text:
|2008-07-06, 16:22
|Link #1
Senior Member
Graphic Designer
[HOW-TO] Compile MPlayer on OSX (2008 edition)
I've wirtten a guide more than two years ago and just recently I happened to wonder how compiling MPlayer on OSX has developed over that time.
The good news is: Thanks to MacPorts and the MPlayer team, compiling MPlayer on OSX has never been easier.
Here's a guide on how to roll your own personally compiled MPlayer. If you ask yourself why you should bother, well, obviously for kicks but also for a little bit of performance. The 1080p Miyori no Mori encode was stuttering a lot with haque's current build but it runs well enough with my own.
1. Dependencies
Most of the hot stuff is done in the Terminal. You can find it in Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
To compile anything on OSX, the Developer Tools are needed. The current version (3.0) can be found on the Leopard install dvd or downloaded from Apple (registration required):
The various dependencies of MPlayer can be conveniently installed using MacPorts. You need to download and install (dmg + pkg installer) MacPorts:
Note: MacPorts will download and compile all dependencies. The packages can be quite big and take long to compile.
Once MacPorts is installed, open up a Terminal and enter following line to install the basic dependencies (ass subtitles but no additional codec support - enter admin password):
sudo port install subversion pkgconfig freetype fontconfig libiconv ncurses zlib lzo2
There's also some optional dependencies that can be installed with MacPorts:
sudo port install xvid x264 lame libtheora libmad faac libcaca libogg libvorbis twolame libdts libdv jpeg libpng libungif
MPlayer can use binary codecs to play proprietary formats like WMV, RealVideo and QuickTime. To enable those codecs, you will have to download and install the OSX binary codec pack from the MPlayer homepage:
2. Compile
Now we can get to compile MPlayer. First, we create a directory and get the sources from svn:
mkdir ~/dev/ cd ~/dev/ svn checkout svn://svn.mplayerhq.hu/mplayer/trunk mplayer
cd mplayer export PKG_CONFIG_PATH="/opt/local/lib/pkgconfig" ./configure --with-extraincdir=/opt/local/include --with-extralibdir=/opt/local/lib --prefix=/opt/mplayer
If everything went fine, we can now go one to compile MPlayer:
If no error shows up (there's no "successful" message), we can check if our binary is fine and then proceed to installing (enter admin password):
./mplayer sudo make install
nano ~/.profile
export PATH="$PATH:/opt/mplayer/bin"
source ~/.profile
3. Post-Installation
Now we have our own MPlayer that's usable from the command line. If we want to set some general options, we can do that with a configuration file:
mkdir ~/.mplayer nano ~/.mplayer/config
# Enable ASS subtitles ass=yes fontconfig=yes embeddedfonts=yes # Subtitle languages slang=en,de,fr # Faster but unprecise decoding for MPEG2, MPEG4 and h264 lavdopts=fast=yes
I've created MPlayer OSX Extended with a recent static build of mplayer. You can find out more here:
To install your own, copy the "MPlayer OSX Extended" application to your Applications folder and execute following command in a terminal:
sudo cp /opt/mplayer/bin/mplayer /Applications/MPlayer\ OSX\ Extended.app/Contents/Resources/External_Binaries/mplayer.app/Contents/MacOS/mplayer
Last edited by anime_layer; 2008-08-31 at 08:13.
|2008-07-24, 09:02
|Link #4
Join Date: Oct 2006
This is fantastic. Thanks so much for a finally updated GUI. I didn't use MacPorts, but the same principles apply in compiling it all yourself (as I've done in the past). It would appear that this lavdopts option causes weird blockiness after tracking through the file sometimes on all platforms, but that's not something we can really control...
Oh, and Nicholi, there's a thread Kovensky posted on the front page of this forum that provides an easy .exe for having a similar build on Windows.
Last edited by Discerptor; 2008-07-24 at 09:27.
|2008-07-24, 18:10
|Link #5
Excessively jovial fellow
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: ISDB-T
Age: 32
|2008-07-25, 02:54
|Link #6
Join Date: Oct 2006
|2008-07-25, 17:08
|Link #8
Senior Member
Graphic Designer
Well. When I added the ASS and lavdopts option to the GUI I said to myself that the preferences dialog was a bit cluttered and could do with a little reconditioning. Also, there were still a lot of mplayer options unexposed that could be integrated.
So I sat down and remade the preferences dialog. I certainly managed to add a lot of options, I don't know about reducing the clutter.
I'm most proud of integrating screenshots which you can now snap with comman-shift-s. You can even choose if you want the raw frame or with all filters (including ass subtitles). I'm also quite proud of the equalizers, even if they're not interactive. I'd like to make them so but haven't yet found a way to do so.
Here are some screenshots to get you an idea:
The build is not thoroughly tested and there are definitely some rough edges and bugs.
- link removed, see first post for current version -
This build also contains no mplayer build. You have to compile it yourself, following the steps above!
I haven't figured out how to do a static build myself and the existing builds don't yet support -vf-add and -af-add which make compiling the command line a lot easier. If anyone can give me the basic steps to make a static build, then I think I could figure it out by myself.
Last edited by anime_layer; 2008-07-27 at 17:16.
|2008-07-25, 19:19
|Link #9
Join Date: Oct 2006
For some reason, this new GUI broke my MPlayer's ability to read external subtitle files without crashing. Here's the console log:
Spoiler for log:
This happens in any of the VOs, and I don't think I did anything terribly unusual in the preferences... pretty much exactly what's in your except with soft framedrop turned on.
EDIT: Fixed. Well, apparently when I replaced the old MPlayer OSX.app, the MKVs switched to be opened up by VLC by default. And somehow, the fact they open with VLC by default is what broke this. Changing it back in Finder fixed this. I'm not sure exactly how this works, but it seems like an odd bug.
EDIT: Wait, never mind...the problem is still there. This problem isn't there in my standalone (non-GUI) mplayer. Any ideas based on the console message?
Last edited by Discerptor; 2008-07-26 at 18:23.
|2008-07-27, 09:07
|Link #10
Senior Member
Graphic Designer
I reproduced the problem. Not sure yet what's the cause, I will look into it.
EDIT: The culprit seems to be fontconfig. If I disable ASS, which implicitly enables fontconfig, external subtitles play fine. Also, if I enable fontconfig when running the command line, mplayer also crashes (the rc2 build though not my own build). Not sure if this is a problem with the fontconfig configuration or an mplayer bug.
EDIT 2: Well, my error was. I got that fixed by adding the fontconfig conf files to the package and now get the same error as you. Seems to be a problem with ass, just using -fontconfig works.
Last edited by anime_layer; 2008-07-27 at 10:09.
|2008-07-27, 10:08
|Link #11
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The house besides yours
Age: 34
The first GUI linked isn't there anymore, it seems:
Error: Unkown file: "MPlayer_OSX_GUI-ONLY.zip"
Edit 2: It seemed I needed to write this in the terminal
export PATH=$PATH:/opt/local/bin export MANPATH=$MANPATH:/opt/local/share/man export INFOPATH=$INFOPATH:/opt/local/share/info
Edit 3: When I was trying the first port line this came up in the logs, I'm guessing something went wrong:
Error: Target org.macports.configure returned: configure failure: shell command " cd "/opt/local/var/macports/build/_opt_local_var_macports_sources_rsync.macports.org_release_ports_devel_ncursesw/work/ncurses-5.6" && ./configure --prefix=/opt/local --enable-widec --disable-rpath --with-shared --without-debug --without-ada --enable-safe-sprintf --enable-sigwinch --mandir=/opt/local/share/man " returned error 1 Command output: Configuring for darwin9.4.0 checking for prefix... /opt/local checking for gcc... /usr/bin/gcc-4.0 checking for C compiler default output... a.out checking whether the C compiler works... yes checking whether we are cross compiling... no checking for executable suffix... checking for object suffix... o checking whether we are using the GNU C compiler... yes checking whether /usr/bin/gcc-4.0 accepts -g... yes checking version of /usr/bin/gcc-4.0... 4.0.1 checking how to run the C preprocessor... /usr/bin/cpp-4.0 checking whether /usr/bin/gcc-4.0 needs -traditional... no checking whether /usr/bin/gcc-4.0 understands -c and -o together... yes checking for POSIXized ISC... no checking for /usr/bin/gcc-4.0 option to accept ANSI C... -DCC_HAS_PROTOS checking for ldconfig... no checking if you want to ensure bool is consistent with C++... yes checking whether we are using the GNU C++ compiler... yes checking whether /usr/bin/g++-4.0 accepts -g... yes checking version of g++... 4.0.1 checking if you want to build C++ binding and demo... yes checking if you want to build with Ada95... no checking if you want to build programs such as tic... yes checking if you wish to install curses.h... yes checking for mawk... (cached) no checking for gawk... (cached) no checking for nawk... (cached) no checking for awk... (cached) no configure: error: No awk program found Error: The following dependencies failed to build: apr-util sqlite3 gawk gettext ncurses ncursesw gmake readline cyrus-sasl2 openssl zlib neon serf Error: Status 1 encountered during processing.
Last edited by Ryoujin; 2008-07-27 at 11:09.
|2008-07-27, 16:44
|Link #12
Senior Member
Graphic Designer
Have you selected a font in the preferences? There's a bug with the encoding selection that produces the iconv error (iconv is used to make encoding conversions). You can deselect the font and it should work and I'll upload a fixed version later.
I delted the first gui since it's out of date now.
There seems to have been a problem with your macports installation. The commands you posted set the right environment variables for the current terminal session but you need to set the for all. For this, you need to edit or create your .profile file.
Open a terminal and type:
nano ~/.profile
Maybe this fixes your second problem or else you should try to reinstall macports.
|2008-07-27, 16:49
|Link #13
Join Date: Oct 2006
|2008-07-27, 17:13
|Link #14
Senior Member
Graphic Designer
I've rewritten the command line to use only one -vf and -af for all filters since I hope this fixes some problems with the screenshot filter not loading. This way, the gui also works with older mplayer builds.
This version also includes the fontconfig and font encoding fix.
I've now included the official rc2 binary with this build so it can be used without an own compile. Though I recommend building oneself for anyone up for the trouble.
|2008-07-27, 18:03
|Link #15
Join Date: Oct 2006
Whoa, this build REALLY messed up the font size being displayed with the subtitle file in question... as well as an MKV I made using said file. It all became HUGE. I guess I can just adjust the font size down on my own. Did you already delete rev2?
Last edited by Discerptor; 2008-07-27 at 23:45.
|2008-07-27, 18:36
|Link #16
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The house besides yours
Age: 34
nano ~/.profile
export PATH=$PATH:/opt/local/bin export MANPATH=$MANPATH:/opt/local/share/man export INFOPATH=$INFOPATH:/opt/local/share/info
What do I select from there? Would it be Append? How do I press M-A?
Edit: I pressed enter and it seems it goes thru. I'm going to re-run the first port commands and see if it works this time
sudo port install subversion pkgconfig freetype fontconfig libiconv ncurses zlib lzo2 sudo port install xvid x264 lame libtheora libmad faac libcaca libogg libvorbis twolame libdts libdv jpeg libpng libungif
Edit 3: After running the first port line this came up. Going to do the second one now:
cp /opt/local/mplayer /Applications/MPlayer\ OSX.app/Contents/Resources/External_Binaries/mplayer.app/Contents/MacOS/mplayer
cp: /opt/local/mplayer: No such file or directory
export PATH="$PATH:/opt/mplayer/bin" export PATH=$PATH:/opt/local/bin export MANPATH=$MANPATH:/opt/local/share/man export INFOPATH=$INFOPATH:/opt/local/share/info
Last edited by Ryoujin; 2008-07-27 at 19:14.
|2008-07-28, 04:10
|Link #18
Senior Member
Graphic Designer
What happens if you disable ass subtitles? And what if you open the file in the command line with "-fontconfig"?
And what type of subtitle file is it? One with some kind of font/size definition or just the bare subtitles?
The rev2 is still here.
You have to first clear all errors before you can continue. The last command to copy the mplayer binary into the gui only works after all the steps above have worked.
MacPorts will install all necessary dependencies. So seeing packages getting installed that you didn't explicitly select is normal.
Try to go through "sudo port install name" name by name and see where it fails. Then try to uninstall the port that fails before trying to reinstall it using "sudo port uninstall name".
|2008-07-28, 07:56
|Link #19
Join Date: Oct 2006
Okay, I've figured out the problem. To answer the questions, though, removing ass in either the GUI or commandline mplayers would make the subtitles revert to their default font. It was a .ass file with the font size, among other details, specified. Anyway, when I have a default subtitle font actually selected in the GUI, it will use this even if a different font is specified in the subtitle file (though it does not have this problem for soft-coded subtitle tracks). This made my font display in Arial Bold, which is a LOT larger than the font I was actually using. Now here's the kicker. If I have the external subtitle file in the same folder as my MKV with the softsubs made from that file, when it's on the softsub track, some letters display the way they're supposed to while others display in the Arial. Weird! The fix for this was simply to have my default subtitle font set to "none." But... at times it won't switch out of Arial even if I set it to none, until I quit and restart MPlayer (perhaps something to do with the fonts cache?). If you'd like, I can send you the subtitle file. It's 60KB in size, and we may want to talk more about the specific subtitle file through private messages.
Last edited by Discerptor; 2008-07-28 at 08:09.
|2008-07-28, 17:49
|Link #20
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The house besides yours
Age: 34
Of all the installs this is the one that seems that is giving issues, even uninstalling doesn't help, it keeps up:
Error: Target org.macports.activate returned: Image error: /opt/local/etc/fonts/conf.avail/10-autohint.conf already exists and does not belong to a registered port. Unable to activate port fontconfig. Error: Status 1 encountered during processing. COMPUTER:~ USER$ sudo port uninstall fontconfig ---> Uninstalling fontconfig 2.6.0_0+macosx COMPUTER:~ USER$ sudo port install fontconfig ---> Installing fontconfig 2.6.0_0+macosx ---> Activating fontconfig 2.6.0_0+macosx Error: Target org.macports.activate returned: Image error: /opt/local/etc/fonts/conf.avail/10-autohint.conf already exists and does not belong to a registered port. Unable to activate port fontconfig. Error: Status 1 encountered during processing.
|wiki candidate
|Thread Tools


text:
Welcome to the hidden jewel of Florida's Panhandle, unique for low population density and pristine beaches, marshlands, rivers and bays. The Forgotten Coast, acclaimed for its fisheries and oyster industry, offers beach and deep water boating access beach homes for sale and lots for sale. As you meander the coast from historic Apalachicola, Fl to the charming fishing communities of Eastpoint, Fl and Carrabelle,Fl and cross Apalachicola Bay to the barrier islands of St. George Island, Fl and Dog Island, you will find the most abundant saltwater and freshwater fishing, the purest of white sand beaches, the most fascinating variety of wildlife and sea creatures, and the most relaxing of atmospheres.
The process of purchasing and selling property in such a remarkable world is complex. What are the best deals for St. George Island beach homes for sale or beach lots for sale? How close to the Gulf of Mexico open fishing water are Carrabelle, Fl Apalachicola, Fl or St. George Island, Fl homes for sale or lots for sale? How do you finance Florida beach homes for sale or Florida lots for sale? What types of inspections are necessary? How do coastal building codes alter house design? For answers to these questions or to learn more about St. George Island, Fl, Carrabelle, Fl, Apalachicola, Fl homes for sale and lots for sale, Call Pandora Schlitt, your Coastal Real Estate Expert!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Research Paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC3694844/
Article: http://www.telegraph...udy-claims.html
Although inherited DNA genes cannot be changed, the way that that genes express themselves can be altered by individual actions, it is said.
A work out can positively affect the way cells interact with fat stored in the body, a new study published in the journal PLOS Genetics found.
The genes have attached 'methyl groups' which affect what is known as 'gene expression'. These can be influenced in various ways, such as exercise, diet and lifestyle.
Lead author Charlotte Ling, Associate Professor at Lund University Diabetes Centre, in Sweden, said: "Our study shows the positive effects of exercise, because the epigenetic pattern of genes that affect fat storage in the body changes."
Researchers looked at the DNA of 23 slightly overweight but healthy men aged around 35, who didn't regularly exercise, after attending spinning and aerobics classes for six months.
They found that changes had taken place in 7000 genes, over a third of the average total of 20,000.
A closer look revealed genes linked to diabetes and obesity, also connected to storing fat, had also been altered.
"We found changes in those genes too, which suggests that altered DNA methylation as a result of physical activity could be one of the mechanisms of how these genes affect the risk of disease.
"This has never before been studied in fat cells. We now have a map of the DNA methylome in fat," Professor Lind said.


text:
For the second night of Decibel Festival 2013, I headed down to the Showbox SoDo for the Moby & Friends showcase, featuring of course Moby doing a DJ set, along with Blondes and the Loops of Fury. And Decibel Festival's own Assistant Visual Director, Zach Walker, provided the very cool video projections to make thisRead more…
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KEXP AND THE UWKEXP is an
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iTunes and KEXPYou can now find KEXP under "Eclectic" in iTunes after the demise of the "Public" category, to better represent the diversity of our daytime variety shows and numerous specialty programs.
KEXP Suggests


text:
with artisan rustic bread and butter (V)
Treat that special someone to an indulgent Valentine's meal. Whether for a romantic date, or a Galentine's celebration with the girls, our chefs have created a menu that you will truly love!
Sit back in our delightful surroundings and enjoy delicious dishes, such as the 16oz Chateaubriand for two, or the Devon crab and Pancetta tagliatelle. Then for dessert, feel truly spoilt with a melting white chocolate bomb.
You can also enjoy our limited-edition selection of loveable drinks including the delectable Raspberry Kiss, Love Bubble, or the sparkling Rosatto Royal*.


text:
posted by Thom Holwerda on Fri 25th May 2012 14:55 UTC
James Hague: "But all the little bits of complexity, all those cases where indecision caused one option that probably wasn't even needed in the first place to be replaced by two options, all those bad choices that were never remedied for fear of someone somewhere having to change a line of code... They slowly accreted until it all got out of control, and we got comfortable with systems that were impossible to understand." Counterpoint by John Cook: "Some of the growth in complexity is understandable. It's a lot easier to maintain an orthogonal design when your software isn't being used. Software that gets used becomes less orthogonal and develops diagonal shortcuts." If there's ever been a system in dire need of a complete redesign, it's UNIX and its derivatives. A mess doesn't even begin to describe it (for those already frantically reaching for the comment button, note that this applies to other systems as well).


text:
Like Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings, Ol' Myrt here has been working on questions to ask Ancestry.com during the upcoming RootsTech 2012 conference. I've already sent most of these questions to Ancestry with the hope these topics will be discussed during the Saturday AM panel discussion session with Tim Sullivan. Alternately, I expect to visit the Ancestry.com booth in the exhibit hall at the Salt Palace as many of the department heads should be on hand.
- How about contributing to the GeneaWebinars.com calendar, so that your web events aren't scheduled at the same time as other genealogy webinars?
Sometimes a single document doesn't answer the question "Who are the parents?"
- What efforts are planned to bridge the gab between "casual visitors" to Ancestry.com and the more "thoughtful researchers" who understand principles of the Genealogical Proof Standard? Inferential genealogy is a buzz-word among genealogists of late, but beginning researchers just assume one document will suffice for proving each generation.
- Alternately, is your focus simply to provide scanned images of old records leaving the analysis to others?
- Doesn't an Ancestry.com "hit list" imply some analysis, albeit via computer, which may or may not be accurate?
- Doesn't the weighted / analyzed "hit list" lead to a responsibility to educate Ancestry.com members about more than the mechanical use of the site?
- Historically, what percentage of Ancestry.com membership is retained year over year?
- Is that trend improving?
- What is being done to encourage renewals and avoid membership cancellations? (I think it would be educating your members.)
When the "shaking leaf" suggests looking at trees submitted by other researchers, they are listed in order, higher to lower in relation to the number of attached sources and records.
- Would you consider having a "user weighted" evaluation, with both stars and comments option, on Public Member Trees, so that users can rate the research conclusions expressed in those trees? We see this on Amazon.com and eBay about products and services.
- What percentage of your members are researching US/Canada/England versus other countries of the world?
- How does this compare to the localities represented in the Ancestry.com collection?
I've noticed Ancestry has pulled back from participating at regional multi-day seminars (Family History Expos for example) and has decreased it's "footprint" in the exhibit hall at US national conferences. Additionally, Ancestry.com purchased Genlines.com to add to to your Swedish collection, and subsequently released from employment the North American Genline rep who was adept at teaching in regional and national conferences.
- How high a priority is educating Ancestry.com members in the use of your records?
- Distinguishing "selling membership" from "education about analysis and use of indexes and scanned images", what percent of your annual budget is dedicated to teaching members how to use your records in compiling a family history?
- What percent of Ancestry.com's annual budget is spent in transporting and staffing a display at genealogy conferences in the US and internationally?
- Do you consider it more cost effective to advertise on radio and television, and to sponsor shows like Who Do You Think You Are? and leave the methodology discussion to others?
The FTM 2012 (win) was released last year, touting the ability to sync both ways with Ancestry member trees. The beta board has been removed documenting the frustrated users who see this as a unreliable option -- working once or not at all.
- What is the time frame for getting that sync option to work seamlessly?
- Note: Tech support advised me to create a new GEDCOM file to upload to my Ancestry Public Tree. By doing that I lose all the photo, document and collaboration links in my existing tree that I've worked so hard to develop over the past few years.
Having toured the facilities in Provo, Utah I am aware that tech support is divided in categories of expertise. Is all tech support handled through that facility?
- What percent of tech support staffers are full time employees? Part time?
- What plans are in the works as you reach out a global audience of visitors and members who live in different time zones and who speak different languages?
So, DearREADERs, what additional questions would you like me to ask of Ancestry.com?
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
Your friend in genealogy.


text:
Life in Christian County, Kentucky... More About Trees and Plants...
My neighbor lady, the one who has the ajuga growing in her yard, has a nice touch with making "yard art" look natural. She enjoys yard art and has more of it than I will ever have, but I see some things in her yard that look nice and that I wouldn't have the imagination to think up on my own.
For example, here's what she did with a big wooden basket her husband made from landscaping timbers. She has sedum planted in and around it, so that it all seems to be flowing together. Or maybe the sedum decided by itself to go down to the ground. Anyway, it looks nice.
Woodbine, a native vine identifiable by its "leaves of five", has sprung up around the basket as it does here in wooded areas. She is training it to grow over the basket's handle -- or maybe it has decided to do that on its own. As I said, she is good at making yard art look natural.
She likes seashells and she has worked them into her landscaping. You can see some big ones sitting on the rim of the basket of sedum. Her sidewalk is edged with hostas and seashells. It is an interesting pathway to walk. The plant in front is festuca glauca. It's a bit shady there for it, but apparently it gets enough afternoon sun.
Her yard is part of a grove of trees. I enjoy visiting it. The birds are always singing, squirrels are scampering around, and the sound of the wind is overhead. It feels close to nature there.
Technorati tags: landscaping sedum seashells woodbine hosta festuca glauca


text:
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Search for information on our web pages.
Download product data sheets, safety data sheets and compliance statements.
Download literature, publications, reports and other documents.
View and download images / videos from our media library.
Read our latest media releases and news.
Save the dates of our upcoming exhibitions and conferences.
Apply for our latest job opportunities.
Discover our global network and the best route to our locations.
Send us your sales or corporate enquiry.


text:
Something happened yesterday (June 18, 2012) that will have repercussions for technology development for many months to come. With more than a little showmanship, Microsoft announced that they were going to manufacture and market two Windows 8 tablet devices. This is a major shift for what is typically considered a software company, but I don't think Microsoft had a choice. It had to be done.
Inept partners
Normal PC manufacturers specializing in Windows-based products are just not going to give Windows 8 tablets the technological kick in the pants required to compete with the elephant in the room — the Apple iPad.
Microsoft has learned this harsh lesson from the lackluster reception smartphones running Windows Phone 7 have received. Leaving the manufacturing to barely interested partners gets you nowhere, even if the product is decent and deserving of at least a look by the average consumer. It requires a certain amount of will to make a marketable product.
Microsoft had to make a bold move and bypass foundering PC manufacturers like Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Both of those companies are reeling in a market that has devolved into a commodity play based on the slimmest of margins. Neither Dell nor HP would be willing to take on the risk of developing a truly competitive Windows 8 tablet. Only Microsoft had the will to make the Surface a reality.
By most accounts the Microsoft Surface line of tablets is going to be devices worthy of consideration by anyone looking to purchase a tablet. Now, that doesn't mean that the Microsoft Surface RT or the Pro are going to displace the iPad in the near future, or ever even, but at least they will be in the same ballpark. If Microsoft waits for Dell or HP to get to that ballpark, they lose by forfeit.
So let's start considering the potential for the Microsoft Surface. Are you more likely to buy your tablet hardware from Microsoft now that the company has jumped in with both feet? Do you have relationships with Dell or HP? Will those relationships have to be reconsidered now?
Also read:
Full Bio
Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and TechRepublic.


text:
Grand Theft Auto IV Walkthrough
|Russian Revolution (cont.)
You'll also want to keep an eye out for enemies on the catwalks and in the offices above on the second floor. From there, they will be able to take great shots at you that will avoid almost all available cover. So, keep an eye on both sides and make those foes a priority. The red dots on your HUD represent remaining enemies, and as you plow through them, their numbers will steadily decline (be sure to grab any dropped weaponry or money dead foes leave behind). When all foes but Dimitri and Niko's old friend are killed, those two will make a run for it, leaving you to deal with the police that just arrived on-scene.
Because the numerous Russian mobsters trapped you in this warehouse, backtracking the way you came isn't an option. The garage door you came in through is now shut. This will force you to plow through the three or four squad cars and six or eight cops waiting outside for you. Try to nullify who you can while still inside the garage, and then use the nearest cop car for cover as you head outside. Steal one of the cop cars the first chance you get, and then drive anywhere on the borough in order to lose the cops. Once you have, you can then bring Little Jacob back to Homebrew Café, as requested.
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PC Dark Souls (Prepare to Die Edition)
X360 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Web War Commander
PS3 Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
X360 Trials Evolution
Grand Theft Auto IV: T... at IGN
Grand Theft Auto IV: T... at GameSpy
Grand Theft Auto IV: T... at GameStats


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|MsMarmitelover in her lair. Pic:Elisabeth Blanchet
We've got some interesting dates coming up with the Comedy club in my living room as a particularly exciting innovation! How will stand-up comedy fare in the intimacy of the home?
14th July/ Bastille Day: I will be doing a classic French menu fixe finishing with a 'piece montée', a croquembouche, which traditionally finished off feasts in pre-revolutionary France. So this dinner, accompanied by an accordeonist, will bear traces of the ancienne regime as well as the institution that emerged from the revolution: the restaurant itself, which derives from the bouillon, the 'restaurant', a restorative soup. This date has even been noted by 'Serge the concierge'.
15th of August: Ferragosto: also known as The feast of the Assumption. This lunch will be celebrating the virgin. I will be sourcing and researching ingredients and dishes connected to her; in fact almost anything with the word 'mary' in it has associations with the Virgin Mary...rosemary, marigold... and I've ordered a mould of her image, just in case she doesn't spontaneously make an appearance, say, on a grilled cheese sandwich....
21st of August: no theme just yet...but dinner with seasonal ingredients...I'm thinking Italy and fresh pasta...
8th of September: Josie Long the comedienne will be hosting a stand-up dining night...you will be sitting down however... This is the first of a series of comedy supperclubs, laughs in the living room...where both established and emerging comic talents will be performing between courses. The food will be a joke obviously.
19th of September: the second UK Underground Farmers Market. The first was a tremendous success with 40 stalls and 200 people, cooking demos, a bonfire, a cocktail bar on an ironing board, a bar in a bathtub, the homemade goods of several supperclubs, crafts too. This time we start earlier, at midday, so people can buy foods for lunch. There will be live music and more cooking demos...
If you'd like to do a stall of your home-made goods, or do a demo, please get in touch email@example.com I particularly want to encourage first timers.
The weekend after I'm going to Paris, to visit French supperclubs such as the Hidden Kitchen and Jim Haynes.
2nd October: A late harvest festival, offerings from my Aga. I'm thinking Oktoberfest, pretzels and beer?
9th October: Dinner.
16th October: Dinner, but it's getting to the mushroom season so will go out foraging.
13th November: a revolutionary dinner... inspired by Russia...anyone know where I can get cheap caviar?
More dates will be up soon...teas, brunches and lunches....


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BRUSSELS, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The lower house of the Belgian Parliament passed a bill Thursday extending the right to euthanasia to minors, lawmakers said on Twitter.
The country's Senate passed the measure in December, and it now goes to King Philippe to be signed into law, CNN reported.
The report said the measure has wide support, but it has evoked strong opposition from critics.
Belgium legalized euthanasia in 2002, but only for those who are in "constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated."
The new measure extends that right to those under 18 under strict conditions, CNN said. A minor must be able to understand what euthanasia means, and consent must come from parents or guardians.
Linda van Roy said she wished euthanasia had been an option for her 10-month-old daughter, who died under heavy sedation and in pain at 10 months old from Krabbe disease. Her daughter, Ella-Louise, would not have qualified for euthanasia under the conditions set by the measure, but van Roy said she still supports the legislation.
"We want for those [older] children to be able to talk about euthanasia and to ask those questions and if they really want to say, 'Stop. This is it. I don't want it any more,' that they can have a choice," she said.
Palliative care nurse Sonja Develter said she worries children can't understand the consequences of euthanasia and fears they would make the decision based on what they think their families want to hear.


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Chinese Holding 2nd RV & Camping Exhibition
March 1, 2011 by RVBusiness · Comments Off on Chinese Holding 2nd RV & Camping Exhibition
The second Beijing International RV and Camping Exhibition, China's foremost professional RV and camping goods show, will be held at Beijing RV Exposition Center, Fangshan District, Beijing (Peking) from March 25 to 27.
Sponsored by China RV and Camping Association, the Beijing International RV and Camping Exhibition features all kinds of RVs — Class A, B and C motorhomes, travel trailers and folding camping trailers — parts and accessories, tents, outdoor tables, chairs, portable refrigerator and other kinds of outdoor goods, according to a news release.
Compared with the first show, this show will have larger show area — the camping park will be the main exhibition area. According to spokesman Wang Jidong, there will be more than 100 exhibitors.
To attend this show, go to www.rvchina.cn to register to get free digital tickets.
Wang said that now people in China want to have a change in their leisure time. They want more freedom, more comfort and they long for being together with their families. So, RVing and camping are two kinds of new tourism industries which can satisfy people's new desire. Already, more than 3,000 people have registered with their mobilephones.
Wang added that this show is the first ever show in China that focused on RVs and camping goods. In the past, RV manufacturers and sale factories had to show products in other shows.
During the show, the China RV and Camping Industry Development Forum will invite government officers, manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, investors, RV owners and representatives to discuss the current and future of Chinese RV and camping industry.
A U.S. delegation spoke at this event last year.
The Beijing International RV and Camping Exhibition welcomes RV manufacturers, dealers and camping relative companies and RVers, camping enthusiasts from China and abroad to attend this show and to know more about RV industry and camping tourism.
For more information visit www.rvchina.cn, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com or call 86-10-84644301 84644302.


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Copper Kettle Lodge Check-in Information
Check in time: 4:00pm
Check out time: 10:00am
As housekeeping needs to prepare the unit for the next guests, we ask that you please adhere to check out time
Upon your arrival at Big White, please proceed to the 24 hour check in desk at Central Mountain Check in – located in the lower level of the Village Centre Mall. A security deposit, equivalent to one night at rack rate, is compulsory at time of check in. Cash or the original credit card used to make the booking is required for the security deposit pre-authorization.
Building Information
|8 Minute walk to Village Centre
|Skiing Access
|Ski out the door onto the Shortcut Beginner Run straight to the Black Forest Chair
|Building Access
|Ski Storage
|Ski equipment must be stored in the Ski lockers – located on the parking garage level (Skis/boards are not permitted in the units)
|Parking Access
|One underground parking space per unit. Max height 7ft 11in. For additional vehicles, parking is available at the Happy Valley parking lot. Permits are required and can be obtained from Central Mountain Check In free of charge for guests of Big White Central Reservations
|Internet Access
|Free Wireless Internet is available at this property
|Bedding and towels are provided in the condo. Garbage & Towels will be changed on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Linen is changed every 3-5 days depending on length of stay
|Washer/Dryer in all units
Important Notices to Guests
- Minimum age to rent a unit is 21 (ID will be required at check in)
- All accommodation is strictly NON-SMOKING. Violations of this policy will result in fines being charged.
- Copper Kettle Lodge DOES NOT ALLOW PETS. Violations of this policy will result in fines being charged.
- No incense or any other burnable material is allowed in the units. Any damage from candle usage will be charged as guest damage.
- Children under 12 are not to be left unattended in the common areas of the building.
- To ensure that all guests in the building have an enjoyable holiday, quiet time is enforced between 11.00pm to 7.00am.
- Upon each check out – our housekeeping department takes an inventory of all items in the unit. Should you decide to visit family or friends in another unit, please be careful not to transport any items (eg. glasses, coffee mugs, towels, linen etc). These items will be treated as missing and billed to your credit card.
- Soap, shampoo, hand cream, toilet paper, tissues, dish soap, dishwasher soap, paper towels, tea towels, dish cloths are provided. Coffee pack, creamer, sugar provided for first night only. No other condiments, paper or food items are supplied.
- All Copper Kettle Lodge condos are owned by people like you and me. We ask that you please treat the properties with the same respect as your own home.
Did You Know?
- Photos of all Copper Kettle Units and Resort Maps are available on our website – www.bigwhite.com
- Discounted pre – booked lift passes, lessons & rentals are ready for you when you check in
- If you require transfers from the airport, these must be purchased in advance through Central Reservations. In order to guarantee transfer please contact us at least 72 hours prior to arrival/departure.
- Night Skiing operates Tuesday through Saturday (mid December - mid March) and is included in all multi day lift passes
- Daycare is available for children 18 months to 5 years. Advance Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by contacting the Ski School on (250) 491-6101 or firstname.lastname@example.com
- Groceries and Liquor are available on the mountain at "The Market" – located in the Whitefoot Lodge. Other options are listed on our website - Grocery & Food Services
- Sorry, but Big White Central Reservations does not have any cots, rollaway beds or playpens. The Tiny Tourist offer a full range of baby equipment rentals - www.thetinytourist.ca
Phone Numbers You Should Know
Central Mountain Check In Desk – 24hrs
Phone: 250.491.6177
Big White Ski School
Local: 250.491.6161
Toll Free: 1.866.491.9040
Email: email@example.com
Big White Concierge Desk
Local: 250.491.6111
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Road Report
Local: 1.800.550.4997
Website: www.drivebc.ca
We hope you have an enjoyable vacation, here at Big White Ski Resort!


text: Dining OptionsBerkeleyHighlandsSquareLowerHighlandsRegisBlvd Supporting Local BusinessWhen you support the restaurants near Regis University, you make an impact on the local economy, helping businesses flourish and creating jobs for residents. You also nurture the relationship between the University and the surrounding community, while building a more vibrant neighborhood for Regis to call home. On top of that, less driving means that you save money and the planet. You probably know Denver as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, but did you know it's a foodie paradise too? Northwest Denver, in particular, is known for its wide assortment of culinary delights and award-winning fare. Whether you want something inexpensive and simple, elegant or exotic, the neighborhoods surrounding Regis University offer something for everyone. Berkeley Neighborhood The commercial district on Tennyson Street is the heart of Denver's trendy Berkeley Neighborhood. This historic street is home to locally owned boutiques, galleries and restaurants. A tour de force of tastes, Tennyson offers classic Italian food, as well as Greek, Thai, Japanese, Irish pub fare and plenty of American home cooking. And the best news – it's less than five minutes from campus. Getting There Berkeley: 4 Miles Northwest of Downtown Denver Border Streets: The shopping district runs along Tennyson Street between 44th and 38th avenues. From North Denver (Lowell) Campus: Take 50th Avenue (Regis Boulevard) west to Tennyson Street. Left on Tennyson. The commercial district begins at 44th Avenue. Featured Dining Axios Estiatorio Berkeley Inn Big Hoss Bar-B-Q Steakhouse Comfort Cafe Cozy Cottage DJs Berkeley Cafe El Bronquito Empanada Express Grill Hops and Pie Kyle's Kitchen Parisi Patrick Carroll's Sushi Bay Swing Thai Wafflich 32nd and Lowell (Highlands Square) With dozens of trendy salons, coffee shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, Highlands Square is one of the most popular spots in Denver. It is located in the heart of the Highland Neighborhood, five minutes from campus, and offers everything from award-winning cupcakes to stellar slices of pizza. Getting There Highlands Square: Northwest of downtown Denver Border Streets: The main intersection is 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard. The district is between Perry and Irving streets. From North Denver (Lowell) Campus: Take Lowell Boulevard south to 32nd Avenue. Featured Dining Anthony's Pizza and Pasta Bang! Basil Doc's Pizza BOA Chipotle Mexican Grill Common Grounds Coral Room El Camino Community Tavern Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Happy Cakes Bakeshop Highland's Asian Grill Highlands Cork and Coffee Highland's Garden Cafe Highland Pacific Julia Blackbird's New Mexican Cafe Mead St. Station Pizza Alley Sushi Hai Three Dogs Tavern Trattoria Stella Venue LoHi LoHi, on the eastern side of the Highland neighborhood, is less than ten minutes from campus and a short walk from downtown Denver. It is home to a variety of galleries, coffee shops and restaurants, not to mention the legendary Little Man Ice Cream. Getting There Lower Highlands: West of Downtown Denver Border Streets: It is bordered by 38th Avenue, I-25, Zuni Street and Speer Boulevard. From North Denver (Lowell) Campus: Take 50th Avenue (Regis Boulevard) east to Federal Boulevard. Right on Federal Boulevard to 38th Avenue. Left on 38th Avenue to Zuni Street. Right on Zuni Street to 32nd Avenue. Featured Dining 32nd Treat Ale House at Amato's Duo Restaurant Forest Room 5 Gallop Cafe Jay's Patio Cafe Little Man Ice Cream LoHi Steak Bar Lola Masterpiece Deli Pasquini's Pizzeria Root Down Rosa Linda's Mexican Cafe Shangri-La Coffee Tacqueria Patzcuaro Vita Z Cuisine Restaurants in Walking Distance Regis has several local eateries within walking distance of the Denver North (Lowell) campus. Featured Dining Dubbel Dutch Regis Pizza Venice on the Boulevard Scratch Burrito (44th and Lowell) Billy's Inn (44th and Lowell) Tocabe (44th and Lowell)


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'Taken 2' Wins Box Office: Liam Neeson Action Movie Debuts With $50
LOS ANGELES — Critics don't like "Taken 2," but Liam Neeson's action sequel proved twice as popular as the original movie was.
According to studio estimates Sunday, "Taken 2" led the box office with $ 50 million domestically over opening weekend. That's double the haul for Neeson's "Taken," which took in $ 24.7 million in its U.S. debut in early 2009.
Released by 20th Century Fox, "Taken 2" gave a big boost to Hollywood revenues, which have lagged most weekends since late summer.
Neeson returns as a retired CIA agent using his expert espionage and killing skills to take on a gang of thugs out for revenge against him and his family.
While the first movie got respectable reviews, "Taken 2" was panned by critics as a replay of the original.


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Chuck Ross, Vermont's Secretary of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, released the following statement regarding the Farm Bill.
Ross, who also serves as the President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), is attending the organization's Winter Policy Meeting this week in Washington, D.C.
"After a long and difficult deliberation, the Senate has passed a Farm Bill, which will arrive on the President's desk, for his signature, at the end of the week. Although some compromises were made, overall, this is a win for agriculture both in Vermont, and on a national level.
Locally, our dairy farmers will benefit the new dairy margin protection program, which will provide a necessary safety net for the bed rock industry of Vermont agriculture.
This federally subsidized margin protection program will help dairy farmers to offset low margins caused either by low milk prices or high input costs, and prevent an erosion of equity. Our farmers will be able to insure their margins at significantly lower rates than the mega-farms in other parts of the country.
I am also pleased to see the creation of a new dairy donation program, which will redirect dairy products to food banks, when a glut of dairy hits the market. This is smart policy, and a win-win solution for all involved.
The new Farm Bill also renews the REAP Zone program, which has done much to stimulate Vermont's economy, especially in the Northeast Kingdom.
Other key Farm Bill highlights which will benefit Vermont include:
· New cost share programs for farmers seeking organic certification
· A 50% increase to Specialty Crop Block grant funding
· Reauthorization of the Food Export Program, which helps Vermont companies expand to foreign markets
Vermonters will also benefit from Farm Bill funding directed towards healthy food initiatives for schools, marketing specialty crops, and forest programs.
I would like to thank Senator Leahy and Representative Welch who, with the strong support of Senator Sanders, worked hard to move a new Farm Bill forward."


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Editor's Note: This story originally published Jan. 9, 2014.
DIXON - Family members and other supporters of Joey Didier traveled to Dixon today to fight to keep his killer in prison.
Robert Henry Lower, 75, is trying for the 19th time to obtain parole on his 100-150-year prison sentence for killing the 15-year-old Rockford newspaper carrier in 1975. Today was the public hearing for those against his release.
Diane Didier-Adolphson, Joey's sister, presented about 12,000 signatures to Illinois Prisoner Review Board member William Simmons. The Register Star and rrstar.com are also collecting signatures, which can be submitted online until Feb. 25. About 1,600 people have signed the online petition against parole. You can sign for or against his parole at rrstar.com/lowerpetition.
Didier-Adolphson told Simmons about how Joey's murder devastated the family. Her brother-in-law Paul Elmer and family friend Caroline Seabaugh also testified along with Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato and deputy state's attorney Marilyn Hite Ross, who detailed Lower's criminal history and reasons they feel he should not be released.
"We feel confident that William Simmons is absolutely going to go back to the board and give them our story," Didier-Adolphson said.
The full Illinois Prisoner Review Board meets Feb. 27 to decide whether to grant Lower parole.
Kevin Haas: 815-987-1410; firstname.lastname@example.com; @KevinMHaas


text: The Sabre 386 embraces the standards which have put Sabre's name atop the quality spectrum of boatbuilding for the last 35 years. Current Sabre owners and those who have followed the brand over time, will see details here which make it feel familiar. Details which make sense, which add to comfort, security and well being. Logical details that, above all, make each Sabre design a great, safe and beautiful sailboat. But details from the past are just part of the story. Keeping up with technology has to go hand in hand with our desire to build the finest possible sailing yachts for our clients. The Sabre 386 hull is built using vacuum bagged, closed cell, cross linked PVC Divinycell foam and structural E Glass, which gives her one of the strongest, lightest, most durable structures available today. Her deck is also cored with Divinycell. Hull lines, underwater appendages and rigs were drawn by Jim Taylor Yacht Design. The deck, deck styling and interior were accomplished by the Sabre Design Team. The result is a yacht which, like her siblings, will establish a benchmark in sailing that will endure for many years to come.


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From Openmoko
Literki is a full qwerty keyboard with configurable layout, always transparent, therefore applications don't need to redraw screens and popup is therefore very fast. The keys are big enough for everyday use with your fat fingers. To pop up the keyboard: slide your finger upwards from the bottom right corner. To hide the keyboard: slide your finger down on the keyboard. Opkg page
installation command:
opkg install http://pvtrace.com/literki_0.0.2-r3_armv4t.ipk


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The Ultimate Pirate Edition! This classic sailing song has a deep, heavy, march feeling, if pirates did indeed march in line. Complete with low brass, piano, strings (bass), and timpani, as well as the usual mind-blowing vocals. This sea-faring tune is great for film, and web both.
So… what would YOU do with a drunken sailor?


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Dec 27 |00:00
A BlankTV Premiere Presentation:
Rosenrot - "You Gotta Take What You Throw It"
About The Video:
This is the debut videoclip of the band, it was autoproduced and filmed just in 3 hours. The concept is an unexpected party.
Band Bio:
Rosenrot is an emerging band with only six months together, based in Santa Ana, the second most important city in the smallest country of the Americas, El Salvador.
Since june of 2012, the band has been working on it own music and actually, on the first album "Rosenrot".
"Energy, passion, fun, party" this are the words that describes Rosenrot. We want to make the rock funny again!
|< Prev
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INGLEWOOD, Calif. (July 2, 2011)—One of the two winning tickets in Saturday's Pick 6 at Hollywood Park was purchased on track for $48.
The perfect tickets were worth $207,087 apiece. An additional $625,871 was wagered Saturday in pursuit of a Friday night carryover of $79,818.
The $48 ticket singled Courageous Cat, the winner of the $300,000 Shoemaker Mile as the even-money favorite, and Smiling Tiger, who led throughout to easily capture the $250,000 Triple Bend Handicap as the 17-10 second choice.
In three other races, the ticket used two horses and three in the fifth race, which was the first leg of the Pick 6. The trio in the fifth included 19-1 winner Don Elias M. and two other longshots – Peacock Alliance and Johnnie Gold.
Additionally, the ticket had 32-1 first time starter Memphis in the seventh along with Goodbye Charlie, the remaining part of an entry. Goodbye Charlie was scratched at the gate, however, meaning the ticket substituted 5-2 favorite Madeoftherightstuf, who was beaten by a head by Memphis.
The eighth race selections were winner Leroy's Dynameaux and Sterling Outlook while the horses in the 10th were winner Unhitchthetrailor and Huntsville.
The other winning ticket Saturday was purchased at Santa Anita.
Copyright © 2009-2012, Hollywood Park. All rights reserved.


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"We Are Tolerating One Another"
Mr Schäuble, your ministry did not invite any representatives of the Muslim community to the 60th anniversary celebrations of the German constitution. But you have said that Islam is a part of Germany. Is this not a contradiction?
Wolfgang Schäuble: Clearly, the fact that they were not invited was a regrettable mistake. Right after the act of state on May 22, I asked my people why we had not done this.
And why?
Schäuble: We didn't think about it.
Schäuble: Yes, integration is a learning process, in my department too. The next time such an event takes place we will make sure we invite Muslim representatives – and representatives of the churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Jewish community.
Are Germans still afraid of Islam?
Schäuble: No, I don't think so.
According to an Allensbach survey in 2006, 80% of Germans believe Muslims to be fanatics, 60% said they thought Islam and democracy were not compatible.
Schäuble: First of all, I don't have much faith in polls. And I believe that in the last few years especially, we have learned quite a lot. Prejudice is on the decline, the opposition to the building of mosques, for example, as well.
The building of the Cologne mosque aroused fierce protest.
Schäuble: That was a good two years ago now. In the end, the journalist Ralph Giordano was about the only one who was still against it. And a few weeks ago when a few anti-Islam fundamentalists wanted to hold a congress in the city to mobilise against Islam, they got nowhere, a popular alliance was formed to oppose them.
You are sitting around the table with Muslim representatives at the Islam Conference again this week. What has surprised you most so far?
Schäuble: I was surprised by how quickly, despite all the quarrelling, we have managed to create a constructive and enjoyable working atmosphere. There is a real feeling that we are tackling something together. I was worried at first that we wouldn't last ten minutes. I wondered if Islam Council chairman Ali Kizilkaya and women's rights activist Seyran Ates would manage to share the same room? But it is working. We are tolerating one another.
Does that count as a success? Tolerating one another?
Schäuble: It's better than coming to blows.
If that's the standard...
Schäuble: Seriously, the conference participants argue with one another, they are maintaining a democratic culture of discussion. That alone is a major success. It shows that Muslims in Germany, too, have acknowledged the plurality of Islam. And something in the attitude of the German government representatives at the conference has also changed.
That's all very well. But what has the Conference actually reached agreement on?
Schäuble: We've made quite a bit of headway on the objective of being able to offer Islamic children religious instruction in schools, for example. We have come to a more precise understanding of the fact that religious education is going to require cooperation. What we need – and this is a constitutional requirement – are organisations which meet the necessary preconditions for recognition as religious communities.
But a situation where Islamic religious instruction is on an equal footing with the situation for Catholic and Protestant is still a long way off. The conference has surely failed in this.
Schäuble: No, this process is going to take some time. Many German states have now introduced pilot projects to teach Islamic children something about their religion – through Islamic Studies courses, for example. The Islam Conference has done a lot to define the preconditions for the introduction of Islamic religious education, if the Muslims want it – and then there is the question of whether or not Muslim organisations want to fulfil these conditions.
An existing organisation such as the Islamic Council, for example, is a religious association, but it is not a religious community in the sense required by the constitution. It needs to be, however, for the purposes of religious education.
The conservative Islamic organisations were hoping for recognition as a religious community during the course of the conference. You have dashed these hopes. Are the organisations moving in this direction?
Schäuble: I think the recognition will come from the mosque communities, because that is where religious faith is practised. The Turkish Islamic Union could develop towards becoming a religious community. We have already talked with the Turkish religious authorities about the need for reform of the Turkish Islamic Union.
The Turkish Islamic Union is tied to Turkey. The president is a Turkish government official.
Schäuble: Yes, but their representatives are freeing themselves to some extent, becoming more independent. Progress is being made.
The problem is that Islam just does not fit into the constitutional law on religion, because that is geared towards the Christian churches.
Schäuble: No, we believe that the constitutional law on religion will prove to be sufficiently open to allow it to accommodate non-Christian confessions too. Especially because it is primarily about organisational issues.
Has the Islam Conference actually achieved anything?
Schäuble: There are no new laws or regulations, if that's what you mean. All Muslim representatives have committed themselves, without reservation, to the constitutional order. And I don't mean just in the sense of paying lip service to it. What this will mean in practical terms for the sports and swimming lessons, for example, is something we want to make a decision on Thursday.
And as usual when it comes down to specifics there is no sign of agreement. Some are for discussions with parents in order to prevent them from taking their daughters out of school; others insist that they should have this right.
Schäuble: Just wait and see. We have reached agreement in many areas after a lot of argument.
Does anything that goes on in the Islam Conference actually reach the Muslim communities?
Schäuble: Of course such discussions tend initially to be between elite groups. But we do expect the Muslim members of the Islam Conference to convey what goes on to their communities. My statement that Islam is part of Germany certainly got noticed. I see that from the reactions I get. People can see that we are making the effort.
Mr Schäuble, the Munich public prosecutors office is investigating Oguz Ücüncü, General Secretary of the Islamic organisation Milli Görüs, and Ibrahim El-Zayat, President of the Islamic Community in Germany (IGD), on suspicion of involvement in formation of a criminal organisation. Ücüncü is a participant in security discussions at the Islam Conference, El-Zayat pulling the strings in many places, at least where those represented by his organisation are concerned. Does that not discredit the Islam Conference?
Schäuble: No, because we have asked Mr Ücüncü to withdraw from the discussion group on security and that request has been complied with. Besides, one is innocent until proven guilty. Milli Görüs itself is not a member of the Islam Conference.
But Milli Görüs dominates the Islamic Council – and that is represented in the Islam Conference.
Schäuble: Milli Görüs continues to be monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This does not mean that we are not talking to them however. We want to win over the well intentioned.
Why do you want to continue with the Islam Conference in the next legislative period?
Schäuble: Because the problems have not yet been solved. Or do you think that the questions on the rights and legal status of religions and the improvement of social integration are so well advanced that the dialogue process has nothing more to offer?
What is your long-term goal?
Schäuble: My goal is to achieve a degree of equality of status for Islam, to reach a form of cooperation between the government and the Muslims in Germany similar to what we have with other religious communities. Bearing in mind the fact that this country has been shaped by the Christian religion and culture. There is no contradiction in this. And when Muslims and the majority population get to a point where they feel that a person's religion makes no difference, then we will really be getting somewhere.
Interview: Sabine am Orde and Ulrich Schulte
© TAZ / Qantara.de 2009
Wolfgang Schäuble, 66 has been German Interior Minister since 2005. The CDU politician already held the position of Interior Minister between 1989 and 1991.
Germany's Islam Conference
Objective: The German Islam Conference was set up by Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble (CDU) around three years ago with the objective of encouraging dialogue between Muslims and the German state. "Islam is part of Germany," said Schäuble at that time, and: "Muslims are welcome in Germany."
Participants: 15 representatives of the German state and 15 Muslims, including leaders of the Islamic associations and the Alevi community as well as non-affiliated Muslims such as the writer Navid Kermani, chairman of the Turkish community Kenan Kolat, and Islam critic Necla Kelek.
Topics under discussion: Along with the plenary there are three working groups on the topics of values, religious issues and the German understanding of the constitution and media. There is also a discussion group on security and Islamism.
Interview with Germany's Interior Minister Schäuble
"We Must Give the Muslims Time"
How can one bring about peace among the various religions? An interview with the German interior minister and protestant Wolfgang Schäuble on the integration of Muslims into the value system of the German constitution. Interview: Patrick Bahners
Wolfgang Schäuble, Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior
"Muslims Should Feel at Home in Germany"
A dialogue between the religions is absolutely essential for the German State, writes Federal Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Schäuble. It strengthens the foundations of the community, beyond questions of religious claims to truth
The Third "German Islam Conference"
Muslim Pluralism Must Be Encouraged
The third "Islam Conference" has shown once more: the debate about institutionalising Islam in Germany by creating a single umbrella organisation for all Muslims is one which raises questions as to whether such an organisation would be really representative. A commentary by Loay Mudhoon


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There are some really cool Pearl Jam happenings being worked on for this fall. There could be some shows - maybe acoustic, maybe not, a possible CD of some sort, and it's possible the band may head back to the studio towards the end of the year to begin work on their eighth album. As far as new music from side projects goes, some releases are possible but not definite. It's amazing what tea leaves can reveal. That was fun!
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Description:HP MSL5026 0XSDLT 26 Slot Rack-Mount Tape LibraryPart Number(s)
Hewlett-Packard Part# 293472-B21
Overview:The HP StorageWorks MSL5026 Tape Library provides a high performance mission critical automated mid-range backup and restore solution using HP StorageWorks SDLT 320 GB tape drives in a compact 5U form factor for direct-SCSI-attached and SAN environments. It provides unique investment protection with multi-unit scalability and a PCI backplane for future feature expansion. The MSL5026 defines a new segment in the mid-range segment with high availability features normally found on enterprise libraries. The MSL5026SL uses hot-pluggable SDLT drive carriers allowing drive replacement without interrupting backup and restore functions. These hot-pluggable drive trays allow for easy scalability of performance as well as provide an easy upgrade path towards future SDLT drive technologies. It offers 5.72TB (with 2:1 compression) of storage providing the highest capacity in its class in a compact 5U rackmount form factor. The MSL 5026SL has the capability for multi-unit scalability; up to 7 libraries can be scaled together in a virtual library for up to 40.04TB (compressed) of capacity. The first two modules are linked using Passthrough Mechanism which has the elevator mechanism for tape movement. The addition of subsequent modules requires the Pass through extender (one for each additional module).


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Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Kitten's Dumplings spent the night at Keeneland Saturday after her neck victory in the $400,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1).
"She is going to stay over there a couple days," trainer Mike Maker said Sunday morning from his home base at Louisville's Trackside Training Center. "She came out of the race fine."
Following the race, Ken Ramsey indicated that the three-time graded stakes winner would be pointed to the $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at 1¼ miles on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita.
"That would be a good option," said Maker, who has not finalized shipping plans to California. "I am still enjoying yesterday."
With two wins yesterday, both for the Ramseys, Maker scored his fifth victory of the meet to lead all trainers. He has entries in two races today.
Kitten's Dumplings is a full sister to the Ramseys' stakes-winning 2-year-old Granny Mc's Kitten, who also is headed to the Breeders' Cup. She is based in New York with trainer Chad Brown.
Brown was at Keeneland Saturday, where he sent out Martin S. Schwartz's favored Alterite (FR) to run second. The filly came out of the race well, said Brown's assistant Baldo Hernandez. Winner of the Garden City (G1) in her North American debut and her race prior to the QE II, Alterite is to return to New York today.
Trainer Barclay Tagg was happy with the performance of Caroline Thomas, who closed fast to finish third, beaten a neck and a half-length.
"She's got a mile and a quarter written all over her, but there are no mile-and-a-quarter races except for the Breeders' Cup and there are no mile and a quarter preps for that," Tagg said. "Keeneland has a nice, long stretch that is great for her, but then it was great for the (Ken and Sarah) Ramsey filly (Kitten's Dumplings), too."
Tagg said Caroline Thomas would head to Gulfstream Park for the winter.
"If the (Grade 1) Matriarch (Dec. 1 at Betfair Hollywood Park) was a mile and a quarter (rather than a mile), I'd be tempted to ship her out there even though it is against older (horses)," Tagg said.
Josie Carroll, trainer of pace-setter Leigh Court, said the fourth-place finisher would remain at Keeneland for another day.
"I am going to talk it over with Mr. (Eugene) Melnyk, but she will get a little time off after a race like that," Carroll said of Leigh Court, who was trying a mile and an eighth for the first time. "She ran her heart out. I could see at the eighth pole she was getting tired, but she fought back."
Carroll is looking forward to 2014 with Leigh Court, who has won on dirt, turf and Polytrack.
"Her versatility is so nice," Carroll said. "I think you will see a lot more of this filly when she gets older and grows up."
Carroll indicated an early target in 2014 for Leigh Court could be the Jenny Wiley (G1) or Hilliard Lyons Doubledogdare (G3), both at 1 1/16 miles here in April.
Fifth-place finisher Say (IRE) was transported to nearby Ashford Stud after the race, according to farm manager Dermot Ryan. In an e-mail, Ryan said Say would remain at Ashford and be bred next year with the mating to be determined.
Trainer Wayne Catalano said I'm Already Sexy was fine the morning after her sixth-place finish.
"We had a good trip," he said. "We had everything we needed. She just didn't fire."
Catalano said he'd talked to Anna Seitz of owner Hit The Board Stables to determine the filly's immediate future.
Trainer Wesley Ward said Emotional Kitten, who finished seventh beaten only three lengths, came out of the race well.
"Looking at the odds, maybe we should have waited for the Grade 3 (the Pin Oak Valley View at 1 1/16 miles on Friday), where I don't think she'd be 11-1," Ward said. "But that's after the fact. When you get an opportunity to run in a Grade 1 race when the horse is doing good, you take a shot."
Also owned by the Ramseys, Emotional Kitten may head to Churchill Downs next with a possible target being the $175,000-added Mrs. Revere (G2) at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 16, according to Ward.
Robert Courtney Jr.'s Rahystrada and Niall Racing's Temeraine, the 1-2 finishers in this summer's Arlington Handicap (G3), head a field of nine entered Sunday for Thursday's 19th running of the $100,000 Sycamore (G3) at 1½ miles on the turf.
The Sycamore will go as the eighth race on Thursday's nine-race program with a post time of 4:49 p.m. (ET).
Trained by Byron Hughes, the 9-year-old Rahystrada, who has earned $1,381,750, has not raced since an 11th-place finish in the Arlington Million (G1). Leandro Goncalves will be aboard Thursday and break from post position six.
Temeraine, who is trained by Tom Proctor, finished fifth in the Arlington Million and in his most recent start won the Kentucky Turf Cup (G3) at Kentucky Downs. David Flores will have the mount Thursday and break from post position three.
The field for the Sycamore, from the inside out, is as follows: Eagle Poise (Joe Rocco Jr., 121 pounds), Reflecting (Robby Albarado, 121), Temeraine (Flores, 123), Olympic Thunder (BRZ) (Alan Garcia, 121), Suntracer (Shaun Bridgmohan, 121), Rahystrada (Goncalves, 121), Najjaar (James Graham, 121), Nutello (Mario Pino, 121) and Tricky Hat (CHI) (Rosie Napravnik, 121).
The 32,717 fans at Keeneland on Saturday marked a single-day attendance record for the fall meet and the seventh-highest single-day attendance ever. It also marked back-to-back days of record attendance. On Friday, 22,807 fans were at Keeneland, the highest attendance for a Friday during the fall meet.
Through the first seven days of the 17-day fall meet, Keeneland has drawn a total of 132,172 fans for an average of 18,882, an increase of 11.3 percent over the same period last fall. On opening Saturday, Oct. 5, 27,849 fans enjoyed a full day of stakes racing despite heavy rains.
Keeneland has posted record total attendance for four consecutive race meets (2011 fall, 2012 spring and fall, 2013 spring).
Yesterday's 10-race card featured the $400,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1), beautiful weather with temperatures in the upper 70s and a legion of football fans credited with enjoying the "Keeneland Double": Thoroughbred racing in the afternoon and the University of Kentucky home football game in the evening.
Before 69,873 fans at Commonwealth Stadium, the University of Alabama, the two-time national champions and the No.1-ranked team this year, defeated Kentucky, putting a damper on an otherwise perfect day in Central Kentucky.
The Keeneland Double seemed to be especially popular in 2010 when UK hosted two night games against universities whose fans enjoy racing. On Oct. 16, 23,659 fans were at Keeneland, and 67,955 people watched UK upset the University of South Carolina.
On Oct. 23, 2010, the day UK played the University of Georgia, Keeneland recorded 23,318 fans, and 70,884 fans attended the football game at Commonwealth Stadium.
Keeneland's All-Time Highest Single-Day On-Track Attendance
Attendance Date Feature Race
40,617 April 14, 2012 Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
37,161 April 13, 2013 Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
33,821 April 21, 2007 Coolmore Lexington (G2)
33,727 April 10, 2010 Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
33,680 April 18, 2009 Coolmore Lexington (G2)
33,621 April 16, 2005 Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
32,717 Oct. 12, 2013 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1)
Brendan Walsh, former assistant to Eddie Kenneally, earned his first Keeneland victory when he sent out Patinack Farm's Broadway Missile to win the first race Saturday. Ridden by David Flores, the 2-year-old Heatseeker (IRE) gelding won the 1 1/16-mile maiden claiming race on the main track by a half-length in 1:46.65.


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Serves 12
- 1 lb seedless green grapes, cut into small clusters
- 1/2 fresh pineapple; peel, core, & cut into spears
- 3 medium bananas
- 2 tart apples
- 3 comice pears
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (chevre), at room temperature (crumbled feta cheese may be substituted
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint, plus additional sprigs for garnish
On a decorative serving platter, arrange the grapes & pineapple. Just before serving, peel the bananas & cut on the diagonal into 1/2 inch thick slices. Core the apples & pears and cut lengthwise into crescents. Toss the bananas, apples, and pears with the lemon juice and then arrange on serving platter. Sprinkle with the cranberries. Sprinkle the cheese around the edge of the fruit.
In a small bowl, mix the honey & ginger. Drizzle over the fruit & cheese. Sprinkle with the chopped mint. Insert sprigs of mint as garnish. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: Calories 173, Total Fat 3g (22% Kcal), Sat. Fat 2g (8% Kcal), Cholesterol 7mg, Sodium 26, Total Carb. 38g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 3g, Vitamin A 2% DV, Vitamin C 20% DV, Calcium 7% DV, Iron 6% DV.
Courtesy of www.5aday.com
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.


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Screening for Tuberculosis in HIV-infected Patients Eligible for Antiretroviral Treatment
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01433796
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : September 14, 2011
Last Update Posted : March 8, 2016
|Tracking Information
|First Submitted Date
|September 11, 2011
|First Posted Date
|September 14, 2011
|Last Update Posted Date
|March 8, 2016
|Study Start Date
|October 2011
|Actual Primary Completion Date
|May 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Current Primary Outcome Measures
|Original Primary Outcome Measures
|Correlation between baseline clinical characteristics and presence of microbiologically confirmed active tuberculosis. [ Time Frame: Two years ]
To develop an algorithm with the potential to identify indicators of prevalent and incident TB among patients initiating ART by correlating baseline clinical signs and symptoms with results of culture- and PCR-based investigations for TB. Such clinical characteristics will be compared both to TB present before starting ART, as well as to TB presenting during the first year after ART initiation. Results from this comparison will be used to construct an algorithm for TB screening in Ethiopian patients eligible for ART.
|Change History
|Complete list of historical versions of study NCT01433796 on ClinicalTrials.gov Archive Site
|Current Secondary Outcome Measures
|Comparison of diagnostic methods for detection of TB among HIV-infected subjects eligible to start ART. [ Time Frame: Two years ]
To compare the diagnostic yields of GeneXpert PCR, smear microscopy and novel tests for the detection of TB among HIV-infected subjects in Ethiopia eligible to start ART, using mycobacterial culture as reference.
|Original Secondary Outcome Measures
|Comparison of ART outcome in patients taking concomitant anti-tuberculosis therapy and those only taking ART. [ Time Frame: Two years ]
To prospectively compare clinical, immunological and virological outcomes of ART in patients with concomitant ATT to those in patients only receiving ART. Specific aims are to study rates of virological suppression during ART, the development of antiretroviral drug resistance, and treatment adherence.
|Current Other Outcome Measures
|Not Provided
|Original Other Outcome Measures
|Not Provided
|Descriptive Information
|Brief Title
|Screening for Tuberculosis in HIV-infected Patients Eligible for Antiretroviral Treatment
|Official Title
|Tuberculosis in HIV-infected Patients Managed in Health Centres in Ethiopia - Identification of a Screening Algorithm for Active Tuberculosis and Determination of Outcome of Combined Antituberculosis and Antiretroviral Treatment
|Brief Summary
Background: Increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa will require decentralization to primary health care. For this purpose, adapted methods for management of patients co-infected with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV are needed. Improved detection of TB in patients starting ART, and assessment of co-administration of ART and TB treatment are priorities in this field.
Aims: To identify clinical predictors of TB in patients starting ART, and to construct screening algorithms for TB in this population; to assess ART outcomes in patients receiving TB treatment at health centre level.
Work plan: The project is performed in health centres providing ART in Ethiopia. A cohort of HIV positive patients initiating ART is prospectively followed. Baseline characteristics are registered; blood samples for CD4 cells, HIV RNA and immunological markers are collected, as well as sputum for TB culture and PCR. During ART, clinical data, CD4 cell counts and HIV RNA levels are followed. Patients with TB are compared to those without TB with regard to ART outcome. Baseline factors associated with TB will be used to construct TB screening algorithms.
Recruitment of the cohort was completed in March 2013; follow-up for determination of long term outcome of ART will be continued until 2016.
Significance: These studies give insight into TB-HIV co-infection at primary health care level in a Sub-Saharan region, and may impact future guidelines for management of such patients.
|Detailed Description
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains as the leading opportunistic infection and cause of death among HIV-infected subjects in resource-limited settings (1). HIV infection is the strongest risk factor known for developing active TB, and as a consequence, the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa has fuelled the incidence of TB (2). The interactions between HIV and TB are great challenges for health care, both with regard to diagnosis and treatment. In HIV-infected persons TB often has atypical manifestations, making correct and timely diagnosis difficult (3, 4). Recognition of TB before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical since a missed diagnosis of TB is associated with high early mortality after ART initiation (1, 5). Screening for TB is recommended for HIV-positive subjects, but a method with both satisfactory specificity and sensitivity that can be used in primary health care settings in Africa has not yet been identified. New diagnostic techniques for TB have recently been developed, such as the GenXpert PCR (6), but the optimal use of these alternative methods needs to be investigated.
In settings where both TB and HIV infection are common, a high proportion of patients are in need both of anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) and ART. Combined ART and ATT is associated with risks of drug interactions, overlapping side effects, immune reconstitution disease and poor adherence, but at least in patients with severe immunodeficiency, these risks are outweighed by decreased mortality (7-9). Studies performed in developed countries have shown that rates of virological suppression during ART in patients receiving concomitant ATT are comparable to those in persons not taking ATT (10, 11), but this topic has not been extensively investigated at primary health care level in Africa.
The number of HIV-infected subjects receiving ART in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased dramatically during the last years. Still, it is estimated that less than half of all patients in need of ART currently receive such treatment (12). In order to improve access, it will become necessary to further decentralize ART and to integrate this treatment into the primary health care system. Since many patients starting ART have unrecognized active TB at this time point, it is important to find a practical and reliable screening algorithm for TB among such individuals. Furthermore, the outcome of combined ATT and ART delivered in health centres must be assessed, especially with regard to HIV RNA suppression and selection of ART resistance.
This project aims to develop an algorithm with the potential to identify indicators of prevalent and incident TB among patients initiating ART by correlating baseline clinical signs and symptoms with results of culture- and PCR-based investigations for TB. Such clinical characteristics will be compared both to TB present before starting ART, as well as to TB presenting during the first year after ART initiation. Results from this comparison will be used to construct an algorithm for TB screening in Ethiopian patients eligible for ART. In addition, clinical, immunological and virological outcomes of ART in patients with concomitant ATT will be compared to those in patients only receiving ART. Specific aims are to study rates of virological suppression during ART, the development of antiretroviral drug resistance, and treatment adherence.
Work plan: HIV-infected adult patients eligible to start ART will be recruited from HIV clinics in several health centres providing integrated for HIV and TB in the Oromia region. 812 patients have been prospectively included into the cohort, and are under continued follow-up.
At baseline, detailed demographic, socio-economic and clinical data (such as presence of general and respiratory symptoms, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference and various findings on physical examination) has been collected, including information on current medical and traditional therapies. Blood for CD4 cell count, complete blood count and HIV RNA will be obtained. In addition, plasma, stool and urine sample for analysis of immunological and inflammatory markers, and potential new biomarkers of active TB infection, has been collected and stored at -80 and -20 ° C.
Participants have undergone sampling for microbiological investigations for TB before starting ART. All patients have submitted two sputum samples for TB microscopy, culture and PCR. From patients with peripheral lymphadenopathy, lymph node aspiration for microbiological testing has been done. PCR has been performed using the GeneXpert technique. The study protocol will include definitions of TB based on microbiological results and clinical data according to WHO guidelines. Results of TB cultures are not awaited before ART initiation. Patients in whom TB is diagnosed receive ATT as soon as the diagnosis is established. For patients who have started ART at this time point, the recommendation will be to continue ART; however, the responsible clinician may decide to interrupt ART if medically indicated.
Follow up: Participants will be followed for 48 months (once monthly during the first 3 months, subsequently every 3 months for the first year of the study and then every 6 months). On follow-up visits, clinical and adherence data is collected. Incidence of death, hospitalization, TB and other opportunistic infections, signs of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), defaulting or treatment interruption is followed continuously, with tracing of defaulters to ascertain rates of mortality. Blood for CD4 cell counts and HIV RNA is obtained at 1 month after starting ART and at 3-monthly intervals for the first 6 months after study inclusion (and at 6-monthly intervals onwards). Samples obtained more than 6 months after starting ART with detectable HIV RNA will be subjected to genotypic testing to detect drug resistance mutations. In addition, blood samples for analysis of immunological markers will be obtained after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of ART. Urine samples have been analyzed for the presence of lipoarabinomannane using a lateral flow assay.
Data analysis: Patient characteristics will be correlated with prevalent TB at baseline, to identify indicators of TB. These results will be used to construct screening algorithms that will be validated for sensitivity, specificity and predictive accuracy. Baseline predictors for incident TB during ART will also be investigated. For assessment of ART outcome, patients will be categorized according to their baseline TB status. Participants taking ATT will be compared to controls only taking ART. Incidence and time to defined events will be studied using survival curves (mortality, disease progression, HIV RNA suppression, loss to follow-up). HIV RNA and CD4 cell levels during ART, treatment interruptions, adherence, new opportunistic infections, drug side effects and TB IRIS will be compared between groups. Predictors of death and ART failure will be assessed.
Significance: Improving the management of patients co-infected with TB and HIV in highly endemic regions is critical for the success of continued scaling up of ART. Initiating ART during ATT is challenging under existing conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of these patients are diagnosed and treated. Case detection rates of TB remain below estimates in Ethiopia. Active TB is frequently missed in patients eligible for ART, a phenomenon likely to be important for mortality and medical complications following ART initiation. A screening algorithm based on clinical data with adequate predictive accuracy could help to identify TB in this population, and lead to improved treatment outcomes both for TB and HIV infection. Increased detection and timely treatment of TB in HIV-infected subjects would also reduce transmission in society. The outcome of combined ATT and ART administered in health centres must be assessed, especially concerning the development of drug resistance which can have serious consequences both for the infected individual and the community. Results from this study could inform health authorities on the efficacy and feasibility of such combined therapy, which is important for future HIV/TB policies in Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan countries.
The project has received ethical clearance from Lund University, Sweden, and from the Institute of Science and Technology, Ethiopia.
|Study Type
|Study Design
|Observational Model: Cohort
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Target Follow-Up Duration
|Not Provided
|Retention: Samples Without DNA
Aliquoted plasma samples from consenting participants are stored at -80 C for analysis of biomarkers of tuberculosis and for prognostic markers. Stool and urine samples are stored at -20 C for analysis of alternative biomarkers of active tuberculosis.
|Sampling Method
|Probability Sample
|Study Population
|HIV-infected patients managed in health centres
|Not Provided
|Study Groups/Cohorts
|Antiretroviral therapy, tuberculosis
Patients eligible for starting ART in health centres in Ethiopia
|Publications *
* Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number) in Medline.
|Recruitment Information
|Recruitment Status
|Actual Enrollment
|Original Estimated Enrollment
|Actual Study Completion Date
|December 2015
|Actual Primary Completion Date
|May 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers
|Contact information is only displayed when the study is recruiting subjects
|Listed Location Countries
|Removed Location Countries
|Administrative Information
|NCT Number
|Other Study ID Numbers
3120/215/03 ( Other Identifier: Institute of Science and Technology, Ethiopia )
|Has Data Monitoring Committee
|U.S. FDA-regulated Product
|Not Provided
|IPD Sharing Statement
|Not Provided
|Responsible Party
|Per Bjorkman, Lund University
|Study Sponsor
|Lund University
|Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
|PRS Account
|Lund University
|Verification Date
|March 2016


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Let's see... 1--Hermi Odle 2--Evil Yuzzem 3--Chief Chirpa and Ewok Filler (pick one) 4--Endor Han w/ removable trenchcoat 5--Mondo Articulation Biker Scout 6--Endor Luke w/ removable helmet & poncho 7--Ewok Celebration Lando 8--Ewok Celebration Wedge Antilles 9--Leia in Bouush Disguise10--"Golden God" Threepio w/throne and bending knees
June 21, 2003, 03:46 AM Since Jabba the Hutt [dream version= w/ dais, bowl, 'sitting' Salacious Crumb, 'reclining' Leia] is 'in developement', I'll free up a space 1. 'Barserver' R2 w/ lightsaber hilt2. 'thawing' Carbonite 3. 'Ewok Deity' C-3PO w/ 'levitating' throne4. Yarna D'Gargan5. Rappertunie6. Admiral Ackbar w/ Command chair7. more Ewoks, incl. woklings 8. General Madine9. Redux Luke/ Leia w/ ponchos, rem. helmets, sp bikes10. redux Bib Fortuna/ Jabba's Palace Ishi Tib/rerelease Ree Yees
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A West of Ireland town has remembered those who died or were forced to emigrate in the famine that robbed it of half its population.
Irish President Michael D Higgins led the sixth annual National Famine Commemoration Ceremony in Kilrush.
The county Clare town lost as much as half its population between 1846 and 1851.
President Higgins was guest of honour at the ceremony at Frances Street in Kilrush, one of 66 separate events in Clare over the last 10 days according to the Irish Times.
The event was also attended by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
Ambassadors from 36 countries including Estonia, Canada, Kenya and Poland laid wreaths.
The audience of 2,000 people was addressed by President Higgins.
He said: "Today, we particularly remember the victims of this great tragedy in our history who hailed from Kilrush and its environs, and indeed from the province of Munster as a whole.
"Within Munster, the county of Clare was the most severely affected during the Famine and Kilrush shares the unhappy distinction of being one of the three areas worst hit by death, disease and evictions.
"In fact, it is estimated that Kilrush, where we are today, lost 50 per cent of its population between 1846 and 1851.
"It is very fitting therefore that we should gather today in Kilrush to honour the memory of its Famine victims. Many of our Irish people died believing that their lives were of no value; that they counted for nothing.
"By our presence here today, we honour their lives, we remember their suffering and we grieve for them all."
Ireland's Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan, who chairs the National Famine Commemoration Committee, was also in attendance along with Minster for Children Frances Fitzgerald and Attorney General Màire Whelan SC.
Deenihan said: "This event is a true mark of respect and a fitting tribute to those who died in the Great Famine or had to immigrate as a result of it."
President Higgins and Deenihan planted an oak tree as a permanent reminder of the event. The President also unveiled a commemorative plaque before leading a wreath laying while a lone piper played a lament.
The report says an International Famine Commemoration will be held in Sydney, Australia in August which Minister Deenihan will also attend.


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Blog Archives
Gold-Making in MoP
I had a guild member ask me what I have been up to so far on the AH side of things, and I figured I may as well share here too.
The backbone of my routine is/was the
Saronite Elementium Ghost Iron Shuffle. Basically, you buy stacks of Ghost Iron Ore at X gold, then through Prospecting/Alchemy/Enchanting/etc you turn it into a product worth X+Y gold. Every realm/faction market is different, so individual research will be needed to find the values for X and Y. Right now, for example, I buy Ghost Iron Ore at 4g apiece (and below). This ore ends up being:
- Smelted into Ghost Iron Bars –> Transmuted into Trillium Bars –> Transmuted into Living Steel
- Prospected –> Rare gems cut for >60g minimum
- Prospected –> Uncommon gems turned into necks/rings –> Rare necks/rings procs sold for 300g, uncommon necks/rings Disenchanted for Dust
- Disenchanted Dust –> Enchanting scrolls and/or sold for mats
After a while, I started getting exceedingly lazy and stopped prospecting altogether. Instead, I keep an eye on the Golden Lotus market and snatch any up that are 50g or less. From there, I keep ~5 of each flask up on the AH and then Transmute the rest into Rare gems which I cut and sell for a minimum of 60g, but generally 100g+. This probably lowers my margins significantly, but once I made it back up to my 300k starting gold reserves (even after gambling ~100k on Darkmoon trinkets), relisting hundreds of auctions a day becomes less and less interesting.
One market I was surprised to find was the Ghost Iron Dragonling. While most Engineers will be dumping a bunch on their way up to 600, what I have found is that in 99% of the cases they list them without bothering to fill in the Cog sockets. Considering the item is damn near useless without them – and taking a cue from someone spamming trade chat for an Engineer to make some – I started selling mine with a variety of useful Cogs already slotted in; configurations like Haste/Mastery/Spirit, Haste/Crit/Mastery, Hit/Expertise/Dodge, and so on. Remarkably, they continue to sell at an absurd mark-up: 750g apiece compared to the empty ~200g models.
Presently, I am buying up a bunch of Ghost Iron Ore again, in preparation for the new Blacksmith changes coming in 5.2, and the whole Lightning Steel Ingot deal. I am somewhat doubtful that the price of ore will jump up in the long-term on my particular backwater server, but I figure I may as well start stockpiling now. In fact, it is far more likely that my server will experience a lack of availability than a lack of affordable goods. Until a week ago, you could not find Blood Spirits at any price, for example.


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I like your style...How are you doing the dryhops? Adding one addition, pulling them, then adding another?Definitely stealing the "runoff hops" idea. I usually filter with just a strainer and fine-mesh bag, but why not use hops?!
Why only 3.3 gallons? Are you kettle limited? If you are going to spend this much money on hops I would brew a full 6 gallon batch and plan on loosing 1 gallon to trub. Plus this recipe is way too much hops for 3.3 gallons to absorb (IBU wise) so you are basically wasting them. Probably the same is true for 5 gallons but at least you will have more beer when you are finished.
DOH!! I wish I would have seen this thread sooner - I would have warned you that 19 is an extremely unlucky number. I see you used 19 oz of hops. What were you thinking? Don't you read Stephen King?
What's the point of having a massive hops hoard if you can't go crazy on an IIPA every once in a while?Amen to that brother!Edit: I appreciate the effort. Just finished reading the rest of the posts.
Can you be more specific on what your Fruit Hop Bomb Blend is??