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Evidence-Based Practice in Rehabilitation Nursing (CE)
How to use research is a learned skill. With this skill rehabilitation nurses can help ensure that their practice is based on the best evidence available. Evidence-based practice is a balance of using external research-based clinical evidence and clinical expertise. The purpose of this article is to show rehabilitation nurses how to build the skills for using evidence, rather than just doing research. This involves asking questions, finding and appraising relevant data, and putting that information into everyday practice. When evidence-based practice is merged into a clinician's daily routine, the result is a more analytical and, ultimately, effective clinical practice.
Rehabilitation nurses can look at the following three cases related to practice. Case one: "I have used the neurodevelopmental technique to restore movement and normal function when caring for people with stroke for many years, and now some researchers have shown that it is not effective. How do I know whether to believe them or not?" Case two: "Several studies indicate that a short, intensive, outpatient therapy intervention for persons with back pain is more effective than inpatient rehabilitation therapy for a longer time period. What are patient satisfaction rates and cost implications of this type of service delivery?" Case three: "The rehabilitation service for which I work is beginning a new program designed to improve physical tolerance and function for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We need to demonstrate that outcomes of this program are excellent. How do I find assessment tools to evaluate patient outcomes after participating in this program?"
Rehabilitation nurses involved in these and other similar types of cases need high-quality information on which to base clinical and management decisions, as well as the efficacy of changes in practice. Certainly, these cases demonstrate the need to actively participate in the research process, but they also illuminate the need for evidence-based practice.
Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice is nothing more than a problem-solving approach to the care that we deliver that takes into consideration the best evidence from research studies in combination with clinical expertise and the patient's preferences and values (Burns & Grove, 2004; Craig & Smyth, 2002; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2005; Sackett, Strauss, Richardson, Rosenberg, & Haynes, 2000). When clinicians make healthcare decisions for a population or group of patients using research evidence, this can be described as evidence-based healthcare. Making patient-care decisions with current information and one's clinical expertise enhances the ability to provide the best practice. Thus, evidence-based practice is a process that begins with knowing what clinical questions to ask, how to find the best evidence, and how to critically appraise the evidence for validity and applicability to the particular care situation. The best evidence then must be applied by a clinician with expertise in considering the patient's unique values and needs. The final aspects of the process involve evaluating the effectiveness of care and continually improving the process.
Becoming an Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Nurse
A prerequisite to becoming an evidence-based rehabilitation nurse is to become a reflective professional. Knowledge develops at many different levels simultaneously within a discipline and in collaboration with other disciplines. Individual nurses develop throughout their careers, benefiting from other's experience and gathering their own information and insights from beginning to end. In educational or prelicensure programs, students become aware of their beliefs, ideas, and attitudes and learn strategies for questioning. As they begin their practice, students begin to generalize their ideas, determine which practice methods are effective, and test basic knowledge and beliefs. As an experienced professional emerges, successful therapeutic techniques are hypothesized, methods for evaluating effectiveness are established, and the results are shared with colleagues. Expert nurses evaluate methods of intervention, critique others' work, and share knowledge with a larger network.
Rehabilitation nurses, especially those in leadership roles that involve coordinating services and identifying problems, have a collective responsibility to contribute to evidence-based practice. The growth of knowledge in a discipline is possible only when clinicians discuss ideas and share information. Collective insights form as a result and questions are formally examined. Then, as findings emerge from these data with the answers, new information can be learned.
Many practice problems cannot be solved with a single discipline viewpoint. Members of professional communities have several responsibilities. First, they must remain open to one another's ideas. Second, they must continue to be aware of how decisions made by several disciplines may impact the individuals being served. Third, they must recognize and facilitate awareness about different approaches to problem solving and knowledge development for each discipline. Finally, nurses and professionals across disciplines must recognize opportunities and collectively develop knowledge. The dialogue among a professional interdisciplinary team advances the knowledge of a professional community by adding different perspectives. These strategies lead to producing evidence for rehabilitation practice.
Applying the Evidence-Based Process
Rehabilitation nurses ask questions, find and appraise the relevant data, and use that information every day in practice. At any minute, nurses may be involved with a number of issues or problems to which they need to apply strategies for evidence-based practice. Thus, nurses are at various stages of this process at different times.
Formulating Questions in Search of Evidence
The first step toward evidence-based practice is a well-designed question that not only affects quality of care, but is of interest to the rehabilitation nurse and is encountered in practice on a regular basis.
Where do questions come from? Questions usually come from four sources. The most common source is the rehabilitation practice itself. Participation in a journal club or a research, policy, or procedure committee may help formulate researchable questions to answer practice problems. For instance, a patient may have an unusual visual-spatial problem that neither the nurses nor their colleagues know how to manage. The clinical question might be: "What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?" Another common source for questions is analyzing professional trends. For example, there is a push to use alternative service providers rather than registered nurses on many rehabilitation units. Using this knowledge, a question could be developed to better understand a particular occupation. A question could also be developed from existing published resources. Journal articles may raise questions that lead to further exploration of the literature. On the other hand, the literature may lead the reader to gaps in knowledge and to develop a question to explore these gaps in more detail. Existing theory is the fourth area for question development. As an illustration, a particular model or frame of reference, such as Orem's (2001) self-care deficit nursing theory, applied in the classroom, may lead to a critical comparison of what is being done in the practice arena.
How might one construct an answerable question? Constructing a careful and thoughtful question makes searching for evidence easy and straightforward. Elicit and combine the appropriate terms needed in the query language. Adapted from Newman and Harries (2003), questions must be specified clearly so they include a specific patient group or population; an assessment, treatment, or other clinical problem; and the outcome of interest. In reality, the gap in knowledge is converted into a precise question to seek the best answer. Prepared questions should be direct, crystal clear, and focused. A common mistake is to ask a question about a whole process of care rather than a specific clinical issue. For example, rather than ask, "What is the impact of the day treatment program on patient quality of life?" the nurse may ask, "Can the incidence of falls be decreased by an agency-wide, proactive, prevention program?"
Searching for the Evidence
Once a researchable question has been developed, the next step is to identify and search different sources of evidence. A large part of this search is distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information and deciding which source contains the best and most credible information.
Identifying traditional sources of evidence. Scholarly publications include peer-reviewed journals and books, and professional magazines that are not peer reviewed. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals are considered accurate and relevant and of higher quality than publications that are not peer reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles have been scrutinized by experts in the field for accuracy of content, quality of research, and relevance to the field.
Generally, books are one source of evidence that can be focused on a specialty topic (i.e., spinal cord injury treatment) or more general in nature (i.e., rehabilitation nursing), either of which may or may not be peer reviewed. In establishing credibility of any book, it is important to consider the credentials of the author(s) and the reputation of the author of the preface along with the reputation of the publisher; the reviews of the book from reputable sources; the targeted audience (i.e., lay public versus professional); and the quality, currency, and extent of the citations and references (Renaud, 2002). If using professional magazines that are not peer reviewed, it is important to bear in mind that the content may or may not be reviewed by the editor or editorial staff and may be biased toward a targeted audience. While many of these types of publications are of high quality, it is not wise to depend solely upon them to answer questions. Nonetheless, these publications tend to get into print fast, and therefore, can be more current about trends and controversies in the field of interest.
Identifying Web-based sources of evidence. Electronic bibliographic databases and the Web are other important sources for gathering evidence. These databases are compilations of published research, scholarly activities, books, government reports, and newspaper articles. There are many different databases, each with a particular focus; some publications may be listed in more than one database (Newman & Harries, 2003). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (www.cochrane.org) serves as an example. This database contains summaries of evidence that are highly structured (i.e., reviews of results from random controlled trial research studies) included/excluded on the basis of specific quality criteria to minimize bias (Craig & Smyth, 2002). In Table 1, examples of electronic bibliographic databases that are pertinent to rehabilitation nurses for evidence research are presented.
The Web also contains published articles as well as program descriptions, personal opinions, government documents, and information on businesses, organizations, and agencies. The content of these Web sites is not always evaluated for accuracy or value and may contain dubious, out-of-date, false, or even dangerous information. It is up to the reader to determine the usefulness of these unfiltered sites. However, there are criteria for judging these sources. In addition to evaluating scope, coverage, and relevancy, an examination of a Web site needs to focus on its authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and commercialism. Criterion for sample questions adapted from Barker (2004), the California State Library (2006), Pierce (2002), and Standler (2004) are displayed in Table 2. In addition, some college and university library home pages include criteria for evaluating Web sites, such as the University of Northern Iowa at www.library.uni.edu/instruction/evaluating.shtml or Vanderbilt University at www.library.vanderbilt.edu/romans/polsci/evalweb.html.
Evaluating the Evidence
Once traditional and electronic publications are retrieved, they must be evaluated for their suitability for answering the question. This task of evaluating published research can be daunting for many rehabilitation nurses, but evidence classification systems are available to make the task easier. No evidence classification system is absolutely right or wrong; however, various research study designs have different levels of rigor built into them. There is a common myth that quantitative research methods are of higher quality than qualitative methods. The fact is that knowledge generated from quantitative or qualitative research designs is equally important. According to Norwood (2000), it is important to keep in mind that both research approaches are scientific, in that they both involve rigorous, systematic, data-based inquiry. The most appropriate design depends more on the research question and the knowledge required than on prior ideas about best methods. However, there is evidence that randomized controlled trials in quantitative research may be the strongest design to support cause-and-effect relationships (see Table 3).
Research evidence using quantitative methods. More than 100 grading scales are in use for rating the strength of the evidence (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2002) based on the design of the study. Sometimes rating levels of 1 to 3 are used for evaluating individual studies and an A, B, C or Roman numeral rating is used for groups of articles. For instance, the rating system developed by Ebell, Siwek, Weiss, Woolf, Susman, and Ewigman, et al. (2004) includes ratings of A, B, or C for the strength of the recommendation for a body of evidence with the quality of individual studies rated on a 1-, 2-, or 3-point scale. Thus, caution is needed in interpreting these scales, as a level B recommendation may not mean the same thing as a level B recommendation in another.
Nonetheless, several scientists, such as Greenhalgh (1997) as well as Hadorn, Baker, Hodges, and Hicks (1996); Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2004); and Sackett, Strauss, Richardson, Rosenberg, and Haynes (2000), whose work is displayed in Table 3, have outlined categories of evidence and stratified them in order from strongest to weakest to evaluate published research. For example, according to Greenhalgh, quantitative research designs can be ranked from most to least rigorous in the following order: 1) systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 2) randomized controlled trials, 3) cohort studies, 4) case controlled studies, 5) cross-sectional studies, and 6) case reports.
Systematic reviews, i.e., The Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews at www.cochrane.org and The York Database of Abstracts of Review Effects at www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/crddatabases.htm, and meta-analyses, i.e., subsets of systematic reviews, are ways to summarize the results of many studies using a statistical summary in an unbiased manner (Norwood, 2000). Second, a randomized controlled trial is a study in which the subjects are by chance assigned to either a control or experimental group. This way, if such a large number of subjects are involved that the average composition of the control and experimental groups are the same, any differences in the outcome can be attributed to the treatment of interest and not an individual difference. Third, cohort studies follow one or more groups of subjects for a defined amount of time to investigate a particular phenomenon. Similar to cohort studies are case controlled studies, but they are retrospective in nature. Next, cross-sectional studies are characterized by data collection concerning a certain fact or issue at a single point in time. Finally, case reports are designed to be a written summary of a clinical suspicion or possibility and are the basis for future work and investigation using higher levels of evidence available. While case reports are the lowest level of evidence, this in no way means that they cannot convey important evidence (Norwood).
All information gathered from any of these study designs needs to be judged for validity (e.g., in a broad sense, the truth of a claim), reliability (e.g., free from measurement error), and most importantly, clinical applicability (e.g., results helpful in caring for patients). Examples of general questions to guide scientific evaluation of a study, adapted from Norwood, are presented in Table 4. A more detailed evaluation tool for a critical review of quantitative research studies by Long (2003) can be located at www.fhsc.salford.ac.uk/hcprdu/tools/quantitative.htm.
Research evidence using qualitative methods. Oftentimes qualitative studies, similar to expert opinion in levels of evidence, may be deemed as less trustworthy, less reliable, or more vulnerable to bias (Burns & Grove, 2004). Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2004) have included qualitative studies at Level V/VII and VI/VII of their hierarchy for rating the evidence (see Table 3). The focus of qualitative research is usually broad, and it is conducted to generate meaning and discovery that may pave the way for future quantitative research.
There are many types of research designs or approaches used in qualitative research. In rehabilitation research ethnography, phenomenology, and grounded theory are seen more often. According to Norwood (2000), ethnography attempts to uncover and describe a particular culture's or group of people's daily life patterns, meanings, and beliefs. Phenomenology focuses on providing insights into and understanding the lived experiences of the person or group of people. The primary purpose of grounded theory is to generate data based on explanations of how people make sense of their reality (Norwood).
Criteria used to evaluate qualitative research should be appropriate for the qualitative method chosen, as the application of quantitative methods evaluative criteria is not appropriate. When evaluating qualitative research, it is important to focus on the theoretical issues and study design, methods, sampling, and data collection and analyses, as well as findings that include interpretation and trustworthiness, implications, and limitations. Table 4 contains examples of questions used to evaluate scientific merit. A more in-depth set of criteria for evaluating qualitative studies (Bromley, Dockery, Fenton, Nhlema, Smith, & Tolhurst, et al., 2002) is located at www.liv.ac.uk/lstm/learning_ teaching/masters/masters_docs/criteria_eval_qual_studies.pdf.
Using the Evidence
Using evidence has rehabilitation nursing practice implications. Premature hospital discharge and emergency department visits without admission means that persons with a higher level of risk and severity are returning to or remaining in the community. Patients who are admitted to inpatient facilities experience shortened length of stay with a focus on productivity and effectiveness. Caregivers of these individuals with illness or chronic disease experience increased burden, as communities generally lack adequate levels of support services. These trends in healthcare demand approaches that are efficient and provide quality with enhanced responsiveness.
If rehabilitation nurses are truly committed to providing patients with the most effective treatments, then it is important to start with treatments supported by Level A, Level I, or Level 1 study designs, as described in Table 3. Nurses must seek and use interventions that have been shown to have statistically significant effects with well-controlled research studies. However, if there are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses, then guidance must be sought from lower level study designs.
There are a number of models for evidence-based practice in nursing. The Stetler Model of Research Utilization to Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice (Stetler, 2001) and the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care (Titler, Kleiber, Steelman, Rakel, Budreau, Everett, et al., 2001) serve as excellent examples. The Stetler Model provides a comprehensive framework to enhance the use of research findings, creating a vehicle to change policies and procedures. The Iowa Model infuses research into practice to promote quality care, providing direction for the development of evidence-based practice. The Stetler and Iowa models focus on individual nurses or institutions to facilitate evidence-based practice (Stetler; Titler, et al.). Using evidence to establish clinical practice guidelines, care pathways, and nursing diagnoses and interventions that guide day-to-day routines is essential, so standardized practice is both responsive and accountable to consumers and funding agencies.
Clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines are systematically developed statements that provide direction for rehabilitation nurses and other professionals in making healthcare decisions for specific clinical circumstances (Field & Lohr, 1992) and are usually focused on high-risk, rare, or unusual situations. Guidelines may reflect scientific evidence, as well as the clinical expertise and experience of the writers, and may be regional, facility-wide or unit specific, or based on case types.
Guidelines classify categories of evidence, offer recommendations for care, and are prescriptive in nature. Examples include: 1) guidelines for palliative care that were developed by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care (www.nationalconsensusproject.org), a consortium of associations to help the rapidly growing number of hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and health systems establish programs that provide high-quality and state-of-the-art care of advanced illness; and 2) guidelines for management of constipation in adults that were developed by the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation (www.rehabnurse.org/profresources/index.html#bcg) and address an unmet need for nurses, physicians, and dietitians in rehabilitation and long-term care and in home health, ambulatory, and community settings. These were developed to guide decision-making in the assessment and treatment of constipation in adults and are based on the best available scientific knowledge and expert consensus; their use facilitates implementation of the most up-to-date research findings. Other examples of guidelines that are important to rehabilitation nursing practice can be located at the National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (www.guideline.gov), an initiative of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Specific guidelines from this site include prevention of falls in older persons, prevention and management of pressure ulcers, management of urinary incontinence in the elderly, management of severe traumatic brain injury, and rehabilitation of the patient with osteoporosis. Clinical practice guidelines can form the foundation of evidence upon which care pathways are built.
Care pathways. The care pathways are a framework, developed by industry leaders or local professionals, that identify expected measurable patient outcomes against a timeline for a specific case-type group (Zander & Hill, 1995). Each pathway is a tool that sets agreed-upon clinical standards based on the best available evidence for managing a specific group of patients. They identify anticipated outcomes, healthcare provider interventions, and anticipated intervention times. Examples of standard care pathways include management of dementia found at www.kingshill-research.org/kresearch/pathway.ASP (Naidoo & Bullock, 2001), management of continence located at www.dva.gov.au (Australian Government Department of Veteran's Affairs, 2005), and stroke found at www.update-software.com/abstracts/AB002924.htm (Kwan & Sandercock, 2006).
Nursing diagnoses and interventions. Under the direction of the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation, a panel of Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) members generated a comprehensive list of 75 patient problems and nursing diagnostic categories (Smith, Culross, Pietsch, & Schmidt, 2006). Using that list with a random sample survey of 20% of the ARN membership, 13 priorities for patient problems were identified. Panel members performed extensive literature reviews in each of the patient problem areas, e.g., bowel and bladder dysfunction, chronic pain, cognition, depression, and potential for falls. An evidence section was included for each problem based on the literature and opinions and experiences of various rehabilitation-nursing experts. Nursing diagnoses (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, 2005-2006) were suggested and commonly associated disease states were identified, as well as general interventions that could be individualized to specific patients. Practice specialists reviewed the text to ensure that no relevant document or intervention was omitted (Smith, et al.). The intent of this handbook is to point the way in choosing appropriate interventions for various nursing diagnoses and provide evidence-based literature along with expert opinion to support those decisions.
Clearly, these clinical practice guidelines, care pathways, and nursing diagnoses and interventions by themselves do not change practice. They must be placed into everyday use. Together these tools can assist rehabilitation nurses and interrelated healthcare disciplines with provision of optimal care in an era of fiscal restraint and public accountability.
Linking research to practice seems logical and sounds simplistic. Rehabilitation nurses and interdisciplinary team members need to use research. When evidence-based practice is integrated into nurses' and other rehabilitation professionals' daily routines, a shift occurs toward more analytical and, ultimately, effective clinical practice.
About the Author
Linda L. Pierce, PhD RN CNS CRRN FAHA, is a professor at The University of Toledo. Address correspondence to her at The University of Toledo, College of Nursing, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614-2598 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
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For years now holidays have been under attack. It began with Christmas and the "remove Christ from Christmas" campaign due to concerns about political correctness. Then the same has gone on to attack the Easter holiday, even changing the Easter Bunny to the E. Bunny or Spring Bunny to remove the thought of a politically incorrect religious reference. St. Valentine's was recently attacked in some schools being changed to a "day of caring." Now, in one Massachusett's school is removing St. Patrick and replacing him with a "green movement" infused O'Green Day.
When I was a child and went to elementary school I recall the happy memories of special parties and events which followed along the traditions of each of these festive days. Santa Claus came to visit our classroom each year (sometimes portrayed by this writer). Easter eggs were both painted and shared. Valentine cards were given to all of your friends. Halloween candy was shared and costumes were worn. Why, we even traced our hands on paper and made a Thanksgiving turkey out of it. At that time, it seemed politically incorrect not to participate as these times were fun. They were a much needed break from the routine of true learning. I recall that there a few kids whose parents would not allow them to participate. They were taken to the library where they enjoyed movies and fun of the everyday sort.
Today, I dare to say that this issue is about the same. The majority of children come from families that support and celebrate holidays and teach their children about them. The minority would be children whose faith imposes sanctions against these days or have parents who are caught up in the modern craze of political fairness. Yet, it seems more and more that the minority is the champion in these debates all around the country. Is this truly politically fair? Why punish the majority? It does make you think.
Political correctness in the truest sense of the word is a needed thing, but it can be taken out of context. I will agree that all people are equal, as the Founding Fathers did. All people deserve the right to live and do as they choose. In their minds and mine it boils down to common respect. But where does it end? What excuse or law is there that allows one party the right to usurp the rights of another? What right is there to change the way that people have lived and done things for centuries, as is the case of the holidays which do not force a political agenda at all? And where is the law that suggests the minority, who can easily remove themselves from the situation they find wrong, is to change the course of the majority?
Upon inspection of the issue it becomes clear as to what is wrong. There is no real learning. There is a sad lack of knowledge about these days (and many other things) and that lack has caused a terribly sad rift. With knowledge comes enlightenment. That is why in my articles I seek to enlighten regarding the holidays. With enlightenment we can truly find out what real political correctness is and that this form we have today is not it. Without learning there is no personal respect and with ignorance comes division. Are not the people of this world divided enough?
Many of these holidays have a very unique history of their own. In the case of St. Patrick's Day we honor not just a Saint, but we also honor a society of people who came to this land and made this day a special time for them to celebrate their culture. What right does anyone have to change the meaning of a day that they have set aside to celebrate that? Alas, in our time culture is the first thing to be attacked. Perhaps if we would embrace our culture instead of destroy it we would be a much closer and familial country. Peace comes with enlightenment followed by compassion and understanding.
It is the stand of this writer that holidays are needed and are days to enjoy. They carry with them fun customs and histories that are just as interesting as the customs. So, away with the blarney and may St. Patrick's Day and all special days be cherished and enjoyed.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ruth Wolstenholme, MD
Ruth has grown Sniffer from a small environmental research coordinator role in the early 1990s, to the climate resilience knowledge broker that it is today. She enjoys working for a small company that brings people with different perspectives together to find creative solutions, and sees climate resilience as key to tackling many challenges worldwide. With a background in consultancy and having worked with environmental agencies Ruth is focused on making change happen by working in partnership, developing tools and building capacity.
Anna Beswick, Adaptation Scotland Manager
Anna joined Sniffer in November 2009 and manages Adaptation Scotland. Anna works with a wide range of public and private sector organisations and communities to raise awareness of the impacts and consequences of climate change. Prior to joining Sniffer Anna managed a variety of public projects for environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Anne Marte Bergseng, Communications, Engagement and Marketing Manager
Anne Marte joined Sniffer in March 2012 to provide media, communications and stakeholder engagement support across the organisation's work. She has extensive experience from PR, events and public engagement roles, particularly relating to health and the environment, and has also worked as a broadcast journalist.
Sarah Gunn, Finance and Contracts Manager
Sarah joined Sniffer in January 2013 and is responsible for Finance and Contracts. Prior to joining Sniffer, Sarah had managed the finance function for a number of UK charities, including St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh and Westminster School, London.
Darcy Pimblett, Information Officer
Darcy joined Sniffer in July 2013 to work as Information Officer in the ClimateXChange secretariat. His main task is to make sure ClimateXChange's outputs are tailored to the customers' needs. His background is in environmental policy with experience in both State and Local Government in Victoria, Australia. He comes to Sniffer from a role as Project Coordinator with SCENE.
Michelagh O'Neill, Project Coordinator
Michelagh joined Sniffer in June 2013 and coordinates projects related to River Restoration and Flood Risk Management. She has extensive experience as an engineering consultant in flood risk management and has worked on a range of projects including flood protection schemes, river restoration, SuDS, flood risk assessments and flood modelling and mapping for both private and public sector clients. Michelagh also has an interest in international development and was formerly an apprentice to the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Sarah Govan, Knowledge Manager ClimateXChange
Sarah Govan is seconded to Sniffer from the Scottish Government to work as Knowledge Manager with ClimateXChange. She has most recently worked as Policy & Programme Officer within the Elections & Constitution Division. Sarah has policy experience from a variety of roles within the Scottish Government, the secretariat for the Christie Commission and Historic Scotland.
David Macpherson, Information Support Officer
David joined Sniffer in February 2015 to work as Information Support Officer, providing administrative support to Adaptation Scotland and wider Sniffer projects. Previously he has held research and information support posts for Police Scotland and at the UK Parliament. He comes to Sniffer following an MSc in Environment and Development Studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Sophie Turner, Climate Resilience Project Coordinator
Sophie joined Sniffer in March 2015 as the Climate Resilience Project Coordinator. Sophie predominantly works on the Adaptation Scotland programme, delivering training and workshops for the Adaptation Learning Exchange. Prior to joining Sniffer, Sophie worked in climate change adaptation research in Melbourne, Australia and as a science officer at UKCIP.


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What happened to Majic's Donna Davis
A major pitfall of working in radio is you can be here today, gone tomorrow. This is pretty much the story of Donna Davis, popular co-host of Majic's morning drive program.
Make that former co-host. After Davis finished her usual shift opposite Joe Johnson on Jan. 31, she was invited into the front office. "They told me they were eliminating my position," she said. "They said it wasn't anything performance related. They were making budget cuts."
Davis, who had been at Majic (FM 102.7) since 1998 and co-host of the morning program since 2000–her first partner was Rick Shaw–said she had a woman's intuition that she might be vulnerable because she noticed a shift toward more music, less personality. "I'm an information person, someone they thought they just don't need with the new format."
More than a dozen colleagues at South Florida stations owned by Lincoln Financial got the ax that day. Among them was Jeanne Ashley, an evening disc jockey at sister station Lite. (FM 101.5). Others were from the sales and support staffs.
General manager Jeff Dinitz said it is company policy not to comment on individual personnel matters but he confirmed the mass layoffs.
In addition to steering the station toward a more music intensive format, he said he has tweaked the playlist. "We conducted a study and made some adjustments to freshen the station."
Most music from the '60s is gone, replaced by some sounds from the '80s. The changes are to stay in synch with the aging demographics of the oldies station, according to Dinitz. "Let's say our average listener is between 45 and 54. A song from 1972 is 40 years old. So someone who's 50 now would have been around 10 when it came out. If you go back much further, they would have been 2 or 3 years old."
A flaw in this thinking is some music is ageless and never gets old. The Beatles haven't released a new album since "Let It Be" in 1970 but everything they did going back to the early '60s is still embraced by all ages.
Davis said she has been doing some voiceover work in recent years and will probably increase that. As for returning to radio, she said, "If something good comes up, you never say never."


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Navy Birthday
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Navy Birthday
When: Always October 13th
The United States Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy, which the Continental Congress established on 13 October 1775, by authorizing the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. The legislation also established a Naval Committee to supervise the work. All together, the Continental Navy numbered some fifty ships over the course of the war, with approximately twenty warships active at its maximum strength.
Not to be confused with the Navy Birthday or the founding of the Navy Department is Navy Day. The Navy League sponsored the first national observance of Navy Day in 1922 designed to give recognition to the naval service. The Navy League of New York proposed that the official observance be on 27 October in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who had been born on that day.
Origin of Navy Birthday:
In 1972 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition of 13 October as the Navys birthday. In contrast to Navy Day, the Navy Birthday is intended as an internal activity for members of the active forces and reserves, as well as retirees, and dependents. Since 1972 each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service."
More Information:
Navy Birthday Web Exhibit
This Day in History October 13th
The Whirlpool Galaxy is discovered by Charles Messier. (1773)
The United States Continental Congress orders the establishment of the Continental Navy (later renamed the United States Navy). (1775)
In Washington, D.C., the cornerstone of the United States Executive Mansion (known as the White House since 1818) is laid. (1792)
War of 1812: Battle of Queenston Heights � As part of the Niagara campaign in Ontario, Canada, United States forces under General Stephen Van Rensselaer are repulsed from invading Canada by British and native troops led by Sir Isaac Brock. (1812)
In New York City, Henry Jones and 11 others found B'nai B'rith (the oldest Jewish service organization in the world). (1843)
A majority of voters in the Republic of Texas approve a proposed constitution that, if accepted by the U.S. Congress, will make Texas a U.S. state. (1845)
First known conversation in modern Hebrew by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda and friends. (1881)
Greenwich, in London, England, is established as Universal Time meridian of longitude. (1884)
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is founded in Atlanta, United States. (1885)
Edward Emerson Barnard discovers D/1892 T1, the first comet discovered by photographic means, on the night of October 13�14. (1892)
Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, becomes the first Governor-General of Canada of royal descent. (1911)
In Major League Baseball's World Series, the Boston Braves defeat the Philadelphia Athletics, 4 games to 0, at Fenway Park in Boston, completing the first World Series sweep in history. (1914)
Ankara replaces Istanbul as the capital of Turkey. (1923)
World War II: The new government of Italy sides with the Allies and declares war on Germany. (1943)
Paddington Bear, a classic character from English children's literature, makes his debut. (1958)
The first game in the history of the American Basketball Association is played as the Anaheim Amigos lose to the Oakland Oaks 134-129 in Oakland, California. (1967)
Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashes in the Andes mountains, near the border between Argentina and Chile. By December 23, 1972, only 16 out of 45 people lived long enough to be rescued. (1972)
The first electron micrograph of an Ebola viral particle is obtained by Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, who was then working at the C.D.C. (1976)
Ameritech Mobile Communications (now AT&T Inc.) launched the first US cellular network in Chicago, Illinois. (1983)
The 2010 Copiap� mining accident in Copiap�, Chile comes to an end as all 33 miners arrive at the surface after surviving a record 69 days underground awaiting rescue. (2010)
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Happy 238th Birthday!
thanks for the history tidbits.
986 days ago
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Thanks for the information, always interesting!
986 days ago
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Happy Birthday, Navy! Anchors Aweigh!
987 days ago
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Darren Sharper made it clear Wednesday he considers New Orleans his home. Whether he plays again at safety for the Saints, however, is a separate matter.
Sharper held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce a July 23 fundraising event his foundation will host at Zephyr Field. The event will feature a monster truck and boat show, a tailgating fest, the chance to dunk various elected officials, and then a home-run derby.
The primary beneficiaries of "Home Runs for Kids" will be the American Cancer Society and the Blood Center of New Orleans, in addition to Sharper's foundation. In unveiling what he promised would be "an extravagant event," Sharper said he welcomes the chance to give something back to a community that has embraced him in unexpected ways. Many years ago, he asked himself why he was working out in the offseason in the suffocating southern Louisiana heat, and this offseason he found himself recognized in Europe as a member of the Super Bowl XLIV champions.
"It kind of humbles me. It's something my parents made sure was instilled in me when I was a young kid," Sharper said after moving tributes to Shelby Leonard, whom cancer claimed at age 14. "And it's just easy here in this community to really want to do things, because this city has changed my life. The things I've been able to do, the exposure, the happiness that I've been able to touch in this community, how big and how vast. The New Orleans Saints have touched the world."
Despite his moving words, Sharper acknowledged he understands the "professional" aspect of the NFL. And that means although he will have a house in New Orleans always and plans to "put down his roots" here, it doesn't mean he will finish his career with the Saints.
Sharper, who will turn 37 in November, is looking for a 15th season in the league. In his previous 14 seasons, he has statistics that probably will draw consideration for the Hall of Fame: 63 interceptions (11 returned for touchdowns) and five Pro Bowl selections along with his championship ring. But if 2010 was the end of the football line, Sharper's career would end with a whimper, not a bang, and that grates.
"My goal is to get a deal, with anyone," he said. "My preference is always to come back to New Orleans. I'm just familiar with everyone here; I've had success, I love the coaching staff, love the community. So that's my first choice, but being a professional, you always keep your options open."
It's not clear where Sharper fits into the Saints' plans. The lockout has prohibited teams from negotiating with players. Presumably the Saints would like to have Sharper on the roster, but their vision for him and his salary could be different from his own. The Saints signed Sharper, a 2009 hero, to a one-year deal last season that was crimped by injuries that limited him to eight games with one start. In his absence, the team's 2009 first-round draft pick, Malcolm Jenkins, stepped into the free safety role and was twice the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week.
That means Sharper, a free agent, likely would not be a starter in New Orleans. Although he did not get into specifics about his situation or the Saints' roster, Sharper made it clear he knows the deal.
"It's different for a lot of guys," he said. "I mean, with me being a free agent, I think my label is different from guys being under contract. But with my situation, I think once things get worked out, it's going to be kind of a rat race to see who's going to get who, who's going to be on what team. Everything's going to be happening so fast, your head might be spinning. As soon as that 11th hour hits, hopefully the phone will start ringing."
He made no bones about 2010 providing motivation for his desire for another year. He does not want to be a player "who hobbles off the field at the end of his career." Given he is back in tip-top shape and working out every day, when one year ago at this point he was unable to run with kids at his football camp, he feels he has another stellar year ahead.
The lockout complicates things in more ways than money, Sharper noted. A panel with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will hold a hearing Friday on the players' antitrust lawsuit against the league, and its decision will go a long way toward determining if there is a 2011 season. If the lockout drags on, Sharper said, his desire to play could abate.
"If it continues, I'm going to have two decisions," he said. "Whether or not to come back or whether to shut it down and retire. If it happens that there's no football in the fall, then I'll have to start looking at some other things, maybe some television, whatever."
Some factors could work in Sharper's favor. One is his experience. Teams have not held rookie minicamps or any offseason team activities, so the learning curve will be steeper than usual for rookies and younger players, maybe putting a premium on experienced players such as Sharper. In addition, a compressed training camp and curtailed preseason could mean the timing between quarterbacks and receivers will be off, creating low hanging fruit for a safety as savvy as Sharper.
He declined to put a deadline on when the lockout might put a serious hurt on players' bank accounts, and said he hoped cracks would not appear among the players if their side loses their antitrust lawsuit. He said August looms as a serious marker in the dispute, which he said has grown thick with intrigue and anger. He said fans would be appalled by the owners' positions behind closed doors in the intermittent talks ordered by federal courts. If the current impasse stretched into August, Sharper said, fans and players must brace for the near certainty that all or part of the preseason would be lost, and for the possibility the 2011 season might not be complete.
For at least one day, though, Sharper wanted to concentrate on his charity schedule. And that got something of a boost Wednesday when, on the spur of the moment, he said he would donate $5,000 to the charity of the home-run derby winner's choice. Troy Strahan, a co-owner of Hi-Ho Barbecue, one of the event's sponsors, pitched in with a $5,000 match.
With $10,000 on the line, Sharper smiled and said that amount, subject to addition, might be enough to coax Saints quarterback Drew Brees back to Zephyr Field. Brees is the two-time defending Zephyr Field charity softball event home-run derby champion earned at fullback Heath Evans' games to raise money for sexually abused teenagers.
At Evans' charity game last month, Brees fought off a challenge from backup quarterback Chase Daniel, and Sharper said that when Brees learns he could earn $10,000 or more for his own foundation with a few more whacks, perhaps he will make an appearance.
His own home run abilities need serious work, Sharper said. Alarmed at Sharper's inability to launch a ball much past second base last month, the Saints' defense pulled him from its home-run derby lineup, and Sharper promised a better performance July 23.
James Varney can be reached at email@example.com or 504.717.1156.


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I want to determine the Sullivan model of an odd sphere $S^{2n+1}$. Let $(A,d)$ be a cdga such that $H^*(S^{2n+1};\mathbb Q)\cong H^*((A,d_A))$ as graded algebras. Hence
$$H^*((A,d))\cong H^0(S^{2n+1})\oplus H^{2n+1}(S^{2n+1}) $$
where $H^0(S^{2n+1})$ is isomorphic to the field $\mathbb Q$ with basis $\{1\}$ and $H^{2n+1}(S^{2n+1})$ is a one dimensional $\mathbb Q$-vector space with basis denoted by $\{e\}$. On the other hand we compute $H^*((A,d_A))$ going back to the definition. Write $A=\bigoplus_{i\geq 0}A^i$ then we have
$$0\longrightarrow A^0 \xrightarrow{d_0} A^1 \xrightarrow{d_1}A^2 \xrightarrow{d_1}\cdots A^{2n} \xrightarrow{d_{2n}} A^{2n+1} \xrightarrow{d_{2n+1}} A^{2n+2} \cdots $$ Here $H^0((A,d))$ is always supposed to be isomorphic to the field $\mathbb Q$ with basis $\{1\}$. And $H^{2n+1}((A,d))=Ker(d_{2n+1})/Im(d_{2n})$ which we said is isomorphic to $H^{2n+1}(S^{2n+1})$. Hence $Ker(d_{2n+1})/Im(d_{2n})$ is a one dimensional $\mathbb Q$-vector space with basis the class $[v]$ of a cocycle $v\in Ker(d_{2n+1})\subset A^{2n+1}$. Let $V$ denote the vector space with basis the cocyle $v$. The free cdga on $V$ is an exterior algebra on $v$ denoted $\Lambda V$. This is a cdga with grading $ \Lambda V=\Lambda^0V\oplus\Lambda^1V$ where $\Lambda^0V$ is isomorphic to the field $\mathbb Q$ with basis $\{1\}$ and $\Lambda^1V$ is the one dimensional $\mathbb Q$-vector space $V$ with basis the cocycle $v$. We claim that the cdga $\Lambda V$ with zero differential is quasi-isomorphic to $(A,d)$. An extension result assures that the cdga inclusion $(V,0)\hookrightarrow (A,d)$ extends to a unique cdga morphism $$m:(\Lambda V,0)\hookrightarrow (A,d)$$ Now we show that the induced map in cohomology $H(m):H^*((\Lambda V,0))\longrightarrow H^*((A,d))$ is an isomorphism. where the cdga $(\Lambda V,0)$ is written $$0\longrightarrow \Lambda^0 V=\mathbb Q \xrightarrow{0} \Lambda^1 V=V \xrightarrow{0}0 \xrightarrow{0}\cdots 0 $$ Thus $H^*((\Lambda V,0))=H^0((\Lambda V,0))\oplus H^1((\Lambda V,0))$ while $H^*((A,d))=H^0((A,d))\oplus H^{2n+1}((A,d))$. The problem now is that $H(m)_1:H^1((\Lambda V,0))\longrightarrow H^1((A,d))=0$ is not an iso. Also $H(m)_{2n+1}:H^{2n+1}((\Lambda V,0))=0\longrightarrow H^{2n+1}((A,d))$ is not an iso.. thank you for correcting any detail in the above computations and to helping me prove that $m$ is a quasi-isomorphism.


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After dropping last week's game to Santos, America returned to earning points during the final game of Saturday action of the Clausura 2014 of La Liga MX. The eagles drew 2-2 with Chiapas FC at the Victor Manuel Reyna Stadium reaching 16 points and remaining in a playoff position after week 11 action.
Chiapas got on the board in the 19th minute with a goal from Argentine Lucas Viatri that surprised the eagles. At that time America had been playing a better game and looked like they would be first to get on the board. But Viatri's goal slowed their advance.
America did not hesitate and within minutes scored the equalizer. Paraguayan Pablo Aguilar, who started in place of Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez, closed the gap in the 39th minute. Rubens Sambueza centered to Aguilar who jumped and headed the ball past goalkeeper Alfredo Frausto for the 1-1. The game went to break with the draw.
Neither team would ease off on their attacks with the game taking place in the midfield. But Jaguares would surprise once more scoring the go ahead goal in the 80th minute. Felix Araujo received a center from David Toledo. Araujo was in the center of the penalty area and headed the ball to the left post. The ball went past goalkeeper Moises Muñoz to give Chiapas the 2-1 lead.
The eagles did not want to lose their second game in a row and applied pressure on the home side. Juan Carlos "Topo" Valenzuela saved America in the 70th minute with another header to beat Frausto once more. The Mexico City giants closed the gap for the final 2-2.
The Victor Manuel Reyna Stadium registered a full house, with the fans divided between America and the local squad. The point raised America into the 5th position on the league table. Chiapas has 13 points and remains at mid table. America coach Antonio "Turco" Mohamed watched the game from the stands. He will back to the coaches' box in the next game after serving a two game suspension.
America will host Veracruz FC at the Azteca Stadium in week 12. Chiapas will travel to Hidalgo to take on CF Pachuca.
Saturday's results:
Cruz Azul 2, Tijuana 1
Veracruz 0, Atlas FC 1
CF Monterrey 0, Monarcas Morelia 1
Santos 3, Pachuca 1


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Any better way to compress?
I have a several GB flash drive that I keep all sorts of programs, files, passwords, notes, and even a portable firefox browser with all the bells and whistels.
And due to space constraints some things I've had to pack away in .7z files. But sometimes it gets full enough to where I have to make a choice of what I want on it. And the fact you can't defrag it if its go less than 15 percent of space. Do you know of a better compression method for files and such? Yes I do also use CD-RWs. I actually have a whole tube of them. But I'm looking for a better way of compressing stuff on my flash drive and saving space.
I do work mostly from the flash drive since after all hard drives have never advanced from what they currently are. They've really other tahan size, there design really hasn't changed. And you never know when a drive will fail. So it's always safe anyway to have a backup system, notes in case, links to stuf yo need, programs already to install,etc. That is why I work mostly from the flash drive.
Got any ideas? Thanks.
If you're already using 7-zip then you're already using the best free compression utility that I'm aware of.
I found flash drives are too limiting. I have a 250GB notebook drive(ie. 2.5") which a take around with me. Doesnt need a powersupply like the 3.5" external HDDs, just plugs into a compy with a mini usb cable.
I read recently that theyve actually just about to release 500gb notebook drives... pretty cool ;)
I use winrar for my compression needs but of course it isnt free
If you trust Google with your files and have a Gmail account, you can use the GSpace plug-in for Firefox to store your files in virtual space. Sometimes that's easier than remembering to carry your datastick with you.
Not one to skirt away from pointing out the obvious, you could buy a larger flash stick now that they're so cheap. I got a 16GB one for £15 a few weeks ago. :)
If you need serious space on the move though, as Astro says a laptop drive is your best bet. They really are very small considering how much data they carry, and they're good value byte-for-byte (I recently paid £45 for 250GB):
You can even get little enclosures to help protect them:
Not as small or durable, but worth considering if it's being used for remotely professional use. :D
If its just images though, online storage is a *must* IMO. Saves you getting a months worth of silent treatment when you lose the 2002 Valentines day photos :( :p
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Glenn Martin
Martin captained SIU's undefeated football team in 1930 and earned All-Conference honors. He went on to coach at his alma mater and served as athletic director. His baseball teams won five conference championships and advanced to the NCAA regionals in 1964. He is a member of the Helms Basketball Hall of Fame and the NCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.


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The mom who drove her van into the ocean with her children, ages 3, 9, and 10, had spoken to her sister about demons just hours before steering her minivan right into the Atlantic in Daytona Beach on Tuesday. According to a March 5, 2014, WESH Orlando report, Tim Tesseneer, of Rutherfordton, N.C., said he was one of the two men to first reach the minivan as it was being pulled into the Atlantic Ocean by the heavy surf. After the successful rescue, Tesseneer said that the mother just walked away, silent with a strange, almost "possessed" look on her face.
WESH is identifying the pregnant mother of the three children as 32-year-old Ebony Wilkerson of South Carolina.
Just two hours before driving her van into the ocean, the pregnant mom's sister had called Daytona Beach police because Wilkerson had been "acting odd." On Wednesday, Police Chief Mike Chitwood said that "her sister had called dispatch and told them that she had been talking about demons that day before she left the house."
When police pulled over Wilkerson's minivan to do a "well-being check," she told officers that she was going to a "safe place" that she had worked out with a domestic violence shelter because she was afraid that her ex-husband would hurt her and the children.
Since the pregnant woman did not meet the Baker Act requirements, which would have allowed the police officers to take her into custody, they had to let her go.
Just a short time later, when Tim Tesseneer was driving along Daytona Beach with his wife, he saw Wilkerson's van in the shallow water of the ocean. One of the children was waving for help through the back seat window yelling, "please help us, our mom is trying to kill us," while the other child was wrestling the mom for the steering wheel.
When a second man, Stacy Robinson, came to the rescue, Wilkerson just kept saying, "We're OK. We're OK. We're OK." She then stepped on the accelerator, turned left, and shot into the cold and heavy surf of the Atlantic Ocean.
In a battle against the pull of the water, both rescuers opened the door of the minivan and pulled out the two panicked children who were yelling, "no there's a baby. There's a baby."
A lifeguard, who had arrived at the scene, found a three-year-old girl strapped in the car seat as the van was sinking. The lifeguard dove in through a front window, unbuckled the child, and handed her to another lifeguard.
While the three-year-old girl was still inside the minivan, Wilkerson had gotten out. She was silent and appeared disoriented. "She had this look on her face," said Tesseneer. "I can't describe it. It was just an awful blank look, like spaced out look."
After the mom had driven her van into the ocean, all three children were taken to a hospital and are now in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families. The children will be placed with family members after a background check has been conducted. Their pregnant mom remains in the hospital so that a mental evaluation can determine whether she will be facing any charges, and whether her "demons" are based on her fear of her ex-husband.
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Hunter's Granny Di and our mother has fought a difficult fight against Leukemia; however, things are coming to an end.
It was her expressed wish that she not be kept alive by artificial means and we are honoring her wishes today. Please pray for her comfort as she begins her journey to heaven and comfort for our family.
11 May 2009
02 May 2009
Pump it UP!
I will Pump you up! Last night we ate over at some Friend's from Church house and then we went to a church function at a place called pump it up. Basically it is an indoor area that has tons of big inflatable jumpers, slides, and obstacle courses. Hunter loved it. He kept wanting to go down the approximately 15 tall slide. After the first time I kept letting him go on his own. He would giggle the whole way down it was soo funny. Sometimes I would aim him poorly and he would roll down and he just loved that. My son the risk taker. I so wish more than one picture would have come out.
Posted by Mercedes at 10:54 PM 2 comments
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The good ...
Teaching a thing or two: Gayle Eudey and Vicki Mueller have earned the title as two of the teachers in Region 16, a notable honor in a region that has more than 6,000 teachers. Eudey, of Humphrey's Highland Elementary, and Mueller, of Stephen F. Austin Middle School, were named last week as the regional representatives in Texas' Teacher of the Year program. Mueller was also named among three finalists for Texas secondary teacher of the year. Together, the teachers have more than 50 years of experience, which is an interesting similarity. Truly loving what you do for a living makes a difference. It is clear that Eudey and Mueller regard teaching as much more than a job.
the bad ...
Smoke signals: State and county laws in New Mexico ban smoking indoors on county property. Considering county property is public property, a ban on smoking is understandable. However, Curry County is considering extending the ban to outdoor smoking at the county fairgrounds. If the ordinance, which will be considered again in October, is approved, smokers will be relegated to at least 25 feet outside the fairgrounds entrance. Smoking bans on public property are necessary to prevent the dangers of secondhand smoke because, as is often the case, people have no choice but to conduct business on public property. But outside? The dangers of secondhand smoke are limited outdoors. The encroachment of government, though, is not.
and the ugly.
Is there a problem, or not?: Not since President Clinton's ridiculous definition of "is" has there been such an illogical debate over words. An attorney for a man in Kansas sentenced to die for killing a couple and ransacking their farmhouse in 1996 recently contended that the state Supreme Court could revoke capital punishment. How? Kansas' constitution bans "cruel or unusual" punishment, while the U.S. Constitution bans "cruel and unusual" punishment. To most logical people, the difference is not apples and/or oranges. However, to an attorney whose only goal is to impose his or her personal beliefs in the justice system, this is night and/or day.
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Dixie Shores is a waterfront residential community located about 4 miles Southwest of Crystal River in Central Florida. There are 126 lots in the community of which approximately ninety-seven have been built on. Unique, waterfront homes line 2 canals and expansive Dixie Bay. The remaining 29 lots are undeveloped. Most residents enjoy the area all year while some homes are maintained as Winter and/or vacation homes. Those who live here recognize it as a uniquely situated, environmentally sensitive area. It is surrounded by wetlands, marsh, Dixie Bay and the Salt River and the Withlacoochee National Park and Crystal River Preserve State Park. Yet, despite this beautiful place surrounded by nature, it is less than a two mile drive to US 19 and all the amenities modern day life requires! It is truly a magnificent area unique to the West coast of Central Florida.
The purpose of our Property Owners Association is to preserve and protect the property rights of the lot owners of Dixie Shores and to insure that this community remains a lovely neighborhood to be enjoyed by the lucky families fortunate enough to reside on its bays and canals! The DSPOA is an entirely voluntary association of residents and property owners who fund its activities through the payment of annual dues. The daily activities of the association are carried out by the nine member board of directors who serve without compensation in support of the community and their neighbors. The activities of the DSPOA include, but are not limited to, the following:
Landscape maintenance of all common areas
Maintenance of vacant lots
Maintenance of the entrance, the roadside and waterside areas
Maintenance and lighting of entrance signage
Membership in, and representation on, the Citrus County Council
Compilation and publishing of community directories
Publishing and maintaining the Dixie Shores web site
For additional information on the Dixie Shores community or the activities, please contact one of the board members listed on the final page of this web site. Thank you.


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Source: Lake Geneva Regional News
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Lake Geneva avoids teacher, staff layoffs
Concessions lead to necessary budgetary reductions
March 10, 2011
Leaders in the Lake Geneva Schools have done what many other district officials in Wisconsin dream of being able to do.
Last week, Lake Geneva teachers, support staff and administrators agreed to a two-year wage freeze and to pay more for their pensions and health insurance in exchange for the likelihood that there will be no layoffs or reduction in programming in the 2011-12 school year.
With Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget cuts and repair bill looming, Lake Geneva teachers and staff agreed to reopen their contracts. The negotiations took about two weeks to complete.
"We feel we are in a really good place," Lake Geneva Schools Business Manager Warren Flitcroft said Monday. "We took the approach that we needed to deal with this and get after it."
Walker's proposed budget lowers the district's revenues by 5.5 percent of what is spent per student. However, Flitcroft said another part of Walker's budget ensures the district will lose only 10 percent of state aid. In recent years, the district has lost higher percentages of those funds, which led to tax increases.
Badger High School's revenue decrease per student is expected to result in a loss of about $900,000, while the Joint 1 Elementary District will lose at least $1.2 million, according to Flitcroft. The districts receive a combined $8 million in state aid.
"We calculated and came up with an amount of dollars we needed to make the numbers work and went forward with that," Flitcroft said. "We talked to the boards and we had timelines. They had a choice, either layoffs or concessions. We gave them their choice. They wanted to open the contracts and renegotiate so there would be no layoffs."
Lake Geneva District Administrator Jim Gottinger said without concessions, he wasn't sure how many teachers and staff would have been laid off. But, it apparently would have been significant.
"That could have had a detrimental affect on educational services at the schools," Gottinger said.
Flitcroft said the changes will affect the bottom line for teachers and staff by about 5- to 8-percent, but it was the best alternative administration could come up with.
"This is going to have an affect on everyone's pocket book," Gottinger said. "But, it is my job to make sure we have the best education and this was the best route to accomplish that."
The teachers, support staff and administrators all are doing the same thing with their benefits and salaries, Flitcroft said.
Gottinger said 7 or 8 percent out of a paycheck is better than no paycheck at all, which appeared to be the opinion of most involved in the negotiations.
Flitcroft said the taxpayers of the districts should be happy next year.
"When the taxpayers get their bill, I think they will have a decent sized reduction," Flitcroft said. "The cut in revenue limits well exceeded the state aid losses."
Gottinger said negotiations with the teachers and staff were "not adversarial" in any way.
"We all wanted to find a solution to this problem," he said.
He said school districts are dealing with the budget crunch and Walker's proposals in different ways, but in general those in education are worried about the long-term effects on the field.
Gottinger said he was pleased an agreement could be reached so quickly.
"A number of people feel the profession is under attack and I don't think that's right," Gottinger said.
He admitted the past few weeks, which included local teachers traveling to Madison after school and during weekends to join the protests at the Capitol, have taken a toll on the schools, teachers and administrators. An effort to reach a local teacher union representative was unsuccessful by press time.
"I hope it's not reflected in the classroom," Gottinger said of the budget situation. "It has been a difficult time."
"I am real pleased with the board and the staff," Flitcroft said. "Everyone came together for the community and the kids."


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Summer NAMM 2016: Jackson Releases New Artist Signature Models
Summer NAMM 2016: D'Angelico Guitars to Release Strings Engineered by D'Addario
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New Live MOTÖRHEAD Set 'Clean Your Clock' Out Today
Eddie Jackson and Queensrÿche Announce Fall U.S. Tour
VerveTronix Intros Mojo USB MIDI Foot Controller
123creative.com Releases Uptempo Vinylistic Breaks - Drum Breaks and Loops
Free Stuff Friday: Samples Galore!
Taylor Announces Redesigned 700 and New 800 Deluxe Series
Fender Custom Shop Launches "80 Proof" Blues Junior Amp
Eric Clapton Premieres "Stones in My Passway" Music Video
New Issue Preview: Revolver June/July 2016
Video: It Lies Within Tour Documentary, Part 1
Gojira Premiere New Song and Music Video, "Silvera"
History of the Blues in 50 Guitar Riffs
Expand Your Melodic Colors with 9th Arpeggios
John Entwistle's Isolated Bass Track from The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" at Shepperton Studios
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I am writing this while flying back to Tucson from our Division I-A Athletic Director meetings in Dallas. Last year, I was named to the Board of Trustees representing the Pac-12. This past summer, I was named the Pac-12 representative for NCAA President Mark Emmert's AD Advisory Committee.
One of the issues we have struggled with recently as ADs is to have an organized and common voice. As many ADs often recognize, we are dealing with so much on our own campuses and within our own departments that it is easy to lose touch with the national issues we face as an enterprise. I am guilty of that and have made a personal vow, with the support of President Hart, to do my part, when appropriate, to reclaim the AD's voice on the national level. There are many issues we are facing that need the AD's voice engaged. Student-athlete welfare/safety, NCAA governance, amateurism and fan-impacting decisions, to name a few, are some of the important issues we are dealing with right now that will have a direct impact on the long-term health of intercollegiate athletics.
We must be held accountable to our superiors, I have a great boss in Dr. Hart, andwe also must be reengaged in the decision-making process on national and conference-level decisions. The meetings in Dallas were the best meetings we've had in a long time with Football Bowl Subdivision(FBS) ADs. We made a new commitment to collaborate and work together as we move forward. We also have a national organization called NACDA that not only serves ADs but intercollegiate athletic administrators at many levels. At the conclusion of our meetings in Dallas, Division I-A and NACDA members made a commitment to work together, organizing the ADs' voices, which is expected to move us forward in a positive and constructive manner. As a result of this commitment, we are reorganizing Dr. Emmert's AD Advisory Committee under these two umbrellas and that is a very positive step. One of the main goals of the AD Advisory Committee was to reengage our voices and then get the heck out of the way … I believe that process has begun.
In the coming months, you will be hearing of more change and movement on the national level that will impact us here at the University of Arizona. I believe that through the hard work and commitment of my peers and the people they work with, we will take steps that will be strong and positive for intercollegiate athletics and its future.
If you've been following the Wildcat Wednesday, you know that producing an outstanding gameday experience is important to us here in the athletic department. Now, we want to take it one step further and give fans the opportunity to experience some of the behind-the-scenes events that take place before, during and after a football game. We're continuing to work and develop these concepts but we do have one I think you'll like. For the remaining home games, one fan will be selected via Twitter interaction through @ArizonaFBall or @Greg_Byrne to have the opportunity to be in the tunnel and run out with the team when the Wildcats exit the locker room and take the field. We think this will be an exciting addition to our gameday elements and we're looking at finalizing other experiences soon, so be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.
It's a busy time in the McKale Ticket Office as the staff is fulfilling men's basketball seat location change requests. They are also contacting those who have placed a deposit for season tickets. The start of the regular season is still seven weeks away, but you wouldn't know it with all of the buzz surrounding this team. Most of the preseason preview magazines are out on newsstands now and the vast majority have placed the Wildcats first in the Pac-12 and Top 10 overall. This is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated men's basketball seasons in recent history and it's not too late to jump on board with season tickets. There are a limited amount of seats available for purchase scattered throughout the McKale Center. Call the ticket office for more information at 520-621-CATS (2287) or click here to buy online. Make sure to lock in your season tickets now (for this season and beyond) while they are available.
I continue to be impressed with the job Tony Amato and the soccer team has done so far this season. The Wildcats defeated Hawaii 4-1 to improve their record to 5-1-3, which is the best start in school history. The only loss was at home on Sept. 15 to Texas Tech, a Top 20 team. I encourage you to get out to Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium and support this team. The stadium is located off-campus on 15th and Plumer, but still close enough to campus to make it an easy trip. The next home match is a big one, this Sunday vs. No. 4 UCLA at 2 p.m. After the match, the team will be signing autographs on the field. Click here to buy your tickets now. As a reminder, you will save $2 per ticket when you purchase in advance or online. By the way, I was concerned with our concession-line length at the Hawaii game last Friday and we've taken some steps to make improvements.
35th ANNUAL WILDCAT GOLF INVITATIONAL
We are very excited to announce that Jim Furyk will again be joining us for our annual Wildcat Golf Invitational on Friday, Nov. 15. Not only is the invitational a great excuse to spend a Friday morning on the golf course out at Tucson Country Club, but proceeds from the tournament will benefit Arizona Athletics. For more information or to sign up, please click here.
As proud as I am of our enthusiastic fan base, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of some NCAA rules when it comes to our prospective student-athletes. Only coaches and their staff are permitted to recruit on behalf of Arizona Athletics. We become more visible as an institution this time of year because we invite a large number of prospective student-athletes to campus for official and unofficial visits in each of our 20 programs. It is important to remember that it is against the rules to contact these prospects or their families about the University of Arizona. In today's world of social media, we must reinforce that all forms of communication with prospective student-athletes, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and any others, is against the rules. We thank you for your cooperation.
Starting Thursday, our friends at Concord Construction will begin the process of developing our new sand volleyball courts on the north side of Jimenez Practice Facility … Football takes to the national stage this weekend when it travels to Washington. The game, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Pacific, will air nationally on FOX … Senior libero Candace Nicholson set the school record for digs last Saturday with a career total of 1,313. The previous record was 1,297 by Terry Lauchner (1987-90) … Cross Country had its home meet last weekend and a pair of freshmen, Collins Kibet and Maria Larsson, took the top spot for Arizona in their respective races … Collegiate Baseballreleased its recruiting rankings last week and Arizona came in at No. 18 for players entering school this fall.
Here is a look at this week's Arizona Athletics events (Home events in BOLD):
No Events Scheduled
All Day: Men's Golf at William H. Tucker Intercollegiate (at Albuquerque, N.M.)
8:00 p.m.: Volleyball at California (TV: Pac-12 Networks)
All Day: Women's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Los Angeles, Calif.)
All Day: Men's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Tulsa, Okla.)
All Day: Men's Golf at William H. Tucker Intercollegiate (at Albuquerque, N.M.)
8:00 a.m.: Cross Country at Griak Invitational (at Minneapolis, Minn.)
4:00 p.m.: Football at Washington (TV: FOX National) (Radio: Arizona IMG Sports Network)
All Day: Women's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Los Angeles, Calif.)
All Day: Men's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Tulsa, Okla.)
2:00 p.m.: Soccer vs. UCLA (TV: Pac-12 Networks)
All Day: Men's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Tulsa, Okla.)
All Day: Women's Golf at Windy City Classic (at Chicago, Ill.)
All Day: Women's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Los Angeles, Calif.)
All Day: Men's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Tulsa, Okla.)
All Day: Women's Golf at Windy City Classic (at Chicago, Ill.)
All Day: Women's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Los Angeles, Calif.)
All Day: Men's Tennis at ITA All-American Championships (at Tulsa, Okla.)
NOTE: When submitting photos for Wildcat Wednesday, please ensure they are clear and properly lit. Also, please make sure to identify everyone in the photo so we can highlight them accordingly. Thanks for your help.
|Continue to do what you can to help Arizona Athletics and:
1. Join the Wildcat Movement
2. Buy Season Tickets
3. Wear the Colors (Especially on Friday)
4. Get Others to do the Same
Bear Down with Pride,
Greg Byrne
Vice President for Athletics
The University of Arizona


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From Trauma to Healing: A Social Worker's Guide to Working with Survivors
ISBN13:by Goelitz; Ann
Nonspecific Binding
Questions About This Book?
What version or edition is this?
This is the 1st edition with a publication date of 2/22/2013.
What is included with this book?
- The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any CDs, lab manuals, study guides, etc.
From Trauma to Healing: A Social Worker's Guide for Working With Survivorsis the next significant publication on trauma in the field of social work. Since September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, social workers have come together increasingly to consider how traumatic events impact practice. From Trauma to Healingis designed to provide direction in this process, supporting both the field's movement towards evidence-based practice and social workers' growing need to be equipped to work with trauma. It does so in the practical guide format already proven to be compelling to social work students, educators, and practitioners, providing case examples, and addressing social workers' unique ecological approach.


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Nokia 5800 XpressMusic flying off the shelves in Russia
Russia is the first country where Nokia 5800 XpressMusic became available for purchase, and it seems that it's also among the markets where the handset will be hugely successful.
Previous estimations were saying that the 5800 might outsell Apple's iPhone in Russia. But the smartphone's real selling numbers are beyond expectations.
According to Eldar Murtazin, between November 26 and December 7, there were roughly 58.000 Nokia 5800 handsets sold across the Eurasian country.
Even more, there are confirmed retail orders for other 46.000 units by the end of 2008.
So it looks like there will be over 100.000 Nokia 5800s in Russia, after only one month since the touchscreen device became available. This although its current Russian price is of about €400.
Now we can only hope that, when released in other countries, the 5800 XpressMusic will have prices closer to the €279 that Nokia first promised.


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The purification for the body.
Drinking water gives great benefits to the body.
"It strengthens the body" with much benefits and much more.
It boosts the immune system.
Our body is made up of water drinking water, helps to keep it in balance.
Drinking water cleans out the system and help clear the whites of the eyes giving the "eye a sparkle".
Drinking helps to eliminate toxins.
Drinking water can help fatigue and as well, as focus and attention.
Drinking water can increase the energy needed for the days efforts.
Water is essential enjoy what can be enjoyed throughout the day.
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Additionally, view the El Paso Gardening Examiner articles, too.


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Dealpolitik: Pershing Square and Valeant Zig Zag Toward an End Game
In a series of moves worthy of a WWE tag team wrestling match, Pershing Square Capital Management LP and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International have zigged and zagged as they try to move in on an acquisition of Allergan by Valeant.
There still could be more zigging and zagging since Valeant has not yet declared that the new bid is its best and final offer as it continues to press to "sit down with either management or the board and reach a final negotiation on this offer."
But the Valeant path is now clear.
These gambits began last Wednesday when Valeant increased the cash portion of its bid by $10 per share. That bump was apparently poorly received by Allergan shareholders.
To encourage Valeant to boost its bid, Pershing committed to take a fixed number of Valeant shares for its Allergan shares and none of the cash Valeant is offering to other shareholders. That would give Pershing less value (at today's market prices) than other shareholders.
There may be less to Pershing's agreement to take a discount than meets the eye from a legal perspective. The agreement, which was filed with the SEC on Monday, is limited to a transaction "on the terms announced by [Valeant] in its press release of May 30, 2014." Successful hostile deals tend to end up as negotiated transactions with at least some adjustment in terms in return for the target capitulating. Pershing may feel a need optics-wise to take fewer Valeant shares than other shareholders even if terms change, but that's not its obligation.
Following Pershing's actions, Valeant again raised its bid.
Meanwhile, on Monday Pershing announced it would seek a special meeting of Allergan shareholders to, among other things, throw out six of the nine Allergan directors.
It's not a simple process. Pershing will need holders of at least 25% of the Allergan shares to sign what is an unusual and complex questionnaire. And Allergan bylaws require a representation that a requesting shareholder intends to hold its shares through the special meeting and make continuing disclosures on share ownership.
Also, Allergan can call its own special meeting in lieu of the meeting Pershing is seeking and thereby delay the meeting. Valeant said in its Monday slide presentation that even this replacement meeting would have to be held no later than November.
Finally, Valeant said Monday it is preparing to launch a hostile exchange offer for Allergan stock. That in itself does not place additional pressure on Allergan because such an exchange offer cannot be completed without Allergan board approval. Allergan has adopted a poison pill defense that effectively prevents a shareholder from acquiring 10% of Allergan without board approval. But it is an indication of Valeant's determination.
And yet, the exchange offer poses challenges for Valeant and Pershing: It is likely to focus more controversy on Valeant and Pershing's unique partnership under which Pershing bought shares before Valeant announced its plans to bid for Allergan. There is an SEC rule that prohibits trading by a person who has material nonpublic information "If any person has taken a substantial step or steps to commence" an exchange offer. Back in February, when Pershing and Valeant signed up their agreement to work together, they acknowledged to each other "that no steps have been taken towards a tender or exchange offer."
Yet that agreement contained provisions on how such an exchange offer would be made. Assuming Allergan continues to oppose the Valeant bid, it is a good bet that Allergan will cry foul now that the steps started earlier this year have resulted in Valeant announcing its intention to commence an exchange offer.
The path to victory has been laid out by Valeant and Pershing. But it is long and complex and Allergan will have a lot of time to come up with counter measures.
Send questions, comments or story ideas to firstname.lastname@example.com and follow Ron on Twitter: @Dealpolitik.


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Edition: 2nd
Author(s): Russell, Peter J.; Hertz, Paul E.; McMillan, Beverly
ISBN: 9780538493734 / Paperback / 1/1/2011
Marketplace Disclaimer:
Edition, Cover Design, etc may vary from the eCampus.com description. Please refer to the seller's comments before ordering. Marketplace sellers are required to ship by the end of the 5th business day. Items are not returnable to eCampus.com. Orders cannot be cancelled by eCampus.com.


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Disease Proof
Nutritional Wisdom: Removing Disease Causing Chemicals from Your Home
Dr. Fuhrman's radio show Nutritional Wisdom airs live Wednesdays at 11am EST with an encore presentation Thursdays at 3pm EST on VoiceAmerica. Be sure to check out this week's episode Removing Disease Causing Chemicals from Your Home, with special guest Deirdre Imus. And if you've missed an episode click the Nutritional Wisdom category for previous shows.
Yeah, Eat to Live.
I am from Road of Life: Cancer Prevention for Kids, and I just wanted to share some information about our great program.
Road of Life: Cancer Prevention for Kids is a non-profit organization with a mission to eradicate preventable cancer and diseases of excess by educating children about the smoking, fitness, and nutrition decisions they can make to lead healthier lives.
We provide health programs FREE for download right off our website. Our programs consist of a classroom curriculum, after school program, a family program, and a Health Care Careers Program.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to have more information please feel free to visit www.roadoflife.org!
Suite 408


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Seems I am developing a habit of using lines from songs as blog post titles....
Anyhow, today I met a friend at the Abbotsford Convent for lunch. Forget the fact I was meant to be writing a business plan. Or sewing. Or doing anything even slightly resembling work. It was sunny outside and I couldn't resist the urge to be out in the fresh air.
I had my favourite red shoes on - just perfect for an afternoon walk around the Convent grounds.
Right next door to the Convent is the Collingwood Children's Farm. Oh, how I love this place! Horses to talk to, chickens to chase, pigs to giggle at. Hard to believe that such a place exists right in the middle of the city - you could easily forget where you were. Of course I couldn't resist taking a picture of this cheeky duck.
There's even a horse named Shannon! It has an allergy to lucerne hay. I found this amusing given my own allergy to wheat.
Ah....I'm now feeling all inspired to pack up my sewing machine and move to the bush!


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Mostly sunny, warm for start of work week in Volusia and Flagler
Published: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 7:38 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 11, 2013 at 9:31 a.m.
Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 78 on Monday, with winds from the south at 5 to 10 mph.
A high surf advisory for large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet through the morning high tide is in effect. The pounding surf will be capable of producing minor beach erosion around mid-morning.
Clouds will increase Monday night, with a low of 62. Rain chances increase to 50 percent after 2 a.m.
Tuesday will mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The high will be 78, with a south wind at 5 to 10 mph.Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Sunny skies will return Wednesday, with a high near 72 and winds north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts of 25 mph possible, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Speed dating, materials handling style
Yes, that's a shameless headline, aimed to get your attention. I think of it as Modern's version of Live Nude Conveyors.
But if you haven't done so already, check out the One Minute To Connect videos on the ProMat website. Then, take a moment and vote for your favorite.
What's it' all about? MHIA, the sponsor of ProMat, has created a special web page where exhibitors can post a 60 second video to promote their company and their product. They get one minute to make a connection that may lead to a date in March. "We're pushing the videos out to attendees," says Devon Birch, marketing and communications manager, for MHIA. "Once they watch the video, they can vote for their favorite." Sounds a little like The Bachelor to me.
As of yesterday, there were 24 videos on the site, with Sapient Automation leading the pack with 205 votes. The next closest competitor was a video for overhead monorail trolleys from Demag with 145 fans. That may be a reflection of good marketing. "We have found that some companies are really taking advantage of the site and sending out the video to people on their mailing list and encouraging them to vote," says Birch.
Translation: If you have a favorite video – or a favorite company – fire up your Constant Contact list and get out the vote.
Birch says she has been pleasantly surprised by the creativity of some of the submissions. "There are some videos that are really well done and informative, and a few that have taken some creative license that are fun to watch," she adds.
ProMat 2011 will be held March 21 - 24, 2011 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry.
Read all of Modern's ProMat 2011 coverage
About the Author
Executive Editor
Bob Trebilcock, executive editor, has covered materials handling, technology and supply chain topics for Modern Materials Handling since 1984. More recently, Trebilcock became editorial director of Supply Chain Management Review. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Trebilcock lives in Keene, NH. He can be reached at 603-357-0484.