text:
The American Heart Association advises that keeping a check on your blood pressure is critical to heart health and preventing stroke.
In a press release, it states: Many individuals don't consider themselves to be candidates for high blood pressure, or know what to look for in terms of risk factors, which is why the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has identified the seven top factors, listed below, that contribute to high blood pressure.
-- Family History -- You share your dad's hair color and your mom's height
but did you know that's not all you share in regards to your genetics?
If your parents or a close blood relative have suffered from high blood
pressure in the past, it puts you at risk as well. Do your research and
get to know your family tree and your loved ones' medical history.
-- Advanced Age - As we get older, we shouldn't be too concerned with the
wrinkles we're showing. We all develop a risk for high blood pressure
and cardiovascular diseases. Blood vessels lose flexibility during the
aging process which contributes to increasing pressure in your
cardiovascular system.
-- Gender Related Risk Patterns -- Who would have known? Men tend to have
a higher percentage of high blood pressure than women until age 45.
Between ages 45 to 64, the percentages between men and
women with high blood pressure are similar. After age 64, women have a
much higher percentage of high blood pressure than men.
-- Lack of Physical Activity -- It's time to stop making excuses and get
out and get moving. An inactive lifestyle increases your chances of
having high blood pressure. Give yourself the gift of improved health
and lower your blood pressure naturally with regular exercise.
-- Poor Diet -- Let's face it, we all need good nutrition to care for our
bodies. A diet that's high in calories, fats and sugars and low in
essential nutrients contributes to poor health. In addition, a diet
that's high in salt is also a contributing factor to having high blood
pressure. Salt keeps excess fluid in the body that can add to the
burden on the heart. The American Heart Association/American Stroke
Association recommends that you keep your sodium intake to less than
1500 mg per day.
-- Weight - Don't have a fear of the scale -- embrace it. Knowing your
ideal weight for your height could help save your life and lower your
risk for high blood pressure. Over two-thirds of American adults are
overweight which causes excess strain on the heart, raises blood
cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol levels. Just by losing as little
as 10 to 20 pounds if you are overweight, can help you take control and
lower your high blood pressure.
-- Drinking too much alcohol -- Yes, you've had a stressful day, but is
that extra glass of wine worth it? Heavy and regular use of alcohol can
increase your blood pressure dramatically. It can also cause heart
failure, lead to stroke and produce irregular heartbeats. If you drink,
limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men
and one drink per day for women.
Visit heart.org/mylifecheck and take the assessment today.
-- To learn to monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis, and share
that information with a healthcare provider or family member, visit
Latest Health
Heart360.org. Further resources on high blood pressure can be found at
-- Visit http://watchlearnlive.heart.org for more information.
For more health news, go to www.dailypress.com/health

subset: commoncrawl


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Stylized Rooster Wall Clock Grey Tartan
- Dimensions (Inches): 14H, 12W, L
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About Elk Group
ELK Group International is a premier designer and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor residential and commercial lighting fixtures, decorative accessories and furniture. Through
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ELK Group's winning team of international designers and engineers create coordinating products with uncompromising detail while ensuring each item is crafted to exceptionally high standards of quality, innovation and design.
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text:
Sound Off
Obama's own Eric Holder supplied guns to Mexican drug cartels without any tough sentence for his actions. We let him speak in Connecticut about gun violence when his actions involved more people including law enforcement agents getting killed.
Reagan worked with the CIA flying guns made without serial numbers so they couldn't be traced to drug traffickers in Latin America. That went on in Clinton's own state of Arkansas while he was governor in the 1980s.
Government officials have supplied weapons to dangerous criminals for decades. We even supply other countries with guns so the people can overthrow their leaders.
Why don't we stop the hypocrisy on gun control? Democrats and Republicans have been supplied enemies with weapons and placed dictators in power.
The 1st Amendment in the Constitution doesn't say Americans have the right to free speech over the Internet either. Now we see the government trying to pass bills to control the Internet.
Drunk driving statistics for Connecticut year 2010. 121 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. 14 under legal drinking age impaired driving fatalities. Drunk driving arrests 9,621.
Alcohol impaired driving crashes account for more deaths in Connecticut than death by mass shootings. Perhaps we should ban motor vehicles? We are more at risk of becoming the victim of a drunk driver than the victim of a deranged gun toting individual. Time for a reality check as to what poses a greater danger to our children.
I see the Republican, Register Citizen is up to its old tricks again. What would that be? you might ask.
Well, it is to plant five articles against Obama and then print two other nonrelated articles. This has happened two days in a row now.
Well here is one for the other side. To the Brain Dead Ditto heads who keep blaming Obama for the state of the economy and the lack of jobs: Wasn't it the Republicans that ran two years ago on a jobs platform?
Now which is it, the Republicans create jobs or they don't government creates jobs or it doesn't?
This is getting crazy! I wish they would make up their minds.
In case they were not paying attention: Housing is up. Stocks are up.
Read the back pages of the Register yesterday. That is were you will see things are getting better. The banks are lending again.
The holiday season was better than expected. The economy is picking up steam.
Oh by the way! We were losing 700,00 jobs per month when they were in office. The economy was in the tank before Bush left office.
Remember Hank Paulson begging our lady Nancy to bail out the banks. right after Georgie boy told the American people everything was OK? Right before Obama took office.
Do you all know why the economy was in the tank in 2007
Because Wall St. was gambling with all your money, that is why. And they were trying to privatize Social Security, so they could keep playing with your money.
It is going to take a little while longer to recover from the mess they left us.
Stop drinking the Fox kool-ade!


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2009. 3. 27. 05:31 Social Network Services
Google Blogs Alert for: online social network
beSpacific: New on LLRX.com - Criminal Law Resources: Social ...
By Sabrina I. Pacifici -
Criminal Law Resources: Social Networking Online and Criminal Justice - The activities of users and the information being posted on social networking sites are having wide ranging effects on the administration of justice, ...
beSpacific - http://www.bespacific.com/
OpEdNews » The Rise of Democracy 2.0: Five Reasons Why Web 2.0 Is ...
"Obama wasn't the only candidate to use Web 2.0 tools during the election campaign," says Fraser, coauthor with Dutta of Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom: How Online Social Networking Will Transform Your Life, Work and World (Wiley, ...
OpEdNews - OpEdNews.Com Progressive,... - http://www.opednews.com/
Online Learning Update
By Ray
Now, Penn's College of Liberal and Professional Studies' (LPS) new Open Learning Commons is using the power of social networking to create an interactive online learning platform that offers courses to audiences around the world. ...
Online Learning Update - http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/onlinelearning/blogger.html
Children's online security | KBCI CBS 2 - News, Weather and Sports ...
BOISE - Like a lot of adults kids are into social networking websites and Ada County Detective Robert Fowler said that's something sex offenders know all-too well. Saturday Ada County's information technology department walked parents ...
KBCI - News - Local - http://www.2news.tv/news/local
Top search engines in December 2008 | IT Facts
By NB
Top search engines in December 2008 · 63% of online shoppers indicated that it was important to have multiple reviews for each product · Managed services for mobile networks generated $19 bln in 2008 · Top Countries by Internet Audience in .... Click fraud at 16.6% in Q4 2007 · 60% of users search online health resources at least monthly · Top US search engines in December 2007 · 14% of health searchers turn to social networks · Top US search engines in December 2007 ...
IT Facts - http://www.itfacts.biz/
The Washington Independent » Conservative Establishment Backs Anti ...
By David Weigel
But we've got a gathering of online activists who are here through Twitter, through other social networks." Last week, CNBC pundit Rick Santelli ripped off his manacles and gave viewers a freewheeling rant about President Obama's ...
The Washington Independent » Politics - http://washingtonindependent.com/
NewsCloud launches Hot Dish: a climate change news application on ...
By reifman
Yesterday, NewsCloud launched a new Facebook application called Hot Dish in partnership with Grist.org, the leading online environmental news source. Hot Dish allows Facebook users to read, discuss, post and share news about climate change, the most serious issue facing ... The Hot Dish application is part of a study being conducted by University of Minnesota researchers to find new ways of engaging young people in current events inside social networks such as Facebook. ...
NetSquared, an initiative of... - http://www.netsquared.org/blog
Twitter -- the new way to talk - Staten Island Real-Time News ...
By Maura Yates
Tech-savvy gadget gurus have begun to embrace Twitter, the latest free social-networking Web site that allows people to stay in touch through "tweets," short messages of 140 characters or less. Twitter messages can be sent from a ... The online messages are a way to show friends and family members, "even if I can't call them, I'm thinking about them," Nally said. Besides, if he tried to call each person individually, "all my rent money would go to my phone bill," he said. ...
SILive: Featured Entries - Breaking News - http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/
The PaaS Era - Parts I and II (A Era PaaS-Plataforma como um ...
By jccavalcanti
Hoffman is not surprised that this model is gaining traction: "CRM and other software companies are increasingly encouraging developers to build applications on their platforms and to distribute those applications online as a turnkey solution," he told CRM Buyer. ... "Rather than company databases becoming obsolete, social networking mashups have the potential to keep them up to date. Having these capabilities gives us the opportunity to let our imaginations go wild." ...
JCC.COM - http://jccavalcanti.wordpress.com/
twitter and social networking internet radio show 2/28/2009 ...
Show Name: DeAnna Troupe Teaches Online Networking. Length: 30 min. Description: h:30709 s:418376. I'll be discussing twitter, myspace, Facebook, Ning, and other social networking sites. My goal is to help you become familiar with ...
BlogTalkRadio.com On Air Shows - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/
Your Digital Reputation Is Of Paramount Importance
By Adam Singer
Your online reputation matters more than most realize. Protect it, nurture it and how to avoid missteps which can potentially ruin it. ... The obvious examples of reputations being ruined are people losing their jobs from inappropriate/ unprofessional photos on their social networking profiles. Sadly, many do not realize those are public spaces. But what's not so obvious is negativity or attacks on other companies or professionals in a manner which is derogatory and/or ...
The Future Buzz - http://thefuturebuzz.com/
Dear LA Times: Are you kidding me? | Comments from Left Field
Though even a year ago it would've been a slow and difficult process to chronicle a widely scattered protest such as this, the online community is now mastering the art of high-speed media sharing, a trend that can unite geographically disparate communities via the Web. ... Social networking has been around for a long time — don't expect the MSM to mention it, or anything about the more massive protests from the left, though. They're too busy teabagging Michelle Malkin. ...
Comments from Left Field - http://commentsfromleftfield.com/
This as-it-happens Google Alert is brought to you by Google.
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text:
Lace plants explain programmed cell death
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a highly regulated process that occurs in all animals and plants as part of normal development and in response to the environment. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Plant Biology is the first to document the physiological events in the lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) which occur via PCD to produce the characteristic holes in its leaves.
The aquatic lace plant, endemic to Madagascar, uses PCD to generate holes in its leaves. Researchers from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, used long-term live cell imaging, time-lapse micro-photography and detailed staining to see what actually happens inside individual cells of the lace plant leaves during this process.
PCD always begins in the centre of areoles (areas surrounded by veins) and works its way out, finally stopping four or five cells away from the vein. Within these areoles the stage of PCD can be visually determined by pigmentation. Non-PCD cells contain anthocyanin which is pink. As PCD progresses (early-PCD) the anthocyanin disappears but green chlorophyll remains. By late-PCD, both of these pigments have been lost.
Arunika Gunawardena, who led this research, described what actually happens in more detail, "After the loss of anthocyanin, we saw a reduction in the number and size of chloroplasts concurrent with changes in the actin cytoskeleton, which normally supports the cell from the inside. Actin cables became thicker, but their arrangement became more haphazard (until late-PCD when they began to disappear)."
As PCD progressed chloroplasts and mitochondria (the energy centres of the cell) began to aggregate together and were brought into the acidic vacuole to be degraded - a process that was confirmed using 3D image analysis. Additionally, the researchers found evidence of autophagy (where the cells literally begin to 'eat' themselves from the inside) and discovered organelle-like remnants inside vesicles.
Dr Gunawardena continued, "For each cell we observed, eventually the tonoplast ruptured, and the plasma membrane surrounding the cell collapsed. It only takes 48 hours from the first noticeable loss in chlorophyll until the plasma membrane shrinks, and by 24 hours after this event the cell wall disappears."
This is the first research to use such a variety of visual techniques to look at a process that affects almost every cell type at some stage of an organism's life. These pictures and videos provide a fascinating insight into how the lace plant has high-jacked PCD to produce its quirky, yet beautiful, leaves.
Explore further


text:
Fact-Checking Nicki Minaj: Is She Really a Republican Voting for Mitt Romney?
"I'm a Republican voting for Mitt Romney/you lazy bitches are fucking up the economy," Nicki Minaj raps on Lil' Wayne's new mixtape Dedication 4. But is she really? While the credulous lamestream media is reporting on Minaj's pronouncement as the truth, we're more skeptical. So we've put the Gawker Fact-Checking Team (me) on the case and fact-checked her Romney endorsement — as well as the rest of her verse on the song:
- "I'm a Republican voting for Mitt Romney."
Fact check: Mostly false. A search of voter rolls in California and New York, where Minaj maintains homes, comes up empty; which means that not only is Minaj not a registered Republican voting for Mitt Romney, she's not voting at all unless she registers soon. (It's also unclear whether or not Minaj, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, is an American citizen.)
- "You lazy bitches are fucking up the economy"
Fact check: Pants on Fire. As Matt Yglesias writes at Slate, "An economy with adequate aggregate demand that suffers a policy-induced negative shock to its labor supply ought to see inflation — constant demand chasing fewer workers equals higher prices — which hasn't been the American experience."
- "I came from Trinidad on a temporary visa."
Fact check: Unclear. Minaj moved from Trinidad and Tobago to Queens when she was five, but we can't find out what her immigration status was at the time.
- "Fuck your Lambo/Fuck your Merce/I got more money/In my fucking purse"
Fact check:
LikelyFalse. Assuming Minaj is referring to the cheapest models of Lamborgini and Mercedes-Benz — the $187,000 LP 550-2 and the $35,000 C250, respectively — she's claiming that she carries around some $222,000 in her purse, or about 9.5" of $100 bills stacked on top of one another. While not out of the question, the scenario seems unlikely. Update: We've been informed that "Merce" refers to the Lamborghini Murcielago, which has an MSRP of $382,000, or about 16.4" of bills, stacked. We're upgrading this one to False.
- "In Malibu, I'm by the sea section/And all these bitches is my sons (yeah, c-section)."
Fact check: Pathological. While Malibu abuts the Pacific Ocean, no part of it is near a sea, and there is no Malibu "sea section." Furthermore, Minaj has no children, and there's no evidence that all the bitches in Malibu are her sons.
- "Out in Miami I be chillin' with a zombie."
Fact check: Totally false. Zombies are not real.


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And Italian food does not get more authentic than being served by a kindly 70-something in her living/dining room, her husband ousted from his easy chair to make room for you and your dining companions just minutes before the first anitpasti is served.
This was all part of the package served up just next door from our agriturismo, at another B&B that welcomes visitors for dinner in less busy times of the year. And so it was that for 30 Euros person, we were treated to a five-course meal (wine and digestifs included) by Giuseppa, the lady of the house, and her elderly sister, who watched us eat with such a smile on her face it's as if she could taste the food herself.
Authentic, simple, and about the 100th reason why I will always travel - for experiences like this.
Giuseppa, the hostess/chef/surrogate mom
Fellow dinner guests, Martin and Anna-Maria from Germany
The rest of the eating area
This was far better than the photo suggests
A choice of homemade digestifs... firewater!


text: MMK Maalaala Mo Kaya November 21 2020 Replay Full Episode HD Video. Thousands of people from Philipines and the rest of the world watch Pinoy Tambayan Tv Replay online. MMK Maalaala Mo Kaya November 21 Pinoy Channel Has a Lot of Dramas Tv List That on Air in The Filipino Dramas.


text:
RaviBg wrote:Any idea when RayC's interview in telegraph will be published?
They interviewed me today. No idea when it will be published or will it be published. Hopefully, it will not deviate from the original if and when published.
Nothing extraordinary but I hope I was more forceful than what has been said so far.
They were nice enough to present me with the book, In the Line of Fire. However, the book is so megalomaniac in content, that it puts one off. And worse still is old Musharraf's bedtime stories on Kargil.


text:
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Join forces with us against the root causes of global poverty, inequality and injustice.
War on Want depends on you
The commitment of our many thousands of supporters, members, activists, affiliates and donors is crucial to growing the movement for global justice. There are lots of ways to get involved and join our fight against greed and oppression.
Voices of Resistance
War on Want works directly with inspirational grassroots groups of people who are on the front line of the battle against poverty and injustice.


text: New vehicle pricing includes all offers and incentives. Tax, Title and Tags not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. Additionally, pricing does not include options and accessories that may have been installed at the dealership. Prices do include Destination and Handling fees. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling is at (87) 893-7507 or by visiting us at the dealership.


text:
An environmental planner tries to minimize the environmental impacts of housing, industrial, and transportation-related construction projects. Environmental planners help project managers navigate the environmental permitting process where they review a site to investigate potential environmental effects. This includes the effects of natural disasters.
Educational Resources - Search Tool
My NASA Data has recently released several new resources, story maps, for use in educational settings.
Environmental engineers use the basis of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to problems in the environment. Some of their efforts involve recycling, waste disposal, public health, water and air pollution control. Many are engaged in solving practical, yet global issues such as unsafe drinking water, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
The world's surface air temperature is getting warmer. Whether the cause is human activity or natural changes in the Earth System—and the enormous body of evidence says it's humans—thermometer readings all around the world have risen steadily since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
Scientific data are often represented by assigning ranges of numbers to specific colors. The colors are then used to make false color images which allow us to see patterns more easily. Students will make a false-color image using a set of numbers.
The My NASA Data visualization tool, Earth System Data Explorer (ESDE), helps learners visualize complex Earth System data sets over space and time. Visit this page to review the datasets we have available to you and their organization by Earth System sphere, science variable, dataset name, and start/end dates.
At the core of scientific visualization is the representation of data graphically - through images, animations, and videos - to improve understanding and develop insight. Data visualizers develop data-driven images, maps, and visualizations from information collected by Earth-observing satellites, airborne missions, and ground measurements. Visualizations allow us to explore data, phenomena and behavior; they are particularly effective for showing large scales of time and space, and "invisible" processes (e.g. flows of energy and matter) as integral parts of the models.
This activity is one of a series in the collection, The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change activities.
This graphic organizer may be used to help students analyze the processes and components of Earth System phenomena.
Information from satellites if often used to display information about objects. This information can include how things appear, as well as their contents. Explore how pixel data sequences can be used to create an image and interpret it.


text:
Atheist: "Christology" Rests Upon a Mistake
By TG Baker
Christology rests upon a mistake. This is a simple statement that could be easily understood by much of the various Christian denominations. As so it means the invalidity of the Christian Faith since it rests upon its own Christology.
Christology or how and why Jesus saves is based upon the idea that the Genesis account of Creation is real. However, much of Christendom apart from conservative evangelicals and fundamentalists knows how the universe began and that evolution is factual. They also affirm that the Genesis account of the Creation and Adam and Eve or mythological. It is unlikely for example that plants were created a day before the sun, moon and stars as in presented in Genesis. Also there is plenty of fossil and genetic evidence that humankind has been about hundreds of thousands of years.
Since the Creation and the Fall are mythological and not literal accounts there is no basis to assume there is original sin. Christology is based upon original sin. The death of Jesus upon the cross is a sacrifice (propitiation) for that sin. Paul argues it, "As in Adam all have sinned and died so in Christ all are made alive." Since there was no Adam, Eve, Eden, or Fall then there is no basis for a need of salvation. Jesus did not die for your sins. He died because of his teachings.


text:
More than four in five technologies developed globally never make it to the commercial world, due to their inability to cross the "Valley of Death"—the virtual chasm that separates applied research from technology demonstration—according to analyst firm Frost & Sullivan.
Often this is due to businesses and investors failing to understand the true market potential of a given technology platform and evaluate the risk-reward elements. It is therefore important, the analyst house says, to appraise technology maturity and adoption ratings, and identify convergence opportunities across various industry sectors.
To get out of the "Valley of Death" investors have to focus on the long-term potential of their technology and the true value it can bring, said Frost & Sullivan's Practice Director for Technical Insights (Europe), Ankit Shukla.
"Innovative products are different; they are not complied with existing standards. Sometimes revenues are not so obvious and ROI can take more time," Shukla said. "The important aspect here is to educate end-users and society about the benefits innovative technology products can bring." (See also "Design fail! Our top 10 PC product peeves.")
Ahead of its Global Community of Growth, Innovation and Leadership Annual Congress (GIL 2013), Frost & Sullivan has identified 50 of the most innovative technologies in the world, as well as various convergence opportunities enabled by a combination of the technologies.
The selected technologies fall into nine categories—Sensors & Control, Materials & Coatings, Clean & Green Environment, Information & Communication Technology, Microelectronics, Sustainable Energy, Health & Wellness, Medical Devices & Imaging Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing & Automation.
One example of a convergence opportunity is augmented reality for predictive remote patient monitoring. This brings together ICT technologies (augmented reality, cloud computing, Big Data analytics, and data visualization) and sensors (ubiquitous wireless sensor network, nano-sensors, and CBRNE sensors).
Frost & Sullivan claims that the combination of these ICT and sensor technologies could provide personalized disease management tools that help better manage predicted symptoms, chronic illness, and episodic acute conditions.
The 50 technologies will be unveiled at http://gil-events.gilcommunity.com/events/europe/agenda/">GIL 2013: Europe, where their true market potential will also be discussed.
This story, "Most innovations fail in the 'Valley of Death,' analysts say" was originally published by Techworld.com.


text:
Scivation Xtend - Watermelon Madness-
Scivation Xtend - Watermelon Madness
Amino Acid Supplement
90 Servings
AllegroMedical.com presents The Scivation Xtend - Watermelon Madness Amino Acid Supplement. Intra-Workout Catalyst. Enhances muscle building and strength. 7G BCAAs – 2:1:1 proven ratio. Increases fat burning. Helps speed recovery. Zero sugar or carbs. Maximize training intensity and promote optimal muscle protein synthesis and recovery with Scivation Xtend: Stimulate and support muscle protein synthesis and provide metabolic energy with research-validated 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine, the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Support higher training volumes by facilitating rapid ATP turnover and lactate reabsorption. Ensure optimal BCAA aminotransferase reactions by delivering the rate-limiting cofactors. Optimize cell hydration and muscular contractile function, especially under brutal training conditions by employing hypercritical and vital electrolytes.
As a dietary supplement, mix one scoop 8-10 oz. of water. Shake well and consume during exercise on training days, or throughout the day on non-training days.
Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Sucralose, Soy Lecithin, Malic Acid, Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), FD&C Red Lake #40.
Allergen Warning: Produced on equipment that also processes dairy, wheat, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, sesame, almonds or other tree nuts, sulfites or corn.
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Scivation Xtend - Watermelon Madness
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Part Number(s): 827 583170 02, 827 583170 01
Mfg Part Number(s): 3740098, 3740099
Scrip Part Number(s): 827 583170 01, 827 583170 02
Because our price on this item is lower than the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the manufacturer does not allow us to show you our price until you place the item in your shopping cart. Retailers like Allegro Medical have the legal right to sell products at prices we set. However, adding the item to your cart allows us to show you our lower price consistent with our promise of always offering you the lowest possible prices on the widest selection of medical supplies, medical equipment and life enhancing products.
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Epson 2 Year Extended Warranty
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Tax Map Search:
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How To Get Tax Help
Whether it's help with a tax issue, preparing your tax return or a need for a free publication or form, get the help you need the way you want it: online, use a smart phone, call or walk in to an IRS office or volunteer site near you.
Free help with your tax return.
You can get free help preparing your return nationwide from IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps low-to-moderate income, elderly, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program helps taxpayers age 60 and older with their tax returns. Most VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic filing and all volunteers will let you know about credits and deductions you may be entitled to claim. In addition, some VITA and TCE sites provide taxpayers the opportunity to prepare their own return with help from an IRS-certified volunteer. To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, you can use the VITA Locator Tool on IRS.gov, download the IRS2Go app, or call 1-800-906-9887.
As part of the TCE program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program. To find the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit AARP's website at
or call 1-888-227-7669. For more information on these programs, go to IRS.gov and enter "VITA" in the search box.
are ready when you are —24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Download the free IRS2Go app from the iTunes app store or from Google Play. Use it to check your refund status, order transcripts of your tax returns or tax account, watch the IRS YouTube channel, get IRS news as soon as it's released to the public, subscribe to filing season updates or daily tax tips, and follow the IRS Twitter news feed, @IRSnews, to get the latest federal tax news, including information about tax law changes and important IRS programs.
Check the status of your 2013 refund with the
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application on IRS.gov or download the IRS2Go app and select the
Refund Status
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Where's My Refund?
every 24 hours, usually overnight, so you only need to check once a day.
Use the
Interactive Tax Assistant
(ITA) to research your tax questions. No need to wait on the phone or stand in line. The ITA is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides you with a variety of tax information related to general filing topics, deductions, credits, and income. When you reach the response screen, you can print the entire interview and the final response for your records. New subject areas are added on a regular basis.
Answers not provided through ITA may be found in
Tax Trails
, one of the Tax Topics on IRS.gov which contain general individual and business tax information or by searching the
IRS Tax Map
, which includes an
international subject index
. You can use the
IRS Tax Map
, to search publications and instructions by topic or keyword. The IRS Tax Map integrates forms and publications into one research tool and provides single-point access to tax law information by subject. When the user searches the IRS Tax Map, they will be provided with links to related content in existing IRS publications, forms and instructions, questions and answers, and Tax Topics.
Coming this filing season, you can immediately view and print for free all 5 types of individual federal tax transcripts (tax returns, tax account, record of account, wage and income statement, and certification of non-filing) using
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. You can also ask the IRS to mail a return or an account transcript to you. Only the mail option is available by choosing the
Tax Records
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Mail Transcript
on IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946. Tax return and tax account transcripts are generally available for the current year and the past three years.
Determine if you are eligible for the EITC and estimate the amount of the credit with the
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Assistant
Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter
to get answers to questions about a notice or letter you received from the IRS.
If you received the First Time Homebuyer Credit, you can use the
First Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up
tool for information on your repayments and account balance.
Check the status of your amended return using
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Go to IRS.gov and enter
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in the search box. You can generally expect your amended return to be processed up to 12 weeks from the date we receive it. It can take up to 3 weeks from the date you mailed it to show up in our system.
Make a payment using one of several safe and convenient electronic payment options available on IRS.gov. Select the Payment tab on the front page of IRS.gov for more information.
Determine if you are eligible and apply for an
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, if you owe more tax than you can pay today.
Figure your income tax withholding with the
IRS Withholding Calculator
on IRS.gov. Use it if you've had too much or too little withheld, your personal situation has changed, you're starting a new job or you just want to see if you're having the right amount withheld.
Determine if you might be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax by using the
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on IRS.gov.
Request an
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by going to IRS.gov and entering
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in the search box.
Download forms, instructions and publications, including accessible versions for people with disabilities.
Locate the nearest
Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)
using the
Office Locator
tool on IRS.gov, or choose the
Contact Us
option on the IRS2Go app and search
Local Offices
. An employee can answer questions about your tax account or help you set up a payment plan. Before you visit, check the
Office Locator
on IRS.gov, or
Local Offices
under Contact Us on IRS2Go to confirm the address, phone number, days and hours of operation, and the services provided. If you have a special need, such as a disability, you can request an appointment. Call the local number listed in the Office Locator, or look in the phone book under United States Government, Internal Revenue Service.
Apply for an
Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Go to IRS.gov and enter
Apply for an EIN
in the search box.
Read the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, or other official guidance.
Read Internal Revenue Bulletins.
Sign up to receive local and national tax news and more by email. Just click on "subscriptions" above the search box on IRS.gov and choose from a variety of options.
You can call the IRS, or you can carry it in your pocket with the IRS2Go app on your smart phone or tablet. Download the free IRS2Go app from the iTunes app store or from Google Play.
Call to locate the nearest volunteer help site, 1-800-906-9887 or you can use the VITA Locator Tool on IRS.gov, or download the IRS2Go app. Low-to-moderate income, elderly, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers can get free help with their tax return from the nationwide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program helps taxpayers age 60 and older with their tax returns. Most VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic filing. Some VITA and TCE sites provide IRS-certified volunteers who can help prepare your tax return. Through the TCE program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program; call 1-888-227-7669 to find the nearest Tax-Aide location.
Call the automated
Where's My Refund?
information hotline to check the status of your 2013 refund 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-829-1954. If you e-file, you can start checking on the status of your return within 24 hours after the IRS receives your tax return or 4 weeks after you've mailed a paper return. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.
Where's My Refund?
will give you a personalized refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. Before you call this automated hotline, have your 2013 tax return handy so you can enter your social security number, your filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. The IRS updates
Where's My Refund?
every 24 hours, usually overnight, so you only need to check once a day. Note, the above information is for our automated hotline. Our live phone and walk-in assistors can research the status of your refund only if it's been 21 days or more since you filed electronically or more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return.
Call the
Amended Return Hotline
, 1-866-464-2050, to check the status of your amended return. You can generally expect your amended return to be processed up to 12 weeks from the date we receive it. It can take up to 3 weeks from the date you mailed it to show up in our system.
Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to order current-year forms, instructions, publications, and prior-year forms and instructions (limited to 5 years). You should receive your order within 10 business days.
1-800-829-4477, to listen to pre-recorded messages covering general and business tax information. If, between January and April 15, you still have questions about the Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ (like filing requirements, dependents, credits, Schedule D, pensions and IRAs or self-employment taxes), call 1-800-829-1040.
Call using TTY/TDD equipment, 1-800-829-4059 to ask tax questions or order forms and publications. The TTY/TDD telephone number is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. These individuals can also contact the IRS through relay services such as the
Federal Relay Service
You can find a selection of forms, publications and services — in-person.
Products. You can walk in to some post offices, libraries, and IRS offices to pick up certain forms, instructions, and publications. Some IRS offices, libraries, and city and county government offices have a collection of products available to photocopy from reproducible proofs.
Services. You can walk in to your local TAC for face-to-face tax help. An employee can answer questions about your tax account or help you set up a payment plan. Before visiting, use the
Office Locator
tool on IRS.gov, or choose the
Contact Us
option on the IRS2Go app and search
Local Offices
for days and hours of operation, and services provided.
You can send your order for forms, instructions, and publications to the address below. You should receive a response within 10 business days after your request is received.
Internal Revenue Service
1201 N. Mitsubishi Motorway
Bloomington, IL 61705-6613
The Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Here to Help You.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
is your voice at the IRS. Our job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights.
What can TAS do for you? We can offer you free help with IRS problems that you can't resolve on your own. We know this process can be confusing, but the worst thing you can do is nothing at all! TAS can help if you can't resolve your tax problem and:
Your problem is causing financial difficulties for you, your family, or your business.
You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action.
You've tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded, or the IRS hasn't responded by the date promised.
If you qualify for our help, you'll be assigned to one advocate who'll be with you at every turn and will do everything possible to resolve your problem. Here's why we can help:
TAS is an independent organization within the IRS.
Our advocates know how to work with the IRS.
Our services are free and tailored to meet your needs.
We have offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
How can you reach us? If you think TAS can help you, call your local advocate, whose number is in your local directory and at
, or call us toll-free at 1-877-777-4778.
How else does TAS help taxpayers?
TAS also works to resolve large-scale, systemic problems that affect many taxpayers. If you know of one of these broad issues, please report it to us through our Systemic Advocacy Management System at
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs)
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) serve individuals whose income is below a certain level and need to resolve tax problems such as audits, appeals and tax collection disputes. Some clinics can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Visit
or see IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.
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Multi-dose Pharmacokinetics and Dose Ranging of Inositol in Premature Infants (INS-2) (INS-2)
|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: NCT01030575
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : December 11, 2009
Last Update Posted : March 22, 2019
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Infant, Newborn Infant, Low Birth Weight Infant, Small for Gestational Age Infant, Premature Retinopathy of Prematurity Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
|Drug: Inositol lower volume Drug: Inositol mid-level volume Drug: Inositol high volume Drug: Placebo low volume
|Phase 2
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an abnormal growth of the blood vessels in the eye that occurs primarily in very premature infants. Eye development occurs normally in the womb; in infants born prematurely, however, the blood vessels must finish developing outside the protective environment of the uterus. Retinopathy of prematurity (also known as retrolental fibroplasia) is a leading cause of blindness and other vision impairments (myopia, strabismus, and amblyopia) in children, both in developed and developing countries.
Inositol is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol produced by the fetus and placenta and is present in high levels in fetal blood throughout pregnancy in humans and other animals. Serum levels fall rapidly after birth, although this fall is moderated in infants who receive breast milk or fortified formula. Two randomized trials have shown that intravenous inositol supplementation in the first week significantly reduced death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and retinopathy. One study of enteral supplements (given orally or via feeding tube) was less convincing, but also supported reduction of retinopathy.
This pilot study will evaluate changes in blood and urine inositol levels (half-life pharmacokinetics) of multiple doses of myo-inositol (provided by Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Nutrition Division) given to very low birth weight infants. The premise is that maintaining inositol concentrations similar to those occurring naturally in utero will reduce the rates of retinopathy and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. Results from this study will be used to select the dose for a large multi-center trial.
In this study, 17 NICHD Neonatal Research Network sites will enroll approximately 96 infants at 12-72 hours of age. Enrolled infants will be randomly assigned to receive either 10mg/kg of 5% inositol, 40 mg/kg of 5% inositol, 80 mg/kg of 5% inositol, or 5% glucose given in the same volumes and timings as the inositol dosage to maintain masking. Inositol will be administered intravenously until babies are feeding normally, at which time the same dose and formulation will be administered enterally (orally or via feeding tube). Concentrations of inositol will be measured in blood, urine, and milk received.
Stratification: Recruitment will be stratified by gestational age into infants born at 23 0/7 to 26 6/7 weeks gestational age and infants born at 27 0/7 to 29 6/7 weeks gestational age.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|125 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Phase II Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Dose-Ranging Study of Multiple Doses of Inositol in Premature Infants
|Study Start Date :
|January 2010
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|May 2011
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|September 2013
Experimental: Inositol low volume
10 mg/kg/day Intravenous inositol 5%
Drug: Inositol lower volume
5 mg/kg/dose inositol every 12 hours, given intravenously over 20 minutes
Other Name: Myo-inositol 5%
Experimental: Inositol mid-level volume
40 mg/kg/day Intravenous inositol 5%
Drug: Inositol mid-level volume
20 mg/kg/dose inositol every 12 hours, given intravenously over 20 minutes
Other Name: Myo-inositol 5%
Experimental: Inositol high volume
80 mg/kg/day Intravenous inositol 5%
Drug: Inositol high volume
40 mg/kg/dose inositol every 12 hours, given intravenously over 20 minutes
Other Name: Myo-inositol 5%
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Glucose 5% given in volumes equal to that of the comparator drug
Drug: Placebo low volume
Glucose 5% given in volumes equal to that of the comparator drug
Other Name: Dextrose
- Population pharmacokinetics [ Time Frame: Until 10 weeks of age or hospital discharge ]
- Adverse events during and following infusion, using a neonatal toxicity classification [ Time Frame: Until hospital discharge ]
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:
|up to 72 Hours (Child)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 23 0/7 to 26 6/7 weeks gestational age (48 infants) or
- 27 0/7 to 29 6/7 weeks gestational age (48 infants)
- 401 grams birth weight or larger
- 12-72 hours of age
Exclusion Criteria:
- Major congenital and intracranial anomalies
- Moribund or not to be provided continued support
- Seizures
- Suspected renal failure (oliguria <0.6 cc/kg/hr for >24 hours or creatinine >2.5 mg/dL)
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): NCT01030575
|Principal Investigator:
|Abbot R. Laptook, MD
|Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
|Principal Investigator:
|Michele C. Walsh, MD MS
|Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
|Principal Investigator:
|Ronald N. Goldberg, MD
|Duke University
|Principal Investigator:
|Barbara J. Stoll, MD
|Emory University
|Principal Investigator:
|Brenda B. Poindexter, MD MS
|Indiana University
|Principal Investigator:
|Abhik Das, PhD
|RTI International
|Principal Investigator:
|Krisa P. Van Meurs, MD
|Stanford University
|Principal Investigator:
|Ivan D. Frantz III, MD
|Tufts Medical Center
|Principal Investigator:
|Kurt Schibler, MD
|Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
|Principal Investigator:
|Waldemar A. Carlo, MD
|University of Alabama at Birmingham
|Principal Investigator:
|Edward F Bell, MD
|University of Iowa
|Principal Investigator:
|Kristi L. Watterberg, MD
|University of New Mexico
|Principal Investigator:
|Dale L. Phelps, MD
|University of Rochester
|Principal Investigator:
|Pablo J. Sanchez, MD
|University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
|Principal Investigator:
|Kathleen A. Kennedy, MD MPH
|The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
|Principal Investigator:
|Roger G. Faix, MD
|University of Utah
|Principal Investigator:
|Seetha Shankaran, MD
|Wayne State University
|Principal Investigator:
|Richard A. Ehrenkranz, MD
|Yale University
Publications of Results:
|Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
|Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
NICHD Neonatal Research Network
Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW)
Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW)
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Premature Birth
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Retinal Diseases
Infant, Premature, Diseases
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Birth Weight
Obstetric Labor Complications
Pregnancy Complications
Eye Diseases
Body Weight
Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
Lung Injury
Lung Diseases
Respiratory Tract Diseases
Infant, Newborn, Diseases
Vitamin B Complex
Growth Substances
Physiological Effects of Drugs


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BERKSHIRE LEAGUE SOFTBALL: Wide open competition for BL title
Last season's Berkshire League champions Northwestern will have hard time repeating this season, because of the loss of their top two starting pitchers, Brittany Martel and Kim Newkirk and other important pieces of their championship team.
"I've lost very important people, I lost my two pitchers and I lost a shortstop," said Highlander head coach Stacey Zematis. "They are hard to replace on the field and at the bats."
Even though with the turnover Zematis knows that even if here team doesn't repeat, they will be a hard working team.
"I have a great returning team, they are working unbelievably hard. They know were missing stuff, we still talk to have high expectations but we know were not going to be where we were last year," said Zematis. "I always tell the kids work to your potential, if fourth is our potential, if sixth is our potential then I'll be happy with that."
With the Highlanders down this season, it opens the door up for other teams in the Berkshire League to compete with the Highlanders for a chance at the title.
"The Berkshire League will be very competitive this year with five to six teams that can win any given day. Every team has to bring their best," said Lewis Mills head coach David Bohmer. "We have has great leadershipwith our upper classman, combined with the strong class coming in we should be right in the mix this year."
Mills and Northwestern are just two of the five to six teams who can win the league title.
"Mills and Terryville are the top picks. I think Nonnewaug is there, and I think Thomaston from what I hear has a new freshman pitcher which then allows Abby (Hurlbert) to go play somewhere else," said Zematis. "Anybody can step up, strategy comes into softball a lot, if you can play a small game and get runners on and score a run, you have a good shot to win."
Thomaston Golden Bears, second year coach Kelly Finlay expects her team to be right up there competing with the best of the Berkshire League this season.
"We look forward to this season and competing against the usual top contenders in the Berkshire League," said Finlay. "We have a strong group of returning players who show experience and knowledge about the game."
The softball season gets underway on Wednesday, April 3.
Key dates on the Berkshire League schedule this season
Head coach: Mark Douglass
Years with team: 12th season
2012 results: 6-14
Key losses: Courtney Hoxie, shortstop; Carissa Tuozzo, outfielder; Shannon Tuozzo, outfielder; Jelly DeLaPaz, outfielder.
Key returners: Rachel Wendel, third baseman; Jamie LaChance, pitcher; Amanda Morhardt, catcher, First Team All-Berskhire League; Mackenzie Russo, outfielder; Emily Owens, second baseman.
Key newcomers: Alyssa Jamieson, shortstop; Amanda Root, outfielder, first baseman.
Team outlook: "We hope to be competitive and make the tournament," said Gilbert head coach, Mark Douglass.
Head coach: Tess Segalla
Years with team: 1st season
2012 results: 5-14
Key losses: Jamie Conklin, senior, shortstop, three-year All-Berkshire League, All-State.
Key returners: Lindsey Olownia, senior, third baseman; Ashley Bosio, junior, center fielder.
Team outlook: "With only three upper classman, this will be a rebuilding year for the young Mountaineers," said Housatonic head coach Tess Segalla.
Lewis Mills
Head coach: David Bohmer
Years with team: 7th season with team, 3rd as head coach
2012 results: 15-5, 15-6 overall
Key losses: Mariah McCann, first base, led team in stolen bases for four yrs, two time first team Berkshire League, junior and senior select team. All-State academic.
Key returners: Senior Captain CC Murphy, catcher, four time first team Berkshire League; Kayla Sargis, senior, second baseman; Amy Powers, junior, captain, pitcher, second team Berkshire League; Gina Daniele, junior, captain, third baseman, second team Berkshire League; Lexi Beaulieu, junior, center fielder; Alyssa Halpin, junior, shortstop.
Head coach: Susan Leigh
Years coaching: 1st season
2012 results: 3-16
Key losses: Shelby Butwell, catcher, 2 time All-State player; Eve Mergenthaler, pitcher; Jenny Cappello; Kirby Bunnell.
Key returners: Tricia Benet, senior, pitcher; Sarah DeMatteis, junior, outfielder; Amy Palermo, junior, catcher; Kate Maclaren, sophomore; second baseman; Teairra Manuel, sophomore, first baseman.
Key newcomers: Riley Cotton; Lexie Diaz; Mackenzie DiMichele; Jessica Newbury; Maddie O'Neill; Lea Vedovelli.
Team outlook: "We are a young team and will have to rely on our incoming freshman to step up to round out key loses from last year. Our goal is to be competitive within the league and improve on last years record," said Litchfield head coach Susan Leigh.
Head coach: Katherine Parlato
2012 results: 13-9
Key retuners: Kiera Sullivan, senior; Brianna Talarico, senior; Sarah Broderick, junior; Shannon Kimberly, junior; Erin Mahoney, junior.
Head coach: Stacey Zematis
Years with team: 13th season
2012 results: 17-1 BL and 18-4 overall
Key losses: Sam Cilenti, shortstop; Brittany Martel, pitcher, Berkshire league First-Team; Kim Newkirk, pitcher; Morgan Gillette, outfielder, to injury.
Key returners: Kristyn Ryan, senior, catcher, First-Team Berkshire League; Liz Newkirk, junior, third baseman; First-Team Berkshire League; Alyssa Castellani, junior, pitcher, outfielder; Kara Deming, junior, outfielder; Jess Seymour, junior, outfield; Hannah Yabrosky, junior, first baseman; Monica Swartley, sophomore, second baseman, pitcher.
"Were trying to figure out where people are going to go because one of the pitchers that I have this year played second for me last year so I have to fill that. Filling short is a big deal, the outfielders, were struggling a little bit," said Zematis. "We're shuffling people around but they are stepping up to the challenge, right now I will say hitting is our challenge which has never been our challenge. Were just working as hard as we can, anybody can beat anyone on any given day."
Key newcomers: Amanda Soltis.
"Amanda Soltis is probably my biggest surprise, she is probably going to play short for me and I didn't really expect that. So far she has shown me that she is going to be able to handle that position so that makes me a little more relieved," said Zematis.
Team outlook: "Even though I lost three, I still have a good returning crew and they all get along which is half the battle with girls. They love to be here, they love the sport, they work hard and I think the biggest battle with girls is having them get along and then they can play in the field," said Zematis. "I have a great senior leader in Kristyn Ryan, she's my only senior so I will look to her to lead us. She is very vocal. she's good at that."
Head coach: Steve Pickett
Years with team: 5th season
2012 results: 4-16
Key losses: Brittany Hartman, shortstop.
Key returners: Kelsey Johnson, sophomore, pitcher; Summer Mercier, junior, catcher; Kailee Munson, junior, first baseman; Kate Dewitte, senior, second baseman; Bridget McCarthy, senior, third basemanl Alli Drzal, junior, shortstop, center fielder; Maired Rosa, junior, left fielder; Mackenzie Dowling, junior, outfielder; Sam Bisignano, senior, right fielder.
Key newcomers: Giana Johnson, freshman, infielder; Maribeth Seeger, freshman, infielder.
Team outlook: "We lost shortstop Brittany Hartman and we must replace her defense and leadership. We return nine starters most with at least two years experience. Our defense was much improved last year we hope that continues this year. We need for our offense to improve and produce more runs this year.
Head coach: Stephanie Konopaske
2012 results: 13-8
Years with team: 3rd season
Key losses: Marissa O'Loughlin; Sarah Ercoli.
Key returners: Jamie Bridge, senior, pitcher; Anna Dupaul, senior, shortstop; Kristina Hull, senior, first baseman; Angel Katiewicz, senior, second baseman; Melissa Gualtieri, senior, centerfielder; Liz Klopp, senior, DH; Jenn Luba, junior, catcher; Molly Northrop, sophomore, third baseman, right fielder.
Key newcomers: Ariana Katiewicz, freshman, right fielder, third baseman; Cassie Brown, senior, left fielder.
Team outlook: "We are hoping to have a successful season in the Berkshire League. We have a strong senior class and some talented newcomers that we will be relying on heavily," said Konopaske.
Head coach: Kelly Finlay and Gene Torrence
Years wth team: Both 2nd season
2012 results: 10-10
Key losses: Bianca Durante, third baseman, pitcher.
Key returners: Abby Dupont, senior, outfielder; Shannon April, senior, infielder; Karley Conway, senior, infielder; Rachael DePaulo, senior, infielder; Alexa Torrence, senior, outfielder; Shaelynn Barone, senior, infielder; Abby Hurlbert, junior, infielder; Erin O'Neill, junior, infielder and outfielder.
Key newcomers: Morgan Sanson, freshman, pitcher; Gabby Hurlbert, freshman, infielder; Julia Romaniello, freshman, infielder, outfielder.
Head coach: Scott Marcucio
Years with team: 7th season
2012 results: 12-10
Key losses: Brooke Bittel, pitcher, outfielder; Megan Layman, outfielder; Kerri Stolle, shortstop, first team Berkshire League All-Star, 2011-2012, first team Class S All-Star 2011-2012.
Key returners: Jenna Lopardo, senior, catcher, infielder; Anna Lowe, senior, shortstop, second baseman; Haley Bergs, junior, outfielder, first baseman; Jade Christensen, junior, infielder; Caroline Hilli, junior, outfielder, first baseman; Malia Rebot, sophomore, pitcher; Maggie Couture, sophomore, outfielder; Mariah Squires, sophomore, outfielder.
Key newcomers: Sydney Bado, third baseman, catcher.
Team outlook: "The team has been working hard every day. The girls have an excellent attitude and a great work ethic. Our goal is to work to our potential and to improve day to day," said Wamogo head coach, Scott Marcucio. "We want to be as competitive as we can throughout the season. As we gain experience and continue to work hard, we'll continue to progress the way we should."


text:
In preparation to the beginning of Qualcomm's developer conference tomorrow, Qualcomm has pre-announced their Snapdragon SDK for Android. This SDK will enable developers to more freely access next-generation technology using APIs specific to Snapdragon processors. Initially, the SDK will only be supported with Qualcomm's latest S4 snapdragon processor, the S4 8960 and is anticipated to support future Snapdragon processors across multiple tiers over time. Note that Qualcomm is not going to support any processors that have come out before the S4 8960, which means that developers will have to only be forward looking with the Snapdragon SDK.
Since the Snapdragon SDK for Android will support the S4 8960, both of Qualcomm's most current developer platform devices will be fully supported. Both the Snapdragon S4 MDP Smartphone as well as the Snapdragon S4 MD Tablet will enable developers to fully utilize the new Snapdragon Android SDK and to test their applications thoroughly on the mobile development platforms before deploying applications with new Snapdragon APIs.
The new features of the Snapdragon APIs in the preview release of the SDK (available today) are a long laundry list of features. The most notable ones are facial processing, burst photo capture, surround sound recording, hardware echo cancellation, sensor gestures (like what we saw at CES on the MDP tablet) and improved indoor location. With the combination of these APIs under one chip and one SDK, there is no doubt that we will see more developers utilizing these features in their applications and more consumers will be able to consider these features standard rather than something unique.
A preview release of the SDK is now available on Qualcomm's developer site and the full SDK will be available to device manufacturers and developers in the coming months.


text:
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Shimano officially announced the long-anticipated release of a new 11-speed XTR mountain bike component group today in both Race and Trail tuned versions. The new XTR M9000 component group includes options for 1x, 2x and 3x front chainring combinations, a new cassette, brakes, front and rear derailleur, shifters, a chain, pedals and wheelsets.
Rhythmic, new 11-40 tooth 11-speed cassette
The new, mountain-specific 11-speed cassette is available in a single configuration Shimano calls a "rhythm step" progression of 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-27-31-35-40 tooth cogs. Depending on the size, the cogs are crafted from aluminum, titanium or steel and employ a carbon fiber gear carrier. Unlike the company's 11-speed road cassettes, the mountain 11-speed works on existing Shimano 10-speed cassette bodies.
Shimano is putting a lot of faith in people wrapping their heads around the rhythm step concept, which essentially refers to selecting tooth counts that result in smooth groupings of gears within so-called power bands of pedaling cadence and effort that are about 30 rpms wide. Some of the gears work well for smooth pedaling—"driving gears" as Shimano calls them—while others make good climbing gears, either for steep pitches or technical ascents.
Complicit in making the system work are the front chainring tooth counts which have significantly changed from prior 2x and 3x versions to create adjacent and accessible gears within these usage bands. And while the math pencils out—and we think the logic of it will likely become intuitive on the trail—it does seem to bias the use of a front derailleur system over a 1x option.
1x, 2x and 3x chainring options
Shimano's new crankset is modular and designed to accommodate 1x, 2x or 3x chainring configurations interchangeably. Essentially, you can go back-and-forth between the chainring configurations without buying new crank arms, though, obviously, shifter, derailleur and possibly chain changes are necessary.
Their long-awaited 1x option comes with 30-, 32-, 34- or 36-teeth, but unlike rival SRAM and other aftermarket manufacturers it does not use a narrow/wide tooth configuration. Instead, Shimano has opted for a new tooth profile that is uniformly wider and taller than on previous chainrings, and has a slightly hooked leading edge. The company claims the profile—when used with its Shadow Plus clutch derailleur—is at least as good as narrow/wide in terms of chain retention in rough terrain.
In an effort to make a more useable combination of gears, Shimano has changed their 2x and 3x tooth counts to better work with the rhythm step gearing. XTR trail uses a 36/26t combo, while XTR Race goes with 38/28t—a departure from the wider spreads of old. Shimano says the 10-tooth jumps makes for better front shifting as well as a more logical spread of gearing ratios. In 3x, Shimano goes to a 40/30/22t from a 42/32/24t combo on the old M985 set.
Cranking it up
Combining metals and carbon fiber ranks highly on the competency scale for Shimano and perhaps nowhere is it more advanced than on the company's high-end HollowGlide chainrings which combine long-wearing titanium teeth with a lightweight carbon fiber and alloy structure.
The new chainrings mate only with the new XTR FC-M9000 Race and XTR FC-M9020 Trail Hollowtech II crank arms which have revised bolt patterns Shimano says makes for stiffer interface and more efficient power transfer. This also means old chainrings don't work with the new crankset and vice-versa.
The Race and Trail cranksets are each tuned to their specific usage with the former being lighter and stiffer, and the latter spec'd to be a bit tougher. The Race version sports a narrow 158mm Q-factor and uses a 3D hollow bonded structure on the non-drive arm while the Trail cranks are cold forged for greater durability and have a standard 168mm Q-factor.
Back on the chain gang
More gears necessitate a narrower chain and Shimano has introduced the CN-HG900-11 to handle the duties. The chain works in all XTR chainring configurations and features the company's HG-X11 asymmetric plate design. This design, in combination with an impregnated surface coating on rollers and inner plates called SIL-TEC, conspires to keep the moving parts smoother operating, quieter and longer lasting, according to Shimano.


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Following the news that two members of Pussy Riot have been sent to remote penal colonies in Russia, UCB Radio asked me on to Paul Hammond's show on to discuss 'Politics and the Pulpit'.
Is a church an appropriate place for political messages? There are two aspects to this question. The first is whether activists should protest in a Church. Was the uninvited 'hooliganism' of Pussy Riot justified? I cited the example of Jesus himself, who caused havoc in the Temple in what was surely a political as well as spiritual protest (see, for example, Mark 11-15). Continue reading "On Politics, Power and the Pulpit"


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Dalton town clerk accused of embezzling funds
Investigators say clerk caught on camera putting money in purse
Court documents show that the Dalton town clerk has been charged with embezzlement after she was arrested last week.
Last week, Dalton officials confirmed that the town clerk had been arrested but wouldn't say what the charges were or even confirm the clerk's identity. But court documents showed that Sandy York was accused of stealing town funds.
Investigators said in the documents that York was caught on a closed-circuit TV system taking $100 in cash from the town's deposits and putting it in her purse.
A longtime resident, York, 64, was elected town clerk in March. No one answered the door at York's home on Monday, and she didn't return phone calls.
According to the court documents, York was released on bail after her arrest. Bail conditions included having no contact with any town officials or being within 100 yards of them. She also cannot go on any town property.
The town clerk's office reopened Monday afternoon with a new set of hours.
Town officials continued to have no comment on the investigation. Selectmen released a statement last week saying they were saddened by the news of York's arrest.
York is scheduled to return to court Oct. 29.


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Yep, I'm still here. At Home Judy is not as much fun as On The Road Judy, for sure. Seems like I really have to scrape to find anything to post
May and June are full of bike events that are important to John and me. Up until my retirement in January 2013, I worked every Saturday and Sunday. So, while everyone was having fun doing these events, I was lugging books at the bookstore. I've been a busy volunteer – anyone who knows me knows that I've done some serious arm-twisting for volunteers on bike events in the past. So, it's been a good chance for me to reciprocate. One of the funnier volunteer gigs was pouring beer (as a volunteer worker for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) at the Motley Crue/Alice Cooper concert. Omg – it was deafening! CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW???? My hearing may not recover for months!
We are lucky in Grand Rapids to have the New Belgium Film Clips and Beer Festival come to town. This is an traveling outdoor film extravaganza of short clips, augmented by great beer – set in Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids, right on the downtown riverbank. Best of all? 100% of the proceeds from this event – beer sales, merchandise sales, raffle tickets (our friend Troy won a $4000 custom fat bike!) go to support the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition. Nearly $14,000 this year! So, one very hot sticky day was donated working setup for the event – I helped push up probably 20 Easy Up tents. My shoulder was so sore the next day, I could hardly move! Worth all the effort – what a wonderful event. Grand Rapids is so lucky to be one of 25 (give or take) cities on this Tour. Here's our site from under one of the Easy Ups….The crowd gathers….Showtime!
The day after the Festival was the Gran Fondo (Italian for Big Ride), a chip-timed 40 or 80 mile bicycle rie from Grand Rapids to the Lake Michigan lakeshore and back. Now in its second year, the Fondo is a fund-raiser for the MSU College of Human Medicine. It was great fun to be a volunteer at the first rest stop on the 80 mile leg – although many of the early riders were in race mode, and didn't stop. Downtown Grand Rapids was transformed to a big street party following the Fondo, punctuated by the Grand Rapids Criterium (bike race) for the afternoon. It was a great weekend for cyclists.
Remember drag racing on your bike when you were a kid? Lining up with another kid, yelling go, and racing to some pre-determined point down the block. Exactly what the Blue Bridge Hustle promised to be. This new event seemed like too much fun to pass up, so I paid my $20 entry fee to race. I'm not fast, but adult bicycle drag-racing just made me laugh to think about it. John was like, "Seriously? You're drag-racing?" It helped that he was out of town that weekend…..Long story short – I won my division. Check out my prize.Nine $40 gift certificates to some of the best restaurants in the area. John has changed his tune to, "I'm really proud of you for entering", but his little act isn't fooling me. Now all I have to do is figure out who Judy Crenshaw is…
In the meantime, there has been lots of work to do on the Fireball. After losing license plates in Utah (2014) and Texas (2013) due to the flimsy license plate bracket that was part of a taillight assembly, John rigged a new bracket. This is our LAST license plate!Taillights were another issue. If you had ever followed at night, we weren't very well lit. All changed with our new LED configuration.
Caulking the underside? Check! Cleaning/waxing? Check! My project list included recovering our dinette seats and painting one wall. I'm very happy with the results.Task list for the Fireball still includes updating the flooring and the radio. But, in the meantime, we're finally going to hit the road for about 10 days. Heading to Nordhouse Dunes, our favorite camping spot in Michigan. After five days, John is leaving to go tent-camping and cycling with the boys in Empire (near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore), and Caroline is coming to camp with her teardrop trailer and her mountain bike. Should be big fun. She can only stay a few days though, then it will be Jezzy, me, the bears, my mountain bike, and the beach for a few days until John reappears. Back to the good life!


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"From the mind-bending idea that four guys dressed as pizza delivery men were going to out-gun all the soldiers at Fort Dix…" –Keith Olbermann (MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann, June 4, 2007)
There was a time when I watched Keith Olbermann with information-starved objectivity. Now, after having a several-years long change of personal and political belief systems (for the better I might add), I've discovered that Olbermann is just as iniquitous in his approach to "informing" the public as his nemesis, Bill O'Reilly whom he accuses almost daily of crimes against humanity (hyperbole) and general immorality. There have been moments when O'Reilly has been more than deserving of such public derision, and I have yet to see the degree of inaccuracies in Olbermann's reporting as egregious and reckless as sometimes espoused by Bill in the "No Spin Zone." But Keith is far from innocent, particularly when it comes to his ignorance of global jihadism and the serious threat that philosophy brings with it.
One only needs read the quote above from last nights' Countdown program to fully appreciate Olbermann's lack of understanding concerning Islamic extremism. The Fort Dix jihadist had no realistic interest in "out-gunning" the forces at Fort Dix army base in New Jersey. Islamic militants simply don't think that way. But reference their efforts beginning with the Iran/Iraq war in the 1980's and up through present day. In almost every case of suicide bombings specifically and Islamic terrorism generally, those directly involved on the frontlines of such operations do not attempt or even want to out-gun the larger force. They simply wish to hurt them. And they go on hurting them until they feel a change has been made as a result of their deeds. The Russian invasion of Afghanistan, also in the 80's, is a fairly pertinent example of what jihadists hope to accomplish, and what they can actually achieve.
Simply, Olbermann prefers to downplay (much like The New York Times) many of the major terrorist threats against the west as hoaxes, and possible wag-the-dog style machinations, that only receives unjustifiable newsworthy exposure by the "right-wing" media. Those involved in said terrorist plots, usually of the home-grown variety, are usually characterized by Olbermann as ineffective dolts, isolated from any real jihadist organization (i.e. al Qaeda) and monetary support–they never would have succeeded anyway (though you can be sure if they did succeed, Keith would be one of the first on the airwaves to lambaste the administration for not doing enough to prevent said terrorist attack.)
Over at Hot Air, Michelle Malkin's fiery blog, they have rightly called Olbermann out on his ineptitude and lack of logical thinking concerning this issue. For a man who derides Bill O'Reilly so often and so ferociously, Mr. Olbermann might be transforming into that which he hates the most.
Video: Olby sneers at the JFK terror plot, questions the timing of everything
posted at 9:29 am on June 5, 2007 by Allahpundit
And to think, some people believe the left doesn't take terrorism seriously.
You'll note, I hope, that even Olby recognizes how dishonest he's being. That's why he feels obliged to mention not once but twice that coincidences do happen and, in his words, "we could probably construct a similar timeline of terror events and their relationship to the haircuts of popular politicians." Why do it, then? Because, as the Truthers are wont to say, he's "just asking questions." Just "airing it," Sullivan style. Make up your own mind.
What he doesn't note is that 9 of the 13 terror alerts he cites were issued prior to Katrina's assault on New Orleans, widely accepted as the beginning of the steep decline of the Bush presidency. It stands to reason that if terror warnings were deliberately timed to "distract," we'd find them congregated around the administration's true crisis moments. Instead, Olby's forced to link the JFK plot to the U.S. Attorneys scandal, which had long since reached critical mass. Where were the terror alerts during the battle over Iraq funding? When Bush first announced the surge? After the Hamdan decision? Even by his own absurd non-logic, it makes more sense to claim that the JFK plot was timed to distract from the amnesty uproar. But Olby can't claim that because Bush is on the left's side on that one, so he's forced to feebly tie it back to Gonzalesgate and the Democratic debate.
He also doesn't seem to grasp that just because the pipeline plot wasn't feasible doesn't mean no attack would have occurred. You've got a group of men with homicidal intent willing to travel internationally to bring off their plan. If they're game for that, they're probably game for walking into a crowd of people and opening up with automatic weapons and grenades. It won't take out an airport, but you might very well top the body count from the London bombings two years ago.
Newsbusters has the full transcript; the clip here is just a mishmash of lowlights, although I did include both times he went out of his way to note that one of the officials who announced the JFK plot was the father of a Fox News reporter. That official: Ray Kelly … commissioner of the NYPD. What would he be doing at a presser related to a major terror bust in New York City? We'll have to wonder, I guess. Finally, pay attention to how Olby treats the biggest bust in his roundup, the UK airline plot from last year. Once again we're treated to the dark nutroots insinuation that somehow it was sparked by Ned Lamont's primary victory over Lieberman. If Olby's genuinely curious as to why U.S. counterterrorist agents wanted to move faster than the Brits did, he need only look to his own network for answers:
Another U.S. official, however, acknowledges there was disagreement over timing. Analysts say that in recent years, American security officials have become edgier than the British in such cases because of missed opportunities leading up to 9/11.
Which is another way of saying that if they didn't move quickly enough and the plot came off, people like Keith Olbermann would be on TV accusing them of having deliberately let it happen. That's Murrow journalism, baby. Trutherism, the whole Trutherism, and nothing but the Trutherism.
Update: Just curious. Does the left even have a workable theory as to how, precisely, terror alerts "distract" the public? Has anyone forgotten about the amnesty bill or the Democratic debate since the JFK story broke? A truly enormous terror plot could be such a big story that it would push everything else off the front page for days, but this clearly wasn't on that scale. (Not to mention the fact that it was announced on a Saturday.) So where does the distraction enter in?


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The publication of New Stories from the South 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of this prestigious series. Obviously, the folks down at Algonquin Books in Chapel Hill know how to put together an appealing anthology. In the introduction to this collection, Amy Hempel notes that of these 25 short stories, 13 of the writers have appeared in this series before and 11 are here for the first time.
Most fans of this anthology will immediately turn to the table of contents to see if their favorite authors are here. This one has a stellar cast: Ron Rash, Wendell Berry, Dorothy Allison, Rick Bass, Tim Gautreaux, Elizabeth Spencer, Ann Pancake and George Singleton are back. Regrettably, Larry Brown and Barry Hannah (both deceased) are not. Over the years, many readers first encountered the works of writers who were destined to become their favorites in this series: William Gay, Tony Earley, Robert Morgan, Lee Smith and Romulus Linney are good examples.
In making their selections, Algonquin sifts through the best of America's literary magazines and quarterlies: Tin House, Appalachian Heritage,The New Yorker, McSweeney's, Oxford American, The Georgia Review, etc. However, the criteria for making the final selections are a bit ambiguous. Editor Amy Hempel notes that all of the stories have "a voice that is distinctly southern." Certainly, the action occurs in distinctively "southern" locations.
For example, "The Coldest Night of the Twentieth Century" takes place in a Tennessee prison in January 1985. The temperature has dropped to 27 degrees below zero and a colorful collection of inmates are imbibing Lysol in a desperate attempt to keep warm while they launch an inept escape plan that requires crawling through the heating system to another cell block where the women prisoners are housed. Then, there is Kenneth Calhoun's "Nightbooming," which is narrated by a young drummer who has taken a job with the Nightblooming Jazzmen. His fellow musicians, who play nothing but New Orleans/Dixieland jazz, are senior citizens who are gradually being decimated by old age. The narrator revels in the charm and courtly grace of the Nightbloomers' world only to belatedly discover that he is participating in their last performance.
Julian, the protagonist of Tim Gautreaux's "Idols," is also drawn to a world that has retreated into the past. Eking out a living by repairing old manual typewriters, Julian finds himself heir to a decaying Mississippi mansion and proceeds to spend his life savings in a vain effort to renovate it. It quickly becomes obvious that both Julian and the house are hopelessly obsolete.
"This Trembling Earth" by Laura Lee Smith deals with another unstable world where a woman living near the Okefenkokee Swamp struggles to support a family that seems either helpless or apathetic. The daughter (an unwed mother with an ailing child) makes no effort to improve her life and the son, filled with a self-destructive anger, is doomed. Smith is a gifted writer; however ,this story's atmosphere is unrelentingly oppressive and bleak.
Then, there is Asheleigh Pederson's "Small and Heavy World," which is inspired by New Orleans in the tragic aftermath of a Katrina. Pederson's characters are tree-dwellers. As the weeks pass and the waters do not recede, a community develops in the trees. Life goes on in the tree houses, and each day is spent foraging for food and supplies. Even in these desperate circumstances, the same domestic problems flourish: theft, adultery, father/son rivalry, etc.
The largest number of stories that share a common theme are variations of child abuse and/or neglect. "The Ascent" by Ron Rash captures the alienation of a young boy who literally steals from the dead and passes the purloined items to his drug-addicted parents who sell them. The boy has stumbled on the wreckage of a crashed plane; he steals personal items from the frozen bodies and takes the home. Eventually, the boy comes to feel more comfortable with the silent dead that with his indifferent parents.
"Jason Who Will Be Famous" by Dorothy Allison is a beautifully crafted interior dialogue of a young boy who is so starved for attention, he begins to fantasize about being abducted. (He fantasizes that he will escape, become a TV celebrity and will finally be loved and respected by his family and friends.) Another interior dialogue from an unhappy child is "Eraser" by Ben Stroud. Having lost his father and finding himself ignored by his stepfather, the boy begins to make desperate (and potentially fatal) attempts to get the attention of the world around him. His preoccupation with his eraser (which has the power to make his school work vanish) becomes an analogy for his own dilemma.
There are some memorable creatures in this collection. "Fish Story" by Rick Bass contains a painful chronicle of a dying catfish. Despite having been skinned and beheaded, the fish persists in its struggle. Meanwhile a cookout is in full swing and the neighbors are impatiently waiting for their share of the dying fish. This is a discomfiting story that contrasts the festive atmosphere with the brutal demise of "a great fish" that threatens to become mythical. Bret Anthony Johnson's "Caiman" has two alternating stories: One concerns a dialogue between a man and his wife about the dubious merits of giving a caiman to their son as a pet ("He can take it to show and tell") while an underlying story touches on an all-too-common occurrence — the ongoing search for a missing child. A dead deer resides in the heart of "Housewarming" by Kevin Wilson. A father struggles to relate to his angry son whose entire life has has been a series of mishaps and mistakes. When the son discovers a dead deer in a lake near his cabin, he becomes obsessed with removing it — as though this single task will correct all of the results of his misspent life.
Without a doubt, the best story in this collection is "Drive" by Aaron Gwyn. Jimmy and Jill are on the downside of a doomed marriage when they discover a disturbing method of "bringing the magic back." It consists of crossing the centerline on a dark highway, shutting off the lights and stepping on the gas. A very close contender is "Someone Ought to Tell Her There's No Way to Go" by Danielle Evans. Georgie, home from Iraq and haunted by nightmares of murdered children, allows himself to be caught up in the "family" of a former girlfriend and her daughter. When he allows the daughter to enter a contest in which Georgie poses as her father, he becomes a part of a charade that will end in tragedy. (The reader will long remember the marvelous story of the "Pop my Bubble" girl.)
There are other stories that contain marvelous characters. Uncle Peach, the good-natured family drunk in Wendell Berry's "A Burden" is especially memorable. Ann Pancake's "Arsonists" captures the atmosphere in a West Virginia mining town where the mine owners have abandoned the mines and left a handful of stubborn (and paranoid) landowners to deal with arsonists who burn empty homes each night. In addition, random nocturnal dynamiting a are eroding both the foundations of homes and the mental stability of the occupants who dread the coming of night.
The themes and images that characterize this latest collection are both perverse and dark. However, there is a singular image that permeates the majority of the stories — that of the dysfunctional family. In a larger sense, a primary theme in New Stories From the South is the loss of traditional values. The majority of the lost of wounded children in this collection are victims struggling to find love, stability and home. Perhaps the bleakness and pathos of an impressive percentage of these stories illustrate a literary truth. Good writing and great literature flourish amid unjust and tragic conditions.
New Stories from the South - 2010: The Year's Best edited by Amy Hempel. Algonquin Books, 2010. 384 pages


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2 years & up. Caring for animals teaches children compassion. This 16 piece set has everything a pretend vet will need to take care of man's best friend. Set includes: puppy, vet cage, bowl, tray, brush, blood pressure meter, mirror, ear examiner, hammer, tongs, scissors, tweezers, 2-pieces syringe, stethoscope, and thermometer. Colors may vary.
Great for a vet center!
5 stars
Ms. Frizzle
My three- and four-year-olds love this set! I used it as the basis for a vet center in dramatic play and it was very popular. The pieces are durable enough for an enthusiastic class, and there are enough props that everyone got to play! The carrier was particularly popular, although the kiddos needed some help opening and closing it. The puppy is smaller than I expected, but otherwise everything in the set was perfect. I would definitely recommend this set for classroom use, and I'm looking forward to using it again next year.


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Boggs has shaky debut in second chance with Rockies
DENVER -- When right-handed reliever Mitchell Boggs lost his effectiveness early this season with the Cardinals and found himself in the Minors, he had no idea where he'd be when he'd have a chance to redeem himself.
Boggs is getting a second chance with the Rockies, who acquired him in a trade for an international signing bonus slot on July 9. Boggs was pitching at Triple-A Memphis at the time of the trade. The Rockies sent him to Double-A Tulsa, where he gave up one run in four games and struck out three in six innings.
The Rockies called Boggs up Saturday to fill the roster spot of closer Rafael Betancourt, who went on the disabled list after undergoing an appendectomy. Boggs had an uneven, but scoreless, Rockies debut in a 9-3 victory against the Cubs. He gave up a double, hit a batter and walked one to load the bases with two out before inducing Starlin Castro into a forceout.
Boggs hopes to pitch more like he did last year, when he went 4-1 with a 2.21 ERA in a career-high 78 games. He briefly filled the Cardinals' closer role earlier this season, but went 0-3 with two saves in five chances. He had an 11.05 ERA in 18 games before the demotion to Memphis.
"This team is 4 1/2 games out [in the National League West] and that's right in the mix," Boggs said before Saturday's game against the Cubs. "I was part of a team in 2011 that was 10 1/2 games back with five weeks to play, and we were World Series champions at the end of it. I know how quickly a team can go on a run and put themselves right in the mix.
"The question you have to answer is: Are you good enough? When you look at this team, that's an easy question to answer. It's yes, with this lineup and the pitching that's here. We're certainly capable of pitching with anybody."
Boggs blew his first save chance with St. Louis, then gave up seven runs (six earned) two games later, taking the loss in a 13-4 game that was tied when he entered.
"The failure that I had earlier in the season, you look for answers in every direction," Boggs said. "I started worrying about mechanical things that weren't helping me. I was making an adjustment here, making an adjustment with my arm. The adjustment should have been with the mental approach: Be aggressive. Over the last three weeks, that's the direction that I've taken."
Boggs said he began feeling better in Memphis just before the trade. Upon joining the Rockies, he worked with Tulsa pitching coach Darryl Scott on keeping his fingers on top of the ball, instead of to the side, on his sinker.
"Once I got traded, I could stop worrying about what was going to happen and start focusing on getting back to being the pitcher that I'm capable of being, going to Tulsa and having a few outings to prove that," Boggs said. "It's starting to feel like it's there. I've got to continue to work every single day."
Rockies manager Walt Weiss said he didn't want to use Boggs because he threw an inning Friday for Tulsa, but thought he'd let him debut with a big lead.
"I'm glad we got to do that," Weiss said. "We saw a good, heavy, sinking fastball with power and a nice slider."


text: I'd plotted out a Trans-Lab. It looked pretty much like everyone else's Trans-Lab, as there are only a few ways to go up there. Slog a few hundred or thousand klicks on roads that could be superb, dusty, muddy, or whatever, and chalk it up on the slate. Yadda Yadda. I'd take the requisite pic of Manic 5, fill up at the necessary stops, and take a pic of an iceberg if I were lucky. Then it hit me. Why not cut out the middle man and hit Newfoundland instead via Nova Scotia? Newfies are madmen. There is an exceptional network of trails up there. Ride the Rock! I'll probably cut up through Maine via my own NNEAT route, catch part of Ted Johnson's TNE through New Brunswick, and catch whatever gravel I can through Nova Scotia. Current plans are to to connect to the T'railway at Port Aux Basques and see what happens. Gravel routes north to south in NS would be appreciated. I'd likely bring the DRZ400. The KLR is too heavy, and the KDX has no legs. Advice? Offers? Free lodging and free beer? EDIT AFTER THE FACT: This was an absolutely mind-blowing ride, and I highly recommend it. RR Here:http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=915172