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Universal Applets Overview
NOTE: Some of this post is no longer relevant. Please use Universal Applet's internal documentation.
At the moment, there's very little documentation for developers describing the Universal Applets architecture. I'm hoping to roll out a stable release within the next week or two, and I should have the time to write up some docs after that.
In the meantime, this post should provide adequate installation instructions and a quick developer overview for those of you who have been asking. If you haven't already done so, please read this article first.
Installing Universal Applets and Getting the Server to Run
1. Grab a copy of the branch off of bzr with the following command:
bzr co http://bazaar.launchpad.net/~aantny/screenlets/universal-applets
You can subscribe to the branch on launchpad here.
2. Install Universal Applets with the following:
sudo make install
3. Start the server with the following: chmod u+x src/share/examples/server.py src/share/examples/server.py
4. Start any screenlet or applet. There's a non-screenlet-based test applet in src/share/examples/test-applet.py
The Architecture
The Universal Applets architecture is heavily built on XEmbed and DBUS. Any application can create an applet using a GtkPlug (or the equivalent widget in any X toolkit) and any application can display an applet using a GtkSocket. All communication between the applet (the process containing the GtkPlug) and the server (the process containing the GtkSocket) is done over DBUS.
There can be multiple servers running at any time. Each server can display applets in different places on the screen (e.g. in a sidebar or in a panel). In other words, the same applet can be displayed in different applications without requiring any modifications to the original applet. Accordingly, an applet server can easily display any applet without knowing or caring what language the applet was written in. Again, applets do not run in the same process as the applet server.
The Ten Second Component Overview
At this point, the only server is the aptly named server.py application that's contained in my branch. server.py displays applets in toplevel windows. It runs a DBUS service and holds an array of GtkWindows and GtkSockets. (The toplevel windows are commonly referred to as "applet containers.") Any application which would like to function as an applet server can do so by implementing similar DBUS code. Yes, it's really that easy.
The AppletWrapper class implements all of the basic code necessary for an applet. It can be used to make any part of an app's gui function as an applet. It handles the DBUS communication with the applet server and automagically takes care of all the nitty gritty XEmbed details. AppletWrapper is currently written in Python but I'm planning on reimplementing it in C.
In the layman's terms: By using AppletWrapper any part of your app can gain toggleable applet status with about three extra lines of code. Nifty.
The Screenlets base class contains code for applets that need to implement custom drawing. It's not absolutely necessary, but if you're planning on writing a python applet you should probably subclass the Screenlets class. It supports theming and editable options (options that can be edited with a GUI) and will make your life simpler. Screenlets uses AppletWrapper for the magical DBUS and XEmbed 'stuff'.
The session class is used by Screenlets to handle multiple instances. If you're writing your own applet using AppletWrapper (or if you're implementing your own equivalent to AppletWrapper) you can ignore it.
Other Important Notes:
There's still some ugly and outdated legacy code from Screenlets in several places. In particular, I wouldn't even try to understand the screenlets-manager.py file. It's a coding nightmare and will be rewritten by the Universal Applet's 0.1 release.
The server.py application (the name will change to something more original with the release) is the only currently the only applet server. There are plans to add support to Awn in the coming weeks.
There are still several features missing in Universal Applets that are present in the Screenlets. I've tried to focus on improving the stability and performance instead of adding new features. If someone wants to test the speed of my branch against screenlets' trunk, I'd be interested in the results.
Universal Applets Update
I'm reposting a shortened version of this email to the Gnome-love list. The bolded bit talks about the project's current status.
I'm trying to fix the problem by creating a universal applets framework for GNOME that's mostly based on Screenlets. The goal is to create a common applet format that can be easily loaded into any gtk (and even qt) application without forcing the applet developer to give up on specialized applet functionality.
The framework consists of two main parts- Screenlets and ScreenletContainers. Both are written in Python, but can easily be reimplemented in C or in any other language.
Screenlets contain a gtk.Layout. They can pack widgets into the gtk.Layout, draw on it, or do both. Screenlets support theming, editable options (options which save real time and can be edited with a gui), and DBUS services without any extra work on the developers part. They are completely scalable.
ScreenletContainers are responsible for loading and displaying Screenlets. The ScreenletContainer base class implements most of the functions necessary for loading and showing a Screenlet in a generic location. Any application can import the ScreenletContainer class and use it directly (or subclass it) to add on support for Screenlets.
There is a ToplevelContainer class which descends from ScreenletContainer and is responsible for embedding Screenlets in a toplevel window. ToplevelContainer adds on a few extra options for displaying Screenlets. (E.g. "keep above other windows", "show on all desktops", "show as a compiz fusion widget", and so on and so forth.)
Right now, screenlets interact with their containers using hacked legacy code. Eventually, all communication will be done via DBUS and the screenlet will be embedded inside the container using GtkPlugs/Sockets. Dragging a screenlet from the desktop to Awn, Gnome-panel, or Kiba Dock will resize the screenlet and embed it in the dock/panel optionally only showing an icon sized preview.
Due to the way that things are going to be implemented, application developers will be able to wrap parts of their apps inside Screenlets. For example, if you have GIMP running, you'll be able to pop the ruler screenlet out of GIMP and drag it on to your desktop. When you're done using it on the desktop, you'll be able to either dock it in the panel or drag it back into GIMP or even another app like Inkscape.
A few weeks ago I wrote up a post explaining the rationale behind the idea. You can find it here: http://theesylum.com/2008/02
The code is on launchpad here. One or two of the old screenlets may not work due to the major changes I've made lately. I'm going to push a revision in a few minutes fixing some of them.
Just to clarify, I'm (currently) the only developer working on this and (at this point) the code is independant of the Screenlets project. If anyone is interested in helping out then please email me.
First Real Commit
I just pushed the first real commit of my branch of Screenlets to Launchpad.
It's still a regression from the end users perspective. Don't bother looking at it unless you're a developer. There's a slightly longer explanation here.
Quick side note: I really need to write a whole post about GHOP. For now, I'd just like to (publicly) give my thanks to everyone who participated and made it happen. You know who you are, and my email to the GHOP mailing list will have to suffice until I have the time to write a post here.


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Amelia anna balalaika begins bolshevik bunk child coat comes Comrade David Lean dear deserters Doctor Zhivago doorway engineer EXTERIOR Railway eyes face film floor front door Gently girl glances glass goes going hand head hear horse INTERIOR Lara's Apartment katya kisses komarovsky kostoyed lara looks lara Yes Larissa laugh Lawrence of Arabia leans liberius looks ahead looks back madame sventytski medical professor mikulitsin militiaman Moscow mother moves Night nods NORMAN SAVAGE old soldier partisans pasha pause PHYLLIS DALTON platform Quietly razin red army road Robert Bolt sasha seated shakes shout shuts side silence sits sleigh smile snow Softly Sound stairs stands stares stationmaster stops Strelnikov suddenly train voice wagon walks watches White Guards window Winter woman yevgraf yuri and lara yuri and tonya yuri looks yuri rises yuri turns yuri Yes yuri's Yuriatin Zhivago

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The live-action and, yes, Americanized (Say good-bye Neo Tokyo, hello New Manhattan) adaptation of the classic anime film and manga series "Akira" seems to moving full steam ahead.
Warner Bros. acquired the rights to Katsuhiro Otomo's 6-volume graphic novel two years ago, and is planning to focus the movie (or, perhaps, series of movies) on that material rather than simply remaking the classic 1988 animated film. Both stories focus on two juvenile deliquent friends - Kaneda and Tetsuo - who struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Things get complicated (and surreal) when Tetsuo begins developing terrifying and powerful psychic abilities.
According to Deadline, shortlist of actors includes Robert Pattinson ("Twilight"), Andrew Garfield ("The Amazing Spider-Man"), and James McAvoy ("X-Men: First Class") for Tetsuo, and Garret Hedlund ("Tron: Legacy"), Michael Fassbender ("X-Men: First Class"), Chris Pine ("Star Trek"), Justin Timberlake ("The Social Network"), and Joaquin Phoenix ("Walk the Line") for Kaneda.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
Warner Bros. still has director Albert Hughes attached - although there is no mention made of his brother and directing partner Allen (the pair have so far done all of their films - "Menace II Society," "Dead Presidents," "From Hell," and "The Book of Eli" - as a team). This would seem to verify rumors that the two were planning on splitting up to pursue separate projects.
Warner Bros. and Legendary Films plan to make at least 2 movies, based on 3 of the installments in Otomo's series.
For the newbies, here's a trailer for the animated film.


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Tag: organic mascara
The best vegan mascaras are revealed!
Special guest post by Keri of I Eat Trees When I first made the switch to vegan cosmetics, mascara was my biggest challenge. Even the "natural" products seemed to all contain beeswax, at the very least. After a little research,...
Read more >>


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HOTSEAT: See Shore: 'pursuing' the almighty tourist dollar
Heading up the Charlottesville Albemarle Visitors and Convention Bureau is not just about handing out brochures. Mark Shore has a degree in tourism. He drops industry terms like "meeting delegates" and "leisure travelers"– and notes the former spend more here at a convention than the latter at a "destination market."
And he explains the role of "wikification" for this area's myriad attractions in the recent unveiling of a $65,000 investment in the "pursue Charlottesville" brand strategy. After 22 months of research, it was clear that to visitors, the area is Charlottesville, no matter how often Albemarle plasters its name on joint ventures.
"Visitors go to Palladio or drink wine at Veritas– if you ask them where they were, they say they had a great time in Charlottesville," he says. "For us, it's about capturing their dollars, not them remembering Albemarle, Nelson, or Orange." And when the consumer decides the brand name, that's wikification.
His last job was at the visitor's bureau in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, home to the former Charlotte Motor Speedway, now branded– in a decidedly non-wikification manner– into Lowe's Motor Speedway.
"The recognized features of this community make it an easier sell," than Cabarrus, he says, "so you're not starting education from ground zero." For instance, international visitors know about Monticello, thanks to its presence– and UVA's Central Grounds– on the UN's esteemed list of world heritage sites.
Shore also worked at Wilmington's biggest historical attraction, the U.S.S. North Carolina. And he spent six years working in hotels.
He knows well that those visitors he entices to spend the night in a hotel will spend more locally than a day-tripper.
And there's another incentive: about 85 percent of the Charlottesville Albemarle Visitor and Convention Bureau's budget comes from the lodging tax.
"It's the ultimate way to be on commission," says Shore who defends what some are calling the $65,000 logo.
An investment of $58,000 "really was for the research– where visitors are from, how long they stay, what they come for– not for the creation of the logo," he says. And that brand strategy will help the bureau make wiser, more cost-effective choices in spending its $200,000 marketing budget. "You have a second to capture their eye," says Shore, "when they're flipping through a magazine."
Drawing those visitors brings in "more dollars that citizens would have to pay otherwise," says Shore.
The competition is tough, with Fredericksburg and Roanoke also angling for tourists. "Our competitive market is the whole of Virginia," he says.
The tourism chief's own favorite local tourist spot? Shore leans towards "simple pursuits" outdoors in the countryside, such as hiking or apple picking with his family.
Sitting in his corner office overlooking the Downtown Mall, the Pavilion, and the bureau's future home in the Transit Center, Shore also admires the "vibrancy" of the Downtown Mall. "I have seen a lot of well-done, re-done downtowns, but this one has people– that sets us apart," says Shore.
At least that was already done before he got here in 2001.
Age: 43
Why here? For me to move up in my profession meant a new city. A college town or mountain town were some of my criteria. Who knew it would be love at first sight?
What's worst about living here? I can't find Sundrop at the grocery store.
Favorite hangout? Vita Nova for great pizza, and it's easier to people-watch without being watched back
Most overrated virtue? Tranquility
People would be surprised to know: Last year we adopted a child. I spent five weeks in a one-bedroom apartment in Karaganda, Kazakhstan with my wife and three biological kids, and nobody had a meltdown.
What would you change about yourself? Take more risks
Proudest accomplishment? I'm pretty proud of the research we've done for the City and County to be more effective in our marketing, but I'm equally proud of the tourism work I was able to do with our sister city in Pleven, Bulgaria.
People find most annoying about you: If you plan to present more than three things to me, you'll need to write them down. My wife will confirm this applies to grocery lists as well.
Whom do you admire? The everyday people in our community who overcome life's adversities and keep such positive attitudes
Favorite book? Business– First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham. Personal– The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Subject that causes you to rant? People who never learned to play nice in the sandbox
Biggest 21st-century thrill? The speed of innovation
Biggest 21st-century creep out? Have you ever seen Mr. Noodle on Sesame Street?
What do you drive? '95 Toyota Corolla
In your car CD player right now: Jeremy Camp
Next journey? I'd love to travel in the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States] again soon.
Most trouble you've ever gotten in? I can neither confirm nor deny the rumors, but no animals were harmed, and no law enforcement officials were involved.
Regret: Not spending more quality time with the people in my life
Favorite comfort food: C'ville Market's trail mixes
Always in your refrigerator: Blueberries
Must-see TV: The Andy Griffith Show. All life's moral lessons can be learned here.
Favorite cartoon: Dilbert
Describe a perfect day. I wake up and have my coffee before any of the kids get out of bed.
Walter Mitty fantasy: I'm a CIA operative posing as a tourism professional.
Who'd play you in the movie? Ben Stiller
Most embarrassing moment? I came home from work in suit and tie and the kids (neighbor kids as well) had the skateboards out. I thought I would show them dad's cool skateboard moves. The doctors and the x-rays assured me nothing was broken.
Best advice you ever got? Learn to drink your coffee black– it will make life a lot easier, from Mom.
Favorite bumper sticker? If everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Mark Shore


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The expenses that 401(k) plan participants incurred for investing in long-term mutual funds—which include equity, bond and hybrid funds—declined in 2012, consistent with the downward trend of the past decade and a half, according to a just-released report by the Investment Company Institute.
The report, The Economics of Providing 401(k) Plans: Services, Fees, and Expenses, 2012, found that plan participants holding mutual funds tend to invest in lower-cost funds. In 2012, the average expense ratio on equity funds offered for sale in the United States was 1.4%.
401(k) plan participants who invested in equity mutual funds paid less than half that amount, 0.63%, the study found. Expenses paid by 401(k) investors were also lower than the asset-weighted average expenses for all equity fund investors (0.77%).
"Our research bears out the fact that 401(k) plan participants investing in mutual funds tend to hold lower-cost funds," said Sean Collins, ICI's senior director of industry and financial analysis, in a statement. "As our study notes, this provides a market incentive for funds to offer their services at competitive prices. In addition, employers, as 401(k) plan sponsors, consider a range of factors when selecting investment options for the 401(k) plan, including performance, services, funds' investment objectives, and, importantly, cost."
Added Collins: "Plan sponsors are under competitive pressure to include in the plan menu funds that are responsive to participants' desire for quality funds at a reasonable cost."
For the last decade and a half, the ICI report notes that the costs 401(k) plan participants have incurred for investing in long-term mutual funds have declined.
Andrew Miller, director of retirement and investor services for the Principal Financial Group, told AdvisorOne in an email message that the ICI's report "validates one of the advantages of employer-sponsored plans: participants of all incomes have access to competitively priced mutual fund options they may not be able to access outside of the plan. There are no minimums for participants in 401(k) plans."
Miller adds that "while fees are important, the most effective way to evaluate their reasonableness is in the context of all the services offered to the plan and participants. The report emphasizes the valuable role of plan sponsors as fiduciaries in selecting and monitoring investments as well as other plan services that meet the needs of their employee demographics. As fiduciaries, they are charged with making sure fees are reasonable, another key advantage to employer-sponsored plans."
In 1998, 401(k) plan participants incurred expenses of 0.74% of the 401(k) assets they held in equity funds, the ICI report states. By 2012, that had fallen to 0.63%–a 15% decline. The expenses 401(k) plan participants incurred for investing in hybrid and bond funds have fallen even more, by 19% and 23%, respectively, from 1998 to 2012.
In line with the trend in recent years, the average expense ratio 401(k) plan participants incurred for investing in equity funds declined from 0.65% in 2011 to 0.63% in 2012, the study found.
Similarly, expense ratios that 401(k) plan participants paid for investing in hybrid funds fell from 0.61% in 2011 to 0.59% in 2012. The average expense ratio 401(k) plan participants incurred for investing in bond mutual funds dropped from 0.52% in 2011 to 0.50% in 2012.
Moreover, the study found that more than half of the $3.6 trillion invested in 401(k) plans at year-end 2012—or $2.1 trillion—was invested in mutual funds. Of the $2.1 trillion in 401(k) assets invested in mutual funds, 55% was in equity funds, 26% in hybrid funds, 15% in bond funds and 5% in money-market funds.
Check out Vanguard Study Boosts TDFs, Plugs Financial Advisors on AdvisorOne.


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Browsing Centres by Author "Jiang, Xang"
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An Extension of Chinese Network Power?Jiang, Xang; Ravenhill, John (København, 2007)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: China is a latecomer to preferential trading agreements (PTAs), choosing to complete its accession to the WTO before embarking on negotiations for preferential agreements. Since 2001, China has become a very active player in such agreements, currently having concluded treaties or being in the process of negotiating them with close to 30 partners. China's approach to PTAs is characterized by pragmatism; rather than following the American and European practices of using a template for all partnerships, China has been willing to tailor agreements to the specific relationships it is pursuing. Like other governments, China has a mixture of motives in pursuing PTAs. In some relationships, diplomatic/strategic considerations are paramount. In others, China seeks to pursue various economic interests, one of the most significant of which has been security of supply of raw materials. China's various motivations in PTAs are examined through three case studies: the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement with Hong Kong; the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area; and the negotiation of a PTA with Australia. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7414
Files in this item: 1ravenhill-yang-2007-18.pdf (220.3Kb)
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Edge Pot Ø18, Indoor / 55 eur
Designed by Stilleben
Edge Pot is a series of simple, hand-thrown terracotta pots in various colors and sizes. The series is inspired by an ancient Greek-Egyptian tradition for craftsmanship which is reflected in the amphora inspired foot. Available in 2 sizes for indoor use.
- Details
- Terracotta / Sierra Yellow
ØxH: 18x18 cm
Item no. 1810413
- Packaging
- WxDxH: 20x18,5x18,5 cm
Weight: 3,5 kg
- Material and care
Proper usage and maintenance
Proper usage and maintenance is vital for getting the most out of the valuable resources we have. Our designs are made to last for generations, but just like everything else, they need a little care to get there.
Terracotta is a beautiful looking type of earthenware formed by low-fired clay. Skagerak's terracotta is hand-thrown in Portugal, which gives each pot a unique expression. Terracotta means "baked earth" in Italian and the pottery technique can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece.
Cleaning and maintenance
The product requires a minimum of care. If necessary, clean the pot using luke-warm and soapy water and wipe with a dry cloth. Be aware that terracotta is fragile, so make sure to always take care when moving the pot around.
The pot can either be used for repotting or as a cover for a traditional plastic pot. The enclosed metal insert works as a drain for excess water. Always use potting soil as normal soil is too heavy for the pot.
Note: Do not place on wooded tables or the like to avoid spots on the surface.
About the designer / Stilleben
Like the art phenomenon it derives its name from, the design duo Stilleben ('still life') represents a combination of elements that come together in a harmonious whole. Ditte Reckweg and Jelena Nordentoft have achieved the same harmonious resonance. The two ceramicists met at The Danish Design School, and shortly after graduation they had the idea for the shop Stilleben, which carries carefully selected craft and design objects for the table, the home and the wardrobe. Today, Stilleben is a trend-setting and internationally recognised gallery in the heart of Copenhagen, driven by a clear sense of aesthetic, quality and passion.


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At Greenville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons we make every effort to provide you with the finest surgical care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this goal, we work hand in hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up to date. They can be reached by phone at 252-364-3280.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.
Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.


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Theory of Creativity
This story appears in the October 1997 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
We all start at the same spot: a blank space--and with a common goal: to fill that space. But the path we choose from there is completely individual, as individual, in fact, as the mind itself. What occupies that distance between nothing and something is the mysterious science we call creativity.
Funny how the mind works. The visions that come in like a flood, the blocks that temporarily immobilize, the defeats that send us back to the proverbial drawing board, the triumphs of fitting the pieces of the puzzle together, the satisfaction that comes with knowing something is right. The mind lurches, stalls, sprints, strolls, stifles, flows. We so often ask "What do you think?" while neglecting to ask the more interesting question, "How do you think?"
In business environments, creativity has traditionally been considered an anomaly. At worst, it's a sign of unprofessionalism; at best, it's a burst of energy confined to specific blocks of time. Even Webster's is remarkably stale in its definition of creativity: "artistic or intellectual inventiveness," it tersely summarizes. These perceptions fail to satisfy. The beauty of creativity is that it overflows the boundaries we set for it. To anyone who has been called upon to create, the means are infinitely more interesting than the definition and at times even more interesting than the end.
For modern-day creative genuises Joe Moya and Joe Raia, owners and founders of Joe Designer Inc., a product development and graphic communications firm in New York City, creativity is the very foundation of their business and the makeup of their souls. With their team of illustrators and industrial and graphic designers, they've developed products ranging from handmixers and toys to street-hockey blades and video game controllers for corporations such as Betty Crocker, Toy Biz, Kodak, Viacom Retail/Paramount, 4Kidz and IVY Hill/Warner Media Services. "Being creative," says Moya, "is kind of the ultimate thing here."
Being creative. It's an overwhelming call, for sure. But for entrepreneurs, what could be more fitting to their constitution and more, well, good, old-fashioned fun? We've pinned the Joes down and done exploratory surgery on their creative processes, uncovering some fascinating and practical insights into their theory of creativity--so you can learn to unleash yours.
In The Beginning...
. . . there were cartoons. Moya and Raia, both 32, believe their creativity did not start with entrepreneurship but with their childhood influences, which ranged from Bugs Bunny to MTV. Early on, they learned how to reconcile the absurdity of the media with the normalcy of suburbia. "We sort of mixed these things together, the mundane with the fantastic," says Raia. "The way we grew up, being on the cusp of Generation X, we acquired a skewed sensibility, which is a big catalyst of our creative ways."
That knack for coalescing the contradictory serves them to this day. "A lot of times, we're combining different thoughts, different patterns, different theories, classic elements from the past with futurist-type thinking," says Moya.
They're pretty good at combining childhood with adulthood as well: They're still cartoon watchers and comic book readers, and proud of it. Raia and Moya aren't quick to throw out any sources of inspiration, whether past or present, silly or sublime.
It's far from a frivolous move. Isn't childhood the prime time of all creativity, that span of time in which make-believe is a part of daily life and in which each person believes he or she is inherently creative--a dancer, a painter, a singer, an illustrator, a writer? What's so different about creating the ultimate sand castle and creating an innovative product prototype?
The Play Must Go On
The setting: a Soho office. The players: Moya, Raia and five of their employees.
The office is, by Moya's definition, very casual, very hip. Since both Moya and Raia came from corporate backgrounds, they have very intentionally rebelled against any semblance of corporate order. Walls are taboo. "If someone wants to say something," reasons Moya, "they can just yell it across the room."
"There's a little more respect when principals are involved in daily operations instead of hidden behind the glass doors, behind the oak desk, overseeing everyone like Big Brother," says Raia. "We get more respect from our staff because we'll roll up our sleeves instead of pointing the finger and asking someone else to do something."
"We let our staff know we're here not as their bosses, but as people," adds Moya. "That makes it a little easier for them to think freely."
Moya and Raia set the mood with atypical office accessories that encourage the all-work, all-play attitude. Moya admits the atmosphere is more nursery school than boardroom, complete with video games and a 68-foot track of Tyco race cars. Employees gather not around the water cooler but around the ever-popular Nerf hoop. No framed pastel landscapes in this office. Blackboards, bulletin boards and erasable drawing boards are scattered along the walls, just in case someone is struck by an idea mid-stroll. "I don't want to see blackboards empty," says Raia. "Even if it's a hangman, those are still ideas; you're still using your mind. At least you're not sitting there with a Walkman, typing on your computer."
Casual is more than a fashion statement here. "We've been in the structured corporate environment. We've worn the ties and sat in the cubicles," says Moya. "And that's really stagnant. This casual environment is about letting ourselves and our employees breathe."
This casualness frees employees up to reveal their own personalities. "The way they dress, the music they listen to, the way they speak--everyone's a little different," Moya says. "And in not only permitting that but allowing it to flourish, it helps people be themselves and bring unique ideas to the company."
In fact, traditional formalities such as job titles are banned. "People are treated equally," says Moya. "There are no labels, no lines drawn, so there's less pressure on people to impress us and other staff members."
The time employees of other companies spend schmoozing, Joe Designer's employees spend bonding. "I encourage our graphic designer to walk into the model shop and find out what's going on at the milling machine," says Raia. "I don't want someone to not understand the different principles and procedures. I like the idea of everyone knowing everything."
Remember The Sponge
Unfortunately, many businesses tend to drop the creativity ball early in the game--when scoping for clients. "Instead of [just] sending out letters and cold-calling, you have to use all types of techniques," says Moya.
"We started a business in a tenacious town, and we have to be tenacious to get more work," says Raia. "So the question is `How are we going to distinguish ourselves from the person next door?' "
Moya and Raia e-mail and fax like madmen. "We do illustrations of each other," says Moya. "So if we've met a prospective client, we'll send an illustration of ourselves saying `Hey, where are you? Why don't you call?' "
"Just by faxing illustrations, Joe Designer is constantly going across the desks of big CEOs," says Raia. "And when we sent out our two-year promotion, it was an expandable sponge. It's just a little twist to make people remember us. They'll get the printed calendars [from other companies], and that's very nice, but people are going to remember the sponge."
Let There Be Light
Funneling broad creativity into a specific mission--beginning an actual project--is the stage that usually overwhelms most people. Moya and Raia take the first step forward in this practical realm with research. "It's about knowing the market you're designing for," says Moya.
"We familiarize ourselves with market trends, the past history of the product, the past history of the trends of that product," says Raia. "We research by flipping through magazines. We pin articles, photos, everything up on the walls and familiarize the whole team with what the history is and what we want to achieve. We really try to fixate ourselves on the future--on, say, what a handmixer would look like 10 years from today."
Moya and Raia's idea of research is far from the dreary reality of homework. It's more of a mindset, in which creative juices flow through daily life. You observe the blending of colors in a sunset, the way a bird uses its wings, the perfect rippling of a wave. When you hit this plane of hyperconsciousness, knowledge happens.
"It's really not so much a sit-down-at-the-library type of thing; it's just about keeping an open mind to different elements, things you can use in your design," says Raia. "You can apply architecture to a product or a product to architecture. There are beautiful things in nature that you can apply to products, especially with form. When we were developing [products with soft, rounded contours, such as the Betty Crocker Handmixer], we borrowed contours off everything from nature to classic cars. And the steelwork, the bridgework in our city, the way it's mechanically fastened, just by scaling it down, it adds great detail to products."
When they feel led to do so, Moya and Raia postpone the hard-core research phase. "Sometimes it's better to come in with fresh ideas and not be affected by what's out there," says Moya. "So we may start off a project with some brainstorming sessions and rough concepts based just on our initial thoughts, and do the research after. Then we're not jaded by what we've already seen."
In Session
The brainstorming session--that awe-inspiring forum of free-flowing thoughts--is the birthplace of some of the most revolutionary changes mankind has seen. It's where anything is possible, unfettered by earthly boundaries. Or, as Moya puts it, "it's where Joe and I bang ideas off each other."
At Joe Designer, banging ideas off others is a big deal. Care is taken in the details. The key element is music--sometimes blues, often jazz. "The dysfunctional notes in jazz have a lot to do with how we think," says Moya. "It's not four-four time."
And it helps to have plenty of people. "Everybody is involved [in brainstorming sessions]. We bring in everybody, from the bookkeeper to the office manager, because they see things completely differently than we do," says Raia. "We may be a little too far out in left field and need that middle-of-the-road thinking."
The actual brainstorming sessions start slowly and, like a train, build momentum. Moya and Raia brief the staff on the project and its goals. Then they divide the project into different categories or characteristics; for example, a telephone will be divided into its physical elements: the mouthpiece, the earpiece, the base and the cord.
People will randomly go up to the blackboard and sketch or doodle something under the different sections, or maybe write down key words that might influence the design or spark an idea. "We try to break down the boundaries of stagnancy," says Raia. "It inhibits people's thinking if they're afraid to throw something out that's in left field because the boss might not like it. I want to see every little cocktail napkin they draw on. I want to see everything because the smallest ideas are usually the best."
When lulls hit, rather than plowing through, "sometimes everyone will branch off and come up with some ideas, play with Tyco cars or video games, and then we bring it back together and work as a team," says Moya. "There's a lot of breathing room."
Even having minds like the Joes, however, doesn't ward off all cases of scarcity in such sessions. "That constant need to invent new ideas is hard at times," says Raia, who points out that it's important not to limit brainstorming to the session itself but to partake daily, as naturally as you breathe. In other words, the brainstorming's not over until the fat client sings.
Moya is always prepared for an idea to surface: "I'll wake up, have a pad of paper by the bed, turn on the light and start sketching. That happens often. And it happens many times when I'm sitting on the subway going to work. I'll see something and say `Where's my sketch pad?' "
The Rut (And Other Enemies)
The actual production may seem anticlimactic after a rowdy, Tyco-break-filled, banging-ideas-off-each-other brainstorming session. "The most exciting part [of product development] is that brainstorming session," says Raia. "Because after you come up with your concepts of what this thing should do, then you have to actually become practical, put it down on paper and make it work."
What inevitably follows, says Raia, is "a long, long process--the development of the piece and then figuring out the engineering end of it. We work on how this thing will actually go together, and then how to make it better for less money. It's the struggle that's involved with thinking of the practical."
"And sometimes you hit a dead end," admits Moya.
So many of us are confounded when we have nowhere else to go mentally, which is odd considering when we hit a dead end literally, we know exactly what to do. We just turn around and take another route. It works the same way with creativity. "You may be looking at something the wrong way," says Raia. "You need to take a step back, go around it and hit it from a different angle."
"There's not one way to solve a problem," says Moya. "There are many different approaches you can take. So just going back and reexamining does help when you're in a rut. Maybe there's a call for going back to brainstorming. Brainstorming is not just a onetime thing--it occurs constantly throughout the process. It's a constant reexamination of ideas."
Sometimes the solution lies down another avenue. "When you think you've proved the point or solved the problem, you may then look and see merit in other designs. So you pick and choose from other concepts you've done, and it pushes you in another direction," says Raia. "You may think you're in a rut, but you may already have [figured] the way out. It could just be hidden."
Other times, the right way is to work with what you already have in a fresh way. Consider this the "stand on your head" method to creativity. "Maybe you just need to take your drawing and turn it upside down," says Raia. "Just looking at something in a different light helps. One little thing is [sometimes] all it takes to spark [your creativity again]. It could be as simple as a coffee stain on your drawing."
"And that may be the next graphic vision," adds Moya. "You never know."
The major enemies of creativity? "Just doing the obvious," says Raia.
"Being closed-minded," agrees Moya. "If you're stuck in a rut, sometimes it's because you're just doing the same thing over and over."
So what do the Joes do in those extreme moments, when they're completely drained, dried up, not another thought in their heads?
"Nerf hoop," says Raia.
"Yeah, Nerf hoop," agrees Moya. "Seriously, it does help."
Thinking Ahead
One thing you should know about Moya and Raia: They are obsessed with the future. "We have this fixation," says Raia. " `How are we going to evolve? What is going to happen tomorrow? How are we going to link the present with the future?' We think about the future with new technologies, new ways of molding and manufacturing, new methods of client relations. We're constantly trying to determine what's going to happen tomorrow and the day after and down the road, and what we're going to need to do there."
Their fascination with the future makes perfect sense. Creative types realize the future holds infinite possibilities unrestrained by today's conventions. Creativity, like the future, is greater than Moya or Raia or you or me. The hugeness of it naturally inspires awe, and the awe naturally inspires creativity.
Moya and Raia are, in the final judgment, idea men. If the future builds it, they will come. And they'll take a lot of people with them. "We like leaving people with something new on their minds," says Raia. "Anybody can put a couch up against the wall, but to turn it on a 30 degree angle, put this little thing behind it . . . just adding a little twist to something, that's all creativity means."
Tips From The Joes
- Be like a child: Childhood is the breeding ground of creative thinking.
- Break down the barriers between you and your employees. Corporate stuffiness is so '80s.
- Keep your eyes open. Great ideas are all around you, waiting to be discovered.
- Ask everyone you know for ideas. You never know--your mild-mannered bookkeeper might just turn out to be a creative dynamo.
- When ideas aren't flowing, don't force them. A five-minute break for some breathing space is better than an hour of stagnancy.
- Get a fresh perspective: Take the concept and turn it upside down.
- Play hard--recreation helps stimulate thinking.
According to Juanita Weaver, a Takoma Park, Maryland, creativity consultant, Joe Designer is right on target when it comes to the following strategies:
- Fostering a safe and open environment for employees. "A major block to creativity is the internalized voice of judgment that says this can't be done; if you do it, something awful will happen; that's ridiculous; it's stupid; it would never work; it doesn't matter anyway," says Weaver. "When that happens, we can't even get a little idea out. The critical thing in creativity is to suspend this voice of judgment during the initial phase when you're trying to come up with something new. Keep it positive. Just let go and proceed."
As a business owner, Weaver says it's important to understand, as do Joe Moya and Joe Raia, that while you can come in on the next stage and select, sort, evaluate and then implement these new ideas, it's in that beginning phase that you just have to move from impulse to impulse and trust your first thoughts.
- Not trying to force creativity to happen. Especially in brainstorming meetings, says Weaver, there needs to be some time in which each group member goes away alone and processes, and then comes back to the group. This alone time is an important component of creativity.
- Having fun. "[Moya and Raia] have the courage to play," says Weaver. "We're trained to think [business] is so serious, and that shuts us down in terms of playing around and combining things in new ways. A sense of humor and fun opens us up again."
Meeting Of The Minds
Being creative means starting small, says Juanita Weaver, a Takoma Park, Maryland, creativity consultant. "Go about it gradually, even if you only change one thing, such as the way you hold a meeting."
Weaver suggests four ideas you can implement to get the creative juices flowing in your meetings:
1. Give your employees five minutes to come up with five careers they'd pursue if they weren't limited by external factors. "This exercise elicits a lot of energy," says Weaver, "and you can take this energy back to your meeting."
2. Have employees take a minute to contemplate an issue, then pick up magazines and tear out any images that appeal to them. Have them relate these images to the issue at hand. "It's about using images to tap into your subconscious," says Weaver.
3. Have everyone pick an object in the room and ask them to write three poems about it: a haiku, a poem as if they knew nothing about the object, and one relating the object to something from their childhood. "This shows that you can look at one thing many ways and find different levels of meaning in it," says Weaver.
4. Pass out name tags, and allow your employees to make up their own names. "Their names could be, for example, Queen of the Nile, Down in the Dumps or Juanita the Great," says Weaver. "It changes the energy and opens the mind up a bit."
Contact Sources
Joe Designer Inc., 131 Varick St., #1004, New York, NY 10013, http://www.joedesigner.com
Juanita Weaver, 7220 Central Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912, (301) 270-1897.


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CARSON, Calif. – Kenney Walker scored a goal and recorded an assist as LA Galaxy II defeated the Orange County Blues 3-1 in their inaugural match at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium.
Head coach Curt Onalfo's USL PRO side looked assured in their Home Opener against their cross-town rival as they controlled the run of play throughout their first 90 minutes. All nine players loaned to the USL PRO side from the parent club made appearances in the victory.
"The atmosphere was excellent," said Onalfo after the team's first win. "The LA Galaxy organization did an excellent job putting resources into this and making this first class."
Rugg opened the scoring for Los Dos after 40 minutes when he collected the ball from 22 yards from goal and ripped a curling shot that settled neatly into the corner of the net.
"It was a good chance in the box and it just came out to me," said Rugg. "I tried to take my time and keep focused on my technique and it worked out."
But Galaxy II's lead was short-lived however as Orange County attacker Stephen Okai leveled the match with a perfectly placed free kick just three minutes later. A topsy-turvy end to the first half reached a crescendo when Walker swept home the rebound from a chance by Rugg to give Los Dos a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
LA Galaxy's USL PRO affiliate picked up where they left off in the second half when defender Daniel Steres headed home a Walker corner kick to double Galaxy II's lead. With Galaxy II ahead, Onalfo inserted Jamieson IV who was lively in his 30 minute in his cameo.
Largely untested, Galaxy II goalkeeper Cody Laurendi made the best save of the evening when he dove dramatically to palm Enrique Cardenas' effort around the post. Still up by two goals, the Galaxy nearly added their fourth of the night when Rugg launched a long-range chip in the 75th minute that was the final chance of the match.
"We've had a clear emphasis on how we want to build out of the back and a lot of that stuff came out," said Onalfo. "We weren't as sharp as I wanted us to be in front of the goal with that being said we still scored three goals but I feel like with a little bit more precision and more concentration we could have had two or three more."
Galaxy II return to action next weekend when they host intra-state rival Sacramento Republic FC on March 29 at 7:30 pm.


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Goldfinches eating well
"Where are the American goldfinches?" ask readers who have been waiting since Thanksgiving for the birds to appear in their backyards.
Answer: They are getting plenty of wild food and have no need for feeders.
After a series of cold fronts and frosty weather in January, my wife and I began seeing goldfinches at our backyard feeders.
But then I went birding in an East Texas forest and noticed scores of goldfinches everywhere — in sweetgum trees and pine trees, and on grass stems.
In the San Antonio area, readers have been reporting increasing numbers of American goldfinches since Christmas. Hill Country residents also should be seeing fewer goldfinches stick around all year, even though many of them retreat farther south into Texas for winter.
Though American goldfinches — small wren-size birds with deeply notched tails — begin arriving all across Texas in late September, we normally don't see them at feeders until months later, when the wild food crop has been depleted.
Their populations here also may vary from one season to another depending on the number of birds that remain north during winter.
When they arrive in Texas, the goldfinches have molted into nonbreeding plumage.
The males present themselves in rather lackluster olive or brown with dingy yellow around the face and throat, plus black wings and two subdued wing bars. Winter females are nearly all light brown with dark wings and twin wing bars.
But because the birds stay until late April and early May, Texans by late March may see birds that have molted into a striking breeding plumage of lemon yellow, with the males sporting a jet-black cap and black wings with bold wing bars.
Breeding females are a tad duller with no black cap. Their bright plumage derives from a diet rich in beta-carotene, found in sunflower and thistle seeds.
Most of us should start seeing the lovely birds in our backyards by February if we haven't already.
They come with voracious appetites, causing us to refill our bird feeders more often than usual.
More Information
Thistle seed: preferred by goldfinches; store in cool, dry place because it can go rancid, and check feeders often to make sure seed is not moldy.
Shelled sunflower seed: no waste hulls litter the ground, and it does not go rancid.
Black oil sunflower seed: some waste hulls, but unlikely to go rancid.
Their habit of sitting on feeders for five to 20 minutes at a time, munching seeds, make them vulnerable to hawks. Most birds usually fly to a perch, grab seed and retreat to a tree branch.
When they arrive, listen for a high-pitched, soulful swee-swee-swee sound.
The bird's scientific name is Carduelis tristis: Carduelis from Latin for thistle, and tristis from Latin for sad, referring to its rueful call notes. As spring arrives, listen for their happy song that sounds like the words "potato chips."
To contact Lone Star College professor Gary Clark or photographer Kathy Adams Clark, visit their website at www.texasbirder.net.


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A Tzaddik in Our Time
Anyone who ever attended a wedding in Bnei Brak up until a year or two ago was familiar with Reb Dovid Leib Schwartz, of blessed memory, who solicited money for tzedaka and profusely blessed the donors.
This Tzaddik endured the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps and heroically maintained his observance of mitzvot, even managing to fulfill the obligations of three meals on Shabbat. In one camp the inmates were called together before Shabbat and each of them was given a loaf of bread which was to last them during an exhausting three-day march which they would be forced to make after Shabbat. Everyone except for Reb Dovid Leib cautiously saved the loaf for the long march. He insisted on consuming it for the three Shabbat meals.
At the end of the day there came a surprise announcement that the march had been cancelled and that all unconsumed loaves must be returned to the camp kitchen. This Tzaddik had no need to return anything. Instead he received a Heavenly return for his self-sacrificing heroism and his faith in G-d which was so dramatically vindicated.


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We take a first look at the Samsung Galaxy Note II
The [[artnid:435037|Samsung Galaxy Note II]] has a larger 5.5in screen than its predecessor, a faster, quad-core processor and runs the latest version of Google's Android platform, 4.1 Jelly Bean. We've just got our hands on it, so let's unbox it and take a first look!
The retail packaging of the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Keep in mind this is likely to differ to the Australian box if and when the phone is released down under.
Our review unit, supplied by [[xref:http://www.mobicity.com.au/samsung-galaxy-note-2.html|online store MobiCity]], is a 16GB "Titanium Gray' model.
Unboxing the Galaxy Note II.
Inside you'll find a Quick start guide, a warranty card and some Samsung promotional materials.
Inside the box. As you can see our review unit was supplied with a non-Australian charger but MobiCity includes an Aussie adapter in the box.
The Samsung Galaxy Note II sales package includes a charging adapter, the battery, a micro-USB cable, a headset and small, medium and large silicone ear tips.
The back of the Samsung Galaxy Note II. As you can see the 'titanium gray' finish is extremely reflective.
The front of the Galaxy Note II. The styling is very similar to the Galaxy S III, only larger.
Here's the S Pen, which slides out from the bottom right of the phone.
It S Pen once again has a button on it to perform various actions including taking a screenshot of the device.
Here's the S Pen removed from the Galaxy Note II.
This is the menu you're presented with when you remove the S Pen from the Galaxy Note II.
The phone will also show a list of "recommended shortcuts" for the S Pen in the notifications panel.
Behind the rear battery cover. There's a slot for a microSD card on the left, and a micro-SIM on the right.
A closer look.
The Galaxy Note II powering on.
This is the standard power-up screen.
The Samsung set-up screens guide you through the phone for the first time.
The on-screen keyboard on the Galaxy Note II utilises the extra screen real estate by including a row of numbers in the normal view.
Samsung has made the Galaxy Note II thinner and slightly smaller in width than the original Galaxy Note.
The Galaxy Note II is 9.4mm thick compared to 9.7mm and is 80.5mm wide compared to 83mm.
The Galaxy Note II is 2g heavier than its predecessor and around 4mm taller, but these increases are so small that we suspect most people will barely notice.
The headphone jack remains at the top of the Galaxy Note II.
From left to right: The Samsung Galaxy Note II, the Samsung Galaxy S III, the Motorola RAZR HD and the iPhone 5.
As you can see, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is significantly larger than most other smartphones on the market.
From top to bottom: The iPhone 5, Motorola RAZR HD, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II.
The Galaxy Note II uses the same super AMOLED screen technology as the original Galaxy Note but has a slightly lower resolution of 1280x720 compared to 1280x800. The lower resolution means a slightly less pixel density rating of 267ppi but we suspect 99 per cent of users won't be able to tell the difference if the phones are side-by-side.
[[artnid:435062|There's no word yet on an official Australian release of the Galaxy Note II]], with Samsung saying "a decision has not yet been made whether this product will be made available in Down Under." The Galaxy Note II is available in Europe, Asia and the Middle East now, and will be released in the US by the end of 2012.
Emerging Leaders 2020
ARN Innovation Awards


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Hi everyone,
I have a JTextPane with some styled text in it and i am trying to scale them.
What i mean is that assuming that the text inside the JTextPane on startup is a 100% in size. After i click some JButton all the font size of the entire document is reduced to 25%
The thing is that this JTextPane contains alot of text that has different font sizes thus i want each of their respective font sizes of the character to be 25% of its original value.
Does anyone know how to do this?
But is there another way i could achieve the scaling of my styled text in my JTextPane so that it is 25% of its original value by means of subclassing my JTextPane or StyledDocument class and overiding its paint method?
Does anyone know how to do this?
Any help is greatly appreciated
Thank You
Yours Sincerely
Richard West


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There's no doubt that, with thousands of titles on offer, the iPad is a valid portable(ish) games machine. Indeed, some apps could happily rival PSP and DS equivalents, yet cost a fraction of the price.
One bugbear we've always had with console quality games on the device, though, is that the capacitive touchscreen, sweaty thumbs and fiddly virtual thumb controllers do not make for a pleasant gaming experience, nor do they allow you to concentrate on the action without constantly looking to wear your digits are placed.
ThinkGeek has the answer, mini arcade control sticks that stick to the screen at the exact point of the in-game controls in order to give you completely 360-degree movement, tangibly and accurately.
Its Joystick-it tablet arcade stick is a tiny godsend for iPad gamers. At its bottom it has a non-damaging suction cup, which has enough give for the stick to wiggle about. Above that there's a capacitive sponge, the type of which you'd find in smaller quality at the tip of a stylus. It is this that interacts with the screen.
The rest is a solid milled aluminium construction (or so it says on the box), which feels chunky in the hand, regardless of its diminutive stature. And that's really all there is to it. It is a masterpiece of simplicity.
Not all games work with the Joystick-it, of course. Some don't have 360-degree controls, so they're out, and some on-screen pads are either too big or two small for the game to register the stick's directions. However, it has been designed to suit the average dimensions, so should work on plenty of games to make it worthwhile.
We tried it on Pacman, Galaxian Reloaded (removed from the App Store, presumably for copyright infringement), Sacred Odyssey and Speedball 2, and it worked beautifully on all of them. In many cases, changing the entire dynamic of the game, and improving the experience no end.
Another bonus is that, should you acquire two Joystick-its, you can use them at the same time - something we tried on EA's Reckless Racing and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3... The first took a bit of getting used to, as you're using both sticks at once, and they don't respond quite the same as a conventional thumbstick; but the second allowed two players to play on the same screen during UMK3. Result.
We didn't get to test them on an Android tablet, but are also assured they work on one of those too.
The only downsides we can mention are that it's a ThinkGeek exclusive, so needs to be ordered from the States, and that each Joystick-it is fairly pricey. One stick will cost $24.99 (£15.62), while two, when ordered together, will set you back $39.99 (£25). And that's without postage and packaging, which could cost a bit over $20 (£12.50) for shipment to the UK. Plus, there's the UK Customs charges to consider - we ended up paying those to the delivery guy on arrival.
Is it worth it though? For arcade-style control over some of the iPad's greatest games? You betcha.
How do you play iPad games? Will these make a huge difference to you? Let us know in the comments below...


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Butterscotch Koosh Glass Plug
High Quality Butterscotch Koosh glass plugs. Handmade and exclusive a truly impressive piece to add to your plug collection. Made by highly skilled glass artists, treat yourself to these beauties.
Due to the handmade nature no two of these plugs will be the same. You will receive an individual and unique piece. They may vary slightly in size, length, color and design to the ones pictures. However we will ensure that we match your plugs closely if you order a pair.
Why not tag us in a photo of you wearing your products.
Instagram: @ukcustomplugs & #ukcplugs
Please check below to see if your size is currently in stock.
You can return your accessories / clothing items within 28 days of receipt for a refund of that item or exchange it for a different size or colour.
Please note that in the interests of hygiene certain items, such as body jewellery, cannot be returned.
Sale items, limited edition items and/or bundle deals are non-returnable unless due to manufacturing faults. They are sold at a discounted price and as such all sales are final.
Custom made products are also non-returnable as these are one of a kind, made-to-order products and as such all sales are final.
In all cases, the items returned must be in their original condition, which includes tags and any packaging. All goods will be inspected on return. The removal of stickers or other such free items will be charged against the customers refund if entire order is returned.
The goods are your responsibility until they reach our warehouse. Please ensure you package your return to prevent any damage to the items or boxes. We are not responsible for any items that are returned to us in error.
We're always striving to provide the best customer service possible so all orders are shipped out within 2-3 working days depending on availability.
Please allow extra time for wooden products as these have to be made to order.
Depending where you are in the world will alter the shipping time.
Orders from the UK will usually arrive within 4-5 days of placing an order.
Overseas orders may take up to 3 weeks to arrive.
*Please note in busy periods dispatch time may increase*


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Mercy steps to the plate as 'Official Medical Provider' for Cardinals
Mercy will manage sports medicine needs and medical services during the multi-year partnership
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – St. Louis-based Mercy has entered into a long-term partnership to serve as Official Medical Provider of the St. Louis Cardinals. The collaboration means that Mercy will manage the team's orthopedic and sports medicine needs, as well as provide other medical services including internal medicine.
"We are very excited that this long-term agreement with Mercy will provide the Cardinals with access to some of the best physicians and facilities in medicine today," said John Mozeliak, Cardinals Sr. Vice President & General Manager. "The Cardinals will now have access to a nationally recognized hospital, as well as receive an increased level of comprehensive, advanced care that is only possible from one of the leading health systems."
Long-time team physicians Dr. George Paletta and Dr. Lyndon Gross will continue to provide orthopedic care for the Cardinals, as members of the Mercy medical team. Other leaders of the Cardinals care team are Mercy Clinic Sports Medicine specialist Dr. Brian Mahaffey and Internist Dr. Jason Hand. Beyond orthopedics, Mercy has a corps of more than 550 St. Louis-area primary care and specialty physicians available to Cardinals players, office staff and their families.
Mercy Regional President Donn Sorensen explains that the long-term deal with the Cardinals advances Mercy's initiatives of growth and service.
"We intend to develop a sports medicine center that is a national destination for both orthopedics and sports medicine. This is a great step toward realizing that goal," Sorensen says. "Partnering with the St. Louis Cardinals means that Mercy is stepping up to the plate in a very meaningful, very substantial way."
Mercy has a deep well of experience in quality sports medicine services including surgery, sports-focused primary care, physical therapy and trainers that serve high schools and universities. Mercy's collaboration with the Cardinals in St. Louis mirrors a long-term partnership it has had as team physicians for the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis club.
Mercy is one of Missouri's largest employers, with 23,000 co-workers serving 1.8 Missourians annually. Statewide, Mercy has 10 hospitals, with two in the St. Louis metro area and a third in Jefferson County coming on board January 31. A fourth facility, Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital, is located in Chesterfield. The organization's physician group, Mercy Clinic, includes 550 primary care and specialty physicians, working in nearly 140 locations throughout the metropolitan area.
"Our partnership with the Cardinals goes well beyond orthopedics and internal medicine. This is about Mercy offering coordinated, integrated health care across the board to the Cardinals, from players to office personnel and their families," Sorensen says. "The entire St. Louis Cardinals organization can look to us for advanced, clinically excellent care, just like the rest of Cardinal Nation."


text: The Aquarium Conservation Team (ACT!) has seen many great volunteers come and go over the years, but one volunteer who has seen the program through since the very beginning is Mary Sidlowski. She is a mainstay at nearly every one of our conservation events, a source of inspiration and comic relief. Mary began volunteering for the Aquarium in 1993 because she was looking for "a rewarding way to fill her time." Since then she has become an integral part of many departments; she divides her time between working in Australia Wild Extremes, the rainforest, membership, education, the Marine Animal Rescue Program, and ACT! "I was in ACT! before ACT! existed," Mary says with a smile. She recalls a time when the Conservation Team's only projects were beach clean-ups at Assateague Island, and she says "every year it has gotten better and better." Now Mary loves to participate in wetland and dune restoration projects, and really enjoys planting the grasses – even if it means being covered in mud! "It's very rewarding work, because you get to immediately see the results of what you've done," she explains. When it was time for the Conservation Team to plant its one-millionth grass, there was no question as to who should do the honors. Mary mentions planting this milestone grass as one of the highlights of her ACT! career, but when asked to pick a favorite planting project she could not choose. "I just like planting, I don't care where we are when we do it," she replied. As a member of the Marine Animal Rescue Program, Mary is active in public outreach. She loves to interact with the public, and she has a knack for getting her message across to visitors in a fun and interesting way. Mary also fondly recalls participating in a sea turtle release at Assateague Island, mentioning it as one of her favorite MARP memories. "That's really what it is all about," she said. So what advice does this super-active volunteer have for people who are on the fence about donating their time? "Come, come, come! Come out and plant with us! It is really hard work, but it is worth it!" Tags: act, conservation-events, conservation-team, planting, volunteers Categories: Behind-The-Scenes, Conservation, News Previous Post Next Post


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WELCOME to our Friday blog. Every Friday we hand over to Carl and Alex Smith – known online as simply Carl & Alex. These super keen youngsters have a passion for making a variety of fishing videos, and provide a youth dimension to our new blogging mix.
We hope you enjoy the blog, written by Carl, and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the icons above, or by the "old skool" method of telling fellow anglers!
Feel free also to comment by using the special space at the bottom on this page.
WHILST on the train to London this week, I found myself talking to someone I used to go to school with. After briefly discussing college and homework we soon moved onto the topic of angling (it was inevitable as David also fishes!)
He told me about a lake he fishes sometimes; funnily enough I had been there a couple of times before but failed to catch anything reasonable. It was the stream that flowed behind the lake that I was more interested in. Although it is very small, tiny streams can sometimes hold big surprises.
David mentioned that he knew there was a carp in there as well as chub. So a couple of days later we found ourselves asking dad if he could drop us off for a session. Dad replied with: "Yes of course, but only after you help me dig this hole in the garden."
He must have been surprised when I seemed so keen but he soon realised why. Worms. Free bait for the river!
After an hour of digging we threw our gear in the van, just a couple of feeder rods, net, mat and some bits and bobs. And then placed my box of worms next to our tackle. Having arrived at the stream, we were a little disappointed. It was tiny, much smaller than when I had visited the previous winter. In parts it looked like it wasabout to dry up!
We walked downstream and found a spot where the river slowed and appeared to get deeper. Alex flicked out his feeder and as he tensioned the quiver tip, it slowly pulled round. He was into a fish, first cast! It was a bream, but not a small one.
Blimey! A bream of that size in here? Crazy stuff. The next cast the tip remained motionless for a little while, the tiny feeder was perfect for the river as it held a small mouthful of groundbait but was just heavy enough to hold bottom.
Alex's rod tip juddered and he struck, a small perch did its best to rid the hook, but Alex scooped it up in his net. We were both impressed by the quality of thefish in this minute river. I had a go with my rod, casting a little bit further downstream towards some snags. First cast, my tip flew round and kept on going, the worm had been engulfed by a very big fish. A fight of about three minutes followed until the head of a carp surfaced. What on earth is that doing in here I thought!
As it swam away, its back remained out of the water for a while before it found the deeper water. Because of the long fight with the common, we both expected the bites to be few and far between, but incredibly the next cast ended with another carp, this time smaller and for Alex. It's nice to catch a bigger one than your brother every now and then!
The bites tailed off after the two carp but just as Mum phoned to tell us to start packing up, my quiver tip bounced once. I picked up the rod to reel in and as I did, something pulled back! It was a lovely perch to end the session.
We have decided to go back at some point and film this stretch, to give people an idea of what is possible from miniature streams like this one.
Tight lines everyone, til next week's blog!
- If you want to see more of the lads' videos for free, now, just browse the Carl & Alex channel in this website's new TV player. Below is their most recent video, the brilliant third part of "Quest for a 20 lb carp" where Carl achieves what his younger brother achieved big style earlier this summer.
Here's the list of all our exclusive new daily blogs and when they go live:
MONDAY: Carp crews on rotation – Korda, Fox, Nash and ACE.
TUESDAY: Steve Collett, Mail contributor and ultimate all-rounder.
WEDNESDAY: Angler's Mail HQ – yes, us!
THURSDAY: Specialists from Pike Anglers Club, Korum, Marukyu and Pallatrax, on rotation
FRIDAY: Carl & Alex, Angler's Mail juniors and video diary makers.
SATURDAY: The Angling Trust – guys at the governing body.
SUNDAY: Colin Mitchell, veteran coarse angler and top journalist


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Wildfires in the news and in our backyards are a reminder of the importance of having an emergency evacuation plan in place for your family — including your pets.
Animal emergency preparedness is an area not many people think about, but animals feel the impacts of the same disasters and emergencies that humans do. In any emergency, be it tornado, a flood, earthquake, a blizzard, a chemical leak, or a fire, a pet's guardian is vital in the response and recovery efforts during and after disasters. Having a family and pet emergency plan in place before an emergency arises can help families navigate a stressful situation.
Here are a few things you'll want to think about when designing your pet evacuation plan:
Identification: Make sure your animal has proper pet identification via microchip, photos and/or ID tags. Having one or more form of pet identification should be a priority. Talk with your veterinarian about it. You should store copies of this information in an area away from home with your veterinarian or with a close relative.
Evacuation plan: Make sure you can evacuate people and animals quickly from your home and in one trip if possible. If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are registered with the management and that your animals can safely exit through a stairway. Have a list of places you can go with your family and pets. If the area you evacuate to doesn't allow animals, prepare a list of kennels, veterinary hospitals, and animal shelters that will take your pets until you can return home.
Evacuation kit: Have a bag ready with leashes, collars, halters, bottled water, bowls, food, health records, and medications. If you have livestock or horses, have a trailer ready at all times and practice loading your animals in the trailer so when necessary your animals will go in the trailer more readily.
Backup plan if animals can't evacuate: If animals are left behind, post information about the number of animals in your house and/or in your barn for emergency workers. Place the information in a sheet protector and secure it to your house and/or barn near a door or window.
Reduce risks: If you have livestock or horses, good barn and field maintenance can reduce danger. Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures by promptly removing dead trees, and minimize debris in the fields or immediate environment.
This is of course only a brief list of guidelines for helping you prepare for an emergency evacuation — discuss this information more with your veterinarian to help make your evacuation plan. Find more information about emergency and disaster preparedness at the following websites:
American Veterinary Medical Association, avma.org/disaster/default.asp
Colorado State Animal Response Team, ColoradoSART.org
Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, colovma.org
American Humane Associatedion, americanhumane.org
Centennial Valley Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital in Louisville, Colorado. It is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The hospital provides care for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles and exotics. Services include preventive care, laser surgery, digital X-Ray, in-house pharmacy, full dental care, in-house laboratory, hospitalization, acupuncture/herbs, and pain management. Doctors and staff are certified. Visit cvah.com.


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FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas had plenty of confidence entering its Southeastern Conference opener, believing its road woes were a thing of the past.
So the first result — a 69-53 loss to Texas A&M — surprised the Razorbacks.
"It humbles you," Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said about the loss, which snapped a seven-game win streak. "You think you're playing well, you think you're a pretty good basketball team. We won so many games in a row.
"Now, all the sudden, you get smacked in the face."
Anderson is hoping the bruises disappear today, when the Razorbacks (11-3, 0-1 in Southeastern Conference) try to bounce back from the poor performance against No. 10 Florida (12-2, 1-0 in SEC) in Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas will put its 23-game win streak in Fayetteville on the line, beginning an important four-day stretch that also includes next Tuesday's game against 14th-ranked Kentucky.
Forward Alandise Harris said preserving the home win streak is a source of motivation for the Razorbacks, whose early-season swagger took a hit in College Station, Texas, on Wednesday night. But the junior knows Arkansas is capable of bouncing back against the Gators because of what it has accomplished at home.
"It's like an extra edge," Harris said. "People already have a little bit on their mind because they're already scared of the pressure. They know that it's very hard to win here. So it already gives you just an extra edge."
Florida understands after last season's 80-69 loss. The Gators had won 10 straight and rose to No. 2 in the country before its road trip to Bud Walton Arena.
The Razorbacks responded by knocking down 14 of their first 18 shots to ambush the Gators, building as much as a 23-point lead in the first half. Arkansas never relinquished it, celebrating its biggest win to date under Anderson.
"I don't know what it is, but when they're there and they're a completely different team," Florida center Patric Young told reporters in Gainesville, Fla. "We have to prepare for that. We can't take them lightly like we did last year. We have to be ready for the first punch they might throw at us, react and stay together."
But to duplicate the feat, the Razorbacks must improve after struggling through their latest road disaster. Arkansas opened conference play with a double-digit loss at Texas A&M for the second straight season in their first true road game.
Leading scorers Michael Qualls and Bobby Portis combined for just nine points on 4-for-22 shooting. The Razorbacks missed 11 layups and half of their free throws.
"I think our guys were disappointed, but I don't think they were discouraged," Anderson said. "I thought they played hard. I thought nerves were going. I thought we missed some shots early on, and I thought that just triggered on other parts of the game. … But as I told them, that's just one game."
So Arkansas guard Anthlon Bell said the Razorbacks shook off the frustration in practice sessions Thursday and Friday. He said Qualls and Portis looked confident, too, seeming to move past the ugly night against the Aggies.
Anderson plans to shuffle his lineup as well in hopes of sparking the Hogs. Qualls, who has come off the bench six of the past eight games, will be back with the starters.
"It's time," Anderson said. "It's time for it."
Florida, meanwhile, won't be at full strength today. Coach Billy Donovan announced that his leading scorer – forward Casey Prather – won't be available because of a knee injury. Prather is averaging 17.7 points a game this season and leads the Southeastern Conference in field goal percentage (62.4 percent).
Prather's absence isn't the end of the injury report, either. Starting point guard Scottie Wilbekin, who is Florida's second-leading scorer (12.3 points a game), suffered an ankle injury late in the win against South Carolina and is questionable today. So is Young, who is dealing with tendinitis in his knees.
Young said he plans to be "full-go." Either way, Florida's depth will be tested.
"We'll go in there as best we can and do the best job we can with what we've got," Donovan said. "We'll see who's available."
Anderson expects Florida — which did end Arkansas' 17-0 start in Bud Walton Arena in 2011-12 with a 98-68 win — to be prepared no matter who is on the floor.
He's confident the Razorbacks will be ready, too, after watching them bounce back from a first-game loss to California at the Maui Invitational earlier this season.
Anderson said Arkansas is much better than the team that struggled against the Aggies. The Hogs need to show it as they try to extend their home win streak today.
"To me, this will be the true test of our team, what kind of team we're going to be," Anderson said.


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The Indiana Finance Authority is providing the financing for the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium and the Convention Center expansion. In October 2005, the IFA issued $400 million in bonds to pay for the initial phase of the Stadium construction. An additional $211 million and $55 million in bonds were issued in March 2007 and July 2008, respectively, to finish Stadium construction.
In December 2005, the Authority issued a $40 million bond anticipation note to fund the design phase of the Convention Center expansion, followed by a $120 million bond issuance in August 2008 to refund the note and fund the next phases of construction.
For information on Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, please visit http://www.in.gov/iscba.


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A look at the Cubs minor leaguers on Saturday.
The AZL Cubs did it again on Saturday beating the AZL Padres 13-3. After a couple rough nights, Timothy Saunders got back on track going 4-for-6 with a double, home run, three runs scored, and five RBIs. He raised his average back up to .493. Equally as impressive has been Dan Vogelbach, and he didn't disappoint on Saturday. He had two hits, including a double and drove in four. The Cubs got three hits out of Daniel Lockhart and Jacob Rogers and they combined to score five runs on the night. Shawon Dunston Jr. and Garrett Schlect each added two hits a piece and Carlos Penalver hit a triple and drove in two. One of this year's supplemental picks Paul Blackburn got his first start of the year. He pitched one inning and allowed a run, but it was good to see him pitch. Carlos Martinez-Pumarino recorded his third win of the season striking out four and allowing only one hit in three innings. The Cubs have been really impressive so far.
Two four run innings was plenty for Boise beating Vancouver 9-3. The Hawks were led offensively by Trey Martin and Marco Hernandez. Martin was 2-for-4 with a triple and a home run. He also scored two runs and knocked in four. Hernandez also had two, including two doubles and driving in three. Lead-off hitter Gioskar Amaya did his job well on Saturday going 2-for-3 with a walk. One of his hits was a triple and he scored three runs. Hawks got an RBI a piece from Stephen Bruno and Bijan Rademacher. Ian Dickson got the start, but did not factor in the decision as he only pitched 4.1 innings. Pete Levitt picked up his first win in relief pitching 1.2 scoreless innings. Michael Hamann and Rafael Diplan combined to pitch the last three innings of the game securing the Boise win.
In a back and forth game Peoria was able to come out on top 9-8 in ten innings. Chadd Krist played the role of hero winning the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the tenth. He ended the night 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI. Javier Baez had his best night as a professional going 3-for-5 with a home run and a triple. He also scored a run, drove in four and stole his 16th base. He now has a ten game hitting streak and his batting average now stands at .319. Taiwan Easterling and Paul Hoilman each had two hits and Easterling drove in two. Michael Jensen got the start giving up six runs in 5.1 innings of work. Yao-Lin Wang got the win pitching a scoreless tenth inning.
Daytona watched a six two lead slip away late when Palm Beach scored seven times in the last two innings to win 9-6. Despite walking five and allowing six hits starter Austin Kirk was in line for the win, but was let down by his bullpen. Kirk left only allowing two run, one earned in six inning of work lowering his ERA to 2.59. After a dominate one inning of work by Eduardo Figueroa, Jeffrey Lorick and Brian Schlitter really struggled combining to give up seven runs, five earned over the next 1.1 innings. There were a few bright spots from the offense on Saturday for the Cubs. Ronald Torreyes was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. John Andreoli, Rafael Lopez, and Elieser Bonne all had two hits with Bonne driving one in. Matt Szczur and Rebel Ridling each had an RBI a piece and Taylor Davis drove in two. Another tough loss for Daytona on Saturday.
Michael Burgess and Juan Apodaca's power was on display Saturday leading Tennessee to a 4-2 win on Saturday. Apodaca hit a three-run homer and Michael Burgess hit a solo shot, his tenth of the season. That was all the offense the Smokies would need as Dae-Eun Rhee and the bullpen would do all the rest. Rhee gave up two runs on five hits in five innings. He struck out six in route to his sixth win of the year. Tony Zych pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three and Marcus Hatley came in to shut it down. That he did striking out three in two innings of work recording his fourth save of the season. It is nice to see Tennessee come out on top of a well-played game from both teams.
A seven run second from Omaha was all they needed beating Iowa 7-1. Randy Wells got the start and was terrible allowing seven runs on six hits in just 1.2 innings pitched. As bad as Randy Wells was the offense couldn't get much going either. James Adduci had two hits and scored a run, the only Cubs player with a multi-hit game. Dave Sappelt drove in the Cubs lone run. Josh Vitters had his 27th double of the season and Brett Jackson also added a hit. Other than that there wasn't much to the game at the plate. Casey Coleman pitched 5.1 good innings in relief not allowing a run and striking out three. Alberto Cabrera had another nice outing out of the pen striking out one in one inning of work.
Thanks for Reading,


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View Larger Map
Here is the photo from last week, for comparison!
The house and buildings, as well as the trees are gone... there are grain bins, a large metal building and a work area - with a big sign with the name of the current family owners.
Thanks to Amy at We Tree and GeneaBloggers.com for reminding us of the usefulness of Google maps in our genealogy research.
Families are Forever! ;-)


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Winner of the Holiday Award 2015
NOVASOL was awarded as Best Holiday Travel Supplier of 2015 in the category Holiday Homes, during the annual Travel Gala in Rotterdam.
Our quality was given a score of 8.9 and thus achieved the highest customer listing in the category. In many consumer reviews emphasized their satisfaction with the high level of service. "An organization for guests, not customers' indicated, and also the good quality and range were appointed regularly.
"With our team, we are very proud of this award," said Frans Schoon, director of NOVASOL. "It is the confirmation of the consumer that sets us apart in the industry in terms of reliability, quality and service.


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Rays Wrestle One from the White Sox
Oh my god, Jonny Gomes is now the team practical joker too. Winning Rays pitcher,Andy Sonnanstine was doing a radio interview with Rich Hererra and Jonny gave him a swirly shaving cream facejob. Not your usual, hit and run variety, but a "let me rub that in a little" major swirly.
Kudos Jonny, you ARE the man tonight.
Trivia Fact of the Night:
The first major leaguer to hit a home run with the lights on was Babe Herman of the Cincinnati Reds in July 1935.
The Good,The Bad,and The Ugly
The Really Good.
There are a lot of great moments in this game. Both the offense and the defense came together as one tonight to show everyone what this team is willing, able and can do on a regular basis. I get chills just thinking about it here.
But my first star of the game has to be Rays pitcher Andy Sonnanstine. This is the guy who two short years ago was our Minor League pitcher of the year for the organization. Now he has risen to the starting rotation, and got himself only the 12th complete game shutout of the Rays short history.
Only three Sox players got hits off Sonnanstine tonight. Shortstop Orlando Cabrera got a bunt single in the first inning off third baseman Evan Longoria. Fellow third baseman Joe Crede singled to deep left centerfield, and former Rays Toby Hall got the last hit on a single up the middle in the 6th inning. Andy threw 106 pitches and struck out 4 tonight.
Honorable Mention "Good " guys:
*** The threesome of Carl Crawford, B J Upton and Carlos Pena finally got their bats moving tonight and hit a combined 7-11. B J Upton led the charge going 3-4 to improve his average to .343. Carl Crawford went 2-4 to improve to .266, and Carlos Pena, was back in action as the DH tonight is up to .203 and looking better and more relaxed at the plate.
** Jonny Gomes played rightfield tonight and set the tone for the Rays. He went 1-2, but scored two critical runs for the Rays and hit a ball 403 feet to the top yellow mark on the centerfield wall tonight. The ball hit the yellow tape and came back into the playing field to become a live ball.
Sox's outfielder Alexi Ramirez thought the ball had gone over for a homerun until leftfirlder Carlos Quentin alertrd Ramirez to the ball sitting 7 feet in front of him. Jonny ended with a triple in classic Gome style. sliding headfirst into third.
* I am listing Jonny twice tonight on "good" guys because this play set the tone for the first runs of the night. White Sox pitcher Mark Buerle hit Jonny with a pitch. With gomes at first, Buerle, who has an incredible pickoff move for a lefty, caught Jonny leaning to far to second base.
Jonny was caught in "no-mans' land," and scuffled and scattered to somehow wiggle under the tag at second to safely set up a man in scoring position for Eric Hinske's single that scored Gomes from second and start the scoring for the Rays. In credible moves and a sure fire Top 10 ESPN moment tonight.
The Bad
The only bad from tonight's pitching gem came courtesy of the only two Rays not to get a hit tonight. I will give a waiver to Nathan Haynes, who came on in the top of the 8th inning for Gomes. The other Rays to go hitless tonight was Evan Longoria. Longoria, who is hitting .259, went 0-4 tonight and grounded into two double plays.
The Ugly
The biggest ugly is the fact that Carl Crawford got caught in a rundown again trying to steal second base. I do not know if Carl had a mental lapse, or Buerle has the best pick off move in the universe. Also B J Upton got caught off third base by Joe Crede after advancing there on Carlos Pena's infield hit to the shortstop. Upton was caught a few feet off the bag and try to produce a run down, but was tagged out almost immediately.
Former Rays Player of the Night:
I have to go with former Ray outfielder Jose Guillen of the Kansas City Royals. Jose has been in a bit of a hitting funk this year, but he broke out today with a 2-4 night with 3 RBI's. Guillen hit a 2-out 3 run homer in the first inning.
Rubber match is tomorrow with the Rays sending Edwin Jackson to the mound to oppose the White Soxs' John Danks. Gametime is 12:40 PM


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I decided to wear the speckled burgundy t-shirt dress I wore earlier in the week again today as I just cant resist the colour. I'm making a mental note for Burgundy to be one of my "new" wardrobe go-to colours. It's just such a flattering and pretty colour. Definitely one of those comfort dressing days today as I've been working all day, although I made a detour to Yo Sushi this afternoon after a meeting which cheered me right up. The weather in the UK at the moment is actually horrific and the idea of leaving my house earlier made me want to weep. This chunky cardigan is such a bargain at £17.99, it's super warm and perfect for cosy layering. So far it's washed really well too which is always my biggest problem with cheap knitwear! I didn't know they did a black one which I might actually buy as well! Overall this isn't my favourite outfit I've worn this week but after being blown halfway across London it was better than being cold!
My friend Kyle is down for the weekend which is going to be fun! I'm going to try and force him to take some outfit snaps for me that are outside the house to mix it up a bit!


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This Baby Einstein theme was created to celebrate the first birthday of adorable little Sofia. The idea was to work with the primary colors RED, BLUE, GREEN, and YELLOW.
{click to see pictures larger}
On the dessert table we had the amazing cookies from The Cookie Jar {thank you guys SO MUCH for last minute order!}. The cake is from a local bakery {cakes design by Edda}, rice krispies lollipops, marshmallow lollipops, mini personalized Hershey's, M&M's in the color scheme, mini fruit kabobs, and of course our favorite "bonbons"! The tent is from IKEA and it was PERFECT as our backdrop!


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The president's health care overhaul may already be done, but some Republicans want it undone.
Just ten months after the Democrats' reform legislation was signed into law — and before most of its major elements have been implemented — the House of Representatives is kicking off the new year and the new Congress by trying to undo what was done last year.
Next week, the House, now under Republican rule, will vote to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) signed by President Barack Obama last March.
U.S. & World
Will that vote be the beginning of the end for "Obamacare" or simply a display of Republicans' commitment to keep faith with the voters who elected them last November?
Republicans campaigned last fall on a pledge to "repeal and replace" the health care law. Exit poll interviews on Nov. 2 showed that, while voters in general are divided about whether the law should be scrapped, a majority of those age 65 and older say it deserves to be nixed.
Buoyed by the enthusiasm of GOP voters, Republicans' recapturing of the House means that the lower chamber is set to easily pass the repeal.
Repeal to die in the Senate
But, since Democrats still control the Senate, the vote won't result in any change in the law.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid could simply keep the repeal from coming to the floor at all, or if it does come to a vote, the Democratic majority will defeat it.
While the push to completely repeal the bill is destined to fizzle in the coming weeks, GOP leaders could use the House's power of the purse to choke off federal funding for the implementation of the law, effectively chipping away at its key provisions.
"Next week's vote is largely symbolic, but future votes could be more consequential," said Paul Van de Water, a health care economist at the liberal think tank, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "A real showdown could occur if the House Republicans attempt to use the appropriation process to deny funding to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Treasury for implementing the health reform law."
House GOP leaders haven't yet tipped their hand on whether they'll use that tactic.
Republicans 'keeping their word'
Dean Rosen, a former health care advisor to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and a lobbyist with the Washington firm Mehlman, Vogel, Castagnetti, said that for Republicans in the House the repeal is "a matter of keeping their word with the voters — doing what they say, and saying what they mean."
"Saying it is purely symbolic diminishes the importance of doing this now," he added. "They really believe it; it's not just about political posturing."
(Meanwhile, suits filed by several state attorneys general challenging the law's constitutionality are moving through the federal courts. But they may not be resolved until next year.)
So Democrats find their signature accomplishment of the last two years under siege once again, but there are potential benefits to them in renewing the discussion. The repeal effort has allowed them to re-argue their case for the law and accuse Republicans of attempting to retain only the parts of the legislation that may be popular with voters.
For example, GOP leaders have instructed House committees to write legislation that will keep one of the most popular provisions of the law: insurance coverage for every person regardless of preexisting medical conditions.
But if Congress were to kill the individual mandate — the requirement that people buy insurance — some would wait until they got sick to buy insurance.
If the pre-existing condition requirement remained in place, insurers would end up covering more and more sick people and not getting premium payments from enough healthy people.
Refresher course: Health Care Economics 101
So the House debate is Health Care Economics 101 all over again, just as in 2009.
Paul Fronstin, an analyst at the Employment Benefit Research Institute, a nonpartisan research group in Washington, explained as Congress began debating health care in 2009, "If we're going to require insurance companies to sell people insurance independent of their health status, then everyone has to be in the system."
Democrats also argue that if Republicans truly cared about deficit reduction, they'd keep the health care law intact.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., said Tuesday that "the first thing out of the gate they (the Republicans) are planning to do is try to repeal health care reform, which explodes the deficit."
She and other Democrats point to last year's estimate by the Congressional Budget Office that the legislation would produce a net reduction in deficits of $143 billion from 2010 to 2019.
On Thursday the CBO released a preliminary estimate of the effect repealing the law, saying it "would probably increase federal budget deficits over the 2012–2019 period by a total of roughly $145 billion."
Future cost cuts uncertain
But the legislation's effect on future deficits is somewhat speculative. Major cost-cutting is not scheduled to begin until 2014 and beyond — and the future cost cuts are uncertain, depending on the resolve of future Congresses to enforce them in the face of protests by people whose benefits would be less than they expected.
Richard Foster, the chief actuary of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, warned last year that some of the expectations of cost savings — especially those from assumed improvements in the efficiency of hospitals — "may be unrealistic."
In last fall's campaign, Republicans defeated some Democrats by using the argument that the health reform law's projected cuts in future Medicare spending would hurt older folks.
That leaves the GOP caught in a bind: they were elected on a platform that combined deficit reduction with opposition to Medicare cuts.
But how can Congress significantly reduce deficits without reducing Medicare's growth? Medicare keeps growing at a faster pace than the nation's income. In 2009 Medicare spending grew by nearly 8 percent even as the American economy shrank by 2.6 percent.
House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan has offered a way to control Medicare's growth, starting in 2021, by using vouchers to replace the current open-ended Medicare payments and by gradually raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67.
Speaker John Boehner and other GOP leaders haven't endorsed the Ryan plan.
"The repeal vote is easy compared to what you do to 'replace,'" Rosen said. He said, "There's going to be some effort to put up Republican ideas" whether it's the Ryan plan or a plan Boehner offered last year which stressed curbs on medical malpractice lawsuits and other reforms to make insurance less expensive.