text:
Online Discussion: Ask the Expert
Ask the Expert
Individuals from throughout the United States and the world participated in the Center's premier live online chat on April 19. Check out Eileen Claussen's answers to these cybercitizens' thought-provoking climate change questions.
Moderator: Welcome to Viewpoint with our guest, Eileen Claussen. Eileen, thank you for joining us.
Eileen Claussen: I am delighted to be here, and looking forward to answering your questions. So let's get started.
St. Paul, MN: Some organizations, often funded by companies that profit from fossil fuels, claim that global warming does not exist. How do you respond to these claims?
Eileen Claussen: You are right that some organizations are funded by companies with fossil fuel interests, and quite obviously they claim that global warming does not exist. Of course more than 2000 of the world's best scientists are convinced that the earth has warmed, and that this warming is largely the result of human activities. Many in the private sector also share this view. Our job is to make sure that the public hears the voices that are most honest and objective on this issue.
Washington, D.C.: According to MIT's chair professor on global warming, Professor Lindzen:
One cannot observe the presumed global warming "conveyor belt" that is supposed to signal climate change, even in today's ocean circulation. Carl Wunsch -Ida and Cecil Green Professor of Oceanography at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology] has been especially outspoken on this. So has Bill Schmidt, senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. However, even if the conveyor belt were a reasonable depiction of the thermohaline circulation, we wouldn't know if cooling or warming would be more likely to trigger a change. Thus any policy could be the "wrong" policy.
In light of this, and Professor Robert Mendelsohn's (of Yale and his anthology from 26 authors, including authors from 11 different colleges and universities) conclusion that there would be slight net benefits for the U.S. from IPCC-predicted warming and it was roughly a wash for the world, what basis exists to promote Gore initiatives to significantly upset existing American economic activities, and in particular, continued use of increasingly efficient combustion engines?
Eileen Claussen: I think there is some confusion in this question, but I would like to try to answer it anyway. The "conveyor belt" that you refer to (thermohaline circulation, or THC pattern of the ocean) exists naturally. Scientists believe that one possible outcome of global warming is a slowdown or disruption of this THC pattern. But the absence of such a shift to date does not suggest that global warming is NOT occurring. (you might look at the IPCC reports, or C2ES's report done by Tom Wigley for more information.)
On the Mendelsohn book, it is important to note that while there could be some benefits from CO2 fertilization, none of the essays put any value on species that would be lost; they do not look at the distributional effects (some locations benefits, others lose); and they consider only the low range for how much warming we might expect. The book also does not show that global warming would be a wash for the world. In fact, the world as a whole definitely does not benefit from global warming.
Kamakura,Kanagawa,Japan: Good morning. My name is Keiichiro Sugimura (Mr.) Working for Japan Space Environmental Protection Institute,in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Pref.Japan. I understand that US government is standing a little bit on the side of opposition to ratify Kyoto Protocol as it is at moment. Is US government trying to change the direction not taking emission trading system of greenhousegas? If so, what kind of system does she take next? Is that like a "absorption trading"? Thank you.
Eileen Claussen: I think it is fair to say that while the United States is becoming more convinced that the earth is warming, and will continue to warm, there is still a very strong anti-Kyoto bias here. Much of this opposition is based on the view that there will be significant economic costs, and that some countries in the developing world will not have commitments like the United States. The reality is that overall costs are not likely to be huge, although some regions and some industries will be negatively affected. And much work is now going on in the developing world to move away from fossil fuels. But the United States still has a long way to go to deal with these issues in a thoughtful way.
Sydney, Australia: How is the trading of carbon credits going to solve the issue of greenhouse gas emissions?
Eileen Claussen: The trading of carbon credits will not, in itself, solve the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. What it will do is make reducing emissions cheaper and more cost effective. Since we will be reducing lots of emissions over a long period of time, it is highly desirable to be as cost effective as we can.
Germantown, MD: One of the problems I find with the whole debate on global warming is the technical basis for reaching the conclusion that man-made sources of greenhouse gases are the cause. From my understanding, there are multiple natural producers (volcanoes and others)and removers (plants being the main one I can remember) as well as man-made sources for greenhouse gases. However, no comparisons are published for not only the current fraction from each natural and man-made source/remover but, more important in my mind, the historical trend. Everyone points to man-made increases in the last 100 years. But what was the trends from good old Mother Nature during this time? For governments to form policy based on science, then science must answer the complete greenhouse gas cycle question, publish the data and be accurately reported by the media. As it stands now, I feel that I am being deprived a major portion of the answer because a very few are pushing a cause to satisfy their own political views (both pro and con). What is the total picture and where is it available?
Eileen Claussen: There are many causes of climate change, and man-made emissions are only one of those causes. Still, most of the world's best scientists agree that much of the warming of the last 20 years or so is coming from man-made sources. You are correct that it is difficult to get a full and complete picture. I believe that our report on the science of global climate change by scientist Tom Wigley is a good and rational source.
Calif.: Is there really a significant change in our climate? What is that change? Why should we worry?
Eileen Claussen: Yes, there really has been a significant change in the climate, although the idea of a one degree change seems too small to have real effects. Predictions over the next hundred years range from 2 to 7 degrees, and these, too, seem small. Still, we can expect significant rises in sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and effects on agriculture as a result of these seemingly small changes.
Madison, WI: Is it true that the government and public of the US is reluctant to accept the anthropogenic causes of climate change? If so, what reasons do you see for this?
Eileen Claussen: I think that we are beginning to see a change in both public attitudes and in the attitude of the government on these questions, primarily as a result of the increasingly sound science that is being developed, peer reviewed and published. Most polls suggest that a significant majority of the public believe that the climate is changing, and, even in the Congress, there is evidence of a shift. This can be seen by the number of bills being discussed and introduced on a bipartisan basis.
Ohio: As a 20-year veteran of utility efficiency programs, I am baffled by the serious disconnect between the vast potential for cost-effective energy efficiency, and the public perception of "cost" surrounding global warming. How can we establish a conceptual anchorpoint for the principle of doing everything that saves money first, and then seeing how much is left? Several states have spent billions of dollars saving electricity at an average cost of 2 cents per KWH saved, and have not run out of money yet.
Eileen Claussen: Much of the information that has been put out on the economics of climate change mitigation has come from macro economic models that use a "top down" approach. Unfortunately, these models do not do a very good job in assessing how technology changes, nor are they typically very flexible in how they show that the economy substitutes one product or process for another. The result is that we do not get a very accurate picture of the costs. We are doing a lot of work on the costs and the models, and hope to have some good, transparent information available soon.
Los Angeles: What can the average individual do to help in reducing global warming? Can it be an individual effort, or is this really mostly on the shoulders of corporations and governments to resolve?
Eileen Claussen: Of course both government and business have significant roles to play in dealing with this issue. Governments need to set up a framework for action, and businesses need to do what they do best -- innovate and find solutions. But citizens around the world should learn more about this issue, and make decisions about energy use, transportation and other activities that will help lay the groundwork for change.
Philadelphia, PA: Where is Congress on Kyoto now? Is this an issue that government can address?
Eileen Claussen: Congress is really not very far on Kyoto right now. The issue of Kyoto remains a partisan one, and there has been little progress in actually sitting down and deciding what things are acceptable in the Kyoto treaty and what are not. The Administration is still working on the treaty (elaborating on some of its provisions and establishing rules for how certain provisions will operate) and has not submitted it to the Senate for its advice and consent.
Boulder, CO: BP Amoco and Shell have quit the Global Climate Coalition. BP Amoco has committed to reducing operational CO2 emissions using an internal emissions trading scheme. Is BP Amoco's commitment legitimate? This is an oil company we're talking about here ... are they making real changes or simply marketing them?
Eileen Claussen: I believe that BP Amoco's commitment is,indeed, legitimate. They have established a goal of reducing emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2010, and have fashioned a strong program to actually achieve that goal. It involves emissions trading among all 127 of their business units. And business unit managers have their emission reduction objectives in their performance contracts.
Shell has established a goal of reaching 10% below 1990 levels by 2002, and I believe they have already met their objective.
Reston, Virginia: Is the current trend in the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere a benefit to mankind or not?
Eileen Claussen: I think it is impossible to view the increasing concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere as a benefit to mankind. We know that there will be serious impacts in many parts of the world (and in many parts of the U.S.) from the global warming that results from these increased concentrations. This is not to say that the science is perfect, that there are no uncertainties, or that we know exactly what the impacts are or where they will be felt. But, based on what we know, the impacts will be negative overall.
near Jefferson, NC: How can the public be brought to understand that climate may be very
sensitive to small changes and that even a few degrees of warming could
produce serious long term effects? For example, the ocean Thermohaline
Circulation might switch into another mode of operation, which would
impact the lives of hundreds of millions of people.
Eileen Claussen: There is no question that small changes can have serious effects, and that we may not see small incremental changes but rather unexpected events or surprises. We are actually doing some work on this issue, and will have a report out by the fall.
London,UK: Why is there still a 95 to 0 vote in the US Senate against ratifying the Kyoto Protocol?
Eileen Claussen: The 95 to 0 vote was held before Kyoto was negotiated (in July of 1998), and essentially asked that the Administration not negotiate a treaty that did not include commitments for developing countries and that would be an economic burden on the United States. Legally, it was a non binding resolution. But, of course, it carries great weight, and cannot be dismissed out of hand.
USA: Do you believe global warming can be addressed without changing priorities in land use and energy? Presently, road building continues apace, creating more vehicular traffic and petroleum emissions adding to the greenhouse effect. In other words, when would be the right time to support fundamental change?
Eileen Claussen: No, I do not think that we can successfully address this issue without a second industrial revolution. But doing this will take time, and the development and diffusion of new technology. What we can do in the shorter term is become as efficient as possible, and begin a movement away from the most significant greenhouse gases. This should be started now, as we move forward with technology development.
Arlington, VA: Madam Secretary: Isn't there any way to depoliticize an issue of life and death like global warming? It would seem that, as an empirical matter, such an effect could be proven or disproven or does the fact that a debate exists mean there is no consensus, or at least not enough to induce action sufficient to reverse this?
Eileen Claussen: It is good to see that someone remembers my earlier life! It is actually surprisingly difficult to depoliticize an issue like this. But depoliticize it is exactly what we have to do. Much of the current debate has been caused by special interests that will be negatively affected by efforts to deal with climate change. And on the other side, are those that might benefit from these efforts. What is needed is a constructive, objective and centrist voice -- and we (C2ES and the 21 major corporations that have joined with us) hope to provide that centrist voice.
Cambridge, MA: Two questions
First question: Is Kyoto really enough? Second question: A year or so ago, some people were talking about the huge potential of sequestration of CO2 in oil and gas wells. One expert even stated that this could decouple the use of fossil fuels with overall GHG emissions. Was this hype or is there real potential there?
Eileen Claussen: Let me answer your first question. Of course Kyoto is not nearly enough. It is barely a start. Although it is clear to me that the United States will be unlikely to meet the targets its negotiated in Kyoto, largely because of the time that will be required to consider the treaty thoughtfully, have it ratified, have implementing legislation agreed to by the Congress (a very difficult task given that the economic impacts will fall on certain industry sectors, certain jobs, and certain regions of the country), and have an agency of the government do rules and regulations. Not to mention that industry would also need some time to comply with those rules!
Washington, DC: Is any work being done to portray the climate change problem as a risk management or insurance issue? Obviously, once we reach a dangerous level of warming, it will be far to late to do anything about it. Shouldn't we "buy insurance" now by increasing efficiency, etc. just as we buy insurance against the chance of fire in our homes?
Eileen Claussen: I believe that there is work being done to portray it in exactly this way. In fact, some would argue that Kyoto is just the first down payment on that insurance policy. And, of course, you are right that it would be foolish not to buy insurance now.
Washington, DC: Some of your recent reports, such as "Sea Leve Rise and Global Climate Change," point to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, attributing this increase to global warming.
Yet, other studies, such as the recent Sigma report by Swiss Re, a large insurance company, have concluded that natural disasters are not increasing in frequency - only in cost due to development (i.e., Hurricane Andrew). Swiss Re, and other insurance companies, have a lot of money on the line to generate accurate reports. How do you reconcile C2ES's stance on the increasing frequency of natural disaster with reports from an industry that has a huge vested interest in generating accurate reports?
Eileen Claussen: I think that you are perhaps misreading our sea level rise report. We do not say that there will be more natural disasters due to global warming. We do say that there will be increased sea level rise, and that this sea level rise will come on top of other stresses to our coasts, stresses from coastal development and pollution. There is some indication that increasing hurricanes, for example, could result from global warming. But we believe that this is not conclusive.
Lexington, Kentucky: Do you think tradeable permits for carbon will be a reality? What will be the greatest impediments to a carbon market?
Eileen Claussen: I believe that tradeable permits for carbon will become a reality, although I also believe the world will move slowly to create a carbon market. One of the reasons for the BP Amoco and Shell internal trading systems is so that they can gain experience in how such a market will actually work.
Annapolis, Md.: The news reported today that this was the USA's warmest first 3 months ever. By far. They blamed global warming. That couldn't be the case, since the theories that I've heard is that the earth is very gradually getting warmer. To put it another way, according to the theories, global warming will not be noticeable for quite a long time, and any VERY HOT periods are normal spikes.
Eileen Claussen: I believe that most scientists are now saying that the recent warming of the globe is largely attributed to human-induced global warming. And the changes we are seeing are small, although significant. You might want to look at either our report by Tom Wigley or the most recent IPCC report to get more information on this question.
College Park, Md.: Hello, Ms. Claussen. Does the State Department have enough scientific expertise to deal with climate change?
Eileen Claussen: Well...Actually, when the United States deals with an issue as complicated as global warming, it relies on the expertise of many different agencies of the government. So, for example, in deciding what position to take, or what strategy to use in a negotiation, not only the State Department, but also the Department of Energy, the EPA, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation and others will all participate. I used to chair these meetings at the Assistant Secretary level, and can assure you that it took the combined expertise of many to fully understand and deal with a complex issue.
San Francisco, CA: I have read that carbon sequestration through reforestation can offset some releases of CO2 and act as an insurance policy against global warming until more drastic changes can be made (reduce consumption of fossil fuels). What is your opinion on the benefits of large scale tree planting?
Eileen Claussen: Carbon sequestration -- either through reforestation or sustainable management of existing forests as well as through changed agricultural practices -- can play a significant role. But there are many issues that need to be resolved, including how we define the universe to be included, and how we make sure that our measurements are accurate. We are actually doing a report on sequestration, which we hope to release this July. We hope it will be helpful.
Eileen Claussen: I am sorry that I was not able to answer all of the very good questions that we received in the time we had. But we would very much like to continue this dialogue. If you have questions that you would like answered, please go to our web site, where you may contact us directly to ask a particular question. We will do our best to respond. Our web address is www.c2es.org. Thanks very much for joining us in this discussion.
Moderator: Our thanks to Eileen Claussen and all who participated.


text:
3 Min Read
(Adds sheriff meeting judge)
By Andrew Stern
CHICAGO, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The sheriff of the third-most populous U.S. county halted evictions on foreclosed properties on Thursday, saying innocent tenants were being put on the street. But bankers said he was breaking the law.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said he understood he was flouting the law in refusing to have deputies carry out the rising number of eviction requests, but said mortgage holders must be accountable.
"These mortgage companies only see pieces of paper, not people, and don't care who's in the building," Dart said.
"This is at the heart of so many of the problems we have nationwide now, which is the banks' lack of due diligence, this very cavalier way of dealing with properties and subprime loans," he said. "Doing very little research, saying 'It's just paper, let's just move it, move it, move it,' and that's what has got us here."
Dart, whose county includes the city of Chicago and encompasses 5.4 million people, said he believed he was the first sheriff in a major metropolitan area to take such a step. Chicago is the hometown of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
The Illinois Bankers Association trade group said Dart was ignoring the law and engaging in "vigilantism."
Dart met with Judge Dorothy Kinnaird, who presides over evictions in Cook County, and presented his case, sheriff's spokesman Steve Patterson said.
"We offered a handful of proposals to put the necessary safeguards in place to protect not only ourselves but the tenants," Patterson said.
Dart wants banks that foreclose on properties to knock on doors and identify and notify tenants of the eviction notice before sheriff's deputies carry out the grim task.
Kinnaird said she would give the issue a thorough review, Patterson said.
The moratorium on evictions applied to any home, apartment building or condominium facing mortgage foreclosure. Other evictions due to such issues as failing to pay rent would continue.
Illinois law was recently revised to require the owner of the property and mortgage holder to notify whoever lives there 120 days before an eviction is carried out.
"In announcing his plan, Dart acknowledged he could be found in contempt of court," the Illinois Bankers Association said in a statement, adding the sheriff's decision "should not be tolerated."
"We have to have the ability to take over collateral upon default, and if we don't have that assurance, or we think evictions won't be made ... we simply won't make the loan," the group's president, Linda Koch, said of the moratorium.
There were more than 500 evictions for foreclosure scheduled over the next six weeks in Cook County and the sheriff's office was on pace to conduct 4,500 evictions this year.
Mortgage foreclosure cases filed in Cook County are likely to exceed 43,000 this year, compared with some 18,000 in 2006, the sheriff said. (Editing by Peter Cooney)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If I want to get Latisse refills, do I have to see my doctor on a regular basis (like every month), or can I get a year's supply or prescription, like birth control?
Are Monthly Doctor Visits Required for Latisse Refills?
Doctor Answers 19
Recommend every three months
I am not sure how Latisse will pan out. I would recommend seeing your physician every three months in the beginning. As a physician there are a few mediations I will write for a year's supply ( Propecia comes to mind) and there are others I will gladly fill over the phone ( Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxides). I suspect Latisse will eventually fall into this category for many of us, but at this time, with a new medication, my recommendation would be every three months. In our field of dermatology there is always ( I should say nearly always...one of the first things you learn in medical school is that there is never a never and even less frequently an always!) some skin concern. That is why so many of us run behind.
Refills are required... check with your physician if it can be written for at your first visit.
Latisse is the only FDA approved drug formulated for the strict cosmetic purpose of treating HYPOTRICHOSIS, which is the term used to describe inadequate or sparse eyelashes. A prescription must be obtained from a physician.
Depending upon what state you reside, the product may be dispensed at your prescribing physician's office and/or at a certified pharmacy. Maximum results are not appreciated until 16 weeks. Once your peak clinical result is obtained, a maintenance dose is suggested or else the eyelashes will slowly revert back to their original form.
Therefore, refills are required and will vary state to state whether it may be written for at the time of your initial evaluation. If you experience any untoward side effects or adverse reactions, you must immediately report back to your prescribing physician.
I hope find this information useful.
Latisse prescriptions
Latisse is a new medication. While FDA trials have been done, we don't have data from widespread clinical use.
Therefore when Latisse shipments come in at the end of the month we will dispense this product only from our office to existing patients, and will monitor them in the process for development of problems.
There may come a time when Latisse can be prescribed for long periods of time without significant worry once the safety profile has been established.
You might also like...
As Latisse is new to all of us, follow up with your physician is important.
Given that Latisse is a new product just recently approved by the FDA for eyelash growth, it is important that patients follow up with their physican on a regular basis. It seems reasonable to do this initially after 2-3 months and the proceed as indicated.
Latisse Refills
Latisse is a prescription medication, requiring an initial evaluation by a licensed physician. All healthy patients will receive a prescription for a one month supply with 3 refills. If any patient experiences any side effects, they must stop using the medication and be reevaluated before their prescription can be renewed.
Latisse renewals
Depending on your state regulations, renewals can be provided on the initial prescription for varying amounts of time.
This includes refills for a year in many intances or placing a limit on the number, for example 3 refills.
Check with your local pharmacy.
To Receive Latisse
Each Doctor has their own criteria. In our office each time you need a prescription for Latisse our Dr. would like to see you so he can answer any questions or concerns you may have and to be able to evaluate your progress.
Are monthly doctor visits required for Latisse Refills?
Typically, you can get a 6 month or year supply of Latisse without seeing your physician on a regular basis.
Getting Latisse Refills On Line
Latisse can be purchased on line from any state in the US with free shipping by going to TheWebDermatologist.com or by following the link below and filling out a short medical history form. It is an extremely safe medication to use. Over two million prescriptions for Latisse have now been filled with no confirmed reports of iris pigmentation issues. Less than 4 percent of people experienced redness, irritation and itching of the upper eyelid which was reversible upon discontinuation. You can also take advantage of a special promotional offer currently being offered by Allergan, the makers of Latisse, to get a second bottle of Latisse free by sending them your paid receipt along with a short form that you can download from their web site.
Learn more: http://www.dorsetstreetdermatology.com/cosmetic-dermatology/latisse/
Latisse follow up
It would be a good idea to get re-evaluation by the physician who has prescribed or dispensed Latisse to assess efficacy and possible side effects such as irritation. You may be counseled to taper the frequency of Latisse application (but not stop cold turkey) if the thickness, darkness, and volume of eyelashes have grown to your satisfaction.
Learn more: http://www.drwilliamting.com/Latisse_for_Eyelashes.html
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


text:
NCAR Selects IBM Supercomputer
Blue Gene to boost climate, weather researchApril 14, 2005
ARMONK, NY and BOULDER, CO—The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), in collaboration with the University of Colorado, has acquired an IBM Blue Gene supercomputer to simulate ocean, weather, and climate phenomena that impact agricultural output, heating oil prices and global warming.
The IBM eServer, Blue Gene, has a peak performance of 5.7 teraflops (TF), with a single full rack system. With a footprint of less than one square meter, the system delivers more than ten times the performance of other supercomputers now on the market while occupying less floor space. The National Science Foundation, NCAR's primary sponsor, provided funding for the purchase of 1024 Blue Gene compute nodes.
"Climate change research is one policy-relevant field driving a need for more powerful computers to process complicated models of the Earth system," says NCAR director Tim Killeen. "Improving weather forecasts, predicting toxic pollution flows, and space weather are other areas where faster, more efficient supercomputers like Blue Gene are essential for U.S. scientists to remain in the forefront of Earth science research."
"For more than five years, IBM and NCAR have partnered to apply supercomputing power to NCAR's most demanding climate modeling challenges. We are pleased to announce this most recent addition to their computational stable," said Dave Turek, vice president, Deep Computing, IBM. "Insight gained from the use of the Blue Gene system will advance both the state of the art in geoscience modeling and, based on user feedback, in IBM's supercomputer design efforts for the future. NCAR is indeed a valued IBM customer."
NCAR's Blue Gene system will accelerate fundamental research in global climate change, weather prediction, wildfires, geoturbulence and other critical areas.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
About Power Architecture and Power.org
IBM develops and manufactures state-of-the-art semiconductor and interconnect technologies, including industry-leading Power Architecture microprocessors. In December of 2004, IBM and 14 companies announced the formation of Power.org, an open standards community dedicated to chips and systems that use Power Architecture technology. Power.org is a community dedicated to open hardware and collaborative innovation around the Power Architecture. The Power microprocessor is the heartbeat of devices and systems large and small, including the world's best-known electronics brands, IBM supercomputers, and the high-performance IBM eServer and TotalStorage systems.
About NCAR
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research under primary sponsorship by the National Science Foundation. The center conducts wide-ranging research in atmospheric chemistry, climate, weather, and solar-terrestrial interactions. It provides UCAR's 68 members and other affiliates with state-of-the-art instrumentation, aircraft, and computer technology to advance the study of Earth's atmosphere.
Related sites on the World Wide Web
NCAR's Scientific Computing Division
NCAR's Scientific Computing Division researches ultimate algorithms, computer architecture:
The National Center for Atmospheric Research and UCAR Office of Programs are operated by UCAR under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation and other agencies. Opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of any of UCAR's sponsors.


text:
Editorial: On Japanese SF, by Nick Mamatas (Haikasoru Week)
On Japanese SF
By Nick Mamatas
In Issui Ogawa's The Next Continent, the "war on terror" is a political afterthought thanks to an American retreat from the Middle East; Japanese businesspeople see themselves as a counterweight to Western globalization; and engineers can do anything from building undersea vacation spots to constructing a wedding chapel on the moon. Environmental problems have been solved or mitigated, capitalists aren't all ruthless, and the state is neither utterly incompetent nor a single piece of legislation away from tyranny. Societies that work are a radical vision in today's Western science fiction, but they're refreshingly common in Japan.
Japanese science fiction has any number of futures to choose from. In the world of Mardock Scramble by Tow Ubukata, private property is so valued that a vending machine in a hotel hallway is given precedence over a human life. In Chōhei Kambayashi's Yukikaze series, the fighter pilot hero is out solely for himself in his war against the alien JAM. His motto isn't "Death before dishonor," it's "Not my problem." In Jyouji Hayashi's The Ouroboros Wave both individualism and strict hierarchies have been supplanted by a kind of corporate mutualism. Though we can talk about the typical themes and plots of Japanese SF, it's important to keep in mind that there is no single Japanese future, no ubiquitous theme.
I am often asked what differentiates Japanese SF from its Western parent. Frankly, with a few name changes, in many cases there is no difference at all. Japanese SF authors grew up reading US and UK SF and have fully embraced the idiom. But some traits stand out.
Japanese SF often builds scenes in ways that are reminiscent of the manga panel as opposed to the motion picture. So flashbacks operate a bit differently, comical characters appear in otherwise serious scenes, and conversations don't necessarily happen in what a Western reader would perceive as "real time." Backgrounds are often sketched out in the boldest of strokes—the famous professor, the dying sun! On the other hand, scenes will always be given as many pages as they need to complete the story, which is suggestive of the serial nature of both manga and the Japanese bunkoban paperback.
Japanese SF is far more likely to feature a teenage girl as a protagonist than Western SF.
Japanese hard SF doesn't foreground the "hard SF attitude" described by Kathryn Cramer as "a love of hardware for its own sake—and the hard-nosed Ayn Rand voice that we now identify as libertarian." Though this isn't to say that stories with a libertarian theme are unknown; Project Itoh's Harmony, a Utopian satire about universal healthcare, certainly qualifies.
Japanese SF tends to be short. Most of the longer books we've published via Haikasoru were available as two, or even three, volumes in Japan. These volumes are released serially—sometimes a month apart, and occasionally even a week apart. (I think this compares favorably to the Western method of waiting for initial sales figures. How many trilogies are missing a final concluding volume?) An exception is Natsuhiko Kyogoku's existentialist epic Loups-Garous, which was an oddity for being quite long and published in a single volume in Japan.
And most importantly at of all, in Japanese SF, the future is Japanese. I remember a conversation I had with someone when I first starting working for Haikasoru. "Isn't it funny," he said, "that all these future alien invasions and catastrophes and discoveries are supposed to happen on a little archipelago?"
"As opposed to happening on a continent largely empty of anything save corn fields and SUVs?" I asked him. "And not even the whole continent—just the middle bit!" Science fiction has many futures; it's about time Western readers were exposed to a few of those visions of which they may not otherwise conceive. At Haikasoru, we're just trying to do our part in creating a truly international future.
8 Comments
(I think this compares favorably to the Western method of waiting for initial sales figures. How many trilogies are missing a final concluding volume?)
Oh god yes. So many, what a crying shame.
Absolutely loving Haikasoru, or at least the sf end which is my area of interest.
Comment by Peter Hollo | March 24, 2011
I'm one of at least a few people who have been too busy looking in US and UK (and Australian) SF for these alternate "numbers of futures to choose from" and have completely been overlooking (prose) SF from Japan. This week's series has further piqued my interest in Haikasoru's titles, I'm hoping the week concludes with something like a "guide for where to start"?
Comment by Sam | March 24, 2011
Hello Sam,
We don't have a very large list of books, but we try to be diverse. If you are interested in hard SF, I'd recommend The Ouroboros Wave or The Next Continent or Usurper of the Sun. For lighter fare, the Rocket Girls books (reviewed yesterday on this site). If you like more existential material, Harmony (being given away on this site) or Loups-Garous. If you want almost a sampler plate of Japanese SF, The Stories of Ibis would be great—it's a novel-in-stories reflective of both the golden age of Western SF and Japanese SF's own evolution, and explicitly so. If you like things blowing up, there's always All You Need Is KILL or Battle Royale. And for the post-cyberpunk fan, we just put out the epic Mardock Scramble. So poke around the site—www.haikasoru.com—and see what tickles you.
Comment by Nick Mamatas | March 24, 2011
Japanese SF is far more likely to feature a teenage girl as a protagonist than Western SF.
And when there are grown-up lady soldiers or scientists as main characters, we're not told their cup size on alternate pages–one of the things I especially enjoyed about Ouroboros Wave!
Comment by JMS | March 24, 2011
Nice round-up Nick.
The Haikasoru novels I've read so far support your contentions and were excellent to boot!
Comment by steve davidson | March 25, 2011
Hi Nick, waiting for the Rocket Girls sequel to come out and Good Luck, Yukikazi. The Rocket Girl readers may not realize it but the way the girls are fitted for their suits is exactly the way the new astronaut space suits are being designed. I read an article on the topic in a scientific journal and the author described very closely the way they are manufactured with the exception of the books mad tailor. Keep your books coming. I'm buying all the SF ones. Horror is not my thing. Regards, honey
Comment by Honey | March 26, 2011
Rocket Girls: The Last Planet is out! Feel free to click on the Buy Now button.
Comment by Nick Mamatas | March 26, 2011
[…] wywiad z Jesse Bullingtonem albo z Pat Cadigan, ewentualnie z Neilem Gaimanem. Nick Mamatas pisze o japońskiej science fiction, a James Warner zastanawia się nad przyszłością książek. A jeśli nie macie jeszcze dość […]
Pingback by Co tam w fantastyce słychać? (21 III – 27 III 2011) | Zaginiona Biblioteka | March 27, 2011
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
- June 2013 (9)
- May 2013 (10)
- April 2013 (12)
- March 2013 (15)
- February 2013 (11)
- January 2013 (15)
- December 2012 (4)
- November 2012 (14)
- October 2012 (16)
- September 2012 (16)
- August 2012 (22)
- July 2012 (13)
RSSEntries RSS
Comments RSS


text:
Negotiating in an environment where the stakes keep rising has all the tension of a high stakes poker game. A good bluff can make the other player drop out. But if your opponent had the cards you can lose your shirt.
A friend of mine was involved in a divorce action. He and his wife had already settled on a number of issues. The major issue remaining was the amount of alimony and the length of time it would be paid. His wife insisted on $5000 a month for eight years. My friend was willing to pay $3500 a month for five years. Neither would budge from that position. Talks broke down.
At that point his wife decided to raise the stakes. She backed away from previous agreements and increased her demands in every area. She demanded a certified audit of all their assets. Her lawyer initiated actions to tie up major business assets so they could not be sold, transferred or borrowed against.
Suddenly my friend was faced with a difficult choice. If he continued to hold out for the $3500 which he felt fair and affordable, he faced potentially disastrous consequences. His business would be tied up for years. Legal costs would soar. If the case went to a judge, there was even some chance that alimony payments might be more than $5000 a month and continue permanently. The stakes were high. My friend settled for $4700 a month for eight years.
Industrial buyers sometimes raise the stakes when dealing with distributors. One negotiation I recall involved an electrical distributor who had serviced our Los Angeles division for four years. Because the economy was depressed, we were anxious to reduce costs. We decided to open distributor bidding on our total California requirement. This represented a dollar volume four times greater than the Los Angeles account. Low bidder take all. The stakes were high.
For the Los Angeles distributor, this was a difficult choice. He could hold the price and risk losing his position in Los Angeles, or he could bid low and win the much larger contract covering California. The distributor chose to bid low, but not low enough. Another distributor reacted to the high stakes by dropping prices almost 20 percent.
Thanks for visiting! If you enjoyed this post, you can learn many more useful negotiation tips through our free download of Negotiating Tips.


text:
Bring all your old photo albums, we would scan each photo in a good resolution.
Burning those images (jpeg) on DVD OR CD we apply sticker label for your specific program, event or trip.
Preserve your old unforgotable lovable memories.
One of the leading Print Shop in India.Web Designing Services. always at your service... always at your price... Call us +919892579348 / +919819595495
Mobile +919967544378
Digital Marketing Company in Mumbai
Website Designers in Mumbai
Best Print Shop in Mumbai
Website Designers in India
Website Designer in Thane
Society Accounting Services in Mumbai
Accounting Services for Housing Society in Maharashtra
Ladies Beauty Parlour in Thane West
Am's Beauty Parlour Facebook Page
Beauty Parlor Classes in Thane West
Lakme Beauty Parlour in Thane
Plotting Services in Mumbai - Autocad Files
Life Insurance Agent in Thane
Heat Treatment Services for Metals in Thane
Internet Useful Links India
Scan, Design, Print & Publish your ideas, projects, artwork.
Pick My URL - Promote my Website
Interior Designer in Mumbai
Home Made Food in Thane
Photographer in Mumbai
Business Opportunity from Home
Fume Hood Laboratory Furniture in India
Industrial Vacuum Cleaner in India
Corporate Catering Services in India
Alkaline Water India
Enagic India Kangen Water
Kangen Water India
Alkaline Water Ionizer
Roofing Sheet Manufacturer
Kangen Water Indore
Import Export Agent in Thane
Real Estate Consultant in Thane
Enagic India Kangen Water
Ionized Kangen Water
Alkaline Ionized Water
Ionized Water India
Alkaline Water India
Beneifts Alkaline Water
Alkaline Water
Non Veg Caterers in Thane
Ladies Beauty Parlour in Thane West
GET YOUR PROFESSIONAL WEB DESIGN WHICH BRINGS YOU BUSINESS WE OFFER WEB SERVICES 100% Responsive Dynamic and Social Media Integrated We...


text:
Arizona followed up back-to-back losses with a narrow win over one of the Pac-12's worst teams.
With March just around the corner, coach Sean Miller is hoping to see his team pick up the pace significantly, starting Wednesday night when the No. 12 Wildcats take on road-challenged Washington.
After opening 14-0, Arizona (21-4, 9-4) has encountered a bumpy road over the last six weeks, including home losses to UCLA and California.
The Wildcats followed the loss to Cal with a 71-58 defeat Thursday at Colorado, then had their hands full again Sunday at Utah before pulling out a 68-64 win. Arizona regained control down the stretch after blowing a 13-point second-half lead.
"We keep putting ourselves in the same position, which is a one-possession game down to the end," said Miller, whose team sits in a second-place tie with UCLA in the Pac-12, one game behind Oregon. "It's a matter of where we go from here. We are happy with the win but we have to get better as we move forward if we want to accomplish something special in March."
Averaging a team-high 15.3 points, Mark Lyons had 18 to lead five Wildcats with at least nine Sunday. He scored nine of Arizona's last 15 points.
"He's at his best when the chips are down," Miller said of Lyons. "That's who he is. That's one of the reasons we as a team really love him. When it's close and it's tight, he has the ability and the confidence to make big plays."
Arizona, in contrast, overcame a quiet performance from Lyons during a 57-53 win at Washington on Jan. 31. The senior guard had 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting as the Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak in this series despite shooting a season-low 35.1 percent.
Arizona had taken five straight from the Huskies (14-12, 6-7) at home before coming up short 69-67 on Jan. 28, 2012. The Wildcats, though, have to like their chances of avenging that defeat against a Washington team that's dropped four straight on the road for the first time since opening 0-6 in 2009-10.
Washington has also lost seven straight against Top 25 opponents. Five of those defeats were decided by six points or fewer.
The Huskies are coming off their second win in nine games overall, 72-62 over Oregon State on Saturday. Junior standout C.J. Wilcox, who had been limited to a combined 17 points on 30.0 percent shooting in his previous two games, broke out with 24 as the Huskies snapped a three-game skid.
"We can't get too happy about it because they are (tied for 10th place)," said Wilcox, averaging a team-best 17.6 points. "It just feels good to finally get one and get off that streak."
Washington, which shot 50.0 percent and limited the Beavers to a season-low 33.9 percent, held a 41-28 edge on the glass.
"We got the win tonight, so now we're focusing on Arizona and trying to get another one on the road," said Abdul Gaddy, who dished out a season-high nine assists. "They are a very tough team so we have to dominate."
It remains to be seen how the Wildcats plan to use senior Kevin Parrom. The swingman replaced freshman forward Brandon Ashley in Sunday's starting lineup and had nine points and nine rebounds.
"We're at the end of the road here," Miller said. "He's a senior and we're going to ride the guys who have the most to gain and the most to lose. Lyons, (Solomon) Hill and Parrom - they're the guys to me who can start the game the best way."


text: PHOENIX – No determinations have been made regarding which coach will be calling plays for the Cowboys next season. But head coach Jason Garrett continues to stress the added responsibilities when calling the plays and the advantages of being a walk-around head coach, making it sound like his role as play-caller may be delegated to offensive coordinator Bill Callahan. "There are good arguments on both sides of it," Garrett said. "But again, they are two very significant jobs with a lot of responsibility, and the more you delegate and give other guys responsibilities and still get the result you want, I think that's a better way to do things. So we are still evaluating all of that." Garrett said the decision-making process is still ongoing. http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/a...legating/5a4159a3-2e9e-4b64-bd18-c4908e9c3d3a


text:
Hello! My old P133 that ran smoothwall blew up on me, so being a bit
adventurous, I decided it might be fun to run m0n0 under VMWare as the
primary firewall for my home.
Has anybody ever tried (and succeeded) at doing this?
A picture being worth a 1000 words, here's how the network is setup :
But something's not right with my configuration. Here's what I know :
-under VMWare's Network editor, VMNet2 is bridged to my PC's first NIC,
NIC1. (In windows, that nic has no protocols installed on it, except for the
VMWare bridge). This NIC is directly connected to my ADSL modem.
-under VMWare's Network editor, VMNet0 is bridged to my PC's second NIC,
NIC0. (In windows, that nic is configured with all protocols). This NIC is
connected to a switch wich links all the PCs in the house.
-my m0n0 virtual machine has Ethernet 1 - LAN assigned to VMnet0
-my m0n0 virtual machine has Ethernet 2 - WAN assigned to VMnet2
m0n0 is configured correctly as far as i can see:
- it can connect and obtain an IP adress from the ADSL modem
- On the PC that's hosting the Virtual m0n0, I can obtain a DHCP adress from
m0n0 on GREEN (nic0) interface, and I can surf the web, everything works
- I did not setup any specific rules or NATting on m0n0. Outbound access
should work for all my lan.
but here's the problem : On the other workstation in the home, (workstation
1) :
- I can obtain a DHCP adress from m0n0
- I can access m0n0's webGUI
- I can ping m0n0
- I can ping m0n0's WAN IP
- I can ping m0n0's WAN gateway
- DNS resolution works fine
- I can even ping external websites using their IP and DNS,
-.... but, for reasons unknown, I cannot access anything on the internet.
Internet surfing, MSN, etc... nothing works. my browser seems to connect,
but waits for a while and says that the connection was reset.
The behavior is identical in Linux or Windows. I tried replacing the hub
with a switch, same problem.
Now, I don't consider myself a top notch network expert, but i'm no slouch
either, and I can't figure out what's wrong here. I've got more info if
you're interested in trying to solve this mystery...(Ethereal packet
sniffing on the WAN and the LAN, logs of dropped packets on m0n0 for no
apparent reason, content of /status.php, etc).
I'm stumped.
Any ideas?


text:
QUEBEC-RESEARCH-L ArchivesArchiver > QUEBEC-RESEARCH > 2002-11 > 1037826038
From: "Linda Tozer-Johnston" <>
Subject: RE: [Q-R] TRANSLATION PLEASE
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 16:00:38 -0500
In-Reply-To: <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Mister Taggart –
Too say I was surprised this afternoon when I opened your email regarding
my note re: translation on this message board is an understatement. It seems
I have affronted you and I don't really know why. First I must say that I
don't give a hoot if you do or do not mind my posting to the list. Usually I
don't respond to character attacks such as yours but in this case I feel I
must for all us so called "uneducated" people out here. I also don't like
using a message board for this purpose but seeing you did first, for this
time only, I will do likewise.
After thinking about what you have written for a few moments I became both
disappointed and saddened by your reply to my posting regarding the
translation of an item posted on the list. I find your attitude frankly
disgusting considering you being a man of the cloth. Unlike you, due to
certain circumstances, I am not fortunate to be fluent in French or Latin.
Sometimes I probably don't got fluency in English also. But I always try. By
God's grace you have been given the gift and opportunity of understanding
and working with more than one language. I truly wish I also had that
ability, but alas, I do not, like many others that subscribe to this list.
May I ask you a question? Do you not learn by trying and do you not gain
understanding by asking? Is there that much difference for a person asking
for a translation and for a person doing a translation and asking if it is
correct? That is why I sent my translation to the message board and not to
the person directly. In that way, if I did make a mistake then there would
be somebody (like you) out there that would correct it, and I would learn
from that mistake, right. Or should all the rest of us "uneducated" just sit
back and rely on you so called "experts" to do everything for us. Are we not
lucky that the world is not run by people like you, just think of where we
would be if it was. From what you have said, all us dummies out here should
not to try and assist anybody who poses a question unless we are experts in
that field, be it language or whatever. No, I am not always right in my
translations, but pray tell me, how are we too learn unless we try? I am
gaining in knowledge in this aspect of Genealogy and will continue to do so
the rest of my life, with a little help from my friends (and perhaps
I would like to assure that I am one of the regular posters of this list
that you talk about and for a few years I have enjoyed reading your postings
and respected your knowledge on both the language issue and also church
doctrine etc. I have used your data to assist me in helping to develop my
abilities to transcribe old church records. In these cases I have found your
abilities excellent. However, after reading your email to the list and me I
do now have questions on you being a Christian person, whom follows the true
teaching of the Lord. Perhaps you should curl up in a corner with the Good
Book and do some serious reading. Perhaps a few areas regarding "man's ego"
would be appropriate. I'm sure you know where some are!!
Perhaps I have said too much and for this I apologize to the rest of the
listers. It's just you got my dander up and I should not let this happen,
but I am afraid it has. My upbringing has always been to "love my neighbour"
but in this case, this belief is being severely tested. I also would like to
apologize to the listuncle regarding this post but I felt that I must reply
on this subject in this format. In closing, I respectfully request that if
you have anything else to say to me then I would appreciate that it be said
to me personally at my home email address ( ) and
not on this list, where it should not have been in the first place.
Ronald Johnston, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P.S. – In closing, Mister Taggart, in regards to my beleif's being tested, I
will follow the instructions given to me in the Lord's Prayer, I will in
this instance "forgive your transgressions" :-))
May God Bless and I will probably TTYL
-----Original Message-----
From: [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 1:06 AM
Subject: Re: [Q-R] TRANSLATION PLEASE
In a message dated 11/19/02 10:10:36 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> Hi Pauline
> Since I cannot read or write French this mite be not totally correct.
> However, I will post this to see just how close I can come to translating
> from French to English , if you dont mind.
I mind! I am fluent in English, in French and in Latin, and "if you don't
mind", if you cannot read or write French, please don't bother testing your
lack of knowledge, comprehension and good judgement on the regular posters
this list.
Fr Owen Taggart
This thread:
|RE: [Q-R] TRANSLATION PLEASE by "Linda Tozer-Johnston" <>


text:
The mandates in this bill, mandates that candidate Obama opposed, equal diminished freedom.
We are the land of meritocracy, rugged individualism and equal opportunity.
In a society where different people have the right to equal value, Maryland and Maine are not the end.
"I never felt I didn't have equal opportunity as a woman," she says.
The inference that the child was treated as an equal in the community is unwarranted.
He might be her equal some day, at present he was—her brother's guest and domestic.
Rival is equal, and love like death an universal leveller of mankind.
The losses in this battle were about equal, 600 killed and wounded in each army.
Men who were equal would be in a state of nature such as was imagined.
The Bellamy, says the critic, was only equal to the Cibber in expressing the ecstasy of love.
late 14c., from Latin aequalis "uniform, identical, equal," from aequus "level, even, just," of unknown origin. Parallel formation egal (from Old French egal) was in use late 14c.-17c. The noun is recorded from 1570s.


text:
|From: Michael Manti (mmanti at mac.com)
Date: Fri Apr 2 18:58:36 EST 2004
Matthew, That's useful information, especially for someone who's just venturing out of the shallow end of Unix. Thanks! It turns out that the binary distribution available elsewhere on the PLT Scheme site worked just fine after running ranlib against libmzgc.a and libmzcheme.a. Sometimes you just have to read the right man page! Thank you for your help, Michael Manti On Apr 2, 2004, at 10:55 AM, Matthew Flatt wrote: > For list-related administrative tasks: > http://list.cs.brown.edu/mailman/listinfo/plt-scheme > > At Thu, 1 Apr 2004 05:39:06 -0500, Michael Manti wrote: >> I'm trying to compile Sergey Khorev's MzVim, but gcc complains that >> libmzgc.a and libmzscheme.a are unavailable. I see that they are not >> in >> /Applications/PLT Scheme v206/lib subdirectory, but mzdyn.o is. (I >> used >> the Mac OS X installer for DrScheme.) >> >> Do I need to download and compile the source? Which flags do I need to >> set? Any help would be greatly appreciated; I can't find any hints on >> the web. > > Under Mac OS X, an alternative to libmzscheme.a and libmzgc.a is the > "framework" PLT_MzScheme, which provides a dynamic library. > > You probably have the framework installed in the normal location: > > /Library/Frameworks/PLT_MzScheme.framework > > To use the framework, instead of linking with -lmzscheme -lmzgc, link > with -framework PLT_MzScheme. > > For example, if "ex.c" has main() for an embedding program: > > gcc -I/Applications/PLT\ Scheme\ v206p1/include/ > -framework PLT_MzScheme > ex.c -o ex > > should compile and link (if your include files are in the usual place). > > The content of "Applications/PLT\ Scheme\ v206p1/include/" really > should be put in the framework, too, since that's what frameworks are > for. After we fix this (one day), then compiling and linking will be as > simple as > > gcc -framework PLT_Mzscheme ex.c -o ex > > > Matthew >
|Posted on the users mailing list.


text:
|Product Description
Kiwi style padded hiking straps, for comfortable hiking; strong nylon webbing partly covered with wear resistant cloth filled with foam plate material, which does not absorb water. Strong stitched through construction.
On the aft end a pressed ring and sewn flat to prevent twisting. Loops for shockcord. The front ends are open for mounting with plate or rope.
Part Number: EX1450


text:
- 2-Bay
- Diskless
- Intel Atom single-core processor Processor
- 2 x 10/100/1000M
- 1 x USB3.0 + 2 x USB2.0
Some manufacturers place restrictions on how details of their products may be communicated.
Shockingly slow in ESXi 5 12/24/2012
This review is from: NETGEAR ReadyNAS Ultra 2-bay (diskless) w/ 3 yr warranty
Fast enough in ESXi 5 using NFS (up to 80mbps). High quality construction and running a fully usable linux distribution.
Bought to use as storage in ESXi 5 via iscsi. Firmware 4.2.20 is the first version to support esxi 5, I installed 4.2.22 which is supposed to have further refinements. Using dedicated intel gig nics and a crossover cable, I can only get around 2 to 4mbps to the NAS over iscsi. NFS is much higher at around 80mbps, but iscsi is effectively useless.
Other Thoughts:
I've tried several work arounds including disabling header and data digests, setting static discovery, different nics, cables, even going so far as to get into the NAS itself and mess with the ietd.conf. Hopefully a newer firmware will make this dude love iscsi. Not sending it back, still very useful via NFS and great for ghetto-vcb.
3 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes / No Thanks for the valuable feedback you provided!


text:
Seasoned anglers know that technique is only part of what goes into catching fish. You also have to know when they'll be biting. Our Fishing Forecast gives you a reliable, ten-day, hour-by-hour snapshot.
Join our email list. Simply enter your email address and hit "submit."
©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Anglers are paid endorsers. Remember to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.


text:
Treatment of recurrent parathyroid cancer
The following are treatment options for recurrent parathyroid cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Approximately 40%–60% of the time, the parathyroid cancer comes back (recurs) after treatment. Recurrence usually happens 2–5 years after the first surgery.
Treatment for recurrent parathyroid cancer will depend on where the tumour is located. Usually, it recurs in the neck tissue or in the lymph nodes in the neck.
Surgery may be offered for recurrent parathyroid cancer. The types of surgery are:
- surgical re-excision for recurrence in the neck tissues
- Sometimes repeat excisions are necessary to control the hypercalcemia caused by tumour growth.
- lymphadenectomy for recurrence in the lymph nodes in the neck
- removal of metastases if the recurrence occurs in the lungs, liver or bones
Supportive therapy
Supportive therapy may be offered for recurrent parathyroid cancer. Supportive therapy to treat hypercalcemia is given to:
- bring calcium in the blood to normal levels before surgery
- control hypercalcemia in people with disease that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable disease)
Cinacalcet is a medication used alone or with other drugs to treat hypercalcemia in recurrent or metastatic parathyroid cancer (it is not used to treat other forms of hypercalcemia). This drug is in a class of medications called calcimimetics. It works by signalling the body to produce less parathyroid hormone, which in turn decreases the amount of calcium in the blood.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be offered for recurrent parathyroid cancer. External beam radiation therapy may be given:
- following surgery to reduce the chance of further local recurrences
- for local metastases in the neck if surgery is not an option
- for distant metastases to the lungs, liver or bones
Chemotherapy may be offered for recurrent parathyroid cancer when the cancer cannot be completely removed by surgery. The types of chemotherapy are:
- dacarbazine (DTIC) alone
- drug combinations
- 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil, 5-FU), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Procytox) and paclitaxel (Taxol)
- 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide and dacarbazine
Clinical trials
People with parathyroid cancer may be offered the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. For more information, go to clinical trials.
Cancer affects all Canadians
Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.


text:
State DCED secretary predicts Mon Valley's industrial rebirth
Decades ago, Pennsylvania failed to protect such basic industries as steel, rail and coal, C. Alan Walker said in a presentation Tuesday on the region's economy.
That led to the "deindustrialization of our economy," the state Department of Community and Economic Development secretary said.
"But that's about to change," said Walker, who spoke Tuesday at the Willow Room in Rostraver Township.
The event was sponsored by the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce, the Mon Valley Progress Council and the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce.
Walker discussed Gov. Tom Corbett's JOBS1st PA initiative and the state economy.
He said the state is well positioned to take advantage of a natural gas boom.
JOBS1st PA focuses on two core areas: Make It in PA and Talented Workers.
Under Make it in PA, Corbett's proposed budget provides an increase of $600,000 to help Pennsylvania companies export products to international markets and to attract new foreign direct investment.
Pennsylvania companies increased exports by 5.4 percent in 2013. He pointed to World Kitchen in Charleroi, which was represented at the luncheon, as a local example of that success.
Talented Workers includes a $2 million allocation to the Workforce & Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania to train an additional 10,000 employees.
"The governor recognizes that nothing is more critical to growing the economy than a talented work force," Walker said.
Walker criticized Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls for claiming the administration has cut education funding.
He said school districts became too dependent on federal stimulus money provided in the wake of the Great Recession. He said state financial support for public education and the State System of Higher Education has increased in each year of the Corbett administration.
The State System of Higher Education oversees 14 state-owned universities, including California University of Pennsylvania.
"When the stimulus stopped, the money wasn't there," said Walker, adding that many districts did not prepare for the loss of that funding source. "The governor is a big believer in education."
Walker said tourism marketing – a key component of the JOBS1st PA – is often overlooked because the money is spent on the county level.
Walker said Pennsylvania's economy is the sixth-largest in the nation and ranks 21st in the world. Employment tops 6 million workers with unemployment at a five-year low of 6.2 percent.
The Governor's Action Team completed 102 successful projects in 2013, up from 79 in 2012, Walker said.
State growth is being fueled by the Marcellus shale industry, Walker claimed, adding Pennsylvania has the second-largest energy field in the world.
Walker said the Marcellus shale impact fee is benefitting Washington County. He criticized Democratic candidates for governor who want to impose a severance fee on Marcellus shale drillers.
"For you in Washington County, that would be a big mistake," Walker said. "The severance tax goes into the general fund. The money would go to the populated areas. The impact fee goes to the areas where drilling occurs."
Impact fees have pumped $630 million into local municipalities, "to invest in your roads and downtowns," Walker said.
Walker said Washington County's economy has experienced the third-fastest growth rate in the nation since the Marcellus shale industry came to the region.
Walker said there is a direct tie between development of industrial parks and economic growth.
"Literally, if you build it, they will come," Walker said.
He used as an example the City of Williamsport, the seat of Lycoming County in north central Pennsylvania.
In the aftermath of industrial decline, Williamsport built an industrial park that was filled by offices for a Marcellus shale company, bringing with it 1,200 jobs.
Walker said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' $74.7 million allocation to the Lower Mon Project will speed up completion of a locks and dams project on the Monongahela River that is more than a decade behind schedule.
"It will truly unlock growth in this area," Walker said. "There's a new energy in Pennsylvania. You can feel the surge in our economy."
Walker said he is confident a petrochemical plant will be constructed in Beaver County.
The so-called "cracker" plant under consideration by Royal Dutch Shell would use ethane from gas drilling in nearby shale fields to produce plastics and other products.
Walker said the economic surge will be felt up and down the region's rivers.
"I think Allenport will be developed," Walker said of the Mon River Industrial Group's plans to convert the former steel mill site into an industrial park.
"I see a reindustrialization of the Mon Valley."
Chris Buckley is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2642 or email@example.com.


text:
Bending and bundling of metal-free vertically aligned ZnO nanowires due to electrostatic interaction
Liu, Jinzhang, Lee, Soonil, Lee, Kyungmoon, Ahn, YeongHwan, Park, Ji-Yong, & Koh, Ken Ha (2008) Bending and bundling of metal-free vertically aligned ZnO nanowires due to electrostatic interaction. Nanotechnology, 19(18), 185607-1--185607-7.
Bending and bundling was observed from vertically aligned arrays of ZnO nanowires with flat (0001) top surfaces, which were synthesized using a vapor-phase method without metal catalysts. Sufficient evidence was found to exclude electron-beam bombardment during scanning electron microscopy as a cause for bending and bundling. We attribute the bending and bundling to electrostatic interactions due to charged (0001) polar surfaces, and also discussed the threshold surface charge densities for the bending and bundling based on a simple cantilever-bending model. Some growth features were indicative of the operation of electrostatic interactions during the growth.
Impact and interest:
Citation counts are sourced monthly from Scopus and Web of Science® citation databases.
These databases contain citations from different subsets of available publications and different time periods and thus the citation count from each is usually different. Some works are not in either database and no count is displayed. Scopus includes citations from articles published in 1996 onwards, and Web of Science® generally from 1980 onwards.
Citations counts from the Google Scholar™ indexing service can be viewed at the linked Google Scholar™ search.
Export: EndNote | Dublin Core | BibTeX
Repository Staff Only: item control page


text:
This part of the legislation aims to help people get access to healthcare coverage when otherwise they won't because of lost income and high costs
Belleville, Ill. (Vocus) April 15, 2009
Healthcare provisions in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) may be crucial to those who have lost their jobs. That's especially true for people with disabilities no longer able to work, according to Allsup , a leading provider of Social Security disability, financial and healthcare-related services to people with disabilities.
The provision affects people who lost their jobs involuntarily between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, and whose employers provide COBRA coverage.
"This part of the legislation aims to help people get access to healthcare coverage when otherwise they won't because of lost income and high costs," said Paul Gada, a tax attorney and personal financial planning director for the Allsup Disability Life Planning Center.
"Continuing healthcare and medical treatment is particularly important for people with progressive illness or conditions that keep them from returning to the work force," Mr. Gada said. "This economy is bad news for people who have been struggling physically to keep working because of a disability. Now they've lost their jobs and, as a result, they may have lost their healthcare coverage."
Allsup provides more information below and online about the ARRA COBRA provisions , including considerations for those who may be eligible for Medicare.
How the ARRA Affects COBRA
Under the ARRA, people who lost their jobs involuntarily between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, and whose former employers offer COBRA coverage only have to pay 35 percent of their monthly premiums while the former employer picks up the remaining 65 percent (and is later reimbursed in the form of a tax credit). The COBRA premium reduction remains in effect for up to nine months.
Allsup provides more detail about involuntary versus voluntary termination on Allsup.com.
Who Qualifies
If you lost your job due to an involuntary termination within the period listed above and don't have access to other comprehensive healthcare coverage (such as Medicare or an employer plan), you are eligible for reduced-cost COBRA and the special enrollment period. You must make less than $125,000 for an individual or less than $250,000 for married people filing jointly. If you qualify, you should get a notice within the next 30 to 45 days from your former employer with details about your available options.
If You Chose Not to Use COBRA and Don't Have Coverage
Those who originally chose not to take advantage of a former employer's COBRA coverage for whatever reason and still are not covered (or don't have access to affordable healthcare coverage) can re-join a former employer's plan for the 65 percent premium reduction. In this case, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period of 60 days.
If You Use or Become Eligible for Other Healthcare Coverage
If you now have access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage (e.g. offered through an employer or Medicare) or become eligible for such coverage, you cannot take advantage of lower-cost COBRA coverage under ARRA, whether or not you are currently on COBRA. So, if you're currently using your former employer's COBRA coverage and are eligible for Medicare, whether due to age or disability, you still have to pay the full price of COBRA coverage. Having Medicare coverage and attempting to use reduced-cost COBRA can have serious consequences. Read more about Medicare and ARRA.
In general, all healthcare coverage is voluntary. That means that you have the choice whether or not to participate. So the decision to keep COBRA coverage until it expires, or use Medicare or other coverage instead is entirely up to you. But, coverage from Medicare or an employer may prove to be far more cost effective. Additionally, there is a penalty for individuals who use reduced-cost COBRA but are eligible for Medicare.
Allsup provides additional details online:
COBRA and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Quick Facts about Medicare and ARRA
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Allsup, Belleville, Ill., is a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, Allsup has helped more than 110,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Allsup employs more than 550 professionals who deliver services directly to consumers and their families, or through their employers and long-term disability insurance carriers. For more information, visit http://www.Allsup.com.
The information provided is not intended as a substitute for legal or other professional services. Legal or other expert assistance should be sought before making any decision that may affect your situation.
Rebecca Ray
(800) 854-1418, ext. 5065
Dan Allsup, ext. 5760
# # #


text:
2 Recommendations
paperheartmummy's recommendation
I think copper jewelry is just the bee's knees! And i have a bit of a fascination with owls, so this is just too good to pass up. I always feel good for supporting indie designers too.
skyekat's recommendation
You will be fearsome if you wear this. It's just a simply amazing, but bold piece.
My Collections:


text:
From Openmoko
(Ken Zhao) Q:What is metronome mode used for?
(Sean Moss-Pultz) A: For keeping a rythm. Usually for a musical instrament.
Q:If user close the application after setting alarms, who will active the alarms?Do we need a background daemon and run it at startup of system?
(Sean Moss-Pultz) A: For sure. The alarms need to be background tasks. Mickey can you comment on this architecture?
(User:Wizzor) Q: Will there be a possibility to set alarms for say, Monday to Friday, but not sat and sun? Or a separately timed alarm for Saturday and Sunday ?
(Sublime) Q: Will it be possible to have the alarm still run if the phone is turned off? Every phone I've ever had has had this feature and it's come in handy a lot.
(Morgan) Q: As far as setting the time / date and time zone, is the time communicated by all phone service providers? I know my current phone sets itself automatically, though I recall Blackberries could be set to synch with the wireless service, BES server, or neither. GPS satellites would add another option.


text:
Saint Augustine Florida Condominiums
St Augustine, the nation's oldest city, offers many attractions, unspoiled beaches and nature preserves. Most of the condos in St. Augustine are beachfront condos that were built in the 70's and 80's. There are a few smaller complexes that were built since 2000. Saint Augustine's laid back atmosphere and mild climate make it a great place to own a condo.
On this web site, I have included St Augustine property that most people think of as St Augustine Florida. The types of property include everything from St Augustine beach homes and to Crescent Beach condominiums. Crescent Beach is an area with lots of waterfront condos and very few commercial buildings.
Specializing in Condos
Since 1989, we have specialized in condominiums in St Augustine and Crescent Beach Florida. A lot of the folks we work with are looking for a beachfront condo that is affordable and has good rental potential. We have some of the most affordable oceanfront condos in Florida. Rental income from condos help offset the expense of owning a second home. A lot of people will use their condos part of the year and rent it out when they're not using it.
Our websites that provides information to people interested in St Augustine homes, which include, Crescent Beach homes and St Augustine golf homes.
My name is Rick Ginn. For three generations, my family has lived and practiced real estate in this area. I know the market in St. Augustine and can get you the best condo for the money. Our office is located at Crescent Beach about three miles from Saint Augustine Beach.
Whether you're looking for a beachfront condo or a small investment condo, we have the knowledge and expertise that will help you to get the best buy. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you.


text:
Users Online Now:
Who's On?
Visitors Today:
Pageviews Today:
Threads Today:
Posts Today:
Donate To GLP
Adv. Search
Back to Forum
Back to Thread
Message Subject
Alien abduction, Old Hag Syndrome, Sleep Paralysis.
Poster Handle
Jet Wylie
Post Content
I was banned today so this is from my phone. I wouldnt waste time writing this if it wasnt true. I'm over 30 and my whole childhood(5-12) I suffered night terrors. Real scary shit. Walking in my parents room saying things to my parents in a trance like state like " I love you, they are taking me now".
I grew out of them around 13 and didn't have them again until age 24/25. At this same age when the nts came back I started having SP. For me it's either a few months of nts or a few months of SP . Never had both around the same time. Till this day the most I go without a nt or SP is max two months. When I am having nt and SP they happen several times a week even back to back nights. Ok now for what I experience. Most of the time I wake up can't move anything but my eyes. All I can do is concentrate very hard(harder than I can when awake. Weird huh) and sometimes I'll shake out of it other times fall back asleep. When it's happening I have this feeling of "whatever you do don't fall back asleep" it's about 50/50 as far as coming to or falling back asleep. The worst part is trying to scream but only the slightest moan comes out. One night my wife actually heard me looked at me with my eyes open and asked if I was ok and after I didn't answer she went back to sleep. It was a sobering moment for me. I am so used to them, and this is no shit, when they happen now I can actually think to myself" it's ok just concentrate". Weird huh.
Ok only once have I experienced shadows during the SP but I think I see shadows alot during a normal day so maybe it's just not enough for meto notice during these episodes.
However ....... About a year ago I woke up in SP but something was very very different. I woke up to a very very very loud buzzing/whooshing sound all around me. A few seconds later I saw a very bright light covering the whole ceiling while the buzzing continued. A few seconds later it felt like my bed was raising up to the ceiling towards the noise and light. I looked over towards my wife and she wasnt there. I eventually snapped out of it right before my bed hit the ceiling. Woke up and my wife was laying right beside me. I've got to be honest this shook me alot and I recently got over it. None of my other SP experiences compared to this. I believe in ets but not necessarily in abductions but this really had me thinking. So I'm not here to say I was abducted but everything I said happened...qt least in my head.
Now the night terrors are more scary for the people who witness me going though one than it is for me.
Btw I was adopted at birth and had a great childhood and adult life.
Thanks for starting this thread!
Anonymous Coward 1332543
Thankyou very much for taking the time to type all that on your phone!! Yes it definitely sounds like the beginning of an abduction experience. Alot of people who experience that didn't believe in ET's. I myself have personally experienced the buzzing sound and it is disturbing. I am sorry to hear you suffer from night terrors also. Tell me about your regular sleeping patterns, and do you drink on a regular basis??
Please verify you're human:
Reason for copyright violation:
Disclaimer / Copyright Info
Privacy Policy
Terms Of Use
with questions or comments about this site.
"Godlike Productions" & "GLP" are registered trademarks of Zero Point Ltd. Godlike™
Website Design Copyright © 1999 - 2017 Godlikeproductions.com
Page generated in 0.005s (3 queries)


text:
Family Day at the Center: Walking Tour of Historic Brooklyn Heights - Brooklyn Historical Society
Hours: 2-4pm
Ages: ALL
Price: $20 for family of 4
128 Pierrepont St. - 718-222-4111
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
Description: Explore the architecture of this beautiful, historic neighborhood on an interactive walking tour with the Center for Architecture Foundation. Kids will learn ways of looking for clues in the built environment to uncover some of the fascinating history of this neighborhood. In collaboration with the Brooklyn Historical Society.


text:
What i'm looking for...a friend. Someone to get lost with accidentally or on purpose. A co-conspirator of epic frivolity. In all seriousness, I need compassion, loyalty, trust, and a short skirt with a long jacket...wow i can't even stay serious. Cake does come close with that song.
Spoiler Alert:
I'm not into playing games. I'm not looking to get into your pants, I just don't think i would look good in spanx pants...kidding.
If I'm into you, I'll tell you. I'm a man of my word. Also very loyal...if you're the lucky one, you're the only one!
Sooo, I live in LA, but love to travel...If you notice that I'm checking you out, and you live in say Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Paris, Berlin...replace with your city...it means i'll be paying your city a visit...which also means i'm looking to meet new people/friends to hang out with...not looking for hook ups...just tour guide/advice to find the best ice cream, or archery range, etc. so calm your jets...lets be friends...
Travel Update: I'll be visiting a friend in Chicago and going to a Face to Face concert. Lets meet up!
Next i'm planning a kick ass tour of Japan...Domo Arigato!!!
I enjoy the company of my family, and friends. Watch movies, go to concerts, grab a pint with friends, play board or video games, photography, reading (need to find a new book, it has been a while since I found something I enjoyed), exploring/traveling, hiking, bicycling...probably a lot more. I tend you try new things occasionally.
Currently I've taken up archery, i really enjoy it! I up for trying new things.
making banana's fosters,
scrambled eggs,
French toast,
boiling water(sometimes I burn it),
playing trumpet, sax, and cello, learning to play guitar very slowly,
making beer(this one I'll have to update considering I just brewed my first batch),
changing a flat tire,
being a pirate,
How about skills in not good at?
Programming a computer,
making baked Alaska,
playing the oboe,
wine making,
putting on makeup,
driving a semi,
javelin throwing,
firing a musket rifle(I've only done twice and it was a blast!- get it a blast?! Never mind),
flying a plane(i wanna learn),
being a lawyer,
Music , I haven't been wowed by anyone recently, any suggestions?
Currently I listen to my friend play in a band. She plays accordion in this alt bluegrass folk rock!
Movies, I've seen so many...given my degree, and my field...last one i saw was "Gilda" with Rita Hayworth, in the theater was Kingsman...Both were great in their own special way.
Tv shows (I don't have cable so i'm netflixing them) Dexter, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Mad Men, West Wing, SOA, Newsroom, Chuck, Archer, Top Gear BBC, Sherlock, Daily Show,
Sunglasses: my eyes are sensitive.
Sunscreen...I should use it more often, but I will burn like a lobster.
companionship...be it family, friendship, relationship or having a pet, it's essential to human growth to learn from each other, and take care of one another.
Hanging out with friends, grabbing a pint at the local pub, seeing a movie, driving/traveling to a nearby location for the weekend, watching roller derby, or staying in, cook a simple meal like tequila tacos, or a nice pork chop with some fresh veggies, and kicking back with a netflix.
- Not looking to jump into a relationship or settle.
- Want to take our time getting to know each other.
Bonus stage will only be acquired by the most noblest of people:
- Human (just thought I'd clarify), don't want any of that alien bs.
- More human than human...
- Active, i'm not talking gym rat, just someone that enjoys some of the outdoors or wants to attempt hiking, ski/snowboard, scuba, bicycling, archery. or just lifting a beer/wine while watching netflix.
- Drug free, and smoke free. IF you're trying to quit, I'll be there to help.
- for some reason I thought I'd have more
- Overall, someone who is comfortable with herself, after all, that person who is true to themselves will be the one I will love and always love without question.


text: Hi, just following up on some previous reports about flakiness with the "noisebridge" ap. The symptoms I've seen are: access point stays associated with my interface, but I cannot ping the gateway. Reconnecting to the access point with Linux NetworkManager fixes this. It happened once today. Last week Saturday it was happening a lot. I plugged in the wired network (hub that Mischief put in next to the public terminal) and I didn't have any more connectivity problems. At some point I can try to look at the server logs, but I'm just passing this info on in case anyone else is looking at it. My HWaddr: 48:5b:39:79:20:09 noisebridge Access Point: 00:1F:41:16:3E:08 Failure times: Saturday May 26, 5:14pm and Thursday May 31 4:05pm ifconfig wlan0: wlan0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 74:f0:6d:0e:8c:42 inet addr:172.30.3.75 Bcast:172.30.3.255 Mask:255.255.252.0 inet6 addr: fe80::76f0:6dff:fe0e:8c42/64 Scope:Link UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1 RX packets:516040 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0 TX packets:225471 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0 collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000 RX bytes:350984014 (350.9 MB) TX bytes:40534020 (40.5 MB) iwconfig wlan0: wlan0 IEEE 802.11bgn ESSID:"noisebridge" Mode:Managed Frequency:2.422 GHz Access Point: 00:1F:41:16:3E:08 Bit Rate=39 Mb/s Tx-Power=9 dBm Retry long limit:7 RTS thr:off Fragment thr:off Power Management:off Link Quality=59/70 Signal level=-51 dBm Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0 Tx excessive retries:207 Invalid misc:72 Missed beacon:0


text: To get from Sora to Vigevano by train you can catch one of the 1 trains that everyday travel between these two cities. The first train to Vigevano leaves from Sora at 12:39 and the last train departs at 12:39. If you choose a local train the trip lasts on average 09:06 hours. For your trip from Sora to Vigevano by train you can choose to leave from one of Sora main stations: Sora On Wanderio you can compare all schedules, fares and railway companies to Vigevano and book the best itinerary starting from Sora.


text:
The PSO is pleased to announce a new journal to be published twice a year, starting October 1, 2013. The peer-reviewed journal provides a platform whereby researchers, policy makers, experts in relevant disciplines, and modelers can join together to offer scientifically valid and societally appropriate solutions to challenging problems facing the world today, from the perspective of systems and complexity science.
Aims and Scope
• Promote professional and public understanding of the relationship between policy studies and complex systems thinking, evolving greater understanding and engagement.
• Establish a venue for reporting results of exploring, developing, and evaluating policies using cutting edge computational approaches to policy research, including complexity theory, agent-based modeling/simulation, chaos theory, fractals, dynamical systems, and the science of networks.
• Establish a repository of data and systems developed through research efforts reported in the journal.
• Bring together a community of multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary scholars to address common societal concerns; including social scientists, natural scientists, computational scientists, humanists, policy analysts, public administrators, and policy makers.
Introductory Issue Topics & Call for Submissions
• Overview of Public Policy Methodological Approaches and Best Practices
• Overview of Complexity and Systems Methodological Approaches and Best Practices
• Public Policy & Complexity Theory/Systems Theory
• Data Acquisition for Systems-based Policy Research
• The Element of Time in Complex Systems Simulations
• Policy Analysys and Evaluation Within Complex Systems Framework
• Application of Complex Systems Policy Research


text: I recently was asked to install lights on a large residential property that was about 4 years old. In the back of the home it had a hardscape patio that was approximately 75 length X 125 feet width, in this hardscape patio a pool had been put in place as well as 5 inlaid planting beds with various trees and plants. I was asked to run lights to these 5 inlaid planting beds which obviously was a challenge. I was fortunate to find that they had run 2 inch pvc as a sleeve for the 3/4 in pvc irrigation pipe that ran to each bed (was done originally with the home. This was great, I had the ability to run wire from each inlaid bed, back to it's start point of conduit using a fishtape....Unfortunately the start point was a small bed cut in the patio butted right into the back of the home. The problem was the small bed sat right against the home but had no exits underground, so in order to get my wire to the transformer (on the side of the home) wire would be exposed crossing the patio about 40 feet. The only solution I had was a downspout that came from the gutters of the home, fortunately it ran right into the bed so I ended up running wire up the downspout and fishing it all the way to the otherside and then emptying back out into the yard near my transformer. Yes, I know this isn't ideal, but I didn't really have any other solution except to cut the concrete and that was simply not going to happen. Any thoughts?


text:
Car insurance and homeowners insurance companies determine your premiums in part based on a CLUE Report. It stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report and it is very similar to your credit report in that it consolidates a lot of information and sells it to the property and casualty insurance companies. There are separate scores for auto and home insurance.
CLUE reports are compiled by ChoicePoint and while the information they provide to insurers doesn't determine your eligibility for auto or home insurance, it certainly can have an impact on how high your premiums are. But remember, the CLUE database is maintained by an information vendor, not another insurance company.
ChoicePoint pulls together information about your prior claims history as well as your credit history to develop the number they provide to insurers. You can purchase your own CLUE report score for about $12.95 by calling (888) 497-0011 or by writing:
CLUE, Inc.
Attn: FACT Act Request
PO Box 105295
Atlanta, GA 30348
How do insurance companies get information for the CLUE report?
- Insurance companies send information about past claims and inquiries about coverage into ChoicePoint's database. They might also include inquiries you made about potential claims, even if you didn't file them. These are sometimes referred to as "claims without payment."
- If you file a claim on your homeowners insurance policy, the company adds this information to the database.
- If you apply for insurance with another company, the new insurance company can access the CLUE database and learn of your past claims.
Although no claims filed more than five years ago are included, CLUE includes information about inquiries you make, even if a claim was never submitted or paid. Some states prohibit this practice. To find out if your state is one that prohibits it, contact your state insurance agency. You can find your state's insurance contact information at www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm.
What's a good CLUE score?
ChoicePoint's scores go as high as 997 and like your credit score, the higher the better.
|776 – 997
|626 – 775
|501 – 625
|Below Average
|Less than 500
Why is 997 the high score? I have no idea.
How long does information stay on my CLUE report?
Just like with your credit report, federal laws regulate when and how things drop off your CLUE report. Collections and missing a payment will stay on your report for 7 years, bankruptcy will remain for 10 years and unpaid tax liens for 15 years.
Inquiries have an affect too – they stay on your report for 2 – 5 years.
Are CLUE report scores and credit scores related?
Not really, though your credit score may be embedded into your CLUE report. Each score has a different focus, credit scores generally focus on your payment history while CLUE report scores focus on your claims history with cars or your home.
Why do insurers use CLUE reports?
Insurance companies use your CLUE report for the same reason that credit card companies and other lenders use your FICO score: they're looking for stability in how you manage your affairs.. Just like credit issuers want to know that you've responsibly managed your credit for an extended period of time, insurance companies want to know that you haven't filed multiple (and questionable) claims on your car insurance or homeowners insurance.
What if I find an error in my CLUE report?
Contact ChoicePoint and provide them with appropriate supporting documentation. You also have the option of adding a personal statement to your CLUE report to explain your side to any negative entries on your report. When you challenge your CLUE report, ChoicePoint will verify the information with the company that submitted it and get back with you within 30 days (very similar to FICO).
Some consumer groups have expressed concern about the amount of power ChoicePoint and other companies providing information about you without your knowledge have. Since you can be declined for coverage without knowing why, CLUE reports may soon catch the eye of more legislators.


text:
Domani Cafe Branding
Identity system for a local coffee shop. The logo was created to be a simple, one color mark that could easily be stamped on cups, napkins, apparel, and be affordable to produce. A website was also created to help the shop keep its customers updated on the happenings at Domani.
Thank You!


text:
|Front Page | In depth | UK | Bristol Babies
Death rates (1988-90)
While Bristol's performance, according to the figures, is getting worse, improvements in equipment and skill mean that in general, death rates are falling elsewhere.
This leaves the Royal Infirmary's efforts looking poor in relation to many other leading centres.
The notable exception to this is Harefield Hospital near London, where the figures suggest a massive surge in infant deaths. While a number of factors apart from the performance of doctors can influence this, it is a worrying statistic.
|Back to Top
| © MMV | News Sources | Privacy


text: Posted January 24, 2013 Yeah, I'm sure the folks at Mercedes are reeeaally upset about this :lol: Is Kate Upton's New Mercedes Ad Too Tacky-Sexy? News story like that certainly won't dull anyone's interest now, will it? The tagline of the ad is "Kate Upton Washes the New Mercedes CLA—in Slow Motion." But before you guys rev your engines too high, you should know that Upton herself doesn't do any of the actual washing. A group of young football players does it for her while she supervises. I thought it was pretty funny myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
The goals of the workshop are: (1) to provide prospective affiliates with an overview of the vision and goals of the Center in general and the new University site in particular; (2) to inform prospective affiliates about collaboration opportunities and benefits; (3) to ascertain the level of interest of the proposed affiliates in Center research activities and (4) to obtain guidance from the NSF personnel leading the I/UCRC program.
A brief presentation on the UB site activities can be found here.
Workshop DateJune 21 . 22, 2012
VenueCenter for Unified Biometrics and Sensors
113 Davis Hall
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260-2500
Tentative ScheduleThursday, June 21
9 am . 12 pm
12 pm . 1 pm
1 pm . 5 pm
6:30 pm
Introduction to Center leadership and activities, Research presentations
Research presentations and informal discussions
Social event and dinner
Friday, June 22
12 pm . 1 pm
Lunch and adjourn
The University of Buffalo (UB) will be organizing the planning meeting to inform their prospective affiliate organizations of the benefits of joining CITeR. The workshop is the last step mandated by the NSF needed to receive approval to create the site of an Industry-University center. Click here to view a soft copy of the invitation flyer to our Planning Grant Workshop at UB (June 21-22, 2012).
Anyone who is interested should visit the UB web site and register for the Workshop to help the organizers in making the necessary arrangements. The Workshop website is at: http://cubs.buffalo.edu/citer/
|CITeR Contact Information:
Clarkson Phone: 315-268-6536
WVU Phone: 304-293-1455
Arizona Phone: 520-621-5818
UB Phone: 716-645-1558
More Information


text:
Mustangs finish up with a win; McConnell second
Men's Golf - Mon, Apr. 25, 2011
Josh Udelhofen of Clarke and Mount Mercy junior Derek McConnell had the day's best round, a 1-over-par 73. Udelhofen garnered medalist honors on a card back and McConnell was runner-up, his sixth top-five finish of the year. McConnell also ended up as Mount Mercy's leading scorer this year at 76.1 strokes per round.
Juniors Ned Carter and Declan Hasson also finished in the top 10 for the Mustangs. Carter, who maintained a 77.1 scoring average this year, tied for fourth with a 3-over-par 75. Hasson placed seventh with a 5-over 77. Senior Ross McLaughlin tied for 12th after shooting an 81, senior Tim Hagge tied for 15th with an 82 and freshman Ryan Schrimper carded an 84 to tie for 18th.