text:
Page 1
Ecological Applications, 16(1), 2006, pp. 353–367
? 2006 by the Ecological Society of America
1Trout Lake Station, Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin, 10810 County Highway N,
Boulder Junction, Wisconsin 54512 USA
2Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604 USA
3Biology Department, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824 USA
4Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6 Canada
stressors such as acidification is an important challenge in ecology. Here we report on
zooplankton community recovery following the experimental acidification of Little Rock
Lake, Wisconsin, USA. One decade following cessation of acid additions to the northern
basin of Little Rock Lake (LRL), recovery of the zooplankton community was complete.
Approximately 40% of zooplankton species in the lake exhibited a recovery lag in which
biological recovery to reference basin levels was delayed by 1–6 yr after pH recovered to
the level at which the species originally responded. Delays in recovery such as those we
observed in LRL may be attributable to ''biological resistance'' wherein establishment of
viable populations of key acid-sensitive species following water quality improvements is
prevented by other components of the community that thrived during acidification. Indeed,
we observed that the recovery of species that thrived during acidification tended to precede
recovery of species that declined during acidification. In addition, correspondence analysis
indicated that the zooplankton community followed different pathways during acidification
and recovery, suggesting that there is substantial hysteresis in zooplankton recovery from
acidification. By providing an example of a relatively rapid recovery from short-term acid-
ification, zooplankton community recovery from experimental acidification in LRL gen-
erally reinforces the positive outlook for recovery reported for other acidified lakes.
Key words:acidification; biological resistance; pH stress; recovery; resilience; whole-lake ex-
periment; zooplankton.
Understanding the factors that affect biological recovery from environmental
Acidic deposition has been recognized as a major
environmental stress in aquatic ecosystems over the last
25 years (Stoddard et al. 1999, Driscoll et al. 2001).
Legislative actions to reduce rates of sulfur dioxide
emissions in North America and Europe were moti-
vated by concern about the ecological impacts of acidic
deposition, and consequently, sulfur dioxide emissions
were significantly reduced in the 1980s and 1990s
(Stoddard et al. 1999, Driscoll et al. 2001). Chemical
recovery has been reported for some North American
aquatic ecosystems that had been anthropogenically
acidified (Stoddard et al. 1999, Driscoll et al. 2003,
Keller et al. 2003). Improvements in water quality have
also been noted in other locations, including Scandi-
navia (Evans et al. 2001, Skjelkva ˚le et al. 2001, Forsius
Manuscript received 2 December 2004; revised 5 May 2005;
accepted 17 May 2005. Corresponding Editor: J. J. Elser.
5Published posthumously. This paper is dedicated to the
memory of Thomas M. Frost (1950–2000): scientist, mentor,
and friend. We remember our conversations with Tom about
Little Rock Lake's ''acid champs'' and ''acid chumps'' with
great fondness.
6Corresponding author. E-mail: email@example.com
et al. 2003) and eastern Europe (Evans and Monteith
2001, Evans et al. 2001). However, it is important to
note that chemical recovery has not occurred in some
locations (e.g., the Adirondacks of North America,
Germany, and parts of southeastern Canada and the
United Kingdom) and is not expected in some impacted
systems unless further reductions in emissions are leg-
islated (Evans et al. 2001, Henriksen et al. 2002, Dris-
coll et al. 2003, Jeffries et al. 2003a, b, Keller et al.
Because biological recovery is a major goal of leg-
islative action, monitoring programs focused on aquatic
biota have been undertaken in a variety of locations
(Locke and Sprules 1994, Arnott et al. 2001, Walseng
et al. 2001, Keller et al. 2002, Nilssen and Waeervagen
2002, Findlay 2003, Holt and Yan 2003, Snucins 2003,
Vrba et al. 2003, Waeervagen and Nilssen 2003). These
high-quality long-term data sets are critical for ad-
dressing questions about the rate and trajectory of re-
covery (Parr et al. 2003). Several studies have sug-
gested that biological recovery may be delayed com-
pared to chemical recovery (Driscoll et al. 2001, Dixit
et al. 2002, Yan et al. 2003). Furthermore, the length
of the lag for biological recovery may vary substan-
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Ecological Applications
Vol. 16, No. 1
tially among aquatic ecosystems. For example, Driscoll
et al. (2003) hypothesized that the lag between chem-
ical recovery and recovery of invertebrates in acidified
streams and lakes may range from three to 10 years.
Here, we report on variation in the recovery trajectories
of zooplankton following the experimental acidifica-
tion of Little Rock Lake (LRL), Wisconsin, USA.
Freshwater zooplankton are well-suited to investi-
gation of biological recovery from acidification be-
cause they are relatively easy to monitor and have been
studied in a variety of geographic locations that are
recovering from acidification (Keller and Yan 1998).
Although recovery can proceed rapidly in some lakes,
most studies indicate that zooplankton recovery re-
quires about a decade (Keller and Yan 1998). A wide
variety of metrics have been used to evaluate zooplank-
ton recovery from acidification, including univariate
measures of indicator species abundances, aggregate
measures of zooplankton species richness and diver-
sity, and multivariate metrics of community compo-
sition (Yan et al. 1996). Several studies indicate that
multivariate measures of community composition are
sensitive indicators of recovery (Yan et al. 1996, Holt
and Yan 2003). For example, a multivariate index of
zooplankton species composition provides evidence of
recovery in nine acidic lakes in Killarney Park, Ontario,
Canada, where pH had risen above 6, whereas zoo-
plankton species richness did not change during the
same time period (Holt and Yan 2003). These studies
underscore the value of quantifying changes in species
composition, in addition to coarser metrics of com-
munity response.
Detailed analyses of recovery of zooplankton species
composition following water quality improvements
have potential to reveal variation in recovery rates for
different components of the zooplankton community in
a given lake. For example, Arnott et al.'s (2001) anal-
ysis of recovery of plankton in Swan Lake, Ontario,
Canada, supports the hypothesis that recovery rates dif-
fer between taxonomic groups (e.g., rotifers vs. crus-
taceans). The rate of recovery to pre-acidified condi-
tions may also be influenced by the nature of the initial
response to acidification (e.g., whether the species de-
clined or thrived under acidified conditions). During
the first five years of recovery of Little Rock Lake from
experimental acid addition, several species that had
increased during acidification returned to pre-acidified
levels whereas the recovery of some species that de-
clined during acidification was delayed (Frost et al.
1998). Thus, patterns of biological recovery can be
complex and mechanisms driving these patterns remain
poorly understood.
The goal of our study was to summarize patterns of
zooplankton recovery following a whole-lake acidifi-
cation experiment conducted in Little Rock Lake, Wis-
consin. Because the choice of metric may affect our
perception of recovery, we compared recovery trajec-
tories for highly aggregated community metrics (e.g.,
total zooplankton biomass) and population level met-
rics (e.g., biomass of individual species). We also fo-
cused on the role of biological factors that may affect
recovery. For example, we compared recovery trajec-
tories for species that were negatively affected by acid-
ification (''acid chumps'') and species that thrived un-
der acidic conditions (''acid champs''). Our study rep-
resents an interesting comparison to other recent stud-
ies examining zooplankton recovery from acid rain
(Arnott et al. 2001, Holt and Yan 2003). The design of
the Little Rock Lake experiment included pre-acidifi-
cation data and parallel monitoring of a closely
matched reference system. These features are typically
lacking in studies of anthropogenic acidification due to
historical and/or logistic reasons. Overall, we believe
that the ability to follow zooplankton community tra-
jectories in Little Rock Lake for 16 years, including a
full cycle of response and recovery (see Mittelbach et
al. 1995), provided a unique opportunity to gain in-
sights about ecological resilience to acidification.
Whole-lake experiment
In 1984, the two basins of Little Rock Lake, a bilobed
seepage lake located in northern Wisconsin, USA, were
separated using a vinyl curtain. Following a year of
baseline data collection, sulfuric acid was added to the
northern basin (hereafter, acidified basin). The pH of
the acidified basin was decreased sequentially to three
target pH levels each maintained for two years: 5.6
(1985–1986), 5.1 (1987–1988), and 4.7 (1989–1990).
The recovery phase began in 1991 when all acid ad-
ditions ceased and the acidified basin was allowed to
recover naturally. Data collection was completed in
2000. Throughout the entire period (1984–2000), the
southern basin (hereafter, reference basin) was unma-
nipulated and served as a reference system for the
changes that occurred in the acidified basin.
Sampling methods
Details of the limnological sampling are summarized
here and described in detail elsewhere (Frost and Montz
1988, Brezonik et al. 1993, 2003). From 1984 to 2000,
water samples for chemical analysis were collected
from a central station in each basin once every two
weeks during the ice-free season and approximately
monthly during winter. Here we present only the pH
data, as changes in chemistry during acidification and
recovery have been described elsewhere (Brezonik et
al. 1993, 2003, Frost et al. 1999, Sampson and Brezonik
Samples for enumeration of zooplankton were col-
lected with a 33-L Schindler-Patalas trap (53-?m mesh)
at the frequency described above for chemical samples.
Samples were collected from fixed depths (0, 4, and 8
m in the acidified basin and 0, 4, and 6 m in the ref-
erence basin) and preserved with 4% sucrose-buffered
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February 2006355
formalin. With the exception of the surface sample, the
middle of the trap was positioned at the target depth.
Hypsometrically weighted mean abundances were cal-
culated for each basin. Zooplankton abundance was
converted to biomass using length–mass relationships
determined directly for Little Rock Lake species or
from the literature (Ruttner-Kolisko 1977, Pace and
Orcutt 1981, Culver et al. 1985, Yan and Mackie 1987).
Copepod nauplii were not identified to species but are
included in analyses of total zooplankton biomass, co-
pepod biomass, and the multivariate analyses of chang-
es in community composition. Additional details on
zooplankton analyses are provided in Frost and Montz
Samples for enumeration of large predatory zoo-
plankton (Chaoborus punctipennis, water mites, Ep-
ischura lacustris, and Leptodora kindtii) were collected
with a 50 cm diameter, 253-?m mesh conical plankton
net at a fixed sampling station after dark. Tows were
collected approximately once every two weeks during
the ice-free season from 0.5 m above the deepest point
of the basin to the surface, except in 1995 when sam-
ples were not collected. Samples were preserved with
Lugol's iodine. We used unpublished dry masses of
Chaoborus punctipennis (Fischer 1994) to transform
abundance to biomass. Biomass estimates for water
mites, Epischura lacustris, and Leptodora kindtii were
calculated using published values (Meyer 1989, Law-
rence et al. 1987, and Hawkins and Evans 1979, re-
spectively). Additional details on predatory zooplank-
ton sampling are provided in Sierszen and Frost (1993).
Data analysis
We evaluated zooplankton community recovery from
acidification using a variety of metrics ranging from
population level (e.g., biomass of an individual zoo-
plankton species) to taxonomic groups (e.g., rotifer bio-
mass) to highly aggregated community level (e.g., total
zooplankton biomass). For each metric, we compared
the time series of annual mean values in the acidified
basin to the long-term mean and variability for the same
metric (i.e., annual means) in the reference basin. Fol-
lowing the approach of Arnott et al. (2001), we used
the 10th and 90th percentiles for each metric across all
years (1984–2000) to represent variability in the ref-
erence basin. We concluded that a species or group of
species in the acidified basin responded to acidification
if its annual mean biomass was above or below the
range of variability in the reference basin during the
acidification years. In a few cases in which a species
was slightly outside the range for only one year early
in the acidification and returned to within the range for
several years (e.g., Bosminids in 1986), we did not
classify this species as responding to acidification dur-
ing the first excursion from the reference basin range.
We concluded that a species or group of species had
recovered from acidification once its annual mean bio-
mass was consistently within the range of variability
defined by the 10th and 90th percentiles of the reference
basin data. In the cases of Daphnia parvula and Tro-
pocyclops extensus, we concluded that recovery oc-
curred in 1997 despite subsequent departures from the
10th and 90th percentiles of the reference basin data
because similar dynamics were noted in the reference
basin. We recognize that this is a subjective approach
guided by statistical principle and intuition, but suggest
that it is a good way to assess general patterns in com-
plex long-term data sets like ours. We also compared
the timing of chemical and biological recovery for each
taxon. Recovery lag was defined as the time delay be-
tween chemical recovery (based on return to the mean
annual pH value in the year before the species respond-
ed to acidification) and biomass recovery of each spe-
To compare trajectories of change in community
composition in the acidified basin to community com-
position in the reference basin, we used correspondence
analysis (CA). Correspondence analysis is an ordina-
tion method widely used by community ecologists to
examine differences in species composition across en-
vironmental gradients (Jackson 1993, Gotelli and El-
lison 2004). We log10(x ? 1)-transformed the biomass
data, excluded rare species (?5% of biomass of their
taxonomic group) from the analysis, and calculated CA
using SAS (SAS Institute 1996). Large predatory zoo-
plankton (Chaoborus punctipennis, water mites, Ep-
ischura lacustris, and Leptodora kindtii) were not in-
cluded in the analysis due to one year of missing data.
We examined correlations between CA axis scores and
pH, secchi depth, and chlorophyll to explore relation-
ships between environmental factors and changes in
zooplankton community composition. It is important
to note that these analyses were constrained by the data
available and all possible environmental drivers were
not examined.
pH pattern
During the pre-manipulation year (1984), pH values
in the two basins of Little Rock Lake were very similar
(Fig. 1a). Sulfuric acid was added to the acidified basin
from 1985 to 1990, causing a stepwise decrease in pH.
Beginning in 1991, pH in the acidified basin was al-
lowed to recover. pH gradually rose until reaching pre-
manipulation levels in 1996 (Fig. 1). pH in the refer-
ence basin was variable over the 17-yr record but
showed no obvious directional trends (Fig. 1a). Com-
paring mean annual pH to the range of natural vari-
ability in pH in the reference basin provided a consis-
tent interpretation of recovery. Mean annual pH in the
acidified basin decreased below the range of variability
in the reference basin during the first year of acidifi-
cation (1985) and returned within the range of vari-
ability in the reference basin in 1996 (Fig. 1b).
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Ecological Applications
Vol. 16, No. 1
(REF) and treatment (TRT) basins of Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin, USA, from 1984 to 2000. Horizontal solid lines in (b)
indicate 10th and 90th percentiles in the reference basin for 1984–2000.
(a) Time series of pH values (samples were taken once every two weeks) and (b) annual mean pH in the reference
Response and recovery of aggregate groups
Despite a large decrease in pH, total zooplankton
biomass in the acidified basin stayed within the range
of variability in the reference basin until the final year
of acidification (Fig. 2a). Total zooplankton biomass
was lower in 1990 but recovered in 1991. During the
rest of the recovery period, total zooplankton biomass
was variable but generally stayed within the bounds of
the reference envelope (Fig. 2a). Although total rotifer
biomass increased during the later stages of acidifi-
cation, it did not increase above the reference basin
envelope until the second year of recovery (1992) and
returned to the range of reference basin variability in
1993 (Fig. 2b). Total cladoceran biomass responded to
acidification by increasing above the range of vari-
ability in the reference basin during the first year of
acidification (1985) and decreased to within the ref-
erence envelope early in the recovery period (1993)
(Fig. 2c). In contrast, total copepod biomass was rel-
atively insensitive to acidification (Fig. 2d). Total co-
pepod biomass stayed within the range of variability
in the reference basin until the final year of acidification
(1990) and recovered the following year (1991). Co-
pepods dominated the total zooplankton biomass
throughout the experiment (Fig. 2a, d).
Response and recovery in species composition
To assess changes in zooplankton species composi-
tion, we used correspondence analysis to compare the
community trajectory in the acidified basin to inter-
annual variation (i.e., the cloud of points) in the ref-
erence basin. When all species (except large predatory
zooplankton) were included in the analysis, dramatic
changes in the acidified basin zooplankton assemblage
were noted as early as 1986 when the community began
to move to the right along CA axis 1 (Fig. 3a, b). The
acidified basin community changed to a more acido-
philic composition during 1987–1991. However, a re-
covery trajectory began soon after acidification ended.
By 1994–1995, community composition in the acidi-
fied basin was similar to the reference basin. In 1996,
community composition had essentially returned to an
assemblage characteristic of the reference basin. Cor-
respondence analysis axis 1 was negatively correlated
with pH (n ? 34, r ? ?0.77, P ? 0.0001), whereas
CA axis 2 was negatively correlated with chlorophyll
(n ? 34, r ? ?0.40, P ? 0.02). It is interesting to note
that significant changes occurred in the reference basin
during the study period. The reference basin points with
the lowest scores on CA axis 2 correspond to 1996 and
1998–2000. The first two CA axes captured roughly
Page 5
February 2006357
(REF) and treatment (TRT) basins of Little Rock Lake. Horizontal solid lines indicate 10th and 90th percentiles in the
reference basin for 1984–2000.
Annual mean total biomass of (a) zooplankton, (b) rotifers, (c) cladocerans, and (d) copepods in the reference
57% of the variance (38.61 and 17.98 for axes 1 and
2, respectively).
When only the rotifers were included in the CA, clear
changes in the acidified basin assemblage were noted
by 1987, the first year of the second stage of acidifi-
cation (Fig. 3c, d). Specifically, the acidified basin as-
semblage moved to the right on CA axis 1 towards a
composition characterized by Gastropus hyptopus,
Keratella taurocephala, and Synchaeta. Correspon-
dence analysis axis 1 was negatively correlated with
pH (n ? 34, r ? ?0.78, P ? 0.0001). During the
recovery period, rotifer community composition in the
acidified basin returned to the cloud of reference basin
points by 1994. The first two CA axes for the rotifer
community captured roughly 54% of the variance
(36.39 and 17.17 for axes 1 and 2, respectively).
The CA for cladocerans revealed substantial varia-
tion in the reference basin assemblage during the study
period across the first CA axis (Fig. 3e, f). It is im-
portant to note, however, that this pattern does not re-
flect simple directional change (e.g., from right to left)
in the reference basin assemblage. Instead, the trajec-
tory in the reference basin was more random. For ex-
ample, the five reference basin points with negative
scores on the first CA axis correspond to 1991, 1994,
and 1998–2000. Despite the variation in the reference
basin cladoceran assemblage, the acidified basin as-
semblage exhibited a clear response to acidification in
1986, reflecting a decrease in Daphnia dubia, Holo-
pedium gibberum, and Diaphanosoma and an increase
in Daphnia catawba. By 1991, however, the acidified
basin assemblage recovered to the broad region defined
by the reference basin points. CA axis 1 was positively
correlated with secchi depth (n ? 34, r ? ?0.41, P ?
0.02) and negatively correlated with chlorophyll (n ?
34, r ? ?0.35, P ? 0.04), whereas CA axis 2 was
negatively correlated with pH (n ? 34, r ? ?0.49, P
? 0.003). The first two CA axes for the cladoceran
community captured roughly 86% of the variance
(58.09 and 28.23 for axes 1 and 2, respectively).
Similar to cladocerans, the CA for copepods reveals
substantial variation in the reference basin assemblage
that complicates the interpretation of response and re-
covery in the acidified basin assemblage (Fig. 3g, h).


text:
Few months ago i read this Swing tutorial http://zetcode.com/tutorials/javaswingtutorial/resizablecomponent/ for understanding how implementing resizable components inside Swing.
The tutorial tells about using a null LayoutManager in order to have the possibility of absolute positioning child components.
In a discussion relative to another subject @Andrew Thompson pointed out that using null layout is a bad idea. This article http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/uiswing/layout/none.html describe null layout manager as not desirable too, anyway it says that in certain situations the might be useful.
In a situation where:
- i need absolute positioning for a JPanel's child components
- i need to implement my own bounding box conditions for child components (in order to establish possible overlapping situations )
- i need JPanel's child component be resizable
Is correct in the described situation use a null layout manager?
Or there are other better solutions to achieve that goals using a layout manager for my JPanel container component?
thanks in advance

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.
Cover of the Sunday Calendar supplement of the ┬½Los Angeles Times┬╗, 26 May 2002, featuring an image from the world premi├©re of Turandot with Luciano Berio's Finale.
The concerts featuring Luciano BerioŌĆÖs music continue during the last month of Summer and Autumn 2015. Here follows a selection of the most outstanding events (for a complete list, see the Concert calendar).
In the frame of Divertimento EnsembleŌĆÖs season Rond├▓ 2015 in Monferrato are scheduled two concerts with works by Berio: on September 5 Lorna Windsor and Maria Grazia Bellocchio will perform La donna ideale and Ballo from Quattro Canzoni Popolari; on September 9 Luca Avanzi will perform Sequenza VII for oboe.
A-ronne is scheduled in Zurich on September 18, featuring the ensemble SoloVoices.
The Milano Musica festival will include three concerts with BerioŌĆÖs music: on October 12 Linea and Six Encores will be performed by the soloists and ensemble of the contemporary music lab of the Conservatorio ŌĆ£G. VerdiŌĆØ, Milan; on October 30 Cries of London will be performed by The Company of Music conducted by Johannes Hiemetsberger; on November 14 is scheduled the performance of Quartetto and Sincronie featuring the Arditti String Quartet.
The choreography Workwithinwork by William Forsythe, based on BerioŌĆÖs Duetti per due violini, is scheduled in D├╝sseldorf from October 10 to December 25, featuring the Ballett am Rhein and the D├╝sseldorfer Symphoniker.
Giacomo PucciniŌĆÖs Turandot with the third act completed by Luciano Berio in 2001 was performed at the La Scala theatre on May 1st to mark the opening of the world fair ┬½Expo Milano 2015┬╗.
The opera features an exceptional cast conducted by Riccardo Chailly and stage directed by with Nikolaus Lehnhoff. Seven more performances follow on May 5, 8, 12, 15, 17, 20 and 23.
We wish to mark this extraordinary event with a collection of documents and interviews given by Luciano Berio between 2001 and 2002, in which the composer describes and explains the genesis and the conception of his rewriting of TurandotŌĆÖs finale. The documents include a facsimile selection of autograph manuscripts and a link to an audio file of BerioŌĆÖs finale recorded in 2003 for Decca with the Concertgebouw Orchestra and Riccardo Chailly.
For the documents on BerioŌĆÖs completion of Turandot click here.
L. Berio, Turandot, page 3 of the autograph score (by courtesy of Paul Sacher Stiftung and the Berio Estate).
┬® CENTRO STUDI LUCIANO BERIO - P.IVA e C.F. 94175580482 - FLASH PROGRAMMING: DANIEL BERIO - SITE DESIGN: DINAMOMILANO.COM


text:
Entomology News
Chapman Fellowship Awarded
Oct 1, 2015
The Paul J. Chapman Graduate Student Fellowship for 2015-2016 has been awarded to Heather Connelly in recognition of her many accomplishments. Read more
Congratulations to Cole and Emma!
Sep 28, 2015
At today's department coffee we welcomed Emma Mullen, Honey Bee Extension Associate, to the Department of Entomology and congratulated Cole Gilbert on his recent promotion to full professor.
As weeds and insects develop resistance to key chemicals, genetic control methods are just around the corner
Sep 4, 2015
Biotechnology companies hope to turn a Nobel-prize-winning discovery into a powerful genetic control for pest weeds and insects. RNA interference (RNAi) holds the promise of delivering modern agricultural systems a target-specific control method, with no known impact on surrounding ecosystems. Read more
Replacing Pesticides With Genetics
Aug 31, 2015
Every spring, a host of unwelcome visitors descends on the Hansen farm in upstate New York. Diamondback moths blown in from the South threaten rows of cabbages to be sold for slaw and sauerkraut. Read more


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With permission from government officials, the university team pursued an integrated approach that combined highly targeted herbicide treatments with a natural biocontrol - a tiny flea beetle (Aphthona spp.) that enjoys feasting on leafy spurge leaves and roots.
"We applied the herbicide once in the fall, when the orchid was at the end of its annual blooming cycle and less likely to be injured," Lym said. "That gave us a way to knock back the weed while the flea beetle population was getting established."
Researchers found that their integrated program controlled 99 percent of the leafy spurge across the acres treated, without damaging the reproduction or development of the orchid itself. Their approach has tipped the balance back towards the natural ecosystem in the Sheyenne National Grassland, where native vegetation is now being reintroduced and the prairie orchid is better able to grow.
The same experience has begun to play out across North Dakota, says Lym, who is a 30-year veteran of the leafy spurge wars. He reports that prior to 1995, the number of infested acres in the state doubled every 10 years. Thanks to the combination of herbicides and biocontrols, the trend has now reversed. Half of the 1.6 million acres overrun by leafy spurge have been reclaimed.
"The right mix of weed control tools is helping us win the battle," Lym says. "We're able to manage leafy spurge over the long-term and reclaim our natural ecosystems so that the prairie orchid and other native plants can thrive."
About the Weed Science Society of America:
|Source: PRWeb
Copyright©2009 Vocus, Inc.
All rights reserved


text:
Originally posted on Pro Sports Daily | Last updated 9/6/12
For weeks, manager Joe Girardi talked about how well Russell Martin was hitting the ball only to be foiled by the misfortune of hitting it at the opposing team's fielders. Wednesday, Martin kept the ball away from the Tampa Bay Rays. Girardi inserted Martin in the No. 5 hole against lefty Matt Moore, hoping to see some of those good swings manifest into big hits for the struggling Yankees. "We've said all along we like his at-bats; his luck hasn't been real good," Girardi said. "He's hit the ball pretty hard consistently for us, so we decided to put him there tonight." Martin finished 2-for-4 with three RBI, hitting a two-run double that gave the Yankees a 3-1 lead in the fourth, then belting a solo home run that put New York ahead 4-3 in the sixth. "It feels good to find some holes every once in a while," Martin said. "I feel like I've been swinging the bat better for the last couple of weeks now. Now's the time to get hot, so hopefully I can stay that way." Martin fini...
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One of the most-celebrated holidays of the year, Thanksgiving can cost a fortune if not planned properly. Before you let the cost of food, entertainment and travel cut too deeply into your monthly budget, consider these expert tips to get more holiday for your money. (We give you a list of informative and entertaining reads that you'll want to share with others this season. Check out Top Tips For Sticking To A Thanksgiving Budget.)
IN PICTURES: Vacation Savings Tips
Be Choosey
Who says you can't have to have it all? In addition to resolving how you'll pay for the meal, accept the fact that it may just not make sense to have more than three or four side dishes. If everyone agrees that green-bean casserole is the "it" dish to serve, then make sure plenty is available, and serve just one or two affordable sides to go along with it.
Potluck is Popular Again
There was a time when asking your guests to bring a dish was considered tacky or cheap. As we head into the holidays with many families facing financial difficulty, the sentiment of sharing can be easier to swallow this year. The host or hostess should probably still serve up the main dish, usually the most expensive, as well as the main dessert. Asking guests to pitch in with a salad or bread, especially if they are family, is an acceptable way to spread the cost burden around, without sacrificing the foods everyone loves.
To avoid duplication of efforts, ask your guests to self-assign their dishes. This will provide the variety people are expecting, without throwing your menu plans into disarray. (For more great ideas, read Host A Holiday Party For Less.)
Find Drinks at Half the Price
Myscha Theriault of We Be Sharin' recommends that you give a good look at the timing of your event, and how the refreshments are served.
"Plan hot beverages for your before and after dinner cocktails. This makes a dramatic statement without breaking the bank because people can't drink hot beverages quickly. Also, beverages that can do double duty as both non alcoholic and alcohol based keep the cost down, as well, because you are not planning for more than one option."
For even more splash at significant savings, don't forget to jazz up your non-alcoholic drinks, too! By adding a splash of cranberry juice to either iced teas or inexpensive champagne, hosts can keep things festive and elegant without having to dish out for multiple bottles of expensive wine. For more flavor, freeze juice or your beverage of choice into ice cubes. It will keep the drinks from becoming watered down, and it could cut back on refills.
IN PICTURES: 9 Ways To Trim The Fat From Your Spending
Think "Petite" for Your Sweets
Some of the most wasted foods at a Thanksgiving meal are the desserts! While guests can arrive to the sweets table stuffed, many will make room just to sample the flavors. (Don't fall prey to these blunders! Check out Top Holiday Spending Mistakes.)
To make it easier for diners to try a little bit of everything - and avoid the high cost associated with pie in the trash bin - consider making "mini" versions of Thanksgiving favorites. Tiny pumpkin pies can be made in muffin tins, small bites of puddings can be offered in ramekins, and baked goods (like cookies) can be served up extra small. To further encouraging the smart-sizing of dessert, offer smaller plates for the sweets, instead of full-sized dinner plates.
Shop Local and On Sale
Whether you're solely responsible for the menu, or are getting by with a little help from friends, choose to shop when items go on sale. Most stores will advertise the turkeys, hams and other trimmings within seven to 14 days of the holiday, giving you plenty of time to plan. Additional items that go cheap this time of year include whipped topping, marshmallows, cranberries, creamed soups and dry stuffing kits. Planning on pumpkin pie? Relax. Reports are in that the pumpkin shortage is over, so buy it with confidence! (Keep those bills in check with these tips. Don't miss 12 Ways To Shop Smarter.)
The Bottom Line
Are you worried about how you'll manage this holiday season? Grab the family and get around the table. This year's feast can be affordable and tasty, leaving you with more time and money to enjoy the things that really matter!
For the latest financial news, check out Water Cooler Finance: The Post-Stimulus Slump.
How to Cost Effectively Spend on Baby ClothesDon't let your baby's wardrobe derail your budget. These top tips help you to save money and spend wisely on baby clothes.
Personal Finance
College Students are Failing Financial LiteracyFinancial trends among college students are a cause for concern, prompting a renewed emphasis on financial literacy.
6 Cost-Effective Tips for Raising Your First ChildThe excitement of welcoming your first child to your family shouldn't prevent you from making good cost-effective decisions.
5 Ways to Date on a BudgetDating on a budget doesn't have to be boring. Try these 5 tips to find the best dates on a budget.
7 Kids Items You Should Never Buy UsedBuying secondhand items is a great way to save money, but these seven kids items should not be bought used.
10 New Apps That Help Budget For Expensive CitiesFrom platforms for saving money to those that account for side jobs, mobile apps are changing spending habits and income generation in urban areas.
How Cooking At Home Can Save You Real DoughCooking at home saves time and money but most importantly, it could even help lower future health costs.
Home & Auto
Why Housing Costs Shouldn't Exceed 30% of Your BudgetFinancial experts will argue that there's no problem with allocating 50% of your net income to housing, but that barely leaves enough money for living comfortably. Reducing housing expenses to ...
Investing Basics
Tiny House Movement: Making Market OpportunitiesThe tiny house movement throws all assumptions about household budgeting and mortgage management out the window, and creates new market segments too.
Top 7 Money Saving Tips for Eating OutDiscover seven money-saving options available to consumers who are looking to partake in the luxury of dining out while cutting down on cost.
How does a bank determine what my discretionary income is when making a loan decision?Discretionary income is the money left over from your gross income each month after taking out taxes and paying for necessities. ... Read Full Answer >>
What is the range of deductibles offered with various health insurance plans?A wide range of possible deductibles are available with health insurance plans, starting as low as a few hundred dollars ... Read Full Answer >>
How do I know how much of my income should be discretionary?While there is no hard rule for how much of a person's income should be discretionary, Inc. magazine points out that it would ... Read Full Answer >>
What proportion of my income should I put into my demand deposit account?Generally speaking, aim to keep between two months and six months worth of your fixed expenses in your demand deposit accounts. ... Read Full Answer >>
How do I use the rule of 72 to estimate compounding periods?The rule of 72 is best used to estimate compounding periods that are factors of two (2, 4, 12, 200 and so on). This is because ... Read Full Answer >>
How much risk is associated with subprime mortgages?A large amount of risk is associated with subprime mortgages. Since the mortgages are specifically for people who do not ... Read Full Answer >>


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11 Ways To Cook Bacon That Will Probably Kill You
Are you ready to experience the essence of pure flavor?
1. Pan Fried Bacon-Wrapped Steak
2. Epic Bacon And Steak Bread Bowl Panini
3. I don't even know WHAT you'd call this thing
4. Barbecue Bacon Burger Log
5. Bacon Turtle
6. Eggs Of Awesome
7. The Bacon Log
8. The Bacon And Cheese Stuffed Pizza Burger
9. The Cheesy Bacon Log
10. The Cheesy Bacon Sausage
11. Epic Bacon Grilled Cheese
Preview Your Response
In The News Today
- Doctors Without Borders is demanding an independent fact-finding mission into the deadly U.S. bombing on its Afghan hospital. ›
- The European Union is now using naval vessels in the Mediterranean to intercept boats that are smuggling refugees and migrants to Europe. ›
- Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich, and Aziz Sancar have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for figuring out how cells repair DNA. ›


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Advocates say that app-based ride services Uber and Lyft need to do more to ensure equal access for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Airlines Encouraged To Better Serve Flyers With Disabilities
A new guide from the U.S. Department of Transportation is spelling out the rules air carriers must follow when dealing with travelers who have autism and other developmental disabilities.
Disney Doesn't Want Executive Questioned In ADA Suits
Disney is battling a request to have one of its top executives sit for a deposition in controversial lawsuits over access to theme park attractions for people with disabilities.
Theaters, Museums Increasingly Catering To Special Needs
With touch tours, audio descriptions and other accommodations, theaters and museums are working to make their offerings more accessible to visitors with a range of needs.
Justice Department Clarifies Service Animal Rules
Federal officials are further clarifying the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities who rely on service animals amid continued confusion.
Tech Giants Team Up To Boost Accessibility
Some of the biggest names in technology are banding together with a new commitment designed to make their products more accessible for people with disabilities.
Nike Unveils Shoes For People With Special Needs
Thanks to a plea from a teen with cerebral palsy seeking shoes he could put on his feet independently, Nike is introducing sneakers designed specifically for people with disabilities.
Google Putting Up Millions For Disability Initiative
Google is looking to address the needs of a billion people with disabilities worldwide and it's putting big bucks behind the effort.
Disability Claims Mounting Against Disney
More families are taking legal action against Disney, alleging that recent changes to theme park access for people with disabilities are discriminatory.
Disability-Friendly Transportation Hard To Come By
While progress in improving transportation for people with disabilities has been evident in the past decade, persistent barriers remain, a new national report finds.
Disney Tweaking Disability Access Procedures
Disney is again updating its program for accommodating guests with disabilities at its theme parks.
Churches Work To Include People With Disabilities
With greater awareness and education, religious leaders are increasingly looking for ways to welcome people with disabilities and their families.
Disney Faulted In Disability Access Complaints
A civil rights commission has found reason to believe that Disney discriminated against theme park visitors with developmental disabilities after altering its disability access policy.
Everyday Items Offer Assistive Technology On The Cheap
Nicknamed the "MacGyver of assistive technology," an occupational therapist is sharing her tricks for creating tools for people with disabilities on a budget of $5 or less.
Academy Awards Ad Makes Pitch To Disability Market
A national television ad debuting during the Oscars is designed to spark conversation about how people with disabilities consume entertainment.


text: Alan Mackenzie committed b618fcc 2013-08-25 Parse C++ inher-intro when there's a template split over 2 lines.cc-engine.el (c-guess-basic-syntax CASE 5C): Code more rigorously thesearch for "class" etc. followed by ":".cc-langs.el (c-opt-<>-sexp-key): Make the value for random languages aregexp which never matches rather than nil.tests/inher-10.{cc,res}: New test case. Participants Parent commits f75f853 Raw commit View raw commit


text: I realize you get what you pay for and the rate here is very inexpensive. I stayed one night and all went okay. Did a return trip and booked four (4) rooms and ended up leaving about 11:00 p.m. at night on the day we checked in. It's been more than a few weeks and I had hoped to get... More


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Mayhem # 1808289
About MeI have learned photography for sometimes and continues as a hobby for almost 10 years. I may transform to a professional very soon. I like traveling aroundthe world and wish to meet any of you to get connected and do some interesting photos.
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Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-nepal For Sale
"We keep our listing Short, Simple & Accurate."
There are 2 designs which come in 2 colors.
1. Dragon
2. Astamandala (Tibetan 8 Auspicious Sings).Color:
1 .Copper (Natural)
2 .Silver Plated on Copper If you want any specific one please let us know before we ship. You can add a note while make a payment at Paypal or send a message at . Otherwise, we will ship what we have in stock. If you need more information on this item please write to us. Please watch the video on Youtube for the designs. http://youtu.be/DumwVbAxQF0 . If you hit "Buy It Now", we will include a packet of incense cones for "Free".***Please do let us know if you want to order in bulk, we also do wholesale***
|The more you buy the less you pay|
-------Price Matching Policy-------
Our goal is always to be the low price leader in every item we sell. If you find a lower online price including handling and shipping on an identical item with the same features and material compositions, we will be glad to match that price plus, honor you 25% of the difference.
If you find it before your purchase with us, simply email us with the information including the competitor's URL for the item. Your purchase is eligible for price matching policy (PMP) within 30 days of purchase.
PMP's are subject to decline and review
Your order will proceed after validation of the provided matches. We will email you with the reason for any disapproval.
Shipping Information
We usually ship within 24 hours of full payment received using
Registered Airmail Post for Standard Shipping and TNT/EMS/Fedex etc for
Expedited Shipping from Kathmandu, Nepal. We ship Sunday through
Friday. Generally, package gets delivered in 2 weeks of time for Standard Shipping and 7-10 days for Expedited Shipping.
Tracking Number available for both Standard and Expedited Shipping and Registered Mail can be track online only after the packages arrives to the local postal unit of the respective countries. Insured against loss.
We do allow buyers to combine shipping for multiple purchases. If you want
to combine items in one shipment for a discount, please do not pay for items.
Contact us when you have chosen your items so that we can send you a final
invoice. The rule for combining packages is the full shipping price of the
highest rate and then 1/2 of each additional item.
Buyer is responsible for any duty or tax that their home country charges.Payment
We accept PayPal.
Return Policy
About Us
We are emerging seller on selling exquisite handcrafted items from Nepal and South Asia region at Lower price and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.
An Appeal
Should you ever be not satisfied with the item you purchased, Please give us an opportunity to resolve the issue before you leave neutral/negative response. We are sincere seller and thrive to keep our customers 100% satisfied with your purchase with us. ---Thanks for visiting---
Contact Us
Need more information on products and services we provide, Please contact us
using "Ask a Question" link below or send an email.
What Other Buyers have to say for the Item you are Viewing
very good person to deal with AAAAAAA+++++Buyer: Member id ve5dwt ( response Score Of 478) Past 1 monthTibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $24.99View ItemGorgeous quality! FAST shipping!! A+A++A+A+Buyer: Member id contessagab ( response Score Of 326) Jul-25-14 12:12Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $24.99View ItemAbsolute Great !!!Buyer: Member id gorgo875 ( response Score Of 472) Dec-02-13 09:49Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)
US $19.99View ItemThanks! Buyer: Member id eomalley21 ( response Score Of 100) Dec-02-13 06:46Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)
US $19.99View Item** Lovely, thankyou **Buyer: Member id ben_irvine ( response Score Of 157) Jan-26-13 14:22Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $19.99View Itemas described and fast delivery++Buyer: Member id northcaledon ( response Score Of 238) Jan-23-13 08:53Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal
US $19.99View Itemawesome seller...thanksBuyer: Member id johosophat36 ( response Score Of 319) Jan-09-13 20:16Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)
US $19.99View ItemI m verry happy. Thank youBuyer: Member id llincoln09 ( response Score Of 28) Dec-28-12 00:01Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $19.99View ItemQuite stunning! She is displayed proudly. Thank youBuyer: Member id lad0527 ( response Score Of 319) Dec-27-12 09:53Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $19.99View Itemvery good! nice sellers!! recommended!!Buyer: Member id carlo1989 ( response Score Of 23) Dec-01-12 04:03Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $19.99View Itemlovely incence burner....chains are a little wimpy, though.Buyer: Member id jimbolati ( response Score Of 219) Oct-15-12 11:59Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $19.99View ItemEfficiency and kindness. Thank youBuyer: Member id bighi83 ( response Score Of 28) Oct-15-12 10:22Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-Nepal (#251120941496)US $19.99View Item
This item has been shown 8226 times.
Tibetan Hanging Incense Cauldron, Burner-nepal:
Wood Scroll Incense Burner Holder With 20 Mulberry Sticks~11" Long
Mythical Fire Breathing Dragon Incense Holder & Burner Combo Statue For Sticks O
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Vintage Lot 2 Boxes Of Antique Incense Cube Religious Brazilian Art Chama Doamor
Bear Incense Oil Burner/wax Warmer/simmer Pot ( 40% Off Special )
Straco Erzgebirge Cake Baker Incense Smoker Nwt
Vintage Wooden Incense Holder Burner Cone Ship Retro Viking
Smoky The Jolly Incense Burner
Indian Wooden, Inlaid Pentagram,incense~cone Holder~ashcatcher~burner~uk Seller


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The Style Gallery is a great new way for you to view, love, and share outfit photos. It's meant to showcase
all the expressive, creative, and inspirational personalities of our community!
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Whether you're the lead singer of a band, or you just feel like a rock star, strut the center stage or dance hall in this vegan, faux-leather LBD! With long sleeves to balance the short lengths of this mini dress and ruching above the waist, this stretch-fabric frock embraces your figure while revealing your star personality! Accent its exposed silver zipper with metallic heels and a studded purse, or dress it down, and wear it as a layering piece beneath a chunky, jewel-toned sweater.
Final Sale: This item cannot be returned or exchanged.
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Remarkable fashion & decor, inspired by our community, & delivered with uncommon care.
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Han Solo himself, Harrison Ford, recently reminded the world that he initially wanted his beloved rogue to die in the original Star...More →
Ever since it was announced that there would a seventh film installment—and subsequent others—to the Star Wars saga, the geeky masses have...More →
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Quick, Masterminds, make your most terrified face. Now imagine it frozen that way for eternity—frozen in Carbonite, just like Han Solo in...More →


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Wayfair Business JOIN FREE!
One Account. Five Sites. Exclusive Discounts.Learn More
Free Inside Delivery
Product Information:
The file-drawer-shelf cabinet fits all your storage needs. Complete with a hanging rod, two full-extension file drawers, two flat file drawers, a mirror, and three adjustable storage shelves, this cabinet provides the answer to all your storage questions. Casters make it easily mobile, so you can reconfigure your classroom to fit changing class sizes or different room layouts. Cabinet comes standard with locking doors.
Weights & Dimensions
|Product Type: Classroom cabinet
|Primary Material: Wood
|Folding: No
|Double Sided: Yes
|Toddler Size: No
|Compartments Included: Yes
|Doors Included: Yes
|Casters Included: Yes
|Commercial Use: Yes
|Country of Manufacture: United States
About the ManufacturerNorwood Hubbell founded Fleetwood in 1955 with two inspirations. First, he was convinced his calling was to lead a company that would provide funding for missionaries struggling to get the financial assistance they needed. Second, he had a great product idea - mobile educational furniture.
More About This Product
Free Inside Delivery
Ships to:
Ships via: Inside Entryway with Upgrade Option
Enter your shipping zip or postal code to calculate shipping estimatesGet Delivery Estimate
We want you to love it. If you don't, you may return your purchase within 30 days of delivery. All you need to do is visit our Self-Service Return Center for instructions. Return credits are issued within 24 hours once the item is received and inspected. Please note that shipping charges are non-refundable. The cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. 30-Day Return Policy
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Tell us what you think about this product. It will help us provide you with better products in the future and help your fellow shoppers make better purchases.Write the first review


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"On December 1, people throughout the world observe World AIDS Day, an opportunity for the global community to honor those living with HIV; the families, friends, caregivers, and communities who support them; and those who have lost their lives to"...
ATRIPLA® is indicated for use alone as a complete regimen or in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
Adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with body weight at least 40 kg (at least 88 lbs)
The dose of ATRIPLA is one tablet once daily taken orally on an empty stomach. Dosing at bedtime may improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms.
Renal Impairment
Because ATRIPLA is a fixed-dose combination, it should not be prescribed for patients requiring dosage adjustment such as those with moderate or severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min).
Rifampin Coadministration
When ATRIPLA is administered with rifampin to patients weighing 50 kg or more, an additional 200 mg/day of efavirenz is recommended [See DRUG INTERACTIONS, Table 4, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Table 5].
Dosage Forms And Strengths
ATRIPLA is available as tablets. Each tablet contains 600 mg of efavirenz, 200 mg of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF, which is equivalent to 245 mg of tenofovir disoproxil). The tablets are pink, capsule-shaped, film-coated, debossed with "123" on one side and plain-faced on the other side.
Storage And Handling
ATRIPLA tablets are pink, capsule-shaped, film-coated, debossed with "123" on one side and plain-faced on the other side. Each bottle contains 30 tablets (NDC 155840101-1) and silica gel desiccant, and is closed with a child-resistant closure.
Store at 25 °C (77 °F); excursions permitted to 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Dispense only in original container.
- Do not use if seal over bottle opening is broken or missing.
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences, LLC. Revised: January 2015
Last reviewed on RxList: 2/13/2015
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Atripla FDA Prescribing Information
Additional Atripla Information
Atripla - User Reviews
Atripla User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Atripla sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
WebMD Daily
Get breaking medical news.


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No Hidden Fees - No Credit Card Surcharges - Low Shipping Rates
M4 Mil-Spec Bolt Assembly & Charging Handle Included1/7 Twist Melonite Coated Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel BarrelReliable Mid-Length Gas SystemTRX ALPHA 11″ Free Float Rail (W/three removable rails )Folding Front and Rear BattleSightsClaymore Muzzle BrakeModular Combat Grip
Express orders for items available to ship the same business day must be placed by 1 PM MST. Express orders received
after 1PM ready for immediate shipment will not be shipped until the following business day.
Note: Delivery times are approximate and although generally accurate are not guaranteed. FFL transfer issues may affect
delivery times.
Express shipping is only available in the continental US to non-PO Box addresses. AP/FPO addresses may add to the
delivery time.
Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. We offer a wide selection of firearms, including: handguns, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, rifle scopes and optics, as well as collectible machine guns and other NFA/Class 3 guns. Impact also services the needs of law enforcement and military with our wide variety of tactical weapons and accessories. Shop online through our 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer encrypted online gun store 24 hours a day!


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Dog Licker Live Wallpaper FREE
- February 16, 2013
( 149,278)
Dog Licker Live Wallpaper, is an adorable lickin dog Live Wallpaper! Cute dog licking the phone screen.
Best on phone or Tablet! FREE!
Best on phone or Tablet! FREE!
Go Home -> Menu -> Wallpapers -> Live Wallpaper, scroll down list, find and setup it!
Very badley been made U wont me to rate this befor i can even use it everyone is saying the same thing so why have u still got it on here go and make something that works low lifes
Why are we forced before we even get the wallpaper up and running to rate? That makes no sense!!! I would of given it 5 based on cuteness alone but to have no choice brings this app down a notch! Rating system makes no sense
Told to rate I was told to rate 5 stars in order to use. But I think everyone knows its impossible to tell whatever you rated. Edit: would you look at that, rated 1 star, allowed me to use
Rating because I have to I have no clue what this app is like. So I cannot give a proper review. You just couldn't start the app without rating :P
I DON'T LIKE I gave this app. 5 star because I want to try it but I knew that they first let us to rate before we can use ...
Hate u guys I wanted to try this app but u guys are forcing me to rate ur app first....go to hell u fools...I think u should learn some business skills.
Happy 1,000,000+ users.Best natural scenery Landscape live wallpaper for you.


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Consumer Electronics Show Highlights Newest Technology
Samsung Electronics President Boo-Keun Yoon speaks during a press... Nieuwsfoto's2013,Bedrijfsleven,Bovenlichaam,Consumentenelektronicabeurs,Detailhandel,Evenement,Financiën,Groot bedrijf,Koopwaar,Las Vegas,Mandalay Bay Convention Center,Nevada,Praten,Samsung,Techniek,Verenigde Staten,VerticaalPhotographer David BeckerCollection: Getty Images News 2013 Getty ImagesLAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 07: Samsung Electronics President Boo-Keun Yoon speaks during a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2013 International CES on January 7, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs from January 8-11 and is expected to feature 3,100 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)


text: Brenda Pollard Posted October 6, 2015 For the first time in my life I'm spending a lot of time in bars. Much to the surprise of my family, I know every bar in the community and enjoy my visits with the owners, employees and customers finding out how they deal with secondhand smoke. I'm Brenda Pollard, the Pocatello grassroots coordinator for SmokeFree Idaho, a coalition of businesses, organizations and individuals that believe no one should have to choose between a job and good health! All of my adult life I have been involved in community organizations, mainly focusing on neighborhoods and community engagement. Community organizing is a natural outcome for a party planner that loves organization and healthy living environments. After losing an aunt and an uncle to causes related to smoking I determined it was time to be more vocal about the devastating effects of tobacco use. I was thrilled to find an organization where the American Heart Association, American Lung Association and American Cancer Society teamed up to advocate for the health of Idahoans. I learned that there is NO SAFE LEVEL of exposure to second-hand smoke. Now I work to share that information with folks in Pocatello and Chubbuck. I have visited small businesses, community leaders and city councils. I present at schools, service organizations and association meetings. I have enjoyed calling Bingo at the Senior Center, sharing alarming facts such as- for every seven people that die from tobacco use, they take one nonsmoker with them. I promote SmokeFree workplaces at health fairs and community events, chamber of commerce meetings and fun runs. Some of the highlights of my work include visiting with Don Aslett at his Museum of Clean where he told me of a book he wrote titled, "Why I Would Rather Clean up after a Cow than a Smoker." Also, the photo booth shoot at Poky High School organized by their Idaho Drug Free Youth Club and sponsored by McCord Orthodontics where students posed with signs reading, "I Support SmokeFree Idaho." Currently I am working with students from each high school to promote a campaign to "Blow Bubbles – Not Smoke" Check out the inspirational ad that inspired our theme. We'll be in the Idaho State University Homecoming Parade Saturday, October 17th. Come get your free bubbles and help us blow away secondhand smoke! Read More Posted in Idaho, Tobacco Control, Advocate Stories 1 Comments Share This


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Gayle Wilson Music Services
Working with novelty entertainers for your party is simple when you contact Gayle Wilson Music Services. We're the best in the area when it comes to a Motivational Speaker.
Rockin Maddy Ranch
If you need a Animals for your event, it is time you contacted Rockin Maddy Ranch. We are the area's best option.


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To make reservations by phone, call 1-800-228-2800 in the USA and Canada (or any of our worldwide reservation telephone numbers).
It Pays to Book Direct™
It Pays to Book Direct™
2997 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Featuring Microsoft Bing Maps technology.
Tallahassee Regional Airport - TLH
Hotel direction: 11.7 miles E
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
Travel east 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Capital Cir SW/SR 263 (becomes Capital Cir SE/SR 263/SR 261/US 319) and travel 10.4 miles. Turn left onto Apalachee Pkwy/US 27 and travel 0.5 miles. Make a U-Turn at Executive Center Dr and the hotel will be on the right.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3404 Manhan Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32310


text: Miss Piggy's having fun playing the field Meet Kermit the Frog's famous twin Kermit gets heat over his 'new girlfriend' Kermit the Frog denies having a girlfriend Kermit the Frog has a new girlfriend Liam Hemsworth is joining The Muppets SHIELD's Coulson photobombs Muppets See Kermit and Miss Piggy's split Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy split Red Nose Day USA raises over $10 million Ed Sheeran duets with Kermit for Red Nose Day David Duchovny, Seth Meyers hosting Red Nose Day Miss Piggy is getting a feminist award See Kermit in new Muppets digital series Who's your favorite Muppet? Muppets fashion tips with Ricky Gervais Watch big Muppets musical number Watch the Muppets' Super Bowl commercial Gervais: 'I'm being bullied by a frog' Re-Viewed: 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' Gaga, Joseph Gordon-Levitt duet - video Kermit, Miss Piggy's royal baby message The Voice: Cee Lo to perform with Kermit Kermit the Frog wants Adele duet 'The Muppets' interview - video The Muppets named NYC ambassadors Oscars: Bret McKenzie wins Original Song Miss Piggy, Kermit to present at Oscars Muppet movie voted best Christmas film Digital Spy's top Christmas movies: 5-1 Black Eyed Peas for White House Xmas Jason Segel: 'Muppets teach tolerance' Jason Segel: 'Kids need The Muppets' Jason Segel: 'I cried meeting Kermit' The best Christmas movie? Vote now 'The Muppets' send a message to Amy Adams 'The Muppets' spoof 'Twilight' 'Muppets' parody 'Twilight', 'Paranormal' Jason Segel, Emma Stone to host 'SNL' 'The Muppets': Watch the new trailer


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Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Swansea City's Spanish midfielder Miguel Michu reacts after Tottenham... News PhotoCelebration,Club Soccer,English Premier League,Facial Expression,Horizontal,Liberty Stadium,Match - Sport,Michu - Soccer Player,Midfielder,Opening Event,Playing,Scoring a Goal,Soccer,Soccer Player,Sport,Stadium,Swansea,Swansea City A.F.C.,Tottenham Hotspur F.C.,UK,West GlamorganPhotographer ADRIAN DENNISCollection: AFP 2013 AFPSwansea City's Spanish midfielder Miguel Michu (C) reacts after Tottenham Hotspur players celebrate their opening goal during the Premiership match at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea on March 30, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS " RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. " (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)


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The Lambs & Ivy Raspberry Swirl Red Area Rug makes for a fantastic addition to any child's room. It has an irresistible visual charm that is responsible for its immense aesthetic appeal. It is the perfect option for any parent who wants a cute and cozy rug for their kid. This rug features butterflies on its face side, along with minimally-portrayed plants. It is flat woven, and is primarily red in color. The Raspberry Swirl Red Area Rug from Lambs & Ivy is made of high quality material that serves to provide it with lasting strength and amazing durability.
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Proposals by SHoP Architects, Dattner Architects and Present Architecture have informed a concept design for New York's LaGuardia airport – completely replacing the existing terminals (+ slideshow). More »
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SHoP Architects and West 8 design new
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SHoP Architects has teamed up with West 8 to design a four-block development, aimed specifically at attracting technology businesses and turning Miami into "Florida's Silicon Valley" (+ slideshow). More »
SHoP Architects unveils designs for Uber's
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Architecture studio SHoP and interior design firm Studio O+A have unveiled plans for a glassy new mini-campus for the firm behind the controversial Uber taxi app (+ slideshow). More »
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News: New York studio SHoP Architects has revealed its design for a 411 metre skyscraper in Manhattan on a plot that is just 13 metres wide. More »
Four architects reimagine
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Domino Sugar by SHoP Architects
and James Corner Field Operations
Manhattan studio SHoP Architects has designed a masterplan of hollow skyscrapers surrounded by gardens for the site of the former Domino Sugar refinery in Brooklyn. More »
Konza Techno City masterplan
by SHoP Architects
Manhattan-based firm SHoP Architects has sent us a movie and more images illustrating its masterplan for Konza Techno City, a new "silicon" city 40 miles from Kenya's capital Nairobi (+ movie). More »
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Matthew and Camila's Levi Looking Like a Little Man Already
Matthew and Camila's Levi Looking Like a Little Man Already
Matthew, Camila, and Levi got back to their routine in Malibu over the weekend, including jogs for Matthew and shopping trips for the whole family starring the already stylish baby. While McConaughey may not be running away with the favorite new celebrity parent of 2008 poll, he still seems so much warmer and happier now that he's growing into his role as a father. That isn't to say that Matthew and Camila aren't going to pass their free spirits onto little Levi, but MM already seems to have bigger things on his mind than trying to keep track of his flip flops.
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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Blogs - Prep 4 Minhttp://www.pcusa.org/blogs/prep4min/2015-09-04T20:08:23-04:00Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)email@example.com://www.pcusa.org/Latest Prep 4 Min posts.Bible Content Exam Results2015-09-04T20:08:23-04:00Tim Cargal/blogs/prep4min/2015/9/4/bible-content-exam-results/http://www.pcusa.org/blogs/prep4min/2015/9/4/bible-content-exam-results/
September 4, 2015

The Bible Content Examination (BCE) was administered today, and the results both in terms of the average score on the exams and the percentage of inquirers and candidates who met the minimum score (70%) required to "Satisfy" this requirement in the preparation for ministry process were below historical averages.

A total of 127 individuals took the BCE, and the average score was 63.5%, which is about 10-15% lower than historical trends. However, since that average score fell below the minimum requirement, only 36 people (28.3%) scored high enough to receive a "Satisfactory" evaluation on the exam. By way of comparison, for the 12 previous BCE administrations since the exam was moved online in Fall 2009 the average percentage of individuals who scored 70% or higher in a testing cycle was 81.7%.

So, what might explain such dramatically different results?

Prior to online BCE testing in 2009, the Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCC) had released all BCE questions after each testing cycle just as they do with the other exam areas. Unlike the other exam areas, however, the PCC also continued to use the questions even after they had been released. Historically about 80% of the questions in each test were repeated from previous exams, in part to gauge relative difficulty of the overall exam based on how difficult questions had proven to be in the past. The PCC has long been concerned that these practices, though necessary in the period of "paper testing" to provide useful information about the subject of missed questions, were creating a situation where inquirers and candidates were spending more preparation time with old tests than with the Bible itself and study aids that deal with the "form and content of the Bible" in terms of its "stories, themes and key passages" (as the purpose of the test has been set by the General Assembly).

A different form of results reporting from the online tests made it possible to provide useful information about areas that would benefit from further study without having to release the actual questions. So in 2009 the PCC announced (1) it would no longer release questions from the exams and (2) that it was working toward discontinuing the use of questions that had been publicly released prior to 2009. Following the BCE administration in February of this year, the PCC communicated to CPMs and seminaries that it was preparing to end the use of questions that had appeared on paper-based exams and were publicly available. The PCC also announced that it would be bringing back some "matching" and "ordering" format questions to augment "multiple choice" questions in the exam (a practice that had also been used in the early years of BCE administration).

What, then, was different about today's BCE as compared to the previous 12 online tests:

The exam included three questions in either "ordering" or "matching" format, each with five items. The individual items in those questions counted as one point each (and a point was awarded for each proper match within the question), so there were 88 questions to arrive at the total 100 points available on the exam. (Samples of these new question formats were included in the Exams Handbook and the official "practice BCE" that was available to test takers since August 7.)

Those three questions (accounting for 15 possible points) along with two new multiple choice questions were the only questions that had not previously been used on the BCE since it went online in Fall 2009. Thus, 83% of the content of this test was repeated from previous exams, inline with historical practice by the PCC.

However, none of the 88 questions had ever been publicly released since they had only been used in online exams. Consequently, exam takers had not been able to "practice" with any of these specific questions.

Preparation materials related to the BCE have for the past several years advised inquirers and candidates to use publicly available exams from previous years (including the "practice BCE" that the PCC makes available in the same testing system used for the "official" exam) to help them identify portions of the scriptural canon with which they are less familiar so as to know on what parts of the Bible to focus their study. They advised against trying to memorize past questions in hopes of seeing "familiar questions" on the BCE. That approach to preparation is even more important now that all publicly available questions have been retired.

(This post was originally sent as an email message to all CPM moderators and theological institution contact persons.)

 Plagiarism in Ordination Exams2015-08-21T09:04:35-04:00Tim Cargal/blogs/prep4min/2015/8/21/plagiarism-ordination-exams/http://www.pcusa.org/blogs/prep4min/2015/8/21/plagiarism-ordination-exams/
August 21, 2015

During my six years working with the preparation for ministry process for the Office of the General Assembly, I had previously worked with presbyteries on three occasions investigating cases of plagiarism in the standard ordination exams. For the just completed Summer 2015 exams, I am now working with five presbyteries.

To be clear, I am not talking about cases of "technical" or "minor plagiarism." I recognize that there are those who think that "sloppy" identification of sources or quotations that don't follow "proper academic standards of citation" are not "really plagiarism." Such examples of directly using words from the Book of Order or The Book of Confessions with only a parenthetical paragraph notation and nary a question mark to be seen are legion within the exams. As a published author and a former university and seminary professor I disagree with those who argue such practices aren't plagiarism, but that is a discussion perhaps for another day.

My concern in this post is cases of plagiarism that must be acknowledged as such by any definition of the term:

Using paragraphs from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) website without quotation marks or citation of the webpage addresses

Taking not only sentences worth of text but even the question and answer format of a lesson plan directly from a book that was never mentioned

Relying extensively on material published on the Internet—again never mentioned—and even using direct quotations of other works within that material as if they were findings of the test takers' independent research

Directly copying answers previously submitted by other persons who had taken the ordination exams

Before candidates can even access the questions on any of the exams they must "sign" their names to an affirmation that they will comply with testing procedures that include "us[ing] only resources authorized by the exam instructions and … acknowledg[ing] any use of print or digital resources through proper, academic style citation," and not "discuss[ing] the examination questions or [their] responses with anyone." The affirmation includes acknowledgement that the test taker "understand[s] that once submitted … responses will be reviewed by a program that will compare them to all other submitted responses and materials available on the Internet." There can be no excuse, then, that they did not know the expectations.

But violation of exam procedures is only part of what makes plagiarism such a serious matter in the ordination exams. The Book of Order requires that at final assessment a candidate must present "[e]vidence of readiness to begin ordered ministry as a teaching elder" including "wisdom and maturity of faith, … honest repute, and sound judgment" among other qualities (G-2.0607a). To plagiarize the work of others at such a crucial stage in the preparation process is easily seen as evidence of an absence of wisdom, maturity, honesty, and sound judgment.

When plagiarism is found in the ordination exams, the entity of the presbytery overseeing the candidate's preparation for ministry is provided with documentation regarding the violation of the affirmation to comply with exam procedures. That notification begins an investigative process by the presbytery that can result in a range of outcomes including removal from the presbytery's roll of inquirers and candidates and thereby the preparation for ministry process. Presbyteries have taken disciplinary actions not only against candidates who committed plagiarism themselves but also against candidates found to have made possible or facilitated plagiarism by others.

Plagiarism has become a widespread problem in academic circles and even in congregations where pastors have been removed from their pulpits and positions for plagiarizing sermons and other materials. I am hopeful that the sudden spike in cases with the ordination exams is an aberration, but I can also assure everyone that it is a matter diligently watched by the Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCC) and taken with the upmost seriousness by presbytery committees and commissions on preparation for ministry.

 Updated "Advisory Handbook" Released2015-06-22T22:11:04-04:00Tim Cargal/blogs/prep4min/2015/6/22/updated-advisory-handbook-released/http://www.pcusa.org/blogs/prep4min/2015/6/22/updated-advisory-handbook-released/
June 22, 2015

A new edition of the Advisory Handbook has been released to continue the work of providing "models of ways presbyteries are responding to unique and emerging issues related to the preparation and equipping of persons for ordered ministry as a teaching elder" (General Assembly Minutes, 2014, Part 1, pages 378-79).

The 220th General Assembly (2012) created a special committee to review the overall preparation for ministry process and the particular role of the standard ordination exams within it. One of the key findings of that special committee was that there had not "yet been sufficient time for the church to adjust to the changes in the Form of Government since its revision in 2011." Its recommendation, approved by the 221st General Assembly (2014), was to

Encourage presbyteries, through whatever structure they have in place to guide the preparation of persons for ordered ministry as a teaching elder, to make full use of the flexibility provided by the Form of Government in G-2.06, particularly 2.0610, to respond to the unique needs of individual inquirers and candidates, especially those from immigrant and underserved communities. (Minutes, 2014, Part 1, page 378)

At the recommendation of its special committee, the Assembly referred to the presbyteries amendments to G-2.0607 and G-2.0610 to facilitate this flexibility in both the process and the ordination exams, and the presbyteries approved the amendments with near unanimous support.

The new edition of the Advisory Handbook was produced in response to the General Assembly's recommendations and the amendments that came into effect on June 21, 2015. In fact, every line of this Handbook has been reviewed and updated as necessary. The "Preparing for Ministry Today" chapter has had all statistical information checked and updated where more recent data are available. In response to a recommendation from the 2014 General Assembly that presbyteries provide more information about the current realities faced by persons seeking calls to pastoral positions within the church, a new section has been added to that chapter presenting the findings of a recent study into how long it is taking candidates to receive calls once they have been "certified ready for examination for ordination, pending a call."

Mid Council Ministries staff also took the occasion of these required changes to bring the style of this Handbook into line with the most recent editions of the Handbook on Standard Ordination Examinations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with an eye toward facilitating an e-book format release in the future. This combination of changes in both form and content signals to all those engaged in the preparation for ministry process the General Assembly's call for the church to continue to build on the work of recent years in developing a process that utilizes "different and equally acceptable ways to uphold the national standards for preparation, ordination, installation, and the practice of ministry."

The full Advisory Handbook (in Adobe Acrobat Reader format [PDF]) can be downloaded from a link in the preparation for ministry section of the Office of the General Assembly website (http://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/prep4min/advisory-handbook-preparing-ministry/). Links are also provided on that page to files of each section of the Handbook in both PDF and Word (.doc) formats for ease of use as handouts or as foundations for developing presbytery policy and procedure manuals.

 Placing Candidates--Some Numbers2015-05-18T16:03:15-04:00Tim Cargal/blogs/prep4min/2015/5/18/placing-candidates-some-numbers/http://www.pcusa.org/blogs/prep4min/2015/5/18/placing-candidates-some-numbers/
May 18, 2015

Perhaps it is because of graduation season, but I have received several inquiries recently about how long it is taking our graduates to find calls to ordained ministry. Having done some research to respond to these questions, I thought there would probably be a broader audience with interest in what I discovered.

To begin, I need to stress that the proper question within our polity is not really, "How long after graduation?" but rather, "How long after 'certification of readiness to be examined for ordination, pending a call'?" Within our church, eligibility for ordination is not primarily determined by seminary graduation (although that is a requirement). It is determined through a process of discernment with a presbytery of care regarding the person's suitability, fitness, and readiness for a call requiring ordination (G-2.0603 and G-2.0604). If the person has not completed that process prior to graduation, then they will not be able to even begin looking for a call.

There are other factors that complicate answering the question about how long it takes candidates to receive a call. First, we have only been asking presbyteries to report to the Office of the General Assembly when candidates are "certified ready" for about 18 months, and many are not yet into the habit. Second, not everyone who is "certified ready" is actively seeking a call (some documentation on that in a moment). So with those caveats, here is the information I do have.

As of mid-May 2015 presbyteries are reporting to my office that they have 288 persons who are "under care" and "certified ready to be examined for ordination, pending a call." At that same time Church Leadership Connection (CLC) reports 246 Personal Information Forms (PIF) in the system for candidates/first call seekers actively seeking positions, and an additional 36 PIFs for candidates/first call seekers who are not actively seeking. Adding the two categories of CLC numbers gives a total very close to what is reported by the presbyteries, so together they probably give a fairly accurate representation of the current situation.

Now, as to how long those persons have been looking for that first call, of the 288 persons reported to my office as "under care" and "certified ready," there are 92 whose date of certification was less than year ago (May 15, 2014). There are 81 whose certification was more than three years ago (May 15, 2012), and for 43 of those it was more than five years (May 15, 2010). It is probable, however, that some of these people—especially at the higher end—have either stopped looking (withdrawn from the process or, like the 36 in the CLC system, simply are not actively searching) or found calls and the presbytery has yet to update their profile. For example, while presbyteries reported 292 ordinations in 2014 to the OGA Records Manager, presbyteries have only reported ordination dates in 2014 for 166 candidates on their online rolls. Nevertheless, taking the numbers we have, for every 10 candidates currently looking for a call . . .

3 of them have been searching for less than a year,

4 for between one and three years,

and 3 for more than three years.

There is another way, however, of looking at this issue: For those who have found calls, how long did it take? Since presbyteries began reporting "certification of readiness" dates online in January 2014, there have been 151 persons for whom both ordination and certification dates were provided. There were actually 203 persons with ordinations reported to my office during this period, but presbyteries did not provide the date(s) for some. Nevertheless, that 151 total for whom we have both ordination and certification dates is a sufficiently random and high enough proportion that it likely is close to the overall pattern.

For those 151 persons, the time elapsed between certification to ordination ranges from less than a month to 13 years and 8 months. With a sample that small and a range that wide averages are meaningless. The mean, somewhat more useful, was 11 months. Most useful is actually how many were reported as falling within certain ranges:

29% were ordained within 6 months of certification

30% were ordained between 7 and 12 months of certification, so about 3 out of 5 (59%) were ordained within 1 year of certification

25% were ordained between 1-2 years, so in aggregate more than 4 out of 5 (84%) were ordained within less than 2 years

11% were ordained between 2-4 years of certification, bringing the aggregate to 95% within less than 4 years

5% were ordained more than 4 years after certification

All these figures underscore the importance of inquirers and candidates keeping their progress in the preparation process with their presbyteries on track with their educational progress in seminary if they are going to be in a position to receive a call at or near the time of graduation.

 New Formats for BCE Questions2015-04-28T15:30:20-04:00Tim Cargal/blogs/prep4min/2015/4/28/new-formats-bce-questions/http://www.pcusa.org/blogs/prep4min/2015/4/28/new-formats-bce-questions/
April 28, 2015

My two previous posts have reviewed changes coming to the Polity, Theology, and Worship exams in response to referrals from the last General Assembly (2014). In this post I will go over changes approved by the Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCC) related to the Bible Content Examination (BCE). These changes will take affect beginning with its next administration on September 4, 2015.

The BCE differs from the other standard ordination exams in almost every way. The senior exams in the areas of Bible Exegesis, Church Polity, Theological Competence, and Worship and Sacraments are designed to be taken toward the end of seminary as assessments of an ability to integrate what has been learned through graduate theological education with the practice of ministry. The BCE is designed to be taken early in seminary to assess whether one has the basic familiarity with scripture required for success in both theological studies and ministry, and to guide as necessary course selections in biblical studies while in seminary. The senior exams use extended written responses to ministry case studies as the means of assessment, while the BCE uses short, objective questions about the stories and themes of the Bible.

For many years now the BCE has utilized the "multiple-choice" question format exclusively. That, however, has not always been the case. In the past the exam has also included so-called "matching" or "ordering" questions that also are objective in nature and capable of "machine grading." The PCC has made the decision to re-introduce those question formats to the BCE. Let me provide an example of each type of question and how it would work in the online testing system.

A "matching" question requires pairing listed items in a left-side column with their corresponding partners in terms of the question posed listed in a right-side column. In the example provided here, persons named in the Bible are listed in the left-column and are to be matched with the biblical book in the right-column where the primary story about the person is to be found. The pairings are entered in the testing system by first clicking the box next to the person's name (thus assigning it a number) and then clicking the box next to the corresponding book, so that the same number appears next to each partner in the pairing. Or, the person may first click the box on the right for the book and then the box on the left for the name. The pairings can also be made in any order, not just by working straight down either the left side or the right. The key is that each pair is "matched" by having the same assigned number.

In an "ordering" question there will be a single column of items, and the question will prescribe how they should be arranged in terms of their relationships to one another. In the example here, the sequencing of the items is to be the order in which the books occur in the biblical canon. Other possible sequences might include such things as narrative order ("place the following stories from the Gospel of John in the order in which they appear in that book") or chronology ("place the following kings of Judah in their proper chronological order as recounted in 1 Kings"). In keeping with the parameters of the BCE, any chronological ordering question would utilize chronologies within biblical books themselves and not historical reconstructions by scholars. The ordering is entered into the testing system by clicking the boxes next to each item in the list in the proper order, or by clicking the box next to the item until the appropriate number for its place in the sequence is displayed.

Although each "matching" or "ordering" set will appear in the testing system as a single question, it will be scored as if each element in the list were a separate question. So in the previous example, correctly identifying Genesis as the first book in the canon would earn one point, and identifying Exodus as the second would earn a second point. This scoring is used because the information provided in responding to one element in a "matching" or "ordering" set is equivalent to correctly identifying one alternative among the "multiple choice" options in a question. Since there can be a potential penalty in these forms of questions—associating Rahab with Judges in the example above assures that you must also have misidentified one other pair in the set—the PCC has set a limit of no more than 15 "questions"/points in the "matching" and "ordering" formats within each exam (thus, no more than three sets of five elements each).

So, why is the PCC making this change to the BCE? One reason is obviously the efficiency of developing and translating one set of "matching" or "ordering" elements as compared to what is involved in developing and translating five multiple choice questions. For example, using only the "multiple choice" format requires developing five separate questions to assess whether an inquirer can identify key thematic verses within five particular prophetic books; the same assessment can be accomplished with a single five-element set of matching. Having additional question formats also introduces some variety into the test.

More importantly, however, this variety and efficiency will hopefully help the PCC more quickly achieve its goal of developing a large database of questions that are not publically available and have known relative difficulties established through use in the BCE. With a sufficiently large and diverse pool of questions, it may eventually be possible to make the BCE available for administration more frequently than twice a year.


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Plus, get a copy of Tony's Pick Things Up, a quick-tip guide to everything deadlift-related. See his butt? Yeah. It's good. You should probably listen to him if you have any hope of getting a butt that good.I don't share email information. Ever. Because I'm not a dick.
Whenever I get the chance to listen to other coaches speak or to watch them in action, I'm always locked in. I sit with bated breath and intense concentration as I listen to him or her's train of thought on everything… …in addition to listening to how they cue certain exercises and coach up their… Read moreRead this post
I've been a little lackadaisical with updating the blog this week, which I apologize for. I've only put up three posts instead of my usual 4-5. Such a slacker. Not to be all cryptic or anything, but I do have some big news to report that I'll be sharing in more detail sometime next week…. Read moreRead this post
My wife, Lisa, is taking the reigns today. She's teaming with Artemis Scantalides for the I Am Not Afraid To Lift workshop at Iron Body Studios this November, and will speak to more of the psychological barriers that exist which often stagnate people's progress in the gym. We're often our own worst enemy, and our inner… Read moreRead this post
As most who read this site know I spent this past weekend in St. Louis with Dean Somerset teaching our Complete Shoulder & Hip Workshop to a group of 25 personal trainers, coaches, and PTs at Blue Ocean Fitness located just outside of the city itself, in Chesterfield (if you're in the area, give John Farkas a… Read moreRead this post
Tony Gentilcore is one of the co-founders of Cressey Sports Performance, which really should have been called "Cressilcore Sports Performance" because that sounds like an awesome castle where a wizard lives (and plays sports).
When he's not picking things up and putting them down, he trains top-level athletes, contributes to the top fitness magazines and websites around, and sets up a camera in his garage to record his lightsaber skills.
He lives in Boston. With Lisa.