text:
Imaging Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Pilot Study Using F-18 Florbetapir Positron Emission Tomography
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The primary aim of this pilot study is to determine whether amyloid deposits in the heart can be measured non-invasively by F-18 florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid) positron emission tomography (PET) in 30 individuals with documented cardiac amyloidosis. We will also enroll 15 individuals without cardiac amyloidosis to undergo the F-18 florbetapir imaging as a control group.
The primary hypothesis of this study is that a specific amyloid binding radiotracer will bind to the myocardial amyloid deposits and help quantify cardiac amyloid burden.
A secondary aim of this study is to determine reproducibility of F-18 florbetapir imaging of the myocardium.
|Cardiac Amyloidosis
|Drug: F-18 florbetapir PET
|Phase 4
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
|Official Title:
|Imaging Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Pilot Study Using F-18 Florbetapir Positron Emission Tomography
- Mean Myocardial Radiotracer Uptake [ Time Frame: This study will take about 1.5 hours to complete. This study entails measurement of mean myocardial radiotracer dose on the images obtained on the day of the study.No follow-up is planned. ]
This is a pilot feasibility study using the newly approved radiotracer F-18 florbetapir. Mean myocardial uptake will be estimated in the subjects on the images obtained Mean liver to heart ratio will be estimated. No follow-up images are planned.
The myocardial F-18 Florbetapir images will be processed and viewed in the standard cardiac imaging planes. Visual assessment of relative myocardial uptake of F-18 Florbetapir will be performed and scored using a 0-3 scale (0=normal, 1= mild uptake, 2= moderate uptake, 3=significant uptake). Myocardial uptake of F-18 Florbetapir will be quantified using a software on the Hermes system (image viewing station). Also, specific uptake values of the radiotracer in the myocardium will be computed.
- Reproducibility of Myocardial Radiotracer Uptake [ Time Frame: This study will take about 1.5 hours to complete. This study entails measurement of mean myocardial radiotracer dose on the images obtained on the day of the study.Repeat scan is planned using the same parameters within 1-30 days. ]This is a pilot study evaluating reproducibility of F-18 florbetapir myocardial imaging.
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|September 2012
|Estimated Study Completion Date:
|June 2018
|Estimated Primary Completion Date:
|June 2018 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
Experimental: F-18 florbetapir PET-Amyloid Subjects
Individuals with documented cardiac amyloidosis will undergo F-18 florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid) positron emission tomography (PET).
Drug: F-18 florbetapir PET
Cardiac PET images will be obtained following injection of F-18 labeled Florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid)
Other Name: F-18 labeled Florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid)
F-18 florbetapir PET-Healthy Controls
Individuals without documented cardiac amyloidosis will undergo F-18 florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid) positron emission tomography (PET).
Drug: F-18 florbetapir PET
Cardiac PET images will be obtained following injection of F-18 labeled Florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid)
Other Name: F-18 labeled Florbetapir (Trade Name: Amyvid)
Detailed Description:
F-18 florbetapir has been studied in multiple clinical trials to image beta-amyloid deposition in the brain of subjects with Alzheimers' disease. Florbetapir F-18 has been well tolerated in studies of more than 2000 human subjects. Biodistribution studies in humans revealed predominantly hepatobiliary excretion. The tracer clears rapidly from the blood pool in about 20 minutes. This radiotracer has been recently approved for clinical imaging of brain amyloid in subjects with suspected Alzheimers disease. The investigators propose to test this FDA approved radiotracer for an off label indication in a pilot study to evaluate its potential utility, if any, to image cardiac amyloidosis.
Amyloid related heart disease is associated with LV wall thickening due to infiltration; however, this myocardial wall thickening is not definitively distinguishable from left ventricular myocyte hypertrophy from increased afterload to the heart from hypertension or aortic stenosis. Typically myocardial or other tissue biopsy with typical echo features of amyloidosis is required for confirmation of amyloidosis. This pilot study is designed to understand whether cardiac amyloid burden can be measured using a specific radiotracer targeted against amyloid protein (F-18 Florbetapir). At this point it is unknown of F-18 Florbetapir will bind to either AL or TTR amyloid protein or to both of them or to neither of them. The investigators would like to study 15 patients with AL and 15 patients with TTR amyloidosis to understand these differences if any. The investigators also seek to understand if the signal to noise ratio of the circulating amyloid protein in the blood pool (AL amyloid disease) allows for good differentiation of myocardial amyloid uptake. 15 individuals without cardiac amyloidosis will also be enrolled as controls for this study.
The purpose of the proposed research study is to examine in detail, using quantitative PET, myocardial F-18 Florbetapir uptake in cardiac amyloidosis in order to better understand mechanisms of heart damage in this disease. A secondary aim of this study is to determine reproducibility of F-18 florbetapir imaging of the myocardium.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion criteria for amyloid subjects:
- Age > 18 years
- Biopsy proven amyloidosis outside the heart with typical echocardiographic appearance of cardiac involvement, or a positive cardiac biopsy.
- Diagnosis of AL amyloidosis by standard criteria (evidence of plasma cell dyscrasia with appropriate tissue staining for AL) OR
- Diagnosis of TTR amyloidosis (no evidence of plasma call dyscrasia and positive TTR staining of amyloid in tissue biopsy)
- Able and willing to provide informed consent to participate in the study procedures
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnancy
- Serious non-cardiac medical illness which will preclude research study participation
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01683825
|Contact: Sharmila Dorbala, MD
|United States, Massachusetts
|Brigham and Women's Hospital
|Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115
|Contact: Sharmila Dorbala, MBBS, MPH 617-732-6290 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Sharmila Dorbala, MBBS, MPH
|Principal Investigator:
|Sharmila Dorbala, MBBS, MPH
|Brigham and Women's Hospital
|Responsible Party:
|Sharmila Dorbala, MBBS, Director of Nuclear Cardiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01683825 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|September 4, 2012
|Last Updated:
|July 11, 2017
|Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
|Plan to Share IPD:
Keywords provided by Sharmila Dorbala, MBBS, Brigham and Women's Hospital:
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Proteostasis Deficiencies
Metabolic Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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About a month ago I mentioned an upcoming EBM compilation from Sweden called Inside the Volcano. My song Heart of Steel appears on the very nicely packaged release. It's now available for pre-order.
"Finaly it has arrived CCP2CD001 Inside The Volcano Vol. 1. This goes out to all preorder today." – CCP
For more info: facebook.com/completecontrolproductions

subset: commoncrawl


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$3.70 Sale: $2.99
$6.00 Sale: $5.39
$5.00 Sale: $4.49
Item Discontinued
This is for MSC - Week #3. (Cool sketch, Mel!!) I did the twist which was to use red on your page. It's also for a recent (January?) VLB challenge to use a one word title.
One hot summer day, DD and I were at the park. It was blazing hot after awhile, so she just ran through the water sprays with her clothes on. I didn't blame her one bit! The chevron photo mat is a shape from the Silhouette store. It's actually meant to be a Project Life card, but I stretched it to fit my photos, and then did the red as an offset of that piece, and welded it to the title. (I love that you can weld letters to shapes so you only have to cut one piece!) I used the cut-out chevrons as accents on the top and bottom. I'm not really sure why I ended up slanting it, but I think it gives the whole page some movement. Finished it off with some chippie pieces and washi.
Full disclosure: I did not use two full sheets of paper for this. Since I wanted to use the back side of this paper, I cut it down to 10.5x10.5, distressed the square piece, and then cut the 1.5" strips down and positioned them so they would look like a separate piece underneath the main piece.
$1.07 $0.80
$3.00 $2.39
$6.00 $5.39
$5.00 $4.49
$3.70 $2.99
$300.00 $199.99
$5.00 $4.74
$4.75 $3.56
$3.99 $2.99


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Marketing Sponsored by
Brands love to segment consumers, chopping and slicing demographics into thin slivers that define attitudes, behaviors and the like. Interestingly, the principle of creating such segments was founded long before the digital age, and often, the segments themselves are reflective of the industrial era—juxtaposed against our modern, savvy, hyperconnected culture. This can result in a dangerous and counterproductive generalization among groups of individuals.
Every marketer has encountered segmentation at some point in his or her life. Think of a color cosmetic brand marketer who targets the fashion blogger who creates her own colors and trends, versus the middle-aged professional who shops for neutrals, versus the college girl who keeps things spunky within a budget, versus the grandma who wants to keep things easy but fashionable, versus the stay-at-home mom who likes to experiment. The first question that comes to mind is, have these segments been updated for modern times? And second, do they really differ so much that marketing strategies need to be tailored to each one of them? There is a fine line between responding to your market and generalizing based on what your research is telling you.
Understanding your consumers is a critical exercise for marketers, and every brand has its own target market that more often than not covers a large demographic. Overt segmentation has led marketers to become trapped in silos, overlooking what their market is telling them or ignoring populations that are willing to try their products. As such, age is one demographic distinction that merits a closer look.
Today, 75 is the new 55, owing to upsurges in technology, beauty, medication and increased life expectancy. So-called "senior citizens" are active and enjoy exploring, learning new things, starting or contributing to new business ventures, and are generally eager to continue fulfilling their dreams. And, not surprisingly, over 75% of wealth is owned by those over 651, making them a target too risky to ignore.
Millennials wield the largest share of purchasing power ($2.45 trillion by 20152) and thus represent a prime target. Convenience, gadgets and a plethora of brands are de rigueur for their daily well-being. And so-called "youths" also are learning things faster than previous generations, with global and social awareness levels peaking in earlier years.
Due to the differences between consumers of different ages, marketers must be careful to understand who they are speaking to when crafting claims. In this case, a claim is a concise statement about a product or brand designed to drive consumer choice by calling upon desires or aspirations through the value it promises. But how a claim is phrased by a marketer and perceived by a consumer likely will depend on the age of the intended audience.
Imagine a hair care brand is trying to decide how to communicate the benefits of a hair loss reduction product, a market that totals around $3.5 billion per year3 and caters to a vast demographic of consumers. By nature, the product is one that rids users of the unpleasantness of balding. If the claim is being used to attract older consumers, it may focus on the prevention of the "negative" event of thinning hair. Older consumers are more willing to come to terms with the unpleasant aspects of life and therefore are more responsive to related communication efforts. However, a more positive approach emphasizing thick and healthy hair is more likely to appeal to younger consumers who are less concerned about hair loss but may well experience it. Michelle Obama recently said "…a lot of young people think they're invincible."4 In marketing terms, younger people often have yet to experience many "negatives" and therefore do not want to be reminded of them. Thus, it is critical for marketers to understand how to best communicate positivity to these consumer types.
Marketers also must bear in mind the evolving psychographics that distinguish these generations. Take, for instance, the desire to own versus the desire to rent. With approximately 60% of those who attend college amassing debt to cover education costs, and with student loan debt totaling near $1 trillion,5 many young consumers see buying as merely adding on debt to looming student loans. There also has been a drop in the percentage of younger people (below 40) getting a driver's license, whereas older people tend to keep their license even as they age.6 The rise of social sharing programs, a global environmental push that urges public transportation and the transient nature of youth converge to create a decrease in the desire to own.
This means the mindset has shifted to the temporary rather than the permanent, and marketing must focus on providing benefits now. A marketing message only has a few moments to impact a purchasing decision, which means the articulation is absolutely vital. Starting a claim with no-value filler language can mean the difference between a sale and a lost customer.
While filler language is destined to be less effective with the older segment too, they are more receptive to benefits that may be longer lasting. For instance, when marketing a moisturizer, a time-sensitive message such as "Absorbs instantly for healthy, moisturized skin" may work well as it relays the key benefit (time) first and adapts to a youthful lifestyle. An older segment also may benefit from the speed of absorption, owing to the changing attitudes of this demographic. However, something along the lines of "Long-lasting relief from dry skin with instantly absorbing moisturization" may be more reassuring.
Furthermore, this shift in mindset also influences message placement. Creating a commercial to be shown during a primetime cable show is likely to draw the attention of an older target audience, but YouTube now reaches more U.S. adults between 18–34 than any cable network.7 And as people rely more and more on public transportation, instant and on-demand access to content, and other "temporary" means to live, marketers must adapt by placing their messages around these new consumption habits. Marketers have to broaden their advertising distribution to better target the audience and to address that audience at a variety of touchpoints.
With more traditional mediums such as TV and radio spots targeting older consumers, younger consumers can expect to see more ads placed in areas of public transportation and sponsored ads and video clips on social networks.
The continued rise of social networking has made a dramatic impact on marketing too. With 2014 marking the 10th year of Facebook and the 8th year of Twitter, it's no surprise the younger generation has literally grown up using these as synonyms for information seeking and sharing. Although social media still skews younger for now, with 90% of those between the ages of 18–29 using social media compared to only 46% of those 65+ doing the same,8 there is evidence older consumers are migrating to social media. The fastest-growing demographic on Facebook is between 45–54 years old, while the 55–64 year age bracket is the fastest growing on Twitter.7


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As originally seen on The Designated Sketcher
This past weekend, I traveled to the ENYA Future Now Summit to gather with fellow architecture professionals and hopefuls. The goal of the event focused on the future of the profession and how emerging professionals in the field can shape upcoming challenges, future iterations and harness the potential of a coming paradigm shift. That shift is personified in the additional layers of social media, digital representation, marketing, etc. that will be required to be successful in the current turbulent environment.
Based on its location, New York City, it was not a surprise that a number of design heavyweights were present to discuss ideas, offer opinions and inform on how to best take advantage of the tools before us. This delivery came in a couple different forms: The Keynote speech, the panel discussion, the intimate mentoring meeting, and finally in a group charrette. Each has its own benefit and flaws, but what I thought was going to be most captivating was the collection of industry giants kickin' knowledge. So, as I sat in the audience with my equivalent of a coach class reservation, I waited with baited breath as each brand name gave their past accomplishments, qualifications and offered their opinions with varying degrees of focus.
While their ideas alone were sparks meant to ignite discussion, I felt that there was little follow up between the panelists and the audience to get a sense of agreement. As a running theme, one panelist would offer an opinion, a second would chime in with a different stance, yet nothing was defended, vetted or debated. It was as if they were dictating their response without actually reacting to the questions that had already been raised. In response I decided to run a series of posts dedicated to expounding on each idea from my own perspective. These ideas are meant to incite, conjure and engage, so please respond with thoughts!
Idea One: Value Added Service
David Fano was the sharp business mind in this discussion and I thought he really nailed the idea of the Valued Added Service (V.A.S.). He even gave a very relatable scenario that we all should be familiar with. That was as follows: Get to know your client, their personal business model or reason for choosing an architect and offer advice on how their future space can be the most effective it can be. That can come in the form of an efficient design for how a couple lives or how to maximize revenue potential for a retail client. The idea is all about VAS because that is something that they can't get elsewhere and certainly not without paying for it.
Architecture is an elective service industry and clients have choices when they decide to take on a project. I think we can all agree that good design can lead to a healthier lifestyle, but that idea is still undervalued by the general public. Many potential clients believe they can either; Do it Themselves, have a contractor design a solution, or do the bare minimum (aka find a plan stamper) to just "get a permit". This is quite an unappealing and, truthfully, unacceptable reality. It not only takes money off of the table for the design profession, but it sets a standard of design-less spaces.
As civic leaders who shape our built environment, our expertise should put us in the unique position to convey our value. Tangible worth is possible with good design & proper specifications because it leads to healthier living, more efficient buildings, and cost effective solutions. Once clients realize our potential to offer additional value, involving an architect in matters of design should be synonymous as legal representation in court or professional medical service at a hospital. For that standard to be possible though, it starts with VAS, and making sure that if a client has a problem (design or not), we go to the lengths to solve it.
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Visiting Critic is a continuing series of thought provoking observations from architectural insider Jeffrey Pastva - Editor in Chief at YAF Connection, Communications Director for the AIA National Young Architects Forum and a Project Architect at JDavis in Philadelphia. His critical eye will cover everything from the state of architectural education to the future fate of the profession. Expect ideas in your inbox bi-weekly.


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by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
State officials took the unprecedented step of crafting two November state budget forecasts, the second and more dire showing the economic wallop of having the nation plunge off the federal fiscal cliff.
It's a tale of two outcomes.
"This isn't a gloomy forecast," State Economist Tom Stinson said the November budget forecast shorn of fiscal-cliff implications.
Because state general fund revenues are expected to exceed end-of-session projections by about $1 billion, the extra dollars by law will buy down the $2.4 billion K-12 funding shift by more than half, leaving about $1 billion outstanding.
"After a decade of under funding, Minnesota schools will certainly appreciate the $1.3 billion payback of the state's IOU, which is required by law," Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said in a statement.
But ultimate gloom could be injected into the forecast by events in Washington, Stinson warned, should Democratic President Barack Obama and Congress fail to avoid the automatic spending cuts and tax increases of the federal Budget Control Act, penalties exacted by failing to achieve a federal budget agreement.
Potential impact to the state resulting from such a failure are stark.
The state's budget forecaster, Global Insight, foresees a recession beginning in early 2013 nationally if federal officials are unable to reach a budget settlement.
State income tax revenues could plummet by more than a $1 billion, sales and corporate taxes by at least $350 million and $250 million, respectively, it's estimated.
The state budget deficit if a federal budget meltdown occurs could approach $3 billion — about $1 billion in deficit already is projected.
Beyond this, a recession could see the state's current 5.8 percent unemployment rate rise to 7.1 percent in 2014, with personal income declining by more than four percent in 2015, state officials warn.
"We still have some tough decisions and heavy lifting to do," Management and Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter advises incoming freshmen lawmakers to the Minnesota Legislature.
One glint of light amidst the gloom is that a large part of the federal automatic spending cuts would fall on the Defense Department.
And that would leave the state relatively unscathed because there are few defense contractors here, Stinson explained.
"That's good for Minnesota," he said.
The state budget picture is as uncertain as he has ever seen it, Senate Majority Leader-designate Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said.
"That seems a little optimistic to me," Bakk said of the players in Washington arriving at a budget solution.
House Speaker-designated Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, indicated lawmakers would need to look at both spending cuts and possible tax increases in formulating the state budget.
"Every time we have faced the deficit we have failed to take the longer view," said Thissen.
The state's tax system was "broken" and needed to be reformed, Bakk said.
Revenue Commission Myron Frans had the best insights on the tax reform as he has been travelling the state, meeting with the public on the issue of taxation, Bakk said.
Raising taxes and tax reform, to him, were two different topics, argued Bakk.
He deemed it "unlikely" that tax reform would include broadening the sales tax to include clothing.
But Bakk and Thissen in general avoided talking about possible tax increases.
Dayton, who began a late afternoon press conference with a moment of silence to remember fallen Cold Spring Police Officer Thomas Decker, who was killed in the line of duty and whose funeral Dayton attended, was more direct.
"I think you can expect it will be very likely," Dayton said of a tax increase being included in his proposed state budget.
The budget normally is presented in mid-January.
"I am not proposing to raise taxes on all Minnesotans," Dayton explained, holding aloft two fingers.
He has been proposing to raise taxes on just the upper two percent of Minnesotans, Dayton explained.
If enacted by the Democratically-controlled legislature, such an increase would bring in about $1 billion a biennium.
Dayton insisted the final decisions regarding his proposed state budget have not yet been made.
The governor was in Washington this week and believes a federal budget agreement will ultimately be hashed out.
"I think they'll reach an agreement because the means to do so are there," Dayton said.
He was absolutely committed to crafting a state budget without budget gimmicks, Dayton said.
"We're done with the gimmicks. We're done with the games," he said.
Dayton indicated that making additional budget cuts would be difficult.
He suggested the budget situation has been made more difficult by Republicans refusing to accept his proposed tax increases in the past.
Republican legislative leaders indicated they are no more interested in tax increases in the future than in he past.
They heralded the state budget forecast as good news.
Senate Minority Leader-designate David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, argued the Republican legislature over the past two years largely managed to turn around the state budget through its fiscal prudence.
"We did not want to do that," he said of raising taxes.
Indeed, the best way of continuing the turnaround — state budget officials view the state economy as currently slowly improving — was to propose tax cuts, Hann said.
House Minority Leader-designate Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, relished the idea.
"Let's shoot for the stars," he said.
Holding aloft a state budge forecast, Daudt argued the generally upbeat forecast proved that the Republican approach was correct.
"They're (Democrats) not going to find that here," he said of reasons for raising taxes.
The state will begin its school shift payback within a few weeks.
Currently, the state funds its schools at a 64.3-35.7 payment schedule — this reflects the shifts crafted by Republican and Democratic leaders in past sessions.
With the buy-down, the funding schedule for schools will change to 82.5-17.5.


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The presentation went well, the room was pretty much full. It was fun but we're glad to be done. Here we are getting ready while watching the Vikings/Cowboys game. I won't mention the score in deference to my Texas friends.
Thanks to everyone who attended. Special thanks to dW human factors superstar and Orlando resident John Muller for making a surprise appearance and helping out. Also thanks to Ami Dewar for making our presentation look so professional.


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer daydreamernessa > Costume of Chun Li (Street Fighter III)
- Most Recent Photo
- 01-16-2013
- Series
- Street Fighter III
- Character
- Chun Li
- Year Completed:
- 2012
- Construction Difficulty:
About this Costume
- Construction Details:
Check out my in-progress photo's!
I tackled Chun-li by pushing myself to do it with the best of my current skills and learned new techniques I didn't settle and re-did pieces several times.
I had put this costume off for years, because while her design is simple, it really does need patience, and techniques that I wasn't familiar enough with like satin-stitching.
I spent about 2-3 weeks alone on the mock-up. Making several ones before ending up with my final pattern. The dress is fully-lined, the sleeves are stuffed with tulle for poofy-ness. Belt is lined and has a separating zipper!
All gold designs are heat n' bonded down then satin-stitched down around all the edges- the crescent shapes are tricky you can see in my progress photo's my collar i did it 3 times before I got ok at it!
My bracers were made by my boyfriend, who did it out of styrofoam, covered in paperclay- sanded down. they are SUPER heavy haha so i do not recommend this route for them, but they look sweet! I could seriously cause some damage with these so I have to be careful when wearing them.
I had used my real hair for this dyed it a much darker brown and grew out my bangs and had them cut at the con for this too! The bun covers are made out of the same brocade as my belt, just a circle that has the edges foded over twice and then stitched down for a clean edge.
- Personal Thoughts:
- AHHHHH CHUN LI MY DREAM COSTUME!!!! This was a costume long time coming for me. I like many girls have idolized Chun-li. When i was a young girl playing SF in the arcades Chun-li was my girl.
I waited a long time to do this costume till i had thie skills, confidence to pull off the costume cleanly and nicely. Thankfully i waited cause i had two friends join me in this!
Add a Comment


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Yes, the housing rebound is real.
After all the damage caused by the great real estate debacle of the last decade, I can understand some healthy skepticism about turns in this trade. But last year surprised every expert to the upside. Orange County sales were up 19 percent to a six-year high. The local median selling price finished the year at a four-year high, up 17 percent in 2012. It was no fluke.
Certainly, the government added some fuel to the fire – such as cheap money and limits on foreclosures. But what makes 2012 remarkable is that it still isn't easy to get a mortgage for a residence, and investors must be cash players. The improving job market, rising rents and overall confidence were all motors behind the 2012 buying and pricing surge.
But doubts persist. So, for those reasonable skeptics, here are my answers to questions you may be mulling.
Skeptic: Isn't the median a bum number? Isn't this 2012 upward price trend more about what's selling – pricier homes – rather than saying values are up?
Me: Forget about what the median – the number smack in the middle of a data set – might say about what prices sellers are getting.
Yes, a key story line in 2012 was that the supply of cheaper homes to buy became somewhere near zero. But, remember, a house sale takes two to tango. And I prefer to ponder the median price as a statement about what buyers are willing to pay.
What we know about the Class of 2012 homebuyers was that they were willing to pay more for housing. That in itself is a sign of consumer confidence.
If what we hear from numerous real estate professionals is correct, Orange County would see even more homebuying if the supply of cheaper homes were greater. Yes, that push might trim the median – but it would also make the selling pace even more noteworthy.
Skeptic: Aren't these sales figures still low, by historical standards?
Me: This was Orange County's busiest year since 2006 – finished off by the fastest-selling December since 2005. And, 2012 was a 17 percent improvement over 2011's pace. But, to be fair, the year's buying was 20 percent below Orange County's 1988-2011 average sales count.
A healthy debate is brewing about what the "new normal" will be for housing – a reality etched into the industry by Orange County's six consecutive years of below-average activity.
More than a few housing pros guess that sales volumes won't return locally to previous peaks any era soon because: for one, new-home building will be restrained for numerous reasons; and secondly, buyers are not expected to continually move up – generating added transactions – like they previously did.
Skeptic: Isn't this all about cheap mortgages? They can't stay this low forever!
Me: DataQuick compiles an estimate of the typical first-year payment for new homebuyers. This metric bottomed in March 2012 at the lowest cost in a decade – literally cut in half from its peak.
Since then, homebuyers have begun to pay up, even when looking at payments. This index jumped by 12 percent through December – and was up 2 percent in a year for the month. That's the first year-over-year gain in this payment benchmark since July 2010 – when tax incentives for buyers were ending. So I'm guessing that folks are beginning to pay some premium prices.
Perhaps, this is the rate bottom. What does that mean?
Since 1988, mortgage rates have risen in six years. In all of those years, DataQuick shows home prices rose (averaging 10 percent), but homebuying fell (by an average drop of 10 percent!)
Note: Rates often rise when the economy is improving – and more robust business conditions may get more potential buyers active…
Skeptic: What about all those foreclosures that have been put off by banks?
Me: DataQuick tells us that defaults filed on Orange County properties last year fell 27 percent vs. 2011 – to the lowest level since 2006. Actual foreclosures fell 37 percent in the year to the lowest mark in five years.
Some of that drop may be lenders slowing their work to meet various regulatory mandates, but also it's a sign of a recovering housing market.
Common thinking in the real estate trenches says that any new supply of bank foreclosures hitting the resale market would likely be quickly snapped up.
Skeptic: Even if I believe these improvements are real, the economy doesn't justify – or won't sustain – real estate's upswing.
Me: Granted, if the national or regional economy does tank, housing won't fare well.
But to my eye, the economy is performing admirably – especially noting the high level of self-created or misguided doubts.
Assuming the economy chugs only along modestly, that should be enough broad-based oomph to keep the real estate market stable, if not fuel further gains.
Contact the writer: 949-777-6727 or firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
I am writing in light of my treads on veganism and coffee. I am begining to think that how we label certain things like coffee and veganism for instance influemces how it effects us.
For instance, if you go on labeling coffee as a strong upper drug then it might end up having some of those effects of an upper drug on you. But if you don't label it so strongly then it might not have those effects you. Same as with veganism. If you are strongly opinionated about animal rights and how eating only plant baed food is lesser violence and what not, then if you do eat meat you might really feel like a some sort of bad killer and doing it might have certain effects on you.
But if you see it as ok and simply a part of food chain and you still remain with the belief that you are good when it comes to how you want to spend the eternity then that's how it might effect you.
But then again. I was in a car accident when I was about 4 years old. I was supposedly in a Mercedes wich allegedly preaty much saved us because we got hit by the bus. This was supposed to be around 1982. Now I don't remember labeling bus, the car I was in or either of the drivers as evil, but I was phisically hurt and I ended up in a hospital.
Or let's say if someone ends up hurting someone else, just because they enjoy violence, but the person getting hurt didn't even know the person prone to violence means that he wouldn't have labeled him ad violent but he still is.
So my question is: How much and in wich cases in life does labeling and judging efect what that wich we label as good or evil is?


text: The new face of black lung By Chris Hamby July 7, 2012 Story Share James Crisp/AP for The Center for Public Integrity Former coal miner Ray Marcum, 83, talks about black lung disease with his eldest son, Thomas. Marcum and all three of his sons have black lung. James Crisp/AP for The Center for Public Integrity Ray Marcum (center) with his three sons, Thomas, standing, James, left, and Donald, right. All four men have black lung. David Deal for NPR Dr. Donald Rasmussen, 84, is a pulmonologist in Beckley. He figures he's tested 40,000 coal miners in the last 50 years. David Deal for NPR An unidentified coal miner is tested for black lung in a mobile clinic run by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Norton, Va. David Deal for NPR Mark McCowan, 47, was diagnosed with black lung seven years ago. Within five years, the disease advanced to progressive massive fibrosis, the worst stage of black lung. Graphic: Black lung by the numbersRead more: Dust reforms stalled by years of inactionMiners say UBB mine cheated on dust samplingPRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- Ray Marcum bears the marks of a bygone era of coal mining. At 83, his voice is raspy, his eastern Kentucky accent thick and his forearms leathery. A black pouch of Stoker's 24C chewing tobacco pokes out of the back pocket of his jeans. "I started chewing in the mines to keep the coal dust out of my mouth," he says.Plenty of that dust still found its way to his lungs. For the past 30 years, he's gotten a monthly check to compensate him for the disease that steals his breath -- the old bane of miners known as black lung.In mid-century, when Marcum worked, dust filled the mines, largely uncontrolled. Almost half of miners who worked at least 25 years contracted the disease. Amid strikes throughout the West Virginia coalfields, Congress made a promise in 1969: Mining companies would have to keep dust levels down, and black lung would be virtually eradicated.Marcum doesn't have to look far to see that hasn't happened. There's his middle son, Donald, who, at 51, has had eight pieces of his lungs removed. He sometimes has trouble making it through a prayer when he's filling in as a preacher at Solid Rock Baptist Church.There's James, the youngest. At 50, his breathing is becoming more labored, and his doctor has already discussed hooking him up to an oxygen tank part-time.Both began working in the late 1970s - years after dust rules took effect - and both began displaying symptoms in their 30s. Donald now has the most severe, fastest-progressing form of the disease, known as complicated coal workers' pneumoconiosis. James and the oldest Marcum son, Thomas, 59, have a simpler form, but James has reached the worst stage and is deteriorating.Men with lungs like the Marcums' aren't supposed to exist. "In 1969, I publicly proclaimed that the disease would go away before we learned more about it," said Dr. Donald Rasmussen, a pioneer in recognizing and diagnosing black lung who is still practicing, at 84, in Beckley, W.Va. "I was dead wrong."Throughout the coalfields of Appalachia, in small community clinics and in government labs, it has become clear: Black lung is back.The disease's resurgence represents a failure to deliver on a 40-year-old pledge to miners in which few are blameless, an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity and NPR has found. The system for monitoring dust levels is tailor-made for cheating, and mining companies haven't been shy about doing so. Meanwhile, regulators have sometimes neglected to enforce even these porous rules.A Center analysis of databases maintained by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration found that miners have been breathing too much dust for years, but MSHA has issued relatively few violations and routinely allowed companies extra time to fix problems.MSHA chief Joe Main issued a statement in response to the findings: "The current rules have been in effect for decades, do not adequately protect miners from disease and are in need of reform. That is why MSHA has proposed several changes to overhaul the current standards and reduce miners' exposure to unhealthy dust." Similar attempts at reform have died twice before. From 1968 through 2007, black lung caused or contributed to roughly 75,000 deaths nationwide, according to government data. In the decades following passage of the 1969 law, rates of the disease dropped significantly. Then, around the late 1990s, this trend reversed. Many of the newer cases have taken a particularly ugly form. While rates of black lung overall have increased, incidence of the most severe, fast-progressing type has jumped significantly. These cases, moreover, are occurring in younger and younger miners. Of particular concern are "hot spots" identified in central Appalachia by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, a government research agency."I think any reasonable epidemiologist would have to consider this an epidemic," said NIOSH's Scott Laney.The National Mining Association, a trade group representing mining companies, agrees that black lung's comeback is a problem in need of attention. To the association, however, it is primarily a regional phenomenon - one that doesn't justify new national rules. What's needed, it says, is more research and better enforcement of current standards.'A diabolical torture'"They call me Lucky," retired miner James Foster says as he takes off his shirt and presses his chest against an X-ray machine in the back of an RV in Wharton, W.Va. "Worked 37 years in all kinds of mines. Been covered up twice. Been electrocuted."His brushes with death aside, he's here because he fears there may be one hazard he can't dodge. "I come in here to file for my black lung," he says. During a recent heart surgery, he says, doctors said they saw what appeared to be signs of the disease. He's one of a handful of miners on an April afternoon to move through the RV parked at the fire department in Wharton. Inside, a team of NIOSH workers shepherds them from station to station: medical history, questionnaire, breathing test, chest X-ray. Foster hopes the tests will provide evidence he can use to submit a claim for benefits. Other miners are still working and want to make sure their lungs are clear.It is from this rolling medical unit, in part, that NIOSH has documented the return of black lung. For decades, miners have been entitled to free X-rays every five years, and this has helped track the drop in the disease's prevalence. After the data started showing a reversal, NIOSH sent its RV out to gather more data in 2005.What these researchers found, combined with data from routine medical monitoring, was worrisome: From the 1970s through the 1990s, the proportion of miners with signs of black lung among those who submitted X-rays dropped from 6.5 percent to 2.1 percent. During the most recent decade, it jumped to 3.2 percent.In a triangle of Appalachia - southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and western Virginia - the numbers were even higher. The NIOSH unit found a disease prevalence of 9 percent in Kentucky from 2005 to 2009, for example.Prevalence of the most severe form of black lung has tripled between the 1980s and the 2000s and has almost reached the levels of the 1970s.A wake-up call for some came after the Upper Big Branch explosion in southern West Virginia in April 2010, which killed 29 miners. Of the 24 who had enough lung tissue for an autopsy, 17 had signs of black lung. Some had as few as 10 years of experience in mines; they ranged in age from 25 to 61.Black lung leaves miners' lungs scarred, shriveled and black. They struggle to do routine tasks and are eventually forced to choose between eating and breathing."No human being should have to go through the misery that dying of [black lung] entails," said Dr. Edward Petsonk, who treats patients with black lung and works with NIOSH. "It is like a screw being slowly tightened across your throat. It is really almost a diabolical torture."Underpinnings of an epidemicThere are theories about why the disease has returned, but no definitive answers. One likely explanation: Miners are breathing a more potent mix of dust. Coal seams are surrounded by rock, much of which contains the mineral silica. When ground up, silica is more toxic to the lungs than coal dust and can cause faster-progressing disease.With larger coal seams becoming mined out, companies are turning to thinner seams surrounded by more rock. At the same time, because of the price of coal and advances in mining equipment, it now makes more sense economically for companies to cut through large amounts of rock to get at the coal.NIOSH research suggests this may be having an effect. A particular marker on an X-ray is often indicative of silica-related disease. Comparing miners' X-rays taken from 2000 to 2008 with those taken from 1980-1999, researchers found that the proportion bearing these markers had nearly quadrupled and, in central Appalachia, had increased almost eight times over.Rules are supposed to limit the amount of silica in the air in mines, but a Center for Public Integrity analysis of MSHA's dust sampling database, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, shows that the agency has long failed to control silica dust. In each of the past 25 years, the analysis found, the average valid silica sample has been above the allowed level.Another possible explanation for black lung's resurgence: The number of hours worked by miners has steadily increased over the past three decades, MSHA data show. Longer hours mean more exposure to dust and less recovery time.At the same time, production has increased, thanks in part to powerful new equipment. A longwall shearer, for example, can carve out huge swaths of coal in little time.Mark McCowan ran one of these behemoths for the final years of his career. "By the time I was 40 years old, I had mined more coal than most miners mine in a lifetime," he recalled, sitting in his living room in Pounding Mill, Va.McCowan was diagnosed with black lung at age 40. His disease has progressed to the most severe form; now 47, he finds it harder and harder to breathe. He pointed to a photo of a beaming, blond-haired 2-year-old on his wall - his grandson, Haiden. McCowan sees him two or three times a week and plays with him for as long as his lungs can take. "My biggest fear," he said, "is I won't live long enough for him to remember me."***Our stories about black lung were jointly reported by the Center for Public Integrity and NPR News as part of "Hard Labor," an occasional series on health, safety and economic threats to U.S. workers. Additional reporting was provided by Charleston Gazette staff writer Ken Ward Jr. Read more in Monday's Gazette and on the CPI website, http://www.iwatchnews.org/.Hear more about black lung Monday on NPR's All Things Considered and Tuesday on NPR's Morning Edition. Additional NPR stories are available at www.npr.org. Story Share Story Share Trending Now 1 Facebook founder visits Charleston restaurant 2 Rod Run and Doo Wop brings classic cars, music to Boulevard for 12th year 3 Gazette editorial: Capito has second chance to do the right thing 4 Innerviews: Dual-identity surgeon riding high in horse racing world 5 Parole hearing set for Putnam man who claims wrongful sex assault conviction Dust reforms stalled by years of inaction Previous Story Rescue workers search for four-wheel driver Next Story


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The World's 18 Strangest Military Bases
What it is: A ground robot being developed by Robotic Technology Inc. with DARPA funding.
How it works: The idea of a lawnmower powered by grass clippings is an old one, but this bot may put the theory in action. EATR will harvest its own biofuel in the form of leaves, twigs or other vegetable matter with its manipulator arm. Sensors and smart recognition software allow it to distinguish between vegetation and rock or metal. The fuel is shredded and fed into an external combustion engine called Cyclone. Fuel and air circulate rapidly in a combustion chamber, burning at temperatures of up to 1200 F. The heat is used to produce high-pressure steam to drive a piston. The energy can be used to drive the tracks, power other systems or recharge batteries. EATR should be able to travel 100 miles on about 150 pounds of vegetation.
Only limited by: Availability of organic material for fuel.
The Future of Urban Agriculture: Gallery


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Printable DIY Princess and Pirate Party Invitation
Product Info
Thanks for stopping by The Party Bakery!
Hear Ye Hear He calling every Princess and Pirate! Our new set is perfect for a boy and girl party!
This listing is for a customized 5x7 Invitation that YOU print.
Additional Coordinating Items are Available.
Invitation will be emailed to you in 2 formats
1. 5x7 JPEG file that you can print at home or send off to a photo printer ie...Walgreens, Sams, etc
2. PDF file with 2 invitations per sheet that you can print on Card Stock at home or send off to your favorite printing source ie..Staples, Officemax, etc.
*********Design Process**************
When you place your order please include
1. If you are ordering for a Boy or Girl
2. Child Name
3. Age
4. Party Location
5. Date
6. Time
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You will then receive an emailed proof within 48 hours of your order being received.
Please be aware that the email on your etsy account is the email I will be contacting you through unless you specify otherwise.
Once you aprove the proof and payment is made you will receive a high quality digital file that you can then print yourself. Print as many as you need!
Please keep in mind that there may be slight color variances due to different computer monitors displaying colors differently.
Coordinating products are available for this package and include Cupcake Toppers, Favor Tags, Thank You Notes, Banner, Party Signs, Full Size Candy Bar Wrappers, Miniature Candy Bar Wrappers, Treat Bags, Water Bottle Wraps and 2inch Party Stickers
Love it BUT DON'T WANT TO PRINT IT YOURSELF? No problem! I offer full printing and assembling as well. Please message me for a price quote.
TERMS OF USE: You may use this file for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Mass production, file sharing and commercial use of this PDF is strictly prohibited. You cannot resell this file or the finished product(s). You may not use or extract my original graphics to redesign or recreate items for commercial useage or sale, doing so is stealing! All rights reserved. Please respect my work and exercise proper usage, thank you. Due to the nature of this items, no refunds are provided..
Thank you for stopping by and please message me with any questions!
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Mega Dens Focuses on Media
In anticipation of the Mega Dens episode of Blog Cabin 2012, I am proud to present an exclusive vlog, which stars show host Chris Grundy and Anitra Mecadon. Learn more about this duo's inspiration for furnishings and DIY treatments in the second-floor media room and game area.Like what you see? Try our exclusive how-to projects (sliding barn door and reclaimed wood desk) from this episode and remember to tune in on Monday night to watch the full episode.


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Did you know that the best bordeaux now comes from Paris? Coloured like fine wine, this eye-catching luxury travel backgammon board comes from the cultivated craftsmen of Hector Saxe – and it's available only at GammonVillage!
Rich, bordeaux-hued suede beautiful fittings on a light-bodied wooden case set the flavour of magisterial quality. And the warm, inlaid leather surface beckons you to match that with your gameplay.
Cream and bordeaux points on black are home to the smoothly-finished mother-of-pearl checkers. Glide yours across a seamless, lively playing field while opponents are distracted by sumptuous textures and slightly bitter notes of impending defeat.
The best thing is that you can endlessly savour this heirloom-quality backgammon and it still gets better with age. So unlock the massif brass clasps and let it breathe. But be careful! The taste of victory is highly addictive...
Click the specifications tab (above) for more details about this deluxe backgammon set, including all materials and sizes. Click any photo for a closer look.
|Backgammon Set Dimensions:
|Closed Length:
|14 1/4"
|2 1/2"
|Open Length:
|14 1/4"
|1 1/4"
|Backgammon Set Materials:
|Case Material:
|Case Color:
|Field Material:
|Inlaid Leather
|Field Color:
|Points 1 Color:
|Points 2 Color:
|Clasp Style:
|Massif Brass
|Backgammon Stone Dimensions:
|1 1/8"
|High Gloss Mother of Pearl
|Stones 1 Color:
|Stones 2 Color:
|Backgammon Dice/Cube Dimensions:
|Dice Size:
|Dice Set 1 Color:
|Dice Set 2 Color:
|Light Brown
|Cube Color:
|Backgammon Cup Dimensions:
|Cup Height:
|1 3/4"
|Cup Exterior:
|Cup Interior:
|Black Leatherette
|Cup 1 Outer:
|Cup 1 Base:
|Cup 2 Outer:
|Cup 2 Base:
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A little about me
Short Bio: I'm the Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Long Form Editor of ZDNet. I write about the people, products, and ideas changing how we live and work in the 21st century. I'm co-author of the book Follow the Geeks (bit.ly/ftgeeks).
Tech Interests: Laptops, Software and Apps, How to Tech, Social tech, Latest tech news, Events and announcements, Community
Os: Mac OS X, Chrome, iOS, Android
Machine: MacBook Air 11-inch, Samsung Galaxy S5, iPhone 6


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Category: Shia LaBeouf
Have you noticed that most of the up-and-coming female stars in Hollywood have ordinary names like Anne and Amy, Emily and Emma and Ellen—while many of the hot young Hollywood hunks have unusually interesting and cutting-edge appellations like Chord and Chace? Most of them are their actual birth names—and a few have already had an influence on baby naming. Here are the most noteworthy–providing some great eye candy as well.
Post Categories:


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In Anapanasati.. Over time, I have had success with not following emotional feelings or emotional ideas during meditation, as well as noticing initial thoughts about the past or future, and I am experiencing more peace during meditation; however, I seem to be following daydreams and novel contemplation when I am trying to keep my mind on single-pointedness at the nostrils. It seems my mental talking sneaks into my mind and I have difficulty turning it off. In addition to anapanasati, are there any exercises I can do daily that help towards improving concentration? Will routine walking meditation help to develop single-pointedness, and quiet my mind?
thank you


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Eco-Friendly Home Decor
Spring-Clean Your Decor With Sustainable Switcheroos
Spring-Clean Your Decor With Sustainable Switcheroos
This year, consider a new approach to Spring cleaning by swapping some of your home decor with chic, sustainable options. If you're worried that "eco-friendly" means rustic and neutral, think again: we're highlighting a variety of styles in rich colors and unique, on-trend designs. For decor that falls in line with your green values, take a look at these eye-catching, eco-friendly pieces!
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The New School
In Dialogue Series - Dialogue and metaphor: Avital Ronell and Vanessa Place
Join us for a series of
performative dialogues between experts in diverse fields in conjunction with
the exhibition As it were… so to speak: A Museum Collection in dialogue with
Barbara Bloom. Each evening concentrates on a different aspect of "dialogue,"
pairing speakers demonstrating theory and practice. Unlike in traditional
conversation the speakers do not engage with one another, instead each
addresses the subject at hand and the audience members directly.
The Dialogue and metaphor program features Avital
Ronell, Professor of German,
Comparative Literature, and English at New York University, where she
co-directs the Research in Trauma and Violence project with Vanessa
Place, a writer and criminal
appellate attorney.
Theresa Lang Community and Student Center, Arnhold Hall, 55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor
Free; no tickets or reservations required; seating is first-come first-served
Email Updates
Browse Events by School


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Lu Ray Drive, 12:40 p.m. Wednesday Two letters were stolen from a person's mail box.
Belglen Way, 8:22 a.m. Thursday A catalytic converter was removed from a vehicle.
15885 Los Gatos-Almaden Road, 8:51 a.m. Thursday Gas was siphoned overnight from a van and two school buses at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
1800 block of Channing Avenue, 1:42 p.m. Nov. 12 A 20-year-old Palo Alto man accused of burglarizing a residence hours earlier was arrested.
900 block of Camden Avenue, 8 a.m. Thursday A door lock was damaged by someone who broke into a business overnight and took an arc welder.
900 block of Camden Avenue, Tuesday An employee at a vehicle repair shop and a customer's van we reported missing along with another customer's Volkswagen.
400 block of Budd Avenue, 7:10 a.m. Thursday A female was awakened by a man who crawled in a window and asked her to pray with him. She said he left in a white vehicle, possibly a Mitsubishi.
300 block of West Rincon Avenue, 10:40 a.m. Thursday A residence was burglarized sometime after 2 p.m. the previous day.
100 block of East Sunnyoaks Avenue, 9-11:55 a.m. Thursday An Acura was stolen.
400 block of Esther Avenue, 4 p.m. Thursday A catalytic converter was removed from a Toyota.
300 block of Budd Avenue, 9:06 p.m. Thursday Two 18-year-old males pushing and riding a lawn mower stolen from a storage shed near the baseball field were arrested, even though they claimed to have found it. One of the teens was on probation and determined to be intoxicated.
Harrison Avenue, 3:38 a.m. Thursday A 22-year-old man caught leaving the area with a city-owned bike in a rack on the back of his vehicle was arrested.
4000 block of Fernwood Street, 12:50 a.m. Nov. 12 A resident away for a few days returned to find a burglary had taken place.
200 Franklin Parkway, 5:09 p.m. Nov. 12 A person who found an iPad on the beach in Half Moon Bay turned it into police.
400 block of Rolling Hills Avenue, 8:04 p.m. Nov. 12 A residence was burglarized by someone who left the garage door open afterward.
North Bayshore Boulevard, 8:04 p.m. Nov. 12 A person reported seeing a driver crash into a parked vehicle, get out of his vehicle and beat up another male, then return to his vehicle and drive away.
300 block of North Eldorado Street, 6:36 a.m. last Tuesday Two males were seen removing tools from a Toyota truck.
200 block of Woodbridge Circle, 8:08 a.m. last Tuesday A red Nissan pickup was stolen.
1300 block of Lodi Avenue, 10:30 a.m. last Tuesday A residential burglary was reported by a resident who saw a person leaving a house two doors east of hers and drive away in a dark-colored vehicle.
East 39th Avenue, 12:10 p.m. last Tuesday A white Nissan Pathfinder was stolen.
800 Ocean View Avenue, 3:25 p.m. last Tuesday A house may have been burglarized, but the resident wasn't sure.
North Cabrillo Highway, 5:24 p.m. Thursday Police arrested a homeless man who threatened a business owner with her life when she asked him if he had tampered with her back door.
Stevenson Boulevard and Sundale Drive, Wednesday A driver rear-ended a police car stopped for a red light. No injuries were reported.
3500 block of Alder Avenue, Wednesday Front doors were forced during a residential burglary.
39221 Fremont Hub, Wednesday Grand theft was reported at ULTA Beauty after three females ran out of the store — each with a bagful of fragrances.
37100 Post St., Wednesday A man about 45 years old wearing a blue polo shirt hurried into Dale Hardware, grabbed a chain saw and ran back out.
Omar Street, Wednesday People in a stolen vehicle got out when an officer spotted them and ran away.
4995 Mowry Ave., 4:45 a.m. Thursday The Valero gas station was burglarized by someone who broke a window and took several boxes of cigarettes.
39900 block of Fremont Boulevard, Thursday An elderly woman was robbed of her gold necklace by a person who walked up and grabbed it.
Walnut Avenue and Paseo Padre Parkway, Thursday A man in his mid-20s and armed with a gun stole a person's cellphone.
Four locations, Thursday Residential burglaries occurred on the 4800 block of Seneca Park Avenue, the 4400 block of Winding Lane, the 32400 block of Lake Mask Place and the 4500 block of Carol Avenue.
3050 Osgood Court, Thursday A burglary at Auto Sound & Care was reported.
Chelsea Way, 11:21 a.m. Thursday A vehicle was stolen.
Charter Street, 8:10 p.m. Thursday A male was robbed by three people, including two who pulled up their shirts and displayed guns in their waistbands.
Harrison Avenue, 10:39 p.m. Wednesday A resident notice the patio door open, a torn screen and a chair moved.
Main Street, 3:15 p.m. Thursday A person claiming to be a detective called a restaurant and asked if there were cameras near the ATM. When an employee said no and asked for the person's name, the caller hung up.
Arlington Road, 7:01 p.m. Thursday A couple whose residence was burglarized could see a television missing through a window while waiting for police to arrive.
Bayswater Avenue and Channing Road, 2:19 a.m. last Tuesday An officer contacted a man who was using a flashlight to look inside cars, checked his identity and advised him not to do that anymore.
One Mangini Way, 11:02 a.m. last Tuesday A father told police that his daughter is being threatened by other students at Burlingame High School.
100 block of El Camino Real, 3:50 p.m. last Tuesday A female reported jewelry and other valuables stolen.
600 black of Ansel Road, 10:59 a.m. Wednesday A convertible hardtop was removed from a vehicle.
100 block of Broomfield Road, 2:19 p.m. Wednesday Someone broke into a residence, but nothing appeared missing.
Canton Drive, Wednesday A residence was burglarized.
Summerwind Way, Thursday A residential burglary was reported.
North Temple Drive, Thursday A vehicle was stolen.


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State of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Sexually transmitted diseases are also called STDs (and sometimes they are referred to as sexually transmitted infections). STDs do not refer to any one disease but include more than 25 infectious organisms. STDs are caused by bacteria or viruses. STDs are almost always spread from person to person by sexual intercourse, including oral and anal sex. Some STDs, such as syphilis, hepatitis B/C virus and HIV, can also be transmitted from person to person by the sharing of contaminated needles or equipment to inject drugs, body piercing or tattooing.
You can protect yourself and others from sexually-transmitted diseases by practicing safer sex. more
Many STDs produce no symptoms, mostly in the early stages of illness. There may or may not be signs or symptoms, and you can be infected without knowing it. If someone, such as your sex partner or the Department of Health, tells you that you have been exposed to an STD, it is very important that you get tested and treated immediately.If symptoms are present, they may include the following:
In order to diagnose and treat an STD, your doctor will take a detailed sexual history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and order several laboratory tests, including a test for HIV. Your doctor will also provide you with detailed information to prevent transmission of your STD to any of your sexual partner(s). Most physicians urge patients to tell their sex partners if they have an STD so that their partners can seek medical attention. People who are diagnosed with an STD may be contacted by public health professionals to assure that their sex partners are counseled, evaluated, and treated.
The treatment of STDs is infection-specific and in accordance with national practice standards.


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Group Booking Terms and Conditions
Because you are making a Group Booking, there are additional Terms and Conditions that apply. Please read them and click 'I Accept' below to continue with your booking
General Group Booking Terms
By making a group reservation through Hostelworld.com you agree to the following terms and conditions as set by Hostelworld.com and as set by the hostel in question.
- In order to make a group reservation on Hostelworld.com it is necessary to pay a deposit. The balance is due directly to the hostel according to their payment conditions.
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- Please note that any cancellations must be notified directly to the hostel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled arrival date, unless otherwise stated in the hostel's conditions.
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- Individual hostels may have special booking conditions relating to group stays, please read the hostel booking conditions carefully before making your reservation.
Hostel Specific Terms & Conditions
The remainder of the amount due will be charged to your credit card 1 week prior to arrival. Should numbers or room selection change, the per person deposit times the number of people who actually travelled will be deducted from the total accommodation charge levvied by the hostel.
Cancellation / No Show & Reduction in Numbers Policy
no refund on the booking deposit or booking fee for a cancellation, no show or reduction in numbers.
Additional Terms and Conditions
Free services for groups:
- WIFI and internet point in our main hall;
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Extra charged services for groups:
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Top prospects Taveras, Martinez back on track
Two of the Cardinals' top three prospects are both moving in the right direction toward playing full-time in the Minors.
Oscar Taveras, the top prospect in the system and No. 3 on MLB.com's overall Top 100, is back with Triple-A Memphis. He made his 2013 debut on Monday as a pinch-hitter. He pinch-hit again the following day, leading some to wonder if there was a larger issue that was keeping him from being in the starting lineup after missing the start of the season to attend a funeral back home in the Dominican Republic and having travel issues getting back.
"There are no issues," Cardinals farm director John Vuch said about Taveras. "It's just that since he had been away for over a week without playing, arriving on Monday afternoon, we just wanted to give him a chance to get his legs back under him before throwing him out there for a full game. He's likely to be back in the lineup [Wednesday or Thursday]."
Right-hander Carlos Martinez, meanwhile, continues to get into game shape. The No. 3 prospect in the organization had visa trouble and couldn't get out of the Dominican Republic. He had his work visa approved on March 26 and made it to Florida two days later. It's now just a matter of time before he's deemed ready to head to Double-A Springfield.
"He'll be pitching at extended Spring Training for the next few weeks," Vuch said. "He'll likely be ready for activation by late April, early May."
-- Jonathan Mayo
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, By Gosh, It's Langosch, and follow her on Twitter @LangoschMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Topic: A greeting from Peter
Peter believes that his weight has stabilized and he is eating solids.
He also said: I do have a Hospice nurse coming in once a week. I like her a lot which is good and she does my vitals etc.
I enjoy the quiet time and spent much of the last week resting and prone. I have had no leakage from the incision for a week now so I'm hopeful the scar is closing and now able to heal itself.
Enjoy your early winter whatever that may be for you.


text: Guest-starring Norman Osborn and the all-new, all-deadly Thunderbolts! You've heard of 'Scared Straight'--when impressionable teens are brought inside a prison to get the harsh truth about criminal life from the inmates themselves. Well, the Academy kids are about to experience it super-villain style...courtesy of Juggernaut and the new Thunderbolts program! But it's another inmate that captures their attention...the man who imprisoned, experimented on and tortured them: Norman Osborn!


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Cadaver lab adds 3-D element to DPT program
August 10, 2011
By Ivy Hillman '12
The cadaver lab class of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program provides students the kind of practical learning one can never get from a textbook.
"The cadaver dissection experience allows the students to discover the three-dimensional relationships of the anatomy. This three-dimensional understanding is very difficult to appreciate on two-dimensional drawings or computer images," said Dr. A.J. Strubhar, associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science.
"Some of the illustrations and photos are very good but cannot compare to the cadaver experience," said Morgan Belskamper, a student in the program.
In order to get this better perspective, people have to be willing to donate their bodies to science once they pass away. Without this, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program might be totally different today.
"This is a remarkable learning experience and we are ever mindful of the generosity of the individuals that have willed their bodies for the education of health professionals. It is quite a privilege that we do not take for granted," Strubhar said.
Bradley's cadaver lab includes six different bodies. This number allows the students to understand typical variations that can occur in the human anatomy.
"This is a valuable lesson when dealing with differences in real patients," Strubhar said.
Although this may seem like an experience that most people would not enjoy, the students come to appreciate the learning opportunity.
"Cadaver lab can be a little frightening at first, but by the end I think everyone became comfortable working in the lab," said Brian Fisher, a graduate student in the program.
"It is really exciting when you stumble onto a structure that you haven't seen yet," said Andrew Stewart, another student in the program.
Graduate student Joey Ganske is enjoying the possibilities that both the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and the cadaver lab will give him in the future.
"Right now I am pretty much open to anything. The field of physical therapy has many different areas ranging from pediatrics to neurology to geriatrics. Understanding anatomy and how the body moves is something that is found in all areas of PT, so having the cadaver experience will definitely benefit me in my career," Ganske said.
Fisher agrees and appreciates the investment Bradley puts into its students and their futures.
"I would love to help rehabilitate athletes at this point, but some day I may fall in love with working in pediatrics, geriatrics or something else. Part of what is so great about DPT school is that the future is wide open and Bradley provides us with the opportunity to experience several different environments in which to work," Fisher said.
No matter what path his students choose, Strubhar knows that the cadaver lab may be some of the best experience they can get.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work the students put into this course. I think the benefits to their professional education are tremendous and very much worth the cost," Strubhar said.


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New Global Food Safety Survey: Food and Drink Companies' Barriers to Effective Training
Food Safety Training Initiatives on a Global Scale: Results of a Worldwide Study
A new survey by Campden BRI, Alchemy Systems, LP and in partnership with BRC and SQF questioned 649 food and drink manufacturers and processors worldwide to identify the needs, effectiveness and challenges of food safety training in the industry.
While companies recognized improved product quality and higher employee morale as the greatest benefits of effective food safety training, over 70 percent of those surveyed said finding the time for training was the greatest challenge. Other barriers cited included verifying the effectiveness of training (43 percent), dealing with language issues when delivering a consistent training program across global sites (28 percent), resource problems (24 percent) and keeping the training curriculum up-to-date (24 percent).
The companies surveyed represent a cross section of the industry, drawn from across the world. They ranged in size from under 50 employees to over 1,000 and cover many sectors including cereal and baking, dairy, meats, fish and poultry, and packaging.
Laura Dunn Nelson, Director of Industry Relations at Alchemy Systems commented, "With food safety being so critical to the food industry, the importance of adequate training remains vital. The results of this study are an excellent way for food manufacturers and processors to benchmark their performance against their competitors and identify any opportunities for development."
Room for Improvement
Almost 85 percent of food companies use on-the-job training, which was closely followed by reading policies, refresher courses and traditional classroom-based learning. It is worth noting that e-learning and interactive training were used by 39 percent and 14 percent of companies, respectively. However, with only 66 percent of companies stating they are very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of training undertaken there is clearly room for improvement. The biggest deficiencies identified were a lack of employee understanding and incomplete training records.
Bertrand Emond, Head of Membership and Training at Campden BRI said, "The results of this survey provide a complete picture of the current activities and practices in food safety training across the industry. By conducting the survey each year we will be able to track developments and trends, and develop solutions to some of the challenges identified."
To read the full results of the study, which surveyed companies on all areas of food safety from auditing and measuring competency to management of training records, please visit online to: http://www.alchemysystems.com/files/4813/6508/4362/global_training_survey_findings.pdf.
For more information on the Alchemy go online to www.alchemysystems.com or email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 1-888-988-8832.
About Campden BRI
Campden BRI provides technical, scientific and legislative support, as well as underpinning research, to the food and drinks industry worldwide. We offer a comprehensive "farm to fork" range of services covering agri-food production, analysis and testing, processing and manufacturing, safety, training and technical information services. Our members and clients benefit from industry-leading facilities for analysis, product and process development, and sensory and consumer studies, which include a specialist brewing and wine division. For more information, please visit www.campdenbri.co.uk.
About Alchemy Systems
Alchemy is the global leader in food and workplace safety training for food workers. Companies use Alchemy to increase productivity, reduce food safety incidents, and lower compliance risks and costs. Alchemy's unique training solution provides an interactive learning experience for food workers and enables companies to build a strong food safety culture. For more information, please go to www.alchemysystems.com.
About BRC Global Standards
BRC Global Standards is the world's biggest provider of safety and quality Standards Programmes for food manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution. BRC's Global Standards are generated with the help of technical specialists, retailers, manufacturers and certification bodies from around the world, so everything is based on practicality, rigour and clarity. As well as the Standards, as part of the programme, BRC Global Standards offer comprehensive support to help new and established businesses to achieve their quality and safety aims. For more information, please visit www.brcglobalstandards.com.
About Safety Quality Food Institute
Recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world who require a stringent, credible food safety management system, The Safe Quality Food Institute delivers consistent, globally recognized food safety and quality certification programs based on sound scientific principles, consistently applied across all industry sectors, and valued by all stakeholders. Administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), SQF benefits from continual retailer feedback about consumer concerns which are passed on food suppliers. For more information, please visit www.sqfi.com.


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Details Emerge of Alleged Carjacking by Bomber Suspects
BOSTON—New details emerged Sunday of the accused marathon bombers' alleged theft of a sport-utility vehicle before a chaotic gunfight in the city's suburbs.
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About 40 minutes after they allegedly shot and killed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer in Cambridge, Mass., Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the brothers accused of the bombing, crossed the Charles River into Boston and stole a Mercedes SUV at gunpoint, briefly holding the driver hostage, according to an excerpt from the Cambridge Police Department report filed by the driver and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The alleged carjacking occurred at about 11 p.m. in Boston's Brighton neighborhood on Brighton Avenue, said the excerpt, which didn't name the victim.
According to the report, one of the brothers jumped out of a Honda Civic and reached in through the front passenger side window of the SUV, opened the door and pointed a silver colored semi-automatic pistol at the driver.
The gunman then ordered him to drive to Watertown and was followed by the Honda, the report said.
Once in Watertown, the victim was ordered to slide over to the passenger side, the report said. The two brothers then removed luggage from the Honda and loaded it into the trunk of the Mercedes, the report said.
From there, one of the brothers drove the Mercedes while the second sat behind the victim, the report said.
The victim told police he was driven to a Shell Gas Station on Memorial Drive in Watertown. Inside the car, the brothers "declared to [the victim] that they were the Boston Marathon bombers and would not kill him because he wasn't American," the report said.
When the victim saw an opportunity to flee, he ran to a nearby gas station where he asked the owner to call 911, the report said.
Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a shootout with police in Watertown early on Friday morning. A 20-hour manhunt resulted in Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's arrest that night.


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OAKLAND — A man shot in East Oakland the evening of July Fourth has died from his wounds, police said Monday.
Mortesse Wayne, 23, of Oakland, died Saturday morning at Highland Hospital where he was on life support since the shooting.
He was found shot about 9:48 p.m. July 4 in the 5700 block of Elizabeth Street near Seminary Avenue.
No motive has been established and no arrests have been made, police said.
A man fatally shot Saturday morning in West Oakland was identified Monday as Teric Traylor, 23, of Oakland.
He was found fatally shot about 7:30 a.m. Saturday in the 2200 block of San Pablo Avenue.
Police believe the shooting may have followed a fight between Traylor and another person in the area.
Investigators are trying to determine the motive and said no arrests have been made.
The two deaths bring the city's homicide total this year to 52. Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $10,000 in reward money in each case for information leading to the arrest of the killer. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3821 or a tip line at 510-773-2805 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.


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John Cena Says He Will Leave The Rock's 'Confidence Shattered'
Two of the most famous names ever associated with the professional wrestling biz will take center stage at Sun Life Stadium in Miami on April 1 for what's being billed as the biggest showdown in WWE history. (Sorry, Hulk Hogan)
One word best describes the pay-per-view event, which pits Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson against John Cena: epic. But the backstory requires a few more.
When The Rock -- arguably one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time -- exited the WWE stage in 2004 in favor of what would become a successful and enviable film career, he left a major opening for a new WWE superstar. Cena had the magic, muscles and magnetic charm necessary to fill those shoes. He rose through the ranks and has been the sport's biggest name ever since. Wonderwall caught up with Cena to talk about The Rock's return, what he hates most about him and why he'll never leave the WWE.
RELATED: Pop Culture's Most Memorable Wrestlers
Wonderwall: We are just a few days away from the big event, and there's been so much hype and buildup for weeks and months. How are you feeling right now about the match? What goes through your mind when you're home at night?
John Cena: I'm confident. This is a match that I personally have wanted for five years now. I'm glad it's happening. Everyone is truly interested. They are choosing sides, either Team Rock or Team Cena, and it's great for the event and it's great for our families. It's going to be chaos at Sun Life Stadium. It's shaping up to be something I never could have dreamed of five years ago. It's a very special WrestleMania, bigger than any WrestleMania before it. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
WW: And I hear you're not getting much sleep.
JC: The past three days, it's been probably two to three hours per night.
WW: How are you able to function?
JC: I love what I do for a living, man. This is like the Super Bowl. Athletes get excited for the Super Bowl or the World Series. It's the same for me. I'm just excited to be a part of all this.
WW: During these past few months, there have been so many heated exchanges and threats from both sides. What do you think it will be like to finally get in the ring and battle it out?
JC: It's almost like fighting for a cause. When you really believe in something and you fight for it and you fight for it and you're honest with your words and you have a point to make, and then when that point finally gets taken seriously and you get what you're after, it's extremely satisfying. I'm in a great place and I'm so ready for April 1. That's maybe what the people on The Rock's side don't truly understand; this means everything to me. I'm the one that asked for it and got it. I've been completely honest with Dwayne on camera, off camera. He knows exactly how I feel about him. I'm ready to make some history on April 1.
RELATED: Find out what The Rock and John Cena have to say about the big battle
WW: How do you feel about him off camera.
JC: I'm not going to take away from the success that he's had, but we don't see eye to eye on a lot on things.
WW: What is the one thing that bothers you the most about The Rock?
JC: His interjection of passion. ... I was there when he left. I was there when the cover of Men's Journal said, "The Rock is dead." I was there when he totally wouldn't engage in talking about the WWE. And he uses the excuse that "I had to do that to reinvent myself." I don't want to reinvent myself. I am pounding my chest and saying out loud, I love the WWE. And if people aren't going to like me because I'm a professional wrestler, then I don't want to be involved with those people anyway. My main argument through this whole thing is that he has incredible timing on when he shows up and when he doesn't. Meanwhile, I'm here through the good times and the bad times.
WW: Is there anything about The Rock that you admire?
JC: How can you not admire what he's done? It's six in one hand and half a dozen in the other. I admonish him for what he's done but I admire him for what he's done. He is one of the greatest performers in WWE history. He's a self-made success. He started with five bucks in his pocket and now, his movies have grossed a billion dollars at the box office. He is one of the most decorated superstars in the WWE. He is the single biggest success that's ever spawned from the WWE. When he goes back to write the CliffsNotes on how he did it, I don't agree with some of the decisions he's made in retelling his story. It's very difficult to tell a guy who has been that successful, "Hey, man, you're doing it wrong." He's not doing anything wrong. He's untouchable right now.
RELATED: Click here for more info on WrestleMania XXVIII
WW: The Rock has tossed some pretty intense insults at you recently. Do any of his harsh words hit close to home?
JC: Strong doesn't stop in the weight room. A person's strength internally is their biggest asset. That's why I came up with this whole Rise Above Hate campaign. You shouldn't judge anybody because they look different or listen to a different type of music or behave a certain way. How does that make you better or worse than anyone else? My biggest gripe about The Rock, which is a legitimate beef, is how he conducts his business. In the rebuttal, he's been saying that I don't have a penis, his penis is larger than mine, that I dress funny and that the music I listen to sucks. There's no merit behind those insults. They are extremely funny insults, but I don't take any of it personally.
WW: You always say that you're with the WWE until the end. What is it about the sport that keeps you there with such pride?
JC: The easiest answer to that is show up and watch on April 1. When I was a kid I ran around with paper championship belts -- I always wanted to be a professional wrestler. I never wanted to be a movie star. And that's why I'll be here until I can't be here anymore.
WW: You have made some films. Will you do more?
JC: I pride myself on the fact that every time I've done a movie -- and I've done a half dozen of them -- that I've honored my commitments to the WWE, and I've never missed a date. I've been able to successfully do both. So if I made the decision to do so again, I would make sure that my WWE commitments came first and the movie was able to work around it. But I wouldn't want to choose one or the other, and if I have to, I'll choose WWE.
WW: You are this notorious tough guy, but you also show a softer side through philanthropy, most notably your work with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. What are your most memorable moments working with sick children?
JC: I work with them every day, but recently I was at Madison Square Garden and I met a young boy named Kyle who has a terminal form of cancer. He was brought to my attention by a group of 9/11 first responders, so I was offered the chance to grant a wish for a young man -- someone who really wants to have a great time at a WWE event -- and I was able to make his day special, and, in turn, be involved with meeting a group of heroes. I like to think what I do is important, but you certainly can never forget what the brave men and women did on that day.
WW: What does it mean to you that you'll be the first celebrity to grant 300 wishes?
JC: I'm just getting started.
WW: Back to wrestling. What are your pre-match and post-match rituals?
JC: I'm very relaxed. I really just try to be around the audience as much as I can. I try to be as close to the stage curtain as much as I can to hear and feel the audience. And post-match ritual? It's simple. If it's a regular day at the office, I'll maybe have a cold beer after the match. If it's a celebratory occasion, I will pour a shot of Jack Daniel's to a fallen comrade of mine who I lost a couple years ago. His name is Uncle Jack, and he still lives on through me. I always reward myself with at least one beverage after every event.
WW: You have four brothers and a wife. Will they be backstage supporting you on April 1?
JC: My family is great. They are all fans. They don't feel as if they need to be in my cubicle, or in my office hocking me for information or getting the scoop on what's going on. They love to sit out there during the events and enjoy it like everyone else. And after, they love to talk to their bro or their husband or their son. It's not a thing where they have to be plugged into the matrix of the WWE. And after an event, we go out and have a meal like everyone else, or do whatever we do.
WW: So, what's really going to happen on April 1.
JC: I've been in this game 10 years straight -- on the road 310 days a year for 10 years straight. I firmly believe that I'm stronger than I've ever been. I'm in my prime when it comes to the WWE. I can react to an audience and leave Dwayne Johnson at a loss for words and leave Dwayne Johnson's confidence shattered. I am more than ready for this. I don't want to say I'm on cruise control, because I am training like a madman. But for all of Dwayne's decorations, he's been on a seven-year layoff. He hasn't been in a match in seven years. I know he's in physical peak condition and he's training like an animal, but it's like being a pro baseball player and hitting a baseball. You actually have to get in the game. You have to put up some wins and take some losses to be ready for these situations. ... I'm there every night. I have matches every night. That's why he's going to fall short.
WW: After it's all said and done, will you be excited to not say his name again or look at his face for a while?
JC: I say this is once in a lifetime, because Dwayne Johnson is the hidden element. I don't know what the future of his schedule holds. If he wants to come back and get his butt whipped by me night after night after night and I have to say his name every night, I will be thoroughly happy doing it.
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For as long as I could remember I've been a patron of the fine arts, whether it's perusing a museum or going to the theater.
Until recently I thought the only local theater worth watching were the high brow plays put on in Louisville's thriving downtown theater district.
That was until this Bullitt County boy took a trip across the Ohio River to the Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, Ind.
A few weeks ago I was asked to see one of their plays and write a review for The Pioneer News.
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Topic: New member
My name is, Cindy Lance, and I am 39 years old and am married with 2 kids. My daughter is 6 and my son is 2. I am very healthy, a long distance runner, eat well, have never smoked, and rarely drink. Then, in late March, after a two week hospital stay, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma and have been on chemo since early April. Test after test, biopsy after biopsy, and they still could not find anything wrong. Yet I had all the typical symtoms. Abdominal pain, elevated LFT's, jaunice, discoloration of stoole and urine, and itchy skin. The ER Dr. tried to send me home the first night I was there. I argued with him, of coarse. Then when the surgeon went in to do the laporascopic surgery to remove my infected GB, he looked at my pelvis and abdomen and found many tumors. The largest was attached to the back of my left ovary. He biopsied several tumors which came back malignant. I am so glad that I found this website. I kind of felt like I was the only one out there going through this. I just love all the support from all of the loving and carring people on this site. I am keeping a positive attitude and staying strong through all of this, but it is very trying at times. I have a great Oncologist in Fresno, Ca., Dr. Flam. He is very strait forward and very aggressive. That is what I want in a Dr. who is saving my life. My CA-125, has dropped from 106 before treatment to 12.6, as of 2 weeks ago. I still need to go through one more round of chemo before I get a repeat CT. We are hoping that the CT will show that the tumors have shrunk. We are also hoping that I will become a candidate for surgery. Wish me luck.


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The other is turning (possibly hard to find) runtime errors into compile time errors.
Preferring $hash -> {attr} (or $hash -> {__PACKAGE__} {attr}) over $attr {refaddr $ref} is, IMO, as sane as preferring package variable and 'no strict' over lexical variables and 'use strict'.
Inside-Out Objects has never been about providing encapsulation with a shotgun. It simply favours perl5-style variables ('strict', 'lexical') over perl4-style variables ('no strict', 'package'). An attribute, after all, is simply a variable.


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Friday's Ask the Experts: Portable extractors
February 25, 2011
Friday''s Ask the Experts question from a cleaning professional on the International Custodial Advisors Network (ICAN) "Ask the Experts" page: We are considering purchasing a backpack sprayer to apply a disinfectant to the carpet before vacuuming. What would be the proper disinfectant to use to rid our carpets of virus and germs??
The answer:
There is some concern over using cationic disinfectants on stain-resistant carpets, so you may want to ask the carpet manufacturer for this information. My first response, however, is to ask why you are contemplating attempting something that might have fostered the phrase "hopeless endeavor."
A study presented at the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) conference over a year ago dealt with the various sorts of contamination found on shoe soles. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and many others were present, and what that means ... — Lynn E. Krafft, ICAN/ATEX editor
To read the rest of this response, click here.