text:
GUIDE WIRE LOADING METHOD AND APPARATUS WITH TOWEL ATTACHMENT MECHANISM
A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient.
TEIRSTEIN, Paul, S. (1515 Coast Walk, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US)
AMINE, Osama (347 Grafton Ave, Apt. 2ANewark, NJ, 07104, US)
ATKINSON, William (355 West Grand Ave, Suite 4Escondido, CA, 92025, US)
GOULD, William (2120 Creekview Lane, Fallbrook, CA, 92028, US)
CHIN, Yem (35 University Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803, US)
SCOPTON, Paul (145 Cambridge St, Winchester, MA, 01890, US)
CARMICHAEL, Robert, F., Jr. (105 Meadowbrook Road, Needham, MA, 02492, US)
A61M25/09
See also references of EP 2310078A1
WIECZOREK, Mark (Mayer & Williams PC, 251 North Ave. West2nd Floo, Westfield NJ, 07090, US)
1. A device for loading a guide wire into a selected tubular instrument having a selected outside radius, said loading device comprising: a body; and at least one open groove formed in a surface of said body, the at least one open groove including a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall; wherein said open groove has a cross section shaped to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument
2. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said open groove and said walls are configured to contact said selected tubular instrument over an angular segment of between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
4. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall meet at an angle of between approximately 10 degrees and 50 degrees.
5. A method for loading a guide wire into a selected tubular instrument, said method comprising: providing a device having at least one open groove formed in its surface, said groove having a substantially concave contour shaped to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument, the at least one open groove including a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall; placing an open end of said tubular instrument in said groove; placing an end of said guide wire in said groove; and moving said guide wire and said tubular instrument toward each other until said guide wire enters said open end of said tubular instrument.
6. A device for loading a guide wire into a selected tubular instrument having a selected outside radius, said loading device comprising: a body; and at least one open groove formed in a surface of said body, the at least one open groove having a cross-sectional shape including a plurality of flat segments connected end-to-end; and wherein said open groove has a cross section shaped to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein adjacent flat segments meet at a shallow angle of between about 125 degrees and 175 degrees.
8. A method for loading a guide wire into a selected tubular instrument, said method comprising: providing a device having at least one open groove formed in its surface, said groove having a shape to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument, the at least one open groove having a cross-sectional shape including a plurality of flat segments connected end-to-end; placing an open end of said tubular instrument in said groove; placing an end of said guide wire in said groove; and moving said guide wire and said tubular instrument toward each other until said guide wire enters said open end of said tubular instrument.
9. A device for loading a guide wire into a selected tubular instrument having a selected outside radius, said loading device comprising: a body having a top surface and a bottom surface; and at least one open groove formed in a top surface of said body, wherein said open groove has a cross section shaped to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument; and an attachment mechanism coupled to the body, the attachment mechanism for securing the body to a fabric.
10. The device recited in claim 9, wherein the fabric is a towel for draping a patient.
11. The device recited in claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: towel clamps with springs or clips, flexible fork assemblies, flexible tabs, hinged tabs, wire capture systems, gripping rings with flexible fingers, wire-and-plug capture systems, and opposing finger towel capture systems.
12. The device recited in claim 11, wherein the attachment mechanism is an opposing finger towel capture system, and wherein an opposing finger towel capture system is disposed on at least two substantially opposite sides of the body.
13. The device recited in claim 9, further comprising protuberances disposed on the bottom surface of the body.
14. The device recited in claim 9, wherein at least two open grooves are formed in the top surface of said body, wherein each said open groove has a cross section shaped to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument.
15. A method for loading a guide wire into a selected tubular instrument, said method comprising: providing a device having at least one open groove formed in its surface, said groove having a shape to substantially match said outside radius of said selected tubular instrument; attaching the device to a towel draping a patient using an attachment mechanism; placing an open end of said tubular instrument in said groove; placing an end of said guide wire in said groove; and moving said guide wire and said tubular instrument toward each other until said guide wire enters said open end of said tubular instrument.
16. The method recited in claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the device to a towel includes clamping the device to the towel.
17. The method recited in claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the device to a towel includes clipping the device to the towel.
18. The method recited in claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the device to a towel includes inserting the towel between fork tines.
19. The method recited in claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the device to a towel includes inserting the towel into a hole.
20. The method recited in claim 15, wherein the step of attaching the device to a towel includes inserting the towel between two opposing fingers.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/218,031, filed July 9, 2008, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/498,965, filed July 7, 2009, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
[0002] Not Applicable
[0003] Field of the Invention - This invention is in the field of equipment used for intravascular medical procedures, such as guide wires, stents, angioplasty balloons, drilling burrs, and the catheters that are used to convey some of these. [0004] Background Art - In the field of interventional cardiology, catheters and other tubular instruments are often run into a blood vessel by being threaded over a guide wire that has been placed into the blood vessel. So, it is often necessary to thread a very small diameter guide wire into the open end of a very small tubular instrument. The guide wires are usually about 0.014 inches in diameter, and the tubular instruments into which they are threaded can have diameters ranging from about 2 to 4 French. Catheters are often used to convey and operate various other types of instruments, such as balloons, stents, burrs, or radioactive segments. Many of these are also tubular in shape, and guide wires are often threaded through them. Because of the small diameters of the catheters, these other instruments, and the guide wires, it is very difficult to see and manipulate these members well enough to thread the guide wire into the tubular instrument very quickly. The speed and efficiency of every movement are important in interventional cardiology and other disciplines, as the blood flow in the blood vessel being used is often compromised.
[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a device, and a method for its use, which will quickly and efficiently thread a very small diameter guide wire into a very small diameter tubular instrument, such as a catheter. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device for threading a guide wire into a tubular instrument that can be conveniently secured in place to an operating field.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material which has an open groove in its surface. The end of the guide wire and the open end of the tubular instrument are placed into the groove, and the two ends are moved toward each other. The guide wire and the tubular instrument can be angled above the device, with just their ends touching the groove and moving along the groove. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument.
[0007] The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The bottom of the groove is basically a concave surface. The bottom of the groove can have a radiused or rounded cross-sectional contour, or it can be formed by a plurality of substantially flat longitudinal surfaces intersecting at shallow angles (e.g., between about 125 degrees and 175 degrees), thereby approximating a rounded contour. In this case, the spaces created by the joints between the flat surfaces, between the groove surface and the catheter, must be small enough to prevent entry of the end of the guide wire between the catheter and the groove surface. In another implementation, the angles of the groove walls are not symmetric; while one may be vertical to arrest the guide wire and/or tubular instrument against lateral movement, the other may be angled to allow the guide wire and/or tubular instrument to be inserted more easily into the device. In any case, the radius and depth of the rounded or multi-surfaced contour can be sized to work best with any selected diameter of tubular instrument. [0008] The groove can have a uniform depth and cross-sectional radius along its entire length. The groove also can be split into two end-to-end segments, with one segment or portion having a shallower depth, and/or a smaller radius, than the other segment or portion, thereby forming a discontinuity in the depth, and/or the radius, of the groove where the two portions meet. In this case, the guide wire is run in the shallower, and/or smaller radiused, portion of the groove, and the tubular instrument is run in the deeper, and/or larger radiused, portion. Preferably, the tubular instrument would first be run along the deeper, and/or larger radiused, portion of the groove until it butts up against the discontinuity in depth, and/or radius, where the two portions of the groove meet. Then, the guide wire would be run along the shallower, and/or smaller radiused, portion of the groove until its end enters the open end of the tubular instrument.
[0009] The device also can have a plurality of grooves on its surface, with each groove having a different depth, and/or cross-sectional radius, to make it substantially match the radius of a different diameter tubular instrument. Each groove can be labeled as to the size of tubular instrument with which it can best be used. Grooves having two different depths, and/or cross-sectional radii, can be so labeled.
[0010] The inner surface of the groove can have a slick surface, either because of the material from which the device is formed, the smoothness of the surface, or because of lubrication on the surface.
[0011] The device may have one or more attachment mechanisms to allow the same to be secured in an operating field onto, e.g., a fabric such as a towel draping a patient. The attachment mechanisms may be of a number of types of construction, and may include towel clamps with springs or clips, flexible fork assemblies, flexible tabs, hinged tabs, wire capture systems, gripping ring with flexible fingers, wire-and-plug capture systems, and opposing finger towel capture systems.
[0012] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, will be best understood from the attached drawings, taken along with the following description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention, in use with a guide wire and a catheter; [0014] Figure 2 is a sectional view of one type of cross-sectional contour that may be used in the invention of Figure 1 ;
[0015] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a second type of cross-sectional contour that may be used in the invention of Figure 1;
[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention;
[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 4 in use with a guide wire and a catheter;
[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention;
[0019] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a groove, illustrating a bottom profile consisting of vertical sides culminating in a rounded contour;
[0020] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another groove, illustrating a bottom profile consisting of one vertical side and one non-vertical side culminating in a rounded contour;
[0021] Figures 9(A) and 9(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., as may be draping a patient during surgery, here implemented as a towel clamp with spring;
[0022] Figures 10(A) and 10(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a towel clamp with clip;
[0023] Figures H(A) and H(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a third embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a flexible fork assembly, which may be employed with or without a spring;
[0024] Figures 12(A) and 12(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a flexible tab assembly;
[0025] Figures 13(A) and 13(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a hinged cover with a snap-button assembly; [0026] Figures 14(A) and 14(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a sliding wire capture lock;
[0027] Figures 15(A) and 15(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a gripping ring with flexible fingers;
[0028] Figures 16(A) and 16(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a eighth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a capture wire with engagement button assembly; and
[0029] Figures 17(A) and 17(B) are side and perspective views, respectively, of a ninth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as sets of opposing fingers. In these figures, as well, an implementation of the device is shown, having two grooves without abutments and six grooves with abutments and rounded ends, for threading guide wires through certain catheters having rounded ends.
[0030] As shown in Figure 1, a device 10 according to the present invention comprises a body 11, also termed a housing, made of any appropriate material, such as a plastic or metal. Formed within at least one surface of this body 11 is at least one open groove 12. Generally the groove is formed on a top surface of the body or housing. Various possible characteristics of the groove 12 are discussed below. In use, a guide wire GW has been introduced into a blood vessel of a patient (not shown). The free end FE of the guide wire GW is placed in the groove 12. The guide wire is held so that it is angled relative to the surface of the body 11, for example, at a 45 degree angle, as its free end FE is placed and held in the groove 12. A selected catheter SC is also held so that it is angled at a similar angle relative to the surface of the body 11, oriented toward the groove 12, and an open end OE of the catheter SC is placed in the groove 12. Rather than a catheter, any other type of tubular instrument may also be used with the present invention. The catheter, or any other tubular instrument for that matter, is referred to herein as a "selected" catheter, because it is selected for use in the medical procedure, at least partially because of its outside diameter. The groove 12 is designed to have dimensions that will function best with this selected outside diameter of the selected catheter SC. Once the respective ends FE, OE of the guide wire GW and the selected catheter SC are placed within the groove 12, the guide wire GW and the catheter SC are moved toward each other. Alternatively, one member may be held stationary, and the other member may be moved toward it. What matters is that the ends FE, OE of the two members are brought together in the groove 12. When the two ends FE, OE meet, the free end FE of the guide wire GW will enter the open end OE of the catheter SC, with both being guided by the groove 12. [0031] It is usually helpful if the surface of the groove 12 is made "slick", either by being made very smooth, or by being lubricated, or both. In order to achieve lubrication, the body 11 of the device 10 may be formed of a lubricious material, such as various types of plastic, or lubrication can be provided by application of a lubricant in the groove 12 or on the guide wire GW. Application of a liquid to the groove 12 may also be beneficial, in that the surface tension of the liquid may assist in guiding the guide wire GW into the selected catheter SC.
[0032] The groove 12 may have several different types of cross section and various depths. As shown in Figure 1, the groove 12 may be substantially a semi-circular groove in the surface of the body 11. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the groove 12 may have sides 13 that taper inwardly toward a substantially concave cross-sectional contour 14 at the apex, or bottom, of the tapered groove 12. In Figure 2, the concave contour is actually rounded, having a radius that substantially matches the outside radius of the catheter SC. It can also be seen that, while in Figure 1, the groove 12 has a depth that is less than the outside diameter of the catheter SC, Figure 2 shows that the groove 12 can alternatively have depth that is greater than the outside diameter of the catheter SC. [0033] Figure 3 illustrates that, rather than having a rounded cross-sectional contour, the concave contour 14 at the bottom of the groove 12 can also be formed by a plurality of other surfaces, such as longitudinally arranged substantially flat surfaces 15 within the groove 12, with the flat surfaces forming a contour approximating a radiused curve. It is important that the spaces created by the joints between the flat surfaces, between the groove surface and the catheter, must be small enough to prevent entry of the end of the guide wire between the catheter and the groove surface. That is, the flat surfaces must be sufficiently narrow, and appropriately angled, to insure that the space between the flat groove surfaces and the catheter is less than the diameter of the guide wire. Figure 3 also shows that this approximate radiused curve can also have a radius that substantially matches the outside radius of the catheter SC. Whether the concave contour 14 is round or formed from a plurality of flat surfaces, it is preferred that the concave contour 14 have a radius that is substantially the same as the outside radius of the catheter SC, plus or minus 10% of the catheter radius. Ideally, the concave contour 14 will have a radius that is no less than the outside radius of the catheter SC, and no greater than the outside radius of the catheter SC plus 10% of the catheter radius.
[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the groove 12 can have two segments or portions 16, 17, with a first segment 16 having a shallower depth and/or a smaller radius than the second segment 17. This forms a discontinuity 18 at the point where the two groove portions 16, 17 meet, end-to-end. At the discontinuity 18, the depth and/or radius of the groove 12 change from the shallower depth and/or smaller radius of the first portion 16 to the deeper depth and/or larger radius of the second portion 17. It is also usually advantageous to have the center of radius, or axis, of the first portion 16 of groove 12 aligned with the center of radius, or axis, of the second portion 17 of the groove 12. Figure 5 shows this embodiment of the invention 10 in use. First, the open end OE of the selected catheter SC is placed in the second portion 17 of the groove 12, and the open end OE of the selected catheter SC is slid along this deeper/larger radiused portion 17 of the groove 12, until the open end OE abuts the discontinuity 18. Then, the free end FE of the guide wire GW is placed in the first portion 16 of the groove 12, and the free end FE of the guide wire GW is slid along this shallower/smaller radiused portion 16 of the groove 12, until the free end FE of the guide wire GW enters the open end OE of the selected catheter SC. In some applications, having this disparity between the depths and/or radii of the two portions 16, 17 of the groove 12 makes it easier to thread a guide wire GW into a selected catheter SC, or some other tubular instrument.
[0035] Figure 6 illustrates that the device 10 can have a plurality of open grooves 12 in the body 11. Each of the grooves 12 can be formed with a different depth and/or a different radius on its bottom contour. Some grooves 12 may have discontinuities 18, and others may be continuous. Each groove 12 should have a label 19 which can indicate the depth, bottom contour shape, or radius of the groove, as well as whether the groove 12 is continuous or has a discontinuity 18. [0036] It has been found that the present invention functions in an optimum fashion if the shape of at least the catheter portion of the groove 12 has certain specific characteristics. While these characteristics are not critical to the invention, they add to its functionality. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the groove 12 can have a bottom profile consisting of vertical sides 20 culminating in a rounded contour 21. The upper profile consists of sloped sides 22 that taper inwardly from the surface of the body 11 toward the upper ends of the vertical sides 20. The rounded contour 21 has a diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the catheter SC. As a result, this rounded contour 21 makes full contact with a 180 degree radius of the periphery of the catheter SC, thereby gripping the catheter SC securely, but not impeding placement of the catheter SC into the groove 12. The vertical sides 20 extend upwardly from there. The full depth of the bottom profile of the groove 12, including the vertical sides 20 and the rounded contour 21, is approximately twice the diameter of the selected catheter SC. The sloped sides 22 assist in placing the catheter SC into the bottom profile 20, 21 of the groove 12.
[0037] Figure 8 illustrates another implementation in which the shape of the catheter and/or guide wire portion of the groove affords an optimum functionality. As with Figure 7, implementing such shapes is not critical to the invention. As shown in Figure 8, a groove 28 can have a bottom profile consisting of a substantially vertical wall 26 and a substantially non- vertical wall 32 culminating in a rounded contour 23. This profile may be considered an "eccentric" one due to the asymmetry of the walls. It should be noted that while the wall 26 is termed a "vertical" wall, it need not be exactly vertical - rather a small angle may be instituted in the wall, and the wall should still be considered substantially vertical. The substantially vertical wall and the substantially non-vertical wall may form an angle of between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees. While not shown in Figure 8, but in the same way as in Figure 7, the upper profile may further include sloped sides that taper inwardly from the surface of the body toward the upper end of the vertical side and the upper end of the non-vertical side. The rounded contour 23 may have a diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the catheter SC. As a result, this rounded contour 23 generally makes less than a 180-degree contact with the periphery of the catheter SC, thereby still gripping the catheter SC securely, but making placement of the catheter SC into the groove 28 even easier. For example, the angular segment over which contact is made may be between about 90 degrees and 180 degrees, and especially between about 90 degree and 120 degrees. In this way, the rounded contour makes substantial contact with the outer diameter of the catheter SC, while still allowing particularly convenient placement of the catheter SC into the groove 24. [0038] As before, the full depth of the bottom profile of the groove 28, including the vertical and non-vertical sides 26 and 32 respectively, and the rounded contour 21, is approximately twice the diameter of the selected catheter SC.
[0039] Devices such as the kind described above are often located at, in, or near the surgical operating field. In fact, it is often highly convenient to locate them very close to the catheter insertion location. Accordingly, they may often be placed on the patient or adjacent the patient. During surgery, a patient is typically draped with multiple towels, leaving only the actual sterile field exposed. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to secure the device to one of these towels.
[0040] Figures 9(A) and 9(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., as may be draping a patient during surgery, here implemented as a towel clamp with spring. In particular, a device 10 is illustrated that has a construction as described above. The device 10 is mounted to or formed integrally with an attachment mechanism, which in this case is a towel clamp with spring assembly 34. The towel clamp with spring assembly 34 includes an upper plate 36 and a lower plate 38 which are attached via a hinge assembly 44 which may include a spring 46. A pull tab 42 may extend from one extremity of the upper or lower plate (or both) for ease in attaching (and disengaging) the towel clamp from a towel T.
[0041] In use, a towel T is placed between the upper and lower plates. The spring forces the upper plate towards the lower one, frictionally securing the device 10 to the towel T. At any time, for installation or for removal, the pull tab 42 may be used to separate the upper from the lower plate.
[0042] Figures 10(A) and 10(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a towel clamp with clip. In particular, a device 10 of the above-described construction is mounted on or formed integrally with an attachment mechanism, shown in Figure 10(A) and 10(B) as a towel clamp with clip 41. Some elements are the same as in Figure 9. For example, an upper plate 36 is coupled to a lower plate 38, and a pull tab 42 may extend from either (in Figure 10(A) and 10(B), from the upper plate). A hinge assembly 44 allows hinged movement of the plates. However, one of ordinary skill will recognize that the hinge assembly 44 is not necessary in all of these embodiments. For example, in Figure 10(A) and 10(B), the clip itself, as described below, may in some constructions be enough to hold the upper plate attached to the lower plate. [0043] Referring again to Fig. 10(A) and 10(B), a clip 48 is shown, which holds the upper plate to the lower plate. The clip 48 may ride in an optional track 49 for ease of placement. An internal slot 54 may also be employed such that the clip 48 has a lower arm 51 that enters the lower plate. The internal slot 54 is only shown in Figure 10(B). It will be recognized that the track or internal slot may be employed on either the upper or lower plates, or both. However, in many implementations, it is easier to remove the clip if at least one plate does not employ an internal slot. For additional ease of installation and removal, a corrugation 52 may be disposed on an upper arm 47 of the clip 48. [0044] For installation, a towel T is placed between the upper and the lower plates and the clip loaded into the track and/or internal slot (or just around the plates if neither a slot nor a track is employed). Force applied in the direction Fl secures the clip to the plates, and this secures the device 10 to the towel T.
[0045] Figures H(A) and H(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a third embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a flexible fork assembly. In particular, Figure 11 shows a flexible fork assembly 56, which may be employed with (Figure H(A)) or without (Figure H(B)) a spring.
[0046] At least two tines 58 and 58' may form the fork 56. One or more tapered surfaces 60 and 60' may be employed to ease introduction of the towel portion into a hole 62 defined by the tines 58 and 58'.
[0047] In the implementation of Figure H(A), in use, the flexibility of the tines themselves may be configured to be enough to, upon installation of a towel portion, distend the tines and then bring the same back together to securely hold a towel. [0048] In a related implementation, that of Figure H(B), a flexible fork assembly 56' is shown including a spring 64 attached to the tine 58. In a related implementation, a spring may be attached to the tine 58' as well. In these implementations, the flexibility of the fork tines is assisted by the angular resilience of the spring. [0049] In use, a towel portion may be inserted into hole 62, and the same may be conveniently inserted through the use of tapered surfaces 60 and 60'. Generally, a sufficiently-large portion of the towel is inserted so that a sufficient friction-fit is achieved, such that the towel does not pull out of the hole. This requirement can also be employed to set the minimum spring constant (or stiffness) of the spring 64, in implementations where this element is used.
[0050] Figures 12(A) and 12(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a guide-wire-loading device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a flexible tab assembly 64. While the guide-wire- loading device is not shown in the figure, the same may be mounted on, coupled to, or formed integrally with the attachment mechanism. The flexible tab assembly 64 includes at least two tines 66 and 66' as well as a flexible tab 68. A burr 70 may be formed on the flexible tab 68 to allow an enhanced gripping effect on a towel portion T. As shown in Figure 12(B), a towel portion T may be gathered and forced between the tines 66 and 66' and under the flexible tab 68. In this way, a towel may be secured in the flexible tab assembly 64, and thus the guide wire-loading device may be secured to a towel T. To release the towel, a force in the direction F2 may be exerted on the flexible tab 68. [0051] Figures 13(A) and 13(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a guide wire-loading device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a hinged cover with a snap-button assembly 74. In particular, two opposing segments 76 and 76' define a hole 78 into which a towel (not shown) may be drawn. The hole 78 is shown as substantially circular, but the shape is not critical. The segments 76 and 76' may include respective tapered surfaces 80 and 80' to ease introduction of a towel into the hole 78. A hinged cover 82 is shown, which is attached to the segments 76 and 76' by a hinge 88. A neck 86 extends from the cover 82, and a snap button 84 is attached to the neck 86.
[0052] When a towel portion has been pulled through the hole 78, the cover 82 may be closed in the direction indicated by arrow F3. This action secures the towel in the hole 78 and thus secures the guide wire-loading device to the towel. In one implementation, as shown, the snap button 84 has a bulbous shape; this shape assists in the securing of the snap button within the hole. However, other shapes may also be employed. For removal, the user may pull up on the cover 82 to pull the snap button 84 out of engagement with the hole 78.
[0053] Figures 14(A) and 14(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a sliding wire capture lock 90. As above, the same may be coupled to or formed integrally with a guide wire-loading device 10. The sliding wire capture lock 90 includes a housing 91 in which are formed two slots 100 and 100'. A sliding wire 92 includes two longitudinal segments 94 and 94' which slide in the respective slots 100 and 100'. A cross segment 96 connects segments 94 and 94'. A tab 98 may be formed on the cross segment 96, to allow ease of pushing during installation and ease of pulling during removal. Ribbing or other contouring may be employed on one or both sides of the tab 98 to enhance the ability of a user to grip the tab 98 as well as to enhance gripping of a towel portion T.
[0054] In use, a towel portion T is placed in the hole formed by segments 94, 94', 96, and the housing 91. The sliding wire 92 is then pushed toward the housing 91 in the direction indicated by arrow 102 (force F4). The towel T is thus captured, and the guide wire- loading device is thus secured to the towel T. For removal, the sliding wire 92 is pulled out in a direction opposite that of installation, and the towel T removed. [0055] Figures 15(A) and 15(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a guide wire-loading device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a gripping ring assembly 104 with flexible fingers. This assembly 104 includes a housing 106 coupled to (or as above, integral with) the guide wire-loading device 10 (shown in Figure 15(B)). A gripping ring 108 is formed in the housing, and the same includes a number of flexible fingers 108a, 108b, and so on. The gripping ring 108 and flexible fingers 108i may be formed of, e.g., various plastic or rubber materials in order to allow sufficient flexibility to receive a portion of a towel T, secure the same against removal during normal use, and allow the towel to be removed following use. In use, as shown in Figure 15(B), a portion of a towel T may be inserted into the gripping ring. The stiffness of the fingers 108i prevents removal of the towel until the procedure is completed, at which time the towel may be removed. [0056] Figures 16(A) and 16(B) are perspective and side views, respectively, of an eighth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a guide wire-loading device to a towel, e.g., here implemented as a capture wire with engagement button assembly 110. The assembly 110 includes two supports 114 and 114' to which is mounted a capture wire 116. The supports 114 and 114' are mounted on a housing 113. Also mounted on the housing 113 is an engagement button 118 via a neck 120.
[0057] In use, a towel T is placed over the engagement button 118, and the capture wire 116 is then moved in an angular direction 112 and placed over the top of the towel T and the engagement button 118. The shape of the capture wire 116 and that of engagement button 118 may cooperate to secure the towel in position, or alternatively the securing may be accomplished only by way of friction fit with no particular shapes involved. To remove, the capture wire 116 is pulled away from the top of the engagement button 118, and the towel removed.
[0058] Figures 17(A) and 17(B) are side and perspective views, respectively, of a ninth embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching a guide wire-loading device 10 to a towel, e.g., here implemented as an assembly 124 of opposing fingers. In these figures, as well, an implementation of the device is shown, having two grooves without abutments and six grooves with abutments and rounded ends, the latter for threading guide wires through certain catheters having rounded ends.
[0059] The device 10 includes a housing 131, and defined within the housing 131 is a groove 130 and an eccentric groove 130'. The grooves 130 and 130' may be of the types described above. A flat portion 133 of the housing 131 may include protuberances 134 which help to grip the towel and further prevent movement of the device 10. The protuberances are generally formed on a bottom surface of the housing or body. Mounted to or integral with the device 10 is the assembly 124 of opposing fingers. In Figure 17(A) and 17(B), the assembly 124 includes a first finger 122 separated by a substantially opposing finger 128. Distal ends of the fingers 122 and 128 are separated by a gap 132. A portion of one or both fingers 122 and 128 may include ribs 126 for ease in gripping. In the structure of Figure 17(A) and 17(B), only one finger (finger 122) (per set) is shown with ribs 126.
[0060] Figure 17(B) illustrates a perspective view of the attachment mechanism, as well as one implementation of the guide wire-loading device 10. As may be seen in both figures, a non-eccentric groove 130 is formed in the device, as well as an eccentric groove 130'. A series of variously-sized grooves 136a-136f are also formed, these including abutments and featuring bead-shaped catheter grooves to accommodate devices such as the Rotablator® noted above. As will be understood, any number of other configurations may be employed as well, depending on the situation. The use of the device is as described above.
[0061] In use, a towel may be drawn into the gap 132 and held in place by frictional engagement with fingers 122 and 128. To remove, the gap 132 is made larger to allow the towel to escape the frictional engagement. In the configuration of Figure 17(A) and 17(B), one way to increase the size of the gap 132 is to push on the ribs 126, thereby deflecting a distal tip of the finger 122. Other ways of increasing the size of this gap will also be understood, given this teaching.
[0062] Suitable materials for use in major components of the attachment mechanisms described above, as well as the device for guide wire loading, include blow- or injection- molded plastics, or the like. The guide wire-loading device may be single-use disposable or reusable.
[0063] While the particular invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended other than as described in the appended claims.
Previous Patent: FOOT COMPRESSION SYSTEM
Next Patent: TRICYCLIC COMPOUNDS HAVING ANTIMITOTIC AND/OR ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF


The thread, http://forums.iobit.com/forum/advanc...h-command-line, says that Advanced SystemCare (ASC) v11 supports only two command-line parameters ("/scanrepair" and "/turboboost_tray_on"). Does version 12 of ASC support more command-line parameters? When using "/scanrepair", ASC only performs first six types of scans. Is there a way to specify to ASC v12 what types of scans to be performed when running ASC v12 using command-line? Please let me know all command-line parameters and options (ex: indicating ASC which scan types to perform) that can be used with ASC v12 (please also describe those command-line parameters and options as best as possible).


To further the ideals of the democratic political leadership, as a military arm, in achieving the national strategic objectives and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
To achieve professional excellence to guarantee security in a modern, democratic and prosperous Seychelles; to dedicate all personnel to the defence of the country, bearing true allegiance and loyalty to the constitution, and protecting the dignity and integrity of every Seychellois.
The Seychelles People's Defence Forces will serve the people with integrity, honour and fortitude, recognising the nation's democratic structure and values. SPDF is not an offensive force but we will not hesitate to use our full capability at any time to defend our interests.


text:
Man Utd could have Champions League fixtures reversed
By Reuters News Service March 14, 2019 097
The Manchester rivals will not play their home games in next month's Champions League quarter-finals on the same or consecutive nights following a decision by local authorities, UEFA said
Manchester City and Manchester United will not play their home games in next month's Champions League quarter-finals on the same or consecutive nights following a decision by local authorities, UEFA said on Thursday.
Ahead of Friday's draw, European football's governing body said it would amend the scheduling if both Manchester clubs are drawn to play their home games in the same week.
UEFA said United, who finished below champions City in the Premier League last season, would have their fixture reversed.
The quarter-final first-legs will be played on April 9/10 with the return legs scheduled for April 16/17.
"Following a decision made by relevant local authorities, Manchester City and Manchester United cannot play at home on the same night, nor on consecutive nights," UEFA said.
"Should both clubs be drawn within the same sequence (home or away), the team having finished lower in the domestic league the previous season – in this case United – will be reversed in accordance with the UEFA Club Competitions Committee principles.
"In accordance with paragraph 21.01(b) of the UEFA Champions League regulations, the UEFA administration will determine which matches will be played on Tuesday, which matches on Wednesday."
UEFA said that the same rule would apply should both teams advance to the semi-finals.
There is also the possibility that derby rivals United and City could face each other in the quarter-finals or take on fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Turkish Cypriot mother and daughter released
Four years for Limassol man possessing child porn
Reuters News Service

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Including information on your rights when ill, support in the workplace and information on driving.
Including information about how to get financial support, benefits and travel insurance.
Including information around pregnancy and childbirth for people affected by bipolar.


text:
Matthew Paige "Matt" Damon is an American actor, screenwriter, and philanthropist whose career was launched following the success of the film Good Will Hunting (1997), from a screenplay he co-wrote with friend Ben Affleck. The pair won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay for their work and Damon garnered multiple Best Actor nominations, including the Academy Award, for his lead performance in the film.
Damon has since starred in commercially successful films such as Saving Private Ryan (1998), the Ocean's trilogy, and the Bourne series, while also gaining critical acclaim for his performances in dramas such as Syriana (2005), The Good Shepherd (2006), and The Departed (2006). He garnered a Golden Globe nomination for portraying the title character in the The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and was nominated for an Academy Award as a supporting actor in Invictus (2009).
Matt Damon appears with Lucy Liu as celebrities that adopt babies in "Tearjerker".
Retrieved from "https://americandad.fandom.com/wiki/Matt_Damon?oldid=52001"


text:
Peru Global Macro
No More Border Wall: Ecuador to Mend Relations With Peru
Global Macro 26 Jul 2017
Suspension of the Ecuador-Peru border wall On July 14th, Ecuador's Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa announced that the country had decided to halt the construction...
What China is Working On Behind the Scenes In Latin America
Global Macro 14 May 2017
China's interests in Latam Major countries like Russia, China, and Iran are seeing a golden opportunity for growth in Latin American countries. These countries view...
Dolls And Dogs: Our List Of Emerging Markets To Invest In (And To Avoid)
With one-third of 2016 already behind us, we review the major stock market indices in frontier and emerging countries. Where were the returns strongest...
Peru Equity
After Weathering the Storm Earlier This Year, What Will Drive Peru's Stock Market?
Global Equity 28 Jun 2017
In the first article of this series, we explored the stocks which have been holding back the broader stock market and exchange-traded funds investing...
These Are The 5 Equities Holding The Peruvian Stock Market Back In 2017
Peruvian equities have been facing a number of headwinds in 2017. After a strong start to the year which saw the iShares MSCI All...
Why Peru and Colombia Have a Higher Spread of Profitability than Emerging Markets Globally
Global Equity 21 May 2017
Higher profitability + idiosyncratic opportunities Felipe Asenjo, regional head of equities at SURA Asset Management sees valuable investment opportunities in the Pacific Alliance countries of...
The Best And Worst ETFs For Investing in Latin America
Investing in Latin American equities Directly investing in Latin American markets can be risky for foreign investors as most of the countries are frontier markets. ETFs...
Peru Fixed Income
The Greatest Risk Facing Latin American Economies Is the One We...
The risk we cannot see Latin American equity has been a strong performer thus far this year. The iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) has...
What Could Make Dollar-Funding an Attractive Option in Colombia?
Fixed Income 27 Mar 2017
Peru Political Risk
Why Peru's Democracy is at Stake in Vizcarra's Anti-Corruption Crusade
As yet another corruption scandal reverberates through Peru, polling shows that citizens are disappointed with their government and doubting democracy itself. If new president...
Peru Is Hoping To Turn Challenges Faced By Floods Into A Rebuilding Opportunity
Latin America 28 Jun 2017
It's All Blue Skies, Not Bumpy Roads for Latin America
Latin America 27 Mar 2017
Latest on Peru
Latin America 11 Sep 2018
After Weathering the Storm Earlier This Year, What Will Drive Peru's...
Peru Is Hoping To Turn Challenges Faced By Floods Into A...
These Are The 5 Equities Holding The Peruvian Stock Market Back...
Why Peru and Colombia Have a Higher Spread of Profitability than...


text:
Northampton, MA Arrest Records
Northampton, MA is among the safest cities in the USA with 4.52 per 1,000 residents crime rate compared to national 4.69 average. It is the 241st safest city in Massachusetts among the 269 cities.
Northampton, MA property crime has lower rate than the national average of 28.42, with 21.04 average property crimes recorded in 2016 of which 506 larceny theft related arrests that decreased by 3.80% compared to 2015.
Northampton Crime Rate
Total arrests in Northampton 2016 decreased by 3.83% compared to 2015 and has lower crime rate than national average of 33.12. Violent crimes increased from 124 to 129 while non-violent crime decreased by 5.36% from 634 to 600.
5 Crimes In Northampton, MA in 2016 with the Most Arrests
Larceny-theft 506
Aggravated assault 97
Burglary 83
Legacy rape 19
Robbery 13
Other Cities in Massachusetts with the Most Arrests
Among the 269 cities in state the most dangerous is Boston with 4,767 violent crimes that's 19.78% of total of 24,103. Holyoke has the highest number of records per 1,000 people that is above the state average of 19 and higher than national average of 33.
Holyoke 60.12
West Springfield 48.59
North Adams 46.65
Hadley 43.19
Safest Cities in Massachusetts
Are you planning a move to Massachusetts? Here are the safest cities in Massachusetts with the lowest arrest rates. Your chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Northampton is 1 out of 267 down by 0.05% compared to previous year. The lowest rate of violent crime is in Franklin and the safest city to encounter a property crime is in Wayland.
Wayland 0.80
Groveland 1.92
Norfolk 2.08
Topsfield 2.12
Norton 2.21
Violent crime rate in Northampton increased by 4.03% from 2015 and increased by 26.47% during the last 5 years since 2011 from 102 to 129. In 2016 violent crime rate in Northampton was 3.62% lower than the national average. Your chances of being a victim of a violent crime is 0.452%.
Property crime rate in Northampton decreased by 5.36% from 2015 and decreased by 23.37% in the last 5 years since 2011 from 783 to 600. In 2016 property crime rate in Northampton was 25.99% lower than the national rate. Your chances of being a victim of property crime is 2.104%.
How Northampton stands up against other cities
Northampton vs. Melrose
You'll be in more risk in Northampton compared to Melrose that had 67.52% lower crime rate compared to Northampton according to the FBI.
Robbery rates of 0.4558 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 1.3602 per 1,000 people and higher than average 0.1425 in Melrose city.
Larceny rates of 17.7413 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 20.5437 per 1,000 people and higher than average 6.1632 in Melrose.
Northampton vs. Wakefield
You'll be in more risk in Northampton compared to Wakefield that had 60.99% lower crime rate compared to Northampton according to the FBI.
Robbery rates of 0.4558 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 1.3602 per 1,000 people and higher than average 0.2585 in Wakefield city.
Motor Vehicle Theft rates of 0.3857 per 1,000 people is lower than national of 2.8637 per 1,000 people and lower than average 0.5170 in Wakefield.
The overall crime rate in Northampton is 0.23% lower than the national average.
For every 1,000 residents, there are 7 daily crimes that occur in Northampton.
Northampton is more violent than Melrose.
In Northampton you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.
Year over year crimes in Northampton have decreased by 3.83%.


New Leaders Council (NLC) seeks out the top tier of emerging progressive leaders from around the country for USA's top political entrepreneurial program, the NLC Institute, building a community of vetted, trained progressive leaders with the skills and support system to help to change the way politics is done and foster a more equitable, just America.
To this effect, NLC canvassed America's Comeback City, Detroit, looking for rising leaders whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. The Detroit Chapter nominated 400 leaders and elected the top 20, and together this outstanding group compose Detroit's Inaugural class and the city's top progressive leaders.


text:
El Pasoan Paul Foster gets richer, but drops to No. 1,477 on Forbes' list of billionaires
Western Refining founder's worth rises to $1.6B, but ranking falls on Forbes' magazine's world billionaires' list
Vic Kolenc
El Paso businessman Paul Foster is No. 1,477 on the latest Forbes magazine list of the world's billionaires.
Even though Foster's estimated net worth of $1.6 billion went up from $1.4 billion in 2017, he moved down slightly on the list from No. 1,468 last year.
Forbes' 32nd annual world ranking has a record 2,208 billionaires.
Foster, 60, ranks 40th among 52 Texas billionaires, and ranks No. 455 among billionaires in the United States, according to the Forbes list published Tuesday.
Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos is the richest man in the world with a net worth of $112 billion, up $39.2 billion from 2017, according to Forbes.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who was the richest person in the world for 18 of the past 24 years, dropped to second with a net worth of $90 billion.
More: Downtown El Paso redevelopment is a story of two pioneers
Foster is the only El Pasoan on the list, and no one in neighboring New Mexico is on it.
However, it's likely other billionaires live in El Paso and New Mexico, but their finances are not as public as those of Foster, who made his fortune in publicly traded stock in Western Refining, the El Paso oil refining company Foster founded. He sold it last year.
Andeavor, the San Antonio refiner previously named Tesoro Corp., bought Western Refining in June for $5.8 billion. Foster is on Andeavor's board of directors and owns stock in the company.
More: Tesoro completes $5.8 billion purchase of Western Refining
Foster also is a partner in Jordan Foster Construction, a large general contractor based in El Paso; he's a partner in MountainStar Sports, which owns the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball team and the recently announced United Soccer League expansion team, set to begin playing in El Paso in 2019; and he's involved in real estate development, including renovating three historic Downtown El Paso buildings.
Vic Kolenc may be reached at 546-6421; vkolenc@elpasotimes.com; @vickolenc on Twitter.


text:
(-) Remove Fund Management filter Fund Management
MiFID - Investor Protection X MiFID - Secondary Markets X Prospectus X Risk Analysis & Economics - Markets Infrastructure Investors X Securitisation X Fund Management X Technical Standards X
18/09/2015 2015/1409 Draft Implementing Technical Standards on penalties and measures under Directive 2009/65/EC (UCITS Directive) Fund Management Technical Standards PDF
30/06/2015 2015/1006 Final Report on MiFID II-MiFIR draft technical standards on authorisation, passporting, registration of third country firms and cooperation between competent authorities MiFID - Investor Protection Technical Standards PDF
20/02/2014 2014/161 Draft implementing technical standards on notification- EuSEF Fund Management Technical Standards PDF
20/02/2014 2014/160 Draft implementing technical standards on notification- EuVECA Fund Management Technical Standards PDF
20/12/2013 2013/1970 Draft Regulatory Technical Standards on specific situations that require the publication of a supplement to the prospectus Prospectus, Corporate Disclosure Technical Standards PDF
713.74 KB The Final Report contains the draft Regulatory Technical Standard (RTS) on situations which require the publication of a supplement to the prospectus which ESMA is required to submit to the European Commission by 1 January 2014 in accordance with Article 16(3) of the Prospectus Directive. The Report furthermore includes a summary of the main responses received to ESMA's Consultation Paper which was published in March 2013. The draft RTS sets out nine situations which are always considered to be significant in the context of securities issuance and where a supplement to the prospectus will always be required. Other situations would require a case-by-case assessment.
02/04/2013 2013/413 Final Report- Draft regulatory technical standards on types of AIFMs Fund Management Technical Standards PDF
116.08 KB The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) to determine types of alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs), where relevant in the application of the AIFMD. The draft RTS distinguish AIFMs managing alternative investment funds (AIF) of the open-ended type and AIFMs managing AIFs of the closed-ended type, in order to apply the rules on liquidity management, the valuation procedures and the transitional provisions of the AIFMD. ESMA was required to develop these RTS by Article 4(4) of the AIFMD and they are aimed at ensuring uniform conditions of application of the AIFMD across the European Union.


text:
Posted on December 10, 2018 December 13, 2018 by pmg
US Attorney General Nominee is a Former Verizon Attorney
William Barr, nominee for U.S. Attorney General, was general counsel and executive VP for Verizon for 2000-2008.
Six Things to Know About AG Nominee William Barr
Senators Choose Sides
Confirmation and Praise from Joe Biden in 1991
Tenure as Attorney General
Views on Independent Investigators
The Clintons and Uranium One
Verizon, the CIA, and More
From 1973 to 1977, Barr was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency. Barr also served as Attorney General under President George W. Bush.
After leaving the Justice Department in 1993, Barr built a career in corporate law, serving as general counsel and executive vice president of Verizon Communications Inc. from 2000 to 2008. He was general counsel for GTE Corp. from 1994 until 2000, helping to negotiate a merger of GTE and Bell Atlantic Corp. that produced Verizon Communications. Barr spent more than 14 years as a senior corporate executive. At the end of 2008 he retired from Verizon Communications, having served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of GTE Corporation from 1994 until that company merged with Bell Atlantic to become Verizon.
During his corporate tenure, Barr directed a successful litigation campaign by the local telephone industry to achieve deregulation by scuttling a series of FCC rules, personally arguing several cases in the federal courts of appeals and the Supreme Court.
This may have set the stage for the elimination of legacy POTS (Plain old telephone switched) copper line landlines.
If Barr becomes Attorney General and heads up the U.S. Department of Justice, it will affect all Smart Meter, wireless, cellphone, and cell tower legal cases. It could impact and gut ADA protections for those disabled by electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS). This appointment would block public access to the Department of Justice for legal remedies. His appointment will effectively be a telecom corporate takeover of the DOJ.
The timing is horrendous as the FCC is rushing to eliminate local and state authority over the installation of Close Proximity Microwave Radiation Antennas (aka small cells ) in residential neighborhoods.
It is urgent to contact the US Senators now and call President Trump to oppose this devastating nominee. Messages to the White House comment operators should be non-partisan, issue-based, civil, and have substance. Also contact your congressmen or congresswomen; though they can't confirm nominees, but they can certainly oppose them.
It will take overwhelming public opposition, and environmental, medical, health, and consumer organization opposition to stop this appointment. It must be done.
202-456-1111 White House comment line
California senators:
Kamala Harris — 202-224-3553; 202-224-2200 FAX
Dianne Feinstein — 202-224-3841; 202-228-3954 FAX
Other Senator Contact information is here.
New York Times Article from Jan 20, 1997:
When William P. Barr is prepping for a big legal case, he brooks no interruptions. And this week, Mr. Barr was holed up in a hotel room here preparing for one of the biggest cases of his career: the GTE Corporation's challenge of the Federal Government's rules on opening up the $100 billion local telephone business.
So when he received a call from GTE's chairman, Charles R. Lee, Mr. Barr told him, ''You have 60 seconds.''
Normally, a company's general counsel would not treat his chairman like a junior associate at a law firm. But Mr. Barr is not a normal general counsel; he is a former United States Attorney General under President George Bush. He is also leading a landmark legal assault on how the Government plans to carry out the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
On Friday morning, Mr. Barr stood up in a Federal court here to deliver his 40-minute argument. His basic thrust was that the Federal Communications Commission had no business ordering GTE or other local phone companies to open their networks to new competitors like long-distance providers or cable system operators. The same court has already temporarily suspended the FCC rules that do this. Several experts said they expected the court to overturn them entirely.
This is a case in which a Federal agency has run riot with the mandate given to it by Congress, said Laurence H. Tribe, a constitutional expert at Harvard Law School who was hired by several regional Bell telephone companies that are following GTE's lead in suing the Government. Mr. Tribe is helping Mr. Barr draft his argument.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is not expected to rule on the case until spring. But Mr. Barr's campaign may have already had an effect: The FCC has softened its stance toward the local phone companies in subsequent proceedings. And Mr. Barr has become a standard bearer for those who believe the Government is shackling GTE and the Bells in its zeal to unshackle the rest of the industry.
''I'm not a bomb thrower by any means,'' Mr. Barr said in an interview after he completed his oral argument, ''but my basic philosophy is that you don't get anywhere by kowtowing to regulators.''
Officials at the FCC, however, said Congress directed them to open up the local telephone market. They said Mr. Barr's tactics were downright incendiary. He has turned this into a sort of holy war, one top official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The problem with holy wars is that they take you where you don't want to go.
If GTE prevails in its case, the F.C.C. fears, the competition promised by the telecommunications act will be strangled by countless other legal challenges. Officials say that allowing the states to dominate the process, as Mr. Barr proposes, would result in a crazy-quilt of regulations that could deter potential new competitors like AT&T or Time Warner.
And executives from these companies and other potential new rivals say that if Mr. Barr succeeds, GTE and other local companies will be able to thwart them simply by making it too costly for these newcomers to gain access to their local networks . . .
In 1994, Mr. Barr accepted an offer to join GTE, the largest provider of local phone service, with 17 million customers and more than $20 billion in revenues. Despite its size, GTE has not developed a strong image in an industry dominated by AT&T, MCI Communications, and ambitious Bell companies like Bell Atlantic. GTE is based in Stamford, Conn.
But for a lawyer seeking to take on the regulators, GTE does have one crucial advantage: Unlike the Baby Bells, it was allowed to expand into long distance as soon as the telecommunications act became law last February. GTE has already attracted nearly 850,000 long-distance customers — and is signing them up at a rate of 6,000 a day.
The Bells, by contrast, have to satisfy a checklist of requirements before they can get into the market — chief among them, that there is genuine competition in their local market. It is up to the FCC to decide when a Bell company has met the checklist. Because the Bells face this day of reckoning with the FCC, they were reluctant to take on the commission in August, when it released its first set of rules governing local competition.
Barr went to Federal court a few days after the rules were released, asking that they be immediately stayed. When only one of the other seven Bell companies joined in the request, Mr. Barr said the companies were suffering from the Stockholm syndrome — a condition in which hostages fall in love with their captors. The seven Bell companies have since thrown their support behind GTE. But executives at several of the Bells said Mr. Barr's sweeping pronouncements still made them nervous.
Ameritech, for example, recently became the first Baby Bell to file for permission to get into the long-distance market. The company, which offers local phone service in five Midwestern states, said it was concerned about anything that would distract from that effort, according to Kelly Welsh, the company's general counsel.
In his oral argument on Friday, Mr. Barr accused the FCC of overstepping its jurisdiction in setting the prices that local phone companies must charge new competitors for access to their local networks. It is an argument well-suited to his legal philosophy, which he said emphasizes the prerogatives of the states and the sanctity of property rights.
Mr. Barr, who is a conservative Republican, said the commission's approach to regulation was reminiscent of the central planning of Communist governments. This approach still has support in pockets like Pyongyang and Havana, he said in a quip that provoked hearty laughs from the three judges in the St. Louis courtroom.
Mr. Barr has also enjoyed poking fun at the F.C.C.'s chairman, Reed E. Hundt. When Mr. Hundt recently described the three major planks of the deregulatory process as a trilogy, Mr. Barr declared, Having seen Moe, I don't hold out much hope for Larry and Curly.
Such remarks rankle officials at the FCC, who noted that Mr. Barr was lucky his case had been assigned to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Two of the judges on the panel, Pasco M. Bowman and Roger L. Wollman, were appointed by President Ronald Reagan, while the third, David R. Hanson, was named by President Bush. In their opinion granting the stay, the judges were sharply critical of the FCC's effort to assert jurisdiction over the states.
With victory in the air and a Scotch in his hand, Mr. Barr was not about to touch that issue. They're good judges, he said blandly.
Previous PostPrevious Groundbreaking Study Examines Effects of Screen Time on Kids
Next PostNext Google CEO Pichai Testifies in House


Initiative 119 failed at the ballot box. 52 percent of the electorate voted against the measure.
Click here to read Archbishop Murphy's keynote address on Initiatives 119 and 120 delivered to Washington State Catholic Conference Convocation.
Click here to view a video of Archbishop Murphy describing how important it is for the Christian community to be present to the sick and dying.


text:
Materials Science (General)
Metallurgy and Design of Alloys with Hierarchical Microstructures
Authors: Krishnan K. Sankaran Rajiv Mishra
Published Date: 15th June 2017
Print - Paperback
Metallurgy and Design of Alloys with Hierarchical Microstructures covers the fundamentals of processing-microstructure-property relationships and how multiple properties are balanced and optimized in materials with hierarchical microstructures widely used in critical applications. The discussion is based principally on metallic materials used in aircraft structures; however, because they have sufficiently diverse microstructures, the underlying principles can easily be extended to other materials systems. With the increasing microstructural complexity of structural materials, it is important for students, academic researchers and practicing engineers to possess the knowledge of how materials are optimized and how they will behave in service.
The book integrates aspects of computational materials science, physical metallurgy, alloy design, process design, and structure-properties relationships, in a manner not done before. It fills a knowledge gap in the interrelationships of multiple microstructural and deformation mechanisms by applying the concepts and tools of designing microstructures for achieving combinations of engineering properties—such as strength, corrosion resistance, durability and damage tolerance in multi-component materials—used for critical structural applications.
Discusses the science behind the properties and performance of advanced metallic materials
Provides for the efficient design of materials and processes to satisfy targeted performance in materials and structures
Enables the selection and development of new alloys for specific applications based upon evaluation of their microstructure as illustrated in this work
Academic and industrial researchers, students and practicing scientists and engineers within the aerospace and automobile industries, materials producers, materials processing and parts manufacturing companies, and government and private research laboratories engaged in materials research
2. Modeling of Processing-Microstructure-Properties Relationships
3. Alloy Design Approaches
4. Aluminum Alloys
5. Titanium Alloys
6. Ultrahigh Strength Steels
7. Magnesium Alloys
8. Complex Alloys
9. Alloy Design for Advanced Manufacturing
10. Insertion of New Alloys
Appendix 1. Thermodynamic Modeling of Alloys
Appendix 2. Informatics for Alloy Design
Appendix 3. Superposition of Strengthening Mechanisms
© Elsevier 2017
Paperback ISBN:
Krishnan K. Sankaran
Dr. Krishnan K. Sankaran is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas. He specializes in aerospace materials and processes and retired as a Senior Technical Fellow from The Boeing Company in 2014. Dr. Sankaran received his Ph.D. in Metallurgy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1978. He has many publications and US and European patents. He has been an adjunct professor of materials science and engineering at the Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO and Washington University in St. Louis. He was a member of the Research Board and the Council of The Welding Institute, UK. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Science of St. Louis and a member of AIAA, ASM and TMS. In 2012, he was elected as Honorary Member of the Indian Institute of Metals for his distinguished services and significant contributions to the metallurgical profession and research.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas
Rajiv Mishra
Rajiv S. Mishra is a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Site Director, NSF IUCRC for Friction Stir Processing, at the University of North Texas. Dr. Mishra's publication record includes 255 papers with an h-index of 39. Out of these, 10 of his papers have more than 100 citations. He has many 'firsts' in the field of friction stir welding and processing. He co-authored the first review paper (2005), co-edited the first book on the subject (2007), edited/co-edited seven TMS symposium proceedings, and served as guest editor for Viewpoint Set in Scripta Materialia (2008). He also has three patents in this field. He published the first paper on friction stir processing (2000) as a microstructural modification tool.
Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering and NSF IUCRC for Friction Stir Processing, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA


text:
09/10/2020 09/10/2020 Elric at Fife Centre for Equalities Communications, People of Fife, Personal Stories
S.H.I.E.L.D – a community group that has grown during lockdown in Fife
This year the world has been affected by a virus, COVID-19, and each country has tackled it in their own way. In Fife, volunteer groups have emerged to help local communities deal with the impact of the pandemic where they felt that there was a need for more support in their area. People have stepped up to help others who may be having difficulty during this period and showed that there is an urgent need to help each other.
S.H.I.E.L.D – is one such group supporting our communities we interviewed during Diversity Week Fife (click this link to view the Let's Chat interview on Youtube), it all started when a person moved back to a locality after 10 years elsewhere and immediately identified an issue within the area. Sarah Keeble set up the group on the 15th of March 2020 after she watched how people reacted to the hype and hysteria over the pandemic, and also the greed that some people had shown. She wanted the group to cater for the people who were not able to get to shops. One day, she had tried to take food to a foodbank but saw that the times they were available were not suitable for some. Sarah then tried to take food to her local Co-op at a pick-up point but was told that they did not do this anymore. After this experience she decided to make up bags with a few meals, and that was the beginning of S.H.I.E.L.D.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIN8-E5TUTM%5B/embedyt%5D
In the beginning it was a family operation that she created with the help of her three children. Her children helped with the cooking and it felt like a reset for the family because they were involved in this together. They made an appeal for larger premises because, in the beginning, it was based at her home and the group was expanding quickly. COVID-19 restrictions then became an issue, which led to her not being able to have people at her home. A local church eventually offered space which was a huge help for the group as Sarah was currently dealing with 80 – 120 people on her own!
The expansion of the group changed as she was able to get in contact with Fareshare in Dundee. They did not usually work alongside organisations that were non-funded, but the group explained how they worked so that they could make their case. S.H.I.E.L.D explained that older people were able to get COVID boxes however they were too heavy to lift. Some people were living off convenience foods that they could easily put in the microwave as they did not know how to use a cooker properly. The boxes that were given out were generic and some of the items were no use to the person.
The group asked for help from Fife Council, where they were complimented for their work. They have felt like underdogs through this process but have been able to show established groups that the work that they are doing is amazing while trying to help one another through this time. They have asked for help from Fife Council but understand that coming to an arrangement could be a long process. S.H.I.E.L.D, feels that, at this moment in time, they do not want to go into a partnership as it may cause too much red tape if another lockdown were to be put in place. They hope that in the future Fife Council may help them by letting them borrow a van or advise them on how they can qualify for volunteer expenses for the group.
S.H.I.E.L.D are constantly learning as all the volunteers involved have never done anything like this before and therefore they do not have previous experience to help them identify which areas may need focussed on more than others. But it is very obvious that this group has passion and believe in what they are trying to create. S.H.I.E.L.D can see that since March of this year the needs of the community have changed, and it bases its work on current issues that the community faces. They want to show that this group is in it for the long-term and that is why they are currently having talks with organisations to potentially build relationships.
In the beginning, everyone worked alongside each other. This was useful as they could see the strengths and abilities of their volunteers and it helped them establish which areas each volunteer would be most helpful in. The bags are made up of items that they think the person receiving it will need. They ask if the person has any allergies or if there is anything that they may not like. Their bags include:
Toothpaste/toothbrushes
Sponges/face wipes and
Ambient products
Cooked meals are created by the surplus food that is given to them by donations and Fareshare. Dunfermline mosque offered their kitchens to help with some of the cooking that needs to be done. Some volunteers even cook at home, where the food is stored in plastic containers in chest freezers. These are then delivered to the members when needed. The meals that are created are healthy balanced meals and all the distribution is done with their own transport. Since April this year, S.H.I.E.L.D have dealt with about 43 tonnes of ambient products between Fareshare and public donations. This is approximately 23,000 cooked meals with no formal premises and no money!
Plastic waste is a problem that concerns everyone and the ways in which people try to deal with it is regularly highlighted in the news. S.H.I.E.L.D, have a volunteer that works with Plastic Free Dunfermline, who helps them understand user-friendly ways they can deal with plastic. They are also passionate about the work they are doing to help alleviate the impact of Covid and poverty, they feel that it will be the workers who will get the economy going. Most of these people are not used to benefits, as they have been used to a certain lifestyle. For this reason, amongst others, mental health is becoming a big issue as people around the world are struggling to cope with the effects of the pandemic.
The group has also helped volunteers to become interested in other areas where they can help the community. For example, one volunteer has become a Co-op Pioneer because they wanted to get more involved and saw the relationship that was building between the Co-op and their group. The group has been a lifeline to the volunteers as it has helped them to keep busy during this challenging period. When someone reaches out for their help, they try to ensure that one volunteer goes to that area as it's important to them that people are made to feel comfortable so that rapport can be developed. These volunteers have made individuals feel that they are a person, not just a statistic.
The group have relied heavily on volunteers, but now, as some have gone back to work, they have made sure this has not affected the service that they are trying to provide for the community. The group have also helped people in a variety of ways by providing clothing, toys and books.
S.H.I.E.L.D was created from a simple idea based on helping others and being there to offer support during this pandemic. They have shown that even without experience it is possible to overcome issues such as receiving support from organisations that would not normally deal with non-funded groups. They have received help from a local church and mosque that have offered their resources to help others. The passion and empathy that this group have is shown in the way they are helping their community. They always show their gratitude to every individual that helps them by thanking them. They understand that they would not be in this position to help others without the donations that they receive and the help from the Co-op, Fareshare and other businesses and individual generosity.
In the future, Sarah would like to see S.H.I.E.L.D work with local colleges to provide support to students who need help. She says they could help with anything for example, with goods, moving home or anything else that they may be needing help with. The shocking events of 2020 have made some people view this year negatively, but Sarah Keeble feels that it has been the best year of her life as she has never done volunteering before. The group are humble and have plenty of success stories over this period which they will never forget.
This pandemic has helped show the true colours of people through their reaction to the virus. The third sector has grown because individuals have stepped up and noticed that we need to be here for each other as no one knows what the eventual outcome of this crisis will be. Individuals and groups have come up with simple ideas for the community they live in, and sometimes they have grown to the point extra help becomes necessary from other groups so that they can still offer their services to the area – S.H.I.E.L.D has been one such success story!
Go give them a like on the SHIELD Facebook Page! (direct link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shielduk.org/permalink/343079313775292/)
Tagged lockdown, People of Fife, Personal Stories, SHIELD
Equality News Update: Scottish Government News: Hate crime: Report it to stop it
Equality News Update BBC News: Covid in Scotland: Your questions answered on the new restrictions


When we think of litter, we probably have a pretty solid idea of what that is. Maybe it's a plastic bag, or a chips packet. What about a drink bottle? Sure. But would you consider tossing your banana peel into the bushes as OK to do because 'it will biodegrade'? How about your sandwich crust? It could be assumed that most people have tossed one or more of these organic items away into nature, not even considering that they are indeed, a litter bug. In reality, the concept of 'litter' is a bit blurrier than we give it credit. When you're out in nature, the right thing to do is leave no trace of your visit at all – remove all items you brought in with you, including or orange peel and other organic matter.
Keeping this in mind, what does litter on conservation land mean for New Zealand's native critters? Most can understand how an animal consuming a bottle cap isn't exactly beneficial to its health, but some of the unexpected effects of litter on our wildlife are intriguing.
Consider the kea. This unique, nationally endangered parrot and its curious personality have reached international stardom, made famous for their mischievous and sometimes destructive behaviour. The birds' astoundingly high intelligence and love of all things novel commonly gets them into trouble. This penchant for playfulness is more common in young kea and is known as neophilia (the love of new things). This is why kea will flock to human occupied areas within their natural ranges, as they have endless fun with man-made items.
Kea are omnivorous, meaning that they scour the high country for fruits, shoots, nectar, seeds and if they're lucky, a juicy huhu grub. This generalist foraging behaviour has led them to 'scrounge' for food associated with humans – including your food scraps.
If you happen to visit any of these areas, you'll find signs declaring: "DO NOT FEED KEA". Much like our beloved pets, human food products can be lethal to kea. Not only is our food unhealthy for their systems, it can also temporarily reduce their appetites to allow them more time to tamper with objects, essentially encouraging their destructive behaviour.
To prevent kea from messing with your stuff and putting themselves in danger, it's our responsibility to help keep their environment safe. It's like having a toddler or curious puppy around. So, when you are going somewhere with kea make sure you remove all surrounding temptation – loose clothing, backpacks, food and brightly coloured objects.
Don't forget that it's not just kea that are at risk. All of our native wildlife will benefit from having less litter in their habitat. If you're camping in non-alpine regions, there's a chance you could have a few cheeky weka poking around your campsite. Like kea, they're attracted to human activity and they won't hesitate to pilfer your goods too. Make sure to tuck everything that could be tampered with safely away from prying beaks.
Protecting New Zealand's native species can be as simple as putting that apple core in your backpack. By keeping all – and we mean all – of your litter to yourself, and making sure your gear is kept secure you'll keep our birds safe, as well as allowing them to maintain their natural foraging behaviour. In addition, you'll also reduce the number of invasive predators being attracted to the site. Organic waste can unnecessarily attract rats, mice, stoats and ferrets to precious areas on conservation land.
What should we do with our rubbish if there isn't a bin around? Simple – take it with you. Whether it's your banana peel or the cling film you wrapped your snacks in, take it all out with you to dispose of properly. You could even pick up someone else's litter that you've spotted. Because that's the Kiwi way.
We've also seen many campers who put their rubbish on a plastic bag and leave it outside their vehicle/tent, only to be found "broken into" the next morning by a weka or a rat. Doesn't really help when DoC stops providing a safe way to dispose of rubbish on the campsites that people pay money to stay at. Try going thru Molesworth over 2 weeks. There's nowhere no dispose of rubbish between Hanmer Springs and Seddon. We had a bag full of maggots by the time we arrived to civilisation.
Put your energy into figuring out a viable alternative and then DOC will stop using 1080.
* Kea nesting improves after 1080 treatment.
The endangered kea is the world's only alpine parrot, and is renowned for being smart and inquisitive. Kea will explore novel objects and scavenge for human food given the opportunity. But this can be their downfall when birds interfere with traps and poison bait meant to protect them.
DOC scientists have monitored kea after 1080 operations for a number of years. This has allowed us to weigh up benefits of pest control with the risk that 1080 will kill some birds.
Overall, monitoring shows that when predators are controlled with well-timed aerial 1080 treatment and/or traps, about 70% of kea nests are successful, ie produce at least one chick.
Without pest control, typically about 60% of kea nests fail – mostly due to being preyed on by stoats or possums, and in some areas, feral cats.
would be awesome if the DoC did that same.
Last June DoC kindly dumped around 300kg of lead pellets into MT Cook national, prime Kea habitat, when we know Kea are struggling with Lead poisoning issues.


text:
#ifndef SRC_LIBUTIL_MULTIPATTERN_H_
#define SRC_LIBUTIL_MULTIPATTERN_H_

#include "config.h"

/**
 * @file multipattern.h
 *
 * This file defines structure that acts like a transparent bridge between
 * hyperscan and ac-trie
 */

enum rspamd_multipattern_flags {
	RSPAMD_MULTIPATTERN_DEFAULT = 0,
	RSPAMD_MULTIPATTERN_ICASE = (1 << 0),
	RSPAMD_MULTIPATTERN_UTF8 = (1 << 1),
	RSPAMD_MULTIPATTERN_TLD = (1 << 2),
	/* Not supported by acism */
	RSPAMD_MULTIPATTERN_GLOB = (1 << 3),
	RSPAMD_MULTIPATTERN_RE = (1 << 4),
};

struct rspamd_multipattern;
struct rspamd_cryptobox_library_ctx;

/**
 * Called on pattern match
 * @param mp multipattern structure
 * @param strnum number of pattern matched
 * @param textpos position in the text
 * @param text input text
 * @param len length of input text
 * @param context userdata
 * @return if 0 then search for another pattern, otherwise return this value to caller
 */
typedef gint (*rspamd_multipattern_cb_t) (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp,
		guint strnum,
		gint match_start,
		gint match_pos,
		const gchar *text,
		gsize len,
		void *context);

/**
 * Init multipart library and set the appropriate cache dir
 * @param cache_dir
 */
void rspamd_multipattern_library_init (const gchar *cache_dir);

/**
 * Creates empty multipattern structure
 * @param flags
 * @return
 */
struct rspamd_multipattern *rspamd_multipattern_create (
		enum rspamd_multipattern_flags flags);

/**
 * Creates multipattern with preallocated number of patterns to speed up loading
 * @param flags
 * @param reserved
 * @return
 */
struct rspamd_multipattern *rspamd_multipattern_create_sized (guint reserved,
		enum rspamd_multipattern_flags flags);

/**
 * Creates new multipattern structure
 * @param patterns vector of null terminated strings
 * @param npatterns number of patterns
 * @param flags flags applied to all patterns
 * @return new multipattern structure
 */
struct rspamd_multipattern *rspamd_multipattern_create_full (
		const gchar **patterns,
		guint npatterns,
		enum rspamd_multipattern_flags flags);

/**
 * Adds new pattern to match engine from zero-terminated string
 * @param mp
 * @param pattern
 */
void rspamd_multipattern_add_pattern (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp,
		const gchar *pattern, gint flags);

/**
 * Adds new pattern from arbitrary string
 * @param mp
 * @param pattern
 * @param patlen
 * @param flags
 */
void rspamd_multipattern_add_pattern_len (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp,
		const gchar *pattern, gsize patlen, gint flags);

/**
 * Compiles multipattern structure
 * @param mp
 * @return
 */
gboolean rspamd_multipattern_compile (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp,
		GError **err);

/**
 * Lookups for patterns in a text using the specified callback function
 * @param mp
 * @param in
 * @param len
 * @param cb if callback returns non-zero, then search is terminated and that value is returned
 * @param ud callback data
 * @return
 */
gint rspamd_multipattern_lookup (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp,
		const gchar *in, gsize len, rspamd_multipattern_cb_t cb,
		gpointer ud, guint *pnfound);
/**
 * Get pattern string from multipattern identified by index
 * @param mp
 * @param index
 * @return
 */
const gchar* rspamd_multipattern_get_pattern (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp,
		guint index);

/**
 * Returns number of patterns in a multipattern matcher
 * @param mp
 * @return
 */
guint rspamd_multipattern_get_npatterns (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp);

/**
 * Destroys multipattern structure
 * @param mp
 */
void rspamd_multipattern_destroy (struct rspamd_multipattern *mp);

/**
 * Returns TRUE if hyperscan is supported
 * @return
 */
gboolean rspamd_multipattern_has_hyperscan (void);

#endif /* SRC_LIBUTIL_MULTIPATTERN_H_ */

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


2% of this provider's 666 patients who are 65 and older filled at least one prescription for an antipsychotic drug, compared to an average of 3%.
37% of this provider's 687 patients filled at least one prescription for an antibiotic drug, compared to an average of 26%.
20% of this provider's 687 patients filled at least one prescription for an opioid, compared to an average of 22%.
$80 was the average price of a prescription from this provider, compared to $84 among peers.


The area around Kumasi is famed for its craft villages. Some have become quite touristy, but a couple of community-run initiatives are well worth a day trip.
The easiest way to visit these scattered villages is to hire a private taxi (about C200 for a full day).


This black high-top is contemporary and functional. Its smooth leather exterior boasts the Trainspotting Stripe to its side underpinned by a logo patch on the tongue. Adopting a white rubber midsole and laces, this modern lifestyle trainer is perfect for weekend adventures.


I hold about it in secret.
was to turn into light.
P.S. There are still a few spaces available. Is one of them for you?
Deep bow to you. You just keep contributing, offering, bearing witness. With much love.
You ears must be burning. I've been quoting you like crazy as I travel across the country giving seminars on the end of life experience.
I wish I could attend your seminar, but your message and love pervades my consciousness.
I am a hospice social worker in Los Angeles. I can not attend this weekend. Can you please tell me how I find out when your next wokshop will be?
What a beautiful poem. I wish I could attend your workshop. I recently read kitchen Table Wisdom and was immediately drawn to your compassion and wisdom. Thank you.


TOKYO JACKET PATTERN HAS BEEN UPDATED!
I'm really excited about the release of our latest pattern, the Tokyo Jacket. This loose, relaxed style has three-quarter length magyar sleeves. The neckline, cuffs and pockets are trimmed with a band that provides smart and simple detailing. This jacket is suitable for all ages and can be dressed both up or down. Best of all is that that no interfacing, lining, buttons, buttonholes or shoulder pads are required!
The spotted version is made in Gold Classico Spot, but by the time I had my sample finished, the fabric had sold out. The plain version (pictured in the first, top image) is made in Claudia Ash (75% tri-acetate/25% polyester). The jacket makes up best in drapey fabrics such as viscose, tri-acetate/poly, wool crepes, textured polyester as well as medium weight silk. Please note it is not suitable for jersey fabrics.


FaunaFocus uses the American Psychological Association (APA) format of citation when citing sources of information.
Last, F. M. (Producer). (Year, Month Day). Title of Broadcast [Radio program/Television broadcast/Television series]. City, ST: Distributor.
Last, F. M. (Writer), Last, F. M. (Director), & Last, F. M. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Title of Episode [Radio program episode/Television series episode]. In Producer, F. M. (Producer), Title of Broadcast. City, ST: Distributor.
Word. (Year). In Title of Book (# ed., Vol. #). City, ST: Publisher.
Last, F. M. (Producer), & Last, F. M. (Director). (Year). Title of film [Motion Picture/Documentary]. Country: Distributor.
Last, F. M. (Year). Title of article. Title of journal, VOLUME#(ISSUE#), PAGES#-#.
Last, F. M. (Year, Month/Month). Title of article. Title of magazine, VOLUME#(ISSUE#), PAGES#-#.
Last, F. M. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of magazine, VOLUME#(ISSUE#), PAGES#-#.
Last, F. M. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of newspaper, p. #/pp. #, #.


text:
What the Fuck Is Going On in Here on This Day [UPDATED]
Harron Walker
In case you missed the late-night Friday news dump, the Justice Department released a statement saying that Geoffrey Berman, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan who serves as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, would be leaving his post, the Associated Press reports.
The statement from U.S. Attorney General William Barr gave no further details as to why Berman would be stepping down—though, given the prosecutor's track record of going after a bunch of the President's shady associates, it's not that hard to draw your own conclusions.
I mean, here's a brief list of reasons why Donald Trump might want this guy out, per the AP:
"an investigation of [Trump's] personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani"
"[Berman's] office has also prosecuted a number of Trump associates, including Trump's former personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who served a prison sentence for lying to Congress and campaign finance crimes."
"Berman has also overseen the prosecution of two Florida businessmen, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, who were associates of Giuliani and tied to the Ukraine impeachment investigation.
"The move to oust Berman also comes days after allegations surfaced from former Trump national security adviser John Bolton that the president sought to interfere in an Southern District of New York investigation into the state-owned Turkish bank in an effort to cut deals with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan."
Hmm! Much to think about…
Anyway! Berman, whom the AP says learned about his ousting through reading the Justice Department's statement just like the rest of us, released a statement of his own about an hour later.
"I have not resigned, and have no intention of resigning, my position, to which I was appointed by the Judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York," reads Berman's statement, per CNN.
Adding to the chaos, the White House announced that Trump would soon nominate Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton—a corporate lawyer with basically no experience as a federal prosecutor, according to the AP—to replace Berman. Craig Carpenito, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, will take over in the interim starting on July 3.
Like Effie White in Dreamgirls, Berman pushed back against his replacements. He disagrees with all of this, and he is telling you—he's not going!! At least not yet.
"I will step down when a presidentially appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate," Berman's statement reads. "Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption."
What a fucking mess! And it's probably only going to get worse from here. As The New York Times put it in its coverage Friday night, Berman's ousting is "setting up an extraordinary standoff over the independence of law enforcement and the president's purge of officials he views as disloyal." Better abolish all of it just to be safe!
Update (3:40 p.m.): In a statement released literally minutes after I published this blog, Barr announced that Trump had fired Berman on account of the "public spectacle" he created last night—as if Barr isn't the biggest stunt queen in all of this.
"I was surprised and quite disappointed by the press statement you released last night," reads Barr's latest statement. "Unfortunately, with your statement last night, you have chosen public spectacle over public service. Because you have declared that you have no intention of resigning, I have asked the President to remove you as of today, and he has done so."
Read the full statement below, per BuzzFeed News reporter Zoe Tillman.
Freelance journalist (GQ, Esquire, Out, elsewhere), here on weekends
GAVIIIIIIN
This seems totally normal and above board.
With each passing day, I feel more and more that this country deserves to fall. How the fuck are we supposed to come back from all of this?