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Table of Contents
by Craig Bartholomew
by Peter S. Smith
- Hearing God's Narrative about "the Way" of shalom
- Reading and Hearing the Psalms: The Gut of the Bible
- Psalms are to be Heard Everywhere
- Five Psalms: For the American Guild of Organists
a. Psalm 19: Celebrating the good news of God's creational ordinances and creatural glossolalia
b. David Psalm 30: A song written for a consecration service of the house of God
c. Psalm 96: A song that never gets old is new
d. Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–9, 11: The most human of these is hope
e. Revelation 18:21–19:8: Hip-hop millennial culture and Hallelujah!
- Pain Is a Four-Letter Word: A congregational lament
- Proverbs 10:1–22: From Poetic Paragraphs to Preaching
- Celebrate the Resourceful Woman (Proverbs 31)
- Herder's Revolutionary Hermeneutic and Aesthetic Theory: The Import of Herder's Hermeneutics for Text Performance of The Greatest Song
- Needed: Biblical Recovery of Human Corporeality and Historical Institutionality in God's World
- The Gift and Distraction of Pleasure
- The Smell of your School: A letter of reference?
- A Christian School Song for Parents and Teachers
- Ways-of-life and becoming elderly wise
- Import of Biblical Wisdom Literature for a Conception of Artistic Truth
- A Modest Proposal for Reforming the Christian Reformed Church in North America
- A Snake and Dove Policy for Redeemer Graduates
- Graduating to Glocal Martyrdom
- Reformed Institutions in Transformation
- Book Review: Reading Ecclesiastes: Old Testament Exegesis and Hermeneutical Theory
- Carlos Martínez Mime Actor
- A Worship Service Where Two People Walked Out
- Say "Amen!" Somebody: On gospel singing and joyful worship
- Longing to Lament: A conversation between Michael Card and Calvin Seerveld
- The Rule of God
- Long-range mercy for Africa: The CRC in Sierra Leone
- We are Not Pilgrims: We are called to build tent cities in God's world
- Bastards or Sons of God?
- Operation Fish and Bread for the Ontario Government
- The Tender, Tough Mystery of (Married) Love
- "The Rare Gift of a Friend"
- A Morning Weather Hymn
- Reading the Bible like a Grown-Up Child
- Epilogue: A personal testimony


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Weekly Briefs published in 2011
(To read these PDF files, you need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)To receive email alerts for the Weekly Brief, please contact email@example.com.
December 201115 Capital flows to developing countries dropped sharply in the second half of 2011...(228 KB)08 The perceived risk of sovereign defaults in Euro Area debt has declined...(307 KB)02 Global financial markets are eager for policy action...(234 KB)
November 201117 Q3 Euro Area GDP growth remained positive...(291 KB)10 Financial market volatility remains sharply elevated this week...(199 KB)03 Strong growth in the U,S. and Japan helped to offset weak growth in Euro area...(293 KB)
October 201127 The agreement to strengthen the European Financial Stability...(239 KB)20 First trade data released for September are not promising...(183 KB)14 Capital good orders from developing countries appear to be holding up...(242 KB)06 Consumer spending stabilizes at low levels amid uncertainty about growth prospects... (206 KB)
September 201129 European commercial banking conditions have deteriorated since August 2011... (186 KB)22 Prospects for the global economy have become much less certain... (166 KB)12 Euro Area woes have worsened on growing concerns... (243 KB)
August 2011- On recess
July 201128 Debt-limit debate and disappointing growth reports depressed US$ and equities...(176 KB)21 European heads of state agreed on a €109 billion 2nd financial package for Greece...(208 KB)14 Global industrial production surged a seasonally adjusted 3.5%...(223 KB)07 European fiscal difficulties have contributed to a slump in global equity markets...(210 KB)
June 201130 Greek government parliament passed a new budget...(292 KB)23 Supported by a 1.5% expansion in Japan, retail sales volumes increased 0.6%...(210 KB)16 Global industrial production declined 1.1% in April...(244 KB)09 Global GDP growth is projected to remain strong through 2013...(174 KB)
May 201126 Global retail sales volume growth decelerated in the three months ending March...(187 KB)19 Food prices in developing countries have increased less than international food prices...(218 KB)12 The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a rise in the global grain harvest...(301 KB) 06 Adverse weather and a fall in defense spending weighed on U.S. growth...(303 KB)
April 201128 The cost of insuring against the default of Greek sovereign debt jumped this...(226 KB)21 Worker remittances inflows to developing countries grew 5.9%... (184 KB)14 Progress toward the Millennium Development Goals has been mixed... (276 KB)7 Bond yields at record highs in some Euro Area countries... (217 KB)
March 201131 Global retail sales volumes slowed mid-year... (159 KB)24 Surging fuel prices have underpinned the climb in headline inflation... (251 KB)17 Initial estimates of losses from the Japan earthquake and tsunami... (567 KB)11 Some commodity prices have eased in recent weeks... (257 KB)4 The Middle East & North Africa dominates the global political and economic scene... (407 KB)
February 201124 The spread of social unrest and violence to Libya... (194 KB)17 Gross capital inflows to developing countries remained strong in January... (159 KB)10 The political situation in the Middle-East and North Africa... (200 KB)3 Credit-default swap rates have eased from recent highs for European sovereigns... (206 KB)
January 201127 Capital flows to developing countries were up 45% in 2010...(206 KB)20Developing countries continued to capture a rising share of global financial flows...(185 KB)13 In most developing countries, GDP has regained levels...(202 KB) 7 Recent data shows strengthening production in China and Germany...(291 KB)
Weekly Briefs archives

subset: commoncrawl


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The new Volvo FMX
Volvo FMX Classic
The new Volvo FM
Volvo FM Classic
When it's very hilly and the road conditions are really rough, there's the option of all-wheel drive. The best part about this is that you select all-wheel drive when you need it, but can avoid it when running on a firm surface.
The Volvo all-wheel drive is available as 4×4 and 6×6, together with the 8×6 with driven front axle that is now a standard offer from Volvo.
The differential lock engagement can be selected automatically or manually, per axle or for all driven axles. All differentials can be locked while driving. By using the differential lock button you get the choice depending on what is needed to get your truck rolling.
By using the differential lock sensibly – only when it's needed – you have a great opportunity to save fuel and minimise wear and tear of the transmission.
The new driven front axle is dimensioned for very high torque and heavy loads. It has the same position as the non-driven axle, 100 mm further forward compared with the old one. This means that you can benefit from a really practical and useful approach angle when climbing steep gradients (28° with driven front axle and tyre dimension 13R22.5).
The parallel and link rods are all placed in line with the axle, inside the axle-casing envelope. Brake chambers and fuel tanks are positioned well protected on the chassis. There are no protruding parts that could impede your progress over logs and stones. The belly line is completely streamlined. As we say, high ground clearance is the thing.
Watch the truck drive over an engineer – all vital parts protected


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Kate Mcilroy
Representing: NZL
Gender: Female
Athlete Year of Birth: 1981
Athlete Place of Birth: Wellington
Athlete Weight: 57
Athlete Height: 173
Athlete Lives: wellington New Zealand
Website: http://www.katemcilroy.com/
WTS Ranking: No Ranking
ITU Points List:: 365 85.56pts
Athlete Biography
I made the switch from running to Triathlon at the end of 2008. I had a frustrating year with an ongoing injury, forcing me to withdraw from a European track season and the Beijng Olympics (qualified 3km Steeplechase). I had always been interested in triathlon, and figured that this was the time to give it a go. I could hardly run, so threw my frustration into swimming and biking. I joined a triathlon swim squad and started swimming twice a week. I was very kindly sponsored a bike by Nigel at On Yer Bike, all I had to do now was learn how to swim fast and how to ride a bike! I definitely underestimated both of these skills.
Greg Fraine became my triathlon coach to write my overall programme and Tim Brazier my swim coach. I spent the next 6 months sorting out my swimming technique, and getting out on the road on my SUB rosa bike. I completely underestimated the work and training required to become a great triathlete. There were times when I felt I was delirious in the pool and I might as well pitch a tent instead of going home. I entered local bike races to get used to sitting on my bike for 3 hrs + and to get used to biking in a pack. My running mileage dropped down significantly to give my insertional achilles injury a chance to heal. Mentally I found this hard, but it was the only way my leg was going to heal. After a few months of this new "tri" training, it was time to get onto the start line.
I raced the New Zealand summer 08/09, having some decent results, nothing earth shattering, but enough to give me confidence that I could pursue this new career change further. In April 2009, I was given a massive opportunity by Triathlon NZ, being selected into the 2012 Potential Olympic Squad. We spent 5 months overseas, based in Boulder, Colorado and Sigmaringen, Germany. We used these bases to train and race from. It was awesome to be surrounded by NZ's best triathletes and learn the tricks of the trade. It was the hardest I have ever trained in my life, but was much easier to complete the weeks training when you have a group to train with.
I had some great results for my first year in the sport. I won my first World Cup in Hungary, as well as achieving 8th at the World Championships Series in Kitzbuhel, Austria. I ended the year ranked 20th in the world. My goal for 2010 was to improve this ranking and continue to soak up all the knowledge I can. 2011 - aim is to make the Olympic team for 2012
Athlete Sponsors: 2XU, Balance, SPARC, Oakley
Athlete Language: English
Athlete Tri Entry Year: 2008
Athlete Other Sports: Athletics, Cross Country, Mountain Running
Athlete Education: Bachelor of Commerce
Athlete Hobbies: Baking cakes Drinking flat whites in succession. Eating in general
Athlete Children: Bella (4yr labrador)
Athlete Sports Hero: Cathy Freeman Paula Radcliffe
Athlete Proudest Moment: Winning World Mountain Running Championships in hometown, Wellington. Winning my first world cup in my first year of racing triathlons
Athlete Injuries: Achilles niggles Tibial Stress fracture 4 teeth knocked out playing hockey, tongue almost severed
Athlete Coach: Greg Fraine


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Texas Star Division managers became suspicious of Lagunas, an employee at the Refugio Texas Star, and reported internal theft to the Refugio Police Department.
"Police Investigator Danny Madrigal uncovered a fraudulent scheme by Lagunas, which resulted in more than $3,700 of embezzled money from the Texas Star store," Lopez said.
He added that Lagunas was from Corpus Christi and had been living in Refugio for the past three years and had worked multiple jobs in town.
"Most of the stolen money was recovered," Lopez said. He noted that the money was recovered because of Madrigal's diligence in investigating.
"Lagunas gave Investigator Madrigal an admission of thievery," Lopez said.
Lagunas' criminal charges of felony theft will be reviewed by a grand jury.


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I would absolutely NOT let a nurse leave me for a shower again either-I dropped my clothes on the wet floor and panicked. Then when I went to pull the emergency cord I went faint and nobody came so I had to shout through the crack of the door, I almost passed out. I obviously wasnt ready.
I asked for anti sickness meds in the morning before my surgery-told a little white lie and said I had a phobia of bing sick. I must have been topped up the whole time because I never felt sick once. A few on my ward were being sick though.


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For the past year, award winning children's book illustrator Barbara McClintock has been lovingly creating a picture book based upon Leave Your Sleep, Natalie Merchant's double-album of classic children's poetry adapted to music. Frances Foster Books, an imprint of Farrar Straus Giroux and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group will publish this beautiful hard cover, 48-page, full-color book including a CD with 19 songs. Available in stores nationwide November 13, 2012.
From the Introduction:
When Frances Foster contacted me with the plan to transform this collection of songs into a picture book for children I was intrigued. But when she suggested that Barbara McClintock be the illustrator, I was thrilled. Her work has delighted and charmed me for many years; it is of the greatest technical quality yet deeply soulful. I've always had a love for picture books; their illustrations, poems and stories create and preserve an enchanted place of innocence we move through as children but can return to as adults. My hope is that this collaborative book of poems, pictures and music will provide many enchanted hours to children eager for beauty and the sort of adventure that happens between the pages of a book and the words of a song.
Related articles
- Leave Your Sleep to be a picture book (thatklickitat.wordpress.com)


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HI Everyone,
I am a new mother who is exclusively BF my 5 week old baby girl.
For the first 3-4 weeks she has been extremely gassy and it seems to bother her (pushing her legs up, crying, restless, acting as if she's bearing down all the time, grunting, screaming) She is very difficult to burp as well which Im sure doesnt help.
For the last 2 weeks she has been more fussy and colic. We have to take her in the car, stroller, bounce her etc to get her to settle at all.
I thought at first it was gas, then I started eliminating foods (dairy for at least 2 weeks now and no caffeine or chocolate) I would think I saw improvement but it wouldnt last.
For the past couple weeks or so Ive been thinking maybe its overactive letdown reflex as she also is fussy at the breast at times, refuses to latch, bobs her head everywhere screaming as if she is being forced to latch (but she isnt of course) She had been gagging at the breast and did vomit a couple times a couple weeks ago.
Ive since been leaning back when nursing and for the past 2 days Ive been feeding only on one side at least for one feeding and usually longer ( I judge by expressing some milk and if it looks thin and watery I continue with that side a while longer)
I see no improvement today and am very frustrated. Any suggestions or ideas if I am even on the right track or should I be thinking more on the lines of the food allergy or reflux? she does spit up I might add but not all the time.
Any ideas I would appreciate as Im desperate for some help.


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Vandals tie game late, but fall to UTSA
MOSCOW, Idaho – Taylor Davis sparked what had been a puzzlingly lethargic University of Idaho football team but, in the end, the effort of the Vandals' junior quarterback and his teammates wasn't enough to overcome a hot start by UT-San Antonio and the Roadrunners escaped the Kibbie Dome with a 34-27 Western Athletic Conference victory.
Interim head coach Jason Gesser said it was clear what went wrong as the Vandals bade farewell to the 19 seniors who played their final game at the Kibbie Dome.
"It's not rocket science," said Gesser as he surveyed the stat sheet in his hand. "We gave them every opportunity and they took advantage of it. We had 12 penalties. We had three fumbles – two of them lost. Another pick. Missed assignments on defense; missed tackles.
"We talked all week long about we can beat ourselves – and we did. UTSA is a great team; a great program."
The final miscue was a muffed punt with 2:28 left in the game and the Vandals within striking distance at 34-27. But, UTSA was able to pick up a key first down and run out the clock to improve to 7-4 (2-3 in the WAC), while the Vandals dropped to 1-10 (1-4).
"It's not about one play. It's not about one thing here, one thing there," Gesser said. "It's about a combination of things."
And it started at the beginning of the game. Gesser said it was difficult to figure out the mood of the team as it prepared for its home finale. It was puzzling flat; uninspired.
"The whole beginning of the game was kind of blah," he said. "It wasn't a juiced, energized team."
By the time the first half ended, the Vandals were in a 20-3 hole and weren't showing the verve that would lead to a belief that the second half would be different. A halftime conversation pinpointing the foibles of the first 30 minutes led to an inspired, confident team in the second half.
"I said, 'It's going to be a tale of two halves,' " said Gesser, whose prediction was right.
After gaining just 152 yards in the first half, the Davis-led comeback tallied 317 second-half yards of which 317 were on his 15-of-23 passing for three touchdowns. His favorite target of the evening was senior receiver Mike Scott, who pulled in career bests in receptions (10) and yards (116), and was on the receiving end of two of Davis' TD throws.
Defensively, a list of seniors led the way with Aaron Grymes totaling nine tackles with Su`a Tuala adding eight, Gary Walker seven and Robert Siavii six. Tracy Carter, a junior, also had six.
Punter Bobby Cowan, a quarterback in high school, averaged 50 yards on his two kicks but also converted a 64-yard pass to Camryn Harris that ultimately led to a 22-yard field goal by Trey Farquhar. Farquhar was solid on the night with a 51-yard field goal to go with the 22-yarder. He was inches wide on a 53-yard attempt and only a yard shy on a boomer from 59 yards.
© 2012 University of Idaho Athletic Department. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior permission.


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Spring 2012 Calendar Changes
As you know, at the very end of August, NY State Education announced significant changes to the 2011-12 testing calendar for gr. 3-8. As a result, we needed to make changes to our district calendar in order to administer and score the exams in accordance with the new schedule. Unfortunately, the State has made additional changes and we therefore had to further adjust our District calendar.
The Board of Education voted to approve changing the dates listed below.
1) Move the Superintendent's Conference Day from Thursday, April 26thto Monday April 30th(4/26 is now Day 2 of testing for the Math Exam gr. 3-8). This Superintendent's Conference Day will still be used as a district-wide scoring day for the ELA exam gr. 3-8, and the Math Exam gr. 6-8.
2) Eliminate the Early Release Day on Wednesday, April 18th, as this date is now Day 2 of testing for the ELA exam.
3) Replace Monday, April 16thwith Wednesday, April 4thas a "give back" day if we have two or fewer snow days.April 16this the first day we return after Spring Recess, and it is the day before the ELA Exam begins. Teachers feel strongly that a day of review after a week-long vacation will be extremely beneficial for the students. The calendar will be amended as follows:
a. If one snow day is used, schools will be closed 4/4, 4/5, 5/25, & 5/29.
b. If two snow days are used, schools will be closed 4/5, 5/25, & 5/29.
Please mark your calendars accordingly!


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Milwaukee police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old West Bend man who fell from an upper-level balcony at the Hyatt Hotel.
Police say the fall happened about 12:15 a.m. Sunday. At this time, there does not appear to be any signs of foul play.
The man's name was not immediately released.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Hyatt has an inner courtyard, surrounded by rooms with balconies.


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Medicinal Plants of China, Korea, and Japan: Bioresources for Tomorrow's Drugs and Cosmetics by Christophe Wiart, 2012.
Detailing 200 medicinal plant species selected for their pharmacological and cosmetological importance, this book provides conceptual tools for understanding the botany, ethnopharmacology, biomolecular pharmacology, phytochemistry, and medicinal chemistry to guide researchers in appreciating, estimating, and forecasting the value of these plants for potential use in drugs and cosmetics. Hardcover, 454 pages. ON SALE
American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723 Phone: 512-926-4900 | Fax: 512-926-2345 | Email: email@example.com
The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. The American Botanical Council does not endorse or test products, nor does it verify the content or claims made, either implicit or explicit. ABC does not accept responsibility for the consequences of the use of this information or its most up-to-date accuracy. ABC is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt research and education organization under IRS section 501(c)(3). All text, images and content Copyright © 2016 American Botanical Council, unless otherwise noted.


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With a weather-resistant body and an impressive feature set, the Pentax K-30 is an entry-level DSLR that could just rival the big boys
Pentax K-30 review
Pentax K-30 at a glance:
- 16.3-million-pixel, APS-C-sized
- CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-12,800, expandable to
- Optical viewfinder with 100% field of view
- Weather-sealed plastic body
- 11-point AF with 9 cross-type points
- Street price around £650
Pentax's range of interchangeable-lens cameras of the past year have all demonstrated bold design ideas. The Pentax Q is the smallest interchangeable-lens camera currently available, while the K-01 is the only compact system camera to use an existing DSLR mount (Pentax K) and is labelled 'for those interested in design' (and consequently less for those who simply desire intuitive handling). Although Pentax was acquired by Ricoh during the development of the K-30, it is unlikely that Ricoh had much involvement in the design of the camera.
As a DSLR, the K-30 is more conventional in its design than the Q and K-01, but nevertheless entertains some design quirks, such as its angular edges and a dotted rubber and ridged left-hand side. With the K-r no longer in production (although it is still available in some shops), the Pentax K-30 is now one of two Pentax DSLR models, and sits below the K-5 as the entry-level model.
Compared to other brands, the K-30 is an 'upper' entry-level camera, competing against models such as the Nikon D5100, Canon EOS 650D and Sony Alpha 57. Traditionally, Pentax DSLRs have had the sort of controls, shooting modes and handling that serious photographers appreciate, and offer more for their money. We expect the K-30 to be no different.
Despite being Pentax's entry-level DSLR, the core of the K-30 is heavily influenced by its bigger brother, the enthusiast-level K-5, which can only be a good thing. As with the K-01, the Prime M processor and imaging sensor are both updated versions of those in the K-5. The main refinement to the K-30's 16.3-million-pixel, APS-C-sized sensor is its improved handling of HD video files, while the processor is claimed to improve live view and reduce energy consumption.
With a refined version of the K-5 sensor, we can expect the low-light performance to be very good. Indeed, DNG raw and JPEG files can be captured in a native ISO range of 100-12,800, which is expandable up to 25,600. The K-5 extends to ISO 51,200.
Like many other Pentax DSLRs, the K-30's imaging sensor features shift stabilisation, which means that none of the company's lenses requires optical stabilisation. The sensor-shift feature also enables vibration cleaning that can be activated on start-up and/or shut-down, a dual-axis electronic level gauge and the unique astrotracer shooting mode.
Photographers are likely to appreciate the volume of genuinely useful shooting modes. These include multiple exposure for up to nine frames (with the option for auto EV adjustment) and interval shooting for up to 999 frames down to 3sec intervals with the option to select the start time. Other useful features are correction for lens distortions, highlight and shadow information, auto horizon and composition adjustment.
A 6fps burst mode (the K-5 shoots at 7fps), 19 scene modes, seven digital filters (including toy camera) and HDR are also available. High-speed burst is possible for up to 30 full-resolution JPEG files, while the HDR mode offers a choice of three levels of strength, recorded in a single press of the shutter over three combined frames. Handily, for the custom image colour mode and the digital filters, a test image can be taken using the raw/fx button, and the effect of each filter viewed on that test image prior to shooting.
Image: The multiple-exposure shooting mode can combine up to nine frames and apply auto EV adjustments to the final image, which is the case in this three-frame exposure
The Astrotracer function works in the bulb shooting mode and can be found in the GPS section of the in-camera menu, because it requires the optional GPS unit (around £175) in order to work. In short, astrotracer eliminates star trails during long exposures (up to 5mins), which is achieved by using information from the GPS signal, the angle of view and focal length of the attached lens. A calculation is made for the necessary physical movement of the imaging sensor during the exposure, in line with the star trails. According to Pentax, this function is unique to its cameras that use electro-magnetic sensor-shake reduction. Previously, an equatorial drive was needed to remove star trails.
I mounted the K-30 to a tripod and recorded an image for 4mins at f/8 and ISO 100 with the function activated, and repeated the same exposure with it disabled and compared the results (below). As you can see, with astrotracer enabled, the stars appear stationary and, consequently, the landscape is blurred. Conversely, with the function disabled, the star trails are evident while the landscape is crisp. With a little patience and the use of editing software, it is possible to combine the crisp elements of each exposure for a striking final image.
Build and handling
Image: Several times I was caught in the rain with the K-30, and the camera's weather seals do an excellent job of keeping out rain and moisture. Note that this image is not taken with a K-30
One cannot help but explore the edges and curves of the Pentax K-30's body. It may be a conventional DSLR, but its unusual shape draws the eye. The corner next to where the thumb rests, the built-in flash and the ridged and rubber side all offer a break from the norm. However, these quirks are only skin-deep, and offer no practical advantage.
Key differences between entry and enthusiast-level DSLRs are typically those of construction (low-cost polycarbonate rather than magnesium alloy) and the lack of an LCD on the top plate. This is indeed the case here, but despite its plastic shell the K-30 features a metal chassis and a weather-resistant body that is claimed to withstand splashes, and it will work in freezing temperatures down to -10°C. This is the first DSLR introduced at this level and price point to offer a weather-resistant build.
During this test I had plenty of opportunities to take Pentax up on its invitation to test the K-30's weather seals. As a result, I would not hesitate to use the camera in the rain, with the seals successfully keeping out raindrops and moisture.
Another major part of the redesign is the handgrip, which is deep and well contoured for a comfortable grip, whether shooting in landscape or portrait format. All the buttons are well spread over the body and are large enough for easy use even with gloved hands.
Despite the flash head featuring an angular exterior lip, the flash unit itself within the head is set back, not making the most of the design. That said, there is still a good distance between the flash unit and the lens, which reduces the likelihood of redeye.
The design of the battery compartment is similar to that of other Pentax DSLRs, with space not only for a D-LI109 lithium-ion battery, but also for an optional 4x AA battery pack. This is a great idea if the primary battery runs out, but it does mean that the supplied Li-Ion battery is a physically small unit and one that does not have an overly impressive capacity, allowing approximately 450 shots from a full charge. A higher-capacity Li-Ion battery would perhaps be the better choice, although this type of battery is significantly more expensive than the AA type.
There are several exposure modes on the shooting-mode dial. The usual program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual controls are all present, as are bulb, two custom settings, scene, sensitivity priority, and shutter and aperture priority. These latter two modes adjust the ISO rating according to the selected shutter speed and aperture. As well as a host of shooting modes, the camera offers a maximum 1/6000sec shutter speed, and drive modes that include exposure bracketing up to ±5EV. The timed-delay drive mode activates mirror lock-up (there is no option for mirror lock-up in the menu, other than for sensor cleaning) and ensures the camera is as steady as possible to record crisp detail.
Unusually for an entry-level DSLR, the K-30 has twin control dials: one on the front and one on the rear. This speeds up changes to exposure settings within the menu, as well as playback, where one dial controls the zoom and the other navigates between frames. It is possible to maintain the magnification when scrolling through images, which is handy for comparing details in consecutive frames.
For those controls that do not have direct access on the body, they can be found via the info button, which opens a function menu of 15 settings, including AF mode and AF points, file size and format, metering mode, distortion corrections and the sensor-based stabilisation. Press the info button a second time and the status of the LCD screen can be selected, with options for an electronic level, display 'off' or the 'status' screen that displays the exposure settings.
White balance and colour
Image: There are colour filter effects in the monochrome colour mode, including one for infrared, which is shown in this image. The effect is applied well in sky areas, but it is less convincing when applied to foliage
It is easy to choose between the different colour modes and white balance settings. In the custom image colour mode, there are 11 options, including natural, cross-processing and monochrome, all of which can be adjusted for saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast and sharpness. In the black & white mode, a filter effect can be applied, which includes green, red and a (mildly convincing) infrared effect.
Similarly, all the white balance settings – AWB plus 10 presets including four fluorescent light settings – can be adjusted for hue, while Kelvin and manual settings are available with space for three further saved settings. Any changes to the colour can be checked for the current scene by pressing the raw/fx button for an on-screen preview image – a truly handy feature.
With the camera set to its standard (natural) colour mode, there is little need for colour adjustments post-capture. Greens in landscapes are pleasant, and vibrant colours are kept true without overdoing the saturation. Having used all the colour modes for various scenes, I was happy to stick with the natural colour mode, except when experimenting with the black & white mode and digital filter effects.
That said, most of the black & white effects can be applied post-capture.
Tonal detail can be lost in vibrant red subjects during JPEG compression, but otherwise the main differences between JPEG files and uncompressed raw files is the brightness of midtones – JPEGs are more vibrant, without compromising a faithful representation of the colours.
Image: In this unedited JPEG file, shot using AWB, skin tones are a touch on the cyan side
The Pentax K-30 makes use of an updated Safox IXi+ AF sensor module. This features 11 AF points, nine of which are the more sensitive cross-type, with 11-point, 5-point, centre-point or individually selectable point modes, and options for face detection and tracking AF (both of which work in video and stills capture).
The lenses in front of the module have also been improved, with Pentax stating that the new lens minimises chromatic aberrations – a factor that inhibits the consistency and effective operation of an AF system. A 'select-area expansion' function is also new – for continued subject tracking even when the subject moves out of the pre-assigned auto-tracking area.
In a variety of lighting conditions and using different standards of lenses, the contrast-detection AF system is speedy and, on the whole, accurate. Even in low-contrast light, with the help of the AF assist beam, the camera is able to focus on close-range static subjects with ease and minimal 'hunting'. It is important, however, to select the 'correct' option for the scene to achieve speedy and accurate AF, otherwise the camera can struggle. It is in such situations, when using the 18-55mm kit lens, where noisy AF becomes obvious. This is a major gripe I have with most Pentax AF lenses – it is hard to remain unobtrusive when using AF. In this respect, the camera feels clunky, even though it is, on the whole, snappy.
I have not directly compared the new Safox IXi+ AF sensor module when tracking moving subjects in the K-30 against the older version in the K-5, but in its own right the new module is suitable for its target audience. Slow-moving subjects are tracked with accuracy, but for fast subjects and low-light action shots, a more sophisticated system is required.
Image: The auto metering has produced a dark exposure here, but I can bring back the levels by +2EV before shadow noise becomes an issue to reveal good detail in shadow areas
With the same 77-segment metering system as found the Pentax K-5, it comes as no surprise that the K-30 behaves in exactly the same way. The spot, centreweighted and multi-segment modes are accessed via the info button or through the main menu. Multi-segment metering, on the whole, produces exposures erring to the highlights, which often results in dark midtones and shadow areas. However, this is not too much of a problem because the camera's dynamic range is very good and there is plenty of recoverable detail from these dark areas.
There is the option to link the autoexposure to the active AF point, which is the only way to achieve spot metering outside of the centre point. I found adjusting the metering appropriately to each scene a little slow, so for general use I stuck to multi-segment metering and made tweaks to the exposure via the twin manual exposure control dials. Overall, I had to adjust the exposure more often than I would have liked.
Noise, resolution and sensitivity
These images show 72ppi (100% on a computer screen) sections of images of a resolution chart, captured using the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.
We show the section of the resolution chart where the camera starts to fail to reproduce the lines separately. The higher the number visible in these images, the better the camera's detail resolution is at
the specified sensitivity setting.
With a refined version of the 16-million-pixel sensor that has received such praise in cameras such as the Pentax K-5 and Nikon D7000, expectations are therefore high for the K-30, a less expensive camera that sits lower down the range.
As with Pentax's own K-01, our resolution charts show that the K-30 is able to resolve up to the 26 marker at ISO 100 in DNG raw format, using the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.
To get the most possible detail from the camera, shooting in raw format is necessary. JPEG compression and sharpening come at the cost of fine detail on our charts, and at ISO 100 the camera reaches only the 24 marker. There are other cameras available with higher-resolution sensors that can resolve more detail than the K-30.
However, it is the Pentax camera's low-light performance that is particularly impressive. Like the K-5, the K-30's native ISO range is 100-12,800, although the K-30 has only one extended setting, up to ISO 25,600.
Resolved detail is largely uncompromised thanks in no small part to the camera's ability to handle noise.
Without noise reduction applied in-camera, images are 'clean' all the way up to ISO 800, and only at ISO 1600 does luminance noise become noticeable in real-world images. In fact, images are acceptable all the way to ISO 6400, but at ISO 12,800 noise levels are problematic – detail becomes mushy, and tone flat.
Chroma noise is also evident at this setting in small yellow, green and red patches over the entire frame. The K-30, however, puts forward a good case for keeping a lid on resolution, in favour of
good performance in more challenging low-light conditions.
Image: Taken at ISO 400, this image has been brightened by +2EV and noise is still well controlled. Sharpening and contrast adjustments in the JPEG result in the loss of some details
LCD, viewfinder and video
It is common for a DSLR at this level to use a 'cheaper' pentamirror-type viewfinder, but the Pentax K-30 instead features a pentaprism type, which is usually reserved for enthusiast and professional DSLRs. Like the K-5, the viewfinder on the K-30 has a 0.92x magnification and 100% field of view, something not possible with a pentamirror.
A 100% field of view is particularly useful for accurate framing, although in the K-30 the optical display is slightly duller than real life. The electronic display overlay indicates the active AF point by a red flash.
The LCD screen is a 3in TFT type with 921,000 dots, and is perfectly adequate for most situations. Live view has a direct access button on the top left of the camera's rear, and 'peaking' has been introduced, which indicates in-focus areas (in yellow) and blown-out highlights (in red) on the screen. This is available for both video and still capture, and is particularly useful when focusing manually.
Face-detection AF is also available for video and is displayed in live view. With the same Prime M processor and imaging sensor as the K-01, the K-30 matches it as the company's best camera for video capture. Full HD 1080p video capture is possible at 30fps, although sound is recorded in mono only and there is no capacity to use an external microphone.
Dynamic range
All the DSLRs we have tested that use the same 16-million-pixel sensor as the Pentax K-30 have been particularly impressive in their measured dynamic range. In fact, the K-5 is right at the top of the list of all digital cameras we have tested, while the Nikon D5100 is right up there, too. They are now joined by the K-30.
Many scenes contain a range of tones beyond the native dynamic range of any camera – a bright overcast sky and dark foreground, for example. In such situations, the K-30 has a couple of options. Highlight correction brings back information in highlight areas with on/off and auto options, while shadow correction brightens detail in the dark areas, and can be selected as auto or any one of three strength levels. Both these options appear to increase detail in an image, but in truth they brighten or darken existing information – the dynamic range remains the same. HDR mode, however, extends the dynamic range by up to ±3EV over three combined frames, once again for any one of three strengths or auto. The strongest HDR setting should be avoided, while auto can generally be relied upon.
As we would expect, the image processor creates JPEG files that are print-ready, with tonal compression applying adjustments to the highlight and shadow areas for punchy results, although at the cost of some shadow and midtone information.
The competition
Image:Nikon D5100
Like the Nikon D5100, the K-30 features a 16-million-pixel, APS-C sensor that can also be found in models higher up in each respective DSLR range. The Sony Alpha 57 also features the same imaging sensor, although the camera has a fixed translucent mirror in front of it, which results in less light reaching the sensor and so the camera cannot quite compete with the D5100 and K-30 in its low-light performance.
Image: Sony Alpha 57
Both the D5100 and Alpha 57 feature an articulated LCD screen, whereas the K-30's is fixed. However, the optical viewfinder of the Pentax model has a 100% field of view, whereas the D5100 only offers a 95% view and the Alpha 57 has a 1.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder instead.
All the cameras are made from polycarbonate, but the K-30 has weather-sealed joints. For the photographer, the general handling of the K-30 has the edge.
Our verdict
Using the Pentax K-30 is particularly enjoyable. I would not hesitate to take the camera out in adverse weather and most key exposure controls are quick to access and make adjustments. I find the multi-segment metering a little unpredictable, though, and had to be more active making exposure adjustments than I would like. For a camera at this level, the AF system performs well in a number of situations, but the motor in most Pentax lenses is far too noisy.
JPEG compression applies sharpening that is on the aggressive side, but otherwise I am very happy with the images the K-30 produces, particularly in low light situations. Also, the colour rendition is accurate, so images can be used straight out of the camera.
All in all, Pentax has successfully taken much that we loved about the K-5 and put it into the K-30.
Pentax K-30 – Key features
Live view
Pentax introduces focus peaking to live view. Also available is grid display, info overlay, histogram and bright area (which indicates burnt-out highlights in the frame)
Dioptre adjustment
Dioptre correction is controlled via the lever on the top of the viewfinder, with adjustments from -2.5 to +1.5
Remote control port
K-30 accessories that attach via the remote control port include an optional CS-205 cable release, which could turn out to be a good accessory given that mirror lock-up is only available in timed-delay drive mode
Info button
This button accesses a menu containing 15 settings, none of which is available through a dedicated button on the body. Controls include metering, file format and size, HDR mode and shake reduction
Built-in flash
The built-in flash has a GN of 12m @ISO 100 output, and offers -2 to +1EV compensation on its standard flash modes, as well as redeye reduction, slow-sync, trailing curtain sync and wireless control
With the optional GPS unit attached to the camera, the time of capture can be synced to files, as well as a record of one's position at intervals every 1-10 minutes, which is great for keeping a record of a route taken while exploring
In-camera editing
It would be easy to leave the camera on its standard settings in raw capture because numerous edits can be made to an image post-capture, including digital filters, image rotation, cropping and raw-to-JPEG conversion. The K-30 offers more options than most other cameras
Copyright information
Those who want to protect ownership of each image recorded with the K-30 can embed copyright data, which includes an option for the photographer as well as the copyright holder


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After climbing for eight straight months, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index shows builder confidence stalled at the beginning of the year.
But it may not reflect the attitude of new-home builders in the La Crosse area.
When the housing market crashed in 2008, many new home construction companies shifted resources to do more remodeling, but now, that trend is changing.
Local builders say they're seeing an increase in demand for new-home construction.
They say there's an easy explanation for why a recent housing market index says after eight consecutive months of growth, builder confidence has leveled out.
Builders say the winter months are a normal time for a slump in business.
"It's still a seasonal thing. It's going to effect those numbers, but even with that, even with the planing off there's still been a .7 percent increase in new home start-ups," said Shawn Anderson with Masters Construction Group.
While some question if the improving housing market will lead to another housing bubble burst, local builders say they are trying to learn from the past to make sure that doesn't happen again.
"A lot of builders had overbuilt. Too much speculation when things were really good and a lot of builders, the builders that are still around, have stayed pretty lean. You try to become more efficient," said Jon Olson, owner of Olson Construction.
Builders say another reason new-home construction is picking up again is because many of the foreclosed homes that were for sale when the housing market crashed have been bought.
That means people are turning to building rather than trying to snatch up a foreclosure.
The Greater La Crosse Home and Builders show brings out about 100 exhibitors to the La Crosse Center.
But they're not all construction companies.
The expo's organizer, Bill Jackson, says there's a wide range of companies including air conditioning, concrete and even pool companies.
He says it's a great way to make sure you're getting accurate information on the projects you're working on.
"They're all respected professional in their respective fields so the public can come here and feel comfortable dealing with the exhibitors and talking with them because they all know their business. There are a couple long-term companies here," said Jackson.
The Expo runs March 22-24.


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When Merlion semi-recently went under, its fans (count me in) understandably felt a little crestfallen. A rare-around-here Malaysian/Singaporean-and-more eatery in Beechwold, fine Merlion offered many winning, hard-to-find ethnic dishes.
Then it was announced that a branch of Mi Li — a highly respected Vietnamese specialist headquartered in the Columbus Square Shopping Center — would be filling Merlion's space. Though Merlion no doubt would be missed, this sounded like a terrific replacement.
Turns out Merlion probably won't be missed as much as originally thought. See, while easing in a few Vietnamese classics, this new Mi Li is still offering a lot of Merlion's old favorites. In other words, now you can have your Malaysian Fried Noodles and eat your Banh Mi too.
The place is hardly changed from its Merlion days. It's a humble but tidy mom-n-popper with negligible adornment save for a few decorative tree branch bundles on otherwise bare walls. There are also a couple TVs, one tempting viewers with images of dishes, the other a reception-challenged screen flashing in and out of "no one cares" shows.
Drinks — there's no alcohol — include irresistible $3 iced "French" (actually Thai/Vietnamese-style) coffees, which are sweetened with condensed milk and are "Am I talking too fast?" strong. So the food's the only real draw here. Fortunately, it's damn good … and damn cheap!
Mi Li's owners apparently believe Vietnamese fare is relatively exotic for Beechwold, because, entree-wise, only pho (aka "Signature Noodle Soup") and Banh Mi (aka "Vietnamese Subs") are currently offered. Unsurprisingly, both rock.
Pho Tai ($6.59 for a huge "small" order) treats loads of wispy rice noodles and paper-thin sheets of rare, cooks-in-the-hot-soup beef to a five-spice-perfumed broth gently glazed with flavorful fat and bobbing with snipped scallions. As is customary, a plate of customizing garnishes (limes, sprouts, Thai basil, jalapenos) adds yet more pizzazz to the excellent entree.
Mi Li's grilled-pork-starring "Vietnamese Sub" ($5.50) is a wonderful sandwich. Inside its crusty and flaky, baguette-esque bun is a vibrant yet balanced array of rich, spicy, earthy, bright and fresh accents showcasing slightly sweet warm meat, mild pate, raw veggies, cilantro and yin-yang condiments.
Moving back to big bowls, Mi Li's nuanced and terrific Thai Red Curry ($7.75) is about as good as you'll get in Columbus. Your meat of choice (tender sliced chicken breast works) gets submerged in devil-red-hot broth with whiffs of galangal and fish sauce. Smoothing out the botanical heat some are coconut milk, pineapple chunks, peas, carrots and bamboo shoots.
Staying in the key of singe was the "two fins up!" Penang Shrimp Noodle ($7.75; order it "spicy"). Joining blotches of chili oil, hard-cooked egg, bean sprouts, greens and a light and mildly salty seafoody broth with enticing fermented fish hints were thin rice and thickish wheat noodles, plus good-tasting shrimp.
This brings me to Mi Li's unspicy but marvelous Malaysian Fried Noodles ($7.75), which I recommend you try. Basically a variation on "wat tan hor," it's like several dishes in one.
It all starts with a hulking platter underlaid with a golden-brown "pancake" made of nutty-tasting, extra-thin noodles pan-fried until extra-crunchy. This serves as the toothsome "nest" for wide, smokily cooked chow fun-type noodles, plus plenty of tender sliced chicken breast and Chinese broccoli. Bathing the whole ensemble, though the nest remains amazingly crispy, is a thick, rich and boiling hot "egg gravy." This comforting wonder can feed two or three hungry diners — unless I've ordered it.


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October 19, 2010
Collars are Key to Wolf Studies
Wolves range far and wide throughout Yellowstone's 2.2-million acres of dense wilderness, yet the Park's wolf population is one of the most studied populations of wild wolves ever. It is radio collars that enable the monitoring of multiple wolf packs across this vast area. Thanks to sponsorship donations from generous Friends of Yellowstone, the Yellowstone Wolf Project is able to place 25-30 collars on wolves annually. Both VHF and GPS collars are deployed, providing the basis for nearly all other aspects of Yellowstone's wolf research program.
VHF (Very High Frequency) collars are used when researchers can get closer to wolves and track them. GPS (Global Positioning System) collars work with satellites and store information for later retrieval, so they can be used to track wolves at great distances.
Learn about how you can support Yellowstone wolf research>>
In a recent interview with Yellowstone Wolf Project Leader Doug Smith, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of wolf reintroduction in the Park, he called collaring the "heart and soul of the Wolf Project." Read more in this special anniversary issue of the Yellowstone Park Foundation print newsletter>>
Yellowstone Wolf Project Research
So, you may be wondering, what specific types of information are collected from collared wolves? Several of the ongoing studies performed by the Yellowstone Wolf Project rely on data collected via wolf collars.
Predator–Prey Relationships: A major objective for Yellowstone wolf research is the examination of wolf-prey relationships. Semiannual, 30-day winter studies -- ongoing for the last 15 years -- are designed to record predation patterns. More recently, the study of predation patterns in summer, when wolves range more widely, has been made possible by using data that is downloaded from GPS collars. The data allows researchers to quickly locate and study kill sites to determine predation rates, total time wolves feed on carcasses, percent of kills consumed by scavengers, and characteristics of wolf prey (e.g., sex, species, nutritional condition).
Population Dynamics: Collar data has been proven to be the best, most accurate way to get an annual count of wolves. The collars give year-round information about population dynamics such as births and deaths, as well as immigration to, and emigration from, the Park. Researchers also rely on the data to help determine territory size and use, reproductive success, cause-specific mortality, survival, and other life history patterns.
Wolf Dispersal: The ecological, demographic, and genetic implications of the dispersal from a pack are an important research focus for Yellowstone wolf biologists. Collar tracking information helps them understand basic demographic patterns of dispersal (age, sex, distance, season) along with the influence of wolf density, pack structure and size, and kinship. Most importantly, it allows researchers to "follow" wolves as they disperse out of Yellowstone National Park to see how the different endangered species recovery areas are connected – one of the key criteria for delisting.
Wolf Spatial Dynamics: Thousands of wolf radio locations, both VHF and GPS, have been gathered since wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone in 1995. Rigorous analyses using these locations have begun examining many questions concerning habitat use and territoriality. Year-to-year changes in territory use are being related to variables such as elk density and distribution, pack size, reproduction, and wolves killing other wolves. Researchers also analyze how wolf territories differ in the summer compared to winter, as a result of seasonal movement of elk herds.
Wolf Project Sponsorship
Wolf research and monitoring are critical, but expensive. They involve aircraft, staff time, tracking equipment, and extensive lab and data analysis. One of the most significant ways the Yellowstone Park Foundation has contributed to the ongoing monitoring and research of the Park's wolves is by connecting interested donors with Wolf Project sponsorship opportunities. Through your tax-deductible donation, you can participate directly in ongoing wolf research! Learn more>>
All photographs courtesy of the National Park Service.


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A Lancaster County organization wants to bring history to life in a new and unusual way. Their goal is to get this generation interested in the 1800's.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Blackboard?
- Using Blackboard
- How do I access my Log-in Information?
- What are the Technology Requirements to use Blackboard?
- What settings need to be changed on my browser?
- Why was I removed from the course?
- May I use any word processor program?
- Do I need an outside Email address to take an online course?
- What do I do if I get kicked offline in the process of taking an exam?
- Where can I go for help with Blackboard?
- Is there a Blackboard help desk?
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard Learn™ is an e-learning system designed and used by hundreds of higher education institutions. Students using Blackboard as an educational medium have the ability to complete 100% of their course work, such as assignments and exams, via the internet. Blackboard facilitates course communication through the use of chat rooms, discussion forums, blogs and more.
With such tools, Instructors can build a more meaningful education experience. Technology used to help instructors focus on the fundamentals, manage outcomes and improve performance in real time making learning more engaging. That's what the Blackboard platform is all about. Helping you bring together the right set of tools to deliver a more effective learning experience.
How can I learn to use Blackboard?
Every semester we have our Blackboard 101 classes. These introductory courses are conducted face to face during the first week of classes on two campuses and online. If you have never taken an online course or want to familiarize yourself with the Blackboard system even before taking a class it is highly recommended that you come in for one of our sessions. Sessions are scheduled every semester usually starting the first couple weeks of classes. Please call our helpdesk at 304-327-4545 to find out when they are being offered.
Here are links that you can access online to further help yourself.
- Blackboard On Demand : list of help videos and .pdf that can answer many questions about blackboard through Blackboard.
- Discussion board tour : a quick help video that explains the basics of working in a discussion board.
- Email: there is a difference between using the send email and the message area in Blackboard.
- Send email : sends email to external email boxes.
- Blackboard messages : sends messages within the course.
How do I access my login information?
Your initial login information for Blackboard is the same as your school login for the lab computers. You can find this information by going to the BS homepage at www.bluefieldstate.edu and clicking on the link that reads, "Need access to online classes". When you request your login information you will need to provide your Birth-date with either your Social Security Number or your Student ID number.
What are Blackboard's technology requirements?
To access a Blackboard course you will need:
- A computer
- A Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla FireFox (preferred)
- A Email Address (one is provided to all BS Students)
- A word processor such as WordPad or Microsoft Word
See additional technologies requirement in the distance learning site Technology Recommendations
How can I set up my browser to better work with BS and Blackboard?
Most browsers will work with Blackboard with no modifications, but if problems arise the information below will often resolves the issue.
Often problems arise from pop up blockers and some browser settings that will give you a difficult time taking any online course. These can be avoided by adding http://bluefieldstate.blackboard.com/ to the exception list in your browsers settings, usually located in the Firefox browser. Clicking the link on the window marked Tools, then by choosing Options, then Content for FireFox. Internet explorer users look at the top of the window for the link marked Tools, then Internet Options, then Privacy, then Settings.
You can download Firefox for free.
Please contact Content Management services if you find yourself having any problems with this specific issue please call our help-desk at 304-327-4545 and we will be happy to help you get the proper settings for the browser you choose.
Why was I dropped from the course?
When the number of clock hours of willful absences exceeds the number of semester hours of credit, the instructor will notify the Registrar that the student has exceeded the permissible number of absences and should be withdrawn from class. Instructors may make variations to the above attendance regulations. However, in no case shall the instructor's attendance regulations be more rigid than those stated above. The instructor shall file a copy of his/her attendance requirements with the Dean of the School and include them in course syllabi.
Absences Policy: The College recognizes three kinds of absences: (1) an institutional absence resulting from participation in an activity in which the student is officially representing the College; (2) an unavoidable absence resulting from illness, death in the immediate family, or unnatural cause beyond the control of the student; (3) all other absences are considered willful.
May I use any word processor program?
Bluefield State recommends that students use the office suite for most online courses; however you may use any word processing format that is available, such as word works or open office.
Most instructors can open any documents in these formats but some will specify that they want, for example, assignments turned in .rtf or .doc or .docx (Microsoft Word) format. Make sure that you have read your syllabus and or any assignment instructions so that you know what format to save your file in before you submit it.
* Please submit your assignments in whatever file format is requested by the instructor.
Do I need an email address to take an online course?
Yes, you do need one and Bluefield State provides one for you to use if you do not already have one. The information on retrieving your email user name and password is the same listed above for getting your user name and password for Blackboard.
BS recommends that students use the email account that is provided for you; however, you can change your Blackboard Account profile by selecting the tab marked My Bluefield State
What do I do if I get kicked offline in the process of taking an exam?
Contact your professor first. Most instructors can correct or reset a test for you. If the professor is unable to retrieve your answers, it will be necessary for the professor to contact Blackboard Support. There are a number of technical variables that will determine the necessary steps to be taken in order to ensure that your exam is properly submitted and or retrieved.
Test Tips:
"Make sure that the test page is completely loaded at the beginning and after each question is answered. Clicking too fast before page loading or double clicking causes interruption in information transfer and students to be released from the exams."
For best results, DO NOT click "Save Answer," but click the arrow to move to the next question (which will save your answer as well).
Where can I go for help with Blackboard?
Yes, the Blackboard Content Management Services is located in the top floor of the Physical Education Building in Rooms 407, 410 and the 401-C Blackboard helpdesk is located in the lab on the same floor. It is part of the Instructional Technology Center and has the office locations to support the faculty and student population of Bluefield State. Anyone in these offices is available for your assistance.
Is there a help desk?
The Instructional Design Center for Bluefield State is part of the Virtual College for online classes. Content Management Services is your support for online. Blackboard is just one of the online methods of instruction at BS. The Bluefield State Blackboard Help Desk hours are Monday through Friday 8 am-4 pm.
Blackboard Help Desk:
Instructional Technology Center Phone: 304-327-4545
Toll Free: 800-344-8892
or 800-654-7798 ext. 4545
Blackboard Technical Support:
Instructional Technology Center Phone: 304.327.4510
Toll Free: 800.344.8892
or 800.654.7798 ext. 4510
Instructional Designer/CMS Administrator
Instructional Technology Center Phone: 304.327.4578
Audrey Biggs Toll Free: 800-344-8892
email@example.com or 800-654-7798 ext. 4545


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REITWeek 2012: NAREIT's Investor Forum® brings the largest concentration of REIT management teams into one location, enabling you to get the best insights and hear first-hand from REIT executives about their latest company developments.
PLEASE NOTE: The hotel for REITWeek 2012 has changed! REITWeek will be held at the Hilton New York in New York City from June 12-14, 2012.
Who Can Attend?
Contact Information
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 to Thursday, June 14, 2012
Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019


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Martinez conducted a public meeting at the post office Thursday, July 26, to reveal the results of a survey sent to postal customers on June 14, which also was the sole reminder about the noon meeting on Thursday.
About nine people attended the meeting.
A pamphlet with information was distributed to customers at the public meeting in the post office's hallway.
Part of the information indicated that Postal Service customer visits have declined 27 percent from 2005 to 2011, or from about 1.28 billion to 930 million.
However, that information referred to customers nationwide.
Martinez did not provide any Bayside information on retail customer numbers declining or increasing.
Retail hours will be cut down to four hours, Martinez said, although the initial survey notice stated no decision would be made until after the meeting.
Responses numbered 96 from 239 surveys sent to customers.
The surveys provided five options, none of which were to keep the same hours.
Here are the results of the survey's options:
Realignment of hours – 86 percent.
Delivery option – 8 percent.
Village Post Office option – 0 percent.
Nearby Post Office option – 0 percent.
No Selection Made – 5 percent.
Martinez said the greatest number of people surveyed wanted retail hours to be 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The post office will remain open after retail hours for customers to pick up their mail.
The post office has 480 boxes, and 214 are rented.
"We're going to install an electronic lock on your door," Martinez said. The lock will automatically lock the door after lobby hours end.
"To me, they are positive changes," Martinez said. "We're only changing the retail hours."
But Bayside residents weren't convinced.
"I feel this is another step toward closing the post office," said Orville Downs, who was at the meeting. "Bayside will lose it's name. Forever."
Martinez said the changes will go into effect January 2015.


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The product description on this page is more than a year old and may or may not still be available as described here. Interested FM readers should contact the product manufacturer directly or contact local foodservice distributors to check on its regional availability. The new STPCWAR-rackless conveyor warewasher-from Stero exceeds operators' expectations for dependability, durability and productivity.-Built with more stainless steel and higher quality parts than competitors' products, the ...
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text: Goliad Market Days is totally full with over 200 vendors attending Saturday, May 10th. Come out for Mother's Day! Bring your Mom, Grandma, Aunts and friends for food, shopping and more. Shop for plants, spices, windchimes, yard art, metal art, shoes, clothing, jewelry, birdhouses, knives, antlerware, furniture, shabby chic décor and so much more. All booths are located on the square in historic downtown Goliad, 231 S Market Street. See you at Market Days!


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Call Today! 1-888-WOW-1DAY
We are experienced painting professionals in residential and commercial painting, providing both interior and exterior painting services at reasonable prices. Other painters may take days or weeks to complete your painting job(s), but we will do it in just 1 DAY without charging you a premium to do it.
Just because we complete your house painting in 1 DAY does not mean it is not to the highest quality standards. Using a technique and system perfected over more than 20 years, along with the right number of professional painters, means you get the painting quality you expect backed by a written two-year warranty.
We are house painting experts with experience in painting stucco, brick, wood siding, vinyl siding, cedar shingles, wood trim and doors. Our eco-friendly painting service uses zero VOC and low VOC paint to minimize our impact on the environment and your family, pets and staff.
Full service residential and commercial jobs:
- Call us at 1-888-WOW-1DAY or book your estimate online
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Expert house painters
Rather than worrying about a painting project in your home and finding the time to complete it, call our house painters at WOW 1 DAY PAINTING today! Our highly experienced and professional painters complete the quality painting you expect with a spotless clean-up, in a timeline that is unexpected: 1 DAY completion without paying a premium! All of our projects are extremely important to us and our customer satisfaction is guaranteed every time! We respect your time as much as you do and our innovative solution supplies you with a high quality paint job and a genuine sense of WOW!
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We are interior house painting experts – from living rooms to kitchens, bedrooms to bathrooms, and everything in between. When you are looking for house painting services, look no further than WOW 1 DAY PAINTING! We have revolutionized the painting industry in providing an eco-friendly painting service. Our painting contractors give you the same quality painting you expect and deserve without disrupting your family and home.
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• Licensed, insured and bonded professionals: Don't take a chance with uninsured, un-bonded commercial painters that may cause property damage, provide poor workmanship or worse, disappear in the middle of the job or ask for more money to finish work they underestimated. WOW 1 DAY PAINTING is licensed, insured and bonded and we provide accurate, upfront painting quotes.
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WOW 1 DAY PAINTING brings people a fast, affordable and high quality solution for all their interior or exterior residential, commercial and industrial painting projects. We respect your time as much as you do! Instead of enduring 5 days of painting in your home, our experts do the same job in 1 DAY! For more information on our WOW 1 DAY PAINTING difference, contact us online or give us a call at 1-888-WOW-1DAY today!


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No. 3: Theme a party around your movie
The great thing about technology these days is that more and more of us have kicked-up home theaters. Giant plasma TVs and Blu-ray players are pretty common, so why not invite your friends and family over for a party?
You can go all Martha Stewart and base a party theme on the movie you select -- dress up in your '60s or '70s finery, serve chocolates and shrimp and have a "Forrest Gump" party.
If you want to make your kids happy, get them dressed up as their favorite toy and have a "Toy Story" themed party.
If you were really adventurous, you could turn the themed party into a festival: Rather than just watch one movie, why not watch all the "Star Wars" movies? If you have some especially geeky friends, the costumes alone will be priceless.
Wanna go for a drive?


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Phototoxicity Introduction
Phototoxicity describes a reaction that occurs when exposure to a test material results in skin irritation when combined with UVA exposure. In vitro phototoxicity assays are economical alternatives to in vivo animal and human tests for the screening of raw materials, ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and final formulations.
Our in vitro phototoxicity assays are in vitro cytotoxicity assays which have been modified to include an additional UVA exposure step during test material exposure for the identification of photoirritating test materials. We currently offer two assays for assessing phototoxic potential:
Both tests evaluate potential phototoxicity based on the relative reduction in viability of cells exposed to the test material in the presence of UVA exposure, relative to treated cells in the absence of UVA exposure. These two assays can be used in a tiered approach during product development: the 3T3 NRU phototoxicity assay may be used to test ingredients, and the 3-D reconstructed human epidermis phototoxicity assay is used to test formulations in a skin exposure model. Click on an assay above to find out more about the individual assays, and how each is used.
At IIVS, a positive and negative control are run with each assay. Specialized protocols may be prepared as requested through consultation with the Study Director.
Select from the menu at left for more information about individual phototoxicity assays. Each assay section will include an overview, applications, and brief Step by Step procedures.


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Exclusive to Scrappin Doodles, our Bumble Bees collection includes adorable Bumble Bee Frame themed Graphics. Great for craft projects, teaching projects, teaching lesson plans, teacher papers, student handouts, scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking, paper crafting, card making, etc.. Graphics come in JPEG and PNG format. 300 dpi for perfect printing. I created these graphics large so they are suitable for printing and Digital Scrapbooking projects and can be easily resized smaller to suit other needs, graphics measure up to approx 7". Graphics shown at approx 13% of actual size. Original Artwork by Scrappin Doodles
Key words: bee, bees, bumble bees, frames, borders, insects, cute, graphics, clipart, clip art, illustrations, line art, digital stamps
NOTE: Quality has been reduced in sample picture to prevent digital piracy, you will receive crisp clear 300 dpi images.
Product 52/680
This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 14 July, 2013.


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Foes of a proposed high-rise building in downtown Coeur d'Alene aim to high-center the project by asking local officials to dump another panel's decision that helped clear roadblocks for the development.
The Coeur d'Alene Press reports a would-be neighbor of the 14-story retail and condominium complex wants the Coeur d'Alene City Council to reject the local Design Review Committee's approval.
Harold Damiano, the neighbor, says that panel failed to consider how the project would hurt neighboring property values.
The design panel decided the project being touted by an Aspen, Colo.-based real-estate developer at a prominent intersection fits all of Coeur d'Alene's building guidelines and standards.
Deputy City Attorney Warren Wilson said Damiano's appeal could go to the City Council in January.
Opponents of the project have threatened to sue.


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Mrs. Clark was born Oct. 16, 1952, in Beeville, to Wanda Mae Cox and Elmer Randolf Jones. She married Scott Randal Clark in Beeville on March 23, 1973, and worked for many years for the county under District Clerk Margie Carter. She took over as interim district clerk after Mrs. Carter, and was then voted in as the District Clerk until her retirement. She was a member of First Christian Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Nathan Clark; her husband, Scott Clark; and two brothers, Billie and Dallas Talley.
Survivors include a daughter, Nickelle (Rene) Gonzales of Beeville; three grandchildren, Nickaylen Arteaga, Nathan Gonzales and Nevan Gonzales; a sister, Shelley (Wade) Newsom of Palacios; a sister-in-law, Linda Talley of Sinton; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 1, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home.
The funeral service was conducted there Wednesday, July 2, at 3 p.m. Burial followed in Beeville Memorial Park.
Active pallbearers were Rene Gonzales, Wade Newsom, Jacob Holliday, Randy Newsom, Mike Gonzales and Jose Aliseda.
Honorary pallbearers were Denise Bushman, Shelley Newsom, Nickaylen Arteaga, Nathan Gonzales and Nevan Gonzales.
Galloway & Sons Funeral Home


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My LO will be 6 mos old in the next 4 days. I've been pumping and working for the last 2 mos just fine. However over the last few days my nipples have become very painful. It's painful to breastfeed even though he is well latched on.
It's even more painful to pump so I feel like engorged breasts are only a matter of time. I try to pump on the lowest possible setting but that suction is not effective to get the milk out. I tried hand expression but it takes so long that I am still not able to empty the breasts.
I don't know what to do because if I can't pump then there's no breast milk for him to take to his care provider.
I need any suggestions, ideas FAST!!


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Team looking to be more offensive this season
Moose Jaw Generals
Despite another year of turnover, the Midget AAA Moose Jaw Generals should be an exciting team to watch this season.
There are still six players away at either Western Hockey League or Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League camps, but the Generals are feeling confident heading into Sunday's first pre-season game (7 p.m., Mosaic Place) against the Regina Pat Canadians.
"We still have a few players away, but for the most part, we have a pretty good idea about who is coming back and who won't be," said Ray Wareham, head coach of the Generals. "We will have four or five 1998 born kids that are coming to play. It probably won't be much of our roster in those lineups, but it should be good experience for those younger guys."
The team started practicing on Tuesday and the players set a good tempo and looked good and comfortable with the systems and plays. Despite another year of high turnover due to players graduating from the Midget AAA system, the coaching staff was prepared for another season of re-teaching the young athletes.
"We feel good and we've had some practices this week and it has been a great three days. The kids have been flying out there and good tempo," said Wareham. "We have a fairly big turnover again this year, for lots of re-teaching. It will be exciting now to go into a game situation and see how they respond."
Although missing six players could impact the team in the pre-season, the experience they are gaining at the other camps and teams will only benefit the Generals when they return to the team
"Just to get that experience and those are high end players to be able to stay that long. Just the little bit that they can take out of the dressing rooms with their respective teams they have been with and bring that back to us is only going to help us," he said.
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.


text: GLAAD's Tiq Milan included in Ebony's 10 Black LGBT trailblazers Ebony has released a list of 10 rising stars in the Black LGBT community, and GLAAD followers will recognize several names on the list. GLAAD's own Senior Strategist, Tiq Milan was included on this year's list for his advocacy for transgender people, people of color, and youth. Issues: News, Family, People of Color


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Editor: I would like to respond to comments last week about increasing the minimum wage. The sentiment for raising the minimum wage is good. It comes from a desire to help those at the bottom of the economic ladder. What those good intentions don't account for is the fact that raising the minimum wage hurts the very people it is designed to help.
Setting an arbitrary price for work might make us feel good, but it shuts out low skilled and uneducated people from the job market. It ignores the basic economic laws of supply and demand. We get to pat ourselves on the back for raising the minimum wage, and the lucky ones that get to keep their jobs are better off. What is unseen are those that no longer get to work because the value they can add is less than the price government has set for their labor.
The bottom rung of the economic ladder is where job skills and hard work are often learned. It is a starting point for millions of Americans to a better life. The best job training you can get is a job. Growing up, I worked many minimum wage jobs where I learned values that allowed me to earn more in the marketplace over time. We shouldn't deny others the opportunity we had out of a misguided attempt to artificially increase the value of their labor. The time proven path for individuals to earn higher wages is education, hard work, and stable families. Raising the minimum wage is a long term unemployment plan for those that are just starting out.
Aaron Gabrielson, Wasatch GOP Chair
Heber City
Right to Free Speech - Including Yard Signs
Editor: It is very apparent from the letters written by Ramona Daun and Elizabeth Hokanson, that they do not support Councilman McDonald in his campaign for Mayor. While I support their right to express their concerns and their political opinions, I do not support their desire to silence those that do not agree with them. We have the right to freedom of speech, but we do not have the right to not be annoyed. Although Ms. Daun and Ms. Hokanson may find the signs of a politician they dislike irritating, it appears rather arrogant to assume that what they find distasteful is "not in the public's best interest." Their comments demonstrate complete disregard of my right to freedom of speech and the rights of many other citizens of Heber that requested to have those signs placed in their yards as well. I consider the sign in my yard to be more than just "clutter"; to me it is a statement about the direction I believe will ensure greater freedom and prosperity for our city.
I believe the words our founders wrote were inspired by God, and the fact that they included freedom of speech and religious freedom in the first amendment of the Bill of Rights implies how important these rights are.
The current political sign ordinance in Heber is unconstitutional, which is why it was deemed to be unenforceable by the city staff. A number of cities have been sued for similar political sign ordinances and have rightfully lost in those cases. The candidate's refusal to remove their signs has nothing to do with laziness or misunderstanding, but rather a more complete understanding of the laws that govern our nation. I am happy to support candidates that take principled stands to preserve my basic liberties.
After all, an amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech is not necessary for speech that we all agree with; it is necessary for speech that we find annoying, distasteful, and even speech that we vehemently oppose. Freedom of speech must be protected because there are many things that people disagree over, but there is value in having many viewpoints. We are a stronger and better community when we promote open debate, protect freedom of speech, and allow for all view points to be heard. Some of the greatest tragedies in history occurred because of a paternalistic attitude from one set of people who felt they knew what was best for everyone. Silencing the voices of others, even those we disagree with, endangers the freedom of all.
Local governments cannot write ordinances or laws that violate the constitutional rights of American citizens, even if some citizens deem these rights to be "inconvenient." As I look at the many changes that have occurred in our nation in even the last 10 years, I am concerned at how many freedoms are being stripped from us. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of direct control over what happens in Washington, but we do have direct control over what happens on a local level. That is why it is important to support candidates in our local elections that will honor the oath they take to protect our constitutional rights; and this is why I am proud to support a candidate that recognizes the Constitution as the supreme law of the United States of America.
M.D. O'Connell
Heber City


text: I had no intention of starting Silas on solids anytime soon. He will be 6 months on the 25th and even still I wasn't in any kind of rush to start. But here's what he's doing. He has been present at meals with us everyday. He eats when I eat a lot of the time. He has definitely shown interest in what I am doing for awhile. I know that doesn't mean he's ready, he's just "watching this interesting thing that I'm doing". He watches my hand go to the plate and then to my mouth. It's actually pretty funny because the 2 dogs are there doing that too Any way. He is starting to sit up, albeit teetery. His tongue thrust reflex seems to be gone but I'm not positive and he's almost 6 mos. But there's something new this week. As he watches me eat he has started making his "hungry hum" and jutting his chin out, this is his biggest and most obvious hunger cue. Then he starts smaking his lips (this new). I have been feeding him before I eat lately so I know he doesn't want the breast at this point (they've just been emptied). My thoughts are that he is ready to start solids...what do you think?


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Today was my last day in New York after precious little time at home, and I decided to take advantage of the glorious (spring!) weather by taking a stroll through my neighborhood and spending a few hours at the Met. I wasn't sure what new exhibits there were, but as I wandered I came upon a photography exhibit that created a conversation among Stieglitz, Steichen, and Strand. The above photo (a Strand piece) reminded me that I had yet to post anything about the In/Visible outcomes.
The colloquium went beautifully (if you'll excuse the term) and we all really latched onto the technique of verbal description: reconstructing an image through words (and with minimal analysis) for visually impaired audience members. Although all speakers appeared to use the same methods of description, a few of us began to speculate about the subjective nature of viewing a painting: would two people necessarily produce similar audio descriptions of an image? Certainly one person's clear description can be another person's winding labyrinth, as was proved with the tour we designed (a few independent tour-takers apparently got a bit turned around). I should also note that not many people showed up for the actual event, but the event and the tour itself should not be conflated. All the downloadable materials are still available on the Listening Project website and we heartily encourage anyone to take the tour at any time… it might be especially interesting to do it with a group of friends, peers, or freshmen.
As we move into the last quarter of the year (and my last quarter at Haverford!) we will continue to explore ideas of audio description, how speaking and listening can affect what we see (and/or how we see it). We'll also be working to digitize all the material we have and to create a few aural surprises before the semester is through.


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This cold weather is great news for fans and athletes at the Westby Ski Jump this weekend.
The top of the ski hill is covered in ice. So the colder it is, the faster the skiers go, and the farther they jump.
Thirty ski-jumpers from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Norway are in Westby, and ready to compete on one of the biggest hills in the U.S.
"Here's something that's right in our backyard, you can meet people from all over the world, meet the kids, they come up to you and say "thank you" in a foreign language, that's all we're looking for. If we build it they will come!" says Scott Yttri of the Snowflake Ski Club.
The 90th annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament kicks off with a breakfast at Borgen's Cafe lasting until 10:00 Friday morning.
Opening ceremonies are at 7:00 Friday night, with jumping starting at 7:30.
In between rounds there will be firework displays.
Day one of the tournament wraps-up with live music from The Freezers at the Rod & Gun.
You can see the complete list of this weekend's events, as well as admission information, by heading to the Snowflake Ski Club's website.


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Homeless may get to stay at Token Creek Park
County supervisor wants to extend permit beyond Feb. 17
A Dane County board member believes homeless camped out in Token Creek Park should get to chance to stay there a little longer.
Dave Wiganowsky is the district 21 supervisor, whose area includes Token Creek Park.
He plans to ask the board to lengthen their 90-day permit to May 1. Wiganowsky said moving the camp again isn't the answer.
"Now they want to talk about moving them again, well where they going to dump them?" said Wiganowsky. "In another situation where we're going create another problem? Instead of working on solving the situation, we're just going to keep passing it around."
Wiganowsky will introduce his proposal to extend the permit at Thursday night's meeting, but he's not sure whether other board members will support it.
Copyright 2013 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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To most students, the words "finals week" set off reactions of fear and anxiety. While final week is a time of papers, tests, and getting to know the library very well, this year I've been noticing all the little things around campus that make finals, well, pretty fun.
FAB, or Fords Against Boredom, is the club on campus largely responsible for the excitement of finals. Every year, for nearly every day of finals, they throw a fun event that provides a well-deserved study break for everyone on campus. The first event, held on Sunday night, is the infamous "Midnight Breakfast." At midnight, FAB opens the dining center and, with the deans, serves eggs, bacon, French toast, coffee, fruit, and bagels to any hungry students who want to come for a break or revitalization. Perhaps one of the most popular finals week events, the line was out the door but was most definitely worth the wait before heading back to the library. In addition to the deans' participation in Midnight Breakfast, they also make the rounds to all of the libraries and study spots on campus handing out candy.
The second FAB event, which I went to last night, was "Ben & Jerry's Bingo." FAB orders an enormous supply of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, of a huge variety flavors. Students can come grab some ice cream, stay for bingo, and potentially win gift-cards to several off-campus favorites, such as Wawa, Kiwi Frozen Yogurt, Brueggers Bagels, and Milk Boy café.
Tonight is the last of FAB finals week events, but definitely not the least. At 11:30 tonight, FAB will take 50 hungry students to Philadelphia on a Philly cheesesteak run. They provide a bus that goes straight into Center City where students can buy cheesesteaks before coming back to Haverford after their midnight adventure.
These events, however, only represent the tip of the finals iceberg. Our Office of Academic Resources has extended their hours so students can use their study rooms as well provided study break opportunities, such as holiday card making. Tonight, they are hosting a "Willy Wonka Chocolate Extravaganza," including make your own s'mores. On another chocolaty note, another club just made their rounds around the library giving out free cookies and candy canes to anyone in need of a pick-me-up. Earlier today, our mindfulness club, HaverMinds, threw a "De-Stress with Dogs" event in conjunction with Haverford's Pre-Veterinarian club, where they brought dogs from a local shelter to campus for students to play with throughout the day. And tonight, my friend made coffee for me at her carrel in the library when we both were gearing up for a study session. It struck me tonight, in thinking about all of these events and activities on campus, that both students and faculty take the time this week to make sure that everyone has a positive finals week. The self-scheduled exam times, meant to accommodate everyone's schedules, and professor's extended office hours this week also make it easier for students to manage their schedules and access the resources they need before going in to take a test. As I received my free candy cane to aid me in my history studying, I realized that it's the little things this week—encouragement from a friend or a warm cookie—that make finals a way to close out the semester with your friends before heading home for the holidays.