text:
Comparison of psychiatric screening Instruments: GHQ-28, BSI and MMPI
Jamileh Jahangirian1, Hossein Akbari2, Ehsan Dadgostar3
1 School of Medicine, Ghom University of Medical Sciences, Ghom, Iran
2 Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
3 Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
Dr. Hossein Akbari
Social Determinants of Health Research Center (SDH), Kashan
Background: Clinical interview comprises a method for of psychiatric disorders diagnosis. Given the cost, time, and expertise required for clinical assessment; alternative tools to accurately substitute clinical interviews are having high value. We conduct this study to compare the screening accuracy of GHQ-28, BSI, and MMPI. Materials and Methods: Considering a diagnostic value, this study was conducted on 983 students and 3 psychiatric screening tools; GHQ-28, BSI, and MMPI were completed by students. Among the whole participants, 237 students were interviewed by the clinical psychiatrists on the basis of DSM-IV-IR Criteria. Based on ANOVO and Chi-square, results compare was made. Kappa correlation -coefficient was calculated in a pairwise manner; eventually the diagnostic accuracy of each tool was determined by the means of ROC analysis. Results: The diversity of psychiatric disorders by GHQ-28, was about 39.1, on the basis of BST was 44.8% and 44% for MMPI. The sensitivity and specificity of GHQ-28 was 85.9% and 87.8% considering 21.5 as the cut-off point; respectively. Considering 41/5 as the cut-off point for the BSI test, sensitivity and specificity were 81.2% and 90.8%; respectively, and 88.2% and 91.4% for the MMPI test with the cut-off point of 63.5 compared to clinical interview, the MMPI test was associated with the greatest accurate staging, ranging about 90.3%. Conclusions: The results of this study according to clinical assessment reveal that GHQ-28, BSI, and MMPI psychiatric tools have high sensitivity and specificity and MMPI possessed the greatest efficiency compared to other evaluated tools.
Keywords: BSI, clinical interview, GHQ, MMPI, screening, sensitivity, specificity
Jahangirian J, Akbari H, Dadgostar E. Comparison of psychiatric screening Instruments: GHQ-28, BSI and MMPI. J Family Med Prim Care 2019;8:1337-41
Jahangirian J, Akbari H, Dadgostar E. Comparison of psychiatric screening Instruments: GHQ-28, BSI and MMPI. J Family Med Prim Care [serial online] 2019 [cited 2019 Jul 18];8:1337-41. Available from: http://www.jfmpc.com/text.asp?2019/8/4/1337/257068
Mental health comprises indispensable aspects of health and plays a major role in the efficiency of the society.[1],[2] A recent report of WHO demonstrates that as many as 450 million people are affected by psychiatric disorders.[3]
Results from a wide variety of investigations reveals the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Iran, ranging from 14.9% to 26.9% during 1969–2001.[4],[5] And 34.8%–49.8% among the universities students.[6],[7] Furthermore, regarding the studies conducted in 1999, 2008, and 2011, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders was estimated to be 21%, 17.1%, and 23.6%; respectively. Another study with the same study group and tools was carried out in Tehran in 1999, 2008, and 2011. In this study, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 21.5%, 34.2%, and 39.6%; respectively.[8] In order to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, the investigators turned to apply methods other than hospital reports, since World War II.[9]
Assuming the time and cost required for clinical interview performed by psychiatrists and psychologists, disorders may mask as a result of inappropriate referral to a physician.[10] Early and careful detection of psychiatric disorders may avoid the development of its serious complications. Appropriate determination of psychiatric disorders is not only beneficial in the treatment of patients, but also advantageous in avoiding unexpected expenses due to treatment and complications.[11]
Considering the fact that detection of independent tools to evaluate the mental health may play an essential role in the society well-being, a wide variety of tools have been administered to evaluate psychiatric disorders and screening of the high-risk groups of the society and many studies have been conducted worldwide for the screening of psychiatric disorders; among which the diagnostic accuracy varies widely.[7],[12] Up to now, Only a few studies have been aimed to compare the result of these screening tools.
Regarding the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the society and the importance of early diagnosis in reducing complications and lack of abundance-related studies, we conduct this study to compare the diagnostic value of GHQ-28, MMPI, and BSI for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.
This study carries diagnostic value, in which mental health of students was evaluated by the means of GHQ-28, MMPI, and BSI questionnaire. The results were further compared with the clinical interview.
This research was conducted among 983 students of Kashan university of medical sciences between 2011 and 2012. Furthermore, 237 students underwent clinical interviews based on DSM-IV-TR criteria.
Sampling method
Samples were taken availably style; that is, from each educational degree one class was selected and all the students of the mentioned class entered the study.
GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire-28)
This questionnaire was created by Goldberg in 1972 to detect psychiatric disorders in healthcare centers and many various settings.[13] This 28-item questionnaire was firmed by Goldberg and Hiller in 1979 which consists of 4 scales: Somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression.[14],[15] This tool involves 28 questions and 4 subscales; each of which contains 7 questions. Scoring of this questionnaire is as follows: 0, 1, 2, and 3 score is given to A-D options; respectively. As a result, the score for each subscale ranges from 0 to 21 and 0 to 84 in the entire questionnaire. The score of 22 has been considered as the cut-off point of this study. Scores higher than 22 are indicative of psychiatric disorders, whereas scores below 22 are considered to be normal. Palahang and Yaghoubi estimated the reliability of this study 91% and 88%, respectively. They also calculated Cronbach's alpha values about 84% for somatic symptoms, 79% for social function, 81% for depression, and 91% for mental health status.[16],[17]
BSI questionnaire (Brief Symptom Inventory)
This questionnaire is the summarized form of symptom checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), which was first represented by Derogatis et al. (in 1973). It was further revised with psychometric interpretation and analysis. BSI consists of 53 questions, each of which is scored from 0 to 3. Derogates, Rickles, and Rock considered the intrinsic reliability of BSI as appropriate. The score of 41 is the cut-off point of this questionnaire, meaning that scores greater than 41 are considered to be sick.[18] This questionnaire was first translated and validated by Mirzaee in 1979.[19]
MMPI Questionnaire (Multiphasic Personality Inventory Minnesota)
This questionnaire was first published in 1943 and created by Start Hathaway and Charley McKinley. This questionnaire involves 71 questions and 0/91 is its appropriate reliability coefficient.[19] Besides, subscales exist in this questionnaire and score of 63 has been considered as the cut-off point.
Given the major disadvantages of the original 565-item MMPI questionnaire, for instance being time consuming and boring; the Iranian version of MMPI was developed on the basis of Iranian cultures. This new version was shorter and lesser time required answering. Considering the Iraninan culture, Okhovvat et al. extracted 71 questions from the original MMPI questionnaire and converted them into a short questionnaire. Furthermore, they initiated a series of investigations.[18],[20],[21]
After selection of each class, the GHQ-28 questionnaires were distributed among the students. The participants were asked to write their personal details down. After 15 minutes, these questionnaires were collected. The BSI questionnaire was distributed in a same manner 1 week later. MMPI questionnaire was distributed 1 week later in a same manner too, except that the participants had 20 minutes to complete the forms. After the completion of these questionnaires, according to the psychiatric picture of each participant and the attitude of clinical psychiatrist, 237 students were selected on the basis of minimum and maximum scores. After that these students were asked to refer for clinical interview.
In the beginning, demographic characteristics of the study group were described. The participant's scores were determined in different psychometric tools and Chi-squared test was applied to compare these groups. Spearman correlation coefficient and Kappa contingency coefficient were used to compare tools. By the means of clinical interviews, the participant's results were compared (Gold standard). On the basis of ROC analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of each test was compared with the clinical interview. Considering YOUDEN index, the best cut-off point was determined and area under the ROC curve was calculated. Confidence interval was measured for each test. P < 0.05 was represented as a reliable baseline.
Primary findings: Among the 983 participants, 250 students were male (25.4%) and remaining participants were female. 392 students (39.9%) were 20 years of age or younger; and the remaining participants were older. 862 students (87.7%) were single, and remaining participants being married. As a whole, 371 students (39.1%) were likely to be affected by psychiatric disorders on the basis of GHQ-28 test; whereas on the basis of BSI and MMPI test 388 students (44.8%) and 405 students (44%) were suspicious to be affected by psychiatric disorders; respectively. There were no significant differences between the score of GHQ-28 test with gender, educational degree, and matrimony status of participants (P > 0.05); mean while a significant correlation between age and educational degree and the scores were apparent (P < 0.5). According to the BSI test, there was a significant differences between the mean scores of both sexes (P < 0.05); whereas there was no correlation between other variables and the BSI score (P > 0.1). In addition, results of the MMPI test demonstrate no significant correlation with the other variables, except for the age (P > 0.1) [Table 1].
Table 1: Frequency of mental disorder in students according screening tests and demographic variables
By the means of the GHQ-28, BSI, and MMPI tests the mean scores of students were calculated as: 20.7, 44.8, and 63.6, respectively. MMPI and GHQ-28 showed the maximum correlation coefficient of about 0.588 (P < 0.001). In addition, these tests possessed the maximum values of contingency as 0.445 (P < 0.001) [Table 2].
Table 2: The mean value and standard deviation and contingency and correlation coefficients of the psychometric tests
The sensitivity and specificity of GHQ-28 test were calculated as 85.9% and 87.7%. The score of 21 was considered as the best cut-off point for this tool and area under the curve of ROC was determined as about 0.926. Furthermore, the corrected classification was measured as 87.3%. BSI sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 81.2% and 90.8%. The remaining values for the BSI test are as follows: 41.5 as the cut-off point, 0.915 for the area under the curve and 87.3 for the corrected classification. The above values for the MMPI test were determined as 88.2%, 91.4%, 63.5, 0.928, and 0.796, respectively [Table 3] and [Diagram 1].
Table 3: The reliability and validity of psychometric tests in comparison with clinical interviews
Our findings demonstrate that 39.1% of participants have likely positive scores on the basis of GHQ-28 test, 44.8% participants for the BSI test and 44% for the MMPI test. Compared to other studies conducted in Iran and other parts of the world, these results are comparatively significant. By the means of GHQ-28 test, Montazeri et al. estimated the prevalence of psychiatric disorders 44%.[22] A study of Salaki, from Ilam University of medical sciences and health services, presented the prevalence of psychiatric disorders 42%.[23] Regarding the SCL-90, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders ranges between 16.5-48.5% in another study conducted previously.[19] The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Iranian female and Bulgarian children ranges between 8.6-39%.[24],[25] Demographic characteristics of the area under study, the method of administration, performance time of study and various cut-off points, altogether; contributes to significant differences between the prevalence of psychiatric disorders.
Results of our study report Spearman correlation coefficient between GHQ-28 and BSI test as 0.588, between GHQ-28 and MMPI as 0/488 and 0.533 for the BSI and MMPI test. In multiple other studies, reported the correlation between MMPI and BSI; ranging between 0.3 and 0.72 and between BSI and SCL-90; ranging between 0.92 and 0.99.[26],[27]
By the means of CIDI check list, our study aimed to determine the validity of three psychometric tools, the GHQ-28, MMPI, and BSI tests in comparison with clinical interview. Assuming 21.5 as the cut-off point, the sensitivity and specificity of GHQ-28 test were reported as 85.9% and 87.7%, respectively. Area under the curve and Alpha Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha were calculated as 0.926 and 0.942, respectively. In addition, internal consistency coefficient of Spearman-Brown correlation was 0.822. Results from another study shows the sensitivity and specificity of GHQ-28 test as 81% and 58.2%, respectively.[28] Corresponding other related studies, the validity coefficient varies widely through a wide spectrum, in which the sensitivity and specificity of GHQ-28 test ranges between 35.7%–91% and 10%–98%; respectively.[29],[30] Our study demonstrates the values of sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve, and corrected classification for the BSI test as 81.2%, 90.8%, 41.5 and 87.3%; respectively. Furthermore, 0/967 was calculated as its Alpha Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha. Meanwhile, in another study this coefficient was estimated at 0.82 and 0.87 for the quantification depression and anxiety, respectively.[31] According to the results of various studies, the Internal consistency of DSI-98 and BSI-18 were reported to be profitable.[32] Compared to clinical interview, BSI test possessed the greatest accurate categorization, being about 72.4%.
The sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve and Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha of MMPI are as follows: 88.%, 91.4%, 0.928 and 0.875, respectively. The corrected classification was measured about 83.4%; however, this value was reported in another study as about 0.8.[30],[31] In another study, values of corrected classification, sensitivity, and specificity of the MMPI test were reported as 86%, 86% and 100%, respectively.[28],[32] A study of Ali Ghaffari et al. measured the rate of concordance between MMPI and clinical interview for the diagnosis of mental disorders of being about 0.35.[27] Another study represents the sensitivity and specificity of MMPI test for the diagnosis of mood disorders of being 26% and 91% and Kappa correlation coefficient as 0.20, respectively, when it is compared to the clinical interview. Results of another study demonstrate the contingency coefficient of MMPI test and clinical interview of about 0.6.
Considering the results of our study and previous researches, MMPI carries high diagnostic reliability in diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in comparison with GHQ-28 and BSI tests. Several studies revealed similar results. Meanwhile, only a single study was conducted by the authors of this research, which involved smaller study group; The results of which was in favor of MMPI greater validity in comparison to other tests.
By the mean of GHQ-28, MMPI, and BSI tests, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders were estimated to be relatively high. Significant correlation was observed among psychometric tests. All the tools were of high validity in diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, with the MMPI being the most accurate.
Sadock BJ, Sadock VA. Kaplan and Sadock's synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2011.
Akbari H, Zeraati H, Mohammad K, Farahani MM, Omidi A. The validity of GHQ-28, BSI and MMPI tests in mental heath status of students. Life Sci J 2013;10(Suppl.):314-9.
Tavakolizadeh J, Gahramani M, Hadizadeh TF, Chamanzari H. The Survey of Mental Health Condition on Smoked and Non-Smoked Youths of Gonabad City. QUARTERLY OFOGH-E-DANESH 2003;9:1-9.
Bash K, Bash-Liechti J. Studies on the epidemiology of neuropsychiatric disorders among the population of the city of Shiraz, Iran. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 1974;9:163-71.
Noorbala AA, Bagheri Yazdi SA, Yasamy MT, Mohammad K. Mental health survey of the adult population in Iran. Br J Psychiatry 2004;184:70-3.
Shariati M, Yunesian M, Vash JH. Mental health of medical students: A cross-sectional study in Tehran. Psychological Reports 2007;100:346-54.
Adham D, Salem Safi P, Amiri M, Dadkhah B, Mohammadi M, Mozaffari N, et al. The survey of mental health status in ardabil university of medical sciences students in 2007-2008. J Ardabil Univ Med Sci 2008;8:229-34.
Noorbala AA, Damari B, Riazi-Isfahani S. Evaluation of mental disorders incidence trend in Iran. Daneshvar Med 2014;21:1-10.
Furukawa TA, Kessler RC, Slade T, Andrews G. The performance of the K6 and K10 screening scales for psychological distress in the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. Psychol Med 2003;33:357-62.
Kessler RC, Andrews G, Colpe LJ, Hiripi E, Mroczek DK, Normand SL, et al. Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychol Med 2002;32:959-76.
Cairney J, Veldhuizen S, Wade TJ, Kurdyak P, Streiner DL. Evaluation of 2 measures of psychological distress as screeners for depression in the general population. Canadian J Psychiatry 2007;52:111-20.
Phares EJ. Clinical Psychology: Concepts, Methods, & Profession. Thomson Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.; 1992.
Akbari H, Zeraati H, Mohammad K, Mahmoodi-Farahani M, Omidi A. Evaluating the agreement between the three screening instruments for mental disorder among students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences during 2011-2012. Feyz Journal of Kashan University of Medical Sciences 2014;17:575-81.
Dibajnia P, Bakhtiari M. Mental health status of the students in the faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University, 2002. J Ardabil Univ Med Sci 2002;2:27-32.
Goldberg DP, Hillier VF. A scaled version of the general health questionnaire. Psychol Med 1979;9:139-45.
Noorbala A, Mohammad K. The validation of general health questionnaire-28 as a psychiatric screening tool. Hakim Res J 2009;11:47-53.
Shayan Z, Pourmovahed Z, Najafipour F, Abdoli AM, Mohebpour F, Najafipour S. Factor structure of the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) from infertile women attending the Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility. Int J Reprod Biomed 2015;13:801-8.
Yaghubi N, Nasr M, Shahmohammadi D. Epidemiology of mental disorders in urabn and rural areas of Sowmaesara-Gillan. Iranian J Psychiatry Clin Psychol 1995;1:55-60.
Derogatis LR, Spencer P. Brief Symptom Inventory. Pearson Upper Saddle River, NJ: BSI; 1993.
Sahin N, Durak BA, Uǧurtaş S. The validity, reliability and factor structure of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Turk Psikiyatri Derg 2002;13:125-35.
Butcher JN. Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory. The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology 2010:1-3.
Fathi-Ashtiani A, Dastani M. Psychological tests: Personality and mental health. Tehran: Besat; 2009. p. 46.
Anderson JL, Sellbom M. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2. Forensic Uses of Clinical Assessment Instruments, Routledge 2013:37-78.
Montazeri A, Harirchi AM, Shariati M, Garmaroudi G, Ebadi M, Fateh A. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12): Translation and validation study of the Iranian version. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2003;1:66.
Saki K, Kaikhavani S. Mental health of Ilam medical university students. J Ilam Univ Med Sci 2002;10:34-5.
Hosseini SH, Mousavi S. Mental health status of newly Admitted students of Mazandaran university of medical sciences in 1999-2000 Academic year. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2000;10:23-33.
Makowska Z, Merecz D, Mościcka A, Kolasa W. The validity of general health questionnaires, GHQ-12 and GHQ-28, in mental health studies of working people. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2002;15:353-62.
Sadeghirad B, Haghdoost AA, Amin-Esmaeili M, Ananloo ES, Ghaeli P, Rahimi-Movaghar A, et al. Epidemiology of major depressive disorder in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Prev Med 2010;1:81-91.
Mikolajczyk RT, Maxwell AE, Naydenova V, Meier S, El Ansari W. Depressive symptoms and perceived burdens related to being a student: Survey in three European countries. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2008;4:19.
Tran TD, Tran T, La B, Lee D, Rosenthal D, Fisher J. Screening for perinatal common mental disorders in women in the north of Vietnam: A comparison of three psychometric instruments. J Affect Disord 2011;133:281-93.
Mitchell AJ, Rao S, Vaze A. Can general practitioners identify people with distress and mild depression? A meta-analysis of clinical accuracy. J Affect Disord 2011;130:26-36.
Khalil AA, Hall LA, Moser DK, Lennie TA, Frazier SK. The psychometric properties of the brief symptom inventory depression and anxiety subscales in patients with heart failure and with or without renal dysfunction. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2011;25:419-29.
Jahangirian J
Akbari H
Dadgostar E
clinical interview
MMPI


text:
The Sally Mitchell Dissertation Prize
The Sally Mitchell Dissertation Prize is awarded annually to the best Ph.D. dissertation, defended in the previous calendar year, that explores the 19th-century British periodical press (including magazines, newspapers, and serial publications of all kinds) as an object of study in its own right, not as a source of material for other historical topics. Winners of the prize receive a monetary award of $1,000.
The prize was established in 2020 to honor Sally Mitchell, a longstanding and highly valued member of RSVP who served on the organization's board and its senior advisory committee. She was the author of five books, including the biography, Frances Power Cobbe: Victorian Feminist, Journalist, Reformer, and The New Girl: Girl's Culture in England, 1880-1915. Much of her work focused on women writers, women's history, the social history of the period, and the role of periodicals. Sally Mitchell was a committed and ardent mentor of graduate students and worked hard to advance their careers. A list of previous awardees is located below the submission guidelines.
Applications open February 1 and are due March 1.
See the current award calendar for all application deadlines.
Eligible applicants will have successfully defended their dissertation within the previous calendar year (i.e., the 2021 prize winner defended in 2020). Projects range from a variety of disciplinary perspectives focused on any aspect of the periodical press within Britain itself, or in the many countries within and outside of the Empire where British magazines and newspapers were bought, sold, and read during "the long nineteenth century" (ca. 1780-1914).
Applicants should submit the following via our online application portal by March 1:
An applicant information form with full contact information
A title page, abstract and table of contents
A sample chapter (do not submit the full dissertation!)
The name and email address of their dissertation advisor
Applicants' advisors will be asked to confirm the successful viva/defense date. After reviewing these materials, the prize committee will solicit full dissertations for further consideration.
The Mitchell Prize winner will be announced in July or August of the prize year.
Questions about this dissertation prize may be directed to the president of RSVP.
Previous Projects and Awardees
Our inaugural 2021 winner of the Mitchell Prize is Ann M. Hale for her project, "Business Matters: Legal Structures, Roles, People, and Places in the Nineteenth-Century Press—A Case Study of George Newnes Limited." The decision committee offered the following comments on Hale's project:
"In her comprehensive and compelling study of George Newnes Limited, Ann Hale's [dissertation] uncovers and assesses the vital role of business and legal frameworks in the periodical press. Her project enables readers to better appreciate the consequences of sole proprietorship, partnerships, and companies and the mutability of these legal and business structures. Drawing on an impressive array of documents, visualizations, maps, and other data as part of a Scalar Digital Supplement, she constructs a carefully scaffolded study that draws well on existing periodicals scholarship and literary theory, including the idea of the chronotope, Guillory's ideas of remediation, and Linda Hughes' 'sideways theory,' along the way bringing numerous hidden players in the publishing work to light and convincing her readers why, as her title tells us, 'Business Matters.'"
Two other outstanding dissertations received honorable mentions from the decision committee:
Victoria Clarke's "Reading and Writing the Northern Star, 1837-1847"
Stephan Pigeon's "The Labour, Law, and Practice of Circulating Journalisms in the British News and Periodical Press, 1842-1911"
Congratulations to Ann and thanks to all for participating!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
/**
 * WordPress dependencies
 */
const defaultConfig = require( '@wordpress/babel-preset-default' );

module.exports = function( api ) {
	const config = defaultConfig( api );

	return {
		...config,
		plugins: [
			...config.plugins,
			'@babel/plugin-proposal-class-properties',
			'inline-react-svg',
		],
		sourceMaps: true,
		env: {
			production: {
				plugins: [
					...config.plugins,
					'@babel/plugin-proposal-class-properties',
					'inline-react-svg',
					'transform-react-remove-prop-types',
				],
			},
		},
	};
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
package com.jesperancinha.imagecontour.boot

import akka.actor.ActorSystem
import akka.http.scaladsl.Http
import akka.stream.{ActorMaterializer, Materializer}
import com.jesperancinha.imagecontour.config.Configuration
import com.jesperancinha.imagecontour.rest.ImageContourMultiPartDataHandler

import scala.concurrent.ExecutionContextExecutor

object Boot extends App with ImageContourMultiPartDataHandler with Configuration {

  override implicit val system: ActorSystem = ActorSystem()
  override implicit val executor: ExecutionContextExecutor = system.dispatcher
  override implicit val materializer: Materializer = Materializer.apply(system)

  Http().bindAndHandle(itfRoutes, serviceHost, servicePort)
}


To sign up for FREE periodic E-mail notifications about new features on this site, send E-mail with word "update" in the subject line.
Searching photos, artwork, books, blueprints, published and unpublished articles, dissertations, memoirs and other materials and documents on the history of rocketry and space exploration from any country and any time period.
Ballistic missiles developed at the OKB-1 design bureau during 1950s and 1960s.
Just two days after the US Secretary of Defense criticized Russia for proliferation of missile technology to rogue nations like North Korea and Iran, Russia coincidentally "responded" with the test launches of two ballistic missiles on February 16, 2001.
At 13:43 Moscow Time (5:43 a.m. EST) the old Topol-type mobile ICBM blasted off from Plesetsk, successfully hitting Kura target range at Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the press-service of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. The missile used in the test has been in armaments since 1983, much longer than its planned service life.
Several minutes before, at 13:28 Moscow Time (5:28 a.m. EST) an unidentified "sea-based" ballistic missile was also launched during the training exercise of the Russian Northern Fleet, the Ministry of Defense said. The launch apparently took place from a submarine in the Barents Sea and involved a long-range ballistic missile.
Russian armed forces had a busy weekend on Saturday, October 12, 2002, conducting the most extensive missile launching exercise in years. According to the Russian media, an unnamed submarine stationed in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kalmar submarine in the Barents Sea fired long-range missiles at targets at Cape Kanin Nos in the Russia's northern regions and at the Kamchatka Peninsula, at 13:12 and 13:55 Moscow Time respectively.
Within 40 minutes after sea-based launches, the Topol (RS-12M) ICBM flew a training mission from Plesetsk to Kamchatka Peninsula. The firing was conducted by the personnel of the Novosibirsk missile division, which had been deployed in Plesetsk in the course of the exercise. The missile used in the launch had been in armaments for 12 years.
To complete the picture, after midnight from October 12 to October 13, Tu-160 and Tu-95 strategic bombers took off from their bases and after 12 hours in the air launched cruise missiles aimed at targets beyond the polar circle and the Volga River region, located some 4,000 - 5,000 kilometers from the points, where they were launched.
The massive exercise also involved Russian space tracking network as well as early-warning infrastructure, including for the first time since the disintegration of the former USSR, radar facilities located in the former Soviet republic of Belarus. Russian antimissile batteries reportedly targeted the "incoming" missiles, but failed to intercept them.
Russian press quoted military officials as saying that the exercise was conceived to be a training as well as a political demonstration for NATO and its prospective new members, particularly Baltic republics of the former USSR.
A week after the US-led coalition invaded Iraq, the Russian military launched an exercise, showcasing the country's missile might.
On March 27, 2003, an operational unit of the Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, conducted a training launch of the Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (RS-12M). According to the official information, the missile blasted off at 12:27 Moscow Time from a mobile launcher, deployed at the Plesetsk test range. The operational unit of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, conducted the launch, with the support of Space Forces, KVR.
The firing of the Topol missile became a culmination of a training exercise, which was underway in the Teikovo Division of RVSN in the Ivanovo Region, northeast of Moscow.
Russia conducts multiple rocket launches, tests new technology.
Russian Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, test-fired an R-36M missile from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on June 29, 2004. The flight aimed to certify the service life of such systems for a 20-year period.
In the meantime, the submarine Ekaterinburg (Dolphin Class, Project 667) from the Russian Northern Fleet launched a D-9RM ballistic missile from its underwater position in the Barents Sea. The missile's warhead successfully reached the Kura impact range on Kamchatka Peninsula.
The Topol missile lifted off from Kapustin Yar test range on Nov. 1, 2005, at 20:10 Moscow Time, heading toward Sary Shagan antimissile test site. The mission apparently tested technical means designed to defeat potential missile defense systems.
Russian Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, conducted a training launch of the RT-2PM Topol intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM, Roskosmos announced. The vehicle lifted off on August 3, 2006, at 13:38 Moscow Time from a mobile launcher deployed at Russia's northern cosmodrome in Plesetsk. According to Roskosmos, Topol's warhead successfully reached its target at the Kura impact range on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
"The launch confirmed battlefield capabilities of the rocket complex and the work effectiveness of the industry, which developed and manufactured the system," Roskosmos' statement said.
It was the 80th launch of the Topol missile.
Russia conducted a test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile, a representative of the Strategic Missile Forces announced. The RS-12M Topol missile lifted off from Russia's northern cosmodrome in Plesetsk on October 18, 2007, and headed toward the Kura impact range in the Kamchatka Peninsula. The goal of the mission was to certify the vehicle for extended combat service reaching 23 years, instead of original 10 years.
According to the Russian officials, the missile successfully reached its targets. The original Topol missiles were expected to remain in service until 2015.
Russia conducted a missile launch (Topol) from Kapustin Yar, which included testing of technical means designed to defeat potential missile defense systems. The mission targeted Sary Shagan antimissile defense test site.
Russian Strategic Rocket Forces conducted a launch of the Topol ICBM. The vehicle, which was in armaments for 21 years, lifted off from Plesetsk on Oct. 12, 2008, at 11:24 Moscow Time (07:24 GMT). According to the official information, the rocket successfully reached the Kura impact range on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
On April 30, 2009, at 12:10 Moscow Time, a combined team of Irkutsk rocket unit and space forces conducted a training launch of the RS-12M Topol missile from Plesetsk, a spokesman for the strategic missile forces said. The goal of the mission was to confirm the missile's characteristics and certify the vehicles of that type for extended service. The rocket used in the mission was manufactured in 1987 and until August 2007 was deployed with the Teikovo division, according to a RVSN official.
Russian Strategic Rocket Forces conducted a launch of the RS-12M Topol ICBM. The vehicle, which was in armaments for around 20 years, lifted off from Kapustin Yar on Dec. 10, 2009, at 15:35 Moscow Time. The vehicle successfully hit its target at the Sary Shagan anit-missile test range, Russian military officials said.
Russian strategic missile forces, RVSN, conducted the 100th launch of the Topol ICBM from the nation's northern cosmodrome in Plesetsk on Oct. 28, 2010, at 13:59 Moscow Summer Time. The rocket successfully hit its target on the Kamchatka Peninsula 23 minutes after the liftoff, the official military Zvezda TV channel reported. According to an RVSN spokesman, the particular missile was manufactured in 1987 and was operationally deployed in Teikovo missile base until August 2007. Russian military regularly conducts launches of aging missiles to confirm their operational readiness. The latest mission aimed to validate the extension of operational service of the Topol missiles from original 10 years to 23 years.
A Russian ICBM flew an unusual short-range test mission, likely testing anti-missile defense systems. The RS-12M Topol ballistic missiles lifted off from Kapustin Yar cosmodrome on Dec. 5, 2010, at 22:11 Moscow Time and flew toward Sary Shagan anti-missile test range in Kazakhstan. The rocket's warhead successfully hit its target, Russia's strategic missile forces said. According to the Ministry of Defense spokesman, the purpose of the launch was to confirm flight characteristics of rockets of this class during extended operational life span, to test various tracking systems for the Russian armed forces and to conduct another test of armed payloads for ballistic missile. The particular trajectory of the missile and the official statement hints about possible test of Russia's anti-missile capabilities.
The Russian Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, tested a more accurate warhead system for new-generation ballistic missiles. According to the Izvestiya newspaper, quoting an RVSN representative, the Topol missile lifted off from a mobile launcher in Plesetsk cosmodrome on Sept. 3, 2011, at 13:46 Moscow Time. Around 20 minutes later the new warhead carried by the missile hit its target at the impact range on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The new warhead was designed for Bulava and Yars missiles, rather than for the Topol ICBM, which launched it, said Vadim Koval, an RVSN spokesman. The same launch also tested the operational readiness of the Topol missile, which had been manufactured in 1988. The mission had qualified missiles of this type for another year of service.
Continuing the checkered record of the Russian rocket industry in 2011, the experimental ballistic missile failed during a test launch.
A modified version of the Topol-M ballistic missile lifted off from a mobile launcher deployed at Russia's northern cosmodrome in Plesetsk on Sept. 27, 2011, at 11:08 Moscow Time. The rocket failed almost immediately after the launch during the powered flight of the first stage. A search helicopter found the crash site eight kilometers from the launch pad. According to the Russian media, the accident caused no injuries or damage to property.
It took military officials almost 24 hours to confirm the fact of the accident. The launch reportedly aimed to test a multiple warhead system, which is being developed for the new-generation ballistic missile known as RS-24 Yars. Representatives of Moscow Thermal Technology Institute, MIT, reportedly oversaw the test in Plesetsk, alongside military personnel.
A joint team of space forces and strategic missile forces (RVSN) had conducted a test launch of the new type of the intercontinental ballistic missile, official Russian sources said. The vehicle lifted off from a mobile launcher deployed at the nation's northern space launch and test site in Plesetsk on May 23, 2012, at 10:15 Moscow Time. According to a representative of RVSN Vadim Koval, the missile's warhead successfully reached its target in the Kamchatka Peninsula. Although the official statement did not identified the name of the missile, it confirmed that it was based on existing systems (most likely Topol-M) and the first attempt to launch this type of vehicle failed on Sept. 27, 2011.
An old Topol (RS-12M) missile lifted off from a test range in Kapustin Yar on June 7, 2012, at 21:39 Moscow Time, the official Russian media reported. According to a representative of the Ministry of Defense responsible for Strategic Missile Forces Vadim Koval, the vehicle's warhead successfully hit its target at the Sary Shagan anti-missile test site in Kazakhstan. The launch had a goal of confirming capabilities of old Topol missiles during their extended operational service, but also aimed to help in the development of the new methods for the penetration of the enemy's missile defenses. Apparently, due to the unusual trajectory of the flight along Russia's southern border and a position of the setting sun, the launch was observed as far as the Middle East.
As part of a large-scale military exercise, which included firings of air-based cruise missiles and submarine-based ballistic missiles, Russian strategic missile forces launched a Topol ICBM from Plesetsk on October 19, 2012, at 13:12 Moscow Time toward the Kura impact site on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Russian strategic missile forces, RVSN, fired a prototype of the new intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM, from a mobile launcher deployed at the Kapustin Yar test range, official Russian media reported quoting a representative of RVSN. An unidentified vehicle lifted off on October 24, 2012, at 22:28 Moscow Time and flew in the direction of the Sary Shagan anti-missile test site, hitting its virtual target and completing all tasks of its test mission, the RVSN spokesman said.
A similar launch took place on June 6, 2013, at 21:45 Moscow Time, according to official Russian media, quoting a representative of the Strategic Missile Forces. The rocket flew from Kapustin Yar toward the Sary Shagan test site. A day later, the Ministry of Defense announced that it was the fourth launch of the Rubezh (Frontier) rocket complex equipped with new multiple warheads and the deployment of the first operational unit equipped with this rocket had been scheduled to start in 2014.
On Oct. 10, 2013, at 17:39 Moscow Time, a Topol missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar test range. According to the Russian strategic missile forces, RVSN, quoted by the official Russian media, the vehicle's mockup warhead successfully hit its target at the Sary Shagan test range in Kazakhstan. The mission aimed to test the warhead's ability to evade anti-missile systems and involved optical and radar tracking facilities. The launch also proved the rocket's operational capabilities following its extended life span. Coincided with the sunset in Kazakhstan, the flight of the missile was observed across wide areas of the former Soviet republic and it was even photographed by a European astronaut Luca Parmitano from the Soyuz TMA-09M crew onboard the International Space Station, ISS.
On Oct. 30, 2013, President Vladimir Putin oversaw a "sudden" exercise of the Russian strategic missile forces, military space defense forces, navy and long-range aviation, official Russian media reported. During the exercise, a pair of Topol missiles was fired from the Northern Cosmodrome in Plesetsk, while an R-36M2 ICBM was launched from Dombarovsky in Southern Russia.
Around the same time, Bryansk and Georgy Pobedonosets submarines launched ballistic missiles while submerged in Barents Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. Missiles' warheads reached their impact sites at Chizha range in Northern Russia and Kura site in the Russian Far East.
In the meantime, missile and artillery units from Central and Southern Military Districts fired at least two Iskander and two Tochka-U tactical missiles from Kapustin Yar test range. Missiles hit their targets more than 100 kilometers downrange. The accuracy of hitting targets was estimated with the help of Russian-made unmanned drones equipped with digital imaging and data-transmission systems, official media reported.
S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft batteries also deployed at Kapustin Yar fired multiple missiles, apparently toward imaginary aerial targets. So did a silo-based "short-range" anti-missile rocket, seemingly fired from the Sary Shagan base in Kazakhstan. It was probably a 53T6 missile from the A-135 anti-missile complex designed to protect Moscow.
Six Tu-95MS long-range bombers took off from Engels air force base and flew to the north of Russia, where they launched three cruise missiles toward the Telemba test range near the Siberian city of Chita.
On Dec. 24, 2013, Russian strategic missile forces, RVSN, launched a RS-24 Yars ICBM with multiple warheads from a silo facility in Plesetsk. The test flight targeted the Kura impact range on the Kamchatka Peninsula. According to an RVSN representative quoted by the official RIA Novosti news agency, all training warheads from the launch hit their targets with required accuracy.
On Dec. 27, 2013, at 21:30 Moscow Time, a Topol (RS-12M) missile was launched from Kapustin Yar test range. According to a spokesman of the Russian strategic missile forces, RVSN, the vehicle's training warhead successfully reached a simulated target at the Sary Shagan test range in Kazakhstan.
According to various sources, a Topol (RS-12M) Intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM was launched from Kapustin Yar test range on March 4, 2014. The vehicle appeared to be carrying an experimental warhead and flew in a direction of the Sary Shagan test range in Kazakhstan. The launch was likely unconnected to the military standoff between Russian and Ukrainian forces in Crimean Peninsula.
On the eve of the Victory Day celebrations on May 8, 2014, the Russian president Vladimir Putin oversaw a major "command and control exercise" of the Russian armed forces, featuring multiple missile launches. During the exercise, a Topol (RS-12M) ICBM was launched from Plesetsk toward a Kura impact site on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The launch reportedly certified a flight readiness of an 25-year-old missile.
On the same day, a Tula submarine stationed in the Barents Sea fired an R-29RMU-2 missile also toward Kura. A similar submarine of the Pacific Fleet -- Podolsk -- which was deployed in the Sea of Okhotsk off the Russian east coast launched an R-29R missile aimed at the Chiza impact site on the Kanin Nos Peninsula. The latest launch marked the reintroduction of the Podolsk submarine as a launch platform after a more than decade-long hiatus.
In the meantime, the Tu-95 strategic bomber launched six cruise missiles, believed to be Kh-55. The official Russian sources only said that missiles were heading toward targets within the Western Military District.
In Kazakhstan, Russian anti-missile defense units fired a short-range interceptor from the Sary Shagan anti-missile test range.
Finally, launches of a 3M14 sea-based cruise missile, Iskander intermediate-range ballistic missile and other smaller missiles were also reported.
Official Russian sources reported that on May 20, 2014, at 21:08 Moscow Time, a Topol missile (possibly a Topol-E version) launched an experimental payload from Kapustin Yar test site. The vehicle apparently headed toward the Sary Shagan anti-missile test range in Kazakhstan.
A joint unit of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, and the Air and Defense Forces, VKO, fired an RS-24 Yars ballistic missile with multiple warheads on Dec. 26, 2014, at 11:02 Moscow Time, from a mobile launcher in Plesetsk, the official TASS news agency reported. According to a spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defense, training warheads of the missile successfully hit their targets at the Kura impact range on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The purpose of the launch was to confirm technical readiness of the missiles manufactured in 2013 and 2014 as RVSN was being actively transitioning to Yars missiles.
On August 22, 2015, Russian Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN, conducted a test launch of the RS-12M Topol ballistic missile from Kapustin Yar test site, the official Russian media reported. The vehicle believed to be representing a Topol-E variant of the rocket. According to the TASS news agency, the purpose of the launch was the test of the prospective warhead system, which successfully reached the Sary Shagan site in Kazakhstan.
On Oct. 28, 2015, at 14:30 Moscow Time, a Yars ICBM carrying MIRV warhead made a test launch from a silo facility in Plesetsk and all its reentry vehicles successfully reached the Kura impact range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, the official Russian media reported quoting a representative of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, RVSN. The flight aimed to confirm the reliability of a batch of missiles manufactured at the Votkinsk plant.
On Oct. 30, 2015, a Topol missile was launched from Plesetsk, as part of a routine excercise of the Russian armed forces, which also featured firings of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Velikiy Ustyug cater, submarine-based missiles and intermediate-range Iskander missile, which hit a target near Kapustin Yar.
On Sept. 22, 2016, as Russia and the US were engaged in the war of words over civil war in Syria, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that a large-scale missile exercise covering huge swath of the Russian territory had been underway. More than 60 mobile launchers carrying Topol, Topol-M and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles were deployed on the territory spanning from the Tver Region north of Moscow to the Irkutsk Region in the Russian Far East. A total of 1,700 various vehicles supported the massive show of force, including 400 heavy tracks and trailers. They were manned by more than 4,000 members of the personnel.
General-Colonel Sergei Karakaev, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces personally oversaw the night-time deployment of the Topol ICBM unit at the westernmost missile base of Bologoe, the Ministry of Defense said.
According to the official announcement, the exercise aimed to test new methods of preparing the ICBM launchers for action and also train their crews and support personnel to counteract possible acts of sabotage. New deployment techniques would enable to cut the time required to prepare launchers for movement from 20 to 30 percent, the Ministry of Defense said.
On Sept. 26, 2017, Russia launched an RS-12M Topol rocket with a prospective warhead from Kapustin Yar. The flight tested new systems for penetrating anti-missile defenses, the Russian Ministry of Defense said. The test warhead successfully hit a notional target at the Sary-Shagan test range in Kazakhstan.
1980s project of the aircraft-launched ICBM.
Possibly, Topol-M/Yars version with modified self-propelled warheads or a proposed railway-based ICBM first mentioned in 2011. Excluded from 2018-2027 armaments program.
MiG-31K-launched version of Iskander? Unveiled on March 1, 2018. Reportedly deployed since December 2017. Range more than 2,000 kilometers.
A scale model of the mobile launch system developed at TsNIIMash research institute.


Advanced Brushes in Photoshop Elements add the AWESOME to digital artistry and scrapbooking.
YOU WILL LEARN BASIC TO ADVANCED BRUSH TECHNIQUES IN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS TO ELEVATE YOUR ARTISTRY SKILLS AND ENHANCE YOUR LAYOUTS.
Step-by-step guidance to instilling confidence, and adding incrementally and logically to build a strong foundation, is how the work gets done at Anna Aspnes Designs.
Then aAdvanced Brushes in Photoshop Elements is definitely for YOU.
Advanced Brushes in Photoshop Elements is for photo enthusiasts, scrapbookers and digital artists looking to boost skill and creative flair in the realm of Brushes.
The course is divided into 3 self-paced sessions, each divided into multiple videos for approx. 5-1/2 hours of artsy digital design education.
You will learn the basics of using brushes, as well as key information you need to know about brushes, before taking a detailed look at how to use Brushes via the Brush options.
A 'Big Picture View' of using brushes in Photoshop Elements will be provided, to include the different ways you can use them to impact your artistry, and how they transcend to use to other tools in Photoshop Elements.
How to make key Preference changes beneficial to using brushes and customize your viewing options.
The tools in the Brushes Options and how to use them.
Useful shortcuts and keystrokes needed to speed up your artistry process.
Take advantage of Pen Pressure if you use a Pen/Tablet.
Saving Brushes for future use.
Best practices for creating your own brushes in Photoshop Elements.
Using brushes with other Photoshop Elements tools, such as the Eraser, Clone and Smudge tools.
*Please note that I will be sharing some of the techniques I use to create brushes, but I will not be showing you exactly how I create the brushes at Anna Aspnes Designs.
In sessions 2 and 3, you will learn 14 different ways to use brushes in 2 different layouts (DigitalART supplies and layered .psd file included).
Breaking the content into 2 sessions will ensure assimilation of information, avoid brain-overload and provide opportunity for repetition which always enhances the learning experience.
Session 2 includes: Part 1 (20.15 mins), Part 2 (23.48 mins), Part 3 (20.56 mins), Part 4 (16.32 mins).
Session 3 includes: Part 1 (19.29 mins), Part 2 (16.44 mins), Part 3 (21.10 mins), Part 4 (21.48 mins), Part5 (6.45 mins).
This workshop is jam-packed full of content and is provide a balance of theory and technique in a project based approach.
If you've attended any of my previous classes, you'll know that I over-deliver am am committed to the teaching process and making the magic happen for YOU.
3 Self-paced video sessions delivering approx. 5 1/2 hours of step-by-step video instruction.
In depth written course content in .pdf format accompanying each session.
All aA DigitalART supplies used in aAdvanced Brushes in Photoshop Elements.
Both layered .psd files created in sessions 2 and 3.
Advanced Brushes in Photoshop Elements workshop is conducted in Adobe Photoshop Elements version 15 but you can follow along in any recent version of the Software.
I recommend Photoshop Elements 9 or above.
I have been a PSE digital scrapper for 8 years and I was always afraid to use brushes other than the eraser brush. I didn't understand how to use them or load them so they remained in my presets. Then, this year, I took some of Anna Aspnes' classes which explained using brushes and how to keep them loaded. I felt so good about myself that I enrolled in her Advanced Brushes course. Now I'm almost "brush crazy"!! I don't hesitate to use brushes to mask or create splotches of paint or to color with in order to change b/g colors. I even learned that the eraser can be used with any loaded brush. I'm so grateful that Anna presented this class for PSE users.
I was a complete brush-a-phobe when I enrolled in this class, meaning that brushes scared me to the point that I used the png files rather than the actual brushes themselves, and when I did use my png brush files, I did so in the most basic fashion. No more. Thanks to this class, my inner brush-ista has been released. These days I find myself reaching for brushes (the real ones, not the pngs) in every composition I create and often muttering to myself "who knew, who knew?" I particularly appreciate that this class delivered the basics I needed to establish a firm foundation and then took off from there into the world of creative brushology. That's why, in addition to learning how to use brushes for maximum creative impact, this former brush-a-phobe can now clone things in and out of designs with impunity, wield the eraser and other tools with confidence, and even make custom (color) brushes. The information sticks because you learn it in the hands-on context of page layouts; because Anna is demonstrating every technique, you see what can go wrong–and how to troubleshoot, cycle through options, and get out of the tight spots that we all find ourselves in. So valuable. If I need a refresher on the finer points (and more complex techniques), as I trundle along in my creative journey, I simply have to review the pertinent lessons. It's all in there. As always in her classes, Anna has delivered more than she promised in this one. Highly recommended.
This video series is fabulous! Anna starts by teaching the most basic things about Photoshop brushes. Like how to adjust the brush curser for maximum visibility, how to locate the brush tool and change from one brush to about a million others. Then she moves on to teach about adding color, fade techniques, and much, much more. After that she opens up another whole world of possibilities: creating your own brushes from your own photos! The videos are so packed with techniques and info, that after 5 months, I still play them to refresh my memory and to inspire new ways to make my layouts more interesting and beautiful. So amazingly helpful!!!
This was my first Artsy course with Anna in March, 2018. I am actually a hybrid scrapper but used Elements to clean up pictures and add a few digital elements. After a while I realized there was a whole digital scrapbook world out in the ethernet and begin purchasing a few things and reading tutorials and blogs. I used brushes mainly to create backgrounds and because I used them infrequently it was always like starting over to figure out the presets and get them loaded. After viewing Anna's products and Artsy work I knew I wanted to do more in the digital world.
This course is expansive – really expansive. I had no idea you could do so many things with digital brushes. This course covers it all.
Anna's presentations are really organized with the videos and art supplies titled the same and she provides written documentation as well which is good for me to make notes.
I would say Anna's comprehensive classes are the best!
So grateful Suzie you had an amazing experience.


EDAC Digital to Analog Converter Our industry-leading EDAC monitors all line appearances on the desktop handset and then reformat digitized information into a standard analog format required by most enterprise-grade recording equipment. EDAC units passively capture both sides of a conversation and send audio to the recorder when a call is active. EDAC operation manual is available to current users upon request .
154 Power Fail Bypass products transfer up to 8 system phones to CO trunks when the power or phone system fails. All connections are isolated from the phone system while in Bypass mode. Multiple units can be 'ganged' together to support more than 8 trunks.
173W Common Ringing The 3 Trunk Common Ringer Matrix allows connecting multiple Central Office (CO) lines to one common output whenever one of the lines rings. This unit eliminates the necessity of providing a separate bell for each incoming CO line. The Model 173W will accommodate three CO lines or Analog Terminal Adapter (ATA) pairs. For more than 3 lines you can gang 173Ws together. The unit also functions as a Ringing Detector.
The Stinger Ringer cuts through the noise of any environment with a powerful 110 dBA. Its intense signal is transmitted in all directions and reaches every corner of an industrial location or home. The Stinger 90, Model 196 operates directly from Central Office ringing. The Stinger 24, Model 198 operates from 24 VDC and a dry set of contacts.
340 Dees Link DeesLink is a secure, multi-user programmable remote access unit. It allows password-protected dial-up access by off-premise users to one or two ports of your communications, monitoring or paging system. DeesLink assures access to your office communications systems and can be controlled with complete protection against unauthorized use. With DeesLink you can allow multiple users secure access to your communications systems, each with their own individual profiles.
DSI-375 Meridian Custom Ringer DSI-375 gives you complete control over your phone's ringing patterns. The DSI is programmed through the dial pad of your MBS and provides you with ten distinctive ringing choices. You can also program it to allow incoming lines on your MBS to ring normally, even when you are on the phone. The DSI can be programmed to activate a loud Night Bell or illuminate a Set Busy or Message Waiting lamp. If you want to improve the ringing functionality of your MBS, the Meridian Custom Ringer is the solution.
CRI-376 Recorder Interface CRI-376 enables most recording devices to record calls made on your Meridian Business Set (MBS). The CRI is connected to your MBS and your recording device. You can select the lines you want to record, including lines that appear on a multi-button add-on module. The CRI will operate perfectly with recorders that require contact closure, a ground input or voice operation to function. You can program the CRI to supply an audible alert tone for applications where you need to signify that a call is being recorded.
CM-10 CM-30 Service observing units provide complete call monitoring and talk assist capabilities. They are compatible with almost any analog telephone system, e.g., CENTREX, PBX or Key System lines. Available in two versions, Model CM-10 monitors up to 10 lines and CM-30 monitors up to 30 lines. While this product is no longer being manufactured, there is a very small inventory of units available at this time.
CSI-380 Digital Centrex Interface CSI-380 enables a computer application to send and receive MDC call signaling and display information on a Meridian Digital Centrex line. This allows the computer applications programmer full access to all MDC services and features that are available on M5000 Series telephone sets. The CSI-380 may only be used with an M5000 Series telephone set or on a line configured for use with an M5000 Series telephone set.
Call Tracker XTR Call Tracker is a complete stand-alone call recording solution, no host PC is required and installation is quick and simple. Call Tracker connects directly to your phone lines and records all of your calls onto its built-in memory. Compatible with Analog phones/lines or with a PBX, every call detail is recorded.
Back Office Digital Recorder XTR BackOfice Digital 04/16 is a stackable 4 or 16 line recorder for Extension Side connectivity to a wide raange of Digital PBX (Phone systems). Located centrally next to your phone system and compatible with most of the established phone system manufacturers, BackOffice Digital can record full extension activity.
TRL Total Recall is a compact, cost-effective and self-contained digital Voice Logger / Recorder that records and provides secure storage for up to 60,000 hours of calls. Call information is presented on the color TFT Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). With simple keystrokes and three easy to navigate menus, This recorder is no longer available.


A map we used on a recent excursion to Kanazawa. We found the city extremely easy to see by foot. A welcome surprise, as we knew next to nothing about this place before the visit.
Also included are some sites in neighboring areas. Some of these we visited, others we'll have to try another time.
Kazue-machi chaya machi 主計町茶屋街 in Kanazawa.
Kanazawa highlights: Kenrokuen Garden – ranked 1st on TripAdvisor, which is about right.


The Rockwell Blade Safe is a safe, convenient way to dispose of used double-edge razor blades. The Rockwell Blade Safe fits all double-edge razor blades and is completely recyclable - once it's full, simply throw it in the recycling! Or if you prefer you can open it and discard the blade that way.


text:
La prueba de 200 m. libre masculino del campeonato sudamericano de natación de 2004 se realizó el 25 de marzo de 2004, el primer día de competencias del campeonato. En la final, seis nadadores lograron la marca clasificatoria para los Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas 2004.

Medallistas

Resultados

MCO: Marca Clasificatoria a Olímpicos.

Referencias

libre

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
violent new breed
Violent New Breed (ex-Escape The Fate) unleash themselves in "Crazy" video
On the heels of their debut full-length album, Bad Reputation, out Oct. 25, Violent New Breed, featuring former Escape The Fate bassist Max Green, are teaming up with AltPress to release their newest single, "Crazy." After parting ways with Escape The Fate and a short stint with Falling In Reverse in 2014, Green began Violent New Breed the following year. Shortly af...
Paige Owens
Violent New Breed (ex-Escape The Fate) show it's "Worth It" in melodic new song
Post-hardcore act Violent New Breed, which features former Escape The Fate bassist Max Green, are gearing up for the release of their debut full-length, Bad Reputation. With the album less than a month away, the band are teaming up with AltPress to share their next single, "Worth It." ...
Rachel Campbell
Beyond Unbroken featuring ex-Escape The Fate members premiere new song (exclusive)
Beyond Unbroken formed in 2013, features former members of Escape The Fate, Monte and Michael Money. They are getting ready to make their debut show to the world this summer. In the meantime, they're releasing a new song, "Losing My Mind," and its music video, with AP. "I was bouncing ...
Ex-Escape The Fate, Falling In Reverse member Max Green announces first live dates with new band
Former Escape The Fate and Falling In Reverse member Max Green's Violent New Breed have announced their first tour dates supporting Drowning Pool and Audiotopsy. Check out the tour below. Read more: Ex-Escape The Fate member Max Green unleashes vicious single from new band (exclusive) Violent New Breed hail from Los Angeles and consist of Green on vocals and guitar, Mikey Alfero on guitar, Brent A
Caitlyn Ralph
Max Green's Violent New Breed releases "Devil's Deal" (exclusive)
Max Green is streaming one last demo off his band Violent New Breed's upcoming six-song EP, to be released early next year, exclusively on AltPress. Joining him are bandmates Mikey Alfero on lead guitar, Brent Ashley on bass and backing vocals and Glen Crain on drums and backing vocals. Green expressed ...
Ex-Escape The Fate member Max Green unleashes vicious single from new band (exclusive)
Former Escape The Fate bassist Max Green has teamed up with AltPress for the premiere of his band Violent New Breed's new pre-production single, "Casket Dream." "I've been wanting to share another song with the fans, and let everyone know how much my band and I are looking forward to getting out there and playing for them," shares Green. "Halloween is just too perfect of a ...
Ex-Escape The Fate member Max Green shares single from new band, Violent New Breed (exclusive)
Former Escape The Fate bassist Max Green is streaming a demo of his band Violent New Breed's latest single, "Only The Strong Survive," exclusively on AltPress. The song, which was written by Green and Mikey Alfero, is taken from the band's upcoming, currently untitled EP. Head b ...


We are running a day trip to Pulau Tiga – Survivor Island and Snake Island this Sunday 12th October due to popular demand!
We have the fastest Dive Boat in Kota Kinabalu which makes a trip to Tiga very comfortable and quick.
If you are interested to join us, please drop us a line or give us a call.


text:
July/August 2005 / Politics
The Dictator Debt Catch
A US-brokered deal to forgive billions in Iraqi debt is causing other countries to say "me too," even as some Iraqis wish they'd said "no thanks."
July 12, 2005 May 6, 2020 - by Paul WebsterPaul Webster Updated 10:41, May. 6, 2020 | Published 4:22, Jul. 12, 2005This article was published over a year ago. Some information may no longer be current.
Illustration by Graham Roumieu
Despite the growing attention being paid to the cause of international debt relief led by celebrities such as Bono, little has actually been done to ease the financial burden on developing countries. But a sign of hope could be seen earlier this year in Iraq, when the Paris Club, an international group that has managed $470 billion (US) in problem loans that the West has made to some of the world's poorest countries since 1983, erased $11.6 billion of debt amassed under Saddam Hussein's regime. And it offered to forgive another $27.4 billion if the country implements sweeping free-market reforms under a plan dictated by the International Monetary Fund (imf). Since then, the leaders of a number of smaller countries with far fewer resources than oil-rich Iraq have been asking: if Iraq's debts can be so easily erased, why not ours?
The deal to cancel Iraqi debt was supposed to be an important first step, delivering "a major international contribution to Iraq's continued political and economic reconstruction," as President George W. Bush phrased it last year. After the Bush administration waived its $4.1-billion share of the Paris Club's claims against Iraq, American officials asked Baghdad's other creditors to do the same. US Treasury Secretary John Snow framed the issue in moral terms, saying: "The people of Iraq shouldn't be saddled with debts incurred through the regime of the dictator." Richard Perle, former chairman of the government's Defense Policy Board and a strong proponent of the Iraqi invasion, was similarly blunt. "If you loan to a dictatorship," said Perle, shortly after the war began in March 2003, "don't expect to be repaid if a democracy emerges."
Canada and America: Best Frenemies Forever
Andrew Scheer Shouldn't Give Racists a Pass
Will PEI Start a New Green Wave?
Bush entrusted the task of selling Iraqi debt relief to Japan, Germany, France, and Russia—each had loaned billions to Saddam's regime—to James A. Baker iii, who was secretary of state during the Gulf War in 1990. Some Paris Club nations were quick to follow the United States' lead—including Canada, which was owed $600 million for wheat sent to Iraq before the first Gulf War. But Baker had a tough assignment. Paris Club nations seldom forgive debts, especially for oil-rich countries. "Forgiveness is meant to rescue the world's poorest countries," commented a spokesman for the Japanese government, which initially opposed the American debt-relief plan. "As long as Iraq restores its industrial base, it will be in a position to start paying back."
Although Japan and other Paris Club members eventually fell in line with Bush, those seeking wider debt relief found a certain irony in Bush's moral crusade to rid Iraq of debts amassed under Saddam. "What the United States has argued for Iraq could be said about Tanzania, Ethiopia, Argentina, Chile, or the Congo—for any of a number of countries," noted Joseph Stiglitz, former chief economist for the World Bank and an adviser to the Clinton administration. Others argued it was unseemly to put an oil-rich nation ahead of more impoverished countries in Africa and Latin America. Jeffrey Sachs, the high-profile economist who heads the United Nations' anti-poverty Millennium Project, calls the United States push to forgive Iraqi debt self-serving. "What became obvious was how remarkably political debt forgiveness was in Iraq, where the Bush administration has a huge political investment," he says. "Scores of more indebted countries still languish unaided."
Exactly why the nations of the Paris Club changed their views on Iraq's debt in such a hurry remains a mystery. Some analysts say they were persuaded by the prospect of lucrative Iraqi reconstruction and oil concession contracts. But Patricia Adams, whose 1991 book, Odious Debts, helped launch an international debate over Western loans to dictatorships, offers a more complex explanation. "Above all else," says Adams, "the Paris Club creditors were afraid the Iraqis would sue for international debt arbitration."
Arbitration, Adams believes, would have brought unwanted attention to the decision by Paris Club governments to lend billions to Saddam's repressive regime during the 1980s, some of which was spent on the purchase of advanced weapons. International arbitration of this kind is rare, but Adams cites as a precedent the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal, established in 1981 in accordance with UN guidelines, to hear claims stemming from the 1979 Iranian revolution. The legal option grants the Iraqis some leverage, she suggests. "The Paris Club creditors have financed dictators in numerous places like Iraq," she says. "These creditors don't want their odious loans exposed in court. And that's just what the Iraqis threatened to do."
There is a further historical precedent for full debt repudiation after a change in government. Adams cites the case of Cuba after the Spanish-American War of 1898, when the United States assumed control of the island and declared the debt of its former government null and void. Similarly, after World War I, the countries gathered at the peace talks in Versailles decided that Poland would not have to repay some of the debts it incurred under the rule of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
According to Ottawa-based economist Shakir Issa, most Iraqis want the debt question settled through international arbitration. Issa, who is also the director of Jubilee Iraq, an organization seeking the cancellation of Iraq's debts, travelled to Iraq in October 2003 and interviewed dozens of Iraqi politicians, senior officials, and civilian and religious leaders. He found the majority preferred debt arbitration to Baker's backroom dealmaking, which risked sacrificing Iraqi autonomy to imf reforms. "Behind the scenes, and before they even had a government," says Ann Pettifor, director of the UK-based Advocacy International, which lobbies on behalf of developing countries, "this poor little country's hands were tied."
The Paris Club debts are only part of Iraq's financial burden. Kuwait still claims some $27 billion in reparations for damage done to their country during the first Gulf War, while Saudi Arabia lent Iraq $30 billion to finance the Iran-Iraq War during the 1980s. Although these obligations are separate from the Paris Club debts, the leaders canvassed by Issa view the whole lot as illegitimate. Soon after the Paris Club deal was struck, Sa'd Salih Jabr, chairman of the Iraqi National Assembly's economic committee, called for his country's debts to be submitted to "a fair and transparent arbitration process in accordance with United Nations rules."
Pettifor vigorously condemns the Paris Club's deal as the product of an arrangement struck between the Iraqi finance ministry and Central Bank officials appointed by the US-backed interim government. At the urging of Pettifor and others who want Iraq to confront its creditors in open and fair arbitration, the country considered reopening the Paris Club deal, but in the end agreed to imf terms. Still, Issa remains critical. "Far more needs to be done than the Americans did regarding the Paris Club claims," he says.
While the Paris Club deal has been widely debated in Iraq, the reaction around the world has been equally strong. In Africa, nearly half of all international aid goes toward the repayment of debts—many of which were incurred under undemocratic, repressive regimes. In Nigeria, which was ruled until recently by a military dictatorship, the financial picture is especially stark. Abraham Nwankwo, director of the country's Debt Management Office, says it has paid $42 billion to the Paris Club over the past thirty-eight years, to service a debt of $13.5 billion. As a result of compound interest, the country still owes $25 billion, a situation Nwankwo calls an "endless cycle of debt burden." In March, the Nigerian House of Representatives called for debt relief of its own, specifically citing the Iraqi precedent. Sachs thinks they have a point. "James Baker got a deal for Iraq in thirty days," he says. "Yet Nigeria, which is a struggling democracy much poorer than Iraq, with only a fifth of Iraq's oil reserves, is told, 'Sorry, you're an oil country; you'll have to wait.' The lack of consistency is striking."
The Iraqi case is also generating waves beyond Africa. Last March, Argentina, effectively bankrupt and still wrestling with the bill left by its former military regime, renegotiated its $103-billion debt, forcing international bondholders to accept about thirty cents on the dollar. Even though Argentina has a history of fiscal mismanagement, politicians there suggested that the Iraqi debt rollback meant their debts should be reduced even further. Mario Cafiero, a member of the Argentine parliament, argued that most of that debt was "contracted by a despotic regime, not to satisfy the needs of the nation, but to strengthen itself and repress people who fight against it."
In each of these countries, debts amassed by dictators—whose human rights abuses could hardly have been a secret to Western lenders—are widely seen as illegitimate. According to Adams, politicians and debt managers in many more countries have been emboldened by the case of Iraq. She thinks the Philippines, where politicians have called for debt repudiation of their own, will be next. Filipino Senator Manuel Villar recently suggested that the Argentinian example could apply to his own country, which incurred much of its debt under the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Villar said that Argentina was able to reduce its debt to 28 percent of $103 billion; a similar dip would no doubt ease the pressure on the Philippines' own $55-billion burden. "Iraq was a watershed," Adams says. "People in many countries are starting to see that the threat of forcing legal arbitration on Western creditors can shame them into dropping these odious debts. It's a very important moment."
Still, it may be some time before the developing world's debt wall comes down. After last December's tsunami devastated a number of deeply indebted South Asian nations, Western leaders offered a one-year freeze on Paris Club debt payments totalling $5 billion. But the gesture was not as generous as it may seem: additional interest will still be charged for the delay period. That doesn't surprise Pettifor. "The United States and the rest of the wealthy nations invoked a moral case for debt reduction in Iraq," she says. "But the rest of the countries with odious debts are expected to keep paying. It's a blatant double standard."
Paul Webster
Paul Webster has reported from Russia on nuclear-weapons issues.
TaggedAmerican politicsgeopolitics
My Tennis Game
July 12, 2005 May 7, 2020
The Punk Who Would Be King
Moving Back to Chernobyl
Previous Article Fictional Houses
Next Article My Living Media Will


text:
How Wagoner Wins As Ghosn Alliance Talks Fail
GM Chief Can Now Focus
By Monica Langley and Joseph B. White
Oct. 5, 2006 12:01 am ET
The collapse of alliance talks between General Motors Corp. and partners Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. marks a victory for GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner, but it won't mean the end of consolidation talk or alliances among big global auto makers.
In a phone call yesterday morning, Mr. Wagoner and Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of both Nissan and Renault, decided the two sides were too far apart on the value of the potential tie-up and decided to stop the high-stakes talks which had been under way for two months, after an initiative by big GM shareholder Kirk Kerkorian. Mr. Kerkorian and his representative on GM's board, Jerome York, broached the idea of an alliance with Mr. Ghosn in late June and reiterated their support for it last week.


A popular Hudson Valley nail spa is closed for the time being after a close call.
If you pass Sage Nail and Spa on Titusville Road in Poughkeepsie you'll see that the front window is currently boarded up.
On Saturday, January 19th, the nail salon posted to their business Facebook page with pictures of the store front smashed in. The post explains that a car had driven through the front of the store. No one was hurt in the accident. They write "A disaster just happened. One car came into the store. Fortunately, no one was hurt. But I can not open my business for a while. I will restore it as soon as possible. I will update you later."
Following the accident, on Monday January 21st Sage Nail and Spa posted a photo of the front of their building boarded up. The Facebook status explained "Did boardup on Saturday for security and keeping warm. It is expected that reopening will be possible after a couple of weeks. The paperwork, such as town permits and insurance, will take some time. But it will not be that long."


You must always return his calls within twenty four hours.If something prevents you from calling him, send him an email or text to apologize about the delay and let him know you'll be in touch as soon as possible.They are painfully reminded of what Gloria Steinem famously said "We are becoming the very men we wanted to marry".While the line between the sexes of professional singles becomes increasingly similar between men and women, there are considerable differences that play out in the executive dating game.We are the personalized matchmaking service that cares to people like you.Our company has been based in New England for the past 25 years.Initially, many executive women are more concerned with making a million dollars than learning how to love a millionaire.
If you are serious about meeting someone that is uniquely right for you, than take the first step and register today.Like many other professional singles, you have probably gotten the message that you should get you career established first and then find love.As a result, women are pursuing higher educations and placing their focus on work, rather than marriage.Many have found partners through such activities,whilst others simply enjoy them for the experience and the opportunity to try new things in a safe and friendly environment.It is important to remember that nearly everyone is, or was, in the same boat, so whilst one-to-one dating might seem a little intimidating to the uninitiated, the people within each group tend to be very supportive of and welcoming to new-comers - after all, everyone has gone through that 'first time' experience at one time or another.
", print edition, May 25, 2009] If this was the old Colin Farrell who shagged every woman he saw, I would doubt the authenticity of anything having to do with this report.


Powders from fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, berries, mushrooms, cereals, legumes, spices, herbs, herbs, obtained by a new technology with full preservation of the cell structure - a genetically complete cell of life, which allows you to fully preserve the bioenergy of the raw materials, all vitamins, - and trace elements, organic acids, and other nutrients.
In this case, the total energy charge of the products increases by at least 9 times, since all the useful substances in food powders are contained in a concentrated form.
-industry (natural dyes fabrics, beverages, creams).
As well as powders of various medicinal herbs, poultry, beef, pork, lamb.


Also see "Configuring the Message Bank Link," later in this book.
For details, see "Ensemble Utility Functions" in Developing Business Rules.
Delete—Deletes the current table. If you have made any edits to the table since opening it, Ensemble asks if you want to leave the page. To delete the table, select Leave Page. If you select Stay on Page, Ensemble treats the current table as if it were a new table.
For information on working with lookup tables in programs, see "Programmatically Working with Lookup Tables" in Developing Ensemble Productions.
<Export generator="Cache" version="25" zv="Cache for Windows (x86-64) 2015.1 (Build 378U)"
The legacy format exported by the Ens.Util.LookupTable.%Export() method and the portal in Ensemble 2014.1 and earlier versions does not have the Document element. It consists of just a single lookupTable element and the entry elements that it contains. It can contain entries for multiple lookup tables by specifying different names in the table element.
To import such a file as a lookup table, use the Data Import Wizard, as described in "Importing Data from a Text File" in Using Caché SQL. For the schema name, use Ens_Util. For the table name, use LookupTable.
System default settings should specify only the values that are specific to the environment where Ensemble is installed. In contrast, the production definition should specify the values for settings that should be the same in all environments.
The production definition. If Ensemble finds a value for a setting here (even if the value is an empty string), it uses that value.
If Ensemble finds a value here (even if the value is an empty string), it uses that value.
Ensemble uses this value only if there is no system default for the setting.
When you configure a production, the labels are color-coded to indicate whether the value was set in the production, the system default settings, or the class definition. See "Understanding the Color Coding for Settings" for more information.
Existing user templates used as dialog windows in Studio must include the Ens_SourceControl.js in /csp/broker/ensemble/ (which can be referenced by the path ensemble/Ens_SourceControl.js) to manage your browser-based interactions. This inclusion is required both for CSP pages and Zen pages. Depending on the context required by your source control hooks, you may need to add some extra data to certain returns.
You can configure source control settings for each Ensemble namespace. For information on this, see the "Using Studio Source Control Hooks" appendix in Using Studio. Also see the Source Control Settings entry in the Caché Additional Configuration Settings Reference.


text:
New Medical Breakthroughs for Spinal Cord Injuries
AMAZING MOMENT: Man with spinal cord injury walks using exoskeleton in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C.
A man with a spinal cord injury will be going home with an exoskeleton device that allows him to walk again.
Scot Mills fell while building a tree house five years ago.
The accident robbed him the use of his legs.
"They said I would …
Motocross rider launches foundation to inspire other young people with spinal cord injuries
"Sometimes they just need a mate," the 27-year-old says of his motivation for launching What Disability, a not-for-profit foundation aimed at mentoring and inspiring people just like him — young spinal cord injury victims.
"I'm not going to sit there …
Spinal cord injury patients continue to improve in Asterias Bio's SCiStar study; shares ahead 8% premarket
Thinly traded micro cap Asterias Biotherapeutics (NYSEMKT:AST) perks up 8% premarket on average volume in response to its announcement of new data from ts Phase 1/2a SCiStar study assessing AST-OPC1 in patients with acute spinal cord injury.
Evaluation of sexual and fertility dysfunction in spinal cord-injured men in Jamaica
Sexual dysfunction and infertility are common in males with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and infertility in males with traumatic SCI managed in Jamaica, as well …
Wanted: People with spinal cord injuries for clinical trials
When people think about spinal cord injuries, oftentimes they honk of late actor Christopher Reeve, who suffered spinal cord injuries who was thrown from his horse during trial events for an equestrian competition in 1995.
NYPD Officer Steven McDonald …
Woman On A Roll To Find Cure For Spinal Cord Injuries
Jessika decided she wouldn't let her spinal cord injury stop her from doing what she loves.
She still works out, takes vacations to Disney World, and even scuba dives.
"This whole process is 90 percent mental.
If you're not in a good mental state, it's …
Stem cell-based spinal cord therapy expanded to more patients
Moreover, the cells show signs of integrating with the surrounding tissue in animal studies, Ciacci said.
If the preliminary evidence holds up, Ciacci and colleagues plan to submit a paper detailing the results.
Curing paralysis from spinal cord injury …
Brain Injury Settlement Funding
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in in both amateur and professional sports. Life can take some unexpected and frequently unwelcome turns, and few people would argue that accidents involving serious head injuries, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries are at the top of the list when it comes to life-altering events.
Brain injuries can occur almost anywhere; at home, at work, at school, at play or on the road. Car accidents, MVA, slip and fall accidents, catastrophic injuries and premises liability accidents are common culprits in addition to vehicle vs pedestrian accidents.
It is normal for people who have been catastrophically injured to find themselves involved in a personal injury lawsuit in order to receive much needed financial assistance.
It is also quite common for those same people to be in dire need of immediate financial assistance to help pay bills, basic living and medical expenses, emergency travel, etc.


The most popular post on the blog — they're tart, sweet, and sure to please!
One of my favorite summer cocktails in a frozen form!
Craving s'mores with no campfire in sight? Make these cookies instead!
Okay so I seemed to have also gone with the theme of "cupcakes with straws in them" and "alcohol put in desserts" here, but I think we can all agree that drinking is somewhat of a necessity during the summer.
I'll be seeing the movie Sunday night – can't wait!
Good luck with your exam! I love the last cupcake….totally perfect for this weekend!
Oh my gost, I'll take one of each please, I miss baking!
Fabulous cupcakes, I love the straws. Really loving all the beerbutter I am seeing today. Enjoy the movie!
Mmmm, so many good things to say about this post. Pink lemonade cupcakes are my favorite, the Margarita cupcakes looks amazing, and I was just looking for a Butterbeer cupcake recipe so it looks like I came to the right place! Thanks for sharing!
Fabulous! i think you just posted most of the recipes on my to do list, Mojito popsicles being on the top :) Love the straws! Good luck on your exams!!
Good luck! I just (finally), after seven weeks of waiting, got my boards results. So I'll tell you that, though you'll feel like it was a total disaster immediately afterward, it will all turn out fine. And bake a batch of cupcakes the night before. You'll want them the next day. And you'll need some stress relief.


WELCOME TO BABCOCK MILLS IN ODESSA. LOCATED BETWEEN KINGSTON, NAPANEE, THIS VILLAGE SETTING IS CLOSE TO ALL AMENITIES AND HAS QUICK ACCESS TO HIGHWAY 401 AND HIGHWAY 2. THE SMALL SIZE AND EXCELLENT LOCATION OF THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD MAKE IT AN APPEALING OFFERING FOR FAMILIES WHO LIKE A VILLAGE SETTING. CENTRALLY LOCATION CLOSE TO THREE GOLF COURSES, 10 MINUTES TO KINGSTON OR NAPANEE. CHOOSE YOUR OWN BUILDER OR LET US RECOMMEND A REPUTABLE ONE FOR YOU!
I was searching for a Property and found this listing (MLS® #K19000330). Please send me more information regarding 70 Potter Dr, Odessa, Ontario, K0H2H0. Thank you!
I'd like to request a showing of 70 Potter Dr, Odessa, Ontario, K0H2H0 (MLS® #K19000330). Thank you!


This page shows businesses on Duncombe Place. Click on a business to bring up its details and a map showing its location.
Dean Court Hotel is a hotel which offers various facilities for guests and other customers.
Grays is a firm of solicitors offering various legal advice.
The Red House Antique Centre is an antique dealer which buys and sells a range of old collectible items including furniture and ornaments.
The Redhouse Cafe is a caf� serving a variety of hot and cold drinks and light meals.


Noah fell really ill at the weekend. He went to football on Sunday morning and to a birthday party at a soft play centre in the afternoon. He had a great time at both but late in the afternoon he just didn't seem himself and at bedtime we noticed he was coming out in a rash on his elbows and knees.
He suffers with eczema but it's been under control for a while now, so on Monday I took him to our GP who diagnosed a staph infection. By now the rash was appearing around Noah's mouth and was spreading down his arms and legs. He was prescribed the world's worst tasting antibiotics and some creams. It was fruitless trying to get the antibiotics down him, they tasted really bitter, and I was having to pin him down to get him to take them. I just felt evil.
On Tuesday it was my Nan's funeral. I didn't have any tights to wear with my dress so I popped to town to get some. On my way home a van was behind me, and every time I slowed down for the traffic lights he honked at me and was driving ridiculously close. I slowed to let someone pull out of a junction, got honked at again and the van drove into the back of me. Not what I needed on the day of my Nan's funeral.
My Nan's funeral was lovely, but my Mum - who I've not spoken to in over 5 years - decided to sit right next to me. I don't know what she was expecting, a grand reconciliation perhaps? It made me feel so uncomfortable. I am in the process of grieving, but not being allowed to grieve properly. The day ended with Jude vomiting all over me at bedtime. Great.
On Wednesday I phoned the GP and asked for Noah's antibiotics to be changed as I was exhausted from wrestling with him to take them, and anything I did get into him he just spat out. He was coming out in blisters now, too. Great, I thought, chicken pox as well? A friend of mine is a nurse, specifically a children's nurse, and thought I should get Noah seen again as his rash was now all over his body and getting worse instead of better. We went back to the GP who sent us to children's A&E to be seen by paediatrics. We were sent home after a few hours with new antibiotics and the addition of antivirals, but told to come back if he doesn't start to improve as he will need to have medication via an IV instead.
Yesterday Jude started to come out in little spots on his bottom, arms and legs and he had tiny blisters appearing on his hands. After sending a photo to my nurse friend, she said she thought it might be hand, foot and mouth disease, a virus prevalent among young children. Just what I need. Fortunately he hasn't been suffering too much with it, he's quite a tough cookie is Jude.
Ian has said he feels ill now too as he is so stressed by what has gone on this week. Though it was me that had the car accident and it was my Nan that passed away, he doesn't seem to comprehend how much harder it must be for me.
Aww! Sending you big hugs! What a rubbish week for you!
I'm so sorry about your nan.
You poor thing, what a crap week indeed.
Your Nan, I am so sorry to hear about her passing. It's very hard isn't it? Recently we had a funeral on my husband's side and it was awkward because of some family we don't speak to. I purposely kept my distance from them as it wasn't me grieving to not make things awkward. I don't know of they expected a reconciliation too! It didn't happen. But (and of course I don't know about you and your mum) maybe she just wanted to be near you at that time. Family death always makes you think about the people still around I guess.
The car! Sounds like a bullying driver. But he drove in to you so the idiot will suffer the consequences with his insurance etc. Don't let a random play on your mind too much.
Hello there! I'm sorry that you had such a crap week and my thoughts are with your family!
If you'd like to take a look, I will probably to a skin blog very soon!


I'm sure you all have many many questions, and I'll try to answer many as I can now.
Please understand that we do feel comfortable divulging who our carrier is at this point, just know that she an amazing woman and is a local friend of a friend who has quickly become a best friend.
When/where/how did you find a carrier?
Our carrier actually found us! She is a friend of a friend that came forward and offered to make our dream come true after I had told her about our search for a carrier at a mutual friend's party the year before. She offically offered in April 2014, with the caveat that we wait until January 2015 to do the transfer due to personal reasons, we eagerly agreed, and started on the legal and other process in October 2014.
How many attempts and where/when was the embryo transfer?
We had our first (and only) embyro transfer at John Hopkins on Sunday, January 18th, 2015 (MLK Jr weekend).
How many embryos did you transfer?
We transferred 1 embryo, and have one baby on the way.
Is it a body or girl?
We didn't do any pre-genetic testing, so we don't know the gender yet.
We have been video recording every step of our journey and once she/we do feel comfortable we will share it with you and then all of your questions (I hope!) will be answered.
Any other questions? Comment below or message us!
I'm so happy for you, Christina and your husband. I know this has to be a miracle come true for you.
I'm so happy for you both! With out hearing any news I was thinking of offering to be a carrier for you :) I miss being pregnant, and we are done having our own kids, so I was definitely considering it. But I'm glad you found someone faster than I was able to offer :) Best wishes for a healthy baby!


What an easy and beautiful way to transform any shelf, windowsill or mantelpiece into the perfect place for your Christmas stocking, without resorting to hammer and nail or sticky tape. And what a pleasure to grace your holiday home with this towering, 3-D vision of Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle), meticulously crafted in antiqued brass. A decidedly aristocratic accent, it makes a great key holder the rest of the year. 4 1/2" h.


One of the decisions breast augmentation patients must make before their surgery is the location of the incisions for their implants.
While there will always be scarring with breast implants, New You Magazine recently gave an overview of some of the incision techniques being used to reduce the visibility of scarring.
Here are some options for breast implant incisions that avoid the breast entirely.
Arm Pit: This technique uses an incision in the pocket of the armpit and works best for those with deep armpits. One of the advantages of this incision, according to Dr. Cuzalina, is that the surgeon can visualize the muscle with a camera during surgery.
Belly Button: The transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) has the incision through the belly button, so the incisions are hidden in the navel. One drawback is that only saline implants can be used, and Dr. Cuzalina said that patients without a lot of fat on their stomachs may not be the best candidates.
Tummy Tuck: The transabdominoplasty, or TABA technique, can be used when the patient is having a tummy tuck at the same time as the breast augmentation. The surgeon then uses the tummy tuck incision to place the implants. However, this technique can't be used if the patient also wants a breast lift.
If you are considering an incision technique away from the breast, be sure that your cosmetic surgeon is experienced with the technique you want, as the minimal-scar techniques can require greater skill.