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Hi Bob-Just a clarification. It is with a windows OS that you need to make sure that your operating system is 64 bit. This is not an issue with Apple. Regards,Steve Silberman
Computer Audio @ SSI
The Computer Audio 2010 seminar on Saturday was very well-attendedI barely managed to get a seat. The presentation was by Steve Silberman of Ayre Acoustics, with technical commentary by John Atkinson. Silberman took an admirably generic and non-partisan approach, barely mentioning Ayre products, and refusing to answer the question "Should I get a Mac or a PC?" I've taken a wait-and-see approach to the whole computer audio subject, and Silberman did not convince me it's time to introduce a computer into my audio system, but I must say that he did an excellent job of describing the options, and if I were to take the plunge I would certainly use the information on the Ayre web site.
Some of Silverman's statements were intriguingand sure to give grief to the bits-are-bits folks. In discussing USB cables, he said that the cheap generic cables can significantly limit sound quality. Yes, USB cables have a sound! There are three USB cables that Ayre recommends: Cardas, AudioQuest, and Transparent, none very expensive. For a computer dedicated to sound reproduction, Silberman recommends having 8GB or more memory (for those with 64-bit operating systems; a 32-bit OS will only handle up to 4GB of RAM). Less than 8GB will work, but won't sound as good. Perhaps most puzzling: the sound will be better if instead of a conventional spinning hard drive the computer is equipped with solid-state memory to store the operating system. This is in spite of the fact that the music computer files themselves are stored on an external hard drive of the conventional sort. "Why does this sound better? We don't know. But it does." There are more things in heaven and earth. . . (In later discussion, JA suggested that some of these effects may stem from hard-drive access stressing the power supply and introducing datastream jitter.)
Why would a hard drive "stress" a power supply in a computer. You mean, that now the computer makers don't know how to put the correct power supply in their stuff to allow a hard drive to function correctly? Why is this kind of gibberish made up, now of course there will be "audiophile" computer power supplies right? And it will of course SOUND BETTER with an audiophile line cord on the computer! this stuff never ends does it? If there is a power supply problem in a computer, not allowing a hard drive to access data, you can be sure, there will be errors on other software. Why only in AUDIO, do these errors manifest themselves? Stop the insanity!
It is not the stress as such, Andy. Perhaps that is a poor choice of words. But even with as many background tasks eliminated as possible, the OS is writing and reading data to RAM all the time, and when it runs out of RAM, it uses virtual memory on the hard drive. While the bits are never changed, George, the flow of those bits from the temporary buffers to the soundcard, USB bus, etc, will never be as constant as it should be, due to all this OS activity. Gordon Rankin of Wavelength did careful listening tests and found a) that any degradation in audio via USB became inconsequential when the internal RAM reached, IIRC, 4GB, and b) that there was no degradation, regardless of the amount of RAM, when a conventional hard drive was replaced with a solid-state drive. Do the tests; report back what you find.
The description of JA's interpretation was based on my recollection of what he said about this subject when we were having dinner that evening, and "stress" may well be the wrong word to communicate what he meant. But whatever the technical details, the major point remains: to explain these sonic effects, you have to go beyond "bits-are-bits."
The bit about running the OS from a solid state disk is interesting. Luckily this is not expensive or difficult these days - especially if you are setting up a computer explicitly for media room use. If your media is offloaded to a server the you can easily get by with a 32GB SSD for the OS.My one comment would be that once you've gone to that trouble shouldn't you cache the music files locally before playing in order to take the network and hard drives out of the equation entirely? I have designed my playback software to download my music files to a temporary file on a USB key and other than a slight delay while the file copies it seems to work very nicely.An SSD solution would be even better because you could cache the files to the C: drive or something and eliminate the need for separate memory.As for USB cables... nope, not going there. I use S/PDIF or optical into my DAC.
No one serious about computer based audio uses a USB buss for audio data; it's not designed for it. Better to use a dedciated and faster (FireWire) buss (with only your converters on it), or putting in a PCI card with a FireWire out on your machine. Macs are correct/transparent bitwise through their optical outs as long as you keep the internal system volume at max. So from a Mac, you can run optical cable to a decent external converter without having to worry much about jitter (or spending a fortune on cable). Finally SSD's sounding better then hard dirves is ridiculous. As long as you are reading/buffering data faster from storage to memory then you need to send it to/play it back to your D/A, and also not losing sync - then all should be fine. Serious computer audio people store and playback audio files from a separate 7200 RPM sata or esata drive (that does not contain any boot partitions). And SSD drives wear out/fail after a fixed number of writes; defragging them only ages them sooner.
I agree with the previous poster that Firewire is by far a better choice than USB for music transfer due to greater bandwidth and faster transfer rates.However, for those wishing to use USB, it is absolutely ludicrous and disingenuous to say that USB cables make a difference in the way the music sounds. Having worked in IT for almost 20 years, I am very confident in my knowledge of digital communication. As long as the USB cables in use meet the USB specs, there will be no issues. A $3 cable will do just as well as a $100 cable or $1,000 cable. Anyone who claims otherwise is absolutely, positively full of shit.
Why do pro machines like Tascam DSD recorder and Korg DSD recorders then have USB to transfer data from and to the units? Download from the units to use their supplied software. What is the "sound" of a USB data flow versus other data? That you CAN HEAR!? Is it because cable purveyors sell "audio grade" USB wires? Like they sell "audio grade" wall outlets? That also advertise in the magazines? Hmmmmm? Any one with an ounce of thought knows it's basic BS. Audiophooles continue to be taken for a ride. There is ZERO facts to back up any of this absurd claims, of course the guy making these claims, doesn't have any tests, data, or anything to support his nonsense. Does he? And i am sure he listened without knowing which USB cable was being used, correct? Or did he listen as he watched the audio cable be changed, to the ""better" one? Sionce all USB cables meet the USB industry specs, therefore it's BS. High end audio, the few industrys, that still get away with scams.
So "Bauer," "AlexO," and "George," did you ever meet anyone who was as smart as you believe yourselves to be? If you are all as skeptical about audio as you appear to be, why do you even hang out on our site? And George, you do not yet appeared even to try the experiment I suggested to you - about the effect of RAM and SSDs - before you mouth off, perhaps you should actually _try_ the tests others have done before you jeer. You might learn something.
Skepticism is nothing related to intelligence. Being skeptical, is safer. Just because someone claims something at a seminar, doesn't make that the reality either. I seem to recall someone from Nordost making claims about in 6 months he has discovered how wires sound better than others, and the magazine would be testing this claim, how is that coming? Or did you just accept his claims as facts, and move on? And did YOU do a side by side BLIND test of computer audio to prove or disprove if you could hear anything different, between USB wires, or did you just take this claim as gospel. That dear sir, is called being gullible, and a mark. Being skeptical, is logical, especially in high end audio. Have you used your green pen lately, Mapingo discs, Furutech plastic demagnetize, cable elevators,ART magic bowls,"audio grade" wall outlets, freeze any wires, CD's, plugs lately. you get my drift, so much nonsense, so little science. So much advertising, marketing, so many dollars spent on advertising.
"Gordon Rankin of Wavelength did careful listening tests" - Listening alone to identify subtle changes in quality is never as good as measuring. It's easy to record the output of a sound card! That will reveal brief dropouts clearly with no chance for human error to muddle the results.
Bauer, when you wrote "It's easy to record the output of a sound card! That will reveal brief dropouts clearly," there are no dropouts. The data presented to the AC are the same under all circumstances. So if the data are the same, the timing with which those data are presented to the DAC must have changed. Both need to be correct for the data to be converted to analog without old-fashioned distortion being introduced. See, for example, the articles on jitter on this website and the jitter measurements I perform with every test of a digital product. George: without doing your own tests, you are merely echoing your own lack of direct experience. Some things that you might think matter are not so important when you do a listening tests. Others that you initially dismiss do turn out to matter.
John,This has nothing to do with "meeting anyone as I think I am". This has to do with making unsubstantiated, fraudulent claims.If memory serves, you made a claim a while ago about wired data transfers via ethernet being superior to wireless data transfers via wi-fi until someone told you to do a bit check on the transferred files to see if they're the same. After that, you acquiesced that wireless and wired data transfers had no effect on the sound.Point being that our hearing is flawed. Anyone can say anything on any subject and claim that they "hear the difference". I'm sure you heard the difference before you ran the tests and realized that the difference was all in your head.As far as "hanging out at your site" is concerned, if you notice, I don't post to your forums anymore and I let my subscription lapse. I don't "hang out" here anymore. I pop in once in a while to check Stephen's band recommendations. Sometimes I stumble on bullshit like this and I post a comment against my better judgment.
?If memory serves, you made a claim a while ago about wired data transfers via ethernet being superior to wireless data transfers via wi-fi ...you acquiesced that wireless and wired data transfers had no effect on the sound." I don't think that was me, AlexO. And when you write, "Sometimes I stumble on bullshit like this..." you make my point. Because when you write something like "I can see no reason for this making any difference," you are in effect claiming to be in possession of all relevant information on this subject. Which is both arrogant and incorrect. Its is the unexpected phenomenon that leads to progress. Sorry you don't read the magazine any more, but to be frank, I never grasped what it was you valued in our content, given your skepticism.
John, I would never argue about analog communication. I may have my doubts about various claims and such, but I wouldn't argue about it because I don't have the expertise in the field and it's too easy to throw technical jargon at me and I wouldn't be able to say what's legitimate and what isn't.I do however have a very good grasp of digital communication and when it comes to claims regarding the "sound of USB cables", I am very comfortable calling the claimants on their bullshit. Oh, and yes, it is bullshit.I gave up reading Stereophile at your urging. I was an avid reader for over ten years in great part because I bought into the premise that audiophiles perfected what consumer market developed. I realize now that this isn't the case. The audiophile market is a self serving microcosm that repackages what consumer market develops. It's really the pro-audio market that perfects AND develops. When it comes to the audiophile market and publications, the emperor has no clothes. Most people see it, about 80,000 do not.
I seem to recall a gentlemen, named DUP, or perhaps a female, that used to question the merits of many of the high end claims and observations of many of the magazines writers. Since many of these "trained" ears claim some pretty outrageous ability, like a chap called Mickey, who said he heard and it was plainly obvious to others that a demagnetized VINYL record sounds better. Now I never seen him in ages, he usually made more sense than most, when it came to being highly skeptical on the crazy and their ideas. I have been a subscriber and reader since back in the original days, pre advertising, and it used to based on reality, it has really gone out to some weird world of claims that are really seemingly and imaginary idea. If everyone tried everyone of these claims, to prove or disprove, why would there be a need for the magazine, shouldn't you as a reviewer do such? But i think Alex is correct, no matter what the claim, the magazine endorses it, and let's the claimants get away with anything they claim.
AlexO, when you write "I do however have a very good grasp of digital communication and when it comes to claims regarding the "sound of USB cables", I am very comfortable calling the claimants on their bullshit. Oh, and yes, it is bullshit," perhaps, yes, you do about data communications as you claim. But does that knowledge translate to audio? And you have avoided mentioning any such listening tests you yourself have done when you say that "$3 cable will do just as well as a $100 cable or $1,000 cable. Anyone who claims otherwise is absolutely, positively full of shit."At the SSI seminar, Steve Silberman was discussing the effect of different USB cables - none of them expensive, BTW - in the context of the Ayre QB9 DAC. This powers the TAS1020B receiver chip and its associated circuitry not from the QB9's supply but from the USB bus via the cable. Perhaps, if differences are heard, they stem from the cables having different series impedances, hence slightly different induced jitter signatures.
AlexO write: "I gave up reading Stereophile at your urging."Yes, because I could not understand why you, as someone who appeared to despise high-end audio, were reading something that gave you so much unhappiness. And in your interactions on our forum, you were like a fiber-glass boat owner jeering at those who liked wooden boats."When it comes to the audiophile market and publications, the emperor has no clothes. Most people see it, about 80,000 do not." - AlexOI am sorry, the "most people agree with me" is always conjecture on the part of the one using it. As I said earlier AlexO, it would do you good to try things out before you describe them as shit.
George write: "I seem to recall a gentlemen, named DUP, or perhaps a female, that used to question the merits of many of the high end claims and observations of many of the magazines writers.""DUP" was a reader named Carl Engretsen whom we eventually banned from our forum, not because of his views, but because his antisocial, hectoring, bullying manner and his continued refusal to accept that other posters might have different points of view and tastes from his own, was driving readers away from that forum.
John,USB data transfers are digital transfers. Hence, they fall under digital communication. It makes no difference at all whether the encapsulated data is music or data files. As far as the tests are concerned, the proof is in the pudding. I can transfer various data files, including music files via ANY USB cable that meets the USB spec and these files will have the correct checksum and will be indistinguishable from one another. There's your test.That test actually tests the cables and proves that the cables meet the specs and do not affect the data. If you're telling me that a difference in USB cables can be heard via whatever DAC, then I suggest that the hearing is flawed. This isn't rocket science. Really. Oh, and I don't mind you urging me to give up reading Stereophile. You are absolutely right: there's nothing within its pages for me.
'John, USB data transfers are digital transfers. Hence, they fall under digital communication. It makes no difference at all whether the encapsulated data is music or data files." As I have said, AlexO, no-one is claiming that bits have been changed by the use of more RAM or a SSD or by a different cable. But what you don't seem to be able to grasp is that any error in the _timing of the conversion of each digital word to its analog equivalent _also_ introduces measurable and audible changes in that analog signal. This is well-documented in the literature, and I have written about it at length in Stereophile. I also offer measurements of the effects of this phenomenon in every issue. Yet you seem unaware of it. So before you continue claiming to be an authority in this area and before you continue to dismiss the results of tests others have done as "shit" it really does behoove you to go back to your books.
John,The errors in timing will not be the function of USB cables. A properly designed DAC won't be susceptible to this. Besides, increasing the buffers will alleviate these issues even if they're there. As I said, it's not rocket science.
"The errors in timing will not be the function of USB cables."I offered a possible mechanism that you ignored AlexO."A properly designed DAC won't be susceptible to this. Besides, increasing the buffers will alleviate these issues even if they're there. As I said, it's not rocket science."And you are now ignoring all the measurements of DAC jitter susceptibility that have published. Once jitter has been introduced into a streaming D/A chain, it can only be low-pass filtered, not eliminated.
I seem to recall a gentlemen, named DUP, or perhaps a female, that used to question the merits of many of the high end claims and observations of many of the magazines writers.For the record, "DUP" and "GEORGE" are the same person, Carl Engebretsen. The comments he posts come from the same e-mail address, and use the same language. Carl has even e-mailed me, signing off as "GEORGE," I suppose not realizing that his real name, Carl Engebretsen, shows up in the e-mail data. The fact that "GEORGE" even defends "DUP" is disturbing and a little bit sad.
AlexO wrote: "Oh, and I don't mind you urging me to give up reading Stereophile. You are absolutely right: there's nothing within its pages for me."I didn't respond to this right away because I wanted to check my email archive. AlexO, last October you demanded, among other things, that Stereophile stop telling people that LPs could give a better musical experience than CD, failing which you would stop reading the magazine. In response, yes, I did say "If you really feel this way, then please do not read Stereophile. I fail to see what possible benefit you can get from it....I'll be sorry to see you go, AlexO. But you really don't seem to grasp why and what a magazine like Stereophile does. We are not Consumer Reports; instead we are like a forum where ideas are discussed and where products that embody those ideas are tried out and described....I don't believe the role of a magazine like Stereophile is to impose authority from above but to allow understanding and consensus to emerge from below."
John, you have urged me to allow my subscription to lapse on multiple occasions. It's ok. Really. I don't hold a grudge against you in the least. You were absolutely correct in that you recognized that Stereophile, its culture and mentality does not mesh with my own. Furthermore, you recognized that way before I did.
Hello All-After the discussion I invited anyone who was interested to come upstairs and do some listening. We listened to generic USB cables vs. the AudioQuest, Cardas and Transparent. Everyone felt that the premium USB cables made an improvement. Steve Silberman


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By RICHARD SHAWSun Advocate publisher
A letter that was sent to President Barack Obama last week by the Utah Sheriff's Association concerning his executive orders and suggestions to Congress on how to act on the issue of gun violence had the signatures of most of the county sheriffs in the state.
However, at least one of those signatures was electronic and not necessarily reflective of the views of the person it belongs to, Carbon County Sheriff James Cordova.
"I did not formally sign that letter," said the Sheriff on the phone in a short conversation with the Sun Advocate on Tuesday afternoon. "I would not take that heavy of a stand."
The letter that was released to the press on Monday by Summit County Sheriff Dave Edmunds, president of the group, stated that the association's members would not allow federal officials to come in and take away citizens' guns.
"We acknowledge that that hasn't happened yet," Sheriff Edmunds told KUTV News. "But (concerning) all that we're hearing from the Obama administration and their surrogates, we believe that they are trying to make a grab at guns."
The letter stated a number of things including the empathy the association has for Sandy Hook, Conn. residents (shooting at the elementary school there last month) and how Utah was not immune to that kind of thing (Trolley Square shootings that took nine lives). But it also stated that the Utah Sheriff's Association feels that the way the President is going about controlling the mayhem is wrong.
"With the number of mass shootings America has endured, it is easy to demonize firearms; it is also foolish and prejudiced," stated the letter. "Firearms are nothing more than instruments, valuable and potentially dangerous, but instruments nonetheless. Malevolent souls, like the criminals who commit mass murders, will always exploit valuable instruments in the pursuit of evil. As professional peace officers, if we understand nothing else, we understand this: lawful violence must sometimes be employed to deter and stop criminal violence. Consequently, the citizenry must continue its ability to keep and bear arms, including arms that adequately protect them from all types of illegality."
Cordova said the letter came to him through email, but he did not get to look at it before it was sent out, and did not inform them to go ahead and use his signature.
"It is my job to uphold the law and defend the Constitution," he said. "They used electronic signatures after the fact."
Probably the passage in the letter that has garnered the most attention is the one where the association tells the President that they will not allow the confiscation of firearms.
"No federal official will be permitted to descend upon our constituents and take from them what the Bill of Rights-in particular Amendment II-has given them," stated the letter.
The correspondence had gone viral as of Tuesday afternoon and its contents were being reported on blogs, electronic bulletin boards and in newspapers around the country. Statewide media had reported that Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder did not sign the letter, but then he is not a member of the association. He pulled his department out of it last year.
As of Tuesday the upstate media had not reported that other sheriffs many have been in the same boat as Cordova. It is unknown how many of them actually saw the letter before it was sent.

subset: commoncrawl


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October 22, 2009
Tenth Anniversary of "Lights On Afterschool" Calls Attention to Importance of Afterschool Programs Nationwide
Today, at more than 7,500 events across the country and at military bases worldwide, Lights On Afterschool's tenth anniversary is being celebrated in a coordinated drive emphasizing the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families and communities.
October 22, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Says Colleges of Education Must Improve for Reforms to Succeed
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today called for America's colleges of education to dramatically change how they prepare the next generation of teachers so that they are ready to prepare their future students for success in college and careers.
October 20, 2009
The U.S. Department of Education announced today that it will hold public meetings across the country to listen and learn from assessment experts and practitioners.
October 16, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today invited state education leaders to join him in a partnership to reform the nation's schools and to clarify the federal government's role in advancing reforms.
October 15, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Education Releases Prepared Remarks to the National Association of State Boards of Education; Calling on State Leaders to Become Partners in Helping to Educate Children
Below are the prepared remarks that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will deliver on Friday, Oct. 16, at the National Association of State Boards of Education in Cincinnati, Ohio:
October 14, 2009
Education Secretary Arne Duncan Issues Statement on the Nation's Report Card in Math for 4th and 8th Graders
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan issued the following statement on The Nation's Report Card: Mathematics 2009, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) at Grades 4 and 8:
October 9, 2009
Education Secretary Duncan Announces $11.25 Million to Benefit Working Adults and Displaced Workers Enrolled in Community Colleges
The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of $11.25 million in grants for 29 projects to benefit working adults and displaced workers pursuing degrees or credentials in community colleges. The grants will focus on preparing adult learners with the marketable skills and knowledge to address employer needs in high-growth occupations.
October 9, 2009
Secretary of Education Delivers a Call to Teach from Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda at University of Virginia
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today told students from the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education that they are answering a call that is as important as any career available to them now and in the future.
October 8, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Today, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan congratulated the following individuals for being confirmed by the Senate on Monday, Oct. 5 as assistant secretaries for the Department of Education: Brenda Dann-Messier, assistant secretary for vocational and adult education; and Alexa E. Posny, assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services.
October 7, 2009
Attorney General and Education Secretary Call for National Conversation on Values and Student Violence
Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan today joined with Chicago city officials to call for a national conversation on values to address youth violence in the wake of the fatal beating of a Chicago high school student. The announcement followed meetings with City officials, community leaders, students, and parents.


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a place for zinesters - writers and readers
Hey, my address is Rujeiniy per., house 4, apt. 212, Moscow, Russian Federation,post code 119121, Thank you! Is there any particular issue of RRA zine that you want to have?
Send me your address and I'll mail the new Piltdownlad out to you. Thanks.
Thank you, Shophia! I never traded before but I would like to start!
Shophia, thanks for your interest in Incandescent! It is $14 and is currently sold online, on our blog, as well as in a few stores in the United States and Canada.
Hi Shophia - Thanks for commenting! Can you tell me a little bit about your zine or what you wanted to trade? Thanks!
Thanks! I like your profile pic too. Reminds me of when the TARDIS was put into a human body
I am sorry I missed your visit to Norwich, do let me know if you come again and I'll take you to the Bike Shop cafe for tea and cake!
We invite you to take part in the First International Exhibition "ZINESHOW" in Ukraine. Participation is free. Any technique. Any theme and format. No return. Deadline: 15/04/2013. Exhibition on the blog http://zineshow.blogspot.com All works will be exhibited also in the gallery "tymutopiyapres" http://tymutopiyapres.blogspot.com is not a commercial gallery. Welcomed but not "necessarily" summary of your zine or about you or your creative work (this is necessary for further elucidation of the project and possible documentation).
Zines for the exhibition please send air mail:
"Zineshow" A/C 9875, Sadivnycha 19/1, 79038, Lviv, Ukraine. mailposht[.]gmail[.]com
Hey! All your zines look rad. Just tell me where to send mine!
i got your photo-zine today.
it's magnificent.
Sure, I'm down.
hey sophia. it's actually a 90's anti-riot girl zine. you still want a copy? it's all toungue in cheek . . . and has to be put into context. i was living in a house with 4 riot girlz! and they put out a feminist zine so i countered with mine. You might like my later zine better. It's stories of when i was a hoodlum: jail, drunk tanks, and psyche wards. (I'm a good boy now!) or i can send you my 80's punk mag. ha ha ha . . . lots of options. or i can send you a bit of all of them.
Do you wanna trade?
Thanks for writing . . . you take care. Fishspit.
Hi, I was looking to trade with you! drop me a line!
Oh good! really glad you're enjoying it. it was a lot of fun to make. I hope to improve as I make more things like it in the future.
Definitely, keep in touch.
Hey, looking to trade maybe?
Hi again! just placed a letter/mini junk package in the post for you.
Hey there, you did send me something. An untitled photozine. Really cool. Thanks. Hope you dig the ones I sent you...
Oh my gosh! Yes, please. that would be super swell. meanwhile, I'll get some airmail stamps and send a letter/mini-art-junk-package your way.
Just received your mini-photo zines! thank you! any way I could purchase some more of your work through the mail? currently I'm putting together an envelope of some stuff to send off to you, soon.


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The problem was relatively simple. The Universe was expanding in such a way that the physical matter of which we were aware could not explain the results we were seeing. Thus, scientists concluded that we must be missing a vital component. In an article titled "Cosmology Gets Real" that appeared in the March 13, 2003 issue of Nature, staff writer Geoff Brumfiel wrote about scientists' efforts to figure out why the Universe is expanding, and observed that certain scientists have made
an extraordinary suggestion: that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating, pushed outwards by some kind of phantom force for which there was no explanation. This phenomenon of dark energy seemed odd. But according to the general theory of relativity, mass and energy are equivalent. And when cosmologists looked at the amount of energy they needed to create the mysterious force, they found that it accounted perfectly for the mass still missing from their picture (422:109, emp. added).
Alas, the idea of "dark energy" was born—something we have never seen or measured, but that simply must be there. Brumfiel continued:
With the addition of the latest data on the CMB [cosmic microwave background radiation—BH], courtesy of NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, our picture of the universe is now clearer than ever. CMB studies have confirmed that the Universe is indeed flat. The Wilkinson probe has now set ratios for the composition of the cosmos: 23% dark matter and 73% dark energy, leaving only 4% for the galaxies, stars and people (422:109, emp. added).
Or, to echo the sentiments of cosmologist Michael Turner of the University of Chicago: "Ninety-six percent of the Universe is stuff that we've never seen" (as quoted in Brumfiel, 422:109). David Cline, in his March 2003 article on dark matter for Scientific American, noted: "Dark energy, despite its confusingly similar name [to dark matter—BH], is a separate substance that entered the picture only in 1998. It is spread uniformly through space, exerts a negative pressure and causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate" (288[3]:52). Given that we've never seen or measured dark energy, Cline's comments certainly clear up everything.
Dark energy may have only entered the picture in 1998, but it has made a huge (and much-needed) splash in the evolutionary camp. According to evolutionists, this new energy help explain expansion, and also helps establish an age for the Universe. These "accomplishments" helped this newcomer (which, ironically, has yet to be viewed or measured) become honored by the scholarly journal Science as the "Breakthrough of the Year" for 2003. In announcing this year's winner, Science editor Donald Kennedy (former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) noted: "Nothing's bigger than the Universe; the question is, what it's made of. The Breakthrough is confirmation that it's mostly dark energy, with some exotic matter; only a few percent consists of the kind of matter we're familiar with" (2003, 302:2033). Thus, the award goes to a (to use Kennedy's own descriptive words) "mysterious cosmic force" (p. 2033) that we have never seen.
Forget about awarding the breakthrough to something that actually benefits humankind (i.e. a new drug, disease-resistant plants, etc.). Instead, let's honor that stuff that we have never even seen. If that were not sad enough, it now looks as though the individuals responsible for voting dark energy as the "Breakthrough of the Year" may wind up with egg on their faces. Just a few short days before that particular issue of Science hit newsstands (thus, weeks after the votes had been cast), the European Space Agency's (ESA) XMM-Newton X-ray Observatory reported that dark energy might not exist. The report observed: "ESA's X-ray observatory, XMM-Newton, has returned tantalizing new data about the nature of the Universe." In comparing distant clusters of galaxies, researchers found some serious inconsistencies. The report noted: "Some scientists claim that this can be interpreted to mean that the 'dark energy,' which most astronomers now believe dominates the Universe, simply does not exist…" (see European Space Agency, 2003, ellipsis in orig.).
These latest findings indicate that the Universe must be a high-density environment, which is a clear contradiction to the current theory that postulates 70% of the Universe is composed of dark energy. Alain Blanchard, of the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de l'Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, realized that this conclusion would be highly controversial, and noted: "To account for these results, you have to have a lot of matter in the Universe and that leaves little room for dark energy" (European Space Agency, 2003). Controversial indeed. If these findings prove true, the chalkboards will be rolled out again as astronomers try to figure out exactly how and why our Universe is the way it is. The evolutionary argument that the Universe is billions of years old will need to be propped up by new data, as the concept of dark energy is dismissed.
So before the champagne corks ever touched the ground, Science's "Breakthrough of the Year" found itself under attack. But fear not. Given that no one has seen dark energy or measured it, the odds that anyone can locate it to take the award away from this "mysterious cosmic force" are even slimmer than the possibility that the stuff actually exists in the first place. [For more information on dark energy and dark matter the reader is encouraged to see "The Big Bang Theory—A Scientific Critique [Part II]".]
Brumfiel, Geoff (2003), "Cosmology Gets Real," Nature, 422:108-110, March 13.
Cline, David B. (2003), "The Search for Dark Matter," Scientific American, 288[3]:50-59, March.
European Space Agency (2003), "Has ESA's XMM-Newton Cast Doubt Over Dark Energy?" [On-line], URL: http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/SEMRHL274OD_Expanding_0.html.
Kennedy, Donald (2003), "Breakthrough of the Year," Science, 302:2033, December 19.


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42 U.S. Code § 12210 - Illegal use of drugs
(a) In general
For purposes of this chapter, the term "individual with a disability" does not include an individual who is currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs, when the covered entity acts on the basis of such use.
(b) Rules of construction
Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be construed to exclude as an individual with a disability an individual who—
(1) has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in such use;
(2) is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no longer engaging in such use; or
except that it shall not be a violation of this chapter for a covered entity to adopt or administer reasonable policies or procedures, including but not limited to drug testing, designed to ensure that an individual described in paragraph (1) or (2) is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs; however, nothing in this section shall be construed to encourage, prohibit, restrict, or authorize the conducting of testing for the illegal use of drugs.
(c) Health and other services
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section and section 12211 (b)(3) of this title, an individual shall not be denied health services, or services provided in connection with drug rehabilitation, on the basis of the current illegal use of drugs if the individual is otherwise entitled to such services.
(d) "Illegal use of drugs" defined
(1) In general
The term "illegal use of drugs" means the use of drugs, the possession or distribution of which is unlawful under the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.]. Such term does not include the use of a drug taken under supervision by a licensed health care professional, or other uses authorized by the Controlled Substances Act or other provisions of Federal law.
Source(Pub. L. 101–336, title V, § 511, formerly § 510,July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 375; renumbered § 511 and amended Pub. L. 110–325, § 6(a)(2), (3),Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of this title and Tables.
The Controlled Substances Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1), is title II of Pub. L. 91–513, Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1242, as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§ 801 et seq.) of chapter 13 of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 801 of Title 21 and Tables.
Prior Provisions
A prior section 511 ofPub. L. 101–336was renumbered section 512 and is classified to section 12211 of this title.
2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–325, § 6(a)(3), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 12211 (b)(3) of this title.
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–325effective Jan. 1, 2009, see section 8 ofPub. L. 110–325, set out as a note under section 705 of Title 29, Labor.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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Spurs Owner Not Making Fans
[blackbirdpie url="http://twitter.com/#!/AlexKennedyNBA/status/127192418473873408″%5D
Here in lies the problem. What on earth does he have to complain about? He was given a gift in the form of Tim Duncan and to his credit drafted well. He turned a small market into dynasty. Word is the Spurs haven't been profitable over the past few years, but what does that tell you? Ever see anyone walk around in a Tim Duncan jersey? Tony Parker? David Robinson?
They are a hard brand to market, but they've won. So obviously they haven't felt the need to change anything.


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Wojtek Wolski, Erik Christensen and Mats Zuccarello formed a
potent New York Rangers shootout lineup during the 2010-2011 season but none
are locks to be on the team's active roster next year.
The questions surrounding the three shootout stars have led
many to wonder how the Rangers will fare in the skills competition this year
and considering the Rangers wouldn't have made the playoffs last season without
their star shootout squad, that's a very fair concern.
But one of the forgotten traits of the $60 million man the
Rangers signed on Saturday is that he's not too shabby in one-on-one situations
with the goalie.
In fact, since the shootout was introduced in 2005, only
three players have scored more shootout goals than Brad Richards.
The playmaking center doesn't have a reputation for being a
slick stickhandler and his hands will never be confused with Wolski's, but
Richards is a very heady player and thrives in situations where he must simply
outsmart and outwait opposing netminders.
Richards went five-for-11 last season and has scored 25
goals in 59 career shootout tries, a 42% success rate which is comparable to
Christensen (23/43, 54%), Wolski (22/50, 44%) and Zuccarello (5/9, 56%).
Richards isn't known for being a shootout specialist thanks
in large part to his numerous other skills, but he will undoubtedly be a
go-to-guy for Coach John Tortorella this year when games are unsolved in
The Rangers will be just fine in shootouts with the reliable
Richards and impenetrable backstop Henrik Lundqvist, and if one of the Rangers'
other three shootout stars gets regular playing time they could be just as good
as last year.
Data from the terrific website, NHLShootouts.com.
Free Agency Coverage:
From July 1 >
Sign Mike Rupp >
Re-Sign Ruslan Fedotenko >
Rangers' Offer To Richards Through The Roof >
Wing Logjam: And Why It's Bad News For Wojtek Wolski >
Land Brad Richards >
the $ of the Richards Deal >
Brad Richards: Shootout Star >
Free Agency Preview:
A: Sign Brad Richards >
B: Trade For A Top Center >
C: Stick With The Status Quo At Center >
D: Add An Offensive Winger >
E: Sign An Impact Veteran UFA Defenseman >
The Rangers Won't Be Giving Steven Stamkos An Offer Sheet >


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Best of News
A Malian Special Force soldier takes part on April 9 105 kms north of... News PhotoArmy Soldier,City,Conflict,Day 2,Former,France,Gao City,Gao Region,Horizontal,Islam,Kilometre,Large,Mali,Military,Participant,ValleyPhotographer JOEL SAGETCollection: AFP 2013 AFPA Malian Special Force soldier takes part on April 9, 2013, 105 kms north of the northeastern Malian city of Gao, in day two of Operation Gustav, a hunt for Islamist fighters in a valley in northern Mali and one of France's largest military operations during its three-month intervention in its former colony. Operation Gustav comes with France preparing to withdraw three-quarters of the 4,000 troops it deployed in January to block a feared advance on the Malian capital Bamako by Al Qaeda-linked insurgents. AFP PHOTO / JOEL SAGET (Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)


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Models, actresses, whatever-they're not the only ones with great style. Thanks to websites like MySpace we're offered a look inside the lives (and fashion) of some of this country's most innovative trendsetters. Case in point, our first MySpace Muse, Harley. We're fans of her eclectic mix of high and low, designers, and vintage garb. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look of how Harley puts herself together. What handbag are you wearing right now? Tom Binns.
What do you wish youÂ'd get for Christmas? A vintage Alaia dress.
Favorite bands? Au Pairs, The Slits, The Skodas, ESG, Royal Trux, Ghostface, Public Image, Primal Scream.
Favorite places to shop? Resurrection (217 Mott, New York and 8006 Melrose, Los Angeles) Decades (8214 ½ Melrose, Los Angeles), What Comes Around Goes Around (351 West Broadway, New York), and Opening Ceremony (35 Howard, New York).
What trends do you love and hate? I love tights and boots, and hate skull scarves on fancy bags.
Favorite hangouts? Red Bench Bar (107 Sullivan, New York), 205 Bar (205 Chrystie, New York), and Home Sweet home (131 Chrystie, New York).
What are your perfect going out shoes? Chloe lace-up ankle boots.
Style icon? Ari from The Slits.
Favorite designers? Alaia, Westwood, and Biba.
Must read-blog? Perez Hilton.


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Moderators: Timko, Solty, Frank Delicious, Blake_T, Fritz, Booter
Thatdirtykid wrote:a teebird on a good rip can go a long ways past an archangel, but if the archangel is fading too much on you the teebird would fade more. The archagnel is quite understable and shouldnt fade much. How far is a good throw with the archangel?
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot], Yahoo [Bot] and 4 guests


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Note: Jesper Fasth Has A Minor Shoulder Injury, Out Two Weeks
According to HockeySverige, Jesper Fasth has an injury to the AC joint in his shoulder but it is mild.
The HV71 trainer said that their is little damage between the clavicle and the scapula and there is no fracture.
Initial estimates say that Fasth will be out for two weeks but will have an X-Ray done today when he returns to Sweden.
Fasth was injured in Sweden's game against the Czech Republic in the second period yesterday.
For more on Jesper Fasth, CLICK HERE.


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Creating Long-Term Shareholder Value
Medtronic is uniquely positioned to create long-term value in healthcare. The combination of Medtronic and Covidien creates a robust, market-leading medical technology and services company with a comprehensive product portfolio, broad geographic reach, and diversified growth profile. We believe Covidien meaningfully complements and accelerates our three primary strategies - therapy innovation, globalization, and economic value. We are focused on delivering a strong launch cadence of leading healthcare innovation, addressing the inequity in healthcare access globally, and becoming a leader in the changing value-based healthcare landscape with offerings that deliver both clinical and economic value to a broader set of partners around the world, including physicians, hospital systems, payers, governments, and patients. The addition of Covidien is expected to not only strengthen our long-term market competitiveness, but also increase our financial strength and capital deployment flexibility, driving further sustainability and consistency in our long-term performance. We believe that execution and reliable performance, combined with our disciplined allocation of capital, will create long-term value for our shareholders.
Latest Investor Information
Latest Press Releases
Medtronic Spotlight
CNBC's Meg Tirrell sits down with Medtronic CEO from the Piper Heartland Conference. (Hosted on CNBC.com)Play Video
Focus on Patients
The personal connection between Medtronic plc, its employees and patients.Play Video
Investor Contacts
Stock Transfer Agent
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
+1 888-648-8154
Medtronic Investor Relations firstname.lastname@example.com
+1 763-505-2692
Ryan Weispfenning
Vice President, Investor Relations


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Beanfield fibre gets down to business.
If you think beanfield Metroconnect is like other telecommunications companies, think again. With a 100% fibre-optic network – that we own, build and operate – we're solely in control of our network. That allows us to set our sights high. And give your business more power. Since 1988, beanfield fibre has been transforming the way business communicates with Internet, phone, private line and colocation services. Our On-Net buildings are located across Toronto, in places you work, connecting you to a world of business.


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The saying goes "you're not in trouble until you lose a game
on home ice". And with that, Ranger fans, the Rangers are back in this series.
The Rangers entered this series being in a 2-0 hole. A 2-0 hole they dug
themselves with squandered opportunities. After being shut out, the Rangers
came back and battled to a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals. They did it at
home and they did it playing New York hockey.
Firstly, let me say this: It's a Power Play Goal! Yes, the unthinkable happened. The Rangers scored a power play goal and had
another goal that off a rush that started during the power play. The Rangers
took advantage of their opportunities and made the Capitals pay. One of the
biggest issues the Rangers needed to address was the inept power play that had
multiple chances to put the game away Saturday but came up short. They worked
on it and they finally connected. This is a huge boost and something that can
completely turn around the series in the Blueshirts' favor.
This win took everyone up and down the lines to pull off.
Every single type of player had to contribute. Down 1-0 early, this team
rallied back and had to break three ties in order to win. Lundqvist stood tall
and played great hockey. He let in a tip in from Backstrom, a wrister from
Green that threaded all sorts of needles, and a flukey goal that deflected off
a few players. None were easy saves for Lundqvist and the defense in front of
him was stellar.
Not to look a win in the mouth (so to speak), but the
Rangers did not play a flawless game. There were long stretches were the Caps
had the Rangers absolutely pinned in their own zone. They had to weather several
storms while the Caps did their best impression of a team on a power play
without actually having the man advantage. There was even a time when the Caps
were able to pull a line change without having the puck cross the Rangers blue
line. This team is wayyy too dangerous for that to happen. It would be nice to
win a game without Lundqvist absolutely robbing a few guys; and in order to do
that, the Rangers need to get the puck on the other end of the ice.
And the song continues, but the Rangers' big guns have to
start scoring. I refuse to understand that Nash is not mentally prepped for
this because he has only played 4 playoff games prior to now. He's been in the
league since 2002. It is time to grow up and play hockey when it matters most.
Richards is still showing flashes of what he was but clearly is not the man we brought
him in for. Richards had some good shots from the point on the power play
resulted in some great scoring chances. But he also was responsible for making
every single Rangers' fan stop breathing by taking a dumb penalty and slashed
Ovechkin at 18:06 of the third. They had less than two minutes to go and he
gave them a 6-on-4 power play for the last moments of the game! Speaking of leaders taking weak penalties, Ryan Callahan needs to become the
leader we have seen him be for years (even before he had the "C" stitched on
the sweater). He took two minor penalties and none of them were effective. Both
of them were the product of frustration or letting someone get a step on him.
He needs to get back to play Callahan hockey. He needs to get back to blocking
shots in his own zone and blocking out the sun in front of Holtby.
A win is a win and this was a good one for the good guys.
The Rangers have made this a series worth watching and one worth winning.
-Dan French
*Photo credit goes to
more by Dan French, be sure to visit www.liftthepuck.com


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Absolut Vanilia
Absolut Vanilia was introduced in 2003. Basically because vanilla is one of the most beloved flavors in the world. And it wasn't long until that fact was reinforced through the instant success of Absolut Vanilia – it is almost equally popular as vanilla itself.
Some tips on Absolut Vanilia enjoyment
For all of you who love vanilla, Absolut Vanilia is perfectly enjoyable neat. But it also blends well with a lot of other flavors. Just take a pick below!
Absolut Vanilia Espresso Martini
- 2 parts Absolut Vanilia
- 1 part Kahlúa
- 1 part strong, fresh espresso coffee
- Tea spoon sugar syrup
- 3 coffee beans
Shake all ingredients with ice
and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
Absolut Vanilia with Cola
- 1 part Absolut Vanilia
- 3 parts cola
- Orange wedge
Build in highball glass over cubed ice. Garnish with orange wedge.
Absolut Vanilia Passion
- 2 parts Absolut Vanilia
- ¾ part Bianco vermouth
- 1 part apple juice
- 1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ part sugar syrup
- 1 whole passion fruit
- Passion fruit for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice
and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with passion fruit.
With Absolut Vanilia
With Absolut Vanilia
With Absolut Vanilia
With Absolut Vanilia
Absolut Vanilia is available in the following countries:
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, USA


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About Human Resources
In an effort to meet the current and future opportunities of a strategic higher learning organization, Human Resources serves, supports, and provides consistent, fair and ethical leadership to all employees of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Human Resources serves as an ambassador of the University, advocates value for all employees, and encourages personal and professional development.
Human Resources collaborates with the entire university community, committed to the development of a culturally competent and diverse workforce, to meet the evolving trends valued in an inclusive workplace. Further, Human Resources strives to foster a campus environment that promotes mutual respect, trust and transparency.
Human Resources encompasses these areas: Affirmative Action, Benefits, Customer Service, Employee Relations, Payroll, Professional Development and Talent Management. We are located in 2300 Ullsvik Hall; navigate to the Contact/Staff page for more assistance.
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Office of Human Resources
2300 Ullsvik Hall
Fax: 608.342.1179
Affirmative Action
Tel: 608.342.1773
Human Resources
Tel: 608.342.1176
Tel: 608.342.1178
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Regular Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
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Zulmara (My professional publications are under Zulmara Cline, my poetry is under Zulmara)
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
Z: Right now I am focusing on Bilingual Children's books. I write with a co-author, Eduardo Estrada Montenegro from Nicaragua and we collaborate on the books. Some we have co-authored and I do the translations for the books. I am also writing curriculum for the books and an EZ Bilingual Newsletter to help others enhance their bilingual skills. The newsletter is available for free and comes with a free gift at sign up.
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Z: I have always loved to write and make up stories, but never thought of writing as a way of life or career until I completed my doctorate…that is when I discovered I had things to say others wanted to listen to, to read, and they took me seriously. I became a recognized expert in the field of bilingual and biliteracy education and was often asked to present the Latina or child or young adult perspective. The more my writing was taken seriously, the more inspired I was to write. I have also written and published poetry and a story for Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul.
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
Z: I am inspired by the concept of "paying it forward" so in my writings, I am constantly trying to help others succeed and do well. I enjoy offering advice and instructional strategies on various educational issues and concerns, I know if teachers use some of my ideas, children will be positively affected.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Z: Busy, busy, and very busy. I tend to write after work. I get home at around 5:00 and take an hour for eating and an evening walk. Then I proceed to write for my various projects that I have going. It is when I do my networking, blogging, writing, and other business related activities.
CA: Your books are about to be sent into the world, what is one word that describes how you feel?
Z: Fanstastica!!…I love it when I get emails and comments from those who have read about what I am doing and are just as excited. EZ Bilingual offers me an opportunity to put into words what I have learned about teaching in dual languages. I get to practice what I preach, as I help teachers do a better job and offer support for parents. The response has been fantastic. I have even begun to have others ask about contributing to the publishing company bilingual children's books they have written and would like to have published.
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
Z: I translated these books for my partner and the hardest part for me was to capture the essence of what it was he wanted to say and to stay true to what he had written. These are folktales from Nicaragua, so I wanted them to maintain a certain flavor of the country of origin.
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Z: I live by the beach, so I try to find time for beach walks weekly…I also enjoy biking, reading, writing, and traveling…I love traveling, especially to tropical settings. I have been to Costa Rica, Brasil, Hawaii, Mexico, and Toronto.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Z: We have 4 books we are debuting and I love all of them. Estrellita is my favorite because she is spunky, in a little girl sort of way.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
Z: In these story books the characters were inspired by a combination of both.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
Z: YES, read, read, and read some more and then write, write, and write even more. If you want to be a writer, you have to write…all the time, everyday. Respond to blogs and posts, read book reviews and leave a comment, read poetry and leave a comment. You will not believe how these little comments will keep you fresh and current and quick on your feet. It gives you a sense of personality and helps you to make friends and connect with others in the writing world. I love responding to blogs, it is like exercising the writing muscle.
Also, start a blog with what you want to say…pose questions, post ideas, pet peeves, what interests you, quotes, songs, lyrics…it does not matter, write and write every day, read and read everyday…and read all sorts of writing, it will help you with your own writing.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
Z: My books can be purchased at http://www.ezbilingual.net/ and I can be reached at http://www.myspace.com/zulmaracline
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
Z: Yes, I love this blog and have tried to read and respond faithfully. It is one of the best ways to get to know interesting authors, especially those who write in a different genre…nothing helps your writing like the inspiration gained from reading about writers and living the writerly life..
CA: Zulmara, you're an awesome friend! I can always count on you to leave a comment on the author interviews of the week. And your interview was fantastic! I just love the idea of The Little Star That Fell From The Sky, my little guy would love it! Thank you for being such a great friend and follower of the blog!
*Contest Time* Zulmara is going to give away an assortment of writing goodies to one lucky commenter this week! All you have to do is leave a comment and an email addy so that we can contact the winner next Monday. So make sure to leave a comment to have a chance at winning!!


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Mens Soccer Stands at No. 5 in Latest NSCAA Top 25
The Jays' 2-1 double-overtime victory over Old Dominion on Friday coupled with their 3-2 double-overtime setback against William & Mary on Sunday dropped the Bluejays from their perch at No. 1 in the NSCAA Top 25 after one week.
Creighton fell four spots in the poll to the fifth position in the NSCAA rankings. The Jays are positioned just 12 votes shy of the No. 3 slot in this week's poll. North Carolina moved into the top slot this week.
It marks the 40th consecutive week that Creighton is ranked in the NSCAA Top 25. The 2010 preseason poll was the last time the Jays were unranked.
The Bluejays' opponent this week, BIG EAST foe St. John's, is ranked No. 7 in the weekly rankings. Morrison Stadium will play host to a pair of top-seven nationally ranked teams in the regular season for the first time since Aug. 31, 2012 when then-No. 2 Creighton hosted then-No. 7 Akron, that contest ended in a 1-1 draw.
The match between the Jays and the Red Storm highlights homecoming festivities at Creighton this weekend and will be the first BIG EAST men's soccer match for the Bluejays. It also will be the first BIG EAST match to be contested at Morrison Stadium.
After two weeks in the top spot, Creighton dropped two places to No. 3 in the latest College Soccer News Top 30 poll released on Monday. The Jays also rank No. 3 in the TopDrawerSoccer Top 25 rankings this week, down one spot from last week.
The Jays' biggest tumble in the rankings was in the latest Soccer America Men's Top 25 released on Tuesday; CU fell six spots to No. 8 this week. St. John's, this week's opponent, is No. 6 in that poll.
Creighton hosts BIG EAST foe St. John's this Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. CT for the Jays' annual homecoming match. The contest will mark the Bluejays' first BIG EAST men's soccer match at Morrison Stadium.


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Rookie Photo Shoot
Julius Randle of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during... News PhotoAdult,Adults Only,Basketball - Sport,Julius Randle,Los Angeles Lakers,Madison Square Garden Training Facility,NBA,NBA Pro Basketball,New York State,One Man Only,One Person,People,Photography,Portrait,Rookie,Sport,Tarrytown,USA,VerticalPhotographer David DowCollection: National Basketball Association 2014 NBAETARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 3: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2014 NBA rookie photo shoot on August 3, 2014 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)


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Jaguars unveil new logo
Child has life-threatening injuries after falling out of school bus
(CNN) -- Gas prices are on the rise. AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is up a penny from the previous week, to $3.53.
It marks the 19th straight weekly increase. During that stretch, the average price jumped 24 cents.
So what can you do to get the most out of your pricey tank of gas?
CNN's Carl Azuz has five tips.
You don't need a hybrid to save money on gas! But you do need to slow down.
So tip one is: Don't do 80. Besides the fact that it's illegal in most places...your engine has to burn more fuel to handle high speeds.
So slow saves dough!
Tip two: Get pumped. A lot of cars out there are driving on deflated tires, which increases friction and decreases fuel efficiency.
So, keep your car's shoes where they say they should be...at the recommended pounds per square inch or PSI.
Also, make sure your wheels are aligned properly. That'll save you both on tires and gas, keeping your engine from working so hard.
Three: Lighten up. You're getting worse gas mileage with all that junk in your trunk.
I mean that literally, golf clubs, horseshoes, gardening equipment, dog food. All that stuff weighs, and slows, your car down.
So when you're not helping someone move, make sure the spare tire's one of the heaviest things you have in the back.
Four: Smooth it out. Accelerating and braking unnecessarily is a downer on your gas tank!
Keep a steady speed as much as possible. Use cruise control when it makes sense.
Got brakes? Use 'em only to slow down. Resting your foot on the pedal can ruin everything.
Five: Shut it off. Don't be idle about idling. Your car's burning gas whenever it's running, so if you're sitting for more than 30 seconds, power down. That can keep your costs down and your wallet and your gas tank, filled up.


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As Birmingham's National Indoor Arena approaches reopening, we take a look at the best acts that have played there in its long history…
Birmingham's National Indoor Arena reopens in September amid a £26m redevelopment project.
The whole of the venue will be renovated over the coming months, including huge "sky needles" on top of the venue lighting up the Birmingham Skyline at night.
The NIA, due to complete its renovation by December has started The Memory Stage, a social media drive to archive people's memories of their best experiences at the venue.
With that in mind, we scoured through


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WHITE CLOUD, Mich. (WZZM) - A Newaygo County man says the prescription medications his mother and her boyfriend needed for their individual health conditions may have been the motive behind their deaths.
The bodies of Joseph Cherneski, 56, and Patricia VanDyk, 55, were found Thursday in the bedroom of the home they shared off M-37 in Brohman, a small community in northern Newaygo County.
Newaygo County deputies are calling their deaths a double homicide. No weapon was found at the scene, not were there any signs of forced entry.
Neighbors say a family friend found Cherneski and VanDyk in their bedroom.
"They found them in bed, both shot in the head -- right in the eye," says neighbor Alice Bills.
VanDyk's son, Buddy, believes who ever killed them may have been after the couple's medications.
"That would be something someone would want, especially if they couldn't get it anywhere else," he says. "My mom being the way she is, and Joe being older, they weren't going to put up much of a fight."
Buddy VanDyk says his mother suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while Cherneski had chronic back issues. He says their medicine was gone when he was finally allowed to enter the house on Friday.
"There isn't a lot that's known," says Undersheriff Brian Boyd. "We've got two individuals that lived there, and nobody lived there with them -- so you've got no witnesses."
"They were quiet and minded their own business," says Bills. "I'd never believe anything like this would happen to them."


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Ventricular Size Involvement in Neuropsychological Outcomes in Pediatric Hydrocephalus (VINOH)
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- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
This multicenter, prospective study of children with hydrocephalus will examine whether or not ventricle size is associated with poor cognitive outcomes. It is expected that results will indicate larger ventricular size at 6 months after surgery for the initial treatment of hydrocephalus will relate to poorer cognitive outcomes. This study is being conducted by the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN), a network established to conduct multi-institutional clinical trials on pediatric hydrocephalus.
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Cohort
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|Ventricular Size Involvement in Neuropsychological Outcomes in Pediatric Hydrocephalus (VINOH)
- Association between ventricle size and neuropsychological outcome [ Time Frame: 6 months after initial surgical treatment for hydrocephalus ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]Ventricle size, measured as fronto-occipital horn ratio (FOR), as well as neuropsychological outcomes at 6 months post-surgical intervention for initial treatment of hydrocephalus will be compared.
- Quality of life [ Time Frame: 6 months after initial surgical treatment for hydrocephalus ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]The Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire (HOQ) will be administered at approximately 6 months. The HOQ is a validated measure of quality of life specific to the pediatric hydrocephalus population.
- Academic Performance [ Time Frame: 6 months after initial surgical treatment for hydrocephalus ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]Parents will be asked to provide a picture of their child's current academic performance. If available, the child's most recent grade point average (GPA) will be obtained.
- Presence of additional required hydrocephalus related surgeries [ Time Frame: 6 months after initial surgical treatment for hydrocephalus ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]Shunt and ETV revisions or infections will be examined for any correlations with cognitive neuropsychological testing at 6 months from the initial surgical intervention.
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|August 2011
|Estimated Study Completion Date:
|December 2015
|Estimated Primary Completion Date:
|July 2015 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
The current literature is inconclusive regarding the direct association between large ventricle size and poorer cognitive outcomes. This uncertainty stems from relatively few studies, problems with study design (possible confounding factors), varying study populations of hydrocephalus, and conflicting evidence. If the association is proven then aggressive strategies must be developed to maximally decrease ventricular size in these children to preserve long-term cognitive functioning. However, if the association is disproven then previous reservations for procedures such as Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) or higher-resistance shunting to prevent overdrainage complications will be further minimized. Either finding has a major potential to further improve the quality of life in our pediatric hydrocephalus patients. This study is unique as it will include pediatric patients presenting with hydrocephalus from a wide range of etiologies. This study is also unique in that we propose to conduct a brief pre-operative neuropsychological examination to act as internal controls along with the outcomes obtained at a more extensive neuropsychological examination at six months after initial hydrocephalus treatment surgery.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|5 Years to 17 Years
|Genders Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
|Sampling Method:
|Non-Probability Sample
Pediatric, school-aged patients presenting with a first time diagnosis of hydrocephalus.
Inclusion Criteria: Patients will be eligible for enrollment if they:
- are 5 years of age or older; and
- have been newly diagnosed with hydrocephalus to be managed surgically with either a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt or an ETV; and
- have one of the following etiologies for hydrocephalus: aqueductal stenosis, supratentorial and posterior fossa tumors both benign and malignant, post-traumatic, myelomeningocele, tectal gliomas, post-infectious, and following spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Malignant tumors have been included as the neuropsychological deficits secondary to adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation have not been demonstrated within the proposed study's 6 month window.
Exclusion Criteria: Patients will be ineligible for enrollment if ANY of the following is true or anticipated:
- present with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 14/15, cerebellar mutism, or cognitive deficits so severe as to make neuropsychological testing impossible; OR
- have etiologies of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, or any tumor with cerebral or spinal metastases (these patients' clinical course and survival are highly unpredictable); OR
- are not expected to survive for 6 months; OR
- are unable or unwilling to participate in the study and with the neuropsychological exam; OR
- due to limitations of neuropsychological testing, blind and deaf children will be excluded. Children for whom English is not their primary language will be included if they have attended 1 or more years of English language based schooling.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01797627
|Contact: Marcie Langley
|United States, Alabama
|Children's Hospital of Alabama, University of Alabama
|Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35233
|Contact: Anastasia Arynchyna, MPH 205-638-5018 firstname.lastname@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Curtis J Rozzelle, MD
|United States, Missouri
|St. Louis Children's Hospital
|St. Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
|Contact: Deanna Mercer 314-454-5498 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: David Limbrick, MD, PhD
|United States, Pennsylvania
|Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
|Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15224
|Contact: Arlene M Luther, BS RN 412-692-9965 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Mandeep S Tamber, MD, PhD
|United States, Tennessee
|Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
|Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37232
|Contact: Angela R Davis, LPN 615-875-4434 firstname.lastname@example.com
|Principal Investigator: John C Wellons, III, MD, MSPH
|Principal Investigator: Chevis N Shannon, MBA, DrPH
|United States, Texas
|Texas Children's Hospital
|Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
|Contact: Sheila Ryan, MPH, JD 832-822-4074 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: William Whitehead, MD
|United States, Utah
|Primary Children's Hospital
|Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84118
|Contact: Nicole Tattersall, RN BSN 801-662-5343 firstname.lastname@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Jay Riva-Cambrin, MD
|United States, Washington
|Seattle Children's Hospital
|Seattle, Washington, United States, 98105
|Contact: Amy Anderson, BSN, RN 206-987-5916 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Samuel R Browd, MD, PhD
|Principal Investigator: Tamara D Simon, MD, MSPH
|Canada, Ontario
|Sick Children's Hospital
|Toronto, Ontario, Canada
|Contact: Homa Ashrafpour 416-813-7654 ext 328771 firstname.lastname@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Abhaya Kulkarni, MD, PhD
|Study Chair:
|Jay Riva-Cambrin, MD, MSc
|Primary Children's Hospital
Additional Information:
No publications provided
|Responsible Party:
|University of Utah
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01797627 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|June 8, 2012
|Last Updated:
|December 2, 2014
|Health Authority:
|United States: Institutional Review Board
Canada: Research Ethics Board
Keywords provided by University of Utah:
Pediatric Hydrocephalus
Ventricular Size
Neuropsychological Outcomes
Quality of Life
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Brain Diseases
Central Nervous System Diseases
Intracranial Hypertension
Nervous System Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on October 13, 2015


text:
Best of News
This photo illustration shows the website of Swedish music streaming... News PhotoConnection,Downloading,Finance,Horizontal,Illustration,Illustration Technique,Internet,Music,Performance,Photography,Spotify,Stockholm,Stockholm County,SwedenPhotographer JONATHAN NACKSTRANDCollection: AFP 2013 AFPTO GO WITH AFP STORY BY SOREN BILLING: This photo illustration shows the website of Swedish music streaming service Spotify on March 7, 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden. Sweden is at the forefront of a global recovery in music sales driven by streaming music services such as Spotify. AFP PHOTO/JONATHAN NACKSTRAND (Photo credit should read JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images)


text:
Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
Post general kiteboarding discussion topics here!
Moderator: BayAreaKite
6 posts • Page 1 of 1
Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
There are about 50+ ads from SPI Kiteboarding in the Buy/Sell section. Isn't the Buy/Sell section aimed at providing a market place for regular people (not retailers) to sell their gear? If I want to find demo or used gear from shops, I go to their websites. They have the means/access to post things online that regular folks don't.
Re: Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
It's been discussed not so long ago in another post I think.
Both profited AND spikiteboarding.
Kites: 2015 F-One Bandit VIII: 8m, 11m & 14m. FOR SALE
Board: 2014 F-One Spicy.
Harness: Manera Exoharness.
Wetsuit: Manera "meteor" 4/3.
Re: Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
I posted about this... viewtopic.php?f=37&t=12630
It's been resolved already. :-)
Re: Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
I wrote to the "spikiteboarding" folks about a week ago and asked them not to post numerous items, particularly NEW gear. They were cool about it.
Please let me or Kyle know if you see other issues here.
Kirk out
Re: Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
Thanks guys, I think the buy/sell forum is one of the many valuable features of this site. From providing a means for those to safely learn and progress on to full on foil and race boards, there's some sweet gear on there. We have some ideas on how to potentially run this section more efficiently, but in the meantime please continue keep an eye on things and let Kirk or I know if you see abuse.
Re: Buy/Sell section - retailers posts
Looks like it's starting up again.
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text: 2 dead as violent protests rock Ukraine Share this story email Share this story «Previous 3 of 48 Photos Next » Read the story « » Ukraine Protests Protesters throw tires into a fire as they clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. City health officials and police said that two people died of gunshot wounds during the clashes Wednesday morning. But the opposition charges that as many as five people have died. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)


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text:
Don't waste your afternoon drawing UML
Sequence Diagrams.
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text:
The parades, the titles, the trophies, the glory, and of course, the football. Bowls are the cherry on top of the college football season. Here's a look at the winners in the 2012-13 College Football Bowl season.
Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press
S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 20: BYU 23, San Diego State 6; Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif.; Payout: $500,000 PHOTO: BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy holds out the ball as he scores on a 17-yard interception return during the fourth quarter of the Poinsettia Bowl.