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Return to Me (Covington Cove #1)
by Kelly Moran
With every beat of the heart comes a memory of what could have been…
Ten years ago, Cole Covington was just another rich kid who got everything he wanted—including young and trusting Mia Galdon. Then one night everything changed, and two hearts were shattered. Cole buried his guilt in the military, where love was just part of the past. Now Cole has come back home, emotionally damaged, guarded, and unprepared for what's waiting for him…
At the urging of Cole's sister, Mia has returned to the Covington family's coastal home in Wilmington as a private nurse to help Cole recover. With her uncertain personal life at a crossroad, Mia doesn't have the luxury of saying no to the job. And she soon finds out that the attraction is still alive. So are memories of betrayal. But Mia will discover more than the power of resilience. She'll discover a secret Cole has held for years, one that will force them to confront the past and give new meaning to letting go, forgiveness, and a future worth fighting for.
Return to Me is a heartwarming, beautiful second chance love story that is sure to stay with me for quite some time. It took me on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions and left me with so many feels I had a hard time processing them all.
To say I was sucked in from the beginning would be a huge understatement. The book starts off with Cole, our hero, close to death in Iraq and his last thoughts before he succumbs to the darkness are of his long lost love, Mia. Seriously, I was heartbroken and it was only the first chapter!
Luckily, Cole makes it out alive but he's only a shell of a man with no will to live. He's scarred, in more ways than one, and is suffering from PTSD. He's refused all the help his sister has tried to hire for him and this is where Mia steps in.
I absolutely adored Mia from the very beginning. She was hurt by Cole in the past but was still willing to help him through this. She's such a strong, selfless person... From taking care of her sister, to taking care of Cole, and even trying to help Cole's sister, Lacey... She's the type of heroine others should aspire to be.
Watching Mia and Cole find their way back to each other after all the pain and heartbreak they've been through was bittersweet. We get flashbacks into their teenage years to see how their relationship started out then how it ended but then we get to watch them fall back in love with each other while letting go of the hurt.
Return to Me is so much more than your typical second chance romance. It's about the sacrifices people make for the people they love. It's about finding the will to live again when life has knocked you down. It's about overcoming guilt over things you can't control. It's raw and gritty and it's sweet and endearing. Basically, it's a book you absolutely must read... And then read again... And again!
This was the first book I've read by Kelly Moran but it definitely won't be my last... Especially after reading the preview for All of Me, the next book in this series, in the back of Return to Me.


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Hotel Guest Greeted With Dreaded Racial Slur On Room TV [Video]
What's the first thing you do when you walk into your hotel room? Check out the bathroom, test the bed and turn on the television, right? Would you expect to see a racial slur flashed across the screen? Joseph Ross, from Dayton, Ohio says that's what happened when he checked in to a Motel 6 recently. Hit read more for the story.
Mr. Ross, who is African-American, was visiting Sharonville, Ohio for a jazz festival. While in his Motel 6 room, he turned on his in-room television just in time to see the greeting "Hello" followed by the N-word flash across the screen. "I turned on the tv and when I laid back on the bed I just happened to see something on the screen and I was like 'Ah that ain't there, so then I focused my eyes and I couldn't believe what was on there'", he told a local television station.
He did contact the Motel 6 corporate office and the NAACP. The local authorities are also investigating.
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Detail Information
- Functional group diversity of bee pollinators increases crop yieldPatrick Hoehn
Agroecology, University of Gottingen, Waldweg 26, 37073 Gottingen, Germany
Proc Biol Sci 275:2283-91. 2008....
- Landscape constraints on functional diversity of birds and insects in tropical agroecosystemsTeja Tscharntke
Agroecology, University of Gottingen, Georg August Universitat, Waldweg 26, D 37073 Gottingen, Germany
Ecology 89:944-51. 2008..This is important for data-based management of tropical human-dominated landscapes sustaining the capacity of communities to reorganize after disturbance and to ensure ecological functioning...


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Just in time for the 2015 CrossFit Games, Reebok has unveiled its newest CrossFit shoe — the Nano 5.0
Here are the details:
Reebok celebrates five years of CrossFit partnership and innovation with launch of highly anticipated
Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0
TORONTO, ON – Reebok, the leaders in CrossFit® product innovation and engineering, has marked its five year anniversary as the official CrossFit footwear and apparel partner with the launch of Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 – a training shoe that features Kevlar® material for protection and durability.
Engineered specifically for the CrossFit athlete and developed in association with the CrossFit community, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 features a number of updates making it the ultimate training shoe. Reebok continues its ongoing evolution in footwear for CrossFit with the introduction of Kevlar material throughout the upper of the shoe for increased durability and abrasion protection.
"We know how important it is for CrossFit gear to stand up to the rigors of constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity while not interfering with performance. We work very closely with Reebok and the CrossFit community on footwear and apparel that continues to develop and evolve as the boundaries of fitness are pushed," said Steve Weiss, Corporate Development at CrossFit,Inc.
Specifically, Kevlar features the innovative 360° BulletCage built for added protection and designed specifically to help endure the most challenging and diverse CrossFit workouts of the day (WODs). It provides protection and durability with grip, traction and stability while staying true to CrossFit's mandate that the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is built on the empirical design spec of human movement.
In addition to the revolutionary addition of Kevlar material, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 boasts a newly engineered anatomical heel counter and foot bed with an R55 platform for additional high rebound and cushioning. The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 also offers traction working alongside a full rubber sole with MetaSplit flex groove and heightened RopePro+.
"As CrossFit workouts get tougher and CrossFit athletes get stronger – so too does the Reebok CrossFit Nano," said Corinna Werkle, Head of Training at Reebok. "With the introduction of Kevlar material, we truly believe the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is our toughest shoe yet and can withstand even the harshest, toughest WODs. At Reebok, we are hugely proud of our long-standing partnership with CrossFit; it has powered a huge range of innovative CrossFit apparel and footwear and the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is the latest landmark addition to the category."
To see the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 in action, check out the 2015 Reebok CrossFit Games taking place from July 22-26 in Carson, California and at games.crossfit.com. Watch incredible athletes from around the world competing for the crown of Fittest on Earth.
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is available through www.reebok.ca and official CrossFit stores located at store.crossfit.com.
Twitter: @ReebokCanada #Nano5
Facebook: Reebok Canada #Nano5
About Reebok
Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied heritage in running, training and fitness. Reebok is committed to helping consumers fulfil their potential and be "fit for life." Reebok develops products, technologies and programming which enable consumers to live a healthy lifestyle and have fun doing it. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it's training, running, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. Reebok Classics leverages the brand's fitness heritage and represents the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, Reebok operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division. Reebok is the outfitter of the CrossFit Games, the official title sponsor of the Reebok Spartan Race, and exclusive apparel provider for Les Mills.
About CrossFit
CrossFit Inc. is the developer and provider of the CrossFit strength and conditioning program and a recognized worldwide leader in functional fitness. Founded by Greg Glassman and built on the foundations of constantly varied, high-intensity functional movements, education and collaborative competition, CrossFit-brand workouts develop strength and fitness while cultivating community and camaraderie in each of the more than 12,000 affiliated gyms in its global network. CrossFit Inc. is a leading accredited certificate issuer for physical-training professionals worldwide and offers specialty certificate programs in addition to its core curriculum. CrossFit Inc. publishes the CrossFit Journal, promotes physical fitness and cognitive health through the CrossFit Kids Foundation, and created and operates the CrossFit Games, an annual competition where elite athletes compete to be named the Fittest on Earth®.


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The CIF State Track and Field Championships offer a number of opportunities to those area athletes competing.
For seniors, it's a chance to wrap up a prep career with a rewarding road trip and a chance to face top-notch competition with a good shot at a personal record.
For others, it can serve as an early jump on next season, a chance to measure oneself and a way to stay motivated during the offseason.
For everyone, though, the 96th annual meet begins today at Veterans Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High in Clovis. Gates open at 2 p.m. with qualifying for field events starting at 3 p.m. and qualifying for running events at 5 p.m.
And for those fortunate enough to advance to the second day, gates open at 3:30 p.m. with field events at 4:30 and running events at 6 p.m.
Time Warner Cable will provide a live web stream both days, starting at 5 p.m. today and 6 p.m. Saturday. A link for the stream can be found at www.cifstate.org.
Hamilton High junior Christopher Jaeger is likely the area's best chance at a medal, or at least advancing to Saturday's finals. He cleared 6 feet, 7 inches in the boys' high jump at the Northern Section CIF Track and Field Championships on May 30 at West Valley High in Cottonwood.
"I feel like I could P.R. again," said Jaeger, who was second in the event at sections but his mark automatically qualified him for state. "I've got more competition, and I feel like I could make it to the second day."
Jaeger is one of 30 entries in the event for the state meet, including the section winner, Enterprise's Dom Stewart. The Hornets' senior is seeded seventh with his winning mark of 6-8. Jaeger is one of 13 athletes with a mark of 6-7, producing a crowded field.
"Maybe people have been jumping that constantly and they can jump it again or maybe they just jumped it once like me. But I have been going up in heights every meet so that's why I'm thinking I can go up a couple of more inches," Jaeger said Thursday. "If everyone gets their P.R., pretty much, if I get 6-7, I could go to the second day."
A section champion last year with a leap of 6-6 to earn a state berth as a sophomore, Jaeger is hoping to draw on his experience in his return trip.
"I know what to expect. I know how it's all ran," said Jaeger, whose event begins at 5 p.m. today. "I know I have time."
Chico High senior Michael Reynolds will be competing in two events, the 110-meter hurdles and the 400 relay.
"I'm just glad to say that I can go. However well I do there doesn't really matter," said Reynolds, likely attending Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga in the fall. "This year I just really wanted it and not only am I going for one but two events."
He's not worried about the stacked fields, just the clock.
"I think with the push and the fast guys in front of me I think I can get a good P.R.," said Reynolds, who is eyeing his 14.90 seconds for the hurdles event.
His entry time of 15.12 from the section finals ranks him 27th of 29.
The relay team of Reynolds, Kody Hassett, Stephen Dean and Efren Trevino is seeded 25th of 27 at 43.03. But those four have a chance to set the school record in the event if they can break the 43 threshold.
- VIDEO Chico boys relay tops podium with Paradise third, PV 4th, Orland 5th then Chico girls go 1-2 in long jump
"The goal is to try to P.R. and get that," Reynolds said. "Get our names up on the board in the records."
Orland High senior Yaneth Munoz gained entry in the girls' 100 by winning the section finals in 12.62. Munoz, a senior seeded third at sections, won the event by getting a great start out of the blocks. That landed the Trojans' standout for the past few seasons a trip to state. Her time has her 27th of 27 entries.
Like Reynolds, Chico's Myki Abrams will be competing in two events, the girls' 400 relay and long jump.
"I'm nervous but really excited at the same time," Abrams said. "We're really just looking forward to just getting a lower time. It's always just fun to experience state."
While the boys' relay team is heavy on seniors, with the sophomore Dean the lone underclassmen, the girls' foursome could all return next year. Francesca DiSano, Libby Hidahl and Ariana Gonzales are sophomores, and Abrams is a junior.
Their time of 49.75 that won the section title has them 29th of 29 entries. This time around, full of underclassmen, competing in Clovis could be a valuable lesson.
"Once we go to state, we'll see like what other people are running or jumping or whatever the case is and that'll push us to go harder and do more and be better," Abrams said.
Her 16-6.75 in the long jump has her ranked 26th of 27, but she has hit 17-7 this season, which would push her a few spots up the field.
- VIDEO Chico boys relay tops podium with Paradise third, PV 4th, Orland 5th then Chico girls go 1-2 in long jump
"You never know this may or may not be my only time going so the experience is definitely a big part of it as well," Abrams said, "and just to see what I can bring out there, just give everyone a fill of what Mykisha Abrams can do."
Connect with Sports Writer Joseph Shufelberger at 896-7774.


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Climate change is altering wildlife habitat and devastating communities. For more than four years, the Federation has worked with conservation partners to help wildlife managers and city planners be climate smart—to anticipate climate change impacts and to develop proactive conservation tactics that can help make habitats and communities more resilient. Here are some ways that, with your support, NWF and its partners are helping people and wildlife adapt to a warming world:
• In 2009 and 2011, NWF hosted national conferences on climate change adaptation for policymakers, wildlife managers and conservationists seeking to chart new policies and practices for safeguarding wildlife and their habitats.
• NWF has been helping wildlife and city managers assess the vulnerability of habitat and species to climate change. In 2011, an NWF-led expert working group produced the award-winning Scanning the Conservation Horizon: A Guide to Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adapted to train hundreds of natural resource managers. NWF also has carried out climate change vulnerability assessments at Massachusetts' Parker River National Wildlife Refuge as well as other locations along the Atlantic Coast, in the Great Lakes and in the Pacific Northwest regions.
• NWF is developing guidance for wildlife managers to incorporate climate considerations into their conservation strategies, and it has been a leader in making sure climate adaptation is incorporated into state wildlife action plans.
• The Federation is also helping communities use nature-based approaches to build climate resilience. For example, in Washington, Ohio and Michigan, NWF has encouraged landowners to plant tree species that can survive in a warming climate while reducing carbon pollution, storm-water runoff and flooding.
• NWF is helping restore habitats to address impacts of climate-fueled storms, sea-level rise and drought. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, NWF partnered with the U.S. National Park Service and others to replant dune grasses in New York (right). With support from NWF members and the Wildlife Conservation Society's Climate Adaptation Fund (supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation), NWF is working with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife to create coastal impoundments farther upland so they can survive sea-level rise. And along Ohio's Black River, NWF worked with local partners to design an innovative river-restoration project that maintains fish-breeding habitat despite fluctuating water levels.
• NWF offers many online resources about climate change, including Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis. This 2013 report covers how a changing climate is affecting wildlife in eight U.S. regions, including moose (above), which have been dying in the Midwest from increased temperatures and parasite infestations.
"Climate adaptation increasingly will define 21st-century conservation, and NWF is at the forefront of this issue," says Bruce Stein, director of NWF's Climate Change Adaptation program.
Your donations of more than $200,000 in the past year have supported NWF's efforts to safeguard wildlife from the impacts of climate change. To find out more, go to www.nwf.org/climate-smart.
Three years after some 200 million gallons of oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico and washed onto about 1,110 miles of shoreline, "the impacts of the disaster continue to unfold," says Doug Inkley, NWF senior scientist and lead author of the NWF report Restoring a Degraded Gulf of Mexico: Wildlife and Wetlands Three Years into the Gulf Oil Disaster.
The report summarizes the status of Gulf bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic bluefin tuna, shrimp, sea turtles, brown pelicans and coral. Revealing is that the number of dolphins found dead since the oil spill has been unprecedented, with the number of dead infant dolphins being found at six times the historic rate during January and February of this year. "These ongoing deaths—particularly in an apex predator like the dolphin—are a strong indication that there is something amiss with the Gulf ecosystem," says Inkley.
While shrimp and brown pelicans show signs of recovering, more than 1,700 sea turtles were found stranded between May 2010 and November 2012, and a recent study shows the mix of oil and dispersant reduces the ability of some coral species to build reefs. Download the full report and find out more at www.nwf.org/threeyearslater.
In March, an ExxonMobil pipeline carrying tar sands oil from Canada cracked in Arkansas, spilling an estimated 500,000 gallons of oil into residential yards, streets and a nearby wetland. NWF staff and Board Member David Carruth arrived within days of the disaster and were able to evaluate some of the damage, but Exxon prevented access to much of the polluted area.
The oil caused residents to evacuate more than 20 homes and covered, killed or otherwise affected more than 1,000 animals, including hundreds of amphibians and reptiles that had to be euthanized on site. The HAWK (Helping Arkansas Wild Kritters) Center immediately took on rehabilitating recovered animals (including this oiled duck being washed), but soon Exxon took over rehabilitation efforts.
The spill occurred just days after a NWF-led coalition of landowners, government officials and conservationists filed a petition asking federal agencies to develop stronger safety standards for tar sands oil pipelines. "Current regulations and cleanup methods just don't address the corrosive, toxic characteristics of tar sands oil," says NWF Senior Counsel Jim Murphy. See www.nwf.org/tarsands for more information.
NWF's Campus Ecology® program has partnered with the Energy Action Coalition to host Power Shift, the largest U.S. youth environmental conference, to give college students tools and connections so they can work toward a clean energy future. This year's conference will be held October 18 to 21 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Visit 2013.wearepowershift.org for more and to share this information.
This spring, President Barack Obama designated Rio Grande del Norte and four other U.S. landscapes and historic sites as national monuments. This provides permanent protection for its more than 240,000 acres of public land, something that sportsmen, local businesses owners, ranchers and conservation organizations, including NWF and its state affiliate the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, have worked toward for more than a decade.
"In addition to its world-class fisheries and wildlife, this iconic topography has a rich cultural history that is now properly protected and recognized," says John Gale, NWF's regional representative. The Rio Grande River Gorge divides its rocky landscape, serving as a migratory flyway for birds such as golden and bald eagles, falcons and sandhill cranes and as a corridor for big game such as bighorn sheep and mule deer. Prehistoric American Indian archaeological sites are throughout the area.
A recent economic assessment says that naming Rio Grande del Norte as a national monument could bring an additional $15 million to the region from increased tourism and employment. Go to www.riograndedelnorte.org for more.
Waste from hard-rock mining is contaminating as much as 40 percent of western headwaters and significant amounts of American Indian lands, states NWF's report Honoring the River: How Hardrock Mining Impacts Tribal Communities.
"Lax Clean Water Act regulations allow mining companies to dump millions of tons of toxic waste into our rivers, lakes and wetlands each year," says Tony Turrini, an NWF senior attorney and an author of the report. "These loopholes must be closed."
The report provides historic context of mining on tribal lands and discusses potential impacts of proposed mines.
"Access to clean drinking water, clean air and healthy fish and game are inherent human rights that no lawmaker can give away," says Mike Wiggins, chairman of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, whose land has been threatened by a proposed open-pit iron mine.
Go to www.nwf.org/honoringtheriver to download the report and Mining Imperilling Bull Trout to learn about mining impacts on Montana bull trout and tribes.
NWF now offers online resources to help parents and educators explain the causes and effects of natural disasters such as tornadoes to youth. See www.eco-schoolsusa.org/tornadoes.
First Lady of Maryland Katie O'Malley (far left)joined leaders from NWF, the National Aquarium and Baltimore this past May to launch an effort to green the city. If Baltimore residents certify at least 600 homes, 10 parks and six schools as wildlife habitat sites, the city would become one of the more than 60 NWF Community Wildlife Habitats® and the largest along the Chesapeake Bay.
Development and agriculture have degraded the bay's water quality. More green spaces could reduce storm-water runoff and help Baltimore have a "healthy harbor," one that is swimmable and fishable by 2020, a goal NWF and other conservation groups are working toward. Increased habitat could also attract many native species, including Baltimore's iconic oriole and great horned owls, such as this one that O'Malley admired at the program's initiation.
"Baltimore has always been a city for the birds," says Hilary Falk, NWF mid-Atlantic regional executive director. "We can help its citizens create beautiful green spaces that serve as habitat for wildlife and offer opportunities for them to connect with nature." To certify your own green space, go to www.nwf.org/nwfgarden.
NWF has partnered with World Makers, Inc., to highlight those passionate about nature conservation. In addition, 20 to 40 percent of purchases at www.worldmakers.com/nwf goes to NWF.


text: Voyage TabsItineraryTuscany to SpainPeople may love Paris in the springtime, but there's nothing like the south of Europe in the fall. With all of the summertime tourists at home, you'll get to experience Rome like a local. Then it's on to the port of Livorno for an overnight, so you can explore Florence and Pisa and take your time in both. Next stop, Monte-Carlo and its luxury shops, dining, casino, and great people-watching. Discover the stroll-worthy streets of Ajaccio, Corsica. Then cruise to the heart of the wild coast of Palamós, Spain, where you can take a brief surrealistic side trip the museum of its native son, Salvador Dali. From there, head to Tarragona and dine on the freshest of seafood under ancient Roman arches. Your voyage concludes in Barcelona. Be sure to order some tapas.Voyage ItineraryDatePort/CityActivityArrivalDepartSAT 28-OCTCivitavecchia (Rome), ItalyEmbark6:00 pmSUN 29-OCTLivorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy Docked8:00 amMON 30-OCTLivorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy Docked7:00 pmTUE 31-OCTMonte-Carlo, MonacoDocked8:00 am9:00 pmWED 1-NOVAjaccio, Corsica, FranceDocked8:00 am5:00 pmTHU 2-NOVPalamos (Figueres), SpainDocked1:00 pm10:00 pmFRI 3-NOVTarragona, SpainDocked8:00 am2:00 pmFRI 3-NOVBarcelona, SpainDocked7:00 pmSAT 4-NOVBarcelona, SpainDebarkSAT 28-OCT - Civitavecchia (Rome), ItalyEmbarkDepart 6:00 pmSUN 29-OCT - Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy DockedArrival 8:00 amMON 30-OCT - Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy DockedDepart 7:00 pmTUE 31-OCT - Monte-Carlo, MonacoDockedArrival 8:00 am - Depart 9:00 pmWED 1-NOV - Ajaccio, Corsica, FranceDockedArrival 8:00 am - Depart 5:00 pmTHU 2-NOV - Palamos (Figueres), SpainDockedArrival 1:00 pm - Depart 10:00 pmFRI 3-NOV - Tarragona, SpainDockedArrival 8:00 am - Depart 2:00 pmFRI 3-NOV - Barcelona, SpainDockedArrival 7:00 pmSAT 4-NOV - Barcelona, SpainDebarkPlease note: While we do our best to adhere to our published itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the captain due to weather advisories, port traffic, and any other unforeseeable circumstances.Embark Port/Debark PortPort of CallEmbark Port/Debark Port OvernightPort of Call OvernightBook Now +Request A Quote +Talk to an expert069/920071-55Featured Guest LecturersView other guest lecturers on this voyageCharles Richardson, Destination LecturerCharles Richardson earned dual degrees in both science and history from New Jersey City University, a master of secondary education from Seton Hall University, and a master of science from William Patterson University. In 1978, he went on to complete his certification as a secondary school administrator from Rutgers University where he completed graduate credits on the doctoral level in school administration and educational philosophy. Charles has completed course work in such diverse subjects as organic chemistry, geology, genetics, geography, anthropology and American history. Charles's talks are sure to inform and fascinate you.Shore ExcursionsMake the Most of your Cruise VacationNarrowed down your voyage options? Then the hard part is done. Now it's time to think about what to do once you arrive in some of the world's most fascinating places. Fortunately, we've made your decision-making process easy with these on shore excursion experiences, which are a great way to get to know the local life and culture in every port, and meet local people, too.These are just a few of the incredible Cruise Global, Connect LocalSM shore excursions you can experience on this voyage. View all shore excursions for this voyageBook Now +Request A Quote +Talk to an expert069/920071-55AzAmazing EveningsAzAmazing Evening - Three Tenors Sing Italian Opera FavoritesLivorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy Spend an evening in operatic grandeur at the famous Teatro Goldoni. Opera shimmers at the pinnacle of Italian culture. During the 19th century, masters of these dramatic compositions created world-renowned music that still erupts with passion and brilliance. A pianist and trio of tenors, accomplished male singers with high vocal ranges, perform works by the likes of Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini and others of their ilk. Listen as the dynamic strains of long-beloved songs soar through the... Read More Teatro. The theatre itself dates to the 18th century. A wonder of curved interior architecture and metallic rose-gold finishes, the theatre was originally owned by a series of intermarried members of two historic patri-cian families. Its design allows a fantastic experience of these august opera favorites during a showcase of talent that radiates with Italian sophistication.Duration2.3 hoursBook Now +Cruise Global, Stay LocalVenice & Florence (Double Occupancy)Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy Spend two days immersed in Italian culture and heritage on an overnight adventure to two iconic cities. Highlights include the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and shopping at Piazza Santa Croce.Duration19 hoursBook Now +Venice & FlorenceLivorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy Embark on an overnight adventure to experience Italy's greatest cities. Take the fast train to stunning Venice. Check into a 4-star hotel, the night's accommodations, before setting out by boat to St. Mark's Square. Enjoy a guided tour of the Doge's Palace. Climb the Golden Staircase and admire paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese that adorn this gothic masterpiece. Join the bustle of musicians and artists that congregate in the square, and tour St. Mark's Cathedral to view its... Read More stunning marble and mosaics. Come nightfall, feel free to dine and explore independently. Wake bright and early for the trip to Florence. Arrive and set out on a guided walk through the city center to Signoria Square, where a replica of Michelangelo's "David" stands. Cross the Arno River to explore legendary Florentine jewelers and enjoy time for lunch and shopping in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend two full days immersed in Italian greatness. Duration48 hoursDifficultyStrenuousBook Now +Cruise Global, View LocalPals Peratallada & Dali CastlePalamos (Figueres), SpainExplore the medieval villages of Pals, Peratallada and Pubol with an inside visit to Dali Castle during this half-day outing. Depart the pier in an air-conditioned coach for Pals, a hilltop village offering wonderful views of the countryside below. Continue on to Peratallada, which is surrounded by natural moats, hence the origination of its na e, which means 'carved rock'. In the 1960s, the castle of Peratallada was restored to its medieval splendor by its present owners, who welcome you... Read More to experience the medieval enclosure. Next, proceed to the town of Púbol , where the House- Museum Gala Dalí Castle is located. Guests will visit the museum, open to the public since 1996, which allows visitors to discover a medieval building in which Salvador Dalí lent material form to an exuberant creative effort with his mind set on one person, Gala his beloved wife. Following the inside visit to the Dali Museum, rejoin your coach for the return transfer back to Palamos and your awaiting ship.Duration4 hoursBook Now +Nice, Eze & Monaco without LunchMonte-Carlo, MonacoDepart the port of Monaco for a scenic drive along one of the so called "Corniches" (scenic roads) in direction of Nice. Arrive at the Pearl of the French Riviera, and walk to the famous palm-lined Promenade des Anglais for a pleasant walk towards the heart of the old town, the Cours Saleya where a fabulous Flower, Fruit and vegetable market takes place every day besides Mondays. Explore the surrounding with its colorful houses, narrow picturesque streets and squares with Italian flair. Take a... Read More short orientation stroll with your guide along the square before enjoying some free time, soaking in the colors and flavors all around you. Walk back to your coach and continue along the middle Corniche in direction of Eze. Enjoy the beautiful drive to the mountaintop village with exceptional views of the bay of Villefranche far below. Charming medieval Eze is perched high up on a cliff above the sea, frequently called as well the "eagles' nest". Follow your guide for a tour through its charming narrow cobblestone streets, discovering its history and marveling at the characteristic little stone houses. During your free-time you will have the chance to take a glance at the many shops and sit down for a well-deserved lunch break. A drive of 30 minutes will then take you to the Principality of Monaco. Your coach will reach the feet of "the Rock" from where you will take escalators and elevatorso enter the old town, located on the top. Your guide will take you for a walk passing by the Oceanographic museum, the 19th century Neo-Romanesque Cathedral and the Prince's Palace. After the guided part you will have free time at leisure to enjoy the views over Monte Carlo with its skyscrapers and the tiny port filled with Mega Yachts.Duration9 hoursBook Now +Boutique ShipsAward-Winning Accommodations & Amenities.Like her sister ship, the sturdy Azamara Quest is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers.You'll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where our attentive staff is always ready to offer a complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas.There's nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara's friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!View Deck PlansDownload Deck PlansBook Now +Request A Quote +Talk to an expert069/920071-55Senior Officers Onboard:Captain José VilarinhoA Portuguese native, Captain Jose worked on nearly every kind of sea-going vessel before landing his dream job at Azamara. Whether at sea or onshore, his motto is "Try to make the most of ordinary things; you can make the ordinary extraordinary every day of your life." Be forewarned, his enthusiasm for life is highly contagious.Learn MoreHotel Director Philip HerbertHe was born in Kenya, a land of big game and wildlife. It's funny how a lion figures into one of his best stories at sea, too! Learn the back story (and favorite stories) of the witty and entertaining Philip Herbert.Learn MoreCruise Director Tony MarkeySome people are naturally curious and eager for new experiences. Tony Markey is like that. Born with itchy feet, as his mother would say.Learn MoreChef IwanShip Highlights Include:Onboard DiningAqualina (Italian Cuisine)Prime C (Steakhouse)The Wine Cellar (Wine Cellar)Discoveries Restaurant (Nightly Selections)Swirl & TopThe Patio (Casual Dining & Snacks)Windows Café (Casual Dining & Snacks)Mosaic Café (Casual Dining & Snacks)Mosaic@NightChef's TableEntertainment & ActivitiesCabaret Lounge (Live Performances)Casino & Spirits BarWhite Night PartiesEnrichment Programs & ClassesLiving RoomThe Journey ShopIndulgences (Fine Jewelry)The Photo Shop (Cameras & Accessories)Spa & FitnessThe Sanctum SpaThe Sanctum Terrace (Private Spa Deck)Facial Glow Services (Skin Care)Massage Therapy (Various Treatments)Body Sculpting (Various Treatments)Spa Rituals (Full-day Packages)The Salon (Full Service Salon)Fitness CenterAcupunctureAzamara QuestClub Continent SuiteOceanview StateroomDrawing RoomLiving RoomPricing & OffersVoyage Pricing:Voyage Dates:28-Oct-2017 - 4-Nov-2017Club Interior: Ask For Details +Club Oceanview: Ask For Details +Club Veranda: Ask For Details +Club Continent Suite: Ask For Details +Club Spa Suite: Ask For Details +Club Ocean Suite: €5 724,95 EURClub World Owner Suite: €6 454,95 EURTaxes, fees & port expenses are an additional €95 per person. Prices are per person in (EUR) and based on double occupancy.Book Now +Request A Quote +Talk to an expert069/920071-55INCLUSIVE AMENITIESComplimentary AzAmazing EveningsSM event (on most voyages)Select standard spirits, international beers and winesGratuitiesBottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teasSelf-service laundryShuttle service to and from port communities, where availableConcierge services for personal guidance and reservationsLearn More +Special Cruise Deals & Offers for This VoyageWith incredible experiences awaiting you both onboard and on shore, there isn't much that can make your voyage better. Well, maybe one thing – getting a really great deal that includes all kinds of valuable amenities.The following promotions apply to your selected voyage. Note that not all promotions are combinable with other offers. Promotions, pricing, and policies shown here are for the United States and Canada only. Pricing varies in other markets based on local laws, customs, and demand.This voyage qualifies for our early booking bonus.With the Early Booking Bonus you'll receive up to $1,000 in onboard credit to use on shore excursions, Sanctum Spa treatments, specialty dining, and more when you book your voyage 12 months prior to departure.Learn More +TRAVEL STRESS-FREE WITH CRUISECARELeave the "what ifs" to us. CruiseCare covers you before, during, and after your voyage with cancellation and interruption benefits, sickness and accident medical services, and baggage protection.LEARN MORE +OUR PRICING & SAVINGS POLICYUnless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by ship, departure date, and stateroom category. All rates, savings offers and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Savings offers may be withdrawn at any time. Azamara reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.Air, Hotel & TransfersArrive Early or Stay Late on your Next VoyageExcited to get started on your travels or not quite ready to go home afterward? Extend your Azamara voyage with a pre or post voyage stay in one of our preferred hotels. You can expect luxurious accommodations, friendly service, and spectacular amenities—not unlike what you'll experience on board an Azamara cruise.Browse the complete listings of our accommodation partners below for more information and to start planning your stay.Book Now +Request A Quote +Talk to an expert069/920071-55Why book an Azamara Club Cruises®Preferred Hotel:30-Day Cancellation PolicyAirport & Cruise Port TransfersMeet & Greet with a Local GuideComplimentary BreakfastPorterage, Resort Fees & Tax Included24/7 Friendly Customer ServiceCivitavecchia (Rome), ItalyFeatured HotelsFeatured Luxury HotelView GalleryHassler HotelProperty Details:Hassler Roma is a legendary luxury five-star hotel in Rome City Center located at the top of the Spanish Steps. Elegance, style, luxury and the highest quality service and discretion, have made the Hassler Roma the very symbol of international hospitality and the ideal location for your next stay in Rome.Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma, ItalyCall to BookFeatured Airport HotelView GalleryHilton Rome AirportProperty Details:Stylishly appointed and modern in design, this contemporary hotel offers upscale amenities, fine dining and warm hospitality. Relax in fully soundproofed guest rooms where you can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas and enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary breakfast and refreshments. Only a five-minute walk to International Rome Fiumicino Airport terminals 1, 2 and 3 via covered tunnel.Address: Via Arturo Ferrarin, 2, 00054 Fiumicino RM, ItalyCall to BookFeatured Boutique HotelView GalleryHotel Splendide RoyalProperty Details:Rome's Baroque period comes to life in this 19th century palace-turned-hotel. Opulent and glamorous, Hotel Splendide is draped in luxury from its Murano glass chandelier to intricate marble patterns in its spacious public areas. Shop the boutiques in nearby Piazza de Spagna or take a romantic stroll through the sweeping Villa Borghese.Address: Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Roma, ItalyCall to BookView all hotel options in Civitavecchia (Rome), ItalyBarcelona, SpainFeatured HotelsFeatured Luxury HotelView GalleryMajestic HotelProperty Details:An icon of exclusiveness and a symbol of five-star hospitality since 1918. Located on Paseo de Gracia, the Majestic Hotel provides guests with the opportunity to visit Gaudi´s famous buildings, browse exclusive shops, and is steps away from the financial and business district of Barcelona.Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 68, 08007 Barcelona, SpainCall to BookFeatured Boutique HotelView GalleryMonument HotelProperty Details:Modern and luxurious, this neo-Gothic marvel is located on one of the world's most famous shopping boulevards—the Paseo de Gracia. With attentive service and a rejuvenating Valmont wellness center, Monument Hotel is the ideal place to base your exploration of dynamic and cosmopolitan Barcelona.Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 75, 08008 Barcelona, SpainCall to BookFeatured Airport HotelView GalleryTryp Airport HotelProperty Details:Just minutes from Terminal 2, Tryp Hotel offers 24-hour shuttle service to El Prat Airport. Savor a cocktail at the cozy bar, fit in a workout in the fitness room, and get a great night's rest before departing Barcelona.Address: Parque de Negocios Mas Blau II, Plaça Pla de l'Estany, 1-2, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, SpainCall to BookView all hotel options in Barcelona, Spain Shop every major aireline with ChoiceAir, the airline booking tool for Azamara Club Cruises®. Book flights any time from 330 days up to 4 days before sailing. ChoiceAir offers many advantages guests won't find elsewhere like guaranteed lowest airfare, assured arrival, and customized service and fare options.Book Flights +


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FREE marketing workshops will take place in Burnley in October.
The workshops at Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS in Yorkshire Street, Burnley, have been organised by community interest company Can We Solutions, a division of Child Action Northwest which offers business and marketing consultancy services, donating surplus generate cash back to the charity.
The workshops are 'What is Marketing' on October 1, 'Building a Brand Identity' on October 8 and 'Effective Marketing Communications' on October 15.
All workshops will be delivered from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
To book, call 01282 415163.


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EPRs needed for optometrists
28th February 2013
A report says optometrists should use EPRs to improve data collection.
Read All ►
Warning over Halloween contact lenses
30th October 2012
Lenses available online for use with Halloween costumes could damage your eyes and even your sight, US experts warn.
Read All ►


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Jefferson cardiologists find drug is effective in reversing deadly problem in coronary angioplasty
(PHILADELPHIA) -- Researchers in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University have found that nicardipine, a commonly available calcium channel blocker, is effective in reversing the 'no-reflow' phenomenon that affects as many as 50,000 patients annually who undergo angioplasty--a procedure to clear arteries that have been clogged up or narrowed by plaque.
'No reflow' is a condition in which even after a successful angioplasty, where it appears that the obstruction in the heart vessel has been eliminated and the vessel is opened, there is no blood flow to the heart muscle. "It is likened to a clogged drain," said Michael Savage, M.D., Catheterization Laboratory director, "and happens more frequently in veins that have been taken from the leg and used in heart bypass."
Sometimes as a result of the angioplasty, plaque that has been dislodged releases chemical agents that affect the small blood vessels in the artery causing spasm and a lack of blood flow to the heart.
"No-reflow can be a potentially serious complication that places patients at high risk of heart attack or even death," explains Dr. Savage.
In a study to be published in the November issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, the Thomas Jefferson University heart researchers set out to look at the efficacy and safety of nicardipine reversing of no-reflow. They looked retrospectively at 1,454 patients who were treated in the Lab. Of this group, 72 developed no-reflow and were treated with the nicardipine to reverse the condition.
Seventy one (98 percent) of these patients were treated successfully and the no-reflow problem was reversed. The researchers report that nicardipine therapy was well tolerated. No patient experienced low blood pressure (hypotension), heart block or required a temporary pacemaker.
"In this largest series to date, intracoronary nicardipine was demonstrated to be a safe and highly effective pharmacological agent to reverse no-reflow during angioplasty," said Dr. Savage, who is also associate professor of Medicine at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
Editors: This information is embargoed for release October 11, 2006 at 12 a.m. ET.
Additional members of the Jefferson University team who conducted this study are:
Raymond I. Huang, M.D., Parul Patel, M.D., Paul Walinsky, M.D., David L. Fischman, M.D., David Ogilby, M.D., Mark Awar, M.D. and Craig Frankil, D.O.
Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Apr 2016
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.


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- Released: Jun 12, 2001
- Sound: 8
- Lyrics: 8
- Overall Impression: 9
Users' score:
(11 votes)
Sound — 8
This record is a culmination of Sugar Ray's successive shift from their punk roots towards the laid-back summer party sound that sent them flying on the charts in 1997 with "Fly". They don't try hard to rock out any more - although they are fully capable of doing so if they want, as they prove on the curveball album opener and single "Answer The Phone" - and have finally come to terms with the fact that they're best off whittling down their focus to the feel-good melodies, lithe grooves and utter lack of pretense which makes their hits so hard to resist. Sugar Ray have developed such a lightness of touch to their songcraft by now that even the distorted power chord riffs that flavour many of the tracks do not overpower the songs and are balanced out by the breezy hooks (which are pretty much everywhere). The album as a whole has a very buoyant vibe to it which is accentuated by plenty of catchy acoustic grooves and playful banter among the bandmates between songs that evokes just the right mood for summertime fun.
Lyrics — 8
The lightweight, feel-good lyrics are perfect for fleshing out this kind of music. Apart from the standard musings about girls (and references to a threesome on "Ours"), there are plenty of nods to nostalgia especially on the summery, acoustic guitar-driven singles "When It's Over" and "Under The Sun", which are top-shelf Sugar Ray in the vein of their previous hits like "Every Morning", "Someday" and "Fly". In fact, it's hard to avoid singing along to most of the tracks here. Mark McGrath's earnest vocals are always easy on the ears and have a pleasantly earthy quality to them that mellows out even the most rocking choruses into a gentle, sun-kissed rasp. Judging his technical skills is a futile exercise since his appeal as a likable, laid-back beach hunk shines through the music which is the whole purpose here.
Overall Impression — 9
Personally, I think that this is Sugar Ray's best album. Although some people might not like the fact that nearly all songs are in a somewhat similar and characteristic style, I think that the focus on defining their own sound is an asset and I didn't miss the harder, edgier songs at all. There's a coolly confident musical cohesion throughout the record as Sugar Ray effortlessly assert their musical identity (hence the album's eponymous title). Sugar Ray aren't exactly known for their innovation, and thankfully they don't try to overstep their bounds. They stick to what they do best and in the process deliver their strongest, more consistent batch of songs to date. There's virtually zero filler here just great pop songcraft and infectiously light melodies that are loaded with hooks. Understandably, some of the best tracks were released as singles ("When It's Over", "Under The Sun"), other standouts include "Waiting", "Stay On" (featuring Nick Hexum of 311) and "Words To Me" (arguably the sunniest song here). A great record for anyone who's a fan of Sugar Ray or enjoys feel-good jams that you can chill out to on a sun-kissed beach or pool party.


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Great Aunti Alice
Mark Langehaug
6th Grade 1998, Tri-CountySchool, Karlstad, MN
First place
Kittson County Historical Society genealogyessay contest - 1998
Alice Dorothy Hagen was born on November 16, 1914, in StevensCounty, Minnesota. She was born at home where her mother was assisted bya midwife and a doctor.
Her first memory was a sad one. At the age of three, shewas separated from her family. Her parents were friends with a new immigrantfamily from Norway; their names were the Clausens. They had no childrenof their own, so Alice's family gave Alice to the Clausens, so they wouldknow what it might be like to have a child. Alice lived with them untilshe married.
Alice attended country school near Morris, Minnesota. Sheskipped the fifth grade because she was the only one in the class and theteacher didn't want to mess with only one fifth grader. So, into the sixthgrade she went!
While living with the Clausens, she helped with farm work.She had a lot of chores. She milked the cows, picked the eggs, helped farm360 acres, and slopped the pigs. She also shocked the grain and corn, andwalked behind the harrow and the horse in the field. Her most enjoyabletime on the farm was spent with her pets, a cat and a dog.
Alice attended high school in Albert, Minnesota throughthe 8th grade. She lived in a boarding house with three other girls whilegoing to school. There were no busses so the girls only went home on theweekend, weather permitting.
After high school, Alice went to business college for sixmonths. She worked for Stevens County. She then took a job in Morris forJ.C. Penney and was a clerk for two and a half years.
On November 11, 1937, Alice married Silas Danielson ofLake Bronson, Minnesota. He had been Alice's high school teacher for twoyears. They moved to Lake Bronson and became a part of the family generalstore business. They later bought the store from Silas' parents and operatedit for 30 years. After Si's death, Alice managed the store for seven anda half years.
During their marriage, Silas and Alice raised five children.Alice devoted her life to many things. She taught Sunday School for severalyears. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a member of the P.T.A. She enjoyedbowling and golfing, and always taking time to enjoy both activities.
After Alice sold her business to the Durands, she workedpart-time at various jobs. She continued her role in church, community,and civic affairs. She was the first female mayor of Lake Bronson; she wasmayor for three years. Her term as mayor saw many improvements in the village,the highlight being the construction of the community center. In 1986, Alicewas selected as the outstanding Female Senior from Kittson County. She alsoearned a trip to the Minnesota State Fair to compete at the state level.
Alice spends a lot of her time working around her house.She cares for her yard, her flowers, and her one cat Kirby. She also enjoysentertaining her friends for dinner. There's nothing like one of Alice'smeals, they are delicious!!! Some evenings are spent playing Go Rummy andother card games with friends.
Alice has experienced many tough times in her life. Whatkeeps her going is her belief that you do unto others as you would havethem do unto you.
Well, that's my Great Auntie Alice! I hope you enjoyedmeeting her.
l, that's my Great Auntie Alice! I hope you enjoyedmeeting her.


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We at FISHBOWL are far too busy bringing you scintillating media commentary to post every little nugget of brilliance we come across – but that's not to say we wouldn't like to. So, without further ado we present a round-up of our favorite media moments this week. If we do it regularly, maybe we'll collect the best and give them special awards called "The Fishies," which is fun to say. Who knows? Anything can happen with this Internet thing. For now, here are our favorite fishy moments for this fine Friday. Enjoy!
1. Anderson Cooper: "To spank or not to spank?" We almost choked when our sweet Anderson uttered those words straight into the camera on CNN's 360 this past Wednesday, April 27th (we were already taken with his shimmery purple tie). Yes, it was to tease a segment on spanking and corporal punishment in parenting, but for a brief and blissful moment he was talking just to us.
2. From the Dept. of Faint Praise: In New York's travel feature, "The New Yorker's Guide To The Universe," "shopper" Alexia Kondylis was described as having "socialite good looks." Socialite good looks: when "movie star good looks" or "model good looks" is reeeaally overreaching.
3. Does an Olsen dare to eat a peach? We laughed out loud at Campell Robertson's Boldfaced Names headline this week: "We have heard the Olsens singing, each to each." Damn, we wish we'd thought of that (instead of just ripping it off for this).
4. Delicious, and a lot more fun than Gina Kolata: Our favorite MEL-topping headline this week: "By Cheese Possessed." Clearly, New Yorkers don't give edam about the calories.
5. Sure, but it won't get you very far at the NY Racket and Tennis Club: The New York Daily News runs an article in praise of "the Stripey,," that ubiquitous shirt that everyone loves to wear on their man-dates. No doubt the fashion trend will outlast the moniker. Line that gets it on this list: "When he's not working, he says, he likes to wear shirts 'that pimp.'"
6. Farewell, fair Plaza. Tomorrow marks the last day of the Plaza Hotel as we know it – and as The Beatles, the Vanderbilts, Truman Capote, the first Donald Trumps, JFK Jr. and a century of New York royalty knew it. New York's commemorative article captures the glamour before it gets swept away in a bank of condos.


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Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma
|Tracking Information
|First Received Date ICMJE
|March 2, 2000
|Last Updated Date
|September 12, 2017
|Start Date ICMJE
|February 29, 2000
|Primary Completion Date
|Not Provided
|Current Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|To investigate the use of radiopharmaceutical tracer, F(18)-FLT for PET/CT scan in evaluating cellular proliferative behavior of various genetically inherited and sporadic pheochromocytomas and paragagliomas in adult patients.
|Original Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Change History
|Complete list of historical versions of study NCT00004847 on ClinicalTrials.gov Archive Site
|Current Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Original Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Current Other Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Original Other Outcome Measures ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Descriptive Information
|Brief Title ICMJE
|Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma
|Official Title ICMJE
|Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Molecular Biology of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
|Brief Summary
The goal of this study is to develop better methods of diagnosis, localization, and treatment for pheochromocytomas. These tumors, which usually arise from the adrenal glands, are often difficult to detect with current methods. Pheochromocytomas release chemicals called catecholamines, causing high blood pressure. Undetected, the tumors can lead to severe medical consequences, including stroke, heart attack and sudden death, in situations that would normally pose little or no risk, such as surgery, general anesthesia or childbirth.
Patients with pheochromocytoma may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, electrocardiogram, and blood and urine tests. Study participants will undergo blood, urine, and imaging tests, described below, to detect pheochromocytoma. If a tumor is found, the patient will be offered surgery. If surgery is not feasible (for example, if there are multiple tumors that cannot be removed), evaluations will continue in follow-up visits. If the tumor cannot be found, the patient will be offered medical treatment and efforts to detect the tumor will continue. Main diagnostic and research tests may include the following:
|Detailed Description
|Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare but clinically important chromaffin cell tumors that typically arise from the adrenal gland or from extra-adrenal paraganglia, respectively and constitute a surgically correctable cause of chronic hypertension. The clinical features and consequences of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma result from the release of catecholamines (e.g., norepinephrine and epinephrine) by the tumor. If a pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma is undetected, stimuli that normally would not pose a hazard, such as surgery, childbirth, or general anesthesia, can evoke catecholamine secretion by the tumor, with clinically significant and even catastrophic outcomes. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and its localization can be challenging, because measurements of plasma levels or urinary excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites as well as radio-iodinated metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning can yield false-positive/negative results in patients harboring the tumor. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lack sufficient specificity. The molecular mechanisms by which genotypic changes predispose to the development of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma remain unknown, even in patients with identified mutations. Moreover, pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas in patients with hereditary predispositions differ in terms of their growth, malignant potential, catecholamine phenotype, responses to standard screening tests, such as the clonidine suppression test, various imaging modalities, and different therapeutic options. This protocol focuses on developmental, molecular, genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolomics, and other types of studies to elucidate the bases for predisposition to develop pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas and for expression of different neurochemical phenotypes and malignant potentials including therapeutic responses. Furthermore, this protocol will also use new imaging approaches, for example [(18)F]-6F-dopamine ([(18)F]-6F-DA), [(18)F]-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ([(18F)]-DOPA), and [(68)Ga]-DOTA-Tyr-octreotate ([(68)Ga]-DOTATATE) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, as well as PET/MRI scanning, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Additionally, new biochemical diagnostic criteria exist for the measurement of plasma metanephrines and methoxytyramine for the clinical diagnosis and localization of these tumors. This protocol will also evaluate the benefits of histone deacetylase inhibitors (e.g. romidepsin) pretreatment for uptake enhancement of [(123/131)I]-MIBG in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma tumors.
|Study Type ICMJE
|Study Design ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Target Follow-Up Duration
|Not Provided
|Not Provided
|Sampling Method
|Not Provided
|Study Population
|Not Provided
|Condition ICMJE
|Intervention ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Study Groups/Cohorts
|Not Provided
|Publications *
* Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number) in Medline.
|Recruitment Information
|Recruitment Status ICMJE
|Estimated Enrollment ICMJE
|Completion Date
|Not Provided
|Primary Completion Date
|Not Provided
|Eligibility Criteria ICMJE
Potential patients will be excluded on the basis of one or more of the following;
|7 Years and older (Child, Adult, Senior)
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers
|Contacts ICMJE
|Listed Location Countries ICMJE
|United States
|Removed Location Countries
|Administrative Information
|NCT Number ICMJE
|Other Study ID Numbers ICMJE
|Has Data Monitoring Committee
|Not Provided
|U.S. FDA-regulated Product
|Not Provided
|IPD Sharing Statement
|Not Provided
|Responsible Party
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) ( Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) )
|Study Sponsor ICMJE
|Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
|Collaborators ICMJE
|Not Provided
|Investigators ICMJE
|PRS Account
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
|Verification Date
|August 17, 2017
ICMJE Data element required by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the World Health Organization ICTRP


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Lenny Lamb's Sweet Heart Coral and Cream
Material: 100% Cotton
Fabric Weight: 280 g/m²
This is a wonderful fall color jacquard woven blend from Lenny Lamb!
Why Lenny Lamb?
- Founded in 2008, designed by a family run company , and made in Poland. Fair trade.
- Made of strong cross twill weave fabric and quality tested
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- Suitable from newborn through how ever long you wish to hold them ;)
Don't see the size you are looking for? Email firstname.lastname@example.com to place an order for your size!


text:
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Member since 3/15/2009
- 1 total post
- 1 question
Questions from deformedbydentist
Improving Depressed Scars and Fat Atrophy from Steroid Injections?
I'm 30 y.o. female who received 3 Dexamethasone shots in my bum after wisdom tooth extraction approx 3-4mos ago. I developed very large, deep depressed scarring/fat atrophy.... READ MORE


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By Rich Levine
Jets Week, Vol. 3 officially starts Monday, but it wont take long for the hype to reach maximum velocity.
Actually, in the time it took for you to read that first sentence, it happened.
Lets get it going with a four mini-columns (some mini-er than others) on four story lines born from the Wild Card Weekend. Think of it as a quick refresher until the Jets re-open their mouths and crank up the machine. And away we go . . .
Its Not Put Up or Shut Up
Back in 2004, Curt Schilling sought out to shut up 55,000 New Yorkers.
On Sunday, the Pats will settle for silencing one New York coach.
But when it comes to quieting down Rex Ryan, you have wonder:
Is it even possible?
Since the playoff started, some in the New York media have called this postseason Put Up or Shut up time for Ryan. Basically, theyve questioned, and perhaps justifiably so, how anyone can take his act seriously if hes sent home early for a second straight year. No ones suggesting that hes coaching for his job, but instead, that if the Jets lose, Ryan will have no choice but to scale back the big talk.
To that, I say, Disagree!
Far be it from me to pretend like I can predict Rex Ryans behavior. I mean, when you're talking about the James Cameron of the foot fetish industry, you're talking about a serious wild card. Who knows what he might do? But with that being said, I dont think anything that happens this season will change who Ryan is. Even if the Jets go out and get killed on Sunday, youll have a better chance of convincing Bill Belichick to take the podium in a bikini top than you will of seeing Rex pipe down. Its just his way. Its all he knows, and its damn sure what he believes in.
And not only will he continue to talk, but hell continue to bring in players who fit that same mold, too. Basically, he has his vision for the Jets, and its instilled too deeply to just pump the breaks and hope for the best.
Its too late for put up or shut up. Now its sink or swim.
Dont mind LT. Hes just being LT.
The funny thing is, I remember late in the fourth quarter as the Patriots were talking and yapping about the game that night, and I said to a couple of guys, 'Guys, we'll be back. You guys got us tonight, but we'll be back.' And so for us, we're waiting on this opportunity.
Ladainian Tomlinson, after the Jets 17-16 win over Indianapolis.
OK, let me start with a disclaimer: In his prime, Ladainian Tomlinson was probably the deadliest running back Ive ever seen. I recognize that he was an all-time talent and is a Hall of Famer. Yada yada yada. End disclaimer.
But with all due respect to his greatness, is there anything funnier than LTs ever-expanding role as the Paper Champion of the Patriots Dynasty?
First, hes never beaten New England when it mattered most. A few times, he hasnt even showed up. In fact, besides Joey Porter, no other player in the league has been embarrassed by the Pats with more consistency.
On top of it all, LTs obsessed with this embarrassment. When hes trying to give his bulletin board material, its never: This is our game! Were the better team! Instead, its usually They were mean! They have no class! They ran up the score! They stole my friends dance!
Theres always something the Patriots have done to earn his disapproval, but theres nothing he can do about it except make passive aggressive threats about getting even for something that only he cares about.
Braylon has something to say (again)
All you hatin a people.... J-E-T-S. And let new England know we are coming.
Braylon Edwards via Twitter
So, Braylon Edwards is already talking his game. Fair enough. I guess thats about what youd expect. But heres my question: Do you think he remembers how close he came to fumbling away the entire season? Not that he should harp on it; after all, he did have the huge play down the stretch. But do you think there was any point where he thought, Damn you know what? I was one funny bounce away from letting everyone down . . . maybe I should just hold off on this ridiculous tweet and enjoy the moment.
Who knows? Maybe he did. Maybe his attitude isnt as entirely awful as it comes across. But either way, on the field, Edwards does create some scary match-ups for the Pats, and because hes such a royal pain in the ass, theres no one on that team who Patriots fans will be less excited to see in the end zone. He is salt to the wound.
Hell have to catch the ball first, though.
Spread Em.
The Patriots were favored by eight or more points three times in the regular season both games against Buffalo (-14.5 and -9 points, respectively) and in the Sunday night game against the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers (-14). In those games, they were only 1-2 vs. the spread.
Why do you care? Because the Pats are favored by 8.5 points on Sunday.
At first that seemed a little high. I was thinking maybe somewhere around 6.5 considering the familiarity, the fact that Revis is healthy, Shonn Greenes running better, the Jets have a ton momentum and so on but after one week hiatus I guess its easy to lose sight of just how dominant the Patriots have been this season.
I'm sure we'll be reminded all week. You know Rex will probably bring it up a few times. You know that every analyst on every station is going to pick the Pats to win. You know that Mike Mayock's going to do a 20-minute film session breaking down Tom Brady's near perfect decision making. And after all is said and done, by the time Sunday rolls around, 8.5 might not feel like enough.
Either way, glad I'm not picking until Friday. And in the meantime, enjoy the hype.
From here, it's every man for himself.
Rich Levine's column runs each Monday, Wednesday and Friday on CSNNE.com. Rich can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrlevine33


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The Utah Jazz have reportedly added an 18th player, with point guard Nate Wolters being the latest addition in what has...Read More
It's not the offseason for our resident mailbag artist. Jimbo Rudding provides our regular dose of levity here at Salt City...Read More
On this week's episode of the Salt City Hoops Show, hosts Ben Anderson and Andy Larsen start by talking about the Kyrie...Read More
As we like to do around these parts to survive the dog days of summer, let's talk FIBA. Usually the very international Jazz...Read More


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PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Hamden, CT, United States, 2009/05/19 - Field trial with ITF Labs confirms speed, flexibility and control of curing conditions with the iCure system compared to conventional curing systems.
IRphotonics, a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of Infrared-based materials and systems announces it just finished a successful field trial with ITF Labs for its iCure Infrared spot curing system.
The field trial was conducted with adhesive 353ND on an optoelectronics device where localized curing must be achieved without heating adjacent components.
"We are extremely impressed with the power and precision the iCure AS200 offers", stated Alexandre Wetter, Engineering Director at ITF Labs. "Finding a curing technology that provides the control and flexibility to apply the appropriate heat for just the right amount of time to thermally cure our adhesive is a challenge and IRphotonics iCure system surpassed our requirements. We look forward to implementing the iCure AS200 in our optoelectronic assembly processes"
IRphotonics iCure AS200 is a revolutionary inline fiber optic system that provides heat by Infrared radiation in a portable unit, to deliver faster and stronger cures than traditional methods. Using infrared light to generate heat, the iCure thermal spot curing system is tailor-made for automated manufacturing processes requiring rapid adhesive curing and localized heating of bonded assemblies.
The iCure AS200 provides:
200 W lamp with up to 80 W/cm2;
Reduced curing time by over 75%;
Wide, state of the art touch screen with intuitive graphical user interface;
Can be used as benchtop or rackmount (self-orienting display);
SmartSense system monitoring to extend lamp life and performance.
Applications include:
Spot curing of thermal epoxies;
Bonding and fixing of plastic and glass components;
Fixing of lenses;
Temporary fixing of miniature components;
Precision assembly and bonding of semiconductor components;
Focused energy for micro soldering;
Localized heat welding of thermoplastics;
Pricing and Availability
The iCure AS200 thermal spot curing and accessories are available to customers worldwide now. Pricing is available on request.
About IRphotonics
IRphotonics (irphotonics.com) is the leading designer and manufacturer of technologically sophisticated infrared fibers and systems that are used for the transmission of infrared light, and for assembly operations requiring high intensity infrared heat. The company leverages its unique and in depth expertise of infrared light and materials to offer innovative products ranging from specialty optical fibers and light guides to its revolutionary thermal spot curing system.
For more information about the iCure Product Line and the iCure AS200, please visit company website.
© Copyright 2009 IRphotonics. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.
IRphotonics, iCure and iCure AS200 are registered trademarks of IRphotonics. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
For technical information:
Ruben Burga, VP Sales
E: sales[.]irphotonics.com / T: 1-877-340-6982.
Agency / Source: IRphotonics
Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)
Traffic Booster: [/] Quick PRZOOM - Press & Newswire Visibility Checker
Distribution / Indexing: [+]


text:
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 1 of 5
Used product forMore than 1 year
Visitors rate this review3.69 of 5,
13.00 votes
Price Paid:
Strengths:Long lasting, very durable tire.
Weaknesses:None come to mind.
Summary:I purchased a Nissan Frontier in 2004 with B F Goodrich Radial Long Trail T/A tires on the vehicle. To date I have 66,283 miles on these tires and I'm just now in the market for a replacement. I typically put 30,000 to 35,000 miles on my tires before replacement. I am quick to change tires with evidence of wear, primarily as a safety factor. I am truly impressed with the Long trails, and I intend to try another set.


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Joseph Gordon-Levitt Discusses DARK KNIGHT RISES Ending and Robin
The Dark Knight Rises star Joseph Gordon-Levitt showed up on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show last night and talked about the ending of the movie and the future of the franchise.
Remember all those rumors and speculation about Gordon-Levitt playing Robin? It was incredibly awesome when all of those rumors and talk were confirmed at the end of the movie. It's pretty incredible that the cast and crew were able to keep their mouths shut about it the whole time.
Now that the cat's out of the bag they can talk about it all they want, and here's what Gordon-Levitt had to say!
Joey Paur — Co-Founder / Editor of GeekTyrant.com, and if you haven't noticed I write… a lot. Movies are my passion and I live and breathe all things geek. This site is part of my life's work, it's a part of me. I love what I do, and I enjoy sharing everything I can with you when it comes to movies and geekery. In my spare time I travel to the netherworlds to battle demons. @JoeyPaur | email@example.com
Featured Posts on GeekTyrant
Toy Sideshow Collectibles, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mythos Obi-Wan Kenobi, Action Figure, Star Wars Joey Paur Comment
Sideshow's Mythos Obi-Wan Kenobi Action Figure is What The Character Should Look Like in His Solo Film
Toy Sideshow Collectibles, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mythos Obi-Wan Kenobi, Action Figure, Star Wars Joey Paur Comment


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IBM and BEA Systems Inc. are expanding their consulting services for companies ready to build service-oriented architectures, which leverage web services standards to integrate information technology systems to support business processes.
IBM, based in Armonk, N.Y., on Wednesday introduced a new SOA roadmap called the Service Oriented Modeling and Architecture. BEA, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., is scheduled to announce on Thursday an expansion of its consulting services for SOAs and a new web-based tool for assessing the readiness of current applications and infrastructures for a SOA.
SOMA, offered through IBM Global Services, maps a corporation's underlying applications and infrastructure with the business processes related to a particular area, such as retail banking in a financial institution.
Once the technologies underneath the business processes are identified, then IT divisions and business managers can work together in deciding which systems need to be modified to support upcoming changes in business operations. For example, a bank may decide to focus IT resources on providing more account-related services for online banking, rather than build out infrastructure to support more tellers.
In addition, the tight link drawn between technology and processes makes it easier for companies to prioritize the work done by IT departments, Jim Hilt, manager of SOA strategies for IBM Global Services, said.
"SOMA is bridging the business to IT to ultimately create new value," Hilt said. "It's basically a roadmap of what to build to support the business."
Many customers that have tested a SOA are asking for help in using the architecture for systems integration related to changes in business processes, Hilt said. Much of the testing has gone on for the last 12 to 18 months, and customers are now ready for broader deployments.
Many experts view a SOA as an evolution in distributed computing that's based on industry standards. Many of those standards fall under the umbrella term of web services, which is integration-related technology based on extensible markup language.
Jason Bloomberg, analyst for ZapThink LLC, a research firm focused on SOA technology, said that with SOMA, "IBM has nailed this one."
"We're quite impressed with the clarity and detail of SOMA," Bloomberg said in an email. "Customers should find IBM's SOA leadership to be relatively straightforward and understandable."
BEA said it was expanding its consulting services to cover all stages of adoption of a SOA, including assessment of current IT systems, planning of a roadmap for moving to a SOA, training of IT staff and actual implementation of SOA-related technology, according to a press release obtained by TechWeb.
On the assessment side, BEA unveiled Wednesday a "SOA Readiness Self-Assessment" tool that measures the impact of a SOA on a company's long-term strategy and near-term initiatives, and documents problems that can be solved by adding a web services-based integration layer.
In addition, the web-based tool assesses the company's current architecture for moving to a SOA, examines shared applications and data services, identifies opportunities for leveraging legacy applications and current IT initiatives, and projects capital and expenses necessary to construct and operate a SOA.
ZapThink analyst Ronald Schmelzer, however, questioned whether BEA had the "talent" to deliver a full set of SOA services.
"BEA is a relative neophyte in delivering professional services-based solutions for things as complex as SOA, and clearly they are trying to compete with the likes of IBM," Schmelzer said. "We'll have to see if they can deliver the (service) offerings without making it simply a way to pitch products."
In focusing on business-process improvement through SOA, companies are embarking on a strategy of expanding their business to meet increasing customer demand, while keeping costs down through the use of standards-based technology.
A recent survey of more than 1,300 chief information officers in 30 countries found that businesses plan to concentrate on growth in 2005, while only increasing IT budgets, on average, by 2.5 percent, market researcher Gartner said. As a result, CIOs are under pressure to create more business value from IT.
In the recent past, companies have focused IT departments on improving the speed and reducing the cost of individual business processes within a unit or geography. That, however, has changed and CIOs are now looking to "re-engineer processes end-to-end from the customer perspective and integrate previously autonomous business processes, information and application software across business units and geographies," Gartner said.
According to the survey, business-process improvement was the top business priority.


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Located in popular Hammersmith, West London, a convenient base for local offices as well as those working in the capital. London's largest shopping mall 'Westfield' is only a 5 minute tube ride away!
- Free Fast Fibre internet
- Freeview TV
- Weekly Housekeeping
- Dishwasher
- Washer/dryer
- Lift


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This week, Will Marshall-Murray of Fine & Country in Solihull gives us the lowdown on the luxury property market in the West Midlands.
Could you please give us a brief introduction to your branch and the property market in your area?
Our office in Solihull acts as our hub covering the West Midlands, from Sutton Coldfield through to Stourbridge, Bromsgrove, Edgbaston and of course Solihull and the surrounding villages. The property market in the West Midlands has certainly picked up over the last couple of years. All of the areas mentioned have a great reputation for good quality property in the leafy suburbs surrounding Birmingham, top private and state schools, great facilities including multiple golf clubs, international class facilities such as Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the NEC, the Belfry, the Birmingham Library and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).
What types of properties do you sell?
We sell properties in the upper quartile of the market, including modern and new-build property, large townhouses, country homes and barn conversions, unique properties, traditional homes, land and development plots, waterside homes and many more. Last year we sold a significant number of traditional Victorian properties in Edgbaston and bespoke new-build and modern style homes in Solihull.
What are the current market trends in your area?
In 2013 there were no sales above £2 million in the West Midlands according to land registry data, and in 2014 there were three sales above this figure. We have already completed a sale over £2 million this year and have the next most expensive house in Birmingham about to come to the market at £2.5 million.
Smaller developers have benefitted from changes to planning regulations, so we will be seeing more bespoke new-build property from the smaller, more exclusive developers coming on to the market soon. A large number of buyers from London and the Home Counties are moving to the Midlands and are specifically looking for properties in the upper quartile of the market.
Where should investors be looking to buy property?
Investors should definitely be looking at new-build property again. We have a number of off-market investments available with guaranteed rental returns and developers offering favourable rates of return on their projects. Birmingham city centre is looking attractive as overseas investment comes in and huge infrastructure improvements take place. The city is re-establishing itself on the national and international scene.
What do you expect to see happen in the local market during 2015?
In 2013, half of the 20 most expensive sales were in Solihull, and the rest were in Edgbaston, Sutton Coldfield and Barnt Green. In 2014, the most expensive sales were spread out across the region a lot more evenly with Stourbridge and Henley-in-Arden featuring too, and Edgbaston and Sutton Coldfield taking the lion's share of the sales. The average price of the top 20 sales in 2013 was £1.3 million, and the average in 2014 was £1.8 million, a 38% increase. This increase will continue this year and the average price for the top 20 sales may even beat the £2 million mark. There will also be more new-build properties coming to the market.


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Sponsors of Pet Projects To Be Named in City Budgets
By SEWELL CHAN and DAMIEN CAVE
Published: November 9, 2006
The City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, announced yesterday that the Council would start identifying which members sponsor the hundreds of discretionary appropriations for pet projects -- some call it pork-barrel spending -- that are inserted into the budget it adopts each year.
The change, a major shift that Ms. Quinn said was intended to make New York City's budget process more open, has significant political implications, as the annual Council spending list is one of the most mystifying and opaque documents in city government.
Each June, when the Council passes the budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, members scramble to add money for scores of nonprofit groups, houses of worship, ethnic associations and other community organizations.
The list of appropriations -- contained in a document called Schedule C -- was 67 pages long this year. The document typically lists each recipient of the Council's largess, along with the sum. It says nothing about what work each group does, which lawmakers sponsored an appropriation or what all the items add up to. The figure is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Ms. Quinn said the change was part of a larger plan to strengthen the Council's role in shaping the city's operating and capital budgets. ''The goal of this is really for New Yorkers to get as much information as is relevant to the creation of the budget,'' she said. ''And who asked for what is relevant information.''
But the timing of the announcement may also have been influenced by a decision on Oct. 23 in State Supreme Court in Albany that ordered the leaders of the State Legislature to divulge the names of lawmakers behind $200 million worth of annual projects known as member items.
The Times Union of Albany had sued to gain access to the information. In his decision, Justice Robert A. Sackett said the Legislature had ''failed to articulate a rational basis for redacting the names,'' adding, ''The public has a right to know.''
Councilman David I. Weprin of Queens, the chairman of the Council's Finance Committee, said, ''With Albany looking at change, we thought this was the next step for transparency in the budget process for New York.'' But Mr. Weprin added that he believed that the Council's budget practices were already more transparent than Albany's.
Megan Quattlebaum, the associate director of Common Cause / New York, which advocates greater transparency in government and filed a brief in The Times Union's suit, called the Council's decision ''a great step forward.''
She added, ''If lawmakers think these items are worthy of spending millions of dollars on, they should also feel they are worth putting their names beside.''
There has been growing pressure within the Council on the issue. One member, Hiram Monserrate of Queens, called in July for annual disclosure of who sponsors what. Another, Bill de Blasio of Brooklyn, said yesterday that momentum for openness had been building statewide, culminating in Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's successful run for governor.
A third member, David Yassky of Brooklyn, applauded Ms. Quinn's decision but said the Council needed to go further by detailing the intent of each expenditure. ''I hate that people think of it as money for groups,'' he said. ''The money should be for a function, a purpose, something we're trying to accomplish.''
Told last night about Mr. Yassky's suggestion, Ms. Quinn called it ''an excellent idea.'' She said the Council would provide a ''brief description'' for each expenditure, starting with the next budget.
Greater disclosure could have some unintended consequences. Mr. Yassky predicted that it would lead some members to scramble to claim credit for aiding popular cultural institutions like the Brooklyn Museum.
To be sure, the Council is not the only culprit when it comes to budget secrecy. For years, lawmakers have complained that the mayor's Office of Management and Budget does not adequately detail executive branch spending. The complaints predate Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's administration.
In May, partly in response to such complaints, Mr. Bloomberg and Ms. Quinn said that specific spending details would be provided for two agencies, the Administration for Children's Services and the Department of Small Business Services, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007. The more detailed budget presentations are to be expanded eventually to encompass more agencies.


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Logging in with Facebook is a tried and true way to avoid Yet Another Password Fatigue™. No matter what platform you're developing for, Parse makes it easy to link your users with their Facebook identities. If you're an Android developer, your toolbox for connecting to Facebook got a major refresh recently, when Facebook released version 3.0 of their Android SDK.
This new version:
- Improves session management, streamlining the login process and integration with the native Facebook Android app.
- Adds drop-in UI components for:
- Picking Facebook friends.
- Picking nearby locations.
- Displaying profile images.
- Allows batching of requests to Facebook's Graph API and provides strongly-typed Java interfaces for interacting with Facebook Graph objects.
- Provides tools for monitoring your mobile app install ads.
We have released an update to our Parse Android SDK that integrates with this new version of the Facebook SDK, allowing you to take advantage of all of this new functionality in your apps.
You can learn more about Parse's Facebook support by visiting our Android API reference page or our Android guide.
If you're upgrading an existing app, please follow our setup instructions again to link your project to the new Facebook SDK and start building great social experiences into your app!