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There may not be four syllables more galvanizing to Americans than Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act has become something of a partisan rorschach test, revealing our attitudes on everything from the role of government in our lives, to our opinions on the healthcare industry, to simple red team/ blue team divides.
I'm just a guy looking to finally get health care. Now in my 30's, I've lived most of my adult life without health insurance, and that's been fine with me. I've been blessed with good health (which I attribute to genetics mostly, although I do exercise regularly) and the one time I needed treatment for a somewhat serious knee injury, I was lucky enough to be covered by insurance, which kept me from incurring thousands in medical bills.
But after a minor infection turned into a $120 visit to the Emergency Clinic earlier this year, I realized the value in being covered. There are just too many what ifs to consider and the chasm between those with insurance and those without it is as deep as it is wide. I've seen friends who have been financially devastated when they were hospitalized and had no insurance. Despite my moral objections surrounding the principals of health insurance companies, the reality is that you either pay a little each month or you end up paying a lot.
Besides, the commercials that have been running almost non-stop in Denver over the past month assured me that signing up and shopping for health insurance would be easy. With an optimistic attitude, I fired up Connect for Health Colorado (on a Windows-based PC, using Chrome as my browser) with the mission of getting insurance as cheaply and quickly as possible.
10:30 a.m. - The first thing that draws my eye is a box asking "Do You Qualify for Financial Assistance?" All you have to do to find out is enter your zip code and the day you'd like to start coverage on. And then the number of people in your household, then your first name, month and year of birth, sex, citizenship status, and state residency. Then another page asking yes or no questions about my "disability/ blindness status" (nope), "American Indian/ Alaskan Natives Status" (nope), "Incarceration Status" (um, weird question, but nope) and finally, "Within the past 6 months, has this person used tobacco products regularly?"
Do I have to answer?
I'm a smoker and like 90% of smokers, I'm not always glad I'm a smoker. On the one hand, I love my morning coffee and cigarette. On the other hand, pretty much everything else. I told myself when I started feeling guilty about smoking, I'd quit. That was three years ago. Now Obama is all up in my computer, asking me about my smoking habits over the past half-year. Who are you to judge, Obama?! I've seen this picture!
I click "yes" and move on.
I'm then asked to estimate my household income for the upcoming year. Man, this is getting personal. For a number of obvious reasons, I'm not willing to disclose that amount here. Let's just call it...liveable. It turns out that I'm eligible for "Premium Assistance Individual And Family Plans" as well as "Cost Sharing Reduction (for applicable plans)." Well alright then! Now I'm able to move forward and find a plan!
10:35 a.m. - In just five minutes, I'm looking at a series of health plans that range in price from $97.79 to $401.18 (incidentally, I went back and checked on what my costs would be had I not admitted to being a smoker. $71.26 is the cheapest, meaning being a smoker will cost me $26.53 more per month in insurance costs. Don't start smoking, kids). I can compare their coverage options as well.
Unfortunately, my ignorance about jargon like "co-insurance" and "EHB benefits" sends me down a Google rabbit hole that wastes almost 30 minutes of my time without providing any real answers about what package would be best for me.
11:00 a.m. - Back to square one. Now that I've figured out what my costs might be, I'm required to create an account on Connect for Health Colorado. Throughout this process, I've noticed a medium-level of security on the site (I get the "lock" symbol, but not in green, as it is when I log onto my bank account). Then there's this warning:
"NOTICE: This system contains U.S. Government information. By accessing and using this system you are consenting to system monitoring for law enforcement and other purposes. Unauthorized use of or access to this computer system may subject you to State and Federal criminal prosecution as well as civil penalties."
Um, ok.
The initial application page has an even more ambiguous warning, reprinted in full:
"Important: Connect for Health Colorado and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing are authorized to collect information on the application, including Social Security numbers and will confirm information that may affect initial or ongoing eligibility for all persons listed on your application. You are allowing Connect for Health Colorado and the Department to use Social Security numbers and other information from your application to request and receive information or records to confirm the information in your application. You release Connect for Health Colorado and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing from all liability for sharing this information with other agencies for this purpose. For example, Connect for Health Colorado and the Department may get and share your information with any of the following agencies: Social Security Administration; Internal Revenue Service; United States Customs and Immigration Services; Department of Homeland Security; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Colorado Department of Labor and Employment; Financial institutions (banks, savings and loans, credit unions, insurance companies, etc.); child support enforcement agencies; employers; courts; and other federal or state agencies. We need this information to check your eligibility for health insurance or help paying for health insurance, if you choose to apply, and give you the best service possible."
I'm not really sure why my health care information might need to be shared with the Department of Homeland Security, but since I'm fairly certain I have no choice, sure, go right ahead.
Now I've made it through to a page asking if I want to apply for financial assistance. Little do I know, this will send me to another page that forces me to sign up for something called PEAK, which requires me to fill out yet another form with all of my personal and financial information and create a username and password. Sure fine, whatever.
Turns out I'm not eligible for Medicaid, which I wasn't even aware I was applying for. On the plus side, I now have a new account with the Jefferson County PEAK agency and another username and password to remember.
11:37 a.m. - When I'm rejected for Medicaid -- which again, I never realized I was trying to get -- I'm directed back to the Connect for Health Colorado site, which pleasantly informs me "is experiencing technical problems." Undaunted, I enter in my confirmation (rejection) number from the previous screen, and I'm moved through to a few more pages that require me to re-enter my personal information, including my Social Security number, which I think I've shared at about three different junctures. Yet after entering it again and clicking next, I receive an unsettling warning:
"The external system to verify your social security number is currently unavailable. You can continue with your enrollment through a manual verification process."
Great, let's do that. After filling out more forms, I'm sent to a truly curious page, which confirms my identity through a series of multiple choice questions. "Which one of these is a street you used to live on?" "Which one of these is the name of a previous employer?" etc. It's sort of like a creepy version of "This is Your Life."
After sifting through another page of ominously worded user agreements (are there any other kind?), I'm finally confirmed for the "Premium Assistance Individual And Family Plans." And, now that's it's 12:03 p.m., I'm hungry.
12:56 p.m. - Having eaten my lunch (a healthy Chipotle burrito), answered some emails, and enjoyed by post-meal cigarette (of course), I'm ready to finish this bad boy up. When I log back in (the site logged me out, automatically) I'm thrilled to discover that all I need to do now is pick my plan.
As I said before, I'm confused by the terminology, so like all overwhelmed consumers, I do what comes naturally: Pick the cheapest one, which is the Kaiser Permanente Bronze plan. With my $105 credit, my monthly premium will be just under $100 per month, slightly more than I wanted to pay, but not by much. It appears they've thrown in Dental for free, which is awesome.
It's worth noting that at every step, the website lists are all sorts of ways to get in touch with people who could have helped guide me through this process. For the purposes of this story, as well as my own obstinate nature, I declined.
By 1:22 p.m., it was all over. Now all that's left for me to do is mail the check (no credit cards or cash accepted) for my first monthly premium, and I'll be covered by May 1.
All in all, I'd have to say the experience was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the detours, diversions, repetition, and constant user agreements were, at best, annoying, and could even be seen as troubling to those who are philosophically opposed to sharing personal information with government agencies. On the other hand, compared to the hall of mirrors known as the Department of Unemployment, or the dispiriting bureaucracy of the DMV, the Connect for Health Colorado website was a model of sleek efficiency. Signing up for anything that requires inputting large amounts of personal information is never going to be fast or fun, so beyond a few tweaks, it's hard to see how they could do better.
Ultimately, while I'm not looking forward to the new expense, I'll sleep better knowing that I can go in for physicals, get medicine when I'm sick, and receive treatment for injuries should I need them. That peace of mind is why I signed up for Obamacare, and it's a personal reason. That's the thing about Obamacare -- it is whatever you want it to be.


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With the dust settled on earnings season, three charts reveal why Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) may have capped off 2013 with the best improvement of the 25 largest banks.
SNL Financial recently reported its earnings scorecard, which examines the performance of the 25 largest banks in the United States. Looking at these charts, it's easy to see how Bank of America soared past peers such as Citigroup (NYSE:C), Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), and JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), and its regional banking competitors as well.
Earnings performance
Many know that Bank of America has been on a staggering run since its stock price bottomed out at the end of 2011, but as the preceding table shows, it delivered a staggering 42.5% return to its shareholders from February 2013 to February 2014. Yet this wasn't the result of irrational market movements. Bank of America was only one of seven of the top 25 banks to see its earnings in the fourth quarter represent improvements over both the third quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012.
Bank of America's bottom line jumped from $2.8 billion in 2012 to $10.1 billion in 2013, which allowed the bank to truly demonstrate that turnaround efforts are starting to be evidenced in the company's bottom line.
Earnings delivery
In addition to delivering strong earnings in the fourth quarter, Bank of America was one of 14 banks to surpass analysts' expectations. The same was true of its biggest competitors JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, yet those two firms only beat estimates by 5% and 1%, respectively, whereas Bank of America came in almost 12% ahead of the group's consensus.
True success shouldn't be gauged based on how well one company does relative to analysts' expectations, and performance from one quarter to the next shouldn't dictate an investment decision, but that is one helpful reference point to take note of along the way.
Profit improvement
One of the critical measures of a bank's profitability is its net interest margin, or NIM, which measures the difference in what it pays out on deposits versus what it takes in on loans. Bank of America was one of only five banks to watch its NIM rise in the fourth quarter relative to both the third quarter and the fourth quarter of 2012.
Wells Fargo's NIM dropped from 3.76% in 2012 to 3.49% in 2013, whereas Bank of America's improved from 2.35% to 2.47%. Certainly the return at Wells Fargo is higher -- Bank of America notes that its NIM was lowered by 0.60% as a result of trading activities -- but the improvement at Bank of America is encouraging.
Although its provision for credit losses was slightly higher in the fourth quarter relative to the third ($336 million versus $296 million), this was largely the result of benefits seen in its mysterious "other" category -- and excluding those things, it actually improved from $845 million to $524 million.
The bottom line
While trying to say which bank won or lost the fourth quarter is in many ways an arbitrary exercise, as investing allows for multiple winners (and losers), there's no denying that the fourth quarter at Bank of America truly represented its hard work in turning itself around, and it's truly starting to show in its results.
The best stock for this year
While Bank of America had a great run in 2013, many who know there's a huge difference between a good stock and a stock that can make you rich want to see if it will continue in 2014. The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for 2014, and it's one of those stocks that could make you rich. You can find out which stock it is in the special free report "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2014." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.
Patrick Morris owns shares of Bank of America. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America and Wells Fargo and owns shares of Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- Details
Jackson Safety* Sentry III Protective Cap
- ANSI Z89.7, Class C, E, and G compliant
- Fits head sizes 6-1/2" to 8"
SpecificationsSelect options above to see specifications.
ANSI Type Rating Z89.1 Adjustability Ratchet Brand Sentry III Class Rating C, G & E Color White Easy Reorder Eligible Yes Graphics No Head Size Universal High Visibility No Item Type Hard Hat Manufacturer JACKSON SAFETY Manufacturer Part Number 14409 Material HDPE Meets ANSI Z89.1 No Meets CSA Z94.1 No Meets EN 397 No Reversing Suspension Yes Side Slots Yes Suspension Type 4-Point Ventilation No
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text:
A new name, a new skin
As time goes and goes, things change, such as this website. It may seem abandonned but it has only been sleeping ; It will rise in a new shape.
You can visit it at this adress : Divanesco.com ; Thank you for following us all this years.


text:
MONTHLY Newsletter of the Society for Modeling & Simulation International
SCS M&S Newsletter
News from SCS Networks
University is well underway in preparing for the 2011 Modeling, Simulation, and Gaming Student Capstone Conference.
The Conference is open to students at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels, and is intended as a venue for students interested in Modeling and Simulation topics to be able to present their academic research and participate in the overall conference experience.
The 2011 Conference will consist of six tracks in which students may submit their research papers in modeling, simulation, gaming, and related application areas. [...]
SimSummit Meeting at I/ITSEC
The SimSummit Meeting of 2 December at I/ITSEC in Orlando, FL, was very successful and particularly interesting regarding:
a) the introduction of prospective new organizational members,
b) discussion of means whereby SimSummit can further pursue its mission to influence the M&S discipline, profession, industry and market by execution of particular ACTIONS.
Special thanks to representatives of participating organizations who were able to attend in person. Materiel related to the conduct of the meeting including:
a) attendees,
b) agenda briefing,
c) minutes,
d) ACTIONS,
e) Briefing
f) materiel provided by guests from the Korean ADD,
will be forwarded and posted to the SimSummit website at: www.sim-summit.org, the SimSummit 'Linkedin' social collaboration venue, and a sharepoint 2010 program coordination venue to be initialized early in 2011.
P.O. Box 17900
San Diego, California
Society for Modeling &
Simulation International
Ph +1 858.277.3888
Fx +1 858.277.3930
Call for Papers: SCS M&S Magazine
The fundamental goal of the M&S Magazine is to present articles that have an appeal or direct relevance to a major segment of the modeling and simulation community. Naturally, the specific segment will vary depending on the information content of any particular article, but the key element is broad appeal. The readership community ideally will not be restricted to M&S professionals; i.e., those who identify M&S as their principle professional occupation. The target readership is broader and includes those who might be regarded as "casual" users of the M&S methodology or, possibly, those who have only recently become involved with it. Ideally the content of the articles in the M&S Magazine will have aspects that might draw these users closer into the mainstream.
Articles in the M&S Magazine will not be directed to a "niche market". However, this should not be interpreted as the basis for excluding technical topics that have a very specific orientation. Rather it reflects on the manner in which the material is presented; e.g., essential information about foundational concepts should always be included and the use of jargon and acronyms that are familiar only to specialists in the field should be avoided.
For further information or for submitting an article please contact the Editor in Chief Lou Birta
Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization Student Capstone Conference
The Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) will host the fifth annual Modeling, Simulation & Visualization Student Capstone Conference on Thursday, April 14, 2011.
The Capstone Conference Committee at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) of Old Dominion
this issue
News from SCS Networks
Web manager and Web designer
of SCS M&S Newsletter Francesco Longo
Volume 3


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Fluent in Spanish, and a Junior at Johansen High School, Erik Jimenez is an individual who takes the initiative and positive action to fulfill his goals. A member of a family of nine children, Erik does not view this as a hardship or obstacle, but rather as a tremendous blessing as he has extreme adoration for his family.
As a member of his youth church group, and the student leadership group, Erik has undertaken the responsibility of various activities throughout the year, including the initiation and organization of the blood drive at Johansen High School. With an interest in politics and government, coupled with his desire to become a leader, Erik welcomes the ability to serve and assist others in any way he can.
With all that Erik has accomplished and all that he still has to offer, it comes as no surprise Erik was chosen to attend the Boys State Camp this summer. Erik is an inspiring young individual with a future of endless possibilities ahead of him.
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text: June is typically the wettest month of the year, but so far for 2010 it's the heat that will be remembered. With almost 2 months straight of above average temperatures, slight relief may be had this week with an influx of tropical moisture. Nothing organized, but the potential for some heavy rain at times as midweek progresses and temperatures struggling for 90.


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The controversial Westboro Baptist Church may have a hard time getting close to the action if its members protest any of the funerals of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who died Sunday in the Yarnell Hill Fire.
A 2011 Arizona law passed to prevent protestors from disrupting the funerals of the victims in the Tucson mass shooting and assassination attempt on then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will also apply in this situation. The Kansas-based church tweeted Monday afternoon that intended to picket the firefighters' funerals - shortly after officials released the names of the 19 victims.
Senate Bill 1101, which passed unanimously in the House and the Senate and was signed into law as an emergency measure by Gov. Jan Brewer, creates a "funeral protection zone." It forbids any individual from picketing or protesting within 300 feet of a funeral or burial site within an hour before, during and after the service.
Violating the law is a class 1 misdemeanor.
The Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church pickets high-profile funerals and funerals of military personnel killed in action to draw attention to the church's anti-homosexual views.
Sen. Steve Pierce, R-Prescott, was among the lawmakers who supported the 2011 law.
"I don't know what 19 young men fighting a fire to protect everyone has to do with any of that. It's ridiculous," he said. "These poor kids, there are wives and families and children. It's a tragedy. And for them to come and inject themselves into this, it's criminal. Leave us alone out here."
House Speaker Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, was returning to Yarnell Tuesday morning to get a briefing on the fire. After he heard of a potential picket by the Westboro group, he said he had notified Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk of the legislation to address such protests. He was also among the lawmakers who supported the 2011 law.
"They key here is to not incite anybody, but be respectful," Tobin said, adding that any such protest would be unwelcome in Prescott.
A statement on the church's website says it believes God caused the deaths of the 19 firefighters to "warn their family, friends and community of the eternal consequences of sin" and the evils of same-sex marriage.
The church tweeted that it would protest the funerals of the 19 firefighters. And over the past couple of days has tweeted numerous statements about the fire deaths:
"Westboro Baptist Church THANKS GOD for AZ fires that killed 19 firefighters."
"Arizona already starting their idolatrous procession of doom! Shame on you all! Stop worshiping MEN & worship GOD!"
The church then tweeted the names of each of the men, under the heading "roster of the damned."
In response, a Prescott-based Twitter account called @WBCnotwelcome popped up Tuesday afternoon, posting "Remember, they like attention. Don't give it to them."
The state law is patterned after an Ohio law that establishes a 300-foot protection zone around a funeral location from one hour before the event until one hour afterward. The Ohio law was upheld by the Sixth U.S. Court of Appeals, which made Arizona lawmakers confident their proposal is constitutional.
Republic reporter Yvonne Wingett Sanchez contributed to this article.


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Archive for category on location
Seth Rogen: Untitled Christmas Eve Project Set
Posted by Native NYker in film set, on location, seth rogen, the untitled christmas eve project on August 14, 2014
Stand-up, writer, producer, director and actor Seth Rogen, 32 – yes, his Wiki page touts all of that – is presently filming The Untitled Christmas Eve Project in NY. He is keeping company with our future ex-husband Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lizzy Caplan of Mean Girls fame.
We are sure we don't need to point out who we were hoping to spot during our visit to their set in Harlem. It's not that we don't appreciate the likes of the High School Canadian drop-out turned Hollywood sensation – we do! Thnx Seth – it's just that we tend to think with the other smaller brain from time to time.
Ok, most of the time, we are males, sue us! Read the rest of this entry »
Kathryn Hahn: Family Fang D-list Diva
Posted by Native NYker in jason bateman, kathryn hahn, on location, on set, the family fang on July 25, 2014
Watching Kathryn Hahn, on the set of The Family Fang, yesterday, got us to thinking about the many forms of observable celebrity reactions. It varies from actor to actor – whether on the street, a film set or a step and repeat. But whether it's an A-lister, an up-and-comer or a D-list working actor who's name always manages to slip your mind, the reactions to attention that comes with said celebrity can be as opposite as night and day.
The degrees found can go something like this: some marvel in it – Max and Charlie Carver come to mind, others control it from beginning to end – like Tom Cruise, smart ones go about their day to day as normal folks – Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Jackman have mastered this – and yet others pretend that it's a heavy burden and an intrusion on their physical, mental and professional state.
This last one is what we witnessed with Hahn yesterday on the Suffern, NY location of the Jason Bateman film set. Read the rest of this entry »
Clive Owen: The Knick Film Set Exclusive
Posted by Native NYker in clive owen, on location, on set, the knick film set on January 9, 2014
There are times when we stand by and observe celebrities going to unnecessary lengths to keep themselves from being photographed while on a set. Not because we have invaded their privacy but because they either perceive it as an inconvenience or its not a controlled photo opportunity or, more over, cuz they have an unpleasant disposition at any given time.
Case and point: Clive Owen, 49, is busy presently filming the period piece television mini-series "The Knick,", which details the professional and personal lives of the NY based hospital the Knickerbocker.
We don't know what propelled the one time big screen A-lister to regress into a TV mini-series but that's where Mr. Man's present credentials reside. Read the rest of this entry »
Andrew Garfield: Spider-Man Taunts Rhino Man on Set
Posted by Native NYker in andrew garfield, film set, on location, on set, paul giamatti, the amazing spider-man 2 on May 28, 2013
What is one to do when the temps rise but not enough to schlep your ass out to the beach? Well, when the likes of Andrew Garfield and Paul Giamatti commandeer a section of Park Avenue to film scenes of The Amazing Spider-Man II, one redirects and heads out – albeit a bit late in the day – out to the set to try your hand at a few frames of them filming on a closed set, that's what! Read the rest of this entry »
Boardwalk Empire: Yonkers Film Set
Posted by Native NYker in boardwalk empire, film set, hbo, on location, on set, phillipes manor, yonkers film set on April 30, 2013
Here is an embarrassing classic example of the downside to not watching TV. Boardwalk Empire, the HBO series, which stars Steve Buscemi, stopped in Yonkers, NY recently to film on location. This being a old stomping ground, one which we happened to find ourselves in, we thought we'd take a saunter by.
We've admittedly never watched the show and, as a general rule don't generally watch TV – cept for maybe Big Bang Theory, and that is if we happen to be home when its on. We did however know that Michael Pitt, Paz de la Huerta and Bobby Cannavale also happen to be part of the cast (at some point in the past.) And any of these three we would gladly shoot and be happy with… Read the rest of this entry »
Noomi Rapace: Animal Rescue Film Set
Posted by Native NYker in animal rescue film set, celebrities, entertainment, film set, filming, noomi rapace, on location, on set, tom hardy on March 28, 2013
At times one gets lucky visiting a film set. Don't know how it happens but it does. The Animal Rescue set, presently filming on location throughout Brooklyn and Queens, starring Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace, happened to be one of those times. We arrived minutes before the talent came on – one after the other – to film an exterior scene with their puppy.
It doesn't get better than that y'all. Read the rest of this entry »
Dylan McDermott: Hostages Film Set
Posted by Native NYker in american horror story, black irish, dylan mcdermott, film set, hostages film set, hottie, on location, on set, ryan murphy on March 15, 2013
We heard of Dylan McDermott stopping in Yonkers, NY to film a new CBS pilot called "Hostages," costarring Toni Collette, yesterday, and we thought 'why not give it a go.' Aren't we glad we did! A quick stop by and shortly after arriving the strapping lad, script in hand, surfaced and proceeded to make his way to the set.
We have been ardent admirers of tall, dark and deep voiced hottie for sometime now and, as we stood snapping away, the thought of all the things we'd like to do to him immediately came to mind. Sue us, we think he is all types of naughty looking.
We then we arrived at wondering how is it that this man hasn't become the poster boy for beauty incarnate. Read the rest of this entry »
Shailene Woodley: The Amazing Spider-Man II Brooklyn Set
Posted by Native NYker in andrew garfield, emma stone, film set, on location, on set, shailene woodley, the amazing spider-man, the amazing spider-man 2 on March 12, 2013
Shailene Woodley, of The Secret Life of The American Teenager and The Descendants fame, can be presently found on the set of the currently filming follow up to the blockbuster creepy-crawley flick re-boot "The Amazing Spider-Man II." The role: Mary Jane. Co-stars: Andrew Garfield and all around talent and beauty Emma Stone. (Cheers, applause, accolades!)
It's gotta be bittersweet for her right about now.
Sure, on the one hand its quite a coup to land yourself in the thick of a guaranteed hit. No doubt something to be gleeful about. Read the rest of this entry »
John Hawkes: Untitled Elmore Leonard Project in CT
Posted by Native NYker in celebrities, connecticut, entertainment, fight scene, greenwich, jennifer aniston, john hawkes, on location, on set, oscars, Untitled Elmore Leonard Project on February 12, 2013
For those of you who don't know, John Hawkes is an OSCAR nominated actor. He has co-starred in countless films and is presently co-starring in Untitled Elmore Leonard Project alongside Jennifer Aniston.
We think of her as being box office poison but that is an entirely other topic.
Our own thoughts of Aniston's on-screen success – or lack there of, aside, it was truly with her in mind that we decided to pay the set a visit during their Greenwich, CT action scene shoot which was slated to spill out onto the street and escalate into not only a fight scene but give way to a chase.
(More pics after the jump…)
Mariska Hargitay: SVU Yonkers Set Exclusive
Posted by Native NYker in drama, jayne mansfield, law and order, law and order: svu, mariska hargitay, on location, on set on January 29, 2013
Without a doubt, the nicest celebrity EVER mention goes to Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: SVU. She is just simply the nicest person – say nothing of hard working. We've watched Hargitay do take after take of a scene, take a spill on a chase and dust herself off and get back to it as if nothings happened – in scorching NYC temperatures.
We've also watched her, as in the case of the above photo, brave this here cold blast the North-East has been experiencing and make like its nothing more than a bed of roses, with a few icicles left over as they march onto Spring.
That woman is a trooper!
We might also point out that she does it all with a smile and a wave for all her fans and the following photographers alike. And it's not as if she has to!
This begs the question and wondering if her malleable disposition is something attributed to her iconic mom Jayne Mansfield…? Cuz let's face it Old-Hollywood knew how to charm snakes.
We swung by the Yonkers, NY stop of SVU's on-location shoots and managed to get a few frames of long running drama headliner and marveled at her sweet disposition even as wind chill's brought the temps down into single digits.
Girl, write a book… Cuz there are lesser talented folks out there with bigger tudes and wretched dispositions in the face of the very same…
Well, we won't get too into that and just say 'we love and appreciate you Ms. Hargitay!'
We still wonder if she misses her old co-star Chris Meloni, but the weather was too dire to get any words out past a quick "thank you!" and a slow moving sprint back to our car! Next time…


text:
by Toni Morrison
How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Year.Paragraph)
Quote #7
She went to bed with men as frequently as she could. It was the only place where she could find what she was looking for: misery and the ability to feel deep sorrow. (1939.34)
Despite first appearances, Sula's view of sex is different from Hannah's. While Hannah attaches no real feeling to it, Sula does. She still has sex with a lot of men (many of them married), but Sula is actually searching for something. We don't get the same feeling from Hannah.
Quote #8
He liked for her to mount him so he could see her towering above him and call soft obscenities up into her face. (1939.83)
It's interesting that Ajax likes for Sula to be on top, "towering above him." This suggests that he's willing to give up a little power and control.
Quote #9
What you mean take him away? I didn't kill him, I just fucked him. (1940.75).
This shows how differently Sula and Nel view sex. Nel feels that once Sula has slept with Jude, he's no longer hers, he's gone from her life forever. But Sula doesn't see it that way. If Jude was dead, then he'd be gone. But he's not; he just had sex with another woman.


text:
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Once you complete your Reward Night reservation you will be given the option to duplicate this reservation.
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** Best Available Rate Search does not include affiliation rates.
To book more than 9 rooms for one stay or request a quote, please use our Easy Meetings tool, call 1-800-MEETING (in United States, Mexico and Canada) or contact a Global Sales Office.
Enjoy Our Location in the Midst of Casper, Wyoming.
Our hotel's accommodations are a testament to the cowboy culture and beautiful scenery of Casper, WY. Lodging with us in "The Oil City" offers guests easy access to I-25 and ample opportunity to travel to the North Platte River, where fishing, rafting and hiking abound.
One of the best things for business travelers in Casper is our hotel's Business Center and complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access. Catching up on work in the
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One of the best things for business travelers in Casper is our hotel's Business Center and complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access. Catching up on work in the comfort of your room is easy, as is planning your next event with our professional meeting staff and a 990-sq-ft meeting room. Rest easy knowing you have a short commute to area corporations like Union Telephone, Burlington Railroad, Halliburton and Wotco.
Our Casper hotel is an outdoors-lover's dream, with an array of sightseeing spots and open-air activities such as whitewater rafting and paddling down the North Platte River or skiing at Hogadon Ski Area. Fort Caspar tours are also available, so spend an afternoon viewing exhibits that bring to life the colorful history of Casper, WY.
Lodging with us provides you with a variety of amenities to make you feel at home, beginning with the free Express Start Breakfast Bar with comfort foods like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy and our signature cinnamon rolls. This, along with an indoor, heated pool, whirlpool and well-equipped Fitness Center, allows you to enjoy your stay with us even more!


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10 Things We'd Change About Edmunds.com
In case you missed this article by Edmunds.com (and we can't blame you if you panned it as it's wanton click-bait) they maintain that while "[The C7] hunts apexes with laser-sight precision, clearly communicates its intentions and provides dynamic response on par with far more costly equipment," it also "isn't perfect." No kidding! We congratulate Edmunds.com […] More »
Caption Contest: Your Turn to Vote
Yesterday, we ran this photo showing a scary scene in the World Endurance Challenge Corvette pits where NO ONE WAS HURT and asked you to come up with a funny caption since NO ONE WAS HURT. My favorite caption was one calling me a degenerate. Unfortunately for the commenter, it wasn't remotely funny to anyone […] More »
C7 Stingray Breaks Into the 9's
In a steamy bayou east of Houston, Texas, Late Model Racecraft has been tinkering and recently posted a video of a stock C7 running an 11.47sec quarter mile after just a tune. Well, now they've posted this video of a C7 just barely squeaking (well, roaring) into the nines. The description is brief, stating that […] More »
2500 hp? Chevy Performance Has It
Chevrolet has been building crate motors for racers and enthusiasts for over 40 years. But in 2007, they released an engine that truly changed the game: the LSX. What's so special about it? Well, it can be had with a big-block's displacement (one of the more popular sizes is the 454) but it only occupies […] More »
Caption contest: WEC Corvette Pit Ablaze in Shanghai
This past weekend, while you evaluated precisely which "fat pants" you'd wear for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast, two Corvette teams were racing in the Shanghai round of World Endurance Challenge. The action was pretty hot. Then this happened, captured by the Team Larbre Corvette photographer. The fires were extinguished and no one was hurt too […] More »


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plot.UPSnnltd {USPS}
Make a Snow Ball ("snob"), Probability Density ("dens") and/or Cumulative Distribution Function ("cdf") plot of the Local Treatment Difference (LTD) Distribution across all Informative Clusters within a requested total number clusters in patient baseline X-covariate space.
## S3 method for class 'UPSnnltd': plot((x, pballs = TRUE, nnplot = "snob", nnalpha = 1.4, ...))
- x
- Object of class UPSnnltd.
- pballs
- Logical; Display cluster-size weighted (red) and inverse-variance weighted (green) "Power Balls" to represent across cluster LTD averages within the "Snowball" plot.
- nnplot
- String; Display "all" plots together, "seq" = one after the other, "snob" = only Snow Balls, "dens" = only fitted gss probability density, or "cdf" = only the gss cumulative distribution.
- nnalpha
- Numeric; alpha argument to ssden() function.
- ...
- Optional argument(s) to pass on to plot().
Plots of UPSnnltd objects describe the LTD Distribution across all informative clusters. The generalized smoothing spline (gss) displays corresponding to the nnplot = "dens" and "cdf" options may fail to exist when the number of informative clusters is less than 60.
Obenchain RL. (2004) Unsupervised Propensity Scoring: NN and IV Plots. Proceedings of the American Statistical Association (on CD) 8 pages.
Obenchain RL. (2009) USPSinR.pdf ../R\_HOME/library/USPS 40 pages.
See Also
UPSaccum and
Documentation reproduced from package USPS, version 1.2-2. License: GPL (>= 2)


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|Return to the home page for the NMPDR website.
|Work with the public version of the SEED Environment for genome annotation.
|Annotation Clearinghouse
|Visit the Annotation Clearinghouse, a web database of assertions about features and protein encoding genes. You can upload your own assertions or view others.
|Use the Rapid Annotation Server to electronically annotate large Genomes. For more about this service, read our paper at FIG.BioMed Central.
|Use the Metagenomics Rapid Annotation Server, a variant of the RAST for metagenomes? .
|Display all the annotations submitted to the Annotation Clearinghouse for a selected genome.
|Display a table of Bidirectional Best Hits between selected genomes. The table is color-coded so you can visualize the genetic distance between the organisms represented.
|Compare the metabolic pathways used by two organisms.
|Signature Genes
|Find genes that are common among selected genomes or differentiate two sets of genomes.
|Find the protein family of a FASTA Format amino acid sequence.
|KEGG maps
|View the KEGG diagrams for a particular genome.
|BLAST or Scan
|Search for protein or DNA sequences using BLAST or our advanced pattern-scanning tool.
|Search for genes in selected genomes using keywords, a specific subsystem, or both.
|View a summary of NMPDR core organisms and a list of supporting organisms.
|View the tree of subsystems, and do keyword searches in individual subsystems or subsystem categories.
|Protein Targets
|Search for genes using a combination of useful criteria.
|Batch ID Search
|Find genes from an uploaded file of IDs.
|Index of Search Tools
|Select one of the Sprout Database search tools.
|See a list of journal papers that reference the NMPDR.
|Essential Genes
|Explore genes determined to be essential in genome-wide screens.
|Drug Targets Pipeline
|Read about our drug target pipeline.
|Teaching with NMPDR
|View presentation materials and student assignments designed to use the NMPDR as a teaching tool.
|Download links for the NMPDR Core Genomes? .
|NMPDR Source Code
|View the documentation of the NMPDR source and access the download links.
|View a list of the tools and data sources used to build the NMPDR.
|Cells, Reagents, Databases, Images
|View links to databases of interest to the bionformatics? community.
|Bioinformatics Resource Centers
|Learn about the BRC project and the web sites that are participating in it.
|Regional Centers of Excellence
|View the ten regional centers established by the Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research initiative.
|Research Links
|Search for information on general-interest and bioinformatics web sites.
|Where to Start
|If you're new to the NMPDR, learn how to mine our Sprout Database and read examples of how to use this site to answer biological questions about DNA and proteins.
|Read our glossary of useful terms.
|See our answers to frequently asked questions.
|Tutorials and Workshops
|Learn how to use the NMPDR.
|Help Index
|Go to the home page for all our help materials.
|View our standard operating procedures.
|Contact Us
|View EMAIL and address information about the NMPDR staff.


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Aug. 10, 2012
FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. - Arizona's annual trip to Fort Huachuca is no vacation for the Wildcat football team, always proven during Day No. 2 on post when players and coaches are back hard at work for the third time in a 24-hour period.
Indeed, after Thursday's two-a-day, the Wildcats hit the Warrior/Sentinel practice fields by 8 a.m. this morning for their third practice over two days on this U.S. Army installation. Last night's two-hour workout featured full pads and an increased workload of game-like situations. Today, players donned shoulder pads and helmets and continued their rigorous daily routine of individual, group and team drills.
"Today was average - some good and some bad," head coach Rich Rodriguez said after practice. "The focus needs to be on execution, not one particular phase on offense or defense. We haven't installed anything new offensively in the last practices. We need to hone in on what we have."
Friday's session concluded with several periods of 11-on-11 work between the first, second and third team offensive and defensive units. One of the notable themes of camp has been the increased tempo in which the Wildcat offense runs its plays, and that was at the forefront of the defense's mindset going into team drills.
"They are trying to wear you down! You can't let them do that," defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich barked to the defense before the period.
The blue-clad defenders got off to a solid start, highlighted when senior Mark Watley intercepted a B.J. Denker pass on one of the first plays of the session. Denker later earned some revenge when he connected with receiver Tyler Slavin for a long touchdown pass on a fade route down the far sideline.
It was the type of give-and-take that had Rodriguez and his staff pleased with the development over the last few days. The staff is eagerly awaiting Saturday's events, which will include an approximately 100-play scrimmage - the team's first of camp - tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.
"We need a good, long scrimmage," Rodriguez said. "I'd like to get in about 100 plays, get a lot done with different situations and try to get everyone reps."
Players will enjoy an evening off from the practice field on Friday evening, though a top secret (at least to players) team-building workout was planned for somewhere on post Friday afternoon. On Saturday, the Wildcats will hold a light workout in the morning, before gearing up for the evening scrimmage at 5:30 p.m.
The Wildcats will wrap up their activities on post Sunday morning. Players will participate in the Leadership Reaction Courses, a series of challenges that test physical and mental toughness, along with leadership and decision making, before returning to Tucson Sunday afternoon.
Arizona football will open the 2012 season on September 1, facing Toledo at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Tickets are available at the McKale Center Ticket office, by visiting ArizonaWildcats.com or by calling 520-621-2287 or 1-800-452-CATS.


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Beijing Fujian Hotel
- Location:
- Address: No. 11 Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Tel: 64428833 (Book this hotel, call 800-2682918)
- Hotel Name in Chinese: Beijing Fujian Hotel
- Lowest Price: $99
The four-star Fujian Hotel, located near the International Exhibition Center, Beijing's Silicon Valley, the Asia Games Village, and major shopping centers, features a luxurious movie theater, a fully equipped gym, a ballroom, a karaoke bar, and a billiards room.
Under the management of Jinjiang International Hotel Management Corp, Fujian Hotel has 229 spacious rooms, along with several function rooms and meeting rooms.
Our business center provides business travelers with speedy secretarial services.
Our restaurants offer authentic Chinese and Western dishes and include a coffee shop.
- Prices not include 18% service fee and tax.
- Payment Method: pay using our secure online payment service or pay at the hotel at some hotels.
- Triple/quad occupancy may require an extra bed at extra cost.
Hotel Amenities
|Hotel Services
|Luggage service, Car rentals, Laundry service, Room service, Express check-in/check-out, Currency Exchange, Wake Up Call, Parking Service, 24hr Reception, Permanent English-speaking staff, Business Centre, Copy Service, E-mail, Translation Service, Fax Service, Typing Service
|Room Amenities
|Air conditioning, AM/FM radio, Alarm clock, Color Television, Cable/satellite TV, Complimentary newspaper, Coffee/tea maker, Telephone, Hair dryer, In-room safe, Electronic Lock, Iron and ironing board, Refrigerator, Mini Bar, Bath and Shower, Non-smoking rooms available, In-house movies, Internet access,
Hotel Amenities: Elevator, Parking, Air-Conditioned Facilities, Beauty Salon, Sauna, Business Center, Gift Shop, Gymnasium , Meeting Room, Ballroom, Deposit Box at Front Desk, Airline Desk, Fire Detector
Dining Facilities: Chinese Restaurant, Western Restaurant, Cafe, Bar, Lounge Bar
Print the Taxi Directions
- Please drive me to Beijing Fujian Hotel, thank you!
- 请送我到Beijing Fujian Hotel,谢谢
- Address: No. 11 Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- 地址: No. 11 Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Tel: 64428833
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text:
Thank the person who makes the wedding officiant with The Keepsake personalized gift. Your wedding minister will appreciate the bride and groom's thoughtfulness with The Keepsake Gift.
To the One Who Unites Us
You may personalize the gift card or order as shown above
Use the box below to enter your personalization (90 character limit). If no personalizing is required, please enter "none."
Price: $24.95


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It's been raining and cold here for a few weeks which makes everything depressing and basically me not wanting to do anything, so I thought I would do some pretty & cute rain cloud nails to cheer me up :) So okay they don't looks awesome or how I wanted them to look but I think they are cute enough to pull off and wear to brighten up the cold winter rainy days, glitter makes everything better right?
Below is the picture DIY tutorial on how I painted them :-)
I used 3 nail polishes, white, light blue and a blue glitter for the rain.
The clouds I did a center circle and then just some more random circles around that to make clouds, you probably could do better than me lol


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IMF Executive Board Concludes 2007 Article IV Consultation with TunisiaPublic Information Notice (PIN) No. 07/99
August 9, 2007
Public Information Notices (PINs) form part of the IMF's efforts to promote transparency of the IMF's views and analysis of economic developments and policies. With the consent of the country (or countries) concerned, PINs are issued after Executive Board discussions of Article IV consultations with member countries, of its surveillance of developments at the regional level, of post-program monitoring, and of ex post assessments of member countries with longer-term program engagements. PINs are also issued after Executive Board discussions of general policy matters, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board in a particular case.
On August 3, 2007, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Tunisia.1
Effective economic management and an outwards-oriented development strategy have contributed to placing Tunisia's economic performance over the past decade among the best in the region, with real GDP growth averaging almost 5 percent in a stable macroeconomic environment. Over the past two years, the Tunisian economy has shown resilience in the face of surging prices of oil and other imported commodities, sustaining relatively strong growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Real GDP growth accelerated from 4 percent in 2005 to 5.4 percent in 2006 owing to a rebound in agricultural output, expansion of nontextile manufacturing, and vitality of the services sector. Robust income growth and abundant liquidity boosted domestic demand. However, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 14.2 percent in 2006. Inflation declined rapidly after a spike in the first half of 2006, following the monetary policy tightening by the Central Bank of Tunisia in the second half. The current account deficit widened, but the balance of payments recorded a large surplus owing to privatization receipts, which helped reduce total external debt from 65.4 percent of GDP in 2005 to 59.1 percent in 2006. Fiscal policy has been prudent. Strong nontax revenue and expenditure restraint reduced the 2006 budget deficit to 2.9 percent of GDP, significantly lower than the 3.6 percent budget forecast.
Prudential indicators significantly improved in 2006 relative to 2003 with nonperforming loans (NPLs) as a ratio of total loans declining from 24 percent to 19.2 percent and provisions-to-NPLs ratio increasing from 43.1 percent to 49.2 percent.
The short- and medium-term outlook remain positive. Real GDP growth is projected to continue to accelerate to reach about 6 percent in 2007, owing to strong agricultural output, a recovery in textiles and clothing, and buoyant services sector exports. Inflation should remain subdued and the fiscal and external deficits would be broadly unchanged. However, the positive short-term outlook hinges on agricultural output returning to trend, oil prices remaining below $70 a barrel, and growth in the European Union—Tunisia's main export market—not faltering.
Tunisia's key challenge is to create enough jobs for the fast-growing university graduate population while reinserting the already large number of unemployed. This is the overarching objective of the recently released XIth Plan which seeks to boost annual growth to more than 6 percent during 2007-11 by continuing to move the Tunisian economy toward a knowledge-based, high value-added economy while deepening its global integration.
Tunisia continues to improve the quality and dissemination of statistical data and increase the transparency of its economic policies. Tunisia has published all Executive Board documents and staff mission statements in recent years.
Executive Board Assessment
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the Tunisian authorities for their skillful macroeconomic management and commitment to structural reforms, which contributed to Tunisia's strong economic performance over the past decade. Growth has been steady, inflation has been contained, financial sector vulnerabilities are being addressed, and the public debt has been placed on a downward path. In the period ahead, the key challenge will be to reduce the relatively high level of unemployment, particularly among university graduates. Directors agreed that the authorities should continue their efforts to accelerate the pace of reforms and further strengthen the macroeconomic position, in order to raise growth and reduce unemployment, while enhancing the economy's flexibility and resilience as it becomes more integrated into the world economy.
Directors assessed the short- and medium-term outlook as positive, and the current macroeconomic policy mix as appropriate and consistent with external stability. They encouraged the authorities to remain vigilant to risks of overheating considering the recent increase in the price of petroleum products, the likely structural nature of excess liquidity, and the impact of sizable infrastructure projects. Close coordination of fiscal and monetary policies is important.
Directors praised the authorities for their prudent fiscal policy. Fiscal consolidation should continue in order to maintain long-term fiscal sustainability in the face of growing budget pressures, particularly from population ageing and declining nontax and tariff receipts. Accordingly, the tax base should be broadened, more efficient spending promoted, and early debt retirement pursued. Given expectations of persistently high oil prices in the medium to long term, increasingly costly fuel subsidies should be phased out.
Directors welcomed the recent measures to restore the financial position of the social security system over the medium term, and noted the importance of accelerating the planned comprehensive reform of the system. They observed that a more forward-looking fiscal framework would assist in the analysis of medium- and long-term budgetary issues related to population ageing.
Directors considered that the current level of the exchange rate is broadly appropriate. In view of the plans to move to inflation targeting over the medium term, Directors called on the authorities to continue enhancing the flexibility of the exchange rate and promoting development of the money and foreign exchange markets, by reducing the central bank's role in these markets. They also advised further price liberalization as the relatively high share of administered prices in the consumer price index could complicate the conduct of monetary policy, particularly in the context of an inflation targeting framework. Finally, Directors encouraged the central bank to continue informing market participants of the reform process and its implications, and to strengthen its research and forecasting capacity.
Directors welcomed the authorities' comprehensive strategy to reform the financial system based on the Financial Sector Assessment Program and its update, which has already had positive results. They supported the objectives of reducing the incidence of nonperforming loans and increasing provisioning on remaining nonperforming loans by end-2009, although the latter may require some bank recapitalization. A dynamic and efficient banking sector will be essential for higher growth and sound transition to a fully liberalized capital account. Directors encouraged the authorities to consider additional measures to strengthen bank management, revitalize credit culture, improve risk management, and further enhance financial transparency.
Directors commended the authorities for the progress made in integrating the Tunisian economy into the regional and global economy. They looked forward to further progress in simplifying and reducing multilateral tariffs. Continued efforts to make the labor market more flexible, liberalize the services sector, and improve the investment climate would strengthen the economy's competitiveness and overall flexibility, and help Tunisia take full advantage of the benefits of trade liberalization.
Directors welcomed the progress made in implementing measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and supported the authorities' request for Fund technical assistance in this area.
It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Tunisia will be held on the standard 12-month cycle.


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I have been struggling with an ostensibly simple problem, that is how to apply perturbation analysis principles on a system of linear differential equations with linear perturbation of the following form:
$$ \dot{x}=\frac{1}{\epsilon} a_0 x + a_1 z + bu\\ \dot{z} = c_0 x + c_1 z $$
where $x,z,u\in\Re$ and $0<\epsilon<<1$. How can I decompose my system and write the solution $x(t),z(t)$ as an asymptotic expansion in $\epsilon$ ?
Update 1: Let us consider the case where $t=\mathcal{O}(\epsilon)$. Then, put $\tau=\frac{t}{\epsilon}=\mathcal{O}(1)$ and the above system becomes:
$$ \frac{d x(\tau)}{d\tau}= a_0 x(\tau) + \epsilon a_1 z(\tau) + \epsilon bu\\ \frac{d z(\tau)}{d\tau} = \epsilon c_0 x + \epsilon c_1 z $$
and let us now set $x(\tau)=x(\frac{t}{\epsilon})=x_0(\tau)+\epsilon x_1(\tau)+\mathcal{O}(\epsilon^2)$ and similarly $z(\tau)=z_0(\tau)+\epsilon z_1(\tau)+\mathcal{O}(\epsilon^2)$. Then we have the following inner system:
$$ \frac{d x_0}{d\tau}=a_0 x_0(\tau)\\ \frac{d x_1}{d\tau}=a_0 x_1(\tau) + a_1 z_0(\tau) + bu(\tau)\\ \frac{d z_0}{d\tau}=0\\ \frac{d z_1}{d\tau}=c_0 x_0(\tau) + c_1 z_0(\tau) $$
and then we may apply matching to both the outer (see @Jon's answer below) and the inner solution.
Question : Can it be considered expedient to consider an asymptotic expansion of the input variable $u$ like $u(t)=\frac{1}{\epsilon}\sum_{i\geq 0}\epsilon^i u_i(t)$?


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In Paul's first epistle to the Christians at Corinth, he gives this description of what will happen to Christians when the Lord returns to carry His own to heaven when time and physical matter will be no more. It would be well for the reader to study the entire chapter 15, however, due to the fact that it is quite lengthy, this short quote is given to try and explain what happens to the mortal at that time.
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 KJV)
Now do not rush through that reading, but consider it closely. Notice the portion where he says, "We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed." There is a lot more involved in that phrase than first meets the eye. Of course he has reference to the fact that some will still be alive while others are dead. But notice now, that he explains the "changed" thusly; In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…"
Think about this and let us attempt to understand just what will transpire here, in the twinkling of an eye. This does not mean that we will stand there and watch the dead arise…how do I know that? For several reasons, Paul has just said in verse 42, "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:" Another way of expressing that is the human body is mortal flesh (corruptible) and would be raised as a spirit (incorruptible). And at the same time, in the twinkling of an eye, those live will be changed into a spirit. Now how is one changed into a spirit? By the separation of the body and the spirit…death. Keep this in mind.
Most who study this subject tend to concentrate upon these things said by Paul in his several epistles…which is fine, but we cannot ignore other references to this time. Many simply think God will whisper something and all will be simply switched over to the spiritual realm. But, not so fast here. We have other scriptures which have to be included in this occasion. And when all are considered, it becomes very clear what will transpire.
First let us look at what John says that parallels this that Paul has said. Read John's take on it here: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)
The apostles were not given a detailed vision of the coming of the Lord and could only give these slight explanations. But now let us read and consider what Peter has to say concerning this end time.
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:9-13 KJV)
Now, taking all these scriptures together we can see things in a clearer light. As near as my feeble efforts can analyze these are as follows. At the point of the end of time, the entire universe will explode in some manner which will dissolve all matter, each molecule, every particle of even the elements, oxygen, nitrogen, etc., and when this occurs, every human body will be totally eradicated and all who have ever lived on the earth will then be in the spirit. No manner of explosion or other destructive device can have any effect, good or bad, upon the spirit because there is no corruptible matter left.
This will also fulfill the scripture found in Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" All humans must die that their spirit be released.
Then, and only then will the trump and the shout be heard as Jesus and those who are with him shall appear and the judgment will begin. If things occur in this manner, all questions will be resolved, such as:
"How can all people see Jesus at one time, since some are on the opposite side of the earth from others?" That is resolved since the earth and all other matter is no longer in existence.
Every eye shall see Him and every knee shall bow. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11 KJV)
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen" (Revelation 1:7 KJV)
There are still some unanswered questions, but only because mortal man cannot perceive life in the spirit. It is totally beyond our ability to imagine living without a physical body, physical surroundings, or physical pain and desires. These are in the only life we have lived, however, we can know that no such thing can be in heaven. All matter is corruptible and the spirit is incorruptible.
In an effort to comprehend what life would be like, one may be troubled by realizing that there will be no intake of food, drink, or any of the pleasurable features of the flesh. But we need not be troubled. All of these things have been for out pleasure due to needs and desires of the flesh. There will be no such there. So what will there be for us to love and appreciate? First, the lack of fleshly lusts, pains, cravings, sickness, and no more death, forever. What our pleasures will consist of is without the realms of our imagination, yet we may know that we will totally happy and content, for our Father is Omniscient and Omnipotent, He loves us and wants us to be happy, so do we even dare question His ability to make us totally elated and overjoyed? We will have no despair, with the realization that we are alive and fully comfortable forever more.


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From Grand Theft Wiki
Revision as of 06:14, 27 August 2013 by Ghost Leader (talk | contribs)
|Vehicle type
|Civilian SUV
|Body style
|Four-door compact SUV
The Bodhi is a compact 4x4 to be featured in Grand Theft Auto V.
It was first seen in the debut GTA V trailer and first mentioned in name the November 2012 Game Informer preview of GTA V. A likely replacement of the Mesa from the GTA III era, the Bodhi is designed to resemble an open top Jeep Wrangler JK. The Bodhi is also indicated in the second GTA V trailer to have a military variant, featuring camouflaged paintwork with markings bearing five-pointed stars, and a canvas roof.
See also
- Mesa (Grande), earlier equivalent.


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Do we know where our food comes from?
Reconciliation requires relocation. To see the effects of our food choices, we have to get close to the land.
One Suburban Family, Four Rules, and 365 Days of Homegrown Adventure in Pursuit of Christian Living
An Eater's Manual
Some Holy Ways to Eat
34 Writers on Feasting and Fasting toward God
A good meal is hard to find
Late in life, my mother confessed that she never enjoyed cooking. "But," she said, "I did take satisfaction in serving simple
meals to my family." Well, there's no such thing as a simple meal anymore.
The New York Times has never been exactly hesitant to publish articles that look cluelessly down on the cultural life of U.S. cities with fewer than 8 million residents. So I'm not sure I'd blame nepotism alone for the A. G. Sulzberger clunker the paper published this week.
Terra Brockman on food and feasting
"We often have the idea of the feast appearing magically from the kitchen without labor. But the participatory aspect is the most important part of the feast."
A Theology of Eating
Pastors have long known that there is more going on with food and eating than the mere filling of the stomach. We know that the Eucharist is more than bread, wine and people gathering around the Lord's table.
What's for dinner? According to Lisa Miller, our food
choices have become "the definitive marker" of our social status.
A few times I've come across Anthony Bourdain's food show No Reservations. Bourdain is the "bad
boy" of TV gourmets--he's profane and sarcastic, and apparently an erstwhile
user of hard drugs. This is, of course, a different persona for a host of a
food show.
Back in the '70s when Steven Apfelbaum told his mom he was
studying for a degree in ecology, his mother didn't know what to think. Unable
to accept or perhaps even understand this new specialty, she told friends that
"Little Stevie was going to be a veterinarian." She wasn't the only one
For those of us living in central Nebraska, it's difficult not to be reminded daily of the role that agriculture plays in the global marketplace.
The case for food rules
About ten years ago I started to become vegetarian. But although my menu shifted, my Christian observance continued pretty much the same. A cradle Anglican, I was a graduate student at King's College, Cambridge. Evensong in chapel was a staple of my spiritual diet, often followed by dinner in the hall. Although physical sustenance came right after spiritual sustenance, I had little sense of a link between the two beyond the notion that sharing food with others was a good thing to do and that one should not take too much food in order to leave plenty for others. As a Christian, I was not unusual in failing to make connections between faith and food.
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It seems that throughout the month of March, everything constitutes "March Madness". There are March madness sales at stores and restaurants, March madness parties at bars, and of course the March madness in the NCAA basketball tournament. Well, this fitness article will be bucking that trend, and for the rest of the article you will not see the word "madness" again. Your welcome.
So, now that everyone has drank their beer and eaten their corned beef, it's time to get back to reality. The reality is, that March can be a tough time when it comes to working out. By this time of the year, after all the major holidays, you should be back on track with your workout regiment. Now, what could be the one thing to throw your routine into a tailspin? Warm weather. The thing that so many of us Clevelanders long for during the cold winter months, the sun, could be doing some major damage to the routine you have worked so incredibly hard to build. Here are some tips on how to keep up with your routine:
1. Always exercise on Monday. Many people think of Monday as their least favorite day of the week. A day when going to work and coming home to relax and kick your feet up seems like a stellar plan. However, by exercising on Monday, you will be able to set your psychological pattern for the entire week. A $5 burger from the Tremont TapHouse sounds like a better thing to do on Monday, but your workouts for the rest of the week don't think so.
2. Never skip your exercise routine two days in a row. If you miss one day; no big deal. However, if you miss two, that can usually lead to three or four. You missed working out on Wednesday and your friends are going out to celebrate the third consecutive day of no snow? You should probably pass on that one.
3. As long as you have some kind of daily workout routine, it doesn't always have to be the same. If you just can't stomach the idea of being inside any longer when it is 70 degrees outside, go for a jog. Instead of doing the bench press at the gym, do pull-ups on a hefty tree limb. Many of the same exercises that you can do inside, can be accomplished just as easily outdoors. The fact that you are switching things up, may even take out any of the boredom that was creeping in with your past routines. Also, walking at the zoo or in a scenic park will burn just as many calories as your walks on the treadmill. You may miss the Seinfeld rerun that usually occupies your 30 minute treadmill walk, but wouldn't you rather look at monkeys in the zoo than that crazy Kramer on TV?
4. Don't be afraid to give yourself credit for the small things. If your workout is usually 45 minutes and you cut out after 30 to meet your friends or sit and enjoy the Metroparks; don't sweat it. The sun can be a great healer to the body and the mind, so make sure you get out to enjoy it. However, for the fare skinned people out there, we all know that the sun can giveth and taketh away, so make sure to wear some sun screen. Also, as long as I am giving non-workout advice, as the great Bob Barker said, "don't forget to spay and neuter your pets."


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Program Name: Talking Secretary and Reminder
Published By: SoftDD Software
License Type: Shareware
Date Released: July 05, 2007
Talking Secretary and Reminder Desciption:
Create reminders that notify you of any upcoming events or meetings. It can notify you with a message or can even speak out loud to you!
License: Shareware | Price: $14.95 | Size: 709 KB | Downloads (1715)
Platform: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 , Windows Vista Starter,Windows Vista Home Basic,Windows Vista Home Premium,Windows Vista Business,Windows Vista Enterprise
Term: Alarm - Reminder - Pc - Talk - Talking - Calendar - Alerts - Voice - Alert - Date - Count Date Time
Talking Secretary and Reminder Copyright notice:
Pirated Software Hurts Software Developers. Using Talking Secretary and Reminder Free Download crack, warez, password, serial numbers, torrent, keygen, registration codes, key generators is illegal. We do not host any torrent files or links of Talking Secretary and Reminder from depositfiles.com, rapidshare.com, any file sharing sites.
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1. You must post the rules.
2. Each person must post 5 things about themselves in their journal
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create eleven new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and post their icons on your journal.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have tagged them.
6. No tag backs
7. No stuff in the tagging section about "you're tagged if you're reading this". You legitimately have to tag 11 people. (Least 5)
Five Things About Me:
1. Absolutely LOVE Food
2. Music is something that I cannot live without
3. I have one fake eye
4. Love Rping
5. I'm lesbo
1. Do you like to write? What do you write then?
Hmmm...Yes, nonfiction fantasy things
2. If the world was made of chocolate, what would you do?
*Dies of happiness*
3. I like cake. Do you like cake? What kind of cake?
Love cake! You can choose??? OoO
4. Video Games; What do you think of them and if you play some, what do you play?
Fun sometimes hehe, Rpg ones
5. Do you have a collection of something and what is it/what are they?
6. What's your sign? (i.e. Libra, Virgo, Leo, ect...)
7. Valentines Day. What do you think of it?
.........TT~TT I didn't get to see my liebling....
8. Do you know any pick up lines? What are they?
...Hmmm.... Not really...
9. ......Favourite food. What is it?
I cannot choose such a thing ^-^
10. What would your reaction to being stabbed with a spoon be?
...*Bursts out laughing* Brilliant!
.....I don't want to tag people, and I such at questions lol


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Infections, adverse drug reactions, and injuries from falls are all hazards patients face when admitted to a hospital for care. Incidents of these hospital-acquired conditions have declined 9 percent over 2011 and 2012. This decline has saved 15,000 lives and $4.1 billion in health care costs, according to a report released yesterday by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which authorizes funding of the Partnership for Patients initiative, is credited with this improvement in patient safety.
For every 1,000 patients discharged in 2010, 145 suffered harmful hospital-acquired conditions. Data for 2012 shows this number has dropped to 132 per thousand. This translates to 540,000 fewer incidents over the 2011-2012 period. HHS also reports a decline in the readmission rate for Medicare patients. The 30-day readmission rate dropped from 19 percent in 2011 to 17.5 percent in 2013. Between January 2012 and December 2013, approximately 150,000 fewer Medicare patients had to return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. The ACA Admissions Reduction Program rewards hospitals for reducing Medicare patient readmission rates.
The HHS report highlighted the progress made in selected areas. Cases of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia decreased more than 53 percent since 2010. There were nearly 15 percent fewer incidents of falls and trauma in hospitals during the same period. Cases of obstetric trauma, which can lead to higher costs, longer hospital stays for childbirth and decreased health outcomes for women, declined 15.8 percent.
"We applaud the nationwide network of hospital systems and providers that are working together to save lives and reduce costs." —HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
The Partnership for Patients initiative is an effort of hospitals, physicians, nurses, patients and businesses, in cooperation with the federal government and state governments, to make hospital care safer and less costly. More than 3,700 hospitals across the nation are participating in the program with the goal of reducing preventable hospital-acquired conditions and improving procedures for transitioning patients out of healthcare facilities. A key element of the initiative is to engage patients and families in their own healthcare to improve hospital safety and care transitions.
Suggested Links
- Massachusetts mortality rate drops under Romneycare
- Whooping cough outbreak linked to vaccine refusal
- Uninsured rate continues to fall; some question how many have paid premiums
- Everytown for Gun Safety issues 'Not Your Grandparents' NRA' report
- Measles outbreaks prompt NY Governor Cuomo to issue health alert


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In the tradition of underestimating great artists, we come to the review of Drake Bell's "Bitchcraft."
We all remember Drake Bell from the Nickelodeon TV series Drake & Josh, where he played a fictionalized version of himself opposite his television step-brother, and long time co-star Josh Peck.
Even then, he wrote and performed a lot of memorable tunes that somewhat stayed in the realm of pop-rock and punk, and perhaps gave me the wrong idea regarding where he'd take his career post-TV.
(My favorite of which stands at "Hollywood Girl," which is still now ringing in my ear incessantly, and I love it).
Truly the connoisseur of rock 'n' roll, Drake comes onto this one with a lot of seldom-seen flare. "Bitchcraft" has a much more jazzy, swing feel to it than I'm used to hearing from a modern day artist. At the first play, I had to do a triple-take to make sure I was still listening to Drake Bell, but that much becomes clear as soon as his signature rasp enters the mix.
Bell nails this one in with a railroad spike, to say the least. What's really cool about it is that it's not at all what you'd expect to be popular, or go over well with fans, but "Bitchcraft" has appeared to rave reviews on Twitter with fans boasting about it on an almost daily basis. The single is fun and original, and surprisingly hard to get out of your head once you've given it a listen.
Surprising, because most of the songs you'd expect to get stuck in there are repetitive pop songs. You know, the kind that have shallow repetitive lyrics, and an overused beat only slightly altered to make it sound like something different...
But true to his roots, Bell delivers on something that defines originality. Taking that road could've gone terribly wrong, especially considering how dead the era is in popularity. "Bitchcraft" takes you right to the dance floor, and feels out the '50s era greaser swing that's been missing from music since the dawn of rock music in the mid-late '60s and on. It's not at all what you'd expect to find in modern music, let alone from an artist who's made a name for himself playing modern pop-rock.
Excluding the mass of fans of the Fallout series, there aren't many who would readily jump onto something of this nature, or at least that's what modern history tells us. In unadventurous hands, it could've gone much differently, and incorporated some tacky things to make it more appealing to a younger audience. Oh, say, dubstep polyryhthms, and a little electronica mixed in. But Drake Bell is no DJ, thankfully, and so we're left with a damn-near-perfect good time.
Now, truthfully, I purposely avoided giving it a listen for a while. The why of it is because I cover so many pop-punk artists, and I figured that it was just another breakup song, but I can admit I was wrong. This is one you absolutely have to give a listen to. It may not be for everyone, but it certainly gets a big thumbs up for going place we haven't been in a long time.
Overall, the song not only has my stamp of approval as a music journalist, but Drake Bell has my full endorsement to take the strange, but awesomely executed, mix of genres to the next level.
Here's to hoping "Bitchcraft" will be a successful experiment with the artist, and that there'll be more of that to come. We could all use a taste of something surreal in what's been a fairly stagnant era.


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Pacers haven't score in the 4th quarter,,,lol
I hope Melo's stroke is back for the rest of the playoffs. *crosses fingers
Pacers haven't score in the 4th quarter,,,lol
Pacers got taped and butt raped.
0 points in the 4th quarter.
Knicks on 30-2 run.
Reggie Miller sounds DEPRESSED.
Q 2/2 from 3 maybe he should get some playing time ??
In a short span of time, Q and Shump seems to have become best friends. They have the best bench celebrations whenever we get a dunk lol
Back to back 3s for Q!! You gotta love it.
Any word from Woodson about how many minutes he have in mind for STAT in game 3?
QQQ!!!! Dagger!!!
Great game but Pacers are still in the driver's seat. We need to win in Indiana or our ass is grass..


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Nov. 18, 2013
DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois baseball team announced its Class of 2014 for the early fall signing period Monday afternoon, as the Huskies collected nine letters of intent from players scattered throughout Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. Of the nine players that signed, eight will be incoming freshman, while the other is a junior college transfer. "I'm real excited about this class," said Head Coach Ed Mathey, "I think like it has a lot of versatility and a lot of athleticism. These guys are going to make us better: in the classroom, on the field and in the community. Overall, I think there are some guys here that will find their way to the field. They are going to compete and that's a good thing for everyone in our program." While four of this year's players hail from Illinois, the Huskies also usher in three from Iowa and two more from Indiana. It's also an even class of two catchers, two infielders, two outfielders and three pitchers. "Coach (Tom) Carcione and Coach (Todd) Coryell did a tremendous job trying to figure out who the players in this year's class were going to be," continued Mathey. "They covered a lot of territory in a big region and have increased our recruiting foothold. These guys were grinding this past year so I want to commend them for that. They did a good job of finding guys who are going to help us in the short term and the long term." The recruiting class is Mathey's 12th in his time at Northern Illinois. The Huskies are the reigning Mid-American Conference West Division Champions after finishing with a mark of 16-11 conference games and a 22-34 overall clip. A complete breakdown of the signing class with player bios are listed below. Follow the Huskies on Facebook by liking "NIU Huskies" and on Twitter @NIUathletics and @NIU_Baseball. CLASS OF 2014 PARTICULARS Joe Boyle | IF | 6-0 | 185 | Wheaton, Ill. (Benet Academy) Colby Carmichael | LHP/UTL | 6-1 | 185 | Des Moines, Iowa (Des Moines East) Matthew Hoffman | C/UTL | 6-3 | 205 | East Dubuque, Ill. (Walhert Catholic) Kevin Jones | RHP | 5-11 | 180 | Chesterton, Ind. (Portage) Joe Jumonville | C/OF | 5-11 | 180 | Munster, Ind. (Munster) Stephen Letz | OF | 6-1 | 200 | Dyer, Ind. (Lake Central/South Suburban College) Donovin Sims | RHP | 6-2 | 185 | Rockford, Ill. (Hononegan Community) Brad Wood | IF/RHP | 5-8 | 165 | Orland Park, Ill. (St. Laurence) Malique Ziegler | OF | 6-1 | 165 | Des Moines, Iowa (Des Moines East) BY STATE Illinois – 4 Indiana – 3 Iowa – 2 BY YEAR Freshman – 8 Junior – 1 BY POSITION Catcher – 2 Infield – 2 Outfield – 2 Pitcher – 3 JOSEPH BOYLE 6-0 | 185 IF Wheaton, Ill. (Benet Academy) Ranked 86th nationally at third base and third in Illinois by Perfect Game USA . BENET ACADEMY: Member of the Redwings baseball and basketball teams … Earned all-conference honors in baseball as a junior … Also earned all-area honors … Conference champions 2012-2013 season with 12-4 record … Hit .333 his junior year with a .469 slugging percentage (30 hits) … Appeared in a total of 92 games since freshman year … Has only struck out 14 times in the first three seasons if his high school baseball career (273 at-bats).
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born September 29, 1995 … Son of Michael and Annamarie Boyle … Interested in majoring in business … Wants to become an accountant … Volunteer for Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack Events … Admires Evan Longoria, third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays … Oldest brother, John, played baseball at Creighton University … Other brother Pat, plays football at Georgetown University … Played summer baseball with the Longshots. MATHEY ON BOYLE: "I've known Joe's coach, Scott Lawler, for a very longtime and he loves his work ethic and approach to the game. He is a third baseman by trade but he has a lot of versatility in his game to move around and find a place on the field. Joe is also well versed in community and academic responsibilities so we're looking forward to having him in our program." COLBY CARMICHAEL 6-1 | 180 LHP/UTL Des Moines, Iowa (Des Moines East) Ranked 20th best player in Iowa and second ranked left handed pitcher by Perfect Game USA. DES MOINES EAST HIGH SCHOOL: First team all-state and first team all-conference his junior season … Led the Scarlets to a conference championship and to the state tournament semifinals in the 2013 season … Appeared in all 43 games for the Scarlets… Pitched in 13 games with 12 starts his junior year… Sported an overall record of 11-1 with an ERA of 1.30 in 70 innings … Batted .385 in 124 at-bats, registering 42 RBI … Holds the school record for career wins (27) and tied for most wins in a season (11) … Started playing with the varsity team as an eighth grader … Carried a 1.91 ERA in 22 innings of pitching in eighth grade to earn honorable mention all-conference honors … Also played football … Won two conference championships at Des Moines East. PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born Sept. 26, 1995 … Son of Bob and Melanie Carmichael … Major is undecided … Enjoys listening to music, spending time with family, and playing video games with friends … Idolizes former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for his hard work and confidence … Involved with Kiwanis Miracle Baseball League, helping disabled children play baseball … Three-sport high school varsity athlete … Honor roll student five consecutive semesters … Academic Letter his freshman and junior years. MATHEY ON CARMICHAEL: "I really like Colby, I like his makeup. He's got a quiet demeanor but I think he is a kid that's going to work and do well for us. He's a super competitive kid. Right now he is currently throwing 85-86 miles per hour. He is a heck of an athlete, he's strong, and we think there is a higher ceiling there and right now, he's playing as much football and basketball as he does baseball. He is a two sport athlete and he falls in line with a lot of the multi-sport guys that we have and had here." MATTHEW HOFFMAN 6-3 | 205 C/UTL East Dubuque, Iowa (Walhert Catholic) Rated the 47th best player in Iowa and 169th nationally at his position by Perfect Game USA. WALHERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Golden Eagle's baseball team … Earned two varsity letters … Second team all-state by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association and first team all-area in 2013 … Team captain … Led team to conference championship … Second team All-Valley Division as a junior and Honorable Mention All-Mississippi Division as a sophomore … Batted .347 with two homeruns and 27 RBI … Recorded a .504 slugging percentage in the 2012-2013 season … Also earned two varsity letters in basketball and another in football.
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born July 17, 1996…Son of Micheal and Natalie Hoffman … Intended Engineering major … A member of the Golden Eagle's Honor Roll for four consecutive years … An active member of the Step Up Club … Lists fishing, trap shooting and biking as his hobbies … Admires Dustin Pedroia, as an athlete, for his hard work ethic … Grandfather, Eugene, pitched at Iowa … Mother, Natalie, was a member of the track team at Loras College. MATHEY ON HOFFMAN: "There's a lot of physical talent and ability with Matt. He can hit, he has great arm strength and has power. Some people think he might be the best catcher in the state of Iowa but in addition to that, he may find himself in outfield or at corner infield spot, he's just that kind of player. He's a great competitor and is another guy that likes to work." KEVIN JONES 5-11 | 180 RHP Chesterton, Ind. (Portage) Rated the 22nd and 30th best prospect at his position by Prep Baseball Report and Perfect Game USA, respectively … Named the 192nd best in the Midwest by Prep Baseball Report. PORTAGE HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Indians baseball team …Earned three varsity letters …Carried the teams highest batting average for two consecutive seasons, batting .393 as a junior and .325 as a sophomore … First team all-conference his junior year … Named to The Times All-Area team his junior year … Played in the Junior All-Star Indiana Crossroads game … Completed seven games in 11 starts in the 2013 season, with a 6-4 record … Had 10 earned runs in his junior year, in which he allowed 24 walks and 84 strikeouts … Also sported a 1.21 earned run average. PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born October 8, 1995… Son of Elise Jones… Intended Communication major… Lists hanging out with friends as a hobby… Played club with the Chicago White Sox Ace and Duneland Flyers…Earned academic recognition via the Honor Roll for four terms during his high school career… Admires Peyton Manning because he carries himself as a professional. MATHEY ON JONES: "Kevin is small in stature but he's got a big time arm and a big time breaking ball. He's a kid who plays in the Chicago White Sox ACE (Amateur City Elite) Program and has done a good job with them. He's the type of kid people might regret not taking later due to his size but we think he's the type of kid who's going to come in, knock some guys off the dish early and come in to compete." JOE JUMONVILLE 5-11 | 180 C/OF Munster, Ind. (Munster) Ranked the 30th best prospect in Indiana by Perfect Game USA … Ranked 35th in Indiana by Prep Baseball Report
MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Mustangs baseball and football team … Earned two varsity letters … All-Northwest Crossroad Conference … Accounted for 23 runs last season … Went 33-for-72 (.458) as junior with 11 doubles and three triples … Had a 99-yard touchdown run on the gridiron as a junior … Has hit over .400 the last two seasons Munster … Football team finished 8-3 last fall, qualifying for the state playoffs … Went out for the football team in 2013 after sitting out the first three years of high school, starting at quarterback. PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born November 7, 1995… Son of Joe and Marge Jumanville… Intended Radiology major… Hobbies include fishing and hunting … Volunteers at local soup kitchens … Admires Yadier Molina for his hard work ethic.
MATHEY ON JUMONVILLE: "Joe's out of the Sparks program and is very strong kid. He has some versatility and he competes. He's going to bring a blue collar mentality to this program and we like to have that approach in our program. He's a catcher by trade but he's a multi-positioned player. He has a strong bat and he loves to swing. He gets it done academically in the community." STEPHEN LETZ 6-1 | 200 OF Oaklawn, Ill. (Lake Central/South Suburban College) SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE: An NJCAA First Team All-American in 2013 and was the only freshman in the country to earn all-america honors … Played in 52 games for the Bulldogs … Batted .421 with 10 homeruns and 65 RBI in 183 At-bats … Also accounted for 53 runs … Registered four RBI and a homerun in a 4-for-4 day in a 10-1 win over Illinois Valley Community College (March 29) … Named the top player in Region-IV … Voted Most Valuable Player at the NJCAA Regional Tournament. LAKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: Two season varsity starter his junior and senior years … Started all 31 games for the Indians in 2011 … Batted .358 with six homeruns and 32 RBI his senior year … Helped Lake Central to the conference championship and the sectional championship … Varsity Letter his senior and junior seasons. PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born Sept. 16, 1992… Son of Robert and Maureen Letz … Major is undecided … Enjoys hanging out with friends … Admires Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout because of his success at a young age. MATHEY ON LETZ: "Letz is a package. He can run, he has arm strength and he can hit. He had 11 homeruns last season in junior college, which is a ton in this day and age with the change in bats. He was a first team all-american outfielder and was the only freshman to earn that honor. He has a great work ethic and he's a blue collar kid that's going to help everyone on this team with their approach to the game." DONOVIN SIMS 6-2 | 185 RHP Rockford, Ill. (Hononegan Community) Top-500 prospect by Perfect Game USA … Ranked 22nd in the state of Illinois by Perfect Game … Also ranked 250th best prospect in the Midwest, 47th in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. HONONEGAN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Indians Baseball team … Earned two varsity letters … Named to the All-Conference team both his sophomore and junior year … Named MVP of NIC-10 Conference for the 2012-2013 season… Carried a 1.41 earned run average in 79.1 innings pitched with eight complete games (13 starts) … Amassed 94 strikeouts and only eight walks during the season … Finished with a 10-2 record in 2013 … Had a 9-2 record in 71.1 innings pitched as sophomore with a 1.86 ERA … Fanned 66 batters with 20 walks in 2012 … Batted .372 with eight RBI his junior year … Played football as well … Baseball team won back-to-back regional championships in 2012 and 2013.
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born January 17, 1996..Son of Melissa Hoey…Undecided major with an interest in Computer Science and Sports Medicine …Volunteered at Rockford Sharefest and attended Heartland Community Church Youth Group mission trips to Ohio and Missouri …Lists spending time with family and friends as his hobby … Admires Mariano Rivera as an athlete because of his accomplishments throughout the years, as well as his efforts as a positive role model. MATHEY ON SIMS: "Donovin is a righthanded pitcher with an electric arm and is a quick twitch muscle guy. His pitches have a little violence on them and his breaking ball can be quite good as well. We believe there's going to be a lot more room for improvement and his consistency in his velocity and on his breaking stuff. He's an athletic guy, who played football as well. It's good to have another guy from the area as well." BRAD WOOD 5-8 | 165 IF/RHP Orland Park, Ill. (St. Laurence) Rated the seventh best shortstop in the state of Illinois by Perfect Game USA … Rated 287th in the Midwest, 59th in the state of Illinois, by Prep Baseball Report.
ST. LAURENCE HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Vikings baseball team … Earned two varsity letters … Named Captain of the Vikings baseball team for the 2012-2013 season … First team All-Conference both his sophomore and junior year … Accounted for six saves in 16 appearances his sophomore year, helping the Vikings go 5-2 … Batted .355, registering 40 hits and walking 17 times … Carried a .475 average as a sophomore with 60 hits … Sported a combined on-base percentage of .512 during his sophomore and junior seasons … Named the team's best pitcher during his junior year and best hitter as a sophomore … Brother, Kyle, is a utility player at Purdue, playing in the outfield, infield and appearing as a pitcher.
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born May 2, 1996 … Son of Mike and Lynn Wood … Interested in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences …Was a member of Illinois Sparks baseball, Orland Knights football, and Pioneer wrestling teams …Has volunteered for Special Needs Nights and various children's baseball camps in his community … Lists Peyton Manning as the athlete that he admires most because of his leadership qualities and skills.
MATHEY ON WOOD: "Brad can pretty much play any position we ask him to. He's a guy that's going to help us in the middle of the infield and he's also a guy that going to help us on the mound. He's a great competitor and he knows the game well. He loves it. I really look forward to having Brad Wood on board." MALIQUE ZIEGLER 6-1| 165 OF Des Moines, Iowa (Des Moines East) Ranked in the top-500 in the country, No. 1 outfielder in the state and No. 5 in the state of Iowa by Perfect Game USA.
DES MOINES EAST HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the Scarlets baseball team … Earned two varsity letters … Earned all-conference honors both sophomore and junior year… Was named to both the all-area and all-state team for the 2012-2013 season … Holds school records for stolen bases in a season (56), career (82) and most runs in a season (63) …Batted .394 with five homeruns and seven triples as a junior … Also recorded a .717 slugging percentage as a junior … Played basketball, football and was also a member of the track team. PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS: Born September 8, 1996…Son of Harold and Samantha Clay… Intended Physical Education major, Sociology minor… Earned an Academic Achievement for African American Students Award…Was a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club coat drive and the YMCA "Toys for Tots' toy drive… Hobbies include playing video games and spending time with family, friends, and his girlfriend… Admires Yasiel Puig because he is unique, strong, and fast. MATHEY ON ZIEGLER: "Malique is an outfielder and great runner. He might be one of the fastest players coming in that we've had in my time here. He has the ability to change games with his type of speed. He wants to be Huskie and with his speed and desire to play at Northern Illinois, that's a really great combination. We're anxious to see how far that can take him. When guys like him get time to focus one sport and specialize their skills, those skills start to jump."