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- Umekachikelu Franklin Chukwuebuka
- August 30, 2011
- 0 Comments
The problem of over- population in African has registered its effects in almost every aspect of human life and endeavour. Indeed, throughout the world, lots of youths migrate from the rural areas to big cities either because they have chosen such a way of life, or because the constraints of the environmental structures have left them with no other choice. In search for a "greener pasture" therefore, most are entrapped within the circle of the famous 'area boys' or agberos as it is popularly called in some cities; and often times, they may drop out of school, since they believe that school may not be helpful to them. Their usual place of refuge is the street; hence they may be referred to in some areas as "street boys". A closer glance at our streets x-rays a considerable presence of these youths who, because they are deprived of parental care and guidance, may take to some unexpected behaviours or characters. The plights of these youths are worsened in that they are submerged in a milieu of general underdevelopment. In view of this Izibili and Enegho have observed that: ' It is no longer news that Africa is plagued with so many problems such as bad leadership, the absence of many basic social amenities of life such as good roads, health care services, pipe borne water, qualitative education, good communication services and even the absence of peace and development due to ethnic/tribal and religious conflicts, etc, leading to underdevelopment
DEVELOPMENT AND THE NIGERIAN YOUTH Izibili and Enegho are of the view that development is the ability of people to live in modern or civilized world, by getting access to some basic necessary facilities or necessities like having good roads, qualitative health care service/education, good pipe borne water, even to the extent of having plenty of food. Some scholars also explain that it implies equal distribution of goods and services, and Dudly Seers, placed emphasis on equality as well as growth. He maintained the position that asking the question: what has been happening to equality? Among others, can help us better assess the state of development. Thus development must encompass social justice. The adopted National Youth Policy states "youths comprises of all young per¬sons of ages eighteen to thirty-five, who are citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Youths are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have" As the future, and the pillars on which a nation would eventually rest, the youths possess a place of importance in the structure of a nation. Consequently the most developmental effort that any country therefore can present to itself is the conscious investments in the furtherance of the states of her youths. Contrarily, what is mostly obtainable in several African states with particular reference to Nigeria is the presence of youths who are grossly dejected, rejected, in a state of acute lack, deprived, unemployed and above all, underdeveloped. This has placed many youths in vulnerable positions: they are the pawns of the gimmickry of fraudulent politicians who employ them as tools to achieve their greedy aims; and as a means to survival, many have taken to car-washing, thuggery, petty-trading, money- begging, bus-driving, pocket-picking and prostitution. The situation is worsened when one realizes that the youths are submerged in the web of underdevelopment that pervades most to the African continent. Hence, "a careful study of African State has revealed that her problem, though numerous, chief among them is that of development" .
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIAN YOUTHS Investigations and various specialized studies tend to emphasize the following factors as contributing to the problem namely: lack of adequate educational formation, the home (unsatisfactory parental affection), economic condition, political instability, and youth's vulnerability to choose between what is morally good and evil. Many have justifiably argued that the seed of today's underdevelopment in Nigeria was sown some decades ago, when General Yakubu Gowon, a one time President of the Federation, thought he was trying to be kind to the nation, when his government heartlessly and impolitely seized and took over schools belonging to the missionaries. Due to this seizure, what do we see around the world of youths today? Indiscipline, moral decadence, social unrest, social vices and above all we have illiterates, who are not given qualitative education, and hence lack the rudiments required for developing both themselves and the community. Samuel Okorie writes that any society, which may in any way neglect the education of the youths, simply is building a large edifice on sandy soil, it will without doubt crumble at the end. In building a developed society tomorrow, we must begin by inculcating and caring for the youth of today. In building a crime free society, Africans and in essence Nigerians should focus more on education, because it is an urgent need capable of freeing her youths from ignorance and poverty. When some youths are deprived of one or both parents, they become more susceptible to underdevelopment than those living in homes with both parents: Also lack of positive description within the home, conflict between the parents or other disturbing interfamilial relationships, such as serious poverty, deprivation or illness may mar the general well being of the youths. Underdevelopment is fundamentally the result of society's failure to provide a decent life for most youths and to develop a sense of social responsibility in its citizen. As members of a society, the conditions of the youths are largely dependent on those of the society. Izibili and Enegho write thus: The most fundamental obstacle to development... of the crucial ingredients of social changes and human development in Africa are, social-political.... In addition, the economic bondage in which African nations have been placed over time is yet another force fighting against African developmental moves. This is true in the case of Nigeria, where the economic conditions have-made many youths to become street traders, hawkers, prostitutes, almajirai in the Northern parts of Nigeria and area boys in the south. More so, unbalanced political system could also be a factor where those in power today would not like to step down for the other man tomorrow. And we find a state whereby the rich begs to become richer and the poor becomes poorer daily without balanced employment. Hence our government offices today are most times occupied by dictators, monoliths and authoritarians. According to The World Book, it is not easy' to say just why certain youths become problematic and others grow-up and develop as so-called "sane" and "normal" individuals. Every case can be traced to a lack of adjustment between the youth and society. Youths belong to a particular society. His growth or "mal-development" depends chiefly on the two factors enumerated above: the society and himself. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NIGERIAN YOUTHS AND THE WAY FORWARD Although, youths are referred to as spoilers, political thugs and social deviants, they still have some rights and responsibilities, which are not always recognized by the society. Festus Alenkhe rightly puts it that the youths of the nation have lots of important and pivotal roles to play in ensuring the unity, development, progress and peace in the country. He enumerates some rights and responsibilities of the Nigerian youths to include: promotion and defence of democracy and civility in the governance of the country and interpersonal relations in fellow citizens; eschewing ethnic and religions bigotry; eschewing all acts of violence and crimes, such as cultism, armed robbery, street violence, alcoholism, substance abuse, prostitution; promotion of self-¬help, self-respectability, co-operation and community development; good ambassadors of Africa (Nigeria) both at home and abroad; a striving to be actively involved in decision making on matters that affect them (youths). This shows that we do not need to wait for non-Nigerians to help us develop our youths and society, we must make efforts within our little capacity to see how we could be helpful in creating an atmosphere free of struggles for power and insecurity in the lives of our African youths. At this juncture a vicious cycle is readily identified: on the one hand, the youths, as their rights and responsibilities, are called to eschew non-desirable elements in the society such as crimes and acts of violence. On the other hand, they are caught up in the web of such acts. A true representation of the situation therefore must affirm that to be responsible, the youths must be liberated from this vicious cycle; it is a fundamental right of theirs that this is not only achieved but also that they are offered means to better living conditions. This is a collective responsibility of all. After all, the "fact remains that for Africans to break from the chains of underdevelopment is the arduous responsibility of Africans themselves."
CONCLUSIONWe must note with Izibili and Enegho that its now time for us to realize now that no outside forces would help us to develop our youths and the African continent. We must be aware of' the international encumbrances that our underdevelopments impose on us; how the powerful foreign nations hold us to ransom with their bait and traits, how the multi-nationals impose their values and exploit us. In this regard, Nigerians must realise that we need to be conscious of an African Aufklarung (Enlightenment) emanating from educational maturity in order to rise up to the road of authentic development . And in all, parents should note that the youths watch them with shocks and delights as they perform some actions. The time has come now for Nigerians to identify and realize their initial ideas, including the situation and historical background of their beingness and then with a general and unified agreement try to face the challenges placed before them, that is of development of the youth. Without any doubt the need has come for Nigerians to take a break and look back at their thought pattern, that is their values and try to implement this same ideas, it is not enough imitating the Western ideas.
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Fri 11 May 2007
The Privacy Shed
Posted by Erin under Family and Friends
[4] Comments
The hormonal maelstrom of my tween and early teen years coincided with major family upheaval. There was a new baby, a new house, and some serious religious conflict thrown in for good measure. I shared a room with my little sister, and thankfully in the new house (which our grandparents sold to us) we didn't have to have our beds in bunks anymore, but I still felt suffocated. The house had wooden floors and you could hear people stomping around day and night. There was always noise– my youngest brother crying, music playing, tense discussions, the phone ringing. I would record popular songs offof the radio and use them to make up dance routines in the family room. I'd fill to the trembling point with fury when my sister innocently tried to join me because it looked fun. I called it "copying." Was there not one activity, one corner of the house that I could claim as my own?
One day my mom noticed that I wasn't around. I was usually pretty quiet, but she could generally spot me hanging upside down off of the couch with a magazine or inspecting my complexion in the guest bathroom as she hurried from room to room, taking care of the baby and maintaing order. The way my mom tells it, she opened the door to the deep linen closet in the hallway and was surprised to find me curled up in the space between the floor and the bottom shelf with a flashlight and a book.
I don't remember exactly what conversation we had, but I do remember the outcome. Where other people might tenderly laugh off their quirky child's behavior, she took me seriously and took action. I couldn't have my own room, but we did have a sturdy storage shed in the back where my grandmother had kept emergency food supplies in days gone by. Mom cleared out the junk from the back room of the shed and cleaned and put down some leftover carpet. She painted it pink and yellow with an art-deco looking bicycle and my dad made a plywood desk. Then my mom outfitted it with a chair, a space heater, a lock, and a sign that said "Private!" I could go in there whenever I wanted and I didn't have to share.
At first I used it a lot. My brother and sister didn't like it that I could just go in there and shut the door. They'd stand outside it and whisper and knock. Eventually they lost interest. After a time, my visits to the Private Room dropped off. In many cases just knowing it was there if I needed it was enough.
As Mother's Day approaches, I'm thinking about that season, when my mom found room amid her many responsibilities and private worries to notice my situation. She didn't just give comforting words; she took on a major project and enlisted other family members to help her complete it, and saved my bacon. Even today that kind of sacrificial giving for her kids and grandkids is a natural part of her life, shaped through years of practice. Thanks, mom.

subset: commoncrawl


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At Johnson, all students attend the Science/Space Lab weekly.
The Science Lab utilizes a hands-on curriculum emphasizing the development of analytical skills necessary for scientific investigation in earth, life and physical science.
The Science, Computer, and Engineering Labs incorporate robotics, rocketry and other specialized equipment into the study of themes such as satellites, space exploration, living in space, and the history and dynamics of flight.
Using research techniques taught in the Science Lab, students learn to integrate technology skills into their studies. Using both PC and Apple computers, students use the internet to explore scientific ideas and questions, organize their data, and produce final presentation projects that support their research.
Through the use of hands-on activities, Science Lab students also enhance their reading, writing, and speaking skills through a variety of instructional approaches.


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Adrianne Haslet-Davis
Video Shows Tsarnaev Giving Middle Finger To Surveillance Camera
Jurors saw video of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev flipping the bird to a security camera and heard emotional testimony from bombing victims.
Ballroom Dancer Describes Losing Leg In Marathon Bombing
As she left the witness stand, she gave a long, furious glare at Tsarnaev.
Tributes Mark First Anniversary Of Boston Marathon Bombings
Emotional tributes marked the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings Tuesday, honoring the three people who died, the more than 260 people who were injured, and the first responders, doctors and nurses who helped them.
Marathon Bombing Survivor Upset With Meet The Press
Marathon bombing survivor Adrianne Haslet-Davis walked away from an interview with Meet the Press on Friday afternoon.
Red Sox Receive World Series Rings; Ortiz Given Special MVP Ring
The Red Sox received their 2013 World Series rings on Friday, but who brought them out at Fenway was what made the day so special.
Dancer Who Lost Leg In Boston Marathon Bombings Performs On Stage At TED Talk
Less than a year after a talented dancer named Adrianne Haslet-Davis lost her leg in the Boston marathon bombings, she took the stage on Wednesday to perform again.
Dancer Loses Foot In Boston Marathon Bombings
A talented dancer named Adrianne Haslet-Davis was seriously injured in last week's marathon bombing.


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Daily tip: how to create HTML rich e-mail on your iPhone using Markdown Mail
Curious how to create rich, HTML email iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch? iOS may show you fancy emails but it doesn't natively support creating them. However, there are tons of apps available that allow you to do so. Which one you choose is really a matter of preference. I've tried a couple and found Markdown Mail to be my personal favorite. Obviously you'll have to learn markdown if you don't already but I promise, it's dead simple. There's even a link in-app to a help page with all the syntax. Jump through to see how using Markdown Mail (or any other HTML e-mail app) can allow you to create HTML rich e-mails.
[$3.99 - iTunes Link]
I use Markdown Mail because it's simple to learn and integrates perfectly with the default mail app. You can simply create your e-mail in Markdown and send it without having to copy/paste anything over to the mail app.
- Launch Markdown mail and tap the plus sign under drafts.
- Type your e-mail in markdown format.
- If at any time you want to preview what you've written, tap the circular icon to the right of the trash option.
- Once you're done, tap the mail envelope on the bottom right. A mail message will pop up, simply type in the sender and subject and you're done!
As a side note, you can also choose to e-mail the markdown version as well. To do this, tap the arrow icon (bottom left) and choose e-mail markdown.
If you guys use a certain app to create HTML rich e-mail, let us know which one in the comments. If you decide to try out Markdown Mail, let us know how it works out for you!
Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to email@example.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)
Have something to say about this story? Leave a comment! Need help with something else? Ask in our forums!
Reader comments
Daily tip: how to create HTML rich e-mail on your iPhone using Markdown Mail
There actually is, but it's not obvious how to. When you're writing your email, hit the home button (since the mail app is native to the iPhone and 1st party, this'll work, even before iOS 4), then go into your pictures app.
Locate the image you want to use, view it full screen, then tap and hold on it. The "Copy" pop up will show up.
Tap that, then reopen your mail app. The draft you were writing will still be there. Double tap, then select "Paste", and it'll put the image in for you.
You can do this with as many images as you want.
Why I never thought of this, I don't know. Thanks!
MailSig. Not quite full HTML email but great for HTML signatures. It's template driven, looks good and easy to use. Setup your signatures, then tap one and it's inserted into an email. Works for replies too. I upgraded from the Lite version within 5 minutes of using it.
Chris (above) hits the nail on the head for me.
I want to use Rich Text in so many places and iOS is mostly a plain text environment.
Do you know of a note taking app with iPad support which allows for rich text (including bulleted lists and nested bullets?). I've searched but there's nothing out there as far as I can see.
If Markdown Notes comes out, I'll be first in line!
Note & share is great! I've been using it to convert markdown to HTML for my website when posting on the go!
There's a similar app, simpler but free:http://itunes.apple.com/app/markdown-composer-send-html/id421619832?mt=8
Am I the only one missing that you can't seem to use the markdown apps to reply to meesages, only to create new ones? Or is there a workaround?
i want to how he has created that application..i want to create but i am stuck..i am new in iphone
I was the author of this post, and Im afraid Ive never heard of such a thing . I did a quick search to see if any blogging platforms say they are blind friendly, and I didnt come up with anything.
I will certainly keep an eye out for you, and will drop you a note if I discover anything.
I delight in the information on your websites. With thanks!
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No Internet at the conference !!
OMG, I can't believe it. The organisers of the conference haven't
organised any Internet access for the attendees. This means that only
access to the net I have is if I run back up to our room. The only
access is through the hotels 'conference wireless', which costs US
a day !! This is seriously going to be a pain in the butt and probably
the result of many a trips running back-and-forward between the
conference and my room to send/receive messages.


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The disclosure relates to devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.
1. A method for the placement of an orthopedic implant into a interspinous space between the spinous process of a first vertebral bone and the spinous process of a second vertebral bone of a subject, wherein the first and second vertebral bones are immediately adjacent spinal levels, comprising:
visualizing the spinous process of the first vertebral bone using radiographic imaging;
visualizing the spinous process of the second vertebral bone using radiographic imaging;
forming a pathway through skin and soft tissue that are adjacent to the spinous processes of the first and second vertebral bones, wherein a distal region of the pathway abuts the target inter-spinous space between the spinous processes of the first and second vertebral bones;
passing a percutaneous implant sizing instrument into the inter-spinous space such that a distal region of the sizing instrument abuts each of the spinous processes of the first and second vertebral bones and such that a proximal region of the sizing instrument is positioned outside of the body cavity of the subject, and wherein the proximal region of the instrument provides an indicia of the size of the implant to be selected;
distracting the spinous processes of the first and second vertebral bones with the distal region of the sizing instrument until the sizing instrument imparts a desired amount of distraction force onto the spinous processes and the spinous processes are separated by a separation distance;
reading the indicia on the proximal region of the sizing instrument, wherein the indicia provides an indication of an appropriate implant size to be positioned in the inter-spinous space and wherein the indicia is at least partially based on the separation distance produced by the distraction force imparted to the spinous processes by the sizing instrument;
selecting an orthopedic implant based on the indicia;
advancing the selected implant through the formed pathway of the skin and soft tissue and into the target inter-spinous space.
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6. A method for the delivery of an orthopedic implant onto a target location within a spinal column of a subject, comprising:
identifying the target location using an imaging technique;
positioning an implant insertion assembly in proximity to the target location, wherein the implant insertion assembly comprises:
an implant insertion member having an elongated curvilinear body and an internal bore, wherein at least a segment of the internal bore extends from a proximal opening to a distal opening along a curvilinear trajectory, and wherein the internal bore is sized to permit advancement of the implant through the internal bore;
a fixation member, having a first segment that attaches onto a proximal segment of the implant insertion member and a second segment that attaches onto a first surface, wherein, after attachment, the fixation member limits movement of the implant insertion member relative to the target location in at least one plane;
advancing the orthopedic implant through the internal bore of the implant insertion member and onto the target location.
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28. A method to target and access a spinal segment of a subject, comprising:
identifying a target location within the spinal segment, wherein the target location is in proximity to a first vertebral bone;
positioning at least a first member of a targeting apparatus in proximity to the first vertebral bone, the targeting apparatus being comprised of:
the first member;
a second member being comprised of at least one base segment that is attached to a pivot member, wherein the pivot member is adapted to rotate relative to the base segment about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot member has an elongated arm that extends from the pivot axis to a distal segment, wherein the distal segment of the elongated arm contains at least one bore that is adapted to receive a curvilinear member, wherein the curvilinear member extends from a proximal end to a distal tip;
the first member being movably coupled to the second member, wherein a distance adjustment feature is adapted to adjust a distance between the first and the second members, wherein advancement of the adjustment feature in a first direction increases and retains the increased distance between the pivot axis of the second member and the target location, and wherein advancement of the adjustment feature in a second direction decreases and retains the decreased distance between the pivot axis and the target location;
using a pointer member to localize the target location on an imaging modality, wherein the pointer member extends form a proximal segment to a distal end, wherein the proximal segment contains an attachment region that is adapted to couple with the second member, and wherein the attachment region is a first distance from the distal end;
coupling the attachment region of the pointer member to the second member and
actuating the adjustment feature of the targeting apparatus, wherein, after manipulation of the adjustment feature, the distal end of the pointer member is positioned at the target location on the imaging modality;
rotating the pivot member about the pivot axis and advancing the distal tip of the curvilinear member from a skin entry site to the target location within the subject.
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This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/631,213, filed Nov. 24, 2004 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/713,235, filed Aug. 31, 2005. Priority of the aforementioned filing dates is hereby claimed, and the disclosures of the Provisional Patent Applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The disclosure relates to devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.
Progressive constriction of the central canal within the spinal column is a predictable consequence of aging. As the spinal canal narrows, the nerve elements that reside within it become progressively more crowded. Eventually, the canal dimensions become sufficiently small so as to significantly compress the nerve elements and produce pain, weakness, sensory changes, clumsiness and other manifestation of nervous system dysfunction.
Constriction of the canal within the lumbar spine is termed lumbar stenosis. This condition is very common in the elderly and causes a significant proportion of the low back pain, lower extremity pain, lower extremity weakness, limitation of mobility and the high disability rates that afflict this age group. The traditional treatment for this condition has been the surgical removal of the bone and ligamentous structures that constrict the spinal canal. Despite advances in surgical technique, spinal decompression surgery can be an extensive operation with risks of complication from the actual surgical procedure and the general anesthetic that is required to perform it. Since many of these elderly patients are in frail health, the risk of developing significant peri-operative medical problems remains high. In addition, the traditional treatment of surgical resection of spinal structures may relieve the neural compression but lead to spinal instability in a substantial minority of patients. That is, removal of the spinal elements that compress the nerves may cause the spinal elements themselves to move in an abnormal fashion relative to one another and produce pain. Should it develop, instability would require additional and even more extensive surgery in order to re-establish spinal stability. Because of these and other issues, elderly patients with lumbar stenosis must often choose between living the remaining years in significant pain or enduring the potential life-threatening complications of open spinal decompression surgery.
Recently, lumbar stenosis has been treated by the distraction—instead of resection—of those tissues that compress the spinal canal. In this approach, an implantable device is placed between the spinous processes of the vertebral bodies at the stenotic level in order to limit the extent of bone contact during spinal extension. Since encroachment upon the nerve elements occurs most commonly and severely in extension, this treatment strategy produces an effective increase in the size of the spinal canal by limiting the amount of spinal extension. In effect, distraction of the spinous processes changes the local bony anatomy and decompresses the nerves by placing the distracted spinal segment into slight flexion.
A number of devices that utilize this strategy have been disclosed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,451,020; 6,695,842; 5,609,634; 5,645,599; 6,451,019; 6,761,720; 6,332,882; 6,419,676; 6,514,256; 6,699,246 and other illustrate various spinous process distractors. Unfortunately, the placement of each device requires exposure of the spinous processes and the posterior aspect of the spinal column. Thus, these operations still present a significant risk of peri-operative complications in this frail patient population.
It would be desirable to design an improved method for the placement of an orthopedic device between the spinous processes of adjacent spinal segments. A workable method of percutaneous delivery would reduce the surgical risks of these procedures and significantly increase the usefulness of these spinous process distractors. This application discloses a device for the percutaneous placement of inter-spinous process implants. The method of use provides a reliable approach that maximizes the likelihood of optimal device placement and obviates the need for open surgery.
Disclosed are devices and methods that can accurately place an orthopedic device between adjacent spinous processes. The devices and methods employs a percutaneous approach and constitutes the least invasive method of delivery system yet devised. Also disclosed are various instruments for implant placement and the implant itself.
Pursuant to a procedure, a patient is placed on his side or in the prone position. The hips and knees are flexed and the procedure is performed under x-ray guidance. The level of interest is identified radiographically and bone screws are percutaneously inserted into the spinous processes of the upper and lower vertebras of the stenotic level. A distractor is placed onto the two screws and a needle is placed through the distractor platform and guided into the space between the spinous processes under X-ray guidance. The tip of the needle is guided into the exact position where the implant needs to be placed. The needle is marked so that the distance from the needle tip to the center of rotation of the insertion device (discussed below) can be measured. The platform is then immobilized relative to the rest of the distractor and the spinous processes of the stenotic level are gently distracted. In order to gauge the extent of distraction and better standardize the procedure, a measure of the force of distraction is displayed by the distraction device. The localizing needle is removed.
A curvilinear device is attached to the platform. The device has a guide arm that rotates about a central point so as to form an arc. Since the distance from the guide arm's center of rotation to the tip of the localizing needle is known, a guide arm of radius equal to that distance will necessarily form an arc that contains the needle point on its circumference. A trocar with a knife-like tip is placed through the central channel in order to divide tissue before the advancing guide arm. The guide arm is them rotated through the skin and underlying tissue until the distal end of the guide arm abuts the side of the ligament between the spinous processes at the stenotic level. Using this method, a curvilinear path is created to the point marked by the needle tip in a completely percutaneous manner and without any open surgical tissue dissection.
The trocar is removed from the guide arm's central canal. The central canal is then used to deliver the implant to the desired point between the spinous processes. Alternatively, a solid guide arm may be used with the implant attached to the tip.
The placement system described herein provides an easy and reliable way of placing an orthopedic device within the inter-spinous ligament. Using this method, the implant can be placed rapidly, precisely, with a few small skin incisions and the absolute minimum amount of tissue dissection. It permits minimally invasive device placement using only local anesthesia into those afflicted patients who are least able to withstand the stress of open surgical intervention.
In one aspect, there is disclosed a distractor instrument, comprising: a first distractor member that engages at a distal end to a first skeletal segment; a second distractor member that engages at a distal to a second skeletal segment; a distractor device mounted to proximal ends of the first and second distractor members; and a distraction actuator attached to the distractor device, wherein the distraction actuator is actuated to apply a distraction force to the first and second distractor members to distract the first and second skeletal segments relative to one another.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a distractor instrument, comprising first and second distraction members that each engage a respective skeletal segment, wherein the distraction members can be distracted to cause distraction of the skeletal segments.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a method of distracting a pair of spinous processes, comprising using one or more distractor elements to engage the spinous processes to apply a distraction force to the spinous processes.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a minimally-invasive surgical procedure, comprising localizing a surgical point of interest using a localizing needle that points to the point of interest; and placing an implant at the point of interest using the localizing needle as a guide.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a minimally-invasive surgical procedure, comprising localizing a surgical point of interest using an x-ray to identify the point of interest; relating the point of interest to a delivery apparatus; and delivering an implant to the point of interest using an inserter device that pivots about a central axis such that the inserter device travels along a curvilinear path that contains the localized point of interest.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a skeletal implant holder, comprising a hand-operated handle assembly; and a holder assembly attached to the handle assembly. The holder assembly is configured to be removably attached to an implant, wherein the handle assembly can be actuated to secure the implant to the holder assembly and to detach the implant from the holder assembly, and wherein the holder assembly is configured to apply a first force to the implant in a first direction and a second force to the implant in a second direction opposite the first direction when the handle assembly is actuated.
In another aspect, there is disclosed an implant for implanting between a pair of skeletal segments, comprising a first segment; at least one wing attached to the first segment, the wing movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration wherein the wing can engage a skeletal segment as an anchor when in the expanded configuration; and a second segment removably attached to the first segment, wherein the second segment can be detached from the first segment to disengage the wing from the skeletal segment.
These and other features will become more apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Disclosed are methods and devices for implanting a device (such as an orthopedic device) between skeletal segments (such as vertebrae), using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones.
The device 100 generally includes a pair of anchors that include elongate distraction screws 110 a and 110 b (collectively screws 110), a platform 115, and an insertion device 120 that is pivotably attached to the platform 115 via an attachment member. A curvilinear trocar 117 is removably mounted in a hollow shaft of the insertion device 120. Each of the distraction screws 110 is attached at a distal end to a respective vertebral body. In this regard, the distal end of each screw can include a structure for attaching to the vertebral body, such as a threaded shank. The proximal ends of the distraction screws 110 are attached to the platform 115. The screws 110 are axially positioned within sheaths that surround the screws and extend downwardly from the platform 115, as described below with reference to
The insertion device 120 is pivotably attached to the platform 115 such that the insertion device 120 can pivot about an axis B. The insertion device 120 includes a connecting arm 130 that extends outwardly from the platform 115, and a curved portion 140 that curves toward the vertebral bodies from an outward tip of arm 130. Arm 130 has a length R that corresponds to a radius of curvature of the curved portion 140. Thus, when the insertion device 120 pivots about the axis B, the curved member 140 moves along a curved or arced pathway of radius R. The curved portion 140 can include an internal guide shaft that extends through the curved portion 140 along the entire length of the curved portion 140. The guide shaft is sized and shaped to slidably receive the trocar 117. The radius of curvature of the curved portion 140 can vary. As described in detail below, the curved portion 140 acts as a guide for guiding an implant device to a position between the vertebral bodies
With reference still to
With reference to
An exemplary configuration for such vertical adjustment is now described. An upper region of the turn screw 415 protrudes upwardly out of the platform 1115, as best seen in
The localizing needle 610 can be locked or unlocked relative to the platform 115. When unlocked, the position and orientation of the localizing needle 610 can be adjusted relative to the platform 115. For example, the localizing needle 610 can rotate or pivot to adjust the orientation of the axis of the localizing needle 610. The localizing needle 610 can also slide relative to the rail 205 of the platform 115 by sliding the mount 210 and attachment screw 215 along the rail 205. When locked, the position and orientation of the localizing needle 610 relative to the platform 115 is fixed.
This is described in more detail with reference to
However, when the locking instrument 705 is tightened, a threaded protrusion 815 causes the head 810 to expand within the socket. Specifically, the head 810 includes an upper half-sphere that contains a threaded protrusion 815, which engages a complimentary threaded bore within a lower half-sphere. The threads are arranged so that clockwise rotation of the upper half-sphere causes the two half-spheres to separate from one another. Since the two half-spheres are housed in an enclosed space, clock-wise rotation of the locking instrument causes the half-spheres to separate and become frictionally locked relative to the rail 205 and the mount 210. In this way, the mount 210 and attached needle 610 are locked in position relative to the platform 115.
As mentioned above with reference to
There is now described a method of use for the device 100. The patient is first placed in a position suitable for the procedure. For example, the patient is placed on his side or in the prone position. The hips and knees are flexed and the procedure is performed under x-ray guidance. The vertebral bodies at the diseased level(s) are identified radiographically and the bone screws 110 are percutaneously inserted into the spinous processes of the upper and lower vertebras. The device 100 is then coupled to the distraction screws 110 by sliding the sheaths 410 over the distraction screws, as shown in
As shown in
As discussed and as shown in
At this stage of the procedure, the localizing needle 610 is locked in place with the marking 620 on the needle providing an indication as to the radius of rotation of the insertion member 120 to be mounted to the platform 115. With the needle and platform locked, the vertebral bodies are then distracted. This is accomplished by turning the thumb screw 212 which, in turn, moves the lead screw 910 and distracts the member 207 relative to the member 209 in the manner described above. As mentioned, the pointer 925 in combination with the markings 925 provide an actual measure of the distraction force in a recognized physical unit or provide an arbitrary number, letter, or designation to which the operator would distract the vertebral bodies.
At this stage of the procedure, the localizing needle 610 is fixed in place, the platform 115 is locked in position, and the vertebral bodies are distracted with the distraction force indicated by the pointer 925. A swing arm is selected with a radius R equivalent to the number, letter or designation of the hatch mark on the localizing needle 610 (the hatch mark 620 at the level of the top of locking instrument). Thus, when the insertion device 120 is pivoted about the axis B (
At this stage of the procedure, the device 110 including the pivotably mounted insertion device 120 is attached to the pair of vertebral bodies, as shown in
In the next step, the appropriate size of the implant is determined, wherein the appropriate size is based upon the size of the space between the two spinous processes.
Distraction of the spinous processes can be easily recognized by movement of pointer 925 (
The implant 2515 mounts onto the holder 2510 by sliding the members 2535, 2540 through the bore 2715 in the implant 2515 such that the implant 2515 is positioned over the members 2535, 254, as shown in
At this stage of the procedure, the implant 2515 is locked onto the holder 2510 pursuant to the above-described process. The holder 2510 and the attached implant 2515 can now be inserted into the internal shaft of the curved member 140 of the insertion device 120.
The handles 2522 and 2524 of the implant holder 2510 are then actuated, which causes the ends of members 2530 and 2535 to move towards one another. The actuation of the handles 2522 and 2524 causes the implant to deform such that the wings 2710 are deployed, as shown in
With reference again to
Under X-ray guidance, the screw 4205 of the post 4110 is percutaneously attached onto the spinous process through a small skin incision. The internal member 4210 of the post 4110 is configured to lock to the screw 4205 while the screw 4205 is being driven into bone. In this way, rotation of the outer member 4215 causes advancement of the screw into the spinous process. The internal member 4210 is then unlocked and the external member 4215 is moved in the long axis of the spine until the free end of the post 4110 rests along a line L parallel to the inter-spinous space, as shown in
After the post-screw is appropriately positioned, the installer device 120 is attached onto the proximal end of the post 4110 as shown in
With reference to
With reference to
With the insertion device 110 attached to the post 4110, the handle 4820 of the plunger 4810 is then used to push curved portion 140 toward the skin. As the tip 4815 abuts the skin, a small incision is made and the curved portion is then rotated further until the tapered end 4815 contacts the lateral side of the inter-spinous space, as shown in
The plunger 4810 is removed and an orthopedic device can then be placed into the inter-spinous space through the guide shaft comprised of open curvilinear central bore of the curved portion 140. In this way, a device can be precisely delivered into the inter-spinous space with minimal tissue dissection. This method will provide a minimally invasive way of implanting orthopedic devices into this space.
In other embodiments, one or more anchors may be placed into the inter-spinous ligament, lateral to the inter-spinous space, into the pedicles or any other suitable anchor point. The insertion device is then attached and rotated onto the lateral aspect of the inter-spinal space. Lastly, the curved portion 140 of the insertion device 120 may be designed without a central bore for implant insertion. Instead, the implant is attached to the tip of the curved portion 140 and delivered by rotation of the curved portion. Once in place, the implant is detached from the insertion device 120.
It should be appreciated that the distractor members can engage the vertebral bodies in various ways. For example, the distractor members can be anchors with shanks that actually penetrate into the vertebral bodies. The distractor members can also be clamps that clamp onto the vertebral bodies or can simply by shaped to abut a portion of the vertebral body to purchase onto the vertebral body for distraction purposes. In addition, one of the distractor members can engage a first vertebral body in one manner (such as by penetrating the vertebral body) and the other distractor member can engage a vertebral body in another manner, such as by simply abutting or clamping onto the vertebral body. Alternately, both distractor members can simply abut a respective vertebral body without any penetration of the vertebral bodies by the distractor members.
As shown in
Although embodiments of various methods and devices are described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of use, and combinations thereof are also possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Original Image


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This is pretty late notice, but maybe you're sitting there in your living room, feeling the itch to go out but not sure what to do.
Here's a suggestion: Go to The Horned Hand (507 N.W. Colorado Ave., Bend) around 9 p.m. (it's free) and check out Thumbprint Collective, local producer of electronic music for both your booty and your brain.
Head Thumbprinter Chris makes some of my favorite bleepy/bloopy music in town, primarily because his stuff is glitchy and beat-driven, but also mellow, subtly melodic and just enough left of center to keep things interesting. This isn't the aggressive kind of electronic music you've been reading about in magazines and seeing in cereal commercials. This is the ideal soundtrack to a super-chilled evening of noddin' heads and gettin' fuzzy.
If you want a taste of what Thumbprint Collective does, you're in luck. He just released a new album called "Listening Energy," and you can stream it below or download it at his Bandcamp site. He'll let you name your price; I suggest you name something more than $0. Support art and support artists, you know?
Tags: Thumbprint Collective


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Posted at: 06/11/2013 7:46 AM
Updated at: 06/11/2013 7:56 AM
(ABC 6 NEWS) – Twin brothers, Alex and Blake Petrik, are nine years old, just finished the 4th grade, and have run hundreds of miles together.
It started when they were first graders at Austin's Banfield Elementary School, for something called Mileage Club.
"[Mileage Club] is an activity at Banfield where if you don't want to do the other stuff, you can run around this track," Alex explained.
Together, during the 2012-13 school year, Alex and Blake clocked 308 miles. As part of the club, incentives are offered for different mileage amounts. They've been awarded t-shirts for hitting the 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 mile marks.
Aside from Mileage Club, the twin brothers/running partners have competed in eight 5k races, and plan to do more.
In addition to running, Alex and Blake swim, and play soccer and baseball.


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Mrs. Jessie Yates, age 94, Cookeville, formerly of Jonesborough, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014, at the Kindred Transitional Care & Rehab-Master in Algood, TN.
Mrs. Yates was born in Jonesborough and daughter of the late William & Minnie Phipps Percell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Stanley F. Yates, in 1999; son, Stanley Yates Jr.; three brothers, Roy Percell, Donald Percell and Bernie Percell; and three sisters, Mary Geraldine Tester, Dorothy Lowery and Willie Taylor.
She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Mrs. Yates was a Homemaker.
Survivors include one daughter, Sandra Yates, Cookeville, TN; one brother, Fred Percell, Roanoke, VA; and one sister, Patsy Jackson, Jonesborough.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home.
Graveside services will follow at Monte Vista Burial Park with Pastor Michael Lusk officiating. Pallbearers will be family & friends.
Condolences may be sent to the Yates family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Jonesborough, 753-3821


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WORCESTER, Mass. – Junior right-handed pitcher John Colella (Herndon, Va.), a member of the Holy Cross baseball team, has received the 2012 Hop Riopel Award. The Riopel Award is presented each year to the most valuable player of the Crusader baseball team. The honor was given to Colella by the Holy Cross Varsity Club.
Colella holds a team-leading 2.22 ERA this season in 44.2 innings pitched. He has recorded a team and league-best nine saves and broke the Holy Cross career saves record earlier this year against Bucknell. He posts a record of 4-1 with 42 strikeouts, second highest amongst the Crusader pitching staff. His 22 appearances are a team-high while his nine saves tie the single-season saves record, set by himself last season.
Over the course of his three years on the mound, he has combined to strike out 95 batters and boasts a career record of 7-5. He has 18 saves in 55 career appearances. He has pitched in 108 full innings thus far.


text:
AUXIER — For Lydia Phipps, the recent tornado that caused widespread destruction in Moore, Okla., was an unwelcome reminder.
Last year, Phipps was living in West Liberty, where a tornado nearly leveled the community on March 2, 2012. She was among the many people who saw hopes and dreams swept away by the violent storm.
"It brought it all back, when I saw it on TV," Phipps said of the Oklahoma disaster. "Afterwards, we all got together and did this as a staff."
"This" was a room filled with toiletries, medicine, cleaning supplies and other items, collected for the Oklahoma victims by the staff of Physicians for Women, where Phipps now works as a registered nurse.
Phipps and her coworkers spent two days collecting and sorting the items, which were then sent to the West Liberty Fire Department, to join with another collection effort. From there, the items went to Mt. Sterling First Church of God, where they were loaded on a truck and dispatched to Oklahoma.
The office received extensive help in collecting items from MedZone Pharmacy, Big Sandy RECC, Cash Express and Fannin's Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.


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With its slat back and armless silhouette the Lake Tahoe side chair offers a stylish seating choice for meals. The comfortable seats are upholstered with dark brown UltraHyde which complements the walnut finish on the chair.
if purchased separately, $99.99
DETAILS See In Store
The Lake Tahoe table offers an appealing contemporary choice for casual meals and conversation. Additional guests can easily be accommodated with the 18 inch leaf. This table is made of wood solids and cherry veneers; a warm brown finish adds to the appeal. Chairs not included.
if purchased separately, $399.99
DETAILS See In Store
Go beyond traditional dining room seating by choosing the Lake Tahoe bench. Covered with rich dark Ultrahyde, the bench offers comfortable seating with a great look. The base is made of wood solids with a brown finish.
if purchased separately, $199.99
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Side Chair(s)
|19"W x 21.5"D x40"H
Dining Table
|42L x 64W x 30H Extends to 82
|48L x 16.5W x 21H


text:
Click Here To Watch This Video at Straight Fraternity
Me and my video camera alone with a hot straight guy. Anything can happen. Horny straight guys go gay for pay.
Description: 19-year-old College Boy Cory Has Agreed to Let Big Brother Zander Help Him Get Off With Another Guy, Including Jacking Off Together and Cory's First Time Sucking Dick.
Permanent link to this video:
Code to embed player in blogs and forums, etc:
Post this video in the JUB Forums with this code:
Simply copy the above code into your JUB forum post and the movie will appear.


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By Army Sgt. Erica N. Cain479th Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Army Division West
FORT HOOD, Texas, Aug. 25, 2010 Her physical training may look ordinary, but for Army Staff Sgt. Dani Ventre of the 479th Field Artillery Brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, it represents her extraordinary resilience in overcoming a spinal injury.
"I have been on and off a 'dead man's' profile for six years, which doesn't allow me to participate in any organized physical fitness training," Ventre said. But when her temporary profile ended, Ventre set goals for herself and began participating in the battery's organized fitness training at her own pace.
"During her recovery time, she would go over on run days and walk the quad, pushing herself to get the most she could until the unit finished physical fitness training, and come back for cool-down," said Army 1st Sgt. James B. Hopkins, the battery's first sergeant. "She worked very hard to set her own goals and stuck to them."
Ventre said she took it upon herself to participate because she knew it would help her. "The physical fitness looked fun and would help me improve my physical ability, so I wanted to push myself to participate," she explained. "My motivation to recover is not to hurt any more. I used to be a PT 'stud muffin.' Not so much anymore."
Hopkins said Ventre's motivation has been impressive. "What really stood out was the day the unit went on a battery run and Ventre lined up in the fourth rank with the pacesetters," he said. "The lead soldier fell out of the group run, and Ventre was there to close the gap; she had never quit."
Ventre said she's been taking it slowly. "But I realize that the physical fitness sessions will help me recover and not be on profile any longer," she added, "making me a better soldier, physically and mentally."
Meanwhile, Hopkins said, Ventre's resilience and determination set a good example. "At the end of the day," he said, "that's what it's all about: a soldier never giving up and fighting until the end."
Article is closed to new comments.
The opinions expressed in the following comments do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Defense.
There are no comments.


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Academic Advising
Academic Advising is required for new students and optional for current and returning students.
New students must complete an online pre-advising session so they are prepared to navigate through their first Carroll term and develop an academic plan.
Beyond a student's first Carroll term, advisers are available on a walk-in basis in the Advising and Transfer Center for assistance with the registration process, transfer planning, declaring a major and more.
Academic Program Templates
Students looking for a viable pathway towards and associate degree should view our Academic Program Plan Templates. These templates are major specific and present an ideal scenario for a full-time college-ready student. The plans will extend over more terms when attending Carroll as a part-time student.
Transitional coursework and, in some cases, certain higher level math and science prerequisites must be taken prior to the courses outlined in the the templates. For a customized academic plan, consult with an Academic Adviser.
Advising for Academic Difficulty
Academic Advising also helps students experiencing academic difficulty. Students on academic probation must see their assigned probation adviser prior to registering, for course planning and for classroom success tips.
Students who are struggling and have been reported by their instructor are contacted by Academic Advisers. Early intervention is key, and faculty as well as advisers work with students in getting them on track to success.
Other Services
Although the Advising and Transfer Center does not offer professional counseling to students experiencing emotional distress, advisers meet to discuss their situations, and direct them accordingly including, if appropriate, referring them to the Dean of Students, Dr. Michael Kiphart, or the Integrity and Judicial Affairs Advocate, Joel Hoskowitz.
Either party has the authority to make referrals for outside support through the Student Assistance Program (SAP), which provides counseling for students in crisis.
Students experiencing depression, anxiety or any other condition brought on by psychological distress should visit the Advising and Transfer Center office in A102 or Dr. Michael Kiphart or Joel Hoskowitz in A117.


text:
Developing for the web since 1999, that's 16 years
I have been using PHP Storm for a long time now. I love it, its such an amazing IDE that I still just scratch the surface of.
One thing I use a lot is Live Templates.
Live Templates are what you might think of as snippets, small chunks of code (or maybe just text) that you use and re-use all the time.
In my mind, a dark and scary place, the reason that Live Templates aren't called snippets is because they go way above and beyond what you'd think of as a snippet.
Yes, you could just use Live Templates as a snippet library and that would be fine. You'd save a bunch of time and everyone would be happy. I certainly use simple templates. Like a lot of developers I use Bootstrap a fair old bit. One thing I write, like I'm sure you do, is the syntax for a row.
Just like this

Now you might be thinking that this chunk is only twenty odd characters and you'd be right. So why bother. Well in my case I just type
And then hit tab.
Live Templates can be initialised by a few different keys, I leave mine as the tab key.
Now the astute amongst you will immediately spot that this is only four characters. Well thats better for me, its faster and easier.
We've seen pretty much the simplest implementation of a Live Template, and while its cool, we can do better. Much, much better.
Live Templates have the ability to insert your cursor for you just using a variable that you can enter.
This means that the above snippet actually looks like this.

This now means that my cursor is just sitting there in the right place, the obligatory four spaces indented, ready for me to just keep going.
Okay so we've added a nugget that helps, but sticking with the Bootstrap theme lets get a bit cleverer.
I often use columns in Bootstrap and they're a fair chunk of code. Something like this.

In order to create a column I need to specify how wide this column will be at each break point.
So in this case the mobile view, it will be the full width, on tablets it'll be half the width and on a desktop screen it'll be a third of the width.
Now in reality we could just create a snippet for each possible permutation of these columns but as I'm sure you'll agree there could potentially be hundreds.
Live Templates to the rescue!
We can create a snippet that'll really simplify this process by using variables. Similar to the $END$ variable we saw above but with the ability to type into the variable.
Now my snippet looks like this.

You'll notice that there are three variables in this snippet, one for the number of columns at each break point.
Now when I type my abbreviation
My cursor is placed on the first variable, $small$. I type 12 and hit tab. Now my cursor moves to the $medium$ variable and I repeat the process.
All in all, generating a column takes me 9 to 11 key strokes depending on the sizes I use. Now thats an improvement by anyones standards.
Tables are a pain in the ass, there's no two ways about it. There is a load of code required so this sounds like the prefect candidate for a Live Template to me.
Again, I'm sticking with Bootstrap, I have created the following snippet.

In this template I've used just four variables but you'll spot that the $column1title$ and $column2title$ variables are repeated in the table head and foot elements.
PHP Storm will just fill in what I type in the first instance of the variable in the second as well. Cool huh?
And on a side note, since PHPStorm is a code environment if you add tabs or spaces to indent your code the template will honour that for you.
Another thing that takes time is forms. So as you can imagine I created some Live Templates for that too!

$Nice_name$
<input type="$type$" class="form-control" id="$name$" placeholder="Please enter your $placeholder$">
This snippet has a couple of clever bits to it. Firstly, as you type the name of the element the label and ID are filled in.
Then you can choose a type, say email for example.
Now the really clever part is the placeholder and $Nicename$ variables. These makes use of expressions within the Live Template.
They take the $name$ variable and change the first letter to uppercase.
The expression looks like this.
I have recently published my templates on my Github profile


text:
On Thursday evening, October 9th, Q went local. After 8 years hosting an annual national gathering, we launched Q Commons. The vision is simple, to empower leaders to curate, host and lead a new kind of conversation in your city two times each year.
This September, Q Commons brings the Q national event experience to your community. This unique event combines three nationally live-streamed talks with three locally curated presentations, leveraging Q's model and creating national connectivity. Participants will not only benefit from hearing a shared vision, but will be empowered to advance the common good in their local context.


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The Vampire Diaries
The Vampire Diaries Poll: Which Couple Gets a Romantic Moment?
According to some new Vampire Diaries spoilers from Hollywood Life, things will get very swoon-worthy for a certain couple in Season 4, Episode 19, "Pictures of You."
"A fan-favorite couple shares a super-romantic dance to an updated cover of Sam Cooke's classic "You Send Me," the site reports. That doesn't really narrow things down, so we want you to tell us who you think shares the special moment.
Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Elena (Nina Dobrev)
Why it could happen: TVLine teases that Stefan and Elena do dance, and some of his old feelings may start coming back.
Why it might not happen: She's still emotionless.
Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Elena
Why it could happen: The brothers Salvatore are trying to get her emotions back on, by any means necessary.
Why it might not happen: Elena says something nasty to Damon, designed to deeply wound him.
Caroline (Candice Accola) and Stefan
Why it could happen: The two do share a dance, and she gives him some advice about getting over Elena.
Why it might not happen: She's still hung up on Tyler.
Caroline and Klaus (Joseph Morgan)
Why it could happen: There's definitely been some suggestive moments between the two this season
Why it might not happen: Klaus doesn't actually go to prom...
Tyler (Michael Trevino) and Caroline
Why it could happen: It would make Caroline's prom perfect.
Why it might not happen: Would he really risk Klaus's wrath?
Rebekah (Claire Holt) and Matt (Zach Roerig)
Why it might happen: This photo.
Why it might not happen: Bex has been disappointed so many times.
Bonnie (Kat Graham) and Damon
Why it might happen: It's prom. Anything can happen.
Why it might not happen: She's still pretty devastated over Jeremy to have a romantic moment. Likewise for him and Elena.
I can't choose!
What about...


text:
Paris Landmarks Photo Gallery and related media
Paris Landmarks
Hotel de Ville
Built in the 14th century, Hotel de Ville houses Paris' mayoral and other administrative offices. Badly burned during the French Revolution, it was reconstructed in the 1870s in its original French Renaissance style.
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Nicknamed the City of Lights, Paris is known for its architecture, culture, rich history and many fascinating landmarks.
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Built in the 15th century, Peru's Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in South America and an extraordinary example of the Inca Empire's sophistication.
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text: LAW ABIDING CITIZEN Trailer – Watch more Movie Trailers Why is it that criminals always manage to kidnap or kill the family members of trained killers? Have they not seen TAKEN? Crap, even Kevin Bacon, the "mild-mannered" executive in DEATH SENTENCE managed to get pissed enough to come back and kill off the ne'er do wells who murdered his kid. (Okay, criminals, you get a pass on that one. No one saw DEATH SENTENCE.) But now we have LAW ABIDING CITIZEN, which stars Gerard Butler as a family man whose – gasp – wife and daughter are killed by criminals, and Jamie Foxx as the prosecutor who is forced into giving the bad guys a light sentence. But here's the twist: Butler's character goes out for revenge SAW-style, and becomes the film's villain… while Foxx has to clean up the mess. I don't know about you, but I have trouble buying Butler as someone to root against, at least based on this trailer. Then again, I'm still waiting for Pixar to come out with their dog revenge fantasy where Dug from UP violently picks off Michael Vick and his cronies one by one after finding out Vick just got reinstated in the NFL. Here are your weekend links: Mandy Ashford Looks Good In Green (Gorillamask) Rick Pitino's Press Conference Doodles (Holytaco) Inglourious Plummers Would Be The Best Video Game Movie Ever (Filmdrunk) How To Beat A Speeding Ticket (Manofest) Boba Fett Plush Toy Most Adorable Bounty Hunter Ever (Walyou) The 5 Most Bangable Aliens Of All Time (Pajiba) How Indie Music Fans Pick Their Favorite Band (Cracked) 5 Reasons You're Not Dating Someone Smarter (Coedmagazine) Full House Alternate Intro (Sickpigs) Star Wars As Classic TV (Maxim) Larry King Is Hot (Celebjihad) Why Girls Cheat (Mademan) BJ Penn Won't Take On Diego Sanchez (Cagepotato) Funny People Cast Members Do Standup (Unreality) TV's Best Fictional Ad Agencies (Asylum) John Daly Drops Out Of PGA Championship, Releases Ballad (Bustedcoverage) Awesome Double KO's (Uncoached) The Most Awesome Rope Swing Ever (Regretfulmorning) Drink Like A Mad Man (Bachelorguy) Police Arrest Man With Gator Strapped To Back (Moondogsports) Why Did This Man Get Tased? (Nothingtoxic) Pitch A Star Wars Fan Film To Olivia Munn (Atomfilms) More Wall Street 2 Casting News (Filmofilia)


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American, US Air executives again defend merger plan
WASHINGTON - Executives from American Airlines and US Airways appeared Wednesday before a Senate subcommittee, at least the third time this year they have been called to testify on the proposed merger of their two airlines.
If it wins regulatory approval, the $11 billion merger would create the largest air carrier in the U.S. - a prospect that has some consumer advocates concerned but that company officials said will benefit everyone in the long run.
"The merger is good news for everyone except our competitors," said Gary Kennedy, general counsel and a senior vice president at American Airlines. "It will accomplish great things for its employees, customers, and shareholders."
Kennedy told the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Aviation Operation, Safety and Security that the two airlines will be able to attract even more traffic after a merger than they would separately.
"We expect to win more business from passengers here at home and across the world," he said. "It will allow the company to invest in its people, its products" while creating a reputation as "one of the world's greatest airlines."
But Charlie Leocha, director of the Consumer Travel Alliance, said that while a merger would make the two airlines stronger than they are now, it would do so at the expense of consumers. Instead of creating healthy competition in the markets they serve, a merger would destroy it instead, he said.
"Passengers in 38 out of the 50 states will lose significant airline competition. Prices will go up � fees will continue to go up," Leocha said. "These are the kind of avaricious fees that require competition, not more power for the airlines."
Leocha predicted other problems, including longer delays for thousands of passengers due to "massive" computer systems of the merged airline. He also pointed to troublesome changes that are already taking place, such as the airlines' announcement that "they're moving their seats closer together."
"Combining American Airlines and US Airways brings together two of the worst airlines for customer service, according to the American Customer Satisfaction study," Leocha said. "Bad plus bad equals worse."
But US Airways Chairman and CEO Douglas Parker disputed Leocha's charges, saying the merged airline will "be able to serve all these small communities."
On a website dedicated to the merger, the airlines said the combined carrier would continue to serve Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson and Yuma, with hub operations at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport. While the merged company will be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth under the name American Airlines, which is currently in bankruptcy, it will continue to maintain "a significant corporate and operational presence in Phoenix," where US Airways is now headquartered, the site said.
Parker and Kennedy repeated their assurances that the merger is the best business move for all included.
"The enthusiasm among workers of this merger will be a powerful driving force that will help in contributions for years to come," Kennedy said.
Subcommittee members said they would review the testimony from Wednesday's hearing and keep the discussion open for the next two weeks before taking any action.


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text:
Dallas Cowboys and the NFL
Latest news on the Cowboys
Monthly Archive for September, 2009
Barber inactive
ARLINGTON – Nursing a strained left quadriceps, RB Marion Barber won't suit up tonight. No word on his status for next week's game at Denver, although reports have already surfaced that he'll also miss that one. With Barber out, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice will share carries. The starter will probably be dictated by the […] [Read More]
Will Panthers handle the noise factor?
ARLINGTON – Tonight's crowd won't be as big as it was for the opener last week, but the noise in Cowboys Stadium should be even greater since the roof and end zone doors are closed. Of course, even with the roof and doors open last week, it was plenty loud with 105,000-plus fans. With a […] [Read More]
Reason for optimism in Dallas, Carolina
IRVING – The Cowboys (1-1) and Panthers (0-2) didn't get off to the starts they had hoped for, but it's not a death sentence. Since realignment in 2002, 48 of the 84 playoff teams (57.1 percent) began the season either 1-1 or 0-2. Four of the past eight Super Bowl champions began their seasons with […] [Read More]
Phillips should be more like Jim Mora
IRVING – After Olindo Mare missed 43- and 34-yard field goal attempts on a clear day Sunday in Seattle, Seawhawks coach Jim Mora made it clear he's not going to tolerate such failure. "No excuses for those," SI.com's Peter King quoted Mora as saying. "Not acceptable. Not acceptable. Absolutely not acceptable." Have you ever heard […] [Read More]
Monday is Desperation Day for Dallas, Carolina
Don't think so? Check this out: "Obviously with the situation they're in and we're in, we both need this game very badly," said Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who has received most of the blame for his team's 1-1 start. "You're going to find two teams fighting and giving it everything they've got …It's one of […] [Read More]
Are You Ready for Some Football? Wade is
Although Monday Night Football has lost some of its luster because of the Sunday night games, Phillips believes the players still love playing on MNF. "I think Monday nights, usually you get the best from your team," Phillips said. "I think the players are still excited about playing on Monday Nights. The whole league is […] [Read More]
Pass-rush woes dissected
The fact that the defense is the only unit in the league without a sack doesn't seem to worry Phillips much. "I think we are fine, although I think we could be better," Phillips said. "I do think the teams we've played and I think the teams we'll play will try to protect the quarterback […] [Read More]
Signs point to a tight game
What's happened so far this season on Monday Night Football suggests the Cowboys and Panthers will go down to the wire. The first three MNF games of 2009 have been decided by a total of nine points, the smallest combined margin of victory for the first three MNF games in a season. The history of […] [Read More]
Phillips: No limited duty for Barber
Wade Phillips made it clear Saturday that Marion Barber won't be active Monday if he can only be used on a limited basis. "You don't want to roll the dice with a player like that," Phillips told reporters in Irving. "He wants to play," Phillips said. "Whether it's prudent for him to play or whether […] [Read More]
Report: Cowboys want to rest Barber
Citing an anonymous source, ESPN.com reported Friday that the Cowboys are "leaning toward" holding injured RB Marion Barber out of Monday night's game against Carolina. Barber has had limited participation in the team's three workouts this week. Earlier this week, Wade Phillips suggested Barber would be a game-time decision. ESPN.com said its source reports that […] [Read More]
Show More


text:
- Forum: iPod + iTunes + AppleTV
I'm not surprised at all. Just about everyone who's asked me for advice on a new TV actually thought that LED TV referred to the type of display. I have to constantly tell people that it still uses an LCD display and that LED is just a different way to light the LCD displays.


text:
- Get Involved
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- About ACA
Archery Quiz
Course Information:
- Date/time: Saturday, April 26th - 8:30am (registration) to 5pm
- Please review http://www.olympicarcheryinschools.org/coaches/coach-training/level-1/ before the class.
- Please review the archery quiz. This is better than an open book test! You will want to be familiar with the questions and answers.
- Location: Mt. Hermon Conference Center in Felton, CA. www.mounthermon.org/directions
- Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Please plan on arriving at 8:30. a.m. Participants will gather at 8:45am at the Meadow. The training will conclude at 5:00 p.m.
- Attire is casual. Dress in layers. The course will be held entirely in the out-of-door in the 'Meadow'.
- Cell phone coverage ranges from spotty to good at Mount Hermon. If someone needs to get in touch with you in the event of an emergency, please have them call the main office at 831-335-4466
Archery registration will be held at "Field House" by the meadow and main parking lot (see map). Go through the main area of the conference center (past post office, the administration building and 'registration' to the main parking lot. If the weather is bad, registration will be moved inside to the Forest View Meeting Room (at the Field House).
Lunch is included as part of the training and will be in the Mt Hermon Dining Hall. Those with special dietary needs typically have no trouble finding plenty to eat; however you may want to bring some food of your own if you are on a special diet.
Course Schedule:
MORNING: PRACTICAL SESSION (outdoors)
8:45 am Meet at the Parking Lot by the path leading to the archery range (B3 on map)
9:00 am – 9:15 am Welcome
9:15 am – 12:30 pm Learn to set up an archery range, learn the fundamentals of archery and practice teaching it in an effective way
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm LUNCH (45 min)
AFTERNOON: LECTURE SESSION (outdoors)
1:15 pm – 3:30 pm
- USA Archery Chapter 1: The World of Archery
- Equipment show and tell, repair, USA Archery Chapter 7: Equipment
- Olympic Archery in Schools "Safety"
- Archery in Schools "Range Setup"
- Teaching practice, USA Archery Chapter 4: Steps to Shooting
- Teaching practice, USA Archery Chapter 5: Teaching Techniques
- Teaching practice, USA Archery Chapter 6: Shooting Drills
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm BREAK
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm (outdoors)
- Olympic Archery in Schools "Competition Basics"
- Course review
- Take exam and grade each others
- Complete certification forms
- Receive Certification Cards on successful completion of the course
Mount Hermon Guidelines:
- Alcohol, illegal substances and weapons (firearms, knives, fireworks) are not permitted at Mount Hermon.
- Smoking is strongly discouraged. If smoking is necessary, guests are asked to smoke in the main parking lot.
- Dress and language need to be respectful of others. Casual yet conservative attire is encouraged. Profane and rude language is prohibited.
Directions to Mount Hermon:
Directions to Mount Hermon Conference Center may be downloaded from: mounthermon.org/directions
From San Francisco Bay Area
From Highway 17 take the "Mount Hermon Road" exit at Scotts Valley. If coming from the north, turn right at the light onto Mount Hermon Road. Once on Mount Hermon Road, proceed 3.5 miles through Scotts Valley to the "T" and signal light at Graham Hill Road. Turn left onto Graham Hill Road, then follow the directions below to the Conference Center.
From Southern California
Take US 101 North to Salinas. Exit at Market Street and take Highway 183 West toward Santa Cruz. At Castroville take US 1 North to Santa Cruz. At Santa Cruz, take Highway 17 North toward San Jose. Exit at Scotts Valley at "Mount Hermon Road." Proceed through Scotts Valley on Mount Hermon Road 3.5 miles to the "T" and signal light at Graham Hill Road. Turn left onto Graham Hill Road, then follow the directions below to the Conference Center.
To Conference Center
After turning left at Graham Hill Road, turn left onto Conference Drive, which takes you into the Conference Center. The Administration Building is just past the post office on the right. The Mount Hermon Bookshop is directly across the street.
The street address for GPS use is 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon,
CA 95041, and the GPS coordinates of the Post Office parking lot are 37° 3'4.63"N, 122° 3'29.12"W. Some online and GPS mapping systems incorrectly place us inside "Felton, CA 95018" so if you have trouble, you might try that. One mapping service still shows directions from "Mt Hermon Rd" to a left on Conference Drive, that road has
been closed since the 1970's, you must continue on "Mt Hermon Rd" to the end, left on Graham Hill Rd then make the left on to Conference Drive.
Street Address
Mount Hermon Association, Inc.
37 Conference Drive
Mount Hermon, CA 95041
(831) 335-4466
If you have questions, please contact:
Danielle Pinney, email@example.com, 765-349-3523 or 800-428-2267 ext. 523
Looking forward to seeing you soon!