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May 5, 2016
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -Sean Singletary scored 21 points and Virginia took full advantage of turnover-prone North Carolina State on Sunday, winning its second consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference game for the first time this season, 78-60.
Virginia (13-12, 3-9) forced 17 turnovers in the first half and outscored the Wolfpack 17-0 after such mistakes in building a 38-18 lead at the intermission.
The Wolfpack (15-12, 4-9), which finished with 25 turnovers, never got closer than 13 after a 10-0 Virginia run early in the second half gave them a 50-23 advantage.
Calvin Baker added 13 points for Virginia, which had not played since it won at Boston College a week ago. The Cavaliers were supposed to play at Georgia Tech on Thursday night, but it was postponed because of a leaky roof at the arena.
Brandon Costner led N.C. State with 14 points and Trevor Ferguson had 11.
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Title of the LinkNorthumberland County Will Index 1772-1859
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Construction in green
Ralph Balson loved to use geometric shapes to create patterns and structures. He called them 'constructed paintings'.
- Describe the shapes you can see and how they overlap each other.
- Which parts of the painting 'jump out' at you? Why?
- Make your own abstract picture with overlapping geometric shapes.
At home
Cut out lots of shapes in different colours and overlap them to create your own constructed collage. Add colourful circle stickers to highlight certain parts of the picture.


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Cambridge's graffiti removal program involves a cooperative effort between Public Works, the Police Department, residents, and property owners to remove graffiti from private property.
To report graffiti, call Public Works at 617.349.4800, email us, or use Commonwealth Connect.
Once the graffiti is reported, an inspector is sent out to examine the damage and to schedule cleaning of graffiti on public property.
If it is determined that Public Works can safely and effectively remove graffiti on private property, a waiver form is sent to the owner of the property. Upon receipt of the signed waiver, a crew is scheduled to remove the graffiti.
Tips for property owners who want to remove graffiti themselves
Printable Fighting Graffiti brochure
Waiver form for graffiti removal on private property
Cambridge citizen requests, now online & on the go! Report issues here.
Have a question?Find the answer in our extensiveFrequently Asked Questions
147 Hampshire StCambridge
02139Phone:617.349.4800TDD:617.499.9924Email Us
Monday: 8:30am-8pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
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Bayhealth has improved care for certain respiratory patients by implementing a new point of care blood gas testing device called epoc.
The epoc device increases turnaround times for blood gas results by approximately 20 minutes, allowing therapists to stay at the patient's bedside and assist with the treatment of the patient much faster.
Blood gas tests are conducted to detect the metabolic and respiratory status of patients. The test documents the pH, carbon dioxide, oxygen and bicarbonate for patients undergoing any type of respiratory difficulty, such as shortness of breath, trauma or injury to the ribcage or lungs, or asthma. Patients may also undergo blood gas tests as part of pre-admission testing before surgery.
For more information: bayhealth.org.
Location, ST | website.com


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Beverly Hills Nannies Exclusive Interview With Amanda Averill
August 21, 2012 06:26 AM by Megan Thompson
Amanda Averill, from Beverly Hills Nannies, is sharing the inside scoop about the ABC Family show. These Beverly Hills Nannies have to deal with high-maintenance mommies, but can also receive some pretty lavish perks. So how did this Wisconsin girl end up in Beverly Hills changing diapers?
The new reality show, Beverly Hills Nannies, captures the highs and lows of being a nanny to the wealthy. Amanda Averill is one of the newest nannies in 90210 and is trying to find her way in the city. Amanda shares with us how she went from Wisconsin to Beverly Hills, along with who she thinks is the best nanny on the show (besides herself, of course.)
RTVM: Being from Wisconsin, how did you end up in Beverly Hills?
Amanda: It was quite the long winded ride. I always had Beverly Hills on my list of places I would love to live. However, I made a few pit stops in between. I loved growing up in Wisconsin, but couldn't wait to be a city girl.
RTVM: What is the best perk of being a Beverly Hills nanny?
Amanda: Beverly Hills is full of celebrities, dignitaries, executives and rich kiddies – which means luxuries! It's easier to be a nanny in an affluent city like Beverly Hills, because everything is covered. Employers can give you a car, hand over petty cash, take you on vacation and give you a higher income. However, the perks do come with added pressures – so it's a catch 22.
RTVM: Viewers saw you get your first Beverly Hills nanny job with Marika, are you still working for her?
Amanda: Yes! I am currently still with the Tsircou's. Xander is going to be on the show next week, his big birthday party is coming up. I have yet to see a Beverly Hills baby's birthday party. I can only imagine it probably closely duels an episode of "My Super Sweet Sixteen." Marika is a great mom; she is very much a Beverly Hills mom. She has an all-natural cream, lotion, wipe, toy and snack for every occasion and situation.
RTVM: Viewers see the nannies asked to a lot of "tasks" not related to the kids, like picking up dog poop. What is the worst job an employer has made you do?
Amanda: There are endless tasks. I was nannying for a very wealthy family who lived in a multi-million dollar home. The kids were very spoiled and given anything they wanted. Interestingly enough, the mother had me count hundreds of plastic bottles to exchange for pennies at the local grocery store. After about 25 minutes of counting, how much do you think I saved her? A whole $2.35… I'm not sure how far $2.35 will get you at Prada? It is very strange, but I suppose I'm getting paid to do all things house and home related…I suppose!
RTVM: Is being "friends" with Kristin really key into getting in the Beverly Hills nanny circle?
Amanda: Kristin has been a part of the Beverly Hills nanny scene for a long time, she is a great contact to have for someone like me who is new to BH. However, I have a lot of nanny experience and that has gone beyond the city limits of Beverly Hills, so I'll keep my nannying style to my own. It's great to have support groups! Mother have them, so why shouldn't nannies.
RTVM: Besides you, who do you think is the best nanny or manny on the show?
Amanda: Justin is a fantastic nanny. He is has the whole Beverly Hills thing down. It's important to not only be great with the kids, but to be great with the moms as well. Justin has done this with great finesse. In fact, that's why is known as the "Lady Sitter." Lucy is also a fantastic nanny, she is great with kids.
RTVM: There is a lot of drama between the nannies. Are you on Team Lucy or Team Amber?
Amanda: As a good Midwestern girl, I can't choose a side! I can only decide for myself what I think is right. I think both have been totally out of line and I think both have really strong points towards each other. However, stay tuned! I may be calm and collected on the outside, but when my morals are pushed to a certain limit; my sassy side is let loose.
RTVM: Kristin made the comment that Amber got a nanny job over you because she was less attractive. Do you agree with her statement?
Amanda: I have no idea if that is a Beverly Hills thing or what! But it is AWFUL! Amber is a beautiful girl. I would hope that a parent would choose a nanny based upon experience and what is right for their child, not what is right for them. However, since I've been in Beverly Hills I have heard that mothers are very selective over their nannies for fear their husbands will need their own "babysitting."
RTVM: Maggie is trying to be a nanny, but she is quite the party girl. Do you think she has what it takes to be good nanny?
Amanda: Maggie loves to have a good time, she is a blast. I'm sure once she decides for herself what she wants to do; she will do great as a nanny. Happy hour starts around 4 pm, she could get a whole day of nannying in before that!
RTVM: Being the new girl in Beverly Hills, what is the main difference between you and the other nannies on the show?
Amanda: I think I have the point of view of an insider looking in, except I'm actually in it. I'm the newbie! I don't have eyelash extensions, I use Sun-In to color my own hair, I paint my nails and I shop at Target! I'm a normal girl breaking into Beverly Hills city life. I'm sure I will pick up some fabulous Beverly Hills tricks; however I'll always stick to my roots.
Tune in Tuesday for an all new episode of Beverly Hills Nannies, check out a preview below:
Want more? Follow our tweets on Twitter and like us on Facebook!. Click here for more information about Beverly Hills Nannies. For other great reality TV news, please feel free to check out SirLinksALot: Reality TV.
Topics: Beverly Hills Nannies |
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By Stephanie Ciccarelli
January 7, 2009
Do you go for a pot of Joe or are you more inclined to sip on a cup of tea?
While it's no secret what I prefer (I'm on the tea side), I think it would be extremely interesting to take an informal poll through comments on this posting to discover what the majority of voice actors prefer.
Find out what your colleagues are drinking and which is healthier at VOX Daily.
Singing the praises of tea isn't nearly as difficult as extolling the virtues of coffee when it comes to outlining overall health and the vocal benefits therein.
However, many voice actors do drink coffee, and in fact, prefer it over tea!
It's time to find out which of these contenders holds the most market share among voice over professionals.
Comment and let me know which of these two beverages you drink regularly and how your drink of choice benefits you throughout the day.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
P.S. If you drink something else regularly, you are also welcome to comment, but the focus is on which you prefer, coffee or tea.
©iStockphoto.com/Mark PierceRelated Topics: coffee, voice, voice acting, voice actors, voice overs
I'm sort of neither, but I don't like coffee at all and have tea sometimes.Posted by:
I am a coffee drinker myself, I tend to chug back a large Timmies right before a voice gig just to loosen up my throat. I have heard that coffee is bad for voice actors....but I find the opposite results. maybe this is because I do more cartoonish character acting instead of heart felt dramatic roles. :)
But coffee you are the one for me.Posted by:
it's coffee all the way! I like tea sometimes. Water is a staple as well!Posted by:
Tea. Always Tea. Can't function without a whole pot in the morning. And always made in a pot - never the bag in mug with water process - it's just not right!Posted by:
Hey Stephanie!
When I have to make a choice - I am more of a coffee drinker (but I have to doll it up a bit with lots of sugar and cream)...so I usually just stick to water (but I have to doll it up too with Lemon)!!Posted by:
I was introduced to coffee as a 13-yr-old Boy Scout on a COLD weekend campout. The kid who was supposed to bring the cream and sugar forgot it. It was so cold that weekend, I decided to drink it hot and "black." Have continued to do for over 60-years. Let's hear it for "Mr. Coffee Bean!"Posted by:
Tea for two, or rather one. In my basement cave while holed away in my booth. I treat myself to the occasional hot chai at Caribou or Starbucks, but it's usually Lemon Ginger. Yogi tea is the favorite, mostly because I'm a sucker for the little gems of wisdom on the tag :)Posted by:
I am a coffee drinker through and through. Tea is for bedtime and sore throats; although I'm sure it would be better for me and my speaking. But since I've been drinking coffee religiously since I was fifteen, I don't see any end in sight.Posted by:
Coffee every morning. The rest of the day, plain hot water, or hot water with chili pepper flakes. No tea for me, thank you!Posted by:
Coffee in the morning -- tea in the afternoon and non caffeinated tea in the evening. I have always loved both -- black coffee and plain tea, but have gotten back into tea as a comfort beverage lately.
For Voiceover -- water, not too cold.
I actually prefer coffee for the most part. I drink the dark roast as it has less caffeine.Posted by:
I only drink coffee because I enjoy it. I don't use it to wake up or give me a 'kick' - therefore I only have a black coffee a couple of times a week when I go out 'for coffee'. Tea, on the other hand...I love to start or finish my day with a green or two.Posted by:
My drink of choice is water it helps keep my mind and body working right. The root of most physical problems is dehydration. I do enjoy coffee black halfcaf no sugar sometimes when I doing a non voice project ie. prop or set building etc. After an event or after a voice project, I will have a nice cup of throat coat tea.
So in answer to the question YES
Ron Levine
Voice Actor
Tea!Posted by:
Definitely a tea drinker. :) I do enjoy a good latte now and then, but tea is what I generally prefer.Posted by:
I love coffee, but when it comes to taking care of my voice before a gig, it's definitely tea.Posted by:
I don't drink either anymore, but at one time I drank lots of coffee, never tea. Working all those years at rado stations, coffee was free at almost every station, soft drinks had to be purchased from a vending machine, and the tap water varied widely in quality. In recent years, many radio stations barter spots for watercoolers.
These days, it's strictly water for me. The tap water at my place is pretty good, so I drink it. Tip for the throat - save the little packets of salt from fast food restaurants, and always have a few in the desk drawer. If you ever need quick relief for a sore throat, just heat a cup of water in the microwave till lukewarm, stir in the salt from the packet, gargle, and you'll be ready to go for at least a little while!Posted by:
Being a Yorkshire man, myself, it has got to be tea - Yorkshire Tea at that! I can't function without a decent cuppa first thing in the morning. I do like coffee, but it gives me dreadful migraines, so apart from the occasional cup, I have to abstain.Posted by:
C - 0- F - F - E - E - coffee is the drink for me! I have to get up early to do voice overs for my European clients. So it's coffee all the way in the morning...Tea in the evening and lots of Vino in between! That is when I am not working.
Ed Victor
It looks like I'm an "all of the above"! While I'm going over copy, it's coffee to stimulate the "little grey cells", as Poirot would say. Then, before a session, it's a soothing herbal tea with honey. During a session, I'm never far from bottled water, but I find that that's mainly to keep my mouth from getting dry, not really helping or hurting my throat.Posted by:
I'm a two cup of coffee in the morning drinker. I stay away from caffeine after that.
Water is my mainstay. I try to drink at least 64 oz. a day. Sometimes I lace it with a bit of concentrated lime juice as it acts as a 'drying' agent of sorts because my saliva glands sometimes take over when I'm recording and when my mouth is 'over lubricated', it tends to magnify clicking sounds.
...but then that's just me ;o)
RanPosted by:
One large mug of Lion Kona Coffee per day. Tea only by doctor's order.Posted by:
Strong toxic coffee in the morning and then nothing but water all day and night. :)Posted by:
Tea, darjeeling with agave syrup to sweeten. And a LOT of water when I remember.Posted by:
I enjoy my coffee in the morning. Throughout the day, however, and especially mid afternoon, I love tea. Green is best. Chai is nice. After dinners out, or a stop at a cafe, a double espresso is just heaven.
I have built up a caffeine immunity.Posted by:
Coffee is a daily drink. I dislike really strong coffee. I do enjoy tea also, but usually drink it in a particular manner based on mood or need. I address tea either medicinally or as a retreat "treat". I don't drink any carbonated beverages as a rule and enjoy my room - temperature water with lemon, lime and sometimes even orange slices throughout the day.Posted by:
Sometimes coffee (rarely).. Iced Tea comes with almost every meal unless it is fast food...then diet coke. Annnd I didn't mention water because I don't drink much of it... but I have started for the new year~~Posted by:
COFFEE! Actually, water... but decaf coffee...and decaf green tea. A decaf coffee misto (that's 70% milk) with a half pump of peppermint is my daily indulgence.Posted by:
While I like decaf coffee once in a while, I'm a tea drinker daily. Mainly iced tea though... I'm in FL afterall!!Posted by:
Me? I'm an Iced Tea drinker, but also a fair amount of Diet Pepsi (sorry).
WaynePosted by:
Coffee for me! I make it strong half decaf/half full leaded and drink it black - too jittery otherwise. I drink about half a pot a day. Tea once in awhile in the afternoon. Always try to get the 8 glasses of water in, too!Posted by:
Oh how I wish I liked tea! I've tried liking tea. I even lived in Tokyo for a while and tried "the real stuff." Now I'm living in Singapore and am still surrounded by tea. Maybe one day I'll figure out the tea I like, but in the meantime I get my daily fix of a skinny iced vanilla NSA (No Sugar Added) Latte from the Coffee Bean.Posted by:
If I had to make a choice, I'd choose tea. However, I do enjoy a cup of coffee every now and then! I'm not as obsessive over it as I am tea! Tea must be sweetened, and that's not because I grew up in the South. If I wanted water, I'd say I want water!Posted by:
Hi Stephanie,
I've never been a coffee fan. Decaffeinated hot tea helps me get in the right mood for voice overs. Have a great day.
Michael J. Reagan
MJR (Voice Over) Productions
I can't wake up with out 2-3 cups of coffee, but after that I usually switch to tea with honey later in the day or water.Posted by:
I really like both, but on most days, coffee wins. I usually don't have a different vocal experience between them, unless I'm a little under the weather (coffee will bring out any throat tickles I may be experiencing then). Dairy products are still the only things that slow me down!Posted by:
Tea, mostly...coffee sometimes...
I like green tea, but that seems to be the worst for my voice...I should probably change...and maybe add honey...Posted by:
I drink coffee twice a week- on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Because I like to doctor it up with cream and milk- it isn't good during the week when I'm recording. So, during the week I go through gallons of green tea! Sometimes hot, but typically cold or room temp.Posted by:
Definitely tea for me...specifically green tea and sometimes white tea (contains three times more polyphenols or antioxidants than green tea). I usually have 5 to 6 cups per day, mostly in the morning. I often drink a "tea" made with fresh mint leaves in the evening (before a nice glass of resveratrol-rich red wine to finish off the day).Posted by:
Coffee for me. Usually a nice strong Italian roast. I'm a global guy and spend a lot of early mornings on conference calls with Europe and Asia. I have two cups to wake me up and that's it for the day. IF I feel the need for anything in the afternoon, it's usually green tea.Posted by:
Mostly coffee- 2 cups in the morning, but also tea..(decaf). I love to warm my hands on the cup on cooler days. During the summer, I'll go for iced everything.Posted by:
Coffee is FIRST on my list. But please make it DUNKIN'. Not Starbucks.(...and the war has begun...)
Us "New Englanduhs" prefer Dunkin' Coffee!Posted by:
Coffee, but only after the session. I've heard that apple juice is good for reducing mouth-click noises.Posted by:
I have a coffee maker with a timer that is my alarm clock! It grinds the beans first then brews..and is a great way to wake up! I also prefer Silk soy coffee creamer to any milk product.Posted by:
Since I write mystery tea party plans, there's no mystery that I prefer tea! A nice, hot cup of English Breakfast perks me up. The extra perk is that it is loaded with anti-oxidants, so it's good for me, too!Posted by:
Tea, baby! Good Earth Sweet & Spicy, Earl Grey, Chai, English Breakfast, Black, Green, White.....Always with a bit of honey, which has wonderful natural healing properties, plus that little bit of sweet help wash all the gooky stuff out of the throat.
The only drink better than tea is that evening glass (or 2!) of Zin. Yup, it must be time for that late morning cup....Posted by:
Are you kidding? Coffee! There's no substitute. Tea is the drink of choice for recording sessions, but I'm always wishing it was coffee in my cup.Posted by:
I prefer half-caf or decaf in the morning. After that mostly water or decaf black or green tea. Plenty of water during the day though.Posted by:
I prefer coffee, although I have met 2 audio book talents who only do teas. One said when reading the unbound books, in loose-leaf style, he reads two pages and, while turning the page, does this: a sip of water, a sip of herbal tea, blistex on the lips (prevent smacking) and then retsin or a drop on the tongue (prevent cotton mouth).
Bill MiddletonPosted by:
Decaf always.
Coffee with fancy creamer, or chai tea. The ultimate guilty pleasure: Cinnamon dolce de leche latte from that fancy coffee company which rhymes with jar ducks. ;)
I'm big on variety and like pretty much Everything---but first thing in the morning, it's coffee (1/2 'caf, 1/2 decaf blend) and that cut with 1/2 cup hot water to decrease the dehydrating effects.
I drink lots of water throughout the day as well, generally with a splash of juice in it, or a bit of lemon.
Tea is wonderful w/ a bit of vanilla soymilk---any tea at all.
And hot water with raw honey, or honey and lemon. Yum!
TEA! Especially in the morning before I do my auditions. I mix Jasmine Greent Tea with Throat Coat Tea and it makes a great way to get a little caffeine and sets my voice up right for recording with the Throat Coat. Mmmm!Posted by:
Being from Seattle, I don't really have the option to answer tea.
For those who haven't been to the birthplace of Starbucks, you may not realize just how ridiculous coffee extremism can become. One of my favorite local radio commercials is for Pemco insurance poking fun at a stereotype of this northwestern elitism. It is just a fun read to boot:
"With the brilliance of a medieval alchemist, he guides the guileless barista through a terrifying labyrinth of seemingly incongruous ingredients and commands:
"So make mine a triple vente grande americano chai vanilla minty mochachino caramel macchiato half-caf, half-decaf, one equal, one sweet-and-low, one raw sugar, skinny organic extra-virgin olive oil,
soy breve with no foam extra whip, extra hot, and oh yes. Leave off the top so I can put on my own sprinkles."
Tea and Espresso.Posted by:
I'm a big time coffee drinker. Although I pretty much limit my coffee drinking to 2 cups in the morning. I also occasionally will drink tea and infusions. I think one should draw a distinction between something that has no actual tea in it, like many of those caffeine free fruit "tea" drinks. I enjoy a few of those on occasion. I also will most often have iced tea when I go out for lunch.
Zero Calorie water dragonfruit is also becoming a big favorite to take into the booth with me.Posted by:
Coffee? No thanks, I have to drive. Actually I rather prefer a spot of green tea (Japanese Sencha) with a dash of local honey ;)Posted by:
Tea, definitely! Mostly standard with some milk, sometimes black with lemon and honey, other times a mixture of different fruit teas.
(Sometimes I'll crave coffee, maybe, once a month or so I'll have instant coffee with half a spoon of sugar and some milk to take out the bitterness).Posted by:
Since I still get up at 4:30 AM to anchor news on an NPR station (my "day job,") I can't function without an enormous cup of strong, black coffee at 5:00 AM. That's generally the only cup of either coffee or tea I have all day, though...
StevePosted by:
Coffee is preferred here as well, and I try to balance this "bad" habit with increasing my intake of water to avoid it affecting my tone. I also like tea, but tend to default to that when sick or if coffee is not available.Posted by:
I like Java I like Tea
But Coffee wins the race for me
David EmmonsPosted by:
Coffee, coffee, coffee!
After walking the kids to school, I often keep walking to the "satellite office" (Starbucks). Nothing fancy - just drip with a little half and half. I haven't found that it really affects my voice.
After 21 years of waking up to the sound of reveille at oh dark thirty hours, coffee is still my battle buddy!
But, someone much smarter than me on the subject of anatomy and physiology said to never drink either before a session. HOT WATER is the best pre- and during sessions. Cleans sludge off the cords and keeps them warm. And by "hot" I mean just coffee hot...please don't pour scalding hot water down your hatch!Posted by:
Straight black coffee, no sugar or other stuff - medium to dark, 1-2 cups just a few times a week... the occasional espresso, and about a gallon of water a day. Once in a *great* while I'll drink coffee while doing VO work - seems like it gives a little edge to the voice. 'course that could just be a lot of wishful thinking :)Posted by:
I switched from drinking coffee to tea. Because based on my research,the tea contains less amount of caffeine than coffee does. Caffeine has a lot of negative effects. And the other reason I prefer tea is because I don't want coffee(which has a large amount of caffeine) to ruin my voice. I'm a music student.Posted by:
Hi Stephanie,
It depends. Every morning is a pot of Earl Grey while coffee is for when I am out.
I do see myself as a coffee hound because I will take more trouble to enjoy my coffee or drive farther for a good cup!
At the mic it is neither, of course.
Coffee first, and tea is a weak second. :)Posted by:


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WWE Payback review, plus tons of news.
A look at the number of drug related deaths in the wrestling industry, ECW Living Dangerously review, tons more.
Round 2 between Hulk Hogan and Gawker to begin.
A summary of the newest Wrestling Observer newsletter including all the notes on the death of Chyna and the infamous Conor McGregor getting pulled from UFC 200...
Need technical or billing help?:
Open a Helpdesk ticket


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Hey, its Khal Drogo. Even if the movie is pretty bad, it will be better than the original, which was terrible.
Superbly put together site with a fine 'map' (inverted commas because it's more of a realistic iso view).
Link Here
Hey, its Khal Drogo. Even if the movie is pretty bad, it will be better than the original, which was terrible.
Royal: I'm very sorry for your loss, your mother was a terribly attractive woman.
My Cartographer's Guild maps: Finished Maps
More maps viewable at my DeviantArt page: Ramah-Palmer DeviantArt
Different films for different folks, amigo.
Ah! But do you remember 'Hawk the Slayer'?
Best line: 'My belly is as empty as the pits of Gimli' (and I remember that after nearly 30 years!)
Man that was a cool image, I've always wanted to do stuff like that but can't afford the 3d software. I second Ramah.
If the radiance of a thousand suns was to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One...I am become Death, the Shatterer of worlds.
-J. Robert Oppenheimer (father of the atom bomb) alluding to The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11, Verse 32)
My Maps ~ My Brushes ~ My Tutorials ~ My Challenge Maps
That's really cool work - I'd like to do that on my onw projects and fly over the countries for hours... (after preloading the flash-app for hours )
If I stare at the country long enough
I can prise it off the paper,
lift it like a flap of skin.
- Moniza Alvi, 1993 -
great looking map ... loved the old Conan movie - at least back then... and if you like Conan... check out this as well *lol* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mILzqPAqEJk ... Danish Animators upcoming take on a "similar" story
regs tilt
:: My art on Deviant Art :: My work Catapult - EasyTruckIT ::
:: Finished Maps :: WIP Cartographia - Breakwater -Market -Lands of Twilight -Battle City :: Competion maps - na ::
:: FREE Tiles - Compasses :: Other Taking a commision - Copyright & Creative Commons ::
Works under CC licence unless mentioned otherwise
Woot, that "map" reminds me a lot of Djekspek's work
My finished maps
"...sometimes the most efficient way to make something look drawn by hand is to simply draw it by hand..."


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The Power of Independent Thinking
Peter Thiel | Developing the Developed World
Entrepreneurship, Liberty, and the Future
Recorded: Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Entrepreneur and Author Peter A. Thiel spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Independent Institute on January 27, 2015. He shared insights from his new book Zero to One on how to create true innovations in the world of atomsnot just digits and bitsand how to foster a peaceful, prosperous and freer future marked by globalization in a world of limited resources.
Experts: Peter A. ThielType: Independent Institute EventIssues: Antitrust, Competition, and Monopoly, Bureaucracy and Government, Business, Civil Liberties/ Human Rights, Corporate Welfare, Culture/ Society, Economic History and Development (U.S.), Economic Policy, Education, Energy, Free Market Economics, Freedom, Government Power, Government Secrecy, Health Care, History (U.S), Labor and Employment, Law Enforcement, Political Ideology and Philosophy, Politics, Privacy, Public Health/ Consumer Protection, Regulation and Deregulation, Science, Technology, Transportation
The Supreme Court and the Battle for Second Amendment Rights
Recorded: Thursday, July 22, 2010
In June 2008 the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark ruling on the Second Amendment individual right to keep and bear arms with its Heller v. District of Columbia decision. Two years later, in June 2010, a second historic decision squeezed through the highest court in the land.
Experts: Stephen P. Halbrook, Donald E. J. Kilmer Jr.Type: Independent Institute EventIssues: Bureaucracy and Government, Civil Liberties/ Human Rights, Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice/ Prisons, Culture/ Society, Gun Control, History (U.S), Law Enforcement, Litigation, Political Ideology and Philosophy, Race Issues
What the Second Amendment Means Today
Recorded: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Part 1 |
Part 2
Part 3
The Second Amendments right to keep and bear arms has been among the most controversialand least understoodrights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Did the Founders intend to safeguard an individual right or a collective right?
Experts: Stephen P. Halbrook, Don B. Kates Jr.Type: Independent Institute EventIssues: Civil Liberties/ Human Rights, Constitutional Law, Crime, Culture/ Society, Defense and Foreign Policy, Gun Control, Law Enforcement
The New International Arms Race in SpaceAnd How to Avoid It
Recorded: Friday, March 7, 2008
Part 1 |
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Did the United States test an anti-satellite weapon when it shot down an out-of-control spy satellite earlier this month? Or was it a precautionary measure to protect people on the ground who might have been hit with a fuel tank filled with a poisonous gas?
Experts: Peter L. Hays, Theresa Hitchens, Jeff Kueter, Mike MooreType: Independent Institute EventIssues: Defense and Foreign Policy, Diplomacy and Foreign Aid, Government Secrecy, History (International), History (U.S), Science, Technology
The Frankenfood Myth?
Recorded: Tuesday, December 13, 2005
For millennia, farmers all over the world have bred crops for their resistance to disease, productivity, and nutritional value. Today, few topics have the power to inspire as much international furor and misinformation as the development and distribution of genetically altered foods.
Experts: Bruce N. Ames, Henry I. MillerType: Independent Institute EventIssues: Agriculture, Business, Environment, Public Health/ Consumer Protection, Science


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This is so beautiful! I love absolutely everything about this. The lighting is spot on and gives this whole picture a sort of heavenly and serene feel. Her pose and clasped hands also add to that heavenly feeling, conveying the message of her asking or praying for something on what i'm assuming, is her wedding day. The hair motion and fluidity of the hair is really good too.Her whole costume is very creative and the designs look like a lot of time was put into it. The background and the flying petals all make this piece very breath taking and stunning.
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Governor Owens says a plan from the Joint Budget Committee to increase tuition at the state's universities and colleges is unnecessary and unacceptable.
He plans to veto a proposal that would increase tuition by an average of 9 percent. Under the plan, some students can see a tuition hike by as much as 45 percent.
Members of the Joint Budget Committee say they would like to keep college education as affordable as possible and would like to hear suggestions from the governor.
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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — It was a very exciting day as we set out to explore a new area of Sri Lanka I hadn't previously seen. We were heading into Kandy, the country's central tea growing district. Our goal was to help diversify the agricultural lending portfolio for Women's Development Services Co-operative Society Ltd., or Women's Co-op, the 120-branch credit union with which World Council of Credit Unions' (WOCCU) Sri Lanka development program works to expand women farmers' access to financial services.
Their agricultural mainstay — more than 90% of the acreage — had been devoted to rice. But relying too heavily on just one crop can spell disaster for farmers when inclement weather or a poor growing season leads to a reduced yield. In order to limit risks, it is necessary to diversify production by expanding into different crops, and during this particular journey we were interested in potatoes.
Potatoes are not the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Sri Lanka, mainly because the climate here differs so greatly from the high Peruvian Andes where the vegetable is said to have originated. Since potatoes are generally grown at higher altitudes, the crop doesn't suffer when floods drown the rice paddies below. This aspect alone made potatoes an appealing alternative.
I was envisioning driving into a mountainous region and finding the potatoes planted safely on a plateau as they were in the Andes. I was both pleased and troubled by what I found.
I was pleased because I found the area both diverse and beautiful. Driving through the winding turns along steep cliffs, we wove in and out of tea plantations and past several waterfalls. The views were awe-inspiring. It was when we arrived at the potato plantations that I became troubled. In order to observe the fields, we had to climb up and down the steep hillsides to reach the terraces where the crops were planted. Panting and short of breath, I wished I exercised more regularly. That was troubling.
It was apparent to me that the members of Women's Co-op take a great deal of pride in their crops. The potato plants were virtually free of weeds thanks to regular maintenance, and the crops looked as though they would produce a plentiful harvest. I think the diversification of crops to include potatoes is a good move by these skilled farmers, especially as WOCCU's lending methodology, previously developed in other parts of the country, is transferred to the Kandy region.
Many other vegetable crops such as carrots, leeks, beets, squash and maize grow there successfully and can all become part of a diversification strategy that helps farmers protect against crop failure. Adding potatoes to the list will allow them to build an even more sustainable income and a more secure future for themselves and their families.
|Group members wait patiently as each one takes a turn meeting with the rural financial officers to deposit their savings and verify their account balances. Each member receives a record of the transaction printed on a handheld printer.
MIAHUATLÁN, Mexico — We set out just after dawn from our hotel in the mountain city of Cordoba, Mexico, to give ourselves enough time to reach the remote mountain village of Miahuatlán before our late-morning meeting. Our group, including WOCCU staff members and led by President and CEO Brian Branch, was there to witness some of WOCCU's most innovative financial service delivery technologies at work in the field.
After an hour in a van, we arrived in a small valley town surrounded by vast sugarcane fields. We parked outside a branch office of Caja Yanga credit union where we were greeted by two ejecutivos financieros rurales, or rural financial officers, whom we would accompany into the surrounding mountainside communities to which they deliver financial services using personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld printers to conduct transactions. We embarked on foot toward the edge of town and onto a trail of meticulously placed mud-covered stones. During our ascent, we slipped and slid for nearly two hours as elderly men carrying huge bundles of palm leaves and school children in unsoiled stockings and shoes bustled past us, going about their daily routines.
When we finally arrived in the village square, community members gathered to meet with the credit union officers. The group leader announced our visit and everyone lined up to meet with the officers individually. I was struck by the public nature of the meeting. Everyone waiting witnessed their friends' and neighbors' transactions, allowing for little of the financial privacy we expect back home.
We mingled among the members to hear their stories and perceptions. Many worked as farmhands in the cane fields, cultivated coffee or harvested palma grasena, a small green palm used in the production of U.S. dollar bills. For most, this was their first experience with formal financial services, a huge step in a culture where savings is typically kept in cash or goods, if at all. Members opened accounts and committed to saving a minimum amount each month. Community members later asked the credit union to start a youth savings group so their children could learn to save.
Although the pace and scale of the local economy here was vastly different from that of many other places around the world, the core principles were the same — savings and access to convenient and affordable financial services were key to growth. The people of Miahuatlán were taking steps to improve their lives one step at a time. It makes me hopeful to think that through increased access to financial services, people in communities like this one can experience brighter futures while still maintaining their traditional lifestyle, diminishing the need to leave home in search of a better life.
|A lone bicyclist travels amid the concrete rubble that still characterizes downtown Port-au-Prince.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — If you've visited Haiti recently, as I have, you know not much has changed since the earthquake. Eighteen months later, potholed streets still wind themselves around uncollected piles of concrete rubble and masses of humanity struggling to meet their own basic needs. Amidst the heavy, charcoal-tinged air, one senses the tension and desperation, crackling in the air like an exposed live wire threatening to arc at any moment. There are no easy fixes and the future remains uncertain. But that's life in Haiti.
In order for people here to build a better life — to do more than just survive — Haiti's democracy and government must improve. Despite efforts by countless exceptional and dedicated Haitians, the country still lacks the common ground needed to equitably pool and share the few resources it has. Haiti's credit unions are uniquely positioned to help fill that void.
Food, water and shelter are scarce in Haiti, procured at great cost by the wealthy few, while the poverty-stricken masses struggle for pieces of what is left. The earthquake surely exacerbated that struggle but all Haitians, including the wealthy, are harmed by Haiti's extreme inequality.
Water trucks, dirty streets and diesel-powered generators became poor substitutes for running water, functioning sewers and electric utilities. Bribery, corruption and violence too often rule in place of public order and an effective judicial system. Armed security guards, walls topped with razor wire and armored SUVs operate in lieu of a police force. The wealthy suffer psychologically. The Haitian elite fear armed kidnappings, know better than to use one of a handful of functioning ATMs and drive maniacally at night to avoid being robbed at gunpoint.
Credit unions are a critical part of the solution. By engaging their hundreds of thousands of members in the democratic elections and financial institution management, credit unions instill democratic norms and values which give way to reasoned discussion and local leadership. As member-driven institutions, credit unions promote the long-term interests of ordinary Haitians over those of shareholders or the international community. Through regulated financial services, credit unions offer a safe, equitable place to build wealth — the lifeblood of any economy.
Credit unions remain uniquely positioned to create the common ground necessary for the promotion of democracy and for ordinary people to improve their lives. WOCCU's work here develops credit unions' capacity to grow and to enhance their influence. Whether the local government and international community can fully capitalize on this potential remains in question; but, for now, Haiti's credit unions provide hope in an otherwise difficult place.
|Gideon Nyamwange (right),
former senior deputy commissioner of cooperatives in Kenya and one of
WOCCU's consultants working on the Tanzania program, converses with one
of the employees at a SACCOS training center in Dar es Salaam.
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — I recently traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to report on WOCCU's development program. In order to support the growth, safety and soundness of Tanzania's savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOS), we are providing technical assistance to the country's regulators and improving management information systems. I was accompanied by two consultants that WOCCU hired to work on the program, Monnie Biety, a management consultant from the United States, and Gideon Nyamwange, Kenya's former senior deputy commissioner of cooperatives.
During our travels, we visited SACCOS on Zanzibar, the largest island in a semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania's coast. Zanzibar City, the island's capital, is referred to as "Stone Town" or Mji Mkongwe (Swahili for "old town") for its narrow stone streets and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I know some Swahili, Tanzania's de facto language, from my previous work in Kenya, but the dialect spoken there is quite unique. People go out of their way to make their speech very proper and polite. It took some getting used to, but it didn't take long to understand people better.
As we walked the narrow streets, we made our way to the Anglican Church Cathedral, which is site of the world's last open slave market, where slaves from East and Central Africa were sold. I got a creepy feeling as we walked around the place. I could almost hear the screams coming from the walls! It is hard to imagine that the last slave market in the world is adjacent to a Christian church, with its ornate doors, cobblestone courtyard, dark history and yet so beautiful. The contrast was simply amazing.
It's also amazing is to consider how far things have come here. A place that was once the epicenter for the brutal slave trade now boasts cooperatively owned and democratically controlled financial institutions that serve members of all races and tribal affiliations, including some that are no doubt decendents of those slaves. The community has made great strides, but there is still work to be done.
|A representative from SICREDI Pioneira (left) meets with a farmer-member in the loafing shed for her heard of 80 cattle during a visit by WOCCU staff members.
NOVA PETRÓPOLIS, Brazil — How does a credit union system increase its membership by 15% annually? On a recent visit to Brazil, I saw firsthand why WOCCU member SICREDI has realized such success growing its membership in recent years. The key was its ability to reach rural members.
When we visited SICREDI Pioneira, its credit union in Pinhal Alto and one of the first in Latin America, we learned that it was founded initially to provide agricultural credit to farmers. The introduction of government-subsidized, fixed-rate agricultural loans made it difficult for SICREDI's credit unions to cover their agricultural lending costs because the interest was fixed at a rate too low to make the loans viable. This could have threatened the continued existence of the institution. Instead, SICREDI Pioneira saw it as an opportunity to expand their services.
To ensure the financial viability of serving rural members, the credit union developed a menu of needed financial products and services, including bill payment services, various savings products and insurance. Since many rural members previously lacked access to financial services, the credit union began offering bundled packages of products and services to rural members in order to better serve their needs and to make serving them financially viable. To say that these products were well received is an understatement. In the small and medium-sized municipalities served by SICREDI Pioneira, about half the population are credit union members. The Pinhal Alto branch manager could scarcely find a name in the local telephone directory that didn't belong to a member!
Building an institution trusted by rural members also has allowed SICREDI to benefit from Brazil's urbanization. When members move from rural areas to the cities they bring with them their credit union affiliation and loyalty to an institution they trust.
Clearly, SICREDI's commitment to service, and especially to its rural members, has paid dividends to both the institution and the people who use it.


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|Return to Richard Rossi's Homepage
Inmates Rights Preserved, at least that
is what the headlines said in
the Arizona Republic newspaper. The article was about the recent
decision of the Arizona Department of Corrections to close all the law
libraries permanently on August 4, 1997 (except the central unit library
that is covered by a separate law suit).
All this began back in 1990 when 22
inmates of the Arizona Department of
Corrections filed a class action law suit - and one of their claims was
that they were being denied effective access to the courts. The ACLU
National Prison Project took up the case on behalf of the inmates. This
was after the successful Gluth law suit that set guidelines for the
Central Unit Law Library. The case was heard by federal judge Carl
Muecke who ruled in favor of the inmates and issued an injunction that
set forth detailed and system-wide changes in the entire departments
prison law libraries and in the legal assistance programs.
The ruling mandated he number of hours
for prison courses, the
qualifications required for the instructor (an outside certified
paralegal, trained law student or attorney), class content (one-third of
the time to be spent on lectures, two-thirds on fundamentals of research
and writing), and the method of testing (written exam, pass/fail). Also
the law clerks had to have passed this test to assist those not
requesting a legal assistant. The article stated how this was costing
the taxpayers untold dollars, when in actuality it all boiled down to a
multi-hour video tape that was played for less than a dozen inmates
every six months or so. It sounded more detailed and expensive than it
Also included in the Casey v Lewis law
suit was a list of law books that
was to be maintained in the libraries along with some self-help books.
The majority of the 34 existing law libraries aready had those volumes.
However, it seems that the Department of Corrections had its spin
doctors working overtime because the general public was and is convinced
that the cost of these law libraries was coming out of the taxpayers
pocket. The truth is that the funds to pay for maintaining the libraries
came out of the inmate Arts & Recreation Fund. All the profits from the
inmate commissary go into this fund and the state takes this money and
uses it to purchase what is needed for the libraries. The inmates have
bought and paid for the libraries. The authorities dont tell that to
the public, rather they present the public with lies.
The state did not like the outcome of
the law suit so they appealed the
decision to the next highest court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The state republicans being of the opinion that the Federal District
Court was micro-managing the affairs of the state considered that this
was inappropriate. The Ninth Circuit rejected their claim and upheld the
decision of the lower court.
Then came the 1994 election in which
the republicans gained a majority
in both houses of Congress. State republicans across the country united
with their counterparts in Congress and were effective in having two
major pieces of legislation passed. There was the Antiterrorism and
Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 that severely restricted our habeas
corpus rights, and there was the Prison Litigation Reform Act. This
latter act is real bad news. It allows states to dissolve consent
decrees by petitioning the courts and it also affects the habeas corpus
relief we can obtain.
With this wave of mean-spiritedness
and the success of these bills, the
state decided to appeal the Ninth Circuit decision to the U.S. Supreme
Court on a writ of certiorari. This is not an automatic appeal. You must
brief the court and ask if they will accept your case. The party
bringing such requests is unsuccessful 97% of the time. It is only the
special cases that are taken on by the court. However, since Justices
Renquist and OConnor are both from the state of Arizona, it came as no
surprise that the case was accepted.
When the decision was announced, Justice
Scalia, writing for the
majority, said that inmates could not be guaranteed ... the
wherewithal to transform themselves into litigating engines capable of
filing everything from shareholder derivative actions to slip-and-fall
claims. The tools it requires to be provided are those that the inmates
need in order to attack their sentences, directly or collaterally, and
in order to challenge the conditions of their confinement. Impairment of
any other litigation capacity is simply one of the incidental (and
perfectly constitutional) consequences of conviction and incarceration.
The Supreme Court also said that Judge Mueckes order was ...
inordinately, indeed wildly intrusive. There is no need to belabor this
point. One only has to read the order ...
So for the last year since they won
this decision the Department of
Corrections has been drafting its new policy on access to the courts.
Officials have come up with a system in which they will permanently
close all the law libraries. All the books will be donated to various
organizations and they will hire a paralegal who will assist inmates in
filling out one of three legal forms, pertaining to: Habeas Corpus,
Civil Rights (1983), and Post Conviction Relief. That is all they will
do. Just help you fill in the blanks. They will not prepare a case for
you or give any recommendations or advice. The director stated on TV
that once the inmate has filed the forms in the court, the court will
appoint an attorney to assist the inmate. I can testify that this is not
so. I have personally handled five Civil Rights complaints for various
inmates and not once were we granted an attorney to assist us. So it
will be interesting to say the least to observe what happens to the
court protections that are supposedly guaranteed to all Americans.
The Arizona Republic editorial closed
with the statement - At long
last, the balance seems to have shifted to the middle, where the rights
of inmates are protected while Arizona taxpayers no longer are required
to finance luxurious law libraries for convicted felons.
It is amazing how little value we attach
to a human life. It seems at
times that we care more about saving the lives of stray animals at the
shelter. We abhor the thought of sticking a needle into an animal to
euthanize it. However, humans are more expendable.
Few remember back to Gideon v Wainwright
Gideon was an uneducated black man in Florida who was arrested for a
crime, did not have the money to pay for an attorney, and was sent to
prison. In those days there was no right to a court-appointed attorney.
While in prison Gideon learned how to use the law library and filed writ
after writ until he won. In the process of gaining his freedom, he set a
precedent in which the landmark decision came down that guaranteed all
defendants the right to an attorney if he or she lacked sufficient funds
to pay for legal representation. Gideon would have died in prison if he
did not have access to an adequate and effective law library. As meager
as his library was, at least he had the tools to attack his conviction.
It is clear that the state of Arizona does not want to have anyone find
a way to fight his or her case. It is just unthinkable not to have a law
library. And also included in the new policy is the elimination of
inmate legal representatives, law clerks, and indigent legal supplies.
Also our confidential attorney phone calls will now be monitored and
recorded. I question the legality of such a procedure.
In a country that so values its Christian
ideals to the point of being
considered parochial in many ways by the rest of the world, one that
cares so much about issues such as abortion, and physician-assisted
suicide, there is clearly little concern about how society hastens the
death of those on death row. Are we not worth more than an animal or an
unborn child? Are we not human beings worthy of compassion, or do we
have no value at all?
Richard Rossi #50337
P.O. Box 8600
Florence, Arizona 85232
Arizona State Prison
Death Row July 1997]
|Return to Richard Rossi's Homepage


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Can This Phone Save Microsoft, Nokia, and AT&T?
The three aging giants have staked their future on the new Lumia 900. Oh, dear.
Microsoft has convinced itself that its problem in the phone space is "network effects." In the PC space, Microsoft long managed to be the dominant platform by virtue of its previous dominance. Everyone had Windows computers, so everyone wanted to write Windows software, so everyone wanted a Windows computer. I use Facebook primarily because other people use Facebook, but they in turn are using it because other people are already using it. In the mobile space, Microsoft is on the wrong side of this equation. People want phones with apps, but developers want to make apps for iPhone and Android that already have a large user base. Microsoft hopes to overcome this by paying app developers to port popular applications to Windows Phone and training AT&T salespeople to direct customers to substitutes for the key apps that Windows Phone lacks.
The salesperson I spoke to brought up the Lumia's relative lack of apps unsolicited, describing it as "the biggest difference" with iPhone before pivoting to reassure me that I wouldn't miss Pandora thanks to the availability of Rdio. A better strategy might have been to not talk about the apps unless the customer asks, and instead focus on the facts that the Lumia costs only $99 and unlike the iPhone can operate on the LTE network.
But the app obsession and its botched execution strike me as emblematic of an underlying flaw in the strategy. Trying to use Microsoft's extensive cash reserves (it has more than $50 billion on hand) and still-large profits to overcome network effects is sensible. But why is Microsoft subsidizing app-developers when it could go further by subsidizing customer purchases of the phones? At the end of the day, no amount of subsidy is going to turn Windows Phone apps into a high priority for any company unless there's a large installed user base. Dangling cash merely encourages developers to do the minimum and ship half-baked implementations to get the check. And, indeed, Lumia reviewers are already citing the low quality of third-party apps as a key weakness in the product. But if Microsoft subsidized the phones, then the users would have them, and then developers would follow. At $99, the Lumia 900 is pretty cheap, but imagine how much more appealing it would be if Microsoft actually paid you to buy one.
The problem with this strategy is that Microsoft can't subsidize hardware manufacturers to make Windows Phone products because Microsoft's whole business is selling operating systems to hardware makers. Here it faces the essentially insurmountable problem that Android is available for free (and doesn't make very much money for Google, despite its wild popularity). Trying to compete in this space is a doomed proposition. Gambling everything on a bid to extend Windows dominance into the mobile space makes the tech world more exciting, but it's not going to lead to a happy ending for the company and its shareholders.


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May 1, 2016
A woman was critically injured after a head-on crash this afternoon in Lenoir County.
The Highway Patrol says three vehicles were involved in the crash around 2:50 p.m. at U.S. 70 and Cobb Road, east of Kinston.
Trooper J.B. Locklear says a pickup truck with three people inside was westbound, and tried to make a left onto Cobb Road. He said the pickup didn't yield to an oncoming Ford Explorer and the two vehicles collided head-on.
The Explorer then spun around the struck a FedEx van that was at the stop sign on Cobb Road. Two women inside the SUV were injured, one of those in critical condition. A person in the pickup truck was also injured.
Locklear says the accident remains under investigation.
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Chess Tactics : Sacrifice - Part 2
Learn Chess From GrandMaster - http://rcaofficialpartner.blogspot.com/ . I teach beginners at chesscube.If you have any questions please contact me..!!Here is my website here and my youtube chess channel here
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Digital signage for retail, at least partially written off with the advent of smartphones and tablet computers, may be back in vogue with a few high tech twists. At last month's NRF convention, I had the chance to take a look at four installations where Intel has partnered with retailers and/or brands to come up with walls and kiosks that engage shoppers, offer them the chance to have a little fun and experience a personalized shopping experience in ways akin to online shopping.
According to an Intel spokesperson, the company is not looking to get into the business of selling these devices. They work with partner brands and retailers who use third parties to build the machines. The company's objective is to help retailers better understand how the physical shopping experience can be enhanced with technology.
Here's a peek at what four of Intel's partners are doing:
Macy's is currently testing a Beauty Spot kiosk in four stores. This is essentially a unit with a very large touchscreen surrounded by product. It offers the self-service oriented shopper the opportunity to choose from a variety of "looks," get customized recommendations and e-mail them to herself or print a list for use in-store. Macy's has a concierge who is stationed at the kiosk with a tablet to provide additional help. Rather than having to shop the entire cosmetics department, the shopper in a hurry or who wants to find everything in one place can get a big head start here.
The HSN TOUCHWALL is a 13 x 8-foot interactive screen that can be used in places like malls, sports arenas and airports. It offers the user a chance to play a game in which they can learn about various products. Purchases would occur later via their smartphone. In this iteration, the wall was set up to promote a pizza making game starring chef Wolfgang Puck and highlighting cookware offered for sale.
Kraft's iSample Experience is a "smart" vending machine that allows customized, interactive product sampling. Basically, this automates the sampling process, allows the brand to collect data, and provides the shopper with a little entertainment. The installation at the show provided samples of Kraft's Temptations, a dessert line for adults. The machine is able to distinguish the gender and age group of each user via an optical scanner and Intel's Audience Impression Metrics (AIM) Suite. In this case, adults are offered a choice of samples while kids get a humorous message.
Adidas' adiVerse is a virtual footwear wall displaying virtual 3D products shoppers can interact with. Anonymous video analytics allow Adidas to understand shopping patterns, trend, and demographics. Shoppers can buy what they see via a tablet-based checkout.
Which of these four installations do you see having the greatest application in retail spaces?
Smarter kiosks and interactive displays can impact consumer purchases. I like the Kraft iSample. It can deliver more samples for a greater number of hours than would be otherwise affordable.
There is plenty of room for manufacturers and retailers to experiment with devices that engage consumers. Only a small fraction of consumers use smartphones and even fewer use tablets to shop, and through infrared, blue tooth and QR technologies, the smartphone can become part of the overall shopping experience.
We're seeing lots of momentum by retailers and CPG brands to engage shoppers at the store by leveraging dynamic digital signage. While it's true there is also a big focus on mobile devices, interactive signage works very well for a more immersive and engaging experience for assisted shopping, promotions, and branding. Mobile devices work well for personalized or "one-to-one" engagement, while digital signage is a one-to-many channel.
Also, with the focus on shopper marketing as a discipline, there is an increased focus on the fact that the store is still the star, and using digital technologies in the store is a muli-faceted discipline that needs a holistic vision for tying together the store experience with online, mobile and social media efforts.
Matt Schmitt, President, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Reflect
There remains a huge opportunity for retailers to employ smart kiosks and other interactive applications in-store. This is particularly true for those retailers that engage customers from a total shopping and brand experience.
Retailers who bore customers with their environments concede shoppers' attention to their smartphones and while there, to other brands and applications.
While mobilists will argue, in some cases correctly, that the smartphone is the ultimate digital kiosk, it remains a very small footprint in a big retail space. Retailers need to remember that they still have the ultimate interactive device, the merchandise, both real and visual. The challenge, like all other customer touch points, is making it relevant through the use of customer data.
I think the technology is more of a medium- to long-term play in the US, while it is a "now" play in Korea and Japan, where versions of these technologies are already in use due to the early adoption of smartphone technologies there. I have not seen much consumer interest in smart kiosk applications, like the Macy's Beauty Spot, because the consumer if already in store expects a knowledgeable Beauty Advisor to assist.
It is still important for retailers and manufacturers to continue to test and pilot these. One of them will hit and when it does, it will be significant.
Mike Osorio, Senior VP Organizational Change Management, DFS Group
I am not terribly optimistic about the future of smart kiosks and digital signage in the retail environment. The challenges involved in traffic flow and translating these kiosks into incremental revenue have prevented such technology from taking hold, to date.
At the same time, these kiosks do offer significant entertainment value and can provide a critical role for customers who are in the research phase of their purchase decision. The challenge is that since retail stores have only a limited square footage, this entertainment and research center has potential to actually detract from total sales rather than increase it.
This is great stuff, straight out of "Blade Runner." I hope it has a big impact because it's fun. It will require variety, of course, because we're used to lots of choices for our digital entertainment. The "pizza making game" will grow tired very quickly. The installations will require extensive regular maintenance, especially those that the public can touch.
All of the venues listed in Al's article -- depending on where the sampling kiosks will be located -- can benefit from this new technology. I excepted the sampling kiosks because they will probably be installed in supermarkets. Al didn't specifically reference the supermarket venue perhaps because three of the four programs listed did not, either. The unique issue in supermarkets vis-a-vis razzle-dazzle video displays is traffic congestion. Several shoppers with their carts ganged up in front of an entertaining video display can shut down whole aisles and restrict access to the stuff for sale.
M. Jericho Banks PhD, President, CEO, Forensic Marketing LLC
The Macy's example shows how kiosks can supplement store associates. HSN illustrates the branding and awareness benefits of digital out-of-home. iSample replaces higher cost channels for sampling.
All are steps in the right direction, but they're more about reducing costs. The revenue models are vague.
To that point, the use of digital signage in automated retail puts a revenue model to work because actual goods are sold. Digital media can both draw more traffic to kiosks, as in the case of Coinstar and Best Buy kiosks, or provide more personalized recommendations, as Blockbuster Express (sold to Redbox for $100MM) was developing.
I believe the highest, measurable ROI will come from automated retail applications like these that not only reduce overhead costs of retail but also convert more shoppers on the spot. They also provide a "quick trip" alternative to e-commerce, as the success of Redbox in gaining Netflix customers has demonstrated.
Dan Frechtling, SVP Product and Marketing, CMO, G2 Web Services
Intel's booth at the NRF show had some outstanding examples of digital signage. The issue for retailers, though, is content. It will be interesting to see how retail companies staff up to address this opportunity.
Kiosks and digital signage have been the "next thing" in retail for more than 20 years. They clearly can be used to enhance the in-store experience and solve real customer experience challenges.
But I expect to see their overall use for retail decline. Most of the one-to-one/personalized experiences we might have once expected to deliver on in-store technology are clearly going to happen on consumers mobile devices in the store. It's a much more scalable, affordable, and personal experience (while respecting privacy).
Place based digital experiences are going to be reserved for large format "featured displays" that are designed to be one-to-many affairs. Think very big screens, multi-touch, and gesture based interfaces, and integration to a shoppers own mobile device for personalization.
In the very near future the overwhelming majority of shoppers will walk in the store with a powerful computer in their pocket, that has their purchasing preferences stored on it, and will know exactly where the shopper is standing in the store and what products are in front of her. Retailers are going to want a shopping environment that interacts with that device, rather than providing their own screens in each aisle that can only serve one shopper at a time.
Digital signage is an ideal platform for the designer or product manager to communicate their special message to the shopper on the selling floor. In fashion, this can help shopper overcome subtle objections that the sales associate typically cannot. "What occasions will this work in?" "Is this style going to last?" "How would I accessorize?" "What is story with the fabric and durability?"
The keys are to be able to deliver this message with some precision exactly when and where it is needed. For that there is great opportunity for digital signage to interact with smartphones.
The chief obstacle to this kind of information delivery is both content and infrastructure. Retailers need inexpensive, flexible way for managing and routing this content from supplier to store. This shifts the conversation to in-store technology where bandwidth is and elasticity are so 20th century.
Bill Robinson, Principal, Bill Robinson Associates
I can speak to this from the perspective of our clients in the food service vertical; where we see a lot of potential for exploiting digital signage. There is a lot of work and testing happening with digital signage in the QSR industry. Digital menu boards allow for a wide range of possibilities to customize/personalize the experience. Promotional items can rotate based on time of day, or temperature, or regional differences. As mobile technology and NFC become more widely adopted, there will be space to have a very personalized experience when pulling up to your favorite drive thru.
To Jason's point, I should mention that the HSN TOUCHWALL can interact with 4 shoppers individually, at one time. And, I believe all of these installations have one form or another of interaction with the user via their smartphone.
Smarter kiosks? Maybe, but only if its tied in with mobile communications and apps. Digital signage? We've been over this again and again. I still say no!
"Minority Report" keeps getting closer and closer. Yes, I believe there is a great future for consumer-facing technology in stores. I like some of the newer 3D kiosks/signs that put the product virtually in the hands of the shopper. Great stuff.
Ralph Jacobson, Global Retail Industry Analytics Marketing Executive, IBM
Sure, with the advent of smart paper and wireless, the cost will continue to fall and the capabilities will become greater. I can see a time where this technology will be used for everything from display signage to shelf strips.
I can also see a time when the store manager will have the ability to quickly make changes to the signs with a swipe on his personnel tablet.
Joe Nassour, Chief Technology Officer, RetailTactics
The key for retailers is to go beyond simple "digital signage" approach and to make the experience more immersive, interactive and intuitive on the touchscreen interface.
The best applications and environments are those that deliver immediate value to consumers as they engage with the screens: a) complex products/vast selection (the screens can educate users about the products and services available; users can narrow down their options; staff can guide them through the process), b) busy store (the screens offer self-service browsing opportunities to users, while they wait for sales assistance), c) efficiency (the screens facilitate the buying process, sending all the purchase/shopping cart details to the POS for easy checkout).
Consumers want to get what they want as quickly and as easily as possible -- the interactive digital solutions in-store should enable that.
Christopher Krywulak, President and CEO, iQmetrix


text:
Syrian rebels fight to control Aleppo as government retakes Damascus
There are 20 comments on the KBND-AM Bend story from Jul 22, 2012, titled Syrian rebels fight to control Aleppo as government retakes Damascus. In it, KBND-AM Bend reports that:
Syrian rebels have launched an offensive to "liberate" the country's largest city of Aleppo, an opposition commander said Sunday, while in Damascus government troops backed by helicopter gunships wrested back control of rebel-held neighborhoods.
Join the discussion below, or Read more at KBND-AM Bend.
#1 Jul 22, 2012
Hopefully the brave Syrian army kills every one of these terrorist inside Syria.
#2 Jul 22, 2012
They are not "rebels" they are terrorist the same as they would be if the same thing was happening in america.I have a feeling if this was going on in america these people would not be labeled "rebels" but terrorist as they are.
#3 Jul 22, 2012
They ould have ben in quantanamo.
#4 Jul 23, 2012
i strongly detest human beings killing one another.But the whole world talks about syria, what about Bahrain nd Saudi Arabia, these countries should practise democracy as well. democracy is government of the people, by the people nd for the people.Hence all these people saying they are fighting for democracy in Syria thereby shooting government soldiers are terrorists.Democracy should be through voting and not through shooting. The whole world could have systematically persuadeassad to organize a free nd fair election monitored by the U N nd asked the oposition to take part.That would have been better than human beings behaving like animals killing one another. Do not forget there is God nd we will all be accountable to Him one day
Helsinki, Finland
#5 Jul 23, 2012
Hopefully the rebles will win the battle against the bloody dictator Assad ,,
#6 Jul 23, 2012
They should stop to ruin their own poor country. It cannot be that every village has own government.
Maybe these Syrian officials and president should give more humanitarian aid for these people, to fix this problem peacefully and in humanitarian way.
Accrington, UK
#7 Jul 23, 2012
Nothing can be settled until the vermin is liquidated.
#8 Jul 23, 2012
LIAR! Who's the psycho??? YOU!! Just out today! I THOUGHT YOU SAID AL-QAUDA WAS THE THREAT YOU FILTHY DISGUSTING LYING SCUMBAG!! The Syrian regime threatened Monday to use its chemical and biological weapons in case of a foreign attack, in its first ever acknowledgement that it possesses weapons of mass destruction.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi vowed, however, that Damascus would not use its unconventional arms against its own citizens. The announcement comes as Syria faces international isolation, a tenacious rebellion that has left at least 19,000 people dead!!
YOU DON'T READ MUCH DO YOU DISGUSTING PAID ASSAD SOCK PUPPET CLOWN? TIME TO PACK YOUR JUNK AND HEAD BACK TO SYRIA AND FACE YOUR HANGING! I'LL BE THE ONE PASSING OUT FREE PIZZA AND BEER!! As Syrian forces retaliate against rebels in Damascus a day after a deadly bombing attack that killed three regime leaders, reports Thursday as Assad has fled to the coastal city of Latakia.
Assad, who was noticeably absent after Wednesday's bombing, is directing the government response to his top lieutenants' deaths from the Mediterranean sea resort, Reuters reports , citing opposition sources and a Western diplomat.
"Our information is that he is at his palace in Latakia and that he may have been there for days," a senior opposition figure told Reuters.
The whereabouts of his wife and their three young children were not known.
McCain, THE WEST, JEWS, ZIONISTS, THE U.N., THE ARAB LEAGUE have not done a flippin' thing except to condemn your sick, demented, warmongering mental case Assad and you his Paid Sock Puppet!! Stop the filthy lying!! get your rear end back to Syria and stop hiding out in the west as in Los Angeles!!
#9 Jul 23, 2012
Stop talking Trash HamasARAT!! look it up in the Dictionary!! Why do stay in a country you love to HATE assclown?? Why the hell don't you get your filthy rear end the out of this country clown that gives you the freedom to write your hateful ignorant lying nonsense?? Try your silly nonsense in another country and show the same ignorant hate toward them. You wouldn't last two seconds dumbazz! What the hell are you doing living in the USA?? You need to move that big diarrhea foaming at the mouth lies and propaganda of yours to Iran or any of these Muslim countries you love so much. Try it in their system and see how long you last moron!! Those little baby fingers won't be doing much more typing on that old worn out Radio Shack computer. It's obvious you hate this country so I suggest you get the hell out and don't come back!! Please, make us all happy. Take Syrianassadasswiper and oczx Diaper Head with you! When you nutjobs get there, make sure you clowns say your prayers 5 times a day facing Mecca. They might be easier on you. Get those rear ends as high as you can get it so that they know that your serious
#10 Jul 23, 2012
There's several Filthy Liars as usual from Hamas's Anal PIGS PENs and MUD hole's of HamasArat Terrorist war mongers, who are supporters of the Mass-Murderers of over 3 thousand innocent Israelis?? Why it's brainwashed Jew hating lil' childish 3 year old Unreality retard and lap dog Crumwell with their HamasaRAT GREEN AND WHITE ARMY ARM BANDS on their Milking Arms as she and her Trick daughter sing the Hamas Anthem while milking Hamas Terrorists before they go into battle! This should be a forum on Nazi Hitler's rejuvenation and reincarnation Band of the ignorant Muzzie Brotherhood. One would think we went back over 65 years to hear the same Jewish and Anti-Semite hate all over again!! The little Nazi Hitler wanna-be's like these scumbags lil' childish 3 year old Unreality retard and lap dog crumwell reliving the Nazi past! I bet the little scumbag have little Hitler moustaches and wear swastikas 24/7!!!! These clowns are BEST known by the language the JEW HATING, Israel HATING moron uses THOUGHOUT TOPIX. You'd think we were reliving the NAZI PAST!
Depraved sexual insults, bile, bigotry, threats, disinformation and character assassination. Thats right: Im talking about Anti-Jewish, anti=Israel, Hamas Sock puppet trolls" who infect the Internet with Pro-Hitler, Pro-Nazi, Pro-Hamas, Anti-Jewish and anti-Israel propaganda.
The Internet, though, is the latest, some might say the greatest, propaganda playground, and Hamas cannot cope with factual, passionate, well-documented stories that expose its war crimes and unrepentant criminality.
If youve come across Hamas Sock Puppets like these morons, on-line or otherwise, you have learned that no amount of reasoned argument or intellectual maturity has any effect.
Thats because the Hamas PAID PROPAGANDISTS don't care if they come across as ignorant, obnoxious, nasty or inane.
Lytham, UK
#11 Jul 23, 2012
LIAR! Who's the psycho??? YOU!! Just out today! I THOUGHT YOU SAID AL-QAUDA WAS THE THREAT YOU FILTHY DISGUSTING LYING SCUMBAG!! The Syrian regime threatened Monday to use its chemical and biological weapons in case of a foreign attack, in its first ever acknowledgement that it possesses weapons of mass destruction.
Thats right Clown,look at a thread i started today on here,foreign terrorists in damascus killed,as for the WMD that should concentrate the warped minds of those fascist bastards in washington and Tel aviv,if they have any sense it will.
Red Deer, Canada
#12 Jul 23, 2012
Does that mean you are finally leaving to help Assad, he really could use some extra people to be targets in the inner circle and around the Mustard piles. But then again you do not believe they exist
#13 Jul 23, 2012
Terrorist supporter they are not "rebels" they are terrorist.
#14 Jul 23, 2012
Still living in your fantasy world jew???
#16 Jul 23, 2012
You're right. Today, america is sympathizing with these so-called rebels because they're fighting against Syrian gov't. Tomorrow, if same rebels start attacking american interests they will be labeled as terrorists by america. Lethal drones will be flying over them. Playing double game is the american way.
Red Deer, Canada
#17 Jul 23, 2012
That's true you are too much of a coward to fight, hell you don't even know who is in the war, they would have to put signs on each of Syrian soldiers to keep you from shooting them.
#18 Jul 23, 2012
Sure I know who is in the american/israel instigated war.The terrorist armed and funded by the american government and israel and the brave Syrian army defending the citizens and country from these murderous terrorist forces.
#19 Jul 23, 2012
ONE OF THESE DAYS, YOUR GOING TO HAVE A FLIPPIN' HEART ATTACK (IT COULD NOT BE TOO SOON) FOR THE DISGUSTING FILTHY HATE YOU HAVE BUILT UP IN THAT LITTLE PEA BRAIN YOU HAVE FOR JEWS, ISRAEL AND AMERICA (THE PLACE YOU LIVE AND LOVE TO BASH)! You are one flaming brainwashed nutjob and need mental help in the worst way! Seek mental help ASAP!
#20 Jul 23, 2012
Most FILTHY brainwashed uneducated LYING SCUMBAGS have the right to be stupid!! You and your lap dog COVINGTON UNREALITY NUTJOB abuse the privilege!!
Accrington, UK
#21 Jul 24, 2012
Anything to say about the Egyptian,jordanian,Tunisian,an d Libyan terrorists that were killed in Damascus,i am waiting clown.
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« Murder Ballad: Autism, Infanticide and the Pharma Footprint | Main | Autism File to Livestream Callous Disregard Author Dr. Andrew Wakefield from London! »
We understand that A1037a/S70000b, the Autism Speaks endorsed insurance bill for autism, is likely to pass in New York. It's verbiage requires that any approved therapies must be "evidence-based, clinically-proven, and peer-reviewed," a standard used in no other state and for no other health disorder under New York law. That sounds a lot like ABA and pharmaceutical drugs, and drugs are already covered for most of our kids. Does this mean GI testing and treatment is excluded? What about immune-related testing and treatment? What about occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy?
Our friends in New York have asked several people at Autism Speaks, but have been unable to secure an answer as of this writing.
The alternative bill was endorsed by numerous autism organizations from the NAA-NYC to GRASP (to give you an idea of the wide reach of help it included for people with autism) but did not have the lobbying power (those walks raise a lot of money) of Autism Speaks or the safety (for the insurance companies that is) of only having to provide the most basic, and some would say insufficient, care.
Autism Action Network and the Foundation for Autism Media and Research have been leading the charge on getting real autism reform passed with different legislation A6888/S6123.
They are asking New Yorkers (and only New Yorkers please) to call Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver today at (518) 455-3791 and politely ask what autism therapies are "Evidenced-based, clinically proven and peer-reviewed."
And for you folks not in New York, why not ask Autism Speaks the same question at (212) 252-8584.
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Sadly parents continue to be brainwashed by Autism Speaks.
Here's a link to a fact sheet what we have in PA for comparison.
Honestly, there was a fight in PA with the bill AS was advocating. It was a real mess. Our local autism groups took to calling and writing, making sure legislators knew which bill we supported. And it worked.
Make no mistakes that the insurers are probably lobbying against any bill to cover autism. Even with Act 62 in PA, certain insurers are exempt.
The huge sin is when I took my toddler, who had been constipated for days and days, to the pediatrician and he told me that was "just his autism." He's holding it because that's what autistic kids do, not because he had a medical problem. And, if I wanted to see a real live freaking doctor to treat his MEDICAL problem, that's not covered under insurance.
Maybe my peer-reviewed, scientifically approved ABA provider can train him not to scream when he's in pain. Sounds like a plan. At least my insurance will pay for that.
Here is the fact sheet regarding Illinois coverage:
It just kills me that we can't have a "choose your own therapy or treatment" option. Just give us a "spending limit" and let us choose the therapies we want. Don't get me wrong, ABA is wonderful, and this year in Illinois, it is covered up to $36,000 beyond what your insurance policy's coverage is annually. It may actually be multiple type of therapies that are covered, but certainly not biomedical. I am one of the "lucky" ones in that my autistic daughter also has Down Syndrome, so she is entitled to PT, OT, and ST. So all of her delays are covered in therapy. I feel for those who don't have such luck. However, there are so many therapies I'd like to try with her, but I have to pick and choose and scrape up the pennies while trying to convince my hubby that all of this is worthwhile to do. If we had coverage for homeopathy, biomedical, NAET, etc., I think my hubby would be on board to try just about anything. It certainly would save a TON of marriages as Autism is so financially draining. I know, I am speaking to the choir, but meds and ABA aren't enough for the more severely challenged. Just my two cents' worth.
I agree with you 100% "Won't Get Fooled Again." Here's our state "Stoolie." In her case I think it's the "too egotistical" to care. Everyone should find out their Autism Speaks state Stoolie and call them out for what they are--USELESS!
Autism Speaks is nothing more than a genetically-linked part of the CDC cover-up.
The insurance industry is largely to blame for forcing "bargain basement" health care on our children. Shoot infants and toddlers with dozens and dozens of doses of vaccines that have Thimerosal in them.
Of course, the crazed policy of mercury-poisoning American children has had blow-back.
This is part of the reason why Autism Speaks was invented and funded by the federal government.
All Autism Speaks needs is one stoolie per state. They pin a completely limiting, completely discriminating bill to their chest and shove them into the halls of the state legislature.
The stoolie carrying the bill is either too stupid or too egotistical to understand the Autism Speaks bill is designed to screw over services for Autistic boys and girls.
If Autism Speaks can't tell us the truth about what happened to our kids on vaccines, are they in any kind of position to dictate a single idea in terms of treatments? (No)
Could we do an online poll of some kind to rank the following for credibility ??
1) British Petrolem
2) Autism Speaks
3) the vaccine industry
4) AoA
This bill differs little from the SC insurance bill that went into effect in 2008. It mostly covers ABA, and some speech and O/T. It also does not encompass all companies(for example-those with less than 50 employees are exempt from the law) Few people take advantage of it because the number of qualified therapists are very limited.. Like New York, most of the states with some autism coverage now--------make one climb so many ladders that ever reaching the stars is impossible.
The frightening this is, that when I made my calls today, no one could tell me what treatments meet this standard, possibly because it hasn't gone through the four agencies who will be responsible for authorizing it. Which, I think, means nothing will be covered. Scary, scary, scary...
so if I understand this correctly under this bill coverage for off label use of SSRIs in young children would end in NY since they are neither clinically proven or evidence based...methinks they are shooting themselves in the foot ...ouch!
Are co morbid condition still covered?
My son is being treated for an immune dysfunction. He is on an antiviral (and it's working)...is that covered???
Michael, those are all wonderful tools for our kids - but are any of them medical? They belong in a classroom, not a hospital or doctor's office. Imagine if docs only prescribed migraine sufferers guided imagery or other psychological methods to manage their pain rather than medical treatment.
I spoke with a Mom of a newly diagnosed toddler in Philly whose pediatrician did not know what ABA was. They are not equipped to handle the school portion of our kids lives. It's not what they studied or know or should even have to learn as peds.
Should math tutoring then be dictated by a health insurance company to the exclusion of medical care?
It's frustrating. No one is saying ABA and it's cousins aren't very much worthwhile - but the only approved treatment under medical insurance? I don't get it.
Thanks for commenting.
Just wanted to let you know that we've shared a link to your post here and have asked our readers to weigh in over here, too.
As for "evidence-based" I suspect they are referring to something like the National Standards Report www.nationalautismcenter.org/pdf/NAC%20Standards%20Report.pdf
Which includes interventions like: Integrated Play Groups, Social Stories, Naturalistic Teaching Strategies, Peer Training,TEACCH Schedules, ABA & Discrete Trials.
Under the AS bill .. how difficult is it going to be for a treatment, such as .. hyperbaric chambers or chelation .. to become "evidenced based, clinically prove and peer reviewed"? I suspect these types of treatments will never satisfy the standard they have raised.
The AS bill also creates a "new four-agency review committee that would have to approve any treatments" .. which seems to me a very difficult barrier a treatment for autism must overcome that other disorders do not have to confront. In other words .. what is the likelihood all four agencies are going to approve some new, very expensive treatment?
If I were an insurance company .. I couldn't ask for anything more friendly than AS bill.
Can someone please tell me what has been deemed a "Medical Necessity" for ASD? ABA is a psychologically based intervention that has to be overseen by a BCBA with a Ph.D. for most states to covered it. It's covered under mental health, not a DD dx. So I'm curious as to what is transpiring since the federal mental health mandate was passed? What is occuring is co-pays have gone up to 50% on MH services.
So please someone tell me what, for ASD, is deemed a medical necessity because if something is than folks that have Medicaid should also be receiving those interventions or services.
The probelm with "evidence-based, clinically-proven, and peer-reviewed" is that this standard exists for no other health condition under New York law, or the law of any other stae for that matter. It is a far higher and much more restrictive standard so is therefore inherently discriminatory. We know from other states that these standards can be used to deny anything. The head of the Long ISland branch of the AAP , who endorsed the AUtism Speaks bill, said that OT, PT and ST would not meet this standard.
And treatment for no other health disorder under NY law has to be reviewed by four separate agenices, some of which have finacial incentives not to approve treatment due to the huge number of people who receive publicly fnaced healthcare n NY.
This law would set a horrible standard that no doubt would be used in other states to minimize coverage for our kids.
Hi, bob. I'm trying to figure out how to phrase this. You make a valid point. However, since autism is under the DSM, many of the medical symptoms our kids face are chalked up to behavioral reasons and therefore don't get medical coverage. There is precious little peer reviewed evidence based work available - because the default position in medicine is that autism is not treatable. When my daughter was having seizures her neurologist was unwilling to dig with testing telling that "She has autism." It knocks our kids OUT of treatment, and thus the frustration. Thanks for commenting. KIM
"The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Insurance Super intendent and the Commissioners of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, is charged with responsibility for promulgating regulations identifying treatment and therapy options."
Not only does this sound like an unfunded mandate, but why should we have to wait for these people have to approve treatments?
This is a horrible little bill dreamed up by AS in consultation with the insurance agencies and drug companies. I can see nothing that AS has done to help any child with autism.
Explain to me the problem with "evidence-based, clinically-proven, and peer-reviewed"??
Are we just screaming to scream? What is the problem, if this get many kids proper behavioral therapies?
Where is the huge sin?
Strange their bill seems to cover none of the treatments the Wright's grandson uses - and that's not telling tales out of school. Katie is always forthright about Christian's journey. As usual, AS pays no attention even to their closest loved ones with autism, opting to maintain the safe status quo that ensures dollars will still fill the coffers.
The only silver lining is that if parents don't have to pay out of pocket for ABA (for those who can actually FIND providers that is) they can spend those dollars on other treatments.
Let's hope the folks in NY get a proper answer as to what's covered for the kids' sake.
I called Autism Speaks and was told to call 202-955-3114. When I asked the question above, I was told "We believe ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy will be covered." I was also told that new therapies can be added if they meet the criteria of being evidence-based, clinically proven and peer reviewed, according to a panel of state agencies that includes the DOH and the OMRDD.
Yes, that does sound a little Mercky. I mean murky.
I believe that "evidence-based, clinically-proven, and peer-reviewed" is the standard for what most of what health insurance will cover. It seems reasonable to have high-expectations of the evidence base for expensive treatments.
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"It's another level of government and we're really not supposed to dictate what they do."
— Coun. Garth Rice, (South Centre), criticizing a motion put forward by Coun. Jim McCrae (Meadows) urging the province to withdraw Bill 7.
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Lesbian Couples Await Ruling From Federal Judge
Four lesbians are waiting to see if a federal judge accepts their legal challenge to the Virginia ban on same-sex marriages. Two women who were married in D.C. and now live in Winchester believe a 2006 constitutional amendment has created a hardship for them. Rebecca Glenberg of the ACLU is working with that couple and a pair of Staunton lesbians who tell a similar story. Lawyers for the two lesbian couples outlined their requests this week at a federal courthouse in Harrisonburg. Judge Michael Urbanski says he will issue his ruling in a few weeks.