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Brief SummaryRead full entry
The Basommatophora is an "informal group" of pulmonate gastropod snails. Research indicates that this is not a monophyletic grouping. Most are freshwater snails of worldwide distribution, found in ponds, creeks and shallow lakes, which derive from terrestrial pulmonate snails but secondarily evolved to live back in aquatic environments during the Mesozoic. Almost all basommatophoran snails have retained their lung for breathing air, although some use their lung as a gill to extract oxygen from water, and some (e.g. snails of tribe Ancylini, which have a limpet-like shell) have evolved a secondary "pseudogill" for this purpose. Most have thin translucent shells, and most lack an operculum. They are characterized by having their eyes at the base of their retractable tenticular stalks, rather than at the tips, as do the land snails and slugs in the clade Stylommatophora. (Bouchet et al. 2004; Kozloff 1990; Wikipedia 2013; Wood 1982).


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Save the date for the Service Unit Kick-Off! This year's kick-off will be July 18, and the times and locations will be announced via e-mail. At the kick-off, there is training, updates, networking and all the info you need to start your next Girl Scout year.
To send the invitations, we need a list of e-mail addresses of service unit team members. Please send them to Teri Eversole or Cheryl Miller. Then, watch for your invitations via e-mail.

subset: commoncrawl


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Zero Tolerance - Page 3
Food for thought
For gluten-free runners, the big question becomes, "What can I eat?" Gluten-free flours made from rice, soy, corn or potatoes are all gut-friendly choices. Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded or marinated), fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes and most dairy products are also safe.
If a gluten-free diet seems spartan without favorite desserts or treats, think again. Health food stores like Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods have long stocked their shelves with gluten-free cookies, crackers and other foods. Now, chains like King Soopers have also jumped on the bandwagon, and some restaurants such as P.F. Chang's China Bistro have added gluten-free menu options.
In January 2007, the FDA published a proposed rule to establish a definition for the term "gluten free," so consumers could easily identify safe foods in grocery stores.
Getting personal
An entire diet and lifestyle overhaul can be overwhelming, so consider enlisting a certified nutritionist who can develop an eating plan tailored to your needs. A nutritionist can take the guesswork out of what to eat, and significantly cut down on the trial-and-error recovery phase.
Dr. Caroline Smith of SportSense Company, based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, specializes in working with individuals by blending food and fitness. "It's all about choices. You get to decide how you want to feel and perform," says Dr. Smith. She helps clients make food choices based on their activity levels, genetics, blood type, body type and metabolic profile, and recommends that a celiac's nutrition plan is custom-tailored to include the right ratio of fats, carbs and proteins at each meal.
Smith even provides clients wheat and gluten-free sports-nutrition options like gels and shakes that can be ordered by contacting her through her company's website (www.metabolismmagic.com). Kella DeLaRosa, a past client of Smith's, noticed a remarkable change in her performance on the trail shortly after eliminating gluten and following her nutrition advice. "After about three days, my mental fog and sluggishness lifted, and I began to experience a more sustained energy level, even during long runs."
What to expect when you're detoxing
The old adage, "It's going to get worse before it gets better," often applies to those starting off on a gluten-elimination diet. Like many detox processes, it can cause irritability, mood swings and erratic energy levels. Trail runs may become harder, or you may not even have the energy to muster a run.
And it's common for gluten to cause a heightened reaction if it's taken out of the diet and then accidentally (or not) ingested during the elimination phase. Says Dr. Smith, "Over time, the healthier the body gets, the more stable it becomes. Then, if you eat something bad, you'll feel the effects much quicker." The bottom line here is to resist the temptation to cheat.
Mentally and emotionally, changes can occur during this phase as well. It's not uncommon for an individual to go through stages of grief, ranging from denial to anger to depression. There are a plethora of support groups for celiacs; check the Celiac Disease Foundation website (www.celiac.org) for a list of chapters across the United States.


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International Students Weekly Bulletin
Female Roommate Needed (2)
Female roommate is needed for sublease starting January 2013 to May 2013. The room is in a 3-bedroom apartment, shared with 2 other female tenants.
The rent is $245 per month and the apartment is located 5-7 min away from the library. If interested, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com
* If you would like your message to be considered for the Weekly Bulletin, e-mail email@example.com with a description of the event. Messages must be received by Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.


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Hair Street Style
Let's face it: Lustrous hair can take a lot of upkeep. Even if your stylist doesn't make house calls, fear not. "You can give your hair the TLC it needs to look its best by using items you have at home," notes Lorri Goddard Clark for the Privé Salon in Los Angeles, whose clients include Reese Witherspoon. Here, she dishes on her tried-and-true recipes for getting — and maintaining — healthy hair.
"You can't have full, bouncy hair without a healthy scalp," says Goddard-Clark. To reduce excess oil, dampen a cotton ball with witch hazel, dab it along your hairline and part, and rinse hair with cool water. Fight flakes weekly by adding five drops of tea-tree oil to your favorite shampoo as a booster. Skip conditioner, though, and apply a detangler only to the ends of your hair — your scalp may be sensitive after this treatment.
MC Tip: Before any type of scalp treatment, check for burns from hot tools that could be easily irritated.
20 Must-Have Hair Tools the Pros Swear By


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George Hendrickson
GWINN, Mich. – George Ardell Hendrickson, 82, of Gwinn, passed away Friday morning, January 18, 2013, at his home, surrounded by family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.
George was born on May 30, 1930 in Allouez Township, Michigan to the late Arthur and Lempi Marie (Lepisto) Hendrickson. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army.
On February 13, 1952 he married the former Inez E. Niemela at Bethlehem Finnish Lutheran Church in Detroit and enjoyed nearly 61 years of marriage together.
George retired in 1985 from the U.S. Civil Service having been employed at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in heating maintenance for many years. After retiring, he and his wife, Inez, spent three Winters in Florida and the following 26 Winters in Texas.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn. In his free time, George enjoyed golfing, baseball, reading, and making things in his workshop at home.
Survivors include his wife, Inez, of Gwinn; two sons, Terry (Donna) Hendrickson of Camp Douglas, WI and Curtis (Jennifer) Hendrickson of Law-rence-ville, GA; two brothers Raymond (Catherine) Hendrickson of Gladstone and Kenneth Hendrickson of Fowlerville, MI; six granddaughters, Aina Mae, Arianna, Kathryn, Christa, Sofie, and Ciera Hendrickson.
Preceding him in death besides his parents was his son, Jay Ardell Hendrickson on June 6, 2003.
A memorial Service will be held on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn with the Rev. Rell Spickerman officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends immediately following the service at a luncheon to be served in the church fellowship hall.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the American Cancer Society.
The Canale-Gwinn Funeral home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneralhome.com.


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Weekends are for flyingMonday, October 21st, 2013
As far as I'm concerned, weekends are for flying. OK, every day is for flying, but like you, I sometimes have to wait for the weekend to be able to hang around the airport and talk to pilots.
This past weekend, I had a great time doing some of the things I love most.
On Friday, I stopped in Tullahoma, Tennessee, to drop in on an amazing "Beech Party." Pilots from all over the country had gathered at this gem of an airport to celebrate the past and present of some of their favorite aircraft. Lunch was held at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, and this year marked the 50th anniversary of the Staggerwing Club and the 40th anniversary of the museum, which the club founded. As the owner of a Beech 18 and the past owner of a succession of Barons and Bonanzas, I was in heaven.
Tullahoma has both paved and soft landing areas, so the airplanes old and new were in their element. What's more beautiful than a pristine grass strip with carefully restored Staggerwings buzzing overhead? I just love that sound and the smell of sod crushed under fat airplane tires.
I had the chance to talk to the pilots about some of AOPA's most critical work, and then I got to just talk airplanes with them.
It was hard to leave Tullahoma, but I had to get to Denver where I spent Saturday morning with another enthusiastic group of AOPA members. This time we were at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum with its enormous hangar filled with military and civilian aircraft, historic flight suits, and even an X-wing replica for you Star Wars fans.
I was joined there by Rob Hackman, our vice president of regulatory affairs, and Dave Ulane, our regional manager for the northwest mountain states. More than 200 people turned out to hear about my priorities for AOPA, learn more about state
aviation issues, and get updates on big regulatory efforts, including avgas, changes to aircraft certification, and our medical petition. They had some great questions about where GA is headed and what AOPA is doing to protect our freedom to fly.
So my weekend was just the way I like them—all about aviation.


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On March 1st, 2012 Clean Energy Trust will host the second annual Clean Energy Challenge: a first in class business competition for Midwestern cleantech innovators. Finalists will present to a panel of distinguished venture investors and industry experts to vie for $250,000 in cash prizes.
Eligibility is restricted to companies located in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky & Ohio.
Applications will be due December 5, 2011
Applicants compete in either the Early Stage Business track or the Student Challenge. Grand prizes of $100,000 will be awarded in each track.
Winners of last year's Early Stage competition have gone on to receive significant venture funding and are well on their way to becoming sustainable clean energy businesses. Student Challenge competitors will vie for an opportunity to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy's first-ever national business competition for university students.
The SEIA has created a petition to extend the 1603 Program. 25,000 electronic signatures are needed by November 25, 2011 in order for the White House staff to review it, ensure it's sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response.
A five-year extension of the TGP to coincide with the term of the investment tax credit would support an additional 114,000 jobs in the solar energy industry in 2015, a 32% increase over baseline, and would result in 7,450 megawatts of cumulative additional capacity installed through 2016. A predictable five year policy framework will generate an environment that fosters industry growth larger than the potential year-to-year extensions and would create sustained momentum for the industry.
The 1603 Treasury Program was created to address the shortage of tax equity available to renewable energy projects due to the collapse of the financial markets. The TGP allows developers to receive a cash grant in lieu of the Section 48 Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The TGP has supported more than a thousand solar projects representing over $3 billion in total investment, contributing to a nearly two-fold increase in solar electric capacity in 2010.
Another benefit is that this helps to fund leases for the elderly and non-profit organizations.
Click to download the Solar Energy Industry Association Study: Economic Impact of Extending the 1603 Treasury Program.
Much has been going on with the IPA and the IPA 2012 Draft Procurement Plan. In the past month the IPA (Illinois Power Agency) released their draft plan that contained no provisions for distributed generation (DG) solar (small scale, on-site installations). Several parties intervened and commented on this oversight, so DG language was added to the plan.
Then the IPA director, Mark Pruitt, was replaced by appointee Arlene Juracek, a former ComEd VP, and the plan changed again. In the comments she filed last week, she recommended that the DG procurement be removed from the 2012 Plan. However, she said "The IPA remains committed to the inclusion of distributed SRECs in future Plans, but finds that detailed workshops would be beneficial to the development of the issue, prior to the Commission's consideration of the Plan. The IPA recommends that all issues raised by the responding parties be considered in workshops to be held during January 2012 through May 2012. In these workshops the IPA will further evaluate, and take input on, whether a procurement plan should include a standard offer contract in a manner that is consistent with the IPA Act and the PUA."
Responses to the comments can be filed through this Friday, October 28th. The ISEA and ELPC will continue to push for a solar DG procurement. We will specifically ask the ICC to direct parties to engage in a workshop process that is designed to result in a 2013 DG solar program and produces a written report/study to identify and quantify the grid benefits of DG solar in Illinois. We will also ask the ICC to allow the IPA the flexibility to administer a pilot DG procurement in 2012 if it is determined that this would help prepare the state for the full roll-out in 2013.
READ all Comments & Objections
Where can you help… After all responses are in, the ICC's Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will issue a final plan recommendation in the form of a Proposed Order. We will circulate the Proposed Order to you and it would be helpful for you all to write letters to the ICC, supporting the inclusion of a DG program, specifically asking for a workshop process in 2012 to design a program to be included in the 2013 Plan, with the option of a pilot program starting in 2012. The ICC Commission itself will then review all parties' comments, modify the ALJ's Proposed Order and issue final approval of the 2012 Plan.
Please let the ISEA and ELPC know if you have any questions or comments. We will email you in mid-November with a summary of the ALJ's Proposed Order and instructions on how to submit your letters.
In a previous piece, I wrote on how the economy and the environment are inseparable and how developing a new clean energy based economy is a huge economic development opportunity. I feel an obligation that if I'm going to "talk the talk"; I need to "walk the walk". To that end, I have recently completed a project to transition one small slice of the world -- my home -- to new clean energy. I was hopeful that the anticipated benefits will actually be realized.
As someone deeply concerned about the environment, but more importantly, a parent and grandparent, my motivation for transitioning my home to solar generated electricity is that it is the right thing to do. I used to believe that I would need to spend a lot to do this and perhaps never see a breakeven point. But I couldn't place a price on my children's future. Yes, I was also feeling guilty. As an American I am among the worst CO2 emitters on the planet. My children already face the prospect of a massive clean up and a difficult adaptation to climate change. This is now a certainty. The only question is how much. In fact, I'm surprised young people are not more vocal and actively in the streets and in the voting booths over this burden they face.
So I solicited bids for a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system. Basically, solar options consist of solar panels (PV) that will generate electricity and thermal solar panels for heating water. I just went with a PV system. A great 4 minute video primer on solar can be viewed at http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/oer09.sci.ess.watcyc.solarhome/.
As with any home improvement project, it is recommended that you take the basic precautions of selecting your contractor carefully and thoroughly educating yourself before signing on the dotted line. Thankfully there are several reputable and experienced firms available these days. So the criteria I used in selecting the supplier were the following:
1. The system should be properly designed to fit my site and to maximize benefits to me.
2. All equipment should be from a reputable manufacturer and must qualify as "Manufactured in USA".
3. I should be given plenty of hand-holding throughout the project including details of the process required for interconnections, permitting, and renewable energy credit generation and sale.
4. The supplier should have the adequate experience and good references.
5. The pricing should be competitive (though it need not be the lowest).
While I feel every contractor I accepted bids from could have done the job and done it well, only one company fit all my criteria. This was a very important indication to me that they listened to and understood all my concerns and that they wanted to supply me with what I wanted rather than with what they wanted. This is Sales 101 but so often such a rare experience.
Here is a description of my system. Before I called in the first contractor, I read up on solar systems and the basic building blocks of such a system as well as took a class. They are not terribly complex but there are some different options to consider. I'm not going to cover this in detail. Simply put, the system consists of collectors (there are different options here both is size and design), inverters (collectors generate DC electricity that needs to be converted to AC, again a couple options to consider), mounting hardware, wiring and conduits. I also added a communications gateway so that I could see the output of my system via an ethernet connection to my PC and to a website for remote monitoring and analysis. All in all it is pretty basic. The big decision is how many panels and where to locate them on your home or property.
I'm fortunate to have a home that is well suited for solar. The back faces straight south, there is little shading, and there is enough roof space to accommodate my needs (for picture visit http://illinois.sierraclub.org/NWCook/Past_Articles/articles_Economy_Environment2.html). Occasionally you hear complaints about the aesthetics of a solar system. Judge for yourself. I think it looks good and better than 2 or 3 satellite TV dishes hanging on the house.
My system consists of twenty eight 240 watt panels with micro inverters (one inverter per panel rather than one inverter for the entire array). So, total output is 6.72 kilowatts. This is a pretty good size system for a home. But my home is some 4,000 square feet and I have been averaging about 900 kilowatt hours per month. The system should deliver about 80% of my current demand. I under-sized the system for 2 reasons. First, I believe I can continue to reduce my electricity consumption through efficiency measures and second, and this is unfortunate, net metering rules will not compensate me for electricity I produce in excess of what I use. What is net metering? In simplest terms, when I generate electricity and don't use it I will feed it to the grid and my meter will go backwards. When I call for electricity in excess of what I am producing, like at night, my meter will run forward. I pay the net difference, if there is one, at the end of the month. If I have delivered more than I have used, these credits roll over to the next month. But here is the kicker, at the end of a 12 month period, the rolling over stops and I start from zero again. So I have no incentive to produce more than I will use in a year since this would just mean providing free energy to a utility which will then sell it at full value. Fortunately, there is state legislation pending to remedy this limitation.
Another consideration is obtaining a building permit from the town. Here requirements and costs can vary. In Palatine IL only requires a standard building permit and it cost me $428. The permit required that I submit engineering calculations verifying that my roof will support the weight of the system. An engineering firm was hired to perform this calculation. Cost here was $750. Next Commonwealth Edison required an application for interconnection and net metering. Total cost was $50. My contractor coordinated all of this for me.
So all in all this was not complicated, especially with a contractor who managed the permitting and interconnection details. There was some added cost but it was not prohibitive. There is an opportunity to simplify things even further and there is pending state legislation to address some of these deficiencies. We should feel proud to live in a state that is pretty progressive regarding renewable energy. Currently Illinois has received a grade of B from an independent study of current state policies regarding net metering and interconnections. If this new legislation is passed, Illinois should move to an A grade in both these categories1. This makes our state a more attractive place in which to live and do business.
Finally I should be eligible to sell RECs (Renewable Energy Credits). This was something I didn't know anything about until well into the process and it was a pleasant surprise. For every megawatt of energy produced I will own one REC. My system should generate 8 RECs per year. This is a little tricky to explain but a REC is a "certificate" tied to the environmental benefits of a renewable energy system. You might call them the "bragging rights" to clean energy. If someone who is trying to meet renewable energy mandates or goals wants to secure this claim without having a renewable energy system they can buy RECs. While I get the energy and savings, if I sell my RECs I cannot claim the environmental benefits, the purchaser now has that right. But I know these benefits are there and I get all the financial benefits so I'm happy to part with these certificates which may net me in the neighborhood of $200 each.
In the next piece that I will write, I will concentrate on the economics of my system. But keep in mind the benefits I am generating in addition to my personal financial gains. First, I have created a good size job for a local contractor. Second, I am purchasing equipment all of which is manufactured in the USA. This is generating domestic job growth. Third, my energy dollars are staying in this country. Fourth, since my "fuel" is free and not controlled by any company or country I do not face inflationary or fluctuating energy costs or the threat of having this source shut off or held hostage. This is beneficial to national and personal security.
1 Freeing the Grid, Best Practices in State Net Metering Policies and Interconnection Procedures, December 2010, Network for New Energy Choices, New York, NY.
Submitted by Peter Gorr*
It is a common misconception that what is good for the environment will be bad for the economy and vice versa. Nothing could be further from the truth. A strong economy and a healthy environment are inseparable.
We are experiencing a struggling economy with what I see as no solid strategy to correct the situation. Our economy has been moving away from manufacturing and towards services for many years. Financial services as a percent of GDP is at an all time high and higher than what is recommended. I, for one, do not feel secure with an economy that is built around managing other people's money in ever more creative ways. Recently every household's wealth has been negatively affected because of this. And what have we learned and how has our behavior changed as a nation?
Taking tax dollars and throwing them at the problem is not a solution. As well intentioned as this is and as appreciative as we are for infrastructure improvements, this is just a tactic to buy time while a real solution hopefully surfaces before the money runs out. Well the money has run out -- ask the unemployed if they feel the solution has been found.
A basic remedy for a downturn in an economy or, for that matter, a business seeking growth is to find a significant new demand to supply. Sounds simple but it is not. Certain criteria need to be met or we may experience another dot com-like bubble which offers a brief lift followed by an even more painful fall.
Fortunately we have an opportunity with all the right criteria sitting right on our doorstep. Unfortunately it is our assault on our environment and the imperative that we reverse the track we are on that has created this opportunity. We only lack the will and the necessary information. The opportunity is to transition our energy source from outdated, dirty, dangerous, largely foreign, and finite resources to state of the art, clean, safe, domestic, and unlimited resources. Jobs are not lost. They are transitioned and added to.
In simple terms the criteria necessary to initiate meaningful economic growth are the following - 1 - 2 - 3
1. A large and growing market.
Energy is used by everyone - it is increasingly used by everyone and considered not a luxury but a necessity - there can be no stronger market than EVERYONE!
2. The current supply is inadequate or can be improved upon.
Here are a few descriptive terms that can be associated with current fossil fuel based energy sources:
Acid rain, air pollution, black lung, cave-in, cancer causing, clean-up, climate change, diminishing, embargo, explosion, extinction, finite, foreign, greenhouse gas, habitat destruction, hazardous waste, leak, meltdown, mountain top removal, radiation, strip mining, toxic spill, water pollution.
I'm sure many more can be listed. A supply with so many negative and undesirable attributes is ripe for replacement. There is an obvious opportunity to generate energy without most of these problems. It is rare in business to identify such an attractive opportunity for improving matters. But current energy sources have very formidable strengths. They have artificially low pricing (see item 3), a strong distribution network, and huge wealth that can be used to influence public opinion and political action. Who hasn't heard the fictional term "clean coal" and been led to believe that it is real?
3. The new alternative needs to be available now.
The good news: New state of the art wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower technology is available.
The good news here is that there exist many alternative energy sources without the negative features listed in item 2. New state of the art wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower technology is available. But the bad news is that since there is not a level playing field for these technologies to compete on, they are struggling to gain meaningful market share – and that drives innovation and lower prices as well as the associated jobs they create.
Since current energy suppliers do not factor in all environmental impacts into their cost structure (in economic terms this is known as a negative externality) their pricing is lower than it should be which provides them with a huge competitive advantage. These costs do exist but are being transferred to a future time and future payers; our children and grandchildren. The idea of a "carbon tax" or "cap and trade" is an attempt at monetizing some of these negative externalities. A cap and trade mechanism was implemented to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants, a cause of acid rain. It was highly successful and demonstrated how market forces can achieve cost effective environmental protection.
The EPA has published a series of studies that detail the costs and benefits of the Clean Air Act since 1970. It is estimated that we will spend $65 Billion in 2020 to address air pollution related effects(1.). How less competitive would fossil fuels be if these costs were factored in (and these are not the only ones). Regarding CO2, another common by-product of fossil fuels, the Stern Report puts the cost of no action on the mitigation of climate change at 5% to 20% of global GDP. This is unimaginable. At a minimum, with proper action, we face a cost of 1% of global GDP due to the damage already done according to this report. Each tonne (metric ton or 2,205 pounds) of CO2 we emit causes damages worth at least $85( 2.). Keep in mind the US alone emits over 6 Billion tonnes of CO2 per year. Each gallon of gas emits some 20 pounds of CO2. These are some of those external costs which are being ignored by the producers to their gain and to everyone else's loss. These costs are being or will be paid by us but unbundled from the products that are the cause. They may show up in tax bills or health care costs or in other ways. This is unfair and deceptive.
Addressing our energy need is clearly a huge environmental protection imperative and a great economic development opportunity. It's ironic that certain political talking heads and elected officials who preach fiscal responsibility and job growth so actively oppose this. It mystifies me that conservatives reject anything related to protecting the environment as if they are immune to the perils and the costs of such a short-sighted approach. Everyone benefits from a healthy environment. It is not a liberal policy. It is a human policy.
This has been a macro economic view and opinion of the current economic and environmental situation and the basic steps needed to improve it. In upcoming articles I will describe a more micro or street level view of these principles in action. Specifically, I am investing in converting my home to solar generated electricity. What I am experiencing is a win-win-win-win scenario. I am supporting domestic job creation, my energy dollars are staying in the USA, I have increased my wealth and am protected from wildly fluctuating energy prices, and I am protecting the environment. Please join me on this journey.
(1.) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, The Benefits and Costs of the Clean Air Act from 1990 to 2020, Summary Report, March 2011.
(2.) Stern, Nicholas, The Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change, 2006, HM Treasury, London.
*Peter Gorr lives in Palatine, IL and is a husband, parent, and grandparent. He is a retired business executive and holds a MBA from the University of Chicago in Marketing and Statistics. He is on the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club NW Cook County Group and an active member of Illinois Solar Energy Association.
Copyright © 2009 - 2014 Illinois Solar Energy Association
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Gold Cross lease stirs debate
FAIRMONT – Since 2002, Gold Cross has been leasing space in Fairmont's fire hall for $1 per year, and Fairmont City Council is determined to put an end to this arrangement.
What the council could not agree on Monday was how soon the city should demand that the nonprofit ambulance service begin paying more.
City administrator Mike Humpal presented the council with a draft lease that would hike the rent to $1,496 per month. Gold Cross uses the facility to house several ambulances and employees.
Humpal said he spoke with Gold Cross staff on Friday, and they asked to speak to the council at its April 22 meeting.
Councilman Terry Anderson was adamant the council should start negotiations immediately, and he suggested asking for $3,100 per month.
"It's public property, and we're housing a private industry. I really don't like it," he said. "… For 10 years they've had a free ride. It was supposed to be short-term. I think it's time to fish or cut bait."
That would not be fair, in Councilman Joe Kallemeyn's opinion. Ten years ago, Gold Cross planned to stay in the Fairmont fire hall just until Fairmont Medical Center completed building a new emergency room bay. Since then, a number of substantial changes have taken place at the medical center – including the name to Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. None of those changes were within Gold Cross's power to control.
"Leases don't happen with most companies this quickly," said Kallemeyn, speaking from his own business experience. He worried that forcing an ultimatum on Gold Cross – to sign the lease or immediately find new lodging – could force them out of town.
"I object to the attitude of fear," said Anderson, believing that other ambulance services would fill the gap.
Police Chief Greg Brolsma did not back Anderson on this.
"They're the only ALS that can serve our citizens right now," he said.
Humpal confirmed that he knew of no other ambulance services that have ever expressed interest in coming to Fairmont.
"Let's take our time to walk through this and give them the time and energy we would give any company to retain them," Humpal said.
His recommendation was to allow Gold Cross to make a presentation April 22 and then start negotiations. The council concurred, but not before Anderson made a motion to set the lease at $2,300, with Gold Cross to pay 50 percent of utilities. The motion failed to pass, with Kallemeyn, Darin Rahm and Chad Askeland voting no.
In other business, the council:
o Discussed flying city flags at half-mast on holidays. Citizen Jim Hardt told the council he is disappointed the city has not done so in the past.
Part of the reason, according to city staff, is due to the type of flag poles the city has, since lowering each flag is a two-person job. In the past, there was a tethered pulley system for each flag, but those were switched out due to vandals.
Humpal said last year he spoke with representatives from the Legion and VFW, and both said they understood the city's predicament and were not offended. This year, Humpal said an effort will be made to lower the flags at City Hall and Veterans Park.
"We are trying," he said. "It's not that we disrespect our veterans."
o Discussed adding stop signs on Albion Avenue at the intersection with Woodland Avenue. The police chief said he watched morning traffic at the intersection and found there was only about five minutes when there was any congestion, and it cleared within a few minutes. Adding a temporary stop sign during the school year can be risky, Brolsma said, since it takes drivers time to adjust to traffic control changes on their regular routes.
o Approved support of legislation that if it passed would authorize cities to create municipal street improvement districts. The legislation would provide more resources and flexibility for small cities to make necessary street improvements.
o Approved advertising for bids for the reconstruction of Elm Street, from First Street to the railroad tracks.
o Approved a conditional use permit for St. John Vianney Church and School to allow an electronic messaging sign.
o Approved a Minnesota Department of Transportation agreement to pay for half the cost of a new hangar door at the airport.
o Approved extending its agreement with Western Area Power Agency to Dec. 31, 2050. The city purchases about 2 percent of its power from WAPA, for the western industrial park.
o Approved going out for bids a second time on an outdoor warning siren system, since the only bid that met the city's specifications was $19,000 more than the police department's estimate.


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How to Honor a Life
Bringing family and friends together at a time of loss is natural, and a socially-expected practice. Not only that, a funeral or memorial service, whether in a traditional or contemporary setting, is the first step in healing.
The ceremony to honor your loved one needn't be traditional; there are many different ways to celebrate the life and love you shared. In fact, the design of a funeral or memorial service is limited only by your imagination. That's where we can help. Our suggestions, based on knowledge and experience, will help you create a memorable service.
You can select the perfect location for the celebration, and the most suitable time of day for it to be held. Featuring a selection of your loved one's favorite music, or most beloved hymns or prayers will make the event uniquely personal. The possibilities are endless.
You can have your service literally anywhere and any way you want. We can help you create the most suitable and memorable service to honor your loved one.
We're here to help you come to the decisions that will meet your needs now, and in the future. You'll need to live with these decisions for a long time; doing the right thing now can make all the difference in your peace-of-mind through the coming years. Call Lotz Funeral Home Salem, VA at (540) 389-9208, or send us an email inquiry today to discuss your intentions.
Burial or Cremation?
Now that you've thought about a service which honors your loved one's life, your next consideration needs to be about burial or cremation. Commonly, people are clear on this point; but it can be a sticking point for some families, especially when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly stated. If that's the case for you and your family, please know we're able to help you come to the perfect decision.
Once the decision is made, the finer points come into focus. If you've chosen burial, then selection of the casket, vault, and cemetery of interment follows.
If cremation is the option of choice, then you'll want to make the decision as to whether the cremated remains will be placed in a mausoleum niche, or buried on the cemetery grounds.
In some communities, there's the option for a 'green burial.' If that's what your loved one would prefer, we'll help you select an environmentally-friendly choice.
What's Next?
Now that we've presented the basics, it's time for you to reflect more on exactly what is appropriate for you and your family.
Still looking for inspiration? Explore the possibilities with Lotz Funeral Home Salem, VA's unique planning tool. This tool will show you more of what's possible. Ready to speak with a professional funeral planner? Reach us at (540) 389-9208.


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Getting some tasty-looking cheese edges and crispy bottom crusts, Norma!
Gene,Good to hear you found a way you like to mix your DS dough. At home and at market I use the flat beater only, but then I do a rest period in between because my doughs are 75% hydration and I need to get the dough less sticky and develop the gluten okay.Norma
500F is hot enough, so if you're ending up with a sticky coating rather than a solid, smooth, carbon layer I think you're using too much oil and it's not burning off completely.
That's an interesting thought: I've been laying on a relatively thick coat of butter flavored Crisco, to create "lubrication" between the cheese and the side of the pan. I thought that if I used a thin coat or no coating at all, that the cheese would fuse to the bare metal.But maybe I'm wrong?Gene
Norma,Using the flat beater for the whole process makes sense - but I'm too lazy to get the dough out from between the spaces in the beater... :^)Gene
I would briefly run a torch across the top for a 'lil pretty char spots. No sauce?
This is the recipe for Buddy's Chicken Fajita Pizza posted on the Cooking Channel from a link from Pizza Cuz http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/shows/pizza-cuz/recipes.html http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/buddys-chicken-fajita-pizza.html and the Buddy's Cheese Pizza http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/buddys-cheese-pizza.html It says the recipes are courtesy of Buddy's Pizza, but I don't know what the recipe looks like in bakers percents for the dough.
Norma,I saw those recipes recently and was surprised that no one mentioned them, especially the recipe for the dough. At the time, I did some calculations in my head and concluded that the nominal hydration value for the dough was very much on the high side--well over 80%. Also, the recipe said to add more flour (by the spoonful) to reduce any stickiness in the dough. Since the flour and water are given by volume measurements, I concluded that it would be difficult to calculate a precise hydration value for the dough.However, since you asked about baker's percents, I decided this morning, as a Memorial Day gift to you, to try to come up with a baker's percent version of the dough recipe your referenced. To do this, I made a few assumptions. First, I assumed that a typical home pizza maker using the dough recipe would use the Medium method of Flour Measurement as embodied in the Mass-Volume Measurement Calculator at http://foodsim.toastguard.com/, where the flour would be measured out by dipping the measuring cup into a bag or container of flour. Second, I assumed that the flour is a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour (as the recipe instructions suggest) with a ratio of the two flours established to get us closer to the protein content of the flour that Buddy's uses. As an example, if you use a 50/50 blend (by weight) of King Arthur All-Purpose flour (KAAP) and King Arthur Bread flour (KABF), even though they are not bleached and bromated flours such as Buddy's uses, the protein content of the blend will be 12.2% (the same as the Occident flour). So, for 3 cups of flour as called for the dough recipe, for convenience you would use 1 1/2 cups of the KAAP and 1 1/2 cups of the KABF by volume measured out by the Medium flour Measurement method. Third, I assumed that a cup of water is 8 ounces, as is typically recited in recipes for non-professionals, such as a home baker, even though a cup of water technically weighs more than 8 ounces (it is 8.345 ounces although I often use 8.15 ounces for conversion purposes). Fourth, I assumed that the"fast acting yeast" is IDY even though the instructions for rehydrating the yeast are more applicable to ADY than to IDY (more on this below). Finally, I assumed that the salt is ordinary table salt.Doing some math calculations and plugging everthing into the expanded dough calculating tool at http://www.pizzamaking.com/expanded_calculator.html, this is what we get:Flour Blend* (100%):Water (82.8558%):IDY (1.70485%):Salt (1.35935%):Total (185.92%):410.59 g | 14.48 oz | 0.91 lbs340.2 g | 12 oz | 0.75 lbs7 g | 0.25 oz | 0.02 lbs | 2.32 tsp | 0.77 tbsp5.58 g | 0.2 oz | 0.01 lbs | 1 tsp | 0.33 tbsp763.37 g | 26.93 oz | 1.68 lbs | TF = N/A* The Flour Blend is a 50/50 blend of KAAP and KABF; the dough is for two 8" x 10" pan pizzas, with each dough ball weighing 13.46 ounces; the corresponding thickness factor = 13.46/( 8 x 10) = 0.16829; no bowl residue compensation. As mentioned above, the yeast is rehydrated in warm water. I believe that this rehydration method, along with using a lot of yeast, is to speed up the fermentation process. You will also note that the calculated thickness factor is considerably larger than what Buddy's is using. For example, if you were to use 13.46 ounces of dough, 8 ounces of brick cheese, and about 4.5 ounces of pizza sauce (the cheese pizza recipe is silent as to the amount of pizza sauce to use), the total weight of the unbaked pizza would be about 26 ounces for an 8" x 10" pan pizza. To get that pizza in the range of a baked 8" x 10" Buddy's cheese pizza, it would take a substantial weight loss during baking, more than would ever be achieved in Buddy's conveyor ovens or even in your ovens, at home or at market.Should you decide to try the formulation recited above, you could use 3 cups of Occidental flour measured out volumetrically (or by weight if you prefer) and you could use less dough, much as you have been using to date to make an 8" x 10" pizza. I am reasonably confident you would end up with a credible Buddy's clone dough.Peter
I wonder since you assumed that the fast acting yeast is IDY how many home pizza makers have access to that yeast. At least in my local supermarkets all that is offered if ADY, or fast acting pizza yeast.
Norma,A couple of brands of "fast acting" yeasts that are commonly sold in supermarkets are the Fleischmann's RapidRise yeast (http://www.breadworld.com/products.aspx) and the Red Star QuickRise yeast (http://www.redstaryeast.com/products/red-star%C2%AE/red-star%C2%AE-quick-rise-yeast). They are both instant dry yeasts. Yeast products that are sold as bread machine yeasts--usually in small jars--are also instant dry yeasts, even though they may not be identified as such. I think that ADY can also be used in the formulation I posted, perhaps without having to make any other changes given the large amount used.Peter
I didn't realize that Fleischmann's RapidRise yeast and Red Star QuickRise yeast were regular IDY's. I thought they were quicker acting than regular IDY. I learned something new today, thanks.
Norma,Yeast is a highly complicated subject, both technologically and in practice. There are many different strains of yeast, each with its own DNA so to speak and with its own favored applications, and its specific forms and uses in home settings can be different than its forms and uses in professional applications. I think you will get a better feel for what I am saying by reading Reply 21 at http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,16775.msg164500/topicseen.html#msg164500, including the article on yeast referenced in Reply 21, and Reply 53 at http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,5379.msg47676/topicseen.html#msg47676. My practice is to find a yeast I like and stick with it for all of my dough preparations even though there may be some variations from one brand or type of yeast to another. I suspect that the variations from one brand to another are slight, especially at the retail level, but for consistency purposes, or unless I am following a recipe that calls for a particular type or brand of yeast, I choose to use only a single type or brand. This is especially true when conducting multiple experiments with a particular dough formulation where I do not want to introduce new variables from one experiment to another such as yeast type or brand.Peter
I wonder how this blogger got to visit Buddy's Pizza and had a private pizza making lesson from the super-friendly staff. http://brodericktower.com/blog/2013/05/29/dayinthed/ Norma
From her site...."Last week I was invited to participate in an interactive Day in the D tour hosted by the Metro Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau. Below is a summary of all of the Detroit-themed activities we participated in, including some of my favorite highlights from each."It looks like she is located right in the middle of all the action; as she says. And is probably a favorite "voice for the City" person that knows Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce folks.Bob
Gloves, but no hairnet or apron?
We don't need gloves in our state to make pizza, but we do need something to cover our heads. I am not even sure if we need aprons to make pizza, but I do wear one. Flour can get very messy.


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Energy Efficient Traffic Signals to Be Installed in New Rochelle Through NY Power Authority Program
February 15, 2005
NEW ROCHELLE—Beginning today over 2,700 energy-efficient traffic signals will be installed here with assistance from the New York Power Authority (NYPA). The first installation will be at the intersection of Main St. and Memorial Highway with all new fixtures expected to be in place by this June. These installations are among the first in Westchester County along with work in the City of Peekskill as part of NYPA's LED Traffic Signal Program.
"Making many of our traffic and cross walk signals easier to see will clearly save New Rochelle taxpayers money through lower energy and maintenance costs plus keep the air cleaner by reducing energy use," said Tim Idoni, mayor, City of New Rochelle. "This project represents New Rochelle's continuing efforts to work with Governor George E. Pataki and the Power Authority to improve our city."
"New Rochelle's Mayor Idoni and his fellow leaders show their vision for a brighter future by participating in Governor Pataki's initiative encouraging local governments to follow his mandate to state agencies to reduce their energy use by 35% by 2010," said Eugene W. Zeltmann, president and chief executive officer, NYPA. "When cities like New Rochelle, and towns and villages statewide work with NYPA to be more energy-savvy, we can reduce energy use, save taxpayer dollars, breathe cleaner air and lessen dependence on foreign oil."
Using the existing signal light housings, the new lighting technology consists of green, red, yellow and white precision-lensed light emitting diode (LED) modules to replace the current incandescent bulbs that use colored filters or lens. The LED signals have a longer operating life and lower maintenance cost, consume about 90% less energy and use no filters or lens.
NYPA has been involved in a wide variety of LED signal projects including work with the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the New York City Rail Transit, and also installing energy efficient traffic signals in various parts of New York City.
Project management is conducted by NYPA staff, while the material and labor contracts were awarded by NYPA through competitive bid for timely and cost-effective installation. NYPA provides full turn-key services and finances the total cost of these LED traffic signal projects at very low interest rates. Verde Electric Corporation of Mount Vernon will perform installation and labor for the projects in New Rochelle and Peekskill. Municipalities have a payback period of usually less than five years depending on the quantity and signal types to be installed.
The City of New Rochelle and its School District are government customers of the Power Authority and receive some of the lowest cost electricity in the state for operations. Since the early 1990s, NYPA has invested almost $2 million in energy efficiency improvements at 9 New Rochelle facilities including several municipal facilities and schools. These initiatives have annually saved taxpayers over $1.5 million in municipal electric costs, reduced energy use by almost 800 kilowatts per year and eliminated over 1,500 tons of greenhouse gases each year contributing to cleaner air.
NYPA is the nation's largest state-owned electric utility. The Power Authority owns and operates 17 generating facilities across New York. NYPA also owns and operates over 1,400 circuit miles of transmission lines in various parts of the state. NYPA is a national leader in advancing energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.


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Haven't gotten my cheese level right - 215 grams is too much, dropping by 10% each pizza
I'm getting frustrated with my inability to make a round pizza - would love some tips.
I'm getting frustrated with my inability to make a round pizza
Thanks ryan...i've been slowly trying to lower my hydration down to the 63% level or so...i find the higher hydration easier to work with, but wanted to get more in line with what other people are doing.
Are you weighing your ingredients, or using volume (measuring cups)?
Cylint,How long are you preheating your steel at 550?
All by weight...although my scale struggles on tenths of grams.
I'm surprised you think a 70% dough is easier to work with than a low 60's%.... You must prefer a highly extensible dough?


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Launch using a wood peel- it produces far less surface tension.
Also, as weird as it may sound, Wondra is terrific for a peel dusting medium.
I use rice flour on a wooden peel. It acts very well to prevent sticking and make the launch easier.
wooden peel, just plain old flour, I'm old school!
Slotted peel and the same flour as is in your dough is the best solution.
Dough on its contact side to the base when baked well, has a look. Apart from the taste, what happens in that short amount of time when heat meets that vulnerable surface is dependant on time, temp, and anything that is in between. It is where the "rubber meets the road." The most neutral tasting, anti-gravitational agent to allow quick and accurate delivery of the base element is crucial. Traditional flour, Rice flour, Semolina, Wondra?
I saw what TscarBorough said about a slotted peel. Did you mean a peel that's sort of perforated? My friend has one for pizza that's metal and from Italy. It was the one specific for pizza. The solid surface one was for bread.
But getting your bench flour off the stretched dough first is most all important.
What method do you use to get the bench flour off the dough?
Hey Steve, I think I may have discovered(by accident)an amazing new peel dusting agent....you'll think I'm nuts; it's baby food, specifically, rice cereal. The stuff is slicker than powdered graphite and sort of just dissolves away when you rub it between your fingers but leaves them slicker than a bugs ear! Have you ever heard of using this....I haven't tried it under a pizza yet(diet restricts much pizza making lately)but I sure am going to try it.You won't believe how slick that stuff is.
Does you diet happen to be baby food? That's rough...


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May be applied with an Ortho® Dial 'N Spray® Hose-End Sprayer or any other tank sprayer.
Use coarse spray to reduce drift to desirable plants. Spray weeds to thoroughly wet foliage, stems and trunk.
Apply when weeds are leafed out and actively growing.
Apply when air is calm to prevent drift to desirable plants.
- Apply when weeds are actively growing as needed throughout the season.
- Hard to kill weeds may require a repeat application if regrowth occurs.
Around homes, cabins, buildings, fence lines and trails.
- Do not use this product for controlling weeds in flower or vegetable beds or around shrubs or ornamental plantings.
- Do not spray plants or grasses you like - they may die too. Foliage spray not recommended for weed control in lawns.
16 fluid oz treats up to 1,600 sq ft
32 fluid oz treats up to 3,200 sq ft
Weeds: Kills Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Kudzu, Wild Blackberries, Honeysuckle, Maples, Mesquite, Ragweeds, Raspberry, Trumpet Creeper, Virginia Creeper, Wild Grape, Wild Rose. Common Trees, Shrubs, and other Common Sapplings
8.0% Triclopyr
This is not the product label. Always read and follow the product label before use.
View Label (requires PDF reader)
Safety Data Sheets can be found at scottsmsds.com
Need an answer to a product question? Scotts experts are always available by email and phone in our Help Center.


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Stone Outdoor Indoor LED Lamp
About Smart & GreenSmart & Green's innovative products are based on LED technology and make the best possible use of this potential: strong resistance to impacts, smart management of light and low energy consumption. Designed to follow you everywhere, Smart & Green lights are cordless and rechargeable. So they help you care for the environment. And you can use their clean lines and bright, colorful light to create the moods that you're looking for.
great idea but....
On Aug 07, 2012 by Brad from Omaha, NE (Customer)
....it sucks..... my girlfriend made me buy this. the website says "guarantee high resistence to shocks".. ...thats a joke. my buddies decided to use it as a football at a party and it broke...yeah maybe we shouldnt have done that, but its not like we threw it against the wall. plus you cant make something look like a lightup football and expect that noone will try to throw it around. now it only works like half the time.
great line
On Jul 09, 2012 by Paula from OC, CA (Customer)
I'm a bigfan of this whole brand. I've been building up a small collection of all of their different indoor/outdoor protable led lights. They're a great concept, and they make my garden, pool and treeline look great at night. I just bought this lantern to hang from the tree branch over my patio, and I finally got a remote control for all the lights. I was hoping to have it in time for the 4th, but I left it to the last minute.


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Monday, September 23, 2013
Milestone Acquires Funds for Bristow Airframes
Milestone Aviation Group (Stand J50) has closed on a $300-million credit facility, to be used for acquiring and leasing helicopters valued at $400 million to affiliates of Bristow Group Inc. The assets include Sikorsky S-92, Eurocopter EC225 and AgustaWestland AW189 and AW139 types.
Said Milestone Chairman and CEO Richard Santulli: "We structured this transaction with Bristow and worked together to bring it to completion. The proceeds will allow us to continue to support Bristow while diversifying our sources of capital."
|Greater Manchester Police MD902 Explorer
lands at Helitech 2011 in Duxford.
Photo by Andrew Parker, Editor-in-Chief
For more visit www.milestoneaviation.com


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Associate Professor
[email protected]
Jung-Mo Ahn , Ph.D.
Bio-Organic and MedicinalChemistry
Research Group
B.S., Seoul National University (1992)
M.S., Seoul National University (1994)
Ph.D., University of Arizona (2000)
Postdoctoral Associate, The Scripps Research Institute (2001–04)
Research Description
The central theme of my research is to understand the chemistry and biology of peptides and proteins and to develop new approaches for manipulating these properties with purposefully designed small organic molecules. We employ chemical synthesis and combinatorial chemistry as well as spectroscopic and biophysical methods to accomplish these aims. Projects include:
- Rational design of small molecules for mimicking protein secondary structures to modulate protein-protein interactions involved in cancer
- Development of metabolically stable peptides as molecular imaging agents for non-invasive assessment of pancreatic beta-cells
Selected Publications
"Efficient Solid-Phase Synthesis of FK228 Analogues as Potent Antitumoral Agents." Di Maro, S., Pong, R.-C., Hsieh, J.-T., Ahn, J.-M., J. Med. Chem. (2008) 51:6639-6641.
"Novel Amphiphilic Alpha-Helix Mimetics Based on a Bis-Benzamide Scaffold." Marimganti, S., Cheemala, M.N., Ahn, J.-M., Org. Lett. (2009) 11:4418-4421.
"Development of potent GLP-1 agonists with high enzyme stability by introducing multiple lactam bridges." Murage, E.N., Gao, G., Bisello, A., Ahn, J.-M., J. Med. Chem. (2010) 53:6412-6420.
"Solid-phase synthesis of tris-benzamides as alpha-helix mimetics." Lee, T.-K., Ahn, J.-M., ACS Comb. Sci. (2011) 13:107-111.
- Updated: December 10, 2012


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Welcome to the Residential Real Estate Acquisition of Licensee Information and Numbers
Database ("RREAL IN"). RREAL IN is statutorily mandated by Indiana Code 27-7-3-15.5.
The purpose and use of the database is for the reporting, collection and storage of
information concerning resident or non-resident entities or licensees that have participated
in or assisted with transactions involving residential property located in the state of Indiana.
The following transactions are reportable under this requirement:
Effective 1/1/2010, all closing agents (as defined by
Indiana Code 6-1.1-12-43(a)(2) are required to submit an on-line form in the
RREAL IN database, following the completion of a real estate transaction. For the
full text of Indiana Code 27-7-3-15.5, click here.
For assistance with accessing the database or questions on submitted forms please
contact the System Administrator at firstname.lastname@example.com
or 317-234-5152


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by Anton Shilov
Gabe Newell, the chief of Valve Software game developer, said in an interview that he still considers Ageia PhysX and Sony PlayStation 3 as two inadequate products. Besides, the head of software maker that creates popular Half-Life 2 and Counter Strike titles reiterated commitment to multi-core central processing units as well as general purpose GPU computing, such as physics or artificial intelligence.
"[With the introduction of multi-core CPUs] performance and scaling has stopped being a hardware problem and instead it's been turned into a software problem. That's bad news for us, software guys – but for hardware it's good news, because it shifts the value proposition towards software developers. What it also means is clock rates will stay pretty much the same, but the number of execution units you have is going to explode. The good news is that we're going to spend an era of growing linearly for a while, so transistor budgets will translate directly to improvements," said Mr. Newell in an interview with Next Generation web-site.
Currently central processing units (CPUs) have up to four processing engines, whereas graphics processing units (GPUs) can feature tens or even hundreds of execution engines, meaning that GPUs are better prepared to the new programming paradigm, which involves tens and hundreds of threads. Still, considering that Intel Corp. can is working on high-performance microprocessors with eight and more engines, application-specific accelerators and other ways to improve their capabilities, Valve still does not make any final judgments whether general purpose computing on GPUs or CPUs will take the lead eventually.
"We understand we have to make these investments in multi-core. We have to worry about not just two cores, but 64 threads, 512 threads – how are we going to reorganize it? [The] more we look at it, the more excited we get. This current era is one of heterogeneous computing: you've got this one big chunk of code doing physics and AI, character animation and facial systems talking through this strange interface called DirectX to another chunk of your code which you write to run on GPUs. That's just going to go away. And either [GPU] or [CPU] is going to win the battle for whose array of cores is taken up," Mr. Newell said.
Despite of the fact that both Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 essentially use multi-core microprocessors, the head of Valve does not criticize Microsoft's game console, saying that investments into parallelizing the code for three cores will be useful for personal computers as well. By contrast, Mr. Newell claims for some reason that investments into learning how to develop applications for Sony PS3's Cell are useless.
"I think [PS3 is] a waste of everybody's time. Investing in the Cell, investing in the SPE gives you no long-term benefits. There's nothing there that you're going to apply to anything else. You're not going to gain anything except a hatred of the architecture they've created. I don't think they're going to make money off their box. I don't think it's a good solution," said Mr. Newell.
Finally, Mr. Newell said he did not like the idea of application-specific physics accelerator.
"I think that's a horrible idea. At the same time that the distinction between the GPU and CPU is going away, the PPU guys want to come in and define a new set of abstractions, where we have memory and data that's really far away from the CPU and CPU... How do I tell when something breaks, or gets pushed by a monster? All these decisions I have on my CPU have to sit around until they are resolved on the PPU and GPU, and you end up with a physics decelerator. This is the reason you want a homogenous architecture," he said.


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Constitutional concerns
There is much going on in our Tri-Lakes communities to assist our veterans and active-duty men and women in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other stress-related issues for them and their families: reintegration into civilian jobs, training and education, as well as preparedness for those going on tour. Homeward Bound Adirondacks is at the forefront of scheduling the various retreats and activities and letting our communities know of the schedules for the various events. Veterans Administration and Department of Defense support and possible funding would help to get more support for those in need.
Unfortunately, there are a number of political issues regarding the First and Second amendments to the Constitution of the United States that many feel are negating the very principles that our men and women over the years have served to protect, and for which many made the ultimate sacrifice. Gun control legislation in Albany and Washington was proposed suddenly, following the incident at Sandy Hook – the goal, to prevent other such incidents? Many believe that in addition to impacting the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, the gun legislation is not the answer. It will not result in the desired outcome. An oversimplification, perhaps, but "guns don't kill people; people kill people." And therein may be the better approach: stronger enforcement of gun crimes and treatment of people with mental or drug-related problems, and thorough background checks when a person applies for a gun permit, since that would not deal directly with the weapons or ammunition, and the Second Amendment's "right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed" would not be violated.
If the government is to be the only one with guns, where does that leave the people?
Over the years, thousands of men and women and, yes, children have fought at home and abroad to protect our rights contained in the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and many of them made the supreme sacrifice and continue to do so today. No governor and no president has the authority to void our First and Second Amendment rights. The manner in which it was done was a disgrace for our democratic nation and way of life. It would appear that they used a number of traumatic incidents to promote their political agenda. Does the root cause of these tragedies need addressing? Yes! Was the lack of stricter gun control legislation the cause? No! However, background checks and addressing individuals with serious mental or drug disorders are areas that need to be addressed, as well as previous records. Look to our Congressman Bill Owens at the national level and Assemblyman Dan Stec in the New York Assembly for responsible legislation in this regard. They certainly can use our support.
Our citizens should not be deprived of the right to bear arms for hunting, recreation, to put food on the table and, should the need arrive, to protect home and family.
The irony – during this time of year in the early 1800s, the battles of Plattsburgh and Ogdensburg had many of the civilian men and women supporting the militia to achieve the defeat of English forces invading the North Country. All of our nation's battles to secure our democracy and democratic rights have not been outside our continental USA and have involved the everyday citizens. That has not and will not change. It was repeated again in the Civil War in the 1860s and later.
The First Amendment of the Constitution, the foundation of the Bill of Rights, says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Our federal government, through the provisions of Obamacare, are ordering nonprofits, businesses and individuals to affirmatively act in a way that violates their faith. Liberty Institute is currently involved in more than 40 cases before the courts involving religious freedoms. A person's so-called religious choice cannot, under our current Constitution, come to the loss of my or your rights. They should locate somewhere else.
We are giving our children and their children an awesome task of returning our nation and its government to what our Constitution and Bill of Rights meant it to be.
This, from a 15-year-old student, the "new" school prayer:
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule.
For this great nation under God
finds mention of him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green;
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific; the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in the public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate;
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen
And the "unwed daddy," our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong;
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles,
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed.
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here, I must confess.
When chaos reigns, the school's a mess.
So Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot, my soul please take!
We've left our children and grandchildren an awesome task to fulfill in a nation where the elected representatives at all levels would actually represent their constituents and not the money of the giant corporations and special-interest groups.
We in the North Country are fortunate indeed and can serve as an example for those less fortunate throughout our state and nation. On the federal level, our Congressman Bill Owens (D) and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D) work with those across the aisle to benefit the people, and state representatives Sen. Betty Little (R), Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R) and Assemblyman Dan Stec (R) do the same at the state level to benefit the people they represent.
At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked, "What have you wrought?" He answered, "A Republic, if you can keep it."
We MUST continue as communities to support the growth of our local businesses, workers and those in need, and continue this on to our state and nation to return to fulfill the pledge, "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Frank Karl lives in Onchiota, is adjutant of VFW Post 3357 in Saranac Lake and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954.


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Nine tips for your freshman year
ACU welcomes the class of 2016 to our campus. Here are a few tips on how to successfully navigate your freshman year.
1. Start with a clean slate. College is a brand new start academically and personally. You have a shiny new GPA and an opportunity to make new friends. It's a fresh start – make the most of it!
2. Get to know the ACU campus. Meet your academic advisors, professors, and campus staff. Find out where services on campus for things such as counseling, medical attention, tutoring, the library, post office, etc. are located and take advantage of those services when needed. You'll be surprised at how much assistance is available to you if you just ask.
3. Get to know Abilene. Abilene offers diverse cultural activities and events and is home to some of the friendliest people you will meet. Go downtown to places like the Paramount, the Grace, or drive out to Buffalo Gap for some great steak. Find a church home and get connected with the college ministry or members in that church. Churches LOVE college students and you will find that many members enjoy having college students as part of their small groups, over for dinner, or involved in various church or community ministries. Most of all, belonging to a church body gives you a home away from home and a group of people who will love and care for you while you are in Abilene.
4. Get involved on campus. Many new students feel a combination of homesickness and of not quite belonging to this new community yet. Make the most of the opportunities you have to meet new friends through activities such as Freshman Follies, Intramurals, and student organizations and clubs. You'll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to the ACU community.
5. Call, email, or text your parents. At some point in the first year, you may be homesick. That feeling may come out of the blue and hit you like a ton of bricks. No matter how busy you get with school, activities, or new friends, make time to talk to your parents and siblings. They miss you just as much as you miss them and want to know how you are adjusting to your new life.
6. Get organized and budget your time. Use whatever method works best for you to keep you organized, whether you use a large wall calendar, a day planner, your iPhone, iPad, laptop, etc. Write down assignment due dates and give yourself deadlines. Block off time to study and resist the urge to go out with your friends during that time. Learn to prioritize. Procrastination and cramming for a test or assignment are not a winning habit.
7. Manage your money. Create a budget and find ways to stretch your money. Don't take advantage of the "free" gifts and offers that credit card companies send to you. Do everything in your power to stay away from debt for living or social expenses.
8. Eat healthy and work out. Your parents were right – you need to eat right and get your sleep! Go to bed at a decent hour, take your vitamins, eat a healthy diet, work out to fight stress, and feed your brain. Your grades will be glad you did.
9. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed. Freshman year may bring some change and you may have some moments when you feel overwhelmed and stressed. Be ready to feel unprepared for some of the rigors of college life but recognize that you're not the only student who feels that way. This is a normal part of the growing process and the feeling won't last forever. Before you know it, you'll blink and be a sophomore.
Vision in Action
Watch the video above to witness the future of Abilene Christian University taking shape.
Explore Majors
Find majors or programs that interest you.
Visit Campus
Satisfy your curiosity about what it means to live and learn at ACU!
Apply to ACU
Learn more about our application and admissions process.


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Pajama Pant Safari Ivory
Style: prod9639447
Out of Stock
Jersey knit pajama pants with gold charmeuse ribbon tie and pockets in a tiger animal print of black and gold on an ivory background. So soft and comfy, you could lounge in them all day long.
- Mid-weight jersey knit.
- Elasticized waist. Working satin drawstring attached at sideseams.
- Front slant pockets.
- Short Inseam: 28.5".
- Regular Inseam: 30".
- Tall Inseam: 33".
- 57% Cotton, 38% Modal, 5% Spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
- From our luxuriously soft Embraceable collection. Add a matching print pajama top and cushy slippers.
Read more… Read less…


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Debates of Dec. 6th, 2010
House of Commons Hansard #111 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was standards.
- Question Period
- Canadian Human Rights Act
- Protecting Children from Sexual Predators Act
- Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act
- Oshawa's Christmas Spirit
- Gros Morne National Park
- Cross-Canada Cycling Tour
- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- Mission in Afghanistan
- Desjardins Group
- Diabetes
- Desjardins Group
- Public Safety
- Liu Xiaobo
- Violence against Women
- Halifax Explosion
- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada
- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- Gun Control
- The Environment
- The Economy
- Government Spending
- The Environment
- Finance
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
- Census
- The Environment
- Employment
- Public Safety
- The Environment
- Afghanistan
- Economic Development
- Health
- Lévis Celebrations
- Violence Against Women
- Afghanistan
- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- Points of Order
- Government Response to Petitions
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Questions Passed as Orders for Returns
- Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act
- Ensuring Safe Vehicles Imported from Mexico for Canadians Act
Oral Questions
2:55 p.m.
Bev Oda Minister of International Cooperation
Mr. Speaker, we want to reiterate how we have been actually helping those who are living in poverty under very challenging situations.
Girls are going to school. More people have access to health services. We have supported the participation of women in an election process. We have also supported the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. We have supported an electoral commission. We have supported the building of the agricultural sector and the economic development of women in all of those. Literacy rates have gone up. I could continue with the list.
Oral Questions
2:55 p.m.
Jack Harris St. John's East, NL
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said that Canada will not give a dime to the Afghan government until it solves its problems with corruption, but at the same time he is quite prepared to arm the same corrupt Afghan government with a security force of over 300,000 men.
If the Karzai government cannot be trusted with money, why does the government think it can be trusted with an army? How can the government continue to claim that arming a corrupt government is the best way forward for the people of Afghanistan?
Oral Questions
2:55 p.m.
Central Nova
Nova Scotia
Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, quite simply because the sooner the Afghan security forces, both army and police, are able to protect their own borders, promote their own sovereignty, provide the security for the ongoing efforts to allow children to go to school, allow women to participate more fully in society, allow the infrastructure of the country to grow, the economy of the country to grow, that is Canada's lasting legacy.
We will continue to contribute across the board in a whole of government approach to help the people of Afghanistan to do what Canadians have always done, contribute internationally, look outward, to improve the world, to make it a better place.
Economic Development
Oral Questions
2:55 p.m.
Peter Braid Kitchener—Waterloo, ON
Mr. Speaker, jobs and the economy remain our government's number one priority.
Canada's economy has grown for the past five straight quarters. Since July of last year nearly 440,000 net new jobs have been created. This is a result of our government's economic action plan and through investments in regions like southern Ontario.
Would the minister of state please inform the House of our government's new initiatives to help small and medium size businesses increase productivity, competitiveness and develop new technologies?
Economic Development
Oral Questions
2:55 p.m.
Gary Goodyear Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario)
Mr. Speaker, based on feedback from businesses and communities all across southern Ontario, FedDev has designed seven new initiatives to create jobs and foster business innovation in southern Ontario.
This Conservative government understands that the global recovery remains fragile, and the way to keep our recovery on track is by investing in people, communities and businesses to increase productivity, innovation and economic diversification.
Thirty-one thousand new jobs were created in Ontario in November alone. Three quarters of them are full-time jobs. We are getting it done. We will keep doing it.
Oral Questions
2:55 p.m.
Todd Russell Labrador, NL
Mr. Speaker, aboriginal peoples are wondering if the Conservative government learned anything from last year's flu pandemic.
Officials in Garden Hill First Nation in northern Manitoba are struggling with another significant outbreak of influenza. Two people are dead and a third is in critical condition.
With only one full-time doctor for 4,000 people, the community is struggling to respond to the demands on the local health care system.
Why is the government caught unprepared yet again? Where is the support that is so urgently needed?
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health
Mr. Speaker, my condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. We continue to work closely with the community, the community leaders and the province. In the island lake region, we are adjusting nursing staff levels, providing support for additional immunization activities and ensuring access to essential medical supplies.
We encourage all Canadians to get their flu shots and to use prevention methods, such as handwashing, during the flu season.
Lévis Celebrations
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
Christiane Gagnon Québec, QC
Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the claims of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the organizers of the Lévis celebrations maintain that the City of Lévis received only $1 million from the cultural capitals of Canada program compared to the $1,175,000 given to the City of Vancouver. There is no explanation for the difference because Lévis and Vancouver meet the same criteria.
Can the minister tell us if Lévis will be treated like Vancouver and also receive $1,750,000 from the cultural capitals of Canada program?
Lévis Celebrations
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam
James Moore Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
Mr. Speaker, the award is different because the cities are different sizes. Three cities received the designation: Charlottetown and Lévis, which are medium-sized cities, and Vancouver, which is the largest city. Lévis received $1 million—and that is the maximum it will receive—due to the efforts of the Conservative member for Lévis—Bellechasse. I am certain that all citizens of Lévis will recognize their MP's hard work. The Conservative government will celebrate the City of Lévis next year.
Violence Against Women
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
Irene Mathyssen London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, 21 years ago, 14 women lost their lives solely because they were women. While we remember and mourn, we also must turn to concrete actions needed to stop violence against women.
Sadly, violence is not declining and shelters across the country are turning away thousands of women seeking refuge. Yet the current Conservative government cut funding and failed to provide safe shelters for women and their children.
Will the government help women and children seeking safety from violence and increase funding to women's shelters?
Violence Against Women
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
Edmonton—Spruce Grove
Rona Ambrose Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's support for this incredibly important issue. All of us in the House remember these women with great sadness.
I can assure the member that the government takes this issue very seriously. She should know that this government is the one that has increased funding for women's programs to its highest level ever. In fact, we are funding more programs now to end violence against women than any other government in the history of this country. We are proud to do that and we appreciate her support.
Oral Questions
December 6th, 2010 / 3 p.m.
Jim Abbott Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canada has stood at the forefront of the world when it comes to helping those in need. As Canadians know, our efforts in Afghanistan to improve the lives of the people have been hard fought. In the year 2000, only 9% of the population had access to primary health care. Access to medicine and supplies was virtually non-existent.
Would the Minister of International Cooperation give Canadians an update on some of the improvements we have made to help improve public health in Afghanistan?
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
Bev Oda Minister of International Cooperation
Mr. Speaker, in fact, access to health care in Afghanistan has grown, from 9% to 66%. I am pleased to tell the House that Canada is helping to get more medicine to Afghanistan to help the Afghan people through Health Partners International and Canadian generic and research-based pharmaceutical companies. We are providing antibiotics, anesthesia for surgeries, intravenous medicines and medical supplies. In fact, last year HPIC and CIDA treated more than one million people in 68 countries with the adequate medicines and medical supplies.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Oral Questions
3 p.m.
The Speaker Peter Milliken
Order, please. I invite hon. members to rise and observe a moment of silence to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
[A moment of silence observed]
Oral Questions
Points of Order
Oral Questions
3:05 p.m.
Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam
James Moore Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
Mr. Speaker, in the course of question period when I was responding to two questions from Liberal members of Parliament with regard to funding for the CBC, I read a number of quotes but I did not give the source of those quotes.
I want to let the House know that the first quote is from the Globe and Mail, January 18, 2001; the second was an editorial in the Montreal Gazette, October 25, 1999; and the third was an editorial in the Toronto Star, October 20, 1999.
I had not given those sources, and I think it is fair for the opposition to know where they came from.


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An important mission of the Department of Human Ecology as a component of the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences is to fulfill the land-grant functions of teaching, research and extension.
The Department of Human Ecology in partnership with DSU Cooperative Extension Programs, conducts outreach activities aimed at disseminating research findings and beneficial information to Delaware residents. Paramount among these activities is the Youth Cooking and Nutrition Counseling workshop for high school students. The cooking workshop provides students an opportunity to gather knowledge about food safety, kitchen safety, and to learn how to prepare nutritious and delicious meals.
Student Organizations
The department helps students develop professionally as well as socially through participation in student organizations. The organizations listed below enable you to get to know your fellow students better and other professionals in your field. The Fashion Merchandising club organizes several field trips to fashion centers in the United States and Fashion shows at DSU campus.
- Fashion Merchandising Club
- Student Chapter of America
- Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Student Dietetic Association Nutrition Club


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ELLE DECOR's 2013 A-LIST
Manhattan has plenty of residential buildings where a well-known minimalist designer like S. Russell Groves might feel at home. After all, he cut his teeth in the offices of Richard Meier, whose name is synonymous with stark architectural simplicity, and then with Peter Marino, creator of stores for Louis Vuitton and Chanel. So why not mosey over to one of Meier's glass towers on Perry Street and create a pad for himself so coolly Zen it hurts? But Groves's taste, it turns out, is more complex and diverse than can be summed up in a shiny new white-on-white aerie. Instead, he decided to bring his unique take on pared-down design to one of the city's most vaunted addresses, a 1931 Bing & Bing edifice in the West Village by the architect Emery Roth, who also designed the Central Park landmarks the Eldorado and the Beresford.
In the living room of S. Russell Groves's Manhattan apartment, the sofa, covered in a Rogers & Goffigon fabric, armchairs, in a Holland & Sherry fabric, and walnut side table are all his designs; the fireplace surround is travertine, the parchment-covered cocktail table is 1970s Italian, and the vintage wood-and-metal side table is by Milo Baughman. The photograph is by Bill Jacobson.
Overlooking the small, triangular park at Abingdon Square, the 17-story building has amenities that few in its quaint, townhouse-filled neighborhood can boast: protected views of lower Manhattan, an elegant lobby, and meticulous white-glove service. On top of that, it is a condominium, not a cooperative like most prewar New York apartments, so the ownership rules and regulations are less onerous. Little wonder that it is one of the city's most coveted pieces of real estate. "You tell people you live here, and they just sigh," Groves says.
For most of the tasteful, well-heeled sorts who move into a building like his, renovation is a no-brainer: They lovingly restore whatever damage has been done to the gracious plaster walls, columns, and ornamentation. Then they furnish in classical prewar style-perhaps some chintz, a bit of Chippendale, or a dollop of Art Deco. Yet while Groves has indeed embraced his apartment's lovely bones, he has done so with his own thoroughly modern twist.
Groves in front of a 1970s wall sculpture by C. Jeré; the Gino Sarfatti light fixture is from the 1950s, and the walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Simply White.
Yankee Class: A Connecticut Retreat by Thom Filicia


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We need loo roll & soap dispensers for the new loos..
I've always liked coreless toilet rolls for eco-friendliness, always thought we should have that shit in the forest. How about these double action dispensers for coreless boys, only £8.80 each?
http://www.caboodle.co.uk/NETCatProduct ... chant_Id=1
As for soap, here's one that can be filled up with any old liquid so you're not tied to a particular supplier for cartridges. Holds loads of soap, easy to fill, easy to see how much is left, screwed to wall so won't disappear. It looks like they're offering four of these for £31.20, which is stupid cheap. Probably not the best quality, but worth a shot?
http://www.overstock.com/Wholesale/Homz ... cid=133635


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PTS Home |
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& Off Campus |
Class Notes
| inSpire
2002 Volume 7 No. 1
Summer/Fall 2002
Volume 7 Number 1
& Off Campus
Class Notes
by Erika Marksbury
Two Septembers ago, M.Div. senior Danny Thomas and his
mother headed to a Virginia hospital near his hometown to visit his
sister. On the way, they fought about what he increasingly felt to be a
call to ministry in Africa. She protested, "Why do you have to go so far
away?" But her heart wasn't really in her protest, and Thomas's wasn't in
his defense, since neither thought the possibility was imminent.
by Erika Marksbury
Gazing out the window, Jane Ward, a little embarrassed at her own
excitement, says, "I look up at the trees when they don't have their
leaves on them, and they remind me of the neuronal network. I still have a
weakness for neuroscience, like when the Learning Channel airs specials…."
Not many of her fellow students share this passion, but
the brain is full of connections. And connections make Ward, who will be a
senior at PTS in the fall, smile.