text:
Magnetic brain stimulation
From Library of Congress Subject Headings
Magnetic brain stimulation
- http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh99002394
- info:lc/authorities/sh99002394
- http://id.loc.gov/authorities/sh99002394#concept
Instance Of
Scheme Membership(s)
Collection Membership(s)
- Magnetic stimulation of the brain
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Broader Terms
Closely Matching Concepts from Other Schemes
- found: Work cat.: 99-20411: Mills, K.R. Magnetic stimulation of the human nervous system, 1999: CIP galley (magnetic brain stimulation; transcranial magnetic stimulation)
- found: MEDLINE, March 16, 1999.
- found: MESH (Magnetics; Magnetics--therapeutic use)
- found: psychFIRST, March 16, 1999.
LC Classification
Change Notes
- 1999-03-16: new
- 2011-05-28: revised
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As Congress inches closer to approving a health reform bill, there's one last-minute addition to the legislation that's prompting much controversy. It's a new tax on "unearned income." What might that be? I'm glad you asked.
Here's how the legislation describes it:
"[I]ncome from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents, other than such income which is derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business not described in paragraph (2), ''(ii) other gross income derived from a trade or business described in paragraph (2)," and ''(iii) net gain (to the extent taken into account in computing taxable income) attributable to the disposition of property other than property held in a trade or business not described in paragraph (2)."
So, essentially an additional tax on investments and capital gains. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was asked the question:
Reporter: So, capital gains?
Pelosi: "No, unearned income, whatever category that is."
Pelosi also described the new tax as "help for health," calling it a "health fee" on all those who have what she again described as "unearned income" that would keep Medicare solvent for years to come.
I get the feeling Pelosi cares not a whit where the money comes from or even knows where the money is coming from, as long as there's something that's paying the tab.
The investment tax or "help for health" as Pelosi calls it would apply to any person making $200,00 or more and any couple making $250,000 and up. The Wall Street Journal says:
The White House has embraced this investment tax because Big Labor opposed its preferred excise tax on high-cost health plans (the so-called Cadillac tax). So the White House decided to delay the excise tax, which meant losing $116.2 billion in revenue over the first 10 years. Voila, out came the 2.9% investment tax.
So for reasons of political expediency, Democrats will now impose a destructive tax that will permanently skew the incentives to work, save and create jobs. Come to think of it, that sums up this entire exercise.
Do you think this is the way we should be paying for Medicare? Or is this last-minute addition to the bill a horrible idea?

subset: commoncrawl


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Weather Service confirms EF-1 tornado struck Park Rapids
The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado packing wind speeds of 105 mph hit Park Rapids at 10:30 Monday night.
It was accompanied by a microburst.
"The first sign of touchdown was approximately 5 miles southwest of Park Rapids where a prefabricated home was destroyed," the report states. The path from Straight River Township eventually skipped 10 miles.
The storm continued on a northeast trajectory "touching down periodically as it moved to the west side of Park Rapids," meteorologist Mark Ewens reported.
"EF-1 damage was noted at the Hubbard County Fairgrounds where the roof from the grandstand was lofted approximately 150 yards east severely dam-aging a residential home and a vehicle parked there," the report continues.
"The tornado weakened as it continued northeast causing damage to docks and a pontoon boat on the east end of Fish Hook Lake," the report states.
At that point Ewens estimated it was an EF-0 tornado with wind speeds of 85 mph. The EF-0 tornado touched down again 3 miles northeast of Park Rapids at 10:40 p.m.
"A microburst accompanied the tornado causing a significant amount of damage up to 1 mile to the east of the tornado track," the report states. "Numerous trees and structures were damaged, particularly in the city of Park Rapids. Based on the damage observed maximum wind speeds were estimated around 95 mph" as the storm whooshed through the city.
Three years ago this week an EF-3 tornado caused massive damage to cabins on Pickerel Lake and an EF-2 tornado destroyed turkey barns near Hinds Lake.


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Greece's president will summon the heads of the country's political parties "without delay" at the request of Prime Minister George Papandreou in an attempt to break a political stalemate.
The move came after President Karolos Papoulias held an hour-long meeting with Mr Papandreou, who had earlier won an confidence motion in the Greek parliament.
The head of state will discuss with the top politicians "the opportunities for co-operation," as Mr Papandreou scrambles to forge a unity government to pull the crisis-hit country out of its debt plight.
The aim of this unity government would be to push through the EU bailout plan agreed last week in Brussels designed to keep the near-bankrupt country afloat, according to Mr Papandreou.
"The application of this deal is the precondition for us staying in the euro. It's as important as that," he said.
However, it remains unclear whether he will be able to secure the support of the opposition conservatives.
Their leader, Antonis Samaras, stuck to his demand for early elections, which Mr Papandreou said would be ''catastrophic''.
Under intense pressure from European partners and facing a rebellion within his own socialist ranks, Mr Papandreou indicated in a half-hour address to MPs in the early hours of this morning that he would step aside.
"I am not interested in a chair, the last thing I am interested in is whether I am re-elected," said Mr Papandreou, who swept to a landslide national election victory in 2009.
However, Mr Samaras defiantly held out for snap elections, raising the spectre of renewed political deadlock in the country, which could delay the payment of much-needed aid and intensify the eurozone debt crisis.
Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos announced recently that Greece "absolutely needed" by 15 December an €8bn slice of aid from a 2010 EU rescue package.
"The mask has fallen. Papandreou has rejected our proposals and he must take responsibility for that," said Mr Samaras, who heads the opposition New Democracy party.
"Elections are now the only answer", he added.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary head of Mr Papandreou's socialist Pasok party, Christos Protopapas, warned that the talks could still end in failure.
"I would like to believe that there is still room for manoeuvre, but the crisis is getting worse," Mr Protopapas told Net public television.
"What the Greeks want - a team led by a third person, neither Papandreou nor Samaras - is in the process of being lost. It's dangerous," he said.
Two polls taken by Greek newspapers will give Mr Papandreou some comfort, however, as both showed stronger support for a national unity government, rather than for early snap elections.
One poll commissioned by Proto Thema newspaper showed 52% of the public are in favour of the plan being put forward by Mr Papandreou, while 36% want snap elections as proposed by the conservative opposition.
Another poll commissioned by Ethnos newspaper puts support for the rival ideas at 45% and 41.7% respectively.
Elsewhere, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned in her weekly webcast that Europe would need a decade to clean up its finances and emerge from the current debt crisis.
"Everyone in Europe must make an effort to achieve all that is required," Ms Merkel said.


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Presented by Qualcomm: The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza: Obama settled on Emanuel as early as August ...On bipartisanship: 'We just have to TRY. We don't have to SUCCEED'
BREAKING – AFP's Lachlan Carmichael, in Beijing: "Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Sunday urged China to keep buying US debt as she wrapped up her first overseas trip, during which she agreed to work closely with Beijing on the financial crisis. Clinton made the plea shortly before leaving China, the final stop on a four-nation Asian tour that also took her to Japan, Indonesia and South Korea, where she worked the crowds to try to restore America's standing abroad."
Good Sunday morning. It's Oscars day. In Africa, George Clooney tells NBC's Ann Curry that he's meeting soon with President Obama on Darfur: "We want [the president] to appoint a high-level, full-time diplomat" to negotiate for a peace treaty, Clooney said, per ETonline.
Story Continued Below
PARAGRAPH OF THE DAY – N.Y. Times, top of p.1, "Hold the Eulogies, Kennedy Says: As Honors Roll In, Senator Looks Ahead to Health Care Overhaul," By Mark Leibovich: "'Obviously I've been touched and grateful,' Mr. Kennedy said in a phone interview Friday from the rented home in Miami where he has spent most of the winter. 'Beyond that, I don't really plan to go away soon.'"
THE NARRATIVE -- NEWSWEEK's cover is a Getty Images shot of the President striding down the beautiful red carpet connecting the East Room and the State Dining Room – "The Confidence Game: How Obama Can Talk Us Out of a Depression," by Jonathan Alter: "[M]y take on Obama, based on conversations with him and his team stretching back more than four years and extending into the White House, is that he has a firm grasp of the psychological and substantive challenges of the presidency. Equally important, his 2008 campaign proved that he possesses a superior sense of timing. He knows that now is not the moment to cheerlead, not when the financial players are lying dazed on the field. There will be time for that. … From the time I first met Obama nearly a decade ago, all his people have said essentially the same thing about him: the boss doesn't overreact or underreact. He's the Goldilocks man—not too hot, not too cold."
TOP TALKER –The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza has a six-page, 5,100-word "Letter from Washington – The Gatekeeper: Rahm Emanuel on the job": White House Chief of Staff "Rahm Emanuel's office, which is no more than a three-second walk from the Oval Office, is as neat as a Marine barracks. On his desk, the files and documents, including leatherbound folders from the National Security Council, are precisely arranged, each one parallel with the desk's edge. … Unlike recent chiefs of staff from the Bush and Clinton eras, who tended to be relatively quiet inside players, Emanuel is a former congressional leader, a Democratic Party power, and one of the more colorful Beltway celebrities. He is a political John McEnroe, known for both his mercurial temperament and his tactical brilliance. … And, like McEnroe, Emanuel seems to employ his volcanic moments for effect, intimidating opponents and referees alike but never quite losing himself in the midst of battle. … As a child, he attended a Jewish day school in Chicago, where students received written evaluations, instead of A's and B's. 'My first-grade teacher,' he told me, 'said two things that were very interesting: "Rahm likes to clean up after cleanup time is over."' He pointed to his desk. 'I am fastidious about it. In fact, this is messy today.' The second point was about Emanuel's 'personality being larger than life.' In the first grade. …
"By any measure, what Obama's White House has achieved in passing the stimulus bill is historic. The last President to preside over a legislative victory of this magnitude so early in his Administration was Franklin Roosevelt, who on the sixth day of his Presidency persuaded Congress to enact a wholesale restructuring of the banking system. … His task has been made no easier by Obama's desire for bipartisanship, which Emanuel argues the press has misunderstood. 'The public wants bipartisanship,' he said. 'We just have to TRY. We don't have to SUCCEED.' Still, he insisted, they have been succeeding. … I noticed that over his left shoulder, on the credenza behind him, was an official-looking name plate, which he said was a birthday present from his two brothers. It read, 'Undersecretary for Go Fuck Yourself.' … Obama's managerial instincts tend toward a looser operation, with lots of staff and outside input. The fact that he will keep a BlackBerry to stay in touch with friends outside the West Wing fishbowl is one sign of this. (Emanuel grimaced when I mentioned his boss's devotion to the device.) … David Axelrod is one of Emanuel's best friends. (When Emanuel got married, to Amy Rule, Axelrod signed the ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract.) …
"Obama settled on Emanuel as early as last August. 'It was months before the election when Barack said to me, "You know, Rahm would make a great chief of staff,"' Axelrod said. 'He spent six years in the White House, knows this place inside and out, spent four or five years in Congress, and became a leader in a short period of time. He really understands the legislative process, he's a friend who the President has known for a long time from Chicago, and whose loyalty is beyond question, and who thinks like a Chicagoan.' Emanuel did not want the job. A few months before Election Day, Obama sent him an e-mail, with a warning: 'Heads up, I'm coming for you.' Emanuel was a key negotiator in moving the TARP legislation through Congress, in October. After the bill cleared Congress, Obama, who supported it, sent Emanuel another e-mail. 'I told you we made a great team,' he said. Emanuel wrote back, 'I look forward to being your floor leader in the House.' While Obama was wooing Rahm, Rahm's older brother, Ezekiel, an oncologist and a bioethicist, served as a sounding board. 'I probably spent half an hour every day being screamed at on the telephone by him,' he said. '"I don't want to do this. Why do I have to do this? Tell me I don't have to do this." All of which said to me he knew he had to do it.' …
"Over lunch two days before the Inauguration, Emanuel explained to me his decision to give up his congressional seat and return to the White House. … 'The main hesitation was family, because there's no way you will convince me this is good for my family,' Emanuel, who has three children, ages eleven, ten, and eight, said. 'No matter what every White House says—"We're going to be great, family-friendly"—well, the only family we're going to be good for is the First Family. Everybody else is, like, really a distant second, O.K.?' … There are people working for Obama who know as much as Emanuel does about the legislative process, and others who know as much as he does about running the White House, but there isn't anybody who knows as much about both."
** Qualcomm's wireless broadband technology is changing the way Americans learn, work and communicate. Learn more at www.wireless-innovators.com. **
TOP STORY: President Obama will announce Monday that he plans to cut the nation's projected annual deficit "at least in half" by the end of his first term, the White House told reporters yesterday. The plan will make explicit what Obama officials have been suggesting for months: Obama will allow the Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans expire as scheduled at the end of 2010 instead of seeking their repeal sooner. Obama, who will speak Monday to a Fiscal Responsibility Summit at the White House, also will outline steps he is taking to eliminate what his staff calls "accounting gimmicks" used by previous administrations.
"This budget actually is going to assume that there will be a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood or manmade disaster in the United States in fiscal year 2010, and each year going forward 10 years," a senior administration official said. Under White House projections, this year's inherited budget deficit of $1.3 trillion will be cut to $533 billion by fiscal year 2013, the end of the first term. The official said the bulk of the savings come from winding down the war in Iraq, additional revenue from raising taxes on the wealthy, and other cuts and savings to be specified later. Officials have said the budget creates room to start an ambitious overhaul of the nation's health-care system, which Obama aides view as a key to the government's fiscal future. The budget provides a projected cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ("overseas military contingencies"), assumes the full cost of fixing the alternative minimum tax each year and does not assume deep cuts in Medicare physician payments.
"Arthur Andersen [Enron's accountant] is no longer in business, and now Arthur Andersen-accounting will no longer be in business," the official said." If we used these gimmicks, it's $250 billion annually, or about $2.6 trillion over 10 years, which show up now on our bottom line because we're not hiding it. This money was always being spent, just no one actually accounted for it." On Thursday, the White House will release a 150-page "Economic and Budget Policy" document with an overview of its plans. Such an abbreviated document is customary in a first term. The foot-thick budget details will be sent to Congress in April.
FLASHBACK: "We Can Cut the Deficit in Half." – President Bush's then-budget director, Joshua B. Bolten, writing in The Wall Street Journal of Dec. 10, 2003.
LOOKAHEAD -- AP's Liz Sidoti and Jennifer Loven, "The Speech: Obama's Tuesday speech a broad look at economy": "Expect the remarks to be longer on the economy than on foreign affairs. … He will touch on … priorities he says fit into the bigger picture. Potentially eye-popping expensive plans to broaden health care coverage to eventually insure everyone. Moving the country toward greener energy sources. Expanding education opportunities. Overhauling financial industry regulation. …Sober themes of responsibility, accountability and transparency are to be woven throughout the speech. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs summed up Obama's message this way: 'We all have a special responsibility to do what we can to put this country back on the right track and to see it through back to prosperous and better days.'"
PUNDIT PREP – AP's Jim Kuhnhenn and Charles Babington, "Obama now focusing on health care, cutting deficit": "This coming week will mark a turning point from what Obama felt compelled to do, to what he wants to do. It also may test how much spending, change and ambition the American people and their elected officials can stomach in a short time."
N.Y. TIMES EDITORIAL, "The Government and the Banks": "Americans have a visceral horror of the word nationalization. So call it restructuring or majority ownership. Or call it the taxpayers' due after pouring in hundreds of billions of dollars in capital and guarantees and standing ready to pour in hundreds of billions more. We increasingly believe it is the least bad solution to a truly desperate situation.
FRANK RICH SUGGESTS "temporary receivership."
WORTH THE CLICK – WashPost Associate Editor RAJIV CHANDRASEKARAN (author of "Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone") returns to writing with an 8,000 word two-parter, beginning with, "After Guantanamo – A Detainee's Growing Rage -- From Captive To Suicide Bomber: Accused of Being Little More Than a Low-Level Taliban Fighter, Abdallah al-Ajmi Was Held by the U.S. for Nearly Four Years. After His Release, He Blew Up an Iraqi Army Outpost. Did Guantanamo Propel Him to Do It?"
THE WASHPOST MOVES ITS SUNDAY EDITORIAL AND OP-ED PAGES TO THE BACK OF THE A-SECTION TO OPEN UP "OUTLOOK" FOR BOOK COVERAGE following the death of "Book World." ALSO ADDS A THIRD "SUNDAY OPINION" PAGE (which includes the Ombudsman) BEFORE THE EDITORIALS.
SPOTTED, at the Drive-By Truckers show at the 9:30 Club: Josh Earnest, Howard Wolfson, Damien LaVera, Kate Bedingfield, Kombiz Lavasany and Richard Cullen. THE BAND SAID THEY GOT TO TOUR THE WHITE HOUSE, and played "Rockin' in the Free World" for the Obama administration.
WH POOL REPORT, from Roll Call's Keith Koffler: "President made an unscheduled trip to Kensington Parkwood Elementary school in Kensington, Md. to take in a basketball game by his daughter Sasha. Mrs. Obama and Malia also went along. President was out of pool's site except for moment he walked from area of Oval to the motorcade. Motorcade up and back uneventful as far as I know. Press vans were separated from presidential SUV early in return trip, arriving a few minutes later."
AP's Christine Simmons whipped up "Obama-Basketball Parents": "It was about a 20-mile drive from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to the school. The Obamas stayed for more than an hour … The president, wearing khakis, and the first lady went for a low-key arrival. Soon after the family arrived at the school, only a small crowd of parents stood with children, some bouncing basketballs on the school's driveway. But people soon caught on — by the time the Obamas were leaving, dozens were lined up along the driveway to see them depart."
WH ANNOUNCEMENT: "President Obama will welcome Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom to the White House on Tuesday, March 3, 2009."
TREASURY ANNOUNCEMENT "Four days after President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law, the U.S. Department of the Treasury [Saturday] began directing employers to reduce the amount of taxes withheld from the paychecks of millions of American workers – a step unprecedented in its speed and scope."
LOBBYIST IN THE CABINET – ABC's multi-platformed Jake Tapper, on his Political Punch blog: "President's Nominee for Trade Rep, a Lobbyist in 2008, to Take Advantage of Loophole in Anti-Lobbyist Regs: Ron Kirk, the former mayor of Dallas and President Obama's nominee for U.S. Trade Representative, … was a lobbyist for investment bank Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and President Obama has said no one can work in his administration on issues they lobbied on in the previous two years. … But here's the quirk for Kirk: He was a lobbyist in Austin, Texas. Not in Washington, D.C. And that allows Kirk to easily avoid the requirements of President Obama's anti-lobbyist ethics rules, which apply only to federal lobbyists. … UPDATE: 'How precisely is it a loophole when we never pledged to bar state lobbyists?' a Democratic official asks."
SPORTS BLINK, from AP – CONGRATS TO COACH JEFF JONES – "Garrison Carr scored 28 points, hitting five free throws in the final 35 seconds to help American University hold off Holy Cross 56-50 on Saturday. With the win, American maintains its first place spot in the Patriot League. The Eagles (19-7, 11-1) led the entire second half, building on a one-point halftime lead."
--The Wards are psyched: "Maryland stuns No. 3 North Carolina 88-85 in OT."
DESSERT – The 81st Annual Academy Awards will be broadcast live from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on ABC to all time zones, starting at 8 p.m. EST with a 30-minute arrivals show. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" has 13 Oscar nominations, but the sentimental favorite has to be "Slumdog Millionaire." Both will compete for best picture. The only sure thing seems to be a supporting actor Oscar for Heath Ledger. –AP
TALKING POINTS FOR KENNEDY'S OSCARS PARTY, from AP dispatches:
--RANDOM FACT: "If Heath Ledger is named best supporting actor at Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony, his daughter, 3-year-old Matilda Rose Ledger, will become the owner of the Oscar statuette. But it won't really be hers until her 18th birthday on Oct. 28, 2023 — and even then, only if she signs a contract. Matilda, daughter of the late Ledger and actress Michelle Williams, has been designated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as the eventual owner of her father's Oscar, should he win for his portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' The actor died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs last year at the age of 28."
--YAWN FACTOR: "While there are close races in key categories, this year's show again suffers from a predictability factor for the top prize. Best picture is expected to go to 'Slumdog Millionaire,' the movie that has won the same honor at every other awards ceremony that matters. Predictability can translate into a ho-hum attitude among TV viewers, who are less likely to sit through a marathon Oscar broadcast just to hear a winner announced at the end of the evening that everyone expected beforehand. The Oscars had their lowest TV ratings ever last year, when the best-picture prize was handed to 'No Country for Old Men,' which dominated earlier awards shows just as "Slumdog Millionaire" has.
--MISSING "THE DARK KNIGHT": "A best-picture nomination … might have helped, since more viewers tend to tune in when such behemoth films are in the running. Though 'Dark Knight' supporting-actor nominee Heath Ledger looks like a lock to become only the second performer ever to win an Oscar posthumously, the Batman blockbuster was left out of other top categories."
--THE TV SHOW: "Oscar planners are trying to spice up the show with an air of mystery. Filmmakers Bill Condon and Laurence Mark are overseeing the ceremony, their first time working on the Oscars, which they hope to shake up with new approaches to what has become a staid procession of awards, many of which the average viewer doesn't care about. They won't reveal just what they have in mind, other than to say they want to try different methods of presenting the trophies and otherwise reinvigorate the festivities. … Organizers dropped their usual onslaught of announcements about A-list celebrities appearing as awards presenters. Their identities are being kept secret, and their presence — at least in some cases — is being kept off the red carpet.
--BEST PICTURE: "'Slumdog Millionaire,' an infectious story of a Mumbai street orphan who finds fame, love and wealth in the face of terrible hardship, faces off for best picture against the romantic fantasy 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' the Richard Nixon tale 'Frost/Nixon,' the Harvey Milk drama 'Milk' and the Holocaust-themed saga 'The Reader.'"
--BEST ACTOR: "Going head-to-head for best actor are Sean Penn in the title role of 'Milk' and Mickey Rourke as a former ring star with a last shot at glory in 'The Wrestler.' Frank Langella also is a strong contender as Nixon in 'Frost/Nixon.''
--BEST ACTRESS: "Shapes up as a two-woman race between Meryl Streep as an old-school nun in 'Doubt' and Kate Winslet as a former concentration camp guard in 'The Reader.' It would be the third Oscar for Streep, who has a record 15 acting nominations, while it would be Winslet's first win after five previous losses."
--BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: "Heavy odds on Ledger."
--BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: "Penelope Cruz is the favorite for supporting actress as a volatile artist in 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona,' though first-time nominee Viola Davis is considered a potential upset winner for 'Doubt,' in which she plays the mother of a boy who may have been victimized by a priest."
** Qualcomm's wireless broadband technology is changing the way Americans learn, work and communicate. Learn more at www.wireless-innovators.com. **
****** A message from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation: Washington is debating tax reform. There's talk of substantial tax cuts that will give trillions of dollars back to American taxpayers. That sounds great. But if these tax cuts aren't paid for, future generations will be stuck with the bill. Congress is right to pursue tax reform - the code is outdated, complex and unfair. Tax reform done right should be permanent, because businesses and individuals need certainty to plan and invest. It should be based on realistic, independent projections and assumptions about the effect on our economy and our fiscal outlook. And it should enjoy bipartisan support, so that it's durable over time. Lawmakers should use the valuable opportunity presented by tax reform both to improve our fiscal outlook and strengthen the economy at the same time. Congress, tax reform should grow the economy. Not the debt. Learn more at www.pgpf.org/tax-reform. ******


text: Please join me, HostLinden (formerly known as HostJellyrollsKaren) for Saturday night chat at The Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. We'll feast on some yummy food, and enjoy the animals, and rainstorms in the restaurant. After dinner, we can even do some shopping Don't forget to by something for your host Click here to enter the chat room Hope to see yout there! Karen


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Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, and her lawyer, Benjamin Crump, appeared on FOX News' "The O'Reilly Factor" last night where they joined Bill O'Reilly in discussing the Rev. Al Sharpton, George Zimmerman, and the media's reaction to the case.
"I think all Americans are feeling your pain," O'Reilly told Fulton. "And we all want justice in the case."
(Related: 'We Must Repeal the Stand Your Ground Law': Jesse Jackson Tips His Hand After Zimmerman Arrest)
The host quickly transitioned into questions about the Rev. Al Sharpton and his disparaging comments about Zimmerman.
"I don't know the circumstances behind it, but he also promotes peace," Fulton said of Sharpton. "We've never asked for anyone to do anything out of the ordinary. We wanted to have peaceful rallies and peaceful protests. And we're not supporting any violence or anything."
O'Reilly said that both Fulton and Martin's father, Tracy Martin, have been "magnificent" and that they, indeed, haven't sparked any calls for violence in the wake of their son's death. Still, the host stated his concern with the ongoing tensions that are creating a stir across America.
(Related: Trayvon Martin's Mother Clarifies: I Didn't Mean My Son's Death Was an 'Accident')
"The television media is whipping up these things," O'Reilly continued. "And I think that Sharpton should apologize for some of the things he's said."
Again, Fulton attempted to steer clear of condemning Sharpton, claiming that she hasn't been watching the news and doesn't have enough information to comment.
"I'm not sure what response you want," she said.
Crump then jumped into the conversation to explain why the rallies and demonstrations have been much-needed, in his view, to ensure Zimmerman's arrest.
"I think one of the things, Mr. O'Reilly, you [had to have these] rallies and demonstrations just to get him arrested," Crump explained. "We've always felt that had that not happened they would have never arrested Zimmerman."
O'Reilly respectfully disagreed and said that he always assumed that officials would do the right thing and arrest the shooter.
The conversation next turned to the justice system — a system that Fulton says she has full faith in.
"I believe in the judicial system and I believe that he [Zimmerman] can get a fair trial," she explained.
In the end, Crump agreed with O'Reilly and said that there was no need to make the case about race when it really should be centered upon justice.
"This shouldn't be a racial issue," he said. "It should really just be about justice."
Watch the interview, below:


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Terri Wynn Gordon passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 26, in Metairie. Beloved wife of Kirk Gordon. Mother of Stacie Belanger and husband Tim and Kyle Gordon. Grandmother of Chloe Belanger. Daughter of the late Neal and Joyce Freeze Smith. Sister of Vicki Derryberry and Jan Nichols.
A native of Floydada, Texas and a resident of Luling for 28 years. She was a member of Bible Center Church, WOW Pokeno Group and Sister on the Fly. Relatives and friends of the family were invited to attend the funeral. Religious services were held at Bible Center Church in Luling on Saturday, Sept. 29. Interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery in Luling. Falgout Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.


text: Met Ball 2015 : Gowns , Gowns, Gowns! Uncategorized 17 Comments Met Ball 2015 : Gowns , Gowns, Gowns! Which one is your favorite? Follow Us On: Thrifty Momma Ramblings Facebook for more great tips for thrifty living! Tweet Pin It Related Posts 5 Amazing Ways to Take the Fear Out of Dentistry for Kids WIN Scrubbing Bubbles Prize Pack! Monday Mailbox 5/27 Memorial Day Edition! Tags:uncategorized 17 Comments Crystal Werline May 5, 2015 I actually liked Beyonces gown. If I had her body I would of worn something like that. Didn't like the high ponytail though lol. Reply Anne M. May 5, 2015 I would have to pick Amal Clooney-she looked beautiful! Reply holly lafty May 5, 2015 I loved J los Dress! Reply Mandy nichole May 5, 2015 i love the green one so pretty !! Reply SteveApril Foster May 5, 2015 I loved Kim Kardashians!! Reply Melody May 5, 2015 Mrs. cloony stunning!! Reply Jennow May 5, 2015 i like Kerry Washington and Helen Mirren's gowns best! Reply Jessica May 5, 2015 I loved the purple one!! Reply jill Mckelvey May 5, 2015 Jennifer Lopez for sure Reply Kathleen McCarthy May 5, 2015 Jennifer Lawrence definitely has my vote…but she always looks great Reply Charlene Kline May 5, 2015 I like the one Jennifer Lawrence is wearing. Reply Rachael Leggans May 5, 2015 There is no class in half naked women at a Met gala! Helen Mirren and Jennifer Lawrence and Cher's had class. More I am sure but those stood out for me. Oh and George Clooney's wife too! Reply Cynthia Creamer May 5, 2015 Anne Hatheway Reply Connie May 5, 2015 I really liked Candice Swanepoel dress. Reply lindsay longerbone May 5, 2015 loved Sophia Vergarva's dress. Looked beautiful on her! Reply Kara Kilhoffer May 5, 2015 I love Jennifer Lawrence's dress!! Reply Betty Fisher May 5, 2015 Jennifer Lawrence's gown was stunning, and was elegant and tasteful to the exhibition's theme, "China: Through the Looking Glass". Reply Leave a Reply to Charlene Kline Cancel reply


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In the early 7th century, the death of King Edwin caused the kingdom of Northumbria to split amongst rival groups. This weakened state made it easier for Cadwallon the King of Gweynedd (northern Wales) to attack the land and under … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Saint Hilda
Whitby through the ages
Summer, twilight, 1890: A man paces through an English seaside town. His long legs move briskly, alive with the thrill of the new discovery that propels him homeward to his writing desk. Bram's mind ran through the scene he had … Continue reading


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New Canaan won its third straight game and improved to 6-1 in the FCIAC with a 3-0 shutout of the Greenwich Cardinals in boys ice hockey action Saturday at the Darien Ice Rink.
Three different Rams scored for New Canaan, but the star of the game was senior co-captain Chris Koennecke in between the pipes. Koennecke stopped at 24 shots the Cardinals fired at him, earning his second shutout of the year.
Junior co-captain Harry Stanton, junior Peter Reinhardt and sophomore Luke Amero all hit the back of the net for New Canaan, which has beaten Greenwich twice this season.
New Canaan is now 8-4-2 overall, while Greenwich is 7-6, including a 4-3 FCIAC record.
The Rams' victory sets up a showdown with the league-leading Ridgefield Tigers at 6 p.m., Monday, at the Darien Ice Rink. Ridgefield, which defeated Fairfield 2-0 on Saturday, is 13-3 overall and a perfect 8-0 in the FCIAC.


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INTERPOL Trafficking in Illicit Goods International Training and Capacity Building Seminar
27-30 November 2012, Mumbai, India
This training seminar brought together senior police and law enforcement officials in order to discuss the challenges posed by illicit trade and the criminal networks behind this type of crime, and to enhance transnational cooperation for a more effective global response.
The event was attended by some 90 police and customs officials and prosecutors from across India, as well as representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Topics discussed included:
- Enforcement strategies;
- Partnerships with the private sector;
- Global brand protection;
- he rise of illegal online trade;
- Ways to improve cooperation;
- Effective legal mechanisms;
- Successful initiatives and operations.
Partnerships between the law enforcement community and the private sector are vital in the fight against the manufacture and distribution of illegitimate products.
Representatives from industries particularly affected by illicit trade – such as the agrochemical, computer, clothing, film, tobacco and skin care industries – brought their experience and expertise to the seminar.
The event was co-hosted by INTERPOL's Trafficking in Illicit Goods Programme and the Central Bureau of Investigation of India.
Ahmed Javed, Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Police, INDIA
John Newton, Assistant Director, INTERPOL Trafficking in Illicit Goods Sub-directorate
Uday Singh, Managing Director, Motion Picture Association (India Office)
Meenu Chandra, Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE)


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6 Steps to Profitability With a Spinal Arthroplasty-Focused Practice FeaturedWritten by Laura Dyrda | Friday, 28 December 2012 15:51
Artificial disc replacement technology has evolved tremendously over the past decade to become a viable alternative to fusion for some cervical spine procedures. More young surgeons are learning the techniques and data will be coming forward over the next few years that will illustrate whether disc arthroplasty makes a significant impact on the cost and quality of spine surgery.
"Five years ago, disc replacements were a hot topic and there were fellowships just for those procedures, which is what I did," says Thomas Roush, MD, founder of Roush Spine in Lake Worth, Fla. "There has been an evolution in the approval process and application of cervical arthroplasty, and that has been payor driven. It remains quite difficult to obtain approval for lumbar disc replacement, but the approval process and implementation of arthroplasty of the cervical spine is much easier and the results, clinically speaking, for cervical disc replacements are outstanding."
Dr. Roush has built his practice on performing artificial disc replacements. He discusses the six steps for running a successful practice focused on disc replacements.
1. Train aggressively and stay abreast of new developments. Training in artificial disc replacement is extensive. Inadequate training could lead to suboptimal prosthesis placement and a slew of negative issues for the patient.
"My biggest concern about disc replacement is the repercussions of the prosthetic discs not being placed optimally," says Dr. Roush. "If the disc isn't placed optimally, there is a correlation with acceleration of facet degenerative disease and patients will be of a higher likelihood to experience deterioration of axial back and neck pain."
However, even after the surgeon is comfortable with the technique and ultimately optimal disc placement, they must stay abreast of new technology and techniques that could lead to even better outcomes for their patients. "We are trying to find a disc that replicates the compressibility and axial mobility of normal discs," says Dr. Roush. "The artificial discs that we currently place in this country don't exactly replicate the intact biomechanics of an intact motion segment, but they are more normal than fusion. We need to find a biomaterial that can replicate the compressibility and elasticity."
Current attempts at designing this implant have failed, but surgeon innovators and device companies will likely continue working toward reproducing the motion, compressibility and elasticity of the natural disc.
2. Negotiate payor contracts. Over the past six months, most of the major insurance companies have begun approving on-label artificial disc replacements for the cervical spine. Approval was once a road block for many surgeons, but now that has been largely removed.
"A year ago, my experience was that approval for arthroplasty was quite difficult, says Dr. Roush. "But a few payors have been advocating for appropriate patients to undergo disc replacements and others have followed suit. I haven't had a particular problem with approval as long as there has been on-label adherence to the indications — one level disc replacements for patients with radiculopathy."
Off-label approvals are still very challenging to achieve. However, even with approval there is approximately a 40 percent reduction in the in-network insurance reimbursement rate for disc replacements as opposed to fusions, which has a big impact on spine practices.
"Surgeons take a major pay cut from performing these procedures," says Dr. Roush. "Disc replacements must present a better opportunity to drive more volume to partially offset the lack of per-case reimbursement. However, with the largely excellent patient outcomes and the subsequent discussion between patients and their friends and relatives in the community, my experience has been that there will be a fairly precipitous volume increase."
The lower reimbursement is counterintuitive because disc replacements are more technically dependent and require additional expertise than fusions; the disc must be placed perfectly for optimal outcomes. However, the lower rate shouldn't deter surgeons from performing the artificial disc procedures.
"I've made up for it in volume, so there hasn't been a financial sacrifice to use this technology that is better for the appropriately selected patients who have good indications," says Dr. Roush. "It's very gratifying to achieve such outcomes — that has driven me to minimize any thought about reimbursement."
3. Transition business from ancillary revenue to patient volume. Disc replacements are associated with quicker recovery times, so there are fewer postoperative opportunities to capitalize on treatment or bracing; instead, shift your business to dedicate more resources to preoperative and perioperative issues.
"My business model depends less on ancillary revenue and more on trying to drive the patients to the practice who will actually require and benefit from the procedure," says Dr. Roush. "That's the biggest issue for me; marketing upfront and having an educational focus for patients about the virtues of disc replacement. Once they have the procedure, it is rare for the patient to be seen in the office after the first follow-up visit or two."
Spine surgeons focusing on disc replacements can channel their efforts on targeting new patients instead of moving patients through the postoperative process.
4. Market the technology. Surgeons must be a major advocate for the disc replacement technology to build their practice around it. With the appropriately indicated patients, give them the option of receiving a disc replacement or a spinal fusion and thoroughly explain the procedural and postoperative expectations to them.
"I've never had a patient with the option of artificial disc replacement and fusion who chose the fusion," says Dr. Roush. "Arthroplasty is a very popular technology and leads to a quicker recovery because patients don't have the prolonged convalescence which produces postoperative deconditioning. It also takes time for the fusion to take place, but the artificial disc with precise placement allows patients to return to significant activities within a day or two."
Dr. Roush performs multiple disc replacements per week and finds that patients ask about the artificial disc technology by a three-to-one margin at his office.
"Surgeons have to have a significant commitment and adherence to the belief that this is a better treatment," says Dr. Roush. "Overall pain relief for the disc replacement may be better, depending on the further results of the ongoing IDE studies. There could also be a lower re-operation rate with disc replacements and higher patient satisfaction. It's going to take another 5-10 years before the midterm data supports that, but early data is very promising."
5. Target the right patient demographics. Not every patient falls within the appropriate indications for disc replacements, and not every patient will be comfortable with the technology or understand it. Dr. Roush has most success targeting educated and younger patients who are dependent on the internet to obtain information on the practice and procedure.
"The internet is the most important technology for empowering and educating patients of the procedure," says Dr. Roush. "Those patients are committed to performing their own research. There are entire websites directed to online forums for discussing disc replacements. The patient based dialogue is more complex than my experience with average patient population. I've focused on that subset of patients and they are more likely to understand the mechanics of the spine and benefits of motion preservation."
These younger patients often don't have arthritic change to the facet joint complexes — which would preclude them from having a disc replacement — and they understand the difference between the prosthesis with motion preservation and fusion arthrodesis. These patients will also be more likely to live in urban and suburban areas, and can be targeted through websites, blogs and other informational discussions about the procedure catered to that geography.
6. Network with referral sources. Beyond direct-to-patient marketing on the internet, surgeons can network with referral sources within the community. Primary care physicians are always a great referral source, but when your practice focuses on disc replacement you can also target specialists such as chiropractors, pain management and other orthopedic surgeons who work with chronic pain patients on a regular basis.
"There might be some orthopedic spine surgeons in the community who are confident with their skills as a fusion surgeon and don't want to adopt the disc replacement procedure because they have good results with fusion," says Dr. Roush. "They can refer the appropriate patients who want and are good candidates for disc replacements to you. Essentially any physicians or surgeons who are not doing disc replacements though are seeing a number of spine patients are outstanding foci to cultivate referral networks specific to disc replacement. I have found that this also drives the volume for other spine procedures, as well."
Focus your networking efforts on these specialists by speaking to large groups, hosting luncheons or networking at professional conferences. Selective "door-to-door" meetings are also quite effective to demonstrate your passion and commitment to artificial disc technology in a more personal fashion.
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
22 Spine Surgeon Leaders on the Most Fulfilling Aspects of Their Careers
6 Ongoing Challenges for Spine Surgeons & Innovators
50 Spine Surgeons on the Move
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WATKINSVILLE - Oconee County sheriff's deputies are looking for a man who pulled a pistol on a video store clerk Wednesday morning, took the store's cash - and apologized before leaving the store.
The robbery, at Vision Video's store on Georgia Highway 53 near Butler's Crossing, triggered the lockdown of nearby Oconee County Middle, Elementary and Primary schools between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
No one bothered the schools, and no one got hurt, but the heist left Vision Video clerk Zach Henderson shaken.
Henderson opened the store shortly before 10 a.m. and was talking on his cell phone to his father when he walked out of a back room and was confronted by the robber, whom he described as a 6-foot-1 white man wearing khaki cargo shorts, a white T-shirt, a dark green hat and wrap-around sunglasses.
"He must have been waiting for me, because he was here when I came out of the back room," Henderson said. "He asked me to hang up the phone and hand him the till. So I handed him the till and turned away so he could do his thing."
The man emptied the cash register drawer, told Henderson he had a drug habit, apologized for robbing him and took off.
"It tripped me out, because there was a Jazzercise class going on next door, and there were a lot of people around," Henderson said.
Witnesses saw the robber running toward the schools complex, so the Oconee County Sheriff's Office asked school administrators to order a lockdown "out of an abundance of caution," Sheriff Scott Berry said.
"If we have an armed felon running around the Butler's Crossing area, (locking down the schools is) the first thing we're going to do," Berry said.
The robbery also disrupted a class of about 40 law enforcement officers from across the state who were gathered at the Oconee County Civic Center for training on "responding to critical incidents," Berry said.
When they got the robbery report, the officers suspended class and spread out across the area to try to find the robber.
Administrators canceled the lockdown and the foot search when a sheriff's office tracking dog led deputies to an empty space in a nearby bank parking lot and deputies surmised the suspect had taken off in a car. Police still are looking for the suspect.
It has been about four years since Oconee County experienced an armed robbery, Berry said - at a convenience store in Watkinsville.
Video store robberies are even rarer, said Charles Seward, co-owner of the Vision Video chain. There's not much cash involved in running the store, and the last time a Vision Video store was robbed was a decade ago, he said.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported Charles Seward's name.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


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Archaeologists have uncovered three 1,700-year-old Aramaic and Greek inscriptions in northern Israel honoring men who were described as "rabbis," but mystery remains over the identity of the religious leaders.
The Israel Antiquities Authority on Wednesday announced the discovery of the epitaphs in the cemetery of the ancient city of Zippori, also known as Sepphoris, which once served as the capital of Galilee.
Researchers said they were able to discern three Aramaic words and one Greek word in the funerary inscriptions. The Aramaic words translate to "the Tiberian," "forever" and "rabbi," while the Greek inscription mentions the name Jose, a common name for Jews at the time.
Motti Aviam of the Kinneret Institute for Galilean Archaeology said in a statement announcing the discovery that one of the inscriptions was particularly surprising.
"One of the surprises in the newly discovered inscriptions is that one of the deceased was called 'the Tiberian,'" Aviam said. "This is already the second instance of someone from Tiberias being buried in the cemetery at Zippori."
Aviam suggested that Jews from around Galilee may have been brought for burial to Zippori due to "the important activity carried out there by Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Nasi," the second century rabbi also known as Judah the Prince who was the editor of post-biblical Jewish oral traditions known as the Mishnah.
On the other hand, Aviam also posited that "the Tiberian" descriptor in the epitaph might simply have meant that the man originally came from Tiberias, reflecting the combination of science and hypothesis that is part of archaeological study.
The Aramaic word "le-olam," that is, "forever," was seen for the first time inscribed in Zippori, the researchers said.
"The term le-olam is known from funerary inscriptions in Bet She'arim [in the Galilee] and elsewhere and means that the deceased's burial place will remain his forever and that no one will take it from him. Both inscriptions end with the Hebrew blessing 'shalom' [peace]," Aviam said.
Though the men were referred to as "rabbis," the archaeologists said they were not sure what precisely "rabbi" meant at a time when many Torah sages were studying in the city.
The Greek inscription discovered featured the name Jose, which the Antiquities Authority noted was a common Jewish name at the time.
In contrast with Zippori, epitaphs found in Tiberias in Galilee were primarily written in Greek, the researchers said. Though Aramaic was the everyday spoken language in the area, some Jews spoke and read Greek.
The Antiquities Authority offered further background on Zippori in a press release announcing the discovery:
Zippori was the first capital of the Galilee from the time of the Hasmonean dynasty until the establishment of Tiberias in the first century CE. The city continued to be central and important later on and was where Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Nasi resided and compiled the Mishnah. The Jewish life in the city was rich and diverse as indicated by the numerous ritual baths (miqwe'ot) discovered in the excavation; while at the same time the influence of Roman culture was also quite evident as reflected in the design of the town with its paved streets, colonnaded main roads, theater and bathhouses. The wealth of inscriptions from the cemeteries attests to the strong Jewish presence and the city's social elite in the Late Roman period.
Bible scholars and historians believe that Aramaic, once the spoken language in the area, was the language of Jesus.
The Palestinian Authority frequently denies the Jewish connection to Holy Land, accusing Israel of "Judaizing" Jerusalem and instead promoting the notion that Palestinians were in the area first.


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Ryanwrote a review of Outdoor Research Gripper Glove on December 11, 2009
Great Gloves!
OR doesn't fail. Great glove for working with your hands and keeping them warm in the process. Got a pair in the early part of this year. It's been great having them around. I'm notorious for having cold hands. They can hold their own into the upper 20s low 30s or so without fail.
Windstopper material is bomber. Cuts through wind like a knife. As the temp dips below the freezing point, the gloves loose a bit of insulation, at least for my iced fingers. In the low single digits and windchills in the negative teens (like it has been for the last couple of days) my fingers get fairly cold. Weak points in the insulation are the little fingers that don't have the "sure grip" material on them.
Sheds snow ... a little. Obviously not waterproof because it's a fleece glove. Don't get too much snow on it when brushing off cars or working around camp because it will soak through.
Dexterity is awesome. Can pull out my wallet and credit card, use the card and put it back without having to take the gloves off.
Great buy for those cooler temps.
I just got a pair of OR Arete gloves. The medium grippers fit inside the large Aretes as a liner. Now talk about bombproof! No water, no cold, just warm, dry hands in this bitter WI weather.


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Written on: 05/06/2011
DO NOT BE SEDUCED by the fancy styled website and assortment of luxury designer products! To all international shoppers, especially in Canada, be careful!
First, site does not specify tax on delivery fee but checkout will add tax. Second, DPP (duties pre paid) does NOT mean paying for erroneous duties that shouldn't be charged in the first place. I purchased 2 JBrand bottoms I know are made in USA as I have both in different purchased elsewhere. According to NAFTA Free Trade Agreement between US, Canada and Mexico no duties will be collected by these governments if items are imported and made in these 3 countries. Net a Porter charged duties for American made items that took me 3 calls and 3 emails to have them check product itself before they believed me. I had to educate them about NAFTA but still they said they want to charge all duties and taxes upfront and will refund and email me after order dispatched i.e. Sent out for delivery!
Any other reputable retailer would not have charged in first place and then made necessary adjustments for their error immediately before client credit card charged! Well not so much with Net a Porter.
I did not cancel order as items only $300 and will use to test the entire sale, refund, customer service process. I hope to get items soon and most of all a refund for duties Net a Porter are not entitled to charge or keep. I envision at least 1 more follow-up call and email to sort out. Thank god for toll free lines.
Overall, huge hassle and time consuming. Also, must rely on own knowledge of international shopping agreements between countries! NOT WORTH IT! Shop elsewhere.


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Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Regional Forums' started by Stagehand, Jan 26, 2010.
^ You go Wildman.
I'll bet your backside appreciates the new seating arrangement (XR vs DL).
Finally, new tag.
An old railway station with a new purpose. This one is the Visitor Center for the town of Front Royal Va., USA
Still has some of the old tracks leading up to it with a caboose on them.
I remember when these tracks were still in use in the 70's for steam excursions that came out here from Alexandria VA. for the day. They hadn't been used commercially for years before that.
I've got to say, I had put a seat concepts kit on the XR awhile back and it is pretty sweet.
The Sargent seats foam doesn't go far enough forward on the sides before it drops off to the front, for my liking. Its not uncomfortable...it just feels weird. The highway pegs take care of that though.
But overall yeah, I'm liking the Wee.
Bruced: old train depot.
It's now part of the Clinton Library.
Repurposed courthouse. The Old State House, Little Rock, Arkansas. Now a museum.
Repurposed courthouse? That's pretty neat and interesting. I could tag the one locally but it's just a grass lot now.
You got this via Crapatalk
Old Cumberland county courthouse.
Used for county offices now. Court room is still there and used for special events. I believe it was used in a film once but cannot remember which one.
This is the current court house. I didn't move the bike just turned around.
New tag
This should be good for global.
Your bike under a tower. (water, cell, radio, TV, Eiffel )
Tower grab...
Not going to go for the easy one...
New tag - a retention pond:
Not quite what I was looking for but, hell it's the Eiffel tower.
Looks cool to me.
Pouring rain here today and has been for hours.
Was wanting to go get the NC Tag today but not looking too good for a 2 hour trip.
I might be able to venture out for this one.
I had to pass a water tower, a cell tower and a radio tower to get there...
retention pond???would any pond do? NEw bike?
If it sits for too long. Let the folks with an actual retention pond trip planned have a chance for a day or two.
I am feeling a little like Ellie Mae Clampitt...I have never heard of a retention pond. At the moment there is no water in Texas to retain! AS a matter of fact, it's so hot and dry in Texas, people will find all SORTS of ways to try and cool themselves off! Evidence from today.....
I went for it, since no race tomorrow...
Forgot a phone and go pro....
I was going to post this:
and realized after reading it that what I actually posted was a "detention basin" as opposed to a "retention..."
Get anything that holds runoff after a storm whether it retains it or releases it...
And that dude is going to get a nasty rash if he hits the pavement...
You need to zip tie a reminder to your bars....
Retention pond. (small one)
OK Military surplus. Either in use or static display.
This Humvee is being used by a local Police department.
And this is on static display.


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If you're to believe conventional wisdom, Canada is the best place to achieve that all-around quality NHL experience. Following, covering, playing -- it doesn't matter. The general consensus is Canada trumps all.
But not everyone subscribes to this theory. Joe Corvo certainly didn't, and he made sure everyone knew it after he was sent packing this week.
The former Senator blueliner was part of a four-player trade that saw the 30-year-old shipped to Carolina along with winger Patrick Eaves. In return, the Sens received some much-needed grit in the form of defenceman Mike Commodore, as well as veteran top-six forward Cory Stillman.
Corvo was often the subject of criticism and it took various forms -- constructive, pointed or mocking, the Illinois-born player took a heaping dose of flak during his time in Ottawa. The inconsistent play in his own zone regularly served as a catalyst for the barbs, and his inability to maintain a confident outlook seemed obvious, both on the ice and during interviews.
Given these facts, it wasn't surprising to hear Corvo express his displeasure during his first encounter with the media in his new Raleigh-based home.
And he didn't mince words.
While speaking with reporters from the News & Observer, the defenceman indicated that his interest in leaving Ottawa was partially driven by his family's desire to move back to the U.S., but "had more to do with the small-town attitude that surrounded the team and the nature of the criticism," according to the newspaper's hockey blog.
"It's hard to understand if you haven't played in Canada," Corvo said. "The (Ottawa) media at times can be completely ridiculous, the way they can take some of the stories that are nothing and make something out of them."
To be fair, ridiculousness is prevalent to some degree in all aspects of sports media. But, while Corvo's comments may have been directed at Ottawa, they do bring up a disheartening query for Canadian fans: How many NHLers wish to play for American teams simply to avoid the likes of you and me?
Being an NHL player in Canada is akin to living in a goldfish bowl. From reporters pestering them for quality quotes to fans interrupting dinners in restaurants for a chat, their lives are never private. We expect everything and more from them because: a) they play the nation's favourite sport and b) they are professional athletes -- they're supposed to deal with it.
But how much is too much?
It requires gumption to tolerate the constant attention and many have claimed Corvo was too high-strung to deal with the day-to-day grind in Canada.
That being said, I'm reminded of the period post-lockout when everyone was wondering where Scott Niedermayer would end up and I spoke to one of his closest friends on the condition of anonymity. He told me how "(Niedermayer) would cherish the privacy and low-key coverage that a city like Anaheim could offer".
The veteran defenceman signed with the Ducks not long afterward. How often is Niedermayer accused of being thin-skinned?
The U.S. may be criticized for its indifference toward the sport, yet it provides the perfect foil for players seeking a quiet life despite being in the public eye. And based on the media's obsessive coverage in this country, it's not hard to understand that mode of thinking.
Corvo was constantly disparaged during his tenure as a Senator, and while some of that was often warranted, some of the potshots taken were unnecessary. The spotlight in Canada was too bright, and he desired the shelter of a quieter American franchise. It's surely for the best.
Maybe Corvo was too sensitive for us. Maybe we were too emotional for him. Regardless, you can't help but think that many NHL players might relate to his complaint.


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The New York Times - A Rare Injury, Except for Football's Big Men
While the biceps muscle is responsible for bending the elbow, the triceps muscle's main job is to extend to make the elbow straight. "Biceps tear much more frequently," said Dr. Jonathan Glashow, an orthopedic surgeon and the co-chairman of sports medicine at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. "This is a flat, broad tendon — the force is spread over a bigger area. You don't do abrupt things with your elbow unless you're pushing someone or you fall on it." Learn More


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Boston Marathon Suspect had Right-Wing, White Supremacy Literature Before Bombing
Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the suspects behind the Boston Marathon bombings in April that killed three people, apparently was in possession of right-wing, white supremacy literature before he allegedly carried out the attack.
A BBC Panorama TV investigation noted that 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was shot dead on April 19 after a shootout with police, had subscribed to white supremacy and government conspiracy theory publications, and had also been reading material on mass killings. His younger brother, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is suspected to have aided his brother in the attack, was injured and later captured in the ensuing manhunt. He is being accused of killing four people in total and injuring over 260 at the bombings in April and at the later shootout with police. He has denied all charges against him, but faces life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
In July, a Rolling Stone cover of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev that many described as "glamorous" faced a great deal of criticism with thousands taking to social media outlets and accusing the magazine of trying to paint the suspected bomber as a "rock star."
A number of companies, including CVS, Walgreens, Tedeschi Food Shops, Shaw's Supermarkets and Roche Brothers supermarkets vowed to not carry the August issue of the magazine out of respect for the victims. "As a company with deep roots in New England and a strong presence in Boston, we believe this is the right decision out of respect for the victims of the attack and their loved ones," CVS said.
Rolling Stone defended its choice with a statement: "The fact that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is young, and in the same age group as many of our readers, makes it all the more important for us to examine the complexities of this issue and gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens."
A number of reports have described the brothers, especially Tamerlan Tsarnaev, as jihadists who had been motivated by radical Islamist teachings when they allegedly carried out the bombings, though questions remain about all the factors involved in the crime.
A spokesperson for the mosque that the older brother attended in Cambridge revealed that he only prayed there occasionally, and described him as "an angry young man who latched onto Islam."
"As far connecting with the Islamic community here, to actually praying, being involved, doing acts of charity….all of those were pretty much lacking," Nicole Mossalam said, according to BBC.
"I would say he was just a Muslim of convenience."


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Battle for Stewart
England and Scotland are set to lock horns over Hull City winger Cameron Stewart, Sky Sports understands.
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey
Last Updated: 10/02/12 11:58am
England and Scotland are set to lock horns over Hull City winger Cameron Stewart, Sky Sports understands.
The former Manchester United youngster has been hugely impressive since switching to the KC Stadium last season.
His former boss Nigel Pearson failed with a £1.5million bid to re-sign him for his new club Leicester in January, but The Tigers stood firm as they have huge regard for 20-year-old.
Stewart has long been part of England's youth set-up, playing for his country from Under-17 to Under-20s thus far.
England Under-21s are now also keen on Stewart, which is little surprise given the first-team coach at Hull City, Steve Wigley, also works within the international set-up.
But Scotland have been alerted to Stewart's availability and are ready to draft him straight into their first-team squad after coach Craig Levein revealed his admiration for the player.
"Cameron is very flattered to be linked with an international call-up but it's just speculation at the moment" his agent Peter Morrison told Sky Sports.
"Cameron has previously been part of England's youth set-up, which he was obviously very proud of.
"But at the moment his only focus is Hull City's bid for promotion and if a decision needs to be made regarding his international future he will cross that bridge when he comes to it."


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• Sir Mervyn King and Andrew Bailey in front of Banking Standards Committee
• Andrew Bailey will head the new banking sector
• Banks still 'too important to fail', says King
• Bonus cap could push up fixed pay, warns Bailey
• RBS could be split into good and bad bank, King suggests
• FSA admitted it was too slow to act in Libor scandal
12.14 That brings the evidence session to an end. As Pat McFadden points out, the commissioners are about to "enter conclave" before they produce their final report.
With the testimony coming to an end, that's where we'll leave our live blog for the day. Thanks for reading and commenting. You can read Philip Aldrick's full story on Sir Mervyn's evidence here.
12.08 Sir Mervyn is asked about the culture at banks; he says you can have codes of conduct, you can have regulations - but there is no substitute for leadership:
First on culture – in my view there is no substitute for leadership. That means that the regulator will need power and self-confidence to say to chairman or chief executive of a of bank and say we've heard your lawyers, lawyers now go away. And whether it's about individudals running insttutions, in the end the regulator has to say whether it's in the interst of the UK to make a change.
It's important that the rest of society is prepared to give that degree of support to the regulator. My fear is that when it comes down to legal argument banks will be the only winner.
We need a regulatory regime that gets rid of this too big to fail. I hope it's enough but we can't be entirely certain.
If we haven't, we can't hope to be an international financial centre. On a global level if we fail to solve too big to fail only US and china will have taxpayer base big enough to bail banks out.
11.59 Susan Kramer returns to concerns about pension funds investing in hedge funds. Sir Mervyn says there is a question of how much do we protect investors, or do we leave them to their decisions. He adds:
What is important is that people understand consequences of the assets they hold. I have concerns that very clever people come up with instruments that the trustee doesn't understand.
11.52 Nigel Lawson asks about the tax system, which allows banks to offset their tax against their losses so they pay less. Sir Mervyn responds:
A neutral tax system would be very important - it would reduce banks' incentive for high leverage, there's a tax advantage to have high debt.
11.49 Laura Kuenssberg, business editor at ITV, flags up this point made by Mervyn King:
11.44 Andrew Bailey is asked whether it will be standard practice of the new regulator that future investigations will be more comprehensive, and earlier. He says:
The key point is that model that was adopted, with Northern Rock, was for FSA to investigate itself – that for me is a difficult model which is always likely to end up where it did with people calling into question validity of it. Key thing for PRA, although board will commission review, they will not be done by PRA, they will be done outside executive of PRA. Seems an obvious point but that lies at the heart of it.
Andrew Bailey addresses members of the commission on banking standards. (Picture: PA)
11.39 Sir Mervyn is asked whether there is something for the Commission still to look at in terms of the culture of international banks and inequality in society as a result of the vacuum between the financial services industry and the rest of society. The governor responds:
There are some deep problems in creating new products on an infinite scale, unlike manufacturing or services. Question is who should be allowed to trade in them and concerned about exploitation of consumers, customers and pension funds.
If consenting adults want to engage in trading activity where smart guys win and dumb guys lose money, that should be allowed but in ways that don't damage the banking system, and we should try to protect retail customers from being involved in that.
More difficult for retail customers to go to hedge funds. My concern is some pension funds see hedge funds, see high rate of returns and go into them.
11.34 Perhaps with half an eye on the horsemeat scandal and burgers being pulled off the shelves, Sir Mervyn is asked why in banking there has never been a product recall. He answers:
Good question that I don't have an answer to. The impact of products in saving are often seen years down the road and often too late – good luck or hard luck.
11.32 Asked by Lord McFall about responsibility lying at the top of institutions, but no action being taken against these figures, Bailey answers:
In the wake of the failing of Barings, the directors were disqualified – nobody has been disqualified during the course of this crisis. Why is that? I do not know the answer – it's not a power the FSA holds but it's an illustration of this point that there hasn't been this follow through.
11.25 They have been discussing the EU banker bonus cap again. Bailey says that one aim of deferring remuneration is to "leave more skin in the game", which is "why EU proposals don't hit nail on the head". "To give banks an incentive to raise fixed remuneration is going in the wrong direction," says Mervyn King.
11.19 Sir Mervyn comes back to his earlier point about a holding a review in five years' time of whether the issue of banks being too big to fail has been solved. "Let's give it a chance, give the PRA chance to do its job and let's have a review in five years," he says.
Sir Mervyn King addresses the Banking Standards Commission. (Picture: PA)
11.17 Andrew Bailey says banks risk-weighting models are "ropy" and he wants banks to hold more capital.
11.07 Mark Garnier suggests that Sir Mervyn is presenting an argument for breaking up the banks. The Governor says that we need to "resolve banks", that they need to "change structure", which will lead to banks being smaller.
11.03 Back with RBS, there is some comment on Twitter about the fact that Sir Mervyn is discussing this so close to the end of his tenure at the bank:
11.00 Andrew Bailey talks about the history of crisis and says there should have been action taken against those at the top of the institutions that did fail:
These people are setting standards and tone for the whole institutions – they didn't make that loan or trade literally but yes they are responsible for standard and conduct of that institution and there should have been action against those at the top of those instituions that did fail.
10.54 John McFall, who used to chair the Treasury Select Committee, is pleased to see Sir Mervyn suggesting a split of RBS. He tweets:
10.47 Susan Kramer asks about the very high capital ratios when lending to small businesses. King says that the PRA has been very cleary in saying new lending under the Funding for Lending scheme will not trigger higher capital requirements. The scheme favours small enterprises rather than mortgage lending. Normally, it would be that given the riskiness of small businesses, it would attract a high capital ratio, but the FLS does not trigger that.
10.43 Back on RBS, Sir Mervyn says it is better to face up to losses and there are "powerful arguments" for restructuring earlier rather than later.
10.42 As an aside, Bank of England policymakers are kicking off a two-day meeting today to decide whether to add more stimulus to the economy to spur growth. That is weighing on the pound this morning, which is slipping against the dollar.
10.36 RBS is not the only bank to come under the Governor's spotlight. Philip Aldrick tweets:
10.33 Sir Mervyn is asked whether he agrees with RBS chief executive Stephen Hester that the bank could be privatised under his reforms in the next couple of years, to which the governor says:
I can't easily judge that but no reason to doubt that. Question is is that soon enough to get bank back lending to the UK economy.
10.30 Philip Aldrick, the Telegraph's economics editor, is taken aback by this talk of RBS being split into a good and bad bank:
10.27 Sir Mervyn goes onto say that the idea of having a bank - ie RBS - owned 82pc by the taxpayer and run at arm's length by government "is a nonsense". "This should have been a temporary period of ownership," he says. "It has dragged on unnecessarily long."
10.26 Andy Love asks about RBS, to which Sir Mervyn says that the legacy problem of RBS' balance sheet has had a macro effect on the UK. He adds that the measures taken in 2008/09 were needed to recapitalise the banking system and taking it into public ownership was the vehicle in which they could be recapped and sold back to the private sector.
He says that a decisive approach is needed to recapitalise and restructure the bank. RBS has assets that are likely to generate continuing losses and need to be separated into a 'bad bank', he adds.
10.18 Mark Garnier asks about the EU cap on banker bonuses, which emerged last week. Sir Mervyn says:
It is one of those measures that will not have the effects the propopnents think it will or be as bad as opposition think it will. Will just deflect attention away from the real issues. Perfectly justifcable concern about remuneration in banking,. But these are symptons, not causes.
If we could solve issue of too big to fail then wouldn't have scale of remuneration that we do.
Don't think that in practice given the imagination that will be directed to find way around this, that it will be anyway near as effective as proponents think it will be, nor do I think it will be as damaging. I do not think PRA should be focusing too much on individual plans, should focus on too big to fail.
10.16 Are banks a bit too successful in self-interested demands, asks Tyrie? Sir Mervyn says there will always be lobbying from self-interested groupsand the role of the politician is to make a judgement on the interest of the UK as a whole.
Should we find a way to make chancellors more robust, asks Tyrie? Sir Mervyn responds:
Well if you could do that
I was surprised by degree of access by bank executives at the very top. Certainly more access than regulators have.
The regulator knew if they were tough on a bank that bank's chief executive would go straight to Number 10 and say they were attacking the most successful industry in the UK.
10.13 Gerard Lyons, economic adviser to Boris Johnson, tweets:
10.10 Tyrie asks whether banks are too successful at getting to politicians on leveraging, to which Sir Mervyn says that banks have "lobbied well on leverage" and "are extremely focused on return on equity".
10.04 Tyrie asks Andrew Bailey on banker bonus caps and whether he think it has advantages. He says:
What we have done over recent years and particularly over last two years, is achieve world where less cash going out of the door, which I favour strongly as banks need ot retain more cash to build up capital base, but more deferral, which we do think in world we live in today is a sensible way of incentives.
But, he adds that he is concerned that the proposal could risk pushing up fixed pay:
My concern of EU proposal in setting this hard limit, it looks tight, risks pushing up fixed remuneration. Fixed remuneration is cash out the door, harder to get that back, legally.
It is something that concerns me.
09.59 Still on the issue of 'too big to fail', Sir Mervyn says it's unknown if "powers we have been given will get rid of too important to fail, so my own personal view is to have a proper review after 4 or 5 years, not just of ring fence, but has the UK solved the too big to fail problem".
It would be good to ask Sir John Vickers to sit in five years on anniversary to sit and look back, is he content with measures in place or should he go further.
Would have the review to report on the five years anniversary, so start now in year before it comes into effect and then by anniversary could report.
I would be happy with that as a proposal.
09.57 Tyrie asks whether Sir Mervyn is confident he has the powers he needs to do the job he is given. Do you agree that elephant in room is that banks are still too big too fail, he asks?
Sir Mervyn answers:
I agree that banks are still too important, too big to fail and that is the single biggest challenge facing the new PRA.
At the end of 5 years we have genuinely solved the too big to fail problem.
09.51 Another day, another hearing says Andrew Tyrie as the testimony kicks off.
09.50 So the grilling was due to start at 09.45 but these things never seem to start on time. You can watch it live here and we'll be updating you on the live blog too.
09.40 Talking of Libor, yesterday the Financial Services Authority released its internal audit into its handling of the Libor scandal.
In the report, the FSA conceded it had been slow to respond to intelligence provided by banks and its own staff about the dangers posed to the financial system by Libor-rigging.
The FSA's reported found 74 potential warnings of so-called "lowballing" of Libor submissions by major banks, of which 24 were described as "direct".
It blamed its sclerotic response on preoccupation with the ongoing financial crisis and the fact that it had no formal regulatory responsibility for Libor, but stopped short of admitting to major regulatory failure.
Libor will be regulated by the new PRA.
09.29 The outgoing Governor will be giving his view on the banking industry, following the Libor scandal.
Andrew Bailey will be taking up his role as CEO of the PRA on April 1. The new regulator will be responsible for the prudential regulation and supervision of banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers and major investment firm.
The new PRA, which will be a division of the Bank of England, will take over the prudential operations of the FSA – ensuring banks hold enough capital and liquidity to withstand shocks unaided.
It is intended to be the first line of defence in preventing the UK's largest banks from ever returning to the point they reached four years ago, when their failure threatened to bring down the entire financial system.
The authority plans to take a judgment-led approach so firms comply with the spirit and not just the letter of a rule in an attempt to end the much-criticised box ticking supervisory culture.
09.15 Sir Mervyn King, the Governor, Bank of England, and Andrew Bailey, who will become the chief executive of the Prudential Regulation Authority and in turn deputy governor of the Bank, are up in front of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards at 9.45am today.


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- SoulCycle is a full-body spinning workout and cardio dance party.
- Classes are 45 minutes long, including an arm sculpting series 30 minutes in and stretching at the end.
- Clientele ranges in age from 16-60+, and depending on the location, could have an even male to female ratio.
- SoulCycle's unique high-energy cycling environment is a "cardio sanctuary" with low lights, candles, and a unique playlist each class created by the Soul instructor.
- SoulCycle was founded by Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice in 2006. Cutler and Rice both lived in NYC and were determined to find a cardio workout they were passionate about. Without any luck, they soon realized they would have to create it themselves!
- Both women wanted to develop a workout that would be inspirational and high-energy to benefit the body and the mind.
- SoulCycle is on both the East and West Coast. Each studio offers a range of classes, such as SoulCycle, SoulSurvivor, SoulTeen, SoulBands, SoulYoga, and Community Ride.
- Single classes are $34 (not including shoes and water).
- Arrive early to find a parking space, as parking is limited.
- Give yourself 10 extra minutes before the class so you have time to set up your bike, warm up, and catch up with friends!
- For your first class, renting cycling shoes is free. However, every class afterwards it's $3.
- Water bottles are available to purchase at the front desk.
- If you are a new rider, make sure to tell the instructor! They are great at correcting form, teaching the choreography, and helping adjust seats.
- Just don't underestimate the 1-2 pounder arm series—it is killer!
Walking into SoulCycle Greenwich, we were impressed to say the least. The space is bright and full of energy, both from the employees and the clients. Once we walked into the studio, the ambiance shifted. The lights were low, the music was loud, and cyclists were already spinning. We hopped on our bikes. All around us were men and women of all ages—mothers and daughters, husbands and wives—were all preparing for their journey! The instructor, Nina, walked in, microphone on, shouting, "Are you ready 8:30? Are we ready to ride?!" Nina describes her classes as a dance party. She is all about bringing the confidence out of the shy person and making the class a journey that will not only transform you physically, but also emotionally. As the class progressed, we kept the resistance high. When we 'jogged it out', we were able to close our eyes and lose ourselves in the music. We can confirm the continued hype – the feeling when you leave is nothing short of euphoric.
Greenwich 266 Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830 203-653-7685Roslyn 250 South Service Road
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516-833-1300


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I took an old door and coated the glass with mirror paint, then I mounted it on my fence. I added some porch poles and bunk bed slats as a frame around the door; decorating it with paint and flower pot finials. I added a decorative piece of steel as a topper and put some stepping stones in front of it. This is my "secret" door to nowhere.
Garden Salvage
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High School Curriculum (4X4) Mandates
Revise Public Education
For the last 40+ years Texas education has focused on preparing students for college. In examining this tract, how may students have failed to graduate from high school and how many of those that attended college actually graduated. It is my opinion that Texas has failed in providing education to the bulk of students that seek skills in industrial, construction, agricultural, and mechanical fields. Germany is providing education that is supportive of their economy and reduces welfare.
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Vote for your favorite ideas by clicking on the up arrow.To undo an upvote, simply click the arrow again. This second click removes your vote.
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Idea No. 61


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For the past few months, the big question for Sun City residents was, "Will it pass or fail?" On Jan. 31, the ballots were counted and the question answered - it passed. The proposed multi-million dollar fitness facility was approved. The new question is, "When will it open?"
Local entrepreneur Gary Durrenberger, owner of Koko FitClub, is offering residents a new short-term, six-month plan, to fill the void during what promises to be a lengthy demolition and construction process. Durrenberger is quick to credit his current members who live in Sun City for recommending the new plan. "I first heard of the fitness center debate and subsequent vote from members who live in Sun City. After visiting about the issue, it became apparent there was a demand for our services, regardless if the gym was approved or not. Obviously, we hope folks will visit Koko and discover for themselves that we're not a traditional gym – far from it. We're a sophisticated, clean, first-class facility. Better than all that, we pre-plan each and every workout. There's absolutely no guess work as to what to do. It's easy and makes getting fit a lot of fun!"
Durrenberger adds that Koko, located at First and Oracle, is quickly becoming the preferred fitness destination of men and women of all ages and fitness backgrounds. "We've added over 110 new Members in the past 100 days! The great people of Oro Valley are discovering that Koko is different, effective and efficient. And, at just $79 per month for unlimited, customized strength and cardio training, as well as online meal plans and nutritional guidance, Koko is a great value!
We're very excited we picked Oro Valley to launch Koko in the Tucson market and can't wait to meet more Sun City residents who hopefully will take us up on our new six month plan!"
To schedule your complimentary session go to www.orovalley.kokofitclub.com or simply call (520) 445-4515. Koko is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Koko Members have daily access between 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. Koko is located at 10785 N. Oracle Road, #175.
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Senators spar as assault weapons ban passes panelThu Mar 14, 2013
Poll: Hillary Clinton tops 2016 fieldThu Mar 7, 2013
4 key questions about controversial Justice Department drone memoWed Feb 6, 2013
- "I don't necessarily agree with the President on this, but I do believe he will only use this power against our enemies." You sound so naive. The first American terrorist was assassinated under his administration in 2011. It might be silly to think he's just going to kill Americans, but the fact tha …
Justice Department memo reveals legal case for drone strikes on AmericansMon Feb 4, 2013
Obama heaps praise on Clinton as both sidestep 2016 talkSun Jan 27, 2013
- If Hilary were to run for office, expect the War on Women to come back against the GOP's nomination. Just like with Barack, it'll be about how they made Hilary cry during the Benghazi testimony (even though they didn't, she did by herself), expect to hear that the GOP dislikes women in high places ( …
Colbert's sister entering SC congressional raceFri Jan 18, 2013
'I did it!' Obama takes oath surrounded by family at White HouseSun Jan 20, 2013
4 bald eagles found shot at Washington state lakeFri Jan 18, 2013
Wal-Mart plans to hire 100,000 veteransTue Jan 15, 2013
- Thank you for your service (if you're legitimate), but they aren't trying to be insulting. That's Walmart's plan. If you don't like the job you can always find somewhere else to work. Personally, I believe the government has failed you. The government is your boss and they should be paying you for p …
Obama says he'll 'vigorously' pursue 'meaningful' assault weapons banMon Jan 14, 2013
- "I just want to be absolutely clear. Alright, So I don't want any misunderstanding when you all go home and you are talking to your buddies and you say, ah 'He wants to take your guns away.' You've heard it here, I'm on television so everybody knows it. I believe in the Second Amendment. I believe i …


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Pasadena, Texas, June 27, 2012—HCA Affiliated Bayshore Medical Center (BMC) has received the Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Award from TMF® Health Quality Institute, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Texas. TMF established the awards program in partnership with The Texas Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals and Texas Osteopathic Medical Association.
Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Awards honor Texas hospitals like BMC that are performing quality initiatives aimed at improving outcomes in patient care by recognizing those hospitals that have improved their performance on specific national quality measures.
The awards acknowledge hospitals for improving care related to acute myocardial infarction or AMI (heart attack), heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. These clinical areas have been designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission, an independent nonprofit, standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
"This is a significant achievement that demonstrates our commitment to patient safety and quality healthcare," said Jeanna Barnard, CEO of Bayshore Medical Center. "Our physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers are dedicated to putting in the tremendous number of hours required to enhance quality improvement efforts because using proven standards saves lives."
The awards recognize hospitals that are active in quality improvement and have made the required improvement on a composite scoring system, called the Appropriate Care Measure (ACM). For acute care hospitals, the ACM consists of 24 quality indicators: eight AMI, four heart failure, seven pneumonia and five surgical care measures. Critical access hospitals used an ACM score based on 11 quality indicators: four heart failure and seven pneumonia measures.
These CMS/Joint Commission priority areas were targeted because they measure care for common, serious health conditions that affect all adult patients. The quality measures—such as an initial antibiotic dose within four hours of admission for patients with pneumonia—are designed to ensure hospitals provide care consistent with current medical guidelines.
Out of 227 participating Texas hospitals, 27 met the criteria and were presented with the Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Award of Excellence.
"As a nonprofit consulting company focused on promoting quality health and health care, TMF is proud to recognize these hospitals for promoting quality improvement activities and their senior management for promoting a quality culture," said Tom Manley, CEO of TMF Health Quality Institute. "Quality improvement is a complex and demanding process and we thank Clear Lake Regional Medical Center for their commitment to improving the health of Texans and the efficiency of health care in our state."
To earn the Award of Excellence, a hospital had to achieve or maintain performance between 90 and 100 percent on the Appropriate Care Measure and to have met all other awards requirements. These included passing validation of three quarters of data (quarters 1-3, 2008), having mortality scores within the projected range and submitting the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (HCAHPS) data. (Data for mortality rates and HCAHPS are not available for critical access hospitals and, therefore, were not part of the awards criteria for these hospitals.)
About Bayshore Medical Center
Bayshore Medical Center is the only hospital in Pasadena fully accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers and The Joint Commission. The Bayshore campus is an acute-care facility that has been serving the needs of Southeast Harris County for more than 50 years. Bayshore's wide range of services include acute care of the medical and surgical patient and specialty services such as: Advanced wound care center; cardiovascular and cardiology services, including open heart; level III neonatal intensive care unit; inpatient pediatric unit; inpatient rehabilitation unit, award-winning maternity services, behavioral health and radiation oncology services. For more information about Bayshore Medical Center visit us at www.bayshoremedical.com
About East Houston Regional Medical Center—a campus of Bayshore Medical Center
East Houston Regional Medical Center is an acute-care facility with the only Level IV Trauma Designated Emergency Center in East Harris County. East Houston Regional Medical Center, a hospital with accreditation by The Joint Commission and the Society of Chest Pain Centers, currently has 131 beds and over 550 employees. East Houston Regional Medical Center offers specialized services in fields such as: The Center for Pain Care; Industrial Medicine Program; Rehabilitation Services; and Diabetes Self-Management Program. With the resources and expertise of Bayshore Medical Center, the East Houston Regional Medical Center campus is able to provide a combination of clinical services and advanced technology for the residents and businesses in the Northeast and Southeast Harris County region. For more information about our services or community programs, visit www.easthoustonrmc.com
About HCA Gulf Coast Division
HCA Gulf Coast Division is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, emergency centers, cancer centers, and diagnostic imaging facilities. It offers a complete continuum of specialized health programs and services that meet the needs of Greater Houston and South Texas residents and businesses. HCA affiliated facilities in the Gulf Coast Division include 10 Hospitals, 7 ambulatory surgery centers, 6 diagnostic imaging facilities, 6 off-campus emergency centers, a hospital-based express care center, and a regional transfer center that provides one phone call access and support for patient transfers into and out of the HCA Gulf Coast Division Affiliated Hospitals, as well as access to ground and air transportation within a 150 mile radius. For more information visit our website at www.HCAGulfCoast.com.
About TMF
TMF Health Quality Institute is an Austin-based nonprofit consulting company focused on promoting quality health and health care through contracts with federal, state and local governments, as well as private organizations. TMF partners with health care providers in a variety of settings to ensure that every person receives the appropriate care, every time. www.tmf.org.