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Category Archives: Entertainment
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
July 20, 2009 Kris Johnson	16 Comments
Starring Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Hugo Weaving, Frank Welker and Eeyore
Directed by Michael Bay
SPOILER ALERT: These innocent-looking words may transform into evil, plot-revealing spoilers without further warning.
Michael Bay is often the object of much scorn and derision for directing films that favor style over substance, assaulting the audience with flashy special effects and booming soundtracks while seeming to eschew such things as character development and coherent storytelling. In spite of this, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen made thirty-seven bazillion dollars ((Net.)) over the course of its opening weekend.
Did I say "in spite of this"? I meant "because of this".
The reason Michael Bay's second Transformers movie made a metric ton of money despite reviews that are almost universally negative is simple: Michael Bay understands that the modern movie theater is tailor-made for big, explodey, in-your-face films featuring frenetic action and jaw-dropping special effects that push the audience right to the edge of sensory overload and keep it there for nearly two solid hours. Bay's brand of filmmaking has all the elements that compel me (and millions of people like me) to step up to the ticket counter and plunk down eight or nine (or ten) of their hard-earned American dollars in exchange for a hundred and twenty or so minutes of larger-than-life, mind-numbing eye candy.
Mock me if you will. Call me a philistine. I'll gladly cop to that charge. Why? Because when the theater shakes to the rafters each time Optimus Prime's massive metal fist smashes into a Decepticon's face it completely drowns out the sound of cell phones ringing. When a flaming meteor pummels a giant aircraft carrier, I can't hear the people behind me—you know the ones; the couple who insist on maintaining a running narrative throughout the entire film—yeah, I can't hear a word they're saying, nor can I hear the baby crying off to my right. As an added bonus, those giant transforming robots beating the bolts out of each other in a fight sequence so fast-paced my eyes and brain can barely keep up renders me all but unable to even notice the jackass in the next row updating his Facebook status from his iPhone. It's sheer bliss.
Compelling characters? Subtle, nuanced performances? Thought-provoking narrative? Please! That stuff has no place on a forty-foot-wide screen rendered in so much digital brilliance that I can count the sympathetic protagonist's eyelashes as the camera zooms in for a close-up during his heart-wrenching, Oscar-worthy monologue. When I want to watch a film from a visionary director that provides some insight into the human condition—the sort of intellectually-stimulating high-brow cinema-as-art drivel I'll be talking to my well-read friends about over chardonnay and canapés—I'll buy the DVD and watch it at home. Where it's quiet. Where no one is kicking the back of my chair. Where the only jackass with a cell phone is me.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a triumph of cinema-as-spectacle. That said, it is also an awful, awful movie. All that stuff about sacrificing ((Or just plain ignoring.)) a decent story in the drive to push action to the forefront; it's all true. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a film that, like most everything Michael Bay has ever touched, makes me want to give him a high-five and then drive my knee into his tender, private bits.
The part of me that can switch off my critical brain and just enjoy the awesome sight of 40-foot-tall robots transforming into vehicles and then back into robots, all the while beating the ever-lovin' hell out of each other doesn't begrudge Bay one nickel of the admission price. The other part of me—the part that still geeks out over those transforming robots but cringes when one of those robots displays very obvious testicles or when the formerly-badass leader of the Decepticons is reduced to a groveling lickspittle at the feet of The Fallen or when the movie turns into Decoys 3: Alien Robot Seduction—that part howls for Michael Bay's head on a pike.
Revenge of the Fallen obeys some bizarre, twisted balance that I will call Bay's First Law, which can be simply stated as follows: For every moment of awesome, there must exist an equal and opposite moment of awful. ((Bay's Second Law: An object, particularly a vehicle, at rest will disgorge its passengers in motion—slow-motion.))
Awesome Awful
Transforming robots. Come on, that's right up there on the list of The Coolest Things Ever. Non-transforming robots. I'm looking at you, Ravage and The Fallen. Seriously, a robot that looks like a giant chrome kitty? Who the hell is that going to fool?
Robots in disguise. This might be a little redundant, but it bears repeating: robots that can transform into cars and planes and tanks and motorcycles are made of awesome! ((But I'm still annoyed that Optimus Prime has a mouth.)) Robots in disguise…as humans. No! No, no, no! A thousand times: no! Once you give Transformers the ability to assume non-mechanical disguises you ruin them forever! You need look only as far as the Dinobots to see ample evidence of this.
Devastator. What's cooler than a car transforming into a giant robot? How about six or seven contruction vehicles combining to transform into a robot so big it can't even stand upright? Devastator. What's not cool about a robot made of seven construction vehicles? How about a pair of testicles made of wrecking balls, dangling between said robot's legs despite the fact that none of the vehicles comprising the robot had a wrecking ball?
Jetfire. The SR-71 Blackbird may be the coolest plane in the history of aviation; the only way to make it cooler: transform it into a giant robot… …but not if that robot is my grandpa! He has a beard and a cane, for cryin' out loud! Oh, and here's something you probably didn't see coming: he can teleport. Dude, if you can teleport, why do you need wheels or wings?
More Transformers. Revenge of the Fallen has a bunch of new Transformers, both Autobots and Decepticons. More giant transforming robots = more giant transforming robot fights. And that is cool. Yeah, but…two of those new 'bots (Skids and Mudflap) are best described as racist caricatures, while Arcee, the only female Transfomer, ((Don't try to think about why a Transformer ought to be female; your head may explode.)) is killed after only one line of dialog. Definitely not cool.
Then there are the humans, who exist solely to allow the budget some breathing room and to remind the audience that the Autobots have to watch where they step. Bay still drools over Mikaela (Megan Fox) with his camera, ((Megan Fox's lipstick remains unsmudged whether she's dry-humping a motorcycle or after two days of hauling her shapely backside across the deserts of Egypt, pursued by murderous Decepticons. Cover the Autobots in that same lip gloss and they'd be pretty much invincible.)) while Sam (Shia LeBeouf) remains the hapless, confused hero and his parents (Kevin Dunn and Julie White) provide much-unneeded comic relief.
Whether they be searching for the elusive Matrix or stumbling (literally) through a painfully-long drug joke on an unnamed college campus, anytime the humans occupy the screen without the titular transforming robots present they drain a little more of the awesome out of the movie. Thankfully, there's enough left that I'm waiting for my next opportunity to sit in a multiplex auditorium and have my senses overloaded by all of Michael Bay's transforming sound and fury; even if, at the end, it signifies nothing more than meets the eye.
Michael BaymoviesreviewssequelTransformersTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Entertainment, Podcasts, Pseudopod
Pseudopod 147: Orifice by John F.D. Taff
June 19, 2009 Kris Johnson	4 Comments
I don't have any particular aversion to needles, but I don't feel any desire whatsoever to submit myself willingly to the tender mercies of what passes for a brush in the hands of a tattoo artist. I have my reasons, at least one of which is that I don't trust my body to leave a tattoo where the artist puts it. The last thing I want is a faded sketch of a crippled stork on my hip that began its sad life as an awesome dragon on my shoulder.
In "Orifice", author John F.D. Taff posits (through his narrator's girlfriend) that any time you poke a hole in something, there are things that will want to get in or out through that hole. And what are tattoos if not hundreds—perhaps thousands—of tiny holes?
A word of caution: This story contains adult language, adult situations, and holes where they ought not be.
horrorJohn F.D. TaffOrificepodcastPseudopod
Annual Birthday Haul: 2009
May 12, 2009 Kris Johnson	5 Comments
Is it still hip to be square? I'm thirty-six years old as of two days ago, and I won't be this square again until 2022 (when, one could argue, I will be even squarer). Regardless of my shape, I am blessed with incredibly generous family and friends, and I now present the annual rundown of my birthday loot:
Iron Man (Ultimate 2-disc Edition). Iron Man currently ranks Number 1 on my list of OMG Teh Best Superhero Movies EVAR so I figured it was time I picked up a copy of the movie. The combined power of Robert Downey, Jr. and Jeff Bridges' beards compelled me. Plus, I still haven't spotted Captain America's shield on Tony Stark's workbench and I need to be able to say I've seen it. Yes, need.
The Incredible Hulk (3-disc Special Edition). The third disc in this set is a "digital copy" of the film; a special copy that can be imported into iTunes or Windows Media Player. I really, really wish there had been a 2-disc version, as the digital copy is pretty much wasted on me. Nonetheless, I imported it into iTunes and watched it Friday night. Why? Because I'm an idiot, that's why.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (2-disc Collector's Edition). I saw this movie three times during its theatrical run and have purchased the soundtrack twice (on cassette and CD). This despite the fact that the film features Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker, a casting decision that Francis Ford Coppola has alledgedly admitted was made almost entirely based on Reeves' popularity with the ladies at the time.
WWW: Wake by Robert J. Sawyer. I think I read about this one on Tor's website not too long ago. I'm lead to believe that the novel involves the Internet achieving consciousness, which is probably not a good idea. This is an unabridged, multi-voice audiobook that I purchased with an iTunes gift card. It should have been a simple matter to transfer the book to my iPod, but thanks to some quirk of my particular installation of iTunes it took me the better part of 90 minutes (some of which was spent completely reformatting my iPod's hard drive) to arrive at a point where synchronization occurred without iTunes claiming that my computer was not authorized to play the files (and thus not authorized to copy them to the iPod). If iTunes had a face, I would have struck it repeatedly with my fist last night.
Personal Effects: Dark Art by J.C. Hutchins and Jordan Weisman. This one is a pre-order, as the book won't be released until June. If you've read this blog long enough, you know that I absolutely loved J.C. Hutchins' 7th Son trilogy (which has been optioned by Warner Brothers). Hutchins has been pimping the hell out of Personal Effects: Dark Arts (and its podcast prequel, Personal Effects: Sword of Blood) for months on Twitter and he pretty much badgered me into buying the book.
Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi. Interesting fact: Hugo-award-winning science-fiction author John Scalzi and I not only live in the same state, we also share a birthday; I have now spent thirty-six years on the planet and he has been here for forty, which may mean that he is currently winning. I've read five of Mr. Scalzi's novels in the past six months or so, and they're all very satisfying.
Shambling Towards Hiroshima by James Morrow. Here's an interesting premise: instead of developing the atomic bomb as a means to end World War II in the Pacific Rim, the United States develops giant, fire-breathing lizards, then sends a Godzilla-esque film (featuring an actor in a rubber monster suit, of course) to Japan as a warning. This book was recommended to me by one "willywoollove", though I strongly suspect that that is not his real name.
The Big Book of Hoaxes by Carl Sifakis. I enjoy the Factoid "Big Book of…" series; I have Urban Legends, Weirdos and Conspiracies in my library.
Idoru by William Gibson. I read Gibson's Spook Country a few months ago, and I recall someone saying that Idoru features some of the same characters, so I thought I'd give it a look. Spook Country, as an aside, felt kind of like Elmore Leonard doing a cyber-thriller to me. In a good way.
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2) by George R.R. Martin. News that Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent, Threshold) has been cast as Tyrion in the pilot for HBO's A Game of Thrones series reignited my interest in the books (A Game of Thrones is Book 1 of A Song of Ice and Fire). I have an ARC of A Clash of Kings, but it's too bulky, so I figured it was high time I picked up the paperback.
Storm Front (Book 1 of The Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher. I read my brother's copy of Storm Front a couple of years ago while vacationing in the Upper Peninsula. Shortly thereafter The SciFi Channel aired their short-lived The Dresden Files series, which Laura and I both enjoyed. I picked up the book because I know Laura wanted to read it and I wouldn't mind giving it a re-read before digging into Fool Moon, the second book in the series.
Grave Peril (Book 3 of The Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher. Because I have a feeling we'll tear through the first two pretty quickly.
Pants! Also: two belts and six pairs of socks. I thought about saying something like "because my lower half needed some birthday lovin', too", but I wouldn't want that misconstrued.
Sony MDR-V150 Monitor Series Headphones (with Reversible Earcups). Because I needed some new headphones for when my cohort and I record The Secret Lair. It's a podcast, you know. Do I need reversible earcups? Only if I want to look like that guy. But I do need a 6-foot cord, because anything shorter would mean sitting on Miller's lap while we record, and that would just lead to more rumors.
I also received a most excellent birthday song from my Toledo-based nephews via voicemail. How excellent? Well, it features "The Imperial March" from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. You know: Darth Vader's theme. It was only the intense feeling of nerd-pride that prevented me from calling them back, Force-choking my eldest nephew over the phone and promoting one of his younger brothers. "You're in charge now, Admiral Gabriel."
Entertainment, Rants and Ramblings, Television
TVstuff: Disable the Cable?
December 31, 2008 Kris Johnson	12 Comments
That's what the Time-Warner Northeast Ohio customer service representative told me this morning. I think she was mistaking the irritation in my voice for fear. I've been a Time-Warner Cable television customer for all of 70 hours and already I've had to call customer service; this does not bode particularly well for our burgeoning relationship.
At issue: the Viacom debacle. As near as I can figure it, Viacom wants to wring more money out of Time-Warner for channels like Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV. Because apparently people still watch MTV. Time-Warner, naturally, doesn't want to shell out the dough, claiming that they'd have to (surprise!) raise their rates.
This morning, Viacom decided that negotiations weren't going to cut it, so they resorted to something akin to extortion: a crawl across the bottom of their networks imploring Time-Warner customers to contact their cable provider if they didn't want to lose shows like SpongeBob Squarepants when the ball drops in Times Square. ((Happy New Year!))
At the International House of Johnson we do occasionally watch SpongeBob Squarepants, but losing The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report would be a deal-breaker. We rarely watch anything else on Comedy Central, because 90% of the programming on Comedy Central is crap, but The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are pretty much the only two shows that Laura and I watch together.
The Viacom crawl is, in my opinion, hitting below the belt as far as negotiations are concerned. It's certainly not unprecedented, but it's kind of a dirty trick. Viacom is essentially threatening to take their ball and go home if Time-Warner doesn't play the game to their liking, but their crawl makes Time-Warner out to be the bad guy. According to one source, the price hike Viacom wants is triple the increase from their previous contract with Time-Warner, which translates (per Viacom) to roughly 25 cents per month per Time-Warner Cable subscriber. ((Time-Warner claims that this could set a precedent for other networks to demand higher rates and result in a $30-per-year increase for customers.)) The crawl, quite naturally, fails to mention any of this.
But the crawl is effective. Laura asked me about it first thing this morning, as she's not at all keen to lose Nickelodeon or Comedy Central, so I thought I'd give Time-Warner a call. The number provided in the crawl was experiencing "technical difficulties", which I took to mean "a flood of calls from angry parents whose children want to watch SpongeBob tomorrow".
At this point, I know that Viacom is playing dirty, but I called Time-Warner Northeast Ohio anyway. I was greeted with an automated message assuring me that negotiations to keep the Viacom networks were underway and wouldn't I please just hang up because that's all they could tell me.
Unfortunately for Time-Warner, they're the new kid on the block as far as television providers in the International House of Johnson are concerned, and I was already annoyed to discover that having a digital cable box and subscribing to "extended basic" service is not the same as having "digital basic" service. ((Translation: Our current service plan does not include Noggin (another Viacom network, the one that features all of Kyle's favorite shows), BBC America or the basic OnDemand features.)) Oh, and their installer was 30 minutes late on Monday.
So I waited on hold for a customer service representative. Poor Barbara got a bit of an earful as I explained that, should the Viacom networks disappear from my lineup, Time-Warner's reign as the television provider in my house would be a very, very short one. My DirecTV receiver is still active ((In fact, the television was tuned to Noggin on DirecTV when Laura saw the Viacom crawl this morning.)) and my digital phone service has yet to be installed, so it's just a matter of who I call Monday morning to inform them that their services will no longer be required.
I'm not panicking, I'm just annoyed that—having been a satellite television subscriber for seven years with only two issues that I can recall—I switched to cable and wound up on the phone with customer service after less than three days.
UPDATE: Time-Warner CEO, Glenn Britt has issued a statement. Additionally, Viacom has allegedly threatened to block Time-Warner Cable Internet subscribers from accessing their free online content, such as episodes of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
UPDATE: It certainly appears that Viacom is planning to block Time-Warner Cable Internet subscribers, if the pop-ups on sites like MTV.com are any indication. So, even though I currently put pennies in Viacom's pocket because I'm still paying for DirecTV, because my Internet access is through Time-Warner I won't be able to access free content on ComedyCentral.com. (I've seen the pop-up myself on that very site.) That's really playing dirty, Viacom.
FINAL UPDATE (01 January 2009): Well, it looks like Time-Warner Cable and Viacom have reached a "an agreement in principle", which means 13 million households can spend New Year's Day in Bikini Bottom after all. As an aside, if one of your New Year's resolutions was "no cable rate hikes", you're probably going to be breaking that one sooner than you expected.
Time-Warner CableViacom
In the News: FOX pre-cancels Whedon's Dollhouse
October 30, 2008 Kris Johnson	20 Comments
Hot on the heels of news that Joss Whedon is re-shooting the pilot for his upcoming sci-fi/thriller series, Dollhouse, executives at FOX announced that the show has been pre-canceled.
"We don't anticipate that the show will appeal to a broad audience," remarked a FOX spokesperson. "It's just way too…'out there' to bring in the ratings share we'll need to compete in early 2009, so we're pulling the plug. We'll air three episodes out of order in January in a timeslot usually reserved for Billy Mays and Kevin Trudeau, a fourth episode will air on FSN Tennessee during the Super Bowl, and then we'll replace it with an as-yet-untitled sitcom starring Dane Cook."
"[The pilot] Joss is re-shooting probably won't even air," the spokesperson added.
Potential fans of the doomed series began a "Save Dollhouse" letter-writing campaign in November 2007, shortly after production was announced. FOX receives hundreds of impassioned pleas to keep the series on the air every day.
"The response has been great," Whedon said in a recent interview on Entertainment Insider. "I've been blessed with some very loyal fans."
When asked about rumors that most of the letters are written by one fan, Derrick Stroyer, who also continues to write similar letters pleading for the return of Firefly, another failed Whedon vehicle, the writer/director/producer/caterer replied, "Yes. Okay. A very loyal fan."
In the same interview, Whedon announced that he will definitely not be working on a sequel to the movie based on Dollhouse. The movie, tentatively titled Echo, will continue the storyline where the series inevitably leaves off. Echo will be in theaters on August 19, 2011. Derrick Stroyer is already in line for tickets.
Disclaimer: I am not an entertainment news reporter. I am no more informed about the wheelings and dealings of the entertainment industry than anyone else with access to the Internet. Also, this story is a lie.
Preview: The Great Superhero Movie Project
[EDIT: The Great Superhero Movie Project now has its own page. You may leave movie suggestions and/or comments here or there.]
I've gotten some interesting feedback (both in the comments here and on Twitter) regarding my Top Ten Superhero Movies Since the Dawn of Time lists. Some folks agree with me, some don't, but the question I hear most often usually begins with words along these lines: "Hey, you forgot about…"
And I did. The first time around, I definitely snubbed Mystery Men; after the second iteration The Kingfish wondered where (or if) Hancock placed on the list, David Mead asked about Darkman and Rachel "Nycteris" Ross brought up Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
I Have a Plan
I'm not one to leave a stone unturned—whether that stone was bitten by radioactive bats, sent to Earth by a race of alien vampires or just found some sexy tights and decided to start kicking people in the face—so I've come up with a plan to turn all the stones in one fell swoop.
Okay, two fell swoops.
The First Swoop: My Job – Two Lists
First, I'm going to make two lists: every superhero movie I've ever seen and superhero movies I know about but haven't seen.
The Second Swoop: Your Job – The Third List
Second, I want you to submit movies that I've overlooked. Yes, you. If you're reading this and you're aware of a superhero movie that is not on either of my lists, I want you to comment here and tell me about it. I'll add all of these to my third list: superhero movies I didn't know (or forgot) existed.
The Third Swoop: My Job – Watch, Rate, Review
Oh, wait, there's a third fell swoop: I'm going to watch every one of the movies on all three lists. If I haven't seen the movie in the past two years, I'm going to watch or re-watch it and then I'm going to write a review (unless I've already written one, in which case I may tweak an existing review).
Sound like fun? Sound like a lot of work? It might be, but let me set up some guidelines here so we don't get all crazy-go-nuts with the lists. Pay attention.
What is a Superhero Movie?
The "movie" part of the definition is easy: All movies, whether they were theatrical releases, straight to DVD or even made for television; if it's a movie, it gets on the list. Note that movies made as pilots for or as direct spinoffs of a television series don't count, so The Incredible Hulk starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno is not eligible, ((This includes The Incredible Hulk Returns, The Trial of The Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk, movies that were made after the series was cancelled. Don't worry, these will all be eligible for a future list: The Best Television Superheroes in the History of Televising Superheroics.)) but Captain America II: Death Too Soon starring Reb Brown and Christopher Lee is.
The tricky bit of the definition is "superhero", as I've already been asked whether Transformers is a superhero movie (it's not) and if Hellboy should count (it does). I can't exactly pin the energon cube on why Transformers doesn't qualify; it just doesn't. Comic book movie, yes; superhero movie, no. ((I'll do a separate Comic Book Movie list later, so all you 300 fangirls can nominate your favorite computer-enhanced pectoral muscles.)) I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'll decide whether a movie qualifies as superheroic or not. If you're not sure, nominate it and if I reject it I'll do my best to tell you why.
Superheroes do not need to be in or come from comic books to be eligible. The Incredibles is a great example of an original superhero movie that was not a comic book first. Black Scorpion is also an example, though under no circumstances should the word "great" be associated with it.
Oh, and movie serials aren't elibigle. They're just not.
If in doubt, nominate.
The First List – Superhero Movies I've Seen
Batman: The Movie (1966)
Batman & Robin (1997)
Black Scorpion (1995)
Captain America (1979)
Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979)
Catwoman (2004)
Darkman (1992)
Darkman II: The Return of Durant (1994)
Darkman III: Die Darkman Die (1996)
Doctor Strange (Animated, 2007)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms (2006) [Added 19 July 2008]
Hellboy Animated: Blood and Iron (2007) [Added 19 July 2008]
The Incredibles (Animated, 2004)
The Invincible Iron Man (Animated, 2007)
Justice League: The New Frontier (2008) [Added 18 July 2008]
Lightspeed (2006)
Mystery Men (1999)
The Phantom (1996)
Superman: Doomsday (2008) [Added 19 July 2008]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time (1993)
Ultimate Avengers (Animated, 2006)
Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther (Animated, 2006)
X2: X-Men United (2003)
Okay, that's a lot of movies, many of which I haven't watched in well over two years. Some of them, like the 1994 never-released version of The Fantastic Four, will be a bit tricky to track down, but I'll do my best. For science!
The Second List – Superhero Movies I Haven't Seen
Black Mask (1996)
Black Mask 2: City of Masks (2002)
Black Scorpion II: Aftershock (1997)
Blankman (1994) [Added 19 July 2008]
Dr. Strange (1978)
The Meteor Man (1993) [Added 19 July 2008]
Silver Hawk (2004)
Steel (1997)
Underdog (2007)
That's a short list. Much shorter than I anticipated. It may get even shorter if I decide to disqualify Black Mask and Silver Hawk in order to prevent a deluge of martial arts movies masquerading as superhero movies. A guy has to set limits somewhere, right?
The Third List – The Ones I Don't Know About
Now it's your turn: if you know of a superhero movie I missed, please leave a comment and nominate it!
Netstuff: Stranger Things premieres with "Sacred Cow"
Stranger Things is the brainchild of writer/director Earl Newton. With the help of some very talented people, Earl has created a free monthly television series that can be downloaded with software like Democracy and iTunes and viewed on your PC, iPod, or other media player.
Each month, Stranger Things will present a 30-minute story "about ordinary people stumbling into the secret worlds of the demons, aliens, shamans, and angels. The stories expose the bizarre and the extraordinary things happening all around us, everyday."
The first episode, "Sacred Cow", is based on an original story by Scott Sigler, author of the podcast novels Earthcore, Ancestor, Infection and The Rookie. In the realm of podcast novels, Sigler is arguably king; he was recently featured in a New York Times online article ((Newman, Andrew Adam. "Authors Find Their Voice, and Audience, in Podcasts" New York Times 1 March 2007. 1 March 2007)) about Podiobooks.com, where his first three novels are available as free, serialized downloads. If you're the type who prefers ink-and-paper novels, Earthcore is available in paperback and Ancestor is slated to be released in paperback next month.
Gordo Gordon (David Chancellor) is an autistic genius who has been in the care of Father Ralph Antonini (Elliot Stegall) for the past twenty years. When Gordo learns of research proving that prayer causes specific chemical changes in the brain, he creates a device that can "see" and record the flow of energy created when the parishioners in Fr. Antonini's church pray during mass.
When Gordo discovers that the prayer energy is focused upward by the high, pointed ceiling in the church, his quest to discover where the energy goes uncovers a horrible truth that could undermine the faith of billions around the world.
"Sacred Cow" is an excellent debut for Stranger Things, showcasing the level of quality that Newton and company can deliver. From a disturbing story to fantastic special effects, an eerie theme song by cellist Zoe Keating and solid performances by the cast, the show's production value rivals that of most anything found on network television today. I'll definitely be tuning in next month for the second episode, titled "Discontent", about a man whose wife wants him to clone her dead mother.
IPTVreviewsScott SiglerStranger Things
Podcast: Planet RetCon Episode 29
September 6, 2006 Kris Johnson	1 Comment
The first annual Parsec Awards—"a celebration of speculative fiction podcasts"—were presented at Dragon*Con this past weekend in Atlanta, GA and Planet RetCon was nominated for both short- and long-form audio drama. Though "The Hoff" was beaten out by The Radio Adventures of Doctor Floyd, the Planet RetCon series StarGate Café won the for long-form audio drama.
I've been spreading congratulations around at The Harping Monkey and the Planet RetCon sites, but I wanted to do the same here, too. So congratulations again to Wesley Clifford (KJToo Forum frequenters know him as Yotto) and the Planet RetCon Players: Jamie Bartl, Lisa Clifford, Jeffrey Vargo and Bob (blob) Voegerl.
If you head over to the Planet RetCon site, you'll find the seventh episode of StarGate Café. In the aftermath of his birthday celebration, Pete (Jeffrey Vargo) finds himself in an awkward position with co-worker Katie (Jamie Bartl) and naked hilarity ensues. Featured guest voices in this episode: some dork from another podcast and Christiana Ellis, author of Nina Kimberly the Merciless, which is available from Podiobooks.com
Parsec-AwardsPlanet RetCon
Podcast: Misfit Brew Episode 15
July 26, 2006 Kris Johnson	2 Comments
Imagine for a second that you are Ray "Bones" Barboni; there's a knock at the door, you open it, and Chili Palmer's fist connects with your nose. That's pretty much how it went down last week: the Internet was just sitting at home, probably enjoying a cigar, when there was a knock at the door; only it wasn't Chili Palmer at the door, it was episode fifteen of Misfit Brew.
The new brew is big. For this episode, Mick Bradley set aside the standard 24-oz. stein in favor of a super-sized, 48-oz. monster mug filled to the brim with geeky goodness. Apart from Mick's Misfit Musings, there's an essay on writer's block by Indiana Jim from the As-Yet-Untitled Podcast, Unquiet Desperado Chris Miller and Dragon's Landing co-host Lonnie Ezell discuss Lonnie's new book, Daughter of the Sun, Fledgling Misfit Rae Lamond returns with an essay on blogging, Mick presents his Flavor and Style Manifesto for the Vegas After Midnight tabletop and play-by-post roleplaying game, and David Moore of the After Serenity podcast presents audio fiction featuring Slick Vic, his character in the VAM play-by-post campaign.
Bam! The Internet is laid out with a bloody nose, but the important thing is that Chili's got his jacket back and he's the guy telling you how it's going to be: you're going to download episode fifteen of Misfit Brew, or better yet, add the feed to your favorite podcatcher so you don't miss out on future episodes.
Adventures of a Fledgling MisfitAfter SerenityChris MillerDavid MooreDragon's LandingLonnie EzellMick BradleyMisfit BrewRae LamondVegas After Midnight
July 6, 2006 Kris Johnson	Leave a comment
Planet Retcon is a podcast featuring a mix of episodic and standalone science-fiction written and produced by Wesley "Yotto" Clifford. Every other week, a fresh, new episode is released, featuring Wesley and his stable (or perhaps harem) of voice actors. On the off weeks, listeners are treated to a short blooper reel from the previous week's episode. The series longest-running feature is StarGate Cafe, which has been described as "Cheers meets that bar from Deep Space 9, but without the aliens."Just now. By me.
I missed out on a chance to play one of the main characters in StarGate Cafe due to my own dogged procrastination, but Wesley gave me an opportunity to be a guest voice in the most recent episode. If you're not already subscribed to the Planet Retcon podcast, go to the site and grab the feed. If you are, then there's a good chance that Episode 25 has already been caught by your podcatcher. Either way, give it a listen and bask in my geeky glory.
Planet RetCon


Before getting too excited about the prospect of a mind-blowing top-shelf ZTE Nubia Z17 configuration with 8GB RAM in addition to a Snapdragon 835 processor, it's important to remember the only verifiable piece of evidence has so far hinted at a "modest" 4 gig random-access memory count.
Until today, that is, although AnTuTu can merely "confirm" the pre-release testing of an NX563J model packing 6GB RAM. It still remains to be seen if this is the high-end, middling or even entry-level version of the Android 7.1.1 flagship that was actually preceded to market by a Z17 mini with your choice of 4 or 6GB of the good stuff in tow.
Other features revealed during the phone's latest benchmarking visit include a Full HD screen of unknown size (presumably, around 5.5 inches), 128GB internal storage space, and once again, a state-of-the-art Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, comprised of eight Kryo 280 CPU cores and Adreno 540 graphics.
Meanwhile, the "exposure" image you can check out above lists a single 12MP rear-facing camera, with speculation of a dual arrangement however heating up, and an extra 23 megapixels now predicted to take the photography and video recording prowess of last year's Nubia Z11 to a whole new level. If only ZTE would consider a truly global launch, at least as far as this 6GB RAM config goes.


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Integrated Business Planning Is Not Just a Marketing Hoax
Manufacturers can achieve step change improvements to how they plan and manage their business by developing strategies that combine EPM and S&OP.
Dean Sorensen, IBP Collaborative | Sep 04, 2014
Integrated business planning (IBP) is a process that does exactly what its name implies—it brings together fragmented strands of strategic, financial and operational planning and performance management. Establishing mature IBP processes can be difficult, especially for larger and more complex manufacturers. While many factors contribute to this difficulty, the primary one has been the absence of technologies that fully support it.
What's changing is what I call IBP platforms—technologies that combine enterprise performance management (EPM) and sales and operations planning (S&OP) to provide incremental capabilities that neither provides individually. In so doing, IBP platforms address long-standing challenges that financial and operational professionals have struggled to overcome. The result: opportunities for step change improvements to how manufacturers plan, manage and govern their business.
Behind the IBP Marketing Hoax
Historically, IBP has been used to describe processes that extend S&OP beyond balancing supply and demand, by integrating aspects of financial planning. Proponents are typically supply chain professionals. They argue that integration enables a more advanced form of S&OP—one that is more profit-driven and that effectively engages executives in enterprise-wide decision-making.
Detractors, however, believe that IBP is nothing more than a rebranding of S&OP by consultants and software companies. They argue that what is now called IBP is what S&OP practitioners have been doing for years. Moreover, they further believe that what is being sold as IBP software supports elements of IBP, but not enterprise-wide planning. Such beliefs have led some to conclude that IBP is a hoax.
This criticism is not always warranted, particularly among smaller and less complex manufacturers. There are different ways to support IBP processes. For example, some use EPM software to support financial planning and budgeting, as well as S&OP. Others use a combination of S&OP and EPM tools. But as manufacturers start exhibiting the complexity characteristics shown below, these approaches quickly become less effective.
IBP Enables Manufacturers to Manage Complexity
What happens is that it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the assumptions that connect strategic, financial and operational plans. There are too many moving and interconnected parts to cope with. What results are slow processes that aren't always viewed as being accurate or effective.
This happens because the models supporting these applications are too simplistic. For example, EPM tools can't always accurately translate demand scenarios into operationally realistic costs, inventories and cash flows. S&OP applications, on the other hand, provide a spectrum of financial planning capabilities. However, few support the ability to do scenario planning on a full set of financial statements that are explicitly reconciled to operational plans.
Given that, in complex settings, scenario planning drives the vast majority of IBP value, this capability gap is significant. What's more, this gap is a primary contributor to views about the "IBP hoax."
What's Different about IBP Platforms?
IBP platforms address these gaps with embedded logic that is shared between EPM and S&OP processes and applications. This logic includes bills of materials, routings, inventory parameters, lead times, standard costing and MRP that are used by both financial and operational applications. Moreover, these models have important characteristics, in that they support:
Time sensitive versions, where models and parameters vary from one period to another.
Alternate model versions that can be used for monthly S&OP or strategic analysis.
Utility tools that enable mass changes to planning models to support scenario planning.
Distributed models ownership, where responsibility for maintaining models can be shared across the enterprise, rather than being concentrated in finance or supply chain.
This embedded logic isn't isolated to just production. It also enables similar improvements to other aspects of business planning, such as consolidation, cash flow forecasting, and activity-based costing and planning.
IBP Platforms are Following the Same Path as ERP
What IBP platforms are doing is similar to what was accomplished with ERP 20 years ago. Back then, forward-thinking ERP vendors integrated bills of materials, routings, procurement, production management, standard costing and general ledgers to dramatically improve the ability to plan and manage production, from both operational and financial perspectives. They did so using integration to provide incremental capabilities that legacy systems couldn't. This same evolution is now taking place in financial and operational planning systems.
This point is important to understand because some argue that mature IBP processes can be supported by separate EPM and S&OP applications. Such assertions are incorrect. What's not being recognized is that meaningful integration is only achieved when planning applications share the same models. When they don't, capability gaps arise.
Integrated Models Enable Incremental Capabilities
When planning models are shared by EPM and S&OP applications, incremental capabilities result that stand-alone applications can't support individually. While many incremental capabilities result, five high level ones illustrate the transformative nature of IBP Platforms.
The first is double entry planning—embedded logic that automatically drives balance sheet and direct cash flow planning. This logic, when combined with production logic, not only drives direct cash flows, but also provides the basis for highly accurate cost, profit, inventory, balance sheet and foreign currency exposure forecasts.
The second is integrated variance analysis, a capability that automatically separates volume, mix, pricing, cost, productivity and foreign exchanges variances that comprise differences between any combination of budget, actuals, forecasts and scenarios. From an S&OP perspective, this capability also automates "integrated reconciliation" processes.
The third is concurrent planning. Integrated models enable more planning activities to be completed simultaneously, thereby collapsing cycle time and eliminating non value-added activities. This is in contrast to fragmented processes, where many more activities are being performed sequentially.
The fourth is matrix planning, a capability that provides the means to simultaneously plan from both functional and business process perspectives. This capability is essential for doing two things: first, planning and managing productivity; and second, driving cross-functional alignment around shared goals and objectives.
The last capability is end to end scenarios that can simultaneously assess the impact of potential demand and service level targets on costs, capacity constraints, cash flows, inventory levels and financial statements; in other words, the enterprise as a whole. Execution time is fast because only one model/application drives the process. Moreover, front-line people can be engaged in scenarios through distributed model ownership.
Is It Time To Replace Existing EPM and S&OP Systems?
Collectively, these capabilities enable manufacturers to fully achieve IBP objectives. Conversely, the absence of such logic is a key contributor to many of the challenges faced by finance and supply chain professionals.
What's not being recognized is that, in complex settings, the ability to improve financial planning and forecasting processes—such as profit and cash flow forecasting and scenario planning—is inextricably linked to operations. For example, profit-based S&OP and rolling forecasts are interrelated parts of the same process. By extension, the full value of IBP can't be achieved without fixing the (well documented) problems with budgeting.
In light of this, manufacturers should reconsider EPM and S&OP strategies. For those investing for the first time, IBP platforms offer a very compelling yet simple value proposition: two systems and processes for the price of one. For others, they will need to consider the ability to achieve IBP objectives, as well as the cost of achieving them. In such cases, the evolution of IBP platforms makes replacing existing EPM and S&OP systems a potential option.
Developing an IBP Strategy
One factor represents the primary obstacle for leveraging IBP platforms: Planning processes are typically owned by multiple stakeholders, not one process owner. As such, manufacturers often buy and implement planning and performance management solutions separately. The net impact is that they tend to "pave the cow path," resulting in only marginal process improvements. Three steps can help organizations, and more specifically, change agents avoid this situation:
Educate key stakeholders to help them understand the need for integration to address interconnected challenges.
Enlist an executive to sponsor an IBP assessment—one that has the most to gain from IBP.
Help the sponsor define key requirements up front to focus assessment teams and foster innovation.
By taking these steps, organizations can avoid missteps that undermine the value of IBP programs. More than ever, CFOs, CSCOs, CIOs and COOs need to work together to ensure that their organizations develop a coherent and coordinated plan for improving how they plan and manage their business. In so doing, they'll be in a better position to capitalize on IBP platforms.
Dean Sorensen is founder of the IBP Collaborative and a management consultant specializing in finance and supply chain transformation. The IBP Collaborative helps organizations understand and leverage innovative business practices and technologies that enable step change improvements in how they plan and manage their business.
TAGS: Operations Finance Cost Management & BPM Supply Chain Planning & Forecasting
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Webinar: The Economic and Strategic Benefits of Cloud ERP

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


AS a heavily tanned Fu Yongxian picks ripe watermelons in the hot sun in central China, it's hard to believe he was once a Shanghai college graduate.
The 29-year-old came to Zaozhuang Village in Baofeng County of central China's Henan Province four years ago. He is now head of the village. "We college graduates are sent to villages to help farmers get rich," he said.
Fu is one of the 130,000-plus college graduates who now work as village officials in the vast Chinese countryside.
Chinese authorities have decided to send another 100,000 college graduates to villages in the next five years.
Five years ago, the idea that a college graduate would work as a village official was unheard of.
But while Fu was desperately trying to find a job in 2004, Baofeng County launched its college graduate recruitment plan and he took the opportunity.
With the animal husbandry knowledge Fu acquired in the Shanghai Institute of Technology, he has helped the villagers breed pigs.
Now, the villagers sell pigs in big Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Wuhan. Their average annual income leaped from 1,600 yuan (US$2340) in 2004 to 6,100 yuan last year.
In China, an increasing number of college graduates like Fu, frustrated by the keen competition in China's large cities, find their places in rural areas where talent is most needed.
In neighboring Shanxi Province, every village official post is competed for by 20 college graduates this year.
Statistics from the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Baofeng Committee show that the county's Party members are 45 years old on average and 77 percent of them do not have college degrees. The average age of Party members in the Zaozhuang Village branch is 51.
Before Fu came to the village, the village's Party chief of the past three decades, Chang Qingji, was the most educated Party member. Chang finished high school.
"My generation is inferior to the college students in knowledge and skills," Chang, 58, said. "The villagers refuse to follow our instructions as we do not have the ability to lift them out of poverty - which sometimes makes the relationships between villagers and officials turn sour."


John Lindsey is a former apparel industry Senior executive who worked for key brands such as Oshkosh B' Gosh and Jantzen Sportswear. He was with Edward Jones for over 15 years beginning in 1996.
Christina Lindsey Orta, CFP® has been recognized in the Financial Services and Real Estate industries for over 10 years now.


Most high school students are involved in some sort of athletic extracurricular activity, whether that be through one's school or a community club. While sports might be an activity for some students, for others, it's a life passion and career. As such, it is sad and unfortunate whenever I hear of politics and biased favoritism working in negative ways at the high school level. This sort of "corruption" in high school sports is not victimless and needs to be addressed.
One of the most important factors that affects a student's experience in sports is the coaches. For better or for worse, coaches have the power the determine an athlete's fate both on and off the court. A couch may be a source of encouragement or a reason for pessimism. They also play an important role in college recruitment, helping student-athletes receive scholarship offers to play at certain colleges and universities. Any comment or remark a coach has on a student can drastically affect his/her chances of being recruited, and in that sense, the fate of students is left to a few adults who are prone to their own set of biases.
Further, we can't overlook the financial obstacles many students have to go through just to stay on a team. Many schools require an expensive program fee masked as "mandatory donations" for students to get a chance to play. It will break any parent's heart to see their son or daughter be denied an opportunity for financial reasons.
I write this not to criticize particular schools or coaches. I want students to have opportunities to play sports without the fear or burden of being affected by factors beyond their control. Sports has always been an avenue for fairness and competition, and it should stay that way.


Cauliflower is an incredibly nutritious cruciferous vegetable. This group of plants is known for its low-calorie count and high nutrient content including a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that the body needs to function optimally. Other vegetables which fit into the cruciferous vegetable category include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, collards, and kale. Cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, are unique because they contain sulfur compounds called glucosinolates which, research shows, possess inflammation-reducing and cancer-fighting properties.
Cauliflower is one of the most potent cancer-fighting foods out there. This unique vegetable provides sulfur-containing compounds—glucosinolates—which are shown to have chemopreventative properties. One of the glucosinolates that cauliflower provides is turned into a compound called sulforaphane in the body. There is extensive research behind this special compound sulforaphane for its anti-cancer benefits. Sulforaphane has been shown to block carcinogen activity, halt cancer cell growth, induce cancer cell death, and protect healthy cell DNA. Research has found glucosinolates beneficial in prevention and treatment of prostate, colorectal, lung, stomach, bladder, skin, and breast cancers.


The Association has issued a Statement of Diversity Principles, designed to affirm the commitment of New York City area law firms and corporate legal departments to diversity goals that have specific time targets and milestones for achieving diversity. The Association and its members have long been committed to fostering diversity in the legal profession. These Diversity Principles continue the Association's diversity initiatives and build on the goals subscribed to in 1991 and 1998. The Association approaches diversity as an inclusive concept encompassing those groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the profession. Through increased diversity, the legal profession can more effectively address societal and individual needs by bringing to bear more varied perspectives, experiences and knowledge to the practice of law and the administration of justice. To date, the Statement has 140 signatories--120 law firms and 20 corporations.


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Tag Archives: committee
Digging into the UAB athletics announcement: Sometimes it's all about timing
Posted on January 23, 2015 | 1 comment
During the question and answer portion of the December 2 press conference held by UAB president Ray Watts to announce the discontinuation of the university's bowling, football, and rifle teams, he offered up to those in attendance that he'd stopped an earlier attempt to end the football program for the purpose of conducting what's now known as the Carr Report.
Here's a passage from Bryan Davis's report published in the Birmingham Business Journal quoting Watts:
"There were some who told us to eliminate football, some who suggested we do that when Garrick McGee quit," Watts said. "We were six weeks into this plan, and we said 'we don't make decisions like that. We're not going to make a unilateral decision that perhaps might be convenient.'"
Davis's reporting also points out how Watts stated the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees had no role in determining the fate of the programs.
The story as it's been told
Those who have come out against the university's decision are quick to point to the trustees choosing to not take up the issue of an on-campus stadium in late 2011. The board made that decision two months after a report suggested the increased reliance of the member institution's budgets on tuition and student fees.
At the time, Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky asked Paul Bryant, Jr. — as part of a pretty extensive exchange originally published on November 3, 2011 — if the on-campus stadium was dead. His response?
"As presented, yes."
It's worth pointing out that UAB had not yet acquired most of the land necessary to carry out the development of the proposed on-campus stadium. It was slated to sit on property located close to Interstate 65 along its eastern edge, with parking located on the opposite side of the road from it and pedestrian access to the site (the horseshoe clearly stands out in the image on this page from UAB Magazine's website).
A look at an article filed in 2013 by then-Birmingham News reporter Evan Belanger suggests there may have been efforts underway to make it time — and ones that could have led to Watts's statement.
Approval at last?
Belanger's February 7, 2013 report, "UA System trustees raise concern over UAB plan to purchase downtown property," (updated the following evening after the Board of Trustees meeting had taken place) was specifically focused on resolutions for two negotiated land purchases — 11.7 acres at 400 10th St. South and 2.4 acres at 430 12th St. South. It would do well to click on the links associated with the addresses above and then take a look at the location of the bright green dots on the image below, taken from the UAB Master Plan update proposed in 2011 (and first presented to the board in February of that year).
While Belanger did include quotes from concerned trustees, it's worth noting that neither Joseph Espy III or Finis St. John IV were sitting members of the committee taking up the issue. As is the case with Birmingham City Council committees, all such meetings involving the UA Board of Trustees are open to all members with each having the opportunity to be recognized by the committee chair but not necessarily being able to vote. The photo accompanying the story shows that was most likely the case that day. Both men were, however, members of the athletics, legal, nominating committees at that time according to a site capture of the board's official website from January 26, 2013, explaining the concerns raised by each in the article.
It's also worth noting the appraisal year mentioned in this portion of the piece:
"Vice President for Financial Affairs and Administration Richard Margison said a 2011 appraisal valued the land at about $3 million and a more recent appraisal valued it at $6.3 million — roughly $4 million excluding depreciated assets, which would be demolished."
Both items passed the physical properties committee unanimously. The total expenditures approved as a result were $21.5 million — $20.7 total for the two purchases and $800,000 to help the Hardy Corporation relocate and replace equipment as a result of having to move. The cost referenced by Dr, Watts in his announcement on December 2 to invest in infrastructure for the football team was $22 million — a number The Carr Report points out does not include the cost of a new football stadium. The original price range for the entire on-campus stadium project as presented was between $66-75 million.
The vote took place the day before the general business meeting of the board of trustees — the day before Ray Watts was named the new president of UAB. The properties were also included on the board agenda (PDF; Page 15 under Real Estate Items) and approved. In other words — the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees allowed the purchase of two pieces of property specifically called out in UAB's proposed Master Plan update in 2011 for use as a parking lot and an on-campus stadium the same day they hired Ray Watts as UAB's new president.
If one drives by the properties in question (specifically the 12th St. South property), he/she notices most of the surrounding land is now controlled by the university; most of it converted to surface parking lots. An example of what the structures still standing are being used for is the building currently being used by the campus's Barnes & Noble bookstore. It is scheduled to move into the soon-to-be-completed student center when it is finished next fall, making it available for future development plans.
The relocation of Alagasco as the result of the purchase of the 10th Street property eventually led to them purchasing a significant portion of the former TCI Iron Works property along 14th Street and a lengthy battle over the future of the historic freight depot on the site. The resolution of that episode led to the relocation of the depot to Rickwood Field for use as an enclosed batting cage facility.
Posted in Business, Sports, UAB
Tagged board, committee, football, stadium, UAB, vote
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The Things to Do with Your Tablet: Vacation Apps class will now be held on Wednesday, May 1 at 2PM.
Vacation may be a time of rest and relaxation but it does have it's own challenges. These 10 Apps can help you plan, pack and navigate so you can make the most of your time away from every day life. Learn about the best ways to mange flights, find hotels and restaurants, and not get lost while exploring unfamiliar terrain. Bring your smartphone or tablet with you for a hands-on experience.
All other classes will remain the same. You can see the full computer class schedule on our calendar.


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text:
Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT
Jennifer Webb, Asta Sorensen, Samantha Sommerness, Beth Lasater, Kamila Mistry, Leila Kahwati
Background: The use of health information technology (IT) has been shown to promote patient safety in Labor and Delivery (L&D) units. The use of health IT to apply safety science principles (e.g., standardization) to L&D unit processes may further advance perinatal safety. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with L&D units participating in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) Safety Program for Perinatal Care (SPPC) to assess units' experience with program implementation. Analysis of interview transcripts was used to characterize the process and experience of using health IT for applying safety science principles to L&D unit processes. Results: Forty-six L&D units from 10 states completed participation in SPPC program implementation; thirty-two (70%) reported the use of health IT as an enabling strategy for their local implementation. Health IT was used to improve standardization of processes, use of independent checks, and to facilitate learning from defects. L&D units standardized care processes through use of electronic health record (EHR)-based order sets and use of smart pumps and other technology to improve medication safety. Units also standardized EHR documentation, particularly related to electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and shoulder dystocia. Cognitive aids and tools were integrated into EHR and care workflows to create independent checks such as checklists, risk assessments, and communication handoff tools. Units also used data from EHRs to monitor processes of care to learn from defects. Units experienced several challenges incorporating health IT, including obtaining organization approval, working with their busy IT departments, and retrieving standardized data from health IT systems. Conclusions: Use of health IT played an integral part in the planning and implementation of SPPC for participating L&D units. Use of health IT is an encouraging approach for incorporating safety science principles into care to improve perinatal safety and should be incorporated into materials to facilitate the implementation of perinatal safety initiatives.
This project was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality under a contract No. HHSA2902010000241, Task Order 3 to RTI International.
HIT implementation
Safety science principles
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Webb, J., Sorensen, A., Sommerness, S., Lasater, B., Mistry, K., & Kahwati, L. (2017). Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 17(1), [176]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-017-0572-8
Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT. / Webb, Jennifer; Sorensen, Asta; Sommerness, Samantha; Lasater, Beth; Mistry, Kamila; Kahwati, Leila.
In: BMC medical informatics and decision making, Vol. 17, No. 1, 176, 19.12.2017.
Webb, J, Sorensen, A, Sommerness, S, Lasater, B, Mistry, K & Kahwati, L 2017, 'Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT', BMC medical informatics and decision making, vol. 17, no. 1, 176. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-017-0572-8
Webb J, Sorensen A, Sommerness S, Lasater B, Mistry K, Kahwati L. Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT. BMC medical informatics and decision making. 2017 Dec 19;17(1). 176. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-017-0572-8
Webb, Jennifer ; Sorensen, Asta ; Sommerness, Samantha ; Lasater, Beth ; Mistry, Kamila ; Kahwati, Leila. / Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT. In: BMC medical informatics and decision making. 2017 ; Vol. 17, No. 1.
@article{d4362ad4cffb4af2a53449a4f143aa63,
title = "Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT",
abstract = "Background: The use of health information technology (IT) has been shown to promote patient safety in Labor and Delivery (L&D) units. The use of health IT to apply safety science principles (e.g., standardization) to L&D unit processes may further advance perinatal safety. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with L&D units participating in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) Safety Program for Perinatal Care (SPPC) to assess units' experience with program implementation. Analysis of interview transcripts was used to characterize the process and experience of using health IT for applying safety science principles to L&D unit processes. Results: Forty-six L&D units from 10 states completed participation in SPPC program implementation; thirty-two (70%) reported the use of health IT as an enabling strategy for their local implementation. Health IT was used to improve standardization of processes, use of independent checks, and to facilitate learning from defects. L&D units standardized care processes through use of electronic health record (EHR)-based order sets and use of smart pumps and other technology to improve medication safety. Units also standardized EHR documentation, particularly related to electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and shoulder dystocia. Cognitive aids and tools were integrated into EHR and care workflows to create independent checks such as checklists, risk assessments, and communication handoff tools. Units also used data from EHRs to monitor processes of care to learn from defects. Units experienced several challenges incorporating health IT, including obtaining organization approval, working with their busy IT departments, and retrieving standardized data from health IT systems. Conclusions: Use of health IT played an integral part in the planning and implementation of SPPC for participating L&D units. Use of health IT is an encouraging approach for incorporating safety science principles into care to improve perinatal safety and should be incorporated into materials to facilitate the implementation of perinatal safety initiatives.",
keywords = "Electronic health record (EHR), HIT implementation, Health IT, Labor and delivery, Patient safety, Perinatal health, Quality improvement, Safety science principles, Standardization",
author = "Jennifer Webb and Asta Sorensen and Samantha Sommerness and Beth Lasater and Kamila Mistry and Leila Kahwati",
note = "Funding Information: This project was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality under a contract No. HHSA2902010000241, Task Order 3 to RTI International.",
T1 - Advancing perinatal patient safety through application of safety science principles using health IT
AU - Webb, Jennifer
AU - Sorensen, Asta
AU - Sommerness, Samantha
AU - Lasater, Beth
AU - Mistry, Kamila
AU - Kahwati, Leila
N1 - Funding Information: This project was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality under a contract No. HHSA2902010000241, Task Order 3 to RTI International.
N2 - Background: The use of health information technology (IT) has been shown to promote patient safety in Labor and Delivery (L&D) units. The use of health IT to apply safety science principles (e.g., standardization) to L&D unit processes may further advance perinatal safety. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with L&D units participating in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) Safety Program for Perinatal Care (SPPC) to assess units' experience with program implementation. Analysis of interview transcripts was used to characterize the process and experience of using health IT for applying safety science principles to L&D unit processes. Results: Forty-six L&D units from 10 states completed participation in SPPC program implementation; thirty-two (70%) reported the use of health IT as an enabling strategy for their local implementation. Health IT was used to improve standardization of processes, use of independent checks, and to facilitate learning from defects. L&D units standardized care processes through use of electronic health record (EHR)-based order sets and use of smart pumps and other technology to improve medication safety. Units also standardized EHR documentation, particularly related to electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and shoulder dystocia. Cognitive aids and tools were integrated into EHR and care workflows to create independent checks such as checklists, risk assessments, and communication handoff tools. Units also used data from EHRs to monitor processes of care to learn from defects. Units experienced several challenges incorporating health IT, including obtaining organization approval, working with their busy IT departments, and retrieving standardized data from health IT systems. Conclusions: Use of health IT played an integral part in the planning and implementation of SPPC for participating L&D units. Use of health IT is an encouraging approach for incorporating safety science principles into care to improve perinatal safety and should be incorporated into materials to facilitate the implementation of perinatal safety initiatives.
AB - Background: The use of health information technology (IT) has been shown to promote patient safety in Labor and Delivery (L&D) units. The use of health IT to apply safety science principles (e.g., standardization) to L&D unit processes may further advance perinatal safety. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with L&D units participating in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) Safety Program for Perinatal Care (SPPC) to assess units' experience with program implementation. Analysis of interview transcripts was used to characterize the process and experience of using health IT for applying safety science principles to L&D unit processes. Results: Forty-six L&D units from 10 states completed participation in SPPC program implementation; thirty-two (70%) reported the use of health IT as an enabling strategy for their local implementation. Health IT was used to improve standardization of processes, use of independent checks, and to facilitate learning from defects. L&D units standardized care processes through use of electronic health record (EHR)-based order sets and use of smart pumps and other technology to improve medication safety. Units also standardized EHR documentation, particularly related to electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and shoulder dystocia. Cognitive aids and tools were integrated into EHR and care workflows to create independent checks such as checklists, risk assessments, and communication handoff tools. Units also used data from EHRs to monitor processes of care to learn from defects. Units experienced several challenges incorporating health IT, including obtaining organization approval, working with their busy IT departments, and retrieving standardized data from health IT systems. Conclusions: Use of health IT played an integral part in the planning and implementation of SPPC for participating L&D units. Use of health IT is an encouraging approach for incorporating safety science principles into care to improve perinatal safety and should be incorporated into materials to facilitate the implementation of perinatal safety initiatives.
KW - Electronic health record (EHR)
KW - HIT implementation
KW - Health IT
KW - Labor and delivery
KW - Perinatal health
KW - Safety science principles


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Public Information Meeting Discussing the Prattsburgh Wind Farm Project
Wednesday November 4th from 6:00 - 7:30pm
Register Now!X
Prattsburgh Wind Farm
building a sustainable tomorrow
New York's Clean Energy Future
Terra-Gen is proposing a 147 megawatt (MW) wind energy project in Steuben County, NY. The location of the components is still under review but the current proposal would include the Towns of Prattsburgh, Wheeler, Avoca, Howard and Cohocton. The project will bring a number of benefits to the community including well-paying jobs during both construction and operation, improvements to local roads, and payments of approximately $1MM annually to the community shared between the county and applicable towns and school districts.
Terra-Gen specializes in the development, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind electrical generation facilities.
Efficient Modern Turbines
Technological advances allow turbines to reach stronger, steadier winds.* The Prattsburgh project will use 35 to 40 modern turbines, each generating usable amounts of electricity of 4 MWs and up over 90 percent of the time. Today's wind farms provide the same grid reliability as conventional plants.*
Made In The USA & Affordable
The average price of U.S. wind power declined by 69 percent in the last seven years. Made-in-the-USA manufacturing contributes to wind's affordability. Over 500 factories in 41 states in the U.S. supply chain help avoid shipping large, heavy turbine components over longer distances.*
Economic Development Driver
Wind power provides well-paying jobs for over 114,000 Americans. Turbine technician is the second fastest growing job in the United States, increasing 96 percent over the next decade.* The Prattsburgh project will employ 100 workers during construction and 12 plant operators once online.
All statements and statistics about wind energy technology and operations in the United States are from the American Wind Energy Association.
The proposed 147MW Prattsburgh Wind Project is to be located in the Towns of Prattsburgh, Wheeler, Avoca, Howard, and Cohocton, in Steuben County, NY. The project will have between 26-38 turbines and will also include transmission lines, access roads, underground cable and a project substation. The project proposes to interconnect into the NYSEG 230kV Meyer to Avoca line and deliver power into the NYISO system.
Expected Local Economic Benefits
Approximately 80 FTE construction jobs, and opportunities for local construction and construction supply vendors.
Approximately 8 FTE permanent, full-time jobs.
More than $500,000 annually in direct lease, easement and neighbor agreement payments to landowners.
Up to $1.2M annually in increased revenues to county and local municipal tax bases to help defray costs for schools, public safety and county services.
Approximately $4.2 million estimated project spending on local goods and services during development and construction.
Rural communities benefit from public road enhancements, increased tax revenues to fund local infrastructure and public services, schools and other community infrastructure. The construction and operations and maintenance create direct and indirect benefits of additional jobs and increased demand for local goods and services within the community. Leases for wind energy provide a long-term stable source of income for the families that host the components of the project and provide for additional secondary economic benefit in the area.
New Regulations from the Office of Renewable Citing (September 2020)
Draft Regulations Required from the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (Updated 9/18/2020)
Information on the NY Article 10 Process
NY Siting Board Home
Requests for Intervenor Funding
Information Meeting
Terra-Gen invites you to our virtual Prattsburgh Wind Farm information event on Wednesday November 4, 2020 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. You can register at this link. Please join us and learn more about this exciting energy project.
Click here to view the recording of the virtual meeting held on November 4, 2020.
Click here to review a peer-reviewed article on sound.
Prattsburgh Wind Live Q&A Report
Setback Requirements for Wind Turbine Towers
As the proposed Prattsburgh wind project advances, public documents will be posted to this site.
Project Visibility and Viewpoint Recommendations
Project Visibility and Viewpoint Table
Project Visibility Landscape Similarity Zones
Transfer to 94-c Permitting Process
NY Siting Process 94-c
Prattsburgh Wind Draft Scoping Document
Amended Public Involvement Plan (PIP)
Public Involvement Plan (PIP)
Article 10 Permitting Process: What You Should Know About the Siting of Major Electric Generating Facilities
Updated Facility Layout 12-10-2020
Open House Records
Epsilon Noise Thermometer - Open House
Epsilon Summer Sound Monitoring Locations
P
2019-09-30 Open House Boards
Facility Area
A10 Regulations Timeline
Article 10 Process Timeline
Wind Turbines and Health
A Critical Review of the Scientific Literature
Noise and Health Survey
How is my property value affected?
In August of 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory published a study regarding wind turbines and home values. Researchers "analyzed more than 50,000 home sales near 67 wind facilities in 27 counties across nine U.S. states, yet were unable to uncover any impacts to nearby home property values."
How are my electricity rates impacted?
According to an American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) study, American wind power saves consumers money. Adding wind energy to the generation mix reduces electricity prices, helps protect against future price shocks, and makes the energy market more competitive.
Do wind turbines kill birds and bats?
All energy supply options can have adverse environmental impacts. Over the past two decades, the impact of wind development on birds has been greatly reduced by improvements in turbine design and particularly through improved project and turbine siting. Birds and bats are occasionally killed in collisions with wind turbines. However, bird kills are limited to less than 0.02% of the total populations of songbird species, and orders of magnitude less than other causes.
Where are wind turbines manufactured?
Most of the components of wind turbines installed in the United States are manufactured here. There are 500 wind-related manufacturing facilities located across 41 states, and the U.S. wind industry currently employs more than 114,000 people.
What kind sounds do wind turbines make and at what auditory level?
Wind turbines can create two kinds of sound: a mechanical hum produced by the generator and a "whooshing" sound produced by the blades moving through the air. The vast majority of wind turbines are designed so that the turbine is upwind of the tower, which mitigates low-frequency and impulsive sound. Sound pressure levels for modern wind turbines at distances greater than 400 meters are typically less than 40 decibels (dBA), which is comparable to the lowest limit of urban ambient sound. Typically, two people can carry on a conversation at normal voice levels even while standing directly below a turbine.
Terra-Gen addresses potential sound issues in the permitting process through setback requirements and ensures that the project will comply with the applicable sound level regulations.
How can I monitor and/or participate in New York State Department of Public Service proceedings about this project?
There are several options available for those who wish to monitor or participate in the proceedings. You may learn more here: New York State Department of Public Service Matter Management
Where can I read more about wind energy?
Below are a few resources and articles where you can learn more about wind energy:
Southern Alliance For Clean Energy
CleanTechnica: Wind Energy Prices Continue To Fall Due To Technology Advancements & Cost Reductions
Forbes: Want The Cheapest Electricity? Build Solar And Wind Farms, Not Coal Power Plants
Fortune: The 20 Fastest Growing Jobs in America—And How Much They Pay
What is the Local Agency Account and how does it work?
The siting process under 94-c requires that applicants submit with their application $1,000 dollars for each MW of capacity, to be deposited into a local agency account to be made available to local agencies and potential community intervenors for the purpose of contributing to a complete record leading to an informed permit decision as to the appropriateness of the site and the facility, and for local agencies, shall include the use of funds to determine whether a proposed facility is designed to be sited, constructed and operated in compliance with applicable local laws and regulations. This includes the cost to defray expenses for experts. The application is anticipated Q1 2021. Seventy-five percent of local agency account funds shall be reserved for local agencies.
Any local agency or potential community intervenor shall submit a request for initial funding within thirty (30) days of the date of application filing and that such request be made to:
Attention: Request for Local Agency Account Funding
Office of Renewable Energy Siting
One Commerce Plaza
Intervenor requests should be made to the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, Attention: Request for Local Agency Account Funding, 99 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12231-0001.
437 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10022 PWF@terra-gen.com607-622-8311 or 888-802-8834
About Terra-Gen
Terra-Gen was established in August 2007, led by an experienced executive management team averaging over 25 years of relevant industry experience. The team has contracted or re-contracted over 10,000 MW of power generation facilities and has developed or acquired over $25 billion in assets over their careers.
Project OverviewDocumentsFAQContact


MongoDB GridFS - Apache Camel - Apache Software Foundation for your Wiki!
GridFS endpoints support the following options, depending on whether they are acting like a Producer or as a Consumer (options vary based on the consumer type too).
Required. The name of the database to which this endpoint will be bound. All operations will be executed against this database.
The name of the GridFS bucket within the Database. The default is the GridFS.DEFAULT_BUCKET value ("fs").
Combined with the query strategy parameters to create the query used to search for new files.
FileAttribute - finds files that do NOT have the give attribute. After processing, it adds the attribute.
When using persistent timestamps, this is the Collection that the timestamp is stored into.
When using FileAttribute, this is the name of the attribute that is used. When a file is about to be processed, the attribute is set to "processing" and then set to "done" when the file processing is done.
The following Spring XML creates a bean defining the connection to a MongoDB instance.
The following route defined in Spring XML executes the operation findOne on a collection.
Returns the total number of file in the collection, returning an Integer as the OUT message body.
You can provide a filename header to provide a count of files matching that filename.
Returns an Reader that lists all the filenames and their IDs in a tab separated stream.
Finds a file in the GridFS system and sets the body to an InputStream of the content. Also provides the metadata has headers. It uses Exchange.FILE_NAME from the incoming headers to determine the file to find.
Creates a new file in the GridFs database. It uses the Exchange.FILE_NAME from the incoming headers for the name and the body contents (as an InputStream) as the content.
Removes a file from the GridFS database.
The GridFS component will poll GridFS periodically for new files to process. The two parameters that control this behavior are the delay and initialDelay parameters. The delay parameter specifies how long the background tread will sleep between polling attempts. The default is 500ms. The initialDelay parameter specifies how long the consumer will wait after starting before polling the first time. This is useful if the backend service needs a bit longer to become available.
TimeStamp - (default) when the consumer starts up, it uses the current time as the starting point. Any files currently in the grid are ignored, only files added after the consumer start are processed. After polling, the consumer updates it's timestamp with the timestamp of the newest file processed.
PersistentTimestamp - when the consumer starts up, it queries the collection specified by the persistentTSCollection parameter for the object given by the persistentTSObject parameter to use as the starting timestamp. If the object doesn't exist, it uses the current time and creates the object. After each file processed, the timestamp in the collection is updated.
FileAttribute - instead of timestamps, the consumer will query gridfs for files that don't have the attribute given by the fileAttributeName parameter. When the file starts to be processed by the consumer, the attribute is added to the file in the gridfs.
TimestampAndFileAttribute - finds files that are newer than the TimeStamp and are missing the attribute. Adds the attribute to the file when processing.
PersistentTimestampAndFileAttribute - finds files that are newer than the TimeStamp and are missing the attribute. Adds the attribute to the file when processing and updates the persistent timestamp.


Providing top-level luxury and comfort, Heaven Beach Resort & Spa is a magnificent holiday destination. Enjoy the privileges of this Adults Only hotel (+16) for an unforgettable holiday in Kizilagac! The resort, built on an area 10,000 m², offers superior comfort. Our guests may choose their favourite holiday home from lovely deluxe rooms to most luxurious suites. It features 252 attractive rooms.
Enjoy your holiday in these elegantly modern-chic designed Deluxe rooms, which offer great comfort and luxury. There are two kinds of Deluxe Rooms: one with sea & pool view and the other with land view. Room size varies between 26 and 28 m².
Superior room promises relaxing hours with your beloved ones accompanied by a spectacular view of the sea and pool. Covering an area of 36 sqm, superior room has 2 separate bedrooms and a bathroom. Spacious living space and excellent comfort are the assets of this room.
Having a bedroom and sitting area, junior suite covers +/-36 sqm. Offering a comfortable living space with a spectacular sea view, these suites are equipped and decorated with charm and luxury. You will feel the convenience and cosy ambience of your own home in a large room.
Every detail has been considered in Disabled Rooms in order to provide you a comfortable stay. Equipped with all features of Deluxe Rooms, our Disabled Rooms have been installed with a specially designed bathroom system.
Every moment of your stay will be memorable at the Deluxe suites. Covering an area of +/-36 sqm, these suites, especially designed for honeymooners, are elegant and relaxing. Deluxe Suites are equipped with superior comfort and luxury. They have 1 bedroom and a spacious entry with jakuzzi on the left or right side. Modern design and the Jacuzzi add to a privileged holiday experience.
Promising a privileged experience beyond your dreams, the Premium suite has the top level of luxury & comfort and consists of 1 bedroom with a jakuzzi placed directly in front of the window, 1 spacious and comfortable living space and 1 bathroom. Covering a total area of 45 sqm, these suites offer a unique pleasure to those who expect luxury as an integral part of their life. Every single detail for your comfort and luxury has been considered.
Royal Suite is equipped with all the comfort and luxurious details in order to provide you a privileged and elegant holiday experience . Composed of 1 living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a Jacuzzi and 1 dressing room on 65 sqm area, Royal Suites have been designed especially to make you experience a completely different holiday with stunning view over the sea and pool. Comfort and luxury are at top level and Internet connection and 3 LCD televisions promise a comfortable stay.
The brand new Heaven Beach Resort & Spa is an impressive 5 star facility located in the popular summer resort of Kizilagac, Side. Designated as an Adults Only hotel, this delightful Ultra All Inclusive property rests in manicured garden with a private sandy/pepple beach. Situated about 10 km from Manavgat center, 15 km from Side town center, 75 km from Antalya Airport, this is a great hotel for couples and friends with 252 attractive Rooms. This Ultra All-Inclusive 5 Star Hotel makes a perfect base for couples and friends with countless activities and attractions, comfortable rooms, A´la Carte Restaurants, bars as well as swimming pools, excellent service and much more. Guests of Heaven Beach Resort & Spa can experience real Turkish hospitality. Please note that this is an Adult Only concept hotel. No persons under the age of 16 are allowed.


San Bruno Mountain– a state and county park – usually has a lot of spring flowers. So, I went there thinking of hiking the Saddle Trail – great views, easy hike and probably some flowers. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very good for hiking up the hill – it was blowing like crazy and cold. I opted for a trail lower and somewhat protected; the Bog trail. That wasn't a bad choice and I managed to get a few shots. The weather forced me to use higher ISO than I wanted to – had to stop the bouncing flowers – but not all that high given the X-T3s capabilities. I converted some of the images to B/W – here's one example. For post-processing, I used Lightroom and the new feature "Enhance Details…" Enhance Details, at least in theory, improves Fuji X-Tran files. More on that later. In this case, I did not use it for every image. In particular, not the B/W ones. The Cow Parsnip above was processed with Enhance details.
You can see more of the images from the day here.


Studio apartment with see-forever city views on a high floor, located at the highly coveted Wanamaker house! The generous living area has floor-to-ceiling bay windows that provide plenty of natural light. There is a separate kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and there is excellent closet space throughout the home. The bathroom has a shower/tub combination and a single vanity. Residents of The Wanamaker House enjoy the security of a 24-hour doorman, fitness room, rooftop pool, water, hot water, and garage parking for an additional fee (subject to availability).


cell phone battery LG BL-44E1F : LG V20 H910 H918 VS995 LS997 US996 H990N F800.
Buy it here LG BL-44E1F cell phone battery Price discount 30%,100% brand new,Quality Assurance,1 year warranty, 30 days return !
1 . Initialize a new LG BL-44E1F cell phone battery .New batteries should be fully charged before their first use to obtain maximum capacity. Nickel-based batteries should be charged for 16 hours initially and run through 2-4 full charge/full discharge cycles, while lithium ion batteries should be charged for about 5-6 hours. Ignore the phone telling you that the battery is full—this is normal but is not accurate if the battery is not initialized.


This modern gem sits on a private cul-de-sac in the heart of Westlake. Redesigned by renowned architect Bernardo Pozas and remodeled by Contempo Unique Homes, the home features an open floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Indoor living includes an office, three living and two dining areas. Outdoor living includes a kitchen, beautiful pool, covered patio and private backyard. Conveniently located within walking distance to exemplary EANES ISD schools.
I was searching for a Property and found this listing (MLS® #6392887). Please send me more information regarding 3308 Thousand Oaks Cv, Austin, TX, 78746. Thank you!
I'd like to request a showing of 3308 Thousand Oaks Cv, Austin, TX, 78746 (MLS® #6392887). Thank you!


Everybody can enjoy a great fireworks spectacle, but most animals often aren't a fan of the fireworks at all. They make too much noise and the bangs can definitely scare dogs and other pets.
After all, they don't have a clue what's going on, and all those loud explosions and bright lights can terrify them. In fact, statistics show a large correlation between fireworks and visits to the vet, the day after.
July 5th, for example, is one of the most busy days of the year for American veterinarians – the day after the Fourth of July celebrations which are often accompanied by plenty of fireworks.
Pups often run away scared for their lives, tend to get lost or even worse – get hit by a vehicle. Chickens are known to lay fewer eggs, and a massive amount of birds simply panic and fly away, sometimes hitting buildings and dropping to the ground.
Aside from the immediate effects, fireworks can also lead to more longterm medical issues for pets and wildlife.
Sudden loud bangs have been proven to greatly increase the stress levels of pups, which in turn results in nausea, chronic panic attacks, and even cardiovascular issues.
Whether it's for a national holiday, a World Cup win, New Year's Eve or some other celebratory event, one Italian city has now found the perfect way to keep fireworks alive and let animals enjoy them as well.
One town has made it mandatory to only use silent fireworks from now on.
The Italian city Collecchio in the Parma province is taking the first step and hopes that many other cities – both national and worldwide – will follow in their footsteps. The law text clearly states that all citizens must use silent fireworks to respect the animals around us and reduce their stress levels.
Silent fireworks still provide a ton of lights and visual spectacle and produce a minimal noise when they're launched into the air. After all, you need some sort of ignition to get them high in the sky, but the noise isn't severe enough to startle or scare animals.
There's no big and loud bang at the end, as the beauty of silent fireworks can be seen in the trail it leaves behind. An Italian company specializes in the production of these silent fireworks and can adapt their colors and effects to your choosing. The local government in the Italian town has declared the use of 'normal' fireworks punishable by law.
If you're worried that these silent fireworks don't offer the same amount of spectacle as a normal firework show would – don't be.
Silent firework shows are usually accompanied by stronger visual effects and laser shows, and they're usually a lot more colorful as well.
Normal firework explosions, known as 'stars' in the industry, tend to be so severe that the fireworks themselves lose a bit of their color effect – something that's not an issue for the silent fireworks, which have a 'comet trail' effect instead of a loud explosion.
Just recently, the Belgian coast city Middelkerke was inspired by the idea of the Italians and organized an 'animal-friendly' fireworks display. The local government encouraged animal owners to bring their pets and watch the show. This time, everyone – human and animal alike – was able to enjoy the spectacle.
We can only hope that more cities will follow in their footsteps.


Contact Singapore is an alliance of the Singapore Economic Development Board and Ministry of Manpower. It engages overseas Singaporeans and global talent to work, invest and live in Singapore.
ContactSingapore.sg was designed and developed by Convertium, and further enhanced over a few years. Convertium is responsible for ongoing content management, content creation and web analytics.
Upon the launch of the website, Convertium also supported Contact Singapore's global marketing. The website is available in English, Chinese and Japanese.


text:
Development of the legal and regulatory framework for the Islamic banking system in Malaysia / Muhamad Rahimi Osman
Osman, Muhamad Rahimi (2006) Development of the legal and regulatory framework for the Islamic banking system in Malaysia / Muhamad Rahimi Osman. Jurnal CITU, 2 (1). pp. 179-202. ISSN 1823-6146
AJ_MUHAMAD RAHIMI OSMAN CITU 06.pdf
The enactment of Islamic Banking Act (IBA) 1983, considered the first Act of Parliament has been legislated specifically to govern Islamic banking business. Following to the introduction of the IBA, the Malaysian government has enacted new laws such as the Government Investment Act (GIA) and Takaful Act. It also resulted in the amendment of the existing laws such as Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA), Central Bank of Malaysia Act, Stamp Act, etc. The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of the legal framework for the Malaysian Islamic banking system. In doing so, this paper analyses the statutes which govern Islamic banking system. These statutes could be divided into two parts; firstly the statutes which enacted to govern Islamic banks and secondly the existing statutes which have been amended to accommodate and to facilitate the practice of the Islamic banking system. Since the Shari 'ah Advisory Council plays a crucial role to ensure the Islamic banks comply strictly with the Shari 'ah principles, the final part of this paper will also examines the status and function of the SAC in
the Islamic banking industry.
Osman, Muhamad Rahimi
H Social Sciences > HG Finance > Malaysia
K Law > KBP Islamic law. Sharī'ah. Fiqh > Banks and banking. Qanun al-bunuk. Stock exchange > Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam > Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS)
Jurnal CITU
Islamic banking, Malaysia, Legal framework, Regulatory framework


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Japan: Nearly 3,000 Evacuees Taken To Hospitals By Ambulances From Iwate, Fukushima and Miyagi Earthquake Shelters
May 17, 2011 May 17, 2011 by Infinite
– Nearly 3,000 taken to hospitals by ambulances from quake shelters (Japan Times):
TOKYO — Nearly 3,000 evacuees living in shelters in three of the northeastern Japan prefectures worst affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami have been taken to hospital by ambulance, according to a Kyodo News survey released Tuesday.
At least 2,816 evacuees suffering from stress and poor hygienic conditions were rushed to hospitals from shelters in coastal parts of the Pacific prefectures Iwate, Fukushima and Miyagi, the survey of 15 local fire departments showed.
A total of 871 were taken to hospitals from cities and towns of Ishinomaki, Higashi-Matsuyama and Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture while 299 were taken to hospitals from Sendai, with another 248 taken to hospitals from the Shiogama area.
In Iwate Prefecture, 298 were taken to hospitals from the Miyako area, while 149 were taken to hospitals from Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, the poll showed.
Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital said the number of people taken urgently to the hospital in April was 4,084, compared with the monthly average of around 1,800.
Masaaki Abe, chief of the hospital's planning and coordination department, said, the number shot up ''because the period of living in the stressful conditions of shelters has been prolonged and many victims have continued to live in damaged homes where hygienic conditions are poor.''
National Police Agency statistics show some 110,000 evacuees are now living in more than 2,000 shelters in 18 prefectures. Of the total, more than 90,000 have taken refuge in 890 shelters in the three prefectures of Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima.
Categories Global News, Health Tags Fukushima, Global News, Health, Japan Post navigation
Fukushima Units 1, 2, And 3 Were Completely Exposed, Melting Was Extensive If Not Complete
Study: GMO Bt Toxin Found In Human Blood (= A Threat To Human Health)