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Working With The Dry Eye Patient
By Linda Conlin, ABOC, NCLEC
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Expiration Date: April 16, 2018
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to:
- Gain knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology through an understanding of dry eye syndrome and its causes and symptoms.
- Understand how to manage dry eye syndrome using a range of options from over-the-counter treatments to surgical intervention.
- Learn about contact lens fitting considerations for patients with dry eye syndrome to increase comfort and wearing time.
Faculty/Editorial Board:
Linda Conlin, ABOC, NCLEC
Credit Statement:
This course is approved for both ABO and NCLE credit.
This course is approved for one (1) hour of CE credit by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Course SWJMI518.
This course is approved for one (1) hour of CE credit by the National Contact lens Examiners (NCLE). Course # CWJHI301.
How is it that drying can affect an organ that has its own irrigation system? The eye is such an organ, and almost half of adult Americans are dealing with dry eye syndrome. Knowing the causes, symptoms and treatments for dry eye provides the tools for increased patient comfort and contact lens wear success.
Dry eye syndrome is the lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye because of decreased quality or quantity of tears. As a result, patients suffer constant discomfort from eye irritation, and longer healing time if they have had refractive surgery. Symptoms include persistent dryness, scratchiness, burning, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision, light sensitivity and, surprisingly, tear overproduction. (Figure 1)
Accessed March 3, 2013.
Fifty percent of contact lens dropouts are associated with discomfort from dry eye1. The syndrome is more common in smokers and women, especially following blepharoplasty that resulted in incomplete lid closure.2 According to the Allergan Dry Eye Survey in March 2011, 48% of adult Americans regularly experience symptoms of dry eye. The incidence of dry eye symptoms was 42% in women ages 45 to 54. In adult's age 55 and older, 30% of men and 19% of women had symptoms for more than 10 years. In spite of the high incidence of the problem, however, 69% of survey respondents reported that they did not seek treatment from an eye care professional.3
With the prevalence of the syndrome an acronym developed, but unlike most acronyms, this one- CLIDE-describes describes two issues. The first is for the condition known as Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eye, and the second is for the causes of dry eye: Climate, Drugs, Environment.1 The acronym becomes a handy tool when we understand the causes of dry eye.
The incidence of dry eye increases in dry, dusty, windy and cold climates. Of the top 20 U.S. cities for dry eye, Las Vegas ranks first and five Texas cities are included in the group as one might expect, but so were Boston and Newark, NJ.3 Dry eye is so prevalent in Texas that a vision center specializing in dry eye treatment sponsors a Dry Eye Index on the local news in Amarillo, much the way other cities report heat indices or wind chill factors. The Dry Eye Index indicates grades of environmental conditions that result in dry eye symptoms progressing from "clear" to "comfortable" to "uncomfortable" to "miserable".4
In these cities, the effects of drying can take dramatic turns, especially for individuals working outside. Denver, also on the top 20 list, had a windstorm during a baseball game that affected Atlanta Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman. Dust and dirt blew everywhere. Freeman changed his contact lenses six times during the game and wore sunglasses. At some point during the lens changes, he scratched his cornea, forcing him to wear glasses until the lesion healed. During that time, Freeman's batting average dropped 50 points. He finished the 2012 season with an average of .259 versus .282 in 2011.5
Drugs-such as antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-hypertensives which are frequently diuretics, Parkinson's medications and oral contraceptives-can result in dry eye as a side effect. Aside from climate, environments with dry heat or air conditioning can contribute to dry eye. Other factors that produce dry eye include insufficient blinking as can occur with computer use, long term contact lens wear, eyelid disease, tear gland deficiency, aging, menopause and diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular rosacea and Sjӧgren's syndrome.2 (Figure 2)
Causes of dry eye
Accessed March 3, 2013.
Sjӧgren's syndrome is a disorder of the immune system characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth and fatigue. It is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and results in a decreased production of tears, saliva and sweat. It occurs more often in women over age 40, and is treated with increased water intake, eye drops and drugs.6 Sjӧgren's syndrome gained national attention in the late summer of 2011 when tennis pro Venus Williams, then 31, announced she suffered from the syndrome and its symptoms. Williams cited fatigue as the reason she withdrew from her 13th U.S. Open.7
The quality and quantity of tears are the critical factors in dry eye syndrome, so let's look at the source and composition of tears. The tear film consists of three layers: lipid, aqueous and mucin. The outer, lipid layer is oily and prevents the evaporation of tears. The oily layer is manufactured by the meibomean glands located on the lid margins. The middle, aqueous layer is the largest portion of the tear film, contains dissolved sticky proteins or mucins, and supplies oxygen to the cornea. The lacrimal glands above the outer canthus secrete this layer of the tear film. The inner, mucin layer-which is produced by the goblet cells in the conjunctiva- keeps the highest concentration of mucins at the surface of the eye. Mucins help stabilize and spread tear film, which prolongs break up time.8 It's easy to see how poor composition or inadequate production of any layer of the tears could lead to insufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. (Figure 3)
Layers of tear film
Accessed March 3, 2013.
Dry Eye Classification
The National Eye Institute has identified two classifications of dry eye syndrome based on the type of tear deficiency: aqueous tear deficiency (ATD) and evaporative tear deficiency (ETD). Aqueous tear deficiency, also called keratitis sicca, is an insufficiency in the aqueous or watery layer of tears and is the most common type of dry eye. Causes include lacrimal deficiency, lacrimal gland duct obstruction, reflex block and systemic drugs. Evaporative tear deficiency is an insufficiency of the lipid or oily tear layer which functions to slow tear evaporation. Causes include meibomian oil deficiency, disorders of the lids, low blink rate, drug side effects, vitamin A deficiency, and contact lens wear and ocular surface disease such as occurs from allergies.9 In addition, patients can suffer from a combination of both ATD and ETD.
(Figure 4)
Eye care practitioners (ECPs) commonly use two tests to classify dry eye syndrome: the Schirmer test and the Break Up Time test. The Schirmer test evaluates the quantity of tears. The practitioner places the folded end of a thin strip of filter paper inside the lower lids of both eyes. One can perform the test without an anesthetic. However, the test is more accurate with an anesthetic because irritation from the paper may temporarily increase tear production. After five minutes, the practitioner evaluates the moisture of the eye by observing how much of the filter paper became wet through capillary action. Fifteen millimeters or more is considered normal, nine to 14 millimeters indicates mild insufficiency, four to eight millimeters indicates moderate insufficiency and less than four millimeters indicates a severe condition.10 In conjunction with the Schirmer test, applying fluorescein drops will indicate whether tears can drain through the lacrimal duct into the nose.11 A similar procedure is the cotton thread test. The practitioner uses a chemically treated cotton thread instead of filter paper. The thread changes color as it moistens. The practitioner then measures the length of the color change on the thread. Lengths of less than 10 millimeters indicate dryness. The advantages of the cotton thread test are that it indicates results in 15 seconds as opposed to five minutes, and it does not require anesthetic drops.12
The B.U.T. (Break Up Time) test evaluates tear quality by measuring how long it takes for dry spots to appear on the cornea after a blink. The ECP applies fluorescein to the patient's eye and then observes the tear film after a blink while the patient tries to avoid the next blink. The practitioner counts by seconds until a dry spot appears. A break up time of more than 10 seconds is normal, from five to 10 seconds is marginal, and less than five seconds is low.13
A 2012 study by Isabelle Jabert, OD, and colleagues at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, found that increased lower lid margin sensitivity was related to more concentrated tears and meibomian gland dysfunction, both of which contribute to dry eye symptoms. 14 ECPs can conduct the sensitivity test, called esthesiometry, in the office using an esthesiometer or cotton tipped applicator applied to the lower lid margin. The patient's reaction to the least amount of pressure indicates sensitivity that is normal, reduced or absent.15 Interestingly, the study's finding of a higher concentration of tears indicates an aqueous deficiency, while the additional finding of meibomian gland dysfunction indicates an evaporative deficiency. Patients with reduced lower lid margin sensitivity, therefore, are likely to have a combination of the two classifications of dry eye syndrome.
While no cure for dry eye syndrome presently exists, ECPs can help patients manage the symptoms. For mild cases, this can be as simple as encouraging the patient to drink more water. Adult women should have 91 ounces or about 12 glasses of water a day, while men should have 125 ounces or 16 glasses. Studies have shown that increasing omega-3 and vitamin A intake is beneficial.1 Both of those nutrients are found in some fish oils and maintain mucous membranes. Severe or prolonged vitamin A deficiency is characterized by dry eye and changes to the cornea that can result in corneal ulcers, scarring and blindness.16 (This is why Mom told you to eat your carrots!) Patients should also avoid caffeine because it is a diuretic.
Other things patients can do to alleviate dry eye symptoms include wraparound sunglasses with side shields, indoor air filters and humidifiers, checking with their doctors to change medications that have dry eye as a side effect, and resting their eyes during visually demanding tasks.9 Remind patients of the 20/20/20 rule. After 20 minutes of a visually demanding task such as reading or computer work, rest the eyes for 20 seconds by gazing at a point 20 feet away.
Blinking is an important part of keeping the eye moist and lubricated. Blinking facilitates tear drainage, eliminates debris, spreads lipids across the tear film and nourishes the cornea. Research indicates that patients with dry eye have a higher blink rate, and a higher blink rate is associated with a shorter tear break up time. The chicken-or-the-egg question remains, however. Does a higher blink rate result in a shorter break up time or the irritation from the dry eye itself? When medications are used to treat dry eye, the blink rate usually slows.1
Artificial tears or contact lens rewetting drops may be all that is needed to alleviate the symptoms of mild dry eye. However, drops containing preservatives may cause irritation and patients shouldn't use them more than four times a day. Patients can use non-preserved drops in single use vials more often. When contact lens wearers use artificial tears, they should remove their lenses and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Patients can also use ointments applied before sleeping.17 Instruct patients that drops to "get the red out" are vasoconstrictors and may not lubricate the eye. What's more, a tolerance to the drops can build up and result in more redness.
For some dry eye patients, such home and OTC remedies will mask the problem for a short time, and other measures need to be taken. For instance, blepharitis, an inflammation of the lid follicles, blocks production of the oily component of tears. One way to reduce the inflammation is to gently rub the lids with a warm washcloth, then massage the lids near the base of the lashes with baby shampoo or lid scrubs.22 Taking a different aim at inflammation, Allergan introduced Restasis® cyclosporine emulsion in 2003 to treat dry eye symptoms. It is an immunosuppressant that reduces inflammation, and in this way, it helps increase natural tear production. Patients need to administer the drops only twice a day, and it can be used in conjunction with artificial tears. A study in 2005 reported that 67% of patients felt symptoms abate after 30 days of use.18
A 1998 study at the University of Iowa found that androgen levels in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction were abnormally low. Then, in 2002, Charles Connor, OD, and Charles Haine, OD, of the Southern College of Optometry presented research showing that transdermal testosterone cream applied to the upper eye lids improved tear production and meibomian gland secretion in subjects after three weeks. Post-menopausal women showed the greatest improvement while men showed the least improvement. Although those results are encouraging, no large scientific studies have been conducted, long-term effects of this treatment are not known, and this off-label use of testosterone cream is not yet FDA approved.1
Punctal plugs are another common in-office treatment for dry eye. Biocompatible plugs are inserted into the upper, lower or both puncta of the tear ducts to block drainage, and thereby increase tear film and surface moisture on the eye. There are two types of plugs. Semi-permanent plugs are durable and made from soft plastic materials such as silicone. Dissolvable plugs, made from materials that the body can absorb such as collagen, last anywhere from a few days to several months. Frequently they are used to prevent dry eye after refractive surgery. Both types of plugs can be removed by flushing with saline.19 Other punctal occlusion methods are more invasive. Those include punctal patching in which a tiny patch from the sclera is sutured over the punctum, cauterization of the punctum and ligation, adhesion or excision of the tear duct.20
Contact Lens Options
As you recall, CLIDE also is an acronym for Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eye. In this condition, the presence of the contact lens, as well as decreased corneal sensitivity from long term contact lens wear, disrupts normal tear film, resulting in a shorter break up time.1 While the practitioner must have special consideration for these patients, there are a variety of contact lens options within the categories of rigid and soft lenses.
Rigid lenses are less susceptible to dehydration on the eye, but dry eye patients may have a longer adjustment time due to edge awareness. These lenses may not work well in dry environments if the tear film is compromised. Consider corneal refractive therapy for dry eye patients, especially those who have worn rigid lenses. With CRT, the patient wears rigid lenses overnight to reshape the cornea and eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Wearing the lenses only overnight reduces tear evaporation and the risk of drying during the day.2 For severe dry eye cases, rigid scleral lenses can become a prosthetic ocular surface. The lens is designed with computer-assisted lathe cut back curves to vault the cornea. Saline in the dome continually bathes the cornea to provide relief.21
High water content soft lenses can be problematic for dry eye patients. The lenses themselves may draw moisture from tears to maintain hydration. Silicone hydrogel lenses are a better choice because they have high oxygen transmission but low water content. Some silicone hydrogel lenses have on-eye wettability. It is a surface treatment that accommodates tear film behind the lens and reduces the friction between the lids and the lens for better comfort.2 One day disposable lenses are another good option. Some of the new lenses have a water and oxygen content similar to that of the cornea, and a surface treatment designed to mimic the lipid layer of the tear film.22 What's more, contact lenses with molecular imprinting are on the horizon. For example, researchers are developing daily disposable and silicone hydrogel lenses imprinted with an adjustable release comfort agent.23
Contact lens solutions also are an important consideration for dry eye patients. Some solutions work better with certain contact lens materials than others. Check with the lens manufacturer for solution recommendations. Advise patients against using generic solutions, which can vary from purchase to purchase. Because proteins build up more quickly on lenses for dry eye patients, recommend rub and rinse types of solutions to provide better cleaning. Intolerance to preservatives in solutions can result in dry eye. Peroxide disinfection systems eliminate preservative intolerance problems as well as the variations in generics, but make sure the patient knows how to use them.2
Fit dry eye patients for contact lenses only after symptoms subside. Any treatment with topical steroids must be completed before the fit. Be sure that the base curve, diameter and lens material allow for appropriate tear exchange. Patients should avoid overnight wear, and patients who wear their lenses more than 10 hours per day should make time to remove, clean and reinsert the lenses at some point. Recommend a frequent lens replacement schedule to reduce the risk of irritation from protein buildup, as well as more frequent follow up visits.1
Dry eye is already a prevalent condition but in all probability more Americans will suffer from the condition than ever before, as Baby Boomers get older. As a result, ECPs will hear more patients complain about dry eyes. Baby Boomers grew up wearing contact lenses and ECPs should anticipate helping them deal with dry eye effectively so they can continue enjoying the advantages of contact lenses. Lens materials are improving. There are solutions and artificial tears in the research pipeline to help dry eye patients achieve the comfort and convenience other contact lens wearers have come to expect.
1 Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses, The Dry Eye Dilemma. Available at: http://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/content/d/dry_eye/c/36183/. Accessed October 14, 2012.
2 AllAboutVision.com, Dry Eye Syndrome. Available at: www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm. Accessed June 23, 2012.
3 American Optometric Association. New Allergan survey shows 48% have dry eye symptoms. Available at: http://newsfromaoa.org/2011/11/06/new-allergan-survey-shows-48-have-dry-eye-symptoms/. Accessed January 27, 2013.
4 Connect Amarillo website, Weather. Available at: http://www.connectamarillo.com/weather/#.UFYzGlFrLLk. Accessed September 16, 2012.
5 The New York Times website, Sports. Vision Problem Subsides, but Hitting Problem Lingers for Freeman. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/sports/baseball/freddie-freemans-vision-problem-subsides-but-hitting-problem-lingers.html?_r=2&. Accessed October 14, 2012.
6 Mayo Clinic website, Sjogrens syndrome. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sjogrens-syndrome/DS00147. Accessed October 7, 2012.
7 The New York Times website, Health and Science, Well. Venus Williams Brings Attention to Sjogren's Syndrome. Available at: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/venus-williams-brings-attention-to-sjogrens-syndrome/. Accessed October 19, 2012.
8 Innovative Eye Care website, Dry Eye. Available at: http://innovativeeyecare.net/services/dry-eye/. Accessed September 16, 2012.
9 National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, Facts About Dry Eye. Available at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/dryeye/dryeye.asp#2. Accessed January 28, 2013.
10 YGOY Health Community website, Understanding Schirmer's Test. Available at: http://eyecare.ygoy.com/2010/09/06/understanding-schirmers-test/ . Accessed February 23, 2013.
11 National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Medline Plus website, Schirmer's Test. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/9888.htm. Accessed September 15, 2012.
12 FCI Ophthalmics website, Zone Quick from FCI Ophthalmics pdf. Available at: http://www.fci-ophthalmics.com/files/pdf/zone_quick_web.pdf. Accessed February 23, 2013.
13 Dry Eye Zone website, Tear Break Up Time. Available at: http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/tbut.html. Accessed October 7, 2012.
14 ScienceDaily website, October 3, 2012, Science News, Got Dry Eyes? Measuring Eyelid Sensitivity May Reflect the Causes. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121003111129.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_mediu m=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+sciencedaily/health. Accessed February 23, 2013.
15 External Disease and Cornea, Section 8. Basic and Clinical Science Course, AAO, 2010.
16 Oregon State University website, Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center, Vitamin A. Available at: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/. Accessed October 19, 2012.
17 Mayo Clinic website, Health Information, Dry Eyes. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-eyes/DS00463/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies. Accessed October 7, 2012.
18 Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2005;46: E-Abstract 2026. © 2005 ARVO Viewed 2/23/13.
19 AllAboutVision.com website, Punctal Plugs. Available at: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/punctal-plugs.htm. Accessed October 14, 2012.
20 Mishra, Atul, Dry Eye Following Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Available at: http://www.jdosmp.org/lectures/dryeye_am.htm. Accessed October 14, 2012.
21 Science Daily website, Science News, March 22, 2012, Big Contact Lenses Provide Instant Relief for Dry Eyes, Experts Say. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322113354.htm. Accessed October 14, 2012.
22 PRNewswire website, Bausch & Lomb Launches BiotrueTM ONEDay Contact Lenses Made from Breakthrough HypergelTM Material. Available at: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bausch--lomb-launches-biotrue-oneday-contact-lenses-made-from-breakthrough-hypergel-material-154024875.html. Accessed October 20, 2012.
23 Academy for Eye Care Excellence website, Front Row, Controlled Release of Eye Drops via Contact Lenses. Available at: http://image.exct.net/lib/fefa1576776202/m/1/BCLA1-ComfortMolecules.pdf. Accessed October 14, 2012.


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Choose from 9 amazing playing environments, each with their own difficulties and strategies, or select RANDOM and let the game select random environments for you.
Choose from four different gun turret types, each with slightly different weapon and armor or projectile features. Computer controlled enemy turrets will be chosen as a random selection of these turret types.
You get the choice of fighting against one to seven other computer controlled
What's New in Turret Wars Retro
- * Fixed occasional inability to fire after rockets are launched

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Saint Nicholas, Turkish Style
Men clad in red and white Santa outfits are no longer a rarity on Turkish streets. Legend has it that Noel Baba, as the Turks call Saint Nicholas, was even born near Antalya. Dilek Zaptçıoğlu has the details
"Dear children," a Turkish publishing house writes on its website, "did you know that Saint Nicholas really lived, long long ago – in our very own Turkey?"
Various picture books tell the story of Noel Baba, as he is called in Turkish. He is becoming more and more popular with every year, much to the delight of crisis-ridden shopkeepers and children hoping for presents, of course.
At this time of year, men clad in red and white Santa outfits are dotted around the shops in Turkey's cities – all the way up to 31 December. Muslims, of course, don't celebrate Christmas; they give each other presents on New Year's Eve. The question of whether Muslims ought to celebrate New Year's Eve is another topic of controversy – parallel to the introduction of Noel Baba.
If it were up to strict Muslims and political Islamists, Muslims wouldn't be allowed to celebrate the end of the year on 31 December, as they have a different calendar. The Muslim year starts with the Prophet Mohammed's migration from Mecca to Medina, on 16 July in the year 622 according to the modern Christian calendar. That means we will soon be in the Muslim year 1430, and New Year's Eve is actually a perfectly normal day, the third day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
Santa Claus comes from Antalya
But there are plenty of people who see that differently. Why miss an opportunity for celebrations and gifts? Here in Istanbul and other cities, the days get longer and longer in winter too, and the skies just as dark as in London or Berlin.
As there is no Turkish tradition of festive candles, as originated from church ceremonies in the West, the Turkish tend to associate candlelight and oil lamps with power cuts rather than cosy winter evenings. Baklava is far removed from chocolate Santas, and Turkish delight is miles away from tins of sticky toffees.
But the much-cited globalisation is gradually breaking down the borders between the hotly contested civilisations. At this dark and cheerless time of year, candles, Christmas decorations and fairy lights are irreversibly finding their way into Turkish homes, along with the friendly white-bearded old man who pulls present after present out of his sack, which people first assumed was a fat tummy. The cities are decorated in "New Year's Eve" style – and Santa Claus does come from Antalya, after all.
There are all kinds of rumours and tales around Saint Nicholas, like many of the other countless Anatolian wise men and saints. According to the almost official version, he was born in Antalya, close to the nine-mile-long beach at Patara, in around 300 AD.
Saint Nicholas the miracle worker
Various portents hailed his birth. He was the son of a wealthy wheat merchant and was christened Nikolaos. Even as a young man, he is said to have performed miracles, for example saving his mother from the ruins of a church that suddenly collapsed upon her during building work. When his father died, Nikolaos was the sole heir to a great fortune, and decided to donate it to the poor and needy.
In the port town of Patara lived a man who was suddenly struck by poverty and was unable to find husbands for his daughters because he couldn't afford their dowries. He was even thinking of selling the girls off to the highest bidder.
Nikolaos couldn't let that happen. To save the man's honour – although he can't have been particularly honourable in the first place if he had been planning to sell his daughters – Nikolaos climbed onto his roof one night and threw a bag of gold coins into the eldest daughter's room. There followed two more bags, one for each of the other girls. And so all the daughters were saved – and the story also explains why Greek orthodox depictions show Saint Nicholas with three golden balls.
Saints are always wanderers
According to another story, the saint went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On his return journey, a terrible storm broke out, tossing his ship to and fro on the waves. His prayers saved the ship from going down, and even brought a drowned sailor back to life. From that day on, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors in the Aegean.
Saints are always wanderers, and Saint Nicholas was no exception. After a while, he moved from his birthplace of Patara to the neighbouring town of Myra, now Demre. The Bishop of Myra had recently died, and there was no end to the arguments over his successor; so it was decided that the first man to enter the church the next morning would be made the new bishop. It was of course Saint Nicholas. And here too, he performed miracles and helped the needy.
For instance, he ordered ships loaded with wheat to distribute part of their cargo to the poor before setting sail. Once on the high seas, the captains saw that their holds were full again – the saint had rewarded them for their good deed.
Bishop Nicholas is even said to have taken part in the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, where heated debates were held on Christian theological issues such as the human or divine nature of Christ. The saint apparently died on 6 December 343 at the age of 65. Legend has it that the people of Myra buried him in a shrine in the church – but his remains were stolen by the crusaders on 20 April 1087 and taken to Bari. There are also relics of Saint Nicholas in the city museum of Antalya, Antalya Müzesi.
In recent years, it's not just business that has made a buck out of "Noel Baba of Demre" – the Turkish cultural ministry has also discovered the saint. In 2000, the Russian artist Gregory Potosky made a bronze statue destined for a central site in the town. Unfortunately, the mayor didn't like it, and it now guards over the entrance to the Noel Baba Museum, opened in Demre two years ago.
Noel Baba riding on a raft
Next, a plastic Noel Baba was erected on Demre's town square. This time, however, the tourism and culture minister Ertugrul Günay was against the sculpture. Noel Baba was dressed in the now traditional red and white outfit, and looked like a typical Santa Claus. The sculptor Necdet Can explains:
"We thought about it rationally and pictured Noel Baba in his time, true to reality. Demre is a warm place and he was a man like any other." A bearded Santa on a sleigh pulled by reindeer really did look rather out of place in the sunny holiday resort. So a new Noel Baba was swiftly commissioned.
Saint Nicholas is now depicted on a raft, at the impressive height of 11 feet and 3 inches. Bronze waves lap around the raft, which is pulled by two sea horses, with a little Lycian sailing ship at the front, the emblem of Demre. On Noel Baba's left shoulder sits a little boy, and a girl stands on the raft to his right, both holding gifts.
Turkish parents who want to give their children a special treat on New Year's Eve can buy themselves a red and white suit and false beard for the equivalent of 25 euro, or even order their own bearded visitor by telephone. Kids don't mind whether "Papa Noel" comes on a sleigh or a raft – as long as he brings the latest computer game.
Dilek Zaptçıoğlu
© Qantara 2008
Dilek Zaptçıoğlu (48) studied history and politics in Istanbul and Göttingen. The journalist and author is now based in Istanbul.
Translated from the German by Katy Derbyshire
Jesus in Islam
Rasul Allah – The Messenger of God
There are many differences between Islam and Christianity, but also similarities; Jesus has a significant role for Muslims too. Aiman Mazyek on the Islamic prophet known as Isa in the Koran
Interfaith Holiday Celebrations
Sugar Festival, St. Nicholas, Noel Baba
While politicians and experts are making urgent calls for a dialog with Islam, children from Muslim and Christian families are a few steps ahead. They have long been celebrating the holidays together
The Armenian Patriarch in Turkey
"I Would Like All Religions to Be Treated the Same"
According to the Armenian Patriarch in Turkey, Mesrob II, there is freedom of religion in Turkey. However, he is critical of inequality in the way the different religious communities are treated. Hülya Sancak spoke to him


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Mets say: Happy Birthday, Rob!
Can you say 14 games ahead of Atlanta? Because I can! The Braves officially have no chance of winning this series, and I find myself in the rare situation of not really caring if our team loses tomorrow.
Because did you see today's game? Did you see it!? El Duque ROCKED the Braves like he was Columbus discovering America and telling them, "Sorry, but we're about to genocide your a*ses out of existence. (Hey, it's their politically incorrect team name, not mine.)
For his birthday today, Rob wanted nothing more than a devestating loss for the Braves and a killer win for the Mets. Happy Birthday, Rob! How's 11-3!? It would have been an even better game if errors from Wright and Reyes hadn't been responsible for those 3 pesky runs (can you picture how sweet an 11-0 shut out would have been!?), but how can we complain?
Some highlights: Two stunning homers and 5 RBIs for our Road Warrior, Carlos Beltran. Beltran's now hit 30 home runs this season, tying the franchise record (with Mike Cameron) for a center fielder. Four hits from catchtastic Lo Duca, despite visible grimacing at the pain in his thumb. An amazing outing from El Duque at the exact time he needed to prove his consistency. He retired 17 batters in a row before giving up an insignificant hit in the 8th inning. AND our Duq got his very first career RBIs in the 6th.
By the way–what a Metstastic 6th inning! 7 runs from our special, special boys. Followed by a 7 pitch bottom of the inning for El Duque. How's them apples?
Moral of the story: I'd say Atlanta needs pitching a helluva lot more than we do.
I hope Delgado's okay after getting beaned in the knee in the 3rd. But I'd expect to see him back tomorrow, and boy did Julio Franco step up to the challenge.Our bench stayed hot, with excellent production from Franco (including another geezer stolen base!) and "Happy Endy" Chavez (whose two crucial hits–one a triple–earned him 3 RBIs).
Besides the errors, the only thing that could have made the game better was different commentary. Oh, Fox commentators. Among this afternoon's gems about the Mets: "They're winning a lot of baseball games. And that's exactly what you do when you win. You have fun." Really? I thought you drove spikes through your eyes. And then, of course, there was this brilliant wisdom about Steve Trachsel: "He's a professional pitcher." Hey, I didn't know that!
Okay, Glavine. The pressure's off for now. Go out tomorrow, have fun, and…you know…a sweep in their own ballpark would be pretty dang awesome…
Tonight's activities will feature Rob's favorite birthday outing: Singing at the top of our lungs. Honest to goodness, if karaoke has "Meet the Mets," Rob will belt it out.


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With President Barack Obama's occasional bouts of populist rhetoric, it's easy to forget that the president was elected in 2008 with strong support from many of the wealthy.
Obama won 52 percent of the votes among those making $200,000 or more a year – 17 points more than John Kerry got from that group in 2004.
In the last election, Obama also raised more money than his Republican opponent, John McCain, in eight of the nation's 10 richest zip codes (including millions from Wall Street and the corporate sector) and he won eight out of ten of the richest counties.
This time around may be different.


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The nextgeneration Polycom VoiceStation 300 Conferencer brings powerful, "bigroom" conferencing quality to smaller meeting rooms & desktops with 360degree room coverage, fullduplex technology, dynamic noise reduction, & more!
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Acoustic clarity technology provides fullduplex performance for natural, freeflowing conversation. Participants on both ends may speak back and forth simultaneously without annoying stops and starts, echoes, and distortion.
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Single cord connection eliminates tabletop cable clutter.
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March 08-11, 2011
This year we begin the third decade of the Hubble Fellowship Program, now expanded to include all present and future missions in NASA's Cosmic Origins theme. For virtually all of its existence, the HF Program has been and remains one of the leading fellowship programs in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. More than 220 of the most prominent and active scientists in this field have been supported at a crucial phase in their careers by this program. The Hubble Fellowship Program continues to be one of the highlights of NASA's pursuit of excellence in space science. Each year, the current (~45) Hubble Fellows convene for a three-day Symposium to present the results of their recent research and to meet face-to-face with other Hubble Fellows and with the scientific and administrative staff who manage the program.
The NASA Cosmic Origins theme includes the Spitzer Observatory. The Spitzer Fellowship Program was incorporated in the Cosmic Origins Hubble Program two years ago, so 2011 is the final year of tenure for the remaining Spitzer Fellows. To mark this occasion, and to commemorate the success of the Spitzer Fellows Program, the 2011 Hubble Fellows Symposium included the current Spitzer Fellows, and was held in Pasadena under the joint auspices of the Spitzer Science Center and the Space Telescope Science Institute.


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Those darn Jehovah's witnesses, they keep coming to the door. Here is a pamphlet for your wife. They keep coming to talk to my wife...she does not say stay away very well. Well today it was very profitable for us. Three women come up, apparently they have talked to my wife about bees amongst many other things (we have a lot of interests and hobbies). I'm in the attic, shout hello to them out in the driveway. They want to buy some honey. So I wash up, invite them in the house, break out the spoons. First they taste the plain honey, oohh and aahh! Then onto a clean spoon and a dip into the cinnamon creamed honey, more oohhs and aahhs! They bought $28 worth of stuff. I was so proud.
The absolute kicker to this story is another thing. These three women, out preaching their gospel, had a snifter of my elderberry mead. Today, I am again a proud vintner!


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Contributing writer
With 27 players reporting to early season basketball practices, Goessel High School boys' basketball coach Curtis Guhr is happy to see depth and experience in key positions this year.
"We have four of the five starters from last year returning for the 2013 season," he said. "These four seniors will anchor this year's team and I have a lot of depth waiting to come off the bench."
Davis Cook, a 6-foot-4-inch senior post player, will be depended on to score from fifteen feet and closer. He averaged 7.1 rebounds per game last year along with 8.0 points per game.
Senior Nic Buller used long range baskets effectively while recording 7.5 points per game last year to go along with 4.3 rebounds per game.
Trey Schmidt, senior point guard, used his slashing style to accumulate 5.2 points per game and also 2.0 assists per game.
Shane Goerzen, a senior at 5-3, used his speed and quickness to average 1.50 steals per game and score 5.0 points per game.
Coming off the bench will likely be Brian Hiebert in the post position, and Reece Hiebert and Tyler Schulz at forward. Ben Wiens, Zach Showalter, and Dan Smucker will be pushing the action from guard postions.
"Our depth will be an advantage," said Guhr. "We have many available combinations to put on the floor."
Last year the Bluebirds finished with a 5-3 record in the Wheat State League and a 12-11 record overall. Guhr expects the top teams in the League to be Solomon, Little River, Goessel, Centre and Peabody-Burns. The season begins on November 30 with a home game with Inman.


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Signing up with a robo-advisor is like having your own financial planning robot. You answer questions online about your goals and risk tolerance, then the robo uses algorithms and super-smart
Signing up with a robo-advisor is like having your own financial planning robot. You answer questions online about your goals and risk tolerance, then the robo uses algorithms and super-smart software to assemble and manage an investment portfolio for you.
You can do the whole process without having to talk to anyone, which is why robo-advisors offer low fees. But many robo-advisor companies also offer experts who can help with simple questions all the way up to complex financial planning.
Whether you want �lots of hand-holding or none, communication is key to getting the most from a robo-advisor. Here's what to expect and how to talk to the robots " and the people behind them " at each level.Getting started on your own
Basic robo accounts let you start with �small amounts of money �" some have �$0 minimum �deposit �requirements �" and �a fee as small as 0.25% of your account balance annually. You start with a quick online questionnaire. Wealthsimple, for instance, says you can open a portfolio in five minutes.
Communication takes two forms:
The questionnaire: This gives the robo what it needs to pick investments for you, so give thoughtful, honest responses.Goals: Retirement, kids' college or something else?Finances: Your income and liquid assets, such as cash, IRAs, 401(k)s, CDs and stocksRisk tolerance: How much of a roller coaster ride can you stomach? Are you willing to risk steeper drops for �a shot at higher returns, or do you want little fluctuation?
Basic support: Some robo-advisors have humans to answer questions at the basic account levels.
Ellevest, for example, offers unlimited access to its 'Concierge Team,' which answers by text, phone and email. It's geared to simple queries, such as how to consolidate IRAs and 401(k)s.
Betterment allows an unlimited number of questions through its app, and an expert will answer within a day or two. 'That alone is plenty of advice for most of our customers,' says Nick Holeman, Betterment's senior financial planner.
Make sure your profile is up to date, and make your questions specific, Holeman advises. Rather than asking, 'Does my account look OK?' you might say you're worried about market volatility and whether your account is properly diversified.Getting more support with a hybrid robo-advisor
If you want more human help, some robos offer a hybrid �robo advisor model that gives ongoing support from a rotating lineup of certified financial planners. The account minimum and often the management fee are higher than at the basic level.You can upgrade to �hybrid service as you �grow your account. Or, you can start there if you already have enough to meet the minimum; check out fees and �account minimums for your best fit.
Betterment, for instance, has a $100,000 minimum balance and 0.40% annual fee for its hybrid service, while Charles Schwab Intelligent Advisory has a 0.28% fee and $25,000 minimum. Wealthsimple pairs a $100,000 minimum balance with a fee of 0.40%, which is lower than the 0.50% for its basic level.
Here's how to communicate:
Prepare to share: The questionnaire for hybrid services is more detailed. Schwab Intelligent Advisory, for instance, says it takes about an hour to complete its online interactive planning tool.
Generally, the next step is reviewing your plan with a certified financial planner by phone or video conference. You might want to write out questions �as you would before a doctor's visit.
Be open about finances and goals. 'The more information we have, the better job we can do for you,' Holeman says.
Don't be nervous: You don't need to be an expert to talk to one. 'You'd be amazed at how much value a 30-minute call can uncover with a CFP professional or executive coach, no matter where in your financial life you are starting or how prepared you are,' says Debbie Wissel, vice president of advisory services at Ellevest.
Camera shy? With Vanguard, you can opt for a one-way video conference, so you see the advisor, but the advisor can't see you, says spokeswoman Emily Farrell. 'Maybe there's a sink full of dishes. Who knows?'Connecting with �a dedicated advisor
Some robo-advisors offer �an additional level of human interaction: access to a dedicated financial advisor.
This is for folks who are well along on the wealth-building path. Betterment, for instance, will match you with one of its vetted certified financial planners. The advisors can set their own minimum balance requirements, but they typically begin at $100,000. Personal Capital's minimum is $200,000 for its wealth management service, which gives access to two dedicated financial planners.
Build a relationship: This service is more personal because you work with the same one or two advisors. Just like working with a traditional financial advisor, openness pays off. The more you tell your financial advisor, the stronger your plan can be.
More From NerdWalletStock Dividend Reinvestment Plans: What You Should Know How to Resolve Finances After a Death Rake in Cash at Your Yard Sale
Barbara Marquand is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com. Twitter: @barbaramarquand.
The article How to Talk to a Robo-Advisor originally appeared on NerdWallet.


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Top short walks on the West Coast
There are plenty of stunning short walks to be had on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.
1 / 5
The following walks can be done within 1 - 4 hours and highlight the stunning scenery and fascinating history of the West Coast region.
1. Ross Water Race Walkway. 1 hour loop walk.
Follow an old water race through moody rainforest behind the old West Coast mining town of Ross.
A well-worn track takes you through a historic cemetery, past numerous gold mining relics from the 1860s, and via an old miner's hut before leading you back to the start at the Ross information centre.
Good for walkers of medium to low level fitness.
Tip: Take your gold pan and try your luck in the river along the way!
2. Harihari Coastal Walkway. 3 hour loop walk.
From native bush to isolated beach, this easy walkway offers the best in West Coast scenery. This flat track follows the Wanganui River past commercial whitebaiting stands, through pretty, regenerating podocarp forest and onto a glorious black sand beach.
Rock hop your way across the river mouth and back along a bush trail to the carpark. Good for walkers of medium to low level fitness.
Tip: Look out for seals and dolphins at the beach!
3. Three Mile Pack Track via Okarito Trig. 3-4 hour loop walk.
Starting with a steep climb and excellent views, this track meanders through beautiful native bush before returning to the start point via the charismatic Okarito coastline.
The Okarito Trig is an optional but recommended detour at the start of the Three Mile Pack Track, rewarding you with exceptional views of the Southern Alps and Okarito Lagoon after a short but steep uphill hike.
Back on the Three Mile track, you'll undulate through rimu, rata and silver pine before crossing the lagoon. Depending on the tide, you can return via the Three Mile track or do the loop, along the rocky beach back to the start. Good for walkers of medium to high level fitness.
Tip: Don't forget your camera!
4. Lake Matheson Walkway. 1.5 hours loop track.
See New Zealand's most spectacular mountains reflected in the picturesque, historic Lake Matheson.
A well-maintained track leads walkers through rich native forest along the lake edge. Native birds can be seen and heard the length of the track.
There are multiple viewpoints along the way, primed for capturing photos of the lake's famed mirror-reflections of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mt Tasman. The track completes a loop, starting and ending at the excellent Matheson Café.
Tip: Go early morning when the water is smooth and the crowds haven't appeared!


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Cincinnati Bell Announces Early Results of Tender Offers
Cincinnati Bell Announces Early Results of Tender Offers
CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cincinnati Bell Inc. (NYS: CBB) today announced that as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 9, 2012 (the "Early Tender Date"), the principal amounts listed in the table below of its 8.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (CUSIP No. 171871AN6) (the "2020 Notes") and its 8.25% Senior Notes due 2017 (CUSIP No. 171871AL0) (the "2017 Notes" and, together with the 2020 Notes, the "Notes") had been tendered in connection with its previously announced cash tender offers for up to a maximum aggregate purchase price of $100,000,000 (the "Maximum Purchase Price") of outstanding Notes.
|CUSIP Number
|Title of Security
Outstanding Principal
Principal Amount
8.375% Senior Notes due 2020
8.250% Senior Notes due 2017
The terms and conditions of the tender offers are described in the Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal, dated October 29, 2012, distributed to holders of the Notes. Payments of the consideration for the Notes validly tendered on or before the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase are expected to be made on or about November 20, 2012.
Holders who validly tendered their 2020 Notes on or before the Early Tender Date and whose 2020 Notes are accepted for purchase will receive total consideration of $1,097.50 per $1,000 principal amount of 2020 Notes, including an early tender premium of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of 2020 Notes, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal.
It is anticipated that Cincinnati Bell will not accept for purchase any validly tendered and not subsequently validly withdrawn 2017 Notes. The 2020 Notes have a higher purchase priority than the 2017 Notes and on any payment date Cincinnati Bell will accept for purchase all validly tendered and not subsequently validly withdrawn 2020 Notes, subject to the Maximum Purchase Price, prior to accepting any 2017 Notes for purchase (the "Acceptance Priority").
Acceptance of Notes for purchase in the tender offers is subject to the Maximum Purchase Price, acceptance priorities and proration, all as described in the Offer to Purchase. All Notes that were tendered for purchase prior to the Early Tender Date will have priority over any Notes that are tendered for purchase after the Early Tender Date. Accordingly, as the aggregate purchase price for Notes tendered for purchase prior to the Early Tender Date equals or exceeds the Maximum Purchase Price, it is anticipated that no Notes tendered for purchase after the Early Tender Date will be accepted for purchase (even if they have a higher purchasing priority as indicated by the Acceptance Priority Level in the table above). Validly tendered Notes may no longer be validly withdrawn.
Cincinnati Bell has retained Barclays Capital Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to serve as the dealer managers for the Tender Offers. Requests for documents may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent, by telephone at (800) 431-9633 or in writing at D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, Attention: Elton Bagley. Questions regarding the Tender Offers may be directed to Barclays Capital Inc. at (800) 438-3242 (toll-free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect), or Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at (800) 624-1808 (toll-free) or (212) 761-1057 (collect), or in writing at Barclays Capital Inc., Attention: Liability Management Group at 745 Seventh Avenue, 5th floor, New York, NY 10019 or Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Liability Management Group at 1585 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10036.
Cincinnati Bell's obligation to accept any securities tendered and to pay the consideration for them is set forth solely in the Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal.
This press release is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an acceptance of the tender offers. Cincinnati Bell may extend or, subject to certain conditions, terminate the tender offers at any time and in its sole discretion.
Safe Harbor Note
This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "predicts," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "endeavors," "strives," "may," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned these forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this release and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). More information on potential risks and uncertainties is available in our recent filings with the SEC, including Cincinnati Bell's Form 10-K report, Form 10-Q reports and Form 8-K reports. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.
About Cincinnati Bell Inc.
With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Bell (NYS: CBB) provides integrated communications solutions - including local, long distance, data, Internet, entertainment and wireless services - that keep residential and business customers in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton connected with each other and with the world. In addition, Cincinnati Bell provides best-in-class data center colocation services to its enterprise customers through its facilities with fully redundant power and cooling solutions that are currently located in the Midwest, Texas, London and Singapore. Complementing the colocation products, Cincinnati Bell also offers complex information technology solutions like managed services and technology staffing.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Investor / Media contact:
Josh Duckworth, 513-397-2292
KEYWORDS: United States North America Ohio
The article Cincinnati Bell Announces Early Results of Tender Offers originally appeared on Fool.com.Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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Teacher resources and professional development across the curriculum
Teacher professional development and classroom resources across the curriculum
To discuss main topics in introductory chemistry
To facilitate students' understanding through the use
of models and analogies
This program introduces the basic building blocks of matter
atoms and focuses on their structure, the periodic
properties of elements and their ability to bond with each
other. The program shows teachers and students in a variety
of classroom activities that challenge students to understand
concepts of atomic structure, periodicity, bonding and moles
through useful mental models of atoms. It follows the development
of these concepts through history and their use in modern
"I think an atom is something really, really
small, about... mmm
this big
chemistry student
"So often when you're learning chemistry,
it seems that you are learning laws and rules that don't
have much application in real life. All you have to do is
look around and you will see that chemistry is basically
everywhere. That table in front of us is made up from a
collection of atoms; it's important to understand how they
are arranged and how bonds and energy hold them together."
Dr. Laurie Geller,
Program Officer, National Academy of Sciences
© Annenberg Foundation 2017. All rights reserved. Legal Policy


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Link to MEng Application
The MEng or Masters of Engineering Program (6-P) enables students to earn Course 6 bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously or consecutively over a period of five or five and a half years. Research for the master's thesis is completed on campus.
Available only to MIT undergraduates in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the EECS Master of Engineering Program (MEng) efficiently consolidates the work of a four-year bachelor's and a two-year master's degree into a total of ten or eleven semesters, preparing students for both advanced technical, entrepreneurial, consulting, and other positions - as well as for doctoral programs.
More than 60 percent of EECS undergraduates apply for this program, and nearly half enter and complete it.
To complete the MEng, students must meet all bachelor's degree requirements and complete an additional 90 credit units -- including graduate coursework and mostly significantly, a graduate research thesis. Students are encouraged to start fulfilling the MEng requirements for both subjects and the thesis as undergraduates.
The 6-1, 6-2, and 6-3 MEng allows students to complete a three-subject concentration in one of the following 12 fields:
- Artificial Intelligence
- BioEECS
- Circuits
- Communications
- Computer Systems
- Control
- Graphics and Human-Computer Interfaces
- Materials, Devices, and Nanotechnology
- Numerical Methods
- Applied Physics
- Signals and Systems
Theoretical Computer Science
EECS students may apply to the 6-A MEng Thesis Program, an industry-focused variation on MEng that couples scholarly research with practical, hands-on engineering experience gained through internships at leading companies throughout the United States and internationally.
Students outside MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science who are interested in graduate-level work should visit the department's Graduate Programs page for more information.
Useful links:
- MEng FAQ
- M.Eng. Requirements/Admission
- Financing the M.Eng.
- Undergraduate vs. Graduate Status
M.Eng. Thesis Guide
Questions? Contact Anne Hunter: email@example.com, in the Undergraduate Office, room 38-476.


text:
U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
NORMAL AND CHICAGO, ILL. -- Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc. (MMMA) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today that they have reached a $34 million settlement, subject to court approval, that resolves all claims in the lawsuit filed on April 9, 1996, by the EEOC on behalf of a class of current and former MMMA employees who were subjected to an alleged pattern and practice of sexual harassment at MMMA's Normal, Illinois, manufacturing plant since 1990.
The terms of the settlement are in a proposed Consent Decree to be submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, and will be in effect for three years from the date of final Court approval.
At the joint request of the parties, U.S. District Court Judge Joe Billy McDade appointed a "special master," Judge Abner Mikva, on April 16, 1998, to facilitate settlement discussion which led to the proposed Consent Decree.
Judge Mikva said: "This is a fair settlement designed to accelerate the creation of a workplace that is free of sexual harassment. The lawyers representing Mitsubishi and the EEOC did an outstanding job of representing their interests. They insisted on principle, but recognized the need to find common ground. This is a win-win situation for the company, for the EEOC and, most of all, for the employees."
Kohei Ikuta, Executive Vice-President of MMMA, said: "MMMA and the EEOC share the same goal -- to have a harassment-free workplace for our employees. Over the last 20 months, we have been instituting best practices and training programs to further our commitment to address and prevent harassment in the workplace."
Mr. Ikuta continued: "With today's settlement, our company takes significant further steps to accelerate the progress toward the type of workplace environment we have been working to create, free of harassment or discrimination of any kind. We are moving forward -- women and men, management and employees -- to work together to have the best possible workplace and to build the best cars possible for our customers.
"We want to reaffirm today what we have said previously: we have had problems involving sexual harassment which required correction and we extend our sincere regret to any woman who has been harmed. But today we are moving forward. The goal of today's settlement with the EEOC is to enhance our commitment that our workplace environment achieves our goal of zero tolerance of sexual harassment. We acknowledge and respect the EEOC's authority to pursue equal employment opportunity and we look forward to working with the EEOC as a partner in our progress."
Paul M. Igasaki, Chairman of the EEOC, said: "The people of the United States have looked to all of their institutions -- the government, our employers, and our labor unions -- to act decisively to stop the serious problem of sexual harassment. By now agreeing to pay $34 million, the largest amount ever paid in resolution of a sexual harassment case, and to work with the panel of Decree Monitors, MMMA is demonstrating that it stands ready to so act. Perhaps the most important aspect of this settlement is what happens from this day forward. On that score, I am hopeful that with continued effort and vigilance the problems at Mitsubishi will be a thing of the past."
Karsuhiko Kawasoe, President of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the parent company of MMMA, said: "We are pleased that MMMA has reached a resolution with the EEOC in this matter. This is the right business decision in order to be able to move forward. We support MMMA's future efforts in working with the EEOC to carry out the terms of the Consent Decree."
EEOC General Counsel C. Gregory Stewart said: "The importance of the injunctive, non-monetary relief elements of this settlement -- whether the monitors, the `zero tolerance' policy, the training, or other items -- cannot be overestimated. We have all been around too long to believe that anything is absolutely certain, but we at EEOC are optimistic that MMMA's agreement to the terms of the proposed Consent Decree announced today will make concrete differences in the day to day life of the dedicated line workers at Mitsubishi. If we are right about this, then the consequences for both the mission of our agency and the objectives of the business community can be huge."
John C. Hendrickson, EEOC's Regional Attorney in Chicago and lead counsel for the government, said: "The litigation of this case and the negotiations which produced today's settlement have been as tough and rigorous as any I have experienced. But just as the heat of fire tempers the strongest steel, the rigor of this litigation has forged a decree with real strength."
Hendrickson added: "It provides immediate compensation to women who suffered discrimination, it provides protection for them inside the work place, and it ensures fairness and cooperation and dignity for everybody on the line at Mitsubishi. These are the things that the federal employment discrimination laws and the public interest are all about. This is a good result."
According to the proposed Consent Decree, MMMA will pay $34 million, which will be distributed among all eligible claimants, as defined in the proposed Consent Decree. In the proposed Consent Decree, which MMMA entered into voluntarily and which formally enjoins MMMA, the Company agreed that it will revise as necessary its existing sexual harassment policy and complaint procedure to ensure that it continues to encourage employees to come forward with complaints about violations of MMMA's Statement of Zero-Tolerance Policy and Equality Objectives. MMMA further agrees that it will continue its best efforts to investigate all complaints of sexual harassment within three weeks and prepare its written findings of the results of each investigation and remedial actions proposed seven days thereafter. As part of the settlement, MMMA will continue to provide mandatory sexual harassment training to employees.
The Company has voluntarily agreed to the appointment of a three-person panel of Decree Monitors to oversee the execution of the steps included in the settlement for the duration of the proposed Consent Decree. The Decree Monitors will work as a team to review the policies and practices to ensure that they meet MMMA's Statement of Zero-Tolerance Policy and Equality Objectives. The Decree Monitors will complete their review and evaluation within one year after their appointment and will provide continuing review and evaluation of ongoing employment policies and practices related to the Zero-Tolerance Policy and will provide a final written report to MMMA, the EEOC, and the Court.
Additionally, one of the three Decree Monitors will serve as the Complaint Monitor who will monitor, for the duration of the proposed Consent Decree, the investigation and resolution of complaints alleging violations of MMMA's sexual harassment policy.
Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, manufactures the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder convertible and Galant, and the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring.
EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older; sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Equal Pay Act; Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector and state and local governments; and the Rehabilitation Act's prohibitions against disability discrimination in the federal government.


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If all continues to go well, construction of the overpass on U.S. Highway 98 at the entrance to Hurlburt Field could begin in mid-July, officials said.
HURLBURT FIELD � If all continues to go well, construction of the overpass on U.S. Highway 98 at the entrance to Hurlburt Field could begin in mid-July, officials said.
Initial work on the project that began in January is on schedule.
The $13.9 million project will build two two-lane bridges on U.S. 98 over Cody Avenue at the main entrance to Hurlburt Field.
The project was designed to decrease traffic at the intersection, which has become increasingly congested as Hurlburt�s population has grown to about 10,000 active-duty and civilian employees.
The entire overpass project is set for completion by the end of 2014.
�We�re very early into this project, but it�s going well so far,� said Ian Satter, a spokesman for District 3 of the state�s Department of Transportation. �We�re just going to hope that the weather continues to cooperate and things keep running smoothly so we can stay on track and get this project done in the allotted time we staged for it.�
Utility relocation and a $430,000 project to open a temporary gate to relieve congestion during construction are already underway.
This week, DOT contractors paved two turn lanes at the Kerwood Road entrance to Hurlburt, just east of the main gate. They were in the process of installing a traffic signal on Thursday.
Westbound motorists coming from Fort Walton Beach and Destin, which account for about a quarter of the base�s traffic, will be able to enter Hurlburt at the Kerwood gate before they reach the construction area.
The gate should open shortly before construction on the overpass begins, said Keith Cutshaw, chief of engineering for the Air Force�s 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron at Hurlburt.
It will likely be open only during peak traffic hours.
Utility companies are also working to move any equipment required to make room for the overpass. Okaloosa County Water and Sewer are set to begin their relocation soon, Satter said.
After all the utilities have been relocated, construction can begin.
�Prior to us starting our road work, we�ve got to move those utilities,� Satter said. �Then we can start with the next phase of the project.�
In addition to the temporary gate access, Hurlburt is working to reroute all commercial traffic to the back entrance on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
That could pull about 300 to 400 vehicles out of the U.S. 98 and Cody Avenue intersection each day.
The plan requires construction of an inspection pit and a new guard station at the back entrance.
An environmental assessment completed in March found no issues and the project is now set to go out for bid within the next two weeks, Cutshaw said.
It could be complete by next spring at the earliest.
When planners began working on the back gate project they were hoping to have it done by the time overpass construction began, but the approval process took longer than originally expected, he said.
�With the environmental assessment and everything that had to be completed it just wasn�t feasible,� he said.
Hurlburt officials said the project has been going well overall.
Dan Wilcoxen, military construction manager for the 1st Special Operations Engineer Squadron, has been working closely with the contractors.
�They are extremely willing to work with the installation and make sure we�re happy and that DOT is happy with the final product,� he said.
FOR MORE INFO: Follow updates on the overpass project at the DOT Facebook page. >>
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Sage Reinlie at 850-315-4443 or email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenRnwfdn.


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Speaking of fast, the Zero MX will spin heads as well as laps around the competition. Based on the 2011 World Electric Indoor Motocross championship winning machine, the new Zero MX has taken huge leaps forward in terms of power and response. Finely massaged by the Zero engineering team, the new MX demands attention. Track tuned suspension and an industry leading power-to-weight ratio results in a dirt bike with uninhibited responsiveness. Alloy motocross wheels take the hits while smoothly maintaining control. Intensity combines with silence to open up a new world of riding possibilities. Think about it: if no one heard you riding, where would you ride?
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Politics & Government
$43 million tax break approved for Ark Encounter theme park
FRANKFORT — A controversial Bible-themed amusement park received approval Thursday for up to $43 million in state tax incentives over a 10-year period.
The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority, which oversees tax credits for tourism and film-related projects, unanimously approved the tax credit for the Ark Encounter project, which is scheduled to break ground in August outside Williamstown in Grant County.
In addition to the tax rebate, the state may spend an estimated $11 million to improve an interchange off I-75 near the 800-acre site in Northern Kentucky.
The park has been criticized by late-night talk show hosts and those who say the state should not give tax breaks to a business that espouses a particular religious view. But Gov. Steve Beshear has defended the incentives, saying the state cannot deny the application on religious grounds. The park alone could generate as many as 600 to 700 new jobs, according to a consultant's report. That number doesn't include jobs created from construction or from new hotels or restaurants.
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, based in Washington D.C., blasted the board's decision Thursday.
"The state of Kentucky should not be promoting the spread of fundamentalist Christianity or any other religious viewpoint," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "Let these folks build their fundamentalist Disneyland without government help."
Lynn said his group will sue if they find the tax rebate violates the Constitution's guarantee of the separation of church and state.
Beshear has said the law does not allow the state to discriminate against a for-profit business because of the subject matter.
The Answers in Genesis group, which started the Creation Museum that opened in Petersburg in May 2007, will handle daily operations of the theme park, expected to be completed by 2014. Since the Creation Museum opened, it has received more than 1 million visitors, its backers say.
To receive the state tax rebate, tourism projects must be open more than 100 days a year, cost more than $1 million and attract at least 25 percent of visitors from out-of-state by their fourth year of operation.
The Ark Encounter project exceeds all of those requirements, said consultant Rob Hunden of Hunden Strategic Partners, the consulting firm that presented their findings to the tourism authority before the vote. The theme park will cost more than $172 million to build, be open year-round and attract more than 86.4 percent of its visitors from out-of-state, Hunden told the board.
An executive summary of the consultant's report was made available to the media. However, the entire report was not released because it contained proprietary information.
The 800-acre park is expected to have a life-sized replica of Noah's Ark, a Tower of Babel, petting zoos and other live animals and an assortment of Bible-themed exhibits.
If the park does not espouse a particular philosophy, such as creationism, it will draw a larger audience, Hunden estimated. Under that scenario — which Ark Encounter backers said Thursday they will follow — the park is estimated to draw about 1.2 million visitors a year and have a net economic impact, minus the sales-tax rebates, of about $119 million over a decade.
The rebate allows the company to receive some of its sales tax back over 10 years. However, if the project does not generate sales taxes as expected, it will not receive the rebate, said Carolyn Ridley, chairwoman of the tourism authority.
Mike Zovath, senior vice president of the Ark Encounter project, would not disclose the major investors in the project but said that project backers are still raising money and hope to have all of the $150 million needed for initial construction by the end of June. The Hunden report cited the lack of funding as a major concern.
"If it is not fully funded, it will either not open or it will be less of a major attraction or success," the report said. "However, if that is the case, then the rebate it will be eligible for will be reduced."
Zovath said the group is confident that they will be able to raise the money.
Hunden's report said the cost of the reconfigured highway interchange will be about $11 million, but that's an estimate. The state should not construct the interchange until there are assurances that the funding for the park is in place, the report said.
Transportation Cabinet spokesman Chuck Wolfe said the cabinet will do its own initial study, which will include a cost estimate, in the next two months. There is an interchange near the proposed site, but that interchange would have to be reconfigured so it could handle more vehicles, he said.
"The governor's position is that as long as the developers follow through with their commitment, then it will be a priority," Wolfe said.
The project is not yet in the state's road plan, which the legislature and the Transportation Cabinet use to guide road projects. If the developers come forward with the money for building the park, then Beshear will ask that the interchange be placed in the road plan in January.
Rep. Darryl Owens, D-Louisville, has filed requests to the Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet about the Ark Encounter through the state's Open Records Act. Owens said Thursday that he has received some answers from the cabinet, but a May 2 letter in which he asked more questions about the origins of the project and how it was approved for incentives have not been answered.
"I am disappointed that this appears to have been fast-tracked and there just was not a lot of vetting," Owens said.


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How Not to Serve Tapenade
The olive tree has provided food, shelter, light, and lubrication to half of my ancestors for the past few thousand years. Those swarthy Mediterraneans who kindly passed along their sun-loving, cancer-resistant genes spent generation upon generation cultivating the fruit of … Continue reading
Posted in Savories Tagged culinary school disasters, ladybugs, olives, recipe, tapenade 11 Comments


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Taylor Swift Added to Growing List of American Music Awards Performers
Taylor Swift will perform during the upcoming 2012 American Music Awards ceremony, adding the primetime appearance to her already exhausting promotional blitz in support of her latest studio album, 'Red.' The 'Begin Again' singer is not the only country artist confirmed in the star-studded lineup -- Carrie Underwood will also be there.
Swift will once again defend her title as the Favorite Female Country Artist, an honor the superstar has snagged every year since 2008. Last year, Swift was the night's big winner, taking home three major awards including the all-genre Artist of the Year trophy. Her 2010 multi-platinum 'Speak Now' album also earned Favorite Country Album honors.
"This is one of the craziest things that has ever happened to me," Swift said after accepting the big honor. The singer also took home the top prize in 2009.
She may need to redefine the word 'craziest' this year after selling more than a million copies of 'Red' in its debut week -- the second time Swift has done so with her critically-acclaimed studio albums. 'Red' sold more than 500,000 copies in one day alone, shattering her previous best set by 'Speak Now' in 2010, which also debuted at No. 1 with an instant platinum certification.
"I think for me, this album is so interesting because it's difficult to pick a song that's closest to me. Every one of these songs is a snapshot of a very different time in my life, you know?" Swift tells Taste of Country exclusively about her latest project. "You go track-by-track, and this one's about extreme sadness, and this one's about extreme frustration, and this one's about hope! [laughs] And this one's about, you know, seeing someone and falling in love for the first time."
Will Swift pull the pop vixen card and perform her crossover smash 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' at the American Music Awards, or will the songstress display her softer side with the beautiful country ballad 'Begin Again?' The only way to find out is to tune in to ABC on Nov. 18 at 8PM ET for live broadcast of the 40th annual event.


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WILMINGTON �Recently, the StarNews conducted an interview via email with Cmdr. Rich Rhinehart, commanding officer of the USS North Carolina.
WILMINGTON �Recently, the StarNews conducted an interview via email with Cmdr. Rich Rhinehart, commanding officer of the USS North Carolina.
SSN 777, a Virginia-class fast-attack nuclear submarine, is the fourth ship of the Navy to carry the name North Carolina. The commissioning took place May 3, 2008, in Wilmington.
The North Carolina deployed the week of Dec. 20.
Q. Where are you going with the USS North Carolina in the future?
A. USS North Carolina will soon commence her second deployment to the western Pacific. The first was from December 2011 to June 2012.
Q. How are some of the high-tech features of the submarine working out? Is it smooth sailing or any glitches?
A. Smooth sailing, definitely! The North Carolina is one of three Virginia Class submarines assigned to the Pacific Fleet and is one of the most capable and versatile submarines the Navy has put to sea. She�s designed to operate for long periods of time, unsupported, in the harsh and unforgiving depths of the world�s oceans. Ensuring that she remains in top material condition is an ongoing process that the sailors take a lot of pride in.
Q. How�s the morale of the crew on the ship?
A. The morale has never been better. Although it is always difficult to say goodbye to family and friends, the professional challenges of a deployment make it a highly rewarding experience.
Q. Are your missions focused on war efforts or supporting anti-terrorist/homeland security initiatives? How long is a typical mission?
A. We provide the full spectrum of wartime and peacetime submarine capabilities to the deployed commander: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, precision land strike, mine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and early warning, and special warfare capabilities. Our operations vary greatly in length.
Q. Does your crew feel any link to the Port City personally? What do they enjoy about Wilmington?
A. One of the great things about the submarine force are the close bonds that we enjoy with our namesake cities, and Wilmington is no exception. Wilmington is a great city with a rich history and there are still crew members on board who participated in the 2008 commissioning in Wilmington. I think the highlight for many was the opportunity to visit the Battleship North Carolina and learn about the amazing sailors who served on her during World War II.
Q. What is unique about the history of the USS North Carolina�s fleets?
A. The submarine USS North Carolina is the fourth ship to share the name North Carolina.
The first, a three-masted square-rigger of 74-guns, was launched in September 1820.
The second, an armored cruiser, was commissioned in 1908 and became the first ship to launch an aircraft by catapult while under way.
The Battleship North Carolina was commissioned in 1941; at the time, she was considered the world�s greatest sea weapon. During World War II, the battleship North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater, earning 15 battle stars. The name North Carolina has a great place in U.S. Navy and maritime history.
We are incredibly fortunate to carry the great history of ships named North Carolina to sea and, in particular, back to the western Pacific.
Q. How does the submarine compare to other submarines currently commissioned?
A. The Pacific submarine force is made up of 31 fast-attack submarines: 28 Los Angeles class and three Virginia class; each crew and platform has a distinct personality. Many on board will tell you tales of the great boats that they�ve served on during previous tours, but I don�t think many would trade the time they�re having sailing aboard the North Carolina!
Q. What would be the most surprising thing the public might want to know about the submarine?
A. Maybe not so much surprising, but I would like people to know that I have the honor of commanding some of the best and brightest sailors that our nation has to offer. They can be proud of the dedication, devotion and duty that they display day-in and day-out in defense of our nation. I know that I am.
To learn more about the unique history of the USS North Carolina lineage, visit our special coverage at http://bit.ly/J2NSdt.