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Hopefully, the video showing approaches from Church, Fulton and Dey will be available to download. Even the IRT 1/9 station is open to the mezzanine.
Hopefully, the video showing approaches from Church, Fulton and Dey will be available to download. Even the IRT 1/9 station is open to the mezzanine.
Here's a link to the Power Point presentation.
Date: January 22, 2004
Press Release Number: 7-2004
Freestanding Glass-and-Steel Mass-Transit Hub Will Connect
PATH to Ferries and Subway Service across Lower Manhattan
The world caught its first glimpse today of the Port Authoritys enduring monument to the heroism of September 11, 2001, when world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava unveiled soaring, spectacular design concepts for the bistate agencys World Trade Center Transportation Hub, which will significantly improve mass-transit connections across Lower Manhattan.
The glass roof above the hubs freestanding grand pavilion, featuring ribbed arches that evoke a cathedral, will open each year on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Glass-and-steel wings will rise up to 150 feet. Natural light will reach rail platforms 60 feet below street level.
This is the Port Authoritys gift to New York City, Mr. Calatrava said. It will be a lamp of hope in the middle of Lower Manhattan, creating an unbroken line of natural light from the platforms to the sky.
Flanked by New York Governor George E. Pataki and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Mr. Calatrava also said the $2 billion World Trade Center Transportation Hub will include:
- A permanent Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) terminal that eventually will serve more than 80,000 daily PATH riders, including tens of thousands of commuters and millions of annual visitors to the World Trade Center Memorial.
Pedestrian connections that will significantly improve access to PATH, ferries and subway lines across Lower Manhattan. By 2020, these connections are expected to accommodate 250,000 daily commuters and visitors.
Greater open space in the Wedge of Light Plaza and additional access from Church Street to the Memorial District.
State-of-the-art safety, security and environmental enhancements.
Mr. Calatrava said the Transportation Hub will serve as a source of inspiration for the heroes, survivors and families of September 11, as well as those who live in, work in and visit Lower Manhattan.
Last summer, the Port Authority selected the Downtown Design Partnership, in association with Mr. Calatrava, to design the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. The partnership is led by the joint venture of DMJM + Harris and STV Group, Inc. two of the worlds most successful and respected architectural/engineering firms.
Governor Pataki said, The soaring design for the World Trade Center Transportation Hub completes the promise of Daniel Libeskinds master plan for the site, skillfully complementing the designs for the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower and the Memorial. Santiago Calatravas masterpiece will one day take its rightful place among New York Citys most inspiring architectural icons. Millions of commuters and visitors will pass through this spectacular new transit hub when they come to Lower Manhattan.
New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey said, The World Trade Center Transportation Hub will make a statement to the world: The people of this region are undaunted in the face of the forces of evil. The design for this spectacular structure clearly shows that we are fully committed to rebuilding our infrastructure and restoring normalcy to our lives.
Mayor Bloomberg said, Today we unveil the design of downtowns new PATH station and we imagine that future generations will look at this building as a true record of our lives today as we rebuild our city. What will they see in Santiago Calatravas thrilling work? Theyll see creativity in design, and strength in construction. Theyll see confidence in our investment in a stunning gateway to what will always be the Financial Capital of the World. Theyll see a seamless connection to the PATH train, city subways, and ultimately, to our regional airports. And theyll see optimism a building appearing to take flight just like the neighborhood it serves.
Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, Our most important priority at the World Trade Center site is the creation of a Memorial that will pay tribute to the heroes of September 11, including the 84 members of the Port Authority family who sacrificed their lives on that terrible day. Our next priority is to create a 21st century mass-transit network that will serve commuters and visitors to Lower Manhattan. Santiago Calatravas Transportation Hub a work of unsurpassed beauty will meet the regions needs while inspiring the world for generations to come.
Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, The World Trade Center Transportation Hub will enable a quarter-million daily travelers to reach their destinations across Lower Manhattan faster and more conveniently. Much as the rehabilitation of Grand Central Terminal has sparked the revitalization of midtown, the restoration and enhancement of Lower Manhattans transportation system will accelerate the economic recovery of the nations third-largest business district.
Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, The significance of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub is nothing short of historic. We will finally untangle Lower Manhattans knotted network of confusing mass-transit connections, which have hindered this part of the city for a century.
The permanent World Trade Center Transportation Hub will feature seamless pedestrian connections to the World Financial Center and the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys proposed Fulton Street Transit Center. Lower Manhattan residents, commuters and visitors will enjoy far faster access to ferry service along the Hudson River, and to 14 Lower Manhattan subway lines the 1/9, 2/3, 4/5, N/R, A/C/E and J/M/Z. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub also is being designed to accommodate potential rail service to John F. Kennedy International Airport or other destinations.
The Permanent PATH Terminal is expected to begin serving passengers by the end of 2006. All elements of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub are scheduled for completion by 2009.
The Port Authority is in the middle of the environmental review process for the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, which is being developed in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration.
A temporary PATH station opened at the World Trade Center site on November 23, 2003. The temporary station the final piece of the Port Authoritys $566 million program to restore PATH service as quickly as possible between New Jersey and Lower Manhattan was the first public space to open within the World Trade Center site since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Ridership at the temporary World Trade Center PATH station already is exceeding initial projections.
The temporary station is an open-air facility that provides a basic level of passenger service. It does not include many of the customer amenities that existed in the World Trade Center PATH station prior to September 11, 2001, such as heating, air conditioning and rest rooms. Those customer amenities will be restored in the permanent World Trade Center Transportation Hub.
The Port Authority began service in 1962 on the Port Authority Trans-Hudson system, more commonly known as PATH, after taking over the system from the bankrupt Hudson and Manhattan Railroad. The system was originally built in 1908, and the tunnels linking New York and New Jersey were the first passenger rail connections between the two states.
Before September 11, 2001, the PATH rapid-transit rail system of 13 stations carried approximately 260,000 daily passengers between New York and New Jersey. Today, PATH carries approximately 180,000 daily passengers. Prior to September 11, 2001, approximately 67,000 daily passengers boarded PATH at the World Trade Center.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit rail system; the Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The Port Authority is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.
WTC Transportation Hub PowerPoint Presentation
it looks like a winged armadillo but for some nutty reason it works
What a relief! No less than what I expected from Calatrava, which is great. Flanked by world-class skyscrapers (Foster, Nouvel, et al), this is going to be awesome. I like how it's a free-standing structure, ameliorating the increasingly cluttered and crowded streetscape we were seeing in sucessive renderings.
It works very well with the wedge of light concept, too. Everyone was taking it much more literally than it should have been, though it's hard to figure what Libeskind's original intentions were. The allignment of the whole building along that axis is arguably more meaningful than just a wall, as Libeskind intended. I don't know about the opening up every September 11th business; It's a little silly to open up to let the shadow of the Millenium Hilton in.
Oh, and I love the transluscent floors. They're the one thing about the design that must be preserved no matter what revisions are made. The concourse of the old Penn Station had glass tile floors; it was something I would have liked to see. They're still there, under the terazzo. You can see the underside from some places on the lower level.
Very nice design. On a side note, I wonder if it would be economical one day to construct an underground tunnel (with shuttles and/or moving walkways) to travel to Liberty and Ellis islands, and connecting to the transit hub or Battery Park.
Am I the only one who is a little disapointed? The size and scope of this project is minimal compared to other projects he has done. It looks a bit liek a upturend hairclip. Im not totaly disapointed as this is much better than the FT but I was expecting great things from Signor Calatrava. Can someone explain to me this concept of glassy trans-lucent tiles. From the description they sound slippery.
I like how the wings form a matrix of shadows and reflection on the floors.
At the presentation, it was stated that the structure is 350 ft long.Originally Posted by RedFerrari360f1
Is there anything good in the Powerpoint presentation? I can't look at it on my Mac.
Are the two wings of different sizes? Depending on which rendering you look at, they either look the same or different. I think the asymmetry would add a lot to the project, and would work well with any futuristic towers that go up around it.


text: oneSTore.ph is an E-commerce Web Application that operates nationwide and caters primarily to Philippine consumers. oneSTore helps the Department of Science and Technology's assisted MSMEs widen the scope of their target market. It can help deliver economic growth and increase business opportunities. oneSTore provides customers with an effortless shopping experience and retailers with simple and direct access to the largest customer base in the Philippines.

subset: commoncrawl


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View recent photos View current position Ask Glenn a question Read Glenn's answers
Follow Canadian sailor Glenn Wakefield on his single-handed, non-stop west about circumnavigation attempt Click on Circumnavigation Update for his latest position and daily report. The CircumnavigationDeparture Date and Official Start Glenn officially started his circumnavigation Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 21 hours 10 minutes 50 seconds GMT (2:10 p.m. local time). In September, 2007 Glenn Wakefield will attempt a solo, non-stop circumnavigation west about from Victoria, British Columbia, making him the first sailor to attempt the voyage from North America. Glenn will sail Kim Chow, his Phil Rhodes designed Offshore 40' sloop built by Cheoy Lee in Hong Kong in 1969. For more than 4 years, Glenn has been making extensive modifications to Kim Chow, preparing her for the rigors of sailing offshore for approximately 10 months. The Route Glenn will follow a classic route from his home port of Victoria, British Columbia into the Straits of Juan de Fuca, a distance of 60 nautical miles. Once in the Straits, he'll head west for 200 miles and then south to avoid coastal shipping traffic. He plans to cross the I.T.Z. at approximately 135 degrees and then head further west and south to the southern tip of New Zealand leaving Stewart Island to starboard. He'll cross the Tasman Sea to Tasmania and then head across the Australian Bight in the area of 40 degrees south past Cape Leeuwin. From there he'll sail to the Falkland Islands between 40 and 45 degrees south. He'll make his way through Drake Passage and round Cape Horn at a distance of about 100 nautical miles. Once around Cape Horn, Glenn will head out about 1000 miles into the Pacific and then up the coast of Chile recrossing the equator at about 135 degrees. From there he'll sail north to Hawaii and then east to the west coast of British Columbia returning to the Straits of Juan de Fuca and his home port of Victoria in July of 2008. He estimates the trip will take about 10 months.Thank youA project of this size and complexity takes many talented people working in the background. Many have given generously of their time and talent over the past four years, and many friends and acquaintances have provided moral support for which I am very grateful. I want to especially recognize and thank my wife Marylou for her enormous contribution and unwavering support over the past five years in preparing Kim Chow for this voyage. I'm privileged to have such a wonderful partner by my side who understands my love of the sea and the reasons I'm doing this trip. I also want to recognize my two daughters Claire and Nicola who moved home for the summer to spend time with me and help me prepare for this trip. Thank you for all the wonderful time we spent together. My sincere thanks as well to:
The many talented and dedicated ham radio operators in Canada, New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia who have provided vital communication support throughout my voyage day and night.Denise McCamish in Auckland, New Zealand who provided extraordinary customer service.Meri Leask at Bluff Marine Radio, in Bluff New Zealand who provided so much assistance and support on marine radio as I approached New Zealand. Hers was a wonderful, welcoming voice for which I am very grateful.Richard Piper in Invercargill, NewZealand for all his extraordinary help and support Dr. Peter Campbell at the University of Regina for his assistance with research and photos for the web site.Louise Chabros for her ongoing technical assistance with developing this web site.Steve Brossard for keeping things running smoothly at Wakefield Contracting in my absence.Sandy Beaman for taking photos at the start. Thomas Kerr and the Crew of Unit 35 of the Canadian Auxiliary Coast Guard for their assistance towing KimChow through the Inner Harbour to the Ogden Point / Macaulay Point start line. Neil Beswick for the use of his vessel Aurora Sky at the official start. Judy and Josh at Fisheries Supply in Seattle for their exceptional customer service and making sure Glenn received his boots on time. Peter Brand for supervising the start and acting as Commissioner for the World Sailing Speed Record Council who are responsible for ratifying World Records and Performances under Sail.Dr. David Hilton for his assistance and advice with medical supplies.Brent Jacobi and his team; Ryan, Nuno and Jeff at Blackline Marine who embraced the details of re-rigging Kim Chow with exceptional care and attention. Ron Kolody who masterminded the installation of my radio and was instrumental in making sure I got through the rigors of the amateur ham radio course. Without his expertise and help I would not have had the ability to communicate with my family which was one of the most important considerations in this endeavour.Michael O'Connor for initiating the idea of acquiring a sponsored satellite phone.Greg Marriette, General Manager of Tom Harris Cellular for kindly making the necessary arrangements for delivery and use of the satellite phone. Jeremiah at EditNew for his assistance and support of Marylou in creating this website. Mark Wallace for his expert custom interior and exterior wood work with assistance from Reed.The foreshore staff at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club for their help with the many haul outs.Graham at Crystal Auto for the rebuild of the Perkins Diesel engine.Garthside Marine for their assistance with the engine installation.Smith Brothers for their help with details and restoring old parts.Rick Soles for the fabulous paint job.Mike Lewis and his crew at Canoe Cove Marina for their assistance with transmission woes. Paul, Sharon and Tim from UK Sails. Victoria Marine Electric for their generous supply of knowledge and electronic equipment.Martin Willock for his beautiful hand-crafted teak work in the interior salon and exterior cabin.Joe and Henrich Lima at Lima's Auto Body and Paint Shop for painting the Dorade funnels. Jerrod and his staff at Victoria Plating for chrome plating and polishing stainless fittings. Cam Garcin at All-Weather Boat Tops for designing and manufacturing the dodger. Rick Todd for his help with hardware restoration. Bob Richards for reconditioning the old primary winches.The sales staff at Trotac Marine for their help and guidance with the purchase of marine hardware.Coryn and Tony Gooch for their expert advice and ongoing support.Soren Henrich for his beautiful graphic design of the Kim Chow logo.


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- Torrance, CA, USA
- Full Time
Are you the king or queen of quick and delicious comfort food? Do you find joy in food preparation? If so, the family at NORMS Restaurants is looking for you to join our Team as a Line Cook! Apply today!
About NORMS Restaurants
A casual dining SoCal tradition, NORMS has been the go-to neighborhood destination since 1949. As part of NORMS warm and familiar experience, NORMS team members personally form long-term connections with each and every guest, giving them a sense of belonging whenever they step through the doors. Along with consistent, friendly service and a welcoming environment, NORMS is committed to exceptional quality food and beverages, scratch-made recipes, ample portions and affordable, everyday pricing. For anyone and everyone, NORMS is where life happens.
A Day in the Life of a NORMS Cook
Each day you will have the opportunity to prepare a variety of mouth-watering dishes so satisfying that our customers will be back for more! You'll become a master at your craft as you prepare short orders quickly and efficiently. You will work closely with our amazing staff of cashiers, cooks, prep cooks, and managers - developing long-lasting working relationships.
Job Qualifications
- Food preparation/cooking experience
- Ability to work quickly and efficiently
- Lift up to 40 pounds
- A positive team-player attitude
- A passion for all types of people and personalities
- A willingness to strive for excellence


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Katrina, you ugly-ass bitch...
Pray (or dance in a circle, burn eucalyptus leaves, or whatever you do to create good karma) for these folks and their beloved pets who may have been left behind. Give until it hurts. Skip dinner out. Don't buy those shoes. Buy cheap shit for yourself and send help now!
Years ago, I went down into Missouri to work flood relief after the waters had receded weeks later and still came back with both salmonella and e. coli despite rubber boots and gloves. These people are really up against rough times for a while. Keep them in your hearts and prayers.


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Develop Your Leadership Potential: Stop Doing, Start Leading
It's a trap! We have a tendency to promote our top performing employees into leadership positions. We assume that a high-performance employee can immediately translate into an effective high-performance leader. The fact is that the skillset and mindset are completely different, and the transition can be difficult, often resulting in failure. Making it even more challenging is having to manage former peers. It's hard on your new leader because they have to shift from being accountable for their own performance to being accountable for the results of others. It's hard on the organization because you lose the work output from their prior role while gaining a leader who is learning on the job.
Avoid these common traps and start building your leadership pipeline. Give your emerging leaders and your high potential employees the skills to transition from a high performer or a good supervisor into an effective and engaging leader.
Develop Your Leadership Potential: Stop Doing, Start Leading goes beyond traditional leadership training programs because it focuses on the essential skills that are necessary to build strong teams and equip new leaders with the right attitudes to step up and take charge. This program is specifically designed to address the challenges that new leaders face, to help them change their mindset, and to give them confidence with proven strategies and tools that are used by the most successful leaders.
Join us to learn more about this program and see how the Dale Carnegie Leadership Model can take your top performers and turn them into your next generation of leaders. Develop Your Leadership Potential: Stop Doing, Start Leading is perfect to nest within internal future leader or high potential programs at your organization or within your department.
Competencies for New Leaders:
• Honesty & Integrity
• Self-Aware
• Positively Influences Others
• Inspiring
• Others-Focused
• Accountability
• Competent
• Uses Authority Appropriately
• Develops Self
• Develops Others
• Effectively Communicates
• Confident
• Self-Directed
• Self-Regulates
Who Should Attend
Individuals who have been recently promoted into management or supervisory positions. High potential or top performing employees who are being considered for a leadership position.
3 consecutive days


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You don't have to have a green thumb or endless container garden know-how to create an impressive pot of blooms, all you have to know is the right place to look for inspiration! Better Homes and Gardens website is a great place to start looking for ideas when you hit a mental roadblock. They have a rotating slide show of 30 recipes for beautiful container gardens ready for your perusal, with names and labels on each plant to help you. The recipes feature plants that are tried and true, and that work well together in a container garden. The pictures can be printed out and taken with you to the garden center for easy matching, or a rough idea of what textures and heights to mix together.
Next time you need an idea or two check out their site for a little inspiration, I know I do!


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Boy am I a fan! My hope is that this year Segregated Witness and the Lightning Network will radically change the speed and cost of transacting with Bitcoin.
But wait, there's more… Lightning also can accommodate cross-block transactions. This is HUGE, a game changer, because it means that we'll be able to trade one another different coins directly with NO MIDDLEMEN. This, and other technologies like Atomic trading and Plasma, mean that days are numbered for exchanges (except to get dollars if required, they are certainly not desired).
Not only that, but as Andreas Antonopoulos points out in the video below, the Onion Routing will ensure true PRIVACY. This is also a game changer – it means that we can truly claim our personal monetary and fiscal sovereignty by righting a huge wrong that has been held over humanity's heads by central bankers. Namely that they can see everything you do, but you can see nothing they do. This turns that inside out, in a proper rule of law manner. Banking secrecy by private individuals illegally given the right to produce unlimited quantities of money is ENDING, and I say "YAY!"
This fact alone will bring BILLIONS of people worldwide into this new system of "banking."
Right now lighting is running in a test mode with test nodes. A node is simply the entire ledger that resides on your computer so that as transactions occur the ledger that exists on your computer can be compared and verified by other ledgers on other computers to verify transactions. The more nodes, the more robust, and the more decentralized the network is.
Once verified, hopefully later this year, Lightning will release a final version of their node software that likely will include incentives for people running a full Lightning node. I currently run a full Bitcoin node on my computer and will also run a Lightning node when it is released. I'll write more about running your own node later, it's certainly easy to do and actually doesn't require any expertise and very little energy and bandwidth – I don't even notice my computer is running it.
This video is an interview with Lightning CEO Elizabeth Stark:
And this video is with Andreas Antonopoulos who answers questions about the lightning network:


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NOTE: In spring 2015, the committee moved from static pdf files to a Zotero bibliography. This bibliography is being revised by the committee during the 2019-2020 academic year.
The students enrolling in American institutions of higher education are increasingly diverse. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) publishes actual and projected statistics for enrollment in postsecondary degree-granting institutions. The 40th edition (published in 2013) of Projections of Education Statistics to 2021 predicts enrollment of U.S. residents in all postsecondary degree-granting institutions, by race/ethnicity to increase (between the year 2010 and 2021) by the following:
- 4 percent for students who are White
- 25 percent for students who are Black
- 42 percent for students who are Hispanic
- 20 percent for students who are Asian/Pacific Islander
- 1 percent for students who are American Indian/Alaska Native
- 25 percent for students who are 35 years old and over
[Hussar, W.J., and Bailey, T.M. 2013. Projections of Education Statistics to 2021 (NCES 2013-008). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.]
This diversity necessitates that all educators-librarian-instructors, included-have a solid understanding of the backgrounds, learning styles, and learning preferences of their students.
The Instruction for Diverse Populations Committee of the Association of College and Research Libraries' Instruction Section has compiled this bibliography to meet the need of librarian-instructors for information about teaching diverse populations within college and university settings. The Committee hopes that librarians needing to teach a class to students of a particular group can turn to the relevant section of the bibliography, find an overview of issues and strategies relating to that population, and locate informational resources that will give them immediate help in preparing teaching methods and materials.
The bibliography includes print and electronic resources key to development of effective methods and materials for providing library instruction and teaching information literacy competencies to diverse student groups. The committee focused primarily on resources authored within the last ten years that specifically describe teaching diverse groups within an academic library context. Significant resources on teaching diverse populations within any educational setting and on the information-seeking behaviors of diverse populations are also listed, as are resources more than ten years old but seminal to their topics. No more than twenty resources are listed for each diverse population group, and all resources have an accompanying annotation, letting readers know what particular resources can contribute to their understanding of the topic. Web pages and electronic listservs are listed where appropriate; listservs, in particular, are not used by educators to the same degree, or in the same manner, as librarians working with different population groups.
In addition to General Resources on teaching diverse populations within academic libraries, the Bibliography also addresses the following groups:
- African American students
- Asian American students
- First-generation college students
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students
- Hispanic and Latino students
- International students
- Native American students
- Nontraditional students
- Students with disabilities
- Transfer students
Beyond helping librarian-instructors prepare for teaching classes, the Bibliography also serves as an overview of the state of the literature on teaching various populations. The amount of research and writing that librarians have created on teaching international and nontraditional students is encouragingly high. Other areas are less developed-notably instruction to Native American students and instruction of diverse populations in an online or distance education environment.
The Bibliography thus works with the Research Agenda for Library Instruction and Information Literacy in encouraging areas of further research.
Created by:Instruction for Diverse Populations Committee, Instruction Section, Association of College and Research Libraries


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Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
On this page:
- What is IC/PBS?
- What causes IC/PBS?
- How is IC/PBS diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for IC/PBS?
- Are there any special concerns regarding IC/PBS?
- Hope through Research
- Suggested Reading
- For More Information
- Acknowledgments
What is IC/PBS?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region. The symptoms vary from case to case and even in the same individual. People may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness, or intense pain in the bladder and pelvic area. Symptoms may include an urgent need to urinate, a frequent need to urinate, or a combination of these symptoms. Pain may change in intensity as the bladder fills with urine or as it empties. Women's symptoms often get worse during menstruation. They may sometimes experience pain during vaginal intercourse.
Because IC varies so much in symptoms and severity, most researchers believe it is not one, but several diseases. In recent years, scientists have started to use the terms bladder pain syndrome (BPS) or painful bladder syndrome (PBS) to describe cases with painful urinary symptoms that may not meet the strictest definition of IC. The term IC/PBS includes all cases of urinary pain that can't be attributed to other causes, such as infection or urinary stones. The term interstitial cystitis, or IC, is used alone when describing cases that meet all of the IC criteria established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
In IC/PBS, the bladder wall may be irritated and become scarred or stiff. Glomerulations— pinpoint bleeding—often appear on the bladder wall. Hunner's ulcers—patches of broken skin found on the bladder wall—are present in 10 percent of people with IC.
Some people with IC/PBS find that their bladder cannot hold much urine, which increases the frequency of urination. Frequency, however, is not always specifically related to bladder size; many people with severe frequency have normal bladder capacity when measured under anesthesia or during urologic testing. People with severe cases of IC/PBS may urinate as many as 60 times a day, including frequent nighttime urination, also called nocturia.
IC/PBS is more common in women than in men. An estimated 3.3 million U.S. women, or 2.7 percent, who are 18 years of age or older have pelvic pain and other symptoms, such as urinary urgency or frequency, that are associated with IC/PBS.1 An estimated 1.6 million U.S. men, or 1.3 percent, who are 30 to 79 years old have persistent symptoms, such as pain with bladder filling or pain relieved by bladder emptying, that are associated with PBS.2
1Berry SH, Elliott MN, Suttorp M, et al. Prevalence of symptoms of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis among adult females in the United States. Journal of Urology. 2011;186:540–544.
2Link CL, Pulliam SJ, Hanno PM, et al. Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of symptoms suggestive of painful bladder syndrome: results from the Boston area community health survey.Journal of Urology. 2008;180:599–606.
What causes IC/PBS?
Some of the symptoms of IC/PBS resemble those of bacterial infection, but medical tests reveal no organisms in the urine of people with IC/PBS. Furthermore, people with IC/PBS do not respond to antibiotic therapy. Researchers are working to understand the causes of IC/PBS and to find effective treatments.
Many women with IC/PBS have other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Scientists believe IC/PBS may be a bladder manifestation of a more general condition that causes inflammation in various organs and parts of the body.
Researchers are beginning to explore the possibility that heredity may play a part in some forms of IC. In a few cases, IC has affected a mother and a daughter or two sisters, but it does not commonly run in families.
How is IC/PBS diagnosed?
Because symptoms are similar to those of other disorders of the bladder and there is no definitive test to identify IC/PBS, doctors must rule out other treatable conditions before considering a diagnosis of IC/PBS. The most common of these diseases in both sexes are urinary tract infections and bladder cancer. In men, common diseases include chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In women, endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain. IC/PBS is not associated with any increased risk of developing cancer.
The diagnosis of IC/PBS in the general population is based on the
- presence of pain related to the bladder, usually accompanied by frequency and urgency of urination
- absence of other diseases that could cause the symptoms
Diagnostic tests that help rule out other diseases include urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscopy, biopsy of the bladder wall and urethra, and distention of the bladder under anesthesia.
Urinalysis and Urine Culture
Examining urine with a microscope and culturing the urine can detect and identify the primary organisms that are known to infect the urinary tract and that may cause symptoms similar to IC/PBS. A urine sample is obtained either by catheterization or by the clean catch method. For a clean catch, the patient washes the genital area before collecting urine midstream in a sterile container. White and red blood cells and bacteria in the urine may indicate an infection of the urinary tract, which can be treated with an antibiotic. If urine is sterile for weeks or months while symptoms persist, the doctor may consider a diagnosis of IC/PBS.
Culture of Prostate Secretions
Although not commonly done, in men without a history of culture-documented urinary tract infections, the doctor might obtain prostatic fluid and examine it for signs of a prostate infection, which can then be treated with antibiotics.
Cystoscopy under Anesthesia with Bladder Distention
The doctor may perform a cystoscopic examination in order to rule out bladder cancer. During cystoscopy, the doctor uses a cystoscope—an instrument made of a hollow tube about the diameter of a drinking straw with several lenses and a light—to see inside the bladder and urethra. The doctor might also distend or stretch the bladder to its capacity by filling it with a liquid or gas. Because bladder distention is painful for people with IC/PBS, they must be given some form of anesthesia for the procedure.
A biopsy is a tissue sample that can be examined with a microscope. Tissue samples of the bladder and urethra may be removed during a cystoscopy. A biopsy helps rule out bladder cancer.
What are the treatments for IC/PBS?
Scientists have not yet found a cure for IC/PBS, nor can they predict who will respond best to which treatment. Symptoms may disappear with a change in diet or treatments or without explanation. Even when symptoms disappear, they may return after days, weeks, months, or years. Scientists do not know why.
Because the causes of IC/PBS are unknown, current treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms. Many people are helped for variable periods by one or a combination of treatments. As researchers learn more about IC/PBS, the list of potential treatments will change, so patients should discuss their options with a doctor.
Bladder Distention
Many people with IC/PBS have noted an improvement in symptoms after a bladder distention has been done to diagnose the condition. In many cases, the procedure is used as both a diagnostic test and initial therapy. Researchers are not sure why distention helps, but some believe it may increase capacity and interfere with pain signals transmitted by nerves in the bladder. Symptoms may temporarily worsen 4 to 48 hours after distention, but should return to predistention levels or improve within 2 to 4 weeks.
Bladder Instillation
During a bladder instillation, also called a bladder wash or bath, the bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time, averaging 10 to 15 minutes, before being emptied.
The only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bladder instillation is dimethyl sulfoxide (Rimso-50), also called DMSO. DMSO treatment involves guiding a narrow tube called a catheter up the urethra into the bladder. A measured amount of DMSO is passed through the catheter into the bladder, where it is retained for about 15 minutes before being expelled. Treatments are given every week or two for 6 to 8 weeks and repeated as needed. Most people who respond to DMSO notice improvement 3 or 4 weeks after the first 6- to 8-week cycle of treatments. Highly motivated patients who are willing to catheterize themselves may, after consultation with their doctor, be able to have DMSO treatments at home. Self-administration is less expensive and more convenient than going to the doctor's office.
Doctors think DMSO works in several ways. Because it passes into the bladder wall, it may reach tissue more effectively to reduce inflammation and block pain. It may also prevent muscle contractions that cause pain, frequency, and urgency.
A bothersome but relatively insignificant side effect of DMSO treatments is a garliclike taste and odor on the breath and skin that may last up to 7 hours after treatment. Long-term treatment has caused cataracts in animal studies, but this side effect has not appeared in humans. Blood tests, including a complete blood count and kidney and liver function tests, should be done about every 6 months.
Oral Drugs
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Elmiron)
This first oral drug developed for IC was approved by the FDA in 1996. In clinical trials, the drug improved symptoms in 30 percent of patients treated. Doctors do not know exactly how the drug works, but one theory is that it may repair defects that might have developed in the lining of the bladder.
This first oral drug developed for IC was approved by the FDA in 1996. In clinical trials, the drug improved symptoms in 30 percent of patients treated. Doctors do not know exactly how the drug works, but one theory is that it may repair defects that might have developed in the lining of the bladder.
The FDA-recommended oral dosage of Elmiron is 100 milligrams (mg), three times a day. Patients may not feel relief from IC pain for the first 4 months. A decrease in urinary frequency may take up to 6 months. Patients are urged to continue with therapy for at least 6 months to give the drug an adequate chance to relieve symptoms. If 6 months of Elmiron therapy provides no benefit, it is reasonable to stop the drug.
Elmiron's side effects are limited primarily to minor gastrointestinal discomfort. A small minority of patients experienced some hair loss, but hair grew back when they stopped taking the drug. Researchers have found no negative interactions between Elmiron and other medications.
Elmiron may affect liver function, which should therefore be monitored by the doctor.
Because Elmiron has not been tested in pregnant women, the manufacturer recommends it not be used during pregnancy, except in the most severe cases. Because Elmiron has mild blood-thinning effects, it should be discontinued prior to planned surgery.
Other Oral Medications
Aspirin and ibuprofen may be a first line of defense against mild discomfort. Doctors may recommend other drugs to relieve pain.
Some people have experienced improvement in their urinary symptoms by taking tricyclic antidepressants or antihistamines. A tricyclic antidepressant called amitriptyline (Elavil) may help reduce pain, increase bladder capacity, and decrease frequency and nocturia. Some people may not be able to take it because it makes them too tired during the day. In people with severe pain, narcotic analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) with codeine or longer-acting narcotics may be necessary.
All drugs—even those sold over the counter—have side effects. A person should always consult a doctor before using any drug for an extended amount of time.
Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Mild electrical pulses can be used to stimulate the nerves to the bladder—either through the skin or with an implanted device. The method of delivering impulses through the skin is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). With TENS, mild electric pulses enter the body for minutes to hours, two or more times a day either through wires placed on the lower back or just above the pubic area—between the navel and the pubic hair—or through special devices inserted into the vagina in women or into the rectum in men. Although scientists do not know exactly how TENS relieves pelvic pain, it has been suggested that the electrical pulses may increase blood flow to the bladder, strengthen pelvic muscles that help control the bladder, or trigger the release of substances that block pain.
TENS is relatively inexpensive and allows people with IC/PBS to take an active part in treatment. Within some guidelines, the patient decides when, how long, and at what intensity TENS will be used. It has been most helpful in relieving pain and decreasing frequency in people with Hunner's ulcers. Smokers do not respond as well as nonsmokers. If TENS is going to help, improvement is usually apparent in 3 to 4 months.
A person may consider having a device implanted that delivers regular impulses to the bladder. A wire is placed next to the tailbone and attached to a permanent stimulator under the skin. The FDA has approved this device, marketed as the Inter-Stim system, to treat urge incontinence, urgency-frequency syndrome, and urinary retention in people for whom other treatments have not worked.
No scientific evidence links diet to IC/PBS, but many patients find that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, and high-acid foods may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Some people also note that their symptoms worsen after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Eliminating various items from the diet and reintroducing them one at a time may determine which, if any, affect a person's symptoms. However, maintaining a varied, well-balanced diet is important.
Many people feel smoking makes their symptoms worse. How the by-products of tobacco that are excreted in the urine affect IC/PBS is unknown. Smoking, however, is a major cause of bladder cancer. One of the best things smokers can do for their bladder and their overall health is to quit.
Many patients feel that gentle stretching exercises help relieve IC/PBS symptoms.
Bladder Training
People who have found adequate relief from pain may be able to reduce frequency by using bladder training techniques. Methods vary, but basically patients decide to void—empty their bladder—at designated times and use relaxation techniques and distractions to keep to the schedule. Gradually, they try to lengthen the time between scheduled voids. A diary in which to record voiding times is helpful in keeping track of progress.
Physical Therapy
New evidence indicates that certain types of physical therapy, when administered by an experienced physical therapist, may improve IC/PBS symptoms. Patients should discuss this option with their health care provider.
Surgery should be considered only if all available treatments have failed and the pain is disabling. Many approaches and techniques are used, each of which has advantages and complications that should be discussed with a surgeon. A doctor may recommend consulting another surgeon for a second opinion before taking this step. Most surgeons are reluctant to operate because some people still have symptoms after surgery.
People considering surgery should discuss the potential risks and benefits, side effects, and long- and short-term complications with a surgeon, their family, and people who have already had the procedure. Surgery requires anesthesia, hospitalization, and weeks or months of recovery. As the complexity of the procedure increases, so do the chances for complications and failure.
People should check with their doctor to locate a surgeon experienced in performing specific procedures.
Two procedures—fulguration and resection of ulcers—can be done with instruments inserted through the urethra. Fulguration involves burning Hunner's ulcers with electricity or a laser. When the area heals, the dead tissue and the ulcer fall off, leaving new, healthy tissue behind. Resection involves cutting around and removing the ulcers. Both treatments are done under anesthesia and use special instruments inserted into the bladder through a cystoscope. Laser surgery in the urinary tract should be reserved for people with Hunner's ulcers and should be done only by doctors with the special training and expertise needed to perform the procedure.
Another surgical treatment is augmentation, which makes the bladder larger. In most of these procedures, scarred, ulcerated, and inflamed sections of the patient's bladder are removed, leaving only the base of the bladder and healthy tissue. A piece of the patient's colon—also called large intestine—is then removed, reshaped, and attached to what remains of the bladder. After the incisions heal, the patient may void less frequently. The effect on pain varies greatly; IC/PBS can sometimes recur on the segment of colon used to enlarge the bladder.
Even in carefully selected patients—those with small, contracted bladders—pain, frequency, and urgency may remain or return after surgery, and they may have additional problems with infections in the new bladder and difficulty absorbing nutrients from the shortened colon. Some patients become incontinent, while others cannot void at all and must insert a catheter into the urethra to empty the bladder.
Bladder removal, called a cystectomy, is another, infrequently used surgical option. Once the bladder has been removed, different methods can be used to reroute the urine. In most cases, ureters are attached to a piece of colon that opens onto the skin of the abdomen. This procedure is called a urostomy and the opening is called a stoma. Urine empties through the stoma into a bag outside the body. Some urologists are using a second technique that also requires a stoma but allows urine to be stored in a pouch inside the abdomen. At intervals throughout the day, the patient puts a catheter into the stoma and empties the pouch. Patients with either type of urostomy must be very careful to keep the area in and around the stoma clean to prevent infection. Serious potential complications may include kidney infection and small bowel obstruction.
A third method to reroute urine involves making a new bladder from a piece of the patient's colon and attaching it to the urethra. After healing, the patient may be able to empty the newly formed bladder by voiding at scheduled times or by inserting a catheter into the urethra. Only a few surgeons have the special training and expertise needed to perform this procedure.
Even after total bladder removal, some patients still experience variable IC/PBS symptoms in the form of phantom pain. Therefore, the decision to undergo a cystectomy should be made only after testing all alternative methods and seriously considering the potential outcome.
Removing the bladder is not always done in patients with severe disease. Some urologists recommend rerouting urine to a piece of bowel connected to the abdominal wall. Urine is then collected in an external bag that is emptied periodically. While this procedure may or may not improve pelvic pain, it can decrease frequency and improve quality of life for patients who experience frequent urges to urinate.
Are there any special concerns regarding IC/PBS?
No evidence exists that IC/PBS increases the risk of bladder cancer.
Researchers have little information about pregnancy and IC/PBS but believe that the disorder does not affect fertility or the health of the fetus. Some women find that their IC/PBS goes into remission during pregnancy, while others experience a worsening of their symptoms.
The emotional support of family, friends, and other people with IC/PBS is very important in helping patients cope. Studies have found that people who learn about the disorder and become involved in their own care do better than people who do not. The Interstitial Cystitis Association maintains a list of support groups that can viewed at www.ichelp.org .
Hope through Research
Although answers may seem slow in coming, researchers are working to solve the painful riddle of IC/PBS. Some scientists receive funds from the Federal Government to help support their research, while others receive support from their employing institution, drug pharmaceutical or device companies, or patient support associations.
The NIDDK's investment in scientifically meritorious IC/PBS research across the United States has grown considerably since 1987. The Institute now supports research that looks at various aspects of IC/PBS, such as how the components of urine may injure the bladder and what role organisms identified by nonstandard methods may have in causing IC/PBS. In addition to funding research, the NIDDK sponsors scientific workshops where investigators share the results of their studies and discuss future areas for investigation.
Clinical Research Network
The Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Research Network (ICCRN) is a product of two NIDDK programs: the Interstitial Cystitis Database (ICDB) Study and the Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group (ICCTG). Established in 1991, the ICDB was a 5-year prospective cohort study of more than 600 men and women with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain. The study described the longitudinal changes of urinary symptoms, the impact of IC on quality of life, treatment patterns, and the relationship between bladder biopsy findings and patient symptoms. The ICCTG was established in 1996 as a follow-up to the ICDB study. The clinical trials group developed two randomized, controlled clinical trials of promising therapies, one using oral therapies—pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax)—and the other administering intravesical treatment using Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). BCG is a vaccine for tuberculosis that stimulates the immune system and may have an effect on the bladder. The ICCTG also developed and conducted ancillary studies of various biomarkers such as heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and anti-proliferative factor (APF).
In 2003, the ICCTG became the ICCRN, which has conducted additional clinical trials over a second 5-year period. One of these trials studied the effectiveness of amitriptyline in treating PBS, which includes IC. Amitriptyline has FDA approval for the treatment of depression, but researchers believe the drug may work to block nerve signals that trigger pain in the bladder and may also decrease muscle spasms in the bladder, helping to cut both pain and frequent urination. The study could not prove that amitriptyline was effective in treating IC/PBS, although many patients seemed to benefit from a combination of amitriptyline and behavioral modification with stress reduction.
In 2008, the NIDDK launched the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network. The MAPP Research Network is designed to take a collaborative, whole-body approach to the study of IC/PBS and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). This program brings together experts from nonurologic fields such as neurology and epidemiology as well as traditional urologic researchers to study IC/PBS and CP/CPPS in the context of other chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. While traditional research has focused on the bladder as the source of pain in IC/PBS and on the prostate as the source of pain in CP/CPPS, researchers now believe that an underlying cause common to all chronic pain syndromes may lie somewhere outside these specific organs. The MAPP Research Network includes six Discovery Sites that will conduct individual and collaborative trials and two Core Sites for data and tissue banking and analysis. The program is scheduled to be funded for 5 years.
Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
Suggested Reading
The materials listed below may be found in medical libraries, in many college and university libraries, through interlibrary loan in most public libraries, and at bookstores. Items are listed for information only; inclusion does not imply endorsement by the National Institutes of Health.
Articles and Book Chapters
Keay SK, Warren JW. Is interstitial cystitis an infectious disease? International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 2002;19(6):480-483.
The Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group. A pilot clinical trial of oral pentosan polysulfate and oral hydroxyzine in patients with interstitial cystitis. Journal of Urology. 2003;170(3):810-815.
The Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group. A randomized controlled trial of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis. Journal of Urology. 2005;173(4):1186-191.
Hanno P, Lin AT, Nordling J, Nyberg L, van Ophoven A, Ueda T. Bladder pain syndrome. In: Abrams P, Cardozo L, Khoury S, Wein A, eds. Incontinence.Paris: Health Publication Ltd.; 2009: 1459–1518.
Books and Booklets
Moldwin RM. Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.; 2000. (Available by calling 1-800-HELP-ICA or 1-800-435-7422.)
Sandler GG, Sandler A. Patient to Patient: Managing Interstitial Cystitis & Overlapping Conditions. New Orleans, LA: Bon Ange LLC; 2000.
Sant G, ed. Interstitial Cystitis. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1997.
For More Information
American Urological Association Foundation
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 1–800–828–7866 or 410–689–3700
Fax: 410–689–3998
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: www.UrologyHealth.org
1000 Corporate Boulevard
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 1–800–828–7866 or 410–689–3700
Fax: 410–689–3998
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.UrologyHealth.org
American Chronic Pain Association
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677
Phone: 1–800–533–3231
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: www.theacpa.org
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677
Phone: 1–800–533–3231
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: www.theacpa.org
American Pain Society
4700 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
Phone: 847–375–4715
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.ampainsoc.org
4700 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
Phone: 847–375–4715
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.ampainsoc.org
American Urogynecologic Society
2025 M Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202–367–1167
Fax: 202–367–2167
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.augs.org
2025 M Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202–367–1167
Fax: 202–367–2167
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.augs.org
International Association for the Study of Pain
111 Queen Anne Avenue North, Suite 501
Seattle, WA 98109–4955
Phone: 206–283–0311
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.iasp-pain.org
111 Queen Anne Avenue North, Suite 501
Seattle, WA 98109–4955
Phone: 206–283–0311
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: www.iasp-pain.org
Interstitial Cystitis Association
1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 1–800–HELP–ICA (1–800–435–7422) or 703–442–2070
Fax: 703–506–3266
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: www.ichelp.org
1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 1–800–HELP–ICA (1–800–435–7422) or 703–442–2070
Fax: 703–506–3266
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.ichelp.org
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 1–800–622–9010 or 212–889–2210
Internet: www.kidney.org
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 1–800–622–9010 or 212–889–2210
Internet: www.kidney.org
National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives
560 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: 1–800–431–2804
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.nosscr.org
560 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: 1–800–431–2804
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.nosscr.org
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 1–800–772–1213
Internet: www.ssa.gov
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 1–800–772–1213
Internet: www.ssa.gov
Local offices can be found in the telephone book under U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services.
United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 512
Northfield, MN 55057–0512
Phone: 1–800–826–0826
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.ostomy.org
P.O. Box 512
Northfield, MN 55057–0512
Phone: 1–800–826–0826
Email: email@example.com
Internet: www.ostomy.org
Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This publication was reviewed by Philip Hanno, M.D., University of Pennsylvania.


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5-year-old boy dead in Edgewood townhouse fire
Harford County fire damage estimated at $100K
A Harford County father escaped a house fire with his 2-year-old daughter but was unable to save his 5-year-old son, who died in the fire.
About 45 firefighters from five area fire departments were called just before 6:30 p.m. Friday night to the 1400 block of Charlestown Drive in Edgewood, where a basement ignited inside a middle-of-the-group townhouse. Firefighters gained control of the fire within 25 minutes.
According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, a 5-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death was not immediately known.
While a cause was not immediately determined, damage was estimated at $100,000.
The house did have working smoke alarms at the time of the fire.
Breaking News: See breaking news? Send pictures and video to u local


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High taxes reduce consumer disposable income. In other words, the more of your income the government takes, the less you have to spend and the harder you have to work to earn what you need.
That's an elementary principle but one that can raise some eyebrows when real numbers are attached to it. With so much of Michigan's economy linked to the auto industry, let's apply the principle to a consumer who wishes to buy a $10,000 car. Let's assume, furthermore, that this consumer is a married female wage earner who pays a 28 percent marginal federal income tax, which means she has taxable income between $36,900 and $89,150. The earnings she needs to purchase the car, the numbers will reveal, are higher--much higher--than the car's retail price.
In 1993, all wage earners will pay a 7.65 percent payroll tax (for Social Security and Medicare) on the first $57,600 of earned income. In Michigan, wage earners also will pay a 4.6 percent state income tax on taxable income.
Furthermore, the individual in this example must plan on paying a nondeductible 4 percent Michigan sales tax, so $400 must be added to her car's retail price. It will now cost $10,400.
Keep in mind that Michigan income tax is deductible on her federal tax return, while the payroll tax is not deductible on either her federal or state return.
Given this tax situation, the question is this: How much money must our would-be car buyer earn in order to have enough left after taxes to be able to pay $10,000 for her car? After the required mathematical gymnastics, the answer is $17,038.57. That's the amount of earnings, on which the various taxes and tax rates cited above are levied, that will end up yielding $10,000 in funds available for the purchase.
In a world of zero taxes, one would have to earn $10,000 to buy a $10,000 car. But in the current, high-tax world of our consumer, she must first earn $17,038.57, then make the following payments before ending up with $10,000:
Michigan income tax $ 783.77 ($17,038.57 x 4.6%)
Federal income tax $4,551.35 [($17,038.57 - 783.77) x 28%]
Federal payroll tax $1,303 .45 ($17,038.57 x 7.65%)
Michigan sales tax $ 400.00 ($10,000 x 4%)
So, it turns out, the $10,000 car for this consumer in this fairly common circumstance is really a $17,038.57 car. Income, payroll and sales taxes raise the earnings required to buy the product by slightly more than 70 percent.
This is not to say that our consumer has nothing to show for the $7,038.57 she paid beyond the retail price of the car. Taxes buy us all at least some things we wouldn't want to do without--national defense, roads, courts, and police protection, to name a few. It is just as true, however, that the more that government taxes for things it shouldn't be involved in and the more it wastes tax dollars on anything it does no matter how legitimate, the harder it is for people to get what they want and thereby "stimulate" the economy.
When government's purchasing power rises, the trade-off is that private purchasing power falls and to one degree or another, so does economic growth. That fact has been apparent for a long time to economists who compare economic growth rates across states.
A September 1992 Mackinac Center report cited figures that clearly showed a relationship between taxes and economic growth.* For instance, the five states that raised taxes the most between 1978 and 1987 saw real per-capita income fall by an average 1.1 percent, whereas the five states that reduced taxes the most saw real per-capita income increase by an average 8.5 percent.
Moreover, the five "tax increase" states saw their unemployment rates go up by an average of 2.6 percent, while the five "tax cut" states in the same period enjoyed a decline in their unemployment rates of an average 0.5 percent.
The inescapable bottom line here is as profound as it is simple: taxes do make a difference--in what it takes to buy a product and in what it takes to make a free economy flourish. The next time you buy a car--or anything for that matter--think of its cost in terms of what your gross earnings have to be in order for you to afford it and that just might put a new light on why our economy is so sluggish.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.


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Storage networking outfit QLogic has sued archrival Emulex for posting a web video that shows an egg frying on a QLogic converged network adapter.
As noticed by The Street, QLogic filed suit on Monday in a California Superior Court, claiming the Emulex video is intentionally deceptive.
"Emulex's video purporting to show an egg frying on a QLogic semiconductor chip is misleading and intended to deceive potential customers of QLogic products," the suit reads.
The suit also alleges that during a recent quarterly earnings call, Emulex made "completely and utterly false statements" intended to harm QLogic's business. Among other things, the suit says, Emulex claimed that QLogic's competing converged network adapter lacked a "certified and hardened Ethernet stack to support demanding server requirements."
In the Emulex video - posted to YouTube and an Emulex blog in late January - a company engineer tells viewers he wants to help them avoid an "actual crash and burn in the data center," before claiming that the QLogic QLE8152 converged network adapter has an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, "as much as 70 degrees higher" than the Emulex OCe10102.
He then says that higher temperatures "can be directly correlated to lower performance and lower reliability." And "to prove his point," the engineer presents what he calls an unconventional test. "Instead of going into the lab," he says, "we're going into the kitchen."
The video then cuts to a miniature frying pan sitting atop the chip at the heart of the QLogic QLE98152. "This time lapse video shows that [the chip] gets so hot, you can actually fry an egg on it," the engineer says. "Would you want this in your server? No way."
Yes, the video is time-lapsed. And the egg is squeezed onto the miniature frying pan with a syringe.
"In fact, it's not just the [chip] that's at risk," the Emulex engineer continues. "The heat has to go somewhere and it happens to be right into your server. A server failure can have a huge impact on your operations, employee productivity, or customer satisfaction, depending on your applications."
And you've guessed the punchline. "If you want the lowest temperatures, the best performance, and proven reliable products, come to Emulex," he says, "if you want breakfast, go to QLogic."
QLogic's suit insists the video's claims are unfounded. "Emulex has no basis to support its 'datacenter failure' claims, and as a result, its claims are false and misleading and intended to deceive potential customers of QLogic products," the suit reads.
The doesn't say one way or another whether a QLogic converged network adapter can fry an egg - though it does say that "Emulex's focus on a point heat source on a QLogic product and equating that with reliability" is misleading as well.
For your enjoyment, we've embedded the video below. ®
Thanks to Reggie for the tip.


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According to this article in The Village Voice, Ilya Dall of Whitestone, Queens is "an impressive female arm wrestler." Or at least she once was.
A reader spotted this 1998 article earlier today:
Luckily, several of the guys there have previously cracked their bones in competition - one is even in a cast. Craig Saputo, an amateur champ at 150 pounds, sees patiently to my arm, while lefty pro Selearis sits me on a garbage can and the impressive female arm wrestler, Ilya Dall, arrives with a cell phone to dial an ambulance and my wife.
Dall is also listed in the New York Golden Arm Series Long Island Championship results from 1998, when she would have been 20 or 21.
On the left is Dall as she looks today, on the right is a photo I found on the New York Arm Wrestling Association site. Hey, it could be her!
Strong Arm Tactics [The Village Voice]


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Shanghai weather: began to return to the day the sun still today
Date: 2018-02-13
Shanghai is still sunny to cloudy weather today, southwest 3-4.
Morning the most lowest temperature is below zero in the city, among them, the downtown xujiahui is 1.1 ℃, chongming 5.8 ℃ relative to the minimum, jinshan - 5.4 ℃ listed second, followed by the qingpu and fengxian 5.3 ℃.Now 7 PM, frost yellow warning signal remains.Heat up during the day or great is expected today, and the highest temperature of 12 ℃.
14, influenced by a warm air mass, Shanghai structures gradually increased, the temperature rise is more apparent, morning lowest temperature 7 ℃, the highest temperature can reach 17 ℃ during the day.
Cold weather over the lunar New Year holiday, the city shine, wet weather.Precipitation will mainly appeared in the 15th (New Year's eve) and 18 (3) before and after, of which 18, precipitation is more obvious.In addition, New Year's eve air humidity is bigger, intermittent prone to precipitation rain fog, clouds, such as low visibility weather, have certain influence on transportation.


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A talented and fun group of food bloggers joined me at this Sam's Club bloggers event. From Left to Right: Lori from Recipe Girl, Peabody from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody, Amanda from Amanda's Cookin', me, Ann Marie aka This Mama Cooks, Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod, and Estela from Weekly Bite.
I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days last week at the Sam's Club headquarters in Bentonville, AR. I'm going to preface this post by saying I am not a Sam's Club member currently. The Sam's Club visit was an enjoyable and eye opening experience. There are several things I did not know that surprised me and impressed me. I know that many of my readers choose to shop at other warehouse stores over Sam's Club. I thought I'd share with you the enlightening things I learned while I was on my trip that have quite possibly changed my mind about where my membership loyalty will go next time I have to renew. Here is my list of the Top 10 Things You Should Know About Sam's Club:
1. Sam's Club has worked hard to enhance their image, including the look and feel of their stores. Wider aisles, more organized departments, and an overall clean, bright feel makes Sam's Club feel less like a warehouse and more like an enjoyable shopping experience.
2. Sam's Club is thinking more like the home cook. Buying in bulk now has new meaning because Sam's Club is changing the way they package many of their items. You'll find large packages with individual packages inside instead of just one large package that will go bad or spoil by the time you get through it!
3. Shopping is made easier with more organized shelves, signage and labels. Tone's spices, for example, are now organized alphabetically with a large label indicating what the spice is. No more hunting and searching for the right spice. You can now walk right up and get what you need without a bunch of hunting around. Seems like a no-brainer doesn't it? I know that many of you can relate to going to your local grocery store and searching and searching for the right spice! Having them alphabetized makes shopping a cinch.
4. Did you know that Sam's Club puts every food product that is on their shelves through a blind taste test at their corporate headquarters? If it doesn't get a 7.5 or higher out of 9, it doesn't get sold at Sam's Club. They take what goes onto their shelves very seriously and are extremely particular about quality and value alike. Read this article, The Taste of Science Behind Sam's Club, to get a great view of how seriously Sam's Club takes what is put on their shelves.
Maria, Lori, Amanda and Michelle show off just a few of the delicious cakes that will be available at Sam's Club for the holidays.
5. Gorgeous holiday cakes and cheesecakes for an unbelievable low price…delicious. Need I say more? (Plus, when you see me at BlogHer food and I'm 15 pounds heavier, I'm blaming it on Sam's Club and all the delicious food we were forced to eat.)
6. The focus on cost savings for the customer goes all the way down to the Sam's Club corporate employees. They are all in charge of cleaning their own cubicles and emptying out their own trash cans which means they spend less money on cleaning services to do the job.
7. My biggest "a-ha" moment came at the produce section of the Sam's Club we visited. Gorgeous, fresh, bountiful, delicious produce. Sam's Club is very picky about what growers they work with and really work hard with the farmer's to ensure that only the best quality produce is on the shelves at a great price for their consumers. Seeing and tasting their produce was enough to get me thinking about making the switch over to Sam's Club!
8. I know it is too early to think about the holidays, however, once you do get in the mood to decorate, head to Sam's Club. They have an amazing assortment of beautiful home and table decorations at unbelievable prices!
9. Did you know that Sam's Club now has a large assortment of artisan cheeses and artisan breads? They travel the world to find the best cheeses for their members, working directly with the producers. Oh, and don't get me started on the Irish Butter that I tried. I've never tasted a butter like it… yummmm!
10. Finally, if you are like me and have some pre-conceived notions or past impressions of Sam's Club, I would highly encourage you to give them another chance. They have, in my opinion, come leaps and bounds and are worthy of you taking another look!
A special thanks to Sam's Club for their hospitality. Sam's Club provided meals (and by meals, I mean seriously… I gained 15 pounds), transportation and lodging for the trip. I was not paid for my opinion. What is stated in this post are my own impressions.


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Gender of German nouns (substantives) - der, die, das
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This topic is about the three different genders in the German language. These are the different genders.
In the following you will find various rules that can give you hints about the gender of a noun.
Masculine nouns in German use the definite article der or the indefinite article ein before the noun.
There are several criteria that indicate if a noun is masculine.
For example:
Male persons: der Mann (man), der Onkel (uncle), der Opa (grandpa)
Professions: der Lehrer (teacher), der Koch (cook)
Days and months: der Montag (monday), der Dienstag (tuesday), der September (september), der Oktober (october)
Seasons: der Winter (winter), der Sommer (summer), der Herbst (autumn), der Frühling (spring)
cardinal points: der Norden (north), der Süden (south), der Osten (east), der Westen (west)
some weather conditions: der Tau (dew), der Schnee (snow), der Regen (rain)
currency: der Dollar, der Euro
|Ending of the noun
|der Diamant (diamant), der Elefant (elefant), der Mandant (mandator)
|der Bär (bear), der Sekretär (secretary)
|der Amateur (amateur), der Friseur (hair dresser)
|der Rettich (radish), der Teich (pond), der Bindestrich (hypen)
|der König (king), der Honig (honey), der Teig (dough)
|der Musiker (musician), der Techniker (technician)
|der Spezialist (specialist), der Artist (artist)
|der Feigling (coward), der Liebling (darling), der Schmetterling (butterfly)
|der Marmor (marble), der Senior (senior)
You can find more information about masculine nouns in following chapters.
Feminine nouns in German use the definite article die and the indefinite article eine before the nouns.
There are several criteria that indicate if a noun is feminine.
Here are some examples:
|Ending of the noun
|die Fischerei (fishery), die Malerei (painting), die Bäckerei (bakery)
|die Asiatin (asian), die Lehrerin (female teacher)
|die Helligkeit (brightness), die Ähnlichkeit (resemblance), die Haltbarkeit (durability)
|die Änderung (change), die Begabung (aptitude), die Lösung (solution)
|die Station (station), die Funktion (function), die Auktion (auction)
|die Blondine (blonde), die Gardine (curtain), die Mine (mine)
|die Gesellschaft (society), die Botschaft (message), die Wirtschaft (economy)
|die Marinade (marinade), die Olympiade (olympics), die Fassade (facade)
|die Kette (chain), die Manschette (wristband), die Limette (lime)
|die Kritik (critisicm), die Politik (politics), die Elektrik (electrics)
|die Struktur (structure), die Archtiketur (architecture), die Prozedur (procedure)
|die Skepsis (scepticism), die Basis (base)
|die Identität (identity), die Aktivität (activity), die Realität (reality)
|die Freiheit (freedom), die Gewohnheit (habit), die Dummheit (foolishness)
|die Anatomie (anatomy), die Fantasie (fantasy), die Chemie (chemistry)
You can find more information about feminine nouns in following chapters.
Neuter nouns in German use the definite article das and the indefinite article ein before the nouns.
There are several criteria that indicate if a noun is neuter.
|Ending of the noun
|das Anzeichen (indication), das Mädchen (girl)
|das Krönlein (little crown), das Männlein (little man)
|das Datum (date), das Christentum (Christianity), das Wachstum (growth)
|das Auto (car), das Radio (radio)
|das Brett (board), das Bett (bed)
|das Apartment (apartment), das Element (element), das Kompliment (compliment)
|das Klima (climate), das Thema (topic), das Drama (drama)
|das Aquarium (aquarium), das Basilikum (basil), das Zentrum (centre)
You can find more information about neuter nouns in following chapters.
Keep in mind: there are a lot of exceptions in the German language. You can find some of them in the following chapters.
Compound nouns are nouns that are composed out of two or more words and then build a new word with sometimes a new meaning.
The last word always determines the gender, the number and the case of the compound noun. It is also the only one to decline depending on the case.
Compound nouns can be formed out of
You can find a detailed explanation in future chapters. In addition, do the exercises to anchor your knowledge.
It is way more easier to learn the plural form by heart. Test your skills with challenging exercises of the three German genders.
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2013-02-28 02:32【諶悠文/綜合報導】
由於本篤十六世是近六百年來第一位在任內辭職的教宗,教宗退休金計畫並無前例可循。據《義大利時報》(La Stampa)報導,本篤十六世每月退休金為兩千五百歐元(約新台幣九萬七千元)。如果新教宗任命他為樞機主教,金額可能提高到五千歐元。
Updated: Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:34:32 GMT | By CBC News, cbc.ca
Pope tells final audience of 'joy and light' during papacy
Pope Benedict XVI told about 150,000 people jammed in and around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Wednesday for his final general audience that there were times of "joy and light" during his papacy, but also difficult times.
Benedict, who will retire Thursday at 2 p.m. ET to a life of prayer and seclusion, thanked people in Rome and around the world for respecting his decision to become the first pope to step down in almost 600 years.
The Pope said in Italian that he was conscious of the "gravity" of his decision and made it with "profound sincerity of spirit," according to a translation provided by Reuters news agency.
Benedict announced earlier this month that he was stepping aside. He said Wednesday that he was stepping down not for his own good, but for the good of the church.
He recalled that when he was elected Pope on April 19, 2005, he questioned if God truly wanted it. "It's a great burden that you've placed on my shoulders,'" he recalled telling God.
In the eight years since his election, he said, "I have had moments of joy and light, but also moments that haven't been easy ... moments of turbulent seas and rough winds."
Speaking later in English, he said, "I will continue to accompany the church with my prayers and ask each of you to pray for me and for the new pope."
General audiences are weekly appointments the Pope kept with the faithful and tourists to teach them about the Catholic faith. In winter, the audiences are generally held indoors, but this event was held outside St. Peter's Basilica to accommodate the 50,000 worshippers who requested tickets. The Vatican estimated the crowd at around 150,000. Official representatives from several countries were in attendance, including leaders of Slovakia and San Marino.
Before and after speaking, the Pope was driven through the square in an open-sided vehicle, amid cheering worshippers who waved the flags of their countries and banners saying 'Thank you!' He waved, smiled and blessed several children handed to him by his secretary.
The Pope's official Twitter account also sent out a message on Wednesday: "If only everyone could experience the joy of being Christian, being loved by God who gave his Son for us!"
Emeritus pope to be 'hidden from the world'
The 85-year-old will be known as emeritus pope and will keep the title of His Holiness in retirement. Benedict has said he will spend his retirement "hidden from the world" as he leads a life of prayer.
Vatican officials have said that the Pope will initially travel by helicopter to his papal summer home of Castel Gandolfo. He will later move to a monastery inside the Vatican.
Next Monday, the College of Cardinals will meet to set a date for the start of the secret vote to pick a successor to lead the world's approximately 1.2 billion Catholics, including around 13 million Canadians.
Three Canadians will be part of the conclave of cardinals who will gather to select the next pope. Vatican spokesman Rev. Thomas Rosica told CBC News that about 70 cardinals have arrived so far.
In all, 115 cardinals under the age of 80 are expected in Rome for the conclave to vote on who should become the next pope; two other eligible cardinals have already said they are not coming, one from Britain and another from Indonesia. Cardinals who are 80 and older can join the college meetings but won't participate in the conclave or vote.
Earlier this week, Benedict gave the cardinals the go-ahead to move up the start date of the conclave — tossing out the traditional 15-day waiting period. But the cardinals won't actually set a date for the conclave until they begin meeting officially Monday.
Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto, told CBC's Heather Hiscox on Tuesday that playing a part in choosing the next pope is an "awesome" responsibility.
Collins, who is in Rome, said that he was "overwhelmed by the majesty of the occasion."
Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, the Archbishop Emeritus of Montreal, and Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec will also be among the senior Catholic clergy on hand to choose the next head of the Roman Catholic Church.
'I came to thank him'
The rank-and-file in the crowd on Wednesday weren't so concerned with the future; they wanted to savour the final moments with the Pope they have known for eight years.
"I came to thank him for the testimony that he has given the church," said Maria Cristina Chiarini, a 52-year-old homemaker who travelled by train early Wednesday from Lugo, near Ravenna, with some 60 members of her parish. "There's nostalgia, human nostalgia, but also comfort, because as a Christian we have hope. The Lord won't leave us without a guide."
CBC's Susan Ormiston said from the square that most people she spoke to respected his decision to step down, with only few expressing disappointment.
The church "is already moving toward its new leader and old problems," she tweeted.
Rev. Terence Fay, a Jesuit priest and a professor at the Toronto School of Theology, said the address ended Benedict's pontificate on a positive note.
"It opens the way for a new vision, a new pope and a new church," he told CBC News. "The church is alive and well and young. It's only 2,000 years old, and we look forward to when it's 40,000 years old and all our problems are resolved."
Pontiff faced controversies
The pontiff has faced criticism over the church's handling of sex abuse scandals and its inability to stem the decline in membership.
The resignation of British Cardinal Keith O'Brien on Feb. 24 over allegations of inappropriate behaviour is the latest scandal facing the Catholic Church in the run-up to the election of the next pope.
Retired Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, the object of a grassroots campaign in the U.S. to persuade him to recuse himself for having covered up for sexually abusive priests, will be among the 115 cardinals voting on who the next pope should be.
However, supporters of Benedict defend his record, citing his willingness to improve relations with religious leaders of other faiths and his proficiency as an academic theologian.
"If you read the Italian papers, one would think that the ship has sunk," Rosica said. "And this morning we see that the ship is sailing and the Lord is with us in the boat."
Rosica said the pope matters to everybody, including non-Catholics.
"When the pope speaks, the world listens," he said. "He models for us the essence, what the best is, of humanity, the seeking of justice and peace, a reconciler, a healer."
(With files from The Associated Press)