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By Reginald RogersJanuary 23, 2010
FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- For many of Fort Bragg's Soldiers, being able to assist in the global humanitarian support effort to Haiti brings with it a sense of pride. Now that feeling has been magnified for two Fort Bragg officers as family members have also gotten into the act.
On Wednesday, Jan. 20, military cargo planes from nearby Pope Air Force Base were featured on a local news report as they air dropped pallets of bottled water into the earthquake-ravaged country.
Fort Bragg's heavy-air-drop parachute riggers provided the manpower in getting the packages ready and Maj. Kenneth Letcher and his wife Maj. Michelle Letcher, both of whom are assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, along with the 82nd Airborne Division's G-4 section, handled the coordination.
Kenneth's conversation with his father Keith, a retired Army colonel, who works for the National Beverage Corporation in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and his wife Michelle, who is assigned to the division's Sustainment brigade, led to the distribution of more than 200,000 bottles of water to the citizens of Haiti.
"My dad called me and asked how his company could help and I directed him to the 82nd Abn. Div.'s G-4 office," explained Kenneth Letcher, who works for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. "I knew that they would donate truckloads of water and we were able to get that here at Fort Bragg within 24 hours. My wife and her team were able to bundle it for air drops over Haiti."
He said his father expressed his company's frustration because it wanted to help and had tried to get the water to Haiti through connections in Miami, but to no avail. Keith also explained to his son that it was important to the National Beverage Corp. to help the people in Haiti and to support the military in its efforts.
"He said, 'I just want to help. How can I help,'" Kenneth said.
According to Kenneth, the Army has done a great job in its humanitarian effort to Haiti.
"Fort Bragg, the civilian and military community here has rallied to help support the 2nd Brigade Combat Team as they deploy to Haiti," he said. "They've supported the XVIII Airborne Corps headquarters as they deployed and we're really doing a lot of behind-the-scenes support with the help of the Air Force to get supplies and equipment over to Haiti."
Kenneth said he was especially proud of their family's efforts.
"It makes me feel proud," he said. "I got my penchant for service from my dad, who retired after 30 years in the military and I'm glad that he has maintained his ties to the military and is looking to do his part as well."
Michelle echoed her husband's sentiments.
"It's amazing the way people rally together when they want to help others," said Michelle, who works at the 82nd Sustainment Brigade, the unit that is responsible for the Soldiers who prepare the airdrop products. "It was amazing to see the water arrive, Soldiers work and people wanting to help. It was great that we could receive the water and get it to where it needed to be within 24 hours. It makes me feel good, just knowing that I had a part in a little piece of that."
According to the elder Letcher, the urge to help came from National Beverage's chief executive officer Nick Caporella, who issued a statement to the company that he wanted to help the people of Haiti. During this time, he also asked if anyone had ties to Fort Bragg.
"When I got the message, I let them know it just happens to be that my son and daughter-in-law are there," Keith Letcher said. "I called my son and 'hey, is there anyone or who is the point of contact'' He got me a point of contact, I called him and we worked it from there."
The National Beverage Corp. sent six tractor-trailers loaded with 24 pallets each to Fort Bragg's gate. The end result was a total of 200,000 bottles of water to be distributed to Haiti.
According to Grace Keene, the company's director of Investor relations and corporate communications, the National Beverage had concerns that were taken care of once they got in touch with Fort Bragg.
"We could not get any organizations to move fast and that's why we reached out to Keith because everyone else was so backed up," she explained. "We were just so happy that Keith could make the contact with the military and those guys are fast. They got that water there within 24 hours."
She said she was also happy that National Beverage was able to assist in the effort.
"We feel wonderful about (being able to contribute to the relief effort)," she added. "Keith is a long and valuable member of our team. To have his family work with our family just makes us feel really great. We're always quick to respond when people are in need, but this is was such a devastating earthquake and those poor victims there are so desperate for life-sustaining necessities and we just so glad that we reacted. We're going to continue to do whatever we can to help them."
Keith said he was equally proud that his company and of his family members could provide assistance.
I'm proud of both of them," he said of Kenneth and Michelle. "Both of them are good kids. That's the first time that we've done anything professionally. It made me feel good that I could join in and help in the relief effort and for National Beverage to jump in and be the leader as we put our water on the ground first."


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Mayer Hawthorne heads up relocated Pacific FestAugust 3rd, 2012, 12:35 am by BEN WENER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Ã'ðè áîãà òûðÿ íà äà ëüíèõ áåðåãà õ 2012
We'd heard a month ago that the Pacific Festival, an annual O.C. conglomeration of indie rock and DJ culture, was moving from its usual location at Oak Canyon Ranch (site of many a Hootenanny) to the posher shores of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina in Newport Beach.
We've also not been alone in wondering how the Sept. 2 bash might fare, given that a good chunk of its potential audience might already have purchased tickets to the more guitar/punk-driven FYF Fest in downtown L.A. over Labor Day weekend.
Now the folks at concert promoter Identity have revealed the lineup, and it should come as no surprise, given the upscale relocation, that Pac Fest is downsizing to a degree.Read the rest of this entry »

subset: commoncrawl


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Snow has fallen on Lake Tahoe, so it's time to start planning those annual Lake Tahoe winter vacations. Dust off the poles, pull up those ski overalls, and get ready for the slopes! We've compiled the best deals on winter lodging packages, so back in the kids and enjoy this winter in Lake Tahoe. With so many deals going on this winter, you might just need to call in sick to work with a fake case of pneumonia and stay for the whole winter! Here are a few snow-meltingly hot ski/stay deals this winter:
Resort at Squaw Creek: Ski and Ride Package - Squaw Valley
Winter getaway! This package includes a stay for two or three nights, and two adult lift tickets to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows for each night stayed! Don't miss this deal, it's valid from January 6 to April 14 2014. Price: $377 per night
The Ridge Resorts: Ski Getaways - South Tahoe
Nestled in away from the hustle and bustle of South Lake Tahoe, The Ridge Resorts is perfect for a romantic getaway. Ski packages range from the Deluxe King Room package to Spa & Ski Getaway, with everything in between! Each package includes lift tickets, interchangeable at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Sierra at Tahoe, Northstar, or Squaw Valley Ski Resorts. Price: Starting at $364
Hyatt Regency: Selection of Slopes Ski Package - Incline
Ski package includes accommodations, two adult lift tickets (to the resort of your choice!) per night stay, shuttle service in and around Incline Village, 15% off spa treatment, and many other incredible amenities.
The Village at Northstar: Stay and Ski Free - Truckee
Who pays for lift tickets anyway? Stay two or more nights at The Village at Northstar and take advantage of free lift tickets! Free is our favorite word, and it's even better when paired with lift tickets. Minimum two night stay, so unpack the bags. Price: $132 per person
Forest Suites Resort: Winter Packages - South Tahoe
The deals just keep on coming this winter in Lake Tahoe, and Forest Suites is in on it! Stay 5 nights are receive 2 free Heavenly or Northstar lift tickets this season. Tickets valid any day, and this package is available until April 15, 2014.
Granlibakken: Homewood Mountain Resort Deal - Tahoe City
There is no better deal than Granlibakken's winter special for Homewood. Package includes a full hot buffet breakfast, lodging, shuttle service, and easy access to the mountain. Price: $113 per person
Cedar House Sport Hotel: Stay and X-Ski Midweek - Truckee
Starting on January 5, 2014 come up to Lake Tahoe and avoid the weekend crowd. Package includes lodging, breakfast, and choice of trail ticket, so go explore the beautiful backcountry of Lake Tahoe in the winter. Price: $202.50 per person


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At the beginning of the offseason, there was plenty of uncertainty throughout Chicago as to how the team would fill some holes across the roster.
The good news is that the signings of guys like Kirk Hinrich and Marco Belinelli have nearly filled out its rotation with capable players at most positions. Outside of the rotation, however, the Bulls have some room for guys to earn a spot on the bench in case of injuries (a la 2011).
Now that the summer league is complete, we've taken a look at five free agents who could fit in with the Bulls this season.


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The statistics are staggering, one fifth of the world's population have access to a mobile device and the Internet. With that many potential users out there, an explosion of mobile applications is not only inevitable, but also necessary.
Is your business ready for the mobile explosion?
When customers visit your website on their smartphone, do they see the same old, zoomed out page, or do they get a prefectly-tailored mobile experience?
Wireless applications are the preferred mode of communication for people on the go. Is your company ready to handle these requirements and effectively reach out to your customers?
At Web2Works, we believe in developing long lasting business solutions that stand the test of time and fulfil your long term goals. We have harnessed mobile technologies for diverse platforms such as Blackberry, iPhone, Android etc, to create stand alone applications capable of networking and data transfer in real time. Our mobile applications are robust, scalable and secure enhancing the market reach of your business. 3E is your solution in making your presence in the mobile web world unique, focused, targeted and importantly, cost effective.
- A proven track record of successfully deployed full fledged mobile applications
- Highly customized mobile websites following strict XHTML – MP Standards
- Mobile application Design, Analysis and Development services.
- Comprehensive support through the implementation of scalable frameworks capable of incorporating future technological advances.
- Customer driven and enhanced user experiences within feasible timelines and costs.
- Mobile Applications Testing Services (Functional, non-functional and test automation)
So, if you want to be part of the new mobile generation and compliment your site with an iPhone alternative then just get in touch
Other website services:
Website Design
We specialise in creating bespoke, visually stimulating website designs for the front-end that engage your customers and make your competitors jealous. Web2Works are a UK company based in Doncaster. We incorporate sound design principles that focus on ease of navigation, website usability guidelines, and smart, clean content layout.
Standard compliant website development - W3C
Why do we need web standards? As an example, you need to buy a light bulb. Imagine if every manufacturer in the world made their light bulbs to their own desired sizes and fittings. It would be a nightmere buying the right light bulb that fits your particular lamp socket.
Search Engine Optimisation
The search engines are constantly changing and this year is no different, Web2Works Website and Search Engine Optimisation company situated in Doncaster. Here are some useful tips for 2011 which you should explore and work on to stay ahead of the SEO game.
Mobile Websites
The statistics are staggering, one fifth of the world's population have access to a mobile device and the Internet. With that many potential users out there, an explosion of mobile applications is not only inevitable, but also necessary.
We offer fast reliable all round packages that includes everything you will need to host your website on the Internet. Website Hosting prices start from £120. 00 per year. *Choosing your domain name?* We can help you to choose a domain name that is perfect for you.
Email Marketing
An important part of any website is to be able to capture email addresses for newsletters, articles and online marketing activities. Web2Works highly recommends List Mail Pro which enables you to manage and publish your newsletters directly from your server with no monthly fees.
*E-commerce Website Design Services* With *300 million* potential customers online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the future of commerce is most certainly online. We focus our design around the ease of use. E-Commerce websites are completely secure and reliable shopping cart payment systems.
Content Managemnt System
Content Management System (CMS) which is fully editable, allowing you full control over your website content without the need for technical programming knowledge or on-going maintenance costs. You can simply login via a secure admin area to update your website 365 days a year.


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Rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit with a relaxing and healing massage. Refined massage techniques reverse the negative effects of stress, repair damaged muscle tissue, and remove pain throughout your body. The art of massage uses a wide range of techniques that improve circulation, detoxify your body, relieve tension, improve digestion, enhance muscle tone, and increase mental alertness. Massages not only benefit the body, they benefit the mind as well. Experience mental and spiritual healing as your mind releases stress and worry allowing a renewed sense of energy and emotional well-being to enter your spirit.
Massage Therapy promotes:


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Because Knetbooks knows college students. Our rental program is designed to save you time and money. Whether you need a textbook for a semester, quarter or even a summer session, we have an option for you. Simply select a rental period, enter your information and your book will be on its way!
A Companion to the Meuse-Argonne Campaign explores the single largest and bloodiest battle in American military history, including its many controversies, in historiographical essays that reflect the current state of the field.


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New York Fashion Week may be a few months away, but you don't have to wait until September to get your dose of fashion flare. From May 7 through August 1, Brooklyn Museum will host American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection.
This ode to women's fashion will include pieces from both American designers and those that have greatly influenced American design such as Bonnie Cashin and Christian Dior. Each article of clothing on exhibit is hand-picked from the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
And while you're in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Brooklyn Public Library to visit our extensive collection of books about fashion and design. Catch it while you can, because like Tim Gunn says, one day you're in and the next day you're out!
If volcanic ash from Iceland and other naturally occurring disasters (see: global economic collapse) have conspired against you this summer, thwarting visions of southern France and international cinema, despair not: your journey to this year's Festival de Cannes begins at BPL.
As one of the last extant societies for old-guard glamour and art, the films and celebrities that parade through Cannes still exude a certain wattage and grandeur, and arrive each year impervious to the world's ruptures—volcanic or otherwise. That we cannot all live along such lines is precisely what this festival invites us to forget. Thus, it is in the spirit of forgetting that Brooklyn Public Library invites those detained on these shores to pick up an aperitif and mine our decadent collection of films that feature actors, directors and jury members from Cannes 2010. To begin, carry your ABC card like a passport, visit one of BPLs neighborhood libraries, and perhaps, in the words of this year's head jury member— Tim Burton—discover a film that knocks on the doors of your dreams.
Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 Grams), Jean-Luc Godard (Breathless), Woody Allen (Annie Hall), Tim Burton (Beetlejuice), and Benicio Del Toro (Sin City) are among the directors and performers who have been selected for this year's Cannes Film Festival, and whose work you can checkout at BPL. Revisit some old favorites and discover some new ones while you wait for the latest premiers. View the festival's official selection, then peruse BPLs catalog for complimentary titles, which you can watch for free.
BPL is a strong proponent of the belief that life doesn't end after 60—there's a lot to be gained by staying active in our older age. I'm sure you know someone who can benefit from programs offered by BPL's Service to the Aging (SAGE).
Homebound folks of any age can use the Books by Mail service; you can find lectures, films, cultural programs and creative writing classes at several neighborhood libraries; and online, you can take an internet tutorial that gives all the basics of using the World Wide Web and email.
Check out the SAGE website and our Events Calendar for more detailed info about events and programs.
May is Jewish Heritage Month and Brooklyn Public Library has events, books and databases to celebrate and investigate your heritage.
Enjoy Jewish Heritage Month and the 62nd anniversary of the state of Israel at Brighton Beach Library.
Central is hosting a Klezmer concert – and dance lessons – on our outdoor Plaza.
Converse with Bubbe by learning to speak Yiddish at Brighton Beach.
Learn about your roots at Kings Highway Library where we offer free access to Jewish Data, one of the largest Jewish genealogical databases of its kind.
And if you're looking for books by Jewish authors, or about famous Jewish people, search our catalog. You can also visit our Multilingual Center for books in Hebrew, Yiddish and other languages.
BPL is facing a $20.6 million budget cut so we need your help! Please visit our website to advocate for BPL by sending an ePostcard to your elected official urging them to lessen the cuts to your library.And this Saturday, you can help make your voice heard by attending Love Your Library Day, a day of fun benefitting BPL, featuring a dollar book sale, free entertainment and a rally. Also, since our materials budget will be affected, please consider a donation to the Support Our Shelves campaign -- every dollar counts!Please consider participating in one or all efforts to help show your love for your library.


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B.A. in Botany, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. 1996.
M.A. in Biology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 1999.
Courses taught at Bryn Mawr
Research Interests
From the foraging optimization of Casmerodius albus (Great Egret), to the pollination biology of Trillium ovatum (Redwood Trillium) my research has been field dominated. My master's work consisted of scouring California for twenty or so elusive thelephoraceous species of ecto-mycorrhizal fungi in two closely related genera, Hynellum and Sarcodon. Ecto-mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations between higher fungi and woody vascular plants. These associations are crucial for healthy productive forests as the beneficial fungi protect their host tree against disease, increase drought tolerance, and aid in nutrient acquisition. With the ever-increasing utilization of timberlands, determining the ecology and correct taxonomy of this group of fungi became important if theses species were to be properly protected. Two undescribed species were found and three first-time reports of eastern species were made, increasing their known habitat range. But many more questions arose than were answered. The group is extremely variable morphologically and the mating system has not been determined, which makes species delineation very difficult. However, my study has laid the groundwork for molecular studies that will hopefully shed light on some of the more intractable homoplasy.
The stewardship of environment is a domain on the near side of metaphysics where all reflective persons can surely find common ground. For what, in the final analysis, is morality but the command of conscience seasoned by a rational examination of consequences? And what, is a fundamental precept but one that serves all generations? An enduring environmental ethic will aim to preserve not only the health and freedom of our species, but access to the world in which the human spirit was born.
--- E. O. Wilson, The Diversity of Life.
Lately my attention is focused on science literacy. My current approach is twofold. First, in passionately and enthusiastically exploring natural systems with students, I hope to unveil both its beauty and relevance. In the details, patterns emerge that are enormously wondrous, be it the iridescence of a butterfly wing or the signal transduction-cascade of cellular communication. If humans can learn to see this beauty and how it relates to their lives, my hypothesis is that stewardship of the environment will finally become an important priority. Secondly and more generally, I am seeking to make science more accessible and user-friendly. Science is not principally a canon of knowledge and facts, but rather a process by which practitioners communally come to an understanding about the material world in which we all live. This understanding takes the form of a story which summarizes and accounts for a set of observations. With each new observation the stories either work or need to be revised. Consequently, science does not claim absolutes, rather only the most useful and inclusive summaries of observations at any given time in history. It is not some arcane and unattainable authority, rather a continual telling and re-telling of stories that rely on communal agreement to substantiate knowledge. In this light, all are welcome contributors to the on-going human story.
Other Interests & Activities
Science Education:
Franklin, W. (2010). Evolution & Phylogenetic Analysis: Classroom Activities for Investigating Molecular & Morphological Concepts. American Biology Teacher: Vol 72 (2): p114-119.
Franklin, W. (2008). Effects of Invasive species on Plant Community Structure. American Biology Teacher: Vol. 70, (8): p479-48
Franklin, W. Assessment for a New Culture of Learning. (In Progress).
- Franklin, W. and Sears, M. Simulating Research Experiences in the Undergraduate Laboratories: A Case Study using Quantitative Genetics. (In Progress).
- Franklin, W.A. 1999. An Alph-taxonomic Study of Hydnellum and Sarcodon in Northern California. M.A Thesis, Humboldt State University, Arcata. 99p.
Wine Related:
- Franklin, W.A. 2003. California Terrior: A Sense of Place. Cuizine Magazine: Vol.11, No. 5: p50-53..
- Franklin, W.A. 2003. Dry versus Sweet. Cuizine Magazine: Vol. 11, No. 2: p26-28.
- Franklin, W.A. 2002. Discovering Wine - Again? A California Winemaker's Journey East. Cuizine Magazine: Vol. 10, No. 5: p44-47.
Contact Wilfred Franklin at email@example.com


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By Kelli Steele 10:14am, March 11, 2014Taxi drivers in Ocean City want to increase their rates.
WBOC TV reports that cab fares are currently $2.20 per mile in the resort. But many drivers feel the fares need to be higher to cover expenses like taxi maintenance.
Cab drivers are proposing the rates be increased to $3.70 per mile.
Taxi rates in surrounding cities including Baltimore, Philadelphia and D.C. are currently comparable to the current rate in OC.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Elizabeth Spudich, PhD
1020 Locust Street
Suite 263D Alumni Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-4967
Suite 263D Alumni Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-4967
Most Recent Peer-reviewed Publications
- The identification of a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, 1-ethyl-5-{5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl} -N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-4-amine (EPPA-1), with improved therapeutic index using pica feeding in rats as a measure of emetogenicity
- Camphor sulfonamide derivatives as novel, potent and selective CXCR3 antagonists
- Inhibition of invariant chain processing, antigen-induced proliferative responses, and the development of collagen-induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by a small molecule cysteine protease inhibitor
- Cathepsin S expression is up-regulated following balloon angioplasty in the hypercholesterolemic rabbit
- The identification and characterization of the marine natural product scytonemin as a novel antiproliferative pharmacophore
Medical School
Thomas Jefferson University - PhD - 1998
Medical School: PhD, Thomas Jefferson University, Developmental Biology and Experimental Teratology, 1998
University Appointments
Assistant Professor
Research Interests
Curriculum development and content delivery in undergraduate medical education. Technology and the Internet have changed both the way people approach education and the very nature of the "student". My research looks at how content is delivered, received and processed by students and the effects these have on learning and long-term retention


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At J&B, we are proud to enrich the community. One way to say thank you is by giving back to the communities in which we live and serve. Click the link below to download a copy of our Enrich Communities Brochure and Application
Email us at: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone 763-497-9508
Click Here to Enter the Fulfillment Center:


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St. C. Cats
Dear Editor,
Eleven years ago I began feeding a small group of kittens and cats in the Saint Clairsville Memorial Park.
I fed them because they were nearly starved, the little ones too small to forage, and the older two, sick and in need of care. Some of these cats are still in the Park today because of the food, veterinarian care, and attention they received from three of us throughout the following years. Today they are in an area of the Park where we have been permitted to continue feeding them by Park officials. All of their food, care, and veterinary care is paid for by those of us involved in feeding them. Sick cats, mostly those dropped off in inhumane ways in the Park, are recognized by us, and immediately taken for testing…in most cases the poor things tossed out of cars in the Park are very ill, and must be put down. Just a few tossed from cars have been saved, and one of those is my boy cat, Calvin, who was 6 years old when he was seen being thrown from a moving car. He is a quiet and healthy cat, very attentive and loving. He lives in his forever home with me.
The Saint Clairsville Memorial Park BOARD sent the three of us a letter last week informing us that we would no longer be permitted to feed the 13-15 cats in the Park, even though we have been permitted through all these years to do so. The letter said that if we were caught feeding the cats after June 30, we would be barred from all Park facilities for an indefinite period of time or permanently, and/or arrested for trespassing. The Park Board has NO CLUE how much care we take in ensuring the safety of these animals and how much devotion we have to them.
There has never been an issue with these cats; they stay in their habitat even when very large picnics are taking place. They don't come out or bother park guests because they aren't hungry–they are fed. When I go down to feed them and people see a cat or two there is amazement that the cats have stayed secluded in their area, down over the bank, behind hay bales.
The Park Board states the cats cannot be fed on Park property. After all these years of permitting it, they want us to let the cats go without food, or more bluntly, the Park Board doesn't care if they starve. I truly don't believe the cats will survive without us because of the long term commitment we have had to them for all these years. Their habitat is kept clean by us and they are all beautiful cats. About 75% of them were spayed through a grant last year so they are not a growing group. Some of them are more than 8 years old. The average age is probably 5-6 years.
Please help to keep these cats from starving after June 30 by calling the Park Board and letting them know that you care about the inhumane action they are demanding. These are innocent animals, who have been accustomed to being fed. They harm no one and they will wait faithfully for us to come until they die. It truly breaks my heart to think of it.
Norma Rodebaugh


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Estimates have come down substantially after ugly second quarter results, sending GSE Environmental (NYSE:GSE) to a Zacks Rank No. 5 (Strong Sell), with an "Underperform" recommendation.
About the Company
GSE Environmental is a manufacturer and marketer of geosynthetic lining products and services, used for environmental protection and confinement applications. Their solutions are used mainly in agriculture, aquaculture, mining, power, waste containment, wastewater, and other industrial applications. Headquartered in Houston, GSE has manufacturing facilities in the US, Chile, Germany, Thailand and Egypt. It also has sales offices throughout the world.
Disappointing Second-Quarter Results
Total net sales for the second quarter were $108.2 million, compared to $139.2 million for the prior year period. The loss in the quarter was $6.9 million, or ($0.34) per diluted share compared to adjusted net income of $5.8 million or $0.29 per diluted share in the prior year period.
Declining EBITDA caused GSE to breach its debt covenant in respect of its total leverage. The company obtained a waiver of default from its lenders and amended the credit facility.
According to the management, very weak European economy has left the industry with excess capacity, leading to overall margin pressure.
Downwards Revisions
Due to disappointing results and uninspiring guidance, quarterly and annual estimates have been revised sharply downwards in the past few weeks. Zacks consensus estimates for the current quarter and year are now $0.09 and ($0.69) respectively down from $0.22 and $0.47 per share, 60 days ago.
Current consensus estimates represent 68% and 134% year-over-year earnings' decline for the current quarter and current year.
CEO Departure
In July, GSE announced that Mark Arnold, its President and CEO will be leaving the Company. The Board has appointed Charles Sorrentino, a current member of the Board, as interim President and CEO. Leadership change adds more uncertainty to the outlook for the company.
The Bottom Line
The company is trying to implement a global cost cutting plan but it still expects continued margin pressure until supply and demand conditions normalize. With its global footprint, the company may benefit in the longer-term when the global economy improves, provided it is able to execute initiatives on cutting costs and streamlining operations properly.
Further, there are uncertainties related to the leadership change and the balance sheet. But in view of near-term challenges, it is safer to stay away from the stock for the time being.
As noted, GSE is currently a Zacks Rank No. 5 (Strong Sell) stock and it has a recommendation of "Underperform." Further, a Zacks Industry Rank of 205 out of 265 also indicates some weakness in the short- to mid-term. As such investors should like to avoid this stock for the time being.
Better Play?
Investors seeking exposure to the industry could look at Energy Recovery (NASDAQ:ERII) or Ceco Environmental (NASDAQ:CECE); both are Zacks Rank No. 2 (Buy) stocks.
GSE HOLDING INC (GSE): Free Stock Analysis Report (email registration required)


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Overclocking plays a vastly different role in the computer industry today than it did 10 years ago, a time when overclockers were considered outlaws by manufacturers. Back then even mentioning overclocking could void your warranty and industry leaders like Intel were working to eliminate it all together.
In contrast, nowadays processor and graphics cards manufacturers have embraced the practice, touting high 'overclockability' as a feature and in the process using it to sell enthusiast oriented products at a premium.
Take the popular mid-range GeForce GTX 560 Ti as an example. Base model non-overclocked cards start at ~$229, but finding them isn't so plain and easy as most manufacturers prefer to push their overclocked counterparts. While the Nvidia specification calls for a 822MHz core clock speed, you shouldn't be surprised to see outgoing models running at 900MHz or more for this particular GPU series.


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|Garden Tool
|Jelani Guldis
|Garden Tool
Once again, the sandman's mere presence seems enough to put a mortal to sleep. Kamlann and Syndir seem immune to it's soporific presence, having resisted it once already... but Farid is not.
Farid's Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Just like that, Farid nods off on his feet. A moment of desperation registers on his face, then he simply drifts off.
The "sandman" wags a finger at Farid as the young man's eyelids flutter shut, flashing him a charming smile, but otherwise paying the young rogue no mind. Surging along the ground, it slips out of it's disadvantaged position and attempts to manifest some sort of spell or power, though it does not speak or make any complex manual gestures.
The sandman five-foot steps into space AB11 and makes a defensive casting concentration check.
concentration check: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Rather, the creature lazily waves it's hand through the air, successfully manifesting some sort of magic on the defensive.
Jelani's Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Kamlann's Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Syndir's Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Syndir fails to recognize any familar spell effect. A strictly supernatural ability, perhaps?
Farid's Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Kamlann's Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Syndir's Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
A brief shimmer seems to fill the air around the sandman for an instant. Kamlann feels a mild but hostile "tingle" wash over him, but the mental trick is transparent, and easily resisted. The magical attack seems to have some adverse effects on Syndir, however. Though he does not go to sleep, Syndir suddenly looks very drowsy.
-4 on Will saves vs. sleep; and
-5 on Perception checks.
The effect will last for one minute. It is otherwise effectively a lullaby spell.
Leaning forward and expanding it's form somewhat, the sandman looms over the distressingly sleepy-looking Syndir, sporting a sinister smile. It pays Kamlann and Farid no mind at all, for now.
Predictably, it's shape changes again... this time to that of an older, well-dressed, and soft-in-the-middle Kelish man with facial features remarkably similar to that of the slimmer, younger Syndir. A family relation, no doubt. Horrifically, this "disguise" is accompanied by a gruesome detail.
The sandman's throat appears to have been torn out. Grinning down at Syndir, the sandman speaks what sounds like a single word. The creature speaks in a rumbling, grinding language that none present (and awake) can understand.
EDIT: I'm using a lighter color to signify sleeping characters, on the lap. You'll notice that Farid and Seamus are a shade lighter than the rest of you. Also, I'd like to remind everyone that it's a standard action to jostle a sleeping character awake.
EDIT: Reposting the initiative order on page 2.
sand creature; 26
Syndir; 20
Seamus; 8
Farid; 7 (+3)
Jelani; 7 (+2)
Kamlann; 4
EDIT: If anyone saw or was confused by my earlier post, I apologize. I forgot a very important roll at the start of the combat and had to replay the round, which changed the results of some of the coded die rolls. I relized my mistake pretty instantly, so hopefully nobody noticed!
Syndir, it is your turn.
|Garden Tool
GOD, I am so off today. I misread Syndir's saving throw (I was looking at another number) and wrote the above post as though he made his save, when he did not. I've revised the post above. Syndir looks sleepy, now.
My apologies again for any confusion. Time to grab some more coffee...
Syndir, it is your turn.
|Syndir Apep
HP = 18/18, AC = 18, F/3 R/4 W/8, Snake Style Active
Syndir knew not what game this creature was playing but it didnt humor him at all. It felt like a dream and he briely thought about finding a quiet room upstairs. Shaking his headin an effort to ignore the things form and answered the dark haired man.
I did indeed bring it upon you but I already offered my apologies and you had a chance to run. Your help is of course, most appreciated.
He shifted his balance to the forward foot even as his hand shot out with two knuckles coming down like a hammer.
Unarmed Attack - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage - 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
|Garden Tool
Stiehl9s, I should specify that the "sandman" isn't dark-haired. His coloration (sandy) doesn't change, and his "disguises" are transparent. He isn't shape-shifting so much as "sculpting." No matter his shape, he's always just sand.
The sandman reels, feeling the full force of Syndir's attack. Sand explodes from the creature's body, showering the vicinity with harmless debris. It's grip tightens around the amber-colored stone that it holds. The rumbles again, but this time, it doesn't sound anything like laughter.
Seamus, meanwhile, slumbers away, and Farid crumples to the floor.
Jelani, it is your turn.
|Jelani Guldis
Syndir is, I believe, addressing Kamlann in his last post.
Round 2
HP:12/17, AC15/To11/FF14, F4/R2/W9
Current Effects Active: Mage Armour (2 hours remaining), Bless (9 rounds remaining)
If the magical sleep affecting Seamus was anything like the Sleep spell, a simple shake shoulder awaken the sleeper. That's Jelani's hope anyway, as he reaches to shake the sleeping ex-pirate awake. Once Seamus' eyes open, Jelani will move to recover his staff, laying on the floor near where he was sitting.
Standard action to awaken Seamus. Move action to AC13 to retrieve the staff.
|Garden Tool
|Garden Tool
|Kamlann of Egorian
Kamlann's eyes narrow as he sees the Qadiran's punch strike home. For just a moment he hesitates, but he is loathe to give up his enchanted blade just yet. Instead, he strikes out with the sciitar, hoping that the magic will be enough to hammer through the sandman's defenses. Standard action attack, using two-handed grip, including bless bonus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9, damage 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8. The moment of hesitation, however, was too long - indeed, Kamlann misses so badly he's not even sure the sandman noticed the attack, with all its attention on the Qadiran.
AC 21, hp 17/23, current effects bless, shield, arcane point.
Also, ouch. :P Hate rolling 1s.
|Farid Heydar
Farid is having a horrible dream that he has been attacked by a creature made of sand, hopefully he will wake up soon to a warm bed and cold ale.
|Garden Tool
It occurs to me that the wording on the sleep effect that seems to accompany the sandman's presence still affects sleeping creatures, by RAW. That means that sleeping characters in range get a chance to save vs. the aura, and thus render themselves immune with a successful save. Seamus was in range last round, so I'll be rolling a retroactive Will save for him, last round, to see if he saved while sleeping (and thus gained temporary immunity). I'm not 100% sure that this is RAI, but it is RAW (you can cast sleep on a sleeping creature to renew the duration), and it helps to "reign in" a pretty high-powered ability.
Seamus' retroactive Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Yep! Seamus is hereafter immune to that specific aura effect, for now, and as of the start of this turn, that's "in character" knowledge for Seamus.
Farid's sleeping Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
The sandman shifts a few feet to one side, and - eyes on Syndir - the creature's human form gives way to a serpentine, draconic shape, before attacking with the length of it's makeshift "tail".
The sandman takes a five-foot step into space AA12 and attacks Syndir.
slam attack: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Syndir's Snake Style Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Perfectly anticipating the attack, Syndir weaves and twists gracefully out of harm's way, seemingly mimicing the sand creature's new serpentine shape and manner.
Syndir, it is your turn.
|Syndir Apep
HP = 18/18, AC = 18, F/3 R/4 W/8, Snake Style Active
Fuly into the mind of the snake; Syndir retaliated against the sand serpents attack with one of his own.
Snake Fang - AoO - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage - 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
He reached out in an attempt to use his strength draining spell
Touch Attack - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
|Garden Tool
Forgot about Snake Fang. Not a hit, though.
Both Syndir's counter and his attempted spell delivery miss by a wide margin.
Seamus, it is your turn. You are prone, and your scimitar is in your hand. If you make a ranged attack from the floor, the creature has cover (you're firing through the table and chairs, from the ground). If you stand up, per the rules for "cover and low obstacles" in the Combat chapter, the sandman will not benefit from cover since you are closer to the "low obstacle" object (the table) than the defending creature is.
|Seamus Haggrathy
Round 2
Init: 8, HP:25/25
AC 16 (To 12, FF 14); F4/R5/W3 (Prone: AC +4 vs ranged, -4 vs melee)
Grit Points: 1/3
Current Effects Active: Bless (9 rounds remaining)
Seamus opens his eyes to a strange scene indeed. Lying on the floor he can see others in the room equally laid low. Through the table legs he spots some of the other patrons battling some kind of sand creature. What in the bloody hells?
Stifling a yawn, he moves quickly to draw his pistol from within his coat. Lying it across his arm on the floor, he lines up a shot through the chair legs. With a roar like thunder and acrid smoke, the weapon discharges spitting a bullet at the creature's torso.
Move action to draw concealed weapon with Quick Draw. Which is why I'm not standing this turn.
Free action to spend 1 Grit to use Dead Eye deed.
Swift Action to spend 1 Grit to use Focused Aim deed.
Standard action to fire pistol at Sand creature (with Bless and range penalties included in string but not cover penalties).
Pistol attack (vs creature's Touch AC): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 13, Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
|Garden Tool
Though it clears the chair legs, Seamus' bullet misses the creature entirely, splintering the wooden floorboards near the creature's sandy feet.
Farid and the oblivious stranger at the back table remain asleep. It is clear, at this point, that the man in the back of the room could not possibly be merely napping. Seamus' gunfire didn't even stir him.
Jelani, it is your turn.
|Jelani Guldis
Round 3
HP:12/17, AC15/To11/FF14, F4/R2/W9
Current Effects Active: Mage Armour (2 hours remaining), Bless (8 rounds remaining)
Jelani picks up his staff on the ground, holding it in one hand. He then retrieves a scroll of Ear-Piercing Scream from his scroll case.
Move action to pick up the staff, move action to retrieve the scroll from it's case. Staff is currently in 1 hand and so cannot be used to make AoOs.
|Garden Tool
|Kamlann of Egorian
"Lord below!" Kamlann swears as the bullet shatters the floorboards. He glares at the sandman, then throws his scimitar aside and grabs the chair next to him, stepping forward to swing it at the elemental with all his might. Move action, grab the chair. Five foot step to AB11 and attack with with improvised weapon. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8, damage 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8.
|Garden Tool
The chair proves a poor weapon, the now-serpentine sand creature almost idly evading Kamlann's assault (distracted by the sound of gunfire, no doubt, and the realization that the city watch would likely be on the way, now). The four of you (not including the sleeping Farid) have time to wonder what sort of conjuration (if any) brought this creature here, what kind of corpse this creature will leave (if any), if defeated, and whether or not the staff and patrons on the top two floors are alive. How will this look to the city watch?
But all that is a "later" problem. There's a "now" problem that needs addressed, first.
Jelani, Kamlann, and Syndir can still feel the sandman's sleepy aura washing over them, but this trick is old news, and is effortlessly resisted.
Farid's sleeping Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
More tightly clutching the amber gem in one slim, reptilian arm, the sandman takes another swipe at Syndir with it's serpentine length. This time, the attack hits home.
slam attack: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Syndir's Snake Style Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Syndir's Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
The strange sand that showers down around you fills Syndir's nostrils and gets into his eyes. Syndir feels so suddenly tired. Surely this is a dream. Surely it wouldn't hurt anything if you closed your eyes for just a moment...
Like Seamus and Farid before him, Syndir (who was already looking very sleepy after the monster's magical attack took hold a few moments ago) falls asleep on his feet.
The creature, altering it's shape slightly to emphasize its more draconic features, turns toward Jelani, next, and growls.
Syndir takes five damage. Syndir, your turn comes around, and you fall prone in your square.
Seamus, it is your turn.
|Seamus Haggrathy
Round 4 (Think I had what round we were on wrong the last time)
Init: 8, HP:25/25
AC 16 (To 12, FF 14); F4/R5/W3
Grit Points: 0/3
Current Effects Active: Bless (7 rounds remaining)
Seamus levers himself up off the floor. As he does he watches as the Kelishite man suddenly falls to the floor asleep after the creature's attack. Raising the pistol, he pulls the second trigger and another blast rings out in the tavern. He couldn't believe the noise wasn't waking the fallen men. Must be magics involved with that.
The roar of the gun seemed muted and Seamus cursed as some of the wadding clogged in the pistol's barrell.
Move action to stand from prone.
Standard action to fire pistol's second barrel.
Attack (with Bless): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8 (vs creature's Touch AC), Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
GT question for you. I'm going to reload my pistol with alchemical cartidges, which will reduce the action to Free (per barrell). I also have Quick Draw which allows me to sheathe my Scimitar as a Free action to free up the hand needed to reload the gun. This works out to 3 Free actions I need to have my pistol completely reloaded at the end of my turn. Need to confirm how much of that can I get done this turn and how much will need to wait till next turn?
EDIT: Changed description to account for misfire.
|Seamus Haggrathy
|Garden Tool
@ Seamus: Quick Draw doesn't allow a character to sheathe a weapon any faster, that I can tell. Is there a class feature or trait at play, here? If not, I'll assume you dropped the scimitar?
I place no real limits on free actions, except in bizzare circumstances.
That's a real shame about the gun breaking. Bad timing.
Farid and Syndir sleep through the noisy misfire.
Jelani, it is your turn.
|Garden Tool
|Jelani Guldis
Round 4
HP:12/17, AC15/To11/FF14, F4/R2/W9
Current Effects Active: Mage Armour (2 hours remaining), Bless (7 rounds remaining)
More of his so-called allies were dropping to the floor. Jelani sighed. He had to do everything himself, as expected. Taking a step away from the sand elemental, Jelani begins to unfurl the scroll. He snaps off the arcane words quickly and opens his mouth to scream. Only the sandman can hear the defeaning sound.
5ft step away from the enemy and cast the scroll.
Sonic Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Fort save (DC14) or be dazed for 1 round. A successful save negates the daze effect and halves the damage.
|Garden Tool
|Jelani Guldis
|Garden Tool
Right, right. That's what I meant. Okay, here goes.
Though none seem to hear the supernatural shout erupt from Jelani's mouth, the effects are apparent as the sandman's sandy exterior vibrates apart somewhat, blurring his faux-draconic features for a moment. The creature winces slightly, but appears otherwise unfazed.
The sandman saves and takes one point of damage (for a total of nine, so far). Kamlann, it is your turn.
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Garden Tool
The creature easily leans out of Kamlann's reach. Farid, plagued with nightmares, can still feel the presence of the sandman.
Farid's sleeping Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Gliding across the tavern floorboards, the sandman - annoyed with the minimal effort expended in evading Kamlann's chair - slides away from his sleeping victims, and grabs at Jelani.
The sandman five-foot steps into space AC14 and attempts to grapple Jelani.
Jelani's attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
grapple check: 1d20 ⇒ 12
I'm assuming Jelani would have shifted to a two-handed quarterstaff grip as a free action on his turn, so as to threaten and arm himself, now that the scroll is gone. Hence the AoO... not that it helped.
To the preist's credit, Jelani moves quickly... but not quickly enough. Barely scoring a grasp on the lapels of Jelani's robe, the sandman's amorphous "arms" spread over and around the priest's body. He is, regretfully, grappled by the powerful limbs of the sandman.
It seems the sandman knows that his abilities will not affect (or have not affected) this pointy-eared opponent. The vaguely-draconic visage of the sandman looms over the half-elf. It speaks again, in a language that no-one comprehends.
Syndir slumbers fitfully next to his companion, Farid.
Just for fun, I just counted the last eleven PC die rolls (the number of rolls it's been since a PC last scored a double-digit number on the die). Working backwards from the most recent roll (Jelani's AoO), I counted 6, 6, 5, 1, 8, 1, 1, 5, 8, 4, and 3. Wow.
Seamus, it is your turn.
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Seamus Haggrathy
Round 5
Init: 8, HP:25/25
AC 16 (To 12, FF 14); F4/R5/W3
Grit Points: 0/3
Current Effects Active: Bless (6 rounds remaining)
Seamus ran at the creature, trying to distract it long enough for the priest to escape it's clutches. Flipping the pistol around, he aimed a strong swing at the sand-thing's "head". Die already you bloody nightmare!
Move action to go to AD14.
Standard action to spend my last grit point to use Pistol Whip deed. (The 0 value from the last post was incorrect, I was anticipating using my final grit last turn but I didn't, spending it now to have 0 left for the day).
Pistol Whip melee attack w/ Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16, Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 (bludgeoning)
|Garden Tool
@ Kamlann: Aye. I'm picturing less WWE and more lion tamer / ballroom blitz. Also, those WWE guys could totally swing those things one-handed.
Almost absurdly, Seamus simply strides around the table and clobbers the creature with the butt of his pistol.
The sandman takes four damage. Farid sleeps. Jelani, it is your turn; you are grappled.
|Jelani Guldis
Round 5
HP:12/17, AC13/To9/FF13, CMB9, F4/R2/W9
Current Effects Active: Mage Armour (2 hours remaining), Bless (6 rounds remaining), grappled (-4 Dexterity).
Jelani stuggles futilely against the strong grip of the outsider. It would be a fascinating experience, if it wasn't so terrifying. "Help me would you Kamlann?"
Standard action to break grapple, CMB: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
|Syndir Apep
Syndir slept fitfully on the wooden floor. While he had wanted to go to sleep he certainly didnt want to be sleeping. It was during his dreams that the wyrm had free reign to whisper enticements and promises of power...
He flew on scaled wings...wings?! i have wings!...no, we have wings wyrmling...we?...yes, we... searching the ground for prey...can you smell their fear?...can you hear their heart thudding?...pounce and rend...tear and chew...
the whispers went on as Syndir slept; even as chaos ensued around him.
|Kamlann of Egorian
Kamlann lets go of the chair with one hand, stepping forward again and swinging it around in a complete circle to build up momentum. At the same time, he murmurs a short series of arcane words, and with his free hand raises two fingers to point at the sandman. Fierce white lights burst from each finger and slam into the sandman even as Kamlann finishes his pirouette and brings the chair to bear on it a third time. I. Am. Going. To. Hurt. This. Thing. So: five-foot step to AB13 as a free action, then spell combat as a full-round action. Not bothering to cast defensively, since the sandman is grappled. Spell is magic missile, no roll required and both missiles hitting the sandman, dealing 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 and 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage. Attack roll with the chair: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7, damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6.
|Garden Tool
Jelani's struggles are useless, but Kamlann finally proves a threat, and the sandman - feeling the double impact of Kamlann's force spell - disengages the seemingly-feeble half-elf to manifest magic of his own.
Farid is not immune to the sleep aura yet, but appears to be out of range, this round. The sandman takes a five-foot step into space AB15 and takes a standard action to use a spell or spell-like ability.
Jelani's spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Kamlann's spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Both men witness a familiar shimmer in the air all around them, and recognize the same unique lullaby spell-like effect from before.
Kamlann's Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Seamus' Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Kamlann succumbs to the potentially-deadly cantrip, feeling immensely tired all of a sudden, wishing nothing more than to curl up on the wooden floor and take a nap. Part of him knows what's next: a sandy beating followed by what could very well be his final rest, but that idea seems... distant. Unimportant, even.
Kamlann, if I call for any such checks, feel free to apply these modifiers.
The already-sleeping Farid and Syndir are also suffering from this effect. In case you weren't keeping track, they were affected on the sandman's turn in round 2. The sandman's turn on round 12 will mark the last turn of this effect's duration.
EDIT: It occurs to me that this is not a sleep effect, so Jelani is not immune (though the effect is mostly - but not entirely - pointless, as far as affecting Jelani goes). Here's a Will save for Jelani:
Jelani's Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Jelani saves.
|Garden Tool
|Seamus Haggrathy
Round 6
Init: 8, HP:25/25
AC 16 (To 12, FF 14); F4/R5/W3
Grit Points: 0/3
Current Effects Active: Bless (5 rounds remaining)
Watching another man drop, Seamus quickly sees he's one of the last standing. Screw taking this thing on myself. Rushing over, he lodges a not-so-subtle kick into Farid's side. Wake up you salt encrusted scab!
Move action to go to Z11. Should be able to get there without provoking since the creature moved away.
Standard action to wake up Farid. (Sorry Syndir, Farid still has a chance to go now given the init order. Next turn I'll get you into this.)
|Garden Tool
Farid, rudely awakened, comes around to see his companion Syndir asleep on the floor next to him, and his new "friends" engaged in a desperate battle against the sand creature that did this to him.
EDIT: I've placed a little apostrophe on the map where Kamlann dropped his scimitar, and another where Seamus dropped his, in case it comes up later.
Farid, it is your turn. You are prone, and feeling sleepy.
|Farid Heydar
Round 6
Farid shakes the sleep from his head and his eyes go wide with the realization that this is no dream!
Realizing his weapon will be of little use against this creature he resorts to grabbing a chair to swing at the threat. Farid grabs the nearest chair (if there is a better weapon nearby I will grab that instead) and readies to charge at the Sandman
For some reason I don't have access to the battle map, I have requested it. In the meantime I believe standing and grabbing a weapon would be all I could do for the round anyway.
|Garden Tool
|Farid Heydar
Farid will have to move adjacent to a chair unless there is another bludgeoning weapon available. Farid does not possess a bludgeoning weapon and he is not going to bother using his axe again that obviously is not going to work on this guy after what happened the first time.
|Garden Tool
Since Jelani mentioned the possibility of waking the sleeping guy way in the back in the Discussion Thread, I'll post this here, if only for convenience (and the spectators).
The patron at the back is a slightly-overweight local schlub in a green tunic. He's sitting in dim light, but you all can spot a knife in his belt. He doesn't appear equipped for adventure, per se, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
He looks relatively strong, but soft in the middle, and balding.
Farid, in the interest of moving things along (and because it seems to be what you wanted to do), I'm going to have you get up as a move action and move you to space AB10 (adjacent to "the closest chair"). This also keeps you outside of the apparent range of the sleep aura (Seamus couldn't feel it at 25 feet away). Next turn you can grab the chair and move into melee, or do something else entirely. Let me know if the GoogleDocs invite went through.
EDIT: Looks like we had the same thought!
Jelani, it is your turn.
|Jelani Guldis
Round 6
HP:12/17, AC15/To11/FF15, CMB9, F4/R2/W9
Current Effects Active: Mage Armour (2 hours remaining), Bless (5 rounds remaining)
Recovering from the crushing grip of the elemental, Jelani focuses for a moment and causes his staff to fly forth from his hands and strike out at sandman. The staff then returns to his hands. Once it's back in his hands, Jelani can see the damage it did. He proffers the staff to Kamlann. "This will be more effective than that silly chair."
Standard action to use Hand of the Acolyte: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Move action to hand the staff to Kamlann afterwards.
|Garden Tool
Unless there's a rule I'm not aware of, I'm going to have to figure out how this "handing off a weapon" thing would work. As I said earlier, Kamlann could take it from you as a move action (same as picking up an object) if you were willing to let him have it or a standard (as a disarm) if you were not. Handing it to him, though (an acceptable use of a move action), I'm not sure how to run.
How about this. We'll assume that a character can do at least as good a job of "readying a weapon for use by a person" as an inanimate, ordinary sheathe could. So, since you've handed it up, Kamlann will be able to "draw" the quarterstaff as easily as he could draw a weapon of his own, provided he can reach yours (which he can, presently). That means he can draw it as a free action as a part of a movement.
Wincing more out of irritation than out of pain, the sandman endures the quarterstaff's jab.
The sandman takes one point of damage, for a total of fourteen. Kamlann, it is your turn.
|Kamlann of Egorian
Kamlann grabs the quarterstaff with a nod of his head (it might be thanks, or it might be a sign of sudden fatigue, it's hard to say), holding it in a two-handed grip almost like an overly-long club. With a shouted cry, kept only from turning into a yawn by sheer force of will, the Chelaxian launches another mighty swing at the sandman. Doublechecking the math here: Str (4) + BAB (2) + masterwork (1) + bless = +8 attack roll. So: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12, damage 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11.
...I'm at something of a loss at this point.
|Syndir Apep
|Garden Tool
The sandman five-foot steps into space AA14. This brings Farid back into the sleep aura. Note that the saves below do not account for "sleepy" penalties.
Farid's Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
slam attack: 1d20 ⇒ 17
slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Kamlann's Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
The sandman steps to one side of Kamlann, and lays into him with a sandy body-slam. Poor Farid, meanwhile, only makes it a few feet before slumping forward, asleep, against the chair he meant to grab. Kamlann, on the other hand, remains awake, even as the sleep-sand showers down around him. He's injured, but he's awake.
Syndir remains asleep, so it is Seamus' turn.
|Seamus Haggrathy
Round 7
Init: 8, HP:25/25
AC 16 (To 12, FF 14); F4/R5/W3
Grit Points: 0/3
Current Effects Active: Bless (4 rounds remaining)
Seamus boots the remaining sleeping form at his feet while swinging one of his powder horns out and open. Pouring a small measure of black powder into one of the barrels, he follows it with wadding and a bullet, the movements precise and practiced.
Standard action to wake Syndir.
Move action to reload 1 of the barrels in the double barreled pistol.


text:
Tag Archives: Mark Rothko
Gabrielle Selz's 'Unstill Life' provides peek into the modern art world with its glamour, ambition, heartbreak
When Gabrielle Selz was growing up in New York in the 1960s, her house was filled with artists who have become icons of the time: Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, and Alberto Giacometti.
Selz's father was Peter Selz – then a curator of painting and sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art, a man whom the New York Times dubbed "Mr. Modern Art." Peter Selz moved to Berkeley in 1965 to become the founding director of the Berkeley Art Museum, a position that allowed him to showcase West Coast artists. He highlighted Funk, film, and ceramicists like Peter Voulkos and Robert Arneson who were not even considered true artists at the time. Peter Selz later became project director for Christo's Running Fence, the 24.5-mile long billowing fabric fence that ran over the Marin County hills in 1976. … Continue reading »
Tagged Alberto Giacometti, Alfred Steiglitz, Anna Halperin, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Books, Christo, Diane Arbus, Gabrielle Selz, Hans Hoffman, Helen Frankenthaler, Jackson Pollack, Jean Tinguey, Mark Rothko, Nathan Oliver, Pacific Film Archive, Peggy Guggenheim, Peter Selz, Peter Voulkos, Robert Arneson, Thalia Cheronis, Willem de Kooning
'Red': Spellbinding musings on art, philosophy, and nature
After its successful London and Broadway run, the powerful Paint it Red! is now at Berkeley Rep's Thrust Stage. This stunning two-person play presents a fictionalized account of artist Mark Rothko's (David Chandler) artistic, emotional and intellectual journey as he paints a major series of canvases for a lucrative fee. His assistant, young artist, Ken (John Brummer), has been hired to help with the project.
In 1958, the outwardly arrogant, but inwardly insecure Rothko was commissioned by Phillip Johnson and Seagram & Sons Company to paint a series of seven canvases for the upscale Four Seasons Restaurant in the new Seagram's Building on Park Avenue. Quite a coup for an artist who had worked for more than 30 years in relative obscurity. Rothko ultimately painted 30 pieces from which the seven would be chosen. … Continue reading »
Tagged Berkeley Rep, Mark Rothko, Red, Theater in Berkeley
Book explores impact of Berkeley Art Museum's Peter Selz
When Peter Selz arrived in Berkeley in 1965, the university only had a small art gallery to display its modest collection of art. Selz had been recruited from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City to oversee the construction of a new, contemporary museum, the Berkeley Art Museum on Bancroft Way.
He did that and more. With Selz at the helm, the Berkeley Art Museum redefined many aspects of modern art and brought overdue attention to California artists.
Selz was already "something of a star," when he arrived in Berkeley, according to Paul J. Karlstrom, whose new book, Peter Selz: Sketches of a Life, has just been released by UC Press. He had been one of the first curators to trumpet the work of Mark Rothko. His star grew even brighter in Berkeley after he put on groundbreaking shows such as "Directions in Kinetic Sculpture," an exhibition of the Surrealist René Magritte, and Funk!, which showcased ceramicist Peter Voulkos, Bruce Conner, and other California artists. Selz, who had fled Germany during the Nazi regime, also created the Pacific Film Archive. … Continue reading »


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IED found on Texas bridge
An ominous sign of the times I'm afraid. A short blurb from a Texas TV station's website:
Police say a passerby on the southbound side of Highway 77 noticed what looked like a grenade near the FM 1732 overpass and alerted authorities around 5 p.m. Sunday.
The improvised explosive device or I-E-D was disarmed by a bomb squad using a robot. No one was hurt. Parts of Highway 77 were closed for several hours.
Police are continuing to investigate.
IEDs are simply a terrorist's tool (you can argue they're a guerilla's tool as well, identifying the guerilla as something other than a terrorist – but for the most part in the last two decades, the IED has been used by terrorists). Sure it can be used to attack conventional forces in a war, but it is also a means of spreading terror, intimidating locals and tying up police forces and the like. Pipe bombs are "IEDs" and have been used by domestic terrorists for decades.
The fact that the IEDs used on roads in Iraq and Afghanistan has migrated, at least in this instance, to US soil – especially in the area of Texas it was found (Mexican border about as far south in the US you can go) and with the ongoing drug war - shouldn't come as a particular surprise. It could indicate that the "art" of IEDs is being passed around among terrorist groups. Why it was on this overpass is obviously open to speculation.
However, what isn't open to speculation is the fact that this nation is seen to be a nation in decline, weaker than it once was and therefore more open to attack. Additionally the border is porous (well, unless you're trying to bring in Kinder eggs) and moving IED components through it isn't a particularly difficult task.
So what was this IED all about? Trail run? Test to see if it would be spotted (they apparently didn't try to hide it). An attempt to ambush law enforcement? Some sort of terrorist statement? None of the above?
Unknown at this point. But it should be disturbing that an IED has been built and apparently successfully installed here. It could be the first of many.


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Had a good time with a friends mom and years later his grandmother. grand mom had the best pussy.
Wow, you have come a long way from the 5 bells. Congrats!!
Wow, i wish my granny wife would give me a show like this, then i could rub her pussy and try to fist her just like the guy in this movie.A nice deep throat sucking of my cock would be mind blowing as well. i think if my wife stopped holding off her orgasm she would cum like crazy and squirt a great gush out of her pussy, oh well it was a nice dream, it will never happen like this in real life
This woman may be getting on but she still has a very nice body for her age, whatever that is...............
Is that you Levi??
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Oakdale Recreation Area in Stanislaus County, CA
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Heath (11/6/2010): Great place for birding, wildlife photography, and Kayaking (report as inappropriate)
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can we use capital letter after semi colon?
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No, not unless the word after the semicolon is a proper noun.
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Awesome black and white photos of adorable kittens.
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TUCUMCARI -- On August 14, Tucumcari police arrested a New Mexico State Police officer on felony child abuse charges and a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, officials confirmed Friday.
Police arrested Isaac Vigil after a report of domestic violence.
Vigil was booked into the Quay County Detention Center and has since posted a $15,000 appearance bond.
Copyright 2016 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Welcome to
The Cambodian Children's House of Peace
or "Santepheap" in Khmer - which means Peace
The Cambodian Children's House of Peace
or "Santepheap" in Khmer - which means Peace
Sues'day! Hello!
Cambodian Children's House of Peace is a residential home for children between the ages of around 7 and 18, and which provides shelter, food, clothing, education, health care, recreation, arts, moral development and all the other things children need to grow and develop into proper citizens.
The children come from the very poor countryside villages of Siem Reap Province, which lack sufficient resources for school, both as a community and within the families. Most children have one and a few have both surviving parents and some are orphaned or abandoned. There are usually many children in a family, which adds to the burden of adequately providing for them. Forty percent of the population is under the age of 18! Cambodia is still recovering from the devastation of the Khmer Rouge era, which ran from 1975-79, but then continued as a civil war until 1993. Virtually every family lost members to starvation, illness, and torture and execution during this reign of terror.
Our staff personally witness the transformation of the children from waif to thriving, happy and healthy in just a matter of weeks. The surviving parents and guardians from their extended families are so grateful for the support, assistance and education of their children. They visit and telephone because they really love and care for their children. During the school holidays, the children also go back to their families, who look after them as well as they can with their limited resources.
FOR VOLUNTEERS: Please come to be with us and give us your expertise so that we can support our children. We need YOUR help to assist us in this long term project, by sharing your skills so that we can all stand on our own feet.
The Cambodian Children's House of Peace (CCHP)
CCHP is a Local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered with The Royal Government of Cambodia (No. 294/SorChorNor, dated 12 December 2008)
Without you, Santepheap would not exist!


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Thursday PicksApril 8th, 2010 by Celeste Fremon
On Wednesday, the LA City Attorney's office announced a new kind of gang injunction that doesn't target particular gangs per se, but names individuals from a variety of LA gangs who are believed to be coming into Skid Row on a commuter basis to sell drugs.
Kate Linthicum of the LA Times has the story as does C.J. Lin of The Daily News.
There are those who object to the injunction saying that homeless who are merely addicts—who may have run messages for dealers to get their own stash— will be driven away from the Skid Row area where they can acquire much needed services and help.
But others who serve the homeless, like the Union Rescue Mission's Andy Bales, see the injunction as a good move. "This is the best news we've had in a while," Andy Bales told the Times.
Bruce Riordan, the city attorney's director of anti-gang operations, said that those listed in the injunction will have plenty of time to challenge their inclusion before the injunction actually kicks in.
Speaking personally, while I know there are more than a few possible abuses that can occur, and mistakes will no doubt be made, still I think the use of an injunction to dissuade the drive-through drug dealers who prey on the homeless is an idea that has appeal.
In the end, whether the injunction is used as valuable tool or a cudgel will depend upon the intelligence and the finesse—or lack thereof— with which it is enforced.
In past years, around 12,000 students who live in the LAUSD area have been given permission to transfer to a school in a district outside LAUSD—districts such as Beverly Hills, Las Virgenes, Culver City and so on. The idea is that students can transfer to take advantage of a particular program that their local schools didn't have. Sometimes the requests were just what they said they were. Other times, it was merely a case of frustrated parents who had learned to work the system because they wanted to get their children the hell out of the overcrowded, over-bureaucratized, often-failing Los Angeles Unified School District.
Last month, however, LAUSD superintendent Roman Cortines said that, next year, all of those 12,000 plus kids had to come back. The reasons had nothing to do with the kids' well being. It was purely a money issue. If most of those students came back to Los Angeles schools LAUSD would get around $50 million more from the state in ADA money—ADA being the sacred average daily attendance figure that dictates much of school funding.
After weeks of parents flipping out, on Tuesday, Cortines and the school board reluctantly walked that very unpopular cat back, and said yes to the transfers—temporarily.
State Senator Gloria Romero, who wants to be the next head of Education for California—was vocally in favor of keeping the transfer policy. "While some might argue that LAUSD will suffer by implementing these reform measures…..Let us not forget that the needs of students must always come first," she wrote.
Uh, yeah. That last part, the students come first thingy, would be very good to remember.
On Tuesday, the Assembly's Public Safety committee passed AB 2199, a bill that would repeal a section of the California Welfare and Institutions code, created in the 1950s, which—no kidding—requires the State Department of Mental Health to conduct research into the "causes and cures of homosexuality."
Startling to find that such a sad and loathsome thing is on the books, but it is. And it codifies bigotry.
The bill to repeal the statute passed out of committee with a 4-0 vote, but there were also three abstentions—namely Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, D-Pasadena, Assemblymen Curt Hagman, R-Diamond Bar, and Danny Gilmore, R-Hanford.
(What's that about? No, don't tell me.)
The bill's sponsor, Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, explains the genesis of the icky statute in question here in the LA Times.
Witnesses said it happened a week after Katrina hit as people were trying desperately to get to some kind of safety. Officers denied it and aggressively covered the incident up. But now,former New Orleans police officer Michael Hunt says he participated in covering up the murders of unarmed civilians, and told the whole horrifying story on the record in federal court on Wednesday.
The NOLA Times Picayune has the fullest account.
And here is their earlier investigation of the shootings.
Photo from AP
Posted in City Attorney, Education, Gangs, LAPD, LGBT, Skid Row | 16 Comments »


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Aoudad hunting
Possibly the best sheep hunting value in the world.
Many hunters consider aoudad as exotics, we don't. We consider them a great value and true challenge in North American sheep hunting. We offer some of the best guided hunting trips for free-ranging aoudad with some great outfitters.
Native to the Atlas Mountains, Chad and the Barbary Coast of Northern Africa, Barbary Sheep (aoudad) were brought to Texas in the early 1950's.


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What a fascinating year this is turning out to be. Whilst there is a lot less work around than usual, what is available is challenging & engaging. A sample of the variation in work includes:
We have a fascination with modular construction, this is, buildings built off site & delivered and slotted onto a site.
In the past we devised a modular house with varying modular components & layouts. In featuring it on our website we received a number of enquiries. The shortfall came when potential clients wanted to purchase them. As we had not aligned ourselves with a construction company we were unable to deliver. To do so meant a full time job & a distraction from our daily work.
Now we are constructing modular school projects following a very successful Early Learning Centre in Officer we created last year. Each project we are pushing the boundaries that bit more & the benefits to the school, minimal disruption on site & quick supply timelines is proving very beneficial.
I think our current Visual & Performing Arts project for Mentone Grammar is proving to be the most complex project we have undertaken. Not only is there a basement for an orchestra pit, 450 seats auditorium, music classrooms, rehersal, tute rooms, recording, general arts, fine arts, wood & metal technology there is also a feature student kitchen to service the building internally & to a street cafe externally. Overlaid is a myriad of passive heating, cooling & ventilation systems. All this is a "tough" town planning envelope & challenging budget.
Lastly we try not to boast about awards however we are thoroughly overjoyed Horsham Special School recently won the Best Educational Facility. Mr Dixon (minister Education) comment "The best school I've open", left all speechless. The school quite simply are most deserving & we wish them well in their new environment.
Seperately Mentone Grammar was awarded commendation for the interior & exterior learning spaces of the recently completed Greenways project, housing Year 9 students. The challenge in this project was retaining the old school auditorium complete with structural faults & a dark interior & transforming it into a light filled, joyful space for Year 9 students to florish.
All in all times are challenging & we feel we are using our project opportunities to the best of our ability. This was recently highlighted at Yarrawonga with a small maintenance project to an appalling white ant ridden science block of a LTC. Not only did we address the many structural faults we were able to re-dress the learning spaces as a modern science centre and were left with $4 over at the end of the job. Well worth celebrating with a box of chocolate!


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In celebration or act of affection, in the light of day or dark of night. It gives me hope, and it gives me motivation. You say goodbye to me with a kiss and I have reassurance, you say hello to me with a kiss and I have comfort. And while we kiss, there is the exchange of our deepest emotions, our secrets, our tastes, our fears, and our scents. Selfless love and trust. I'll march around the world if you'll wait for me. It is a memory worth fighting for, and I'll be back for more.
The first photo really says it all, enjoy the slideshow by clicking on the arrow below.[oqeygallery id=4]
4 Comments
April 17, 2012, 9:28 am /
Wonderful images! I can only imagine the joy in the kiss of a return, and the agony of a goodbye!
May 3, 2012, 6:39 am /
This is so beautiful.
Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂 !
May 4, 2012, 5:04 am /
We are a group of seniors and all our men are veterans. They enjoy this series so much. But there is something for everyone…….this must be the finest tribute to this generation ever. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.
January 17, 2013, 2:45 am /
I love your slide show. I love the 1940s. Thank you for this special treat! x


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By understanding and committing to the principles of good management, your business can succeed and even flourish. Are you doing all you can do when it comes to smart scheduling, customer relations, employee management, and analyzing the numbers behind your business decisions?
Build Repeats With Creative Marketing
One way to grow your business is by increasing repeat visits. "The average nail customer comes in 17 times a year," consultant Susie Fields of Salon Training International in Oceanside, Calif., says. To raise that even by one or two bookings a year lifts revenue.
Susie Galvez of FaceWorks Day Spa in Richmond, Va., uses exotic travel themes to entice customers. "We have a 'Passport to Beauty' program and come up with seasonal 'menus' that we mail out to our client list," Galvez explains.
Nail techs reflect the themes in both decor and products. For a Cleopatra inspired menu of Egyptian luxury, they poured real milk into foot spas (along with foaming, antibacterial soap), spread a mud mask on clients' legs, used a milk-and-honey cream for legs, feet, and hands, and suggested dark, rich nail colors with a sparkly gold top coat.
For the Hawaiian Holidays program, employees dressed in khaki shorts and Hawaiian shirts. For a South American menu, they used mango-scented products and offered bright colors. When the passport was for the Orient Express, they used Chinese green tea exfoliant. For their Roman getaway, they offered olive oil massages.
The special manicures and pedicures cost $5 to $15 more than the regular service. "We get it because the clients love it," says Galvez, who is working on her third beauty book.■
Trina Kleist is a freelance writer based in San Diego.
InternatioNAILS: Vietnam13 photos
Nail Art for Little Princesses15 photos
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Soon, floating golf course in Maldives!
Maldives is planning to build a radical 320 million-pound floating golf course, which players could access by an undersea tunnel.
The course is part of a major plan to replace the sinking islands with a network of man made, floating islands.
With an average elevation of just five feet above the sea level, the Maldives, with its 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean, is the lowest country in the world.
Amid fears that many of their islands will soon sink into the sea, the Maldivian government has started a joint venture with the architectural firm Dutch Docklands International to build the world's largest series of artificial floating-islands.
The Dutch firm has already built floating islands for prisons and housings from concrete slabs and polystyrene foam.
In the Maldives, the floating islands will be anchored to the seabed using cables or telescopic mooring piles, making landforms that will be stable even in storms.
The architects chose this approach to minimise damage to the seabed, and also chose to build lots of small islands to reduce the shadow on the seabed, which could affect marine life.
The islands will also be designed for swimmers, divers and even private submarines to enter them from below, and the Dutch firm designing the scheme has said that the visitors will be able to rent private submarines, that could surface right in the middle of their living rooms.
The idea is the brainchild of Dutch firm Waterstudio that designed the project and is being engineered by floating architecture specialists Dutch Docklands.


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Healthline Blogs
Dr. Paul Auerbach is the world's leading outdoor health expert. His blog offers tips on outdoor safety and advice on how to handle wilderness emergencies.See all posts »
New Drugs for Treating Severe Frostbite
Chemical structure of prostacyclin
These classes of drugs are important for physicians who wish to help their patients avoid undesirable blood clots (in the case of prostacyclin) or to dissolve them in order to make a viable path through blood vessels after a clot has formed (TPA). They are used mainly for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes. However, as time goes on, we will find additional indications for their use. Based on a recent clinical trial reported by Emmanuel Cauchy, MD and his colleagues from France (New England Journal of Medicine [NEJM] 364;2:189-190, 2011), we may soon be adding frostbite to the list of clinical situations for which these drugs are useful.
We know much, but not everything, about severe frostbite, which involves the freezing of tissue. The initial therapy is thawing the tissue. Beyond that, as the authors of the NEJM article point out, there are multiple methods used when attempting to improve the clinical situation, such as thinning the blood, using drugs to dilate blood vessels, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, inhaling hyperbaric oxygen, and so forth.
Between 1996 and 2008, Cauchy and colleagues treated 47 patients with severe frostbite incurred during mountaineering. The patients were treated with rapid tissue rewarming, then administration of aspirin and buflomedil (a drug that causes blood vessels to dilate). Then, in a randomized fashion, the patients received either (once again) aspirin and buflomedil; aspirin and iloprost (a prostacyclin drug); or aspirin, iloprost and a form of TPA. The patients were assessed after eight days with bone scans, and ultimately by the degree of amputation(s) required.
The addition of iloprost was found to be very beneficial; it was not clear whether or not the addition of the TPA drug was also helpful. On the basis of the results, the authors recommended that iloprost plus aspirin be used for severe frostbite, and that TPA be used at the discretion of the treating medical practitioners on a case-by-case basis. Iloprost is administered by inhalation or by intravenous infusion; it is not stated in this report, but I assume, that it was administered intravenously.
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MMI offers a wide variety of financial services to help improve your financial life. No matter what your financial situation, we can help you to establish an plan of action for achieving your financial goals.
Knowledge is the key to successful money management. Our resources are designed to inspire and assist you as you begin to make positive changes in your financial life.
Interact with MMI in a variety of formats including email, videos, tweets, blog posts, and pictures.
Since 1958, MMI has been a leading provider of financial counseling and education services. We invite you to learn more about the organization and its leadership.
Joanne R. Kerstetter, Vice President of Education for Money Management International (MMI), brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial education and credit counseling industry. Kerstetter, also known as Jo, is an advocate for financial literacy and consumer issues. Jo spends a significant amount of her time on Capitol Hill supporting new legislation inspiring consumer protection. She chose to work in credit counseling and for MMI because she believes that informed consumers have a better chance of financial success.
Jo has had an active career within the credit counseling industry. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Master's of Science degree, she began her career as an intern for the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (now known as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Shortly after her internship, she joined Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Washington, Inc., and opened the agency's second branch office. She was appointed president of the organization in 1980.
In addition to serving as president of CCCS of Greater Washington, she later led the Credit Counseling Network as Chief Executive Officer prior to joining MMI in 2005. During her tenure at MMI, her focus has been on enhancing the services offered to meet the changing needs of consumers, building a strong education program, and forging strategic partnerships with community organizations and employers.
As a result of Ms. Kerstetter's vast work experience, she has become an accomplished expert on a vast variety of financial topics and currently serves as MMI's national spokesperson. Jo offers advice through media interviews and speaking engagements while sharing her in-depth knowledge of topics such as the complete credit cycle from credit granting to collections, budgeting basics, credit scoring, home mortgages and the home buying process, basic investment strategies, consumer buying tips, debt reduction, bankruptcy, rebuilding credit, managing student loan debt, identity theft, and basic consumer rights.
Jo has also held offices and served on a committee for several national and regional consumer advocacy organizations, including the Employee Assistance Professionals Association; the International Credit Association; the Consumer Education and Information Association of Virginia; the Association of Financial counseling and Planning Education; the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business; and the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives.
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Get tips on how to keep your basement dry with proper drainage. Gutters are a big factor in preventing basement floods.
LESLIE: Well, if you're thinking about finishing your basement [1], you're like our friend Robin in New Hampshire. What can we do for you?
[1] http://moneypit.com/repair-and-improve/basement
[2] http://moneypit.com/repair-and-improve/basement/basement-flooding
[3] http://moneypit.com/repair-and-improve/gutters


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Fashion With An Agenda
You have a cause you want to promote and you want to rally your community. How do you do it in a innovative and meangful way. We spoke with David Kramer, Founder of NU. Nu is an Israeli organization that is using fashion to help promote causes and make a diffrence. NU Campaign supports global causes & charitable organizations through the sale of unique designer t-shirts.
Last Update:
09/16/2013 - 18:50
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The Jewish Week feels comments create a valuable conversation and wants to feature your thoughts on our website. To make everyone feel welcome, we won't publish comments that are profane, irrelevant, promotional or make personal attacks.


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This is the announcement many of you have been waiting for. Last week we teamed up with Top Cow to give you guys a chance to win some cool prize packs. We had three ways to win. One winner was selected based on their art entry, another based on their written entry and a third was chosen randomly from both the art and written entries.
Choosing a winner is never easy. The idea was based on the current REBIRTH of the Top Cow universe, redesign Sara Pezzini with the Witchblade. The written portion was to give her a new direction or occupation since she is no longer a New York City police detective.
Theres were the prize packs:
As stated in the contest post, the first pack is for the art winner, the second for the written winner and third is the random winner.
Now for the winners.
The Art Winner is
CrashLanden with this entry:
Again, the idea was for something a little new and different. We liked the use of black, it almost gives a stealth feel, except for those big old horns. Witchblade's design has always had a deadly touch to it and this looks more fierce. You don't want to mess with her.
The Written Winner Is
SQReview with this entry:
I think that Sara would really benefit from working with an antique dealer that needs her to travel the world and look at "artifacts" that could be put up for sale. This would open the door to meeting lots of new characters, run into more of the mystical artifacts that reside in the Top Cow universe, and would get her feet wet in an occupation she has to learn from scratch. It'd be an obvious choice for her to be a private detective, but it might be more fun to throw her in the deep end with a whole new career.
Sara does need a job that allows her to go from place to place. That's the nice thing about no longer being a police detective, she doesn't have to explain any disappearances. She is seeking mystical items now (as a private investigator if you're reading the current issues). But if you have read ARITIFACTS, you know she won't be working for the Curator anytime soon.
The Random Winner Is
Congrats to all the winners. Thanks to all that entered and to Top Cow for sending the prize packs. Our apologies once again to those outside the United States that weren't allowed to enter.


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Home List of Titles Characterization of plasma-polymerized fused polycyclic compounds for binding conducting polymers
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/198618
- Title
- Characterization of plasma-polymerized fused polycyclic compounds for binding conducting polymers
- Author(s)
- Winther-Jensen, Bjørn; Norrman, Kion; Kingshott, Peter; West, Keld
- Abstract
- An investigation is made of the plasma polymerization of fused polycyclic monomers containing a dioxy-ring that is fused to an aromatic ring. These molecules provide the basis for very efficient polymerization mechanisms in which only the dioxy-ring undergoes ring opening during the polymerization with the remaining part of the monomer remaining intact. XPS, ToF-SIMS, and IR are used to investigate the chemistry of the films produced by plasma polymerization of EDT, which contains a high content of the aromatic group. We find that the plasma-polymerized films of EDT contain intact thiophene groups with hydrogen in the α position which is able to "co-polymerize" with thiophene derivatives polymerized by conventional oxidative polymerization, thereby forming a conducting thiophene polymer bonded to the substrate. The durability of the surface modification procedure is demonstrated by micropatterning of PEDT by a lithographic lift-off technique, where line-widths down to 1.25 μm are obtained.
- Publication type
- Journal article
- Source
- Plasma Processes and Polymers, Vol. 2, no. 4 (May 2005), pp. 319-327
- Publication year
- 2005
- FOR Code(s)
- 0202 Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics
- Keyword(s)
- Conducting polymers; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Hydrogen; Micropatterning; Monomers; Organic polymers; Plasma polymerisation; Plasmas; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Secondary ion mass spectrometry; Surface treatment; Thiophene; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
- Publisher
- Wiley
- 1612-8850
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
- Peer reviewed