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Data Analytics within the NHS and why it's so important.
Health care is falling behind other sectors when it comes to its data and data analytics. What this means is that organisations within the healthcare sector are missing out on an abundance of information and opportunities that could not only improve their cost efficiencies, but their organisational efficiencies, further improving productivity, services, and care.
Current issues the NHS face with poor data analytics
Towards the end of 2020, Statista reported that the overall amount of data generated worldwide from all sectors, organisations, businesses and individuals (not just the NHS) equated to 64.2 zettabytes. Putting this amount into perspective: if one gigabyte was the size of the Earth, an exabyte would be the size of the sun. Meaning that 64.2 zettabytes equate to 64,200 suns' worth of data. This new high followed the COVID-19 pandemic, as more citizens worked from home, utilised home entertainment systems, begun using online financial services and for some, begun tracking their health through apps.
Yet only 2% of this data was saved, retained, and taken into 2021. Meaning that organisations across the globe, health care organisations such as the NHS included, missed out on a large amount of potentially valuable data that could help further improve their services. The healthcare sector was predicted to produce 2.314 zettabytes in 2020. This was before the global pandemic hit, and as you can imagine this will have significantly increased.
So, what does this mean for the NHS? It means that there is now more information to ingest, dissect and find value in than ever before. The problem is with this influx of data, the information is often complex, unstructured, and just plain and simply hard to understand.
It has therefore become more apparent that healthcare leaders should be looking to implement advanced technologies including AI-based tools that will directly improve the data analytics within the NHS to not only help scale, but efficiently and securely analyse this inpour of data – utilising more of the data that is otherwise discarded and exploiting its true value. In understanding the true value that data and data analytics can bring to the healthcare sector, the NHS can make the changes necessary that will allow the unlocking of its potential.
The benefits, impacts and importance of data for the NHS
New opportunities are presenting themselves with regards to analytics, AI, and data science. Specifically, the opportunity to incorporate a new and digitally innovative system that continually discovers. Providing valuable insight that is both scalable and adaptable, it has the potential to improve the care and services for citizens, employees, and all organisations collectively. Truly, there are many benefits to the NHS becoming more data driven.
To briefly state, data analytics can help with:
Improving patient care
Supporting health management
Help make informed commissioning decisions and develop policies, practices, and services
Improve and create patient-centric analysis
But the key to such success is through obtaining high-quality data. High-quality data is data that is accurate and consistent. Providing high-quality data helps enhance patient care and improve decision making – not just locally, but nationally.
More specifically, improved high-quality data can help with the following:
Reduced inequalities:
Ethnicity (BAME)
"What is clear is that understanding of ethnic differences in health is limited by a lack of good-quality data." – Raleigh and Holmes (2021)
Through the accumulation of real-time data and utilising more digitally innovative techniques, the NHS will be able to uncover connections between various data sources, identify (crucial) areas of improvement and collaborate with the government and local authorities, and contribute towards the health and safety of the public. Through continued investment and implementation of advanced data-driven technologies, the NHS can actively work towards, tackle, and ameliorate the health inequalities and meet the needs of the black and minority ethnic communities.
Not only will doing so mitigate risks, but it shall also improve the services and care of the NHS, comply with regulations more effectively, reduce future costs, potential (and easily avoided) hospital care and meet the organisations' overall goals.
Unlock the potential of data for health and social care
Challenges surrounding social care include the lack of data that is collected. Social care is a complex area, since multiple organisations and professionals such as those from the healthcare, housing, welfare and benefits and leisure sectors are involved to successfully supply this service. These separate organisations must work in coordination; collecting, supplying, and sharing a wide range of information.
By actively collaborating and encouraging the involvement of citizens in admission to its services, and through using advanced data analytics, the NHS can acquire information to better understand its service users – especially those who are in dire need of support or simply being heard – opening windows of opportunities to see what else is needed. Advanced data analytics can help the NHS recognise patterns and trends from the information provided. This will allow clear identification of areas, services and treatment that require further improvement or adaptations, prompting sustainable change.
Ultimately, this will not only improve the services of the NHS, but the lives of its patients, reducing costs and seeing a potential decline in its users that would have otherwise needed on-going treatment.
Reduced A&E visits
Non-urgent A&E visits continue to be a cost constraint on the NHS – where cost is mentioned, we refer to not just monetary, but also time and resources. In August of 2021, 2,038,661 members of the public attended A&E. Of this, only 388,776 patients were admitted as an emergency – just 19%. This suggests that the remaining 81% attended A&E for otherwise avoidable reasons. Meaning that the possible resources used, and time wasted could have been avoided.
But, how?
With the use of advance data analytics – specifically referring to AI's predictive abilities and machine learning – the NHS can get ahead of the curve. By adding onto its historical data, the NHS can predict which members are at risk for generally avoidable A&E visits and establish intervention strategies. As a result, the NHS can efficiently (and effectively) transform their current processes and strategies, connecting their patients with the right care and services in advance – preventing unnecessary A&E visits. Ultimately, this will cut costs, improve waste management, and most importantly, improve the lives of patients and their experience of the NHS.
Prescriptive algorithms
Different from descriptive analytics and predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics looks as to the "why", which ultimately estimates causality of events. This helps with estimations, predictions, and planning for the future. Prescriptive analytics relies heavily on artificial intelligence – using statistics and machine learning algorithms – to help make decisions based with the statistical data accumulated from historical data, real-time industry trends and patterns, and general economic analytics.
As the NHS has access to an immense amount of patient data, prescriptive analytics can help with determining optimal strategies to truly offer high-quality care and cut costs. For example, The University of North Dakota School of Medicine (in partnership with HBR) designed a prescriptive algorithm that predicted a diabetic patient's risk of unplanned medical visits to A&E departments – proving an 80% accuracy rate back in 2018. The prediction was formed from analysing the individual patients BMI, smoking status, and other various health-related diagnosis. Based on this information, health care professionals can manage the disease and provide optimal care for those who are deemed at most risk and most likely to attend hospitals, that otherwise may not have needed to.
This is just one example, not touching on the many possibilities and opportunities that this algorithm could provide the NHS. Depending on how the NHS utilise their data, even more benefits can be reaped. Not forgetting, operational insights such as reducing inefficiencies.
Publications from the NHS: Property Services stated that England (alone) generates a total of 177m tonnes of waste per year. The NHS can both save money and reduce the impact on the environment by focusing their efforts to waste management. Where waste management is a concern, improved data analytics can help describe, predict, and ultimately improve the NHS' operations. Using the data available (historical and real-time) alongside improved data analytics, the NHS can accurately collect and compare data which will not only enable ethical improvements, but further comply with regulations and align with their Sustainable Development plans (SDMP) – all constituting to a more efficient, sustainable, and ethical future.
Specifically, novel data analytic techniques and systems can be incorporated to current methods, providing more detailed and real-time information. It can be applied to analyse and predict the organisations current waste generation – specific to time, region, or culprit waste group. This will present windows of opportunities to improve its current waste management through adjusting and changes for more ethical approaches, procedures or even resources. Ultimately, leading to decreased cost expenditures, sustainable resource uses and contributing towards becoming a more ethical organisation.
Improved staffing
Data analytics can also be used to improve the management of staff. Specifically, data analytics can help identify staff issues, improve the recruitment, hiring and training processes and even train its members of staff. Maryville University reported that through adopting a data-driven approach to staff management, Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH) saved a staggering $2.2 million under a year and a half, whilst still maintaining the efficient and high-quality services and care.
This was achieved through combining real-time data with its staff's productivity – as individuals and within teams. This allowed management to gain insight and make informed decisions which allowed them to adjust ratios accordingly resulting in reduced costs – all without effecting the quality of care or service abilities. This, again, is just a small example of the potential benefits and possibilities that becoming a data-driven organisation can bring to the NHS.
To help with the improvement (as well as the measuring) of the NHS' services and care, data analytics can be used to improve and analyse patient engagement. When referring to patient engagement, we refer to the experience(s) of the trusts service users and the need and desire to hear back on their experiences, presenting opportunities for improvement and areas of development. This information can be gathered from the patients themselves, the carers or even their relatives.
Today, it is paramount that all involved feel heard and that their individual thoughts, opinions, and values are taken into consideration. In fact, the Berwick review emphasised the importance of patient and public engagement. From data gathered via patient and public engagement and analytics applied, algorithms can be developed utilising both historical data and real-time data to identify patterns and trends of areas for improvement – this can be of specific services, down to how the public feel towards the NHS trust.
Encouraging patients to become more involved and proactive with their care plan, through promoting independence can result in reduced hospital visits which consequently results in cut costs, waste and opens time and resources for those in more urgent need. Allowing the NHS to be more efficient in all aspects.
Importance and Impact of Data Analytics on the NHS
As some say, "Knowledge is power" – and, with the constant increase in accumulation of data within the healthcare sector, true value and power can be attained. Through an effective data strategy, or through partners who offer Data Services, focusing on improving data quality and analytics, the desired state of healthcare organisations can be achieved. Technological developments of improved data quality and analytics has contributed towards a multitude of medicinal developments. This, combined with genomic testing has since changed the lives of many – helping with diagnosis, treatments, and recoveries. Yet, this wouldn't have been a possibility without continuously improving the way the NHS trust and other organisations connected collect, handle and utilise its data.
By linking clinical, genomic, and other data, as well as capturing and publishing aggregated metrics on performance and services, the NHS can not only support the development of new treatments but become a data-driven organisation that will benefit its citizens and improve their services. From becoming a modern-day data-driven organisation, the NHS can continue to not only contribute towards the development of medicine, vaccinations, operations and more. But also, reap the benefits and open doors of opportunities – dealing with past issues, adjusting to present issues, and preparing (or getting ahead of the curve) for future possibilities.
Data analytics will help ensure the cost effectiveness of its technology and digital health products, but it will also ensure sustainable improvements are not just created but can also be maintained and that the NHS will transform into a truly agile, adaptable, patient-centred organisation. High-quality, consistent, and accurate data will help improve the NHS and their ability to make informed decisions. Through improving the current processes of accumulating, managing, and handling data the NHS can also drastically improve its services and therefore the experiences of their patients and their patient's safety.
Does Shaping Cloud offer Data services?
The answer is, YES. At Shaping Cloud, we offer first-class Data Strategy, Migration, Analytics and Governance services that can give you invaluable insight into your Data. Why not get in touch with a member of our team to book your health check today? Contact us
Why should a Data Strategy be a Priority for Organisations in 2021? (shapingcloud.com)
Can data help Local Authorities achieve the digital innovation they desire? (shapingcloud.com)


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Lukaku fires on Inter debut in Conte's perfect take-off
Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku scores against Lecce during their Italian League match at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. AP
Milan: Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku scored on his Inter Milan debut as new coach Antonio Conte's reign got off to a perfect start with a 4-0 win over promoted Lecce on Monday.
"There was a spark, but now we must become dynamite," said Conte as he begins his campaign to topple eight-time holders Juventus.
Lukaku -- a 65 million euros ($73 million) summer signing from Manchester United -- scored the third goal on the hour mark at the San Siro.
Inter Milan's Italian forward Antonio Candreva celebrates with Romelu Lukaku and Nicolo Barella in Milan. AFP
A blunder by Lecce goalkeeper Gabriel parried the ball into the path of Lautaro Martinez allowing Lukaku to finish off.
The 26-year-old turned and took a bow in front of the jubilant Inter fans among the 65,000 crowd.
"Lukaku entered the world of Inter in the best way, with great humility," said Conte.
"He's a gentle giant, a giant with a smile. He is ready to work for the team. But not only Romelu, Lautaro also played very well." Croatian Marcelo Brozovic had opened the scoring after 21 minutes with a powerful strike for his 15th goal in his sixth season with Inter.
Inter Milan's head coach Antonio Conte hugs Romelu Lukaku in Milan. AP
But another new signing Stefano Sensi, a summer loan from Sassuolo, also found a way through three minutes later.
Lecce played the last quarter of an hour a man down after Brazilian Diego Farias saw red in his first game for a studs on tackle on his former Cagliari teammate Nicolo Barella.
Antonio Candreva blasted in the fourth goal on 84 minutes, allowing Inter to match champions Juventus and runners-up Napoli who both won their opening league matches at the weekend.
Juventus beat Parma 1-0, with Napoli edging a seven-goal thriller at Fiorentina 4-3.
"We started off well with the right intensity and desire, respecting the idea of what I wanted," said Conte.
"Then at 2-0 I didn't like what I saw from the lads. Too relaxed, losing intensity under pressure. "We need to improve both mentally and physically but I am very happy and satisfied, I like working with these guys who have always shown great commitment.
Romelu Lukaku in action during the match with US Lecce. Reuters
"Let's celebrate until midnight, from tomorrow we think of Cagliari, it will be a difficult trip," he added of next weekend's game in Sardinia.
Conte's arrival at Chinese-owned Inter has raised expectations of a first Serie A title since 2010. The former Juventus and Chelsea boss took over from Luciano Spalletti who secured Champions League football with a fourth-place finish last season.
The 50-year-old's coaching credentials include three Serie A titles with Juventus from 2012 to 2014, and the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017.
And former Italy boss Conte's first game was against his hometown club Lecce, the team where he started his playing career, and who are back in Serie A after seven years.
The sideshow surrounding former Inter captain Mauro Icardi continued with the Argentine not named on the bench.
Inter director Giuseppe Marotta insisted there was no room in the club for the forward, with the transfer window closing on Sept.2.
Icardi has rejected moves away from the San Siro despite being frozen out of the team and stripped of the captain's armband last season amid a protracted contract dispute.
Icardi's wife Wanda Nara, who is also his agent, said he wants to remain at Inter and had been told to stay by senior club bosses.
"We greeted Wanda Nara's comments with a bit of irritation, both for the timing and the method," Marotta told sports broadcaster DAZN before Monday's game.
"I absolutely deny that any of the club management, and in particular (president) Steven Zhang, have invited Icardi to stay."
Romelu Lukaku Juventus Inter Milan Football Spanish League Sport Europe
Ronaldo faces probe over obscene goal celebration gesture
European football's governing body said Ronaldo was facing charges of "improper conduct" after he mimicked Diego Simeone's crotch-grabbing 'cojones' gesture in last Tuesday's 3-0 win that sent Juventus through 3-2 on aggregate.
10-man Sevilla edge past Liverpool in friendly clash
Alejandro Pozo delivered the late dagger in 10-man Sevilla's 2-1 friendly win over Liverpool in Boston on Sunday, a defeat made worse for the European champions when they saw Yasser Larouci stretchered off. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was furious at Joris Gagnon's outrageous kick at an on-rushing Larouci
Sensi strike helps Inter pip Udinese; Atalanta down Genoa
Milan: Inter Milan reclaimed top spot in Serie A after a 1-0 win over 10-man Udinese on Saturday as Juventus lost three players to injury in a painful goalless draw at Fiorentina to complicate
Ronaldo drops hints of ending career next year
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped hints that he could end his illustrious career as early as next year. The Portugal football superstar, who plies his trade for Italian Serie A champions Juventus, is 34 years old now. "I don't think about that," Ronaldo told TVI as reported by Goal when asked about his retirement plans. "Maybe I can finish my
UAE's top golfer Skaik to play alongside major winners and Ryder Cup stars
The UAE's top-ranked golfer Ahmad Skaik will compete at this year's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship having received the UAE National Amateur invite on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Sundar, Thakur lead unlikely rescue mission for India in series-deciding fourth Test against Australia
Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur, in just his second Test, put on 123 runs for the seventh wicket — a record for India at the Gabba — taking their team from a precarious 186 for seven to 309 before Thakur was bowled by Pat Cummins for an entertaining 67.
South African Test cricket squad forced into last-minute charter flight dash to Pakistan
The Cricket South Africa on Sunday informed that the Proteas team members have tested negative for the novel coronavirus in the first round of testing conducted upon their arrival in Karachi.
VIDEO: UAE's Shamsa tops opening stage of Dubai Women's Running Challenge
Hayward, meanwhile, took the overall honours in the 10km run with a time of 47:28, finishing a minute and 37 seconds ahead of Helen Boland of Ireland (49:05), while Kahli Johnson of the UK was third overall with a time of 49:10.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Cathedral relieved that terror plot was foiled
on December 23, 2016 December 23, 2016 by St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne
Home » News » Cathedral relieved that terror plot was foiled
Melbourne Anglicans are grateful and relieved that a planned terrorist attack on St Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square and Flinders Street Station on Christmas Day has been neutralised, the Dean of St Paul's, Dr Andreas Loewe, said today.
"We will be alert, but not afraid," Dr Loewe said. "We thank the police and ASIO for their excellent work."
He said the Cathedral had long worked closely with police on security: "St Paul's Cathedral has been in regular contact with Victoria Police to ensure that visitors and worshippers at the Cathedral are kept safe, especially throughout the Christmas season."
Christmas services will continue at the Cathedral as planned, with the extra security that had already been arranged. The Dean said: "The Cathedral already has its own security measures in place, and we are delighted that additional police are being deployed to make sure that our precinct is safe and peaceful this Christmas."
He added: "St Paul's is one of Melbourne's most iconic religious buildings. It's a symbol of faith in our city. We are committed to work reconciliation between different faiths and peoples in our community. At Christmas, we celebrate that God's will for this world is peace, and we give thanks that our police force is ensuring that our city can celebrate this Christmas in peace."
Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier, the Anglican Primate of Australia, said he was grateful that the combined work of Victoria Police and several Commonwealth agencies had successfully disrupted the planned attack.
"I thank God that the message of hope, peace and reconciliation which is God's message in Christ will be proclaimed clearly and publicly at St Paul's as well as all of our parish churches and authorised Anglican congregations," Dr Freier said.
"This disrupted terror plan should alert us all to making proper preparations for welcoming the many thousands of people – regular, occasional and no-church goers alike – to our Christmas worship. If you have any concerns about your security arrangements you should talk to your local police."
Dr Freier said the Church had been told that, with the disruption of this plot, threat levels were no higher than what we have been living with over the past months.
Previous Entry: Vigil of Remembrance with the Coptic Community
Next Entry: Thousands join Christmas Celebrations


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New View of Bribery Could Affect Menendez Verdict
The bribery case against Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, will soon be going to the jury, as the defense wrapped up on its case Thursday with a dissertation on what constitutes political bribery.
US: Former DA Sentenced to Prison for Corruption
The US District Court in Philadelphia sentenced on Tuesday the former District Attorney R. Seth Williams to five years in federal prison for accepting bribes from benefactors in return for favors, reported Reuters.
Portugal : Former Prime Minister Indicted for Corruption
Former Portuguese socialist prime minister, Jose Socrates, was indicted along with 18 individuals and nine companies in connection with an investigation into suspected tax fraud, corruption and money laundering, the country's prosecutor general's office announced on Wednesday.
Ecuador Court Orders Vice President Jailed in Odebrecht Probe
An Ecuadorean judge on Monday ordered the pre-trial detention of Vice President Jorge Glas while he is under investigation for graft involving Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, Reuters reported.
US Charges a Hawaiian and a South Korean in Bribery Scheme
US authorities have charged on Tuesday a former US contracting officer and a Korean government official with taking US$ 3 million in bribes for enabling a South Korea-based company win construction contracts worth over US$ 400 million.
Philippine President Threatens to Kill His Son if it's True that he's a Drug Trafficker
The Philippine President said Wednesday he ordered police to kill his eldest son if allegations are true that he is part of a Chinese transnational drug syndicate.
Corruption Trial Begins for US Senator Bob Menendez
The trial of US Senator Bob Menendez who was charged with accepting lavish bribes from an affluent Florida eye doctor began Wednesday, the New York Post reported.
Police Raid the Home of Brazil's Olympics Chief in Bribe Inquiry
Police searched on Tuesday the home of Brazil's top Olympics official and called him for questioning about his possible role in buying votes to secure the 2016 Games for Rio de Janeiro, theNew York Times reported.
Top Indonesian Judge Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Corruption
Indonesia's corruption court handed one of the country's former top judges an eight-year sentence Monday for accepting bribes in return for political influence, ABC News reported.
China's Ex Banking Regulator Under Investigation for Corruption
The former assistant chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission is under investigation for corruption, the Supreme People's Procuratorate announced on Monday.
Retired US Army Colonel Arrested in Haitian Bribery Scheme
A retired Army colonel was arrested on federal charges Tuesday for plotting to bribe senior Haitian officials related to a US $84 million port development project, the US Justice Department said.
Samsung Heir Jailed for Five Years in South Korean Corruption Scandal
Lee Jae-yong, Samsung's billionaire heir and South Korea's third-richest man, was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for his role in a sprawling corruption scandal that has gripped the country and toppled its former president.
Venezuela's Ex-Prosecutor: President Maduro is involved in Corruption
A day after President Nicolas Maduro said he would seek an international arrest warrant against her, Venezuela's sacked chief prosecutor accused him of corruption, Business Insiderreported on Wednesday.
Australian Miner Iluka Resources Reveals African Bribery Scandal
Australian miner Iluka Resources uncovered that the firm it acquired last year engaged in bribery with senior government officials, The Sydney Morning Herald reported Monday.
US Sentences Two in Multi-million 'Fat Leonard' Bribery Scandal
Two former executives of a foreign defense contractor weresentenced Friday for their part ina multi-million dollar bribery scandal that rocked the US Navy.
Ex Russian Minister Ulyukayev's Bribery Trial to Begin August 16
The bribery trial of former Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev - the highest-ranking official arrested for corruption since the Stalin era - will begin August 16.
Israel: 10 Yisrael Beytenu Party Officials Indicted in Far-reaching Corruption Scandal
Israel state prosecutors filed on Tuesday indictments for various corruption charges against 10 public officials linked to the far-right Yisrael Beytenu (Israel is Our Home) political party, Israeli media reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is Suspect in Fraud Investigation
Israeli police have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two separate investigations, the Guardian reported Friday.
Romanian Telecommunication Group's CEO Charged with Money Laundering
Romania's anti-corruption agency indicted the CEO of one of the country's biggest telecom operators with money laundering, the company announced on Monday.
Ex Greek Minister Sentenced for Money Laundering in Siemens Scandal
Greece's former transport Minister was found guilty on Friday of money laundering involving contracts between Siemens' Greek unit and then state-controlled telecoms firm OTE, Reuters reported.


Team Pilipinas' wunderkind Carlos Yulo proved that he is one of the world's best.
Despite facing tall odds, the 18-year-old – who was coming off a disappointing performance in the all-around finals – bounced back big time, taking home bronze in the floor event of the 48th World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha, Qatar.
This is the Philippines' first-ever medal in the world cup.
Last October 31, the youngest competitor in the field finished in 23rd place out of 24 in the all-around final as he struggled in three events – particularly in the horizontal bar.
This time, Yulo made sure to put on a show in one of his favorite events.
His performance had a difficulty score of 6.2 and execution score of 8.400 to finish with 14.600 points – good for bronze.
Russian Artur Dalaloyan won gold, while Kenzō Shirai of Japan notched silver.
And this is the culmination of his two year training in Japan.
"It benefits me a lot. There is a lot of good gymnasts, and my coach is also Japanese, so it's kind of the same programme as theirs," Yulo said.
But for him, this is just the beginning of his career. The young Filipino plans to be one of the best ever to compete in this sport.


There are many reasons for printing a catalog: You need a product catalog to sell your services or products, you would like to stay in touch with your clients and print a customer magazine, or you wish to print a book or manual. No matter what your needs, we have you covered.
Here is an introduction to our magazine printing services as well as information how to set up your print files for a high quality result.
The sheets are folded and inserted within each other. The fold becomes the spine (or saddle) of the product, where it will be stapled, holding the sheets of paper in place (images 1A and 1B above). We offer stitched binding for magazines and catalogs of 8 up to 132 pages. Please be advised that high interior page counts require thin paper stocks to allow saddle stitching. Low page counts allow for both thin and thicker paper stocks. The paper options available in our webshop correlate with the maximum interior thickness we recommend for a high quality result. If you need a high page count and would like thicker paper stock, perfect binding is your better choice.
Perfect Binding is the standard for paperback books and catalogs for larger number of pages (images 2A and 2B above). It is possible to print a book with perfect binding starting at 28 pages if using thick paper stock. However, Perfect Binding is best used for catalogs that hold more than 64 pages. The paper sheets are folded in half and glued to the cover, side by side, with a type of flexible adhesive or hot glue. The remaining three sides of the sheets are then trimmed.
How do I count pages in my magazine?
When placing an order, the page number refers to the total number of pages of your magazine, including cover and back cover. Pages are count single-sided, and not double-sided (front/back) or as facing pages or spreads. You count your cover as page 1 and its backside as page 2, the first page of content is page 3, etc., same like flipping through a magazine. The back of the closed magazine is the final page.
The page count must be a multiplier of 4. We can work with other page counts in perfect bound catalogs, but it requires a custom quote and leads to higher prices than chosing an option which multiplies of 4. For saddle stitched magazines a page count multiplier of 4 is mandatory.
How do I submit files for a catalog printing job?
Please submit a multi-page .PDF-file with all pages in chronological order, ideally as PDF/X3-2002 standard.
IMPORTANT: Do not send pages as spreads (facing pages) and do not impose pages.
All Pages require 0.0625" bleed on all sides and should contain enough space as safe area. If you cannot create a multi-page .PDF, all files must be numbered correctly in their file name (e. g. page_01.jpg, page_02.jpg, page_03.jpg, etc.) and you will need to add a design service option to your order and our graphic artists will prepare the print ready file for you.
How much safe zone does my magazine need?
Safe zone for magazines with perfect binding should be at least 0.125" on all 4 sides. You need to plan more safe space on page 2/3 and the 3rd/2nd last page of your magazine. As part of the binding process 0.26" of those pages will be glued together and this area is not visible in the final product (please see image 2B above). This limitation affects only those 4 pages mentioned, all other pages are fine.
Safe zone for saddle stitch catalogs should be planned with more care, especially for saddle stitch magazines with high page counts or thicker paper stock. For all outside edges of your catalog, a safe zone of 0.125" is sufficient. The higher your page count goes, the more safe zone should be planned at the inside/fold, as all binding allowance will be removed from the inner edges.
Binding allowance happens when you create a saddle stitch catalog with high page counts or thick paper stock. Our automated prepress workflow takes care of binding allowance when the pages are prepared for production.
For low page counts, you do not need special consideration in your print file as this is not a huge issue since the binding allowance is small.
However, when preparing files for saddle-stitch with high page count, be aware of the binding allowance and please ensure sufficient safe zone towards your inner fold. The binding allowance is removed from the inner sides (fold), for that reason we recommend to increase your safe zone at the fold as you work your way towards the center (see above chart), or make your safe zone significantly larger overall to avoid text vanishing in the fold.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we'll be happy to help. It is also a good idea to add one of our file service options to your order and ask our design team about the binding allowance if you have concerns.


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Home Local News NEW SCANNER KEEPS CONTRABAND OUT OF WOODBURY COUNTY'S JAIL
NEW SCANNER KEEPS CONTRABAND OUT OF WOODBURY COUNTY'S JAIL
The Woodbury County Sheriff's Office has begun using a new full body scanner to check inmates into their jail.
Sgt. Lee Blanchard says the SecurePass Full Body Security Screening System is designed to keep illegal contraband from entering the facility.
https://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SCANNER.mp3
OC……..strip search. ;13
When a suspect is brought into the jail for booking, that person undergoes a low level radiation x-ray:
https://kscj.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SCANNER2.mp3
OC………has on them. :13
The scanner will detect metal and other foreign objects including narcotics.
Major Tony Wingert says the scanner has proven its reliability in its first days of use when a person turned himself at the jail in to begin serving his time:
OC……a later date. ;28
Sheriff Dave Drew says the funding of the $190-thousand dollar unit came from inmate room and board charges:
OC………….jail could have. ;14
It is only the second body scanner being used in the State of Iowa.
Pottawatomie County was the first to purchase one after a prisoner being transferred hid a lock pick in his hair to free himself from handcuffs and then shot two deputies, killing one of them.
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text:
module Main where

import qualified Encoder as Encoder
import Data.Word
import Data.ByteString.Internal
import qualified Data.ByteString.Lazy as BSL
import System.IO

main = do
    contents <- getContents
    BSL.putStr $ BSL.pack $ Encoder.decode (read contents) 63419

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Camp Discovery is a day camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. filled with exploration of Museum exhibits and hands-on activities. Summer camps offer a different science theme each week. Campers will see an IMAX film. Lunch and before care and after care are offered.
A daily fee of $5 is charged per child for before (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and after care (5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). An additional fee of $10 per child for each additional 5 minutes of care after 6:00 p.m.
Camp Length: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


ANNOUNCING New Sound Recordings and Visual Documentation.
2017 is a number, another marker in the continuum of our lives. The past year 2016 has been full of wonderful experiences and many challenges both Artistically and Personally for me. I extend my gratitude to all the people in my world who have supported and shared in my recent work, my Journey and my Evolution, both the musical and the visual.
I have many Blessings in my life and am enjoying them daily and practicing Gratitude for the love and connections I have in friendships and family. Last year saw my first major Solo Art Show in a month-long exhibition in the Wallkill River Art Gallery. Thank you to the teachers and colleagues who have encouraged and helped me develop my painting skills so that I can unleash my IMAGINATION in new and wondrous ways!
I have committed to a new branch of my visual arts tree: documenting some of the Musical Giants that I have been witness to and/or shared the musical stage with in the past years. There are recent paintings in Oil, Watercolor and Mixed Media of great musicians that I know and admire such as McCoy Tyner, Sheila Jordan, Joe Lovano/Dewey Redman Quartet, John Scofield, Michael Abene, Dave Douglas and Joey Baron with new paintings of Abbey Lincoln, Kenny Werner, Jaco Pastorius, Mark Murphy and the SF Jazz Collective in the works! I look forward to pulling together these images to honor these wonderful artists!
Musically… I have a NEW CD RECORDING that was just released!!! It is called LISTEN TO THIS (Muse Eek) and is available as Digital Downloads or CD disc at www.Muse-Eek.com/listen-to-this . I'm so excited to be working on completely Original and mostly Improvised Songs with the enormously talented Bruce Arnold on Guitar with SuperCollider effects on guitar and Eventide effects on my vocal sound.
Also, I"d like to announce that I have an imminent release of my Zephyr 2-guitar Band recording of all-Original songs with stories that is slated for Release in Spring 2017. We are working on a tour in Euriope in Summer 2017.
Spring was a little slow in coming and the Winter was one of much travel for me. So I find myself enjoying the beautiful weather with a NEW RECORDING of all Original Songs and Lyrics ready to Master and 25 new paintings that I've been working on for the past months ready to show!!!
I went into Sear Sound in October with my working band of the past few years to lay down some of the music we've been grooving on in the NY area and had some fun! I call it my Zephyr 2-guitar band and it consists of longtime bandmates Guitarist Kenny Wessel, Bassist Ratzo B. Harris, Reedman Adam Kolker and Drummer Bob Meyer. The group has evolved to also include Processed Guitarist Bruce Arnold and Percussionist Todd Isler. We've been developing arrangements of my New and Old material and with the help of Sax Master Joe Lovano, who plays on 2 trax with us, we have put together a very exciting set of moods and feelings about Life and Love! Next step is to get it Mastered and decide how it will be released, so stay in touch!
I'll be bringing this 2-guitar band to the Red Hook Jazz Festival SUNDAY JUNE 12 in Brooklyn, then singing an Ode to Billie Holiday up in Marlboro, NY with soulful guitarist Matthew Fink and then heading out to the wonderful Hawley Inn in the countryside for their Jazz On The Deck series, fourth year! I hope to see you somewhere!!! And I still have some gigs coming up with Veteran Pianist Michael Abene with whom I recorded my last all-Original session so I look forward to that!
Please consider coming up to the Mid-Hudson Valley to enjoy not only the scenery but also the Opening Reception of my Solo Art Show on Sat'y July 9th. I'll be showing New Paintings in Oil, Watercolor, Pastel and Encaustics along with some other wonderful artists, Marilyn and Gene Bove, in a different gallery room. Check my Events page and I hope the season brings you health and happiness. Peace.
Ah Springtime! Even though it was a mild winter here on the East Coast, the sight of daffodils pushing up and buds about to pop on the flowering trees is a pleasure!
Artistically? I am in a great place: I just finished MIXING a recording with my working band of the last 2 years – a 2-guitar affair featuring KENNY WESSEL and BRUCE ARNOLD complementing each others' sounds, RATZO HARRIS on Acoustic and Stick Bass, BOB MEYER on Drums, ADAM KOLKER on Bass Clarinet, Soprano and Tenor Sax and TODD ISLER on percussion. The recording is of all my Originals (all with Lyrics this time!) with SPECIAL GUEST JOE LOVANO on a few trax as well! I'm hoping it will be released this Fall….
JULY 9th is the Opening Reception for my SOLO ART SHOW (refreshments from 5-7pm) at the Wallkill River Gallery and School of Art in Montgomery, NY – I hope you can SAVE THE DATE on your calendars and come share the joy that I feel in my visual work. Also please check the PAINTINGS page on this website!!!
Wishing everyone a GREAT period of Renewal this Spring – And hope to see you soon at a live event somewhere!
So much has happened this year and my heart is full!
I started out the year with a reunion of sorts with two of my best NYC musical friends, as part of Kenny Werner's Residency at The Stone, with the amazing Joe Lovano. We played solo, duo and trio with some fun and surprises along the way.
Then I played 2 nights at Birdland as part of Joe's new Village Rhythms Band for the APAP convention. What a kick that was – Joe has written some amazing and compelling music and the band was killer! Look for his new recording on Blue Note out next year with all new music!
With my new CD just out, I had the thrill of playing several times with the amazing Michael Abene, first at Kitano, then Cornelia Street, the Falcon and then the fabulous new Mezzrow club! I had to work hard to find jazz rooms with Good Pianos for the Maestro to play! It was unique every time we played together and I am so grateful to Michael and Gretchen Abene for helping me realize this project of all Original songs. Michael certainly is an original himself and having him interpret my songs and improvising along with him was a big thrill – each and every time!
I also had an amazing year playing with my Zephyr Quintet which features guitar and sometimes horn… We played at the 55 Bar with Kenny Wessel, Adam Kolker, Peter Slavov and Anthony Pinciotti, at Nublu with Bruce Arnold, Oscar Noriega, Ratzo Harris and Lamy Istrefi, and then up in Beacon's new Quinn's venue with two guitars (Kenny Wessel and Bruce Arnold), Ratzo Harris on Bass and Bob Meyer on drums adding special guest Joe Lovano to the mix, which is always incredible! I also had a few gigs at the Why Not? Café reuniting with old buddy Tim Hagans on trumpet in June and with Claire Daly on bari sax in October before the club morphed into Dominique's.
NEWS FLASH: I finally went into the studio and recorded this amazing Zephyr Band that I love so much!!!! We got 10 Original songs with new Original lyrics down, and although we have been playing a lot of the songs all year, there was also some brand new material that I brought to the session. With the amazing ears and enormous talent of Joe Lovano in the booth, the session ran smoothly and I could really focus on singing the challenging music that I had chosen. Exhausting and Fulfilled! So I continue to listen and work on postproduction details and hope to be able to release the new material in 2016!!!!
Other memorable gigs this year have been being part of the Arts for Art Pop-Up concerts that Patricia Nicholson put together at the Clemente Soto Velez center on the lower east side of NYC, Neil Alexander's Joe Zawinul Birthday Tribute and having the unique opportunity to sing some of his amazing musical legacy, and also being part of a magical concert featuring the Songs of Mark Murphy as a love-letter to the ailing Master. It was a beautiful celebration including many vocalists who have been influenced by and studied with Mark through the years (including myself) and the high point was his dear colleague and friend, the amazing Sheila Jordan. Thanks to Ari Silverstein and Cha Cha for organizing the wonderful event. A film was made to document the occasion and shown to Mark, thankfully, before his sudden passing a few months later.
On the Art front… what can I say? I am still engrossed in study and passion for painting the world around me mostly in Oils and Watercolors this year with some of the area's most accomplished artist/teachers. I have been part of many shows and exhibits throughout the year and enjoying the comradery and inspiration of the many creative and joyous people around me. I've been gratified to have sold a number of paintings which feels like people have generously "adopted" one of my children/creations. You can see some on my paintings page here on this website.
Our house is filled with art and music and love and I feel grateful every day! Thank you for being part of the experience! Happy Holidays to all!
Happy New Year to all Music and Art Lovers Everywhere!
Thank you for your support of the creative arts and in particular of my work!
JANUARY 2015 saw the RELEASE of my 11th CD of recorded music: MY DANCE. I am thrilled to have documented these collaborations with the amazing pianist MICHAEL ABENE and to continue playing in live settings throughout this Spring and Summer. We had a deep and satisfying CD Release Party at "Jazz At Kitano", a great listening room in NYC on February 26th and looking forward to more dates at Cornelia St Café on March 30th and a fabulous venue for music and art called The Falcon in the mid-hudson valley town of Marlboro on April 11th. A lot of NYC musicians are coming up there to play because of such a great vibe, plus they exhibit Paintings in the venue as well.
Other dates include April 14th Downtown at Arts for Art on the lower east side with my Zephyr Core Guitar Quintet and May 16th at The Vivaldi club.
Please check out my Paintings page and let me know if you are interested in finding out more about exhibits and/or sales of Originals or Giclee Fine Art Prints. I continue to paint new images all the time and planning for an exhibit this year of my series of paintings of Musicians and musical themes.
Please stay in touch! Love and music and peace.


God has given Christians the ministry of reconciliation – not the ministry of introduction as if people have no idea about the true God. Man has a relationship to God already, albeit negative. Reconciliation speaks of restoring a relationship that has been marred, not of starting a new relationship.
We are not to appeal to unbelievers as if they have no knowledge of God (to which ignorance, many will appeal). That itself is a denial of what the Bible says. Even at this initial juncture, the unbelieving position is put at odds with what the Bible says – that what they are saying is true, and the Bible is false.
Man already knows of God's existence but suppresses that knowledge in unrighteousness. Our task is to appeal to what men already know and remove the mask and falsehood that they use to bury that sense of deity present in all humanity and appeal to them with the gospel – the message of reconciliation.
Without this sense of deity in man, and aside from God's common grace, our efforts would be futile, but it is only because this sense of deity is maintained by God's grace, though marred through the fall that we can have any fruitful discussion at all.
Men suppress & twist the truth they have been given, so that, in principle, the believer and unbeliever have nothing in common. There is no neutral fact of our experience that both parties can go to, given that all of creation is revelation from God about God which men suppress. Everything is interpreted, the question is, will it be interpreted rightly in light of God and His revelation to us through Scripture, or wrongly through attempting to interpret everything in opposition to that revelation? There are only those two options. All things point to God's existence, but due to the fall, the mind of man wishes to turn all of those signs 180 degrees in the opposite direction because they hate the light. Thus, any fact of our experience that we would point to as evidence for God's existence would be interpreted differently by the unbeliever, not for rational reasons – as if they only had a higher IQ they could understand or had more information- but fundamentally, for moral reasons. What needs to be done (in an apologetical endevour) is to take those facts of experience that the unbeliever wishes to hold to, and show that they are only made possible by interpreting them in light of what God has revealed. That if they held to the way that they want to interpret the world, it would result in utter confusion and futility and destroy any possibility of making sense of anything. The only way to interpret reality correctly, consistently and coherently is to interpert it according to God's revelation as to how the world really is.


Here are just qa few of the most popular kite accessories we stock - if you can't see what you want call us and we will see if we can help. You can view other specific Power Kite Accessories by visiting our 'Power Kites' section.
To view a larger image of an accessory simply click on the picture. You can then view the pictures in sequence by placing your cursor left or right of the picture that opens so as to view the previous, or next image.
PLEASE NOTE: Our shop at 9 Wharf Road, Frimley Green, Surrey GU16 6LE also stocks a range of clothing and helmets.


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A questionable stew of 70s and 80s pop culture, schlock cinema, comic books, and rock & roll.
Horror Host Mania
I'd Buy That For a Dollar Part 2: Horrible Horrors
Once again I return to the stack of VHS tapes I purchased for a dollar a piece. Since Halloween is coming up soon, I figured I'd focus on some of the horror titles this time around.
City of the Walking Dead
I had always heard how awful this particular hunk of parmesan cheese was, so until now I had avoided watching it. Now however, having suffered through far too many shot on video homemade horrors in the last few years than I care to remember, I figured I was up for anything this movie had to throw at me. The fact that Umberto Lenzi (one of the biggest hacks of seventies and eighties Italian exploitation cinema) was the director didn't exactly bode well, but I popped the tape in.
The movie starts with a television news reporter rushing off to an airport for an interview with some political mucky muck or something. Instead, he winds up reporting on a strange aircraft that makes an unscheduled landing. Airport security waits with guns at the ready as the door to the plane opens. All hell breaks loose when the occupants rush out, their faces disfigured, and start attacking the forces of law and order.
I'm not really sure if the attackers are supposed to be zombies or mutants or what. You still have to shoot 'em in the brain to kill them, and they infect their victims who subsequently rise from the dead to become zombies/mutants themselves. They chomp down on human flesh, but they also run and use guns. It's strongly suggested that these are victims of some sort of radiation, and they seem to have more intelligence than your average walking corpse. You make the call. Not like it really matters.
The rest of the movie focuses on the reporter trying to rescure his girlfriend, and a few other unrelated supporting characters. The script is uninspired, and Director Lenzi just goes through the motions. The acting can best be described as competent. Every aspect of this film is carried out with the barest minimum of professionalism needed for a theatrical exploitation film of the early eighties, with no one involved expending even an ounce of passion.
Even as an exploitation movie, 'City of the Walking Dead' offers up nothing more than the bare minimum requirements. The zombie/mutant make-up is shoddy, as are most of the gore effects. There's not one single zombie attack scene that comes close to being scary or even interesting. The only thing about the movie that's even slightly disturbing is the ending, where it turns out to have all been a dream. And then, it looks like it's all going to start for real. While this produced some genuine chills when used in 'Invaders From Mars', here it merely scares the viewer into thinking he or she might have become stuck in some awful loop in time, forced to rewatch this mediocrity over and over again. Thankfully the tape stopped when I pushed the button on the remote.
The Dorm That Dripped Blood
Released in 1981 to cash in on the slasher movie craze ushered in by 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th', 'The Dorm That Dripped Blood' is easily one of the more forgettable entries in the cycle. While in some ways this is more of a murder mystery, with lots of red herrings and an emphasis on "whodunnit", the attempt at a more complex plot than "insane guy kills teenagers with an axe" isn't interesting enough to really add to one's enjoyment of the movie. If anything, it just slows things down.
The plot involves two couples who are helping close down a college dormitory. There's some creepy guy with a frizzy white guy afro lurking about, too, which gets everyone worked up. After several thrilling scenes like the one where everyone tells how they'd like their eggs cooked, eventually the killing starts. A couple other supporting characters are brought in to up the body count.
Now there's nothing inherently wrong with the basic premise here, but it's handled in such a dreadfully dull manner that I really felt like turning the movie off. It didn't help that the print used for this VHS transfer was dark and excessively grainy, but even a pristine restored version would still be saddled with the same bland dialogue and performances. There's little if any suspense, and even the murder scenes fail to relieve the tedium.
That's it for now, but I'll be back soon with more reviews from my stack of one dollar wonders.
Posted by Bob Ignizio at 3:11 AM
Labels: 80's Nostalgia, Bob Ignizio, Movie Reviews
Crimson Screens said...
hey, doesnt city of... have that great scene where the guy gets his eye ripped out with a knife? one of the best eyeball violence scenes ever! the rest of the movie sucks though.
the dorm that dripped blood... one of my fav lost slasher movies. ill buy it from you.
Bob Ignizio
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text:
Trent Affair
MPI/Getty Images
The Trent Affair: Confederate Envoys Arrested
The Trent Affair: Britain Prepares for War
The Trent Affair: Crisis Resolved
The Trent Affair was a diplomatic crisis that took place between the United States and Great Britain from November to December 1861, during the U.S. Civil War (1861-65). The crisis erupted after the captain of the USS San Jacinto ordered the arrest of two Confederate envoys sailing to Europe aboard a British mail ship, the Trent, in order to seek support for the South in the Civil War. The British, who had not taken sides in the war, were outraged and claimed the seizure of a neutral ship by the U.S. Navy was a violation of international law. In the end, President Abraham Lincoln's administration released the envoys and averted an armed conflict with Britain.
On November 8, 1861, Confederate diplomatic envoys James Mason (1798-1871) of Virginia and John Slidell (1793-1871) of Louisiana were aboard the Trent, a British mail steamer, sailing through the Bahama Channel (between the Bahamas and Cuba), when the vessel was intercepted by the USS San Jacinto, captained by Charles Wilkes (1798-1877). Mason and Slidell and their secretaries, who were headed to England and France to lobby for recognition of the Confederacy, were arrested, transported to Boston and imprisoned at Fort Warren. The Trent was allowed to continue its journey after the men's arrest.
Did you know? Years before he was involved in the Trent Affair, Captain Charles Wilkes commanded the U.S. Exploring Expedition of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas, from 1838 to 1842. The expedition is credited with discovering that Antarctica is a separate continent.
In America, Northerners hailed Captain Wilkes for actions. However, the British were outraged when word of the interception reached London in late November. They had not taken sides in the Civil War and their policy was to accept any paying customer who wished to travel aboard their ships. The British government dispatched a message to the American government demanding the release of Mason and Slidell, along with an apology for the transgression of British rights on the high seas.
The British began preparing for war, banning exports of war materials to America and sending troops to Canada. Plans were made to attack the American fleet that was blockading the South. The British also planned a blockade of Northern ports. At the same time, France announced it would back Britain in a conflict with America.
In December, Lord Lyons, the British minister to the United States, met with Secretary of State William Seward (1801-72) concerning the fate of Mason and Slidell. Lyons took a hard line during the meeting, and afterward wrote to Lord Russell, the British foreign minister: "I am so concerned that unless we give our friends here a good lesson this time, we shall have the same trouble with them again very soon. Surrender or war will have a very good effect on them."
Abraham Lincoln (1809-65) and his administration got the message–"One war at a time," the president said–and decided not to push the issue. On December 27, Seward sent a message to Britain officials in which he disavowed the actions of Captain Wilkes and announced that the envoys would be released. Armed conflict with Great Britain thus was averted.
After Mason and Slidell were set free in early January 1862, they traveled to Europe. However, their mission ultimately was a failure, as they were unable to convince European leaders to support the Confederates in the Civil War.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/trent-affair
What Was the Iran-Contra Affair?
America 101: Why is the Presidency a Family Affair?
History Shorts: Mail-In Voting for Honest Abe
The History of Confederate Monuments in the U.S.
On February 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln (1809-65) and Secretary of State William H. Seward (1801-72) met with three Confederate officials, including Vice President Alexander H. Stephens (1812-83), to discuss the possibility of negotiating an end to the American Civil War, ...read more
Iran-Contra Affair
The Iran-Contra Affair was a secret U.S. arms deal that traded missiles and other arms to free some Americans held hostage by terrorists in Lebanon, but also used funds from the arms deal to support armed conflict in Nicaragua. The controversial deal—and the ensuing political ...read more
William Seward
William Seward (1801-1872) was a politician who served as governor of New York, as a U.S. senator and as secretary of state during the Civil War (1861-65). Seward spent his early career as a lawyer before winning a seat in the New York State Senate in 1830. An ardent ...read more
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter, an island fortification located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, is most famous for being the site of the first battle of the American Civil War. Originally constructed in 1829 as a coastal garrison, U.S. Major Robert Anderson occupied the fort in December 1860 ...read more
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville (April 30-May 6, 1863) was a huge victory for the Confederacy and General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War, though it is also famous for being the battle in which Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was mortally wounded. Fought in ...read more
J.E.B. Stuart
James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart (1833-1864) was a U.S. Army officer and later a major general and cavalry commander for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-65). A dashing figure known for his flamboyant style of dress and bold tactics, Stuart became one ...read more
Abraham Lincoln's Assassination
On the evening of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor and Confederate sympathizer, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. The attack came only five days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his massive army at ...read more
Alexander Hamilton Stephens (1812-1883) served as vice president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-65). A career politician, he served in both houses of the Georgia legislature before winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1843. At ...read more
Battle of Fort Donelson
The Battle of Fort Donelson (February 11-16, 1862) was one of the Union's first major victories in the American Civil War (1861-65). A week after capturing Fort Henry on the Tennessee River, Union Brigadier General Ulysses Grant began his assault on Fort Donelson on the ...read more


A person who is guilty of a crime involving illegal drugs may worry that a Drug Defense Attorney will not want to provide representation if the evidence is overwhelming. This individual may worry that the lawyer won't want to represent someone who apparently is guilty. In truth, these aspects do not matter. A criminal defense lawyer takes an oath before beginning to practice law, and this oath includes a statement about supporting the U.S. Constitution. This document guarantees citizens the right to skilled legal representation. If the client never admits guilt to the lawyer, the lawyer may professionally assume that the client is not guilty. That's what the legal system intends: that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty.
The legal system is intended to provide a fair and objective trial if a guilty defendant chooses to plead not guilty. The defendant also has the option to plead guilty and have the lawyer negotiate a plea bargain. Plea bargains are very common because they allow people to avoid the worst consequences that could result from a criminal trial. This deal also may result in reduced charges, which means less of a negative impact on the person's legal record.
The attorney uses additional strategies to help the client, such as looking for flaws in the investigative process or technical errors. These aspects may force a judge to dismiss the case. However, sometimes there are no problematic factors that qualify. A Drug Defense Attorney then will bring the case to trial if a guilty client insists, although as the person's legal counsel, this lawyer may strongly recommend the plea deal. This becomes particularly important if a conviction could result in many years of incarceration while the plea bargain only demands six months to a year. This decision obviously is a complex one if the individual is determined to avoid prison time but knows that the odds of winning in court are not in his or her favor.


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Star Gas Partners, L.P. Reports Fiscal 2011 First Quarter Results 42.5 KB
Star Gas Partners, L.P. Reports Fiscal 2011 First Quarter Results
STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Gas Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership" or "Star") (NYSE:SGU), a home energy distributor and services provider specializing in heating oil, today announced financial results for its fiscal 2011 first quarter, the three-month period ended December 31, 2010.
For the fiscal 2011 first quarter, Star reported a 31.7 percent increase in total revenues to $459.5 million, compared with total revenues of $348.8 million in the year ago period, due to an increase in home heating oil and propane volume of 17.4 percent and higher selling prices.
Home heating oil and propane volume for the fiscal 2011 first quarter increased by 16.7 million gallons to 112.7 million gallons, reflecting additional volume provided from acquisitions and colder temperatures, somewhat reduced by net customer attrition. Temperatures in Star's geographic areas of operations for the fiscal 2011 first quarter were 5.4 percent colder than the fiscal 2010 first quarter and 2.4 percent colder than normal, as reported by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
During the fiscal 2011 first quarter, net income increased by $8.6 million, to $20.6 million, due largely to a favorable change in the fair value of derivative instruments along with the aforementioned impact of acquisitions and colder temperatures. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, Star also recorded a charge of $1.7 million in connection with refinancing its long term debt, with no similar charge during the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $7.6 million, to $34.3 million, during the fiscal 2011 first quarter, as the impact of colder temperatures and the Adjusted EBITDA provided by acquisitions more than offset net customer attrition in the base business.
"The Partnership's solid results this quarter reflect the positive impact of acquisitions added in fiscal 2010 along with colder temperatures versus last year," said Dan Donovan, Star Gas Partners Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to keep a lid on costs and stay focused on customer service, while our strong operating results have allowed us to increase the Partnership's quarterly distribution by 6.9 percent. Fiscal 2011 is off to a good start, and we remain dedicated to taking the right steps — including additional acquisitions and other strategic initiatives — to enhance unitholder value going forward."
EBITDA (Earnings from continuing operations before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings from continuing operations before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, (increase) decrease in the fair value of derivatives, gain or loss on debt redemption, goodwill impairment, and other non-cash and non-operating charges) are non-GAAP financial measures that are used as supplemental financial measures by management and external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess:
our ability to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on our indebtedness and to make distributions to our partners;
our operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other companies in the retail distribution of refined petroleum products business, without regard to financing methods and capital structure; and
The method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with that of other companies and each of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has its limitations as an analytical tool, should not be considered in isolation and should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are:
REMINDER: Star Gas management will host a conference call and webcast tomorrow, February 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. (ET). The conference call dial-in number is 888-335-0893 or 970-315-0470 (for international callers). A webcast is also available at www.star-gas.com/events.cfm and at www.vcall.com
About Star Gas Partners, L.P.
Star Gas Partners, L.P., is the nation's largest retail distributor of home heating oil. Additional information is available by obtaining the Partnership's SEC filings at www.sec.gov and by visiting Star's website at www.star-gas.com, where unit holders may request a hard copy of Star's complete audited financial statements free of charge.
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" which represent the Partnership's expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including those associated with the effect of weather conditions on our financial performance; the price and supply of home heating oil/propane; the consumption patterns of our customers; our ability to obtain satisfactory gross profit margins; our ability to obtain new customers and retain existing customers; our ability to make strategic acquisitions; the impact of litigation; our ability to contract for our current and future supply needs; natural gas conversions; future union relations and the outcome of current and future union negotiations; the impact of future governmental regulations, including environmental, health and safety regulations; the ability to attract and retain employees; customer creditworthiness; counterparty creditworthiness; marketing plans; and general economic conditions. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "seek," "estimate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Partnership believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Business Strategy" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Form 10-K") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 and under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the "Form 10-Q") for the fiscal Quarter ended December 31, 2010. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Partnership's expectations ("Cautionary Statements") are disclosed in this news release and in the Form 10-Q and Form 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Partnership or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements. Unless otherwise required by law, the Partnership undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this news release.
Receivables, net of allowance of $7,534 and $5,443, respectively 182,965 70,443
Current deferred tax asset, net 6,599 20,247
Long-term deferred tax asset, net 24,932 26,551
Revolving credit facility borrowings 13,076 --
Fair liability value of derivative instruments -- 1,586
Long-term debt 124,198 82,770
General partner 348 290
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (27,067) (27,471)
(tables follow)
Installations and service 54,533 47,054
Cost of installations and service 52,622 45,672
(Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments (13,906) (3,392)
Delivery and branch expenses 65,961 56,822
Operating income 43,651 26,614
Interest expense (4,220) (4,270)
Interest income 532 394
Amortization of debt issuance costs (694) (656)
Loss on redemption of debt (1,700) --
Income before income taxes 37,569 22,082
Income tax expense 17,011 10,077
Net income $ 20,558 $ 12,005
General Partner's interest in net income 99 54
Limited Partners' interest in net income $ 20,459 $ 11,951
Per unit data (Basic and Diluted):
Net income available to limited partners $ 0.30 $ 0.16
FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 0.04 0.01
Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 $ 0.26 $ 0.15
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding (Basic
and Diluted) 67,078 72,661
(supplemental information follows)
EBITDA from continuing operations 46,528 30,149
(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments (13,906) (3,392)
Loss on redemption of debt 1,700 --
Income tax expense (17,011) (10,077)
Interest expense, net (3,688) (3,876)
Increase in accounts receivables (115,161) (76,952)
Increase in inventories (10,324) (9,387)
Decrease in customer credit balances (23,134) (21,790)
Change in deferred taxes 14,980 9,482
Net cash used in operating activities $ (88,710) $ (72,987)
Net cash used in investing activities $ (3,182) $ (1,555)
Home heating oil and propane gallons sold 112,700 96,000
CONTACT: Star Gas Partners
Chris WittyDarrow Associates
News Provided by Acquire Media


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THE ISRAEL REPORT
No Partners For Peace
JERUSALEM –– Since 1948, when Israel was founded on one-sixth of one percent of the land carelessly called "the Arab world," the conflict has been not about what land Israel should occupy but whether it should occupy any land. The conflict has been constantly violent, but now, in today's world climate of appeasement, the Palestinians' violence is self-legitimizing: The assumption always is that they must have been provoked.
Today, and as usual, the problem is not that Israel is being provocative, but that Israel's being is provocative. And now the potentially lethal asymmetry in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is this: Israel's government desperately wants to end the conflict; the Palestinian Authority fiercely wants to win it.
Israel has more dimensions of interlocking and overlapping divisions--religious, political, ethnic, social--than any other democracy. However, right now it is more united than it has been in years. United, but not enjoying it. The left's peace movement is morose, feeling refuted by events. The right is gloomy, as conservatives everywhere usually are when their bleak realism is confirmed by events.
At Camp David in July, Ehud Barak offered Yasser Arafat concessions (regarding land, Jerusalem and the "right of return" of Palestinian refugees) so sweeping they shattered public support for his government, which means he must now have early elections or cobble together a "national emergency" government. But Barak, gifted at looking on the bright side, says, "I made it possible for our people . . . at least to be united by the sense of no choice." That counts as the bright side here.
Barak's discovery, if indeed he has made it, that Arafat wants nothing less than the liquidation of Israel, is akin to Jimmy Carter's discovery, rather late in the 20th century (the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan), of Moscow's evil. Never mind Arafat's decades-long career of terrorism and genocidal rhetoric. In 1993, on the day he signed the Declaration of Principles of the Oslo peace process, Jordanian television broadcast an Arafat speech vowing that the Palestinian flag "will fly over the walls of Jerusalem, the churches of Jerusalem, the mosques of Jerusalem." And immediately after Barak's reckless offer to Arafat at Camp David, Arafat vowed to a Gaza audience that "Jerusalem is ours, ours, ours."
Here is another belated discovery: Israel's principal enemies are antisemitic. They always have been.
In 1921, in a memorandum to Britain's colonial secretary, Winston Churchill, Palestine's most prominent families argued against a Jewish settlement: "If Russia and Poland, with their spacious countries, were unable to tolerate them, how could Europe expect Palestine to welcome them. . . . Will the Jew, on coming to Palestine, change his skin and lose all those qualities which have hitherto made him an object of dislike to the nations?"
Eight decades later, 5 1/2 decades after the Holocaust (which Palestinian Authority propaganda denies happened) and five years after agreeing at Oslo to stop antisemitic propaganda, the Palestinian Authority's newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadida (Nov. 7, 1998) said:
"Corruption is a Jewish trait worldwide . . . one can seldom find corruption that was not masterminded by the Jews or that Jews are not responsible for . . . they would use the most basic despicable ways to realize their aim, so long as those who might be affected were non-Jews. A Jew would cross any line if it were in his interest."
Daniel Pipes, director of the Middle East Forum, warns that "as the rejection of Israel has taken on a less secular and more Islamic complexion, it has also gained a deeper resonance among ordinary Arabs, with Israel's existence now cast as an affront to God's will." Even Egypt's government, which is formally at peace with Israel, not only permits but, Pipes says, sponsors "the crudest forms of antisemitism," which in effect communicates this to Egyptians: "We have to be in contact with Israelis and sign certain pieces of paper, but we still hate them, and you should, too."
Unlike Egypt's Anwar Sadat or Jordan's King Hussein, who prepared their publics for acceptance of Israel, the Palestinian Authority is tutoring another generation in "rejectionism." But, then, Palestinians have long been execrably led. In World War I their leaders sided with Turkey, which ruled Palestine and was on the war's losing side. Palestinian leaders sided with Hitler in World War II, with the Soviet Union during the Cold War and with Saddam Hussein in the Gulf War. Today, sad to say but necessary to say, there are no Palestinian leaders who can be Israel's "partners for peace."
© 2000 The Washington Post Company
Israel Report September/October 2000 {} Home Page
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Home • Girl Boner • Behind the Scenes of "Masters of Sex" with Author/Producer Thomas Maier
Behind the Scenes of "Masters of Sex" with Author/Producer Thomas Maier
"We're born man, woman and sexual beings." — Virginia Johnson
It's remarkable how such a simple fact can seem controversial and even maddening to some. Thank goodness Virginia Johnson and William Masters, MD, pioneers in the field of sexual science, didn't let controversy stand in their way.
Call it wishful thinking, but I've long felt a connection to Virginia Johnson. I certainly won't compare my work to her legacy, but we do share major things in common: midwestern roots, independent, arguably rebellious spirits, a penchant for singing and microphones and winding paths that led us to careers in sexuality, pursued with curiosity and passion. I recently had the honor of adding another semi-commonality to my belt: chatting with Thomas Maier, the esteemed biographer who interviewed Virginia Johnson, as well as Dr. Masters and many of their loved ones and associates for his remarkable book, Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love. Also a producer on the hit Showtime series, "Masters of Sex," Maier had wonderful insight to share.
In case you're not familiar, Masters and Johnson were researchers who studied sexual response by observing people having sex in a lab. Through analyzing some 10,000 cycles of sexual response, they established four universal phases, proved that while men need a break after ejaculation, women can orgasm multiples time in-a-row, discovered that there is no age at which sexuality dwindles and proved that clitoral orgasms actually aren't, contrary to Freudian belief, inferior to vaginal orgasms. Perhaps most notably, Masters and Johnson revealed female sexuality and our capacity for pleasure as powerful during a time in which gender inequality throughout American culture ran markedly fierce.
You can imagine how prominent THAT made my Girl Boner. *sigh*
To listen to my full with Thomas Maier interview, visit these links on iTunes or Stitcher Radio. In the meantime, here are some excerpts:
August: Of the many biographies you could have written, why did you choose this one?
Thomas: When I started this project, I was already working on another book about Dr. Spock, the baby doctor, on the consequences of sex—having babies and such. I work as a reporter here in New York for the newspaper, News Day, and I was asked to interview Dr. Masters almost 20 years ago…so I did, and I talked to him for about a half hour. It was on the days up to his retirement. When I got off the phone I wrote a story for the newspaper and I thought about it. It was one of those ideas that kept with me—the idea of a man and a woman, not married, studying love and sex, not necessarily in that order, and who then get married and become world-famous as the gurus of sex research who are emblematic of this whole sexual revolution during the 1960s and '70s. And then after 20 years of marriage, get divorced and they never talk about it, and nobody knows why. So to me that was a fantastic subject.
August: I think they're two of the most fascinating people. What did you personally find most fascinating or surprising from the research process?
Thomas: Without doubt, the most fascinating thing to me was the relationship between Virginia Johnson and Dr. Masters. It began as a very unequal relationship, almost like the Pygmalion myth or if you remember "My Fair Lady," the professor and the woman who literally is desperate for a job and comes in off the streets. It's a very unequal relationship, between the powerful male and the subservient woman. Virginia Johnson was hired as the secretary for Dr. Masters, really didn't have any background in medicine whatsoever, but she was desperate for a job.
Dr. Masters was looking for a female partner that would know female doctors at the time who were interested in doing this, and as a matter of fact there were very few female doctors at the time. And the reason why they weren't was because this was going to be a very controversial study, examining how human sexuality takes place—not by surveys, but by actually watching it in a laboratory and documenting it the way you were a map, if you were a cartographer.
So all of this stuff, the combination of the two—the unequalness and then how they became equals and how Virginia Johnson, through the dint of her effort and through her native genius about human nature, and how things work between men and women, how she became more and more of an equal with Dr. Masters. For those people who are following my book as it's portrayed on the Showtime series, in the second series, we're just beginning to see where Virginia is a little bit more of an equal with Dr. Masters, although he's clearly very much the boss.
August: I've noticed that as well, and I think it's so interesting, especially at that time, for a woman. The dynamic between them is very interesting. How was it, interacting with the family and those who knew them? Do you feel that they're portrayed accurately in the show?
Thomas: I think particularly the relationship between Masters and Johnson, which is the heart of my book, and is the heart of the show, I think it's very accurately portrayed, by both Lizzy Caplan, who plays Virginia Johnson, and Michael Sheen, who plays Dr. Masters.
In the case of Lizzy Caplan, she looks a lot like Virginia Johnson, but she also has captured that independent-minded woman's spirit that Virginia Johnson embodied, well ahead of her time, in the 1950, 1960s and '70s…but I think that spirit is very much a part of young women today. So I think I'm finding a lot of young women tell me, and young men as well, how much Virginia Johnson seems of their age, even though its 50, 60 years ago when we begin the story.
Lizzy Caplan and Thomas Maier
In the case of Dr. Masters, he doesn't look physically look exactly like Michael Sheen, but I think Michael Sheen has brought a real verisimilitude—I believe is the word—a real accuracy to the essence of Dr. Masters as a sort of hardboiled doctor guy who is extremely talented, very ambitious, willing to risk everything, including his family life and his profession to seek and win a Nobel Prize. Bear in mind, for people who are watching the Showtime series, he's constantly referring to "the study, the study," as if it's the Holy Grail. And for an ambitious scientist, the idea of winning a Nobel Prize, it's one of those things that does make people very driven.
August: One thing I found so fascinating about him and his determination was that even though he is this very strong, sort of dominant male figure, he also has almost no issues, it seems, with presenting female sexuality as powerful and saying all of these really empowering facts about female sexuality when a lot of other people were not quite perhaps ready to hear or embrace it.
Thomas: As well it is. You know, it's interesting, because here they are, they do this experiment, and what their data is showing is that women have a greater sexual capacity than men. In many ways, women are a virtual fireworks display compared to the single firecracker of a man, when it comes to sexual orgasm… So here they have this information that's incredibly controversial, because bear in mind, Freud and Freud's views were at the height. The male dominance of Frued's views are inherent throughout his work and were very much reflected in American culture. So to have scientifically proven that women are not only the equals of men, but they actually have a greater capacity than men, was something that even they, Masters and Johnson, realized was something that they would almost have to candy coat.
If you go back and read their book, in 1966…the language indicates that there's an equality in women and men in terms of sexual response, but then when you get into what they actually say, you realize that women actually are greater than men sexually and at least in terms of clinical observations, that they found in the lab. So this was incredibly controversial, and so they kind of tiptoed around it in the book. But there it is. Everybody who read it actually realized that their findings were that women had a greater capacity. This was something that really emboldened the feminist movement of the late 1960s and '70s. As more and more people read the book, they realized the consequences socially, politically and culturally of Masters and Johnson's findings, and it really had a big impact on the sexual revolution of that time period.
August: What did you hope to accomplish with the story? How have people responded?
Thomas: I genuinely was trying as a biographer…to create a piece of biographical art—to try to write something that would last and would talk about these never-ending questions that all men and women think about, about their lives and human intimacy and being understood by a loved one. I think the show has been able to take my book and go even further of it, because of the nature of television.
I'm really happy that it really stirred a lot of deep questions about the relationship between men and women, and kind of underlined that misogyny or sexism is still one of the great, nagging [issues today]. It really is the last remaining civil rights of our time, I think—misogyny and men learning particularly to understand, appreciate and ultimately love women is at the heart of the story.
To learn more about Thomas Maier and "Masters of Sex," visit his website and connect with him on Twitter (@ThomasMaierBook).
What did you think of the interview? What do you love most about Masters of Sex, the book or TV show? Are you as hooked as I am?
Girl Boner, Sexuality 10 Comments
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Marla Martenson says
I love the show!! Never miss it.
August McLaughlin says
Me too! Though I have to watch after it's aired — no Showtime.
shanjeniah says
I hadn't heard of either until now – but now, I want to learn more. I've been fascinated with Masters and Johnson since I first heard of them in my teen years…the adults in my world did – and do – treat sexuality as something shameful. My belief that it is beautiful, magical, holy, and integral to my personal joy – well, that was something best kept to myself when I was growing up.
I look forward to reading the book. No Showtime, so the series will have to wait, for now.
You do seem to bring me to the coolest places, August!
I bet you'll love both! And were way ahead of me in discovering M&J.
I don't have Showtime either, so we watched the first season via Amazon, on-demand. You can also stream episodes online. Love technology!
Ooh! I didn't know it was on Amazon. That's great news! I'll put it on my list. =)
I babysat for a family who had the book as a teen. I was….a curious girl… ;D
susielindau says
Danny and I have been watching the first season. I wondered how accurate the portrayal was of Masters. It's not very flattering. I am expecting his character arc to include becoming more likeable.
Danny and I both took Marriage and Family at the UW-Madison in the 70s. Masters and Johnson was required reading!!!!
Great interview! I would love to read Maier's biography.
KM Huber says
Of course, I am aware of the original Masters and Johnson work; I was a teenager when the original books were published. Masters and Johnson were household names, I assure you, as no matter how their work was viewed, everyone, it seemed, had an opinion. I have added this book to my reading list so thanks for bringing it to my attention nor was I aware of the series. Glad to know it's available online.
I always enjoy your interviews, August, but this one really captured the essence of Masters and Johnson's works as your questions combined biography with the impact of the work. Brava, August!
What a remarkable experience that must have been, Karen! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. I'd love to hear your take, particularly as someone who experienced the media frenzy firsthand. Thanks for the support!
Behind the Scenes of "Masters of Sex" with Thomas Maier | August McLaughlin says:
[…] transcripts of this episode are available on August's blog. To learn more about Virginia Johnson, check out August's article in DAME Magazine: The […]
How to Really Tell if a Woman is Turned On - August McLaughlin says:
[…] all unique, all genders experience the same stages of arousal. (We have sexual science pioneers Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson to thank for that knowledge.) I suspect we'll explore those more here in Girl Boner-ville […]