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Standing up to a patent bully | Opensource.com
Standing up to a patent bully
Red Hat and Novell stood up to a patent bully and got a favorable jury verdict in the IPI trial which invalidated some software patents that should never have been issued. It's hard to see how that's not a good thing for open source. It's also good that the particular battle has inspired discussion of the need for fundamental reform of the U.S. patent system. Red Hat has vigorously advocated such reform, and has taken strong positions on software patentability before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Bilski case and the European Patent Office.
But for the time being, the system is what it is. "Non-practicing entities" like Acacia which specialize in exploiting the system are permitted to bring lawsuits, and one way or another the targets need to address those suits. Most of the time, targeted companies settle. That's understandable in some cases, but in the IPI case the intransigence of Acacia meant that Red Hat and Novell had no choice but to fight. So we did.
Now that the smoke from the battle is clearing, it's fair to say there were several important efforts that led to victory. I'd like to single out one for special mention: the contributions of Michael Tiemann, Red Hat's vice president of open source affairs. In his time on the stand, he managed to introduce open source software to a jury in terms that were both clear and engaging, and conveyed his pride in open source in terms that were to me genuinely inspiring. Here's are a couple of excerpts from Michael's direct testimony (with able questioning from our lead trial counsel, Josh Krevitt of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher) introducing some key ideas of open source.
Volume I, Page 130 - 131
Q. Okay. And so -- and I think you said it's like a recipe, and that's because this tells a programmer --
A. Right. Going back to what is the function of software, the goal of the software is to basically give instruction to the computer what the computer should be doing. And it is like a recipe. A recipe will tell you here are the ingredients; here are the ways that you combine these ingredients to get something. And depending on how much flour, how much sugar, or how much egg you put in, you might get a cake or you might get a cookie or you might get a biscuit. And so a computer software program is saying take this data, combine it these ways, and out comes your result. So that is how software is like a recipe for a computer. And open source is like a recipe that you can share with your friends, and they can say, you know, I know how to make this better. Let's use butter instead of oil, and now we have a new kind of biscuit.
Q. And an analogy that was used earlier -- I don't remember by whom -- what we all think of when we think of something secretive is the formula to Coke. And so is the idea that we can all drink a Coke and enjoy a Coke and we can buy a Coke, but we don't know how a Coke is made.
A. No, no. And that's the example of proprietary software. People who write proprietary software will often say you don't need to see the source; you don't need this; all you need is the product. But those of us in the open-source community believe that we can make a better product every day by always having the freedom to make improvements and get ideas from our neighbors or share ideas with our neighbors.
Volume I, Page 133–35
A. One way of seeing it is, you know, as a user, when you acquire open-source software, either by downloading it or by having it come as a product, you get the freedoms to read it, modify it, redistribute it. And that's what open source looks like to a user. It looks like a car you can go and buy which comes with a service manual, and you have the freedom to take it apart in your garage, if you want to.
And in the case of proprietary software, what you see is a product, which is defined by a single company and they decided what features it has. They decide what -- they decide when to ship new versions. And they also decide when to take it out of production and force you to buy a new version. So from the user perspective, that's the difference. But there's another difference.
Q. And what is that difference?
A. And that difference is from the developer's perspective, a developer who -- in the case of proprietary software, it's typically developed by a small number of people working in secret on the program. And they -- the total number of people who are working on that is necessarily limited by the total number of people within that company.
By contrast, in the world of open source, the entire world, or at least all those who are connected to the internet, can potentially be developers. And that was one of the things that really sparked my imagination about open source.
I've been teased by my counsel about being a smart kid, but in 1987, I knew immediately I was not the smartest kid in the whole world. And so one of the exciting things about open source was I always had a chance to work with people smarter than me. And when I talk with open-source developers, every single one of them has the experience that there is somebody smarter than them teaching them something. So we have a motto in the world of open source, which is nobody is as smart as everybody. That's been my experience, and that's been the experience of all the people I've worked with in open source.
The price a witness pays for direct examination is cross-examination, where the opposing attorney tries to extract concessions or discredit the witness. It can be a time of high drama. The cross-examining attorney has the element of surprise and the privilege to attack, and the witness must think fast. In our case, Michael was cross-examined by Mr. Wesley Hill, an experienced attorney whose apparent objective was to discredit open source. He did not succeed. Here are three of my favorite parts of the cross-examination, including at the end Michael's deadpan on the relevance of Karl Marx:
Volume II, Page 39
Q. Now, let's get back to our discussion of these patent rights versus the open-source community. Now, I described one scenario, which is I come up with something. I want to be -- follow the American dream and make a success, be a success, hopefully achieve financial success based on my work and my property, and so I seek patent protection. And if I get it, I can then sell my idea to those who wish to use it, and I can profit from my innovation, correct?
A. My father taught me that you cannot patent an idea. A patent is very, very specific about what it can contain, and my understanding is that you sell a license to practice the inventions disclosed. But the idea of patenting ideas was something which as soon as he told me about patents, he said, you cannot patent an idea.
Q. Well, I apologize if I used loose language.
Volume II, Pages 49 – 50
Q. Do you really think you have to be able to take other people's protected property to be able to innovate?
A. It has nothing to do with taking anybody's property.
MR. KREVITT: Your Honor, I object. The question wasn't designed --
THE COURT: He can -- Mr. Tiemann can continue to respond to the questions.
A. This is not a question of taking. This is a question of how companies are able to spend their resources in their plans to innovate. And when our people have to spend years of effort trying to demonstrate that a baseless allegation is false, then that takes away from our ability to innovate, and it puts us in a courtroom and just forces us to litigate.
To me, that is not an efficient use of our development resources or our financial resources. And we would not have that problem if people would give to us the same promise we give to them, which is full freedom to practice our patents under open source.
Volume II, Page 54
Q. And to enhance your business model, you want to see less property in this world so that you can profit off of selling services surrounding what used to be others' private property; isn't that correct?
A. It's a balance and a trade-off. It's a balance and a trade-off that some models work better than others; some models work better at a given time than others. And we have seen how much good can be done when people work together, and we believe that that is the best way to build technology, which is why we've chosen that as opposed to the proprietary model of what Microsoft practices or opposed to the practices of IPI. We've chosen our best guess about how to make money and hire more people to do more work.
Q. So it's a given to your ability, taken to your need-type paradigm you're pursuing?
A. No. I think it's more the American way.
Q. Because you know who said given to your ability, taken to your need, don't you?
A. That was Jefferson?
Q. That was Karl Marx.
A. Oh, okay.
Q. Let's talk about something else.
A. All right.
More of Michael Tiemann's testimony is attached.
31 Comments
Sounds like he handled himself remarkably! Kudos, because I know I wouldn't have been so prepared or cool under fire!
"Mister Tiemann, are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Communist party?" Classic. You'd think we'd be done with that nonsense by now.
It means they haven't thought of anything new yet, so they have to go with a stand-by.
...would have said Benjamin Franklin.
I always Poor Richard's Almanac and the Communist Manifesto all mixed up.
While Red Hat has successfully defended itself, this effort is mostly neutral for the Free Software / Open Source community. The real concern for that community is not the plight of Red Hat, which will always be wealthy enough to defend itself, but that of the individual Open Source projects, including such modest efforts as the Java Model Railroad Interface project.
The key developer of that project, Bob Jacobsen, went through five years of hardship. He's a nuclear scientist by day, and he was almost fired from his job at Lawrence Berkeley Lab due to efforts of the patent holder - being dismissed from there for cause would probably have ended his career, as other labs would have been wary of picking him up, and of course there are very few such positions globally. He spent more than a full year's income to defend himself and his project, and was not fully compensated by the eventual settlement in the case. Red Hat and other Linux distributions, and even SFLC were notably absent from the case, only filing comments in an appeal proceeding after an extremely bad ruling had already come down from the court.
Red Hat profits from the efforts of people like Jacobsen who make applications and systems software that runs with, or is included in, their distribution.
If Red Hat really wanted to solve the software patent problem, not just for themselves but for all Open Source and Free Software developers, they would participate in an effort to gain patent reform legislation.
And yet, except for a few speeches from time to time, Red Hat has not participated in any concrete effort to eliminate software patents through legislative reform.
We can hope that the supreme court gives us a gift in the form of a Bilski case ruling, but I fear that congress would erase any such change within weeks, because we've not prepared them with arguments against software patenting, which IMO we should have been doing for years.
Often when I've spoken in government forums against software patenting, one of Red Hat's competitors is there to speak in favor of software patents. Red Hat isn't there to offset them.
Guys, before you crow too much about how much you've done to beat one little patent holder, maybe you should try to do what's necessary to make it sincere. Work to solve the real problem.
Bruce Perens
P.S. Thanks a whole lot, Red Hat, for removing my login after my last comment.
Is there any kind of defense fund set up for him? I would contribute.
Red Hat and some other distributions are said to have a defense fund for use by developers directly. But the numbers I've seen would only defend two cases, and as far as I can see the fund has not been disbursed for any existing cases like Jacobsen v. Katzer. In that case, the Open Source developer preemptively sued the patent holder rather than wait to be sued on the patent holder's own terms.
And then there's a patent pool that was touted a lotsome years ago but hasn't come to much, called Open Invention Network. The members are several big patent holders along with Red Hat and Novell. For a while the number of patents held fluctuated (including decreasing when a member withdrew) which wasn't good news. I find it difficult to see an organization of this type set up by some of the world's biggest patent holders as being helpful - IMO they are there more to protect the institution of software patenting from us than vice versa, by giving us a reason (albeit false) to feel the problem is being addressed.
I think a credible anti-software-patent lobby is more needed than either of these efforts.
I didn't answer your question, did I? Jacobsen won, so you don't need to give him money now. Sorry :-)
No, Jacobsen won, but he is heavily in debt, because he had to spent a lot of his personal money on the litigation. Listen to his story on http://twit.tv/floss117 and http://jmri.org/k/donations.shtml for donations.
Oops, I didn't realize that Bob was still collecting. I made a donation just now, and of course my work on the case was pro-bono as well.
Post removed at poster's request due to misunderstanding about the Terms of Service
Post removed at poster's request due to misunderstanding about the Terms of Service
Katzer attacked Jacobsen in various ways, including filing a FOIA with the U.S. Department of Energy claiming that the Lawrence Berkeley Lab was supporting in the JMRI project. Now, while this sounds absurd it was taken seriously by the government and the lab, and caused Bob no end of pain, and it took a long time for Bob to resolve it with his employer before his job was out of danger.
Katzer also sent bills to Jacobsen for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and filed C&Ds, and otherwise harassed him for years.
After Bob brought his case against Katzer, he found that Katzer's own product included the Open Source software, and ammended his case. This is what allowed Bob to win the case.
Katzer and his attorney have done something very dirty, and successful, with their patents. They filed multiple very similar patents - indeed two that are identical and one of those shouldn't have been granted. When pressed to defend the patent that they C&D'd Jacobsen for, they instead disclaimed the patent in question. But because they have several very similar patents, this meant that they could bring another case against Jacobsen after wasting his money this time, and Jacobsen would eventually be too broke to defend himself.
Katzer's plan was never to win in court, but to drive Jacobsen to the poorhouse. And that's the typical strategy of a large patent aggressor against an individual. Open Source developers are toast against that sort of attack. Only the copyright case saved Jacobsen.
In the final settlement, Katzer is enjoined from bringing action against both the developer and his project in the future. We could not have done that with the patent case alone - it was only after we got summary judgement against Katzer that he and his attorney were willing to settle.
Now, I've participated in other cases like this, but I can't talk about them because they settled under seal. If the precedent can't be used again, Open Source has lost. Jacobsen actually accepted a smaller settlement because he insisted on having the entire case record be open rather than sealed.
I've written two articles about the case on Datamation, you can read them in sequence to get some more background, and many of the court papers are on the JMRI site.
"P.S. Thanks a whole lot, Red Hat, for removing my login after my last comment."
Hi Bruce,
To our knowledge, we have not removed any user accounts. Your comments are still posted on the previous blog post. If you have any problems with your user account, please use our contact form to let us know.
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Password recovery using my email address said there was no such address in the system. And yet a week ago the system sent a reply to that address, so it _was_ there on 5/6. And I just registered a new account today using that address.
Either someone got annoyed and deleted it, or there was a software hiccup.
Hmmm. It would be better to assume that it is a account malfunction than assume ill will and claim that Red Hat deliberately deleted your account and that too in response your last comment.
It looks like the comments posted last week were done via an account that was not verified (according to our admin tool). This usually means that it was done using the anonymous comment form which, like the OpenID option, doesn't create a user account. It does, however, let users participate who do not want to create an account.
The form maintained your email address which is why you were able to make multiple comments on the thread and get email follow-ups.
It looks like you're a registered user now. We apologize for any confusion about this. Again, thank you for your thoughts on our topics.
opensource.com Admins
You should read the case. Jacobsen admitted to infringement of the '329 patent in the court docs. Katzer disclaim the '329 patent prior to the answer (suspect to save money since Jacobsen had a free attorney)
I think that this case has hurt the open source industry rather than help it. I suspect that we will never know why the case escalated the way it did. If the two people knew each other the litigation would have never happen.
Jacobsen copyright was reduced down to a collection of things (nothing to do with code). Just a bunch of text files. Really sad when you think about it.
All right. Mea culpa then.
So, was this case won by convincing hat judge and jury that opensource is better or because the patent was BS?
What is this man talking about? He appears to be referring to Marx's line "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need". There is no mention there of 'taking'. It's actually a summary of Marx's belief that the abundance which it is possible to achieve by pooling our best efforts should be able to provide for all our needs, as plural and various as they are. If anything it's about the potential for all of us to gain from 'sharing'.
Cynics may deride that belief and cling to their property and properietary rights out of fear, mistrust or whatever other motive but that is by the by. Whatever your view of Marx's beliefs to present this mangled rendering as representing what Marx or Michael said is either crass or, what I believe is more likely, crudely manipulative. If this mis-targeted slur is the best he could do to discredit Michael's reasoned, balanced presentation of the benefits which accrue from open communities no wonder he lost.
The actual statement in courtroom mirrored Marx's line. The transcriptionist mis-typed the actual testimony.
I think you misunderstand Marx. He openly advocated taking by force from those of ability. There was nothing noble about his philosopy, Communism /Socialism (unless you consider the death by starvation of millions of people noble). It is a miserable failure at best, and evil at worst.
You only have to look at the collapse of the USSR to realize that-the Russians do (which by the way switched from a progressive, punishing tax system to a Flat Tax and enjoys higher tax revenues as a result). Two of the largest economies in the world-China and India, are becoming so because they have been moving away from Socialism and towards Free Market Capitalism. Greece is the latest example of Socialist failure.
The model that does work is based on individual rights, such as the right to pursue happiness (self-interest), the right to think your own thoughts, the right to use your thoughts to create items (such as software) to earn and own property, and the right to trade property that you own for property that someone else owns. This model is also based on individual effort, being responsible for yourself, instead of begging or forcing others to be responsible for you. Obviously, it is often in the individuals self-interest to team up or deal with others of equal or greater talent, and trade value for value.
Of course, when kids grow up, move out of mommy and daddy's house, and have to pay their own bills, they'll be wanting to get paid for any software development they do. That is honorable and improves their life, and the lives of those with whom they do honest business with.
Still, if anyone wants to give away the fruit of thier hard work, by all means they can do so. If working for free fills anyone with joy, by all means they should do so. It is their right to do so. But it is not their right to force others to work for free or for their self-interest.
I am neither for nor against opensource or proprietary software. I am for using what works to fulfill a purpose. When my company uses opensource, we pay. We wouldn't have it any other way.
NOTE: I am NOT engaged in or interested in politics or these kind of things, I just thinks that right should be right, and that lies and intentional misinterpretations should be corrected.
"While he allowed for the possibility of peaceful transition in some countries with strong democratic institutional structures (such as Britain, the US and the Netherlands), he suggested that in other countries with strong centralized state-oriented traditions, like France and Germany, the "lever of our revolution must be force.""
(If you have read about what several USA militaries and politicians want to do with Assange, the Wikileaks guy, you'd see why this is a stupid argument. Marx wanted the people as whole to take back their freedoms from the corporations, etc. The people against Assange essentially want to enforce their New World Order where they are in charge, no questions asked.)
The purpose was not to remove rights or things, it was to make sure that everybody had the same rights and freedom, to give things back to the people.
Bad/malicious interpretations and failed implemenations can not be blaimed on him.
You should also be aware that the crash in the russian economy in the 90's were caused by american "disaster capitalists".
The two countries you mention, China and India, never implemented socialism other then on paper.
I can't see where socialism would be relevant.
Yup, freedom to choose is great. I'm not going to force people to stop using Windows or to share their source code, but I'm going to share my code because I want to.
Just so you know, I'm no socialist, communist or any other kind of "enemy of the USA". I just want people to be honest.
I would correct anybody even if they stated false things that would be positive to me, and I have actually done so before.
Even if I would benefit from it, I don't like lies or misunderstandings.
I commend Red Hat's stance. Of course they are taking this stance because it will help them grow, but it is the right thing for all of the consumers. It's time that we end the patent wars going on. It's costing companies dollars, time, and making software with less quality for end users. Open source paves the way for innovation, cooperation, and overall quality software.
I'm very proud to be part of Open Source community and have the chance to work with such smart people like Mike Tiemann and others.
By what right does the patent office grant a patent over software?
As a programmer, it offends me that someone would patent such things as one-click ordering. This is an obvious process that most programmers can implement themselves without any reference to someone else's work. In fact it's pretty trivial. Does that mean we are also not allowed to change our own tyres, iron clothes etc if someone were to patent these?
These specious patents are an affrontry to everyone's right to think for themselves. They are being used to stifle and frustrate innovation rather than protect it.
I really think the courts and legislators should be dealing with corrupt behaviour of the individuals and organisations granting such patents.
Or do we race to the bottom and see who can be first to patent breathing?
Actually, that might be difficult - it's probably already the IP of someone with a DNA sequence patent they don't yet understand.
I had stumbled across this thread quite by accident. Fascinating commentary and exposition. I would have never seen this calibre of discourse on other commercial sites, and come to think of it I have not seen this level on certain legal sites that are suppose to be covering these topics in-depth.
This site is a surprize. Kudos to all authors, commentors, and participants.
The idea of from each according to ability, to each according to need comes from Luke the Evangelist, author of one of the four gospels in the New Testament in the bible, as well as the author of Acts of the Apostles. The concept of each according to need is reiterated more than once as the model Jesus's apostles lived by in the Acts. Also mentioned is how each acted according to their ability to help the people of Judea. It is the basis of how the apostles acted, which is the model for how the Christian community and communion should be.
These ideas came out of socialist-tinged Christian movements into the Christian-tinged early socialist movement, which is where Marx got the idea from.
So next time a lawyer asks whose idea this was, tell them it came from the Bible!
Thank you for your isightful response. As an objectivist, I tell conservatives all the time that Christianity itself is very socialist. I myself am not a Christian, nor a member of any religion. The problem is the philosophy of altruism, which seeks to sacrifice the individual's pursuit of happiness (self-interest) for the good of the collective. Of course, under this philosophy, most expect the sacrificing to come from someone else (I need, you have, give it to me). At some point, you either have to be forced to sacrifice by a third party (such as a government), or you are made to feel guilty/ashamed/fearful (such as a religion which says you will burn in hell because of your refusal to self-sacrifice). In objectivism (the basis for true capitalism) you pursue your self-interest by trading value for value (such as selling some software which you developed to those who find it useful at a price which is mutually acceptable and beneficial) in an honest fashion. If at any time an individual lies, cheats, or steals in order to profit, he/she is not practicing capitalism or sefl-interest. I don't think anyone considers going to jail to be in their self-interest.
I apologize for the long post, but your excellent response actually inspired me to do so.


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Kreitz took the lead from Blane Heimbach on lap 19 and held off the Selinsgrove ace over the final six circuits.
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Busy finish to Ga.'s annual legislative session
Thursday is the last day
By Ray Henry Associated Press | 3/20/2014, 10:38 a.m.
ATLANTA (AP) - Eager to get campaigning, Georgia's lawmakers will wrap up an unusually quick legislative session Thursday, likely making decisions on whether to expand the places people can carry firearms and whether to support a medical marijuana program for the ill.
Equally important are the efforts that stall during the final days, a category that appears to include plans to privatize parts of the state's child welfare system and to pull back from national education standards.
By law, the legislators in Georgia's General Assembly meet for just 40 working days every year. The tight schedule means that state lawmakers invariably spend the final day of their session, called Sine Die, rapidly voting on dozens and dozens of bills until the clock strikes midnight. Any legislation not passed by then automatically fails for the year.
Lawmakers are in a hurry to get out of the Statehouse. They cannot raise campaign money for the upcoming primary and general elections while the General Assembly is meeting. Still, they will need to resolve several statewide issues - not to mention scores of local concerns - before early Friday morning. Here are a few of the big issues:
Patients suffering from illnesses including cancer and seizures could take a form of medical marijuana if Senate lawmakers vote to approve a pending proposal from the House of Representatives. The legislation from state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, would let certain patients take products derived from cannabis oil in the hope it will ease their symptoms. Peake said Georgia will not legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
For a second year, House and Senate lawmakers are approaching the end of their session in a rift over firearms legislation. Senior Republicans in the House proposed earlier this year eliminating a blanket prohibition on carrying guns in churches and bars. Their proposal would also allow school districts to arm their employees, which supporters say would deter attacks on teachers and students. Lawmakers in the Senate have historically been more cautious on the issue than their counterparts in the House.
Plans offered through Georgia's health insurance exchange could impose further restrictions on abortion coverage under a plan before House lawmakers. The federal health care law allows states to draft legislation prohibiting abortion coverage in qualified health plans. Supporters of the plan in Georgia say 24 states have already put the restrictions into place. Democrats oppose the bill, saying it infringes on a woman's right to choose.
Georgia would erect a statue to honor the slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. under a plan likely to receive a final vote this week. The political legacy of the Atlanta-born clergyman was long politically charged in his native state. On the day of King's funeral in 1968, then-Gov. Lester Maddox refused to close the Capitol in King's honor and was angered when state flags were flown at half-staff. While there is a portrait of King in the Statehouse, there are more pictures, statues and other monuments depicting Confederate leaders and segregationists, though they were placed there years ago. Republican and Democrats have given the plan support by wide margins in earlier votes.


text: We have seen many changes take place in politics and our economy. However, one constant is that many people are battling cancer and many others are supporting their loved ones each and every day. These realities make dollars donated and hours volunteered to the American Cancer Society in Jefferson County so important.


text: EconStor Community: University of Finance and Management, Warsaw http://hdl.handle.net/10419/48741 University of Finance and Management, Warsaw 2016-09-25T17:27:14Z Oil price forecasting using crack spread futures and oil exchange traded funds http://hdl.handle.net/10419/141896 Title: Oil price forecasting using crack spread futures and oil exchange traded funds Authors: Choi, Hankyeung; Leatham, David J.; Sukcharoen, Kunlapath Abstract: Given the emerging consensus from previous studies that crude oil and refined product (as well as crack spread) prices are cointegrated, this study examines the link between the crude oil spot and crack spread derivatives markets. Specifically, the usefulness of the two crack spread derivatives products (namely, crack spread futures and the ETF crack spread) for modeling and forecasting daily OPEC crude oil spot prices is evaluated. Based on the results of a structural break test, the sample is divided into pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis periods. We find a unidirectional relationship from the two crack spread derivatives markets to the crude oil spot market during the post-crisis period. In terms of forecasting performance, the forecasting models based on crack spread futures and the ETF crack spread outperform the Random Walk Model (RWM), both in-sample and out-of-sample. In addition, on average, the results suggest that information from the ETF crack spread market contributes more to the forecasting models than information from the crack spread futures market. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z Gross value added and total factor productivity in Czech sectors http://hdl.handle.net/10419/141895 Title: Gross value added and total factor productivity in Czech sectors Authors: Volek, Tomáš; Novotná, Martina Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to consider the development of total factor productivity in the development of gross value added in individual sectors of the economy of the Czech Republic in the period from 1996 - 2011. The National Account was the source of the data. The paper addresses the importance of extensive and intensive sources of economic growth in individual sectors. It was found that the development of total factor productivity does not match the growth of gross value added. The growth of gross value added was significantly influenced by extensive and intensive sources of growth in all of the economy and its sectors. The hypothesis stating that if the total factor productivity rises faster than the gross value added, then the extensive factor is negative was accepted for all sectors of the economy. The influence of intensive factors was primarily found in the manufacturing and commercial service sectors. The results of this study indicate differences in the sources of growth in individual sectors. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z An introduction to alternative experimental models in monitoring economic failures http://hdl.handle.net/10419/141894 Title: An introduction to alternative experimental models in monitoring economic failures Authors: Ruiz Estrada, Mario Arturo; Tahir, Muhammad Abstract: This research paper presents four alternative experimental models for monitoring economic failures. These models include the national production function (NP-Function), the multi-level trade creation and trade diversion analytical framework, the mega-economic structures vulnerability analysis (MSV-Analysis), and the mega-economic surface interactive system. The main objective behind the proposed experimental models in economics is to analyze different macroeconomic scenarios in monitoring and warning of possible unexpected economic failure(s) under the use of a new mathematical framework and the application of multidimensional graphs. The proposed alternative experimental models are based on the application of Econographicology. Hence, our models are expected to offer policy-makers and researchers new analytical tools to study the impact and trend of economic failures in the economy of any country from a new perspective. Finally, we suggest the application of three new concepts in the study of economic failures such as Omnia Mobilis (everything is moving), the global structural imbalance principle, and the dynamic imbalance state. Therefore, our findings would certainly help both policy makers and researchers to implement and execute appropriate policies to develop their economies and to protect them from unwanted situations. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z Dynamic interactions between foreign institutional investment flows and stock market returns: The case of India http://hdl.handle.net/10419/141909 Title: Dynamic interactions between foreign institutional investment flows and stock market returns: The case of India Authors: Bulsara, Hemantkumar P.; Dhingra, Vaishali Samir; Gandhi, Shailesh Abstract: There has been a marked increase in the magnitude of Foreign Institutional Investments (FIIs) into India since the 1990s, resulting in increased forex reserves and liquidity and a higher-valued Indian capital market. However, such investment is more volatile than other types of flows, causing disruptive effects in the form of sudden stops (for example, the crash of the Indian stock market on January 21, 2008). This study empirically examines the dynamic relationship between FIIs and Indian stock market returns. It also analyses the effects of FIIs on Indian capital market returns, using data from January, 2004 through September, 2012. The analysis employs a Cross Correlation Function (CCF) approach, a Granger Causality Test and Vector Auto Regression after dividing the data into two parts: Pre Global financial crisis and Post Global financial crisis periods. The results of the CCF suggest bi-directional causality between FIIs and Nifty returns, whereas the Granger Causality Test and the VAR analysis suggest uni-directional causality running Nifty returns to FIIs. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z


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Full refund
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hey Seaweed, managed to get in the pool this morning. (14 degrees) Dh forgot to turn the heating on, but I found an old wetsuit, and swam my 72 lengths, so about 1 km. I think the race is 2.8km....so I have a wee way to go !!!! However I haven't swum for 20 years, so if I can get in the pool after 20 years out of pool, and still swim 1 km......heres hoping I can increase that before feb !!!! I have entered the race, so I gotta do it now !!!!
trying desperately to clean DHs office today. I can't stand all the cr-p everywhere. He can never find anything, and the floor is literally covered...... is it any wonder that I drink so much !!! LOL
Anyway just back from Rangiora, after picking up my naughty little red car, and I bought some stuff to help keep the office more organised. Lets see how long it stays tidy....but don't hold your breath !


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CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM, Israel - Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak refused to grant military exemptions to 61 new yeshivot (religious seminaries), which applied for Torato omanuto ("Torah is his profession," i.e., studying the Law of Moses).
Barak ordered his advisors to create new criteria to qualify for exemption from the military, which will require more ultra-Orthodox to serve in the army.
"The Defense Ministry will no longer be a rubber stamp and will not approve each and every request to shirk military duty," one official commented.
According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Major General Elazar Stern, who heads up the IDF's personnel department, within a decade, ultra-Orthodox exemptions will represent 25 percent of the population.
"Today, out of the population not enlisted in the army, some 11 percent claim that the Torah as their profession [exemption]. We must remember, however, that 25 percent are first grade students in the haredi [ultra-Orthodox] educational systems, and if we fail to intervene in this issue, that's where we'll be in several years," Stern said, who believes that some young men exempted under this law do not really study Torah.
According to statistics on YNetnews.com, since these exemptions began, the number of ultra-Orthodox rejecting military service has gone from 400 to approximately 500,000.
"The IDF's challenges are great and complex," said one security official. "We need a big and strong IDF. Therefore, we must reduce every attempt not to join the army, both in this aspect of "Torato omanuto" and in other aspects," he said.
In an interview on Army Radio Thursday morning, Member of Knesset (MK) Moshe Gafni berated the defense minister's decision.
"The words, 'to put an end to this' are unacceptable to me," Gafni said. "This is beginning to remind me of the civil revolution that he tried to bring about during his reign [as prime minister]," he said.
"He's not solving anything. He's not changing the number of students. He's only making headlines," Gafni told Army Radio.
Following high school graduation, the majority of young Israeli men serve three years of compulsory military service, while women serve two years.
Approximately 1,000 haredi youth attend the 61 new yeshivot that were denied the traditional exemption.
Sources: YNet news service, The Jerusalem Post
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The Terrorists Funded by the WestBassam Tawil
The New Israel Fund and those who support it are helping terroristsRonn Torossian
Column one: Fighting fire with fireCaroline B. Glick
Op-Ed: There is no 'radical Islam' and there is no 'moderate Islam'Dr. Mordechai Kedar
'Narrow' escapesRuthie Blum
Why Palestinians Do Not Want Cameras on the Temple MountKhaled Abu Toameh
Social Media Killed My FatherYoni Kempinski and Ari Soffer
Iran's New Palestinian Terror Group: Al SabireenKhaled Abu Toameh


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still go clubbing?
As a 20 something mother, I love going clubbing. I love music and i love getting all dressed up. Just wondering if anyone else here still goes clubbing? I go once a month with my husband. but are friends dont really like it that i go out. What are your favorite music to dance to?
I am asking because i want to know if everyone takes time for themselves. Dancing is just my way to let of some steam. As well as getting away from the house. I am a stay at home mom and i see my house everyday.
I think everyone should make time for themselves so they dont lose there minds.
Eta- also, so not a club clothes kind of girl. I'm more like a full skirt and pearls girl.
I've never been to a club. Not really my thing.


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[B]Geo[/B] Is the problem food for work or food for dinner?
I eat a small breakfast at 6am (coffee with 1 tbsp of CO, 1 egg and 1 sausage link)
I have some "go to" meals for lunch. (tuna, chicken or egg salad with homemade mayo and celery sticks or dinner leftovers)
Snack at mid afternoon includes one serving of the following. (macadamia nuts, almonds or pork rinds.)
I decide about dinner the day before. Sometimes it is something simple for the family like hamburgers or hot dogs and I'll eat leftover meat and a salad. We always have chicken thighs precooked in the refrigerator. My husband cooks about 3x a week. What about assigning meal prep to the girls a few nights a week? Does Clint cook?
Anyway, don't give up. Eating for NK is no harder than eating Primal. It just takes planning a few easy menus. You know that in the long run, staying the course is the best medicine for you.


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appears they sold stock to pay the dividend...do it once shame on me, do it twice shame on you..mw
Shame on you for posting stupid and incorrect misinformation.
If you really believe that, you might consider reading a primer on MLPs.
i've been at this a long time friend. but you keep on not questioning anything. that will work for u i'm sure..good luck..mw
not even close with EPDs dcf coverage..... go bash some mlps that don't have the cash flow to cover.
Sentiment: Buy
Wasn't that ETP?


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Analysis: Texas Tea Party Leader, Version 3.0
By title and longevity, Gov. Rick Perry is the top dog among Texas Republicans. He might even be a national candidate again. But for now, he is a lame duck.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz leapfrogged the state's senior senator, John Cornyn, and is by most accounts — and by the clamor for his endorsement — the most popular Republican in the state. But he is not on the ballot.
The prominent Texas name at the moment is Dan Patrick, a Houston state senator relatively unknown outside his home base until the current primary elections. Now he has more momentum ...


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A fire damaged an apartment building in Carlisle, Cumberland County, late Monday night.
The fire was discovered shortly before midnight in the first block of West High Street.
A business is located on the first floor and apartments are on the second floor.
A state police fire marshal ruled the blaze, which was an electrical fire in the second-floor ceiling, accidental.
No one was hurt.


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It had the making of a classic trap game, and that's what transpired as Danville took Williamsport down.
Danville received a power-play goal from Jonathan Juliano, and Kyle McClure stopped 35 of 37 shots on goal as Danville escaped with a 4-2 win over the Outlaws at Airmen Pond at Bowman Field on Saturday night.
"The first time we played Danville they weren't very good," Williamsport coach Chris Firriolo said. "I kept preaching to the team this was a different club. They had some goaltending issues, but they got their goaltender back. He played a really good game."
McClure's best save of the night came when Chris Leveille broke through the Danville defense for a one-on-one chance to level the score at two goals apiece. Leveille went to McClure's pad side and was denined.
"Our goal was to win all three this weekend," Firriolo said. "It's a huge letdown. There are no excuses."
Martin Moucha added his second goal in as many nights to get the Outlaws off to a 1-0 advantage at the 18:50 mark of the first period.
Rob Sich nearly added his second in two nights when he broke away for a one-on-one against McClure. Sich missed on the first attempt, but pushed the second attempt through. The goal was waved off, though, after the net slipped off the moorings.
After going down by a goal, Danville stormed back when Chris Affinati and Justin Levac scored goals 21 seconds apart of each other to give Danville a 2-1 lead at the first break.
"We are our own worst enemy," Firriolo said. "We got on a little bit of a roll and this game would have really separated us from the bottom."
Down a goal to start the second, Matt Smyth tallied his 11th goal of the season when he slid a breakaway shot past McClure. It was Smyth's second breaaway of the period. His first attempt went wide after slipping past the defense at the blue line.
As good as the equalizing goal was for the hometown crowd, the joy quickly faded when Lee McClure put a soft shot by Michael DiLorenzo.
Firriolo felt the goal was soft enough to pull DeLorenzo for Friday's starter, Chris Whitley. The changes weren't done, though, Firriolo switched goalies twice in the final 30 seconds of the second period.
"Against a team like this we should score more than two goals," Firriolo said. "We were sloppy and didn't play a very good hockey game tonight."


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Professional photographer Jim Loomis sent us this email:
"I just wanted to share with you and the rest of TPB the pictures I have from the event. I was lucky enough to be the only field photographer documenting the event on the course.
Imagine, if you will, being on one of the most beautiful golf courses on Earth with most of your current and past sports heroes, and rolling up on the hole at which Sidney Crosby is playing golf, and joking with him and his golf mates.
Imagine your friend introducing you to the greatest hockey player of all time (Mario), and said hockey player stands from his chair to shake your hand and thank you for coming out. "
The rest of the gallery is here. Big thanks to Jim for sending them along.


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Disney to Johnny Depp: No More Booze on Pirates Set!
Leave it to the suits at Disney to put a cork in Captain Jack's bottle of rum.
According to Radar Online, producers of Pirates of the Caribbean 5: Holy Crap, They're Making Another? had an intervention with Johnny Depp this week and convinced the famously eccentric actor that the only way shooting can continue is if he curbs his wild ways.


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632 Tasting Notes
I am 32 weeks pregnant. Only 8 weeks left! I can't believe it. We still have so much to do. I need a nice relaxing cup of tea before I tackle bolting the bookcases to the wall in the nursery. Thanks to Angel from Teavivre for this free sample!
The dry leaf aroma is fresh green oolong and a scent that I love. The brewed tea aroma is even fresher and greener. It's such a comforting aroma. The tightly rolled leaves have fully unfurled into giant whole leaves with a vibrant green hue. They look like they've just been picked off the branch. The liquor is a light golden color.
The flavor is exquisite. It's vegetal, a tad both floral and nutty, and buttery most of all. As the cup cools, it loses its floral quality somewhat. The second infusion was for 2.5 minutes. It's similar but not quite as flavorful and a tad astringent. The third infusion was for 4 minutes. It was good but definitely the last cup for me. Overall, this tea is delicious and I can confidently recommend it to others.
Flavors: Butter, Floral, Nutty, Vegetal
I have to say, this tea + agave = DIVINE!
Raising the rating from 70 to 74. Also for some reason I can't record 1.5 tsp as the amount of tea leaves used. That's what I did here. This is yummy! There's only enough left for one more brewing session. Sad. :(
I typically use 1.5tsp of leaves and couldn't figure out why it wasn't sticking. Once I did, I was irritated, and just don't fill that out now, unless it's a different amount (then I mention it in the note).
The dry leaf aroma is apples and cinnamon and smells delicious! Mmm! The leaves are finely minced and there are huge chunks of freeze-dried apples. The flavor is mostly fresh-cut juicy apple. I can barely taste the cinnamon, which isn't necessarily a good or bad thing. The tea base is light and airy and a tiny bit hay-like. The oolong does give a certain quality that's reminiscent of oatmeal. The flavor hints at a grainy component without being a direct correlation.
This is also definitely not a sweet tea. You'd have to add sweetener to get that. I enjoyed a second infusion at 180 degrees for 6 minutes. Overall, this is a good tea. Not something that will sock you in the mouth with flavor but it's not too light either. The aroma is definitely the best part for me. It smells exactly like hot cinnamon apples from a pie.
I've had a really crappy day. I decided I needed some tea. I made this one. It's very underwhelming. The dry leaf aroma is weird. Strong and weird.
The brewed tea aroma is reminiscent of butterscotch but just barely. The flavor is white tea. Umm, where's the flavoring? There's maybe a tiny hint of something like a cross between butterscotch and buttercream frosting. But it's very light and there's no toffee to speak of. This is probably 95% white tea and 5% flavoring. Boo.
Maybe my sour mood is making me overly negative about this tea or maybe I'm describing it perfectly. I can enjoy it as a white tea, but nothing more than that. Add this to the laundry list of bad things going on for me right now. *Sigh. As a white tea, I'd rate it about 78. As a flavored white tea, I'd rate it about 40. So average the two and that's how I got to this rating.
I just brewed this today and I used the same temperature as you but steeped it 2 minutes longer. I have a really good flavor with mine. I'm sorry that you had a poor experience with yours. :(
Caramel Apple Oolong, how have I not tried you yet?? After forgetting about this tea in my cupboard for 7 months, it's calling my name today. The dry leaf aroma was at first bittersweet chocolate, but that dissipated and now all I smell is caramel. Odd. Maybe it was my imagination (or maybe it's because I stored it next to a chocolate tea) because the brewed tea aroma is just apples and caramel.
First sip! Well, I am not disappointed. This does indeed taste like a caramel apple, or as close to it as tea can get. The oolong base is very nice here. It adds a butteriness that makes the caramel richer. The apple is equally present and lends a certain acidity to the tea that confirms "this is apple" without being overwhelming. Mmmm, this is sooo good! I guess age hasn't harmed this one since it was still sealed.
I love this tea. I love how teas like this exist. The world became such a more magical place since I've discovered the broad range of teas out there. I think my blood must be English because I do enjoy my tea time thoroughly. Teas are also a lot like books. They can transport you somewhere else. They can be comforting, enticing, stimulating, or calming. Tea is an adventure! I love tea!
I got a sample sachet of this from my apartment complex. It was fully exposed to the air for about two weeks. Whoops. Well from the aroma of the dry leaf, it doesn't seem to have affected it. I infused this for three minutes, which was probably longer than I should have. The liquor is very dark red. The brewed tea aroma is recognizably pumpkin spice and red rooibos.
Now I don't really like red rooibos. So take my opinion on this tea with a grain of salt. This is ok. The aftertaste is strongly medicinal. The spice comes across well as does the pumpkin flavor. I think most people would probably enjoy this a lot. It definitely strikes me as a well-blended pumpkin spice tea. I just can't get past the rooibos base to want more of this.
This one does best with a 2-minute steep with some brown sugar and a splash of milk! I haven't picked up any this year yet, but if I make it over to TJ's, I will. :)
The dry leaf aroma is scrumptious! I've let this one sit in my cupboard for a long time. It's way past due that I try it. The verdict? Mmm, this is really delicious! It's a soft green tea with light blueberry and cream flavors. If I try really hard, I can imagine a baked pastry flavor too. But mostly that's my imagination as this is a soft, creamy, blueberry tea at best.
It goes along with my snack of roasted squash seeds very nicely too. This tea is honestly exactly what I wanted right now: something creamy with a green base. I can't believe how tasty this is. The blueberry adds a subtle sweetness, which made me wonder. So I added a tiny amount of Truvia out of curiosity. I think it's probably better without, at least for the first infusion.
I am definitely enjoying the green version of this more than the black. Frank was on to something when he made this. The flavors play off each other nicely. This is a time when I'm really glad that I have two ounces. I've already given away a few samples of this in swaps, and I think I'll greedily keep the rest for myself. ;)
Flavors: Blueberry, Creamy
I made this again today. First steep for 4 minutes, second steep for 6 minutes. I added Truvia and skim milk to both infusions. Honestly, this was really enjoyable today! It's smooth and creamy and uber delicious. It still doesn't really strike me as a chai, but it's great for what it is. Go for a longer infusion with this one because that definitely makes it tastier. I will thoroughly enjoy the rest. Raising the rating from 78 to 82.
Flavors: Creamy
52teas has officially changed their business model! They now offer all their teas in 0.5 oz. non-resealable packages. I think it kind of sucks that these pouches don't have zippers, but I do like that I can now buy smaller quantities of tea. As Frank said when he released the news, we all have cupboards that are overflowing with too much tea! He's also charging for shipping now. Each half ounce of tea costs $3.99 plus $2.00 shipping. So in total, we're getting much less tea at a higher cost. That part bites. I used to pay $9 for 1-2 ounces of tea (usually 2). Now I'm paying $6 for 0.5 ounce of tea. Boo! Well, that's the price of convenience I guess. Okay, enough about that.
First note! Woot! The dry leaf aroma is very aromatic and spicy. The brewed tea aroma is still spicy but less so. Hmm, I don't think I steeped this long enough. While it's still steaming hot, it's pretty tasteless. I added some Truvia and once the cup cooled, I got a slightly creamy slightly spicy taste. The flavors are very soft and not what I'd expect from a chai tea at all.
I decided to re-steep the leaves for 5.5 minutes. This cup is similar but maybe a little more flavorful. I added Truvia again, and I am enjoying this cup. It's good, not amazing. I'm definitely glad I don't have two ounces of it. Is that too harsh to admit? It's not incredibly pumpkin-y or spicy for that matter. I think I prefer other vendors' Pumpkin Chai teas. This is pretty calm in comparison but drinkable. And now my baby is kicking up a storm! Settle down, little one!
Eeee, so excited to read that you are preggers! Also, glad I didn't pick up this tea (although perhaps it will show up in the 12 Teas of Christmas).
Yeah, I was trying not to do the math with the new prices. :/ Also, no zippe pouches? The pouches they used before were perfect!
The dry leaf aroma is heavenly pumpkin spice. Mmm! I hope it tastes as great as it smells! Well, I lucked out. The flavor is a great representation of the aroma. The spice here is really nice and mellow. It's not super peppery or gingery. The pumpkin adds a creaminess that balances everything out. Smooth. That's the word I was searching for. This is a smooth tea. There's no bitterness or astringency. I'm drinking this straight, but I think it would pair well with milk and sweetener. Mmm, now this is one I really enjoy!


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Today Priscilla and I were fortunate to lift with 3x World Team member and US Olympian Kevin Winter at CrossFit Shifted. Whenever we travel if I'll seek out private lessons with the best coach in the area. From a technical standpoint Kevin's cues were simple: He simply emphasized timing by making sure that your feet hit the platform aggressively in sync with your lockout. That part was good. The next part was a huge breakthrough for me: I was snatching 135lbs like it was 135, 185 like it was 185, etc. He wasn't having that. He said: I want you to hit every single snatch with the same intensity you would a PR. Throw that damn bar through the roof if you can! Next thing you know I was PR'ing. His point was that in WODs we often regulate our intensity to be as efficient as possible. Weightlifting is different: Rather than being efficient we want to be as explosive as possible. It made me wonder if there were other areas that I had gotten in the habit of doing just enough rather than killing it! I think so and if you're the same way then I encourage you to PR today on your snatch and your row.
There are still a few slots left! Sign up for our New Year's Eve Comp. Full details here, registration here.
Wasatch CrossFit North's Grand Opening is on New Year's Day at noon! Be there!
28/Dec/2012 Friday WOD
Take 10 Minutes to establish a 1RM Hang Power Snatch then:
Rest as needed
Row 500 meters for time
Rest as needed
Do 30 Ring Dips for time


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Gun documentary recalls Oak Creek Sikh temple shooting
An MSNBC documentary about gun violence showing Friday, on the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination, includes a segment on the 2012 Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek.
The program, called "50 Years of Guns," airs at 8 p.m. and is hosted by Al Sharpton, host of "Politics/Nation." According to the network: "This documentary looks at guns in America five decades after President Kennedy was taken by an assassin's bullet." »Read Full Blog Post(3)
Eat words: Edible Books Show at Woodland Pattern on April 6
Maybe you like to chew on what you've read. Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust St., is having its annual Edible Books Show on April 6, a display of book-related works made of food.
Families, students, chefs and others still can submit entries by calling the bookstore to reserve spots. »Read Full Blog Post
Foodie things to do this week in Milwaukee
Fine foods
That aroma in the air might be spring. On the other hand, it might be from this week's tasty food-related events. »Read Full Article


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INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Barry Lease, co-founder and president of Incline Builders, was recently voted 2011 Builder of the Year by the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe.Barry was brought up in the construction industry as a production framer back in the '80s, building mostly condominiums, apartment complexes and housing tracts. He was a foreman running crews for a number of years before getting a call in 1992 to come to Lake Tahoe and build custom homes. By spring 1993 he moved to Lake Tahoe's North Shore and started building with a local contractor. Barry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor is finance in 1980 from California State University Long Beach.Incline Builders is a licensed general contractor in California and Nevada and has been serving the building industry in Truckee Lake Tahoe area since 2000. Incline Builders is concentrated in the custom home market and have also done many projects in the commercial and multi-family markets."Our success comes through diversifying our marketing strategy. We are an In-House builder specializing in wood-framing, interior and exterior wood finishes, with skilled personnel performing various trades such as drywall, paint, tile and masonry," Lease said. "If we are not building a new construction project or remodel of our own, we contract out to other contractors or owners/builders to do their building shells, finish or whatever we can do to help."Incline Builders has built many award winning homes both on its own and for other local contractors, and it has a long history of producing quality projects.Office staff consists of five motivated individuals who stay on top of the day to day operations. There are two full-time estimators, always looking for more projects to bid on. In the field, staff supports several crews that work under four field superintendents."Our personnel are all skilled craftsman to their particular trade and Incline Builders makes sure all have had safety training," Lease said. "They have recently been certified by Build it Green and are currently working on LEED status. Staff can help take you from plan concept, to planning and design, through the permitting process and ultimately through the construction of a new home or remodel."The focus is on customer satisfaction and a quality production, both efficiently and economically, Lease said. Staff operates on a modest mark-up which varies, according to size of project, meaning it is negotiable, and always shop prices to get the best deal for the client."The goal is to do the best we can to keep cost down and try and come in under budget and on time," Lease said. "In the end, customer service is important in continuing relationships. We are always just a phone call away for taking care of any issues that may arise. All our work has a warranty behind it that we will back."Incline Builders believes in giving back to the community and local charities, to share time as volunteers or show support as sponsors. For many years, Incline Builders has supported Relay For Life, Kids andamp; Horses, school athletics programs and fundraising efforts for various charities. The company also is involved with builder associations and business groups where they volunteer their time."We feel that by being involved and giving back to the community, we earn our right to exist and thrive as a business in this beautiful place we call home," Lease said.Learn more about Incline Builders by calling 775-832-2777 or visiting www.inclinebuilders.com.
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January 4, 2012
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If you are signing up more than one daughter there is a 25% discount off the price of camp for your second daughter. Please register your first daughter without the discount code and you will enter the discount code when you sign up your second daughter. Please email Traci for the sibling discount code.
Westminster College is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If your child has any disability, which may impair his/her ability to access educational services or activities successfully, please identify so below. Upon notification of the need for a reasonable accommodation, the camp director will work with Westminster's ADA Coordinator and others to make accommodation determinations. Reasonable accommodations are reviewed for campers with qualified, documented disabilities. If you feel you or your child has been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Office of the General Counsel at 801-832-2565. If you have questions about accommodations, please contact your camp director.
After clicking the submit button, your clinic registration form has been submitted. On the next screen you will be asked for your credit card information to pay for the camp. If you have problems getting to the payment screen please use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer.
If you have any questions regarding the Sports & Recreation camp please contact Traci Siriprathane via email at email@example.com.


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Grant Support: By grant 9846 from the Medical Research Council of Canada and by DuPont Canada Inc.
Requests for Reprints: Andreas Laupacis, MSc, MD, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Loeb Research Institute, Ottawa Civic Hospital, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9.
Current Author Addresses: Dr. Laupacis: Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Loeb Research Institute, Ottawa Civic Hospital, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9.
Dr. Connolly: Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton Street, East,
Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2X2.
Professors Gent and Roberts: Hamilton Civic Hospital Research Centre, 711 Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8V 1C3.
Dr. Cairns: McMaster University Medical Centre, 1200 Main Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5.
Dr. Joyner: Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5.
© 1991 American College of PhysiciansAmerican College of Physicians
▪ Seven randomized studies during the past 5 years have evaluated or are evaluating the efficacy of warfarin or aspirin or both in decreasing the risk of embolic events in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. By March 1990, two of the studies had been published, both of which showed a statistically significant decrease in embolic events in patients treated with warfarin and a low rate of major bleeding events. The investigators associated with the other ongoing studies were forced to consider how these results should affect the decision to recruit and continue follow-up of patients in their own studies.
The Steering Committee of the Canadian Atrial Fibrillation Anticoagulation (CAFA) study thought the newly published results from other studies were valid, clinically important, and generalizable. The committee considered the following options for the CAFA study: continue patient recruitment as planned, provide the data available in CAFA to its External Safety and Efficacy Monitoring Committee for analysis to determine whether the CAFA data already showed a benefit of warfarin, stop patient recruitment but continue to follow patients in the group to which they were assigned, stop the trial immediately and perform a final analysis, and attempt to perform a meta-analysis of all data available from all trials. The Steering Committee of CAFA decided that the evidence of benefit with warfarin, from the two published studies, was sufficiently compelling as to stop recruitment into CAFA without any preliminary examination of the CAFA data.
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