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You Are Here: AHRQ Archive Home > Archived EPC Evidence Reports > Making Health Care Safer: A Critical Analysis of Patient Safety Practices
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Ebbing Lautenbach, M.D., M.P.H., MSCEUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
As discussed in the chapters on handwashing and barrier precautions (Chapters 12 and 13), hospital infection control has historically focused on preventing the transmission of nosocomial pathogens—either from patient to patient or from provider to patient. The potential role of overseeing hospital-wide antibiotic use as an infection control measure has also been recognized for many years.1 With the widespread emergence of nosocomial antibiotic-resistant infections over the past 10-15 years, institutional efforts to control antibiotic use have become a priority for infection control.2,3
The practices reviewed in this chapter involve institutional efforts to control antibiotic use as a means of controlling complications of antibiotic overuse or misuse. In evaluating the potential benefits of these practices, the focus is on the impacts of antibiotic use on infections with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)4 and Clostridium difficile.5 These pathogens represent two of the most important nosocomial pathogens with relationships to inappropriate antibiotic use. Moreover, as suggested by recent evidence, infection with C. difficile may represent a risk factor for infection with VRE.6
Practice description
Interventions designed to limit the use of antibiotics may take many forms. Specific practices reviewed in the chapter include:
Prevalence and Severity of the Target Safety Problem
This chapter focuses on 2 of the most important nosocomial pathogens: VRE and C. difficile. VRE currently accounts for greater than 25% of all nosocomial enterococci4 and confers an increased risk of death, independent of comorbid conditions that may have initially led to the infection.12 VRE infections are also associated with significantly higher hospital costs than those due to vancomycin-sensitive enterococci (VSE)12 (see Chapter 13). C. difficile represents the major, if not only, important infectious cause of nosocomial diarrhea.5 Although death attributable to C. difficile occurs in less than 5% of patients,17 the impact of C. difficile infection remains significant. Patients may require substantially longer lengths of hospital stay—upwards of 18-30 days,18,19 with exploratory and therapeutic surgical procedures required in severe cases.20 It has also been suggested that more debilitated patients (e.g., in rehabilitation centers or long-term care facilities) may be at even greater risk for increased morbidity and mortality due to C. difficile infection.21 The costs associated with C. difficile diarrhea, while not well described, are estimated to be as high as $10,000 per patient22 (see Chapter 13).
Opportunities for Impact
Over half of all hospitalized patients are treated with antibiotics.23 The antibiotics represent a significant portion of overall healthcare costs, accounting for between 20% and 50% of total hospital drug expenditures.23 It has been estimated that 50% of all antibiotics prescribed are either at the wrong dose, the wrong drug, or taken for the wrong duration.24,25 These findings suggest that there is significant room for improvement in antibiotic prescribing practices.
Most hospitals employ formulary restrictions for certain medications (particularly expensive agents, selecting one drug from a group of equivalent agents). However, only a minority of hospitals uses formulary restrictions to limit the use of entire antibiotic classes or specific agents. Those hospitals that do employ antimicrobial formulary restrictions most often do so as a means of controlling costs, rather than as an infection control measure.26 Thus, there remain substantial opportunities to expand upon these existing formulary programs to control the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Study Designs
A structured search of the PubMed database (including MEDLINE) and review of the bibliographies of relevant articles identified 10 studies that have examined methods to change antibiotic use with respect to VRE and/or C. difficile infection (Table 14.1). All of these studies were before-after observational cohort studies (Level 3) in which baseline data regarding incidence of VRE or C. difficile were obtained during an observational period and compared with a second time period after an intervention had been implemented. Data on baseline comparability of the before and after groups were not reported in 6 studies.8-11,21,27 Two studies only reported similar admission and census rates during the before and after time periods,7,28 while 2 studies compared patients in the 2 time periods on the basis of numerous variables.29,30
Study Outcomes
All of the studies reviewed reported changes in the clinical incidence or prevalence of either VRE or C. difficile as a result of antibiotic practice interventions (Level 1). Studies investigating C. difficile measured clinical infections.11 Studies investigating VRE examined VRE infection or VRE colonization.8-10,27
Evidence for Effectiveness of the Practice
Of the 10 studies listed in Table 14.1, all but 38,11,21 showed significant reductions in the incidence of C. difficile or VRE following practice changes. Several possibilities may explain the negative findings of these 3 studies. First, the interventions analyzed might not have produced significant alterations in antibiotic use, so that infection rates with the target pathogens remained unchanged. Second, it is possible that patient-to-patient spread of these pathogens limited the efficacy of the interventions, as this mode of transmission is well known to occur for both VRE and C. difficile, usually via the hands of healthcare workers (see also Chapter 13).31,32 Third, since environmental contamination occurs with both these pathogens, successful control of these organisms may require enhanced disinfection procedures in some cases.33,34 Targeting antibiotic use may not be sufficient to reduce incidence of these pathogens since a significant number of infected or colonized patients may serve as reservoirs. Under this scenario, the argument for barrier precautions as an adjunct measure to prevent spread of organisms from patient to patient becomes more persuasive (see Chapter 13). Indeed, although changes in antibiotic use practice were the primary intervention in all of the studies reviewed here, one study included a component of enhanced barrier precautions in the intervention.21 Future studies should investigate the impact of such multifaceted interventions, both for VRE and C. difficile as well as for other nosocomial pathogens.
Other Potential Benefits
Although not the focus of this chapter, the practices reviewed here may have a beneficial impact on other emerging nosocomial pathogens strongly associated with inappropriate antibiotic use, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae.35 In addition, although we have focused on control of VRE as an end in itself, a primary motivation to achieve this goal is the need to delay the emergence of vancomycin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.36,37 As S. aureus represents the most common nosocomial infection,38 the development of high-level vancomycin resistance among staphylococci would constitute a public health disaster.39
Thus, practices that decrease the prevalence of VRE may play an important, albeit indirect, role in preventing or delaying this occurrence.
Potential for Harm
Few of the reviewed studies reported any assessment of possible harm as a result of the antibiotic use practice interventions. One potential result of interventions designed to reduce the use of one antibiotic, or antibiotic class, is the subsequent increase in the use of another class of agents to compensate. In fact, one reviewed study7 noted an increase in the use of other anti-anaerobic agents as clindamycin use decreased. Whether changes in antibiotic use results in changes in antimicrobial susceptibilities, either in the pathogen under study (e.g., VRE, C. difficile) or in other nosocomial pathogens, it is a fertile ground for future study.
Finally, efforts to decrease use of certain antibiotics might increase infection rates due to inappropriate withholding of appropriate antibiotics. However, one reviewed study10 noted no increase in rates of surgical site infections following decrease in the use of vancomycin for preoperative prophylaxis (see also Subchapter 20.1).
Costs and Implementation
The costs of implementing a program to alter antibiotic use practices must be balanced against potential cost savings. Sources of savings may be reduced antibiotic use, use of less expensive agents rather than the more expensive newer agents, and potentially, reduced costs due to decreased incidence of nosocomial infections as a result of interventions. Although several studies reported cost savings due only to decreased antibiotic use,10,11,29 analyses taking into account costs related to subsequent infections (or infections prevented) have been sparse. One study noted that cost savings from decreased use of clindamycin offset the expenditures due to increased use of other antibiotics.7 The authors suggested that if each case of C. difficile resulted in a cost of $2000, the savings to the hospital of the intervention could approach $162,000 annually based on the number of cases averted.7
Another cost of antibiotic use interventions is the expense of ongoing monitoring of antibiotic use and antimicrobial susceptibilities of nosocomial pathogens. Effective recommendation of certain antimicrobial agents over others requires access to (and financial and logistic support for) routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Monitoring institutional resistance patterns is vital in order to make required formulary changes in response to emerging resistance patterns and to determine the most effective agents given prevailing susceptibility patterns.
Given the strong association between antibiotic use and subsequent infection (demonstrated for both C. difficile and VRE), it is not surprising that changes in antibiotic use practices can reduce the incidence of infection with these 2 pathogens. The majority of reviewed studies demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of VRE or C. difficile following interventions to change antibiotic use practice. While these studies all demonstrated short-term success, future studies should confirm the efficacy of such interventions over the long term. In addition, the effectiveness and feasibility of combining antibiotic practice strategies with efforts to enhance barrier precautions (Chapter 13) should be investigated. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of such strategies (taking into account both the costs associated with monitoring and maintaining sound antibiotic use practices and the costs associated with nosocomial antibiotic-resistant infections) should be investigated.
Table 14.1. Before-after studies of practices to improve antibiotic use*
* NS indicates not statistically significant; VRE, vancomycin-resistant entercocci.
1. Kunin CM, Tupasi T, Craig WA. Use of antibiotics. A brief exposition of the problem and some tentative solutions. Ann Intern Med 1973;79:555-560.
2. Gaynes R. The impact of antimicrobial use on the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in hospitals. Infect Dis Clin North Am 1997;11:757-765.
3. Goldmann DA, Huskins WC. Control of nosocomial antimicrobial-resistant bacteria: a strategic priority for hospitals worldwide. Clin Infect Dis 1997;24:S139-145.
4. Murray BE. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections. N Engl J Med 2000;342:710-721.
5. Johnson S, Gerding DN. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis 1998;26:1027-1036.
6. Roghmann MC, McCarter RJ, Brewrink J, Cross AS, Morris JG. Clostridium difficile infection is a risk factor for bacteremia due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in VRE-colonized patients with acute leukemia. Clin Infect Dis 1997;25:1056-1059.
7. Climo MW, Israel DS, Wong ES, Williams D, Coudron P, Markowitz SM. Hospital-wide restriction of clindamycin: effect on the incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and cost. Ann Intern Med 1998;128:989-995.
8. Morris JG, Shay DK, Hebden JN, McCarter RJ, Perdue BE, Jarvis W, et al. Enterococci resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents, including vancomycin. Establishment of endemicity in a university medical center. Ann Intern Med 1995;123:250-259.
9. Bradley SJ, Wilson ALT, Allen MC, Sher HA, Goldstone AH, Scott GM. The control of hyperendemic glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus spp. on a haematology unit by changing antibiotic usage. J Antimicrob Chemother 1999;43:261-266.
10. Anglim AM, Klym B, Byers KE, Scheld WM, Farr BM. Effect of a vancomycin restriction policy on ordering practices during an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:1132-1136.
11. Morgan AS, Brennan PJ, Fishman NO. Impact of a vancomycin restriction policy on use and cost of vancomycin and incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. Ann Pharmacother 1997;31:970-973.
12. Stosor V, Peterson LR, Postelnick M, Noskin GA. Enterococcus faecium bacteremia: does vancomycin resistance make a difference? Arch Intern Med 1998;158:522-527.
13. Clabots CR, Johnson S, Olson MM, Peterson LR, Gerding DN. Acquisition of Clostridium difficile by hospitalized patients: evidence of colonized new admissions as the source of infection. J Infect Dis 1992;166:561-567.
14. Wilcox MH, Smyth ETM. Incidence and impact of Clostridium difficile infection in the UK, 1993-1996. J Hosp Infect 1998;39:181-187.
15. Gerding DN, Olson MM, Peterson LR, et al. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis in adults: a prospective case-controlled epidemiologic study. Arch Intern Med 1986;146:95-100.
16. Yablon SA, Krotenberg, Fruhmann K. Clostridium difficile-related disease: evaluation and prevalence among inpatients with diarrhea in two freestanding rehabilitation hospitals. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1993;74:913.
17. Olson MM, Shanholtzer CJ, Lee JT, Gerding DN. Ten years of prospective Clostridium difficile-associated disease surveillance and treatment at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, 1982-1991. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1994;15:371-381.
18. MacGowan AP, Brown I, Feeney R, Lovering A, McCulloch SY, Reeves DS. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea and length of hospital stay. J Hosp Infect 1995;31:241-244.
19. Riley TV, Codde JP, Rouse IL. Increase length of stay due to Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea. Lancet 1995;345:455-456.
20. Kent KC, Rubin MS, Wroblewski L, Hanff PA, Sline W. The impact of Clostridium difficile on a surgical service. Ann Surg 1998;227:296-301.
21. Bender BS, Laughon BE, Gaydos C, Forman MS, Bennett R, Greenough WB, et al. Is Clostridium difficile endemic in chronic-care facilities? Lancet 1986;2:11-13.
22. Spencer RC. Clinical impact and associated costs of Clostridium difficile-associated disease. J Antimicrob Chemother 1998;41(Suppl C):C5-C12.
23. Pestotnik SL, Classen DC, Evans RS. Implementing antibiotic practice guidelines through computer-assisted decision support: clinical and financial outcomes. Ann Intern Med 1996;124:884-890.
24. Yates RR. New intervention strategies for reducing antibiotic resistance. Chest 1999;115:24S-27S.
25. Piquette RK. A targeted review of vancomycin use. Can J Hosp Pharm 1991;44:83-7.
26. John JF, Fishman NO. Programmatic role of the infectious diseases physician in controlling antimicrobial costs in the hospital. Clin Infect Dis 1997;24:471-485.
27. Quale J, Landman D, Saurina G, Atwood E, DiTore V, Patel K. Manipulation of a hospital antimicrobial formulary to control an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Clin Infect Dis 1996;23:1020-1025.
28. Pear SM, Williamson TH, Bettin KM, Gerding DN, Galgiani JN. Decrease in nosocomial Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea by restricting clindamycin use. Ann Intern Med 1994;120:272-277.
29. McNulty C, Logan M, Donald IP, Ennis D, Taylor D, Baldwin RN, et al. Successful control of Clostridium difficile infection in an elderly care unit through use of a restrictive antibiotic policy. J Antimicrob Chemother 1997;40:707-711.
30. Ho M, Yang D, Wyle FA, Mulligan ME. Increased incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea following decreased restriction of antibiotic use. Clin Infect Dis 1996;23(suppl 1):S102-S106.
31. Handwerger S, Raucher B, Altarac D, Monka J, Marchione S, Singh KV, et al. Nosocomial outbreak due to Enterococcus faecium highly resistant to vancomycin, penicillin, and gentamicin. Clin Infect Dis 1993;16:750-755.
32. Chang VT, Nelson K. The role of physical proximity in nosocomial diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis 2000;31:717-722.
33. Mayfield JL, Leet T, Miller J, Mundy LM. Environmental control to reduce transmission of Clostridium difficile. Clin Infect Dis 2000;31:995-1000.
34. Byers KE, Durbin LJ, Simonton BM, Anglim AM, Adal KA, Farr BM. Disinfection of hospital rooms contaminated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1998;19:261-264.
35. Jacoby GA. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and other enzymes providing resistance to oxyimino-beta-lactams. Infect Dis Clin North Am 1997;11:875-887.
36. Michel M, Gutmann L. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci: therapeutic realities and possibilities. Lancet 1997;349:1901-1906.
37. Smith TL, Pearson ML, Wilcox KR, Cruz C, Lancaster MV, Robinson-Dunn B, et al. Emergence of vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Glycopeptide-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Working Group. N Engl J Med 1999;340:493-501.
38. Archer GL. Staphylococcus aureus: a well-armed pathogen. Clin Infect Dis 1998;26:1179-1181.
39. Edmond MB, Wenzel RP, Pasculle AW. Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: perspectives on measures needed for control. Ann Intern Med 1996;124:329-334.
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text: Here's the America's Best Online list of the best Restaurants in Draper, UT. Guadalahonky's got the current top restaurant ranking for Draper. Closely following #1 are Cafe Rio, Goodwood Barbecue Co, Sweet Home Chicago Pizzeria and Hagermann's. After reading the top ten restaurants in Draper be sure to check out the Utah Restaurants nearby in cities such as Sandy City, Riverton, South Jordan and Midvale.

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By Kyle O'Donnell
Cronkite News
When Mitch Ruttenberg teaches economics at Trevor G. Browne High School, he ends each semester with lessons on credit cards, taxes, budgeting and other aspects of personal finance.
"It's the last thing they get from me because I know that's what they need the most," he said.
Because his and other economics classes in the Phoenix Union High School District provide that instruction, Ruttenberg said a new state law requiring academic standards in social studies to include personal finance won't change much.
Although the law prescribes teaching subjects like spending, saving, investments and credit, school districts have flexibility when developing their lessons.
State Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, the law's author, said many districts are well-prepared to comply.
"Many of them already told us that the skill sets are already there, they just need to open up the curriculum a little bit more," she said.
Personal-finance lessons are important for children, Yee said.
"As we grow into adulthood, these are the same skills that we have to have in our own households," she said, "so the earlier we teach these simple, basic skills, I think the better off society will be."
Chris Kotterman, the Arizona Department of Education's deputy associate superintendent of policy development and government relations, said financial literacy is already included in the Arizona's social studies standards.
The new law, he said, re-emphasizes that districts should focus on financial literacy.
"Any time the Legislature sort of passes a bill that typically calls something out, it sort of drops a marker for school districts and charters that, 'Hey, you need to pay attention to this,' " Kotterman said.
He said the Department of Education isn't tasked with enforcing the law but it will provide resources, such as suggestions of non-profit groups that specialize in personal-finance instruction.
Yee said making personal-finance instruction part of state law prevents it from being dropped should state education standards change.
"We placed it in the law so that it will forever be there," she said.
Julie Landers, a math teacher at Mesa High School, part of Mesa Public Schools, said it's a good idea to let school districts determine specific lessons.
"Depending on where you are, you want to be able to tailor it to the groups of kids you have," she said.
The district has personal finance math classes, but students fulfill the financial literacy requirement through economics classes, Landers said.
Even though the school districts are responsible for the curriculum, Yee has things she would like to see taught.
"We certainly encourage the basic skills of managing your money, understanding debt, understanding how to hold a credit card, managing your checkbook, little basic skills," she said.
Michael Cummiskey, a chartered financial consultant in Paradise Valley, said new law is good but that parents are the most important personal-finance teachers. That can start with educating children about the family budget.
"Let them get involved in what things cost because a lot of times, kids don't even understand what the real costs are," he said.


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SAN ANTONIO - Eddie Vanderdoes has been accommodating to Notre Dame even before reopening the recruiting process.
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For many hunters, fishers, campers, farmers, and virtually all outdoor-minded people, having a knife in your pocket is as natural as having a wallet in your back pocket. Personally, I was a public school principal for more than 20 years and used my small trapper every day for one task or another. Then came the tragedy of 9/11 and the world of traveling with knives changed. The TSA may change the rules to allow small pocket knives to comply with international norms, yet that directive has been put on hold. Whether traveling by air, bus, train, or even in your own car, you must comply with a variety of state and national knife statutes. Mike Haskaw does a great job of interviewing people like C. J. Buck, of Buck Knives, for the latest tips for knife travel. Check this blog posted by the American Knife and Tool Institute:
"There is no flexibility for TSA officers, only absolutes," commented C.J. Buck of Buck Knives. "There has been an evolution within the PIL (Prohibited Items List) that is the final word in what can or cannot be carried through security and onto aircraft. Small knives of very specific description will soon be allowed; however, all other knives must be checked. It is perfectly legal to transport in your checked luggage anything that is legal to possess. Traveling by plane usually involves crossing state lines, so you should verify any possession restrictions, both state and local, regarding your destination."
Travelers who board commercial bus lines are subject to stringent rules as well. Greyhound, for example, prohibits knives and other sharp or edged implements aboard its vehicles, although it offers a shipping service for those who require it. The bus line also abides by local laws when it comes to knives, and the fact that state lines are frequently crossed may pose additional issues for knife owners.
Driving a personal vehicle to a destination still requires a knife owner to understand the basic knife laws in certain jurisdictions. These statutes vary from state to state, considering blade length, types of opening mechanisms, and definitions of switchblade versus assisted opening.


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Discovering Orff: A Curriculum for Music Teachers
Schott, 1987 - Music - 224 pages
(Schott). This book is intended for those who want detailed, practical assistance in how and why to use Orff techniques and materials in the classroom. Goals are outlined and the best ways to achieve them are explored, but the principal focus is on the arrangement of the curriculum in a logical sequence. Such a structure provides a reasonable progression from simple to more complex objectives not only from day to day but from year to year. Structured learning need not be the enemy of improvisation but rather the best way to provide students with the tools they need to improvise. The book contains an introduction to the development of Orff-Schulwerk and a discussion of the distinguishing features of this approach. Chapter Two introduces the activities children use in their music-making. The teaching procedure that structures those activities is taken up in Chapter Three while Chapter Four explains the vocabulary and accompaniment theory essential to the Orff teacher. Part Two applies these elements in a sequential curriculum designed for Grades One through Five. Especially important in each chapter is the inclusion of supporting activities designed to aid in teaching the various skills and concepts.
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absolute pitch aeolian mode American/arr ask the children ask the class bar instruments bass beat begin body percussion bordun accompaniment canon Carl Orff challenge chord clap complementary composition concept contrasting create develop diatonic scale don don don drum eighth notes example experience exploration four four-beat four-measure glockenspiel Grade Gunild Keetman half note idea illustrates improvisation instrumental pieces introduced J J J J learned listen measures melody metallophones motive moving bordun Music for Children notation note values opportunity Orff teachers Orff-Schulwerk ostinato pentatonic scale perform pitch quarter notes reinforce rhyme rhythm patterns rhythmic phrases scale degree Schott Schott Music score sequence sing and play sixteenth notes skills step sung syllables syncopated tempo texture tonal center tone tonic triple meter unpitched instruments unpitched percussion instruments vocabulary voice walk whole note word write xylophone


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On Thu, 2004-04-29 at 20:50, Marc G. Fournier wrote: > On Thu, 29 Apr 2004, Bruce Momjian wrote: > > > Merlin Moncure wrote: > > > Bruce Momjian wrote: > > > > Yes, it was vague. The question is now that we are a month away, do > > > we > > > > want to target June 1, mid-June, or July 1. > > > > > > If I may humbly chime in here...there currently is no binary packing for > > > the win32 port. Magnus is currently working on an installer/service > > > manager (dubbed 'longer term' on the status page) that would be nice to > > > see make it in before the feature freeze. Based on the current rate of > > > development, finishing this and various other sundry issues (even > > > allowing for corrections within the beta period) within a month involves > > > a fair degree of optimism. In short, speaking strictly from a win32 > > > perspective, a June 1 date will probably be missed. > > > > Well, if Win32 doesn't complete by June 1, do we still do the feature > > freeze? I don't want to be adding features after the freeze, that is > > for sure. When we have done that in the past, it has caused problems > > because some stuff gets in to make the system unstable, but other stuff > > gets left out. > > That is something that should be discussed a couple of days before June > 1st, when we have a clearer idea of just how far off Win32 will be ... > right now, if Win32 is *that* far off the June 1st mark, I'd say > definitely to a feature freeze, as much as I'd like to see the Win32 > features in ... Completely agree - I've been working to that timescale since March. This is probably the determining factor as to whether the release number is 7.5 or 8.0? What I would add is: if PITR and Win32 do make it into the release, I would strongly urge for an extended beta period. It would not prove good press if 100,000 new Windows users tripped over on various issues, nor even 1 press-worthy user was unable to recover correctly. Best Regards, Simon Riggs
Next: From: Marc G. Fournier Date: 2004-04-29 21:26:38 Subject: Re: Call for 7.5 feature completion Previous: From: Simon Riggs Date: 2004-04-29 20:57:03 Subject: Re: PITR logging control program


text: Courtney Barnett because she's the raddest Honestly she's right, "Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party." This woman is a lyrics god. If you don't know about Courtney get to know her now with this half pro, half cell phone video. Xo – CT Comments comments Courtney Barnett raddest 2015-08-24 Christy Taylor


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veryone deserves a chance to follow their dreams, but some people only get one shot. Tyler Gage is a rebel from the wrong side of Baltimore¹s tracks and the only thing that stands between him and an unfulfilled life are his dreams of one day making it out of there. Nora is a privileged ballet dancer attending Baltimore¹s ultra-elite Maryland School of the ArtsOverview from themoviedb.org
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text: Diverse. In every sense of the word, the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame class is diverse, with a little something for every kind of racing fan, from the old timers to fans of more recent vintage. It's not easy being first; Wendell Scott knew that. NASCAR's first African-American to win a NASCAR Grand National race overcame humble beginnings and prejudice to earn his place in racing history. Scott came of age in segregated drinking fountains, segregrated restrooms and even segregated schools. It ...//more


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Need Appliance Repair Help? Ask a Technician for Answers ASAP
Ok. The model is a Hotpoint Electric Built-in Oven, Cat. No. 10RJC111. 4.0 KW. Serial No.(NNN) NNN-NNNN THe part number for the thermostat is 602776. It is a Hotpoint thermostat.
When you measure the length of the thermocouple, do you only measure the length inside the oven, or the length of the entire device from the back of the thermostat to the tip of the thermocouple?
I appreciate your help.
Yes. No problem. Let me know if you need measurements.
I took a pic of the tag.
I have my parts guy trying to find this on microfiche. I'll respond to you once I have some information. Should be today yet. These older models take some time to research. Thanks for your patience.
Hello. The thermostat part number WB21X5068 is NO LONGER AVAILABLE. If you search and search and search online, you may find one somewhere, but it's unlikely. As I previously mentioned, there really is NOT a universal thermostat. Not only are the wiring procedures different, but cap tube lengths, shaft lengths and widths, and mounting itself.
The selector switch however IS available. The part number is XXXXX and it retails for around $85. You may want to research thermostat rebuilds online. I know there are probably companies who do that sort of work. Unfortunately, all I can do is assess your situation, try to help with a diagnosis and, assist you in finding parts that are not listed as NLA. So, you'll have to search for that T'stat, or see if yours can be rebuilt. Good luck.


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January 24
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Giancarlo Stanton Blasts NL-Leading 21st HR In Loss
The Marlins were able to hit three home runs in last night's game, but the Phillies lone longball sent the Marlins packing after fourteen innings with a four-game series split.
Tom Koehler started the game and allowed two earned runs over six innings on seven hits and six strikeouts.
The story in this one was offense, though, and the Marlins were able to take an early lead with some power from the heart of the order.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia gave the fish a 1-0 lead in the third inning with his seventh home run on the season and Giancarlo Stanton extended the lead to 2-0 with his NL-leading 21st home run:
The Phillies were able to tie the game on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Ruiz in the fourth and an RBI single by Chase Utley in the fifth, but the Marlins retook the lead on Marcell Ozuna's 13th home run on the season.
The Marlins cost themselves a win in this one though, as they allowed the Phillies to score the tying run on a misplayed groundball by Jeff Baker.
The game would stay tied at 3-3 until the 14th inning, though, as the two bullpens combined to allow just 6 hits over 12 half-innings of work heading into the bottom of the fourteenth.
Chris Hatcher ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourteenth, however, and this pitch to Chase Utley with Jimmy Rollins on first base would prove to be all she wrote in this one:


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Young people interested in design and enterprise can attend a free 'boot camp' next month.
Fab Lab Airedale is running the design and enterprise event for 16 to 18-year-olds, in conjunction with medical supplier DePuy Synthes, which is offering accompanying work placements.
The camp, running from April 7 to 11, will feature a series of activities aimed at inspiring students to be innovative and learn skills in design, product development and engineering.
They will get involved in business and enterprise activities, accessing the Dalton Lane-based Fab Lab's equipment, which includes 3D printers and laser cutters. The week will conclude with a presentation to a group of 'Dragons' from DePuy Synthes and a prize-giving session. Call (01535) 606703 or e-mail email@example.com for further information.


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Rogalski's work pays dividends for Southington
Rogalski's work pays dividends for Southington
SOUTHINGTON — Practice time has come at a premium for Southington Post 72.
Southington High's deep penetration into the Class LL tournament scattered manager Marc Verderame's organizational blueprint. Last week's rainy weather only complicated matters.
The process has been troublesome for Verderame and players like Mike Rogalski, who was striving to emerge offensively after a difficult scholastic campaign.
Rogalski emerged in convincing fashion Sunday as he drove in three runs to back the lights-out hurling of Joe Rivera, enabling 12th-seeded Post 72 to sink No. 13 South Windsor 7-0 at John Fontana Field in the opening round of the American Legion state tournament.
Southington, which has won 10 of its last 11 games and stands at 17-8, will host Zone 1 rival Terryville today with Kyle Cole getting the start. Terryville, seeded 20th, nipped No. 5 West Hartford 2-1 in 10 innings Sunday.
Today's winner will play Zone 6 champion Waterford in a best-of-three series for the right to advance to the Northern Division regional championships at Muzzy Field in Bristol, slated to begin Saturday. During the regular season, Terryville took two of three against Southington.
Looking down the road, Southington will have to make it through without the services of Rivera. The UConn-bound right-hander has been fulfilling obligations in Storrs as he prepares for his freshman year, and his final game at Fontana was memorable.
Rogalski (2-for-4) cracked a pair of doubles, the first highlighting a six-run sixth inning in which 10 came to bat. Playing in the unfamiliar pastures of right field, Rogalski also gunned down a runner at the plate that would have given South Windsor a lead in the fifth inning.
Thoughts of a dismal high school season at the plate dissipated. "It's all Coach [Verderame]," Rogalski said. "We haven't had much time to practice, but lately he's been pounding me in the cage. He's helped me and [first baseman Josh] Dobratz to clear our hands faster, and Dobratz is the hottest hitter on the team."
Dobratz went 3-for-3, was hit by a pitch and scored twice.
Rogalski endured a bad at-bat in the second. Dobratz led off with a single and, with one out, Rogalski tapped back to the box on a half-swing. Dobratz was forced at second and an opportunity was squandered.
"It's been a struggle for Mike, but we put work in on his swing," Verderame said. "Sometimes he reverts back, but he went back up there and had good swings. It's a work in progress."
Rivera yielded three hits over seven innings, walked two and struck out 10 before handing the reins to southpaw Austin Bumbera. Bumbera tossed two hitless frames to end the season for South Windsor (15-10).
But Post 42 starter David Caye did match Rivera through five innings by commanding his off-speed pitches and causing a lot of bad swings.
"It was close early," Verderame said. "[Caye] kept us off-balance, but Joe was dominating. I wondered how far he could go, but thankfully that decision was made easier for me."
The big rally began when Brett Shaw's routine fly to medium left field was dropped. A tiring Caye walked catcher Zac Susi and hit Dobratz to load the sacks.
After Joe Daigle walked to force in the game's first run, Rogalski rammed a 1-0 pitch up the left field alley to make it 3-0 and end Caye's outing.
With Nick Romaniello on, Rivera was hit by a pitch to refill the bases. Josh Makles stroked an RBI single to center and Ryan DeAngelo followed suit. Shaw's sacrifice fly finished the job.
"The guys were working their at-bats," Verderame said of the 10-hit attack. "You take good swings and the hits come."
Southington added a run in the seventh on doubles by Dobratz and Rogalski.
The only two walks Rivera yielded wound up in scoring position in the second and third frames, respectively, but he refused to break.
In the fifth, Steve Battaglini led off with an opposite-field single and took second on Adam Bettigole's sacrifice bunt. With two down, Cooper Goslin shot a single to right, but Rogalski charged it and threw a strike to Susi to beat the runner by plenty.
"I'm not exactly an outfielder," Rogalski said. "I've been an infielder my whole life, but I had to force-fit into the outfield. I'd like to think I'm versatile. I've worked on my mechanics with my throws. I let it fly and good things happened."
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The department of school and mass education under the govt of Orissa / Odisha has established in year of 1993. The department works to provide and improve the elementary education in state along with the mass, computer, teachers training and secondary education. The main works to provide the various schemes under the govt of Orissa and keeping the availability for resources in state for students and teachers. The working staff of state in teaching and non teaching department can check there various information through the online website. It provides the details regarding to the transfer of employee and policies regarding of it.
As per the survey in year of 2011 the literacy was approx 74% in which 73% part playing by the males and 64% by females. The department has the official website link http://www.orissa.gov.in/schooleducation/. It works to give the primary and secondary education in state in which right now approx 36 thousands primary and 20 thousands upper primary schools and 7 thousands government and aided secondary with 9 hundreds recognized high schools are available. In sate there also more than 150 permitted by the school and mass education of Orissa permitted high schools are available right now.
As on the govt records right now more than 66 lakhs childrens are getting education in primary level in which more than 12 lakhs students belongs to the scheduled cast SC quota and 17 lakhs from scheduled tribes ST. It gives the facility for the free textbooks, midday meals for children etc under the sarv shiksha abhiyan scheme. On the other side in the secondary education it provides the RMSA scheme under which the students can get the computer education and other higher education under the board of secondary education. It works to provide the facility for establishment of school for secondary education in per 5km and higher secondary schools in per 7 to 10 km in every district.
The department also works to provide the facilities for their staff who are working in teaching and non teaching department as employees from new join and from long time. The dept provides gpf, pension, teachers posting, non teaching staff transfer, complaint cell / grievance facilities etc. The govt and school & mass education dept works to establishment of new schools and providing teachers facility there. For the posting in state Orissa under the intra district and inter district has some rules and regulation in which the dept has established a chairman of the committee for the teachers who want to get their inter block teacher posting. This committee can be chosen by the zilla parishad, urban body chairman, MP MLA or by the any other representative.
The teachers who had completed there 10 years of teaching service in same area or the other staff also who are working in junior / senior can get there appointment. In this process they are able to get the new posting in high schools, colleges, or by the teacher training department. It is depend as per the interest of teachers and students. Along with these the working staff / teacher / non teaching employees can also get the benefits of seniority.
Mainly the transfer policies works under the six areas as per given:
@=> Rule 1 Office Memorandum Number 14151 (for general)
Posting of any teacher / non teaching staff in the same area / school / station / division if they are husband and wife and one of them had done there 10 years of services with the department.
@=> Rule 2 Circular Number 31359 (for General)
Through the state govt appointment or posting for on / two / many teachers in Orissa state.
@=> Rule 3 Circular Number 27559 (for general and oriya)
This policy also applies the same rules as per the rule number 2. The teachers can get posting or transfer as per the state govt.
@=> Rule 4 Resolution Number 1 (for general)
Providing posting in Gajapati, Kandhamal, KBK and Boudh areas of Odisha through the special dispensation by the department of school education of Orissa for teachers and non teaching employees.
@=> Rule 5 Office Memorandum Number 23536 (for general)
Under the rule 5 the staff that had joined / appointed in the year of 2000 2001 can get transfer through the govt for teachers in state.
@=> Rule 6 Resolution Number 24003 (for general)
This rule gives the facility to get the transfer for staff in KBK districts areas of Odisha state.
Apart from these rules and policies the department has there some other rules for which teachers / citizens can get the more information from http://www.orissa.gov.in/schooleducation website. The department gives the services to all of their department staff under these rules.
Department of School and Mass Education Orissa Works:
The dept official website provides the e-citizen section in which the common person can get the information in easy way.
Providing the online information related to the primary and secondary education
Establishing the school in primary, junior, secondary, higher levels in state.
Giving the rules regulation / guideline to all schools in state.
Information for education act
Various schemes for schools, teachers and students.
Giving approval to new schools in state.
Scholarship facility for students.
Online feedback and complaint cell.
School information recognized by the dept.
Information for the teachers who are working in various schools in state
Teachers training and other side programme facilities.
Education budget information by the state govt.
Giving facilities under the schemes of ssa, rmsa in schools.
Showing / providing all the notification related to the schools, teachers, students in state.
The teacher transfer list can get through the official page notification section and it can be get through the department or by your school also. The appointment for teachers can get in the following modes:
1. Inter District Transfer
For only those teachers who want to get other school in same post / subject in same district. Click to the below given page for guideline of inter district teacher posting.
2. Within District Transfer for Secondary School Teachers
Only for the teachers who are working in secondary schools can bet the benefits of this scheme. Click to the below given page for the appointment policy within district for teachers.
3. Mutual Transfer for Elementary Teachers
The teachers who are working in preliminary section to can get the appointment through the mutual understating of two teachers if they both are agreed to exchange their posts in same subject, click to the below given page to get the guideline for transfer.
How to Get Teacher Transfer List in Orissa:For the request of posting teachers will have to follow the instructions by their school and has to submit their application. After the process done by the department the notification will publish in the official website or teachers can get it through their schools.
Click to the below given page to check the teacher transfer list of Orissa.
If any case of more help can be get through the head office from Commissioner-cum-secretary, department of school and mass education, govt of Orissa Bhubaneswar. You can also get the email help via email@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com.
NOTE Register in www.examresultinfo.com and get all the govt orders by Orissa for teachers in your e-mail.


text: Anyone having any trouble with notification sounds giving the wrong sound in the stock email client? I've done numerous battery pulls and even a factory reset, but even though the notification sound is set at what I want, it continues to just give a "popping" sound. I can't think of anything else it can be. Text notifications are fine, call ringer is fine, it's just the email notification sound that is wrong. Anyone else seeing this? thanks, Don


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Wheel Spacers
Anyone have luck with Rough Country wheel spacers over Spidertrax? They are only $120 for 4 instead of the $200 for Spidertrax...seems like a no brainer but want to make sure.
No, I don't have any personal experience with RC spacers... but i'm glad you posted, because my current spacers are only temporary, and I'm looking for some as well - So I am equally interested in this topic.
I have some i got of ebay, theyre 1.25" and have been great so far and seem to be of good quality. The ebay username is cjbargains...he sells all kinds of spacers and adapters, fast shipping too.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5 X 5 RUBICON 1.25"WHEEL SPACERS 5L: eBay Motors (item 110602023112 end time Nov-21-10 19:00:00 PST)
They're not spidertrax or rc...guess i was thinking about spidertrax when i put them in my sig, need to change it.
From everything i saw when putting them on they were very good quality and so far ive had no problems. I also know another guy that has the same ones and he's been fine too. Had them to my door in two days too.:thumbsup:
i have the "ebay special" spacers as well. I am selling them b/c i have decided on different wheels. SO if you are interested let me know.
I have Rough Country 1.5" spacers. They work great and no problems so far with about 3000 miles since the install.
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text: Sleeveless Sea Snake Dress-Smart layering can take sexy snakeskin from the office to the club. A modest frame looks hot with a body-con stretch fit that makes the Sleeveless Sea Snake Dress by Vince Camuto so flattering. Wear it with a comfortable flat for work and change into strappy high heels. 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex


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MORGANTOWN — After being down for the summer, WVU's main transportation system should be ready when students return in a couple of weeks.
PRT Administrator Arlie Forman said crews worked on various aspects of the system over the summer months. They wrapped up work on the propulsion system, upgraded the electrical system by replacing transformers and made repairs to the PRT underpass near the Health Sciences Campus.
"We got all those completed," Forman said.
The PRT system, which is 38 years old, should be ready when students return in mid-August, Forman said.
When students return there, should be about 50 cars that can be used, Forman said. The work is part of the PRT modernization plan. Phase I costs roughly $15 million and is nearing completion.
Phase II work has been approved and consists of replacement of train control system and other work totaling $52 million. That work is expected to end in August 2016 and Forman said he expects the system to be shut down again next summer.
Copyright 2014
All rights reserved.
This material may not be broadcast or distributed, rewritten or published without explicit
permission from The West Virginia Newspaper Publishing Co.


text:
This star rating is the opinion of the property owner only. A Self-Rated hotel has not been assessed by the AA or Visit Britain, whose official star ratings we use across LateRooms.com.
Chambres D'Hôtes Saint Nicolas3 Self rated
place de l'Eglise, Vezinnes, 89700
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About the hotel
Our guest rooms are divided into 4 independent duplex houses. Each has its own entrance. The rooms are duplexes with private bath and toilets.
Each can accommodate up to 5 people. A private courtyard and garden are available for Breakfast and our kitchen for those who want it. Also possibility to use the washing machine and dryer. The decor and colors of each room have been carefully selected to offer maximum comfort in an original and enjoyable. Wherever possible, the beds are made from old linen embroidered, their giving an air of yesteryear. The rooms are each in a former stable or outbuilding. They are independent of each other. One floor offering space for two to three people allows a host family. In the morning you take breakfast in the family dining room. You can enjoy fresh bread and croissants, accompanied homemade jams.
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- Hotel Non-Smoking Throughout, Cots available, Smoking allowed in public areas, Hairdryer in each room, Interconnecting rooms available, Pets Allowed, Ground floor bedrooms
- Business
- Wi-Fi Available, Wi-Fi Available In Public Areas
- Dining
- Restaurant
- In Room Entertainment
- Accessibility
- Disabled Access Bedrooms, Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Access To Reception, Wheelchair Access To Restaurant
Can't find the facilities you're looking for?
- Call us on 0333 300 1007 and we'll help find the perfect hotel for you
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- Between 17:00 and 19:00
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- Up to 12 years old
- The LateRooms.com rate for Chambres D'Hôtes Saint Nicolas in Vezinnes is the total price of the room and not the 'per person' rate. All taxes are included, with the exception of city tax, which will be charged at 1.00(EUR) per person per night and is payable to the hotel directly.
- Pets are allowed
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text: HomeSections, Committees, Panels, and Working GroupsSectionsBankruptcyCLE Materials and other Resources CLE Materials and Other Resources Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court - Membership Application Links to IRS, Census Bureau and Social Security IRS National Standards for Allowable Living Expenses (March 2017) Local Standards for Allowable Living Expenses for Transportation Section 521(e)(2)A): Tax Transcript: use a MFTRA-X form for disclosure to Trustee and creditors. How to order a MFTRA-X transcript: National Priority Hotline: (866) 860-4259. Get one for each year(s) client owes. Must fax Power of Attorney -will continue to get tax info for years after bankruptcy. Therefore, better to use a Tax Information Authorization: Form 8821, plus cover letter indicating the type of transcript requested, tax year(s) - (note get several years before client thinks they owe), type of tax and client's SSN and address. Ask them to fax transcripts. Attorney Organizations National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) United States Bankruptcy Courts American Bankruptcy Law Journal - quarterly journal of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges United State Trustee Program (policies, etc) National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT) National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT) Asset Searches in Arizona: Arizona Supreme Court Maricopa Justice and Municipal Courts Maricopa Superior Court - cases Maricopa County Recorder's Office Arizona Department of Transportation PACER site for all US bankruptcy courts Arizona Secretary of State Arizona Corporation Commission AZ Dept of Economic Security - Child Support Enforcement Kelly Blue Book (vehicle valuation) Edmunds (vehicle valuation) ZIP code information DEX - business and residence addresses and/or phone numbers Newsletters, Journals and Electronic Updates Findlaw - Newsletter Subscription Center - free summaries of all circuits, bankruptcy case summaries and topic newletters Findlaw - Bankruptcy Publications Free weekly e-mail from Bankruptcy Media.com CLE Materials and Other Resources Executive CouncilBylaws Additional InformationSection Operational GuidelinesTravel and Business Expense Reimbursement PolicyKeller Executive SummaryKeller Expenditures (chargeable activities)Sections Enrollment FormSection Affiliates Enrollment FormBoG Reporting Form


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For the past several months, analysts and industry observers have been noting signs of a recovery, even as some statistics suggest otherwise. So where is the truth? Is the industry bouncing back, or is it experiencing a yo-yo effect and there's more down to come?
"It depends," in the noncommittal words of one analyst.
It depends on who and what you listen to, and two things are in plentiful supply: folks to listen to, and numbers to ponder.
Most recently, business jet activity in terms of takeoffs and landings has been up. The increase has been slight, but it has also been steady for the past several months.
The UBS Business Jet Update released October 30 showed an overall increase in business jet cycles (takeoffs plus landings) of 7 percent "on a seasonally adjusted basis from a weak August." But it also marked the fifth sequential uptick in the past six months.
According to the report, "Cycles in September were 18 percent higher than their March low, although 9 percent lower than a year ago, and 27 percent lower than the mid-2007 peak." Analysts also noted that the most rapid recovery was in short-range aircraft cycles, a category for which flight activity had declined the most as the industry went into the downturn. Short-range aircraft cycles were up 8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, with medium and long-range aircraft each up 5 percent.
According to the Aviation Research Group/ U.S. (ARG/US), business jet activity in October climbed 5.14 percent over activity in September and was 2.5 percent higher than in October 2008. Turboprop activity led the field, with a 9.1-percent improvement. Part 91 operations climbed the most overall at 5.9 percent, but overall Part 135 operations saw a 0.7 percent increase, spurred by a 12.8-percent increase in midsize jet operations.
Lest anyone become irrationally exuberant, the ARG/US report also pointed out that total flight activity for the past 12 months, compared with the previous 12 months, is down 18.41 percent.
In a report released shortly after the NBAA Convention in late October, Credit Suisse noted a rise in flight activity over the last six to eight months. Its business jet market update also noted that while 45 percent of FBOs confirmed drops in traffic this year, 68 percent have recorded a relatively recent increase in activity.
News of increased flight activity came with a dash of cold water with the announcement early last month that NetJets would begin shedding pilots starting in the middle of next month. The fractional giant expects to furlough up to 495 pilots, a decision that resulted from "a comprehensive analysis of current and projected flight demand," said chairman and CEO David Sokol.
The decision came shortly before parent company Berkshire Hathaway revealed that its NetJets subsidiary had suffered a loss in revenues of 42 percent (about $1.5 billion) during the first nine months of this year, compared with the first three quarters of last year. The loss was attributed primarily to a 79-percent decline in fractional ownership sales and a 24-percent drop in flight operations.
Continued Bad News for the OEMs
While there was a modicum of good news in flight activity, there was nothing in particular for the aircraft manufacturers to cheer.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry's shipment and billings figures for the first three quarters on November 5 with news of a 46.8-percent drop to date to 1,587 aircraft from 2,982 in 2008. Billings were down 23.5 percent, to $13.8 billion. Business jet shipments slumped 37.8 percent.
While Cessna posted a $32 million profit in the third quarter, profits were down $209 million from a year ago and deliveries were nearly half what they were in last year's third quarter.
Hawker Beechcraft early last month notified its machinist union local that it plans to close the Salina, Kan. facility, which builds wings, spars and other sub-assemblies. The facility typically employs about 250 workers and has been leasing space at Salina Municipal Airport since 1966. The lease ends in February 2012.
Hawker Beechcraft's third-quarter general aviation sales declined by $98.6 million, down from 86 aircraft in the first nine months of last year to 64 in the same period this year. While turboprop deliveries in the first three quarters of 2009 actually increased by one, from 30 to 31, the number of business jet deliveries dropped from 34 aircraft to 25. The value of the company's total backlog has shrunk from $7.9 billion at the end of third quarter 2008 to $6.6 billion. General Dynamics reported in October that third-quarter sales for its aerospace group–which consists of manufacturer Gulfstream and services provider Jet Aviation–fell 18.4 percent, to $1.12 billion, down $250 million from last year's third quarter. For the first nine months of this year, said GD president and CEO Jay Johnson, even as aerospace group revenues were up 0.3 percent, to $3.99 billion, earnings dropped 28.7 percent, to $540 million.
For the third quarter, Gulfstream delivered 17 business jets, 22 fewer than in the same period the previous year. For the first nine months of this year, deliveries dropped from 115 to 74 aircraft.
Nevertheless, aircraft manufacturers struck a positive note. "Order activity and interest continue to improve, with particularly strong demand in international markets for our large aircraft," said General Dynamics's Johnson. He noted that the backlog remained constant at about $19 billion and that orders were outpacing customer defaults. Large-cabin production next year is expected to be in the low 70s, and cabin completion slots are sold out through next year, and "well through 2011 and into 2012 for some models."
Recent U.S. trademark filings by Gulfstream suggest that the company is looking forward to a recovery. Gulfstream has filed to trademark the G700, G750, G760, G770, G800, G850, G860 and G870. Gulfstream president Joe Lombardo and senior v-p of programs, engineering and test Pres Henne acknowledged that the company is working on new aircraft models. "However," Lombardo told AIN, "don't assume that these aircraft are larger or faster than the G650. Model numbers don't matter. Don't read too much into these model numbers."
In Melbourne, Fla., Brazilian OEM Embraer has begun construction on its first U.S. assembly plant at Melbourne International Airport. It will be dedicated to final assembly and outfitting of Phenom 100s and Phenom 300s destined for North American service.
The Melbourne facility is expected to turn out as many as eight aircraft a month, but no production rate has been announced yet. The new complex will include a customer service center for cabin design. Embraer also recently opened a service center in Mesa, Ariz. At the same time, it has temporarily shut down its new Windsor Locks, Conn. center until its business jet fleet expands sufficiently to warrant reopening.
Bolen Blames Triple Whammy
In a recent interview with AIN, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen pointed out that business aviation closely mirrors the economy and, more specifically, corporate profits. So the negative impact of the recession comes as no surprise to an industry that has weathered previous down cycles.
On the other hand, he added, the credit crisis is another contributing factor, as was the sudden popular public perception of private jets as fat-cat luxuries, a misperception exacerbated by executives of the Big Three automakers traveling to Washington in business jets to plead for federal bailout money in November 2008. That was followed by a suggestion by a number of policy makers that any companies receiving the so-called Tarp (troubled asset relief program) funds would have to divest themselves of their private aircraft.
"There's no doubt that the negative publicity has exacerbated problems in the business aviation market," said Bolen. "I don't know how to quantify it, or if you can, but certainly there is enough anecdotal evidence."
Both NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association recognized that something would have to be done to battle the negative image and the "No Plane, No Gain" program was re-launched. "There is tangible proof that it's making some difference," said Bolen.
He pointed out that a new general aviation caucus that includes more than 80 members of the U.S. Congress has been created. And he noted that 70 mayors from 15 states have written letters to President Obama in support of general aviation. In more local displays of support, the governor of Georgia issued a pro-aviation proclamation, and in Little Rock, the governor of Arkansas attended a rally held at Dassault Falcon Jet facilities in support of the industry.
Brian Foley, president of Brian Foley Associates, believes the low point is past, "although it continues to be a good news, bad news situation. As early as late 2009 we'll start seeing double-digit increases in takeoffs and landings, and a steady increase in business jet operations through 2010," he predicts.
He explained that some sectors of the business aviation industry–charter, for example–were hit by the downturn before others. As they were sinking, the OEMs were still doing well and asking, "What recession?"
Now charter is at least not getting worse, and indications are that flight hours are slowly increasing. "But the OEMs are going to have to wait a little bit longer."
At the same time, Foley added, "Their phones may be ringing more seriously by mid-2010. I think the OEMs will be pleasantly surprised by mid-2010."


text:
HONOLULU - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a complaint against Kamaaina Termite and Pest Control, alleging the company failed to follow required label instructions and safety precautions before using a fumigant pesticide to treat three homes and a condominium.
The EPA said Monday the Honolulu-based company failed to turn off gas stove and water heater pilot lights in one home and didn't post required warning signs at two other homes.
The agency alleges the company also didn't remove food from several units while treating the 44-story Keola Lai Condominium in Kakaako.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture discovered the alleged violations during inspections in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Kamaaina Termite and Pest Control faces up to $20,100 in fines for the alleged offenses.
Source: EPA


text:
Join Arthurdale Heritage
There are several ways to be involved in Arthurdale Heritage. We invite you to join us in helping preserve the history of our little community.
Become A Member
Becoming a member is easy! Visit our Membership Page for more information.
Become a Volunteer
We can never have too much help! We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page for more information and to sign up for our volunteer email list.
Join our Board of Directors
If you are interested in joining the Arthurdale Heritage Board of Directors or know of someone who would be a good addition, please submit and application Applicants are reviewed by the nominating committee and submitted the board for approval. Board members are elected to 3 year terms, but we occasionally have vacancies we need to fill, so please feel free to submit an application at any time. Apply to be an AHI Board Member


text:
Duke to dump ash from two plants in lined landfills
Posted April 29, 2015
Charlotte, N.C. — Duke Energy said Wednesday that it will build lined landfills at two of its power plants to store coal ash.
The Charlotte-based utility is under a state mandate to close all 32 of its coal ash ponds across North Carolina by 2029, and officials said the new landfills will be able to handle more than 6 million tons of ash from the Dan River Steam Station in Eden and the Sutton Plant in Wilmington.
"This plan is a significant step forward in our strategy to close ash basins and manage coal ash across our service area," John Elnitsky, Duke's senior vice president of ash basin strategy, said in a statement. "Our preference is to store coal ash at or near our plant sites, when possible. Siting these landfills on plant property minimizes impacts to the local community while maximizing the safe and efficient storage of coal ash at these locations."
Coal ash is the material that's left over when coal is burned for fuel. While much of it is inert, it does contain toxic levels of certain substances, such as thallium, mercury, lead and other materials harmful to humans and wildlife.
For decades, the ash has been stored in unlined pits and mixed with water. The resulting ash ponds usually sit alongside the rivers that helped the power plants generate steam, and a pipe under the Dan River ponds ruptured last year, spilling about 39 tons sludge into the river and focusing state and federal attention on the issue.
State lawmakers passed legislation creating a state commission to oversee closure of Duke's ash ponds, and regulators fined the company $25.1 million for groundwater contamination near the Sutton Plant. Federal authorities have reached a deal for Duke to plead guilty to violations of the Clean Water Act for similar leaks at various ash ponds across the state and pay more than $100 million in penalties.
The Dan River and Sutton landfills will include several layers of synthetic and natural barriers beneath the ash and more lining on top to seal it from the surrounding soil and groundwater, Elnitsky said. Extensive groundwater monitoring will ensure the local environment is protected, he said.
"Our first priority is ensuring the safety of the public and our environment," he said. "We will consolidate and contain coal ash at a greater distance from public waters and provide separation from surrounding soil and from groundwater. The excavation plans we have developed represent the best option for disposal of ash at these sites."
Duke still plans to store about 2 million tons of the Sutton Plant ash in abandoned clay mines near Sanford, a plan that has prompted protests in both Chatham and Lee counties. The company is awaiting state permits for the move and hopes to begin the project in the fall, Elnitsky said.
"We must begin moving coal ash as soon as possible in order to comply with the strict timelines laid out in state law," he said. "That's why the Chatham County mine project is such an important part of our strategy for the Sutton Plant."
The company hopes to start construction on the lined landfills next year, so dry ash can be moved there beginning in late 2016 or early 2017, officials said. Both landfills will have the capacity to expand later, if needed, they said.


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Edward Snowden, the whistleblower, has provided his first disclosure of Australian involvement in US global surveillance, identifying four facilities in the country that contribute to a key American intelligence collection program, reported VOR.
Classified US National Security Agency maps leaked by Mr Snowden and published by US journalist Glenn Greenwald in the Brazilian O Globo newspaper reveal the locations of dozens of US and allied signals intelligence collection sites that contribute to interception of telecommunications and internet traffic worldwide.
The US Australian Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap near Alice Springs and three Australian Signals Directorate facilities: the Shoal Bay Receiving Station near Darwin, the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Facility at Geraldton and the naval communications station HMAS Harman outside Canberra are among contributors to the NSA's collection program codenamed X-Keyscore.
The New Zealand Government Security Communications Bureau facility at Waihopai near Blenheim also contributes to the program.
The documents published by O Globo show that US and allied signals intelligence collection facilities are distributed worldwide, located at US and allied military and other facilities as well as US embassies and consulates.
In an interview published in the German Der Spiegel magazine on Sunday, Mr Snowden said the NSA operates broad secret intelligence partnerships with other western governments, some of which are now complaining about its programs.
Mr Snowden said that the other partners in the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance of the US, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand "sometimes go even further than the [National Security Agency] people themselves."


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NOVA is one of 23 colleges within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), which is governed by the State Board for Community Colleges.
Originally established as Northern Virginia Technical College, NOVA was founded in 1964 and renamed in 1966.
- Institutional Profile
- Enrollment by Campus
- Population Served
- Five-Year Trends at NOVA
- Workforce Development
- Major Initiatives
- Organizations
Institutional Profile
Name: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Affiliation: NOVA is one of 23 colleges within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), which is governed by the State Board for Community Colleges.
Founded: Originally established as Northern Virginia Technical College, NOVA was founded in 1964 and renamed in 1966.
Annual Headcount and FTES: The student annual headcount and full-time equivalent student (FTES) total for the 2011-12 academic year was 76,796 and 35,601, respectively.
Mean and Median Age: The median age of students for Fall 2011 was 22.8 and the mean age was 26.5.
Age Distribution: The student age distribution for Fall 2011 was as follows: 42.2%-21 years or younger; 32.5%-22 to 29 years; 24.0%-30 to 59 years; and 1.3%-60 years or older.
Gender Distribution: In Fall 2011, 47.8% of NOVA students were male and 52.2% were female.
Race/Ethnicity Distribution: The student race distribution for Fall 2011 was as follows: 47.2% White; 17.4% Black; 16.3% Asian; 14.4% Hispanic; 0.4% Native American; and 4.3% Other.
Student Type: Of the students enrolled at NOVA in Fall 2011, 16.7% were attending a postsecondary institution for the first time; 8.8% transferred to NOVA from another postsecondary institution; and 74.5% of students were returning or reapplying.
Residency: In Fall 2011, the College consisted of 91.4% in-state students and 8.6% out-of-state students. The out-of-state student population is composed of students from the Maryland suburbs, Washington, DC, other states and international students.
Enrollment Status: During Fall 2011, 37.7% of students were full-time and 62.3% of students were part-time.
Graduates: The number of graduates for 2011-2012 was 6,926.
Personnel: In 2011-2012, there were 903 classified staff members, 125 professional faculty, 100 12-month administrative faculty, 674 nine-month teaching faculty, and 2,251 temporary faculty members. Temporary faculty include adjunct, semester and grant personnel.
International Students: During Fall 2011, there were 8,574 international students attending NOVA.
Distance Learning Classes (ELI): In Fall 2011, the headcount for students taking distance learning classes was 11,348 and the FTES were 3,747.
Finances and Financial Aid
Source of operating funds income: 51% tuition and fees; 25% state and federal government; 19% grants, contracts and gifts; 5% miscellaneous sources
During 2011–2012, total financial aid awarded was $107,881,503.
Student financial assistance by award category: 47% grants; 50% loans; 1% scholarships; 1% student employment
Degrees and Certificates
Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Certificates (at least 30 credits), Career Studies Certificates (between nine and 29 credits)
The College offers 77 two-year degree programs (A.A., A.S., A.A.A., and A.A.S.), 15 Certificate Programs, and 61 Career Studies Certificate Programs.
Enrollment by Campus
Medical Education
Population Served
- COUNTIES: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William
- CITIES: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park
Five-Year Trends at NOVA
Graduates: The annual number of NOVA graduates increased by 64% from 2009-2010 to 2013-2014.
Retention: From Fall 2010 to Fall 2014, the retention rate decreased from 47% to 44% for all students, and from 57% to 52% for first-time NOVA students.
Enrollment: Annual student headcount increased by 2% from 2010-2011 to 2014-2015.
Public High School Graduates: Enrollment of recent Northern Virginia area public high school graduates increased by 47% from Fall 2006 to Fall 2011.
Distance Learning Classes (ELI): Enrollment in NOVA's Extended Learning Institute (ELI) courses increased by 40% from Fall 2010 to Fall 2014.
Minority Students: Minority enrollment increased from 56% in Fall 2010 to 60% in Fall 2014.
International Students: The number of international students attending NOVA decreased by 6% from Fall 2010 to Fall 2014.
Workforce Development
During 2013-2014, 21,525 students were enrolled in Workforce Development courses in areas such as Architecture & Environmental Design, Computer & Information Systems, Law, and public service-related technologies.
Major Initiatives
- NOVA has been an Achieving the Dream College since 2007 and received a Leader College award in 2010.
- The Pathway to the Baccalaureate program has been working with area high schools since 2005, focusing on at-risk students by helping them to enroll at NOVA and to eventually attend a four-year university.
- In addition to these initiatives, NOVA developed STEM initiatives and community-based organizations in 2010.
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Certain activities of the College come under the supervision of SCHEV, a body which plays a prominent role in planning for higher education in the Commonwealth.
Virginia Community College System (VCCS)
NOVA is one of 23 colleges within the VCCS, which is governed by the State Board for Community Colleges.
College Board
NOVA has a local advisory board of 11 members.
College Administration
The President chairs and is assisted by two advisory bodies: the Administrative Council and the College Forum. The Administrative Council is composed of the Provosts from the six campuses; the Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Services; the Vice President of Finance; the Vice President of Administrative Services; the Vice President of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment; the Vice President of Instructional and Information Technology; and the Vice President of Workforce Development.
The College Forum
The College Forum is composed of elected and appointed representatives of the teaching faculty, administrative faculty, classified staff and students.


text: Faux-fur stole Item G0056 Size: All sizes are US sizes. Size Charts Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Prices do not include taxes. Add to Bag Wishlist Add to Bag Add To Wishlist share: size & fit Product Details This faux-fur stole is made in custom-developed colors for the perfect outfit pick-you-up. Modacrylic/acrylic shell, poly lining and filling. Dry clean. Import. Select stores. Item G0056.


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Definition of ronyons
plural of ronyon 1
The word "ronyons" uses 7 letters: N N O O R S Y.
No direct anagrams for ronyons found in this word list.
Words formed by adding one letter before or after ronyons (in bold), or to nnoorsy in any order:
t - nonstory
Shorter words found within ronyons:
no noo noon noons nor nos nosy on ons or ors os oy ronyon rosy so son sonny soon sorn soy syn yo yon
List shorter words within ronyons, sorted by length
Words formed from any letters in ronyons, plus an optional blank or existing letter
List all words starting with ronyons, words containing ronyons or words ending with ronyons
All words formed from ronyons by changing one letter
Other words with the same letter pairs: ro on ny yo on ns
Browse words starting with ronyons by next letter
Previous word in list: ronyon
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Some random words: rap jiao drab udos eisteddfod pe jolt
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Hi guys, I ran into this issue where I'm trying to render some Chinese character using CCLabelTTF with "Arial" (I guess for chinese character it just falls back to whatever the default is, probably SimSun on win7") and fontSize=24. The font comes up blurry as if it's caused by subpixel rendering or anti aliasing. This is just a plain CCLabelTTF I'm trying to draw on a blank scene.
A more concrete example is that I'm trying to create a button control where the text is rendered using CCLabelTTF. In this case the text is sized by its parent, the CCControlButton and hence a scaling took place. In this case, the text is extremely ugly on windows.On iOS it looks OK but still far from ideal.
I feel like this is a common issue when dealing with localization. If anyone can shed some light I'd greatly appreciate your help.
My CCLabelTTF Chinese characters look fine on iOS, Android, BlackBerry 10 and OS X. I haven't tried them on Windows I'm afraid, so perhaps this is something platform-specific?


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Disclaimer Information: Please confirm with seller accuracy of information. Mileage recorded at time of listing. Taxes and license are not included in listing price.
Incredible Savings vs. NEW! Lease / Finance @ Low Rates! We want your TRADE!! DEMO Vehicle! Great trade in programs available! Come by today and experience SERVICE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS at Parkview BMW. Rates are based on Approved Credit Only and are subject to term choice**Mileage might be different than advertised (Call us for more information!)**This beautiful 2016 320xi is at a great price, with low finance rates available its easier than ever to get into your Dream car! With BMW manufacturer warranty for 4 Years or 80,000 km you are covered for any unexpected repairs. Featuring BMW's 320xi is a blend of supreme luxury, comfort, and unparalleled performance. The legendary twinpower turbo 2.0L inline 4 engine boasting 184 HP and 190 TQ through BMW's X-drive system means that this comfortable cruiser will accelerate from a dead stop to highway speeds in no time while you relax and listen to your favourite music from the Premium Sound System. Technology Package - Rear View Camera - Instrument Cluster, extended- On-Board Navigation Sport Line - Heated Steering Wheel - Glass Sunroof - Leather Sport Steering Wheel - High-Gloss Black Trim w/Coral - Sport Seats - 18 alloy wheels, A/S RFT tire - Through Loading System - Park Distance Control, front and rear - Brushed Aluminum Trim w/High-Gloss BlackConvenience Telephony with Smartphone ConnectivityBMW ConnectedDrive Services Professional- BMW Online - Advanced Real Time Traffic Information - Concierge Services - Remote Services And much more!!Book your ultimate test drive with Parkview BMW today!
For this vehicle based on mileage, region and options.
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Who the hell is SAP ?
...same goes for SaaS .
SAP has crashed Salesforce.com's annual Dreamforce conference with its own event, trumpeting its long-awaited on-demand business applications challenger. But despite years in the development labs, SAP failed to deliver a knockout blow. It talked up the importance of its own on-demand service - and the shortcomings of Salesforce …
...same goes for SaaS .
I've worked as an extensions developer on SAP for a couple years now. This kind of thing is typical...They sell first, deliver later (if at all). Their business software does everything in theory, but it really doesn't do anything in practice. A standard ERP system costs millions to install (a few million for the software itself, tens or hundreds of millions for the armies of consultants required), and after you're done, you feel like you've somehow taken a big step backwards.
If you think Microsoft puts out crappy products and has shady business practices, give SAP a go and you'll think Microsoft is headed by Mother Teresa.


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A HAMPSHIRE MP has welcomed a massive cash boost to help adults improve their English and maths skills.
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage says a £50m injection to the adult skills budget will be vital in fighting illiteracy and innumeracy in the UK.
Ms Dinenage, pictured, who last year co-founded the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Maths and Numeracy, said: "It's shocking that in the UK today one in six adults are functionally illiterate, while one in five lack basic maths skills.
"I hope that this funding will help drive forward my campaign to end illiteracy and innumeracy in the UK."


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Branding for a Google Developer's coding event. The two day event focused on ubiquitous coding and the Internet of Things. I created a polygonal illustration method to convey the seamless transition of object interation and daily life throughout a person's day. Materials included: event signage, t-shirts, badges, presentation templates and website design.
Animation created for the annual film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences, located in Austin, Texas. Concepted the storyboard, developed artwork, animated and edited final animation.
Interactive experience developed in part with FRONTLINE, ProPublica and 2over10 Media to build this interactive web app that sheds new light on intelligence surrounding the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Based on extensive interviews with intelligence officials, court files and documents disclosed by the former N.S.A. contractor Edward Snowden.
The Hawaii Group is a family of companies specialized in human resources, accounting, staffing and health care services. My role included: a monthly ad, office signage, business cards, website designs.
Autowatts sizes a solar photovoltaic array to match driving habits and electric vehicle preference, arranges financing to beat current monthly driving fuel costs. My role included: event signage, sales tool app design, brochures, and animations.
An explanatory video to describe to third party partners why they should use Autowatts to sell solar to their customers.
An explanatory animation to describe why car dealerships should use Autowatts to sell a solar array along with the sale of an EV.
Currently Hawaii imports 97% of it's beef from the mainland. Kunoa is a vertically integrated, grassfed cattle company, which raises and processes its cattle in Hawaii. My role included: brochures, website design, one sheets, and the package label.
Shared Earth connects land owners with people who want to garden. My role included: website design, art direction and animation for the marketing video.
La France Cafe & Crepe's branding (or lack thereof) was a poor visual representation of the quality of food served. I researched historical references of old French cafes, bistros and brasseries to bring an authentic visual aesthetic that expressed the creperie's commitment to craft and quality.
Revive Rx is a supplement formula developed and designed by crossfit athletes. The project consisted of a identity and brand system which was carried throughout the package design.


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Steve Schnaar
In a clear case of big money running politics, last year the California Department of Pesticide Regulation [DPR] approved an extremely dangerous chemical called methyl iodide for use as a pesticide, with strawberry production as the largest intended use. While no use is yet slated for Santa Cruz or Monterey counties -- the largest strawberry producing regions in the state -- on Oct. 12 there was an application approved in Santa Barbara County. It is imperative that we on the Central Coast stop its spread into our region.
The dangers posed by methyl iodide are severe: cancers, neurological disorders, fetal death or developmental damage, thyroid problems, groundwater contamination. In a letter to the EPA, dozens of chemists and biochemists from around the country -- including six Nobel laureates--declared, "we are perplexed that U.S. EPA would even consider the introduction of a chemical like methyl iodide into agricultural use."
The state's DPR commissioned a panel of scientists to review the issue, which called the chemical, "difficult, if not impossible to control," and concluded that "any anticipated scenario" for its agricultural use would "have significant adverse impact on the public health." John Froines, chair of that commission, later described methyl iodide in a Senate hearing as "one of the most toxic chemicals on earth."
Why then have our public officials permitted the use of this poison? A superficial answer would be that they bowed to pressure from Arysta LifeScience, the manufacturer of the pesticide, as evidenced in recently exposed memos from the DPR. The underlying problem, however, is the flawed logic of Big Ag, which takes vast monocrops as a given. Unknown in nature, such large areas planted with only a single species, year after year, are indeed hard to maintain without harsh chemical poisons.
For decades, strawberry growers have relied on another fumigant called methyl bromide to sterilize the soil before planting. Although less harmful than methyl iodide, methyl bromide also poses significant health risks. In fact, in response to a 1999 lawsuit, the EPA just acknowledged that their approval of methyl bromide for locations near schools posed adverse and disproportionate health impacts to Latino schoolchildren. The affected sites include six schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, where we're all familiar with the sight of fields covered in plastic tarps which occasionally fail to keep the toxic gas contained.
In the wacky world of American politics, it is not the direct human health effects that are leading to a phase-out of methyl bromide, but the fact that it depletes the ozone layer. Already phased-out years ago by most of the world, our state continues to extend its use until "a viable alternative" is found.
The reality is that many farmers have already dropped methyl bromide. According to the California Strawberry Commission, it is no longer used on a full 35 percent of California's strawberries. In addition, organic growers like Swanton Berry Farms have successfully grown strawberries in our region for decades.
For the state to endanger farmworkers and children to maintain the convenience of not rotating crops, or taking other less dangerous measures to reduce pest problems, is unconscionable.
A coalition, including the United Farm Workers, has already sued the state over its use of methyl iodide. The city of Watsonville has also passed a resolution against it. Now a group of concerned citizens is organizing for a countywide resolution against methyl iodide, urging the governor to remove it from the market. This item will be discussed at the Nov. 8 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Steve Schnaar is a member of SCAMeI: Santa Cruz Against Methyl Iodide.


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It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our simple sign up form and login to the website.
This step is noncompulsory but will drastically multiply your chances of having members look at your profile. Let people know a bit about yourself, your hobbies and upload a nice photo of yourself.
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And start dating


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It's Wednesday, the day when we talk marriage! I introduce a topic, and then you follow up either by commenting or by writing your own post! Today I want to tackle a big, and rather personal, topic.
Do you ever feel like sex is about achieving a goal, rather than just enjoying each other?
That was something that often irked me when we were first married, before we really figured out how to get sex to work like clockwork. According to all the marriage books we had bought–even Christian ones–we were supposed to be able to figure out how to make sure that I achieved the "Big O". And when I didn't, we felt like we were failing.
So let's get honest here for a moment, ladies: how important is it that we actually achieve orgasm during intercourse?
Here's the real problem: When we decide that we want to, and when it becomes our goal everytime we make love, then everytime we're together we feel like we're being given a grade: you either pass or you fail. It adds a whole level of stress to sex that I'm not sure it was ever supposed to have.
Are orgasms great? Absolutely. But not all women experience them during intercourse, even those women who have been married a long time. And I really hate the thought that women are going to feel like they're somehow less than sexual, or somehow inadequate, if they don't.
Besides, as soon as you make it your goal to reach orgasm, it automatically becomes less likely that you will. As soon as you set the goal, you become just that little bit agitated. And in order to reach orgasm, you have to be able to let go and relax. The two things are working against each other.
Here's what I wish I had understood when we were first married, and here's what I'd like to give you as an encouragement today:
Orgasms are great, but they're easiest to achieve when you understand how your body works and how the different levels of arousal feel. It may be easier to understand that if you work for a while on achieving orgasm in different ways–through him touching you, for instance–rather than just through intercourse.
Once you understand that, you can then work on getting excited enough during foreplay that once you start making love, it's more likely you'll get to that "big O" because you started off pretty close.
But you don't have to achieve simultaneous orgasm to have good sex. You don't even need to achieve orgasm during sex to have good sex. You just have to enjoy being together, laugh, and have fun. If you can't laugh, you're too uptight and you're doing it wrong.
The more you laugh, and the more fun you have, the more you'll relax and the more your body will learn to respond. But stop thinking of your sex life as a series of individual sexual encounters, which have to be judged on their own merit, as either a pass or a fail. Think of your sex life as something which will be decades long, a journey of discovery, where you learn more about each other, grow more deeply in love, grow more intimate, and learn to let go. That's a process that takes a long time, and it's a destination you never really get to, because there is always more to learn.
Maybe if we saw sex as a journey, we'd focus less on whether we had an orgasm last night and more on whether or not we relaxed, had fun, and felt like we're getting to know each other better.
As you take that long-term view, you'll likely find that it's easier to enjoy yourself, because you know you don't have to reach a milestone right now, this minute. You're simply moving in a certain direction, and that direction is good.
Learn how your body works. Learn what feels good. But don't panic or feel inadequate if your body isn't responding exactly the way you want it to yet. Sometimes it takes time, and that's okay. That's what marriage is for! And if you stop stressing and do take that time, you might just find that you achieve that "Big O"–without necessarily even trying.
This post was cross-posted at Adding Zest to your Nest.


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Olympians to make quick turnaround in San Jose
BUFFALO, N.Y. — For the eight Sharks heading to Vancouver today to represent five countries in the Winter Olympics, San Jose was just one more stop on a monthlong road trip.
And not much of a stop at that, considering that some of them were home for as few as six hours.
The charter flight after Saturday night's 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres wasn't expected to land at the San Jose airport until about 2 a.m. All of the Olympians were flying commercially, and at least three were booked on an 11 a.m. flight from San Francisco — the only Bay Area airport with nonstops to Vancouver.
"Land and go," Joe Thornton said, "but it'll be worth it."
Players have been trying not to be distracted by all the pre-Olympic attention, but all did acknowledge they watched Friday night's opening ceremonies in their hotel rooms. Did they regret not being able to participate?
"Yeah, I think you always want to be a part of it," forward Dany Heatley said, "but our schedule didn't work."
Backup goalie Thomas Greiss took part in the opening ceremonies of the 2006 games in Torino, Italy. And while he, too, would have liked to be representing Germany in Vancouver, he knew that part of that night had a downside.
"It's kind of boring to be there, too," Greiss said. "You have to stand around a lot, and you don't see much because of all the people around you."
Greiss will have the smallest entourage among the Sharks at the games with only his girlfriend making the trip. Defenseman Douglas Murray may have the most friends and family cheering him, a dozen or so people from Sweden and the North American family with whom he lived during high school.
"We were going to a game in Bridgeport (Conn.), and the bus pulled off the side of the road," said McGinn, who got off and into a waiting car driven by Sharks assistant general manager Wayne Thomas. He drove McGinn to the Hartford airport where McGinn got on a 6:35 p.m. flight Friday that stopped first in Rochester before continuing on to Buffalo.
McGinn had his gear with him, but not the dress clothes required on NHL road trips. He arrived at the arena wearing Brad Staubitz's suit, Ryane Clowe's shoes and Dwight Helminen's belt.