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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Along for the Ride
By Annette Dashofy
When I graduated from Citizens' Police Academy back in June, I would have shed tears except for the promise that it wasn't over yet. We still our (drum roll, please) ride-alongs coming up.
Mine was scheduled for Friday at noon. Or at nine. Depends on whether you're going by the email I received or the schedule at the police station. Either I was three hours late or they were three hours early. But I had my email printout with me, so I remain insistant that I was right. Or at the very least, the mix-up was NOT MY FAULT.
Anyway, cops are used to things going slightly awry, so they shrugged it off and found someone to take me out.
While I waited, I was witness to a little family drama taking place inside the station. A woman had brought her twenty-year-old daughter in to file a harassment complaint. As I quietly observed, the daughter tearfully described how her ex-boyfriend, whom she had been trying to remain friends with, refused to stop calling and texting her. I wanted to jump up and tell her, "You're sending him mixed messages, sweetie!" But I kept my mouth shut and watched as the police commander, a woman who admitted she had a fifteen year old daughter of her own, calmly defused the situation and explained the proper procedure for dealing with it. From what I could hear through the girl's sobbing, she much preferred the cops just throw the bum in jail so he couldn't annoy her anymore. The girl's mother wasn't helping much. Or rather, she was trying to help TOO much. The commander explained that Mom couldn't file the complaint. The daughter had to do it.
Lesson learned: if you want to be a cop, take lots of psychology classes.
When my partner for the day arrived, he took note of my strange (unique?) last name. He started listing the Dashofys he knew from school. Trust me, if someone out there is named Dashofy, they are very likely related to my husband and I very likely know them. In fact, the ones he listed were my sister-in-law and MY HUSBAND. Turns out Officer Parker and Hubby went to school together. We're talking serious Small World material here.
And it's further proof that I cannot go anywhere and get into any clandestine trouble because there is always someone around who knows me. Or my family.
The first thing Officer Parker did after finding out who I was, was to run my license number. He did it to show me how the onboard computer works. But I was grateful that I lead a boring life and had nothing to pop up on said computer.
We had barely made it out of the parking lot before the first call came in for a burglary in progress.
I must mention that responding lights and siren in a police vehicle in the North Hills of Pittsburgh is considerably different than responding lights and siren in an ambulance in rural Washington County. The streets in the city are narrow and winding. Did I mention narrow? One thing is the same…people frequently do NOT pull over. We could see one guy chatting on his cell phone, oblivious to the sirens. Laying on the horn didn't get a response either. I think the guy just happened to glance in his mirror and realized—oops!—there's a cop behind me!
When we arrived at the scene, the report on the police radio was that the actors had fled. Officer Parker told me to stay in the car until he found out what was going on. As he walked away, he said, "If something happens, run, hide, whatever…"
Gee, thanks.
He returned a short time later to report that the door had been kicked in. The officers had sent a police dog into the building before entering. Officer Parker explained to me that these kinds of situations were some of the most treacherous an officer will encounter. When he goes into a building, he doesn't know if anyone is hiding in there. The burglar, on the other hand, KNOWS the police officer is there. He commented that he's always a little worried about opening a closet door or looking under a bed…
The homeowner had been contacted. The units that had arrived ahead of us would stick around to wait for his return. Before we left, a car came screeching up the hill and spun into a driveway across from where we were parked. We both immediately guessed that this must be the homeowner. Officer Parker ran the plates through the computer. While the address was a few doors down, the last name was a match. Probably a relative.
And we were back in service.
To be continued...
Next week: Domestic disputes and shots fired.
13 comments:
What IS IT with Pittsburgh drivers and not pulling over? They don't seem to have the concept! You'll be on a two lane road, a car stops to pick someone up, and there's a free parking space on the curb, but Pittsburgh drivers never consider that if they pulled over they wouldn't inconvenience the 5 cars behind them.
End of morning rant.
Great post, Annette! Did the daughter want her ex- thrown into jail? For not returning her calls????
- Annette said...
Tory, I came in in the middle of the "conversation" with the mother and daughter. From what I gathered, they had dated, broke up, she wanted to be "just friends" which he didn't seem to understand what that meant, so when he kept calling, she decided they could NOT be friends, so just leave me alone.
Sigh. Kids. There is a great deal to be said for maturity.
- Joyce Tremel said...
Annette, I've seen adults in the same situation who could use a dose of maturity themselves.
I'm glad you had fun!
- Donnell Ann Bell said...
Annette, one of the best things I learned about ride alongs, is that cops are part saint... all that patience. I've wanted to kick a couple of foolish people in this shins but then I'd be in the back of the cruiser and no longer on the ride along. Can't wait to read about next week's shots fired!
- Wilfred Bereswill said...
Annette, I REALLY have to arrange a ride along.
- Annette said...
Yes, Will, you do. It was sooo much fun!
Donnell, you ain't kidding. On TV you always see the big nasty cop ready to bust the bad guy's chops. But that isn't at all what I've seen.
Joyce, well, yes. Age is no indicator of maturity.
- Jenna said...
Wow, how exciting! I don't write about cops (much) or have a need for ridealongs - one of the benefits of writing cozies - but it sure sounds like fun. I'm going to archive that conversation with the mother and daughter, though. I'm playing with an idea for a YA series, and it sounds like something I could use. Thanks for sharing!
- Annette said...
Jennie, there was more to the conversation. The commander calmly explained that she needed to fill out a harassment complaint and then file it with the magistrate and then the police would pay the boyfriend a visit, etc, etc. Meanwhile the girl was sobbing "You're not hearing me." To which the commander assured her that she was indeed "hearing" her. On one side of the desk stood tears and total emotional hysteria and on the other side stood cool, calm, no-nonsense professionalism.
I wish I could have heard everything, but I suppose it would have been tacky to get up from where I was sitting and go stand next to them with my notepad.
On my way home last night on Rt. 28 I came upon what must have been a huuuuuge accident or somesuch, because the oncoming lane was packed with at least a dozen police cars and amubulances--all with their lights flashing. And this morning I can't find out any news! I really miss the small town life---where every neighbor would have had the full story of what was going on. I sure whish all police officers were as forthcoming as your companion, Annette!
ps. Great blog, Annette!
Wow, Annette, what fun -- I can't wait to hear more.
Does Gina get a ride-along too, I presume? So we can hear all about hers and yours both!
Too funny that your partner in crime prevention went to high school with your partner in life. :-)
Great blog, Annette! I can't wait to read the next part.
- Annette said...
Nancy, I heard something about ANOTHER car chase on Route 28, but I think it was further north. I remember when I worked on the ambulance service, often we never found out what happened with a patient after we left them at the ER. It was frustrating, like never getting to read the end of a book.
Lisa, yes, Gina will also get a ride-along. I will be interested in hearing her stories afterwards, too.

subset: commoncrawl


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World Cup qualifying: Fiji and Solomon Islands through, New Zealand win
Fiji and Solomon Islands booked their places in the third round of Oceania World Cup qualifying -- but only on goal difference ahead of Vanuatu.
Fiji met Vanuatu knowing they only had to avoid defeat by three goals to secure their place, but also in the knowledge they would likely need at least a point to advance to the semifinals of the OFC Nations Cup.
The second round of qualifying in the Oceania region doubles as the OFC Nations Cup, taking place in Papua New Guinea, with the winners...


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As fears rise in Japan about nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant, the first and best line of defense are the reactor's six inch thick steel-walled chambers, made by a company that still forges samurai swords by hand.
Japan Steel Works is the world's only volume builder of nuclear reactor vessels, the steel container that holds radioactive fuel, and in case of a meltdown, prevents that fuel from leaking and triggering a catastrophe. Founded in 1907 and rebuilt following World War II, it supplied nearly all of the vessels used in Japan's 54 nuclear power plants, including the containers at the Fukushima Daiichi plants designed by General Electric and Toshiba.
While those vessels were made from steel plates bolted and welded together, modern designs require Japan Steel Works to forge containers from a single ingot that can weigh up to 600 tons. It's a slow process that takes months at a time, using the company's 14,000-ton press to shape a special steel alloy that's been purified to maximize its strength. These methods also minimize seams that can give way in case of a meltdown, where nuclear fuel can reach 2,000 degrees Celsius.
Although Japan Steel Works is a major corporation with 5,000 employees, it also maintains a samurai sword blacksmith, in a small shack on a hill above the factory in Muroran, where a single craftsman still hammers steel into broadswords, as the company has done since 1917.
The expertly crafted swords, which sell for about 1 million yen when finished, are forged from a single 2.2-lb. lump of Tamahagane steel, the traditional material that's rarely used today.
"Samurai swords contain the essence of steelmaking technology,'' Japan Steel Works CEO Masahisa Nagata told Bloomberg in 2008.
The Fukushima disaster spawned by last week's tsunami pose the greatest challenge ever to a Japan Steel Works nuclear vessel. Unfortunately for Japan, the accident hit the nation's oldest operating nuclear reactors; the vessel in Fukushima 1 was made by JSW in 1967, based on a General Electric's Mark 1 design for boiling water reactors that has been criticized in the past for potentially being prone to failure.
Of the three reactors in crisis at the Fukushima plant, the one in the most danger of failure appears to be reactor number 2, which suffered an explosion on Monday. Japanese government officials gave conflicting statements about whether that explosion — likely caused by steam venting off the nuclear rods — damaged the vessel, although radiation levels outside the plant were falling Tuesday. Due to the damage from the explosions and overheating, none of the three reactors will ever work again.
Experts around the world also differ about the chances of disaster, but several say if Japanese officials can stabilize the reactors, the worst might be averted. Let's hope we never find out just how strong the steel of these samurai sword-forging metal craftsmen truly is.
(Photo Credits: Shutterstock; Fukushima plant, Digital Globe; others, Japan Steel Works)


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Halloween is around the corner, which means there is a plethora of fall festivals and Halloween-themed events planned in Tuscaloosa County. Here are just a few family-friendly events coming up for you to enjoy with your little ghosts and goblins.
Halloween is around the corner, which means there is a plethora of fall festivals and Halloween-themed events planned in Tuscaloosa County. Here are just a few family-friendly events coming up for you to enjoy with your little ghosts and goblins:
-- Tuscaloosa One Place will hold a free fall festival from 2-4:40 p.m. Oct. 20 at Jaycee Park in Alberta. There will be a costume contest, free food, games and a bouncy house.
-- The Children's Hands-On Museum will host its Halloween Spooktacular and Monster Mash Ball from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Anyone wearing a costume will be admitted. Tickets can be purchased for the carnival games.
-- Tuscaloosa Belles will host a "Sunday in the Park" 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Capitol Park. Tickets cost $10 for families with four children and $2 for each additional child. Tickets can be purchased by calling 205-758-2238.
-- Holy Spirit Catholic Church will host a trunk or treat from 4 -7 p.m. Oct 27. Cost is $5 per child over age 4, or a maximum cost of $15 per family. There will be games and a hayride.
-- Arbor Springs Baptist Church near the Samantha Volunteer Fire Department will offer a fall festival from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 27 with "trunk or treat," games and free food.
-- Park Manor Health and Rehabilitation in Northport will host a fall festival from 2 -7 p.m. Oct. 28. There will be trick-or-treating for the kids, outdoor activities and games.
-- The Alabama Museum of Natural History at the University of Alabama will host its annual "Haunting at the Museum" event from 6 -8 p.m. Oct. 29. The free event will feature guided, candlelit ghost walks around the Quad, children's activities, a scavenger hunt and ghost stories at the museum.
-- The University of Alabama's Panhellenic Association will host its annual sorority row trick-or-treat from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 29. Children ages 12 and younger are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes and trick or treat.
-- Forest Lake United Methodist Church will host a "trunk or treat" from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30 in the church parking lot.
-- The Tuscaloosa Public Library will host a Halloween "toddler time" at 10 a.m. Oct. 31. Costumes are encouraged. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5 -7 p.m. the library will have a photo booth for Halloween picture postcards.
-- Lake Lurleen State Park will host Camp Fear from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 31. Children can trick or treat at more than 30 campsites and go for a hayride. The cost for children younger than 12 is $1, and the cost for those 12 and older is $3. The hayride will cost $1.
-- Indian Lake Baptist Church will host a "trunk or treat" at 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at the church. There will be candy, inflatables, a praise band and more.
-- Capstone Community Church and Northridge Baptist Church will host a fall festival Oct. 27 from 3-5 p.m. at Northridge Baptist with games, candy and prizes.
-- Cross Pointe Church will host a fall holiday bazaar from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nov. 2 with vendors, homemade fried pies, peanut brittle and baked goods.
Reach Lydia Seabol Avant at 205-722-0222 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com www.tuscmoms.com to read her blog, meet other moms in West Alabama and to share photos, videos and more.


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Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Related to deodorize: deodorise
to neutralize or absorb odor.
To use a deodorant.
deodorize(dē-ō′dor-īz) [″ + odor, odor]
To remove odor.
Patient discussion about deodorize
Q. Does a women wear men's deodorant can get breast cancer? I love partying. I used to go out with my boyfriend on Saturdays to dance clubs. I am crazy about the fragrance of my boyfriend's deodorant. One day I asked him to lend his deo to me for just one party. He said that men's deo can cause breast cancer in ladies. I am afraid of using it. But I could not overcome my feelings. I like to try it out once, only once. Is it true that women that wear men's deodorant can get breast cancer? (I love the fragrance of Old spice!)
A. naaaa! that's just an urban myth. there isn't any difference between women's or men's deodorant. neither of them should cause breast cancer... but they both contain aluminum which is generally not good for you.More discussions about deodorize


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BOYS BASKETBALL: Gilbert, Northwestern set for showdown
Anticipation. Carly Simon sang it in a '70s classic. The Northwestern and Gilbert boys basketball teams and their fans live it.
A stormy weekend delays the rematch of the Berkshire League's top two teams from Saturday to Tuesday evening, 7:30 p.m., at Northwestern High School.
Northwestern, the last undefeated team in the state (15-0), beat the Yellowjackets 80-68 a month ago at Gilbert. It was the first win over Gilbert (11-3; 11-2 Berkshire League) in the Highlander seniors' careers.
And it was convincing.
The game stayed close through the first quarter. Then Northwestern downshifted to a 15-0 start to the second quarter. The period ended in a 32-15 total, the effective end of the game.
"We pushed it back up when we needed to," said Northwestern coach Doug Sebach.
The issue then and now, wasn't whether Gilbert can run with the ultra-fast Highlanders. It's whether they can stay under control when they do.
"We can run with them, but they finish more," said Gilbert Coach Mark Douglass. "We still have kids learning to fit in."
Three weeks later, in a 76-54 win against Thomaston, the Yellowjackets still worked on it. The Golden Bears led after the first period, thanks in part to good shooting by Thomaston, in part by a break-neck pace set by Gilbert in which they reached the basket first, but often wide with the shot.
"We're still working on a lot of things," said Coach Douglass. "We need to slow it down sometimes."
"Sometimes we go too fast for ourselves," said Gilbert star Robert Skinner.
That's the lure Northwestern's speed throws out. The Highlanders play full-court in-your-face defense the entire game. It speeds up the tempo for teams trying to get past them in a hurry. Then, Northwestern cranks it up in the other direction, making it look easy with smooth finishes. It's the final hook on the lure.
"We try to make teams play at our pace," said Coach Doug.
There's no doubt about Gilbert's personnel, most recently shining in a 74-57 payback win at home last Tuesday against Terryville, the only other BL team to beat them.
The key against Northwestern will be resisting the race.
Northwestern, unblemished, simply needs to keep doing what they've been doing together since sixth grade. That's how they account for the sureness in their speed. They run at the same pace, certain of where their teammates are.
Skinner, averaging 22.4 points a game for Gilbert, is responsible as leader and point guard for reining in the Yellowjackets when need be. Yoharky Sarmiento (15.8 points a game) and Luis Cordova (14.5 points a game) are tall, athletic guard/forwards who challenge inside and out with their size and athleticism.
Yellowjacket Mark Collins will be the tallest body out there, doing his best to keep Northwestern battlers Mike Jeffko (6-feet-4) and James Phillips (6-feet-3) off the boards.
Jeffko and Phillips, with 6-feet-5 backup Ed Bremer, are literally the front line (as in football) for the three-guard running backs to do their thing. Like Gilbert's Cordova and Sarmiento, John Stevens (18.3 points a game) and Conner Guiheen (17 points a game) are difficult match-ups because of their size (Stevens is a slim 6-3; Guiheen, a sturdy 6 feet) and athleticism, but also their control in blinding speed.
Arthur Lefevre, the third guard, often holds the steering wheel at the point, then often gets hot outside.
If the Yellowjackets keep their heads and a lid on the game, outside shooting becomes the x factor. Skinner is capable of joyous streaks of 3-pointers. So are all three Highlander guards.
Both sides will penetrate with speed. Both sides will offer a snarling battleground underneath. The edge could come outside.
First, though, the Yellowjackets have to find their pace.
Thanks to the postponement, Gilbert plays back-to-back games.
Monday, they play 12-5 University, a Class M magnet school that plays at SMSA in Hartford.
"There are pluses and minuses," said Gilbert coach Douglas. "I told the kids to consider it a really good practice before a big game."
It could also help the Yellowjackets rein it in at Northwestern Tuesday.


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Too many who find reason to oppose Israel in its occupation and seemingly hard-headed refusal to seek a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, this current conflict was not Israel's fault. It was visited upon them by human vipers who gleefully murdered three young boys, tossing them aside as so much refuse.
The Israelis who responded by being as base and criminal by setting a Palestinian boy on fire deserve nothing more that the cruelest agony society can impose upon them. The Israeli government found these child killers and will try them, seeking the harshest sentence that may be imposed.
The Palestinians did nothing to locate arrest and bring to justice the killers of the three Israeli boys. When the news broke of the Palestinian killed by Israelis, the missile attacks began.
The rockets are fired from the alleys, homes and religious centers of Gaza. The logic for doing so seems to be that Israeli response will injure and kill Palestinian civilians thereby earning worldwide condemnation of Israel.
It is not surprising that throughout the Middle East, Arab leaders have only united in their outcry against Israel while finding nothing to fault Hamas or the PLO leadership. This silence and one sidedness should not be surprising to anyone in the West.
Outrageous acts by Muslims receive little recognition from the silent Muslim majority. Either they concur in acts of violence in the name of the Prophet or they are frightened to speak out. As a result, why would Muslims not comprehend that they are feared and suspected of being untrusted and unwelcomed?
Edward Horn


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Driftaholic necesitaba un nuevo diseño de banner publicitario y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 27 diseños de 12 diseñadores freelance.
The Sapient Group (http://www.TheSapientGroup.com)
We are an Information Technology Consulting firm that offers the following:
1- We transform complex business processes into Intelligent and efficient Information Systems for organizations demanding high quality applications with rich user interfaces.
2- We establish high performance and secure local and wide area networks to complement business information communication needs.
3- We provide web-based imaging solution to enable doctors and healthcare professionals to access and discuss patients x-rays images, brain, and body scans via the web.
4- We provide IT consulting services.
Fortune 1000 CEOs, CIOs, IT Project Managers, Government Agencies, Doctors, Hospitals. Almost any company with more than 50 employees with Information technology and networking needs.
Banner' size is 900x300.
Designs @ http://99designs.com/contests/13553 illustrate the desired style, however, they are for a shopping site and what we need is for an Information Technology Consulting firm.
View corporate logo and color scheme @ http://www.thesapientgroup.com.
Banners need to illustrate the following:
Banner 1: Information System, Web and Software Application Development
Possible Idea: Information system development life cycle or few programmers working on computers with a server.
Banner 2: Secure Local and Wide Area Network Implementation
Possible Idea: Various buildings and hospitals connected via a secure network.
Banner 3: Information Technology Consulting
Possible Idea: Client and consultant/programmer discussing application development and programmer suggesting a smart idea.
Banner 4: Web-based Healthcare Imaging Solution
Possible Idea: Two remote doctors discussing an x-ray image via the web.
Banner 5: About Us
Possible Idea: People of various gender and race looking at you with a smile.
The above ideas are just suggestions for what we like banners to illustrate. You can ignore those suggestions or use them, AS LONG AS the end results are:
- Meaningful
- Colorful with different background and colors
- With people of various gender and race
We will need copyrights to winning designs. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your ideas.


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During one key scene in Tim Burton's fantastical "Alice in Wonderland" Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter is sent to his execution with his fellow enemy of the state, a mouse. The scene of Mad Hatter trudging to his apparent doom at the chopping block with the defiantly marching tiny mouse is great testament to the special effects artistry which permeates every scene in 2010's "Alice." It's seamless.
The fact that it's played with such solemn sincerity by their captors -- this tiny mouse prisoner is indeed a menace to the Red Queen's kingdom -- show that we are fully in the hands of quirk-meister Tim Burton. Then, in a rare moment, we are deprived of seeing what Burton's imagination might have wrought. The planned execution takes a sudden twist and we never see how he would have handled decapitation of a rodent (a relief surely for effects wizard Ken Ralston who already had his hands full).
But the point is made -- among generations of very strange rabbit holes, this one is a doozy. By comparison, Burton's creation makes past efforts such as Disney's previous animated 1951 classic effort look about as quirky as C-span budget talks.
U.S. & World
Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world.
This is meant to be Alice's story, but the most fun in this Wonderland is checking out the fantastically rich scenery and the off-with-their-heads characters which Burton throws at us. Depp's Hatter naturally plays center stage with his often unintelligible mutters, his electrified hair and his insane laugh -- along with his sadness about not feeling the need to "funderwack" (his special kind of Happy Dance). But Helena Bonham Carter matches his quirkiness with a formidable forehead and eyes that perfectly mirror her use of evil to relieve her sheer boredom. Crispin Glover as the inappropriate henchman Stayne and Matt Lucas as the sole actor handing Tweedledee/Tweedledum also do their parts to make sure no odd stone is left unturned.
Mia Wasikowska leads Alice through the (sometimes too) bewildering sequences of adventures until she finally accepts her role as the Red Queen's destined arch-nemesis and takes her on in battle. Her fully-armored scene fighting the dreaded Jabberwocky lurches "Alice" into the realm of action films reminiscent of "The Golden Compass."
Oddly, it works.


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Chattels Gallery Guide
The items pictured below are just a small sample of similar items recently valued by ITG probate valuations. The gallery will hopefully be helpful & educational in demonstrating the wide array of antiques, collectibles & everyday objects we value on a daily basis.


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The Mystery that Saves Us From Ourselves
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the key to the Christian faith
Victory Out of Defeat
Jesus purposely came to Earth to die for our sins.
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
- 1 John 5:11


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The Medium Giant Reversible Tote in Vintage Check
$1,150.00 $1,150.00
All orders will be fulfilled by Burberry Limited and shipped from the US. When you place your order, you accept Burberry's Terms and Conditions and confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy.
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- A reversible tote in Vintage check and tartan. The unisex bag is made from bonded cotton with contrasting sealed seams for an extra clash of colour.
- 51 x 31 x 15.5cm/20.1 x 12.2 x 6.1in
- Strap drop length: 27cm/10.6in
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- Made in Italy
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LITTLE ROCK — The House on Monday gave final legislative approval to a bill that would authorize churches to decide whether to allow a concealed handgun permit holder to carry a handgun in the building.
The House also approved bills that would ban an abortion after 20 weeks and prohibit an insurer from offering abortion coverage through the state's health insurance exchange except through a separate rider.
No one spoke against the guns-in-church measure, Senate Bill 71, before it passed on an 85-8 vote.
The bill by Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, passed previously in the Senate and now goes to Gov. Mike Beebe. The governor has said he has no problem with the measure.
Currently, Arkansas law prohibits concealed handguns in churches. King told House members that under his bill that prohibition would remain in place unless a church chooses to allow guns.
"This bill merely provides an exemption for those churches who need security but can't afford paid staff," he said.
King also said the bill is consistent with the First Amendment's mandate that governments pass no laws respecting an establishment of religion.
House Bill 1037, titled The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, passed by a 75-20 vote. The bill contends that after 20 weeks, a fetus can feel pain. It would ban an abortion at that point except to save the mother from death or physical impairment.
The measure by Rep. Andy Mayberry, R-Hensley, now goes to the Senate.
"The Bible is very clear that life is a precious gift from God and that we are to value it," Mayberry said while speaking for his bill on the House floor.
Rep. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, the House minority leader, spoke against the bill, saying it includes no exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or for fetal anomalies that would prevent the child from surviving after birth. He also said the bill's exception for the health of the mother is too narrowly written and that the measure takes decisions away from women and their doctors.
"I for one believe … that such an agonizing decision should be left to a mother and the father, the doctor and their God," Leding said.
Mayberry defended his decision not to include an exception for rape or incest.
"That's a horrible, tragic situation, but here's the thing: That child still had nothing to do with that act. That child shouldn't be asked to pay the ultimate price with their own life," he said.
The bill passed after Rep. Deborah Ferguson, D-West Memphis, moved that it be pulled down for the purpose of amending it. Her motion failed, receiving 31 "yes" votes and 62 "no" votes.
At a news conference after the vote on HB 1037, conservative groups, lawmakers and clergy praised House passage of the measure and voiced support for Senate Bill 134 by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, which would prohibit an abortion if a fetal heart beat can be detected.
The Senate passed Rapert's bill last week it could be before the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Thursday.
No one in the House spoke against HB 1100 by Rep. Butch Wilkins, D-Bono, the measure to prevent abortion coverage from being sold within the state's health insurance exchange. The bill passed in a 77-15 vote and goes to the Senate.
Also in the House on Monday:
—HB 1034 by Rep. David Whitaker, D-Fayetteville, passed 92-0. The bill would add members of advertising and promotions commissions to the list of state officials who must file statements of financial interest. It goes to the Senate.
—HB 1134 by Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, passed 94-0. The bill would establish a uniform time for spring break at K-12 schools and colleges and universities across the state. It goes to the Senate.
—HB 1015 by Rep. Justin Harris, R-West Fork, passed 96-0. The bill would allow school boards to establish policies on student use of electronic communication devices at school. It goes to the Senate.
—SB 12 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, passed 90-0. The bill would prohibit Level 3 and Level 4 sex offenders — the highest-level offenders — from being at a swimming area or children's playground in a state park. It goes to the governor.
—SB 56 by Sen. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, passed 92-0. The bill would impose a $250 fee on convicted sex offenders who move to Arkansas from out of state, to go toward the cost of reassessing and tracking them. It goes to the governor.
—SB 94 by Sen. Jake Files, R-Fort Smith, passed 92-0. The bill would allow county law library boards to give away, sell or destroy personal property, including old law books, that they deem to be no longer needed. The bill goes to the Senate for concurrence in a House amendment.
The Senate did not consider any bills Monday.
Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, filed SB 237 which calls for using one drug in legal injections. He said the bill, written by the attorney general's office and supported by the state Department of Correction, will address a state Supreme Court ruling last year that struck down the state's lethal injection law.
Hester said Monday that he filed SB 73 earlier this session to address the Supreme Court court ruling but the AG's office had some concerns about that proposal and was working on one of its own.
"This just gets everybody on how we should do it," he said. "Certainly they're going to have to defend it so it has to be something they are completely on board with."
Executions in Arkansas have been on hold since the state's highest court ruled that the Legislature "abdicated its responsibility" by giving the Department of Correction too much enforcement discretion in violation of the separation of powers doctrine.


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Snap: Ready for takeoff in Gordonsville
The Gordonsville Municipal Airport has been getting some extra attention recently. Known to aviators at KGVE and owned by the town that shares its name, it's actually privately run and recently assisted by a relatively new group of volunteers called GAPS, or Gordonsville Airport Preservation Society. Last Saturday, August 28, a reporter took a little ride with one of the volunteers, Skip Degan, who also occasionally shoots aerial photos for the Hook.
More Snaps
Read more on: gordonsville municipal airportskip degan


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I saw a very interesting post about estimating software from Steve McConnell, of Code Complete fame. He compared his estimate of building a fort for his kids with the actual results and then talked about the mistakes he made. I decided to do something similar and I'm just getting the posting down, but I made some notes earlier.
I'm currently in process in building a loading shed. For those of you that don't know what that is, it's a three sided structure for horses to live in. As opposed to the barn, this sits out in the pasture and shelters horses from wind, rain, snow, etc. We wanted one (and by we, I mean my wife) so we could keep horses out in the pasture without having to bring them back to the barn regularly.
So here was my estimate.
- Planning/Design - I'd been looking at plans over time, but I thought I could sketch out the rough design with a materials list in about 30 minutes. I added about 20 minutes to measure the neighbor's shed first.
- Materials - 2 trips to the store. 1 to Home Depot for lumber, screws, etc. 1 to the ranch supply for the metal to cover it. I didn't have a timeline here because I'd combine these trips with other trips and would get them done as I could.
- Framing - I needed to set 4 posts for the corners and then frame horizontal stringers and a few joists for the roof. I thought a full day would get this done.
- Sheathing - I haven't done any work with metal, so I'm allowing two days to get this stuff up. It should be easy to screw on, but the corners, angled cuts, recharding the battery for the saw, etc. will waste time.
I started last week with these results.
- Planning - I went to measure the neighbor's shed and it took about 8 minutes to measure. However I asked him first rather than walking into his pasture and so lost about 20 minutes chatting with him. Good thing I'm not paid hourly. After that, it was about 30 minutes to sketch the design and write down the raw materials I needed for the framing (phase 1), so overall I was only slightly over.
- Materials - I went by Home Depot after taking my son to karate. We loaded up on materials, 12 bags of cement, lots of wood, and a few misc. screws and things. Again, good thing I wasn't paid by the hour, especially with the little kids along, but I knew better than to estimate a trip to Home Depot. I always get a little lost in there (grunt, grunt). However after the first weekend, I need more materials, so I'm at least due for one more trip to the hardware store.
- Framing - I'm about 1/2 a day in from a full day on Sunday. Granted there was time out for lunch and I was distracted by the Bronco game, but I got about half the framing done.
There's more to come on this, but first a few notes on things I missed, and which you probably miss in estimating things for work.
Design Changes
First I added a fifth post in the back, being slightly worried about wind and a 12 ft span. Then my wife decided a 12ft wide shelter doesn't work, so we need to go 16 and include a post in the middle and space for a panel. The contruction part of the design doesn't change for me, but it does mean I need to get more materials, so more trips. It also adds a little work.
Second I made the mistake of not getting into details with the client (my wife). Of course if you're married, you know that probably doesn't matter. 🙂 (I love you, Tia) She'd asked for this to be built up on the west side of the pasture, high up the slope. As we started siting things out, we realized it was a steeper slope than we guessed. Not undo-able, but as we walked around, so spied a flat spot. And naturally this flat spot was on the complete other side of the 5 acre pasture, a good 700 ft from where a ton of materials had been dropped. OK, not a ton, but about a 1/2 ton. So we had time to move the materials to the other side of the pasture that I hadn't counted on.
Things go wrong. In almost everything we do, something will not go as planned. In this case we have this really hard clay soil in Colorado. When I'd dug a few holes for the posts around the barn, we'd sheered the bolt that connects the auger to the driveshaft. I'd purchased more bolts, but I'd forgotten about the issues. We got 1 1/2 holes dug and sheered another bolt. Fortunately I had a spare in the tractor, but only one. We sheered that and then I went to work by hand to finish the hole. We were delayed by my wife running to the hardware store (a much shorter delay than me going) to get more bolts. Then there was the Bronco game, which delayed me getting back out there.
I'm not sure what you equate this to, maybe some external influence or other tasks at work, but it gets windy here. And that makes for a miserable time. I framed out some side rails and the first roof angle, but I had to cut down the post in a blustery wind and by the time I got done, I knocked off for the day. Monday was again windy and I went to at least dig the last two holes, so I made some progress. But I broke two more sheer bolts (averaging 1/hole now). We had spares, thanks to some thinking ahead, but instead of having holes done, I need to finish them with the manual process. I also had to spend some time cleaning stuff up in case it rains. Overall the external forces delay caused more delays since I had a couple more tasks to do.
As Steve noted in his blog, the deadline doesn't matter and neither do the overruns. If I'd estimated this at 4 weeks, I'd still do it and I'll keep going. I'm not too far behind and I'm trying to track my work over the next week as I do something everyday to keep moving. I won't have the momentum of a single weekend, but by doing something every day, I keep some focus.
I don't think my estimate is too far off, but this is a fairly simple project. However it's only similar to, not exactly like, things I've done before, so I'm going at it a little blind.
Like most software.


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Business casual- a pretty straight forward concept right? Sure, until you show up to an event thinking you are dressed business casual and realize your perception is VERY different from everyone else.
We have all been there. Business casual is about as specific as "Wear something dressy but not too dressy." According to Google, business casual is, "relating to or denoting a style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression."
What? Are you scratching your head??? Me too.
Below are a few quick tips on how to conquer the ambiguous "business casual" moniker:
1. My mother always says, "Better over-dressed than under-dressed." Now, don't show up wearing a ballgown or anything, but if you had the choice to talk about finance with either this guy:
Or this guy:
Who would you pick??? (All childhood biases aside)
2. Fit is key.
Your overall look should be "tailored" as in, the clothes should truly fit your body. Don't worry about what size they are, just think about how they fit and how they feel. Clothes should never be too baggy, too long, or too tight. If you're constantly having to adjust your clothing, it's probably not the best choice.
Here are some great examples of two fun business casual outfits that truly fit the model.
3. Black dress pants.
Black dress pants are always a safe bet. Add a nice tailored shirt like a button-up or a sweater to keep it business-like without being formal interviewing attire.
4. Go with comfortable and confident.
Lastly, choose what you what makes you feel good. Even the perfect business casual outfit will not work if you do not feel confident in it.
If you still need help deciding what to wear to a particular career event, don't hesitate to stop by the Office of Career Management for additional tips!


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to go along with our degree project, we have designed a book with our experiences and processes throughout the entire semester. it's a look into the minds of brionica as we created FEEL. we plan on continuing to include content all the way up to graduation. were hoping to max it out at 200ish pages. this book is going to be a great keepsake once finished and sent to blurb to be printed.
Category Archives: degree project
final presentation day! let's do this!
here's our video again…
and now we are stress free…
and 12
just about time for the final who-rah. here's our practice presentation for today's class.
and the video:
we have also been documenting our cards to populate #atouchofhappy
week 11
we filmed people interacting with FEEL. it was fun and really interesting to just watch people discover the sounds and the different ways to connect the circuit. can't wait for the show.
we are also working on the script for our video and mashing clips together.
we found a cool song that would go well faint in the background. we are in the process of obtaining it.
monica worked on getting the logo animated.
i put a ink coat on the shapes so the conductive paint doesn't come off on user's hands. we plan on filming people using our installation tomorrow morning. only a few weeks left till it all comes to an end…
oh please go check out global happy party
8 & 9
week 8 was spring break. but we didn't break, we went hard. monica and I started out by having an ihop to do list meeting. we then broke out the power tools and got messy as we took over the entire studio to build our interactive table. it was quite the transformation.
when school started up again, we worked on writing out our instructions and laying out where the vinyl would go. then we printed and applied! topped with 5 coats of polyurethane.
on friday we presented our updates to the class and visitors Martin Venezky and John Foster.
everyone seemed to enjoy the discovery and new experience. #atouchofhappy
seven weeks of feels
over the weekend we went out to get our supplies, that are so giant and also #butts, then explored using different sound effects as we got ready for our midterm presentation //
after the presentation we decided to tweak our table to be an oval, so it's more inviting for people to gather around, and less likely to get knocked into and endanger our visitors. we are also greatly decreasing the amount of body copy //
we've got our files set up for the cnc and today's a wood shop work day.


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alt1978 wrote:As a tournament organizer and a clan leader...i think there are a lot of things this could make easier. Uploading excel worksheets as a photo sucks. I'm not a tech guy but if i can use these buttons to figure out how to manipulate images of pigs...i'm pretty sure a table wouldn't be that hard to get the hang of.
And if you are clever enough in Excel, you would simply add the tags there to basically automate it.


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You'd be forgiven for feeling a tremor of trepidation at the news that the artist Sarah Lucas has just launched a collection of furniture. After all, the former bad girl of the yBa generation isn't exactly known for her winsome take on interior design. In her most famous sculptures oily, stained mattresses, knocked-about tables, and ripped sofas are more her thing, representing the bruised and self-abused bodies at the center of less than romantic encounters.
The 14 limited-edition pieces she introduced this week at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano, however, eschew the bedsit gloom that hangs over those art works, though they don't exactly spell domestic comfort either. Tables, chairs, a desk, benches and a freestanding wall have been artfully fashioned from modular gray concrete breezeblocks encased in blonde MDF board. But the simple forms, which were produced in collaboration with the London Art Workshop are, as Lucas has herself pointed out, "surprisingly stylish."
The inspiration comes from Lucas's recent pieces where concrete breezeblocks and MDF form tough, unaccommodating plinths for squidgy, soft 'nuds': her amorphous creations resembling genitalia or innards, made from stuffed nude tights. As furniture, it's as uncompromisingly minimalist as it gets—the kind of thing that would likely make Carl Andre feel right at home and have the rest of us reaching for a cushion.
This is no truth-to-materials departure, though. If anything Lucas has upped the human factor in her work, replacing the swelling, twisted or dangling nylon that once perched vulnerably on brutal supports, with actual flesh and blood.
Until Saturday, Via San Gregorio 43/ Via Casati 32, 20124 Milano, www.sadiecoles.com.


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Each year, close to 10,000 people experience the thrill of Aish HaTorah's Discovery Seminar. With its crisp, entertaining style and state-of-the-art educational techniques, Discovery packs the wisdom and relevance of Jewish values and ideas into a spectacular and moving demonstration of the case for Judaism.
Discovery begins by inviting participants to challenge Judaism's central principles in a novel process called Failsafe. Based on analytical techniques used by the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, this chain of discussions draws audiences into a fascinating and rigorously intellectual means of testing the rational basis for belief in Judaism. Highlights of this segment include "Hidden Codes of the Torah," which demonstrates the startling results of high speed computer analysis of the letters of the Torah.
A variety of original workshops round out the seminar, exploding the myth that Judaism is anti-pleasure and teaching participants how to take advantage of Judaism's insights for personal enrichment.
Discovery's presenters, a team comprised of physicists, mathematicians, lawyers, doctors, psychologists and professors, are all volunteers. Through the warm, entertaining and nonjudgmental atmosphere, audiences discover that Judaism has the tools for enhancing one's self-esteem, personal power and enjoyment of life. Discovery has been translated into Russian, German, Hebrew, Spanish and French.


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Home Page Chess Life Magazine 2014 May Chicago Open Underway
|Chicago Open Underway
|May 25, 2014
of the Chicago Open, four players are tied for the
lead with 4.5/5- GM-elect Kayden Troff, GM Gabriel Sargissian & GM
Bartlomiej Macieja. The star-studded field includes many young talents as well as hopefuls from the recently concluded US Championships in nearby Saint Louis.
After five rounds
Find full standings on http://www.chicagoopen.net/ and follow live games here.


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"The Blind Side" has taken most everyone by surprise, highlighting a remarkable year for Sandra Bullock.
First came the movie's surprisingly robust box-office performance (sending "New Moon" running). Now it has managed to score a Best Picture nomination in the newly-opened field while star Sandra Bullock nabbed a Best Actress nod.
Not bad for a role that Julia Roberts and Bullock both turned down. Bullock clearly changed her mind and got on board. Smart move.
U.S. & World
With its feel-good plot based on a true story and Bullock as the feisty heroine, the tea leaves are falling into place for Bullock to win some Oscar love. She is already in a playful competition with fellow nominee and Oscar titan Meryl Streep. When the two tied -- yes tied -- for best actress in the Critics' Choice awards, Bullock kissed Streep full on the lips onstage. Bullock has also taken home awards from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild.
The 45-year-old Bullock had a banner year in 2009, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her wildly successful comedy "The Proposal." The movie co-starring Ryan Reynolds has pulled in a reported $315 million worldwide gross box-office.
Not to say the year has been all about awards success. Bullock also has the dubious distinction of being nominated for two Razzie nominations -- celebrating film's worst performances. Bullock's terrible turn in "All About Steve" is the culprit here.


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The "Today" show anchors have really outdone themselves in this year's Halloween reveal.
Matt Lauer, Al Rocker, Willie Geist, Tamron Hall, Carson Daly, Natalie Morales, Meredith Vieira, Hoda Kotb and Cathy Lee Gifford jumped into the pages of the daily comics and morphed into their favorite Charles Schultz's "Peanuts" character.
Geist led the pack with a piano intro as, well, piano-playing Schroeder. Next, Morales as Marcie and Hall as her best friend Peppermint Patty led us into the classroom.
U.S. & World
"Sir, Sir," Morales called on the ever-sleeping Patty.
Daly donned a bald cap and sparse hair to play Charlie Brown's blanket-clutching best friend Linus. And not far behind him was Brown's little sister, Linus-loving Sally, portrayed by Gutherie in an oversized pink hair bow and staple polka-dot dress.
Lauer was decked out in a blue dress and short, black-haired wig to take on the role of Lucy, Brown's foil, while Vieira got down and dirty as Pig Pen.
Kotb and Lee were unrecognizable as the world's most famous beagle Snoopy, and his side-kick Woodstock.
And to round out the cast, Rocker suited up as the ever-hopeful ostracized protagonist, Charlie Brown.
For the last 20 years, 'Today' anchors have created some of the most memorable themes and costumes for the show's annual Halloween reveal.
Last year, to honor the 40th anniversary of 'Saturday Night Live' the crew dressed up as some of the show's most infamous characters.
Hall and Geist channeled their inner Spartan cheerleaders, while Morales nailed her impression of Mary Katherine Gallagher.
"Sometimes, when I get nervous, I stick my hands under my armpits and then I smell them like this!" said Morales, doing a spot-on impersonation.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb dressed up as the dynamic duo Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World." But it was Al Roker and Lester Holt singing "Soul Man" as The Blues Brothers that stole the show.
Other memorable themes include the royal wedding in 2011, pop culture icons (you can't unsee Roker in a superman onezie) and 2009's "Star Wars."


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Six highlights in your travel week | 2 Nov
Ikara Safari Camp, in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, has joined forces with the Barossa Valley's Langmeil Winery to launch its first gourmet weekend.
The weekend includes two nights of glamping-style accommodation, guided tours of the Flinders Ranges and a five-course degustation dinner paired with a generous selection of award-winning wines from Langmeil Winery.
Dates are November 9-11.
The weekend kicks off with a sunset tour led by one of the resort's local Indigenous Adnyamathanha guides.
Guests travel to a remarkable vantage point to view the vast Flinders Ranges and experience the magic of iconic Wilpena Pound.
As the sun sets, their guide will share the country's Indigenous stories while guests enjoy canapes and Langmeil sparkling wines.
Rates for the gourmet weekend start at $535 per person twin-share.
Phone 1800 805 802 or visit www.wilpenapound.com.au
Skye Suites Sydney, one of the CBD's first blocks of boutique serviced apartments, has opened its doors.
The 25-storey multi-residential tower, at 300 Kent Street, is claimed to set new benchmarks for combining architectural excellence with luxurious amenities.
Skye Suites Sydney sits within Arc by Crown Group and offers serviced apartments for short-term and long-term guests.
The first phase of Arc sees 73 hotel apartment rooms comprising studio suites and two-bedrooms suites.
Each apartment features Delonghi appliances, Vittoria coffee machines, Kevin Murphy toiletries and haircare products, complimentary wifi, laundry facilities, pre-stocked mini bar and a bespoke bedding-firmness menu.
When travelling on family holidays it can be rough to leave furry friends behind.
Lake Macquarie, just north of Sydney, is a pet's paradise, with some 30 dog exercise areas, including designated beaches and sports grounds where dogs can run free, as well as pet-friendly accommodation.
The Speers Point fenced dog-exercise area, for instance, provides a fenced, off-leash area complete with three dog-agility stations, a water fountain, a shaded picnic table, bench chairs and plenty of grass for your visitors, both human and canine, to enjoy.
Just a short stroll around the corner is Sal's by the Lake where you can grab a coffee and bagel.
Next year marks 75 years since D-Day, and France's Normandy and Brittany regions are preparing for a huge influx of travellers from all over the world in advance of the June anniversary.
The 1944 Normandy landings made for the largest seaborne invasion force in history — including some 3000 Australians — and proved to be pivotal in ending World War II.
Butterfield & Robinson's 'Normandy & Brittany Biking' excursion takes travellers in to the heart of Atlantic France, and in advance of the 75th anniversary, they're revisiting some of the reasons why Normandy is such an incredible region to discover.
The 80-kilometre stretch making up the Normandy coast where pivotal WWII battles occurred has been totally transformed over the years.
The pristine, gorgeous cliff-side beaches and towns are dotted with remnants of the war, including stark reminders such as bomb craters, cement bunkers, and of course the war memorials and national cemeteries.
War museums further inland keep the past ever-present and offer travellers education and a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made almost three generations ago.
Visit www.butterfield.com
South Dakota's iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a huge yet intricate sculpture of four Presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — carved into the mountainside.
There is also a museum called Lincoln Borglum Museum which features two theatres that show a mini-movie about Mount Rushmore.
Above the museum is Grandview Terrace, which offers panoramic views of the sculpture and surrounding forests.
The Mount Rushmore Society and the National Park Service interpretive staff now offer self-guided tours of Mount Rushmore National Memorial which provide visitors with a personal device that works like an iPhone, explaining why and how Mount Rushmore was carved, with pictures and videos.
Cruise along the remote Dempster Highway and take in panoramic views of the jaw-dropping Tombstone Territorial Park in Canada's Yukon Territory.
During a one-hour guided hike along rugged peaks and remarkable permafrost landforms, feel like you've truly reached the ends of the earth.
Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife, including bears and moose, which roam the area.
Round off the incredible day with an aerial tour of Ogilvie Mountains and Tombstone backcountry.
A Klondike Experience guide will share the history of the area and take guests to the best wildlife-spotting locations.


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And the hits just keep on coming for Justin Bieber.
After his less than great week in London, which included starting a concert two hours late, collapsing on stage and lunging at a photographer, the pop star's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez is now adding fuel to the fire.
In a new YouTube video, Gomez and several friends, including Secret Life of the American Teenager star Francia Raisa, perform a choreographed dance routine to Dustin Tavella's "Everybody Knows." A sample lyric? "Everyone knows...your boyfriend is a douchebag."
U.S. & World
Catch up on Bieber's eventful week
Other lyrics include, "You know he's got somebody on the side, girl, and the way he talks to us is a sin. He just keep sinnin' on. I really think it's time girl you quit defending him."
So is the video a dig at Bieber? Charity Lynne Baroni, the choreographer, tweeted, "We danced tonight. It was awesome. Especially because we dedicated it to someone .... and then ate Chinese food after." (The tweet has since been deleted.)
As for Gomez, she posted, "Me and my girls just doin what we do...dancin! haha... Big thanks to @DustinTavella for making such a sick anthem! And to @ChaeLynne for her amazing choreography :)"
Do you think the video was meant as a diss to Bieber? Sound off in the comments!


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Box's BRISK Gaming Competition
Saturday, February 9, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 11:55 PM (PST)
Event Details
At Box we engage some of the brightest engineers in the world with head-scratching challenges related to revolutionising enterprise software and cloud computing. But we also want to engage you!
The best way for us to do that is to challenge you with exciting problems and see how you respond. Every year our engineers create hardcore coding challenges to do just that. Sometimes though, our developers can't help themselves, and they get a bit carried away. Indeed last time around, as our hackers were huddled in a classroom at a local university, compiling a particularly devilish puzzle as a bonus question... things got a bit crazy! True to Box culture, they followed one of our favorite mottos, and thought "what if we 10x this challenge - what if we take it to the next level!"
That's how BRISK was born. Now, several months on, this bonus question has developed into it's own wondrous virtual world, complete with it's own servers, it's own API and it's own set of rules. This is no longer just part of a coding challenge. This is BRISK - an online gaming competition, based on the popular board game, Risk, where any hacker can compete to conquer the world. Our engineers have built their own AI Bots to duke it out across a battle-scarred map - and we want you to join the fray! Come code your way to victory and some glorious prizes!
Have questions about Box's BRISK Gaming Competition? Contact the organizer
When & Where
Box HQ
4440 El Camino Real
Los Altos,
Saturday, February 9, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 11:55 PM (PST)
Add to my calendar


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Jen's Rating:
Bring Kleenex, y'all!
Who's In It: Gwyneth Paltrow, Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester, Tim McGraw
The Basics: Alcoholic country music superstar Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow) is the Amy Winehouse of the heartland, a born performer haunted by demons she can't seem to shake. Yanked out of rehab to mount a comeback tour she's not yet ready for, the emotionally fragile chart-topper finds herself on the road with her estranged manager-husband (Tim McGraw), her secret boy toy/opening act (Garrett Hedlund), and a pretty young singer hungry for fame (Leighton Meester). Bed-hopping, illicit flirtation, and plenty of drunken relapses ensue as the incestuous makeshift showbiz family plays Texas en route to a soapy finale in Dallas, where the biggest "Oh no they didn't" gut punch of them all awaits. Bring Kleenex, y'all!
What's the Deal: There are pleasures to be found in Country Strong, and they're mostly of the same variety: guilty, like the most delicious soap operas and reality TV meltdown shows you'd never admit to watching. Helmer Shana Fest, responsible for both the script and its uneven execution, has a predilection for moving the story along with melodramatic cornball devices and clunky directorial choices – but thankfully, her cast rises to the occasion to fill in the gaps. At the center of it all is Paltrow, who carries the film with a sultry confidence, charismatic and compelling whether she's a hot mess in a bathroom stall, playing mentor-lover to the scruffy Hedlund, or serenading a Make-a-Wish kid while still wearing last night's mascara. She basically lives through almost every tragic country song ever written in the form of a dusty-glitzy backstage musical, only no one gets shot and nobody's dog dies.
But Is She Really, Truly, 'Country Strong'? Apply too much scrutiny to Country Strong and its ultimate message is a bit mixed up. Unless the meaning of being 'country strong' is not getting addicted to booze and fame and adultery in the first place. So just sit back and relax and enjoy comparing what happens to Gwyneth Paltrow to folks like Britney Spears and Mindy McCready and be glad nobody's asking you to be a big time famous person with major self-destructive issues that make you pop pills and shave your head and melt down in public while all the world is watching.
Why Garrett Hedlund Owns This Movie: Surprisingly, the musical stand out of the cast isn't actual country music star Tim McGraw, whose only filmed number was cut from the final film. Meester and Paltrow ably warble their way through the poppier country numbers, but it's Hedlund who makes the biggest impact, both dramatically and musically. As the cigarette-smoking, cowboy hat-wearing, no frills, honky-tonk crooner hero of Country Strong, he is smoldering, masculine country soul personified, singing Merle Haggard with an assured rasp and a twinkle in his eye. More to the point: he is sexy as hell -- idealistic, sensitive, and scruffy, with a gentle down home twang. When Meester's beauty queen is compared to Carrie Underwood and Hedlund to Townes Van Zandt by an industry rag in the film (Her response: "Who's Townes Van Zandt?"), this girl's heart melted that much more.
For Fans Of: Classic country, high melodrama, Gwyneth Paltrow, whiskey-soaked barrooms, romantic movie clichés, the 1993 country romance The Thing Called Love, backstage musicals, celebrity train-wrecks, boys who smell like cigarettes and play guitars, southern accents, Garrett Hedlund.
I saw this movie today and thought it was wonderful. I enjoyed the music from start to finish and the story line was entertaining with a somewhat predictable ending. Only disappointment was no music by Tim McGraw. Gwyneth Paltrow was good, but Garrett Hedlund was great and a "hunk" I might add!!
This movie sucked jen. You're an idiot for giving it that many stars.
Movies.com Critic
Grand Ole Opry of the Dolls
Read full review |
Comments (2)
45 out of 100 Metascore®
Read other critic reviews
A tiresome pickle.
Goofy crime-fighting fun.
A moronic medieval mash-up.
Sad and sublime.
All Jen Yamato's Movie Reviews
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LOS ANGELES - Shaq wants to be back in a video game.
Shaquille O'Neal says he's seeking redemption for "Shaq Fu," his infamous fighting game originally released in 1994 that's now considered to be among the worst games ever made. The four-time NBA champion is launching a crowd-funding campaign to create a "Shaq Fu" follow-up titled "Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn."
In return, backers could receive anything from a pair of autographed size-22 sneakers to a pick-up basketball game and lunch with Shaq, depending on how much they donate.
"The old `Shaq Fu' was a `ha, ha, ha,'" said O'Neal in a telephone interview this week. "This will not be a `ha, ha, ha.'"
In the original "Shaq Fu," O'Neal's character stumbles across a kung fu dojo while taking a break from playing a charity basketball game in Tokyo. He discovers a portal inside to another dimension where he engages in "Mortal Kombat"-like battles with such characters as an evil mummy, voodoo priestess and cyborg police officer.
The game was derided by Shaq fans for its cheesy story, wonky controls and blatant attempt to cash in on O'Neal's superstar status. "Shaq Fu" prompted one group of gamers to create the site ShaqFu.com and post photos and videos of fans destroying copies of "Shaq Fu" in unusual ways.
"I don't think it was the worst," said O'Neal. "When you talk about the worst, you've got to talk about sales. I actually sold a lot of games, but when I did the first `Shaq-Fu,' that was at the end of analog right before digital came out. It wasn't a bad game. It wasn't a good game, but it wasn't awful."
Unlike the original "Shaq Fu" released by Electronic Arts, "Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn" will be a beat-'em-up game created by Big Deez Productions in the style of "Streets of Rage." The studio said "A Legend Reborn" will feature Shaq taking on hordes of enemies with hundreds of different moves, as well as melee weapons, in various levels. The game's soundtrack will be created by Steve Molitz and feature remixed renditions of Shaq songs.
"The graphics, animation and storyline are definitely going to be top of the line," said O'Neal.
Utilizing crowd-funding services such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter has become an increasingly popular method for game developers to fund new titles. Kickstarter said earlier this week that more money has been pledged to game projects than any other category since the site launched in 2009.
However, that's typically for small indie or niche gamemakers. Why is a multimillionaire like O'Neal asking fans to open their wallets to resurrect "Shaq Fu" instead of simply coming up with the cash himself?
"That's just the new way of doing business," said O'Neal, who retired from the NBA in 2011. "I have a big social following, so everyone will have their hand in it. As a businessman, you have to take advantage of all available options."
"Shaq Fu" funders who donate $15 on the game's Indiegogo site will receive a copy of the game, while those who donate big bucks will be granted various prizes and opportunities, such as $400 for admission to a "Shaq-Fu" launch party; $600 for O'Neal to record an outgoing voicemail message; $3,000 for a size 22 sneaker signed by O'Neal; and $15,000 for lunch and a pick-up basketball game at one of O'Neal's houses.
The planned return of "Shaq-Fu" doesn't mean the 41-year-old basketball champ wants to similarly revive other past side projects, such as his big-screen alter-egos "Steel" and "Kazaam," or his rapping career.
"I'm way too old to be doing that, but I'm never too old to whoop some (expletive)," said O'Neal.


text:
Decorative Easter Egg
TAKE A CRACK at crafting this sugar ary shell from CT's cooks. It's sure to make Easter "eggstra" special! Our kitchen staff made the egg using a basic mold and piped icing. For additional holiday appeal, they filled their confection with green coconut "grass" and a purchased lamb figurine. If you have a bit of cake-decorating experience, you should have no problem creating the icing roses on top of the egg. Haven't ever made roses? For an easier project, look for ready-made sugar flowers in the baking aisle of the grocery store.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Total TimePrep: 1 hour + standing
Makes1 decorative egg
- Ingredients for egg and icing recipe (see below)
- 5-inch egg mold (see shopping information)
- Icing knife
- Serrated knife
- Scissors
- Pastry or plastic bags
- Pastry tipsstar #21, round #12, petal #13 and leaf #67
- 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut for grass inside
- Plastic lamb (or a 1- x 1-1/2- x 1-3/4-inch decoration of your choice)
- Flower nail (see note and shopping information)
- Footed cake plate or serving plate
- Green Easter grass
- Jelly beans
- Store-bought sugar roses (optionalsee note)
- 3 tablespoons water
- Yellow and green liquid food coloring
- 4-1/2 cups sugar
- Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon water
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 3-1/2 teaspoons meringue powder
- Red, blue and green liquid food coloring
- Directions: Prepare egg and icing according
- to the recipe below.
- EGG: Combine 3 tablespoons of water and 10 drops of yellow food coloring in a small bowl. Mix well. Add sugar and beat for 1 minute or until combined. Set aside.
- Dust a work surface and the egg mold with cornstarch. Firmly press sugar mixture into each egg half and level the top with an icing knife. Immediately unmold onto prepared work surface. Using
- a serrated knife, cut 1-1/4 inches from the small end of each egg half without moving the cut piece away from each egg half. (This will help keep the egg halves intact.) Let pieces stand, uncovered,
- for 1-1/2 hours.
- Using a serrated knife, carefully remove cut pieces and discard. Starting in the center of each half, gently scoop out the sugar, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Discard the removed sugar.
- Place egg shells dome side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 200° for 20 minutes or until dried.
- ICING: In a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and remaining water. Beat on low speed for 7-10 minutes or until stiff peaks form. If you are not making your own icing roses, cover icing and set aside.
- If you are making your own icing roses, place 1/3 cup of icing in a small bowl and tint purple with red and blue food coloring. Place 3 tablespoons of icing in another small bowl and tint green. Cover and set aside. Leave remaining icing white.
- DECORATIONS: Grass and lamb: For grass inside egg, place 2 tablespoons of coconut in a plastic bag and add 1-2 drops of green liquid food coloring. Shake until color is evenly distributed.
- Fill inside of bottom egg half with coconut grass and plastic lamb or a decoration of your choice. Spread a thin layer of white icing around edge of bottom shell and place top shell on bottom shell
- with edges matching.
- Zigzags: Cut a small hole in the corner
- of a pastry or plastic bag. Insert star pastry tip #21 and add white icing. Referring to the photos for position and holding bag at a 45° angle, pipe zig - zags around the seam and window opening.
- Roses: If you are using store-bought candy roses, refer to photo for position and attach roses to top of egg using a
- dab of icing.
- If you are making icing roses, cut a hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag. Insert round tip #12 and fill with purple
- icing. Holding the bag straight up, pipe a dome-shaped mound of icing on the flower nail. See Fig. 1a.
- With petal tip #103 and purple frosting, hold pastry bag at a 45° angle, wide end of tip down. Turn nail and squeeze bag to form bud as shown in Fig. 1a.
- Holding pastry bag with narrow end farther away from the rose tip and turning the nail, pipe a row of three standing petals. See Fig. 1b.
- Pipe a second row of petals, holding the narrow tip end at a greater angle. Repeat for a third row as shown in Fig. 1c.
- Gently slide the ends of scissors underneath rose and remove it from nail. Referring to photo for position, place rose on top of egg.
- In same way, make two more roses and add them to top of egg.
- For leaves, cut a hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag. Insert leaf tip #67 and fill with green frosting. Pipe leaves around roses.
- FINISHING: Arrange Easter grass on cake plate. Place egg in center of plate. Arrange jelly beans around egg.
Note: If you are using store-bought sugar roses instead of creating roses with icing, omit the red and blue liquid food coloring and cut the rest of the icing recipe in half. Also, you will not need the flower nail and round, petal and leaf pastry tips. Shopping information: The egg mold and flower nail are available from Wilton Industries. To order, call 1-800/794-5866 or visit the company's Web site, www. wilton.com. Finished size: Egg shown is 5-3/4 inches long x 4 inches wide x 4-1/4 inches high.
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Recommended Video
Mar 4, 2015
Worked out wonderful, I had tried three other recipes before this which kept crumbling! Thank You!
Mar 22, 2010
Thank you TOH for publishing this recipe. My grandmother used to bake and decorate cakes in her home for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Every year at Easter, she would make my sister and I a sugar egg for Easter with a different theme inside. When she passed away, I inherited all of her baking pans & molds, her cake & icing recipes, but we never found the sugar egg recipe. Now I have something very similar. The eggs take work, love and patience, but I thank you.


text:
Smart3d BilliardRhino 0.2 Alpha release 20/11/2009
We made this GAME just to show the power of Rhinoscript, it's an Alpha (very buggy) release.
(The Billiards rules are not fully supported)
The version 0.2 will fix all installation problem of previus version.
(Textures are working correctly only if Rhino is in English language)
Have you ever thought about playing with your Rhino?
Andrea Dotta,
0131 941 569


text:
Exif: FNumber: 5.6, ExposureBiasValue: 0/6, ExposureTime: 0.008, Flash: flash did not fire, ISO: 100, WhiteBalance: auto white balance
Uploaded on April 01, 2007
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Elias Fanous.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.


text:
Notice: On April 23, 2014, Statalist moved from an email list to a forum, based at statalist.org.
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: st: using post stratification weights
Steve Samuels <email@example.com>
Re: st: using post stratification weights
Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:19 -0500
You are mixing up post-stratification (actually, sample raking) with design-stratification; for the difference you should consult a good sampling text (e.g. Sharon Lohr, Sampling: Design and Analysis, 2009).
You will need to determine from the research firm whether they used any design strata in the selection of the sample. If they cannot supply the information, then you can conservatively assume there were none (conservatively, meaning that standard errors might be larger than need be). Also, it appears, but you must confirm, that there was no clustering of individuals.
In any case, the -svyset- statement will be:
svyset _n [pw = supplied_weight]
where you should substitute the name of the supplied weight variable after the equal sign.
You can then commands such as -svy: mean-, -svy: tab-, and -svy: logistic- for your analysis.
On Feb 12, 2012, at 11:41 AM, Afif Naeem wrote:
Thanks Steven for you reply. Actually, correctly specifying the strata (or any other first stage sampling effect) is what I am mostly confused about. Let me explain you the survey design first.
The survey was conducted by an internet-based survey research firm that has developed a fully representative pool of individuals. For our specific study, a representative sample of 857 Ohio state adults (18 and over) was selected. These individuals were invited to take part in the online survey. Out of 859 individuals, only 537 completely respond and complete the survey. This means only 62.5% of respondents do actually complete the survey.
The survey research firm also provides in the data set individual specific weights, generated through a post-stratification process (i.e. Raking) to adjust for any survey non-response and also any non-coverage due to the study-specific sample design. Demographic and geographic distributions for the Ohio population aged 18+ from the most recent Current Population Survey (CPS) are used as benchmarks in this adjustment.
The following benchmark distributions are utilized for this post-stratification adjustment:
Gender (Male, Female)
Age (18-29, 30-44, 45-59, 60+)
Race/Hispanic ethnicity
Education (Less than High School, High School, Some college, Bachelor and beyond)
Metropolitan Area (Yes, No)
Internet Access (Yes, No)
Comparable distributions are calculated using all completed cases from the field data. Since study sample sizes are typically too small to accommodate a complete cross-tabulation of all the survey variables with the benchmark variables, an iterative proportional fitting is used for the post-stratification weighting adjustment. This procedure adjusts the sample data back to the selected benchmark proportions. Through an iterative convergence process, the weighted sample data are optimally fitted to the marginal distributions.
After this final post-stratification adjustment, the distribution of the calculated weights are examined to identify and trim outliers at the extreme upper and lower tails of the weight distribution. The post-stratified and trimmed weights are then scaled to the sum of the total sample size of qualified respondents.
Given this survey design, and method of deriving weights, I am not sure how to define strata or any thing else. I guess the main source of sample-selection bias in the data set arise from the fact that only 62.5% of respondents do actually complete the survey. The un-weighted summary statistics show some deviation from that of the state of Ohio. I want to properly weight the sample to make it more comparable to the general population of state oh Ohio.
My main aim is to use these weights in my Binary Logit model, so that the inferences I draw are applicable to the general population of Ohio. I really hope someone can provide me some guidance here.
> Subject: Re: st: using post stratification weights
> From: firstname.lastname@example.com
> Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:43:18 -0500
> To: firstname.lastname@example.com
> I should have added: and use Stata's survey commands. Note that weighting alone is not sufficient for valid inference. You must properly specify the first stage of sampling design in the -svyset- statement. Otherwise standard errors will be wrong.
> Specify the adjusted weights in the -svyset- statement by [pw = adjusted_wt]
> Steve
> email@example.com
> On Feb 11, 2012, at 12:24 PM, Afif Naeem wrote:
> Thanks Stas for your response. I should have been more clear in my first email. What I meant is that I have weights in the data set generated through iterative proportional fitting, as described by the quote from the sruvey hand-book itself below.
> What I can not figure out is how to utilize these weights to find out the summary statistics of variables in the data set. Also, is the a way to run simple Logit model where this weight variable is used to weigh individuals differently?
> Afif
> ----------------------------------------
>> Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:24:22 -0500
>> Subject: Re: st: using post stratification weights
>> From: firstname.lastname@example.com
>> To: firstname.lastname@example.com
>> Afif,
>> I am not sure what your question is. "Help me out" is too broad, and I
>> don't know how many people on this list are in the business of mind
>> reading.
>> We are probably talking about different types of weight adjustments
>> here. Afif quoted from the survey manual he's been using:
>>> The post-stratification weights are generated through iterative proportional fitting. Quote from the survey hand-book itself is below:
>> "The following benchmark distributions are utilized for this
>> post-stratification adjustment:
>> Gender (Male, Female)
>> Age (18-29, 30-44, 45-59, 60+)
>> Race/Hispanic ethnicity
>> Education category
>> Metropolitan Area (Yes, No)
>> Internet Access (Yes, No)
>> Comparable distributions are calculated using all completed cases from
>> the field data. Since study sample sizes are typically too small to
>> accommodate a complete cross-tabulation of all the survey variables
>> with the benchmark variables, an iterative proportional fitting is
>> used for the post-stratification weighting adjustment. This procedure
>> adjusts the sample data back to the selected benchmark proportions.
>> Through an iterative convergence process, the weighted sample data
>> are optimally fitted to the marginal distributions."
>> This is a different procedure than post-stratification in Stata terms.
>> Stata relies on the post-strata being mutually exclusive, and
>> obviously the above categories aren't. What your quote suggests is a
>> raking procedure, where the weights are adjusted along each of the
>> dimensions/categorical variables, so that the current variable is made
>> to agree with the known distribution perfectly, moving then to the
>> next margin, etc., until some sort of convergence is achieved.
>> Official Stata does not do this, although you should be able to find
>> third party programs written for this purpose. I use -maxentropy-
>> (which is cumbersome to use, but does the job quickly).
>> Post-stratification adjustments call for special variance estimation
>> methods. That's why Stata has post-stratification as an additional
>> option in -svyset-; without these adjustments, your standard errors
>> may be some 20-30% too small on descriptive statistics correlated with
>> the calibration variables. These adjustments are relatively easy to
>> implement with post-stratification over mutually exclusive strata (and
>> that's done in Stata), but are somewhat harder with multivariate
>> marginal adjustments. You won't be able to do these adjustments unless
>> you have both the original sampling weight and the post-stratified
>> weights, as well as the variables used for calibration (or,
>> equivalently, the population totals towards which the adjustment was
>> made).
>> A typo correction in Cam's literature suggestions:
>> Holt, D., & Smith, T.M.F. (1979). Post stratification. Journal of the
>> Royal Statistical Society, Series A, 142, 33–46.
>> --
>> Stas Kolenikov, also found at http://stas.kolenikov.name
>> Small print: I use this email account for mailing lists only.
>> *
>> * For searches and help try:
>> * http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
>> * http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
>> * http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/
> *
> * For searches and help try:
> * http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
> * http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
> * http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/
> *
> * For searches and help try:
> * http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
> * http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
> * http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/
* For searches and help try:
* http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
* http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
* http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/
* For searches and help try:
* http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
* http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
* http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/


text:
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
PlayStation 3
What do you need help on? Cancel X
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit players will experience the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape as they play through full careers as both a cop and a racer solo or connected. The blistering speeds, brutal busts and heart-stopping getaways are all connected via Need for Speed Autolog. This network not only connects friends for epic head-to head pursuits and races, but also enables players to compare performances and stats, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate in friendly competition.
Popular Recent Questions
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text:
Wikipedia is a free, web-based, collaborative, multilingual encyclopedia project supported by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation. Its name is a portmanteau of the words wiki (a technology for creating collaborative websites, from the Hawaiian word wiki, meaning "quick") and encyclopedia. It is an excellent source for information about ingredients and chemicals used in the cosmetic, skin care and hair care industries.
It has a fairly extensive set of pages on common skin care ingredients such as parabens and phthlates, with quite detailed information and is quite current. Check it out!
Ingredients to Research (avoid):
- Parabens
- Phthalate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
- 1,4 Dioxane
- Petrolatum
- Formaldehyde and other synthetic preservatives
- Genetically Modified Ingredients
- Lead
- Contaminated ingredients
- Ethoxylated ingredients
- DEA or TEA (di- or tri-ethanolamine)
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- Synthetic Colorants
- Synthetic Fragrance
- Synthetic Sunscreen
- Triclosan


text:
Long-term Follow-up of HIV Infected Patients Identified During Early Infection
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00086372
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : July 1, 2004
Last Update Posted : October 29, 2012
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|HIV Infections
AIEDRP was established to develop and evaluate data from studies of patients with acute or recent HIV infection. Long-term effects of antiretroviral therapies raise questions regarding the value and necessity of therapeutic interventions during acute and early HIV infection. Conventional randomized clinical trials are generally designed with finite endpoints; most patients who reach an endpoint or complete a protocol are no longer followed. As a result, long-term virologic, immunologic, and clinical outcome data are not available. This is particularly true for participants who fail therapy, require changes in treatment, or develop a treatment-limiting toxicity in a time-limited study.
This database study will establish a cohort of HIV infected individuals who are participating in HIV studies at AIEDRP sites and of HIV infected individuals who have chosen to defer therapy but agree to be followed by this study. The study will facilitate longitudinal and prospectively planned meta-analyses or cross-protocol analyses of AIEDRP studies by developing data collection guidelines, defining common research goals, and creating data templates. The primary aim is to determine the long-term virologic, immunologic, and clinical outcomes and complications for patients who were diagnosed during acute or early HIV infection.
Participants in this study will be followed for at least 5 years. Study visits will occur at Weeks 2, 4, and 12, and then every 12 weeks thereafter, through Week 96. After 2 years, study visits will occur every 24 weeks until the end of the study. Participants who start antiretroviral therapy at or after Week 2 will restart the study visit schedule. Study visits will include a medical interview, adherence questionnaire, and blood tests. Duplicate tests performed as part of another study will not be performed if the results of those tests are available.
|Study Type :
|Actual Enrollment :
|157 participants
|Official Title:
|Acute HIV Infection and Early Disease Research Program (AIEDRP) CORE01 Database
|Study Start Date :
|July 2003
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|April 2007
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|13 Years and older (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria
- Documented acute or recent HIV infection
- Willing to allow study investigators access to and use of participant's medical information from other AIEDRP clinical trials
- Parent or guardian willing to provide informed consent, if applicable
- If enrolled at an AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) site, must also be participating in one of the following clinical trials: AIN501/ACTG A5216, AIN503/ACTG A5217, or AIN504/ACTG A5218
Exclusion Criteria
- More than 7 days of antiretroviral therapy prior to study entry without adequate documentation of pretreatment viral load and CD4 count. Individuals who have failed postexposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral treatment are not excluded from enrollment.
- Any factor that, in the opinion of the study official, may interfere with study participation
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00086372
|Study Chair:
|Martin Markowitz, MD
|Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Rockefeller University
|Study Chair:
|Susan Little, MD
|University of California, San Diego
Publications of Results:
Other Publications:
|Responsible Party:
|National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|July 1, 2004 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|October 29, 2012
|Last Verified:
|October 2012
Acute Infection
Treatment Experienced
Treatment Naive
Communicable Diseases
HIV Infections
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Lentivirus Infections
Retroviridae Infections
RNA Virus Infections
Virus Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes
Immune System Diseases
Slow Virus Diseases


text:
We accept credit/debit cards in the front office
We accept credit and debit cards using Square! This is available in the front office. There will be a $2.50 service fee per swipe.
"My kids have been attending Sun Valley for a few years! Best decision I made transferring them to this school..."- SVCS Parent
"Amazing school with amazing staff. I love how involved some of the teachers are with their students and above and beyond for the student's comfort so they can learn more. For example, Mrs. Yee is amazing in helping my daughter with not only her education but also and her self-worth and she does all that while enforcing strict rules and respect for others."- SVCS Parent
"Great school, great people that work there I am really happy to have my kid's there."- SVCS Parent
"It is an awesome school...trust me I know.!☺☺"- SVCS Parent
"The teachers and staff are friendly. My son loves this school and learns new things every day. "- SVCS Parent
"This is the most amazing school I have ever had the privilege to work for. I count myself lucky and blessed to teach our children and bond with our families, not to mention gain the amazing support and friendship of fellow staff at Sun Valley."- SVCS Staff Member
"This school is simply amazing! Love the teachers, administrators, and the students!"- SVCS Parent
We accept credit and debit cards using Square! This is available in the front office. There will be a $2.50 service fee per swipe.


text:
He clutched the Lombardi Trophy again about 10 hours after he held it for the first time. He had watched his quarterback Joe Flacco receive a new car as the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player and he had done one more interview as a newly minted world champion.
But before Ravens coach John Harbaugh left New Orleans on Monday afternoon, he stopped in front of a group of reporters, grabbed his arm and then aggressively pulled at his cheeks.
"Is this real?" Harbaugh asked. "Is it a dream?"
Oh, it was real. Neither Harbaugh nor his players had slept enough to dream. Fresh off a thrilling 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Ravens basked in the glory of the franchise's second Super Bowl title.
"It was quite a night last night, and I'm just proud of our team, proud of our coaches and our players, happy for our families, and most of all, happy for the people in Baltimore," Harbaugh said. "We saw some amazing pictures in Baltimore of everybody partying. That's what makes it all great."
The Ravens returned home to Baltimore on Monday afternoon, and their stirring playoff run, culminating with a late fourth-quarter goal-line stand to hold off the 49ers, will be celebrated by their fans at a parade Tuesday that starts at City Hall. But the party will have started long before that.
Team owner Steve Bisciotti hosted a star-studded fete Sunday night in New Orleans that included a performance by singer Mary J. Blige and appearances by hip-hop icon Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce, the star of the halftime show. Several Ravens tweeted out pictures of them standing with the power couple and linebacker Ray Lewis, who played the last game of a 17-year career Sunday, and even got up on stage with Blige to teach her his patented dance moves.
"I think everybody was just having an awesome time," said Flacco, who completed one of the best postseasons ever for a quarterback by throwing three first-half touchdowns. "I went and spent some time with the family and then we went to our post-game party. I got to meet Jay-Z, I got to meet Beyoncé, and that was pretty cool. I don't think that would happen if we would've lost the game. Just laying in bed, I was exhausted and couldn't wait to put my head down on that pillow, and for some reason, when I was laying there I couldn't quite fall asleep and just kind of had my eyes open in disbelief a little bit."
That feeling extended well into Monday. As the Ravens boarded a flight and returned home for the two-plus hour trip, they passed the Lombardi Trophy around the flight. Harbaugh said that there was a point late Sunday night/early Monday morning where the Ravens thought they had lost the trophy, but if the way the players clutched it and posed for pictures with it was any indication, that won't be happening again.
"It means a lot. It means a lot to my family. It means a lot to this organization," said Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown to complete a stellar postseason. "We've been through a lot as a team this year. From losing a ton of guys to injuries, having one of our brothers lose a family member, losing an offensive coordinator, yet through it all, we persevered. We kept believing and we always felt like this was our biggest destiny."
The final game could very well serve as a microcosm of the Ravens' season. They played a near flawless first half in building a 15-point lead, which eventually grew to 28-6 when Jacoby Jones returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a 108-yard touchdown. But the rest of the way, they hung on for dear life, enduring a 30-plus minute stadium power outage, a couple of key injuries (running back Bernard Pierce and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata ) and a frantic 49ers comeback.
Trailing 34-29 with just over four minutes to play, the 49ers drove all the way to the Ravens' 5-yard line, but second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw three straight incompletions. Less than two minutes later, the Ravens could finally celebrate with purple and yellow confetti falling down on them.
"I was running around spinning like a little kid playing in the rain. It was amazing. I've never been a part of anything like this," said Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, whose younger brother Tevin, died in a motorcycle accident earlier in the season. "A lot of ups and downs, but that's life. We finished on the best note. We set up to do something great. We wanted to make it to the Super Bowl and become world champions and we did it. No one can take that away from us. This is history. That's special."
Harbaugh's celebration was muted somewhat out of respect for his brother, Jim, the coach of the 49ers. With their parents watching the game from commissioner Roger Goodell's box, the two brothers, separated by 15 months, met in the middle of the field following the game and John told Jim that he loved him.
"The toughest moment of all was walking across the field," John Harbaugh said. "If you can imagine, you feel an incredible amount of elation with an incredible amount of devastation. Those two feelings went hand-in-hand in that moment. I'm still feeling it. That's just reality."
The reality also is that late Sunday night, the Ravens entered what promises to be a difficult offseason for the front office. Priority No. 1 will be trying to strike a contract extension with Flacco, who did wonders for his bargaining position following an 11-touchdown pass, no-interception postseason. Then the Ravens must address the status of veteran safety Ed Reed, who will be eligible for free agency, though both sides have expressed interested in his return.
With little salary cap flexibility and key contributors Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger and Cary Williams all headed for free agency, the Ravens may have to rebuild their defense, which will no longer have Lewis to lean on.
All those things will undoubtedly dominate the organization's attention in the days ahead. But for now, the Ravens will take a little time to celebrate. They've earned it.
"One thing about winning the Super Bowl is that you do everything you want and you finally realize that everything was worth it," said running back Ray Rice. "No team is going to be the same. After the season is over and after we do all our stuff, next year the locker room is going to be different. This is the only thing that's not going to separate us for life. We'll forever be champions because we won the Super Bowl."