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The Cure to Cancer, Blindness, and Stroke
Dr. Molly Shoichet is all about attacking old problems with new solutions — and she's on the verge of revolutionizing the way medicine treats illness, disease, and injury.
What can regenerative medicine do for you?
I'll start with some context for what it could do for me.
After enduring a near-catastrophic aortic dissection, it was discovered that my mother-in-law had recently suffered a series of mini-strokes that predated her recent emergency.
This was just over two weeks ago, and though her progress since this major trauma has been encouraging, she faces a long journey of rehabilitation.
My father-in-law has been blind since his late youth, and he's long since resigned to never seeing the faces of his wife, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.
One of the great anxieties growing from my mother-in-law's hospitalization is that she, my father-in-law's eyes, may no longer be able to translate the world for him.
My mother died of ovarian cancer a decade and a half ago, at just 53. My older daughter enjoys flashes of sweet memories with her grandmother, but her younger sister must rely on photos.
She only had a few years to do it, but being a grandmother was the role of a lifetime for my mother.
Stroke. Blindness. Cancer.
These are a few of the things regenerative medicine can solve.
In an hourlong presentation for the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics' Public Lecture Series, Dr. Molly Shoichet, who holds the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Tissue Engineering at the University of Toronto, explains how her team is changing the way we look at treating cancer, blindness, and stroke.
Members of Shoichet's team have been able — using these biomimetic hydrogels — to better understand the role of extracellular migration in metastasis.
"It turns out that most of what we know about the cells in our body is based on growing cells in hard plastic dishes… petri dishes," Shoichet said. "But we don't have any hard plastic in us. And we're 3-D. Our cells are not growing on a flat surface."
Cells taken via humans via biopsies do not grow well in petri dishes.
Shoichet's team wanted to find a way to replicate in the laboratory the way cells actually grow in human bodies. That meant soft material in a 3-D environment.
Creating such an environment would allow researchers to test the efficacy of drugs and therapies in a lab before administering them to human patients.
Among the materials tested were hydrogels, or materials swollen with water, such as Jell-O. But Shoichet insists, "We're not using Jell-O."
She turned to hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid, a material that's present "natively" within the cancer tissue. Hyaluronan is used by doctors to smooth our wrinkles, and it's also used to treat osteoarthritis.
"It mimics the environment in which cancer cells grow in our bodies." But researchers couldn't simply put it in the refrigerator to create a hydrogel.
Shoichet's innovation was to introduce polyethylene glycol to hyaluronan to create a "biomimetic hydrogel" that would allow researchers to control its mechanical, chemical, and architectural properties and grow laboratory cells in an environment much like the human body.
It took about a decade to find the right balance.
Members of Shoichet's team have been able — using these biomimetic hydrogels — to better understand the role of extracellular migration in metastasis.
"We have great control in creating an environment that mimics the way cells grow natively."
And now her team is ready to start taking cancer cells from patients and drug-screening them.
Shoichet's biomimetic hydrogel system will also facilitate personalized medicine, where laboratory environments are built specifically around a particular individual's cells.
The strategy of regenerative medicine in this context is to "stop the disease and actually reverse it." The ultimate goal is to restore a patient's vision after they've lost it.
Right now regenerative medicine research is focused on "cell transplantation," a strategy based on replacing actual cells that are lost after a major injury or as the result of a serious disease.
That means injecting cells into the back of the eye (or the retina) for cases of blindness, into the brain for cases of cancer, or the spinal cord for injuries that disrupt signals between brain and body.
The cause of most blindness is retina degeneration, whether due to age (macular degeneration), hereditary disease (retinitis pigmentosa), or other conditions (diabetic retinopathy).
Current treatments only slow the progression of these causes. But progress they will, even with these drugs.
The strategy of regenerative medicine in this context is to "stop the disease and actually reverse it." The ultimate goal is to restore a patient's vision after they've lost it.
Targeting the retina's seven layers of cells is a complicated process.
But we have a very good idea of where to focus with regard to the three major causes of blindness. Photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium cells, at the back of the eye, are the ones that die. Those are the ones to replace.
Good news: One of Shoichet's collaborators, Derek van der Kooy, "discovered that we all have retinal stem cells in our bodies."
As Shoichet explains, "A stem cell has the capacity to become itself, and it has the capacity to become all other cell types in that tissue."
The critical factors here are transplanting cells "right where they're lost" and "in an environment that will promote their survival and integration."
The nervous system, as Shoichet explains by analogy, is much like an electrical cable. If you sever it, you have to take care to put it back together in a way that will allow signal conductivity.
You can't just throw a bunch of wires — or a bunch of cells — at the problem.
The hydrogel Shoichet's team invented facilitates the survival of injected cells.
The introduction of a separate molecule — alpha aminoadipic acid — before cell transplantation would help the new cells integrate with existing, functioning cells.
So there's success from a tissue perspective, though, as Shoichet concedes, "We're not sure what's actually happening here."
"This is the great thing about science," notes Shoichet. "You get a great result, and then you go, 'Wait, maybe we should re-examine that."
The outstanding question is whether the cells are actually integrating or just transferring genetic information to the existing structure.
More good news: Laboratory mice have shown "functional recovery of pupillary light response" following cell replacement.
The survival and integration of more cells are the present goals for Shoichet's team.
And neural stem cells are able to become any and all the cells in our brains. That means your brain can repair itself.
As Shoichet explains, "When I went to high school, I learned that we were born with a certain number of nerve cells in our brains. Some of you may have learned that as well."
But in the 1990s, Brent Reynolds and Sam Weiss discovered that "we actually have stem cells in our brains."
And neural stem cells are able to become any and all types of cells in our brains. This indicates that the brain can repair itself.
It's also the case that when a person suffers a stroke, their neural stem cells are stimulated, "but not enough to promote functional repair."
We've seen more than 1,000 failed clinical trials for therapies designed to treat damage suffered by victims of stroke. So the task may seem Sisyphean.
But Shoichet's guiding principle is to come up with "very different" strategies to promote repair.
"The holy grail of regenerative medicine is trying to get those stem cells that are already resident in us to regenerate that lost tissue." And that's her team's focus.
Based on laboratory research into the use of an invasive catheter-and-pump system designed to promote repair and recovery, Shoichet's team hypothesizes a Band-Aid-like mechanism applied directly to the brain that would deliver therapeutic hydrogel to stimulate regenerative stem cell growth.
Why not just a pill or intravenous delivery?
Well, the short answer is that Shoichet's solution overcomes the blood-brain barrier where simpler deliveries simply cannot — by going around it.
Regenerative medicine addresses the root causes of diseases, injuries, and congenital conditions.
Right now, in many medical situations, managing symptoms is not the best but the only treatment available to doctors.
But researchers like Shoichet are finding new ways to solve age-old problems.
Old Things New
Anyone who's ever worked sales leads over the phone can appreciate David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, an extraordinary play that explores the brutal competition of the human race.
The film is very nearly the stage version's equal. And it includes a monologue that doesn't appear in the source material.
As Kevin Lincoln details for Vulture, "Alec Baldwin's Role in the Movie Glengarry Glen Ross Was a Repaid Favor." How Baldwin ended up in Mamet's movie is a funny story of genius springing from the banal.
It doesn't take "brass balls" to make it through the ad in the video featured in the link above. "Have I got your attention now?"
Because the 90-seconed mini-feature on the provenance of "F%#k you!" (how he identifies himself) and/or "Blake" (how the credits identify him) is time well spent this weekend.
While you're at it, watch the movie (it's now available on the Starz network) and witness Alec Baldwin, in only seven minutes of screen time, steal a picture also featuring Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, and Kevin Spacey.
"A… B… C. A, 'always,' B, 'be,' C, 'closing.' Always be closing…"
Smart Investing,
David Dittman
Editorial Director, Wall Street Daily


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Keep up with the latest developments and legal issues in the telecommunications and emerging technology sectors, with exclusive access to a comprehensive collection of telecommunications law news,...
By Lydia Beyoud
March 16 — The Federal Communications Commission is proposing to go well beyond a congressional directive to streamline any finding that effective competition exists in a small cable provider's service area by putting the burden to prove competition doesn't exist on the shoulders of local and state franchise authorities.
The move would benefit small cable providers, as well as the entire cable marketplace, according to a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
In the March 16 NPRM, the FCC sought comment on reversing its regulatory status quo by adopting a rebuttable presumption that competition exists in the cable marketplace, thereby requiring a state or local franchising authority to show that competition doesn't exist in order to regulate basic cable rates.
The proposed rule is part of the FCC's effort to implement §111 of the STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014, which directs the agency to streamline the effective competition petition process for small cable operators. The proposed rule wouldn't simply reduce the amount of paperwork and compliance costs small and large cable operators face but could decrease regulatory costs for the FCC as well, a cable industry attorney, speaking on background, told Bloomberg BNA.
The 1992 Cable Act required cable operators to prove that sufficient competition exists in their service areas in order to avoid having their basic-tier cable rates and equipment regulated by local, state or federal franchise authorities.
With the significant growth of competing direct broadcast satellite providers such as Dish Network Corp. and DirecTV, and the approval since early 2013 of more than 99.5 percent of effective-competition requests, the FCC said the current state of competition in the multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) marketplace supports the proposed rebuttable presumption.
Nearly 26 percent of U.S. households in 2013 subscribed to a satellite TV service, according to Dish and DirecTV financial reports. From the start of 2013 to the present, the FCC's Media Bureau granted in their entirety 224 petitions requesting findings of effective competition and granted four such petitions in part; the Commission did not deny any such requests in their entirety, the FCC said.
The STELAR Act was signed on Dec. 4, ensuring that about 1.5 million Americans would continue to receive satellite broadcast signals for the next five years, while also making some major changes to the MVPD marketplace.
The FCC sought comments on whether adopting rebuttable presumption of effective marketplace competition would fulfill the requirements of §111 of STELAR or whether it would require additional statutory authority to change its current presumption.
"We note that, if this provision were read to restrict the Commission from changing the presumption for small operators, it could have the perverse effect of permitting the Commission, consistent with market realities, to reduce burdens on larger operators but not on smaller ones," the FCC said.
The NPRM also asked if adopting a presumption of competing-provider effective competition would be consistent with the current state of the market.
"The market changes since the adoption of the original presumption do not appear to support a presumption that any of the other effective competition tests (low penetration, municipal provider, or [local exchange carrier]) are met," the FCC said, asking for comment on the accuracy of that observation.
The commission specifically sought input on whether changing the marketplace competition presumption would pass the two prongs of the competing provider test.
The first prong asks whether the FCC should presume that the ubiquitous nationwide presence of Dish Network and DirecTV satisfies the requirement that a franchise area be served by two unaffiliated MVPDs offering comparable programming to at least 50 percent of the households in the area.
The commission noted that it has never found that the presence of either satellite TV company failed to satisfy this first prong.
The second prong asks whether the FCC should presume that MVPDs other than the largest MVPD have captured more than 15 percent of the households in the franchise area. On a nationwide basis, competitors to incumbent cable operators have captured about 34 percent of U.S. households, or more than twice the 15 percent threshold needed to satisfy the second prong of the competing provider test, the FCC said.
To contact the reporter on this story: Lydia Beyoud in Washington at email@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Sheldon B. Richman at firstname.lastname@example.com
Text of the FCC's notice of proposed rulemaking is available at http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0316/FCC-15-30A1.pdf.
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Samoon inaugurates free anti-rabies vaccination camp for pets
SRINAGAR, SEP 30: Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Transport, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon today visited the Animal Husbandry Complex Gowkadal and inaugurated a free anti-rabies vaccination camp for pets.
On the occasion, the Principal Secretary also interacted with pet owners and himself vaccinated some pedigreed pets.
Director, Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Dr M Y Chaproo informed that the IEC Cell of Animal Husbandry Department has launched awareness camp in Schools regarding prevention of rabies and also organized competition among the children on the subject.
He was informed that around 60,000 deaths happened worldwide due to rabies and 99% of rabies cases are due to dog bites.
Highlighting the need to aware masses regarding the issue, he said that among the 60,000 deaths worldwide around 20000 happened in India of which 40 percent of the victims are children.
Later, Dr Samoon felicitated the winners of these competitions with certificates & mementoes.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Samoon said that the people should be made aware about prevention of the dreaded disease and steps shall be taken for control of dog population by humane means.
Samoon said that for last few years more people in the valley have started keeping pets which need to be regularly vaccinated against Rabies. He complemented the IEC cell of AHD for conducting such programmes.
Dr Asgar Samoon also laid foundation stone of Modern OPD Block at Central Veterinary Hospital Gowkadal in presence of officers of the department and emphasized on importance of better infrastructure for veterinary services. The new OPD block shall house a new modern OT and is likely to be completed in two months' time.
Later, Samoon inaugurated Sheep Clinic at Nowshera Srinagar. Director Sheep Husbandry Department Kashmir Dr. Mohammad Sharief and other officers of Department were present. The Clinic has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 18.03 Lacs. It will help to provide sophisticated treatment facilities to small ruminant population of Srinagar.
Dr Samoon also visited IAH & BP Zakura where he took stock of work conducted in the institute, he was informed that 8.5 Lac HS, 8.5 Lac BQ and 7.5 Lac FDC vaccines have been produced in the institute in current financial year. He was also informed that 1400 ponies were randomly tested for glanders and the institute has started brucella screening programme.
Samoon also visited the BSL-II lab of the institute and directed the officers that they should plan for ISO certification and other accreditations of the institute in order to maintain quality standards of the vaccines produced.
Govt approves APOs of Forest, Wildlife dept for 2019-20
Jammu Jan 15: Chief Secretary, B. V. R. Subrahmanyam Tuesday chaired the 16th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) to consider the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) of Forest and Wildlife Departments for the Year 2019-20.
After due deliberations, the Steering Committee approved the APOs for the year 2019-20 for Forest and allied Departments in terms of which afforestation will be undertaken in 6000 Hectare area and around 43 Lakh saplings will be planted in 2019-20. The Committee also approved the APOs of Wildlife Protection Department.
Earlier, the Committee was informed that against 13,000 hectares diverted under Jammu and Kashmir Forest Conservation Act for development works since inception, more than 41,000 hectares degraded forest area has been afforested.
Against each tree felled under the Act for development works, more than 20 new plants have been planted to compensate for the loss of environmental goods and services.
The Committee was informed that new Rules which have been notified on December 24th 2018 provide that more than 80% of the total outlay is to be spent on Forest and Wildlife Management Activities and less than 20% of the outlay on Infrastructure and Capacity building Activities.
The Committee was also informed that a Monitoring Group headed by CCF (Project and Planning) has been entrusted with the task of evolving independent system for concurrent monitoring and evaluations of CAMPA works.
Chief Secretary desired that utility of expenditure on fencing works should be reviewed by the Department for more effective utilization of funds.
It was informed that the coordinates and maps of the works executed under CAMPA are being placed on the website of e-green watch portal of Ministry of Environment and Forest.
While underscoring the importance of conservation and protection of flora, fauna and forest wealth, Chief Secretary urged the officers of the Forest Department to redouble their efforts so that afforestation and compensatory plantation is undertaken in a mission mode for restoring the ecological balance in the State. He also directed the Forest Department to put the details of works undertaken under CAMPA in public domain. The Department was also directed to work out a comprehensive proposal for conservation of wetlands in the State, particularly Gharana, Mansar and Hokersar, in consultation with the line Departments viz; Agriculture and Revenue and thereafter submit the same for consideration of the Government within two months.
Commissioner/Secretary, Forest advocated earmarking higher allocations to promote cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants so as to serve as a means of livelihood for the local population.
The Wildlife Department was directed to carry out habitat improvement, human animal conflict management and research studies and other conservation works under CAMPA. The Department was further directed to expedite updating of Forest Demarcation records and installation of boundary pillars in order to prevent encroachment of forest lands.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Principal Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring, Commissioner/Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Director, Soil & Water Conservation, Director, SFRI, Director, Social Forestry Department, Chief Conservator Forests, Jammu, Chief Conservator Forests (Eco Tourism), Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning & Project), CCF(FCA) and representative of MoEF&CC, Regional Office Chandigarh participated in the meeting. NGO members Nazir-B-Nazir and Dr.Gurmit Singh also attended the meeting as special invitees.
Sarvesh Rai, APCCF(CAMPA) made a detailed presentation on the functioning of CAMPA and APOs of the financial year 2019-20.
K-issue globally accepted dispute: Geelani
Srinagar, Jan 15: Hurriyat Conference (G) convened a meeting of its Majlis-e-Shoora, which was presided over by its chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, at his Hyderpora residence.
The meeting took stock of the current Kashmir situation.
According to a statement issued to the media, the meeting was attended by representatives of the amalgam including Bilal Siqiqui, Mohammad Yousf Naqash, Khawaja Firdous, Hameed Elahi, Molvi Bashir Irfani, Syed Mohammad Shafi, Yasmeen Raja, Arshid Aziz, Gh. Mohammad Nagoo, Shaheen Iqbal, Devinder Singh Behal, Masooda Ji, Mohammad Maqbool Magami and Mubashir Iqbal.
The statement read that during the meeting it was termed Kashmir issue as a long pending political and humanitarian issue to be settled by exercising free and fair plebiscite.
Hailing the statement of British Parliamentarian to help solve the Kashmir issue if voted to power, participants said that this once again vindicates our stand and proves beyond doubt the disputed nature of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which India shamelessly continues to denial for the last 7 decades.
In his presidential address, Hurriyat Chairman termed Kashmir issue a globally accepted dispute where in the people's right to self-determination is not only acknowledged but confirmed by more than a dozen resolutions, but persistent denial of our basic rights has turned this beautiful piece of land in a hell where every day killings, crackdowns, arrests, nocturnal raids and bulldozing residences has became a routine. People have been forced to live a harassed and threatened life, with continuous psychological stress, he said.
He further said that people are left at the mercy of forces, with vast and widespread intelligence network, who continuously peep into their private affairs without any moral or ethical ground.
Hurriyat (G) chairman said that common people especially pro-freedom political workers are slapped with numberless PSA and even the release orders from their own judicial houses are not honoured.
Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman said that many countries have economic interests in India is which is the reason that despite knowing and confirming the barbaric and brute face of India they keep mum, which encourages its meanness and beastliness.
He stressed upon the nation in general and youth in particular to strengthen our bond with our faith and seek guidance from Allah Almighty, be united and steadfast on achieving our goal and we will In Shah Allah get rid of this unnatural and forced occupation.
Reiterating his appeal for boycott, Hurriyat (G) chairman said that those elected by our votes, in the name of basic needs like Sadak, Bijli and Pani, act as local faces of the brutality and inhumanness of rulers.
Anti-Kashmir think tank hell-bent to change JK's demography: Sehrai
Srinagar, Jan 15: Reacting on tagging and filing yet another plea in Supreme Court (SC) against the Article 370, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Chairman, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai Tuesday said anti-Kashmir think tank are hell-bent to change the demography of the Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here Sehrai said, "It's a well-thought-out ploy to tamper with the special status and Muslim majority character of Jammu and Kashmir."
"These forces are working hard to sabotage the future referendum process in Jammu and Kashmir and hatching conspiracies to achieve desired results to influence the process of referendum," he said.
He said such moves were hatched to change the "disputed nature of J&K and its Muslim majority character too". "The extremist elements had since 1947 always tried to push the Kashmir issue on the back burner and dilute its historical status and disputed character which they continue to do till this date. From Srinagar to New Delhi, efforts are being made to shift focus from Kashmir issue by portraying it away from its historical and ethical background," he said.
Meanwhile, Sehrai expressed sorrow over the demise of Haji Ghulam Nabi Mir, member of Jamat-e-Islami Kulgam, President of JK Electrical Employees Union Mir Abdul Salaam Rajpori and cousin brother of General Secretary (TeH) Hamzah Shah.
Sehrai extended his condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the deceased souls.


text: Waste Collectors Say New Proposal to Reform Trash Collection Won't Work By Nina Agrawal | April 1, 2016 A new bill in the city council could change the way commercial trash is collected in the city. A group of environmental and labor activists say the bill would reduce truck traffic and hold the private waste hauling industry accountable for better standards. But the private waste companies that collect this trash say the proposal just won't work. Nina Agrawal has more. Read More No Comments | Likes 0 | Tags environment, trash


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A sublime lawyer tutors two lousy younger attorneys on cutthroat courtroom tactics and spiritual uplift in this legal dramedy.
Mace Spinella and Brick Hawthorne are former door-to-door perfume salesmen, newly minted grads of a Texas law school, and eternally self-pitying losers facing eviction from their Austin apartment. Desperate for rent money, Mace literally chases an ambulance while Brick attempts a slip-and-fall insurance scam, and both schemes fail miserably. Just before they're arrested for bribery, they get whisked away by an older lawyer with the name of Ike Turner and the look of Kris Kristofferson. Ike is a font of grizzled scorn—"You don't even deserve the label greenhorn," he says. "You're green bananas…junior shysters"—and paternal life-lessons, the latter sometimes delivered in the form of elaborate bets that seem like sure things to the unwary. He tosses Mace and Brick a couple of throwaway cases involving prostitution and drug possession, and he makes the resulting trials a grand seminar in legal procedure, from voir dire to cross-examination ("If you make it look like you're having to coax it out of him, it makes him look like he's being less than forthright," he tells them). But during a trial, Ike teaches that lawyerly ploys are far less important than a deep connection with one's soul, gained through prayer and breathing techniques ("I inhale flexibility, trust, and freedom. I exhale rigidity, fear, and resistance"). Feazell's saga is a lively, if ungainly, mix of clashing elements. Crass courtroom maneuvering mixes with earnest therapy-speak: "When pride and willfulness are finally identified and surrendered, true character development and spiritual transformation can take place." Marijuana is an overbearing presence, conveyed both in the third-person narrative voice—"Scientific studies have shown marijuana is a cure for cancer, and that it helps with Alzheimer's, autism, Crohn's disease, glaucoma, migraines, seizures, and even restless leg syndrome, to name a few"—and those of Mace and Brick during their shapeless interludes of stoned palaver. Feazell is a lawyer, and the story comes alive during his fascinating scenes of courtroom strategizing and during his insightful soapboxing on the burdens that the legal system imposes on the poor. Ike, meanwhile, is a charismatic figure that readers will hope to see more of in subsequent installments of the series.
This book's spirituality is a bit thick, but its snazzy legal high jinks make for an entertaining read.


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Evening all...
My card class was wonderful, as always and I learned some new tricks! Patsy always delivers in her classes and she is so talented!
Reindeer Treat Box (Holds 4 Hershey's Nuggets)
Card Box (Holds 4 Christmas tags and/or a gift card)
The tag we made to go into the Card Box
Snowflake Card
Be back soon! Happy Crafting!


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This HND piece start out by defining terms, and then segues into the heavy use of prescription drugs, especially for chronic pain issues. For many pain sufferers, addiction would seem to be the least of their problems, since in some cases they can develop a tolerance to the meds, not to mention hyperalgesia—an acute sensitization to pain.
But then, providers will cut back on the flow of the drugs, driving too many of these patients toward heroin. Heroin, in pharmaceutical grade, is an effective pain medication, but pharma grade isn't exactly what's being sold on the streets. Worse, street heroin can be mixed with potentially deadly fentanyl.
We also touch on endorphins—our body's own natural opioid—and relate some pretty disturbing statistics on the opioid crisis (Drug overdoses now kill more people than gun homicides and car crashes combined).
Read the complete article.


text: This Super Bowl Sunday, imagine if referees could make more accurate calls using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS technology. Priya Narasimhan is making this dream a reality. "We can track the wide receiver catching [the football]," said Narasimhan, an associate professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Her team of engineers has put electronics in the football and in the players' gloves. The engineers can measure the acceleration and pressure of the football as it hits the gloves. Engineers at Carnegie Mellon are using GPS to track football trajectories.So far, they have been able to detect the football a few feet away. Obviously, they want to increase the distance that they can sense it. Narasimhan believes that GPS technology will enable them to do this. She sees this technology as a tool that will assist referees in making calls and help coaches instruct players. "I don't ever see this replacing the human referee system," she said.The engineers have not yet heard from the NFL or the players. "[Their interest] would obviously be very exciting for me," Narasimhan said. She noted some interest from equipment manufacturers after a segment that was broadcast on NPR's "All Things Considered" on Dec. 20, 2008. Narasimhan said that she has no trouble recruiting students to work on football engineering, which attracts even freshmen and sophomores who might not otherwise have an interest in research. She said that she is a football fan herself. When asked to name her favorite team, she replied, "That's easy, the Steelers."


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Discuss "Nope" (17 comments so far)
The Trump Paradox
The 2017 Presidential Inauguration takes place Friday. I don't think I've written a word here or on Twitter about Donald Trump since he was elected in November. Then, last week, I wrote a couple of Tweets about what I call the Trump Paradox.
The Trump paradox:— Toronto Mike (@torontomike) January 14, 2017
You don't want to feed the troll, but you can't ignore the most powerful man in the world. https://t.co/ocrtAAkO4M
The man deserves no respect, but the office demands it. #trumpparadox https://t.co/Sz5ZqiU6KY— Toronto Mike (@torontomike) January 14, 2017
This is the trouble with Trumpy. It's the root of the discomfort. It's the Trump Paradox and we're stuck with it for at least four years. https://t.co/LcdhOy6wKK— Toronto Mike (@torontomike) January 14, 2017
When Donald Trump the reality show host writes petty Tweets and makes ludicrous statements, my instinct is to completely ignore him. After all, if 15 years of blogging has taught me anything it's that one should not feed the trolls. Ignoring is the best course of action.
When Donald Trump the President-Elect does the same, my instinct is to continue ignoring. But Trump is about to become the most powerful man on the planet, and how can you ignore statements made by someone with such a title? This is the Trump Paradox.
In essence, the man does not deserve our respect, but the office demands it. It's going to be a rough four years.
Discuss "The Trump Paradox" (10 comments so far)
I'm Tired of Being Wrong
In 2000, I didn't think George Dubya Bush had a chance. I wasn't blogging yet, but if I was I'd be linking now to an arrogant post about how Americans aren't dumb enough to elect an idiot like Dubya. I did write this in 2003 and called him naive and stupid.
Fast forward to 2004 when I was certain John Kerry would win the Presidency. It seemed obvious to me. Once again, I was wrong.
Then, there was 2010. I'm still trying to live this entry down. I'd delete it, but it seems to bring such joy to my friends like Il Duce.
Rob Ford, they seem to like you in Ward 2, Etobicoke North. Please run there. Toronto's next mayor won't be a bike lane hating, Transit City killing social conservative who promises to "cut everything but police spending to tame the city budget. Libraries, parks, whatever."
We all know what happened next. Once again, I was wrong.
At this point, I should have learned my lesson, but I most certainly did not. Donald Trump so turned my stomach, I could only handle him in very small doses. I didn't need to worry about him actually winning the election because I was certain Hillary Clinton would prevail. All the analysis, most of the polls, and almost every pundit reinforced my belief that Americans would do the right thing.
Last night, I asked my oldest daughter if she was ready to witness history. At 7pm, I was still confident. In fact, I wondered aloud if they might call Florida in her favour by 9pm and shortly thereafter realize Trump had no path to victory. I smiled at my sleeping 7-month old daughter when I realized she didn't even have to live a full year without a woman president of the United States of America.
In reality, by 9pm I was reassuring my oldest daughter that everything would be okay. Once again, I was wrong. In fact, I think this is the wrongest I've ever been about an election.
Winston Churchill once said the best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. I need to stop overestimating these people. I'm tired of being wrong.
Discuss "I'm Tired of Being Wrong" (34 comments so far)
I'm Not Going to Write About Donald Trump
I've yet to write a single word about Donald Trump's pusuit of the most powerful job in the world. To be honest, I kept waiting for common sense to prevail, but here we are....
The RNC is taking place in Cleveland this week, and it's what I'd have expected. Here's a nice synopsis from Daniel Dale, who knows a thing or two about covering populist candidates in pursuit of power.
Here is a list of some of the things that happened at the first day of the Republican convention: pic.twitter.com/97H81oP8i6— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 19, 2016
I've gone this far without writing about Trump, and I'm not going to
stop start now.
Discuss "I'm Not Going to Write About Donald Trump" (27 comments so far)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
The Liberal Party of Canada has won the 2015 federal election. They will form a majority government.
Here's how the seats break down:
- Liberals - 184
- Conservatives - 99
- Bloc - 10
- Green - 1
Here's how Toronto voted. Every riding in the city elected a Liberal MP. That blue at the top belongs to Thornhill.
Good riddance, Harper.
Discuss "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau" (91 comments so far)
What's the Big Deal With Wearing a Niqab?
This election has gone on far too long. Shame on Harper. It's so long, a usually informed and engaged chap like me has yet to truly plug-in.
I was at a wedding Saturday and chatted with a buddy who noticed I haven't written about our federal election. The fact is, I did write one entry, but that's it. I just haven't dove in yet.
But I do read the news, listen to the news, and follow the zeitgeist via Twitter, and there's an awful lot of noise about women wearing a niqab during citizenship ceremonies. People seemed outraged that this could one day be permitted. In fact, actual issues of importance have been drowned out by this debate. It's sad.
What am I missing here? Is this plain and simple Islamophobia? Why does it matter if a woman wears a niqab during a citizenship ceremony?
I'm not a fan of any religion. I think it's a big honkin' slice of bullshit designed to oppress and suppress, and I believe we'd all be far better off without any of it, but I respect one's right to follow a religion, even Islam.
I think some people confuse issues, and think women will not be identifying themselves before reciting the oath. The fact is, would-be Canadians are required to provide multiple proofs of identity and those who wear face coverings must remove them before the ceremony in private before a citizenship official. The citizenship ceremony comes after these key steps.
Harper might not be a very good Prime Minister, but he's a very clever campaigner. He's managed to tap into Canadians' racism to win a minority government.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope Canada is better than that.
Discuss "What's the Big Deal With Wearing a Niqab?" (65 comments so far)
First-Past-the-Post Voting Leads to Strategic Voting
Back in March I wrote why ranked ballots are better.
The "first-past-the-post" system we currently have forces people like me to vote strategically instead of voting for the person they'd like to lead. For example, those who wanted Olivia Chow to win, but were afraid a vote for Chow would help Doug Ford win, would be able to rank their candidates so a vote for Chow isn't a vote for Ford.
Our current first-past-the-post system forces many of us to vote strategically instead of for the party we want in power. Let's use my riding as an example.
Last election, the Conservative Party candidate won my riding with 40.26% of the vote. The Liberal Party got 34.04% and the NDP got 21.6%. The end result was another CPC MP, helping Stephen Harper stay in power.
It's looking like this is going to happen again. Most of us don't want Harper to win, but we're split between the NDP and Liberal Party. I know who I'd like to see win, but it's more important to me that we defeat the Conservative candidate in my riding. As a result, I will vote strategically. I will vote for the candidate with the best shot at beating the Conservative Party.
We're getting smarter. This time, we're organized. I've joined VoteTogether.ca and I urge you to as well. There's nothing wrong with voting strategically to serve the greater good. The current first-past-the-post voting system demands it.
Discuss "First-Past-the-Post Voting Leads to Strategic Voting" (35 comments so far)
Hazel McCallion
Today, Hazel McCallion turned in her Chain of Office. She was Mayor of Mississauga since December 1, 1978.
I was four years old at the time. I have absolutely no memory of a time before Hazel McCallion was Mayor of our neighbour to the west. Hurricane Hazel has always been there. I've even run her 5k.
At 93, after 12 terms of service over 36 years, McCallion deserves a rest. Well done, Hazel. Well done...
Discuss "Hazel McCallion" (11 comments so far)
Rob Ford, Doug Ford and the Crazification Factor
The crazification factor is a neologism coined by blogger John Rogers to refer to the portion of the electorate comprising the nuttiest of the wingnuts and the batshit crazy. The passage relates to the 2004 Senate election in Illinois, and reads:
Obama vs. Alan Keyes. Keyes was from out of state, so you can eliminate any established political base; both candidates were black, so you can factor out racism; and Keyes was plainly, obviously, completely crazy. Batshit crazy. Head-trauma crazy. But 27% of the population of Illinois voted for him. They put party identification, personal prejudice, whatever ahead of rational judgement. Hell, even like 5% of Democrats voted for him. That's crazy behaviour. I think you have to assume a 27% crazification factor in any population.
Furthermore, another factor in Obama's favour at the time that Rogers didn't mention is that the original Republican candidate, Jack Ryan, had been forced to suspend his candidacy after his divorce and custody records were released to the press, revealing that he had taken his former wife, actress Jeri Ryan, to various sex clubs (including, in at least one case, a bondage club) and tried to have her perform sex acts on him out in the open. Keyes was the GOP's last-minute replacement on the ticket after the sordid details of Ryan's divorce came out. So not only was it a normal candidate running against a clearly crazy opponent, but the crazy guy also had the baggage of the last guy's sex scandal following him, and had been drafted into the campaign with little time to prepare.
This 27% support is tattooed in my cranium as the batshit crazy support I thought Rob Ford would end up with. With Rob out and Doug in, I suspect he'll end up with that same 27%.
And 27% won't win you this election,thankfully.
Discuss "Rob Ford, Doug Ford and the Crazification Factor" (105 comments so far)
My Thoughts on the 2014 Toronto Municipal Election
I tried to ignore this mayoral race throughout the summer, pledging to plug myself back in after labour day. Now that I'm back, it's clearer to me than ever that this city I love needs to send Rob Ford a message that we deserve a mayor with far more self-control and self-respect.
The past four years under Ford have been extremely divisive. He's pitted the downtowners against the suburbs, he's refused to work with council and he lies so often and effortlessly, it's shocking. His ignorant refusal to participate in the pride parade and frequent racist and bigoted comments have made him a laughing stock. I'm not even going to mention the videos of him smoking crack, the skeezy activities with his buddy Sandro Lisi, his firing from the Don Bosco football team, and the objectifying comments he's made about his own wife.
But even without the circus sideshow antics, Rob Ford is bad for business. His policies are short-sighted, often presented without appropriate research and sufficient details, and he's completely ineffective as a leader. We simply can't afford to make this mistake twice.
Ideally, David Soknacki would win on October 27, but he won't. Of the favourites, my preference is Olivia Chow, but like many Torontonians in 2014, I'm willing to alter my vote in a strategic effort to keep Rob Ford out of office. I'm willing to vote for John Tory, and here's why.
All I want in a mayor is a sensible, intelligent person who is willing to work with council to reach consensus. I want my mayor to represent all Torontonians, regardless of sexual preference, skin colour, gender or even income and postal code. I want a mayor who unites the city, and moves us forward without providing embarrassing content to late night talk show hosts. Both John Tory and Olivia Chow fit this mould and both would make fine mayors.
My values better align with Olivia Chow's, but if Olivia Chow and John Tory split the anti-Ford vote, it gives Rob Ford a chance. That's not a chance I'm willing to take.
Discuss "My Thoughts on the 2014 Toronto Municipal Election" (67 comments so far)
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Appropriate lighting can absolutely contribute to the appeal of an individual area. It is able to establish the mood and also atmosphere of a space simply by supplying the appropriate quantity of light. While table lights might serve a functional objective, flooring lights prove to have much more comprehensive top qualities. Whether you choose an antique choice to brighten your living-room or side with tiffany flooring lamps, the immeasurable opportunities of a floor light will certainly always stand out.
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Some features of antique lights include brass do with detailed styles. The real pieces of these antique flooring lamps could be a bit costly so if you intend to purchase one, you have to save. This sort of floor lamp is frequently liked due to the fact that it creates an enchanting impact with its sensual however soft light.
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These lamps are used combined with overhanging lights to provide aesthetic passion and also extra lights for analysis. Often, floor lamps are picked by house owners by matching it with the overall layout of the entire room, from the contemporary stainless steel to tiffany floor lights. These lights can be put anywhere in the space near a preferred analysis or an electric outlet location because they are free standing.
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While table lamps might offer a practical function, flooring lights show to have a lot more extensive top qualities. Whether you select an antique choice to brighten your living room or side with tiffany flooring lights, the countless opportunities of a flooring light will certainly constantly stand out.
Frequently, floor lamps are selected by homeowners by matching it with the general style of the whole space, from the modern stainless steel to tiffany flooring lamps. With the assistance of flooring lamps, you could light up areas of the space with even more adaptability. An additional unique feature of floor lamps is that the base of lamp can be changed.


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FYRST stands for First Year Residents Succeeding Together. The FYRST program series takes place throughout the year. The activities and programs offered allow you the chance to make new friends, learn how to live in communities, and develop skills that will help you to adjust to your first year at Lyco! Keep your eyes peeled for your chance to get involved!
The mission of the First Year Residents Succeeding Together Program (FYRST) is to support the overall vision of the Office of Residential Life by providing first year students with opportunities that will assist in their transition to Lycoming College. FYRST will provide students with the ability to expand their knowledge of the College community and cultivate citizenship while developing necessary academic, interpersonal, and leadership skills.


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Activists warn fired Largo city manager could end up transgender champion
By PHIL DAVIS
Associated Press
Posted February 28 2007, 3:45 PM EST
LARGO -- Steve Stanton loved this city he ran for 14 years. This week, he asked
the city to love him back -- to accept his plans to pursue sex-change operation
and let him keep his $140,000 job as city manager.
It didn't.
Almost 500 people packed into City Hall Tuesday night for a special meeting to
decide if they would accept Susan instead of Steve as their top official.
And while many spoke eloquently in his defense, more called for his ouster.
``If Jesus was here tonight, I can guarantee you he'd want him terminated,''
said Pastor Ron Saunders of Largo's Lighthouse Baptist Church. ``Make no mistake
about it.''
At the end of the 3-½ hour meeting, the City Commission voted 5-2 to begin the
legal process of firing Stanton, only a week after he was forced to reveal his
secret by a local newspaper. He is on paid leave while the city begins the legal
process to end his contract. He can appeal and the commission must vote again to
formally fire him.
Transgender activists on Wednesday called Stanton's firing a ``shameful display
of ignorance and bias.'' But they suggested Largo's quick decision to fire a
respected government official may be the anecdote they need to convince Congress
to extend employment protections to gays, lesbians and transsexuals.
``We think this is a really clear example of the type of employment
discrimination that transgendered people face every day,'' said Simon Aronoff,
deputy director of the National Center for Transgender Equality in Washington,
D.C. ``By all accounts, he was doing a good job. The only reason he was fired is
because he made the brave decision to live openly.''
Mathew Staver, founder of the conservative Liberty Counsel legal group, said the
city had a duty to reconsider the employment of a top official planning such a
drastic change.
``The city hasn't changed the work environment. He has changed the work
environment,'' Staver said. ``He has to take into consideration the consequences
of that personal decision. I think it would be more difficult for the city to
retain this person because of how it might undermine the representation of the
city in the eyes of the community. It could become very awkward.''
The vote to oust Stanton came only a day after a Christian university in
Michigan fired a male professor living as a woman only days after she legally
changed her name to something more feminine. The university claims the former
John Nemecek did not honor the terms of her contract.
``I think they decided to terminate me rather than call me Julie,'' said
Nemecek, an ordained Baptist minister who worked for 16 years on the faculty of
Spring Arbor University. Both sides are scheduled to be in court ordered
mediation in March. Despite such high-profile setbacks, Aronoff said the
transgender movement is gaining ground.
``We think this is our year,'' he said.
Last summer, a judge ruled a Westchester, N.Y., cook who claims he was fired
from an upscale restaurant because he was a woman living as a man was covered by
the state's human rights law, even though it doesn't mention sexual orientation.
The ruling cleared the way for a $3 million discrimination lawsuit to proceed.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which also lobbies for gay, lesbian and
transgendered rights, estimates 10 states and more than 90 local governments
have included gender identity in their nondiscrimination policies.
Stanton supported a similar ordinance in Largo in 2003, but the fact he kept his
personal life a secret then intensified the anger directed at him Tuesday night.
Many in the crowd accused him of harboring a hidden agenda.
``I do not feel he has the integrity, nor the trust, nor the respect, nor the
confidence to continue as the city manager of the city of Largo,'' said
Commissioner Mary Gray Black, who introduced a resolution to fire Stanton.
Stanton listened with hands clasped throughout the 3½ hour meeting.
``It's just real painful to know that seven days ago I was a good guy and now I
have no integrity, I have no trust and most painful, I have no followers,''
Stanton told the crowd before the commission voted. ``Hopefully after all this
is behind us, we'll be better for it.''
The surprise announcement stunned this city of 76,000 near St. Petersburg.
Stanton said he had planned to reveal his secret this summer when his
13-year-old son was out of school.
Stanton, who is married, said he struggled with his secret desire to be a woman
since childhood and hoped to ``outrun it.'' In 2003, he began counseling to deal
with his feelings and ultimately decided to pursue a sex-change operation. He
has not yet scheduled the surgery, but is undergoing counseling and hormone
replacement therapy in preparation for the operation.
``I'm going to be embarrassed if we throw this man out on the trash heap after
he's worked so hard for the city,'' said Mayor Patricia Gerard, one of a few
Stanton chose to share his secret with before last week. ``We have a choice to
make: We can go back to intolerance, or we can be the city of progress.''
Commissioner Gay Gentry praised Stanton, but supported his firing.
``I sense that he has lost his standing as a leader among the employees of the
city,'' Gentry said. ``We have need of an organizational leader that employees
will follow.''
Stanton left the room before the votes were cast, head down.
Gerard and Commissioner Rodney J. Woods _ the first black commissioner in the
city's 102-year history _ cast the only votes in his favor.
On the Net: City of Largo - http://www.largo.com/


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Blog: Drift into Failure...or, Mathematics and a Few Thoughts on Risk
What is your Level of Acceptable Risk? How did you determine this? Some will center-punch Superior on a CONSIDERABLE danger while others feel happy going to Powder Park everyday. Everyone is different and it's insulting at worst and a waste of time at best to look askance at others who are on either end of the pendulum. It's - how shall we say - inelegant to look upon some as suicidal and others as boring and unfulfilled.
The key points here are
- To be aware of your level of acceptable risk
- Understand factors that may influence your risk taking
- Find others who have a similar level of risk acceptance
Ok, now the math -
Essentially - RISK = Avalanche Danger times Mountain Terrain R=DxT
Here are the variables: D - Avalanche Danger/Danger Scale (Low, Moderate, Considerable, High, Extreme)
T - Mountain Terrain (Avalanche Terrain Exposure ie: Powder Park or Superior)
Here is the constant: R - RISK
KEY POINT: Now what this pre-supposes is that you want to keep your RISK at a constant level. If that's the case, then D (Danger) and T (Mountain Terrain) must have an inverse relationship to one another. When the danger goes up, you scale down your terrain choices. When the danger goes down, perhaps you 'up' your terrain choices - otherwise, you're taking less risk. And that's ok too.
Easy, huh? Well, not so fast. It may be news to you that humans are complicated people.
As it turns out, most of us feel like our decision-making looks like what you see on the left. What actually happens is on the right.
The author Sidney Dekker, in his book Drift into Failure, posits that a "series of small relaxations on safety standards can lead to a catastrophic system failure. These systems drift and that from inside the system, such drift isn't visible until the failure occurs." Please read that sentence again - I had to.
So What? How does this apply to us in the avalanche world, particularly when it gets back to Math and especially when it applies in our current Low Probability/High Consequence persistent slab problem? I'm glad you asked.
Here's what happens -
- The danger is MODERATE OR CONSIDERABLE
- We choose appropriate terrain.
- We see no signs of avalanches.
- We see no shooting cracks. We hear or feel no collapsing or whumphing.
- Test results are inconclusive.
- Cornice drops and slope cuts provide no results.
- We see other tracks on the slope(s).
Now what?
- We "drift" into steeper terrain because we perceive the danger is lower than it actually is.
Result? You guessed it.
These are when conditions are the most tricky and dangerous. In reality, the danger remained the same, you've 'upped' your terrain choices...and therefore you've upped your RISK.
It's common during persistent slab, deep slab, or hard wind slab conditions. It's just part of the waiting game - and it takes discipline. One might argue that these are times when we need to assume a "Ulysses contract" (common in medical and other situations). You'll remember that Ulysses tied himself to the mast and had his men put wax in their ears to avoid the lure of the Sireens (as Delmar/Tim Blake Nelson called them in O Brother Where Art Thou). In the end, it didn't work and we know what fate befell them (at least in the Coen brothers film). Be patient!
Happy New Year - I wish everyone a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2015
Chris Cawley
Wed, 12/31/2014 - 12:57pm
"If snowpack is the question,
Todd Leeds
Wed, 12/31/2014 - 1:41pm
I think it is important to
Wed, 12/31/2014 - 6:48pm
Not surprisingly, this rings
Not surprisingly, this rings quite loud to me today.
Wed, 12/31/2014 - 7:03pm
I think the math equation
Patrick fink
Wed, 12/31/2014 - 7:32pm
When you talk about Bruce and
Willis Richardson
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 8:06am
You talking about me Bruce? I
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 6:46pm
"The Edge... there is no
Fri, 01/02/2015 - 8:23am
The "Sireens" are certainly
The "Sireens" are certainly calling these days. The high pay-off of super nice powder conditions is also certainly a factor. I'm much more likely to commit to a potentially dangerous slope in good pow conditions, because I can anticipate to pay-off (face shots). Even understanding the risk, the luring call of cold smoke is so loud, it's perhaps impossible for us mortals to avoid unless we're tied to the mast or deafened by wax in the ears.
On the other hand, it's easy for me to opt out of even a nice run if conditions aren't ideal. It seems most insane to take serious risks for a lower pay-off, like skiing a steep slope in dangerous and crusty conditions for example....
Alan Peterson
Fri, 01/02/2015 - 9:00pm
This math doesn't help me
Know You
Fri, 01/02/2015 - 11:41pm
It's an illogical argument.
Just some guy
Sat, 01/03/2015 - 12:47am
I like what you have to say
Sat, 01/03/2015 - 2:53pm
I like Chris Cawleys take,
I like Chris Cawleys take, doesn't mean you can't ski steeper terrain, maybe try a slope that has already avalanched or at least a slope with a clean run out, void of rocks and trees in it's path, trauma kills most avalanche victims, especially in a thin snow pack.
Tim Rogers
Mon, 01/05/2015 - 9:39am
Agreed with Chris and Mark,
Jeff Morton
Tue, 01/06/2015 - 4:33pm


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Have you ever wandered aimlessly in a parking lot or on the street for hours on end, wondering where your car is? It's extremely annoying when you've forget where you've parked your car in the parking lot, or when you've parked on the street, where it is parked at all.Park saves you all the trouble. Park helps you never forget where you've parked.
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Mary Beth
Happy Patient
Mary Beth is one of Dr. Wetterhus' wonderful patients and has kindly shared some words on her experience with Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry.
I have been a patient of Dr. Wetterhus since 1994. My kids and now their kids see Dr. Wetterhus. Over the years I have been accustom to superior care and treatment. All procedures are explained in detail and treatment is delivered on time and at the highest quality. The office staff is friendly and professional. They are very willing to work with insurance companies to get the maximum benefits for your plan. Scheduling is accommodating to my schedule. The office is clean and very modern with little wait time. Dr. Wetterhus has helped me achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. I highly recommend Dr. Wetterhus, his staff and the office for all your dental needs.
More words from patients
I am always pleased with the care and comfortable atmosphere at Smith and Wetterhus. It is a spa like environment and perfect for the whole family. I am relaxed and at ease in the waiting room and the children's nook is fabulous and clever. I actually enjoy going to the dentist!
Exceptional care and service has been provided by Smith & Wetterhus each time I have gone. I have been and patient for over 5 years and have referred several people who have also become patients. Their entire staff is professional, sincere, and amazing! We are very fortunate to have this team in our community.
My family and I just moved to the area and were looking for a new dentist. At Smith and Wetterhus the staff is so friendly and welcoming it feels like I have been a patient there forever. The dentists at this office are so thorough in there exams, they diagnosed problems I have that dentists is the past had never even checked. Smiths & Wetterhus will defiantly be my family's dentist and I highly recommend them to anyone else.


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Welcome, Guest
An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, Grand Slam Camellia produces large to very large bright red double to anemone form flowers in midseason. This is a 1962 Nuccio's Nursery introduction that is fairly vigorous. Provide an acid soil rich in organic matter topped with an organic mulch and provide a location that receives shade during the heat of the day in hot summer climates.
Camellias are the rose of winter in southern gardens, with their colorful blossoms held against deep rich green glossy foliage on a naturally upright to rounded evergreen shrub. Pick the flowers and float them in a bowl of water to bring their beauty indoors. Camellias prefer an acidic, humus rich soil with an organic mulch and average moisture. Once well-established they need little additional care and will continue to perform for years to come. Most Camellias do best where they get light shade or morning sun and the light filtered shade of pines seems to be perfect. For more information about growing Camellias see our Camellia Growing Guide or any of the excellent resources below:
Camellias Brighten the Winter Landscape - Get It Growing by Dan Gill with LSU Agcenter
Camellia Culture for Home Gardeners - UGA Extension by James T Midcap etal.
These large evergreen shrubs make easy container plants provided they get regular moisture and a good quality, well-draining, acidic potting soil. We prefer well aged, decomposted bark based mixes over peat based mixes and usually add a little extra sand or hadite to ensure good drainage. Container grown Camellias can suffer root damage if the soil is allowed to freeze so you will want to consider protecting them during any extended periods below freezing. They can usually tolerate overnight temperatures that dip as low as 20-25oF for short periods in 8" or larger containers. When grown or overwintered indoors provide them with plenty of cool direct sunlight. Preferably a few hours in the morning, in the late afternoon, or filtered light, like through a pine, is fine as well with high light conditions the remainder of the day whenever possible. For more on growing Camellias as container plants see the following article by Dan Gill with LSU Agcenter: Camellias are Outstanding in Containers.
Grows To: 8-12'H x 6-10'W
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 7,8,9
click here to find your USDA Cold Hardiness zone
Outdoor Light: AM sun, Part sun, Part shade, Filtered shade, Light shade
Indoor Light: Early or late direct sunlight, Cool sunlight, High
pH Range: Acidic, Mildly Acidic
Soil & Moisture: Average moist, humus rich, acidic soils with good drainage and a deep organic mulch.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow release, nonburning fertilizer for acid loving plants.
Pruning: Once the Camellia flowering season has ended in mid-late spring, before buds set in summer.
Salt Tolerance: Slight
Deer Resistance: Seldom Bothered
Native To / Origin: US Gardens - Nuccio's Nursery, Altadena, CA - registered in 1962
Click here to learn more about how to grow Grand Slam Camellia from Almost Eden
See our Planting A New Plant, How To, and General Growing Guide for basic planting, potting, and watering instructions
Container Size: 4.5 inch / 20 fl.oz. / 591 ml
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Description & growing info
Description & growing info
An unusually pure white selection of Vitex. Silver Spires produces medium sized spikes of white flowers that are held against the dark blue-green fragrant foliage. Vitex is a vigorous, disease and deer resistant, drought and salt tolerant large spreading to upright deciduous shrub or small tree. Excellent for Butterflies, Bees, and Hummingbirds. Silver Spires was the top rated white flowered Vitex in trials at Longwood Gardens. Item# 739.
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Status: Finished
Genre: Erotica
I am going to be black and blue forever!
Well,this is what I get for not listening to my best friend in the first place.
You see,I was watching our new neighbors move into the last vacant house on our block before they had invited us over for a little party in order to get acquainted with everyone on our block.
Well,as soon as we had arrived and some of the other neighbors had started to enjoy themselves,my best friend Penny Sheldon had walked up to me and said,"I just want you to know.Our new neighbors have only one rule that they want us to follow.Don't look in the basement."
But before I was about to ask why not,Penny was called away by one of the other neighbors and left me alone to stare at the basement door until I've opened that door and stepped inside that basement.
But after I've walked into that room,someone had hit me from behind.
I was out cold until I've finally snapped out of it and noticed that I had been stripped naked with my wrists tied tightly to a chest and my ankles in the same way to a wall.
Then,this guy had grabbed my legs and started slamming his cock deep into my pussy.
Now,I know he was raping me and wanted him to stop.
But I've started to enjoy it so much that I was unable to give a shit.
That was before our new neighbor used a bullwhip on that guy,freed me and explained that she was suppossed to be his fuck toy because of her husband suddenly being unable to do that.
You see,he was in an accident that caused him to be left impotent.
© Copyright 2019 hyperforce. All rights reserved.
wow coolness
Short Story / Fan Fiction


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Backed by government subsidies and mandates, hundreds of ethanol plants rose among the golden fields of the Corn Belt, bringing jobs and business to small towns, providing farmers with a new market for their crops and generating billions of dollars in revenue for the producers of this corn-based fuel blend. Those days of promise and prosperity are vanishing.
Nearly 10 percent of the nation's ethanol plants have stopped production over the past year, in part because the drought that has ravaged much of the nation's crops pushed commodity prices so high that ethanol has become too expensive to produce.
A dip in gasoline consumption has compounded the industry's problem by reducing the demand for ethanol.
The situation has left the fate of dozens of ethanol plants hanging in the balance and has unsettled communities that once prospered from this biofuel. . . .
Thousands of barrels of ethanol now sit in storage because there is not enough gasoline in the market to blend it with — and blends calling for a higher percentage of ethanol have yet to catch on widely in the marketplace. Advanced biofuels from waste like corn stalks and wood chips have also yet to reach commercial-level production as some had predicted they would by now. . .
Congress set out to create an ethanol industry that would produce enough to make up 10 percent of every gallon of gas pumped into a car, but the lawmakers assumed that demand for fuel would grow. Instead, it has shrunk to 8.7 million barrels a day from 9.7 million in 2007, said Larry Goldstein, an economist and a director of the Energy Policy Research Foundation. And with corporate average fuel economy rules now in place to double the number of miles that the average car gets per gallon by 2025, "you know we're on a trend," he added.
As the gasoline market got smaller, so did the amount of ethanol it could absorb, because most service stations are set up to sell fuel with an ethanol content of only up to 10 percent. Owners' manuals of most cars call for fuel blends of no more than 10 percent ethanol. The industry calls this the "blend wall," and it has won Environmental Protection Agency approval for some cars to run on blends of up to 15 percent, but thus far that fuel has not caught on with consumers. Millions of cars are "flex-fuel vehicles" and can run on blends of up to 85 percent, known as e85, but that fuel is not popular and is not even widely offered outside a few corn-producing states.
But the ethanol producers were encouraged to build because the federal government had mandated that refiners use their product, and it established a tax credit of 45 cents per gallon of ethanol. The tax credit was allowed to expire on Dec. 31, 2011, but not before it had stimulated construction of ethanol plants.
The value of ethanol has also sagged. Its price is created in part by the price of the gasoline it displaces, and gasoline prices have been relatively modest for the past few months. . . .
The drought was particularly brutal here last year, leaving farmers with little to no corn. Don Mutter, who farms in nearby Cairo, said he produced about 25,000 bushels of corn last year, just 5.5 percent of his usual yield. Without corn nearby to purchase, the plant had to spend extra to haul it in from elsewhere. For several months it was operating at a loss. It ceased operations at the end of January. "We are going to start back up, this year most likely," said Steve Burnett, who has been the manager since the plant opened in 2000. . . .
John Eligon and Matthew L. Wald, "Days of Promise Fade for Ethanol," New York Times, March 16, 2013


text:
A muscle strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. A muscle strain can be caused by sports, exercise, a sudden movement, or trying to lift something that is too heavy. Symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, tightness, swelling, tenderness, and the inability to move the muscle very well.
Review Date:
Reviewed By:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.


text:
Roses by Wildflowers in Louisville
There is no better way to convey the emotions of the heart than to send a bouquet of beautiful roses! We ensure that your rose bouquet will delight that special someone with its vibrant colors, lasting brilliance and unmatched elegance.
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text:
You're probably mulling the connection between retired Chinese doctors being sent to the countryside and a re-heating housing market. We've been thinking about that too – a lot. In fact, some of us at CHINA ECONOMIC REVIEW have been doing nothing but trying to pinpoint a deep connection with these "sent-down" doctors and the rest of the Chinese economic cosmos. After hours and hours of contemplation in a dark room, we started asking a different question: What isn't ultimately connected to these rusticated doctors?
When Mao sent down university students to the countryside at the onset of the Cultural Revolution, he was trying to uproot China's enemy No. 1: The capitalist roaders who were steering the nation off it's yellow brick road toward communist utopia.
The bad news is, the capitalists are winning (right?). Now, the Communist Party is going to send down another wave of learned individuals – a move with true Maoist flare. The enemy this time is the inequality that is threatening to derail China's high-speed train toward prosperity. Officials hope that sending down the doctors – who have ample footwear unlike China's famed "barefoot" medics – can mitigate some of these imbalances, many of which materialize as ailments on the bodies of Chinese.
Good luck to the doctors; they'll need it. If the recent revelations about "cancer villages" didn't convince you that China's half-baked development is killing the country, perhaps some details on China's tainted food industry would do the trick. Or if you're in Beijing, just look out your window. The signs that China is buckling under pressure are everywhere. Mounting debt concerns have forced provincial governments to lower growth targets. Housing remains unaffordable for middle-class Chinese. The plan for cutting the China development cake into more equitable pieces is still vague. Who's getting the biggest slice these days? The capitalists or the communists? Or both? Can we even tell the difference anymore?
As this Bloomberg writer put it: "If the rich keep getting richer at the expense of the poor, China may actually need to go communist."
Now, as for home prices and sent-down doctors, the direct connection is simple. Doctors have obviously been responsible for the majority of the speculation in urban housing markets. China is casting them to the borderlands as a new experimental cooling measure. They should really all be sent to Ordos – plenty of empty houses out there. (Maybe we need a few more hours in a dark room to think about this.)


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NEW YORK -- Rock 'n' roll has always been about music--not speeches. So it's no surprise that the all-star jam sessions generate the most media attention each year at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies--except on those nights when Beach Boy Mike Love is popping off about Paul McCartney and Diana Ross not showing up.
But those spontaneous sessions are usually better seen than just heard. The music itself is spirited, but understandably ragged. The treat is in watching the likes of Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, George Harrison, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Billy Joel and Neil Young (from this year's cast) huddling between numbers, trying to figure out what song to do next.
A second, surprising element, however, has emerged to rival the jam sessions among fan interest: the induction speeches.
It's disarming to hear some of rock's most celebrated figures speak with the affection and humility of devoted fans when describing the way other artists--including rivals--inspired or stirred them.
In inducting the Beach Boys at this month's dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Elton John recalled how the California group's music inspired him as a composer and how it summarized in the '60s everything he imagined that was wonderful about America.


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Well, that does it - its 2012....the stunning building we call home is 100 years old.
These last few weeks have confirmed my suspicions: everyone loves Third Ave.
I have talked to many of my musical colleagues and everyone is excited to help us solidify a creative inspired cultural space in a building that so warmly welcomes both audience and musician alike. I've started work on putting together a season of artists of national and internaional calibre - and the response from musicians around the globe is often "I can't wait to hear the acoustics".
Cut to people outside the music world....stained glass window people....architects......heritage afficionados; they all love it. Emails have poured in from across Canada, and with each email comes the same message: how can we help?
What made this so gratifying was to discover that my passion for this tremendous landmark is shared by all walks of life. One man even commented that there may be no greater architectural landmark in Saskatoon than Third Ave. Another talked of how every resident in the city knows exactly what building sits on the corner of 3rd and 24th. One quipped that the city wouldn't make sense without the bell towers looking over downtown. And mostly, people gushed about the windows.
Those windows, have you looked at them? No, I mean REALLY looked at them. Don't say you have, because you probably haven't. I hadn't. I mean I thought I had, but really I hadn't. After learning that the giant windows that adorn the balcony walls were installed in 1912, with state of the art installation techniques, and were hand painted by the aritst, I decided I needed to take a closer look.
I realized that for years I had been in the presence of great art, and had simply taken it for granted. Stepping up to the balcony during the day and seeing the minute details that must have taken weeks to exact, one is overcome with a sense of awe.
Remember, each pane of glass is hand painted. The folds of each piece of clothing; the veins in an old man's hands; the curl of a hair against a face; the tableclothes that show wear. Its like I'd been standing in the Louvre and failed to notice they had art....wandered through the Sistine Chapel and didn't bother to look up. How have we missed this?
Those windows created a firestorm of emails last week - the Institute of Stained Glass, numerous heritage organizations, and even magazines. Everyone wants to marvel at these irreplaceable works of art.
This spring, Worth Magazine (an architecture journal) will run a full colour feature on the windows - in fact, this Wednesday, those 100 year old beauties are having a photo shoot!
All this wealth of good will, passion, memories, and love has confirmed in my mind the mission even more. Third Ave Centre is not just about creating culture, art, and community - its about helping the citizens of Saskatoon and the province, heck even the nation, realize that art is where you find it. And you'll find it right here at 304 Third.
Keep your eyes pealed...you'll be seeing a lof of these windows this year!


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Community' started by Royal Pineapple, Aug 20, 2003.
never have a lonely night again
My god that is hilarious....What will those people think of next
I already do something like that. People laugh at me when I tell them that I have seven pillows on my bed...
I could say something about that picture, but I seriously need to keep it to myself...wow, okay...it's just a bit disturbing. Not to mention I thought something different when I read the title..."But all you need is your hand" damn, and that pillow does seem to have one...wow, okay...late night insomnia plus odd topics do not mix well
If you've ever used a Japanese pillow, you might appreciate this, ummm, substitute.
What? No female-shaped version? Why, that's discrimination!
That lady's gonna wake up going "I had a dream I was walking down the street and everyone kept trying to grab my ass!"
Oh damn that's good!
Where did you get that? You have a link or is it all in Japanese?
Snowy_River, you beat me by one pillow.
I take the photo to mean someone spends too much time in the Sears clothing department.
Notice that the optimal design seems to involve the pillow being half the width of the standard-issue man. Perhaps they feel that men are wider than necessary for their womens' comfort?
um...I think I'll just stop right there.
Before next, we'll see pillows "ribbed for her pleasure"
My wife has a body pillow - a pillow about 6' long. Its actually pretty good if you have to sleep on your side, keeps your knees apart and makes it easier to lay like that all night.
This is just silly, though....imagine if someone saw you with one of those and didn't realize it was a pillow at first....
It'd be a good gag to put in my roommate's bed...see if he freaks out when he pulls back his covers!
the pillow looks like it was gently stroking her like a sleeping kitten... that is so disturbing!!!
...oh my, those Japanese inventors. but it still does not come close to the infamous "Butter Stick"
I'm afraid to ask...
or see if you freak out when he pulls "it" under the covers with him.
I'd buy one!
Yeah ive got the body pillow too.. great idea.
at least i won't woke the pillow. no seriously i hate the pillow. apart from the arm when i don't sleep alone. but i move and move and move when i sleep, turn around like 50 000 times. at least i won't wake that. but i think i prefer humans.
Yea. Imagine having just got one of those nice pillows, the guy coming to bed to you .. and having already taken away the glasses or just being bad-eyed or in really really dark. I think i stay better alive using a person-pillow that those.
That Pillow isn't realistic. If it was a guy, his hand definitely would not be on her back. Hmmm maybe women prefer not being groped while they sleep... Oh well, doesn't matter to me, I am already married. (i.e. I don't have to try to be nice anymore. )
sorry duke, all i found was the pic.
being that her face is right in the "armpit" i think its a good thing the pillow hasnt been out all day, working up a sweat
oh, damn! i need one of those!
i haven't had a boyfriend since i was a soph in high school. boy, he really got me burnt out on guys.
they should add a nice man smell to it. i love it when a guy smells like aftershave, alcohol breath, cigarettes, and motor oil all at once (i'm wierd with smells). also it should have a face with stubble on it. i love stubble.
(no. really. i am not in desperate need of a man...)
Re: oh, damn! i need one of those!
You know... just a bit of advice... I wouldn't go around making comments like that on a board like this one, populated, as it is, by so many lonely computer-geek types...
The Japanese always have weird stuff like that (no offense to them of course). They're very trendy. There's a pic out there of the ``Boob scarfs'' or whatever they are. Do a search, you'll find them.


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Premium Vehicles
Developed by the United States Army Ordnance Corps on the basis of the mass-produced T23 tank with a 90-mm gun and reinforced armor. After the creation of two prototypes, 40 other vehicles were manufactured.
This is a Premium vehicle. Premium vehicles earn more credits and experience per battle, and provide a range of other bonuses.
Time for the successive autoreloading of each shell into the magazine.
The technical characteristics shown are for the Siege mode
Characteristics are specified for a vehicle with crew members trained to 100%.


text:
Playing healthy games is also one of the best ways of maintaining yourself. There are many Birmingham tennis clubs which are famous because of their excellent atmosphere and services. Some of the prominent Birmingham tennis courts in Birmingham are Highland Park Tennis Center, Levite JCC, COREFIT, James Lewis Tennis Center, George Ward Tennis Center, West Homewood Park, Life Time Fitness, Greystone Branch YMCA, Pelham Family Branch YMCA and much more.
Sports are great for so many reasons. They offer great workout, camaraderie, competition and fun. But how to understand that what support is the best? Well people normally preferred to play tennis. There are a lot of clubs in Birmingham in which one can easily play tennis.
The coaches should modify and improvise tennis equipments to create an environment constructive for the young students. Tennis is not an easy game. It is difficult to understand. But if your coach explains all the terms well then it will become easy. The game will helps in making your mind fresh and body strong. Balls, rackets, court dimensions or net height can be customized to provide benefit to young players so that they understand how to play tennis.


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BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - LSU beat TCU 37-27 Saturday night and the Tigers have moved up to number 11 in this week's USA Today 25 Poll.
The young Tiger defense held TCU to 259 yards total offense. The Horned Frogs gained 114 yards on the ground and threw for only 145 yards.
The defense held TCU to an incredible 13 first downs, one coming off of a costly 3rd down penalty on Ego Ferguson for roughing the passer.
LSU hosts UAB Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. The home opener kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU.
Copyright 2013 WAFB. All rights reserved.


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When we left for Disney I realized I had not gotten as much accomplished as I would have liked. The story of my life. I still had yet to complete 2 teacher signs. The teacher apron I so eagerly volunteer myself to sew was still a pile of fabric. Time to get down to business.
I set to work on 2 more teacher signs. The first Emma decided needed to be for her English teacher. She liked idea of having a large apple on the front. Since I did not have a templet large enough for my 11X14 inch canvas I had to free hand the apple design. Not to bad. I was seriously worried it would look like a large green tomato. ( Nothing says "teacher" like fried green tomatoes. LOL.)
Emma assured me it does indeed look like an apple. I wanted to make the polk-a-dots yellow since the school colors are green and yellow, Emma had other ideas. She did not really care for the green apple and fought hard for a red apple. Worried the black would not show up as well on the red we compromised, with red dots.
The second teacher sign was for Jack and Emma's piano teacher. Emma and I came up with several possible designs, all music themed. In the end we chose this simple piano design, which proved to be anything but simple. Measuring and painting straight black lines that look straight even if they are not, is a lot harder than one would think. The results were totally worth the effort. I am still annoyed that the piano keys ended up askew but no one will notice. Right?
I finished out the week with the teacher apron. Here is a picture of the apron after I finished.
The next step is to have the kids trace their hand prints on the apron. The apron is off to school with Emma tomorrow. The class will use fabric markers to trace their hands and write their names. I can't wait to see the finished product! More pictures to follow.


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Garden Office Reviews
Paul Bennett - Sales Director at Chrysalis Solmotive
All the staff at Henley have been first class. They have conducted themselves in a thoroughly professional manner at all times. From site survey, through the design process and delivery they kept me informed as to progress. Most importantly the job was completed on time and on budget. I would certainly use Henley in the future and have no hesitation in recommending their company and quality of work
Bernard Cooke - Business & Coaching Psychologist
You've probably heard direct from the guys themselves by now, but they did a great job and managed to complete it before the rain really started to bucket down. I am very happy with the level of service that they provided - it's nice to see people taking pride in their work and adding a few extras to ensure that the customer is happy.
Jane Dell, Owner of JaDe Business Solutions
This is the second time that Henley has worked with us, extremely reliable and genuine. As a result I now work in a wonderful home office, just perfect for the location in the garden. My new office is a totally work conducive environment, perfect for me in providing the right business solutions for my clients.
Dan Metcalfe - CEO Mobisoft Corporation
I am compelled to write you an email to say how impressed I am with your organisation. It is rare (these days) that a company gets it so right. The service I have received from you throughout has been flawless – thank you. The installation team have been highly professional, polite, and efficient – I cannot praise them enough and their attention to detail - superb.
The building itself is very high quality. Actually I can't recall the last time I have dealt with a company where there have been no issues throughout the whole transaction – well you have achieved it – great work!
Martin Rowsell - Director at Simply Marvellous Creative
Henley looked like a company that could offer us the type of outdoor space we required. When approached with questions, John and his staff were always friendly and helpful and came back promptly with answers.
We went ahead and ordered - the team that came to build it were efficient and finished on time. We are delighted and would definitely recommend them to anybody else
Brian Burke - Bishop Stortford
The Henley team showed excellent attention to detail, effectively project managing everything from ground clearance through to final construction, connection of electrics and installation of furniture. I would happily recommend John and his team to anyone.
Jonathan Davey – Social Media Directors
My Henley is the best single investment I have made in my 10+ years in business and the only asset that hasn't let me down… wish I could say the same about the 7 or 8 computers I've had in the same time frame… and the Audi…
I've had no problems whatsoever with leaks, cold or heat… and especially brilliant when I can open both doors and let that air flow around and around on those hot summer days…


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Mark Reibman Wants To Help You With Your Post Processing
July 13th, 2014
I've been talking to Mark Reibman recently who is one of the original PFRE blog readers and original members of the PFRE flickr forum. Mark was a real estate photographer in the Seattle area back when I started the PFRE blog in 2005.
Mark is now living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with his wife and new son still doing Hotel and baby photography and considering doing post processing for real estate photographers outside of Cambodia because of the convenient time difference (14 hour ahead of US Pacific time).
In the past I've been reprimanded by readers for suggesting that you should do your post processing off-shore but I feel it's different with Mark. I know Mark well, I know his work (he's shot several listings for my wife) and Mark is about as much a part of the PFRE community as one can get. So if you need help with post processing during your busy part of the year contact Mark and have him help you out.
Here is Mark's services description from his website:
Mark provides editing and retouching services for real estate photographers primarily based in North American and European time zones. Mark is currently residing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia +14 to +15 hours ahead of Pacific Time, USA. Images can be easily processed during client's night time hours and be ready by 6AM for delivery for your client. Images can be handled through Dropbox, Box.net or a method of your choosing.
Mark was a real estate photographer for six years prior to his move to Phnom Penh. He has had considerable experience shooting and editing real estate, Interior design and architectural assignments. He can edit ( RAW files ) according to his own techniques or take instructions to adapt editing according to clients standards and 'look'.
Available as per need basis or as an ongoing subcontractor.
Payments can be made through PayPal after completion of image editing.
Contact Mark through email mreib7 at gmail.com or send your phone number and a good time to call.
You can also take look at Mark's work on his flickr account.