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The present invention relates to a device for detecting and monitoring physiological conditions in mammalian tissue, and method for using the same. The device includes sensors for sensing physiological conditions and generating signals in response thereto and processor operatively associated with the sensors for receiving and manipulating the signals to produce a generalization indicative of normal and abnormal physiological condition of mammalian tissue. The processor is characterized to include a neural network having a predetermined solution spaced memory, the solution space memory including regions indicative of two (2) or more physiological conditions, wherein the generalization is characterized by the signals projected into the regions.
1. A device for detecting cancerous and precancerous conditions in a mammalian breast, comprising:
non-invasive means for sensing temperature in the breast and generating a signal in response thereto, wherein said sensing means includes a plurality of temperature sensors removably affixable to the breast and capable of sensing over at least one circadian period; and
means for receiving and manipulating said signal and for producing an output signal indicative of cancerous and precancerous conditions in the breast, said receiving and manipulating means including neural network means for producing a generalization about said signal, wherein said generalization is used in forming said output signal; and
a relatively flexible template shaped to orient with respect to and to conform to said mammalian breast, wherein said template includes a central portion, and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from and at predetermined angles with respect to a vertical midline and a horizontal midline which extend through said central portion, said arms further defining a pattern wherein a greater number of said arms are above said horizontal midline to exhibit an orienting characteristic, and wherein said central portion has an opening and each said arm has a plurality of openings to accommodate for varying breast sizes so that markings can be made on areas of said breast to allow for spatially positioning said temperature sensors in accordance with said marked areas of the breast.
This invention is directed to a device which indicates abnormal physiological conditions, and more particularly to, but not by way of limitation, a device for monitoring mammalian temperature for use in determining cancerous conditions.
It is known that areas of mammalian tissue adjacent to carcinomas exhibit increased temperature from that exhibited contemporaneously by non-adjacent, non-cancerous areas. The temperature of the cancer-affected areas can fluctuate several degrees Centigrade from normal tissue; these differences having been demonstrated while monitoring such areas for a 24-hour period (one circadian cycle).
It had been thought that an abnormal temperature pattern associated with a tumor is a product of accelerated metabolism. Evidence now suggests that local metabolic heat generation may be a second order effect since the majority of thermal signals are related to the function of increased regional blood flow caused by local angiogenesis. A slight overall increase in the temperature of the surrounding tissue, for instance in localized areas of a woman's breast, can occur and is usually related to the vascular convection of heat that occurs as a result of capillary dilatation and the secondary increase in blood flow coupled with the higher temperature of the blood derived from the vascular bed and the possible vasodilator effect of catabolic products of tumor metabolism. These vascular manifestations of heat production are of prime importance in the detection of subclinical or minimal cancers.
A prior device used for detecting cancer is a brassiere which includes a plurality of temperature sensors, an analog multiplexer circuit, a control circuit, a sample and hold circuit, an analog/digital converter, a buffer register, a storage register, a clock and a data logger. The device allows for the storage of temperature readings in a digital form. This digital data may be uploaded to the data logger which converts the digital signals to decimal form so that the temperature differences may be read and analyzed by a supervising physician.
Several problems exist with the brassiere device. The brassieres must be capable of fitting a full range of breast sizes since tissue contact is essential to device performance. Also, this system would be expensive requiring individual brassieres to be prepared for each user since it is unlikely that an individual would wear a brassiere which was previously worn by another person for extended periods of time due to the nature of the device. Thus, a disposable brassiere would be desired.
Furthermore, the temperature sensors of the brassiere device are affixed on its inner surface. Ideally, all sensors are in contact with the skin when the brassiere is positioned about the breast. Realistically, however, in the normal course of wear, the sensors will frequently not be in contact with the skin. Lack of contact causes the sensors to produce false skin temperature readings. It is also noted that such device does not disclose a need or means for calibrating the sensors. Any diagnosis based on uncalibrated sensor readings could be faulty.
Other devices use a passive thermographic analytical apparatus which provides a direct readout of the results through analysis of a thermographic radiation pattern of the human body. Such devices include a matrix of infra-red energy sensors and reflectors which are mounted in a closed, spaced array to produce a pattern of temperature measurement of the aligned areas of the body. The sensors simultaneously or sequentially read a thermographic pattern and develop analog signals which are converted into the appropriate digital form and are stored in a memory. The digital signals are then analyzed by a central processing unit (cpu) in accordance with a particular spatial pattern recognition software program. The program includes an algorithm having a number of parameters used in comparing differences in temperatures throughout the breasts to give a probability of breast normality or abnormality.
Unfortunately, such devices are unable to detect small tumors on the order of less than 0.5 cm. This seems to be due to the resolution and sensitivity capabilities of the thermographic sensors. Another problem with such devices is that the cpu will give inaccurate results if internal failure occurs at any point in the computer's probability program. Faulty readings from the thermographic pattern cause the software program to generate inaccurate results.
Of even greater concern, such thermographic devices do not take into account the chaotic fluctuation of normal body temperatures over time and between locations on the body. The temperatures between the left and right breasts may vary as much as 7 degrees Centigrade during any one circadian cycle. Since the patient is required to remain i front of the scanning apparatus of the thermographic device for only a short period of time in order to take a thermographic picture, that picture only represents one moment in time and is not representative of the actual condition of the breast over a long period of time. An analysis based on such thermographic results could be totally inaccurate.
One common and widely used technique for determining existence of breast cancer is mammography. This radiological technique passes ionizing radiation through the breast, which is per se invasive, to produce a radiographic which should report tumors as darkened areas. This method of detecting breast cancer is limited by the age and condition of the tissue examined. If the tissue is dense, as is characteristic of breast tissue in younger women, the image produced is more uniform in color causing detection of tumors to be more difficult. Further disadvantages of the previous systems are that they are relatively expensive and cumbersome compared to the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-invasive device which can constantly sense physiological conditions in a mammalian body over a circadian period and is adapted to be worn on the mammalian body while performing daily activities.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a breast cancer detecting device which is capable of accurately sensing physiological conditions in mammalian tissue.
An object of the present invention is to provide means and method for determining the normality or abnormality of areas of the breast highly susceptible to cancer development.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for detecting in situ cancerous tumors and precancerous lesions. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a device capable of detecting breast cancer and its general location with a relatively high degree of accuracy.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive and reusable device for monitoring and analyzing physiological conditions.
The present invention is directed to a device for detecting physiological conditions in a mammalian body. The device comprises means for sensing physiological conditions and generating signals in response thereto and means operatively associated with the sensing means for receiving and manipulating the signals to produce a generalization indicative of normal and abnormal physiological condition of the subject.
The receiving and manipulating means includes processing means having non-algorithmic logic which utilizes prior pathological data in correspondence with the sensed signals to manipulate the signals to produce the generalization.
In another embodiment, the receiving and manipulating means is further characterized to include a neural network having predetermined solution space memory, the solution space memory including regions indicative of two or more physiological conditions, wherein the generalization is characterized by the signals projected into regions.
The device further includes means operatively connecting the sensing means and the receiving and manipulating means; the connecting means includes means for receiving and storing the signals from the sensing means, means for controlling transmission of the signals from the sensing means to the storing means, and means for calibrating the sensing means.
The device further includes a template shaped to orient with respect to and to conform to a mammalian breast for spatially positioning the sensing means in accordance with areas of the breast predetermined highly susceptible to cancer development.
Also provided is a method for determining abnormal and normal physiological conditions in mammalian tissue which comprises the steps of (a) positioning physiological condition sensors upon the tissue and generating signals in response thereto and (b) manipulating the signals to produce a generalization about the signals indicative of abnormal and normal physiological conditions. The method is further characterized by including in step (a) placing a template over the breast prior to positioning of the sensors so that the sensors can be oriented and positioned with respect to areas of the tissue highly susceptible to cancer development.
The present invention is more particularly described in the drawings and specification which follow.
FIG. 1 shows the template of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows the sensors and harness block of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a general diagram of the neural network of the present invention.
FIG. 5 represents a neuron-like unit of the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates template 10. The template 10 is made of a material capable of conforming to a mammalian breast. When the template is properly oriented, the template 10 has a plurality of openings 12 and 13 which are spatially positioned in accordance with areas of the breast pathologically determined to be highly susceptible to cancer development. As shown in FIG. 1, the template 10 has a center portion 14 and four arms 16a-d extending radially outwardly from central portion 14. The template 10 is of a sufficient size to accommodate numerous breast sizes. Central portion 14 has the opening 12 centrally defined therein which is placed over the breast nipple to position the template. Each arm 16a-d has a sufficient quantity of the openings 13 to accommodate differing breast sizes such that at least one opening per arm can be placed over a breast area desired to be sensed.
Areas of the breast to be sensed, for example those where cancer development is most likely to occur, can be marked by orienting the template 10 on a breast as shown in FIG. 1. Arms 16a and 16b extend along the vertical midline 50 of the breast with arm 16a above and arm 16b below the horizontal midline 51 of the breast. Arms 16c and 16d extend diagonally to bisect the upper outer quadrant and upper inner quadrant of the breast, respectively. On the patient's other breast, the position of arms 16c and 16d are reversed which allows for symmetrical markings of the breasts, important in obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Once location of desired sensor placement has been determined, the sensors (in the preferred embodiment the sensors are thermistors) are affixed to the breast tissue. FIG. 2 illustrates thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R positioned on the breasts and attached to harness block 30 according to the invention. Thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R are positioned over the marked areas of the right and left breasts which have been determined by use of template 10. Specifically, thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R are placed on the breasts as follows: 21L and 21R below the nipple; 22L and 22R in the upper outer quadrant; 23L and 23R in the upper outer quadrant toward the axilla; 24L and 24R on the upper areola; 25L and 25R on vertical midline 50 above horizontal midline 51; 26L and 26R in the upper inner quadrant; 27L in an ambient temperature zone; 27R on the sternum; 28L and 28R on other areas of concern and at contralateral positions. Each pair of the thermistors (e.g., 21L/21R, 22L/22R, etc.) is preferably marked to allow for easy identification of each thermistor pair as well as each thermistor. For example, each thermistor pair is color coded and tabbed with a number and letter. Each thermistor and its signals are consequently identified with a specific position on the breast. This consistency simplifies subsequent processing and improves accuracy of the signals in terms of individual signal correlation with calibration data and selection of specific signal sources for manipulation in developing the generalization of physiological condition. This also simplifies correlation of results with specific sensor positions on the breast to arrive at a more specific determination of the location of abnormal physiological condition. While the number of thermistors and positioning are specifically set forth, it is conceived that accuracy increases as the number of thermistors increases.
Each of the thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R is made of an electrically conductive material (e.g. nickel-manganese oxide). Each thermistor produces a resistance which varies with the temperature measured. An important feature of the present invention resides int he calibration system of the thermistors. In the instant invention, the Steinhart and Hart equation, an empirical expression, has been determined to be a suitably desirable signal transform algorithm for the resistance-temperature relationship. It is usually found explicit in T, with:
1/T=a+b (Ln R)+C (Ln R) 3
and in which T is the Kelvin temperature, Ln R is the Logarithm of R to the base e and a, b and c are coefficients derived from measurement.
Normalization coefficients a, b and c are found by making measurements of R at three Temperatures (20 degrees, 30 degrees, and 40 degrees C) and solving simultaneously:
1/T=a+b (Ln R1)+C (Ln R1)3
1/T2=a+b (Ln R2)+C (Ln R2)3
1/T3=a+b (Ln R3)+C (Ln R3)3.
Over a temperature range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees Centigrade (C), this algorithm produces an accurate fit. Because each thermistor has slightly different physical and chemical properties, the resistance of each thermistor is measured at 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 40 degrees C in a stirred nonconductive fluid bath, (e.g. BLANDOL™ available from Sealand Chemical, Silicon oil or FLURINERT 40™ available from Sealand Chemical, the fluid temperature measured by a NIST standard thermometer, and the specific normalization coefficients for each thermistor determined by inserting the resistances of each thermistor at each temperature into and simultaneously solving the foregoing equations.
Referring to FIG. 3, these coefficients are referred to as calibration data which are stored in memory 31 (read only memory, for example) of harness 30 and identified as relating to a specific thermistor. An important aspect of the present invention is that the calibration data is stored in harness block 30. In the field of use, many harness blocks will exist. Accessing each thermistor's calibration data contemporaneously with its respective stored signals from the harness block will remove the potential for processing errors occurring from mismatching calibration data and thermistors.
Each of thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R is connected to an analog multiplexer 32 which allows for simultaneous transmission of signals from the thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R to analog/digital (A/D) converter 34. Each signal is then amplified by amplifier 35 and applied to A/D converter 34 which converts each analog signal into a suitable multiple bit binary number or word suitable for processing.
Within harness 30, an oscillator type system clock 40 supplies pulses to CPU 38. Upon receiving a predetermined number of pulses, CPU 38 initiates multiplexer 32 to poll thermistors 21L-28L and 21R-28R by gating signals from each thermistor 21L-28L, 21R-28R. CPU 38 controls the transmission and storing of the signals in random access memory 36. Multiplexer 32, A/D converter 34, memory 36, CPU 38, clock 40, and amplifier 42 are of any suitable construction as is known in the art.
FIG. 3 shows fully configured device 39 which includes a CPU 44 operatively associated with neural network 46 and CPU 38. CPU 44 is capable of uploading data from memory 31 and 36 and channeling the data through neural network 46. The CPU 44 can be a commercially available microprocessor which uses the software system described herein below. Alternatively, a commercially available microprocessor can be integrated with a commercially available neurocomputer accelerator board, such as the one available from Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC).
Neural network 46 utilizes parallel processing which allows quantities of information, or data, to be analyzed more quickly and in a different fashion than is permitted in serial processing.
Generally speaking, neural network paradigms make no assumptions about the data and feature segmentation is automatically performed. The network itself selects, through a non-algorithmic process, features of the input data on which it focuses at any point during data processing and manipulation. Where the desire is to receive output results related to normal or abnormal physiological condition, the features are weighted based on pathological evidence and other empirical data introduced into the neural network through what is referred to as a training process.
Generally speaking, the neural network training process entails the creation of a solution space memory. Solution space memory as used herein refers to multidimensional space created internal to the neural network containing regions associated with pathological determinations of normal physiological condition and other regions associated with abnormal physiological conditions. The training process further entails iteratively entering empirical data and pathological evidence and modulating the neural network based upon its output. This iterative training accomplishes several purposes, first refining the definition of the regions associated with each condition in the solution space memory, and second causing the neural network to determine the non-algorithmic process by which it projects new data signals into the solution space. Following training, the neural network, will manipulate and project input signals into the solution space memory and the resulting intersection of those signals with one or more solution space regions produces a generalization about the signal indicative of abnormal or normal physiological condition. Provided that sufficient pathological and other empirical data is available to train the neural network, its manipulation methodology, based on parallel processing, produces results consistent with invasive pathological determinations made through mammography and biopsy techniques.
A display 48 is connected to the CPU 44 such that the display 48 provides access to the results generated by the neural network 46 and CPU 44 based upon the input data received thereby.
As shown in FIG. 4, the neural network 46 includes at least one layer of trained neuron-like units, and preferably at least three layers. The neural network 46 includes input layer 50, hidden layer 52, and output layer 54. Each of the input, hidden, and output layers include a plurality of trained neuron-like units.
The neuron-like units of the input layer include a receiving channel for receiving a sensed signal, wherein the receiving channel includes a predetermined modulator for modulating the signal. The neuron-like units of the hidden layer are individually receptively connected to each of the units of the input layer. Each connection 51 includes a predetermined modulator for modulating each connection between the input layer and the hidden layer.
The neuron-like units of the output layer are individually receptively connected to each of the units of the hidden layer. Each connection 51 includes a predetermined modulator for modulating each connection between the hidden layer and the output layer. Each unit of said output layer includes an outgoing channel for transmitting the modulated signal.
Referring to FIG. 5, each trained neuron-like unit 56 includes a dendrite-like unit 58, and preferably several, for receiving analog incoming signals. Each dendrite-like unit 58 includes a particular modulator 60 which modulates the amount of weight which is to be given to the characteristic sensed by modulating the incoming signal and subsequently transmitting a modified signal. For software, the dendrite-like unit 58 includes an input variable XA and a weight value WA wherein the connection strength is modified by multiplying the variables together. For hardware, the dendrite-like unit 58 can be a wire, optical or electrical transducer having a chemically, optically or electrically modified resistor therein.
Each neuron-like unit 56 includes soma-like unit 62 which has a threshold barrier defined therein for the particular characteristic sensed. When the soma-like unit 62 receives the modified signal, this signal must overcome the threshold barrier whereupon a resulting signal is formed. For software, the soma-like unit 62 is represented by the sum S=ΣA XA WA -β, where β is the threshold barrier. This sum is employed in a Nonlinear Transfer Function (NTF) as defined below. For hardware, the soma-like unit 62 includes a wire having a resistor; the wires terminating in a common point which feeds into an operational amplifier having a nonlinear part which can be a semiconductor, diode, or transistor.
The neuron-like unit 56 includes an axon-like unit 64 through which the output signal travels, and also includes at least one bouton-like unit 66, and preferably several, which receive the output signal form axon-like unit 64. Bouton/dendrite linkages form the connection 51 from the input layer to the hidden layer and from the hidden layer to the output layer. For software, the axon-like unit 64 is a variable which is set equal to the value obtained through the NTF and the bouton-like unit 66 is a function which assigns such value to a dendrite-like unit of the adjacent layer. For hardware, the axon-like unit 64 and bouton-like unit 66 can be a wire, an optical or electrical transmitter.
The modulators of the input layer modulate the amount of weight to be given various physiological characteristics such as, but not necessarily limited to, temperature, temperature fluctuation, area of the body sensed, physiological period of month (menstrual), and pre or perimenopausal status.
For example, if a patient's tissue temperature is higher than, lower than, or in accordance with what has been predetermined as normal, the soma-like unit would account for this in its output signal and this bears directly on the neural network's decision to indicate whether a normal or an abnormal condition exists.
The modulators of the output layer modulate the amount of weight to be given for indicating normal physiological conditions or abnormal physiological conditions. It is also possible, however, to assign weighting unit values to output neuron-like units which represent a probability of normal or abnormal conditions, e.g. 90 percent likely to be abnormal conditions. It is not exactly understood what weight is to be given to characteristics which are modified by the modulators of the hidden layer, as these modulators are derived through a training process defined below.
The training process is the initial process which the neural network must undergo in order to obtain and assign appropriate weight values for each modulator. Initially, the modulators and the threshold barrier are assigned small random non-zero values. The modulators can be assigned the same value bu the neural network's learning rate is best maximized if random values are chosen. Pathological and other empirical data taken from control group subjects over one circadian period of forty-eight hours at predetermined intervals is input in parallel into the dendrite-like units of the input layer and the output observed.
The NTF employs S in the following equation to arrive at the output: ##EQU1## For example, in order to determine the weight to be given to each modulator for the particular physiological variable, the NTF is employed as follows:
If the NTF approaches 1, the soma-like unit produces an output signal indicating an abnormal condition. If the NTF approaches 0, the soma-like unit produces an output signal indicating a normal condition. If the output signal clearly conflicts with the known conditions, pathologically determined, an error occurs. The weight values of each modulator are then adjusted using the following formulas so that the input data produces the desired empirical output signal.
For the output layer:
W*ko1 =Wko1 +GEk Zkos
W*ko1 =new weight value for neuron-like unit k of the output layer.
Wko1 =actual weight value obtained for neuron-like unit k of the output layer.
G=gain factor (usually less than 1.0)
Zkos =actual output signal of neuron-like unit k of output layer.
Dkos =desired output signal of neuron-like unit k of output layer.
Ek =Zkos (1-Zkos)(Dkos -Zkos), (this is an error term corresponding to neuron-like unit k of output layer).
For the hidden layer:
W*jh1 =Wjh1 +GEj Yjos
W*jh1 =new weight value for neuron-like unit j of the hidden layer.
Wjh1 =actual weight value obtained for neuron-like unit j of the hidden layer.
G=gain factor (generally less than 1)
Yjos =actual output signal of neuron-like unit j of hidden layer.
E1 =Yjos (1-Yjos) Σk Ek Wko1, (this is an error term corresponding to neuron-like unit j of hidden layer over all k units).
For the input layer:
W*ii1 =Wii1 +GEi Xios
W*ii1 =new weight value for neuron-like unit i of input layer.
Wii1 =actual weight value obtained for neuron-like unit i of input layer.
G=gain factor (generally less than 1)
Xios =actual output signal of neuron-like unit i of input layer.
Ei =Xios (1-Xios)Σj E1 Wjh1, (this is an error term corresponding to neuron-like unit i of input layer over all j units).
The process is iteratively repeated by entering further empirical data into the neural network and observing the output signal. If the output is in error with what the known output should be, the weights are adjusted in the manner described above. Utilizing input data known to correspond to actual physiological conditions pathologically determined, this process continues until the output is substantially consistent with such pathologically determined physiological conditions. The weights are then fixed.
Upon fixing the weights of the modulators, a solution space memory with regions indicative of normal and abnormal physiological conditions is established in the neural network. The neural network is at this stage considered trained and can make generalizations about input data by projecting input data into the solution space memory and determining which regions the input data intersects. The generalization is improved by comparing input data taken repetitively at intervals over a period of time, in the present invention taking temperature readings every five minutes over one circadian cycle, although it is recognized that a different interval may still provide reliable results. The generalization relates not only to the breast as a whole but also is capable of identifying abnormal physiological conditions with a specific quadrant of the breast.
While the preferred embodiment has employed the neural network to carry out the invention, it is conceived that other means, such as a statistical program, might be used instead of or in conjunction with the neural network. It is conceived that many variations, modifications and derivatives of the present invention are possible and the preferred embodiment set forth above is not meant to be limiting of the full scope of the invention. It is comprehended by the inventors that the device, and in particular the neural network, may be used to determine heart disease, circulatory clogging, characterization of tissue type and other physiological conditions which exhibit chaotic behavior.
The following example is presented for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, but is not intended to be limiting in the nature and scope of the present invention.
138 subjects were recruited from the population at a surgical oncology clinic who had been scheduled for open-breast biopsies as a result of physical exam and mammography. Each subject wore the harness block/sensors of the present invention for a period of forty-eight hours wherein data readings were taken every five minutes.
The data were analyzed using the neural network described above which was trained using fifty-seven exemplar cases. The following results were obtained.
______________________________________Total biopsies: 138Positive for cancer: 23Cancer found by mammogram: 19Cancer found by present invention: 21Palpable cancers: 17Needle localization: 6______________________________________
Three of the cancers detected by the present invention but not by mammography had sizes of 0.5, 0.7, and 2.0 cm in subjects aged 36, 38 and 44 respectively. In addition, the present invention indicated an additional 21 of the subjects as high risk to cancer development.
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|Super 8 Manchester Village properties are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Super 8 hotel rooms in Manchester Village, VT for your upcoming meeting or individual travels. We list the best Super 8 Manchester Village hotels/properties so you can review the Manchester Village Super 8 hotel list below to find the perfect place.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Guelph shouldn't start an anonymous "tip line" to allow city employees and the public to report alleged fraud, waste and other wrongdoing within city hall, says a new report from city staff.
The report, which goes to the May 6 meeting of council's governance committee, was done in response to a motion two months ago from Coun. Cam Guthrie. His motion, approved by council on a 6-5 vote, told staff to take a close look at the idea of creating an ethics and efficiency hotline or "tip line."
Only seven Canadian cities – Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, Montreal and Oakville – currently use various forms of hotlines, the report says.
It says Guelph already has mechanisms for identifying fraud, waste and wrongdoing, and budgets $305,100 for the function of internal and external auditors and the integrity commissioner.
Within city hall, administration is "also implementing new initiatives to improve and support staff sharing ideas that create greater efficiencies, productivity and improved engagement," it adds.
The report estimates it would cost $128,000 in the first year just to implement a hotline for use by city staff. "Quantifying costs associated with expanding the hotline for use by members of the public is not possible at this time," it says.
This extra $128,000 expense would come at a time when the city is already facing likely extra costs resulting from the province's announced intention to get more involved in oversight of municipal affairs, the report says.
The report says Oakville started its hotline within the past year and has produced no data so far on how it has been working.
However, data for the other six Canadian cities suggest their hotlines have led to a "relatively small" number of calls, a "minor" number of resulting investigations, and "small or negligible" recovery of money, the report says.
Guelph shouldn't start an anonymous "tip line" to allow city employees and the public to report alleged fraud, waste and other wrongdoing within city hall, says a new report from city staff.


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May 8, 2014
Box Score | Complete Game Highlights
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Chelsea Wilkinson threw a complete-game shutout as the fifth-seeded Georgia softball team handed the fourth-seeded Florida Gators a 2-0 loss in the quarterfinal round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Columbia, South Carolina. With the win, the Bulldogs will advance to the semifinal round of the tournament for the third straight year. Georgia is now 43-12 on the year, while Florida dropped to 45-11
The win was Georgia's fifth win over a top-10 opponent in the last six games.
Wilkinson was lights out as she was perfect through four innings and gave up just two hits and struck out nine in her 22nd complete game performance of the season. She is now 27-7 on the year. Florida used three pitchers in the game. Lauren Haeger got the start and suffered the loss to fall to 9-2 on the year. She allowed two runs, one of which was earned, on three hits and two walks in 4.1 innings of work. The Gators turned to ace Hannah Rogers, who threw 1.2 innings for the Gators and allowed just one hit. Delanie Gourley allowed just one hit in the final inning of the game.
Geri Ann Glasco delivered the game-winning hit with a two-run single in the fifth. She and Paige Wilson combined for four of Georgia's five hits, while Katie Browne had Georgia's fifth hit of the game.
After a pitcher's dual that lasted the first four innings, Georgia took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning. Browne led off the inning with a single into left field. Pinch hitter Malia Rivers and Sam LaZear then reached on a pair of fielder's choices before Wilson singled that loaded the bases and forced Florida to go to the bullpen for Rogers. Glasco greeted the new pitcher with a single up the middle that scored both Rivers and LaZear to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.
The Gators looked to get a run across in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two away, Justine McLean reached on a Georgia error and moved to second after Schwarz drew a five-pitch walk. After McLean stole third, Wilkinson struck out Fuller on three pitches to end the inning and any threat of a Florida run.
Georgia will face the winner of the Alabama and Auburn game tomorrow, May 9, at Carolina Softball Stadium. The Bulldogs went 1-2 against Alabama in the regular-season and 2-1 against Auburn.


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Sync books across your devices and save the page. Nice.
It has been a long time coming, but the Amazon Kindle app for Windows Phone 7 handsets is finally available to download, giving the platform its first real eReader option.
The Kindle app, which we first reported on back in late October, gives the reported 1.5 million Windows Phone 7 owners their first opportunity to sample the 725,000 titles available from Amazon to smartphone platforms.
The app will also allow keen readers to sync their purchases across all of their devices, which means if you're reading on your iPad, you'll be able to save your page and pick up where you left off on your WP7 handset.
Kindle, which is free to download for Windows Phone 7 from the Marketplace, will also feature the ability to send book recommendations to friends and receive your own recommendations on the apps homepage.
Yesterday Amazon confirmed that the Kindle app would also be coming to Android and Windows tablets.
Link: Mashable


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How to deal with a stray raccoon at your house
If a stray animal takes up residence at your house, it's best to call a professional. (Photo courtesy of Gregg Nelson)
This time of year, I get a lot of calls about baby animals showing up at people's houses.
If you see a stray animal roaming around your house, the first thing to remember is not to touch it. Baby raccoons may have rabies, and you would never know it. If you touch a stray, your scent that is left on any animal will turn the mother away from taking them back.
If you come across a baby raccoon, it's likely the mom has been injured or killed. If one is lingering around your house, it is best to push the baby into a box with a stick and leave it in the shade close to where it was found.
It would be more humane to get an animal rehaber to take it or any nuisance wildlife control operator can euthanize it for a fee, which is a much better option than letting it die on it's own, which is likely to happen.
Baby squirrels seldom are seen, but again if you do see one, that means mom isn't around any more. Squirrel mothers are not the best at taking care of their young, as they have several litters each year, the next time being around August. I usually let them fend for themselves if possible.
If you see a stray baby animal or have any questions on what to do, contact a local pest control specialist or your local wildlife department.
Big Bear Wildlife Control is located in East Haven, Conn. As of May 31, 2012, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.


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The Savannah Sand Gnats are your 2013 South Atlantic League Champions!! The Gnats beat Hagerstown 2-0 Friday night to win the series 3-1.
Savannah won with just 2 hits. In the 4th inning, Stefan Sabol doubled, scoring Brandon Nimmo and Dilson Herrera. The rest was about the pitching. Steven Matz threw 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 9. Paul Sewald got out of the 6th and threw a scoreless 7th. Jeurys Familia pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Beck Wheeler struck out 2 in the 9th to close out the game, winning the championship for the Gnats! If you look around social media, you'll find some good stuff, but here's a video of Frank Viola getting drenched: http://instagram.com/p/eOaAbgnZgW/
With that, the minor league season comes to an end. It's been a blast covering it once again, and I want to thank everyone that read and commented on a regular basis. Until next season starts, I will be doing my best to write a minor league spotlight on a prospect every Thursday. If you want a daily dose of me, I provide a majority of the Mets coverage over at RantSports.com and there's bound to be plenty of minor league related articles there over the winter. Thanks again everybody, only 6 and a half months until the 2014 minor league season starts. LGM!


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Below is the poem entitled Shadow which was written by poet
Faries. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.
Read Poems by
Marissa Faries
Shadow of a butterfly reaching through the light shining
Through transparent window panes.
The shadow of me hiding in the shade casted
By the wall beneath the sill.
Sunlight of this evening lighting up my bedroom,
Helping me to see my surrounding.
Sunlight of this day, for me, it was brightly burning,
All while bicycling home.
Shadow of a bird symbolizing flying and basking
In the sun, which soothes my pains.
The shadow of me concealing itself and fasted
Inside my head as I sit still.
Rays of a sunset touching the glass, illuminating
The colours and the wall.
Rays of a sunrise waiting for night to pass, wishing
To shine so I may finally roam.
Shadow of a cage: this window the only thing
Keeping me as solitary as I can be.
The shadow of me welling up deep within,
Descending into sorrow.
Light of the sun embracing countries, forever travelling.
Sunrise awaiting my horizon.
Light of the sun reminding me how
There will be a day of my dream coming true.
Shadow of the blue twilight gently glowing
Throughout this room where I am free.
The shadow of me restlessly reflecting
Upon thoughts of the days beyond tomorrow.
Sunshine everyday warmly reassuring
That it will always shine on through.
Sunshine everyday piercing
The gray clouds of any day.
Shadow of thoughts filling
My mind with a saddening realization.
The shadow of me is suddenly being embraced,
My Sun ensuring in time I will attain all I've dreamed.
A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


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August 4, 2015
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division is investigating a Bank Robbery that occurred at the First Bank of Trust located on FM-1314 and I-59.
On May 15, 2012, at approximately 9:30 am, the Sheriff's Office received notification of the robbery and responded to the location. Upon arrival, Sheriff's Office personnel were informed that two black male suspects entered the bank and one of them demanded money while displaying a black semi-automatic handgun. While the suspect with the gun demanded money, the other suspect gathered the employees and had them move to a central location of the bank. The suspect with the gun was able to get an undetermined amount of money from a bank cash drawer.
Both suspects left the scene in a maroon four door passenger car which was recovered approximately one mile from the crime scene and was later confirmed to be a stolen vehicle
Anyone having information about this Bank Robbery is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or Detective Ken Bivens at 936- 760-5876.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment of a felony crime. Call 800-392-STOP (7867). Anonymous tips can also be made through the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Web Page at www.montgomerycountycrimestoppers.org.
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text: Don't forget to vote! Residents of the Blackwall and Cubitt Town ward are urged to use their right to vote at the ward election on July 3, which was postponed from May 22, 2014 because a candidate sadly passed away before polling day. All eligible voters should have already received their poll cards. If residents haven't received a poll card or it is misplaced, they can still vote if registered to do so. Polling stations will open from 7am and will close at 10pm. The address and map of your allocated polling station will be shown on the poll card. Residents can also check where their polling station is located by using the online polling station finder. Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/vote or call Electoral Services on 020 7364 0872. Each voter will be given a white ballot paper and may vote for up to three candidates to represent the ward on Tower Hamlets Council. If you have any questions regarding the elections, call Electoral Services on 020 7364 0872 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. Residents can also find information online about the election by visiting www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/vote July 2, 2014


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Here's me yesterday looking to pick up the new Yankee closer…. *types Kelly into waivers box, presses Enter* Inner monologue, "Joe Kelly?! No, I don't want him! Casey Kelly?! Blech! C'mon, this is a 15 team mixed league, I'm not in an NL-Only keeper! Someone beat me to the waiver wire? Really? For the first time in three years, I'm watching a Yankees game because nothing else is on and serendipitously David Robertson is announced with a groin strain, so there's no way anyone beat me to the waiver wire… I'm here first, I have to be! So where's Kelly?! Fine, I'll click the button that shows the players that are owned too. Wait, he's not even listed there. What in the holy name of Christ Colabello–" And that was around the time I realized his name was spelled Kelley, not Kelly and while I was misspelling it someone else swooped in and grabbed him. This has been the latest installment of Grey Albright: Are You Sure You Want To Listen To This Man? So, Robertson is out for a few weeks with a groin strain — easy on the noodes, doode! — and Shawn Kelley is your new closer in New York, and, even though yesterday was Kelley's first career save, it doesn't mean he can't be successful for the next three weeks. Or unsuccessful, but I'd pick him up either way in any league. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?
Jackie Bradley
Make sure you check out Scott Evans' Prospect ETA's for a sense of potential high impact call-ups. I'm going to focus on prospects and MLB sleepers beyond the obvious list of prospects. If I list a prospect, that said prospect should have the opportunity to make an impact this year, and in my opinion, have the minor league numbers/skill to translate well enough.
My 'translate' for fantasy purposes is simple: do they make enough contact (how often they put the ball in play); what is their approach to putting the ball in play (balls in play mix i.e. linedrives, flyballs, groundballs, HR/FB, infield flyballs, etc.); and what power/speed potential do they have from a fantasy counting stats perspective. Speed won't have much of a weight in this post though.Please, blog, may I have some more?
There's SAGNOF – now there's BGLIF or BABIPGLIF.
B(ABIP)GLIF = BABIP's Got Little Face. As you delve into players for your drafts and you see a surprising glorious batting average from last year, ensure you validate it. Use Razzball Fantasy Baseball BABIP vs. Average Comparison. I'll point out some sleepers below using this method.Please, blog, may I have some more?
When we started the hitter rankings, we were mere boys. Now, we're men as we come to the end of the road for hitters and we can't go on, it's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you. You, "Hey, look at that, I'm in a crazy/stupid/gooftarded deep league and everyone in this league that I'm talking to myself about is well-versed in this fantasy baseball shizz because they are also in this crazy/stupid/gooftarded deep league yet they forgot to draft Matt Holliday. Cool, I'll take him with my 350th pick." Yeah, that's not going to happen. If you're drafting from guys in the top 100 outfielders for 2014 fantasy baseball, your league is deep and you know you're not going to get much from these guys. Potatoes to chips, most of these guys will be worth owning at some point in the season. If you're joining us late, here's the top 20 outfielders, top 40 outfielders, top 60 outfielders and top 80 outfielders. Next up in our 2014 fantasy baseball rankings will be the pitchers. You can hardly wait. No, you. Anyway, here's the top 100 outfielders for 2014 fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?
In Dune, a group of nomads called Fremen are almost wiped out by a race led by a maniacal, obese lard whose fat must be held up by a series of suspenders in order for him to move. These Fremen, reputed widely as the best warriors in the universe, are restricted to dwelling in caves and hiding from giant worms for their own safety because, well, apparently being the fiercest fighters in all of existence does not go very far. In Star Wars, a useless princess and ever-failing smuggler are helped by a band of stick- and rock-throwing bears to defeat an organization who has a massive army of laser-wielding clones and can blow planets up with one quick press of a humming button. In Lord of the Rings, a midget is able to evade an all-seeing eye while traversing the entire planet en route to destroying an omnipotent piece of jewelry. Also, the all-seeing eye decides not to station any of his acolytes at the only spot where that omnipotent piece of jewelry can actually be destroyed. All of these movies made their creators very, very, very filthy rich. And yes, they're all freaking awesome, but that's only because each was able to make their audience take a leap of faith and believe that — at least in those respective worlds — things like that actually did happen. These stories started out as something stupid, but morphed — via a whole lot of different things — into something great, beautiful, and, most of all, successful. They didn't have our trust at first, but we gave them our faith, and they didn't disappoint. I mean, when movies like Battle of LA are sci-fi alternatives, we don't have a choice. Which leads us, farfetchedly — I do not care if that's not a word — to the leap-of-faith keepers for 2014.Please, blog, may I have some more?
First, Erasmo returns for our rookie nookie needs, then Adam Eaton is called up to see if owning rookies can be better than Viagra. They can. I asked your grandpa. What? We talk. Adam Eaton has that built in ability to…Ugh, I just started singing Invisible Touch in my head. Phil Collins, wherever you are, you've polluted my mind! I love Adam Eaton like a brother I never had and never wanted, but would hang out with if I had time between telling Mom that he was wearing her clothes and doing a runway show in the living room. Eaton has 30-ish steal speed and 10-15 homer power over the course of a full season. Well, that full season went out the window with his injury, and now there's a Native American crying because someone littered with Adam Eaton's full season. In a half a season, he could still have a huge one. A Starling Marte-type half wouldn't completely surprise me. That would be the absolute best case scenario. More likely, he'll get 4-7 homers and 12-15 steals and be primed for a huge breakout next year. I'd still grab him in every single league because he's got something you just can't trust. Something mysterious. And now I'm falling, falling for him! Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?
Rudy went into his fantasy laboratory and came up with yet another tool. This, guys and four girl readers, is the Fantasy Baseball Buy/Sell Tool. It's about as easy to use as any of the other tools combined. It's called the Buysellatops and it looks like this. It talks instead of grunting or whatever dinosaurs did. Actually, they could've talked. We don't know. Maybe The Land of the Lost was a documentary. Who's to say? The Buysellatops has two things on its mind this week, how can we get rid of all of these pollutants and gravity so I can graze the roof? And how little can I buy Jason Heyward for? Sometimes all the planets align for a great buy, this week is one of those days. This day is one of those weeks? You know what I mean. Heyward has just about reached his nadir. Unless he has a season-ending injury tonight, there's no way he can be worse. His BABIP is silly terrible. Right now, he's hitting line drives into the gap and it's hitting a pelican and falling into the outfielder's glove. If he hits .330 from now until October, it wouldn't surprise me. He is not a one hundred-something hitter. He has power and speed. Here's a comparison for ya — he can be as good as Adam Jones the rest of the year. Rarely do you get a chance to buy low on such a highly ranked hitter, but here's your chance. As Buysellatops would say, "Get Heyward, and maybe some suntan lotion from Buchholz. This sun is so much stronger than I remember it." Anyway, here's some more players to buy or sell this week in fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?
They say baseball is a game of inches. When 'they' say that, 'they' are wearing a plaid jacket and flood pants. They also have adult acne. But if baseball really is a game of inches, the Tigers are packing heat in their lineup like John Holmes. So, for all other teams' fans, I ask you gently, Tigers, please don't have good pitching too. I mean, besides Verlander and Scherzer and Fister and Anibal, because that would just be unfair. Yesterday, it appeared they had that with Rick Porcello. He went eight innings with zero earned runs, four baserunners and 11 Ks. After his eleventh K, the sound system played, "Rick's a Jolly Porcello." That is the best game I can remember from Porcello, by far, and I use all of his game logs as toilet paper, so I'd remember. I mean, what else am I doing in the john? Answering comments? Well, maybe. Just keep that in mind when you're asking me who I'd drop. Porcello's xFIP looks solid and his walks have always been stellar. The one flaw in his game I didn't like was his ability to K people. So far this year, his K-rate is up and way up after yesterday. If you're struggling to find a starter, I could see adding Porcello, but there's risk because he does tend to have huge blow ups. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?
And the Tigerettes sang, "He was talked up as closer, but now he's sent down… Da Bruce Rondon gone, Da Bruce Rondon… Somebody told me he made Leyland frown… Da Bruce Rondon gone, da Bruce Rondon… Yeah, he sucked in spring… Yes, his stats would sting… But now my team's saves are boned… Da Bruce Rondon gone, Da Bruce Rondon…" As Randy Jackson would say, we got ourselves a pitchy competition, dawg! *sips from Pepsi cup, looks at Mariah for approval, fixes silver chain, sucks in gut under sweater that he's wearing with no undershirt which makes it look really itchy, laughs at some Nicki Minaj nonsense, says to Seacrest, "I don't know, we'll have to see what America thinks" and smiles* So, Bruce Rondon was sent down and now the Tigers closer job is Hollywood Week. Auditions are down to Al Al'etc, Santa K, New Mexiclosero, Al Al, Coke Is It, Coke Is So 80's Octavio Dotel Is It, Alquin Cokel, Octaquin BenCokel and Philquin Alburcoke. And that's only four guys! Hang tight, guys and four girl readers, it's a closerousel. Lots of possible outcomes here. All four guys could do well in a committee and Leyland utilizes it the whole year. Two guys do well and we get a portmanteau closer, let's call it a SAGNOFtaur. Three guys could do well, let's call that, The Three StoogeNOF. Another possibility: as we know from the past with Leyland's 'Set it and Forget It' lineup card management, he likes to stick with one thing. So one guy takes the job by mid-April and holds it for the majority of the year. This is the best possibility for all involved. I think that's also what happens. Leyland's got cigarettes to smoke, he doesn't have time to be walking to the mound to change pitchers! So who from Octavio Dotel, Al Alburquerque, Joaquin Benoit and Phil Coke does he go with? As the prude brothel's sign announces, therein lies the rub. Al Al'etc is a monster for Ks, he's my first option because he could provide solid value while the job is being decided. Then, I like Dotel. He reduced his walks last year and kept his Ks. He also has some closer experience. Next up: Joaquin Benoit. He was very successful last year in middle relief, but he can't go on back-to-back days or stay healthy. Finally, Phil Coke. I wouldn't grab him outside of AL-Only leagues. Big strike against him: he's a lefty. In his favor: he closed games in the playoffs last year. It's a shituation of epicloser proportions. Oh, and I wouldn't grab more than one guy. I'd take a gamble on one guy, form a prayer rectangular and hope it works out. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday for fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?
Now Aroldis Chapman says he wants to be the closer. Hahahahahahaha… Wait, why are you putting me in this room with padded walls? No, the Reds haven't driven me crazy. I'm wearing a potato sack because the fabric breathes. Dusty's the crazy one, not me. What is that powdery substance you're stirring into my Jamba Juice? I saw you… I feel drowsy… Jack, I just want to see what's in the hatch… ….Whoa, just had the weirdest dream. I dreamt that not only did Dusty say he wanted Aroldis as the closer, but that Aroldis was saying it too. All of that came after they signed Broxton to close games, with Sean Marshall and Jose Arredondo setting him up. Wait, why am I still wearing a potato sack? It's true?! AAAHHH! I blame Dusty and the toothpick he hasn't changed since late-1997. He's got splinters in the brain. The good news (depending on how optimistic you can be) is Aroldis has about the same value and ranking as a closer as he does as a starter. His auction value wouldn't really change either. If anything, Aroldis is probably a tad higher in rankings if he's a closer. It's a role that he's not only done before, but it's a role that had him produce a top ten overall fantasy season. The bad news is, you might own a $12 Salad and if you drafted him as an ace, you no longer have a starter, which could change the entire dynamic of your team. This would kill Broxton's value too. This still isn't a done deal, Aroldis and Dusty might get overruled by Reds management, who obviously want him as a starter. I ask the Reds, "Is deciding on a role dis hard?" Anyway, here's what else I saw in Spring Training for 2013 fantasy baseball:Please, blog, may I have some more?


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Hemispheres, Longitude, and Latitude (Resource Book Only) eBookGrade 1|Grade 2|Grade 3
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Simple pages that provide information and easy activities for students to understand concepts relating to hemispheres and using the lines of longitude and latitude
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Posted at: 05/07/2013 9:09 AM
Updated at: 05/07/2013 9:18 AM
By: AP
Arrowhead, the Pittsfield home where Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick.
Photo: Daderot
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The Pittsfield home where Herman Melville wrote "Moby-Dick" is getting a period makeover.
Workers from Historic Preservation Associates are building a Victorian-style porch on the front of the homestead known as Arrowhead. The building is now a Melville museum and home to the Berkshire Historical Society.
Though the house was built in 1780, Arrowhead Executive Director Betsy Sherman tells The Berkshire Eagle the original front porch was added in 1870, likely by Melville's brother. The building has undergone multiple renovations since.
The porch project is part of a series of upgrades planned for the next year, which include painting, the installation of period storm windows, and landscaping.
The projects are being funded in part by grants from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural Facilities Fund.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Career Honors
USTFCCCA Indoor All-American, 5000 (2010)
NCAA Qualifier, Indoor 5000 (2010)
NCAA Qualifier, 10,000 (2010)
NCAA Provisional Qualifier, Indoor 3000 (2010)
ACC Champion, Indoor 5000 (2010)
ACC Champion, 10,000 (2011)
All-ACC, Indoor 3000 & 5000 (2011)
All-ACC, Outdoor 5000 (2010)
All-ACC, 10,000 (2010)
All-ACC Academic, Indoor Track & Field (2010-11)
All-ACC Academic, Outdoor Track & Field (2009-11)
USTFCCCA All-Academic (2010-11)
AgSouth Homegrown Student-Athlete of the Year (2011)
USA Championships Participant, 10,000 (2011)
Clemson Highlights
Ranks first in Clemson history in the indoor 5000, second in the indoor 3000, second in the 10,000, third in the outdoor 5000, & eighth in the indoor mile.
2010-11 Outdoor Highlights
ACC champion for the second time in her career after winning the 10K at Duke's Wallace Wade Stadium with a time of 33:47.85
Established personal best in the 10K with a time of 33:16.45 in fourth-place showing at the Stanford Invitational early in the season
Posted team's top two times in the 5K, with a best of 16:53.36 at the Final Qualifier
Finished 23rd in the USA Championships, her first-ever appearance at the national championship meet, in the 10K
2010-11 Indoor Highlights
Earned a pair of bronze medals in the 3K and 5K at the ACC Championships
Produced personal best time in the 3K at the ACC meet with time of 9:21.34
Top time in the 5000 meters was 16:23.47 at the Alex Wilson Invitational in South Bend, IN
2009-10 Outdoor Highlights
Qualified for NCAA Outdoor Championships after fifth-place East Preliminary finish in 10K
Placed 13th in the 10K at the NCAA meet with personal best time of 33:42.88, the No. 2 time in Clemson history for the event
Produced solid 10K time (34:20.28) in runner-up finish at ACC Championships
Also earned all-conference recognition via third-place finish in 5K
Top 5K time of the season and No. 3 in Clemson record books was 16:12.05 in winning effort at Florida Relays
Competed in 5K at East Preliminary Round and finished 17th overall
2009-10 Indoor Highlights
NCAA qualifier in the 5000 meters after winning the event at the ACC Indoor Championships
Earned first-ever All-America honor by virtue of finishing seventh at the NCAA nationals, Clemson's first female indoor All-American in 16 years
Produced season-best, school-record time of 16:01.24 at the national indoor meet
Clemson's first female ACC indoor champion since Mareike Ressing won the 3K in 1993
Posted an automatic qualifying time of 16:04.02 at the league meet in Blacksburg
Won the 5K at the Tyson Invitational with a time of 16:11.49
Scored at ACCs with fifth-place finish in the 3K, her time was 9:32.21
Provisional NCAA qualifier in the 3K with time of 9:30.21 at the Virginia Tech Invitational, a time that ranks fifth in Clemson history
Became first Clemson female since 2001 to go under five minutes in the mile when she ran 4:54.96 at the Virginia Tech Elite Meet
2008-09 Highlights
Did not compete during indoor season
Scorer at the ACC Outdoor Championships for the Tigers in the 10K; she posted a personal best time of 36:45.78 which was good enough for a fifth-place finish
Ranks among the top 10 in school history for the 10K event
Eastside High School Highlights
Earned several accolades as a soccer player
Named All-State in 2007 and three-time All-Region
Played in 2007 North/South All-Star soccer game
Led 2007 team to state championship
Led 2004 to region championship and 2005 team to finals of the state tournament
Born 3/24/89
Daughter of Gene and Valorie Ruck
Earned undergraduate degree in health science in May of 2011
Three-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll
Brother, Kevin, played soccer for Towson University
Walked on to the women's cross country team in the fall of 2008 and was the team's second-best finisher at the ACC Championships
Earned All-ACC honors in cross country in 2009 and all-region recognition in 2009 and 2010, earning her way to the NCAA national meet in the fall of 2010
Best Collegiate Times
800 - 2:19.38
1500 - 4:34.16
Mile - 4:54.96
3000 - 9:21.34
5000 - 16:01.24
10,000 - 33:16.45


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The awesome thing about the Jason Wu for Target collection is that I'll have an outfit for the 4th of July! The collection has a lot of navy and red and after deciding on the top today, I thought I'd go one more step in the classic direction and wear my H&M trench. It was actually perfect weather for this khaki staple! Rain and clouds. :)
Want to know a secret? This is the ONLY red top I own. I am just not drawn to red items and last summer, I purged my only red top. So this one has now taken it's place and it's not even that red! LOL.
Any colors that you don't own a lot of?
Trench Coat: H&M // Top: Jason Wu for Target // Jeans: Paige // Purse: Aldo (Crossroads) // Heels: Jessica Simpson // Necklace: Forever 21


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This listing is no longer available. Please see other available listings.
Spacious 2/2.5 Townhouse with 2-Car Garage in Turtle Creek
Like new, 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse in the Turtle Creek Community, located off Narcoossee Road and across from Lake Runnymeade.
This 2-Story Townhouse features a living/dining combo, new kitchen with solid surface counter-tops and new appliances, and carpet and ceramic tile flooring throughout.
Upstairs you will find a spacious master bedroom with tray ceiling and walk-in closet, master bathroom with his/her vanities and roman shower/tub combo, a hall bathroom with another bedroom.
This property also features a rear courtyard area leading to a 2-Car garage with automatic opener, and back alley access. The Turtle Creek Community is convenient to local schools with easy access to 192/441 and the Turnpike, and less than 15 minutes from the Narcoossee Road entrance to the new Lake Nona Medical City. Must see to appreciate.
Don't miss this opportunity to rent in a great community and have a 2-CAR GARAGE! Call today.
Rental Terms
Map of 1577 Reflection Cove, Saint Cloud, FL 34771-7511
Contact Us
Fusilier Management Group
(407) 476-0476


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Roomba cat slap
Add music from youtube to the gif. Close
Added on May 10, 2010
181,228 views
Comments (4)
lol Nov 24, 2010, 7:33 PM
"Ha! Now I'm more technologically advanced than you, you primitive canine! Total domination is now within my grasp. Mwahahahaa1"Reply
rofl Feb 17, 2011, 10:21 AM
i like how cats think there the boss of everythingReply
XD Nov 17, 2011, 2:17 AM
The way that machine turned was perfect!Reply
SgtNyan Sep 23, 2013, 12:15 PM
My life is completeReply


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Tag: peter miesburger
Wreaths Across America Ceremony in Caribou
Katie Zarrilli | December 18, 2012
Saturday was "Wreaths Across America" day. This is the 21st consecutive year that folks around the state have placed holiday wreaths on veterans graves. An estimated 400,000 wreaths were placed in all 50 states. News Source 8's Katie Zarrilli was at one ceremony at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetary in Caribou.


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Another lo-fi update this week, folks. Not enough hours in the day!
–Likable alt-folk band The Farewell Drifters will play twice at McMenamins next week. My colleague David Jasper spoke to 'em and wrote about 'em.
—Click here for my review of last weekend's sold-out Beats Antique show at Midtown Ballroom. Short version: Good show, epic scene. You can also watch four videos I shot of the band right here.
Elsewhere in this week's music section: David Rovics, Bill Valenti and more play an Occupy the Music concert at the Tower Theatre, VTRN headlines a highly danceable bill tonight at The Astro Lounge, The Melodramatics and Necktie Killer are gonna fill Players with ska Saturday night, Portland Cello Project plays a benefit for Summit High School's music program, Martyn Joseph returns to Sisters for a show at the high school, and tickets for The Shins and Beck at Les Schwab Amphitheater are on sale now. There's more in there, too. Just poke around for a bit, we don't mind.