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The sixth annual AgProfessional Editors' Choice New Product of the Year Award winners are probably the most diverse group of products ever selected. The job of comparing one new product to the next in determining which ones land on the Top 10 list seems to get harder each year.
We believe these 10 represent the best and most innovative products introduced for 2012 crop production or introduced in preparation for the 2013 growing season. The products are ones AgProfessional's main audience—agricultural retailers, crop consultants and farm managers—likely can use in their operations, sell to customers or recommend to clients.
We do not solicit entries for the list of Top 10 but look back over the year's worth of product announcements to initiate our selection. Our research of announced new products starts with the information provided to the editorial staff of AgProfessional by companies or their public relations agencies and is followed up with web-based searches. We feel we have again selected innovative products that deserve the highest recognition as 2012 New Products of the Year.
What makes the process the most interesting is trying to sort relatively small product upgrades from truly innovative new products. We are not concerned about whether the product will or has been a financial success but only that it was introduced, on a more or less full-scale basis, between November 2011 and November 2012.
In general, the winning products generated excitement in the industry because there was extensive publicity conducted about them. The companies showed excitement about introducing a revolutionary product or major upgrade and specifically targeted the audience of AgProfessional. The judging was done by Richard Keller, editor, and Colleen Scherer, managing editor.
With only a couple exceptions, the products were announced on AgProfessional's website—www.AgProfessional.com—during the year in the new product section. They were also mentioned in either "AgProfessional Weekly" or Dealer Update," our weekly e-newsletters.
Experience shows us that those companies with products named to the Top 10 list value being an Editors' Choice New Product of the Year Award winner. But history also shows us companies appreciate winning the next step in the award process where a product will be named Readers' Choice Top New Product of 2012.
See the separate short description of how to vote one of the 10 products as the Readers' Choice award winner. In the most condensed explanation, voting is a simple process of going to www.AgProfessional.com and placing a vote for your favorite.
Company and inventor-supplied descriptions of each product are included as follows.
Cornell University
Adapt-N is an online tool that helps precisely manage nitrogen inputs for grain, silage or sweet corn. It uses a well-calibrated computer model and high-resolution weather information to help simulate the complexities of a growing season within a corn field.
It was developed to provide more precise N recommendations for corn, based on site-specific conditions. It uses basic soil, management and crop information provided by the grower. By basing recommendations on local conditions, the tool improves N use efficiency, thus improving farm profits, while reducing environmental N losses.
The model was developed by Cornell University agronomists led by Harold van Es. Since this tool can predict corn N needs more precisely based on field-specific conditions, it allows for more timely application of N when the crop needs it. It adjusts N applications based on weather. It reduces fertilizer rates, costs and losses in the long-term, while maintaining yield. It helps to fine-tune sidedress N rates. It can determine if manured fields need additional fertilizer N and it can determine if rescue N is needed after heavy spring rains. It helps answer the question if there is excess N after a growing season.
Adapt-N is mobile enabled and can be used on a smartphone, iPad or Tablet.
Adapt-N was tested for a year and a half in Iowa and New York. It was introduced in 2012 to Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. More states are expected to be added in 2013.
Xemium fungicide powering new formulation fungicides
In 2012, BASF introduced two new fungicides based on its newest active ingredient, Xemium fungicide. The Environmental Protection Agency granted full registration of Priaxor fungicide and Merivon fungicide.
Xemium, a next-generation fungicide in the carboxamide family, was discovered by researchers at BASF headquarters in Germany. Xemium is in the carboxamide class of chemistry. The high mobility of Xemium allows the product to systemically redistribute from the waxy layer of the leaf to areas of the leaf that are not directly sprayed, protecting the whole leaf and ensuring long-lasting and disease-stopping effects. Xemium blocks the respiratory Complex II, which disrupts the energy supply and biosynthesis of essential fungal building blocks, preventing new infections from developing. It is active on a wide range of life stages of the fungus, and affects multiple stages in the fungal life cycle. Activity on multiple stages allows for a wider window of application and greater flexibility in product use.
Priaxor provides disease protection and post-infection disease control from some of the toughest fungal diseases of crops commonly grown across the U.S. Soybeans, potatoes and tomatoes are three of the main crops. Studies show Priaxor controls powdery mildew and black mold in tomatoes, and early blight and black dot in potatoes. Priaxor is a 2:1 premix fungicide containing F500—the same active ingredient as Headline fungicide—and Xemium fungicide, the new active ingredient.
Merivon is a different premix of F500 and Xemium (1:1) that provides disease protection in several pome and stone fruit crops, including apples, cherries and peaches. This fungicide targets annual diseases including scab in apples, powdery mildew and leaf spot in cherries, and blossom blight, shot hole and powdery mildew in peaches.
Anthem herbicide
FMC Corporation received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration on Anthem herbicide at the end of October. Anthem is a preplant, preemergence and early postemergence herbicide for corn. Anthem is a weed management tool for broad-spectrum weed control and resistance management along with a low-use rate. The herbicide will allow growers application flexibility during the spring season.
"Anthem use rates are approximately four times less than most residual corn herbicides," said Tim Thompson, FMC agricultural products North America product manager. "The easy to handle liquid formulation and low-use rate means growers and custom applicators can get more acres sprayed in a day, which is critical during the busy spring."
In-field results from 2011 and 2012 showed Anthem test plots demonstrated excellent crop safety for all types of corn to the new pyroxasulfone active ingredient. Studies indicate that Anthem herbicide is an effective, convenient product with application flexibility for all tillage systems. There were more than 90 research test plots in 2012 across a broad geography on a wide range of soil types and in both irrigated and non-irrigated acres.
"The long lasting residual of Anthem herbicide could set new standards for broad-spectrum, grass and broadleaf weed control in corn, resulting in better crop protection and higher yields," said Bob Hooten, FMC agricultural products North America technical support manager.
Hemisphere GPS
Outback MAX with ConnX
The new Outback MAX with Outback ConnX is the next generation Outback Guidance system that redefines simplicity in precision farming. It works seamlessly with Outback eDriveX with eTurns. The Outback MAX integrated display terminal provides a full array of features including section and variable rate control, Eclipse L1/L2 GPS and GLONASS guidance, and video support for up to four monitoring cameras.
The Outback MAX mapping engine stacks imagery and data layers so farmers can visually confirm that their field operations are appropriate or adapt immediately to any changes. By relating real-time application data directly to existing or historical conditions, customers can confirm that applications are on target.
Outback MAX also provides wireless connectivity via the Outback ConnX data management system to deliver real-time data access and management that is imperative for modern farmers. ConnX provides seamless data transfer between the Outback MAX terminal, office and service providers ensuring efficient, accurate decision making and farming operations. ConnX can automatically import and export data, engage customer service with remote control capability, and simplify connection to RTK correctors. ConnX is compatible with popular data platforms including AgJunction, AgVerdict, NutriScription HD, OptiGro and Precision.Ag.
The Outback MAX adds a host of new features over the feature-rich Outback S3. It offers simplicity in design and operation, a powerful mapping engine, excellent screen clarity, seamless connectivity and a rugged design that can operate in rough environments—features that are critical to achieving the benefits of precision farming.
With a focus on simplicity, Outback MAX incorporates the ability to create shortcuts and favorites for the most commonly used tasks, facilitating a short learning curve with simple access to important features, getting farmers up and running quickly.
i-tank Remote Tank Monitoring
The i-tank Remote Tank Monitoring Solution from i3GCorporation is designed to help optimize the delivery of bulk liquids by monitoring and reporting precise liquid levels on remote storage tanks.
"Our i-tank solution helps businesses refine their bulk liquid deliveries," said Mike Barcum, i3G CEO. "By optimizing bulk deliveries, businesses can cut their delivery costs, reduce the wear-and-tear on fleet delivery vehicles and improve customer service. Our testing has shown that customers can save an average of 30 percent on bulk delivery costs by using the i-tank Remote Tank Monitoring solution."
Rising fuel costs, increased personnel costs, the need to avoid unnecessary trips and the desire to deliver more precise quantities to remote locations are prompting bulk liquid businesses to look for ways to cut their costs without impacting their operations.
As a durable, self-powered solution, i-tank is designed to operate in remote locations, even where power and telecommunications support is limited. The i-tank solution reports precise level information to a secure, third-party server, so operators can check on remote tank levels around the clock.
"Manual tank readings are costly, and require significant resources to complete," Barcum said. "Our solution provides an efficient, accurate alternative to sending staff to a location to perform a manual read, and eliminates the need to make emergency or unplanned stops to service a remote tank."
With i-tank, Barcum said bulk delivery firms can use remote tank level information to optimize their deliveries, reduce staff effort and reduce costs without compromising customer service.
John Deere
John Deere Mobile Weather
John Deere Mobile Weather provides precise weather information to private and commercial applicators to help them make proper product application and other weather-related decisions.
Mobile Weather uses a third-party weather sensor connected to the Application Controller 1120 to display real-time weather information, including wind speed and direction, Delta T and temperature and relative humidity on the John Deere GreenStar 2 or GreenStar 3 displays. However, only the GreeenStar 3 2630 Display is capable of documenting (recording) weather data, which can be transferred to Apex or other third-party farm management software for analysis and record keeping.
According to Janae Althouse, product manager with the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere Mobile Weather enables operators to make in-cab product application decisions based on location-specific weather data. In addition, operators don't have to rely on hand-held devices or make multiple stops to manually check and record weather conditions when applying product.
"Mobile Weather is perfect for producers or commercial applicators who need to capture weather information as part of their record keeping, documentation and data analysis, or for maintaining government compliance," Althouse said. "It integrates easily into existing sprayer and GreenStar displays without the need for additional hand-held devices or displays to provide on-the-go weather monitoring."
John Deere Mobile Weather can be mounted on any John Deere 4940, 4930, 4830 and 4730 Self-Propelled Sprayers, with GreenStar displays. It can be programmed to warn the operator when weather conditions are outside of preset parameters for optimal spraying.
Miller St. Nazianz
Miller St. Nazianz, Inc. introduced its Miller NITRO 5000 sprayer earlier this summer. The NITRO 5000 features a brand new operator environment and offers a wide range of new productivity enhancing features.
The new Miller SprayView and optional Premium SprayView cab is the crowning touch on this new sprayer. The cab is designed with the operator's comfort in mind with a larger, roomier interior and greater visibility and ergonomic features. Highlights include a clean, uncluttered environment with CAN bus wiring, convenient 12-volt power points throughout, easy to reach armrest and joystick controls, and a new Miller Systems Monitor to manage the chassis operations. In the Premium SprayView cab, the air ride seat is suede leather and features active suspension and heating/cooling. The automatic climate control can be set to the operator's optimum temperature.
Front to back, bold styling changes and numerous productivity-enhancing improvements have been made, not the least of which is the enhanced standard lighting package and the brighter, more powerful optional enhanced lighting kit.
The NITRO 5000 Series is available in a wide range of tank size, boom width and horsepower configurations, with optional Miller Quick-Attach and Injection Toolbar, in a total of seven models, all available with four-wheel steering option. These include the 215, 5240, 5275, 5333 and the 5365. On Jan. 1, 2013, two new 5000 Series models will be available: the 5345 and the 5400. These two new models are the first to feature Miller's new Tier IV interim emissions solutions from Cummins, with superior engine technology and increased fuel efficiency.
Mosaic Company
Nutrient Removal App
The Nutrient Removal App from The Mosaic Company provides growers and retailers with valuable nutrient removal data in support of higher yields.
Utilizing years of agronomic research, the app is a next-generation take on the data previously seen in the Balanced Crop Nutrition guide. The app allows users to test potential yields, generating results that are crop- and region-specific. Once downloaded, the app may be used without internet service in the field, office or tractor. Available on iPhones, iPads, Droids, the app can be found in a mobile store.
Randy Groff, marketing manager for The Mosaic Company, sees the app as an invaluable smartphone innovation. "This data is the foundation and starting point for fertilizer recommendations," says Groff. "It's used all the time by growers and retailers, in flip charts, wall posters and wallet cards. With the best data and the newest technology, farmers and retailers now have the best of both worlds."
Spectrum Technologies
FieldScout Green Index
This app offers a better, more affordable way to manage the nitrogen needs of your clients' corn crop. The FieldScout GreenIndex+ App captures and processes images from an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and instantly computes the DGCI (Dark Green Color Index) of your corn leaves.
In addition to DGCI, GreenIndex+ computes an equivalent SPAD value and estimates the nitrogen requirement (in lb/ac and kg/ha) during the V6 growth stages. This enables applying the right amount of nitrogen in the right place and at the right time.
The GreenIndex+ technology detects low nitrogen levels in the leaves and then helps write a nitrogen prescription. Nitrogen uptake increases dramatically at the beginning of the V6 development stage. Corrective measures, based on early diagnosis of severe nitrogen deficiencies, can prevent yield reduction.
FieldScout GreenIndex+ offers digital image analysis of leaves, providing growers with an accurate, low-cost method for managing in-season fertility and helps deliver improved yield, lower nitrogen costs and increased profits. All data is logged and geo-referenced and can be e-mailed to a PC for further analysis.
Digital images taken in the field typically exhibit variation due to ambient lighting, shadows and texture. Green and yellow color standards on a pink background provide contrast and aid the image processing software. This allows for DGCI images to be taken under a broad range of lighting conditions.
Fierce herbicide
The Environmental Protection Agency approved Fierce herbicide from Valent U.S.A. Corporation for use in no-till and reduced-tillage field corn. Fierce herbicide is the company's newest residual for a long-lasting preemerge solution to tough weeds.
Fierce is a combination of Valor herbicide and a new active ingredient, pyroxasulfone. Trial results from 2011 showed this combination to provide dependable, long-lasting control of the broadest spectrum of weeds and grasses.
"Growers know and believe in the excellent control Valor brings to their weed programs," said Trey Soud, Valent product marketing manager. "By combining Valor with pyroxasulfone, growers will now have a single herbicide to tackle even the toughest weeds and grasses."
In a series of university and private trials over 2010 and 2011, Fierce provided as much as eight weeks of residual control. Fierce also demonstrated excellent crop safety and strong control of both grass and broadleaf weeds.
"Fierce was developed for growers who desire a premium preemerge herbicide in a two-pass Roundup Ready corn system," said Soud. "Fierce offers a complete weed control solution with outstanding residual control of a broad spectrum of tough weeds and grasses to help manage resistance and protect the farmer's yield."
It is time for you, the reader, to pick the 2012 Readers' Choice Top New Product of 2012—the ultimate winner of AgProfessional's awards program.
Any reader of AgProfessional's print and electronic/digital information products—AgProfessional magazine, "AgProfessional Weekly e-newsleter," "Dealer Update e-newsletter" and AgProfessional.com website—is eligible to vote.
There is no filling out a ballot and providing demographic information. You just click your favorite best product introduced in 2012 from AgProfessional's Editors' Choice list of Top 10 products. The voting is done through our www.AgProfessional.com website, and we have links to vote included in each of our upcoming e-newsletters. Deadline for voting is quickly approaching; it is Jan. 7; therefore, don't wait to vote.
You can base your vote on the information provided and your personal experience or general agricultural knowledge. Descriptions of the products, which are the same as in this issue of AgProfessional magazine, are available to read on the website before casting your vote.
The winner of the 2012 Readers' Choice New Product of the Year Award winner will be announced in the February issue of AgProfessional.
Let one of the Top 10 winners know you think they were above the rest for innovation in 2012. Vote at www.AgProfessional.com!


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Nationals beat Brewers 10-5
WASHINGTON (AP) - Bryce Harper homered on his first swing since coming off the disabled list and his Washington Nationals teammates quickly joined in, beating the slumping Milwaukee Brewers 10-5 on Monday night.
After missing 31 games with bursitis in his left knee - the most lingering fallout from his collision with the Dodger Stadium wall - Harper energized the Nationals and sparked their second rout in two days. After toying with .500 for the entire month of June, Washington moved two games above the break-even mark for the first time since late May.
Jayson Werth had five RBIs, and even pitcher Jordan Zimmermann was an offensive juggernaut with a team-high three hits, including a double to start a five-run third inning and a single to open a two-run fourth.

subset: commoncrawl


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Year-End Sale Extended!Sunday, January 2nd, 2011
While 2010 is over and done with, we want to keep our year-end sale going. Both today and tomorrow, Monday January 3rd are the last days left for our year-end sale. Save throughout the store and enjoy free shipping on most products. Start shopping today!


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Walking Down Mulberry LaneTrick brain teasers appear difficult at first, but they have a trick that makes them really easy.
I was walking down Mulberry Lane,
I met a man doing the same.
He tipped his hat and drew his cane,
And in this rhyme I said his name.
What is his name?
He tipped his hat "and drew" his cane.
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SOCCER AMERICA: Did you know that Soccer America named you to its College Team of the 1900s?
Brad Friedel (6). Not seriously tested, but not inactive, either. Reacted sharply to block, if not catch, several hard shots from sharp angles, and unwittingly flattened C.J. Brown while cutting out a ball driven into the box.
C.J. Brown (5). Outrun at times in the first half as Haiti countered forcefully. Distribution, one of his ...
Finally, a place to play Mexico that won't feel like Guadalajara.
That dream lasted 24 hours, because when Italy played Mexico ...
JoinJoin 180K soccer fans for Free SoccerAmerica Membership »


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Higher average produce prices helped lift fourth-quarter 2011 fresh produce retail sales moderately higher.
Total weekly fresh produce sales in the fourth quarter of 2011 registered $40,401 per store, up 3.3% from a year ago, according to the latest issue of United Fresh Produce Association's Fresh Facts report.
The report, produced in partnership with Washington, D.C.-based United Fresh, Coral Gables, Fla.-based Del Monte Fresh Produce and West Dundee Ill.-based Nielsen Perishables Group, also showed strong gain for organic produce at retail.
The FreshFacts report showed that weekly volume per store of all fresh produce totaled 27,766 pounds, down 1.2% from the fourth quarter of 2010. The average retail price for all fresh produce was $1.46 per pound, up 4.6% from the fourth quarter of 2010, according to the report.
Weekly average sales of fruits rose 3.4% to $16,288 per store, up 3.4% from a year ago. Fresh fruit prices were up 4.6% to $1.33 per pound but volume off by 1.2% to 12,273 pounds per store. Fourth-quarter melon performance suffered from the listeria foodborne illness outbreak linked to cantaloupes; the report said melons suffered a 25.8% decline in sales per store and an equal decline in volume. On the other hand, berries enjoyed a 11.2% rise in sales compared with the same period a year ago, built by a 14.2% gain in volume and a 2.6% decline in average prices.
Vegetable sales per store were $19,439, up 2.5% compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. For fresh vegetables, the average price was up 4.5% to $1.42 per pound, while volume slid 1.9% to 13,718 pounds per store. Potatoes showed the biggest percentage increase in dollar sales per store at 6.5%, while onions suffered the biggest decline in sales, put at 5.4% less than the fourth quarter of 2010.
The report also said that organic produce sales in the fourth quarter of 2011 enjoyed double-digit growth for both vegetables and fruit. The report said weekly sales per store of organic vegetables were $1,344, up 11.4% from the fourth quarter of 2010. The report said the weekly volume per store for vegetables was 499 pounds, up 9.6% from the fourth quarter a year ago; the average retail price for organic vegetable was $2.69 per pound, up 1.6% from the fourth quarter of 2011.
FreshFacts said that weekly dollars sales for organic fruit rated $655 per store, up a whopping 23.2% from the fourth quarter of 2010. The weekly average volume of organic fruit soared 19.2% in the fourth quarter of 2010 to 356 pounds per store. The average retail price for organic fruit was $1.87 per pound, up 3.3% from the same period a year ago.
For information on how to obtain the full report, contact Shannon Young, United Fresh education manager, at (202) 303-3400 ext. 405 or email@example.com.


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Rehearsal Facilities and Classrooms
WCSU maintains 2 large rehearsal rooms, equipped with Yamaha grand pianos, sound systems, iMac instructor stations, and projection as well as 1 small chamber music rehearsal room. In addition, two music classrooms are housed in White Hall and are equipped with upright pianos, sound systems, iMac instructor stations, and projection. These classrooms are also utilized for applied music lessons and chamber ensemble rehearsals.


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Family criticise sentence for driver following fatal crash
12:35pm Friday 21st December 2012
12:35pm Friday 21st December 2012
THE family of a man from Winchester are "devastated" after the woman who caused his death was spared jail.
Charles Punter, 25, was a passenger in work colleague Rebecca Price's car when she collided with a Range Rover. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was the first day of his new job at a marketing firm in Essex.
Price was taken to hospital, arrested the following day and later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.
In a statement the Punter family said: "We were devastated by Charlie's passing last December and the resulting twelve months have done little to heal the wounds."
Police believe that at the time of the crash on December 12 2011, Price had been travelling at 45mph in a 30mph zone as she approached a bend.
At Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, December 19, the former sales representative was handed a six-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and given 300 hours of community service.
The family added: "Given the severity of her offence, we are deeply disappointed that she was not given a custodial sentence as 300 hours community service and a driving ban does not seem to be an adequate punishment for causing death, nor do we feel that it is a sufficient deterrent to others."
The senior investigating officer, inspector Keith Whiting, said: "Rebecca Price has shown Charles' family little remorse for her actions which killed their son and brother.
"The crash happened at a very poignant time of the year and sentencing has happened at a similar, poignant time of the year. I hope this gives Rebecca Price time to reflect on what she has done."
Charles was brought up in Winchester with his sister Claire, attending Nethercliffe School in Fulflood, before going on to Kings' School and Peter Symonds College.
Shortly after his death, Claire Punter said: "He was quite a character and very popular in Winchester until he left for university.
"It had only been his first day there but he'd made quite an impression already. He was best friends with everyone there by the end of the day."
© Copyright 2001-2017 Newsquest Media Group


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You are here
How Should You Approach an SBIC for Financing?
Seeking Financing from an SBIC
If you have visited Is SBIC Financing Right for your Business? and you believe your small business would be a good candidate for SBIC financing, the following steps will help you successfull approach one of the many licensed SBICs.
1) Research SBICs
You should research SBICs to identify those funds whose investment profiles best fit your business needs. Consider the stage of the companies in which it has invested, the size of its investments and any geographic or industry concentration it maintains. You should also be sure to verify that the SBIC is actively investing. Most SBICs stop making new investments in small businesses roughly five years after they obtain an SBIC license.
Entrepreneurs have three sources to search for active SBICs.
- Our SBIC Directory: A directory of active SBICs organized by state.
- The Small Business Investor Alliance: An association of private equity funds and investors that target the lower middle market.
- National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC): An association dedicated to promoting investment in an ethnically diverse marketplace.
Most SBICs have a website where you can find out more information on their investment profile and some of their existing portfolio companies.
2) Prepare your Business Plan
SBICs typically require a business plan to help them evaluate whether or not they should provide your company with financing. You should visit How to Prepare a Business Plan for assistance.
3) Present your Business Plan
SBICs, like most private equity and venture capital funds, receive hundreds of business plans from entrepreneurs every year. Simply e-mailing an investment fund your business plan or calling their offices is unlikely to yield results. Entrepreneurs seeking capital from an SBIC will benefit most from a qualified introduction to the fund managers. Talk to accountants, attorneys, executives in your industry and other business colleagues to establish a connection with the SBIC. If one of these business professionals can introduce you to the fund, your business plan will have a much greater chance of being considered.
As a special note, SBA personnel are not permitted to make referrals on behalf of small businesses seeking SBIC financing.


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Vaccination is a safe, simple and effective way to prevent the flu. The flu shot helps Nova Scotians avoid getting influenza themselves, and avoid spreading it to family, friends, co-workers and people in their care, such as patients in health care settings, and residents in long-term care facilities.
Yes, the flu shot provided through the influenza immunization program is free of charge for all Nova Scotians.
You can get a flu shot at most pharmacies around the province, at your doctor's office, some clinics offered by Public Health, and in some workplaces.
For more information on what is happening in your area, please check with:
We encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine, but especially people at high risk of complications including the elderly, the young (six months to 5 years), Aboriginal people, pregnant women, anyone with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, obesity (BMI of 40 or more) and those who live with, or care for, individuals in the high risks groups.
Yes, the flu shot is especially important for pregnant women to protect themselves and their babies before and after birth. It is safe and effective at any stage of pregnancy.
Yes, the flu shot is safe for breastfeeding mothers. Breast milk also has many natural factors that support a baby's immune system.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
Cover your cough and sneeze.
Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Do not share drinking glasses, or eating utensils, water bottles, mouth guards, or cosmetics.
Flu symptoms include a fever, cough, unusual tiredness, headaches, muscle or joint aches, and sore throat. You can call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who can help with management of your symptoms and provide advice regarding whether you need to seek additional care.
Stay home, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of clear liquids. Call 811 to talk to a registered nurse about treating your flu symptoms. Avoid contact with other people, wash your hands frequently, and cover your cough or sneeze to prevent spreading the flu.
Vaccination is a safe, simple and effective way to prevent the flu.
Important Resources
Important Information about Influenza and Influenza Vaccine brochure
Flu Vaccines Save Lives (poster)
Nova Scotia Welcome to Parenting: Immunization in Pregnancy (sign in required, registration is free for expectant parents and their partners in Nova Scotia)


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Ontario-Montclair School District Board of Trustees is expected to decide tonight how to fill the vacancy left by Paul Vincent Avila, who was elected to the city council.
Avila was sworn in as a council member on Dec. 4. But at his last board meeting, he seemed to indicate he did not want to vacate his post.
In November, the board was told by its attorney that Avila cannot hold a position on the city council and the school board. And once he was sworn in, he would automatically lose his positions on the board.


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The Meaning of LifeTrick brain teasers appear difficult at first, but they have a trick that makes them really easy.
Where should you go to find the meaning of life?
HintThink about it...
AnswerYou should go to a dictionary! The meaning of "life" can be found in a dictionary.
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With little to worry about in their May 13 party primaries, Natalie Tennant and Shelley Moore Capito are focused on a likely November matchup that could tilt the majority in the tightly contested Democratic U.S. Senate.
Either way, West Virginia is poised to make its own history. The state has never elected a female U.S. senator.
In a state that has taken a conservative turn, Democratic secretary of state Tennant and Republican congresswoman Capito are eyeing a seat that has been out of play since 1985. Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller is retiring after five terms.
Pointing to President Obama's unpopularity and tepid midterm conditions for Democrats, political analysts call Capito a heavy favorite. A GOP poll April 16-17 gives Capito a 16-percent lead. Tennant celebrated a January Democratic poll where she was losing by 6 percent.
Still, West Virginia has only sent Democrats to the U.S. Senate for 55 years.
The state hasn't switched up the lineup much. Jennings Randolph had a 25-year Senate stint before Rockefeller. State icon Robert C. Byrd kept his seat for a half-century until he died in 2010. Popular conservative Democrat and former Gov. Joe Manchin locked up Byrd's seat in 2010, with Carte Goodwin filling in for a few months as an appointee.
Tennant has endorsements from Rockefeller and Manchin, along with unions and pro-abortion rights groups. Capito has business interests in her corner — most notably, West Virginia's coal industry.
In coal country, West Virginia Democrats like Tennant face scrutiny for the president's energy policies, like proposed regulations on new coal-fired plants. Obama won just 35.5 percent of the statewide vote in 2012 and lost every West Virginia county. The state hasn't opted for the Democratic presidential nominee since Bill Clinton in 1996.
Republicans say Tennant is guilty by association, pointing out she campaigned for Obama in 2008 and was a Democratic National Convention delegate in 2012.
"People are losing jobs. They're pessimistic. They're leaving the state," Capito told The Associated Press. "And I think it has to lay at the feet of the party and the principles that have been in effect over the last several years."
Like a handful of energy-state Senate Democrats facing re-election, Tennant has vowed to buck Obama and Senate leadership on coal. As a recognizable TV journalist for 12 years, Tennant is also leaning on a ground game where she plans to visit all 55 counties.
"West Virginians recognize that I'm an independent thinker and I'm an independent leader," Tennant told The Associated Press.
Tennant hopes to paint Capito as a foot soldier for Republican House leadership, saying Capito backed national flood insurance rate hikes and voted to strip down Medicare by supporting the GOP budget. Like many Democrats, Tennant also criticizes Capito for opposing a gender equality pay bill, which Republicans say is already part of the law.
Despite that portrayal, political analysts say Capito is lucky to have avoided serious tea party competition.
Capito ranks in the middle of the caucus for voting with Republican leadership, according to vote tracker OpenCongress.org. And well-funded conservative groups like Americans for Prosperity and The Heritage Foundation are less than enthusiastic about her record.
Capito's most viable conservative challenger, former Republican state House delegate Pat McGeehan, struggled to raise money and ended his campaign in January.
Her only GOP primary opponent to show up at a Charleston Daily Mail editorial board meeting was Larry Eugene Butcher. The wispy-bearded 62-year-old, who has raised no money, wore an American flag bandanna with matching T-shirt.
With $4.2 million in the bank, Capito maintains a 4-to-1 cash advantage over Tennant, who entered the race 10 months later than Capito. Tennant nearly matched the congresswoman's fundraising from January through March, which she interpreted as momentum for the campaign.


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As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, one of the great ways to spend time between playoff weekends is to travel to exotic locations and check out some parks. In January, I flew to California to visit one of our former engineers from here at Morey's Piers, Steve V., who now works at Disneyland Resort, and Bob K, a former inventory dept. supervisor who now resides in Long Beach.
Monday was a visit to the Santa Monica Pier and a great lunch at Mariasol Cocina Mexican overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean. Being that the only rides open were the ferris wheel and the carousel, all visitors could do were eat and shop. And eat we did. This place served authentic south of the border cuisine and proved to be the best meal of the week. The drive in from the freeway on the last leg of historic Route 66 could have only been enhanced with "I love L.A." being sung by Randy Newman.
The next day led us to Universal Hollywood. Much larger than its sister park in Orlando. Built inside an actual studio environment, the attractions are in a more compact layout, which means less walking. However, the official Back Lot Studio Tour, which takes a mere 45 minutes does not disappoint. With the park not crowded at all, we boarded an awaiting tram to be whisked to exotic locations where CSI was filming, the Desperate Housewives street, Amity Village, the Bates Motel and the brand new and visually stunning Kong Kong 3-D. You have to see this to even begin to describe it, but watch your tram car as King Kong squares off with some big nasty dinosaurs right next to you.
Coaster riders will love the Mummy- almost as long as the one in Orlando, but packed with more thrills and less chills without the spider room. Next door, the newest member of the attraction family is underway, Transformers. This ride will use the same ride vehicles as the new Harry Potter attraction in Orlando and will bring the same crowds no doubt. No visit is complete without a stop at the L.A. Dodgers pro shop at CityWalk. However, I can safely say the longest line of the day was the freeway traffic back home.
Our next stop was Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park. We must have pleased the Park God's today, as about 300 people were in the entire park. If you like coasters, all 9 were walk ons, which means zero waiting in line. Coasters of every shape and size were there, including the classic 1978 Montezooma's Revenge launch coaster. I haven't ridden this model coaster since Kennywood Park's Laser Loop was removed after the 1990 season. Happy memories and a incredibly smooth ride was enjoyed!
The star attraction was the Ghost Rider, built by the same team who built the Great White right here at Morey's Piers. Given an old west theme, the Ghostrider rises above the midway, crosses 3 bridges into the adjacent parking and retail and thrills riders with 14 drops. Riders exit into an authentic ghost town, moved from the various locations in the southwest since the 1940's. Knott's is a must visit for anyone who loves the Great American Wild West, Snoopy (the official mascot), or fried chicken. Knott's still uses its original 1930's dining room to serve up thousands of fried chicken dinners daily.


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Today's latest, greatest rage for work, everyday or a night on the town: The Sheer Blouse.
Sheer blouses are everywhere. Not only are we seeing them in loads of colors but also all patterned up and with lovely textural details, too. They range from super feminine to super sexy and make a nice change-up from your average oxford button-down. Here are three ways to go sheer without feeling like you've bared all.
Best for work: The neutral sheer blouse
The neutral color of this blouse makes it safe for work. Details like pleating also mask the top's sheer quality. Just be sure to add a nude cami in a more corporate environment. Tuck it in trousers for a nice balance of masculinity/femininity or go full-on feminine in a pencil skirt.
Best for everyday (and the most modern take!): The layered sheer blouse
Don't want to be see-through all-over? The layered tank is a great alternative. The sheerness becomes a sexy detail to a more basic style and can be your new go-to when you want to look polished but not overly done.
Great after hours: The oversized sheer blouse
The roominess and menswear details keep this shirt from appearing over-the-top sexy. Use the long hemline to your advantage: if you want a more tailored look, tuck it into your favorite pair of skinny jeans. If you're feeling more relaxed, let it drape. Add some personality (and serious sexiness) with a great bra underneath.
Missed one? Here are all our Tame That Trend Posts!
KEYWORDS: blouse,Jackie Risser,sheer,Tame That Trend


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The eye of spring peered through the frosted reeds. The thought of this delicate time of year, with its fragile flowers and pastel colors, often seems so far away in mid-winter; but on this January morning at the water's edge, the power of its steely light held all winter in a trance. Winter attempted to flex its muscles with -7 Celsius, demonstrating that it could still force us to wear warm clothes and thick-soled boots. Yet, like a child's laugh which brings the world to a standstill, the yellow light broke through the cold mist that rose from the water's surface and magically turned it warm.
I've waited so long for this morning to come. Since the waning light hours of October, I've thought of this January morning with Ellie the dog in the park when we would witness the magnificence of nature turning. It has been worth the wait; indeed, without it, this moment would not at all be the same. Everything to its time.
As my husband and I have both grown a year older this January, I have been thinking about time. During the first thirty years, one cannot hope for it to move quickly enough, releasing the reins on it like a thoroughbred on a race track. Thereafter, there is a short peace with time until one begins to hold the reins increasingly tightly. Life becomes more like dressage, with a greater respect for the dignity of restraint. Then there is a zone somewhere beyond 80, which I still haven't quite understood, where the horse has been put back into its stall and where the whole business of release and restraint is a memory of the struggle. One goes more deeply into the beautiful simplicity of the child's laugh and the effortlessness of the light that penetrates the mist in mid-January.
The snow in the back yard is marked by the shape of a sunken heart. In the evening it burned with many candles as the society of sauna brothers (a very exclusive club in our neighborhood that meets weekly to sweat and philosophize together) sang a Swedish Happy Birthday a capella from behind the fence. The sound of a male choir, with men and voices of different ages, is robust and full of musty vitality. There is a confidence in it that we will ride out the years with spirit.
Despite the rising years, I am alert once again these early mornings in January. As soon as my eyes open, I catch that glimmer of spring that breaks the coal black mornings of Scandinavian winter. The eyes that wanted to close again as soon as they opened when the light hours were on the decrease, are now open wide to milk the early mornings of their increasing light. The urge to get up and greet the day has returned and, like the bear, I leave my hibernation.
The bare branches of the fruit trees on the hill chirp. The silence of winter has been broken by the birds who know. The bulbs underground have been broken by small shoots. All of creation knows what we do not yet see. There is a revolution brewing under the surface. The birds fly into the blue sky and perch on a television antenna where the light warms their wings. On this static creation of man they can watch nature unfold.
For more about Julie Lindahl's books and other projects, please visit www.julielindahl.com, www.storiesforsociety.com and www.nordicwellbeing.com.


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Founded in 2000 by Guillermo "Willy" Espinoza, Junior, Rooster, Mario aka "Baby Spike", Andy, Truucha, Cherry, and Buzzer in the city of Los Angeles, CA. The Maniacos Car Club was born, boasting a no-holds barred, anything goes approach to lowriding and cruising. Maniacos quickly gained a reputation true to their nickname as a street club, and quickly became well-known for taking names by gas hopping and street hopping on the high profile Crenshaw, Pacific and Whittier Boulevard scenes with reckless abandon. The Maniacos were the only car club willing to abuse and sacrifice their candy-painted, chrome-undercarriaged cars without flinching, even if something broke or was destroyed during the course of battling it out with other street hoppers and shops, often leaving them to bring home badly damaged cars as proof of their courage and dedication to winning the grueling lowriding wars in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. This "whatever it takes to win" philosophy is a testament to the heart of this club and can also be seen in its huge growth from humble beginnings.
The club's first meetings started in the backyard of Mario's So. Cal. home, where they would initially work on their cars and hold meetings. Looking to bring something new to the table, the club aspired to take lowriding to a level never seen before, even in the face of the adversity that would soon come from the risks they were willing to take. People thought they were just crazy, but respect and support poured into the club as tales of their amazing street wars spread throughout the Los Angeles underground like wildfire. As the club's popularity grew, so did their membership, and what was once an 8 member club now boasts over 35 members and 3 different chapters in three different states, including Los Angeles, CA, Las Vegas, NV, as well as the Maniacos' newest chapter based out of Houston, TX. Staying focused, they began to throw different family functions to benefit and further the club, including BBQ's and special fundraisers, vowing to use the money raised to support the club's members during times of special needs. This money couldn't have come at a better time as no sooner than they found success, the Maniacos quickly found themselves in the grips of a horrible tragedy.
Houston member Thomas Mechell's lowrider exploded into flames while he was cruising with his wife and kids, leaving his youngest son with 3rd degree burns on his back and top of his head. Grateful to escape with their lives, the Mechell family still found themselves swimming in medical bills for their youngest child and had no way of coming up with all the necessary funds. The Houston Chapter of Maniacos immediately took it upon themselves to help out their fellow lowrider and his family and started doing car washes, BBQs, fundraisers, as well as a car show to raise money that would help the Mechell family to pay off the bills they had accumulated from the terrible accident. Soon after the Los Angeles Chapter heard about what the Houston members were doing to help out one of their own, they hosted a fund raiser in Elysian Park to help out the Mechell clan as well, proving that no matter where a car club member lived, or which chapter they belonged to, they still had the support of the entire club.
This sense of family, overcoming adversity, and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals best defines the Maniacos Car Club of Los Angeles as a true representation of what lowrider culture is really all about. Beyond the glory, style and flash of the machines lies the family bond behind them, a bond that cannot be broken, destined to live forever in the hearts and minds of lowrider enthusiasts and car club members nationwide, as our wonderful culture continues to spread its wings and define future generations for many years to come.
Cyberpace is Scrapin' on LowridingTV.com
This is the phase that can be heard on the internet these days on www.LowridingTV.com, a phrase that executive producers Mark Aragon and Rick Mansfield have been working on since 2002 when they began their challenging journey of building and putting up a website that illustrates what they had seen first hand for themselves; the unfiltered real low rider story of hard working, good people who love their families and their culture.
After seven years of extensive filming, gathering the right people, experts and families that properly represent the phenomenon known as the low rider car culture, their vision has finally become reality.
Both Mark and Rick each earned their stripes working in the motion picture/television industry for many years prior and were producers on the award winning series, which is in its 7th year of syndication, "Rolling Art," an automotive show that focuses on the motorized vehicle as an art form.
From the beginning Mark and Rick realized that some of the low riders that they had seen were truly amazing works of rolling art and immediately wanted to add low rider segments to the Rolling Art show. After winning numerous discussions amongst other RATV show producers, Mark and Rick emerged as one of the first groups of TV producers to bring the low rider culture into main stream television. In 2002 they broadcast their first of many low rider segments, and haven't looked back since.
Having demonstrated their true desire to show the positive side of lowriding over the past seven (7) years, Mark and Rick have become accepted and trusted as "The Guy's" throughout the low rider culture and have gathered an impressive digital library complete with some never before seen footage of both historical and recent low rider events, as well as helping to promote upcoming Latino bands, such as Salvador Santana (The SSB,) Upground, B-Side Players, and Balance, all of which can be heard on the LRTV website.
2009 promises to be a great year for LowridingTV.com, as they have already pooled resources with companies such as, Latin Heat Online, LATV, Latin Lingo Clothing, and of course, Lowrider Magazine.


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Topic: Lost my mom
I lost my mother on 26-april 2007 due to this fatal diseases.I never understand why this much happens in such a short span of time as she was detected of having cholangiocarcinoma somewhere around last week of march-07. She had severe jaundice and itching.At TATA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL,MUMBAI (one of the best cancer hospital in asia) doctors done ERCP and stenting.They placed a metal stent claiming that it will help in lowering jaundice.Doctor's said that cancer is in advance stage and is metastatic and thus inoperable and stenting is the only treatment available with them.As a result of stenting,itching stopped and jaundice also lowered somewhat.
But all of sudden on 26 april bleeding started from mouth and other openings and in a fierce battle with destiny she lost her life at an age of mere 48.
She never suffred from any disease in her life.She was neither diabetic nor have any blood pressure problems.I never known that such a tumor is making home in her body.I am still unable to accept this cruel decision of ALMIGHTY and have certain questions in mind n would really appreciate if someone reply:
1.Is it possible that tumor originate and developed to advance stage in such a short span of one month or it is there in body for substantial amount of time and if it is there then why there were no symptoms?
2.Is Cholangiocarcinoma is not curable if it is detected in advance stage or its treatment is there somewhere in world?
3.As I said my mom undergone Stenting,what I seen her problems increased after it though both itching & jaundice comes down but abdomen pain and vomiting increase.Is stenting was wrong action taken?
4.How could I help person who are suffering from same.
Lots Of Love for You,MOM !!!!!
May you reside in heaven with devine souls


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In the Community
Favorite Summer Activities in the DC Area
Summer has arrived in the Washington, DC, area! And with that brings a range of summertime opportunities. This could mean checking out the thousands of lotus flowers at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, enjoying BBQ at the National Building Museum, listening to jazz in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, or taking advantage of DC museums to learn something new—and stay out of the heat.
Interested in additional recommendations? College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff shared some of their favorite summer pastimes.
Karl Kippola
Theatre/Musical Theatre Professor
My summer will begin by playing Brutus in Julius Caesar and Malvolio in a musical version of 12th Night at the Virginia Shakespeare Festival in Williamsburg (June 25-July 20). After that is finished, I can enjoy the numerous summer theatre opportunities in the DC area. I love the Capital Fringe Festival (July 10-27), which presents an enormous spectrum of new work—tending toward the cutting edge, avant garde, or downright bizarre. The Page-to-Stage Festival at the Kennedy Center (late August, dates TBA) offers free readings of works under consideration for future seasons. I am also looking forward to the Shakespeare Theatre's Free For All (August 19-31). They are presenting The Winter's Tale, one of my favorites. (Photo courtesy of Karl Kippola.)
Anne L'Ecuyer
Arts Management Professor
In the category of cheap therapy, consider Rocky Gorge Batting Cages up Columbia Pike just past the T. Howard Duckett Watershed. The short drive is enough to leave the city behind, and the bat is a satisfying tool to send your worries sailing. A quick search will turn up a few other batting cages in the region, but I'm partial to Rocky Gorge, with a put-put course past its prime and the grubby goodness of the old orange cages. They have a driving range too. Open every day until 11 p.m., no appointment necessary. (Photo by Thor.)
Kathy Franz
History Professor
I love the Smithsonian Folklife Festival because it's a chance to do something rare—talk to people from different cultures and communities, and learn more about their food, dress, craft, technology, and music. Yes, you can learn about these things in books, online, or even traveling, but the folklorists bring it all to you at the National Mall. It's right in our backyard, and it's an amazing cultural experience. I like it so much that I volunteered last year. Anyone can volunteer and help the folklorists document and preserve these cultural traditions for the Smithsonian collections. (Photo of Kathy Franz near a wooden Hungarian Puli at the 2013 festival.)
Michael Robinson
Mathematics and Statistics Professor
I discovered that bicycle riding in DC is wonderful—there are lots of fun trails in the area that are both pleasant and scenic. For instance, I recently got back from a ride from Bethesda to the Lincoln memorial on the Capital Crescent Trail. Last week, my family rode the Sligo Creek Stream Valley Trail, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and others! (Photo by Daniel Lobo.)
Thomas Husted
Economics Professor and Department Chair
I really like to go play some golf at the East Potomac Golf Course in DC and wish I could go more often. It allows me to get some great views of the monuments. Open year round, the East Potomac Golf Course has three courses, a driving range, and miniature golf. (Photo by Tim Evanson.)
Marla Boren
Undergraduate Advising Director
Hopping on the Metro and going to National's Park to see a ballgame is definitely my favorite summer pastime. The park has great views of the Capitol, you can watch the racing presidents, and pick up some great AU wonk trivia. If you are a real fan of the game, you'll have an opportunity to see an up-and-coming team with some terrific young players: Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, and Stephen Strasburg. Whether you want to hang out on the red porch for happy hour and watch the game from the outfield on a Friday night, or take in a day game and enjoy a traditional hot dog on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it's a good time. If they don't win, it's a shame. (Photo courtesy of Marla Boren.)
Tim Doud
Studio Art Professor
I recommend checking out Glenstone in Potomac, MD. The museum features work from the collection of Mitchell and Emily Rales, and there is a great exhibition by collaborative artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss on display this summer. The exhibition includes a tour de force piece of work that resembles a workshop/studio, but the entire room is constructed from painted styrofoam—it takes a moment to realize that you are looking at art. Overall, the artists' practice is broad and sometimes very humorous.
The museum is private, so you have to call ahead and make reservations. They allow only small groups into the museum, which is a real benefit, and you will be shown the exhibition spaces by a knowledgeable guide. The museum recently acquired a living piece by Jeff Koons, it should be blooming by now (It is an enormous cartoon-head topiary). There are several pieces on the road to the museum, one by Charles Ray near the entry gate—including a toy tractor that looks plastic, but it's actually several tons of steel—and several enormous Richard Serra sculptures. The museum is located in a beautiful area, it is a nice drive to get there, and it is free! (Photo by Scott Frances.)


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As a three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, Tony Stewart knows a thing or two about safe driving.
He also knows how to police other drivers. As NASCAR's resident traffic cop, he has sent frequent messages to other drivers about the dangers of blocking on the track (that message usually includes a shove into the wall, or a scuffle on pit road).
And Stewart has issued more than a few tongue-lashings to disrespectful drivers.
MORE: Stewart confronts Logano | Stewart on blocking | N.H. picks | Teams avoid penalties
Now he's sending a message to unsafe, disrespectful drivers on the highways.
Asked Thursday his advice on safe driving on the highway, Stewart said:
"Yeah, the first thing, put your phone down. That's the biggest thing," he said. "I drove 45 minutes from home up to (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) today. The biggest problem when it comes to people being a nuisance in traffic is the fact they sit out in the left-hand lane, they're texting, not paying attention to the fact there's other people on the road.
"You've got to share the road. You have to work with the people around you. It seems like as time goes on, more and more, there's a lot less courtesy on the highways, interstates, streets altogether. People don't care. It shows in the driving. It shows in how traffic flows."
Stewart said drivers should work with each other, or give and take, like NASCAR drivers do on the racetrack.
"The people that were working with each other on the interstate, that part seemed to flow better than the ones where people were in the left-hand lane on their phones, didn't care about people trying to get by them going on their way," Stewart said.
"To me, it's unsafe when people are having to make daring moves on the interstate to get by people that are holding up traffic."


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Nas announces exclusive show at Radio City Music Hall on News Years Eve - December 31 at 9PM!
Following the release of his best-selling #1 new album Life Is Good, and a standout performance on this year's Rock the Bells tour, hip-hop's most influential MC has announced an exclusive show at Radio City Music Hall on New Year's Eve. Fans can purchase tickets beginning this Friday, September 14th at noon- the same day Nas will be celebrating his 39th birthday. Elle Varner has been confirmed as support.
Nas's new album, Life Is Good, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album charts (selling 149,000 copies in its first week), marking the sixth #1 album that the artist has produced during his career. The collection has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike including from The New York Times who raved, "A simulacrum of the sound that made him legendary, capturing Nas in his vintage prime without coming off as anachronistic. Life Is Good would probably have been among the best hip-hop albums of 1993 and, as it happens, is likely to be one of the best hip-hop albums of 2012," from Rolling Stone who noted, "The Queens rap godfather spits vicious rhymes over a rugged, island flavored beat," and from The Los Angeles Times who said, "On Life Is Good, the rapper known for his sharp wit and biting social commentary taps into one of his most honest and compelling subject matters yet: himself."
Click here to learn more about our upcoming shows, enter sweepstakes, get directions, find restaurants in the area and more - all on MSG Soundcheck!


text: Loan debt could create doctor shortage in state By The Associated Press January 28, 2013 Story Share CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- An official at West Virginia University's medical school says rising student loan debt could eventually create a shortage of doctors in the state.Debt is beginning to influence which specialty students choose to pursue, said vice dean Dr. Norman Ferrari, and it could theoretically stop people from applying to medical school.Ferrari tells the Charleston Daily Mail that some students might like to become family doctors. But they're choosing higher-paying specialties such as a cardiologist or an oncologist instead."I sometimes hear students say `Gee, I would like to be a pediatrician but I need to be a' . . . whatever kind of `ologist' they think they need to be,'' Ferrari said. "The debt is starting to influence their decision making.''A recent report by the Higher Education Policy Commission says West Virginia medical school students graduated with an average $186,000 in student loan debt in 2012.That figure doesn't include student debt they may have incurred while earning their bachelor's degrees. Undergraduate debt for 2008, the year most 2012 medical students graduated, averaged more than $29,065, the commission said in a separate report.At WVU, the average medical student's debt was $156,425 in 2012, compared with $162,010 at Marshall University's medical school. Graduates of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine had the highest debt, with an average $240,283.Spokeswoman Denise Getson said the osteopathic school hasn't raised tuition for several years and tries to link students with resources such as the National Health Service Corps, which helps repay loans for doctors who serve in high-need areas. Many of the students are also from outside West Virginia, Getson said, so they pay a higher tuition and therefore incur more debt. The school has 255 resident students and 582 nonresidents.Marshall's medical school had been on probation by its accrediting body, the Liaison Committee for Medical Education, because its graduates' debts once exceeded the national average. But a new dean hired last year began pushing for more scholarship awards, giving out $1.93 million for the 2012-13 school year, said spokeswoman Linda Holmes.About 65 percent of Marshall medical school students receive scholarships of about $10,000 apiece.Ferrari said tuition is always increasing at WVU, where debt is also growing because many students are nontraditional -- older, sometimes married and with children. They take on more debt, he said, because they need more cash to support their families while they forgo jobs.WVU offers debt management training, providing students annual notices with their accrued totals.Some doctors join the military to help pay off their loans, Ferrari said, but that doesn't help rural communities that need physicians."Once they've been stationed in Germany or Hawaii,'' he said, "it may be difficult to get them back.'' Story Share Story Share Trending Now 1 Philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum of Shoney's fortune turns 100 2 Derek Redd: Marshall thinks outside the cable box for broadcasts 3 Deer in 8 WV counties found dead from EHD 4 Parole hearing set for Putnam man who claims wrongful sex assault conviction 5 Capital High to reopen Monday after shut down by mold Wheeling Hospital sees baby boom in 2012 Previous Story Moving W.Va. Schools for Deaf, Blind considered Next Story


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Backed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, a campaign field operations coordinator for the Monterey County Republican Party has sued Monterey Peninsula College and its career center director for advocating support for higher taxes in Tuesday's election.
Ben Strickland, 29, who appears to have recently graduated from MPC with a degree in political science, psychology and history, filed the lawsuit on Nov. 2 in Monterey courts. It mirrors one filed against CSU Monterey Bay on the same day and for the same reason: for allegedly using government funds for campaign activities, prohibited by law.
In the lawsuit against MPC, Strickland said he received an email on Oct. 15 from Career Center Director Kathleen Baker urging students to back Proposition 30.
"What will this buy," the email asked. "The answer: a yes vote on Prop. 30 will prevent an immediate $6 billion further cut to schools."
The email comes from Baker's college account, and closes by urging a "yes" vote on Prop. 30.
Proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown to balance California's budget and prevent $6 billion in cuts mostly to education, the measure had netted 54 percent of the "yes" vote as of Friday.
The measure came under sharp attacks by anti-tax groups, which said there was no way to ensure the money raised with the new taxes would go to education, though state officials say that is guaranteed.
The measure also came under fire by students affiliated with the Republican Party at several colleges throughout the state.
Reached at the Monterey headquarters of the Republican Party, Strickland said he would not comment. He referred questions to Tim Bittle, director of legal affairs at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, who could not be reached to comment Friday.
MPC President Doug Garrison said the college had not received notice of the lawsuit.
Matthew Bolner, a senior majoring in human communications at CSUMB and the chairman of the Otter College Republicans, sued the university also for an email he'd received from a professor urging support for Prop. 30.
California law prohibits state employees from using public resources for campaign activities.
Claudia Meléndez Salinas can be reached at 753-6755 or email@example.com.


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This viewpoint also suggests, as the theme Dave Cole has crafted for us implies... that from a competitive standpoint the world is flat. Driven by the speed and capabilities of technology and ready access to information and data... our world is smaller and flatter than ever.
Even small and midsize firms can gain access to scale they couldn't obtain in the past - through the focused application of technology. And a relatively small company like Honda has long been living proof of that. What's changed is the speed in which any company can become competitive. Media used to write about the auto industry's rush to invest in China. Now, within just 2 to 3 years of that, we see the first efforts of Chinese automakers to invest in this market.
Importantly, while we are global companies, our customers are local. And we need to tailor our products and our operations to meet their needs. Failure to accept this reality... or the attempt to erect barriers against it... only distracts from the creativity and energy that we all need to focus on the key challenges we face. What is critical - the key point really - is technology... and what we use it to achieve. Yes, the competitive world is flat... but the real world... as Christopher Columbus discovered... is round.
We all breathe the same air that goes around and around... and we all benefit from the same ozone layer that shelters Mother Earth. So, we... the auto industry... must do our best to protect the environment recognizing that what we produce today, we must live with tomorrow. But I want to emphasize right from the outset that, in our view, success does not require making tradeoffs - for instance, selling clean cars versus those that our customers want to drive. At Honda, our goal is to create new value for the customer... through the development of original technology that creates unique products that people want to buy... and to do so in a way that reduces our environmental footprint.
For Honda, these goals are not mutually exclusive. They are part of the foundation of our business and the core philosophy that guides our efforts. Today, the price of gas is about $3 per gallon... and fuel efficiency is making a comeback as a key consumer purchase consideration. But nearly four decades ago, when oil was still $3 a barrel - the commitment to reduce emissions and fuel consumption was part of Honda's vision to create "Blue skies for our children."
In the end, this kind of belief system is what enables us to achieve environmental leadership... not mergers, or government funding of technology... but rather a focus on the fundamental beliefs that guide our investment in and development of technology... and lead to the products we produce. Now... I don't want to make the challenge sound easy. Meeting the needs of our customers and protecting the environment is a never-ending challenge. It kind of reminds me of that famous New Yorker magazine cartoon... where two guys are climbing a mountain... and take great satisfaction that they are on the verge of reaching the very peak. But what readers see - is that there are more, even higher mountains on the other side. And that's what meeting the environmental challenge is all about. It is a never-ending challenge.
In Honda's view, the energy and environmental challenge involves three critical issues requiring unique technological approaches. We must continue to reduce air pollution with conventional engine technology. We have to further advance the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine, including hybrid and diesel technologies. And we must develop alternative fuel technologies - both vehicle and infrastructure - to address energy sustainability, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and work toward a mode of transportation with zero mobile source CO2 emissions. Each one of these is a daunting, daunting challenge.
Think about it - air pollution was once the paramount social concern. Now, you could say it is on its way to becoming a declining issue because of the tremendous advances that have been made in low emission technology. Ten years ago, the 1996 Civic was the industry's first Low Emission Vehicle. Today, even Honda's first truck, the Ridgeline, is a LEV-2 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle - which means it's cleaner than a lot of the new cars being sold today.
With progress like this in reducing air emissions... coupled with increased concern over global warming... today, the primary focus of environmental technology has shifted toward fuel efficiency as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions... or CO2. But higher gas prices have added a strong consumer voice to this issue. And sales numbers over the past two months paint a pretty clear picture of how attitudes toward fuel efficiency are changing. Last month, sales of Civic climbed 6 percent, Accord jumped another 9 percent... and we are selling the all new Fit as fast as we can get our hands on them. But I also want to emphasize that our light truck models are holding their own... in part because they already essentially meet federal fuel economy standards for the year 2011.
In fact, the only thing constraining the sales of our most fuel efficient models is capacity. A little less than two months ago, we announced our intention to address that... with plans to build a new 200-thousand unit plant in the Midwest, in Indiana, to produce fuel efficient 4-cylinder vehicles starting in 2008. And we are adding a new plant in Canada to build more 4-cylinder engines as well.
But we were focused on fuel efficiency when gas prices were relatively low. It is just what we believe. One media pundit has said that "the market has come back to Honda." And he might be right. But give us some credit, too - we stuck to our commitment - to Honda's core values of providing fuel efficient vehicles. It is strategy guided by principle... not blind luck.
Honda sells a lot more than cars. We are a mobility company with global sales of more than 20 million engines per year... including a diverse range of products that includes motorcycles, outboard motors and other power equipment. And our commitment to fuel efficiency includes all of these products. We have replaced 2-stroke engines in virtually every motorcycle worldwide with cleaner, more efficient 4-stroke engines. And we have now begun voluntarily applying fuel injection technology to motorcycles globally. Even our latest new product... HondaJet... showcases Honda's focus on fuel efficiency - it is up to 30 to 35% more fuel efficient than similar aircraft. In short, we use technology consistently across all product categories to address the environment even as we meet the needs of our customers.
We have no intention to stop pushing the efficiency envelope even from our leadership position. Earlier this year, Honda became the first automaker in the world to set global CO2 reduction goals for its products and production activities. Importantly, these are voluntary efforts... beyond what is required by law. Despite increased sales of larger vehicles such as SUVs and minivans, we are targeting a reduction in CO2 emissions from our products of 10 percent by year 2010, compared to 2000 levels. We are also focusing attention on the facilities that build our products... with plans to reduce the global average of CO2 emissions required to produce one automobile at a Honda facility in year 2010 by 10 percent compared to 2000.
For Honda, the focus is not about seeking technological loopholes that meet regulations... but do little for the environment. Our focus is on achieving a true advance in technologies... through real world experience... that can help our customers and the environment. Again, for companies that are willing to invest in technology, this is where the auto industry can be a "flat world" of opportunities.
We recognize... and are not afraid to acknowledge... that the gasoline internal combustion engine will remain the primary means of motive power for customers in North America and around the globe for at least the next 15-20 years. So, we have made a fundamental commitment to further advancements in gasoline engine efficiency across the full range of our 2006 North American product lineup.
By 2008, we will introduce a new 4-cylinder internal combustion engine in our VTEC series - with continuously variable valve control technology - to improve fuel efficiency by up to 13 percent from 2005 levels. And a V-6 engine with a new more advanced Variable Cylinder Management technology will improve basic V-6 efficiency by up to 11 percent over 2005 levels.
Beyond conventional engine technology, Honda has taken the lead in a host of advanced technologies from hybrids, to natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell. But our strategy is not about pursuing the latest fad. And I would include hybrids in that statement. Now, be careful about what you just heard... I did not say hybrids are a fad. But I want to emphasize they are just one necessary approach.
I know people have wondered about our hybrid strategy - we have been questioned repeatedly regarding why we haven't joined those companies promising to sell 250-thousand to a million hybrids by the end of the decade. The reason is simple... Honda always proceeds with a sense of urgency, but we also have a patience that is born out of experience with technology. There are multiple solutions to the environmental challenge - and we have a responsibility both to our customers and our shareholders... and the answer is not necessarily hybrids for all model types. We did introduce America's first hybrid... and America's first mass-market hybrid... and America's first V-6 hybrid. In each case... we learned a lot about real world performance requirements and the needs of the customer. This has been a great advantage.
By developing the technology ourselves, and gaining real world experience with it, we aren't guided by another company's beliefs or technology timetable... and we fundamentally understand the technology so that we can continue to advance it ourselves. The Civic has the 4th generation Honda Hybrid System with new technology that increases horsepower and torque, yet is also more efficient.
Today, hybrids mean fuel economy - and that is really their greatest value... both when it comes to addressing CO2 reduction... and giving the consumer what they want... which is higher mileage. Toward this end, earlier this year, we announced plans to introduce a new, more affordable hybrid car. This was the result of a strong request from those of us at American Honda to Honda R&D.
We explained to them the need for an affordable hybrid as a next generation people's car. As a means to improve fuel efficiency, we determined that hybrid technology is most effective in smaller displacement vehicles. With the key understanding that the success of a small hybrid is based on offering it at an affordable price. Our R&D operations have taken on this challenge... and the new small hybrid vehicle will be launched in 2009... with a projected North American sales volume of 100-thousand units.
But there are other solutions to reducing CO2. And another key strategy that has earned quite a bit of attention is our plan to introduce what could be the world's first clean diesel engine. Honda's direct injection diesel engine technology now offered in Europe has received critical acclaim for its performance, smooth operation and efficiency... and is selling well in four different vehicles.
Based on this foundation, within three years, we will introduce a new 4-cylinder diesel engine that meets the world's toughest emissions standards. With hybrid technology focused more on small cars, we believe that diesel technology is the best fuel efficient technology for larger vehicles. So, R&D is also working on the development of V6 diesel engine technology. We do not have a timetable for introducing such an engine. But it is a key development goal.


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In face of flu vaccine shortage, Delaware relaxes ban on thimerasol
In the midst of an influenza epidemic and vaccine shortages, Delaware is temporarily changing its flu shot rules.
This week pediatrician and Director of Public Health Karyl Rattay temporarily lifted the ban on vaccines made with thimerosal, a preservative that contains trace amounts of mercury.
Normally, Delaware law forbids doctors from giving vaccine containing mercury to pregnant women and children younger than age 8.
Rattay said thimerosal has a proven safety record.
"Nonetheless, folks have had concern in the past that there might have been harm," she said.
Rattay said the Delaware ban on mercury-containing vaccines was enacted years ago, during a time of heightened, and never substantiated, concern over a connection between vaccines and autism.
In a statement, Rattay said pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to the flu. "Public Health wants to ensure that vaccine is available for those who need it in Delaware," she said.
The division has been in touch with doctors and other health workers who are running low on mercury-free vaccine.
"They are not expressing concern about the risk from thimerosal. They are much more concerned about the risk of not being able to protect people from the risk of influenza," Rattay said.
Two people in Delaware have died from flu-related illness this month. At this time last year, there were no flu-related deaths reported in the state.
"We branded thimerosal with a scarlet letter," said Dr. Paul Offit, who heads the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "And now there are people who are scared of thimerosal even though there is now abundant data showing that the level contained in vaccines was never harmful."
More than a decade ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began eliminating or reducing thimerosal in routine childhood vaccines. Delaware's law is unique in the region; neither New Jersey nor Pennsylvania has a similar rule.
"The notion that there still are states that have a preference against thimerosal-containing vaccines on their books is outdated, archaic and certainly not supported by the science," Offit said.
"Interesting that thimerosal has largely been taken out of childhood vaccines since the late '90s, and autism rates have gone up," Rattay said. "Which is the opposite of what would be expected if thimerosal was causing autism."


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Youth hostel Bledec
Youth Hostel Bledec is continuing a 80 - year old tradition of youth tourism at Bled. The location of the hostel is absolutely great!!! The hostel is situated in a peaceful old part of town just a 3 minute walk from St. Martin church. A 5 minute walk brings you to the lake. The walking path next to the hostel takes you to the castle within less than 10 minutes. Train station is 20 minutes away (walking) and you can get to the bus station in less then 5 minutes. There is also a grocery store on the corner, just a minute away. Great pubs, bars and restaurants are all nearby.
You can book several activities (hiking, biking, rafting, canyoning, sky diving, paragliding or horse riding...), trips to some highlights of Slovenia or get useful information regarding Bled and surroundings at the reception desk. The staff are nice and friendly and always ready to help.The restaurant in the hostel is open at lunch and dinner time and offers various a la cart dishes (yummy pasta) as well as set menus.
The capacity of the hostel is 12 rooms with 55 beds, mostly 3,4, 5 or 6 beds per unit, with shower and WC, TV, restaurant, bar, common kitchen, internet and wi-fi, laundry service and so on. Rooms are nice, clean, we provide always fresh shits and are also appropriate for families with children. Hostel welcome also groups ( max. 55 pax, bus parking 300metres away, free of charge).
We offer bed, bed and breakfast, half and full board stay.
Parking by the hostel free of charge.
Wi-fi free of charge
Bike rental (start hour 2€ur, any further hour 1€ur)
Washing machine and dryer, 7 €ur per bag
Hairdryer for hire
Common kitchen, fridge, free for use.
Tourist tax (1, 28€ur) is not included in the price and it is payable upon arrival.
Check in: 3 PM - 8 PM
Check out: until 10 AM
Availability & RatesTo view availability and prices please select dates and click 'Update Dates'
Hostel Facilities & Policies
- 24 Hour Security
- Adaptors
- Bar
- Bicycle hire
- Bicycle parking
- Book Exchange
- Breakfast Not Included
- Cable TV
- Café
- Child Friendly
- Common Room
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Free City Maps
- Free Internet Access
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Hair Dryers
- Hair Dryers For Hire
- Hot Showers
- Internet Access
- Self-Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Linen Included
- Security Lockers
- Luggage Storage
- Meals Available
- Meeting Rooms
- Non Smoking
- Outdoor Terrace
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Restaurant
- Steam Room
- Taxes not included
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Towels For Hire
- Towels Included
- Washing Machine
Cancellation PolicyThis property has a 1 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal to the first night of your stay.
Must-Read Hostel InfoThis property has specific Terms & Conditions.
Tourist tax (1, 28€ur) is not included in the price and it is payable upon arrival.
Check in: 3 PM - 8 PM
Check out: until 10 AM
DirectionsShow MapHide Map
By foot:
Bled main station - from the bus turn right and walk up the hill. Youth hostel Bledec is situated on the top of the hill on the left side. Walking distance 5 minutes.
By car:
By the traffic lights in the center of Bled turn right, continue along the main road (follow directions for the castle). Shortly after passing stadium on your right, turn left up the hill ( look for sign Pension - Youth Hostel Bledec ). On the top of the hill you'll find us, parking infront the hostel.
By train:
Station Bled - Jezero - from the train station turn left and walk among the street 1km. You rich the main road and turn right, go ahead and in the far on the top of the hill, you will see the hostle (left side of the castle).
Or go down to the lake, turn left and walk on the nord dhore of lake. When you see Bled castle above you, turn left towards church and keep walking up the hill until you reach Youth Hostel Bledec. (20 min walking distance)
Located Near
10 minutes away from Bled Castle, 2 minutes away from the Sport park Bled (Stadium), 5 minutes away from the lake, 3 minutes to the first shop, 5 minutes from the bus station, 20 minutes away from the train station, 40 walk to Vintgar Gorge, you can do all this on foot.


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The Day Ahead: A Parade of Non-Issues
I exit the week personally fired up for a litany of reasons -- partly because of earnings season, but also because it looks as though many investors aren't conducting deeper-level analysis, and are thus ill-prepared for a range of future events that will either make or break a portfolio.
Allow me to point out what you "learned" this week:...669 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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good work guys...nicely done video but maybe next time showing real game footage..?but you can also see trough the editing great looking textures and details..
very promising..imo
good work guys...nicely done video but maybe next time showing real game footage..?but you can also see trough the editing great looking textures and details..
very promising..imo
Thank you for this great vid! Thank you ISI for bringing us the spirit of the sixties. Can´t wait to get into this time machine!
These are sprite 2d public right ?
These 2 are animated. Question will we be able to put only animated public on the track side ? Is there a limitation of the engine or can we put as much as we can ? In 2011 i dont wanna see 2d sprites ever again.
Ok now the only interest angle i saw in the clip :
Something who shock me in this video is the tire texture, looks too plastic, too fake and every car has the same tires texture, without variations ? No dirt, different shape, marks etc...
And dont tell me its the begining of the race, tires dont look the same on every cars, i wanna see variations.
I think the shinyness is due to the overexposure effect which was used in post production, but there is some reflection of light that I'd expect. n the photo below you can see three VERY different tires, all of them which look white on the side facing the sun.
Something i dont get, why talk and show hdr in screens making 2 step forward, then publish a video afterward without hdr = 1 step backward. Why not wait for it be ready ? Or again we get media because some other sims communicated...
PS : Watching the video seeing i was only at the half felt nice then seeing the 2 inside sim racing guys... not good
Last edited by shum94; 10-13-11 at 05:57 PM.
Ok, as you edited your post I guess I'll edit mine. lol
This video was started a while ago, before HDR was stable and honestly, what if Gjon decided to go into open beta without HDR? We wanted to put something out, so we put something out, regardless of what was in, out, etc.
As above, this was started a long time ago and it's something Gjon wanted to be done and released. He doesn't pay that much attention to what other people do, he's not a follower.
Cars: Great
Track: Great
Choice of music: Great
Athmosphere: Amazing
What went wrong with the encoding? That's the only thing I really hate about the trailer.
It seems the footage was captured at a different framerate than the trailer was encoded in afterwards, producing those super-nasty ghosting effects which make everything that moves blurry and half-transparent. I sense some 30fps capturing and 29.97fps trailer encoding or vice versa.
I will download the version from the ISI site tomorrow Tim, I hope it really could have something to do with the re-encoding from ISR like you mentioned on VirtualR.
Other than that: Way to go guys, I really can't wait for full weather and LiveTrack simulation!
That's Surtees in Ferrari 158 from 1964.
The ISI video shows content from 1968. You're comparing a '64 Dunlop to a '68 Firestone or Goodyear (Matra were the only cars in '68 to be on Dunlops).
As Tim said, the tyres back then were bullet proof - a single set used for multiple Grand Prix, 4 GPs not being uncommon. Gives you an indication of the fact that they basically had very little if no wear.
I was expecting this one ^^
You're good fanboy i give you that.
But what do these photos tell us? That they had tires? Please explain more Shum94. I am wanting to understand here because if it's something we need to do then I'd want us to do it, right now we're just looking at photos, none of which represent the cars in our video... The cars are not year specific (66-69 range), the track is 66. The licensed car content from the 60's I have (for GP) is 66 though, but they're not shown.
If this is supposed to show wear differences then you should also note exactly what shutter speed was used in the photographs if you're intending to establish what the condition of the surface of the tire looked like. Because a slower shutter and a very good pan can make a worn tire look pretty smooth and a fully treaded tire look like a grooved one.
Just showing some pix with tires since i found the texture of ISI too plastic, fake, weird.
But if you're so confident, i'm glad we will have same fidelity for sounds & physics
If that tire shine is so much of an issue, it can be easily fixed by modders. I'm not saying that ISI should leave everything on modders shoulders, but that is the greatest thing in this game; ISI provides us a great platform with some bolted-on content, where modders can build upon. There is not enough love for the work that ISI has done and does.
That video btw kicks ass compared to any iRacing or CARS video ever.


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The big game is fast approaching, and as much as I love watching the Super Bowl, one of the best parts of the night is the commercials. This year, a 30-second spot is going to run companies a whopping $4 million. Most commercials will have a companion website for potential customers to visit after viewing the commercial. Being able to further engage viewers is one way that companies justify the hefty price tag, but if they are going to spend that much money on a television spot, they better be ready for the traffic that is coming their way.
Whether it is the big game or another high traffic event, you can take steps to help ensure your website can survive a crushing amount of traffic. After all, no one likes going to a website that is down. Here are some tips to keep your site up and running in the cloud through a huge traffic spike.
1. Cache Content On Your Site
Most content management systems, such as WordPress, render a unique page for every visitor to your site. Rather than having to build a page a million times, caching lets you build it once and save it, taking a significant load off of your configuration.
There are different strategies for caching content whether you are running a Windows or Linux server. Additionally, plugins on popular CMS platforms can help you cache as well. The point to takeaway is that it is always more efficient to serve cached content instead of having to go to the database each time, and Rackspace can help suggest strategies to best suite your needs.
2. Set Up A Static Landing Page
If millions of people will be hitting your site at the same time, one way to make sure that they see something is to have a static landing page. By dynamically generating content for your homepage, you run into the situation of a server getting overwhelmed. However, if you take advantage of a static homepage and upload it to Cloud Files, it will be distributed over our Content Delivery Network (CDN). This results in your content being distributed on servers around the globe, allowing it to be served up to your visitor on a server that is physically closer to them and resulting in faster load times.
3. Know The Different Types Of Scaling
One of the amazing aspects of the cloud is how it can scale. But to prepare for the onslaught of traffic, you need to know the difference between vertical and horizontal scaling. Think of vertical scaling as simply clicking "resize server" in our control panel and selecting the next size up. This increases the allocated amount of virtual CPU, RAM and disk. The benefit is that it can be done with a click of a mouse, but the drawback is that there is downtime while the server resizes, something you probably don't want during your high traffic event.
The other type, horizontal scaling, helps mitigate this by essentially adding additional servers to your configuration. By doing this, you increase the available pool of resources to handle your high traffic event, without having downtime to add another server to your line. One thing to consider is that you need to prepare your application to take advantage of this type of scaling in advance.
4. Have A Load Balancer Out Front
If you do plan on distributing your load across multiple servers, or plan to take advantage of horizontal scaling, you will want to set up a load balancer to help distribute the traffic to different nodes. You will want to do this in advance, because you will have to point the IP to the load balancer, which could result in some downtime while the DNS records update. The upside to a load balancer is huge, and you will definitely need one to help route the high volume of traffic.
5. Database Replication
When you have a high traffic event, there are going to be lots of reads from your database. If that database was to topple over, you risk losing functionality to your entire site. To prevent this from happening, you will want to consider a database replication strategy.
To do this, you have one "master" database and a pool of "slave" databases. All the write requests are sent to the master database and are then replicated out to the slave databases. The read requests have the ability to happen on any of the database nodes in your configuration. With database replication, if your master database begins getting overtaxed, you will want to promote a slave to become a new master. There are several Cloud Tools partners that can help you and your company with database replication, as well as the Rackspace Managed Databases team.
Those tips should help your website defend against the rush of traffic during a major event, like the Super Bowl, and enable you to sit back and enjoy the game instead of worrying about your site being sacked by a traffic blitz.
Want to learn more from the Cloud Zen Master? Check out Joseph Palumbo's author page for all of his posts!


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PeDr0 wrote:Not listening to any music these days because I believe what the buddha taught.
Crazy cloud wrote:
But fun stuff aside - thers lots of dhamma, all over the place, just keep your mind to dhammabusiness and enjoy life
Dhammabodhi wrote:This short song is from a new critically acclaimed Hindi movie called "The Ship of Theseus": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMvNfytKRBQ
It has English subtitles.
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