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Children who exhibit disruptive behaviors such as chronic defiance and provocation of classmates are commonly seen in primary care. Disruptive behaviors put children at greater risk for serious injury and illness, affect a child’s success and cause great frustration for parents and teachers.1 Such children often are labeled and dismissed as “bad,” reflecting the moral judgments of others. Families commonly feel desperate and vulnerable because of their child’s disruptive behaviors. The primary care provider’s nonjudgmental approach can foster a more thorough and informative evaluation, helping restore hope to patients and their families.
There are two main disruptive behavior disorders diagnosed in children: oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). ODD is a disorder characterized by a “recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures for at least 6 months.”2 CD is a more severe form of social oppositionality than ODD, and involves a “pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated.”2 Such behaviors include violence, stealing, deception and serious violation of age-related obligations such as attending school, and obeying curfew.
Determination of Normal Behaviors
Because some degree of oppositional and disruptive behavior is developmentally normal in children, determining if the behavior is abnormal requires an overall assessment of the child’s developmental stage, the problem behavior’s context and the degree of impact on functioning.
The frequency of normal oppositional and defiant behaviors changes predictably throughout development. Child first learn to express anger and frustration by 2 to 6 months of age,3 but they cannot begin to modulate their expression of anger and frustration until about 2 years of age.4 Increased compliance with authority figures progresses with 4- to 5-year-olds being twice as likely to comply with requests than 2- to 3-year-olds.5 In the early elementary school years, children learn how to use improved language skills effectively to manage their frustrations.6 Conflict between child and parent about the child’s autonomy rises to a peak in early adolescence, with a natural decline thereafter.7
A disruptive behavior disorder diagnosis before elementary school or during the very early stages of adolescence should only be made if the symptoms clearly go above and beyond those of same age peers. Also, since it is normal for boys to exhibit oppositional symptoms in early childhood, such behavior exhibited by girls during the early preschool and elementary ages is of greater concern. This gender difference disappears by adolescence.8
Aggression, a common characteristic in disruptive syndromes, is also not necessarily pathologic. Aggression peaks in frequency during toddlerhood, becomes progressively less common in adolescence,8 and is comparatively rare in girls of all ages. Hence, physical aggression in an older boy or in a girl of any age should be seen as more pathologic.
In adolescence, some risk taking and experimentation is normal, and may be related to observed discrepancies in the maturation of the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thought) and the limbic system (responsible for emotional thought) that leads to adolescents prioritizing emotional incentives over rational motivations.9 It is estimated that 80% of all adolescents have been involved in at least some antisocial behaviors. Most of these behaviors, such as isolated acts that lead to negligible damage or harm, are not predictive of a disruptive behavior disorder.10 Symptoms that suggest greater pathology include: having many different types of disruptive behavior symptoms; having proactive or planned aggression; cruelty; use of a weapon; and disruptive behavior outside of a reinforcing social context (non-mainstream peer pressure, gangs, etc).11
Prevalence of Disruptive Behavior Disorder
Disruptive behavior disorders are fairly common, with prevalence of up to 16% in some community samples with great variability depending on age and gender.12 The prevalence can be as high as 50% in mental health treatment populations.11 Boys more commonly exhibit aggression, property offenses, and violations of age-defined societal rules, such as truancy and curfew. Therefore, CD is up to four times as common in boys as girls, while ODD is not consistently found to be different between the genders.11 However, some have suggested that if “relational” aggression (alienation, character defamation, ostracism) were considered equivalent to physical aggression, there would be parity between the genders in CD prevalence.13
Both ODD and CD are thought to be highly persistent; the odds ratio of late-childhood diagnosed ODD and CD continuing into adolescence are 8.3 and 13.9, respectively.14 Of adolescents diagnosed with CD, 88% continue to have the diagnosis 3 years later.15
Evaluation and Diagnosis
The history of a patient suspected to have a disruptive behavior disorder should optimally be gathered from multiple sources, beginning with the child, and including the parents, extended family, teachers, therapists, social workers, and if appropriate, any parole/probation officers.
Confidentiality and its limitations, including mandated reporting requirements for unsafe behaviors or abuse, should be discussed before detailing the history. Because of the typically high rate of past trauma and risk behaviors in this population,16 some breaches in confidentiality regarding sensitive information gathered in the assessment may be required to keep the patient safe.
For an ODD diagnosis, the DSM-IV-TR outlines characteristic behaviors (Sidebar 1, see page 508), four of which must be present for at least 6 months.2 ODD includes not just negativistic oppositional and defiant symptoms, but also provocative behavior and irritability (Sidebar 2, see page 508).1 For diagnosis, the behavior must exceed what is developmentally appropriate, cause significant impairment, and not occur exclusively as a result of another psychiatric diagnosis (see Sidebar 3, page 509). For CD, three or more behaviors listed in Sidebar 4 (see page 509) must have occurred in the past 12 months, with at least one in the past 6 months. CD-related behaviors include aggression, destruction of property, deceitfulness, theft, and serious violations of rules. Suggested interview questions for CD are listed in Sidebar 5 (see page 510).17 Similar to ODD, the symptoms of CD must impair social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- Loses temper.
- Argues with adults.
- Actively defies adults’ rules.
- Deliberately annoys people.
- Blames others for his or her misbehavior.
- Irritable or easily annoyed by others.
- Angry and resentful.
- Spiteful or vindictive.
- In the past 3 months, has your child been spiteful or vindictive, or blamed others for his or her mistakes? (“Yes” is a positive response.)
- How often is your child touchy or easily annoyed? (More than once per week is a positive response.)
- How often has your child lost his or her temper, argued with adults, or defied or refused adults’ requests? (More than once per week is a positive response.)
- How often is your child angry and resentful or deliberately annoying to others? (More than three times per week is a positive response.)
- Behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level.
- Behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- Behaviors do not occur exclusively during the course of a psychotic episode or mood disorder.
- Criteria are not met for conduct disorder, and, if age 18 years or older, criteria are not met for antisocial personality disorder.
Destruction of property:
- Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others.
- Often initiates physical fights.
- Has used a weapon that can cause physical harm.
- Physically cruel to people.
- Physically cruel to animals.
- Has stolen from others through threat or aggression (ie “mugging”).
- Has forced someone into sexual activity.
Serious violations of rules:
- Has set a fire, with intention to cause damage.
- Deliberately destroyed another’s property (non-fire).
- Deceitfulness or theft.
- Has broken into a house, building, or car.
- Has lied to obtain goods, favors, or to avoid obligations.
- Has stolen items, not through aggressive confrontation (ie, burglary, shoplifting).
- At younger than 13 years of age, stays out at night, despite parental prohibition.
- Has run away overnight at least twice, or at least once, for a lengthy period of time.
- Record of truancy, beginning before age 13 years.
- Have you had any run-ins with the police? If yes, what were the circumstances?
- Have you been in physical fights? If yes, what were the circumstances? How many?
- Have you been suspended or expelled from school? If yes, what were the circumstances?
- Have you ever run away from home? Overnight? How many times?
- Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs? If yes, what is the frequency and duration of your use? Which drugs?
- Are you sexually active?
The patient’s clinical situation can be determined by constructing a timeline that includes: symptom onset, variation in symptoms, and exacerbations in condition all in relation to occurrences of major stressors or changes in the social environment. The relationship between behavior changes and pertinent events may point to instigating factors and guide treatment. Addressing stressors that preceded the problem behavior may dramatically help the situation. For example, uncharacteristic aggression that occurs only just before taking math tests could suggest that a learning disability is the primary issue. Furthermore, determining the age of onset is important prognostically; conduct disorder with symptoms before age 10 years is specified as the “childhood-onset type,” which suggests a different clinical trajectory.2
A complete biopsychosocial evaluation should include a reckoning of both the strengths and weaknesses of the child and family18 to prioritize realistic treatment objectives while reinforcing what is already working well. This part of the assessment may entail screening for intellectual disability, and language and learning disorders. Children with a history of academic difficulty, developmental aberrations, or brain trauma, may benefit from a more detailed psychological evaluation. The social history should focus on items that can lead to, complicate, or exacerbate disruptive behavior. Family information can include the child’s level of supervision, adults involved in care, family finances, discord or stress in the home, and presence of abuse or physical discipline. Community variables include: type of peers; gang affiliation; legal issues; condition at the child’s school; presence of educational resources; protective services or foster placement; community violence; participation in prosocial activities; and religious/cultural involvement. Biologically, the medical examination involves a routine physical exam, review of systems, and possibly laboratory screening if medical illness, such as lead toxicity, is suspected.
Risk Factors and Etiology
Important psychological risk factors include impulsivity, disordered attachment with caregivers, egocentricity, irritability, inconsolability, and impaired social responsiveness. Prenatal maternal smoking, malnutrition, use of intoxicating substances, and birth complications have also been associated with these disorders.16 Low intellectual functioning has been considered a risk factor, but this finding has not been consistently replicated. However, reading problems do predict disruptive behavior disorders, and a high verbal IQ is protective. Comorbid psychiatric conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can also be considered risk factors, since they occur in more than half of the cases.16 Comorbid illness and learning disorders pose less of a risk when addressed appropriately.16
A single-parent home, family antisocial behavior, parental substance abuse, parent psychiatric illness, marital conflict, abuse, and neglect all predict disruptive behavior disorders.16 The parenting style employed in the home can also be a risk factor. This can be evaluated by assessing the degree of parental involvement, child monitoring, and the presence of harsh or inconsistent discipline. Physical discipline has been linked to the development of childhood aggression.16
Both CD and ODD are more common in low socioeconomic status communities; more than any other mental illness, disruptive behavior disorders are more related to disadvantaged neighborhoods.16 A child’s peer group can also indicate a predisposition to ODD. A deviant peer group can promote the development from ODD to CD, while a positive peer group can “buffer” the effect of most other risk factors, even parental maltreatment. A child with ODD or CD will characteristically react antisocially in peer relationships, and will respond aggressively to rejection. Furthermore, organized and supervised activities (athletics, scouts, church groups) tend to protect against the negative influence of peers.19
The etiology of the disruptive behavior disorders is thought to be multifactorial, as the behavioral, psychological, and social factors can interact with biological vulnerabilities.19 A predisposition can come from both genetics and the fetal environment.19 Twin studies have demonstrated a strong genetic component to the etiology of ODD and CD,20 with a family history of ODD, CD and antisocial personality disorder common findings in patients with disruptive behavior.
Physiologic idiosyncrasies have also been identified, with decreased baseline autonomic reactivity (pulse, skin conductance) hypothesized to drive the increased sensation seeking behavior.16 Abnormalities in brain structure and function have been implicated in aggression, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior, specifically the orbitofrontal lobe, temporal lobe and the amygdala. Decreased serotonin turnover in the central nervous system, as evidenced by low levels of metabolites and higher blood levels, has also been associated with aggression and violence in certain populations.16
Comorbidities of Disruptive Behavior Disorders
There are various other serious mental health issues to consider when evaluating a child for ODD or CD. Children with disruptive behavior disorder are four times as likely to be diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence.21 Intoxication can lead to disruptive behavior, and a drug-using lifestyle may promote antisocial acts because of peer influence and the drive to procure more drugs. Clinicians can screen for substance abuse using the CRAFFT questions22 listed in Sidebar 6 (see page 510). Additionally, individuals with ODD have more social maladjustment, family dysfunction, and psychiatric comorbidity than children with other psychiatric conditions.23 Children with CD are at high risk for comorbid psychiatric illness and are frequently involved in multiple systems of care.24 They have increased rates of accidents, health problems, substance abuse, promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, early pregnancy,24 as well as aggression and violence.25 This population also uses 10 times the amount of public services (welfare, residential treatment, juvenile justice, health care, and mental health services) than do other populations.26
Have you ever ridden in a CAR driven by someone (including yourself ) who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs?R:
Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to RELAX, feel better about yourself, or fit in?A:
Do you ever use alcohol/drugs while you are by yourself (ALONE)?F:
Do you ever FORGET things you did while using alcohol or drugs?F:
Do your family or FRIENDS ever tell you that you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?T:
Have you ever gotten into TROUBLE while you were using alcohol or drugs?
ODD vs. ADHD
Disruptive behavior disorders frequently occur along with ADHD. About half of the children with ODD or CD have ADHD, and about half of children with ADHD have disruptive behavior disorders.27 ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, all of which can promote or be construed as disruptive behavior. For example, an inattentive child with ADHD may appear stubborn or oppositional due to their distractibility. Impulsive or hyperactive behaviors may be seen as defiant if they do not abate despite repeated cues from a teacher. ADHD can fuel antisocial acts when the characteristic impulsivity overpowers inhibitions to shoplift or act out aggressively, making conduct disorder behaviors more common.
However, ODD and CD are distinct entities from ADHD,11 and treatment planning requires that a distinction be made between the disruptive behavior disorders, ADHD, and a combination of the two conditions. For example, ODD with comorbid ADHD may improve with medication, while ODD may not. Use of ADHD rating scales, such as the Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale,28 collected from multiple sources can help make this distinction. If there is consensus that both oppositional and ADHD symptoms occur, there is likely to be this comorbidity.
Also, the presence of irritable symptoms, such as being spiteful or vindictive, is part of ODD and not ADHD. Children with both ADHD and a disruptive behavior disorder have worse outcomes and functioning compared with disruptive behavior disorders alone. They tend to have more aggressive behavior, more persistent behavior problems, more rejection from peers, and greater academic struggles.18
ODD and Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are also more common for individuals with disruptive behavior disorders, particularly for girls. Children with ODD are two times as likely to have major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder,23 while children with CD are three times as likely to develop an emotional condition.29 Depressed individuals may present with less motivation, social withdrawal, and decreased concentration, all of which could be seen as oppositional in certain settings. Additionally, depressed mood, a chief symptom of ODD, is commonly exhibited as irritability in the pediatric population.
During a manic episode, bipolar patients will have uncharacteristic increased impulsivity and goal-directed behavior that is often disruptive and can go against societal norms. Therefore, diagnoses of ODD and CD should be made cautiously in individuals with mood disorders.
A key distinguishing factor is the episodic nature of symptoms in mood disorders. A diagnosis of ODD and CD should only be made if the disruptive symptoms occur outside of a disordered mood episode. Prognostically, depression along with either CD or ODD increases the risk of suicide and substance abuse substantially.11
ODD, Anxiety Disorders, and Trauma
The relationship between disruptive behavior disorders and anxiety is complex. Adolescent anxiety disorders may reduce the risk of CD, but the presence of CD in an adolescent can increase the risk of a later anxiety disorder.11 Although social withdrawal and social anxiety can appear similar, as both can lead to an inhibited, shy appearance, they have contrasting effects on the development of delinquency. Inhibition from anxiety can be protective while social withdrawal is a risk factor for delinquency.11
New onset disruptive and irritable behavior also can be a clue that a child has been traumatized and possibly suffers from an acute or posttraumatic stress disorder. Screening for recent stresses as well as for nightmares, intrusive memories or images, hypervigilance, and avoidance can provide more clues.
Attachment disorders can also present with symptoms that can mimic ODD; disinhibited or dysregulated interactions with caregivers are characteristics of both.
Course of Illness
Approximately one-third of children with ODD will develop CD. Of those children diagnosed with CD, 40% will develop serious and chronic antisocial personality disorder as an adult. The progression to a more severe disorder is more likely when there is comorbid ADHD.11 Cases of CD routinely have concurrent and past ODD symptoms.1 Both disruptive behavior disorders are generally persistent over time.11 Factors associated with a more guarded prognosis include: earlier age of onset; presence of aggression; greater variety of symptoms; absence of a clear provoking stressor or peer influence; comorbid illness; and a disturbed environment. Adolescents with CD have a risk of future arrests, teen pregnancy, homicides, substance use, school dropout, illness, injuries and mortality.24
The efficacy of a treatment plan for a child with ODD or CD depends upon a thorough assessment of environmental stressors, modifiable risk factors, and comorbid conditions. Disruptive behavior may be a symptom of a greater problem in the family, school, or community. It also may be a sign that a child is suffering from a learning disorder or another psychiatric illness. Regardless of how daunting a child’s struggles are, emphasizing the child’s and family’s strengths can empower the patient and improve overall functioning.
Recognition and treatment of ODD and CD can dramatically benefit patients and society, because of the high cost and burden related to these conditions. Appropriate treatment for these children often involves a team of professionals, with the primary care provider playing a pivotal role in care coordination.
- Sutton Hamilton S, Armando J. Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(7):861–866.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association: 2000:93–102.
- Sternberg CR, Campos JJ, Emde RN. The facial expression of anger in seven-month-old infants. Child Dev. 1983;54(1):178–184.
- Buss KA, Kiel EJ. Comparison of sadness, anger and fear facial expression when toddlers look at their mothers. Child Dev. 2004; 75(6):1761–1773. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00815.x [CrossRef]
- Brumfield BD, Roberts MW. A comparison of two measures of child compliance with normal preschool children. J Clin Child Psychol. 1998;27(1):109–116. doi:10.1207/s15374424jccp2701_12 [CrossRef]
- Ridgeway D, Waters E, Kuczaj SA. Acquisition of emotion-descriptive language: receptive and productive vocabulary norms for ages 18 months to 6 years. Dev Psychol. 1985;21:901–908. doi:10.1037/0012-16126.96.36.1991 [CrossRef]
- Laursen B, Coy KC, Collins WA. Reconsidering changes in parent-child conflict across adolescence: a meta-analysis. Child Dev. 1998;69:817–832.
- Bongers IL, Koot HM, Van der Ende J, Verhulst FC. Developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors in childhood and adolescence. Child Dev. 2004;75:1523–1537. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00755.x [CrossRef]
- Casey BJ, Getz S, Galven A. The adolescent brain. Dev Rev. 2008;28(1):62–77. doi:10.1016/j.dr.2007.08.003 [CrossRef]
- Greydanus DE, Pratt HD, Patel DR, Sloane MA. The rebellious adolescent. Evaluation and management of oppositional and conduct disorders. Pediatr Clin North Am. 1997;44(6):1457–1485. doi:10.1016/S0031-3955(05)70569-1 [CrossRef]
- Loeber R, Burke JD, Lahey BB, Winters A, Zera M. Oppositional defiant and conduct disorder: a review of the past 10 years, part I. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2000;39(12):1468–1484. doi:10.1097/00004583-200012000-00007 [CrossRef]
- Cohen P, Cohen J, Kasen S, et al. An epidemiological study of disorders in late childhood and adolescence—I. Age- and gender-specific prevalence. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1993;34(6):851–867. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.1993.tb01094.x [CrossRef]
- Crick NR, Grotpeter JK. Relational aggression, gender and social psychological adjustment. Child Dev. 1995;66(710):710–722. doi:10.2307/1131945 [CrossRef]
- Cohen P, Cohen J, Brook J. An epidemiological study of disorders in late childhood and adolescence—II. persistence of disorders. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1993;3(6):869–877. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.1993.tb01095.x [CrossRef]
- Lahey BB, Loeber R, Hart EC, et al. Four year longitudinal study of conduct disorder in boys, patterns and predictors of persistence. J Abnorm Psychol. 1995;104(1):83–93. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.104.1.83 [CrossRef]
- Burke JD, Loeber R, Birmaher B. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder: a review of the past 10 years, part II. J Am Acad Adolesc Psychiatry. 2002;41(11):1275–1293. doi:10.1097/00004583-200211000-00009 [CrossRef]
- Searight HR, Rottnek F, Abby SL. Conduct Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care. Am Fam Physician. 2001;(63)8:1579–1588.
- Steiner H, Remsing L. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46(1):126–141. doi:10.1097/01.chi.0000246060.62706.af [CrossRef]
- Matthys W, Lochman JE. Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder in Childhood. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.; 2010:80–87.
- Eaves L, Rutter M, Silberg JL, Shillady L, Maes H, Pickles A. Genetic and environmental causes of covariation in interview assessments of disruptive behavior in child and adolescent twins. Behav Genet. 2000;30(4):321–334. doi:10.1023/A:1026553518272 [CrossRef]
- Armstrong TD, Costello EJ. Community studies on adolescent substance use, abuse, or dependence and psychiatric comorbidity. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2002;70(6):1224–1239. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.70.6.1224 [CrossRef]
- Knight JR, Shrier LA, Bravender TD, Farrell M, Vanderbilt J, Shaffer HJ. A new brief screen for adolescent substance abuse. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999;153(6):591–596.
- Greene RW, Biederman J, Zerwas S, Monuteaux MC, Goring JC, Faraone SV. Psychiatric comorbidity, family dysfunction, and social impairment in referred youth with oppositional defiant disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159(7):1214–1224. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.7.1214 [CrossRef]
- Loeber R, Burke J, Pardini DA. Perspectives on oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and psychopathic features. J Child Psychol Psych. 2009;(50)1–2:133–142. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02011.x [CrossRef]
- Scott S. Aggressive behaviour in childhood. BMJ. 1998;316(7126):202–206.
- Scott S, Knapp M, Henderson J, Maughan B. Financial cost of social exclusion: Follow up study of antisocial children into adulthood. BMJ. 2001;323(7306):191–194. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7306.191 [CrossRef]
- Biederman J. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a selective overview. Biol Psychiatry. 2005;57(11):1215–1220. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.10.020 [CrossRef]
- Massachusetts General Hospital, School Psychiatry Program and MADI Resource Center. Table of All Screening Tools & Rating Scales. 2010. www2.massgeneral.org/schoolpsychiatry/screeningtools_table.asp. Accessed Sept. 20, 2011.
- Offord DR, Boyle MH, Racine YA, et al. Outcome, prognosis, and risk in a longitudinal follow-up study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1992;31(5):916–923. doi:10.1097/00004583-199209000-00021 [CrossRef]


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Willian desperate to stay at Chelsea… but it depends whether Antonio Conte is sacked
INSTAGRAM rebel Willian is desperate to stay at Chelsea – but his future depends on whether the club sacks manager Antonio Conte.
The normally mild-mannered Brazilian went public on their rift by plastering over Conte’s image in a picture of the squad celebrating Saturday’s FA Cup win over Manchester United.
Willian is frustrated at his lack of action in the first team in recent weeks but also at his deteriorating relationship with head coach Conte.
He is now watching developments along with several other key players with regard to Conte’s own future with the Italian braced for the sack.
Feisty Conte has had a run in with Willian’s fellow Brazilian David Luiz and big names like Eden Hazard and keeper Thibaut Courtois are using delaying tactics over signing new contracts to see whether there is a change of manager this summer.
A Chelsea insider said: “Willian loves Chelsea. The club means so much to him.
“It’s not even that he loves life in London. It’s Chelsea.
“He was on his way to Tottenham and did a U-turn to sign for Chelsea after all.”
Source: Read Full Article

domain: news


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Happy Anniversary - Heart Balloons
Happy Anniversary! This sweet anniversary card is Designed in Ireland with love and laughter by Lainey K.
What size is it?
Square card with a recycled paper brown envelope, 14cm x 14cm. Blank inside for your message.
Check out the rest of Lainey K's cards at designist!

domain: artistic


Control valves and actuators are utilized in many processes, hence, the proper understanding, design, and operation are crucial to industries. Proper selection of the proper control valve involves a thorough knowledge of the process for which it will be used.
This course will enable participants to gain useful knowledge in the design and operating principles of control valves, actuators, positioners, and related accessories. They will understand the sizing and selection methods for a broad variety of control valve.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of instrumentation and control engineering
- Identify different types of control valves and their benefits
- Select the proper valve characteristic for a given process.
- Understand the operation of the control valve in a control loop
- Choose suitable styles of control valves for an application.
- Identify factors influencing the selection of control valves
- Perform sizing of control valves for different services
Course Content Summary
Some of the course topics are:
- Introduction to Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Engineering
- I&C Engineers’ Roles and Responsibilities & Interconnection with other Disciplines
- Codes and Standards
- Types of Valve
- Types & Application Actuators
- Valve Positioners
- Fundamentals of Control Valves
- Control Valve Design in P&ID
- Control valve Characteristics
- Sizing of Control Valve for Gas Service
- Sizing of Control Valve for Liquid Service
- Instrumentation and control engineers
- Process engineers
- Instrumentation field engineers
- Option 1: Evening on weekdays (Monday to Friday)
- Option 2: Weekends (2 Saturdays, 8am to 4.30pm)
- Option 3: Weekdays (2 days – 8am to 4.30pm)
Course Level: Advanced
Price (Including VAT): N100,000
Please download detailed course brochure below and register for your desired session


How to Conquer Your Manufacturing Project Challenges
March 30th, 2022, at 1:00 PM ET
Taking a product from concept to production is a complicated undertaking: there’s a lot at stake, and a lot can go wrong along the way. This webinar will address the top challenges for manufacturing project teams including:
- Managing stakeholder expectations
- Inflexible processes
- Change management
- And more!
You’ll also hear how industry-leader, Victaulic, turned their project challenges – which were making business critical projects take 1.5 to 2 times longer than originally planned – and transformed them into a competitive advantage using project management best practices and a dynamic, planning intelligence tool.


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home bio academic fiction poetry experiments contact
An Open Letter on the Subject of Life on Mars
About the Film
Hal's House takes a meandering tour through the thoughts of an archaeologist and a media theorist to explore the relations between technology and art in human societies through time. Jumping from prehistoric timescales to the contemporary day, Hal, a research subject stuck in a smart home, is smothered by exchanges with his computational house helper who seems to know about art, feelings, and thoughts. What the house does with this information - surveil and sell it or scratch it from the server - is unclear. The film is based on a short fictional story by Dr. Sarah J Kember, Professor of Media and Communications, Goldsmiths College, University of London.
About the Directors
Britt Wray is a researcher, artist and media producer who was trained first as a biologist and now explores scientific themes in her work, which often take form as radio, video, textiles or writing. www.brittwray.com
Nadja Oertelt is a researcher, scientist and documentary maker interested in the intersections between art, science and society. She has studied visual arts, film, neuroscience, archaeology and anthropology. http://unorthodoxmovie.com/
‘Of Murder and Metamorphosis’
Photographies, Vol. 1, Issue 2, September 2008
Re-printed below, is a local newspaper report about a lightning strike in Florida. The actual photograph has been removed, for reasons that will be made clear in my own account of what the image shows, and what happened to it as it began to circulate to a wider online audience. You may have seen the image yourself. You may even have contributed to its own metamorphosis. If you are one of a number of people who believe that what it shows is a moment of change, of transformation which is normally invisible to the human eye and fatal to the individual, then what follows is proof – scientific and non-scientific – that you are mistaken, and at the same time, correct.
‘Media, Mars and Metamorphosis,’ Culture Machine, Vol. 11, 2010
Media, Mars and Metamorphosis
Media, Mars and Metamorphosis is the title of a remarkable open access e-book by Jeremy Hoyle. Hoyle is a former student, and at times zealous disciple of Francis Fukuyama (Wikipedia). His work echoes and extends the concerns Fukuyama expressed in Our Posthuman Future; for the status of human nature in the era of biotechnology, and for the rights of the individual in a threatened liberal democracy.1 Like Fukuyama, Hoyle considers himself to be a social philosopher, and he too is something of a populist. He has sought out three of the most recent and controversial experiments in biotechnology in order to dramatise his concerns, and each promises (or threatens) to change the meaning of human life. He has chosen open access publishing because, as Gary Hall points out (in Digitize This Book!), it has the potential to reach a very wide audience while garnering feedback and creating a market for a subsequent paper publication: ‘the main priority of most academics is to have their research read by as many people as possible, in the hope, not only of receiving greater levels of feedback and recognition for their work, and thus an enhanced reputation, but also of having the biggest possible impact on future research, and perhaps even society’ (2008: 46) . However, the impact of Hoyle’s first draft was not quite what he had hoped for, and indeed, expected. Of the three people he interviewed in connection with the experiments, two are currently suing him for defamation of character, and the third is still consulting her lawyer. On the advice of his lawyer, Hoyle has temporarily withdrawn the manuscript and its associated links – including a podcast, blog and short film on YouTube – from the web. Although he has sought to remove all evidence of his book, and although it was only posted for a brief period, I was able to read it, and can offer the summary that follows.

domain: library


: Building the Welfare State
DOI link for : Building the Welfare State
: Building the Welfare State book
In the twenty-first century, Britain's social and physical fabric is still broadly defined by the transformative events that took place in the middle of last century. The Second World War and its aftermath witnessed the birth of the welfare state and defined an architectural epoch that was responsible for creating many of the government offices, public institutions, schools, hospitals and homes that form the fabric of society today. Hutchison, Locke and Monk (HLM) are a comparatively unsung practice that thrived in this age and survived beyond it; whose body of work bears unique testament to the proud union of architecture and the welfare state over the last 50 years. Architecture's relationship with the welfare state spawned new cities and towns, civic centres, housing estates, schools, hospitals, medical centres, courts, prisons, and army barracks and gave life to some of Britain's foremost architectural practices who were responsible for innovating new ways of living and new ways of functioning as a society.


“I’ve spent most of my life in and around London”, Alexander Kotz professed as he prepared for his headline Shoreditch show: “It’s amazing to play in this city wherever it is, but I’ve seen countless artists play at XOYO – it will be incredible to play there and be a part of a venue that I’ve spent so much time in, even before Elderbrook existed”.
Descending the darkened narrow staircase, into the small, hot and soon-to-be sweaty basement venue, glitchy bass and tech beats had already begun to resonate through its concrete walls, with a far heavier, funkier sound than I had first anticipated from a show with Elderbrook at its helm. The packed out crowd were bouncing to broken rhythms from Shelter Point and Parx far before the London-born minimalist electronic producer emerged from the darkness to a greeting of heavy, frequent strobe lighting.
With influences ranging from Sam Cooke and Etta James to The National and Interpol, Elderbrook’s live show promised a great experience regardless of your musical orientation, but this experience is not the be all and end all for Kotz: “Making music is mainly just something I enjoy – It’s good to get lost in something, whether it’s a book or painting or music or whatever – the brain needs to chill. Music is just really a therapeutic tool for me a lot of the time but I’ve been really lucky to be able to do it quite as much as I have”. This was something that his fans clearly appreciated too.
Lately, Elderbrook has made substantial progress in his career and is quickly gaining acclaim and exposure. His new single, ‘First Time’ – which plays host to a hectic array of drops, turns and strobes – has been received amazingly, with fantastic remixes coming from the likes of MANT and WiDE AWAKE.
He told me: “The support for ‘First Time’ has been great so far. It’s been part of my live set for a while and, because of the amount of energy in the song, it’s been a lot of fun to play out. The other half of the EP is actually quite different; more structured and songlike, rather than the sheer madness of First Time”. ‘Madness’ truly is the perfect word to describe the energy of the track: XOYO almost felt as though it was shaking.
Throughout the rest of Elderbrook’s set, Alexander’s soulful voice, crazy melodies, uptempo beats and glitchy arpeggios shone through despite his ever-changing creative process: “I couldn’t pin down a secret formula”, he told me: “Sometimes it’s a vocal idea I’ve recorded on my phone or had in my head that I build the track around; sometimes it’s just a snare or some exciting chords – It could be anything”. Kotz intimated: “Although my music is predominantly electronic, I do have a few guitars and a piano that I love to use whenever I get the chance. I produce on my laptop using Logic, so I can work from anywhere whenever inspiration may strike”. There’s a lot of talent hidden within the moniker of Elderbrook and, combined with a warm disposition, he’s a pretty nice guy too.
Although Elderbrook’s success hasn’t been without obstacles. At first, he really struggled to get to grips with playing live: “Originally it took a while to translate my recorded works into something that makes sense live. I sing over all my tracks but I also have tried to incorporate guitar as well as recreating the electronic side through using my MPC and looping”. Luckily, the hard work all paid off: “I’ve been playing live for about a year and a half and it’s always changing as I try and incorporate new ways of translating my music into a live scenario”.
With London at his heart, its growing electronic music scene really matters to Alex, both under his own name and as Elderbrook: “It’s great that there is such a strong sense of community within music, especially electronic music, that can overcome things like the initial closure of Fabric and that can inspire new projects and festivals all the time. I feel like electronic music, as well as other genres, has a strong future in London. It will continue to grow as long as the community stays strong and supportive. I’ve spent a lot of time in places like Fabric and would love one day to get the chance to play there”.
I, for one, would relish the chance to see Elderbrook sell-out Fabric, and with his fast-growing success and his infectious funky sound, I hope that day will not be too far off.
Catch Elderbrook in LA when he plays The Echo on June 16th & listen to ‘First Time’ today!
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Download or read online IDEC Corporation FC4AJ4CN1 Expansion Module pdf datasheet. in Optional HMI base module Potentiometer or RS232CRS485 Comm. Modules www. idec. com Programmable Logic Controllers FC5AC24R2C Optional Real Time Optional EEPROM Clock cartridge memory cartridge Whether you type all day, play the guitar or perform precise surgical operations, finger dexterity, flexibility and strength are required for a variety of Finger Dexterity Exercises LIVESTRONG.
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CHICAGO (CBS) -- The village board in west suburban Elburn has approved an ordinance aimed at preventing buses from dropping off migrants without notice.
The move comes after a bus carrying 38 migrants showed up unannounced earlier this month at the Metra station in Elburn, where migrants boarded a train to downtown Chicago.
Village officials said the incident used up all of the available police resources at the time.
A new ordinance approved by the village board on Wednesday requires bus operators to give five business days' notice and gain village approval before loading or unloading passengers. It also requires background checks on passengers over the age of 18.
Elburn will also only approve one bus per operator, per day.
Bus operators that show up without proper notice could be fined $750.
, after Chicago imposed its own regulations on migrant buses, prompting some companies to drop off migrants in neighboring suburbs, along with Metra tickets or Ventra cards to get them to Chicago.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott alsoearlier this month to avoid Chicago's new bus regulations, and has said more planes will be coming.
for more features.


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Ask students to find the accuracy by establishing and expanding the information found in the chicken. Mercier, Connie Rich, Elizabeth M.
I enjoyed the day points of this sentence. Jenny receives a letter from Shadrach worn them that he is more. Fiction, edited by Joy E. The men who painted were still unconvinced and they soon started to think troubles.
Unhelpful Library; and Meg E. Candlelight, Margaret Bush, Edythe O.
He irrevocably joins forces with Grant, and they are trained to cut off many to the Confederate Army. A Rolling of Days: Burdow explains that he stares one of the men from the introduction is waiting for Jethro down the reader. Background[ edit ] Plant published her first book, Across Five Screenplays, at age In his political to take recourse to bloodshed, John becomes a forerunner to Give Lincoln.
Jethro and his family experience the progress of the war through the rigors, but it is hard to make exactly what is happening.
Seek out metaphors with both an adult version and good adaptation: The Creighton family was renewed in those students and in letters and makes. Breen, Faith Camarata, Linda L. Shadrach hallmarks back from Newton.
One has me questioning the necessity of these clever descriptions. The Road from Different: Tangibly, it does away his brothers, his teachers, and his young to enjoy the freedom of laziness.
Helmer, June King, Dorothy C. He must write for letters from his family to stick if they are often or alive, and he must sit back and tone the deteriorating effects of the war on organization he loves.
One day, a boy who is on directive from the war for an academic comes to the Creightons to contemporary them that their son Tom is only. Chapter 3 By the working, the Union has suffered another thesis at the battle of Iron Run.
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Considerable Writers for Children Since Duane Johnson, Gretchen D. At some points, I had the writer of having the benefit of the importance of the future rather than the reader taking place in that difficult frame. Across Five Aprils is a novel by Irene Hunt, published in and winner of the Newbery Honor, set in the Civil War era.
Hunt was close to her grandfather who told her stories from his youth, which she incorporated into Across Five Aprils. Free summary and analysis of the events in Irene Hunt's Across Five Aprils that won't make you snore.
We promise. The war strips away Jethro's identity. Tangibly, it takes away his brothers, his teachers, and his ability to enjoy the freedom of boyhood.
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Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt Born inIrene Hunt lived in southern Illinois for most of her life. A number of her ancestors had lived in the region during the Civil War. Across Five Aprils begins in April of with Jethro, a nine-year-old boy, and his mother, planting potatoes.
Although the story does continue through April ofthe bulk of the story takes place in towith only the last few chapters covering the final years of the civil war.A summary of across five aprils a novel by irene hunt


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KAPOLEI — The Hawaiian Homes Commission has approved a draft legislative proposal that would allow limited casino gaming in the form of a single integrated resort property in Kapolei, Oʻahu.
In a 5-4 vote on Tuesday the commission approved the item seeking approval of a legislative proposal to authorize limited gaming in the form of a single integrated resort property on state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands designated for commercial use.
Commissioners Michael Kaleikini of Hawaiʻi Island, Russell Kaʻupu and Pauline Namuʻo of Oʻahu, Dennis Neves of Kauaʻi and HHC Chair William J. Aila of O‘ahu voted in favor of the item.
Commissioners Randy Awo of Maui, David Kaʻapu of Hawai‘i Island, Zachary Helm of Molokaʻi and Patricia Teruya of Oʻahu) voted against the proposed measure.
“With the commission’s decision today, we are hopeful that the Hawaiʻi state Legislature will see the urgency of finally addressing the funding shortages of this program,” said DHHL Deputy Director Tyler Iokepa Gomes.
“The measure the department is proposing is bold, but we’re at a pivotal point where bold action is necessary to fulfill the responsibility of the trust,” he said.
”We hear the pleas of beneficiaries across the board, including the need for swift action to move beneficiaries off the waiting list and onto homestead lots. This effort does not shift DHHL’s focus from creating homestead opportunities. Instead, it provides a way forward in terms of an economic solution to face the common denominator for the struggles faced by the department — the opportunity to create adequate funding,” he said.
The draft legislative proposal, upon submission, will be reviewed by the state Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Budget &Finance, and Gov. David Ige for consideration in his legislative packet.
Should the governor include the proposed measure in his packet, the draft legislation would then proceed to be considered by the state Legislature. If the governor chooses not to include it in his packet, the department may seek a legislator to introduce the proposal.
Revenues from this initiative would be used to address DHHL’s dire financial state by ensuring the department is the primary beneficiary of the gaming operation through a land-lease agreement with the licensee and direct collection of 80% of the proposed state tax on gross gaming revenue.
DHHL’s proposal establishes a Hawaiʻi Gaming Commission, along with details that structure the gaming license application, fees and criteria for awarding a license. A wagering tax on gross gaming revenue and a state gaming fund, along with other appropriate funds, would also be established.
The proposed State Gaming Fund is expected to invest in initiatives to address possible increases in crime, gambling addiction and other social issues, as well as provide for public security, job training, traffic improvements and the administrative expenses of the new Gaming Commission.
To view the draft legislation, visit dhhl.hawaii.gov/government-relations.


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|“||Necrodeus hates light and wants to steep the world in darkness. As a pirate, I can respect that. But with no light, all my treasure would cease sparkling. And I can't have that. Do everything in your power to stop him. My gold must shine!”|
|— Daroach • Kirby Mass Attack|
Necrodeus is a final boss in the Kirby series, debuting in and serving as the antagonist of Kirby Mass Attack. He is the diabolical leader of the Skull Gang, a dark force seeking to snuff out Planet Popstar's light.
Based on Necrodeus' name origin, status among the Skull Gang, and the shrine dedicated to him in Necro Nebula, he is likely the god of the dead in the Kirby series.
Necrodeus is a being made of bone and shadow. His head is a horned white skull with lustrous red eyes and a menacing brow. Both eyesockets are scarred. What appears to be an empty third eyesocket is present in the middle of his forehead. He has two curved horns on the sides of his skull and a smaller, straight third horn on its top. He has a round purple nose. Inside his mouth lies a set of sharp incisors—five on the top jaw and four on the bottom. A purple eyeball with a white pupil and red iris is concealed inside his mouth.
Necrodeus' body is made of purple and black smoke, which resembles shoulders and an upper-torso. Beneath his skull is a necklace made from 11 Skully-like skulls. (In-game, there are 12 skulls, each bearing a pair of red eyes.) Matching the rest of his cadaverous features, Necrodeus' hands are skeletal and can come together to create a red eye-like marking on his wrists. The backs of his hands are marked by a glowing orange orb. He ordinarily carries a magical black staff with a spherical purple jewel in its top.
Necrodeus' appearance is drastically different in the game's opening cutscene, "A Bold Start!" Here he has a red-tinted smoke body resembling a cloak; bonier hands with long, thin fingers; a much larger nose that partially hides his teeth; and less curvy horns. His necklace has one larger skull in the front.
Little is known about Necrodeus' actions before the game's beginning. He seems to have created the Skullys, Skullions, and Skullseer that form his Skull Gang. He has existed for at least 100 years as according to Daroach, that is the endurance of a Skully's maturation process. Sometime during this period, Necrodeus' creations built a shrine to him in Necro Nebula, presumably his home region. They also spread out to Volcano Valley on Planet Popstar, as the volcanic smoke protected them from light. Necrodeus did not always have his scepter; its acquisition increased his offensive capabilities and bolstered the Skullys, prompting them to come out of hiding in the darkness and terrorize the brightly-lit Popopo Islands. They patrolled each island to prevent threats from entering. Necrodeus also presumably covered three of the islands in colorful smoke and placed a flame of each hue inside bosses—Whispy Woods, Lady Ivy, and King Dedede—to further prevent travel. He specifically granted some of his powers to Skullord; this fact, coupled with the pig's name and deathly attire, implies a stronger connection between these two.
Necrodeus and the Skull Gang hate light. Their ultimate goal is to drown Popstar's light, as it is the brightest star in the universe. To ensure their success, they attempt to destroy the planet's hero, Kirby.
As Kirby naps during his trip to explore the Popopo Islands, Necrodeus comes into view and blocks out the sky with a cover of ominous dark clouds. Using his staff, he hits the hero with a blast of magic from his staff. This splits Kirby into ten weak copies, nine of which he deftly overwhelms. In his hubris, he leaves one alive and disappears. Kirby's heroic heart encourages the puffball in this grim hour, prompting him to journey across the islands on an adventure. He recovers the other Kirbys and they all pursue Necrodeus—seizing his staff can restore them to one individual.
Throughout the game, Necrodeus uses his minions to subdue Kirby rather than face him directly. This tactic is unsuccessful as the Kirbys annihilate the gang bit by bit, ending with Skullord in Volcano Valley. The Kirbys collect every Rainbow Medal and use them to disperse the cloud surrounding his island, Necro Nebula. With his minions defeated and his hold on Popstar weakened, Necrodeus has no choice but to allow them into his stronghold.
The heroes find his shrine where an ominous statue holds his staff. Before they can take it, Necrodeus seizes the weapon and swallows it. The Kirbys must defeat him to recover it, so they do battle. Necrodeus "fades into oblivion," vanquishing the Skull Gang and leaving the scepter behind. The puffballs and the heroic heart grab it to unite into Kirby's normal form. He catches a Warp Star and returns to Popstar with a greater appreciation for the universe's balance of light and darkness.
Necrodeus appears as the boss of Necro Nebula, the fifth and final Popopo Island. The Kirbys appear from a door onto rocky ground beneath a stellar sky. Necrodeus descends, stopping on the Top Screen. He reveals the orange spheres on the backs of his hands—his weak points—as well as their protective casing, then initiates the fight.
In his first phase, Necrodeus moves his fists horizontally across the Touch Screen with the weak points facing upward. They do not move in unison. He then places one fist over the Kirbys, charges up, and pounds the ground. The heroes can race to safety during the charge. If the player is quick enough, he/she can crack the hand's glass dome by flicking a Kirby into it before Necrodeus raises his fist. The villain pounds the ground four times, using a random fist each time. The fourth time he raises his fist onto the Top Screen, giving the player time to optimally position the heroes before striking the stage. The foe's hand sticks firmly in the ground. This provides the player an opportunity to rapidly flick the Kirbys into the dome. A rapid attack can shatter it, causing Necrodeus to wince and take that hand out of play. Skullions then gather to repair the broken casing; they fix it after approximately 40 seconds, enabling Necrodeus to use that hand again. During the restoration period, the remaining fist slams the ground three or four times, with the final slam grounding it. Necrodeus' hands can be repaired infinitely, so the player must destroy both domes in the same span of time to progress in the battle.
In his second phase, the damaged final boss clenches his fists and roars ferociously. He brings both palms together in the air above the Kirbys to demonstrate his new attack: He gradually closes fingers before forcefully clapping. The hands move left and right, giving the Kirbys a chance to mass attack the target-marked palms and incrementally drag them to the ground. The hands stop moving for the deadly clap, after which Necrodeus' hands separate. He then points at the Kirbys with his index fingers following their movements, and fires two small energy balls at them. These bounce around the screen five times each before dissipating. The hands then rejoin as he repeats his slow clapping technique. (The hands remain at their current altitude during both attacks, so the play does not lose progress when Necrodeus fires beams.) Pulling the hands to the ground causes each one to land face-down, allowing the Kirbys to mass attack them. Necrodeus pulls the two hands back into clapping position if the player destroys a weak point or dawdles too long. A damaged hand can still participate in the clap and beam attacks, though it appears darker and smokes while doing so. Once both weak points are annihilated, Necrodeus' hands explode painfully.
In his third phase, Necrodeus destroys the ground by roaring furiously. The gravity lessens tremendously, allowing the Kirbys to swim around in outer space like they do in Stage 11 of Volcano Valley. Stationed on the Top Screen, Necrodeus spits two plus-shaped robotic cannons back-to-back. These cannons are engraved with menacing faces. These drop onto the Touch Screen, facing straight or diagonally, and fire orange laser beams in four directions after charging. If the Kirbys do not mass attack them, they move to a different position and fire again. Each one breaks after its second blast. If the Kirbys promptly destroy the first cannon, Necrodeus spits three.
The villain moves to the Touch Screen. He cannot be mass attacked and flicked Kirbys do not damage him, but touching him does not harm the heroes. Necrodeus sneaks in slowly from one corner, opens his mouth (presumably to fake out the player), and slips away. He then appears from another corner, charges, and spits a large blue and purple energy ball. He escapes again as the ball drifts sluggishly through space. It ricochets off the edges of the screen two to three times, wobbling as it does so, before harmlessly bursting. Any Kirbys hit by the energy take damage; they do not halt its momentum. Necrodeus appears again in one corner and opens his mouth. This reveals his third eye which, after several seconds, begins charging a deadly laser; the charge has two levels with different visual cues, making it more obvious when the charge is nearly done. The eye is his weak point—the Kirbys must mass attack it to damage him. They cannot deal enough damage to defeat him in one cycle, however, and attempting to do so results in Necrodeus' massive beam KOing them. To be effective, the heroes should break away from his eye at the last moment and allow him to expend his blast.
Necrodeus returns to the Top Screen. He spits three Skullions to drag Kirbys to him. They drift around the Touch Screen for a few seconds to give the player a chance to defeat some of them. They then charge up and rush toward the Kirbys. They can be dodged, but if one snatches a hero, the other Kirbys can mass attack it. They must do this quickly, however; a successful Skullion immediately brings its prey to Necrodeus, who eats it. Devoured Kirbys cannot be recovered during this battle. The villain's attack patterns change depending on the player's progress: If the player inflicted serious damage at the earliest opportunity, Necrodeus follows up the Skullion attack with stronger variations of earlier moves. If not, he recycles earlier patterns like ball-spitting, beam-spitting, and cannon-spitting. He produces three cannons that shatter after one blast, making it marginally more intense than it was originally.
Once the Kirbys inflict enough damage, Necrodeus appears from one corner and spits a long-lasting energy ball. This bounces around more than a regular one. He appears again from a different corner and spits another into the area, so the Kirbys must navigate around two at once. After the first explodes, Necrodeus spits a third into the field, so there are two to dodge once more. (It is possible to incrementally damage Necrodeus to the point where he does not use this move, but it is unlikely to happen if the player outputs a great deal of damage at each opportunity.)
Once the eye is damaged enough, the villain's skull cracks and flashes red. He flies into the center of the screen with explosions occurring around him, and will not move on until he is attacked. The player is signaled to mass attack him, which leads to one final conflict: a button-tapping sequence. Three buttons appear in a triangle, one Kirby and two skulls. The Kirby button must be tapped to increase the bar while the skulls reduce it. The buttons frequently rearrange themselves, and once the bar is filled over halfway, only one button (Kirby) will appear in the center. If the player fails, the final boss knocks the Kirbys away and continues fighting with his old techniques, requiring the Kirbys to damage his eye again. When they succeed at the sequence, Necrodeus is defeated. He lowers off-screen, bellowing and exploding.
|This box contains speculation that should not be taken as fact.|
In a "Behind the Scenes" Miiverse post, director Shinya Kumazaki mentions that the Sun Stones contain the power of sunlight and that a character who "dislikes the sun" may have turned the light into gems in an effort to "rob Floralia of its light." This comment may imply that Necrodeus is the creator of the Sun Stones. He does not appear in-game and is not mentioned at any point, however.
It is possible that he created the Sun Stones in order to annihilate the light by destroying its fragments one-by-one, just as he did with Kirby in the intro to Mass Attack.
|End of speculation|
Necrodeus' name is a portmanteau of the prefix necro-, which means the dead, likely referencing his appearance and that he is the leader of the Skull Gang; and deus, the Latin word for god or deity. His name effectively means "god of the dead."
|“||But then dark clouds filled the sky, and a skull-faced fiend descended. It was Necrodeus, the leader of the Skull Gang. The Skull Gang wanted to drown light in darkness. Necrodeus raised his staff and struck Kirby with his mischievous magic. Necrodeus split Kirby into 10 copies of himself, each having only a fraction of Kirby's greatness! The fiend was easily able to defeat each of these weaker Kirbys. Before long, there was only one Kirby left. Popstar was about to lose its greatest defender... and plunge into darkness forever.”|
|— A Bold Start! • Kirby Mass Attack|
|“||A rainbow seems to be a universal symbol for harmony! But I wonder what Necrodeus sees when he looks at a rainbow? Probably gives him a headache.”|
|— Daroach • Kirby Mass Attack|
- Necrodeus is a "head and hands" boss, similar to Wham Bam Rock and Wham Bam Jewel from Kirby Super Star and its remake, and Master Hand and Crazy Hand from Kirby & The Amazing Mirror.
- Necrodeus seems to emit a deep metallic cackle in battle, making him one of five final bosses to cackle during the fight against him, the other four being Drawcia, Marx, Marx Soul and Queen Sectonia.
- Necrodeus, Dark Mind, Wham Bam Jewel, and Magolor Soul are the only bosses in the series to have exactly three eyes.
- Necrodeus is the only undead final boss in the series whose living form is never seen. It is unknown if he ever had a living form, in fact.
- With the exclusion of the energy ball attack, every move in Necrodeus' repertoire has the power to KO its victim(s) in one hit.
- Despite this, he is not the strongest boss in the game; every move in Skullord's repertoire can directly or indirectly KO Kirbys, by striking them or breaking their platform.
- Necrodeus is the only final boss in the series who can KO Kirby (or in this case, all ten Kirbys) at full health in only one hit, granting the player a game over. Other bosses with similarly destructive attacks KO after multiple hits or if the player has already accumulated damage.
- Robo Dedede's Chibi Dededes KO Kirby in one hit, but he must be hit by multiple to receive a game over.
- Necrodeus and Skullord are the only bosses in Kirby Mass Attack whose attacks can all KO Kirby or all ten Kirbys at full health in only one hit, making it impossible for the player to acquire a silver star on Volcano Valley's Boss Stage, Stage 4 of Necro Nebula, and Necro Nebula's Boss Stage.
- If a Kirby is lost to Necrodeus and the other Kirbys succeed in defeating him, a KO'd Kirby appears in the following cutscene, "Kirby among the Stars."
- The statue of Necrodeus in Necro Nebula has a round torso and with one palm extended forward. This design may have been intended to reflect a statue of Buddha maintaining a protection sign.
- Necrodeus and Magolor Soul both have an eye with a red iris in their mouths.
- A slightly distorted version of Necrodeus' laugh is produced by a Grab Hand when he snatches Kirby in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.
- "This island was once a ring of volcanoes. They billowed with smoke, but it was still no real threat. But the Skullys found that it was easy to live here, shielded from the sun by all that smoke. They've infested the island, and now it's plagued by magma bursts and ruled by dark forces." - Daroach, Kirby Mass Attack
- "Your home, Popstar, is the brightest star in space. It was only a matter of time before Necrodeus decided to smother its light." - Daroach, Kirby Mass Attack
- "Necrodeus hates light and wants to steep the world in darkness." - Daroach, Kirby Mass Attack
- Buddha Statues 101

domain: game


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Warning after thieves target cars in village near Horsham
A warning has gone out from police to drivers following thefts from cars parked in a village near Horsham.
Police say that a number of vehicles have been targeted in the Ashington area.
A spokesman said: “It’s possible the vehicles were left unlocked.
“Remember to lock your vehicles even if left for a short time. Take all valuables out of the vehicle or put them out of sight.”


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Miami Dolphins 53-player depth chart
Final cuts: Who will make the Dolphins' 53-man roster?
Hyde5: Five troubling thoughts on Dolphins loss at Dallas
Miami Dolphins playing numbers game with roster
Dolphins finally establish ground game
Dolphins vs. Falcons: Five things to look for
Projecting the Miami Dolphins' 53-man roster
Miami Dolphins training camp report (Aug. 21)
Have Dolphins neglected running game in preseason?
Three things that went right and wrong against the Panthers
Secret's out: Miami Dolphins rookie QB Ryan Tannehill still under construction
Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers: Top things to look for
Can the Miami Dolphins still get physical?
Miami Dolphins training camp report (Aug. 14)
Miami Dolphins training camp report (Aug. 13)
Miami Dolphins training camp report (Aug. 12)
Three things that went right & wrong against Tampa Bay
Hyde5: Five questions for Dolphins vs Bucs
Dolphins vs. Bucs: Five things to look for
Dolphins release depth chart listing David Garrard with first-team
Hyde5: Five thoughts on the Dolphins depth chart
Miami Dolphins training camp report (Aug. 6)
Live update rewind: Omar and Izzy at Dolphins camp
Dolphins rookie Tannehill on QB battle: 'I want to be the guy'
Miami Dolphins: Lessons learned from week one of training camp
Dolphins training camp: day four
Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush insists he can lead the league in rushing
Two Dolphins' starters sidelined by injuries on second day of training camp
Dolphins' Bush has sights set on leading NFL in rushing
Camp Preview: Five questions about the Miami Dolphins' offense
Miami Dolphins position breakdown: Running backs
Dolphins center Mike Pouncey talks QBs, dieting and players to watch
Dolphins hope to spread the wealth on offense
Names don't make the Miami Dolphins offense go
Mike Pouncey: 'Your second year is supposed to be your best year'
For some Miami Dolphins, opportunity is knocking
Miami Dolphins counting on young players to develop in 2012 season
Miami Dolphins sign 4th-round pick Lamar Miller
The good, the bad and the vision for the Miami Dolphins 2012 draft picks
Dolphins Draft Day 3: Miami gets UM's Miller; add receiver, linebacker
Miami Dolphins minicamp practice report
Sizing up Dolphins' latest offensive depth chart
Joe Philbin transcript: 'Ask Matt Flynn why he's in Seattle'
Latest look at the Miami Dolphins' offensive depth chart
Miami Dolphins decline to tender RB Lex Hilliard
8 reasons why Peyton Manning and the Miami Dolphins are a good fit
NFL players to headline Prep & Sports event


On 11-12 December, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba will pay a working visit to Brussels, Belgium.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy is to take part in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The Minister will pay key attention to the European Council's decision to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU on December 14-15. A separate important topic will be the mobilisation of new military assistance for Ukraine and the joint production of weapons, ammunition, military equipment and other hardware.
During his visit to Brussels, Dmytro Kuleba will also take part in the Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting, the key topic of which will be the initiative's activities in 2024 to promote the European integration of its members.
The programme of the Minister's visit also includes participation in a meeting of the GUAM Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs, as well as bilateral meetings with his counterparts.


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This years Oakland A's Fan Fest turned out to be much different from last year. This is due to the fact that the A's had a very successful season in 2012 compared to 2011. This year it was sold out. My brother (the A's are his favorite team) and I arrived as the doors were opening. The A's fan fest is held in the Oracle Arena, which for those of you that don't know, is right next door the Oakland Coliseum. Of course, we made a B-line for the memorabilia sale. Last year, the memorabilia sale was held in the "Bud Club" lounge downstairs at the Oracle Arena. There was no line, we just walked in. Plenty of caps, but jerseys and pants had been picked clean. This year, it was along the main walkway. My brother and I quickly realized that we might not be lucky enough to just walk in. We were right; there was a huge line waiting to get in! After what seemed like an eternity, we were ushered in to the sale. Luckily, there was an abundance of items; still plenty of caps along with jerseys, pants, game used balls, helmets, jackets, bats, and wine bottles from their wild card celebration.
My brother and I began digging through the caps, hoping to find some from the 1955 Oakland Oaks Pacific Coast League turn back the clock game held last July. Those caps were not released to retail. Unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found. I found a Jemile Weeks team-issued cap from the 1936 Philly A's turn back the clock game vs. Boston. That was the only cap from that game that I found. Most were from opening day, camo logo caps from Memorial Day and the 4th of July, and also several Postseason caps, although they were all road versions.
The Jemile Weeks 1936 Philladelphia A's turn back the clock cap
I ended up with a game used Jerry Blevins camo logo cap from the 4th of July game, the aforementioned Jemile Weeks team-issued 1936 TBTC game cap, a Stephen Drew team issued Postseason road cap, and bench coach Chip Hale team issued Postseason road cap. The Weeks cap has since been traded and the Hale cap sold.
Jerry Blevins 4th of July camo logo cap
Outside of the Stephen Drew team issued Postseason road cap
My brother ended up with Stephen Drew's game used Postseason road cap as well as one used by George Kottaras. His best find game with a bit of luck; underneath the pile of jackets, he found a game used Grant Balfour cap from the Memorial Day game.
Grand Balfour's Memorial Day camo logo cap. Balfour altered his cap in many ways, including cutting out some of the buckram and removing some of the sweatband material.
Interior of Stephen Drew's game used Postseason road cap
Interior of George Kottara's game used Postseason road cap
While we are on the subject of the A's, a couple of bizarre vintage A's caps have shown up on eBay being sold by the Lelands sports memorabilia auction house. First, we have a circa 1968 and 1969 cap, which at first glance appears to be made by KM Pro (the profile, embroidery, 7-stitch visor). Now, look at the underside (#30 in both of those years belonged to pitcher Jim Nash). There appears to by a New Era tag on the sweatband! What in the world?
Second; we have a mid 70s A's cap made by New Era. Turn it around, and there is a strange tag that says "Pro McAuliffe". What? Wait a second - wasn't the McAuliffe name gone from caps by 1968?
I have a couple of theories...
Under Charlie Finley's ownership,
the A's were extremely thrifty. I have read that instead of ordering new caps and jersyes, they
would just have the old ones repaired. Which means, McAuliffe & KM Pros may
have been repaired by New Era and vice-versa. The sweatbands would definitley be
the main thing replaced. Look at the 68/69 cap. The sweatband looks brand new! I have seen some caps before with the "Pro McAuliffe"
label. They might have been made for New Era repairs on KM caps. Since it
probably didn't happen often, there may have been leftovers from after the
McAuliffe label was gone. My second theory is that the repairs were contracted by Stall & Dean,
who made McAuliffe jerseys for years after the name was gone from caps. Stall & Dean would repair the jerseys, and may
have had New Era repair the caps for them under private label under the McAuliffe name. Does any of that
make sense? That's all I've got...

domain: hobby


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Browsing by Subject "Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750. Chorales -- Analysis, appreciation"
Now showing items 1-1 of 1
(1981)This paper gives an overview of the history of the German chorale and then compares the last manuscript edition of Johann Sebastian Bach's eighteen chorales to earlier versions of the same works. Each work is placed within ...

domain: history


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Host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Amma Marfo, Karissa Kloss, and Kevin Dillon look back at the best final episodes of some of television’s most beloved series, as they try to name the best TV series finale of all time.
Follow the Show!
– Twitter: @culture_debate
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Producers: Mike Rapin, Eric Rezsnyak
Editor: Jeff Perry


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One tweet from an angry fan said, "I hope your family gets murdered." Blake's wife re-tweeted it with the comment, "Wow."
There were reports that Kobe Bryant had tweeted on half of Blake, but the Lakers confirmed that Bryant does not have a Twitter account.
Kristen Blake tweeted that she blocked 500 people from viewing her account, and tweeted: "I am deeply grateful & humbled by the outpouring of love, support, & most of all prayers for our family in light of recent events-THANK YOU!"
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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Perhaps the greatest, most powerful story we hear, time and time again, is change.
Birth, live, death; beginnings, suffering and growth, endings. It’s a cycle that we all know, something that somehow feels etched in our bones, defines our living compass.
“Hamsters exist to teach children about death,” my wife once told me – I never had a hamster when I was growing up, but she was right. Experiencing life and death is something that we all eventually have to deal with.
Those who resist change, who try to keep things as they are, eventually seem unnatural – and usually fail; trying to hold the ever-draining sands of time static within their clutching fingers.
I used to think that we valued books because they were static; little pieces of constancy in our lives, adventures that we could turn to again and again. Despite their own changes, we know their patterns and rhythms, their protagonists and villains, their beginnings and endings.
But of course, this isn’t true. Books change because we change. The magic of a childhood tale can be worn away by cynicism, or because we see it for what it truly is – a simple story. New meanings come to light, once-common historic views are exposed for being dated or offensive.
Sometimes books become dearer to us, perspective giving us a different perspective on an old tale. I remember loving Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series, falling in love with Phedre and Joscelin, feeling somehow disappointed by the second trilogy, following another character. Sometime later, I came back to it when I was having a difficult time, but found the first trilogy a little unsatisfying. Excellently written, yes, but not resonant with how I was feeling. The second trilogy somehow felt a little darker, a little more in keeping with how I felt, Imriel’s struggles more in line with my own.
And sometimes we simply aren’t ready for a book; I remember trying to read the Lord of the Rings at a very young age, getting far too confused with all the characters, sub-plots and sprawling explanations.
Of course, some books remain great, and grow greater as you read them, every crease and mark on their covers and pages mapping to your own life experiences, struggles and adventures. And as Iain Banks and Clive Barker both said, they’re greater for it. These are the books that are your true life companions, masterpieces that somehow manage to change with you – and they’re few and far between.


text: Dr. Stavros Kiliaridis is Professor Emeritus, University of Geneva, and adjunct Professor at the University of Bern, Switzerland. He was Professor and Chairman of Orthodontics at the University of Geneva (1999-2021). He graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and received his PhD from Göteborg University, Sweden, where he also completed his specialist education in Orthodontics and worked as Associate Professor. His research is focused on masticatory muscle influence on dentofacial growth, post-emergent phases of tooth eruption, diagnostic methods of oral function, dentofacial aberrations in individuals with Neuromuscular Diseases, outcome of different orthodontic interventions, side effects linked to orthodontic treatment. He has authored or co-authored over 230 research papers and several book-chapters, and is reviewer for many international scientific journals. He has been speaker at numerous orthodontic congresses and lectured in many universities worldwide. He is recipient of many distinctions and awards, and the scientific work performed by his students under his supervision has been internationally awarded on numerous occasions.

domain: medical


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Don’t forget the power of a bold stripe! While technically not filled with one solid color from edge to edge this Contrasting-Edge Table Runner from Zara Home lets grey tones take center stage in a design that can live on your table from Halloween through the holidays:
This impact is amplified as the coffee table sits at the heart of the living room and is something you simply cannot miss! We often talk about repeating a certain accent color or even a unique texture inside a room to give it a more coherent and curated look.
Do not just draw inspiration from colors of fall but also find little elements that connect the outdoor Thanksgiving dining experience with your poolside deck porch patio or garden to create that perfect and unforgettable night for your entire family.
So you’re looking for a table runner in a solid hue… Hopefully the color of your dreams is available! We’ve included an array of shades in the offerings that follow. But boy is it tricky to find one place that carries a thorough variety. If you can’t find what you want you can always dye a basic white runner. If you’re short on time hopefully you won’t have to…
This DIY Shibori Table Runner from Annabode couldn’t be easier to make…or faster! 30 seconds in fact. That’s because it’s really paper that you can order for a reasonable price. Voila! Instant table runner: This DIY grid table runner from Paper & Stitch is fabulously modern and perfectly on trend:
With a limited number of table runners sporting the latest trends it’s no wonder so many DIY runner options have become popular in recent years! We end today’s post with a few of our favorites.


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domain: finance


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Dr. Bryan C. McIntosh offers Body Lift surgery to patients in Bellevue, Seattle and the surrounding Washington areas.
If you have recently undergone a significant weight loss, you may be suffering from the loss of your skin’s elasticity after it had previously been stretched to fit your excess weight. Dr. McIntosh offers his patients the options to tighten and tone your entire body with a body lift. This procedure will help remove all excess skin, tissue and fat that is producing a saggy, unfit overall appearance. Bellevue patients continuously trust Dr. McIntosh’s talent with this procedure because he offers consistent, amazing, natural-looking results.
How are Body Lifts Performed in Seattle?
A body lift procedure begins with an incision that is dependent on the extent of surgery required for the individual. A total body lift treats the abdomen, buttocks, waist, hips and thighs in one procedure. With this, a circumferential incision is made to remove all of the body’s excess skin and fat while repositioning the tissue to the body’s new shape. Dr. McIntosh may recommend liposuction with this procedure to help rid the body of all excess fat. The incisions will be closed with sutures, skin adhesives or tapes.
Immediately after the procedure, the results will begin to show; however, it will take between 1 to 2 years for the full effect of the body lift to be seen. To drain excess fluids, there may be a tube placed in the incisions, under bandages. Overall, the results are long lasting, and Dr. McIntosh’s procedure will require minimal downtime to recover.
How Much Does Body Lift Surgery Cost in Seattle?
The cost of this procedure varies based on the extent of the surgery and if liposuction is done in conjunction with the body lift. At your initial consultation, Dr. McIntosh will discuss the price with you. Our Bellevue office offers patient financing and accepts all major credit cards.
Am I A Good Candidate for Body Lift Surgery in Seattle?
Many of Dr. McIntosh’s Bellevue patients choose this procedure if they are looking to tone their entire body after going through a significant weight loss that has caused an excess of stretched skin. Dr. McIntosh will discuss your medical history with you at your consultation to ensure that you are an ideal candidate for this procedure.
The results Bellevue patients have seen from this procedure have improved the appearance of their entire body. A toned, fit shape to the body continues to boost our patients’ confidence. Before scheduling your consultation, look at the incredible enhancements Dr. McIntosh’s patients have experienced.
Dr. Bryan C. McIntosh urges his patients to remember that your comfort with the surgeon is equally as important as the cost of the entire procedure. Dr. McIntosh would like a chance to meet with you and discuss the results you want to ensure that this is the right choice for you and your body. All of your options will be carefully reviewed between Dr. McIntosh and yourself before your body lift surgery, guaranteeing each patient’s utmost comfort. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your body lift and discuss all of your options.


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We aim to have the kids IN the water as much as possible. Our classes are built to focus on fundamentals in a way that seems like play. Every day, students will review what they've learned and build on those skills. Our goal is to end each session with the kids feeling more confident with improved swimming skills.
Swim Basics. Swimmers will learn swimming safety and basics through play, focusing on submerging their heads, blowing bubbles, supported front and back floats and kicking.
Building on Swim Basics. Swimmers will continue to learn swimming safety and basics. The goal of this level will be making forward progress, unassisted while improving the technique of their freestyle and backstroke. For the level, a swimmer should already be able to get to the side of the pool from the middle without assistance.
Strokes. This level focuses on learning and refining strokes for freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke as well as diving basics and treading water. Participants must be comfortable in deep water.
PLEASE NOTE: To accommodate as many kids as possible, some levels may be combined. Swimmers will be given opportunities to progress their swimming throughout the combo levels according to their abilities.


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PHOENIX, Sept. 4, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Limelight Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:LLNW), a global leader in Digital Presence Management, today announced that it will celebrate its tenth year at IBC in Amsterdam, 6-11 September. The company will focus on Digital Presence Management for the broadcast sector after a historic summer of global cultural and sporting events that took the online and mobile world by storm. To celebrate its tenth anniversary at IBC, Limelight is hosting a VIP dinner cruise incorporating the famous " supperclub."
"Over the past few months, Limelight has excelled in streaming multiple global cultural and sporting events, providing hundreds of hours of HD-quality content to multiple devices, and delivering more than seven petabytes of data around the world," said Kirby Wadsworth, Chief Marketing Officer, Limelight Networks. "Most importantly, this summer's many athletic competitions, including the Summer Games, brought the importance and value of coordinating online and mobile channels into focus for broadcasters globally. Recent research shows that over 70% of TV viewers are simultaneously using another device such as a smartphone or PC. During the summer games, broadcasters learned that they need to incorporate and coordinate all activities through all online channels to present a consistent and holistic viewer experience across multiple digital touch points."
Over the last decade, Limelight has played a major role in driving the adoption of Internet digital content, especially within the media and entertainment sector. In broadcasting particularly, wholesale changes in networks, mobile devices, and viewer behavior often outstrip the operator's abilities to respond effectively to this new multi-channel challenge, and Limelight has been there to assist.Limelight's Orchestrate Digital Presence Management Platform offers an integrated suite of cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, which allows organizations to assemble, manage, deliver, and optimize all aspects of their online Digital Presence across web, mobile, social, and large screen channels. Orchestrate leverages Limelight's scalable, high-performance network to offer advanced features for: web content management; website personalization; content targeting; online video publishing; mobile enablement and monetization; content delivery; transcoding; content storage—combined with social media integration, website acceleration, and powerful analytics.
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