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Benign Essential Blepharospasm Canadian Research Foundation Inc.
The BEB Canadian Research Foundation (BEBCRF) provides solace and information to those afflicted by BEB, Meige and Hemifacial Spasm by fostering the foundation and maintenance of Support Groups throughout Canada. We promote public awareness and raise monies for research that will enable the finding of a cure for these debilitating diseases.
Support, for this site, for patient group meetings thoughout Canada, and for research and education, is provided by the generosity of patients coping with Benign Essential Blepharospasm, Meige and Hemifacial Spasm, other patrons, Allergan Canada and Merz Pharma Canada.
If you would like to donate to our Foundation, please go to our Contact Information.
What is Benign Essential Blepharospasm?
The term blepharospasm ['blef-a-ro-spaz-m] can be applied to a forced, sustained, and involuntary closure of the eyelids. It stems from a number of causes, beginning with dry eyes, and, may progress to a state where the person is "legally blind". The blepharospasm referred to here is officially called Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB). "Benign" indicates the condition is not life threatening, and "essential" is a medical term meaning "of unknown cause".
What is Meige?
Meige syndrome is a rare neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary and often forceful contractions of the muscles of the jaw and tongue (oromandibular dystonia) and involuntary muscle spasms and contractions of the muscles around the eyes (blepharospasm). The specific symptoms and their severity vary from case to case.
What is Hemifacial Spasm?
Hemifacial spasm is a benign, uncontrollable twitching of the muscles on one half (hemi-facial) of the face. It is a unilateral facial squeezing disorder unrelated to Essential Blepharospasm. Hemifacial spasms affect only those muscles innervated by the facial nerve. It usually begins around the eye with periodic twitching and spasms of the eyelids that close the eye partially or completely. It slowly spreads to involve other facial muscles on the same side as well as the superficial muscles of the neck.
The Impact of the Diseases
The psychological impact of these diseases can be tremendous. Patients often feel their physicians do not believe their symptoms are uncontrolled and, therefore, may see several physicians before the proper diagnosis is made. They are greatly relieved when they are finally told they have a real disease and that some treatment is available. It is extremely important for patients to understand their disease process. Patients generally learn their own coping techniques which are often shared with others at Support Group Meetings.
At present there is no cure for these diseases. Systemic medications help some patients but most patients respond to periodic injections of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin Type A has made a difference in the lives of a majority of patients in relieving their facial spasms with a very low incidence of side effects. Botulinum toxin is also an effective option for the treating of hemifacial spasm. Neurosurgery is also an option for eliminating hemifacial spasm. However, without treatment the debilitating spasms continue and, in the case of BEB, render the patient "functionally blind".
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A dozen bicycles were proposed to let the directors travel around if civilization had fallen
Economists don't dominate British politics. In fact, they aren't listened to enough.
Amidst stagnation, there's one ray of hope
Meet CETA, the new ACTA
A $0.5bn golden goodbye is nice to have for anyone.
It's the old "universal benefits" chestnut again.
An iPad uses 5% of the resources of a PC
Those in charge always knew that other banks were involved. So why have they got away so far?
FOM wants €3,000 from Marcel Pohl
Stephanie Clifford of the New York Times reports on the growing trend of retailers using their brick-and-mortar stores to gain an advantage over online-only shops li
It's central bank mania!
Reducing the rates at which you loan is the good sort of manipulation
Barclays came clean while others are still hiding manipulation.
Why not use QE to give holiday vouchers to northern Europe? No, really, why not?
The borough of Newham has yet to see that many gains from hosting the Olympics.
Australians now pay AU$23 per tonne of CO2.
The Olympics' reverse Midas touch strikes again.
Spanish bonds will get cheaper, but the EU wants control of the banks in return
We need to invest more money in eradicating child poverty, not simply shift current expenditure around.
Intergenerational index spikes at 128 for 2010
Government policy is on a collision course with itself.
The New York Times is shocked at the travesty of paying workers well above the minimum wage and competing stores.
Employee ownership can transform the public sector
Signs emerge that the German economy is faltering
The market for a virtual hamburger which can be used in as a dagger in a popular video-game plummeted over the last week
See one McDonalds, you've seen them all, and that's useful to economists
The Institute of Chartered Accountants plead for reform of public accounting in the midst of economic flux
Whereas they used to last for whole months, interventions now improve the market for mere hours.
The economy is back to where it was in 2006 - where do we go from here?
HMRC's sweetheart tax deal with Goldman Sachs must be declared unlawful

subset: commoncrawl


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- Willamette
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Admission Information: International Students
We welcome the diversity and richness that international students bring to the campus community and we encourage applications from well-qualified citizens of other countries.
The application process is designed to help the Admission Committee identify students who demonstrate the greatest likelihood of benefiting from and contributing to the academic community and campus life. We are selective in admission which means that we are not able to admit all of the qualified students who apply to us.
Application for admission to Willamette University is made through the Admission Office. Interested students may also review the services of our Office of International Education who coordinate international student services on campus and study abroad.
We look forward to getting to know you through the application process!
Start your application now!
(All application requirements and forms are included in the Common Application link below)
Willamette University's Minimum Score Requirements
- 560 (paper-based)
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Admission Decision NotificationApplicants for the fall semester will receive an admission decision by April 1.
Important Scholarship Information
Scholarship funds for international applicants are extremely limited. Review of financial resources is part of the admission decision for all international applicants and no admission decision will be made without complete financial documentation. The international scholarships awarded by Willamette University are merit-based, recognizing an applicant's combined excellence in academic, extracurricular and leadership activities.


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Insurance & Financing
Sanova Dermatology accepts most major insurance plans. To find out if we accept your plan, contact our office at (512) 837-3376.
Some of the insurances we accept include:
• Aetna
• Humana
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Please note, if you have an HMO or Managed insurance plan, you may need an insurance referral from your primary care doctor's office prior to scheduling an appointment.
Contact Sanova Dermatology
If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists, please contact us today.


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Intellectual Property Paralegals in the United States pull down an average of $61K per year. In the world of Intellectual Property Paralegals, overall income ranges from $41K near the bottom to $85K at the top; this can include more than $5K from bonuses and more than $10K from profit sharing in exceptional cases. Career duration and the particular city each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Women account for the majority of Intellectual Property Paralegals who took the survey — 89 percent to be exact. The majority of workers are highly satisfied with their job. A large number report receiving medical coverage from their employers and a fair number collect dental insurance. Participants in PayScale's salary questionnaire provided the particulars of this report.
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With the increasing presence of digital media and new forms of technology, the issue of intellectual property rights continues to grow more multifaceted. For example, technology makes it more difficult for rightsholders to control the distribution of intellectual property and collect compensation. The intellectual property (IP) paralegal assists rightsholders in legally protecting their property through safeguards such as patents and trademarks, as well as in pursuing litigation against those who would infringe those rights. The intellectual property paralegal may represent individuals, private organizations, or government agencies.Read More...
The IP paralegal is involved in every step of the process of IP rights protection, typically working under the supervision of an attorney or attorneys.
They typically work in an office environment, communicating with clients and supervisors to address IP-related issues; this typically involves significant research into government databases to ensure that patents and trademarks are not already claimed. The paralegal must understand how this system works and possess strong attention to detailto make sure that there are no loopholes or other elements which may endanger the client's property rights. The paralegal should have a thorough understanding of the intellectual property, as well.
To become an IP paralegal, the prospective applicant should possess a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field. Paralegal certification may be required by some employers or clients. Many begin as law office interns to gain necessary experience.
Intellectual Property Paralegals note just a narrow range of job skills. Most notably, skills in Legal Research, Prosecution, Intellectual Property, and Legal Document Review are correlated to pay that is above average. Docketing, on the other hand, is typically associated with much lower pay. The majority of those who know Intellectual Property also know docketing.
Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.
For Intellectual Property Paralegals, more experience in the field does not usually mean bigger paychecks. Relatively untried employees who have less than five years' experience make $51K, but folks with five to 10 years under their belts enjoy an appreciably larger median of $63K. People with 10 to 20 years of experience make an average of about $71K in this role. People who have worked for more than 20 years report a median income of $74K, which is barely higher than the median for folks with 10 to 20 years of experience.
|Extremely satisfied
Rated 5 out of 5
based on 148 votes.
89 %
11 %
|Medical: 86%
|Dental: 75%
|Vision: 56%
|None: 11%


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Price Reduced For Quick Sale! 1971 Chevrolet Impala Convertible. I purchased this car from the second owner and removed it from a garage it... More
31,940 ACTUAL MILES. SHOW QUALITY VERY DETAILED CAR. FLAWLESS ORIGINAL BODY WITH A GLASS FINISH. METALLIC PAINT JOB. BRIGHT CHROME. CRYSTAL CLEAR GLASS. NEW... More


text:
Search the collections
Where is it from?
- A Place & Date Depicted Nowa Nowa, Australia
Similar items over time
Negative - Nowa Nowa District, Victoria, circa 1915 Reg. No: MM 004753
- Description Of Content:
- A group of men and children in the railway yards, Nowa Nowa. Two of the men hold dogs.
- Acquisition Information:
- Copied from Alice Bowden, 1987
More information
|Tagged with:
|dogs, domestic animals, industrial equipment, railway lines, railway workers
|Themes this item is part of:
|Images & Image Making Collection, Transport Collection, The Biggest Family Album in Australia Collection
|Primary Classification:
|Secondary Classification:
|Railway Infrastructure - Permanent Way
|Tertiary Classification:
|construction workers
|Negative: Black & White; 35 mm
|Place & Date Depicted:
|Nowa Nowa District, Victoria, Australia, circa 1915
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The inventive technique include a system, method and device for treating a patient. The inventive system includes a magnetic field generating device created using a powdered ferromagnetic. The system further includes a circuit in electrical communication with the magnetic core, and a power source in electrical communication with the circuit. The ferromagnetic powder core may be manufactured by at least one of the following: machining, pressing, molding, gluing, and extruding. Also, the ferromagnetic powder core may have a distributed gap structure, where the gap structure operates to focus the magnetic field between pole faces of the magnetic device.
1. A system for treating a patient, comprising:
a magnetic field generating device having a distributed gap core structure that is adapted for use in connection with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, wherein the distributed gap core structure comprises a matrix of non-conductive gaps;
a circuit in electrical communication with the magnetic field generating device; and
a power source in electrical communication with the circuit.
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a conductor in electrical communication with the core.
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A number of medical ailments are treated or treatable and/or diagnosed through the application of a magnetic field to an afflicted portion of a patient's body. Neurons and muscle cells are a form of biological circuitry that carry electrical signals and respond to electromagnetic stimuli. When an ordinary conductive wire loop is passed through a magnetic field or is in the presence of a changing magnetic field, an electric current is induced in the wire.
The same principle holds true for conductive biological tissue. When a changing magnetic field is applied to a portion of the body, neurons may be depolarized and stimulated. Muscles associated with the stimulated neurons can contract as though the neurons were firing by normal causes.
A nerve cell or neuron can be stimulated in a number of ways, including transcutaneously via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), for example. TMS uses a rapidly changing magnetic field to induce a current on a nerve cell, without having to cut or penetrate the skin. The nerve is said to "fire" when a membrane potential within the nerve rises with respect to its normal negative ambient level of approximately −90 millivolts, depending on the type of nerve and local pH of the surrounding tissue.
The use of magnetic stimulation is very effective in rehabilitating injured or paralyzed muscle groups. Apart from stimulation of large muscle groups such as the thigh or the abdomen, experimentation has been performed in cardiac stimulation as well. In this context, magnetic stimulation of the heart may prove to be superior to CPR or electrical stimulation, because both of those methods undesirably apply gross stimulation to the entire heart all at once.
Another area in which magnetic stimulation is proving effective is treatment of the spine. The spinal cord is difficult to access directly because vertebrae surround it. Magnetic stimulation may be used to block the transmission of pain via nerves in the back, e.g., those responsible for lower back pain.
Magnetic stimulation also has proven effective in stimulating regions of the brain, which is composed predominantly of neurological tissue. One area of particular interest is the treatment of depression. It is believed that more than 28 million people in the United States alone suffer from some type of neuropsychiatric disorder. These include conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, mania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, and others. Depression is the "common cold" of psychiatric disorders, believed to affect 19 million people in the United States and possibly 340 million people worldwide.
Modern medicine offers depression patients a number of treatment options, including several classes of anti-depressant medications (e.g., SSRI's, MAOI's and tricyclics), lithium, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Yet many patients remain without satisfactory relief from the symptoms of depression. To date, ECT remains an effective therapy for resistant depression; however, many patients will not undergo the procedure because of its severe side effects.
Recently, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to have significant anti-depressant effects for patients that do not respond to the traditional methods. The principle behind rTMS is to apply a subconvulsive stimulation to the prefrontal cortex in a repetitive manner, causing a depolarization of cortical neuron membranes. The membranes are depolarized by the induction of small electric fields in excess of 1 V/cm that are the result of a rapidly changing magnetic field applied non-invasively.
Creation of the magnetic field has been varied. Certain techniques describe the use of a coil to create the necessary magnetic field. Other techniques contemplate the use of a high saturation level magnetic core material, like vanadium permendur. Use of the magnetic core material, as compared to the coil or so-called "air" core solution, has been shown to increase the efficiency of the TMS process. For example, as discussed with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,471, using a magnetic core instead of just a coil increases the efficiency of the TMS process by creating a larger, more focused magnetic field with the same or lesser input power requirements.
This advance has allowed a more cost effective solution that uses existing 120 volt power without complicated and a costly power supplies. Also, because of the need for the same or lesser power inputs, the magnetic core significantly reduces the undesirable heating that was associated with the coil solution and created a safety risk for patients. For example, magnetic core devices in comparison to coil-only devices reduce the magnetic reluctance path by a factor of two. This reluctance reduction translates into a reduction of required current to generate the same magnetic field by the same factor, and thus provides a fourfold reduction in required power.
The ferromagnetic core alternatives typically are fabricated by laminating layers of silicon steel or similar ferromagnetic metal together to form the core structure. The layers may be constructed by stacking cut-out shapes or by winding a ribbon of material onto a mandrel followed by further machining and processing to attain the desired core geometry.
While solutions fabricated using these ferromagnetic cores offered a marked improvement over their coil-only counterparts, the ferromagnetic cores also suffer from certain complexities in their construction and limitations in their geometry. Specifically, the stacked layer construction method does not provide optimal alignment of the metal crystal structure with the magnetic flux lines and also requires a controlled lamination process to guarantee minimal eddy current losses. The wound ribbon construction method typically results in a core with arc-shaped or C-shaped structure having a certain radius and span. The dimensions and geometry of these ferromagnetic cores are selected to ensure desired depth of penetration, magnetic field shape and appropriate magnetic field magnitude at certain locations within the patient's anatomy.
The ferromagnetic core's construction method involves a complex and meticulous construction process that increased both the complexity and cost of the core. For example, because ferromagnetic material is electrically conductive, eddy currents are established in the material when it is exposed to a rapidly varying magnetic field. These eddy currents not only heat the core material through resistive heating, but they also produce an opposing magnetic field that diminishes the primary magnetic field. To prevent these losses the eddy current pathways are broken by fabricating the core from very thin layers or sheets of ferromagnetic material that are electrically isolated from each other.
The sheets typically are individually varnished or otherwise coated to provide insulation between the sheets, thus preventing current from circulating between sheets and resulting in reduced eddy current losses. Also, the sheets are oriented parallel to the magnetic field to assure low reluctance.
The wound core fabrication process begins by winding a long thin ribbon of saturable ferromagnetic material, such as vanadium permendur or silicon steel, on a mandrel to create the desired radius, thickness and depth of the core. Each side of the ribbon typically is coated with a thin insulative coating to electrically isolate it. Once the ribbon has been wound on the mandrel to the desired dimensions, it is removed from the mandrel and dipped in epoxy to fix its position. Once the epoxy has cured, a sector of the toroidal core is cut with a band saw and removed, thus forming the desired arc-shape. Because the cutting process may reduce the electrical isolation of adjacent laminations, each cut is finely ground so that it is smooth, and then a deep acid etch is performed. The deep etch is performed by dipping each of the cut ends in an acid bath. This removes any ferromagnetic material that may be shorting the laminations. Following the deep etch, the faces are coated to prevent oxidation and to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the core. The manufacturing process of cutting, coating, aligning, attaching and laminating the layers makes for a complex and costly manufacturing process. Also, these considerations make it difficult to change or customize the shape of the core structure.
Winding a coil of insulated wire around the ferromagnetic core to deliver the current needed to create the magnetic field also is a complex and detailed process. A typical inductance for a core of this type is about 15-20 microHenries. Each pass of the winding around the core must be made at precise intervals on the core structure. In the simplest configuration, each core has only one winding, although typically the core may be wound multiple times.
While the present ferromagnetic core shape and composition work well, and certainly better than the coil-only approach, it should be appreciated that other core compositions and core shapes may work equally well under other circumstances.
The inventive technique include a system, method and device for treating a patient. The inventive system includes a magnetic field generating device created using a powdered ferromagnetic. The system further includes a circuit in electrical communication with the magnetic core, and a power source in electrical communication with the circuit. The ferromagnetic powder core may be manufactured by at least one of the following: machining, pressing, molding, gluing, and extruding. Also, the ferromagnetic powder core may have a distributed gap structure, where the gap structure operates to focus the magnetic field between pole faces of the magnetic device. The ferromagnetic powder core may have a shaded pole face, where the pole face comprises a channel cut into the face of the pole with a shorted turn inserted into the channel. The ferromagnetic powder core may comprise a ferromagnetic electrically conductive material such as iron or a non-ferromagnetic material such as copper, brass and/or aluminum, for example. Also, the system may include a wire or conductor that is wound around a bobbin structure that acts to insulate the wire from the core structure.
The inventive method of treating a patient includes creating a magnetic field using a magnetic device having a non-linear ferromagnetic powder core and applying the magnetic field to the patient to treat the patient as a function of the magnetic field. The inventive method further may use a ferromagnetic powder core that has a distributed gap structure that focuses the magnetic field between pole faces of the magnetic device via the distributed gap core structure. The ferromagnetic powder core may include a ferromagnetic electrically conductive material such as iron and/or a non-ferromagnetic material such as copper, brass and aluminum.
In one embodiment of the invention, a distributed gap core structure is contemplated, for example an air gap core structure. It should be appreciated that the air gap core refers to the internal structure of a magnetic core, while the "air core" discussed in the Background of the Invention section refers to a winding without any magnetic core. One type of distributed air gap core structure is created by dispersing powdered ferromagnetic particles in a matrix of insulating material. It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to an ferromagnetic powder core, but various embodiments may include any gap core structure. The gap core structure may be any structure where one or more conductive particles are insulated (or nearly so) from each other.
The use of distributed gap core structures, like powdered ferromagnetic core materials reduces the complex manufacturing and corresponding cost burden inherent in the laminated structures. In addition, because of the insulating material that separates the ferromagnetic particles in the core material, the core is less conductive, and as a result eddy current losses are minimal. More specifically, the non-conductive gaps may prohibit the flow of current from one ferromagnetic particle to the next, and thus reduce overall current flow in the core. Because eddy currents result from the conductive flow of current in magnetic materials like the core, reducing the conductive flow serves to reduce the eddy currents. As a result of the reduced eddy currents, the distributed gap core structure produces even less heat than its counterpart ferromagnetic core structures.
Therefore, higher power and current levels may be used to drive coils fabricated with a distributed gap core without concern for heating that may be excessive for a patient undergoing treatment. Moreover, these higher power levels may be achieved without the need for sophisticated cooling systems, typical of the "air" core solutions. In addition, these higher current drive levels may drive the distributed gap cores closer to their saturation level to obtain greater magnetic field strength, without concern for consequent undesirable heating. In fact, in some embodiments, heating due to resistive losses in the windings may be greater than heat generated within the distributed gap core material. In other words, the heating characteristics of the windings may provide the only real heating concerns for patient use.
Reducing eddy current losses and the concomitant reduction in heat generation permits operation of the magnetic core at proportionally higher duty cycles. From a medical application perspective, relatively greater and more intense therapy may be achieved, which may be beneficial for certain applications. In addition to its inherent reduced temperature, the core may additionally be enclosed in a structure that further enhances its thermal performance. For example, by potting the core into a shell heat may be directed to a desirable surface for radiation to the surrounding air. Such a surface may, for example, be located away from surfaces that touch a patient or the operator.
Air spaces and thermal insulation also may be added between the windings or other heat generating materials to insulate them from surfaces that may come in contact with a patient, for example. Typically these surfaces must be kept at or below 41.5 degrees Celsius in order to comply with medical device standards, well known to those skilled in the art.
It also should be appreciated that the reduced current flow and eddy current loss gained with the distributed gap core structure is not found in the cores created by a sintering process. This is due, in part, because the sintering process operates to place the insulated iron powder particles back into electrical conductivity with one another, and thus promote current flow and increased eddy current losses.
The insulative material may be any material that offers a different level of permeability and inductance as compared to the ferromagnetic particles. By introducing an insulative gap, the magnetic flux path is increased, thus reducing the permeability and the inductance of the core material. It may be desirable to have a core with a permeability of greater than 1. Moreover, because the distributed gap reduces eddy currents, there are fewer flux distortions. This relatively greater isotropic structure provides for a more uniformly distributed flux and facilitates more complex and sophisticated core structures.
The ferromagnetic powder used to make the core may be made of particles that are less than 0.05 inch in diameter. Although it should be appreciated that the particles may be of any size in the contemplated embodiments, it should be appreciated that the specific particle dimension is related to the frequency at which the core is to operate. For example, if the core is to be pulsed at a higher frequency, it may be desirable to use particles with a smaller dimension. The ferromagnetic particles may vary in size and may not be spherical but rather irregular in shape. In any event, it should be appreciated that specific particle size may be selected to reduce losses resulting from eddy currents and hysteresis losses within individual particles.
Also, although the invention is not limited to any particular formation, it should be appreciated that individual ferromagnetic particles may be formulated from iron, iron alloys and amalgams of other conductive or partially conductive materials. Also, the material composition of the particles may include non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, aluminum and alloying elements such as carbon, silicon, nickel and chromium formulated to create the desired crystal structure and desired magnetic characteristics. Saturation, permeability and B-H curve characteristics vary depend on this selected formulation. In addition, the ferromagnetic particles may be coated with a non-conductive resin to, among other things, prevent oxidation while being stored before the coated particles are formed into the desired structure in the core manufacturing process.
The contemplated embodiments include a method for manufacturing a magnetic core device, for example a powdered ferromagnetic core device. The method includes selecting certain powdered ferromagnetic materials. The materials are then mixed and compressed to form the core. The powder may be pressed into a mold having the final form of the core. Alternatively, blocks of compressed material can be manufactured and subsequently machined to the desired geometry. Also, separate molded or machined component pieces may be mechanically assembled into the final core geometry using cement, heating or bonding by other mechanical means. The ferromagnetic powder core may be produced by any of several processes. For example, stream of molten iron may be atomized by a high pressure water jet.
The ferromagnetic particles may be coated with any appropriate substance. For example, the ferromagnetic particles may be coated with an insulative substance, like alkali metal silicate, for example. The insulative substance provides insulation between each of the particles in the core, and thus creates the distributed gap core. In one embodiment, an aqueous alkali metal silicate solution is used containing up to 39% by weight solids of K2O and SiO2, and up to 54% by weight solids of Na2O and SiO2. A wetting agent or surfactant, like alkyl phenoxyl polyethoxy ethanol for example, may be added to facilitate uniform coating of the particles.
The appropriate substances are mixed and may be surface-dried at the same time. A thin coating of an adherent resin may be applied to the ferromagnetic particles. Such resins may include polyimides, fluorocarbons and acrylics. The resin permits the particles to remain flexible and thus capable of withstanding high temperatures without decomposing into conducting residues.
To form the core, the powder is compressed. The compression may be approximately in the range of 25 to 100 tons per square inch. A form may be used to create the desired shape. The pressed components may be annealed, for example, at 500 to 600 degrees Celsius to relieve the stresses and reduce the hysteresis losses.
If ferromagnetic powder is to be used for the magnetic core in such an application, the particles may be insulated from one another, for example, with between 1% to 3% spacing between particles. Although this is just one example. When raw ferromagnetic powder is compressed up to 100 tons per square inch and not sintered, the density remains 1% or 2% below the true density of solid iron, because of residual crevices or interstices which remain empty or are filled with lower density resin. As a result, the ferromagnetic powder may be compressed to about 90% of theoretical density or better in order to have a distributed insulation-containing air gap less than 3% in each of the three orthogonal directions, one of which is that of the flux path. In any of the embodiments, the magnetic core may be a composition that allows the core to saturate at 0.5 Tesla or greater, for example.
During the manufacturing process, the individual ferromagnetic particles in the powder may be mixed with a binding material, for example phenolic or epoxy. The ferromagnetic powder may then be pressed into its final shape. Next, a baking or heating process may be implemented to cure the core material. After the core has been cured, the ferromagnetic particles may be separated by air or insulative binding material which effectively results in a distributed gap. As a result, the gap is distributed throughout the core.
The novel device and techniques may be used for many purposes including the treatment of patients with medical conditions. This applicability will be discussed in the context of TMS in order to provide greater understanding. However, it should be appreciated that techniques have applicability beyond TMS also are contemplated by the invention.
In just one embodiment, a method of treating a patient by creating a magnetic field using a magnetic device having a non-linear core is contemplated. As will be discussed with reference to
Also, the core used to treat the patient may be a gap distributed core and more specifically an ferromagnetic powder core. As discussed, the embodiments are not limited to any compositions, but contemplate any material composition that effectively creates a distributed gap core structure. Also, the embodiments contemplate any type of core structures, including ferromagnetic, where the shape of the core structure has a non-arc shaped structure. For example, the embodiments contemplate the use of a non-sintered core material. Also, other embodiments contemplate a non-linear shaped ferromagnetic powder core.
The magnetic field passing through the core may be applied to the patient for the purpose of treating or diagnosing the patient. The embodiments are not limited to a specific level or intensity of the magnetic field, but instead contemplate any field strength, focus and duration necessary to treat or diagnose the desired patient.
A novel system may include a magnetic field generating device created using a powdered ferromagnetic core, a circuit in electrical communication with the magnetic core, and being drive by a power source in electrical communication with the circuit.
A power source may be provided in order for the core to generate the requisite magnetic field. The power source may be in electrical communication with the windings wrapped around a portion of the core. The power source may be created to provide a substantially constant power or substantially constant current source. For example, the power source may provide a substantially constant power or substantially constant current source to a capacitor, which then discharges to the core to create the magnetic field.
The power source may operate on an alternating current input voltage in the range of 85 volts to 264 volts. In this way, the inventive device may operate using power typically available in residential and commercial settings.
Finally, the embodiments contemplate a method for treating depression. As part of the method a patient is selected who suffering from a depressive disorder. The patient's brain is then magnetically stimulated using a transcranial magnetic stimulator with a magnetic core. The core may be a ferromagnetic core having a U-shaped structure and/or a distributed gap core structure having any core shape and structure.
It should be appreciated that the use of ferromagnetic powder core makes more feasible many possible core geometries. In fact, the distributed gap core (e.g., ferromagnetic powder core) manufacturing process, allows the core's geometry to have an array of possibilities. The precise shape and size of the core's geometry may be made to vary depending upon various factors. For example, although not an exclusive list of considerations, the following may be considered in deciding upon the size and geometry of the core: the use of the core, the available mounting area and volume, the allowable radiation, the limitations on windings, the operating temperature, and how the core will be mounted. Consequently, a core's geometrical shape can take any form, including a cylinder, bobbin, toroid, a non-toroid or several other possible shapes.
In addition, it also should be appreciated that the ferromagnetic powder manufacturing process facilitates construction of the core as multiple components or pieces. Multi-piece ferromagnetic powder cores, each piece made of similar or different magnetic material, may be used for extremely complex shapes or larger core constructions. These individual pieces, of different or similar permeabilities, may be brought together by gluing and/or any other attachment techniques well known to those skilled in the art. This is facilitated, in part, due to the ease of manufacturing and core shaping provided by the powder core process.
In addition, the powder core manufacturing process also facilitates the use of other materials to shape the magnetic field provided by the core structure. For example, it may be desirable to deflect or redirect a certain portion of the created magnetic field away from certain parts of the anatomy. For example, for brain stimulation, it may be desirable to protect the trigeminal nerve from being stimulated and causing discomfort to the patient. This may be accomplished using any number of techniques.
One example technique locates a conductor on a treatment area relative to the protected area. The conductor may act to reduce stimulation of a cutaneous-proximate area on the patient. This may be accomplished by modifying an electric or magnetic field created by the transcutaneous stimulation. Also, it may be accomplished via modification of the electric field through modification of the magnetic flux created by the transcutaneous stimulation.
Generally, it may be noted that the magnetic cores shown in
As shown in
The angles may be made to both the cornered ends of the core as shown in
As shown in
It should be appreciated that the construction, size and shape of the core may be made to be dependent upon how the windings will be installed on the core component. For example, certain embodiments contemplate windings that are wound directly around and/or on the core. Also, other embodiments may include windings that are wound on a sleeve or bobbin that is slipped over a portion of the core, or are wound on a mandrel, potted and removed for subsequent assembly onto the core. It should be appreciated that certain embodiments may include a combination of the these approaches. A channel may be cut into the face of the pole in order to allow windings or wire to be installed. For example, a shorted turn may be inserted into the channel and connected together outside of the channel.
The wire used for the windings may be insulated to prevent closely wound, adjacent turns from shorting out. In the context of directly wound windings, the wire may be of such a gauge as to prevent the core from cutting through the insulation, for example with sharp surfaces or edges. Therefore, to accommodate such directly wound cores, the core may have a smooth winding surface, or in some cases may provide a corner radius to accommodate the turns.
The bobbin may be a structure that includes a single bobbin or multiple bobbins. The bobbin may provide insulation properties with respect to the rest of the core, as well as providing operation and safety capabilities. The wire may be wound around the pole faces of the core. Where wire is wound around two or more poles, the number of turns of the winding may be equal between both poles. Also, the wire may be wound around a central point of the core, instead of or in addition to being wound around the pole faces of the core. Where wound around both, the number of turns of the winding around the pole faces may be a fraction of the number of turns around the central point of the core.
Again, it should be appreciated that fabrication of a core by pressing ferromagnetic powder into a mold allows a diverse range of core shapes and therefore more varied winding solutions. For example, in one embodiment of a distributed gap core a bobbin may be more readily used to accurately prefabricate and position the winding on the core.
It also should be appreciated that the described techniques further may be used to directly diagnose a patient's condition. Also, the techniques may be used to diagnose a response to drugs or other therapy and/or to quantify effectiveness of such therapies. In just one of many possible examples, pharmaceuticals may have effects (i.e., direct or secondary) on the performance of the central nervous system. These effects may be observed by providing stimulation (e.g., TMS) and observing evoked potentials, motor response, conduction velocities or other responses, just to name a few of the many contemplated observed effects. Changes in response may be used to quantify performance or to determine optimal dosing, for example.
In addition, many pathologies may be diagnosed using the described techniques an investigative tool to observe neurological response. Such pathologies include, but are not limited to, degenerative diseases, extent of traumatic injury, progression of diseases, systemic deficiencies, and congenital anomalies (e.g., tinnitus). A partial list of such conditions is provided here for the purposes of further understanding. However, the scope of the described embodiments are not limited to this list. These include assessment or measuring effect of pharmaceuticals, including anti-convulsives, Alzheimer's medications, anti-psychotics, pain medications, anti-anxiety, hypnotics (sedatives), analgesics (central), ADHD medications and, anesthetics. Just a few of the contemplated diagnostic applications include compromised motor function, degenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, chronic demyelinating neuropathy, acute demyelinating neuropathy, epilepsy, vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g., pernicious anemia), vitamin E deficiency, neurosarcoidosis, tinnitus, and stroke rehabilitation.
Other disorders may also be treated with the described techniques including treating a patient such as a human suffering from major depressive disorder, epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obesity, bipolar disorder/mania, anxiety disorders (panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, social phobia also known as social anxiety disorder, acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (one of the anxiety disorders in DSM), obsessive compulsive disorder (one of the anxiety disorders in DSM), pain (migraine, trigeminal neuralgia) (also: chronic pain disorders, including neuropathic pain, e.g., pain due to diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and idiopathic pain disorders, e.g., fibromyalgia, regional myofascial pain syndromes), rehabilitation following stroke (neuro plasticity induction), tinnitus, stimulation of implanted neurons to facilitate integration, substance-related disorders (dependence and abuse and withdrawal diagnoses for alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis), spinal cord injury & regeneration/rehabilitation, head injury, sleep deprivation reversal, primary sleep disorders (primary insomnia, primary hypersomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorder), cognitive enhancements, dementias, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS), drug delivery systems (changing the cell membrane permeability to a drug), induction of protein synthesis (induction of transcription and translation), stuttering, aphasia, dysphagia, essential tremor, or eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia, binge eating).
The method further may include determining so-called "motor threshold" of the patient. More specifically, the magnetic device may be moved over a particular area until some indication of positioning is provided. For example, in the context of magnetic stimuation of the brain, the magnetic device may be moved over the patient's head until the patient's thumb moves or twitches indicating a motor threshold point. This motor threshold determination may be at a similar or different frequency, for example, using a stimulation frequency rate of 1 Hz.
From this point, the magnetic device may be moved to a desired treatment location. For example, for TMS treatment of the brain, the magnetic device may located approximately 5 centimeters anteriorly from motor threshold point. During TMS treatment, in some embodiments, the stimulator output may be set to approximately 110% of relaxed motor threshold with perhaps a repetition rate of approximately 10 Hz.
The circuit may be act as a switch to pulse the magnetic field generating device in such a way to treat the desired condition. In this way, the magnetic field may be applied to the patient in cycles intermittently. The exact stimulation frequency or frequency in which the magnet is pulsed may be varied depending upon the particular application (e.g., size of magnet and area of stimulation). For example, in just some embodiments, it may be desirable to stimulate for a five second period, followed by rest for a five second period and then repeat stimulation continuously for another five seconds. While they are being stimulated, it is desirable to have the muscle groups continuously excited. This requirement dictates the necessity of continuing to pulse the cores at a repetition rate of 15 Hz. Because of the large currents involved during any given firing of the core, it is necessary to make the cores as efficient as possible. It is desirable to focus the magnetic field into the region targeted for stimulus to the exclusion of surrounding regions. The specially designed cores offered by this invention realize that focusability.
In addition, a power source 1503 may be in electrical communication with the circuit. The power source may provide direct current (dc) or alternating current (ac) power. Also, the power levels may be consistent with those available in residential and commercial settings.
Although not shown for the purposes of brevity, it should be appreciated that similar winding configurations may be applied to any of the possible core shapes, illustrated in the figures or otherwise. The description herein with regard to the shapes and winding configurations of the core have been provided to facilitate the discussion and understanding of the many possible shapes and configuration that are within the scope of the contemplated embodiments. Similarly, it should be appreciated that these shapes and configurations are equally applicable to any type of magnetic core used for treating and/or diagnosing a patient, including but not limited to pressed powder, sintered, tape wound, and coil only or "air" core structures.
It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the invention. Words used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. In addition, the advantages and objectives described herein may not be realized by each and every embodiment practicing the present invention. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structure, materials and/or embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
For example, although a great deal of the discussion was based on the use of a pressed powder distributed gap core structure, it should be appreciated that the contemplated embodiments include the use of any core structure, including "air core," non-sintered, and other ferromagnetic core structures for example. Moreover, although certain core shapes and configurations have been described herein, it should be appreciated that the shapes are provided merely to provide an understanding of the many core shapes contemplated by the embodiments.
In addition, although the disclosure addresses the treatment of patients, it should be appreciated that techniques described herein also contemplate patient diagnosis. In fact, where the disclosure refers to the treatment of patients for certain conditions, the techniques equally apply to the monitoring and diagnosis of patients for the same or similar conditions.
Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
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The Green Blog
Environmental and energy issues
By Brian Nearing | About the Green Blog
Monthly Archive for November, 2009
Holiday Changes
This Thanksgiving I was privileged to cook for my extended family. My brother, his daughter, her boy friend, my sister, her son and my husband and children all gathered for a truly thankful and hilarious meal. As with most families, much of our conversation revolved around my brother's other daughter, who spent the holidays with […] [Read More]
Sierra Club honors state wildlife pathologist
This just in … Ward B. Stone, director of the wildlife pathology unit of the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, has been selected to receive the Sierra Club's 2009 Distinguished Service Award. The award honors a person in public service for a particular action of singular importance to conservation. Ward was nominated by the Hudson-Mohawk […] [Read More]
Carbon as a Hedge on Inflation
The head of the carbon trading desk at Bache Securities in London predicts that carbon will become a hedge on inflation, much like oil and gold, as the carbon market matures. That means that you could hold global carbon credits in your portfolio as a hedge for equities and other assets that are sensitive to […] [Read More]
Obama Administration Says it Will Commit to Targets
The Obama Administration is under significant pressure to make commitments to decarbonize the United States at the global climate meeting in Copenhagen in December. The problem – the U.S. does not have a climate bill. Nonetheless, aides to Barack Obama told reporters yesterday that "the country would offer a firm numerical target for reducing emissions at […] [Read More]
Finance for Retrofits and Renewables
Credit for this post must be shared with Liz Grisaru, who is an attorney with my firm On November 16th, 2009 both houses of the New York State legislature unanimously passed a bill establishing a program that will allow cities and towns to help property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. The bill […] [Read More]
Showing the Cost of Climate Change
There is a concept in environmentalism known as externality _ the concept that certain activities carry environmental costs that have not been reflected in traditional profit-and-lost statements. For example, an industry that polluted the air was shifting the costs of that damage off its books (hence the idea of it being "external) and onto the society at large. […] [Read More]
Wind from North Dakota
There are many wind projects in the Independent System Operator queue that are simply not getting built. That means two extremely important (and extremely bad) things for New York State and its future. First, we are not going to benefit from the stimulus money intended to create renewable energy projects. All that money is going […] [Read More]
2 Dirty 4 Coal
Sierra Club has developed a series commercials aimed at getting coal off college campuses. They are extremely amusing and show us how humor can ignite (pun intended) change. 2dirty4college – bed; dining hall; mud wrestling [Read More]
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text: Prev | Next Purchase this photo Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch Liam McClure, 4, of Proctorville, plays on an iPad while participating in Exploring S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) on Monday, July 30, 2012, at Marshall University. Gallery: Lori Wolfe's Photo Review of 2012 Dec. 26, 2012 @ 09:09 AM The Herald-Dispatch / 2015 Here are photos in news from 2012 taken by Lori Wolfe of The Herald-Dispatch. ()


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Originally posted by asdx
No, of course not - you just want a free game and use DRM as an excuse. Either pay for the game, or don't play it. Don't try to pretend like you are taking some kind of moral stand by ripping them off - a moral stand would be saying, I don't want to support them so I refuse to play their game.


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I know this has been done before but an attachment that allows the cordless tools to plug into an outlet or cord for saving time and battery wear would be greatly ulitilized. Theres times when its inconvenient to change batteries or spend the money on another tool that does the same job to reduce down time. Just an option.
No announcement yet.
alternative power sources
new posts
alternative power sources
Re: alternative power sources
The old $$$ factor is where the problem lies. A really good one with multiple Voltages could be made that would come in handy, but for the $$$ you really should think about some good corded power tools for now.
Re: alternative power sources
I think an alternative power source is a good idea. This could be easily achieved with a modified charger, the charger provides the correct DC voltage in any case. All that needs to be added is a direct cable connection from the charger to the tool.
Re: alternative power sources
Originally posted by blenheim View PostI think an alternative power source is a good idea. This could be easily achieved with a modified charger, the charger provides the correct DC voltage in any case. All that needs to be added is a direct cable connection from the charger to the tool.
I supported the idea for a "battery eliminator" in the past, but thinking back on it with the changes in battery technology in the past couple years it might not be worth it."When we build let us think we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work that our descendants will thank us for, and let us think, as we lay stone upon stone, that a time is to come when these stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, "See! This our fathers did for us."
John Ruskin (1819 - 1900)
Re: alternative power sources
I had another thought about this. Instead of having a modified charger it would be more practical to offer a modified 'battery pack' as an accessory item. The housing of the unit would be identical to a battery but contain a power supply instead and plug directly into 110V. This could be offered for any cordless tool without modifications to the original unit, so it would not affect the original price point. Also the balance of the tool would not be to badly affected since the power supply including the transformer would have a similar weight as a battery pack.
The reason that I am interested in this topic in the first place is an older 14.4V NiCad Dewalt drill/driver I have kicking around with two nearly dead batteries. I think I will take one of the batteries and install the power supply to revive the tool and check out how it works.
I hope you are right about the advancements battery technology Bob, I just bought some Makita 18V Lion tools which so far perform brilliantly, I hope the batteries will live up to the claims (i.e. longer charge retention and less memory effect).


text:
By Gene Coleman, Biloxi Sun Herald
BILOXI -- The Mississippi Surge couldn't overcome their penalties in a high-scoring shootout with the Louisiana IceGators on Sunday and lost 6-5 in overtime.
The Surge had seven penalty kills and gave up two power-play goals in an exciting back-and-forth offensive affair.
In the first period, the Surge escaped an early penalty kill, but just as it ended, the IceGators' Matt Robertson took a rebound and put it past goalie Kiefer Smiley for the 1-0 lead.
The Surge answered quickly and strongly with back-to-back goals. The first came from Jeff Grant at 8:52. The second came 15 seconds later with a score by Kyle VanderMale to take the 2-1 lead. Newcomer Ryan Ramage, formerly of the FHL's Dayton Demonz, assisted on the goal.
With the pressure on the Gators, the Surge didn't let up and Payden Benning had what looked to be another quick goal. Instead, an IceGator illegally stopped the puck in the crease and Benning missed the ensuing penalty shot.
Adam Stuart's goal at 17:53 gave a the Surge a 3-1 lead going into intermission.
Early in the second period, the IceGators' Denny Kearney scored a power-play goal to cut the Surge lead to 3-2.
The Surge pulled away again at 7:03 when Jay Silvia took a pass from Corey Tamblyn and put it in the right side of the net. However, the IceGators narrowed the gap again at 10:30 when Smiley had a blocked shot fall away from him unexpectedly. Shawn McNeil beat a scrambling Smiley to the puck and put it in the net for the IceGators.


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New Girl Stars Talk The Return of Damon Wayans Jr. - ARTICLE
Damon Wayans Jr. is heading back to "New Girl" and the cast is revealing details about the actor's return.
"I'm really excited," Lamorne Morris, who plays Winston on the Fox comedy, told Access Hollywood at the network's post-TCA bash at Soho House in West Hollywood last Thursday of Damon's return to the show.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Max Greenfield: New Girl's Schmidt
Damon first appeared in the "New Girl" pilot as one of the original roommates, Coach, before his commitments to ABC's "Happy Endings" pulled him out of the show. He was replaced by a new tenant – Lamorne's Winston.
PHOTOS: Everyone's Favorite 'New Girl' Zooey Deschanel
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Stars In Sweats! Celebrities In Workout Gear
Reports have suggested that Coach will fit into Winston's storyline, so we asked Lamorne what to expect. Although they haven't shot Damon's episodes yet (he is expected to be featured in four to six episodes later this season, according to Lamorne), the "New Girl" star did have a few details.
"I think we're gonna dive into some of Coach's backstory, maybe, to see why he left the loft, to see why we know each other," Lamorne told Access. "I think it'll be great."
WATCH IT NOW: Jake Johnson Talks 'New Girl' Season 3: What Is Happening With Nick & Jess?
VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Ladies Of 'Scandal' - On & Off-Screen
Jake Johnson, who plays Nick in the show, actually has spent time on screen with Damon since his departure, recently filming the 2014-due film, "Let's Be Cops."
"[We] had a real blast doing [the film] and I can't wait for him to come back to the loft," Jake said. "I think he's gonna add a lot to the show and I'm excited to see how Coach and Winston mix it up and Coach and Cece, and everybody, just to see what happens."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Access Hollywood Live Kids Halloween Costume Show (Oct. 2013)
"New Girl" returns for its third season on Tuesday, September 17 at 9 PM.
-- Jolie Lash
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: New Girl: The Guys Love Pulling Pranks
More from Access: [ 'New Girl' Jake Johnson Damon Wayans Jr. ]
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Find out why they call it The Wild, Wild West"
Sizzling Western Romance at its finest!The sequel to If You Only KnewFind out why they call it The Wild, Wild WestIn an attempt to save her own life, Miss Annabelle Garrett flees Boston and her high society fiancé. Stranded in a western backwater, she unwittingly takes a job in a brothel.Running
Neville Hilliard cant believe his luck. His new hire is not only beautiful, she turns out to be a missing heiress and the only daughter of a man Neville idolizes. The reward money alone would buy him what he wants most, but is the furthest thing from his mind as he works to seduce her into his bed and into his heart.Headlong
Torn between protecting her innocence and stealing it for himself, Neville must come to grips with his past and present before he stands any chance at a future.Into His Arms
You arent going to kiss me, are you? Her question rooted him. He would like nothing more in the world than to kiss her. But, what an odd question.IF YOU ONLY DARE Excerpt
Would you like for me to kiss you?
No, thank you, she said rather decidedly.
Very well, he said, almost chuckling at her answer. Youve probably never been kissed, he muttered, reaching down to turn the wick on the oil lamp.
Oh, but I have, she assured him, her voice sounding grave. She wondered why she felt she could tell him anything and wondered even more about the slight buzzing she was experiencing.
Have you, indeed? Judging from your response, I would wager you had not.
She shrugged, refusing to answer his expectant look. Very well, he said. Have it your way.
No, not my way. His way. He always has his way, she muttered, tiredly.
Did she realize what she was saying?
Who has had his way? Some boy? Beside a haystack, in the moonlight? he asked, hoping to impress upon her that she had only been pecked on the cheek. Nowhere near the sort of kiss he wanted to bestow upon her as he looked down into her upturned face.
Hes not a boy, she uttered, sounding utterly deflated.
A man? Are you telling me that you have actually been kissed by a man?
The memory of Gavin forcing her lips apart and sending waves of pain and revulsion through her must have been evident in her face.
By the determined and baleful look in her eyes, he knew she had indeed been kissed and by a man. The thought made his blood boil. Before he could guess his next move, his body made it for him. Placing his knee on the bed, he took a hold of her chin, tilting her face up and just as quickly his lips fused over hers for a taste.
At first, he could tell she was shocked at his boldness. No one was as surprised as he was. He was determined to show her that she indeed had not been kissed, not the way he could. At the first touch, he feathered his lips across hers. Then he fused his lips to hers. Her first reaction was to clamp her lips together and she winced, almost as if she expected an onslaught. She wouldnt get that from him, he thought as he traced the tight seam of her lips lightly with the tip of his tongue. As he slid his tongue across her upper lip, she jerked, gasping quietly as she felt a little shock. As she gasped, he slipped past her teeth to play just for a second. He had certainly left her something to think about.
Available now at ArcheBooks.com


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Mike Cano
You could say that Mike Cano has been entertaining his whole life. As a young child, Mike would dress up and put on "shows" for family and friends. He always had something witty to say even as a child and his love for making people laugh blossomed as a young adult. He was known as the class clown and ladies man all tied up into one "little" package. He was always in theatre and dance throughout high school, some say "DRAMA" is his...
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In the aftermath of 9/11, Milton Glaser's re-design of his most famous slogan became the number one symbol of the city's healing process. He says: "This was my reaction to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. I hope it helps." Updated with the words "more than ever" and a black smudge seen at the lower corner of the iconic red heart, this Fab-exclusive hat resonates with all of us who love this great city—and appreciate the evolution of great design.
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NBTS E-Story
Dr. Ashley Talks About Antiracism at NBTS
At New Brunswick Theological Seminary, people of color now compose the majority of both our faculty and students. The Rev. Dr. Willard Ashley, acting Dean of the Seminary, talks about the Seminary's antiracism efforts that made this transformation possible, and some of his own personal experiences.
Excerpts of this interview will be published in an upcoming issue of
Positive Community
. The entire interview is published here.
How did you come to NBTS?
Striking up a conversation at a conference, I learned the Seminary needed someone to teach a class to lay leaders in its Certificate in Theological Studies program. This resonated with me. I had extended Care for the Caregivers, a post-9/11 program in New York City, to lay people who provided care, even though the original grant specified clergy only. While the leadership class didn't work out, instead I took the position of Director of Field Education-the program that places seminarians for a year in real-world positions.
That was 2008. Were other professors people of color?
Yes, 4 of 9 full-time faculty members were people of color. Today, 5 of 9 are people of color.
Were antiracism efforts strong then?
In my interview the NBTS faculty wanted to know: What is your commitment to antiracism training? For once it wasn't me bringing up the subject. My first week they sent me to Kansas for Level 2 of the Undoing Racism program from a group called Crossroads. That still amazes me. It was non-negotiable, even for a black professor.
You had already attended Level 1 antiracism training?
I've attended Level 1 five times.
Do you find yourself bringing up race often?
Just the other day, I was in Manhattan, at a gathering of people making financial decisions about aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy. "You don't know how much I hate to bring this up," I found myself saying. "But look around this room and tell me: Who is not at this table?" Most decision makers in the room were white.
You sound reluctant.
I'd like to move on but realize I can't. You keep expecting to see progress. But the numbers do not lie. I'm very research-based. A Pew study says for every $1 of wealth in a black person's pocket, a white person has $20. Another Brandeis study documents that African Americans are significantly behind in every measure-physical health, education levels, housing.
In the book
Unequal Treatment
, a study commissioned by the Black Congressional Caucus shows, even when all other factors are the same-health insurance, stage of the disease, income level-black patients receive unequal medical care. And a black physician with two such "equal" patients will treat the disease of the white patient more aggressively.
Even among doctors who are so educated?
The numbers show, the idea of racial superiority is ingrained and internalized.
So how do you define racism?
I like the definition used by the NBTS Anti Racism Transformation Team: "Racism is to be understood in the American context as the misuse of institutional power, intentional or not, to support white privilege."
Why focus on white privilege? There are other serious abuses of power.
Take any of the "isms"-homophobism, male chauvinism, xenophobism, and apply race. Invariably people of color are in the worst position among victims.
Now you're in a position of power. Do other seminaries have academic deans who are black?
Fewer than 10 of the 271 American Theological Seminaries. There are more African American presidents of seminaries than academic deans.
As a white person, how would I benefit from antiracism training?
Racism hurts everyone. Once you acknowledge you hold a position of privilege in our society that you did nothing to earn, you open the door to share power. You can start participating in disclosing conversations and learn inside secrets.
What's an example of an inside secret?
For instance I might reveal how humiliating it feels to be a 50+ year-old pastor who finds himself followed around an Apple Store by a plain-clothes detective. And, by the way, no one is pure white. To put on the mantle of white you have to disown some of the ethnic characteristics that make you you. Taking off the mantle can be very therapeutic.
How long have you been a pastor?
I was called to my first church as the Senior Pastor in 1982 (New Hope Baptist Church, Portsmouth, NH). After New Hope I was called to serve, Monumental Baptist Church, Jersey City, New Jersey; Abundant Joy Community Church, Jersey City, New Jersey and Union Baptist Church, Montclair, New Jersey (Interim Pastor).
You're also a psychoanalyst specializing in pastoral care and disaster response. Do those experiences inform your antiracism efforts?
I've spent a lot of time with people understanding the impact of severe trauma on their lives. When I was an executive coach after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, it wasn't uncommon for a supervisor to say, Can't you just recommend a prescription so my employee can get back to work in lower Manhattan? It was a wake up call to acknowledge trauma in my clients and myself. There are many kinds of trauma. Some ravage in an instant. Others-living day-to-day in an environment of drive-by shootings and stray bullets-chip away in stress over a lifetime.
How is NBTS different?
NBTS has an Anti Racism Transformation Team composed of faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees and is one of the only seminaries to require antiracism training. The Seminary requires all faculty and staff to participate in the training. Students attend as part of a 2-credit course. This past fall M.Div. students participated in and received credit for a Sankofa journey -- a three-day, cross ethnic bus trip designed to help Christians move toward righteous responses to racism and grow to understand and value each other.
here does NBTS go from here?
Our faculty is developing antiracism curricula in all our degree programs.
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lost+found directory at the root of a filesystem is a preallocated directory for data that is present on the filesystem, but not attached to any file. This can only happen if the filesystem is damaged due to a system crash or malfunctioning media. When fsck, the filesystem repair command, finds chunks of data that do not seem to belong to any file, it attaches this data to the
/lost+found directory.
About lost-found


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Current Exhibition
The Rose Lehrman Art Gallery offers exhibitions of national and international artists. All Gallery events are free and open to the public.
Contact Shawn Williams, Art Coordinator for more information and gallery hours. Contact him at 717-780-2478 or email@example.com.
April 8 - May 8, 2015
Student Honors Shows
Reception 1: Thursday, April 16, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Reception 2: Thursday, April 30, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Photograph by Holly Cohick
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, The HACC Foundation, the Nadar Family Fund and the Student Government Association provide funding to the Rose Lehrman Art Gallery


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The Bachelorette
Michael Stagliano on Marrying His New Girlfriend: "I Am Very Much In Love"
Michael Stagliano got some major bitch slaps for leading Rachel Truehart on during Bachelor Pad, and he's here to defend his honor. And give a heartfelt apology while he's at it! "I am sorry," Michael writes on his Bachelor Blog. "I said this repeatedly on camera though it didn't air. I feel terrible about what happened with Rachel."
Despite feeling guilty, Michael wants fans to keep in mind that he and Rachel only "dated" for a little over a week, so her strong feelings seemed to come out of nowhere. "I swear on my life I did NOT know she was falling in love," The Stag says. "Watching it back I could see her saying it in interviews but those words were never said to me. HOWEVER I am equally as 'guilty' of not sharing how I felt."
Don't expect Michael and Rachel to reconcile anytime soon, because The Stag has a new doe (a deer, a female deer)! That's right, Michael is in a long distance relationship with a woman from Chicago who he's been dating for two and a half months — and they're "very much in love!"
"We are both being very practical about taking the next steps towards relocating, and marriage and all that good stuff... though that is certainly my intention," Michael says. "She is without question the most beautiful, attractive woman (inside and out) that I have ever met. My family LOVES her, I LOVE her family..."
And we love you, The Stag! For more of Michael's musings about Bachelor Pad's epic finale, check out his blog on Parade.
Source: Parade


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Lake Mattamuskeet Adventure
Lake Mattamuskeet and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges host one of the largest concentrations of winter birds along the East Coast. Learn how to identify waterfowl, raptors and other bird species. Short hikes and easy viewing from the Museum bus make this an ideal trip for both novice and seasoned birders.
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate hiking
Leader(s): Mike Dunn, Martha Fisk, & Jerry Reynolds, Museum educators
Registration information: Registration required. Fill out online, print and mail the Museum's Registration Form and Health Form with payment. Registration deadline is two weeks prior to trip start date. Trips failing to reach the minimum registration numbers by the deadline date may be canceled. Please call to check on trip status if interested in registering after the deadline.
For more information contact Debbie Huston, scheduling coordinator, at 919.707.9840.


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31st Public Lecture:
Techniques of Okina Dance and Song
For this seminar, which was held at the Yarai Noh Theater in Kagurasaka, Tokyo, on October 31, 2000, lectures on The Characteristics of Okina Sarugaku Handed Down through Folk Performing Arts and The Okina Ceremony in Noh Unorthodox Dance Presentations were followed by comparative performances of the Okina Mai dance of the Kamikamogawa Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture, and the Okina-Juni Tsuki Ohrai dance performed in the present age by the Komparu troupe as part of the Kasuga Shrines annual Takigi (torchlight) Noh performance.
The Okina Mai dance of the Kamikamogawa Sumiyoshi Shrine:
a short dance is performed after the long Chichi no Jo narrative.
The Komparu troupes Okina-Juni Tsuki Ohrai dance.
Three Okina actors perform a celebratory dance after exchanging songs on aspects of December.


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It's time for Bitch's New Deal
Many of you are anxiously awaiting your summer issue of Bitch, which was due to hit your mailboxes at the end of this month. Well, there's been a slight change of plans. You'll still be getting that issue...but not until September.
We know, it sucks. But here's the deal: As most Bitch, readers already know, the past few years have been a time of flux, both for Bitch and for the magazine industry as a whole. It's a cold, heartless world out there on the newsstand, and more and more magazines simply aren't surviving. We are. But we're also pausing to regroup, revamp, and plan for the organization's smarter, more sustainable future.
Just so we're clear: You're not losing a thing. The new Bitch that comes to you in September will be new and improved, with a snazzy redesign, brand-new columns and features, and a stronger organization behind it. You'll love it, we promise.
If you don't have a subscription to award-winning 80-page quarterly Bitch magazine, it's definitely time to start one.
Comments6 comments have been made. Post a comment.
well if the new issue is anywhere near as snazzy as this new banner ad, i'm all for it!
I would stand out in subzero
I would stand out in subzero temperatures for my Bitch.
Can't wait to see the finished product.
Just so ...
... you don't regroup and then abruptly end like Clamor did. I am considering extending my sub during the drive (and fill up my donation piggy bank) to continue supporting you.
It's no joke
of the precariousness of the magazine industry. The ever-awesome Paste magazine just launched a fund drive. Sound familiar?
Bitch better not disappear,
Bitch better not disappear, especially with an announcement the day before my birthday. Let me know when we're in the sell all my possessions to keep the magazine afloat stage.
Don't worry!
We aren't going anywhere. However, while we don't need you to sell all your possessions, we could use some help! Make sure your subscription is up to date, and think about hosting a Bitch house party (for your birthday, maybe?) or becoming a Street Team captain!
Oh, and Happy Birthday!
Kelsey Wallace, contributor
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August 4, 2015
In a community where volunteers are plentiful, a former NFL referee stands out from all the rest.
Red Cashion was honored Thursday at the Brazos Community Foundation Tribute Luncheon.
Born in College Station, Cashion has served on numerous boards and committees throughout the community.
Proceeds from the event will be placed in an endowment fund created in his name. Those funds will benefit health and housing programs in the community.
This is the fourth annual Brazos Community Foundation Tribute Luncheon.
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Lenny Kravitz occupies a unique space in the music sphere, incorporating his duality – white Jewish father & African American mother – in his music at will. Comfortable with everything from rock, funk to soul, he has created a distinct sound that transcends genres. With Black & White America, his 9th album in a career that has spanned over 20 years, he continues to embrace the challenges of his background with music that cannot be pigeon-holed into 'white' or 'black' music. In a way, the world seems to be catching up with his approach which has always been about music he enjoys creating instead of genre.
The title and opening track touches on the dangers his parents faced in 60s America as an inter-racial couple as well as how the spirit of the dream that Martin Luther King had is present in Obama's America. There is a positivity and hopefulness that lays the foundation for the album as a whole with Stand and the melodic Dream leading the way. Musically, the album doesn't stray too far from classic Kravitz sound with a strong rock foundation, great composition and live instrumentation, and a funkiness that draws from 70s style Parliament and Sly Stone sensibilities.
This is especially evident on tracks like Liquid Jesus and Life Ain't Never Been Better Than It Is Now. He also draws hip hop into the mix, featuring Jay-Z and DJ Military on Boongie Drop and Drake on the awesome Sunflower, which is, for me, the best track on the album.
Meanwhile, legendary rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers have released their 10th album following a prolonged hiatus after extensive tour of their 2006 album Stadium Arcadium. Formed in 1983, the core of the band are founding members Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea who were joined by drummer Chad Smith in 1988. For their new album, guitarist Josh Klinghoffer became a part of the band in 2010, after John Frusciante left for the second time.
I'm With You sees a rejuvenated and re-inspired Kiedis and Flea drive the songwriting process but with contribution from the other members, including the newbie. While Kiedis has always been responsible for his lyrics and, therefore, they often reflect his personal journey, the growth that they have all undergone comes through strongly, particularly for himself and Flea. Flea also plays trumpet, piano and keyboard and served as the musical foundation for the band, having recently studied musical theory during their time off.
Overall, this reinvigorated return to the music has birthed an album that retains a strong RHCP sound while also sounding contemporary and fresh. Smith's drumming on Monarchy of Roses and Did I Let You Know channels the tracks forward almost military-like while the acoustic guitar-driven Brendan's Death Song and Even You Brutus? are perfect vehicles for Kiedis' clean voice and dance between singing and 'rapping'. Klinghoffer's guitar is never overpowering, fitting in perfectly, often teasing and threatening.
Black & White America and I'm With You are wonderful additions to any music collection.


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Each person grieves differently. Be gentle on yourself and others. There's no right way or wrong way to grieve.
For those seeking support, here are just a few available resources for managing grief:
American Cancer Society
American Society of Clinical Oncology
The Compassionate Friends (with a focus on support after a child's death)
Hospice Foundation of America (including a selection of very helpful articles)
Hospice Net
LUNGevity's Lung Cancer Support Community—Grief Section
National Cancer Insitute
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization—Caring Connections
Parents Without Partners (with a focus on families that lose a parent)
Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation


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Imagine I have rgb.jpg and alpha.png. How to combine them into rgba.png with Imagemagick?
Take the 2-minute tour ×
Stack Overflow is a question and answer site for professional and enthusiast programmers. It's 100% free.
Since you didn't specify, I'll assume a sufficiently new version of ImageMagick being run from the command line. This was tested using ImageMagick 6.6.9-7 on Linux (from Debian).
Otherwise, you will have to do a bit more processing on
Note that you may have to escape the parentheses in the latter command, depending on your command-line environment.
If necessary, you can also invert the greyscale image before using it as the alpha channel:


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Welcome to the Northeast Minnesota Law
Enforcement Executive Administrators Council
This site is BEST viewed in Internet Explorer
THIS MONTH'S NEWS: Updated 9/27/12. The next NLEAC meeting will be held at Timber Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Septemer 27, 2012 at 11:00 am.
REMINDER - ONLINE CLASSES are NOT OFFERED in December.
Registration Form
Criminal Related Interviewing made easy
DATE: Monday, October 1, 2012
502 Cleveland Blvd
Walker, MN 56484
When reserving rooms, please tell them you are attending this seminar !
NON-MEMBER: $95.00 - Group Rates Available
FAX Registration form to 218-263-2991 or Mail to Hibbing
Community College: 1515 East 25th Street, Hibbing, MN 55746
Criminal Related Interviewing Made Easy
The most effective "One Day" interviewing and interrogation seminar created.
This dynamic 8 hr. course is specifically designed to prepare all detectives, investigators, agents, supervisors, gang officers and uniformed patrol officers to become effective interviewers and be consistently successful in obtaining difficult confessions. From new officers to experienced detectives, you will learn to easily separate the interview and interrogation process into three easy steps. Each step provides simple and straightforward "how-to's" that will allow you to get a confession in any venue or circumstance.
In one intense, interactive training day, C.R.I.M.E. 1-2-3's expert, approachable instructors will provide each attendee with easy-to-understand tools that have been used and perfected on hard-core criminals for nearly two decades. This will be the most exciting and realistic interview class you have ever attended.
No more time-consuming and expensive courses that teach complex interrogation "tactics" that have more steps than you can remember during a stressful interview. Build self-confidence, learn what to do in a variety of circumstances and become a truly great interviewer.
C.R.I.M.E 1-2-3 is here. So get in, get it and get out.
Blocks of instruction will include:
Real interviewer preparation, Time management, Know your suspect, Set the stage for success, Proper introductions and face time, Recognize and Utilize your strong points, Physical and verbal considerations, Homicide preparation and legal aspects, Choosing "your" interview technique, Closing the confession, Morals and the media.
Unique Case Studies and Video examples: Law Enforcement Only
Domenic Cappelluti CFI, is a veteran street cop with the Waukegan (Illinois) Police Department and Group Supervisor (Ret.) of the elite Lake County Major Crime Task Force (Illinois). With over 16 years of experience Domenic has specialized in high profile violent street crimes, to include homicides, murder for hire cases on gang and drug officers, and officer involved shootings. During his career, Domenic has worked in patrol, and avidly supervised the Criminal Investigations Division and the Gang Suppression Unit. Domenic has proudly conducted and directed hundreds of gang and drug related operations throughout his County and the Chicago metropolitan area targeting Chicago based street gangs. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian and has successfully conducted thousands of interviews and interrogations in Spanish with today's Hispanic street gang members.
Having personally been targeted in a large scale murder for hire plot, Domenic has been an intricate part in receiving federal funding and working with members of Congress to establish a clear understanding of the war against gangs. He has dedicated his career to combating Freedom of Information Act violations, protecting officers' rights and the work quality of experienced interviewers from the mirage placed on society from today's media bias.
Domenic is a nationally recognized lecturer for his vast experience in interviewing and interrogation, homicide and gangs. He has testified as an expert witness in interviewing and interrogation and homicides across numerous states. Domenic is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for his accomplishments. He has been honoured by his police department, the State of Illinois, Congress, and numerous newspapers for his efforts. In fact, The Chicago Tribune named him one of "30 most successful professionals under 30".
Domenic passionately teaches law enforcement officers and Federal agents across the United States and is one the creators of the Gang Combat Dynamics series, Criminal Related Interviewing Made Easy (C.R.I.M.E. 123), Investigating Gang Homicides, Testifying in High Profile Cases and much more. Still working the street today, Domenic's teaching technique and fresh approach always make for an enjoyable class and a great experience!
Note from Kevin C. Stoffel,
Coordinator, Arrowhead Region Law Enforcement Training
Domenic is a fantastic and entertaining instructor who delivers this subject matter in a dynamic and easy to understand format. Make every effort to attend!


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Cotton Belt Freight Depot: Local Artists Dream Of Adding Giant Mural To Iconic Ruin (Photos)
Shuttered since 1959, the once bustling Cotton Belt Freight Depot is a 750-foot-long concrete ruin of graffiti, rot and trash. The structure is virtually invisible to city dwellers, hidden as it is behind a row of factories on the north riverfront.
Danny Wicentowski Local artists want to turn the Cotton Belt Freight Depot into a 750-foot-long canvas.
But with the opening of the nearby Stan Musial Veterans Bridge in February, the pocked face of the Cotton Belt now greets motorists crossing the bridge from Illinois. Tom Nagel, an artist and preservation activist, wants to give those drivers a real St. Louis welcome: A 750-foot-long mural across the east facade.
"You drive across that bridge, but there's nothing there but this huge abandoned building," says Nagel. "Let's put something amazing there."More »


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Hot Hollywood Gossip Roundup for November 19, 2012: ScarJo's New Man, Kim and Kris STILL Married, and Mila and Ashton PDA Around Town!
Love pop culture gossip? Our BFF site Wetpaint Entertainment has all your guilty pleasures totally covered. Here are some of our favorite stories hot off the presses!
Seriously, Why Aren't Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries Divorced Yet? — Exclusive
You know you're curious. But seriously, this divorce drama is lasting longer than the marriage. Find out what's holding up the show.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher Go On a Romantic Dinner Date In Which European City?
Love is in the air for Mila and Ashton (we love them together!) Where was the pair caught kissing? Find out here!
Scarlett Johansson Spotted Holding Hands With a New Guy — And His Name Is...
Ryan who? ScarJo's been spotted dining and PDA-ing with a new man! Get all the details here.
Bethenny Frankel Wants to Buy 2-Year-Old Daughter Bryn WHAT For Christmas?
It may not be Thanksgiving yet but it's not too early to start thinking about what to put on that Christmas list! What is Skinnygirl Bethenny Frankel thinking about buying for little Bryn Hoppy? Find out here!
How Did Emily Maynard and Ricki Spend The Pre-Thanksgiving Weekend?
We all want to know how our favorite stars are spending the holidays. Heck, we want to know how they spend their pre-holidays as well! Find out how Emily and Ricki spent their weekend!
Guess Who's Proud of His Wife's Booty! (PHOTOS)
Whose bootylicious buttocks is being proudly tweeted by her hubby? Find out here!
Which Famous Lady Photographed Herself in Lingerie 5 Months Post-Baby? (PHOTOS)
This mama is looking HOT post baby — and she's wants you to see it. See which sexy celeb posted a pic of her in her skivvies!
Train Spotting! Celebs Who Aren't Too Cool to Take the Subway (PHOTOS)
These celebs aren't too cool for school — or the subway! See which famous faces were seen riding the rails!
What Does Courteney Cox Eat to Stay Bikini Fit At 48?
Friends alum Courtney Cox looks uber hot for any age! How does this sitcom star bikini fit at 48? Find out here.
Adele's Newborn Son is a "Such a Cutie" — And She Is "Glowing" Post-Pregnancy
We're still waiting to get a glimpse of the pop princess' new son, but sources say he's a cutie! Was there ever any doubt? Get more details on Adele's post-pregnant life here.
Want more Loop du Loop? Like us on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter!


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The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died July 29 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan.
Killed were:
Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan W. Gifford, 34, of Palm Bay, Fla. He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; also,
Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price, 27, of Holland, Mich. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
For more information media may contact the Marine Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office at 910-440-0770.


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Knott County Central represented the 14th Region in the boys' Sweet 16 last week for the second straight season, advancing to the second round at Rupp Arena before falling to Ballard High School Friday evening.
The Patriots overcame a slow start against Clay County Thursday in the opening round, finding themselves down 17-9 after the first quarter. They more than made up the difference in the second period to take the 31-23 lead into halftime. Led by sophomore Camron Justice with 29 points, the Patriots eventually went on to take the 68-54 win.
Knott Central took on Ballard, winners of the 7th Region and eventual tournament runners-up, Friday evening. Ballard came into the game having defeated Johnson Central 75-54 during Thursday's early evening match-up. The Bruins, out of Louisville, took down a second mountain team by handing the Patriots only their sixth loss on the season, with a final score of 68-53. Justice led the Patriots in scoring again with 24 points.
Knott Central finished their season at 30-6, with coach B.B. King earning his second straight trip to the Sweet 16 in his three years as coach at Knott County.
Knott Central vs. Clay County stats: Camron Justice: 29 points; Simon Christon: 12 points; Corey Short: 12 points; Chance Cornett: 10 points; Evan Hall: 6 points
Knott Central vs. Ballard stats: Camron Justice: 24 points; Chance Cornett: 13 points; Simon Christon: 7 points; Evan Hall: 4 points; Corey Short: 3 points; Dillion Craft: 2 points.