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Traditionally in acute stroke clinical trials, the primary clinical outcome employed is a dichotomized modified Rankin Scale (mRS). New statistical methods, such as responder analysis, are being used in stroke studies to address the concern that baseline prognostic variables, such as stroke severity, impact the likelihood of a successful outcome. Responder analysis allows the definition of success to vary according to baseline prognostic variables, producing a more clinically relevant insight into the actual effect of investigational treatments. It is unclear whether or not statistical analyses should adjust for prognostic variables when responder analysis is used, as the outcome already takes these prognostic variables into account. This research aims to investigate the effect of covariate adjustment in the responder analysis framework in order to determine the appropriate analytic method.
Using a current stroke clinical trial and its pilot studies to guide simulation parameters, 1,000 clinical trials were simulated at varying sample sizes under several treatment effects to assess power and type I error. Covariate-adjusted and unadjusted logistic regressions were used to estimate the treatment effect under each scenario. In the case of covariate-adjusted logistic regression, the trichotomized National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used in adjustment.
Under various treatment effect settings, the operating characteristics of the unadjusted and adjusted analyses do not substantially differ. Power and type I error are preserved for both the unadjusted and adjusted analyses.
Our results suggest that, under the given treatment effect scenarios, the decision whether or not to adjust for baseline severity when using a responder analysis outcome should be guided by the needs of the study, as type I error rates and power do not appear to vary largely between the methods. These findings are applicable to stroke trials which use the mRS for the primary outcome, but also provide a broader insight into the analysis of binary outcomes that are defined based on baseline prognostic variables.
Trial registration
This research is part of the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) trial, Identification Number NCT01369069.
Keywords:Responder analysis; Sliding dichotomy; Clinical trials; Acute stroke; Modified rankin scale; Baseline severity
Stroke is a potentially debilitating medical event that affects approximately 800,000 people in the United States each year, leaving as many as 30% of survivors permanently disabled [1]. Given this impact, there is great demand for treatments that significantly improve functional outcome following a stroke. To date, few clinical trials for the treatment of acute stroke have succeeded; of over 125 acute stroke clinical trials, only three successful treatment methods have been identified [2,3].
One of the possible reasons for the excessive number of neutral or unsuccessful stroke trials is the definition of successful outcome utilized in the studies [4]. In clinical trials, stroke outcome is most commonly measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of global disability at 90 days. The mRS is a valid and reliable measure of functional outcome following a stroke [5]. Past trials have dichotomized mRS scores into "success" and "failure", scores of 0 to 1 (or 0 to 2) were considered to be "successes" while scores greater than 1 (or 2) were considered to be "failures," regardless of baseline stroke severity [6-9]. This method fails to take into account the understanding that baseline severity is highly correlated with outcome. New methods, such as the global statistic, shift analysis, permutation testing and responder analysis, are evolving to make better use of the outcome data with the hopes of providing higher sensitivity to detect true treatment effects [2,4,6,9-17].
Responder analysis, also known as the sliding dichotomy, dichotomizes ordinal outcomes into "success" and "failure," but addresses the drawbacks of traditional dichotomization by allowing the definition of success to vary by baseline prognostic variables. Various trials have implemented the responder analysis where baseline severity is defined by one or many baseline prognostic factors [18-20]. Those study subjects in a less severe prognosis group at baseline must achieve a better outcome to be considered a trial "success," whereas a less stringent criterion for success is applied to subjects in a more severe baseline prognosis category. The currently enrolling Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) trial employs responder analysis for its primary efficacy outcome [18].
The SHINE trial is a large, multicenter, randomized clinical trial designed to determine the efficacy and safety of targeted glucose control in hyperglycemic acute ischemic stroke patients. While the methodological details of the SHINE trial are discussed elsewhere [18], it should be noted that the primary outcome for efficacy is the baseline severity adjusted 90-day mRS score dichotomized as "success" or "failure" according to a sliding dichotomy. Eligibility criteria for SHINE require that a subject's baseline NIHSS score must be between 3 and 22, inclusively. Those with a "mild" prognosis, defined by a baseline NIHSS score of 3 to 7, must achieve a 90-day mRS of 0 to be classified as a "success." Those with a "moderate" prognosis, defined by a baseline NIHSS score of 8 to 14, must achieve a 90-day mRS of 0 to 1 to be classified as a "success." Finally, those subjects with a "severe" prognosis, defined by a baseline NIHSS score of 15 to 22, must achieve a 90-day mRS of 0 to 2 to be classified as a "success." By using responder analysis with a trichotomized NIHSS, the threshold for success is stringent for the milder strokes, while the moderate to severe strokes are allowed to have more residual deficits in the threshold for success.
One of the questions that arose from the trial's Data and Safety Monitoring Board was that of covariate adjustment. Statistical analyses often adjust for prognostic factors, or covariates, that may be predictive of the primary outcome, such as baseline severity [21,22]; however, in the case of SHINE, this prognostic variable is also used to define the outcome. While the literature provides many resources on the design and implementation of responder analysis, as well as examples of trials which used responder analysis, there are no clear resources discussing whether or not statistical analyses should be adjusted for the prognostic variables used to define successful outcome.
This research aims to investigate the effect of covariate adjustment in the responder analysis framework, particularly when the covariate is involved in the definition of successful outcome. The cut-points for the SHINE trial are clinically, rather than statistically, defined and so it is conceivable that adjustment for baseline severity in the statistical analysis may account for additional variation and increase the power to detect a true treatment effect. A simulation study is conducted to assess the operating characteristics (power and type I error) of categorically-adjusted and unadjusted analyses under several possible treatment effect scenarios. In addition, treatment effect estimates and their standard errors are examined across the various scenarios. Since the primary outcome for the SHINE trial is binary, we expect to see an increase of standard error on the treatment effect estimates, consistent with the findings of Robinson and Jewell [23]. However, also consistent with Robinson and Jewell, we expect to see this increase in standard error to be balanced by a movement of the treatment effect estimate away from the null hypothesis.
By examining the effect of covariate adjustment in responder analysis, we aim to define the most appropriate statistical approach to identify true treatment effects. Our findings are not only applicable to the SHINE and other stroke trials which use the mRS for the primary outcome, but also provide insight into the appropriate use of categorical baseline prognostic variables in other trials which use an ordinal scale as a primary outcome measure.
Simulation studies were performed to examine the performance of logistic regression models that were unadjusted and adjusted by a trichotomized baseline severity category. Baseline severity category and criteria for successful outcome were defined as in the SHINE trial described above, and are summarized in Table 1. The type I error rate and power were calculated and compared for each method, as were the treatment effect estimates and their standard errors.
Table 1. Sliding dichotomy criteria for successful outcome in SHINE trial
The simulation parameters were guided by the SHINE trial design. A total of 1,000 clinical trials were simulated at sample sizes ranging from 498 to 1,958. This sample size range allowed us to cover the planned SHINE sample size of 1,400 while also examining model behavior at smaller and larger sample sizes. A 1:1 randomization scheme was assumed for the purposes of this investigation. All analyses were performed using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).
The prevalence of each baseline severity category was guided by data from two prior pilot trials of hyperglycemia management in acute stroke, the Glucose Regulation in Acute Stroke Patients (GRASP) [24] and Treatment of Hyperglycemia in Ischemic Stroke (THIS) [25] pilot trials. In the simulations, 42% of subjects were classified as "mild" at baseline, 32% classified as "moderate", and the remaining 26% classified as "severe". This distribution of prognosis categories was imposed using a uniform (0, 1) random variable. In order to simulate 90-day mRS scores for the control group, we examined the distribution of 90-day mRS scores for the control groups in the GRASP and THIS pilot trials. Though the simulation of 90-day mRS scores was primarily driven by the results of the GRASP and THIS pilot trials, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke tissue Plasminogen Activator (NINDS tPA) trial control data [26] were used to aid in the approximation of mRS outcome distributions within each of the baseline severity strata. The NINDS tPA control data helped smooth the distribution of mRS scores, as the GRASP and THIS pilot trials each had small sample sizes that resulted in several empty cells after baseline severity stratification. The exact control group distribution of 90-day mRS scores used in the simulation study is shown in Additional file 1: Table S1.
Additional file 1: Table S1. Distribution of 90-day mRS scores.
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Type I error rates for each method of analysis were obtained by using the same proportion of success for both the control and intervention groups, simulating the null hypothesis of "no treatment effect". In order to assess the power of each method, a treatment effect was simulated in the data by altering the success prevalence for the intervention group. A 7% treatment effect was used, as this was the minimal clinically relevant absolute difference in favorable outcome between the two treatment groups in the SHINE study plan. For these analyses, power was examined under several scenarios as illustrated in Table 2: (1) a "flat" scenario, in which the 7% treatment effect was held constant over the three baseline severity strata; (2) a "varying" scenario, in which the overall treatment effect is still 7%, but the magnitude within strata is varied, where the mild and moderate groups see the most benefit; (3) another "varying" scenario, in which the severe group sees the most benefit; (4) a "mild harm" scenario, where the mild group sees a harmful treatment effect; and (5) a "severe harm" scenario, in which the severe group sees a harmful treatment effect.
Table 2. Success prevalence for simulated treatment effect scenarios
In the first varying scenario, we applied an 8.6% treatment effect in the mild category, a 9% treatment effect in the moderate category and a 2% treatment effect in the severe category; that is, there was an 8.6% increase in prevalence of the 0 mRS for the mild stratum, a 9% increase in the prevalence of the 0 to 1 range of mRS scores for the moderate stratum, and a 2% increase in the prevalence of the 0 to 2 range of mRS scores for the severe stratum. This scenario is relevant to the SHINE trial; it is similar to what we may observe if the investigational treatment is largely beneficial to mild and moderate stroke victims, but only marginally beneficial to victims of severe stroke. The second varying treatment effect scenario applies an opposite effect in which the intensive glucose control intervention is largely beneficial to more severe strokes, but only slightly beneficial to those subjects having mild strokes. Additional file 1: Table S1 shows the exact distribution of 90-day mRS scores for the treatment groups under each of these treatment effect scenarios. These distributions were used to randomly assign 90-day mRS scores to each simulated subject in each simulated trial, with the proportions of success following the scenarios in Table 2. Given a subject's simulated baseline severity stratum (mild, moderate or severe), an assignment of "success" or "failure" was made according to the sliding dichotomy definitions.
Logistic regression was used to investigate each of these scenarios. The unadjusted case models "success" as a function only of treatment group, while the categorically-adjusted case models "success" as a function of treatment group and severity category. Severity was defined as "mild," "moderate" or "severe" based on the NIHSS prognosis group discussed in the introduction. Power and type I error rate were based on the proportion of simulated trials at a given sample size which rejected the null hypothesis at a nominal level of 0.05. The treatment effect and its standard error were estimated for each trial.
The type I error rate at each sample size for each analysis method is plotted in Figure 1. The nominal 5% reference line is shown, along with the upper and lower 95% confidence limits on this nominal level of significance. The confidence limits were calculated using the formula for binomial proportion 95% confidence intervals. The confidence limits remain the same at each sample size, as they are based on the number of trials at each sample size (1,000) rather than the sample size itself. The type I error rates for both the unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods are within the 95% confidence limits for all the sample sizes, hovering close to the nominal 5% level.
Figure 1. Significance levels of unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods.
The first investigation of power was under a "flat" treatment effect of 7% where the success rates in the control group were 25%, 35% and 15% in the mild, moderate and severe prognosis groups, respectively. The power estimates for this "flat" treatment effect scenario are plotted in Figure 2. The unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods do not significantly differ, with the categorically-adjusted method having slightly greater power for most of the sample sizes. As planned by the SHINE study investigators, the 80% power threshold is crossed between 650 and 700 subjects per arm (1,300 to 1,400 subjects total).
Figure 2. Power of unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods under a flat 7% treatment effect.
The next two scenarios varied the treatment effects across the mild, moderate and severe baseline categories as 8.6%, 9% and 2%, respectively and 2%, 9% and 12.6%, respectively. The power results for these two scenarios are shown in Figure 3. As in the flat treatment effect scenario, there is no drastic difference in the unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods with respect to power in these varying treatment effect scenarios.
Figure 3. Power of unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods under the first and second varying 7% treatment effects.
As previously mentioned, it is conceivable that one of the prognosis groups may experience a slightly harmful treatment effect. When 2% harm is experienced in either the mild or the severe baseline prognosis category, the unadjusted and adjusted analyses still appear to have a similar performance, as shown in Figure 4. In the mild harm scenario, the unadjusted and adjusted power curves are still nearly stacked upon one another, with the power curve for the adjusted analysis pulling slightly above that of the unadjusted analysis at a few points. A more noticeable difference can be seen in the severe harm scenario, where the adjusted analysis consistently has a slightly, though not dramatically, higher power than that of the unadjusted analysis.
Figure 4. Power of unadjusted and categorically-adjusted methods under mild and severe harm effects.
In addition to the plots in Figures 2, 3 and 4, we also observed the treatment coefficient estimates and their standard errors for the adjusted and unadjusted models under the various treatment effect scenarios at selected sample sizes. The sample sizes of 498, 722, 946, 1,170 and 1,394 were chosen because they are the closest sample sizes to those at which the planned interim and final analyses will take place for SHINE. In addition to model estimates, the true treatment effect coefficient was calculated by pooling the nominal log-odds ratios for each prognosis group. To visualize the bias of the estimate of each treatment effect parameter and their standard errors, the simulation mean squared error (MSE) was plotted against the squared bias in Figure 5. The MSE quantifies the accuracy and precision of an estimate in terms of both the bias (the difference between the true and estimated treatment effect) and the variance of the estimate. By plotting the MSE against the squared bias, we can illustrate the adequacy of the estimator. In Figure 5, the squared bias is depicted on the x-axis and the MSE on the y-axis. While the bias decreases with increasing sample size, the adjusted estimates of the treatment effect parameter are consistently less biased than the unadjusted estimates. For smaller sample sizes, the MSEs for the adjusted analyses are negligibly larger than those for the unadjusted analyses. The treatment coefficients and standard errors are provided in Additional file 2: Table S2.
Figure 5. Mean squared error versus squared bias at selected sample sizes.
Additional file 2: Table S2. Treatment coefficient estimates and their standard errors for unadjusted and adjusted methods under different treatment effect scenarios.
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Successful stroke treatments are desperately needed given stroke's large and detrimental effect on the worldwide population. Consequently, statistical methods that offer high power to detect a true treatment effect are also needed. With this simulation study, we sought to determine whether adjustment for baseline severity within the responder analysis setting would be beneficial or harmful in terms of power and type I error rates when compared to an unadjusted analysis.
The type I error rates did not differ substantially between the two methods. The experimental type I error rates for both of the methods stayed within the 95% confidence bounds. This is a welcomed result, as a test that is either too liberal or too conservative, (rejects the null hypothesis either more or less than the nominal level, respectively), has implications on the power of the test. The oscillation around the nominal 5% level of significance is likely due to chance, and is to be expected in simulated data. Since neither method shows consistently larger type I error rates than the other, we can conclude that there is no meaningful difference between the two methods with respect to type I error.
The power appears to be approximately the same or slightly higher for the adjusted analyses in the selected scenarios. In the cases where the power is slightly higher, the magnitude is not remarkable and offers little evidence to suggest that adjusting by the single covariate leads to significantly more power. Although the simulation study presented is not exhaustive and, therefore, does not provide additional insight regarding this, the literature by Choi and Hernández suggest that an increase in power could occur as other important prognostic variables are added to the model [27,28]. It is reassuring, however, that neither method appears to be detrimental to power under the given scenarios.
In terms of bias, the unadjusted analyses consistently underestimate the nominal treatment effect, while the adjusted analyses tend to be less biased, but often slightly overestimate the nominal treatment effect. Given the magnitude of the coefficient estimates and their standard errors, neither of these bias tendencies is substantial. In terms of MSE, the two methods do not differ greatly as the sample size increases. At the smaller sample sizes, the adjusted analyses have larger MSE values due to increased standard error; however, as the sample size increases, the MSE values for the two methods converge.
Though negligible differences were identified between the adjusted and unadjusted models, researchers should keep the randomization scheme of the study in mind when deciding whether or not to adjust for baseline severity. In general, it is advisable to "analyze as you randomize," meaning that any variable used as a stratification variable during randomization should be included as a covariate in the analysis in order to preserve nominal type I error rates and power [22,29]. Baseline severity is often used as a stratification variable in the randomization of acute stroke clinical trials, and should be included as a covariate in these cases.
It is important to note that these analyses adjust categorically for baseline severity. The categories - mild, moderate and severe - are defined by the NIHSS score, which is a larger scale ranging from 0 to 42 (limited to 3 through 22 in SHINE's inclusion criteria). A one-unit change in the NIHSS cannot easily be interpreted, as this change may have different meanings depending on the combination of neurological impairments and location along the scale. Despite this issue, the NIHSS is sometimes used as a continuous measure in the literature [30,31]. This is not necessarily straightforward and should be done with caution. It is possible that adjusting by the actual NIHSS score will provide additional information to the model and increase or maintain power in some treatment effect scenario(s). However, due to uncertainties in the clinical interpretation of a continuous NIHSS variable, adjustment by actual NIHSS score has been left as a topic for future research.
Adjustment for other baseline prognostic variables may also impact study power under the given scenarios. The inclusion of additional covariates that were not used in defining the primary outcome has not been examined in these scenarios, as it is outside the primary focus of this research. It is conceivable that the addition of multiple covariates could reduce overall power due to the increasing standard error on the treatment effect estimate, as studied by Robinson and Jewell [23] and discussed in the Background section of this paper.
Our results show negligible differences between analysis methods in the responder analysis setting, suggesting that in most treatment effect scenarios, adjustment for baseline severity in the primary analyses may best be guided by individual study needs rather than a blanket guideline for all studies. Though we have not shown the results here, we did examine other treatment effect scenarios which yield similar results. These scenarios included a flat and varying 15% treatment effect (instead of the 7% specified in the SHINE study plan), as well as a scenario in which the mild group experienced 5% harm.
Overall, these results shed light on the important concept of adjustment in the context of responder analysis. Though this study only examined a single severity scale, its findings are not restricted to use in stroke studies; they can provide insight into the treatment of categorical baseline prognostic covariates in other studies which use responder analysis to define their primary outcome of interest.
GRASP: Glucose Regulation in Acute Stroke Patients; mRS: modified Rankin Scale; MSE: mean square error; NIHSS: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale; NINDS tPA: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke tissue Plasminogen Activator; SHINE trial: Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort trial; THIS: Treatment of Hyperglycemia in Ischemic Stroke.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
KG carried out the simulation programming and interpretation, manuscript drafting and finalization. SY helped conceive the study concept, assisted in simulation programming and interpretation, and aided in manuscript drafting and finalization. VR helped conceive the study concept, aided in statistical interpretation, as well as manuscript drafting and finalization. KJ and EJ assisted with study concept, design, clinical interpretation, manuscript drafting and finalization. VD helped conceive the study concept, aided in design, analysis and interpretation, as well as manuscript drafting and finalization. VD provided overall supervision as the primary mentor of the first author. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Authors' information
KG recently completed her master's degree in biostatistics from the Medical University of South Carolina. This manuscript is a result of her master's thesis and her work as a graduate student on the SHINE grant. The other authors were her committee members and VD was her primary mentor.
This work was funded by both the SHINE trial NIH/NINDS grant 1U01-NS069498 and the Neurological Emergencies Treatment Trial (NETT) Statistical and Data Management Center NIH/NINDS grant U01-NS059041.
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Unit available until Christmas 2015
One bedroom bach, fully furnished with ocean views. One back from the beach with easy beach access - less than a minutes walk. Walking distance to shopping mall. Large covered deck with outdoor furniture and BBQ. This is a bach - no TV or Wifi
A brand new studio apartment in the country with amazing rural views, in Ohauiti, just 15 min from town. Wake up to the sound of native New Zealand birds and enjoy breakfast in bed or on the deck. Read, relax and explore all that Tauranga has to offer.
Just 10 minutes from the shops but a world away from the stress of city life. With breathtaking views and extensive lawns, you may choose to just relax and read or to go out and explore the many attractions Tauranga has on offer. Tauranga is a wonderful location for people who enjoy sport, recreation and the natural beauty of this amazing place. You are never far from the sea, so if you are keen on swimming, kayaking, surfing, running, walking or photography, it's a great place for a holid...
Welcome to our beautiful and comfortable Home by the Sea. You will find two wonderful hosts waiting to greet you and show you to your comfortable and large room, and provide you with the most enjoyable stay in our beautiful country. Minutes from city
Please note this is not a villa as described by Airbnb, it is two rooms within our private residence. We live on a private road, the larger room has its own private deck and all rooms overlook the sea. We are animal lovers and our house is unique, as we designed it ourselves. There are private gardens and bush, with a lot of native bird life. We have 2 guest rooms available, one has a private deck and both have queen size beds. We can fit 2 guests in each room and 1 separate bathroom for b...
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Our two bedroom apartment is in the perfect position in popular Mount Maunganui, situated directly across from the base of the Mount and the hot pools, and 2 minutes stroll to both Pilot Bay and the main beach. Perfect for a beach holiday, or a mid winter escape.
Our two bedroom apartment is in the perfect position in popular Mount Maunganui, situated directly across from the base of the Mount and the hot pools, and 2 minutes stroll to both Pilot Bay and the main beach. Perfect for a beach holiday, or a mid winter escape. The apartment is well thought out, with 2 large bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and living area with an attached balcony looking over Adams Avenue. One bedroom has a queen bed, and the other 2 large single beds. The is a secure u...
My home is a 3 bedroom brick house in a quiet, safe street. It is handy to bus routes and close to the city. Two bedrooms available for Airbnb. Continental breakfast available - homemade produce (muesli/fresh fruit/jams) yogurt/toast, juices, cafe style latte / cappuccino coffee.
Comfortable, clean and quiet. Two bedrooms each with a queen size bed - each room rented out separately. Bathroom / lounge. Use of kitchen available. Tea / coffee complimentary. Check in time 3.30pm - negotiable Check in time on Thursdays is 5pm - negotiable Check out time 10am - negotiable You are welcome to all parts of my home except my personal bedroom. Bedroom Bathroom Lounge Kitchen / Dining Sun deck I will interact as much as the guest wants - respecting privacy if ...
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A fabulous location, only minutes to Bethlehem shopping center and a short drive to town on the expressway. You will have everything you may need for a comfortable stay in our modern and clean and tidy apartment.Quiet and with a separate access.
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Our one bedroom sleepout is self contained. It is a 5 min. walk to amazing beach, shops/cafes/restaurants. 5 min. drive to Mount Maunganui township, walks, golf, shopping mall, Tauranga airport and CBD. An hour drive to Rotorua. Bus stop across road.
Proximity to beach, shops, supermarket, cafes, restaurants - walking distance. 5-10 min drive to downtown Mount, airport, Tauranga CBD. Medical centre is around the corner, main hospital is in Tauranga Optional extras are: We may wash clothes and cook some evening meals if you are staying up to a week, (an additional fee may incur) We love to meet new people, so, with respecting both our and your privacy, we may chat over a cuppa or a meal. We live in the cottage next door so will be arou...
Our home is on a large elevated property on the inner city harbour with our own access to the water and boat shed where there are kayaks for use. The apartment is on the top floor of a three level home with stunning 180 degree views of the harbour.
We are situated in the heart of Tauranga, in one of Tauranga's prime real estate areas 5 minutes walk to the Tauranga city centre of shops and cafes, and spectacular waterfront views - perfect for business or leisure. Your access to the apartment is separate with parking in your own double garage. I am available should you require information on area attractions, transport, dining options. Supermarkets are only 5 minutes away, however there are many lovely cafes to dine in. We are 15 m...
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•Quiet location 3kms from City Centre & 11kms to Mt Maunganui •Modern home fully insulated & ultra-fast broadband •Spacious single room with Ultra fast wireless broadband •Strictly one adult only Continental breakfast available NZ$10 per day
New bathroom (with showerdome) and seperate WC adjacent to room Off street parking available, Formal lounge with Sky TV and courtyard Extras: Continental breakfast $10pp Shuttle to Airport & Cruise ships if required at cost The Avenues is a quiet sought after location as is central to City Centre, restaurants, supermarkets etc. Bus Stop only 250m away to City, Mt Maunganui & Papamoa Enjoy walk to Harbour Estuary esplanade nearby 1km to Fraser Cove shopping centre & 64kms to Rotorua ( ...
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Enjoy a holiday in Mount Maunganui in a quiet sunny room with Queen bed, separate bathroom and toilet. Bayfair Shopping Centre, Baywave Complex, Baypark Raceway and ASB Stadium are a short distance away.
The room comfortably fits two people. We also have another room with two king single beds. Please ask if you would prefer this room. The bathroom and toilet are separate but are for your own use. There is a hairdryer available in the bathroom. Shared family lounge with TV. Wifi is available. Plenty of off street parking available. There is a sunny patio area available to sit and have breakfast. Bus stops are at either end of the street and it is a short drive to downtown Mount Ma...
This is a lovely 2 bedroom home, with great indoor outdoor flow, bbq available for use. Beach is 2 minutes walk. Room is suitable for 1 or 2 people. Continental breakfast is included.
Large bedroom with queen size bed. You will share the house with me. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world. I am relaxed and friendly and happy to help with questions about the area. Happy to help in anyway I can. One street back from the beach. Bus stop 5 minutes walk away and off street parking is available. Close to Bayfair shopping mall, Baywave, ASB Stadium.
Ocean Beach, Pilot Bay, Mount main street shops, cinema, bars and restaurants all 3 minutes walk. Completely self contained and looks out to a quiet park. Queen bed and fold out sofa bed. Handy to golf course, hot pools, walks and fishing.
This is a studio apartment with its own secure access. Owners live in apartment above. Shared outdoor clothesline. Kitchen is fully equipped: has 2-burner gas hob, electric frypan, fridge/freezer, microwave; no oven Linen & towels supplied Owners live on site & happy to offer assistance as required. Privacy respected. The apartment is the lower part of our home and therefore you will hear some everyday living sounds from upstairs
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Resolution being submitted to reflect opposition.
From corner to corner, 46 percent of Macon County is covered by the Nantahala National Forest. With nearly half of the county being national forest land, how that land can be utilized is closely restricted by the United States Department of Agriculture and the department is currently revising a plan to further restrict access to national forest (NF) land.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is currently in the process of revising the 1987 Land and Resource Management Plan under which the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are managed. The revision highlights several changes on utilization of the NF lands including the additional designation of wilderness areas within the forests.
By classifying portions of the forest as wilderness areas or scenery, timber management is prohibited, which can be devastating to the local economy.
The plan identifies two areas of Macon County, both larger than 5,000 acres, subject to change under the revision. These two areas include NF land on the backside of the ridge above Nantahala Lake from Tellico Gap to Burningtown Gap and Burningtown Gap South toward Wayah Gap.
"I believe the plan is strongly biased toward mature forest and scenery with little consideration for wildlife or timber cutting jobs," said local resident Tim Gray during July's meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting. "It is well recognized among the wildlife agency and wildlife conservation organizations that the regrowth of timber cut areas are the most productive for wildlife maintenance. This is a rare situation where utilization of the forest industry and wildlife both benefit from the efforts of timber cutting."
Gray came with support from Macon County's representative in the United States Congress, Congressman Mark Meadows.
"As the U.S. Forest Service works to complete its revision of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest plans, I strongly urge you to consider the vital role that timber cutting, active forest management and hunting and fishing activities play in maintaining healthy forest and strong local economies," reads a letter from Meadows.
Meadows cited the importance of the NF lands to the local economy. "The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are an important part of Western North Carolina's heritage and key drivers of economic growth in the region," said Meadows in his letter. "With that in mind, I respectfully urge you to consider a balanced land management plan that incorporates the needs of all relevant stakeholders, inducing the timber industry and hunting and fishing groups."
Gray informed commissioners that by designating additional wilderness areas in Macon County, jobs associated with the timber industry and the production of goods resulting from timber management stand to suffer. In addition to employment levels, Gray explained that wildlife tends to flourish better in new growth areas of the forests rather than old growth. So forest land that has been cut as part of the timber management plan sees a greater ecosystem of natural wildlife. By designating additional areas as wilderness areas, the total wilderness consideration in the Nantahala National Forest will reach 70 percent and could stand to potentially harm local wildlife.
Meadows explained that the NPNF plan for timber management in available areas has significant been ignored in provisos years. Out of the 20 percent of land identified as being eligible for timber management and harvesting, only 1 percent has been reached in the last 10 years. "Less timber cutting not only means fewer jobs, it also means fewer new growth areas, which are key to a robust wildlife and forest development," reads Congressman Meadows letter.
With Gov. Pat McCrory's recent signature on a new law that will allow fracking in North Carolina, County Manager Derek Roland and the board of commissioners wanted to ensure the resolution and the revisions are separate considerations aside from any issue dealing with fracking. "I have been in contact with the NCACC [North Carolina Association of County Commissioners] to see if this resolution in any way relates to 'fracking,' said Roland. " After my first conversation with NCACC representatives, they are under the impression that the two are unrelated."
With confidence that the resolution was unrelated to the issue, the Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass the resolution and send it to lawmakers to show Macon County's opposition of the additional designation of wilderness areas in the Nantahala National Forest.
On behalf of the county, Gray took the resolution to a meeting that was held in Asheville last Thursday designed to offer information and to give the public an opportunity to share thoughts and concerns on the issue. Additional meetings are planned throughout the year.


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Thoughts on Shatner
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December 3 2012, 11:22 PM
A beaker full of death
Vice Admiral
Re: Thoughts on Shatner
Melakon wrote:
Hells, embedding not allowed. But you can find it at YouTube by searching for Project Strigas Affair. There's at least a second scene with both but don't think it's at YT.
You can also press the YouTube icon above.
Nimoy has a significant role in the full episode. That's Werner Klemperer (future Colonel Klink of Hogan's Heroes) as his boss.
I have another clip from that show here:
"shall not be infringed" is naturally open to infringements of all kinds, because shut up and think of the children.
A beaker full of death
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Send a private message to A beaker full of death
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The likes of HBO, RockstarGames, Dell, and Siemens have purchased the ads.
Auto brands, restaurants, and even financial services firms have dabbled with Twitter's Promoted Trends, but tech and entertainment brands are embracing the platform. Since February, brands including HBO, RockstarGames, Dell, and Siemens have purchased the ads, which are displayed at the top of the trending topics list on the site.
Verizon is a repeat user in the tech category. The telecom ran a series of at least six Promoted Trends in March and April in conjunction with the NCAA Basketball championships, a.k.a. March Madness. Verizon created a Tournament of Tweets, a bracket style contest that chose winning teams based on the number of times people mentioned them on Twitter using the "messaging mania" hashtag #MM2001. The Promoted Trends series drove NCAA fans to a Tournament of Tweets page on ESPN.com.
Verizon Wireless USA also attempted to engage Twitter users for Father's Day, asking them "What's your favorite #dadism?" or dad-disseminated advice.
Meanwhile, most other tech brands like AT&T, Sprint, Microsoft, and HP - many of which pushed mobile devices and services - took a more direct approach, promoting new products and linking to those product pages on their sites.
The other advertiser vertical that appears to be especially prolific in the Promoted Trends arena is entertainment. Film and TV brands looking to build buzz for new shows and movies have flocked to the Promoted Trends format in recent months, most featuring links to sneak peeks and trailers from tweets associated with the paid trends.
In some cases, however, marketers hoped to generate excitement without click-throughs. For instance, HBO added to the hype around its "Game Of Thrones" saga by posting a snippet of a review. "Epic television...inordinately rewarding drama -@Variety #gameofthrones," stated a tweet from HBO's @GameOfThrones account.
A&E's "Breakout Kings" and TLC Network's "Sister Wives" also got the Promoted Trend treatment.
According to Twitter, the flat-fee based Promoted Trend ad unit is priced at $120,000 per day.
Promo Trends for 2K Games' "Duke Nukem Forever," "Fight Night Champion" from EA Sports, and Rockstar Games' L.A. Noire were also spotted. EA and 2K had some fun with it, interacting with gamers - and hoping to do so. Using the hashtag #TysonsBack, EA asked fans which fighter they were using while playing the #FightNightChampion game, while 2K prompted Duke Nukem players to post photos of ads for the game.
"Seen a Duke Nukem Forever ad around town? Tweet the picture to us like @BetaChris did!" noted a tweet linking to a photo.
Months before the June release of Paramount Pictures' "Super 8," marketers for the alien invasion flick linked to the film trailer in March. Then, days before the June 10 release, Paramount encouraged people to purchase tickets online for a June 9 "Tweet Movie Sneak Preview."
Even concert events Coachella and Outside Lands have used Promoted Trends. In the case of Coachella, the format was used to advertise a live webcast of the music festival, while Outside Lands, a San Francisco music fest pushed its lineup of artists.
| Select Entertainment Brands/Promoted Trends on Twitter
| HashTag/Trend Phrase
|Landing Page Description
|Warner Bros Pictures
|RT @Alyssa_Milano And the beautiful @1capplegate is wonderful and needless to say, hysterically funny. #HallPass
|No link
|Battle LA
|Shocking #BattleLosAngeles news coverage – Watch the Invasion http://bit.ly/hlqVPG This is only the beginning… #BattleLosAngeles FRIDAY.
|Link to movie trailer on YouTube.com
|The Comedy Awards
|Jon Cryer gets dirty launching his hip hop career. http://bit.ly/TCAWeb #ComedyAwards
|Link to webcast on TheComedy
|Can you handle two #HappyEndings in one night? Find out tonight with back-to-back episodes starting at 9:30|
8:30c on ABC!
|No link
|True Blood
|You know you're hooked. [LINK] #TBwithdrawal #trueblood
|Link to a Twitpic featuring poster image "We Know you're hooked," also includes #TBwithdrawal tag.
|Data compiled by ClickZ News
|Select Tech Brands/Promoted Trends on Twitter
|HashTag/Trend Phrase
|Landing Page Description
|Verizon Wireless USA
| Every second counts. So does every Tweet. Join the messaging mania now in a competition like no other. #MM2011 [LINK]
|2011 NCAA Basketball Tournament of Tweets on ESPN.go.com - encouraging people to tweet with their team's hashtag in "messaging mania"
| #IWouldTrade
|Fill in the blank: #IWouldTrade ____ for a chance to win a @NissanLEAF from @RadioShack. Get to clicking: [LINK]
|Link to RadioShack Trade & Save page: with Nissan LEAF contest offer.
| #WinaDroid4G
|Looking to #WinaDroid4G? Join the search at http://
.com for your chance. #chargelanding
| Landing page says "Scan the area on m.chargelanding.com on your smartphone, laptop or desktop. Share your findings. Return every day to check the map at chargelanding
| #GreenCity
|What's a green city to you, how is your city green, how can it be more sustainable? Use #GreenCity & share your thoughts [LINK]
|Link to sustainable cities page on Siemens USA site.
|Data compiled by ClickZ News
Kate Kaye was Managing Editor at ClickZ News until October 2012. As a daily reporter and editor for the original news source, she covered beats including digital political campaigns and government regulation of the online ad industry. Kate is the author of Campaign '08: A Turning Point for Digital Media, the only book focused on the paid digital media efforts of the 2008 presidential campaigns. Kate created ClickZ's Politics & Advocacy section, and is the primary contributor to the one-of-a-kind section. She began reporting on the interactive ad industry in 1999 and has spoken at several events and in interviews for television, radio, print, and digital media outlets. You can follow Kate on Twitter at @LowbrowKate.
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From deep in the shadows deep in the winter forest, the loud cry of a pileated woodpecker echoed through the trees.
The giant woodpecker, one of the most wary of all Wisconsin birds, hammered a tell-tale blow - three loud, hollow booms - then cried out again. From a distance, a second bird, likely the other half of the pair, cried out in response. Then silence.
These are the "ghost birds," one of Wisconsin's most mystical and revered birds. With giant crested heads in flaming scarlet, striking black-and-white plumage and a haunting, nasal cry, the pileated woodpecker is a bird of mystery to many who wander the woodlands of our state.
While not a rare bird, the pileated woodpecker is rarely seen by most casual observers. Even expert birders often are able only to catch brief, scant images of these giant, crow-sized woodpeckers in the deep woodlands they call home. In areas where they are more common, pileated woodpeckers are sometimes attracted to backyard feeders, where they present a stunning show.
Now, as March rolls in, woodpeckers of all species are in the throes of courtship. Woodpeckers drum in late winter and early spring to attract mates or strengthen pair bonds.
Wisconsin is home to many colorful woodpecker species, most of which are found in our area year-round. A few, such as the yellow-bellied sapsucker, red-headed woodpecker and northern flicker, are more migratory than others and most of these will leave our state during winter.
As I walked along the trail at Fallen Timbers Environmental Center, following the drumming of the pileated woodpecker in the distance, their loud cries periodically rose from the shadows.
Both sexes will drum to solicit mating - not just the males. Late in winter, the male will initiate drumming to establish and defend a nesting territory. A pair of pileated woodpeckers will remain on territory year-round but will begin defending it more rigorously late in winter. Intruder birds may be tolerated earlier in winter.
The courtship drumming of the pileated woodpecker is a slow, rolling drum, somewhat different than the hyper-speed drumming of Wisconsin's other, smaller woodpecker species. Both male and female participate. In addition to the drumming, the birds will also dance among the forest trees.
The beauty of the dance of the pileated woodpecker is in its sweetness and the matched movements of each of the birds. Courting pairs will bob and dance together in unison around the trunks of trees, from stumps and snags, even on the ground. Heads and necks will bob and weave, stretch and coil, sway side to side and the birds will jump, leap and burst into short, acrobatic flight, all for the sake of bonding.
Woodpeckers will also drum to summon their mate from a distance or to announce an intruder near the nest.
Pileated woodpeckers are found where large, mature trees dominate the landscape. For this reason, extensively managed young forests are generally not suitable habitat. The birds require large trees for nesting.
A century ago, pileated woodopeckers had nearly disappeared from the state, due to habitat loss and shooting. The population has been on the upswing ever since, due to habitat preservation and forest management practices. Preservation of snags and large, mature trees are essential for nesting birds.
As I followed a turn in the trail along the edge of a large maple stand, I noticed the distinct signs of foraging pileated woodpeckers - large trees stripped of bark and wood and large, three- to four-inch, rectangular holes.
Suddenly, I saw the massive shadow of one of the birds lift from the base of a stripped tree trunk, rising silently up into the bare branches to perch behind a large tree. In a split second, the striking wings in brilliant white and jet black, flashed in the winter woods, and the cry of the bird filled the clearing. My heart pounded with excitement as the sight of this ghost bird filled my senses.
Other Wisconsin woodpeckers now actively drumming include the downy woodpecker, a small, black-and-white bird that is exceptionally feeder friendly, and the hairy woodpecker, which is similar but noticeably larger than the downy.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a striking bird with a black-and-white "ladder-striped" back, tan underparts and head marked in striking scarlet.
Soon, other species such as the northern flicker, with it's tell-tale "monkey" cry, the red-headed woodpecker (black and white with a deep, ruby red head) and yellow-bellied sapsucker (black and white with a head dressed in red, white and black and distinct lemon-yellow breast) will return to our woodlands and parks.
- Robert Zimmer: 920-993-1000, ext. 7154, or firstname.lastname@example.com


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On October 1st, 2014, we published revised versions of our Terms and Conditions. Your continued use of GrabOne means you agree to this revised document, so please take a few minutes to read and understand it. Ok, got it
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links - Dublin
Enjoy a 1 (£48) or 2 (£80) Night Break for 2 at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, incl. Bottle of Prosecco, Full Irish Breakfast and Late Check Out (value up to £203)
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- You'll be in no rush to leave the 4* Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, Co. Dublin.
- Pay just £48 for an overnight stay or £80 for two nights.
- Deal includes a bottle of Prosecco on arrival and a luxuriously late check out.
- First-class golfing and other attractions on your doorstep.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and car parking.
- Easy access to Dublin city centre and airport.
- Perfect for a romantic getaway.
The frenetic pace of modern-day living means it's all too easy to forget how to trundle happily along in the slow lane. But everyone needs to leave the fast lane occasionally – and what better place to do so than a luxury 4-star hotel which combines modern elegance with 19th century grandeur, and which just so happens to overlook a stunning white sand beach...
It's the famous 4* Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, Co. Dublin:
- £48 for a one-night stay for two including bottle of Prosecco, full Irish breakfast and late check out (value £145).
- £80 for a two-night stay for two including bottle of Prosecco, full Irish breakfast and late check out (value £203).
At Portmarnock Hotel, with its luxury spa, fabulous dining, glorious garden and highly ranked championship links course, you can indulge in a couple of days' genuine "you" time.
We'd suggest heading out on to Portmarnock Beach where you'll find sand so smooth that you'll quickly realise where the beach's nickname of 'the Velvet Strand' comes from.
If your idea of heaven is taking a golf trolley for a walk, test your metal (and wood!) on the hotel's internationally acclaimed championship course, designed by Bernhard Langer in true traditional links style.
Non-golfers will find plenty to see and do as the hotel is just 20 minutes away from Dublin city centre by train or car, while the charming villages of Malahide and Howth are even closer.
But if you really want to relax, we'd suggest that making use of special rates from the hotel including 15% off first your first spa treatment and 50% off your second. Now that's relaxing with style.
Our advice? Grab the deal, drop yourself into neutral and look forward to a night or two of proper relaxation.
"My family and I have just returned from a short break to this absolutely fabulous hotel. From start to finish the level of service was fantastic. The hotel itself is beautiful, spotlessly clean and delightful. The value for money was absolutely fantastic and we will definitely be back." - B. McCaffrey, Glengormley - TripAdvisor - June 2012
"Kiwis on Tour - we stayed at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links during our recent travels through Ireland. Our room was fantastic and provided a real surprise for us both. The staff were excellent as were the facilities. The golf course was far too good for me... I would recommend anytime....EXCELLENT." - TripAdvisor - June 2012
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links - Dublin
Strand Road
00 353 (0)1 846 0611
ConditionsValid from Dec 19, 2012
Expires Mar 12, 2013
Valid 7 days a week. Blackout dates - Dec. 31, Feb 1, 2, 8, 9, 16, 23 and Mar. 1, 2, 8, 9, 16 22, 23. Subject to availability. Weekend availability limited. Deluxe room supplement - €25 per night, family room €30 per night - check availability with reservations. Child up to 6 years of age stays free if sharing room - extra bed available for €25 per night.
See the rules that apply to all deals


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A Tale of Two Cities: Sydney Carton
An character analysis essay of the beloved Sydney Carton. From the book "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.
A Tale of Two Cities – Character Analysis: Sydney Carton
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, is one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written. Dickens is renown for his amazing ability of building dynamic characters that everyone can relate to. One of Dickens' most beloved character is Sydney Carton. Sydney Carton is the paragon of a dynamic character as he evolves from a worthless, lackadaisical, and despondent drunk into a selfless and noble hero who's character exemplifies Dickens' talent of creating fascinating individuals through direct and indirect characterization.
From the very first moment Dickens introduces the reader to Sydney Carton, one understands what sort of person Sydney is. His appearance is "careless and slovenly if not debauched" (Dickens 79). Here, Charles Dickens puts direct characterization to use by describing the appearance of Sydney. It is clear that Sydney Carton is unkempt and disorganized. However, Mr. Carton does not seem to care either. Mentally, Sydney Carton is a very despondent lawyer. During Charles Darnay's first trial, "Mr Carton…changed neither his place nor his attitude, even in this excitement" (Dickens 81). By indirect characterization, one can infer that Sydney did not care about others. He is unattached emotionally to others, and has an apathetic view towards everyone and everything. However, though very slowly, Sydney starts to change his lifestyle.
Throughout the Second Book, Dickens takes Sydney Carton's old character and starts to morph him into something different. Though Mr. Carton does not change, he begins to turn pessimistic about himself. By claiming he is "not worth such feeling[s of sympathy]", Sydney Carton understands that he has great potential, but is too lethargic and lazy to fulfill it (Dickens 158). During a conversation with Lucie Manette, she notices something different about Sydney. Lucie had "never seen him softened" (Dickens 155). His "cloud of caring for nothing…overshadow[s] him with such a fatal darkness" that it seems Sydney is incorrigible (Dickens 154). However, all is not lost. Sydney's cloud [ is] very rarely pierced by the light within him (Dickens 154). Sydney's metaphoric cloud of darkness foreshadows his transformation. Though it was excruciatingly difficult, Sydney did manage to succeed. Later in the conversation, Sydney mentions that he would "embrace any sacrifice for [her] and for those dear to [her]" (Dickens 158). His promise of self-sacrifice foreshadows his dramatic change and ultimate sacrifice for his loved ones. This dialogue with Lucie is the beginning of the new Sydney Carton.
Sydney Carton undergoes a great transformation and epitomizes it into his greatest act: sacrificing his life. His transformation is exemplified through self-sacrifice. In the beginning, he cared for no one, and no one cared for him. There was a transition phase and by the end Sydney sympathized with the seamstress before both of their executions. He "comfort [her] so much" (Dickens 385). As one can see, Dickens shapes Mr. Carton into a sympathetic and caring man by the end of Mr. Carton's life. By the end, Sydney gives his own life to save the ones he love. His last prophetic words sum up his life. Sydney goes to "a far far better rest than [he has] ever known" (Dickens 386). Though the majority of his life went to waste, Sydney did manage to redeem himself from of his gloomy past. By the end, Sydney understands that his sacrifice is the greatest achievement of his life, and now he can go to a far far better rest.
Sydney Carton is the most dynamic character in the book. He starts as a pathetic and lowly lawyer. His life seems to spiral endlessly downward towards nowhere. However, Sydney slowly realizes where he is headed, and understands that he needs to stop. Sydney transforms into a noble and valiant hero. As an ultimate show of his transformation, Sydney dies to protect the loved ones around him. His dynamic character is the paragon of Dickens' amazing abilities of characterization.
Works Cited
1. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. 150th Anniversary Edition. New York, New York: Signet, 2007.
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November 24, 2015
Novice beekeeper Mark Hohn in Kent found that his bees are infected with a parasite that causes them to fly at night and lurch around erratically until they die.
The Seattle Times reports it's the first time the bee infection has been found in the state, according to tracking by San Francisco State University biologist John Hafernik through his website.
Zombie bees were first discovered in California in 2008.
Bee populations already have been dropping in recent years due to another ailment called Colony Collapse Disorder, in which all the adult honey bees in a colony suddenly die.
Zombie bees also are being studied by Steve Sheppard, chairman of the entomology department at Washington State University.
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text: From left, Walter J. Baird athlete Xavier Mills and wide receiver Jajuan Foutch, Friendship Christian defensive end Mike Jones Jr., offensive lineman Luke Smith and linebacker Austin Tomlinson and [not pictured] West Wilson defensive back Reis Adkisson will play for the Tennessee Future Stars against their Kentucky counterparts in the Battle on the Border on June 21 at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Ky. The team, chosen through a series of combines and tryouts, will assemble at the University of Tennessee next Wednesday where they will stay and eat on campus before departing June 20 for Owensboro. Mills, Smith and Tomlinson are seventh-graders and will play at noon. Eighth-gradersFoutch, Jones and Adkisson will kick off in the game to follow at Steele Stadium.


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On August 20, 2015, Catalyst Biosciences announced the completion of its merger with Targacept, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRGT, through August 20).
In connection with the merger, Targacept changed its name to Catalyst Biosciences, Inc., and the combined company commenced trading on August 21, 2015 on the NASDAQ market under the symbol "CBIO".
To be redirected to the Catalyst Biosciences website, please click here.


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Website: http://www.churchviewvets.co.uk/
Tel: 0151 342 6820
48 Pensby Road
Merseyside CH60 7RE
Churchview vets, located in West Wirral, are dedicated to giving your pet exceptional, affordable care. We've been established since 2000 and are open 7 days per week. We pride ourselves on the excellent care with state-of-the-art equipment and a value-for money preventative healthcare plan for dogs, cats and rabbits. Whether it's just a simple vaccination or orthopaedic surgery, we are committed to providing the very best care at all times.
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Netflix and Warner Brothers Reach Deal
View Single Post
January 7 2010, 05:56 AM
Temis the Vorta
Fleet Admiral
Location: Tatoinne
Re: Netflix and Warner Brothers Reach Deal
Harvey wrote:
Sounds like a good deal for Netflix, and a good deal for Warner Bros. But this doesn't sound like a good deal for Netflix users. Having to wait a whole month before being able to rent 'new' releases? Well, Blockbuster could always use the extra business.
I put movies in the queue when they're in theaters and forget about them. Six months later, they show up in my rental column. If it's seven months, I doubt I'll notice.
My queue is maxed out.
My queue is currently 252 titles. It fluctuates but hasn't gone much below 200. If it's perpetually at that level, why would I care when anything arrives? I'll probably DIE with 200 freaking DVDs unwatched. What a depressing thought.
Oh no, here's a worse thought. Whenever I die, even if it's 50 years from now, what if there's a
Star Trek
movie due out in a year or two? What if there's a
Star Trek
series and I'll miss the end. Now I can't die!
Temis the Vorta
View Public Profile
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Travelex ponders stock market listingComment on this story
London - Travelex, the retail foreign exchange provider majority-owned by private equity firm Apax Partners, reported a 21 percent increase in profits on Monday and said it was considering a stock market flotation.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased last year to 80.1 million pounds ($134 million) on income up by 12 percent at 695 million pounds.
"With this positive backdrop and our strong financial performance, we are currently evaluating our strategic options which may include an IPO," said Chief Executive Peter Jackson.
Travelex, founded in 1976, co-ordinates over 37 million retail transactions each year through a network of over 1,500 stores and over 1,250 automated teller machines (ATMs) in 27 countries. Analysts expect the business will command a valuation in excess of 1 billion pounds.
Jackson declined to comment on the valuation or timeframe for a flotation or whether the business had received any takeover approaches.
"We've said we're evaluating our strategic options and they include an IPO. Travelex is a brand that's very well know around the world," he said.
Jackson said the group was also looking at expanding into more new markets having launched operations in Panama in 2013 and Guam in early 2014.
"There are some markets we're not as well represented in. Turkey is a market which I've been looking at for a while," he told Reuters.
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- Home
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Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of Fathers
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is March 19. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Fathers, Husband of Mary, and Foster Father of Jesus. Saint Joseph was chosen by God to be Jesus' father here on earth. God knew that Jesus would need a foster father to raise him and teach him. Scripture tells us that Joseph was a "just man," meaning he was a good man, honest, fair, and God-loving.
Joseph was the husband of Mary and protector of the Child Jesus as He grew. In Joseph's faithful, loving care was entrusted the childhood and youth of the Redeemer of the world. After the Mother of God herself, no one has ever been so blessed with virtues as Saint Joseph. Because he was the representative of our Heavenly Father on earth, because he acted as Christ's father in His life on earth, he is the divinely appointed head of the Holy Family.
He is the patron saint of fathers. Saint Joseph is invoked as a protector of the family. As a saint in Heaven he still acts as a husband and father to his family and the Church, and will intercede for us on many occasions. In 1870 Pope Pius IX declared him patron of the Universal Church.
St. Joseph, pray for us!


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Big, orange stars covered the windows of a conference room at The Legacy Golf Course in Ottawa Lake where Jason Sheppard and his supporters were anxiously waiting for polling results to come in Tuesday.
In blocked blue lettering, the names of key member of Michigan's Republican Party were emblazoned on those stars; names like Randy Richardville, Bill Schuette and Dale Zorn.
These people, Mr. Sheppard said, were not only big contributors to his campaign for the Michigan House of Representatives by lending him their names, reputations and support, they also had offered him great advice, he said, as to how to transition from being a leader at the county level to being a leader in Lansing.
He'll carry that advice with him as he moves forward in his campaign for the seat representing the 56th District.
Mr. Sheppard successfully secured the Republican nomination during Tuesday's primary election by defeating Irma Kubiske of Ida 3,757-1,865.
Mr. Sheppard has served two terms on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners representing District 8. He said he always knew he wanted to make the move to a state level, but it was the moves of others within Monroe County's Republican Party that led to his 2014 campaign.
With state Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, reaching his term limit in the Michigan Senate and state Rep. Zorn deciding to try for that seat, Mr. Sheppard of Temperance said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to try to claim Rep. Zorn's seat in the House.
"Those term limits opened doors and I knew I had to make a move," he said. "If those seats hadn't opened up, I would have run for county board again — but I knew I didn't want to be on the county board for 20 years."
His opponent, Mrs. Kubiske, said it was gratitude to a giving community that led to her decision to run to represent the 56th District.
At a cook-out attended by many family members and friends at her home in Ida, Mrs. Kubiske thanked all those who had lent a hand to her campaign just as polls closed.
"This just came to me one day. I knew I had to do this — I had to give back," she said of running for election. "Monroe County has been wonderful to us through our business. Our children have been educated beyond expectation and have gone on to be very successful and I feel that I need to give back to Monroe County."
While things didn't pan out for Mrs. Kubiske's campaign, she said this political experience changed her life and she was thankful for it.
As Mr. Sheppard heads into the November election, taking on Democrat Tom Redmond, who was unopposed and received 3,119 votes, he said road funding, auto insurance improvements and education are at the top of his priorities.
He said he would like to become the leading voice for Monroe County at the state level.
"I always say it's like charging into hell with a squirt gun, but somebody has to do it," Mr. Sheppard said.


text: America today may resemble a turtle retreating into its shell, but the mid-twentieth century was a bolder, better time, when the U.S. was on top of the world. Life has a series of 30 misguided, disturbing, and just plain dumb inventions from this era, gadgets and gizmos which foretold a future that never came. Why didn't the portable sauna ever catch on?


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Workday Announces Annual Stockholder Meeting PLEASANTON, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/24/13 -- Workday, Inc. (NYSE: WDAY), a leader in enterprise cloud applications for human resources and finance, today announced that its 2013 annual meeting of stockholders will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET. The meeting is to be held at the San Ramon Marriott located at 2600 Bishop Dr., San Ramon, CA 94583. The record date for the meeting will be March 24, 2013, and only stockholders of record on that date are eligible to attend the meeting. A live webcast of the event will be available on the Workday Investor Relations website at www.workday.com/investorrelations. About Workday: Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for human resources and finance. Founded in 2005, Workday delivers human capital management, financial management, and analytics applications designed for the world's largest organizations. Hundreds of companies, ranging from medium-sized businesses to Fortune 50 enterprises, have selected Workday. Copyright 2013. Workday, Inc. All rights reserved. Workday and the Workday logo are registered trademarks of Workday, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Investor Relations Contact: Michael Haase Workday (925) 951-9005 firstname.lastname@example.com Media Contact: Eric Glass Workday (415) 432-3056 firstname.lastname@example.com
Workday Announces Annual Stockholder Meeting
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Whether you are looking for Chimney Caps or Chimney, Hotfrog is the place to go to. Browse the businesses below in Orlando, FL or extend your search to nearby suburbs by using the left navigation menu. Hotfrog makes your search easier.
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Keith Johnson, president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, left, and Robert Bobb, the then-emergency financial manager for the district, right, appear at a Detroit Public Schools orientation in January 2010. An arbitrator has ruled that teachers who were fired from their jobs are entitled to TIP money. / Romain Blanquart/Detroit Free Press
Detroit Public Schools teachers who were fired from their jobs are entitled to the money they deferred from their paychecks years ago to help the district cover its bills, an arbitrator said this week.
More than six dozen former employees could soon receive up to $9,000 each after the district was ordered to turn over the money. Estimates of the total range from less than $435,000 to more than $700,000.
The dispute centered on whether employees who were terminated, and not just those who retired or resigned, should receive the money they had contributed under a Termination Incentive Plan (TIP), said Keith Johnson, president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT).
Under the plan, $250 was taken out of each paycheck of DFT members to be used to help pay district bills, with a promise that they would get the money back when they left the district.
Robert Bobb, then the districts emergency financial manager, said the plan, which began in early 2010, would reduce the districts cash-flow costs. Just months earlier, an outside auditor put its deficit at $219 million.
The program was intended to last about two years, with each employee deferring $10,000, Johnson said. But then DPS emergency manager Roy Roberts suspended it in 2011.
Johnson said the teachers union filed a grievance after the district refused to turn over the TIP money to teachers who had been terminated.
Arbitrator David Tanzman said the funds were never intended to be an irretrievable contribution to the district.
It was in effect a loan. ... The TIP account balance should leave along with any other possessions of the discharged employee, he wrote.
Johnson said 82 former employees are collectively owed more than $700,000. Most of them were terminated due to expired certificates, not violations of district policies, he said.
Im elated with the ruling, he said.
District spokesman Steve Wasko said the total amount is closer to $435,000, and that roughly 77 people are affected.
Wasko said the payouts will be audited and confirmed by the districts payroll office before being distributed.
Contact Ann Zaniewski: 313-222-6594 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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NFL analyst: Mike Evans could run a 4.4 40-yard dash at NFL combine
Former Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans will have all eyes on him at this week's NFL Scouting Combine but most will be interested in his speed rather than his catching ability.
Evans proved that he could catch the football in traffic and make himself open for quarterback Johnny Manziel while the two were at Texas A&M. In two seasons as an Aggie Evans totaled 2,499 yards receiver on 151 catches for 17 touchdowns.
But in 2013 Evans was able to showcase something completely different: his speed. In what was hyped as the "Game of the Century" by some against Alabama, Evans had 279 yards receiving including a 95-yard play in which he outran Cyrus Jones and Vinnie Sunseri.
Plays like that have led NFL media draft analyst Charles Davis to believe Evans can run an electric 40-yard dash time, in which case his draft stock could sky-rocket.
"My concern about Mike Evans is, what does he actually run?" Davis said. "Because those long-strider guys, sometimes you get mesmerized by them, and you think that maybe theyâre either going faster than you thought, or sometimes you think they're not as fast as I thought.
"I've been told — and we will see at the combine — that he could run a high 4.4 time. And if that's the case, then game, set, match, off he goes."
Davis, who was speaking on 97.3 The Fan in Pittsburgh, said that Evans would "fit perfectly" with the Pittsburgh Steelers.


text: The week's best photos Share this story email Share this story «Previous 11 of 33 Photos Next » « » APTOPIX Expectant Parents Killed Members of the Satmar Orthodox Jewish community grieve over the coffins at the funeral for two expectant parents who were killed in a car accident, Sunday, March 3, 2013, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. A driver struck the car the couple were riding in early Sunday morning, killing both parents while their baby, who was born prematurely, survived and is in critical condition. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)


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True Blood is epic. Join you to shall be epic. This show is probably the best vampire thing out there right now, and when the fad dies I think this show will still be going pretty strong.
Website: http://youtube.com/user/lmssfsc
Location: Everywhere
Members: 56
Latest Activity: May 10, 2014
I only ask because I know a lot of people wait for the DVDs and I don't want to spoil it. If anyone is...what do you think so far?? :P
Tags: shape, vampire, vamp, shifter, shapshifter
Started by Megan. Last reply by Lian Meacco Jan 5, 2012.
Season 5: where did all the sex go?
Watched rabidly, all of it! Joined to party with friends and made fangbangers with Tru Blood and V (Vampyre) brand vodka, 'cause it seemed like the thing to do...
Now I can't find that brand of Vodka. Whatever will I do?
Oh, wait, I found their website, and it may be possible to order online!
© 2015 Created by Hank Green. Powered by


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Preparing the Santa Brigade
Several Santas and dozens of elves (around 100 in all) gathered at the "North Pole" on Christmas Eve to prepare bundles of food, gifts and toys to deliver across Pierce County as part of the 13th annual Pierce County Forgotten Children's Fund, an all-volunteer program that serves families in need by providing at least three gifts for every child, as well as food and blankets for the family. The North Pole, also known at Harbor Covenant Church, was a hub of activity early Christmas Eve as the teams — each named after Santa's reindeer — enjoyed a breakfast donated by Picasso Catering, and received last-minute instructions before taking trucks loaded with gifts all across the county. This year's efforts served approximately 81 families on Christmas Eve, and a total of 100 families, counting advanced deliveries, said FCF coordinator Kim Fox of Gig Harbor. FCF operates completely with volunteers and donations in several counties and began in King County in 1976. The program expanded to Pierce County in 1999. To donate gifts or money to FCF or to volunteer, contact FCF at (253) 857-4619 or email to email@example.com.


text:
©2015 General Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information will only be used to send an email to your friend(s) and will not be saved. Please read our Privacy Policy
Chicken and vegetables provide a simple addition to tasty pasta dish that's ready in 25 minutes.
If you'd like to reduce the fat in this recipe even more, substitute fat-free cream cheese with garden vegetables for the reduced-fat roasted-garlic version.
© 2015 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved


text:
Maybe you remember in our last email newsletter that we noted a mid-1950s Festo Chain Mortiser in one of our customer's testimonial video. Well, when we saw a video posted on YouTube by our colleagues in Lithuania, we realized it was just too cool not to share with you.
You may know that one of Festool's (previously known as Festo) claims to fame is the invention of the world's first gas-powered portable chainsaw in 1925. In this two minute video, we see one of those antique Festo chainsaws brought back to life as it cranks up and then cuts through some timber. Please always wear proper safety equipment and operate your power tools per the manufacturer's instructions.
Projects by You.
We really enjoy seeing what you're doing with your Festool power tools. Here are a few projects that we've seen shared on the web the past couple of months. For more projects, check out the member projects section of the Festool Owners Group forum.
Be sure to connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to share your project photos with us. Maybe you'll be featured in our next email newsletter. Thanks to those who took the time to share your photos and video with us!
Systainer Stack Offon Facebook
You'll have to scroll down the page, but check out the Systainer Stack Off. Fans posted photos of their stacks competitively raising the bar higher and higher. Be sure to share yours!
Facade Renoon Festool Owners Group
Jordan Fine Woodworking restored the facade on this building in Warsaw, IN. He said the Festool TS enabled him to make the complex angle cuts required. Check out the transformation.
LR 32 System Video Serieson YouTube
Eric C. posted a 7-part video series on the Festool LR 32 hole drilling system. It's probably the most comprehensive educational material on the system to date.
Beetle-Kill Furnitureon Facebook
Posted on our Facebook page, check out this video of Corbin Clay as he documents the use of Beetle-Kill lumber for the production of furniture in his shop.
Custom Handrailon Festool Owners Group
Rob, a FOG member from the UK, posted this well documented handrail build. Stairs are an opportunity for true craftsmanship to be shown. Check out this website for some stair inspiration.
White Oak Dining Tableon Festool Owners Group
Norwegian FOG member, Falch, shows off this elegantly crafted white oak dining table. The simple lines were inspired by a similar table from a Danish furniture maker. Check out his project.
Related posts
You may be interested in the following posts which have been published:
Buy with the confidence of knowing that if you are not completely satisfied with
your Festool purchase, you can return it to your place of purchase for a full, no-questions-asked
refund within 30 days. Festool power tools are covered by a comprehensive three
year limited warranty.
Your only regret may be that you didn't buy one sooner.
Festool USA, Tooltechnic Systems


text:
Sunil Pal is a famous Indian comedian and actor. He is the 2005 winner of the Great Indian Laughter Challenge on Star One.
Bollywood Celebrity Ranking
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Have you been looking for a new way to decorate your office, home or dorm? If the answer is yes, then you need to look into CORT and the extensive supply of luxurious rental furniture. In your Carol Stream Showroom, you will find a cost-effective way to redecorate, while still leaving with great furniture pieces. We pride ourselves in offering furniture rental in Carol Stream, that is of the highest quality, and will be everything that your heart desires. The Carol Stream Rental Showroom offers all of the leading furniture brands at a great rental price.
CORT understands the importance of having the right furniture for every place and occasion. The Carol Stream Furniture Rental Showroom staff understands this and is there to help you find the perfect pieces that will represent you. Therefore, you are sure to find that furniture item that is exactly what you've been looking for. So what are you waiting for? Drive to the closest CORT Furniture Rental Showroom in Carol Stream, Illinois, and check out our awesome selection of rental furniture today!
If you're interested in buying clearance furniture, we also sell gently used furniture in the Clearance Showroom. Although it's gently used, our clearance furniture is still in great shape. While shopping in Carol Stream, Illinois, you've probably realized that for reasonably priced furniture, it is highly unlikely to come across clearance furniture of such high quality that's only been gently used.
Because coming across these deals are so uncommon, don't miss out! Visit our Carol Stream CORT Furniture Clearance Showroom today!
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