Archive for October, 2011
The Texas Sharpshooter Goes Free Range
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011Back in 1987 right after I’d gotten out of law school and passed the bar one of the first things I worked on was objecting to a request by plaintiff’s counsel for all of the death certificates gathered by the University of Texas School of Public Health for its study of our client’s refinery. Plaintiffs’ retained epidemiologist wanted to do his own "unbiased" study, he claimed.
"Have you heard of the Texas Sharpshooter?", asked the school’s biostatistician when I met with him for the first time. No, I hadn’t. But I would soon understand that when you get to draw your target after you see where your shots have struck, your accuracy improves dramatically. And that was exactly what happened when plaintiffs’ expert did his study. Suddenly big risks appeared where none had been found by other investigators.
The problem, of course, was that the expert’s hypothesis was generated by the litigation, and not by scientific curiosity. He knew who had developed leukemia and so, after reviewing payroll records and depositions, honed in on the inevitable commonalities among the afflicted workers. Thus he discovered what tasks must, in his mind, have lead to the causative exposures; and, sure enough, his unpublished study showed that that there was a big increase in leukemia among those with work histories like our plaintiffs.
Yet even in Beaumont, even in the bad old days, the judge who usually gave us fits (admitting the Sumner Simpson papers against defendants who’d never heard of them, much less participated in the alleged conspiracy) recognized the fallacy embedded in the claims of plaintiffs’ expert and excluded his ex post epi study (though he had let plaintiffs get the death certificates). You can always find something that events have in common after they’ve occurred, the court held. The trick, and the real test of a scientific theory, is whether it can predict those events before the test is run (or the Texas sharpshooter’s shots are fired).
According to the scientific method a sound test is one designed to test a theory’s predictions and not just to verify the investigator’s preconceived notions. Sadly, that distinction was overlooked by the New York appellate court in Nonnon II. Nevertheless, all surely cannot be lost when such things go better in Illinois. The very point missed by the court in Nonnon II was seized upon by an Illinois trial court. It examined the findings of the same expert doing the very same sort of ex post epi study who arrived at the same conclusion (which again flew in the face of objective, blinded studies done by the state) and, deciding enough was enough, threw out plaintiffs’ claims. Looking at the two rulings it appears we haven’t come very far in the last 25 years. On one side is the emotive power of claims fanned by fears of childhood leukemia clusters and on the other the cold hard facts and a whole lot of uncertainty. Not much of anything has changed I suppose.
Note to readers: We’re coming up on 800 posts and I’ve just now learned that I routinely fail to check the "Send Notification" box upon posting. Thus those of you who’ve signed up haven’t gotten notifications of the vast majority of our musings. I apologize and promise to check the box henceforth. h/t Laura K. Deen.
Honor Students Turn Science into Art
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
Julie Posey instructs students during a gene transfer lab
The Honors Program at CCAD will put on an exhibition featuring artwork inspired by science on December 2011.
The exhibition, Biotechnology Inspires Art, will feature work by eight students and will be open to the public Dec. 10–16 in Beaton Gallery.
The students will submit pieces that were somehow inspired by science and the information they have learned throughout their courses. The exhibition will include drawing, painting, digital, textile, and video/performance art.
Julie Posey, associate professor at CCAD, has taught science courses at the college for 13 years and everyday is amazed by the students and their relationship with studying the liberal arts.
“There is something about an artist’s mind. They think differently and question science in a manner that I have never seen,” said Posey.
Posey’s teaching inspiration comes from the artistic world. She will often incorporate her lessons around what an artist will need or want to know.
“Professors and art instructors will do a great job at telling students about harmful materials they are working with. We will take it to the next level and tell them why it is hazardous, what it can do to your organs, skin, and the body as a whole,” Posey said.
The science courses at CCAD have a very hands-on format and curriculum. The classes incorporate labs and field trips into the structure of the course to inspire the predominately visual learners.
Each student must take three science courses, one biological or physical class and two social science classes. Available course often change depending on what is a current hot topic, or by the input and feedback of students.
“I often get students come in and realize they have an interest in something like medical illustration or just have fun in the classes and they will continue to take more courses as electives,” she said.
Posey enjoys incorporating the students’ love of art into each class and lab.
“In labs students can extract DNA from their cheek and transform it into a necklace and we will have students paint what they are viewing and interpreting under a microscope,” she said.
Posey’s office is filled with examples of student work. There are quilts made to represent the layers of skin, hearts and other organs made of glass, ink prints of muscle outlines, necklaces modeled after ribosome’s, and more.
“I have my students create pieces of work inspired by science and what we have learned and am encouraging other teachers to do the same,” Posey said.
Kinney Hall, an academic building, has corridors filled with work inspired by English classes and comparative studies. Posey’s passion and amazement for what students have created and been inspired by is contagious.
Columbus College of Art & Design Blog
Riverlea Annexation Opposition
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
Village of Riverlea, Ohio
I got to interview the Opposition Forces for the Riverlea Annexation, Gregory Bonk. His website is: Against Annexation
1. Who gets to vote on annexation? Riverlea residents? or Riverlea and Worthington residents?
Both Riverlea and Worthington Residents will be voting on the issue. It appears as issue #60 on the ballot
2. How organized are the opposition forces? What are they willing to do? Are there Worthington residents opposed to annexing Riverlea? What’s in it for them (Worthington residents), either way? Can you say who other than you are opposed to annexation to Worthington?
“We” at the moment is really only “I” and a couple of other residents that have openly expressed opposition. I’m just a Riverlea resident that wants to make people aware that there is another side. I started this because I was surprised by the number of villagers that I talked to sounded like that being annexed by Worthington was the only option and they had resigned to the inevitability.
3. The population of Riverlea is what 425? If Worthington residents are for annexation does it matter if a percentage of Riverlea residents do not want to be annexed?
Both Riverlea and Worthington must separately pass the annexation with a 50% + 1 vote. If either Riverlea or Worthington do not pass the issue then the annexation will not happen.
4. Your website says “Protect our property values” the real estate agent in me can not help but ask if the value of properties in Riverlea will go down if the village is annexed to the city of Worthington? Are the vacant lots in Riverlea worth more if Riverlea remains a village?
There are a lot of factors that determine property value. I have what is currently a buildable lot without any request for a variance. The “build-ability” may or may not be effected or possibly require a variance if we become part of Worthington due to the zoning that will be assigned. Additionally, I’m concerned with the possibility of changes in traffic through the village. When the village was first founded the council intentionally blocked side streets into the village, even Olentangy Blvd was blocked for a time. It’s not the Worthington’s Council intent to ever open up streets but if we become a part of Worthington, they would have the right to do that.
5. Does Worthington want to annex Riverlea? If Worthington does not annex Riverlea but the majority of Riverlea does not want to be annexed will those who want to be annexed consider annexation to Columbus? Is City of Columbus the boogie man?
It is difficult to know if the majority of Worthington is supporting or against Riverlea being annexed. The election will certainly bring that to light. A group of villagers certainly could circulate a petition to join Columbus, and then this would start all over again.
Contact Gregory if you are interested in joining the Opposition Forces. You can contact him through a Facebook page:
Against Annexation of Riverlea Ohio or follow Greg Bonk on Twitter @BONKIT
Related posts:
- Riverlea: Opposition to Annexation
- Ohio Casinos – vote no?
- Worthington homes for sale. A buyers market?
Some Popular Tooth Whitening Methods
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Tooth whitening falls below the category of cosmetic dentistry. The tooth whitening procedure eliminates discoloration and stains on the teeth, and can also brighten the natural pigmentation of the teeth. The process of teeth whitening sounds like 1 that is a no-brainer, but it is critical to know how it works and what is involved. There are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening approaches that make various claims. These consist of the common toothpastes, paint-on whiteners and strips, and the new extremely-promoted light-activated goods.
Toothpastes
Using particular toothpastes is one of the most widespread tooth whitening strategies there is. There are several whitening toothpastes available, and numerous do really a excellent job when it comes to just general buildup or discoloration. Most whitening toothpastes use a extremely mild abrasive to take away surface stains on the teeth.
They will not whiten your teeth dramatically, but are beneficial for keeping them white in between other treatments. Some whitening toothpastes have ingredients which minimize teeth sensitivity. Use these although making use of any house tooth whitening process that calls for everyday applications and you may be more comfortable in the course of the process.
Gels and Strips
Whitening strips are extremely effective and common. They rely on several concentrations of peroxide to function. Strips with higher concentrations of peroxide whiten faster but can cause tooth sensitivity in some individuals. These techniques generally contain a tiny amount of bleach or peroxide that assists to restore the brightness of your teeth. These tooth whitening methods are usually considerably much more efficient than any other house remedies, nonetheless, there are some concerns you need to think about.
Veneers are a extremely popular way of permanent teeth whitening.
Veneers are genuinely produced out of porcelain and are attached to the tooth.
Trays are initial common tooth whitening way. A tray, shaped to fit your teeth, is filled with gel and worn more than the teeth for a period of time. Gel whiteners tend to be far more useful but can also be rather messy.
Natural Tooth Whitening Techniques
Others have teeth that yellow with age. Natural tooth whitening techniques is reduced yellow teeth surface. Some natural ways to whiten teeth incorporate eating certain fruits, vegetables and cheeses, mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to put on the teeth for about ten minutes each day and chewing sugar-cost-free gum. Prepare a paste by adding equal amounts of lemon juice and salt and apply to yellowing spots on teeth. This is one of the successful home remedies for teeth whitening. Eat plenty of strawberries. Strawberries carry a natural tooth whitening agent. Rubbing the inside of the orange peel will help in teeth whitening.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Totally free Residence Remedies. She also writes articles for beauty guidelines and ladies hairstyles.
WhiteLightTV.com – WhiteLight Teeth Whitening – WhiteLight™ is a revolutionary new program that incorporates light technology to whiten your teeth quick. The exclusive, patent pending WhiteLight™ system is created to be utilized at property and is extremely simple to use. Key phrases: tooth whitening at residence, house tooth bleaching, sexy smile, teeth whitening kit, light teeth whitening technique, make your teeth white.
Video Rating: three / 5
Much more Tooth Whitening Articles
The Nashua NH Dentist Resource
Real Living HER is Best Real Estate Agency Again
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
Real Living HER Best real estate agency again
According to Columbus CEO Magazine’s Best of Business 2011 the Best Real Estate Agency (Residential) 2011 is Real Living HER again. Three years running.
Surprised?
HER (Real Living HER) was awarded the honor on October 20, 2011.
Photo credit: photo compliments of Michael Mahon of Real Living, used by permission.
Related posts:
- Best Residential Real Estate Agency
- Real Living HER giving away TVs
- Real Living HER intro "mortgage protection plan"
Halloween Tram Ride
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011[ October 30, 2011; 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ] C’mon ride the tram, hey ride it! Ride the Halloween Tram at Slate Run Metro Park on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 5 p.m., and hear stories of spiders, bats, coyotes, pumpkins and other signs of the season. Stop by a campfire to roast a marshmallows. Slate Run Shady Grove Program Area 1375 State Route 674 N. Canal [...] [...]
Click on the post for more details!
The Optimal Way To Wash Ruff Racing Wheels
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011Ruff racing wheels come from a category of a class of international status alloy products. This is the reason they are designed in style, using the most advanced technology. They come with features that make it possible for someone to comfortably race with them. In addition, the product is designed to be durable. Just like other quality products, the wheels need good maintenance and care in order to offer their owner good service for a long period of time.
It is always important for a person to wash the tire and wheel packages using mild detergent. The rims are made from chrome and they need to be handled with care. If they are mishandled, they can be damaged by weather elements. They need to be cleaned at least once a week, especially during winter. During cleaning, attention should be given to the front and rear part of the rims.
It is important for a person to have a bucket during the cleaning process. The detergent should be squirted into the bucket before the water is added. The right amount of water to add is half a bucket. Dip a rag into this solution and use it for cleaning the rims. The first place to clean should be the front area. Make sure that the surface is well cleaned before moving to any other part. Thoroughly clean the edge of the rim that is aligned to the tire.
Go to the back of the tire and clean the rear part also. Most people usually ignore this part of the rim during cleaning. Most of them forget that most of the dirt accumulates around this area. The accumulated dirt develops pits and ends up scratching the chrome plating.
Once the cleaning process is over, always make sure that the rims are dried off using the towel. Do not involve any chemicals in the cleaning process. If a manufacturer suspects that the rims were cleaned using chemicals, they retract their warranty.
The tires also need to be cleaned from time to time. Always make sure that they are allowed to cool before cleaning begins. Avoid areas where there is salt and chemicals because they will damage the wheels. Such substances are used during winter and so the products should be cleaned more often during the season.
When winter comes, they can be protected from damage using chrome sealant. This is mostly so since a number of manufacturers do not deal with pitting. The manufacturers are very clear about the difference between pitting and separation since they only deal with the latter.
Most of the warranties are restricted to the front side of the rim. When the back side of the rim peels or pits, they absolve themselves of any responsibility. To avoid such conflict, make sure that the back of the rims are as clean as the front part.
In the event that a person does not follow the right maintenance instructions, the Ruff Racing chrome rim will pit. Pitting is caused by the exposure of the rims tires to salt and chemicals. If the custom rims wheels is cleaned thoroughly, the condition can be avoided.
No Two Experts See Cancer Metastasis The Same Way
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011How confident should courts be in the opinions of expert witnesses testifying at the bleeding edge of science when the life, liberty or property of a citizen hangs in the balance? Not very, if a new study is any indication. The authors of Conflicting Biomedical Assumptions for Mathematical Modeling: The Case of Cancer Metastasis wanted to build an exemplar mathematical model of cancer metastasis and open it up for testing and systematic evaluation. Instead they found that none of the twenty-eight leading academic experts in metastasis could agree on even the basics of the process. There were, in fact, as many opinions about the course of metastasis as there were researchers.
The authors found that a wide range of incompatible assumptions are held by scientists studying the same subject and that no two experts advanced identical scenarios for cancer metastasis. Most tellingly, the differences were largely invisible to the experts themselves.
As the authors wrote: "In their description of metastasis, experts grouped the same symbols/events differently, they varied their ordering of events, and often suggested recurrent events absent in the outline that we showed them (the ‘textbook’ version of cancer metastasis). While some disagreements were minor, such as proposing that ‘some unknown extra steps occur between these events’, others were substantial." They went on to write: "It was clear after 28 interviews that despite similarities, experts think differently about metastasis."
So what to make of it? If nothing else the paper supports the view that (1) finding an expert whose views on an uncertain area of science align with your client’s pleadings is probably no more challenging than going through the buffet line at your local cafeteria and picking out what you want; and, (2) a given expert’s opinion, made under such conditions of uncertain science, is almost certainly wrong.
Dental Implants Restoration- Computer Assisted Dentistry
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
www.dental-implants-guide.com An remarkable video showing a restoration of dental implants employing the newest three-D personal computer Assisted dentistry software and technologies by – Nobel Biocare Procera®.
Video Rating: four / five
The Nashua NH Dentist Resource
Instant Advantages to Buying Your furry friend Materials On the web
Friday, October 21st, 2011Many of us hear daily exactly how being enviromentally friendly is a the particular most certain methods to help save planet earth. Gas price ranges still climb along with the current job situations, those people who are working do therefore extended, dealing with unique operate projects everything they are able to to ensure carried on employment weeks in the future. The kids are back at school meaning lots of research, these special science jobs as well as that knows exactly what different educators can come with following.
Operating these ingredients within our existence, it’s a new speculate if there is any moment to fall asleep. It’s also an easy task to overlook the a number of legged members of the family and the consideration everybody demand. With the advent of the net in addition to high-speed cable connections and risk-free buying, canine owners can benefit from acquiring their particular puppy materials on-line. It is no longer required to get exactly what small time we do get and also stand making an extra vacation to your brick-mortar store.
Since we all attempt to preserve every dime we are able to, the concerns we asked are “what about the transport cost verses exploring store” as well as “what only get inquiries am i going to are you getting an answer?” Nicely the reply is several internet sites will charge transport regardless how much you spend while many provide free freight in the event you commit more than or 0 us dollars. Other individuals create asking a matter thus challenging there is a constant be able to ask not to mention receive an reply.
Many owners merely devote planning to at a single occasion whenever they go to a pet store thus along with products associated with free freight on purchases around is fairly useless. You will find on-line puppy supply shops together with shippers offering free freight on many order placed around through his or her online marketers just like Amazon . com.org. Your pet supply retailer with Exceptional Puppies.com is certainly one these kinds of site. We explain to all our users that after these people shop around, variety the phrase “Amazon” in different associated with classes they are hunting and find out all the alternatives designed for free delivery over.
Once you ask a matter on the E mail us web page, many of us promise an answer inside 24 hours or perhaps earlier and quite a few of times we will respond within a couple of hours. We all know that time and money are an issue in addition to secure along with dependable on-line buying which is why all of us find the affiliate program via Amazon . com to make available each of our users. Using their world-renowned popularity, all of us understood it was the right selection for the on the internet puppy provide shop.
The normal pet owner acquisitions dog food, some canine doggie snacks, and in most cases a puppy plaything after they go a creature retailer, that’s all around . Should you in addition own a cat you’ll add their own food along with goodies in addition to some cat along with list proceeds for the way several as well as what kind of dogs and cats are living your household. Shopping on the web will give you the actual involving looking at a store on the schedule if you have some time minus the worry regarding store hrs or a location close to you.
Let’s say you’ll want to help to make which major acquisition of a whole new canine your bed as well as brand new pet crate. Online shopping offers you a couple of unique rewards; you are value comparability. You can look virtually 100’s of internet sites to get the best cost and also which vessels totally free all by in no way leaving your house. We all already know our price ranges cannot be beat along with so many options intended for free postage that are transported in Twenty four hours we will certainly not perhaps list them.
Last but not least, if you’re like me and lower sized your car or truck from your gas guzzling SUV with a smaller sized automobile and then area is a problem. Initially My spouse and i went along to a neighborhood Home Improvement store bought my personal materials along with wheeled the particular cart to the automobile My spouse and i understood I had been in trouble. Getting people greater canine beds as well as dog crates all night . them shipped to an individual doorway is the better way of preventing the need to use a new others who live nearby Sports utility vehicle or taping you buy the car for the roofing.
Purchasing your furry friend supplies online could be a wonderful experience if you have landed for the right internet site with an workout throughout aggravation should you haven’t. Shelling out the dear very little time, you might have proper grooming or perhaps messing around with your canine as opposed to creating that will further visit to your dog shop will probably be very valued because of your pet. You may also have plenty of time for a quick rest before beginning which volcano venture using your little ones. Check out|Find} the coupon codes you have been looking for by checking out valuepetsupplies coupons.