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The Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) are commonly used to screen for sleep apnea in non-pregnant populations. We sought to evaluate the Berlin and ESS in pregnancy and to determine whether an alternative screening approach could better detect sleep apnea in pregnant women.
Pregnant women at high risk for sleep apnea (women with chronic hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, obesity, and/or a prior history of preeclampsia) completed a sleep survey composed of the Berlin and ESS, and participated in an overnight sleep evaluation with the Watch-PAT100 (WP100), a wrist-mounted device designed to diagnose sleep apnea, defined as an apnea hypopnea index ≥ 5. Using multivariable statistics, demographic, clinical, and subjective symptoms that were independently associated with sleep apnea were determined and a prediction rule for the presence of sleep apnea was developed. The predictive capacity of this newly developed system was compared to that of the Berlin and ESS using receiver-operating curve (ROC) statistics.
Of the 114 women who participated and had a valid WP100 study, 100 completed the Berlin and 96 the ESS. The Berlin and ESS did not accurately predict sleep apnea in this high-risk pregnancy cohort, with ROC area under the curves (AUC) of 0.54 (p = 0.6) and 0.57 (p = 0.3), respectively. Conversely, a model incorporating frequent snoring, chronic hypertension, age, and body mass index performed significantly better (AUC 0.86, p > 0.001).
The Berlin and ESS are not appropriate tools to screen for sleep apnea in high-risk pregnant women. Conversely, our four-variable model more accurately predicts sleep apnea in pregnancy.
Facco FL; Ouyang DW; Zee PC; Grobman WA. Development of a pregnancy-specific screening tool for sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med 2012;8(4):389-394.
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) describes a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities of respiration (e.g., pauses in breathing) or the quality of ventilation during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common such disorder, is characterized by the repetitive collapse or partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep and the need to arouse to resume normal ventilation. The cardinal clinical manifestations of sleep apnea are loud and persistent snoring, bed partner-observed pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness. OSA has clearly been linked to poor sleep and impaired daytime function, but there are also data linking OSA to other health outcomes, principally cardiovascular and metabolic disease.1–7
Pregnancy has been associated with several alterations in sleep and a high incidence of sleep disturbances.8 With regard to OSA, pregnancy-associated weight gain and fluid retention can lead to airway edema and increased airway resistance, which can result in snoring and OSA. This is particularly true for women who are overweight or obese (pre-pregnancy body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25), experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy, or suffer from excessive fluid retention during pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia).8–10 The determination of whether a woman has sleep apnea is important, as this condition during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction.11–14
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Pregnancy has been associated with several alterations in sleep and a high incidence of sleep disturbances. In this prospective study we evaluated the performance of the Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as screening tools for sleep apnea in pregnancy. We also sought to determine if an alternative screening algorithm could better detect sleep apnea in pregnant women.
Study Impact: Our findings indicate that the Berlin and ESS are not reliable predictors of sleep apnea in high-risk pregnant women. Conversely, a simpler four-variable screening tool that includes self-reported frequent snoring, chronic hypertension, BMI, and age more accurately predicts sleep apnea in pregnancy. Further research to understand the impact of sleep apnea on maternal and fetal health, is needed before evidence based guidelines regarding screening for sleep apnea in pregnancy can be established.
Most studies examining sleep apnea in pregnancy have relied on a diagnosis made from subjective questionnaires (e.g., the Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) that were designed for and validated in non-pregnant, predominately male, middle-aged, and elderly populations.15 Indeed, there are some data suggesting that these tools are not as accurate in pregnancy.16 The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Berlin and ESS in pregnancy, and to determine if an alternative screening algorithm could better detect sleep apnea in pregnant women.
Women with singleton pregnancies at high risk for sleep apnea who were between 6 and 20 weeks of gestation were recruited at 2 university-affiliated hospitals. Women who were considered at high risk for sleep apnea were those with chronic hypertension (diagnosed prior to pregnancy), pre-gestational diabetes (type 1 or type 2), obesity (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30), and/or a prior history of preeclampsia.17–19 All women were asked to complete a sleep survey, comprised of the Berlin and ESS, and to participate in an overnight at-home sleep evaluation with the Watch-PAT100 (WP100), a wrist-mounted, ambulatory device designed to diagnose sleep apnea.
The Berlin Questionnaire uses 10 self-administered questions about known risk factors for sleep apnea. The questions are grouped into 3 categories: Category 1 questions assess snoring behavior; Category 2 questions assess wake time sleepiness; and Category 3 questions assess for the presence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or chronic hypertension.20 Data from non-pregnant populations has demonstrated that a high-risk Berlin score has a sensitivity ranging from 68% to 86% and a specificity ranging from 46% to 95% for sleep apnea.15
The ESS is used to assess daytime sleepiness symptoms, which are common among those with OSA. It consists of 8 questions regarding the tendency to fall asleep in certain situations (e.g., sitting and reading, sitting as a passenger in a car). ESS scores range from 0 to 24. Excessive daytime sleepiness is typically defined as a total score ≥ 10 or ≥ 12.21 Studies of sleep apnea in non-pregnant populations have shown that ESS scores are positively correlated with objective measures of sleep apnea.22
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by measuring the total number of apneas (cessations of airflow) and hypopneas (reductions in airflow) per hour of sleep. An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 is diagnostic for sleep apnea. We used the Watch-PAT100 (WP100, Itamar Medical Ltd., Israel) to objectively assess for sleep apnea in this pregnant cohort (Figure 1). Several studies have shown that there is a significant correlation between the WP100 AHI and in-laboratory polysomnography evaluation, the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea.23–25 The WP100 measures peripheral arterial tone (PAT), oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and sleep duration (via actigraphy) continuously throughout the night. Apneas and hypopneas typically result in an increase in sympathetic tone, an increase in heart rate, and an oxygen desaturation; therefore, analysis of the WP100 signals allows for the determination of the AHI. WP100 studies were uploaded and an automated analysis was performed using zzzPAT software scoring algorithms (version 4.0).
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After informed consent was obtained, subjects were shown a brief video instructing them on the proper use of the WP100. They were then asked to wear the device for one night of home sleep and to complete the 2 sleep surveys (Berlin and ESS) either the night of, or the day following the sleep study. Pertinent demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the prenatal record.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of those with and without sleep apnea as determined by the WP100 were compared using the t-test and χ2 test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The classification ability of the Berlin and the ESS with regard to the diagnosis of OSA were assessed with the area under the curve (AUC) derived from the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC). The questions of the Berlin were also individually analyzed to determine which, if any, accurately identified women with OSA. To develop a pregnancy specific prediction rule for sleep apnea, demographic, clinical, and subjective symptoms that were associated with sleep apnea with p values < 0.10 in univariable analysis were included as covariates in a multivariable logistic regression model, and those with p-values < 0.05 were retained in the final multivariable logistic regression model. A prediction model for the presence of OSA, using an integer-based score, was developed from the logistic regression model using a regression coefficient-based scoring method. Points were assigned to each predictor by multiplying the regression coefficient by 10 and rounding to the nearest integer. The area under the ROC of this scoring system was compared to that of the Berlin and ESS.
A test for screening or prediction should have an AUC ≥ 0.7.26,27 Therefore, using a β of 0.1, an α of 0.05, and assuming an estimated 30% prevalence of OSA in our high-risk population,17–19 100 women were required for a statistically significant AUC of at least 0.7 to be detectable.
All analyses were performed using PASW 18.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). The study was approved by the institutional review boards of Northwestern University and NorthShore University HealthSystem.
Of the 122 women who were recruited, 114 had a valid WP100 study; of these, 100 completed the Berlin and 96 completed the ESS. Mean (± standard deviation) gestational age at the time of the sleep study was 16.5 ± 3.7 weeks, and 28% of women had an AHI ≥ 5. The median AHI was 1.5 (interquartile range 0.5-6.0). Additional demographic and clinical characteristics of the 100 participants with a valid WP100 study and at least one screening survey, stratified by the diagnosis of OSA, are presented in Table 1. Women with OSA were older, had higher pre-pregnancy BMIs, were more likely to have chronic hypertension, and were less likely to have pre-gestational diabetes. Women with and without sleep apnea were equally as likely to have a positive Berlin score (39% vs. 32%, p = 0.49) and had similar ESS scores (Table 1). Both screening tests performed poorly with an AUC < 0.7: Berlin 0.54 (95% CI 0.41, 0.67, p = 0.6) and ESS 0.57 (95% CI 0.45, 0.70, p = 0.3). The Berlin had a sensitivity of only 39% (95% CI 22%, 59%) and a specificity of 68% (95% CI 56%, 78%). Similarly, an ESS score of ≥ 10 had 36% sensitivity (95% CI 19%, 57%) and 77% specificity (95% CI 66%, 86%). When we examined the individual Category 1 (snoring) and Category 2 (sleepiness) questions of the Berlin we found that only the snoring questions differentiated women with and without sleep apnea. Moreover, it was the frequency of snoring that was most differentiating. Women reporting frequent snoring (≥ 3 times per week) were > 4 times more likely to have an AHI ≥ 5 than those with less frequent or absent snoring (54% vs. 21%, OR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.4, 11.2).
Subject characteristics
Using the results of the univariable analysis (Table 1), a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed that revealed that pre-pregnancy BMI, age, chronic hypertension, and frequent snoring were independent significant factors in the identification of OSA in this cohort of high-risk pregnant women. As described in the methods, a four variable-based prediction rule for the presence of sleep apnea was developed from the logistic regression model using a regression coefficient-based scoring method (Table 2). The β coefficients for frequent snoring and chronic hypertension were very similar (1.5 vs. 1.7); thus we simplified the scoring system by the changing the score for chronic hypertension from 17 to 15, since this did not significantly alter the predictive capabilities of the model. Therefore, in this model, women receive 15 points if they report frequent snoring and another 15 points if they have chronic hypertension, and this sum is then added to the summation of their age and BMI. This model [(15 if frequent snoring) + (15 if chronic hypertension) + age + BMI] had an AUC of 0.850 (95% CI 0.77, 0.93, p value in comparison against null hypothesis (AUC = 0.5) = < 0.001). It performed significantly better than the Berlin (p < 0.001) and ESS (p < 0.001) screening evaluations for OSA detection (Figure 2). The best discriminatory point, identified by the part of the ROC graph that was closest to the upper left corner, was a score of 75 (Table 3). OSA was identified in women who had a score greater than or equal to this value with a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI 66%, 95%) and a specificity of 74% (95% CI 62%, 83%).
Results of the multivariable prediction model for sleep apnea
Receiver-operating characteristic curves for the Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and for our four-variable model
Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for various cutoff values of our fourvariable prediction rule
Race did not meet the required p value in the univariate analysis and therefore was not included in our model; however, as a trial, it was added to the multivariate analysis. Race remained nonsignificant and did not alter the p values and odds ratios for the other 4 significant variables (data not shown).
In this prospective study we evaluated the performance of the Berlin and ESS as screening tools for sleep apnea in pregnancy. Our findings indicate that these screening tools are not reliable predictors of sleep apnea in high-risk pregnant women. Conversely, a simpler four-variable screening tool that includes self-reported frequent snoring, chronic hypertension, BMI, and age predicts sleep apnea with high sensitivity and specificity.
There are several possible reasons why the Berlin and ESS do not perform well in pregnancy. First, they both incorporate daytime sleepiness to differentiate individuals with and without OSA. While daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of sleep apnea in non-pregnant populations, it is a very common complaint during pregnancy even in women without OSA.12,19 Therefore, daytime sleepiness questions are not likely to be specific for sleep apnea in pregnancy. Second, the Berlin scoring algorithm uses BMI as a categorical variable (BMI ≥ 30), despite data that suggest a more linear relationship between BMI and OSA.28 For example, Young et al. found a four-fold increase in the prevalence of sleep apnea with each increase in the standard deviation (5.6 kg/m2) of the BMI.18 Our four-variable prediction model demonstrates that utilizing BMI as continuous variable significantly improves the ability to predict sleep apnea in pregnancy. Finally, age is not accounted for by either the Berlin or ESS. Yet epidemiological data demonstrate that sleep apnea prevalence increases steadily with age in midlife.17 Most studies that have evaluated the performance of the Berlin studied this instrument in older populations, which may lessen the importance of age as a relevant variable, given that the relationship between OSA and age attenuates for those older than 65.15,20
There are data that support our findings regarding the poor predictive capacity of the Berlin in high-risk women. Olivarez et al. studied a group of women admitted to an antepartum service (the majority of whom had either chronic hypertension, pregnancy induced hypertension, or pre-gestational or gestational diabetes mellitus) and reported a sensitivity (35%) and specificity (64%) for the Berlin that were nearly identical to those found in our pregnant population.16 However, we recognize that the results of our study may not be generalizable to all pregnant women. The reliability of the Berlin and of our four-variable model in a general or low-risk obstetrical population remains unknown and warrants further investigation. Regardless, the positive predictive values for all OSA screening tests will be significantly lower in such a population because there will be a lower prevalence of OSA.
We used an AHI 5 to define the presence of sleep apnea in our cohort. While this is the standard definition of sleep apnea, there remains a lack of consensus regarding which AHI value (i.e., what severity of sleep apnea) is most clinically relevant. In non-pregnant populations, an AHI ≥ 5 is considered abnormal, given the known association with cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity, although higher AHI levels are associated with an even greater frequency of adverse outcomes.4–5,29,30 On the other hand, even AHI values < 5 have been reported by some to be associated with the development of hypertension.4 Given the lack of full consensus and the existing data, an AHI ≥ 5 was chosen for this study, given that it is a commonly accepted diagnostic threshold. If in the future, this threshold were to be changed, all screening tools would need to be evaluated anew. In addition, we focused our study on identifying SDB in early pregnancy and our findings may not be applicable to new-onset, third trimester SDB. Many studies have reported that SDB symptoms increase and pregnancy progress.19,31 However, as we have yet to define what is clinically significant SDB in pregnancy, it remains unclear if SDB that is only present in late pregnancy (i.e., new-onset SDB) is as clinically relevant as SDB that is present in early pregnancy and persists or worsens as pregnancy progresses. Future studies are needed to understand the impact of and how to best assess for new-onset SDB in late pregnancy.
It should be noted that other approaches for the objective measurement of OSA exist. The gold standard for documenting OSA is in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG), and the lack of full PSG assessment of AHI in our cohort is certainly a limitation of this study. Unfortunately, the expense and burden of this testing limits its utility. The cost and complexity of in-laboratory PSG have led to the development of simpler diagnostic techniques for sleep apnea, such as the WP100 device. The WP100 does not measure ventilation during sleep directly, but instead generates an AHI by analyzing heart rate accelerations, increases in peripheral arterial tone, and decreases in oxygenation, all of which are associated with apneic and hypopneic events. The WP100 allows for home recordings, which, in addition to significantly lower costs, are less likely to be hampered by changes in environmental factors (i.e., bed comfort, noise, temperature) that are inevitably encountered when studying a patient in a sleep-laboratory setting. Studies in non-pregnant populations have shown that the respiratory indices, such as the AHI, derived from the WP100 are strongly correlated with those obtained from PSG (r = 0.90), and have also demonstrated that the WP100 is an accurate and reliable ambulatory method for the detection of sleep apnea.23–25,32 It is well established that certain biological parameters measured by the WP100 are altered in pregnancy. Specifically, resting heart rate is known to increase while systemic vascular resistance decreases. However, the algorithm for scoring WP100 events takes into consideration that every individual, pregnant or not, has a different baseline heart rate and peripheral arterial tone and therefore, events are scored when there is a change in baseline (increase in heart rate, increase in peripheral arterial tone).23 Pulse oximetry and actigraphy measures, also used by the Watch-PAT, should not be different when measured in pregnancy. Therefore we believe that there is no good biologic foundation to suggest that the objective measures of the WP100 will correlate less well with PSG measures just because a woman is pregnant. Moreover, O'Brien et al. recently presented data comparing Watch-PAT to full PSG in pregnant subjects. Their results indicate that among pregnant women, WP AHI correlated very well with PSG AHI(r = 0.76, p < 0.0001) and that the WP has excellent sensitivity (88%) and specificity (86%) for identification of SDB (AHI ≥ 5).33 Future studies, using alternative objective assessments of sleep apnea, AHI cutoff values, and patient populations, to reevaluate the Berlin and ESS and validate our four-variable screening tool should be performed and are planned.
In summary, our study suggests that the Berlin and ESS do not reliably screen for sleep apnea in high-risk pregnant women. Our four-variable prediction rule, which incorporates the presence of frequent snoring and chronic hypertension as well as age and BMI, more accurately predicts sleep apnea in pregnancy. Validation of our findings in a larger cohort of pregnant women, as well as further research to understand the impact of sleep apnea on maternal and fetal health, are needed before evidence based guidelines regarding screening for sleep apnea in pregnancy can be established.
Presented as a poster at the 31st annual Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, February, 2011. This was not an industry supported study. The authors have indicated no financial conflicts of interest.
The authors gratefully acknowledge Joseph Kang, Ph.D. for competent statistical assistance. Financial Support: NIH/NICHD 1K12HD050121, Preeclampsia Foundation Vision Grant, Northwestern Memorial Foundation Dixon Translational Research Initiative.
Marshall NS, Wong KK, Phillips CL, Liu PY, Knuiman MW, Grunstein RR, authors. Is sleep apnea an independent risk factor for prevalent and incident diabetes in the Busselton Health Study? J Clin Sleep Med. 2009;5:15–20. [PubMed Central][PubMed]
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Michelle Grattan reports from Canberra each weekday on Breakfast. Counterpoint and Late Night Live dip into all sides of political commentary and, if it's serious news, it'll be discussed all over RN from RN Drive to Sunday Extra.
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You may not have thought of democracy as essentially undemocratic, but this week's guest is no fan of the least-worst system.
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John Cena is The Karate Teen on Saturday Night Live [SNL Rewind]
I think by now just about everybody knows that I'm a huge wrestling fan AND a huge fan of the show Saturday Night Live! I host the pro-wrestling podcast "Post 2 Post" here on this site and I have for about three years. I also produce the "SNL Rewind" following every live episode of SNL. So, when I found out that these worlds would be coliding as WWE Superstar wrestler John Cena was hosting the late night comedy institution, I was beyond excited! (more…)


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Hair and Makeup Secrets of Tron: Legacy
The Mad Men actress has said that when it comes to her red-carpet fashion choices, she tends to steer clear of anything the former Mrs. Don Draper might wear. This line of thinking apparently applies to her beauty choices, too: In a bold break from Betsy's classic '60s makeup, Jones flaunted futuristic high-fashion eye shadow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala in May.
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The pop star might be "the only girl in the world" besides Lady Gaga who can seamlessly transition from one bold hairstyle to another in the blink of an eye. After switching from a blond pixie to a fiery-red one, Rihanna went even further, flaunting a hot, extension-fueled mass of curls at the American Music Awards in November.
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HOUSTON - A new agreement allows a pregnant teenager whose parents want her to have an abortion to do what she wants with the child.
The 16-year-old girl at the center of the case is 10 weeks pregnant.
"Her parents were putting intense pressure on her before we got the restraining order, to get the abortion against her will," said one of the girl's attorneys.
On Monday, the girl's parents signed a court order that prevents them from physically or emotionally coercing her into having an abortion.
The unborn child's father said he wants the girl to move in with his family while they wait for the birth. He said he wants to marry the girl and get away from the situation with her parents.
The girl nor her parents wanted to talk about the agreement after it was signed.
The girl's attorneys said she hopes she can reconcile with her parents.
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As Tall As.....Height chart
'm As Big As...The Yeti? A giant panda (sitting down?)? A supermodel (average)? The longest ever moustache? A blue whale's heart? This 2M high wall mounted height chart has been beautifully researched, designed and produced. Perfect for kids and adults. I'm As Big As... reached the parts other height charts can't reach!


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January 7, 1925 — Essen, Germany
Dora, her parents, brother, aunt, uncle, and two cousins lived together in her grandfather's home in Essen, Germany. The Ungers were an observant Jewish family, and when Dora was 8, she began to regularly attend meetings of Brit HaNoar, a religious youth organization.
1933-39: In October 1938 a teacher, with tears in her eyes, came to me at the municipal pool, saying "Jews cannot swim here anymore." Just weeks later, on November 9, Jews were arrested and their property destroyed. A neighbor tried to protect us, but that night as our family huddled together, Nazis spotted our house. Suddenly, an axe flew through the window, landing by my head. A few days later, we fled for the Netherlands.
1940-45: In Amsterdam, as refugees, my parents were not permitted to work and so could not provide for me and my brother. I was sent by a Jewish aid organization to the Buergerweeshuis, an orphanage which had 80 Jewish refugee children. Just after the Germans invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, "Mama Wysmueller," a Dutch woman who worked to rescue thousands of children by arranging their passage to England, came and told all of us to get dressed. We were taken by bus to a pier and put on the Bodengraven, a boat.
Dora spent the remainder of the war in England. Her parents and brother perished at the camps of Sobibor and Auschwitz. Dora emigrated to Israel in 1946.
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etween 1975 and 1979, Pol Pot presided over a communist regime known as Democratic Kampuchea. His harsh, utopian policies, derived in part from Maoist China, drove an estimated 1.5 million Cambodians–or one in five–to their deaths from malnutrition, illness or overwork. At least 200,000 more were executed as enemies of the state. The ratio of deaths to population made the Cambodian revolution the most murderous in a century of revolutions. ol Pot, Brother No. 1 in the Khmer Rouge regime, is a name that sends shivers down the spines of most Cambodians and foreigners alike. It is Pol Pot who is most associated with the bloody madness of the regime he led between 1975 and 1979, and his policies heaped misery, suffering and death on millions of Cambodians. Even after being overthrown in 1979 he cast a long shadow over the Cambodian people: for many of them, just knowing he was still alive was traumatic and unjust. He died on 15 April 1998. Pol Pot was born Saloth Sar in a small village near Kompong Thom in 1925. He had a relatively privileged upbringing and his education included, ironically, some time in a wat (Buddhist temple monastery). As a young man he won a scholarship to study in Paris and spent several years there with leng Sary, who would later become foreign minister of Democratic Kampuchea. It is here that he is believed to have developed his radical Marxist thought, later to transform in to the politics of extreme Maoist agrarianism. back in Cambodia, Saloth Sar became a school teacher, entering politics in the late 1950's. Very little is known about his early political career.
Pol Pot (1925-1998) the Cambodian political leader, whose radical Khmer Rouge movement controlled the government of Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Under Pol Pot's totalitarian regime, about 1.7 million Cambodians were killed and Cambodia fell into economic ruin. Pol Pot was born Saloth Sar in Kompong Thom Province. At that time Cambodia was a Buddhist kingdom under French control. His parents had royal connections: his cousin was one of King Sisovath Monivong's wives, his sister was a consort, and his brother Loth Suong made a career in the palace. Sar had a strict, sheltered childhood. In 1934 he joined his brother at the palace compound in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, and spent a year in a royal monastery followed by six years in an elite Catholic school. In 1948 Sar went to study radio electricity in Paris, where he joined the French Communist Party. He kept company with Khieu Ponnary, the first Khmer (ethnic Cambodian) woman to receive a bachelor's degree, and they were married in 1956. Sar's student friends included Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary, and Son Sen. Each person in the group adopted a pseudonym. Sar chose "Khmaer Da'em," meaning "Original Cambodian," while the others chose more modern code names such as "Free Khmer" and "Khmer Worker." Later, in the mid-1970s, Sar adopted the pseudonym he is most widely known by: Pol Pot (which has no particular meaning).
if pol pots Kampuchea can be called a 'utopia', i don't know what the heck a dystopia is. lucky, being a communist he didn't have a belief in after life. but us, believers, wish he burns in hell for killing so many of his very own people.
Hi there my dear friend Parvez….
I have been there.. you know, on Killing Fields. I saw Tol Sleng better known as S 21, the Khmer Rouge Killing Machine, the camp where they tortured people, I saw the thousands of skulls of little children and woman, I saw the graves and the torture tools…. I saw the devastation. Pol Pot was called "number One". Perhaps you would like to see documentary ( http://www.mazalien.com/the-life-of-pol-pot-cambodia.html) of the trial of Nuon Chea, brother number two, he was second in ranking of the Khmer Rouger, he was called pol Pot's Shadow, and he is what has been said even more evil… This is a very confronting documentary from "frontline".. greetings Maza
hi mr. marcel!! yah..i know you've been there. can understand your shock and horror seeing those rows after rows of skulls 'n bones.


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Ok, so this is my first blog. It may end up being a bit on the short end, but I'll do my best to lengthen it and make it at least a little bit interesting.
Just so we are clear, this is not about Dolph Ziggler and when he should or should not cash in his briefcase. Although, personally I think he should cash in at Wrestlemania and end this whole Jack Swagger push.
No, this


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Support from a local store has boosted Otley Lions' funds by £577.
The money was raised by the staff and customers of The Original Factory Shop, on Crossgate.
The outlet, which chose the Lions as its charity of the year for 2013 to 2014, organised tombolas and stalls, sold re-usable bags, entered runners for a sponsored road race, sold tickets for the group's Easter Egg Raffle, and provided collection tins.
Manager Peter Darroch, said: "We are proud to support Otley Lions for the invaluable work they do.
"All of the staff have contributed to the fundraising and we are very pleased to have raised more than £500."
A spokesman for the Lions added that they were very grateful to the store for all its help and that the proceeds would bolster its support of many good causes.


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Thank you all for the lovely words on my previous post - I knew you'd understand! I couldn't help myself but drop in to share this tasty spring recipe with you. We have had some wonderful spring weather here in Sydney too and I've been sitting on my tiny balcony, surrounded by all the herbs, reading and enjoying lunches and numerous cups of tea. This quick and easy lunch has everything I love - quinoa, asparagus and coconut flakes which have become my best friend after quitting sugar three weeks ago. It is perfect to whip up, scoop into a bowl and savour outside in the sun.
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend too!
Quinoa with asparagus and toasted coconut
(serves 2)
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 1/2 cups water
pinch of sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
2 bunches asparagus
handful (1/2 cup) unsweetened coconut flakes
1. Place the quinoa in a saucepan and pour in the water. Bring to boil, then let simmer for 10 minutes. Cover the pan with a lid and leave to sit for 5 minutes.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, toast the coconut flakes on a dry frying pan until golden. Set aside.
3. Chop the woody ends off the asparagus. Cut the remaining stems into 1 cm pieces, and leave the tips untouched.
4. Add a splash of water in the frying pan and steam cook the asparagus stems until just tender. Set aside. Steam the tips in the same pan with a bit more water added in.
5. Fluff the quinoa and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add in lemon juice and olive oil, and the cooked asparagus stems. Toss to mix and scoop on a plate.
6. Top the dish with the asparagus tips and golden coconut flakes. Enjoy immediately.


text: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Bremen Ship Information Quick Specs Hapag-Lloyd Cruises - BremenOCG Class: LuxuryYear Built: 1990Refurbished: 2016Passengers: 155Decks: 6Tonnage: 6,752 Registry: Bahamas ScheduleShip StatsPhotosShip Review Bremen Ship ReviewRefurbished in 2008 and built in 1990 at the Mitsubishi Shipyard in Kobe, Japan, the Bremen has a rich history of sailing the world's most exotic itineraries and even discovered a previously uncharted Antarctic island in 2003. The island was named Bremeninsel in the ship's honor. Of all expedition lines, Hapag-Lloyd is arguably the best at maintaining a luxurious cruise experience in some of the world's most remote locations. Most cruises are German and English speaking. Terms and Conditions:The prices listed are representative of actual prices provided by various cruise vendors and are not offered by TravelAgeWest.com or Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Price listed does not constitute a contract of services, implied or written. TravelAgeWest.com provides no cruise booking or purchase features. Prices are provided as a comparison tool only. Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy and do include port taxes. Prices do not include taxes, fuel surcharges, gratuities, or airfare unless otherwise noted. Actual prices and fees are subject to vendor policies and are subject to availability, are capacity-controlled, and are subject to change without notice. Special amenities, prices, offers, and upgrades are based on select dates, ships, sailings, stateroom categories, and select fare codes. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates, and other restrictions may apply. All prices and dates may not be available at time of booking. Bremen Ship Profile and Statistics Cruise Line:Hapag-Lloyd CruisesShip Type:Small AdventureLine Class:LuxuryFormer Name:Frontier SpiritRegistration:BahamasYear Built:1990Year Refurbished:2016Deck Quantity:6Passenger Capacity:155Gross Tonnage:6,752Length:365 ftBeam:56 ftSpeed:15 knotsOutside Cabins:82Nationality of Officers:Austrian, German, SwissNationality of Crew:European, German, InternationalNumber of Crew:100Bremen RecreationIndoor Pools: NoOutdoor Pools: YesIs there a Spa?: NoIs there a Casino?: NoBremen DiningMain Dining RoomCuisine: International|RegionalBremen EntertainmentPanorama LoungeDescription: Panorama barBremen ClubDescription: Pianist/entertainer, lectures, talks Bremen Photos Photos & Videos Bremen Bar/LoungeBremen Bar/LoungeBremen ExteriorBremen ExteriorBremen Outside CabinBremen Outside CabinBremen RecreationBremen RestaurantBremen RestaurantBremen Suite travel42 Professional Review for Bremen Want to read the full Bremen travel42 Review? travel42 features professionally written reviews of more than 300 cruise ships, 78 cruise lines and more than 3,000 hotels in nearly 200 popular cruise embarkation ports worldwide, plus 7,000 additional destination hotels. Visit www.travel-42.com or call 1.866.566.8136 to learn more about subscribing. The Bremen was built in 1990 at the Mitsubishi Shipyard in Kobe, Japan, as the Frontier Spirit. She was acquired by Hapag-Lloyd in 1993, renamed Bremen, and refurbished in July 2006 and again in September-October 2008. Bremen has had an adventurous career sailing some of the most exotic itineraries in the world. During a storm in the Southern Atlantic in 2001, a rogue wave caused serious damage, even breaking a window on the bridge, though a lesser built ship might have fared worse. Recoverin... Subscribe to travel42 to read the full review » Copyright (c) 2017 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. travel42.


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ok so i just got a virus that created a bunch of temp files on my network service and local service folder in windows xp, and even in safe mode i could not delete some of them cause it was "in use". so i'm using the backtrack live cd to navigate and manually delete those files. however, when i deleted it to the trash can, there was some issues and i can't empty the trash and also the trash can stopped icon don't appear anymore. logging off and on don't help. so i want to shutdown the computer and my questions are these:
1) if i have items in the trash can and i don't empty the trash can and i shutdown the computer, does backtrack automatically delete all the files in the can?
2) the backtrack live cd creates temporary folders when it's loaded right? so anything that was create during the live sessions including backtrack files automatically gets cleaned up on shutdown? so if i install a program, it would delete all pertaining files on shutdown?
so i guess my overall question is does backtrack live cd clean up after itself when the session is done? or is there any kinds of files still on my HD even when i shutdown from the live cd??


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I want to pass several variables to a function to be changed, but then I want the function to return the same variables so I can continue using them (The function is changing the value(s), but I want the same variable name(s)):
variable1, variable2, variable3 = function1(variable1, variable2, variable3)
Does this line mean that I am initializing new variables, or that I am simply redefining a new/existing variable? I think I have had issues with this before that is why I am asking. Is simply creating new variables the easiest solution here?
variable4, variable5, variable6 = function1(variable1, variable2, variable3)
Any clarification would be appreciated.


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TROY, Mich. - Tis the season for holiday shopping and also for holiday shoplifting.
Troy police report several arrests were made over the last few days for various degrees of retail fraud.
On Nov. 30th, police arrested a 73-year-old Madison Heights woman for stealing a sheet set from the Home Goods store on John R Road.
Police say she concealed the merchandise in an empty bag that she had carried into the store.
The woman had a previous conviction for shoplifting.
A Southfield woman was arrested for taking a shirt, a bottle of perfume and two pairs of earrings from the Kohl's on Coolidge Highway.
Police say she hid the items in a large purse before she was caught. She had two previous retail fraud convictions.
A 17-year-old man from Troy was issued a citation for stealing a hooded sweatshirt that he attempted to wear while leaving the store at the same Kohl's location on Dec. 2nt
On Dec. 1st, police arrested a 15-year-old man from Detroit for stealing a pair of jeans and a hooded sweatshirt from the Kohl's on John R Road.
The next day Troy police were back at Kohl's to arrest a 20-year-old man who stuffed four packages of pillow cases in his pants and left the store without paying for them.
When employees confronted the man he ran.
Police were able to catch-up with him and it was discovered that the Port Hope, Mich. man had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Kroger in Troy reports a man loaded up a shopping cart with numerous cases of Red Bull energy drink then walk out of the store without making any attempt to pay.
In this case the 40-year-old Clinton Township man took off running and was later arrested inside a Home Depot.
More shoplifting in the news:
Troy police: Couple shoplifted with 3-year-old.
Mich. police: 2 shoppers rob store detective at gunpoint.
3 customers, sales clerk arrested for stealing from Troy store.
Copyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/7/2013 (1485 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My mother says I have a "fat ass" like hers. She keeps telling me ways to disguise it and points to her own big butt as a way to excuse her critical comments. It's like she wants us to belong to a Mother and Daughter Big Butt Club, and she thinks it's cute. I hate it! In fact, I've developed a big problem over it. I won't go to the beach and go swimming unless I think I will be the only one there. I don't ever wear jeans or pants, just skirts and tops to cover it. The other night, my friends dragged me out to a downtown club and this guy, who kept buying me drinks and asking me to dance, finally said, "You have a great booty, just like J-Lo's." Rrrright. I am not a dummy. I am in second year university. I thought he was nuts and told him so, and then he went away like I had kicked him. Weird! Is he some kind of pervert who just wants a woman because of her strange behind? -- Can't Win For Losing, River Heights
Dear Can't Win: You can't win for thinking you're a loser and that your attractiveness as a person is defined by your buttocks. You don't hear Michelle Obama, or anybody who sees that attractive woman, commenting about her curvy hips. It's time to face off with your mother on this topic. You heard me. She needs to hear straight from your lips that all this talk about your behind and hers is over for good. You've had your quota for life. Suggest she get some therapy over her fixation and quietly get some counselling over this problem yourself through your university services so it doesn't follow you through life. You don't realize this yet, but the way you treated that young man on the dance floor was abominable and unnecessary. He wasn't a pervert; he was attracted to you just the way you are.
Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: A few months ago, I found out my husband of 15 years had been cheating on me. He then left me for this woman across town. She left her husband, too. He and I made contact and found out we were quite brutally deceived by a mountain of lies. We began speaking daily, as we both have young children and are very concerned for them. I should tell you neither of us was happy in our marriages but stayed for the children (he has two and I have three). Now that we're separated we both have our own homes and shared custody. Soon after we began talking, this man and I started a romantic relationship. It is wonderful -- he's kind, sweet, attractive and we're very similar. The relationship has become quite serious, but we're keeping it secret, so as not to confuse our poor children more than they already are. My ex-husband would also go crazy as he is very jealous. He continues to harass me non-stop, even though he's moved in with this other woman. Most of my family and friends have been supportive of my new relationship, but not all of them. Do you think this is a healthy relationship so soon after a 15-year marriage, or are we crazy? -- Finally Loving Life, Charleswood
Dear Finally: Looking for a little revenge? Well then, don't make the kids pay. It may not be too soon for YOU and this guy to match up, but it's way too soon for your children. Some of them may already know. What kind of secret is it when everybody knows but your ex? At least stop deceiving yourself. You didn't need to start talking with this guy every single day about your kids, and you've already been telling friends and family, who could potentially tell your ex. This situation will upset your jealous ex-husband far more if he is the last to know, but there will be some satisfaction in that for you. Look, you wanted out anyway, so be discreet for a time if it's not too late and see if it actually works out past your revenge stage. If so, it'd be best to get this thing out in a whole family-counselling situation where a trained professional can help with everybody's explosive, mixed-up feelings. And your new man, should do the same on his side with his ex and his kids.
Please send questions or comments c/o email@example.com or mail letters to Miss Lonelyhearts c/o Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, R2X 3B6


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Oct 04, 2012
SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's and women's will open action at the Varner Memorial Invitational, hosted by Rollins College, on Friday morning.
The Lions will compete in doubles action first, before opening singles play in the afternoon.
Continuing to gain momentum heading into the spring, the Lions will once again challenge many of the nation's best in their final tournament of the fall.
View the complete draw here.
View the official Varner Memorial Invite site here.
Throughout the tournament, draws on the site will be updated as results become available.
For more on the nationally-ranked tennis programs, visit SaintLeoLions.com.


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It's time once again for the AoM x Huckberry Holiday Gift Shop. For the past two years, we've teamed up with the fine gents at Huckberry to create a curated online store full of gifts we think an AoM Man would enjoy finding under the Christmas tree. And like last year, we've added a gift shop for women, as a service to our fellow men who have a hard time finding unique and cool gifts for the ladies in their lives.
The AoM x Huckberry Holiday Gift Shop is your one-stop Christmas resource for the fellow manly men in your life and the cool women who love them. Ready to get your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop, as well as win something for yourself or a loved one? Keep reading.
Men's Holiday Gift Shop
For the men's Art of Manliness x Huckberry Holiday Gift Shop I handpicked over 30 items that I thought an Art of Manliness man would enjoy seeing under the Christmas tree this December 25th, and the gents at Huckberry worked with many of the brands in order to offer AoM readers exclusive discounts on their products. Use the AoM x Huckberry store to do all your Christmas shopping for the men in your life and forward it along to your family so they know what to get you this year.
My favorite items in this year's store?
The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk, Woolrich Cavalry blanket, and the Heirloom Brass Top. Don't be fooled. The top isn't just some toy. It's an engineering marvel that's hand-turned from a solid brass bar. They keep spinning and spinning and spinning. It's mesmerizing. I keep mine in my desk drawer and spin it during brainstorming sessions to spur ideas. It works!
There are tons of other incredible made-in-America items, including my favorite hair pomade, stainless steel combs, and a straight razor. To see the other items in the store, sign-up for Huckberry to gain access.
Women's Holiday Gift Shop
To make holiday shopping for the women in your life a bit easier, last year we launched the AoM x Huckberry Holiday Gift Shop for Women. It was such a big success that we're bringing it back again. No need to default to scented body lotion this year — in the shop you'll find a great selection of classy and useful gifts bound to delight your gal. Kate's picks from the store?
"As someone who likes to look up at the stars, I'm really drawn to the Holstee Constellation Poster. I also think the copper flashlight makes a great gift. You may have never thought of giving the woman in your life a flashlight, but every woman ought to have one stashed in her purse or handbag. It will not only come in handy for more pedestrian pickles, but as Brett has written about, it can also be used as a self-defense weapon. This one has enough lumens (remember what lumens are?) to temporarily blind someone. Brett got me a 'tactical' flashlight last year, and it was one of my favorite gifts. Finally, one of my favorite items hasn't been added to the store yet, but will be soon — a compass bracelet. I love wearable compasses — reminds me of always seeking direction and adventure in life."
The AoM x Huckberry holiday shops close on December 19th.
Shipping for items from either the men's or women's shops is free until 12 pm PST tomorrow (Nov. 23).
Huckberry only stocks a limited supply of many items, so if you see something you like, it's best to pull the trigger!
AoM x Huckberry Men's and Women's Holiday Gift Shop Giveaway
To celebrate this season of giving, we want to give two very good AoM readers their pick of any item from the men's and women's holiday gift shops. Win something to give yourself (lucky you!) or to a loved one. To find out how to get on the nice list, read on.
The Prizes
Any one item from the men's and women's holiday gift shops.
Bonus: If your name is drawn and you've already made a purchase from the Holiday Gift Shop, Huckberry will let you choose anything you'd like for yourself from the whole site, plus throw in a $50 credit as a thank you. Shazam!
How to Enter
Enter by simply leaving a comment sharing what you want to win from our two holiday stores. With this giveaway you can enter two (2) times! Leave one comment sharing what you want to win from the men's store and leave another comment sharing what you want to win from the women's store. Leave your men's store and women's store picks as two SEPARATE COMMENTS!
We'll then select one winner for the men's shop and one winner for the women's shop.
- Sign up for Huckberry to gain access to our exclusive stores. You have to sign up because the store and the discounted prices are not available to the public. Just so we're clear, if you sign up for Huckberry, you're opting into receiving weekly emails from Huckberry on their exclusive deals. You can unsubscribe anytime you want.
- Take a look around, pick one item you'd like Santa John Sullivan to bring you from the men's store, and leave one comment on this post sharing your selection. If you want to win something from the women's holiday store, leave another comment sharing what you want to win from that shop. (Suggested holiday Spotify playlist to listen to while you're browsing the stores: Time Life Christmas.)
- All comments are moderated so it may take a little while for your comments to show up. Please be patient and do not submit duplicate comments!
Deadline to enter is Friday, December 6, 2013 at 9am CST. We'll pick two comments at random — one for the men's store prize and the other for the women's store prize — to determine our winners. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Last updated: December 6, 2013


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Crate and Barrel's three menorahs
10 years ago I walked into a creat and barrel and asked if they had any menorahs. The clerk looked at me and said "what's a menorah?" Now they have three this season; one is the most traditional, but still has a modern look and feel, one that's a rustic iron forged menorah, the other a nice simple clean streamlined one. Look at all three images.


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Boot Barn Item #: 2007884
Color: Click a button belowcolor
size: Click a button below Size Chartsize
- 100% polyester
- Long sleeves
- Double front pockets with flaps and snaps
- Snap down placket
- Front and back western yoke
- Machine wash cold with like colors
Be sharp and handsome in this Solid Western Shirt by Cody James®. Made with the snap down placket, double front pockets with flaps and snaps, and the front and back western yoke, this shirt is authentic. Great for wearing out and dressing up, you'll look sharp in this for any occasion.
Style(s): COWL-1100-BLK, COWL-1100-TAN, COWL-1100-BLU
Brim Size: Button-Up
Lifestyle: Western
Material: Polyester
Color: Black
Product Weight: 1 lbs
Closure: Button
Print Cody James® celebrates America's western heritage and traditional values of hard work, integrity and community. We believe in quality products and good value. We've handcrafted our boots with the finest hides and hand-driven wood pegs, ensuring they're durable, authentic and affordable. Designed shirts, made of 100% double-washed cotton, performance-sized with extra long tail and sleeves, suited for riding, roping and ranching. And offer real fur felt hats – handmade by families who've been felting fur the same way for more than a hundred years. Hand-weaved straw hats, for warm weather months, belts and buckles round out the line. Cody James® -- western performance gear that makes sense. See for yourself.


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I have written before about the house at 18 Folgate Street and on the recent Unlock The Past Cruise I somehow ended up twice talking to people at breakfast about the house and how they must go and see it when they were next in London.
Dennis was an eccentric, there is no two ways about it, but an eccentric with more imagination than most and who has left a wonderful legacy behind him. He decided that he didn't belong in the 20th century, he died on 29 December 1999 and that he really was most comfortable in the 18th century. It is hard to explain the house and the experience, but yesterday I came across a tv programme on YouTube by Dan Cruickshank that comes as close as you can to the house without entering it's door.
If you can go and see it yourself, check the website for opening times and note the restrictions no children, no talking etc. If you can't then watch the following YouTube programmes, it is in 3 segments.
The House That Wouldn't Die by Dan Cruickshank


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THE Australian barrister Geoffrey Robertson has added his voice to calls for a Commonwealth boycott of Sri Lanka in protest against the impeachment of the nation's chief justice.
Mr Robertson has urged leaders not to attend November's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, and also wants the Queen to steer clear, after Shirani Bandaranayake was declared guilty of misconduct seven weeks ago.
The issue has split other Commonwealth nations, with Canada confirming it will not go to Colombo, while Australia insists it will attend and Britain has yet to decide.
''Governments which respect the rule of law should not attend,'' Mr Robertson wrote in a report for England's Bar Human Rights Committee. ''Nor should the Queen or any royal family member provide a photo opportunity for President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Royal seals of approval serve the propaganda interests of people like this and no-shows by powerful nations would signal the unacceptability of their behaviour.''
Ms Bandaranayake was sacked by Mr Rajapaksa two days after Parliament voted to impeach her in January.
She had held up a bill that would have given greater political and financial power to the President's youngest brother, the economic development minister.
In his report, released in London on Wednesday, Mr Robertson argued the treatment of the judge ''undermines the rule of law to such an extent'' that Sri Lanka risked losing ''that independent power which is essential to make democracy work''.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed he would not be attending the meeting if it was held in Colombo, while Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for South Asia, Alistair Burt, said his government had yet to decide.
''I have indicated that unless changes occur in Sri Lanka I will not be attending the Commonwealth summit there,'' Mr Harper told the Canadian Parliament this week.
He has previously raised concerns about Sri Lanka's human rights situation and said recent developments, in particular the impeachment, were ''taking that country in a worse direction''.
The Queen's attendance is a Commonwealth matter, and not a decision of the monarch or the British government.
Australia will attend the meeting despite growing calls for it to be moved, or for leaders to boycott it.
''And we would urge nations like Canada to do so as well,'' Foreign Minister Bob Carr said during his most recent visit to the country.
Australia will hold a general election before CHOGM, but the opposition is also committed to attending.
''Australia should attend and should encourage other Commonwealth countries to attend,'' shadow foreign minister Julie Bishop said.
The International Commission of Jurists has written an open letter to Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma asking for the summit to be moved.
With AAP


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January 5, 2012
A newly-formed Scottish media company has been given the non-exclusive rights for live online streaming of their multi-camera coverage of the England v ICC Combined Associate and Affiliate (AM) XI match to be played in the United Arab Emirates next week in the lead-up to England's series against Pakistan.
Quipu TV, which was set up this year following earlier live streaming successes, will be providing this online coverage of the three-day game between Andrew Strauss's team and Irish captain William Porterfield's men at the ICC Global Cricket Academy in Dubai from 7-9 January.
The match will serve as a warm-up game in the Gulf conditions for England before their series with Pakistan. It will also be a showcase for some of the top cricketers from the non-Test playing nations, including stars from Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan, Namibia and the UAE.
Coverage of the match is expected to be popular amongst fans of Irish and Afghan cricket, who have been growing in number as their respective teams continue to upset the Test nations. The 25,000 members of English cricket's Barmy Army, whose travelers are not expected to arrive in Dubai until after England's tour opener, will also be paying close attention.
A payment gateway contained within the video player will allow access to eight hours of live coverage on all three days of the match, for only US$9.99, and will be accessible via www.icc-cricket.com.
Chief executive Jack McGill said: "It's fantastic that we have been granted non-exclusive live online coverage rights to this game, and a privilege to bring it to fans of Associate and Affiliate level cricket across the globe. We hope that this coverage will be the catalyst to providing future free-to-air coverage of cricket between the Associate and Affiliate countries."
The company expects to be on air continuously from 0915 to 1730 Dubai time (0515 to 1330 GMT) on each of the three days, providing live ball-by-ball coverage, expert commentary, with live interviews and features before and after the game, and during the intervals. And an as-live recording of each day's play will be available to view from approximately 2000 Dubai time (1600 GMT).


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Note: This item is more than nine years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.
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News Release
Media Contact: TPWD News, email@example.com, 512-389-8030
June 2, 2008
Plan Summer Outings with New Guide to Texas State Parks
AUSTIN, Texas — Texans reeling from soaring gasoline prices might want to consider vacationing this summer a little closer to home to save time and money by visiting one of more than 90 Texas state parks and historic sites.
Available just in time to plan a getaway to the great outdoors is the fifth edition of the free Texas State Park Guide published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Armchair travelers, too, will enjoy looking through this handy, colorful 112-page booklet to discover how Texas state parks are "getting better all the time."
As a result of additional legislative funding for state parks in 2008-2009, park visitors will be noticing improvements to aging facilities, reopening of campgrounds, and in some cases, increased interpretive programming and security thanks to the hiring of more than 200 new park staff.
As TPWD's executive director, Carter Smith, points out in the guide's introduction, the increased legislative funding for state parks brings added responsibility to "steward those resources well ... so we can keep that momentum going and continue to have a bright future for our parks."
The new guide shines a light on a number of recreational parks and historic sites within an hour's drive of the state's major metro areas of Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The listing for Dallas/Fort Worth, for example, describes eight state parks within a short drive, where visitors can spend a day or days hiking, biking, fishing or camping under the stars.
A state map occupies the centerfold of the new guide and an information-packed park directory is organized into seven sections corresponding to the states seven travel regions. Each section has a regional map that locates parks and historic sites within that region of Texas. The guide's Symbol Legend provides a ready reference to the type of facilities and amenities to be found at each of the 93 sites.
New to this year's park guide is a section titled "Plan It Outdoors, Online!" that helps direct readers to TPWD's informative Web site that provides a plethora of information about new places to visit, how to make reservations, download park maps and learn more about a host of outdoor learning opportunities, such as the new "Texas Outdoor Family" program, archery skills, boater education and how to become a Master Naturalist. You can even "Shop The Outdoors" online for conservation license plates, wildlife posters, maps and other featured products.
The park guides are available at any state park or state natural area, as well as TPWD law enforcement offices, Sea Center Texas, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Texas Department of Transportation travel information centers, convention and visitors bureaus and chambers of commerce throughout Texas. You also can print your own guide from the TPWD Web site. In addition, while supplies last, you can go online and request that a guide be mailed to you by visiting: tpwd.texas.gov/parkguide/.
Funds to underwrite the publishing of the Texas State Park Guide were provided by Toyota, with additional support from advertisers. This is the fifth year the automaker has been an underwriting sponsor to help make the guide available at no cost to the public.
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Now in its 42nd year, Multiband Pops is a fast-paced showcase event that includes performances by many of our ensembles, produced by Jeffrey Holmes. This annual event, which takes place around Homecoming in the fall, features the Minuteman Marching Band, and includes our jazz, wind, choral and percussion ensembles, orchestra, as well as studio ensembles such as the Saxophone Quartet, Horn Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble. The University Dancers, an ensemble of advanced dance majors, performs at Multiband Pops, and the event has expanded to include Chamber Choir as well. It attracts a sell-out audience each year that includes students, parents, faculty, administrators, alumni, community members and families from around New England and the United States. This year: Friday, September 30, 2016 during Homecoming weekend. Link to webpage.
MassACDA/UMASS HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGIATE CHORAL FESTIVAL
This event, formerly known as Choral Spectrum, usually takes place on the last Saturday in October, under the direction of Tony Thornton. Top singers, selected by their teachers, participate in workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a concert in the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. High School teachers attend professional development activities, workshops and reading sessions led by UMass Amherst choral faculty. The festival attracts students from CT, MA, NH, ME and VT; UMass Amherst choral ensembles also participate. Campus ensembles often include the Chamber Choir, Chorale, Madrigal Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Women's Choir and Men's Choir.
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Double Reed Day, hosted by Oboe Professor Fredric T. Cohen and Bassoon Professor Stephen Walt, is a gathering for high school and college oboe and bassoon players, teachers, and adults. The Day features guest artist performances, reed workshops with master reedmakers, opportunities to try new instruments, and a Double Reed Band jam at the end of the day. The last Double Reed Day featured guest artists Pedro Diaz, English Horn, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Richard Svoboda, Principal Bassoon, Boston Symphony Orchestra.
High School Band Day, led by Timothy T. Anderson, is an annual event where over 3,000 high school band students rehearse and perform at a massed half-time show at a UMass Amherst football game, experiencing life as a UMass Marching Band member. Takes place either at McGuirk Stadium in Amherst or Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. See the Marching Band website or email Prof. Anderson.
The Festival, now in its 19th year, takes place in the Spring semester, coordinated by Jeffrey W. Holmes. Jazz ensembles from around New England participate in non-competitive performances; clinics and masterclasses with UMass faculty, outside music educators and a guest artist (courtesy of the Fine Arts Center). One high school ensemble is chosen to open for the evening performance by the guest artist, whose concert is part of the Fine Arts Center's jazz series. Outstanding performance citations and scholarships for the UMass Jazz In July Summer Workshops are awarded to individual students. Email Jeffrey W. Holmes for more info.
High School Honor Band, presented annually for 32 years on a Saturday in February, is directed by Prof. Matthew Westgate. It provides hundreds of New England's finest wind and percussion students the opportunity to perform wind band literature of the highest caliber-making music and learning with Professors Westgate, Timothy T. Anderson, other Department faculty, and a special guest conductor/composer of national renown. Students begin the intense day with a placement audition, are divided into two or three concert bands, rehearse all day and perform a concert at 7pm in the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. This year: Saturday, February 11, 2017. See the UMass Bands website.
A day of FREE activities for junior & senior high school pianists, college pianists, and their parents and teachers. Attendees learn about college auditions and hear UMass faculty, students & alumni perform. The day includes a Masterclass for selected high school student pianists and a Discussion/Question & Answer session with Piano Faculty: College Auditions, preparation, repertoire & what to expect.
This gathering of saxophonists at UMass Amherst has taken place in the spring for the past 35 years. Coordinated in past years by Professor Lynn Klock, and currently by Profs. Jonathan Hulting-Cohen and Felipe Salles, its goal is to expose saxophonists and sax enthusiasts of all ages and levels of proficiency - elementary school through graduate school and beyond, as well as active professionals - to internationally renowned classical and jazz saxophonists. With newly-launched classical and jazz competitions, it also encourages young performers. Attendees from the Pioneer Valley, New York, New Jersey and all six New England states ask the experts questions at an open forum and attend recitals, showcases, and classes by guest artists, faculty, and saxophone quartets. This year: Saturday, March 25, 2017. Webpage
Conceived by the String Faculty in 2005, String Day has become an annual event involving faculty, students, players of all ages, parents and teachers. Under the direction of Kathryn Lockwood, it enables pre-college string students to experience music at the college level, and for college students to teach younger players. Activities may include a faculty concert, masterclass, mini-lecture, sight reading, an informal orchestra rehearsal and a mini-concert. Link to String Day webpage.
Trumpet Day is geared to high school and college students, educators and parents. First presented in October 2011, it included concerts, clinics, and exhibits, and featured performances by Professors Eric Berlin and Jeffrey W. Holmes, the UMass Trumpet studio, and guest soloist/educator Vince DiMartino. See www.umasstrumpets.org.
This event gives pre-college students, their parents and teachers an opportunity to experience what the Voice Area has to offer and focuses on the audition process. A panel discussion includes Audition Repertoire, What to Expect at an Audition, and Audition Etiquette, Dress & Preparation, and leaves ample time for questions. At a masterclass for singers who have been through a screening process, high school students work with the Voice Faculty in a mock audition setting. Current students may perform a concert of art songs, chamber music, and operatic arias and scenes, and answer questions from prospective students. There is no charge. For more info, email Marjorie Melnick.
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You are here: Kidspot Activity Corner Learning games How to lace shoes: train track
How to lace shoes: train track
Learning to tie shoelaces is an important developmental milestone for children, but what about lacing shoes? Did you know there are more than 30 different ways to lace your shoes? Try this snazzy train track shoe lacing.
Number of players:
What you need:
- 1 x pair of lace up shoes with at least 4 pairs of eyelets
Watch the how-to video for easy shoe lacing instructions.
Train track
This method holds very tight because of the doubled laces through the eyelets and is often used to lace military boots.
Begin straight across on the inside and out through the bottom eyelets.
Both ends then run straight up on the outside and in through the next eyelets up.
Then continue straight across on the inside and out through the (already occupied) eyelets on the opposite side.
Repeat until you have laced up the entire shoe.
Find more how to videos on Kidspot:
- How to make kids cubbies
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Find more fun things to make with kids
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- 5 great things to make with a box


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Kelly Ripa and Twilight's Ashley Greene Help Raise Big Bucks
Super Saturday event rakes in millions for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
-Sarah Polonsky
The stars were out in full force this weekend at the famed Water Mill, N.Y. event, Super Saturday, hosted by InStyle magazine and held at Nova's Ark Project. In an effort to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund a slew of celebs and socialites came out with their credit cards to shop their way towards a cure.
Read Exclusive Betty Video Interview With Kelly Ripa
BettyConfidential was onsite to check out the endless rows of garage sale-priced designer couture and celebrities such as the day's beautiful hosts Kelly Ripa and Ashley Greene. Also in attendance was Beth Stern, Christie Brinkley, Gayle King, Christy Turlington, Edie Falco, all the Kardashian sisters and many more.


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"Game changer" is a term you hear often when people talk about how technology has changed their industry.
Meeting planners and hospitality professionals would argue that it's understating things to say their business dropped off a cliff in the fall of 2008. The economic collapse and the public relations nightmare created by the notorious $443,000 soirée thrown by an American International Group subsidiary just days after the Federal Reserve rescued the troubled insurance giant with an $85 billion bailout package didn't just produce a fall off a cliff for the meetings and events industry; it resulted in the equivalent of a "Thelma And Louise" canyon launch.
Like the economy itself, meetings and events have slowly trickled back into company budgets, but not without significantly closer oversight.
"I think it had a positive impact on the meetings industry," says Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group a producer of worldwide events that promote the incentive travel and meetings industries. "It forces everyone to think above and beyond logistics. You now have to have an objective and you have to know how to best deliver it."
That, too, may be an understatement. Here we are nearly five years down the road and, according to Benchmark Resorts and Hotels, which releases one of the industry's most widely disseminated annual trends reports every January, meeting demand is improving at an encouraging pace in 2013, but most companies still remain cautious with long-term meeting commitments.
Meeting planners we spoke with as well as hospitality industry professionals say they welcome the closer scrutiny of today's offsites.
"I want to be able to prove ROI," says Tammy Olson, CMP, the meeting and events planner for DJO Global, a medical devices and services provider. She plans about 30 group events per year — strategy meetings, product launches, incentive trips and leadership powwows — plus a few major trade shows. Groups range in size from a dozen to 50 or more.
Olson says the onus for proving the value of meetings has actually been pushed up — to the executive level. The ones calling for and leading the meetings must build objectives into the plan from the start. "It used to be, 'We'll get back to you on that,'" she says. That doesn't fly anymore.
Caren Bigelow, Travel Director at USMotivation, a full-service incentive marketing company, says incentive trips have rebounded nicely in the past couple of years, albeit in a smaller, shorter and closer-to-home format at first. Companies are venturing farther away this year. She's sending one client group to San Francisco for meetings and an overnight to Sonoma for a wine tour.
"It's a little scary because of all of the transfers and the operational aspect. There are a lot of moving parts," Bigelow says.
Mixing business with pleasure
That trip is a good example of a growing trend of combining business with pleasure. Training is often part of the mix, as are sessions that are relaxed networking opportunities.
"Invariably, when you do follow-up surveys, people say their favorite events are the social events," says DJO Global's Olson. She places a high value on what she calls structured downtime or "white space." Sometimes, she has to fight executives to keep it in.
"There's a perception that downtime is wasted time, but experts in creativity will tell you that you need downtime," she says. "That's a tough sell for executives."
Of course, companies still sponsor sales incentive trips that focus primarily on fun for top performers. Few cities in America felt the fallout of the so-called AIG Effect more than Las Vegas. That makes the rebound, slight as it is, a welcomed turn of events.
Scott Johnson, Marketing Manager at Caesars Entertainment, says Las Vegas resorts are seeing smaller groups for shorter stays than pre-AIG — generally three or four days at the most. They also are experiencing the national trend of shorter booking windows, often no more than a few months out.
"Most of our clients are still keeping the incentive piece separate, as it diminishes the reward aspect" if you combine business with recognition, Johnson says.
How are they helping clients pinpoint ROI? Johnson lists three keys: asking the right open-ended questions; cultivating strong relationships that provide a more global understanding of each program; and keeping and enhancing good listening skills.
Shorter booking windows have become routine around the country. Olson also says with more meetings being canceled within a month or even less of the event, she is demanding — and usually getting — more flexible cancelation policies from the venues she uses.
The good news is that until hotels and resorts get back to regularly having 80 percent or more of their rooms booked, corporate event planners have the upper hand. "Nothing is off the table for us or any vendor we work with," says Bigelow, encouraging companies to be creative when thinking of locations for their events (museums, art galleries, open space areas). "You should always ask. The worst they can say is 'no.' "


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Belfort Furniture offers White Glove in-home delivery and set-up by professionally trained personnel who will unwrap, place, and assemble your furniture in the appropriate room. Delivery is available Tuesday - Saturday. Once your delivery date is scheduled, you will receive a three hour delivery timeframe the day prior to your delivery.
Furniture may be picked up at our warehouse Monday-Saturday from 10AM to 6PM or Sunday from Noon to 5PM. Furniture that is picked-up may require assembly.
For delivery outside of our local metropolitan area, please contact us with your item(s) of interest for a delivery quote! 703-406-7600 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Bold, intricate design will surely make a style statement in your space with the inclusion of this utterly exquisite pouf. Hand made in 100% wool, the captivating cable knit design laced with a pop of pristine color will flawlessly fashion a sense of subtly sweet sophistication from room to room within any home decor. Genuinely faultless in aspects of construction and style, this piece embodies impeccable artistry while maintaining principles of affordability and durable design, making it the ideal accessory for your décor.
The Poufs 20" x 20" x 14" Fargo Pouf by Surya from Belfort Furniture. We proudly serve the Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Maryland and Fairfax VA area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
Accessorize your living room with the perfect pouf accent from this wide assortment. Pouf ottomans are an easy and fun way to liven up a room and show your design personality. They make great footrests and extra seating when hosting large groups of people. With a large array of colors, patterns, materials, and styles, you are sure to find the perfect pouf for your home!
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