text:
Calcium Homeostasis in Acromegaly: Effect of Surgical/Medical Treatment and Comparison With Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumors
This study has been completed.
Emory University
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Adriana Ioachimescu, MD, PhD, Emory University
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: March 29, 2012
Last updated: December 4, 2014
Last verified: December 2014
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Biospecimen Retention: Samples Without DNA
Show Detailed Description
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the Calcium homeostasis in adult patients with uncontrolled acromegaly. The measurements will be repeated 3-6 months after the treatment of acromegaly (surgical or medical). The control group consists of patients with nonfunctioning pituitary tumors who will undergo surgical removal.
|Acromegaly Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumor
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Case Control
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|Calcium Homeostasis in Acromegaly: Effect of Surgical/Medical Treatment and Comparison With Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumors.
Resource links provided by NLM:
Genetics Home Reference related topics: familial isolated pituitary adenoma
MedlinePlus related topics: Calcium Pituitary Disorders Pituitary TumorsU.S. FDA Resources
Further study details as provided by Adriana Ioachimescu, MD, PhD, Emory University:
Primary Outcome Measures:
- Calcitriol/PTH [ Time Frame: Baseline and 3-6 months after trreatment of pituitary condition ]
To describe baseline calcitriol/PTH status in patients with uncontrolled acromegaly, with subanalyses based on presence of hyperprolactinemia.
To assess the change in calcitriol/PTH levels after treatment with acromegaly, with subanalyses based on type of therapy (surgical or medical).
To evaluate the calcium and calcitriol/PTH levels in patients with acromegaly compared to patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, with subanalyses based on presence of hyperprolactinemia in either group.
Biospecimen Retention: Samples Without DNA
Blood and urine samples obtained from subjects.
|Study Start Date:
|December 2011
|Study Completion Date:
|August 2014
|Primary Completion Date:
|August 2014 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Group 1 - Acromegaly, Group 2 - control
Group 1 - Acromegaly patients, Group 2 - Nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma patients (control)
Show Detailed Description
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
|Sampling Method:
|Non-Probability Sample
Study Population
Patients with uncontrolled acromegaly and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas presenting to the Emory University Pituitary Center for medical or surgical treatment.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients diagnosed with acromegaly or a nonfunctioning pituitary who will receive treatment for the pituitary condition.
- Study subjects must agree to participate in this study and provide written consent.
- Site- Emory Clinic/Emory University hospital.
- Stage of Disease: Patients with active acromegaly that is either newly diagnosed or uncontrolled on current therapy (as shown by GH/IGF-1 levels). Patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma in whom surgical intervention planned based on current guidelines will serve as a control group.
- Age: Study subjects must be over 18 years of age.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age < 18 years old
- Prior other diseases: Patients chronic renal disease stage 3 or worse (estimated GFR > 60).
Contacts and Locations
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below. For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01568359
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01568359
|United States, Georgia
|Emory Clinic
|Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30322
|Emory University Hospital
|Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30322
Sponsors and Collaborators
Emory University
|Principal Investigator:
|Adriana Ioachimescu, MD, PhD
|Asst Professor
More Information
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017
Wongsurawat N, Armbrecht HJ, Zenser TV, Forte LR, Davis BB. Effects of hypophysectomy and growth hormone treatment on renal hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in rats. J Endocrinol. 1984 Jun;101(3):333-8.
Ajibade DV, Dhawan P, Fechner AJ, Meyer MB, Pike JW, Christakos S. Evidence for a role of prolactin in calcium homeostasis: regulation of intestinal transient receptor potential vanilloid type 6, intestinal calcium absorption, and the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) 1alpha hydroxylase gene by prolactin. Endocrinology. 2010 Jul;151(7):2974-84. doi: 10.1210/en.2010-0033. Epub 2010 May 12.
Charoenphandhu N, Wongdee K, Krishnamra N. Is prolactin the cardinal calciotropic maternal hormone? Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jul;21(7):395-401. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2010.02.002. Epub 2010 Mar 20.
Lancer SR, Bowser EN, Hargis GK. The effect of growth hormone on parathyroid function in rats. Endocrinology. 1976 May;98(5):1289-93.
Cook DM, Ezzat S, Katznelson L, Kleinberg DL, Laws ER Jr, Nippoldt TB, Swearingen B, Vance ML; AACE Acromegaly Guidelines Task Force. AACE Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly. Endocr Pract. 2004 May-Jun;10(3):213-25. Erratum in: Endocr Pract. 2005 Mar-Apr;11(2):144. Endocr Pract. 2008 Sep;14(6):802-3. Cook, David M [added]; Ezzat, Shereen [added]; Katznelson, Laurence [added]; Kleinberg, David L [added]; Laws, Edward R Jr [added]; Nippoldt, Todd B [added]; Swearingen, Brooke [added]; Vance, Mary Lee [added].
Ezzat S, Melmed S, Endres D, Eyre DR, Singer FR. Biochemical assessment of bone formation and resorption in acromegaly. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993 Jun;76(6):1452-7.
Nadarajah A, Hartog M, Redfern B, Thalassinos N, Wright AD, Joplin GF, Fraser TR. Calcium metabolism in acromegaly. Br Med J. 1968 Dec 28;4(5634):797-801.
Sigurdsson G, Nunziata V, Reiner M, Nadarajah A, Joplin GF. Calcium absorption and excretion in the gut in acromegaly. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1973 Jul;2(3):187-92.
Takamoto S, Tsuchiya H, Onishi T, Morimoto S, Imanaka S, Mori S, Seino Y, Uozumi T, Kumahara Y. Changes in calcium homeostasis in acromegaly treated by pituitary adenomectomy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1985 Jul;61(1):7-11.
Halse J, Haugen HN. Calcium and phosphate metabolism in acromegaly. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1980 Aug;94(4):459-67.
Hennessey JV, Jackson IM. Clinical features and differential diagnosis of pituitary tumours with emphasis on acromegaly. Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1995 Apr;9(2):271-314. Review.
Brown DJ, Spanos E, MacIntyre I. Role of pituitary hormones in regulating renal vitamin D metabolism in man. Br Med J. 1980 Feb 2;280(6210):277-8.
White HD, Ahmad AM, Durham BH, Chandran S, Patwala A, Fraser WD, Vora JP. Effect of active acromegaly and its treatment on parathyroid circadian rhythmicity and parathyroid target-organ sensitivity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Mar;91(3):913-9. Epub 2005 Dec 13.
Lund B, Eskildsen PC, Lund B, Norman AW, Sørensen OH. Calcium and vitamin D metabolism in acromegaly. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1981 Apr;96(4):444-50.
Parkinson C, Kassem M, Heickendorff L, Flyvbjerg A, Trainer PJ. Pegvisomant-induced serum insulin-like growth factor-I normalization in patients with acromegaly returns elevated markers of bone turnover to normal. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Dec;88(12):5650-5.
|Responsible Party:
|Adriana Ioachimescu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Emory University
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01568359 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|March 29, 2012
|Last Updated:
|December 4, 2014
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Pituitary Diseases
Pituitary Neoplasms
Hypothalamic Diseases
Brain Diseases
Central Nervous System Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
Endocrine System Diseases
Bone Diseases, Endocrine
Bone Diseases
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Endocrine Gland Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
Hypothalamic Neoplasms
Supratentorial Neoplasms
Brain Neoplasms
Central Nervous System Neoplasms
Nervous System Neoplasms
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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January 11, 2013
Prospects Will Break Your Heart
Philadelphia Phillies Top 10 Prospects
State of the Farm: "But I can't get through. My hands are tied. I won't want to stay. I don't have much to say. But I can't turn away. And you won't see me. You won't see me."
The Top Ten
1. Jesse Biddle
What Happened in 2012: Biddle made 26 starts in the Florida State League and emerged as a top 100 prospect in baseball and the top talent in the Phillies system.
Strengths: Excellent size/strength; delivery is clean; arm works well; fastball is solid-average; can show plus velocity; throws it downhill with some life; curveball flashes plus and should work at that grade; good snap and sharp vertical movement; changeup has taken steps forward; average offering that might have a little more; can turn it over; will show a slider with some depth; good pitchability.
Weaknesses: Fastball is a setup, not standout pitch; velo can dip into fringe range; ordinary offering at times; fastball command needs refinement; can get loose in the zone; secondary command needs work; changeup needs to find more consistency; pitch can get deliberate and tipped.
Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; mature body and solid-average arsenal; good feel for pitching; clean delivery.
Fantasy Future: Workhorse frame and deep arsenal should allow for innings and win/loss decisions; has bat missing ability, but won't be huge strikeout arm at highest level.
The Year Ahead: The Double-A test for arms can be quite telling, as the bats can tune up velocity and track average secondary stuff. Biddle will need to refine his fastball command and sharpen his secondary offerings to maintain his lofty prospect status. He won't be able to live in the zone with an average fastball without finding barrels, so keeping hitters off balance and off his fastball will be vital for success. If the fastball can live in the 90-93 range, it will have more than enough juice to play, and if he can spot it lower in the zone and get ahead on a regular basis, his secondary offerings will look even better.
Major league ETA: 2014
2. Maikel Franco
What Happened in 2012: After an ugly start to his 2012 season, Franco exploded in the second half of the year, showing off his electric bat speed and power potential.
Strengths: Incredibly fast hands at the plate; can square plus velocity; easy plus bat speed; very good present strength; contact is rarely empty; plus power in the bat; smokes mistakes; arm is very strong at third; glove should play as average; big ceiling.
Weaknesses: Swing can get whippy and loose; will chase out of the zone; aggressive approach sets him up for secondary exploitation; well below-average speed; can make plays at third with okay actions, but footwork can get clumsy and first-step is lacking.
Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player
Explanation of Risk: High risk; raw approach at the plate and defensive limitations.
Fantasy Future: Has the potential to be an impact bat at the highest level, with plus power potential and a hit tool that should play. Lacks speed and isn't a great defensive third baseman, but has a chance to stay at the position if the body stays under control.
The Year Ahead: If Franco brings his swing from last August to the Florida State League in 2013, his prospect status will explode and he could be sitting atop this list in short order. He can generate excellent bat speed and leverage, but he doesn't always show the best bat control, and better pitchers with better stuff can exploit that kind of a weakness. Franco has an impact bat, but he's still raw and needs to let the game come to him. He can play fast and loose, and while that might work in the lower minors, a more advanced level will require a more advanced overall approach. This kid could be very good.
Major league ETA: 2015
3. Adam Morgan
What Happened in 2012: Morgan was good in his 2011 professional debut, but he really stepped forward after the aggressive promotion to the Florida State League in 2013, where he logged 123 innings and eventually pitched his way to Double-A.
Strengths: Very easy arm action; good delivery; finds working rhythm quickly in starts; high-80s/low-90s fastball plays very well; good angle to the plate when spotted down; slider is plus offering; shows sharp two-plane slice; changeup flashes plus potential; plays well off fastball/slider combo; will show slower breaking ball with longer hump (CB); good command/control profile.
Weaknesses: Can lose plane and angle when he elevates; fastball normally works in sub-plus velocity range; secondary arsenal plays, but isn't overpowering; changeup can still get too firm and find barrels.
Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; already achieved Double-A level; shows good pitchability and solid-average arsenal.
Fantasy Future: Lacks ideal height, but strong, durable frame and clean delivery, so innings workload shouldn't be a problem. Has plus slider, but might be hittable because of average fastball; could be no. 3 starter, with floor of back-end arm.
The Year Ahead: Morgan should get another taste of Double-A, and the results should remain positive. The delivery and arm work well, and despite an average fastball, he should be able to miss bats with the slider and keep hitters off balance with the deep secondary repertoire. He falls under fellow southpaw Jesse Biddle on the rankings, but the profiles are similar and Morgan might end up the better major-league arm despite not being the better minor-league prospect. This isn't another Cliff Lee, despite the forced comps, but this could be a quality starting pitcher that exceeds expectations.
Major league ETA: 2014
4. Roman Quinn
What Happened in 2012: Making his professional debut, Quinn proved that he is the fastest man in the minors not named Billy Hamilton, with easy 80-grade speed on the 20/80 scale.
Strengths: Starts and ends with speed; ludicrous speed; every ball in play could be a hit; shows some aptitude with the bat; good barrel awareness and contact ability; solid-average to plus hit tool projection; good approach; can shorten up with two strikes; arm is strong; shows a quick release; obvious quickness in the field/range.
Weaknesses: Needs to add strength; can barrel balls, but legs make weaker contact look more glamorous on the stat sheet; below-average power; won't be power threat at maturity; glove is fringy; stiff actions; lacks ideal leather for shortstop; lacks loud offensive profile.
Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player
Explanation of Risk: High risk; raw at the plate; candidate for new position in the field.
Fantasy Future: Has elite speed, so will always be a stolen base threat, and catalytic tool will allow hit tool to play up. Depending on refinement of approach, could fit leadoff profile at either second base or perhaps center field.
The Year Ahead: Quinn is going to move to full-season ball, and the present utility of his hit tool with be tested. The kid can run like the wind, so even weak contact gives him a chance to make things happen on the offensive side of the ball. The biggest question is his defensive profile, with more than enough range and a strong arm, but actions that leave a lot to be desired. If he can stick at shortstop and add some punch with the stick, Quinn is going to be a force in the minors.
Major league ETA: 2016
5. Tommy Joseph
What Happened in 2012: After ripping 57 extra-base hits in the California League, Joseph failed to continue the offensive trend at the Double-A level, as his game power took a tumble.
Strengths: Impressive raw power; torque-heavy swing; big strength; projects to hit 20-plus HR at highest level; arm is very strong; good catch/throw skills; monster makeup and work ethic; has made strides behind the plate; has a chance to make it work.
Weaknesses: Hit tool is below average and lacks much projection; creates bat speed, but doesn't command the barrel in the zone; low-average hitter; approach needs refinement; footwork is heavy.
Overall Future Potential: High 5; solid-average regular
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; power is mature and should play if hit tool improves; profile enhanced if he can stick behind the plate.
Fantasy Future: Could develop into power-hitting catcher, with enough pop for 20-plus bombs at a premium position.
The Year Ahead: Joseph is unlikely to develop into a middle-of-the-order hitter, and he's unlikely to improve enough behind the plate to be considered a plus defender, but he can do enough to make it all work. The hit tool isn't great; in fact, it's not very good and could get exposed for what it really is at the next level. The power is legit, and should play in game action if the approach and hit tool pull their weight, which is debatable. The work ethic keeps the positional value alive, and if Joseph can develop into a ~.240 hitter with 20-plus homers from behind the plate, that's enough to keep his name penciled in a major-league lineup.
Major league ETA: 2013
6. Ethan Martin
What Happened in 2012: Pitching out of the Double-A rotation, Martin turned the tide on his career and reemerged as a prospect, as the electric raw stuff was able to play despite continued struggles with command.
Strengths: Big arm strength; excellent arm action; fastball is power pitch thrown in the low-mid 90s; can touch higher in bursts; pitch shows hard, late life; potential 7 offering with better command; curveball is tight bottom-heavy breaker; sharp in the upper 70s; slider will flash plus; smallish break; cutter like in mid-80s; big competitor.
Weaknesses: Effort in the delivery; despite athleticism and easy arm, gets out of whack mechanically and loses release point; fastball command is below-average; breaking balls can miss barrels, but can get sloppy; changeup is below average; inefficient as a starter.
Overall Future Potential: 6; late-innings reliever
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; needs to sharpen command, but has late-innings arsenal and has achieved Double-A level.
Fantasy Future: Has the stuff and aggressive nature to miss bats in high-leverage spots. Could be a setup arm or closer if command comes around.
The Year Ahead: While still a starter, Martin has the mechanical profile and arsenal of a late-innings reliever, with a plus-plus potential fastball and two breaking balls that can miss bats and force poor contact. The changeup isn't on the same level, and the command can be downright poor when he loses his release. In short-bursts, Martin could de a successful major-league arm, and if the command can take a step forward, could develop into a dominant force at the end of a bullpen. It will come down to command. He can live in the zone and find some success because of the quality of the raw stuff, but he can thrive with a small step forward.
Major league ETA: 2013
7. Cody Asche
What Happened in 2012: Cody Asche, the man who produced a sub-.600 OPS in short-season ball in 2011, crushed baseballs at two stops in 2012, finishing the year by slugging over .500 at the Double-A level. Go figure.
Strengths: Natural bat-to-ball ability; can square velocity and stay back on off-speed; good-looking swing; good bat control and feel for contact; hit tool has plus projections; should play at highest level; shows good pop; could develop average game power; arm is strong; glove work at third should be average; heady baseball player.
Weaknesses: Unlikely to hit for big game power; approach needs some refinement; lacks plus defensive tools; below-average run/range.
Overall Future Potential: 5; solid-average regular
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; mature skill-set; achieved Double-A level.
Fantasy Future: Lacks high-end ceiling, but has a chance to hit .270-plus with 10-15 HR at the highest level.
The Year Ahead: Asche has a breakout year that he is unlikely to duplicate in Triple-A, but he can position himself for a major-league look with a strong showing at the plate and continued refinement in the field. He's not going to be a star, and unlikely to play beyond the solid-average label, but he can hit a baseball and he can handle the defensive assignment at third, so he is going to bring value to the position at the highest level.
Major league ETA: 2013
8. Jonathan Pettibone
What Happened in 2012: Pettibone doesn't have the sexiest profile on the planet, but a steady approach and a good command/control profile pushed him to the Tripe-A level, where another step forward will push him to the major leagues.
Strengths: Tall, strong pitcher; clean delivery; repeats well; fastball works in the low-90s; can touch higher with effort; creates good plane to plate; good sink; changeup is best offering; good deception in the arm and late action; slider will flash above-average quality; very good pitchability and feel for command.
Weaknesses: Fastball velocity is pedestrian for righty; has to hit spots; can't elevate; slider can get soft; break lacks intensity; exploitable pitch; can fall in love with changeup.
Overall Future Potential: 5; no. 4 starter
Explanation of Risk: Moderate risk; some arm issues on resume; lacks high-end stuff, so error margin is small.
Fantasy Future: Has the body to log innings and the stuff/pitchability to make it play at the highest level. Unlikely to be big bat-misser.
The Year Ahead: With only seven Triple-A starts under his belt, Pettibone is likely booked for a return trip to the International League. The fastball is only an average offering, and if it can tick up without a command sacrifice, the entire profile will tick up as a result. He's very effective with the changeup, using it in all counts against all hitters, and it should continue to be his money pitch gong forward. The slider needs some help, but plays well off the fastball, and has the potential to grow into an above-average offering. The stuff isn't great, but he knows how to use it and should develop into a quality major-league starter, with a realistic floor at the back end and a chance for more if the stuff plays up.
Major league ETA: 2013
9. Carlos Tocci
What Happened in 2012: The 17-year-old made his professional debut, showing off his defensive chops and contact ability at the complex level.
Strengths: Big time athlete; easy plus run; some sources put a 7 on it; impressive raw defensive skill-set, with easy plus arm and easy plus potential glove; shows some bat to ball aptitude; makeup to handle advanced assignment for age; huge promise.
Weaknesses: Very raw; body needs to add strength; bat is empty contact at present; hard to project hit/power; instincts and athleticism, but reads/routes are raw; very long way to go; lots of unknowns.
Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player
Explanation of Risk: Extreme risk; very small professional sample; offensive tools need massive jumps.
Fantasy Future: Has all the raw defensive skills to be monster at premium spot, with plus run and arm, and plus potential glove. Bat isn't on same level, but has contact ability and should grow into a line-drive stroke with more strength.
The Year Ahead: Tocci is very young and very promising, so the Phillies don't need to rush the developmental process. A promotion to short-season ball is likely, and as was the case at the complex level, the bat won't shine until the body catches up and more strength enters his game. This player could go a number of different directions depending on the physical development, and it's too early in the process to draw many conclusions. The defensive skill-set has a chance to be very legit, and if the bat can show a little something, this is a player on the way up prospect lists.
Major league ETA: 2017
10. Shane Watson
What Happened in 2012: The 40th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Watson only made five appearances at the complex level, but the combination of size and stuff gave evaluators plenty to talk about despite the small sample.
Strengths: Excellent present size and physical projection; simple, repeatable delivery; long limbs, but stays under control; fastball shows plus potential, already working in the low-90s; creates excellent plane/throws it downhill; curveball has above-average projection; good present depth and sharp vertical movement; good command profile; wants the ball.
Weaknesses: Fastball can play soft; curveball flashes, but can open up early; needs to finish pitch; changeup is behind other offerings; work in progress; projection unknown.
Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter
Explanation of Risk: High risk; small professional sample; too many unknowns
Fantasy Future: Has a prototypical body and already shows two pitches with above-average potential; could develop into mid-rotation starter if everything clicks, and perhaps even more if secondary arsenal is being undersold and if fastball ticks up and holds steady.
The Year Ahead: Watson has a lot of upside, starting with his projectable frame and easy delivery, which eventually could push his present fastball into the plus range. He can already spin a good curveball, and the changeup has a good starting ground because of the easy arm and good overall pitchability. A full-season assignment would be aggressive, but the 19-year-old has the approach to handle the jump, and enough raw stuff to justify the move. This could be a riser in the system.
Major league ETA: 2016
Prospects on the Rise:
1. OF/IF Andrew Pullin: A fifth-round draft pick in 2012, Pullin shows very good bat-to-ball ability, and if he can make the transition to second base, has the type of offensive profile to have value at the position.
2. C Gabriel Lino: Loud tools, especially the raw power and arm strength, but so far the promising physical characteristics have yet to make an impact in game action. He's a long shot, but a promising dream nonetheless, and if he can bring those tools to baseball life, he has a chance to become a very legit prospect.
3. RHP Mitch Gueller: A supplemental first-round pick in 2012 and a promising two-way amateur player, Gueller has an excellent combination of present size and projectable stuff, including a fastball that already sits in the plus velocity range and could develop into a legit plus-plus offering.
Factors on the Farm (Prospects likely to contribute at the ML level in 2013
1. OF/1B Darin Ruf: Ruf was the 2012's season pop-up prospect of the year, trashing the minors before an impressive 12-game clip at the highest level. The scouting industry is mixed on his future, with the a vocal majority questioning his sustainability at the level, while others insist this is a legit major-league bat, one capable of 25-plus home runs.
2. RHP Phillippe Aumont: It seems like Aumont has been a prospect for a decade, but the former first-round pick just turned 24, and after a major-league taste in 2012, will look to bring his heavy mid-90s bowling ball fastball to a late-innings role.
3. LHP Jake Diekman: 95 mph from the left-side is always a thing of beauty, and when that heat is delivered from a lengthy 6'4'', 200 lb. frame, along with a sharp slider that misses bats, you have yourself a prospect that should develop into a major-league force. The command needs to improve to find sustainable success, but as his 27-inning sample showed, Diekman can miss bats at any level of professional baseball.
Top 10 Talents 25 And Under (born 4/1/87 or later)
Ranking prospects from a "thin" system is often one of the most challenging tasks for any prospect writer. How do you differentiate between blatantly flawed prospects? Compound that problem with young major-league talent with flaws and you have a real conundrum for an under-25 list.
It's no secret the Phillies have been making moves to compete at the big-league level, utilizing a store of prospects to acquire talent like Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence. Over the last few years, the Phillies have shipped out high-end prospects like Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Villar and Domingo Santana; that type of talent would make the Phillies list look much better.
As it stands now, the Phillies have very little young MLB talent, mixing only Domonic Brown and Freddy Galvis into the top 10. Galvis helped out in the big leagues in 2012 as the Phillies waited for Chase Utley to return, and while his defense was outstanding, his bat left much to be desired. Galvis has long been lauded for his work with the leather and that will not change going forward. He still profiles as a potential bottom-of-the-order hitter with plus-plus defense, making him a potential everyday player.
Domonic Brown has gone from one of the elite prospects in baseball to one of the most purely confusing young players in the game today. In 492 big-league plate appearances Brown has a .236/.315/.388; a line that, while disappointing, still harbors some hope for the future. He has still shown an ability to make good contact and there's some pop in that tall frame, leaving many scouts to wonder what happens if the Phillies actually give him a chance to play every day in 2013. It's hard to give up on Brown's tools, but it's also hard to project him as the star he was once considered to be. –Mark Anderson
A Parting Thought…..The system is lacking when it comes to players with high-end upside or prospects that wear the badge of national recognition, but if you take the time to look, you can find plenty of talent worth keeping an eye on.
Special thanks to Nick Faleris, Mark Anderson, and Hudson Belinsky for their input and influence on this list.
Jason Parks is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @ProfessorParks
36 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
With regards to Biddle's changeup, what does "can turn it over" mean?
Jan 11, 2013 04:44 AM
Chris Mellen
BP staff
Based on the way a circle changeup is gripped, when executed properly the rotation produced causes arm-side movement and the ball breaks down/inward or fades to that side. The pitcher "turned over his changeup" or he can "turn it over" means he can produce that movement and finish. As opposed to a straight changeup, which will break downward some on the approach to the plate and look like it is dropping.
Jan 11, 2013 05:04 AM
On every pitch, the arm naturally pronates (that is, turns outward, with the hand/arm rotating clockwise for a left-hander and counter clockwise for a right-hander). Try and watch a slow motion of any pitch leaving the pitchers hand, even on a slider or curveball, and you will see this pronation of the arm near the release point.
Jan 11, 2013 04:52 AM
Is Ben Revere not good enough for the under 25 list or was he left off?
Jan 11, 2013 05:02 AM
Maybe I'm out on an island, but I just don't think Ben Revere is that good. He makes contact but it is almost all weak contact and he can run. Even with a quality defensive profile in the outfield, that doesn't do it for me. I think he's kind of an empty player overall. I'm willing to concede that I could be underrating him, though.
Jan 11, 2013 09:27 AM
Would you call him Alex Cole Jr.? (I would)
Jan 11, 2013 10:13 AM
I'm definitely not a pitching expert but something about the picture of Biddle throwing a pitch on the top of this article just doesn't look right. His form looks dreadful to me.
Jan 11, 2013 05:24 AM
To expand on my thoughts...his front appears to be way to far open or his arm dragging behind, just looks odd to me. Reading Jason's comments I see he notes his "delivery is clean" so it must just be me.
Jan 11, 2013 05:25 AM
Clean deliveries don't always look clean, especially in young arms. The younger they are, the more likely that the mechanical profile and delivery execution are inconsistent. What looks clean and easy for three innings might go sour in the next appearance. Most of the reports on Biddle had positive things to say about his delivery. Hard to scout a pitcher based on a picture, so I can't speak to that.
Jan 11, 2013 08:37 AM
What about sr. Parada?
Jan 11, 2013 07:13 AM
Is Jiwan James still a prospect as a 4th OF ?
Jan 11, 2013 07:25 AM
Fringe prospect
Jan 11, 2013 08:34 AM
In the same vein, what did you hear about Tyson Gillies this year? He had a good year at the plate but didn't swipe many bags, and continued to deal with some injury problems. I've read that his speed isn't what it was though he continues to be a plus center fielder. Is he a fringe guy now for you as well?
Jan 11, 2013 09:03 AM
Steve Givarz
Is Gauntlett Eldemire a guy to watch still? He also has 80 run but can't seem to stay healthy
Jan 11, 2013 07:50 AM
Jan 11, 2013 08:42 AM
yeah, honestly i dont see how he can be left off the top 10 for the Phillies. as a Phils diehard, i understand their system is void of top-tier talent, and in all reality, if they get a few decent regulars out of this top 10, i think you have to consider that a win. with that said, i understand these arent fantasy baseball rankings, and you have to consider defense and baserunning...but i still think Ruf should have been ranked. i prolly would have put him somewhere around 7th. If you look at the last decade with the Phils, one can point to Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz as examples of guys that were a bit older when they arrived in the bigs, and still had great success. i think on the potential of hitting 25-30 HR alone, Ruf deserves a spot over some of the back-end guys. I actually think that a platoon of Ruf and Howard at 1B would be perfect, given that Howard hasnt gotten a hit off a lefty since Junior High, and Ruf kills lefties...but i guess you cant platoon a 125 million dollar guy. what. a. terrible. contract. thanks. reuben. i hear KC is looking for some front office personnel to strengthen their grip on dumbest FO in baseball. ill pay for the plane ticket?
Jan 11, 2013 11:30 AM
wow, dom brown's place on the under 25 list is damning.
Jan 11, 2013 08:52 AM
Would Tyler Cloyd even make the Top 10 25/- if he was a couple months younger?
Jan 11, 2013 08:52 AM
Time running out for the toolshed that is Anthony Hewitt? Don't see any progression in his numbers, and he's suddenly not so young. Any hope there?
Jan 11, 2013 10:46 AM
Jason, how would you compare this year's Phillies system to 2012?
Jan 11, 2013 11:53 AM
Seemingly based on his AFL performance, Zach Collier was protected for the Rule 5 draft. Is his ceiling a 4th outfielder, or could he become an everyday CF down the line?
Jan 11, 2013 12:24 PM
Doom Service
Can Justin De Fratus be more than he is? Before arm surgery, I thought he had late inning - maybe even closer - stuff.
Jan 11, 2013 16:05 PM
Jason, any hope for Julio Rodriguez?
Jan 13, 2013 19:01 PM
The Phillies are in a tough spot. They have a huge payroll, a veteran roster that isnt really good enough to compete with the big boys in their division or league anymore, and the cupboard is bare on the farm. 2013 is their last year of faux competitiveness for a fifth wildcard spot at best then it's steadily downhill with the mirage dissapating like smoke.
Jan 13, 2013 20:46 PM
hmm, a nats fan?...last i checked theyve still got Halladay, Lee, and Hamels. Need I say more?
Jan 14, 2013 05:45 AM
No, a Giants fan. The Phillies still have "the big 3" but that's about all they have at this point. And Halladay's velocity and performance was way down last year to boot, so it may be more of a big 2.5 considering the tread on his tires.
Jan 14, 2013 17:04 PM
The Nats meanwhile have a big 3 to match the Phillies in addition to Dan Haren in the 4th spot and an outstanding starting lineup. The Phils are depending on Utley and Howard to be the core of their order, and both those guys are injury prone and several years removed from peak performance levels. Ben Revere is about as much of a leadoff man as Paul Revere.
Jan 14, 2013 17:05 PM
Jesse Biddle looks like the kind of kid who'd take your lunch money in middle school.
Jan 14, 2013 17:42 PM
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subset: commoncrawl


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Industry News
Quick Tips To Maximize Your Brand On Instagram
Here at Evoke Brands and Style Sync, we simply love Instagram. In fact, we're not ashamed to say we might be bordering on obsessed with the uber-cool, visual medium. (I know, please don't judge – but you CAN follow us at "StyleSync!")
As one of the newer platforms in the social landscape, there are many hidden tools within Instagram you might not be using…but that's about to change! With the newest update (the addition of Instagram desktop profiles), the platform is no doubt getting much easier to use.
Instagram is the perfect social tool for your salon or personal brand if you're all about showcasing the visual side of your work. At Style Sync, we define the Instagram persona as "The Exhibitionist". "She takes tremendous pride in interpreting culture (and she's really good at it). She sees beauty all around her and attempts to capture it in its natural state. Her online self is an extension of her true talents and she showcases that by letting her work and imagery do the talking.
If that 'persona' defines you – perhaps you can call yourself the #FotoHef - or photo boss. So, let's get started with my top tips to master Instagram and let your photos shine:
1. Get Filtered
If you want to use the awesome Instagram filter, but you don't want to push it out to your network yet, there is a simple solution for iPhone users. Go to your iPhone settings and put your phone into the 'airplane' setting. This allows you to use the filter and save your image to your photo stream without publishing on your profile!
2. Lux it up
Wonder how some people's pictures are so much clearer than yours? Try tapping the 'lux' button located all the way on the left under your filters. This will optimize the lighting and sharpen any blurriness in your photos!
3. Focus In
Play around with the 'raindrop' tool. This allows you to select different focal points for your photo!
4. Hashtag Topics
Using hashtags on your images will allow you, and your clients to engage in a 'photo conversation.' Then search for your hashtag to find all of your clients/staff who are participating in the conversation!
Use these four Instagram tips to stay ahead of the game or stop over to www.StyleSync.me where we just released our StyleSync Instagram Guidebook!
As always, feel free to contact me at: [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Connect With Evoke Brand Strategies:
Connect With Style Sync
Web: www.evokebrands.com
StyleSync: www.stylesync.me
Facebook: www.facebook.com/evokebrandstrategies
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stylesync
Blog: www.blog.stylesync.me
Twitter: www.twitter.com/StyleSync
Tumblr: www.stylesync.tumblr.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/stylesync
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kellyehlers
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kellyehlers
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/evokebrands
About www.StyleSync.me:
Style Sync is an on-line social media training, personal branding and business education platform designed specifically for salon owners and stylists to help them magnify their image and multiply their results.
Style Sync, a division of Evoke Brand Strategies, is an on-line, subscription based social media training, personal branding and business education platform designed to help individual stylists and salon owners turn social media prowess into more clients and more money for your salon.
About www.EvokeBrands.com:
At Evoke Brand Strategies we develop digital, social and mobile strategies for salon professional, beauty, hospitality and entertainment brands. As branding and public relations veterans, yet early adopters of all things digital, we understand the importance of creating measurable, buzz-worthy campaigns that generate bottom-line results.


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Her team lost its league opener 57-41, yet Mountain View High girls basketball coach Judy Auclair wasn't discouraged by the way the Spartans played Friday against visiting Wilcox.
"I thought we did a pretty good job tonight," said Auclair, who expects the Chargers (11-1 overall) to go undefeated in the SCVAL De Anza Division. "Our girls are feeling really good about this game and what they've done. Everyone else is getting beat by 30 points against them. That's a great compliment to these young ladies – that they stuck with it."
Wilcox's superior size bothered the Spartans (7-5 overall) on both ends of the court. Led by imposing 6-foot-4 senior Joesetta Fatuesi, who recently committed to the University of Utah, the Chargers scored several times inside and made Mountain View think twice about venturing into the paint.
"It was tough covering all those tall girls," Auclair said, "and we were a little afraid of driving in on them."
The Spartans got off to a sluggish start – down 12-4 midway through the first quarter – but showed signs of life late in the second period. They turned a 26-12 deficit into a nine-point game with 1:48 remaining in the half. Sophomore guard Jayme Hughes scored half of her team-high 10 points during the run.
"Jayme has been sick/tired and made only two practices this week, but she did the best she could," Auclair said.
Wilcox regained control in the third quarter, scoring the first eight points.
Forward Karen Kauffman broke the streak by making a flip shot on a drive down the middle for Mountain View. The sophomore totaled seven points.
The Chargers countered with a trey by Fatuesi – her second of the night – for a 42-22 advantage with 4:49 left in the period.
Mountain View responded with a 7-0 run highlighted by Hughes' second 3-pointer of the game.
The Spartans wouldn't get closer than 14 points the rest of the way and found themselves down 55-34 after Fatuesi scored inside with 4:50 left to play. She finished with 12 points.
Mountain View made 14 of 46 shots from the field Friday.
"Our shots just didn't fall," said Auclair, whose squad committed 21 turnovers.
The Chargers turned the ball over 20 times and connected on 22 of 49 shots. They nailed eight treys, three courtesy of guard Caitlin Brown (11 points total).
The Spartans are slated to host Milpitas 6:15 p.m. Friday.
2013 girls basketball: Mountain View High School - Photos by Ellie Van Houtte/Town Crier


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Growth in the greenhouse industry continues, but not at the same rate as in past years, even in Mexico, grower-shippers and marketers say.
"There has been moderate growth in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico," said Aaron Quon, greenhouse and vegetable category director for The Oppenheimer Group, Vancouver, British Columbia. "Mexican production is still growing year over year, but not at the same high levels we have seen in the past."
The Canadian greenhouse industry isn't growing as fast now as it has at certain times in the past, said Joe Spano, vice president of sales and marketing for Mucci Farm, Kingsville.
"It goes through spurts," he said. "Everybody's in a holding pattern now. We've had two years of volatile markets. There's not much building going on right now."
It's not just Canada that's going through a lull, Spano said.
"Mexico is experiencing the same thing, from what I understand," he said.
Shade houses may still be going up at brisk paces in Mexico, but higher-tech forms of protected agriculture aren't, Spano said.
Most of the products Langley, British Columbia-based BC Hot House Foods Inc. ships from British Columbia in the spring and summer, it also ships from Mexico in the fall and winter, president Mike Reed said.
Reed said he has much fewer concerns than in the past about Mexico living up to BC standards.
"Mexican product has gotten a lot better the last couple of years," he said. "Good supplies and quality."
This year BC will grow some of its Canadian staples for the first time in Mexico, Reed said. They include blushers, a pink cherry tomato of Japanese descent; and Gem medley tomatoes.
There's no arguing where the biggest growth in the North American greenhouse vegetable industry is, Reed said.
"The percentages coming out of Mexico are a lot higher than British Columbia, Leamington or the U.S.," he said. "There's a lot of shift in Mexico from open field to protected."


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Alumni Benefits
- Carey Magazine
- E-Newsletter
- Invitations to Homecoming Events and Reunions
Alumni Tours of the Hattiesburg Campus.
While visiting campus, stop by the Alumni Office to receive an alumni gift.
- Friends of Carey Discount Card
- Liberty Mutual
Children, grandchildren, siblings, and spouses of alumni of William Carey University may qualify for scholarships of up to $300 per year.


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Unrated version of horror sequel hits home video along with Korean counterpart...
For a great selection of action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, PastGenerationToys.com, Urban-Collector.com, MonkeyDepot.com, HobbyLinkJapan.com, and Sekaido.com.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with our sponsor Collectibles Insurance.
There are some films which deserve sequels and some that don't. Most of the time, a horror movie falls into the later category. After all, most horror films are written in a way they don't provide the necessary prequel properties to make a sequel successful. Enter Mirrors 2.
While not necessarily a bad film the original 2008 Mirrors, directed by Alexandre Aja (best know for High Tension), provided at least a decent premise with decent acting and a few decent scares. Now, 2 years later, 20th Century Fox has released Mirrors 2 just in time for the Halloween season and, while the original was neither the most original nor that well made, it makes Mirrors 2 feel like a rewarding and super enjoyable experiance.
Written by Matt Venne, directed by Victor Garcia and starring Nick Stahl, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Christy Romano and Evan Jones, Mirrors 2 missed the mark in so many ways, it's hard to know where to begin. Viewers are thrown into the story with little to no suspenseful build-up, the characters' personalities take too long to develop, and - when they finally do develop - I'm hoping each and every one of them dies a grisly death. In fact, I even attempted to hold a mirror up to my TV to hope main character Max Matheson (Stahl) would see what he was doing and simply fall over dead. Alas, it was not to be...
The story closely matches the 2003 original Korean film Into the Mirror, but falls short in the very essence of the original. Little to no suspenseful investigating is done and, like many American remakes of foreign horror/thrillers, there's too much emphasis on blood, gore and the "shock factor."
The DVD features a number of special features, including a "Making of" featurette entitled "The Other Side: Making Mirrors 2." The nearly 10 minute featurette provides a decent behind-the-scenes look at the film's production through cast and crew interviews for fans who make it that far. Likewise, a second featurette, "Keeping It Real: The Visual and Special Effects of Mirrors 2," is worth checking out for those film buffs who like to know how the effects are done.
The one solid redeeming grace of the DVD release is the inclusion of the original 2003 Korean film Into the Mirror, upon which both Mirrors and Mirrors 2 are based. For those who've never seen it, it's much more realistic, dramatic, and suspenseful than either of the American remakes and, simply put, a much better and all-around more enjoyable film. In fact, if you're looking for a decent thriller/horror/detective story, I'd recommend Into the Mirror much more than I would either Mirrors or Mirrors 2.
Personally, I found Mirrors 2 to be simple, unexciting, and easily forgotten. Entertaining at best; sadly, Mirrors 2 is nothing to write home about nor purchase. If you enjoyed the first Mirrors and are a sucker for punishment, check out Mirrors 2 via rental...but be sure you get the flip disc with Into the Mirror on Side B. At least you'll have something that's entertaining and worth spending 90 minutes on...
Mirrors 2 is available on DVD and Blu-ray now wherever fine home video is sold.


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Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush Reviews
Great ColorI really love this blush product because the powder is soft and gives my cheeks a great natural color. The powder goes on smooth for a great silky look that doesn't clump or look chalky. The color blends well with my skintone for a great look. — 8 years, 1 month agoStef42678 | 500 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 0 of 1 people said helpful
Chanel Joues Contraste Powder BlushNext to NARS, this is my other favorite blush. They are full of pigment, they apply nicely due to the silky texture and they last well, they never look cakey or splotchy. It took me forever to get a dip, so I know this will last a long time. The brush in it isn't that great, but I have some great brushses that I use. This is a great product that comes in quite a few shades, anyone can find a color that is suitable. You won't regret buying this product! — 9 years, 1 month agolesa5363 | 352 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 0 of 2 people said helpful
Nice blush but not for the money!This is a nice brush but not $40 nice. It has a great texture and applies nice if your heavy handed and you tap your brush. Nars is just as nice, and so is Lancome! — 9 years, 1 month agothedragonslady | 483 reviews
Sheer, Pretty and ClassicThese blushes are so pretty, but with a pretty price to go along with it. Some of them have a slight shimmer to it which is very sutle and natural. It gives you a gorgeous glow from within. All the colors I have tried go on fairly sheer, but are easily layered and blendable. The colors are all very wearable and timeless. Great product! — 6 years, 3 months agomakeupbyjanalyn | 169 reviews
Great colors, lasts a long timeIf you're looking for a blush that provides intense color and can be blended, this blush is a nice choice. The texture is dry and a little bit goes a long way! — 6 years, 7 months agoPsy1ocke | 155 reviews
HG Blush, but....I'm so upset that they don't make my shade anymore. Tempting Beige was my grail shade--it gave me a sun-kissed look without muddying my fair skin. On the whole, this is fabulous blush; it lays down smoothly and evenly. No blotches, no spots--just the smoothest possible glow. — 3 years, 4 months agoCocobaby61 | 4 reviews
Nice blush, but save your moneyA good decent blush. Can't complain. Goes on smooth. But not worth they money. Chanel is too expensive. — 4 years, 3 months agocfortunska | 32 reviews
Love it! long lasting.i have used this blush one time in rose petale. i know that make up expires according to the expiration date on the package but i have had this blush for well over two years and still using it! the color is also great and looks natural. — 6 years, 6 months agolaci_ponce_horn | 7 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 3 of 3 people said helpful
I love this blush!This blush is so gorgeous. It blends and builds so much better than any other blush I own (I own Benefit, MAC, NARS, Chanel blushes...). — 6 years, 6 months agopriscilla_leonard | 2 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 2 of 3 people said helpful
After using Chanel blush, I am a customer for life!This blush is easy to apply,super blendable, and gives a natural look. I think it is absolutely worth the money because it is high quality and will last for a very, very long time. My favorite shade (I am very pale) is the new Espiegle, it gives a flush of natural color. Honestly, I am so happy with this blush I have stopped even trying others, which for me is surprising. — 6 years, 6 months agoHauteHousewife | 17 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 2 of 4 people said helpful
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Corel Announces PaintShop Pro X6
Posted by Mason Gradusky on Thursday August 22, 2013 | Photo Gear, Photo Manipulation
Posted by Mason Gradusky on Thursday August 22, 2013 | Photo Gear, Photo Manipulation
Corel just announced the latest versions of its image-editing software, PaintShop Pro X6 and PaintShop Pro X6 Ultimate, as well as Photo & Video Suite X6. Don't go rushing to the Corel site yet. It's a two-stage release: Today's release is available to current users only; everyone else will have to wait for the global launch on September 4 to purchase or download updated versions or a free trial.
Based on the results of a major research study–the largest the company ever conducted in the history of product which is now in its 16th iteration–Corel concentrated on several aspects of the software. While the previous updates for X5, focused on social media and creative effects, the big news for X6 revolves around performance. PaintShop Pro X6 has been completely re-architected as a 64-bit product with much faster performance (a 32-bit version is available and, if necessary, can be installed along with the 64-bit version). Some of the benefits of 64-bit include 10% faster launch speed, the ability to access more than 4GB RAM, better handling and processing of large files (e.g., 400MB) and opening and batch processing of upward of 50 RAW files. Corel estimates that batch converting 50 RAW files to PNG, for example, works 57% faster than in X5.
Specific tools and tasks such as the Smart Carver and HDR are direct beneficiaries of the 64-bit processing with faster, smoother performance and Corel has added two new selection brushes, auto grouping of sequential images, searching by IPTC data, to name just a few of X6's enhancements. Other major improvements revolve around a refined user interface, which simplifies the application's visual look and feel as well as the workflow with easier access to resources, the ability to drag and drop an image to the layers palette to automatically create a new layer and more.
Like PSP X5, the new software is available in a standard version, Ultimate and as part of a photo/video suite. X6 Ultimate is only $20 more than the standard version but offers extras like a full version of Athentech's Perfectly Clear, portrait enhancement software Face Filter 3 and a creative collections of brushes and picture frames.
Interestingly, the research study conduced by Corel took place before Adobe's Creative Cloud was introduced but Corel was thinking along the same subscription-based line. As part of the study, Corel asked its users what they thought about a subscription-based delivery model for PaintShop Pro. The response was very clear: users wanted PaintShop Pro to remain a perpetual license product. And, Corel listened, so you can purchase the software outright with no subscription required.
Corel did, however, introduce a standard membership program, which is free with the purchase of a perpetual license product. Membership takes the place of registration, although members will have to register on an annual basis. According to Corel, the company wanted to "connect with the customer on a different level. It's not just about buying the product and never hearing from each other. It's a way for us to keep in touch, provide more value and find out what's valuable to them. An annual membership makes it more organic." Some of the benefits of membership include the Kai's Power Tools collection (KPT, for those of you who remember this amazing batch of effects plug-ins), a scripting guide and members-only webinars, among other options.
Mac users are out of luck, though. PaintShop Pro is a Windows-only program but it's compatible with Windows XP (32-bit and 64-bit), Vista, 7 and 8. Be sure to visit the Corel website on September 4th for more details.
PaintShop Pro X6: $80 (new); $60 (upgrade)
PaintShop Pro X6 Ultimate: $100 (new); $80 (upgrade)
PSP Photo & Video Suite: $129
–Theano Nikitas
Posted by Greg Scoblete on Monday August 21, 2017 | Photo Gear, Video
What does the future of photography look like? Here are 10 compelling predictions. More ›
Posted by Greg Scoblete on Thursday June 1, 2017 | Camera, Photo Gear
Researchers have made a big breakthrough in developing curved image sensors. More ›
Posted by Greg Scoblete on Tuesday January 10, 2017 | Photo Gear
When people shop for photo products on Amazon, they're almost exclusively shopping for analog products. Last year, Amazon announced that the top-seller in its camera department during the holiday selling season was… Instax Film. This year, instant film products have an even stronger lock on Amazon's top-sellers. Fuji Instax products are currently four of the... More ›


text: News Article The Remote Worker Revolution Simon Dudley Published June 7, 2012 in Business 2 Community The benefits of working from home are clear: it saves money, time, is better for the environment and can even save lives. These benefits are becoming clear to employers and today, several Fortune 500 companies have started to encourage teleworking – including Bank of America, Intel, Microsoft and more. See the Report


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Relay For Life
This event occurred in the past
Date and Time
Friday, April 5, 2013 — Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Valley Field
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps our community celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
Your reasons for getting involved in Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. Because of your support, we are creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays!
Join Relay For Life at University of San Diego for a 24-hour event beginning at 6 p.m. on April 5 honoring those who are fighting or have fought cancer, while raising money for cancer research. There will be food provided at the event, free of charge, and fun activities during the event. We encourage everyone to join even if it's for an hour. This event is incredible and everyone should expierence what one campus can do against cancer.
Michelle Powelson | email@example.com


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SDC wrote:Don't panic. We specialize in nitpicking and dead horse beating.
There is a tremendous body of information out there (not just on DW), but you do not need to know all of it to practice. If you learn the core principals you will realize that a great deal of what is out there serves to drive those principals home, and you can have a fulfilling practice without knowing them all.
I think much depends on what you want out of the practice and how far you are willing to go. This level of devotion will help you apply what you learn to your daily life. This is the important part of the practice - living it. Don't worry about every little detail. You can spend a lifetime trying to memorize every detail, but unless you are applying it to your life it is useless.
reflection wrote:In my opinion, Buddhism isn't about knowledge, it's about wisdom, which represents itself in feelings rather than intellectual stuff. I think it's always good to have a solid basis in your practice rather than knowledge. Because thoughts are always wrong, as in not 100% correct. Some take the way with suttas leading their practice, others take the way of practice leading the suttas. It's just what you prefer, but in the end even suttas are not right, because they are knowledge, not wisdom. The Buddha's insights were very simple; it's just like it is. But a problem arises when we don't see how it is, so he used many words to get us to change our view. But these words were not the view itself. So no need to remember the words if we can just see.
It's like somebody trying to explain what an elephant looks like. He can talk for hours and hours, but it's better if we just take a look. So instead of arguing whether it's green or red, it turns out to be grey.


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UK > Graduate School > Prospective Students > Apply for Admission > Admission Categories
Admission Categories
Regular Admission
Students may be admitted in regular status to a graduate degree-granting program at the University of Kentucky if they meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as specific program requirements. The minimum Graduate School requirements are as follows:
Conditional Admission
Students wishing to pursue an advanced degree who are temporarily ineligible for regular graduate admission status may be recommended by the Director of Graduate Studies for conditional admission status in the following cases:
Programs will also have the option to recommend that students be admitted "conditionally" for other reasons including:
Admission to the University Scholars Program
The University Scholars Program offers particularly gifted and highly motivated students the opportunity of integrating their undergraduate and graduate courses of study in a single continuous program culminating in both a baccalaureate and a master's or doctoral degree. The total number of hours for the combined program may be as many as 12 less than the total required for the bachelor's and the master's or doctoral degrees separately. The requirements for the bachelor's degree are unaffected.
Application to the program should be submitted at the end of the student's junior year. Applicants should have completed at least 90 credit hours of work toward the bachelor's degree, or be eligible for senior standing in the semester they are admitted to the program. The master's program should be in the field of the undergraduate major (there are some exceptions made), and the undergraduate grade point average must be at least a 3.50 in the applicant's major field and 3.20 overall. Applicants to a University Scholars program must submit both a Graduate School application and a University Scholars form with all requested signatures
Baccalaureate/masters University Scholars programs are currently offered in:
Graduating Seniors as Part-Time Graduate Students
Seniors at the University of Kentucky lacking no more than 6 credit hours for graduation and having an undergraduate average of at least 2.75 on all work attempted may register in the Graduate School in conditional status with the consent of the undergraduate college dean, the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the Graduate School. The total load of such students may not exceed 12 credit hours. Graduate credit will be allowed for each credit hour of graduate work beyond the six or fewer credit hours needed to complete undergraduate requirements. Requirements for the undergraduate degree must be completed during the semester in which the student is allowed to register for part-time graduate work. Students applying for admission to the Graduate School under these conditions must fill out a petition form listing the course or courses to be taken to complete the undergraduate requirements
Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Students
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution of higher learning and who wish to pursue graduate study without a degree objective may apply for admission as post-baccalaureate graduate students. Post-baccalaureate students may take graduate courses for graduate credit. Permission to enter any graduate class as a post-baccalaureate student will however be granted only if the student meets the prerequisites for that course and if space is available.
An application for admission to the Graduate School as a post-baccalaureate graduate student should be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the term in which the student plans to enroll. An original or a photocopy of a transcript showing an awarded bachelors degree must accompany the application. An overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.50 or better and 3.00 on all previous graduate work (both on a 4.00 point scale) are required by the Graduate School for admission. GRE scores are not required.
A post-baccalaureate student who later wishes to apply to enter a degree-granting graduate program must have a 3.00 or better grade point average on all course work, graduate or undergraduate, attempted as a post-baccalaureate. A maximum of 9 semester hours or 25 percent of the credits required for the degree concerned, whichever is greater, may later be transferred from post-baccalaureate status to a master's, specialist or doctoral degree program at the University of Kentucky. All such transfers of credit hours into a graduate program must be approved by that program's Director of Graduate Studies and by the Dean of the Graduate School. A grade of A or B must have been earned in the course or courses to be transferred.
Non-Degree Certification Students
The University of Kentucky offers admission to students pursuing course work applicable toward non-degree certification. These include Rank I Certification and Fifth Year Certification through the College of Education. This is a separate type of admission, which differs from post-baccalaureate status. Minimally, the Graduate School requires applicants for certification to meet the same admission requirements as for post-baccalaureate status, but the unit often imposes additional and more rigorous requirements for admission. It is best to consult with the Director of Graduate Studies in the specific area for which certification is sought prior to applying.
Certification students who later wish to transfer credits into a master's or specialist program at the University of Kentucky may do so. The requirements and limitations are the same as for any transfer of credits into such a program.
Visiting Students
Students who are enrolled in a graduate program at another institution and plan to attend the University of Kentucky as Visiting Students need not submit transcripts. Students must, however, request a Visiting Student form from the Graduate School office when filing an application. Visiting Student admission is for one semester only and credit earned in that status is not applicable to a University of Kentucky degree.
** GRE scores are NOT required for admission to Social Work (M.S.W. only), Rehabilitation Counseling and Dentistry (domestic students only) or for admission as a post-baccalaureate, non-degree-seeking, fifth year, rank I or other certification student. Some programs require GMAT rather than GRE scores including Accounting (M.S.) and Business Administration (M.B.A. or Ph.D.). GMAT or GRE is accepted by Economics (Ph.D.), Health Administration (M.H.A.), Public Administration (M.P.A. or Ph.D.) and Public Health (M.P.H. or Ph.D.; scores are not required for applicants with an M.D., D.M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O., D.N.P., D.Sc., or Ph.D.).


text: Offensive spectacle like you've never seen By Mitch Vingle September 29, 2012 Story Share MORGANTOWN - After West Virginia's 70-63 victory over Baylor at Milan Puskar Stadium, Mountaineer running back Dustin Garrison sat with a smile on his face."I've never been in anything like that," Garrison said. "I've seen games like that, but I've never been in one like that."I had to ask. You've seen games like that?In 32 years of covering college football, I've only seen one other of the same ilk: Marshall's 64-61 double overtime win over East Carolina in the GMAC Bowl.In sum, Saturday's game was spectacular. In every sense of the word.There were records galore. It was a shootout until Garrison broke free for a 17-yard run late. And it featured one very special performance by WVU quarterback Geno Smith. He put forth a day no other Mountaineer might ever equal again: 45-of-51 passing for 656 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions.He had the nation absolutely buzzing. LeBron James tweeted that Smith is "RIDICULOUS." Writer-TV personality Skip Bayless chimed in that Smith doesn't put up video game numbers. "Video game numbers put up Geno Smith numbers," said he.Heisman Trophy front-runner? Hmm. The man is 141 for 169 in four victories for 1,728 yards and 20 touchdowns with no interceptions. He's hitting 83.4 percent of his passes, averaging 42.25 throws a game. I'm thinkin' yes."His completion rate is 80 or 90 percent," said WVU coach Dana Holgorsen. "He's getting us in the right place."On Saturday, both offenses were in the right place. It was that place they call the zone. And it made for terrific theater. Baylor and quarterback Nick Florence were almost as impressive in the Mountaineers' Big 12 opener. Did you forget it was WVU's debut? It's easy to do after that shootout. It was WVU's inaugural game in the league. It was Homecoming. The stadium was striped. Trace Adkins sang the national anthem. And . . .And it all paled in comparison to the game itself. The only thing missing on a beautiful fall day was defense."Both offenses played well," Holgorsen said. "To say the defenses didn't play very well is an understatement. We have to keep improving on what we're doing. We have eight more conference games. We have to get better."On defense, that is. If this WVU team has any shot whatsoever of winning a Big 12 title, it must get better on defense. Heck, if it has any shot of winning next week's game at Texas, it must get better on defense.Mountaineer defensive coordinator Joe DeForest took the performance to heart, pointing out that Baylor "did exactly what we thought." "They ran four routes and four runs. We knew, yet didn't stop them." He partially blamed the defensive coaching staff. But one has to seriously wonder how any defense can stop offenses like that of WVU or Baylor. Just check the tape and see how wide the offenses played."It's a way of life versus those offenses," DeForest said. "You just have to make one more play. It's not acceptable, but that's the way it is."Holgorsen said he's warned WVU fans."It's a very up-tempo league," he said. "We understand it's going to be a very up-tempo league. We have to get better defensively at playing at a high-tempo level."Indeed. West Virginia's offense will need help along the way. The secondary was absolutely torched on Saturday - at home - to the tune of 581 yards. Unless there's marked improvement, WVU fans can put any national championship hopes on a shelf. The Mountaineers, though, might have the best offense in the land. They, at least, might have the best passing game.They certainly have the most productive player in Smith."Amazing," said WVU back Andrew Buie of his quarterback. "That's the only way to cap it: amazing."One must also remember that, for the second straight game, Smith's No. 1 tailback, Shawne Alston, sat. Buie and Garrison were OK. But the power, the threat, of Alston was once again missing.Yet WVU's offense rolled like a bullet train, and the Mountaineers and Bears put on quite a show. If you want another game to compare it to, well, there was Baylor's Alamo Bowl last season in which it defeated Washington by 67-56. Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, however, had but one touchdown pass and one TD run.Smith was a star on Saturday. Yes, WVU's defense was nonexistent. But the home team won in exciting fashion in its Big 12 opener. It created a nationwide buzz. The passing game was lightning and Puskar Stadium was the bottle."It was a great moment for West Virginia," Holgorsen said. "We took advantage of it."Like almost nothing we've seen.Reach Mitch Vingle at 304-348-4827, firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him at twitter.com/MitchVingle. Story Share Story Share Trending Now 1 Facebook founder visits Cabin Creek Health Systems 2 Congressional opioid investigation targets drug wholesaler Miami-Luken 3 Rhode Island bank claims Justice companies owe $4.2M on helicopter loan 4 WVU hopes to get injured defenders back for TCU 5 Teen pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Oakes Field shooting Baylor stayed with WVU step for step Previous Story The numbers game Next Story


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It took Tim Flannery 25 years in the big leagues, as a player and coach, to get his first World Series ring.
A ring of that kind makes it difficult to play guitar. Still, the first time Flannery performed in Santa Cruz as a singer/songwriter almost two years ago, the man known to local baseball fans as the bald and intense third-base coach for the two-time champion San Francisco Giants brought his ring along anyway.
He was on stage at the Crepe Place when he abruptly decided that merely showing the ring to the crowd wasn't going to satisfy anyone. So he passed it around the crowd.
"Yeah, I let everybody wear the World Series ring," said Flannery, who will receive his second ring shortly after the 2013 season begins. "From the stage, about five songs into the set, I had to say, 'OK, which cocktail waitress has my World Series ring? I kinda need it.'"
Giants fans might be forgiven for thinking of Flannery's music as a sideline from his high-profile baseball job. But fans of Americana music who aren't necessarily sports fans might take the opposite view, that baseball is something that occupies Flannery between albums.
In fact, Flannery is an accomplished musician, having released 10 albums including his most recent effort "The Restless Kind." And he has played dates all around the country and overseas for 15 years, especially in Southern California where he is a regular on the folk/rock circuit.
Flannery plays live on Sunday at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center with his band the Lunatic Fringe in a benefit for Santa Cruzan Bryan Stow, who was critically injured in an attack at Dodger Stadium on opening day in 2011.
The Kuumbwa date is, in fact, the last of four dates in a mini Bay Area tour of shows to raise money for Stow and his family. Flannery has already donated more than $70,000 to the Stows through concert ticket and DVD sales.
"Some people say, 'You're a big baseball player. Why don't you just write a check?' Well, guess what. I played 10 years in the big leagues from 1979 to 1989. There was no money involved, and I hit nine home runs."
Flannery's efforts to keep Stow in the forefront of Giants fans' minds even landed him a nomination for the 2012 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. He was nominated by a couple of fellows named Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, two of the primary surviving members of the Grateful Dead, both of whom have become friends with Flannery in the last couple of years.
"I just thought it was a great opportunity to almost go full circle," said Flannery of visiting Santa Cruz. "A lot of people were coming from Santa Cruz to Napa to see me, and I just thought, 'Why don't we do this right there in Bryan's hometown?' It will be healing for everyone, including me, because I've really been inspired by the family. And it will be the last show of my music season before I turn around and go back to my baseball life."
As a reserve infielder for the San Diego Padres for 10 years, a coach for the Padres and later the Giants, an avid surfer and a friend of the Grateful Dead, Flannery is often thought of the embodiment of a California dude. But his music tells a different story.
Flannery is originally from the Appalachian mountain region of Kentucky, having grown up in a musical family that had originally emigrated from Ireland when Kentucky was still considered the western frontier. His grandmother played banjo. His younger brother is a music teacher who sings opera. His sister was a touring pianist. His father's family still lives in the mountains of Kentucky.
"When we go play the Cincinnati Reds, I usually come back there not only hoping to take two out of three or sweep them, but we usually get a gallon of the moonshine my family has brought from down the mountain and put it in the coaches' room."
His songs are deeply rooted in the folk/bluegrass tradition of the Kentucky hills. But also reflect his contemporary life as a big leaguer constantly on the road.
"The funny thing is, a lot of these songs are baseball songs, even though they're not about bats and balls. They're just songs I've written on the road. This will be my 27th year in the major leagues. I've done a lot of traveling and if you look at my records, they reflect that. They're called 'Travelin' Shoes,' 'Wayward Wind,' 'Restless Kind.' What else do you write about when you're out there?"
Flannery has a burgeoning musical career going in Southern California but until the Stow incident, many in Northern California was unaware of his musical background. The impulse to help the Stow family pushed him to perform in and around the Bay Area for the first time.
"When I first came to coach with the Giants seven years ago, I wasn't really going to let anybody in on (the music career). Y'know, I just came to coach. And you don't want to open your heart and get hurt. You don't know how long you're going to be there. So, I went there saying to myself that I'm just going to hide this part of my life from everybody and just do my job and coach third base."
Then came the day when Bryan Stow, a big Giants fan, was attacked after a game between the Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, suffering severe brain injuries in the process. Flannery played a show at Yoshi's in San Francisco to help raise money for Stow. The Grateful Dead's Weir gave him support and joined him on a later show.
Flannery said that he was not only inspired by Stow family's commitment, he identified with it. His father, a former Christian minister, died in a straightjacket of Alzheimer's Disease. Flannery was his everyday caretaker.
"I got beat up pretty good, physically and emotionally by that experience," he said. "So I know what it's like to be a 24/7 caregiver. Seeing them come together inspired me to continue."
The Stow story, said Flannery, has resonated with him, as well as the community of Giants fans throughout the Bay Area.
"When someone gets hurt badly or dies, everyone is there for you in that first moment. But it's easier to eventually go the other way because everybody has their own lives and responsibilities and life goes on. But for me, it's been a real honor to watch the strength of the circle of love around Bryan. What happened to him is a hate crime basically. And the only way to beat hate is to love harder. There's no other way."
{ sunday 7 p.m.; Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz; $25 advance, $28 at the door; www.kuumbwajazz.org. }


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Mail: Southern statues symbolize suppession
Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
More opinion
Fall: Good time to spray musk thistle in rosette stage
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
More Ag News
Christopher Fichtner, 33, of North Platte, was sentenced in late January to just 30 days jail and 18 months probation for attempted second-degree forgery.
District Judge Richard Birch put strict conditions on the probation.
He ordered Fichtner to undergo psychotherapy and take all medications that are prescribed.
Fichtner will also have to complete a personal financial course at the college and pay restitution to the victims.
Fichtner wrote a check for the pickups at Janssen Motors on June 26. After he left, the dealer found that not only was there insufficient funds in the account to cover the check, but Fichtner's name was not even listed on the account.
Fichtner was originally charged with felony theft by deception and second-degree forgery. In a plea agreement the charge was dropped to attempted forgery. He served just four days in jail before he paid bond.
After the Bulletin published reports of the pickup thefts, four people from three states called to say they'd also been financially victimized by Fichtner.
The George Fowler family of Miles City, Mont. said Fichtner became romantically involved with a daughter in mid-2010, and for seven months he went on a spending spree, buying horses, bulls, vehicles and farm equipment without the money while the family picked up the tab and made apologies.
In May 2010, Fichter allegedly talked the girl into buying seven horses at a sale in Bowman, N.D., with Fichtner's promise that money would be put into her account. No money was ever transferred, and the family ranch had to cover the check.
"We had never in our lives dealt with someone like him," Jeremy Fowler said. "Where we were brought up and raised here in Montana, we take people at their word and that is that."
Fowler said Fichtner later bought three tractors, two balers, a swather and a bale mover from two separate John Deere dealerships, claiming he was with Fichtner Land and Cattle of McCook, which had a Farmplan (credit) account, so the dealerships thought he would come up with the money. Nothing was ever paid to them, Jeremy said, so the family ended up paying money to both dealerships to cover their time and trouble.
Fowler said Fichtner's scams continued until November.
A caller from Nebraska who asked to remain anonymous told the Bulletin that Fichtner contacted her during the summer about buying some items she had for sale, but when the time came to seal the deal, he said he couldn't come up with the money. She said he spun a tale about the drought and valuable hay he'd had that burned in a fire, playing on her sympathies.
She contacted the Bulletin when she was in the process of checking for a report of the fire that Fichtner described. She found none.
"It was like he wanted me to offer to give him a lot of money," the woman told the Bulletin. "It makes me sick to think about."
A Utah woman, Mindy Trussell, told the Bulletin that Fichtner repeatedly tried to obtain bank account information.
She first met Fichtner on facebook and later in person. She said he told her he was wealthy and offered to wire money straight to her account if she would give him the numbers.
She didn't, in part because her father was suspicious of him.
"He is pretty good at trying to scam people," Trussell said. "He is a con artist, out to take from anyone he can. I think he is mental - crazy."
Trussell said Fichtner later tried to contact her through facebook, using the last name O'Dea.
This report was first published in the Bulletin's Jan. 28 print edition. We have received numerous requests from a wide area for this information. -Editor.
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Victorino hits off tee, but still out of lineup
TORONTO -- Shane Victorino, who has been out since Thursday with lower back stiffness, swung in the cage and hit off a tee Tuesday for the first time since the injury.
The plan is for Victorino to ramp up the intensity Wednesday, and providing he responds well, the veteran will take part in batting practice Thursday. At that point, the Red Sox will then make a decision on whether to place him on the disabled list.
Manager John Farrell is optimistic the team will be able to get by with a short-handed bench against Toronto before getting Victorino back for Boston's weekend series vs. Texas.
"He's showing some improvement," Farrell said. "As we get toward the end of this series, we may have to consider some roster change. But based on the improvement that he's showing, we are still hopeful.
"We get through this series and find out where he's at. Depending on how many days are needed at that point, that's probably the threshold come Thursday where we might have to adjust."
Despite the progress Victorino continues to make, Farrell added that the 32-year-old has already experienced two flare-ups since the initial injury, so the Red Sox will take a cautious approach with the right fielder.
Victorino is batting .292 with a .358 on-base percentage and three stolen bases over 19 games.
Daniel Nava started his fifth consecutive game in right field for the series opener against the Blue Jays.
Chris Toman is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Paradise >> As the fire season trudges towards the driest part of the year — August through October — the Butte County Fire Safe Council has received $250,000 from PG&E to help minimize the fire risk to the county.
On Thursday, PG&E met with the council at a home on Ronsue Drive in Paradise to demonstrate how the grant from the energy company can be used by the group.
A local tree company hired by the council came out with its wood chipper to turn flammable brush into wood chips that can be safely spread for ground cover and compost.
Darrel Wilson, chairman of Butte County Fire Safe Council said the money won't only be used for resident assistance programs like the one that allows a chipper to be deployed at a home to create defensible space.
"The money will also be used ... for education programs plus shaded fuel breaks along highways," he noted.
The grant is part of a long-term partnership the two groups have had, according to PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno.
He added that this grant is part of a wider effort by the company to work with Fire Safe Councils throughout Northern and Central California to help fund a variety of wildfire prevention projects, including fire breaks, educating and helping residents maintain defensible space around their properties.
"Chipping waste is always the better option," said 5th District Supervisor Doug Teeter, who was present for the event. "You know many people just store it and wait to burn it, instead of using this free service — at least from the community perspective is really a benefit."
Moreno said the council has to use to the entire grant by the end of this fire season, which may not end until late October.


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MINETY started brightly but their hopes of causing a Dorset & Wilts One North upset faded in the second half as leaders Chippenham pulled ahead with a slew of late tries.
Awarded a penalty after three minutes, Minety kicked for touch deep into the visitors' 22 and then secured clean ball from the lineout.
The ball went out to outside centre Dale Langdown, whose explosive pace took him clattering across the line for an early converted try.
Both sides missed subsequent penalties, but Chippenham added two tries, one converted, and Minety were unlucky when Ashley Windle's apparent finish wasn't spotted by the referee.
Minety never really recovered. Chippenham had the advantage of the slope in the second half, the visitors scoring five second-half tries.
Minety 2nd claimed a 13-0 over Devizes 3rd in Dorst & Wilts Three North, with tries from scrum-half Dellam Murray and Alex Caddick and a Tim Vaughan penalty.
FOR MORE RUGBY NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport


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A 42-year-old southeast Oak Cliff charter school teacher faces sexual assault charges involving two male students at school in multiple incidents last year, according to Dallas police records.
Geogery Lynn Shelton, who taught at Children First Academy, was being held at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center on Friday. His bail was at $75,000 following his arrest this week on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and a charge of continuous sexual assault of a child, the records said.
School officials could not immediately be reached for comment. It is unclear whether Shelton is still employed at the school.
The crimes for which Shelton faces charges date to at least May and occurred in a school bathroom and in a classroom. Another incident reportedly occurred during a field trip in San Antonio, the documents said.
The two victims, who were 12 at the time of the alleged crimes, talked to each other about what had happened. One of the two boys, "feeling anxiety over the situation, decided to make an outcry," the documents said.
That boy told another teacher at the school about the abuse and she took the student to speak to the principal, who then called the victim's mother. The mother called police, the documents said.
Investigators spoke to the boys last month and Shelton was arrested on Wednesday night, the documents said.
Dallas police officials declined to comment on the case. An attorney appointed to represent Shelton also declined to comment.
I'll have more on this case in tomorrow's newspaper.


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ByFrancesca Donner
Humanities majors at Harvard are becoming harder to find.
Students, worried about landing a job post-graduation, fear humanities degrees don't hold the value they once did in a rapidly changing job market, the Journal reports.
Humanities majors at Harvard fell to 20% in 2012 from 36% in 1954. And the trends are similar at colleges across the country. Meanwhile, more incoming freshman are opting out of so-called softer subjects, placing their bets on STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) majors instead.
Harvard sophomore Shannon Lytle considered majoring in history but will opt for computer science instead. "We do have to worry about living after graduation. I don't want to be doing what I love and be homeless," he told the Journal.
But is his fear warranted?
Certainly the numbers aren't encouraging. Among recent college graduates nationwide, who majored in English, the unemployment rate was 9.8%. By comparison, recent chemistry graduates were unemployed at a rate of just 5.8%, according to a June report from the Georgetown Public Policy Institute which used data from 2010 and 2011.
Still, Homi Bhabha, director of the Humanities Center at Harvard, points out that plenty of humanities majors are accepted into law and medical schools and are in high demand in the business world.
So, what's a student to study? Should they pursue a passion for Classics even if it might not guarantee returns in the job market? With soaring student debt, that's a hard argument to swallow. On the other hand, a major in history or philosophy might provide a solid backbone in critical thinking and communication.
The Wall Street Journal invited several experts to weigh in on both sides of the argument.
Click below to read their perspectives.
'Our Perception of "Practical" Is a Moving Target' — Philip Bean, Haverford College
'Can You Make a Living After Studying English? Sure You Can' — Robert Matz, George Mason University
'Choose a Humanities Major, But Minor In Math' — Cal Newport, Georgetown University
'You're Really Differentiated If You Understand Humanities' — Bracken Darrell, Logitech International SA
'Education Isn't Just About Getting a Job' — Anthony P. Carnevale, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
'Discouraging Humanities is Uncommon Idiocy' — Carol Geary Schneider, Association of American Colleges & Universities
'A Math Background Is Not Enough' — Mark Bertolini, Aetna Inc.


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THE Health Minister has approved plans to close the Special Care Baby Unit at Withybush Hospital in an announcement this afternoon.
Mark Drakeford said that following the submission of further information from Hywel Dda Health Board regarding obstetric and midwifery care the panel brought in to consider proposals still believed a the establishment of a level two unit at Glangwili is the best for patients.
Mr Drakeford said: "The panel has confirmed its advice to me in September that a level 2 Neonatal Unit is established at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. The Panel has also endorsed Hywel Dda Health Board's intention to move to midwife led units across the region.
"However, the panel has set out a number of important provisos and recommend a phased introduction of the new model. These include robust 'safety net' arrangements to provide midwives with skilled assistance in the event of an unexpected emergency. There must also be robust emergency transfer arrangements, and the midwife-led units must be developed according to strict guidelines.
"These changes will mean that the majority of maternity services will continue to be provided locally by their GP and hospital as they are now, and the majority of women can safely choose to have their deliveries at their local midwife led unit.
"The panel's conclusion is that the new service model will 'provide an improved service for Hywel Dda mothers and babies'. That is the basis on which it has secured my endorsement."
Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said the announcement was a 'bleak day for the people of Pembrokeshire'.
"The decision to close this unit will undoubtedly put lives at risk," he added.
The main recommendations of the panel are that a level two neonatal unit, estimated to cost £12m, is established at Carmarthen, obstetric and maternity services at Bronglais and Withybush hospitals will be midwifery-led; Until the new service model is in place, consultant obstetric support will remain in place in Withybush; There should be a phased introduction, with the new service model fully implemented only when all the necessary elements – including hospital transfer arrangements for emergencies – are in place and paediatric and obstetric teams, based at Glangwili, should provide 24/7 emergency care across the entire Health Board area.
Local MP Stephen Crabb said he was 'shocked and appalled' at the Minister's decision.
"This news is a cold and bitter blow to all the people across Pembrokeshire who have fought hard to save the Special Care Baby Unit. They will rightfully feel angry and deeply disappointed that their grave concerns have been ignored by the Minister. There can be no doubt that this decision will cause huge anxiety in the community. I fear that the closure of SCBU is the start of the wholesale downgrading that Welsh Government and the Health Board has been planning all along.
"As many Pembrokeshire people know, the Welsh Government has been trying desperately to move health services from Withybush Hospital since before 2005. The Labour Ministers in Cardiff need to wake up to reality and realise that centralising these vital services will put lives at risk in our rural communities. The next step in the campaign to save SCBU is through the courts and I fully support any such action. I will be providing any assistance I can to help overturn this decision."


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Heart machine appeal: Two years on since Oakdale teen's death
8:27am Wednesday 12th February 2014
8:27am Wednesday 12th February 2014
TWO years to the day since Jack Thomas died, his parents are still searching for answers.
On February 12, 2012, the 15-year-old tae kwon do star from Oakdale died suddenly of a suspected heart problem while at his girlfriend's house in Newbridge.
Jack, who stood at a towering 6ft 3in, had no previous health issues and was training towards the European Championships at the time of his tragic death.
An inquest at Gwent Coroner's Court ruled that the Oakdale Comprehensive student died of natural causes, but the specific cause of death could not be identified, leaving his parents in the dark as to how his life came to such an untimely end.
Samples of his DNA were later sent to the St George's Hospital in London for tests as part of a big study to see whether there is a genetic link to the sudden death of a fit and healthy youngster.
But 18 months on, both Grant Thomas, 44, and June, 46, are yet to hear anything.
The Argus has teamed up with Mr and Mrs Thomas to try and get defibrillators into every Gwent secondary school in memory of Jack.
The parents will have a gathering of friends and family at their Oakdale home today in memory of their son to mark two years since his passing.
Mrs Thomas said: "We'll be spending time with the family. I can't come in to work, and neither can Grant – it's too hard.
"Last year, a lot of Jack's friends came to the house – they have been fantastic. We will all talk about Jack because we just don't want him to be forgotten.
"It's still too raw – sometimes I think to myself, 'has it really happened?' Sometimes I don't feel like going out of the house. We know Jack's gone, but we can't really move on because we still don't know what happened."
She said their youngest son, 14-year-old Owain, was hit hard by the news, but has been strong throughout.
"Jack was his big brother and his best friend," added Mrs Thomas. "But Owain keeps strong for Grant and I – he's our little gem."
The family will visit Jack's "garden" today and will place flowers to mark two years since the tragic incident.
Last year, his parents presented his former high school, Oakdale Comprehensive, with a heart defibrillator with money raised themselves.
Now, the potentially life-saving machine could be handed out to every secondary school in the area with the support and generosity of our readers, and the collaboration of secondary schools, as part of Jack's Appeal.
l Anyone who wishes to make a simple donation to Jack's Appeal, or donate the proceeds of a fundraising event, can send cheques made payable to Welsh Hearts charity, either to its headquarters at Temple Court, 13a Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HA, or to Newsdesk, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 3QN.
Please write 'Jack Thomas defibs appeal' on the back of the envelope.
© Copyright 2001-2017 Newsquest Media Group


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New Year, New Worries
Despite frantic last minute negotiations in the Senate, time has run out and we are going to go over the fiscal cliff. For at least a few hours, we will have the largest tax hike in history, but the good news is that the market believes that a deal is very close and likely to be put into retroactive effect in a few days.
The market started the day nervously as the confidence level in politicians is understandably quite low, but then gained momentum as the outline of a deal became clear. In addition, we had one of the worst holiday periods in quite some time so market players were happy to mark up things into the close. It was the first time ever that the Nasdaq closed up more than 2% on the last trading day of the year....158 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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