We produce and fit all types of indoor and outdoor signage, vehicle livery and exhibition banners. Appletons will help you get your company message across successfully… we believe anything is possible!
Signs come in many shapes, sizes and materials. As well as vinyl and aluminium, Appletons have the technology in place to print to DiBond, Foamex and Corex. Our cut-out machine is one of the largest and most advanced in the country, used for cutting obscure shapes, lettering, logos and designs from a wide range of materials including vinyl, wood or metal.
We can supply anything from a one-off sign to a complete programme of co-ordinated interior directories – in any finish, from printed to engraved. We also offer a vast choice of lighting options designed to maximise the impact of your signage. From overhead lighting, spotlights, light boxes and illuminated signs to bespoke systems.
Although we offer a vast range of standard signs, we are frequently asked to design and construct one-off signs for specific purposes. Just tell us what you need and we'll work out the best solution to suit your project.
Attractive, eye-catching point-of-sale materials can help increase your sales – and make life easier for your customers. Appletons are specialists at providing quality point-of-sale solutions for all manner of applications. We will provide the right display solutions for all your printed point-of-sale material. We have built a solid reputation for developing innovative design solutions, pioneering many of the designs you now see in stores up and down the country.
Whether it is a ceiling-mounted sign or a window banner promoting your latest offers, Appletons can take care of your project, making sure your material delivers maximum customer appeal. Our bespoke approach means we work with you to find the best solutions for your organisation.
Appletons can also supply all the necessary fixings to allow you to display your point-of-sale material effectively – ties, hooks, magnetic strips, tape, chains, suction-cups, and Velcro. Ideal for any environment.
Make your company vehicles stand out with branded graphics. Our vehicle graphics team have many years experience and this, combined with our investment in cutting-edge technology, means we can provide solutions ranging from simple magnetic signage and wheel covers right through to full-colour vehicle graphics and full-car wraps.
Our vinyl and adhesive digital graphics can be used for both short-term or long-term applications on lorries, vans, cars, trailers and even boats.
We also offer a full fleet livery and maintenance service which can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Any size, material or design, for any event, indoors or outdoors – roadshows, concerts, exhibitions, sporting events and seminars. Whatever your requirements, Appletons can supply a complete range of exhibition equipment which can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Our digital printing lab features the largest and most sophisticated equipment available in the industry today. Some typical examples of our 'larger' projects include: building wraps, scaffolding wraps and concert backdrops.
We supply a range of roller banners and pop-up stand systems, all feature a quick-change graphic system and can be specified with single or double sided graphics. Our systems are a user-friendly and cost-effective means of promoting your organisation. We also have an impressive range of literature stands available along with stylish display dispensers which can be created to your own specifications.
We don't just design and print your banners and event signage – we provide a full package that includes all the necessary fixtures, fittings and framework to keep your banners secure.
Interior signage comes in many forms, from Health & Safety signage to illuminated signs and wayfinding systems. We provide bespoke solutions to suit the needs and budget of every organisation.
Anything from cut and pre-spaced vinyl letters and logos, full window coloured vinyls and etched-glass effect is available in our extensive range of vinyl graphics. Our production methods mean the finished graphics look permanent but are still easy to remove when necessary.
Our skills and expertise have been proved in this area over many years, so whether you are looking for a simple solution to some directional signage or you are looking for complete window graphics, we'll be able to provide everything you need.
Highly-skilled technicians and state-of-the-art computerised equipment gives Appletons' engraving facility a real edge. Our commitment to technology allows us to confidently tackle any engraving project – however complex or detailed. Add the skills of our talented workforce and you have the ideal combination to produce truly amazing results.
We supply custom engraved signage to a wide range of industries including electrical, plumbing and pool supply. As well as small items such as name tags, dials, scales, and facia we have the capability to engrave on a much larger scale too.
Our full design service and project management ensures your project stays on schedule and on budget. Where clients need help with artwork or design, Appletons have a team of designers ready to inspire.
Our design team can help you plan any part of your exhibition or conference including stand and exhibition design. We can also help with any other graphic design needs including corporate stationery, leaflets and more.
From start to finish, we can take care of the whole process – freeing up your time. One of our experienced Project Managers will be assigned to your project, with responsibility for seeing it through from the beginning to a successful end.
This combination of a full design service and one-to-one project management ensures your project stays on schedule and on budget.
Our skills and expertise have been proved in this area over many years. Our experienced installation engineers take care of the whole process including a pre-installation site survey to determine the most effective way to display your sign.
Appletons like to continue looking after our customers long after the installation of their signage. So if you choose, we can provide an ongoing maintenance and repair plan for all your signage.
Our range of lighting options are specifically designed to maximise the impact of your signage. From overhead lighting, spotlights, light boxes and illuminated signs to bespoke systems. Just tell us what you need and we'll work out the best solution to suit your project.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Supplement use by high school student-athletes has exploded in recent years. Some estimate as many as 40% of high school students participating in organized athletics use dietary supplements of some variety. Without question, this is a concerning trend. Legitimate health-related benefits may come from multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics and vitamin D, particularly for documented deficiencies. However, supplements targeted for athletic performance enhancement generally lack any high quality, unbiased data to support their use, value or safety. Understanding that these products are pervasive in sport, we as sports medicine practitioners must stand firmly against their escalating use and abuse. Superior athletic ability does not come out of a bottle, and this must be our consistent message.
So why the increasing interest in supplement use? Is it to enhance health? Perhaps. Studies have found the major reasons for supplementation in adolescent athletes are growth, illness prevention, illness treatment, enhanced performance, tiredness and muscle development. (2) Is it to augment the value of an ideally constructed training regimen? Not likely. In my opinion, the real interest lies in trying to get more from less. To run faster or longer with less training. Lift more with fewer repetitions or sets. These are the claims that these products make. Young athletes are losing touch with the "old school" reality that great nutrition, adequate hydration and flat out hard work are the keys to athletic success. Dietary supplements have never made up for the lack of these key foundation elements of athletic ability and they never will.
Supplements for sport may carry with them a clear risk for misuse, tainting and deception. Anyone consuming them has to be concerned about the quality of the ingredients, the accurate representation of what is in each supplement and the possibility of harmful, even lethal, side effects. Even supplements that are reasonably studied and accepted to have efficacy for sports, like creatine, can be harmful or tainted. There simply is no means of knowing that a given product is risk-free. Remember the hospitalization of 24 McMinnville, OR, high school football players (three of whom required surgery) for severe swelling and cramping likely resulting from widespread creatine use. (3) Or the 25 Menomonie, WI, high school football players suspended for consuming a creatine supplement energy drink marketed as "the most explosive pre-workout intensifier." (4) Who could resist? Unfortunately, the product was tainted with Synephrine HCl, a potent sympathomimetic, which violates Wisconsin High School athletic rules. Such product mislabeling is a major problem, as flashy packaging and claims of enhanced athletic prowess are too much for many young athletes, and their parents, to resist. In 2009, the FDA recalled 65 dietary supplements available on a popular bodybuilding website because they contained anabolic steroids. (5) The list of such instances is lengthy and it must stop.
Further challenges arise from elite and professional athletes who glamorize supplement use and encourage young athletes to mimic their actions. For those who dream of participating on these bigger sport stages, the notion that dietary supplements play a vital role in getting there is unfortunate and unnecessary. In high school kids who can't resist the lure of anything that might improve their athleticism, the slippery slope from supplements to stimulants, anabolic steroids and growth hormone is steep and precarious. The moment that supplement use becomes a more important factor in athletic preparation than hard work and dedication is the moment that the true spirit of sport and competition is lost.
It is time for the sports medicine community to lobby strongly against the uncontrolled manufacture and distribution of dietary supplement products to high school students. Show us solid clinical research supporting their efficacy as well as their short and long-term safety. Until these criteria are met, sports supplements should not be taken and we must be the voice of reason to dissuade high school athletes from using these products. Our message should be loud, clear and consistent. Beware of the validity of what the label says. Don't believe the product is safe just because you have confidence in a store or website or the advice of a teammate or coach. Never ingest any supplement without the advice and supervision of a qualified sports medicine provider. Optimize all aspects of your training and leave the supplements behind.


Friday, March 29, 2019 - 19:54. Updated on Friday, March 29, 2019 - 20:59.
A wandering brown bull, who didn't come when he was called for identification by a magistrate, is at the centre of a legal dispute between two bull-keepers in Vava'u. An appellant claims the bull is Hercules.


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Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - February 5, 2022
Date: Sat Feb 05, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Get your Bronze, Silver and Gold Award questions answered at this lively forum!
Dialing in a Project for Highest Awards [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - February 5, 2022
Date: Sat Feb 05, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
Too overwhelmed to start your project? Start here.
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - February 21, 2022
Date: Mon Feb 21, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - March 5, 2022
Date: Sat Mar 05, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Dialing in a Project for Highest Awards [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - March 16, 2022
Date: Wed Mar 16, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - March 21, 2022
Date: Mon Mar 21, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - April 2, 2022
Date: Sat Apr 02, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
Dialing in a Project for Highest Awards [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - April 2, 2022
Date: Sat Apr 02, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Awards Celebration: Silver Award [Grades K-12 & Adults] - April 9, 2022
Date: Sat Apr 09, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Honoring your highest achievements.
Awards Celebration: Gold Award and Scholarships [Grades K-12 & Adults] - April 9, 2022
Date: Sat Apr 09, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - April 18, 2022
Date: Mon Apr 18, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
On My Honor [Grades K-12 & Adults] - April 23, 2022
This is for the grown-ups who make it all happen.
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - May 7, 2022
Date: Sat May 07, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - May 16, 2022
Date: Mon May 16, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Dialing in a Project for Highest Awards [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - May 18, 2022
Date: Wed May 18, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - June 4, 2022
Date: Sat Jun 04, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
This bi-monthly event series is an opportunity for girls and adults to meet with the Highest Award committee in a casual environment. The committee will have a topic for discussion each month, but the real focus of this event is to answer your questions.
Dialing in a Project for Highest Awards [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - June 4, 2022
Date: Sat Jun 04, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Don't know where to start? Have an idea, but need to know how to figure out who to talk to and identify details? This is for you.
Highest Award Chit Chat [Grades 4-12 & Adults] - June 20, 2022
Date: Mon Jun 20, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


What is the right word? For me it's the one which expresses exactly what I mean and which connects me with someone else. Whether we're writing an academic paper, addressing a meeting or talking to our children, our words can be incredibly powerful if chosen with care. Finding the right words can even allow us to go beyond words.
All my work described on this site – including coaching, mediation, consultancy, editing and translation – is informed by Needs-based Communication (NbC). NbC is a structured and effective system which facilitates meaningful connection between people. It does this by directing our awareness to the universal human needs within any given interaction, and by responding with clarity in addressing those needs.
Trading as 'The Right Word' and 'Beyond the Right Words', I work with clients all over Europe.


Peach Marmalade is a wonderful blend of sweet Texas peaches and tart citrus. A medalist in the 2015 Dalemain Marmalade Festival in Great Britain, you'll find the taste to be a winner.
Marvelous on toast or as a marinade!
This year we have several artisan jams and jellies available.
Our most popular is Raspberry Pepper Jelly, made with yummy raspberries and both sweet and hot peppers. The result is a mildly hot jelly perfect with chicken or served over cream cheese with crackers.
Holiday Jam is a perfect blend of juicy strawberries and tart cranberries. Just in time for the holidays, this seasonal favorite is a perfect gift for yourself or someone you love.
Peach Cobbler, made with flavorful peaches, tastes just like peach cobbler without the crust. Delicious on toast or to make cobbler!
Apple Butter, made with cider and spices and cooked to perfection. Delicious on pork, in a turkey sandwich or on your oatmeal.
Mustang Grape Jelly has the sweet, untamed flavor of wild Texas mustang grapes. Harvested from the hedgerows, this jelly is a real treat.
Dark Chocolate Cherry is an artisan jam made with sweet cherries and dark chocolate. The perfect pairing is delicious on ice cream, cheesecake or on a spoon!
Blueberry Lemon combines wild blueberries with fresh lemon juice for a delicious topping for ice cream, cheesecake, yogurt or pancakes. Use your imagination!
Jam and jelly comes in 4-8 oz. jars. Other sizes are available on request.
All jams and jellies are made with real ingredients, nothing artificial and no preservatives. All products should be refrigerated after opening.


I am in a situation where I need to have multiple project managers for a single project. This is required due to the structure of our practice areas having multiple individuals requiring PM access to any particular client. Is it possible to create a feature to give more than one person a role as Project Manager on a project?
Unfortunately, currently we have the capability of adding only one Project Manager per Project. I will have this raised as an Idea to our respective Product management team and update you in case of any progress on the same.
We are in need of the same feature. Another thought is to have approvals at the task level. We have individuals who perform a specific job function and each job function under that project has a different approver.


To add to the debate of which zodiac to use, we are confronted in RSs work with abroad question on the zodiacs. He presents us with several other zodiacal beginnings as well as zodiacs going in the opposite direction. In the work on the evolution of the animal kingdom, we meet Cancer as the beginning, while in Hauschkas work on minerals he gives a Leo start to the zodiac. In one other work associated with human social development I have noticed a Virgo starting zodiac, while the twelve senses work uses a Libra starting zodiac as well. In all these zodiacs the description of their application is through the zodiac in the opposite direction to what we are use to. There is much to explore in this but much of it will have to wait for another time.
The Astrological model (20) identifies the Cancer to Leo zodiac as possibly having some special significance. The Astrological model presents us with a different structure to the zodiac than the 'traditional' anti clockwise Aries through Pisces zodiac, used by most of Astrology. Initially the pattern looks chaotic even meaningless however as we look into it more there is an order which arises. As described in Astrological Science -12 fold, there is a lot of order in this model and we can see all the laws from the earlier levels of the Astrological spiral are carried through in this patterning.
Being of the Astrological model we can expect it to be archetypal in nature and therefore to describe founding principles of things. From this model we can see Cancer and Leo stand out as the only signs ruled by a planet each. We can note however that the Sun and Moon form a creative polarity with each other at level two of the Astro. Model. Following Koliskos lead given to us in "The Twelve groups of Animals" and that Mother Cancer can easily be seen as the starting point of life we can track the development of this zodiac by moving in a clockwise direction going from Cancer > Gemini > Taurus.....through to Leo. If we follow the line of order starting at Cancer and moving through the other signs to Leo, we see the double helix comes into form. This mimics a DNA like series of twists.
In " The Twelve Groups of Animals" Kolisko interprets the animal kingdoms evolution from Protozoa to Mammals through this twelvefold process starting with Cancer running backwards through to Leo. In that work we see outlined a fundamental manifestation of the archetypal law. We are not talking about the patterning of hair on a dog or feathers on a bird, which is more according to fibonacci number series, but a more fundamental patterning of all animal evolution or the animal evolutionary archetype.
The next question is, how does this zodiacal patterning relate to the circular zodiac we are use too? We are given a hint about this process when we see the Twelve senses zodiacal patterning uses a patterning of the zodiac based upon the lemniscate. This zodiac though starts with Libra and not Cancer. We can however note the principle.
In the familiar circular zodiac we have an arrangement of signs around the circle in a positive and negative order. Aries +. Taurus -, Gemini + etc. It is also known that all living things and many minerals carry an electrically charged polarised form. This principle is carried right do to human life needing a male and female sexual polarity to come into form. So it can be stated that polarisation is the natural state of manifest forms. In the stage one zodiac this polarisation is 'external' . We are defining the zodiac by the dual rulership of the planets. Each planet of the model rules two signs of the zodiac and so on. So if we are to head towards the polarised manifest circular zodiac, as it appears in the sky, then this polarisation must be internalised.
Before we move on let us note first that the 'stage one' diagram has been created by externalising the polarity. That is, all the positive are placed on one side, while all the negatives on the other, mimicking the level 2 law. If this pattern was placed directly on a circle we would have all the positives on one side and all the negatives on the other. Interestingly this is exactly what we have when we put the periodic table on a circular format. This too is a topic all its own and to be outlined in a later essay. We can note from it though that again polarity is a function of manifestation.
Too take the next step we can see that a lemniscate form can be made in this zodiac through the 'unwinding' of the mutable signs. From 'Astrological Science' we have been shown how not only are the signs ordered in polarity, but they are also ordered according to the level 3 -modes structure as Cardinal Mutable and Fixed.
Stage one has this same internal modal order as stage 3, however they are all positive modes or negative modes sitting together. The most moveable part of the Zodiac is the Mutable signs. This is their function, to mediate between the two poles of Cardinal and Fixed. So to unwind this spiral we can first of all unwind the mutables, and in doing so we create an internal polarisation within the four quarters of the lemniscate. The negative Pisces now sits between the positives Aquarius and Aries.
In "the Planets" chapter this patterning is explored further with regard to a twelve fold planetary structure and the Human spiritual path. In this example and the 'twelve senses' we see described in both these examples, Human psychology and spiritual development. These are pretty abstract realities and a little removed from the vital basics of manifestation. It could be argued that if these things did not happen the rest of the planet could not care less.
So we can suggest stage two - the lemniscate - indicates a pattern or activity that stands slightly removed from the archetype and yet still behind manifestation. It appears to be an intermediate stage between these two.
The third step of this process is to unwind the bottom half of the lemniscate to create the zodiac we are use to. This zodiac, while often used for describing a 12 fold personality division, it is more traditionally used to describe the physical body. Aries - head, Taurus -Throat, Capricorn-knees etc.
This now brings us to another big question. What is the relationship between the Cancer >>>> Leo zodiac and the Aries>>>> Pisces zodiac?
The zodiac division we take for granted is the Aries>>>>>Pisces zodiac, which we saw in the last chapter is based on the very physical manifestation of the seasons. Even more specifically, of the northern hemisphere. So before folks in the Nth hemisphere get too carried away with drawing associations between seasonal activity and archetypal zodiacal phenomena, please remember the north's experience is not ours in the south.
To gain a clearer picture of these two zodiacs we can put the traditional planetary rulers on the 'finished' stage 3 zodiac. Look at where the Aries zodiac starts from a planetary point of view. Is it not a little strange it starts at a Mars Jupiter cross point rather than the Sun Moon mid point or at least the Saturn mid point or the Venus Mars mid point. The zodiac according to the modes presented earlier also supports the notion put forward by this 'planetary' zodiac.
THESE DIAGRAMS INDICATE THE ARIES >>>>>> PISCES ZODIAC IS NOT ORIENTATED BY THE ARCHETYPAL MODAL, PLANETARY OR ZODIACAL LAW BUT BY THE PHYSICAL SEASONS and hence highlights further its relationship to matter and a physical earth life than the archetype or spirit. It is a manifestation zodiac.
the other planets as Mother and Father, Rangi & Papa, Yin and Yang, beginning and end. Cancer in Astrology is the mother and the source of life, while Leo is Lion the King of the Jungle, the peak of one personal creative expression. This Cancer >>> Leo zodiac structure again places the Sun and Moon as prominent points of the natural cycle by being the beginning and end. Worthy of individual rulership of their signs and imaging the primary polarity we found as the source of life at level 2.
Quite unconsciously we do use this zodiac in modern Astrology. The two things that do travel backwards in traditional Astrology are the Precession of the Zodiac and the movement of the north node.
The Precession of the Equinoxes, is the name given to the backwards movement, through the zodiac, of the position of the Sun at the Spring Equinox, in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomena is the only major use of the constellations remaining in most Western Astrology. It is from this spring equinox point, that the signs begin and are marked off in equal divisions. They are however not a division of the constellations, they are a equal 12 fold division of the ecliptic, the Suns apparent path around the Earth, as outlined earlier.
The position of the Spring Equinox moves 'backwards' through the constellations at the rate of 1 degree every 72 years. It takes approximately 2160 years to move through one equally divided constellation and 25,920 years to go once around the zodiac. At present we are placed between 4 and 6 degrees of the constellation of Pisces. - depending on the constellational division one uses. It is this cycle from which we arrive at the concept of the age of Pisces and Aquarius. This equinoctial cycle has been used by many scholars to correctly indicate the developmental history of humanity. It not only indicates the cultural development, it also provides the structure for understanding the spiritual evolutionary development of humanity as well.
At the earliest we will not have the equinox in Aquarius for another 300 years. Allowing for the orb effect of 3 degrees we are still over 100 years away from moving into orb of Aquarius. So where is all the Aquarian energy of our present time coming from. The quick answer is the Saturn, Uranus Neptune conjunctions from 1987 - 1997 and the Uranus and Neptune transits through Aquarius from around 1995 till 2005. We are also in the orb period of Aquarius so its early influences will be effecting us. Another reason is that our evolutionary process is speeding up due to the effects of the pollution of our atmosphere. We, humanity along with all other species, are 'going to seed' early and in doing so our future evolution is being sucked towards us. Thus the Aquarian influences of the future are coming earlier and stronger than they may have if industrialisation was handled in another manner. I suggest that at the present rate of decline of our atmosphere humanity will have had the chance to evolve in consciousness at least, to the end of the 6th post atlantian period by 2012 and to the end of the 7th post atlantian period by 2025. By this time I suggest the free oxygen of our atmosphere may be all but consumed by pollution and that natural human life on Earth may well be impossible from that point. I say our consciousness can evolve as our bodies may be much slower to adjust. Which is why they will go the way the frogs presently are. 4000 years of consciousness evolution within 25 years is a lot of culture shock. Anyway I stray from the subject at hand. Another time.
Sagittarius    Beginning of the next cycle of       seven civilisations.
So here in the Cancer zodiac we have an image of the archetypal spiritual and cultural development of humanity. As this is the main use of this Zodiac in Western Astrology, I choose to call it the Equinoctial Zodiac as opposed to the Seasonal zodiac we have starting at Aries.
It should be noted our Solar system takes 220 million years to go once around the Galaxy. So this Equinoctial cycle is not based on a Galactic rotation. It is understood that our solar system and seven other Stars are circling around the star Alcyone which is placed in the Pleaides. This cycle takes 25,920 years.
This Precession of the Equinoxes is still a northern hemisphere phenomena. For the Southern Hemisphere we are in the opposite constellation. Our Spring Equinox is in fact in Virgo at present. In the future we are moving towards a Leo epoch. This indeed presents us with a problem and possibilities. Are we in the southern hemisphere in a different cycle of evolution?.
When looking at any particular age though it is interesting to note that Pisces exists within a 'cross' relationship with the signs Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius. Whenever one of these signs are emphasised all will become active. In the Pisces age we have the Christ as the avatar of this period. He preached open hearted compassion for all beings ( Pisces ) and a direct personal relationship with God (Gemini). What we have seen develop during this age is the Catholic Christian church is the promotion of chastity, purity, and sin (Virgo) through a dogmatic theology (Sagittarius). So what we have is an impulse of the age with its counterpoint manifesting simultaneously. More examples could be explored.
In the coming Aquarian age, we all have the potential to personalise the message and gift of the Christ. We can all function as a messenger of God. The focus now is upon the Aquarian qualities of acknowledging the God within each of us. The group becomes a collective of 'gods' with the leader of the time arising out of the needs of the time. The challenges will arise from Leo - the desire of one individual to be the supreme 'god', Taurus - the challenge of letting go of what we believe to be ours and to share it with the collective, Scorpio - To trust our fellows with our nuggets of gold.
In the Southern Hemisphere we could look for how Leo is in fact our age impulse. According to the Equinoctial Zodiac this would place us at the end of the cycle. Leo becomes the constellation of full conscious creative awareness. It is in Leo we become our truly creative selves. While it indicates 'the King' it is the beneficent, magnanimous leader who shares the bountiful plenty of our own creativity with all about us. In this scenario Aquarius becomes the 'anti hero'. The dogmatic, set traditional beliefs of the society which becomes the limitation to the creative expression of the individual. So are we in the south following more individual paths, while those in the north are moving more strongly towards a community of individuals?
All of life will give indications of which impulse is appropriate. All we need do is look and see as time moves on. At present the development of global communication, silicon chip technology, the rising people power are all Aquarian impulses. Likewise with the development of these Aquarian activities there is a dramatic release in the potential for the individual expression, in the forms of more avenues of personal expression through writing, music, art etc. The whole world is now your stage. You have free access. All you have to do is be heard. Both Leo and Aquarius are active here. The fact you are reading this is a testament to this very point.
Again the fact the Earth is polarised to the North pole, may well hold the deciding vote in which impulse is dominate in Human evolution. What do you think?
This brings up for consideration what the connotation of an Earth magnetic pole shift, in 2012 will actually mean. If indeed this does happen. If the poles shift then this orientation of the equinoxes to the northern hemisphere, due to the north pole dominance of the Earth, will have to be reconsidered. If the south pole now, comes to dominance then we will need to use Libra rather than Aries as the spring beginning of the zodiac, and the Leo rather than Aquarius as our equinoctial age constellation. All interesting and I guess we will have to wait for the magnetic pole shift and see what happens.
The other major Astrological influence using this 'backward' motion is the Moons Node. These are Astronomical points in space rather than anything 'real'. The Moons nodes are where the Suns path and the Moons path cross. This point , as seen from the Earth moves backwards on a cycle of 18.5 years.
It will suffice at this stage to say the nodes are indicators of the "destiny moments" in an individuals life. Either when planets transit the birth and progressednodes or when the node transits sites in the natal and progressed charts, these are opportunities available to us to pick up, if we wish. They are not fated. As such they are moments the spirit can impact upon its course of future evolution as apart from 'karmic events' coming at us to deal with. Again this indicates an orientation to the spirits possible action, not the Astral bodies fate.
The south node can be seen as the past and the north node as the future. The south node is all the talents and skills one brings from the past and now needs to be used as the basis upon which to build the future- the north node. Some Astrologers give a more fatalistic view of this relationship and suggest the south node must be left behind to attain the north node. I do not support this. One builds upon the other. Yes there is a balance achieved in the process however the future must be an organic growth out of the past using the past for the development of the future.
From all the above and from the results of investigations into using the traditional and octave planets in relationship to the Equinoctial zodiac I suggest, it finds its activity as an indication of the spiritual developmental process of the Human. (see "The Planets") . I am left to conclude the Cancer > Leo zodiac outlines another layer of the archetypal spiritual impulses coming into life from the Universe. These are essential spiritual formative impulses upon which matter and consciousness accumulate. This is one aspect of Geothes "Being".
The Aries \ Pisces zodiac on the other hand is linked to the seasonal cycle of only the northern hemisphere of the Earth. The spring equinox is seen as the beginning of the year, while Aries is seen as the first sign. So we have the signs interpreted in relation to the unfolding and contracting of the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.
The unfolding of the 'seasonal' zodiac is used in many ways to describe the path of growth on Earth of any process one wishes to apply it too. One basic example follows: The path of the individual through personal discovery, - Aries to Gemini, to tribal awareness - Cancer to Virgo, to relationship awareness - Libra to Sagittarius, to Social awareness - Capricorn to Pisces, to spiritual awareness. This 12 fold patterning can be applied to any process and will accurately describe its 12 stages of earthly development.
The Houses provide another example. They are a further derivative from this 'earthy' zodiac and are based on the position of eastern horizon in the birth chart as their starting point. Aries rules the first house, Taurus the second and so on. Being another step towards the Earth - its eastern horizon - they outline very real practical manifestations, of where in ones life any planetary influence will appear. This reality is taken further in the practice of Astro Carto Graphy. ( see layer chapter). This method is where the birth chart is adjusted for an individuals travel about the planet. A chart is drawn up as if the person was born at the same time (for the birth place) yet at a different location. This moves the eastern horizon to another place in relation to the planets. Interestingly the same planetary relationships and activity start manifesting in different ways in the new location. This is a very useful system for geomagnetic manifestation, but in this context just adds proof to the claim that these earth based phenomena accurately indicate physical manifesting influences.
The Seasonal zodiac has been the most widely used in both Constellational and Signal Predictive Astrology for thousands of years. When we look at the planetary rulerships of the signs of this seasonal zodiac, on the circle, they do not represent any inherent pattern, as we saw earlier. Indeed looking at it this way one must ask why would anyone start a zodiac at Aries? It is a fact though that the physical body is appropriately described by the Aries \ Pisces zodiac and that foetus development does start with the Head and grow towards the feet.
The fact these zodiacs head in opposite directions must have significance. Alice Bailey suggests the different directions relate to the opposing processes of descent into matter - anti clockwise and the rise of the spirit away from the Earth - clockwise.
Again the polarity between Manifest life on Earth and Spiritual impulse is apparent in these two zodiacs. We can conclude - The Aries \ Pisces zodiac appears concerned with material life on Earth - the descent into matter, while the other, Cancer \ Leo is concerned with the spiritual unfoldment of the individual and its rise to spirit.
Spiritual unfoldment is the point of our evolution as described by the Procession of the Equinoxes and mirrored in our evolution of the Human to full Ego incarnation, especially in this age of Pisces. Now we have this potential - Ego\ spirit consciousness - being at the end of the age of Pisces, how are we moving forward into the Age of Aquarius?
Possibly, as conscious individuals motivated by our individual connections to the spirit, which enables us to function as empowered equals for the good of the whole. Here leaders arise out of the need of the time rather than being based on a personal need to control. The people who we need to be in power will be. With the spirit incarnating we have the potential to moderate and even control the wild Astral body impulses. Our bestial natures can hopefully be subdue enabling a greater sense of empathy for our fellow humans.
In a spiralling motion, the creation of the spiral is maintained through an interplay of two sets of forces. One set moving from the centre to the periphery in a an anti-clockwise centrifugal motion, while the second moves from the periphery to the centre in a clockwise centripetal motion.
Individual researchers, like Schuberger, Schweck and Riech have all found the centripetal clockwise spiral is life promoting. The centrifugal anticlockwise motion was destructive to life. Riechs terms were that the clockwise motion created Orgone energy while the anticlockwise motion created Dor energy. Hence we have the building up of life and the destruction of life.
Using what was said earlier about Centrifugal and centripedal forces we can add we have the Equinoctial Zodiac moving clockwise, indicating the archetypal 'life' creating process, while the Seasonal Zodiac, moving anticlockwise outlines the materialising 'death' process. To enlarge on this it will be of value for the reader to explore Geothes concept of creative processes. He outlined how each created being has an incarnation phase and an excarnation phase. The incarnation phase was were the necessary forces for life were being drawn together. This phase is essentially invisible. The comes the manifest phase of form creation. What we see as a life form is essentially a form already moving towards death. The coming into form brings manifestation, yet the creative forces drawn together in the first phase then begin to move towards maturity and dissipation and seeding. Hence Earthly manifestation indicated by the anticlockwise Seasonal Zodiac, is the last part of this creative process, showing our moving towards maturation and death on the physical plane. The opposite is another aspect of our journey back to spirit.


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Favorite Female(s) from ANY Anime
Other Discussion General Anime
Shin_Starlord July 19, 2019, 3:03am #1
The inspiration for this thread comes from our various incarnations of the Favorite Gundam Female(s) thread.
This isn't a game thread, just simply post about a female that you like from any anime, make it a list, a discription, a picture, it doesn't matter.
For now, I'll go with Reiko Mikami from GS Mikami.
Why do I like her? I can't say. I'm just reading her manga now and I love everything she does.
As for including Gundam Females, I'm unsure. Perhaps if you include a list of other females you can include them too, since we have a thread for them alone.
Republic-of-Zeon-Pil July 19, 2019, 4:09am #2
Edward from Cowboy Bebop. I know the character isn't horribly deep, but I really like how she just goes with what she likes and she thinks despite what anyone else in the world may think. The "quirky" character thing most shows (anime or otherwise) try to do gets on my nerves because it's rarely done well, but Edward is just so freaking likable that I can't help but adore that character.
A lot of people dislike her, but I really like Lt. Emma from MSZG. I adore Tomino's work, and I think he's a creative genius, but writing good female characters isn't his strongest suit. Emma can be a little naggy at times, but she still seemed like a sweet, good natured person. She was a pretty decent fighter/pilot as well. I liked Sayla a lot too, but I don't think she got the time she should have got in the show.
I liked Winry from Full Metal Alchemist a lot too, as well as Lt. Hawkeye. I thought both were likable characters who pulled their own weight in the show and didn't fall into the category of being overly nagy or wet blankets.
Zeta July 19, 2019, 4:09am #3
I too liked Lt. Emma. You have to treat her as the bis sis Kamille never had. Sayla was awesome. I can't wait to see her in Gundam: The Origin. The reason why she appeared sporadically after MSG was because VA was unavailable most of the time (and now she's dead).
swark34 July 19, 2019, 4:09am #4
Love me so fram nora
Exia July 19, 2019, 4:09am #5
General Olivier Mira Armstrong! She's just a bad ass, same with the Elric's teacher. Can't remember her name, so I'll just call her Teacher! Both from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Yorouichi and Soi-Fon from Bleach. Tenten, Hinata Hyuga, Mei Terumi, Anko Mitorashi, and Konan from Naruto. That's all I can think of now.
ItsVince725 July 19, 2019, 4:09am #6
The three protagonists of Senki Zesshou Symphogear and its sequel Symphogear G.
Lacus_Prime July 19, 2019, 4:09am #7
Maho Nishizumi (Girls Und Panzer). Even though she acts cold on the outside in the inside she really loves her sister.


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by Chandler Gal |
DS2, News Release |
DS2 was awarded a follow-on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract to further develop on the work during the Phase I for the "Integration of Geospatial, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies" topic.
During Phase I, DS2 researched solutions for integrating disparate data from multiple sources into the US Air Force Command and Control (C2) Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) Simulator. DS2 identified two existing technologies that could be leveraged to achieve the goal of the SBIR topic: RTI Connext, the leading COTS product based on the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard; and the Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) and the TENA middleware, a GOTS product developed under a joint interoperability initiative within the U.S. Department of Defense. After completing the research, DS2 also successfully created a vertical slice proof-of-concept for UXO mitigation and damage discovery using the Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (RADR) data model and TENA middleware to share data between the C2 ADR Simulator, Geospatial Expeditionary Planning Tool (GeoExPT), Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), and a prototype Recovery of Airbase Denied By Ordnance (RADBO) Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Simulator.
A Phase II award demonstrates the US Air Force's continued interest expanding the research and use of modeling and simulation to include domains outside of traditional warfare. With over 20 years of experience working with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) to build solutions that plans, manages, and models the ADR processes, DS2 is uniquely poised to develop the interoperability solution to integrate the RADR data model into the wider world of modeling and simulation.
In Phase II, DS2 will expand on the research and development started during Phase I. DS2's goal for Phase II is to go beyond the vertical slice proof-of-concept and develop a prototype that brings the C2 ADR Simulator, GeoExPT software suite, and RADR data model into the interoperability space. "DS2 is proud to work with the US Air Force and AFCEC to further advance their capabilities in modeling and simulation," said Richard Pruitt, the President of DS2. "Enabling RADR interoperability will enhance AFCEC training, allow integration of current and future equipment simulators and live, in-the-field data to integrate into comprehensive exercises. Mission planning simulations will be able to encompass the full scope of an operation by including the C2 ADR Simulator and the GeoExPT suite, increasing the level of fidelity by providing accurate insight into the damage repair process and its effects on recovery and response times."
DS2 is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business providing a full spectrum of life-cycle software engineering, application development, and IT management solutions to DoD, federal and commercial clients. Utilizing agile development procedures, DS2 specializes in modeling and simulation; LVC training; and geospatial, ATAK, and mission planning solutions in support of the warfighter.
SBIRSimulation
DS2 Awarded Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Contract
Dynamic Software Solutions was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract from the US Small Business Administration through their SBIR program for the proposal "Integration of Geospatial, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies." This project is responsive to the Air Force's needs for an autonomous system to ingest data streams from various platforms/systems utilizing 2- and 3-dimensional data, geospatial data (raster & vector), AR & VR data, and audio data within the US Air Force Command and Control (C2) Simulator.
Dynamic Software Solutions (DS2), located in Niceville, Fla., and prime contractor partner, Tapestry Solutions, Inc., a Boeing company, were awarded a Weapon Planning Software (WPS) contract by the Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Armament Directorate - Eglin Air Force Base.
Over the past two-decades, DS2 staff have been developing solutions to meet various civil engineering command and control mission needs.
DS2 was recently awarded a subcontract through Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation of Huntsville, Alabama to address mission planning capability gaps via mobile device / applications.
DS2 Awarded SBIR Phase II Contract
Dynamic Software Solutions (DS2), is excited to announce the award of the company's first Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from the US Small Business Administration, working directly with AFLCMC/HMB OL1.


CARIBBEAN FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: Birth, Marriage and Death/Burial records (BMDs) can be accessed in the Family History Centres across Britain and on the internet via https://www.familysearch.org/ There are many genealogical records attached to non-obvious articles other than BMD records, such as the Slavery Compensation registers, held at The National Archives, in Kew. See www.jamaicanfamilysearch.com for information and data on Jamaican family history.
Photographs:The Hidden Histories Exhibition at Bournemouth University shows June Shearing, an expert genealogist and myself helping visitors with family history queries.


Afzal Khan MEP has been sending leaflets to GMB & CWU members that support him in Manchester Gorton. He also picked up the support of USDAW today. I understand he likely to pick up another union nomination tomorrow.


PELHAM, N.Y. -- The outdoor courtyard at Pelham Art Center will feature a yarn bombing installation called Knit Knit Bomb Bomb from June 26 through Aug. 31.
Yarn will cover tree branches, benches and stretches of the center's brick walls.
The community knitting project is led by Maureen McCourt and Gail Heidel. The center has hosted free bi-monthly knitting circles where community members selected an object to cover with crochet or knitting.
The center will have an opening night reception from 6:30-8 p.m. June 26 in conjunction with the opening of the center's faculty and student showcase exhibition.
For more information, visit: pelhamartcenter.org/public_programs .


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Health and Wellness Article Directory
Military Snipers Vs. Police Snipers
by Victor Epand March 8, 2007, 8:04 pm Comments are off
A "sniper" is someone who strikes at a target from an undisclosed location. A sniper rifle, therefore, would be any rifle a sniper uses. But commonly, a "sniper rifle" is the name given to any rifle with inherent accuracy, and modifications made to wring the most accuracy out of it. Most common sniper rifles are built from a Remington 700 bolt action rifle. That gun is readily available at most gun shops as an well made and accurate hunting rifle.
Modifications may include a cryo-stress relieved heavy barrel, a composite dimensionally stable stock with aluminum bedding blocks to "free float" the barrel (the barrel is not touched by the stock, so that there is no stress placed on it, and each shot is allowed to harmonically resonate without interference), and a good quality scope.
Each rifle is an individual, but I have seen some capable of shooting into a 1/4″ at 100 yards if the operator can do his part. Last I checked,our military generally does not use night vision scopes. Rather, they use night vision headgear through which they look when operating at night. The only purpose for which non-combatants or police would need such equipment would be if they had a serious coyote or other nocturnal predator problem (the distances you cite will be discussed presently, but they are fairly unrealistic).
Scopes don't make rifles accurate. They don't help you shoot better. They help you see better and seeing can be an aid to shooting. But people who don't know how to shoot won't be helped much by any scope, regardless of the cost of it. Some years ago the military was experimenting with propriety technology in regard to a sighting system, but to the best of my knowledge, the project has been abandoned. The cost was very prohibitive, and somewhere along the line someone figured out that seeing better does not equal shooting better.
Although the military has experimented with other cartridges, you will still find the .308 (7.62mm), in use since Korea, to be the most common "sniper" cartridge. It is a good cartridge, but it has more to do with the fact that we have guns chambered in it, and has more data on the effects of wind and drops that for any other cartridge. The army sniper school requires shots to 800 meters with this rifle. The U.S.M.C. sniper school requires shots to 1000 meters.
Those are extraordinarily long shots. If the average rifle can shoot into 1/2″ MOA (= 1/2″ at 100 yards), that means that it can (all this is predicated on the operator doing his part perfectly, and taking out variables such as wind, etc.) shoot into 100 at 200 yards, 400 at 800 yards, 500 at 1000 yards. Beyond that distance, drop and velocity become such a factor as to make the round fairly ineffective. The "2 mile" shots are typically done with .50 BMG sniper rifles. These huge cartridges and projectiles are not anti-personnel rounds they are used to take out equipment (communications, truck engines, etc.)
The mission of the military sniper is different from that of the police sniper. The military sniper often looks for targets of opportunity; the police sniper a specific target. The military sniper tries to take his shot from as far away as he can (once he gives away his presence by the shot, the enemy will be looking for him); the police sniper tries to get as close as he can; the military sniper operates in less than ideal conditions; the police sniper usually has a matte to lay on, a flat surface to shoot from, etc. The military sniper is at the mercy of his environment; the police sniper is in control of his environment. A miss by a military sniper usually causes no immediate harm; a miss by a police sniper means likely that a hostage will die.
Because of their different operational situations, the military sniper's equipment will trade some accuracy for ruggedness and dependability; because the police sniper shoots "on his terms" his equipment can be the most accurate available, and ruggedness is not an issue (e.g. until very recently, U.S.M.C. snipers had fixed power scopes, because variable power was just too fragile for the field).
To get specifically, unless you are talking about 50 gallon "can," you're not going to hit them from 2 miles away. If that's what you want to do, you'll need a rifle chambered in .50 BMG. If you want to do it in the dark, you'll have to get night vision equipment. Obsolete Soviet stuff is readily available, but modern manufacture is also, if you're willing to pay for it.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.CombatCloth.info/. CombatCloth.info carries the best selection of combat clothing, gear, and accessories on the market.
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With our technology filled world, why not step up our game in educational technology?
From the east to west coast, everywhere in between and overseas our tutors offer video chat sessions through skype, facetime and google chats. These sessions can be daily, weekly, or even used when students are on break and/or out of town. Typically the tutor and student will plan accordingly to prepare for their video chat sessions whether it be sharing skill sheets or obtaining the same materials (books, articles, practice problems, whiteboards, etc.). Skype sessions can be used for all subject areas, as well as test prep and vary in lengths of times depending on the age of student and subject matter.


Levodopa-Carbidopa Enteral Suspension (e.g. Duopa) for The Treatment of Parkinson Disease.
2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitors.
*NOTE: "On" periods refer to periods of adequate control of PD symptoms.
**NOTE: "Off" periods refer to periods of the day when the medication is not working well, causing worsening of PD symptoms.
NOTE: Duopa is contraindicated in patients taking nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, in patients that are not candidates for percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunal (PEG-J) tube placement, and in patients where long-term use of a PEG-J is contraindicated.
A pump for administering levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension may be considered medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) for persons who meet the criteria for levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension.
The diagnosis of PD is primarily based on clinical, patient history and examination. People with PD classically present with the signs and symptoms associated with Parkinsonism. Symptoms may include tremor (shaking), rigidity in muscles, bradykinesia (slow movements), and problems maintaining normal posture. Although PD is predominantly a movement disorder, other impairments frequently develop including psychiatric problems such as depression and dementia.
This policy was originally created in July 2015 and has been updated with searches of published literature through April 30, 2018. Following is a summary of key literature to date.
In 2014, Olanow et al. (7) assessed the safety and efficacy of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) delivered continuously through an intrajejunal percutaneous tube. The 12-week study was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, double-titration trial. Adults (aged ≥ 30 years) with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor complications were enrolled throughout 26 centers in Germany, New Zealand, and the United States (U.S.) Eligible participants had jejunal placement of a percutaneous gastrojejunostomy tube, and were then randomly allocated (1:1) to treatment with immediate-release oral levodopa-carbidopa plus placebo intestinal gel infusion or LCIG infusion in addition to an oral placebo. Randomization was stratified by site, with a mixed block size of 2 or 4. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to final visit in motor off-time. Change in motor on-time without troublesome dyskinesia as a prespecified key secondary outcome was evaluated. Efficacy in a full-analysis set of participants with data for baseline and at least 1 post-baseline assessment, and imputed missing data with the last observation carried forward approach. Safety was addressed in randomly allocated patients who underwent the percutaneous gastrojejunostomy procedure. From baseline to 12 weeks in the full-analysis set, mean off-time decreased by 4.04 hour(s) (standard error [SE] 0.65) for 35 patients allocated to the LCIG group compared with a decrease of 2.14 hour(s) (0.66) for 31 patients allocated to immediate-release oral levodopa-carbidopa (difference -1.91 hours(s) [95% confidence interval [CI] -3.05 to -0.76]; p=0.0015). Mean on-time without troublesome dyskinesia increased by 4.11 hour(s) (SE 0.75) in the intestinal gel group and 2.24 hour(s) (0.76) in the immediate-release oral group (difference 1.86 [95% CI 0.56 to 3.17]; p=0.0059). In the safety analyses 35 (95%) of 37 patients allocated to the LCIG group had adverse events (AEs; five [14%] serious), as did 34 (100%) of 34 patients allocated to the immediate-release oral levodopa-carbidopa group (seven [21%] serious), mainly associated with the percutaneous gastrojejunostomy tube. The authors concluded that the continuous delivery of LCIG offers a promising option for control of advanced PD with motor complications.
In 2014, Cáceres-Redondo et al. (8) reported on the motor and cognitive outcome of LCIG treatment in advanced PD after a period of at least 24 months. Twenty-nine patients with advanced PD who started LCIG via 1 center between 2007 and 2013 were examined. Motor fluctuations, PD symptoms, activities of daily living and impact on quality of life (QOL) were evaluated as well as cognitive outcome using a battery of neuropsychological tests. All AEs were recorded. Of the 29 PD patients who initiated LCIG, 16 patients reached the follow-up evaluation (24 months), after a mean time-period of 32.2 ± 12.4 months. Six patients did not fulfil the 24-month follow-up visit and were evaluated after a mean time period of 8.6 ± 5.4 months. Seven patients discontinued the treatment before the scheduled visit. "Off" time and "On" dyskinesia duration were significantly reduced. LCIG improved QOL and non-motor symptoms, despite overall unchanged total levodopa doses prior to LCIG beginning. Motor and cognitive decline were detected. A relatively high number of AEs occurred during the follow-up, above all, technical problems with the infusion device and mild problems related with gastrostomy. There were four cases of peripheral neuropathy (PN), 2 of which were considered serious. Data confirmed that LCIG is beneficial in the long-term treatment of advanced PD despite a decline in cognitive functions in a subgroup of patients, probably due to disease progression. PN in patients with LCIG may be more frequent than the published data suggest.
Motor complications in PD are associated with long-term oral levodopa treatment and linked to pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation. LCIG is delivered continuously by percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy tube (PEG-J), which reduces levodopa-plasma-level fluctuations and can translate to reduced motor complications. In 2014, Fernandez et al. (9) presented the end results of the largest international, prospective, 54-week, open-label LCIG study. PD patients with severe motor fluctuations (>3 h/day "off" time) despite optimized therapy received LCIG monotherapy. Additional PD medications were allowed >28 days post-LCIG initiation. Safety was the primary endpoint measured through AEs, device complications, and number of completers. Secondary endpoints included diary-assessed "off" time, "on" time with and without troublesome dyskinesia, unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS), and health-related QOL outcomes. Of 354 enrolled patients, 324 (91.5%) received PEG-J and 272 (76.8%) completed the study. Most AEs were mild/moderate and transient; complication of device insertion (34.9%) was the most common. Twenty-seven (7.6%) patients withdrew because of AEs. Serious AEs occurred in 105 (32.4%), most commonly complication of device insertion (6.5%). Mean daily off time decreased by 4.4 h/65.6% (P < 0.001). On time without troublesome dyskinesia increased by 4.8 h/62.9% (P < 0.001); on time with troublesome dyskinesia decreased by 0.4 h/22.5% (P = 0.023). Improvements persisted from week 4 through study completion. UPDRS and health-related QOL outcomes were also improved throughout. In the advanced PD population, LCIG's safety profile consisted primarily of AEs associated with the device/procedure, levodopa/carbidopa, and advanced PD. LCIG was generally well tolerated and demonstrated clinically significant improvements in motor function, daily activities, and health-related QOL sustained over 54 weeks.
In 2014, Zibetti et al. (10) stated that LCIG infusion is becoming an established therapeutic option for advanced PD patients with fluctuating symptoms unresponsive to conventional oral treatment. As the implementation of LCIG therapy is increasing, there is a need for safety and efficacy data from current clinical practice. All PD patients treated with LCIG at 1 center over a 7-year period were analyzed to determine the duration of treatment, retention rate, reasons for discontinuation, LCIG efficacy in motor complications, modifications of concomitant therapy and AEs. Of the 59 patients, seven subjects (12%) died of causes unrelated to LCIG infusion and 11 patients (19%) discontinued therapy prior to the cut-off date. Duodopa improved motor complications and over 90% of patients reported an improvement in their QOL, autonomy and clinical global status. The most common AEs were dislocation and kinking of the intestinal tube. The study concluded that LCIG infusion is effective for the long-term treatment of advanced PD patients and exerts a positive and clinically significant effect on motor complications with a relatively low dropout rate.
In 2015, Slevin and colleagues (11) sought to examine the long-term safety, efficacy and QOL of LCIG. Patients received 52 weeks of open-label LCIG treatment following a 12-week double-blind, double-dummy trial in which they were randomized to either LCIG or immediate-release oral levodopa-carbidopa. Patient cohort designation was by receipt of LCIG in the preceding trial randomization (continuing-LCIG versus LCIG-naïve patients). Sixty-two of 66 subjects in the double-blind proceeded to the open-label extension. Most subjects (95%) reported ≥1 AEs; only 3 subjects (4.8%) discontinued due to AEs. AE incidence declined gradually over 52 weeks. Serious AEs were reported by 23%. LCIG-naïve patients (N = 29) showed a decrease in "Off" time and an increase in "On" time without troublesome dyskinesia (change from baseline to final visit in mean [SD] hours = -2.34 [2.78] P < 0.001 and 2.19 [3.70] P = 0.005, respectively), while continuing-LCIG patients (N = 33) showed sustained "Off" time duration and further improvement in "On" time without troublesome dyskinesia (-0.42 [2.67] P = 0.377 and 1.00 [2.58] P = 0.036, respectively). Most patients in both groups (LCIG-naïve, continuing-LCIG, respectively) were rated 'Much Improved' or 'Very Much Improved' at final visit on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (69.0%, 69.7%). The authors concluded that LCIG patients continued to derive benefit from LCIG while the magnitude of improvement among LCIG-naïve patients was similar to that observed for patients on LCIG. The overall AE profile was consistent with previous phase 3 clinical trials.
Levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension (e.g. Duopa®) is approved by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an orphan drug for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The FDA trial did not include atypical or secondary PD patients; therefore, this drug has only been proven to improve outcomes in advanced PD patients who have failed standard drug therapy to include dopamine agonists, oral levadopa and carbidopa, Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors and monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitors.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not have a National coverage position. Coverage may be subject to local carrier discretion.
1. Parkinson's Foundation. What is Parkinson's (2018). Available at <http://parkinson.org> (accessed 2018 May 15).
2. Parkinson's Foundation. Statistics on Parkinson's (2018). Available at <http://parkinson.org> (accessed 2018 May 14).
3. Parkinson's Foundation. Types of Parkinsonisms (2018). Available at <http://parkinson.org> (accessed 2018 May 16).
4. Parkinson's Foundation. Levadopa (2018). Available at <http://parkinson.org> (accessed 2018 May 16).
5. Parkinson's Foundation. Managing Parkinson's mid-stride: A treatment guide to Parkinsons's disease (2018). Available at <http://parkinson.org> (accessed 2018 May 16).
6. FDA-Drugs: FDA label DUOPA® (carbidopa and levodopa) enteral suspension (2016 September). Available at <https://www.fda.gov> (accessed 2018 May 14).
12. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Parkinson's disease in adults. Clinical Guideline 71. London, UK: NICE; 2017. Available at <http://www.nice.org.uk> (accessed 2018 May 24).
7/15/2018 Document updated with literature review. Coverage unchanged. Added references 1, 3-5, 11.


Since time immemorial, the Scotton family's tieswith its roots and affection for the territory have always distinguished the company's activity, which finds in its own family character the compelling drive towards international success. The cornerstones of a constantly expanding entrepreneurial path, respecting coherence and continuity. From these pivot points has stemmed the natural choice to found the new premises, inaugurated in 2011, in the striking scenario of the Treviso hills, on the slopes of Monte Grappa.
Ever since its foundation, in 1974, constant company expansion and growing achievements on the markets mark Scotton's activities, witnessing to a development path devoted to the quality, innovation and excellence of the productive process. Experience, experimentation and avant-garde technology represent not only the cornerstone of the company philosophy, but also the driving force behind the Scotton success, key player on the international scene for its wide range of product and high qualitative standards.
Among the cornerstones of the company growth, sustainable development also focuses on environmental sensitivity, is the new photovoltaic system aimed at covering the greater part of its energy requirements from a renewable source. An ecological choice coherent with the whole architectural project of the new headquarters, characterised by its harmonious dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
In July 2017 Scotton spa achieved FSC® certification (FSC® C136429). This document attests that Scotton spa has adopted the necessary control and traceability systems, in accordance to FSC® rules, for the purchase and use of raw materials, which comes from certified forests, controlled sources and recycled materials. That demonstrates its contribution to a responsible forest management.
This certification is a further step taken by Scotton spa in in its environmental protection path that projects the company in a vision of industry 4.0 that takes care of technologies and indeed environment.


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Slam wins shootout, grabs 2012 IBL title
The Bellingham Slam rode a big second quarter effort to a 142-109 victory over the Portland Chinooks to claim the 2012 International Basketball League Championship on Sunday evening inside a raucous Whatcom Pavilion.
Trailing 31-30 after a back-and-forth first quarter, the Slam posted 40 points in the second, with 23 coming from guard Morris Anderson (6'3"-G, college: W.Washington) and center Blake Poole (6'5"-C-88, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Martin's) combined. The turning point came with 2:19 left as Anderson drained a three-pointer that sparked a 12-4 run to round out the half. Bellingham led 70-60 in halftime.
Portland prevented the deficit from getting any worse until the late stages of the third quarter, when the Slam again manufactured a late run. Bellingham scored 11 of the quarter's last 14 points as they extended their lead to 20, at 101-81.
In the fourth quarter, the Slam offense put on a clinic, outscoring the Chinooks 41-28 and at one point putting up 16 straight tallies to turn the result into a laugher. Veteran guard Jared Stevenson ended the scoring with a fade-away baseline shot as time expired, sending the Pavilion crowd into a confetti-launching frenzy.
The 33-point margin of victory was the largest for a championship-winning team in the IBL since the league was formed in 2005.
For the Slam, the title is the team's second in franchise history after coming away with their first championship victory in 2008 over the Elkhart Express. Bellingham reached the title game again in 2010, but lost to the Albany Legends.
Anderson led the Slam with 29 points, including a 4-for-5 showing from three-point range, and picked up the game's Most Valuable Player honors. Guard Jacob Stevenson (6'4"-G-81, college: W.Washington) finished with 27 points and a season-high 11 assists, while Poole rounded out a fine sophomore season with 23 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Portland forward David Lucas (6'8"-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon St.) led four Chinooks players in double figures with 30 points. Guard Ryan Scott added 22 points but was hindered by 11 turnovers. As a team, Portland gave away the ball 31 times.
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2017 is shaping up to be a big year for acquisitions. We have been very busy helping both buyers and sellers with their market due diligence and cash flow forecasting for multiple recapitalization, IPO, and M&A transactions that have already been announced. And our investment banking friends tell us to expect more.
Buyers. Overseas buyers with a long-term vision see better risk-adjusted growth prospects in the US than in their own countries. They also recognize an opportunity for asset and market diversification. Additionally, many well-capitalized builders perceive an opportunity for growth in new and existing markets. Finally, select private equity groups are also taking advantage of what appears to be a shortage of moderate-risk capital for private home builders and land developers.
Sellers. Many investments made near the bottom of the market in 2011–2013 have matured to the point where sellers are now motivated to monetize their investments. Few intended to hold for a long time, so the time is right. Additionally, several privately held builders poised for growth need the infusion of capital to fuel their expansion opportunities.
The timing of these opportunities should make for a busy year.
Over the past 15 years, 11% of our revenue has come from large portfolios of entity-level capital raises and acquisitions. We typically provide a fixed-fee, independent opinion on the market potential and asset values and maintain our independence with a strict policy against participating in the proceeds of any transaction. Our policies have earned us Integrity Research's Compliance Accreditation five years in a row.
With the number of M&A and large recapitalization transactions expected to increase, we are looking for more great people. If you know of someone who is an expert at conducting the highest-quality market research and financial/cash flow analysis possible in a very short time period, please contact me or our HR Director Kathy Ayuyao at kathy@jbrec.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Don Walker, President and CFO, at (858) 281-7212 or by email.


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October 24, 2005 Program Summary
by Lael White & Adele Sommers
"Industry Night on the Central Coast"
Our fall kickoff event "scanned the horizon" and provided invaluable insights from three local speakers on the latest developments pertaining to programs and organizations supporting local industry and technology on the Central Coast.
Our panelists included Michael Manchak, President and CEO of the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC), Lee Ferrero, President and CEO of the Private Industry Council (PIC), and Bob Dumouchel, Communications Director for Your People Professionals (YPP). (Please see additional speaker details at bottom.)
Specifically, we wanted to know about emerging business trends, potential resources available through our speakers' organizations, and the paths that led each speaker to where he is today. To gain a better understanding of where San Luis Obispo's business community is heading, and where our place might be within it, we asked our speakers to address a few particular questions in their presentation to us.
1. How did you come to join your organization?
Michael (EVC): Michael's background began in banking at Chase Manhattan where his work involved financing the construction of master-planned communities and commercial buildings throughout southern California. He then became a principal in two companies for business development and commercializing technologies. His later work with Cal Poly for the California Central Coast Research Partnership (C3RP) facilitated technology transfer, business development and progressing the proposed technology park.
Bob (YPP): Bob's first relationship with Your People Professionals began as a client, which spanned a five-year period. As the President of On With Learning Inc., Bob used YPP services because they simplified and improved his operations, and allowed him to focus on the core of his business. He then spent five months working for YPP as a consultant before becoming the Communications Director of the company. His extensive business training and advising background made him a natural fit for his present role. Currently, an important feature of his relationship with YPP is that it allows Bob to maintain his entrepreneurial interests, which include On With Learning and Arroyo Arts in Grover Beach.
Lee (PIC): Lee began as an Art major, ran track and field in college, and then decided to switch his focus at some point to Parks & Recreation. He also joined the Air Force and served in the Vietnam War, but after the war was unable to find a job. With a family of three on food stamps, he was finally offered a position within a "doomed" company in Fresno, and this uncertain work happened to involve helping people get jobs. He was later hired into another position that was "about to end" — at the San Luis Obispo PIC — yet many years later, he and his work are still alive and astonishingly well!
2. In what ways does your organization work with community businesses?
Michael (EVC): The Economic Vitality Corporation offers resources for starting and expanding businesses in the County. It is a countywide conduit for helping companies of all sizes, and increases the level of employment opportunities. The EVC serves the business community by assisting companies and attracting new ones appropriate for the County. The EVC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization sponsored by the County, seven cities, companies, and individuals.
The EVC encourages local economic development through resources such as its loan programs, site selection services, workshops (including getting an SBA loan, ADA compliance, international trade, and more), and a unique program that provides networking resources for trailing spouses. The EVC is also involved with business advocacy. Future programs will provide more resource such as helping businesses purchase from federal and state agencies, including Vandenberg Air Force Base, as an example. The EVC also aims to launch a venture capital/angel investor program to help local businesses.
Bob (YPP): Your People Professionals is a turnkey operation that serves as a 'co-employer' to other companies by taking care of all of the Human Resource functions for those companies. It currently has a client base of over 100 work sites (with about 1,000 employees total). YPP handles employee benefits such as 401Ks and health insurance, and also conducts the recruiting and assessment of potential employees for their clients. Each of YPP's client companies manages its own workplace safety, wage issues, and final hiring and firing. The business of YPP is not only extremely innovative and successful, but also serves an important need for companies within our community struggling with the ever-increasing legal and technical knowledge needed to perform these duties well.
Lee (PIC): The Private Industry Council has its roots in the Depression era when the government aided citizens with finding employment (e.g., working in the soup lines), which also provided more spending money to boost the economy. The national network of PICs consists of private, nonprofit organizations funded through the federal government. They continue to serve a valuable function by 1) finding employers for trainees and workers, 2) finding workers for employers, and 3) matching skills and personalities. Of the 600 PICs nationwide, only two are older than the San Luis Obispo organization. The PIC mainly works with three categories of workers:
1. Adults who are out of work because they lack skills
2. Adults who are laid off, but well-skilled and trained
3. Youth between the ages of 14-21 who are struggling; many are in trouble, most are extremely bright, and about 75% are from continuation schools.
3. Where are the business and technology sectors on the Central Coast heading?
"Relationship-building can be the key to creating and maintaining career opportunities in any market."
— Michael Manchak, Economic Vitality Corp.
Michael (EVC): Michael believes that there are many successful businesses throughout the Central Coast, some that survived the tech bust. Some have left the area due to downsizing, buyouts, and the cost of housing. The EVC helps businesses deal with attracting and retaining employees through its Trailing Spouse Jobs Network, in a community that continues to experience chronic underemployment.
The high quality of life on the Central Coast has become an increasingly important asset in wooing people and businesses, despite the high cost of living. A surprising number of high-tech companies quietly exist here. Veritas, Adobe, and Sun Microsystems all have offices in San Luis Obispo, and perhaps others like them will open small offices in the area.
Bob (YPP): Bob disagrees with the common notion that there is a great discrepancy in wages here compared to other areas. He believes that the rules governing the technical sector are in the process of stabilizing. One challenge that technology companies and service providers face, however, is constant competition from offshore companies except in professional arenas that require:
Strong personal relationships, such as for requirements gathering
On-site participation, such as for conducting training or usability studies
Innovation, as in creating original information, products, or services
"Where is the business sector heading on the Central Coast? There is some labor shortage. There is even more skill shortage."
— Lee Ferrero, Private Industry Council
Lee (PIC): Lee believes that the technical arena still represents a hot market and that replacements also will be needed for employees who are retiring. He recognizes that salary levels don't always match the cost of living here; one indication includes the living arrangements that one didn't find here 20-30 years ago.
Lee provided a detailed handout that cites 25 key locational factors influencing the attractiveness of an area. These factors include manufacturing and clerical wage levels, utility and real estate costs, transportation services, shopping facilities, labor quality and availability, and a variety of other considerations. Our county can use this type of "report card" to gauge its ability to attract and retain new businesses and potential employees.
4. What types of services and products should technical communicators and creative content developers plan to offer to the local business and technology sectors?
Michael (EVC): Michael suggests building relationships and gaining exposure in many ways. Connecting as an individual with the right company — even on a volunteer basis — may serve to provide you with the right exposure. For example, when Softec (the Central Coast Software and Technology Association) sought a local writer to develop a newsletter, a volunteer writer received publicity when the article was published in the newspaper. This example underscores the benefits of making and building relationships — the basis for most business conducted.
"Skill sets that involve personal relationships are 'domestic' skill sets. Skill sets that don't involve personal relationships easily can be outsourced to another country."
— Bob Dumouchel, Your People Professionals
Bob (YPP): Bob recommends that we take a hard look at the skills in which we specialize. He suggests that if our skills have become commodities — because many other intelligent people can do them as well as we can — we may want to reevaluate our skill sets or pursue other fields. Or, we might aim to develop enticing value propositions through unique talents that we possess. Otherwise, he warns: "You're toast!"
Bob advised that if we work toward developing value-added services and creative solutions, we'll succeed better in a global economy because we will be inventing rather than merely maintaining things. He cautions, "We need to keep reinventing ourselves, or we risk becoming commodities!"
Lee (PIC): Lee reminded us that the aging population (i.e., retiring baby boomers) will create more of an impact on our community in the very near future. As our demographic composition shifts, so might our expectations for how we can serve our community professionally.
He highlighted the value of organizations working together, and provided a real-life example of this type of symbiotic relationship: The PIC is a job-training industry, and the EVC is a job-building industry (and both organizations are located in the same building). A more specific example: the results of a PIC survey surfaced the trailing spouse issue as being a problem for businesses relocating to a new area, and the EVC successfully created a program to deal with that issue. As professionals, we might derive similar ideas for partnering with each other or with community groups.
As far as advice for youth in particular, Lee feels strongly that computer skills are essential and that both verbal and written communication skills (along with logic and reasoning) should be very developed in order to express oneself clearly and persuasively. Perhaps above all (and we could all use this reminder), have what it takes to be able to "keep on learning"!
5. Do you see a trend toward more telecommuting opportunities for technical communicators on the Central Coast?
Michael (EVC): Michael believes that growth of the Internet sector and telecommuting represents a growing trend in the future. This enables business in an area like SLO County complete globally — many successful companies on the Central Coast do so. Michael provided us with a positive note in that he is "bullish" for the future of our area!
Bob (YPP): Telecommuting has its pros and cons: jobs or projects that require a lot of personal communication and understanding should remain here, but functions that do not require much communication are severely at risk for being relocated to other countries, such as India. Telecommuting jobs that survive here will have one attribute in common, and that is 'the human element' — which entails developing strong relationships with clients that can be nurtured over time. One challenge that will always exist for telecommuters, however, is having a client wanting to meet face to face on short notice.
Lee (PIC): In our new world of work, we are seeing greater use of temporary workers who already possess credentials in a variety of skills (instead of expecting to be trained on the job). As we know, workplaces are downsizing and depending more heavily on work groups and virtual corporations to stay afloat in a rapidly changing, information-based, global economy.
Our speakers' views converged on several key points, including the following:
Developing strong relationships with clients and employers can help ensure an ongoing flow of work for service providers, whether onsite or via telecommuting.
Innovating a value-added product or service can help us keep our skill sets local. Professional activities that involve strong personal communication skills are the most likely to remain close to home. Skills that others easily can perform in isolation are the first to be outsourced overseas.
Our community needs a larger work force, but even more, the right skills to fit the local business picture. Some of the greatest challenges we face include attracting compatible businesses to the area, matching local or relocating qualified employees, and finding employment for trailing spouses.
Photographs provided by the speakers.
Date: Monday evening, October 24, 2005
Michael Manchak, newly appointed President and CEO of the SLO Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). The EVC offers county services that include Business Attraction and Creation, Site Location, Business Retention & Expansion, Rapid Response Business Assistance Programs, Financial Services, and a Trailing Spouse Job Network. Michael served as the project manager for Cal Poly's California Central Coast Research Partnership (C3RP). Prior to that he was Vice President of Business Development at ATW; Managing Partner of Terranalysis Corporation; and Construction Finance Analyst for Chase Manhattan Corporation. He has a business degree from the University of Southern California and is on the Board of Directors of Softec (the Central Coast Software & Technology Association); Workforce Investment Board of San Luis Obispo County; Community Advisory Council for the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business; CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children); Paso Robles Economic Task Force; Economic Advisory Committee for the County of San Luis Obispo; and the California Space Authority.
Bob Dumouchel, Your People Professionals' (YPP) Communications Director, who brings over 27 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur. YPP is a human resources services firm based in Santa Maria with offices in San Luis Obispo, Redding, and San Francisco. Bob founded and served as the CEO for a company selected by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the US in 1993 and 1994. He also founded and served as the CEO for an organizational training business providing professional training solutions to thousands of organizations for computer software and business skill development. Bob also serves on the Softec Board of Directors, and is a Curriculum Committee Member for Web Development Technologies at Cuesta College, and Mentor to the Arroyo Grande High School Eagle Robotics Team.
Lee Ferrero, who has served as President and CEO of the Private Industry Council (PIC) of San Luis Obispo County since 1987. With offices in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Arroyo Grande, the PIC recently celebrated its 25th year in the community. The organization acts as a training resource for local workers and healthy businesses that have workforce skill shortages, functioning as a "broker" between employers who are seeking workers and local citizens seeking training and jobs. Lee is a long-time county resident as well as a member of the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, Past Chair of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Past Chair of the Creative Mediation Services (CMS), and a member of the Cal Poly Business School Advisory Council.
"Industry Night on the Central Coast" brought us up to date on the latest developments pertaining to the programs and organizations that continue to support local industry and technology on the Central Coast. We "took the pulse" of our local business infrastructure, learned the status of new and emerging forces, took note of changes looming on the horizon, and looked carefully at the shifting sands within our community.


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Home » World
Hollywood actors seen approving new labor pact
Source: Agencies | June 4, 2009, Thursday | Online Edition
A year of labor unrest in Hollywood is seen ending next week when the largest actors' union is expected to approve a new contract with film and TV studios in a close vote, industry watchers said yesterday.
The Screen Actors Guild, which represents 120,000 actors, remains sharply divided over the labor deal ahead of a June 9 vote count. But many members fear a repeat of the 2007/2008 writers strike that cost the Los Angeles area economy as much as $3 billion.
Filmmaking already has slowed this past year as producers worried about starting production then being forced to halt if new labor strife developed. Location movie production in Los Angeles hit a record low in 2009's first quarter, falling 56 percent from 2008, according to permit issuer Film L.A.
SAG's old labor contract expired on June 30, 2008, although actors are still working under its terms. But now Hollywood wants to get fully back to work and remove any uncertainty over a possible work stoppage, the experts said.
"I think it will be ratified, but I think they (detractors) will be able to drive the (yes vote) percentage down pretty dramatically," Jonathan Handel, an entertainment attorney who has tracked the contract talks.
Sam Freed, a high-ranking member of SAG's national board of directors and a supporter of the contract, said he is optimistic it will win approval.
"It's important that we get this contract signed and we move on," Freed said.
He is part of a moderate SAG faction supporting the deal that calls for a 3 percent wage increase this year, 3.5 percent next year and coverage for work done for the Internet. They say it is the best deal possible in a recession, and further gains can be achieved in 2011 during the next round of labor talks.
"NO" VOTERS STILL HOPEFUL
But "no" vote hardliners, led by SAG president Alan Rosenberg, say the deal lacks adequate pay for work that goes to the Web and forces actors to give up too many demands.
While he remains hopeful, Rosenberg admits his side has fewer resources than moderates to campaign against the deal.
"We're basically a band of guerrilla fighters working on a shoestring budget, but we're doing the right thing," he said. "This deal is a backbreaker."
To convince actors to approve the deal, SAG moderates enlisted Hollywood A-listers Tom Hanks, Sally Field and George Clooney. All those actors have signed a "vote yes" petition.
Hanks appeared in a SAG video saying he supports the deal, "despite the fact that it is not perfect." He said it is a "smart contract for these hard economic times."
Both Freed and Rosenberg declined to predict which way the vote could go. Results are expected to be announced soon after SAG receives the last ballot on June 9.
David Ginsburg, a UCLA professor of entertainment and media law, said most producers in Hollywood see the deal winning approval and have already planned their production schedules.
If the two-year deal is approved, SAG moderates say that because other Hollywood unions will also be up for new contracts in 2011, they and SAG will have greater leverage to win concessions from the major studios.
A more immediate concern to SAG officials is the union's election this year for leadership posts, which is expected to be a referendum on the union's hardliners. Rosenberg said he is not ready to announce if he will seek re-election.


Thank you to ASVOF reader lllleeexeeelllll for their comments on my post on Lagerfeld's latest 30 minute fashion film short THE TAIL OF A FAIRY, which will premiere tonight May 10th on chanel 9.00pm GMT. In their comments, lllleeexeeelllll also posted this link to this Dietrich clip that I have reposted below from Hitchcock's 1950 film STAGE FRIGHT. It is nice timing as I had just found this strange, but interesting mural featuring Dietrich on the wall of a train station in Prenzlauer Berg, here in Berlin. I found the piece funny as Dietrich arms seems to be a bit out of proportion, one is to big the other is too small.