text:
Taxonomy in a software application
Taxonomy is the science of classification, defining the methods used to relate different genres of things hierarchically. For instance, a taxonomy divides the natural world into animal and plant kingdoms, and so on, in finer details through species and subspecies. In the context of a software application or ontological vocabulary, taxonomy refers to the hierarchical schema that is used to differentiate classes of objects within an application, messaging layer, or dataset. In practice, I find that a taxonomy consisting of two levels, a supertype and a subtype, is too general to be particularly useful, and that a taxonomy with four or more levels becomes cumbersome and hard to maintain. Experience shows that a taxonomy with three levels is suitable for a wide variety of tasks. I refer to these three levels of taxonomy as category, type, and subtype.
An example of this breakdown from an application that tracks pets in a pet shop might feature a category of dog or cat, a type of Jack Russell Terrier, and subtypes of long-haired, coarse-haired, and short-haired. A more compelling example of this three-part breakdown of data, however, is provided by an application drawn from the financial world, a simple general ledger application.
Vocabulary for a sample financial application
Consider a financial ledger application that tracks debts, credits, and payments. These records might be defined using a vocabulary such as the one in Table 1.
Table 1. Sample vocabulary data for a financial application
This is a simple vocabulary that I use throughout this application for illustrative purposes. It is in no way an attempt to encompass the large problem-space of the finance domain. I want to suggest some approaches and technologies that you might find useful in defining vocabulary for a variety of business domains using this vocabulary as an example.
Modeling taxonomy with a flat XML structure
The easiest way to model an item identified by taxonomy is as a single element with multiple attributes, as in Listing 1.
Listing 1. Flat XML structure
<items> <item category="payment" type="chq" subtype="indiv">134.50</item> <item category="credit" type="interest" subtype="underpay">100.00</item> <item category="payment" type="eft" subtype="bank">1565.75</item> and so on...
Notice that this structure defines no rules of hierarchy, although you might define these outside of the data structure by the use of vocabulary defined by the schema used to enforce and validate this structure. In many cases, a flat structure is satisfactory to represent a collection of items, but in the case where these items are determined hierarchically, this structure is less than satisfactory.
A flat structure such as this is similar to the structure of a relational table, which might be a useful consideration if you work with data extracted or converted from an existing relational structure. As you can see, however, a less structured approach such as this one has some disadvantages. You encounter several of these disadvantages when you create an XSD for this data.
Using attributes in this way implicitly enforces a cardinality of
0..1, which might be suitable in some cases, but it is not difficult to imagine circumstances where, for instance, multiple subtypes are attributed to a single category and type. A good example of one of these circumstances is in the pet shop application described earlier. Imagine that pet shampoos can be indicated as appropriate for different types or subtypes of pets. In this case, it makes sense to allow a user to indicate more than one subtype, for instance coarse-haired and long-haired, which cannot be expressed using a simple flat XML structure such as the one described earlier.
A number of XML editors allow you to create a W3C XSD from a sample XML file. When you generate an XSD from the code sample, you can see the beginnings of a vocabulary emerging. This is promising, but if you look more closely at the schema extract in Listing 2, you notice that, although the vocabulary is represented accurately, the relationships among the layers of taxonomy are not reflected.
Listing 2. XSD extract for a flat XML structure
<xs:attribute name="category" use="required"> <xs:simpleType> <xs:restriction base="xs:string"> <xs:enumeration value="debt"/> <xs:enumeration value="credit"/> <xs:enumeration value="payment"/> </xs:restriction> </xs:simpleType> </xs:attribute> <xs:attribute name="type" use="required"> <xs:simpleType> <xs:restriction base="xs:string"> <xs:enumeration value="chq"/> <xs:enumeration value="eft"/> <xs:enumeration value="interest"/> </xs:restriction> </xs:simpleType> </xs:attribute>
Notice that although the
category and
type enumerate the expected values, the schema has no way to differentiate between a
type that is appropriate for debt and one that is appropriate for payment. Using an XSD file with an XML editor that supports a type-ahead style of data entry might be convenient, but it might result in inaccurate or unexpected data.
In addition, the ordering of the
xs:attribute blocks in the XSD is completely arbitrary. Although there is a natural hierarchy of category/type/subtype in the described taxonomy, this hierarchy is not reflected in the XSD because it is not present in the flat XML structure.
A preferable approach, then, is to break down the record into the natural hierarchical structure, in Listing 3. There is no need, however, to stop using attributes. It is quite straightforward to identify each element with a
code attribute. Unfortunately, as you will see, the XSD is still unable to reflect the relationships between the different
type, and
subtype metadata. This distinction is not something that XSDs can easily do.
Listing 3. Structured XML data
<sample xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="sample_structured.xsd"> <items> <item> <category code="payment"> <type code="eft"> <subtype code="bank"/> </type> </category> <value>100</value> </item> <item> <category code="debt"> <type code="interest"> <subtype code="overpay"/> </type> </category> <value>23</value> </item> and so on...
When you look in the XSD file referred to in the
xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation instruction, you see that the structure
of the XSD has changed somewhat, but the restrictions and enumerations that make up
the vocabulary portion of the XSD remain unchanged. The reality of grammatical schemas
such as XSD are that they cannot easily model around business rules that apply to
data, and you can do little about this as long as you use XSDs (at least, not with the 1.0 specification of W3C XSD—these limitations are being addressed in the forthcoming 1.1 specification, which is currently incomplete). Fortunately, XSDs are not the only option available.
Extending your data model using OASIS CAM
OASIS CAM is a template-based schema approach that works by extending XSDs using an XPath assertion method similar to that used in ISO Schematron. Because an OASIS CAM template uses XPath to locate specific nodes and patterns of nodes within the XML data, OASIS CAM can be much more expressive than XSD. Using a CAM template has the added advantage of separating business rules and domain specifics such as vocabulary and taxonomy into their own section within the template. The CAM is supported by some open source tooling, provided to facilitate adoption of the OASIS recommendation, but I also find it useful to modify the templates directly in a text editor. I recommend using both the available tooling and a text-based approach. After you prepare a template, you can use it to create sample XML files based on the schema, as well as to perform validation of existing XML data.
Generating a CAM template using CAMProcessor
You can use the CAMProcessor tool (which is an Eclipse-like implementation of the open
source jCAM project) to generate an OASIS CAM template from an XSD file by a process
known as ingestion. This option is available from CAMProcessor's File menu as
New > New Template from XSD. After you generate a new template from the sample_structured.xsd file in the provided sample files, you see something like the sample_structured_generated.cam file. I want to draw your attention to the rules in the
BusinessUseContext section of the template in Listing 4.
Listing 4. Generated CAM template for structured XML data (extract)
<as:BusinessUseContext> <as:Rules> <as:default> <as:context> <as:constraint action="makeRepeatable(//items/item)" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues(//item/category/@code,'debt'|'payment')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues(//category/type/@code,'chq'|'eft'|'interest')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues(//type/subtype/@code,'bank'|'indiv'|'overpay')" /> <as:constraint action="datatype(//item/value,byte)" /> </as:context> </as:default> </as:Rules> </as:BusinessUseContext>
BusinessUseContext section in the CAM template contains all the business rules expressed in the template, and this is where you expect to find the vocabulary available for use in XML files based on or validated by the template. As you can see from the listing, the vocabulary in the template is separated into a separate section, and the XPath patterns used to match the
type, and
subtype nodes now reflect the hierarchy of the three-part taxonomy better, but you are still not addressing the relationships between the metadata. And this is where you need to leverage the XPath used in the template further.
Modifying your CAM template to express a three-part taxonomy
Listing 5 is an extract from sample_structured_modified.cam in the provided sample files, which I created manually by editing the generated CAM template using a text editor.
Listing 5. Modified CAM template for structured XML data (extract)
<as:BusinessUseContext> <as:Rules> <as:default> <as:context> <as:constraint action="makeRepeatable(//items/item)" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item/category/@code,'payment'|'debt'|'credit')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item/category[@code="payment"]/type/@code,'eft'|'chq')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item/category[@code="debt"]/type/@code,'interest')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item/category[@code="credit"]/type/@code,'interest')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item//type[@code='eft']/subtype/@code,'bank')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item//type[@code='chq']/subtype/@code,'bank'|'indiv'|'trustee')" /> <as:constraint action="restrictValues( //item//type[@code='interest']/subtype/@code,'overpay'|'adjust')" /> <as:constraint action="datatype(//item/value,byte)" /> </as:context> </as:default> </as:Rules> </as:BusinessUseContext>
Notice how the XPath used to locate each of the node constraints in the
BusinessUseContext section has been modified to express the relationships shown in Table 1. This modification was fairly straightforward because XPath is able to match elements based on flexible pattern matching. For each positive match, a list of potential
code attribute values is provided. This list is not drastically different from the lists of values in Listing 2, the XSD for the flat file representation of the XML data with which you began. With the extra expressivity of XPath, however, you are now able to fully model the relationships between the various code values in the three-part taxonomy.
Grammar-based schemas such as Document Type Definition (DTD) and XSD will never be as expressive as schemas such as OASIS CAM and ISO Schematron, which leverage the additional expressivity of XPath. With a bit of modification of the XPath used to define an XML dataset with one of these schema approaches, you can leverage generalized business models such as the three-part taxonomy of category, type, and subtype, whether the data you are describing tracks clients in a pet shop or financial records in a general ledger application. Using a more expressive schema results in more accurate data and interoperability. Looking forward, using contemporary schema approaches such as OASIS CAM encourages growth of both the specification itself and tooling that supports the specification. I hope that I have demonstrated that you can also accomplish a lot with a simple text editor.
|Example XML Files
- Meet CAM: A new XML validation technology (Brian M. Carey, developerWorks, Sept 2009): Take semantic and structural validation to the next level in a useful introduction to OASIS CAM and the ways in which this approach differs from other schemas.
- XML Validation Framework using OASIS CAM (CAMV) (Puneet Kathuria, David Webber, and Martin Roberts, developerWorks, May 2010): Write your XML data validation rules based on a declarative programming approach in a practical example of using CAM templates to support supply chain messaging in the automotive industry.
- Taking XML Validation to the Next Level (Michael Sorens,devx, May 2009): Dig into a great series that introduces many of the features of OASIS CAM.
- XML area on developerWorks: Get the resources you need to advance your skills in the XML arena.
- My developerWorks: Personalize your developerWorks experience.
- IBM XML certification: Find out how you can become an IBM-Certified Developer in XML and related technologies.
- XML technical library: See the developerWorks XML Zone for a wide range of technical articles and tips, tutorials, standards, and IBM Redbooks. Also, read more XML tips.
- developerWorks technical events and webcasts: Stay current with technology in these sessions.
- developerWorks on Twitter: Join today to follow developerWorks tweets.
- developerWorks podcasts: Listen to interesting interviews and discussions for software developers.
- developerWorks on-demand demos: Watch demos ranging from product installation and setup for beginners to advanced functionality for experienced developers.
Get products and technologies
- jCAM project: Download this open source project, which contains the CAMProcessor application.
- IBM product evaluation versions: Download or explore the online trials in the IBM SOA Sandbox and get your hands on application development tools and middleware products from DB2®, Lotus®, Rational®, Tivoli®, and WebSphere®.
- XML zone discussion forums: Participate in any of several XML-related discussions.
- The developerWorks community: Connect with other developerWorks users while exploring the developer-driven blogs, forums, groups, and wikis.
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text:
I am in the process of organizing a panel for the Third Biennial Interdisciplinary Conference on race scheduled to take place at Monmouth University November 8-10 in 2012. The conference theme is "Access and Privilege in Higher Education." The topic of the panel that I am organizing is "Black Women in the Ivory Tower." My paper is an analysis of the life of Anna Julia Cooper in historical context. I hope to bring together additional scholars writing on the topic of black women in higher education past and present from various disciplinary perspectives. Some suggested paper topics are as follows:
Black Women, Higher Education, and the Civil Rights Movement
Black Women and the Tenure Process
Black Women in Academia on Predominantly White College Campuses
This conference is interdisciplinary and in the past has included scholars from more than a dozen nations and fifteen U.S. states. Please send your 250 word abstract to email@example.com and include your contact information.
Hettie V. Williams
Lecturer, African American History
Department of History and Anthropology
Monmouth University
400 Cedar Avenue


text:
INDIANAPOLIS — Now that Peyton Manning's 14-year run with the Colts is over, the NFL's only four-time MVP will turn his attention to finding a new team.
The Colts released the quarterback Wednesday rather than pay a $28 million roster bonus. Manning, who turns 36 on March 24, will get plenty of offers assuming his neck is fine after four procedures kept him out last season.
Various media reports have the Redskins and Dolphins going hard after Manning, the Cardinals, Seahawks and Jets already reaching out to him and the Broncos planning to inquire.
On Wednesday night, he flew to Miami, where he has a home. After landing, the media pursued his van. Manning pulled over in a church parking lot but gave no hints of his future: "I have no idea who wants me, what team wants me, how this process works. I don't know if it's like college recruiting where you go take visits."
Earlier, Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay paused often, fighting tears and their voices shaking during a joint news conference announcing the release.
"We all know that nothing lasts forever," said Manning, the first overall pick by the Colts in 1998. "Times change. Circumstances change, and that's the reality of playing in the NFL. I'll always be a Colt. That'll never change."
Manning got choked up while discussing the Colts employees.
"We've got the greatest equipment guys in the world," he said. "I think about those types of relationships; not necessarily always on the field and the touchdown throw to win the game. It's the behind the scenes. The laughs. The stories. Those will be with me for the rest of my life."
The team, which plans to draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the top pick, said Manning's No. 18 will be retired.
Said Irsay: "There will be no other Peyton Manning."
Bucs tender Bennett: The Bucs put a first-round tender on defensive end Michael Bennett. It guarantees him a one-year deal worth about $2.7 million, though a long-term deal can be signed. The free agent, 26, who had four sacks last season, can talk with other teams, but the Bucs can match any offer or get a first-round pick. Said Bennett: "It's pretty cool to know they think highly of me."
Bounties: Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton apologized and accepted the blame for the bounty program. "We understand the negative impact it has had on our game," they said in a joint statement. Also, the players union said it will conduct an investigation.
Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.


text:
Why EWNRA is so important?
- Divers natural resources wealth but is degrading at an alarming rate specifically wetlands,
- Loss of biodiversity and decline in freshwater availability,
- High population growth and as a result high dependence on the NRM,
- No specific policy in the country that address wetland issues, read more...
Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association is a local non-governmental organization established in 2000 with environmental and development objectives specifically focusing on wetlands and natural resource conservation in the country. The organization strives to realize its vision of seeing healthy Ethiopia's wetlands and related ecosystems providing sustainable benefits to local and global environment and development. read more...


text:
Before and After: Kitchen
6 hours ago
Hi Julie, I´m from Brazil and wanna say that I loved your blog! I´m a fan of Provence,and I´ll have the pleasure to be there in september in my honeymoon trip. Your blog will be very useful for me, I found a lot of interessing things already. Do you have any tip in your blog about good (and not too expensive)vineyards to visit and buy some wine in Chateauneuf du Pape?
Well, I´m just starting my blog about Florianopolis, my city in Brasil, be welcome to come by!


text:
Shipping Ecosystem 25% complete
Hi Backers,
Thank you for the extreme patience for the shipping of ecosystems. We had to do several modifications for the shipping of the ecosystems, because USPS shipping has been... Read more
Voucher and Shipping Live Ecosystems
Hi Kickstarter Backers,
We have everything prepared to ship the ecosystems out.
We will begin sending out vouchers. Please if weather is extreme, below 20's, we suggest to delay shipping... Read more
Last few steps, all PJ Reef Lamps have shipped
Hey Kickstarter Backers,
The most exciting news is that we have shipped out all the PJ reefs lamps. Each lamp will come with the glass, jar, manual, power AC/DC adapter... Read more
Live material Shipping out NEXT WEEK
Hi Backers
All the lamps are being shipped out this week. Note that live material will be shipped out differently and safer.
Regards Paul
Final Steps and Fixes
Hi Kickstarter Backers,
The final step is here, shipping. The lamps arrived safely. The quality is great and packaging looks good.
There is one minor setback, instead of the LED... Read more
Finished Manufacturing, Shipping Soon
Hi Kickstarter backers,
We have been working hard to meet this November deadline. What better thing than pictures to show the progress.
The lamps will be in our possession in... Read more
PJ Newsletter Subscription
Hey Backers,
I have created a newsletter that will keep you updated with interesting reef aquarium news. The first Issue is a sample and highlights mostly our Kickstarted project. I... Read more
PJ reefs Photo Flashback
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I have compiled photos from my very first PJ reef ecosystem. This ecosystem is what starter it all. Also, I took several closeup pictures of critters, corals and... Read more
Final Stretch Goals
Hey Backers,
Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend. I have been making a list of several updates that I will be sending out this week.
I... Read more
PJ reefs enters build competition
Dear Backers,
PJ reefs has entered a competition at Nano in 90 Build Off Competition
to show how a PJ reef ecosystem can be fun, educational and easy to build.
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PJ reefs in the Florida Weekly Newspaper
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Because of your great support PJ reefs as made it into the
You all can read the article here http://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/news/2013-07-03/Business_News/Kick_Started.html
PJ reefs Social media
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I'm glad to say that the project is running smoothly. We have everything prepared to begin producing the molds for the lamps right after the project ends.
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Hi Backers, we have reached our first stretch goal which means that everyone that backed a a lamp and glass jar will received a free cleaner magnets. These magnets help... Read more


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text:
Elements of a Good Proposal
A good proposal has nine elements, and each is important in an effective presentation. The specific format and content of the elements may vary, depending on requirements in the solicitation or announcement. It is also important to remember the elements will not always appear as separate sections or in the order listed here.
Statement of the Problem
This section should include a clear and concise statement of the purpose or goal of the project. In a grant proposal, it consists of (1) the specific question(s) to be answered, (2) a brief explanation of the need for or significance of the study, and (3) an explanation of how the results will contribute to the existing body of knowledge. In a response to an RFP, this section consists of the offerer's interpretation of the government's requirements. Proposals that restate or paraphrase the RFP suggest that the offerer has not really thought much about the issues.
Literature Review
A proposal should reflect the offerer's understanding of relevant bodies of literature and where his/her study fits in that context. This section need not be lengthy, however it should be comprehensive. It should trace the central themes in the literature, highlight major areas of disagreement, and reflect a critical stance toward the materials reviewed. Citing weak research or poorly articulated theory does not help. RFP's frequently contain hints or directions for the literature review. Grant announcements usually do not, so offerers have considerable autonomy in identifying relevant bodies of literature. That autonomy requires careful thought and creativity in identifying appropriate sources.
Conceptual Framework
In this section, the offerer provides his/her own perspective. What theories or concepts will guide the study? How or why do they suggest the specific hypotheses or research questions? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed framework? RFP's sometimes specify a particular theoretical perspective that should guide the study. If so, the proposal should contain clear evidence that the offerer understands the theoretical perspective and can work with it. Grant programs usually do not specify a conceptual orientation.
Hypotheses or Research Questions
Following the description of the conceptual framework, there should be a clear, crisp statement of the research hypotheses, or, in the case of some qualitative studies, a concise description of the phenomena to be examined. Depending on the requirements of the solicitation, the hypotheses may be stated informally or formally. Finally, an explanation of why testing the hypotheses or answering the questions is appropriate for elucidating the research problems and is consistent with the conceptual framework should be included.
This section consists of a description of plans for collecting and analyzing the data. What instruments will be used? Why are they appropriate for this study? Is there evidence of the instruments' reliability and validity? How and to whom will they be administered? What procedures will be followed in the data analysis? For qualitative studies, there should be an explanation of the purpose of observations and interviews, and, if possible, some indication of their content and format. The description of the proposed methodology should contain enough detail to indicate that the offerer knows what he/she is doing. Proposals that include the formula for a statistical test as the only information about plans for data analysis don't lend confidence that the study will yield robust findings or rich insights. Similarly, proposals that simply offer to use the newest research procedures may suggest that the investigator is attentive or attracted to fads, but may not be familiar with that particular research approach.
Task Structure (Scope of Work)
This section indicates exactly what will be done, the sequence of the various activities, and the products of deliverables that will be prepared. RFP's specify the tasks, deliverables, and schedule in some detail, although there is usually some latitude for offerers. In preparing grant proposals, there is more freedom to define the tasks. In both cases, it is important that the proposed task structure includes all of the activities necessary for completing the project. Planning a viable schedule for carrying out the tasks is often as important as developing a comprehensive list of tasks.
Management Plan
A crucial part of the plan is a creative and effective approach to project management. The approach should indicate who will be responsible for each part of the work, and who will be responsible for overall coordination. The management plan should also be carefully tailored to the unique nature of the individual project.
Staff and Institutional Qualifications
This section includes a full discussion of the qualifications and experience of the proposed staff. Sometimes it is useful to include brief summaries of the staff experience in the management plan and to attach complete resumes for each member of the team as appendices to the proposal. This information is essential should be presented in a way that demonstrates that the staff has the necessary qualifications and experience to conduct the research. This section should also include complete information about the relevant qualifications of the institution where the project will be located. Research projects often require a variety of hardware or software and there should be clear evidence that adequate facilities are available to support the project.
The project budget should include clear and reasonable estimates of the costs of each element of the project, and there should be enough supporting information to indicate how the estimates were developed. Base salaries for all staff, standard charges for computer use, and allowable travel costs are a few examples of useful background information. In preparing the budget, remember that the budget is a reflection of the offerer's understanding of the project and his/her ability to plan and manage effectively. A budget that is too low may indicate failure to grasp how much work is really necessary to do a good job. A budget that is too high may also suggest a lack of understanding of what is required, or it may reflect careless management. Both make the proposal unattractive. The grant programs and RFP's require that certain forms be used in preparing budgets, although background information can usually be presented in a number of ways. These forms should be filled out carefully and completely, since they are usually examined first when business sections of the proposal are reviewed. Even if a budget is not required, it is a good idea to have a budget for internal purposes.
A final note about good proposals
Quality writing is critical in all good proposals. It should be clear, concise, and free of jargon. There should be no spelling or grammatical errors, and the proposal should be easy to read. Sloppy proposals and proposals laden with jargon do not provide a positive image of the offerer, nor do they lend confidence that solid research will follow. Proposals that are well-written and attractive are a pleasure to read, and they make a good impression with reviewers.


text:
The Department of Defense is investigating the death of a Lubbock soldier in Iraq.
U.S. Army Spc. Geoffrey Golden Johnson, 28, died Sunday of injuries suffered in a noncombat-related incident in Baghdad, the department announced this week. Army officials declined to provide any additional details, saying the matter still was under investigation.
Johnson was assigned to Headquarters Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood.
"It's a real tragedy," said friend Laura Trefethen. "He was a really great guy."
Johnson was the married father of four young children.
"He was very devoted to his family, a really great father," Trefethen said.
Johnson graduated from Frenship High School in Wolfforth in 1998, she said. He went on to join the Army in August 2006 as a terrain-data specialist. He deployed to Iraq in November, Fort Hood officials said.
Johnson had earned several awards and decorations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon, according to Fort Hood officials.
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text:
Thank you for your interest in attending Passion 2014. We believe God has immeasurably more in store for our time together in Atlanta and Houston and are grateful you want to join us. All of us at Passion and Living Proof are praying for each of you.
The Living Proof Ministries Scholarship covers registration for Passion 2014. You will be responsible for all additional expenses including travel, lodging, and meals outside of lunch on Saturday.
To apply for a scholarship, please read over the requirements and fill out the form below. Scholarships will be awarded based on availability. Please make sure to select and confirm the city which you would like to attend, as we will not be able to switch cities once you're registered.
I certify that I meet ALL qualifications for this scholarship.
Beth would love to know each of your names. She has a passion on her heart for each scholarship recipient to be prayed for, by name, throughout the conference.


text: Changes in my menstruation (and I am still menstruating once per month) at age 51 could be due to changes in my diet, but I think it is more likely to be the result of my age. I would like it if they stopped now. Hell, I would have liked it if they stopped when I was 12.


text:
Top Definition
A game played by 2 gay men in the privacy of their own bedroom
Khoan and Corey were into a heavy game of bumdarts last night. I can tell because they are both walking funny
po bt Фабруар 19, 2003
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
The act of one man sticking his penis into the rectum of another man's, repeatedly making it go in and out, until ejaculation.
Hey, Lance Bass, its me, Elton John, are you good at bum darts?
po heyheyho Јануар 30, 2007
A sexual act where a man puts his penis into a vagina or anus like a dart.
They played bumdarts in bed.
po Matthew Cassell Октобар 23, 2004
'Sport': A drunken game in which players place a coin in their ass-crack, and drop said coin into a designated cup on the floor.
Tina scores 3 points by getting a penny into the beer glass.
po George Март 9, 2004
when a man pokes his cock in another mans bum.
on saturday nights, gareth goes to morgans house, takes off his pants, and plays "bum darts" with morgann. Gareth usually wins, actually he always wins because as he lieks to say, practice makes perfect
po gareth Јануар 29, 2003
1.A dildo for your anus.
stop playing with my bum dart!
Your a dirty bum dart
Your a dirty bum dart
po Geee_Innes Март 28, 2006
You bumdarts champion
po Sam Март 17, 2003


text:
By Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press ServiceOctober 30, 2009
WASHINGTON (Oct. 29, 2009) -- Being fit to fight in today's military means more than simply being physically fit, and through the concept of "total fitness," Defense Department officials hope to build on what many say already is the most resilient force in U.S. military history.
Total fitness strikes a balance between strong minds and bodies, a balance servicemembers today need more than ever, said Army Maj. Todd Yosik, chief of the operational division for the Defense Centers of Excellence, in an interview with American Forces Press Service yesterday.
Yosik echoed recent comments by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other top officials, noting that mental readiness has become increasingly important for servicemembers as they continue to deal with the stress of frequent deployments. Even the most optimistic troops have had difficulty staying vigilant over the past eight years in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.
"This has really challenged even the most resilient and best warriors that we have," Yosik said. "Through the last several years, a lot of very resilient folks have struggled with deployments. Warriors today, probably more than ever before, need to possess more strength and stamina than what we've ever really encountered in the history of our military within the U.S. Defense Department."
A servicemember who is in top physical as well as mental shape will be more efficient and effective and, more importantly, better equipped to sustain the rigors of a variety of tough missions, he explained.
It's not uncommon for troops to carry up to 150 pounds of equipment for days and weeks in an operation. Although the physical toll is great, such servicemembers still need to be as stress-free as possible and able to process their task, he added.
"Total fitness is an emerging concept that integrates not only the physical part of being a warrior, but also the mental part, and also that larger part of having a sense of purpose and being connected to something bigger than yourself," Yosik said. "The bottom line is you can't do it all on your own."
Family, community, emotional strength and stamina are just as important as physical fitness, Yosik said. He said he encourages troops to be open and communicate with their families and units, rather than bottling up their stress.
Also, focusing on good nutritional and sleep habits can lead to positive differences, he said. These practices will culminate into a more well-rounded servicemember and overall force.
"The total fitness concept is really an effort to build on existing strength that are already there to help enhance some of these elements to make warriors stronger, to prepare them better and to help them sustain better," he said, "[and] also, at the same time, enhance their performance and their mission effectiveness."
The Army, Yosik noted, recently began a servicewide program to teach Soldiers the value of total fitness. Through its Comprehensive Fitness program, the Army is implementing online and classroom training in individual units and various levels of leadership education. The program began earlier this month to give Soldiers a means to evaluate their psychological strengths and improve on their weaker areas. Also, Soldiers who are deemed mentally fit through their evaluations learn to educate others.
"Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is a perfect example of a total fitness initiative, and the Army is out in front on that," he said. "It's a commendable effort of bringing together these topics, and that's something that is emerging across the [department]."
As the total fitness idea continues to spread throughout the force, Yosik and others recognize the long-term effect psychological fitness can have on troops. More and more servicemembers are being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Research indicates that untreated psychological conditions can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, problems at home, depression and even suicide. At a joint Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Summit here this week, health care professionals gathered to address the emotional wounds of war.
Gates noted in his keynote address Oct. 26 that more than 6,000 servicemembers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with psychological conditions. Eight years of fighting terrorism in the two countries has impacted the troops, he said, and Pentagon leadership is cautious about pushing troops to their limits.
But through initiatives such as the total fitness concept and the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, Yosik said, the force will only get better.
"The Defense Department is really taking an aggressive stance on mental health and resilience," Yosik said. "That's very telling when you have the most senior person in the [department] saying this is an important thing.
"I think in order to sustain yourself in full-spectrum operations, you really can't separate the two. You can't separate the mind and body, because mental stamina [and] physical fitness are so critical for mission success."


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A jewelry appraisal is an expert estimate of the retail replacement value of a piece of jewelry. An appraisal is determined by cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the gemstones; current market data; and the weight of precious metals included in the piece. Other details include craftsmanship. A jewelry appraisal ensures that your insurance company will give you an equal replacement of your jewelry in circumstances of loss, theft, or damage. Insurance agencies need appraisals to calculate a coverage rate for your jewelry.
Items that retail for $1,000 or more will receive an appraisal report issued by a GIA certified gemologist.
Jewelry Certificates
Gemorie.com's gemstones are certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world's largest, oldest, and most esteemed independent and non-profit laboratories. GIA screens gemstones to ID synthetics, simulants, and known treatments. Furthermore, GIA gemologists inspect gemstones under controlled viewing conditions to provide the most strict evaluation of a gemstone's cut, clarity, carat weight, and color.
The following items will come with a certificate from GIA:
- Items with a diamond center stone whose carat weight is 0.30 ct or more.
- Items with a semi-precious gemstone (sapphire, emerald, ruby, etc.) center stone whose carat weight is 1.0 ct or more.
Please note: A customer who orders a $1,000+ item with a center stone that qualifies for a GIA certificate will receive both a GIA certificate and appraisal report. A customer who orders a $1,000+ item with loose stones will receive an appraisal report only.


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English Ed Links
English Ed News
MAT Secondary English
Field Experience Information
Beginning in Fall 2015, MAT Secondary English students will complete a yearlong clinical experience (YCE) and a two-week middle school experience.
ENED 6650: approximately 2 full days and 2 half days per week in a field placement for the fall semester.
ENED 6660: 8 weeks of half days, 5 weeks of fulls days in the field placement during the second spring semester.
Two-week middle school placement: Typically arranged during the spring semester.
For candidates who are currently teachers of English, Language Arts, or a closely related field, the MAT Secondary English program can integrate field experience requirements with their professional positions.
English Ed Home spac e space English Dept Home
Copyright © 2010
Kennesaw State University


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Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital, is a 515-bed acute care facility that provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic medical services and functions as a major teaching and clinical research institution. For more information please visit our web site at http://pennhealth.com/pahosp/
The Archives of the Pennsylvania Hospital have been gathered for 255 years – an almost unbroken series since 1751. The Archives consists of administration and financial records, patient files, photographs and other visual materials, personal papers of hospital practitioners, and artifacts, as well as the records of the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and affiliates absorbed by Pennsylvania Hospital such as the Philadelphia Dispensary, the Preston Retreat, the Southern Dispensary, the Philadelphia Lying-In Charity, the Maternity Hospital, the Nurse Charity, and the Humane Society. It is a unique resource for scholars interested in the history of hospital development, mental health care, medicine, architecture and genealogy. For more on our collections or the history of Pennsylvania Hospital, please visit http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/
The keynote address will take place in our newly renovated Zubrow Auditorium, and the panel sessions will be held in the historic Pine Building.
Please submit your proposals/abstracts to:
Stacey C Peeples
Curator-Lead Archivist, Pennsylvania Hospital
3 Pine East, 800 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107


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Highly desirable characteristics; high selectivity= fewer side effects, Drugs act through receptors like a lock and key.
How does kidney disease effect pharmacokinetics?
Kidneys are the most important organ in the body for drug excretion
What is the Drug schedule from the Controlled Substances act of 1970
Set of rules for the manufacturing and distribution of drugs considered to have potential for abuse. Schedule I- not accepted in the US and high potential for abuse, II-V have acceptable medical applications but still potential for abuse. Greater the # less chance for abuse.
Time required for the amount of drug in the body to decrease by 50%, Short-half life= leaves body quickly, Long-half life= leaves body slowly
Prevent activation of receptors and block the actions of endogenous regulatory molecules or blocking actions of drugs
Anaphylaxis-when can it occur, how is it treated?
Severe allergy= hypotension, bronchoconstriction and edema of glottis=epinephrine injected IM
What are signs and symptoms of liver failure?
Jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, nausea, vomiting, malaise, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite
What is an allergic reaction, how much of a drug does it take to cause an allergic rxn?
Immune response
When do you suspect an adverse drug reaction?
Unintended and undesirable effect that occurs at normal drug doses


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In response to the explosive demand for Power Architecture® technology throughout Asia, Power.org has hosted the ASIA Power Architecture® Conference, a one day executive conference, held in Shenzhen, China, 1 September 2011. Great number of attendees Joined us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Power Architecture technology and learn about the future vision and application of the technology in a variety of interconnected, interactive and intelligent systems.
The conference provided the attendees with opportunities to:
- Learn about the latest advancement of Power Architecture technology: Synergy between computing and embedded applications and long-term roadmaps of innovation in a variety of applications, including automotive, networking and high-performance computing
- Hear from industry experts: Presentations from industry executives, a China government official and Power.org member companies, including an exciting presentation from a member of IBM's Watson project, the natural language supercomputer. Presenters include executives from Freescale, Chinachip, C*Core, LSI, Synopsys & VeriSilicon
- Exchange ideas: With other attendees, presenters, media, analysts and executives from member companies and in the "ThinkPower for the Future" executive round table
- Imagine the smarter future: Inspiration to turn your ideas into tomorrow's reality – built on Power Architecture technology
The 2011 ASIA Power Architecture Conference was attended by C-Level, 3rd party tool developers, and academia.
Conference Information and Sponsors:
Date: 1 September 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel
Agenda and Slides
For the Chinese version, please check the Chinese website http://www.cn.power.org/events/ASIA-PAC-2011/
|9:30 – 9:35
|Welcome and Introduction
|Mr. Fawzi BehmannDr. Eric Tsou
|9:35 – 9:50
|Keynote: Government Official
|Dr. Sun
|9:50 – 10:00
|Opening Remarks
|Dr. Kai Wang
|10:00 – 10:15
|C*Core Presentation
|Mr. Jiang Zheng
|10:15 – 10:45
|Watson Presentation
|Dr. Yuan Ni
|11:00 – 11:15
|Power.org Presentation
|Mr. Fawzi Behmann
|11:15 – 11:45
|IBM Presentation
|Mr. Elmer Corbin
|11:45 – 12:15
|Chinachip Presentation
|Mr. Walter Li
|13:30 – 14:30
|Executive Round Table Discussion "ThinkPower for the Future"
|( 7 executives + 2 Moderators)
|14:45 – 15:15
|Freescale Presentation
|Mr. Xinxin Yang
|15:15 – 15:45
|VeriSilicon Presentation
|Mr. Rui Wang
|16:00 – 16:30
|LSI Presentation
|Mr. Cooky Shi
|16:30 – 17:00
|Synopsys Presentatinon
|Dr. VazgenMelikyan
ASIA Power Architecture Conference featured a rich set of nearly 20 demonstrations that covered lower power SoC, high performance AP WLAN, multicore packet accelerator, EDA tools, debugging, tracing and operating system support, licensing, and advanced engineering educational programs. The conference also featured a special demonstration of "Watson" based on Power Architecture which represents a breakthrough and leadership in artificial intelligence, natural language processing and computation & analytic capability.


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The possible class action against banks for charges for late payments has attracted a lot of attention. The publicity stirred a reader to write to us about their experience.
Their problem concerned charges on a late credit card payment. An automatic payment authority had been in place giving their credit card company the right to deduct the amount due. Things had gone along for years without a hitch, until last month.
The month before, the reader had used their credit card to pay a rates bill so the amount to be deducted was unusually large and more than they had in their cheque account. The AP was rejected and the payment not made on the due date.
Realising the next day what had happened, the payment was made in full and the debt cleared - an honest enough mistake and no doubt one that many people make from time to time. The credit card holder had expected the credit card company to charge interest for one day at the prescribed rate, which was 19.95 per cent.
But they were charged $96.22 interest plus a $15 late payment fee. Given the account was unpaid for only one day the $96 interest represented an annual interest rate of 589 per cent.
Outraged, our reader asked the bank to explain how they arrived at the interest charge. The bank explained the interest is not based on the time between the due payment date and the actual payment date but is back-dated to the previous month's closing balance. In other words, the normal 30 days interest-free period is ignored.
Our reader was therefore charged 31 days interest for a payment that was only a day late.
This story does have a happy ending though. The bank did agree to refund the $96.22 interest charge in full, as well as the $15. The complaint was made at the same time the press were covering the class action story so maybe that helped the reader, but whatever the reason, well done to the bank.
However, we don't think the way the bank calculates the penalty interest is fair so be wise and don't be shy about challenging your bank. It is also a warning about credit card payments and the need to pay the monthly account on or before the due date.
It's not the only case of a bank reversing charges. A number of years ago, we became aware that a bank was charging the full rate of interest on a loan even though the borrower had not drawn down the full amount. The borrower became suspicious and asked the bank to explain their calculation only when they compared the interest charged against the principal borrowed.
Eventually, they received a full explanation. The borrower challenged the bank on the grounds that the bank should not be charging interest on money they had not loaned. The bank would not budge and things became deadlocked, until the borrower said they were going to refer the matter to the Banking Ombudsman for a ruling.
At that point the matter was passed on to someone else in the bank and resistance and obstruction melted into compliance and co-operation. The bank fully refunded the overcharged interest, amounting to many thousands of dollars, and apologised profusely.
In our view, it was not really a case of the bank seeing the error of its ways - more of a case it did not want the publicity that would flow from the Ombudsman's ruling and a potential order that the bank fully refund every other case where this overcharging had occurred.
We wonder how many people are not wise enough - or stroppy enough - to challenge their bank. We think people like our readers mentioned are the exception, rather than the norm. It's time to get smarter with your money, Kiwis!
Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips at www.oilyrag.co.nz.


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The great attraction of this book is that it assembles in one volume descriptions of the major works about gastrointestinal ulcerations and burns. The discussions of the early papers by Curling and others are especially well done. The bibliography is extensive, and the important references are annotated. The book is an excellent source for background material.
Chapters on etiology, pathogenesis, experimental studies, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, and treatment are based largely on the extensive review of the literature, but also reflect the authors' series of 1,102 cases, 81 of which came to autopsy. The review is thorough and up-to-date. The authors point out clearly that the stress of the burn brings about an adaptive response in which the entire organism takes part. The gastrointestinal lesions, which are not localized just to the duodenum but are found throughout the gastrointestinal canal, are viewed as enteric expressions of the body's overall response
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Now Making the Internet Rounds: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Ads
Plenty o' jackets.By Hilary Moss
Plenty o' jackets.By Hilary Moss
Let's get some shoes.By Rebecca Ramsey
With your eyes.By Hilary Moss
There's something to be said for consistency.By Diana Tsui
The collaboration is confirmed for November 15.By Charlotte Cowles
H&M refuses to confirm.By Charlotte Cowles
Plus, Lana Del Rey inspires nail art.
Plus, Charlotte Gainsbourg covers Elle France.
God bless America.By Ally Betker
And they say she's so lucky, she's a [street style] star...By Alex Rees
Also, Opening Ceremony is collaborating with Maison Martin Margiela, and Roberto Cavalli is opening more clubs.
The book traces minimalism from the sixties to today, and the pictures are awesome.By James Lim
The hardworking commercial veteran has finally arrived in the high-fashion world.By James Lim
Also, Julia Restoin Roitfeld had to stand at a show in London.
See our top picks from Margiela, Species by the Thousands, Surface to Air, and more.By Brianna Fay
See top picks from Vivienne Westwood, Alexis Bittar, Prada, and more.By Brianna Fay
The FLOTUS packed a suitcase full of breezy clothes from her favorite designers.By Caitlin Petreycik
Ogle finger-spanning rings by Pamela Love, Bijules, Dannijo, Surface 2 Air, and more.By Caitlin Petreycik
From delicate bows to pants made of purses, there's a lot to learn from Paris couture.By The Fug Girls
See the complete collections in our fashion-show galleries.By Ashlea Halpern


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Bodega (shop.bdgastore.com), recently named by GQ as one of the 25 best men's stores in America, is a premier provider of sneakers and high-end menswear. Located at 6 Clearway Street in Boston's Back Bay, Bodega was founded in 2006 by Jay, Oliver and Dan, three friends who wanted to create an accessible outlet for art and design. Since its inception, Bodega has quickly gained a global following for its exclusive stocking of limited edition sneakers and quality goods.
Known for hosting an elegant shop hidden behind a fully functioning convenience store, Bodega carries brands that are renown for their well-crafted pieces as well as their attention to innovative design. Bodega also carries its own in-store line, sold exclusively at Bodega, that is predicated on the store's philosophy of making a first-rate product while not taking oneself too seriously.
Through Styleforum, we hope to share with our followers some insight into store happenings, whether it is a footwear collaboration or an in-store event. So no matter where you are in the world, you can still support your local Bodega.
Feel free to contact us with any inquiries at email@example.com.
Edited by drewtronius - 4/1/12 at 10:00am


text: VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. (AFNS) -- When the Guardian Challenge events kick off April 29 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, it will mark the 30th anniversary of the space and missile competition. The Guardian Challenge tradition began in 1967 when Strategic Air Command held the first missile combat competition, known as "Curtain Raiser." Each intercontinental ballistic missile wing sent two combat crews and one targeting and alignment team. Competition was canceled in 1968 because of SAC's commitments in Vietnam but resumed the following year, when it was renamed "Olympic Arena." The next major changes came in 1975, when teams included female combat-crew members and security police. The following year, in 1976, it again expanded to include communications, civil engineering and vehicle support teams. In 1978, however, the competition was downsized, and the vehicle support teams were excluded from Olympic Arena. The eighties brought more changes to the missile competition. In 1982, it was again renamed and became the SAC Missile Combat Competition. Peacekeeper missiles became part of the event in 1988. To celebrate the merger of space and missile career fields and the transfer of 20th Air Force to Air Force Space Command in 1993, the competition was renamed "Guardian Challenge," reflecting space command's motto, "Guardians of the High Frontier." The May 1994 Guardian Challenge debut included space operations for the first time. In 1995, helicopters were added to the competition. Guardian Challenge '97 will include a "first" as well: satellite operations teams from the 50th Space Wing will participate in the event. While the competition itself has changed over the years, the spirit of the "High Plains Warrior" has not. "The historic competitor spirit, which has evolved over 30 years, continues to demonstrate to our friends and foes that Air Force Space Command produces the finest warfighters," said Brig. Gen. Robert C. Hinson, Air Force Space Command's director of operations. Many traditions have remained a part of the annual space and missile competition over the years. "Guardian Challenge spans the Command's mission areas while preserving some of the fine traditions," said Gen. Howell M. Estes III, commander of Air Force Space Command. These events, including the score postings and Competitor's Parade, have been preserved from the original competitions and will highlight the week's events.


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Ok as a huge fan of JRPGs who is not a japanophile, can someone explain why dual audio matters at all? If you're going to read the text anyway why not just turn the sound off? I don't see how having voice tracks I don't understand improves the experience at all. Not being critical, I just can't even understand why it's an issue?
I'd much prefer the original Japanese voice acting (good or bad) over bad English voice acting. And even with good English voice acting, I'd prefer the Japanese voices with subtitles over the English voices (which is how I prefer to watch most Japanese anime).
Even without being translated, you can get a good sense of the meaning and emotional state of a character and what they are saying based on HOW they say something, and much of this is often lost or reinterpreted during the translation process (and rarely for the better) even if the translation itself is accurate .
For me, English voices for a Japanese movie are like watching Seven Samaurai spoken in English by people with hillbilly accents. And in many cases with anime, when I compare the quality of the voice acting between Japanese and English, the Japanese is often much better (IMO).
For video games, it's not as critical since the faces/voices are rarely in synch anyway, but I still prefer the Japanese language version in most cases, and especially when the game wasn't originally expected to be translated to English from the beginning. It's just closer to what was originally intended, which usually means better.
Of course, that's all based on how well you can read/listen at the same time. I have no trouble at all reading subtitled movies and actually blend the voices and words together in my mind so the two aren't really separate. But it might not work that way for others.
On a side note, it is sometimes funny to watch a foreign movie that has translated voices and is subtitled with both set to English. Sometimes the two translations are VERY different, often to hilarious effect. But it also gives you insight into just how differently something can be translated and how much the different translation can affect the meaning.


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TOKYO (Standard & Poor's) Oct. 3, 2011--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'BBB' debt ratings to Daiwa Securities Group Inc.'s (BBB/Negative/A-2) South African rand- and Australian dollar-denominated unsecured straight bonds. The 1.346 billion South African rand-denominated bonds, due April 16, 2015, carry a coupon rate of 6.05%; and the 72 million Australian dollar-denominated bonds, also due April 16, 2015, carry a coupon rate of 4.55%. The rating assignment date (kakuzuke-fuyobi) on the bonds under the relevant Japanese legislation is Sept. 29, 2011. Daiwa Securities Group is the holding company of the Daiwa Securities group companies. The rating on Daiwa Securities Group is one notch lower than the ratings on its core subsidiaries, Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. (BBB+/Negative/A-2) and...
Companies mentioned in this report are:
- Daiwa Securities Group Inc.
Action: New Rating
Standard and Poors RatingsXpress Credit Research provides in-depth coverage of international corporates, financial institutions, insurance companies, utilities, sovereigns and structured finance programs. RatingsXpress Credit Research lets users determine the credit rating of holdings and identify key factors underlying an issuer's creditworthiness, distinguishes the different risk exposures for new and existing deals, and provides an understanding of how their analysts interpret key regulatory, political and environmental events and their economic impact.
Research type: News
This product is a is a brief one-page announcement of no more than 500 words with a quote from the analyst. It is media and investor focused with no accompanying commentary article.
- Daiwa Securities Group Inc.


text:
Single Article Purchase:
Association of a Television in the Bedroom With Increased Adiposity Gain in a Nationally Representative Sample of Children and Adolescents
Gilbert-Diamond D, Li Z, Adachi-Mejia AM, McClure AC, Sargent JD.
JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(5):427-434.
Published online May 1, 2014
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The basics you need to know:
Applications can be mailed to:
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Applications can also be faxed to: 1-317-879-0204 or emailed to email@example.com.
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Native Remedies Coupons and Promo Codes
Native Remedies offers 100% Natural, Proven & Safe Herbal/Homeopathic Remedies for ADHD/ADD, Anxiety, Panic, Depression, Diabetes, UTI and more. Petalive, our comprehensive line of natural pet health remedies, is also available for promotion. PetAlive offers 100% guaranteed remedies for pets, addressing such common issues and ailments as pet obesity, pet UTI, ear health, digestive health, behavioral issues and many more.


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Dozens of people are facing charges for allegedly operating a major gift card theft ring.
At least 70 people have been indicted by the Jefferson County grand jury, and many more indictments are expected.
According to the commonwealth's attorney's office, the suspects would work together to steal items from stores.
Then other members of the group would return the items to the store in exchange for gift cards.
Those gift cards would be sold for cash to buy heroin.
The investigation began last fall.
More than 100 additional suspects could be indicted for the crimes.


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Star Tracks: Monday, May 16, 2016 42 years, 2,191 covers and 55,436 stories from PEOPLE magazine's history for you to enjoy
Latest News!
- Donald Trump Had a Short Cameo in a 2000 Playboy 'Centerfold' Video
- Read the Cover Story: Brad & Angelina Split After 12 Years: It's Over
- Paris Jackson Enjoys PDA-Filled Vacation with Boyfriend Michael Snoddy
- Former Power Rangers Star Ricardo Medina Jr. Denies Killing His Roommate with a Sword
- Family Love! Tracee Ellis Ross Shares Cute Snapshot of Mom Diana Ross and Sisters
People Top 5
LAST UPDATE: Tuesday February 10, 2015 01:10PM EST
PEOPLE Top 5 are the most-viewed stories on the site over the past three days, updated every 60 minutes
- August 12, 1991
- Vol. 36
- No. 5
Pee-Wee's Big Disgrace
The Children's TV Star Gets Arrested in the Wrong Playhouse
On July 26, at 9:50 P.M., Paul Reubens, 38, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, was arrested by undercover detectives on his way out of Sarasota, Fla.'s XXX-rated South Trail Cinema, an "adult" movie theater where management prides itself on mopping the floor twice a week. Police, carrying out a routine undercover operation for morals offenses to keep the community on the straight and narrow, charged that Reubens exposed himself and masturbated twice during a showing of a heterosexual porno flick called Catalina Tiger Shark. (The sting also yielded three other arrests.)
An hour later the defendant was booked at the Sarasota County detention facility on the charge of "exposure of sexual organs." He might have walked away after posting $219 bond without the police knowing who he really was. But before that, Reubens made what may have been his second mistake of the evening: He voluntarily told detectives that he was Pee-wee Herman, the celebrated star of the five-year-running Saturday morning children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse. Even if he hadn't identified himself, he wouldn't have remained incognito for long. An alert reporter for the Sarasota Herald Tribune recognized his real name on the police blotter the following day and, 48 hours later, the mortifying incident made national news. Reubens proclaimed his innocence last Monday, admitting in a statement that he was in the theater but "never exposed himself or engaged in any other improper activities."
Despite the denial, Reubens's career seemed shattered. Last April, CBS canceled Pee-wee's Playhouse after the network and star had mutually agreed not to proceed with a sixth season. But following his arrest, the five reruns that were to have aired through August were yanked from the schedule. Disney—MGM Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., suspended a two-minute video that Reubens had narrated for its backstage tour, and toy stores removed Pee-wee dolls from their shelves. Pee-wee Herman was history.
It was a painful way to sign off, though Reubens had already let go of his alter ego. In June the star's manager, Michael McClean, said that his client had burned out and sent Pee-wee "on an extended vacation." But Reubens, whose arraignment was scheduled for Aug. 9, certainly could not have expected this kind of hiatus. If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. "Paul, who is emotionally devastated by the embarrassment of the situation, is currently in seclusion with friends and eagerly anticipating his complete vindication," said his publicist, Richard Grant, in a statement.
Newspaper columnists rallied to Reubens's defense, accusing CBS of overreacting, and celebrity pals such as Joan Rivers and Cyndi Lauper offered their support. "Whatever he may have done," said Bill Cosby, "he hasn't done that to children."
Still, some who know Reubens are not shocked by the allegations. "It's a pity, but it doesn't sound out of character," says an acquaintance. "I've never seen him go in to see dirty movies, but he's a wild child. When people heard about it, it was more like, 'Gee, what a dumb thing to do.' "
This wasn't Reubens's first brush with the law. In 1983 he was arrested for loitering and prowling near another Sarasota adult theater. The charge was later dropped. (He was also arrested in 1971 for marijuana possession, but a judge withheld a finding of guilt and placed him on two years' probation.)
Last week's arrest came during a vacation at the rustic Gulf Coast beach house of his parents, retired lamp-store owners Milton and Judy Rubenfeld, who live on Sarasota's Siesta Key. Not far away, Reubens had grown up with younger siblings Abby and Luke and graduated from Sarasota High School.
A good student with a mischievous streak, Reubens was so obsessed with show business that by age 6, he has recalled, he was sent to a school psychologist to talk about his "abnormal" interest in watching television, specifically I Love Lucy. As a youth he spent six seasons at Sarasota's Asolo Theater, where he said he "played all the kids' roles."
When he later moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in the California Institute of the Arts, comedy wasn't foremost in his thoughts. "I was a serious actor for a long lime," Reubens has said, "until I realized that I was knocking my head against the wall to gel people to accept me in that context...everyone seemed to want comedy." And though he has said that comedians "are all kind of crazy and neurotic and maybe display absurd behavior in some people's eyes," he bit the bullet in 1977 and joined the Groundlings, an improvisational troupe that also launched Saturday Night Live alumni Laraine Newman and Jon Lovilz, as well as good friend Cassandra Peterson, aka TV's Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. It was as a Groundling that he developed a repertoire of characters including Indian chief Jay Longtoe, unfaithful Jewish husband Moses Feldman, and Pee-wee.
By the early 1980s, the nerdy Pee-wee, who wore a crew cut, too-small plaid suit, bow tie and white socks and shoes, had become a giggly cult figure. He glued mirrors on his shoes to look up ladies' dresses and sold size-60 Jockey shorts through the mail. In a 1981 HBO special, he even included an indecent exposure gag, asking a character with his pants unzipped if he had a license to sell hot dogs.
When Pee-wee graduated to guest spots on Late Night with David Letterman, he got laughs for antics such as wrapping Scotch tape around his face and captivated a wide audience. Speaking in character as Pee-wee. as he usually did during interviews, Reubens told the New York Daily News in 1984 his simple goals: "Making a living, having good personal hygiene, and staying out of jail."
At his peak, he managed to more than accomplish them. After he scored a cinematic hit with the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure, CBS handed him a children's show in 1986 with carte blanche in the creative-control department. Another movie, Big Top Pee-wee, followed in 1988. Even as he grew tired of the character, Reubens maintained a sense of responsibility to his young fans, allegedly turning down a role of an "art photographer" in John Waters's 1990 movie, Cry-Baby, because it did not jibe with Pee-wee.
Since abandoning the squirmy guy in the silly suit, Reubens has maintained a low profile. "He did nothing but work for practically six, seven years," says Cassandra Peterson. "Everybody told him, 'You've got to lake some time off.' So he's been flying around, visiting friends and relatives."
Whatever happens next, Peterson, for one, is sure that the never-married Reubens, who lives alone in a modest Hollywood Hills house, will not starve. "He has so much money," she says, "he does not have to work again." That is fortunate, since thanks to the guardians of public morality, he may not be able to.
ANDREW ABRAHAMS in Los Angeles, DON SIDER in Sarasota
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Laura Cardon worked in the media office at the Washington Horse Show and sent us this "behind the scenes report".
Behind the Scenes at the Washington International Horse Show
My first Washington International Horse Show is in the books, and what a crazy week it was! The days were long (I found myself thinking I had a short day when I worked only 13 hours) but the week flew by!
I grew up right outside of DC in the suburbs of Maryland, so I went to WIHS several times as a kid. Once I went away to college, and then started working once I came home after graduation, I missed a lot of years of WIHS. My boss used to always joke that I needed to get out of the barn and go work for the show. I would laugh at her and roll my eyes but secretly I always thought that would be my dream job. I am still in disbelief sometimes that this really is my job now!
I flew in to DC (I live in Denver now) on Monday morning and checked into the hotel. Although I didn't realize it at the time, the brief 15 minutes I took to change and freshen up would be the most of the hotel room I would see for the entire week!
WIHS may only last one week, but the work starts many months before that. Since June, I'd been responsible for coordinating and processing all of the contracts we have with equestrian media partners (like Horse Junkies!). It may sound boring, but I have a little bit of an OCD streak, so I really enjoyed being in charge of keeping everything organized.
As with all of the shows I've worked at since I started this job in January, there was definitely a learning curve. Fortunately, my always wonderful boss and co-workers were there to help me. Everyone at WIHS, all the way up to the Executive Director of the show, was immensely helpful and not even remotely phased by the (millions of) questions I asked.
The biggest test of WIHS (besides functioning on very little sleep) was finding my way around the Verizon Center. The concourse is easy enough, because if you keep walking long enough, you'll just go in a circle. That is not the case on the "event level" aka basement, which is where most of the offices are located as well as access to the stabling and rings. Passing by the locker rooms for the Wizards and Capitals is cool, but only once you've figured out the labyrinth of hallways!
The first two days of the show were fairly quiet, which gave me some time to get lots of fun pictures for the WIHS Instagram. I tried to capture as many behind the scenes moments as I could, especially ones that are unique to WIHS—like horses in the streets, 4 am schooling (ok that one's more just unique to indoors), and funny photo ops with the horses!
Things really kicked into high gear once Thursday came around. It was Barn Night, when barns from throughout the DC metropolitan area come to WIHS for lots of fun and prizes. Since the entire night is supposed to be very fun and light-hearted, the Gambler's Choice Costume Class is a great fit! Seeing all the rider's dress up in costume was hilarious and a nice glimpse of their less serious side, which is all we usually see in competition.
Earlier in the day, my mom, who is responsible for me becoming a horse junkie, came by the show. It was great to see her, plus I had a break later in the afternoon so I took her on a quick tour of the stabling area. I realized once we sat down to watch a few rounds that Beezie and John Madden were eating lunch right behind us, and when I pointed them out to my mom, I thought she was going to pass out from excitement!
It got better, because when we swung by the schooling area later on, all the FEI horses were getting ready for their first class. I was so happy to be able to share the excitement with my mom, who got to watch McLain Ward, Todd Minikus, Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, and a ton of other big names warm up for their class!
Sidenote: I said "bless you" to Beezie a few days later when she sneezed and she said thank you, so I'm pretty sure we're best friends now. Just because I see big name riders more often now doesn't mean I'm not a little starstruck still!
Barn Night was a blast, with the highlight of the night being when winner Shane Sweetnam tossed his blue ribbon to a little girl in the stands. I thought she was going to pass out from excitement!
The stands were packed for Barn Night, and the enthusiasm kept going throughout the weekend. Military Night was Friday night, which HJU blogger Sue van der Linden got great coverage of (link here).
Saturday was a marathon day, with Kid's Day getting things started in the morning. I couldn't believe how many kids and families there were. I went up to the concourse and it was completely packed! Saturday was also a big day for some mainstream media to come out and see what the show was all about. I spent the morning escorting DCTV around the show. They got a ton of great footage of all the Kid's Day festivities, but I was most excited that I finally got the timing right to get footage of a shipment of horses.
Despite horses being shipped in and out of the show 24 hours a day, every time I took a TV crew to the outdoor stabling, I had just missed the horses coming on or off. Saturday, I finally got it just right, and to top it all off the extremely generous guys from Johnson Horse Transportation let the cameraman get up into the trailer with the horses to get some up close and personal footage!
Everyone at the show—competitors, grooms, show staff—was so accommodating all week. I brought people by day after day to video them interacting with the horses, and I know how tired and rushed everyone is. Every single person I asked to let us videotape them was more than happy to oblige, and it helped the show get a lot of great coverage! I know the last thing people want is to be bothered by random people with video cameras that aren't horse savvy, but I have to give a huge thanks to everyone who let us invade their personal space!
As we geared up for the Grand Prix, I took another TV crew around that wanted to interview a former Olympian. Originally, I was supposed to meet one of my co-workers to have the reporter talk to Margie Engle. When she scratched from the class, that plan got thrown out the window and it was up to me to track her down. This was easily the most nerve-wracking moment of my life because I was expected to just casually walk up to Margie Engle and ask her for an interview.
I finally found her in the stands, sitting with Todd Minikus (why have to chat up only one world renowned grand prix rider when you can have two?!). While a scheduling conflict for both of them meant they couldn't do the interview, they were extremely nice about it and I managed to spit out what I needed to say without making a fool of myself. Aaron Vale eventually saved the day and rocked some fantastic helmet hair throughout the interview.
I headed back to the hotel at 1 a.m. (and I was the FIRST person to leave…everyone at the show works ridiculously hard!). As I walked into the hotel, I ran into one of the kids I used to groom for on her way OUT to go school her pony. Her dad told me it was either ride then, or come back at 4 a.m.! Ahh, indoors.
I had to dig deep the final morning of the show to get up at 5:30 a.m. again. Despite the long hours and intense workload, it had been an amazing week and I can't wait to do it all again next year. One of our clients, BarnManager.com, had also been at the show all week and it was great to see her have so much success! From autograph signings and great giveaways to meeting plenty of new clients, she had a great time and I was so happy to be a part of that.
There aren't any other shows like WIHS, and while stabling in the city may be a logistical nightmare, the (huge) staff does an amazing job making it all look effortless. Everyone has long hours and a ton of work, but it's all worth it in the end to put on such a great show. Now I start the countdown to WEF—only 2 more months!
Send a horse show or clinic report to HJU and you could win a Southern Stars saddle of your choice. Click here for contest details.


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This report provides long-run (10-year) baseline projections for the agricultural sector through 2011. Projections cover agricultural commodities, agricultural trade, and aggregate indicators of the sector, such as farm income and food prices.
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Colby Liston, who lost both of his legs when he was hit one year ago, has returned to the University of Kansas campus with high spirits and a new outlook.
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New Looks: Heart's DesireFebruary 14th, 2014 – Comment
So much of my work is about the dream of romance, and I LOVE it! The fantasy and beauty are what inspire my soul and make life worth living. I was in a particularly enchanted frame of mind when I dreamt up this gown called Heart's Desire. Draping this beautiful embroidery on my mannequin, I held the flower just so…and the rosebud gracefully fell across her heart. It made MY heart skip a little beat, as I couldn't imagine a more romantic piece of clothing for a bride. I can just see the luscious bouquet, the gold wreath, the gorgeous décor that will be paired with this dress. And what a truly magical, breath-taking, unexpected way to show your devotion to the man you will marry, than to wear the symbol of eternal love on your heart.
Begin the story with Fairy Tale Romance save the dates and invitations, or romance them all with the petals of Earthly Paradise. These and other swoon-worthy invitations are available now on weddingpaperdivas.com/clairepettibone.
The entire collection of couture gowns is shown here. Which one is your heart's desire?
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day, but more than that, a lifetime of true love.
Invitation suites featured: Earthly Paradise and Fairy Tale Romance, available here.
Featured Claire Pettibone gowns: Heart's Desire and Alchemy. View the entire collection at clairepettibone.com
Chair with bouquet: Lara Hotz // Jardine Botanic Floral Styling
Cake: Vicky Starz Photography // The Caketress
Heart's Desire styled image: Photographed for the February issue of ALEXA WEDDINGS from the New York Post, captured by Victoria Will with styling by Anahita Moussavian
Table and bouquet: Hunter Leone
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A man charged with killing eight people in Detroit as a hired hit man has been found competent to face his many trials.
The cases against Vincent Smothers were put on hold after he attempted suicide in December in the Wayne County jail. Experts have found him to be mentally competent, and Judge Craig Strong accepted that conclusion Friday.
Smothers faces six trials in the fatal shootings of eight people. He told police that he was a killer-for-hire, usually in drug-related revenge slayings.
The judge still is considering the admissibility of Smothers' many confessions to police. His lawyer doesn't dispute what was said in 2008 but claims he was coerced by officers. Smothers' first trial could start this summer.


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Get your BS meter ready and prime it for high alert!
Kenya Moore has been playing coy about whether or not she'll be returning to Real Housewives of Atlanta. Krayonce hasn't hidden the fact that she's campaigning for a NeNe Leakes-esque paycheck for the sixth season which is filming now.
Kenya has been reportedly filming scenes (like her eviction!) but allegedly has not signed an official contract. Now a source is reporting that Kenya is not only back but she is rolling in the green!
No more Es on her credit score, girlfriend can paaaay her rent!


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Slideshow: Man Barricaded in SLO Home Surrenders to SWAT Team
POSTED: 04:15 PM PDT May 21, 2014 UPDATED: 09:46 AM PDT May 22, 2014
A man wearing a Halloween-style mask, barricaded in a San Luis Obispo home, has surrendered to SWAT team officers after a standoff that lasted more than two hours.
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I am my grandmother's daughter. "Aunt Lula," as she was called by those who knew and loved her, was always surrounded by dogs and cats, not to mention the neighborhood children who thought of her as their second mom.
My grandmother was also a great storyteller. As a child, she had a pet goat who liked to climb the stairs in the house and go out onto the balcony to view the Mississippi countryside. She said this goat had no tolerance for strangers and would walk up to them from behind and give them a good head butt in the rear end. She laughed heartily as she recalled her childhood days. She lived to be 102.
Throughout my own childhood, my mom was busy having babies, and pets were low on her priority list. It was my grandmother who brought me my first "very own" dog when I was 11. She was a sweet, shy little dog - a rat terrier. I bought her a blue plastic collar with jingle bells on it, and named her Ginger.
My father believed that dogs "don't belong in the house" so I spent lots of time outside to be with her during the day. At night I was allowed to let her sleep on the screened-in porch at the back of the house. I made her a bed and covered her with several blankets right before bedtime. I would tiptoe out, hoping that she wouldn't move from under the covers and be cold in the night.
My model of pet ownership was Lassie and I knew, way back then, that when I grew up, my dog would live in the house with me. Unfortunately, I didn't have Ginger much more than a year. She developed cancer and died while under veterinary care. I remember standing in the kitchen, clinging to my mom, sobbing. I couldn't understand how God could let that happen to such a sweet little dog.
Well, I did grow up. I met my husband in a New Jersey park during my first year of Montessori teaching. We were both out walking our dogs. He says he saw my red hair and my red dog and "that was that." I don't know which of us he found more attractive, me or my Golden Retriever, but in either case he took us both home and "that was that."
When our daughter began making noises about wanting her "very own" dog, at age 11, I had come full circle. We had an English Setter at the time and my response was to tell her she already had a dog.
"No," she replied, "I mean my very own dog."
I then reminded her that she had her "very own" cat that she had brought home as a scrawny little kitten; that a cat and a dog were enough. My daughter did not accept that edict, not for a minute, but she didn't make a fuss. Instead, she started carting around this large dog book everywhere she went. She would come join me in the kitchen and open the book upon the counter and begin commenting on the different breeds, trying to engage me in the subject. She followed me throughout the house with that book under her arm. At first I found it funny and sweet. After several days, it went from funny and sweet to annoying. She took that book to bed with her each night, with never a whine or a whimper. At this same time, she was keeping a fifth-grade journal at school which she brought home on Fridays. Christmas was approaching and all she could write about was how much she wanted her "very own" dog.
So, what's a daughter-loving, dog-loving, mother to do? Talk to her husband. This was a "we" decision. In this case, her persistence paid off. We knew we were making another potential 15-year commitment to dog ownership, to puppy training, vet bills and all that comes with providing a forever home. Even though this animal was for our daughter, we knew that it would be our responsibility.
Things to consider before committing to pet ownership:
1. Dogs and cats can live for 15 to 20 years. Can you make that kind of commitment? As parents and as responsible adults, we cannot expect our children to even understand that level of commitment. As children grow up, they develop interests outside the home. Along the way, the pet may be lucky to get a pat on the head. My daughter was a case in point for many of the reasons mentioned above. In her case, though, I fell in love and was quite happy to provide her "very own" dog with all that it needed and then some. Her name was Little Anne and we just lost her in July; my daughter is now 27. Can you "stand in" for your child when it becomes necessary, without resentment or bad feelings?
2. Are you a clean freak? Animals are messy. My mom says that having a dog is like having a 2-year-old who never grows up. Not a bad analogy. Like children, they sometimes get sick in the house and have "accidents." Dogs can be smelly and slobbery. They come in from outside with muddy paws and dangling debris. Most breeds shed their hair. They can be destructive, particularly puppies. Cats jump up on countertops and can climb virtually anywhere; they sometimes claw the furniture. Can you live with a litter-box? Like children, animals require "stuff." Pet beds, crates, blankets, toys and feeding stations may not always fit in with your interior decorating scheme.
3. Are you or anyone in your family allergic to dogs or cats? Be sure to check that out before making a commitment.
4. If you consider getting a dog, do you have a fenced in yard? Dogs need exercise, and at minimum they must be taken out to "do their business" several times each day, and that is in rain or snow.
5. Do you travel? Animals can be left alone during the work day, but eight hours is the outside limit for dogs. What kind of arrangements would be made in the event that you left town? Would you take your pet with you? Some people have the notion that cats can be left alone for days at a time if you provide them with food, water and a litter box. It is true that they can be left alone more easily than a dog, but they are also social animals and rely on our companionship, even if on their own terms. Being left alone for more than a few days is likely stressful for a cat, as it would be for a dog. If you need or want to travel, do you have a neighbor or relative who could care for the pet during your absence? Would you hire a house sitter or take your pet to a kennel? Are you willing to pay the expense for these services?
6. Animals require some basic training. Too often pets end up in shelters because of behavior problems that were most likely created due to the lack of training of and by the owner. A dog can only learn to "come" when he is trained to "come." We teach and train our children so that they know how to comport themselves in the world. Our pets need training so they know how to behave in the home, on a leash, with visitors, etc. They need to know what we expect of them and training takes time and gentle patience. Like children, our pets want to please us, but we need to lead the way.
7. Pets need annual checkups, the same as our children. They need yearly immunizations and sometimes medications because of allergies or infections or topical wounds. They can have accidents or become ill. They need to be fed a balanced diet. Are you able and willing to pay for the long term care of your pet?
These are just some of the issues that face a prospective pet owner, whether for an adult or the benefit of their child. If not considered before hand, it is often the animal who suffers the consequences.
There is a wealth of research that documents the advantages of pet ownership for children. It can teach them responsibility and respect for living things. They learn lessons about life: illness, accidents, death and bereavement. Pets can provide physical comfort and are great listeners. They provide unconditional love and companionship. Having a pet can help the child learn empathy, which is important to the child's development as an emotionally healthy human being. These are all great reasons to provide a child her "very own" pet, but they are not sufficient.
Lots of children, including dog lovers like me, grow up in pet-less homes and develop into healthy, happy adults. In other words, if you can't comfortably make the commitment required, as the adults, it is OK to say no to your child. It is the responsible thing to do. Try to find other ways to meet your child's expressed interest. Consider a pet with a shorter life span, like a hamster or guinea pig or even goldfish. Caring for these small animals can provide the same benefits if the parents engage in a shared caring, learning experience with their child. Walking and playing with a friend's dog or cat, or accompanying your child or grandchild to the local shelter as a volunteer walker or cat cuddler are ways to provide the child animal contact. Providing stuffed animals for the younger child is also a nice introduction to animal companionship.
Ultimately, I believe that when parents consider providing a pet for their child, they must, at heart, be pet lovers who understand the commitment required of them, or if new to the experience, be willing to educate themselves with open hearts to the shared family adventure of pet ownership. This must include a conscious commitment to providing a home for the natural life of the animal. In the language of animal shelters across the country, we call that a "forever" home.
Please spay and neuter your pets.
(Author Ginny Zuboy is vice president of outreach and volunteer coordinator for the Randolph County Humane Society, and the owner of Montessori Early Learning Center. The views reflected in this article are those of Ginny Zuboy, and may not always reflect the views of RCHS.)