chance for happiness with the one man she's wanted for a lifetime.
Product Warnings: This foodie romance contains sensual scone baking, a heroine who discovers one bad apple hasn't spoiled her appetite, and a delicious hero you can't help but crave. Blend well, serve hot.
Be sure to take a look at the list of awesome authors below so you can follow the Hop and enter all the contests. Stop at each of their blogs and see what they're giving away plus get more chances to win the grand prize! And don't forget to fill out the rafflecopter entry form! Good luck to all. I look forward to reading your comments below and giving away a copy of DECADENCE to the lucky winner. Happy Fall!


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The more you load your hips, the more power you generate. The more power you generate, the faster you go. Aram demonstrates an exercise that will help you to do just that.
Health, Fitness and Wellness daily video blog
Discover the best in original web series.
© 2014 Blip Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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March 12, 2010
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --- The University of New Mexico has reached an agreement with Arizona State University to schedule a future home-and-home series in football Lobo head coach Mike Locksley announced Friday.
The games will be played Saturday, September 13, 2014 at University Stadium in Albuquerque and Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Sun Devil Stadium/Kush Field in Tempe.
"Arizona State is a great program with a lot of history and we are pleased to announce this agreement," said Locksley. "This gives us an opportunity to play a regional opponent which is great for the fans and renew a series that dates back to the early 1930s. We wanted to find an opponent that would be exciting for the fans and close enough for them to travel. We did that with Arizona State."
New Mexico has not face Arizona State since 1977 but did battle the Sun Devils every year between 1965 and 1977 when both were members of the Western Athletic Conference.
ASU and UNM have met 28 times on the football field. The Sun Devils hold a 22-5-1 series advantage and have won 17 straight. The series dates back to the 1932 season. New Mexico's last win was in 1942, 35-7, in Albuquerque. The Lobos trail in the series 1-12-1 when playing in Tempe and 4-10 when facing ASU at home.