|Publication number||US7597847 B2|
|Application number||US 10/403,266|
|Publication date||Oct 6, 2009|
|Filing date||Mar 31, 2003|
|Priority date||Mar 31, 2003|
|Also published as||CA2462484A1, CA2462484C, CN1534298A, CN1534298B, DE602004015522D1, EP1464963A2, EP1464963A3, EP1464963B1, US20040191121|
|Publication number||10403266, 403266, US 7597847 B2, US 7597847B2, US-B2-7597847, US7597847 B2, US7597847B2|
|Inventors||David Angelo Tomasso, Raymond Francis Jakubowicz, James Vanselow Barry|
|Original Assignee||Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (57), Non-Patent Citations (41), Classifications (17), Legal Events (4)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stationary probe for an analyzer. In particular, the present invention relates to a desktop analyzer having a stationary probe for aspirating or dispensing a liquid.
2. Description of the Related Art
Desktop analyzers, particularly for veterinary use and point of care (POC) human use, are known in the art. For example, the Abaxis Vetscan™ and Hemagen Analyst™ are both desktop analyzers for veterinary use. The Vitros DT-60™ is a desktop analyzer manufactured by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Corp. Other known analyzers include those POC analyzers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,968,329, 5,747,666, 5,980,830, and 5,787,015, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,049 also discloses a modular analyzer system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,734 discloses a modular automated diagnostic system. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0098116 ('116 publication) describes a biochemical analysis system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,257 describes analyzers and their components that use slides as test elements. U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,825 discloses a chemical analyzer having a rotary cuvette holder and a pivoting probe. These publications are also incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Known diagnostic systems, such as those described above, have generally adequately addressed size issues but often at the expense of functionality, test menu, and productivity. Most known systems perform tests serially on a single patient sample, significantly limiting walk away time for the user to perform other work tasks. These analyzers usually employ a number of dedicated subsystems within the analyzer to perform discrete functions such as sample storage and positioning, reagent storage, and waste collection among others. In some cases, multiple analyzer systems are required to perform the variety of test menus needed in the lab, for example, separate systems to perform immuno rate or electrolyte assays.
In many known systems, whole blood samples must be prepared (e.g., diluted or centrifuged) prior to testing, further limiting the users productivity. Reagent formats can be individual test strips (e.g., such as dry-slide technology), which offer the most cost effective solution and test flexibility, or multiple test formats (e.g., such as the Abaxis Vetscan™ rotor), which limit selective assay testing, and, as a result, drive up test costs. Liquid systems may compromise analytical performance when dealing with patient sample background interference compared to analyzers that use a dry-slide format. However, there are some tests which are incompatible with dry formats and therefore must use wet or liquid formats.
There is a need for small, portable in vitro diagnostic systems that are capable of automatically performing a wide range of analysis, preferably for both human and animal health care providers, and provide the flexibility to execute a variety of operations on patient samples with a high degree of simplicity and cost effectiveness. There are a number of factors that drive the need for improved products including:
Cost Pressures—Lower cost testing solutions that more effectively utilize system reagents and operation.
Ease of Use—Users at the POC and veterinary labs are often less skilled than most technicians working in large lab operations and often perform a wide range of lab and office functions. Systems utilized in these labs must be simple to use but offer a high degree of functionality. Systems that are easy to use with little maintenance or preparation of both sample and instrument are advantageous.
Increased Test Menu Capability—Systems are needed that can perform a wide range of tests without compromising analytical performance due to test format limitations. Current systems penalize the user due to their inflexibility to accommodate individual and panel tests without additional reagent waste associated with pre-configured test formats (e.g., the Abaxis Vetscan™ rotor or the Hemagen Analyst™ Panels+test rotor).
Size—Lab space is often very limited and portability is often a factor allowing the analyzer to be used at the patient location.
In developing such systems that achieve the above factors, there is a need to minimize the number of moving parts to save on costs and minimize space requirements. Known analyzers often use moving probes (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,965,049 and 6,013,528 and the '116 publication) to align the probe with the test element, such as a well or slide, in order to dispense or aspirate the fluid being analyzed or assayed. Moving probes can also be used to aspirate and dispense diluent, reagent, wash and reference fluids. In some instances, the probes must be aligned precisely with the target receptacle. This results in expensive and space consuming motors, transmissions and control systems.
One object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the known art described above. Another object of the invention is to provide a desktop analyzer that can perform an array of different analysis within a compact space. Another object of the invention is to provide a stationary multifunction probe for an analyzer. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of dispensing or aspirating a fluid into a test element that includes using a stationary probe. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of analyzing a sample.
The foregoing and further objects of the invention are accomplished according to one aspect of the invention that provides an analyzer that includes: a stationary probe capable of dispensing or aspirating a liquid; one or more of a movable test element or movable liquid source; and a conveyor for moving the movable test element or liquid source with respect to the stationary probe. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor includes a dual rotor conveyor. In another preferred embodiment, the analyzer is a desktop analyzer.
According to another aspect of the invention, there has been provided a method of dispensing or aspirating a liquid into and/or onto a test element that includes: providing a movable test element having identifying marks, such as a barcode, thereon and a movable sample liquid supply; providing a stationary probe; reading the identifying marks to determine which test is to be performed and optionally the dimensions of the test element; moving the movable sample liquid supply into registration with the probe; aspirating sample into the stationary probe; and moving the movable test element into registration with the probe, wherein the registration of the test element with the probe is controlled by the test to be performed. In a preferred embodiment, the method is implemented by a computer program interfacing with a computer.
According to another aspect of the invention, there has been provided an article of manufacture comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code configured to conduct the method described above.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from detailed consideration of the preferred embodiments that follow.
The present invention is directed to an in vitro analyzer for use in human and animal diagnostics. The analyzer of the present invention allows for simplified panel testing, e.g., a “chem 7” or “chem 20” panel, with the option to add individual tests as required by the user without generating unnecessary reagent waste or unwanted tests. The device is simple to use and allows the user the opportunity to place multiple patient samples on the device that will automatically process the tests without further intervention by the user.
In order to make such a compact design possible, one aspect of the present invention provides an analyzer that includes a stationary fluid probe and movable test element(s) or movable fluid, preferably liquid, supply(ies). An important feature of the invention is the stationary probe. The stationary probe preferably is a probe, such as a nozzle capable of aspirating and/or dispensing a liquid, preferably in a metering fashion. As used herein, “stationary” is defined as the probe being stationary along at least one axis of an x, y and z coordinate system. Preferably, the probe is only movable along a single axis, such as the vertical “z” axis. Movement in the vertical direction allows the probe to access tips, samples, waste, etc., which may be at different heights. Thus, with the exception of vertical movement of the probe, all movement is confined to the movable test element, which in some embodiments is transported by a moving rotor. This has the significant advantage over typical known analyzers in that additional cost and complexity that would result from a probe transport system is avoided. That is, a simple control system in one dimension (in this case vertical) is all that is required for the stationary probe, as opposed to a more complex control system required for more degrees of freedom. Thus, instead of a complex transport and control systems as used in known analyzer probe transports (i.e., multiple servo motors and controllers being provided), a much simpler transport and control system is all that is required.
Preferably, the probe includes a probe or metering tip, preferably disposable, that actually contacts the fluid being manipulated. In one embodiment, an additional probe, such as a reference fluid dispensing nozzle, may also be provided. Due to space limitations, it may be desirable to have some movement of the additional probe, such as to move from a fluid source, e.g., a source of reference fluid, to the dispense position over the test element. In such an instance, the movement of the additional probe could be limited to movement in a straight line or a single plane, due to the position of one opening of the probe guide (described below), which would be located to receive the additional probe. This would simplify construction by dispensing with the requirement of providing motion and control systems for three dimensional movement.
In order to make such a compact design further possible, one embodiment of the present invention also provides a test element holder, such as a test element cartridge, that includes a guide for positioning a fluid probe, such as an aspirating or dispensing nozzle with a test element or fluid source being acted upon. Further details of the test element cartridge and a guide can be found in copending application entitled “Test Element Holder with a Probe Guide for an Analyzer”(Ser. No. 10/403,153) filed concurrently herewith and incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The test element can be a slide containing the reagents necessary for the analysis, the so-called dry-slide technology as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,257 or a cup-shaped well as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,895, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. The test element can also be the so-called test strip chemistry.
Broadly, the test element holder contains test elements to be dispensed. Typically this would include multiple test elements, however, in some embodiments, such as wells for a wet analysis, it can be envisioned that a single test element may be employed. The holder can also be termed a cassette. The holder includes a body portion for holding at least one test element and a guide adapted to receive a probe to position the probe in a desired registration with the test element. Preferably, the test element holder includes a recess for holding the test elements and a cover for the test element or other fluid source being acted upon by the probe. Suitable cassettes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,142,863 and 4,512,952, both incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Located within the cover is at least one opening, preferably two and more preferably three openings adapted to receive the probe tip. The opening(s) can include a surface that extends away from the opening and at least partially surrounds the opening(s). Preferably, the openings are round and the surface has at least a partially cylindrical shape. The surface can open in an increasing manner in a direction away from the hole toward the probe tip to assist in guiding the probe into registration with the test element. For example, the surface can have the shape of a truncated cone.
In one embodiment, there are a plurality of openings and one of the openings opens in a direction that is different than the other openings. This can be provided for a variety of reasons. For example, in some embodiments, there may be provided multiple probes, such as one for sample and the other for reference fluids for potentiometric analysis as described above, that are positioned at different angles with respect to the test element or other fluid sources. In this embodiment, the other opening can receive the probe in the same manner as the other opening that have an open perpendicular to the covering of the test element. It should be understood that the description of the plurality of holes above encompasses designs where the holes share common sectors with each other, such that there are no discontinuities between holes. That is, the holes overlap to a certain extent. This is illustrated in
The probe guide can be an integral or unitary one-piece construction with the holder, or a separate attached structure. In a preferred embodiment, the guide alone or the integral guide and holder are formed from an injection molded plastic. In some embodiments, the test elements may come pre-packaged in a disposable test element holder. In these embodiments, the probe guide may likewise be disposable, preferably recyclable. Of course, if the probe guide is separately attachable to the test element holder, it can be independently disposable. At least periodic disposal is particularly advantageous, because it dispenses with cleaning requirements, reduces the likelihood of carryover between samples, and reduces tolerance buildup.
In a preferred embodiment, a movable fluid supply of the analyzer that can be removably attached to the desktop analyzer is provided in conjunction with the stationary probe. The test element holder with the probe guide can be included with, and preferably in, the movable fluid supply. In a preferred embodiment, the test element holder sits in a recess of the movable fluid supply. The movable fluid supply can also include a probe tip holder and a fluid supply section and is preferably of a one-piece construction. The probe tip holder retains a tip that will be used to aspirate the fluid in the fluid supply section. The fluid supply section contains the fluid, such as whole blood, serum plasma, wash fluid, or a diluent to be aspirated and dispensed onto the test element. These can also be recesses in the movable fluid supply. Thus, in one unit, all components of the analyzer that are required to be in registration with the probe tip can be included in the fluid supply section
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of test element holders with probe guides are provided. By providing a test element holder with a corresponding probe guide, different test elements, such as potentiometric and colorimetric test elements, or wet and dry test elements, can be used together on a single analyzer, providing a significant benefit in reducing size and providing optimum flexibility in analysis. Further details of multiple test element holders are described in copending application entitled “Test Element Holder with a Probe Guide for an Analyzer” filed concurrently herewith and incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Another embodiment of the present invention, which is significant in reducing size and providing optimum flexibility in analysis, involves the probe being stationary (as described above) and the test element(s) making all significant movements, such as by the rotors described below, to bring the test element and probe into the desired registration.
The materials of construction for the analyzer, including the probe guide, test element holder and movable fluid supply can include all suitable materials known in the art, such as plastic or metal. The disposable items of the analyzer, such as the test element holder and metering tips are preferably made from environmentally friendly, recyclable materials.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of aspirating or dispensing a liquid, or more preferably performing an analysis on a sample, using the analyzer according to the present invention. In one preferred embodiment, the type of analysis or test to be performed on a sample is selected. Based on the test to be performed, one or more movable test elements, corresponding to the test to be performed, are loaded onto the analyzer, preferably in the movable liquid supply. The test elements preferably contain identification indicia or marks, such as a barcode, that can be read by the analyzer to determine the test to be performed and optionally the physical dimensions of the test element. In some instances the analysis to be performed is also inputted into the control system for the analyzer, preferably through a keyboard of a computer that controls the analyzer.
A sample is provided, preferably on the movable fluid supply. The movable fluid supply containing the sample and test elements is loaded onto the analyzer. Depending on the number and type of analysis to be performed, more than one movable fluid supply may be required. Upon activation of the analyzer, a transport system or conveyor moves the movable fluid supply into registration with the stationary probe. In some embodiments, a disposable probe tip is pre-loaded onto the movable fluid supply and the probe first receives the tip. The sample is then moved into registration with the probe and the probe aspirates sample into the tip. After aspirating the sample, the test elements are moved into registration with the probe. A pre-selected amount of the sample is dispensed from the probe tip onto or into the test element. If necessary, a supply of liquid reagent, such as horseradish peroxide oxidase (“HPO”), can be moved into registration with the stationary probe. The probe aspirates the reagent and retains the reagent until the sample has moved back into registration with the probe, at which point, the reagent is dispensed onto the test element containing the sample.
At this point, if incubation is required, the test element containing the sample, can be incubated. On those preferred embodiments that contain a dual-rotor configuration as described below, the test element can be transferred to the inner rotor and incubated, while the outer reagent rotor continues the function of transporting sample and test elements into registration with the stationary probe. After incubation, the sample can be optionally washed, once again, by moving a supply of liquid wash into registration with the stationary probe. After washing, the sample can be transferred to a spectrometer to have its signal read. On chemiluminscent applications where a signal reagent is needed, once again, a supply of signal reagent is moved into registration with the probe to be aspirated and then dispensed onto the washed sample. After completion of the analysis, the test element can be disposed of. In those embodiments that make use of an inner movable ring, the inner ring may be brought into registration with a waste container on the outer ring and ejected into the waste container. Likewise, the outer reagent rotor can rotate the waste container into alignment with the stationary probe and receive the used probe tip(s).
The present invention will now be illustrated in connection with the following detailed preferred embodiment. Of course, the preferred embodiment is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the analyzer includes dual concentric rotors. Samples may be whole blood, which may be automatically centrifuged prior to metering, or a variety of other sample types including serum, plasma and urine, among others. The concentric rotors work in concert to process a wide variety of analytical tests with little intervention by the user.
The outer reagent rotor carries the movable fluid supply(ies) and eliminates the need for multiple system modules and associated complexity since it is capable of storing and processing samples, test elements, liquid reagents, disposables and waste on a single platform. The multifunctional outer reagent rotor allows the user to place multiple patient samples on the rotor in addition to individual, assay specific test slides in test cartridges. The movable fluid supply also accepts whole blood samples, which can be automatically centrifuged on the analyzer or prepared samples. The outer reagent rotor is also capable of positioning a variety of movable fluid supplies in various formats that allow for auto dilution of samples and expanded test menu capability through the addition of wash fluids for immuno rate assays. The reagent rotor is also capable of accepting a waste collection container to collect the various test slides and metering tips. The outer reagent rotor is automatically positioned to intersect a fixed metering system, that includes the fluid probe, used to aspirate and dispense various fluids.
The inner incubator rotor is used to incubate the slides at a predetermined temperature then position the slide for measurement by a sensitometry device, such as a reflectometer, electrometer or spectrometer. Test slides are then ejected from the incubator rotor into a common waste collection container placed on the reagent rotor. The waste collection container is also able to collect other test consumables such as disposable probe tips due to the random access positioning capability of the reagent rotor.
All test processing and waste collection is accomplished within the rotors. Additional system features not shown can include an integral printer, user interface keypad/display, electronics and cabinetry.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the reagent rotor (1) orients movable fluid supplies (2) concentric to the rotational axis of the reagent rotor (1). The reagent rotor is rotated about its center axis by a motor with a sensor to determine exact positioning. The movable fluid supplies (2) are reusable and are accurately positioned on the reagent rotor using a locating feature (3), which in this embodiment is a peg that inserts into a hole (not shown) on the underside of the movable fluid supply (2) and anti-rotation feature (4), which in this embodiment is a recess that will accept a pin attached to the end of a spring-loaded latch (5). The movable fluid supplies (2) are held in place on the reagent rotor by spring-loaded latches (5) or other means that allow easy loading and unloading of the movable fluid supplies (2) by the user. A single disposable metering or probe tip (6) is placed in a recess on the top of the fluid supply (2) for access by the stationary probe system (16) that includes probe (24,
As shown in
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the methods described above can be implemented by a computer program interfacing with a computer, that can include a computer usable medium having computer readable program code configured to conduct the methods.
In another preferred embodiment, the analyzer is a veterinary analyzer that includes a T4 assay.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the compounds, compositions and processes of this invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
The disclosure of all publications cited above are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties to the same extent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.
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|19||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 23. NDN 043-0254-5389-8, Pipette Chip Loading Implement, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02207047 JP.|
|20||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 24. NDN 043-0254-5388-6, Incubator, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02207046 JP.|
|21||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 25. NDN 043-0254-5387-4, Incubator, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02207045 JP.|
|22||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 26. NDN 043-0254-5386-2, Incubator Device, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02207044 JP.|
|23||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 27. NDN 043-0252-0179-4, Cartridge for Biochemical Analysis, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02181834 JP.|
|24||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 28. NDN 043-0252-0178-2, Biochemical Analyzer, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02181833 JP.|
|25||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 29. NDN 043-0252-0177-0, Cartridge for Biochemical Analysis, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02181832 JP.|
|26||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 3. NDN 223-0118-3058-9 Incubator US Pub. No. 20020090321 A1.|
|27||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 30. NDN 043-0243-7088-2, Method and Device for Detecting Spot of Liquid, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02098707 JP.|
|28||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 31. NDN 043-0243-7087-0, Quantitative Suction Tip and Quantitative Suction Device, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02098706 JP.|
|29||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 32. NDN 043-0242-8766-8, Biochemical Analyzer, Citation from Patent Abstracts of Japan No. 02090377 JP.|
|30||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 33. NDN 217-0406-9896-3, Chemical analysis system and blood filtering unit-U.S. Patent No. 6,241,947.|
|31||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 34. NDN 217-0391-7176-6, Blood Filter Unit, U.S. Patent No. 6,170,671.|
|32||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 35. NDN 217-0364-4367-6, Method of Filtering Blood U.S. Patent No. 6,170,671.|
|33||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 4. NDN 223-0107-5493-2: Quantitative suction tip and quantitative suction apparatus US Pub. No. 20020037239 A1.|
|34||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 5. NDN 223-0106-4499-3: Biochemical analysis apparatus US Pub. No. 20020031844A1.|
|35||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 6. NDN 223-0008-3503-0; Analysis method using dry chemical analysis element US Pub. No. 20010041367 A1.|
|36||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 7. NDN 050-0062-9931-3: Chemical analysis system EPO Pub. No. 0932043.|
|37||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 8. NDN 050-0062-9930-1, Chemical analysis system and blood filtering unit-EPO Pub. No. 0932042.|
|38||Search-Nerac.com-Jan. 20, 2003-Question No. 1186511.004, 9. NDN 050-0060-7344-0, Method of filtering blood-EPO Pub. No. 0893130.|
|39||U.S. Appl. No. 10/403,153, Tomasso, et al.|
|40||U.S. Appl. No. 10/436,537, Tomasso, et al.|
|41||U.S. Appl. No. 10/730,749, Tomasso, et al.|
|U.S. Classification||422/64, 436/45, 422/72|
|International Classification||G01N35/04, G01N35/00, G01N35/10, G01N33/48, G01N35/02, G01N9/30|
|Cooperative Classification||G01N2035/0441, Y10T436/111666, G01N2035/0446, G01N2035/00138, G01N35/04, G01N2035/0443, G01N2035/0444|
|Sep 2, 2003||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: ORTHO-CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS, NEW JERSEY
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Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JAKUBOWICZ, RAYMOND FRANCIS;BARRY, JAMES VANSELOW;REEL/FRAME:014439/0541
Effective date: 20030818
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Year of fee payment: 4
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Owner name: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW YORK
Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ORTHO-CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS, INC;CRIMSON U.S. ASSETS LLC;CRIMSON INTERNATIONAL ASSETS LLC;REEL/FRAME:033276/0104
Effective date: 20140630
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Year of fee payment: 8


text:
Data Snapshot: “Trump Towns” Swung Democratic in New Hampshire Midterms
New Hampshire municipalities with relatively fewer college graduates generally offered strong support for Donald Trump in 2016—but not for Republicans in 2018.
New Hampshire municipalities with fewer college-educated residents, which generally offered strong support for Donald Trump two years ago, swung toward the opposing party in the 2018 midterms. Compared to the 2016 presidential contest, these municipalities shifted more sharply toward Democratic congressional candidates than towns and cities with more college-educated residents. This Democratic shift remains evident even when one compares New Hampshire’s 2018 House elections to its 2016 House elections, although in this context the stronger Democratic swing occurred in municipalities with relatively more college graduates.
The midterm results raise questions about the strength of the bond between the Republican Party and Granite State voters without a college degree. In 2016, Hillary Clinton carried just 37 percent of New Hampshire voters with only a high school degree, 11 percentage points lower than Barack Obama’s support in 2012, according to exit polls. In the figure below, the swing toward the Democratic Party is measured by subtracting Hillary Clinton’s percentage of the two-party vote in a given municipality in 2016 from the Democratic congressional candidate’s percentage of the two-party vote in that municipality in 2018. Democrats retained both of New Hampshire’s seats in the House of Representatives

domain: sociology


FB Models - Alfa Romeo 6C 1750SS Zagato 1:43 model
Product Review Taken From Four Small Wheels Magazine This is an older kit from FB and as such it will require quite a bit of care and adjustment to get the best results. The body is cast in two parts with the wings integral with a chassis plate onto which the central coachwork vaguely fits. The lower half is very thin which is great as far as the swept wings are concerned but will make adjustment tricky. The white metal parts for the drivetrain are pretty good and the wire wheels are excellent.
About FB Models
Rather crude resin and metal kits of some very interesting subjects, usually Alfa Romeos. Made in Italy.
Alfa Romeo 6C 1750SS Zagato model by FB Models
1st Spa 24hrs. Arrived 14/11/12
Grand Prix Models, your number one choice forFB Models - Alfa Romeo 6C 1750SS Zagato model


text:
Following the success of its 'chocolatetexture' products last year, 'nendo' has continued its exploration of chocolate with the 'chocolatetexturebar' created for 'by | n.' Unlike any other chocolate bar of its kind, the tasty treat provides a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond taste.
The chocolatetexturebar is decadent sweet that is "based on the theme of chocolates with the same raw materials but with diverse textures, and different tastes created from those distinctive textures." As a result, the chocolate bar features various textures that deliver a different tasting experience from beginning to end. The idea is that the different dimensions will allow the consumer to experience chocolate in way that goes beyond taste.
While the product may seem unusual, the chocolatetexturebar demonstrates that brands are beginning to pay attention to the overall experience of eating new foods.

domain: food


A five-year veteran of the city police service is charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm in connection with a collision last summer.
Around 8:15 p.m. on July 29, a marked police cruiser was responding to a high priority call when it wound up in a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of 167 Avenue and 91 Street.
The car was carrying two sworn officers in the front seat and an 18-year-old on a ride-along in the back seat. Nobody received serious injuries.
The collision was investigated by members of the city police collision investigation unit. After reviewing the case, Chief Rod Knecht made the decision to charge Rosenow.
Const. Mark Rosenow continues to work in an operational capacity.
His first court appearance is slated for May 18.
tap here to see other videos from our team.


text:
Author: Robin Hobb
Series: The Fareseer Trilogy - Book I
Review by: CL6 Talythia Starseeker
Order from amazon.com
This first book tells of the early life of Fitz, a royal bastard, and the trials and difficulties that he faces at court.
The tale starts with his grandfather leaving him to the care of his father, Prince Chivalry, the King-In-waiting of the Six Duchies, who he never actually sees. Chivalry's right hand man, Burrich, looks him after him from the age of six. He is soon taken to Buckkeep, the capital of the Six Duchies, a massive fortress-castle that is the home of the ruling family of the Six Duchies, the Farseers. Chivalry abdicates his claim to the throne after Fitz's parentage is revealed, leaving his brother Verity as the new King-In-Waiting, while Prince Regal, their ambitious step-brother, waits and plots.....
Not only does Fitz have the Skill, a sort of telepathy that allows the wielder to influence another's thoughts and to contact other Skill-users, from his father's side, but he also has the Wit which is similar but allows him to contact the minds of animals, especially those he Bonds with. However, this is a much reviled magic, thought by many to be a perversion, and as soon as Burrich discovers that Fitz is Witted, he removes Nosey, the hound Fitz had Bonded to, and doesn't give him the opportunity to Bond to any other animal. Burrich keeps him busy with jobs in the stable until the age of ten, when he catches the eye of his grandfather, King Shrewd, who makes a bargain with him to have him educated, fed and clothed in return for Fitz's unquestioning loyalty. Fitz is soon given lessons in weaponry, horsemanship and scribing, and secret lessons with a man, who introduces himself as Chade, who teaches him to be an assassin for the King.....
But a new threat comes to the kingdom in the form of the Red Ship Raiders, pirates from the Outislands who raided villages along the coast, taking villagers hostage, saying that unless a ransom was paid they would return the villagers. The remaining villagers refused and their loved ones were returned, but something had been taken from them in a process that became known as 'Forging' that left them uncaring of the consequences of their actions, and caring only for themselves. As Raider attacks increase and Forged ones spread across the coastal Duchies, killing and causing havoc, the people become dissatisfied with their rulers. A division forms between the coastal duchies and the inland Duchies, who dislike paying increased taxes to help the ravaged coastal Duchies, a situation exacerbated by the plotting of Prince Regal, who clearly has design on the throne....
And caught up in the middle of these events is Fitz, whose very existence changed the course of history of the Six Duchies.....
Review: This excellent story is told in the first person, from the point of view of the main character FitzChivalry Farseer sometime in the future. This gives us a lot of insight into how Fitz thinks, thought it limits what we know of all the other characters, since we only see them from his point of view. This also means that we only know as much as Fitz himself knows, and often the reader can share and empathise with his state of mind, like his confusion when he talks to the mysterious Fool, who drops hints about the future.
Fitz is far from perfect, he's not especially smart or strong, but he is persistent, and seems to keep going through whatever life throws at him.
The setting of the trilogy, the Six Duchies, is well realised as and also has a nicely thought out culture, and the characters are far from stereotypical. Despite the many 'stock' fantasy features of the story - royal bastards, magic, talking to animals - the way they are presented makes them interesting. Much of fantasy now can be seen as derivative of other works, but perhaps today talent can be shown in taking old fantasy concepts used many times and using them in such a way as to make them seem new and different - Robin Hobb certainly manages that here.
Title: Assassin's Apprentice

domain: library


text:
Ben Nye Lip Colors. Every color in this series is a classic, including Natural and Vixen, designed for Cirque du SoleilÂ®. Pots may be combined to form a convenient stack. Net Wt. .3oz / 8.5 gm. Expect 25-75 applications.
*NEW 2019* The Studio Color All-for-one 12 color lip palette. (STP-31)
Artists often use more than one color to finish lips and Ben Nye's palette offers unlimited options. Twelve blendable shades include nudes, pinks and reds. 18gm./0.63oz. Expect 100-300 applications.

domain: artistic


Alan Chircop, artistic director of the Foundation for the Support of Culture, opened the press conference by introducing the day’s concerts which , apart from the concert at the MCC forming part of the Malta International Music Festival, currently being held under the aegis of the European Foundation for the Support of Culture, included an afternoon concert at Pjazza Teatru Rjal as part of the events being organised for the ten-day Armenian Cultural Days in Malta. He introduced the artists taking part in the two concerts respectively.
Pianist Nikolai Lugansky said that he had accepted to participate in the Festival when he saw the impressive list of eminent performers who were also taking part. Lugansky is a prize-winner of many prestigious competitions and he performs an average of one hundred concerts a year. Apart from his performances in Russia he travels widely all over Europe, the North America and Latin America. That evening he will perform during a concert celebrating the 145th anniversary of the birth of composer Sergey Rachmaninoff – a concert that was very special for the Festival organizers. Lugansky would be performing the composer’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for piano and orchestra together with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under Sergey Smbatyan. Although called a ‘Rhapsody’ and although it is in one movement the work closely resembles a piano concerto. It is based on one of the most beautiful themes of the 19th century and is, in the opinion of the pianist, one of the most brilliant and perfectly written works for orchestra and piano. It was written in Switzerland after Rachmaninoff had left Russia and settled in the West. Asked whether this move to the West had any effect on Rachmaninoff’s music Lugansky said that, although this work is more personal than the fourth piano concerto that Rachmaninoff started writing in Moscow and finished in the United States and reflects the composer’s personal drama, Rachmaninoff would have composed in the same way wherever he was writing. His move did however have an effect on his career as a pianist for as soon as he moved to the United States Rachmaninoff’s performances on the piano caught the public by storm and he immediately became one of the most popular performers on the circuit.
Asked about his interpretation of the work Lugansky said that the performer carries the music within himself and his interpretation is just the way that he brings this out – the music that takes place during the performance.
Also present at the conference was Hayk Hakobyan (Hayko) who in 2007 represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest. He was performing in the afternoon concert together with two Maltese participants in past contests (Christabelle Borg, 2018, and Amber Bondin, 2015) and two participants in past Junior Eurovision Song contests, Dalita Artin Avanessian for Armenia and Destiny Chukunyere for Malta. Hakobyan is nowadays often asked to be a member of the jury for song contests in Armenia. He said how happy he was to be participating in this joint Maltese-Armenian concert. He said that he liked to write music as well as sing and he particularly liked to write for films. Asked what parameters he used when judging contests and whether his judgement was in any way affected by the fact that he himself had participated in similar contests, he said that nowadays Eurovision Song Contest regulations are very stringent and in Armenia they tend to adopt them. However he does not quite agree with the fact that 50% of the votes come from the jury panel and 50% come from the members of the public as this can often distort results.
Rounding up the conference Mr Chircop reminded the audience about the two concerts of the day and invited them to the next day’s press conference.


text:
Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables, turn it into a very tasty and healthy meal with this recipe.
- 2 people
- Active Time
- Total Time
- 150g Kale
- 150g Smoked Pancetta or 4 Rashers of Smoked Bacon, Chopped
- 10g Pine Nuts
- 1 Large Garlic Clove chopped or grated
- 1 Lemon
- Fresh Thyme
- Start by cooking the pancetta until cooked and nicely golden. Start toasting the pine nuts in a separate pan, Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Remove the leaves from the fresh thyme and add. Add a splash of water, deglaze the garlic and bacon flavours stuck to the pan and add the kale. Cover and let steam for 3 minutes then remove the cover and cook for another 3 minutes. Squeeze over the juice of 1/4 of a lemon and season with some pepper. Serve the Kale with a good grating of parmesan on top and enjoy.


Feeling green? One of the best places to make an impact is in your home.
Start with simple swaps, like updating old appliances to energy-efficient ones
Then look for areas that are currently wasting energy, such as gadgets left plugged in 24/7
And finally, seal any water-wasting leaks or cracks around your home
Going green is good for the environment AND it can save you thousands of dollars a year. Plus, energy-efficient upgrades also rank highly on the list of features that today’s buyers are looking for
Contact our team for a referral to local vendors who specialize in energy audits and upgrades!


text:
Eye-opening claims that California has the sixth largest economy on the planet, the highest poverty rate in the nation and that President Trump’s border wall will cost one and a half times as much as an aircraft carrier all made PolitiFact California’s Top 10 most popular fact checks of 2017.
Ted Lieu's file
Recent statements by and about Ted Lieu
Recent stories featuring Ted Lieu
In the first half of 2017, PolitiFact California’s most popular fact-checks and articles, in terms of pageviews, ranged from a Pants On Fire claim that state lawmakers legalized child prostitution to a Mostly True statement about the extremely slim odds of being killed by a refugee in a terror attack.

domain: news


FloydHub is a platform that manages deep learning models in the cloud for data scientists.
Products and Services
Floydhub enables easy cloud IDE builds designed for deep learning. Launch GPU-enabled workspaces in one-click and start a wide range of new projects from object classification, language identification, price prediction, and sentiment analysis. FloydHub provides tools to run numerous experiments and models in addition to managing and tracking work.


text:
Marital satisfaction in relation to social support, coping, and quality of life in medical staff in Tehran, Iran
Abstract: Marital satisfaction is one of the main characteristics of a healthy family, and is known as an important predictor of overall quality of life. Stress is unavoidable in everyday life and it can affect marital relationships. Furthermore, employed married individuals encounter more stressors than do unmarried ones, especially when their jobs are demanding and stressful, such as working as medical professionals in hospitals. Applying effective coping strategies and receiving social support, especially from emotionally close persons, are protective factors which can help individuals deal with stress and buffer the negative effects of life stress on marital and life satisfaction. In the present cross-sectional investigation, marital satisfaction was studied in relation to socio-demographic variables, social support, ways of coping, and quality of life in medical staff in Tehran. Data were collected from 653 medical staff who worked in 12 hospitals affiliated with Tehran Medical University using socio-demographic questions, the ENRICH marital satisfaction questionnaire, the SF-36 questionnaire, the Social Support questionnaire, and the Ways of Coping questionnaire. The results indicated that marital satisfaction, quality of life and spousal support were significantly higher in men than women. Spousal support was significantly associated with marital satisfaction especially in women. Multiple regression analyses indicated that marital satisfaction, social support, and job satisfaction combined with socio-demographic variables explain between 12% and 28% of the variance in quality of life domains. Analysing the data with special focus on females revealed a significant negative relationship between subscales of marital satisfaction and using “seeking social support”, “confrontive coping”, “escape avoidance”, “distancing”, and “self-controlling” as ways of coping. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that job satisfaction, social support, and ways of coping explained between 24% and 38% of the variance in seven of the nine subscales of marital satisfaction. Therefore, focusing on the study findings could be helpful in promoting marital satisfaction and quality of life in married medical staff.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE DISSERTATION. (in PDF format)

domain: health


text:
The launch of City Island by Ballymore – yes London’s new neighbourhood is a stone’s throw away
November 29, 2014
There wasn’t a single celebrity in Central London last night… Nope, they were all at the launch of City Island by Ballymore, along with Luxuria Lifestyle.
A city? An island? In London I hear you say?! Yes indeedy. A 12 acre island which is set to become the ‘mini- Manhattan’ of the Capital is being built as we speak and will be ready in 2016 with 1700 stylish apartments and numerous bars, restaurants and boutique shops.
Tom Odell sang and Diana Vickers and Millie Mackintosh were amongst the throng being entertained by girlie DJ duo Le Bon Tong (that’s Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong). We ate and drank island inspired canapés and cocktails including naked Wagyu beef burgers with Comte cheese and Orkney scallops followed by salted caramel peanut butter lollypops washed down with mulled Sipsmith sloe gin with apple and Vodka espresso martinis.
Whilst looking for the toilets, I stumbled upon the stunning show apartments – they’re well worth a look if you fancy living only an island away from London. Providing an important link between Canning Town and the City, this new neighbourhood looks set to become very hot property over the next year.

domain: geography


text:
The Navy Taupe Storage Bench can serve as additional seating in an entryway or as a ottoman in a living or family room. The deep navy is striking in nearly any decor. Features tufted seating and ample storage space, with brown wood legs and taupe linen-like fabric. Also available in mocha and taupe.
Length: 38.0 Width: 18.0 Height: 18.0

domain: design


where as teh 135 .40 and the 125 .357 magnum both dump lots of energy and break up when hitting auto glass.
Talking about how the .40 performs with bullet weights under 155grs is like talking about how a football team performs with its backup quarterback (Jets and Steelers wins today notwithstanding
When loaded with 180gr HST ammo, the .40 can penetrate a windshield, expand to 0.75 inches while penetrating 14 inches of ballistic gel with 92% weight retention on the bullet.
When compared to 180 gr HST ammo, the .357 sig still has a small penetration advantage but the .40 has an expansion advantage.
The .357s sig maintains its advantage of a flatter trajectory; but really if we are talking about cops engaging bad guys at 100 yards they will probably get the AR-15 out of the squad car.


text:
Michael Jobling, Ryan Harvey, Jack Booth and Oliver Blair – better known as Them Pesky Kids – recently held a second showcase of their work at Nottingham Contemporary. The filmmaking collective, whose previous work includes short film The Chestnut Effect and the music video for BUD’s Sugar, were all present to showcase the fruits of the last twelve months of graft to a sold out audience. Harvey, who produced all four projects, welcomed a clearly excited crowd before introducing the first film.
Director: Oliver Blair
Starring: Michael Jobling, Ryan Harvey, Jack Booth
Running time: 3 mins
Created as part of their Sunday Shorts programme, Expressions exposed the talents of Them Pesky Kids both in front of and behind the camera. Directed by Blair, and featuring the acting abilities of Jobling, Harvey and Booth, the short presented the story of a dining couple whose romantic evening is persistently interrupted by a flirtatious waiter. Entirely dialogue-free, the narrative unfolds with a collection of well-timed facial expressions, pregnant pauses and physical comedy that beautifully echoed the early silent short film tropes of Chaplin's The Rink and Making a Living. All three actors played their parts to perfection, with Blair's subtle direction providing them with the perfect platform to perform.
Director: Jack Booth
Starring: Julio E Lewis, Rosanne Priest
Running time: 4 mins
Jack Booth's proof of concept short film trawls through the psychological tunnels of a man who's squandered his life to drugs and is seemingly at a crossroads in his existence. The creation of an unreliable narrator ensures that what's real and what's imagined is never clear, constructing a film that's equal parts grimy and ethereal, whilst always remaining emotionally engaging and brutally effective. Beautifully shot, and featuring a brilliantly convincing lead performance from Julio E Lewis, A Broken Mind displayed a huge amount of promise for the planned feature film.
Director: Luke Radford
Starring: Aaron Lodge, Kelly Jaggers, Esmeé Matthews
Running time: 8 mins
Luke Radford's love letter to Saturday Night, Sunday Morning skilfully transferred the feeling of disenfranchisement and the tedium of working life that ran through Karel Reisz's adaptation of Alan Sillitoe's 1958 novel into a contemporary setting. Aaron Lodge's leading man was every inch the the Arthur Seaton of 2018, as we witness him toiling in the doldrums of a bland lifeless office, before exploding into life in a series of drinking sessions and romantic encounters, including a convincing rendezvous with the excellent Esmeé Matthews. Radford's direction is electrically kinetic, creating a fast-paced, evocative short that was perfectly backed by the music of MST and Who Do You by The Ruffs. There was a palpable sense of excitement from the audience as it raced to its conclusion, leaving more than a few of us hoping for a longer version to come in the future.
Director: Michael and Jack Jobling
Starring: Johann Myers, Hannai Bang Bendz, Dominic Wolf
Running time: 24 mins
As the highlight of an already impressive showcase, the official Premiere screening of Ariella didn't disappoint. Funded by a successful £10,000 Kickstarter campaign, the dark crime short told the story of two criminals meeting in a late night bar following a robbery several nights previously. One of them is there for a routine catch up but, unbeknownst to him, his partner has been sent by the notorious gangster they robbed, Big Wicked. Co-director Jack Jobling explained in his introduction that the film has been a passion project from a young age, and it clearly showed. As the availability of technology has made filmmaking increasingly accessible for more people, the overall quality and craft of short films has gone down as the quantity has increased. It was therefore incredibly refreshing to see a short so lovingly and carefully crafted from its opening frame, with an impressive attention to detail evident in everything from the perfect casting choices to the stunning set design. All four members of Them Pesky Kids were keen to point out the efforts of director of photography Will Price, who shot three of the four projects - including Ariella - whose cinematography beautifully contributed to creating an overall aesthetic of general unease and relentless tension. Credit must go to all involved the excellent production, especially the Jobling Brothers for their adroit, innovative direction. It's genuinely exciting to see what Them Pesky Kids will do next.


|Style||Part #||Head Diameter||Original Grinder Purchase Date|
|New Style||A-PTG-003-516||5/16" (7.9mm)||After December, 2013|
|Old Style||A-PTG-003-250||1/4" (6.3mm)||Before December, 2013|
Wheel Mandrel, Heavy-Duty. For Arc-Zone Sharpie™ Hand-Held Tungsten Grinder.
Please be aware that in December, 2013 there was a design change to the Sharpie™ Hand-Held tungsten grinders. A shaft-mounted bearing was added to the grinding head to extend the life of the motor. This upgrade required a new mandrel design as well. If you are unsure which style mandrel you need, please take a moment and measure the head of the mandrel to be replaced, or contact an Arc-Zone Customer Care specialist.


The Bjarke Ingels Group, along with Tess, Transsolar, Base, Transitec, and Michel Forgue, have revealed their winning design for EuropaCity, a 200-acre urban cultural and commercial destination located between Paris and Roissy. Combining the forms of a dense European city with an open landscape, EuropaCity is set to be a retail, cultural, and leisure city of unprecedented scale. Modeled on the European urban experience and equipped with cutting edge green technologies, the development will serve as a retail and cultural hub for the region as well as a laboratory and showcase for sustainable design.
Against all odds, BIG-founder Bjarke Ingels is actually building a mountain-slash-ski-slope-slash-waste-to-energy-power-plant in his hometown of Copenhagen. Announced in 2011, the project nearly stalled during the approval process, but officials in the Danish capital broke ground on the facility on Monday. Called the Amager Bakke Waste-to-Energy Plant, the structure represents Ingels’ concept of Hedonistic Sustainability, the notion that a sustainable building shouldn’t only be green, but should also be fun.
It took some negotiating, but New York City Council has approved Durst Fetner’s plans to build West 57th, a 750-unit residential development designed by Danish architect, Bjarke Ingels. Crain’s reported that the 32-story pyramidal “courtscraper,” sandwiched between 11th Avenue and the Hudson River, will consist of 750 rental apartments, with an additional 100 units in a converted industrial building.
An early point of contention stemmed from what city council viewed as an inadequate plan for income-restricted housing, which will only be affordable for 35 years. While Durst Fetner didn’t budge on this issue, they did agree to donate $1 million to an affordable housing fund.
Bjarke Ingels, architect of mountains, now has set his eyes on Everest. The New York and Copenhagen-based architect’s firm BIG has been tapped by the Rockefellers to design one of the world’s tallest buildings at 1,929 feet for a new commercial development in Tianjin, China, a city of nearly 13 million people. Ingels revealed a cryptic, fog-shrouded rendering of the tower on his web site—indicative of the scarcity of detail yet released on the tower—but this being the information age, AN found more information and views of the tower on a clear day.
Bjarke Ingels has again thrown us for a loop, this time in Bordeaux, France. Ingels’ firm BIG has revealed its latest competition-winner called the Maison de l’Économie Créative et de la Culture en Aquitaine, or, for the rest of us, MÉCA. As AN noted in April, BIG won the commission working with Paris-based FREAKS freearchitects, beating out the likes of SANAA and Toulouse-based W-Architectures, but the renderings have been kept under wraps until now. Ingels’ explained the design using his signature diagram-based narrative as an array of three visual and performing arts agencies arranged around a 120-foot-tall arch-shaped building.
Last year, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) got their heart broken by the Times Square Alliance, which chose a hula-hoop happy design by Freecell Studio for its annual Times Square Valentine’s installation. Now a spokesperson from the Alliance admits that they always “loved” BIG’s design and were willing to give it a second chance. This year, the Alliance didn’t go online looking for love. Instead, they went back to a former flirtation, and chose BIG’s entry from last year, shunning the possibility of outside suitors.
BIG calls its 10-foot high glowing heart sculpture “BIG♥NYC.” The design affair was something of a ménage à quatre, with Flatcut (the fabricator), Local Projects (the interaction designers), and Zumtobel (the lighting designers) pitching in on the effort. Four-hundred LED-lit acrylic tubes wrap a cube that bounds a suspended heart. Not surprisingly, when touched the heart grows brighter.
Five noted teams have been shortlisted from a pool of 18 to renovate and expand the Kimball Art Center (KAC) in Park City, Utah. The firms include BIG/Bjarke Ingels Group; Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Sparano + Mooney Architecture; Will Bruder + Parnets; and Todd Williams Billie Tsien Architects. The center offers exhibitions as well as art classes, workshops, and other educational programs. Plans call for renovating the interior of the existing KAC and constructing a new modern building next door. Each of the proposals will be displayed using augmented reality, photography, and video during the Sundance Film Festival from January 19 through the 29 and a jury will select a winner in February once the public has had a chance to weigh in on their favorites. Construction could begin as soon as mid-2013 with the new wing opening in 2015.


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WATERTOWN, MASS. (WHDH) – A top state education official is asking several school districts to explain why they’re using remote learning while their towns have low coronavirus cases, which a union official called “bullying tactics” to force educators and students into classrooms.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley sent a letter to 16 school districts that are re-opening with remote learning, saying the state “prioritizes a return to in-person school for as many students as possible, safely.”
The schools are in areas with low coronavirus transmission, and the state is recommending remote learning for areas with high transmission, Riley said. He said those districts need to give DESE a timeline for reopening and their response “may trigger an audit” of their remote learning plans.
“In light of the stark discrepancy between local public health data and your reopening plan, I am requesting a timeline by which you anticipate providing in-person instruction for the majority of your students including in-person instruction for vulnerable populations, such as students with disabilities, if these students have not already returned to in-person school,” Riley wrote in the letter.
But Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy said the districts take other factors into consideration when deciding whether to open buildings or not, and said they know best about safety in their communities.
“This is the commissioner using bullying tactics to further the state’s reckless agenda to drive people back into school buildings where the circumstances are still not guaranteed to be safe,” Najimy said. “It’s time for the school committees to get the courage to stand up to the commissioner to say ‘We made a decision, our decision is the right decision, so back off.”
Amesbury Superintendent Jared Fulgoni said his district was staying remote in part because many staff members, including himself, travel from New Hampshire and Maine. But he said he didn’t feel bullied by the request.
“What [the commissioner] was looking for was to understand Amesbury’s decision,” Fulgoni said.
(Copyright (c) 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)


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Cartagena, Colombia: Crown Jewel of the Caribbean
This beguiling city has a way of getting under your skin and beckoning you to return again and again. Cartagena has cast such a spell on me that even as I am just now unpacking my bags from my second visit, I am left yearning to return. Like a book you want to re-read with your cherished parts highlighted, a pair of sandals worn in just right, or a dish that you crave in the middle of the night— this enchanting gateway to Colombia is inviting and intoxicating yet feels somehow familiar.
Years ago, I was immediately mesmerized wandering around Cartagena’s old walled city. The city walls were built to protect the heaps of emeralds and gold that Spanish royalty had started to amass back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Of course, these natural treasures became a magnet for pirates clambering to claim the wealth for their own. Cartagena’s weighted history is steeped in colonial times, from conquistadors to the slave trade. There is a direct line from African heritage palpable in the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, bachata, and merengue. Cartagena’s unique Caribbean fashion also harkens back to Africa. Mixes of patterns stitched together, combined over time with indigenous designs with bold, brightly colored prints that seem to dance on their own in the hot, humid wind. The culinary melting pot of Cartagena includes a vast variety of endemic fruits, vegetables, and seafood. It has heavy notes of Spanish and African influence and is also seasoned with hints of Middle Eastern flavors that came by way of merchants trading at this important port.
Meandering down the historic streets I felt like I was in a fever dream. Music spilled out onto the cobblestones from inside magnificent patios that peeked out from giant arched doorways. Bulky wooden doors were adorned with massive brass knockers in the shape of lions, lizards, and mermaids. Vines twisted gracefully up the facades of elegant dining establishments and beautiful boutique hotels where balconies heaved with cascading flowers. Taking it all in was dizzying. I felt as if the existence of this town—and I, too, at that moment—had been conjured and brought to life by the magical realism found in the writings of celebrated Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
DINING IN CARTAGENA
My first time in Colombia was back in 2015 when I was on an extended backpacking trip. My tight budget had me searching for cheap sustenance. My go-tos were street food staples like arepas and empanadas, which are delicious and a must for any adventurous appetite. This time, I was happy to partake in some of the abundant higher-priced indulgences. My husband and I wanted a rooftop sunset dinner and drinks experience for his birthday and chose Mirador Gastro Bar overlooking the main square Plaza del Reloj. The food and drinks were really good, yet nothing spectacular; they were also nothing akin to a tourist trap. But really, the star of the show was the view! Watching the colors change as the sun sank over this spectacular skyline is something I will never forget. Condors circled in the distance as cumulonimbus clouds turned to cotton candy pink. The lights of the sun-bleached yellow clock tower flickered on in a sparkle of gold against the darkening sky. You really couldn’t imagine a better setting in which to wish a loved one happy birthday in style.
SHOPPING IN CARTAGENA
Opulence abounds in Cartagena. The options for shopping alone require at least one dedicated afternoon, if one wishes to thoroughly peruse the boutique shops around the old town. Colombia is quite affordable and luxury items can be acquired at a fraction of the prices found for similar purchases in the USA. I was ecstatic to take advantage of the deals. A Colombian designer bikini? Si, por favor! Emerald earrings? Yes, please! One-of-a-kind artisanal bags of the highest quality that will last a lifetime, handwoven by local Wayuu tribeswomen who will benefit directly from the sale? Las quiero, si o si!
To best understand the going rates for goods locally, I always prefer to have a look around the shops in addition to talking to several street vendors before finally circling back to buy whatever originally caught my eye. Like anywhere without fixed prices, vendors will take advantage of tourists willing to pay significantly more than the usual asking price.
Apart from the entrancing city, some world-class Caribbean beaches are not found too far off. Playa Blanca is the most accessible, at just a 45 min boat ride or 1.5-hour drive away. My husband and I chose to hire a driver for the day. That way we would be able to leave whenever we wanted in the morning and stay for sunset and not worry about the tide for our departure times. Playa Blanca boasts warm turquoise waters and long stretches of soft white sand. There are numerous ramshackle locales with sun chairs and umbrellas to rent, with menus offering tropical drinks and fresh fish cooked as you, please. As price gouging is commonplace here, we were advised to agree on the cost before sitting down to spend a day relaxing and enjoying this slice of true paradise.
Cartagena offers a remarkably romantic and seriously seductive introduction to Colombia and is the perfect place to dip your toes in and prepare yourself for all this magnificent country has in store. Not only is this magical country home to tremendous natural beauty and wild biodiversity (Colombia is the top-ranking country on Earth for variety in bird and orchid species!), there is much to be discovered: spectacular national parks, a fascinating pre-Columbian history, charming coffee farms, and a vibrant, colorful culture celebrated through music, dance, art, contemporary innovation, and more. If you plan on traveling to Colombia, Cartagena should be at the top of your list of destinations. There are countless reasons this special city deserves the moniker “The Crown Jewel of the Caribbean,” and if you’re like me, once you’ve been, you will be coaxed back for more. Maybe I’ll see you there for sunset cheers, be it on a rooftop in Cartagena’s raucous and historic city center, or along a shimmering emerald shoreline in a village nearby.
TIPS FOR VISITING CARTAGENA
- If you are spending any time in the interior, away from the coastal winds, tiny mosquitos or midges (in Georgia, we called them no-see-ums) can eat you alive. Be sure to apply ample amounts of the repellent of your choice.
- Bring cash with you when going to the beaches or islands. Every shop and restaurant we went to in the city accepted cards but having cash for buying goods from street vendors or on the isolated beaches is needed.
- Playa Blanca can get a bit crowded due to its accessibility. For a more serene and pristine beach experience, book a private boat/catamaran tour. Due to the lack of infrastructure on the remote beaches, being aware of your waste and taking it with you when you leave is paramount for preservation.
- Cartagena is heavily policed, so is generally safe for tourists. But look out for pickpockets. It is not recommended to wear expensive jewelry or watches, and it is advised to avoid poorly lit streets while going out for walks at night.
- If you want to be mindful of supporting local artists and makers and you wish to know where the proceeds of a sale go, just ask. ¨Cartageneros¨ are generally super friendly and more than happy to tell you the stories behind the artisanal goods on sale.
All are located outside of the Old City wall in the bohemian and trendy Gestemani neighborhood.
Celele: Ranked number 19 on the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America in 2022. Don´t miss out on this innovative gastronomic gem that will delight your tastebuds in a cozy environment. Make reservations in advance!
Doña Lola: Lush indoor décor, excellent service, and scrumptious dishes including succulent cuts of meat cooked with a Caribbean flair.
Don Silvio Trattoria: Upscale Italian served in a hauntingly gorgeous ambiance. Get the gnocchi made from ñame (white yam) instead of the traditional potato, so yummy! *Many vegetarian options are available.
Pascal: If brunch is on your mind, this hip, intimate café will certainly fit the bill. Breakfast tacos, hashbrowns, mimosas, and coffee drinks are all prepared with care and quality ingredients.

domain: travel


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M.D. council notebook
Oct. 24, 2018
M.D. Director of Transportation Bill Klassen told council the changeover of addresses is proceeding, with 1,300 done and with about 200 more to go in the Flatbush area. Slowing it down some is the fact that signposts from the previous version have gone missing in about 200 cases.
Getting the proper signs up is one thing – getting the addresses registered in the appropriate databases is another. Councillor Brad Pearson said no matter what he does, as far as searching for his Canyon Creek address on the Internet, “I still end up in Michigan.”
Klassen said it’s getting better, but added “Google isn’t doing anything with rural addressing.”
Sideways in Smith
A sign-installation job in Smith “went sideways,” said M.D. Director of Rural Services Russ Jassman, when post-hole digging damaged a water line. SHARA is on the hook for the cost of repairs. Councillor Becky Peiffer questioned this – citing certain emails – but CAO Winarski said if it isn’t the M.D.’s fault, “the person that hits it gets the bill.”
Apparently the repair entails digging up some brand-new pavement at the community hall.
Bye, bye to numbers guy
Jason Warawa, who has made a good impression in his tenure as director of finance for the M.D. the past three years or so, is resigning. Council heard Warawa will however stick around through the budget process and efforts to find a replacement will commence.
“This is a real lousy time of year to try and recruit,” he cautioned.
Speaking of recruitment, the planning and development office is vacant these days, with Jill Tapp having resigned. CAO Allan Winarski said feelers are out and a “potential candidate” has been identified. It’s not a sure thing, he added, because a lot of people – once they find out how much highway there is between home and Slave Lake – lose their enthusiasm.
In the meantime, Winarski continued, Jassman is helping out with P&D files.
No thanks on joint SDAB offer
Thanks but no thanks was council’s response to a proposal from two nearby municipalities to set up a joint subdivision and development appeal board. They seemed to regard the notion as endangering M.D. autonomy – or at least CAO Winarski did in his report, and nobody disagreed with him.
The reasoning behind the proposal from the Town of Slave Lake and the County of Big Lakes was that SDABs are hard to maintain; broadening the pool of available panelists would make it easier to keep the board viable.
But Winarski didn’t see it that way.
“Beware of harmonization efforts,” he said.
Besides, Winarski added, who can be expected to learn three different land-use bylaws?
“My advice: train up your own people.”
Chamber requests support
The Slave Lake & District Chamber of Commerce made a pitch for M.D. funding in support of Chamber events. Chamber president Frankie Giroux, making the request, asked for $7,500. She outlined how such events as Riverboat Daze, the spring trade show, farmers’ markets and others benefit the whole community. These are relying on hundreds of hours of volunteer effort, she said. They can perhaps be maintained, but not expanded or improved, without financial help; hence the request from municipalities.
Councillor Jeff Commins praised the recent successes of the Chamber – particular the Block Party during Riverboat Daze. He asked if the Chamber had considered ways of making some money for itself off that event.
“We’re working on it,” said Giroux. “But Riverboat Daze is a community event,” and making money on the Block Party is not a goal of the Chamber.
“Our board is really motivated,” Giroux said in closing. “We would really appreciate support from the M.D. for our events.”
More work at the admin. building
The list of work in need of doing at the main M.D. administration building keeps growing.
“They keep finding things,” said Winarski.
Water damage; black mould; an uninsulated section of wall, “mouse traffic and bats in Al’s office,” added Bill Klassen.
Council was being asked to approve a change order on the reno job – entailing the removal of the carpet flooring and replacing it with vinyl planking. Also painting the entire interior walls. This would come to about $116,000.
“The carpets are more or less ready to go anyway,” said Winarski. “Since staff is out of the building you may as well get that done.”
No dice on tax penalty relief
Wary of setting a precedent, council voted down a proposal to forgive a penalty to a Flatbush property owner for late payment of property taxes. The amount was $239.
If we do this, said reeve Murray Kerik, “next spring we’ll have 500 people lined up.”
Councillor Jeff Commins wasn’t too impressed.
“Two hundred thirty-nine dollars is going to destroy them?”
Commins, however, made the motion to forgive that amount. It was defeated by a 4 – 2 vote, with councillors Sandra Melzer and Robert Esau voting in favour.
“I don’t believe in kicking somebody when they’re down,” said Esau.
Ag Service Board – “I think we hired a really good man,” said Esau, referring to new ag fieldman Barry Kolenosky. Councillor Melzer mentioned a couple of workshops on new rules regarding antibiotics for livestock that are coming up on Nov. 14 in Smith and Flatbush. Prescriptions will be required.
“We fought that for years,” said Kerik. “It’s going to cost us dearly, as producers.”
Athabasca Regional Waste – The budget “looks really good,” said Esau. Not looking as good is the market for plastic recycling, which has taken a hit due to China deciding to cut back on its imports. Councillor Melzer mentioned that summer villages “don’t want burn barrels in their area.”
Community Education Committee – councillor Becky Peiffer said about 50 attended the recent wellness conference at the college in Slave Lake. In other college news, the cafeteria isn’t operating because nobody can be found who wants to run it. Some students reportedly don’t have enough to eat and solutions are being discussed.
Lesser Slave Regional Housing – The budget is looking good, said councillor Commins. In other news consultants on the proposed apartment building were to visit on Oct. 30. They’ll be putting together a request for proposals. This would include the demolition of the old Forestry/Fish & Wildlife building on 4th Ave. NE.
The attitude of the M.D. on this topic is mainly that it’s not their business. But it was a topic of discussion at a recent regional gathering of Alberta Municipalities Association members. A law firm rep advised attendees to expect any bylaws on cannabis to be challenged in the courts. The M.D. doesn’t plan on making any, but – said CAO Winarski – “If you’re impaired you shouldn’t be at work. We do have the ability to send you home.”
“But impairment is open to interpretation,” said councillor Pearson.
True enough, said Winarski, adding that any decision or action regarding impairment by cannabis could be challenged. But he thought it unlikely.
Pearson was also wondering about consumption in public.
“If I’m on the dock at Canyon trying to catch a fish – I can’t drink a beer; can I smoke a joint?”
The answer to that question won’t be coming from the M.D.


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1. 4 pages and Double Space and Times New Roman, size 12.
2. Since the end of the Cold War, the Collapse of the Soviet Union, and current War on Terror, has the United States followed the advice that George Washington provided during his Farewell Address in 1796 (this is the advice you described in the first part of the paper). You may argue that this has changed one or more times in the last 50 years. You may also argue that some parts have been followed and others abandoned, but be sure to explain which parts were saved or abandoned. In addition, you may consider whether America should be following Washington’s advice in 2019, or if America’s situation is so different now that his advice is no longer appropriate.
You must also provide evidence and examples to support your conclusions on this and therefore MUST provide a bibliography of every source you’ve used AND citations within the paper to show which information came from which sources.


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By James Weber • email@example.com Brandy Deaton started running with her father, Benny, at an early age. Her father would encourage her and coach her as she continued. • More Union news Eventually the coaching became more formal and Brandy became taller and faster. But her positive attitude has always been there as she progressed […]
Nick Dudukovich, Tony Meale, Scott Springer and James Weber offer their postseason predictions for baseball, as part of this edition of the Blog of Lists Later on, the guys will give additional thoughts on these predictions when our Press Preps Roundtable video posts. Ohio • No. 19 Loveland, 7-9 entering play May 5, climbs back […]
By James Weber • firstname.lastname@example.org After losing 67-35 to Boone County on Feb. 8, Brian Coburn knew he had to do some different game-planning and scheming if his St. Henry District High School girls basketball team was to reverse that result in the postseason. While the Crusaders kept the plot thick with drama in their […]
The 34th annual Dixie Heights Invitational girls basketball tournament continues tonight at Dixie Heights. The format is six teams in two pools, with playoff games on Saturday. Thursday, Dec. 2: 6 p.m., Dayton vs. Dixie; 7:30 p.m., Cooper vs. Holy Cross. Friday, Dec. 3: 6 p.m., Holmes vs. Dayton; 7:30 p.m. Holy Cross vs. Beechwood. […]
I just noticed that Beechwood football’s Class 1A semifinal game against Mayfield will be an early 6:30 p.m. Friday kickoff in Fort Mitchell. Presumably that’s to give Mayfield a travel break for their 300-plus mile ride home to western Kentucky. The other three Northern Kentucky semifinals will be at 7:30 p.m. Those are NewCath at […]
There will be four state semifinal football games on Friday, Nov. 26 involving Northern Kentucky teams. Two will be up here and two will be far, far away. Here are the post-Thanksgiving games: 1A: Mayfield (13-0) at Beechwood (10-3). 2A: Newport Central Catholic (11-2) at Corbin (11-2). 5A: Highlands (12-1) at Harlan County (11-2). 6A: […]
After a practice round Thursday, the Kentucky boys’ state golf tournament is underway in Bowling Green. All of Northern Kentucky’s entries are on the course this morning after early tee times. That includes the full teams of Covington Catholic, Highlands and Ryle, plus individuals Jason Rose (Dixie Heights), Austin Molen (Cooper) and Adam Millson (Cooper). […]
I just got back from the Region 7 boys’ golf championships at Boone Links. Covington Catholic won the team title for the first time in four years with a team score of 317 (top four scores out of five starters). Ryle finished second with a 321 led by Blake Hamilton’s outstanding 72 for the individual […]
Over the summer, Cooper High School athletic director Randy Borchers told me that the sports programs at the school should continue to improve as the school entered its third year of existence. The Jaguars had a strong week last week. The boys’ soccer team beat Gallatin County 3-1 and Simon Kenton 2-0 last week after […]
The St. Henry boys’ cross country team, eight-time defending Class 1A team state champions, is ranked No. 1 in the state in the Sept. 20 listings by kytrackxc.com Bishop Brossart is third in boys’ and Walton-Verona fourth. W-V’s Trevin Petersen, last year’s 1A individual champ, is ranked second. Brossart’s Zach Holtkamp is fourth and St. […]
About Press PrepsCommunity Press and Recorder reporters and contributors weigh in on the world of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati high school sports. This blog features news and analysis to keep you in the loop with your favorite local team.
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domain: sports


GESIA (Gujarat Electronics and Software Industries Association) IT Association, took up the initiative of distributing desktops to the girl students in Ahmedabad and Vadodara on International Women’s Day. The IT association aims to impart e-learning and digital literacy among girl students by empowering them to develop the skills required in today’s digitally inclined world.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Tejinder Oberoi, Chairman of GESIA IT Association and Executive Director of Cygnet Infotech said, “The world is fast moving towards adopting digital technologies especially owing to the pandemic. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage female students to become independent and offer them the technological support they require in attaining digital skills. As we celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March, we believe that initiatives like these can be beneficial in addressing the needs of the underprivileged and as a society, we must take charge of supporting them in every way possible.”
GESIA IT Association has distributed around 50+ desktops to the girls in the region of Ahmedabad and Vadodara. As digital learning has taken centre stage and technology plays a core role in today’s time, GESIA IT Association aims to create a meaningful impact on the quality of life of these girls by making them future ready for the world. By distributing desktops, the association has taken up an important step towards bridging the digital divide and providing equal opportunity for the underprivileged to learn and grow.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content


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Documentation of the medical history of the pregnant woman is similar to that of the nonpregnant woman. In addition, the interviewer must assess obstetric risk. The following major risk factors must be evaluated:
• Parity Height
• Pregnancy weight
Diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease
• Hemoglobinopathy and isoimmunization History of previous pregnancies
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Other infections
Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
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Did you ever think feeling angry and irritable could be a symptom of constipation? A horrible fullness and pressing sharp pains against the bladders can’t help but affect your mood. Sometimes you just want everyone to leave you alone and sleep to escape the pain. It is virtually impossible to be constipated and keep a sunny disposition. Follow the steps in this guide to alleviate constipation and lead a happier healthy life.


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Scott coach Shane Griffith shook things up this week.
The Skyhawks unveiled a new offense but got the same successful results, racking up 430 yards of total offense as six different players scored touchdowns in a 40-7 romp Friday night over host Herbert Hoover on Senior Night.
A crowd of about 600 attended the Class AA Cardinal Conference matchup at Joe Eddie Cowley Field at Falling Rock.
Scott senior running back Robert Bias' 114 yards on 11 carries and one score paced a rushing attack that amassed 342 yards, and junior quarterback Cody Brown completed all six of his passes for 88 yards and a TD while adding a 4-yard rushing score.
Skyhawks sophomore tailback Triston Crone added 67 yards on the ground and a 1-yard TD run, junior Cam Loftus chipped in 62 yards and a 24-yard score and sophomore Hunter Bradley had 56 yards and a 6-yard TD. Scott junior James Dehart hauled in a 17-yard scoring pass in his debut at wide receiver and also intercepted a Hoover pass in the end zone right before halftime.
After Scott suffered a 47-6 loss at home to Wayne last week that knocked the No. 4 Hawks (7-1) from the top spot in the state rankings, Griffith thought his team was getting too stale.
"We had a chance to see the gap that exists and we're going to try to close that gap,'' said Griffith. "We put this offense in on Monday. We've never run this offense in our life.
"We've never run any of the motions or shifts. I guess it's a wing-T type offense, but I'm not big on that. I like iso, so we're calling it the ice-T offense. I thought it was big for these guys to come back, rebound and play a focused game.''
After recovering Hoover's fumble on its first play from scrimmage at the Scott 26-yard line, the Skyhawks marched 74 yards in eight plays as Crone scored from 1 yard out to take the lead for good at 7-0. After a Huskies punt, Scott moved 77 yards on seven plays behind Brown's 35-yard pass to Bradley and a 17-yard TD toss to Dehart for a 14-0 advantage with 4:06 left in the first quarter.


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Epic Games announced on Monday that Fortnite players will soon be able to play as Beast Boy, the animal shapeshifter superhero of the Teen Titans, later this week.
The green superhero from DC Comics will be available from the in-game item shop starting on Thursday, May 13. The Beast Boy bundle will include his superhero outfit, a more casual Garfield Logan Style outfit, built-in Go Ape emote to transform into his gorilla form, the Beast Bat pickaxe, and the Couch Titan back bling which is a pizza box and a game controller tied together.
The items can be purchased separately or have a chance to unlock the outfit and back bling early through the Teen Titans Cup, a Duos tournament on Wednesday, May 12. Players who participate in the tournament will also receive the Beast Boy & Raven spray, and players who score at least eight points will earn the BBRae loading screen. The loading screen was created by artist Gabriel Picolo, who is the artist for the upcoming Teen Titans: Raven Loves Beast Boy graphic novel.
Beast Boy is the most recent DC character to come to Fortnite as Raven is included in the current Chapter 2: Season 6 battle pass and Batman Zero was added last week.
- Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 7 Adds UFOs, Superman, and Rick Sanchez
- 7 Aliens That Need to Join Fortnite’s Locker in Season 7
- Fortnite Is Teasing a Potential Rick & Morty Crossover Event
- Fortnite Is Getting Improved Graphics and Visuals on PC
- Fortnite Gets a Kelsier Skin From Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Fantasy Series

domain: hobby