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Catholic Charities of Chicago lawsuit shows reach of HHS mandate
Texas News
CHICAGO, (CNA/EWTN News) - Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has joined two Catholic dioceses and their charitable affiliates in a lawsuit over the federal contraception mandate, a move that one observer says demonstrates the potential societal impact of the rule.
The charitable ministry "will lose its identity as Catholic unless the HHS mandate now in force as the recent law of the land is changed," Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago said in a July 9 statement supporting the charity's entry into a lawsuit against the federal government.
Chicago's Catholic Charities joins the Dioceses of Joliet and Springfield, and their respective Catholic Charities organizations, in challenging the administration's mandate.
Formulated under the federal health care reform law, the rule requires religious employers to provide contraception, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs in employee health plans.
Catholic Charities cannot obtain an exemption from the rule because it serves Catholics and non-Catholics equally. The mandate exempts only those organizations that primarily employ and serve members of the same faith for the purpose of instilling "religious values."
Chicago's Catholic Charities employs 2,700 staff. During 2011, their efforts provided approximately 2.5 million meals to the needy, over 450,000 nights of shelter to the homeless and displaced, and nearly 900,000 hours of service to the elderly.
According to
Wall Street Jou
rnal columnist Bill McGurn, these figures show the real-life impact of the mandate. "In terms of religious liberty, the new lawsuit breaks no new legal ground. What it does is offer a window into how much the decency of daily American life depends on churches using their free-exercise rights," McGurn wrote in a July 9 column.
At stake in the lawsuits, Cardinal George said, is the freedom of the Catholic Church and other religious groups to serve the public without violating their principles.
"This is the issue now before a court. It is also the issue before a nation that portrays itself as the 'land of the free,'" Chicago's cardinal archbishop said.
"I am sorry that the intransigence of the Department of Health and Human Services has made it necessary to defend in court what every American could take for granted until this year," he said.
In a July 9 announcement about the lawsuit, Chicago Catholic Charities President and CEO Msgr. Michael Boland said the loss of religious freedom is "the sole matter at hand" in the challenge to the contraception mandate.
The priest took issue with the narrow exemption and its criteria, saying the Department of Health and Human Services "fails to understand that there is no distinction between our Catholic faith and our commitment to serve the needs of all people regardless of their religion."
"We support health care reform and efforts to expand access to health care to all Americans. But we oppose any policy that compels us to compromise our Catholic faith," Msgr. Boland said.
He noted that the mandate's intrusion on religious groups "affects all religions and anyone of faith."
"We must take a stand, not only on behalf of Catholic Charities, but for all faith-based organizations," the monsignor said. "We must protect our right to serve all the poor, not just those HHS defines for us."
More than 50 plaintiffs, including several Catholic dioceses and their Catholic Charities affiliates, are now involved in 23 lawsuits against the contraception mandate.


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House of the Day: Summer Home in New York
A legendary mansion in New York's Hudson Valley comes on the market for the first time since its construction in 1919. Jackie Bischof joins Lunch Break with details. Photo: Rayon Richards for The Wall Street Journal.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... a legendary mansion with breathtaking views in your up the ballet comes to market for the first time since its construction in nineteen nineteen Jackie Bish off of our debt to finance a second ... act was one of the recently she joins us now to discuss ... I've been in this town so we do not share that uncommon tells a little bit about this is ... kept rocking chairs in New York ... I this is that Rocky is hotter than if they set with built in nineteen nineteen although the land has been that the family for many years before that ... its outcome Price mania fifteen thousand square foot house that they haven't run this ... ad and it's a beautiful estate beverage Mia from the high end ... chain into full time racing for the family it's been at the same found the fence and had ... at the unbelievable east of Hudson River that he and they use the good news in a recently for many events and weddings and so forth Iberia's of lovely and ... that is associated with the property what comes of the land of the sale that could set the ink aided in this state is the hundred and twenty eight is its content costs of the sale but it is and the conservation movement that found the has been in fault of conservation for ... several generations that giving away a lot of that to date palm to have the bad stressed and sad ... this and county cold front that's one of the three taking beautiful scenery that surrounds the high-end nefarious building is incredibly historic property a lot of God natural wildlife around there in animals and so forth ... on this family has a long legacy in the area on the market for seven points the five men and that's including all the

subset: commoncrawl


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Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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I've started this blog as an open forum to discuss current topics in the news in a "Point - Counter Point" manner. By using this method of debate, I seek to encourage all to lend their voices and opinions by weighing in on the current days topics up for discussion. Welcome to POINT - COUNTER POINT.


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Hung: Salon-Style Display
Salon-style art walls are so popular these days — it's easy to forget that the look has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, the origins of this hot trend, at the French Salon, mark a democratic turning point, a moment when artists began responding to a public audience rather than a royal dictate.
The Salon in question is the public art exhibit that was held annually or bi-annually in Paris beginning in 1737, and it is named after the room at the Louvre where it was held, the Salon Carré, or square room. Its significance in the social, cultural and political life of pre-Revolutionary France can hardly be overstated.
The origins of the Salon go back to the 1670s, when the crown-sponsored Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture (Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture) began mounting semi-public exhibitions of the work of recent graduates, where they would hang all the paintings in one room, closely next to and atop one another so as to fit them all in (image 2).
In 1737, the Academy opened the exhibit up to the public. This had two significant results: not only was this a place where the social classes mingled in considerable quantity and proximity, but now the culturally important act of having an opinion was open to the rabble (images 3 and 4). And the rabble made themselves heard, often through the publication of pamphlets where members of the audience would record their thoughts on the event, picture by picture (pamphlets were huge in 18th-century France, a cheap and accessible mode of mass-communication, kind of akin to blogging). Suddenly, art was being consumed – not purchased, but visually and culturally consumed – by a different audience, one that was not bound by etiquette or friendship or tradition to the royal artistic agenda.
Coinciding with an era in which the king, Louis XV, had lost much of the cultural supremacy of his predecessor, Louis XIV, this development had a big impact on where cultural power lay. Even while the pamphleteers were denounced and even censored for their supposedly uneducated opinions, the shift of critical authority was irrevocable. Some artists began changing what subjects they painted, or the manner in which they represented them, in reaction to the public opinion. Similarly, the artistic tastes of the elite patrons of the arts were swayed by the public voice, which would either praise or condemn their purchases.
The Salon was so popular, and so important to artists, patrons and the public audience, that it endured in much the same form until the late-19th century, when the renegade Impressionists presented too much of a challenge to Academic ideals and the government withdrew support. Until then, each year, the Salon was characterized by (and caricatured for) its wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling rumpus of paintings. Smaller paintings were hung lower, the largest were highest, and the canvases were angled toward the floor for slightly easier viewing.
The art historian Thomas Crow presents the Salon as a turning point in the French social structure: the public viewing and judgment of artwork, which had always been the domain of the rich and powerful, was both a reflection and a precursor of the changing relationship of the 'masses' and the elite. Before the Salon, the Academy of painters fell under the bureaucratic jurisdiction of the crown; painters were limited as to what subjects they could paint (military history and mythology were two of the biggies), and were kept within certain protocols. With the Salon, the public registered their opinions not only of the individual painters and works, but also with the system itself – a part of and a metaphor for the Monarchy. And the public opinion's clear influence on the art world was a demonstration of the new and formidable power of the people in the decades leading up to the Revolution.
These days, the popularity of Salon-style displays probably has less to do with politics or history than with the undeniable charm of having a bunch of smaller pieces break up an expanse of wall space. Above are some contemporary examples to consider for some modern inspiration (images 1, 5-8).
Sources: The best book on this topic is Thomas Crow's Painters and Public Life in Eighteenth-Century Paris, available at Amazon. It's a scholarly text, and I read it in grad school, but if you're interested in this stuff, I recommend checking it out. I also like Robert Berger's Public Access to Art in Paris: A Documentary History from the Middle Ages to 1800, available but pricey at Amazon.
Here is a helpful how-to article from a blog called Design Formula.
And here is a great roundup of contemporary examples from AT: San Francisco.
(Images: 1 Lindsey and Kristen Buckingham's home, designed by Kristen, in last March's Elle Decor, photo by Simon Upton, via stylecourt; 2 The Salon of 1699, not yet open to the public, and not yet taking place in the Salon Carré, engraving by A. Hadamart, Bibliothèque nationale de France, via this lovely article on the Salon as the ancestor of contemporary art school grad exhibitions, by Julian Myers at the SF MoMA blog; 3 Salon of 1785 by Pietro Antonio Martini, at the Bibliothèque nationale; 4 Cartoon by Honoré Daumier from 1852 satirizing the crush of people of all classes typical of the Salon in the mid-19th century, National Gallery of Australia; 5 Anna Hoffman; 6 Cottage Living, via AT: Chicago; 7 Sunset Magazine photo by E. Spencer Toy; 8 shayometz.blogspot.com).
(Re-edited from a post originally published 09/10/09 – AH)


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HITCHCOCK, TEXAS — A retired NASA engineer looking to develop an inexpensive way for people to travel to space might have to go back to the drawing board after one of his experiments exploded Saturday.
Jim Akkerman was working on a spacecraft his firm is developing when his rocket fuel exploded. No one was injured and no property was damaged at the accident in Hitchcock, located about 40 miles southeast of Houston.
"It's just an experiment that went bad," police Chief Glenn Manis told the Galveston County Daily News.
Too much methane-oxygen fuel mixture accumulated in the rocket engine when the engine wouldn't fire, causing the explosion, Manis said.
Authorities said Akkerman committed no crime. Akkerman, who is president of Houston-based Advent Launch Services, could not immediately be reached for comment Sunday.
Advent is trying to develop a spacecraft that launches vertically from water and lands horizontally like a seaplane. The winged rocket is designed to glide down to the ocean surface for a safe, controlled landing.
"We believe that creating a low-cost, reliable delivery system will lead to more commercially viable space programs," according to the company's Web site.
Akkerman was a NASA engineer for 36 years, the Web site said.


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The Triennial Torah Cycle
October 25, 2013
Every week, Jody Hirsh, the JCC's Judaic Education Director, provides a Judaic message that is featured at the top of the JCC's weekly email newsletter. Below is the Shabbat message for Friday, October 25, 2013.
The Triennial Torah Cycle
Most synagogues world wide read Torah according to an annual cycle – the Torah is divided into 54 parashot (sections) each one read on Shabbat. The whole cycle begins on the Shabbat after Simchat Torah in the fall. The whole complicated system allows for a different section each Shabbat. There are more than enough sections to go around because in a Hebrew leap year, there is an extra month. So . . . in a non leap year, double portions are read on some Sabbaths. However, the yearly cycle wasn't always the standard procedure!
In ancientIsrael, the complete Torah was read in a cycle of three years! It's unclear how exactly it was divided – scholars claim it was 141 sections, or 154, or 167, or 150! One favorite theory is that each week, the Torah portion was read, then a "Haftorah" (a reading from the prophets), and a Psalm. Some scholars believe that the reason there are 150 psalms in the Book of Psalms is because those were the 150 psalms that constituted the weekly readings for the triennial cycle.
By the time Maimonides codified the readings of the annual cycle in the 12th Century, the triennial cycle was no longer used. In modern times, however, many Conservative and Reform congregations have reinstated the triennial cycle. Unlike the ancients, however, this modern cycle reads one third of each yearly section each year. That is . . . the first year on the first Shabbat of the cycle, for example, they will read the first third of Parashat Breishit (the first section in Genesis), the next year the second division in the section, and the third year the third division. That way, all synagogues would still be in the approximate same place each Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom


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The terms RMR and BMR are often used interchangeably. But do they really mean the same thing? Are they measured the same way? What are they trying to measure?
Metabolic rate represents the number of calories needed to fuel ventilation, blood circulation and temperature regulation. Calories are also required to digest and absorb consumed food and fuel the activities of daily life. Or put another way, metabolic rate is an estimate of how many calories you would burn if you were to do nothing but rest for 24 hours. It represents the minimum amount of energy required to keep your body functioning.
BMR is defined as Basal Metabolic Rate. BMR is synonymous with Basal Energy Expenditure or BEE. BMR measurements are typically taken in a darkened room upon waking after 8 hours of sleep, 12 hours of fasting to ensure that the digestive system is inactive, and with the subject resting in a reclined position.
RMR can be defined as Resting Metabolic Rate. RMR is synonymous with Resting Energy Expenditure or REE. RMR measurements are typically taken under less restricted conditions than BMR and do not require that the subject spend the night sleeping in the test facility prior to testing.
Both BMR and RMR are measured by gas analysis through either direct or indirect calorimetry, although a rough estimation of RMR can be acquired through an equation using age, sex, height and weight. This equation is the Mifflin-St.Jeor equation, and can be found on pg 174 of ACE's Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals. You can also find the equation online at: http://www.scientificpsychic.com/health/cron1.html
So are RMR and BMR the same? Mostly, except for the fact that BMR is going to be a slightly more accurate reading. However, both play a role in the process of weight loss and weight maintenance.
Questions? Contact an Education Consultant at 1-888-825-3636 x782


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Lafayette's tornado sirens mistakenly sounded for a full eight minutes just after 3 a.m. Thursday following what city and law enforcement officials are describing as a yet-to-be-diagnosed technical glitch.
Cmdr. Heidi Prentup of the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said the sirens were triggered at 3:07 a.m. by a pager notification for an unrelated police operation. The sirens sounded until dispatchers — alerted by incoming calls from concerned Lafayette residents — shut them down at 3:15 a.m.
Because of the heavy tornado activity earlier in the day, some Lafayette residents said they believed the false alarms were real.
"My wife and I both woke up at the same time and thought, 'Get the kids in the basement,'" Lafayette resident Steve Rodda said. "When it goes off at 3 p.m. and I look around and nothing's going on, I think it's a test.
"But after a day full of warnings, in the middle of the night, the first thing in my mind is that it could be real."
Debbie Wilmot, a spokeswoman for the city of Lafayette, said officials are not yet sure what ultimately caused the sirens to go off.
Prentup said a software issue appears to be at the heart of the problem, but that the matter is still under investigation.
Boulder County and much of the Front Range were under a tornado watch Wednesday afternoon, but that watch was cancelled for Boulder County at 6:45 p.m.
The Denver metro area did see eight tornadoes touch down Wednesday, including three in Aurora and one in east Denver.
After the sirens went off, Rodda said he turned on his TV and radio looking for news, but didn't see anything about Lafayette. He then went to the city's website, but found the site had crashed, and said there was no way to find out what was going on.
"That's the part that frustrates me," Rodda said. "A false alarm wakes people up at 3 in the morning? That happens. I get it.
"But the fact that nobody said anything after the alarms went off didn't seem right to me."
But fellow Lafayette resident Raman Sinha said he wasn't frustrated by the false alarm.
"At least we know the sirens work," he said. "It's the first time it's happened in a very long time. Given the context of what's been going on the past few days, I'm OK with it."
Then there were some residents who were frustrated because they didn't wake up to the sirens.
David Rodriguez, who lives near LaMont Does Park, said he went to sleep with his windows open and never heard the alarms.
"I slept through the whole night, which is worrisome," he said. "I'd be sleeping with the fishes if it was a real thing,"
Prentup did say officials are not sure whether all seven of the city's sirens went off or just a few.
Rodriguez said he believes Lafayette should at one point stage a siren test at night — on purpose — to make sure they are loud enough to wake people up.
"I know some people wouldn't like it, but I'm all for whatever it takes to get things right," Rodriguez said. "When you least expect it, that's when bad things happen."
Contact Camera Staff Writer Mitchell Byars at 303-473-1329, email@example.com or twitter.com/mitchellbyars.


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Since January is the kickoff month to getting organized, I thought I'd share my own take on organizing all those grocery bags that come into our homes. I bring my own reusable bags to the store, but once a month, I get groceries with the plastic bags for use in our home for garbage bags. To keep them all in one place and to add a little "color" to my life, I use clean empty disinfectant wipe containers and give them a make-over! Here are the bottles with the labels removed:
Then I wrapped them in scrapbook paper, (I may hate to scrapbook, but I love love love scrapbook paper!) and stuffed in the grocery bags:
The things I love about these:
- It gives my all sorts of the "Save the Earth" goosebumps! Reusing the bags and reusing the wipe container - double whammy!
- The bags are no longer stuffed into another plastic bag, then stuffed into the cabinet, then the pile always seems to grow until I open the cabinet and out fall 40 gagillion bags. Imagine: timber!
- I can take one of these containers, throw it in the car in the morning of one of our roadtrips (or any regular Saturday expedition) and we have lots of empty bags for whatever kid emergency pops up throughout our adventures.


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10006069, Stripe
Please help our community — upload your photos of 10006069.
Spare Part Information
This is a stripe, fender rear-right hand (a-light blu/b-medium blu) (wv8), for Pontiac automobiles. It fits for 13 General Motors vehicles which were sold in the U.S.. It's a genuine General Motors part with an OEM part number 10006069. Please keep in mind that this stripe is discontinued for the U.S. market since April 1, 1990.
This part has a standard 12 months GM warranty on replacement parts.
In spite of higher price of genuine parts buying this stripe will be a smart decision because you will be absolutely sure that it will serve you longer and will provide maximum safety and performance for your car.
This stripe 100% fits for General Motors cars. It's made of top quality materials, it has passed not only all manufacturer's tests but also General Motors quality control and has to endure rough road conditions over a long time.
GM 10006069 Stripe Dimensions and Packaging Options
Retail Packaging
This stripe comes in retail packaging.
Part 10006069 Has Been Superseded
- 10006069 is discontinued since April 1, 1990 for the U.S. market.
Cars 10006069 stripe Fits
Parts Related To 10006069 stripe:
- Plate 00486904
- Decal 10006010
- Decal 10006029
- Stripe 10006034
- Stripe 10006035
- Stripe 10006036
- Stripe 10006037
- Stripe 10006038


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While trying to kick my cravings – I have taken to writing down every single thing I crave in a memo on my BB (it's getting ridiculously long). Tuesday at 3:15pm I was overcome with a craving for chocolate. I ALMOST broke down…but wait, I have NO snacks at my desk! Now, I normally keep a plethora of stuff at work…but I have recently been infiltrated by an angry mouse. He destroyed all my snacks (probably with friends). To make matters worse, he shit on my popcorn. Asshole mouse.
Anyways, so my desk is barren of snacks. I REFUSE to go to the vending machine. Refuse.
I dig in my purse. Surely I have something I can appease myself with right?? Enter: Extra Dessert Delights Gum.
I got these in my stocking for Xmas. Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry Shortcake and Key Lime Pie.
I tried the Mint Chip. It's AMAZING. Craving – conquered!!!!!!!!!!! Fuck yeah!
I always laugh when I watch Biggest Loser and Bob goes on and on about gum. Who thought gum could curb a craving?! Not me. 🙂
Of course, I'm not thrilled with the idea of sugar-free (because of all the additives) – but if it prevents me from eating something I shouldn't, I'm all for it!
I wonder if someone from Wrigley's will see this post once I'm skinner and want to endorse me? I could totally be a Wrigley's girl – I'm way less annoying than the Orbitz girl! Dontcha think? 😉
Now, I have been religiously watching "I Used to Be Fat" and of course "Biggest Loser" and I figured I should post my 2 cents at some point. 🙂
I loved the first episode of "IUTBF" with Gaby, but I HATED Marci. I wanted to slap her for being so damn whiny. She looked amazing at the end, and I loved her trainer – but I still wanted to slap her. I also was disappointed that her focus was cute clothes at a snobby boutique. Really? I denno – I guess I need to remember what it was like to be 18. 🙂
The third episode was Dominick – and in case you didn't see it, I won't spoil it. I liked him, he reminded me a lot of someone I know (who shall remain nameless). I could relate to his mom wanting to make people happy with food. I can't even think of how many times I have made someone cookies when they've done me a favor. In retrospect I think most of my life I have though of food as love/appreciation. Hmmmm! Anyone else have this problem??
Now, let's chat about "BL". My BFF Jewels and I love this show – but she's been on vacation in Hawaii (that bitch!) 😉 so I have only had my mom to gossip about it with. So, this season has (in my mind) much more likable people. It also has two of the fattest contestants ever (Courtney and Arthur). It's scary when you look around a grocery store or the mall and realize just how much of the population is overweight. How did we become the fattest nation?!
The "twist" this season is there are 2 sets of trainers. Bob and Jillian…and "the unknowns". So NBC is being a bit dramatic. The "unknowns" haven't been introduced and are training in a secret location in Malibu. Of course, being as nosey as I am – I Googled it to find out who they were: Cara Castronuova and Brett Hoebel. Thank you to Lisa Johnson for the info! Both seem like interesting choices. From what I've heard (sound-bytes from the show etc.) – they're both very no-bullshit, which is good. However, I do wonder if Cara has any training at all….but, either way I'm excited for a new twist. I'll be interested to see what happens next season since Jillian Michaels is leaving the show. One/both of them must be staying right?
Sidenote: Anyone else remember Kim Lyons? I hated her on the show. She annoyed the crap out of me.
Anyways, enough gossiping – back to the point! The contestants are way more likable, and they all seem to be pretty driven. I've noticed them using equipment I'm dying to try – but they don't have at my gym – including Jacob's ladder, a hand bike (I think that's the right word) and they've worked a lot harder than I work. Now, I know they exercise as a job and are competing for money…but it forced me to remember to step my game up.
Arthur is 5'8″ and 507 pounds and this past episode he RAN for 30 seconds on the treadmill. If he can do it, I can too. I have no reason I need to wait until I hit a magic number to start pushing myself on the treadmill. If I'm planning to jog a 10K by October I better be putting in some serious work starting NOW.
Oh, and this season's contestants have already started using the spin bike and having a Bob spin class! I have been talking about trying spin forever, but I keep saying I'm not strong enough. Maybe I need to bite the bullet and try?
OK – so the goal for the rest of the month: get my butt on the treadmill and jog for 30 seconds a few times!
February's goal: spin bike!


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May 19, 2006
BROOKLINE, Mass. - Castleton State (23-19) set the tone early with a three spot in the top of the first as the Spartans knocked off MIT (21-14), 7-4, in the quarterfinal round of the 2006 ECAC Division III New England Baseball Championship at Northeastern's Friedman Diamond. With the win, No. 6 Castleton State advances to Saturday's semifinals against No. 2 Brandeis University, while the three-seed Engineers bring the spring campaign to a close after producing back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in program history.
The Spartans pushed in front early with three singles, scoring on a ground out and a throwing error to jump ahead, 3-0. Freshman pitcher Jeremy Gilcris was brilliant for Castleton State, and after a quick 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the first frame, the rookie pitcher continued a fantastic start, while the Spartan defense looked sharp for most of the afternoon.
The Engineers sprinkled one run over four different innings, but were unable to sustain any momentum. Another three-run inning by Castleton State in the fifth cemented the opening round victory as five hits during the stanza paved the way. Sophomore Anthony DiPietrantonio took advantage of a missed diving attempt on a fly ball to center, opening the frame with a triple. Tim Zorio doubled during the inning, while Chris Ragis keyed the attack with a two-run single.
Gilcris (3-3) worked all nine innings en route to his fourth complete game of the season. The Spartans' rookie southpaw yielded just three earned runs and gave up nine hits in the winning effort. MIT rookie Luke Johnson (1-1) was tagged with the first loss of his collegiate career after two solid starts, while Rich Kosoglow surrendered just one run in 4.1 innings of relief.
Ragis paced the Castleton State bats by going 3-for-4. Phil Puleo also collected two RBI after going 2-for-5. Puleo was especially sharp with the glove during Friday's tilt, picking up nine assists from the hot corner. Kyle Zeller went 2-for-4 in his final game donning the Cardinal and Gray, while Jason Witzberger also added two hits in the season-ending loss.


text: Aluminum is the best conductor of heat in bakeware and professionals prefer it. It heats quickly, creating appealing golden-brown crusts; then holds the heat steadily for even baking and cools quickly when removed from the oven. Some aluminum pans are coated with a layer of stainless steel for beauty and cleaning efficiency.


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Need an "unsubscribe" link
We need a way to give a link to an "unsubscribe" option when we send out mass mails. We could embed a special link into each message with a token for the user or the email address. That way, the person just goes to the web site, sees their email address, and clicks "Unsubscribe." Or, we could prompt people to log in, but that might seem fishy. Need to define how this should work and add it to the members component and the messaging part.


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Saurashtra run machine Cheteshwar Pujara hammered an unbeaten 261 to help his side amass 463 for three in their second innings on the penultimate day of their five-day Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Karnataka here on Wednesday.
Saurashtra had made 469 all out in their first innings and then bowled out Karnataka for 396, thus taking a vital 73-run lead.
After day four of the five-day match, Saurashtra have taken an overall lead to 536 with seven second innings wicket intact and look set to enter the semi-final of the tournament.
Saurashtra, in their second essay, lost Sitanshu Kotak (7) early but Pujara, who was named in the Indian ODI squad against England, did not give the visitors a chance to come back into the match by forging three crucial partnerships. He first added 89 runs with Sagar Jogiyani (70) for the second wicket and notched up another 105 runs with skipper Jaydev Shah (31), while the unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Sheldon Jackson (batting 70) yielded 243 runs.
This was Pujara's second double hundred of the current Ranji season. The 24-year-old right-handed batsman had made unbeaten 203 against Madhya Pradesh in a league match earlier.
Pujara's 261 runs came off just 275 balls and the strokeful innings was punctuated with 40 fours and a six as none of the Karnataka bowlers troubled the young cricketer who impressed everybody in the just-concluded Test series against England.
For Karnataka, K P Apanna, Gowtham and Shivalingaiah took a wicket each, giving away 118,118 and 45 runs respectively.
Brief Scores: Saurashtra 469 and 463 for 3 in 90 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara batting 261, Sheldon Jackson batting 70, Sagar Jogiyani 70; Shivalingaiah 1/45, K P Apanna 1/118, Gowtham 1/118) vs Karnataka 396.


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Cardinals stumble, but division lead stays at two
MILWAUKEE -- On a day when the Cardinals officially secured a spot in the postseason, they were clear in their insistence that they remain in pursuit of much more.
A division title remains dangled for the taking, but with a three-error night at Miller Park, the Cardinals stepped no closer to snaring it. Seeking their first road sweep since May, the Cardinals instead stumbled to a 6-4 loss to the Brewers in front of 27,389 on Sunday.View Full Game Coverage
MILWAUKEE -- On a day when the Cardinals officially secured a spot in the postseason, they were clear in their insistence that they remain in pursuit of much more.
A division title remains dangled for the taking, but with a three-error night at Miller Park, the Cardinals stepped no closer to snaring it. Seeking their first road sweep since May, the Cardinals instead stumbled to a 6-4 loss to the Brewers in front of 27,389 on Sunday.View Full Game Coverage
Having dominated the Brewers all season -- the Cardinals finished with a 14-5 advantage -- St. Louis sputtered in its final regular-season road game of the season. The club finishes with a record of 43-38 away from Busch Stadium, where they now return clinging to a two-game lead over National League Central foes Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.
After the game, manager Mike Matheny gathered the team together to recognize what has already been accomplished while also stressing what still can come. Postseason hats were distributed; none were being worn.
"I think we would rather celebrate something more than a one-game possibility," said Matt Holliday, who was scratched from the lineup due to back spasms. "I think everybody's got their mind set on winning the division and celebrating that."
The magic number for the organization's first division title since 2009 sits at five. Six home games remain on the team's schedule.
"It's a big accomplishment [to be in the playoffs], obviously," said starter Joe Kelly. "But we still have more that we want to do. Everybody in here knows what we really want and that's to win a pennant."
Kelly picked up his first road loss of the season and actually allowed more runs in this seven-inning start than he had in his six road starts combined since becoming a permanent member of the rotation. Since the start of July, Kelly had given up just three earned runs in 34 2/3 road innings.
On Sunday, he'd be charged with six, three of which were earned.
Kelly got in his own way in the first two innings, and the Brewers capitalized by racing out to a 4-0 lead. Three of the first four Brewers hitters tallied a hit, including Aramis Ramirez, who drove in his sixth run of the series.
With runners on the corners, Kelly induced a bouncer back to the mound. Instead of throwing home to try and get Jonathan Lucroy -- who left from third base on contact -- Kelly eyed the inning-ending double play. Matt Carpenter had a ways to go to cover second, which foiled the attempt and allowed the second runner to score.
"Even though [Carlos Gomez] is fast, I thought we could turn two there," Kelly said. "It's one run. Early in the game, you want to go for two and see what happens."
An inning later, errors by third baseman David Freese and Kelly -- who sailed a throw over first base with two outs -- allowed a pair of unearned runs to cross. This would be the first game all season in which the Cardinals committed three errors.
"For the most part, our defense has improved," Matheny said. "It seems like they come in bunches, if we have an error we end up having a couple that turn into runs. From here on out, we have to play clean baseball. They know that."
The Cardinals pecked away at the four-run hole, beginning with Carpenter's solo homer in the third. Carpenter reached base four times in total and now sits four hits shy of 200.
Three straight hitters reached with two out in the fifth, though all would be left there when Matt Adams hit into the Brewers' exaggerated infield shift. Three more batters reached consecutively to start the sixth. That, along with a resurfacing blister on his right index finger, chased Wily Peralta from the game.
"I was trying to stay with it as long as I can," Peralta said, "but … I pushed it a little too much and it got worse."
The scoring opportunity would not be squandered. Sacrifice flies from Shane Robinson and Kelly brought the Cardinals to within one.
But after feasting against Brewers relief pitching in the first two games of the series (10 runs in seven innings), the Cardinals could not find enough late-inning momentum again. They also watched the deficit swell.
With the bullpen still recovering from extra-inning games on Thursday and Friday, Matheny opted to stick with an efficient Kelly for the seventh. Kelly had just snuck through a scoreless sixth thanks to his own diving tag on Gomez, which ended a rundown between third and home. Kelly scuffed up his hand and forearm on the dive but shooed the trainer back to the dugout as he insisted he continue.
He finished seven innings with a pitch count of 95, but not until after the Brewers tacked on two insurance runs.
"Things were pointing to letting him pitch," Matheny said. "Unfortunately, they got the last couple [runs] that put the exclamation on it."
Those two runs proved critical when the Cardinals began to piece together a spirited comeback in the ninth. After three straight two-out hits off Milwaukee closer Jim Henderson, Adams came to the plate as the potential go-ahead run. He took a called third strike to end the game, sending the Cardinals to just their second loss in Kelly's last 11 starts.
"I don't like this series. I didn't like this series from Day 1 with the Cardinals fans in our house and everything," said Henderson, who earned his 26th save. "They're a tough team, and they're going to the playoffs for a reason, but it always feels good to beat them."
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, By Gosh, It's Langosch, and follow her on Twitter @LangoschMLB.


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Hot Pink Summer at the Dry TortugasSaturday, September 7th, 2013
As summer draws to a close at the Dry Tortugas National Park, several changes are happening in the bird world.
All but the very latest-fledging sooty terns and brown noddies have left Bush Key to head out over open ocean to their respective wintering grounds. You may see a stray young noddy still perching on the coaling dock ruins, but not for much longer.
The earliest of the fall migrants have begun to arrive, including shorebirds and passerines, such as ruddy turnstones, sanderlings, hooded warblers, prairie warblers, prothonotary warblers, American redstarts, ovenbirds, and even a stray common grackle.
One of the more exciting species to visit the park this summer was a trio of American flamingos that flew over the islands for an entire day at the end of July. They did not appear to land, but did continue to circle the park for several islands. This was quite exciting news for the park, as their appearance seems to be one of the first confirmed sightings of live individuals on record here.
With fall approaching, we can only keep our fingers crossed for a plentiful migration this year. For any birders planning on visiting the park this fall for migration, keep in mind that the once-permanent "bird fountain" of so many years past has still not been replaced in the parade ground, which could effect the success of migrating passerines and raptors that stop here. Feel free to contact the NPS with any questions about the status of the replacement fountain.
Enjoy and happy birding!


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Women's Basketball
Thursday, December 10, 2015 - 5:30 pm
How do I get my event listed on the campus events calendar?
Fill out this form including the following information:
- The title of the event
- The date, time, and place of the event (include all three)
- A brief (1-4 sentences) description of the event
- Who is sponsoring/hosting the event
Which events should be posted on the events calendar?
All events that are open to the campus community. This includes things such as musical and theatrical performances, art shows, guest speakers, student presentations (including internships and Delicate Balance presentations), faculty colloquia, Cerridwen farm events, etc.


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LAKE TAHOE based Soldiers Brand, Inc., is a rider owned and operated company committed to producing high-quality, high-performance outerwear and apparel with timeless designs, innovative features, and a super affordable price tag. Simply put, there is not another brand out there today that offers outerwear with the same level of function, performance, and quality at the same low price.
This content was originally published in SNOWBOARDER's August 2009 issue.
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Portions of the following information are based on facts provided by the arrested individuals.
Portions of the following information are based on facts provided by the arrested individuals. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Jan. 4, 2013
Terrebonne Sheriff's Office
Donald Wayne Sims, 30, 173 Nora T Lane, Thibodaux, two counts failure to appear.
Algernon Marc Doplemore, 37, 440 Greenville St., Raceland, two counts failure to appear.
Patricia Lynn Savoie, 41, 115 Elaine St., Morgan City, theft by unauthorized use of access card, identity theft.
Bradley Carlton Miller, 21, 423-B Gouaux Ave., Houma, failure to appear.
Jason Ward Smith, 32, 159 Miller Farm Road, Statesville, N.C., battery on police officer, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace by intoxication.
Houma City Police
Theodore Daniel Antol Jr., 39, 1 Stones Throw Drive, No. 274, Houma, disturbing the peace by intoxication, criminal mischief.
Sharonda Renee Douglas, 34, 126 Louise St., Houma, failure to appear, liability insurance violation, expired driver's license, disregarding traffic control signal.
Markina Lasha George, 20, 101 Odelia Circle, Houma, monetary instrument abuse.
Jerome Robinson Sr., 60, 348 Naquin St., Houma, possession of marijuana, possession schedule II drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia.
Joseph Charles Wade Sr., 37, 1108 Goode St., Houma, failure to appear, two counts second degree battery, two counts aggravated assault with firearm, two counts felony carrying illegal weapon, two counts illegal use of weapon, simple criminal damage to property.
Stanley James Bateast, 55, 407 Roselawn St., Houma, failure to appear, third offense DWI, one-way traffic violation.
Spence Matthew Dupre, 23, 4223 Country Drive, Bourg, failure to appear, possession with intent to distribute schedule I drug, possession with intent to distribute schedule II drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia, speeding.
Samuel Roland Bollhalter, 25, 100 Chateau Court, No. 35, Houma, simple criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace by intoxication.
Louisiana State Police
Kacy Lynn Dufrene, 33, 221 Central Lafourche Drive, Raceland, two counts failure to appear, driving under suspension, hit and run, no proof of insurance, disregarding traffic control signal.
Robert Anthony Watkins, 34, 607 Egle St., Morgan City, two counts failure to appear, second offense possession of marijuana.
Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force
Jevonta Duvall Rice, 23, 2624 Daniel Turner Court, Houma, failure to appear, distribution schedule II drug, resisting an officer.
District and City Courts
The individuals whose names follow were incarcerated on the order of a court or processed following a judicial determination.
Shawn Brandell Durkins, 19, 201 Cherbourg St., Houma, theft less than $500.
Bridget Bird Williams, 34, 3732 La. 1, Napoleonville, four counts issuing worthless checks.
Thibodaux Police Department
Brian Daniels, 527 Olive St., Thibodaux, fugitive from Terrebonne.
Vietta Turner, 21, 115 Greenville St., Raceland, theft, remaining after being forbidden.
Troy Leray, 44, 1827 Badt Ave., Thibodaux, contempt.
Erica Joseph, 23, 210 Johnson Ridge Lane, Thibodaux, contempt.
David Jones Jr., 20, 101 Nicole Lane, Berwick, possession of codeine, possession marijuana, special restrictions on lamps.
Lafourche Sheriff's Office
Travis Mayo, 24, 13409 E. Main St., Larose, second-offense DWI, no passing zones, possession of alcohol in motor vehicle.
Jaydon Galliano, 19, 260 W. 151st St., Galliano, forcible rape, false imprisonment: offender armed with a dangerous weapon.
Jan. 5, 2013
Terrebonne Sheriff's Office
Joshua Marcas Schoell, 27, 225 Hacienda St., Houma, failure to appear, domestic abuse battery in presence of juvenile.
Patricia Lynn Savoie, 41, 115 Elaine St., Morgan City, parole violation.
Florentino King, 42, 3038 North St., Baton Rouge, holding for other agency.
Houma City Police
Ryan Blakeslee Dean, 22, 213 St. Malo St., Houma, engaging in fistic encounter, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, simple criminal damage to property, aggravated assault.
Keith Howard Vidrine, 23, 402 Galveston Drive, Houma, engaging in fistic encounter, principal to unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, principal to simple criminal damage to property, aggravated assault.
Julie Marie Cenac, 51, 160 Cenac St., Houma, theft by unauthorized use of access card.
Danisha Henshelle Wilkerson, 22, 907 High St., Houma, contempt of court, possession schedule II drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia.
Michael John Dardar Jr., 31, 424 Levron St., Houma, failure to appear, possession schedule II drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia, resisting police by violence, driving under suspension, disregarding stop sign.
Nickolas Jay Ryman, 27, 401 Garnet St., Houma, disregarding traffic control signal, expired vehicle inspection sticker, possession with intent to distribute schedule II drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia.
Louisiana State Police
James Ingram Jr., 30, 561 Dantin St., Raceland, possession with intent to distribute schedule I drug, unlawful possession drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, license plate illumination violation, two counts driving under suspension, switched license plate, illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in presence of juvenile, improper lane usage.
Corey James Sonier, 26, 4847 West Main St., Houma, third offense DWI, disregarding stop sign, speeding, flight from officer.
Shantell Nicole Thomas, 31, 611 Egle St., Morgan City, DWI (child endangerment), improper parking on shoulder, driving under suspension, three counts contempt of court.
Lafourche Sheriff's Office
Chelsea Dehart, 19, 1855 Bayou Blue Road, Houma, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of marijuana.
Rosemary Guidry, 50, 124 E. 65th St., Cut Off, no insurance, driving under suspension, resisting arrest by false information, expired motor-vehicle inspection.
Dain Stokes, 17, 118 Guidry Lane, Raceland, possession of stolen things.
Hollis Knoblock, 34, 136 Dip Lane, Thibodaux, distribution of marijuana.
Thibodaux Police Department
Russell Walker, 28, 110 Bonne Lane, Franklin, contempt.
Tommy Danos, 46, 19 Bayou Motel, Thibodaux, probation violation warrant.
Shellie Boudreaux, 41, 552 Dantin St., Raceland, probation violation warrant.
Sonny Thomas, 24, 109 Park Ave., Thibodaux, contempt of court, fugitive from Terrebonne.
Kamal Yasin, 48, 270 Sanders St., Thibodaux, simple battery.
Jan. 6, 2013
Lafourche Sheriff's Office
Lance Delatte, 29, 128 W. 119th St., Cut Off, DWI, speeding.
Harold Brooks, 44, 563 Paula Drive, Thibodaux, two counts contempt of court.
Jeffrey Badeaux, 28, 211 W. 11th St., Larose, probation violation warrant.
Desirae Thompson, 27, 118 W. 72nd St., Cut Off, contempt of court, fugitive from Terrebonne.
Kelly Rae Adams, 47, 102 Ledet Lane, Larose, contempt.
Jennifer Landreneaux, 29, 109 E. 2nd St., Larose, three counts contempt.
Patrick Carter, 34, 1410 Eagle Drive, Thibodaux, contempt.
Quincie Gray, 51, 206 Brocato Lane, Raceland, contempt.
Thibodaux Police Department
Ricky Jackson, 43, 1231 St. Charles St., Thibodaux, contempt.
Christian Palacios, 18, 1515 Bell St., Thibodaux, theft of goods, two counts contempt.
Port Fourchon Harbor Police
Robert Hall, 41, 868 A.O. Rappelet Road No. 18, Golden Meadow, disturbing the peace, illegal use of weapons.


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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease in which joint disease is center-stage with a background of constitutional and internal manifestations.
Systemic means that many parts of the body can be involved. Inflammatory means that the patient presents with redness, warmth, swelling and functional limitation in the joints. Internally, this means that the immune and inflammatory systems of the body are activated and involving the tissues. Such involvement can lead to joint damage, a major focus of the newer therapies for RA. The inflammation also demonstrates itself by the presence of fatigue and weight loss.
We now know a great deal about what causes RA and how to control it. While we cannot cure it at present, joint damage can now be prevented. The early institution of medications is mandatory in order to avoid joint erosions and limitation in function. The rate at which new advances in care are occurring in RA is mind-boggling!
The actual cause of RA is unknown but it is thought to be triggered by environmental factors such as infections with viruses or bacteria. However, while some patients with RA do have a viral-type illness at the onset of the illness, most do not. To date, no specific infectious agent has been found. Some antibiotics can improve RA a bit but they appear work as anti-inflammatory drugs not via their bacteria-killing actions.
The Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis arise from an interplay between inborn genetic factors, the immune system and triggers such as infectious agents.
Genetic factors appear to play as much as a 50% role in the development of RA. It is now thought that a genetically-predisposed person comes in contact with an infectious agent and this initiates the self-perpetuating inflammation that is so characteristic of RA. While it is clear that genetics are important, if you have RA this does not at all mean that your child or grandchildren will develop it. Actually, the risk is very small.
Diet may play a role in some patients with RA. However, in most, a well-balanced diet is the correct prescription. Patients should keep a diary to determine whether the eating of one type of food is commonly associated with a flare of RA, If that is the case, a trial of avoiding that food is reasonable. Optimal weight is always appropriate, especially patients with joint inflammation in the legs.
Stress, either physical or emotional, is commonly cited by patients as being present or severe at the time of the onset of RA. This is true in other autoimmune disorders as well. Since the mind-body connection is real, most physicians appreciate the linkage between stress and disease onset or exacerbation. Because there are clear interactions between the nervous, immune and endocrine systems, the impact of various stressors on disease presentation and severity is explainable in physiologic terms. Obviously, life is stressful and thus how to employ stress reduction in a therapeutic regimen is up to the individual patient, in concert with his/her physician.
Factors involved in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Clinical Manifestations That They Cause
Early Disease
Immunological factor
Clinical Manifestations
More Advanced Disease
Immunological Factor
Clinical Manifestations
The immune system plays a major role in development of joint inflammation and damage, as well as fatigue and the feeling that you have a chronic viral illness. The immune system is made up of body-protecting cells and antibodies.
In normal people, these help to fight off invading infectious agents. In RA, however, something goes awry and immune system appears to be directed against the person's tissues (thus it is called an autoimmune disorder). The immune cells in the body, specifically the lymphocytes and macrophages, communicate with each other via the production if chemicals called cytokines. It is cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1 that eventually lead to joint inflammation, damage and flu-like symptoms. All of our therapies are directed against the many immune factors that cause this complex disorder. Our aim is to re-set the immune thermostat, so that we can avoid joint damage and dysfunction.
The joint pains in RA behave in a specific manner and affect multiple joints on both sides of the body in what is called a symmetric pattern. Also, the characteristic joints include the small joints of the hand and feet, as well as the elbows, knees and ankles. Prior to 60 years of age, this disorder is three times more common in women than men. After that age, there is a more equal frequency in men and women. Of note is the fact that 30% of patients with RA develop it over the age of 60.
Characteristic Early Inflamatory Changes
This picture demonstrates the characteristic early inflammatory changes seen in patients with RA. This includes soft tissue swelling of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP or knuckle joints) and fusiform swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joints (called PIP joints). These changes would be present in the same area of both hands, consistent with the symmetrical involvement of RA.
Advanced RA with significant joint damage
This hand picture demonstrates more severe and advanced RA in which significant joint damage has occurred. Here, we can see the atrophy of the muscles of the hand, the deviation of the fingers away from the thumb (the so-called ulnar deviation) and the prominent swelling of the wrist, MCP and PIP joints. Given the newer therapies for RA, patients today can avoid the progression from the first hand picture to the second.
Uncommon Severe Joint Damage
Luckily, today, we do not commonly see the progression to this type of severe joint damage. This arthritis mutilans picture is very uncommon.
The main joint symptoms relate to inflammation and include pain, swelling, redness, warmth and limitation in range of motion of the involved joints. Patients may also have fatigue or a flu-like feeling, out of proportion to that expected from their activity schedule. All of these problems can occur suddenly, as if it were related to an infection, or slowly. The external signs of inflammation reflect a potentially-damaging disease process that can lead to injury to bone, cartilage and soft tissues such as tendons. If left untreated, this can cause deformities and limitation in function. Luckily, we have excellent treatments that can stop this inflammation and avoid further damage.
Some patients with RA develop more generalized disease in which internal organs can be inflamed and damaged. Thank goodness this is quite rare, and rarer still today with our new therapies. Some of the patients who develop this problem have little nodules under the skin of their forearms called subcutaneous nodules. Internal problems can include lung inflammation, nerve irritation called neuropathy, eye inflammation called scleritis, and dry eyes or dry mouth due to Sjogren's syndrome. Each of these problems can be treated with many of the newer medications available for RA.
The diagnosis of RA is based on clinical signs and symptoms but is supported by laboratory tests.
The following tests are performed if someone presents with a clinical pattern suggestive of RA:
Potential progression of joint damage
This series of hand X-rays demonstrates the progression of joint damage that can, but does not necessarily, occur in patients with RA. These X-rays show the PIP joint (the one in the middle of the finger). The one on the left is normal except for soft tissue swelling around the joint. The one in the center shows the early development of the major culprit in RA, a joint erosion and some minor joint space narrowing. The PIP joint on the right shows a clear erosion and significant joint space narrowing. Our primary therapeutic goal in RA is to prevent such a progression and, luckily, our newer drugs are disease-modifying, which means that they stop the erosion development shown in these pictures.
There are many disorders that must be differentiated from RA. This is important because these mimicks are often treated in a very different manner. Also, if the diagnosis of RA is delayed, joint damage may occur because of the delay in specific RA therapy.
A. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) This is also a systemic disorder that occurs primarily in young women and presents with an RA-like symmetrical polyarthritis of the small joints of the hands and feet. However, patients with SLE usually have other manifestations such as fever, rash, kidney involvement, pleurisy and blood test abnormalities such as a low white, red and platelet cell counts. Also, we can find specific autoantibodies in their blood called antinuclear antibodies.
Prominent Swelling and Deformities of the distal interphalangeal joints
This hand demonstrates changes characteristic of psoriatic arthritis: prominent swelling and deformities of the distal interphalangeal joints, also called the DIP joints (those closest to the fingernail . This is very different from changes seen in RA. In psoriatic arthritis, the DIP (not the wrists, MCP/knuckes and PIP joints) are involved in an asymmetrical pattern. Similarly, joints of the knees, ankles and toes are inflamed in an asymmetrical fashion, usually involving fewer joints than that seen in RA.
Joint damage caused by psoriatic arthritis
In this hand X-ray, you can see the very different type of joint damage caused by psoriatic arthritis. First, the DIP joints are involved; second, the whittling away of the joints are characteristic of psoriatic arthritis.
B. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) Five or ten percent of patients with psoriasis may develop arthritis called PsA. While it is also a systemic disorders, it has a very different personality than RA in that it involves large, lower extremity joints in an asymmetrical pattern. It also involves the joints at the tips of the fingers, a finding not seen in RA. Some patients with PsA also develop low back pains and stiffness. It must be noted that because RA and psoriasis are both common disorders, they can co-exist and have no relation to each other.
Characteristic findings in patients with osteoarthritis
This hand picture demonstrates the characteristic findings in patients with osteoarthritis. First, patients are usually older, in their 60's and 70's, and usually are women. Here the primary swelling and deformities are in the DIP joints and there is very little redness and no obvious psoriasis. On examination of these DIP joints, you can feel a bony spur sticking out from the top of the joint. It is this spur that causes the deformity and swelling.
Typical joint changes of osteoarthritis
This hand X-ray shows the typical joint changes of osteoarthritis: joint space narrowing and the development of bony spurs. You can see how it differs from the X-rays changes of both RA and psoriatic arthritis.
C. Osteoarthritis (OA) Everyone eventually develops the X-rays changes of OA in the neck and low back. However, not all patients that develop it have pains in those or other areas. The typical areas of OA involvement include the joints at the tips of the fingers, one knee or hip, the neck and the low back. This is not a systemic disorder such as RA, SLE or PsA. Also, joint involvement is commonly asymmetrical and gets worse as patients get older. Because OA is very common, it can co-exist with RA in certain patients. Actually, in those RA patients who need joint replacement surgery, the actual final cause of joint damage is OA that occurs secondary to the initial RA-induced damage.
Classical gouty inflamation
This picture of a foot shows the classical gouty inflammation. It differs greatly from RA, OA, and psoriatic arthritis in that it usually involves a single joint in a highly inflammatory manner. The most common joint is the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, called the MTP joint. While gout can involve the finger joints, this is uncommon.
Classical gouty crystals
This slide demonstrates the classical crystals that precipitate a gout attack. These monosodium urate crystals are characteristically needle-shaped and have very specific chemical properties under the microscope. These crystals are most commonly seen in the cells that are found in an inflamed synovial fluid from a gouty joint.
D. Gout This is a disorder of men or post-menopausal women. It usually occurs in patients over the age of 50 who have a family history of gout and most commonly presents as as a highly inflamed single joint, mostly the great toe. Patients are commonly on thiazide diuretics and have an elevated serum uric acid level. The diagnosis is often confirmed by the finding of needle-shaped crystals in cells of the synovial fluid.
E. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) This is a systemic inflammatory disorder that occurs primarily in women and in patients over the age of 50. These patients develop aches, pains and stiffness in the shoulders and pelvic area, as opposed to the hand and foot involvement in RA. Other characteristic findings include fatigue, fever, an elevated ESR over 50, and at times over 100mm/hour and anemia. At times, PMR is accompanied by another disorder called temporal arteritis (TA). TA is a type of vasculitis, which means that it causes inflammation and blockage of blood vessels. This vessel problem can lead to blindness if it involves the eye. Thus, visual symptoms such as flashing lights or short-lived visual loss should be brought to the attention of a physician.
VI. General Treatment Recommendations
Today, we are blessed with a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis and characteristics of RA and the availability of safe and effective medications that can alter the natural history of RA and improve function. We start with the premise that RA is eminently controllable and we aim, with our therapies, for "no evidence of disease". That means no signs of redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness and normal function. Since we would not accept uncontrolled illness in angina, chronic obstructive lung disease, hypertension or diabetes, we should similarly not accept it in RA. Luckily, today, we have the therapeutic tools to make this happen.
(Obtain a PDF version of the latest ACR guidelines for RA management)
Rheumatoid Modalities
The Importance of Early Treatment
There are some important general guidelines regarding the modern treatment of RA:
VII. Specific Treatment Recommendations
The treatment should match the tempo, activity, aggressiveness and personality of the RA inflammation. Quantitation of the clinical outcome is mandatory! The formula that defines the type of therapy includes the following clinical information:
Treatment Modalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. The patient's function. Are they working optimally either inside or outside of the house? If they are working, how limited are they and is their work threatened? If they have stopped working, was it due to their RA? Specific functional scales such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire can be followed serially as an early-warning sign to limitation in function. The patient can also measure function in the following simple manner: ten is the worst you can be, 0 is normal function. Where were you before you started the treatment regimen and where are you now?
2. The level of joint inflammation as defined by the number of swollen and tender joints.
3. The level of fatigue using the same 0-10 scale.
4. The ESR and the level of anemia
5. The development of joint deformities or erosions
6. The presence and extent of extra-articular manifestations (i.e. nodules, lung disease, eye inflammation).
Medications in the RA armamentarium
A. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These medications suppress inflammation, pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandins (PG). They do this by blocking proteins called enzymes (catalysts) that are important in the production of PG. The enzyme is called cyclooxygenase, often shortened and called COX. There are two such COX enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. The COX-1 enzyme is found in many tissues of the body and leads to the production PGs that have a major housekeeping, protective role. It is particularly important in shielding the stomach lining. COX-2, on the other hand, does not have this protective role but is produced in the tissues in the setting of the inflammation caused by RA.
Extensive research has led to the development of NSAIDs that only block the COX-2 enzyme (the so-called COX-2 specific NSAIDs). Thus, they are much safer with regard to the stomach because they do not block the "good COX-1 enzyme". However, they are equally effective in controlling inflammation to the "traditional NSAIDs" such as Naproxen, Motrin, Feldene and aspirin. The COX-2 specific NSAIDs are employed in patients who are at high-risk for stomach irritation, including those the elderly and those with a history of NSAID-induced stomach irritation or intolerance.NSAIDs, both the traditional ones and the COX-2 specific medications, are a part of the treatment regimen in all patients with RA. While they do not appear to be able to modify the natural history of RA, they are important in controlling a significant component of the inflammatory process, decrease pain and improve function.
In general, NSAIDs are safe and well-tolerated, particularly in healthy patients. However, as a group of drugs, they do share certain side effects, particularly in the elderly and those with medical conditions such as kidney, liver or heart disease. Traditional NSAIDs can all cause stomach irritation such as gastritis or stomach ulcers. Stomach-protective medications are available and include H-2 blockers such as Zantac, acid pump inhibitors such as Prilosec and a protective PG called Cytotec (misoprostol). The COX-2 specific NSAIDs are much less irritative to the stomach. All NSAIDs can cause liver inflammation and kidney problems and thus routine tests are performed to monitor for these. The use of NSAIDs should be guided and monitored by the physician, especially in those patients who have known medical problems.The optimal NSAID is one that is taken only once or twice a day, causes minimal GI or other side effects and has a low cost.
One of the COX-2 specific NSAIDs, rofecoxib, or Vioxx, has recently been taken off of the market because of a higher than acceptable incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients taking the drug when compared to traditional NSAIDs. The other two COX-2s, celecoxib (Celebrex) and valdecoxib (Bextra) continue to be scrutinized regarding this cardiac issue and have been shown to be safe. If a patient has known coronary artery disease or a predisposition to it, aspirin needs to be taken along with these two medications. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis do have an increased propensity for premature atherosclerosis because of the inflammation itself and thus treatment with a baby aspirin along with a COX-2 is appropriate. Traditional NSAIDs like naproxen can usually "stand on their own" regarding cardiac protection but, in certain situations, even with them a baby aspirin may also be needed.
B. Corticosteroids
A Nobel Prize was won in 1951 for the discovery of steroids and its use in RA. While this therapy is very powerful in its ability to control inflammation, many years of experience with it has demonstrated that chronic use is associated with many potential side effects. Thus, while steroids are used for the treatment of RA, we try to use the lowest dose for the shortest period of time in order to avoid toxicity. Side effects include: diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, mood changes, increased risk of infection, and bone damage called osteonecrosis. While these do not occur in everyone, the higher dose and the longer the treatment, the greater likelihood for problems. The use of steroids such as prednisone, a synthetic steroid, is employed in the following fashion:
a. In short courses for RA flares: If the setting of increased joint inflammation, fatigue and functional limitation, a short course of steroid can be helpful. A typical course would be 20 mg prednisone tapering by 5 mgm/day for a full course of four days. This often "resets" the inflammatory thermostat. b. "Bridge therapy" while we are awaiting a response to DMARDs (discussed below). In the setting of active inflammation, and while we are waiting the 1-3 months for a response from NSAIDS and DMARDs, a low dose of prednisone of 5 mgm/day can be helpful to allow the patient to function and control inflammation. c. Intra-articular steroids are injected into the joint itself to control inflammation that is localized to a single area of the body.
C. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
The main goal of treatment in RA is to allow patients to live the life that they want to lead and to restore function. In infectious disorders, we accept no less than 100% effectiveness of our antibiotics. We are aiming for similar outcomes in the treatment of RA. Presently, we have very effective medications called DMARDs that can "alter the natural history of RA". That means they will stop the development of cartilage and bone damage sites called erosions, joint deformities and functional limitation. Medications in this category vary in their chemical structures, side effect profiles, routes of administration, costs and effectiveness. However, in general, they are safe and quite successful in controlling RA. Often, they are used in combination because together they may be more effective than when given alone.
1. DMARDs that are moderately effective and employed in milder disease:
a. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): This anti-malarial drug is both safe and effective for the treatment of mild RA. Its overall safety record has led to its incorporation into many combination DMARD regimens. It can rarely lead to retinal problems and thus 6-monthly ophthalmologic monitoring is indicated. Dose: Less than 6.0 mgm/kg/day. Usual dose is 200 mg po bid. Tablets: 200 mgm
b. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine): This is a combination drug that contains both an aspirin compound and a sulfa drug. Those with sulfa allergy should avoid this. The aspirin component does not lead to stomach problems. Monitoring includes complete blood counts and liver function tests, initially weekly, then every 4-6 weeks. Dose: 2-3 grams/day in two divided doses, with meals. Tablets: Enteric-coated tablets, 500 mgm each.
c. Auranofin (Ridaura): This gold compound can be employed in mild RA. It is well-tolerated, but can cause diarrhea. Monitoring includes complete blood counts and urinalyses. Dose: 3 mgm po bid. Tablets: 3 mgm.4.
d. Minocycline (a tetracycline): This antibiotic appears to be moderately effective in controlling the inflammatory process of RA. It may be working via its inhibitory effect upon the enzymes that cause tissue damage in RA rather than its anti-bacterial action. It is generally well-tolerated, save for dizziness and sun sensitivity. Dose: 100 mg po bid. Tablets: 50-100 mgm.
2. DMARDS that are very effective and are used in moderate to severe RA:
a. Methotrexate (MTX; Rheumatrex): This immunosuppressive medication that works via its inhibition of folic acid metabolism is the best studied of all DMARDS and is both safe and effective. It is clearly disease-modifying and it is the drug against which all others are compared. Also, most DMARD combinations include MTX. While it can rarely cause liver inflammation, this side effect is quite uncommon and can be avoided by appropriate blood test monitoring and avoidance of alcohol use. Immune suppression can lead to infections, but they are rare. Bone marrow suppression is uncommon but can be monitored with serial blood counts. Dose: 7.5-25 mgm/week, orally, subcutaneously, or IM. Tablet: 2.5 mgm. Solution: 2.5 mgm/0.1 cc.
b. Leflunomide (Arava): This immunosuppressive agent works via its pyrimidine inhibition. In clinical trails, it has similar effectiveness in controlling inflammation and decreasing erosion development to MTX. Recent cases of significant and even life-threatening liver toxicity have been described, demanding close liver function test monitoring and possibly adjustment or discontinuation of the medication. Should liver function test abnormalities persist, liver biopsy should be considered. It is well-tolerated but can cause diarrhea, liver function test abnormalities and alopecia. Monitoring is similar to that of MTX and includes every 6-weekly complete blood counts and liver function tests. Dose: Initial-100 mg /day for three days, then 20 mg po qd thereafter. Tablets: 20mgm and 100mgm.
c. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers: All three of the available TNF blockers have led to quantum clinical improvement over that obtained with methotrexate alone. Infections, such as tuberculosis, and other medical problems, such as low blood counts, have recently been reported. Monitoring with blood counts and TB skin tests is appropriate and should be guided by the physician. However, despite the necessity for caution and increased monitoring, the benefits of these drugs continue to outweigh their risks. Multiple issues, including effectiveness, safety, route of administration, likelihood of compliance, and costs/insurance coverage, need to be considered before prescribing because important differences exist between these three agents.
d. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocker - Anakinra (Kineret) - The FDA has approved this interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist for the reduction of signs and symptoms of moderate to severely active RA in adult patients who have failed to achieve a significant clinical improvement from one or more DMARDs. IL-1 is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the development and progression of RA, both with regard to inflammation and joint damage. As part of the body's attempt to maintain a balanced state, it naturally produces a blocker of IL-1, called IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Unfortunately, in RA, too much IL-1 is produced and too little IL-1ra is available to counter its activity. Anakinra was developed as a recombinant form of the human IL-1 receptor antagonist to re-set the inflammatory thermostat and inhibit inflammation, pain and joint damage. Both clinical markers of joint inflammation and the progression of joint damage have been significantly improved with this new biologic agent. It can be used alone or in combination with other DMARDs but not with the TNF-blocking medications etanercept or infliximab. The most common side effect was a reaction at the site of injection, usually mild and characterized by redness, swelling and pain. There was a risk of serious infection (2% in the anakinra treated patients and less than 1% in the patients treated with placebo). Thus, the drug should not be started when an active infection is present and should be stopped in the setting of an active infection. Dose and route of administration: Daily subcutaneous injections that contain 100 mgm of anakinra.
e. Azathioprine (Imuran) This antimetabolite immunosuppressive agent has been used for many years in patients with active RA unresponsive to other DMARDs. It is both safe and effective but can suppress the bone marrow and lead to infections. It has been replaced by MTX and other DMARDs because of their balance of safety and effectiveness. Dose: 2 mgm/kg/day orally. Tablets: 50 mg.
f. Intramuscular Gold (Solganal, Myochrysine) These gold compounds can be quite safe and effective in controlling the inflammation due to RA. However, they demand intramuscular (IM) injection, are associated with bone marrow and kidney toxicity and thus have been replaced by other DMARDs. Dose: Weekly IM dose of 10-50mgm over 20 weeks, then every 2-6 weekly.
g. Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) This immu- nosuppressive agent works by suppressing certain immune cell actions. It is particularly effective when used on combination with MTX. Because of kidney and hypertension problems when used at high doses, a lower, safer dose of 2.5 mgm/kg is now employed. This medication is usually used in the setting of more severe and active disease, unresponsive to MTX. Dose: 2.5 mgm/kg initial dose. Tablets: 50-100 mgm.
3. Combination DMARD regimens that are both effective and safe:
These DMARD combinations have evolved in an attempt to maximize disease control without increasing the overall risk of side effects. While some rheumatologists begin all of the medications at the same time, most add one to another, as guided by the clinical response. Blood test monitoring usually involves serial complete blood counts, liver function tests, blood pressure and serum creatinine, as guided by the potential side effects of the components of the regimen. All are employed in the treatment of moderate to severe disease.
VIII. Long-term Management Issues
A. Surgery in the patient with RA: Obviously, the main thrust of therapy at this time is to avoid the need for surgery by controlling the damaging effects of RA. However, in those patients who do develop joint damage with deformity and functional limitation, surgery can have a profoundly positive impact on their ability to carry out their activities of daily living. The usual indications for surgery include pain and/or disability that are unacceptable and functionally limiting. The procedures that are most effective include:
1. Hand and wrist surgery: Carpal tunnel release can markedly improve the numbness and tingling that occurs because of flexor tenosynovitis in the wrist. In patients with significant wrist damage and threatening tendon rupture, wrist fusion, shaving of the ulnar styloid and synovectomy can be very effective. Implants into the small joints of the hands and fusion (fixation) of the thumb joints can be particularly helpful in improving the function of the small joints of the hands. Wrist replacement is sometimes needed in patients with severe wrist damage.
2. Shoulder surgery: RA-related problems of the shoulder can range from mild inflammation to rotator cuff tear, and even can lead to joint damage. Arthroscopic surgery can help the first two problems but joint replacement may be needed if the joint damage is advanced. All are effective and well-tolerated.
3. Elbow surgery: Elbow replacement is effective in improving function in patients who have severe arthritis and dysfunction.
4. Total Hip Replacement (THR): In patients with severe damage to the hip joint, the THR has been one of the more effective surgeries. Since its development 40 years ago, it has been perfected and is associated the excellent functional outcomes. With modern techniques, the potential side effects of blood clots and infections are quite uncommon.
5. Knee surgery:
6. Ankle and foot surgery: Many procedures are available in order to improve the outcome of ankle and foot arthritis due to RA. These include joint replacements and the re-structuring of the bone.
7. Medical issues to consider when surgery is scheduled:
The reason why we are now quite aggressive in our approach to the treatment of RA is found in the following facts:
Today, with our new medications and a proactive approach to early therapy, equally aggressive to the disease itself, we can avoid the development of erosions, joint deformities, functional limitation and loss of work.
A multidisciplinary team that includes the primary care physician, the rheumatologist, the physical therapist and other members of health care system will bring about a coordinated treatment program that is both safe and effective. The primary care physician or internist commonly works in partnership with a rheumatologist. Referral to a specialist on rheumatology most commonly occurs in the following situations:
XI. Annotated References
A. The 11th Edition of the Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases, an Official Publication of the Arthritis Foundation. Chapters 9 and 10 cover Epidemiology, Pathology, Pathogenesis (authors Jorg J. Goronzy, and Cornelia M. Weyand; Clinical and Laboratory Features (Ronald J. Anderson); and Treatment (Stephen A. Paget). ed. John Klippel, MD. 1997.This Primer is a must for all primary care physicians, patients, residents and medical students. In a well-written, concise format, all of the pertinent information about RA is discussed and referenced. It can be purchased from the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
B. Weinblatt ME, Kremer JM, Bankhurst AD, et al. A trial of Etanercept, a recombinant tumor necrosis factor receptor: Fc fusion protein, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate. New England Journal of Medicine 1999; 340: 253-259.This landmark paper demonstrates that in patients with persistent, active RA, the combination of the this new biologic agent and methotrexate was safe and well-tolerated and provided significantly greater clinical benefit than methotrexate alone. This extraordinary new, focused DMARD was able to significantly improve the status of patients with active RA despite 6 months of treatment with what was thought to be the previous "best drug on the block," methotrexate.
C. O'Dell JR. Anticytokine therapy- A new Era in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. New England Journal of Medicine Editorial. 1999; 340: 310-312.This excellent editorial notes that "for the first time clinicians can target a specific aspect of the pathologic process that constitutes rheumatoid arthritis". He does note that "although we are targeting a specific cytokine that affects the inflammatory response, a multitude of effects, both good and bad, may result".
D. Maini RN, Breedveld FC, Kalden JR, et al. The therapeutic efficacy of multiple intravenous infusions of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody combined with low-dose weekly methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism 1998; 41: 1552-1563.This landmark study evaluated the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and safety of multiple infusions of one of the "breakthrough" therapies now available for the treatment of RA. While this biologic agent is the "beginning of the beginning" of such focused, effective biologic therapies, it's extraordinary ability to markedly control the disease bodes well for the future.
E. Verhoeven AC, Boers M, Tugwell P. Combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: updated. British Journal of Rheumatology. 1998; 37: 612-619.In this updated, complete review of combination DMARD therapies for the treatment of RA, we are guided through the various therapeutic options and given their supporting data. Combination therapies are here to stay but many of the regimens need confirmation by repeat studies.
F. Irvine S, Munro R, Porter D. Early referral, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for changing medical practice. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. 1999; 58: 510-513.This important study demonstrates that patients are being referred earlier in their disease and DMARDs are prescribed sooner in the disease course, often within six months of symptom onset. Given the power of the newer medications employed in RA, early diagnosis and treatment will clearly improve the short- and long-term outcome.
G. Madhok R, Capell HA. Outstanding issues in use of disease-modifying agents in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1999; 353: 257-259.This excellent editorial stresses many important points about the modern treatment of RA:
Posted: 10/14/2004


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Cornerstone Credit Union League has sent its comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration supporting the proposed addition of a fourth version of the official advertising statement.
On Oct. 31, more than 70 students from around the state competed "Shark Tank-style" at the University of Central Oklahoma pitching ideas to a panel of local credit union executives, electric cooperative representatives, and entrepreneurs.
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When Roy Hobbs (played by Robert Redford) hit his home runs in "The Natural," the fictional New York City stadium looked familiar. So did his arrival in New York's Grand Central Station.
The movie's games actually were filmed in Buffalo's War Memorial Stadium, where my father took me as a boy in a vain attempt to get me interested in baseball. To this day, I cannot understand the appeal of that game, despite the fact that all the best sports movies are about baseball.


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savagem wrote:Hoyden wrote:Hello Melanie
Very surprised to see you here, but I am sure you will find that you enjoy this forum.
I know I do
Why are you surprised?
Not speaking for Hoyden, but I am also very surprised to see you here. Mainly because you are (were?) a very vocal supporter of pbsmiles.


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The Color Blocked Dress Made From Scraps
Added Oct 27, 2013
by sabrinal1981
Brooklyn, United...
I love easy shift dresses for work, and I wanted to make a bold, asymmetrical color blocked dress to add a little punch to dreary Monday mornings at the office. I was even more inspired when I realized I could make this dress entirely from scraps of fabric leftover from previous projects (black faux leather, navy blue cotton poplin, and white mystery fabric, which was probably some kind of poly blend), with a heavy duty zipper going down the back for a little edge. The result is a stylish yet comfortable dress that I can actually breathe and eat in!
This dress was made using a self-drafted pattern.
If you'd like to see more, check out my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sabrinal1981
Material Notes
Faux leather, cotton poplin.
5 Comments Sign in to add a post
Oct 30, 2013, 07.45 AMby Ellen Hatteland
Wow – how lovely! I like it very much! :-)
Oct 29, 2013, 08.59 PMby sewingfan1
Great use of colours! Looks great, I bet you get a lot of compliments.
Oct 29, 2013, 11.48 AMby kisses
Love the idea
Oct 29, 2013, 10.39 AMby Mary Athey
This is lovely and what a great way to use up leftover fabric x
Oct 29, 2013, 09.08 AMby Winnie Nkosi
Nice dress,its sooo me.LOVE IT LOVE IT:)
Add to Favorites 4 people added it


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The ALA Trustee Citation, established in 1941 to recognize public library Trustees for distinguished service to library development, symbolizes and honors the best contributions and efforts of the estimated 60,000 American citizens who serve on library boards. It is presented during the Opening General Session at the ALA Annual Conference. Recipients are expected to be present to accept the award, and expenses for attending must be borne by the recipients or their library organizations. Trustee service may have been performed on the local, state, regional or national level, or at a combination of levels. Equal consideration is given to Trustees of libraries of all sizes. Citations may not be awarded when there is no sufficiently outstanding achievement brought to the attention of the Awards Committee. Past recipients of the ALA Trustee Citation are not eligible.
Requirements for nomination include:
- Actual Trustee service at least part of the calendar year preceding the Annual Conference at which award is made.
- Comprehensive statement of the nominee's achievements.
- Nomination(s) by any individual library Trustee, librarian, library board, state library agency, state library association, state Trustee association, Public Library Association, or United for Libraries. Include signature(s) of nominator(s) and endorsing organizations and individuals. Current United for Libraries board members are not eligible to be nominated.
- Statement of support no longer than five double-spaced pages. Describe, in chronological order, the nominee's library-related activities. The listing should include, but not be limited to, library-related activities such as board and/or library association service, with offices held, titles, and awards, with dates.
- Personal membership in ALA and United for Libraries at the time of application and at the time of the award presentation if chosen.
Applications must be received by January 7, 2019.
Award History
- 2018 - Penny Weller and Craig Wilson
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I return to work today after a week off -- a little disappointed that I did not finish the Table Topper. My plan now is to finish by tomorrow night and hand sew the binding Wednesday.
And .... because I have started the 2011 Mystery, I HAVE TO QUILT and finish 2010 RRCB. I have ironed out the creases (after it was folded for months) and have it ready for sandwiching. I have more vacation around the holidays and will finish this for my bed.


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For the majority of American families, homemade meals are a thing of the past. The reasons are many: too inconvenient, too time consuming, too challenging, too expensive.
Whoa, stop. Wait a minute. Too expensive?
If by expensive you're saying that it's cheaper to eat out or get takeout than it is to cook a homemade meal, then that is just not true
As for the "too inconvenient" and "too time consuming" objections, I take exception. I can make any number of homemade meals from scratch and have dinner on the table in less time than it takes to drive there, order, wait, load up, drive back, get out, bring in and then get dinner on the table. As for the inconvenience part, does anything in that last sentence sound convenient to you?
I think if we're honest, we can agree that most of the time we're just too busy, too lazy and too tired to cook. I get it. But hiring someone else to do it is a very expensive way to live.
What if I told you that for as little as five bucks a month, you could get the kind of help you need to make sure you have a plan, a menu and all the ingredients on hand to get a home-cooked dinner on the table seven days a week. Would you listen to me? Awesome, because that's what I'm about to do.
Let me point you to a meal planning service that I simply love and adore: eMeals.com. Here's how it works:
First, you pick your meal plan based on your family's eating style (more on the specific meal plans in a bit), the size of your family and your favorite grocery store or supermarket. That's it. Now just sit back and relax because help is on the way.
Every week, your meal plan will arrive in your inbox, containing seven simple, creative and family-friendly dinner recipes including an entree and side dishes. But that's not all. You'll get a detailed grocery list that is coordinated with the weekly sales for the grocery store you identified when you signed up.
The thing I love about eMeals is that founders Jane DeLaney and Jenny Cochran (they're sisters) and staff really do take care of just about everything.
They know we're busy. We're tired and maybe even a bit stressed from time to time, right? That's why having someone else whom we know we can trust to take care of the meal planning, the grocery list and the budgeting makes so much sense, while we take care of making healthy home-cooked meals we know our families will love.
Speaking of the eMeals meal plans, there are 12 to choose from, a fact I do find quite amazing: classic meals, clean eating, paleo, Mediterranean, slow cooker, low carb, low fat, natural & organic, simple gourmet, gluten free, portion control and vegetarian. Samples of each are available at the eMeals site.
Now, lest you assume I'm not always looking for ways to get you a great deal on just about everything, we've arranged with the eMeals team to get all of our EC readers a special discount. To get it, you must follow these instructions precisely. First go to EverydayCheapskate.com/emeals15. Then be sure to use the coupon code DebtProofLiving at checkout. When you do, you will get 20% off your plan of choice. You're welcome.
I can't wait to get your feedback once you've had a few weeks of eMeals. Prepare to be amazed.
Mary Hunt is founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com.
You can email her at firstname.lastname@example.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630.
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Technology products, systems, services and solutions provider, Siemens, has said its doors are open for potential partnerships as it works to expand its channel presence within Australia.
The company, as a vendor whose Australian PLM presence exists only through partners, is looking to add to its existing partner ecosystem by venturing into white spaces in which it is currently lacking presence.
Siemens APAC vice-president and managing director, KC Yee, said, "If any medias are interested in partnering with us, we are very keen."
The company's Australia and ASEAN vice-president and general manager, Rajiv Ghatikar, said, "Our doors are very open. We look for two things in partners. Firstly, competency in terms of domain knowledge to which they can participate. The second thing is hunger – we need them to be hungry and want to succeed in this market with us."
"We are very selective because we believe in long-term relationships. We want partners who already complement our ecosystem. We are also very cautious to engage with possible partners who are close to the end of their lifecycle," he said.


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Example 18: Calculate the distance between two points under the following conditions: A point point on the x-axis and point on the y-axis, whole number distance.
Grade Range:
6-12, college developmental math
Curriculum Standards:
CCSS.Math. Content. 8.G.B.8
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Investing has been a massive exercise in frustration for millions of Americans over the last decade or so.
Two market crashes in 12 years drove many people away from equities. Now key U.S. stock market indexes are at or near record highs again, after a strong 2012 rally that has spilled into 2013.
The average domestic stock mutual fund rose 15% last year, the third annual gain in four years. Meanwhile, the hunger for perceived safety has driven interest rates on bonds and other fixed-income securities to record lows. It's a backdrop that seems to cry out for a complex, headache-inducing game plan.
But in fact, the best strategy for many people may be just the opposite: Focus on the basics. Mainly, keep sight of the things you can control to reduce your mental stress and improve your odds of long-term success.