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Lawrence J. Zobel
Lawrence J. Zobel, 61, of Fredonia, NY, died suddenly at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa., on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013.
He was born on April 27, 1952 in Buffalo, NY, to the late Siegfried and Sylvia Zobel. He graduated from Amherst High School in 1970.
Lawrence had a long and prestigious career as an attorney. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Buffalo. After graduation, he went from being an Assistant City Attorney to the actual City Attorney. After being in private practice early in his career, Lawrence became a Family Court Confidential Law Clerk for Judge Lynn Hartley. For over 25 years, he was the Family Court Magistrate for Family Court, where he was a devoted advocate for children. It was his goal to assist children so that they would have the best opportunities to lead productive lives. After re-tiring as Magistrate, Lawrence worked part-time in the law offices of Fessenden, Laumer and DeAngelo.
Lawrence was a member of the Chautauqua and New York State Bar Associations and the Masons. His favorite pastime was being a member of the Shorewood Country Club, where he was an avid golfer. When he was not golfing, he enjoyed reading. However, his fondest joy was his grandchildren and the children at the Wiggle Room Day Care Center, where he was known as "Grandpa Donuts."
Lawrence is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen (Keyes) Zobel, whom he married on April 10, 1982 in Fredonia, NY. He is further survived by his two daughters, Stephanie (David) Stevens and Sarah (Rick) Kirchernitz, and grandchildren Carter and Sophie Stevens, all of Fredonia. His sisters, Paula Vogt and Linda Meeker, also survive.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Shorewood Country Club today at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Mike Spell officiating.
The family would grate-fully appreciate donations in Lawrence's memory to the CASA Organization for Child Advocacy, Third Street, Jamestown, NY, 14701.
Arrangements are by the Fantauzzi Funeral Home, 82 E. Main St., Fredonia, NY.


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Skip to comments.Eating Chicken Makes Kids Gay, Top Colombian Model Claims
Posted on 03/19/2013 1:40:54 PM PDT by zeestephen
Colombian model Natalia Paris has decided to go public with her theory that eating chicken makes children gay. Paris based her theory on reports that claimed chickens are being injected with female hormones to speed up their growth.
(Excerpt) Read more at now.msn.com ...
Only if it's a pink chicken.
Cocaine makes you stupid. Just sayin'
Well all those hormones go somewhere
In before the cock jokes...
We eat mostly chicken and pork around here. Beef has become too expensive.
You could accuse my sons of many different sins. But "gay" ain't one of them.
Breast implants... Lip augmentation... Pity there is nothing she could have surgically implanted to cure terminal stupidity.
Since naturally occurring Good old soy has feminizing qualities, I don't think chemically manufactured and far stronger hormones are without consequence.
Sure, she SOUNDS out there...but think about it.
What's the difference between a vitamin and a hormone?
You can't make a vita min.
Just look at her,
she's just got "smart" oozing out of every pore
I bet she has investments in BEEF AND Pork.......
Here, chick chick chick......
female hormones in chicken
soy in everything
Both result in increase of female hormones, not homosexual but probably effeminate males.
She's come to snuff the rooster.
I'm not an expert on chicken doping, but aren't most eating chickens male and wouldn't you more likely pump them up with chicken steroids to bulk them up? Chicken breasts aren't mammary glands, so estrogen wouldn't have any special effect on them.
I'm not saying it was aliens... but...
it was aliens.
tell that to the farm families that eat a lot of chicken.....just another reason that 'super models' should keep their mouths shut.....brainless
"Modern commercial broilers, for example, Cornish crosses or Cornish-Rocks, are specially bred for large scale, efficient meat production and although they are the same species, grow much faster than egg laying hens or traditional dual purpose breeds. They are noted for having very fast growth rates, a high feed conversion ratio, and low levels of activity. Broilers often reach a slaughter weight of four to five pounds (dressed) in only five weeks,[7] (another source indicates six to seven weeks as typical[8]) although more slow growing free-range and organic strains reach slaughter weight at 12 to 16 weeks of age. As a consequence, their behaviour and physiology are those of immature birds rather than adults. Typical broilers have white feathers and yellowish skin. Recent genetic analysis has revealed that at least the gene for yellow skin was incorporated into domestic birds through hybridization with the Grey Junglefowl (G. sonneratii).[9] Modern crosses are also favorable for meat production because they lack the typical "hair" which many breeds have that necessitates singeing after plucking.
Both male and female broilers are reared for their meat."
I think she may have walked off the end of the runway one too many times.........
could be.
something's doing it, that's for sure...
has the emasculation of American men increased markedly after a certain cheapo drive thru burger chain started pushing "tender" chickens on their menu, or what?
LOL! Chicken's been my favorite food all my life...bbq'd fried, baked, roasted, broiled, rotissiere, poached, in soup, in pot pies, in tacos and burritos. I love chicken...and while I'm often pretty cheerful I'm not gay.
You should get you some 'live & scratchin'!
Like the man said, "beauty fades, but stupid is forever." True that.
LOL great pic.
I did raise a Transgender Chicken once. so who knows if there is a such a ...a Gay Chicken or a Chicken that makes you Gay.
You know, if I was sitting across from her in a bar when she said this, I'd be agreeing with every word and telling her how brilliant and insightful she was.
Chicken Blues--The Dominoes
Say what you want about the researcher here. At least she's curious about WHY it happens.
If it isn't a choice, and you are REALLY born that way, then what causes it?
She's suggesting someone ought to be doing some research at least. The Lavender Mafia has exactly ZERO INTEREST in finding causation for homosexuality. ZERO.
It would be the end of their ride.
"You can be gay, so long as you understand that you have an illness, and one that doesn't justify changing the definition of 'family' or 'marriage' for you. Have an aspirin instead. Put it between your knees. Call me, never."
She must be a vegetarian.
***being injected with female hormone***
Injected? Come on! That is the hard way to do for millions of chicks. The easiest way is to put an additive in the feed.
Go to your feed store, buy some chick grower feed, and look at the ingredients tag. if this stuff is in the feed it will say so on the tag.
For commercial feeders, they are required to change feed several weeks before slaughter.
What a Pendeja this gal is.........
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subset: commoncrawl


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Please note: the hotel will be closed from 6 Nov 2016 to 29 Mar 2017
Reservations: 1 800 237 1236
Dating from the 15th century, the Villa's facade is attributed to Michelangelo. Step inside and you experience the ethereal beauty and solitude of a Renaissance monastery that is as much a part of Italy's culture as the country's greatest cathedrals and galleries.
Today, Belmond Villa San Michele is recognised as one of the country's finest small boutique hotels. Stroll in the Italian gardens, bursting with lemon trees and fragrant roses, and savour superb Tuscan cuisine on the alfresco loggia as if in a private home.
Swimming pool
Enjoy magnificent views across the Arno Valley and Florence from the panoramic heated swimming pool.
Situated on a grassy plateau above the gardens, reached by a winding path, a pool snack bar serves tasty lunches and snacks.
Pool measurements:
Length – 25m
Width – from 5m
Depth – from 1.4 – 2.2m
Italian gardens
Once nurtured by Franciscan monks, the immaculate 15th-century gardens at Belmond Villa San Michele include a large wooded park and terraced lawns.
Relax on a lounger, sip a cocktail among the fragrant blooms or take a tour with our gardeners.
Walking path
Keep fit while surrounded by nature. Run or walk along the path through the woods, and supplement your session with a special exercise station set up along the way.
Massage gazebo
Indulge in a massage on our dedicated gazebo. Located in a secluded corner of the Italian gardens, it's the perfect place to unwind while enjoying the stunning view over Florence.
If you would like a massage in your room, please speak to the concierge.
Fitness centre
With panoramic vistas across Florence, all the equipment at the gym is window facing and includes weights (from 1-10kg), two bicycles, a treadmill and a step machine.
Full changing facilities, including showers and hair dryers, are available.
Personal trainer
Join our personal trainer for a tailor-made workout that might see you striding out among the Fiesole hills or jogging in the heart of the Chianti winelands.
Courtesy Shuttle Bus
A courtesy scheduled shuttle bus operates between the hotel and Piazza della Repubblica in front of La Rinascente department store, in Florence's historic centre.
Low Season
Leaves the hotel every 60 minutes from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Returns from Piazza della Repubblica every 60 minutes from 9 am to 8 pm
High Season
Leaves the hotel every 20 minutes from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Returns from Piazza della Repubblica every 20 minutes from 9 am to 8 pm
Please note that our shuttle bus has a maximum capacity of eight passengers.
Contact us for detailed schedules and more information.
Family Friendly Features
- Family friendly restaurant with high chairs and children's menu
- Barbeque by the pool during the summer
- Cribs and disposable bottles
- Dedicated Kids' Concierge
- Children's welcome kit with DVDs, slippers and bathrobes
- Supervised Smile kids' club six days a week (mid-June until the end of August)
- Professional babysitting on request
Smile Club
Let our tutors entertain your little ones. From pizza-making demonstrations and picnics to tours of the hotel's secret gardens, children will be captivated. Relax knowing that they are receiving expert supervision while at play.
For more information and to meet our mascot Rory the Lion, download our Smile Club factsheet >
Available from mid-June until the end of August, six days a week.Contact us for details
At a Glance
- ACCOMMODATION 45 rooms and suites
- DINING La Loggia restaurant and terrace, pool restaurant and bars
- FEATURES Cookery school, children's club and concierge, panoramnic heated open-air pool and gym
- ACTIVITIES Cultural tours and events
- EVENTS Meeting and banqueting rooms, including the panoramic Davanzati Room
- LOCATION 10km from Florence airport, courtesy shuttle bus to the city centre


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Tipton: regulations crippling recovery
The Affordable Care Act and other recent federal regulations are stifling businesses and job creation, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton said Monday.
Tipton, R-Cortez, called for free markets and more measured regulatory actions by Washington, D.C., politicians and government agencies.
He also called for Congress to add more review periods and sunset provisions to any new regulations, similar to the practice in place at the state level in Colorado.
"We need to have common sense regulations that are addressing the concerns that may be out there but we also need the opportunity to look back," said Tipton, a former state lawmaker.
Under the current system, "once a regulation goes final (and) if you want to be able to address it, it takes the proverbial act of Congress," he said.
Tipton spoke during a public forum for the business community hosted by his office at the Pueblo Convention Center.
He spent 75 minutes fielding questions and comments from the 20 people in attendance, including chambers of commerce leaders.
Most who spoke also focused on the growing number of government mandates and regulations, both at the federal and state levels:
A local franchisee said a proposal in the state Legislature to amend federal franchise rules threatens to scare away franchisees from Colorado.
A food seller said tougher regulations in areas such as food labeling and food packaging are discouraging mom-and-pop operators, startups and other small businesses.
Another audience member questioned President Barack Obama's decision last week to bypass Congress to extend overtime pay to salaried workers.
Tipton, who has operated a pottery business in Cortez for 30 years, said he is fielding similar questions and concerns from throughout the 3rd Congressional District.
Compounding the district's frustration, "Here in Pueblo County, our largest county, (and) in Mesa County, our second largest . . . our real unemployment level is sitting in double digits," Tipton said.
His concerns about what he termed the "overreach" of the federal government extends to the ongoing debate about immigration reform, he said.
He favors the Republican-led House's step-by-step approach while the Democratic-led U.S. Senate favors a single sweeping bill, he said.
The Senate terms its bill "comprehensive" but the measure is silent on a number of key issues, including who pays for immigrants' health care costs, he said.
Proposals to raise the minimum wage and legalize marijuana are other measures that carry "unintended consequences" that hurt businesses and job creation, he said.
Elsewhere, Tipton was asked about the loss of local and state sales tax revenue as more retail spending shifts online.
Tipton said the key to generating tax revenue for cities, states and nation is increasing employment and business activity.
"The more economic activity that is going on actually creates more revenue for the government," he said.


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Sutent and Thyroid Function
|Posted by Julie Royster (jroyster) on Jan 11 2007
|GIST In the News >>
According to data for patients in the Phase I/II trial of sunitinib (Sutent), 36% developed hypothyroidism during treatment with sunitinib, and the incidence of hypothyroidism increased with duration of treatment. These findings were published in November 2006 by Desai et al in the Annals of Internal Medicine (click for abstract). A free-access patient information summary is available at the journal site to read online or to print as a pdf.
Desai et al report that "15 of 42 patients (36%) developed hypothyroidism after an average of 50 weeks of therapy (range 12 to 94 weeks)" and an additional 7 patients (17%) had an abnormal serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test result at at least one point during treatment. Two patients' thyroid glands atrophied, becoming undetectable on imaging. All patients responded to treatment with L-thyroxine.
Hypothyroidism has also been reported in a separate study of renal cell carcinoma patients treated with sunitinib (AJ Martorella et al, abstract 593 presented at 88th annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, Boston, June 2006) and in a study published in January 2007 by Rini et al entitled "Hypothyroidism in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib."
Desai et al recommended that patients on sunitinib therapy be "screened for the development of hypothyroidism with frequent measurements of TSH, perhaps at 2- to 3-month intervals." They recommended L-thyroxine treatment if indicated, as well as consultation with an endocrinologist. The authors stated that "hypothyroidism is easily treated and is not in itself an indication for the discontinuation of sunitinib therapy given its effectiveness in treating life-threatening conditions."
For another brief news story about these findings, link here to cancerconsultants.com
Last changed: Jan 11 2007 at 11:18 AMBack


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Current Plans
The TTAP program is financially supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Colorado State University (CSU). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations presented in this homepage do not necessarily reflect the views of FHWA, BIA, or CSU. This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Highway Administration under Agreement No. DTFH61-09-H-00004. Any opinions or recommendations expressed are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration.
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A collection of stories from individuals with disabilities, families, friends, and disability service providers in Tennessee
Showing stories 1 - 2 of 2
Results related to: Autism / 6 to 13 years / Employment
"Kevin is looking forward to working just like anyone else."
"When Joey was first diagnosed with autism, I came across an article that said children with autism oftentimes grow up with very few friends. That hurt. I look to his school as a place where he can be with others. When he is out of school, I hope we will
find new places where he can be with his peers."


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FSU LB teammates Telvin Smith and Christian Jones both failed Combine drug tests, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.
Colorado hired Kentucky defensive coordinator/OLB coach D.J. Eliot as DC.
Oklahoma State OC Mike Yurcich removed his name from consideration for Auburn's OC job.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says NFL scouts who give QB Deshaun Watson a second-round grade should be fired.
Washington junior QB Jake Browning is expected to be shelved for six weeks after recently undergoing right shoulder surgery.
Rutgers senior WR Janarion Grant was granted a medical redshirt from the Big 10 and will return to school next season.
Miami graduate RB Gus Edwards will transfer.
Oklahoma sophomore CB Parrish Cobb was arrested for three counts of aggravated robbery.
Clemson QB Deshaun Watson declined an invitation to attend the Senior Bowl.
Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that "after surveying league people during the first day of Shrine [Game] practice, the overwhelming belief is [Clemson QB Deshaun] Watson will receive second-round grades in war rooms."
Lauren Rew of FM 107.7 The Franchise in Oklahoma City reports that Auburn has interviewed Oklahoma State OC Mike Yurcich for their open position.
Multiple outlets are reporting that Western Michigan has hired Indiana coordinator Kevin Johns to serve as offensive coordinator.


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this seat is the most comfortable seat I have ever rode on. it make the bike feel a night and day difference especially when riding for long lengths of time. the fitment was amazing and the quality of the product blew me away I would recommend this to anybody who is tired of MONKEY BUTT. this is an awesome product.
Sargent World Sport Performance Seat
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Seats are a personal preference, but I like the Sargent world sport. Cost is reasonable compared to the competition, and the looks are better than most of the other choices in my opinion. They are also light weight, espcially when compared to a Corbin seat. On my 13' Kawasaki KLR 650 it is perfect. On the KLR the seat doesn't have a fully defined dished out shape for the rider like the picture shown here, it is more just sloped to the passenger portion of the seat. It makes it easy to manuever around and stay comfortable on a long ride and allows you to use the entire seat. I can sit on the passenger portion and stretch out when just relaxing, and slide up to the tank when things get dicey. Thumbs up from me.
the seat pan failed in 4 months cracking around all contact points sergeant was not willing to help in fixing my problem
Factory seat sloped me too far forward on bike towards tank and was not comfortable for my 6'2' frame. The Sargent seat was supportive and allowed me a much better riding position on my Concours.
This seat is very comfortable. I can now ride my GSF1250s bandit for over a hundred miles non-stop and still feel comfortable. I ordered the 32.1 inch height seat and my knees don't get stiff from too much bent in the knee area. The seat also helps cushion some of those hard bumps. Well worth the price and free shipping.
Sport Motorcycle: 1-866-677-7338


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Showcase Faculty Recital – Brass Quintet
Presented by Chapman University College of Performing Arts at Chapman Conservatory of Music
February 27, 2013
Featuring faculty members from the Conservatory of Music's brass area. Program to be announced.
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Admission Info:
$10 general admission; $5 senior citizens, students and alumni
Phone: 714-997-6812
Parking: All parking areas are restricted 24 hours-per-day, seven days-per-week. During restricted hours all vehicles mush display a valid parking permit. You must purchase a short-term parking permit unless you have received a pass in advance.
Where to Park: The Fred L. Barrera Structure at Lemon and Sycamore, the Lastinger Structure on Walnut just East of Glassell or the Marion Knott Studios Lot at Palm and Lemon.
Permits in Barrera Structure: While visitors may park on any level of the structure in any unreserved space, the permit dispensers are only on levels 1, 3, or 5; find dispensers in corner by elevator. Be sure to place the permit face-up on your dashboard.
Permits in Lastinger Structure: Visitors may park on either level of the structure in any unreserved space. Temporary permits are required and may be purchased at the entrance to the structure in the right hand lane at the provided permit dispenser. Be sure to place the permit face-up on your dashboard.
Permits at Marion Knott Studios Lot: Visitors may park in any unreserved space in the lot. Temporary permits are required and may be purchased from the permit dispenser located in the rear parking area. Be sure to place the permit face-up on your dashboard.
Cost: $2 for 2 hours; $3 for 4 hours; $5 for 12 hours.
City Streets: The streets adjacent to campus are reserved for resident-only permit parking. The affected blocks are marked with red and white signs. It is likely that you will be ticketed by the City of Orange if you park in one of these areas. Curb-side parking is allowed only on the campus side of the University perimeter.
Questions: Call Parking Services at 714-997-6763.
Accessibility Information: Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.


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Nokia 7210 Mic problem solution ways jumpers.e
Posted in Nokia 7210 Nokia, Nokia 7210 with Mic, Mic Jumpers, Mic Problem, Mic Solution, Mic Ways, Microphone, Nokia on December 16, 2010
in this diagram you can see parts that are used in mic function in nokia 7210.so clean these parts with any electronics cleaner and leave it to dry for a few mints so that it can be ok.but if not work change these parts or replace these.
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Restore Hard reset will set your phone in origional factorry settings. It will remove all the data and apps that you installed. Your contacts will be removed and you have to add them again.
Flash Firmware we try to provide the best and latest flash files and firmwares, But we do not guarantee the accuracy or compatibility of any of the files. So use them at your own risk!.
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text: The Sole Challenge 24 hour race will be a premier running event hosted by The Runner's Sole running specialty store. For those runners not quite up to the 24 hour Challenge, there is also a 6 & 12 hour option. All races will begin at 10am. The Sole Challenge has runners touring Norlo Park located in Fayetteville, PA. The course is a 1.55mile loop on an 8ft wide asphalt path winding around the park. Norlo park offers family and spectators a plethora of attractions that include: a kids train ride, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, two dog parks, baseball fields, soccer fields and more. There are multiple parking lots and large fields for RV's & campers for the weekend at no additional charge. A fully stocked aid station will offer runner's fare including vegan and vegetarian foods.


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Makes learning fun
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Red-bellied piranha
Their diet consists largely of fish, insects, worms, crustaceans, and the occasional larger animal. In contrast to their reputation, they usually feed on dead, dying, and injured vertebrates in the wild, but have been known to attack healthy animals. The fish usually feed in large schools around dusk and dawn. They locate their prey by scent or motion using a set of sensors down the sides of their bodies, the lateral line system.
Red-bellied piranha do spawn around April and May during the rainy season. The male will build a dug-out nest in rocks and vegetation, awaiting a female. Females can lay around 600 eggs which the male fertilizes. Males become extremely territorial during spawning, and will prevent other fish from approaching the nest. After the eggs hatch, both parents guard the broods. Red-bellied piranhas exhibit very little obvious sexual dimorphism, except females may have slightly more yellow on the belly than males.
Red-bellied piranha in media
Many myths surround this species. The 1978 film Piranha by Joe Dante shows these fish in a similar light to Jaws. Piranha was followed by a sequel, Piranha II: The Spawning, in 1981, and two remakes, one in 1995, and one in 2010. Films such as these, and stories of large schools of red-bellies attacking humans, fuels their reputation as being one of the most ferocious of all freshwater fish. In reality, they are generally shy or also known as timid scavengers, fulfilling a role similar to flocks of vultures on land. In the 2010 film Piranha 3D, Christopher Lloyd's character identifies a specimen of the fictional monstrous piranha, specifically as Pygocentrus nattereri, but erroneously refers to them as the first piranhas, when in reality, red-bellied piranha are most likely not the "original" species.
In an aquarium
Despite their fearsome reputation, piranhas can be kept as aquarium fish. Their diet in nature consists of live prey and dead animals and fish. Live feedings to captive piranhas are not advised, as they can introduce diseases, and goldfish contain a growth-inhibiting hormone which in turn will affect piranhas. Many experienced piranha keepers feed their fish on lean meat, such as beef heart, unbreaded fillets of common table fish, and invertebrates, such as shrimp and crab. They may be kept with certain armoured catfish, such as Hypostomus plecostomus, but this is generally discouraged amongst the piranha-keeping community. Some have reported success keeping them in large shoals with other large fish in aquariums upwards of 1300 liters (300 US gallons), but any introductions of other species of fish should be done with extreme caution. Red-bellied piranhas should be kept in small shoals of at least four individuals, to encourage dispersal of aggression, or individually, which is common practice. These fish, particularly when juvenile, will sometimes bite one another in the aquarium, normally on the fins, in behaviour called 'fin nipping'. Fish that have had their fins nipped will grow them back surprisingly rapidly. These fish can be timid in the aquarium, in contrast to their reputation. This can be for a variety of reasons, i.e. due to unnaturally high light conditions, poor water quality, and lack of cover, which juvenile fish in particular need to hide. Some hobbyists have been disappointed with the fish's timidity in the aquarium, having acquirred them for their exaggerated reputations as killers. Piranhas require frequent water changes with soft water. Extensive filtration is required, and the turnover of the filter should be at least three times the aquarium capacity per hour, as they generate a lot of waste owing to their diet and because they usually cannot be kept with scavenger fishes in their tank. A tank containing red-bellied piranha should be kept at a constant pH of 5.5 to 7.0, and water parameters of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia monitored at least every week. Furnishing the aquarium with bogwood (mangrove root, e.g.) has been suggested to assist in keeping the pH constant.


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Financial literacy plays an important role in helping to ensure the financial health and stability of individuals and families, and economic changes in recent years have further highlighted the need to empower all Americans to make informed financial decisions. As GAO reported in March 2011, federal financial literacy activities are fragmented among multiple federal agencies, which increases the risk of inefficient, uncoordinated, or redundant use of resources. This years report provides updated information on coordination activities, as well as additional information on areas of overlap and on the evolving role of the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
Federal financial literacy programs and resources are spread widely among many different federal agencies. A 2009 survey conducted by the Departments of the Treasury and Education, which GAO cited in its March 2011 report, asked federal agencies to self-identify their financial literacy efforts, and 56 programs related to financial literacy were reported by 20 federal agencies. However, GAOs subsequent analysis found that there was a high degree of inconsistency in how different agencies defined financial literacy programs and whether they counted related activities as one or multiple programs.
Using a more consistent set of criteria, GAO has identified 15 significant financial literacy programs or activities among 13 federal agencies. These efforts are defined as relatively comprehensive in scope or scale and include financial literacy as a key objective rather than a tangential goal.[1] As seen in appendix III, the estimated cost for 13 of these 15 financial literacy programs or activities was about $30.7 million in fiscal year 2010; GAO is still in the process of developing cost estimates for the activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) and for the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, which was not created until July 2010.
In addition, federal agencies spent about $136.6 million in fiscal year 2010 on housing counseling. GAO has separated out costs for housing counseling programs because education is only a limited aspect of most housing counseling, which often consists largely of one-on-one service and assistance to address individual situations. For example, foreclosure mitigation counseling typically focuses on helping financially distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure by working with lenders to remedy mortgage delinquency.
Having multiple federal agencies involved in financial literacy efforts can have certain advantages. In particular, agencies may have deep and long-standing expertise and experience addressing specific issue areas or serving specific populations. For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission has efforts in place to protect securities investors from fraudulent schemes, while the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees most, but not all, federally supported housing counseling. Moreover, DOD may be the agency most able to efficiently and effectively deliver financial literacy programs and products to servicemembers and their families. However, as GAO stated in a June 2011 report, relatively few evidence-based evaluations of financial literacy programs have been conducted, limiting what is known about which specific methods and strategiesand which federal financial literacy activitiesare most effective.
In addition, fragmentation increases the risk of inefficiency and redundancy and highlights the need for strong coordination, or potential consolidation, of these efforts. In general, GAO has found that the coordination and collaboration among federal agencies with regard to financial literacy has improved substantially in recent years. The multiagency Financial Literacy and Education Commission (Commission) was created by Congress in 2003 and charged, among other things, with developing a national strategy to promote financial literacy and education, coordinating federal efforts, and identifying areas of overlap and duplication. Among other things, the Commission in concert with the Department of the Treasury, which provides its primary staff support, has served as a central clearinghouse for federal financial literacy resourcesfor example, it created a centralized federal website and has an ongoing effort to develop a catalog of federal research on financial literacy. The Commissions 2011 national strategy identified five action areas, one of which was to further emphasize the role of the Commission in coordination. The strategys accompanying Implementation Plan lays out plans to coordinate communication among federal agencies, improve strategic partnerships, and develop channels of communication with other entities, including the Presidents Advisory Council on Financial Capability and the National Financial Education Network of State and Local Governments. The Commissions success in implementing these elements of the National Strategy is key given the inherently challenging task of coordinating the work of the Commissions many member agencieseach of which has its own set of interests, resources, and constituencies. Further, the addition of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, whose director serves as the Vice Chair of the Commission, adds a new player to the mix that will influence the Commissions success.
GAOs review thus far shows that there is little evidence of duplication among existing federal financial literacy activitiesthat is, cases where two or more agencies or programs are engaging in the same activities and providing the same services to the same beneficiaries. However, GAO did identify cases in which there is overlapmultiple agencies or programs with similar goals and activitiesthat raise questions about the efficiency of some federal financial literacy and housing counseling efforts. For example, four federal agencies and one government-chartered nonprofit corporation provide various forms of housing counseling to consumersDOD, HUD, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of the Treasury, and NeighborWorks America.
Another example of overlap lies in the financial literacy responsibilities of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, created by the Dodd-Frank Act. The act established within the bureau an Office of Financial Education and charged this office with developing and implementing a strategy to improve financial literacy through activities including opportunities for consumers to access, among other things, financial counseling; information to assist consumers with understanding credit products, histories, and scores; information about saving and borrowing tools; and assistance in developing long-term savings strategies. This office presents an opportunity to further promote awareness, coordinate efforts, and fill gaps related to financial literacy. At the same time, the duties this office is charged with fulfilling are in some ways similar to those of a separate Office of Financial Education and Financial Access within the Department of the Treasury, a small office that also seeks to broadly improve Americans financial literacy. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act charges the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection with developing and implementing a strategy on improving the financial literacy of consumers, even though the multiagency Financial Literacy and Education Commission already has its own statutory mandate to develop, and update as necessary, a national strategy for financial literacy. As the bureau has been staffing up and planning its financial education activities, it has been in regular communication with the Department of the Treasury and with other members of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, and agency staff say they are seeking to coordinate their respective roles and activities.
In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created within the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection several offices that are charged by statute with duties that are in some ways similar to those of other federal agencies. For instance, the act created an Office of Service Member Affairs, which is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives for servicemembers and their families intended to educate and empower them to make better informed decisions regarding consumer financial products and services; monitoring complaints by service members and their families; and coordinating with federal and state agencies regarding consumer protection measures relating to consumer financial products and services offered to, or used by, service members and their families. These activities potentially overlap with those of DODs Financial Readiness Campaign, in which Personal Financial Managers on military bases provide financial educational programs, partnerships, counseling, legal protections, and other resources designed to help servicemembers and their families reach financial goals such as reducing debt, setting up a spending plan, saving for college, addressing consumer protection matters, and many others. Staff from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and DOD told GAO they are working closely to coordinate their efforts.
The Dodd-Frank Act also creates within the bureau an Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans, which is charged with helping seniors recognize warning signs of unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and protect themselves from such practices; providing one-on-one financial counseling on issues including long-term savings and later-life economic security; and monitoring the legitimacy of certifications of financial advisers who advise seniors. Potential overlap exists with the Federal Trade Commission, which also plays a role in helping seniors avoid unfair and deceptive practices. Further, the Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration both have initiatives in place to help consumers plan for retirement, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has recently initiated efforts to address concerns about the designations and certifications used by financial advisers.[4] Officials at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection told GAO that they have been discussing and coordinating their financial literacy roles and activities with those of other federal agencies to avoid duplication of effort.
[1]According to GAOs criteria, significant financial literacy and education activities and programs were those whose primary goals were to educate, inform, or encourage individuals to make informed judgments and take effective actions regarding the current and future use and management of money. However, GAO excluded (1) those for which financial literacy was only a minimal component; (2) programs that provided financial information related to the administration of the program itself (e.g., information on applying for student financial aid or evaluating Medicare choices) rather than information aimed at increasing the beneficiaries financial literacy and comprehension more generally; (3) activities or programs that were purely internal to the agency, such as information provided to agency employees on their employment and retirement benefits; and (4) activities that represented individualized services or advice (e.g. assistance with tax preparation or development of a debt management plan). For the purposes of this report, GAO counted as a federal agency NeighborWorks® America, a government-chartered, nonprofit corporation that receives federal funding for housing counseling, including through an annual appropriation from Congress.
[2]These programs are the Federal Housing Administrations Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership Program, Second Mortgage Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers, Rural Housing Stability Grant Program, Public Housing Operating Fund, Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Homeownership Option, Demolition and Disposition of Public Housing, Family Self-Sufficiency, Public Housing Resident Homeownership Programs, Conversion of Distressed Public Housing to Tenant-Based Assistance, Low Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act Prepayment Options, Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act Housing Block Grants, Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants, and Section 8 Rental Assistance.
[3]The Financial Literacy and Education Counseling Pilot Program was appropriated $2 million in fiscal year 2009 and $4.15 million in fiscal year 2010; the program was not appropriated funds in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
[4]The Federal Trade Commissions Division of Consumer and Business Education plans, develops, and implements various web-based financial literacy activities that focus on consumer protection, some of which has focused on scams targeted at seniors. The Department of Labors Retirement Savings Education Campaign seeks to increase retirement savings through workplace plans so that employees are better prepared for a secure retirement. The Social Security Administrations Special Initiative to Encourage Savings focuses on saving and retirement issues and informing the public about SSAs programs related to old-age, survivors, and disability insurance system.
GAO expects to recommend that Congress may wish to consider
The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection should
The information contained in this analysis is based on findings from the products listed in the related GAO products section and additional work GAO conducted. GAO collected information on the purpose, beneficiaries, costs, and subject matter of federal financial literacy programs and activities through interviews with staff of federal agencies and through budget justifications, strategic plans, and other documents. In some cases, costs provided are estimates because financial literacy activities are not organized as separate budget line items or cost centers within an agency. GAO also reviewed the Financial Literacy and Education Commissions 2011 national strategy and implementation plan and memorandums of understanding and other documents related to collaborations among federal agencies. See pages 386-387 of the PDF version of this report (appendix III) for a list of the programs GAO identified that may have similar or overlapping objectives, provide similar services or be fragmented across government missions. Overlap and fragmentation may not necessarily lead to actual duplication, and some degree of overlap and duplication may be justified.
GAO provided a draft of this report section to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for review and comment. The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and the Department of the Treasury provided written comments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development provided technical comments, which were incorporated as appropriate. GAO also provided selected portions of the draft report section to those agencies listed in appendix III for their technical review, and GAO incorporated those technical comments as appropriate. All written comments are reprinted in appendix IV of the PDF version of this report.
The Department of the Treasury said that it agreed that federal agencies should evaluate the effectiveness of their financial literacy efforts and, if appropriate, identify options for consolidating such efforts. However, the department noted that it would be necessary for funding to be appropriated for such evaluation. In addition, the department said it believed that continued and enhanced coordination among agencies may lead to greater effectiveness, in some cases, than consolidation. The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protections written response highlighted the bureaus efforts to coordinate its activities, avoid duplication with other agencies, and promote the evaluation of financial literacy efforts.
For additional information about this area, contact Alicia Puente Cackley at (202) 512-8678 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Comments from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Comments from the Department of the Treasury
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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 promotion is ramping up, and Gossip Cop has the latest on the cast's upcoming talk show appearances.
Gossip Cop has now exclusively confirmed the following dates:
Timings: 12AM ET/ 9PM PT/ (5AM GMT/ 6AM CET/ 4PM AEST Tuesday Morning).
Livestream Links: 1 | 2
Timings and Livestream Links


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Lisa Salberg is on a lifesaving mission to raise awareness about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common but deadly heart condition.
To an outward observer, Lisa Salberg, 45, appears to be a perfectly fit, healthy woman. But Lisa, who inherited a genetic heart disorder known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, lives with the imminent threat of sudden cardiac arrest. �People with [HCM] look normal. We don�t look like we are sick,� Lisa says. �But we have limitations�we can�t do everything everyone else can. Because we are masquerading as normal, healthy human beings, though, we are not seen. We just blend into the background.� As the founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA), Lisa has worked tirelessly since 1996 to vanquish this prevalent�but under-diagnosed or overlooked�heart condition. It is a cause that�s very close to her heart, no pun intended: Lisa has lost countless relatives to HCM-related cardiac episodes, including her father and older sister. HCM is a form of heart muscle disease in which the ventricle walls become abnormally thickened, disrupting the flow of blood through the heart. It is a relatively common heart condition, affecting some 1 in 500 Americans.� Although most cases of HCM are relatively benign, some forms can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in younger patients. Growing up, Lisa had long been aware that her father�s side was stricken by inexplicable heart problems, but the underlying cause of the cardiac events was unknown. Then, at age 12, Lisa was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after a nurse detected a heart murmur during a school check-up. Three weeks after her wedding, at the age of 21, Lisa suffered a stroke secondary due to HCM. But in spite of the onerous knowledge that her heart could someday give out, Lisa continued on with her life, putting her faith in modern medicine to keep her safe. �For some silly reason I thought that because science and progress and time were moving forward, that we were better at managing the disease,� she says. In 1995, when she was 8 months pregnant, Lisa�s sense of complacency was shattered when her older sister, Lori, died of sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 36. �Emotionally, I was devastated,� Lisa remembers. �I felt like HCM been cruelly unfair yet again. My sister was my best friend, and I lost my sister and best friend three weeks before my daughter was born.� Lisa had falsely assumed that HCM was something she wouldn�t have to deal with until long down the road, but her sister�s death jolted her to the grave reality of her situation. �At age 26, I had to take this condition very seriously, very quickly,� Lisa says. Still reeling from the tragedy, Lisa gave birth to her daughter a few weeks later. Not long after that, she and her parents fought for custody of her sister�s two children, then 13 and 10, one of whom was found to carry the HCM gene. ��I was now a parent of three,� Lisa says. �So my immediate instinct was, �I�ve gotta take care of myself.�� Soon, Lisa�s grief at the loss of her sister morphed into a fierce, angry tenacity to take a stand against the disease that had wrought so much havoc on her life�and a fervent desire to get the word out there about HCM. Feeling that she wasn�t receiving the proper medical attention she deserved, Lisa took matters into her own hands. She became a champion of her own healthcare, doing extensive research in order to educate herself about HCM. �I admit that my initial actions were very reactionary,� Lisa says. �My sister died because there was nobody there to help her through the process. So I gained knowledge. I knew I could help somebody else through the process. I wanted to help others who were going through the same thing.� Armed with an instructional book on HTML coding, Lisa created a rudimentary website in 1996, not long after the advent of the Internet, to serve as a platform for disseminating information about HCM. �I learned about this new thing called the Internet in 1995, so I decided to try to use this new tool to do something good for people,� Lisa says. Eighteen years later, that initial website endures as www.4hcm.org, the homepage for the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA), the 501(c)3 organization Lisa established in 1996 to provide support, advocacy and education about HCM to patients, the medical system and the general public. To date, the HCMA has been instrumental in driving crucial awareness for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and has served as a main source of information for the estimated 1 million Americans who live with the condition. Lisa has also focused her efforts on passing impactful legislation in her state of New Jersey aimed at helping identify student athletes who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. �In 2013 the Scholastic Student Athlete Safety Act and the Children�s Sudden Cardiac Event Reporting Act were signed into law by Gov. Chris Christy. The act was partially inspired by Lisa�s daughter, Becca, who was diagnosed with HCM at age 10. In spite of her heart troubles, Becca was an active teen, thriving as an equestrienne. Because HCM is the leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes, Lisa wanted to educate families and their children about their risks and limitations. But Lisa also admits another �ulterior motive� to these pieces of legislation: �While I do want to identify and save children, statistically we know that it�s much more likely for the parent to be the one who dies of sudden cardiac arrest than the child. So if we are able to identify warning signs in children, then we should identify them in Mom and Dad, too," �Lisa says. "Then we will not just save a child�we will save a family." To this end, the HCMA offers a free �Risk Assessment questionnaire� at 4hcm.org to help families identify if they may need addition testing. HCM can be diagnosed via an echocardiogram, but symptoms of the condition are often subtle or non-existent�which is why it�s especially important to pay attention to warning signs in the family tree, Lisa says. �You can learn an awful lot about genetics just by looking at your family history,� Lisa says. Unlike other heart conditions, lifestyle factors do not contribute to the development of HCM. �This is a genetic cardiovascular disorder. You didn�t eat anything wrong, or do anything wrong. You just got a bad gene,� she explains. Even though she was dealt a poor genetic hand, Lisa refuses to sink into despair, relentlessly propelled forward in her noble mission by the memory of Lori and all of the other family members who have gone before her. This February, Lisa published her third book on A Guide to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, 3rd Edition (Wiley Health Sciences) �[My sister] gave more in her death than anybody could have ever predicted,� Lisa says. �She gave me the power to help thousands and thousands of people that she�ll never know, and save thousands of lives in the process. Often I try to answer that question, �Why? Why her?� It was for a greater good. It just took a long time to see it.� This article originally appeared as on Spry Living


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Anonymous Indian artist. Composite Camel, 19th century. Black ink and transparent and opaque watercolors. FAMSF, Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, 1963.24.694
This event is expired.
From sustenance to companionship, animals have played a variety of roles in our lives and inspire a range of emotions—fear, love, awe—as well as a host of symbolic associations. This exhibition draws from the vast resources of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts to produce a compelling portrait of the animal world, represented in a wide array of cultures, artistic styles, and media from about AD 1500 to the present. Some of the artists included in this exhibition have drawn their subjects from life, depicting the roles they play in our everyday experience, while others have used animals with symbolic intent or have anthropomorphized them to humorous, playful, or even unsettling ends. Seen together, these works reveal the breathtaking variety not only in the animal kingdom, but also in humanity's artistic interpretations of it.


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2012 a year of growth for DCHS
IRON MOUNTAIN – Dickinson County Healthcare System added new physicians and new services in 2012, John Schon, administrator/chief executive, reported in a year-end overview.
Schon's report detailed the growth for Dickinson County Healthcare System as it welcomed new physicians, grew services and achieved goals that enhanced the standard of quality care for its patients.
Physicians welcomed in 2012 were Clayton Shaker, MD, a specialist in cardiology, and Kevin Scott., MD, a specialist in urology.
Dr. Shaker joined Dr. Ramon Ray G. Rayel in the medical management of patients with heart disease and also brought some new more invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures to the area through a special arrangement with Marquette General Hospital. The urology practice of Dr. Kevin Scott became part of Dickinson Physician Services; the name of the urology practice is now Dickinson Urology Clinic.
New or enhanced programs and services were developed in several areas of DCH System as outlined below:
-Dickinson Radiology/Imaging Services added new CT scanner technology. Radiation Oncology completed a technology upgrade that brought Rapid Arc to Iron Mountain.
– Information Systems developed and implemented a surgical tracking system for Operating Room Services, which has enabled family members to track their loved one's progress through their surgical process.
– Dickinson Pediatric Clinic added a concussion management program and services in pediatric neurology and pediatric nephrology through unique collaborations and telehealth.
– Dickinson Cardiology Services added coronary angiography via Dr. Shaker's
arrangements with Marquette General Hospital and relocated to Suite 215 in the Dickinson Medical Building.
– U.P. Sleep Center medical practice relocated to Suite 205 in the Dickinson Medical Building and remains a nationally accredited Sleep Medicine Program
– Dickinson Home Health hired a new manager, Tina Zarcone, RN, and contracted with Charlene Greene, DO, as medical director. Patient satisfaction with the service has improved. Central operations will move to River Avenue in Iron Mountain in 2013.
– Laboratory and x-ray services available at the Bellin Clinic on Woodward Avenue are provided by Dickinson Memorial Hospital.
– Dickinson services expanded into Delta County. Adina Anderson, DPM, and Dickinson Podiatry Services as well as Igor Siniakov, MD, and Dickinson Dermatology Clinic see patients regularly at the Cedar Hill-Bayside Clinic in Gladstone.
– The Dietary Department became Food and Nutrition Services and launched the new Room Service Program; patient satisfaction scores climbed from the 30th percentile to the 98th percentile with temperature and quality of the food ranked in the 99th.
– New construction was completed. A clinic in the southwest corner of the hospital campus was completed to house the relocated Dickinson Occupational Clinic and the expanded wound care program – The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine.
Dickinson Pediatric Clinic remained in Suite 210 of the Dickinson Medical Building but expanded to twice its former size adding additional exam rooms, a telehealth room and an ImPACT testing room.
– DCH System attained an "A" rating for Patient Safety from the Leapfrog Group. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization, awarded Dickinson Memorial Hospital a grade of A, which represented the hospital's overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors. The Leapfrog Group calculates a single safety score, based upon 26 measures of publicly available hospital safety data provided voluntarily by hospital staff.
– Several clinics attained designation as a Provider Based Clinic, which changed their administrative status to outpatient departments of Dickinson Memorial Hospital. As a result, Medicare required a change in the billing process that was communicated to Medicare patients.
– Hospital staff implemented new Medical Record technology throughout Dickinson Memorial Hospital and various medical clinics. This is an effort to meet the meaningful use guidelines imposed by health care reform. Electronic medication administration and computerized physician order entry were successfully implemented throughout the patient care units in Dickinson Memorial Hospital. Electronic Medical Record implementation is now fully implemented in most of the Dickinson medical clinics.
– A new 340B Pharmacy Program was implemented as a cost saving initiative that allowed DCH System to purchase outpatient pharmaceuticals at government / pre-negotiated rates. Additionally, DCH System entered into a retail pharmacy agreement locally that contributed to the positive financial impact of the 340B program.
– New Community Support Initiatives were successfully undertaken as members of the community came forward in new and exciting ways to support the Radiation Oncology Department at Dickinson Memorial Hospital; funds raised were donated toward the technology upgrade that was accomplished in November. The Race For A Cure event at Norway Speedway in August raised over $10,000 through the selling of laps, T-shirts, and 50/50 tickets. The Bras For A Cause event raised over $5,000 through the selling of T-shirts and custom decorated bras.
An in-depth Strategic Planning initiative assessed the following operational highlights of DCH System:
– DCH System is a very efficient, low-cost, high quality hospital/healthcare system.
The majority of DCH System's commercial insurance reimbursements are between 8 percent and 20 percent below the reimbursement levels of other Upper Peninsula (UP) hospitals.
– DCH System's Medicare inpatient reimbursement levels are on average $525 per Medicare discharge or $1 million annually less than the other U.P. and Wisconsin hospitals in the region. If DCH System were reimbursed at the average Medicare Inpatient DRG payment rate of $8,682 per Medicare discharge, DCHS would realize a reimbursement increase of $3.9 million annually in Medicare inpatient reimbursements.
– Patients with Medicare and other commercial insurances represent approximately 75 percent of DCH System's overall hospital utilization. If DCHS' reimbursement levels for these two patient classifications were paid at the average of the other hospitals in the region, reimbursements would increase $2 to $5 million annually.
– DCH System is a very efficient hospital. In 2012, DCH System's combined inpatient & outpatient "cost per discharge"/patient treated was $5,444, which was $2,053 or 27.4 percent less costly (per patient treated) than the east-north central state average for hospitals under 100 beds and $3,195 or 58.7 percent less costly than hospitals with total net revenues of $60 million to $99.9 million annually. DCH System had net revenues before expenses of $84.3 million in 2012.
– DCH System has a positive contribution margin on all of its inpatient and outpatient "patient care" service lines and, therefore, does not have the ability to discontinue any of these service lines to improve its financial performance.
– DCH System scores better than the national average and its regional competitors in almost of every quality measure that was compared.
– DCH System has lower reimbursements and higher quality levels than the national average and its regional competitors.
– DCH System's 2012 bottom-line after capital contributions and a contribution from the Dickinson County Hospital Foundation of $185,000 was $21,700, which was a $1,660,934 improvement over its 2011 bottom-line.
"All across the country, hospitals are struggling with the formulas and methodologies that determine reimbursement for their services," Schon told the Dickinson County Healthcare System Board of Trustees. "As we move through 2013, we will investigate and pursue every possible avenue available to us to try to improve some of the reimbursement inequities found through our strategic planning process. We were very aggressive and creative throughout 2012 as we sought ways to curb expenses and enhance revenue streams, and the improvement to our bottom line was the result of that collective energy. I am confident we will be successful in the coming year as well."
In other business:
– A review of the November 2012 financial report showed the health care system had $7,094,788 in total operating revenue, while expenses totaled $7,229,144, resulting in an operating loss of $134,356. After the addition of interest expense and other net non-operating items, the bottom line loss for the month totaled $148,605. Year-to-date through Nov. 30, DCH System experienced operating income of $959,580 and a total bottom line income of $123,072. This compares to a loss of $2,077,511 at the end of November 2011.
– A review of the December 2012 financial report showed the health care system had $6,635,200 in total operating revenue and expenses totaling $6,737,186 that resulted in a total operating loss of $101,986. After the addition of interest expense and other net non-operating items, the bottom line loss for the month totaled $286,913. Year-to-date through Dec. 31, DCH System experienced operating income of $857,594 and received a $185,000 contribution from the Dickinson County Hospital Foundation for a total bottom line $21,700. This compares to a loss of $1,639,234 at the end of December in 2011.
– Board education included a re-cap of DCH System's annual contributions to the Medical Care Access Coalition (MCAC). The combined clinic and hospital services totaled 308 patient visits, which equaled a financial contribution of $74,922.


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Steve 'Necro' Kaltenbach has been named General for The Horde at Living Legends 6. Necro has been playing for over a decade and in that time has developed an outstanding reputation within the scenario community. He is the founder of SAS Worldwide Club and recently came on board Social Paintball, the leader in paintball media. Necro victoriously commanded the Reapers at Living Legends 4 under the Duke and more recently commanded the Vandals for the Horde at Living Legends 5. Now, in 2013, he heeds the call to command The Horde at Living Legends 6.
Andre 'Wolf' Critchlow has answered the call to lead the New Empire in 2013. Wolf's paintball career began back in 1996 and in that short time he has become one of the most well known personalities within the sport. Bringing more than good looks and charm to the world of YouTube, Wolf is a hardened commander with many battles under his belt, including West Point, Wasaga Beach, and a victory at Living Legends 4.
XO'ing for Wolf and the New Empire will be 'Roughneck" of Cobra Woodsball. LL6 will mark the third time he has brought Cobra Woodsball to Living Legends and he is eager to take on the role of XO. Quick-witted and quick on the trigger, Roughneck and Wolf have the skill and experience to lead the New Empire to victory at Living Legends 6.
'Necro's' XO will be 'Kaz" of Visual Reviews fame. Kaz has been playing paintball for over 20 years, running the gambit from tournament to scenario, and will be implementing all that experience as XO. Kaz is a veteran of Living Legends 4 and 5 and is confident his command staff has what it takes to bring a victory home for The Horde at Living Legends 6.Living Legends has become the must-attend scenario event since it's inception in 2008.
Living Legends 6 will be taking place at CPX Sports May 17-19. To learn more about Living Legends 6, visit www.cpxsports.com and www.livinglegendsofpaintball.com. For more information on Viper Paintball, please visit www.viperpaintball.com.
Edited by Sean Scott, 22 January 2013 - 01:36 PM.


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View Anam Cara? in a larger map
I am back in the office after the first real extended period of rest I've had since we started producing SOF weekly six years ago. Esther Sternberg's analogy of a "reboot" was completely apt. I had to shut down, in every way. My dear colleagues created the space in our collective work life for me to be able to do so. They changed my email password (at my request), so I could break the habit of email; it took me weeks to stop trying to log in, compulsively, practically in my sleep. I called this my email sabbatical.
And I went back to a magical place, the Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat, where I had gone once before, three summers ago, when I was finishing my book. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever experienced, but I was a crazy person on deadline.
This time, I was able to soak up the beauty, to read as much as write, and write what gave me pleasure. I spent lots of time in a hammock on a little island that the locals call "fairies' island" and that does feel utterly enchanted. I have always been drawn to islands and craggy places where you feel like you are on the edge of the world; and as you can see on this map, the Beara Peninsula qualifies.
I also enjoyed the friendship and cooking of the visionary owner/director of Anam Cara, Sue Booth-Forbes.
Sue never met John O'Donohue, but [S]he named her retreat after his [John O'Donohue's] book, Anam Cara, Gaelic for "soul friend." I learned about him from her, and this time was able to tell her all about the wonderful conversation I had with him, back in Minnesota, before his untimely passing.
I thought of him there, felt his spirit, and was differently attuned to the meaning and working of beauty, especially in that place — recalling his observation that the Greek word for "beauty" is the same word for "calling," for example, and that a defining quality of beauty is that we feel more alive in its presence. I have spent time since pondering a wonderful statement he made, so true for me right now, that beauty isn't all about "nice, loveliness like" but a "kind of homecoming for the enriched memory of your unfolding life."


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On a morning, sharp with winter, fresh with cold, I rise and walk on mesa paths,
red with longing-mine, red with loving-mine.
In slivers of air, here and there, smells of sage come and go. But their memory always lingers.
Bluejays dart through juniper without even a hello. But ravens stop and chat.
From the tops of topmost branches, they say: one day, you'll understand our conversation.
And it maddens me. By which I mean, it gladdens me beyond belief. Or rather, into it.
For I do believe.
I believe in the trinity of piñon, sage and juniper.
I believe in the holy ghosts that live in yellow plains, drained of green but not of life.
I believe in lavas that bind mesas so they do not yield, not easily, not yet.
I believe in rocks that I know by name but that don't know me, not now, not yet.
(One day, they will.)
I believe in birdsong that persists through winter and heartsong that keeps the land beating through droughts, rains, snows, love, loss, betrayal.
I believe in immenseness, space and a spirit I have found again, by another name,
in another guise.
I believe. Finally, I believe.
Shebana Coelho is a writer and documentary producer. Her work has been broadcast on National Public Radio, The Discovery Channel, and BBC Radio Four. She received a 2007 Fulbright grant to Mongolia to experience and record life in nomadic communities. Shebana was born in Bombay, India and is currently living in geographical limbo.


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>Runner's World - My Event Ratings>
In short: Smashing course and super marshalsIn full: This is a low-key classic. (Lower key than I'd expected, in fact - it starts in a car park with a 'ready steady go', and there probably weren't more than 200 runners.) A smashing course (doubtless even better on a clear day), hard but not sadistic, with fabulous marshals who seemed oblivious to the horizontal rain. No signposting problems, and excellent cake at the end.Date of review: October 13, 2013
In short: Here's to the next 30 years of the race!In full: Super race - nice mix of open views and woodland, and no two kilometres the same, so it stays interesting. Excellent organisation - super marshals and route marking, and it was great to have markers every km. The sold-out 600 capacity meant it felt buzzy but not too big. Date of review: June 24, 2013
In short: Lovely course, excellent attention to detailIn full: Lovely course, excellent attention to detail (the jelly beans and sports drinks, and the cakes and brass band at the end were particularly welcome touches), nice email communication, and very friendly marshals and helpersDate of review: July 7, 2008
In short: Smoothly run race in a brilliant spotIn full: Knowle Park was great - verdant, hilly but smooth enough for road shoes; mainly grass underfoot, with tarmac paths. Trouble-free organisation - good parking, no problem with numbers, decent changing - and cheerful marshals.Date of review: May 11, 2008
In short: Very generously organised event on a cracking cross-country courseIn full: Well marked and marshalled course with a nice T-shirt and free food and beer at the end. Tough climbs, some seriously uneven surfaces underfoot, mostly deep in woodland with a few wide views. Date of review: September 13, 2005
In short: A smashing race, with a real sense of achievement. The spring scenery is gloriousDate of review: August 26, 2004
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Giant sequoias, waterfalls, and welcoming trails
4/16-4/21, 5/25-5/30, 10/15-10/20, 10/26-10/31
Click on a date to reserve your space
|Trip Length
|6 days/5 nights
|Group Size
|Fresno, California
|From $3,250 to $3,650
|If you have questions about this journey or would like to receive a detailed trip brochure, call 800-445-2995 or click here.
Day 1 (Fresno, Yosemite National Park) Get to know your traveling companions on the 2-hour drive to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, one of our nations most cherished landscapes, featuring towering cliffs, expansive vistas, abundant waterfalls and important wildlife habitat. Accommodations for the next two nights are at the classic Wawona Hotel, cradled between the majestic Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias and Yosemite Valley. The Victorian hotel complex was built in the 1870s and is a National Historic Landmark.
Day 2 (Yosemite National Park) Walking among the giant sequoias of the Mariposa Grove is a soul-stirring experience. This is the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite, with some 500 trees. One of those trees, the famous Grizzly Giant, is 209 feet tall, has a diameter of 25.5 feet, and is probably around 2,000 years old. This afternoon are joined by a historian for a tour of the Pioneer History Center, which is on the grounds of the hotel. Our historical interpreter will tell us about the rich history of the park, and point out key features of the Wawona Hotel.
Day 3 (Yosemite National Park) This morning we make our way into the heart of Yosemite Valley for a look at El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Peak, and other iconic and breathtaking natural attractions. Our guide will lead us on some amazing hikes, that might include Glacier Point, Bridalveil Fall, and Lower Yosemite Falls. We may visit some of John Muirs favorite spots, mentioned in his journals, as we find our own favorite spot to pause and enjoy the view.
Day 4 (Yosemite National Park) Conditions and our guides sense of serendipity dictate where we explore and hike today, all still within the park. One possibility is the Hetch Hetchy Valley, where a controversial dam in 1925 raised the ultimately futile objections of John Muir and others from the budding conservation movement. Another option would take us up the Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows, with its great views of the Cathedral Range. This is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada, and we could enjoy any number of hikes in this gorgeous part of the park.
Day 5 (Yosemite National Park) Most of this day is dedicated to hiking and valley exploration. "Guide's choice" trails might include the "mist trail" to Vernal Falls, Muir Trail, Mirror Lake, or Cook's Meadow. Later we can drop by the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and you can also stop in at the Ansel Adams Gallery. Last thing this afternoon is a delightful private tour of the distinguished Ahwahnee Hotelfollowed by a festive farewell dinner at the Ahwahnees famous dining room.
Day 6 (Fresno for departures home) Catch breakfast at the hotel and shuttle to the airport for connections home.
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Off The Beaten Path
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Bozeman, Montana 59715
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by Anton Shilov
Tizen Association, an industry consortium that supports the development of an open source Tizen software platform and operating system, has announced that it had been joined by fifteen additional members. The new members will contribute to Tizen's eco-system, but the question is whether they will be able to finally bring Tizen-based products to market in foreseeable future.
Intel Corp. and Samsung Electronics, two companies who developed Tizen, established the Tizen Association along with 34 other members in November, 2014. With the new companies who joined the organization, Tizen platform can boast support from as many as 49 companies worldwide, quite a lot for a software that has not really made it to the market.
"The Tizen Platform represents the best green field opportunity in the connected device space that we've seen. It is a dynamic platform that allows us to capitalize on our deep skills in creating hybrid applications, and gives commercial software teams like ours an innovative new palette of tools and techniques to work with," said Chuck Shotton, chief technology officer of DynAgility.
The newest members include mobile game publishers, operators, application developers, mobile software management vendors and major telecommunications companies. New members have the potential to join relevant Tizen Association Working Groups and to participate in Tizen Association meetings, giving them more access, insight and input into the development of the Tizen OS.
Among the members of the Tizen Association there are Huawei, Samsung and ZTE. However, none of them except Samsung has announced plans to make Tizen based smartphones. Moreover, even Samsung has delayed its Tizen-powered handset for a number of times.
Tizen has a lot of similarities with Mozilla's FireFox OS. Both are are standards-based, cross-architecture software operating systems for various devices. Both platforms leverage the robustness and flexibility of HTML5 which is rapidly emerging as a preferred application environment for mobile applications. However, since the two are still different, they cannot run the same software.
Late last year a high-ranking executive from Samsung called Mozilla to cooperate with Tizen to ensure software compatibility. Since both FireFox OS and Tizen are based on HTML5, Mozilla, Intel and Samsung can cooperate on the platform and software development tools level to ensure that once HTML5 application is written, it can run on both platforms.