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Skip to comments.Toshiba quits HD DVD business
Posted on 02/19/2008 11:20:38 AM PST by Military family member
TOKYO Toshiba's decision to no longer develop, make or market high-definition HD DVD players and recorders will mean consumers can start feeling more confident about buying the victorious rival technology a Blu-ray disc player.
Analysts say competition is expected to heat up among the manufacturers of Blu-ray players and recorders, which include Japanese makers Sony Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. and Sharp Corp. as well as Samsung Electronics Co. of South Korea.
In making the announcement, Toshiba Corp. President Atsutoshi Nishida said he wanted to avoid confusion among consumers.
(Excerpt) Read more at tribstar.com ...
I'm off the hook. I didn't select the "Betamax" this time.
I was waiting for the issue to be cleared up. I did not want to make the betamax mistake.
Women and minorities hardest hit.
Me too. Locally, we're glad this bit of technology took off. Last month, we lost 660 jobs because Pfizer's new inhaled insulin form, Exhubera, failed to sell.
Good news for this future PS3 owner.
Can somebady 'slaine this to me?
I understand the two format battle but what exactly is going to be affected?
I have a dvd player and dvd extrnal drives for my pc.
Does this affect them or is this only for when I go buy a new dvd palyer for HD format?
Bought a Blue-Ray player around October of 2007. It seemd things were headed this way by then.
I want a Blue-Ray recorder NOW! LOL
Seriously though, this is only in regardes to those with HD TVs and wanting a high def video player. Blu Ray is the champ.
And as another noted, great news for a future PS3 owner.
Its only for high definition DVD's. The only impact will be in the future for starage since Blu-Ray can store much more data!
Thanks guys.
Nope, don't have a high def TV so no problem for me.
Correct. Blu-ray is the way.
Beta was technically superior to VHS but lost out.
Blu Ray is technically superior to HD and it won out.
I'll still hold off a little longer for the price to drop more, and may not jump at all if they don't come off that $40 per movie for a Blu-Ray. I'm sure it will come down, though.
I'm gratified to hear that and will certainly be looking forward to enjoying the high-def experience on my 50" HD TV! :-)
LOL! We made that choice also.
VHS won out in the consumer marketplace, but Beta was technically superior and won in the pro marketplace. SuperVHS came along to try to make up the tech difference, but it never was as good as Beta.
This time around, the technically superior one won, partially because there was never going to be a way to record HD-DVD at home (even with a computer) and there already are BluRay burners on the market.
Blu-Ray is the superior technology, at least if they have been able to increase yields on disk manufacturing which I believe had been considerably lower than for HD DVD disks at one time.
I'm still a bit surprised that HD DVD is just going away. I would have expected players that played both formats would have become common first and then have the one format die out.
I guess that implementing both in the same player was more difficult than I thought it would be.
What is your hometown?
My wife and I got a DVD recorder/player a few months ago (it's yet to be actually USED even once) so what does this mean for us? Should we dump it?
"Blu Ray is technically superior..."
Do you mean the specification theorectically allows for higher audio and video resolutions, greater color depth, more audio channels, more info in general? Because my understanding is that they've done a pretty poor job of rolling out the early players (probably to respond to and head off HD-DVD). The standard is evolving, and some players are missing things. I understand that not all Blu-ray players play all Blu-ray discs.
I always pick the Betamax. Heck, I still have two Beta decks.
$179 for the HD DVD add-on for my Xbox360 didn't hurt all that much, and the remaining disks should be really cheap. It's not like they become trash in two months.
I'd still warn people to avoid standalone Blu-Ray players until the profile 2.0 players hit stores in the fall. The only current player that is assured of being updated to the 2.0 spec is the PS3.
I still don't understand the whole thing. I thought I heard that NetZero, Best Buy, Walmart, (I may be mistaken on some of these) will only be carrying blu-ray DVD's. If this is case then I wouldn't be able to play them on my regular DVD player would I?
I absolutely do not understand hi-tech stuff.
You'll love it. I just had a 65" Plasma delivered Friday. Now I'm waiting for Panasonic to come out with their Blu Ray 2.0 player.
That, and it was the choice of the porn industry.
A Blu Ray disc will not play on a regular DVD player. Regular DVDs will play on a Blu Ray player.
And with regardes to "only carrying", that is in reference to the Blu Ray vs. HD DVD battle. You will still be able to buy all the regular DVDs you could ever want.
There are only like 435 movies out on Blu Ray, while the DVD Movie catalog is in excess of 60,000. They will not be going away for a long long time.
Just get a PS3.
Blu Ray discs hold 50 GB vs. 30 GB for HD. Blu Ray bandwith is 48Mbit/sec vs. 30 Mbit/sec for HD. Blu Ray discs also have a protective hard coating.
You are correct in that Blu Ray players have gone through the three versions of Blu Ray 1, 1.1 and now 2.0. 2.0 is the last spec for full use of all of the potential in the Blu Ray discs. From now on most Blu Ray players will be full 2.0 specs and will be able to perform all Blu Ray functions.
And on getting a Blu Ray Player, here is an interesting piece from Crave. They strongly suggest the PS3 as your Blu Ray player. Five reasons you shouldn't buy a Blu-ray player yet
Blue-Ray? Izzat some kind of salt water creature?
Final nail in the coffin I would think.
Maybe now we'll be know for something other than the home of the Federal Death Chamber
Current PS3s probably cannot be made 2.0 compliant. Also, the upconversion quality of the PS3 is not the greatest.
On the other hand, that didn't help HD-DVD.
The speed at which technology is changing, there is no figuring things out. The PS3 will more than likely do everything you want it to do and it is a good Blu Ray player. However, new versions of the PS3 will be out probably in a couple weeks. Production has already ended on the old 80GB version with stores like BB only selling there remaining inventory.
Isn't technology fun?
I just got a PS3 (and 80), Wii, and a HDTV widescreen and surround sounds for my present to myself for my birth day.
Mounted them to the center of the wall what used to be a spare room upstairs. No furniture, just a big ugly green rug.
My wife comes upstairs and laughs at my daughters and me, blasting away.
Vicious competition and good family fun.
Can I play Blu-ray on my HD-DVD player. ... with a software update?
HD-DVD's and Directv HD programming look great on my 120 inch Screen from my Front Projection 1080 Projector.
"Can I play Blu-ray on my HD-DVD player. ... with a software update?"
But to do so they had to slow the speed down, seriously degrading PQ.
Any benefit to waiting for the next generation PS3?
Just buy a 40gb PS3 if I'm not into gaming and hook up an external HD to it for digital movies? I would basically only be upconverting standard DVD and eventually playing Blu ray DVDs.
Interactve DVD experience, PIP don't interest me.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Inspection reports get mixed reactions
Area residents can read how their favorite restaurants, bars and grocery stores have fared during regular inspections by going to the Pueblo City-County Health Department website: pueblohealthdept.org.
For each location, the inspection dates and the number of critical and non-critical violations — and explanations of each — are posted. The critical violations, if not corrected, are more likely to contribute to food contamination, illness or environmental health hazards.
Reaction to the posts, which began in 2012, has been mixed, according to inspector Aaron Martinez.
"With customers, there's been good feedback. They can see what kind of violations occurred. But some people say, 'I don't want to know.' "
Some business operators like having the inspection results posted and some don't, and some work quickly to correct any violations they receive.
Vicki Carlton, program manager in the department's Environmental Health Division, wants to recognize the operators who are doing a good job.
"I feel like we're always on the bad side," she says.
Carlton envisions the businesses' names being published and window decals being provided to them.
The recognition program will be discussed at the spring Food Safety Forum at 6 p.m. April 15 in the third-floor conference room C at the health department. Business owners and food service professionals are welcome.
The forum's email address is firstname.lastname@example.com, where questions can be sent.
— Mary Jean Porter

subset: commoncrawl


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It's been a long, cold winter. Not to mention expensive due to heating bills depleting bank balances for those fortunately possessing enough scratch to pay their utilities. For others forced to wear sweaters around the clock and sleep with three dogs to stay warm while keeping the thermostat tuned just above freezing to save money, it may take months before reaching a zero balance on the monthly propane/gas/natural gas/electricity statement.
Imagine how prohibitive those bills would be if we relied on the so-called renewable energy schemes rather than relatively cheap and plentiful fossil fuel sources to warm our igloos and power our personal vehicles and those oh-so-necessary snowplows. In a word borrowed from Thomas Hobbes, it'd be brutish.
Love it, hate it, or just plain indifferent, U.S. dependence on fossil fuel energy will remain relatively unchanged for the foreseeable future. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates our appetite for carbon-based power will hold steady more or less until 2040: "The fossil fuel share of energy consumption falls from 82% in 2012 to 80% in 2040, as consumption of petroleum-based liquid fuels declines, largely as a result of slower growth in VMT [vehicle miles traveled] and increased vehicle efficiency." (more…)


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Greetings and salutations TeaFriends. Welcome to another TeaDay. We hope you will stop in and share what is on your mind and in your cup with us.
Over the weekend we discussed how many teas we have tried in the first quarter of 2011. You can still vote and discuss the weekend's topic.
Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic. Would you rather ... if you had to "crossbrew," brew in a Yixing, Kyusu, Glass/Porcelain, Gaiwan, English, or other. Cross brew meaning brewing a tea in a vessel not native to that tea. Please share.
We are all looking forward to crossbrewing and sharing this TeaDay with ... everyone. Bottoms up.


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At least one thing was different about this game; there were actually runs on the board for the Blue Jays, 10 of them to be exact. And yet, that wasn't even enough to end the eight game losing streak. Kudos to the offense though for finally coming through and giving some run support for Roy Halladay.
The bullpen on the other hand, deserves all the blame for this game. The way this game was going, I don't think there was any pitcher in the bullpen that could have stopped the bleeding. If it wasn't Jesse Carlson, it would've been Brandon League. If it wasn't Brian Wolfe, then it would've been Shawn Camp. I don't necessarily agree with the sequence of relievers that was paraded out there, but I'm just disappointed at how it went down.
One interesting school of thought that has been brought up is that the Blue Jays have been playing over their head these first three months of the season, and now they're starting to show their true colours. After being shot into the stratosphere above the American League East, some think that the Jays are finally coming back down to earth. I received an interesting email from a reader named Renaissance Man in which he offers his explanation for the current losing skid:
"Whether we are aware if it or not, every person for the most part, tends to operate within their "Comfort Zone," which could also be more accurately be referred to as their "Familiar Zone," and it's within that zone where an individual will subconsciously strive to stay, because that is where they have spent the majority of their lives, and thus it is comfortable and familiar.You don't necessarily have to agree with every point there, but it's certainly something to think about. There is no doubt that there is a mental element to the game of baseball, but I also think that luck often plays a part in the outcome of a game. We have been very fortunate to see this early the kind of potential that the Toronto Blue Jays have. Their reign atop the American League East was no fluke, but their slide from the top has been tough to watch.
At the start of the 2009 season, the euphoria of the new management's influences, spilled over from the end of the last season, and right out of the gate, the Jays were not only leading the tough AL East, but they were also unexpectedly leading the league in several offensive categories.
This was totally uncharted waters for the collective subconscious minds of the hitters specifically; they were way outside of their Comfort of Familiar Zone, so unwittingly, and unintentionally, they managed to sabotage their efforts to put runs on the board."
As far as an explanation for today's game? The best answer I can offer is that the bullpen sucked. Just plain sucked. As you can see above, it was a rough day at the office for Jesse Carlson. Lately, he has coughed up a lot of runs and his stock in the bullpen is plummeting very quickly. I know that Cito is depending on Carlson as the lefty specialist, but Jason Frasor actually has better numbers this year against lefties limiting them to a .160 average. So is this a case of Carlson being misused in his role, or has he (just like the Blue Jays) come back down to earth? I think it's a bit of both.
At least we can seek solace in that the worst road trip in club history is finally over. The Blue Jays are 16-6 at the Rogers Centre this season, and will be hungry to end this nine game losing streak. In the meantime, we're all dealing with the streak in our own different ways. Like many, I have turned to the hooch to provide some comfort in these difficult times. Eyebleaf has also fallen off the wagon, LJ is drinking straight vodka, and Tao is enjoying the soothing flavour of nicotine once again.
Shots, anyone? Actually ... just give me the whole bottle.


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'Closer to heaven'Thursday, August 20th, 2009
Today was a spankin' good day for a student solo at Frederick Municipal. Winds nothing to speak of, clear below 12,000, and not too hot–not yet. Density altitude 1,200, but that's an August morning in Maryland for you.
It was also a perfect morning for a 102-year-old Frederick, Maryland, lady to take her very first airplane flight.
The white van from Citizens Care & Rehabilitation Center rolled into the parking lot promptly at 10 a.m. carrying Helen Hape and her very good friend Dave Violette. He's a City of Frederick employee who volunteers at Citizens. A pleasant-faced man in blue jeans and cowboy boots, Violette has a ready smile. Miss Helen hung onto his hand as he chatted with her while they waited for their ride to commence.
Violette made this day possible for Miss Helen. Celebrating her 102nd birthday in July, she told him she'd like to get a chance to fly "up with the birds and closer to heaven." So he made it happen, with the help of the folks at Frederick Flight Center.
Miss Helen sat patiently in her wheelchair, trim and petite in a white sweater and slacks, while CFI Michal Mishal preflighted the Cessna 182T. Mishal introduced herself, saying, "We're going to have a good time." She asked if there was any place in particular that Miss Helen wanted to see. Miss Helen thought about it and replied, "Thurmont [where she was born] and Hagerstown." Well, the president isn't scheduled to be at Camp David until Friday, so thank goodness for small favors.
From all acounts, Miss Helen had the ride of a lifetime. Margie Weaver, director of marketing for Citizens, rode along with Violette and Miss Helen in the 182. "MISS HELEN," she asked loudly, "if you're having a great time and are OK, raise your right hand and wave."
"That hand popped right on up there," Weaver told me.
No proper introductory flight is complete unless the passenger gets to take the controls, and Miss Helen was no exception. At 3,000 feet, she helped to fly the airplane, and even got to help with the landing, Weaver said.
What did Miss Helen do for her 101st birthday? She took a ride in her friend Dave Violette's convertible. There's a lesson here for the rest of us.


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>Runner's World - My Event Ratings>
In short: Brilliant event. The benefit of just missing out on beating the train is that I need to go back next year as well!Date of review: August 21, 2013
In short: Great race; its tough enough but the snow added something different!. Certainly on the agenda for next year.Date of review: February 6, 2012
In short: Great race. This was my first trail run in the lakes and I would lie to do more!Date of review: November 6, 2011
In short: The best Brum half so far!Date of review: October 30, 2011
In short: Really enjoyed the race, which as others have said was mainly flat with a few hills to keep it honest! Organisation was good with nice touchs such as having your name printed on your race number. Well done to everyone.Date of review: October 10, 2011
In short: Great race. This was my 4th time at Lake Vyrnwy and its already on my agenda for next year.In full: This is a great race in a great location. The start is a bit congested but its all sorted by the time you are half way up the hill towards the dam. Its then a case of keeping the lake on your right hand side and trying not to look to see how far you still have to run to get back to the dam. After that its downhill all the way to the finish. Date of review: September 19, 2011
In short: A tough course, but really worth the effort. Fourth time I've done this and best time tonightDate of review: June 17, 2011
In short: A tough run; plenty of hills and loads of mud this year. The hill at the end is "special"Date of review: February 27, 2011
In short: The start was bad and should have been avoided as this is the third atempt to get it right. Having said that i enjoyed the rest of the race once the crowds started to thin out at about 3 miles. ItDate of review: October 24, 2010
In short: Brilliant race; organisation was superb and the route is stunning. Really enjoyed everything about it including a`new PB. VLM wil never feel the same again! Date of review: October 5, 2010
Visit the official Runner's World page
Follow Runner's World on Twitter
Click here
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Injury Clinics
About Runner's World


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Violence in Literature
Violence in Literature
In many respects, twentieth-century literature defined itself by reflecting the prevalent violence of modern society—from the destruction of large-scale warfare to individual crimes of murder, rape, and abuse. Critics of modern literature have generally attributed this trend to both the sensational appeal of violent behavior and its potential to shock readers by shaking their beliefs. Others have emphasized the historical significance of violence in the period following World War II, during which poets and novelists expressed the anxieties of a world that seemed incapable of long-term peace, and in which human aggression threatened to bring about global destruction. By the close of the twentieth century, images of violence in all forms of media had become so commonplace that the destructive potential of the human race seemed a given, making moral solutions to the problem appear unlikely at best. Thus, violence had become a subject that most modern writers who wished to convey the historical, psychological, and artistic landscape of the modern world could not fail to confront.
For a number of twentieth-century poets, violence was an inescapable reality that suffused their work. Critics have observed in the writings of Hart Crane the central imagery of destruction as it conveys the poet's essential inability to accept a deeply flawed world. In the poetry of Sylvia Plath and John Wain an attempt to discern the sources and effects of modern violence culminated in anger, frustration, despair, and, in the case of Plath, suicide. Overall, critics acknowledge that the postwar poet has a certain obligation to study the nature of violence in order that it can be understood and avoided in the future. For some modern poets, however, violence has provided an ironic source of creativity and change, as the new and pure is brought forth from the ashes of destruction—a view articulated by W. B. Yeats in "Easter 1916", a poem that envisions the birth of a "terrible beauty" through violent conflict.
In her influential study On Violence, Hannah Arendt explored the balance between institutional power structures and violence, an equilibrium that was greatly upset as violent means were adopted to cleanse and reorder the world through fascism, collectivism, and imperialism in the twentieth century. For the novelist, these forms of violence became key factors in the existential perception of human bonds broken under the modern philosophy of power. George Orwell's dystopian 1984 set the standard on the subject. In this novel, fear, pain, and suffering are the results of unchecked totalitarianism in an absurd, emotionally isolated, and essentially meaningless world. The novels of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., likewise reveal the sweeping violence of the twentieth century and confront human feelings of impotence in response to the radical destruction brought about by two world wars and the subsequent threat of nuclear annihilation. Vonnegut's deeply pessimistic vision particularly informed his novels of the 1960s, including Player Piano and Slaughterhouse-Five, which portray the violent decay of the modern world. The racial element of violence is apparent in Richard Wright's Native Son, which details the damaging potential of a man enveloped by cultural brutality, whose rage can only be expressed in murder. The affinity of violence and self-hatred is similarly presented in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. A different, but related, approach to the portrayal of violence appears in the novels of Flannery O'Connor—a self-described Christian writer who, critics assert, demonstrated that violence and suffering are essential elements in a faithless world marred by Original Sin. According to such critics, O'Connor employed violence in her novels both as a psychological expression of anguish and to rouse her unbelieving readers.
Representative Works
Hart Crane
The Bridge (poetry) 1930
The Poetry of Hart Crane (poetry) 1967
Harry Crews
The Hawk Is Dying (novel) 1973
A Feast of Snakes (novel) 1976
William Faulkner
The Sound and the Fury (novel) 1929
Toni Morrison
The Bluest Eye (novel) 1970
Flannery O'Connor
Wise Blood (novel) 1952
The Violent Bear It Away (novel) 1960
Flannery O'Connor: The Complete Stories (short stories) 1971
George Orwell
1984 (novel) 1949
Sylvia Plath
The Collected Poems (poetry) 1981
Thomas Pynchon
Gravity's Rainbow (novel) 1973
Alain Robbe-Grillet
Le Voyeur [The Voyeur] (novel) 1955
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Player Piano (novel) 1952
Cat's Cradle (novel) 1963
Slaughterhouse-Five (novel) 1969
John Wain
Living in the Present (novel) 1955
Alice Walker
The Color Purple (novel) 1982
Richard Wright
Native Son (novel) 1940
Further Reading
Armstrong, Nancy, and Leonard Tennenhouse, eds. The Violence of Representation: Literature and the History of Violence. London: Routledge, 1989, 263 pp.
Collection of essays by various contributors featuring a historical survey of literary representations of violence from the early modern era to the contemporary period.
Black, Joel. The Aesthetics of Murder: A Study in Romantic Literature and Contemporary Culture. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991, 276 pp.
Examines modern texts "that present murder from an aesthetic rather than from a moral, psychological, or philosophical perspective."
Foster, David William. Violence in Argentine Literature: Cultural Responses to Tyranny. Columbia, Mo.: University of Missouri Press, 1995, 208 pp.
Includes several essays analyzing Argentine novels of 1976 to 1983—a period of military dictatorship and cultural repression—and of the subsequent years of increasing democratization.
Fraser, John. Violence in the Arts. Cambridge, Mass.: Cambridge University Press, 1974, 192 pp.
Study of the cultural fascination with violence in literature and film of the twentieth century.
Gossett, Louise Y. Violence in Recent Southern Fiction. Durham, N. C.: Duke University Press, 1965, 207 p.
Discusses the dominant theme of violence in the fiction of the American South since 1930, highlighting the work of Flannery O'Connor, Eudora Welty, William Styron, Carson McCullers, and others.
Kennelly, Brendan. "Poetry and Violence" In History and Violence in Anglo-Irish Literature, edited by Joris Duytschaever and Geert Lernout, pp. 5-28. Amsterdam: Rodopi, 1988.
Considers violence arising from historical, political, and sexual tyranny and oppression as it is represented in Anglo-Irish poetry.
Kowalewski, Michael. Deadly Musings: Violence and Verbal Form in American Fiction. Princeton, N. J.: Princeton University Press, 1993, 301 p.
Explores the style and language of violence in works of American fiction writers from James Fenimore Cooper to Thomas Pynchon.


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Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a condition that affects many cats. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, FIC is most common among middle-aged cats, overweight and / or indoor cats.
According to the Eureka-Wildwood Patch, the condition of FIC may also be referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or feline urological syndrome (FUS). FIC relates to inflammation of the bladder and is a complex condition often related to stress in a cat's environment. Symptoms of FIC include an increased effort to urinate, an inflamed or irritated urinary tract, blood in a cat's urine or vocalization or pain while urinating. In some instances FIC can result in life-threatening urinary blockages and any of these signs should prompt a visit to a VCA veterinary clinic for a thorough examination.
It is important for cat parents to be aware that these symptoms can also be indicative of other issues, such as bladder stones or urinary tract infection. The news source recommends a visit to a vet to determine the cause of the condition. Only when other causes of urinary problems are eliminated can a diagnosis of FIC be made.
Treatment is aimed at addressing stress within the household for the affected cat as well as manipulation of a cat's food and water intake to lessen the inflammation and pain in the bladder. Cat parents should be aware of the signs of this potentially serious affliction so that they can seek the medical assistance of a veterinarian as soon as possible for the best possible outcome.


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Office of Budget and Evaluation
Progress Report on NorthSTAR Program
411 Elm Street, 3rd Floor, Dallas, Texas 75202
I - Background
The NorthSTAR managed care program was implemented on July 1, 1999 with approximately $5 million of County discretionary funding. The program has now been operational for approximately ten months. The purpose of this report is discuss various aspects of the rollout and make recommendations for the future direction of the program.
II - Outline of this Report
The progress of NorthSTAR will be discussed in the following categories:
Overview of Program- this section will include a review of the purposes of the program and the intended benefits.
Overall financial posture of the program - this category includes the costs of service paid out by the two BHOs as compared to the state's projections, and discusses the likely corrective actions to be made by the state and BHOs to create long term solvency.
Service Delivery in the Seven County region - because the managed care system has caused a major change in the financial posture of various service providers, including a major downsizing at Dallas Area Metrocare, this section will discuss the overall level of service being provided to citizens as compared to the pre-North STAR configuration.
Program Data Flow - one of the largest single weaknesses of the program to date has been the inability of local officials to judge its progress by looking at reliable management information. This section provides a recommendation to improve this data flow for the second year.
Items specific to the County Contribution and the County Agreement - the County's contribution was expected to provide "zero gain" services, with no costs transferred to or from the County to NorthSTAR. A certain portion of the payment was retained until an analysis could confirm that these transfers were not occurring. This section will concentrate on the services previously provided by County agreements with MHMR and TCADA, and will provide a recommendation relative to the funds retained by the County to protect against cost transfers to the County taxpayer. This section will also contain a point-by-point evaluation of the agreement made among the state, the BHO s, DANSA, and the County, with a summary of compliance with this agreement.
Role of DANSA - This section will examine the role of the local board appointed by the respective Commissioners Courts, and make a recommendation for its future.
Conclusions/Recommendations - this section will summarize all conclusions drawn in the previous discussion.
III - Overview of the Managed Care Plan
The design of North STAR contemplated the concentration of a substantial portion of all public funding from several sources into one pool to be administered by two Behavioral Health Organizations selected by the state after a competitive bid process. The two selected organizations (Magellan and Value Options) would eventually compete for patients and disperse funds from all sources in a way that created efficiencies that would have otherwise been unavailable with public management. In the process, the two for-profit BHO s were expecting to create profit opportunities for themselves.
The primary business points of the agreement that affect the first half-year of the rollout are as follows:
Services - the BHO s were expected to serve everyone who presented at any contracted facility, without waiting. Generally, the largest providers of services within Dallas County have not changed in the early months of the program, although the largest provider-Dallas Metrocare Services is vigorously contesting certain procedures followed by one of the BHO s and has served notice that it intends to remove itself from the provider network in the near future. Problems have also been identified (see below) with apparent loss of certain residential detox capabilities,a possible loss of housing services and with the relocation of the stabilization function out of County.
Patient Split - an enrollment broker was hired to help consumers choose one or the other plan. Consumers without a preference were randomly assigned to one of the BHO s. Enrollment packets were mailed to all then-identified MHMR patients. Other qualified individuals continue to be enrolled as they seek services.
BHO Profit - the agreement with the state required the pay out of a given percentage of funds to services, thus limiting the profit to an amount agreed-to during the bidding process. The profit was thus capped on the upside, but not guaranteed. The BHO s understood from experience in other jurisdictions that certain start-up adjustments would most likely not make the engagements profitable in the first year, and that acceptance of the engagement might require that less-than-efficient techniques be utilized for a temporary period.
Partial Roll-out - the system began to operate on schedule on July 1, 1999 despite the federal government's delay in approving a waiver that would allow the use of Medicaid funds in the pool of local money. Accordingly, certain unanticipated losses were created from July until December and duplicative structures were in place. The estimate of these unexpected losses has been estimated to be $1.2 million for the two BHO s.
Community Agency - the design of the program called for the appointment of a local board to channel community input on policy matters relating to mental health services, and to act in an advisory capacity for the respective Commissioners Courts. The Dallas Area North STAR Authority (DANSA) was created at the beginning of the rollout and became fully operational is September, 1999 under the leadership of Rik Lindahl, board chair, and Dr. Tom Turnage, CEO. The board has met regularly since that time and has conducted several community forums, a provider survey and has participated in the key discussions related to enrollment, service mix, financial viability, and performance of the BHO s. DANSA is currently reevaluating its own role and creating a set of objectives to guide its operation during the second year of operation. A later section of this memo will discuss possible options for the future of DANSA.
Summary - the North STAR program has rolled out more-or-less as planned, with the most troublesome aspects being (a.) state and local resources that were smaller than anticipated, ( b.) failure to complete the networks with respect to a psychiatric emergency room,( c.) the delay of the waiver which created temporary unanticipated financial losses for the BHO s , ( d.) authorization and billing problems which involve large sums and the threat of disruption to the system of services provided in the community, (e) poorly planned and executed data flow which has badly undermined confidence in the management of the program, and (f) the potential of unexpected shifts in costs associated with housing. Notwithstanding these problems, enrollment has occurred, virtually all services are being provided, providers are being paid despite start-up problems, and community input is being solicited as expected. The program is given a reasonable chance of success by most observers and the BHO s and the state are finalizing their agreements for one additional year, assuming certain modifications to the plan can be made.
IV - Cost Experience of BHOs
The BHO s responded to a state solicitation which estimated the amount of state and local funding that would be available to manage the MH and CD care of the community. The "pool" of funds was to be distributed to the BHO s based on a formula which apportioned the funds based on the number of enrollees in each plan, providing an incentive for the BHO s to insure good service to entice enrollees to their plan. The BHO s were expected to arrange networks of service providers which would instill another level of competition into the system-the most efficient service providers could, in principle, provide quality services at lower costs, while less efficient providers would be unable to compete.
The total size of the pool was estimated to be $93.3 million, of which $74.7 million was to be cash while $18.6 was to have been "free" or pre-paid beds at Terrell State Hospital. Table I compares the current annual pool size to the original estimate, and the following paragraphs describe the most important departures from the original estimate.
Table I
The following paragraphs discuss the largest departures from the original estimates.
Parkland/Mental Health Connections - Parkland elected not to contribute $1.1 million in local match to the pool , rather provided it directly to Metrocare for the support of a redesigned Mental Health Connections. MHC also bills North STAR for its services.
Misinterpretation of County Contribution - the state miscalculated Dallas County's contribution by including some CPS costs (approximately $109,000) in its estimates.
Smaller Counties - small counties have not contributed to the pool as expected. Collin County has contributed $255,000 of its expected $382,346.The other five counties in North STAR owe an annualized contribution of $292,210. The state reports continuing negotiations to resolve this issue.
TCADA budget cut - budget shortfalls at TCADA have caused a reduction in the amount of the state's contribution to the NorthSTAR pool of $522,000 per year.
Summary - The North STAR pool is essentially equal to the planned amount, although the expected pay-out has been somewhat higher than expected, primarily as a result of greater demand for services than was expected and higher pharmaceutical costs. The partial rollout effected the pool resources for a temporary period. The size of the pool is absolutely limited(unless additional local or grant sources are identified) until at least the state's next biennium. Thus, any departures from plan (higher costs, higher enrollment) must be met with more restrictive procedures or temporary BHO losses rather than with new dollars.
Corrective Strategies - The BHO s have identified and pursued several strategies with the state for balancing the costs and revenues of the program. These include (a) pharmacy cost reduction, (b) diversion of patients to pre-paid of Terrell State Hospital beds, (c) reduction of services to individuals with higher income, and (d) reduction of services for chemically dependent consumers.
Pharmacy Costs - the state allotment for new generation medicine did not find its way into the pool on a net basis, due largely to budget overruns at TDMHMR, although the BHO s began dispensing these medications when the rollout began. The pharmacy costs experienced by the BHO s were roughly $175,000 per month higher than had been expected. Magellan and Value Options have adopted a new medication protocol, after extensive interaction with the advocate community, which places restrictions on non-generic drugs (which can cost up to 3 times their generic counterpart) until the attending physician has specifically determined that the generic is unsatisfactory. A grandfathering of existing consumers has been implemented, so that the changes will occur slowly for new patients requiring medication. The administrative changes involve instituting "preferred" medications for which there is no co-pay. The state contract monitors have approved this change.
Utilization of Terrell State Hospital Beds - the BHO s are required to pay for unused beds at Terrell State Hospital even though Parkland's emergency room physicians are reluctant to send patients there directly without an evaluative period at DPICU (Timberlawn or Green Oaks). The BHO s contend that some patients can be clearly identified as needing long-term hospitalization immediately on arrival at Parkland, and therefore do not need a temporary and expensive stop at a local hospital while a prepaid empty bed is available at Terrell.
Beginning April 1st, new criteria for determining the destination of patients began being used. These criteria provide that patients who have had a previous hospital stay or who could not be reasonable expected to be released within four days of hospitalization should be sent to Terrell directly. Census at Green Oaks and Timberlawn have immediately begun to drop although there appears to be a danger of overusing Terrell beds as a result of this new cost-saving methodology. A critical point related to this abrupt shift to Terrell usage is the question of whether or not bad clinical decisions are being made purely for of cost savings. The Commissioners Court should be particularly sensitive to this question because crisis stabilization in local environment is the single most significant mental health function that has historically been acknowledged as a County government responsibility. The funding of DPICU is the largest single part of the $5 million County contribution. Transferring a large segment of the population out-of-County for treatment, purely for cost reasons, could be seen as violating one of the key understandings associated with the County agreeing to contribute to the NorthSTAR pool.(See Section VII "Comparison of Performance with Agreement.")
The Office of Budget and Evaluation reviewed data from the last 18 months of the "old" DPICU, to determine if more individuals were now going to Terrell than under the old arrangement. An appropriated defense of the new policy is that "these are people who would have ended up at Terrell anyway." If that were true, pre-NorthSTAR Terrell commitments would equal post-NorthSTAR commitments. The data appears to show otherwise. Prior to NorthSTAR, only 25% of all individuals stabilized at DPICU were committed to Terrell, while the remaining 75% received less intensive care within the community.
By contrast, beginning with the April 1st policy shift, 52 of the next 80 OPCs(65%) have gone to Terrell with most of the rest going to Timberlawn. Clearly, overuse of Terrell seems to be occurring. However, due to the budgeting technique built in to NorthSTAR, this overuse is probably creating resources that are being made available for other local services.
A related problem involves the mental illness court's ability to provide signed OPC s on a daily schedule that matches the transportation constraints of the state hospital. Judge Loving has been consulted on this matter and has been working with the plans to improve this coordination.
Eligibility Tightening - it seems generally agreed that much of the financial strain on the program is resulting from the improved access to care which has been granted without sufficient management of the presenting population's ability to pay. As a result, some care is being given to individuals who are above the level of income that was being cared for by the prior system administered by the community mental health centers. A strategy to limit North STAR enrollment to individuals below 200 % of the Federal Poverty Level is in the process of being implemented by the BHO s, with state approval. The BHO's estimate that 357 individuals will be removed from the rolls by this strategy, and therefore the cost savings will be minimal. Metrocare has disagreed with this conclusion and asserts that as many as 600 individuals who previously were MHMR clients will suffer a loss of service if this occurs. However, reserving the funds for the poorest of the County's citizens is obviously consistent with the intent of the program and this step should be completed and monitored.
Chemical Dependency Treatment Limitation-in response to the TCADA funding cuts described above, the BHO s have adopted a strategy for limiting CD care to one treatment of each type per year. The impact of these strategies will require additional discussion before they are fully understood.
Summary-overall, the managed care pool for the seven-county region is $ 93 3 million, which is approximately equal to the planning number used by the state . The BHO s have each experienced losses exacerbated by the partial rollout and the state agencies budget problems. These losses are difficult to accurately ascertain because data is unavailable and several large-dollar billing challenges will ultimately effect the profit/loss statement of the BHO s. Furthermore, the ongoing nature of the program suggests that the most recent profit picture is more favorable to the BHO s, helping to mitigate earlier losses. Evidence exists that the plans are reaching a plateau of financial stability. Several financial changes are in process which will also improve the viability of the plans. Both BHO s have indicated their intention to remain in the program for one additional year, indicating their belief in a positive outlook for profitability.
V - Services Provided
Gathering data on the level of services being provided has proven to be problematical, and especially making a before-and-after comparison of the effects of North STAR. The generalization that waiting lists have been eliminated and that access to care has been broadened is generally accepted, although actual demonstration of this fact is difficult. The following discussion summarizes known information regarding services being provided.
Enrollment - The state's data shows that there are slightly less than 200,000 enrollees in North STAR. Because the concept of "enrollment" has not been consistent during the advent of North STAR, it is difficult to draw conclusions based on this number. Individuals continue to go through an "enrollment" process at Medicaid, after which they become North STAR members. The tightening of federal regulations has reduced the number of individuals who qualify for North STAR through Medicaid eligibility, resulting in a shift from Medicaid to indigent category. However, only a small percentage of the individuals "eligible" actually require behavioral health services, so enrollment data is not helpful in predicting cost, especially if it is relatively flat. Said another way, the cost of service is independent of the method of enrollment (Medicaid or indigent).
Provider Networks - The two BHO s were responsible for developing broad provider networks to accomplish the delivery of services. They accomplished this through automatically enlisting Significant Traditional Providers from among the former Medicaid providers and aggressively marketing to others. In general, it seems likely that there are more individual practitioners on the networks now than there were prior to North STAR. One facility provider for intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment (New Place) has ceased operations. The current threat by Metrocare to remove itself from one plan's network has been mentioned. However, the claim that North STAR provides wider access appears to be true. Another indicator of this conclusion is the lack of complaint data that can be attributed to consumers whose treatment plan was interrupted by network shifts.
Services Offered-All types of services that were offered pre-North STAR are still being provided with one exception: residential detox treatment is no longer available even though it was provided last year at DPICU at County/MHMR expense.
According to Dr. Gilfillen, approximately 20 individuals per month, who would have received publicly-funded treatment for substance abuse, are no longer eligible for treatment and are allowed to leave the ER. These individuals cannot by OPC 'd to Timberlawn or Green Oaks because neither plans will pay for their care. They cannot be OPC 'd to Terrell because the facilities are inadequate to deal with a chemical detox. The plans WILL pay for non-secure chemical dependency facilities (e.g. Homeward Bound) although the patient must agree to go. The OPC process implies and requires that a facility be secure since the individual being legally restrained has been deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Last year, an individual requiring chemical detox could be place in DPICU under the diagnosis "chemically-induced mood or psychotic disorder." This diagnosis is no longer accepted by the BHO s.
Complaints/ombudsman-providers have given information that the payment process is cumbersome and that the approval process has not worked smoothly. In addition to the Parkland dispute, discussed elsewhere in this memo, one large ($500,000) case between Green Oaks and Magellan is awaiting arbitration under the terms of the agreement. This case involves a refusal by Magellan to pay the contracted rate ($475 per day) for a dually-diagnosed patient if the patient is physically located in a CD bed. In addition, Green Oaks reports a problem with both BHO s related to being retroactively denied payments for out-of-county residents who receive emergency care under an order of protective custody. Historically, local dollars would have paid for such care.
VI - Program Data Flow
The level of information provided to the local government representatives, including DANSA has been insufficient to clearly establish patterns of utilization. The state contract monitors have provided assurances that this situation will be remedied, although data flow has been irregular. This section lists the data that appears to be routinely available, and makes a recommendation on second-year data requirements.
Currently-Available Data - While certain ad hoc reports have been provided by the state and the BHOs, the following is the only data that can be described as a routine deliverable to the local officials:
The availability of data is universally believed to be unacceptable by everyone at the local level, and is probably a major contributor to the feeling of poor planning and management that accompanies local opinions of the program.
Requested Data- The following management/financial data should be provided beginning in July, 2000, retroactive to the beginning of the program:
Certain important clinical data (length of stay, for example) is also important ultimately to judge the quality of the services being provided, although is of secondary importance in the early months of understanding the impact of managed care.
Until this data is flowing regularly, without need for a request, to local officials, it will be hard to ascertain the progress and long-term viability of the program and local officials will always be subject to various interpretations of the success of the program.
Ideally, the data provided should be accompanied by planning assumptions used by the state in the design of the program, in order that these planning assumptions can be continually tested and refined as needed.
VII - County-Specific Services
The county contracted for, or received free the following services prior to North STAR. The agreement with the state was expected to maintain these services intact:
Jail Liaison - the NorthSTAR-funded position in the jail has been maintained as planned
Forensic Jail Diversion Unit - In January 1999, the Forensic Jail Diversion Unit was established to target 40 mentally ill inmates who frequented the jail system and who were resistant to traditional psychiatric treatments. It is based on the "Assertive Community Treatment" model (a.k.a. "ACT") but with one major difference: the Program is designed to help consumers understand and anticipate the consequences of their actions The three primary goals are:
The FDU's treatments/services cover all aspects of the consumers' psychosocial functioning. The caseworkers service the participants' needs of housing, health care, and employment, as well as rehabilitation classes that focus on areas such as anger control. The follow up treatments, visits etc. are performed to create an environment from which the consumer will less likely be rearrested. An activity center located at its Dallas MetroCare offices (formerly Dallas County MHMR) provides a place to socialize with other consumers through such activities as card games and shooting pool. This center sees, on average, 30 consumers a day.
In January 1999, 50 "frequent flyer" names were originally submitted by the jail and courts systems as well as 3 transfers from SNOP; however, not all could be contacted and 13 were originally reached. This prompted the "pool" to grow through additional referral sources such as Parkland Psychiatric Emergency Room, Terrell State Hospital, and Vernon State Hospital to reach its desired 40-member level
All new mental illness patients that circulate through the jail system are identified with an assessment. They, as well as current FDU members, are referred to the in-house employee designated with FDU who coordinates the next step to receiving care. These two groups, the jail mental health team and FDU, work closely and meet to resolve issues.
As of July 1st, the agreement between the then DCMHMR and Dallas County rolled into the NorthSTAR project at which time the funding for the program was provided by the BHOs.
By February 2000, half of the original members maintained an open case with the FDU. Participants' cases have been closed either due to a move outside of the area, or the member simply left the system and could not be located. Overall from February 1999 to February 2000, 63 consumers received services from the FDU. Currently, the level is fluctuating around its 40-member limit. Currently, the 3 case managers individually handle between a 12 and 15 member caseload, with the maximum capability of 15. (If the FDU should reach the point when each manager maintains a sustaining15-member caseload, an additional case manager would be warranted.) Of the 44 currently active cases in the focus group, 32 members have been in the program for a minimum of 6 months. Only two members (6.25%) have been re-arrested with a Class B misdemeanor or Felony charge. Since its rollover into NorthSTAR, the jail mental health has seen no influx of mental health inmates that could have been a potential effect from the managed care contracts.
Juvenile Treatment Beds-the agreement between the State and the County called for the first ten beds for substance-abusing youth to be without cost to the County, based on the loss of TCADA money that funded these beds prior to NorthSTAR. Initially, it has proven to be difficult to maintain sufficient youth in these unpaid beds and since the County always has more than ten youth in this sort of placement, the lack of uncompensated beds resulted in a substantial cost shift to the taxpayer from NorthSTAR.
As the start-up problems diminished, the Juvenile Department began to maintain the appropriate census in the free beds. However, the closing of Daytop Pine Mountain and a reported slowness and selectivity of the providers in accepting youth for uncompensated treatment has caused the financial benefit of this arrangement to decrease to almost nothing. As of May 30th, the overall usage of uncompensated beds 1,691 bed-days with the promise being 3,360, a difference of 1,669 bed. The cost shift to the County at $75 per day is approximately $125,000. For each additional month with an average uncompensated census of two juveniles(the current census), an additional $18,000 will be shifted to the County.
Juvenile Staff Positions-One assessment officer and two substance abuse counselors were added to the County's General Fund at an annual cost of $90,000 to replace TCADA-funded positions doing the same work. The individuals were expected to bill for their services and were projected to pay for themselves from this source. As of December 30th, the Juvenile Department ceased billing NorthSTAR with total collections approximating $25,000, due to the overwhelming complexity of the managed care system. At least two meetings were held with both BHO Managing Directors and the State program manager, with a goal of understanding and resuming the billing process although this was never done. The net effect has been to transfer costs of approximately $65,000 to the General Fund from NorthSTAR.
Public Defender-it was expected that the workload of the Public Defender would increase as the Probate Court began to convert prior-medicaid patients. The Chief Public Defender has not had the need to hire the additional position, for which approximately $58,000 on an annual basis was deducted from the County's contribution. However, Judge Loving began appointing a contract public defender on April 1st to represent the new increased caseload of patients sent to Terrell. The County's Chief Public Defender has provided the opinion that she would need the additional staff resources if she were to represent these individuals. However, the caseload was handled without additional resources during the months of January, February, and March, and therefore $15,000 should be restored to the pool.
The Chief Public Defender originally received an indication from Judge Loving that he would utilize a second public defender in place of the court-appointed attorney. This original indication is now in question, according to Ms. Roden. The current annualized rate of pay for the court-appointed attorney is $146,000. An additional public defender can be hired at approximately half this amount.
Court costs-no extraordinary transfers of court costs have been identified.
Welfare Costs- The County's emergency Welfare program-operated by the Health and Human Services Department- has experienced an explosive growth since the beginning of the North STAR program, after several years of no growth. Approximately $800,000 of an annualized increase of $1.2 million can be attributed to a higher number of clients, with the remaining $400,000 attributed to a rate increase. Although the increase in clients began at approximately the same time as North STAR began, direct evidence the causality is under investigation. Neither BHO nor Metrocare indicates that any procedural change has occurred that can explain a shift of housing clients from MHMR(pre North STAR) to the County. However, it is undeniable that growth has occurred and that the onset of this growth occurred concurrent with the start-up of North STAR. Additional evidence is being accumulated by HHS to document the source of the new clients.
Retainage calculation.-the contract with the state for the County's contribution calls for a retainage of $200,000 to be evaluated and paid to the BHOs if no identified cost shifting has occurred. The following table summarizes the cost shifts discussed above:
However, major uncertainties remain in the area of Public Defender(if the judge continues to utilize a court-appointed attorney for Terrell patients), housing/welfare costs, and the remaining month of uncompensated beds for substance abusing juveniles. It is likely that these additional shifts will not fully account for the $25,000 "positive balance" shown above.
Comparison of Performance with Agreement-The County entered into an agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) with the BHOs, the state, and DANSA which described the County's expectations relative to the delivery of services in the local area. The County's responsibilities under this agreement were to provide a monthly payment to the program. The County has made its payments on a timely basis.
The services to be provided under the agreement have been met with the following exceptions:
VIII - Role of DANSA
The DANSA budget of approximately $500,000 is used to fund staff and office space, including an Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, five ombudsmen and a part-time accountant.
Dr. Turnage has reported that the role of DANSA has evolved during the first year of the roll-out (View Report) and can be expected to continue to change. In particular, the ombudsmen will take on a variety of monitoring activities not currently assigned , for example specialization in nursing home placements, SPA activities, and provider complaints, allowing more in-depth problem-solving activities to occur. In addition, it is possible that DANSA staff will assume certain responsibilities currently performed under contract by the Mental Health Association although if this happens, funding will accompany this shift in responsibility.
While the role of DANSA ombudsmen is important, it should be evaluated as an alternative to direct services in a cash-limited pool. The question is : if funding could be released back to the pool, would it be used more productively than is planned under the current arrangement. DANSA staff and board should be challenged to defend their budget as a preferred alternative to direct services in the same amount.
IX- Conclusions/Recommendations
Three key items emerge as the most fundamental problems that must be corrected prior to Dallas County continuing its participation at the current level: (a) resolution of the future participation, and perhaps the future direction of Metrocare Services of Dallas, (b) routine and useful program and financial data must be provided to local officials, and (c) confidence must be restored in the decision process that resulted in expanded use of Terrell State Hospital for crisis stabilization. The amount of the County's FY2001 contribution could also be effected by the resolution of the origin of the increased Welfare housing assistance caseload.
It is recommended that TDMHMR provide written testimony on the following key points (a) reasons why only two counties are contributing to NorthSTAR; (b)definitive plans for full data flow to DANSA and to the County, and (c) response to the question of agreement violations discussed in this memo.
The difficulties encountered by the Juvenile Department in adjusting to the managed care environment are not offset in any meaningful way by an improvement in the care provided to children in county custody. Accordingly, it is recommended that beginning July 1st, the County return to an independent status relative to NorthSTAR, neither contributing County resources nor expecting NorthSTAR to pay for services for juveniles in custody. The most important distinguishing factor of these youth is that they are lawbreakers, rather than that they are substance abusers. It is suggested that the "continuity" that matters most is that provided by the Juvenile Department, and this continuity is broken if they are occasionally considered North STAR "managed Care" consumers. The administrative difficulty encountered can be minimized by paying for all care and adjusting the County's contribution to the pool to reflect the full loss of TCADA funds that is now flowing to the BHO s.
In the event that the state can make a credible argument that the entire juvenile behavioral health care effort should be brought under the North STAR umbrella, the County should consider this proposal. However, the "piecemeal" participation in North STAR has not produced meaningful advantage for the youth in question.
It is further recommended that the County's contribution for the second plan year be equal to the current year, adjusted to account for the removal of the Juvenile Department from the managed care system and perhaps for a shift of housing costs to the County. Beginning with the September payment, it is recommended that payment be contingent on receipt of all program data suggested in Section VI of this memo.
It is further recommended that the Court schedule a discussion on the question of the appropriate size of the DANSA staff, with a possible objective of downsizing it to limit its mission to staff support/consulting/data analysis for the board, and public opinion focus and interpretation. This would involve returning significant funding to the pool and the majority of the other functions to the BHO s.
It is further recommended that the state be challenged to release the entire accreditation report for Terrell State Hospital, and that these reports from other participants be released and compared. Local officials need to be especially attuned to the diagnostic/stabilization process, which has occurred locally for decades and now has been shifted to a hospital that has traditionally rendered long-term care and may or may not be currently equipped to handle the stabilization function efficiently.
It is further recommended that the County not return the $200,000 retainage, due to the documented cost shifts that have occurred during the first year of North STAR operation.


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BEFORE & AFTER: A Fashion Blogger's Powder Room Goes Ultra-Glam
A fresh coat of paint, whether you're updating your color scheme or applying a fresh coat, is an easy way to update your home's look from the street.
This article originally appeared on CountryLiving.com.
Chosen by a few of the most well-known paint brands, these popular color combinations give a home a beautiful first impression. The color on this brush is Golden Kiwi, chosen as color of the year for 2006 by ICI Paints' Colour Futures, a worldwide color forecasting group. Barbara Richardson calls the color "stylish yet livible...because it harmonizes with many colors." With this as a base color, you don't need to repaint the entire house next time you need an update. Because Golden Kiwi works well with other colors, refreshing a look can be as easy as changing up some accents.
How To Decorate With Neutrals: 3 Designers Weigh In


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You are here
Caroline B.C. Hermann 2000
"When I was hired for my first job after graduation, the partner explained, 'We don't typically hire first-year associates, but with all of your practical experience, you can come into our law firm and hit the ground running!'
He saw that I had already taken and given depositions, prepared expert witnesses for trial, and written and submitted briefs. In fact, I was hired at my current EPA position in part because that office administers a very specific type of policy audit, one that I had worked on during a Pace Law internship. They were very surprised that I had that experience because it's not typical to come by.
During my time at the EPA and while interning at the DOJ, I've heard managers singing the praises of Pace Law. So many attorneys say, 'Oh, you went to Pace! You've already been through the Clean Water Act, you've already worked on this or that, and I'm going to pull you into this project because of your training and experience.'
Pace Law isn't purely theoretical or purely hands-on, but a bridging of the two. Students learn top-notch legal theory while working on actual cases. I found that practical application of theory present in everything I studied at Pace Law.
I received such incredible the one-on-one instruction and grounding in law. I am very grateful to have chosen Pace Law!"


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Campus Venue Guide
Northeastern's campus features an abundance of event space that the University community can use to host events.
Please note that space reservations are decentralized and reservation policies and procedures vary from venue to venue. The department heads in each area can help you understand how to book and best use their space. If you need help identifying the right space on campus for your event, call the Office of University Events.
For more information about specific venues, click the appropriate link below.
- afterHOURS
- Alumni Center
- Blackman Theater
- Cabot cage
- Cabral Center
- Curry Student Center
- 450 Dodge
- Egan Research Center
- Faculty Club
- Fenway Center
- Frost Lounge
- Housing (Summer Conferences)
- Matthews Arena
- Outdoor Spaces
- Parsons Field
- Sacred Space
- Snell Library 90
- Solomon Court
- 140 The Fenway
- Varsity Club


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Ideal cardiovascular health in adolescence is associated with reduced risks of hypertension, metabolic syndrome and high cholesterol in adulthood
- 1Department of Nursing, UMass Boston College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- 2Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, UMass Boston College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Correspondence to: Laura L Hayman
Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, UMass Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125-3393, USA; Laura.Hayman{at}umb.edu
Commentary on: Laitinen TT, Pahkala K, Magnussen CG, et al. Ideal cardiovascular health in childhood and cardiometabolic outcomes in adulthood: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Circulation 2012;125:1971–8.
Implications for practice and research
Ideal cardiovascular health in childhood is important to prevent adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in adulthood.
Clinical-based and population-based lifestyle approaches are needed to promote ideal cardiovascular health across the life course.
Longitudinal studies of diverse populations are needed to test the utility and generalisability of the American Heart Association (AHA) metrics for ideal cardiovascular health and to guide and inform optimal approaches to achieving ideal cardiovascular health.
Atherosclerotic processes begin early in life and are influenced over time by potentially modifiable behaviours, risk factors and environmental exposures. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has long been …


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IM man faces trial in assault
By LISA M. REED
Staff Writer
IRON MOUNTAIN – Trial dates have been set for an Iron Mountain man who is charged with assault by strangulation and delivery of marijuana.
Kenneth John Blomquist, 47, will go to trial for assault by strangulation on Oct. 10-11 and on Oct. 28-29 for two counts of delivery of marijuana and maintaining a drug house.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Judge Mary B. Barglind is presiding over the case.
Blomquist is being represented by attorney Scott Brogan of Marquette.
According to the felony complaint, on April 11 of this year, Blomquist went to the female victim's house because he was upset over some text messages.
When he entered the house, he began to yell and threaten the victim. Blomquist grabbed the victim by the throat and strangled her until the victim had trouble breathing, the complaint alleges. Redness around her neck was observed and she went to the hospital for treatment.
According to the felony complaint, the drug charges stem from Blomquist allegedly selling one-eighth of a bag of suspected marijuana to a confidential informant on Jan. 23 and one-fourth of a bag of suspected marijuana to a confidential informant on Jan. 17. The defendant allegedly sold both bags for $50 each.


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Man died from multiple SWAT shots after Pueblo standoff
The man shot Saturday night by SWAT officers following a standoff died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to Pueblo County Coroner James Kramer.
Kramer said an autopsy Monday revealed Frankie Martinez, 66, suffered multiple gunshots to the torso and upper body.
Kramer said the number of gunshots Martinez sustained remains under investigation.
Police have not yet released the names or number of officers involved in the fatal shooting.
Sgt. Eric Gonzales said Monday the identifications of the officers won't be made public until the Critical Incident Team, which is investigating the shooting, allows the police to release them.
Martinez was shot after a standoff with SWAT team members at an apartment in the 1600 block of Gaylord Avenue.
SWAT team members made multiple attempts to contact Martinez, but received no response, according to police.
Martinez eventually appeared at the front door, pointing a weapon at officers when he was shot.
Police responded to the apartment complex after Alvino Hidalgo, 43, reported he had been shot at that location.
Hidalgo was shot in the chest, allegedly by Martinez, but was able to leave the scene and call for help.
Hidalgo remained in intensive care Monday at a local hospital.
Gonzales said the motive for the shooting of Hidalgo is unknown, as he has not been able to speak with police.
Saturday night's shooting was at least the fourth officer-involved shooting in the state since New Year's Day. Three of the shootings were fatal.
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Cold Cases
Explore our database of unsolved homicides and missing persons cases.


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Product Details
Back when he first started designing men's socks at his ladies' hosiery factory in 1930s Britain, Pantherella founder Louis Goldschmidt's finely knit, seamless styles stood out in a sock market dominated by rough, utilitarian woolens. By 1945, the brand had earned a reputation for special features like its hand-linked toe (the mill's signature technique guarantees a smooth, flat and seamless finish). To this day, all socks are woven at the original factory in the British Midlands, sometimes by third- and fourth-generation Pantherella employees.
Size & Fit Details
Pantherella® merino dress socks
Pantherella® merino dress socks is rated out of 5 by 3.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Enthusiastic from wonderful socks Our son who has type 1 diabetes says that these are the very best socks !!
Date published: 2015-12-29
Rated 1 out of 5 by Doug from Shoddy Socks They ripped open at the heal (kid you not) the first time I put them on. They are now in the trash.
Date published: 2016-11-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by SlimJim from A Nice Treat I thought these socks were overpriced until I bought a couple of pairs. I have owned them for a while, and the quality appears to be excellent. Wool dress socks that stay put on your feet, yet they are thin enough for all my dress shoes. I will be buying more. Too bad there aren't any brown ones around.
Date published: 2014-09-29


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Vardenafil (Oral route)
Brand Names:
- Levitra
- Staxyn
Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Tablet, Disintegrating
Erectile Dysfunction Agent
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor
Uses of This Medicine:
Vardenafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Vardenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal response is to increase blood flow to his penis to produce an erection. By controlling the enzyme, vardenafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked by increasing blood flow to the penis. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, vardenafil will not work to cause an erection.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using This Medicine:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Vardenafil is not indicated for use in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Older adults—
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of vardenafil in the elderly.
|Pregnancy Category
|All Trimesters
|Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Other medicines—
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Amifampridine
- Amyl Nitrite
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Erythrityl Tetranitrate
- Fluconazole
- Isosorbide Dinitrate
- Isosorbide Mononitrate
- Mesoridazine
- Nelfinavir
- Nitroglycerin
- Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Posaconazole
- Riociguat
- Sparfloxacin
- Thioridazine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acecainide
- Amiodarone
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Apomorphine
- Aripiprazole
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Astemizole
- Azimilide
- Azithromycin
- Bretylium
- Buserelin
- Carbamazepine
- Ceritinib
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Crizotinib
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Fluoxetine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Histrelin
- Ibutilide
- Idelalisib
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Ivabradine
- Ketoconazole
- Lapatinib
- Leuprolide
- Levofloxacin
- Lopinavir
- Lumefantrine
- Mefloquine
- Methadone
- Metronidazole
- Mifepristone
- Mitotane
- Moricizine
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nilotinib
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Ondansetron
- Paliperidone
- Pazopanib
- Perflutren Lipid Microsphere
- Primidone
- Procainamide
- Prochlorperazine
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Ranolazine
- Salmeterol
- Saquinavir
- Sematilide
- Sevoflurane
- Siltuximab
- Simeprevir
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- Sunitinib
- Tedisamil
- Telaprevir
- Telithromycin
- Terfenadine
- Tetrabenazine
- Toremifene
- Trazodone
- Trifluoperazine
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Vandetanib
- Vemurafenib
- Vinflunine
- Voriconazole
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alfuzosin
- Amprenavir
- Bunazosin
- Dapiprazole
- Doxazosin
- Indinavir
- Moxisylyte
- Phenoxybenzamine
- Phentolamine
- Prazosin
- Silodosin
- Tamsulosin
- Terazosin
- Tolazoline
- Urapidil
Other interactions—
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Other medical problems—
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Abnormal penis, including curved penis and birth defects of the penis—Chance of problems occurring may be increased and this medicine should be used with caution in these patients.
- Age greater than 50 years or
- Coronary artery disease or
- Diabetes or
- Hyperlipidemia (excess of lipids in the blood) or
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
- Low cup to disc ratio (eye condition also called "crowded disc") or
- Smoking—These conditions may increase risk for a serious eye problem called non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION.
- Angina (reoccurring chest pain) or
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or
- Heart attack (within the last 6 months) or
- Heart failure, severe or
- Hypertension (high blood pressure), uncontrolled or
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
- Kidney disease, severe or
- Liver disease, severe or
- Retinal disorders (eye problem) or
- Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye disorder) or
- Stroke, recent history of—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Bleeding disorders or
- Stomach ulcers—Chance of problems occurring may be increased; it is not known if the medicine is safe for use in these patients.
- Bone marrow cancer or
- Leukemia (blood related cancer) or
- Multiple myeloma (blood related cancer) or
- Sickle-cell anemia (blood disorder)—Vardenafil should be used with caution in these patients as problems with prolonged erection of the penis may occur.
- Fructose intolerance—The orally disintegrating tablet contains sorbitol, which can make this condition worse.
- Heart blood flow problems—These conditions may cause you to be more sensitive to vardenafil.
- Heart disease, underlying—Chance of low blood pressure occurring is greater; vardenafil should be used carefully in these patients.
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Chance of problems occurring may be increased. Lower starting doses may be used and doses increased as needed and as tolerated.
- NAION (serious eye condition) in one or both eyes, history of—May increase your chance of getting NAION again.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)—The orally disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine, which can make this condition worse.
- QT prolongation (rare heart condition), or history of—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.
Proper Use of This Medicine:
Use vardenafil exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, the chance of side effects or other problems is increased.
Special patient instructions come with vardenafil. Read the directions carefully before you start using vardenafil and each time you get a refill of your medicine.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
This medicine usually begins to work within 60 minutes after taking it. It continues to work for up to 4 hours. Stimulation is required for an erection. If you have any questions about the use and benefits of vardenafil ask your doctor.
If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet on your tongue. It should melt quickly. The tablet should be taken without liquids. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For treatment of erectile dysfunction (as needed):
- For oral dosage form (disintegrating tablets):
- Adults—10 milligrams (mg) as a single dose, no more than once a day, taken 1 hour before you think sexual activity may occur.
- Children—Use is not recommended.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults 65 years of age and older—5 milligrams (mg) as a single dose no more than once a day, 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
- Adults up to 65 years of age—10 mg as a single dose no more than once a day, 1 hour before sexual activity. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
- Children—Use is not recommended.
- For oral dosage form (disintegrating tablets):
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions While Using This Medicine:
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take vardenafil. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it is important that your doctor knows when you last took vardenafil.
Levitra® also contains vardenafil. If you take too much vardenafil or take it together with these medicines, the chance for side effects will be higher.
If you experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition may require prompt medical treatment to prevent serious and permanent damage to your penis.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Use protective measures and ask your doctor if you have any questions about this.
It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you may have now or may have had in the past. This medicine can cause serious side effects in patients with heart problems.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using a nitrate medicine, often used to treat angina (chest pain). Nitrate medicines include nitroglycerin, isosorbide, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, Nitro-Dur®, Transderm Nitro®, Nitrol® Ointment, and Nitrolingual® Spray. Some illegal ("street") drugs called "poppers" (such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite) also contain nitrates.
Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol (e.g., 5 glasses of wine or 5 shots of whiskey) when taking vardenafil. When taken in excess, alcohol can increase your chances of getting a headache or getting dizzy, increase your heart rate, or lower your blood pressure.
If you have sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, stop using vardenafil and contact your doctor right away.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing, which may be accompanied by dizziness and ringing in the ears.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Side Effects of This Medicine:
- Less common
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- blindness
- blurred vision
- chest pain or discomfort
- chest tightness or heaviness
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- decreased vision
- difficult or labored breathing
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- eye pain
- fainting
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- headache
- hives
- itching
- nausea
- nervousness
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- pounding in the ears
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- slow or fast heartbeat
- sweating
- tearing
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- wheezing
- Incidence not known
- Hearing loss
- More common
- Feeling of warmth and redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
- sneezing
- stuffy nose
- Less common
- Abnormal ejaculation
- abdominal or stomach pain
- abnormal vision
- acid or sour stomach
- back pain
- belching
- bloody nose
- body aches or pain
- burning feeling in the chest or stomach
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- changes in color vision
- changes in vision
- congestion
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty seeing at night
- difficulty with moving
- difficulty with swallowing
- dim vision
- dry mouth
- dryness or soreness of the throat
- excessive muscle tone
- eye pain
- face swelling
- fast heartbeat
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- heartburn
- hoarseness
- increased redness of the eye
- increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
- indigestion
- itching skin
- joint pain
- lack or loss of strength
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches and pains
- muscle cramping
- muscle stiffness
- muscle tension or tightness
- neck pain
- pain
- pain or burning in the throat
- runny nose
- sensation of spinning
- shivering
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- sleeplessness
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- swollen joints
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- tenderness in the stomach area
- trouble with sleeping
- trouble with swallowing
- unable to sleep
- voice changes
- watery eyes
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Last Updated: 11/4/2014


text:
Ruffle Blackout Panel
- Overview
Like a pretty princess dress, our panel is layered with soft ruffles top to bottom. A blackout lining helps to keep the light out so that fanciful dreams are not interrupted.
- Made of polyester cotton blend.
- Belt-loop tab top construction creates soft inverted pleats.
- This panel features our Belt Loop hanging method.
- Panels are sold individually.
- Dry-clean only.
- For more information about construction, view our Windows Glossary.
- Imported.
- Dimensions & Care
- Made of a Cotton Poly blend
Benefits of Blackout Lining
- Darkens room for bedtime, naptime and morning.
- A better night's sleep and more restful naps.
- Woven lining adds to the drape of the panel.
- Blocks out light.
- Reduces sound.
- 44" wide x 63" long
- 44" wide x 84" long
- 44" wide x 96" long
- Length includes pole pocket.
- Pole Pocket: 3" high
- Dry-clean only.
Styling Tips
- When you receive your ruffle blackout, hang it on rod and spray it heavily with water or wrinkle-release spray.
- Ruffles should naturally fall in place. Fabric needs to be quite damp for the wrinkles to smooth themselves out.
- Allow to completely air dry.
- Steam or iron out any persistent wrinkles while ruffle blackout is hanging on rod.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
View Our Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price that ends in $0.99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
For assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800.993.4923
International Returns: Online returns are available only for items that were shipped to the United States. If you would like to return items that were shipped outside the US, please see International Returns and Exceptions.
Also seen in this Image
Glass Finial & Hardware Set
Finial & Rod Set
Select Color: Nickel
Select Size:
Endcap Finial & Hardware Set
Finial and Rod Set
Select Size: Small, 28-48"
Select Finish:
- Online Only


text:
This is a romantic hairstyle as the look is chic and classy. This woman has her straight hair parted at the side and combed down at either side. Bangs are styled across on the forehead and the overall look is simply gorgeous.For this style, the hair is cut shorter in the back and longer as it comes around to the front.The hair is coloured black.
Ice Queen Collection Hair by: Darren Davies and Jayde Oates of Davies and Greenwood Photographer: Jim Crone Make-up: Lee Pearson Clothes: Claire Frith Creative Director: Harry Boocock


text:
National Geographic tonigh.
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Sieg Heil!
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no title neded
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This obviously also means you shouldn't post unfunny content like naked girls
This obviously also means you shouldn't post unfunny content like naked girls
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you shouldn't post unfunny content like naked girls or still images of Hitler.
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Stupid cunt
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When you hit the right spot
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now watch this drive
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How it's done
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hide yo bike
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