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The Importance Of Character Customization
A topic that most people discuss when a new MMORPG is released is how flexible the character customization system is. Sure, everyone likes being able to look unique, grotesque, beautiful, weird or different but actually just how important is it to a game? Is it only aesthetic fluff or does it provide a deeper dimension to the player's experience?
I think the answer lies in role playing. MMORPGs are (well, should be) first and foremost role playing games, something we often forget and overlook. Personally, the way my character looks is incredibly important to how I perceive him, how I want others to perceive him and how much I engage with him and thus the game. Being able to uniquely design my character within a MMO gives me the ability to identify myself as an individual, different from everyone else, and being able to customise my avatar to a high degree allows me to undertake the role play that I wish to pursue.
I know role playing is almost a dirty word now and one needs to look hard to find it many of the most popular MMORPGs (*cough* WoW *cough*) but, consciously or not, we all undertake it to some degree. Those moments that you spend choosing your race, face, hair, colour, build, gender and name all play a part of you creating your online persona. Even if you introduce with words like "yo, wassup dawg" instead of "hail, fine adventurer", you're still being perceived as a character and a role.
After playing a game like Age of Conan which allows a tremendous degree of customization, it's difficult for me to strongly engage with my character in say, World of Warcraft. I loved walking into a tavern in AoC and being referred to as an "old man" by strangers that I met within. They could see my character, my role, and interact with it. Of course this type of role playing has a lot more to do with a game's culture and environment but having that huge degree of character customization helped tremendously. I mean, when was the last time you actually studied someone's face in WoW? Probably never at all because, honestly, they are so similar and hard to make out that they have almost no meaning.
It's worth noting that I also think customization shouldn't just be sliders for every dimension of an avatar's face (no one really cares if your cheekbones are slightly higher up than someone elses) but rather it should be about bigger factors like age, weight, hairstyles, expression etc. We should be able to create any sort of character from a strapping young male with numerous scars to an doddery old man with a limp. Some games come close but none have yet to offer me the full features and flexibility that I desire.
So character customization is important and a very valuable part of any MMORPG, one that shouldn't be overlooked or merely appreciated for it's fluff value. Being able to craft a role for yourself in these games is highly important and can have a massive impact on the enjoyment that we, and the people that we interact with, get out of them.
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Marquette man faces meth lab charges
MARQUETTE – A Marquette man was arraigned Monday on two counts of operating and maintaining a methamphetamine laboratory.
Gregory Retaskie Jr., 22, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Marquette County District Court at 10:45 a.m. Feb. 11. The felony charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Marquette City Police arrested Retaskie Monday on an outstanding meth lab warrant, after they were called to 2218 Presque Isle Ave. at 12:10 a.m. on a report of an assault in progress.
When police arrived, they were directed to an upstairs apartment. They discovered a 19-year-old female who was in medical distress and in need of immediate medical care.
Police said Retaskie was also in the room and is the woman's boyfriend. Police said Retaskie told them the woman had stopped breathing at one point and needed to be revived by him. Marquette General Hospital EMS personnel attended to the woman and took her to the hospital for treatment. No new information was available from police on her condition.
Police said the assault complaint was unfounded and was determined to have been Restaskie's attempt to revive his girlfriend.
Police said suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the room in plain sight. They immediately cleared the residence for safety and called the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team for assistance.
A search warrant was sought for the residence, which was authorized by the Marquette County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and a judge of the Marquette County District Court.
UPSET personnel arrived at the residence and police searched the residence, finding meth lab components in the bedroom and seized those items for evidence and safety.
Police said Retaskie had a valid arrest warrant out for him from a previous investigation for operating and maintaining a meth lab. He was arrested on that warrant and lodged in the Marquette County Jail.
He was also jailed for the meth components police found in the residence. Court staff said Retaskie was arraigned Monday on that matter for the second meth lab charge.
John Pepin can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.

subset: commoncrawl


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Krauty McKraut Playlist (11/02)
November 02, 2006 06:59AM
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Posts: 351
The Sperm- "Heinäsirkat ('Locusts)" Shh! 1970
Christian Yoga Church- "part 6" Turn On! Music For The Hip At Heart 1967
The Inside Of The Outside Or The Outside Of The Inside- "Konjugationen" Who Are They? Where Do They Come From? Why Are They Here 1965
Parameter- "Odyssey" Galactic Ramble 1971
Frolkhaven- "Zonation of Galactic Comoidal Entities" At The Apex Of High 1973
Roots Of Madness- "The Old Man's Ass" The Girl In The Chair 1971
Chocolate Watch Band- "In The Past" The Inner Mystique 1968
Peepl- "Please Take My Life" (1968) V.A. Buzz Buzz Buzzzzzz
Challengers- "The Challengers Take A Ride On The Jefferson Airplane" (1968)
V.A. Buzz Buzz Buzzzzzz
Pink Floyd- "Interstellar Overdrive" Live In San Francisco 1966
N.S.U.- "On The Road/Stoned" Turn On Or Turn Me Down 1970
Blackfeather- "The Rat" At The Mountains Of Madness 1971
Serge Franklin- "Exister" Les grands vents /Exister 1970
Blues Addicts- "Hailow" S/T 1970
Bunalimlar- "Ask Senin Bildigin Gibi Degil" Cigrism/Bunalimlar (split) 1969-72
New Dawn- "It's Time" (There's A) New Dawn 1969
Earthen Vessel- "You Can" Hard Rock Everlasting Life 1971
Master's Apprentices- "Games We Play part 2" A Toast To Panama Red 1971
Damin Eih, A.L.K. & Brother Clark- "Tourniquet" Never Mind 1973
Jake Holmes- "Leaves Never Break" A Letter To Katherine December 1969
The Unfolding- "Girl From Nowhere" How To Blow Your Mind And Have A Freakout Party 1968
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PowerColor, a maker of graphics cards that is owned by Tul Corp., said Wednesday that it did not manufacture AGP version of ATI Radeon HD 4770 graphics cards and that its listing at Amazon.com was a mistake by the online store.
"Amazon made a mistake in posting AGP on our ATI Radeon HD 4770 graphics card. There is no AGP version," said Gene Chi, a marketing manager for Tul Corp.
On Tuesday it was reported that Amazon.com sells ATI Radeon HD 4770 graphics card for Accelerated Graphics Port bus.
ATI Radeon HD 4770, which is powered by ATI RV740 graphics processing units (GPUs), features 640 stream processors, 32 texture units, 16 render back ends and 128-bit GDDR3/GDDR4/GDDR5 memory controller. ATI, graphics business of Advanced Micro Devices, recommends its partners among graphics cards makers to clock the chip at 750MHz and install 512MB of GDDR5 memory at 3200MHz.
Tags: PowerColor, ATI, Radeon, AMD, 40nm, RV740, AGP


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Elegant colors and a discreet flower patter in combination with the optical LED sensor with 800 dpi resolution makes Blossom the perfect mouse for anyone wanting to add some style to the office.
Three buttons including the scroll function make for easy handling. The rubber coating makes this product look and feel great. Because of the Plug & Play function, complicated installation is not necessary and Blossom is ready to use in an instant.


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Topic: :onChange issue
I'm taking my first steps in JavaScript.
I adapted a line of code written by danger that I found elsewhere in the Forum, changing it to this:
Advert Format: <%= select_tag :advertformat, options_for_select(["","mediumrectangle","verticalrectangle"]), :onChange => remote_function(:url => 'advertformat') %>
I have two rjs files (mediumrectangle.rjs and verticalrectangle.rjs) and I need the one that is selected to be loaded. What do I need to write in place of the last 'advertformat' in this line of code to make this happen?


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Main Content
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Looking for a bag that's big enough to fit all your necessities, but small enough for you to carry on the plane? Say no more with the Overhead 42L luggage bag from Dakine. With its large main expandable compartment and exterior organizer pockets, there is plenty of room for your belongings. This bag also features rubber and embroidered brand logos, replaceable urethane wheels and a retractable handle, so you can get in and out of the airport in a jiffy!
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Human Resources Committee on Oct. 25th, 2011
Evidence of meeting #7 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was employers.
A recording is available from Parliament.
On the agenda
MPs speaking
Also speaking
- Jonathan Beddoes Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba
- Peter Idahosa President, Alberta International Medical Graduates Association
- Pam Nordstrom Director, School of Nursing, Mount Royal University
- Joan Atlin Director of Programs, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council
- Thomas Tam Chief Executive Officer, SUCCESS
3:30 p.m.
The Chair Ed Komarnicki
I call this meeting to order.
We have presenters from the University of Manitoba, the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association, and Mount Royal University. The presentations are to be between five and ten minutes, and then there will be rounds of questioning of five minutes. We ask you to respect that time if you can and not read overly quickly, because it's a bit difficult for the interpreters.
We'll start with the University of Manitoba and Professor Jonathan Beddoes. Go ahead.
3:30 p.m.
Professor Jonathan Beddoes Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba
Thank you very much.
Mr. Chair, honourable members of the committee, thank you for giving me the opportunity to present to you this afternoon.
About ten years ago Manitoba embarked on a strategy to increase immigration to Manitoba from the then current 3,000 to 10,000 immigrants annually by 2007, with a deliberate focus on professionals. To assist this endeavour, Manitoba was the first province to introduce the provincial nominee program of Citizenship and Immigration Canada to target and fast-track immigrants who hold qualifications in high demand. The 2007 target of 10,000 new immigrants was achieved with about 70% through the provincial nominee program, and in 2010 nearly 16,000 immigrants came to Manitoba.
As part of this endeavour Manitoba Labour and Immigration alerted professions to the new immigration strategy and encouraged the development of licensing pathways for new Canadians. The engineering profession was singled out as being punitive to internationally educated applicants. Consequently, the University of Manitoba and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba began to consider ways to encourage applications from internationally educated engineers.
Provincial engineering regulators have always provided a pathway for internationally educated engineers to become registered as professional engineers in Canada through the completion of confirmatory technical exams assigned by the provincial regulator. This pathway often requires three to five years and has a high attrition rate, due to the fact that it tends to be completed in isolation, with little or no support from or contact with other engineers. Given the problems of this process, some internationally educated engineers chose to repeat the entire four-year engineering program at a Canadian university at considerable cost, or leave the profession altogether
Many engineering immigrants to Canada face several challenges. First, many are not familiar with the concept of a regulated profession and the legal requirement for registration to practise the profession, since in many countries the university degree in engineering confers both the right to title and practise. Second, once they understand what the licensing and registration process entails, they often find it punitive and may not have the financial wherewithal to spend three to five years getting their qualifications recognized. Third, without professional recognition, finding an engineering job becomes extremely difficult, but because Canadian engineering experience is required for licensure there's a chicken-and-egg paradox. Fourth, language and communication abilities are frequently insufficient.
The internationally educated engineers qualification program at the University of Manitoba is designed to address these challenges. The objective is to provide an alternative process of equal validity and rigour to the confirmatory exams, but with a higher completion rate in a one- to two-year timeframe. In addition to confirming academic qualifications, additional objectives are to incorporate a labour market component that provides critical assistance in finding that first engineering job, and provide language development and cultural orientation for participants.
The IEEQ program at the University of Manitoba is operated in close collaboration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, the provincial regulator. To enter into the program the engineering background of participants is first assessed by the provincial regulator to identify the engineering disciplines in which confirmatory exams are required. But instead of undertaking these exams, participants take corresponding senior-level undergraduate courses at the University of Manitoba. Successful completion of the normally four to ten courses required is used to confirm their technical background.
In addition to these course requirements, the program contains four additional important elements. First, a co-op work experience term in a local engineering industry gives Canadian engineering experience and helps build a professional network. Second is orientation to the culture of Canada and the culture of professional engineering in Canada. Third is professional networking opportunities within the university and the engineering community. Fourth is development of English language and communication skills. All components of the program are critical to participants gaining professional recognition and success in the Canadian engineering workplace.
The IEEQ program was introduced on a pilot scale in 2003, with up to 12 participants annually and funding from the Province of Manitoba. The program became permanent in 2007. This permanency has allowed enrolment to climb to 35 to 40 participants each year. Concurrently, the University of Manitoba approved an associated post-baccalaureate diploma that provides graduates with an academic credential, in addition to the professional credential.
IEEQ program participants have arrived from 30 countries, the top five being the Philippines, Ukraine, India, China, and Pakistan. Participants are generally between 30 and 45 years old and usually have spouses and children. About 25% are women.
All participants have a previous bachelor-level engineering degree from their country of origin, with three to twenty years of engineering experience prior to arrival in Canada, but rarely do they have any Canadian engineering experience. There are currently 45 participants enrolled in the program. All 86 graduates to date have registered with the provincial regulator as engineers in training. About 90% of the graduates have developed engineering careers, most often facilitated by the co-op work experience component of the program. Through a one- to two-year investment in the program, graduates move from low-paying jobs to engineering positions, resulting in a huge impact on the well-being of the participant and their family. Furthermore, the tax advantage to Manitoba and Canada is significant, with the government investment in funding the program paid back by participants in three or four years as they move from a low to a higher level of income and taxation.
Many immigrant agencies serve and offer support to internationally educated engineers, most often in the form of language and communication development, cultural training, professional job shadowing, or volunteer opportunities. Rarely, though, do these initiatives meet the licensing requirements as does the IEEQ program at the University of Manitoba.
The success of this program at the University of Manitoba has spawned several similar programs elsewhere. Ryerson University in Toronto began a bridging program a few years ago. In 2010 the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan began collaborating to provide a similarly structured program that includes cultural orientation and co-op work experience. In Manitoba beginning in 2008, the agrology profession also established the internationally educated agrologists program, a partnership between the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists, which was modelled after the IEEQ program.
In 2009 there were 155 applications to the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba from internationally educated engineers. There were nearly 2,000 such applications to Professional Engineers Ontario. Nationally 36% of applicants for professional engineering licensure in 2009 were immigrant engineers. For these immigrant engineers to realize their full potential and fully contribute their skills to the well-being of the Canadian industry and society there must be an expeditious, efficient, and effective process so they can become professional engineers in Canada. However, the program at the University of Manitoba accepts about 30 new participants each year, only a fraction of the 155 applicants. Likewise, the capacity at Ryerson is only a small fraction of the nearly 2,000 applicants.
It is clear that the success of the Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Program at the University of Manitoba provides real benefits to the individual, the engineering profession, the province of Manitoba, and Canada. It more than halves the time for internationally educated engineers to enter the Canadian engineering profession. Accordingly, governments at all levels should endeavour to make resources available to allow this and analogous programs to expand to meet the existing and growing demand.
Mr. Chair, thank you very much for the opportunity to present this program to the committee this afternoon.
3:35 p.m.
The Chair Ed Komarnicki
Thank you for that presentation.
Go ahead, Dr. Idahosa.
3:35 p.m.
Dr. Peter Idahosa President, Alberta International Medical Graduates Association
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Honourable members of the committee, it's a special privilege to be here to give this presentation, because sitting before you is a true product of today's topic. I'm a physician currently working in the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, the Peter Lougheed Centre, as well as the Rockyview General Hospital under a special licence, a "supervised licence", despite the fact that I was trained as a family physician and have between 14 and 16 years of experience as a family physician in South Africa.
The Alberta International Medical Graduates Association that I represent is a manifestation of what exactly is going on today. We consist of doctors trained or educated in countries other than Canada. It includes individuals and organizations interested in the various challenges facing international medical graduates in Alberta. The most challenging obstacle is having our members' foreign qualifications recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. It's a similar situation across Canada.
It is well publicized that within Canada there is a huge shortage of family physicians. Approximately five million Canadians do not have access to family physicians, which is very sad. International medical graduates account for only approximately 25% of physicians in Canada. Despite the growing physician shortages, IMGs continue to be an underutilized resource by the strained Canadian medical system.
Addressing this perennial dilemma has been an uphill battle. The sole reason is due to the provincial regulatory bureaucracy constantly devising various means, in a selective and biased manner, to limit recognition of the foreign qualifications of several immigrants who have settled in Canada.
The general misperception and misinformation in the public is that these IMGs have inferior knowledge and skills compared to graduates of Canadian medical schools. However, a direct comparison study done by Andrew Moran compared 24 IMGs with 21 Canadian medical graduates in a family practice residency program in 2006 and 2008 at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. It showed that IMGs and Canadian graduates had similar results in evaluation reports. The results of these in-hospital training evaluation reports indicated that IMGs are seen by their teachers as competent physicians. Consequently, in clinical practice there are no valid statistics at the moment to show that IMGs are not proficient in patient care.
The Canadian government's pan-Canadian framework for the assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications shows that within one year an individual will know whether their qualifications will be recognized, be informed of the additional requirements necessary for registration, or be directed toward related occupations that are commensurate with their skills and experience.
For IMGs, the assessment and recognition process can take many years--sometimes from 10 to 15 years. There may be cases where it is not appropriate or practical to come to a licensing decision within one year. However, exceptions should exist, such as where an IMG, as a newcomer, requires an extended practice-based or workplace-based component to their registration process to continue. The foreign qualification recognition process may seem fair, transparent, and timely, but it is inconsistent across Canada, and marred by bureaucratic bottlenecks.
My first recommendation is to have a simplified system of assessment. It should be realized that cases involving well-known qualifications should be treated in a simpler way. If the recognition authority reaches the conclusion that recognition cannot be granted in accordance with the applicant's request, alternative or partial recognition should be considered to facilitate integration of IMGs into the Canadian medical system. Recognition bodies should take an active role in specifying the steps needed to be taken by IMGs through clear, coherent, objective, and unambiguous pathways, to enable them to get their qualifications recognized.
My second recommendation is standardization. The ruling medical authorities, as well as the provincial bodies, should consider forming a partnership with the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada, national information centres, and other assessment agencies. These centres should publicize standardized information on the processes, procedures, and criteria of the assessments used for foreign qualifications for specific professions, especially foreign-trained physicians. This information should automatically be given to all, as well as any persons making preliminary inquiries about the assessment of their foreign qualifications. This currently does not exist.
Third is timelines. The untimely process in the evaluation of qualifications causes a delay in IMGs entering the medical system. In addition, this slow process causes IMGs to have further distance from their medical skills. A specified timeline should be given to applicants and adhered to by all regulatory bodies. Applications should be processed as promptly as possible, and the processing time should not exceed three months.
Fourth is educational credits. Each academic year of study, as recognized by the official designated authority in the country of origin, should be granted as at least one academic year of recognition within Canada. That doesn't exist now.
Fifth is the availability of recognized funding for clinical transition programs. The current limited opportunities for foreign-trained doctors to obtain clinical experience through recognized externship, hands-on hospital experience, and continuing medical education programs for IMGs to complete any theoretical or clinical skills deficits have to be addressed. These CME programs will help IMGs become familiar with the Canadian medical system and gain educational credits, while maintaining their certification. This could be achieved through more funding, either as grants or loans directly to IMGs. Most of these IMGs are either permanent residents or citizens at the moment.
Seven, a one-stop shop for foreign qualification recognition is highly advocated. It would be helpful to deal with one regulatory body, and for applicants to understand the full menu of options from the onset. The application procedures should be expedited. There should be a single enhanced written test, and one practical clinical examination instead of the current myriad of multiple tests that are so varied and confusing. At the end of the day, they do not guarantee a licence or recognition of qualifications.
Increasing the residency training positions, or having well-defined practice assessment programs to avoid backlog, with the aid of clarity of direction from this one-stop centre would be most helpful.
Finally, a pre-qualified pool system, whereby applicants are pre-screened and pre-qualified by the regulatory authority before immigrating to Canada, would be an added advantage. We recommend advancing the timing of foreign qualification recognition in the immigration process.
With this and the many other recommendations I've handed in, I want to thank you for your time for listening. I look forward to a very fruitful deliberation today.
Thank you.
3:45 p.m.
The Chair Ed Komarnicki
Thank you, Dr. Idahosa.
We will move to Ms. Nordstrom. Go ahead with your presentation, please.
3:45 p.m.
Dr. Pam Nordstrom Director, School of Nursing, Mount Royal University
I believe you have copies of my presentation.
3:45 p.m.
The Chair Ed Komarnicki
All right. Go ahead.
3:45 p.m.
Director, School of Nursing, Mount Royal University
Mr. Chair and honourable members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to tell you what we've observed regarding assessments of internationally educated nurses.
I'm here as director of the School of Nursing at Mount Royal University in Calgary. One of my responsibilities is to work with internationally educated nurses. I do want to clarify, though, that I'm not here representing the Alberta nursing regulators.
Over the past six years we've taken some good directions based on the recommendations that were described in a document called "Navigating to Become a Nurse in Canada". However, we're clearly experiencing a nursing shortage, and our successful initiatives are being taxed by the number of people accessing our services.
Although our initiatives have been very successful in where we've come from in the last six years, we are unable to track and to speak to outcomes.
I'm going to provide you with my recommendations first and then proceed to explain why I've identified these points and how they link to the funnel that's on top of that slide.
We need to support data-sharing to improve understanding of IEN recruitment and retention patterns; we need policies to support stakeholder collaboration to improve flow through the funnel, which I'm about to explain; we need sustainable recruitment plans of international nurses; we need to build databanks of assessment tools and incorporate intelligent technologies; and we need to measure outcomes along the funnel.
Mount Royal has had considerable experience in pioneering initiatives for internationally educated nurses over the past decade. I won't take time to describe each of our studies, but I've presented the ones we've received funding for under the slide "IEN initiatives at MRU". Our learnings from these initiatives are the basis for my comments and recommendations.
What have we learned?
We've chosen to use a funnel to describe the recruitment and retention flow, at least from our perspective. The reason we want to use a funnel was that it showed that a much larger number of IENs start the process than actually end up working. However, the shape of the funnel isn't perfect, in that it doesn't show proportions, if we used the analogy "leaks", of where the leaks might be in our funnel.
The different stages in the funnel are essentially sequential. IENs, who either refer themselves or are brought through the recruitment process through a formal agency recruitment, contact the professional regulator, and if the professional regulator is unable to determine, by paper documentation, that they have the competencies to enter practice in Canada as a nurse, they'll refer them to Mount Royal, where we do an assessment of their skills and competencies. I'll speak to that in just a moment.
A report on their assessment is referred to the regulator, who then determines if they need a bridging program. And once they've completed the bridging program they move on to write the national exam and then move into the workplace.
At each phase of that funnel, IENs may choose to continue or they may to choose to step out and come back later. And certainly the push and pull factors in the context they live in are at play in terms of immigration or family needs, but we haven't identified those in the funnel specifically.
Our experience over the past five years certainly indicates that the countries of origin impact the number of people who are coming through that funnel. Currently, 75% of all internationally educated nurses who apply to our regulator, the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, are referred to us for further assessment. Just over half of those who are asked to contact us actually do. And once they've contacted us, just over half of those proceed.
Approximately 200 IENs come through each year, and we've assessed over 1,200 IENs in the past five years. Of those who are required to go through the assessment process, 70% are required to do remediation. That may sound high, but remember, the IENs who are good to go, so to speak, who have met the requirements, don't come to our assessment centre.
We've also learned that our assessment strategies must be comprehensive to reflect the complex nature of our practice. So we have a series of tests. Certainly language and communication are a challenge, and the regulator requires that all English language requirements be done prior to their assessments. Partnerships with regulators, government, and employers are essential for this process to work.
The purpose of an IEN assessment is twofold: to assess IEN competencies that aren't evident in their paper documentation to the regulator, and to provide IENs an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity for practice as a Canadian nurse. We use a constellation of tools and it takes one to four days depending on the nature of the assessments required. We've benefited greatly from our provincial government grants that fund centres in Edmonton and Calgary. The average cost, based on our studies, is about $1,000 per assessment. IENs need anywhere from one to four assessments, so it's an average of $4,500 per IEN. But the candidate does not have to bear those costs. It's important to know that we report to the regulator what our assessments are and the regulator makes a decision on what bridging is needed.
We have a program called "Bridge to Canadian nursing". Once the assessments have been done and the IEN is needed or requires some bridging, she can apply to the program. We have eight courses they can take, but they take only what they need, and they bear the cost of this tuition. We've noticed that the average course-taking has gone up over the past couple of years, but that also reflects the countries of origin from which recruitment's been occurring. Of IENs who engage in this part of the process, 95% complete their studies.
We are seeing many IENs, but because of the limited information that flows through the funnel, we can't speak definitively about the yield to the workforce or outcomes. We know there are leaks and losses within that funnel. We don't know the scope and magnitude of those losses, because of the limitations on information-sharing across the system of stakeholders, so we're unable to measure our flow-through in concrete outcomes and costs. We know IENs sometimes get lost in that funnel, and we don't know the reasons for this, although we have many anecdotal pieces of information.
In summary, I go back to the recommendations I presented at the beginning. Assessment and bridging courses are critical tools for access to the RN profession. But we need the ability to track so we can use a unique identifier that started with IENs at the beginning of the funnel and followed them all the way through. This would help us to get accurate information and a strong sense of outcomes. It would help us to understand why the IENs are leaving the system.
We need coordinated, regular engagement by all stakeholders and at all levels of the government to coordinate policy development that makes sense to those who are implementing it and actually improves the situation for IENs. We need sustainable recruitment plans so that stakeholders and resources are aligned and sufficiently nimble to be able to manage the expansion and compressions of recruitment.
The processes we've developed for assessment, at least in the western provinces and in collaboration with Nova Scotia, are serving IENs and regulators well, at least better than they were when the "Navigating to Become a Nurse in Canada" document was written in 2005. But we need to invest in databases of assessment tools and use intelligent technologies that make these tools accessible to IENs and the assessors while still maintaining security.
3:55 p.m.
The Chair Ed Komarnicki
Could I get you to wrap up as quickly as you can, perhaps with a summary?
3:55 p.m.
Director, School of Nursing, Mount Royal University
And we need to support measurements of outcomes.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity to make this presentation.
3:55 p.m.
The Chair Ed Komarnicki
Thank you.
We'll open it up to rounds of questioning. Perhaps if you've not gotten everything into your spoken portion, you can deal with it then.
We'll start with Ms. Hughes.
3:55 p.m.
Carol Hughes Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
I have a couple of questions.
This will be for anybody who wants to jump in, but this is specifically for you, Mr. Idahosa.
When I'm looking at this, it says, "In 2007, IMGs represented about 23% of the total physician workforce, a decrease of 33% from the late 1970s." There's been a decrease, and I'm wondering if you have any idea what has contributed to the decrease.
3:55 p.m.
President, Alberta International Medical Graduates Association
Thank you, Ms. Hughes.
I think the reason the decrease has been like that is because right across the border, in the U.S.... When I discussed it with a number of colleagues, most of the provincial regulatory bodies impose all these barriers and difficulty. Why do you want to sit in a place? You come to Canada. This is a home. You've got this feeling, and it's a nice place.
But do you sit, for five, ten years, trying to get a licence as a physician. You were at home working as a physician, and you come to Canada and you're driving a taxi cab or you're working at Walmart. You could go across to the U.S. and write the U.S. MLE exam, and in under a year, two years, you'd become a certified physician working in a hospital—a defined pathway.
Because of the discouragement, a lot of people have moved out. Some of them have lost dreams, fallen by the wayside and decided to do something else. I know some physicians who have given up because of what's going in. It has been very frustrating.
That is the reason the trend is falling. A lot of people are losing hope.
Thank you.
4 p.m.
Carol Hughes Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
To add to that, when they go across to the United States are they recognized in any state?
4 p.m.
President, Alberta International Medical Graduates Association
The U.S. has a standard process, one pathway; they call it the ECFMG. You put in your certificate, they assess it, then you write the exam. It's a three-stage exam. It's one pathway. Truly, that is ECFMG.
After you finish the exam, you now decide which state you have to go to. It's a clearly defined, very easy, straightforward simple process. It's not what we have here, that you go from one province to the other and it's a different ball game.


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Style Informer: Justina Blakeney
It all seems rather long ago, but there was a time, recalls Malcolm Carfrae, when he would term his aesthetic "eclectic." His weekend homes and city apartments held antiques and even—funny to imagine it now—quite a bit of color.
"But that was before I was Calvinized," says Carfrae, an Australian who has worked for a decade at Calvin Klein and is now head of global communications for the fashion brand. "It happens to everyone here. You absorb it through your pores. It's a kind of purity of vision."
Carfrae, right, and John Wattiker.
The Hamptons home Carfrae shares with John Wattiker, who works in advertising sales for Esquire magazine, is nothing if not pure. Bathed in brilliant whites and pale blues, the 1,800-square-foot classic Shingle Style house, which was built in the 1930s, serves as a much-needed refuge for Carfrae. His job entails circling the globe tirelessly; London, Milan, and Paris are regular stops for fashion shows by the brand's stable of designers. In addition, he tends to the many celebrities who wear Calvin Klein clothes on red carpets from Hollywood to Cannes to Beijing. In his rare downtime, Carfrae nurtures the nonprofit Australian Fashion Foundation, which helps young designers from Down Under get a toehold in the fiercely competitive New York fashion world.
The porcelain vases in the entryway are by Anna Sykora, and the wire drum table is by Calvin Klein Home.
Style Informer: Maxwell Ryan of Apartment Therapy


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Calendar of Classes and Events
- Inclement Weather Recording/Class Cancellation Line: 617-243-6900
- Parking and Class Locations
Childbirth Education
Whether you are expecting a baby for the first time or have other children, all parents have questions about birth and caring for their newborn. Childbirth Education classes give you the opportunity to become familiar with the choices you have and will help you make informed decisions about your labor, your birth and your baby.
Our childbirth classes follow the content and time guidelines recommended by Lamaze International and the Boston Association of Childbirth Educators. All of our instructors are certified in their area.
Registration/Info: 617-243-6649
Maternity Tours are held once or twice a week at 5:30 pm. Register at 617-243-6649.
Or please visit our maternity virtual tour.
Wellness Center
Our exercise and fitness classes are designed to accommodate various levels and abilities. Instructors are always able to suggest ways of adapting any class or workout to meet your individual needs. Please note you must pre-register to attend a class. You may also register for any class at any time during the session and the price of the class will be adjusted accordingly.
Current Schedule of Exercise, Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi Classes
Fall 2016 Session Schedule (pdf)
Winter 2017 Session Schedule (pdf)
Registration/Info: 617-243-6221
Insurance Reimbursement: Ask your insurance provider about coverage. We will provide a certificate of completion to submit to your insurance company upon request.
May 19
Non-aerobic routine of strength building exercises (standing & floor) using repetitions, resistance bands and hand weights. Focus is on using correct form for maximum strength gain and to improve posture, balance and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. For all ages with the ability to get down to and up from the floor. For more information or to register by phone, please call the Wellness Center at 617-243-6221.
Pilates mat work and gentle stretching to strengthen the core muscles, tone and increase flexibility in the back and spine. Will also improve balance, breathing, energy level and posture. All levels welcome.
Non-aerobic routine of strength building exercises (standing & floor) using repetitions, resistance bands and hand weights. For all ages with the ability to get down to and up from the floor. Focus is on using correct form for maximum strength gain to improve posture, balance and reduce risk of osteoporosis. For more information or to register by phone, please call the Wellness Center at 617-243-6221.
Aerobic class based on dance moves and includes arm and core strengthening exercises. Focus is on energy boost, improved heart function and stress reduction. For all ages and abilities, no dance experience required.
Through controlled, slow and rhythmic movements achieve a state of relaxation for your body and mind. Increase circulation, promote joint & muscle flexibility, increase strength and relieve stress. Over time, you will experience a marked improvement in concentration, range of motion and balance.
Class is a vinyasa-style yoga that is designed to meet the special needs of expectant and new mothers. This is an excellent class for all fitness levels, no experience necessary, and can be taken throughout pregnancy. Enjoy community of women, release tension, build awareness, confidence and energy with each practice. Please call the Childbirth Education Department to register at 617-243-6649.
Non-aerobic routine of stretch and strength building exercises (standing, floor). Focus is on becoming/staying active and increasing muscle strength to improve health, posture, balance and reduce risk of osteoporosis. For all ages and abilities. For more information or to register by phone, please call the Wellness Center at 617-243-6221.
A class designed to help you get breastfeeding your baby off to a good start! The class will cover the structure and function of the breast, proper latch-on and positioning, nutrition, feeding patterns, growth spurts and the pumping and storage of breast milk. Although a natural process, breastfeeding is a learned experience for both mother and baby and classes contribute to breastfeeding success. Meets once.
This is the American Heart Association course CPR for Family and Friends (Infant and Child). Class will cover CPR for the infant from birth to 1 yr of age as well as CPR for the child up to 8 years of age. In addition to teaching CPR and choke-saving skills; this three-hour class will cover the following injury prevention topics: Childproofing your home, product, fire and water safety, home safety supplies, poison prevention, how to choose and use a car seat and toy safety. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or a babysitter, this single session will provide you with the vital skills that turn a life-threatening situation into a lifesaving one. You will receive the American Heart Association CPR booklet and a class packet.
Find a Doctor
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Classes - Yoga, CPR, and more
Newton-Wellesley offers a variety of wellness center and childbirth education classes throughout the year. Learn CPR, practice yoga, prepare a sibling for a new child in the family, and more.
» Class info
2015 Top Docs ListMore than 30 Newton-Wellesley affiliated physicians made Boston magazine's annual list recognizing some of the area's best doctors.
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Hospital Ranked #11US News and World Report has ranked Newton-Wellesley Hospital 11th in Massachusetts.
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text: Home Shows & Schedule The Great Food Truck Race Nonna's Kitchenette Photos Nonna's Kitchenette Email Road Trip Snapshots: Nonna's Kitchenette Check out a collection of behind-the-scenes photos that reveals what life was like on the road for Nonna's Kitchenette while filming Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race. Thumbnails of Previous Next http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/6/27/1/XT0301_Nonnas-Kitchenette-Teamshot_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Nonna's Kitchenette Take a look at these behind-the-scenes shots of Nonna's Kitchenette's life on the road and on set. Jaclyn, Lisa and Jessica made it to the finale of The Great Food Truck Race Season 3, but ultimately fell to Seoul Sausage by a mere $103. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/8/13/1/MASK_Camera-Barbie-Babes-Nonnas-Kitchenette_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Girl Time Although Barbie Babes didn't make it past the second city of the race, they came together with Nonna's to pose for a lighthearted picture before filming began. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/8/20/1/TWIG_Team-Nonnas-Kitchenette-07_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Food Truck Fans Crowds of baseball fans flocked to the food trucks immediately after the minor-league game. The team dished out their signature meatball subs as a ballpark special that wowed the locals. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/8/20/0/TWIG_Jaclyn-Kolsby_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Pink Slips of Profit Jaclyn took a quick tally of her team's earnings during a successful selling spree in Amarillo, Texas. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/9/6/0/BOOM_Team-Nonnas-Kitchenette-Dish_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Italian-Style Sliders Jaclyn, Lisa and Jessica prided themselves on cooking tried-and-true recipes passed down by their Nonnas. "Three home cooks," one person said. The ladies' hearty meatballs and classic marinara sauce proved to be big wins with locals in cities across the country. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/8/28/2/MOPS_Chef-Jeremy-Salamon-and-Team-Nonnas-Kitchenette-03_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Truck Stop Trophy In Fayetteville, Ark., the team greeted Jeremy Solomon to pick up Randy the Razorback, a trophy worth $750. They won this mounted beast thanks to a killer Pop-Tart French toast breakfast. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/9/6/1/BOOM_Lisa-Nativo-and-Art-Institutes-Students_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg New Teammates As part of the Speed Bump in Nashville, Tenn., Lisa, the head cook of Nonna's Kitchenette, worked with two culinary school students while her teammates watched from afar. She and her new partners worked well together, and Lisa even admitted, "It's really nice for once to not be behind the grill." http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/8/20/2/TWIG_Team-Nonnas-Kitchenette-and-Team-Seoul-Sausage_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Finale-Bound At the end of a two-month road trip across the United States, Nonna's Kitchenette went head-to-head with Seoul Sausage in the final meetup. Their challenge? To survive a "multi-city race to the finish" for the chance to keep their food truck keys, Tyler said. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/9/18/1/FOWL_Team-Nonnas-Kitchenette-07_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Just Missed It Despite a Truck Stop win in Boston, Nonna's delivered earnings just short of Seoul Sausage's, which ultimately forced the ladies to turn in their keys. "The ladies of Nonna's Kitchenette can go home with their heads held high," Tyler told them. http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2012/8/13/1/MASK_Camera-Barbie-Babes_s4x3.jpg.rend.snigalleryslide.jpeg Coming up Road Trip Snapshots: Barbie Babes Check out a collection of behind-the-scenes photos that reveals what life was like on the road for Barbie Babes while filming Food... Advertisement Continue to Next Photo


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Just as an update, Cane Rosso indeed was producing a great Neapolitan pizza. The pizza bar is beautiful, with about four seats that get a great view of the oven and fire at work, and clear plastic/glass let's you see the dough work as they open and top. It's definitely tight quarters, which is impressive considering they said they get through about 200-300 dough over lunch.Their pies are huge... I asked the pizzaiolos, and they said their standard dough is 300 grams. (I don't know if they were being honest?). The pies were also very tasty, great ingredients, and beautiful to enjoy... I think I converted two co-workers to Neapolitan pizza, as they've never had it before... They liked the flavorfullness of the ingredients and how light the crust was (not overly dense like they were used to with pizza).Looking forward to going back, though I"m curious about the other pizza places on my above list... if anyone's ever tried them, please do chime in! Would hate to waste money/time in Dallas at a bad place!


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University of Rochester Medical CenterSchool of Medicine and Dentistry601 Elmwood Ave, Box 712Rochester, NY 14642
Office: (585) 275-4267
Fax: (585) 275-6007
Lab: (585) 275-1882
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Normal and cancer cells express more diversity in proteins than can be accounted for by the predicted number of expressed genomic DNA sequence. Expansion of the genomically encoded expressed sequences through alternative processing of RNA, such as mRNA editing, is a logical hypothesis for how protein diversity and variations seen as tissue-specific and regulated expression of proteins can be achieved. The specific focus of the research is to identify and characterize novel mammalian mRNA editing systems that employ a zinc-dependent deamination mechanism for the post-transcriptional conversion of cytidine to uridine at select sites within mRNAs. Computational modeling has suggested a family of mammalian enzymes known as Cytidine Deaminases Active on RNA or CDARs as responsible for C to U editing of mRNAs.
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text: February 27, 2013 STEUBENVILLE, OH—Dino Marcantonio, a New York City architect and co-founder of the Catholic Artists Society, will speak on "In the Image and Likeness of God the Artist" on Sunday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gentile Gallery at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Marcantonio's talk is part of the John Paul the Great Lecture series."In Pope John Paul II's Letter to Artists he challenges not only those who call themselves artists, but indeed all men to pursue the work of the artist in shaping their own lives, as well as the world around them," said Professor Shawn Dougherty, Franciscan University chairman of the Fine Arts Department.Marcantonio has worked on many institutional, educational, and commercial preservation projects, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Georgetown University Law Center. His architectural work has taken him to Canada, Spain, Thailand, Austria, and the Caribbean.Marcantonio is a board member of the Society for Catholic Liturgy. He also has taught at the Yale School of Architecture and the University of Notre Dame.The John Paul the Great Fine Arts Lecture series was inspired by the pontiff's participation in underground theater and playwriting during his youth in Nazi-occupied Poland. Its goal is to bring great Catholic artists to Franciscan University to reflect on a Catholic vision of the artist. Marcantonio's talk is free and open to the public, and sponsored by Franciscan University's Fine Arts Department and Fine Arts Society.


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Lamivudine and zidovudine may stop your body from making enough blood cells. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any blood disorders such as anemia or bone marrow problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: unusual bleeding or bruising; shortness of breath; pale skin; fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause muscle disorders. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease or swelling of the muscles. If you experience muscle pain or weakness, call your doctor immediately.
When used alone or in combination with other antiretroviral medication, lamivudine and zidovudine may also cause serious damage to the liver and a condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) and if you have been taking medication to treat HIV infection for a long time. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fatty and foul-smelling stools, upset stomach, extreme tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, lack of energy, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to lamivudine and zidovudine.
The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lamivudine and zidovudine are in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They work by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Although the combination of lamivudine and zidovudine does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other life-style changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.
The combination of lamivudine and zidovudine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take this medication, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Lamivudine and zidovudine controls HIV infection but does not cure it. Continue to take lamivudine and zidovudine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamivudine and zidovudine without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking lamivudine and zidovudine,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following side effects are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, or any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
Lamivudine and zidovudine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking lamivudine and zidovudine.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( Web Site) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking lamivudine and zidovudine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: October 15, 2015.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


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The end of the summer means a lot of changes for each member of your household, even your pet. With kids going back to school and moms and dads going back to work after vacation, many families' schedules completely change this time of year. And vets say it's normal for your cat or dog to exhibit some signs of depression, or back-to-school blues.
"Every time we get back from holiday, my cat, Katou, uses my bed as a litter tray for several days," Philippe Uzan, the proud owner of a Siamese, told AFP News.
Pet health experts say other signs of a depressed animal may include sulking, refusing to eat and behavior problems.
"If a dog barks incessantly or chews the furniture when it gets back from a holiday, it is showing that it is missing having company and that it has the back-to-school blues," pet behavior experts Aline Auble told the news provider.
She also says it's important to remember that he is acting out because he's missing your company.
"By playing with things that belong to his master, the dog is maintaining a contact with him. They have to relearn how to be on their own," she said.
Animal experts say that you can avoid destructive behaviors when a schedule change happens in your home by ensuring your pet is kept busy while no one is home. For dogs this may mean buying some new toys that will stimulate them throughout the day or hiding treats in different rooms of your home. New toys may also help make the transition easier for your feline friends.
Dog owners may also consider hiring a dog walker to play with their pet during the day or enrolling him in a doggie daycare program. These programs help keep canines engaged and active while their owners are at work. And, just like a childcare center, you drop him off before work and pick him up afterwards.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, proper crate training may also help you avoid destructive behaviors caused by boredom while you're away from home.
"A crate should be introduced slowly and made to be a great thing," Maria DeFillipo, of the Cumberland County SPCA, recently told the Daily Journal. "Include comfy bedding - as long as the dog won't eat it - toys, treats, lots of praise. Many dogs associate their crate as their 'home' and will go in it happily when they are tired."
Remembering to set aside some time in the morning and at night to play with your cat or dog is always important, especially when your family's schedule has changed.
"Usually most pets will adapt to the new routine after a few days," veterinarian Celine Moussour told AFP News. "But if they refuse to eat for several days or won't come out of their beds then it could be something more serious. In that case a visit to the vet is required."


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I have a large family. Yes, I have 5 children of my own, but I also have 23 nieces and nephews and 30+ great-nieces and nephews. Large.
And we've heard it all. "Don't you know what causes that?" (usually chortled with an accompanying poke in the ribs.) "Are you done now?" "Wow, you've got your hands full…" (translated: "Dear heavens, what is wrong with you people??")
It's all good. Say what you want; we like having loud family gatherings, trying to figure out how many chairs we're going to need for Thanksgiving, buying in bulk and generally holding up our end of the demographic scale, since there are so many "child-free" couples these days. And as irritating as the rude remarks can be, they don't come close to the idiocy of Zoltan Istvan, a self-described transhumanist and author, who's recently penned an article titled, "It's time to consider restricting human breeding." (more…)


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In many states, clubs and organizations are responsible for hiring the right people. A club or organization may be sued if one of its employees sexually abuses a child. When this happens, a victim must prove:
* It is very hard to prove these things
It is a good idea for an organization to conduct a background check; However, just because a background check is performed does not prevent an organization from being sued.
Check out the below cases for more information on background checks:
* This webpage does not legal advice and is intended simply to provide you with basic resources. If you find yourself amidst legal issues, consider engaging legal counsel.


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Make your mark on every steak that crosses paths with your grill by using our monogram steak branding iron! Use this single initial letter "R" to brand steaks right on your grill. Makes a great gift for friends & family - especially dads, grooms, and groomsmen! Black letter branding iron measures 12" long. Initial head measures approximately 1" tall. Branding iron weighs approximately 3.2 ounces.
Each letter branding iron sold separately.


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mhnso wrote:I agre with Mike here - Heather has made some not so clever steps in public during this process but still none of us here knows her or Paul in private. I admire Paul the artist - the private person Paul I don t know. What I do know is that he by his own free will married and had children togehter with H and divorces can be dirty business with or without money. The way some people on this board makes Paul a sait and H a witch is disgusting and extremely unintelligent.
Let s hope this is over now
the judge didn't have a bad word to say about Paul, however heather was ripped apart read the 58 pages of it the episode over the property at Thames reach, the fact that she couldn't provide bank statements when asked, the ridiculous claims for money, the lies she told etc the judge wiped the floor with her
i wouldn't call her a witch, a complete and utter bitch who lives in a world of her own a money grabbing gold digging cow who wouldn't know the truth if it hit her over the head with a baseball bat. I actually think though to be fair that she may be mentally ill and need treatment.


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The world's best hotels.Get the list.
From the U.S. State Department:
The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Republic of South Sudan and strongly recommends U.S. citizens defer all travel to the country. This replaces the Travel Warning dated July 12, 2011, updates information on security incidents, and reminds U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in the Republic of South Sudan.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to South Sudan and strongly recommends that you avoid all travel to the states in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan (Upper Nile, Unity, and Western Bar el Ghazai states in South Sudan; Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan; and the Abyei Special Administrative District). Although fighting between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) has declined since spring 2012, the potential for troop build-ups along the border and renewed fighting continues to be a legitimate threat.
You should exercise extreme caution in all areas of South Sudan. In addition to the fighting in the border region, there are at least seven rebel militia forces that frequently engage in violent clashes with SPLA forces in various areas of South Sudan; these clashes can flare up with little warning and may exacerbate ethnic tensions throughout the country, leading to further violence.
The Government of South Sudan has limited capacity to deter crime or provide security to travelers outside of the capital city of Juba.
U.S. State Department Warning


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This article, entitled Five Ways to Never Waste Food Again comes from SavingsAngel.com.
Guess how much all that food you threw in the garbage last year cost you.
According to the National Resources Defense Council, the average American household of four disposes of up to $2,275 worth of food each year. Wow is right!
Now, if you are a SavingsAngel member, you probably spent quite a bit less but chances are you too have found yourself tossing expired and unused food in the trash.
Fortunately, there a few simple ways to significantly reduce the amount of food wasted in your home.
Only buy what you'll use
This is a common pitfall among couponers and bargain shoppers. You find an incredible deal – such as the 33 cent coffee creamer deal that was available at Meijer last week – and you buy out the store. The problem is you prefer your coffee black.
Remember, it's only a bargain if you'll use it so have a plan before making a purchase. Ask yourself:
· Does my family like this food?
· Do I know how to prepare this food?
· Can I find appealing recipes for this food?
If an item is new to your family, buy one or two at the start of a sale to try it out. Then, if it's a hit, then you can head back to the store and buy more before the sale ends.
Store food properly
Spoilage is a major cause of food waste, but you can help your food last longer by storing it properly.
Dried goods such as rice, flour and pasta should be transferred to airtight plastic or glass containers to prevent bug infestation while fruits and vegetables should be stored at the right temperature and humidity to keep them fresh longer.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation (nchfp.uga.edu/how/store.html) is a great resource for learning how to store food of all types.
Rotate your pantry stock
Just like the stores do, you should stock your newest purchases in the back of the pantry, fridge or freezer and pull older items forward. It may take more time unloading groceries, but it reduces the risk of one day pulling a five year old jar of mayonnaise from the shelf.
Plan meals around what you have on-hand
What is the best way to avoid throwing out food? Eat it!
Our SavingsAngel members can boast of some impressive food stockpiles, and seasoned shoppers know the best way to save money at the supermarket is to plan meals from their pantry.
If you have spaghetti and rigatoni on the shelf, plan for one or two pasta meals this week. Or if lettuce is in the fridge, it is time to whip up a salad.
As a bonus, your shopping list will be shorter and you can focus on only buying the best deals at the stores each week which is the secret to shrinking your grocery budget.
Freeze food for a future use
Finally, despite our best efforts, there will be times when we can't eat all the food we have on-hand before it goes bad. This is where your freezer becomes your new best friend. Almost all foods can be frozen to extend their lifespan.
For example, soft bananas can be frozen in their skins (which will turn black upon freezing – don't be alarmed!) and later thawed for smoothies or used in recipes. Another option would be to make banana bread or muffins and freeze those instead.
Likewise, a food processor takes seconds to turn bread into breadcrumbs which can be frozen. Or you could make French toast with the bread, freeze that and have a breakfast option that can be microwaved on a moment's notice when needed.
Saving money on your grocery budget is about more than just combining coupons with sales. It is also about using what you buy rather than throwing $2,275 in the trash each year.
The best couponers save hundreds of dollars every month at the grocery store. However, extreme couponers can end up living very extreme lifestyles to get those savings. For over five years, SavingsAngel.com has equalized the playing field – giving extreme savings to busy families who don't have the time or ability to be an extreme couponer. Each week, SavingsAngel.com's over 70 angels combine over 2,000 products on sale at local grocery and drug stores with an enormous database of over 2000 different manufacturer coupons. These combinations result in our members getting access to over 300 products each week for 50% off or better. Simply log in, choose the deals you want, print or clip only the coupons you need, and save hundreds of dollars a month at regional and national stores. Our angels will personally work with you to craft a plan that will help you buy healthier food at lower prices – helping you keep $200 to $400 in savings each month.
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Take Your Child to the Library Day!
Category: Kids
Come celebrate the 3rd annual Take Your Child to the Library Day with us! At 10 AM Farmer Minor joins us with his Pugs and Pot Belly Pig, Dasiy in the Gallery for a storytime. The Children's Room will have a special pig-themed craft, scavenger hunt with stickers and coloring pages!


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Are You Ready To Answer The Call?
There is no overstating the importance of volunteer firefighters and EMTs in Chautauqua County.
When there is a fire in Frewsburg, it is a group of volunteers who responds. When there is a car accident in Sherman, members of the all-volunteer Stanley Hose Company are the ones responding. When a health emergency strikes an elderly person in Cassadaga, it's volunteer EMTs who are first on the scene. The county's mutual aid system also ensures the departments help each other when needed. A fire in Pomfret on Monday drew firefighters from as far south as Cassadaga.
That safety net is disappearing right before our eyes. As older volunteers step away, fewer new people are joining.
It's not as if area officials aren't trying to recruit new volunteer firefighters. Many of our area departments have junior firefighter programs while, at the same time, are looking for able-bodied retirees who want to join. The state has made tuition programs available in which students can get help with college tuition in exchange for a five-year commitment to the student's local fire department. For more information on those programs, visit fireinyou.org or www.chautcofire.org.
The centerpiece of recruiting efforts is the annual RecruitNY weekend. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMT can visit one of several fire departments hosting open houses this weekend – including Bemus Point, Celoron, Sinclairville, Cassadaga, Cherry Creek, Dewittville, East Dunkirk, Falconer, Forestville, Fredonia, Gerry, Lakewood, Mayville, Sheridan, Silver Creek, the Stanley Hose Co. in Sherman, Stockton, Sunset Bay and Westfield – to see demonstrations, meet their community's volunteers and get more information about joining a department. There are dozens of roles to be filled in each department, from interior firefighters and EMTs to ancillary support roles suitable for nearly anyone.
The declining numbers of volunteer firefighters is an ominous omen for an indispensable part of the county's public safety infrastructure. The state can help make easier to recruit new people by relaxing some of the training requirements that make it difficult for new recruits to actually begin helping, particularly for those who want to be EMTs.
Until that happens, however, help must come from within.
Are you ready to answer the call?


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Skip to comments.Live Thread: Obama Speech Uses Servicemen as Props; Bumps Limbaugh Return 11:25 A.M. EDT 6/15/10
Posted on 06/15/2010 7:30:00 AM PDT by kristinn
According to Obama's schedule for today published by the Chicago Sun-Times, Obama will be speaking in front of assembled servicemen at Pensacola Naval Air Station at 12:10 p.m. EDT.
From looking at Fox's Major Garrett reporting live from the scene, the auditorium where the speech will take place is already filled with servicemen who will be killing time for the next two hours waiting for the POTUS & TOTUS Show to begin.
Obama's speech is scheduled to start just as Rush Limbaugh returns to the airwaves at 12:05 p.m. EDT after an extended leave for his marriage and honeymoon.
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _______________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 2010
9:15AM THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing with Admiral Allen and local officials on efforts to fight the BP oil spill Pensacola Beach, Florida Travel Pool Coverage
11:10AM THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at an event with military personnel Naval Air Station Pensacola's Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida Open Press
12:15PM THE PRESIDENT departs Pensacola, Florida en route Washington, DC Naval Air Station Pensacola
I won't watch the Puke in Chief; my gag reflex can't take him.
Local radio station here no longer bumps rush for dear reader speechification.
I have never watched him finish any speech. I can only watch maybe two minutes.
I 'watched' Zero last night on the news. There he was in a restaurant/cafe (somewhere along the Gulf coast) speaking to the crowd about what he wanted to do... and even then he WAS READING FROM A #@#2$ing notebook (three-ring binder with talking point pages )of prepared remarks. So now we have to a NOTUS to TOTUS.
He is such a string puppet.
And we are on the receiving end.
I for one will not watch the liar in chief he is nothing to me and he can't open his mouth without telling some big fat lies..I have some movies to watch..and besides if I did want to watch the Muslim then I would be able to see it on the news every day for next six weeks or so..He has noting important to say except to say he is raising taxes..
Obama makes me sick. He is nothing but a cheap (actually EXPENSIVE) whore.
Is General Petraeus okay? Just saw him pass out on TV during a hearing with McCain.
correction to the above: so now we have moved from a TOTUS to a NOTUS. Notebook of the United States.
This guy makes more speeches than Heinz has pickles.
Such a dilemma - listen to Rush or listen to the butthole, listen to Rush or listen to the butthole.
Hmmmm, decision made.
I think he had a Bushwacker yesterday
Is that old windbag still on the air?
Did he reallly ?
Another DUMB MOVE by Obummer! Most in OUR military HATE the the BASTARD!
Most days it's a fill-in host. They ought to call it the "Guess Who's Filling In For Rush Today?" Show...............
When does he NOT?...............
I know, it was slightly comical though serious. (The Mccain look)
I would rather listen to a vuvuzela concert.
Wow so McCain looked the same as usual is the General ok ?
Scary yet he hoofed it out of there like nothing happened
I like to go shootin'.
Don't know if WGST in Atlanta will bump Rush for the Talking Totus. But I doubt it, and in any event will listen on line.
It would be a huge ad loss. No one wants to listen to Bambi pretend to be a leader, when they want to listen to Rush.
maybe Rush should jump onto Fox News tonight at 8 and we can let Nielsen decide....
Will they be passing cameras out again? ...like they did before at one of his speeches?
Training a puppy?
Thanks for sharing, too. If that isn't the sweetest darling dog I've seen in years! How fortunate you were to have Torey.
Shootin' Sounds GOOD!
We Have a Nice Firing Range Nearby!
Someone asked me my thoughts on the spill.
Here is my HUMBLE OPINION:
If the Lyin' King stopped partying long enough to take care of business it would be over by now.
He is very busy blaming others as he sets up his putts(oops, did I say that?!)
The DAY of the explosion, the Army Corps of Engineers should have been out there, along with the Navy and The Coast Guard, to close off the Pipe and siphon off the Oil ASAP before it was allowed to get as far as it did.
Also 17 Foreign Countries offered Help and Equipment, but he refused to lift the Jones Act (Unlike President Bush right after Katrina) which would allow Foreign ships to operate in American Ports and waters. My Theory is that These would be non-union workers, so he WILL NOT lift the Jones Act at any point in this scenario. It is going on EIGHT WEEKS since the explosion.
He has refused the Governors of the individual STATES permission to protect their own Wetlands with Bermes, barrier islands, booms, and the like, and is banning the use of volunteer labor, Probably for the same reason.
Federal Law states that it is the responsibility of the President to take care of the Oil Spill, one it reaches US Waters. By "putting his boot on BP's Neck" or "Looking for who's ass to kick", he is abdicating those responsibilities.
He is using this Environmental Crisis to bankrupt and destroy America, and may even be responsible for the original "accident", in my humble opinion.
Just My Humble Opinion.
What Do I know?
I am but a mere Bass Playin' Biker.
But I WAS Born in America.
I can show your my Birth Certificate.
Holebama: always trying to redistribute by zero
"Training a Puppy"
Awwwww. What a Great Idea. (sigh)
Torey The Dog and I went through 9/11, Hurricane Wilma, and Katrina Together (The Florida Branch of Katrina, but STILL!)
I taught her to sing on pitch. :-)
Adopt a dog like this.
It should keep you busy until dear leader is out of office!
Our, too. Hehe!
"If you were not smart enough to invest in NALCO then you can always eat the dispersants as a salad dressing
and help me support Brazil, Russia, India, China and Indonesia.
Obama's early for once. He just started speaking. Giving a lot of shout outs to get the crowd involved.
Meanwhile the baby is thinking, "What a Maroon!"
Geees he is on again!
He's reading from TOTUS. More and more shout outs.
Our local station doesn't preempt Rush. If anyone is interested in listening to the POSOTUS they make it available on an alternative stream.
I can't stand it when white folks wear dreadlocks! LOL!
Seriously What kind of dog is THAT?
I had to turn it to Cspan coverage of the oil spill. Can't stand to listen to the commie usurper! The lib senators are putting the entire oil industry on trial. Pathetic!
Where is John Galt?
He backed down from taking on Rush. He moved his speech up 45 minutes.
Of course Charlie Tuna got a shout out too. That is the only reason Charlie is there. See me? I am with the resident! Vote for 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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Intended Audience:
Public Sector, Non-profit and low income taxpayer clinic attorneys may register above as "Law Office Staff."*
*A business card will be required at registration.
Click Here to download September Orderform
Location: 2nd floor auditorium
Course ID: C09232013
Number of Sessions: 1
Credits: 2 NJ Credits: 1 Ethics; 1 General2 NY Credits: 1 Ethics; 1 Skills; Transitional and Non-transitional
Course Description:
Hear from Hon. John O. Colvin, Chief Judge, U.S. Tax Court, and other panelists discuss how to effectively represent self-.represented taxpayers and ethical issues concerning pro bono representation,
program is presented through the generosity of the following sponsors: Orrick,
Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Agostino & Associates, PC; Kostelanetz
& Fink, LLP; DLA Piper; Greenberg Traurig; Cooley LLP
Reception immediately following program
6:00 PM --8:00 PM Program
8:00 PM --9:00 PM Reception
Special Guest Speaker: Hon. John O. Colvin, Chief Judge, U.S. Tax Court; Monica Koch, IRSCounsel
Moderator: Frank Agostino, Agostino & Associates, PC