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After a sudden resignation last fall, Alan Goldfarb, the former chairman of the Board of Directors of the CFP Board, has been found to have violated the CFP Board's Rules of Conduct.
The CFP Board said he failed to properly disclose his compensation, after he claimed on FPA's PlannerSearch that he was "fee-only" and later "salaried" when in reality a "related party" was eligible to receive commissions from Goldfarb's clients. As a result, the CFP Board's Ad Hoc Disciplinary and Ethics Commission that investigated the matter has issued a public Letter of Admonition for Goldfarb's conduct.
Yet the details of the case suggest that the matter was not as clear as the initially reported findings suggested; Goldfarb's ties to the "related" broker-dealer were through a parent accounting firm that owned both his RIA and the broker-dealer, and Goldfarb himself held only a small 1% equity interest in the firm and was otherwise not compensated.
Even NAPFA guidelines dictate that less-than-2% interests are de minimis, yet the CFP Board declared that because of these related interests Goldfarb should not have labeled himself as "fee only" even though all of his clients in reality only ever did in fact pay him fees through his own RIA.
At a higher level, though, the real issue in the Goldfarb case is that such a strict interpretation of what does and doesn't constitute "fee only" could cause even many large and well-known RIAs to "fail" the test, renders the definition of "salary" almost moot, and is a problematic reminder of how opaque the CFP Board's adjudication process can sometimes be due to its privacy obligations as a private entity.
In addition, taking such an extreme position regarding "fee only" will arguably result in so many financial planners being classified as receiving both commissions and fees — regardless of whether the commissions constitute 0.1% or 99.9% of total compensation — as to render the disclosure relatively useless as a consumer protection. Furthermore, the Goldfarb result also leaves us unclear about where to draw the lines on what constitutes "trivial" or immaterial compensation conflicts, related parties, overlapping ownership of holding company subsidiaries, and complex real-world arrangements that could unwittingly render advisors on the wrong side of the line.
In the end, a strict interpretation of the Goldfarb conclusions about what constitutes "salary" and "fee only" could mean that thousands of current CFP certificants are not complying properly with the rules, and that many need to update their information immediately! But perhaps ultimately, the best outcome for this whole situation is to hope that it can serve as a catalyst for better clarification on the rules for compensation, and an improvement in the transparency of CFP Board's enforcement process to allow clearer (and better?) precedents to be set for the future. The Facts on Goldfarb
According to the CFP Board's Ad Hoc Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (formed to investigate the matter separate from the standard Disciplinary and Ethics Commission members to avoid any conflicts of interest, given Goldfarb's history and leadership with the organization), Goldfarb misrepresented his compensation by claiming he was "fee only," later revised (when his fee-only status was questioned) to a claim of compensation via "salary," when disclosing his method of compensation on FPA's PlannerSearch website.
At issue was the fact that the accounting firm that owned Goldfarb's RIA also owned a broker-dealer subsidiary, for which Goldfarb had some form of employment relationship and in which he also held an ownership interest. As a result, the CFP Board concluded that Goldfarb "and related parties" (i.e., Goldfarb's employer, the accounting firm, and his partial ownership of the broker-dealer) could potentially receive a commission related to Goldfarb's clients, and that as a result he was not "fee-only" as stated (and that because Goldfarb and/or his firm received fees paid by his clients, his compensation was not "salary," either). Given these conclusions, the CFP Board issued a public letter of admonition to Goldfarb for failing to properly disclose his compensation.
Of his own volition, Goldfarb has subsequently provided further detail regarding the nature of the arrangements at issue in the case, with several important distinctions, including:
— Goldfarb's financial interest was a mere 1% equity ownership in the accounting firm's broker-dealer and insurance agency subsidiaries, in exchange for Goldfarb serving nominally as president (as the only person in his firm with a securities principal's license) in a purely oversight function. He was not otherwise compensated for his role beyond his small ownership interest.
— All actual billing activity for Goldfarb's clients was done through Goldfarb's RIA, Weaver Wealth Management, and all clients were charged only hourly, project-based, or assets-under-management fees. At no point did any of Goldfarb's clients actually implement any products or solutions with the broker-dealer, nor did any of them ever actually pay any commissions at all.
— The relationships between Goldfarb and his RIA and these other businesses were fully disclosed in his Form ADV materials; they were not disclosed on the FPA website, due to the simple fact that the FPA's website had no space to allow further explanation of such details. But all clients received full disclosure of all these relationships before doing any business with Goldfarb.
Thus, from Goldfarb's perspective, he contends that because his broker-dealer relationship was minimal and non-compensating beyond a de minimis ownership stake, and that all of his clients only actually paid fees of various forms, that all of his other business relationships were disclosed in his firm's own materials, and/or that if the CFP Board intended to criticize his compensation disclosures even though no clients ever actually paid a commission for anything, that it should have been done with a private caution and not a form of public discipline. Categories of Compensation
Ultimately, what's really notable about the Goldfarb case is not just the facts and conclusion of the case itself, but the reasoning that the CFP Board used in coming to its conclusions, and the potentially broad and significant implications that it has for any/all other financial planning practitioners.
On the one hand, the CFP Board is taking a strong position that "fee-only" really means compensation must be fees ONLY, period, which seems entirely reasonable at face value given the language itself. However, the matter at hand is not simply a function of how the CFP Board interprets fee-only as it applies to an individual practitioner, but how it applies in the context of "related parties" to a financial planner and his/her employer(s) or other business(es), which the CFP Board appears to have construed rather broadly. The CFP Board states in key parts of the ruling:
- CFP Board's definitions of "compensation" and "fee-only" prohibit a CFP® professional from referring to his or her practice as "fee-only" if any of the compensation received by the CFP® professional and any related party, such as the CFP® professional's employer, is comprised of compensation other than the types of fees identified in CFP Board's definition of "fee-only." (emphasis original)
- Based on public regulatory filings and information received from Mr. Goldfarb, the Ad Hoc Commission determined that the RIA and the broker-dealer received or were entitled to receive compensation such as commissions and 12b-1 fees. (emphasis mine)
- The Ad Hoc Commission determined that Mr. Goldfarb misrepresented his compensation model as "fee-only" because he and/or his employer received or were entitled to receive compensation that did not come from clients exclusively in the form of fixed, flat, hourly, percentage or performance-based fees. (emphasis mine)
- The Ad Hoc Commission determined that when Mr. Goldfarb changed his compensation method from "fee-only" to "salary", "salary" was not "an accurate and understandable description of the compensation arrangements being offered," as is required by the Standards. The Ad Hoc Commission determined that Mr. Goldfarb's clients paid commissions and/or fees and not a salary for services rendered by Mr. Goldfarb and/or his employer. (emphasis mine)
Nature of Employer Taints Fee-Only Status?
The reason these definitions matter is that, according to the CFP Board's conclusions in the Goldfarb case, every financial planner working at a hybrid RIA cannot claim to be fee-only, regardless of whether 100% of their clients pay 100% of compensation in fees (nor any advisor who works outright for a broker-dealer but operates his/her personal business on a fee-only basis anyway); the fact that the CFP professional's employer (which is or includes a broker-dealer) receives compensation other than fees would apparently be enough to taint the relationship, even if that bears no relationship to how the planner actually conducts his/her own business with his/her own clients.
And given that any employer having an interest in a broker-dealer (or other entity capable of paying a commission) invalidates the relationship, even those working for some large RIA fiduciary-centric firms could potentially be tainted given the breadth of this ruling.
For instance, HighTower Advisors (which is owned by HighTower Holding, which also owns HighTower Securities) cannot claim they are fee-only. Granted, I'm not aware of any information to suggest that clients of HighTower have ever actually paid a commission for any services, but apparently the fact that there is a broker-dealer-related party that is capable of receiving commission compensation is enough to render all Hightower advisors ineligible to claim they are fee-only (as was the case of Goldfarb)!
Similarly, Fiduciary Network is owned by Howard Milstein's Emigrant Bank, and Emigrant also owns Emigrant Funding Corp. and Emigrant Mortgage Co., which pay commissions (for mortgage and lending transactions); if these commission-paying subsidiaries of the holding company that also owns Fiduciary Network are "related parties" does that mean prominent Fiduciary Network partner firms (which include many well-known fee-only RIAs) are actually in violation of the CFP Board's compensation disclosure rules and potentially subject to public censure?
This seems a somewhat extreme conclusion, and I certainly don't mean to call out these firms for doing anything but trying to serve their clients' interests on a fee-only basis, nor do I believe any of these firms in practice are materially impacted by any conflict of associated in recommendations to clients due to the related parties of their parent companies. Yet it's truly not clear why all these firms aren't in violation of the CFP Board's compensation disclosure rules in light of the Goldfarb ruling about "related parties" and the treatment when an employer or a related party by common ownership is capable of and could be paid a commission, even if that particular advisor and/or his entire firm does not actually implement the product and receives no commissions whatsoever.
Ownership of Related Parties and de Minimis Interests?
Alternatively, perhaps a somewhat narrower interpretation of the CFP Board's ruling is that the connection of the broker-dealer subsidiary to Goldfarb's RIA (which was also a subsidiary of the same accounting firm parent) as a related party wasn't a problem; instead, maybe the problem was simply that Goldfarb himself had a 1% ownership interest in the broker-dealer. Yet this, too, seems to raise some concerns.
The CFP Board guidelines stipulate that compensation disclosure rules relate to "any non-trivial economic benefit" (emphasis mine) that a CFP professional (or related party) receives, but there's no clarity as to what "trivial" actually means.
Ironically, as Bob Clark pointed out, even NAPFA's guidelines — arguably the paragon of strict fee-only interpretations — allows up to a 2% ownership interest in an outside financial services industry firm that generates profit from commission compensation before it's deemed material (assuming the advisor otherwise is compensated purely by fees from their own clients)! Yet in the CFP Board's case, even Goldfarb's 1% noncompensating interest was sufficient to be deemed non-trivial? To put this in real dollar terms, an upfront commission on a $100,000 (to choose an arbitrary amount) variable annuity might be $5,000. The typical profit margin of a broker-dealer is in the low single digits, so at a hypothetical 4% profit margin the broker-dealer only earns $200 of profit on that investment.
Goldfarb's 1% interest would entitle him to a whopping $2 of compensation for the $200 of profit for the $5,000 commission for the $100,000 investment. Are we really going to suggest that this "Goldfarb $2″ is a material conflict of interest worthy of public admonition for inadequate disclosure (especially when, ultimately, the relationship was disclosed on Goldfarb's Form ADV Part II anyway?)? And given that Goldfarb never actually implemented any commissionable product with a client in this matter!
Overall, Financial Planning magazine reported that Goldfarb's total income from the broker-dealer on a K-1 was less than $2,000, while his total compensation was more than $200,000 from his fee-only business. At that level, Goldfarb could simply take one year of his salary and invest it into an ETF of broker-dealer publicly-traded stocks and receive a dividend larger than his alleged conflicted compensation arrangement! Surely we're not going to allege that owning the publicly traded stock of a broker-dealer that generates a few thousand dollars of stock dividends is a conflict of interest when the advisor otherwise does not do any commissioned business with that (or any other) broker-dealer, or that would even render large holdings in the S&P 500 to invalidate a fee-only advisor!
So where is the line for calling ownership of a privately owned broker-dealer negligible as well? And why isn't the fact that Goldfarb never actually referred clients to the broker-dealer, intended to refer clients to the broker-dealer, or held out that he could/would refer clients to the broker-dealer, germane to the conclusion? At what point can we acknowledge the parties really weren't all that related beyond a common owner with a negligible ownership interest?
Interpreting fee-only as fee ONLY is one thing, but if even NAPFA can acknowledge that there is limits on materiality and when a potential conflict is truly trivial, where is the CFP Board's line if not in a scenario like this? Frankly, it would seem to me that there are fee-only advisors who have "informal" cross-referral relationships with commission-based advisors, with a "you scratch my back with clients and I'll scratch yours" relationship that probably represent a greater conflict of interest than the facts and circumstances set forth here!
In the second part of the post, we'll examine what's needed from here.


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WARNING: This lecture is a very sharp and pointed critique of Calvinist theology. Viewer discretion is advised.
In Protestant Christianity, there is a division between people who accept Calvinist doctrines and those who don't. Both groups think that the other group are genuine Christians, but the debate has more to do with the human free will, human responsibility and who God loves.
- BA in Religion and Philosophy, Houghton College
- MDiv, Princeton Seminary
- STM, Yale Divinity School
- PhD in Philosophy, Notre Dame
He is a professor at Houston Baptist University. You can find a more detailed profile here.
Dr. Walls is Protestant (like me). He is a substance dualist (like me). And he believes in a real eternal Hell (like me). And he is very, very assertive. Definitely no confidence problems here. And you're not going to have a problem keeping your attention on this lecture!
Note that I do not agree with or endorse Dr. Walls on all of his views.
Here's the lecture: (64 minutes)
- What are the main doctrines of Calvinism? (TULIP)
- A look at the Westminster Confession
- The nature of freedom and free will
- Calvinist doctrine of freedom: compatibilism
- The implications of compatibilism
- Who determines what each person will desire on Calvinism?
- Who does God love on Calvinism?
- The law of non-contradiction
- Does God make a genuine offer of salvation to all people on Calvinism?
- Does God love "the elect" differently than the "non-elect" on Calvinism?
He quotes at least a half-dozen Calvinist theologians in this lecture, including John Piper, J.I. Packer and D.A. Carson. And he also mentions 3 videos at the end of the lecture where he goes over specific Bible verses that seem to support Calvinism (part 4, part 5, part 6 are the ones he mentioned).
This lecture is very strong stuff, and I think that he could have been nicer when presenting it, but he hit on every single objection that I have to Calvinism, and he worked through my reasoning too! So I really liked that he validated all of my concerns about Calvinism. I'm not as bothered about the problems with Calvinism as he is, though. I don't think it's a big divisive issue. I almost always read Calvinist theologians when I am reading theology. I just conjoin Calvinism with middle knowledge and resistible grace, and it's fine. Calvinists are some of the best theologians, they are just wrong on the things he discusses in his lecture.
You may also be interested in these debates on salvation between a Calvinist and a non-Calvinist.

subset: commoncrawl


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I am in so much pain. I really am running out of gas guys. I haven't bought anything for my family for Christmas. I haven't gone in to the office since July 20th. My short term disability runs out Christmas Day, so the company needs to decide whether to long term me, or to terminate me for being ill. My guess is termination. I've applied for SSI and my local senator (Mike Lee) has a lady who handles such requests for assistance. She informed me that because of his views and those of his constituents, he will do the absolute bare minimum he is required to do in order to assist in my social security case. So basically I'm fudged. I have a Tea Party Senator that doesn't believe that people should qualify for disability and so he'll do the following: 1- Make one phone call to assure that my application was received. 2- 3 months later make a follow up phone call and ask that my case is given proper consideration according to the standards and laws of the ADA. 3- Write a letter when I lose and have to appeal and ask that as one of his constituents I receive a fair review as they review my original application and assure that I am given fair treatment.
So.... yeah. Thanks Senator. My other option is Orrin Hatch. His office won't even return a phone call, and I've been trying for two years.
This is the problem with this stuff. When we had a really good Senator here, he made calls for my Dad when they randomly cut off his retirement checks and the money with backpay was into his account within 48 hours. He said he'd call everybody he could up to and including the head of Social Security to assure that my father's back benefits were paid and that their reasoning for stopping payment was illegal and unethical (he was also a lawyer). Now he's dead and got voted out because somebody richer than him bought the vote.
I'm totally screwed. I hurt constantly. The doctors decided to mix my meds up on Monday. Why? Because they thought the "less is more" approach is good, so they wanted to eliminate the chance of a side effect I'm not even having. So the medicine I've been on for a year and a half that works fine was taken away and another med was put in its place. I'm now barfing and crying on cue (yes, I just randomly cry every hour on the hour for no apparent reason... it is obviously a side effect!), my muscles are all tingly, my whole body is itchy, and my head feels like it's popping forward like a crane or something, even though it's not moving. My pain levels have gone from a steady 5-6 on the pain scale when I took my other med to a really solid 8 except for 1 hour after I take my meds.... then I get about an hour of relief. Then the pain builds quickly until it's unstoppable.
The ingredient they wanted me to stop taking? Tylenol (acetaminophen) which was included as part of the formula of the med. So I got switched to a tylenol free version. I called last night in a panic because I was having full blown withdrawals and incredibly sick, explained all side effects and asked if I could switch back. I was told, "No... just go buy some tylenol over the counter and take it with your med. Then you'll be taking the same thing you were before." So I've tried that with my last six doses. It doesn't work and it's not getting any better. I feel utterly defeated. If I call them in the morning they are going to tell me to give it a few days as I "adjust", but I was fine on my other meds. They will tell me that I can't see a doctor as they are all booked and sorry, those are the breaks. I won't even get to plead my case. So now I've got nobody on my side. I just need an advocate of some sort I guess.
I have really reached the end of the tracks. Every time they do something to make me better I get worse it seems. I just feel hopeless. All of my old work friends have disappeared from my life. My family owes me money, so they aren't talking to me. My doctors have blown me off. Social Security has told me to take a hike. I'm going to lose my job this week, and I've ruined Christmas by not getting anything for the kids or my wife, and I won't be able to considering the way I feel with my guts stitched back together and me having full-blown withdrawals. This is awful. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
I need a change. I've tried being my own advocate and being super pro-active, seeking second and third opinions, fighting back with insurance by filling out every form and faxing them to them multiple times to prevent them from cutting me off (they are trying to catch me in a "you're gone" loophole). I just don't know if I can fight this fight anymore. I'm weak and losing my mind and so so so worn out with the whole thing. I just want a life free of some pain and to be able to walk around a bit and spend some time with my children. I've spilled my guts here because I have nowhere else to spill them and nobody else to spill them to. Make fun of me if you want... but life is really bad now, and the stress of the holidays and realization that Christmas has just gone down the toilet and my doctors are going to hold firm in their stance that it's not their problem and I'm fine and eventually I'll adjust and blah blah blah.... I just want to give up. I can't take it anymore.
Sorry for all of my long posts. I know they've annoyed a lot of you. Maybe this explains why. I'm probably crying out for help somehow.... I guess we'll never know, but I just wish I could use a magic wand one and put me back to my normal self. It would make life so much better for my children. I need something big to change like now. I am failing and I know I am. I can feel my fingers slipping one by one as I grip the ledge and it sucks.


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Obama won the elections and elected as next president of America
Americans elected Barack Obama as their first black president and he will be sworn in as the 44th US president on January 20, 2009.
Obama, 47 year old president will face the challenges of worst financial crisis since the 1930s, two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a nuclear showdown with Iran.
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there," Obama said in Chicago, Illinois.
In a sweet moment for Democrats, he also seized the midwestern battleground of Ohio and captured New Mexico and Iowa, two states won by Bush in 2004 to close out McCain's possible route towards the White House.
Bush told Obama he was about to begin one of the great journeys of his life, and invited him to visit the White House as soon as it could be arranged
Supporters in Chicago cheering, "Yes, we can" were met with cries of "Yes, we did."More than 1,000 people gathered outside of the White House, chanting, "Obama, Obama!".
The win by Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, marked a milestone in U.S. history. It came 45 years after the height of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King.


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"I'm so grateful that Shannon decided to be as honest and real as she is–that's the only way this book could be as powerful as it is.… God is going to heal in unbelievable ways through this potent work of art and heart!… I can honestly say that this book has changed me–because it gives a clear picture of who Jesus is, who we are as His bride, and why we can't seem to be satisfied with anything or anyone else."
–Bethany Dillon, songwriter and recording artist
"Like a steady IV drip, today's teenage girls get a message of confused and cheapened sexuality. They are desperate for reasons to guard and preserve themselves. Shannon Ethridge gives girls reasons in this relevant and readable book. Every young woman and every young woman's mother needs to read this book!"
–Sharon Hersh, author of "Mom, I Feel Fat!" and "Mom, I Hate My Life!"
"A must-read for every teenage girl! Honest and informative, this book is not only highly readable with its true-to-life illustrations, but it's packed with answers for every sexual situation today's teens encounter. What a great antidote for the twisted sexual messages our pop-culture continues to dish out. Way to go, Shannon!"
–Melody Carlson, author of Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Torch Red, Color Me Torn
"Shannon writes with a direct, forthright style, yet she remains tactful and kind as she presents her balanced, godly teaching on dating and relationships. Without question, this is a must-read for any young woman who longs to remain pure in her relationship with God, and I suspect this book will very quickly become a staple of small-group studies."
–Fred Stoeker, coauthor of Every Young Man's Battle
"This book should be required reading for any teenage girl who has been exposed to the negative influences of the culture through media, music, movies, and fashion magazines. As someone who is in the trenches of ministry to teen girls, I appreciate Shannon' s candid approach and her willingness to tackle some difficult topics facing our young women. She does a beautiful job of exposing the godless issues of the culture, while at the same time, offering godly solutions."
–Vicki Courtney, founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries and author of Your Girl: Raising A Godly Daughter in an Ungodly World
"This book is awesome! I will be buying it and reading it with teens that I mentor. I wish it had been available to me when I was a teen."
–Adrienne Freas, homemaker and Campus Crusade for Christ staff member


text: As if Nicole Richie's (surprisingly not bad) guest appearance wasn't bad enough, NBC's Chuck is about to be overrun with more stunt casting as Jenny McCarthy and Andy Richter step into the show to play a suburban couple who may or may not have a spy-esque past. Spoilers for the unexpected team-up of the year - well, next year - await; you few Chuck faithful have been warned.E! Online reported that both McCarthy and Richter have signed on to appear in the season's fourteenth episode, "Chuck Versus The Suburbs" (which Charlie has already covered in Morning Spoilers) as suburban neighbors to an undercover - and pretending to be a married couple - Chuck and Sarah. While E! feels the need to play dumb about the details, we're not so coy: We're calling McCarthy as Sylvia, the suburban housewife who gets Chuck handcuffed to a bed, and Richter as Brad, Sylvia's partner in, if not crime, then at least some state secret smuggling every now and again. While we're not exactly excited about McCarthy's appearance - It takes a lot to erase those Two And A Half Men appearances in our mind, I'm afraid - Richter getting to play the evil side of jolly is always a fine thing to see. We'll be eagerly tuning into the episode when it airs in February next year. Chuck Casts Jenny McCarthy and Andy Richter [E! Online]


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Houston Texans owner Bob McNair provided free tickets and nosh valued up to $8,800 to host Harris County lawmakers in his luxury box for a pre-season game last month, bringing his total ticket and food giveaways to state lawmakers to nearly $70,000 since 2006.
Records filed with the Texas Ethics Commission this week — and made public Thursday — provide details of the expenditure from the Aug. 17 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. A total of 11 lawmakers attended, along with 11 others made up of immediate family members and legislative staffers, according to an ethics filing.
It's part of the Texans' annual elected official night, where the team invites members of the Harris County delegation to watch a game in McNair's suite. The Texans generally target the preseason for the event because it's easier to get a large number of lawmakers to show up to a night game held on a Saturday (regular season games tend to kickoff at noon on Sunday).
"It's a fun event," said Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, who has attended the pre-season event for years and brought his chief of staff this time. "But tell them to call me for a real game."
The Texans have been hosting lawmakers from Harris County in McNair's box for a free preseason game since 2006.
In that time, McNair's total ticket giveaway to host lawmakers in his box is now valued at up to $52,600, records show. He's now also thrown down in the neighborhood of $17,000 for food and drink during those games.
It's a small slice of the free sporting tickets that Texas lawmakers receive from lobbyists — one of the most popular legislative freebies.
The San Antonio Express-News/Houston Chronicle reported over the weekend that since 2005 lobbyists have reported giving away a variety of sporting tickets worth as much as $192,000 to a combination of lawmakers, state employees and their families. In 2012 alone, lobbyists doled out sporting tickets valued up to $16,600.
Here's a breakdown of the lawmakers who attended and the spending totals from this year's game.
- Sen. Dan Patrick
- Rep. Alma Allen
- Rep. Carol Alvarado
- Rep. Harold Dutton
- Rep. Allen Fletcher
- Rep. Glenn Hegar
- Rep. Dan Huberty
- Rep. Mary Ann Perez
- Rep. Senfronia Thompson
- Rep. Sylvester Turner
- Rep. Gene Wu
- Food and Beverage: $2,224
- Entertainment (tickets) $6,600
- Senators: $800 (Dan Patrick was the only senator who attended).
- Reps: $3,600
- Family: $4,000
- Guests: $400


text:
ColorGATE RIP software solutions are characterized by their modular architecture, which allows nearly unlimited possible applications and extensions. With Productionserver, as well as with Filmgate and Proofgate, ColorGATE offers nuanced solutions for each application, production technology and environment with the following features: High-quality components, Optimal color reproduction, Consistency of reproduction at any time, Maximum productivity, Intuitive control concept and user interface. ColorGATE utilizes the latest Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE) by default – the market-leading RIP engine for a fast image processing of complex graphics without any surprises. Every ColorGATE RIP software solution can be configured freely corresponding to your individual requirements.
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ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions GmbH is managed by co-founder Thomas Kirschner as CEO since 1997 and is an independent subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd. since 2018.
Further information can be found on our company website.
The name RIP Software Extensions is used as a generic term for all extensions. RIP Software Extensions contain a variety of perfectly matched functions and modules and expand the capabilities of the RIP software in the areas of output management, job management, color management and workflow management for different application areas. Some modules/ functions are already included into the different RIP software products and other solutions need to be purchased separately.
Output Management Extensions allow an optimal configuration for any production environment and printer number. This extension category contains all output-device-related RIP Software Extensions.
Color Management Extensions simplify and improve color management, color and spot color replacement and ensure a consistence and reproducibility at any time color.
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You can find in our download and video area additional material such as brochures, press images and videos.Brochures
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Find here more information about the process of Digital- and Conventional Printing and Prepress.Commercial Printing
Secure Your Investment - Value Pack is a full-fledged software maintenance and support contract and offers you ongoing access to all updates and upgrades.Value Packs


text:
X-Men: Apocalypse
Kill Your Friends
Dark Places
Mad Max: Fury Road
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Jack the Giant Slayer
Warm Bodies
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
Copyright © 2020 FANDANGO MOVIES.


text:
A plainclothes detective who was rammed by two drug suspects with their car fired four shots at the vehicle, according to NYPD officials.
The officer was hospitalized with arm and leg injuries on Friday. The 24-year-old driver suffered a graze wound to the head and was hospitalized. His 18-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries when the bullet went through the windshield.
Police say the officers on Staten Island noticed the two men in some type of drug exchange in the car parked at a shopping center. When they went to the car, the driver rammed the detectives. Only one officer fired. Oxycontin pills and cocaine were found in the car.
The two sped off and were arrested about a mile away by other officers responding to the scene.
Copyright AP - Associated Press


text:
Covenant Archives and Historical Library
The Covenant Archives contains the administrative records of the Evangelical Covenant Church and North Park University. Our collections include the correspondence, minutes, and reports of various denominational and university departments, as well as microfilmed pre-1930 records of several hundred individual Covenant churches.
In addition to institutional records, we collect personal correspondence, diaries, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other documentary materials pertaining to the activities of North Park University and the Evangelical Covenant Church.
The Historical Library includes the published works of the denomination, Covenant authors, and Swedish-language newspapers relating to our history.


text:
Frankie Raymond had a hand in three goals as Dagenham beat Accrington 4-0.
The Londoners could have taken the lead in the fourth minute when Jodi Jones cut in from the right but his effort from 25 yards was easily saved by Scott Davies.
With 17 minutes on the clock Dagenham had big appeals for a penalty turned down after Ade Yusuff was tripped in the box.
Matt Partridge opened the scoring in the 20th minute with his first professional goal, heading home a Raymond corner from the right.
Within 90 seconds of the restart, the hosts were 2-0 up as Jamie Cureton poked home in the box following a raking pass from Raymond.
The 22-year-old added his name to the scoresheet with a beautiful free-kick from the edge of the area in the 67th minute.
Jones sealed the win in the final minute of the game, tapping home from six yards after Cureton laid the ball back.
Raymond stars in Dagenham rout
Frankie Raymond had a hand in three goals as Dagenham beat Accrington 4-0.


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India's Capital City and Human Development
The Delhi Human Development Report 2013 released in August provides a comprehensive analysis of Delhi's performance on human development indicators. The Report notes that while Delhi has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country, there has been significant informalization of the labour force and female workforce participation rates at 11 percent is amongst the lowest in the country. Women's safety emerged as one of the biggest concerns of citizens of the capital city.
- The Delhi Human Development Report 2013 provides a comprehensive analysis of Delhi's performance on human development indicators
- DHDR 2013: Delhi has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country
- DHDR 2013: Female workforce participation rate at 11 percent is amongst the lowest in the country
- DHDR 2013: Women's safety emerges as one of the biggest concerns of citizens
- DHDR 2013: Literacy rate of 86 percent still lower than that of other metros such as Kolkata and Mumbai
- DHDR 2013: Public Perception Survey reveals that 75 percent of the respondents were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the quality of their life
- DHDR 2013: A larger proportion of women are significantly more dissatisfied than men with respect to health
- DHDR 2013: Key issues for youth include employment, lack of affordable housing and open spaces
- DHDR 2013: Social and economic support emerge as the key issues of concern for the elderly
The second HDR released by India's capital city was prepared by the Institute for Human Development for the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It has been partly supported by the Planning Commission and the United Nations Development Programme through a project titled 'Human Development: Towards Bridging Inequalities".
Migration rates have stabilized and improvements in life expectancy at birth have been consistent. Delhi needs to make greater progress in improving infant mortality which remains lower than other metro cities. While the city's literacy rates remain high at 86 percent, it is still lower than that of other metros such as Kolkata and Mumbai. Literacy rates also differ widely depending on gender, caste and religion. Despite massive efforts at providing housing and shelter, Delhi continues to suffer from a shortage of housing.
A unique feature of the Report this year is a Public Perception Survey that examined people's views and concerns on development in the city and recorded their aspirations. Overall, 75 per cent of the respondents reported that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the quality of their life. However, this perception differs across different groups, pointing to the need for policymakers to devise specific policies that can address these concerns. A larger proportion of vulnerable groups such as women, members of scheduled caste, the elderly, and lower income households do feel less satisfied with their lives, as compared to their counterparts.
A larger proportion of women are significantly more dissatisfied than men with respect to health. This concern becomes more acute amongst women after the age group of 20-29 years. This could indicate the pressures of competing demands post matrimony and child birth and issues of time and prioritizing health expenditures. The Report reveals the importance of exploring further, the factors that have led many women to perceive their own health needs so negatively. It also suggests the need for welfare schemes that target women, particularly, mothers and working women.
For youth, key issues include employment, lack of affordable housing and open spaces. Spreading awareness of employment-generating schemes through local employment centres could support efforts to address these concerns. For the elderly, issues of safety and sanitation are not reported to be as critical as are issues of both social and economic support.
The report's findings point to the importance of continuing to invest in developing a comprehensive understanding of poverty, human development and wellbeing in India's cities. As India continues to urbanize, inputs such as those provided by the Delhi Human Development Report 2013, play an important role in contributing towards innovative development strategies to address the needs of urban India.
In the News
- Vice President of India Released the Delhi Human Development Report 2013
[Date: 02 September 2013, Source: Jagran Josh]
- Delhi has Shown Progress in Economic and Social Development: VP
[Date: 31 August 2013, Source: The Indian Awaaz]
- Vice President Releases Delhi Human Development Report 2013
[Date: 31 August 2013, Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India]


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Despite the silence here at WoS and on Twitter, I haven't completely fallen off the face of the WoW-verse. I'm still puttering about, doing my thing as a raider and a GM. It's been a busy few months, as I have added school on top of raiding 3-4 nights per week and working full time.
As a result, I've not been following WoW news (or, sadly, blogs) very closely, but things have seemed surprisingly quiet on the expansion front considering what's been going on with the game lately. From cooldown reductions to high end gear & crafting mats becoming more accessible to steadily lowering the bar in ICC… it's like all signs are pointing to an expansion launch coming Real Soon Now™ since this is the sort of thing we saw toward the end of TBC. I joked to a buddy of mine recently that I was half expecting them to just spring it on us one day out of the blue, having hired ex-CIA operatives to organize and run the most ambitiously covert beta test phase ever. Surprise, Cataclysm!
Still, the game industry being what it is… it's not gonna happen. Of course they're going to announce it in advance. They want pre-orders. They want hype. They want midnight launch parties and geeks like me having enough advance warning to take time off work to spend the first 48-72 hours in a highly caffeinated orgiastic frenzy of leveling, exploring, and profession grinding in between world server crashes.
So, until that release date is announced we can pretty much assume that the time between whatever day today is and Cataclysm's launch is going to be measured in multi-month increments. (My current prediction: September-ish.) Why, then, are they in such a hurry to rush us through ICC with this rapidly scaling buff after purposefully slowing our progress via gating and attempt limits?
I'm so confused with all these mixed signals… it's like prom night all over again. *rimshot*


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/ Artist Series
/ John Petrucci Guitars
/ Ibanez JPM-P3
Our Ibanez JPM-P3 Guitar Specifications
Ibanez JPM-P3
Body Wood
Neck Wood
1-Piece Maple
Bound Rosewood
Offset dots
Scale Length
2 Wilkinson Humbucker
1 Volume / 1 Tone / 3-Way Toggle
Licensed Floyd Rose
Cubist Picasso Graphics
Black Finish
Information about John Petrucci and his Ibanez JPM-P3
For those who don't know who John Petrucci is, he's the guitarist for the Metal band Dream Theatre, with his own solo projects on the side (You might want to check out the AWESOME G3 in Tokyo DVD with Vai & Satch) I kind of think of Dream Theatre as a super cool "Rush" sounding band, very well orchestrated and quite technical. Every Musician in Dream Theatre is so talented and together amazing, John's rhythm, solos and shreddin so melodic, you can see why he's such an influence to so many. John currently endorses Music Man and has his own 6&7 string sig.models but, before that was endorsed by Ibanez which, brings us to the MORE FAMOUS and PICTURESQUE "Picasso".
The Ibanez JPM-P3 is one Ibanez that's getting really difficult to get as the years go by, collectors rarely part with them and getting a JPM in near new condition a big bonus. The JPM series were produced from 1995~2000 in 4 patterns P1~P4 and the even rarer JPM90HAM (only 450 made) in 1998. The popularity/demand of these guitars is driving the prices up and up, like some of the Jems, the prices have doubled since when they first came out!
Our Ibanez JPM-P3 Guitars Features
As we can see,the Ibanez JPM-P3 was very rage then in the world. It's indeed an attractive and distinctive guitar that many John Petrucci fans aspire to see the guitar again. They thought the guitar is a nice way to pay tribute to the past and their idol--- John Petrucci.
Therefore, we make every effort to replicate the masterpiece. We bought professional drawings and meticulously studied this electric guitar, thus we can grasp every details of processing technique. And all our guitars are flawless when it comes to craftsmanship. Besides, they are absolutely 100% hand-made. Our replica of Ibanez JPM-P3 is completely built and assembled by highly skilled craftsman using the best parts & wood selection (Basswood body, maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard, all with top wood). And carefully chosen materials tell that this guitar will last you long time, and will not give you any headaches when trying to set it up.
The following pictures can help you know more about our replicates.
Our Ibanez JPM-P3 Replica is beautifully made from the basswood body to the maple neck. They are in accordance with the original Ibanez JPM-P3. Basswood is a comparatively lightweight wood, which makes it very comfortable for extended playing. With a good balance of highs and lows, basswood is right in between alder and mahogany in sound character.
All hardware is black. (Our duplicated Ibanez JPM-P3 has black hardware, too.)
Our replicated Ibanez JPM-P3 has 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 3-Way Toggle Switch, which is strictly in accordance with the original ones.
We have to show that one feature is a little different from the original Ibanez JPM-P3. The pickups we utilized are Wilkinson pickups instead of DiMarzio Air Norton. So the price in our website is not including the original DiMarzio Air Norton pickups. Wilkinson pick-ups are what we suggested. They are not simply quality guaranteed but also affordable for most people. But if you want to use DiMarzio Air Norton pick-ups, we can satisfy your need. Certainly, the price would be higher than before.
This guitar has some truly great features for the right price. It will satisfy a lot of musicians' desires. If you are interested in our replicated Ibanez JPM-P3, please don't hesitate to contact us. Pictures in our website are limited, and a lot of high-definition pictures will be provided if you email us.
Notice For All Buyers:Thank you for your attention. Here are something you might want to know about this guitar.
1. This guitar is available in both right handed and left handed version. Even it is not showing in lefty version, we still able to customize this guitar in left handed for you. You just have to tell us when you place the order.
2. If you want to place the order, just send us email, we will help you to place your customize order.
Follow me to see how much we already done for you and some thing you should know.
8 Main Advantages Make Us Beyond The Average.... Read More....


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SWANSBORO � Jay Dolph tried to fight off the emotions but couldn�t.
SWANSBORO � Jay Dolph tried to fight off the emotions but couldn�t.
The Swansboro senior forward could be seen with tears in his eyes and right in the middle of the Pirates� celebration following their 3-2 soccer victory over Jacksonville on Thursday night.
Dolph had emerged as the hero after he scored the game-winning goal with 1:21 left to help the Pirates top the defending state 3-A champions in a Coastal 3-A Conference match.
�This is huge,� Dolph said. �Coming to 3-A this year, it�s a big win.�
Indeed it was.
The victory put Swansboro (12-1-1, 6-0) in sole possession of first place in the conference in their first season in the league following several years in the East Central 2-A Conference.
Simply put, the win shows the Pirates can still be strong, despite being in a larger classification. Swansboro entered the match ranked eighth in the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association 3-A poll while Jacksonville was third.
�I�m really pleased for the boys. They just have stepped up their level of play so much from last year,� Swansboro coach Doug Kidd said. �And as the season goes, their competitive nature is unbelievable from what I�m seeing.
�Last year we didn�t demonstrate that too many times until a stretch at the end of the season. Good things happen when you go out and compete. The kids are buying into what we are trying to do.�
Swansboro�s victory not only gave Jacksonville its second consecutive loss, it was also the Cardinals� first conference loss since joining the conference in 2009. It also ended the Pirates� five-game losing streak to Jacksonville, which fought back to tie it at 2-2 after falling behind 2-0 early.
�We can�t keep going out relaxed the first 10 minutes. We�ve been doing that too much this year and we get behind,� Jacksonville coach Dave Miller said. �We�ve been preaching that every time we step on the field we will get everybody�s best game. At some point hopefully the boys figure it out that we have to play the beginning of the game like we do when we are behind.�
While the Cardinals rallied from their two-goal deficit, there was no answering Dolph�s goal that gave the Pirates a 3-2 lead.
The deciding goal came after senior Cameron Noonan delivered a long throw-in from the right sideline. The ball sailed inside the goal box where Dolph managed to get his head on the ball and direct it into the goal.
�Cameron threw it and it just came right to me. I knew it was coming and I just had to finish it,� Dolph said. �Luckily I was able to get a touch on it and score it.�
Dolph entered the match as Swansboro�s third-leading scorer with five goals and five assists.
�Jay comes up with big goals when you need them the most,� Kidd said. �He�s done that for all four years.�
Miller has noticed that, too.
�Jay is a great kid who works hard,� Miller said. �He was rewarded for that tonight.�
The Cardinals sure worked hard to get back into the game after falling behind 2-0 in the first eight minutes of the match.
Down 2-1, Jacksonville junior Tyler Moore tied the game with 15:28 left after he played the ball inside the 18 following a free kick was headed by CJay Sparks.
Junior Zach Hall scored the Cardinals� first goal with 22:45 left in the first half to cut Swansboro�s lead to 2-1.
�I�m really thinking about us trying to get another one toward the end of the game,� Miller said. �I felt like we had the better of the play. For most of the game we were down on their end of the field.�
Jacksonville did have more of the second-half possession and scoring chances. Still, the Pirates weren�t fazed.
�It was frustrating, but we just had to keep working,� Dolph said. �We knew they were coming. Luckily our team stayed together and we got the job done.�
The Pirates opened the game strong, scoring two goals in the first 7:53.
Sophomore Andrew Phillips gave Swansboro a 1-0 lead 6:35 into the game after he scored off an assist from Jordan Clower. Phillips managed to get his head on the ball after Clower sent a diagonal pass from the right.
It didn�t take long, however, for the Pirates to strike again.
Noonan gave Swansboro a 2-0 lead just 1:18 after Phillips goal. After playing a crossing pass from the left side by Phillips, Noonan took one step and shot from inside the 18-yard line.
Just like that the Pirates were in control.
�We had to change some things, tactically, tonight to compete with Jacksonville and I thought we executed pretty well,� Kidd said. �We just played more of a defensive alignment with a 4-5-1 and we looked to counterattack on them.�
Jacksonville 1 1 � 2
Swansboro 2 1 � 3
GOALS�J: Hall, Moore. S: Phillips, Noonan, Dolph. ASSISTS�J: Sparks. S: Clower, Phillips, Noonan. IN GOAL�J: Davis (3 saves). S: Oswalt (5 saves). SHOTS ON GOAL�J 7, S 6. CORNER KICKS�J 6, S 1. RECORDS�J: 8-3-1, 4-1, at West Craven on Tuesday. S: 12-1-1, 6-0, at White Oak on Thursday.


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The Rescues will return in early 2013 with their new fan-funded album, Blah Blah Love & War. I loved the airy acoustic pop and haunting ballads of their debut, Crazy Ever After, and they were the nicest band I've ever met in person, so I approached this album with a very positive, receptive attitude. Sadly, though, most of this new effort is disappointing.
The band's harmonies are often lost here amidst lackluster, overproduced, hyperspeed pop songs. Thankfully, though, there are exceptions that sound more like The Rescues we know and love.
The highlights are "Be My Cure," "Run Away," "The Longest Winter," "Get Back" and "Let Me Down Easy."
You can download a free, legal mp3 of the album's opener, "Did It Even Really Matter?" at Amazon and The Rescues' free "Summer Sampler" by entering your email address in the widget below.
The Rescues – Did It Really Even Matter? (mp3 download page)
Pre-order @ Amazon (available in 2013)


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The players and teams probably think it is a waste of time. However for the development of cricket it isn't a waste of time considering most of the money goes to developing cricket nations.
The players and teams probably think it is a waste of time. However for the development of cricket it isn't a waste of time considering most of the money goes to developing cricket nations.
Cricketweb Colts Captain
I'm a member of Club KerryOriginally Posted by Richard
I'm Green
The color of immortality, nature and envy - you are truly a unique person. While clearly the color of nature, you also symbolize rebirth, fertility and hope in the world. On the other side of the spectrum, a natural aptitude to money with green coming to signify money and possibly even *********!
I guess it's not the best time to have it, being so close to WC2007. However, the fact remains, it's still the only event (outside of the World Cup) where all the major nations face off against each other; at the same time; in the same conditions; in the most popular (spectator-wise) form of the game. That alone gives the event meaning. If one was to argue it's meaningless, then what does that make all the other ODI tournaments outside of the World Cup?
Conceptually, the CT is an awesome idea. But for it to attain the status everyone wants it to, I think it should be held every 4 years, just like the WC. And every second year, we would either have the CT or the WC to look forward to. That would make way more sense, IMHO. As far as this year's CT is concerned, I think it is going to be interesting because it will be a great preparation for the WC, as even the tracks in the Windies seem to be getting slower, just like the subcontinent.
We miss you, Fardin. :(. RIP.
A cricket supporter forever
Member of CW Red and AAAS - Appreciating only the best.
Check out this awesome e-fed:
PWE Efed
as HB just said the idea of the tournament is very good, but should be helod every 4 years just like the WC. Every 2 years really doesn't make too much sense.
Whoops clicked wrong one, I dont care.
what is the status that everyone wants it to attain though???Originally Posted by honestbharani
We already have a world cup.....if you want the CT to be every 4 yaers and the WC to be every 4 years, why not just have a WC every two years?
IMO have CT every two years by all means, but have a simple 2 group first round and the winners of the two group contest the final. Every team would play at least 3 games, and no more than 4, and it could be over and done with within a couple of weeks. We dont need another month long tournament which,lets face it, is miles behind in prestige to the world cup
rave down, hit the ground
MSN: email@example.com
They should have just kept it knock out like it used to be.
"I am very happy and it will allow me to have lot more rice."
Eoin Morgan on being given a rice cooker for being Man of the Match in a Dhaka Premier Division game.
I definitely care about the Champions Trophy.
The fact that this is the only majorish trophy that New Zealand has won has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with it....
Originally Posted by Jono
yeah i dont see why teams aren't taking it more seriously, perfect oportunity to fine tune your WC squad.
Member of CW Green
Kerry O'Keefe - Worlds funniest Commentator
The Champions Trophy will have only 8 teams, the top 6 and two qualifiers from the next 4. Hence, it is the CHAMPIONS TROPHY. The World Cup will have a lot more teams, as any World Cup should (football is the exception, obviously).Originally Posted by Swervy
But in that case, it's more like the Confederations Cup in football (which also has 8 teams) - and which nobody cares about.Originally Posted by honestbharani
once you think you're out they pull you back in
I had a glimpse of Eureka
Chewing me up, chewing me up and spitting me out
-jected, I was rejected
I wasn't good enough to be elected
Lava, it was like lava
Moving through my body like fire
but the 8 are the best teams in the world... Shorter format and duration and lesser chances of comeback. It doesn't seem such a bad idea to me.
Total waste of time. Its only there for the money. Equivelent(sp) to the commonwealth games.
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Wiki intern
The internal Wiki of RWTH Aachen University is currently under development as an information platform for University employees and students. It includes comprehensive information about key legal basics, University-specific regulations and working processes relating to examination, course, and student management.
Contents are elaborated jointly by representatives of the faculties and schools, of students, and of the University administration, and stem in part from the software-independent reorganization of thePuL-Project. The Wiki is intended to reliably concretize all the processes in the above mentioned areas, and to make them transparent for everybody involved.


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After being knocked out of a 63-0 loss at Florida State last weekend, Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown is doubtful for this weekend's game against Virginia.
According to The Washington Post, the latest injury report released by Maryland lists the starting quarterback as doubtful, likely meaning he will not play this weekend. Brown suffered a concussion after being on the receiving end of a hard hit by Florida State defensive lineman Jacobbi McDaniel. He did not return to the game in Tallahassee and once it was confirmed he suffered a concussion his availability against Virginia was immediately placed in jeopardy.
With Brown possibly out of action, at least as a starter, look for Caleb Rowe to get the start for the Terrapins. This likely means Maryland will have to run a slightly different or modified form of their offense. Brown's mobility allowed Maryland to thrive on the zone-read offensive style that has become more trendy around the sport in recent years. Rowe lacks that versatility, which will likely force Maryland to scale back their offense and rely more on the pass.


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Men's Sterling Silver Wedding Band - 6MM
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See our Jewelry Information and Care Guide for more information about this item.
This item comes packaged in a complimentary velvet ring box for proposal and storage.


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Man shot during standoff, hostage situation in Spring Lake
A North Carolina man faces kidnapping and attempted murder charges after one man was shot while being held hostage with two children.
Spring Lake police say authorities caught the suspect by ramming cars into his sedan as he tried to escape Friday.
Police say a woman escaped with one child early Friday morning after several adults began arguing. During a standoff with police, a man was shot three times. Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins says the hostage-taker eventually let the injured man leave, followed by one child and then the other child.
Neither child was physically harmed.
Authorities charged 22-year-old Bradley Campbell with attempted murder, five counts of first-degree kidnapping and possession of a firearm by felon. It wasn't known Friday if he has an attorney.


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Written by ι Stock Market Media Group Staff — February 19, 2014
Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB: NVLX) is a small biotech firm in Silver Spring, Maryland, that hopes to soon be mentioned with much larger biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Celgene. If the company's pancreatic cancer treatment that combines the proprietary cellulose-based live-cell encapsulation technology known as Cell-in-a-Box™ with the anti-cancer drug ifosfamide can produce the same or better data in its upcoming late-phase clinical trials in advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer than were seen with this same combination in two earlier independent Phase II trials, then not only will it be mentioned with those larger companies, Nuvilex's treatment will likely be the new "gold standard" for the disease.
So far, Nuvilex has methodically gone about its business laying the groundwork for its future trials. It's a process that demands a meticulous approach, especially when the outcome could lead to billions of dollars. Eli Lilly has realized more than $10 billion with its cancer drug Gemzar® (gemcitabine) since it was approved in 1996 as the gold standard for advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer. It wasn't really until Celgene's drug Abraxane (a nanoparticle formulation of the widely used drug Taxol with albumin) in combination with gemcitabine was approved in 2013 that patients had a better option than single-agent gemcitabine.
Approval of Celgene's treatment was undoubtedly assisted by the involvement of Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, who was also the principal investigator for the first clinical trial of gemcitabine and is considered among the nation's leading authorities on pancreatic cancer. In his role as Consultant to Celgene, Dr. Von Hoff helped to get approval for Celgene's Abraxane-gemcitabine combination fast-tracked by showing the FDA that there is an urgent need for better treatments for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Now it is Nuvilex's turn. The company's advanced pancreatic cancer treatment that combines the Cell-in-a-Box technology with ifosfamide has provided better results than both gemcitabine alone and the Abraxane-gemcitabine combination. Those results included an increase of about 4 months in median survival time over gemcitabine alone versus the 1.8 months seen with the Abraxane-gemcitabine combination. The results also included a 100% increase in the one-year survival rate as compared to gemcitabine versus a 59% increase for the Abraxane-gemcitabine combination. The results obtained with Nuvilex's treatment are even more noteworthy given that only one-third of the dose of ifosfamide normally used to treat other types of cancer was used in the Phase II pancreatic cancer trials.
Another apparent advantage for Nuvilex's treatment compared to the Abraxane-gemcitabine combination concerns the side effects (toxicities) associated with both treatments. Significant and severe drug-associated toxicities were seen with the Abraxane-gemcitabine combination, whereas with Nuvilex's treatment, side effects were essentially non-existent. The lack of side effects from the Cell-in-a-Box-ifosfamide combination is undoubtedly related to the low dose of ifosfamide used.
For Nuvilex's investors, the good news is that, once funding is secured for the late- phase clinical trials, companies like Celgene are likely to take notice. After all, the global biopharmaceutical was able to quickly get the Abraxane-gemcitabine combination approved by showing both an urgent need for better pancreatic cancer treatments and better results than those seen 17 years before with the prior gold standard Gemzar. Well, nothing has changed – there is still a need, and Nuvilex may just prove again its treatment consisting of the combination of Cell-in-a-Box with ifosfamide can produce even better results than Celgene's recently approved therapy.


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by JIM HARRIS
It's time once again to answer some of the many questions sent to me by readers. As a lifelong subscriber to Reader's Digest, I am well versed in many subjects, and I'm happy to share my knowledge with youse all. I will answer the questions in their order of urgency.
Q: My doctor told me I am allergic to excitement. What can I do about that?
A: Attend a lot of Rick Santorum rallies. I guarantee you will not have any allergic reactions, even though the last time Rick gave a speech, he almost had a facial expression. He says what people who can't think are thinking. Rick Santorum is so boring, he was recently endorsed by the Sleeping Air Traffic Controllers Union.
Q: I am dating a girl who refuses to use birth control, and I'm way too young to be a father. What should I do?
A: There is a new form of male birth control that lasts for 10 years, and I would highly recommend it to you. It's called acne.
Q: Jim, what do you think about the gay marriage law that recently passed in New York state? I'm on the fence, so to speak.
A: I think it's the best thing since crab cakes. I think it's great that gay men in New York are finally allowed to marry someone other than Liza Minnelli.
Q: I read a story in the paper about a woman in Toronto who jumped out of a 15th story window trying to commit suicide, but she miraculously survived by falling on top of a taxicab. If that happened in downtown Philadelphia, how do you think it would have turned out?
A: In Philly, some guy would have yelled out, "Hey, lady; get the hell out of here. That's my cab!!!"
Q: If the phonetic spelling of a word is the way it really sounds, why not just spell it that way in the first place?
A: Beekauz it wood be too komplikated. Anyway, with the advent of digital "talking books," phonetic spelling has become unnecessary. It will soon be relegated to the Museum Of Obsolete Tools (MOOT), along with social skills and dress codes and human beings without cell phones.
Q: The bathroom windows in City Hall, where I work, are always wide open. When I'm standing at the urinal, I can see directly into the office buildings across the street. How far away do you have to be from others before you shouldn't care if they see you?
A: Well, it depends on the size of your, ahem, portfolio, but personally, I usually like a buffer zone of about a mile-and-a-half.
Q: Can I rob Peter to PAY Peter?
A: Sure. The government does it all the time.
Q: When I talk on my cell phone in a restaurant or movie theater, some people give me a dirty look. I feel like telling them where to go. Should I?
A: Yes. Tell them to go to Camden, New Jersey. That'll teach 'em. Unfortunately, there are still some relics from the Victorian age left who believe in a now-defunct word called "manners." But don't worry your pretty little head about it. Every day there are fewer and fewer of those old fogeys around. In fact, in a few years the government will make it mandatory to talk on cell phones in restaurants, movie theaters and all business establishments, so you will have the last laugh.
Q: When I start my car, a light goes on, saying "AIRBAG." Is my car insulting me?
A: No. If that were the case, it would say "POMPOUS airbag."
Q: As a God-fearing person, can I covet my neighbor's HUSBAND?
A: Well, Pat, I can find no commandments against it, so covet away!
Q: I feel nervous and wobbly all the time. What can I do?
A: It's perfectly natural to feel that way. The Earth actually is wobbling on its axis, and our breathable atmosphere is in constant danger of being flung off into outer space. Who wouldn't be nervous? Sometimes just getting your nails done can help. In extreme cases, though, you might want to have yourself placed in an induced coma to reduce your stress level.
Q: Why does my cat smell like cigarette smoke? I don't smoke, and neither does he.
A: Cats can smell like many things for a wide variety of reasons. Of course, your cat could be cheating on you with an owner who smokes. You probably need to hire someone to follow your cat around. It just so happens that I follow cats around for a living. I am very discreet, and my rates are reasonable.
Q: If "a tie is like kissing your sister," then what is a loss like? Does this saying mean that kissing your sister is "half-good?"
A: Not exactly. A loss is like doing the tango with your grandmother, and a tie is really more like kissing your half-sister (which, by the way, is legal in six states, including — lucky for us — Pennsylvania).
Q: Why don't all the popcorn kernels pop at the same time? Are they like tiny time capsules?
A: No, every kernel is a unique individual with needs and wants of its own. The order of popping in largely determined by age. The younger ones are usually eager and pop right away. The more mature kernels like to savor the whole experience and tend to take longer. Some never pop at all and just get stuck in your teeth. A few rebellious types even manage to escape back into the wild and spawn new corn stalks. It's the cycle of life.
Please use all of the above information for good only. If you have any more urgent questions, feel free to call me anytime, day or night, or call me from a crowded movie theater just when the film is about to reveal the identity of the serial killer.


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Iran's Current Turmoil Has Deep Roots
New America Media, News Analysis, William O. Beeman, Posted: Jul 17, 2009 Review it on NewsTrust
The turbulent internal politics of Iran following the June 12 election have been most often portrayed as a clash between secularizing reform forces and entrenched religious forces. However, this is a mischaracterization. The controversy is fundamentally between two very old, very entrenched religious philosophies that have been debated for more than 300 years. It's a debate at the heart of every major political uprising in the nation's history from that time forward. Even if the present controversy is quelled, this debate will continue for the immediate future, likely resulting in a major governmental shift.
The fundamental debate is over the role of religion in the governance of the state. The Safavid Dynasty, founded in the 17th Century, marks the beginning of modern Iran. The Safavids were an Azerbaijani Turkish Shi'a Muslim religious order with strong ties to Sufi mysticism. They eventually conquered the Caucasus, Central Asia and Northern India.
From the very beginning the question of the role of religion in the state was a great issue. The Safavids established "Twelver" Shi'a Islam as the state religion, and from that time forward most of the institutions of modern Shi'ism were established. This included the doctrine that all Shi'a believers should choose a "person worthy of emulation" to serve as their spiritual guide. Eventually, these "Marjeh-ye Taqlid" were recognized as Grand Ayatollahs, renowned for their scholarship, which was established in a "thesis" that included their views of Islamic laws. They also believed that the Twelfth Imam after the Prophet Mohammad, called the "Mahdi," had vanished in the Golden Mosque in Samarra and would eventually return at the end of time, with Jesus, to render the final judgment of humankind. The Mahdi remains for modern Shi'a believers the ultimate true authority.
The wisest religious scholars warned the Safavids that Islamic clerics should not get involved with government, lest they become corrupt. They pointed out that Islam says very little about statecraft or the formation of governmental institutions and that the compromises of politics are often incompatible with religious piety.
The Safavids didn't listen. They became powerful and eventually did become corrupt, until they were weakened and conquered by forces from Afghanistan. Another Turkish Dynasty, the Qajars, arose in the 19th Century, with the same fundamental problems of reconciling religious institutions with the State. The Qajar shahs were often at odds with the clergy—particularly when they began to meet the economic and military challenges of Europe by selling "concessions" to Europeans for the exploitation of Iran's natural resources and economic institutions. The result was an Islamic backlash with open rebellion against the state that launched the modern Islamic movement and led to Iran's first constitution in 1905.
Toward the end of the Qajar period, prominent Islamic scholars Shaykh Fazollah Nuri and Ayatollah Mohammad Hossein Na'ini maintained opposite viewpoints about the role of clerics in government. As Iran scholar Abbas Milani pointed out in a July 15 article in The New Republic, Sheikh Nuri believed that, in the absence of the hidden Mahdi, religious clerics had ultimate authority in the modern state, and could veto legislation if it was not sufficiently Islamic.
Ayatollah Na'ini asserted that no human government could substitute for the true "Islamic government" to be established by the Mahdi at his return. In the interim, humans had to do the best they could. For Na'ini, this was a constitutional democracy in which, according to Milani, "The role of ayatollahs . . . would be to "advise" the rulers and ensure that laws inimical to sharia were not implemented. But it would not be to rule the country themselves." Na'ini approved the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty, which ruled Iran until the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who lead the Islamic Revolution which deposed the shah, at first seemed to embrace Na'ini's philosophy of clerical non-involvement. After the revolution succeeded, however, he reversed course, and embraced Nuri's philosophy, to the consternation of the majority of the Grand Ayatollahs. The Iranian constitution, consequently, rests on the principle of the "Velayat-e Faqih," or the "Regency of the Chief Jurisprudent," in which a senior scholar is chosen as Regent for the absent Mahdi. This is Iran's "Supreme Leader" today.
Clerics who opposed this doctrine at the time were stripped of their credentials, and some were placed under house arrest.
When Ayatollah Khomeini died, it was difficult to find a successor who would take on the role of Supreme Leader. Ali Khamene'i was finally chosen. He was not a cleric of the first rank, but he was quickly elevated to the rank of Ayatollah. His legitimacy was questioned from the moment he took office.
The controversy still rages. Ayatollah Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, one of the most conservative clerics in the holy shrine city of Qom, and spiritual advisor to President Ahmadinejad, is a supporter of the Nuri position. He has declared that elections are unnecessary now that proper Islamic rule is in place. He reportedly told election workers before the June 12 election that it would be permissible for them to fix the election to make sure that Ahmadinejad could continue in office to support religious rule.
Ahmadinejad's chief rival, Mir Hossein Mousavi, is no less pious, but he espouses the religious philosophy embodied in the writings of Ayatollah Na'ini—that a secular democracy should be the basic form of government for Iran, with religious scholars serving merely as advisors.
This is also the position favored by the most influential Grand Ayatollah in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani of Najaf. Some of the most revered clerics in Iran have likewise denounced the election, thus tacitly revealing their opposition to the principle of the Supreme Leader.
The current attacks questioning the election are thus seen by both Ahmadinejad and Ayatollah Khamene'i as attacks against the most fundamental principle of the current constitution of the Islamic Republic. If the reformers prevail, the constitution would likely be rewritten, and the office of Supreme Leader would be eliminated or greatly reduced in influence. This was threatening not only to the two top office holders, but to everyone else whose power depended on them, including the Revolutionary Guard, and the Basij militia forces, both of which were established to "guard the principles of the Revolution."
Even if the current controversy dies down, and Ahmadinejad assumes a second presidential term, the crisis will continue. Supreme Leader Khamene'i has no obvious successor, and with the majority of Grand Ayatollahs opposing the very existence of the office, it is unclear who will be found to fill it.
William O. Beeman is professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota. He has conducted research on Iran for more than 30 years and lived through the Revolution of 1978-79. He is the author of The "Great Satan" vs. the "Mad Mullahs": How the United States and Iran Demonize Each Other.


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Sale! 20% off iittala
Posted by
Becky |
View all posts by Becky
Leave a comment! | Published in Sale
You have approximately one week to scoop up great deals on iittala — our 20% off sale ends on August 5th, 2014.
In case you are unfamiliar with iittala, it's a brand that offers many iconic pieces for design lovers, from hand-blown glass birds designed by Oiva Toikka to classic vases by Alvar Aalto.
By the way, in case you were wondering about the man who behind the birds, this is Oiva Toikka:
But there is so much more to iittala than just the coolest glass birds around. It's my go-to for host/hostess and wedding gifts. When there's a sale like this, I like to stock up. Don't tell my friends, but my standing wedding gift for everyone I ever met in architecture school is an Aalto vase. I like to scoop up a few when I can save 20%.
Of course, don't feel like you have to buy stuff for other people. When there's a sale, it's an even better justification to shop just for yourself. The simplicity of Kaj Franck's Kartio Carafe will please you minimalists and fans of all things Finnish.
The iittala Sarpaneva 2.9 quart Cast Iron Casserole with the wooden handle will become your favorite piece of cookware, and you'll leave it out on the stovetop 24/7 just to show it off. I gave one to my very picky impeccable Aunt Sally Wittenberg many years ago and it is always out on her stove. And Aunt Sally was never one to just leave things on the stove that weren't in use.
Even if you're just looking up to pick up a little something, there's something special from iittala. My choice is the iittala Kastehlmi in light blue. The little beads make this such an elegant and charming piece. While it is practical glassware, I'm thinking it's going on my nightstand to corral my watch and jewelry, or perhaps with one floating flower in it.
But don't let me tell you what to buy, go shop the sale yourself!
Hi, I'm Becky. I live in Atlanta. Besides acting as the Editorial Director here on Hatch, you can find me talking design over at Houzz. Make me happy — leave a comment!


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Nick.wright necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 296 diseños de 83 diseñadores freelance.
We're Hubbubideas and we've developed a popular web based crowdsourcing app called Crowdworks.
Hubbubideas started life about 18 months ago as a rebel offshoot of a small but successful marketing agency based in Nottingham, UK. Our passion is Crowdsourcing and open-innovation and out of this we have developed a web-based Crowdsourcing platform which called Crowdworks.
In the past year our little bright idea has flourished with clients like BBC, UKTV, Boots, Morrisons, UK Gov all coming on board and in June this year we secured some funding and have now set Hubbubideas up as its own business.
We are now deep into development on Crowdworks v2 which will Beta in Autumn. We've got some exciting things afoot and some big plans for the platform and we need a fresh and iconic logo identity to hang it all from.
Just to give you a bit of background about Crowdworks itself. Crowdworks is a web-based software that allows businesses and organisations to build collaborative communities around their customers, employees or stakeholder to capture and share ideas and feedback in real-time. Once published, ideas can be universally collaborated on, voted on and market researched by the community, and eventually, in the case of the most influential, be adopted by the organisation in whole or in part.
Take a look at http://www.crowdworks.net. Will be redone soon but will give you a bit more background.
Crowdworks is currently sold as an enterprise platform to corporates and medium to large SMEs. This is a face to face, assisted sell. Enterprise clients to date include; Royal College of Nursing, BBC, UK Gov, Boots, Yell
In addition to this we have 3 other routes to market for the platform;
- RESELLER : These are typically large web agencies and consulting houses.
- DIRECT SELL: via the website, offering Crowdworks as a tiered package licensed on a monthly plan. This is self serve to the end user and our market is typical web savvy SME businesses or empowered execs within larger corporate teams
- FREEMIUM VERSION - a free version of the Crowdworks platform so that anyone can host and benefit from their own crowdsourcing group. All the free groups become part of the wider Crowdworks community.
We require a logo for 'Crowdworks' our web-based crowdsourcing product.
- authoritative
- ingenious
- creative
- Open
- positive
- Informative
- helpful
We are looking for a strong, iconic, web 2.0 logo.
The logo needs to be horizontal in format - needs to work in top menu bars and banner spaces.
We would really like a strong icon or motif which in time could carry a high recognition factor and ideally work with or without the Crowdworks name next to it. The Crowdworks typeface is also really important to us - clear, interesting, strong, sans serif is our preference.
Colourwise, no preference at the moment - Crowdworks is currently colourless (ignore the colours at http://www.crowdworks.net) - any guidance you can give us on this would be an added bonus. In fact the logo will probably lead the colour direction.
It would also be cool if the logo could work as a single colour 'white out' and 'black out' as well as the full colour version.
Hubbubideas, our company and developer of Crowdworks has an existing logo (attached - VAG Rounded). The Crowdworks logo needs seem as if it's at least met the Hubbub logo..
No lightbulbs, lightening strikes or any other obvious 'idea' based things
Don't really see ourselves as a serif company or fiddly or fancy either
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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South Sister Climber's Log
Snowslogger - Dec 28, 2009 12:59 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 1992Safer than the drive
A good solo climb, easier than passing the semi on Hwy 97!
alpinedon - Nov 21, 2009 7:47 pm Date Climbed: Jul 28, 20022nd time
This was my second ascent of South Sister, this time with my friend James H. What I most remember about this climb is the picture I snapped of Broken Top with the sun rising behind it (my top-rated picture on SP)
alpinedon - Nov 21, 2009 7:46 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 19991st Time
This was one of my first true 'big mountain' experiences. I went solo, and spent a cold night huddling in the car. Headed out in the morning and took 5.5 hours to reach the summit.
RussThaw - Oct 10, 2009 7:05 pm Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2009easy hike up
M.C. Rinehardt, Cindy Thaw, & myself hiked up from Devils Lake Campground Trailhead. Cloud shrouded the summit with wind, but had a fun time hiking another Oregon valcoano. thanx to M.C. for coming along !
Pesobill - Sep 27, 2009 10:44 pm Date Climbed: Sep 25, 2009AWESOME DAY
Who would have thot we would have such a perfect climbing day this late in Sept.!!! Started from Devils Lake trailhead at 7am and summited about noon. We were in no hurry to get up or down -just wanted to take it all in. Very pleasant weather with just some chilly wind gusts at the summit. Visibility was quite good considering there were forest fires to the south. The views of the surrounding mountains were incredible. Spent about 1-1/2 hours at the summit (with about 12 other climbers) then began the long slog down and got back to the car close to 5pm. We may have encountered 30 people all day. No mosquitoes anywhere and just a few ground bees hanging around when we stopped for a break. We overpacked our packs as we were not sure what to expect - just cautious old timers. However, we met alot of folks who were traveling very light with no provisions for injury or weather change. While it turned out to be perfect weather this day, to us it still makes sense to carry extra water, food, and clothing anytime you are "hitting the hills". It looks like the weather window is closing so we feel fortunate to have hit an excellent day!
rmick25 - Sep 4, 2009 3:25 pm Date Climbed: Aug 9, 2007Drake Park on the hill
Quite a hike with a 50lbs pack. Ascended the South Side and Descended the North side. Ton-o-people. Thanks to the couple who gave me the batteries!
ericwillhite - Aug 18, 2009 3:04 am Date Climbed: Mar 10, 1997Solo winter trip
Info at http://www.willhiteweb.com/oregon_climbing/bend/south_sister_082.htm
nickkarl - Aug 17, 2009 7:48 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2009Clear and Beautiful
Climbed with my Dad and little bro, and about 300 strangers. First clear day in about a week. The view was worth the climb, we could see the outline of Rainier in the distance. This was our 4th volcano this week, a great way to spend our vactaion time. Next year we are on to Shasta!
nartreb - Aug 7, 2009 1:53 pm Date Climbed: Aug 3, 2009Alpine Start
Heat wave made an early start a wise move, if a painful one for me. I was a bit slower than I expected, just missing sunrise on the summit. This schedule also avoided most of the crowds.
EastKing - Aug 5, 2009 2:18 am Date Climbed: Aug 3, 2009South Sister Trail
Natreb and I climbed it in 4 1/2 up and 3 1/2 down, not including the 2 1/2 hours we spent taking tons of great pictures and enjoying this very rewarding summit. HIGHLY REWARDING AND RECOMMENDED SUMMIT!!!!!
tanzenfrosch - Jul 31, 2009 3:36 pm Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2009South Sister :)
Camped at Devils Lake Camp Ground Friday evening. Woke up much too early and climbed up to the summit. It took 9 hours to get to the summit and 4 hours to get back down (Yay for sliding on snow!) We got to the summit at 3:05pm and spent an hour having lunch with excellent views. The mosquitos were absolute hell both at camp and for the first hour or so in the wooded area. Got super sun-burnt cause I neglected the sunscreen... I'll never make that mistake again!
Pallando - Jul 26, 2009 11:42 pm Date Climbed: Jul 18, 2009Green Lakes over Lewis Glacier
Awesome climb. Left at 11:00, but going was slow with some unexperienced members. One rolled ankle before Lewis glacier. Got the sunrise too late at the summit (6:15). Slept, had coffee, and came down.
Checked out the bergschrund on Lewis Glacier. Best glissade (standing) of my life down the snowfields. Also, near green lakes, a large rock had fallen into snow in the winter. It provided shade for the snow underneath it, but the snow around it melted out. What we found was a snow pinnacle with a large flat rock on top. Took pictures.
nicozone - Jul 13, 2009 11:01 am Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2009Devils Lake TH to South Sister Summit
Drove up to the Devils Lake Campground on Friday evening. Woke up at 5am and left camp at 5:45am. It took 9 hours to get to the summit and 4 hours to get back. We got to the summit at 3:05pm and spent an hour having lunch with excellent views all the way to north toward Mt. Jefferson. It was an amazing trip except for the mosquitoes and sunburn.
bc44caesar - Jun 23, 2009 9:57 pm Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2011Multiple
23 Jun 2009 - South Ridge
Left Devil's Lake TH at 5:20am, reached the summit at 9:35. Brilliant bluedbird day. The ridge was bare, and the first part of the trail; the rest was snow. Would've been some nice corn turns on skis. Total time was just under 7hrs. A long slog for sure.
2 Aug 2011 - North Ridge
Final peak of a solo Three Sisters Marathon. Left Pole Ck TH at 4:45 am, summitted North Sister around 9:30 am, Middle Sister around 11:20 am, then South Sister at 3:00 pm. Down to car pickup at Devil's Lake at 5:25 pm. North Ridge was mostly scree, but the steep step 2/3 of the way up was most easily bypassed on steep snow (and some ice), although it was pretty sketchy without protection and a rope.
danielrfay - Jul 9, 2009 7:41 pmRe: South Ridge
Did you need any gear for the climb? I'm hoping to get up the South Sister in about a week. Thanks for any info!
Trevin Ziegler - May 29, 2009 8:14 pm Date Climbed: Jul 28, 2006Route Climbed: Green Lakes variation via Todd Lake TH
Did this with SouthRaker. Fun, great, long hike. One of my first alpine experiences. Did BrokenTop the night before. Amazing, can't wait to go back!
basagix - May 13, 2009 3:01 pm Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2006sosister
Skinned/hiked south route. Skied good corn up high, deep wet turns lower down.


text: Did you know that our Animal Health team routinely perform surgery on fish here at the National Aquarium?! Here's an update on a particularly interesting recent case: Catfish are accomplished at finding food that other fish have missed and Mr. Bojangles is especially known to help clean up after the other fish are fed. In Mr. Bojangles' case, this was leading to excessive weight gain. In recent months, Katie, the aquarist caring for Mr. Bojangles, had been focusing on a weight loss program for the catfish. It was progressing well. In mid-May, Katie noted red tissue protruding from the genital pore and the Veterinary team was called in to take a look. Upon initial observation, it was agreed that, despite general and appropriate weight loss, the caudal part of the body appeared abnormally distended and the prolapsed tissue was certainly not normal! Our veterinary intern, Dr. Erin Culpepper, had the opportunity to help our Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Kat Hadfield, complete an initial workup on Mr. Bojangles. Physical exams, bloodwork, an ultrasound and radiographs were done under anesthesia and showed that Mr. Bojangles had a large mass in the body cavity. This mass was putting pressure on the tissue and causing a small prolapse of the internal part of the urogenital pore. An aspirate from the mass had abnormal cells consistent with possible infection. The white blood cell count was elevated on bloodwork, also supportive of infection or inflammation. Overall however, Mr. Bojangles still appeared to be in good physical condition and was eating and active. Based on these findings, we planned to do an exploratory surgery to diagnose the mass and remove it if possible. Four days later, Mr. Bojangles was anesthetized for surgery. Many members of our Animal Health and Fishes Husbandry teams were present to help ensure the anesthesia and surgery went well. Dr. Culpepper found that Mr. Bojangles was - instead - Ms. Bojangles! The ovaries were very large and there was evidence of significant inflammation developing around them. Dr. Culpepper was able to successfully remove the ovaries and Ms. Bojangles recovered from the procedure very well. Within a few days, she was even eating! While we still have a ways to go until she is completely recovered, we're happy to report that Ms. Bojangles is doing well and back on exhibit! Tags: animal-health, national-aquarium, national-aquarium-experts, leigh-clayton, behind-the-scenes-update, animal-update Categories: Behind-The-Scenes Previous Post Next Post


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Packers cornerback working to get children active
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush joined forces with the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation at Monona Terrace on Thursday night, focusing on getting children more active.
The NFL's Play 60 program and other initiatives are targeting the dangers of childhood obesity and the importance of getting young people out and about.
"Instead of playing in the house, the Xbox and playing the PlayStation, that's good, too. But I mean at the same time, you want them to get the blood flowing. You know, be kids, get the energy out. 'Cause you know all the kids have tons of energy," Bush said.
There was also some talk about the Packers coming off a 15-2 season, but a disappointing one-and-out in the playoffs.
The Packers are focused on having another great regular season and finishing in the playoffs, he said.
Bush said all the pieces to the puzzle should be there in 2012.
"We have a quarterback, we have our running backs, we have our defense, we have our coordinator coming in, and just fine-tuning a few things," Bush said. "Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson coming back, we have myself. Hopefully, that deal with Nick Collins, hopefully he'll be ready to go. Like I said, the pieces are very strong. We've got to get ready, get geared up for the season."


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The origins of these innovations can be traced back to 2000 when Vestas introduced a variable-speed V80-2.0MW turbine featuring an 80-metre rotor diameter and doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). Following this, the V90 and V100 models were introduced, with increased 90-metre and 100-metre rotor diameters and a choice between a 1.8MW or 2MW power rating. To date, more than 7,800 2MW units have been manufactured, making it one of Vestas' most popular and one of the industry's most-sold series.
The V100-1.8MW set an important trend. It was one of the first turbines with a low specific-power rating (specific power is the power rating divided by the rotor-swept area), which aimed to achieve high capacity factors at low and medium wind-speed sites. Now, with the 1.8MW/2MW GridStreamer turbine, Vestas seeks to target the market for grid access and behaviour-friendly low wind.
The GridStreamer models come with similar rotor diameters to previous versions. However, they also include a liquid-cooled Vestas-designed permanent-magnet generator (PMG), and full power electronic converter is now fitted as standard. Also included is a new gearbox developed by German automotive transmission specialist ZF Friedrichshafen.
The turbines use a Vestas Cooler Top radiator unit first used on the V112-3.0MW, which has natural water circulation and a minimum number of moving parts.
Explaining the GridStreamer's development, Finn Strom Madsen, president of Vestas Technology R&D, says the changes were not only technological. "The V100-2MW GridStreamer model also moved up from IEC class IIIA to class IIA while the power rating increased from 1.8MW to 2MW," he explains. "These changes resulted in higher loads and increased demands on structural strength and stiffness."
IEC classes are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Class I turbines are designed to operate at average wind speeds of 10 metres per second (m/s), Class II at 8.5m/s and Class III at 7.5m/s.
Madsen says that, because of the changes, a single cast-main shaft housing with integrated bearings was introduced instead of the original two individual bearing blocks. "The switch to a PMG was prompted by our belief that this contributes towards meeting future grid requirements, including wind markets with a high wind-power penetration," he says.
Vestas' long-term design philosophy has been to keep the nacelle's mass as low as possible. PMG's offer both superior partial-load efficiency and weigh significantly less than DFIGs.
Technically, the new V100-2.6MW turbine is similar to the lightweight V90-3.0MW. It includes a compact drive system with flanged gearbox plus integrated rotor bearing and DFIG. The V100-2.6MW concept, with its enlarged rotor and reduced power rating, follows common engineering up-scaling practice and is based on the principle that power is a function of torque and RPM.
Madsen says Vestas has learned from the past in developing its turbines. In 2003, the company set new standards by designing its V90-3.0MW product with a 104-tonne top-head mass (nacelle plus rotor). But soon afterwards, serious gearbox-related issues emerged and additional design imperfections had to be addressed. The V90-3.0MW was withdrawn from the offshore wind market for one year in 2007.
At least five gearbox retrofits were carried out, the number of yaw motors was increased from four to six and the main chassis structure was reinforced. Nacelle mass was increased to 111 tonnes.
Madsen says Vestas wanted to be in control while resolving the gearbox issue. "In close cooperation with our gearbox suppliers we found and implemented a solution, which created a sound basis for platform continuation and expansion," he adds. "Customers also responded positively and we believe that, in fact, it impacted positively on our reputation in the market."
With the V100-2.6MW, Vestas focuses on the market for Class II turbines with a power rating of more than 2MW, including sites with megawatt or tip-height restrictions.