text:
Wabash College Senior Artists Display Their Talentsby Beth Swift • April 13, 2004 Share:
The Art Department of Wabash College is pleased to announce the 2004 Senior Art Majors Exhibit. This exhibition represents the culmination of four years of thought, creativity, and work by three talented young men—Paul Arnold, Michael Bricker, and Jason Morales. The last show of the season, the Senior Show is a tradition in the Art Department and a rite of passage for each art major. The exhibition will open with a reception Monday, April 19 from 8:00-9:30 p.m. in the Eric Dean Gallery, Randolph Deer Art Wing in the Fine Arts Center. The Eric Dean Gallery is open Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Commencement, May 16, 2004.
Each artist has a different viewpoint and approach to his art. It is this difference that makes the senior show such a fascinating exhibit. Sculptor Paul Arnold says of his work: "Interaction has been defined as a mutual or reciprocal action and the transfer of energy between the objects. My obsession with this concept has found a place in my senior studio projects. Using steel and plaster, I intend to bring materials together to create something graceful, elegant, and beautiful. Like the roots of tree growing over a rock or the quick embrace of friends, I hoped to capture the essence of interaction."
Paul continues by saying, "My current focus on interaction has taught me that interaction is beautiful when the materials affect one another, but cannot be forced. My artistic goal is to emphasize the purity and beauty that can be found when the interaction of materials is explored."
Michael Bricker is the second of the senior artists and his focus is very different than that of Arnold. Bricker describes it in his own words: "As the world in which we live becomes increasingly technological, impersonal and capitalistic, I find that we as humans are rapidly losing our individuality. Although the media sphere often treats the public like malleable and senseless market niches, we as consumers and conscious humans must be willing to question and to investigate the visual information habitually presented before us.
"My work, accordingly, seeks to confront mass consumerism and media consumption such that viewers actively consider their placement and their role within this technological culture. By exploiting and manipulating various images and icons pulled directly from popular culture, I aim to illustrate technology's simplification and pixilation of the human body and mind."
Jason Morales looks at technology as well and what he sees is beauty: "What began as my effort to cope with a dependency upon computers has turned into something more meaningful. So often people use computers without half a thought to the internal components. The precision required to make today's computers and circuit boards is an exact science. Measurements and materials must be of specific design and precise geometry."
As Jason says, "The geometry of fine copper and gold angled precisely through a printed circuit board is a beauty to behold. I seek to capture not just the complex intricacy of the circuit board, nor simply the linear qualities that make them aesthetically pleasing. Somewhere in between is a balance of the two, which I seek to portray in my works." Jason feels that his works "have evolved to share an artistic value that is rarely realized by those who make use of computers."
The exhibit is free and open to the public.


text:
Public Comment
Attend Rally to Save Post Office on Tuesday Night at 6
This may be your last chance to save the main architecturally magnificent and service oriented Berkeley Post office and to oppose the privatization of the system. This Tuesday there will be an official public meeting of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to determine the fate of the post office. During the New Deal era of the Great Depression over 1100 post offices were built. Now the postal system and its employees are facing a raw deal.
Post offices around the nation are being closed to cater to the insatiable needs of United Parcel Service and Federal Express.
It is immensely important that you join us this Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 at City Hall, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. We must do everything we can to stop the dismantling of the New Deal and the massive reduction in jobs. About 20 percent of postal workers are African Americans. Across the country over 2700 post offices are at risk of being sold or at least closed and hundreds of thousands of job could be lost. These losses will certainly trigger substantial layoffs in the private sector as well.
Please, please, please attend this Tuesday our rally at City Hall at 6pm and the public hearings at 7pm. But if you cannot attend both, please join us in one of these events. Numbers matter. A low turnout this Tuesday would send the wrong message to USPS.
We are a community!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Articles in Arabic language
Presupuesto $250-750 USD
Articles in Arabic language with specific keywords and terms
Adjudicado a:
8 freelancers están ofertando el promedio de $263 para este trabajo
Native Arabic speaker and writer i can help you with your job Relevant Skills and Experience Arabic English Proposed Milestones $250 USD - 1
I have relevant skills & expertise in this project & can do it as soon as possible. Relevant Skills and Experience I have relevant skills & expertise in this project & can do it as soon as possible. Stay tuned, I'm Más
Hello, I can deliver this article as requested in record time. I as a matter of principle; write original content, unique and completely plagiarism free. I have written several articles both on this platform and on o Más
Hello, I just went through your request for the article. I must confess that this is an interesting topic, one in which I am well versed and knowledgeable. I would, based on this knowledge, write a detailed and inter Más
Hello my friend I am Professional English/Arabic writer , I am working for 6 years in Egyptian company I am writing PHD , news , stories ,contents, articles and websites Stay tuned, I'm is still working on this pr Más


text:
JDR/J-Star/KTM Team rider Tye Simmonds came up just short of qualifying for the Salt Lake City Supercross main event after a hard night at the sixteenth round of the AMA Supercross Series.
Simmonds was feeling pretty good as the riders lined up for the heat in what was their coldest race of the year. The practice schedule was shuffled around in the early afternoon to allow the snow that had fallen on the course a chance to dry. He started decent in the heat but got t-boned early on. The incident crushed his exhaust and he had to pull off and was unable to finish the heat.
He was given last gate pick in the Supercross LCQ because of his heat race DNF. He tried as hard as he could to get a start from the gate he was given but came around the first corner near last. He spent the six lap race trying to catch the top two riders in order to get a final transfer spot to the main event. By the end of the race, he had climbed up to 5th place just three positions shy of qualifying.
"I have had some bad luck the past few weekends and am really bummed to not make it in the main event here at Salt Lake City. Hopefully my luck will change when we go to Las Vegas next weekend. I'd really like to have my best finish at that round," remarked Simmonds.
Simmonds teammate, PJ Larsen, who was injured at the Houston Supercross earlier this year, has received good news from his doctors. His cast was removed over the weekend and he should be back to riding within the next week to judge when he can return to racing action.
Next Event: May 7, 2011 – Las Vegas Supercross
Overall Results Supercross Class –
1) Ryan Villopoto
2) Chad Reed
3) Ryan Dungey
4) Andrew Short – KTM
5) Davi Millsaps
6) Kevin Windham
7) Jake Weimer
8) Thomas Hahn
9) Justin Brayton
10) James Stewart
11) Nick Wey
12) Kyle Regal
13) Michael Byrne
14) Chris Blose
15) Tyler Bowers
16) Jason Thomas
17) Robert Kiniry
18) Cole Siebler
19) Ben Lamay
20) Mike Alessi – KTM
Overall Point Standings Supercross Class –
1) Ryan Villopoto – 318
2) Chad Reed – 309
3) Ryan Dungey – 306
4) James Stewart – 295
5) Trey Canard – 255


text: The Museum has a long history of fieldwork in the Middle East, beginning with the late 19th century excavations at Nippur, early Mesopotamia's pre- eminent religious center, in modern-day Iraq. The Nippur excavations were the first American archaeological project in that part of the world. Since that time, the Museum has worked in nearly every country in the Middle East, with research including not only archaeological surveys and excavations, but also ethnographic studies. The Babylonian Section houses a collection of nearly 30,000 clay tablets inscribed in Sumerian and Akkadian cuneiform, making it one of the ten largest collections in the world. The vast majority of the texts derive from the Museum's excavations at Nippur, with smaller excavated groups of tablets from Ur, Billa, Malyan, and Fara. The Section contains the largest number of Sumerian school tablets and literary compositions of any of the world's museums and its curators/scholars focus largely on the study of the language, history, and literature of the ancient Near East. The Near East collections include nearly 90,000 artifacts housed in three main geographic areas - Mesopotamia, Syro-Palestine, and Iran-with another sub-section focused primarily on materials from the Islamic world.


text:
9:30 am
Smart Travels - Pacific Rim With Rudy Maxa "Queensland, Australia" Rudy basks on sun-washed beaches, explores chic beachside towns, cliffs, rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. He offers tips on avoiding poisonous creatures and on diving amid one of the seven natural wonders of the world.G
10:00 am
Smart Travels - Pacific Rim With Rudy Maxa "New Zealand's South Island" Rudy visits vast vineyards, an artists' colony where he learns about Maori bone carving, and the city of Queenstown. He braves white-water rapids on river boards and rides in a hot air balloon.G
10:30 am
Smart Travels - Pacific Rim With Rudy Maxa "New Zealand's North Island" Rudy kayaks along the coastline, follows a Maori guide to where tribes signed a treaty with European settlers, and bicycles through fruit and olive groves.G
11:00 am
Assessment In Math and Science: What's The Point? "That Would Never Work Here, Either!" Involving students in assessment is often the key to engaging them in learning. This workshop will continue to follow Barbara and Scott as they use assessment to encourage their students to improve their performance. Providing opportunities for students to assess their own work and that of their peers will be the focus of this workshop. D
12:30 pm
Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives "Session 7. Genetics of Development" Organisms as different as flies, fish, and humans share a set of genes, known as a genetic toolkit, which guides development. This session presents new perspectives on the remarkable similarity in these molecules and processes and the ethical questions involved in this research. D
1:00 pm
Small Farm Rising Right now, in our back yards, a new generation of farmers is redefining agriculture in America. Small, modern, sustainable and rooted in the community, these local farms are in the forefront of a movement growing across the nation. A family owned and operated farm produces award-winning goat milk cheeses; a farm powered solely by horses provides members with a full diet year-round; and two youthful entrepreneurs run an organic vegetable farm. D
2:00 pm
Social Studies In Action: A Methodology Workshop, K-5 "Workshop 6. Engaging Students In Active Learning" How do we engage students in active learning? In this session, the teachers examine the elements of authentic instruction and cooperative learning to identify ways of engaging students in social studies content. They review the importance of questioning in relation to higher-order thinking and explore classroom strategies to stimulate thinking and bring social studies concepts to life for their students. D
3:00 pm
Looking at Learning....Again Part 2 "Algebra and Calculas: The Challenge" With Professor James Kaput. Professor Kaput of the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, studies children. D
4:00 pm
Hands On Crafts for Kids "Italy" This week on Hands On we travel to Italy. Italy is a country located in Southern Europe sharing its northern border with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The land known as Italy today has been the cradle of European cultures such as the Etruscans and the Romans. D
4:30 pm
Hey Kids, Let's Cook "Personal Pizzas" This recipe is every kid's favorite and a personal favorite of mine, so we call it Personal Pizzas. These are going to be "made to order", or "just the way you like it", with a blend of cheeses, gooey mozzarella cheese and an endless list of creative toppings like olives, grilled vegetables, and pepperoni. And you know pizza restaurants from all over America give a unique name to their own specialty pizzas on the menu. D
5:00 pm
Essential Pepin "Special Spuds" Garlic Mashed Potatoes; Potato Ragout; Gratin Dauphinoise; Cream Puff Potatoes. D
5:30 pm
America's Test Kitchen from Cook's Illustrated "Ultimate Italian" Man on the Street John "Doc" Willoughby ventures to New York City to learn secrets of homemade pasta from the pros. In the test kitchen, test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Fresh Pasta Without a Machine. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Mozzarella Cheese. D
6:00 pm
Martha Stewart's Cooking School "Frying" The best fried foods are golden brown on the outside and deliciously tender within - never greasy or soggy. Yet frying is a technique that can elude even the most ambitious home cook. In this episode, Martha offers lessons in how to deep-fry and pan-fry to perfection in your own kitchen. D
6:30 pm
Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence "Making Waves Or Marrakech Express" Joanne turns ordinary romaine into an exotic salad salad with honey, cardamom, and Moroccan Spiced Almonds. Her student, Leah, boards the Marrakech Express to learn the secret to making burger night an even bigger hit with the family, mixing Moroccan spices with lamb and topping with a zesty cucumber, yogurt sauce with ginger. Recipes: Romaine Waves with Honey and Cardamom and Moroccan Spiced Almonds, Moroccan Merguez Lamb Burgers, Yogurt, Cucumber and Ginger Sauce. D
7:00 pm
Ask This Old House "Installing Bluestone Patio/Hanging Bikes in a Garage" Landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner install a bluestone patio in an urban backyard. Then, Roger, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and general contractor Tom Silva, asks, "What is it?" Afterward, Tom helps a homeowner and her daughter hang their bikes in a small garage. D
7:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands" Rick experiences Ireland in the extreme on its west coast in Gaeltachts, where people speak Gaelic and the rugged villages have changed little over the generations.G
8:00 pm
Rudy Maxa's World "Edinburgh & The Scottish Highlands" Rudy attends the Edinburgh International Festival - the world's largest arts festival featuring theater, comedy, dance, music, opera, street performance and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tatoo. Then Rudy heads north to the Highlands where he rides the so-called "Harry Potter Train" and visits the Isle of Skye.G
8:30 pm
Essential Pepin "Special Spuds" Garlic Mashed Potatoes; Potato Ragout; Gratin Dauphinoise; Cream Puff Potatoes. D
9:00 pm
America's Test Kitchen from Cook's Illustrated "Ultimate Italian" Man on the Street John "Doc" Willoughby ventures to New York City to learn secrets of homemade pasta from the pros. In the test kitchen, test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Fresh Pasta Without a Machine. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Mozzarella Cheese. D
9:30 pm
Joanne Weir's Cooking Class "Beef Roulade & Grilled Bread with Tomatoes" Joanne gives student Del a technique-intensive lesson on how to prepare beef rolled around vegetables, then shows him a special tool from Italy which they use to make grilled bread with ripe tomatoes and olive oil. Recipes: (1) BEEF ROULADE WITH ROASTED FENNEL AND SWEET PEPPERS, (2) GRILLED BREAD WITH RIPE TOMATOES AND OLIVE OIL. Student: Clodel "Del" Gosuico - Programmer. D
10:00 pm
Taste This! "Nyc Upper East Side" Chef Joe travels to the upper east side of New York City to learn more about this cozy restaurant that has been in business for the past 33 years. A staple in this neighborhood, this intimate restaurant offers an overall, great dining experience. Back in the test kitchen, using Sun dried Tomato Pesto, Chef Joe creates a chicken dish stuffed with the pesto and potato flakes plus a pasta dish using Gnocchi and the pesto as the garnish!. D
10:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands" Rick experiences Ireland in the extreme on its west coast in Gaeltachts, where people speak Gaelic and the rugged villages have changed little over the generations.G
11:00 pm
Theater Talk "Vineyard Theatre's30th Anniversary" We help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vineyard Theatre with actors Linda Lavin and Colman Domingo, as well as the venerated New York City's not-for-profit's Artistic Director, Douglas Aibel. They discuss some of the many notable productions that have originated at this downtown cultural hotspot, including: the Pulitzer Prize winners Three Tall Women and How I Learned to Drive, the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q, and Domingo's one-man show, A Boy and His Soul. D
11:30 pm
Closer to Truth "How to Think About God's Existence?" God exists? God does not exist? I find flaws and fallacies in both sides. So I step away from "arguments" about God and ask how to approach God's existence. What's the process?. D


text: I am looking into putting fail2ban on a mail server to help reduce the number of outbound spam attacks. Is there a way to set it up to notify me when a user exceeds a maximum number of authentications (successful or failed) in a given time frame? So far I can only find how to set it for failed attempts.


text:
Markham Web Content Viewer (JSR 286)Actions
- ${title}
Administrative Monetary Penalty System
The City of Markham is using a new process for the enforcement of most of the City's parking by-law violations.
The Municipal Act, 2001 allows municipalities to use an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) for parking by-law violations.
Markham City Council passed a By-law [PDF] to implement an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) in June 2015. The program came into effect on October 1, 2015 in the City of Markham.
An Administrative Monetary Penalty System is a more efficient way for municipalities to enforce parking by-laws. A Penalty Notice, which is the same as a Parking Ticket, will be issued by enforcement officers for failing to comply with the City's Parking By-law.
The new process allows the City to deal with parking matters in a fair, effective and efficient manner. It is designed to streamline the enforcement process and is considered a service enhancement because parking violations are no longer disputed through the backlogged court system.
A number of measures have been put in place to ensure the City's new process is fair and objective. Penalty Notices can be disputed by requesting an appointment with a Screening Officer. The decision of a Screening Officer can also be reviewed by a Hearing Officer, who is an independent and impartial person.
The City of Markham By-law 2015-93 [PDF] sets out the parking penalty, associated penalty amount and any applicable administrative fees.
The City of Markham By-law 2015-94 [PDF] sets out the appointment of Screening Officers and Hearing Officers for the Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
The City of Markham By-law 2017-9 [PDF], a by-law to repeal and replace Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Appointment By-law 2015-62.
- Conflict of Interest [PDF]
- Public Complaints [PDF]
- Financial Management and Reporting [PDF]
- Preventing Political Interference [PDF]
- Financial Hardship [PDF]
- Extension of Time to Request a Screening Review or Hearing Review [PDF]
Use these documents to help prepare you for your Screening Review or Hearing Review appointment.
Dispute and Appeal Resolution Process
Concerns regarding parking enforcement and penalty notices will be dealt with according to the following:
Step 1
If you wish to dispute a penalty notice, you are first required to request a Screening Review appointment
Step 2
After reviewing the penalty notice with the Screening Officer, you may choose to appeal the Screening Officer's decision to the Hearing Officer, by requesting a Hearing Review appointment.
Step 3
If, after reviewing the penalty notice with the Screening or Hearing Officer, you feel that the process followed was not according to the by-law, you may choose to submit a formal complaint using the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions


text:
Effects of Direct Transcranial Current Stimulation on Central Neural Pain Processing in Fibromyalgia
|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: NCT01745003
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : December 7, 2012
Last Update Posted : November 24, 2017
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Procedure: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
|Phase 1 Phase 2
Hide Detailed Description
Fibromyalgia (FM):
*Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatologic disorder, behind osteoarthritis, afflicting 2-4% of the population of industrialized countries.(Jacobsen and Bredkjaer, 1992; Wolfe et al., 1990) To fulfill the criteria for FM established by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990, an individual must have both chronic widespread pain involving all four quadrants of the body (and the axial skeleton), and the presence of 11 of 18 pre-defined "tender points" on examination. A positive tender point is identified when an individual complains of pain when approximately four kilograms of pressure is applied to one of these points by an examiner. FM is the prototypical "central" or "non-nociceptive" pain syndrome. Research performed within the past decade has clarified a number of important issues regarding this condition. Multiple studies suggest neurological dysfunction as a hallmark of this disease (Clauw and Crofford, 2003), and this is supported by a number of objective functional neuroimaging abnormalities. (Gracely et al., 2002; Harris et al., 2007; Mountz et al., 1995) Overall the data suggest that the primary abnormality in FM is a generalized disturbance in central nervous system pain processing, leading individuals to sense pain throughout the body in the absence of inflammatory or patho-anatomic damage. (Clauw and Chrousos, 1997; Yunus, 1992) Most FM neuroimaging studies to date have examined brain responses to a painful stimulus, as the imaging of endogenous chronic pain is notoriously difficult. (Baliki et al., 2007). However few studies have examined the modulation of specific brain regions and how this impacts neurotransmitter levels, network connectivity, and structural changes such as cortical thickness within the same subjects.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
- Therapies that directly modulate brain activity in specific neural networks might be particularly suited to relieve chronic pain in individuals with FM. Ultimately, this underlies the interest in neurostimulation approaches, which are being explored at multiple levels of the neuroaxis, including the peripheral nerves, spinal cord, deep brain structures, and cortex.(Lefaucheur, 2004) Among the methods of central neurostimulation, two of them, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), are particularly appealing as they can change brain activity in a non-invasive, painless and safe way. TMS is a method of brain stimulation that was developed in 1985 (Barker et al., 1985). It is based on a time-varying magnetic field that generates an electric current inside the skull where it can be focused and restricted to small brain areas by appropriate stimulation coil geometry and size.(Pascual-Leone et al., 1999). This current, if applied repetitively, repetitive TMS (rTMS), induces a cortical modulation that lasts beyond the time of stimulation.(Pascual-Leone et al., 1999) Although tDCS has different mechanisms of action, it induces similar modulatory effects. Several animal studies in the 1960s showed that this technique changes brain activity reliably (Nitsche et al., 2003a, 2003b). tDCS is based on the application of a weak direct current to the scalp that flows between two relatively large electrodes—anode and cathode. Some studies have shown that the efficacy of tDCS depends critically on parameters such as electrode position and current strength.(Nitsche et al., 2003a, 2003b) In fact, application of tDCS for 13 min to the motor cortex can modulate cortical excitability for several hours.(Nitsche and Paulus, 2000; Nitsche and Paulus, 2001) In addition, this technique can be used to obtain clinical gains in neuropsychiatric disorders such as stroke and epilepsy.(Fregni and Pascual-Leone, 2007) In this study we will investigate the modulatory effect of 5 daily tDCS sessions on biochemical, functional, and structural systems and its association with the clinical output in FM.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (H-MRS) in FM:
*H-MRS neuroimaging obtains chemical spectra from multiple volume-image elements, or voxels, within the human brain using radiofrequencies that excite protons. (Ross and Sachdev, 2004) Specific molecules are identified by their characteristic resonance frequency in the spectrum. Once acquired, spectra are analyzed to determine the relative concentrations of different molecules or central nervous system metabolites within the voxel or region of interest. Typical metabolites identified are: glutamate (Glu), N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), lactate, lipid, myoinositol, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamine (Gln). Glu and GABA are of particular importance to brain neurophysiology as they are components of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, respectively. Glu binds to both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors located on postsynaptic neurons and causes excitability (i.e. depolarization). Moreover changes in the strength of Glu neurotransmission are typically indicative of synaptic plasticity, a process proposed to be involved in chronic pain.(Zhuo, 2008) H-MRS methods display multiple features which are amenable to longitudinal studies. High-resolution anatomical scans can be used to isolate identical brain regions on successive sessions that are even weeks apart. Measurement of metabolites within the central nervous system has been largely understudied in the field of pain. Grachev et al. has reported that the level of NAA, a marker for neuronal viability and also function (Nakano et al., 1998; Sager et al., 2001), is lower within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with chronic low back pain as compared to healthy controls.(Grachev et al., 2000) In addition, a recent investigation has begun to implement H-MRS technology to assess functional changes in the concentrations of Glu in response to evoked pain stimuli.(Mullins et al., 2005) Mullins et al. have observed that Glu levels increase by as much as 10% in the anterior cingulate in response to cold pain applied to the foot. Glu in the central nervous system may play a role in FM pathophysiology. A study by Peres et al. found that cerebrospinal fluid levels of Glu were elevated in FM patients possibly having consequences for glutamatergic neurotransmission.(Peres et al., 2004) Administration of ketamine, a glutamate channel blocker, has been found to reduce experimental pain (Graven-Nielsen et al., 2000) and clinical pain (Cohen et al., 2006) in FM. Moreover our group recently demonstrated that long-term treatment of FM patients with acupuncture can lead to changes in Glu levels within the posterior insula and that these changes are highly correlated with changes in pain: greater reductions in Glu are associated with greater reductions in both experimental and clinical pain (Harris et al., 2008). In addition, we have recently compared posterior insula Glu and combined Glu + Gln (Glx) between FM patients and matched controls and have demonstrated that the patients have elevated Glx (and Glu) levels. (Harris et al., 2009).
Resting state networks (RSNs) in FM:
*Previous studies have found that in a task-free state (i.e. rest scan), multiple distributed brain areas demonstrate temporal correlation of the fMRI signal or "functional connectivity" in low frequency ranges.(Biswal et al., 1995; Fransson, 2005) In one of the first such studies, Biswal et al. found a significant correlation in resting fMRI signal from sensorimotor cortices of opposite hemispheres.(Biswal et al., 1995) This resting state network (RSN) has been referred to as the sensorimotor network, or SMN. (Beckmann et al., 2005) FM pain is somatic in localization (usually soft tissue), hence resting connectivity in the SMN may demonstrate increased connectivity to the pain processing regions. Other RSNs have also been described, including one anatomically consistent with the Default Mode Network (DMN) (Greicius et al., 2003) [for review see (Buckner and Vincent, 2007; Vincent et al., 2007)]. This network involves brain regions putatively engaged in self-referential cognition that is "deactivated" (more active at rest than during a task state) during a variety of externally focused task conditions. Typically, the DMN (Figure 1) includes the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) (~BA 40, 39), the posterior cingulate cortex (~BA 40, 39), the posterior cingulate cortex (~BA 30, 23, 31) and precuneus (~BA 7), areas of the inferior, medial and superior frontal gyri (~BA 8, 9, 10, 47), the hippocampal formation, and the lateral temporal cortex (~BA 21)(Buckner and Vincent, 2007). Resting fluctuations in the DMN have demonstrated decreased connectivity in Alzheimer's disease (Greicius et al., 2003) and increased connectivity in depression (Greicius et al., 2004), compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, resting state connectivity in the DMN has also been shown to change in response to an intervention or task.(Waites et al., 2005) Waites et al. found increased connectivity between the middle frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate (a component of the DMN) in resting fMRI data following an active (cognitive) task. While the functional significance of spontaneous fluctuations in the DMN remains controversial, Fox and Raichle suggest that resting connectivity in the DMN is fundamental to balancing excitatory and inhibitory inputs to multiple brain networks, thereby setting the "gain" for future task-related response. (Fox and Raichle, 2007) Positive correlations in fMRI signal refer to putatively excitatory connections whereas negative correlations imply putative inhibitory connectivity. We propose that application of tDCS with decrease connectivity in the pain matrix regions that may result in a change within the gain set by the DMN for brain processing within the pain matrix.
White (WM) and Gray Matter (GM) Plasticity in Fibromyalgia:
- The cortical mantle is a highly specialized, folded structure composed of a thin layer of GM. Abnormal variations in the thickness of the cortical mantle might reflect pathophysiological changes of intrinsic structure and integrity of the cortical laminae. Recently, some studies have shown this correlation in chronic pain diseases such as back pain (Apkarian et al., 2004), migraine (DaSilva et al., 2007b; Granziera et al., 2006) and trigeminal neuropathic pain (see preliminary data). The implications of an alteration in these diseases are either degenerative processes or neuroplasticassociated mechanisms. Apkarian and colleagues (Apkarian et al., 2004) found reduction in the gray matter of DLPFC of chronic back pain patients when compared to healthy controls using a volumetric based approach. More recently, such GM volume reduction was also found in the parahippocampus, and cingulate cortex of patients with fibromyalgia when compared to healthy controls. However, it seems that similar changes observed in the GM of fibromyalgia patients may be more related to comorbid affective disorders than the pain endurance (Peres et al., 2004; Wood et al., 2009). Using more sensitive and reliable neuroimaging tools in trigeminal neuropathic pain patients our group found cortical thickness changes that were spatially co-localized with functional allodynic (brush induced pain) activation. In addition, this pattern of concurrent structural and functional changes in chronic pain patients is influenced by somatotopic localization (sensorimotor cortex), known functionality of the specific region (sensory-discriminative and affective-motivational), underline activation/deactivation following allodynic stimulation and the duration of the disorder (see preliminary data). In another study of migraine patients, we found increased cortical thickness of caudal sensorimotor cortex in migraineurs compared to controls (DaSilva et al., 2007a). In the cortical mantle, the thickness changes in the sensory cortex could be due to the chronic sensory stimulation provoked by chronic pain. This is in line with a recent study that showed cortical thickening after sustained stimulation of the motor system (Draganski et al., 2004). In this study, volunteers who have learned to juggle showed transient and selective thickening of the motor cortex, as well as the motion-visual areas (MT/V5), as compared to the pre-learned phase. This suggests that overstimulation of the sensory-discriminative and affective-motivational neuronal systems in chronic pain may induce structural alterations in the cortex that is co-localized with inefficient pain modulation by the opioidergic system at a molecular level.
Evaluation of Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNIC):
- There is a body of evidence that suggests that the spontaneous pain and hyperalgesia associated with CMI is due to a dysregulation of intrinsic analgesic systems. The most well known intrinsic analgesic system is the endogenous opioid system, which appears to function normally in CMI. Another system, termed DNIC (Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls), is characterized by widespread analgesia evoked by a noxious stimulus applied to anywhere on the body, such as tourniquet ischemia, or immersion of in painfully hot or cold water. The widespread nature of the DNIC effect, involving convergent second order neurons and a spinal-brain loop, is consistent with the diffuse widespread pain of CMI disorders such as FM. The results of several studies suggest that DNIC may be altered in CMI. Lautenbacher and Rollman observed that DNIC evoked by hot water immersion decreased the sensitivity to painful electrical stimuli in healthy control subjects but had no effect in patients with FM. Marchand [unpublished observations] has reported a similar effect using immersion of an arm in painfully hot water as both the conditioning and pain stimulus. This method shows an effect of DNIC on pain ratings in healthy controls but no effect in FM. Kosek and Hansson found that the DNIC manipulation of tourniquet ischemia decreased the sensitivity to painful pressure in control subjects but not in patients with FM.
- Together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that the pain and tenderness in FM may be due to tonically inactive DNIC analgesic systems. These results, however, do not specify causality and could also represent a mechanism in which DNIC is tonically activated in CMI in response to the widespread ongoing pain of the disease. These alternative mechanisms cannot be separated using conventional psychophysical tests. Performing the tests in the fMRI scanner will differentiate these mechanisms because in one case the DNIC system remains "OFF" in the patient populations, in the other case the DNIC system is constantly "ON." fMRI analysis of activity in brainstem regions (e.g., caudal medulla) implicated in intrinsic DNIC analgesia will provide evidence for tonic ON or OFF activity in these regions, and in addition further specify the neuroanatomical locus of this abnormal pain processing. The fMRI analysis will provide crucial evidence of whether FM results from a DNIC defect or whether the DNIC abnormality is simply one of the signs of the disease.
RATIONALE (proposed research, and potential benefits to patients and/or society):
a.There is not much information about FM disease and treatment options available. This study seeks to gain a better, more wholesome understanding about Fibromyalgia. People who suffer from this disease experience constant, chronic pain; which ultimately results in absence from school, work, etc. If a feasible treatment is available for Fibromyalgia sufferers, they will have an increase in life satisfaction and the bio-power (people able to work and perform more tasks) will increase.
SPECIFIC AIMS (Research Objectives):
a.The main goal of this Collaborative Proposal is to investigate biochemical, functional, and structural neuroimaging changes following non-invasive brain stimulation in patients with chronic widespread pain: fibromyalgia (FM). Additionally, we aim to:
- Determine the effects of tDCS on the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu) within the insula (posterior and anterior) and thalamus in individuals with FM. Glu levels within the insula and thalamus will be reduced following tDCS, reflecting a down regulation of excitatory neurotransmission in these pain regions.
- Investigate whether long-term therapy with tDCS normalizes gray matter thickness in target and cortical areas associated with pain perception and modulation in FM. Cortical thickness in FM patients, will return to comparable age- and sex-matched pain-free control participant levels following tDCS. These effects will be specifically detected in pain modulatory regions (e.g. dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex) of FM patients.
- Explore the effects of long-term tDCS on intrinsic connectivity between pain processing and modulatory regions and other brain networks (e.g. default mode network, sensory motor network) in FM. Our preliminary data suggest that FM patients display enhanced connectivity between various pain processing regions and the default mode network, a specific brain network that is active during periods of inactivity. We propose that tDCS will decrease connectivity between pain modulatory regions and other networks such as the default mode network thus resulting in a reduction in pain symptoms.
a.Potential subjects will be recruited by public advertisement in the School of Dentistry clinics, including MCOHR, and the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center in addition to other University of Michigan clinics. They will also be recruited via UMClinicalStudies.org, the DaSilva lab webpage (with a flyer for the study listed under current research), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health. In addition, subjects may be recruited by the PI or study staff in a private setting. The potential subject's healthcare providers will be able to suggest the availability of the study and inform them of a place where they will be able to find more information about participating in the study.
- This study requires a total of 15 visits, broken down by the following: 1 baseline visit, 3 MRI visits, 10 tDCS testing visits, and 1 final follow-up/debriefing visit. Patient participant will last for a total of 5 consecutive weeks. During this time, we will be collecting clinical and psycophysical evaluation: the MRI photo imaging, DNIC/MAST pain tolerance data (computerized), and pain questionnaires (verbal), Quantitative Sensory Test (QST).
- No drugs will be administered during this study
- Devices used will include: MRI, tDCS, MAST/DNIC
- While these therapies are non-invasive, study participants may experience unpleasantness from the constant stimulus from the MAST/DNIC procedures; however, the pressure is not enough to cause any damage to the nail bed. The study participant is encouraged to inform the researchers of any discomfort/side effects they experience during any point of the study as the priorities of the research team is to keep the study participant safe. With regards to the tDCS testing, the participant may experience a temporary tingling sensation and minor skin irritation/redness as a result of the brain stimulation pads
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|13 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Single Group Assignment
|None (Open Label)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Effects of Direct Transcranial Current Stimulation on Central Neural Pain Processing in Fibromyalgia
|Study Start Date :
|March 2012
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|September 2013
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|September 2013
Experimental: Fibromyalgia
Investigate biochemical, functional, and structural neuroimaging changes following non-invasive brain stimulation in patients with chronic widespread pain: fibromyalgia (FM). We will be using tDCS as intervention.
Procedure: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
tDCS is based on the application of a weak direct current to the scalp that flows between two relatively large electrodes—anode and cathode. We will be using this device to investigate fibromyalgia.
- Glu levels within the insula and thalamus will be reduced following tDCS [ Time Frame: 3rd MRI (week 5 of patient participation) ]Determine the effects of tDCS on the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu) within the insula (posterior and anterior) and thalamus in individuals with FM. Glu levels within the insula and thalamus will be reduced following tDCS, reflecting a down regulation of excitatory neurotransmission in these pain regions.
- Cortical thickness in FM patients, will return to comparable age- and sex-matched pain-free control participant levels following tDCS [ Time Frame: 3rd MRI (week 5 of patient participation) ]Investigate whether long-term therapy with tDCS normalizes gray matter thickness in target and cortical areas associated with pain perception and modulation in FM. Cortical thickness in FM patients, will return to comparable age- and sex-matched pain-free control participant levels following tDCS. These effects will be specifically detected in pain modulatory regions (e.g. dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex) of FM patients
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
The inclusion criteria are:
- Women who have met American College of Rheumatology (1990) criteria for the diagnosis of FM (Wolfe, Smythe et al. 1990) for at least 1 year. To fulfill the criteria for FM established by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990, an individual must have both chronic widespread pain involving all four quadrants of the body (and the axial skeleton), and the presence of 11 of 18 pre-defined "tender points" on examination. A positive tender point is identified when an individual complains of pain when approximately four kilograms of pressure is applied to one of these points by an examiner
- Continued presence of pain more than 50% of days
- Willingness to limit the introduction of any new medications or treatment modalities for control of FM symptoms during the study
- Being over 18 and under 65 years of age
- BMI of 36 or less (because we use the MRI machine)
- Capability of giving written informed consent
The exclusion criteria are:
- Presence of concurrent autoimmune or inflammatory disease; such as, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. that causes pain
- Routine daily use of narcotic analgesics or history of substance abuse
- Concurrent participation in other therapeutic trials
- Pregnant and nursing mothers (verification of pregnancy status will be determined via a urine test)
- Severe psychiatric illnesses (current schizophrenia, major depression with suicidal ideation, substance abuse within two years)
- Contraindications to fMRI, or H-MRS methods
- Any impairment, activity or situation that in the judgment of the Study Coordinator or PI would prevent satisfactory completion of the study protocol
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01745003
|United States, Michigan
|University of Michigan - Michigan Center for Oral Health Research
|Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48106
|Principal Investigator:
|Alexandre DaSilva, DDS, MS
|University of Michigan
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
|Responsible Party:
|Alexandre DaSilva, DDS, MS, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01745003 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|December 7, 2012 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|November 24, 2017
|Last Verified:
|November 2017
Keywords provided by Alexandre DaSilva, DDS, MS, University of Michigan:
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Myofascial Pain Syndromes
Muscular Diseases
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Rheumatic Diseases
Neuromuscular Diseases
Nervous System Diseases


text:
Already virtually bonded, A's visit LeGrande
KANSAS CITY -- It's Friday morning at the LeGrande home, where a family of five is nestled atop a steep driveway tucked away in Lake Lotawana, a 30-minute venture east of Kansas City.
It's already a good day, simply because it's Friday. Not Tuesday, when 14-year-old Nick makes his weekly trip to the hospital for a blood transfusion. Sometimes it's a two-hour drip. Sometimes an eight-hour one. Parents Mike and Shari are by his side every second, no matter.
KANSAS CITY -- It's Friday morning at the LeGrande home, where a family of five is nestled atop a steep driveway tucked away in Lake Lotawana, a 30-minute venture east of Kansas City.
It's already a good day, simply because it's Friday. Not Tuesday, when 14-year-old Nick makes his weekly trip to the hospital for a blood transfusion. Sometimes it's a two-hour drip. Sometimes an eight-hour one. Parents Mike and Shari are by his side every second, no matter.
Then there's Monday. Mondays are sometimes harder than Tuesdays, at least for Shari. Like clockwork, that's when the worry sets in.
"Monday's the anxiety," she said. "You hope the numbers have gone up. Then Tuesday you do the whole hospital thing. Tuesdays come around real quick."
This routine is the new normal for the LeGrandes. It has been for the past six months, since Nick -- the baby of the family, their high-energy teen who lives and breathes baseball -- was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare life-threatening blood disorder that affects six out of every one million people.
He's on immunosuppressive medications, but he still can't spend much time in crowds. His energy level has dwindled since November. Especially by the time Tuesday comes around.
And, like Shari said, "It's always Tuesday again."
But this is Friday, and they're celebrating with new friends Nick has eagerly been awaiting all morning. He greets Ryan Cook with a smile and a handshake. Jerry Blevins and Sean Doolittle, too. These A's relievers are here to brighten the day of a sick kid.
But it's also about so much more than that.
"Originally I just wanted to come hang out with Nick," Cook said. "I didn't want it to be a big production, with so many people and so many cameras. But then when you really sit down and realize this is an opportunity to help so many different people, not just Nick -- well, that makes a whole lot more sense. This is our chance to put the word out there."
Blevins admits to Mike that he didn't know much about blood diseases or bone marrow donations before meeting Nick, who initially came into the A's lives last month, when he made the first telerobotic first pitch in Major League Baseball history, with help from Google Fiber.
Google helped construct an indoor miniature baseball field at its facilities in Kansas City, complete with a set of bleachers and dirt straight from Kauffman Stadium. Nick's throw, coming from nearly 2,000 miles away, crossed a sensor that was linked to a robot, something of a modified pitching machine, stationed in front of the mound at the Oakland Coliseum. Cook was there to catch it, a moment that bonded them, that offered Nick a different kind of medicine -- a diversion of sorts from his life as a patient.
For people like Nick with such blood diseases, treatment options are limited. Should the drugs not work, doctors will soon begin their search for a bone marrow transplant from a stranger, since none of Nick's immediate family members -- including older brothers Alex and Skyler -- are suitable matches. For his body to accept these healthy cells, he needs a donor who is an absolute perfect match.
That's the only way he'll be completely cured.
"It's been one hurdle after another," Mike said. "We're hoping to clear one soon. It's so hard to keep your mind in a positive place, but we have to.
"I'm a person that believes everything happens for a reason. From the get-go, I kept thinking, 'How did we get here? What is the purpose of this?' It brought the awareness that there are a lot of other people in the same situation. This may be starting a fire that can't be put out, and it'll make a difference. Hopefully my son will get what he needs to save him, but if this whole story saves some other children, we all did something great. I just don't want it to stop. That's what means the most to me. It needs to get big."
Mike thinks of his son as a nuclear reactor, since "you can't do enough to keep him busy," he said. But around Thanksgiving time last year, "he just didn't have that punch he normally has."
"All of a sudden," Mike said, "he started becoming like a normal child, and so I just thought he was maturing, but he was getting ill."
"You don't think much of it, so I kept him in school," Sheri said. "But then the school nurse would call home."
Nick hasn't been to school since January. Instead, he has a teacher come to the house, and he can no longer play baseball, a sport that has taken him around the country for tournaments. He doesn't like telling friends he's sick. Just by talking to him, it's hard to tell he is sick.
"Not for one second of me being there would I have known he's sick," Cook said. "The way he smiled, the way he talked, to the plans he's made, you'd never know."
The two go at it in Nick's room, a space filled with baseball pennants and posters, for nearly an hour, engaging in an NHL video game that Nick wins, 4-3, in a shootout.
"And I tried," Cook said later in the day.
All the while, Mike and Shari are in the living room, telling countless stories of their courageous son, pausing every once in awhile when they hear his voice, his laugh, his banter with Cook. Sometimes they cry, but always while smiling. How can they not when thinking of Nick?
"The positivity that I felt there," Cook said, "from Nick to his brothers, it really made me feel like he's going to make it, that he's going to be fine. It gave me this whole uplifting feeling about it instead of feeling bad for him. It's like, how can he not make it when he has this incredible supporting cast around him?"
Cook can count himself as part of that group now. He even got a family hug, insisted upon by Mike, and by day's end was texting back and forth with Nick. They're talking about the family coming out to California, about Nick hanging out at the Coliseum, and -- without any Google magic -- him taking batting practice on the field.
For now, he'll simply look the part. Already equipped with an A's cap and jersey, Nick is now owner of an engraved necklace Cook brought him, inscribed on it the memory of his first pitch, that's joined by an A's pennant.
Nick repeatedly thanks Cook. So do Mike and Shari. But Cook said it's not necessary.
"When you hear people talking about going to get tested and how it can help thousands and thousands of people who are in need, families that are affected, you're obviously touched and moved," he said. "But then, when you actually put a face and a personality to it, and you really see these people who are going through these things and are still this positive about everything, it makes you really realize you can help. I hope we can generate some interest in the public in getting tested. I know I'm already looking into it."
Be the Match is a national marrow donation registry that connects patients with potential donors, who can learn more about the process or simply help financially at bethematch.org. Nearly 12,000 people a year are in need of unrelated donations, but only about half get them.
The LeGrandes are aware of this, but they are not shaken. Really, through it all, they've been strengthened. They gather for a picture with Cook, Blevins and Doolittle before the pitchers head off to work at Kauffman, one of many photos that will soon be added to a scrapbook Mike is making.
"To look back with Nick at all the fond memories down the road," he said.
Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB.


text:
Keselowski, Johnson Blazing Trail Of Another Great Rivalry
If you grew up watching racing during the early to middle 1990s, you likely remember multiple championship chases involving Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s No. 3 and Rusty Wallace's No. 2 car. It was hard to go close to many racetracks without seeing t-shirts, hats or flags in favor of the two drivers.
When it came to those two drivers, there was little room for middle ground. You were either cheering for Rusty or Dale. In fact, there was even a parody song made about the rivalry between the two drivers, "The Ballad of Rusty and Dale."
And even if you had another favorite driver, chances were that you cheering against either the No. 2 or the No. 3 car because of a dislike for them. And fans had plenty of chances to do so. During Earnhardt Sr.'s Cup championship seasons of 1993 and 1994, Wallace finished second and third respectively, coming up short of the title despite leading the series in victories each time.
As the 2013 season closes out, it does so with yet another exciting rivalry being stoked by a down-to-the-wire championship battle between Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski.
"Obviously, it's not going to come easy. But anything worth doing in life shouldn't come easy, and I appreciate the efforts of the people that I'm around to make it happen," Keselowski said recently. "I appreciate the fact that it's difficult, because it brings out the best in everybody."
You want a contrast of two drivers? That is exactly what you have with these two drivers. One is a multiple-time champion from NASCAR's most dominant organization sponsored by a home improvement supply chain. The other continues to enjoy a meteoric rise from a shoestring-budget family race team to being on the cusp of his first NASCAR Sprint Cup title, carrying the banner of a beer company.
Johnson carries the reputation of saying 'all the right things' while Keselowski is rarely afraid to say what is on his mind, either during post-race interviews or on Twitter.
As a result, the championship battle has split the NASCAR Nation. Even if fans claim to have a favorite driver who is not currently contending for a championship, they've been quick by pick a side between Keselowski or Johnson.
In the midst of that, the two have waged an intense championship race. As expected, they've raced one another hard, forcing the other to bring their best to the track and preventing either driver from coasting to the championship.
As fans of racing, we love rivalries. It builds up excitement when two adversaries get near one another late in a race when the checkered flag is at stake.
And who knows was 2013 will bring? We could either see these same two drivers racing one another for a championship or perhaps another rivalry come to the forefront of NASCAR!


text:
Time: May 1, 2011 to May 31, 2011
Location: Online/Ongoing
Website or Map: http://store.homeenergyteam.c…
Phone: 800-518-1877
Event Type: online, course
Organized By: Rachelle Moran
Latest Activity: May 9, 2011
Export to Outlook or iCal (.ics)
If you live in the State of Maryland, you may be able to get this training for FREE due to funds that Maryland has recently received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Call 800-518-1877 to inquire about these benefits.
Includes Everything You Need!
√ Online Course Tuition
√ Course Study Guide
√ Practice Exam Questions
√ RESNET Exam Fee
√ CEQ Provider Certification Fee for One Year
Begin the online course immediately and take up to 30 days to complete. When finished, Home Energy Team Institute will help you find an approved proctor in your area to administer the RESNET EnergySmart Contractors Exam and provide your certification.
Topics Covered Include:
• Basics of heat transfer concepts and air distribution leakage
• The energy consequences of common construction practices
• Basic Combustion Appliance concerns
• Basics of envelope and duct leakage, air sealing and insulation
• Understanding of thermal boundaries
• The House as a System - Basics of measure interaction, expected life and bundling for optimal performance
• RESNET retrofit work scope requirements and recommendations
Benefits of the Course
At the end of the course, students will be ready for the RESNET Qualified Contractors Exam and be qualified to include optimal home performance measures in their existing contracting business
Course Materials
The course is all on line and includes a study guide and practice exam questions. For added enrichment, purchase a copy of the textbook, Residential Energy by Krigger and Dorsi below in our Books & Guides section.
Who Should Take This Course?
• Contractors who perform services related to any of the following: HVAC, insulation, air sealing, remodeling, windows and doors, siding, plumbing, handyman, solar, IAQ, roofing, home automation
• Homebuilders who want to work with Raters to build EnergyStar Homes
Prerequisite Requirements
None; some knowledge of residential construction practices is beneficial
Tuition/Exam Cost
Our introductory EnergySmart Contractor package is only $349 and includes:
• the complete 8-hour e-Learning module
• the RESNET EnergySmart Contractor Exam fee
• the annual CEQ* Provider Certification fee for the first year
*RESNET Accredited Contractor Education & Quality Provider
The RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor designation is a company credential. We highly recommend that contractors also have at least one individual become certified as a RESNET Home Energy Survey Professional (HESP) who can perform walk-through assessments of general energy performance problems and make basic recommendations for home improvements or further analysis. Our 16-hour HESP e-Learning module including the RESNET HESP Exam and the annual Provider Certification Fee is normally $599. If you purchase two courses, exams and certifications together, you'll get a discounted price of $799. That's a $149 off the regular price!
RESNET Membership and Promotional Directory Listing
The EnergySmart Contractors course qualifies you to get a RESNET membership and join their directory. For more information contact RESNET at 1-800-785-7057 to join
Home Energy Team Institute Success Guarantee
If you fail to pass your certification exam(s) for any reason, you can retake our course curriculum* at no additional charge until you achieve a passing grade.
Questions or Concerns: Please call us at 1-800-518-1877
© 2018 Created by Home Performance Coalition (HPC) Powered by


text:
"After comparing plans available in my area, I chose the Delta Dental Platinum Premiere plan so I could keep my own dentist. The enrollment process was simple and only took a few minutes. I received my confirmation email with a link to my policy ID cards almost immediately! I have everything I need to begin using my policy on my effective date!"
Anita, San Jose CA
"My elderly mother was in need of major dental work. I was able to find a dental plan with no waiting periods and a network dentist in my area. I am amazed at how much money the Extended PPO policy was able to save us!"
Eddie, Philadelphia PA
Dental and Vision Insurance Plans for Families and Individuals
Find the best dental and vision insurance plan for your family and for yourself.
Dental and Vision 4 U is the best online resource for vision and dental insurance plans. We furnish clients
with all that's needed to make smart decisions about available plans. Read full details on dental and
vision insurance plans provided by the most recognized carriers in the industry. View the plans available
to you by entering your zip code in the space provided.
Dental Insurance Plan Quotes
Get what you want in terms of plan flexibility and everything else. Dental and
Vision 4 U assists your search for family and individual dental plans that meet your requirements and
needs. The time-consuming search can be simplified using the tools on our site. Find budget-friendly rates for quality plans and avail
yourself of our resources. On our site, you'll be able to assess different plans using side-by-side comparisons of benefits, rates, and
locations. We supply you with options for individual and family dental insurance plans.
Vision Insurance Plan Quotes
Looking for excellent value on family or individual vision insurance
plans? Find it with the help of Dental and Vision 4 U -- your source for affordable vision plans. Whatever your budget or coverage needs, find something that works!
Plans from the most recognized companies, like Delta Dental Insurance, are featured on our site. Get in touch with us if you need further
assistance locating the best-fit insurance plan for you.
For Life Insurance Plan Quotes, Click Here
Life Quotes by Wholesale Ins.
© 2010 Morgan White Group Inc.
All quotes are provided by Morgan-White, LTD. DBA/AKA Morgan-White Insurance Marketing
California license number: 0C91929. Agent David Reynolds White
California license number: 0C94111


text:
What's everyone up to in the morning? Hannah's brushing her teeth, Shosh and Ray are talking in bed about pig bathing, Marnie's on a crappy job interview and Jessa may not recognize that mornings exist. Things get infinitely more ridiculous from there.
Season 2, Episode 2
"Hannah's unnerved by Adam's creepy dirges that he posted on the Web, but is miffed by Sandy's critique of her essay. Meanwhile, Marnie considers a new career path; Elijah confesses a recent transgression to George; and Jessa gets a gift from her husband."
Memorable Quotes
"And I just let you talk because that's the kind of thing 25-year-old boys say when their mothers are from Boulder Springs." -George
"I know i always say he was murdery in a sexy way, but what if he's murdery in a murder way?" -Hannah
"I can deal with your judgment, because I've always marched to the beat of my own drummer--ever since i cut my camp shirt into a halter top." -Hannah
"I just don't want to be around people who don't hate everything about their life right now." -Marnie
"We got fucking matching tiger tattoos!" -Thomas John
"When we have sex there's no part of me that wants to pretend like I don't exist." -Hannah
"Thank you for enlightening me about how tough things are for minorities." -Sandy
"'Oh, I'm a white girl and I moved to New York and I'm having a great time and i have a fixed gear bike and i'm dating a black guy!'" -Sandy
"You just said a Missy Elliott lyric." / "I don't know who that is." / "Bullshit!" -Sandy/Hannah
"You look like a slutty Von Trap child." -Elijah
"I know I make only 40 dollars a day at Grumpy's, but that's, like, clean money." -Hannah
"As a man living my man life, my desire for you cannot be repressed." -Adam
Best scene: A-brush ya teeth
In one of those everyday morning moments, Hannah and Sandy are having cutesy couple toothbrush time in the bathroom when Elijah pops in, exaperatedly seeking his facial brush. Question about those Clairsonic things: Do they actually make a big difference. Elijah just can't help himself from heckling Sandy about his political beliefs: "Are your parents Republican?" he sneers. "You don't need two Republicans to make a Republican. They're like terrorists, you don't need two terrorists to make a terrorist," he throws back. But the best partmay be Hannah's Elijah's extreme hair-poofing. "You've gone too far," she giggles. And the day goes on.
Winner: Jessa
Lounging around her new Brooklyn high-rise apartment in her bra and a robe and painting portraits of her new yuppie husband, Jessa seems legitimately happy. That won't last long, but it's good to see someone in the group so seemingly confident in her choices (for now, at least).
Loser: Hannah
Let us count the ways: She has to deal with her roommate hating her new boyfriend, she pisses off her new boyfriend, like, five minutes into their relationship and gets herself kicked out of his apartment, she regresses to the point of being even more delusional than she was a year ago, she can't be happy for best friend Marnie for five minutes, then she gets Adam courted off to jail. Hannah, in this episode, is what we would call a royal fuckup.
Runner up: Marnie
She just can't catch a break, man.
We'll be back next week with another "Girls" recap. What's to come? Hannah tries cocaine for a revealing article assignment, and Elijah tags along for the bumpy ride. Marnie reunites with that aggressive, pint-sized artist Booth Jonathan. Chaos ensues.
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.


text:
Ireland's new President Michael D Higgins has told the families of Titanic victims that their memories will always be cherished.
President Higgins addressed a gathering of 5,000 people at a national commemoration service in Cobh, 100 years after the doomed liner departed Irish waters for America.
Many of those in attendance are related to the impoverished Irish who drowned in the tragedy as they sought a new life in the United States.
The commemoration service was held at the main promenade in Cobh, a hundred years to the day since 123 passengers left in a small boat to board the ill-fated Titanic. Sadly, just 44 of those who embarked at Cobh, then Queenstown, survived.
"We remember with respect all those who died on the Titanic and the thousands more whose lives were devastated by the loss of their loved ones in the Atlantic," said President Higgins.
"We reflect on what it teaches us about the inherent fragility of human life in the face of nature.
"Time may have dimmed the harrowing grief caused to the bereaved after some 1,500 people were lost to the icy waters 100 years ago. These victims still occupy a place in our hearts."
The Irish Independent newspaper spoke to some of the relatives of those who drowned.
Middleton Mayor Mary Woods remembered her uncle Jeremiah Burke who was just 19 when he was lost.
"I think of my father all day today and finding his brother was drowned in the Titanic and his cousin. You wonder what they were thinking when it all happened," said Woods.
"It's a very sad day. You keep thinking back."
Burke travelled as a third class passenger along with his cousin Nora Hegarty (18) who also perished.
Hegarty's grand-niece Helen Murphy told the paper: "It's a very poignant story and also so tragic. Here they were boarding one of the finest vessels ever built and it came to such a sorry end."
The national commemoration tribute was followed by an ecumenical service and a recital by the St Coleman's Cathedral 49-bell carillon.


text:
[Reposted from old comment system, from Critter Captain on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:39:27 0000]
Ursula's works, I agree, would probably score high. So many of them are also "classic" that it would reinforce my point, that "enduring" SF has a higher amount of IP content.
But I can't score every book... however...! You all can. So, visit this link here to share your own scores: http://critters.org/rel/score.cgi?cmd=addform


text: OFFICE ASST - FT great hours 6:30am to 3:00pm M-F. Small fast paced office, must be able to answer multi line phone, pleasant customer service skills, must have knowledge of surrounding Orlando area for scheduling. Start at $8/hr. Apply M-F 9am-2pm at 1912 Lee Rd. Bldg. B ask for Colleen.


text:
Skip to main content
goduke.com link
media portal link
duke store link
article link
signup for email updates
search website
Home Page
2018 Duke Football Media Guide
Football A-Z Game Day Guide
Football All-Americas
Stats (PDF)
Media Guide
Game Notes
2018 Digital Guide
Game Day Information
IMG Sports Affiliates
Game Day Hospitality
Radio Show Archives
Prospect Questionnaire
Courtesy: Duke Photography
A Look Back: Duke vs. Pitt, 1976
Courtesy: Jim Sumner, GoDuke.com
BDN+ Premium Content
Related Links
The Pittsburgh Panthers visit to Wallace Wade Stadium this Saturday is their first ACC road test.
It also marks the resumption of a long dormant rivalry, one that has produced some compelling, high-quality football.
The teams have met 17 times, with Pitt winning nine, Duke eight. Pitt beat Duke back in 1929 in the first game played at what is now Wallace Wade Stadium. The two programs met six consecutive years from 1937 through 1942, with Duke winning four times.
Several of these games had national-title implications, including a 10-0 Pitt win in 1937 that wrapped up a national title and Duke's 7-0 win a year later, that sent the Blue Devils to the Rose Bowl.
National titles weren't at stake again until the 1970s. Pitt football hit rock-bottom, going 1-10 in 1972. Johnny Majors took over the following year and revived the program, bringing in practically an entirely new team his first season.
Duke's Mike McGee was in his fifth season at his alma mater when 1-2 Duke traveled to 2-1 Pittsburgh on October 4, 1975. Majors' most successful recruit was junior tailback Tony Dorsett, on the way to a 1,600-yard rushing season.
Duke assigned linebacker Carl McGee to shadow Dorsett and the Blue Devils held him to a modest 84 yards, on 19 carries. But Pitt quarterback Robert Haygood and Dorsett each scored from a yard out, while Duke's offense struggled. Duke's best scoring opportunity came to naught in the third quarter when Leroy Felder intercepted a Bob Corbett pass in the end zone.
The final was 14-0.
Dorsett finished fourth in the 1975 Heisman voting, trailing winner Archie Griffin, Chuck Muncie and Ricky Bell, all running backs. Duke had played Bell earlier that season.
Duke thought it could get revenge in 1976, this time back in Durham. Duke began the 1976 season with an upset road win over Tennessee, a loss to South Carolina and a victory over Virginia.
Pittsburgh kicked off the campaign ranked ninth in the AP poll. Despite losing Haygood to a season-ending knee injury, the Panthers posted wins over Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and Temple.
They came to Durham ranked second, trailing only Michigan.
McGee's Blue Devils were accustomed to playing national powers. Southern Cal, Alabama, Stanford, Washington and Florida had all appeared on Duke's schedule under McGee's tenure.
"Duke players loved playing that kind of competition," McGee says from his home in Colorado. "They responded to that kind of challenge. We competed with anyone."
Mike Barney, a tailback on that 1976 Duke team, says they fed off McGee's combativeness. "Mike McGee had us thinking we could beat anyone. He knew how to motivate us. We had a toughness. We could play smash-mouth football. We were excited to play somebody like that. We saw it as an opportunity."
Tony Benjamin was Duke's fullback. A Pennsylvania native, he had considered Pitt "but Majors brought in so many players, that it discouraged me. Based on how we had played them the year before and based on our win at Tennessee, we thought we had a chance."
A crowd of 37,200 showed up to see if Benjamin was right.
The early returns were promising. Duke controlled the ball for almost 11 minutes in the first period and converted a 4th and inches in its own territory as part of a 75-yard drive. Art Gore finished it off from four yards out.
The lead didn't last long. Pitt struck back on a four-play, 76-yard drive. The last 66 came on a Matt Cavanaugh to Willie Taylor bomb, when Duke corner back Bob Grupp gambled on an interception and lost.
Making only his second start after the injury to Haygood, Cavanaugh was a wild-card. Any rational defensive strategy against Pitt started with Dorsett. "We had a good game plan for Dorsett," McGee recalls. "But we didn't expect that from Cavanaugh."
The first period ended 7-7. James Wilson blocked a Grupp punt out of the end zone for a safety early in the second quarter.
It stayed 9-7 for most of the second period. Barney recalls Pitt lineman Randy Holloway "really clogging things up. We had a hard time moving him."
Then the roof caved in. Or the wheels came off.
Whatever idiom one uses, it was one of the worst three minutes in Duke football history.
It started when Duke's star quarterback Mike Dunn threw an interception at the Duke 35. A few plays later Andy Schoenhoft had Cavanaugh wrapped up for an apparent sack but Cavanaugh somehow found Taylor in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown.
Duke had a three-and-out and Grupp punted off the side of his foot. Pitt went 49 yards in 25 seconds, with Cavanaugh and Jim Corbett connecting on the 27-yard score.
Dunn had been banged up on the previous drive and was replaced by Dale Oostdyk. McGee wanted to get some points back but Oostdyk was intercepted by Bob Jury at the Duke 37.
It was Oostdyk's only pass of the 1976 season.
Pitt had 15 seconds, time enough for Gordon Jones to outrun Earl Cook on a fly pattern down the left sideline.
The half ended 30-7.
"We made a couple of critical mistakes and the next thing you know, we were chasing them," Barney laments. "We went into the locker room wondering what happened."
Benjamin has similar memories. "It's just debilitating how quickly it can happen. That's the sport. One little mistake and that's how momentum shifts. When momentum is on your side, that's the kind of thing that can happen."
It got worse before it got better. Pitt took the second-half kickoff and added to its lead when Cavanaugh found Jones from the Duke 24.
This made it 37-7.
Facing a defeat of epic proportions, Duke dug deep.
"We had the mindset that we could compete with anyone," Benjamin says. "We had a tremendous amount of pride. Coach McGee was a tough-minded coach and that translated into a tough-minded group. We weren't going to stop playing just because of the score."
Dunn was Duke's ace in the hole. The 6-4 sophomore was an elite pass-run quarterback, good enough to lead the ACC in total offense in 1976. "An outstanding athlete and a great leader," McGee recalls. "I can still see him stretching out for a first down."
Barney calls Dunn "a great guy to go to battle with. He was ahead of his time. He was a fierce competitor. He would put his body on the line and do anything to win a game. He gave us a chance against anybody."
Dunn led a 58-yard drive. Barney scored from a yard out and Dunn hit Benjamin for a two-point conversion.
Dorsett finally got loose from Carl McGee and scampered 32 yards, to the Duke 35. Cavanaugh hit Corbett for 31 more, to the Duke four. Dorsett took it in. It was 44-15, with 2:51 left in the third period.
Dunn hit Chuck Williamson with a 55-yard score, Williamson making a juggling catch in traffic. Dunn ran for the conversion and it was 44-23.
The visitors used up five minutes before Dorsett lost a fumble at the Duke 32. Duke responded with another scoring drive but burned five valuable minutes in the process. Barney's 1-yard touchdown and another two-point conversion made the score 44-31, with 5:31 left.
It ended that way.
Dorsett ended the game with 129 rushing yards on 31 carries, while Cavanaugh set a school record with five touchdown passes, completing 14-17 for 339 yards.
Benjamin led Duke with 71 rushing yards, while Dunn passed for 197. Tom Hall had six catches, for 74 yards.
Pittsburgh went on to win the national title after completing a 12-0 season with a 27-3 win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Dorsett won the Heisman by a landslide over Ricky Bell of Southern Cal.
Duke finished 5-5-1.
The programs haven't met since. But Benjamin vividly recalls the day Duke went eyeball to eyeball with the nation's best team and didn't blink. "We competed for 60 minutes and never backed down. I still take great pride in that."
Signing Day Blitz Set for Wednesday
2018 Football Top Plays: #10 - Carter II INT
GoDuke.com Bowl Central
Purchase Walk-On's Independence Bowl
End of a Long Road
Purchase Walk-On's Independence Bowl
Bowl Central
Travel with Duke
No. 2 Duke Runs Past Princeton, 101-50
Box Score (HTML)
Box Score (PDF)
Miss the Game? Re-Watch It in 45 Minutes on Any Device!
Join BDN+
Three Blue Devils Tabbed Preseason All-Americans
Preseason All-Americans
Chen's Run Concludes in Orlando
Signing Day Blitz Set for Wednesday
2018 Football Top Plays: #10 - Carter II INT
GoDuke.com Bowl Central
Purchase Walk-On's Independence Bowl Tickets
FB: 2018 Top Plays - No. 10
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid...
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid...
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid...
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid...
FB: First Bowl Practice
FB: Cutcliffe Post-Practice Interview (Dec....
Coach David Cutcliffe's Duke Football Show:...
go to media portal
FB: 2018 Top Plays - No. 10
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid
The Duke Football Report Presented by Vivid
Men's Basketball vs. Texas Tech Radio
Thu, Dec 20 at 6:00 PM
Listen Live
Women's Basketball at Oregon State
Thu, Dec 20 at 9:45 PM
Listen Live
Independence Bowl: Duke vs. Temple
Thu, Dec 27 at 12:00 PM
Listen Live
Women's Basketball vs. ECU Live
Fri, Dec 28 at 6:45 PM
Listen Live
FB vs. Wake Forest
Duke Football Radio Show to be Live in Shreveport
Bowl Central
Buy Your Tickets to the Walk-On's Independence Bowl Now!
Blue Devil IMG Sports Network on TuneIn
Sitting Down with Daniel Helm
Purchase Walk-On's Independence Bowl Tickets
Bowl Central
Travel with Duke
Young Leadership
Purchase Walk-On's Independence Bowl Tickets
Bowl Central
Travel with Duke
Rumph II Named USA Today Freshman All-America
Chris Rumph II Bio
USA Today Freshman All-America Team
MORE Football
Stats (PDF)
Media Guide
Game Notes
2018 Digital Guide
Game Day Information
IMG Sports Affiliates
Game Day Hospitality
Radio Show Archives
Prospect Questionnaire


text:
Joshua Jackson: Back To Work On 'Fringe' After Vacay!
Joshua Jackson cozies up to costar Anna Torv's body double on the set of Fringe on Monday (November 26) in Vancouver, Canada.
The 34-year-old actor has been hard at work lately filming the last few episodes of the show as it comes to a close. The series finale will air in a two-hour event on Friday, January 18 at 8/7c.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Joshua Jackson
The week before, Josh was spotted shirtless lounging poolside in Cabo San Lucas with girlfriend Diane Kruger.
15+ pictures of Joshua Jackson filming on set of Fringe…


text:
Expenditures for this program activity of $32.4M exceeded authorities of $30.8M according to information on page 20 of the document. But go back to page 10 and the story is different. There expenditures are $21M and authorities $22.8M. So are expenditures 5% over authority or 8% below? If the latter it represents a 14% decrease from the previous year.
In view of this discrepancy will taxpayers have much confidence in LAC achieving this program activity's expected result "Canadians are aware of LAC as an authoritative, innovative source of content and expertise related to Canada's documentary heritage"? Or does such a discrepancy exhibit LAC's idea of innovation?
What did our tax dollars buy?
The targets against which performance is measured are:
- 75% of clients who contact us online, or by mail are satisfied with their responses.
- 60% of clients find what they are looking for.
I wonder why an organization would be satisfied to achieve 25% (20% in 2011-2012) of clients being dissatisfied, and 40% unable to find what they seek?
The document gives examples of initiatives being undertaken under this program activity. For example, the document states "When people request digital copies of First World War files, we place those files online for other clients to view, increasing our digital content."
I requested a digital copy of the CEF file for BARNETT, JOHN ALFRED DERBY very nearly one year ago, on 2 December 2010. I was given access to an electronic copy within the target time frame and was told it would be linked online within a matter of weeks, not months. A year later there is no sign of it appearing for other clients to view. A query to LAC several days ago has so far gone unanswered.
This looks like outright deception.
LAC's decision earlier this year to reduce its service standard for such a fundamental service as the production of documents at 395 Wellington belies any claims that client service is improving.
LAC's decision earlier this year to reduce its service standard for such a fundamental service as the production of documents at 395 Wellington belies any claims that client service is improving.


text:
Nominations for Board positions from the general membership are now open. Nominations may be sent by Private Message to the chair of the Election Committee (AR-HICK) or to any Board member. Please read this before submitting your nomination:
* Any Active member may submit nominations.
* Any individual that is nominated by at least two Active members will become a candidate, if willing.
* To be eligible, nominees must be 1) an Active member (must have logged in to the ArkGeo website within the past year) and 2) a Voting member (registered).
If you would like to nominate someone, it would probably be best to discuss this with the person you are nominating first, to be sure they are eligible and willing to run.
Nominations will close at the end of March. On or around April 1, the final ballot will be assembled and published on the web site. Voting will begin on May 1 and will close on May 30.


text:
Kyle Chauvin scored two goals, including the game winner, to help lead the Spartans to a win over the Bears in New Bedford. ... Ben Tirrell scored a hat trick. ... Mike Pratt and Jared Zaniewski added solo goals for the Spartans, who also got five-save games from goalies Clayton Lemos-Martin and David Skarbek. ... Tom Oliveira, Jordan Torres, Owen Medeiros, Justyn Soares, and Adam Frias scored for the Bears in a game that was tied 5-5 after three quarters. ... Voc-Tech goalie Zach Smith made 29 saves. ... Both teams return to action on Monday. Bishop Stang (8-1) plays at Apponequet and Voc-Tech (3-7) travels to Fairhaven.
Logan Crane notched three goals and two assists and Dalton Soares added two goals, but the Indians suffered their fourth loss of the season. Leo Goodman and Brendan Quinn each contributed a goal while Noah Martins had three assists. Will Kuphal recorded 14 saves. The Indians (5-4) host New Bedford on Monday.
Andrea Rego and Kylie Good each scored a hat trick to lead the Bishop Stang to a victory. ... Abby Duclos, Allie Lake and Ally DaCosta each scored a pair of goals as 11 different Spartans scored in the game. ... Mia Rapoza recorded 11 saves in net. ... Bishop Stang (4-3-1) hosts Apponequet on Monday. ... GNB Voc-Tech (0-7) hosts Bishop Stang on May 6.
Lizzie Loranger scored six goals and Cara Storms added four as the Lakers bounced back from their first loss since 2011 with a South Coast Conference win over the host Blue Devils. Hope Moran and Ashley Figueredo split time in net for the Lakers. ... Shae Riley, Jayne Faria, Taryn McGregor, and Madison Shields scored for the Blue Devils and goalie Brianna Jones made 12 saves. ... Both teams return to action on Monday. Apponequet (9-1, 6-0 SCC) plays at Bishop Stang and Fairhaven (4-4) travels to GNB Voc-Tech.
Jack Sylvia had three hits and three runs batted in for the visiting Indians, who broke the game wide open with a 12-run outburst in the top of the third inning. ... Jeff Carreiro added two hits and two RBIs. ... Ben Katz (2-0) picked up the win on the mound.
WP: Ben Katz (2-0); LP: Josh Fingliss
Records: Dartmouth (7-2, 0-0 Old Colony League)
Next: Dartmouth plays at Coyle-Cassidy on Tuesday.
Brady Martin, Jared Britto, Wilson Carvalho and Jake Belanger teamed up to place sixth in the 4x100 relay at the Div. 2 State Relays breaking the 31-year-old record of 45.1 with a 45.01. The Bears also placed fifth in the 4x110 high hurdles (1:07.56) thanks to Myles Dias, Javier Cortez Jr., Artish Roselou and Alex Pinnarette. Belanger, Sean Aldrich and Carvalho placed fifth in the long jump (58-1).
Katie Leidhold (6-0, 6-0) and Maddie McLaughlin (6-2, 6-1) each cruised to straight-set wins along with the No. 1 doubles team of Missy Berry and Farah Gillette (6-0, 6-0). ... Lexi Lima and Nicole Arruda won at No. 2 doubles by default. ... Fairhaven (6-1, 5-1 SCC) visits Apponequet on Tuesday.
Jake McCabe was the lone winner for Apponequet, coming out victorious in his No. 3 singles match 6-2, 6-4. ... Apponequet (5-2, 4-2 SCC) visits Fairhaven on Tuesday.
Adam Lima won a tough three-set match at No. 2 singles (6-1, 4-6, 6-1) while Dan McLaughlin cruised in straight sets (6-1, 6-0) at No. 3 singles. ... Giuilano Conte and Jackson Oliva (6-4, 6-1) also won at first doubles for the Blue Devils. ... Fairhaven (5-2, 5-1 SCC) hosts Apponequet on Tuesday.


text:
Hannah Montana: The Movie (US - BD RA)
Gabe Powers takes a look at the latest feature film from that Smiley Virus girl...
It just recently dawned on me that Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) is basically a superhero. She doesn't exactly battle super villains (not so far in what little I've seen of her), but she does have certain 'powers' when in the guise of this hero, and has a secret identity that she uses to infiltrate 'normal society' and learn life lessons. It's kind of like Spider-Man for pre-pubescent girls that consider singing feel-good pop music a world changing, heroic move. Maybe it is, I shouldn't judge. Anyway this film version of the popular phenomenon plays like many superhero movie sequels in that the hero's hero and real life personas fall out of balance, and hurt the people around her. Doctor Octopus doesn't threaten to kill her boyfriend, but her best friend sort of betrays her, and she does realize that the hero persona might not be worth the trouble.
It's clear that this film was not made for me, and any sort of critical or personal look at things would be kind of pointless. Parents concerned with content should be happy to know that the film features good natured flirting, non-violent slapstick comedy (save an out of place alligator attack), and most importantly a whole bunch of 'important' moral lessons. The constant guilt tripping wears very, very thin ('You ain't no city girl, stop pretending), the plot is flat out of every kids movie since the beginning of time, but it's mostly harmless. Director Peter Chelsom has enough of a theatrical sense to keep the film interesting looking even when the plot is plodding charmlessly, and the cast doesn't embarrass themselves with the rather dim-witted dialogue. I'm actually pretty impressed with Miley Cyrus' comedy skills. We could do a lot worse as out-of-the-loop grown-ups.
Since I wasn't exactly enthralled by the feature itself I was pretty focused on the image quality of this Blu-ray disc. Overall things are pretty good, but for a new release this isn't exactly an impressive disc. Photography is tailored towards the brightest colours, and the transfer doesn't disappoint as far as full-bodied hues are concerned, but the cleanliness and blends are both problems. Depending on the surround lighting schemes noise flickers throughout the transfer, and richer hues feature some obvious blocking. There's even a few small cases of jaggies on on-screen text. Grain is relatively fine, though readily apparent in the lighter tones. Still, the DVD copy's colours never approach this degree of brightness, and the details are clearly sharper, so there is a point to the release if your kids are fans and you've got a big TV.
The Hannah Montana series is at least seventy-five percent about selling music to kids, so the soundtrack is clearly more important than the plot, the characters, or the video quality. This DTS-HD track doesn't disappoint, specifically not when it comes to the music, which includes Cyrus' usual pop fluff, a bit of country bumpkin fluff, and more standard symphonic movie stuff. The musical production is impressive in scope, clarity and bass, but doesn't really fit in as natural with the rest of the soundtrack, which is pretty low-key. There are a few non-musical directional effects, like farm animals and moving vehicles, and the centric dialogue is always clear without overbearing the rest of the track.
The extras start with a shockingly listenable commentary track with director Peter Chelsom, who has a clear understanding of filmmaking, and what his audience wants to hear about. He's not a complete outsider to Hannah Montana 'mythology', but it seems he's enough of an outsider to approach the project as a 'real' film rather than just a phenomenon feeding money maker, and obviously understands he's not making Oscar-calibre work. The major focus is on the film's music, and the collaborative aspects of the final feature.
Next up are four deleted scenes (10:30, HD), with introductions from Chelsom, who talks briefly about each scene, and the fact that there really weren't very many deleted scenes. These scenes include bits of a subplot involving Miley's brother keeping his lack of college acceptance a secret from his father, Miley practicing a new song, more tricks played on the British reporter, and some ostrich and alligator action. Next are seven painful music video, which are presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital, and varying video qualities.
Under the 'Backstage Disney' banner are a two part how-to dance featurette, 'Find Your Way Back Home' (15:00, HD), a video trip around Franklin, Tennessee, 'I Should Have Gone to Film School' (15:20, HD), a look behind the scenes of the filming process with actor Jason Earles, and a blooper reel (03:50, HD), with an introduction from Chelsom.
Hannah Montana: The Movie is, as a grown-up, like the removal of a band-aid. It hurts a little bit, but it's quick process. When all is said and done most of us over the age of twelve will be surprised by how harmless the whole process is. The story is familiar, the music is dopey, but the performances are pretty good, and the photography is quite colourful. The disc is a little disappointing in the video field considering the film's age, but the audio is brimming with warm music. The extras are slim, but will probably make the kiddies happy, specifically the music videos.
* Note: The images on this page are not representative of the Blu-ray release.
Review by Gabriel Powers
fumjum Member Join Date: April 2006 Location: United States Posts: 62
You say the Hannah Montana series is just trying to sell Music to kids, but if you actually watch the TV show, Hannah Montana barely ever actually sings. Most of the time the only song in each episode is the main title song, "The Best of Both Worlds."
Chris Gould Editor Join Date: May 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 7,171
The question is, why would he watch it?
Cinque Member Join Date: June 2007 Location: United States Posts: 710
Considering all of the hooplah over her little pole dance at the Teen Choice Awards, the other week, I'm guessing Ms. Cyrus has already abandoned the target audience for this movie and is about to undergo the transformation into Britney Spears, Version 2.0, any day now......
stevepulaski Member Join Date: June 2009 Location: Niger Posts: 741
Is it just me or have Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers went down in popularity.
Bouncy X Member Join Date: March 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 1,931
Cinque wrote: Considering all of the hooplah over her little pole dance at the Teen Choice Awards, the other week, I'm guessing Ms. Cyrus has already abandoned the target audience for this movie and is about to undergo the transformation into Britney Spears, Version 2.0, any day now......
i'm anticipating it.
i'm anticipating it.
Pixarfan517 Member Join Date: August 2006 Location: United States Posts: 1,478
My little sister wants to see it. We're still waiting a few weeks for our Netflix copy.
Chris Johnson Member Join Date: October 2005 Location: United States Posts: 1,465
stevepulaski wrote: Is it just me or have Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers went down in popularity.
Not where I live.
Not where I live.
Worst Nightmare Senior Member Join Date: July 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 6,716
Chris Gould wrote: The question is, why would he watch it?
Jail bait perhaps?
Gabe scares me - he has gone from classic Italian horror to this! I wonder which was more scary....
Jail bait perhaps?
Gabe scares me - he has gone from classic Italian horror to this! I wonder which was more scary....
Disciple Member Join Date: April 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 775
Worst Nightmare wrote: Chris Gould wrote: The question is, why would he watch it?
Jail bait perhaps?
Gabe scares me - he has gone from classic Italian horror to this! I wonder which was more scary....Ah comon', give him a break, he's just doing his job.
Jail bait perhaps?
Gabe scares me - he has gone from classic Italian horror to this! I wonder which was more scary....Ah comon', give him a break, he's just doing his job.
Billy Gates Member Join Date: November 2005 Location: United States Posts: 651
I watched this because I thought I could laugh at it.....wow, it was like being raped in the eyeballs. I wouldn't recommend this to my worst enemy or their worst enemy.
All ages admitted
Disc Details
Release Date: 18th August 2009
Discs: 3
Disc Type: Blu-ray Disc
RCE: No
Video: 1080p
Aspect: 1.85:1
Anamorphic: No
Colour: Yes
Audio: DTS-HD Master 7.1 English, Dolby Digital 5.1 French and Spanish
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras: Director Commentary, The Hoedown Throwdown, Dance Experience with the Cast, 7 Music Videos, Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, Find You're Way Back Home, I Should've Gone to Film School, DVD Copy, Digital Copy
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Peter Chelsom
Cast: Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lucas Till, Emily Osment, Jason Earles
Genre: Family and Musical
Length: 102 minutes
4Review Guide
Follow our updates
Released Soon
Venom US - DVD R1 | BD RA The Super US - DVD R1 | BD RA The Predator US - DVD R1 | BD RA The House with a Clock in its Walls US - DVD R1 | BD RA White Boy Rick US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Reviewer Agony
Emmanuelle in Soho UK - DVD R2 Batman Forever US - DVD R1 Green Hornet, The UK - DVD R2 Cannibals US - DVD R1 Doctor Who: Kamelion Tales - Part 2 UK - DVD R2
Hot News
Suspiria (2018) US - DVD R1 | BD RA First Man US - DVD R1 | BD RA The Wife US - DVD R1 | BD RA Scream Factory Updates US - BD RA Game Night US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Most Talked About
Halloween (2018) US - DVD R1 | BD RA Venom US - DVD R1 | BD RA All the Colors of the Dark US - DVD R1 | BD RA Cloverfield Paradox, The US - DVD R1 | BD RA Night School US - DVD R1 | BD RA


text:
I have asked you any number of questions to elicit further understanding and further exploration of the topic, and this is your response. Your preaching here, not offering dialogue, not willing to have an actual exchange of ideas. Contrary to your unfounded dismissiveness, I can see what you are saying clearly enough. I have asked you questions and raised points in response to what you have said, and from you all I get in return is: "you just don't recognize it." That is not dialogue. That is just preaching..e. wrote:
Sorry buddy, you just don't recognize it.
Let us see what you have here. Show us where in his major work, the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, where he said samasara is an illusion. Show us where he states nirvana is a reality like atman/brahman. Show us, chapter and verse. And give us the argument Nagarjuna uses to make the equation of nirvana and samsara. And show us how Nagarjuna defines "reality."Nagarjuna felt that Nirvana (Reality) is Samsara (Illusion).
Please quote chapter and verse.Parenthetically he also felt the essence of the Buddha (Reality) was identical to the essence of the world (Illusion).
You are making claims here that you know what it is that Nagarjuna said, so please back it up. Let us look at what Nagarjuna said that supports your claims.He did not say like, kinda or sort of.
Now you are entering in the realm of the ad hominem. You have no idea of what I have experienced.If you have experienced this, even a glimpse, you will re-cognize it in the literature of the religions of the world.
In ignoring an appeal to what the Buddha said, you have appealed very directly to what Nagarjuna said to support your position. So, we will look at Nagarjuna. I have no problem with that.It may not be postulated exactly in the way you have intellectually come to it but then Reality is Illusion is not an argued understanding.


text:
Busily working away at items for the Entropy Collection, however, as expected I veer off on tangents to try new things......
Driftwood and bones with hemp crocheted details. Two sculptures by Jade Pegler in the middle.
One of my first wonky baskets and a couple of driftwood/crochet pieces.
The Diatom Collection has expanded.