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|20-11-06, 15:16
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 2,282
LEVEL EDITOR TUTORIAL - for the beginner
I have decided to do a basic tutorial for the level editor.
This first section covers Building and Texturing your first room.
It covers basic geometry and texturing.
I have tried to make this tutorial as pictorial as possible so people whose first Language is not English have some chance of understanding.
Building Your First Room
We will, like the manual be using the Tut1.wad and texureset.
Preparing your level
First look in your Maps folder of TRLE and create a new folder called My Level.
Then, copy and paste the textureset from tut1 folder and paste it into this new folder.
Now double click on winroomedit to open it. Click Alt+return to maximise the window.
The level editor needs basically two things loading in order for you to create a level. Textures and Objects.
So the first thing we is click on the Load TGA button (third column, bottom row in this pic) and choose the tut1text from the My Level folder we have just created.
You should then get a texture file loaded in the right side of the editor window.
The next thing we need to do is load some objects, which include Lara and all the other objects such as doors, guns, puzzle items, medipacks, plus much more.
So click on the Load Objects button (fourth column next to the Load TGA button) and select the tut1.was. This can be found in TRLE/Graphics/Wads.
Creating the first room
We are now ready to build the first room. But first let's save our project, then when we reload the objects and textures are loaded automatically.
So from the Project Menu select Save. Then locate the My Level folder you created earlier in the Maps folder and name your file 'mylevel1'
In the 2D view. This is the blue grid area at the top left of the screen. Right click, hold and drag out a rectangle which is 8x8 squares. You will notice a red line forms around it. When you are happy with the selection, release the button and click the button below which says BOUND ROOM.
This button does what it says, and reduces the room to 8x8 squares.
Info: Tomb Raider Level Editor is based on a grid system. Each square is 4 x 4 units. The best way to think of this is that a typical cube pushable block is 4x4x4 units (called Clicks in the manual). Each texture square is also 4x4 units.
Me Like Blue Me no like Purple
Last edited by Uvavoo; 21-11-06 at 12:44.
|20-11-06, 15:22
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 2,282
The default height of the ceiling is 20 units. This is too high for this room, we will reduce it to more human proportions.
Okay, reselect all the squares in the 2d view using the right mouse button. Now using the Ceiling – (minus) button
lower the ceiling to 12, using the information in the large window as pictured below:
we should end up with a picture like this in the 3d view.
Preparing for texturing
If we simply applied a texture to a wall section the texture would appear stretched. This is because at the moment the wall is 12 units high and a texture is only 4 units high. So the texture will be stretched vertically to fill the space and look distorted. This is the sure sign of an unprofessional builder. We combat this by adding 'Texture lines' to divide up the wall into sections of 4x4 units.
First select a wall.
It will be highlighted in red. We now subdivide the wall with Texture lines.
First we will draw out a line from the bottom using the Q key. Press the Q key 4 times to draw out a line.
Next we draw out another line from the ceiling using the S key. Press the S key 4 times.
Press Alt and z together, you will get crosshairs. Click the area you wish the camera to point. Use cursor keys to rotate the room around the camera. Press PageUp and PageDown to zoom in and out.
This takes a bit of getting used to but you'll soon get the hang of it.
Okay let's texture this wall
Select an appropriate texture from the panel on the right side. (you do not have to choose the ones I have used).
Click on the FACE EDIT button, below the 3d view. and simply click on the squares you wish to have this texture.
Building up the wall as appropriate and using textures which fit.
Hurrah, you have textured your first wall.
Now simply repeat the process with all the walls. Be creative with texturing, develop your own style, you don't have to follow exactly the examples shown.
Now SAVE your project as mylevel2. Notice I have called it 2 now, this is so we can go back to the original project if necessary. Get into the habit of saving consecutive files rather than overwriting all the time, especially when you are trying something new or difficult.
Me Like Blue Me no like Purple
Last edited by Uvavoo; 14-01-07 at 15:09.
|20-11-06, 15:42
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 2,282
Adding interest
We are now going to add a little more interest and add some columns.
First select a square (see pic below) and click on the WALL button
to create a column.
Again we need to draw out the texture lines as we did before, to divide the column into three. When we have done that we need to create another 3 columns.
An easy way to do this is to select the column we have just created and go to the Edit menu and select CUT. Now click on another square (see pic below for position) and select Edit/paste. A column will be created in that position with the texture lines already in position. Repeat this and texture the resulting columns until you have something like the pic below.
Texturing the floor
I have used a shortcut to texture the floor, namely the Texture Floor button. Simply select an appropriate texture and click the Texture Floor button.
Don't overuse this feature as it creates the infamous wallpaper effect. But in this case it is ok.
Adding interest to the ceiling
If you look carefully at the picture below. You will see I have raised the ceiling in certain squares to give it more interest.
Simply select the squares and click on the Ceiling + (plus) button twice.
Notice that as the ceiling has been raised only 2 squares, the 4x4 texture squares will not fit and you will get SQUASHED textures if you try to use whole textures.
There is a solution. If you right click on the textures and drag out the area you want you can get just half the texture square.
Apply the texture to the 2 unit areas. Right click to rotate the texture.
And finally texture the ceiling with textures of your choice.
Improving the columns
The more perceptive of you will have noticed (although it is difficult due to the choice of textures) that where the column intersects the 2 unit ceiling area, the texture lines are incorrect. We need to draw out another line from the ceiling.
A further line can be drawn out using the F key.
We can now retexture this bit correctly
This looks ok, but I changed my mind and decided on more eleborate textures for my columns.
Me Like Blue Me no like Purple
Last edited by Uvavoo; 21-11-06 at 12:52.
|20-11-06, 15:53
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 2,282
Lets test out our work
Ok, before proceding we HAVE to place our heroine in the level. Otherwise your level will crash.
Select Lara from the object list, then click the place object button and click anywhere in your room.
Don't worry if Lara looks a bit odd, this is normal, she will look fine in game.
OKAY SAVE YOUR PROJECT AGAIN, this time call it mylevel3.
Outputting a tom file
In order for us to test our level we need to output a tom file.
Select from the Project menu Output Wad.
And save it in the Graphics/Wads Folder, overwriting the tut1.tom file. (If you wish to keep the tut1.tom which originally came with the game, archive it first before doing this step).
When you have done this, go to Project and Quit.
Converting your tom file into a playable level
Now we need to open the Tomb2pc program.
When you have done this click the ADD button and locate the tut1.tom file you have just output. All you need then do is to click the BUILD ALL button. The window should fill up with text and should be built in a few seconds. As your level gets larger, this process will take longer. Wait while you get the 'build complete' message at the bottom of the text block on the right.
Playing your game
Quit the Tomb2pc program.
Double click on the Tomb4.exe and choose new game and select Playable Tutorial Level from the menu.
Now have run around and admire your work. Congratulations, you have built and played your first level.
Revision – things to remember
Preparing walls for texturing.
To draw out a texture line from the floor – Use Q to move line up, A to move line down.
To draw out a texture line from the ceiling - Use S to move line down. W to move line up.
To draw out a further line from the floor - Use E to move line up. D to move line down.
To draw out a further line from the celing - Use F to move line down. R to move line up.
This means you can have room with a maximum height of 20 units – 5 squares vertically, before stretching occurs. To combat this in very high rooms, you will need to stack rooms vertically - more about this in later Parts. Note I have used CAPITAL letters to show keys for clarity, lower case is normally used.
To texture a smaller texture section (eg a texture section which is 2 units), right-click and drag to area you require on the textures area.
To rotate a texture, right click on the textured square or square to be textured.
To mirror a texture, control-click on the textured square or square to be textured.
To apply a texture to a broken square (ie a square on the floor or ceiling which has been divided into two triangles) – alt-click on the textured square or square to be textured
Next instalment is Lighting your room, coming soon
Me Like Blue Me no like Purple
Last edited by Uvavoo; 21-11-06 at 13:11.
|21-11-06, 14:53
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 2,282
PART 2: LET THERE BE LIGHT – Lighting your room
I am amazed when I see screenshots of quite nicely build rooms only to be totally let down by either poor, or more often non-existent lighting (ie ambient light only). Spending just a little time and effort in perfecting light really can make a room look a whole lot better.
The lighting panel
I am not going to baffle you with all the features at once, instead I will explain what everything does as and when we get to it. You may have to refer back to this pic now and then.
Open your project.
First open up your project if it is not already open. Always open winroomedit first and load the project from there. Don't double-click on the projects icon.
Okay, this is how the room looked when we left it. Yours should look similar to this. If not, go back to Old Kent Road.
As you can see the room looks very flat and boring, even Lara looks very cartoony in this light. This is because there are no lights added and only ambient light at full intensity is shown. Ambient light simply gives every texture an equal amount of light.
Adjust ambient light
The first thing we are going to do is adjust the ambient light. Ambient light needs to be set to very low or even to zero.
Always work from DARK to LIGHT. Ie start from a dark room.
At the right hand side of the Lighting controls you will find the controls for ambience.
Press alt key down and right click on any of the - (minus) buttons. Keep clicking until it reads 32, 32, 32. If you wish to have a tint in the ambience, alter the colours separately.
Your room should now look like this: (to view the lighting in the level editor just click the 'Lighting' button).
Yes, still looks horrible, only darker!
Info: Ok this is a tomb, in reality there will not be any light at all and the tomb will be pitch black!
What we have to do is Pretend there is a light source. In this room I am going to pretend the light source is from the center of the room at approximately ceiling height.
Using a 'standard' light
First we are going to use the 'standard' light. This is an 'all-purpose' light which you will probably use most often.
First rotate your room so you can see the ceiling clearly. (use PgUp and PgDn to zoom, cursor keys to rotate).
Click on the Light button, then click roughly in the center of the ceiling.
Ok, without doing anything else, just click on the Lighting button, you should see something like this:
This is already a huge improvement just by one click.
Adjusting the light
Next we are going to adjust this light. In order to see a visible
representation of the light we can press the 'Show Light Meshes' button.
You will see a red and a white 'sphere' around your light source. (don't worry the light will not bleed into any other rooms).
You can adjust the light by using the following:
Int = The intensity. Make the light brighter or darker.
Out = The furthest point the light will reach (the red sphere)
In = Represented by the white sphere, the distancce between the red and white sphere represents the 'falloff' of the light. This means the light will decrease gradually between these two spheres.
You can adjust the colour of the light using the colour+ and minus buttons.
Here I have made adjustments and changed the colour as an example.
Adding another light
I have added another light to add some 'fill' to the scene. You can use copy and paste buttons to duplicate a light and its settings.
And here is how this scene actually looks in game.
As you can see with only minimal lighting, we have produced a MUCH better looking room. Compare it with the unlit room below.
Me Like Blue Me no like Purple
Last edited by Uvavoo; 21-11-06 at 14:56.
|21-11-06, 15:33
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 2,282
The Sun bulb
The sun bulb. The manual warns that although you can have many sun bulbs, only ONE sun bulb can be used in any ONE room and you should not raise it or lower it so it falls outside the rooms area (above the ceiling, below the floor).
Okay. What I want you to do next is delete any lights you have created.
You should now have the darkened room only lit by the dim ambient light.
Repeat the procedure as we did with the standard light and place this time a SUN bulb roughly in the center of the room at ceiling height.
Again, show light meshes, this time the mesh is only a single line, and simply points in the direction the sun is shining. Switch Lighting button and your scene should look like this.
Adjusting the sun bulb
To adjust the sun bulb we use the same controls as before except you will not have the Out and In controls. However the X and Y buttons fields will become active.
Increasing/decreasing X - will rotate the sun vertically
Increasing/decreasing Y - will rotate the sun horizontally
So, adjust the sun bulb so that it points down a little, basically until you are happy with it. Here is my adjustment.
The sun bulb does cast nicer shadows. Here is how it looks in game.
Dont forget to output your wad and test your level frequently.
You can use PREVIEW to get a more accurate view of the lighting, but be warned this is prone to crashing, so save save save.
The lighting as displayed in the level appears approximately 10% darker than it does in game.
The Spotlight bulb
Spotlight is used to pick out certain areas, perhaps lighting up a dark corner, perhaps indicating a clue.
Again, delete all bulbs in the level.
Pick Spotlight bulb and place it in the same position as before
with light meshes showing.
Adjusting the Spotlight bulb
The adjustment for the Spotlight bulb is as follows.
In addition to the controls discussed previously you also have Len and Cut, these are similar to Out and In and relate to the Distance the spotlight light will travel.
X rotates the spotlight vertically, Y, horizontally. The other controls are the same.
The spotlight is best used in combination with other lights.
Using Lights in combination
Here I have used a combination of lights.
A sun at the top of the picture, a standard light in the middle and a spotlight at the bottom of the picture.
Here is how it looks in game.
Effect Light
The effect light is quite simple. It is placed on a texture square and the intensity and colour can be adjusted. The lighting will only affect that square and will spread to those tiles adjacent to it.
Here is an example.
I have copied and pasted this bulb also to the tile next to it. This is intended to highlight the rather nice textures.
Finally, my finished, lit room.
I settled for a sun bulb, 1 fill light (standard) and the two effects lights. Experiment and see if you can light it better than me!
Here is the original again for comparison
As you can see there is a lot to experiment with. Just follow these rules.
1. Don't over use lights. Sometimes one bulb will be enough.
2. Experiment with different light types to get the effect you want.
3. Always start from a darker room, even outdoor areas, keep ambient light low.
4. Add flame emitters etc for dynamic light. (more about that later).
5. If there are no obvious light sources (a window for example) then choose a 'virtual' light source and stick to it.
Me Like Blue Me no like Purple
Last edited by Uvavoo; 22-11-06 at 10:33.
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I haven't seen the big Henri-Cartier Bresson show at the Modern yet but I did catch this review in The New Yorker:
Cartier-Bresson has the weakness of his strength: an Apollonian elevation that subjugates life to an order of things already known, if never so well seen. He said that the essence of his art was "the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event, as well as the precise organization of forms which give that event its proper expression." Too often, the "significance" feels platitudinous, even as its expression dazzles. Robert Frank, whose book "The Americans" (1958) treated subjects akin to many in the older photographer's work, put it harshly but justly: "He traveled all over the goddamned world, and you never felt that he was moved by something that was happening other than the beauty of it, or just the composition." The problem of Cartier-Bresson's art is the conjunction of aesthetic classicism and journalistic protocol: timeless truth and breaking news. He rendered a world that, set forth at MOMA by the museum's chief curator of photography, Peter Galassi, richly satisfies the eye and the mind, while numbing the heart.
…The hallmark of Cartier-Bresson's genius is less in what he photographed than in where he placed himself to photograph it, incorporating peculiarly eloquent backgrounds and surroundings.
I'm looking forward to seeing this one…

subset: commoncrawl


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"I started out liking Boba a lot and by the end of the book I was his number one fan; he's the ideal character for a writer like me," Bloodlines author Karen Traviss tells Jason D. Ivey in an exclusive interview for The Boba Fett Fan Club. Her next book, Bloodlines, is slated for this month, as well as the e-novella, Practical Man.
Interview with Karen Traviss by Jason D. Ivey
A recent addition to Star Wars' long list of storytellers, U.K. based author Karen Traviss has made a niche for herself as the definitive writer for all things dealing with clone soldiers and Mandalorians. Karen's first two Star Wars novels Republic Commando: Hard Contact and its sequel Republic Commando: Triple Zero both deal with Omega Squad, a group of specially trained clone soldiers similar to those introduced in the Republic Commando console game made for PC and X-Box. Besides the novels, Karen has written several short stories and a couple of articles in Star Wars Insider: the magazine for Hyperspace-the Official Star Wars Fan Club. Two of Karen's short stories "Omega Squad: Targets" (SWI, Issue 81) and "Odds" (SWI, Issue 87) both follow up her novels with further missions carried out by her rag-tag team of clone soldiers. Her other two short stories, "In His Image" (Vader: The Ultimate Guide) and its sequel "Two-Edged Sword" (SWI, Issue 85) both focus on a post-ROTS Darth Vader and his relationship with the clone soldiers. "Two-Edged Sword" is significant to Star Wars lore because it features Jedi Clones, as well as early incarnations of the clones that make up much of Vader's 501st Legion and the lieutenant that they are derived from. Besides introducing readers to clones of Dark Jedi and early clones to the 501st, "Two-Edged Sword" also reveals to readers Vader's contempt towards Emperor Palpatine for his constant mind games and shows that the seeds for his eventual betrayal are sown deep within.
Currently, Karen's biggest contribution to Star Wars has been the creation of Mando'a, an official Star Wars language spoken by the Mandalorians, who are known best for their connection to the bounty hunter Boba Fett. Other than Mando'a, Karen has two Legacy of the Force novels in the works. The first of these, Legacy of the Force: Bloodlines will be Karen's first novel written about Boba Fett. Prior to writing books based in the galaxy far, far away Karen was a defense correspondent and journalist before debuting with the critically acclaimed sci-fi novel City of Pearl.
In the following interview conducted with Karen Traviss in late 2005, I talked with her about such things as how she was introduced to the Star Wars universe, along with the process of creating Mando'a and finally, her thoughts on Boba Fett who she writes about for the first in Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Bloodlines.
Jason Ivey: How did you come to write your first Clone Soldier novel?
Karen Traviss: It was totally out of the blue. Del Rey contacted me and asked me if I wanted to write it. My first novel, City of Pearl, was due out and they'd seen the manuscript. They wanted someone who could write military SF. So I got the call. I knew nothing about Star Wars, and Hard Contact was my first media tie-in. Basically, the RC's [Republic Commando's] are the SAS [Special Air Service], the U.K. Army's special forces regiment, and SBS [Special Boat Service], the Royal Marine's extra-special forces unit, placed in the GFFA [ Galaxy Far, Far Away]. As my dad said when he read it: "If it wasn't for all that lightsaber stuff, this would have been an SAS thriller."
JI: How much did your military background influence your writing the characters?
KT: I was a defense correspondent and it's mainly that job which provides most of the technical detail for my stories. Being a reservist did help me to get the mental attitude and sense of comradeship nailed down, though. Plus most of my family served in the military or the defense industry at some time in their lives. I grew up in a naval port that was also a garrison town. So it's part of the fabric of my life.
JI: Where did you get the inspiration for writing on the Clone Soldiers Mandalorian background and their use of the Mandalorian language?
KT: It all sprang from a problem I had with the Kaminoans. The clone program was supposed to be so secret that only the Kaminoans, Jango and the Sith lads knew about it. But I couldn't believe that the Kaminoans trained special forcesâ€Â" they just don't have the experience or attitude. So I asked to change canon so that I could introduce real kick-arse commando instructors, and it was obvious that for a secret project like that, Jango would want to recruit some Mandalorians. To keep it secret, they'd have to disappear indefinetly from the galaxy, and so the Cuy'val Dar -- "Those Who No Longer Exist" -- were born. (Out of 100 instructors, 75 were Mando.)
I decided that Mando fighting skill was so much a part of their culture, language and philosophy that they'd teach all of that to their lads, especially as the RC's were Jango's clones; they also saw Mando identity as being a really important spiritual thing to pass on to their trainees. It was one of those accidental inventions born of necessity that gave me one of the best storylines. The Mandalorian vibe is the core of my SW stories now.
JI: Speaking of the Mandalorians, I learned that you have created an official language for them called Mando'a. What was the process like in doing this?
KT: Yes, I developed Mandalorian into a fully working language that I call Mando'a. It started when LucasArts sent me Jesse Harlin's music and lyrics from the RepCom game when I started writing Hard Contact. I asked if I could take it further and create a grammar and vocabulary, because I needed to add depth to the commando backstory. It just mushroomed from there. A couple of friends-Ryan Kaufman, who's ex-LucasArts, and Ray Ramirez, a US Army sniper-beta-tested it for me. Now I've got an informal class on TOS [The Official Site, www.starwars.com] and there'll be a feature on it in Star Wars Insider in February 2006. I hope to release the full vocabulary around that time too, so everyone can learn the language and speak it if they want to.
JI: In the short story for Star Wars Insider titled "Two-Edged Sword," how did it feel to tell the origin story of Darth Vader's infamous 501st Legion? Would you ever be interested in telling a novel from the perspective of one of the 501st clones?
KT: It wasn't until I looked back on it that I realized what a terrific break it had been, because I'm now [known as] the clone gal, which delights me. I'd love to do a stormie novel, yes. Basically, I'll write anyone in armour -- clones, stormies, the Fetts or Vader.
JI: Of the following armored characters you've written -- the Clone Troopers/Republic Commandos, Clone Jedi, Darth Vader and Boba Fett -- who has it been the most joy to get inside their heads and discover how they think, react, what motivates them etc.?
KT: Hard to say, really. They all have their appeal. Vader is fascinating because he isn't the cardboard cut-out villain some people think; I think he's pretty restrained considering what he's been through. Boba Fett is very rewarding because he's so damaged and single-minded. All the clone lads are great because their one common trait is their willingness to do the job to the best of their ability even when they realize what a rotten deal the Republic has given them. They're true heroes.
JI: Finally, what are your thoughts on Boba Fett, such as your perception of who he is, his motivations or anything else that people might not know about the character that you as a writer have discovered?
KT: Well, this is how I saw him, and I based this purely on listing three or four events in his early life and forming a psychological profile from it. I didn't want to read how other writers had dealt with him because that's like getting a third-hand account of someone and then deciding if you like them or not. As a writer, I have to meet the character and form my own opinions. I might disagree with the next person, just as we don't all share the same opinion on real people we meet. (And I don't read fiction anyway. I hate reading.) So I did a psych profile. That's what I did with Vader too; I do it with all the pre-existing characters.
Boba is fundamentally damaged, and ironically it's his bent-out-of-shape persona that's also his strength. He's had a rotten childhood, a totally unnatural one that even his dad's devotion can't balance out: in fact, it makes everything else worse because it's in such stark contrast to Jango's focus on him. (And let's face it, Jango is a man with serious issues too. He's not exactly a role model for stable family life, is he?) Boba's doomed never to be able to have normal relationships with anyone, or at least he'll always struggle with fitting into any kind of society.
It's also what makes him so good at his job, because no normal well-adjusted human being would do what he does, or do it so obsessively well. So it keeps him going. But he becomes defined by his job and he's not all that sure how to do much else; it's an addiction to excellence. It affects his role as Mandalore as well. He's still trying to make Dad proud of him. He'd never admit that in public, though, and he's as dangerous as ever. He doesn't accept aging graciously, not deep inside, although he's smart enough to change his tactics to take account of that. Nobody in their right mind would mess with him, not even now.
He's almost comfortable with who he is. But that doesn't mean he's prepared for what's heading his way in the Legacy series. I reckon what he has to face in Bloodlines and beyond is harder that anything else he's ever had to cope with since Jango was killed. I started out liking Boba a lot and by the end of the book I was his number one fan; he's the ideal character for a writer like me.
He has a lot to learn, and that's not easy late in life, but his resilience and inner strength is unassailable. You've got to admire a guy like that. He simply never gives up. That much of him is very Mando, even though he's had very little by way of a traditional Mandalorian upbringing.
For those who are interested in finding out more about Ms. Traviss' work you can visit her web site. More detailed information on Mando'a can be found at Wikipedia.
Star Wars En Direct Radio spoke with Karen about the background of Hard Contact. The audio is available as a ZIP download.
Star Wars Bibliography
- Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice (Del Rey, June '07)
- Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Bloodlines (Del Rey, September '06) - Amazon.com pre-order
- Star Wars Boba Fett: Practical Man (Online only, September '06)
- Star Wars Republic Commando: Triple Zero (Del Rey, February '06) - Amazon.com
- Star Wars Republic Commando: Hard Contact (Del Rey, October, '04) - Amazon.com
Short Stories
- "Odds" (Star Wars Insider #87, p. 53-61)
- "Two-Edged Sword" (SWI #85, p. 39-47)
- "In His Image" (SWI, Vader: The Ultimate Guide, 2005)
- "Omega Squad: Targets" (SWI #81, p. 61-67)
- "Guide to the Grand Army of the Republic" (SWI #84, p. 24-31)
- "The Mandalorians: People and Culture" (SWI #86)


text:
2 Veteran Democrats Ousted in Pennsylvania Primary
U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, Pennsylvania's longest-serving congressman, lost his re-election bid in the Democratic primary, while Rep. Mark Critz beat fellow Democratic incumbent Rep. Jason Altmire.
U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, Pennsylvania's longest-serving congressman, lost his re-election bid in the Democratic primary, while Rep. Mark Critz beat fellow Democratic incumbent Rep. Jason Altmire in another contest that shook up the state's House delegation.
Newly-configured congressional district lines put in place by the Republican-controlled state Legislature affected the dynamics in each closely-watched race.
Holden, who was elected to Congress in 1992 and was one of its conservative, so-called Blue Dog Democrats, lost Tuesday to personal injury attorney Matt Cartwright, who spent nearly $400,000 in the race.
Asked to assess his victory, Cartwright said "It's a combination of things, number one, the redistricting, and number two, my own core political beliefs are a much better fit for the new district."
In the U.S. Senate primaries, Democrat Bob Casey of Scranton easily beat a little-known challenger in his bid for a second six-year term in office. His Republican challenger will be wealthy former coal company owner Tom Smith of Armstrong County, who largely self-financed his victory in a bitter, five-way race in which he trounced the candidate endorsed by Gov. Tom Corbett and the state GOP.
Cartwright won 57 percent to 43 percent on a night when most of the state's other U.S. House incumbents went unchallenged or cruised to victories in the primary.
"This is Matt Cartwright's night and he ran a good race," Holden said in a statement issued through his campaign spokesman, Eric Nagy.
Cartwright's campaign hit Holden with allegations that he was too conservative for the district's voters, citing his vote against the health care overhaul backed by President Barack Obama.
But Cartwright also benefited from the new congressional district boundaries redrawn to add tens of thousands more Democrats and the newly added cities of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Easton.
The new boundaries apparently left Holden vulnerable among the new crop of voters. Only about one-quarter of the new district is currently represented by Holden.
Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 24 percentage points in the new district, whereas the GOP held a four-point registration edge in Holden's current district.
As a Blue Dog Democrat, Holden belonged to a coalition in Washington that includes moderate and conservative Democrats lobbying for greater fiscal responsibility.
Cartwright, 50, had name recognition in the important Scranton media market after long running ads for his Moosic law firm. He has proudly called himself "an old-school Roosevelt Democrat."
Holden had the support of Casey as well as the mayors of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Easton.
But it didn't matter against Cartwright. Nagy said a combination of redistricting, Cartwright's fundraising and national interest group support, coupled with an anti-incumbent sentiment throughout the country created a "perfect storm" against Holden.
Cartwright will face Scranton tea party activist Laureen Cummings in the fall. Cummings, a nurse and small business owner from Old Forge, was the only Republican on the primary ballot. Nagy said Holden pledged his support to Cartwright when calling to concede.
Critz topped Altmire to become the Democratic nominee in the newly created 12th Congressional District that stretches from Johnstown to areas north and east of Pittsburgh.
The 44-year-old Altmire and 40-year-old Critz were like-minded Democrats before redistricting combined their previously separate districts. Like Holden, Altmire was a Democratic Blue Dog Coalition member. He drew support from small businesses and the ire of unions for his vote against the federal health care overhaul in 2010.
Altmire was seen as a favorite in the race early on. About two-thirds of the new district is already represented by Altmire under the old boundary lines, a demographic advantage Altmire hoped would help carry him to victory.
Critz was buoyed by strong support from organized labor including the United Steelworkers, key endorsements in blue-collar western Pennsylvania. The former top aide to his powerful predecessor, the late Rep. John Murtha, was also endorsed by former President Bill Clinton.
"With the help of labor, we were able to make inroads in the new parts of the district," Critz said.
Critz will face Republican lawyer Keith Rothfus in the November election after beating Altmire 52 to 48.
"It's no fun running against someone from your party," Critz added.
Altmire won 70 percent of the vote in Allegheny County, which he currently represents, but lost 91 to 9 in Critz's power base of Johnstown and Cambria County. Johnstown was new ground for Altmire.
"What turned the tide in the race was the performance in Johnstown. It's not as though they came into my district and turned my constituents against me," Altmire said. "I'm completely at peace with what occurred. Mark deserves to win and Johnstown turned out for him."
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
We invite you to discuss and comment on this article using social media.


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The Emory Voice Center is pleased to welcome Melissa Statham, MD as the latest addition to the Voice Center's team of voice specialists!
Melissa Statham, MD, is a laryngologist specializing in pediatric voice disorders and care of the adult professional voice, airway and swallowing conditions.
A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Dr. Statham completed her residency in otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati, and pursued two fellowships following her residency. The first for laryngology and care of the professional voice at the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center, and the second in pediatric otolaryngology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Dr. Statham has expertise in treating pediatric and adult voice conditions and airway disorders. Her research interests focus on pediatric voice disorders, novel laryngeal electromyography techniques and outcomes from pediatric and adult major airway surgery.
Please join us at the Emory Voice Center for an Open House and reception to help welcome Dr. Statham to the Emory Voice Center. You can register for the open house online, or use the phone number below. Event details are listed below:
What: Welcome Reception and Open House for Melissa Statham, MD
When: Thursday, March 24 at 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: Emory Voice Center
(550 Peachtree Street, 9th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30308)
To RSVP: Please Call 404-778-7777 or Register Online
Tags: Atlanta hospitals, events, Georgia, voice center, welcome


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Plastic Machining and Plastic Fabrication:
We machine all types of plastics such as –acetal, nylon, pvc, abs, polycarbonate, acrylic, phenolics, and PTFE. We also specialize in machining plastic such as Vespel®, Teflon®, Ultem®, Peek™, Lexan® and Zelux®.
Our experienced professionals can help you select the proper material for your component and provide special machining techniques that will enhance the quality of your part. East Coast Precision Manufacturing is a premier plastic fabricator using state of the art CNC equipment. We will work with you to seamlessly produce your part on our CNC vertical milling and turning machines.
Acrylic Polishing, Polycarbonate Polishing and Plastic Polishing and Finishing:
We also offer expertise in finishing techniques that are unique to plastic fabrication. Acrylic Polishing, Polycarbonate Polishing, Vapor polishing and buffing can add a high gloss finish to your plastic component. See our page on plastic polishing for our capabilities. When working with plastic during the machining process, it is especially important that certain plastics are annealed or heated and then cooled to relieve stress due to machining. Annealing can prevent large and small cracks in machined or molded components. Annealing plastic has more information regarding this important process to plastic machining.
Batch sizes can range from one to 10,000 and we can provide sample parts for your review. We have experience machining washers, bushings, shims, manifolds, insulators, gaskets and many more plastic components. Industries that we serve include automotive, high technology, medical, light and heavy industrial, semi-conductor and telecommunications.
Let us be your source for precision plastic fabrication. With over 20 years of experience fabricating machined plastics, we can provide the best solution to your most challenging and most difficult-to-machine parts. For recent comments regarding our services from our customers, visit our customer comment page. We are proud of our commitment to quality and our ability to work with you to help you solve your plastic fabrication needs.


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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The utility responsible for a deadly pipeline explosion in Northern California said Friday that the record $2.25 billion in fines being sought by state regulators is illegally excessive, but did not offer a specific dollar figure it considers reasonable.
In a 103-page filing submitted just before the close of business, Pacific Gas & Electric said that it agrees with the California Public Utilities Commission's finding that a financial penalty is appropriate for the September 2010 explosion that killed eight people.
But the utility argued that its shareholders are already paying $2.2 billion in system upgrades and other improvements in response to the blast, and that any fines should be deducted from that amount.
"PG&E has fully accepted moral and legal responsibility for this tragic accident," company lawyers wrote. "However, the proposed penalty of $2.25 billion ignores the fundamental truth of this tragedy: this accident was not the result of willful or knowing violations of state law, federal standards, or Commission orders, policies or directives."
CPUC judges are expected to decide later this year how much the company should be fined for safety violations that led to the explosion.
In addition to causing the eight deaths, the rupture of a gas pipeline in the San Francisco Bay Area city of San Bruno sparked a fireball that also left dozens injured and destroyed 38 homes. Federal and state safety regulators have blamed the rupture on the failure of a decades-old faulty weld and PG&E failure to conduct thorough inspections.
Mindy Spatt, a spokeswoman for the Utility Reform Network, a San Francisco consumer advocacy group, said PG&E's proposal to apply its future safety upgrades toward its past failures amounted to the company "suggesting no penalties at all."
"It's an insult to the people of San Bruno and all of PG&E's customers," Spatt said. "Every single investigation into this explosion have found PG&E responsible, yet PG&E has the nerve to say, 'Why blame us?'"
PG&E officials could not be immediately reached for comment.


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Woman, 40, struck by train in Waukesha
For the second time in recent weeks, a pedestrian has been hit by a train in Waukehsa.
Emergency responders were called to an area near Frame Park around 12:40 p.m. The intersection was listed at Whiterock Avenue and Perkins Street.
Waukesha police said a 40-year-old woman was struck by the train. According to WISN 12 News' partners at Waukesha Patch, she was transported to Froedtert Hospital by Flight For Life, where she is in serious condition.
People in the area are concerned about the safety of these tracks.
"We heard the squealing of the train brakes, and we were wondering what had occurred at that point, and that moment we drove up here, and unfortunately saw the lady on the ground," Waukesha Parks Department employee John Sorenson said.
Sorenson said the victim was familiar to people in the park who regularly saw her walking the path near the tracks. He said she walked with a pronounced limp, and worries that she may have been unable to move quickly enough to escape the path of the train.
The area where the accident happened is not a very heavily traveled crossing ,but it was within steps of the very busy Frame Park, and the stopped train blocked off several key intersections here in Waukesha.
Jim Edlhuber was taking photos in the park.
"I was just reaching in the car. I heard the ding ding of train, and then all of a sudden, I heard the brakes going on," Edlhuber said. "(I) couldn't believe it, really. Somebody actually got hit by a train right by where I was standing."
Waukesha city officials confirmed for WISN 12 News that the stretch of tracks is quiet zone, where trains don't routinely sound their horn.
"Just recently, they passed where horns are no longer able to warn people going through here. I don't know if that's going to spark that debate again," Sorenson said.
Even in a quiet zone, trains are allowed to sound their horn to warn someone on the tracks.
No one WISN 12 News reporter Kent Wainscott spoke with could say for sure whether they heard the horn before hearing the brakes squeal.
Remember you can send your breaking news photos to us anytime by email: email@example.com - or directly from our FREE WISN 12 News mobile apps.


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H1N1 With Hemorrhagic Pneumonia May Be Increasing In US
It was recently reported in Iowa that deaths from H1N1 may be under-reported. Although the official death toll for the state is 21, the Polk County medical examiner
said he has performed autopsies on some residents who were never diagnosed with H1N1, but actually had it."In the autopsy, what we're seeing is very heavy, wet hemorrhagic lungs, lungs with a lot of blood in them," said Dr. Gregory Schmunk.He said the official count of seven H1N1 deaths is inaccurate, but patient rights laws prohibit him from giving specific numbers.He said there are two reasons for the discrepancy. First, not all sick patients get tests and second, the virus is difficult to detect. Some patients may be too sick to receive the most accurate H1N1 test.
He also pointed out that it is vital for people to get the flu shot when it is available, and for people who are sick to stay home, since one sick person at work can infect 10 others.
This may be the H1N1 variant that has been ravaging people in Ukraine, Norway, and now starting in China. Well over 1.6 million people have been infected in Ukraine alone in the last few weeks, and many are dying of hemorrhagic pneumonia. It has been reported that many of the dead victims had black lungs that had been totally destroyed in a matter of a couple of days. This is believed by some researchers to be caused by the receptor binding domain change, D225G, which was also identified in the 1918 and 1919 Spanish flu pandemic that killed many millions of people, as reported in a recent posting at recombinomics.
Betsy McKay: I just wanted to follow-up on the question about the mutation in norway. I wondered if you could talk a little bit more about is it possible that this mutation has produced a more virulent form and what has CDC uncovered through its own work?
Anne Schuchat: this mutation has been seen sporadically here and there around the world. Sometimes it's been seen in patients who had very mild disease and sometimes it's been seen in people who had more severe or fatal disease. And, of course, lots of virus without this mutation has been seen in the fatal as well as the milder forms of H1N1 influenza. There's some theoretical reasons why this particular mutation might lead an influenza virus to live easier in the deep part of the lungs and cause lower respiratory infections, but we've actually seen lower respiratory infections in a severe viral pneumonia without this mutation. So I think it's too soon to say what this will mean long term. It's an important finding and they're looking into it, but I don't think it has the public health implications that we would wonder about. Did you have a second question? Oh, what have we seen so far? I believe it's been seen in the U.S. But associated with mild disease. I believe. I might need to verify that. Do we have another from the room? Okay. We'll go back to the phone.
The above comments are from the latest CDC update and regard the receptor binding domain change, D225G, which has recently been reported in Ukraine and Norway. This change was also identified in 1918 and 1919 fatal lung cases and the change has been targeted in receptor binding domain studies. These studies showed that the 1918 H1N1 with D225G was able to bind to gal alpha 2,3 and gal alpha 2,6, in contrast to the 1918 sequences with wild type D225, which targeted alpha 2,6.
Recent studies have also demonstrated that alpha 2,3 receptors are on alveolar epithelial type II cells, which regulate lung surface tension as well as immunological defenses which include the release of cytokines. Binding of H1N1 to these cells could have significant clinical implications, which is supported by the recently published sequences which identifies D225G in lung and trachea samples form fatally infected patients. The cases in Ukraine were also linked to hemorrhagic disease and the CDC sent out a warning on such cases due to sporadic reports in the United States.
In another article on the recombinomics web site, yesterday, that the situation in Ukraine is critical:
Ukraine Dead Approach 400 – D225G Spreads
Recombinomics Commentary 23:30
November 24, 2009
1,679,237 Influenza/ARI
99,661 Hospitalized
397 Dead
The above figures from the latest daily update from the Ukraine Ministry of Health support a decline in the rate of increases of cases and deaths, but the total is now almost 400 fatalities (see map). The spread was likely slowed by the country-wide closing of schools along with warmer weather. However, it is likely that the virus will return as temperatures drop and the traditional flu season begins, although it is unclear if seasonal flu will be in circulation in 2010.
The receptor binding domain change, D225G, was in four of four sequence from fatal cases, raising concerns that the 2,3 alpha specificity of D225G drove the H1N1 to the lungs and the total destruction. Three patients in Norway were said to also have D225G, and two of the three died while the third had been in serious condition. 25 HA sequences from Norway were deposited at Genbank, but only one had D225G, and it was a mixture. In Brazil both patients with D225G in lung samples had died, and the case in China had been in serious condition.
This is a critical situation that must be closely monitored. Up until now, H1N1 has been pretty mild, but it does seem to be mutating to a much more virulent variety. Also, there has been a lot of evidence of people who had previously had H1N1, earlier in the year, being re-infected. This is further evidence of mutations of the virus.
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VII. Conceptual Approaches to Care
INTRODUCTION The term 'nursing model' was probably introduced to you in your basic education, and used for assignment work. Nursing models are supposed to be used in practice but in reality they are generally not used well, and appear to serve more as checklists for care plans rather than […]Read more


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Jay-Z: Fallin- The American Godfather - DJ Skee JayZ
Jay-Zs fallin mash up with The Godfather from DJ Skees American Godfather remix mixtape. Crazy!&IP=18.104.22.168
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Audrey's block for SewConnected 2 was much more in my comfort zone. Audrey sent out a really great packet of red, aqua and green fabrics. She wanted blocks inspired by log cabin blocks, and I decided to separate the colors out into two different groupings and mix it up a little bit. I was definitely inspired by Rita's block from a few months back.
To the original SewConnected group, Jessica of twinfibers sent out envelopes containing cuts from some of her favorite vintage sheets and pillowcases. I had seen several quilts and swaps going on using vintage sheets, but never had the pleasure of working with them myself. They were super-soft and the muted tones were very, very soothing. Jessica didn't have any specific requests except that we use a small floral piece that she included in each packet. I had a lot of fun free-piecing this one:
Finally, this was the inaugural month for SewConnected 3, another virtual quilting bee with a new group of 18 fabulous quilters. With so many people, this isthe first of the SewConnected groups that will have some months where we make blocks for two different people. March was one of those months.
These first blocks are for Saranya (sew-do-I) from Thailand. Her fabric selection was so inspiring that I couldn't stop at just one block!
For this first block I once again turned to Scott's Woodland Wonderland pattern. That's where the part of the block to the left of the white bar comes from. To make it 12" square, I decided to feature the Heather Bailey "Pop Garden" flower on the right.
I used the basic principles of string blocks to make this 12" square featuring basic diaginal strips. I loved all of these fabrics so much that I really wanted to feature them and not cut them up into little pieces. I love this simplicity of this block. Saranya really chose wonderful fabrics.
And last but not least, a block for Donna (rocklilly) from the Sydney, Australia. I know I sound like a broken record, but Donna too sent a very inspired grouping of fabrics. That's been my favorite part of joining these quilting bees (and why some might say I'm addicted): ogling over everyone else's unique but amazing fabric combinations and actually getting to work with selections that I might never have put together myself.
The idea for Donna's block really started with that chain-like piece down the left side. I've really been wanting to make something like that ever seeing similar patterns from Jacquie and others. I added the mermaids next because (and this may sound cheesy), it seemed to me that the chain could be an anchor chain dropping down from a boat, and the mermaids, turtles and octopi are swimming up and around the chain. Anyhow, I just free / improv - pieced the rest of the block from there.
Whew! Enough for one post? I'm excited to report back next month because it's the first time that it will actually be my month in one of the quilting bees! I'm excited to see what I get from all of the other amazing quilters.


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Biology majors at Pine Manor can elect to earn the Biotechnology Certificate at the Metropolitan College of Boston University while completing their major in biology. Students graduate from Pine Manor with a BA in Biology and a Certificate in Biotechnology from the Met.
Students must have a minimum GPA at Pine Manor of 2.5 to take these courses.
A student interested in biotechnology can take as few as 1 or as many as 4 courses. However, the certificate is earned by completing the four courses below.
Interested students should contact Dr. Susan Bear (email@example.com)
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This is in memory of my old University of London College Queen Elizabeth College (Q.E.C.) before it was savagely merged into Kings College along with Chelsea College in the 1980s.
It was merged because of the then Conservative Governments cut back on student places and funding because again of previous Labour Governments mishandling of the economy before a recession sounds awfully familiar except this time we have a Conservative-Liberal Coalition Government.
That is nether here or there as Q.E.C. was a small college in Kensington London consisting of two main buildings which included it's own Hall of Residence. Due to it's size it always had a nice crowd of students who regularly talked to students talking different courses unlike the bigger colleges. It was and had a nice community spirit within the college with a more personal feel.
Originally, and still at my time, Q.E.C. was famous for its Nutrition Department though it did teach other Sciences for example Chemistry, Biology and Physics but no arts courses.
I took a Degree in Physics and Astrophysics there and got a 3rd Class Honours B.Sc. Degree. The first on my dad's side of the family to get a degree.
I still remember my time as Q.E.C. with a mixture of great fondness and angst but would not of missed it for the world. I met good friends there, learnt a lot there and learnt what good beer and company was.
This is in memory of Queen Elizabeth College as it was a separate college of the University of London.
Please note: If want to see my second life journal then go to the Journal of a Spectral Traveller.


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Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a terrible problem.
Scientists have historically attributed the rise in antibiotic resistance among bacteria to two main causes: Low-level use of antibiotics in animal feed and inappropriate prescription of antibiotics by physicians.
Recently, news articles with titles such as "Disinfectants May Promote Growth of Superbugs" have suggested that disinfectants may also contribute to antibiotic resistance.
At the core of the matter is a phenomenon called "cross-resistance," where microbes exposed to sub-lethal levels of disinfectants undergo physiological or genetic changes that increase antibiotic resistance — without the bacteria even being exposed to the antibiotic to which they gain resistance.
If cross-resistance were really taking place, then it would come as a huge surprise for cleaning professionals, disinfectant makers and users of facilities where disinfection currently plays a central role in breaking the cycle of infection.
Fortunately, news about cross-resistance has been largely exaggerated.
The reality is that while cross-resistance between certain disinfectants and certain antibiotics can be readily demonstrated by laboratory experiments, it is much, much more difficult to detect — and may not even occur — in actual facilities.
Researchers have tried a number of approaches to detect the phenomenon in "real-life" without success.
The Science: Laboratory Experiments
A number of laboratory or in vitro studies have evaluated the effect of sub-lethal biocide exposure on antibiotic resistance.
Most of these laboratory studies have utilized a study design called "stepwise training," where bacteria are grown in pure culture in increasing concentrations of a particular biocide, then exposed to a range of antibiotics at the end of the study to measure changes in its antibiotic resistance profile.
Most stepwise training studies have centered on Triclosan, though Triclosan is a relatively uncommon active ingredient in surface disinfectants and is fundamentally more like an antibiotic than a typical biocide.
That is, it appears to act on one target in a bacterium rather than multiple targets all at once (McMurray, Nature. 1998. 394:531-532).
Since Triclosan is not frequently used as an active ingredient for surface disinfection, its discussion in this article is limited.
With respect to surface disinfectants, the most relevant biocide that has been studied for cross-resistance potential is the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) or quat.
QACs are one of the most common active ingredients in disinfectants today, especially in health care and commercial settings.
Laboratory studies have shown that exposure of a bacterium called Pseudomonas stutzeri to QACs over time can result in increased resistance to certain antibiotics and other biocides (Tattawasart, Journal of Hospital Infection. 1999. 42:219-29).
And genes have been identified that appear to be linked to the development of QAC resistance and corresponding resistance to some antibiotics (Russel, Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2002. 92:121S-35S).
The Science: Actual Usage
A relatively small number of studies have evaluated the effect of biocide use on antibiotic resistance levels in real settings.
No "smoking gun" studies showing cross-resistance are known at this time.
Furthermore, no outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have been traced to sub-lethal disinfectant exposure in the environment.
Of the few available studies, arguably the best designed and most comprehensive was done by Aiello, et al. in 2005.
In this study, 224 households were randomized to use of a broad array of antimicrobial cleaning products for one year (Aiello, Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2005. 11:1565-70).
Products included oxygenated bleach, a quaternary ammonium cleaner and a Triclosan-containing hand soap.
Samples of bacteria from hands were collected at initiation of the study and after the one-year use period before being analyzed for antibiotic resistance.
No linkage was found between antimicrobial use in the households and the rate of antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from hands.
The findings of the 2005 Aiello, et al. study are generally representative of other real-world studies, though few have directly focused on the issue of cross-resistance.
One thing is clear: It is relatively easy to bring about cross-resistance in the laboratory using carefully designed and controlled experiments.
However, it is difficult to bring about or observe such a phenomenon under more realistic conditions.
Most of the research that has been done thus far to explore the phenomenon of cross-resistance could be considered primary in nature.
That is, it has set out to answer fundamental questions or observe phenomena that were expected to be readily observable.
Researchers such as Aiello, et al., who have asked these tough questions and carried out well-designed, rigorous studies to evaluate their hypotheses, should be praised.
They have contributed greatly to the overall understanding of surface disinfection and its impact to antibiotic resistance.
It would be foolhardy to think that cross-resistance does not take place to some extent in practice, but the current science suggests that the risk associated with not disinfecting contaminated surfaces far outweighs the risks associated with cross-resistance.
Disinfection brings many benefits to facilities.
A number of studies suggest that the use of disinfectants in strict compliance with label instructions yields a benefit to facility occupants by breaking the infection cycle (Cozad, American Journal of Infection Control. 2003. 31:243-254).
For cleaning professionals who are hyper-aware of the cross-resistance issue, a safe bet is to utilize a surface disinfection technology that destroys many different components of a bacterium at once, leaving little opportunity for mutations and physiological changes that could result in cross-resistance to antibiotics.
One example of such a technology is a steam vapor system.
Steam vapor systems are finding more frequent use in hospitals, schools and foodservice applications.
In the context of cross-resistance, steam vapor has a key advantage in that it is a chemical-free disinfection approach, where heat transferred to microorganisms on the surface destroys many target sites at once.
Since nothing is left behind, there is virtually no risk of environmental development of cross-resistance.
At least one device on the market has been tested extensively by independent laboratories (Tanner, American Journal of Infection Control. 2009. 37(1):20-27).
Sodium hypochlorite or bleach is another example of a biocide that can be used regularly for indoor surface disinfection that acts against many different components of bacterial cells at once, reducing the likelihood of mutations that confer resistance.
Bleach, in particular, is noteworthy because it has been used at low levels in water treatment for ages and reports of cross-resistance are scarce, if they exist at all.
In many facilities today, decontamination of surfaces in environments where antibiotic resistance is prevalent is a paramount concern.
Recent news articles with titles like "Disinfectants May Promote Growth of Superbugs" certainly grab attention, but current science does not support the notion that cross-resistance is a common phenomenon in practice.
Cross-resistance can be readily demonstrated in the laboratory and it is reasonable to think that a low level of cross-resistance takes place in real life.
However, the risks of not disinfecting environmental surfaces regularly to break the cycle of infection likely outweigh any risks associated with cross-resistance.


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While much recent attention on economic development has focused on Oakland County and western Michigan, an important part of the state's economy has been and will continue to be the Downriver area.
Seventeen communities south of Detroit in Wayne County encompass the Downriver area. Several critical factors have contributed to the long-term feasability of economic development in the region. First, Downriver is economically and geographically tied to Detroit, one of the nation's ten largest metropolitan areas, and the Detroit-based auto industry. Second, Downriver offers industry access to the Detroit River, the Great Lakes and ultimately the St. Lawrence Seaway, one of the world's major international waterways. Water access has been a major factor behind industry's decision to locate in the area. Third, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a major transportation center for southeastern Michigan and the state's largest airport, is located Downriver in Romulus. Fourth, major surface routes such as Interstate-75, I-94, and I-275 traverse Downriver. Access to transportation centers and routes has been a key factor behind existing economic development in the area. Finally, Ontario, Canada is accessible from Downriver via the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, a factor which could take on added significance given the 1988 Free Trade Agreement between. the United States and Canada.
Downriver Detroit could best improve its economic climate by reducing its property tax burden, which acts as a disincentive to economic development. Property taxes are too high in the Downriver area, where the millage rate average is more than 22 percent higher than for 13 competitor communities in northwestern Wayne and Oakland counties. In 1987, the average millage rate for the 17 Downriver communities was 72.11 mills. The average rate for the 13 competitor communities, with such high-growth areas as Novi, Southfield and Troy, was 58.94 mills. The Downriver millage average is also higher than the statewide average of 63.44 mills for cities and 47.27 for townships. Local property taxes must be reduced if Downriver is to compete with areas like northwestern Wayne and Oakland counties, which have experienced record economic growth this decade.
Economic development Downriver is linkedto Detroit's economy which has declined while growth has increased in Oakland County. Historically, Downriver has benefitted from Detroit's position as an economic activity center. The automobile and steel industries are major employers, and their impact on the region cannot be understated. Failureto diversify has left the area vulnerable during periods of economic downturn Downriver suffered a severe economic depression during the late 1970s-early 1980s while the rest of Michigan experienced a recession. Community leaders have attempted to attract new business using property tax abatements, with limited success. Oakland County economic growth has occurred largely without reliance on abatements, the economic development strategy that is most discussed downriver. To the extent that Downriver officials can, they should support actions which would improve Detroit's economic climate. Detroit must lower its property tax burden, the highest in the state and the fifth highest nationwide among the largest cities in each state. Detroit should utilize an enterprise zone approach, rather than property tax abatements, as an economic growth strategy.
The high and increasing tax burdens of the Downriver area can only be offset by extraordinary public services. One way to achieve this goal is through privatization, the process whereby the private sector performs functions provided by a public sector, government unit. Such action would establish a different picture of Downriver, a picture of an innovative area acting to improve its economic climate. Downriver has generally been perceived as an area of inefficient municipal government. Two communities in particular have contributed to this perception – Ecorse and River Rouge – although other Downriver communities are providing questionable services, and other services in a questionable manner. Privatization has played a role in improving economic development possibilities in Ecorse, while the concept is being considered in River Rouge. In Ecorse, privatization of public services has successfully been implemented to reduce a $6 million budget deficit. In River Rouge, privatization is an option for reducing the existing $4.4 million budget deficit.
Privatization already exists to a limited degree Downriver, and should be further explored. A first step should be the establishment of privatization commissions in all 17 communities to review the prospects for transferring services from the public to private sectors. Each commission should include a mix of residents, business and community leaders and elected officials and should meet at least once publicly for public input. Commissions should examine why services performed by the private sector elsewhere are provided by the public sector in their own community. For example, a Wyandotte privatization commission should examine why the city provides public cable TV service when it is provided by private firms in other communities. Likewise, privatization commissions in Riverview and Southgate should review why those communities operate municipal golf courses that compete with privately-owned commercial courses in the area.
Sixteen Downriver communities have already privatized garbage collection, although competition does not exist to the degree that it does in north Oakland County, where 20 of 30 communities allow competing private firms. Eight Downriver communities have part-time fire departments, in keeping with a national trend from fire suppression to fire prevention. Three of the four largest Downriver communities, size-wise – Romulus, Brownstown Township and Gross Ile – are served by part-time departments. Trenton, the only community Downriver that provides garbage collection for its residents, should privatize the function, and the nine communities with full-time fire departments should replace them with part-time forces as an interim step.
Downriver has property tax millages for public education which are slightly higher than the statewide average, but as a percentage of total taxes, school taxes in the area are lower than the statewide average. Downriver communities should consider lowering the percentage of property tax burden which is not school-oriented. Furthermore, the efficiency of Downriver public schools could be improved by offering parents schools of choice, a choice for their children. Under a schools of choice system, parents choose which school to send their children to, and their tax dollars follow. The schools of choice concept has been successfully implemented in New York's Spanish Harlem and Minnesota, and has been proposed in Michigan.
An east-west surface route south of Metro Airport would significantly reduce transportation costs for firms locally in the Downriver area. A bridge to Ontario Canada is another important infrastructure improvement that would aid economic development. The private sector should be given first consideration for both projects. An encouraging recent development has been the emergence of private toll roads across the U.S. and elsewhere. The existing Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor was built privately and remains a privately-owned firm.
Downriver has the potential to become an economic growth area which can lead Michigan. But area communities must act together to create a reputation for efficiently providing local services at non-burdensome tax rates. Accomplishing this goal will require bold and creative leadership, and above all else, vision for the future.
This Executive Summary is based on a Mackinac Center Report, "Regional Economic Development: Downriver As A Case Study" by Greg Kaza and Gary Wolfram. Copies of the full 32-page report are available from the Center for $5.00, or at no charge for Michigan media. Copyright 1989 by The Mackinac Center.


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Nintendo Wii U Unboxing
The Wii U made its way into our office today, so we took it out of the box and took a bunch of pictures of it. It was all very exciting.
First things first. Here's the front and the back of the box. Our friendly Nintendo giraffe was on hand to help out.
Here's the side of the box that tells you everything that is included. We got one of the fancy deluxe sets. You will also notice that the included Nintendo Land game comes in an actual case, unlike Wii Sports, which just came in a cardboard sleeve. Cardboard may be too friendly. It was more like stiff paper.
Now we're diving into the innards. It's all very neat and tidy.
You actually get a Nintendo-branded HDMI cable. Exciting!
The power brick on the left is for the console, and the one on the right is for the tablet controller.
Alright now let's get to the system! I feel like I've already been here 30 minutes!
Here's how it looks next to the Wii.
Here's how it looks under the Wii.
That was fun. Let's look at the controllers!
The stylus looks like it may be the same one included with the 3DS XL.
Let's compare!
This is a comparison shot for the Wii U Pro controller. I guess I didn't really need to clarify that.
This bundle comes with a charging stand, and a non-charging stand for the tablet controller. The two things up front hold up the Wii U console.
And here's what it looks like when you're done! Throwing away your Wii is optional. You may want to transfer the data over first.
If you feel these photos are not of adequate size, make sure to check out the gallery below for the full-size pictures.


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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan says he feels "good" and is "looking forward" to the only VP debate of election, taking place in Kentucky in fewer than 36 hours.
"I am looking forward to giving people a very clear choice," Ryan told reporters during a quick stop to Old Farmer's Creamery. "Look, Joe Biden has been on this stage many times, this is my first time so sure it is a nervous situation because Joe Biden is one of the most experienced debaters we've had in modern politics. But the Achilles Heel he has is President Obama's record and I am really looking forward to giving the American people a very clear choice. "
Ryan and Biden are set to square off in Danville, Ky. on Thursday night for a 90-minute debate on issues of both domestic and foreign policy.
While Ryan has debated at least eight times in congressional settings, tomorrow night's debate will be his first on a national stage.
Slideshow: On the campaign trail with Ryan
The stop Wednesday on the way to the airport to fly to the site of the debate wrapped up Ryan's two-day stay in Florida where he held more debate prep sessions and meetings with staff. The warm weather was a welcome change for Ryan.
"Its great…I finally got some sun, went outside," the Wisconsin Congressman told reporters about his trip to the Sunshine State after he ordered two scoops of moose tracks ice cream.
Ryan said he was not upset about what his running mate said Tuesday to the Des Moines Register editorial board. Romney told the newspaper "there's no legislation with regards to abortion that I'm familiar with that would become part of my agenda."
"Look, no positions have changed, our position is very consistent," Ryan responded.
As polls continue to show the race nationally and in key battleground state's tightening after Romney's debate performance last week against President Barack Obama, the VP nominee said he doesn't know how much the his lone debate versus Biden will matter.
"I don't know but I am sure you guys will debate that one endlessly," Ryan joked.


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Apple faces a new patent infringement trial, this time from a man who claims he holds the 1997 patent to the modern-day smartphone.
NetAirus Technologies, owned by Richard Ditzik, filed a patent application in 1997 for what was then known as a "handheld device that combines computer and wireless-communications functions over both a local-area network and a wide-area network," according to Bloomberg News.
The lawsuit, filed in 2010, is now being taken to trial with jury selection starting Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court.
U.S. & World
Apple denies the allegations and said that smartphone technology existed long before Ditzik's patent. In fact, Apple said in court documents that its Newton MessagePad (remember that?) performed the same functions as the patent filing in 1994.
"The technology at issue was so well known at the time NetAirus filed its patent, that independent patent watchdogs have made NetAirus's patent a poster child in the movement to limit the proliferation of facially invalid patents," Apple wrote in July 2011, according to Bloomberg. Essentially, Apple is calling Ditzik a patent troll.
The legal battle has been brewing for a while, with one judge denying NetAirus's desire to amend its claim to include new Apple products and Apple getting a ruling the inventor can't seek damages prior to Oct. 8, 2012.
NetAirus filed a new lawsuit in May for patent infringement on the iPad and later iPhones. So far, an expert has requested $3 a unit for each patent claim and Ditzi wanted a 3 to 5 percent royalty -- but both testimonies were excluded from the record mainly because the judge deemed the numbers and royalties were taken from anecdotal online reports.


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Andrew Martin might not have been born to be a corporate trainer but he's been developing the skills needed for the job since his teens.
Martin was engaging in public speaking and peer-led youth development programs throughout high school. He launched his own consulting firm at age 20 while studying business at the DeVry Institute of Technology.
Today, working from his home base in Calgary, Martin conducts training sessions for companies ranging from banks, airlines and resource businesses to software development companies.
His biggest client is Corporate Explorer Training, a Vancouver-based company that offers experiential learning activities to a blue-chip client list across North America and the United Kingdom.
"I'm fine with classroom training using whiteboards and PowerPoint," says Martin. "But I've found that hands-on training based in actual experience has more impact, sinks in better and lasts longer than simply talking to someone or getting them to read a handout."
With Corporate Explorer Training, Martin leads groups of as many as to 100 people in programs lasting up to two days. Clients choose from activities that range from the construction of a gun that fires potatoes to a kidnapping rescue simulation. The activities help to foster teamwork, promote leadership and develop conflict resolution skills.
One of his favourite activities is a boat building challenge in which teams are given a budget of $35, which can be used to purchase sheets of cardboard, box cutters, markers and tape. The activity simulates a product launch, from budgeting to design, sourcing materials, delegating responsibility, assembly and delivering the prototype.
"They decide whether to spend their budget all at once or hold some in reserve," he says. "They can even 'hire' an expert boat building consultant from our staff."
The boats are eventually launched anywhere from hotel pools to the Pacific Ocean or Lake Louise, depending on the program venue.
"Sometimes the CEO of the team is less fiscally responsible than front-line staff members who often have a better grasp on budgeting, planning and team building," he says. "They normally charge hard for the finish line but their boats may not be water-worthy. So it isn't always the CEO who is better at on-the-ground execution of a task or who emerges as the most effective leader of the challenge."
Martin has developed expertise in identifying basic personality archetypes in classes and works with that information to leverage the experience, teaching lessons in leadership, communication, team building, issue identification and conflict resolution.
"The most worthwhile skill I've developed is the ability to take high-level abstract theory and boil it down into a memorable message, giving participants something solid to take away to use in their lives or jobs," he says. "If you want me back next year to explain the same thing to the same people, it isn't a sign of success — it would mean I hadn't done my job effectively."
Martin recommends that people interested in working as corporate trainers learn from experience. "Watch and learn from the best trainers and then develop a style that is authentic for you," he says. "Once you're in the field on your own, branding and developing a solid reputation are the keys to success. This business is referral-driven. Even if you expect to work with a client only once, treat them like gold."
Audie McCarthy, president and CEO of Mohawk College Enterprise (MCE), a corporate training provider associated with the college, says she's seeing continued demand for effective corporate trainers. MCE offers customized corporate training delivered by a mix of in-house staff instructors employed by the college and 10 contract trainers.
"Unless it's a very large organization, there isn't often enough work in a particular field to warrant a full-time corporate training position," she says.
Choosing from a large roster of contract trainers also allows the provider to match trainers to corporate clients, not only regarding subject matter, but also training style.
"We're just putting the call out now to expand our contract network," she says. "We're typically looking for experienced trainers with a broad range of skills who also run their own companies — people who aren't dependent on us but are flexible enough to meet our schedules."


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Release Date: 2008 |
Album Rating: 3.5Ah, this is back. Re-written though right? Regardless, nice review man.
I don't know how to feel about this album, pretty much everything you say about it I feel is true and agree with but yet I get bored with this rather easily. And Doom is my second favorite sub-genre of metal so that's not it. Still have no idea what to rate this.
Album Rating: 4.5No, it's the original review. I just noticed it was missing today and reposted it.
I didn't really like The Tatterdemalion Express, but you say this is better, but I'm still unsure
Album rules, I was actually a sad panda when this got lost in the crash so good to see it back. South America is producing some cool metal these days as well.
Digging: Make Them Suffer - How to Survive a Funeral
Album Rating: 4.0I really like the first album, but I haven't got around to finding this one yet. Glad to see it was finally reposted.
Album Rating: 4.5this album is HUGE!
Album Rating: 3.5Cool review.I'm going to get this like right now!
Album Rating: 4.0finally got around to listening to this a second time, this album just fucked up my 2008 list
Album Rating: 5.0Hell yes. I had this album for months and forgot to listen to it. Boy have I been missing out... I like it enough to buy a hard copy.
Someone tell me if I would like this because at present I can not immediately acquire it
Album Rating: 4.0I can send it to you and yes you would like this if you have time for the whole thing
What does that mean, "have time for the whole thing?" Are you implying that I might die before I listen to the entire album?
Album Rating: 4.0...I don't know that would be cool though
I meant this is best listened to in one sitting This Message Edited On 04.15.09
*funneh joke go here*
Album Rating: 5.0I had to bump this to 5 stars... and I am ridiculously picky with my 5 star ratings, but this is my favorite doom metal album thus far. As fire said, it needs to be listened to in one sitting to fully appreciate. I take it road tripping with me, or listen to it with headphones at night before falling asleep. Everything about this album suits me.
Album Rating: 4.5Does I'm the only one who like the production ? I'm pretty sure the final product is what they wanted at the begining.
One of the best doom album I've heard in my life.
Album Rating: 4.5One of the best albums I have ever heard.
There's no part of this album I don't enjoy.
Album Rating: 4.5
A tale of death growls, melodic doom and post metal soundscapes.
Album Rating: 4.0This is an awesome album and maybe a little better done than the debut, but the debut is worth checking out too.
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


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145 days till my birthday
This user is over 18.
Hi I'm Scott Self I was born and raised in Albuquerque New Mexico.I'm a Piercer at Sachs in Albuquerque.
5/20/2013 | 0 comments
Model: Saskia Sharp
Photos by Lane Luper
Piercings by Scott Self
Copyright: Signal One Three Media
3/27/2013 | 0 comments
Headed out to SusCon tomorrow fuck yeah!!!!!!!!
3/22/2013 | 0 comments
10/12/2012 | 1 comments
Just need to vent. Iv been struggling with drug addiction for years. Iv stopped using most drugs and drinking but I'm having a hard time with quitting a couple. I really want to be clean but its hard. I don't use at work any more but every night i get off go home and get high and I'm tired of it. I will beat this and be a clean and sober person one day I have to i cant live like this any more!!
Hope every one has a great day and keep a smile on your face.
9/14/2012 | 2 comments
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Soil Fertility Team
a diversity of interests in soil health, soil fertility and nutrient management, perennial grain cropping ... joined the Soil Fertility lab in January 2020, and has been working on no-tillage research. She ... email@example.com The main focus of Theresa's research in the Soil Fertility lab revolves around documenting ...
Welcome to Our New Graduate Students: Theresa and Louceline!
fertilization programs to decrease nutrient run-off, ecological weed control using interspecific competition and ... seed bank monitoring. Current research interests involve developing and improving soil health ... methodologies and exploring how different management practices affect soil health and ecosystem services, ...
Soil Fertility and Soil Health in Hops
focused on soil health and nutrient management for Midwest hopyards Our initial research is a small ... PROJECT SUMMARY Research in hop production has primarily focused on integrated pest management ... However, soil fertility and health have consistently been identified by North Central hop growers as ...
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Whittington selected as president-elect of NACTA professional society
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Rodriguez awarded NACTA Educator Award
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he was wrong one time
Jump to navigation
Think of a number with two digits. For example 43.
Now add the two numbers together. For example 4 + 3 = 7.
Next, subtract the new number from your original number. For example 43 - 7 = 36.
Finally, look at the symbol next to your number. Remember it.
Now the Magic Gopher will read your mind and tell you what your symbol is. Watch carefully.
Did he get your number right? How does he do it?!
he was wrong one time
dang how did you trick him he got mine everytime
i love playing this game, really it is funnnnnn! But the last time he was wrong, ugh:(
hahahaha lol he was wrong
It is a very interesting game.
He was wrong!!!!!!!!
it does not work at all. he was wrong every time
he guessed mine everytime
It is so fantastic.I wonder how it plays. very ineresting game
It is very very intersting game.I think we must be carefully in this game.
I understand what he wants but I did not know where I write answer.
It no do work for me
It didn't work for me.
Unfortunately it's no magic here, however, nice game! :D
omg!!!! was so cool !!!:0
when i first played this game I was shocked,but now I know that is not magic and I don't mind it
there are many similar symbols on the paper
and he does not know which symbol you choosed , he shows haphazard....
I am spooked now 3:
he was wrong for several time. and i can not understand how it work
no way he was wrong its impossible not a chance no way not possible
The only possible way is if the person calculated wrong (No offense)
hhhhhh but how does it?
How did he do that-
It's pretty easy he says pick a 2 digit number wich all of them equals with the numbers equal to the number nine.
He didn't get it right because I hadn't think of any number at all XD LOL
Merasmus approved
Yeah, he gets it right... because, look, if you try to add both the digits of a two digit number, and subract it with the original, it always gives a multiple of nine. And if look in the paper that the gopher gives us, it has the same symbol for the multiples of nine. He changes the card each time because we'll get a doubt if the same symbol comes again and again.
For example:
65= 6+5=11
Another one:
And even though it's the same multiple, you'll get different symbols...
PS: Please don't take this in the wrong way. I don't want to criticise the game. It's just that I've figured out the logic:)
good job:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Of course he gets it right. You subtract the two nubers added from the original number. Example: 43. You subtract 4+3. Instead of taking 43-7, take 43 -3 -4. You will get the same answer. However this proves that no matter what nuber you choose you will always subtract the second number (in this case 3) to get a number that ends with 0 (in this case 40). Then the nuber you subtracted second can only be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 And the only possible outcomes will be, 90 - 9 = 81, 80 - 8 = 72, 70 - 7 = 63, 60 - 6 = 54, 50 - 5 = 45, 40 - 4= 36, 30 -3 = 27, 20 - 2 = 18 and 10 - 1 = 9. You might notice that all of these numbers are in the 9's multiplication table. That is because when multiplying by 9 you can instead multiply by 10 and subract the other number. For example: 5*9 = 5*10 - 5 = 50 - 5 = 45. First you add one 5 and then you subtract it again. 9*5 = 9*5 + 5 - 5.And all the symbol 90,81,72,63,54,45,36,27,18 and 9 are the same .
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