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|May 12, 2000
Volume 2, Issue 20
|Midwifery Today E-News
"Postpartum Hemorrhage"
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In This Week's Issue:
1) Quote of the Week
1) Quote of the Week:
"No matter how good a midwife I am, no matter how experienced and skilled, whether I have all the right equipment, feel active spiritual contact, phenomenal partnership, know just what to do, how to do it and have done it successfully before, it is not ultimately up to me whether the baby comes out or if it then begins to breathe."
- Stephanie Brill
2) The Art of Midwifery
Shortly after delivery--usually while waiting for the placenta to deliver--I give women a glass of very warm sweetened water with 30 drops of blue cohosh/shepherd's purse ginger tincture added to it. I'm convinced this reduces the incidence of hemorrhage and also helps improve the mother's condition following the birth because: the hot water replaces some body heat and fluids; sweetening the drink makes it palatable and gives her a little energy boost; the blue cohosh encourages the uterus to clamp down firmly; shepherd's purse seems to slow internal bleeding because it's a hemostatic and coagulent; ginger promotes circulation and warmth in the pelvic region (improved circulation helps the uterus do its work better).
- Cathryn Feral, Wisdom of the Midwives: Tricks of the Trade Vol. 2, a Midwifery Today Book
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At Midwifery Today, we have lots of tricks up our sleeves! Purchase our two volumes of Tricks of the Trade and you'll see what we mean.
3) News Flashes
Mastalgia (breast pain) is common in women during the reproductive years, and may be related to the menstrual cycle or can be non-cyclical. A study of 175 women with severe mastalgia confirmed that it tends to a chronic, relapsing course with most of the women experiencing breast pain for at least five years. The median age for mastalgia to start was 36 years. Over half the women who were initially cyclical later developed non-cyclical pain. All women with cyclical pain, and many with non-cyclical pain, lose it at menopause.
- Professional Care of Mother & Child, Vol. 10 No. 2, 2000 citing Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 1998; 91
4) Postpartum Hemorrhage
All midwives worry about postpartum hemorrhage. The three main keys to avoiding its occurrence are 1) good nutrition and supplements as needed; 2) knowing the mother; and 3) not rushing the delivery of the placenta. I have found that by applying these three keys as fully as I can both prenatally and in the third stage, my practice has a very low incidence of postpartum hemorrhage.
The first key to preventing postpartum hemorrhage is good prenatal nutrition and supplements. I always require that my mothers keep a five-day diet diary to give me early information about their diet. As soon as possible I recommend changes in their dietary habits if they are needed. I encourage them to use such supplements as liquid chlorophyll, red raspberry and nettles. I also make a tincture of nettles, yellowdock, alfalfa and red raspberry, which I have on hand if it is needed. I have found the Spectrum 2C multivitamins by NF Formulas to be unsurpassed in their effectiveness for pregnant and lactating women. My families and I firmly believe in these vitamins, and many of them order from me long after the "big day." I also use them to maintain my own energy level, as I am a busy midwife and the mother of two teen girls and a baby!
The second key, knowing the mom, entails making sure that you have recent blood work for this pregnancy. Check hemoglobin and hematocrit, of course, but also platelet count. You want to make sure the mother's blood will clot properly after the placenta detaches. This key also includes knowing the mother's nutritional status as discussed above.
The third key to preventing postpartum hemorrhage is to not rush the delivery of the placenta. Almost all postpartum hemorrhages, in my opinion, are caused by being in a hurry to deliver the placenta. In these cases, I believe hemorrhage is caused by the intervillous spaces not having a chance to contract and help control the flow of blood. Also, the overmanipulation of the uterus to facilitate placental delivery can cause lobes to be left on the uterine wall which result in uneven contraction of the uterus. These lobes need to be manually removed to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and infection. This is not any fun for the mother or the midwife! I have seen many physicians and a few midwives who will not give the placenta time to deliver on its own. I, too, have fallen victim to feeling a little harried as I waited for the placenta to come. But a policy of hands off, unless there is due cause, is the most important key to preventing postpartum hemorrhage. I have seen some bad postpartum bleeds, which may have been avoided if the practitioner had not intervened and over-managed the placenta delivery.
- Margarett Scott, CPM
To read this article in its entirety, go to:
If Arnica is used at the beginning of labor and repeated as needed during and after labor (provided no other remedy is indicated at these times), it will prevent much trouble and afterpains. Give Arnica 200 as soon as labor starts, if no other remedy is indicated and the mother is progressing normally. Repeat as needed; every half hour if the labor is progressing rapidly and/or very difficult pushing occurs. It will lessen the need for other painkillers and prevent hemorrhage. Repeat immediately after birth to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Consider Bellis perennis or Hamamelis if Arnic is not effective.
- Sandra J. Perko, Ph.D., Homeopathy for the Modern Pregnant Woman and Her
Ordinarily the myometrial fibers of the uterus contract and retract causing kinking of the blood vessels at the placental site. The kinked vessels cease providing blood to the placental site and bleeding is controlled. Uterine atony is responsible for 80 percent to 90 percent of postpartum hemorrhage cases. This failure may be due to uterine dysfunction, anesthesia, ineffective first and second stage contractions, overdistention of the uterus, exhaustion due to a long labor, multiparity, myomas and operative deliveries which traumatize the uterus, and mismanagement of the placental stage of labor. Most of these causes can be anticipated and the appropriate management taken to lessen the risks of a hemorrhage. Third stage hemorrhage can be caused by overzealousness on the part of the attendant to get the placenta out. Massaging a uterus with an as-yet unseparated placenta attached may cause a partial separation with the resultant bleeding by vessels that still have maternal blood coursing through them. Pulling on the cord to remove a still-adhered placenta may accomplish the same effect. -Yvonne Lapp Cryns, Midwifery Today Issue 34, excerpted
To read the remainder of this article that explores many other causes of postpartum hemorrhage and offers prevention and treatment methods, order Midwifery Today Issue 34 by calling 1-800-743-0974 (orders only). Mention Code 940 and receive a $1.00 discount (add shipping/handling). Regular price $7.00.
Midwifery Today Issue 48 is a mini-textbook on hemorrhage. Order your copy by calling 1-800-743-0974. Mention Code 940 and receive $2.00 off the regular price of $10.00 (add shipping/handling).
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5) Check It Out!
THE SCIENTIFICATION OF LOVE by Michel Odent IS NOW IN STOCK AT THE Midwifery Today OFFICE! Call today to get your copy! 1-800-743-0974 (orders only).
6) Question of the Week
Q: Does anyone have knowledge or experience with human papilloma virus (HPV) being transmitted from mom to baby (genital warts passed via the birth canal and appearing in the baby's throat)? Any real stories of successful healing, experience with surgical removal, or any other insight would be greatly appreciated.
- Anon.
Send your responses to firstname.lastname@example.com
7) Question of the Week Responses
Q: Can anyone tell me the specifics of knots in cords at birth? I've received several inquiries from students as to how common this is; what, if any, are the complications that might occur; if a knot in the cord could often produce a stillbirth; and finally, are there any preventions?
- Jenna Tamura
A: I am a UK trained midwife with 14 years experience. I have seen many variations
of knots. We were taught that there were two types: "false" knots occur when the
vessels in the cord clump and bulge together inside the cord itself. They sort
of make 's' shapes and create areas on the cord that look "knotty" but don't interfere
with the circulation of blood. The second is "true" knots where the baby has somehow
swum through a loop of cord and actually created a knot. At least I surmise this
is how they are
It depends on where the knot occurs, how long the cord is and how tight the knot becomes either during the baby's wiggling inside or during the journey into the outside world, as to whether it becomes a serious issue. If the knot pulls tight so as to cut off circulation, the baby will experience hypoxia and possibly anoxia. I have seen babies who have died because of a true knot in the cord. They are extremely rare, though. Please reassure your students that it is a rare happening. I have not heard of anything that can be done to prevent this knotty problem, but I'm continually surprised in life, so who knows?
Q: I have a client who is expecting her third baby. She planned a homebirth with her first baby, but transferred to a hospital after her cervix became very edematous. During her second labor (planned hospital birth), she again developed a very edematous cervix in active labor. She had a CNM as a birth attendant, and many things were tried, including water therapy, hands & knees, ice to the cervix, other position changes. She eventually requested and received an epidural at 9 cm, due to exhaustion, and delivered with vacuum assistance. Does anyone have any ideas, such as herbal treatments during pregnancy, other options during labor, hopefully to prevent the edema, or at least to more effectively reduce it? Has anyone used arnica during labor, either sublingually or directly to the cervix? Is that safe?
- Rose Evans
A: I find there are several situations where I am more likely to see an edematous cervix or cervical lip. If the mother's cervix is tilted way toward the back, if she has a very large baby carried high, if she begins pushing too soon or if she has no stretch marks, you are more likely to have a problem. I know that the "no stretch marks" may sound unusual but I really see a connection. The mother's skin is so stretchy and so is her cervix. It stretches right down with the baby's head as it moves down instead of pulling up over it.
The best thing I have found is to put evening primrose oil directly on the edematous area. The hard part is getting it in there in a sufficient quantity. I am working on some kind of delivery system. After it has been applied, give the mother a break for at least 15-20 minutes. Be sure she does not do any pushing with her contractions. The evening primrose oil will shrink the swollen tissue very well. Occasionally you may still need to push the lip up over the baby's head once the swelling has decreased.
By the way, evening primrose oil works very well on swollen perineal tissues and varicosities both before and after birth as well. It also will reduce any hematoma on the baby or any swelling and bruising of soft tissues as in a breech delivery. I have not heard of any dangers connected with its use.
- Judy Jones, CPM
8) For Coming E-News Themes:
1. CHOICE: To what extent should women and their families have choice in pregnancy, birth and postpartum? What does choice mean to you? (June 2 issue)
2. Labor & Delivery Nurses: Here is your chance to speak up! How can midwives and doulas be more responsive to your needs? How can you work more effectively together? Are there any concerns you'd like to air in E-News? Tell us about them! (May 26 issue)
3. What do you do to reduce an anterior lip? (June 9 issue)
**Take part in E-News! Sound Off-Give Advice-Share Your Knowledge!**
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9) Midwifery Today Magazine Question of the Quarter:
What is your most noteworthy second stage, and what was the outcome? Please submit your response to firstname.lastname@example.com
Keep the stories coming! Midwifery Today magazine has a lot of aspiring midwife readers, and they can learn a lot from you!
Know a strong woman? Helping empower one? If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue of Midwifery Today E-News to one or two of your friends or business associates. Thanks so much!
10) Switchboard
I had not discussed cord blood banking with my midwife, but after my daughter had been delivered, I looked down to see my midwife taking some in a syringe. Was it ethical for her to take the stem-cell blood from my cord without my consent, (and also it would have been without my knowledge had I not looked) or is this normal practice?
- Anon.
Is anyone aware of a recent study that shows incoordinate contractions with labor inducing drugs?
- Gail Dahl
I was just 8 weeks pregnant when an ultrasound discovered that I had a molar pregnancy. I had a D & C, and now, besides grieving the loss of a child, I have to think about the consequences of this kind of complication. Instead of having a baby, I might be getting cancer! Of course, I had never heard of this possibility previous to the day before yesterday. Now I am reeling with info gleaned from the Net, all about the possible outcomes following a molar pregnancy. Does anyone out there have any experiences with this first hand? Success stories would be very much appreciated at this point. A list-serve or other form of communication with other women who have been through this would be very helpful for me, but I can't seem to find any out there on the Net. Also, are there any particular alternative therapies to help me get my HCG levels down, and to prevent recurrence?
- Annika
Santa Barbara Graduate Institute is now accepting applications for Fall
2000. New innovative degree programs are offered-the first MA and Ph.D. degrees
in prenatal and perinatal psychology in the world. Students from all over the
country will gather one weekend each month with leading edge clinicians, researchers
and educators as faculty. Each degree program offers in-depth theory and application,
experiential learning, as well as important therapeutic skills within a humanistic/transpersonal
framework. There is an increasing need for professionals equipped with knowledge,
skills and vision to help sculpt this new territory. Midwives, parent educators,
therapists and healthcare professionals who work with infants and families are
finding this new discipline an exciting and rewarding venture.
- Marti Glenn, president
I would like to know if there are any Baby-Friendly hospitals in or near Quetta, Pakistan. Any information about hospitals in the area, or any contacts, would be welcome. I'm a midwife currently working in Darwin, NT, Australia.
I gave birth to my daughter in February at home with a certified nurse midwife. The midwife made me believe an episiotomy was necessary due to a long labor and fatigue. It was devastating to have to go through this after many months of preparing for a normal birth for both my baby and my body. Unfortunately, the CNM didn't assess or repair my perineum or my rectal muscles correctly. I had to have another surgical procedure to have my body put back together.
I want to heal as completely as possible with minimal scar tissue in hopes of having future homebirths without being cut. Is the herbal supplement gotu kola safe to take while breastfeeding? My research has shown that this herb is great for skin regeneration. However, half the information I have found states that it is safe for anyone to take, and the other half states not to take if you are breastfeeding.
The OB/GYN who performed my repair surgery said I will always have to have an episiotomy with all future births. I don't want to believe this is true. How many midwives out there can tell me if they have had clients who have had a similar situation, or have had clients who have had a fourth degree episiotomy and have gone on to have births without having major tears?
(Editor's Note: E-News asked British Columbia private birth attendant Gloria Lemay to respond to this letter. Other readers are urged to respond as well.)
Your letter brings up several issues that I would like to reply to. First, the use of herbs. I am not familiar with the herb you are inquiring about but my own policy with herbs, medications, and vitamin products is "If in doubt (especially for pregnancy/lactation), don't take it."
Second, it sounds like you have doubts that your episiotomy was really necessary and really repaired correctly. I urge you to write to the CNM and express your feelings to her. Is it possible to meet with her and talk?
Episiotomies are rare in midwifery cases but there are a small number that are done and the situation you had is a tough one for the practitioner (long labour, pushing contractions fading out, baby on an unyielding perineum for too long, etc.) Obviously, it was horrible for you but, having been in that situation myself, I would not be judgmental of the midwife based on what you have said. Doing an episiotomy in a homebirth situation is a last resort because the suturing after is difficult and exhausting to an already exhausted midwife.
I encourage clients to speak directly to the practitioner involved because they might open up some improvement in that person's practise that could make a difference in the care given to another woman. Complaining is usually best done directly to someone who can take action about the problem.
Third, remember that obstetricians love to knock midwives at every
One word of caution to your future midwife: it's always nice to be the midwife in the second birth because everything goes quicker and stretches easier than the first time. There is a great sense of accomplishment to see a woman who has had a tough birth the first time just breeze through the second one. Don't be disparaging of the first midwife because the woman may have had a cesarean the first time without her. There is a very good karmic reward for those midwives who give proper credit to the woman who was there for the long, hard first birth. This is something learned through maturity and experience. The roles will be reversed in your future and you will appreciate those midwives who do the same for you.
Fourth, the actions you can take to have healthy, stretchy tissues right now are:
- Eat a healthy diet and doing lots of kegels to take blood supply to your vagina.
- Keep up good communication with your partner on what he can do to help you have pleasurable sex.
- When you give birth next time, do lots of talking with your midwife about your fears and needs for reassurance during the pushing stage. Your midwife will guide you by letting you know that it's normal to feel like the baby's head is too big, it's normal to feel like it's coming out through your bum, it's normal to feel a lot of burning sensation, etc. She will encourage you to reach down and support your own tissues and will help you pant the baby's head out rather than give a hard push at the end. She will also use warm oils or immersion in a water tub to help everything be slippery and stretchy.
- Taking prenatal yoga and toning classes would be helpful for you, too.
My personal experience is that I had an episiotomy (lots of stitches) with my first baby, a one inch tear (not stitched) with my second and no tear with the third. Of course, the no tear birth was my favourite way to go. You are wise to be taking actions to achieve this goal.
- Gloria Lemay
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11) Classified Advertising
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This publication is presented by Midwifery Today, Inc., for the sole purpose of disseminating general health information for public benefit. The information contained in or provided through this publication is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be, and is not provided as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Midwifery Today, Inc., does not assume liability for the use of this information in any jurisdiction or for the contents of any external Internet sites referenced, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advertised in this publication. Always seek the advice of your midwife, physician, nurse or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or for answers to any questions you may have regarding any medical condition.
Copyright Notice
The content of E-News is copyrighted by Midwifery Today, Inc., and, occasionally, other rights holders. You may forward E-News by e-mail an unlimited number of times, provided you do not alter the content in any way and that you include all applicable notices and disclaimers. You may print a single copy of each issue of E-News for your own personal, noncommercial use only, provided you include all applicable notices and disclaimers. Any other use of the content is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of Midwifery Today, Inc., and any other applicable rights holders.
© 2000 Midwifery Today, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Midwifery Today: Each One Teach One!


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In a crossover study, 10 college-aged men and women consumed a pre-exercise supplement containing caffeine, creatine and amino acids or a placebo before running to exhaustion on a treadmill. The group that received the supplement elicited a 10.8% higher anaerobic running capacity compared with the placebo-group.
The study suggests that the pre-exercise ingestion of caffeine, creatine and amino acids may be an effective strategy for extending the time to exhaustion for sprint-type running, and may be valuable for other anaerobic activities like weight lifting as other studies have shown.

subset: commoncrawl


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Stocks have risen 1.5% since Jan. 2, when Congress passed the underwhelming American Taxpayer Relief Act to avoid the fiscal cliff. That climb came despite an impending trio of late-winter fiscal policy challenges that might prove even more threatening than the cliff. As discussed in ubiquitous news reports and my own "Groundhog Day" warnings, the new troubles have surfaced thanks to lawmakers' failure to cut spending, extend the debt ceiling, or delay the $100 billion fiscal 2013 budget sequester for more than two months.
I refer to the Washington minefield ahead as "DC2." After all, it could prompt scary feelings of déjà vu, given its potentially most lethal charge -- the need to extend the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling by late February. The issue has already invited comparisons to August 2011, when President Obama and Hill Republicans last skirmished over the federal borrowing limit. That coincided with a sharp drop in market confidence, as well as an unprecedented U.S. debt downgrade by Standard & Poor's.
Meanwhile, if Washington doesn't take action, across-the-board spending cuts in defense and discretionary will kick in by March 1, and the government-funding continuing resolution (CR) is set to expire March 27.
As weapons of wealth destruction go, preventing a debt-ceiling hike is a truly nuclear tool that could threaten U.S. default. The sequestration is a meat ax lever toward federal funding cuts, and the expiring CR carries a threat of government shutdown. Yes, the latter two could obviously prove disruptive to individual companies and sectors, as well as potentially roil municipal-bond investors. But the threat of a U.S. debt default would seem far more worrisome.
However, a serious brush with debt default seems by far the least likely outcome. Also -- you heard it here -- sooner rather than later, Hill Republicans may signal their intention to be less obstructive than expected.
The Coming D.C. Dance
As House Republicans huddle for their annual retreat this week, they are wary of being blamed for any negative market or economic fallout from a face-off over the debt ceiling. They're also doubtful as to how effective a hard line might be in forcing the Democrats to accept spending cuts.
As a result, their leaders may already be vetting a surprising strategy: Engage in a good fight to try to force entitlement cuts in exchange for lifting the debt ceiling -- but also signal, early on, the party's unwillingness to force default. This would acknowledge, up front, the likely final result of any related fight -- i.e., the extension of the limit with primarily Democratic votes, as we saw with the cliff fix. Instead, as brilliantly argued by Keith Hennessey (former head of the National Economic Council), the GOP could use this ultimate safety valve to their advantage, agreeing if necessary to a series of only-short-term extensions, thus forcing Democrats to "own" future runaway spending.
Meanwhile, any bloodlust among House conservatives could still be sated via fights over the sequestration and CR, with the latter perhaps set to trigger the first government shutdowns since the Clinton era.
At any time along the way, this could gradually pressure President Obama and the Senate majority to agree to long-term spending reforms -- though Republicans would have to demonstrate unity and ability to hold their lines, which has been rare of late. Optimistically, this could yield a six-month, one-year ($1 trillion), or even two-year deal, although the last option continues to seem unlikely. That's because this would require mandatory spending cuts and serious Medicare-Medicaid reforms, as well as higher tax revenue -- and the latter may only be possible under the cover of tax reform that now seems unlikely.
In any event, should the GOP engage in this strategy of proactively preclude default, I see it providing even more oxygen to the fledgling first-quarter stock-market rally. Momentum here seems fed by hopes of improving global economic prospects, better earnings stories and rising equity fund inflows -- perhaps after an initial boost that came as we avoided "the latest Apocalypse Now scenarios," as my friend Dr. Ed Yardeni has described.
This should preclude a near-term negative response from rating agencies Moody's and Fitch. But, by the second quarter, we could see further pressure from dysfunctional shutdowns and a continuing lack of agreement to a serious deficit-reduction approach. This may or may not ultimately yield a mini-grand bargain, perhaps even to include additional new tax revenue.
For this reason, I'd be wary of forecasting risk ahead, as the range of possible outcomes is more likely skewed to the upside than it is to further losses. That, in turn, reinforces the view that investors shouldn't seek to trade the coming "DC2" risk story. If they do, they might miss some of the best gains of the year.


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POLICE were called to a town centre hairdresser's over a row where a customer refused to pay.
Blackburn hairdressers Alan Rene said two stylists had spent several hours trying to fix an at-home henna hair dye job. However, when they presented the second half of a £107 bill, the woman refused to pay.
However, aggrieved customer Suzanne Zahran said her previous colour was fine and the hairdressers had not delivered the right result. Mrs Zahran also accused them of making her hair fall out.
Police who were called in at lunchtime yesterday told the warring parties it was a civil matter that would have to be settled in court.
Hairdresser and partner in the business Hafiza O'Connor said: "It's actually cost us money to do her hair. It was a disaster because of some henna she had used. She had brown roots, very dark red in the middle and blonde ends. We explained that fixing it was a big job, at least £100, and we couldn't guarantee the result.
"The first appointment needed two of us and we spent four hours on it. We were open late but she needed to go and she wanted to leave without paying. However we asked her to pay £54 for the first stage.
"The next day she didn't show for an appointment we had set aside three hours for. Then she called us up saying her hair was falling out.
"Of course I was panicked and I opened up the shop for her on my day off. But there was nothing wrong with it.
"Hair wasn't even coming off onto the brush. We got it looking really good, but she just refused to pay.
"Throughout the entire process she had been trying to haggle with us. A cut and blow dry alone is £35 and a bottle of prelightner is £10. One colour foil is £35 and she had needed two".
Mrs Zahran and her husband n Fayez are both Blackburn hospital medical technologists Mr Zahran said said: "She was very upset and her hair had been falling out.
"There had been nothing wrong with the henna dye.
"She had just fancied a change of colour.
"She had showed the hairdresser the picture she wanted and the result was nothing like it. Her roots were too light.
"Throughout, the hairdresser was incredibly rude, saying my wife shouldn't have had her hair done in Jordan and that the henna used had caused problems.
"My wife's really upset and will be going elsewhere."


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South Shore and Cape feel brunt of today's snowstorm
While snow has stopped falling in the Boston area, the South Shore and Cape Cod are continuing to see flakes and howling winds that are causing slushy roads, power outages, and some cancellations.
The Cape and South Shore are expected to receive the brunt of the accumulation with 6 to 8 inches of snow by the end of today. Brewster had received 6.3 inches of snow by late afternoon, said Alan Dunham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Wind gusts on the Cape have reached up to 55 mph, Dunham said.
The snow at Logan International Airport measured at 5.1 inches, the highest accumulation in Boston, he said.
National Grid reports more than 3,900 customers without power, most of them on the South Shore, according to the utility's website. NStar reports about 375 customers who lost power throughout the region.
Morning ferry services to and from Martha's Vineyard were cancelled but resumed by mid-afternoon, according to officials with the Steamship Authority.
The 2:30 p.m. ferry leaving Martha's Vineyard to Woods Hole was back on track. And a ferry left from Nantucket to Hyannis at noon; depending on its arrival time, it may make the trip back to Nantucket, according to officials with the authority.
Flights are arriving and departing out of Logan, but some airlines are reporting delays.
The MBTA is operating on its regular schedule.
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino talked to the city's snow team this morning and will again be meeting with them this afternoon, said John Guilfoil, a city spokesman.
"A good thing about a snow like this is you're not getting 2 or 3 or 4 inches of snow fall an hour,'' Guilfoil said. "It's much more manageable.''
This storm is far less severe than last weekend's historic snowfall. And unlike last Sunday, cities and towns aren't facing the intense pressure to clear all the roads and school parking lots and sidewalks for a rush of commuters and students. Monday is a federal and state holiday and students are off this week for February vacation.
Still, Sunday's snow caused its share of headaches.
Mark Powell, an employee of a property management company, said he spent about 20 hours over two days shoveling out last week's snowstorm. He was back on Dorchester Avenue shortly after 10 a.m. today, snow still falling, strong gusts of wind blowing, expecting about 10 hours of work.
"Even though it's been a mild winter, these storms, it's hard to keep up on them,'' he said. "On a Sunday morning, this is like the last place you wanna be — shoveling.''
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has deployed a majority of its crews and equipment to the South Shore and Cape, said Sara Lavoie, a spokeswoman for the agency.
The Massachusetts DOT has more than 1,800 pieces of equipment treating and plowing highways east of Worcester, she said.
Many of these crews haven't had much of a break since last weekend, Lavoie said.
Drivers should use caution and if possible, stay off the roads.
"It's Sunday morning,'' Lavoie said. "Sunday morning is wonderful. They can just stay home.''
High winds will continue to be a factor after the snow stops, with west winds 20 to 25 miles per hour and gusts up to 45 miles per hour into tonight. Monday will be sunny and breezy with highs in the low 30s, said Dunham, at the National Weather Service.
"There's a chance of rain Tuesday and Tuesday night as a weak system moves across the area,'' he said. "After that, [there will be] fair weather for the rest of the week with highs generally in the 30s.''
Massachusetts State Police spokeswoman Nicole Morrell said she has so far heard no reports of car accidents on state roads due to the storm.
"It's been very quiet,'' she said.


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NovaMusik is now shipping the Jomox M.Brane 11 in the U.S. for $399. For and audio demo check out my previous post on the M.Brane here: wiretotheear.com/2010/01/11/jomox-mbrane/
"Analog Membrane Modeling. Two analog T-bridge oscillators become electronic membranes. Why? Because they can be coupled. And because their dampening can be controlled. Then add a little noise, add a little envelope, and the brand new electronic percussion synthesizer of Jomox is ready." – novamusik.com
I definitely want one of these. There is some real vintage analog snappiness to this box. What do you think?
via Matrixsynth


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well ... my querry is how much of multithreading is used in games and what synchronization objects do they use ??
Multithreading is not seen in many games or game engines. There are a lot of syncronazation to be handled as you cannot read data that is being written to. It is also difficult to debug multithread errors as the timing becomes a absolute factum.
There are many patterns adressing this, but wich one depends on the current engine design.
Yeah I'd imagine multithreading in a game would be a nightmare simply because of debugging.
Is there much of a performance boost if a game employs multithreading? I think (don't quote me) that Supreme Commander uses multithreading and I was just curious.
Only if the processor supports Hyperthreading or multicore archetecture. On a single-threaded design the multithreaded version might not make much difference or it may even be slower.
It doesn't have to be a debugging nightmare with a careful design.
Games currently use threading mainly for I/O. You don't want the CPU to wait while reading a file into memory, or waiting for the next network packet to arrive. But this is typically handled by the libraries. Future games will definitely start using threading for reaching higher performance on multi-core CPUs.
Synchronization objects are just semaphores.
As SamuraiCrow states it only makes real sense in multiple CPU (logical or real) scenarios. But more and more computers today are multi core and having thought your design through and implementing real multithreading (as Nick says many games use it for loading resources, but I do not consider that real multithreading) you can gain much. You will theatrically have up to 2 the amount of time to do your calculations in.
You could have your various threads, like main, rendering, physics. The most challenging issue is how data is handled between the threads as the physics threads could update the player object while it's being rendered, showing the legs lying on the ground while the torso is still floating. Simply copying the data and the merge them back into a main branch is not desirable as this might override one threads mod by another, and you will never know the order. Also copying data get then a expensive operation, as it's done up to once per frame.
There are many challenges in multiple threads, have fun exploring
The OpenMP Application Program Interface (API) supports multi-platform shared-memory parallel programming in C/C++ and Fortran on all architectures, including Unix platforms and Windows NT platforms. Jointly defined by a group of major computer hardware and software vendors, OpenMP is a portable, scalable model that gives shared-memory parallel programmers a simple and flexible interface for developing parallel applications for platforms ranging from the desktop to the supercomputer.
OK. Multithreading is one-more (potential) nightmare - however with multi-core & multi-processor consoles ( XBox 360 for example ) it is necessary to achieve top-notch performance. However, I am finding that (in DirectX) by using the Thread-safe flags when creating the device, simple discreet tasks such as keeping graphics running steadily while loading files, and streaming audio, become much simpler to write. However it could be a real nightmare to try to convert some badly written old crap to effectively use multi-threading - and unfortunately the games industry is full of this... the corollary of this is 'Design is everything'
there are plenty of multi-threading (and event-polling) occuring in games, both in PC and in consoles.
think about it, how do you think sound / music is played WHILE other actions are taking place? in network-enabled modes, how do you think other players are able to make actions while you make actions "at the same time"?
the answer is multi-threading or event-polling.
either way, both are a kind of resource-sharing occuring [ideally] at split-second intervals to give the illusion of multi-threading. even with symmetric multi-processor systems, the operating system's kernel has to run in a "single-threaded" manner and assign processes [if able] to a "free" processor.
so to answer the question, "is there multi-threading in games?" sure there is. plenty of it! some systems use "real" multi-threading, some use event-polling. either way, it's being done.
and like Nick writes, you can accomplish challenging things with careful design.
This might be interesting for some:
Thanx guys for ur replies... now i understand the importance of Multithreading better..


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Birmingham Festival Theatre Presents THE LAST HOTEL FOR WOMEN, 6/14-30
Birmingham Festival Theatre presents The Last Hotel For Women, written by Randy Marsh and directed by Edward C. Miller, from June 14th through June 30th.
May 14, 1961. Mothers' Day. The Freedom Riders arrive in Birmingham and are met at the Trailways Bus Station with violence from the Ku Klux Klan. Police protection is notably absent. The Commissioner of Public Safety, Eugene "Bull" Connor, is a central player in the occurrences surrounding those events, and is soon to become an infamous figure in the Civil Rights movement.
In 1996, Birmingham Festival Theatre (BFT) founder, Randy Marsh wrote a play featuring Connor, the events surrounding that time, and how they affected two Birmingham families. The Last Hotel for Women, based on the novel of the same title by Birmingham native, Vicki Covington, is BFT's final offering for its 40th Anniversary Season.
Edward C. Miller, director of last season's smash hit at BFT, Anna in the Tropics, directs the all-star cast including Douglas Coghlan, Marcus Emel, Amanda Maddox, Erin McMahon, Evan Miller, Sayo Orange, Alysa Rambo, David Seale, and James Ward as Eugene 'Bull' Connor.


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Back by popular demand, the exciting young professional opera singers of Pop-Up Opera have announced a date for their 2014 performance in Bradford on Avon.
The touring opera company, which aims to deliver opera to unusual places, will perform Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte at St Margaret's Hall on July 27.
Their 2013 performance of Don Pasquale in Freshford was sold out and they hope this year's larger town centre venue will attract even more people.
Organised by Limpley Stoke Performing Arts, tickets cost £20 and will be available in the spring. Visit www.popupopera.co.uk


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Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. (TSE:5660) has a current MF Rank of 9244. Developed by hedge fund manager Joel Greenblatt, the intention of the formula is to spot high quality companies that are trading at an attractive price. The formula uses ROIC and earnings yield ratios to find quality, undervalued stocks. In general, companies with the lowest combined rank may be the higher quality picks.
Traders may be looking to capitalize on market trends as we move into the second part of the calendar year. Closely following the technicals might help make sense of current market conditions. Investors may choose to follow many different technical signals, or they may have picked a few popular ones to dedicate themselves to. Whatever the strategy, staying in tune with fundamentals and meaningful economic data may also prove to be highly beneficial. Coming at the equity market from multiple angles may help supply the investor with alternate perspectives that could play a vital role in the next couple of quarters.
Shifting gears, we can see that Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. (TSE:5660) has a Q.i. Value of 53.00000. The Q.i. Value ranks companies using four ratios. These ratios consist of EBITDA Yield, FCF Yield, Liquidity, and Earnings Yield. The purpose of the Q.i. Value is to help identify companies that are the most undervalued. Typically, the lower the value, the more undervalued the company tends to be.
Watching some historical volatility numbers on shares of Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. (TSE:5660), we can see that the 12 month volatility is presently 41.412600. The 6 month volatility is 54.493900, and the 3 month is spotted at 74.783100. Following volatility data can help measure how much the stock price has fluctuated over the specified time period. Although past volatility action may help project future stock volatility, it may also be vastly different when taking into account other factors that may be driving price action during the measured time period.
At the time of writing, Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. (TSE:5660) has a Piotroski F-Score of 3. The F-Score may help discover companies with strengthening balance sheets. The score may also be used to spot the weak performers. Joseph Piotroski developed the F-Score which employs nine different variables based on the company financial statement. A single point is assigned to each test that a stock passes. Typically, a stock scoring an 8 or 9 would be seen as strong. On the other end, a stock with a score from 0-2 would be viewed as weak.
Investors may be interested in viewing the Gross Margin score on shares of Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. (TSE:5660). The name currently has a score of 11.00000. This score is derived from the Gross Margin (Marx) stability and growth over the previous eight years. The Gross Margin score lands on a scale from 1 to 100 where a score of 1 would be considered positive, and a score of 100 would be seen as negative.
The Shareholder Yield is a way that investors can see how much money shareholders are receiving from a company through a combination of dividends, share repurchases and debt reduction. The Shareholder Yield of Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. (TSE:5660) is 0.027476. This percentage is calculated by adding the dividend yield plus the percentage of shares repurchased. Dividends are a common way that companies distribute cash to their shareholders. Similarly, cash repurchases and a reduction of debt can increase the shareholder value, too. Another way to determine the effectiveness of a company's distributions is by looking at the Shareholder yield (Mebane Faber). The Shareholder Yield (Mebane Faber) of Shinko Wire Company, Ltd. TSE:5660 is 0.09730. This number is calculated by looking at the sum of the dividend yield plus percentage of sales repurchased and net debt repaid yield.


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OROVILLE — With a worrisome blaze in strong winds Thursday night in Kelly Ridge, Butte County reached a total of 100 fires in the county for the month of January.
A burn ban is currently in effect due to the lack of rain and the high fire danger.
Thursday was a hectic day for firefighters, according to Cal Fire-Butte County spokeswoman Mary Ann Aldrich in a phone call today.
Cal Fire had issued a press release earlier Thursday stating the total number of fires for the month was 96, but Aldrich said Friday that was low.
The agency responded to 11 fires on Thursday alone.
"With Kelly Ridge, we're right at 100 fires through January 23," she said.
Wind and dry vegetation caused some worries about the Kelly Ridge fire.
"We had heavy winds blowing embers," Aldrich said.
The fire was first reported at 7 p.m. on Bidwell Canyon Road.
It burned through grass, some brush and a few trees on California State Parks property between the road and the lake and marina.
Some homes in the fire's path were threatened, but firefighters quickly stopped the threat.
Aldrich said five engines, a bulldozer and 24 firefighting personnel responded to the blaze.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to one acre within 45 minutes, but they remained in the area for several hours to mop it up and make sure it was out.
"With the wind conditions, it was a good feeling to stop it at an acre," Aldrich said.
She also emphasized that with the lack of rain and dry conditions, a burn ban is in effect in Butte County.
"It's extremely dry and warm," Aldrich said. "No outdoor burning is allowed. It's tinder dry."


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It's a new year, and while that brings lots of excitement, it's also bringing rising costs that are bound to affect nearly everyone. There's a new list out naming 10 things you may have to pay more for in 2013.
Groceries -- meat, poultry and dairy prices are all expected to rise thanks to this summer's drought. The USDA expects food prices to rise 3.5 percent to 4 percent in 2013.
Cereal -- prices will rise 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent in the new year because of the drought.
TVs -- in particular, ultra HD TVs will cost more as they incorporate premium features that let users control the entire system wirelessly.
Computers -- more powerful and, as a result, more expensive.
Beer -- anything made with copper will cost more as the price of copper goes up.
Cars -- engines are upgraded to meet new standards issued by the Obama administration.
Daily deal sites -- will offer fewer deals because of too many competitors and not enough profits. It will become more difficult to find deals on services. Daily deal sites will instead opt for tangible products.
iPhone 5 accessories -- the phone features a different Lightning connector. This results in a string of brand new accessories that have no prior-generation alternatives, which means premium prices.
Smart phones -- companies beginning to charge full instead of discounted prices for smart phones due to offering cheaper plans.
College -- as education costs continue to increase, many states will no longer be able to subsidize much of its students' tuition costs.
Copyright 2013 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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TPWD Print-Friendly Page: http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/print.phtml?req=20050725cMedia Contact: TPWD News, firstname.lastname@example.com, 512-389-8030 [KE]
TPWD Website: http://tpwd.texas.gov
TPWD News Release — July 25, 2005
UNDATED – Does the "Open Container" law apply when I'm in my boat?
No. This law, effective Sept. 1, 2001, prohibits the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle. It does not apply to watercraft.
Can my driver's license be suspended if I'm arrested for operating a boat while intoxicated?
Yes. Effective Sept.1, 2001, a person's drivers license will be automatically suspended if the arrested person:
The period of suspension for first time offenders is 180 days.
Who reports boating accidents to your department?
It is the responsibility of the boat operator who is involved in the accident. Each operator must file a boating accident report if the accident:
Report forms can be downloaded from the TPWD Web site under the BOATING link.
How do I find out if there are any special water safety regulations on a lake I want to visit?
The rules in the Texas Water Safety Act apply to all public water in Texas. The local governing body of incorporated cities or towns, county commissioner's courts, and political subdivisions can pass rules relating to restricted areas and the operation and equipment of boats it deems necessary for the public safety. You must contact the entity in charge to determine if any special rules apply.


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Mail: Southern statues symbolize suppession
Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
More opinion
Fall: Good time to spray musk thistle in rosette stage
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
More Ag News
The House of Representatives generally agreed on something Wednesday to borrow more money.
The debt limit suspension is expected to pass the Senate and be signed by President Barack Obama, according to Reuters news service.
The vote was 285-144.
The bill also requires Congress to pass a formal budget resolution by April 15, a once-standard practice that has fallen by the wayside in recent years. Under the bill, if either the House or Senate fails to meet the deadline, lawmakers' pay is suspended until they pass a budget.
Its called the "No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013."
Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska said its about time.
Passing a budget is among the most basic functions of government, yet the Senate has not fulfilled this responsibility in nearly four years," Smith said.
The conservative group Americans for Limited Goverment said suspension of the debt ceiling is dangerous to our system of government.
"The only say whatsoever representatives had on the some 60 percent of the $3.7 trillion (federal) budget that operates on autopilot, which includes Social Security, Medicare, and other forms of so-called 'mandatory' spending, was the periodic vote on increasing the debt ceiling," an ALG statement said.
"Now that it has been suspended, the debt ceiling may never be reinstated. All the Senate needs to do now come May 19 is again threaten default should the debt ceiling suspension not be indefinitely extended. Under those circumstances, House Republican leadership is likely to fold under even the slightest pressure."
This report was updated Thursday.
Smith spoke on the floor of the House Wednesday in support of the bill. At the time, Rep. Lee Terry of Nebraska was presiding over the House proceedings. A video of Smith's minute-long statement is at the lower right of the Bulletin's front page.
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101


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Some Evidence Suggesting the Great Antiquity of the Atthakavagga (Sutta-nipāta Ch.4)
1. The language of the Aṭṭhakavagga contains several rare and archaic grammatical forms reminiscent of Vedic Sanskrit which are absent in the more streamlined grammar of most of the rest of the Canon.
2. The Aṭṭhakavagga is referred to by name elsewhere in the Tipitaka at, for example, Udāna 5:6 in the Suttanta Piṭaka and Mahāvagga 5:13 in the Vinaya Pitaka. Both of these passages tell the story of a young bhikkhu named Sona Kuṭikaṇṇa who, when requested by the Buddha to speak some Dhamma, recites the Aṭṭhakavagga. The passage in the the Udāna also (correctly) specifies that the Atthakavagga has sixteen parts. Thus it was already compiled and named before the completion of the works in which the story is found.
3. The Aṭṭhakavagga is one of the very few portions of the Pali Canon with a line-by-line commentary that is also canonical - namely, the Mahāniddesa. (interestingly, the purpose of the Mahāniddesa is apparently not to expound upon the great profundity of the Aṭṭhakavagga, as it does more to trivialize than glorify it. Furthermore, the Mahāniddesa was probably not composed merely to comment upon a notably ancient text, as at the time of its composition many suttas were believed to predate the Aṭṭhakavagga - yet they are without a canonical commentary. lts most likely purpose seems to be to reinterpret - to explain away - a large body of proto-Theravadin or even pre-Theravadin philosophy that was clearly at odds with later doctrinal development but was nevertheless too well known to be deleted from the Canon.)
4. According to the literary evidence the Aṭṭhakavagga (but not the Sutta-nipāta as a whole) was common to many, probably most, and possibly all of the ancient schools of Buddhism, including the Mahasanghikas, who are historically the first to branch off from the proto-Theravada/Sarvastivada line (being equivalent to the Vajjiputtas in the Pali account of the second council). The story of ven. Kuṭikaṇṇa's recitation of the Aṭṭhakavagga
is also recorded in the Mahasanghika Vinaya, as well as in the vinayas of other ancient schools preserved in the immense Mahayana Tripiṭaka.
5. The text of the Aṭṭhakavagga contains none of the usual stock passages, little if any technical systematization of doctrine, and, with the possible exceptions of the introductory verses to the Māgandiya Sutta and Sāriputta Sutta, no fairy-tail narratives - all of which are characteristic of later material.
6. The teachings of the Aṭṭhakavagga are addressed to a Sangha of homeless, wandering ascetics, and are very simple (often to the point of being enigmatic) yet also exceedingly profound. They appear to come from a time when the Sāsana was still in a primitive state, most of its converts being veterans to the holy life, and being far more lnclined to practically realize than to theoretically philosophize. The existence of sedentary bhikkhus living in prosperous monasteries and dedicating their efforts to intellectual investigation of Dhamma, which became the norm very early in the history of Buddhism, is clearly at variance with the spirit of these teachings.
Alex123 wrote:I do like his:Some Evidence Suggesting the Great Antiquity of the Atthakavagga (Sutta-nipāta Ch.4)
Kim O'Hara wrote:Alex123 wrote:I do like his:Some Evidence Suggesting the Great Antiquity of the Atthakavagga (Sutta-nipāta Ch.4)
Me too!
I haven't read it all but I did skip down to his quotes from the Atthakavagga. Very Zen-like indeed!
I will have to come back to all this.
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Darvish throws without problem
SAN ANTONIO -- Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, who is expected to start the season on the disabled list with stiffness in his neck, had a productive and painless throwing session at Globe Life Park in Arlington on Saturday.
While the Rangers were playing the Astros in San Antonio, Darvish threw long toss from 100 feet with medical director Jamie Reed and Jose Vazquez, the Rangers' strength and conditioning coach, monitoring him. Darvish then threw 30 pitches from a distance of 60 feet on flat ground. Darvish reported no pain or discomfort while throwing.
Darvish is scheduled to throw again on Sunday, this time with pitching coach Mike Maddux in attendance. If that session goes well, the Rangers will map out a more definitive plan for getting Darvish back in the rotation.
Darvish made four starts in the Cactus League, with the last one coming on March 16 when he went 4 2/3 innings and threw 84 pitches against the White Sox. He was scratched from his next start on March 21 and hasn't pitched since. He will most likely need at least a simulated game or a Minor League rehab start before he returns to the Major League rotation.
Darvish can be backdated 10 days into Spring Training on the disabled list and could officially come off next Saturday. Right now the Rangers are planning on Nick Martinez to make that start.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Yup! I'm serious. Apparently, according to a recent study done by the University of Scranton has determined that popcorn has beat out some fruits and vegetables when it comes to fiber, whole grain and antioxidant levels. First, Pizza is considered a vegetable (if you missed that blog post CLICK HERE) but now they are saying that popcorn is better for you than fruits and vegetables. Who's doing these tests? But I'm not a scientist, CLICK HERE to read the article yourself. You be the judge.
Stay Cute!


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I've been doing a lot of field work lately and my technique has improved a lot. I'm running out of things to work on so i thought I'd post some videos on here. Also I took some videos of a couple of my friends that ill post in another thread.
Full Speed
Slow mo


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Leighton Meester - 'Somebody To Love' Lyrics
Leighton Meester just released her first single "Somebody To Love," off her debut album. The song, which features R&B crooner Robin Thicke, was produced by Mike Caren (Flo Rida, T.I.).
The 23-year-old Gossip Girl actress told Ryan Seacrest the song is "definitely about what's going on in my life and I think anybody can relate. You're crazy, you're busy, you're young and you're running around and it's really hard to find somebody to love. People love you but you don't really love them."
Check out the song and follow along to the lyrics inside…
Leighton Meester – 'Somebody To Love' Lyrics
Paris, France to Michigan
London town and through Berlin
I can't believe this place I'm in
Everywhere and back again
Porcelain and China dolls
Give me one and I've seen them all
Got my back against the wall
Wonder where I'll be tomorrow?
But wait, now how long could this take?
It's hard to find a man,
When you're gone before he wakes.
They say it's hard to achieve
But can't a girl believe?
Is there somebody who still believes in love?
I know you're out there
There's got to be somebody
I search around the world
But I can't seem to find
Somebody to love
(Robin Thicke)
Baby girl, there you at
Looking at me like a putty cat
Wondering where that thing is at
Wondering where your ring is at
Nobody ever did it quite like this
Nobody ever did it quite like you
Do your hair, I bought you shoes
We can hit the town like superstars do
You fall in love? Then let me show you love
Give me the key to your heart
I can give you what you want
When you're waiting for love
And you're lookin' for someone
I'mma turn this gossip girl into a woman
[Chorus x2]
Je t'adore, Je t'adore (I love you, I love you)
Make a move, do the thing
Turn around, strike a pose
Je t'adore, Je t'adore (I love you, I love you)
Make a move, do the thing
Turn around, strike a pose
Ooh, I like it
Ooh, I need it
Ooh, I want it
Hey Hey
I know it's hard to achieve
But can't a girl believe?
[Chorus x2]
(You say hello, I say goodbye) x2
Somebody to love
Listen to "Somebody To Love" below or at RyanSeacrest.com!
Leighton Meester – 'Somebody To Love'


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Well, they do change stuff all the time. They have plans written out but then they see how people react to certain things and then change the booking and stories to fit that.
We all judge others even if it isn't our place to judge, but supposedly at the end we are all judged by one!!!
Wrestling, women and money who could ask for more???


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The year 2011 was eventful for oil markets, as reflected both in price trends and developments that may presage broader structural shifts over the coming years.
The spot price of North Sea Brent crude averaged over $111 per barrel in 2011, marking the first time the global benchmark averaged more than $100 per barrel for a year. U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI), plagued by transportation bottlenecks, fell short of eclipsing its record annual average of $99.67 per barrel set in 2008, but its 2011 average of $94.86 still represented a $15 increase over 2010. Bookended by the departure of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January and by the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in December, the year saw many developments in countries seen as critical for global oil supply. Yet, however dramatic the short-term oil market impact of these events, their full transformative effect on the oil industry can be assessed only in the context of broader structural changes. The multiple factors driving these shifts may not individually be seen as game-changing, but collectively they may prove sufficient to make 2011 something of a turning point.
The disruption in Libyan crude exports during that country's civil war, one of the top supply stories of 2011, is a case in point. Ultimately, compounded by other politically-driven production cuts in Syria and Yemen, this disruption triggered a release of oil from strategic storage in International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries, only the third such release in IEA history. Total estimated production losses from Libya, Syria, and Yemen for 2011, which reached 450 million barrels (bbls), were only partly offset by a release of IEA stocks and increased output from Saudi Arabia, and were clearly a leading factor behind last year's record rise in Brent crude oil prices. By year's end, however, Libyan crude had begun to return to oil markets, as field production resumed faster than U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and many other analysts had expected.
The full significance of the Libyan crude disruption may best be seen as part of a broader story. The shortfall's impact, though considerable, could have been even larger if it had not been partly cushioned by exceptionally weak demand in Europe, the main outlet for Libyan crude. While the Libyan civil war may be over, production issues could linger. Just how quickly Libyan output can sustain pre-crisis levels remains unclear, as are the security and political arrangements that will replace those of the Gadhafi regime. Beyond Libya itself, will increased social spending by other regional oil producers in an apparent bid to preempt the spread of unrest, become permanent, as some analysts have suggested, creating a new revenue requirement that could lead key producers to favor higher crude oil prices to help balance their national budgets? If so, the recent events in Libya may best be seen as only one among a series of factors that evoke higher price expectations of OPEC producers and restrict the long-term availability of North African and Middle East oil supply, whether due to internal competition for barrels from domestic end-users, increased revenue requirements, or political and social pressures.
Extreme weather and economic woes proved as disruptive for demand in 2011 as Middle East unrest did for supply. In Japan, the Fukushima nuclear disaster following the earthquake and tsunami disrupted both nuclear power generation and the broader economy, temporarily trimming energy demand as a whole but encouraging fuel switching to oil (as well as other fossil fuels) for power generation. In Europe, Greece's sovereign debt crisis raised concerns about financial contagion, the future of the euro and the region's economic recovery. Here too, headline events must be seen in perspective. While Japan recovered rapidly from the Fukushima disaster, the tragedy raised worldwide concerns about nuclear safety, bringing to the fore long-simmering questions about the industrialized world's aging nuclear fleet and the future of global electric power generation. Much of Japan's nuclear capacity remains idle, lifting utility demand for liquefied natural gas and, at the margin, oil. On the other hand, Europe's renewed economic woes served only to further reduce the liquid fuels share of demand of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries relative to that of non-OECD economies. While the latter group has not yet overtaken the former as the largest liquid fuels consumer, the two came closer in 2011 than ever before and a crossover is likely to occur in the near future.
Whether supply- or demand- focused, the headline events of 2011¸ however momentous they were, should not overshadow other shifts, which may prove no less significant for U.S. and global oil markets. Last year's unusual patterns in benchmark crude pricing offer a powerful illustration of those shifts. Early in 2011, amid fast-rising crude oil production from the U.S. and Canadian midcontinent, prices for U.S. inland crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) started to weaken significantly relative to those for broadly traded coastal or imported crude oil grades, such as Louisiana Light Sweet or North Sea Brent. WTI's discount had started to tighten by year's end, as pipeline and railroad companies took steps to move more stranded crude oil from inland U.S. markets to the Gulf Coast, yet remained unusually wide by historical standards.
In the United States and Canada, the production gains generated by technological advances, such as the combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, can hardly be overstated. Very preliminary data indicate that U.S. crude production increased significantly in 2011. Those increases are expected to continue in 2012 and to spread to other countries. Meanwhile, in Brazil, production is also slated to increase as advances in deepwater drilling unlock the country's vast subsalt resources. All together, the Americas accounted for the majority of non-OPEC crude production growth in 2011, and are expected to continue dominating non-OPEC supply growth over the next few years. As a consequence, oil markets in the Americas are becoming increasingly integrated and self-sufficient. Canadian oil sands and U.S. supplies are displacing U.S. imports from Europe, West Africa and, until recently, the Middle East - a trend that may gain momentum once logistical links are put in place to bypass current crude transportation bottlenecks in the midcontinent. At the same time, product exports from the United States to expanding markets to the south are growing rapidly, as discussed below.
This quiet revolution in crude oil production is driving an even quieter one in the downstream. Seeking to leverage their access to rising volumes of discounted heavy Canadian crude, U.S. Midwest refiners have been investing in infrastructure to process more of those relatively low-quality barrels. Their counterparts on the Gulf Coast, having long enjoyed more feedstock flexibility than other refiners in the rest of the OECD, are expanding overall crude capacity. In contrast, East Coast refiners, which do not currently enjoy those feedstock advantages and face diminishing local product demand, have been trimming capacity. The result is that refined product trade flows are being redrawn. In 2011, the United States shifted to net product exporter status for the first time since at least 1949. The East Coast, however, appears likely to become more dependent on product imports.
If 2011 was an eventful year for oil markets, 2012 might be even more so. At the onset of 2012, the U.S. and international markets face considerable uncertainty, not least from the unresolved dispute between Iran and the United Nations over Iran's nuclear program. Iran relies heavily on revenue from its crude oil exports, and various actions affecting Iran's oil trade are under consideration by several major countries as a way to increase the pressure on Iran to comply with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. These developments are occurring against the backdrop of an oil market deeply transformed by technological advances in production, a redistribution of global demand growth, far-reaching shifts in crude and product trade flows and lingering political uncertainty in many producing countries. The U.S. Energy Information Administration will monitor these far-reaching changes and continue to assess their impacts and significance for U.S. consumers and all market participants.


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The stuff kids really need for high school
Here are some easy tips to help you upgrade your childs supplies for high school. more
Eczema is a skin irritation that appears as patches of dry, red, scaly skin which may become moist. Most common places are the front of knees and ankles and insides of wrists.
If the eczema doesn't get better, see a paediatric dermatologist.
If baby has eczema, reduce contact with people that have cold sores as baby can develop infections from this virus.
This is a build up of natural oils and dry scaly skin, which can form a yellow/brown crust on baby's head, eyebrows or behind the ears.
To remove the crusts, massage sorbolene and glycerine cream into the affected area two to three times a day. Leave on overnight, and wash off at bath time the next day, using a facewasher - or gently brush to stimulate the scalp, and lift off the softened crusts (don't pick off with your nails). Do this every day until it clears.
Every day, wash and massage baby's scalp and gently brush their head, even if they don't have much hair.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Panadol is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
This article was created from the Children's Panadol First Five Booklet.
Last revised: Monday, 1 February 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.


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Scola makes $4,508,504 this year and $4,868,499 next year. His contract next year is not guaranteed, which is why waiving him clears up space for Lance.This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
Bird gave up all that for Scola because he wanted to go for a championship this year and he wasn't getting that done with Green or Plumlee. If he wants to continue to contend, he's not going to do that by keeping 34-year-old Scola over 23-year-old near-All-Star Lance.
Look, I like Scola. But Lance is not only more important NOW but also in the future.


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diet foods in Erin, TN
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Eden time bank
The Time Bank is a way for people to share skills with others in their community and be rewarded for it - in time. You give a few hours of your spare time when you want to, doing things you enjoy, and you receive the opportunity to get some help yourself when you need it and the satisfaction of making someone else's quality of life better.
For more information, contact Alex Chalmers at
Eden Time Bank
c/o Kirkby Stephen Local Links
Vicarage Lane
Kirkby Stephen
Tel 017683 71775
Mobile 07800 843455
You can call in to see Alex or another Time Bank volunteer at Kirkby Stephen Community and Council Centre on Wednesday mornings from 10.00am - 12.30pm.


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DASB Flea Market ParkingGeneral Public:
Parking on campus during special events is $5.00 per vehicle. Special event parking permits can be purchased with cash from the parking attendants at the entrances to the parking lots or from machines in multiple locations in the parking lots.
Vendors Selling at the Flea Market:
Parking fee is subject to change and enforced seven days a week. Failure to adhere to the parking regulations will result in fines and possibe towing of the vehicle at the owners expense.
Please note that the DASB Flea Market Office is in no way responsible for the parking fees, parking regulations, or parking enforcement. All parking matters are the responsibility of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Police Department/Parking Division, which has NO affiliation with the Flea Market. All telephone inquiries regarding your Flea Market parking permit should be directed to the Parking Division business number at (408) 864-5555, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. All correspondence should be addressed to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Police Department/Parking Division, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014.
DASB Flea Market


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Monday, Dec. 30, 1912. A meaningless exhibition game in Schenectady proves costly for Troy's New York State League basketball team as one of its starters goes down with an ankle injury, The Record reports.
The defending State League champs are in the Electric City to play the St. Michael's amateur team. The game proves more competitive than may have been expected.
"The Trojans were hampered by the amateur rules and the smallness of the court," our sportswriter explains. The cramped conditions of the court appear to have caused the injury to forward Chief Muller early in the game.
"The accident occurred about four minutes after play started. Muller had scored a basket and as he completed the toss was pushed. He struck against a small platform and fell to the floor."
Muller is diagnosed with a "severely sprained" ankle and is expected to miss the next four weeks. He'll definitely miss the New Year's Day home-away doubleheader with Gloversville on Wednesday. Jack Nolls takes his place at right forward tonight but goes scoreless. Troy goes on to beat St. Michael's, 27 - 19. Left forward Ed Wachter leads all scorers with 18 points, nearly outscoring the opposition on his own.
PARCEL POST. New postal rules go into effect on January 1, 1913, allowing for the delivery of packages up to 11 pounds through the U.S. mail. Private express delivery companies are concerned that competition from the government may put them out of business, but a local postmaster assures tonight that there will still be "business enough for all."
Schenectady postmaster J. H. Callahan addresses a group of "about 75" businessmen at a meeting organized tonight by the Troy Chamber of Commerce. Despite his assurances, Callahan sharply criticizes business lobbies he blames for delaying the introduction of a modern parcel post system in the U.S.
According to Callahan, the new system "would place our postal affairs upon a plane with the postal services of the advanced nations." He "considered it a marvel that the parcel post had not been instituted years ago."
Under the old system, Callahan claims, "It was cheaper to send a package to Japan than to Stillwater." Despite that inconvenience, parcel post met resistance from "selfish interests, namely the express companies which had enjoyed a monopoly upon the transportation of packages."
Vested interests were ultimately defeated by "those who were working for the people as a whole." Perhaps showing his true attitude toward the express companies, Callahan "took a fling at corporate interests, saying that they should not be considered, and he was emphatic in this statement, as every citizen is entitled to service at the hands of the government."


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When it comes to filling Avery Johnson's shoes, the Nets are well aware that they're welcome to dream big. They've done it before, like two years ago, when they ardently pursued Carmelo Anthony though Anthony had made it clear he wanted to go to the Knicks. Or last year, when they pulled together every bit of bubble gum and twine they could find to try to piece together a deal for Dwight Howard. Neither plan worked, but they did come up with the Deron Williams idea, and that one worked out.
So the Nets, no surprise, are starting with some pretty big names on their list to succeed the recently fired Johnson. But they may be not much more than dreams:
Phil Jackson. There are few jobs that Jackson would be realistically interested in, and while a return to the Lakers obviously was one, the other biggie is the Knicks, where Jackson could follow in the path of mentor Red Holzman. But since Mike Woodson has the job and the Knicks are playing well, is Brooklyn a close enough gig—with enough talent on the roster—to draw Jackson across the river? It is a longshot, but billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov is sticking with his goal of winning a championship within five years, and he is running out of time. Because of their free-spending summer, the Nets won't be able to alter their roster much in the coming couple of years, so Prokhorov's best bet at pushing this team over the top lies in Jackson.
MORE: Jackson's next challenge—coaching the Nets, his first fixer-upper
Jerry Sloan. He has considered coming back to the NBA a few times since he left from his Utah post in 2011, and he has repeatedly said that the confrontation he had with Williams just before resigning from the Jazz was not the reason he left. But it is hard to imagine Sloan taking a job in a market like Brooklyn, in as high-pressure a situation as the Nets find themselves in.
Larry Brown. He has been mentioned because of his connections with Billy King, who worked with Brown when both were in Philadelphia. While that opens this as a possibility, the reality is that Brown is at SMU now and his recent NBA past—the 23-59 disaster in New York, the one good year followed by 9-19 in Charlotte—is not exactly inspiring.
Nate McMillan. McMillan would be a good fit. He is likeable, sharp and well-respected, and worked with Williams as an assistant coach on the last two Olympic teams. His offense is very slow and deliberate, which is not a bad thing, because the Nets don't have a dangerous transition team and would work best by utilizing the kind of slow-down, pick-and-roll offense that McMillan favors. McMillan was fired by the Blazers last March and did vow to take the year off, however.
Jeff Van Gundy. He is always going to be mentioned when an NBA job opens involving a veteran team. However, he is very happy as a broadcaster and has given little indication that he wants to abandon the gig. The Nets would get Van Gundy back to the vicinity of his coaching heyday, when he led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1999.
Rick Pitino. Pitino reportedly has interest in the job, but bringing in a coach from the college ranks—even one with Pitino's level of NBA experience—can't be of much use for the Nets.
Kelvin Sampson. Yahoo! Sports reports that Sampson will be a candidate for the job, and it is likely that he will be the assistant coach to garner the most consideration, because he has built up a strong reputation during stints with the Bucks and Rockets. Mike Malone of the Warriors and Brian Shaw of the Pacers could get some consideration, too, but Sampson is believed to be the assistant most likely to actually come away with the job.
Mike Dunleavy. Little surprise that Dunleavy has been openly campaigning for the Nets job, being a Brooklyn native and also being eager to get back into the NBA game. He co-hosts a show on satellite radio, during which he labeled the Nets a "dream job." Dunleavy is someone the Nets are considering, and though he is not a favorite for the job, he is a solid, experienced fallback option.


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House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R. Okla., said that he believes there is a "really strong chance" that the 2008 Farm Bill will be extended for another year. The comments were made in an interview with Mike Adams, host of AgriTalk.
Because of procedures required to pass a new farm bill, including writing the law, rules and regulations, as well as ensuring that producers understand what all is involved, Lucas believes "we're kind of late in the game right now to have a new farm bill in place for the fall planting season."
Lucas said that if the 2008 Farm Bill is extended it would have to carry forward the same set of farm supports currently in place, "not just pieces and parts."
"I can't have farmers and ranchers caught in the twilight zone between the old farm bill and the new farm bill. You have to extend the safety net that exists in the 2008 Farm Bill until the 2012, or 2013 Farm Bill can kick in," Lucas said.
Both the 2002 and the 2008 Farm Bills were passed after one-year extensions, according to Lucas.


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Theodore Levin US Courthouse
231 W. Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226
Map It!
(Federal Building)
Years Labeled (Rating):
2008 (97), 2009 (94), 2011 (92), 2012 (92),
2014 (89), 2015 (91)
Facility Type:
Total Floor Space:
Year Constructed:
Building Owner:
U.S. General Services Administration, Michigan Service Center
Property Manager:
Please note: The building information in this profile was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating
characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.


text:
Panduit NK LC DUPLEX ADAPT MOD IG MM EACABLIG M (NKDLCMIG)Item#: 40644551 | Model#: NKDLCMIG
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- $13.99
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text:
MS AmaSerena
0 out of 5 stars
Read the best port reviews and tips for this cruise itinerary.
|Day 1
|Vilshofen, Germany
|Day 2
|Passau, Germany
|Day 3
|Passau, Germany
|Day 4
|Weissenkirchen, Austria
|Day 5
|Vienna, Austria
|Day 6
|Bratislava, Slovakia
|Day 7
|Budapest, Hungary
|Day 8
|Budapest, Hungary
A roll call is a space for members who are signed up for the same cruise (same ship & departure date) to connect.
Make friends BEFORE you sail, exchange tips on what to do onboard and in the ports and maybe even organize a shore excursion with your ship mates.


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A PLAIN wall at Falmouth Marine School has been transformed by local artist Cosmic, who has worked with students to create a colourful mural which represents the college from their perspective.
Cosmic attended the college's freshers' fair in September to meet students and hear their ideas for the wall. Since then he has been back and worked with the students, some of whom helped paint the mural.
"There were some great ideas, but when someone mentioned that the humpback whale was their favourite, it sparked a whole round of unanimous approval," said Cosmic. "The same thing happened when someone mentioned Hokusai's Great Wave Off Kanagawa print, the most famous Japanese image of all time, so those two images were high on the list.
"The students are studying boatbuilding, marine biology, water sports and marine engineering so it was important to ensure that all areas were represented."
The turtle in the mural is based on the marine school's caretaker, Peter Mitchell, and the puffer fish on his namesake, Pete Junior, who lives in the tank in the marine biology department.
Marine science student, Chloe Burrin, said: "Pete is the backbone of the college and someone we see every day. He's always there to help and works hard to keep place clean and tidy.
We wanted him to know how much we appreciate him, so Cosmic suggested we painted him holding up the boat as does at the marine school."
The students enjoyed getting involved with the project and are delighted with the result. The college's Students' Union chairman, Jack O'Byrne, said: "The college really encourages the students to get involved. This project was part of the student voice campaign to find out what the students wanted improved at the marine school.
"As a result we have had an new wet lab, an increase in marine species, re-housing of the marine engineering workshop, complete with an increase in inboard and outboard engines and a facelift to the main reception, classrooms and the courtyard wall."


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It is quite comfortable
but evetually the blood supply to the left leg is compromised by pressure from the right.
All positions seem to have pros and cons and this has worked the best for me so far.
daniel p wrote:Is anyone aware of any negative health effects fom sitting for long periods?
nameless wrote:An hour is probably shorter than the amount of time people sit at work, on trains/buses/cars, watching a typical movie, watching tv, being on the computer etc.
daniel p wrote:Given the emphasis on sitting meditation within the Buddhist tradition I'm surprised so little is said about it, the history, the reasons for the various postures, the hands, the appropriate way to sit. Just the basic physical mechanical aspect. 2500 years experience should yield something.
Where's the manual on best practice?
daverupa wrote: India circa 400 BCE was largely a place of sitting on the ground, whereupon "folding legs under" was a simple call to sit normally (!) without ones legs thrown askew, and "setting ones back straight" was a simple call not to slouch in order to prevent back strain and facilitate sitting for long periods.
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text:
Amanda Hocking makes her living — and a very good living at that — writing about trolls, vampires, and murderous mermaids.
The native of Austin, Minn., became an Internet sensation when her self-published e-books for young adults sold over a million copies. Now, she's making the leap to print.
For a writer who spends a lot of time thinking up fantastical storylines, Hocking is blunt about her own tale.
"I still don't think of myself as that interesting," she said. "So when people want to talk about it, I'm like, 'I don't know. My life isn't that exciting.' "
Some might disagree with Hocking's interpretation of what's happened to her over the last couple of years. While she has always been a writer, when she published her first novel two years ago she had a pretty simple goal: take a trip from Austin to Chicago with her roommate.
"And we wanted to go to an exhibit to see Jim Henson in Chicago. And I figured a couple of hundred bucks would get us to drive there and a hotel," she said. "That was all I wanted to do — was make enough money for that."
So Hocking wrote a novel. And then a few more.
"I write very quickly," she said. "It's usually a couple of weeks to write a book."
There was a series about vampires and then the Trylle novels, about trolls passing themselves of as human. Sales started slowly.
"You know six a day, and I think it was a couple of hundred books a month I was selling in the beginning. But by the end of the summer I was selling like 6,000 a month, and then this was in 2010," Hocking said. "Then in January of 2011, I think in one month I sold like over 400, 000 books or something like that. Or over 100,000. It was something crazy."
Hocking admits it's all a blur. She suspected there was something wrong with the sales reporting system. But the money poured in.
She did get to see that Jim Henson show, and even had a couple of million bucks left over. St. Martin's Press offered her a multi-book deal, both to publish the Trylle novels and her latest creation, the Watersong series.
In the first book, called "Wake," a high school swimming star called Gemma is pursued by a trio of young women who have come to live in her seaside town for the summer. They're not what they seem — they are sirens, the enticing creatures of Greek mythology whose beautiful songs would lure sailors to their deaths.
"The one thing that always struck me about sirens was they were actually described as cannibals. They were humans eating other humans was the way they were described," Hocking said. "I think that was particularly horrific."
Hocking admits she first heard about sirens from a "Duck Tales" cartoon, but she was already a fan of ancient myths and quickly turned to the original stories. In the book, Gemma is torn between the demands of the supernatural trio and protecting her family and her romance with the boy next door.
While Hocking's novels all have a supernatural aspect to them, she said they are really about the emotional traumas of growing up.
"And I think that a lot of ways that's how I use the paranormal element, is really trying to express the teenage experience with a physical form," she said.
There's another physical element important to Hocking with the new novels — that is being in print. While she may be a poster child for digital literature, she realizes it's still a limited audience.
"As good as self-publishing is and as good as digital publishing is, there is still a vast number of people who read paperbacks and don't have an e-reader," she said.
Hocking will be using e-reader tactics in the print world. "Wake" hit the bookstores yesterday. However, fans won't have long to wait for the other three Watersong books.
"They were originally going to be every six months, but then I already have the first three books written," she said. "So they decided to get them out every three months so people won't have to wait as long."
St. Martin's Press expects big things of "Wake," with a first publishing run of half-a-million copies. After reading at the Central Park Amphitheater in Woodbury at 7 p.m. tonight, Hocking embarks on a nationwide tour. Afterwards she heads back to Austin to write the series' last book.
Becoming a publishing powerhouse might go to a person's head, and Hocking said she has had to take a little time to adjust to her new reality, but she insists she is still the same person she was a couple of years ago trying to raise money to see a Muppet exhibit.


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Alexander McQueen: Spring 2012
Alexander McQueen Spring 2012
Otherworldly is the best way to describe Sarah Burton's Spring 2012 collection for Alexander McQueen. She referenced the Greek goddess Gaia, who in mythology gave birth to the gods of sea. The oceanic theme arose via undulating ruffles and pearl and coral-crusted embellishments that looked like barnacles. But first, the impeccable tailoring; first with a series of skirt suits, belted high and elegantly on the waist, done in powerful metallic gold and blush tones. Some of the jackets were cut to reveal delicate lace bralettes underneath. A string of babydoll dresses were floaty and full, designed to mimic the movements of a jellyfish, thanks to a plethora of ruffles. For the finale, a string of awe-inspiring gowns, one that spoke to the darkness of McQueen with black, spidery-cut leather. Models wore facemasks cut of lace, but some had beading made to look as if coral were spreading over their faces. It was transformative, and on a larger scale, a transformative moment for Sarah Burton, who has shown that she can lead the Alexander McQueen house forward in a lighter, but still breathtakingly complex direction.
- Trends: aquatic theme, pearls, feathers, embellishment, wide belts, asymmetric hems.
- Colors: gold, blush, coral, white, cream, black.
- Key Piece: babydoll dresses with lace and ruffles were surprisingly light, while the gowns were just incredible. For "everyday" we love the tailored jackets that opened the show.
- Accessories: platform gladiator sandals that climbed up models's legs.
- Who Would Wear It: The gowns are for the most fashion-forward red carpet goers. But we can see some of the skirt suits working on Sarah Jessica Parker.