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passer is spot on! I work in a elementary school with almost 500 kids. With four Special ed self contained classrooms totaling 74 kids with AI, CI, SXI, EI certs. Add in the other 90 special ed student who are placed in regular ed classrooms that equals approx 164 kids with serious issues that are addressed each day. It is almost statistically impossible for this school to earn high AYP. The BELL CURVE is a constant and the bottom 15% of the student population probably has an IQ in the range of 65 - 80 ! Feel free Dave to face the reality that this 15% of the population likely will never be self sufficient as adults. We already have in Michigan like 30% of the population on the states dime, part of that is the economy but there are alot of people with serious cognive impairments who cannot function in a way that the state would consider proficient. Not that it's the kid's fault because it's not. with the remaining 336 students, I'd estimate that 50% have parent who could care less. That leaves about 168 students who should be able to pass the MEAP. Add it all up and it's a statistical disaster that isn't very accurate as to what we actually do. Dave from Mlive really needs to get a clue as to what goes on each day. I see approx 10 meltdowns a day with kids screaming, pounding and throwing themselves on the floor in a fit or either anger, frustration or inabilty to interact with people. So many of our kids aren't living and learning as we would hope. Far too many are in survival mode. When your worried about your safety each day due to a crap home nothing else matters. School is the only structure many kids have. I don't have the answer but it cannot be legislated, quality families create kids who are taught correctly by parents who have modeled appropriate behavior over a period of years. You can't put that in a book or on a test.
Nobody has said a thing about the retirement fund boards who decide how this money gets invested. Alot of bad decisions from local school districts up to the ISD's on up to the Michigan Office of Retirement Services. Who are the mystery people making all the terrible decisions? Talk about accountability at all levels of government. Some reform besides chopping teacher wages/benifits was expected but this has risen to the level of extermination of a whole sector of middle class professionals due to politics and UNION BUSTING. Sad that I made the choice for this profession. Never was looking to get rich but paycheck to paycheck wasn't really my undergrad or grad school plan. Oh well, moving on in life and not even gonna dwell on it.
Don Whites question was very valid. Now on the other hand, Dave Murrays answer was pretty sad. Educated, well read man up to date on most current issues in the state and he lays an egg for an answer to a good question. Last years news Dave? Come on, that's like having your home robbed then buying all your stuff back from the crook at a higher cost (piece by piece) then shaking his hand as if it was a partnership.
I'm quite conservative but welfare has to be cut off, local control needs to be left to the localities. Lansing can't micromange every community of fools. Thats why there will never be equality in Michigan or America, some people don't do anything but Leech off the state. They won't stop till they starve or are forced to make an effort. The super rich are completely out of touch with the real world. Middle class people are really hurting just to get by. Retirees are moving in with kids to pay for meds and taxes. More cops sounds good but that means more people locked up, more guards to pay. So much for small government, it's a catch 22. Sell me a plan to motivate the useless to learn a skill or get a decent work ethic and I'll vote for that guy. Playing the numbers game is silly and is only squeezing to poor smuck in the middle. If Snyder can work for a $1.00 yearly salary, why even work? You think he truly wants to fix our state? This is about EGO, POWER and helping out good buddies who helped him along the way for 30+ years. If I worked for $1.00 a year by choice I'd get some new hobbies other than attempting to lead a state where I have no real interest. If you have nothing to gain by working why bother? Stay home and golf each day
Wow! Ranking the business climate jumped from 49th to 7th!!!!! Thats amazing Rick Snyder, 80,000 PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS CREATED. Again AWESOME! Of those 80,000 I wonder how many pay less than $10.00 an hour? I'll bet 80-90% of those jobs are LOW WAGE positions. We already know the small business tax gift of $1,800,000,000 won't go to hiring more employees (My business owner buddies laugh, there taking family on a Carribbian cruise to drink and gamble for two weeks) So, back to the other 10-20% of new jobs, probably more like 5% will earn 50k + Which isn't much to brag about. Hey MLIVE, could you get some more data on this? I could make my own rankings and rate this rag of a news site last with the Macomb Daily a sliver above. Six more years and I'm off to the Bahamas forever. When all retirees leave the state they'll rethink that decision but SLICK DICK will be in Florida golfing with grandkids.
ICKYM, my god are you brainwashed? Sorry to hear about your 10 friends but please don't blame others. Poor driving, driving under the influence, suicide are all personal choices. Lung cancer can be attributed to smoking anything but many people who never smoked also get it. Only a ghetto piece of crap would shoot somebody over pot. I've read of dealers shooting people over tiny amounts. CRAZiNESS. If it were legal they'd still be here. Unfair ? yes, but many things in life are. I've made some poor choices and always looked in the mirror and faced my own reality of my choices. Sometimes I hate the consequence but thats how it is. Alcohol has caused millions of broken families and lives, I doubt pot has caused the same type of pain/destruction. I don't nor have I ever smoked but have seen many people partake.
Thats how they are raised! Somebody disrespect you, you beat them down. Walk through the hood and make eye contact with strangers they will attack you. Not the water but rather the culture. Anybody serious about reforming many middle/high schools needs to bring in ex-military personel to handle discipline. Possibly a district wide BOOT CAMP FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS complete with dorms. They will learn to act civilized or the next stop is JAIL/PRISON. I watched brawls at high school basketball/football games. You don't wanna get in the mix because you(the staff member of parent) might get killed or sued/arrested for trying to save some kid from being pounded. Most adults don't understand these kids. When they are fighting it's not over when one guy falls down with a bloody nose. Often times these kids will stomp and pound the hell outta somebody like they really wanna kill them. It's scary and the girls are often more ruthless then the boys. Those MEAP scores better rise soon or the staff will be replaced. I have friends that teach at numerous DPS schools and at too many times outta control. I'm in the burbs and it gets nuts too.
Julie, you're missing part of what teachers need to show marked improvement in scores. Tie pay to anything you want into the equation but CLASSRROM MANAGEMENT is the key. Huge difference between managing a classroom and dealing with illegal behavior. I have no problem running a tight ship but when kids start hitting, degrading others, I'm done. I'm not a social worker or a cop and admin needs to handle all the serious crap that we as classroom teachers get stuck with. Send kid to the office for punching another student and where I'm at they come back with a piece of candy (Crazy right). Admin would rather put it back on teachers to spends 80% of their time on a few clowns that have little chance to make it since they can't even follow the simpliest of directions. I just tell the victims to explain everything to mom and dad when they get home(Document everything for my own records). You'd think parents would call and go crazy (like I would if my boy came home with stories like these). Nope, Many parents don't care and any teacher rocking the boat by demanding the districts code of conduct gets followed will get payback. How about a follow the rules or find another place to go to school policy. Public School should be a privilage since it offers more opportunity to the largest variety of students than any other form of schooling ( I'm a catholic school boy where conformity was the law). I repeat myself alot but without firm, fair and consistent discipline you have nothing.
Continuing education is useful but only if done correctly. I've followed the process three times now and it's the dog and pony show. PAY, PAY and PAY soemore only to be extorted by the state for a valid certificate. Quality professional development? Most teachers along with myself haven't experienced much of that. I never have been one to speak up much in staff metting or PD days for fear of pissing the wrong people off. Here in Macomb county we have the amazing MISD(intermediate school district) sense the sarcasm. They do run an amazing center based group of schools for special needs students but other than that it's a waste of resources. Consultants always sing this amazing song in PD day or classes (CEU's paid for by the teachers themselves) that is in every one of my 30 + experiences have been days I wish I could forget (except for lunch, its always good).
Meaningful CEU courses or PD days need to be filled with activities that convey important concepts to appropriate grade levels. Maybe if my own building admin would allow me to bring in my own materials for science lesson they'd be more interesting. Try teaching about inclined planes, fulcrums, force, levers, pulleys without actually DOING IT? Making meaningful connections to every kids real life is a high priority for me. Reading stuff is boring, hearing about it may be interesting but DOING THINGS IS THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT IT. Less talk and more hands on doing works for me.
We can get a shot at the American dream. Right after all the illegals are deported or shot, bring all troops home or just kill every enemy of America and take their resources. Gas all the lifers in prison, hang Social Security scammers when found guilty and look at that. Americans might get a fair shot if the rules were fair. NAFTA and numerous other trade agreements along with open boarders and an anything goes attitude for about 70 years has got us here. Fair chance, people need to get a skill and get to work. Opps, no jobs left they all were sent overseas.
Sounds like it's too late for Highland Park, Detroit and a few other districts. There is a real, workable solution to this people. Put all the slugs in one school, districts can pool the slugs together so the average kids can learn. Pool the brightest together also, allow them to excel. The American way caters to the lowest common denominator (Aka slug and loser parent(s)). Drop the hammer on the clowns, demand from kids as well as parents to step it up so to speak. Some will scream and yell, hopefully they will leave to another district so decent people can exercise their right to learn. 250k to manage a 969 students district????? I know DPS gym, music and art teachers who see more than that in a week. I woud've done it right for 120k and promise 20% rise in MEAP scores or I'd do it for free. All a Snyder scam for his buddies, why not bring in MICHELLE RHEE? She is an expert leader on education according to her buddies/Snyder. Bring her in to HIGHLAND PARK and watch her get eaten alive.
Although I do not like agree with Sharptons bias towards catering to Blacks, he is right on this EFM law. This is not demacratic and if the elected official made deal they cant come through on they should be(Their city, county,state) responsible to make good on any contract. If I sign a contract I can be fored to abide by it in court. Why should cities/school districts be any different? Responsibility for ones action is a fundamental block of the republican party, how can they selectively choose when to enact it? This is wrong and I hope the cites when it is being forced RIOT to show the disdain since the voters voices aren't being heard in Michigan. We do not live in CHINA or IRAN this is AMERICA! Where is the federal oversight? Might be moving to Texas to establish residency so we can leave the union.
As a public schoolteacher, I am not for paddling but as a catholic school kid we were paddled. Although in my experience it wasn't abused, I see very real possibilities for abause. One thing I have noticed is since corporal punishment was outlawed schools have gone done the drain due to lack of discipline. Blame whomever you want but without discipline you cannot have order, high expectations and a good effort on the part of students (Look at our MILITARY, we are the best because of strict disciple and training. You cant live it by reading a story/book). I know people will say I must be a slacker and thats ok. I can handle it, fact of the matter is I spend 60% with the same 8 goofballs each day who have never had to follow directions, make an effort or take responsibility for their actions. If in the first two weeks of school I could swat one or two (The clown ring leaders) the other 99% would fall in line. I would bet my career my scores will rise significantaly (Special education students in self-contained classrooms would be exempt, they have other issues). Parents would scream abuse and sue but just ask a police officer what happens when a suspect or even a motorist doesn't comply with a direct order/instruction. They get ripped from a vehicle, slammed to the ground, arrested or tased. Kids have no clue that everybody must follow directions/orders from somebody. I have to follow the law and accept the concenquences (My choice). These kids get away with anything they want then as teenagers try it with the local police and BAM ! They get smacked down hard and rebel more (Hence all the little gangster wannabees out there), end up in prison. SPARE THE ROD, SPOIL THE CHILD has been the a constant truth for thousands of years. Legislature changed that constant and look what we have today? I didn't fear my teachers or father but I did know they DEMANDED a certain level of RESPECT and when that line was crossed you were going to accept the CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS. Mom called it tough love and we as a society need more of it.
Lynn Moore, are you kidding me? Villify the teachers then explain that upper admin won't be eating the 35% as teachers are because they are doing double duty. Meeting, smoozing with parents, dinners, board meetings, etc... It doesn't matter if your a supt of a 10 building system or 20 building system, meetings are just that, sitting and wasting time most often. Sure they get an extra secretary but don't try to make it look like these guys are working their tails off. They do work hard but no harder than they did 5-10 years ago, for over $150k a year hell, I would too. Make the teachers look stupid for saying no to a pay scale that would be at about 25k a year to start, maybe top out at 50k ! That would barely pay my student loan payment and utilities for a year. Those teachers better all walk away, pack up families and leave that town to anywhere. Spend 60k on an education then earn 25k while living in a trailor. The guy running the counter at 7-11 makes more than that.
Tell the feds to bud out of family farms. Jeez, next thing you know my kid won't be able to cut the grass because the mower is a deadly weapon you know. Hey, it's still legal for kids to climb trees right, thats a terribly dangerous activity. We wonder why our kids are becoming wimps. What ever happened to "get up, shake it off, you'll live" or "That's not bleeding, just drippin" , my favorite was ahhh"rub some dirt on it, you'll be fine". Mom always said, "a good days work would kill you kids" somebody was listening.
Higgs Boson, I agree with you. My kid isn't going to a public school (I don't pay $18k a year tuition but I would if I could afford it), I never did either until got a job in them. Problem isn't the school teachers, it's that no administrator wants to enforce discipline(unless they have too), hold failing kids back(only if parents agree), demand that parents show some sort of interest in whats going on/possibly try to solve an issue or two(Many don't answer/have phones, never return letters). Far too many parents have no clue how to raise their kids but they are good at making them. It's difficult to teach kids and get them on grade level when numerous rarely show up or actually try. Maybe using the extra cash for free sterilizations would be cost effective. I'm alot of things but a liberal is not one of them. Must be why the boss hates me, I don't smooze well.
Ableroon is right on. Why does Snyder send his kid to a $18,000 a year school? Because he wants his child to be around a better peer group of kids whose parent will keep a very watchful eye on pregress and activities. Also, it makes it easier for average or even bright children to progress without those pesty slow kids or any special needs children to eat up all the resources. Troublemakers, forget about about it. For $18,000 k a year you can bet mom/dad will lay the smack down but really there probably aren't any serious behavior issues because those kids are raised correctly to be respectful and listen. Lord Snyders BEST PRACTICES cannot be reproduced because the raw material (Kids) suppliers (parents) are well quite different with many lacking the ability/will/desire to demand more from their children. Every public school is a DIRECT REFLECTION on the community they are located. SOC has changed this by allowing people who don't belong in a community (Should have moved there or at least rent there) to invade (AKA DETROIT) to all inner ring suburbs. Rep Shirkey needs to take a field trip and see the realities schools face each day.
If it looks like a hooker, acts like a hooker it sure as hell must be a hooker. Sexism is just the way it is ladies, deal with it. Few hundred rich guys (Most were born into it) know how to treat the ladies so to speak. It's been going on since Adam and Eve for god's sake. No means YES and YES means you'd better hold on for dear life now buddy. These cougers are quite aggressive nowadays. lol JUST SAYING.
Yea, Slick Dick can relate to an immigrant completing a solid education in Michigan (Who will move to one of the other 49 better states ASAP after graduation) over a whole sector of 700,000 employees/retirees that he has STUCK IT TO! Yea, tough decisions yea right... was quite easy, give your buddies a HUGE TAX CUT and RAPE the students as well as the school EMPLOYEES. Karma got the scumbag from Wisconson or whereever the other day. Karma gets everybody one way or another. We all should remember that, I just do the best I can with the tools I have. LOVE KARMA :)
boomer1941? What does this article have to do with the MEA. Using your logic and article mentioning a business tax cut could be argued the the Michigan Chamber of Commerence was there too. How about the Food and Beverage people? Every single group of business people, education people, factory workers, lawyers, doctors all have to stick together for the benefit of all. I didn't spend 60k for a degree and grad school to make 45k a year. Thats just stupid, if a position requires a degree that is of substantial cost then it should pay a decent wage. Add in all the unfunded state required certification costs and just to keep my job for 5 years costs me approx 4k out of pocket. Take a walk through any ghetto charter school and look around to see the results of high standards. Both my Catholic schools I attended are now charters and frankly dumps that have changed names 5 times in 10 tears. Always the union for some people, unions doesn't make the rules. It just plays the game as best they can like business people.


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This dish is perfect for thanksgiving or and holiday meal and the ingredients can be adjusted to people's diet needs.
Step 1: Ingredients
3lbs of potatoes (i used red, any will do)
1 bunch of kale
1/2 red onion
5 cloves of garlic
soy milk to taste
Earth Balance or any vegan margarine to taste.
Step 2: Chop Potatoes
Step 3: Chop Kale, Onions and Garlic
Step 4: Saute the Garlic, Onions and Kale
Step 5: Do the Mashed Potato
. I don't see where being vegan comes in. Looks like some fancied up mashed potatoes that anyone, even an omnivore, could enjoy. ;)

subset: commoncrawl


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Marshall women seek first league win vs. Memphis
HUNTINGTON -- Sweetheart Clinic participants will help Marshall University women's basketball break into the Conference USA win column Sunday afternoon.
Memphis (13-8, 4-3) visits Marshall (6-13, 0-6) at 2 p.m. in Cam Henderson Center.
The crowd will include girls age four to 12 who attended the Sweetheart Clinic earlier in the Marshall Recreation Center. Clinic registration was cut off at 165 girls who rotated through nine stations and learned fundamental skills from members of Marshall's nine women's sports.
The annual clinic is conducted in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Clinic participants will complete their final rotation at 1:15 p.m. then have a pizza party and pep rally led by the Thundering Herd cheerleaders before the game.
Girls attending the clinic get free admission to the game. Family members and observers can purchase a ticket at the clinic for $3.
Memphis leads the conference in scoring average (70.8), but is last in defense (65.6).
Forward Nicole Dickson, a 6-foot senior for the Tigers, leads C-USA with a 19.9 scoring average along with averaging 7.0 rebounds per game.
Dickson recorded her 14th career double-double in a Thursday victory over East Carolina (64-60) with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman guard Ariel Hearn followed with 16 points and averages 14.5 a game.
Junior guard Bilqi Abdul-Qaadir adds 9.9 points for the Tigers.
Marshall is ranked last in C-USA scoring average (55.0) and in field goal percentage (42.1). The Thundering Herd is sixth in scoring defense (59.4).
Junior guard Erika Woods scored 14 while 6-3 sophomore Chukwuka Ezeigbo had 11 points, nine rebounds and one blocked shots in a 54-47 loss Thursday at East Carolina.
Shay Weaver (9.8), Ezeigbo (8.6), Norrisha Victrum (7.9) and Suporia Dickens (6.2) are the Herd's scoring average leaders.
Ezeigbo and Dickens average 6.3 and 5.5 rebounds respectively.
The Herald-Dispatch welcomes your comments on this article, but please be civil. Avoid profanity, obscenity, personal attacks, accusations of criminal activity, name-calling or insults to the other posters. Herald-dispatch.com does not control or monitor comments as they are posted, but if you find a comment offensive or uncivil, hover your mouse over the comment and click the X that appears in the upper right of the comment. If you do not want your comment to post to your personal Facebook page, uncheck the box below the comment.


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Judicial Watch Statement on Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Decisions
(Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch today issued a statement criticizing the rulings by the Supreme Court of the United States in United States v. Windsor (No. 12–307), the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case and Hollingsworth et al. v. Perry et al. (No. 12-144), the California voter-approved Proposition 8 case. Judicial Watch filed a Freedom of Information


text: This course develops students' analytical and research skills in environmental sustainability as preparation for upper-division electives in the major. Emphasis is placed on critical reading of research as well as formulation, practice, and communication of research. Skills span the full range of social science and humanities fields, including use of statistics, survey and interview techniques, field research/participant observation, historical methods, media and content analysis, and qualitative data analysis. Lectures, individual and small-group assignments, and course project.


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I rarely visit the NaNoWriMo site so I didn't know these things existed.
I skimmed the PDF of the high school version and the sad part is that this seems more helpful than all of the novel writing software I tried.
A good companion is this recent blog I chanced upon: http://writebadlywell.blogspot.com/


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The "Willets West" plan and other developments were approved in October by the City Council.
The group first announced its plan to relocate to the Bronx in December.
The cinderblock sculpture was taken by men with a moving truck, witnesses said.
While the finished neighborhood will be "very different" from Times Square, the approach is similar.
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SMA Services
Instructor Dondrell Brown Sr. has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years. He is a Kukkiwon Certified 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido, and has won many medals, trophies and awards for Sparring, Poomsae and Speed Breaking. Instructor Brown has studied Karate and is currently studying Jusitsu. In addition to being the owner and Head Instructor of Supreme Martial Arts Academy, he offers Women's Self Defense workshops, Basic Instruction sessions, afterschool programs, and interactive Demo seminars to community organizations and other public entities. He also creates the instruction and choreographs the realistic combat moves, take-downs and fighting scenes for the SMA "Brown Boyz" Demo Team performances and workshops. Instructor Brown has recently become a coach for the PTL (Professional Taekwondo League).
Brothers Nyle, Donnie, Tyler, DeMarcus & Malik are all Kukkiwon Certified 1st Dan Black Belts in Taekwondo and Certified Instructors for Supreme Martial Arts Academy. In addition to teaching, the SMA "Brown Boyz" Demo Team has performed for various community organizations and public entities including the Villages of Richton Park, Park Forest and the City of Chicago Heights. They have also taught basic instruction to churches, libraries and afterschool programs. Experience a spectacular performance by this sensational band of brothers as they blow you away with kicks, strikes, flips, blocks, take-downs, board breaking and more! The SMA "Brown Boyz" Demo Team is available for celebrations, community galas, and other social and educational events. Call 708.207.2128 today to book a performance. Pricing is negotiable.
YouTube R2M Demo June 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZlembj__2c
YouTube R2M Demo June 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKAe_KORVw
All members of the Supreme Martial Arts Academy are encouraged to be committed and dedicated and to foster the Twelve Characteristics of a SMA student: Respect, Confidence, Discipline, Courage, Strength, Leadership, Knowledge, Wisdom, Integrity, Perseverance, Concentration, Meditation.
SMA frequently competes in various martial arts events, which gives students the opportunity to apply class skills to relevant competitions and win awards if applicable. Supreme Martial Arts Academy has won many competitions for Sparring, Breaking and Poomse, including winning the USNTF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in PUERTO RICO with Greg "Grego" English, 2012 U.S. Open Olympic Taekwondo Bronze Medalist! Grego also manages the Professional Taekwondo League (PTL) featuring the SMA Brown Boyz.
VIEW SHORT VIDEO of TAEKWONDO KICKS!
"The Brown Boys are a true inspiration to young black men everywhere" -Chris Jackson
"SMA is a Family service that is a beneficial & positive contribution to the community" - Marilyn Nichols


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Prominent Summerville attorney Arnold S. Goodstein and his wife, Circuit Judge Diane S. Goodstein, will pay $500,000 to settle a "hotly contested" dispute over property they transferred before his personal bankruptcy filing in 2010.
The payment includes $375,000 from him and one of his companies. Another $125,000 will come out of an annuity controlled by her.
Also, his bankruptcy attorney, Geoffrey Levy of Columbia, is waiving all fees for working on the nearly three-year-old court case, an amount estimated at $55,000. No reason was given other than "to effectuate the terms of the global resolution of claims," according to the proposed deal.
Diane Goodstein did not respond to an email message and a phone message left with her office midday Thursday. Levy said he is not allowed to discuss the case under the settlement. He also said Arnold Goodstein declined to comment.
"A part of the agreement is nobody talks about it," said Barbara George Barton, a Columbia attorney who helped identify the transfers.
The Goodsteins are not admitting any liability or wrongdoing. The settlement agreement says they have "hotly contested" the allegations raised by Barton and Michelle Vieira, the court-appointed trustee. Vieira is in charge of liquidating Arnold Goodstein's assets to repay some of his $61 million in debts. Barton is her lawyer.
Goodstein is a former state lawmaker and an ex-highway commissioner who is best known now as outside counsel for the authority that owns and operates Charleston International Airport.
He filed for personal bankruptcy in June 2010, after his home-building empire collapsed. Much of his debt stemmed from real estate loans he personally guaranteed, according to court records.
It's been an enormously complicated case to unravel, Vieira has said in numerous filings. The case has required her to look into 28 entities that Goodstein owned or controlled as well as numerous pieces of real estate and thousands of documents.
Along the way, court records show, she said she discovered "multiple" property transfers to "insiders," which under bankruptcy law can include family members.
Vieira said she flagged "a number of" questionable deals "between and among" Goodstein, one of his companies and his wife, who has been a 1st Judicial Circuit judge since 1998 and who once sought a seat on the S.C. Supreme Court.
Vieira has alleged the unidentified properties changed hands for less than they were worth, which the Goodsteins have denied. Court-appointed trustees can reverse insider deals if they were made within a year of a bankruptcy filing.
Court records show that Vieira has been threatening legal action against the couple over the transfers since May.
The Goodsteins have requested four delays, citing unspecified health issues.
Vieira planned to seek $2 million from the Goodsteins and the company, Carmel Carolina Co. LP, if the dispute went to trial.
They reached a settlement after a Feb. 20 mediation session. The terms were filed on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court's website on March 7.
Vieira said in a filing that the $500,000 settlement eliminates the risk of an unfavorable court ruling and ensures more money for creditors.
The deal now goes to Bankruptcy Court Judge David R. Duncan for final approval.
Reach John McDermott at 937-5572.
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Hang tight!
Recipe by neonate6211
"Great variation of wheat bread."
Hmm. None of these ingredients are on sale today.
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1 cup
warm water
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package
active dry yeast
1 cup
whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup
chopped almonds
3 tablespoons
2 tablespoons
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon
1 1/2 cups
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
whole wheat flour
I was looking for a bread that would be great with a cup of coffee in the morning so I decided to use this recipe but just add more sweetness. I doubled the brown sugar and honey and instead of putting the almonds into the dough I mixed them with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and about 1 tbls of corn oil and sprinkled it all over the top and sides of the dough before baking it. I added 1 tsp. of pure almond extract to the dough. And I only used 1 tsp. of salt. This was exactly what I was looking for! It was very slightly sweet and crunchy on top and I love the tang from the cream cheese in the bread! I didn't do a second rise. I just let it rise for 1 hour in a greased 8"x8" baking dish with my almond/sugar topping, then just baked it at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes! My house was filled with the lovely aroma of sweet almond bread! Perfect! I will be making this ALOT!
I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. As another poster suggested, I doubled the sugar and honey. I thought the dough was too large for one bread pan, and it took a long time to rise a little, but raised considerably while baking. The loaf tastes good, but as with so many wheat breads, it is rather dense and a little hard to hold together when toasting. I did like the flavor, but I like a bread that is a little more "spongy" and less crumbly. Perhaps next time I will divide it between two loaf pans and see if less weight makes it a little less dense.
2 Ratings
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Cream Cheese and Almond Wheat Bread
Serving Size: 1/10 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 272
Calories from Fat: 108
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Hang tight!
Recipe by SAUNDRA
"Chewy raisins, crunchy pecans, and smooth sour cream will wake up your tastebuds! This is a very old recipe that come from a friend of mine"
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1 (9 inch)
unbaked pie crust
1 1/2 cups
white sugar
1 cup
sour cream
1 cup
1/2 cup
chopped pecans
I tried this one during the Christmas holiday and it was a huge hit!! I will definitely be serving this one again!
Pie is not one of my baking best. But this is a "no fail" great. Thanks
3 Ratings
Very, very sweet.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Sour Cream Raisin Pie VI
Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 456
Calories from Fat: 183
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Ann & Nancy Wilson Autographed Vintage Vinyl - GRAMMY Charity Holiday Online Auction
Bid on this beautiful vintage Bebe le Strange vinyl signed by both Ann & Nancy Wilson! The album is now available on the GRAMMY Charity Holiday Online Auction benefiting MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation. Auction runs now through December 6. Just in time for the holidays
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Four Steps To Good Bowling
For new bowlers, using the classic four step approach can serve you very well. By learning the bowling four step approach, you will build consistent footwork and be well on your way to developing a sound bowling approach.
Let's examine some important components of the four step approach:
Sliding within one or two inches of the foul line is important when delivering your bowling ball. Standing an appropriate distance from the foul line, therefore, is critical to ending up the same distance from the line after each approach.
Position yourself during a practice session with your heels of your
bowling shoes
one inch behind the foul line and with your back to the pins. Take four natural walking steps at a lively pace plus a half step to simulate your sliding action when actually bowling. Turn around, face the pins and look down at the toe of your sliding bowling shoe. This is where you should stand when you set-up on the approach as you prepare to bowl.
Place your feet so your bowling shoe toes are pointing slightly toward your target and in the same direction. Place your feet perhaps one board apart for balance and stability and with your slide shoe an inch or two ahead of your balance leg shoe. Set most of your body weight (perhaps 65% of your weight) onto the foot you are not using as your first step. This technique will help you begin your first step smoothly and transition into your next steps at a consistent pace.
Take steps at your normal walking stride. Begin with the right foot if you are a right handed bowler and end with your left foot which becomes your sliding step. Do not bounce or lose balance while walking to the foul line and keep your head as motionless as possible. Although some bowlers walk faster than others, steps should be taken at a uniform pace from step to step and your swing should match pace with your footwork.
Use a slight heel-to-toe action leading into the slide step. The slide step should glide into the approach maintaining knee flex in your sliding leg. Your momentum from the first steps should enable you to slide smoothly with balance, and be in a stable position to release the
bowling ball
Hastening the slide step or pushing off too quickly from the step before the slide can cause a thrusting action into the foul line and usually causes a hurried release of the bowling ball. It is important to maintain the same pace each step and for each delivery so your arm swing can be well timed with your footwork.
Maintain about one inch knee flex during your first three steps. Allow your sliding knee to flex slightly more so the big muscles of your sliding leg are brought into use. The big muscles of the slide leg provide balance and stability during your slide step and also develop leverage and natural power as you transfer momentum from the first three steps into a long and smooth sliding step. If your legs are too stiff with no flexing motion on your initial steps, it will be difficult to transfer body weight into the sliding step while still maintaining good balance with your upper body.
The sliding step should begin with the ball of your bowling foot contacting the approach smoothly and end with an equal amount of pressure on both the sole of the shoe and the heel of the shoe. Your sliding step should slide toward the center part of your body while your trailing leg sweeps aside toward your non-bowling shoulder as a counter-balance so you can maintain a stable posture while swinging and delivering the bowling ball.
An extremely important key to accuracy and consistent approaches is the direction you walk to the foul line. It cannot be emphasized enough how vital walking your lines is to achieving an accurate and target-seeking arm swing.
A good objective for new bowlers, or for anyone trying to develop good footwork, is to walk a straight line and end on the same board with your sliding
bowling shoe
as where you were originally positioned on the approach in your set-up. Regardless of where you position yourself laterally on the approach for spares or for a strike ball delivery, don't drift away from where you began. Steps placed under the center of your body to maintain balance result in a straight walking path to the line.
Each step should be measured in length and placed directly under the center of the body for maximum balance. Limit your drift from left to right to about two boards maximum from your set-up alignment so your arm-swing path can easily remain aligned with your intended target path on the lane.
We highly recommend getting a good pair of bowling shoes right away and using the services of a professional bowling instructor or certified coach to help you learn the fundamentals of a good bowling approach.
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Regions :: Eastern Europe :: Russia
BASF and Gazprom sign final agreement for asset swap
8:03 AM MST | December 24, 2013 | Deepti Ramesh
BASF and Gazprom (Moscow), on 23 December, signed the final agreement to swap assets of equivalent value. Through the swap, Wintershall (Kassel, Germany), a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF, will further expand its production of oil and gas and exit the gas trading and storage business. The two companies first agreed on the asset swap last year. The transaction is expected to be completed in mid-2014 and will be financially retroactive to 1 April 2013. Sales and earnings of BASF's natural gas trading business will continue to be reported in the oil and gas...
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On Monday, German chancellor Angela Merkel said that her government is thinking of enacting measures that would prevent funds controlled by foreign governments from buying German businesses. The concept is simple: if countries are not open to German capital, Germany won't be open to them either.
The measure seems prompted by Russia's interest in increasing its 5-percent stake in the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, the principal shareholder of Airbus. As Merkel noted on Monday, state-controlled buyers don't always have commercial considerations in mind when they make corporate acquisitions.
Of course, Moscow is not the only predator on the global scene. There is also the world's largest holder of foreign currency reserves: China. Today, China is sitting on $1.2 trillion in "forex" (called "the greatest fortune ever assembled") and is creating a vehicle, the State Investment Company, to invest these holdings. Analyst Andy Xie has forecast that China could end up with over $10 trillion in net foreign assets—about five times what Japan possesses.
At the same time, Beijing is restricting foreign purchases of Chinese businesses. On Tuesday, Chongqing Commercial Bank announced that the China Banking Regulatory Commission will not allow the Carlyle Group to take an 8-percent stake in the regional lender. This comes on top of Beijing's requiring the Washington-based investment firm to pare down its proposed shareholding in Xugong Group Construction Machinery.
How to stem the tide of government-backed investors implementing decisions made by distant politburos? We should begin by following Merkel's lead and requiring investment reciprocity with China. And that may be just the first step in rethinking the free flow of capital. When autocrats begin using economic leverage against Western democracies, investment across national boundaries becomes more than a purely economic matter.


text:
By Rudi WilliamsAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 1998 DoD travelers won't be saying, "Don't leave home without it," when they leave on defense business after Nov. 30. Starting Dec. 1, they'll be saying, "Visa, it's everywhere you want to go."
American Express' four-year tenure as the government travel card service for nearly a million defense travelers ends Nov. 30. NationsBank and the Visa network take over Dec. 1.
"Visa is accepted by more than 15 million merchants around the world. That's triple what DoD travelers had in the past," said Paul Bazylak, Visa's vice president for government services. "They can use their Visa card at more than 440,000 automatic teller machines worldwide, which is more than triple what they had before. They can use Visa in every country across the planet."
NationsBank determines the services offered government cardholders; Visa provides the network for usage, Bazylak noted.
"The government-sponsored card will be the payment vehicle used by DoD personnel to pay for all official travel costs, including travel advances, permanent change of station moves, lodging, transportation, rental cars, meals and other expenses," said Scott Collary, NationsBank senior vice president of government and commercial card products. "Charges on the card will total more than $2 billion annually."
NationsBank won the bidding war over three other competitors. "DoD selected NationsBank along with the Visa network as the best value to the government in providing travel card services," said Army Brig. Gen. Roger Scearce, deputy director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. DoD cardholders will be able to access and review their accounts via the World Wide Web, he noted.
Scearce warned delinquent bill payers and credit card abusers: "If you're delinquent when the American Express contract ends -- [that is, you] haven't paid your bill in 60 days or more -- Visa will run a credit check on you. Credit checks will be run on all new applicants."
Being denied a credit card doesn't mean personnel can't travel on defense business, he said. The government's options include issuing travelers checks or a restricted travel card that can be "turned on" for a specific temporary duty trip. "You could still use the card, but we'll manage you pretty intensely," the general said.
"Misuse is always a concern," he said. "Unfortunately, people used the [American Express government] card for purposes other than official business." To help reduce misuse, DoD asked NationsBank to turn off blocks like 900 numbers, toy stores and other things "travelers on government business would have absolutely no need for," Scearce said. "There are exceptions, and we're ready to deal with those."
DoD will even pay credit card bills for travelers, Scearce said. "If you say, 'Of this $1,000 trip, I charged $800,' we'll peel that off and send it in for you and give you the difference. That's a convenience you just can't beat."


text:
Unlocking the Key to Deep Sleep
By Sarah Fenske
Making the Ferguson Commission Matter
By Danny Wicentowski
My Fake Boyfriend Became a Real-Life Crush
By Lindsay Toler
Rep. Jeffrey Pogue Bill Would Ban Unisex Bathrooms
By Danny Wicentowski
Darren Wilson Gives Speech to Nonprofit
By Danny Wicentowski
Angel Stewart and Other Victims of Violence Ask for Mercy
By Jessica Lussenhop
Obama Praises St. Louis' LaunchCode
By Lindsay Toler
By Lindsay Toler
Jerry Dowell, policy director for Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, says that Clayton attorney Steven Stone, who represents one of McKee's corporations, McEagle Properties, helped write the Tax Credit Act, and that as initially drafted, the legislation called only for a minimum of 75 acres with no restriction regarding city-owned land or eminent domain.
In response to a request for comments for this story, Paul McKee relayed a statement through his publicist, Tom Geiser of Black Twig Communications.
"Through partnerships, I own a much smaller amount of property than reported," McKee asserts in the statement. "And what we do own, with a few unremarkable exceptions, is owned in small, undevelopable scattered sites. It appears that qualifying for the tax incentive will be difficult. As it is written, we do not qualify. I had hoped to use it in connection with the expansion of NorthPark. It will be extremely difficult to do so at NorthPark or anywhere else."
"NorthPark" comprises 600 acres that span three municipalities east of Lambert Airport: Ferguson, Berkeley and Kinloch. McEagle Properties is a co-developer of the site, which was originally acquired as a noise buffer for the airport. NorthPark Partners won the development rights from an intergovernment commission in 2005 and so far has attracted Vatterott College and Express Scripts to build new headquarters there. (McEagle is also the developer of WingHaven, 1,200 acres of residential, retail and office space in St. Charles County.)
Mike Jones, executive assistant to St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, advocated for the Tax Credit Act and says he can see how it might help NorthPark determine the future of nearby vacant lots in Kinloch. "[McKee] may be more right about NorthPark than he is about north St. Louis," Jones says.
But what does the developer have planned for Blairmont?
McKee did not reply to requests for clarification regarding the scope of his holdings or what he intends to do with them.
That doesn't surprise Sean Thomas, executive director of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, who met with McKee in attorney Steven Stone's office two months ago.
Thomas says he went into that encounter with two goals. The first was to express his concerns about the rundown state of Blairmont's properties. The second was to ascertain McKee's agenda.
"I have to tell you, after that meeting, I'm not quite sure I know the answer to that second part," Thomas says.
Sponsor Content


text:
Google Earth
Google Inc.
- June 8, 2015
( 1,522,606)
Top Developer
Google Earth for Android enables you to explore the globe with a swipe of your finger.
* Fly through 3D cities like London, Tokyo and Rome
* Fly through 3D cities like London, Tokyo and Rome
* Dive in to view the world at street level with integrated Street View
* Use the Tour Guide to discover exciting new places to explore
* Browse layers like Wikipedia or Photos to learn more about a place
* Visit the Maps Gallery to find interesting maps, e.g. plot real-time earthquakes, planes in flight, view hiking trails and more
Make sure that you check out the in-app tutorial to learn how to navigate like a pro.
Happy exploring!
It's good but a data hog. I only use it on wifi but I I found this app quite useful. I especially like to use it before I go fishing new lakes. Screenshot things you might want to look at later so you can go back and look at them without burning more data. My only real complaint is I wish we could view older photo sets to see how something has changed over the years.
Useless Keeps on crashing screen flickers then goes black tho on pc it works fine, hope they get it sorted for tablets
Sad I read all the negative feedback but wanted to give it a chance anyhow. Crashed basically as soon as I opened the app on my phone. Too bad. This could be such an amazing tool!!
Is hapines is good tiym Good app needs improvement. It always randomly crashes and sometimes when I swipe a tiny bit it teleports me to Arizona or Colorado or somewhere when I'm looking at Long Beach, CA. And also sometimes when I press the street view arrows it doesn't work and when there's two street view arrows very close together I can only press one of them.
App rebooted my phone in less than a minute Remarkable... I read Rachel Plotkin's review, and thought, "it always worked perfectly on my Galaxy S4, should work better on my new S5..." ..after installing it and opening the app, it crashed and rebooted my phone in less than a minute. I was astounded. So, accurate review, Rachel Plotkin. Needs a LOT of work, I suppose.
Great A bit erratic behavior with it zooming in and out unpredictably and taking you off to unknown locations. But very interesting and useful map.
What's New
What's new in 8.0.0
* Enhanced user interface, menu changes and simplified layers panel with new Photos layer
* Improved styling for roads and labels, smoother transitions
* Support for Google Drive (view KML/KMZ files)


text:
The Legacy Series features a traditional teardrop bead and a weighty feel.
The Legacy Series L1A is constructed with a classic teardrop tip that drummers have used for over a century, creating countless hits and legendary live performances that help make up the history and the legacy of drumming.
Various sizes available. See drop menu to choose.


text:
New York Knicks NBA Hardwood Classics Jungle Mash Up 9FIFTY Strapback Cap
Made of 70% Polyester, Woven, 30% Polyurethane
This NBA Hardwood Classics Jungle Mash Up 9FIFTY® Strapback cap features an embroidered New York Knicks logo at front on animal print crown, a stitched New Era® flag at wearer's left side and a strapback closure for an adjustable fit. Interior includes branded taping and a moisture absorbing sweatband.
- 20597279
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International shipping available to Canada - info


text:
An exercising method and apparatus for use in the treatment of paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load, and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. The exercise routine is disclosed as being conducted upon the leg of a subject seated in a specially designed exercise chair.
1. Method of exercising a leg of a paralyzed person comprising the steps of:
attaching a plurality of stimulation electrodes to said leg at locations for stimulating the quadriceps muscles thereof,
seating said person in a chair,
applying a series of stimulation signals to said electrodes to cause contraction of said quadriceps muscles and raising of said leg,
applying a restraining force to said leg to cause increased muscular exertion during said raising,
gradually increasing the stimulating effect of said stimulation signals to cause continued raising of said leg against said restraining force,
after said leg has been raised a predetermined amount, gradually decreasing the stimulating effect of said stimulation signals to cause lowering of said leg to a rest position,
resting said leg for a predetermined period of time, and
repeating the above steps to produce an exercise routine.
2. Method according to claim 1 and further comprising the steps of:
generating a profile signal representing a desired leg movement profile,
generating a feedback signal representing actual movement achieved by said leg, and
adjusting said stimulation signals in accordance with the difference between said profile signal and said feedback signal.
3. Apparatus for exercising a paralyzed leg comprising:
a chair including a seat,
a plurality of electrodes for stimulating controlled muscular activity in a paralyzed leg of a person seated in said chair,
a profile generator for generating electrical representations of angles to be achieved by said leg at predetermined times during a desired raising and lowering sequence,
stimulation means responsive to said profile generator for generating a series of stimulation signals corresponding to said electrical representations,
connecting means for applying said stimulation signals to said electrodes so that said leg progresses through a raising and lowering sequence which achieves said angles at said predetermined times, and
load means for applying a predetermined resisting force to said leg throughout said raising and lowering sequence.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 and further comprising feedback means for generating electrical representation of leg angles actually achieved at predetermined times during a raising and lowering sequence produced as aforesaid, and computing means for causing said stimulation means to adjust said stimulation signals in accordance with differences between the electrical representations generated by said profile generator and said feedback means.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said electrodes are transcutaneous electrodes.
6. Apparatus for exercising a paralyzed leg comprising:
a chair including a seat,
load means for yieldably resisting lifting movement of a paralyzed leg of a person seated in said chair,
a profile generator for generating a profile signal representing a desired lifting profile for said leg,
feedback means for generating a feedback signal corresponding to actual lifting movement of said leg, and
stimulation means responsive to said feedback signal and to said profile generator for stimulating normally paralyzed muscles within said leg to cause coordinated lifting movement thereof against the restraining action of said load means.
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 417,935 filed Sept. 14, 1982, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,830.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for exercising and, more particularly, to a computer controlled method and apparatus for monitoring muscular activity and adjusting an electrical stimulus to provide controlled and sustained isokinetic contractions. Still more particularly the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for directing coordinated movement of several muscles and exercising them through a specific exercise routine having therapeutic applications in the treatment of paralysis.
The invention which is disclosed and claimed herein has particular value in the treatment of persons who have suffered injuries resulting in spinal cord damage. This particular type of damage often times produces partial or total paralysis of muscles which are controlled from a point below the point of spinal cord damage. The victim then faces a life of relative inactivity and deterioration of muscles which otherwise would be active. It has now been found in accordance with this invention that such muscles can be stimulated to engage in an exercise program once thought to be impossible. Moreover, it has been found that such an exercise program can restore normal muscle tone, even after years of inactivity.
Since the work of Galvani in 1791, it has been known that electricity can be used to induce muscle contractions. Recently, there has been increased awareness of the value of electrostimulation in muscle therapy.
Numerous devices and techniques have been developed for supplying electrical pulses as part of a therapeutic regime of muscle stimulation. Several examples of these are found in the patent literature. Radwan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,147 (1968) discloses a muscle stimulating pulse generator designed to provide a pulse signal having a relatively high voltage-to-width ratio and a steep rising wavefront.
Maurer, U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,254 (1974), discloses a transcutaneous stimulator for use in suppressing pain designed to differentially stimulate touch versus pain nerve fibers in an effort to reduce the prickly sensation known to accompany some pain therapy. Maurer notes that differences in the response of nerves to electrostimulation can be used to selectively stimulate different types of nerves. According to Maurer, nerve fibers are distinguished in terms of their size and conduction velocity. He notes that the amplitude of electrical stimulation required to elicit a muscle response increases as the fiber size decreases.
Nawracaj et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,033 (1978), discloses an electrostimulation device which utilizes a heterodyne effect to produce an otherwise painful low frequency stimulus in a muscle and cause the muscle to contract and relax at a low frequency.
Wyss et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,321 (1979), discloses a muscular therapy similar in some respects to Nawracaj et al wherein muscles are made to rhythmically contract and relax at a very low frequency which is induced by modulating a medium frequency current between 3,000 and 100,000 Hz with a low frequency current less than 1 Hz. In one embodiment Wyss et al uses a phase shifter to transform the modulated output current into a three phase current, which is delivered to three electrodes angularly spaced about a limb to provide deep uniform stimulation.
Kofskey et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,819 (1979), teaches an apparatus for stimulating a muscle for 2 to 20 seconds at 2 to 50 second intervals using a 2000 to 3000 Hz signal modulated at 40 to 50 Hz. In one embodiment, the muscle stimulating waveform is controlled by a microprocessor which gradually increases and decreases the amplitude of the stimulation at the beginning and end of each pulse. The microprocessor responds to signals from a no-load/overload sensor and to a manually controlled gain setting signal.
It can be seen that the efforts embodied in the foregoing patents focus on the stimulus itself as the therapeutic agent and have as a principal objective to optimize the intensity, duration and frequency of the stimulus to enhance its therapeutic effects. In the disclosed therapies, the muscle is not stimulated against a load. These prior art systems do not provide smooth isometric contractions and do not respond to muscle activity response to muscle activity in these prior systems.
In order to train a muscle and make it physically strong, it is necessary to work the muscle against a load while producing powerful, sustained, isokinetic contractions at a substantial proportion of the muscle's strength. Isokinetic contractions cannot be maintained for prolonged periods of time in the aforementioned therapies, because they stimulate the muscle synchronously using frequencies much higher than normal physiological frequencies. This causes the muscle to fatigue rapidly, making it impossible to maintain muscle tension.
Petrofsky, "Microprocessor Controlled Stimulation in Paralyzed Muscle", IEEE August 1979 outlines a computer-controlled stimulation system which mimics normal asynchronous recruitment of motor units and firing rate control in the gastrocnemius muscle of a cat. A computer was programmed to set the recruitment order of the motor units as it sensed fatigue in the muscle. This was accomplished by using an anodal block electrode in combination with a sequential electrode sleeve. The electrode sleeve was placed around the motor nerve to the muscle and was configured for alternately stimulating three groups of neurons in the nerve. The anodal block electrode was placed just proximal to the muscle. Muscle fatigue was sensed by a strain gauge transducer mounted on a bar attached to one end of the muscle.
The Petrofsky article teaches that electrostimulation can be controlled by a microprocessor in such a way as to develop isometric contractions in a muscle. However, there is no teaching of any method or apparatus for causing smooth, natural isokinetic contractions. Also, the techniques taught by Petrofsky are not applied to man.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically stimulating a muscle and exercising the muscle through a specific exercise routine based upon feedback control.
It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus and method for stimulating a human muscle to contract against a dynamic load.
It is still another object of the invention to provide improved apparatus and method for stimulating contraction of a human muscle.
These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished through use of a stimulation device which generates a pair of stimulation signals comprising alternately generated pulses of stimulation energy. The stimulation signals are applied across pairs of electrodes which are preferably adhered to the skin immediately above a muscle to be stimulated.
In the preferred embodiment the stimulation apparatus is controlled through a digital to analog converter by a digitally controlled microprocessor. The limb which is moved by the stimulated muscle is secured against a dynamic load which yieldingly resists movement of the muscle. A feedback sensor senses the movement actually achieved by the limb and transmits an indication thereof through an analog to digital converter back to the microprocessor.
In an exercise routine according to the present invention, a plurality of transcutaneous stimulators are applied to the skin of the subject in a pattern for stimulating a muscle which is connected for moving the limb to be exercised. The stimulators are then excited by a plurality of stimulation signals having profiles for causing the muscle to contract and produce a predetermined movement of the limb. While the limb is contracting, a resisting force is applied thereagainst to cause exertion of the muscle during its contraction. The movement of the limb is sensed and a corresponding feedback signal is generated. The feedback signal is monitored to determine when a predetermined movement has been achieved. After the predetermined movement has been achieved, the stimulation signals are altered to permit the limb to return to its initial position. The process is then repeated to produce an exercise routine.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of exercising apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an exercise chair;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of means for indicating the isometric load developed by a human leg;
FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a stimulation apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a control system for the stimulation apparatus of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a stimulation signal; and
FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic illustration of portions of two alternately pulsed stimulation signals.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system 10 constructed in accordance with this invention. The exercise system may comprise a chair 16 mounted on a support frame 11. Chair 16 rests upon a support board 30 and is clamped in place by a clamp plate 28, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Clamp plate 28 may be forced upwardly against the lower surface of support board 30 by any convenient means, such as, for instance, a rotary handle and screw arrangement 29. When clamp 28 is released chair 16 may be moved along the surface of support board 30 as illustrated by the arrow 45. This enables positioning of chair 16 for accommodating an exercise routine for either the left leg or the right leg of a person seated in chair 16.
Exercise system 10 also comprises a seat belt 18 for securing a person in chair 16 and a leg strap 19 for grasping the lower portion of a leg 31. Leg strap 19 is provided with interlocking pieces of hook and loop fastening fabric 20, 20 of the type sold by Velcro U.S.A., Inc. of New York, N.Y. under the trademark VELCRO. Thus leg strap 19 be easily and securely fastened around a leg of any size.
Leg strap 19 has a steel eyelet for fastening to one or the other of a pair of scissor-type eyelet fasteners 21, 22. Fasteners 21 and 22 are attached to pair of cables 33, 34, respectively, which extend through a facing board 24.
Cables 33 and 34 are guided by a roller 23 having a pair of offset guide channels (not illustrated). Cable 33 extends rearwardly from roller 23 around a roller 36 and thence upwardly for attachment to a toothed belt 35. Cable 34 wraps around roller 23 and extends upwardly for attachment to a relatively stiff bending arm 25 supported upon frame member 39, as best illustrated in FIG. 3.
Toothed belt 35 extends around a pair of toothed rollers 37 and 38 mounted between a pair of support plates 41a and 41b, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Support plates 41a and 41b are securely supported by frame member 40, which in turn is supported by frame member 39.
Belt 35 supports a set of weights placed upon a pan 42. Thus when the leg 31 moves arcuately as indicated by arrow 46, the weights 27 are raised or lowered. The arrangement provides a dynamic load which resists but does not prevent movement of leg 31.
When the leg 31 is extended upwardly, pulling cable 33 and belt 35, the movement is measured by a potentiometer 17 (see FIG. 4) attached to roller 38 by a coupling device 44. The housing for potentiometer 17 is supported by a support arm 43 secured to the upper support plate 41, as viewed in FIG. 4.
As the leg 31 moves and pulls belt 35 across roller 38, the potentiometer 17 transmits a feedback signal to A/D converter 12. A/D converter 12 converts the feedback signal into a digital format for processing by computer 13, as hereinafter described in detail. Computer 13 responds to the feedback signal by transmitting a digital control signal to D/A converter 14. D/A converter 14 then generates an analog stimulation signal for stimulator 50. Stimulator 50 uses the control signal from D/A converter 14 for generation of a pair of stimulation signals which are applied across electrodes 15a, 15b and 15c. Electrodes 15a, 15b and 15c are commercially available transcutaneous electrodes such as MEDTRONIC Model 3793 electrodes sold by Medtronic, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn.
For an exercise as hereinafter described the electrodes are placed in spaced positions above the quadriceps muscles of one leg, as generally illustrated in FIG. 2. The electrodes are attached to the leg of the subject by hypoallergenic tape or elastic bandages. Prior to application of the electrodes, the skin is cleaned and dried. An electrode gel, such as TENS electrode gel, also sold by Medtronic, Inc. is applied to the electrodes before they are placed upon the skin of the subject.
When the stimulation signals from stimulator 50 are applied to electrodes 15a, 15b and 15c the quadriceps muscles of the subject are stimulated to contract and raise the leg 31 against the dynamic resistance of cable 33 as described above. Alternatively, leg strap 19 may be connected to cable 34 in which case leg 31 strains isometrically against bending arm 25. This produces an output signal from a strain gauge 32 mounted on top of bending arm 25. Strain gauge 32 is connected to provide a load signal for a meter 26 which may be mounted at any convenient location. The meter 26 provides a "strength" indication for use in the exercise procedure hereinafter described in detail.
The stimulation signals which are applied to electrodes 15a, 15b, and 15c are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Stimulator 50 generates a first signal 301 as illustrated by the top line of FIG. 8 and a second signal 302 as illustrated by the bottom line of FIG. 8. Signal 301 is applied across terminals 15a and 15c, while signal 302 is applied terminals 15b and 15c. Terminal 15c is connected to high voltage ground, as hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 5.
Each of signals 301 and 302 has an envelope generally illustrated by triangular projections 303 rising above the line 300 of FIG. 7. The signal is characterized by alternating stimulation and rest periods of approximately 6 seconds each. During the stimulation period the signal is pulsed at a frequency in a range from about 55 to 65 Hz and preferably about 60 Hz. The pulses which are so generated have peak values which increase gradually from a value near 0 volts to a maximum which is somewhat less than 255 volts and which produces maximum effort from the muscle or muscle group being stimulated. Thereafter the pulse amplitudes decrease gradually to a value near zero, and the muscle is rested. The maximum voltage value depends upon the state of exhaustion of the muscle and the effort which is desired. As the muscle tires, more stimulation voltage is required for production of the same effort. Generally speaking a maximum voltage of about 255 volts produces recruitment of all motor units and results in maximum effort by the muscle.
As shown in FIG. 8, signal 301 comprises a series of pulses 304 while signal 302 comprises another series of pulses 305. Pulses 304 and 305 are generated in an alternating sequence at a frequency of 60 Hz each. Thus the effective combined frequency is 120 Hz. Pulses 304 and 305 have peak values which conform with the signal enevelope of FIG. 7. They have a duration of approximately 500 microseconds, so that each of signals 301 and 302 has a duty cycle of 0.03. It has been found that if the pulse width is increased, then the stimulation voltage may be decreased and vice versa.
The circuitry for producing signals 301 and 302 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The associated feedback and control circuitry is illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The circuitry includes integrated circuits as identified in Table I and components as identified in Table II. Table III lists significant pin number designations for the principal integrated circuits listed in Table I.
TABLE I______________________________________Integrated CircuitsRef. Numeral Circuit Type______________________________________ 12 ADC0808 (National Semiconductor) 13 DAC0831 (National Semiconductor)101 SE/NE 555 (Signetics)102 SE/NE 555 (Signetics)103 SE/NE 555 (Signetics)201 SN74LS138 (Texas Instruments)204 SE/NE 555 (Signetics)205 1/6 7404206 1/2LM1458207 1/6 7404208 1/6 7404209 1/2LM1458210 1/2LM1458211 1/2LM1458212 1/2LM1458213 1/2LM1458214 1/2LM1458______________________________________
TABLE II______________________________________ComponentsRef. Numeral Identification______________________________________104 2N3904105 2N3904106 2N3904107 2N3904108 2N3904111 2SC1308112 2SC1308113 100k114 100k115 0.1μf116 10k117 0.1μf118 10k119 10k120 0.001μf121 22k122 0 001μf123 22k124 10k125 0.1μf126 470Ω127 10k128 470Ω129 470Ω130 10k131 470Ω132 1k133 1k134 100Ω135 100Ω136 0.1μf219 39μf220 10μf221 100k222 330k223 680k234 100k235 82k______________________________________
TABLE III______________________________________Pin FunctionsComponent Pin No Function Name Function______________________________________Slot #3 of Apple 1 I/O SELECT LO during slotComputer #3 addressing 2 AO Address bit 0 3 A1 Address bit 1 4 A2 Address bit 2 7 A5 Address bit 5 8 A6 Address - 9 A7 Address bit 7 18 R/--W Buffered Read/ Write signal 25 +5V +5 volts 26 GND ground 3312v -12 volts 40 0 phase 0 clock 42 D7 Data bit 7 43 D6 Data bit 6 44 D5 Data bit 5 45 D4 Data bit 4 46 D3 Data bit 3 47 D2 Data bit 2 48 D1 Data bit 1 49 D0 Data bit 0 50 +12v +12 voltsSN74LS138 1 A select line 2 B select line 3 C select line 4 G2A enable line 5 G2B enable line 6 G1 enable line 10 Y5 output line 12 Y3 output line 14 Y1 output lineADC 0808 3 In5 analog input #5 6 start start strobe 8 D3 Data bit 3 9 out enable output enable 10 clock clock 14 D1 data bit 1 15 D2 data bit 2 17 DO data bit 0WSU 013A P2 18 D4 data bit 4 19 D5 data bit 5 20 D6 data bit 6 21 D7 data bit 7 23 Add C address bit C 24 Add B address bit B 25 Add A Address bit A 27 In 1 analog input #1 28 In 2 analog input #2DAC 0831 1 CS input latch 2 WR1 data load 4 DI3 digital input bit 3 5 DI2 digital input bit 2 6 DI1 digital input bit 1 7 DI0 digital input bit 0 9 Rfb zero adjustment 11 Iout 1 output proportional to digital input 12 Iout 2 output proportional to complement of digital input 13 DI7 digital input bit 7 14 DI6 digital input bit 6 15 DI5 digital input bit 5 16 DI4 digital input bit 4 19 ILE chip select______________________________________
The operation of stimulator 50 will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. That figure shows 3 integrated circuits 101, 102, and 103 of identical construction. These are timing circuits such as Signetics 555 timers. IC 101 is connected to operate as a 60 Hz free running multivibrator. The output from IC 101 is applied via transistor 104 to input pins 2 of IC 102 and 103. IC 102 and 103 produce alternating 500 microsecond pulses each at a frequency of 60 Hz for application to the collector terminals of transistors 105 and 106. The pulse width is set by appropriate selection of the resistance for resistors R116 and R124 and the capacitance of capacitors 117 and 125, as shown in the manufacturer's data sheets for integrated circuits 102 and 103. The phase between the pulses produced by integrated circuits 102 and 103 is set by appropriate selection of the resistance for resistors 113 and 114.
An analog voltage representing the desired envelope for the stimulation pulses is applied to input line 197, which is connected to the base terminals of transistors 105 and 106. Concomitantly, output pulses from pin 3 of IC 102 and pin 3 of IC 103 are applied to the collectors of transistors 106 and 105 respectively. As a result thereof transistors 106 and 105 generate emitter currents across resistors 130 and 127 providing voltage profiles of the general shape illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. These voltages are applied to the base terminals of transistors 108 and 107. This results in corresponding voltage pulses ranging between 0 and 12 volts across the primary windings of transformers 110 and 109.
The voltage pulses across the primary windings of transformers 110 and 109 produce low current, high voltage pulses ranging from 0 to 255 volts across the secondary windings of transformers 110 and 109. The secondary windings of transformers 110 and 109 have one side grounded to a high voltage ground which is different from the ground utilized for the primary windings thereof. The output pulses from the secondary windings are thereby RF isolated to maintain the safety of the person who is the subject of the exercise procedure.
Output voltage pulses from transformers 110 and 109 are applied to the base terminals of transistors 112 and 111 respectively. Transistors 112 and 111 provide a current gain so as to have high current, high voltage and low duty cycle pulses available for application across terminal pairs 15a-15c and 15b-15c. The analog driving signal appearing at line 197 is generated by the control system circuitry as illustrated in FIG. 6.
The heart of the control system is the computer 13, which is the embodiment described herein is an APPLE II computer sold by Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The APPLE II computer is provided with several slots into which may be plugged connectors for customized peripheral devices. The system described herein is plugged into slot number 3, which includes a connector 200 as illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 6. The computer addresses analog to digital converter 12 and digital to analog computer 13 through a decoder/demultiplexer 201. The peripheral board is addressed by the computer in memory locations C100 to C1FF (hexadecimal notation). Pin number 1 of connector 200 provides a signal from the computer's input/output select line. This line becomes active whenever one of the memory locations C1FF to C100 are selected for memory read or write operations. Pin number 1 is tied to pin number 5 of IC 201, an SN74LS138 integrated circuit. Pin number 5 is the G2 input of IC 201. A signal at this terminal enables IC 201 to decode the three high order bits (A7, A6, and A5) of an eight-bit address provided by the computer. These three bits appear at pin numbers 9, 8 and 7 respectively of connector 200.
IC 201 is designed for producing eight decoded outputs, but only three of these outputs are used. These outputs appear at pin members 14, 12 and 10 and respectively read A/D converter 12, strobe D/A converter 14 and strobe A/D converter 12. A/D converter 12 is an eight channel device sold by National Semiconductor under the designation ADC0808. A/D converter 12 receives its clock from the system clock on pin number 40 of connector 200.
When a strobe signal appears at pin number 12 of IC 201, A/D converter 12 is enabled for reading and digitizing analog signals appearing at any one of eight analog input ports (only two of which are used). The two analog input ports are addressed by a three-bit address appearing at pin numbers 25, 24 and 23 of A/D converter 12. The three address bits are the three least significant bits of an eight-bit address generated by computer 13. These three bits appear at pin members 2, 3 and 4 of connector 200 (the three most significant bits appearing at pin numbers 7, 8 and 9 as above stated and bit numbers 3 and 4 not being utilized.
Computer 13 generates the above mentioned eight-bit address whenever any one of computer memory address locations 50080 to 50087 (decimal notation) are strobed. Such strobing not only generates an associated eight-bit address, but also enables A/D converter 12 by causing generation of a strobe signal at output pin 12 of IC201, as above described. Memory locations 50080 to 50087 are strobed by execution of a "POKE" instruction, such as, for instance, the instruction "POKE 50080,0" appearing at line number 1450 of the computer program set forth in TABLE IV hereof. ##SPC1##
As mentioned above, the described embodiment supplies only two analog input signals for digitizing by A/D converter 12. These two signals appear at pin numbers 3 and 28 of A/D converter 12 and are addressed respectively by "POKING" memory locations 50080 and 50082 respectively. The resulting digitized representation thereof appears in eight-bit format at pin numbers 17, 14, 15, 8, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of A/D converter 12. These eight bits are read into memory location 49952 (decimal notation) upon execution of a "PEEK" instruction.
It is therefore seen that when memory addresses 50080 through 50087 are strobed, the conputer selects the analog channel which is to be multiplexed into A/D converter 12. Simultaneously with this selection A/D converter 12 is strobed to start conversion of the analog signal to digital format. A maximum of 100 microseconds is required for the analog to digital conversion, after which the computer may execute a normal memory read cycle, whereby the digitized data is transferred onto the data bus and stored in memory location 49952. It is to be noted that the output of A/D converter 12 is an eight-bit binary signal ranging between values of 0 and 255 (decimal) for analog input voltages between 0 and 5 volts.
The analog signal supplied to pin No. 3 of A/D converter 12 has a triangular voltage profile and is produced by a profile generating circuit 202, comprising IC 204, amplifier 209, capacitors 219 and 220, and resistors 219 through 223. IC 204 generates a square wave at 1/6 Hz which is converted to a triangular ramp by capacitor 219 and resistor 221 and is buffered by amplifier 209. The triangular voltage profile, so generated, represents a desired response from potentiometer 17 when the leg of the subject is being stimulated to raise and lower.
The output of potentiometer 17 is applied to pin No. 28 of A/D converter 12, as shown in FIG. 6. An output of 5 volts from potentiometer 17 represents a shaft angle rotation of 360°. The diameter of roller 38 is selected such that one rotation thereof corresponds to a leg movement of about 70 degrees from its initial vertial position.
The amplitude of the analog stimulation signal appearing at line 197 is controlled by D/A converter 14, a DAC0831 integrated circuit sold by National Semiconductor. D/A converter 14 is selected for operation by applying a strobe signal to pin 19 thereof. Also, a write signal (logic L0) is applied to input terminals 1 and 2 for activating the transfer of data to the internal latch register of D/A converter 14. The data so transferred is an eight-bit stimulation command code appearing at terminals 13, 14, 15, 16, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of D/A converter 13. The output of D/A converter 14 is buffered and amplified and thereafter applied to input line 197 of stimulator 50.
Computer 13 generates eight-bit binary representation of stimulation command voltages ranging between 0 and 255 by executing an appropriate POKE instruction. A desired stimulation voltage ranging between 0 and 255 is POKED into memory location 50016 (decimal). When this memory location is POKED the computer generates an address for IC201 which causes output pin 12 to go L0. This L0 output signal is inverted by inverter 205 to create the above mentioned strobe signal for D/A converter 14.
The computer program for producing the above described operation is described in the program listing set forth in TABLE IV. This program is written in source code in accordance with the APPLESOFT variation of the well known BASIC language. The program will be self-explanatory to persons skilled in the art and only brief comments need be made.
The program set forth in TABLE IV includes an isometric strength measurement routine beginning at line 220 and a main control program beginning at line 1000. The main control program includes a start cycle beginning at line 1250 and a muscle stimulation routine beginning at line 1432. The start cycle finds the beginning of a ramp generated by the profile generator 202.
During the isometric measurement routine the computer increments a variable Y from 1 to 17 (line 290) and POKES the value 10Y into memory location 55016. This causes generation of stimulation pulses having a voltage equal to the value 10Y. When the muscle begins to develop tension, then the test supervisor depresses the Escape key on the computer control board. This action loads the ASCII code 155 into memory location 49152. The computer checks that memory location at line 329 and jumps to line 400 if the Escape key has been depressed. The computer then assigns the current value of 10Y to the variable Z as a threshold voltage.
After the threshold voltage has been established, the computer enters the main control program to determine the maximum strength of the muscle by isokinetic exercise. During this routine the computer steps the stimulation voltage from the value Z up to 255 volts in 10 volt steps (lines 1045 and 1060). During this period of time the leg is attached to cable 34 as indicated by FIG. 3. When strength meter 36 indicates that the strength has leveled off, then the test supervisor again depresses the Escape key. The computer checks memory location 49152 once during each voltage step (line 1105) and proceeds to line 1120, if the Escape key has been depressed.
After the maximum strength has been determined, the computer looks for a start of a cycle (line 1250).
The isokinetic exercise routine begins at line 1432. During this routine the computer generates stepped variations for a variable Z9 and POKES the value of Z9 memory location 50016. After each new value of Z9 has been utilized for generation of a corresponding stimulation voltage, the computer checks to see if Z9 has a value equal to 255 (maximum stimulation voltage). If that value is noted, than the isokinetic exercise routine is terminated. If not, the computer proceeds to execute the instructions at line 1450 which cause reading of the analog voltages generated by profile generator 202 and potentiometer 17. These voltages are digitized and utilized to establish values for variables A8 and A9 respectively.
If A8 is greater than A9, the computer knows that the leg is not raised as much as it should be, and the value of Z9 is increased. This then increases the stimulation voltage command generated by the computer. Conversely, if A8 is less than A9, Z9 and the stimulation command are decreased. When A8 has decreased to a value indicating the end of a cycle, then the leg is rested for the duration of a counting loop which continues for approximately 6 seconds.
A complete exercise procedure is therefore seen to include the following steps:
(1) Apply electrodes to subject.
(2) Turn on computer 13.
(3) Hook leg strap 19 to strength testing cable 34.
(4) Secure leg strap 19 to leg of subject.
(5) Connect electrical lead to electrode 15a, 15b and 15c with the HV ground line being connected to electrode 15c.
(6) Input "GO" into computer, thereby causing the computer to generate signals for application of stimulation voltages to electrode pairs 15a-15c and 15b-15c; the steps being in 10 volt increments from 10 volts to 170 volts max.
(7) Look for muscle contraction. When muscle contraction is noted, depress Escape key on computer, thereby causing the computer to store the threshold voltage.
(8) Determine muscle strength by typing "GO", into computer, thereby causing the computer to generate commands for production of stimulation voltages in 10 volt steps from the threshold voltage to a maximum of 255 volts.
(9) Observe strength meter. When strength has leveled off, depress Escape key on computer keyboard, thereby discontinuing the application of stimulation signals to the subject.
(10) Attach leg strap 19 to dynamic exercise cable 33.
(11) Place weights 27 on weight pan 42. The weight of the load should be some predetermined fraction of the maximum strength as determined above, typically one-third or two-thirds.
(12) Initiate isokinetic exercise by typing "GO" into computer. This command causes generation of a stimulation voltage profile as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The leg reacts to this voltage profile by repeated cycles of raising, lowering and resting.
(13) When the exercise routine is completed (assuming that the muscle has not become exhausted and caused automatic shutdown) discontinue the routine by turning off the computer.
While the method herein described and the form of apparatus for carrying this method into effect constitutes preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise method and form of apparatus, and that changes may be made in either without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.
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One year on and Spa is a different place. Very different. Twelve months ago, when you arrived on Friday morning, it was best to avoid visiting the Ferrari and McLaren compounds. Do either and you were being seen to take sides.
It was the morning after the FIA delivered their verdict in a Paris courtroom. Remember that one? A fine of 100 million dollars and all of McLaren's constructors points removed.
Talk about a poisoned atmosphere. McLaren were wounded in every sense and
Ferrari felt the verdict was not severe enough. Best place to go for breakfast was somewhere like Spyker or Toro Rosso in order to avoid causing offence.
I posted a blog on this website expressing surprise about the outcome and came under verbal assault from a Ferrari representative a couple of hours later. At least he had been reading a decent web site.
Lewis Hamilton was caught in the middle. All he wanted to do was get stuck into Spa rather than, as the media hoped, Ferrari and the FIA. Hamilton had been to the court to offer support and he came away giving the bemused impression of a kid who had been forced to go to the police station for riding his bike without lights. All he wanted to do was get on with his job and have fun and this, clearly, was not fun.
This morning he was all smiles as he strode through the paddock. The air high in the Ardennes is misty and cool but free of the suspicion and hatred that pervaded the atmosphere 12 months ago. Hamilton clearly loves this place. It's a proper race track which, as Fernando Alonso says, gives the impression that you are actually going somewhere. And going very quickly.
At 4.35 miles, Spa is the longest track on the F1 calendar. It is also the best by a million miles. After the acrimony of last year and the constrictions of the Hungaroring and the limitations of Valencia a couple
of weeks ago, the inescapable feeling is one of getting on with what we're here for. Let proper battle commence.


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I spent some time looking for alternatives today and am really surprised at the prices of the church run day care centers - they are more than the family day care! We pay $50/day per child, so we pay her $100 / day. However, the church run day care centers are charging $60-$70 / day.
I would wait until fall when my dd will attend full day pre-school, but looking for my son who will be 14 months old. Very sad to start hearing the nearby daycares are full. Even the two church run day care centers I checked are full.
I won't bring him to a day care chain as I hear too many horror stories with them. I can put him on a wait list and earliest I can get him in is May 2014.
Thanks for listening - any advice on the day care mom? I turned around and walked out on her this morning while she was repeating her parenting advice for the third time.
Cheryl, mom to Olivia Grace (May 2009), Zackary James (Jun 2012)
both hypnobabies births
One thing that popped in to my head was that perhaps she is a a little deprived of adult interaction, and giving 'advice' is the best way she knows how to socialize? I plead 'guilty' to have caught myself doing that (umm, hellllo - I'm posting on this thread to give advice LOL)
Another thing is that I have an aunt who will repeat things 3, 4, 5, 6 times even after you tell her you've GOT IT ALREADY. It's a habit, and since she's done it as long as I've known her - not old age. LOL
Either way, obviously the situation is frustrating for you.
I think annoyances and irritation aside - are your children safe, loved, and well cared for? If you can answer 'yes'...maybe you should look at things you can do to minimize the irritations in the mean time - you don't want to be left with NO day care and wind up putting your kids in an unsafe place.
You have my sympathies and I hope some one can comment with some good suggestions for you. In the mean time, I guess 'grin and bare it' is my only advice.
Daughter of Him, Wife and Mother to them ,
One more on the way Fall 2013
Cheryl, mom to Olivia Grace (May 2009), Zackary James (Jun 2012)
both hypnobabies births
Just curious if you are paying $100 per/day for family daycare how much does a nanny in your area cost? Maybe a mom with one child
willing to come to your house would be a better situation.
For now can you try having conversations about other topics. Start with "thank you for taking care of my children. How was your weekend?" (or something even more general)
Oh, yes...What about a nanny - is that the same price range or no?
With school being out you may be able to find a senior or college age young person to work relatively cheap. Also, there are always grannies out there (most places) who may be looking for some extra income and time spent with kids.
You may have to get creative, but those are options.
Daughter of Him, Wife and Mother to them ,
One more on the way Fall 2013
When I've continued using childcare I was uncomfortable with, I ended up regretting it (nothing terrible, but I wish I'd changed providers sooner).
Midwife (CPM, LDM) and homeschooling mama to:
14yo ds 11yo dd 9yo ds and 7yo ds and 2yo ds
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No 'shroom for error.
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Item: 78642