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All About Skiltaire: Part 1 by Mark Merlino
The four legged, weasel like critters with the antenna that most of you have seen are called Skiltaire. They are an original creation of mine, dating from about 1971. Since I have had some requests (Fred Patten in 'Brazzle, for one), and to help clear up some confusion (Ken Sample's "Silkies" are not related to Skiltaire in any way, but are somehow often confused), I have decided to write a few articles on the subject. This is not the first attempt I have made to tell others about my creations, but this may prove to be the most complete. (and not TOO boring, I hope...)
Skiltaire are a sentient extra-terrestrial animal. Sentience in this case means that they are aware of their own mortality, have developed a complex language and a society which has recorded history. They are capable of making and using tools, but their lifestyle and physiology do not require technological development on a human scale. They did not evolve on Earth, but come from several Earth-like planets. Skiltaire are carnivores, basically very large weasels, with body mass roughly that of an average human. There are two distinct types (races) which have different body structure and hunting behavior.
The Aquatics resemble otters, with short, smooth fur, round ears, and a thick tapered tail. They tend to have a stocky, round build, with a wide muzzle and large nose-pad. They hunt in or near rivers, lakes or the ocean and eat crabs, fish, frogs, water birds and anything that they can catch by the water.
Arboreals are much like giant Pine Martens. Their fur is long and fluffy, they have a slighter build, bushy tails, pointed ears and smaller muzzles; making them look more fox-like. They pursue prey on land and through the forest canopy. The two types can interbreed, but offspring tend to have characteristics of one or the other type, with hardly any noticeable hybridization.
One interesting characteristic of the species is the extreme range of fur pattern and coloration possible. Skiltaire can be ANY color or combination of colors. Aquatics tend to have very bright, contrasting stripes, which confuse large ocean predators. Arboreals have various stripe and spot fur patterns which act as camouflage, and are often the color of native foliage, including shades of green and blue. With interbreeding being very common, the color schemes get all mixed up, so just about anything goes!
Skiltaire can be found living as individuals, but tend to form family/ tribe groups which can exceed 50 members but seldom contain more then 80. The tribes cover large amounts of territory, constantly moving from one area to another, to prevent over-hunting.
Although human biologists have blessed them with a pseudo-Latin scientific name, the common name for these big, empathic, electric weasels was derived from what they were called by the first human colonists who encountered them . "Skilt" being a name for a primitive type of fish, "aire", meaning hunter. So the humans named the new animals "fish-hunter", since that was what they saw them doing. At one time, the Arboreals probably had a different name, but eventually people realized they were just two versions of the same animal. If you ask a Skiltaire what he is, he will give you a summary of his experiences, as long and as detailed as you have time for.
What makes them special?
Besides being effective "thinking" predators, Skiltaire have highly developed extra-senses. The fatty tissue laying just below the hide is an efficient battery which can produce high current pulsed DC, similar to that of and electric eel. Skiltaire can control this discharge, using it to help stun prey or discourage and possibly kill an attacker. The antenna, which are modified eye whiskers, can detect slight changes in the electro-static field surrounding the animal, allowing Skiltaire to sense even the slightest movement in an area up to 20 meters around them. The electrostatic discharges are also used as a kind tactile communication particularly important in mating behavior, since it induces ovulation in the female.
Skiltaire are also very adept tel-empaths. They can selectively receive and interpret brain activity of any life-form, and are capable of base-band mental communication with all members of their species on the entire planet. Large amounts of detailed information can be passed from one individual to another, coded in a complex language of memorized perceptions.
In this way, all members of a tribe, and all tribes on a world can share experiences. Current events, important knowledge, race history and even abstract interpretations (art) are all available on the "mind-net". Some Skiltaire use telempathy to learn to communicate with other sentient species, making them prime choices for first-contact specialists.
Where do they come from?
In the Skiltaire universe, they are found on many planets which have the correct environment, mainly large area of temperate and tropical forest. The human biologists and anthropologists attempted to trace the evolutionary origin of Skiltaire on several planets, but have not found sufficient fossil evince to locate their "home world". Since the Skiltaire have no obvious advanced technology, the theory is that they were a "seeded" species, brought to many planets by another species for some unknown purpose. Some other races which the human explorers have encountered have a history of hunting Skiltaire for fur and companion animals.
Even though the Skiltaire are recognized as sub-sentient by the Human Space Federation, they are still hunted by unscrupulous types who can sell the animals or their large, colorful pelts on the black market. The original story of the first Skiltaire, Theta, involved a human field biologist, Elon, who finds an orphan kit, after her tribe had been wiped-out by poachers. Elon and Theta stay together, and he eventually discovers new information about the Skiltaire which changes their status in the Space Federation.
Skiltaire can also be found in the science fiction role-playing game Other Suns, edited by Nicolai Shapero. They are one of the member species of the El Doran Hegemony, and so are equal to humans and other "advanced" cultures.
Home Cosmology


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Joshua Hale
jhale@bigshouldersfund.org
Joshua Hale began at the Big Shoulders Fund as Executive Director in 2005 and was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in 2012. He previously served as Director of Development and Public Relations for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, a nationally recognized model for inner-city college preparatory education.
Read Josh Hale's full biography.
Dan Bennett
Director, Leadership and Scholarship Support
312.374.5670 ✶ dbennett@bigshouldersfund.org
At Big Shoulders Fund, Dan is responsible for recruiting and coaching emerging school leaders and supporting academic programming across the Big Shoulders network of schools. He is also an integral member of the scholarship team, supporting student enrichment programs and scholarship receptions. Prior to coming to Big Shoulders, Dan was an award-winning principal for nine years at St. Sylvester School in Logan Square, where he more than doubled enrollment and oversaw a dramatic increase in the vitality of the school. He is excited for the opportunity to support more students and more schools. Bennett was fortunate to receive a high-quality Catholic education at Holy Spirit High School in his native southern New Jersey before moving west and attending the University of Notre Dame.
Eliza Bryant
Director, Academic Programs and Enrichment
312.544.8683 ✶ ebryant@bigshouldersfund.org
Eliza Bryant hails from New York but became a proud Maroon at the University of Chicago and has not left Hyde Park since, except when hunting for NY pizza. Eliza holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Urban Teacher Education Program (UChicago UTEP) and a Bachelor in History from the University of Chicago. Eliza is a true lover of math and puts her prior teaching in Chicago Public Schools and instructional coaching expertise to work making sure Big Shoulders Fund schools have access to high-quality curricula and professional development.
Malcolm Douglas
312.751.5294 ✶ mdouglas@bigshouldersfund.org
Malcolm Douglas brings a passion for education and more than 20 years of financial and administrative experience in the not-for profit sector. He is responsible for optimizing the financial performance of Big Shoulders Fund including operational efficiency, risk management, budgeting, and financial controls. He served as Chief Financial Officer at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, where his responsibilities included finance, budgeting, facilities management, and student financial aid. Continuing his involvement in the nonprofit sector, Malcolm also held senior financial positions at Loyola University, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, and Pillars Community Health. Malcolm, a CPA, holds an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Amelia "Amy" Drozda
Senior Director, Philanthropy, Partnerships, and Engagement
312.751.3850 ✶ adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org
Amy Drozda grew up in Omaha, NE, where she was instilled with the drive to serve. This drive brought her to Milwaukee, WI where the Jesuits expanded on it as she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University with a major in marketing. Upon graduation the lure of Chicago called where she worked for Sentry Insurance and the Hertz Corporation. In 2007 she joined the Big Shoulders Fund team. Amy completed her MBA at DePaul University with a focus in marketing management. It is her drive to serve and provide the chance for a brighter future that keeps Amy here and keeps our service arm growing.
Lea Jesse
Director, Patrons Program
312.544.8688 ✶ ljesse@bigshouldersfund.org
Lea Jesse has over 12 years of business development, marketing, and project management experience. In her role at Big Shoulders Fund, Lea partners with donors to invest in inner-city Catholic schools to make a material impact on the schools' long-term viability and effectiveness. Before joining Big Shoulders Fund, Lea served as a Vice President with the J.P. Morgan Endowments & Foundations Group, and also traveled the globe as a management consultant. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Business. As a graduate of one of Cleveland's inner-city Catholic schools, Lea is passionate about using her marketing and consulting background to help change the trajectory of Chicago's neediest Catholic schools.
Matthew Katzfey
Director, Alumni Outreach and High School Development
312-544-8692 ✶ mkatzfey@bigshouldersfund.org
At Big Shoulders Fund, Matt is responsible for building and enhancing elementary school alumni outreach efforts, as well as creating and implementing fully-functioning advancement programs within participating high schools. These initiatives progressively improve each school's viability, not only through financial contributions, but also through active community engagement and volunteerism.
In a former life, he employed his relationship building and fundraising skills in the private sector, successfully selling print and online advertising for the Chicago Tribune and award-winning Chicago Parent magazine. Matt was born in Chicago, lives in Albany Park, and holds an undergraduate degree from Millikin University.
Outside of Big Shoulders schools, you can find Matt attempting to learn how to tie a bow tie (it's not going well), asking his kids if his sock game is "on fleek" (progressing), and cheering on the Cubs (this is the year – again!).
Kate LaMantia
Scholarship System Coordinator
312.751.3896 ✶ klamantia@bigshouldersfund.org
A product of Catholic education from grade school through college, Kate LaMantia is proud to carry on supporting Catholic education not only with her work at Big Shoulders, but also in sending her children to Catholic school. After graduating from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and from IIT with an MBA in Finance, Kate moved up the ladder in different positions for the City of Chicago's Office of Budget and Management & the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Prior to Big Shoulders, Kate was the Chief Financial Officer for After School Matters, where she caught the non-profit bug.
Rebecca Lindsay-Ryan
Senior Director, Academic Programs and External Affairs
312.751.3851 ✶ rlindsayryan@bigshouldersfund.org
Rebecca Lindsay-Ryan started out her career in education at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, then wandered north to Francis W. Parker School before ending up at the Big Shoulders Fund picking up experience in teaching, fundraising, program development and coaching along the way. A Double Demon, she has an undergraduate degree in History and Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University. Using her blend of academic, analytical, and development skills, Rebecca is driven to help change lives through access to a quality education for all children. Rebecca is both an Erikson Institute Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellow and a member of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs' 2018 Emerging Leaders cohort.
Tim Liston
Director, Donor Engagement and Partnerships
312.374.5676 ✶ tliston@bigshouldersfund.org Growing up in Chicago's Southwest Side, Tim Liston is a product of Catholic education from grade school to college having graduated from St. Christina School, Brother Rice High School, and Marquette University. With more than 11 years of development experience at WXRT, Old St. Pat's, and Navy Pier – focused on donor relations, board development/management, and corporate partnerships – he knows the importance of building strong relationships and engagement with supporters. Tim considers his Catholic education a critical aspect of his formation, and he looks forward to helping to support the same foundational experience for Big Shoulders Fund scholars. Tim lives in Humboldt Park with his wife and two daughters, and he loves exploring and learning more about this great City.
Michaela Metzger
Senior Director, Strategy and Communication
312.544.8680 ✶ mmetzger@bigshouldersfund.org
Michaela Metzger initially got hooked on education as a Teach For America corps member and has learned a lot along the way from her experience at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Chicago Public Schools, and now Big Shoulders. A graduate of Northwestern University, she pursued her MBA at Loyola University Chicago to build her skill base for educational program implementation, evaluation, and marketing. She is passionate about getting the word out about Big Shoulders Fund schools that are producing life-changing outcomes for students all across the city.
Senior Director, Patrons Program
312.751.3897 ✶ jmoran@bigshouldersfund.org
John Moran is the Patrons Program Senior Director, a position he has served in since 2006. In this role he not only administers the Patrons Program, but also leads Big Shoulders Fund's efforts to help improve school operations. Prior to joining Big Shoulders, he spent over twenty years in a variety of executive positions in Fortune 500 firms including IBM and AT&T, where he was responsible for both revenue and profitability in a competitive business-to-business setting. John earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and passed the CPA exam after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. He is the proud father of four, and an alumnus of a Catholic elementary school, high school, and university.
Laura Nalley
Senior Director, People and Leadership
773.251.9032 ✶ lnalley@bigshouldersfund.org
Laura Nalley came to education through Teach For America's (TFA) national teaching corps in 1998 as a junior high Spanish teacher in Washington, D.C. In 2002, she joined staff at TFA where she worked for 15 years focused especially on talent acquisition and leadership development. She made the leap to Catholic education in 2017 by joining the team at the Big Shoulders Fund. In addition to serving as Big Shoulders Fund's human resources lead, Laura also manages the Sullivan Leadership Fellows program which seeks to recognize, support, and develop outstanding principals within the Big Shoulders Fund network. Laura has an undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Iowa, and an MA in teaching from Trinity College in Washington, D.C.
Director, Patrons Program and Operational Support
312.374.5678 ✶ kpowers@bigshouldersfund.org Kevin was born and raised in Boston, MA and has worked in education for more than 10 years. He graduated from the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame and has taught at Catholic schools in both Los Angeles and Chicago. He went on to pursue his master's in Educational Leadership at DePaul University and served as the principal of St. Margaret of Scotland School in the South Side of Chicago for four years. Kevin is a strong advocate for Big Shoulders Fund schools, and believes all children deserve the right to receive a quality education. Kevin is married to Molly and they have two daughters, Clare and Mary Colette.
Meika Slotsema
Director, Scholarship Program
312.374.5674 ✶ mslotsema@bigshouldersfund.org
Meika Slotsema comes from a family of educators and therefore was destined to be involved with education herself. But first, she went to law school. After graduating from Chicago-Kent College of Law she practiced estate planning and commercial litigation and then was called to give back, and went to work for a national nonprofit health organization. She is now pursuing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University. She first got to know Big Shoulders Fund as an inaugural member of the Auxiliary Board and has always felt passionately about the Big Shoulders mission. She is excited to help grow the scholarship program to ensure more students have access to a high quality education.
Christine Sweeney
Director, Development Operations and Donor Services
312.544.8693 ✶ csweeney@bigshouldersfund.org
Christine Sweeney has spent most of her life within a 90 mile radius of Chicago. She grew up in South Bend, IN and later traveled north to Milwaukee where she earned her bachelor's degree in Communications at Marquette University. She gained fund development experience in the service of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Habitat for Humanity, and finally, COA Youth & Family Centers. Her passion for the nonprofit sector led her to pursue a Master in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She is thrilled to be in Chicago and excited to be part of Big Shoulders Fund's mission and the larger effort to provide high-quality, values-based education in Chicago.
Tom Zbierski
Senior Director, Scholarship Programs and School Relations
312.751.8365 ✶ tzbierski@bigshouldersfund.org
Tom Zbierski has overseen the scholarship program in his 18 years at Big Shoulders Fund. Originally from Missoura (a.k.a. Missouri) Tom has spent his entire lifetime in Catholic schools. His current challenge is that he wants to build the scholarship program to 10,000 so any fiscal help you can give him to achieve his goal would be appreciated. A Golden-Apple Award winning teacher and former school principal, Big Shoulders relies on Tom's understanding of schools inside and out the classroom to reach students all across Chicago.
Kamilah Anderson
Accounting Project Coordinator
312.374.5672 ✶ kanderson@bigshouldersfund.org
Kamilah Anderson graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Previously an auditor for Deloitte and then Northern Trust, Kamilah helped ensure control environments were appropriately developed and implemented and consistently maintained. Today, she brings her passion for travel and accounting expertise to help cultivate a worldly and fiscally responsible Big Shoulders Fund office culture. Kamilah is excited to have an impact on the lives of Big Shoulders Fund schools and students every day.
Elizabeth Bartley
Lead Instructional Coach, Data Analysis
312.374.5673 ✶ ebartley@bigshouldersfund.org
Originally hailing from Portage, Indiana, Elizabeth Bartley (also known as Liz) always knew two things: she wanted to be a teacher and she wanted to live in Chicago. After earning her Bachelor's in Elementary Education at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, she fulfilled her first dream by joining the Waukegan Public Schools team as a fourth grade teacher. She realized her second dream when she moved to Chicago and began teaching at the LEARN Charter School Network. During her time in Chicago, Liz became an Assistant Principal and earned her Master's in Educational Leadership. She joined Big Shoulders Fund to assist schools in using data to improve instruction and elevate student achievement.
Amanda Conley
312.751.3895 ✶ aconley@bigshouldersfund.org
Amanda Conley was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She worked hard throughout her time in college in the service industry to finance her own way through school. In her prior office management experience, she provided exceptional administrative support, coordinating schedules between contractors and customers to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services all over the Chicagoland area. She is now looking to grow her skills by joining an organization whose mission inspires her, and that's what has brought her to Big Shoulders Fund. She loves children and helping others in need. Amanda's hard-working, positive energy have clearly fueled her academic and professional success to this point.
Vicente Del Real
Latino Outreach Coordinator
312.566.4405 ✶ vdelreal@bigshouldersfund.org
Vicente Del Real immigrated to Chicago from Mexico thirteen years ago at the age of fifteen. He is passionate about community empowerment and leadership development, particularly among Catholic youth. His work as a community organizer has revolved around building leadership capacity in communities to advocate for immigrant rights. Vicente is also very passionate about youth ministry and is currently a graduate student at Catholic Theological Union where he is working towards a Master of Divinity. He strongly believes youth can and should play a key role in the transformation of communities and that faith and education are fundamental tools and factors to building strong communities.
Khyla Jackson
Assistant Director, Scholarship Program
312.544.8682 ✶ kjackson@bigshouldersfund.org
Originally from the "Cheese State" Khyla earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Khyla then moved to Chicago to pursue a career in infectious disease prevention where she grew a desire for helping others. This dedication has led her to volunteering with Catholic schools. Khyla served on the transition board of St. Columbanus and St. Dorothy to merge the schools seamlessly into Augustus Tolton Academy. Khyla's passion for Catholic education led her to attain her Master Degree in Business Management from Calumet College – St. Joseph. She is overjoyed to be part of the Big Shoulders Fund team as Assistant Director of Scholarship Program.
Tammy LoVerde
312.751.8394 ✶ tloverde@bigshouldersfund.org
Tammy LoVerde has been keeping the books in check at Big Shoulders Fund since 2007. She earned her bachelor's degree at Arizona State University. A graduate of Chicago Catholic schools herself, Tammy understands the importance of a values-based, quality education.
Jennifer Moran
Assistant Director, Communication
312.544.8685 ✶ jmoran2@bigshouldersfund.org
Jennifer Moran has been working with Chicago's inner-city Catholic schools for more than seven years. She served as a tutor/mentor to elementary school students during her time at DePaul University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies. Prior to joining the Big Shoulders Fund team, she served as the Development and Marketing Director at Our Lady of Grace School in the Logan Square neighborhood. She is excited to be able to showcase the commendable work of Big Shoulders Fund students, teachers, and staff to create a brighter future for Chicago's youth.
Kevin Pitts
Assistant Director, Next Generation and Events
312.566.4403 ✶ kpitts@bigshouldersfund.org
Born in rural Minnesota in a town of 4,000 people, Kevin immediately fell in love with the big city of Chicago. After graduating Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Film/Video, he joined an AmeriCorps program for two years called City Year where he tutored elementary students in the Back of the Yards and North Lawndale neighborhoods. He has led hundreds of community service projects with high school students and traveled abroad to build three schools in high-need communities. Kevin is grateful to be a part of the Big Shoulders Fund team and continue to empower supporters in our mission and for our students.
Marjurie Ribeiro
312.374.5679 ✶ mribeiro@bigshouldersfund.org
Marjurie Ribeiro graduated from Ball State University with a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology with a cognate in Linguistics. Her passion in education stemmed from her Catholic education and propelled her to explore the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity in education. After graduate school, she served as a Principal Consultant in Data Analysis at the State Board of Education for more than six years. Today, she is excited to strengthen the cause and outreach of schools and programs of Big Shoulders Fund by applying her experience of collecting, analyzing, and reporting impact outcomes and providing data to allocate resources effectively.
Development and Events Coordinator
312.566.4404 ✶ srodriguez@bigshouldersfund.org
Born and raised in Chicago's southwest side, Samuel or "Sam" attributes his academic success to a strong foundation provided by Catholic School, for he attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine here in Chicago from Pre-K to 8th grade. After going to one of Chicago's charter high schools, Sam went on to graduate from Oberlin College, as a Posse Scholar, with a degree in Sociology. Today, Sam enjoys exploring Chicago and playing pick-up soccer when he can.
Kyra Strzelczyk
Coordinator, Grants and Donor Relations
312.374.5675 ✶ kstrzelczyk@bigshouldersfund.org
Born and raised in Chicago, Kyra Strzelczyk comes from a long line of dedicated educators, and has always been passionate about empowering and supporting students and their families. She received her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana University in Bloomington, where she also served two years with AmeriCorps, raising funds to promote health and education in rural Indiana schools. Her passion for fundraising and development led her to pursue a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Leadership and Development in Social Services from Loyola University Chicago. She gained additional experience in non-profit development at Rincon Family Services in Humboldt Park and the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township. Kyra is thrilled to join the Big Shoulders Fund team and to be a part of their mission to provide high-quality, values-based education to students across Chicago.
Natalie Sullivan
Executive Assistant to Joshua D. Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer
312.751.3898 ✶ nsullivan@bigshouldersfund.org
Natalie Sullivan graduated from Elmhurst College with a degree in Interdisciplinary Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations and Advertising. During Natalie's last two years of college she worked part-time at a residential facility for children with physical disabilities. It was during her time there that she realized she wanted to work in the non-profit world. Natalie is grateful for finding such a wonderful organization, Big Shoulders Fund, to be a part of!
Sarah Tang
Coordinator, Donor Services
312.544.8691 ✶ stang@bigshouldersfund.org
Hailing from Hong Kong and Beijing, Sarah Tang has been in Chicago serving in the education sector since 2016. A product of values-based education from preschool to college, she is passionate about increasing accessibility in private education. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communications. Prior to joining the Big Shoulders Fund team, she worked at a school located in Chinatown where she helped with fundraising efforts for their capital campaign. She joins Big Shoulders Fund excited to maximize her impact in securing funds for inner-city families.
Elizabeth Tracy
Assistant Director, School Marketing and Operations
312.374.5671 ✶ etracy@bigshouldersfund.org
Hailing from the Northwest suburbs, Elizabeth Tracy credits her interest in working with inner-city Catholic schools to her experiences from her Jesuit education. Elizabeth graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a double major in economics and marketing and an MBA in marketing. Elizabeth spent two summers as a Marketing Fellow at Big Shoulders Fund working with Santa Lucia School in Bridgeport. She then worked part-time as an Enrollment Marketing Coordinator while completing her MBA. As Assistant Director of School Marketing and Operations, she now continues to work with schools and assist the Big Shoulders Fund staff with the development of new marketing and enrollment projects.
Pam Yeshewas
Associate, Scholarship Program
312.566.4401 ✶ pyeshewas@bigshouldersfund.org
Pam came to Chicago from California in 2011 when she began her studies at the University of Chicago. Since graduating in 2015, Pam has worked across Chicago supporting non-profits, including Community Organizing and Family Issues, the Gary Comer Youth Center, and Upward Bound. She's excited to be a part of the Big Shoulders Fund team working to increase quality educational opportunities for students across the City. Outside of the office, you can find Pam racing for the Lincoln Park Boat Club or coaching the University of Chicago Crew Team and Lincoln Park Boat Club.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


CBDT has issued Circular 03/2011 on May 13, 2011 detailing new procedure of Issuance of TDS Certificates in Form No. 16A downloaded from TIN Website and option to authenticate the same by way of digital signature.
Any deductor has option to download Form 16A from TIN Web site.
A deductor has option to digitally sign Form 16A .
However this option is available only in respect of Form 16A downloaded from TIN Website.
The above circular is applicable for Form 16A only. Hence there is no change in the procedure for issuing Form 16 for tax deducted on salaries.
Banks and companies stand to gain a lot by digitally signing and emailing TDS certificates.
Above circular will ensure that companies and banks improve accuracy of eTDS statement by filing complete and correct details. Deductee will stand to benefit as they will get prompt credit for tax deduction.
Issuance of TDS Certificates in Form No. 16A downloaded from TIN Website and option to authenticate the same by way of digital signature - Circular under section 119 of the Income-tax Act 1961.
Section 203 of the Income-tax Act 1961 ("the Act") read with the Rule 31 of the Income-tax Rules 1962 ("the IT Rules") provides for furnishing of certificate of tax deduction at source (TDS) by the deductor to the deductee specifying therein the prescribed particulars like amount of TDS, permanent account number (PAN), tax deduction and collection account number (TAN), etc. The relevant form for such TDS certificate is Form No.16 in case of deduction under section 192 and Form No.16A for deduction under any other provisions of Chapter XVII-B of the Act. TDS certificate in Form No.16 is to be issued annually whereas TDS certificate in Form No.16A is to be issued quarterly.
2. Currently, a deduction has an option to authenticate TDS certificate in Form No.16 by using a digital signature. However, no such option of using a digital signature is available to a deductor for issuing TDS certificate in Form No.16A and it, therefore, needs to be authenticated by a manual signature. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (the Board) has received representations to allow the option of using digital signature for authentication of TDS certificate in Form No.16A as issuance of TDS certificate in Form No.16A by manual signature is very time consuming, specially for deductors who are required to issue a large number of TDS certificates.
(a) The deductor, being a company including a banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 applies and any bank or banking institution, referred to in section 51 of that Act or a cooperative society engaged in carrying the business of banking, shall issue TDS certificate in Form No.16A generated through TIN central system and which is downloaded from the TIN Website with a unique TDS certificate number in respect of all sums deducted on or after the 1st day of April, 2011 under any of the provisions of Chapter-XVII- B other than section 192.
(b) The deductor, being a person other than the person referred to in item (a) above, may, at his option, issue TDS Certificate in Form No.16A generated through TIN central system and which is downloaded from the TIN Website with a unique TDS certificate number in respect of all sums deducted on or after the 1st day of April, 2011 under any provisions of Chapter-XVII- B other than section 192.
The deductor, may, at his option, issue the TDS certificate in Form No.16A generated through TIN central system which is downloaded from the TIN Website with a unique TDS certificate number in respect of all sums deducted during the financial year 2010-11 under any of the provisions of Chapter- XVII-B other than section 192.
(i) The deductor, issuing the TDS certificate in Form No.16A by downloading from the TIN Website shall authenticate such TDS certificate by either using digital signature or manual signature.
(ii) The deductor being a person other than a person referred to in item 4.1(i)(a) above and who do not issue the TDS Certificate in Form No.16A by downloading from the TIN Website shall continue to authenticate TDS certificate in Form No.16A by manual signature only.
6. It is further clarified that TDS certificate issued in Form No. 16A by the deductors covered by para 4 1(1)(a) in accordance with this circular and procedure, format and standards specified by the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall only be treated as a valid TDS certificate in Form No. 16A for the purpose of section 203 of the Act read with Rule 31 of the IT Rules, 1962.


POWERFUL ANTI-JIHAD AD CAMPAIGN COMING TO BUSES, SUBWAYS!
I have to say that I am a big Pamela Geller fan because I love her energy and passion and I enjoy reading her articles. Well, she is really stepping up to the plate with her latest endeavor and AMERICAS FREEDOM FIGHTERS applauds her efforts.
Notorious flame-thrower Pamela Geller has paid $100,000 for advertisements showing ISIS beheading victim and Adolf Hitler. The ads will appear on 100 buses and at the entrances of the E. 59th St. station and the Columbus Circle station.
You just gotta love her! We will continue to report on all news involving ISIS and we will do our best to keep you informed and keep on fighting for AMERICA!


The Creta chair stacks and is finished in a rather charming turtle dove colour. These chairs can be stacked and are weather resistant.
A pack of 2 Creta chair stacks soft grey "turtle dove" colour. Made of high quality fully recyclable resin the chair can withstand all the weather can throw at them.


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CSATF
The following websites (collectively, the "Site") are operated by Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, Contract Services Administration Training Trust Fund and their Affiliated Parties (each of the foregoing entities, and all entities collectively, "We," "Us" or "Our"): https://www.csatf.org and https://www.csatf.net, including all sub-domains, and any other domains owned by Us.
This Privacy Policy ("Policy") explains how We collect, use and protect information that We learn about you, if you are an individual, or your employees, if you are an employer, and you as an employer (collectively "User", "You" or "Your"), as a result of Your interaction with Us through any website on which this Policy is posted, including any website You may access using Your mobile electronic device (collectively, "Site") and the services provided through the Site as defined below.
Contract Services includes the Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, the Contract Services Administration Training Trust Fund, and their trustees, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (current and past) and any affiliates, individually and collectively, doing business as Contract Services Administration Trust Fund and/or Contract Services Administration Training Trust Fund, and any related individuals or entities.
Affiliated Parties means Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, Contract Services Administration Training Trust Fund, and any related individuals, affiliates and subsidiaries, and any of their trustees, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, representatives, consultants, attorneys, agents, suppliers, distributors, licensees or licensors.
Service or Services means any of the Site or other products or services provided or offered by Us, including those described in this Privacy Policy, whether through a website owned, maintained or controlled by Us, through a social network, a mobile application, on a cellular telephone or otherwise.
Please read this Policy carefully before using or proceeding to access Our Site. Your use of Our Site indicates You have read and understood this Privacy Policy, and indicates Your agreement to its terms and Our Terms of Use.
BY VISITING OUR SITE, YOU ARE ACCEPTING AND CONSENTING TO THE PRACTICES DESCRIBED IN THIS POLICY, AS UPDATED AND AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME. IF, FOR ANY REASON, YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS POLICY, PLEASE STOP USING THE SITE IMMEDIATELY.
1. Privacy Policy Details
1.1 By accessing any part of the Site, User agrees to the practices described in this Policy and consents to the collection, use and disclosure of User information as set out in this Policy. This Policy is part of the Terms of Use for Our Site and governs User's use of the Site and the Services; please read the Terms of Use for Our Site which can be found here https://portal.csatf.org/terms-of-use.
If You do not wish to provide Your consent and/or do not agree with any part of this Policy and/or Our Terms of Use, please do not use the Site or Our Services.
1.2 This Policy is effective as of the date set out above. We reserve the right to modify it at any time, and such revisions will become effective upon the earlier of (a) posting of the revisions to the Site, or (b) distribution by electronic mail. User's continued use of the Site or any of Our Services after the effective date of the revisions means User accepts and agrees to any such revisions. This Policy applies to Our on-line and off-line information gathering and disclosure practices in connection with the Site.
1.3	This Policy is applicable only on Our Site. Due to the nature of certain of Our Services, You may not find any third-party website links on all pages of Our Site. However, where they are provided, this Policy does not cover the information privacy practices of any third-party websites that are linked to the Site or that You may otherwise be able to access from the Site; such third-party websites include, without limitation, various professional or union websites which may offer products or services for sale. We do not control, and are not responsible for, any such third-party websites' collection and use of User information. All Users should refer to the privacy policy disclosures on those websites to obtain information regarding their information collection and use practices.
1.4 There is a variety of information We collect that You provide when You become a User or otherwise communicate with Us. While some of the data may be optional, this information may include, but is not limited to, name, address, Social Security number, driver's license number, birth date or year, telephone and/or cellular number and email address, along with testing result status, or when You, as the employer, request specific products or Services, or when any User requests further responses from Us, including any transactions. If You report a problem with Our Site, there may be additional details requested, as well. Also, if You contact Us, We will keep a record of those communications.
We require an individual to be at least eighteen (18) years old to be a User on Our Site. This Site is not directed toward children under 13 years of age nor do We knowingly collect information about children under 13. If You are under 13 years of age, You are not permitted to submit any personally identifiable information ("PII") to Us. If a parent becomes aware any of his/her children has submitted PII to Us, please immediately notify Us at cybersecurity@csatf.org.
3. Information Collected
3.1 By accessing or using the Site, User may provide Us with two types of information: (i) "personally-identifiable information" that You are required to disclose to Us, including, but not limited to, Your name, address, Social Security number, driver's license number, birthdate or year, telephone or cellular number, email address (again, "PII"); and (ii) other information ("non-PII"), which We collect through the use of technologies called "cookies," "web beacons" and/or "web logs." We use the information We collect to monitor and analyze how Users use the Site and Our Services, to provide customer service and to maintain and improve Our Services. We may also collect technical information to help Us identify User's mobile device or computer. Personal information does not include information that is not used to identify you, including aggregate or anonymous information.
3.2 You may be asked to submit information to access or use certain aspects of the Services offered on the Site, such as to create an account, contact Us, receive customer or technical support. If You choose not to submit the requested information, You will not be able to access or use some or all of these Services.
3.3 A cookie is a piece of data that is stored on the User's computer. It provides Us with information about the User that We use to enhance Your experience on Our Site. Right now, there are two basic types of cookies. One is a session cookie which terminates when the User's session ends. The second is a persistent cookie, which is a text file that stays stored on the User's computer for a period of time. Your Internet browser contains instructions about how to remove persistent cookies. If You reject all cookies, You may not be able to create or sign in to Your account with Us or otherwise take full advantage of Our Site.
3.4 We use "cookies" to collect information, on an aggregate basis, about how the Site is used. This information may include the date and time of any visits to and time spent on the Site. We also use cookies to learn more about Our audience size and usage patterns, to store information about Your preferences so as to allow Us to customize Our Site according to Your interests and provide a more personalized experience, to speed up searches or to recognize You when You return to Our Site, to identify the pages viewed or searched for, page response times, download errors, length of visits, page interaction information (such as click, scrolling, etc.) or methods used to browse away from a page, but none of Our cookies is intended to identify You personally. You can obtain more information about cookies at https://www.allaboutcookies.org/.
3.5 We use "web beacons," "web logs" and similar software in order to allow Our servers to automatically record information that Your browser sends whenever You visit the Site. This information includes the time and date, Your Internet Protocol address, Your geographic location (zip code, area code and/or time zone), Your browser type and version, the Site and/or the Services that You use, and when and how long You use them. We use this information to monitor and analyze how Users use the Site and Our Services, to provide customer service and to maintain and improve the Services.
3.6 The information We collect and Your use of Our Site may be maintained in servers We control and maintain or in third party servers. The information You provide may be transferred or accessed by entities in many different countries. By submitting information, You agree to the transfer, storage and processing of Your data in accord with this Policy.
3.7 If Your information changes, or if You no longer desire any Services, You may review, delete, correct, amend, update or otherwise change Your information or the data You have provided to Us by updating Your profile in Your account or by contacting Us at the contact information listed in Paragraph 6.1 below.
3.8 If You would like to review, correct, update, amend, delete or otherwise revise any information or data You have provided to Us, You may contact Us as indicated in Paragraph 6 below.
4. Our Security Measures
The information You provide to Us is stored on servers that are located in secured facilities with restricted access, and protected by protocols and procedures designed to ensure reasonable security of such information. In addition, We restrict access to User PII to those of Our employees, independent contractors and agents who need to know this information in order to develop, operate and maintain the Site and Our Services. However, no data transmission over the Internet is completely secure nor can any be guaranteed to be totally secure, and, for this reason, We cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information You transmit to Us. You can help protect Your PII and other information by using a combination of letters, numbers and characters in Your password, changing Your password often, using a secure web browser, and signing off and closing Your web browser when You are finished with the use of the Site.
5. What Information Do We Share?
5.1	As a User, You acknowledge and agree that We may share with Your actual or potential employer, Your union, their service providers, and similar business/professional entities on a "need to know" basis Your successful completion of any training course You undergo with Us, and also provide said requester with a certificate of completion or a copy of such a certificate if issued directly to You.
5.2	As a User, You also agree We may disclose information You provided about yourself as a User to Our employees, agents, contractors and sub-contractors, and Our related and affiliated individuals and entities and their respective employees, agents, contractors and sub-contractors, in accordance with applicable law and for the limited purpose of administering the Services We provide.
We will share information, including User PII, with other parties under the following circumstances:
5.3	Protection of Rights. We will share User information if We have a good faith belief that: (i) access, use, preservation or disclosure of such information is reasonably necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation or legal process, such as a court order or subpoena, or a request by law enforcement or governmental authorities; (ii) such action is appropriate to enforce Our Terms of Use or this Privacy Policy, including any investigation of potential violations thereof; (iii) such action is necessary to detect, prevent, or otherwise address credit risk fraud prevention, security or technical issues associated with the Site and/or Our Services; and/or (iv) such action is appropriate to protect Our rights, property or safety or the rights, property or safety of Our employees, Users of the Services or others.
5.4	We may share User PII with the service providers that We engage in connection with Our Services and/or the Site and/or with service providers Your employers, actual or potential, and/or Your union may retain which also need to know about Your successful completion of any training course You undergo with Us, and/or a copy of any certificate of completion or a copy of such a certificate if issued directly to You.
5.5	WE WILL NOT SHARE USER INFORMATION WITH THIRD PARTIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THEIR DIRECT MARKETING UNLESS YOU AFFIRMATIVELY AGREE TO SUCH DISCLOSURE.
Please do not share sensitive information with Us unless absolutely necessary and then do so in the most secure manner possible.
6.1 You may access, update or delete information, and/or modify your account preferences for the Site, by accessing the "Account" area of the Site or by contacting Us at privacy@csatf.org. Please note that when you remove your account, We may retain your account information for a reasonable period of time for the purpose of internal account management and fraud prevention, or as may be otherwise required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
6.2 If you email Us to change your contact preferences, We will implement your requested changes within a reasonable period of time. Please note that your requested changes will not be effective until We implement them. Please also note that you cannot unsubscribe from certain correspondence with Us, such as messages relating to your account transactions.
6.3 You may deactivate your account and request that we delete your information by contacting us at privacy@csatf.org or by mail at: Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, 2710 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504.
6.4	Reviewing, Updating and/or Deleting Your Information:
•	To protect your privacy and security, we will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or permitting the requested changes or modifications to be made. Unfortunately, we cannot always ensure that such changes or modifications will be reflected in all iterations of your information as previously stored.
•	We make good faith efforts to provide you with access to your personal information and the ability to correct the information if it is inaccurate or to delete it at your request (if it is not required to be retained by law or for legitimate business purposes). We may decline to process requests that we believe in good faith are unreasonable or unduly burdensome (such as requests that are repetitive, require disproportionate technical effort, jeopardize the privacy of others, or would be impractical to satisfy).
•	If you wish to delete your account, you must make a request by emailing us at privacy@csatf.org and providing the following details: IL#, full name, and reason for deletion. Even if we delete your account, we may retain certain information associated with your account for record keeping, legal compliance and other legitimate business purposes.
6.5	Deactivating Your Account. You may deactivate your account with us at any time by making the appropriate selections. If you deactivate your account and later wish to reactivate it, you will have to create a new account. If you deactivate your account, we may retain certain information associated with your account for record keeping, legal compliance and other legitimate business purposes.
6.6	Deleting Your Personal Information. Again, you can request that we delete your personal information at any time by contacting us at privacy@csatf.org or by mail at: Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, 2710 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504, Attention Information Technology Department, and we will follow through on your request unless we are required to keep your information by law or for legitimate business purposes.
6.7	Opt Out. If we propose to use personal information for any purposes other than those described in this Privacy Policy, we will offer you a reasonable means to opt out of any such proposed use of personal information. We reserve the right to contact you on matters that we believe in good faith to be urgent or of particular importance, even if you opt out from other communications, but these would not include marketing communications.
6.8	Retention Period. Unless we are required by law or for legitimate business purposes to keep your personal data longer, we will delete your personal data from our records ten(10) years after the last Services administered by Us.
7. Tracking Policy
7.1 You may be able to adjust Your browser's settings to turn on a "do not track" feature. Although Our policy may change in the future, currently, We do not support "do not track" and will not honor Your web browser's "do not track" signal.
7.2 We do use third-party service providers to provide certain analytics services to Us in connection with Our operation of Our Site, including the collection and tracking of certain data and information regarding the characteristics and activities of members/users to Our Site. However, any data collected in such a manner is anonymized and so does not qualify as PII. We do not intentionally or knowingly allow other parties to collect personal information about Your on-line activities over time and across different websites, when You visit Our Site or use any of the Services.
8. Uses of Information
Among the uses We may make of the data We have from and about You, We may:
Enforce Our Terms of Use for Our Site and this Policy;
Notify You about any changes in Services;
Fulfill Our legal obligations to You;
Fulfill Our legal obligations and respond to any litigation or law enforcement/government inquiry;
Insure that Our Site, products and Services are presented to You in the most efficient manner for You and Us;
Allow You to participate in any interactive features of Our Site, when You choose to do so;
Share the data with any Affiliated Parties and related individuals and entities;
Administer Our site and keep it safe and secure, and for internal operations, including research, statistics, troubleshooting, data analysis, testing, survey and similar purposes;
If You are an individual, You acknowledge and agree that We may share with Your employer, Your union, their service providers, and similar business/professional entities on a "need to know" basis Your successful completion of any training course You undergo with Us, and also provide said requester with a certificate of completion or a copy of such a certificate if issued directly to You; or
Disclose as We believe to be necessary or appropriate: (a) under applicable law, including laws outside Your country of residence; (b) to protect Our operations or those of any of Our Affiliated Parties; (c) to protect Our rights, privacy, safety or property, or that of Our Affiliated Parties, Users or others; or (d) to allow Us to pursue available remedies or limit the damages that We may sustain.
9. Laws In Other Countries
We comply with United States privacy laws and regulations. We do not represent the Site is governed by, or operated in accordance with, the laws of other nations or jurisdictions, or that the Site or any portion of it is appropriate or available for use in any particular location. If You choose to access the Site, You do so at Your own risk, and You are responsible for complying with all local laws, rules and regulations. By using the Site, visitors to it from outside the United States acknowledge and agree that Our Site is subject to United States laws and regulations, and waive any claims against Us that may arise under their own national laws.
10:	Notice:
Your information will remain subject to the terms of this Privacy Policy even if we undergo a business transition. However, we may transfer your information to a successor person or entity upon an acquisition or other corporate reorganization. You hereby consent to such transfers, and we may assign and transfer all of the rights, benefits, duties, and obligations of this Privacy Policy.
This Privacy Policy may be amended by us from time to time. Please periodically review the controlling version of the Privacy Policy. By continuing to use the Site subsequent to us making available an amended version of this Privacy Policy, you thereby acknowledge, agree and consent to such amendment. This Privacy Policy applies to our on-line and off-line information gathering and disclosure practices in connection with the Site.
11. Questions
If You have any questions about either this Policy or Our privacy practices, please contact Us by email at privacy@csatf.org or by mail at: Contract Services Administration Trust Fund, 2710 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504.
© 2020 Contract Services Administration Trust Fund
Contact: 818.565.0550 | 2710 Winona Avenue Burbank, CA 91504
© 2022 Contract Services - Version: 1.75.16


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Abarenicola pusilla är en ringmaskart som först beskrevs av Jean Louis Armand de Quatrefages de Bréau 1866.  Abarenicola pusilla ingår i släktet Abarenicola och familjen Arenicolidae. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Havsborstmaskar
pusilla

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Adrianna Nicole, Alexis Texas, Allie Haze, Amy Brooke, Andy San Dimas, Ann Marie Rios, Bobbi Starr, Charley Chase, Kaci Starr, Kristina Rose, Monique Alexander, procurator Paige, Sindee Jennings, Sinn herbaceous plant Special Extended 2-Disc Set. Director Belladonna`s good luck charm enthusiast 8 is flush with girl-girl charm, from each one of six lovingly changeable scenes portrayal the fun of a outlined kink. The two-disc set includes far-reaching behind-the-scenes footage, trailers, cast list, and filmographies.
For those adult moving-picture show enthusiasts who promote the gay niche, this film is guaranteed to deliver. atropa belladonna is a woman who has made a very defined mark in this industry. She takes her performance to a new grade entirely, bringing to life a lot of the rougher, about violent fetishes that can kind adult motion-picture show some taboo and exciting. Their uncurbed energy for actions most women power insight dismaying is naught short of amazing. In a unique way the scene is presented in a divergent edit.
De Coincy, Alfonso X el Sabio - Chanterai d'aquestz Trobadors (ens.


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PSLS • News • PS Vita / PlayStation Vita News, Trophies, Reviews, and More • PS3 / PlayStation 3 News, Trophies, Reviews, and More • PS4 News, Trophies, Reviews, and More
Japanese Sales Chart: Dragon Quest XI Keeps Selling Well, Hitman Debuts in 6th
Jason DunningWednesday, August 16, 2017
The Nintendo 3DS version of Dragon Quest XI finished at #1 last week in Japan, moving another 116,600 copies and bringing its lifetime total to 1.57 million. The PS4 version was bumped to 3rd place, but still managed to sell 91,100 copies.
Looking at new releases, The Snack World for 3DS opened in 2nd with 97,500 sold. Further down the chart, Hitman: The Complete First Season debuted in 6th with 17,250 sold and Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 finished in 8th with 8,500 sold.
According to Media Create, here's the 20 best-selling retail games, along with how each system sold in Japan from August 7 to 13, 2017:
Games (Lifetime)
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (3DS) – 116,615 (1,573,216)
The Snack World: Trejarers (3DS) – 97,534
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4) – 91,147 (1,242,260)
Splatoon 2 (Switch) – 87,983 (915,628)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) – 17,262 (632,894)
Hitman: The Complete First Season (PS4) – 17,252
The Great Ace Attorney 2 (Limited Edition Included) (3DS) – 10,770 (80,618)
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 (PS4) – 8,537
Arms (Switch) – 7,866 (197,284)
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (PS4) – 7,263 (37,647)
Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and The Millionaires' Conspiracy (3DS) – 7,131 (115,188)
Hey! Pikmin (3DS) – 6,863 (114,750)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (LE Included) (Switch) – 6,642 (560,764)
Sumikko Gurashi: Koko, Doko Nan Desu? (3DS) – 6,246 (40,354)
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Amiibo+ (3DS) – 5,380 (218,378)
Gundam Versus (LE Included) (PS4) – 4,873 (157,958)
Pokemon Sun/Pokemon Moon (3DS) – 4,865 (3,309,571)
Minecraft: PlayStation Vita Edition (PSV) – 4,181 (1,191,628)
1-2-Switch (Switch) – 3,570 (242,742)
Mario Kart 7 (3DS) – 3,354 (2,802,588)
Systems (Previous Week)
Nintendo Switch – 87,798 (61,933)
PlayStation 4 – 34,691 (43,862)
New 2DS LL – 24,187 (33,871)
PlayStation 4 Pro – 7,771 (9,077)
PlayStation Vita – 4,651(4,773)
2DS – 3,527 (3,740)
New 3DS – 740 (1,078)
Wii U – 132 (158)
PlayStation 3 – 95 (96)
Xbox One – 75 (90)
Do you think Dragon Quest XI will be the best-selling PS4 game in Japan this year?
[Source: 4Gamer via Gematsu]
Tags: Dragon Quest XI, Japan, Japan Chart, Japanese Sales Chart


Morrilton AR funeral homes provide local funeral services. Find more information about Harris Funeral Home , Neal Bob and Sons Funeral Home by clicking on each funeral home listing. Send funeral flower arrangements to any Morrilton funeral home delivered by our trusted local florist.
Pentecostal Faith, and enjoyed fishing, camping and playing dominoes.Left to cherish her memory are her children John D. Cherry of Conway, Mary Long and husband Chris of Holland, James Maxwell of Morrilton, and Matthew Maxwell of Holland. Nedra is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; siblings William Cherry, Jr. of Texas, Samuel Cherry of Conway; several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.Nedra was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Maxwell, her parents William Leonard Cherry, Sr. and Rosie Kurz Cherry; daughter Amanda King; sister Mary Stracener and brother Dennis Cherry.Visitation is Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clinton Funeral Service. Services will be Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Lost Corner Cemetery with Pastor Sam Bryant officiating. Burial will follow.Arrangements are entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service. To sign Nedra's Book of Memories, please go to www.clintonfuneralservice.com.


Mostly sunny this morning then becoming mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 40s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming south 10 to 15 mph this afternoon.
Cloudy. Rain likely in the morning then a chance of showers in the afternoon. Areas of fog in the morning, then patchy fog in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Partly cloudy. Low temperature around 37F. Dew point will be around 30F with an average humidity of 71%. Winds will be 2 mph from the WSW.
Mostly cloudy. High temperature around 49F. Dew point will be around 34F with an average humidity of 64%. Winds will be 4 mph from the SE.
Partly cloudy. Low temperature around 38F. Dew point will be around 36F with an average humidity of 78%. Winds will be 13 mph from the NE.
Partly cloudy. High temperature around 49F. Dew point will be around 39F with an average humidity of 79%. Winds will be 17 mph from the NNE.
Partly cloudy. Low temperature around 39F. Dew point will be around 39F with an average humidity of 90%. Winds will be 7 mph from the NNE.


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Since transparency is a favorite buzzword in today's enlightened society, I feel compelled to warn my beloved readers of my articles and essays, that this article is not about what you may think, given its title. I am not referring to radical ideas and behavior that masquerade as remaining within the boundaries of Jewish tradition and halachic norms. Rather, this article is about our synagogue here in Jerusalem that, because of governmental health regulations, has been forced to conduct its regular daily prayer services outside, rather than in the building of the synagogue itself.
The neighbors in the adjoining apartment building have been kind enough to allow the synagogue to erect a tent in its parking lot, and we conducted the Sukkoth holiday in its entirety in that parking lot. We did so, naturally, with proper social distancing and all who attended wore masks. In spite of the obvious difficulties that this engendered – we had very hot weather here in Jerusalem over the holiday – and the fact that quite a number of cats joined in the festivities, we experienced a wonderful holiday, and I felt the prayer services were very meaningful.
Human beings are the most adaptable of all creatures, and, perhaps, the Jewish people are the most adaptable of all human beings. As such, I was impressed but not surprised that the services were orderly, meaningful, heartfelt, and proper. I think that everyone benefited and enjoyed the experience of Orthodox prayer in the open environment of our neighboring parking lot.
One of the interesting, if not beneficial, results of our being in the open was that many people who usually do not regularly attend synagogue seemed to join our group. Perhaps even more importantly, of the many Jews, who, unfortunately, abound here in Israel who have never set foot into a synagogue out of fear of tarnishing their secularism, were witnesses to what synagogue prayers actually look and feel like.
I am certain that they gained a changed perspective from one that they previously held. One of the attributes of our father Abraham was that wherever he went he conducted services to the Lord, and called onto God's name so that even passersby gained an understanding that there is a creator, and that God has entrusted humans with missions of goodness and holiness.
It is this attribute of Abraham that marked him for special greatness and earned him the title of father of the Jewish people and much of human civilization as well. Conducting our prayers in the open afforded us the opportunity to emulate, in our own small way, the activities and mission of our father Abraham. There is a freedom that somehow one feels outside of the confines of the building that one does not feel even within the air-conditioned comfort and splendor of the four walls of a synagogue building.
This feeling is difficult to describe, but, somehow, I felt it to be present within me. This, of course, is only the rumination of an elderly rabbi, but I do not feel that these comments are really off the mark.
I join with all of Israel and the world in hoping and praying that this corona scourge will soon pass. We will then be able to restore ourselves to what we will then call normalcy, though I doubt that it will exactly resemble the old normalcy that we were accustomed to before the Corona pandemic struck.
In any event, we certainly intend to return to the confines of the building of our beloved synagogue and conduct teaching classes, lectures, and prayer services within that building on a very regular basis. With the winter approaching, we will undoubtedly need the protection of the walls of the building, a heating system that functions well and an environment that keeps us healthy and comfortable.
Nevertheless, I am certain that we will all have a taint of nostalgia regarding the times that we were able to pray and conduct our services in the open, for all to witness. Thus, in every difficult situation some measure of goodness and understanding can be extracted, treasured, and incorporated into our new being. So, when we return to our hoped-for normalcy, I think we should attempt to retain some of the gifts of praying in the open and conducting our prayer services under the canopy of heaven directly.
Berel Wein
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Image quality and diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive coronary imaging with 16 detector slice spiral computed tomography with 188 ms temporal resolution
A Kuettner1,
T Beck2,
T Drosch1,
K Kettering2,
M Heuschmid1,
C Burgstahler2,
C D Claussen1,
A F Kopp1,
S Schroeder2
1Department for Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
2Department for Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen
Correspondence to:
Priv-Doz Dr Stephen Schröder
Department of Cardiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller Strasse 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; stephen.schroedermed.uni-tubingen.de
Objective: To evaluate image quality and clinical accuracy in detecting coronary artery lesions with a new multidetector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) generation with 16 detector slices and a temporal resolution of 188 ms.
Methods: 124 consecutive patients scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were additionally studied by MDCT (Sensation 16 Speed 4D). MDCTs were analysed with regard to image quality and presence of coronary artery lesions. The results were compared with ICA.
Results: 120 of 124 scans were successful. The image quality of all remaining 120 scans was sufficient (mean (SD) heart rate 64.2 (9.8) beats/min, range 43–95). The mean calcium mass was 167 (223) mg (range 0–1038). Thirteen coronary segments were evaluated for each patient (1560 segments in total). Image quality was graded as follows: excellent, 422 (27.1%) segments; good, 540 (34.6%) segments; moderate, 277 (17.7%) segments; heavily calcified, 215 (13.8%) segments; and blurred, 106 (6.8%) segments. ICA detected 359 lesions with a diameter stenosis > 50% and MDCT detected 304 of 359 (85%). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 85%, 98%, 91%, and 96%, respectively. The correct clinical diagnosis (presence or absence of at least one stenosis > 50%) was obtained for 110 of 120 (92%) patients.
Conclusions: MDCT image quality can be further improved with 16 slices and faster gantry rotation time. These results in an unselected population underline the potential of MDCT to become a non-invasive diagnostic alternative, especially for the exclusion of coronary artery disease, in the near future.
CAD, coronary artery disease
ICA, invasive coronary angiography
MDCT, multidetector spiral computed tomography
multidetector spiral computed tomography
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/hrt.2004.044735
Mechanical multidetector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) systems have been available since 1999 for the non-invasive visualisation of human coronary arteries. Continuous technical innovations have led to a further stabilisation of image quality allowing a high diagnostic accuracy to rule out or detect significant coronary lesions in selected patients. Nieman et al1 and Ropers et al2 reported promising results in selected patients with clinical suspicion of coronary artery disease (CAD) with the use of MDCT systems with 12 × 0.75 mm cross sections and 420 ms rotation time.
In autumn 2003, the latest generation of 16 slice scanners was introduced. They featured 16 slices for cardiac imaging, together with an improved gantry rotation time (16 × 0.75 mm, 375 ms).
The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility, image quality, and clinical accuracy in detecting coronary artery lesions with this scanner generation in an unselected patient population scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA).
We screened 195 consecutive patients scheduled for ICA because of suspected CAD or suspected progress of a known CAD for participation in the present study. All patients were listed for ICA because of typical chest pain or positive stress tests.
Seventeen (9%) patients declined to participate, 47 (24%) patients had contraindications, and for eight (4%) patients no scan time was available. Of the 195 patients, 124 (64%) were enrolled in this study. The local ethics committee had approved the study protocol and all patients gave informed consent. Exclusion criteria were defined as irregular heart rate, contraindications to iodinated contrast media, and increased serum creatinine concentrations > 133 μmol/l. All patients underwent MDCT one day before ICA. Patients with heart rates > 65 beats/min were given additional β blockade.
Scan protocol
MDCT was performed with a 16 detector slice computed tomograph (Sensation 16 Speed 4D, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) with a newly developed tube (Straton, Siemens Medical Solutions), 370 ms rotation time, and 16 slices read out simultaneously in the cardiac mode. The scan protocol was as follows: native vessels were scanned without contrast medium to determine the total calcium burden of the coronary tree (16 × 1.5 mm collimation, table feed 3.8 mm/rotation, tube current 133 mA at 120 kV). To evaluate the circulation time, 20 ml of contrast medium (20 ml at 4 ml/s, 400 mg iodine/ml, Imeron 400; Altana Pharma, Constance, Germany) and a chaser bolus of 20 ml saline were administered in an antecubital vein. The contrast enhanced scan of the coronary arteries was acquired with the following protocol: 80 ml intravenous contrast agent followed by 20 ml chaser bolus (50 ml at 4.0 ml/s, then 30 or 50 ml at 2.5 ml/s), 16 × 0.75 mm collimation, table feed 3.8 mm/rotation, tube current 650 mA at 120 kV. Computed tomography started at the aortic root cranial to the coronary ostia and stopped at the diaphragm caudally of all cardiac structures. ECG pulsing with reduced tube current during systole was recorded during all scans to minimise radiation exposure.
Image reconstruction
Axial images were reconstructed by the standard built-in ECG gated half scan reconstruction algorithm (temporal resolution 185 ms, slice thickness 1.0 mm, increment 0.5 mm, kernel B 30 f). The reconstruction window was set to start at 60%; in case of motion artefacts an additional test series reconstructing single slices in 5% steps ranging from 20–75% relative to the RR interval was adopted. Examples of images are shown in figs 1 and 2.
Exclusion of coronary artery disease in a patient. (A) Curved multiplanar reconstruction of the left anterior descending artery. (B) Curved multiplanar reconstruction of the left circumflex artery. (C) Corresponding coronary angiography.
Patient with severe calcifications (140 mg calcium hydroxyapatite) in projection on the left anterior descending artery with a tight stenosis (arrows) between two calcified plaques immediately after the delivery of the first diagonal branch. (A) Axial multidetector spiral computed tomography (MDCT) image showing heavy calcifications. (B) Perpendicular angle. (C) Corresponding coronary angiography.
MDCT image interpretation
Two reviewers, blinded to the results of ICA and to all clinical information, evaluated the MDCTs in a joint reading. Data were analysed on an offline workstation for postprocessing (Leonardo, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany). Coronary calcifications were assessed on native scans and quantified by determining the total calcium mass expressed in mg of calcium hydroxyapatite.
Contrast enhanced MDCT angiograms were investigated by the use of axial slices and 4 mm thin slab maximum intensity projections in axial and double oblique orientation adapted to the specific anatomy of the vessel.
Image quality was classified as excellent (no motion artefacts present), good (minor motion artefacts present), moderate (substantial motion artefacts present but luminal assessment regarding significant stenosis still possible), heavily calcified (vessel lumen obscured by calcification), or blurred (no luminal assessment of significant stenosis possible).
The readers assessed significant lesions with a diameter stenosis ⩾ 50%. Results were documented separately for 13 coronary segments from each patient according to a modified American Heart Association classification with 13 segments (right coronary artery, segments 1–4; left main, segment 5; left anterior descending coronary artery, segments 6–10; left circumflex artery, segments 11–13).
The clinical diagnosis based on MDCT was considered to be correct if MDCT ruled out any significant lesion > 50% or MDCT detected correctly at least one significant lesion > 50% that was detected by ICA.
Quantitative coronary angiography
ICA was performed with standard techniques one day after the MDCT. All angiograms were evaluated by one blinded independent observer by quantitative coronary analysis (Philips Medical Systems, Einthoven, the Netherlands). The projection with the most severe degree of diameter stenosis was used for evaluation. Lesions with a diameter stenosis > 50% were considered to be significant.
ICA was regarded as the reference standard for the detection of significant lesions. MDCT results were compared on a segmental basis, for each vessel and each patient. If a segment contained more than one lesion, the most severe lesion determined the diagnostic accuracy of the assessment. Categorical data were presented with absolute frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables are shown as mean (SD). Data were analysed with Prism 3.0 (GraphPad Software Inc, San Diego, California, USA).
Patient population
Of 195 consecutive patients scheduled for ICA, 124 (64%) were suitable for MDCT and participation in our study. Clinical indication for ICA was suspicion of CAD in 80 of 124 (65%) patients and suspicion of restenosis in 44 of 124 (35%) patients. Fourteen patients had stented lesions which were excluded from analysis, and 13 patients had coronary artery bypass grafts. Patient characteristics were as follows: 83 were men (67%), mean (SD) age was 64.1 (9.1) years, heart rate was 64.2 (9.8) beats/min (range 43–95, mean calcium mass was 167 (223) mg (range 0–1038), and body mass index was 28.2 (3.8) kg/m2 (range 20–38). Cardiovascular risk factors were distributed as follows: hyperlipoproteinaemia, 97 of 124 (78%); hypertension, 90 of 124 (73%); smoking, 42 of 124 (34%); family history, 25 of 124 (20%); and diabetes, 22 of 124 (18%).
Additional β blockade was given to 63 of 124 (51%) patients before MDCT because of heart rates > 65 beats/min at inclusion. Of 124 (97%) scans, 120 were successful (two incomplete respiratory stops, one ECG defect, one extravasation of contrast medium). All remaining 120 scans had sufficient image quality. In total, 1560 segments (120 patients × 13 segments) were evaluated. Image quality was graded as follows: excellent, 422 (27.1%) segments; good, 540 (34.6%) segments; moderate, 277 (17.7%) segments; heavily calcified, 215 (13.8%) segments; and blurred, 106 (6.8%) segments. The entire coronary tree was visualisable with diagnostic image quality in 60 of 120 (50%) patients. Table 1 summarises the results of the segmental and per vessel analysis.
Number of coronary segments with diagnostic image quality
Bypass imaging
Forty one of 43 bypass grafts (95%) were analysable by MDCT in 13 patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (11 arterial grafts, 32 venous grafts). In ICA, 16 of 43 (37%) grafts were significantly stenosed (> 70%), and 16 of them were correctly diagnosed by MDCT (sensitivity 100%). One graft had a 50% anastomosis stenosis, which was also detected by MDCT. MDCT showed no significant stenosis in 25 of 27 grafts without a severe lesion (specificity 93%, positive predictive value 89%, negative predictive value 100%).
Lesion detection in native vessels
The reference standard ICA detected 359 lesions with a diameter stenosis > 50% and MDCT detected 304 of 359 (85%). Twenty nine of 55 (53%) missed lesions were located in distal segments and side branches. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the per patient analysis were 85%, 98%, 91%, and 96%, respectively. Table 2 summarises results of the segmental and per vessel analyses.
Diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in detecting and excluding severe lesions per segment and per vessel
The correct clinical diagnosis was obtained for 110 of 120 (92%) patients. MDCT detected all stenoses in 86 of 120 (72%) patients.
The new finding of the present study is that the latest improvements of MDCT technology with faster gantry rotation time and submillimetre slices have led to a further stabilisation of image quality. In our study evaluating the entire coronary tree, only 7% of coronary segments, the majority in side branches and distal vessel segments, were not analysable.
Image quality and lesion detection
Our study of a large patient population reproduced the previously reported promising results on lesion detection. There are, however, important differences between these studies and ours, which underline the improved diagnostic accuracy of the latest MDCT generation. Nieman et al1 and Ropers2et al reported on highly selected populations with clinical suspicion of CAD, but they studied only vessel segments with a diameter > 2.0 mm and > 1.5 mm, respectively. In contrast, we investigated consecutive patients who been scheduled for ICA, and all vessel segments were included. Even patients with advanced CAD were studied by MDCT, which is highlighted by the relatively high mean calcium mass. In addition, although all patients received β blockade as standard medication or immediately before the MDCT, there was a wide range of heart rates during scanning. Despite these factors, which are known to influence image quality of MDCT, the number of segments with insufficient image quality was low. However, as table 2 shows, vessel size and location still had a significant impact on the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT. This is also underlined by the very good accuracy when evaluating bypass grafts.
Most lesions missed were located in diagonal, marginal, and posterolateral branches. Although temporal resolution has been improved and spatial resolution is now 0.5 × 0.6 × 0.6 mm, especially smaller segments (< 1.5 diameter) are still susceptible to motion artefacts and even severe lesions may be obscured. The accuracy in larger segments was, however, consistently higher than 90%.
Clinical use of MDCT
The correct clinical diagnosis, which is the most relevant information in clinical practice when looking at the individual patient, defined in our study as the detection of at least one significant lesion, was obtained for 92% of patients. A complete correspondence with the reference standard ICA was found in 72% of patients. These data suggest that, although we documented a further improvement of diagnostic accuracy, the latest MDCT generation is not ready to replace diagnostic ICA. As table 2 indicates, one significant left main stenosis as well as several lesions located within proximal vessel segments were not accurately classified by MDCT. All lesions were, however, detected but lesion severity was underestimated. This was mainly due to severe calcifications, which are well known to prohibit accurate determination of the vessel lumen.3 Thus, in case of severe calcifications or motion artefacts, the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT is insecure and ICA should be used for clarification in these patients.
The consistently high negative predictive value, which was also documented by other studies,1,2,4,5 underlines, however, that in the case of good image quality and absence of relevant calcifications or motion artefacts, MDCT may be useful for the exclusion of significant lesions in well defined patient groups, which have to be outlined by future studies.
Limitations of MDCT remain radiation exposure (4–6 mSv)6 and the need for iodinated contrast media. Direct comparison with ICA may, however, be misleading, since MDCT as a cross sectional technique allows evaluation not only of the vessel lumen but also of the vessel wall and plaque morphology.7,8
Study limitations
Although the number of patients was relatively high (n = 124) and the MDCT investigators were blinded to the ICA results, this was a single centre trial. Further multicentre studies are required to confirm our data. Stented lesions were excluded from analysis, since current technology does not allow accurate visualisation and evaluation of the vessel lumen within the stents. This indication has to be addressed by further studies with improved technology in the future.
Furthermore, the present study was not designed to evaluate MDCT in selected groups of patients. Since our objective was to investigate image quality and diagnostic accuracy in consecutive patients scheduled for ICA, this question has to be addressed by further studies. A limitation remains that although the initial success of recruitment was high (178 of 195 (91%)), only 64% of patients actually were suitable for participation in our study.
Compared with magnetic resonance imaging and electron beam computed tomography, the latest MDCT appears to be the most advanced non-invasive imaging modality to visualise human coronary arteries. However, further improvements of spatial and temporal resolutions are still required to challenge diagnostic ICA.9,10
Nieman K, Cademartiri F, Lemos PA, et al. Reliable noninvasive coronary angiography with fast submillimeter multislice spiral computed tomography. Circulation2002;106:2051–4.
Ropers D, Baum U, Pohle K, et al. Detection of coronary artery stenoses with thin-slice multi-detector row spiral computed tomography and multiplanar reconstruction. Circulation2003;107:664–6.
Kuettner A, Kopp AF, Schroeder S, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol2004;43:831–9.
Martuscelli E, Romagnoli A, D'Eliseo A, et al. Accuracy of thin-slice computed tomography in the detection of coronary stenoses. Eur Heart J2004;25:1043–8.
Mollet NR, Cademartiri F, Nieman K, et al. Multislice spiral computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with stable angina pectoris. J Am Coll Cardiol2004;43:2265–70.
Jakobs TF, Becker CR, Ohnesorge B, et al. Multislice helical CT of the heart with retrospective ECG gating: reduction of radiation exposure by ECG-controlled tube current modulation. Eur Radiol2002;12:1081–6.
Achenbach S, Moselewski F, Ropers D, et al. Detection of calcified and noncalcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque by contrast-enhanced, submillimeter multidetector spiral computed tomography: a segment-based comparison with intravascular ultrasound. Circulation2004;109:14–7.
Leber AW, Knez A, Becker A, et al. Accuracy of multidetector spiral computed tomography in identifying and differentiating the composition of coronary atherosclerotic plaques: a comparative study with intracoronary ultrasound. J Am Coll Cardiol2004;43:1241–7.
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