Computerised Research Echo Sounder Technology (CREST)
Our Computerised Research Echo Sounder Technology (CREST) is a highly adaptable approach to fisheries and other acoustic data acquisition. It is computer based, using the concept of a “software echo sounder”. It combines flexible digital signal generation and transmitters, multi-channel, wide dynamic range receivers, digitisation and advanced digital signal processing with data storage and management on a general purpose computer. Acoustic data can be combined with navigational, environmental and other data as required.
CREST is designed to preserve all the information present in the received signals including phase data. It allows all the popular approaches to fish stock assessment and fish target strength measurement to be implemented and in addition permits novel techniques such as transmission of swept-frequencies (chirps). Data can be output in a wide range of formats and can, for example, be used for bottom typing with products such as Quester Tangent’s QTC VIEW™.
CREST will accommodate a wide range of frequencies and at present, with suitable transducers, covers the frequency range 3.5 kHz to 200 kHz.
CREST systems consist of a transceiver incorporating one or more transmitting and/or receiving channels based upon the Motorola DSP56002 digital signal processor, communicating with a general purpose UNIX computer for control. The transceiver has surface mounted and underwater versions. The surface version can be installed at any convenient location and connected to either hull-mounted or towed transducers. The underwater version is housed in a watertight cylinder 250 mm in diameter and 1 m long rated to a depth of 1,000 m. This version also incorporates a leak sensor and has provision for a variety of telemetry sensors including depth, pitch and roll and three-axis acceleration.
The control computer is used to download software to the transceiver, manage echo sounder operation, data acquisition and storage. Communications are via Ethernet or a purpose-built high speed serial link. Any computer compatible with SVR4 UNIX or LINUX may be used.
CREST towed bodies for marine use are of a flat-nosed torpedo shaped “heavy weight” design. They feature robust low-cost construction and an “opening nose” mechanism to allow them to flood and drain quickly to minimise the time taken crossing the air-water interface during deployment and retrieval. We currently have two models: a large one of 580 mm diameter and 3 m long, designed to house the underwater transceiver, together with a Simrad Model ES38D or EDO Model 6978 transducer (or similar sized or smaller transducer). The other model is a smaller version, 315 mm diameter and 1.68 m long, intended for use with a surface transceiver and a Simrad Model ES38-12 (or similar sized or smaller) transducer.
Other towed bodies, suitable for use from small boats in lakes are also available.
Echo sounder software
The echo sounder software currently available for CREST implements a conventional high performance, fixed frequency, single channel or split beam vertical echo sounder. A range of different transmitted signals can be generated including chirps in a variety of combinations (e.g., alternate chirps and conventional fixed-frequency pulses. Data may be completely unprocessed or demodulated, filtered and corrected. The latter uses complex demodulation (preserving amplitude and phase), a 100 tap FIR low pass filter (Parks-McClellan optimal design) and 20LogR+2αR or 40LogR+2α time varied gain. The filter pass band is matched to the pulse length selected.
Data management and control software
The CREST control software runs on the control computer and downloads code to, communicates with and controls the transceiver. It receives echo sounder data from the receiver, saves these data into files and incorporates navigational and other information. It prints echograms to both a printer and the terminal screen, provides the operator with monitoring information and allows them to set parameters and control system operation.
The operator interacts with the system via an X-Window graphical user interface.
Data Analysis: ESP2
ES2P enables the user to check, list, plot and perform echo-integration on echo sounder data collected with CREST. ESP2 will also accept Simrad EK500 and EK60 data. The data to be listed, plotted and integrated can be selected by depth, ping range and amplitude. Selected and integrated data can be output for further processing using statistical packages such as SPlus and MATLAB. The check function ensures data integrity and provides a range of sophisticated bottom tracking algorithms. It is very portable and is available on a wide range of UNIX computers.


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Selling any home for whatever reason is not an easy task.
It usually involves completing a list of things such as making repairs, moving or selling off belongings, deep cleaning, staging your home, etc.
When you sell on behalf of your parents, either because they’re incapacitated or have passed, it’s a whole new territory.
Working through these intense emotions while considering how to sell your parent’s home is hard. But as far as the technical side of things, we can walk you through the process step-by-step.
What to do before you can sell your parent’s house
The first steps you take will depend on the situation you’re in. One common scenario where the child sells the parent’s home is obviously if they pass away.
But you may still want to sell while they’re alive. Perhaps they’re not in a condition to do so themselves or they’re moving to assisted living. Let’s break down the different circumstances.
Your parents are alive but incapacitated
After your parents move out of their home into a nursing home or a child’s home, the next question should be, “How do I sell my parents’ home?”
It might take you a while to decide to sell, but once you do, the next step is to get power of attorney. This will be much easier for you if your parents can still make decisions.
You must apply for guardianship if your parents cannot provide a power of attorney. You can consult with a family attorney about getting legal representation, as guardianship laws vary from state to state.
Your parents have already passed
A parent’s death is one of the hardest things you will have to deal with as a human. It’s tougher to process all those emotions while actively thinking of how to sell your parents’ home.
How much time you’ll spend selling your parent’s house will depend on how your parents passed the home to you. There are three primary ways to inherit a house from your parents:
- The probate process
- Death deed transfer
- Living trust
The probate process
Probate is a given if your parents didn’t leave a will.
Probate is a court-supervised process that oversees the dispensation of your parents’ entire estate—including the sale of the house.
While probate laws differ from state to state, the process can take from a few months to two years.
Death deed transfer
The second way is the death deed transfer, also known as a beneficiary deed. This deed lets you inherit the property directly and immediately without probate’s time, hassle, and expenses.
However, this inheritance type is only valid in certain states, and the laws governing it can vary from state to state.
The final way to get your parent’s home is if you’ve inherited it via a living trust. If you inherit property with a living trust, you can bypass probate, avoid some estate taxes, and set yourself up to sell the home immediately.
Steps to selling your parent’s house
Once you’ve gained the right to sell the property, however that happens, you can begin the selling process.
Step 1: Establish the status of your parent’s estate
Inheriting a house in real life differs from what happens in movies. When you inherit a house, the first thing to figure out is if it’s through the probate process, a death deed transfer, or a living trust.
Step 2: Continue paying the bills
The homeowner’s passing or moving doesn’t mean all bills will cease automatically. You’ll have to pay utilities if the property still uses electricity, water bills, garbage, landscaping, or cleaning.
As you prepare to sell the house, clear any outstanding balance and notify the service providers if you don’t need any service anymore.
You’ll also need to contact creditors and financial institutions to inform them about either your parent’s passing or move.
Step 3: Gather all the important documents
Paperwork is a necessary evil when settling your parent’s estate.
You’ll have to find all their important documents, such as wills, the home’s sales contract, maintenance records, capital improvement receipts, homeowner’s insurance documents, home appraisal, utility bills, Homeowners’ Association (HOA) records, and warranties.
Step 4: Secure the house
As the house sits vacant, it can become a target for burglars.
Apart from maintaining the home insurance policy, you might also want to take the following steps to secure the house:
- Change the locks
- Change mail delivery address
- Install a home security system
- Update Insurance
- Destroy anything with personal information to prevent identity theft
Step 5: Get the home ready to sell
Every other step has been to get you to this point: Getting your parent’s house ready for sale.
The two things you can do at this stage are to clean out your parent’s items and complete some home improvement. Cleaning the home includes sorting what has sentimental or intrinsic value to you or any family member.
Renovations and repairs can help increase the value of the home when you list it.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you could make these home improvements or hire the specific contractor needed. It’s usually recommended to hire professionals for major jobs such as electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.
Step 6: Get a real estate agent or sell independently
Your next step should be to hire a real estate agent or decide to sell your parent’s house independently.
As of 2020, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reports that for sale by owner (FSBO) home sales accounted for 8% of homes sold.
An informed real estate agent can make all the difference in knowing how to sell your parents’ home. Above all, families should ask, “How much experience do you have selling inherited homes?”
If you sell independently, ensure you’re prepared to look at it as a business transaction. Separate your emotions from the transaction and the house, however difficult.
Get closure immediately by connecting with Simple Home Offer
Figuring how to sell your parents’ home is not easy. It’s always a difficult step emotionally, especially when they are deceased.
That’s why Simple Home Offer is here to help.
If you’re looking to sell your parent’s house without the headaches of cleaning it out, renovating, paying bills and listing it with an agent, reach out to us to learn how we can help.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION

domain: law


The Centre has banned the import of petcoke for use as industrial fuel, days after admitting to the Supreme Court that it is highly polluting. Petcoke was also found to be 5-6 times more polluting than coal by a committee of scientists from the IIT and CPCB.
However the govt. has retained its use as feedstock by cement, calcium carbide, lime kiln and gasification industries. Petcoke was previously banned by the apex court in 2017 for use as fuel in industries in and around Delhi NCR because of its CO2 and SO2 heavy emissions.
NTPC to test gas-fired stations for peak power demand
NTPC is mulling test-firing 2.3GW of natural gas fired thermal power stations to meet (day-end) peak power demands and counter supply fluctuations from renewable power sources. Eventually 20GW of such plants may be brought online as they can be ramped up much faster than coal-fired power plants.
Coal-power capacity cancellations gathering pace, 15.7GW of stressed assets lying un-commissioned
24GW of the 94GW coal-fired capacity to be built in India over 2017-2027 has been cancelled in the last six months alone, adding to the 573GW of capacity cancelled in the country since 2010. NTPC too has walked away from nearly 9.2GW of coal power of late. 15.7GW of the 40.1GW of stressed assets also lie un-commissioned over dismal power demand at their minimum viable tariffs and poor projections of financial returns.
First new coal exploration license issued in drought hit NSW since 1993
New South Wales (Australia) will start exploring for coal reserves outside of Sydney for the first time since 1993. Coal-based operations consume significant quantities of freshwater and the announcement comes when NSW has been declared to be 100% in drought.
The situation has forced water-ravaged farming communities to sharply criticize what they see as the national govt.’s diabolical denial of climate science – which links fossil fuel emissions to climate change driven water shortages.


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Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice is quite the popular lady. Teresa recently showed up to State Senator Raymond Lesniak’s political dunraiser unexpectedly last week when she became the center of attention!
The Senator explained she became the center of attention telling the Auditor, “I should have taken a selfie. Everyone was going gaga over her. I had to admit I’ve never seen the show, but a surprising number of my friends had.”
The senator explained that his fundraisers are always successful but he does plan on inviting Teresa Giudice to his next fundraiser especially after all the attention she got! Teresa is scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District court this month. Are you surprised Teresa got so much attention?

domain: celebrity


text:
In a letter signed by 12 CEOs, the US air travel industry has called upon you, their customers, to help them lobby congress. What’s the problem that they need help solving? Oil speculation. Read the letter inside.
Founded in 2005, Consumerist is an independent source of consumer news and information published by Consumer Media LLC, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Consumer Reports.

domain: economics


text:
By Mariah Shuman, Head of Regulatory Affairs, OneWeb Americas
In the Arctic region, limited access to government services creates a marked division between northern and southern communities.
Public sector digitalisation is one of the trillion-dollar challenges that governments and businesses are undertaking with the aim to increase efficiency, prevent fraud, and enhance productivity. A reliable internet connection is a basic requirement to use these services, and for many areas this still poses a problem. Without access to the internet, even simple government services like access to vital records become complicated.
By 2021, around 90 percent of all Canadians are projected to have reliable access to the internet, defined as 50 Mbps for downloading data and 10 Mbps for uploads. That still leaves 10 percent of the country’s citizens, or 1.4 million households, unconnected to the internet and the services and opportunities it brings. Most of these unconnected households are in remote areas where it is logistically impossible or financially impractical to deploy terrestrial networks. In these places, a lack of internet increasingly means a lack of access to public services.
Without intervention, this digital gap will follow the global trends we already see between connected and unconnected populations. In the Arctic, this means that northern areas would continue to be left behind. There is a solution to this persistent division: where terrestrial networks are not available, satellites can bridge the divide.
Starting in 2020, OneWeb’s constellation will provide 375 Gbps of capacity to the Arctic, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet services before any other provider. With these new capabilities, the Arctic will finally be able to experience the same opportunities that areas below the 60th parallel North have been enjoying for years.
For many communities in the Arctic, reliable access to the internet will mean entering the digital economy at full speed. In some Arctic countries like Finland, internet connectivity is not only a priority but a basic human right. We want to see this opportunity and right extended to everyone – and so it is also OneWeb’s mission. We believe that everyone should be able to access and benefit from connectivity, to create opportunities for themselves and their communities. Our polar-orbiting constellation will provide the Arctic communities with the tools to do just that.

domain: news


text:
Trade Chiliz with the world's most popular crypto wallet.Over 83 million wallets created to buy, sell, and earn crypto.
A brief history
Chiliz was launched in 2012 by Socios.com the world’s first fan influence and rewards platform that helps sports entities achieve digital transformation through blockchain technology. Fans are able to purchase the Fan Tokens of their favourite teams using the CHZ token. Each team that partners with Chiliz can decide what real-world experiences Fan Tokens can buy their users. For example, Fan Tokens can grant holders influence over decisions presented by the team, such as new uniform designs, celebration songs, stadium names and, in some instances, decisions over the starting lineups. Dozens of teams and sports organizations around the world, including FC Barcelona, Golden State Warriors basketball team and Aston Martin Cognizant Formula1 team have held Fan Token Offerings (FTOs) through Chiliz for their loyal supporters.
CHZ in practice
CHZ is listed on a number of crypto exchanges and can be used to purchase Fan Tokens from the Socios site. Each franchise can customize its Fan Token’s price, supply, and distribution as well as the special rewards and abilities that Fan Token enables. Importantly, Fan Tokens can also be burned, or removed from circulation, based on the team’s performance, meaning outcomes such as winning games or scoring points could make the Fan Tokens more scarce, and therefore more valuable. The total supply of CHZ is capped at 8,888,888,888 tokens.

domain: finance


text:
A girl who suffers from anxiety is misunderstood by others.
The people around her don’t understand what her everyday life contains from the time she gets up to the time she goes to bed.
She may seem fine on the outside. But she’s really just struggling to get through the day.
Her anxiety eats her alive 24/7. She can’t contract when it raises too high or even disappears for a little bit.
But she pushes through the pain and suffering of her anxiety every day without showing signs or complaining.
Yes, she may break down to someone she finds trustworthy when things go from “normal” to hell.
Other than that, you may never notice her anxiety because she’s hiding it from the world.
Don’t you dare this any of this makes her weak. Because she’s far from being weak.

domain: psychology


wifi content on TweakTown - Page 6
We found 136 items for the tag: wifi
TRENDnet Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDTM Products Upgraded to Ratified 802.11n Certification
Oct 9, 2009 5:01 am
Mvix Nubbin MS-811N Wireless N USB Adapter
Jun 22, 2009 6:45 am
Hate having a ridiculous looking USB key sticking out of the side of your laptop? Want something smaller? MivxUSA has the answer for you.
Air Live WN-300R Wireless 11N Broadband Router
Apr 14, 2009 5:26 am
Seeking a professional wireless router with a guest wireless feature? We take a first look at the Air Live WN-300R to see if it will meet your needs.
ZOTAC GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi Motherboard
Mar 25, 2009 4:00 am
ZOTAC's mini-ITX motherboard line-up has managed to impress us so far. Today we have their latest addition with us in the form of the 9300-ITX WiFi.
TRENDnet TEW-645UB High Power Wireless N USB Adapter
Feb 23, 2009 5:00 am
Considering upgrading to 802.11n Draft 2.0? - We check out the feature-rich TRENDnet TEW-645UB 300Mbps High Power Wireless N USB Adapter.
Japan Researches create Wifi Blocking Paint
Jan 30, 2009 1:20 pm
Paint your house secure..
ZOTAC GeForce 8200-ITX WiFi AM2+ Motherboard
Jan 25, 2009 5:00 am
ZOTAC really is making it big with the ultra small Mini-ITX format. Today we have an AM2+ based setup for approval. Does it get it?
Edimax releases wireless nLite USB adapter/antenna
Jan 22, 2009 9:17 am


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Non Dilutive Funding
We often get asked what are different type of grants that are available for startups. We have compiled the following list to help you navigate different grants currently avialable. (March 2023)
Of particular mention is the New to R&D Grant. The New to R&D Grant replaces the previous Project Grant. This Grant specifically targets young R&D company. To be eligible, companies must not have received any government funding for R&D greater than $5,000 since 1st July 2019, including any Callaghan grants or loan, RDTI or RDLTC and must have spent less than $50k in R&D over the last 3 years.
The grant has a max cap of $400k. Half can be spent on R&D activities (co-funding of 20% of R&D activities) and the other half on capability development.
NZTE International Growth Fund
MPI Funding and Rural Support (Including Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Funds)


text:
We all have imperfections that perpetuate our mistakes in life, some consistent with what we are, others rooted in who we are. When you love someone, none of that matters. You stand the watch next to them, whether physically or spiritually, and help them as they move forward on their journey just as they have […]
Love is not just how we feel about someone while they are holding our hand. Love is how we keep that person in our hearts when their path is no longer next to ours in the sand. You were the first person that healed and helped me see,I had everything I needed to be the […]
For the first half of my life, I tried to understand what my heart and soul were missing. After holding your hand and looking into your eyes, I will spend the rest of my life feeling blessed and thankful that I found it. I no longer look for what is missing in my life. I […]
The only view of the Kingdom of Heaven a man will have in this life is while looking into the eyes of the woman that loves him.
I know I will spend the rest of my life at sea,because there are no longer places that I want to be. I have seen the end of the Age of Exploration.Because you are the only woman that completed my spiritual restoration. At every sunrise, I wait to see what life has in store,but I […]
A woman’s eyes are the lighthouse of her soul that guides a man’s heart to the safety of her shore.
If words are a collection of letters telling a tale, musical notes are a collection of emotions communicating a feeling. The journey is finding each letter and note that communicates what is in our hearts as we seek to be heard, as a sailor in a ship that has fallen below the water searches for […]
When you commit your life to the sea, there is no room for a loss of integrity. If there are holes in your soul, she will consume you. To live your life with honor you must have the courage and the commitment to maintain independent steaming against the battlegroups of deceit that lay just beyond […]
Old Mr. Donavan, now I know I never knew himTwo men of the same blood and skin. I used to look up to him… old Mr. Donavin. I carried your name across every ocean and sea,but when I came home there was nothing but a dead tree. As you have got to know me,I am […]

domain: artistic


text:
The first Medical Marijuana Physician Workgroup will be convened within the next few weeks. Participants will include:
- Allegheny Health Network
- Geisinger Health System
- Penn State Health
- Port Allegany Health Center
- Temple University Health Systems
- The Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
- University of Pennsylvania – Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- The Commonwealth Medical College
- Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians
- Pennsylvania Chapter – American Academy of Pediatrics
- Pennsylvania Medical Society
The department will also soon release a survey asking for feedback to help in the development of temporary regulations pertaining physicians. The public and physicians will be alerted when this survey is available on the department's website.
The medical marijuana program was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17, 2016. Since that time, the Department of Health has:
The department expects to have the temporary regulations for growers and processors completed and published by the end of August. The remainder of the temporary regulations will be released sequentially for dispensaries/laboratories, physicians, patients, and caregivers. The temporary regulations will be in place for two years from the date they are published.
The program is expected to be implemented by early 2018 and, when completed, will offer medical marijuana to patients who are residents of Pennsylvania and under a physician's care for the treatment of a serious medical condition as defined by Act 16.
Questions about the medical marijuana program can be emailed to RA-DHMedMarijuana@pa.gov. Information is also available on the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Penny Ickes, 717-787-1783
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-department-of-health-provides-update-on-medical-marijuana-program-implementation-process-urges-physician-participation-300300740.html
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

domain: medical


text:
Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International’s newest collection brand and growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike, today announced the opening of The Sarasota Modern.
The Sarasota Modern officially opened its doors today in the heart of downtown Sarasota, within the epicenter of the urban ‘Rosemary District.’ With European inspired design details, the hotel features 89 guestrooms with indoor and outdoor living features, as well as two aqua pools and a hot spa. Dressed with clean white walls, natural wood detailing, floor-to-ceiling windows, pops of energetic wallpaper, private outdoor clawfoot tubs, all surrounded by lush greenery, The Sarasota Modern creates micro-paradises within a resort-style atmosphere.
The Sarasota Modern was designed in collaboration with Hoyt Architects based in Sarasota, Stephen Chung – a Boston-based architect and architects from the Sarasota School of Architecture movement. Blending European inspiration with the unique climate of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the hotel delivers an unexpected yet authentic Sarasota experience.
Showcasing a highly anticipated American cuisine restaurant concept, Rudolph’s – named after the famed architect Paul Rudolph – invites guests to indulge in a characterful dining experience, curated by chef Jennifer Salhoff. Overlooking the tropical streets of downtown Sarasota, Rudolph’s extends its presence into the soft light of the dimmed lounge, adorned with lavish armchairs, modern romance novels, hand-crafted cocktails, a decorative alligator named “Rudy” and live entertainment.
Guests can enjoy amenities such as the well-appointed fitness facility boasting brand new equipment from Peloton, a yoga room overlooking the bay, and in-room spa services. A custom, vintage Volkswagen Bus provides rides for guests within a three-mile radius, including downtown Sarasota and admired Lido Key Beach.


Late Wyoming goal spoils lady Wolverines’ home opener
Reading Time: 2 minutes In the 86th minute of Friday’s home opener for the Lady Wolverines soccer team, Wyoming’s Emily Layton came free of a scramble in front of the Wolverine goal and knocked the ball past goalie Hailey Brown. Until that goal, the score was tied at one. The goal was the go-ahead score and just four minutes later became the game-winning goal.
In the 86th minute of Friday’s home opener for the Lady Wolverines soccer team, Wyoming’s Emily Layton came free of a scramble in front of the Wolverine goal and knocked the ball past goalie Hailey Brown.
Until that goal, the score was tied at one. The goal was the go-ahead score and just four minutes later became the game-winning goal.
The game was an uphill battle from the beginning for Utah Valley. Just two minutes into the game, a direct kick by Emma Wilson soared just over the outstretched arm of Brown for the first goal of the game.
The game stayed 1-0 until UVU’s Athena Maher capitalized on a great centering pass from Camille Broderick in the 69th minute. With the game tied at one, the momentum, which had clearly been with the Cowgirls the whole game, seemed to shift dramatically to the lady Wolverines. The ball spent a lot of time deep in Wyoming’s end until the Cowgirls were able to clear the ball downfield late and score the game-winning goal.
“Wyoming did a good job of taking advantage of our mistakes,” said coach Brent Anderson, “we worked very hard to win the ball, but then carelessly gave it right back.”
The loss at Clyde Field dropped UVU to 0-4-0 on the young season. Coach Anderson points to the defense as a sore spot for the team right now, having allowed 13 goals in just four games.
“We need to get back to a strong defensive mentality,” said Anderson, “last year, we had seven shutouts and it seems like we have forgotten how it feels to play like that.”
Despite being outscored, UVU outshot Wyoming, 18-14.
The Lady Wolverines did bounce back from the devastating last-minute loss to Wyoming with a 1-0 victory in El Paso, Texas on Sunday against UTEP. Utah Valley’s first win of the season was only the eighth loss for UTEP at home in the last seven years. Nicole Archibald scored the only goal of the game in the second minute.
“It was nice to be able to score the goal in the second minute and not have to play uphill all day,” said Anderson of Archibald’s goal at UTEP.


text:
- Age / Gender:
- 23, Male
- All Stats >
- Community Stats
Level 2 Blank Slate
Ranked as Civilian
Contact Info / Websites
Recent Game Medals
Giga Golem 10 Points Master the elements. Medal Stats.
Guardian 10 Points Smash up an elite sentry. Medal Stats.
Kitten Kart 10 Points Destroy the cat's mobile fortress. Medal Stats.
Mitch's Medal 10 Points Meet Mitch! Medal Stats.
Shirley's Medal 10 Points Meet Shirley! Medal Stats.
SECRET MEDAL 10 Points Unlock this medal to see it's details. Medal Stats.
Total Medals Earned: 255 (From 7 different games.)

domain: game


text:
As Western Journalism reported, a number of military officials have confirmed the U.S. Army will investigate the circumstances surrounding Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s 2009 disappearance in Afghanistan. After he was returned in a highly contested exchange with the Taliban last month, several of Bergdahl’s fellow soldiers maintained he deserted his platoon during a time of war before enemy combatants held him hostage for five years.
The Army released a statement Monday detailing its position, explaining Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl will be taking the lead in the ensuing investigation.
According to the report, such approaches “are not uncommon and serve to establish the facts on the ground following an incident.”
An officer whose experience includes military action in Afghanistan, Dahl will be assigned the task of determining what, if any, role Bergdahl’s reported desertion played in his subsequent capture by Taliban forces.
“The primary function of this investigation,” the Army statement concluded, “as in any other investigation, is to ascertain facts and report them to the appointing authority.”
At this point, military officials confirm they are primarily interested in assisting Bergdahl in his continuing recovery. As soon as his “reintegration team clears such an interaction,” the statement indicates investigators will begin interviewing him directly.
The Army’s investigation will consider documentation going back to the initial report by his platoon indicating that he was missing. No specifics regarding the timeline or scope of its inquiry have been established.
Bergdahl’s release has sparked criticism beyond allegations that he is a deserter or even a traitor. Barack Obama’s unilateral decision to release five dangerous terrorists from Guantanamo Bay in a trade with the Taliban has been widely condemned for its perceived impropriety and illegality.
Obama himself signed a law requiring him to notify Congress at least 30 days before releasing a prisoner from the facility.
What Do You Think? Take The Poll
This post originally appeared on Western Journalism – Informing And Equipping Americans Who Love Freedom

domain: politics


The Housing and Construction Ministry issued new directives Tuesday entitling public housing tenants living with their adult children to the same discounts in purchasing their apartments as if their children were minors. The directives come after the ministry decided recently that it would not appeal a September ruling to that effect by the Be’er Sheva District Court.
- 300 elderly immigrants in Israel get 80% rent hike after just 6 weeks in new homes
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- Why have transit camps for Mizrahi Jews been written out of Israeli history?
This precedent-setting ruling by the Be’er Sheva court means that such families are entitled to tens of thousands of shekels in discounts when purchasing an apartment.
Before this, the Housing and Construction Ministry went by the National Insurance Institute’s definition of a child as a minor or an individual who is over 18 but under 21.
Thousands of families living in public housing with one adult offspring, 21 or older, will be entitled to a discount of 50–55 percent, and if they have two or more children living with them, their discount will be 60–65 percent.
“The Housing and Construction Ministry is aware of the ruling and is working to change its directives in light of it,” Deputy Housing and Construction Minister Jackie Levy told Haaretz.
“A child will be considered a child without restriction on age, even if he is 30 or 50, as long as he lives with his parents,” Housing Ministry deputy director general Ronen Cohen said. “We had a dilemma whether to appeal to the Supreme Court but we decided it was more important for us to encourage the purchase of public housing apartments. We respect the court’s decision although it is not easy for us because the state will lose profit from the sale of the apartment.”
The original ruling was given in the case of a single mother living in Sderot with her 28-year-old son, who wanted to purchase her apartment from the public housing company Amigur.


Alex Cabrera Rumors
Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest hot stove buzz around baseball.
- Johan Santana is Boston's only target - they're not after Dan Haren or any other starter. The talks keep slugging along. For what it's worth, Curt Schilling expects the Red Sox to get him.
- 36 year-old first baseman Alex Cabrera is a sleeper power threat among free agents. The former Rockie, Cub, and Diamondback has been mashing in Japan since 2001. The Nationals don't have any room for him but want him anyway. Rosenthal says A.L. clubs are looking at him as a DH candidate, also. Cabrera hit .295/.377/.512 with 27 HR in 441 ABs in Japan in 2007.
- Hiroki Kuroda has not reached an agreement with any team, according to Rosenthal.
- The Padres are still considering Jim Edmonds as a center field candidate.
- Here's a new one: the Indians expressed interest in Scott Rolen. The talks have cooled however.
- Rosenthal says the Astros don't think they will get Miguel Tejada. Instead they've moved on to...Ron Mahay and Jeremy Affeldt.
Full Story | Comments (2) | Categories: Alex Cabrera | Baltimore Orioles | Cleveland Indians | Dan Haren | Hiroki Kuroda | Houston Astros | Jeremy Affeldt | Jim Edmonds | Johan Santana | Miguel Tejada | Minnesota Twins | Oakland Athletics | Ron Mahay | San Diego Padres | Scott Rolen | St. Louis Cardinals | Washington Nationals
Quick Hits: Abreu, Thornton, Hicks West Notes: Scutaro, Singleton, Martinez MLBTR Originals Quick Hits: Hardy, Gonzalez, Hanrahan, Davis, Harang Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Fasano, Matsui, Orioles Twins Claim Sam Fuld, Designate Darin Mastroianni Yankees Designate Matt Daley For Assignment Tigers Release Alex Gonzalez Quick Hits: Prospects, Pirates, Brewers NL East Notes: Mets, Braves West Notes: Padres, A's, Angels Lannan Accepts Mets' Outright Assignment NL Notes: Braves, Mets, Cubs, Willis White Sox Place Donnie Veal On Outright Waivers Rosenthal On Diamondbacks, Braves, Drew


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Sometime before the end of June the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on Christie vs. NCAA and determine the legality of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
The case, originally filed in 2012, made its way on appeal to the Court, which heard arguments in December. Based on the tone and questions at that hearing, in which numerous justices cast a skeptical light on why the federal government allows sports betting in some states but not others, those with a stake in expanding the legal and regulated market for sports betting have their hopes up.
“You could not have been in the courtroom in December and not had a good feeling about it, but you don’t know how justices are going to vote based on the questions they’re asking,” said Joe Asher, CEO, William Hill, which operates 108 of Nevada’s 180 sports books. “It seemed to go pretty well for our side, but you don’t know.”
The industry faces one of three scenarios, according to Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs, American Gaming Association (AGA): PASPA is declared constitutional and the status quo holds, in which case a congressional repeal would be a prerequisite for states to proceed with sports betting legislation; New Jersey’s “partial repeal” of PASPA is in compliance and its model is upheld, but congressional action might be required to enable all states to move forward; or PASPA is declared unconstitutional and states can move forward.
That said, it’s not hard to find informed industry observers who are bullish on the prospects of widespread legalized sports betting in the U.S. whatever the Supreme Court decides.
“We are closer to legalized sports betting than we’ve ever been before; whether we get a solution through the Court or a solution through Congress,” said Quinton Singleton, corporate strategy and government, SG Digital. “The will to legalize sports betting exists across the U.S., including public consensus, tribal and commercial gaming, lotteries and the leagues.”
LEGISLATING SPORTS BETTING
By the end of April some 20 states had introduced legislation to create legal and regulated sports betting within their respective jurisdictions. In the process, the casino industry has been able to get its arguments across about what a successful commercial sports betting business requires, starting with some fundamental points about the business itself. In a nutshell, sports betting is a low-hold business that is already thriving in the U.S. courtesy of unregulated offshore operators. In order to profitably compete, brick-and-mortar casinos need access to customers and a low-cost business environment. That translates to mobile betting platforms; the opportunity to offer a wide range of betting products, in particular in-play wagers, which account for 25 percent of William Hill’s Nevada business; and an absence of extra costs, such as compliance and data fees that the professional leagues have pushed for.
“There is a very vibrant black market for bookmakers who don’t pay taxes and don’t have regulatory oversight or the infrastructure costs that we have,” said Asher. “They don’t have to get the customer’s social security number to open up a bank account or if he goes over $10,000 of cash transactions in a day like we do. They offer a form of privacy that we’re not permitted to offer under federal law. They offer credit. What made Monday Night Football the cultural icon in America that it became was illegal bookies settled up on Tuesday, so Monday was your chance to get even. That’s what we’re going to be competing with. This is not going to be a stroll in the park. The more burdens placed on legal operators, the harder it will be for them to change customer behavior patterns that have been entrenched for decades.”
So far, the industry message appears to be getting through. All but one (New York) of state sport betting bills includes a mobile component. And the leagues have yet to convince lawmakers that legal compliance related to the creation of new sports betting markets will create costs for them that should be absorbed by operators and paid out in the form of an “integrity fee.”
Of the five sports betting bills that have passed to date—Pennsylvania, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia—both Asher and Singleton point to West Virginia’s legislation as an example of what other states might emulate. “West Virginia advances a number of relevant and important topics in its legal framework and empowers the regulators to address further nuances at a later date through regulatory promulgation,” Asher said. “This is important for providing flexibility given the complexity of the sports betting space.”
Asher gave Pennsylvania’s bill low marks. “The margin on sports betting is about 5 percent and it’s not going to improve,” he said. “If anything, it’s trending downwards because of mobile and in-play, which are inherently lower-margin products. The more burdens that are placed on legal operators, the more difficult it becomes to migrate customers from the black market. Take Pennsylvania, with a 36 percent tax rate, and you have to pay $10 million up front for the privilege of paying that, and that’s on top of the 5 percent that gets paid to the IRS (the 0.25 excise tax on handle translates to about five percent of revenue) so how does the legal operator possibly compete with the black market operator in Pennsylvania under that tax structure?”
Another concern is the some of the items that the sports leagues have been trying to get into legislation that are problematic from the casino operator point-of-view. “We and others in the gaming industry oppose efforts to impose legislatively-mandated payments and commercial benefits to the sports leagues, such as integrity fees and getting results from a league-approved data source,” said Asher. “But what’s that going to cost us?
“We also oppose the leagues getting to approve the types of bets that are offered. So far none of the states have implemented those items. The most successful sports league in the world is the English Premier League, and they don’t receive any statutorily-mandated payments. What they do get is massive sponsorship money; about half of the league has betting companies on their jerseys and of course you see it all around the fields. There are mandated payments to the leagues in France and the legal betting market there has been unable to compete with offshore operators and is basically a non-factor. Mandated payments are not unprecedented, but it’s a model that has proven to be problematic. The other country that the leagues cite is Australia, which is another very challenged sports betting market.”
William Hill’s operation has thrived in Nevada, where sports betting revenue has grown substantially over the last five years, from $202 million in 2013 to $248 million in 2017. “That’s because of the proliferation of mobile and more in-play betting and just the growing popularity of sports betting,” Asher said. “Mobile just makes it that much easier for customers to access your product. In-play is the big change. We’ve got people who bet $1,000 an inning on whether a run will be scored. You’re able to take a three-hour baseball game and make it a 20-minute game. It has been incremental revenue.”
Singleton also points to the UK as an example of how U.S. brick-and-mortar operators might approach sports betting. “It’s the largest regulated sports betting market in the world and we are the number one player there,” he said. “We are delivering those products and services to our U.S. customers. They will be able to operate their sportsbooks in land-based casinos, digital environments or even through a lottery-driven market using OpenBet. We’re already integrated with tribal, casino and lottery operators through gaming and lottery divisions. When you combine all of these product offerings into a single, integrated solution, operators can have a seamless solution across digital and land-based operations. This is what we do in New Jersey for iGaming and it is a formidable solution.”
AN INDUSTRY CONVERSATION
Sports betting was of course a hot topic at last month’s National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) show in Las Vegas. What follows are some highlights from a panel discussion that was led by Brian Wyman, principal, The Innovation Group:
Michael Grodsky, director of marketing, William Hill Race & Sports Book: A sports book is more than just buying an odds feed, putting some TV’s on the wall and buying an NFL or premium cable package. It’s about getting the optimal time, having the product offerings right, making sure you’re offering the right sports, a bit of player management, risk operations and liability management, and different marketing offers.
Sports betting typically is a lower margin product than anything else offered in the casino. In Nevada in 2017, sports betting held only 5.1 percent. Out of $4.8 billion in handle, $249 million was won. Partnerships are structured based on what works best for the property partner.
It could look like a smaller revenue number for your property, but look at the ancillary benefits. You’re bringing in a new audience that typically wouldn’t come to your property all the time, and they might be bringing in other people who will come in and game. It definitely spills over to food-and-beverage revenue, we see that time and time again, and to slots and tables as well. It’s a great amenity to have in your property.
Joe Brennan Jr., CEO, Sport Analytics & Data (SportAD): One of the things we’re seeing in New Jersey, where we have spent a lot of time, is that one of the key questions that you’re going to have to ask about sports betting is what does it mean to your core business? If there’s a lesson to be learned from New Jersey’s iGaming market it is how you go from legalizing it to improving your core business. You have to be insistent with your partners that you want that piece to be formalized. It’s not enough to say this new form of gaming will bring in new customers and that will carry over; you have to be rigorous. That’s something that has not been handled well in New Jersey with iGaming. It has been a pretty good revenue stream, but nobody has done a particularly good job at bringing the online players they have acquired and turning them into a core customer.
So be more demanding of potential partners when they approach you. With sports betting, there isn’t a product or content category that crosses more demographics than sports, which is why everyone on The Strip has a sports book. There isn’t an empty room during the Super Bowl or the NCAA tournament.
Charles Cohen, vice president of North American sports betting, IGT: Sports betting is actually an incredibly complicated and difficult business to run. If you think about how complicated it is to run a slot floor or a bingo room, multiply that by 10. That’s the same reason why it is appealing to plyers: it’s about things that are happening outside the casino. Unlike a slot tournament, a sporting event is going to happen at a specific time whether you like it or not. Think about going into this with your eyes wide open, and you can do it multiple ways. If you do it right, it absolutely is the most tremendous opportunity that there will be in gaming in this country in the next 10 years.
Conrad Granito, general manager, Muckleshoot Casino: Bottom line, sports betting doesn’t offer big numbers, it clearly is about what it brings as an experience to your property. This is pure risk; it’s not a slot machine or a table game that will hold X amount. The hold on the Super Bowl was 1.67 percent; that’s all the entire city of Las Vegas got. It has swings more than any other game you have on your floor.
The challenge for Indian Country in the event of a Supreme Court repeal means the issue goes back to the states, which means tribes have to go back to their compacts. This will be Class III gaming, unless you can structure something under Class II; under IGRA, it is defined as “everything else.” Sports betting by its own nature is “everything else,” it follows more of an OTB line. If you have off-track betting in your operations it follows similar operational lines. The challenge will be what your current compact allows and if a negotiation is necessary. I was actively involved in negotiating for five of the compacts in New Mexico. That’s one state where you might not need a renegotiation because the definition of gaming is so broad. Basically is provides for whatever is allowed in Nevada.
Product mix and mobile…
Brennan: The diversity of the product offering is really key. Everybody read about the Super Bowl, but rounding out the narrative was most of the shops in town were taking close to 50 percent of their handle in derivative or proposition bets. “Tom Brady is going to have plus or minus three touchdown passes,” or, “It’s going to be heads or tails on the coin flip.” Which are more entertainment-oriented.
We’re the only legal, real-money sports product in New Jersey (Sport AD is a fantasy sports book operator). What we’ve found is our players are probably more like your casino high roller players. We have players that will bet $1,000 or $2,000 on parlay product; we had one cash in for $25,000. They will play just about every dollar back in because they like the game. We’re net positive against all of our high roller players. You aren’t setting yourself up to be robbed by sharks. In our experience, we find the players to be tremendously loyal. They like playing their wins back into the game.
Cohen: The great thing about mobile is that it increases velocity, so people can place more wagers. That helps the operator because volume smooths out the ups-and-downs of payouts. Instead of a player only being able to make one or maybe two wagers on a game, i.e., when it starts and at halftime, now they can make 20 or 30. The wagers are settled within minutes, they go straight into an account and they can re-wager. Technology exists that allows you to operate the mobile device only within the premises. Also, you can have kiosks and screens. Giving customers the convenience to wager more often on more things, even if it’s just within the property, could transform the potential of this…
Grodsky: In Nevada, we’ve had the mobile app since 2012. It’s now 58 percent of our business, that’s up from 13 percent in 2013. The exciting thing that we’ve seen is that it has not cannibalized our retail sports betting. A lot of it is complimentary to a product called In-Play Wagering. Right now, a baseball game could be a three-hour game. One of our most popular bets is a yes/no proposition, “Will there be a run in the first inning?” What that does is consolidate a three-hour event into a 20-minute game. When you’re in the casino and you want to enjoy the amenity and watching at the sports bar or the hotel and you want to get a wager in, the mobile app is perfect for that because the lines change is so dynamic.
Currently in Nevada, if you want to sign up for a mobile app, you have to come into a physical location where your ID is verified. There’s no remote registration so you can’t sign up from your house. Those are decisions that new jurisdictions are going to have to make; whether they want remote registration or in-property.
What the market could look like…
Granito: We have had some discussions about sports betting in the state of Washington. We would have to change state law to allow for us to have that. I have spoken with other tribes in other jurisdictions and they are of course consulting with their attorneys and looking at their compacts, particularly in states that are looking at passing sports betting legislation; at that point it’s a negotiation or would open the door immediately depending on the verbiage of their compact.
Mobile will make a huge difference for tribes. They’re also wrestling with whether to bring in a partner, do it themselves or lease out the space like a restaurant. It’s not going to bring in huge dollars, but it enhances the whole flavor of what’s in your casino. Sports betting on those big days will be no different than Triple Crown races when you have an OTB; it’s a lot different than a Tuesday afternoon betting on dogs.
Strategic planning/first steps…
Cohen: I would suggest that the first phase is to look at your business and decide whether sports betting could fit into your overall business strategy and then talk to suppliers. There are two routes: give up a portion of your floor to an entity like William Hill who could come in and run the whole thing for you; or you could partner with somebody and run more of it yourself so you could control more of the experience. That’s a very big operational decision.
You also need to get with your regulators to make sure that any regulations that do get passed are regulations that can work for you. It’s not just whether you can use a mobile device or not, but are there going to be restrictions on what you can bet on. If amateur athletics are restricted there’s a huge part of the market gone right there. If you can’t do live betting, or you can’t have a parlay with more than five items in it, you’re not going to make any money. Having a commercially realistic set of regulations is a requirement.
Brennan: If you are going to offer sports betting, what’s your aspiration for it? Are you looking at a big Vegas-style sports book or, if you’re space-constrained, are you looking at more of a convenience where you’re offering a few kiosks and a customer-service person? And then start to look at regulations before you decide on a partnership or not.
Integrity of operations…
Grodsky: Our regulatory department is such a critical part of our operation. When we’re talking about KYC, we’re talking about what we can do with respect to responsible gaming. During the Super Bowl, we got a lot of press because over the course of the week leading up to the game we took four seven-figure bets from different customers and we had to do our due diligence on each of them. But we do that for all of our customers.
When you register for a mobile gaming account in Nevada, you present a Social Security number. If you’re someone we don’t want to do business with we don’t do business with you. We’re very important in the state of Nevada, because no one customer is too important for us. Within our mobile app we are able to set deposit limits; customers can enroll in self-exclusion programs; there are tome-out periods. Customers can decline to receive marketing from us.
Cohen: It is actually probably harder to bet fraudulently or engage in collusion at a sports book desk than it is at a craps table.
Granito: Tribes would like to see some form of exclusivity as we do in our tribal operation. And you don’t want to have regulations that are so oppressive that you’re not operating a viable business. In any state where tribes are involved, you’re going to have non-tribal interests that are going to want to be involved. Uniquely in Washington, there is only one licensed race track but it is owned by the Muckleshoot tribe.
One of the questions that I keep asking is where the lottery in these discussions? They haven’t been anywhere. And I ask that because in the UK, the accessibility of sports betting is why it has worked very well. What if the lottery comes in and says, “We’re now going to offer a sports book at every single lottery terminal tomorrow.” It’s an interesting thought because they already have the infrastructure.
Cohen: Those discussions are happening. It will be up to casinos to create a really great experience.
The upside of sports betting…
Grodsky: We’re in 108 locations in Nevada and some of them didn’t have a sports book previously. It creates energy on the gaming floor and it brings people in. You talk about a Wednesday or Thursday in the middle of March leading up to March Madness where you’re hotel occupancy might not have been 100 percent before… if you get sports betting and you have a hotel, you’re going to have 100 percent occupancy because people are going to want to be there. Casinos already do such a great job with special evets; how many more can you sprinkle into your calendar with sports betting? We have the Kentucky Derby coming up and then the World Cup, which gives you the chance to talk to customers you don’t traditionally talk to that time of the year. A big fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend... there’s always something going on.


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Webinar on Collaborative Communities: October 29, 2019
The FDA hosted a webinar to share information and answer questions about collaborative communities and the final version of the Collaborative Communities Toolkit.
In the medical device ecosystem, collaborative communities bring together stakeholders to achieve common outcomes, solve shared challenges, and leverage collective opportunities. CDRH believes collaborative communities can contribute to improvements in areas affecting patients and health care in the United States. Accordingly, participation in collaborative communities is one of CDRH's strategic priorities for 2018-2020.
CDRH encourages interested stakeholders to learn more about collaborative communities and review the toolkit, which provides a collection of helpful ideas to foster strong collaborative communities that are well-prepared to take on health care challenges.
On this page:
- What Is a Collaborative Community?
- Members of a Collaborative Community
- Considerations for CDRH Participation in a Collaborative Community
- Collaborative Communities with CDRH Participation
- Collaboration Communities Toolkit
- Examples of Collaborative Communities in Other Sectors
- Frequently Asked Questions
A collaborative community is a continuing forum in which private- and public-sector members, which can include the FDA, work together on medical device challenges to achieve common objectives and outcomes. They are convened by interested stakeholders and may exist indefinitely, produce deliverables as needed, and tackle challenges with broad impacts. Collaborative communities may develop for a number of reasons, including when:
- Challenges are ill-defined or there is no consensus on the definition of the challenges
- Challenges and outcomes are complex
- Partners are interrelated
- Incremental or unilateral efforts to address the challenge have been ineffective
- Partners seek to optimize efforts, including preventing duplication of efforts
- Better outcomes could be achieved with integrating different perspectives, experiences, resources, and expertise.
For more information: Fostering Collaborative Communities to Improve Patient Healthcare (FDA Voices, December 4, 2018)
Collaborative communities typically include diverse, relevant organizations and individuals impacted by a specific topic. For example, patients and care-partners, academics, health care professionals, payers, federal and state agencies, international regulatory bodies, and industry may be engaged as part of a collaborative community.
Members of a collaborative community may represent many types of medical device stakeholders. The Collaborative Communities Toolkit provides more information on community membership.
Established collaborative communities may wish to invite CDRH to participate. CDRH's decision to participate as a member is influenced by the public health impact of the community, its alignment with CDRH's regulatory mission, current priorities and resources. CDRH makes participation decisions on a case-by-case basis and may consider whether the community has a governance structure, a convener, a plan to measure success and a mechanism for sustained engagement to help determine whether CDRH will participate.
The FDA currently participates as a member of the following collaborative communities, which have been established and are managed and controlled by external stakeholders.
- Ophthalmic Imaging Collaborative Community
- National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center (NESTcc) Collaborative Community
The Collaborative Communities Toolkit is a collection of materials that could help prospective communities in their development and effective collaboration, so that they are adequately prepared to take on health care challenges.
Each component of this toolkit could help members of both new and existing communities work with one another.
Collaborative communities have been created to tackle challenges in other sectors.
Challenge: Underage drinking resulting in many complaints of noise, vandalism, and other crimes in a college town. Community police and the college's efforts failed to mitigate the problem.
Collaborators: College, State Liquor Commission Enforcement Office, local police, property owners, and students.
Description: Multiprong solution involved revised student orientation to cover underage drinking, monitoring of stores selling to minors by the State Liquor Enforcement Office, increased officer presence during peak drinking hours, informing property owners of legal consequences of underage drinking, and increased enforcement in nightclubs. The activity needed to be sustained to ensure long-term lasting effects and tailored to adapt to the changing landscape. Calls for service to off-campus residences for underage drinking were reduced by 50-70 percent.
Reference: TA Rinehart, AT Laszlo, and GO Briscoe. Collaboration Toolkit: How to Build, Fix, and Sustain Productive Partnerships. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2001. Available at https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=454094 (accessed September 19, 2019).
Challenge: High infant mortality in Washington, DC, which exceeds that of most states and is higher than infant mortality in New York City or Los Angeles.
Collaborators: Health care providers, government agencies and social service providers, community-based organizations, hospital systems, patients with lived experience, housing, transportation, and potential employers.
Description: The DC Community Action Network uses shared measurement systems (establishing how success will be measured and reported); mutually reinforcing activities (ensuring each participant is doing activities within their expertise and that are coordinated with other participants' activities); continuous communication (helping to develop trust among organizations that are not used to working with each other and keeping partners engaged); and DC Health (allowing DC Health to provide some of the infrastructure for coordination). Research is currently underway to learn more about health practices of pregnant women in Washington.
Reference: District of Columbia Department of Health: Perinatal Health and Infant Mortality Report. May 2018. Available at https://bit.ly/2NHwWOG (accessed September 19, 2019).
Does the FDA establish collaborative communities?
Answer: No. The FDA does not establish, manage, or control collaborative communities. As such, the FDA does not decide the membership, schedule meetings or set agendas, or control the community's operations. Collaborative communities can exist without the FDA's participation.
What roles can FDA staff assume in a collaborative community?
Answer: An FDA staff member can participate as a member of a collaborative community in a manner similar to that of other members. However, an FDA staff member cannot chair or convene the collaborative community. FDA staff members may participate in workstreams, as well as lend a regulatory perspective to discussions.
Are collaborative communities an alternative to standards, federal advisory committees, or other established regulatory processes?
Answer. No. Collaborative communities do not replace established regulatory mechanisms. The FDA will follow good guidance practices, ethics, standards, and other existing process for conducting its business. The FDA's participation in collaborative communities must comport with these existing obligations. A collaborative community is not a federal advisory committee. For more information on the FDA's advisory committees, see About Advisory Committees.
If you have questions about collaborative communities, or if you have a collaborative community in which you would like the FDA to participate, email CDRHCollabCommunities@fda.hhs.gov.

domain: health


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The Realme ‘s rear camera comes with the 64-megapixel primary sensor, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The 16-megapixel sensor serves as the front-facing camera. The high resolution lens is flawless for everyday moments because it records incredible details.
It supports 1080p@30fps back video recording and front video recording. A back-flesh light was also included in the phone’s camera. The Geotagging, touch focus, and face/smile detection are built into the camera.
The Qualcomm 888 chipset powers the Realme 12 Pro. This is the latest smartphone with Android 13 OS. The device manages everything with ease whether you’re playing light games, streaming videos or browsing social media. 12 pro has an Octa-Core CPU and Adreno GPU.
Which improves its performance to another level. The mobile also supports Dual SIM (Nano-SIM , dual stand-by). This relates to simple and clear user awareness.
The forthcoming smartphone called the 12 pro is expected to have amazing features and strong performance. With its sleek design and impressive display. The smartphone has glass back and stylish design combined to create a modern look. There are three colors to choose from 12 Pro : silver, black and blue. The 12 pro comes with features like 5G support, wi-fi 6 and NFC.
You won’t ever experience battery anxiety with its large Li-Po non-removable battery of 5000mAh capacity. This device can operate for up to the entire day, with just one charge. It also features a quick 33W charger that takes only a few minutes to fully charge the battery.
The mobile phone’s battery will meet the demands of both social media consumers and gamers. You are free to decide whether or not to buy a realme 12 , even though it looks to be a high-end model.
The Realme 12 combines outstanding capabilities and specifications , making it a great smartphone. The 12 pro promises to change the definition of what a smartphone can be, both with its innovative functions and its alluring design.
Give the device a look if you’re looking for a solid, cost-effective smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or features. It will be one of the best mobile phones with a large number of users in pakistan.


WASHINGTON – The final tally isn’t in yet, but more than a million Americans submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior about plans to review more than two dozen monuments, including two in New Mexico, and possibly reduce their size.
The deadline for submitting comments was midnight Monday. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Tuesday that more than 1.2 million comments were received through the Regulations.gov website and thousands more by traditional mail. Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters, estimated that 2.5 million Americans voiced a position on the monuments review during the comments period.
Whatever the final number, New Mexico Sens. Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall, both Democrats, said at a press conference Tuesday that they hope Zinke listens to the concerns of those who want the existing monuments preserved.
“That’s really the question here: Will the American people be heard as a part of this process?” Heinrich said.
In a statement, the interior secretary assured the public that the comments will be taken into account.
“These comments, in addition to the extensive on-the-ground tours of monuments and meetings with stakeholders, will help inform my recommendations on the monuments,” Zinke said. “I appreciate everyone who took the time to log on or write in and participate in our government.”
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument near Las Cruces and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico are both on a list of monuments Zinke is reviewing for possible changes. Zinke said last month that he would recommend that President Donald Trump reduce the size of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.
The interior secretary said in early June that he planned to visit New Mexico as part of the review process, but an Interior Department spokeswoman said Tuesday that details of the visit still were not available. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is viewed as particularly susceptible to a shrinkage recommendation from Zinke, partly because Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., supports a reduction of the monument, which is in his congressional district. Pearce has said the sprawling designation – more than a half-million acres – hinders economic development and border law enforcement.
Udall, a former New Mexico attorney general, has said that under his interpretation of existing law it would be illegal to reduce the size of national monuments. He said that if either monument in New Mexico were altered under the Trump administration, the matter would wind up in court.
Recess delayed: Congressional staffers hoping to take time off in early August need to rethink their travel plans.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday that the congressional recess in August will be delayed in the Senate for two weeks to allow the chamber to finish work on health care legislation and other priorities. Barring any changes in scheduling, senators should be allowed to head home for their annual recess beginning Aug. 14.
Michael Coleman: email@example.com


3 components that make a solid cloud architecture
GOOD cloud architectures don’t just snap out of thin air. They are well-thought-out constructs that keep businesses running smoothly.
Building a strong and reliable cloud architecture will be the foundation for enterprise success in this digital era.
Despite that, many businesses are unaware of how a poorly planned cloud system can rain on their parade.
A solid cloud system should be a holistic structure that allows seamless accessibility.
With increasingly advanced technologies and demanding business requirements, here are three things decision-makers must consider when it comes to cloud architecture.
#1 | Compatibility with the business
For any form of technology, the first thing that technologists need to remember is if the technology suits the business. Luckily, the cloud will work well for most business types.
However, it will still require thorough dissecting of the operation to customize its structure for a cloud architecture. Certain data may require cleaning and filtration that can be time-consuming.
When certain processes are migrated into a cloud system, automation can make workflow more efficient at a lesser cost.
#2 | Scalability in all ways
One of the best components that enterprise technology brings to businesses is its scalability. Cloud architecture can easily help the business scale via storage, computing, and network.
An expansion is undoubtedly part of a company’s business plan. So, building a cloud infrastructure that bridges to other cloud services are a no-brainer.
As multi-cloud becomes more popular in the market, businesses can also explore expanding their businesses arms via the different cloud services. In short, the cloud system mustn’t be rigid.
#3 | Security for everyone’s peace of mind
Lastly, cloud architecture must be secure. Secure storage and transfer of data must be the top priority for all companies across industries.
With the rise of data privacy awareness, it is even more pertinent for businesses to consider the cloud system’s reliability.
Though it’s important for businesses to acknowledge where the cloud service provider’s responsibility ends and where the organization’s responsibility starts.
Over time, it will be as clear as day that a good cloud architecture will be worth the business investment.
Not only will a well-architected cloud system help a business operate more efficiently, but it will also save cost expenses significantly too.
For some businesses, it may seem overwhelming to migrate the entire operations to a cloud system.
Though, the silver lining is that cloud architecture is becoming simpler and more affordable for business use. So it will be just a matter of when instead.


Earth Art Free-Tailed Bat Sticker
Sue Coccia, an artist based in Edmonds, Washington, created this free-tailed bat sticker based on one of her fanciful drawings. It is filled with icons and animals of the West, both obvious and not-so-obvious. Each piece of the image has meaning related to the habitat and life of the free-tailed bat, the most common bat species at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Their out-flight from the cave is a spectacular sight!
- High-quality vinyl sticker
- Size: 4 1/4" x 2 3/8"
- Made in the United States


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Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Food of the Week: Summer Squash!!
Summer Squash is in the peak of its season!
Summer Squash is one of the World's Healthiest Foods. This week we celebrate this summer favorite while it is in the peak of its season. Historically, summer squash was distinguished from winter squash because it was available only during the summer months, but you can now find it in your local markets throughout the year. Its delicate flavor, soft shell and creamy white flesh make summer squash a perfect addition to your Healthier Way of Eating.
They are in season between May and July when they are at their best and most readily available.
Summer squash, members of the Cucurbitaceae family and relatives of both the melon and the cucumber, come in many different varieties. While each type varies in shape, color, size and flavor, they all share some common characteristics. The entire vegetable, including its flesh, seeds and skin, is edible. In addition, some varieties of the squash plant produce edible flowers. Unlike winter squash, summer squash are more fragile and cannot be stored for long periods of time.
Summer squash is an excellent source of vitamin C, and the phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, three powerful antioxidants that help protects cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. A one cup serving of summer squash also provides 19% of the daily value (DV) for manganese, 11% DV for magnesium, and 10% DV for vitamin A.

domain: food


Meet Chuck Feeney, The Billionaire Who Has Achieved His Goal Of Giving Away His Fortune
In the year 1982, billionaire Chuck Feeneyset up a philanthropic…
In the year 1982, billionaire Chuck Feeneyset up a philanthropic foundation with a singular goal in his mind – of secretly giving away his entire fortune. Now, after 38 years, he has finally achieved that goal at the age of 89.
Over the course of his life, Feeney earned over $8 billion in the duty-free shopping business. According to media reports, despite all his wealth, the businessman doesn’t own a car and only owns one pair of shoes.
This week, Feeney’s foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, finally ran out of money and the businessman told the Guardian that he was happy with “completing this on my watch.”
He also urged other uber-rich people to follow in his footsteps and help people out. “Wealth brings responsibility. People must define themselves, or feel a responsibility to use some of their assets to improve the lives of their fellow humans, or else create intractable problems for future generations,” he said.