text:
Railway Privatisation De-rails in Britain
SIX years after privatising British Rail, the Labour government has finally pulled the plug on Railtrack and effectively re-nationalised the company. This is after years of paying out good tax payer's money to Railtrack, the private company that had taken over the major assets of British Rail – its railway tracks, signalling equipment and stations. Already, it had been put under receivership nine months back. Finally, Alistair Darling, the transport secretary in Tony Blair's government told the House of Commons on June 28 that a new, non-profit company will take over from the private, bankrupt Railtrack. This signals the formal end of the privatisation experiment in railways in the UK. It is an important landmark in the continuing saga of privatisation, which has been flogged through out the world based on its so-called success in the UK. Ordinarily, the failure of deregulation in California's electricity sector and the forced re-nationalisation of British railways should have led to some soul searching, particularly in privatisation of public services. Such an outcome is perhaps too much to expect when gung-ho liberalisation is the mantra of the day, never mind that it's repeated failures litter the ground. The only consequence of Railtrack's failure has been to put a brake on the opening of postal services in the UK to competition and the eventual privatisation of Royal Mail.
BASIC ISSUES
At the heart of the debate about privatisation of public services such as railways, are two questions. One is the old fashioned one: can private companies whose interest lie primarily in their balance sheets, deliver good quality public service? The second is unlike privatisation of monopolies and opening them to competition – in the UK, the case of Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) and British Telecom – railways was an inherently loss making activity, for reasons that we will explore later. The issue here was could such an activity be run more efficiently by the private sector so as to provide, not only the increased costs of the private companies, but also their need for high profits.
The answer to both these questions have been a resounding no. The British railways, not exactly the most efficient organisation before privatisation, now seems almost a paragon of virtue from the hell of the current system. Even government officials admitted that the British railways, after privatisation, had become the worst system in Europe. Frequent accidents, endemic late running, repeated cancellations, have all played havoc with the railways.
The question that has to be addressed by the British government is that by privatising a system that was operational, even though making some losses, how much more has now to be paid to restore that system back to some semblance of health. And if the British taxpayers have to foot this bill, would not they have paid much less to continue with a subsidised public transport system?
The British government now concedes that the new company, Network Rail will need government support worth 21 billion US dollars. Earlier, Railtrack had been demanding and getting virtually a blank cheque from the government to continue running the system. It wanted its full costs to be met by the government for the next four years, the suspension of all regulatory regimes and a guarantee that government would completely underwrite the shareholders. Faced with such demands, even the pro-privatisation New Labour of Tony Blair baulked and finally decided to re-nationalise Railtrack. There is still a set of private operating companies in the UK whose future currently remains uncertain.
The genesis of the problem in British railways lies in the decision of the then Tory government to "restructure" British Rail in 1994. After years of under-investment and neglect of the railway system, the tracks, signalling equipment and the stations were hived off to Railtrack and the rolling stock – the coaches and engines – re-organised into 25 operating companies. The argument here is the familiar one applied to the electricity sector. The railway lines are the monopoly element of the railways. Once these are separated from the rolling stock – the trains – there could then be competition between the operating companies. Thus, Railtrack owning the lines would become a regulated monopoly, while others would compete with each other for passengers and freight.
STEADY DECLINE
After restructuring, these entities were privatised; Railtrack was privatised in 1996. A stock taking today would show that British railways went into a steady decline after restructuring and privatisation. The private companies sacked its employees, calling it "rationalising" of the workforce, cut maintenance and equipment costs and neglected track renewal. Their so-called profits and increased financial efficiency came from these measures. Interestingly, even when the company was losing money, it paid dividend to its shareholders making clear what their priorities were. As they paid out dividend to the shareholders and fat salaries for the top management, the quality of service deteriorated rapidly. Initially, it was late running of trains and cancellations. Soon after, a crash at Hatfield occurred due to broken rails. A survey of the tracks revealed thousand of cracked rails, as Railtrack had neglected track repairs. This led to massive delays as a large number of trains were withdrawn and speeds were drastically reduced. A final irony in this situation was when on a balmy summer day with temperatures in "high" 20s, British railways had to suspend a number of services as the tracks were "too hot."
The rapid decline of the British railway system led to a huge increase in congestion on the roads. The New Labour hailed this congestion as a sign of burgeoning wealth and more and more people abandoning old-fashioned public transport for nifty private cars. The American model, with no public transport, a decaying Amtrak became the New Labour's ideal. The picture on the ground was quite different. The congestion on roads, increased pollution and road accidents was directly due to failure of public transportation. And the policy of encouraging privatisation of public transport, espoused by the Tories, became the mantra of New Labour as well. It not only embraced the philosophy of privatising public services, it set in motion privatisation of the underground rail in London and the postal services.
REPLICATING FAILED MODELS
The key issue in the transport sector is what constitutes subsidies and what constitutes genuine public investments. The motorised road system is bolstered with huge public investments in terms of highways and roads, while the railways are expected to be self-sufficient in maintaining the tracks, laying out new tracks, keep fares low and provide good quality service. If they then run into losses, this is tom-tommed all over as proof of the failure of public sector. The American paradigm of transport is based on this differential treatment of railways and road transport system. And it is this model that the UK government was keen on adopting in its treatment of British Rail.
The problem of failure of privatised public services is that the government of the day cannot wash its hands off such companies. An instructive case is that of the California utilities. When the California de-regulation hit the skids, and California started facing blackouts, the government had to step in to save the private utilities. As the California governor stated, electricity is a necessity and no government can wash its hands off such public services. The collapse of the electricity sector would mean the collapse of the economy of California (the sixth largest economy of the world).
The collapse of British railways privatisation should immediately raise alarms signals here. The paradigm of restructuring loss making public utilities such as SEBs is quite similar. As the Orissa case has shown, once such privatisation collapses, the state has to step in with huge amounts to save such utilities from collapse. A perusal of the Kanungo Committee Report of failed Orissa privatisation reads eerily similar to that of Railtrack – poor maintenance, no investment and siphoning out money. Delhi Vidyut Board is treading the same path: with Orissa case before it, it has already provided for Rs 3,500 crore as the subsidy it will pay to Tata Power and BSES to take over its assets. Once the private companies take out their money and have eaten up this Rs 3,500 crore, chances are that they will again land in Delhi government's lap in worse shape than they are now.
The restructuring of the railways by the Tory and the subsequent New Labour and India's proposed restructuring of the electricity sector that both the BJP-led central government and the Congress state governments are following, are informed by similar ideological premises. It is an ideology-driven vision by which things automatically improve if they are privatised. The reality for the people is that the only improvement that takes places is in the pockets of people associated with such privatisation and in the balance sheets of the companies. If we look at the services offered, then it is a dismal tale of high prices coupled with declining services.
The Nobel Prize winning former economist of the World Bank, Joseph Stiglitz exposed this ideology of privatization –the World Bank-IMF-WTO recipes in scathing terms. In an interview to The Observer (London, Oct 10, 2001), he called privatisation as "Briberisation: Politicians and officials are encouraged to flog their electricity and water companies, and rewarded with a 10 per cent commission paid for "shaving a few billion off the sale price of national assets". This is the true face of the current reforms. Unfortunately, we in India will pay a heavy price for the illusions that were created in the UK and are being marketed worldwide by the World Bank-IMF and their apologists.
Categories Others	Post navigation
Kalam's Disturbing Vision
IA Airbus Deal Up In The Air?


Discussion in 'Mac Apps and Mac App Store' started by Lightnin Rick, Jun 1, 2014.
I just converted a pdf to excel and it comes in 8 short pages. how can I put them into just one page?
Can't just copy and paste, seems like that would be the easiest.
Another simple method would be to save them as CSV files and then just copy and past them together.
Thanks, I know i could cut and paste. I just thought there might be a little easier way to put 8 pages in one.


text:
[![CircleCI](https://circleci.com/gh/Parnswir/tie.svg?style=svg)](https://circleci.com/gh/Parnswir/tie) [![Coverage Status](https://coveralls.io/repos/github/Parnswir/tie/badge.svg?branch=master)](https://coveralls.io/github/Parnswir/tie?branch=master) ![Dependencies](https://david-dm.org/parnswir/tie.svg) ![Dev Dependencies](https://david-dm.org/parnswir/tie/dev-status.svg) [![Maintainability](https://api.codeclimate.com/v1/badges/6a03861a3e03f6345e59/maintainability)](https://codeclimate.com/github/Parnswir/tie/maintainability) [![MIT Licence](https://badges.frapsoft.com/os/mit/mit.svg?v=103)](https://opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php)

This is a prototype of a 2D tile engine based on [JSIso](http://jsiso.com/), which both reduces the headaches of JSIso and adds useful features.
Simple games can be created by supplying map files, complete with layers, z-order, collision detection, path-finding, lighting, and extensible scripting.

![Screenshot](/doc/TIE.jpg)

## Examples
Have a look at the [sample directory](sample/) for tutorials.

## Development
The engine is based on ES6 modules, so if that's your thing, import it directly!

You can also use [Webpack](http://webpack.js.org) to bundle it.
Have a look at the [Webpack config file](webpack.config.js) or the official Webpack [Getting Started Guide](http://webpack.js.org/guides/get-started/) for how this works and install the dev-dependencies.

Please open an issue on Github for suggestions or bugs.
If you would like to contribute, please send a pull-request.

I would appreciate a short message if you do something cool with this engine in your own project.
Please keep in mind that JSIso (i.e. everything in the `src/jsiso` directory) is licensed under the Apache License Version 2.0.

## Tests
Run `npm test` for tests and coverage.
Use `npm run report` for a html report on coverage.

During development, it is useful to use `ava -w` directly, as it will watch the code and execute all relevant tests automatically.
You might want to install [AVA](https://ava.li) globally for this.

PRs will automatically be checked for test failures and coverage drops.

## Resources
Some images in the examples are provided with permission of the original artists.
Please have a look at the included license files and check out their other work!
Keep these licenses in mind if you plan to re-use parts of the examples.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


With an invitation to visit soon, Route 10 Roadside Market welcomes those who prefer fresh selections, appreciate good value, and enjoy authentic market fare varieties.
a favorite return destination for visitors to PA Dutch country.
Bulk foods (including organic and gluten-free options) are a highlight at Route 10 Roadside Market with a wide selection of flours, nuts, snacks, candies, spices, and baking supplies.
From fresh baked goods to a variety of market fare items, including nut butters, jams, and a wide selection of preserves, from a supply of essential groceries to household accessories, natural health products, and gift items…customers appreciate the quality and value always offered by the Market.
Throughout the growing season, customers appreciate the bountiful supply of locally grown produce for fresh eating, vibrant flowers for summertime beauty, and colorful fall harvest varieties.


This basic ceramic jar trio is great for any use, from spices, jewelry, or toiletries. This set comes with 3 jars with wooden lids. You may also choose to complete the set with a handmade wooden base made especially for these jars.


text:
Home » Lifestyle » Health & Fitness » Vegan Viking Smashes Own National Record In Icelandic Benchpress Championships
Posted inCulture, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Sport
Vegan Viking Smashes Own National Record In Icelandic Benchpress Championships
The athlete will soon be in Dubai competing at the IPF World Championships
by Liam Gilliver 18th September 2019 Updated 1st October 2020
Hulda B Waage, also knows as the Vegan Viking, has smashed her own national record in the Icelandic Benchpress Championships. The lift adds to her range of records in the country known for strength sports.
The previous record (which was Hulda's) was 140kg. This means she's added a large chunk to the national best and leaves a large margin before her nearest rival.
'It was so satisfying'
"I almost, or actually did cry a little bit," Hulda told Great Vegan Athletes. "I've been benching this weight at training for more than a year but didn't manage while competing until today. It was so satisfying!"
Powerlifting meets give participants three lifts, and Hulda broke her record with a 142.5 kg lift on the second lift.
Unsurprisingly, she has been working hard – although wasn't convinced of her progress.
"I have felt like I'm constantly working and putting in work without gaining," Hulda explains. "But I saw today that I've actually been doing well. I think everything is going according to plan."
The Vegan Viking
Hulda has long held all the national records available to her. She turned vegan in 2014 after discovering it as a teenager and was voted Vegan Athlete of the Year back in 2017.
"I was watching videos on YouTube thinking about how I was going to lose weight after having my younger daughter," she explains.
"I went through videos of Raw Christina, followed by Earthlings. Suddenly I remembered how much veganism meant to me and how I had blocked my feelings towards the meat, dairy and egg industry for all those years. No more! So in a week or so I went vegan."
Hulda soon is set to attend the nationals next month – and will be in Dubai competing at the IPF World Championships the month after.
This article was originally published on Great Vegan Athletes
Tagged: Benchpress, Champion, fitness, iceland, plantbased, record, vegan, Vegan Viking
Liam Gilliver
Liam is the Deputy Editor and Social Media Coordinator for Plant Based News. He has written for a number of top publications including Gay Times, Attitude Magazine, Oh Comely, and The Huffington Post - and is the author of 'We're Worried About Him'.	More by Liam Gilliver

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The British way is to keep everything for as long as you can, for as long as you can. We also like to measure twice and cut once too!
From School Students, REME technicians, garage mechanics and university students; lets show the world how British is Best!
iFixit, a brilliant on-line community were we can collaborate our collectively vast pool of knowledge from people all across the world and of all walks of life.
Annoyingly parts are only available in the United States, this group aims to solve that by having us being good 'buddies' and ameliorating our ideas and recommendations to make repairs and fixes available and applicable to us too!


Our ambitions aim to offer hospitality and culinary experiences out of the ordinary. Our food & beverage crew consists of young and ambitious kitchen and restaurant staff, all inspired by Telemark and the high quality specialities of the region. Together they offer you a "taste of Telemark" and other fine culinary experiences. Travelling the Telemark Canal the onboard restaurant stays open all day.
Departing from Skien or from Dalen you may always start your day with a delicious onboard breakfast. For guests having spent the night at the Dalen Hotel breakfast is included.
M/S Henrik Ibsen offers a selection of menus for you to enjoy during your journey. Sandwiches, cold dishes, warm dishes and sweet temptations of your choice can be served to accompany you along the Telemark Canal. Please contact us if you would like English menus.
The M/S Henrik Ibsen® is a proud member of The Historic Hotels & Resorts and meets the same high demands as the other members of the organisation. Storytelling with the host playing an important part is a mainstay of the experience we try to create for our guests.
Our group standards maintain a high level of quality and our values "hospitable", "personal" and "quality conscious" contribute to our group vision: "We want to be perceived as a great place to stay".


For Chip-On-Board (COB) applications, some form of protection is necessary for the bare silicon Integrated Circuit (IC) and its wire bonds. Typically, COB consists predominantly of surface-mount components, which by their very nature do not require any extra protection against environmental stresses. However, the bare silicon, and the wire bonds that connect the IC to the tracks on the PCB, are fragile by nature, and some form of protection is required.
This is provided in the form of a hard black epoxy. For small ICs, a single process is sufficient to ensure this protection. The epoxy is dispensed onto the surface of the IC and flows in a controlled manner to form a dome over the IC and the wire bonds. Heat is then applied to cure the adhesive, forming a hard protective surface over the IC. However, larger ICs require a two-stage process: A high-viscosity epoxy is dispensed to form a wall, or Dam, around the area to be protected, and a chemically-compatible, lower-viscosity epoxy is then dispensed into the cavity to complete the protective covering. This process is known as Dam & Fill, and ideally the Dam and the Fill are cured simultaneously.
In addition to mechanical protection, these epoxies provide excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals such as motor oil & diesel, aqueous, UV & solvent-based printing inks, and also vibration and temperature extremes. Typical applications include automotive electronic sensors, bio-medical device protection, aerospace and military mixed technology programs. The adhesives are one-part, solvent-free epoxies, optimised for easy dispensing and fast, low-temperature curing. They provide maximum moisture protection, successfully meeting the requirements of JEDEC MSL 1, and have an operating temperature range of -60C to +180C.


text:
Home Center Well Iowa Power Rankings: Ron Paul leading
Iowa Power Rankings: Ron Paul leading
A major disconnect is underway that makes it difficult to know exactly how the caucuses would play out if they were held tonight. That is, the candidates who are surging in polling are those who aren't spending time in Iowa, a state that values its grassroots, retail politics.
So while the field itself became clearer with the final announcements by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin that they would not seek the nomination, the path out of the caucuses has become more muddy. Social conservatives are rumored to make up 60 percent of GOP caucusgoers in Iowa, and we've yet to see them coalesce around a single candidate. Republicans who focus more on fiscal issues also have yet to find a home within the current field.
The situation, according to our group of assembled panelists, has opened a door for individuals previously expected to do "just enough" in the Iowa caucuses due to assembled core support to grab the golden ring of victory.
Here's how our panel, comprised of grassroots activists, state political reporters, consultants, academics and strategists, believe the caucuses would play out if they were held tonight:
Ron Paul — The Texas congressman surges to the top of our rankings for the first time, but not without caution.
"If the caucuses were held today, [Paul] would win because he's the only candidate with an excited base and an excellent organization," a panelist noted.
"However, the caucuses being held January 3 could hurt him because a lot of his young voters will still be on Christmas break."
The panelists have given props to the Paul organization for some time, and there is no denying that the Texan has a core group of supporters that are incredibly loyal and excited. The question, at least for our panelists, has always been if there were enough supporters to compete against a candidate that drew large swaths of social conservatives (i.e., Huckabee in 2008).
But, in this 15th edition of our rankings, our panelists now see a social conservative base so fractured in the Hawkeye State as to allow Paul's seemingly limited base — that is, a base that doesn't appear to be drawing vast numbers of new supporters — to exit Iowa with a victory.
"Paul has been back in the state, and he is drawing good crowds. But, from what I've seen, these are the same people who have been showing up at Paul's events for ages. There's not much new blood here, which made a difference in 2008, but may not really matter in 2012."
Paul was given an opportunity to shine in the last presidential debate in New Hampshire due to its focus on the economy. The format also, as one of the panelists noted, didn't lend itself to Paul's past problems where his differences with others in the field were a focus.
"He's also started airing TV ads. The two I've seen focus mostly on core Republican issues as one is pro-life and the other concerns national security. These should help him with the Republican base and he might pick up some supporters who are ambivalent about the other candidates. Then again, I don't think he'll pick up many. Those who don't want to go with Romney will be looking mostly at other choices. Like Romney, Paul has been through this before and is a known quantity for most likely caucusgoers. As such, it's unlikely that we would see any surge for him."
Mitt Romney — Speaking of the former Massachusetts governor, he and Paul are separated in this edition by less than two percent. Our panelists believe that Romney's long-standing core support in Iowa, combined with the inability thus far of the "anti-Romney contingent" to find a suitable home with a specific candidate would allow him to exit Iowa in very good shape if the caucuses were held tonight.
"The biggest problem Romney has had in Iowa is the group of social conservatives that find him uniquely undesirable," wrote a panelist. "Whether that is because of his religion or for other reasons, it doesn't really matter because these are individuals who won't simply not support him, but individuals who will actively pursue a strategy to prevent him from exiting Iowa with a victory. In the past that has meant some supporting a candidate they otherwise would not, just because they see an opportunity to elevate someone ahead of Romney.
"I think we saw that in 2008 with the Arkansas governor. Yes, Huckabee had good support, but there were some who viewed his candidacy as the anti-Romney campaign, even when they knew Huckabee was not likely to go the distance."
And that last point of electability might be the one place where Romney bests Paul and other members of the GOP field.
"His support has been steady. He has had good debate performances and is generally well versed on the issues. He isn't great at retail politics, but isn't horrible either. People know his weaknesses and may be willing to look past them if they believe he has the best chance to beat Obama, which is the key factor for most Republicans. To the extent that the 'not Romney' candidates continue to split the support of both social conservatives and tea partiers, Romney could be the caucus winner."
Another panelists put it even more bluntly, "Regardless of how hard Romney is working Iowa, he still looks like the candidate most likely to defeat the President due to his message discipline."
Herman Cain — The Atlanta businessman is seeing a national surge, which didn't go unnoticed by our panelists. But it is also difficult to see a path to a Cain victory in Iowa due to lack of organization.
"Each of the candidates have come to Iowa, stood up and presented themselves as 'not Romney,' but that can only take you so far — as they've all hopefully realized by now. Cain was one of many and found to be lacking shortly after coming on the scene. Iowans are willing to take another look, but there had better be some substance there this time around or it will be a very short look."
Cain has another big problem in the Hawkeye State: visibility. He hasn't returned to Iowa since the Straw Poll, which makes is rather difficult for grassroots activists to kick the tires. He does, however, plan to return to the state this weekend and those stops will likely provide a clearer picture of his caucus hopes.
"I do love to hear Cain speak. I like his passion and the energy he leaves behind in the room. But if he isn't going to be in Iowa building that energy, building an organization that will push people to their caucus site, he isn't going to do well in Iowa. He has got to be on the ground, and he's got to be serious. We've already got the 'teleprompter president' and Iowans don't want another person who can speak well but accomplish nothing. He's got to show us more than a good speech."
Another panelists agrees. "Cain could argue that he's managed to increase his popularity in Iowa despite not having been here in over two months. That's true, but there's a big difference between telling a pollster that you like Cain and whether you would go out to caucus for him on a January evening. Like Bachmann and Perry before him, Cain is — and I hate to use this phrase, but I suppose it fits — the flavor of the month. In other words, the candidate that many are looking to at the moment to fill the not-Romney slot. … Right now, there are probably enough supporters who would turn out for Cain that he would finish in the top five, but I think he has a lot of work to do to seal the deal, and it doesn't seem that he's planning on doing it."
Rick Perry — The honeymoon has officially come to an end for the Texas governor.
There is one aspect of Perry's candidacy in which our panelists all agree: horrible, horrible, horrible debate performances. While national debates typically aren't enough to toss someone out of the running, especially in retail-heavy Iowa, they do make an impression.
"Perry remains on a downward slide, with no end in sight until he finds a game-changer."
Perry has been back in Iowa and has emphasized his successes in meeting one-on-one. He has reached out to Iowa supporters and potential supporters in the wake of his dismal debate performances. But it might be too little, too late.
"There was a rocky start for Perry in Iowa to begin with because of the way his announcement seemed to step on the Ames Straw Poll. It was good that he came into the state right after that announcement and began retail politics here — something he seems to be pretty good at doing. But no matter how much I like him as a person, no matter how much I think he might be a good leader, all I have to do is imagine him on a national stage with Obama and I cringe. We can't afford another four years of Obama, and the general election isn't a retail contest."
Rick Santorum — After many months of beating the Iowa bushes, it appears that the former senator from Pennsylvania is finally beginning to gain traction in Iowa.
"Santorum continues to put in the most effort in Iowa. He raised less than a million dollars for the third quarter, but he is keeping his spending low. Santorum may very well be the 'under-the-radar' candidate of this caucus season. Because of his lack of finances he's been relying on grassroots campaigning. Moreover, he's bee going to many of the smaller counties that other candidates have not. At last count Santorum has been to nearly 70 of Iowa's 99 counties. That effort may not be showing up in the polls, but it might do well for him on caucus night."
"We know that some Iowans have been sampling the candidates and hopping around quite frequently. First they were with Huckabee, then moved to Bachmann and then to Perry. As each of those campaigns have fallen off — at least Huckabee was by his own design — those tepid supporters are looking for a home. Some have gravitated to Cain, but others are moving toward Santorum. All Santorum needs to do is keep them, and not make any big mistakes. His base will grow."
It's difficult for our panelists to predict if a compressed caucus season helps or hinders Santorum, who is mostly considered a "slow burn" candidate. Obviously, he doesn't have the support to win the caucuses if they were held tonight, but the vast majority of our panelists view him as someone who's going to stick around and gather up the stragglers left behind when when the aforementioned 'flavor of the month' isn't quite as tasty.
"Each day that Bachmann fails to go on offense, and Perry continues to implode, increases the chances he will be the surprise of these caucuses."
For the first time in weeks, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann failed to garner enough support to be listed in our top five. She came in sixth for this edition, only a hair behind Santorum.
Bachmann appears to also be suffering from the syndrome of electability and, interestingly enough, her messaging in Iowa for caucusgoers not to "settle" seems to be somewhat backfiring.
"When [Bachmann] told us to support our values, I understood what she was saying. She wants us to support what we believe in our hearts, to vote and caucus based on our principles. But we already tried that with Huckabee and that got us McCain and we lost the White House. So if the choice is between supporting someone who is 100 percent in alignment with my values or someone who is 70 percent there, but the lesser candidate has a better chance of winning the White House, why wouldn't I support that other candidate? When everything is said and done, I have to think that 70 percent is better than nothing."
The panelists agree that Bachmann has a good ground organization in Iowa, but also that she has faltered in overall messaging and by making some big mistakes on the national stage. Retail politics has long been a hit-and-miss game for the Bachmann campaign in Iowa, with the team doing excellent at one event and being plagued by missteps at another. If there was a time for her to rise up, meet the challenge that she's been presented, this is it.
"I don't care about flowery speeches. I don't care about what color her clothes are or if her make-up is perfect. I care about her passion, and I've not been seeing it lately. She was hit hard when Perry entered the race, but she has an opportunity to not only win those supporters back, but to show that titanium spine. But if she doesn't really put herself out there over the next month, this campaign is a loss."
The Colorado Independent is a statewide online news source operating in a time when spin is plentiful, but factual, fair and unflinching news in the public interest is all too rare. Our award-winning team of veteran investigative and explanatory reporters and news columnists aims to amplify the voices of Coloradans whose stories are unheard, shine light on the relationships between people, power and policy, and hold public officials to account. We strive to report the news with context, social conscience, and soul, and to give Coloradans the insight they need to promote conversation, understanding and progress in this square, swing state we call home.
Littwin: The Trump acquittal (and a few words on the State of the Union)
Littwin: The Trump Senate impeachment trial, Day Eight
Littwin: The Trump Senate impeachment trial, Day Six
Littwin: The Trump Senate impeachment trial, Day Four
Littwin: Here's how to look at the impeachment inquiry – as a do-over that might work


Lam, C., Walhorn, R., Toner, E., et al. (2006). The Prospect of Using Alternative Medical Care Facilities in an Influenza Pandemic. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. 4(4): 384-390.
The authors reviewed literature on federal and state pandemic plans and categorized models for alternate care facilities. The team then analyzed how these models applied to an influenza pandemic, including how they could function as primary triage sites, provide supportive care, offer isolation locations to patients, and serve as recovery clinics to facilitate patient discharge from hospitals.


There is really not significantly difference between an online degree and the degree you will be getting when you attend standard universities. With top universities in the world offering their own online courses, the area is becoming more and more reputable. In fact, most companies happen to be accepting graduates from online courses and contrary to popular opinion, these types of courses are not short term ones that on the internet education has been known for in the past. There are full-pledged courses like those in educational institutions that are already to be had to the public.
Despite this, it is still important that you select your online degree as well as school well before an individual enroll. Remember that although it is already becoming a legitimate source of education, you can still find websites that are right now there to scam people. Don't fall for these types of cash traps especially now when the period is hard. Below are some tips that can help you choose an online degree that will help you have the job that you want.
Using a relatively new industry, it is best to stick to schools and academic institutions that have old a presence either in the web or in traditional options. In fact, if you can select those schools which have campuses and standard courses. Usually, these types of schools will have more descriptive and better curriculum as well as faculty. After all, their own faculty in standard sit-down classes will be the same. They will also be those who will be recognized by the human resources of companies and major businesses.
Before you decide to enroll, check the affiliation of the school and how it fares along with other schools that offer the identical course. That way, it is certain that you will be accepted within companies and your diploma will be recognized as soon as you graduate. There are colleges, in fact, that are even recognized in other continents in the world similar to the Europe and in Asia and this could be an edge when it comes to career hunting overseas.
Your education, face it, will also depend upon the professors that you will have in the course. As much as you can, go for on the web degrees that have illustrious school members that are experts in their fields. It is also excellent to look into their qualifications. Are they graduate of masters and doctor's degree How many years of experience do they have in teaching Do they have experience with the industry that they are teaching All these can factor in the way you will be getting instruction. So, check out the faculty. This is pretty easy especially with the internet only a click away.
There are courses that are fit for your online educational system. Other online diplomas however are better educated inside the classroom. If the course is more directly into research and composing and less of a sensible laboratory work, online courses should be ideal. This is because online courses will involve a lot of research work and writing.
Science courses, however like medicine, the field of biology and other courses which entail laboratory experiments tend to be more suited to traditional sit-down lessons where students can experiment and deal with chemicals and other supplies that they will not otherwise be able to study and make use of without the proper facilities and materials.


text:
You are here: Home / Federal Register Notices / FR Notice – Pacific Island Fisheries; Closure of the 2018 Hawaii Shallow-Set Longline Fishery; Court Order (May 11, 2018)
FR Notice – Pacific Island Fisheries; Closure of the 2018 Hawaii Shallow-Set Longline Fishery; Court Order (May 11, 2018)
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; fishery closure.
SUMMARY: This final rule closes the Hawaii shallow-set pelagic longline
fishery in compliance with an order of the U.S. District Court for the
District of Hawaii.
DATES: Effective May 8, 2018, through December 31, 2018.
Compliance date: May 4, 2018, through December 31, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Harman, NMFS PIR, 808-725-5170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a January 30, 2012, NMFS completed a
biological opinion (BiOp) on the effects of the Hawaii shallow-set
longline fishery, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In the
BiOp, NMFS concluded that the continued operation of the Hawaii
shallow-set fishery, as managed under the regulatory framework of the
Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific
(FEP), was not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any ESA-
listed species, or result in destruction or adverse modification of
designated critical habitat.
The BiOp established an annual incidental take statement
authorizing the fishery to interact with up to 26 leatherback and 34
loggerhead sea turtles. Consistent with the BiOp, NMFS revised its
regulations establishing annual limits on allowable incidental
interactions between the fishery and leatherback and North Pacific
loggerhead sea turtles (77 FR 60638, October 4, 2012, codified at 50
CFR 665.813). If the fishery reaches either of the interaction limits
in a given year, the regulations require NMFS to close the fishery for
the remainder of the calendar year.
In the U.S. District Court of Hawaii, several plaintiffs
challenged, among other things, the NMFS final rule that revised the
annual sea turtle interaction limits, and the Court ruled in favor of
NMFS on all claims (see Turtle Island Restoration Network, et al. v.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce, et al., (U.S.D.C. 2013), Civil No. 12-00594).
Plaintiffs appealed the Court's decision and, on December 27, 2017, a
U.S Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel issued a split decision
affirming the NMFS BiOp regarding leatherback sea turtles, but holding
that NMFS was arbitrary and capricious in its no-jeopardy determination
for North Pacific loggerhead turtles (see Turtle Island Restoration
Network, et al. v. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, et al., 878 F.3d 725 (9th
Cir. 2017)).
All parties agreed to settle the case pursuant to the terms
outlined in a May 4, 2018, Stipulated Settlement Agreement and Court
Order. As part of the agreement, the U.S. District Court for the
District of Hawaii ordered NMFS to take several actions, including
closing the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery through December 31,
2018. This rule implements the Court order to close the Hawaii shallow-
set longline fishery through December 31, 2018.
For complete FR notice, click here.
Filed Under: Federal Register Notices, News and Updates


Rescuers found two of the crew members involved, officials said, but search and rescue operations were continuing for the five others.
There were two pilots in the F/A-18 and five crew members in the KC-130, officials said.
One of the troops rescued from the Pacific was in fair condition and the other was being transported to a local hospital for evaluation, the Marines confirmed in a Facebook post on the official page of the III Marine Expeditionary Force.
There was no immediate word on the condition of the second crew member rescued from the water.
The Reuters news agency noted that U.S. military accidents are a "sensitive" topic in Japan, especially in Okinawa, where most of the U.S. military personnel in Japan are based.
"A series of emergency landings and parts falling from U.S. military aircraft have highlighted safety concerns," Reuters said.
"My heart goes out to the families and the colleagues of the Marines that were involved in this tragedy," U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty told journalists on Thursday.
"They risk their lives every day to protect Japan and to protect this region, and sometimes they pay the greatest cost.
So I want to emphasize this security alliance that we have is critical and it is moving forward in a very positive direction."


text:
Mental Holds in Idaho
By Kim Stanger
In Idaho, a competent patient generally has the right to consent to or refuse their own healthcare. By statute,
Any person who comprehends the need for, the nature of and the significant risks ordinarily inherent in any contemplated health care is competent to consent thereto on his or her own behalf. Any healthcare provider may provide such health care and services in reliance upon such consent if the consenting person appears to possess such requisite comprehension at the time of giving the consent.
(Idaho Code § 39-4503). If a patient is incompetent, a healthcare provider generally needs one of the following to provide care: (i) an advance directive from the patient; (ii) consent from an authorized surrogate; or (iii) statutory authority to provide treatment. (See I.C. § 39-4504). Providers who act without effective consent or statutory authority may be subject to adverse licensure action, personal injury lawsuits, and perhaps criminal liability.
Idaho law allows providers to treat incompetent persons or persons with severe behavioral health issues without consent from the patient or their authorized surrogate under the following circumstances:
1. Emergency Care. Idaho law expressly authorizes medical care in an emergency when there is no opportunity to obtain effective consent:
If [i] the person presents a medical emergency or there is a substantial likelihood of his or her life or health being seriously endangered by withholding or delaying the rendering of such health care and [ii] the person has not communicated and is unable to communicate his or treatment wishes, the attending health care provider may, in his or her discretion, authorize and/or provide such health care, as he or she deems appropriate.
(I.C. § 39-4504(1)(l)). A separate statute provides immunity for physicians and hospitals rendering emergency care without effective consent:
No physician or hospital licensed in this state shall be subject to civil liability, based solely upon failure to obtain consent in rendering emergency medical, surgical, hospital or health services to any individual regardless of age where [i] that individual is unable to give his consent for any reason and [ii] there is no other person reasonably available who is legally authorized to consent to the providing of such care, provided, however, that [iii] such person, physician, or hospital has acted in good faith and without knowledge of facts negating consent.
(I.C. § 56-1015). Note that section 56-1015 applies to any emergency "health service," which likely includes behavioral health concerns. Although there are no reported cases addressing the issue, section 56-1015 arguably protects hospitals and other healthcare providers who respond to emergent behavioral health needs even though the hospital or provider fails to follow the mental hold statutes described below.
In addition to Idaho law, the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ("EMTALA") authorizes and requires hospitals to conduct a medical screening exam to determine if the patient has an emergency medical condition and, if an emergency condition exists, to provide stabilizing treatment or an appropriate transfer to another facility. (42 U.S.C. § 1395dd; 42 C.F.R. § 489.24). "[A]n individual expressing suicidal or homicidal thoughts or gestures, if determined dangerous to self or others, would be considered to have an [emergency medical condition]" obligating the hospital to provide stabilizing treatment. (CMS State Operations Manual, Appendix V – Interpretive Guidelines – Responsibilities of Medicare Participating Hospitals in Emergency Cases (Rev. 60, 07-16-10) at Tag A2407). Per EMTALA, hospitals must generally provide stabilizing treatment for emergency conditions—including behavioral health conditions—until the patient is stabilized, admitted, or appropriately transferred to another facility. (42 C.F.R. § 489.24). EMTALA likely trumps conflicting Idaho law and provides additional authority for providing necessary, emergent care for behavioral health as well as strictly medical conditions, unless a competent patient or their authorized surrogate refuse care.
2. Mental Holds. Idaho law allows healthcare providers to hold and provide limited treatment to persons suffering from certain behavioral conditions over the patient's objection or despite the patient's inability to consent under the following circumstances.
a. 24-Hour Mental Holds. Idaho law allows physicians and advance practice professionals at a hospital to hold a patient up to 24 hours while the patient is evaluated for possible commitment for behavioral health concerns:
a person may be taken into custody by a peace officer and placed in a facility, or the person may be detained at a hospital at which the person presented or was brought to receive medical or mental health care, if the peace officer or a physician medical staff member of such hospital or a physician's assistant or advanced practice registered nurse practicing in such hospital has reason to believe that [i] the person is gravely disabled due to mental illness or [ii] the person's continued liberty poses an imminent danger to that person or others, as evidenced by a threat of substantial physical harm….
(I.C. § 66-326(1)). As defined by the statute:
"Mentally ill" means a person, who as a result of a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, or memory, which grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize and adapt to reality, requires care and treatment at a facility or through outpatient treatment.
(I.C. § 66-317(12)).
"Gravely disabled" means a person who, as the result of mental illness, is:
(a) In danger of serious physical harm due to the person's inability to provide for any of his own basic personal needs, such as nourishment, or essential clothing, medical care, shelter or safety; or
(b) Lacking insight into his need for treatment and is unable or unwilling to comply with treatment and, based on his psychiatric history, clinical observation or other clinical evidence, if he does not receive and comply with treatment, there is a substantial risk he will continue to physically, emotionally or mentally deteriorate to the point that the person will, in the reasonably near future, be in danger of serious physical harm due to the person's inability to provide for any of his own basic personal needs such as nourishment, essential clothing, medical care, shelter or safety.
"Likely to injure himself or others" means either:
(a) A substantial risk that physical harm will be inflicted by the proposed patient upon his own person, as evidenced by threats or attempts to commit suicide or inflict physical harm on himself; or
(b) A substantial risk that physical harm will be inflicted by the proposed patient upon another as evidenced by behavior which has caused such harm or which places another person or persons in reasonable fear of sustaining such harm; or
(c) The proposed patient lacks insight into his need for treatment and is unable or unwilling to comply with treatment and, based on his psychiatric history, clinical observation or other clinical evidence, if he does not receive and comply with treatment, there is a substantial risk he will continue to physically, emotionally or mentally deteriorate to the point that the person will, in the reasonably near future, inflict physical harm on himself or another person.
(I.C. § 66-317(11)). Based on a strict reading of the statute, a person who is "[l]ikely to injure himself or others" may be placed on a 24-hour mental hold even if he or she does not suffer from a "mental illness"; however, they cannot be committed unless there is a determination that the patient suffers from a mental illness. (I.C. § 66-326(4); see also I.C. § 66-329(4)). The 24-hour mental hold statute does not apply to an individual who has epilepsy, a developmental disability, physical disability, or intellectual disability, who is impaired by chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, or who is aged unless such person is mentally ill in addition to suffering from such condition. (I.C. § 66-329(13)).
Upon initiating the hold, notice must be given to the patient's immediate relatives of the patient's location and reasons for detaining the patient. (I.C. § 66-326(5)). The purpose of the hold is to temporarily detain the person for examination and, if necessary, initiation of commitment proceedings. To that end:
Upon initiation of the hold, the hospital should notify the local prosecutor.
Within 24 hours of the initiation of the hold, the prosecutor must petition the court for an order authorizing the hospital to hold the patient while a designated exam is conducted. If the court authorizes the designated exam and continued detention, the hospital should comply with the hold and provide treatment as specified in the order. If the court declines to order the exam, the hospital must release the patient unless there is another basis to hold the patient, e.g., (i) the patient consents; (ii) if the patient is incompetent, the authorized surrogate consents; or (iii) EMTALA applies and requires continued care or treatment pending discharge. (I.C. § 66-326(2)).
Within 24 hours of a court order authorizing the designated exam, the designated examiner must complete the exam and submit the report to the court. (I.C. § 66-326(3)).
Within 24 hours of the exam and report recommending commitment, the prosecutor must initiate commitment proceedings. If no petition is filed within 24 hours of the exam, the person must be released from custody unless (i) the hospital has obtained consent from the patient or the patient's authorized surrogate, or (ii) EMTALA applies and requires continued care or treatment. (I.C. § 66-326(4)).
Upon receipt of the petitioner from the prosecutor, the court may order continued detention pending a commitment hearing, which must occur within five days. (I.C. § 66-326(4)).
During the hold, the hospital may provide necessary care relevant to the hold. The hospital may use restraints or seclusion if necessary for the patient's safety or the safety of others consistent with federal and state requirements. (I.C. § 66-345). The hospital may transfer a mental hold patient to another facility, and the other facility may receive a mental hold patient, so long as the transfer satisfies EMTALA requirements. (I.C. §§ 66-324 and 66-326(6)).
Hospitals and providers involved in a mental hold are generally immune from liability for their actions so long as they act in good faith, comply with the procedures in the mental hold statute, and act without gross negligence. (I.C. § 66-341).
b. Protective Hold for Minors. In addition to or as an alternative to the 24-hour mental hold statute,[1] Idaho law allows a peace officer to "take a child into protective custody and immediately transport the child to a treatment facility for emergency mental health evaluation" if the officer:
has probable cause to believe … that the child is [i] suffering from serious emotional disturbance as a result of which he is likely to cause harm to himself or others or [ii] is manifestly unable to preserve his health or safety with the supports and assistance available to him and that immediate detention and treatment is necessary to prevent harm to the child or others.
(I.C. § 16-2411(1)). Similarly, if a child shows up at a hospital,
[a] health care professional [i.e., a physician, physician's assistant, or advance practice registered nurse practicing at a hospital] may detain a child if such person determines that an emergency situation exists [as defined below]…, and such person has probable cause to believe that the child [i] is suffering from a serious emotional disturbance as a result of which he is likely to cause harm to himself or others or [ii] is manifestly unable to preserve his health or safety with the supports and assistance available to him and that immediate detention and treatment is necessary to prevent harm to the child or others.
(I.C. § 16-2411(2)). As defined by the statute:
"Emergency" means a situation in which the child's condition, as evidenced by recent behavior, [i] poses a significant threat to the health or safety of the child, his family or others, or [ii] poses a serious risk of substantial deterioration in the child's condition which cannot be eliminated by the use of supportive services or intervention by the child's parents, or mental health professionals, and treatment in the community while the child remains in his family home.
(I.C. § 16-2403(6)).
"Serious emotional disturbance" means an emotional or behavioral disorder, or a neuropsychiatric condition which results in a serious disability, and which requires sustained treatment interventions, and causes the child's functioning to be impaired in thought, perception, affect or behavior. A disorder shall be considered to "result in a serious disability" if it causes substantial impairment of functioning in family, school or community. A substance abuse disorder does not, by itself, constitute a serious emotional disturbance, although it may coexist with serious emotional disturbance.
(I.C. § 16-2403(13)).
(10) "Likely to cause harm to himself or to suffer substantial mental or physical deterioration" means that, as evidenced by recent behavior, the child:
(a) Is likely in the near future to inflict substantial physical injury upon himself; or
(b) Is likely to suffer significant deprivation of basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, health or safety; or
(c) Will suffer a substantial increase or persistence of symptoms of mental illness or serious emotional disturbance which is likely to result in an inability to function in the community without risk to his safety or well-being or the safety or well-being of others, and which cannot be treated adequately with available home and community-based outpatient services.
(11) "Likely to cause harm to others" means that, as evidenced by recent behavior causing, attempting, or threatening such harm with the apparent ability to complete the act, a child is likely to cause physical injury or physical abuse to another person.
(I.C. § 16-2403(10)-(11)).
If the hospital does not have an appropriate facility to provide emergency behavioral health care, it may send the child to an appropriate treatment facility. The health care professional shall notify the parent or legal guardian, if known, as soon as possible and shall document in the patient's chart the efforts to contact the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be located or contacted, the health care professional shall report the matter as soon as possible but no later than twenty-four (24) hours to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare ("DHW") or an appropriate law enforcement agency. The child may not be detained against the parent or legal guardian's explicit direction unless the child is taken into protective custody by a peace officer, except that the child may be detained for a reasonable period of time necessary for a peace officer to be summoned to the hospital to determine whether the patient should be taken into protective custody and transported to a treatment facility for emergency evaluation and possible admission. (I.C. § 16-2411(2)).
If the child is taken to a "treatment facility" (i.e., a facility or program that is licensed and approved by the DHW to provide behavioral health services for minors), the facility must accept the child and promptly examine the child to determine if the child meets the criteria for emergency evaluation and potential inpatient treatment as set forth in the statute. (I.C. § 16-2413).
c. 72-Hour Hold. The 72-hour hold only applies to "voluntary patients" of a "facility." (I.C. § 66-317). A "facility" is any hospital, institution, mental health center or other organization designated in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Health and Welfare as equipped to initially hold, evaluate, rehabilitate or provide care or treatment for the mentally ill, e.g., a psychiatric hospital or hospital with a psychiatric unit. (I.C. § 66-320). A "voluntary patient" is an individual admitted to a facility for observation, diagnosis, evaluation, care or treatment pursuant to I.C. § 66-318, i.e., (i) if the patient is over age 18 or is an emancipated minor, the patient has requested care; (ii) if the patient is over age 14 or older, the patient requests care and the parents are notified of the request; (iii) if the patient is under age 14 and is in an inpatient facility, the parent or guardian has requested care and a designated examiner has recommended care; and (iv) if the adult patient lacks capacity to make informed treatment decisions and is in an inpatient facility, the guardian requests care and the designated examiner requests care. (I.C. § 66-318).
If a voluntary patient in a facility requests release, or the authorized surrogate requests the patient's release, the facility director or a practitioner who has been granted admitting privileges may detain the patient for up to three days (excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays) to obtain a designated examination and, if necessary, initiate commitment proceedings. (I.C. § 66-320(3)). The director or practitioner should document the facts warranting the detention.
No "Medical Hold." Contrary to common belief, there is generally no "medical hold" in Idaho: a competent patient or, in most cases, the patient's authorized surrogate generally has the right to refuse medical care even though doing so may result in harm to the patient. (I.C. §§ 39-4503 and 39-4504). In such cases, the provider generally must respect the competent patient's or surrogate's decision unless the situation fits within the mental hold statutes identified above. If a surrogate's refusal of care rises to the level of child abuse or vulnerable adult abuse, the provider should report the matter to the appropriate authorities to respond.
Suggestions. The following steps may help hospitals as they evaluate whether a mental hold is appropriate.
Determine if the patient has sufficient capacity to consent to their own care pursuant to I.C. § 39-4503. If the patient has sufficient capacity, obtain consent to provide required care consistent with the consent. If the patient refuses, document the patient's capacity and informed refusal, and discharge the patient unless the provider determines that the patient is "likely to injure himself or others" within the meaning of the mental hold statute, I.C. §§ 66-317 and 66-326.
If the patient lacks capacity or is a minor, attempt to obtain consent from the patient's authorized surrogate per I.C. § 39-4504. There is generally no need to initiate a mental hold if the authorized surrogate consents to appropriate care. (I.C. § 39-4504). If the minor poses a risk to himself or others, the hospital may detain the minor as necessary to summon the parents or guardian or initiate a protective hold per I.C. § 16-2411.
If the patient lacks capacity and the provider is unable to obtain consent from the authorized surrogate due to time or circumstances, provide necessary emergency care while the provider seeks to locate and obtain consent from an authorized surrogate. (I.C. §§ 39-4504 and 16-2411).
If the provider cannot obtain consent from the patient or authorized surrogate due to time or circumstances and the patient otherwise satisfies the criteria for a mental hold or protective custody, initiate the mental hold process set forth above, and document the relevant factors supporting the decision.
Continue to evaluate the patient's condition for changed circumstances and respond appropriately.
[1] By its express terms, 66-326 applies to any person; it is not expressly limited to adults or emancipated minors. Nevertheless, some prosecutors have suggested that, in the case of minors, I.C. § 16-2411 applies instead of § 66‑326.
For questions regarding this update, please contact:
Kim C. Stanger
Holland & Hart, 800 W Main Street, Suite 1750, Boise, ID 83702
email: kcstanger@hollandhart.com, phone: 208-383-3913
This news update is designed to provide general information on pertinent legal topics. The statements made are provided for educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Holland & Hart LLP or any of its attorneys other than the author. This news update is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you and Holland & Hart LLP. If you have specific questions as to the application of the law to your activities, you should seek the advice of your legal counsel.
Utah Legislative Update: January 2020
Jody Williams Appointed to the Utah Water Task Force
Holland & Hart Attorney Gwen Green Elected Fellow of the American Bar Foundation


The world's future depends to a very great extent on raising our consciousness in order to successfully steer and manage the challenges ahead of us. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, which on the one hand offers new and great possibilities but on the other hand requires much more public awareness and democratic and ethical regulation.
Vision United World is an international, non-profit organisation which is committed to expanding human consciousness and to creating artificial intelligence in harmony with human ethics in order to create a unified world in freedom, peace and dignity for all.


text:
Bellaire Living
City of Bellaire
Charter Amendments - 2017
Bellaire citizens first adopted the City's Home-Rule Charter in an election held on April 2, 1949. Since then, the Charter has been amended by election three times, in 1983, 1987, and 2006.
On November 7, 2016, the City Council of the City of Bellaire, Texas, adopted Ordinance No. 16-067 for the purpose of establishing a Charter Review Commission (the "CRC") as an Ad Hoc Committee of the City of Bellaire, Texas, to review the Charter of the City of Bellaire, Texas, as last amended on November 7, 2006, and to appoint five (5) members to serve on the CRC for a term of seven (7) months commencing on December 1, 2016, and ending on June 30, 2017.
At the conclusion of the CRC's meetings, a final report was prepared and presented to City Council at the June 19, 2017 Council meeting. View a copy of the final report (PDF). A brief summary of the amendments are listed below. View a full description of the amendments (PDF).
Following that meeting, the City Attorney prepared a series of propositions that could be placed on the ballot at a special election to be held on November 7, 2017 in conjunction with the City's regular Mayor and Council election. On August 21, 2017, the City Council adopted Ordinance No.17-053 to call a special election for the purpose of amending the Charter.
If you have any questions, or would like more information on the Proposed Charter Amendments please contact the City of Bellaire at 713-662-8222 or visit us in person at 7008 S. Rice Ave, Bellaire TX, 77401.
Unofficial Election results are listed below.
For more information, please click the links below:
CRC Agenda/Minutes
Council Agenda/Minutes
Charter Review Commission Final Report (PDF)
Proposed Charter Amendments (PDF)
Propositions (PDF)
Proposition 1: Relating to conforming the Charter to the general laws of the State of
For: 1,705 - Against: 255
Proposition 2: Relating to Qualifications of Council Members
Proposition 3: Relating to Council Compensation
Proposition 4: Relating to the fine for failing to obey a subpoena
Proposition 5: Relating to clarifying currently ambiguous language in the Charter
Proposition 6: Relating to Vacancies on Council
Proposition 7: Relating to the City Manager's authority to sign documents
Proposition 8: Relating to the authority to borrow money
Proposition 9: Relating to the administration of the City's finances
Proposition 10: Relating to unnecessary provisions
Proposition 11: Relating to Initiative
Proposition 12: Relating to recall petitions
Proposition 13: Relating to referendum
Proposition 15: Relating to franchises
Proposition 16: Relating to transitory provisions
Proposition 17: Relating to Non-Substantive Revisions
Proposition 18: Relating to gender neutrality
Council Priorities (PDF)
Rules and Procedures (PDF)
Apply Online for a Board or Commission
Board and Commission Rules of Procedure
Boards Handbook (PDF)
Open Government Training
Watch Meetings Live! Agendas and Minutes
Flood Hazard Mitigation Task Force
City Charter and Ordinances
Open Meetings Handbook (PDF)
State of Texas Local Government Code
Texas Public Information Handbook (PDF)
Public Information Request Form
7008 S Rice Avenue
Bellaire, TX 77401
Mayor's Blog
Resident Request Center
Bellaire Police Crime Call Search
City Newsletter - The Boulevard
PrepareBellaire
Agendas, Minutes


The Pasha 3'10" X 5' 5" Rectangle Area Rug by Oriental Weavers at Darvin Furniture in the Orland Park, Chicago, IL area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.


text:
Q: Total probability question. Tennis player at Monday had $4$ used and $5$ unused tennis balls. Then, on Tuesday, he randomly picked and used three of them. On Wednesday, he picked one used and one unused ball. What is the probability that he picked two used balls on Thursday?
Here are all of the events:
$B$ player picked two used balls on Thursday
$H_1$ player picked three used balls on Monday
$H_2$ player picked three unused balls on Monday
$H_3$ player picked two used balls and one unused on Monday
$H_4$ player picked two unused balls and one used on Monday
This alone would require total probability formula:
$$P(B)=P(H_1)P(B|H_1)+P(H_2)P(B|H_2)+P(H_3)P(B|H_3)$$
However, that Wednesday makes a mess here so obviously, I cannot use this formula at least not this way. Any suggestion appreciated!

A: Let $T$ denotes the number of unused balls used on Tuesday.
$$P(T=0)=\frac{4}{9}\cdot\frac{3}{8}\cdot\frac{2}{7}=\frac{24}{504}\\
P(T=1)=\binom31\cdot\frac{4}{9}\cdot\frac{3}{8}\cdot\frac{5}{7}=\frac{180}{504}\\
P(T=2)=\binom32\cdot\frac{4}{9}\cdot\frac{5}{8}\cdot\frac{4}{7}=\frac{240}{504}\\
P(T=3)=\frac{5}{9}\cdot\frac{4}{8}\cdot\frac{3}{7}=\frac{60}{504}\\$$
The number of used balls by Tuesday is $4+T$.
The number of used balls by Wednesday is $4+T+1=5+T$.
The probability of getting two used balls is
$$p=\sum_{0\le t\le3}\binom{3}{2}\frac{(5+T)(4+T)(4-T)}{9\cdot8\cdot7}P(T=t)$$
which can be easily calculated.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Welcome to the main page for the Project Week events!
The 31st Project Week will take place June 24-28, 2019 at MIT, Boston, USA.
The 32nd Project Week will take place July 15-19, 2019 at Robarts Research, London, Canada.
The Project Week is a week-long hackathon of hands on activity in which medical image computing researchers create solutions using the open source image computing platform, 3D Slicer, and VTK, ITK, CMake, and CDash libraries as well as OHIF, Cornerstone, dcmjs, vtkjs, itkjs, DICOMweb, Girder and related web technologies. Participants work collaboratively on solutions that lie on the interfaces of the fields of computer science, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and medicine. In contrast to conferences and workshops where the primary focus is to report results, the objective of the Project Week is to provide a venue for creators of medical image computing open-source software creators to collaboratively work.
Twice a year - January in Europe, and June at MIT. Ad-hoc meetings are added occasionally. The registration fee is approximately 350 (USD or Euro), and is used to cover coffee and food.
Weekly videoconferences for preparation begin 8-12 weeks before an event. Potential participants propose projects during these meetings, and collaboratively create a list of projects that are of mutual interest. The projects include platform work, algorithm development, and biomedical applications. Through the course of the meetings, each participant selects one or more project teams and develops goals for the week. The first day of the Project Week itself begins with a 2-hour in-person introduction to all projects and participants. The rest of the week consists of a mix of working sessions and breakout sessions on special topics, as decided by the participants during the preparatory meetings.
Project Weeks are open to all and publicly advertised. One-day participation is permitted for first-time attendees, but rest stay for the entire event. Email announcements are sent to the Project Week mailing list (for continuity) and posted on the Project Week forum (new dissemination mechanism as of PW27).
This is harder to determine. Your best bet is to contact the organizers (see below) or attend a preparatory videoconference (see each Project Week page for details).
The Project Week series was founded in 2005, along with the National Alliance for Medical Image Computing (NAMIC), which was chartered by the NIH to build a computational infrastructure for biomedical research. Today, Project Week has become one of the major events in the calendars of several NIH-funded Center efforts where they convene and collaborate. Participants in Project Week include NAC, NCIGT, QIICR, and CANARIE. Additional details about our experience in running these events since 2005 are available here: Increasing the Impact of Medical Image Computing Using Community-Based Open-Access Hackathons: the NA-MIC and 3D Slicer Experience.
Project Weeks are led by @tkapur, (Tina Kapur, PhD) who is happy to tell you more about them.
The 31st Project Week is scheduled for June 24-28, 2019 at MIT, Cambridge, MA.
The 32nd Project Week is scheduled for July 15-19, 2019 at Robarts Research, London, Canada.
33rd Project Week will take place January 20-24, 2020 in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain.
Please contact the organizers if you have interest in hosting a Project Week event.
2019 January 28-February 1: Project Week 30 - Gran Canaria, Spain. It recorded 60 Registrants (from 13 countries) who worked on 33 projects.
2018 July 16-20: Project Week 29 - Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada. It recorded 37 Registrants. This was a satellite event with a slight focus on new users and community expansion.
2018 June 25-29: Project Week 28 - Gran Canaria, Spain. It recorded 58 Registrants, who worked on 31 projects.
2018 January 8-12: Project Week 27 - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. It recorded 72 registered attendees, who worked on 52 projects and attended 5 breakout sessions.
2017 July 17-21 : Project Week 26 - Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
2017 June 26-30: Project Week 25 - Catanzaro Lido, Calabria, Italy. It recorded 51 registered attendees, who worked on 29 projects.
2017 January 9-13: Project Week 24 - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. It recorded 99 registered attendees, who worked on 55 projects.
2016 June 20-25: Project Week 23 - DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.
2016 January 4-8: Project Week 22 - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2015 June 21-24: Project Week 21 - Barcelona, Spain.
2015 January 5-9: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2014 June 23-27: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2014 January 6-10: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2013 June 17-21: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2013 January 7-11: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2012 June 18-22: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2012 January 9-13: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2011 June 20-24: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2011 January 10-14: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2010 June 21-25: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2010 January 4-8: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2009 June 22-26: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2009 January 5-9: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2008 June 23-27: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2008 January 7-11: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2007 June 25-29: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2007 January 10-12: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2006 June 26-30: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2006 January 8-13: Winter Project Week - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
2005 June 27-July 1: Summer Project Week - MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
2005 February 20-22: The First All-Hands-Meeting and Programming Event - Salt Lake City, UT, USA.


text:
site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | section: | slug: 2020-nba-mock-draft-from-a-no-star-recruit-to-the-no-2-pick-obi-toppins-stock-is-soaring | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories
2020 NBA Mock Draft: From a no-star recruit to the No. 2 pick, Obi Toppin's stock is soaring
Toppin goes to the Cavs at No. 2 after LaMelo Ball goes No. 1 to the Warriors in Gary Parrish's latest mock draft
By Gary Parrish
May 4, 2020 at 10:13 am ET 1 min read
The NBA announced last week that the NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft Combine will both be delayed indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic that's ravaged our country. So you know what's next, right?
More NBA Draft
NBA Draft home
Latest Big Board
Early entrant tracker
Yep, the 2020 NBA Draft will probably also be pushed back — reportedly to August or even September. So the gap between the day when prospects declare for the draft, and the night when prospects are selected in the draft, is going to be wider than it's ever been. That's obviously not ideal.
There are more questions than answers
The uncertainty is rough.
But that didn't stop literally every projected first-round pick from declaring anyway. So, sure, the 2020 NBA Draft is widely considered to be a weak draft relative to most drafts — but at least all of the best prospects who could be in it are going to be in it. Such isn't always true. But it's true this year. And the following is a look at the 30 who could go first. Please note, team needs were NOT taken into consideration at all because, at this time, I'm more interested in having a proper order than I am in making sure somebody is a good fit for the franchise theoretically making the selection. That'll come later — but not until the lottery order for the 2020 NBA Draft is officially set.
Round 1- Pick 1
LaMelo Ball PG
Australia • Fr • 6'7" / 180 lbs
Golden St.
I'm a big believer that the first pick in any NBA Draft should be the player the franchise selecting thinks has the best chance to be a future All-Star. Period. And, in this draft, I believe Ball is that player. The 6-6 point guard, who is still only 18 years-old, has developed into an incredible playmaker and passer who faired well playing professionally in Australia this past season. Some will choose to focus on his perceived negatives and low shooting percentages. But when you focus on what he can do, and how rare it is for somebody his age to do the things he can do, Ball becomes the most sensible option to be picked first.
Obi Toppin PF
Dayton • Fr • 6'9" / 220 lbs
No college player helped himself more this season than Toppin. The former zero-star recruit became the CBS Sports National Player of the Year after averaging 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 63.3% from the field and 39.0% from 3-point range. He's a super-athletic forward who dunks everything — he actually led the nation in dunks — and consistently makes jumpers in pick-and-pop situations. Is his age, the fact that he's already 22 years old, a concern? Sure, on some level. But that shouldn't matter as much as the idea that Toppin has a chance to be the most impactful player selected in this draft.
Anthony Edwards SG
Georgia • Fr • 6'4" / 225 lbs
Edwards is a big, strong and athletic guard who is one of at least four players who could reasonably be selected first overall. The 6-5 freshman averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in his one season at Georgia — but only shot 40.2% from the field and 29.4% from 3-point range. So he was incredible in spots but largely up and down and inefficient. And though I clearly see the same potential for stardom that everybody else sees with Edwards, I simply think Ball and Toppin will have better NBA careers.
James Wiseman C
Memphis • Fr • 7'0" / 240 lbs
Wiseman's decision to quit on Memphis midseason raised eyebrows with some NBA executives who were left wondering if the 7-1 center is wired to be great. But his natural ability is so overwhelming that he can't possibly slip too far in a draft this devoid of high-end talent. Obviously, this is the worst time in the history of professional basketball to be a center and only a center because the position has never been less valued. But it's still hard to imagine a physical specimen like Wiseman going any lower, or at least much lower, than fourth or fifth in this draft.
Deni Avdija SF
Israel • Fr • 6'9" / 210 lbs
Avdija should be the first non-American international prospect to come off the board. He's a former Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Under-20 European Championships who is now a rotation player for Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 19 year-old Israeli performed well in games leading up to the season being suspended. At 6-9, he's tall enough to play power forward and skilled enough to play on the wing. His shooting has improved. So, according to most evaluators, Avdija now projects as a likely top-five pick.
Cole Anthony PG
North Carolina • Fr • 6'3" / 185 lbs
Anthony's in-season knee surgery that limited him to just 22 games is the biggest reason — not the only reason, but definitely the biggest reason — the Tar Heels' season spiraled. Remember, they were 6-3 with a win over the eventual Pac-12 champion (Oregon) before Anthony got hurt but never the same afterward. The 6-3 point guard's shooting numbers as a freshman leave something to be desired — but he took so many tough shots, sometimes out of necessity, that it's hard to know exactly what to make of them. Either way, Anthony still averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists. And though he probably isn't a real option at No. 1 like he was once believed to be, a spot in the top half of the lottery is still attainable.
Onyeka Okongwu C
Southern California • Fr • 6'8" / 240 lbs
Okongwu mostly operated off of the national radar this season because he played for an unranked team on the West Coast. But he was fantastic — averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 61.6% from the field. He's the main reason USC won 16 of its first 20 games and would've been in the NCAA Tournament. Is he an undersized big? Yes, probably. But the NBA is littered with undersized bigs these days. So even though he wasn't thought of this way coming out of high school, it's now reasonable to call Okongwu the second best big prospect in the draft.
Tyrese Haliburton PG
Iowa State • Fr • 6'5" / 185 lbs
Haliburton, like Toppin, is a good example of a mostly unheralded high school prospect who became a statistical monster in college. The 6-5 sophomore averaged 15.2 points, 6.5 assists and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field and 41.9% from 3-point range this season before suffering an injury in early February that ended his college career. So he's a lead guard with size who consistently makes shots. And there's not a team in the NBA that couldn't use a player who can reasonably be described that way.
Killian Hayes PG
France • Fr • 6'5" / 195 lbs
Hayes is an American-born lead guard who was raised in France who spent this season playing professionally in Germany. The 18 year-old shared Most Valuable Player honors in the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic international game and was averaging 12.0 points and 5.6 assists for a German team before the season was suspended. Hayes is better inside of the arc than he is outside of the arc, which is one way to say his 3-point shot must improve. But he already does enough things well enough to make him worthy of a lottery pick.
Isaac Okoro SF
Okoro was only a borderline top-40 prospect coming out of high school but quickly emerged as one of college basketball's best freshmen. He averaged 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for an Auburn team that started 15-0 and finished 24-4 when Okoro was healthy and available to play. His athleticism and ability to shutdown opposing wings thanks to unusually great defensive instincts for an 18 year-old are his best attributes. A franchise looking for a high-upside player who impacts winning in a variety of ways should make him a top-10 pick.
R.J. Hampton SG
New Zealand • Fr • 6'4" / 175 lbs
Hampton has said he would've gone to Kansas if college was his chosen path — and can you imagine how good the top-ranked Jayhawks could've been this season if they also had a projected lottery pick like him on the roster? It's wild to consider. But it was always hard to blame the 6-5 guard for pursuing an opportunity to play overseas, make real money and prepare for the draft by competing against professionals. He'll play on and off the ball in the NBA, probably for many years to come, thanks to a versatile offensive game that allows him to make plays in lots of ways.
Precious Achiuwa PF
The ceiling on Memphis' season was lowered drastically when Wiseman quit, but it's hard to argue that Achiuwa didn't personally benefit at least statistically. The super-athletic forward averaged 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds — and was the only freshman in the sport to average a double-double. He's terrific in transition, effective around the rim, comfortable away from it and capable of guarding smaller players in space. All of that, combined with a tremendous motor, should be enough to make Achiuwa a lottery pick.
Saddiq Bey SF
Villanova • Fr • 6'7" / 215 lbs
Bey was merely a sub-125 recruit in the Class of 2018, the least-heralded prospect in Villanova's four-player class. So the idea that he's about to be a two-and-done player who gets selected in the first round speaks to his development, and growth, over the past two years. The 6-8 forward averaged 16.1 points while making 45.1% of his 3-point attempts this season for a Villanova team that shared the Big East title. He has the potential to be very good on both ends of the court and spend a long time in the NBA.
Aaron Nesmith SF
It's true that Nesmith only played 14 games as a sophomore before suffering a season-ending foot injury — meaning the sample size is on the smallish side. But it can't be ignored that the 6-6 guard made 52.2% of the 115 3-pointers he attempted. That's an incredible percentage. And when you consider Nesmith has great size for his position, plus a good body, it's not crazy to think he could sneak into the back side of the lottery.
From Brooklyn Nets
Tyrese Maxey SG
Kentucky • Fr • 6'2" / 191 lbs
Maxey got 26 points in the season-opening win over Michigan State while showing all of the things that made most assume he'd be UK's leading scorer. But, for much of the season, the 6-3 freshman was inconsistent while making just 29.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. So his one year in college was a little disappointing relative to preseason expectations. Regardless, Maxey still mostly projects as a lottery pick because he measures well, presumably can be a better shooter than he showed this season, and is really good at scoring inside the arc in creative ways.
Theo Maledon PG
Maledon is a skilled athlete and interesting prospect -- even if this season, while playing professionally in France, didn't go so smoothly. He missed time with an injury and was mostly underwhelming, although, in fairness, he played better as things progressed. Either way, it's important to note, in 2018, Maledon became the youngest LNB All-Star in history. And the talent that made that possible still exists and is attractive to NBA executives selecting in this range.
From Memphis Grizzlies
Isaiah Stewart C
Washington • Fr • 6'8" / 250 lbs
Stewart was perhaps the only good thing about Washington's wildly disappointing season that culminated with the Huskies finishing last in the Pac-12. The 6-9 center led the Pac-12 program in points (17.0), rebounds (8.8) and blocks (2.1). He was great — but how well will it translate at the next level? That's the question. And, for what it's worth, scouts acknowledge guarding in space could be a problem. But Stewart's high motor, incredible production, and better-than-some realize skillset should keep him in the top 20.
Nico Mannion PG
Arizona • Fr • 6'2" / 188 lbs
Mannion only shot 32.7% from 3-point range this season, which obviously isn't great for a lead guard who has the ball in his hands a lot. But he's still an interesting talent because of his ability to make reads and run an offense. Is he athletic or physically impressive relative to current high-level NBA point guards? No. And that's a concern. But, in the simplest terms, I'm a believer in Mannion just figuring it out and working to find a longterm role in the league.
Devin Vassell SF
Florida State • Fr • 6'5" / 200 lbs
Vassell's numbers — 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game — don't jump off the screen, but that has more to do with playing at Florida State than anything else. The Seminoles had four players who averaged between 9.2 points and 12.7 points. So Leonard Hamilton's team was balanced at the top, possibly to the detriment of Vassell. Either way, what's important to note is that the 6-7 guard made 41.7% of his 168 3-point attempts over the past two seasons. What that suggests is that he's a two-way wing who can make jumpers reliably, which is why he should go in the top 20 of this draft and possibly the top 15.
From Indiana Pacers
Jalen Smith C
Maryland • Fr • 6'10" / 215 lbs
Not all prospects who return for their sophomore seasons actually help themselves from a draft-stock perspective — but Smith clearly did. He added strength, improved his field goal percentage by 4.6 points, his 3-point percentage by 8.0 points, and averaged more points (15.5), rebounds (10.5) and blocks (2.4) than he did the year. The result was Maryland winning a share of the Big Ten title and Smith solidifying himself as a real option in the first round who should be able to play both the 4 and the 5 in the NBA.
From Houston Rockets
Jaden McDaniels PF
McDaniels' freshman season did not go well. He was a disappointing team's most disappointing player — one who led the Pac-12 in fouls. That's not good. At one point, the 6-9 forward even got benched by his coach, Mike Hopkins. So while the upside McDaniels possesses will lead to him still getting selected in the first round, probably, the truth is that he did very little to help himself in his one season at Washington.
From Philadelphia 76ers
Tre Jones PG
Duke • Fr • 6'1" / 185 lbs
There's nothing too flashy about Jones. He doesn't create many highlights nor is he a great shooter. But he remains a terrific run-the-team point guard who really defends on one end of the court, and really creates opportunities for his teammates on the other. He averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists this season — and actually shot it well enough from the perimeter down the stretch to get his 3-point percentage up to a respectable 36.1. So there's enough good stuff about him to make selecting him in the 20s a sensible option for any franchise comfortable spending a pick in this range on someone whose ceiling might be lower than others, but whose floor is likely higher.
Patrick Williams SF
Williams is probably more of a longterm investment than an instant-impact rookie considering he's still only 18 years old and developing. But the 6-8 forward measures well and was a key piece on a Florida State team that won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title. He performed strongly down the stretch while scoring in double-figures in five of the Seminoles' final seven games. So, again, it's possible he won't help an NBA team much next season. But what Williams could become in a year or two is enough to generate attention in the back half of the first round.
Jahmi'us Ramsey SG
Texas Tech • Fr • 6'3" / 190 lbs
Ramsey was a borderline top-35 prospect coming out of high school who, just like Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver before him, developed into a projected first-round pick after working with Chris Beard at Texas Tech. The 6-4 guard averaged 15.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from 3-point range. It was a strong freshman season. Yes, there are concerns about what else he does really well besides make shots. But, perhaps you heard, shot-making is super-important in today's NBA. So Ramsey should be selected in the first round -- maybe in the teens but definitely in the 20s.
From Denver Nuggets
Xavier Tillman PF
Michigan State • Fr • 6'8" / 245 lbs
Tillman used his size and strength to be one of the best defensive bigs in the country this season, one who is also comfortable guarding in space or out on the perimeter. The 6-8 forward averaged 13.7 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 55.0% from the field — and he also made 37% of his 3-point attempts inside the Breslin Center, which suggests he should be able to stretch the floor in the NBA and spend many years in the league as a reliable and quality frontcourt presence.
Josh Green SG
It's wild that Arizona only finished tied for fifth in the Pac-12 with three projected first-round picks on the roster. But that's exactly what happened — and some of it was tied to Green's inconsistency. He showed flashes at times. But the truth is that the 6-6 wing is, at the moment, more advanced defensively than offensively, and there are real concerns about his ability to put the ball on the floor and pass it. So while his athleticism and toughness should get him picked in the first round, the questions attached to Green could theoretically push him outside of the top 30.
Vernon Carey Jr. C
Carey would've been a top-10 pick if he were born 20 years earlier. But with un-athletic centers devalued and sometimes unplayable in today's NBA, there are a lot of things working against the Duke star even though he was the best freshman in college basketball this season while averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds for a team that finished fifth at KenPom. Will he be played off the floor by certain opponents in certain situations? Yes, that seems likely. But I'm still convinced there's a place for him in the NBA. And spending a late first-round pick on a wildly-productive one-and-done player (who was also a heralded high school prospect) seems like a sensible move.
From Los Angeles Clippers
Kira Lewis Jr. PG
Alabama • Fr • 6'1" / 170 lbs
Lewis will still only be 19 years old on draft night even though he's played two seasons of college basketball. So he's young. And he's light. But the 6-3 point guard was really productive this season -- averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds for an Alabama team that finished 60th at KenPom. Lewis made in incredible 48.8% of his 3-point attempts in the Crimson Tide's final seven games. So it appears he can be a reliable, and perhaps terrific, perimeter shooter as a professional — not to mention a real steal this deep in this draft.
Cassius Winston PG
L.A. Lakers
Winston is perceived to be limited because he's small and not the best athlete. He'll never measure or test great — and that'll turn some franchises away. But he's smart, great in pick-and-roll situations and someone who has proven to be a high-level shooter in all four years of college by making 43.0% of the 602 3-pointers he attempted in his Michigan State career. Teams picking in this range are often good teams already winning in search of a piece who can maybe help immediately. And Winston is somebody who could probably help an NBA team immediately serving as a backup point guard and knockdown shooter.
From Milwaukee Bucks
Zeke Nnaji C
Nnaji was only a borderline top-40 prospect coming out of high school — but he emerged as the biggest surprise of Arizona's freshman class. The 6-11 forward was Sean Miller's most productive player, one who averaged a team-high 16.1 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds. He was a terrific part of an underwhelming team. Going forward, the best-case scenario has Nnaji developing into a power forward who can create space, rather than trying to be a full-time center, because he's not really a rim-protector. We'll see how that goes. But this deep in the first round, the fast-developing prospect deserves real consideration.
NBA Mock Draft: Toppin goes No. 2
Gary Parrish 1 min read