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After receiving a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Bremen, Germany, Dr. Krauss began work in the university's Microwave Department in 1991. His research was related to the computer-aided design of passive waveguide components based on the Mode-Matching method.
From 1995 to 1999, in cooperation with Microwave Innovation Group (MIG), Germany, he worked on the development of the company's CAD tool. In 1998 he co-founded Mician GbR with Dr. Jan M. Reiter and in 2004 he co-founded Mician GmbH with Dr. Ralf Beyer and Dr. Thomas Sieverding. His current work includes microwave CAD technology for EM simulation and optimization.
MWJ: Can you give some background as to how Mician came to be established and what were its initial aims?
PK: The original goal was to create a new EM simulator, which avoided the use of time consuming 3D solvers wherever possible. We wanted to focus on applying the Mode-Matching Technique and its derivatives instead, even on structures that at first glance seem to be suited to 3D solvers only. This powerful simulation method, together with an ergonomic GUI that provides flexibility and openness finally led to the current stage in the evolution of the µWave Wizard.
MWJ: What is the basic philosophy of the company?
PK: The establishment of Mician was born out of the idea of providing microwave engineers with fast and accurate design tools that significantly speed up the development process by reducing cycle time. This is still our overriding philosophy.
MWJ: In what specific sectors are your design tools used? And are there any particular areas that have come to the fore in recent years?
PK: In particular, the last decade has seen cellular radio come to the fore, especially for private communication and the introduction of new services has resulted in the steady rise of transmission capacity in such networks. At high spectrum efficiency base station equipment is required to achieve optimal utilisation of the confined available frequency bands. This leads to increased demands on associated components such as filters and diplexers. These have to provide inter-band isolation with high edge steepness and rejection level, while maintaining the lowest possible insertion loss in the pass band. Further requirements are short-term availability, compact size, low cost and easy implementation, especially for new generation base station equipment. Such demands cannot be met by standard filter designs and therefore specific combline or coaxial filter structures are favoured which enable the realisation of transmission zeros at finite frequencies. These rejection requirements can be met by tailored filter characteristics with a minimum number of resonators.
The development of such filtering equipment is being supported by field theoretical CAD tools, which provide exact determination of the hardware dimensions and accurate prediction of the responses. Although there are commercial tools available for such tasks, which are based on different methods, often they are not suitable for the overall optimisation of the complex high order filters and diplexers, which are needed for, base station applications due to the extreme computational requirements. However, Mode-Matching based CAD like the µWave Wizard is an approved tool for fast and efficient design of filter structures. While, in the past, there was a lack of flexible modelling of special shapes using the Mode-Matching technique, e.g. for coaxial waveguide structures, the recent extension of the Mode-Matching approach by Boundary Contour Mode-Matching (BCMM) as well as the combination of the Mode-Matching with finite element modules eliminates such modelling deficiencies and yields an efficient CAD method.
However, the design and optimization of base station components is not the only domain our software can be utilised for. Other fields of interest include integrated waveguide technology, satellite communication, point-to-point radio systems, space applications like radio astronomy and radar technology, and plasma physics to mention just a few.
MWJ: Technologically are there emerging markets where your design tools can be utilised?
PK: As I have already mentioned, the telecommunication market is a very important one for us and I don't think it has reached its peak. For example it will be very exciting to see how over-the-air broadcasting for television for mobile devices will develop in the future. Since it requires different technology this could become an interesting market.
MWJ: What particular features are customers demanding and where do you see the development of microwave design tools heading in the near future?
PK: Over the past ten to fifteen years the evolution in design tools has been enormous. Today it is possible to simulate microwave parts with software tools, which just a few years ago an engineer had to optimize with screws, and the results are impressive. Although these tools are quite expensive the return of investment for the customers is very high since they soon reduce cycle and customer return times. Significantly, in the future, design tools will become even more powerful due to the continuous enhancements concerning the hardware and the more powerful PCs become the more powerful the software tools will become as well. I am quite sure that there will be design software tools available in the future we cannot even imagine today. With the increase in computation power the demands from customers for even more powerful software will also increase. So, with regards to our tool, with more computation power the fast Mode-Matching method will be significantly accelerated too!
MWJ: Mician is a European design tool developer. Does this have any bearing on the geographical markets that you address?
PK: This question is difficult to answer. On the one hand the company is developing well and constantly increasing its annual turnover but on the other hand one never knows how much better things could have developed if we were, for example a North American company. If that were the case our US customers would not have to complete the paperwork that they need to get approval for the purchase of a non-domestic product. Additionally one always has to consider that the markets are different everywhere in the world, as is the way of doing business, especially in Asia. And although we have already learned a lot, there is plenty more to learn. In that regard it is very helpful to have sales representatives in the respective countries since they know the culture as well as the business mentality. We are very lucky though that Mician is serving the market with niche products in the Internet age. I do not think that we would have been so successful if we had started 30 years earlier, or at least it would have been very much harder work.
MWJ: Where would you say are the strongest markets for your products geographically? Has this changed over recent years and are there emerging marketplaces that you are targeting?
PK: The strongest market for our products has been and still is North America but in recent years we have seen strong growth in Asia too, especially in countries like India, Korea and China. Within Europe currently our strongest markets are in the west and south but in the near future I envisage the new member states of the European Community in Eastern Europe becoming more and more important.
MWJ: The horn antenna synthesis tool is your latest introduction. What prompted this development and are there similar innovations in the pipeline?
PK: Although various analysis tools for the calculation of horn antennas are available, the synthesis and optimization of broadband, low cross-polarization and high directivity horns is still a challenge. To ease and accelerate the antenna design for engineers, we have developed a new horn antenna synthesis and optimization tool for multi-mode and tracking horns. As I have mentioned our focus is on speed and accuracy. Therefore, we are using mode matching and the spherical wave expansion for the computation. Moreover, analytic equations are used for the initial design and the engineer can directly use these geometries as starting values for the optimization. In general, we are looking forward to adding more synthesis tools combined with powerful optimizers to the µWave Wizard to provide optimal workflow.
MWJ: Work on this synthesis tool was funded by ESA/ESTEC*. How did this funding come about and would this development have been possible without it?
PK: Together with our cooperation partner we submitted our proposal on an ESA [European Space Agency] tender. However, we would have developed this new synthesis tool without this funding but at a later date. Having said that, the technical preparation with ESA and our cooperation partner was invaluable for the success of this work.
MWJ: Is such funding vital to Mician's continued product development?
PK: The funding itself is not vital but the collaboration with other companies and organisations is becoming more and more important to us.
MWJ: What other organisations/companies are you collaborating with and why do you think it is important to do so?
PK: Mainly we collaborate with universities. This offers great opportunities for students as well as their professors to make that important step from theory to practical experience. Furthermore we get important feedback from a totally different perspective — the research and development point of view, which is different again from the perspective of our commercial customers. Combined, this varied feedback is very useful in helping us to make development decisions for the future and, in the long run, is of huge benefit to all parties — the product will be improved and the customers receive a tailor-made product that facilitates their daily work.
Regarding collaboration with companies, we are cooperating with many of our customers and even work closely with companies that at first glance seem to be competitors such as CST. Although we try to circumvent the use of 3D solvers whenever possible, sometimes it is not and therefore we have agreements with some other software suppliers which has lead to the introduction of an interface in their tools which makes it possible to import data files from our tool into theirs.
MWJ: Does the European Community support businesses such as Mician and if so in what way?
PK: Indeed the European Community does support businesses such as ours. Several programs have been launched in recent years that don't focus so much on supporting one single company but are intended to build cooperation between companies from different European countries and additionally try to involve at least one university or a research and development institute. The support itself is mainly monetary, with part of the development costs being borne by the European Community. It goes without saying that in order to receive EC support projects must be of great importance for the participating companies as well as for the community itself.
MWJ: When developing the latest version of µWave Wizard what determines the direction the development takes and what influence do potential customers have?
PK: Several different factors have impacted on the development of the latest version of µWave Wizard, one of which is to meet our development aims for the next five years. This long-term strategy mainly concerns the architecture and further features of the tool. Additionally we also have a middle term strategy for the next two years where we will try to implement new elements, new features and other improvements. Finally, the short-term strategy concerns those issues that need to be resolved due to urgent demands from customers or our engineers.
In general the influence of current customers is as important as that from potential customers because they have been working with our software tool for years and know it as well as we do. So, it is very important for us to listen to their comments and know their requirements. Also, they see the software from a different perspective as they use it on a daily basis and software improvements are often the result of considering their experiences. Furthermore, we carry out market research, where potential customers are particularly important. Without the input we have gained from customers over the years, many improvements would not have been implemented.
MWJ: Whenever new versions of design tools are launched they claim to be faster, simpler, more in-depth etc, than ever before. What particular limitations govern the speed at which such tools are developed?
PK: It is always a question of the complexity of what is being developed. Some tasks are very easy to develop and implement while others require a great deal of planning as well research prior to development. Also, memory or other computer related influences have to be taken into account.
MWJ: When developing design tools is there a danger of building in complexity and making them overcomplicated for the everyday tasks that design engineers actually use them for?
PK: There is always the risk that the user does not understand the intention behind the functionality, although we try to avoid this since we claim to have a very user-friendly tool. But the risk is totally ours, since there are so many tools available and most of them take a different approach, it is often difficult for the user to understand every software tool at first sight. We always try to use standard UI architecture and UI elements that most users know from other software. Of course, we try to keep our tool as easy to use as possible but sometimes it isn't always possible to avoid incorporating features that are non-self-explanatory. Our customers are of great help in this regard as they give us advice and they try to make us see things from their point of view.
MWJ: What ambitions does Mician have as a company and what are its aims for the next five years?
PK: The main aim for the next five years is to become rich and famous and to purchase an island in Greece, which will become our retirement residence! Joking aside, our ambitions are to become established as a well-known company that provides sophisticated synthesis and design tools, which are based on the combination of the Mode-Matching technique and its derivatives as well as other methods. Our challenge is to be one step ahead of what the microwave design engineers might need in the future and the aim is to always be able to provide them with fast and accurate working design tools that significantly speed up the development process by reducing cycle times.
*ESTEC stands for European Space Research and Technology Centre


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|0.1 kg
3-6mo, 6-12mo
Ellie Fam Graphic Bodysuit
The essential onesie from Kinder Birch. Using only premium certified organic cotton interlock knit, your sweet little one can be cute, all while showing support for Mother Earth!
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Designer: Jay-Cyn Designs
Collection: Mod Basics
Fiber Content: 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
Care Instructions: Hand-wash, or wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with like colors using a fragrance free, non-chlorinated detergent. Dry on a low/ medium cycle or line-dry.
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subset: commoncrawl


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This week's French Fridays with Dorie recipe (goat cheese mini puffs, p 7) might have been one to intimidate me a few years ago. I mean – CHOUX PASTRY!! It's because of French Fridays with Dorie that I have no fear of the stuff – our first ever recipe was gougères which were a cinch (sssh!) and then we ventured into éclairs too, again with great success.
This thing with choux pastry is that when you produce it for guests, everyone is always so impressed. But honestly, it's dead easy.
I whipped these up in no time at all and, not unlike when I bake macarons, I was found hovering around the oven, watching for the magic moment when they "puff". I was not disappointed…
These "puffs" gave me so many ideas for (holiday) entertaining. I loved that they LOOKED like regular sweet cream puffs yet when you bit into them there was that wonderfully surprising tang of goat cheese mixed with a few herbs and a little cream cheese and heavy cream. Quite delightful!
The puffs had the lovely little "separation" in their middles where, if you choose, you can open them right up and fill the bottom then put the little lid back on top. Or, you know, if you over zealously fill them from the bottom with a piping bag, it's the place where the filling will ooze out a little…
Mmmm – cheesy goodness 🙂 And yes, I got a little carried away with not only the filling but also the piping of the actual puffs – they, ahem, weren't so "mini". But they were perfect for an apéritif snack anyway. Good to know.
French Fridays with Dorie participants do not publish the recipes on our blogs (though this week you are lucky, you can find the recipe online for the cream puffs here and for the goat cheese filling here) rather, we prefer if you purchase Around My French Table for yourselves (trust me, you definitely want this book!) which you can do here on Amazon or Amazon Canada. Or for free worldwide shipping, buy from The Book Depository. Go on, treat yourself then join us here!


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Growing up, my family had our share of little holiday traditions—Green Bay Packers ornaments got the best spots on the Christmas tree, Thanksgiving dinner was served on our finest china (Styrofoam) and the annual drive through City Park meant you had to sing the 12 Days of Christmas as frantically as you could as the car passed the light display for the respective day.
One tradition that holds a special place in my heart, though, is the sending and receiving of holiday cards. As a child, my mother let us help pick out the annual card which usually included silhouettes to represent the family members—dog, cat and fish included. Any received Christmas cards were set in a pile until I or my sisters could tape them around the door frame to show off to anyone who dropped by for a holiday visit. While this is a tradition shared by many, many families and one I now practice on my own, it can become routine and even frustrating (hello tracking down addresses for the five friends who moved last year and does cousin Sissy have four or five kids now?).
You'll still find cards hanging around the door frames at my parent's house.
When we started brainstorming ideas for NRPA's holiday card this year, we explored everything from the quirky to the loud to the traditional. And while at times the process was tedious, I think what we ended up with is something that genuinely reflects the serenity we hope all of our members can find amidst the hustle and bustle (read insanity) of the season.
As we all wrap up our last minute projects before the holiday break, I hope you take a moment to look at your cards and appreciate the message behind each one. At NRPA, we truly wish each and every member the best this holiday season and hope you can spend some time relaxing, recreating and just having fun.
What are your favorite holiday traditions? We'd love to hear them! Leave a comment or tweet us @NRPA_News.


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In one of the latest PSAs encouraging people to vote, celebrities use reverse psychology and tell us "DON'T VOTE!"
Look for appearances by Amy Adams, Tatyana Ali, will.i.am, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Bacon, Maria Bello, Halle Berry, Selma Blair, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Connolly, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jaime Foxx, Jonah Hill, Djimon Hounsou, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Kiedis, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Levine, Laura Linney, Eva Longoria, Tobey Maguire, Demi Moore, Esai Morales, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, Ethan Suplee, Kyra Sedgwick, Michelle Trachtenberg, Usher, and Forest Whitaker. Don't Vote. Ya Heard?
To register to vote or to learn how to vote early, visit DeclareYourself.com. For voting locations, visit Maps.Google.com/Vote.
source/video source
jonah hill made me lol. but dustin hoffman is the best


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Morgan Properties is committed to excellence, and take pride in offering a comfortable living experience for our residents. Our Management teams look forward to servicing your needs as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Established in 1985 by Mitchell L. Morgan, Morgan Properties is a real estate investment and management company.
Morgan Properties owns and manages 130+ apartment communities with almost 30,000 apartment homes in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia and Nebraska.
As one of the nation's leading apartment management companies, Morgan Properties has been creating the standards that others have followed for many years. It is an organization that is built upon a commitment to excellence. Our highly qualified staff with strong teamwork continually achieves our goal of being the leader in the field. Our award-winning employees are dedicated to providing our residents with a quality residential living experience every day.
Our ongoing commitment to quality customer service, management, maintenance and marketing has made the Morgan Properties portfolio one of the fastest growing in apartment and townhome living.


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We built Yout with the idea that a legal stream recording tool for the internet that was clean, easy, and not spammy needed to exist. According to the EFF.org "The law is clear that simply providing the public with a tool for copying digital media does not give rise to copyright liability".
We fight for your rights to do this. Given that we offer this tool for free and our web hosting and legal bills are VERY expensive. We hope you enjoy using Yout and upgrade to PRO, which gives you extra features, and helps us stay alive and make sure you never loose this right to record digital media. Please upgrade, or show Yout.com to anyone you know.
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About Us · Catalogue · Authors · Projects
Also for this Christmas Corraini prepares three Christmas' cards designed by famous and young illustrators, that integrate the rich collection of already available cards. A vivid and colourful way to send "artists' wishes" for Christmas! Here's the new authors Joanna Neborsky, Oscar Bolton Green e Emiliano Ponzi. Each card is accompanied by its envelope. A closed card measures cm 11x17.


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Barges Carrying Stranded Returnees Depart South Sudan's Renk Port
GENEVA, Switzerland, July 2, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- An IOM-organized convoy of river barges carrying approximately 950 returnees departed on 30th June from Renk in South Sudan's Upper Nile State on a two-week journey to Juba.
The river convoy, consisting of two passenger and two luggage barges, is the first to depart from Renk this year. The port of Renk, near the Sudan border, has become a bottleneck for returns since 2011. Barge movements had been delayed since January due to a taxation issue that was successfully resolved last month, following the intervention of the central government.
IOM provides a range of assistance in response to the needs of returnees stranded in Renk, including primary health care services; water, sanitation and hygiene; tracking and monitoring of new arrivals and departures; distribution of non-food relief items; emergency shelter and provision of onward transport assistance to those who wish to proceed further into South Sudan.
IOM medical staff screen returnees traveling on the barges 72 hours prior to departure to check if they are fit to travel and prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Children under the age of five are also vaccinated against measles and polio and are provided with de-worming medication, as well as a Vitamin A supplement to boost immunity. To further ensure the health and safety of the passengers, IOM medical teams escort the barges throughout the duration of the journey.
A total of 38 vulnerable people unable to travel by barge, including elderly and disabled passengers, were provided with air transport to Juba on 5 and 8 June. They were accommodated at the Juba way station, where they received further medical assistance.
Most of the returnees travelling on the barge will disembark at Juba port, and will be accommodated at the way station while waiting for onward road transport to their final destinations. Most people have indicated a preference to resettle in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal and Greater Equatoria regions. An estimated 20,000 returnees remain stranded in Renk's four transit camps.


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Question: As the proportion of wind in the European energy mix grows, there is the issue of how this can be traded and transported across borders. Is the supergrid - a wide transmission network across Europe - the solution to this, and if so what needs to be done to make it a reality?
Ana Agaudo Cornago – CEO Friends of the Supergrid
The supergrid is essential if we are to increase competitiveness, improve energy security, make the utmost of existing energy mixes and integrate all the renewable energy potential of Europe. But the million-dollar question is whether this can be achieved in the near future. If there was the political will, it certainly would be possible. We are convinced that the financing of the project would not be a problem and the technology is certainly there to make it a reality.
But the situation today is that we can't attract investors to commit even to a smaller pilot project as the first step towards the creation of the supergrid. This is because we need to see a concerted political commitment to the project. This is starting to be there when you speak to member states separately; ministers will often say "of course we need to increase interconnections". Indeed, the news that Russia has negotiated a massive gas contract with China, and the problems in Ukraine may well push member states to be more active in pursuing energy security.
But there still isn't coordination between states. So the regulatory frameworks that are in place at the moment are not suited to greater integration. There are too many differences between member states, and if it is too complicated to arrange interconnectors between two countries, imagine how difficult it would be to bring together say four, and up to ten countries one day, in the North Sea.
Eddie O'connor – CEO Mainstream Renewable Power
As global warming accelerates we must think in terms of a 100% renewable energy solution. We have the technology in wind and in solar PV. In Europe for instance we have wind in the north, particularly at sea and we have solar in the south.
Wind and PV are non-dispatchable. New strategies have to be developed to cope with this. What is needed is a continental wide supergrid, utility and distributed electricity storage mechanisms, coupled with a smart distribution grid. The traditional, national approach to transmission ownership and management will not work.
There will have to be many changes at political and institutional level to bring about the supergrid. On the political side we need a new energy treaty in Europe. On the institutional side there has to be a new organisation that will manage the individual, nationally based transmission system operators.
This could be quite simple like the PJM arrangement in the eastern United States or it could be as complicated as a series of regional groupings of transmission operators which would also have to be linked together. Mainstream has been designing the key element of the supergrid, the Supernode. This allows renewable energy whether it's from sun or wind to be collected as AC then turned into DC for transmission across the continent.
Paul Wilczek – senior grid advisor EWEA
One of the benefits is cost savings, in particular in offshore wind. Currently we are connecting projects radially meaning that each wind farm gets its own connection to a country. The supergrid would enable central connections serving several countries, saving a lot of copper and bringing down costs.
But one of the main barriers is how cross-border cost-allocation decisions will take place. Up to now, countries tend to take a 50:50 approach to cost. But once you are beyond two countries, and to situations where a connection might benefit one country more than another, things are complicated. The project's success relies on bolder action from the Agency of the Corporation of Energy Regulators (ACER). It needs to act more like a European regulator and take cost allocation decisions in the interest of the European consumer, which it has the power to do.
Financing is also an issue. This is not due to market failure or down to a poor business case, it is largely an issue with access to equity. There are programmes such as the European Infrastructure Package that can provide funds and grants, but this is just one part of the story; Europe cannot fund everything. The key is to trigger investment in a safe, low-risk investment, but one that is also long term. The answer to this lies in attracting more institutional investors by raising awareness of the virtues of the investment case.


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Region opener:
Top ranked Trojans play host to Taylor County Vikings as region play begins Friday.
Good times:
Buggy Days shakes off rainy Saturday to draw good crowds for 40th anniversary.
B. Lloyd's', Swint's get facelifts as new owners transform old buildings.
Only a drill:
Surprise exercise points out lack of communication between emergency responders.
The Walking Dead to film episodes in Milner.
A preview of the 9.24.2013 edition of The Herald Gazette
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New Survey: American's Don't Know Their Grapes During National Wine Month
Grape Juice And Wine Offer Similar Benefits, People Don't Make The Heart-Health Connection
CONCORD, Mass., May 24, 2012 - A recent nationwide survey of more than 4,000 American adults found that 66 percent of respondents know wine is good for their heart; however, only a fraction connected the heart-health benefits of grapes in wine to the grapes in 100 percent grape juice.
"Over a decade's worth of research suggests that 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes can benefit the heart," says Casey Lewis, MS, RD, Welch's Health and Nutrition Lead.
Many of the same heart-healthy plant nutrients in red wine are in grape juice making it a great option for those who choose not to drink alcohol. Like red wine, Concord grapes have a mix of natural plant nutrients called polyphenols. Growing research suggests that certain polyphenols can act as antioxidants and deliver benefits to help promote heart health.
Polyphenols give Concord grapes their vibrant color, making Welch's 100 percent Grape Juice made with Concord grapes an easy way to add a boost of purple fruit to a heart-healthy diet. According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people don't eat enough colorful fruits and vegetables.
"People aren't getting enough purple and blue fruits, which only account for about 3 percent of total produce intake," comments Lewis. "A multicolored diet helps ensure a broad range of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant nutrients."
For more on the science behind the Concord grape's heart-health benefits, visit grapescience.com.
About Welch's
Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, Welch's is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch's is owned by 1,150 family-farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who make up this cooperative and who grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grape used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers' health and nutrition needs. Welch's products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 50 countries around the globe.
About the Survey
Porter Novelli Styles conducted a survey of more than 4,000 Americans across the nation. The survey was executed in January 2012 and was sponsored by Welch's.


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Cursed by the Gods
Undead Abomination
Generic/Universal Moderator
(Continued from Day One)
After knocking on the door, we were eventually greeted by a man named Birch. In addition to being the caretaker of the lighthouse, he was a cleric of some goddess who's name I can't recall, but who I believe was popular among witches. At first he did not seem very eager to help us. That was until we described the nature of our arrival on the peninsula. Then he invited us in to stay for the night and gave us all something to eat. He also gave Midnight a place
Excerpt from the Journals of Vassago ApVay, Shadow Walker:
(Continued from Day One): Fortunately, the rest of us took out the three remaining ghouls without further difficulty. And the paralysis on Angus lasted for only a few minutes. But when he was able to move again, he kept talking about the ghouls and the helpless feeling of being paralyzed.
It seemed that Angus's troubles would continue to mount, as he now appeared to be obsessed with the thought of ghouls and their
Under the Baron's 'Turn the page' thread in the Gardens of Stone group, I posted the first part of the first week's review for my '04 12th Annual Running of Ravenloft. Here I will continue the story of what was one of my favorite Ravenloft groups. For convenience I will again introduce the members of the band:
Cast of Characters:
Angus Shadowborn - Human paladin from the Great Kingdom of Avonleigh closely related to Kateri and Alexi Shadowborn
Gohan - Half-elf fighter/druid


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Comedy club in Harveys has a 'Fitz'
Greg Fitzsimmons has a great comedy podcast called "Fitzdog Radio" (one of the most downloaded shows on iTunes), has appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman," "Conan O'Brien," and "Jimmy Kimmel Live." He has several comedy specials on Comedy Central and his show on MTV, "Idiot Savants" won him a Cable ACE Award for Best Game Show. He's been featured on the "HBO Comedy Showcase" hosted by Louie Anderson and has appeared in the movies "Monumental," "The Callback" and "Three."
In addition to all those credits, Greg authored a book, "Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons: Tales of Redemption from an Irish Mailbox."
So why is he here in little ol' Lake Tahoe performing for the entire week? Because Greg knows this is the most important credit of his comedy career, being up here first in 2013.
What sets "Fitz" apart from the others in this highly competitive arena? Not much. OK, I believe it's his sardonic wit … and God forbid you ever try to stare him down in a game of poker; he's that good. Not at poker (he sucks, actually) but he is so committed to his delivery, nobody knows if in fact he's joking about something or being serious. Greg is probably one of the most sarcastic comics I have ever worked with on and offstage.
It must be his Bronx roots. That and his parents. His mom always had a wicked sense of humor while his dad, Bob Fitzsimmons, was once a radio personality in New York City. Ironically his old man knew a young Howard Stern when his dad was still in broadcasting so it made sense that the younger Fitzsimmons would wind up on Stern's network.
Lately, Greg hosts a series on The Speed Channel called "Pumped" and is a frequent panelist on "Chelsea Lately."
He recently taped another One-Hour standup special this past summer. His writing credits include HBO's "Lucky Louie," "Cedric the Entertainer Presents," "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher," "The Man Show" and a ton others. Some of the awards he's received include four Daytime Emmys he won as a writer and producer on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The Jury Award for Best Comedian" from The HBO Comedy Arts Festival. Greg spent five years as a panelist on VH1's "Best Week Ever."
His greatest claim to fame though (and he's too humble to admit it) was probably when he hosted the 25th annual "AVN Adult Movie Awards" on Showtime. You just can't buy that kind of adulation but Greg would had he not hosted the gig.
We have a new comic this week. I mean new to both our room and also to Lake Tahoe. Welcome Jonny Loquasto, who's originally from Northampton, Penn.
Like so many who ended up being in this business, Jonny battled insecurities, turning pain into humor, in his case being a fat kid who weighed close to 170 pounds by age 11.
He motivated himself not just by making others laugh to distract from his childhood hurt, but lost the weight while gaining a reputation for being downright hilarious.
Jonny describes himself as being a comedian, on-camera host, actor and a writer. He has a masters degree in physical therapy and likes both the paranormal and pro-wrestling.
He a wrote a 25-minute short film called "The Thumb Wrestler" that he plans on producing on his own. Loquasto has a weekly pro wrestling/ comedy podcast called the "Steel Chair Slamcast," so he definitely has a love that rivals his standup.
His first comedy CD, "Thugged In," came out just over a year ago and is a variety album featuring his standup, sketch comedy and parody hip-hop songs à la "Weird Al" Yankovic (who actually was one of his inspirations getting into comedy).
Without a doubt, Jonny is one hard-working individual, and having him up here is going to be a great time, I can tell already.
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Abstract and Keywords
The story of mass culture from 1900 to 1945 is the story of its growth and increasing centrality to American life. Sparked by the development of such new media as radios, phonographs, and cinema that required less literacy and formal education, and the commodification of leisure pursuits, mass culture extended its purview to nearly the entire nation by the end of the Second World War. In the process, it became one way in which immigrant and second-generation Americans could learn about the United States and stake a claim to participation in civic and social life. Mass culture characteristically consisted of artifacts that stressed pleasure, sensation, and glamor rather than, as previously been the case, eternal and ethereal beauty, moral propriety, and personal transcendence. It had the power to determine acceptable values and beliefs and define qualities and characteristics of social groups. The constant and graphic stimulation led many custodians of culture to worry about the kinds of stimulation that mass culture provided and about a breakdown in social morality that would surely follow. As a result, they formed regulatory agencies and watchdogs to monitor the mass culture available on the market. Other critics charged the regime of mass culture with inducing homogenization of belief and practice and contributing to passive acceptance of the status quo. The spread of mass culture did not terminate regional, class, or racial cultures; indeed, mass culture artifacts often borrowed them. Nor did marginalized groups accept stereotypical portrayals; rather, they worked to expand the possibilities of prevailing ones and to provide alternatives.
Keywords: mass culture, 20th century, media, democracy, leisure
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ROME (Reuters) - Silvio Berlusconi dominated Italy for 17 years with a unique mix of political talent and brazen behaviour but in the end it was market pressure from abroad that brought him down.
Berlusconi confirmed on Tuesday that he would stand down after a new budget law is approved in parliament.
"After the approval of this finance law...I will resign, to allow the head of state to open consultations," he told his own Canale 5 television.
Bolstered by unrivalled communication skills and a dominance of Italian media, Berlusconi had for years seemed immune to a series of controversies that would have destroyed a politician in most other parts of the world.
They included the lurid "Rubygate" scandal in which he was charged with having sex with an under-age prostitute, and included a wave of salacious revelations from police wiretaps about alleged orgies at his luxurious Milan villa.
He also faces two ongoing fraud court cases, the latest in more than 30 prosecutions by magistrates he accuses of being communists bent on perverting democracy.
The perma-tanned media tycoon, once a cruise ship crooner, was always unrepentant about a notoriously off-colour sense of humour and a series of diplomatic gaffes which have led some foreign leaders to try to avoid being photographed near him.
Berlusconi, 75, one of Italy's richest men, had been in political decline for most of this year, his former mastery undermined by glaring misjudgments in local elections and three referendums as well as the loss of a key alliance.
But he had seemed to have a good chance of hanging on to scheduled elections in 2013, until markets spooked by the Greek crisis turned on Italy, focusing on factors that had existed for years -- stagnant growth and a debt mountain equal to 120 percent of GDP.
As the euro zone debt crisis rapidly accelerated, Italy's government bonds came under increasing pressure and the European Central Bank agreed in August to buy them in return for a tough austerity budget.
His agreement to resign on Tuesday came as Italian bond yields came close to the red line of 7 percent. He had already been forced to accept humiliating IMF monitoring of the reforms--fruit of international scepticism that he could implement them.
Major disagreements within Berlusconi's coalition, especially a refusal to sanction deep pension reform by the Northern League, meant his promises to implement economic reforms in return for ECB bond buying were never followed by action, prompting increasing impatience among fellow euro zone leaders.
Deputies in his PDL party finally decided they had had enough and abandoned him in numbers, fearing their electoral support would be wiped out and seeing him as a liability.
Berlusconi's final demise was a far cry from 2008 when a landslide victory gave the media tycoon his strongest electoral mandate. He had been prime minister for longer than any postwar leader, painting himself as the only choice for the dominant conservative voting bloc and a bastion against communism.
But he did not have long to savour his third election triumph. In 2009 his estranged wife Veronica denounced his sex life and accused him of consorting with under-age women, finally sowing doubts in the minds of voters who had hitherto been charmed by his image as a self-made macho Latin male.
In addition, Berlusconi has persistently shown himself to be better at promises than action, failing to implement pledges in 2008 to use his business acumen to liberalise a notoriously inflexible and protected economy.
Berlusconi's political decline can be dated to last December when he expelled his party's co-founder and former ally Gianfranco Fini. This robbed him of a comfortable parliamentary majority based on Fini's supporters and turned the house speaker into a dangerous enemy.
He has also been undermined by a famously frosty relationship with Economy Minister Giulio Tremonti.
The decline accelerated when Berlusconi suffered a major local election loss in his northern base of Milan in May and defeats in water and nuclear power referendums in June. The defeats were seen as down to his own misjudgement.
He has also shown a dangerously slow appreciation of how his dominance and popularity have declined, continuing to crack inappropriate jokes, making insulting comments in phone calls he must suspect are tapped and underestimating an economic crisis causing real pain.
Berlusconi initially laughed off the economic problems as a figment of the Left's imagination and only a few days ago caused offence by saying Italy was not really in crisis, with the restaurants full and vacation flights fully booked.
Often derided abroad for his facelifts, hair transplants, make-up and diplomatic gaffes, Berlusconi until recently commanded a large following particularly among middle-class women, pensioners and the self-employed, striking a chord with his warnings about the dangers of left-wing extremists.
As owner of Italy's main private television channels and top-flight soccer team AC Milan after making a fortune in a Milan construction boom, he typified an Italian dream, with millions won over by his rags-to-riches story and optimism.
Berlusconi created his own party almost overnight in 1994 to fill the void on the right caused by the destruction of the long-dominant Christian Democrats by a corruption scandal.
His media empire Mediaset has a near-duopoly in television with state-run RAI over which, as premier, he has ultimate control. This gives him a much-criticised stranglehold on Italian media while he is accused of lowering cultural values with variety shows dominated by scantily clad starlets.
Critics say he has used his political and media power to fend off many prosecutions.
If Italians have until now laughed off many of his gaffes, they have caused more offence abroad.
He once caused a minor diplomatic incident by suggesting he had seduced Finnish President Tarja Halonen to persuade her to let Italy host a new EU food safety agency. He called U.S. President Barack Obama "sun-tanned".
Italians are traditionally indulgent of politicians' private lives but Berlusconi's popularity waned as lurid details from leaked wiretaps dominated newspapers, contrasting with his formal espousal of traditional family values.
In the last year the Catholic Church has distanced itself from him, following reports of starlets and prostitutes dancing half-naked for him in return for cash and gifts. He boasted in one phone call of having sex with eight women in one night.
Berlusconi has always maintained the dinners he hosted were jovial affairs that involved little more than food, jokes and song. His only concession has been to say he is "no saint" and loves beautiful women.
(Additional reporting by Deepa Babington; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
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College of Public Health Symposium to Focus on ObamaCare
John Begala, executive director for the Center for Community Solutions and former state representative, will speak at Kent State University on Monday, April 4. The symposium is titled, "Reforming Health Care Reform: What's Wrong with ObamaCare?"
Begala has recently written about what he thinks is wrong with ObamaCare and will be sharing his opinions. ObamaCare is President Obama's plan for "transforming and modernizing America's health care system."
Kent State University Provost Robert Frank and Dr. Willie Oglesby, assistant professor of health policy and management, will add their perspectives to the conversation and take questions from the audience.
The symposium will take place on Monday, April 4, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Kiva at and broadcast live via webstream. For more information, visit www.kent.edu/publichealth.
This event is free and open to the public.
Media Contact: Ken Slenkovich, firstname.lastname@example.com, 330-672-6500


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Feb. 27, 2007 – Use of the popular antioxidant supplements beta-carotene, vitamin E, or vitamin A slightly increases a person's risk of death, an overview of human studies shows.
The study also shows no benefit -- and no harm -- for vitamin C supplements. Selenium supplements tended to very slightly reduce risk of death.
Oxidative stress -- caused by highly reactive "free radical" compounds circulating in the blood -- is a factor in most diseases.
Antioxidants sweep up these free radicals. It seems to be a no-brainer that taking antioxidant supplements would protect your health. But it may not be that simple.
A new, detailed analysis of human studies of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E shows that people who take these antioxidant supplements don't live any longer than those who don't take them. In fact, those who take the supplements have an increased risk of death.
The finding, reported in TheJournal of the American Medical Association, comes from Goran Bjelakovic, MD, DrMedSci, of the University of Nis in Serbia; Christian Gluud, MD, DrMedSci, of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark; and colleagues.
"Our findings have already changed the way I counsel my patients about antioxidant supplements," Bjelakovic tells WebMD in an email interview. "According to our findings, beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E cannot be recommended. I am telling them that they should stop using these supplements."
"There is no reason to take anything that hasn't been proven beneficial. And these antioxidant supplements do not seem beneficial at all," Gluud tells WebMD.
Not everyone agrees. Nutritionist Andrew Shao, PhD, is vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement-industry trade group.
"Consumers can feel confident in relying on their antioxidant supplements as they always have," Shao tells WebMD. "They can continue to take them knowing they will provide the same benefits -- and this article does not change that."
Antioxidant Supplements and Death Risk
Bjelakovic, Gluud, and colleagues analyzed data from 68 randomized clinical trials of antioxidant supplements that included 232,606 people. When they looked at all the trials together, they found that the supplements offered no benefit but did no harm.
However, some of the trials were more exactly controlled than others. There were 21 trials that had a "high bias risk." These trials had one or more problems with randomizing study participants to the supplement or placebo groups, with blinding both the participants and the investigators to whether participants received supplements or placebos, and/or with following up on all participants until the end of the study.
So the researchers looked only at the 47 "low-bias-risk" studies -- which included nearly 181,000 participants and which did not include people taking selenium. They found that:
- Taking vitamin A supplements increased the risk of death by 16%.
- Taking beta-carotene supplements increased the risk of death by 7%.
- Taking vitamin E supplements increased the risk of death by 4%.
- Taking vitamin C supplements did not have any effect on risk of death.
Shao says it just isn't fair to study antioxidants in this way.
"What these authors have done is combine studies that are incredibly dissimilar in all sorts of ways," he says. "These studies looked at different nutrients at different doses at different durations with different lengths of follow-up -- and in different populations, ranging from folks who were incredibly healthy to people with cancer and other diseases."
Moreover, Shao says, the researchers looked only at studies in which people died. That left out 405 clinical trials, which he says skews the results in favor of death risk. And he points out that the researchers original 68 studies did not show any harm from supplements.
"These questions cause one to step back and wonder if the findings are relevant to the healthy population that uses these supplements to maintain health and avoid chronic disease," Shao says. "That is a point they don't make: that antioxidants are not used to treat cancer or heart disease. They are used for disease prevention."
Edgar R. Miller III, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, in 2004 analyzed clinical trials of vitamin E. He found that high doses of vitamin E did more harm than good. Miller has high praise for the Bjelakovic/Gluud study.
"This is a great study. It is the highest form of scientific evidence," Miller tells WebMD. "I don't think that [Shao's] criticism is legitimate. I argue this is the best technique to analyze all this information."
Gluud and Bjelakovic strongly disagree that they "cherry picked" only studies that fit some preconceived conclusion. They point out that all of their methods are "transparent" and open to public view.
"Anyone is welcome to criticize our research," Gluud says. "But my question is, what is your evidence? I think the parties that want to sell or use these antioxidant supplements in the dosages used in these trials, they want [to see only] positive evidence that it works beneficially."
Advice to Consumers
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, is director of nutrition for WebMD. She reviewed the Bjelakovic/Gluud study for this article.
"This is a very comprehensive, to-be-respected analysis. This isn't just another study coming out," Zelman says. "The bottom line is that antioxidant supplements are not a magic bullet for disease prevention. We hoped maybe they were, but they are not."
If you are interested in protecting your health, Zelman says, pills aren't the answer.
"There is no single food or nutrient that is going to be the answer. The secret really is lifestyle," she says. "And the most important things about lifestyle are being at a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a healthy diet."
Shao says he's not persuaded to stop taking antioxidant supplements.
"I take antioxidant supplements every day," he says. "I know more about these nutrients than most people do, including the authors of this study, who are not nutritionists. This does not change a thing for me. You can take that to the bank."
Zelman has this advice: If you plan to continue taking antioxidant supplements, don't exceed the recommended daily doses.
"For nutritional insurance, my suggestion would be a once-daily multivitamin," she says. "But for those people who take multiple supplements, and are going to continue to do so, heed the warning and be sure to respect the safe upper dosage limits."
"If you are in doubt, take the time and go to your doctor and talk with her or him," Gluud advises.


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Academic Regulations
Every person's education is the product of his or her intellectual effort and participation in a process of critical exchange. Amherst cannot educate those who are unwilling to submit their own work and ideas to critical assessment. Nor can it tolerate those who interfere with the participation of others in the critical process. Therefore, the College considers it a violation of the requirements of intellectual responsibility to submit work that is not one's own or otherwise to subvert the conditions under which academic work is performed by oneself or by others.
Article 1. Student Responsibility
Section 1. In undertaking studies at Amherst College, every student agrees to abide by the above statement. Section 2. Students shall receive a copy of the Statement of Intellectual Responsibility with their initial course schedule at the beginning of each semester. It is the responsibility of each student to read and understand this statement and to inquire as to its implications in his or her specific course. Section 3. Orderly and honorable conduct of examinations is the individual and collective responsibility of the students concerned in accordance with the above Statement and Article 2, Section 3, below.
Article 2. Faculty Responsibility
Section 1. Promotion of the aims of the Statement of Intellectual Responsibility is a general responsibility of the Faculty. Section 2. Every member of the Faculty has a specific responsibility to explain the implications of the statement for each of his or her courses, including a specification of the conditions under which academic work in those courses is to be performed. At the beginning of each semester members of the Faculty will receive with their initial class lists a copy of the Statement of Intellectual Responsibility and a reminder of the duty to explain its implications in each course. Section 3. Examinations shall not be proctored unless an instructor judges that the integrity of the assessment process is clearly threatened. An instructor may be present at examinations at appropriate times to answer questions.2. Statement on Freedom of Expression and Dissent (Voted by the Faculty 1968)
Amherst College prizes and defends freedom of speech and dissent. It affirms the right of teachers and students to teach and learn, free from coercive force and intimidation and subject only to the constraints of reasoned discourse and peaceful conduct. It also recognizes that such freedom and rights entail responsibility for one's actions. Thus, the College assures and protects the rights of its members to express their views so long as there is neither use nor threat of force nor interference with the rights of others to express their views. The College considers disruption of classes (whether, for example, by the abridgment of free expression in a class or by obstructing access to the place in which the class normally meets) or of other academic activities to be a serious offense that damages the integrity of an academic institution.3. Statement on Respect for Persons (Voted by the Faculty, 1969)
Respect for the rights, dignity and integrity of others is essential for the well-being of a community. Actions by any person which do not reflect such respect for others are damaging to each member of the community and hence damaging to Amherst College. Each member of the community should be free from interference, intimidation or disparagement in the work place, the classroom and the social, recreational and residential environment.
Harassment. Amherst College does not condone harassment of any kind, against any group or individual, because of race, religion, ethnic identification, age, handicap, gender or sexual orientation. Such harassment is clearly in conflict with the interests of the College as an educational community and in many cases with provisions of law.
Sexual Harassment. Amherst College is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment free of all forms of harassment. Sexual harassment breaches the trust that is expected and required in order for members of an educational community to be free to learn and work. It is a form of discrimination because it unjustly deprives a person of equal treatment. Sexual harassment can injure anyone who is subjected to it, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
The College's policy on sexual harassment is directed towards behavior, and does not purport to regulate beliefs, attitudes, or feelings. It is based on federal and state law, which prohibit certain specific forms of sexual harassment; on the College's statement on respect for persons, which requires that a person's sex and sexual orientation be treated with respect; and on the following statement on sexual harassment passed by the Faculty on May 23, 1985:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic work, or participation in social or extracurricular activities; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting the individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or demeaning working, academic or social environment.
The College believes that sexual harassment, besides being intrinsically harmful and illegal, also corrupts the integrity of the educational process.
Because it is possible for one person to act unintentionally in a manner that sexually harasses another, it is imperative that all members of the College community understand what kinds of behavior constitute sexual harassment. Hence, we provide here a general description of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment occurs when one person attempts to coerce another into a sexual relationship, or to punish a refusal to respond to or comply with sexual advances. Attempts to subject a person to unwanted attention of a sexual character, sexual slurs or derogatory language directed at another person's sexuality or gender also can be forms of sexual harassment. Thus, sexual harassment can include a wide range of behavior, from the actual coercing of sexual relations to the forcing of sexual attentions, verbal or physical, on a non-consenting individual. It is also possible that sexual harassment can occur unintentionally when behavior of a sexual nature has the effect of creating a hostile environment. In some cases, sexual harassment is obvious and may involve an overt action, a threat, or reprisal. In other instances, sexual harassment is subtle and indirect, with a coercive aspect that is unstated.
Sexual harassment also occurs when a position of authority is used to threaten the imposition of penalty or the withholding of benefit unless sexual favors are granted, whether or not the threat is carried out. Sexual harassment, when it exploits the authority the institution gives its employees, or otherwise compromises the boundary between personal and professional roles, is an abuse of the power the College entrusts to them. The potential for sexual harassment exists in any sexual relationship between a student and a member of the faculty, administration or staff. Anyone in a position of authority should thoroughly understand the potential for coercion in sexual relationships between persons who are professionally affiliated. These relationships may involve persons in a position of authority over their colleagues (e.g., Tenured faculty and non-tenured faculty; administrators and staff); or they may involve those who teach, advise or supervise students.
Sexual harassment also takes the form of unwanted attention among peers. Sexual harassment by peers may have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment. Sexual harassment by peers can occur between strangers, casual acquaintances, hall-mates, and even friends.
Because sexual harassment is a direct violation of the college's "Statement on Respect for Persons," Amherst College will seriously and thoroughly investigate any complaints of sexual harassment and will discipline those found guilty. Any student who believes she or he may be the victim of sexual harassment by a member of the faculty should consult the section on "The Resolution of Student Grievances with Members of the Faculty." Any student who believes she or he may be the victim of sexual harassment by a peer should consult the student grievance procedures in the Student Handbook.
Consensual sexual relationships between faculty members and students (Voted by the Faculty, 1993). Experience has shown that consensual sexual relationships between faculty members and students can lead to harassment. Faculty members should understand the potential for coercion in sexual relationships with students with whom the faculty members also have instructional, advisory or supervisory relationships.
Even when such relationships do not lead to harassment, they can compromise the integrity of the educational process. The objectivity of evaluations which occur in making recommendations or assigning grades, honors, and fellowships may be called into question when a faculty member involved in those functions has or has had a sexual relationship with a student.
For these reasons, the College does not condone, and in fact strongly discourages consensual sexual relationships between faculty members and students. The College requires a faculty member to remove himself or herself from any supervisory, evaluative, advisory, or other pedagogical role involving a student with whom he or she has had or currently has a sexual relationship. Since the absence of this person may deprive the student of educational, advising, or career opportunities, both parties should be mindful of the potential costs to the student before entering into a sexual relationship.
In cases in which it proves necessary, the Dean of Faculty, in consultation with the Dean of Students and the chair (or head) of the relevant department, will evaluate the student's situation and take measures to prevent deprivation of educational and advising opportunities. The appropriate officers of the College will have the authority to make exceptions to normal academic rules and policies that are warranted by the circumstances.
4. Statement of Student Rights (Voted by the Faculty April 1987; amended March 1998)
Subject to respect for the rights of others, every student enjoys the assurance of the full exercise of those rights expressed in the Honor Code and the preceding three statements, including but not limited to the following specific rights:
The right to engage in the free exchange of ideas.
The right to protest and to dissent in a peaceable manner and to join with others in other nonviolent forms of common action.
The right to complain of injustice and to bring grievances to the appropriate offices of the College without fear of retaliation.
The right to attend functions and to utilize College facilities subject to prescribed rules.
The right to reasonable peace and quiet in residential and academic facilities and to an atmosphere conducive to work and study.
The right to privacy in one's assigned room, subject to compliance with the College's regulations and to the security of one's own property and property furnishing the common and public spaces at the College.
The right, when participating in any aspect of life of the College or traveling among the Five Colleges, to be free from harassment for reasons of one's race, religion, national origin, ethnic identification, age, political affiliation and/or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or physical disability.


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COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A South Carolina man targeted a sex offender at random, killed him and his wife and later told deputies he planned to kill others on the state's sex registry, authorities said Wednesday.
Jeremy Moody and his wife, Christine, were arrested and charged with murder, Union County Sheriff David Taylor said.
Jeremy Moody confessed to the crime and told investigators they arrested him just in time, Taylor said.
"He planned to kill another sex offender on the register today," the sheriff said.
Moody only knew 59-year-old Charles Parker in passing, but came to the mechanic's Jonesville home Sunday with plans to kill him, Taylor said at a news conference. Surveillance cameras outside Parker's home showed Moody and his wife driving up Sunday and popping the hood on their car as if it wasn't working, Taylor said.
The Moodys and the Parkers spoke to one another for about 10 minutes, then it appears the Moodys were invited inside. The videotape shows the suspects walking into the home with what appear to be weapons, Taylor said.
"He planned to kill this individual last year, but chickened out," The sheriff said. "But on Sunday, he decided he was going to kill him."
The sheriff said Moody recounted what he told Charles Parker: "You think I'm here to rob you. I'm not here to rob you. I'm here to kill you because you are a child molester."
Taylor said he does not know why Moody would have targeted a sex offender.
Both Charles Parker and his 51-year-old wife, Gretchen, were shot and stabbed. Taylor said Gretchen Parker wasn't specifically targeted, but was killed because she was in the house.
Jeremy Moody, 30, who lived in nearby Lockhart, confessed to deputies after he was arrested early Wednesday morning, investigators said. Moody has "skinhead" tattooed across his neck, and Taylor said he hinted to authorities he may have been involved with other crimes against people he hated. The sheriff said his deputies were checking with other law enforcement agencies nearby, but no additional charges had been filed. Investigators were also seeing if Moody was affiliated with any white supremacist groups.
Christine Moody, 36, hasn't spoken at length to deputies, the sheriff said. It wasn't immediately clear whether either suspect has an attorney.
The community where it happened is about 80 miles northwest of Columbia.
The Parkers had a yellow sign on their property with a smiley face that read, "Smile, you're on camera." Taylor said the video footage provided the break in the case when an investigator watched it and recognized the suspects. There was no video taken inside the home.
The bodies were discovered Monday when another person seeking to have his car fixed came to the home, saw the door wide open and called police. A deputy found the bodies, but investigators had to wait more than an hour to begin examining the scene because several Chihuahuas threatened emergency workers as they checked to see if the victims had a pulse. Animal control officers were called and removed about 18 dogs, several cats and a half-dozen chickens, authorities said.
Charles Parker had to register as a sex offender after he was convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct about a decade ago. Details of that case were not immediately available.
Taylor said he always registered on time and never gave deputies trouble. Relatives of the slain couple were devastated to hear why their loved ones were killed.
"I ask that you give this family the opportunity to (grieve) and pull their thoughts together," the sheriff said.


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UPDATE: 2010 Toyota Camry: Detroit Reveal Makes Us Crave Vanilla Ice Cream
Not really. We're almost 100% sure the top photo, uncovered by the very strange-to-look-at Vince Burlapp, is a Toyota Aurion, the Camry's Australian sibling, and not the 2010 Toyota Camry. Though it isn't the new, next-generation Camry, it is a reminder America's best-selling mid-size car will likely get a makeover soon. Rather than the more bland styling of the Aurion, we suspect the next face lift for the Camry will include the sharper headlights of the Matrix and U-shaped grille of the new Corolla. We've also been told to expect the next Camry update to include at least one new engine. We do not, however, expect it to come in flavors other than vanilla.[Burlapp Cars]
UPDATE: 2010 Toyota Camry: Detroit Reveal Makes Us Crave Vanilla Ice Cream
Wow, its a watered down, lower quality Chevy Malibu for only $2k more. I sense Toyota has a winner on their for stupid Americans.


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Intelligent Portrait Composition Assistance (IPCA)
Farshid Farhat, Mohammad Kamani, Sahil Mishra, James Wang
ACM Multimedia 2017, Mountain View, CA, USA
(Acceptance rate = 64/495 = 12.93%)
ABSTRACT: Retrieving photography ideas corresponding to a given location facilitates the usage of smart cameras, where there is a high interest among amateurs and enthusiasts to take astonishing photos at anytime and in any location. Existing research captures some aesthetic techniques such as the rule of thirds, triangle, and perspective, and retrieves useful feedbacks based on one technique. However, they are restricted to a particular technique and the retrieved results have room to improve as they can be limited to the quality of the query. There is a lack of a holistic framework to capture important aspects of a given scene and give a novice photographer informative feedback to take a better shot in his/her photography adventure. This work proposes an intelligent framework of portrait composition using our deep-learned models and image retrieval methods. A highly-rated web-crawled portrait dataset is exploited for retrieval purposes. Our framework detects and extracts ingredients of a given scene representing as a correlated hierarchical model. It then matches extracted semantics with the dataset of aesthetically composed photos to investigate a ranked list of photography ideas, and gradually optimizes the human pose and other artistic aspects of the composed scene supposed to be captured. The conducted user study demonstrates that our approach is more helpful than the other constructed feedback retrieval systems.
Please cite our paper if you are using our professional portrait dataset.
author = {Farhat, Farshid and Kamani, Mohammad Mahdi and Mishra, Sahil and Wang, James Z.},
title = {Intelligent Portrait Composition Assistance: Integrating Deep-learned Models and Photography Idea Retrieval},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the on Thematic Workshops of ACM Multimedia 2017},
series = {Thematic Workshops '17},
year = {2017},
isbn = {978-1-4503-5416-5},
location = {Mountain View, California, USA},
pages = {17–25},
numpages = {9},
url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/3126686.3126710},
doi = {10.1145/3126686.3126710},
acmid = {3126710},
publisher = {ACM},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
keywords = {deep learning, image aesthetics, image retrieval., photographic composition, portrait photography, smart camera},


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COVID-19 UPDATES: Find news and resources for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and the public.
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The cause of functional speech sound disorders is not known; however, some risk factors have been investigated.
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Holiday Promotions 2017
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Last Updated: 12/19/2017


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Maja Blanca is a Filipino dessert made from coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar. Often called Coconut Pudding, this luscious dessert is easy to make and the ingredients are very common.Unknown to many, the original Maja Blanca Recipe does not include corn and milk. In this recipe, I added whole sweet kernel corn and condensed milk for added taste and a more creamy texture.Since Christmas season is just around the corner, this would make a very good holiday dessert especially during potluck Christmas Parties and Noche Buena as well.
Preparing maja blanca is easy. All you need to do is follow each step indicated in this maja blanca recipe. It is important that you give the coconut milk sometime to cook; it is also recommended that you try your best to mix all the ingredients until the texture becomes as smooth at it can be. For better results, cook the corn a little longer to release its flavor.
I made this maja blanca while my wife is shopping online for bags at Nordstrom. I can't believe that I was done with this and another dessert when she finally finished her online shopping. she was happy though, and that is all that matters.
- 4 cups coconut milk
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- 14 ounces condensed milk
- ¾ cup fresh milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 15 ounces whole sweet kernel corn
- 5 tbsp toasted grated coconut
- Pour the coconut milk in a cooking pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the sugar, condensed milk, and whole sweet kernel corn then stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Simmer for 8 minutes
- Combine the fresh milk and cornstarch then whisk until the cornstarch is diluted
- Pour the fresh milk and cornstarch mixture in the cooking pot and stir thoroughly.
- Allow to cook while stirring until the mixture reaches your desired thickness
- Pour the mixture in a serving tray then arrange and flatten the top using a flat tool such as a wooden spatula
- Allow to cool down then refrigerate for at least 1 hour
- Garnish with toasted grated coconut (or latik if available)
- Serve cold. Share and enjoy!


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SWIMMING AND DIVING: Torrington alum Raymond Cswerko prepares for NCAA Division II Championships
While still in the middle of the harsh winter season, swimming could not be further from peoples minds but to one Torrington alumni and current Southern Connecticut State University athlete, setting scorching times in the water is one of his top goals.
Former Raider Raymond Cswerko has come out strong for the SCSU Owls in his first season with the team and is preparing for the NCAA Division II Championships that kick off March 6 in Birmingham, Ala.
Cswerko, who is only as sophomore, spent his freshman year at the University of Maryland and came back closer to home joining a competitive SCSU squad.
At a young age, Cswerko knew that swimming was something he wanted to pursue.
"I did a bunch of other sports up until I was about 12," Cswerko said. "I saw that I was progressing alot more in swimming and I thought I should probably stick with that."
Cswerko said he is swimming with better thoughts this season then when he was with the Terps in College Park, MD.
"I am alot more happy here, I dont know how to explain it," Cswerko said. "Every day in and out, every practice, everyone is pushing you and you can't slack off because you wouldn't want to beat the person next to you."
SCSU swimming head coach Tim Quill, who is in his 13th season with the Owls said the team is still learning Cswerko's abilities.
"Hes extremly athletic talented and he is only a sophomore," Quill said. "We are treating it like its his freshman year. We have trained together but it has been a learning curve not only for him but for the coaching staff what works with him.
Quill said with a structured regiment, Cswerko can reach new heights.
In his first season at SCSU, Cswerko has been breaking records throughout the year.
At the Metro Championships that took place February 15th, Cswerko broke two records in the 200 IM and 400 IM events.
In the 200 IM, Cswerko finished with a time of 3:57.77, almost records and two team records in the 200 and 400 yard individual medley events. Cswerko finished the 200 IM in 1:48.61, almost three seconds faster then the previous holder and the 400 IM in 3:57.77.
As the NCAA Championships are just around the corner, Cswerko said the small things are what will make a difference.
"We are working on alot more technique work and making sure all the small things are good to go when we get there because all the tenths add up." Cswerko said.
At the Championships, Cswerko said he would like to get at least top eight in one of events and a top three in another. On day one, Cswerko will be competing in the 200 IM, on day two the 400 IM, day three the 100 breaststroke and day four the 200 breaststroke.
With just a short season under Cswerko's belt, Quill said his performances have influenced his teammates.
"That tends to be the norm, if your a better athlete, you become a role model with the people around you," Quill said. "It goes with territory, but the teammates around him have helped him (Cswerko) get to the level he's attained. There is alot of team camaraderie and its starting to pay off."
In 2012, SCSU did not have one senior on the roster. With such a young team, Cswerko said the team should be competitive for the foreseeable future.
"We have a strong junior class, sophomore class and we have two freshman," Cswerko said.
"Everyone on the team has stepped up and had some part at leading this team this year."
Quill said he is excited work with Cswerko for the next couple seasons.
"Ray (Cswerko) has alot to learn but he is just tipping the ice burg to his true potenital," Quill said. "We have two seasons left to work, but to go to NCAA and get a top-16 finish is a good objective."
For this season, Cswerko has proved that he is one of the best swimmers in the Northeast but Quill said Cswerko always wants to improve.
"He has lived up to expectations and met our expectation level," Quill said. "But he (Raymond Cswerko) always wants to improve."


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|Tiny Tot -Waiting to perform in the Nutcracker
Participating in the Nutcracker production has provided both of my kids with a valuable opportunity to witness first hand all that goes on behind the scenes during a live performance. Most audience members remain blissfully unaware of the hustle and bustle of activity back stage. Make-up and hair, costumes, props and set, lighting, warm-up - the magic begins long before the curtain opens.
Isadora beautifully captures all the preparation, awe and excitement a young dancer experiences when getting ready to perform in a ballet production. Her lovely watercolor illustrations suit the theme particularly well, realistically and expressively illustrating the dancers. Both boy and girl dancers are portrayed, and Isadora also shows racial diversity of the cast in her depiction of the performers. Isadora herself was a professional dancer before she began a career in children's books. Her first-hand knowledge of ballet and the dancer's life is evident in every single page of this book. Ballet instructors may want to read the story aloud to students before a performance because the book offers plenty of helpful advice for performers: no speaking on stage, hold your head high, don't eat or drink while in costume. Isadora provides readers with a short summary of the Nutcracker story in the beginning of the book.
|Mirliton - Dance of the Reed Flutes
Lili on Stage is part of Isadora's "Lili" series, a picture book series perfectly suited for young ballerinas. The book is currently out-of-print, but can be found at a reasonable cost used. Other books in the series include: Lili at Ballet and Lili Backstage.
Lili on Stage by Rachel Isadora. Putnam (October 1995); ISBN 9780399226373; 32 pages
Book Source: Personal copy
Related links:
Rachel Isadora - Website
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)


text: Ireland: What you need to know The island is about 486km long and 275 km wide, and covers approximately 84,500 square kilometers. Ireland has 32 counties. There are 26 in the Republic of Ireland and 6 in Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a president as head of state. Northern Ireland has its own regional government, but is part of the United Kingdom. There are about 6 million people living on the island – 4.3 million people live in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million in Northern Ireland. One third of the population is under the age of 29. Getting to Ireland By air Australians can choose from a variety of options when flying to Ireland. Direct flights or codeshare and airline partnerships exist via the United Arab Emirates, Asia, Europe and North America. New routes are opened regularly, so always check our flights page for up to date information on your nearest carrier. By ferry Check out your direct ferry or land bridge routes to the island of Ireland. Return to top Getting Around Ireland Travel by public transport Hop on a bus, coach, train or ferry and take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Ireland. Travel by coach or bus Sit back and enjoy the sights of Ireland while someone else looks after the transport. Travel by train Ireland's rail services are a comfortable and convenient way to travel around the island. Travel by road If you're planning on driving in Ireland, here's what you need to know about driving laws, tolls and parking. Vehicle rental in Ireland From cars to motorcycles to camper vans, vehicle rental is easy and wide-ranging. Travel by water Here's what you need to know about passenger services, accessibility and boat rental. Internal flights in Ireland Ireland's compact size means air travel is not essential, but if you need to fly here's how you do it. Travel by bike There are few better ways to experience Ireland's countryside than by pedal power. Accessibility Ireland is delighted to welcome visitors with special needs and reduced mobility, and services and amenities are always improving. Return to top Discover Ireland Languages English and Irish (Gaeilge) are the two official languages in the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, English and Ullans are spoken. Ireland's weather Not too hot and not too cold — you'll find Ireland's climate is just about right. Money in Ireland There are two currencies in use on the island of Ireland. Return to top Travel Information Your Ireland Checklist From clothing to currency, here's everything you need in your suitcase for a trip to Ireland. Visa, Passports and Embassies Ireland's passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities, so check with your local Irish embassy or consulate before you travel. Customs and Duties From customs and border regulations on the island of Ireland to duty-free allowances and how to claim VAT refunds – here's what you need to know. Health Information for Travelers If you're planning on travelling in Ireland, here's what you need to know about medical insurance, hospitals and pharmacies. Public Holidays in Ireland Public holidays on the island of Ireland often mean big celebrations; some just offer a good excuse to chill out. Here's what you need to know. Pets in Ireland The importation of pets into Ireland is tightly controlled. Find out more about how to bring your pet with you on your visit. Return to top Once You Get to Ireland Emergency Numbers and Contacts in Ireland Make a note of the emergency numbers you can call when visiting the island of Ireland. Calls in Ireland If you want to use your mobile phone in Ireland, please note that only GSM-enabled digital wireless phones with roaming agreements here work. Useful Apps for your Ireland holiday There are lots of sophisticated apps for your stay in Ireland, ensuring that you don't miss out on anything, and most are free. Tourist offices So you want to source local information and advice about travelling in Ireland? Here's a list of the main tourism offices around the island. Road trips around Ireland Take to the road with our great selection of self-drive itineraries. From Game of Thrones tours to the entire length of the Wild Atlantic Way, here's how to do it. Email Newsletter Sign up for our free newsletter to receive general information about Ireland, events and special offers! Return to top Accommodation in Ireland Classification of accommodation in Ireland From cheap and cheerful to luxurious castle living, Ireland has accommodation to suit everyone. Your Ireland B&B So you want to travel light? You're planning to spend a night here or two there, and maybe move around the island as you please? You need a B&B. Ireland's Unique Accommodation From barges to Bubble Domes, these hideaways are gorgeous to look at, yes- but they also make excellent places to stay! Luxury castle stays Friendly ghosts, roaring log fires and a warm Irish welcome. A stay in a luxury castle brings a touch of old-world style to your holiday in Ireland. Say yes to eco-sleeps! It's a big ask for any holiday to make lasting memories AND be kind to the environment. A big ask, yes, but it can be done in Ireland. Choosing eco-friendly accommodation is the first step on any green journey. Spa and wellness accommodation You'll find some of the finest and most luxurious spas in the world tucked away in Ireland's most tranquil spots. 9 historic places to stay in Ireland A trip (and some sleeps) back in time with some of Ireland's oldest accommodation. Retreat mode While Ireland's image is often a splash of festivals, pub sessions, and or trademarked 'craic' (good fun) - there is a softer side. Our island loves its downtime. Backpacking around Ireland Nothing spells adventure like strapping on your backpack and setting out to explore a new country. Return to top Festivals and Going Out Festivals and Events in Ireland Music, food, dance, art: Festivals in Ireland come in various shapes and sizes and for every taste is catered for, regardless of how eccentric or unusual. Pubs in Ireland Interested in pubs in Ireland? We provide some of the oldest and most famous pubs in Ireland ... Food in Ireland The food in Ireland is fresh, tasty and is traditional with a modern touch. Experience it yourself at a festival, on a food trail or in of the many superb restaurants in Ireland. Return to top Sightseeing and Experiences Ireland's Islands With ancient ruins, traditional live music, hidden beaches and exciting circular walks, Ireland's islands offer everything you need for a holiday. The Wild Atlantic Way Experience the untamed west coast of Ireland, and start an adventure you'll never want to end on the longest defined coastal route in the world. Ireland's Ancient East When you explore Ireland's Ancient East, you wander through 5,000 years of history. The Causeway Coastal Route Take it to the edge at this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site along Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route. Star Wars and the Skelligs Go behind the scenes on Skellig Michael, jewel of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Game of Thrones® in Northern Ireland Explore the shorelines, landscapes and centuries-old castles that set the stage for many of Westeros' dramatic and perilous events. Return to top Activities Hiking and walking Information about hiking and walking in Ireland. Cycling Information about cycling in Ireland. Ireland cruising Information about cruising holidays in Ireland. Sports in Ireland Information about sporting events in Ireland. Top 10 Irish Experiences Information about must-do experiences in Ireland. Joining sporting events in Ireland Information about joining sporting events on the island. Return to top Want to find out more about Ireland? Simply request or download a brochure here.


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B6110S - 6'11" Spinning Rod
Medium Light Power
6-10 lb. test line
1/8 - 5/8 oz lure weight
Fast Action
Designed and Engineered in the USA
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Black Inshore Series Specifications
*denotes trigger grip
The Black series is an exciting, affordable new inshore saltwater series from Lamiglas. This series will have a wide selection of models to cover every type of inshore application. The rods feature all Fuji components and a custom tapered cork handle. The high density 24 ton carbon graphite blank is reinforced with carbon fiber in the butt section for added back bone and durability.
This series has 5 spinning models ranging from a light 6'11" rod for small jigs and plastics to a heavy 7'6" model for casting large plugs or bait to Striped Bass, Bull Reds, Tarpon or Sharks. There are also 5 casting models from 7' to 7'6" primed for powerful inshore fishing with offshore capabilities. With a Limited Lifetime Warranty to protect you from defects, you will not find a better option for inshore saltwater fishing. Period.


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Wayne County Community College District Stats, Info and Facts
|Institution Type:
|Campus Setting:
|Great Lakes Large City
|Highest Degree Offered:
|Associate's degree
|Level of Institution:
|At least 2 but less than 4 years
from my past experience i would rate wayne county community college as a 10, 10 being the worst. i enrolled in the paralegal program in 2005 and wasn't inform that,that…
wayne county community college is a college where you want to get your associates degree. it is not a place where you would want to go to school for that…
This campus has a lot to offer for any field. The teacher are great and willing to assist you in your time of need. You can get a feel on how college…
Wayne County Community College is phenomenal. They offer a variety of programs with shorter programs to a 2 yr. degree. They also have a great healthcare program certification. The Professors…
didnt really enjoy it because as soon as my classes are over i leaveRead More


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Taliban target Afghan intelligence HQ in deadly attack
Issued on: Modified:
The Taliban claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide attack on Afghanistan's intelligence agency headquarters in heavily-fortified central Kabul Wednesday. Along with the attackers, two guards are believed to have been killed in the attack.
Six militants – one driving a car packed with explosives – attacked the gate of the Afghan intelligence service in the capital Kabul on Wednesday, setting off a blast that could be heard throughout downtown and which sent a plume of dark smoke rising into the sky.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to The Associated Press.
A high-ranking official with the intelligence agency, called the National Directorate of Security, said that there were deaths from the attack but did not say how many. He declined to give his name because he was not an official spokesman.
The explosion occurred about noon local time and was followed by volleys of gunfire for the next 45 minutes. As the car bomber drove into the gate, the five others attacked on foot, said Mohammad Zahir, the chief of the Kabul police investigation unit. All the assailants were killed in the fighting, he said. It was not immediately clear if some of the men on foot were also were wearing suicide vests.
Zahir said at least 30 people were wounded, but he did not have information on deaths.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw at least 10 wounded people being taken away in ambulances. The windows of nearby shops were blown out and reporters could see the mangled wrecks of at least seven cars that had been caught up in the explosion. The NDS compound is surrounded by tall, thick cement walls designed to protect buildings from bomb blasts.
An eyewitness who was wounded by flying glass, Mohammad Zia, said he saw a car drive up to the NDS gate and blow up.
It was the second attack aimed at the intelligence agency in two months. On Dec. 6, a Taliban suicide bomber posing as a messenger of peace blew himself up while meeting with agency chief Asadullah Khalid inside a Kabul residence he used to receive guests. The attack seriously wounded Khalid and he has since then been hospitalized at a hospital in the United States.
Attacks in the heavily secured Afghan capital are less common than in the restive south, but they do occur and are often sophisticated strikes with multiple attackers that aim to penetrate past the perimeters of armed guards and blast walls that surround government buildings and embassies.
The most recent attack in Kabul was on Dec. 17, when a car bomber struck outside a compound used by a U.S. military contractor. That blast killed at least two Afghan workers and wounded more than a dozen other people.
A spokesman for the international military coalition in Afghanistan confirmed an explosion and small arms fire but did not provide further details. Maj. Martyn Crighton said that Afghan forces were responding to the attack and there was no involvement from the NATO military coalition.
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