text:
Brentwood and Essex news, sport and information from the Brentwood Weekly News
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting BWNNEWS to 80360 or email us »
- Brentwood Weekly News »
- National news »
- National News
National News
Bragg pulls strings to end jail ban
11:45pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Protest singer Billy Bragg has helped reverse a government ban on steel-strung guitars in prison.
Rugby star guilty of attacking ex
5:11pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Welsh international rugby star Ian Gough has been found guilty of attacking his ex girlfriend, former Miss Wales Sophia Cahill, just days after she got engaged to pop star Dane Bowers.
Tears as ex guilty of killing baby
1:55pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
A grieving mother broke down in a flood of tears as a jury convicted her former boyfriend of killing her six-week-old son.
Labour tops income table with £33m
1:55pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Labour has topped the league for the highest political party income, reporting that more than £33 million went into its coffers last year.
'Slave trafficking' on the increase
1:55pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Trafficking workers into the UK for forced labour is on the increase, an authority dealing with exploitation has warned.
Rigby killers given £212k legal aid
11:07am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Soldier Lee Rigby's killers were handed more than £200,000 in taxpayer-funded financial support to pay their legal bills.
PM calls for 'immediate' ceasefire
11:07am Tuesday 29th July 2014
David Cameron has called for an "unconditional, immediate, humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza to bring a halt to more than three weeks of violence which has claimed the lives of about 1,100 Palestinians and 55 Israelis.
Lorry man guilty of driver murder
10:52pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
A lorry driver was today convicted of murdering another motorist two months after he behaved like a "predator" in an earlier road rage attack caught on camera.
Teenage Twitter trolls 'dealt with'
6:54pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
A police force has spoken to four teenagers who sent racist and threatening tweets to ex-footballer Stan Collymore but said it had been unable to track down other abusive users after Twitter failed to supply their details.
Stars shed clothes in body campaign
6:49pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
TV stars Millie Mackintosh and Amanda Byram show they are proud of their bodies by posing naked for a women's magazine.
Star Wars filmmakers in island row
5:11pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Filmmakers shooting the latest Star Wars blockbuster have clashed with conservationists over their occupation of a remote island off the coast of Ireland.
Warning over Android security risk
4:45pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
A new flaw in the Android mobile operating system leaves the personal and financial details of users since 2010 at risk to hacking, a mobile analytics firm has claimed.
Mosley legal bid over Google images
3:34pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Max Mosley is to sue internet giant Google for continuing to publish images of the former F1 boss at a sex party.
'New' Stairway to Heaven released
4:27pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
An unreleased version of one of the most celebrated songs in rock, Stairway To Heaven, is to come out later this year - after sitting in the vaults for more than 40 years.
Ofsted criticises academy chain
1:55pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Another academy chain has been heavily criticised by Ofsted after inspectors found that a number of its schools are failing to give pupils a decent education.
'Hobbit' house faces demolition
3:21pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
An environmentally-friendly Hobbit-style house faces being knocked down after councillors refused to give it retrospective planning permission.
Johnson sidesteps Parliament poser
3:21pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Boris Johnson has again dodged questions over whether he intends to re-enter Parliament, following a poll which found that London voters think he should quit as the city's Mayor if he wants to stand as an MP.
Ex-bandmates describe Watkins shock
3:21pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
Former members of defunct rockers Lostprophets said they were shocked and sickened when discovering their singer Ian Watkins was a paedophile.
Rapist banned from family contact
1:57pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
A father-of-three jailed for raping his wife has been banned from approaching his family by a High Court judge and made the subject of what is thought to be a unique non-molestation order.
Briton held in drugs 'plot' probe
1:55pm Tuesday 29th July 2014
A 27-year-old British man was among six people arrested over an alleged £11 million plot to smuggle amphetamines from Britain into Australia.
Jail for cancer hospital fraudster
11:07am Tuesday 29th July 2014
An NHS worker who played an integral role in a fraud that saw more than half a million pounds drained from a world-leading cancer hospital was jailed for four years today.
Star-studded end for Harry's games
9:27am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Prince Harry is to rock out with Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs after they were signed up to head the bill for the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games which he launched.
Ads targeted in web piracy campaign
11:07am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Websites alleged to be offering pirated material are to have their advertising revenue disrupted in a ground-breaking initiative.
Gamers 'hear sounds after play'
11:07am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Video-gamers can still hear the sounds from their computer games, such as explosions, screams or music, long after they have finished playing, research suggests.
Mothers 'turn to Google before GP'
10:17am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Mothers are more likely to turn to "Dr Google" than their family doctor to seek advice if their child is poorly, a poll suggests.
IVA personal insolvencies on rise
6:26am Tuesday 29th July 2014
The number of people taking out a type of personal insolvency where money is shared out between creditors has surged to its highest level since records started in 1987, according to official figures.
Pensioner death sparks murder probe
9:40am Tuesday 29th July 2014
An 85-year-old woman found seriously injured in her own home has died.
Sunnier outlook for rainy regions
7:22am Tuesday 29th July 2014
The sun will make a welcome return across the country over the next couple of days as areas hit by flash floods continue the clear-up.
Clearer 'revenge porn' laws urged
7:22am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Clarification is needed on the law around "revenge porn" and when it could lead to a prosecution, a committee of peers has said.
Go-ahead for mayoral poll challenge
10:10am Tuesday 29th July 2014
The High Court has rejected a bid to block a challenge to the recent mayoral election in London's Tower Hamlets which brought independent Lutfur Rahman back for a second term.
Next set to extend M&S profits lead
9:34am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Fashion retailer Next upped its full-year profit guidance by £25 million today after better-than-expected first-half sales, leaving it on course to extend its lead over Marks & Spencer.
BP warns of Russia sanctions impact
9:35am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Oil giant BP has warned that further international sanctions on Russia could have a "material adverse impact" on the company.
Britons seen as drinking too much
7:22am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Britons drink too much and have bad eating habits, according to some foreigners.
Coe pulls out of BBC Trust race
5:49am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Sebastian Coe has signalled he has pulled out of the race to become the next chairman of the BBC Trust.
Diesel drivers 'pollution penalty'
5:49am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Drivers of diesel cars could have to pay more in road tax or face additional levies to travel into city centres in an effort to tackle pollution, it is reported.
Ali allowed to wear Gaza wristbands
8:44pm Monday 28th July 2014
England cricketer Moeen Ali can continue wearing wristbands declaring his support for the population of Gaza during the remainder of the third Investec Test against India, the ECB said.
MP Ruffley to stand down in 2015
7:50pm Monday 28th July 2014
A Tory MP who apologised after receiving a police caution for domestic assault involving his former partner will stand down at the 2015 general election.
Zayn suffers Palestine tweet abuse
6:01pm Monday 28th July 2014
One Direction singer Zayn Malik has received a backlash of abusive messages after he posted a Twitter message in support of Palestine.
Cancer cash fraud woman faces jail
2:56pm Monday 28th July 2014
An NHS worker is facing jail over a fraud that saw hundreds of thousands of pounds meant for vital cancer drugs fleeced from a world renowned hospital and used on shopping sprees and mortgage payments.
UK troops in Nato show of strength
3:47pm Monday 28th July 2014
More than 1,300 British troops are to take part in a major Nato exercise in Eastern Europe in a further show of strength by the Western alliance in the face of Russia's continuing "destabilisation" of Ukraine.
Lloyds fined £218m over Libor
2:16pm Monday 28th July 2014
State-backed Lloyds Banking Group was today fined £218 million after it admitted "shocking" rate rigging practices, including ripping off the Bank of England over its financial life support scheme.
Rain set to delay floods clean-up
10:36am Monday 28th July 2014
More heavy bursts of rain are expected overnight in the south-east, delaying a clean-up operation following a day of flash floods.
Silver service from sprinter Gemili
4:03am Monday 28th July 2014
Team England is celebrating after Adam Gemili took silver in the men's 100 metre Commonwealth Games final.
EU agrees tougher Russia sanctions
12:21am Tuesday 29th July 2014
The European Union has agreed a package of new economic sanctions against Russia, as Prime Minister David Cameron met families of Britons killed in the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash, which has been blamed on Moscow-backed rebels in Ukraine.
PM wants 'fair immigration system'
12:21am Tuesday 29th July 2014
David Cameron said he wants an immigration system which "puts Britain first", as he unveiled tough new measures which will halve the time migrants from the European Union without serious job prospects can claim benefits in the UK.
Call for freeze on NHS contracts
12:10am Tuesday 29th July 2014
Labour has warned that the NHS is "heading for the rocks" as it called for contracts putting the service "up for sale" in England to be frozen until after the general election.
BBC 'failed' over Clarkson remark
11:00am Monday 28th July 2014
The BBC's Top Gear has been ruled to have breached Ofcom's broadcasting rules over a "racial" term used by Jeremy Clarkson.
New Civil Service CEO role outlined
6:01pm Monday 28th July 2014
The new head of the Civil Service will focus on cost cutting and "transformational change" and will be paid up to £200,000, it has been announced.
'Solid support' for passport strike
4:03am Monday 28th July 2014
A strike by passport workers was "solidly" supported, with the threat of further industrial action unless a row over staff shortages is resolved.
Krusty rapped for foul-mouthed rant
2:56pm Monday 28th July 2014
Simpsons character Krusty The Clown upset viewers by swearing at a time when children were likely to be watching the show, prompting complaints to Ofcom.


text:
Lessons for Internal Auditors From the Lehman Brothers Saga
The facts are still unfolding from the Lehman Brothers story. As a reminder, they filed for bankruptcy on September 15, 2008 - the largest bankruptcy filing in US history, with Lehman holding over $600bn in assets. You can read the background here.
- Are there any accounting practices that are intended only for "window-dressing" rather than business purposes? Have they been fully disclosed to the audit committee or board of directors? Do they affect the 'fair presentation' of the organization's results and financial condition? Do they affect any valuation or other assessment of the organization by investors and other stakeholders? Are they adequately disclosed in public filings?
- Does the audit committee or board of directors have an adequate process for assessing the quality of the external auditors? Do they have information on the experience and technical knowledge of the partners, managers, and senior staff? Do they receive objective feedback from management and internal audit?
- Is the level of non-audit services (i.e., services not directly required to the mandated audit opinion) a potential impairment to the objectivity of the external auditors and their willingness to raise issues with the audit committee or board of directors?
- Does the organization engage the external audit firm to assist or lead investigations? In the Lehman case, there are questions as to whether EY should have been asked to investigate the whistleblower's assertions of inappropriate accounting. While some say these were forbidden internal audit services, for me the issue is whether they could have looked objectively at accounting policies and practices the audit partners had apparently accepted as compliant with US GAAP (SFAS 140).
Posted on Mar 26, 2010 by Norman Marks
Share This Article:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When I led my column Monday with the reports that Chris Kelsay was getting a four-year, $24 million contract extension, a lot of people thought I was joking. I wasn't. The news became official today. The Bills affirmed their belief that Kelsay is a $6 million a year player. I'm sure Aaron Schobel -- who liked to point out Kelsay's deal when people questioned his $7 million contract -- is laughing on his ranch in Texas.
I'm floored. I never thought I could say this, but the Tim Connolly contract extension is actually starting to seem reasonable.
September 29, 2010 - 5:04 PM
When I led my column Monday with the reports that Chris Kelsay was getting a four-year, $24 million contract extension, a lot of people thought I was joking. I wasn't. The news became official today. The Bills affirmed their belief that Kelsay is a $6 million a year player. I'm sure Aaron Schobel -- who liked to point out Kelsay's deal when people questioned his $7 million contract -- is laughing on his ranch in Texas.
Same Old Bills
September 29, 2010 - 2:52 PM
Three weeks into the NFL season, the league statistics begin to take shape and somewhat define a team. Not surprisingly, the Bills are settling into their customary place near the bottom in some of the more vital categories.
The Bills are 32nd and last in total offense with 242 yards a game. That tells you how bad it was in the first two weeks with Trent Edwards at quarterback. The Bills had their best offensive game against New England in a decade and still couldn't climb out of the statistical basement. They're tied for 31st in passing yards with the Steelers -- who are 3-0. Buffalo is 17th in rushing yards.
Defensively, they're 22nd in the NFL, 27th against the rush. The pass defense has taken an early tumble, too. Last year, they were second in the league in interceptions with 28. They don't have an interception this season after three games. They're one of three teams without a pick. The Bills held opposing quarterbacks to 56.8 percent passing last year, third in the league. Through three games this year, they're 27th, allowing opposing QBs to hit 67.8 percent of their throws.
OK, so they've faced Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers the past two weeks. The secondary is bound to get better as the quality of opposing quarterbacks gets worse. This week's game against the Jets will be an interesting test. The Bills picked off Mark Sanchez five times in the teams' first meeting in New Jersey last year (they had six picks in all). But Sanchez is much-improved this season and is coming off consecutive good games.
The secondary probably isn't as bad as it's looked thus far. Certainly a pass rush would help matters. But they're not the elite unit they appeared to be a year ago, either. They benefited from some horrible quarterback play last season. Anyway, no interceptions is no interceptions. It's time for the Bills' secondary to prove just how good it really is, starting with this week's game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Live Chat With Sully
September 24, 2010 - 12:50 PM
Chat Trick
September 24, 2010 - 10:45 AM
I hope people have enough energy after dealing with Bucky and Mark for four hours.
Depends on the Package
September 22, 2010 - 5:20 PM
Chan Gailey has a pat answer whenever anyone asks about his running backs: "It depends on the package." When Gailey was asked if Marshawn Lynch would start again this week, the head coach said, "Depends on the package, Depends which we start with."
I asked Gailey about Trent Edwards' assertion after the Green Bay game that he wasn't aware who the starting running back would be until the game started. Is that customary, I asked. "It depends on the packages we go with," Gailey said. "It could have been someone different in each package."
Well, I have a suggestion for the head coach. Go with the Fred Jackson package. It's time to give one of the three running backs the bulk of the carries, and Jackson deserves to be the featured guy. Jackson has been especially productive against the Patriots. In two games against New England a year ago, Jackson had 30 carries for 137 yards (4.6 per carry) and nine catches for 112 yards. That's 252 yards from scrimmage. Jackson also rushed for 136 yards against the Pats in the final game of the '08 season, in snowy conditions where New England knew the Bills would run the ball.
Lynch has played against New England three times in his career. He has 145 total yards and has averaged a shade under 3.5 yards a carry.
Jackson is averaging 4.5 a carry this season. He's averaging 4.5 yards a carry for his career. I detect a pattern here.
Questions, questions ...
September 20, 2010 - 8:10 PM
Chan Gailey admitted after Sunday's game he didn't have the answers. Then, on Monday, he benched Trent Edwards and made Ryan Fitzpatrick the starter. I don't have any answers, either. But as we contemplate the new Fitzpatrick era, I have 25 burning questions:
1. What did Gailey find out about Trent during the first two regular-season games that wasn't clear as day on the game films from the last two Bills seasons? If he was going to hand the job to Fitz' after the first crisis, why didn't he have a true open quarterback competition, as he promised?
2. Wasn't it astonishing to hear Edwards say he had no idea who was going to be the Bills' starting running back against Green Bay until he got to the game? Are you telling me the coaches don't let the quarterback in on the game plan?
3. Is there much doubt that the Bills' offense, which after Sunday was dead last in the NFL by more than 60 yards a game, will finish in the bottom quarter of the league for an eighth straight season?
4. Might Lions rookie running back Jahvid Best, who gained 232 yards from scrimmage against the Eagles, have been a better value with the 30th overall pick than C.J. Spiller was at No. 9?
5. Do you think Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will enter next year's NFL draft if the Bills have the No. 1 pick, knowing there might not be a season and his college coach, Jim Harbaugh, wanted no part of Buffalo?
6. Did the Bills' defensive leaders bolt the locker room early Sunday because they were afraid they'd say what they really felt about the offense?
7. Do you think right guard Eric Wood thinks Aaron Maybin is earning his signing bonus yet?
8. Isn't it a little troubling that Alex Carrington, a third-round pick, can't even get on the field for this team?
9. How many losses before Jerry Jones comes to his senses and admits Wade Phillips is a mediocrity as a head coach?
10. Is it still Dick Jauron's fault that safety Donte Whitner isn't making any game-changing plays?
11. On second thought, would a franchise like Green Bay really want Marshawn Lynch to be set loose in the community?
12. Isn't it sad that the Bills have gone 56 games since their last 300-yard passer? Heck, is 200 yards so much to ask?
13. Why do so many NFL coaches leave their starting quarterbacks in the game at the end of blowouts?
14. So do you figure Gailey thinks the hecklers had a point?
15. Isn't a shame that Kawika Mitchell wasn't as good at tackling as he is at tweeting?
16. Don't you think Riverside's Mike Williams would be a better option at No. 2 receiver than Stevie Williams?
17. Does Marcus Stroud seem like a guy who's just playing out the string?
18. The tackles are a joke, I know, but are the Bills' interior offensive linemen any better than average right now?
19. Are you feeling sorry for Fred Jackson? Isn't it amazing that he averaged 4.5 yards a carry for this offense last year?
20. Wouldn't it be refreshing to see some genuine sign of passion from inside that Bills locker room?
21. Why, oh why, don't they ever have Lee Evans run patterns over the middle of the field? Why doesn't Evans demand it?
22. Will Bill Belichick keep a straight face on Wednesday's conference call when he gushes about the talent on the Bills' roster?
23. Can Maybin be any worse in coverage than Chris Kelsay?
24. Wasn't this going to be a break-out year for Chris Ellis?
25. So what happens if Fitzpatrick flames out the next two weeks? Gailey said the change is permanent, but is anything permanent at One Bills Drive, including the franchise?
Live Chat With Sully
September 16, 2010 - 12:23 PM
Hardy Visits Seattle
September 15, 2010 - 11:05 AM
James Hardy, who was released before the opener by the Bills, worked out with the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. There's been no other report about Hardy, a former second-round pick who joined Tom Modrak's list of draft busts. It would be a surprise if Seattle or any other NFL team added him to the active roster.
Chan's Not Alone
September 15, 2010 - 10:49 AM
Evidently, Chan Gailey isn't the only head coach in the AFC East who is having problems with his offense after one week. Rex Ryan, the voluble Jets' coach, is openly criticizing his offense after Monday's 10-9 loss to the Ravens on national TV. Ryan wants his team to throw more passes down the field and -- same as Gailey -- said it might be a good idea to simplify the attack.
The difference, of course, is that Gailey is his own offensive coordinator. Ryan's blast was a direct shot at his offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer, as you might recall, was a hot candidate for the Bills' vacant coaching job before the Bills settled on Gailey.
The Jets certainly looked bad on Monday. Mark Sanchez threw for only 74 years and seemed tentative against pressure. Sounds a lot like the situation with Trent Edwards in Buffalo. The Jets had 176 total yards and six first downs. The Bills had 166 yards and nine first downs against Miami.
Anyone care to bet the under when the Jets come to Ralph Wilson Stadium on Oct. 3?
Pick a Feature Back
September 13, 2010 - 4:13 PM
Bills coach Chan Gailey blamed himself for the sorry state of the running game in Sunday's opening loss to Miami. Gailey called only 14 running plays. If you ask me, he gave up on the running game too early, considering the sorry state of the passing game and the windy conditions at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Still, the running game is a concern. The Bills had just 50 yards on the ground. Rookie C.J. Spiller had 6 yards on seven carries. Counting pass receptions, Spiller had five negative plays out of 11 touches from scrimmage. Those plays put the Bills in these down-and-distance situations; third-and-12, third-and-14, second-and-11, third-and-2, third-and-14.
No offense can dig out of those holes on a regular basis. You need to make consistent yardage on first and second down to put yourself into manageable situations and keep defenses from teeing off on the quarterback. So the question is, which running back is best suited to run the ball inside on early downs and give the offense a chance to put together drives?
I say it's Fred Jackson, who proved himself as a feature back a year ago. Jackson had 1,062 yards and averaged 4.5 yards a carry, remarkable for such a weak offense. Jackson also had 46 catches for 371 yards. As a starter, he averaged about 120 combined yards from scrimmage.
Of course, the Bills didn't take Spiller ninth overall to sit him on the bench. But they can use him judiciously as a runner and receiver and get production from him. Based on Sunday's game, Spiller isn't ready to carry the load as a featured back. Gailey has to make a decision and give one of his backs the bulk of the carries. Jackson has always said he needs a lot of carries to get into a rhythm. All running backs say that. The Bills aren't going to establish any rhythm in the running game by spreading out the carries among Spiller, Jackson and Marshawn Lynch. There simply aren't that many carries to go around, especially if the offense continues to struggle in the passing game.
After the game, I asked Gailey if getting the running game going meant deciding on one main back.
"It means getting the running game going," Gailey said. "I think it has less to do with who's running it than us making sure we're blocking it right and getting the ball in the spots where we need to get it run. That's the biggest thing. And that's something we've got to get better at."
The Bills made a big investment in Spiller. He's their best breakaway threat. The team isn't going anywhere, so they have an incentive to give him a lot of playing time and allow him to develop. But that doesn't mean he's the best guy to carry the running load. If Gailey wants to give his team the best chance to win, he has to pick a lead back. Right now, that guy is still Fred Jackson.
Search Sully on Sports
Recent Posts
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012


text:
Once you become pregnant, be prepared to see your doctor a lot. You may even get so close to her, that you are on a first name basis. Early in your pregnancy, your doctor will explain to you what to anticipate throughout the next nine months. There will certainly be a few tests. She will certainly inform you the number of scans you will have done and which scans are optional. Not all the scans are needed, however can ensure that your baby is healthy. The amount of scans that you will certainly need can often depend upon a range of factors.
The older you are, the more tests and scans will be carried out on you while you are pregnant. Due to the fact that the older you the opportunities on issues are higher, these are needed. Likewise, if you have a history of miscarriages or abortions, you could need more scans also. The amount truly relies on the person and your medical history. If you are a healthy woman, you could just need the regular scans and tests, but can ask for any test you would such as. Whichever category you fall under, your doctor just wants to ensure that you and your baby are healthy.
Additional Information on Irregular Period
Those who are under 35 years of age and attempting to have a baby, yet finding it difficult to develop need to speak to a seasoned infertility doctor Noida. You could have to go through a series of tests including blood, pee and other internal tests. Along with this you may need to answer a couple of concerns connected to your case history. To get to the bottom of the issue, the doctor may ask some personal concerns regarding your sex life. These are necessary and you have to respond to truthfully.
I have actually been to the doctor a many amount of times since the stomach pains that I get. They are available in spurts. I will be pain totally free for a couple of months and then they start. If I am actually having a knife jabbed in my stomach, it frequently feels as. In some cases, I am really sick and have signs that resemble pregnancy. I should have invested a fortune on home pregnancy tests. The tests have actually always been negative. The pains have been so bad, that I have needed to go to the emergency room, still not receiving any responses.
Irregular Period; There's Even More……
I became so annoyed with my doctors, I ended up looking for alternative medicine physicians. I found a wonderful local female who focused on individuals that have stomach issues. I established an appointment with her and was overjoyed that somebody may be able to in fact assist me. When I visited her, I told her about all of the stomach pains I have been having, even sharing that I believed I was having bad pregnancy signs. She asked me about how my life was going throughout the times I did have these pains. She informed me that it seemed like my pains were connected with stress. She prescribed me some relaxation strategies in addition to an introduction to yoga class. Since then, my stomach pains have stopped, and I feel much better and am living a much healthier way of life.
When a female is having her period, discomfort is regular. Many suffer from stomach pains. Substantial stomach, back or pelvic pain may be an indicator that the female ought to seek advice from the best Gynecologist Noida.
Many women experience irregular periods eventually in their lives. Irregular just implies that your period is late or early and some women will certainly often even miss out on a period. Often times, women that are having irregular periods believe that they may be pregnant. While this is possible, it doesn't constantly imply that holds true. The reason for irregular periods is unknown, but there are some factors of why you could be experiencing early, late, or perhaps missed periods. This is typical and it doesn't suggest that there is necessarily anything wrong with you.
A few of things that can trigger an irregular period are stress, diet, exercise, medications and age. If you are experiencing any life changes, this can impact your period. One means to assist regulate durations, is to get on a birth control pill. While lots of believing that the pill is only to prevent pregnancy, it also makes use of to assist regulate periods. Women on the pill have much shorter periods, less bleeding and the pill helps with crowdeding. If you are experiencing early, late or missed out on periods, take into consideration any changes that are taking place in your life. If the irregular periods continue, this may indicate that there is a hidden medical condition and it would be a great time to make an appointment to see your doctor.
Depending on the reason for your irregular durations, there may or might not be much you can do about them. It is most likely that your durations will end up being regular again on their own if you have just been experiencing irregular durations for a brief time (less than 7 months). Nevertheless, if there is an underlying medical condition that is triggering your irregular periods, then getting treatment for the condition should assist to obtain your durations back on track. There are some things that you can try to help regulate your hormones if you find that irregular periods are ending up being annoying.
Periods can from time to time be a genuine pain. They can make you feel sick. They can offer you a headache. They can make your stomach pains. Yes, periods can be a real pain, and things can be even worse if they choose to become irregular.
Taking a pregnancy test can typically include a blend of feelings. You might be attempting to have a baby and wishing for a positive result. On the other hand, you could not be attempting to have a baby and hoping for a negative pregnancy test. You must keep in mind that you if you are taking an at home pregnancy test, that they are not as precise as a test that is given in your doctor's office. So, if you show a negative test result, it is not the time to breathe a sigh of relief.
When you are pregnant your body starts to produce human chorionic gonadotropin or as it's more typically called 'HcG'. The further along you are, the more HcG you will have in your body. Lots of women will take a home pregnancy test too early and receive a negative test result. This often leads them to believe that they are not pregnant and to let out a sigh of relief. They can still be pregnant. Your finest bet would be to see your doctor and have them carry out the pregnancy test if you do believe that there is a possibility you are pregnant. They are going to have the most accurate outcomes.
Tags: Irregular Period


text:
New Milford resident Donna Colucci, wife of Councilman Dominic Colucci, is organizing a clothing drive to assist those residents of Little Ferry, Moonachie and Carlstadt who were displaced from their homes when the levee broke on the Hackensack River Monday evening.
"Seeing pictures of what these poor people are going through--what they lost--I just had to do something," Colucci said.
Colucci is no stranger to organizing events to help others. Last year she received an honor from Gov. Chris Christie recognizing her efforts in organizing "Labor Day of Love," a town-wide barbecue that took place just days after the floods of Irene.
Colucci is accepting clothing in good condition such as coats, sweaters, pants in all sizes for men, women and children for delivery in Little Ferry on Saturday.
If you are interested in donating clothes, please call Donna Colucci at 201-281-1832 to arrange for a drop off.


text:
Mackdawg Releases its 20th Film, Double Decade
After 20 years of making next-level films in the snowboarding industry, Mack Dawg releases its 20 year anniversary film "Double Decade". Oakley is a proud long time sponsor of Mack Dawg and is pleased to premier Double Decade at the Oakley factory in September of this year. Check out Oakley's Eero Ettala, JP Walker, Heikki Sorsa, Lauri Heiskari and Aaron Biittner as they become a part of snowboarding movie history. Click this link and take a trip down Mack Dawg memory lane.


text:
By Marjorie Nesin
Staff Writer
---- —
GLOUCESTER — Anyone on Cape Ann who has found an injured gull, placed a pet exotic bird up for adoption, or seen the release of a rehabilitated owl, crow or baby bird probably knows Jodi Swenson.
"I'm the bird lady," Swenson said, standing in her home that doubles as a rehabilitation lab now named Save Cape Ann Wildlife, Inc. She swings her arm to gesture sweepingly at a shelf of figurines, birds of glass and clay and metal, all different species, ages, and size snuggled into a cluster on the kitchen shelf.
Lumpy the pet pigeon — in his psychedelic flight suit, a fancy name for bird diaper — coos and croons at momma Swenson and the Cockatoo she adopted from a home, the former owners unable to care for the exotic bird, clanks and slinks along her metal cage, greeting the room with a hello attached to her own name, Yaya.
But the woman known around Cape Ann for rehabilitating countless birds, maybe even 250 babies every summer, and hanging onto those birdies in need of a home, could use a little help herself now. The house she rents was recently foreclosed upon and, though her landlord is working to modify the foreclosure, Swenson needs a plan for buying the house on a short sale in case it does hit the market.
Swenson's animal rescue work, for which she is permitted while also applying for approval as a federally recognized nonprofit, would be tough to relocate into a new rental.
"It's going to be difficult to find someone who will allow all of this," Swenson said
"All of this" includes at least three wooden shed-like structures for baby bird rehabilitation, countless injured fliers during the summer season, birds that need to stay indoors during the colder months to be wintered over, and a handful of formerly unwanted, now loved pets.
"I get all the rejects," Swenson said with an echoing laugh. "I try not to get too attached, but sometimes they stick around."
Luckily, community members and Swenson supporters from around the country, many of whom she has helped with their own birds' issues and ailments, have reached out to support Swenson, some by organizing fundraisers in Gloucester, and over 600 others by signing an online petition asking Bank of America, the bank foreclosing on the house, to pause and avoid forcing the subsequent closure of Swenson's non-profit based in the home.
The outreach has shown Swenson the slight sense of isolation she sometimes develops when busy pouring her energies over injured birds in the busy, is actually false.
"I've got relationships with people all over the world that I didn't even realize," Swenson said. "They bring me the bird, and I just zone in on the bird, but it turns out the people remember me as the person who helped the bird."
In that spirit, The Hive on Pleasant Street will collect $5 from each person who attends a concert fund-raiser there Feb. 23 at 6 p.m., with all proceeds donated to Swenson's cause. The featured bands include Choke Up, Airstrike, Downer, Pigs, Racetrack Romance and An Endless Skyline.
Giuseppe's Ristorante on Main Street will raise funds, too, on March 13, with 10 percent of all sales from 4 p.m. to closing on that day benefiting Swenson's work.
Between money coming in as donations and money spent on feeding, medicating and caring for sick birds, Swenson just about broke even this year, she said. Her work repairing fine china reels in extra income. Money collected at these fund-raisers could help Swenson put a down payment on the house, if that becomes necessary.
Swenson's most recent rescue, a gray phase Eastern screech owl found struck by a car in Rockport, was ready for release Tuesday night, just days after the Rockport animal officer presented Swenson with the case.
Swenson wrapped the full-grown owl gingerly in a pink fleece blanket the size of a washcloth earlier Tuesday afternoon. She teased his beak open and slipped a syringe of anti-inflammatory medicine into his mouth, emptying it down his throat.
A small bottle of that medicine, which Swenson said "lasts forever" on small birds but goes quickly on larger birds like seagulls, costs $40. Veterinarians often chip in giving free exams, but Swenson reluctantly admitted she still pays for medication.
The choices Swenson made to care for ill and injured animals at the beginning of her rescue career may be costly and have put a ding in her credit, but have also allowed her to keep going forward, rescuing countless numbers of birds from humming birds, to gannets, to pigeons, along the way.
"I had to choose between bills or saving an animal," Swenson said. "Guess what I chose."
Marjorie Nesin can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3451, or at email@example.com.


text:
Join us at Portage Animal Clinic for a Halloween event that both people and pets will enjoy. There will be goodies for kids and pets in costumes, activities that the whole family can enjoy, a best dressed pet costume contest and more!
We will also be collecting monetary donations to help purchase pet oxygen masks for local fire departments in the area. Help us, "Save a Pet One Breath at a Time" by helping us raise money for this important cause.


text:
This is a simple dish that combines some interesting autumnal flavours and textures.
480g/1lb 1oz baby beetroot (a mixture of red, candy and yellow)
½ shallot, finely chopped
2 tsp aged balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 pinches sea salt
2 pinches freshly ground black pepper
100g/3½oz crème fraîche
1 tsp finely grated fresh horseradish
2 pinches sea salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
squeeze lemon juice
For the beetroot salad, simmer the beetroot in boiling water for 1½ hours or until tender. Remove the beetroot from the water, allow to cool slightly, then peel. (I would recommend wearing rubber gloves when preparing the beetroots, to protect your hands from staining.)
Segment the beetroot into even pieces and mix with the remaining ingredients and one tablespoon of water. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
For the crème fraîche dressing, mix the ingredients together in a bowl.
To serve, arrange the beetroot salad in the centre the serving plates, top with the slices of sea trout and spoon the horseradish crème fraîche over or around. Garnish with a few sprigs of dill.
Type the ingredients you want to use, then click Go. For better results you can use quotation marks around phrases (e.g. "chicken breast"). Alternatively you can search by chef, programme, cuisine, diet, or dish (e.g. Lasagne).
BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.


text:
Tommy Mann Jr.
The Orange Leader
The month of May is here and that means the spring music season is at its peak. Check out one or more of the listings below and have some fun. Visit www.localmusicguide.net for information on bands and venues.
May 8
Phillip Glyn and Southern Daze @ Caribbean Cove
Jimmy Kaiser @ Tradewinds Tavern
Blake Sticker @ Luke's
Bronco Jr. @ Cafe Del Rio
David Joel Band @ Starvin' Marvin's
Larry Tillery @ The Boudain Hut
May 9
Creole Cookin' @ Orange VFW Hall
Paul Orta and the Kingpins @ Starvin' Marvin's
John Cessac @ Tradewinds Tavern
David Joel and Alastair White @ La Cantina - Port Arthur
My Beautiful Disaster @ Good Times
Thysfunctional Family, Gabriel's Last Breath, Angel Siren @ Luna Live
BB and Company @ Mackenzie's Pub
Park Avenue @ Caribbean Cove
Scott McGill @ Larry's French Market
Dickie Woodard @ Luke's
Sweet Stevie @ Cafe Del Rio
May 10
Kentucky Headhunters @ Lake Charles Civic Center
Blake Sticker @ Thirsty's
Old Trick @ Doug's Bar and Grill
Hip Hop Hooray @ Madison's
Mickie Smith @ Suga's Deep South
Mid-Life Crisis @ Mackenzie's Pub
BB and Company @ Gator Lounge
Jesse Domingue and Company @ Jefferson County Singles Club
Herbie Stutes and Grand Shin @ Caribbean Cove
David Joel Band @ Dylan's
Paul Gonsoulin @ Otis and Henry's
Silas Feemster @ Tibideaux's
Granger Smith @ Jack Daniel's Bar and Grill
Southern Roads @ Cotton's Cay
Guilty @ Honky Tonk Texas
Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners @ Yesterday's
Voodoo Daddy @ Double H Bar and Grill
Red Bone Cookin' @ Larry's French Market
Spencer Marks @ Luke's
Time Travel @ Cafe Del Rio
Party Chiefs @ Starvin' Marvin's
Rick Danna @ New York Pizza and Pasta - downtown Bmt
The Wheeler Brothers @ Luna Live
Gabriel's Last Breath, Henly, The Sammus Theory, Simple Design @ The Gig
Jenny Carson and Dave Macha, Barelands @ Pacesetter Lounge
May 11
Six Hits and a Miss @ Cafe Del Rio
Paul Orta and the Kingpins @ Thirsty's
Whiskey Myers @ Doug's Bar and Grill
Crossroads @ Logon Cafe
Flava @ Madison's
Jimmy Kaiser @ Tammy's
Ronnie Stallworth @ Suga's Deep South
Chaos featuring Tony Faulk @ Big Nasty's
Wayne Cook @ New York Pizza and Pasta (Beaumont-downtown)
SugarSkull @ My Place American Pub
BB and Company @ Gator Lounge
Bandit @ Caribbean Cove
Fast Lemon @ Dylan's
Alex Rozell @ Beau Reve
Ryan Carroll @ Tibideaux's
The Circuit Breakers @ Mackenzie's Pub
Joel Martin Project @ Yesterday's
Twangsters Union @ Honky Tonk Texas
The Renegades @ Capri Club
Thomas Cokinos @ Luke's
Dickie and The Tornadoes @ Larry's French Market
Rubber Mule @ Starvin' Marvin's
Rick Danna @ New York Pizza and Pasta - Vidor
The Caw, The Ramblin' Boys, Johnny Jailbird, We Are Wombat, Hitchhikers @ Tequila Rok
May 12
The Three Brained Robot, Hitchhikers @ Victoria House
Herbie Stutes and Grand Shin @ Pine Tree Lodge
Earl Collins @ Suga's Deep South
The Cadillacs @ Jefferson County Singles Club
Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress @ Yesterday's
Ellis Vanicor and the Lacassine Playboys @ Wayne and Layne's
May 14
Ryan Carroll @ Tradewinds Tavern
El Floppy Tacos @ Madison's
Ed Dix and Friends @ Mackenzie's Pub
Scott McGill @ Fuzzy's Taco Shop - Orange
Caylan Daughrity @ Dylan's


text:
Get ideas and inspiration, find easy to use patterns
and tutorials for your next sewing project.
by G-A-
by Misstristras
by nhi
by nhiMake it
by nettie
by sassmama
by klassykate
by Jade Angel
by hargismomFor Sale
by knittingandMake it
by corduroycoat
by nikkishell
by emilywirtFor Sale
by thunderlilyMake it For Sale
by helluvaguy
Member Gallery
See how Burda members are styling pants for summer.
Meg's Magazine Mash Up
See how one of our editors gets her inspiration.
Editors' Pick
Take off with pleats, cut-outs, insets, and futuristic prints.
Fashion & Trends
The best patterns and styling tips for this summer's top pants trend.
Pattern of the Week
A tank silhouette with elasticated waist is a carefree take on the Little Black Dress
You must allow our "request for permission" request to login to Burdastyle with Facebook.


text:
Number of animals being transported:6
Breeds, weight, age:4 small chi mixes( !5lbs or less) 2 labs 25lbs each
Health Condition:good
Heart worm Status:neg
Health Certificate:yes
Special needs:none
Name of Sending Rescue/PartiesRoad Home Rescue
Name of Receiving Rescue/Parties:Animal Sanctuary of NJ
Contact information (publicly viewable on forum):
Are you a 501c3:YES
Additional Info/situation:2nd half needed for 2 leg flight originating in NC. Dogs going to forever homes and Fosters.All good pups who are familiar with each other. Thanks for help..Dave R 919-614-7494 email@example.com


text:
Homeland Recap: A Tale of 'Two Hats'
Estes is running a secret mission under Carrie's and Saul's nose.
Tierney: I'm glad to see that Homeland has stepped away from the ledge of the completely absurd, and is chilling comfortably on the summit of the entertainingly hyperbolic. There was some major twists in this episode, but they played on the questions we have had all season long (Who is this Quinn guy and why is in involved?), rather than throwing us answers to questions we never asked (what would Abu Nazir look like without facial hair?). Thus, I wasn't turned off by the craziness of it all as I was last week.
"Two Hats" played on the tension of what we know versus what the characters know. It was somewhat gratifying in the beginning to know what happened to Brody while our agents wondered if he was dead. We were soon put back into the dark upon Brody's return and his account of his meeting with Nazir. Was he telling the truth? So much of the rest of the episode depended on whether the viewer, as well as the characters, could place our trust in Brody. I imagine that fan reaction to this episode will fall both ways. But enough with these big picture ruminations, let's get into the weeds:
What is the deal with David Estes?
Greg: It's clear that Estes has no respect for anyone in the operation and is answering to someone who pulls strings from higher above. While he is completely unlikable at this point, I can understand Estes's motive, because he's been front row to the circus surrounding this terrorist attack. Would you trust these people to fully complete this mission when one is in love with a key player, and the others seemingly follow her will without any reproach? Looking at it from a different angle, are the ones wielding power going to be okay with a U.S. congressman who is on record (remember, that suicide tape still exists) saying Walden should suffer for his past war crimes? The whole sordid plot is an embarrassment for Homeland's CIA, so it makes sense that Estes is, at the very least, in the loop on those who are planning to do some secret "damage control."
More Homeland Coverage From U.S. News
The one-stop shop for superfans
11/19: Soap Opera Spies
11/12: We're All Out in the Open
11/05: The Battle of Gettysburg
10/29: New Spy, New Lies
10/22: New Car Smell, Old Carrie Revenge
10/15: Between Rock Bottom and a Hard Place
10/08: Brody's SMS SOS
Tierney: That's fair, but I think Estes might be digging his own grave, as I think the news van bomb plot was a trap. I paid close attention to what was shown to us in the Brody flashback, versus what Brody told the agents. The flashback showed us Brody and Nazir praying together, something Brody left out in his account (Brody has already told Carrie he was Muslim, so it wasn't a detail he needed to hide if he was being honest about everything else). It never showed us Nazir discussing his plan with Brody, so we don't know whether he was lying about that as well.
Another question I had was about the date Roya and Estes supposedly went on early in the season. Once it was revealed that she was a large player, you would think Estes would have to acknowledge it. Then again, it's pretty clear that Estes is operating under his own agenda, separate from Carrie's and Saul's. Still, knowing Homeland, I think that is a stone bound to be turned before the season is over.
On the Brody-family plotline, the safe house enclave allowed Jess and Mike to play out the parallel universe of what life would be like had Brody never come back from Afghanistan—a life Dana suggested explicitly in her hissy fit in front of Mike.
Greg: It's becoming very clear that no matter what path Brody chooses, he is neglecting his family in the process. We can all feel bad for Brody at times, but as we discussed in prior recaps, he is fully responsible for his own actions, and those actions have consequences. Nothing about Brody has given the family a sense of safety or normalcy, so, naturally, Mike is going to pick up the pieces and take the whole family under his wing (or under the covers).
I think that dinner date from earlier this season will be part of the big reveal before this season wraps up. This show tends to throw shade on things to make viewers believe they don't matter, only to have it be a fundamental plot foil (think last season's Yorkshire Gold). I think it could be very possible Roya Hammad has been working for our side all along, and Estes/Walden/Dar Adul are up to something far more secretive than Carrie, Saul and The Gang have been led to believe.


text:
Skip to content. |
Skip to navigation
Did you not find what you were looking for? Try the
Advanced Search
to refine your search.
Subscribe to an always-updated RSS feed.
A judge rules that Pacific Coast fishermen can intervene
as a third party in a lawsuit between Klamath River Basin farmers
and the federal government
The West in your Inbox


text:
The Nervous Breakdown sat down with lead singer Jacob Hemphill for 21 questions, asking him about everything from contents of his refrigerator to his feelings regarding emoticons:
"Q: If you were not a musician, what other profession would you choose?
A: Someone once told me that if I could imagine myself doing anything other than music, anything, do it. Music is hard, you travel away from your family, your loved ones, you'll be broke, you won't sleep, etc. I thought about it, and I couldn't think of anything else."
Check out the rest of the Q&A HERE
meu vcs sŃo muito foda m,eu aqui em meu pais vcs sŃo idolatrados por todos os reggaeiros eu sou brasileiro.. e s¾ tenho agradecer a vcs por tudo veio vc sŃos muito foda.. a musica de vcs faz muito bem para alma quando eu estou triste ou angustiado ķ s¾ eu escutar as musica do soja q tudo passa os problemas as dificuldades somem vŃo em bora vcs sŃo muito 10.. abrańos do seu fan brasileiro n░1…
eai rapaziada, gostaria de saber quando vocĻs vŃo fazer uma turne no brasil ? estamos no aguardo da melhor banda de reggae do mundo! abrańo de mais um fŃ brasileiro! ; roberto alcarß
Amo Voces .... Vem logo para o Brasil! Por favor!
A e banda boa ╔ muito. O maravilhoso e som. Encantada!
When are you comming to Costa Rica??????
Hey , Jacob what you think first when see image that new album "Born in Babylon"???
Hi, when do you come make a show here in Brasil?
when are you coming to kona?
hi where did you guys get your name from? because i have the last name of your band name
Gostaria muito que vocĻs viessem novamente no Brasil este ano!
Grande abrańo, God Bless!
I would appreciate if you come back in Brazil this year!
Best wishes, God Bless!
Aquii muitoo faa Curtoo dee maisss Como musicass doss caras .. Boa dee aa melhorr bandaaa .. amoo de Mais
jacob Ser hamphill VOC╩ fodaa tee amoo Manoo .. canta de ferßa Muito Mais F├ de vocĻe ..
SOJA come to Costa Rica!!!
The type of reggae that you do really makes me pause to reflect and realize that to have peace and be happy, do not need much. Whether in joy or in sorrow, SOY make me well! So, come to Brazil again and please try to go in the major states in the country!
It was the best show of my life! Please return to Brazil as soon as possible! The songs of this band come to soul!
jacob love you and your amazing voice! hurry back to Brazil, my favorite band!


text:
July 31, 2014
Madison police say a spike in drive-offs, that leaving a gas stations without paying, has not followed the state's hike in fuel prices.
Wisconsin's statewide average price of gas is about $2.22, several cents higher than the national average of $2.15.
Driving-off without paying up is a misdemeanor theft charge, but police report no increase in the number of people trying to get away with it. Mike Hanson of MPD says, " We go out and educate various business owners on how to help us solve crimes because police can't be everywhere at once. One of the biggest things to catch a person driving-off by simply writing down license number."
Police say some stations have surveillance cameras. Others rely on large windows to watch customers.
People repeatedly convicted of the crime could lose their driver's license from six months to a year.


text:
How To Style Jorgie Porter's Date Night Look
If you get lucky this summer and need inspiration on what to wear then check out this video by Jorgie Porter on her outfit picks.
Dating For Men
Guys, do you dread first dates? Do you become awkward, shy and unsure of yourself? Check out our dating guide for men.
How To Stay Hydrated Healthily
In this episode of Bridal Bootcamp, personal trainer and nutritionist Sarah O'Neill shows you alternatives to calorie filled fizzy drinks and hot beverages so you can stay hydrated and keep in shape for your big day.
Dating For Men
How To Get Good At Dating For Guys
Guys, do you dread first dates? Do you become awkward, shy and unsure of yourself? Alanna Saskia from ITV's hit dating s...
How To Apologise To Your Girlfriend
Apologising to a girl can be very difficult and takes a combination of empathy and sincerity. Well, who wouldn't want a ...
How To Ask A Girl For Her Number
Trying to get a girl's number can be nerve-racking at best. Follow these tips and your odds will increase on her giving ...
Bridal Bootcamp Series 1
How To Do A Complete Workout For Arms
Looking to get the body you want for your wedding day? In this episode of Bridal Bootcamp personal trainer and nutrition...
How To Prepare A Healthy Lunchbox
A great way to stay healthy is to come to work with a lunchbox full of healthy snack you can dip into throughout the day...
Complete Workout For Abs
In this episode of Bridal Bootcamp, personal trainer and nutritionist Sarah O'Neill shows you 10 exercises you can do at...
Wedding Hauls Series 1
How To Choose Your Wedding Jewellery
In this first episode of Wedding Hauls, Chantelle talks you through her pick of the most stunning bridal jewellery you c...
The Best Wedding Invitations
So you've set the date, but there's still so much to plan! In this episode of Wedding Hauls Chantelle gives you the rund...
How To Choose Wedding Shoes
After the dress, your shoes are one of the most important items to get right for your big day! In this episode of Weddin...
Bridal Lookbook Series 1
Get Your Dreamy Fairytale Wedding Dress
A fairytale wedding dress is every little girl's dream. Make them come true with this episode of Bridal Lookbook showcas...
Get Your Beautiful Classic Wedding Dress
Are you dreaming of a classic bridal gown for your wedding? In this Bridal Lookbook we showcase some beautiful dresses f...
Get Your Dreamy Beach Wedding Dress
What better than a dream wedding by the sea? In this episode of Bridal Lookbook we showcase some beautiful dresses perfe...


text:
Peter Lipson, Contributor
I write on the intersection of science, medicine and culture.
Continuing what some have hyperbolically called a civil war in medicine, I must call out my colleague Harlan Krumholz. Today on this site, Dr. Krumholz wrote a piece about a recently concluded medical study, known as TACT. The study was meant to examine the possible use of chelation therapy to treat coronary heart disease, the main cause of heart attacks. Our current approach to the disease has been very successful, but we still have a long way to go. Unfortunately, TACT doesn't take us anywhere. When evaluating medical evidence, the fact that a study has positive results is only important if the results themselves reflect reality.
There are innumerable problems with the TACT study, but we'll break it down in the most important bits (leaving out perhaps the most important part: the study was unethical).
Chelation Is Implausible
When looking at a new treatment we first have to decide if it is even likely to work, its plausibility. If I suggested to you that I wanted to study how well Hobbit treat heart disease, you would probably tell me I'm nuts. If I did the study anyway, you would take my results with a grain of salt. This consideration of pre-test conditions is known in the literature as a Bayesian approach. If the pre-test probability of a result is 0%, no amount of evidence is likely to convince you it works. If your pre-test probability is, say, 60%, you're going to give the results a different mathematical appraisal.
Chelation therapy is a favorite of quacks, said to do everything from curing cancer to treating Alzheimer's disease. Its real use is in diseases where metals accumulate in the body causing harm, such as iron-overload in transfusion patients. The usual chemicals used for chelation create a molecular "cage" that ensnares certain sorts of molecules and carries them away in the urine. Some of the trapped chemicals are vital for life, including calcium, and there have been several reported deaths from chelation.
The rationale behind its use for heart disease is tough to pin down, but what is often stated is a bit confusing. Since calcium is one of the components of plaques in heart arteries, and chelation can carry away calcium, then chelation helps heart disease. Except that this explanation is a horrible oversimplification and rests on a mountain of false assumptions. The idea that "decalcifying" coronary plaques will treat heart disease goes against decades of successful research.
Results Questionable
The results of TACT were touted as surprisingly successful. From Dr. Krumholz:
To the surprise of many (including me), after almost 5 years of follow-up, the chelation group had a lower risk of the combination of death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for angina or a procedure to improve blood flow to the heart. There was an 18% lower risk in the chelation group – and for about every 25 patients treated with chelation, there was one few adverse event. Also, there were no safety issues. This trial, like most others, has some limitations – but it is a positive trial.
A deeper look into the data doesn't show such a rosy view. One of the biggest problem is the so-called "composite end-point". The study looked at a combination of death, heart attack, hospitalization, and other important markers of heart disease. Each of these, when measured separately, showed no effect of chelation. Somehow, when they were bundled, there was a small statistically significant improvement in all of these together.
As I said above, a Bayesian analysis would not look kindly on this. The pre-test probability is low, and the results are questionable at best. The overall conclusion is probably closer to, "chelation therapy had no significant effect on any of the measured outcomes."
Medications Ignored
The chelation infusion contained heparin, a blood thinner known to be useful in heart disease. The placebo contained no heparin. This was not discussed in the paper, and may have helped skew data.
The assertion that there were no safety problems is debatable. There have been questions raised about how adverse events were reported and interpreted, and implications that deaths during the study were brushed off without being carefully investigated.
These are only a few of the points that bring into the question TACTs validity. This isn't a case of doctors' refusing to accept wonderful, new evidence. Doctors are being rightfully skeptical of an implausible treatment with questionable results. At this point, the data for chelation therapy and heart disease are as complete as we need to dismiss this misguided but profitable treatment. I'm disappointed that more cardiologists haven't thought this one through before commenting.
You may think that there was a zero chance of this therapy being effective – but with 100,000 using the therapy, esteemed investigators conducting the trial, institutional review boards endorsing it and subjects willing to participate in it – I guess I can say that not everyone shared your assessment of the likelihood it would be positive. I may also have a dim view of the likelihood that this therapy is effective, but I concede that my view is not shared by all. And it is because I had that view that I say that the results are not enough to make me recommend the practice – but are enough to get my attention.
And if you want to dismiss this trial because of its use of a composite endpoint, then I suppose you dismiss the vast majority of cardiovascular trials – because this is standard operating procedure – not an anomaly of this study. And this size benefit has long been heralded in the cardiology literature as substantial – just saying.
I find your arguments unpersuasive. Whatever someone's view was before the trial, it is hard to say that the trial would have made them more certain that the intervention was ineffective.
For those who did not see my post, it is at:
Your point about composite endpoints could apply to much of the cardiology literature. I agree there are a lot of issues with the TACT trial — it's relatively weak evidence. But Harlan didn't end up saying that chelation should be used. He said we need more evidence. But isn't there something to his idea that this study should decrease, not increase, the level of skepticism?
Actually the "needs more study" trope is always marched out for alternative therapies that entrenched interests refuse to accept no matter the evidence. Coconut oil for example not only has thousands of studies on it but also centuries of actual use but for some reason authority figures always resort to the "needs more study" trope to defer discussion on it. It's ludicrous and ridiculous.
Notwithstanding all the flaws in the TACT trial, I am particularly struck by the reaction its results have generated. If this were a gene therapy trial or a stem cell therapy trial, the results would be heralded as a major breakthrough, benefiting all mankind. There is clearly a double standard! We trumpet interventions for which there is no supportive evidence simply because these interventions are de rigueur.
The amount of missing data is a vexing issue, but it is not unique to TACT. Even though there was an imbalance in missing data favoring the chelation arm, there were no discernible differences in key prognostic covariates amongst the treatment groups (not apparent from eTable) or in the reasons for 'missingness' (not apparent in eTable 5). So the potential for "informative censoring" appears to be minimal. Moreover, the sensitivity analyses reported in eTable 8 and the underlying assumptions appear to be reasonable to me. My view on this issue is more closely aligned with Dan Mark's interpretation rather than with the editorial comments.
With regards to composite endpoints, while I look at the 'improper but creative' use of composite endpoints in contemporary clinical trials with disdain, more than half the drugs approved for CV indications would not pass the stringent muster of 'proper and clinically relevant' composite endpoint.
A p value of 0.03 translates into a minimum Bayes' factor of 0.09 which indicates that the strength of evidence against the null is moderate. Translation, if one were to start with a pre-trial null hypothesis probability of 50% (reflecting equipoise, an ethical prerequisite for randomizing patients), the post-trial null hypothesis probability would still be 9%, which is not sufficient to change my practice. I favor evidence that reduces the post-trial null hypothesis probability to ~1%. However, the evidence cannot be dismissed, which is exactly the perspective voiced by Harlan!
The Bayesian would view today's posterior (TACT results) as tomorrow's prior, meaning the TACT results should decrease, not increase, the level of skepticism (as suggested by Matt Herper).
Finally, as remarked so elegantly by Steve Nissen, 'the road to hell is paved with biological plausibility'. Enough said about plausibility!
Welcome to the world of science skepticism by purported believers in science. It's merely a cover for prior bias.
As for implausibility: using statins to treat neurological problems? But someone tried that….
It is so tempting to toss in the label of quackery with chelation therapy. I wonder what great advances you may bury with an approach that embraces only what you can understand.
It starts back with Hippocrates, whose peers would surely have labeled him a quack. More recent example for me was a person I saw recently in status epilepticus.
When Hans Berger was a "quack" investigating mental telepathy, he sought to map the electromagnetic properties of the brain. His work led to the electroencephalograph, without which we'd be in the dark ages as we tried to manage epilepsy.
Sometimes the quacks have the cures, and when they are willing to subject their vision to clinical trials, the results should be evaluated thoughtfully.
Hi, I was a TACT investigator and one of Dr. Lamas, the principle investigators, assistants, you didn't mention the results. Isn't that part of "reporting."
26% benefit. End of story. Your bias cannot override the facts.
You admit chelation removes lead. That is the mechanism. Persons with heart disease have chronic lead accumulation. Explained in my new book: Healing Heart Disease with Chelation Therapy" and our new movie about it, "Unleaded." If you really care to know the truth, please at least see the trailer of the movie and atleast read the wikipidia article on chelation before you comment. thanks, Roy Heilbron MD


text:
Friendly, Good Snowmaking, Can Get Really Crowded
by Polekat914 - 10th November 2011
Pros: snowmaking, good for VA
Cons: long lines, ice, crowds
Skied 2 days over MLK weekend. The snowmaking abilities are impressive given the rest of the mountain was bare. Nearly all runs were open. It's usually i... Full review


text:
Yet More 64Bit
It's been a good week for 64Bit. Following high Bit releases from Wine and Flash, Sun is now offering a Java Plug-In for 64Bit browsers.
It's been a few years since 64Bit was considered to be all the rage. After a drought of emergency 32Bit solutions and constant complaints from users, it seems the software producers are becoming increasingly convinced of the need for 64Bit systems.
Thanks to the Sun 64Bit plug-in, Linux and Windows users can now enjoy Java with their 64Bit versions of Firefox 3. Sun's extension is available from update 12 of Java 6, but not for PC's with Sun's own Solaris-System, due to the absence of a 64Bit browser.
The plug-in can be downloaded from the Sun website, with installation instructions for Linux users available here.
Issue 166/2014
Tag Cloud
Heartbleed Bleeds On
According to a report, many potential victims of the Heartbleed attack have patched their systems, but few have cleaned up the crime scene to protect themselves from the effects of a previous intrusion.
Drone Brain Goes Open Source
DARPA and NICTA release the code for the ultra-secure microkernel system used in aerial drones.
Password Management Services Vulnerable to Attack
Should you trust an online service to store your online passwords?
New Raspberry Pi Adds Two USB Ports
New B+ board lets you build cool things without the complication of a powered USB hub.
Microsoft Grabs No-IP.com Domains
Redmond rushes in to root out alleged malware haven.
Firefox Steps into 3D
New initiative will bring futuristic virtual reality effects to the web surfing experience.
New Trojan Targets Online Banking
Dyreza malware launches a man-in-the-middle attack that compromises SSL.
HP Rolls Out Massive Cloud Network
New cloud combines worldwide access with local attention to data security.
New Attack Targets Wireless Logins
A first cousin of the recent Heartbleed attack affects EAP-based wireless and peer-to-peer authentication.
Geeks Petition for Free Lenovo BIOS
FOSS community acts to protect freedom of choice for laptop devices.


text:
Our Counselors
Mercer University has full time admissions counselors that are here to assist you in every phase of the admissions process. They can answer your questions, provide you with visitation information for both on- and off-campus events, and assist you with scholarship and financial aid information. Many of our counselors are Mercer alumni and can offer an insider view of what it means to be a Mercerian. Be sure to reach out to them as often as you please.
Transfer students, click here.
International students, click here.
Recruited athletes, click here.
Select your home state on the map below to meet your counselor.
Alaska and Hawaii


text:
Mark your first year together with gorgeous gold and peridot jewelry.
SHOP first-year gift ideas
SHOP first-year gift ideas
Stunning sapphire and pink tourmaline are beautiful symbols of your love.
SHOP 5-year gift ideas
SHOP 5-year gift ideas
Celebrate a decade of love with dazzling diamonds and blue sapphire.
SHOP 10-year gift ideas
SHOP 10-year gift ideas
Emerald, yellow diamond and platinum jewelry will shine as bright as your love.
SHOP 20-year gift ideas
SHOP 20-year gift ideas
Commemorate your eternal romance with shimmering silver.
SHOP 25-year gift ideas
SHOP 25-year gift ideas
The golden jubilee calls for glowing gold jewelry.
SHOP 50-year gift ideas
SHOP 50-year gift ideas
For more gift ideas, check out our helpful chart for every anniversary in between.
Browse Gift Guide Chart


text:
Food and Drink Features
Greg Horton
City wine professionals give us their best prognostication for trends in the new year.
If it wasn't for their name, you'd never know Husbands have wives and 9-to-5s. Peruse through the many singles on their Bandcamp website and the youthful exuberance with which their music brims becomes clear: Sunlit melody is often obscured by ominous cloud cover, only to burst through in a densely layered amalgam of reverb-laced guitar and soaring harmonies dubbed to the max.


text:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
|Release Date: July 31, 1992
|Running Time: 86 mins.
|MPAA Rating: PG 13
|Box Office: $14,132,507.00
|Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror
Kristy Swanson
Donald Sutherland
Paul Reubens
Rutger Hauer
All Cast & Crew >>
Summary:Story about a very hip vampire who leaves Romania for the consumerism of America, and Buffy, "cheerleader by day, vampire slayer by night."
Now Playing In Theaters:
Browse More Movies:


text:
Accent on Performance Holiday Collectionarr. John O'Reilly & Mark Williams - Alfred Music Publishing
Originally written as separate arrangements, 22 holiday band pieces have been included in an economical and convenient collection, each correlated with specific pages in the Accent on Achievement band method. Included are: First Christmas Sleigh Ride; Holiday for Basses; Early English Christmas; Little Drummer Boy and 18 others.


text:
Crocodile Creek
Crocodile Creek is an innovative design and manufacturing company committed to creating high-quality children's products. Crocodile Creek's product development team works closely with their manufacturing facilities to see that their products conform to all of the appropriate safety standards. Their products are tested with Third Party Accredited testing laboratories.


text:
Customer Reviews for Solids 14% Openness Solar Screens Window Shades
"Love My Solar Screens"
By Loving my blinds from MO
Used these in my sunroom and kitchen. I simply love them and they have made a huge difference in the temperature of the room.View this product
"Great Look"
By Ike from Las Vegas
This was very easy to install if you read the simple directions. They look really nice and block enough sun to keep the heat out yet leave a sufficient amount of light to come through. I would recommend this to anyone.View this product


text:
1. The is a hazardous weather outlook forewarning of frost before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Otherwise, today will be sunny with a high around 70. There will be mostly clear skies and a low around 36 tonight.
2. Grease is the word at Temeku Cinemas. Their Cult Classic Film Event is back with Grease. (PG-13). The show begins at 10 p.m. and is $5. The event repeats tomorrow night.
3. Head to Brunswick Cal Oaks Bowl, 40440 California Oaks Road, for some bowling fun. Cosmic Bowling takes place from midnight to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Music, laser lights, black lights and glow-in-the-dark features all make Cosmic Bowling nights out of this world.
4. Ryan's Comics, 25021 Madison Ave., is hosting a Magic the Gathering draft between 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Admission is $5 per person.
5. Every Friday, enjoy the French Valley Market. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., stop by this open-air market for fresh produce, food, crafters, vendors, entertainment and more. Held at Rancho Bella Vista/ French Valley Park, 31757 Browning Street, the event is free.


text:
FREE SHIPPING ON THOUSANDS OF STYLES. EVERY DAY.*more info
Men's LeBron Optic Lion T-Shirt
Dominate both sides of the game the LeBron Optic Lion Men's T-Shirt. With Dri-FIT fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin for faster evaporation, this versatile tee helps keep you dry and comfortable on and off the court. And a bold graphic at the front makes a style statement wherever you go.
You may also like
Customer Reviews


text:
Musical group Over the Rhine will be playing two big shows in Ohio over the next couple of months. First stop is the beautiful Victoria Theatre in Dayton on October 26, and then their annual Christmas show at the Taft Theatre here in Cincinnati on December 1.
Dayton may have been passed over to receive a space shuttle but the National Museum of the United States Air Force now has the next best thing. For more than 30 years Crew Compartment Trainer One was used to teach astronauts how to fly orbiters and operate equipment in space. Astronaut Greg Johnson was on hand Wednesday as CCT-1 arrived on the NASA Super Guppy aircraft. Johnson says he spent almost more time in the trainer than in actual space.


text:
Darcy Regier is busy every year around the trade deadline. Here are the moves made by the Sabres' general manager.
2-4-98 Acquired Geoff Sanderson from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Brad May and a third-round draft pick in 1999.
3-24-98 Acquired Paul Kruse and Jason Holland from the N.Y. Islanders in exchange for Jason Dawe.
3-11-99 Acquired Stu Barnes from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Matthew Barnaby.
3-23-99 Acquired Joe Juneau and a 1999 third-round draft choice (Tim Preston) from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Alexei Tezikov. Traded Mike Wilson to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Rhett Warrener and a 1999 fifth-round draft choice (Ryan Miller). Traded Derek Plante to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 1999 second-round draft choice (Michael Zigomanis).
3-10-00 Acquired Chris Gratton and a second-round draft choice in 2001 from Tampa Bay in exchange for Wayne Primeau, Brian Holzinger, Cory Sarich, and a third-round selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Acquired Doug Gilmour and Jean-Pierre Dumont from Chicago in exchange for Michal Grosek.
3-13-01 Acquired RW Donald Audette from Atlanta for C Kamil Piros and a fourth-round pick in 2001 NHL Entry Draft; acquired Steve Heinze from Columbus for a third-round draft pick in 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
3-19-02 Acquired C Bob Corkum from Atlanta for a fifth-round pick in 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
2-25-03 Acquired C Jakub Klepis from Ottawa in exchange for RW Vaclav Varada and a fifth-round draft pick in 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
3-10-03 Traded C Stu Barnes to Dallas for C Mike Ryan and Dallas' second-round draft choice in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft; Traded RW Rob Ray to Ottawa for future considerations.
3-11-03 Acquired C Daniel Briere and Phoenix's third-round selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft for C Chris Gratton and Buffalo's fourth-round choice in the 2004 Entry Draft.
3-08-04 Acquired Brad Brown and a sixth-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft from Minnesota in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
3-09-04 Acquired Jeff Jillson and a ninth-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft from San Jose in exchange for Curtis Brown and Andy Delmore; Acquired Mike Grier from Washington in exchange for Jakub Klepis.
3-09-06 Traded G Mika Noronen to Vancouver in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
2-27-07 Acquired C Dainius Zubrus and D Timo Helbling from Washington for Jiri Novotny and Buffalo's first-round selection in the 2007 Entry Draft; acquired G Ty Conklin from Columbus in exchange for Buffalo's fifth-round selection in the 2007 Entry Draft; acquired D Mikko Lehtonen from Nashville in exchange for Buffalo's fourth-round selection in the 2007 Entry Draft; trade Martin Biron to Philadelphia for their second-round selection in the 2007 Entry Draft.
2-26-08 Acquired Steve Bernier and a first-round selection in 2008 Entry Draft in exchange for Brian Campbell and a seventh-round selection in 2008 Entry Draft.
3-4-09 Acquired G Mikael Tellqvist from Phoenix in exchange for a Buffalo's fourth round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft; Acquired C Dominic Moore from Toronto in exchange for Buffalo's second round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft; Acquired Edmonton's second round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for RW Ales Kotalik.
3-3-10 Acquired RW Raffi Torres from Columbus for D Nathan Paetsch, second-round pick; traded RW Clarke MacArthur to Atlanta for third- and fourth-round picks.
2-28-11 Acquired LW Brad Boyes from St. Louis for second-round pick.
2-27-12 Acquired C Cody Hodgson and D Alexander Sulzer from Vancouver for RW Zack Kassian and D Marc-Andre Gragnani; traded C Paul Gaustad and fourth-round pick to Nashville for first-round pick.
taggedTrade deadline


text:
School officials discovered threats written on school property at Avon High School Thursday.
Avon police are currently conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, Avon Police Lt. Kelly Walsh said. No one was in immediate danger, she said.
"The threats were directed at school staff, destruction of school property and racial and anti-Semitic epithets," Avon Police Capt. Jeffrey Blatter said in a written statement late Thursday afternoon.
When asked about the content of the threats and the medium used to write them, Walsh declined to comment further because of the ongoing investigation.
The graffiti was reported to police at 1:17 p.m., according to Blatter. Avon police officers and detectives responded, Walsh said.
The threats were written on two bathroom walls at the high school, Avon Superintendent of Schools Gary Mala wrote in a letter to the community after visiting the school in the afternoon to be briefed on the incident. Police were at the school when he arrived, he said.
"I wish to stress that at no time was the safety or security of Avon High School compromised," Mala wrote in his letter. "Additionally, we are using all available resources and processes to respond properly and will keep you updated as appropriate."
The department is working with the Avon Public Schools Central Office in the investigation, Walsh said.
"School officials are following appropriate processes in response to what was discovered," police said in the press release.
Students will return to school on Friday.
"We do not anticipate any interruption to the school schedule," Mala said in his letter.
The incident did not cause any delay to a pre-scheduled eighth-grade orientation event at the high school and the parking lot was packed in the evening.
If you have information on the written threats, Avon police request that you contact police dispatch at 860-409-4200.
Editor's Note: This story was last updated at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 to incorporate information from Superintendent Gary Mala's written letter to the community.


text:
"How I personally convert 60% to 86%
Here's how to order right now!
The Invisible Close™ is NOW SHIPPING!
To immediately DOWNLOAD your copy of
"The Invisible Close™"
Boost Sales Without Being Salesy.
Structure and Present IRRESISTIBLE OFFERS
Instantly Make Thousands of Additional Dollars Each and
If you're a speaker, trainer, coach, consultant or anyone using a presentation style sales approach, and you've been out there giving your heart and soul, providing amazing value and doing overall great presentations, and your audience is still not throwing their wallets at you…I have some great news.
You have at last found a source where you can discover WHY NOT?
And more important, WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THAT!
Hi Everyone, I'm Lisa Sasevich, known by many as "The Queen of Sales Conversion."
The good news is, for most of my clients, the adjustments that make the difference between 10% and 40% sales conversion are small, easy to implement changes that make a difference right away and cost nothing to implement.
Look, if you've never converted 60% of a room before and it happens once, it's a fluke. A really cool fluke, but a fluke nonetheless.
Now, if it happens twice, you may find yourself getting excited. I know I did.
And of course, if it happens a third time, now you know you're on to something. Wahoo!!!
So the question is, how can you hit that exciting 40%, 60% or 80% sales conversion target consistently; knowing exactly what you did to cause it and having confidence that you can cause it again and again and again.
When I first started selling from the stage, I would have great sales success at one event, and then go into the next event in total fear that I might leave out that critical element that was the key to my success on the last round. And me on the stage, presenting with that fear in the background…well, let's just say it wasn't a pretty sight.
What I soon discovered is that presentation style selling involves much more than making a strong sales offer at the end of a good talk. Once I began to understand the structure of how my presentation and my offer fit together…
I stopped looking at my presentations as
and started seeing them as an integrated experience where my job is to build desire in my audience starting from when the first word comes out of my mouth!
Just imagine...
How much more money would you be making if you could do this?
What would be the impact if you were able to increase your existing results by 20%? 40%? 100%?
Let's face it; there are a lot of areas of your business that need your attention. I found that
Focusing my attention on increasing sales conversion was the most surefire way to make thousands of additional dollars without working any harder.
It's just a reality that if you sell your offering to 20 out of 100 people one week and then 40 out of 100 people the next week, you just doubled your income. And you did it while spending the same amount of time, money and energy you spent the week before. I don't know about you, but those kind of results make me REALLY HAPPY!
I imagine by now you're wondering, "Who is this person, Lisa Sasevich and how does she know so much about Sales Conversion?"
My story begins about eight years ago, when I started working with the owner of a small seminar company that taught women how to understand men. In business for five years, the company had grown very slowly, even though it provided an excellent education.
I soon saw that the slow growth was partly a result of the owner's relationship to sales. While she had a gift in developing valuable seminars, she possessed an attitude that many business owners have, which is…
"I don't want to seem pushy or 'salesy'."
Can you relate?
I believe a large percentage of us feel that way and yet so many companies I work with allow that fear to hinder their ability to penetrate the market with their unique offering (i.e. SELL!).
I worked for that seminar company in different capacities for many years, and one of the things I learned about myself during that time is that, regardless of my role, I'm a Results Junkie!
In other words, I love to see people:
Even if the outcome of their choice is "No," I love that they are clear about their choice.
So, during my time with this company I began to study what could move people from the "Maybe" position, where people are frozen and no action happens, to the "Yes" position, where they act.
My "A-Ha" moment
One weekend, while attending a seminar about money, it was suggested that each of us has something called our "Million Dollar Value" to offer the world. I became curious about what my "Million Dollar Value" might be.
This is such a funny story, because as you'll see, it was right in front of my face, but I couldn't see it by myself. (This is very common!)
I hired a coach to help me start investigating. During one of our first calls, I was telling him that one of my favorite elements of leading weekend seminars and introductory evenings were the results. I told him I got so high when 86% of the women in a weekend workshop I led registered to do the rest of the curriculum, and that it was the best rush for me when 40, 50 or 60% of the women who attended my introductory events signed up to do the weekend workshops.
I barely finished telling him this when he said, "You do what percent? Lisa, do you do this all the time?"
"Yes" I said. "I travel around the country and do this all the time."
He was silent, and then said jokingly, "And you're still confused about what your Million Dollar Value is?"
It didn't take long for me to realize that I had a gift in this area. Speaking with my coach, I started reflecting back on all the situations where I had produced these kinds of sales results at so many of the companies for which I had worked over the previous 19 years.
I looked around and saw that many companies are very satisfied with 10 to 30 percent conversion in live seminars and sales presentations.
You can work your tail off for exposure to
As I began attending other talks and trainings, I quickly saw that there were so many amazing
doing all kinds of talks, seminars, workshops and introductions and providing so much value yet failing to sell.
It doesn't matter how skilled you are if, after your amazing presentation, people do not buy your product, hire you as a coach, sign up for your real estate listing service or try the wonderful organic makeup you sell. Your natural talent has no impact if you are not getting to share your wealth with the world and thus receive the wealth that people have to share with you.
Remember, when people don't buy it doesn't mean that they are not intrigued. You might be the most polished presenter or the most charismatic teacher on the planet, but
If you are not giving people what they need
Given that you're reading this, I'll assume that you would like to find out how to start increasing your sales closing ratio right away, so the first thing I'd like to do is send you my six-part series, "Simple, Quick and Easy Ways to Boost Sales Without Spending a Dime" for FREE.
Just put your first name and email address in the box below and I'll send you part one immediately.
If you would like to sell more, work less and share your valuable products and services with the world, then this might be the most important letter you ever read.
Rest assured, I'm not a professional author who has written a book about a subject I've researched. I'm a regular gal from California who has written about what I do every day…and you can do the same.
"Lisa is the hottest ticket in the market..."
"Lisa is the hottest ticket in the market right if you want to significantly increase your sales and revenues from the platform and in your business." The Invisible Close get's smack into the psychology of making the sales by presenting your products or services in a way that puts you in control and your prospects wanting to buy.
If anyone buys her material, uses it and it doesn't work better than the
traditional methods out there... they must be presenting to a dead
"Lisa Sasevich is the "bomb!" She is the magic pill
"I recently purchased Lisa's Ebook on The Invisible Close™ and I must tell you, I don't buy Ebooks. This one was recommended to me and I am so glad I bought it. I learned so many things that made me feel more confident on stage and gave me some secret weapons to take my closing ratio from about 10% to over 40% on a consistent basis. For me, that's phenomenal! I'm not one of those people that likes to close. I'm one of those people that likes to focus on connecting with my audience. The Invisible Close gave me exactly what I needed to have the feeling of being authentic on stage AND get people to take further action. I highly recommend that you go right now and get The Invisible Close for you and your business."
Melanie Benson Strick
"The Results Were Mindblowing!"
"Just one idea I took from Lisa's ebook allowed me to easily and naturally add a more powerful sales message to my educational-style presentation. And the results were mind blowing. Shortly after I discovered Lisa's tips I made two 75-minute presentations to fairly small groups and generated over $85,000 in back of the room sales! This was one heck of a return on my investment!"
Adam Urbanski
"Lisa, I just finished reading your book and I must say, it's fabulous and evil. You shouldn't be sharing all these secrets with people!"
"It cost me well over 50K to learn the techniques in your book. I'm implementing the ones that I wasn't yet using in my workshops right now. I highly recommend your information to anyone who owns a business or is in any kind of sales capacity. Rest assured Lisa, there's nothing out there that compares to what you're doing."
Stephan Stavrakis MCHt
"I am giddy with excitement!"
"I am giddy with excitement about the recent results I experienced after making the first round of changes to my Free Seminar. With my new irrestible offer sheet, sampling of seeding and a total re-write to my seminar (eliminating my logical, analytical power point presentation) I totally kicked butt...
As I read the book, I was like oh, this is me...oh no I do that....oh crap I can't believe I'm doing this. I took it like a trooper and started reviewing my materials and implemented the changes. Thank you for such a great product!"
Christine Conway
I've included these testimonials because I know there is SO MUCH OUT THERE that promises to help you make a mint quickly and easily. I am not offering a 'get rich quick' scheme or a handbook full of sleazy, out dated, make-your-hair-stand-up on the back of your neck, manipulative sales strategies.
As Mari and Stephan shared above, I'm offering proven, simple to implement techniques that will help you secure more customers and make more money with little to no marketing budget and without being 'salesy.'
Your Products and Services Will Sell Like Crazy
So if you're looking for some quick and easy ways to boost your sales, energize your life and earn double, triple or quadruple your current income, I encourage you to take a strong look at "The Invisible Close™."
I'm going to show you in detail how to get started using my proven, simple to implement techniques that will help you turn prospects into paying clients.
Once you learn the time-tested techniques outlined in this book, you will know how to surpass your wildest expectations and chuckle as you watch your audience frantically fill out your sales order form to get what you have.
The Invisible Close™ is NOW SHIPPING!
To immediately DOWNLOAD your copy of
"The Invisible Close™"
Many people find their way to me via one of my happy clients. But if you stumbled upon my website without the benefit of meeting one of the many happy implementers of this information, then, well, you're probably skeptical. That's normal and healthy. Let me give you three good reasons I can back up what I claim:
Three Reasons to Believe What I Say
Reason One: I have been a successful, top-producing salesperson for over 22 years and have never missed a quota. I've been trained by the big guys like Pfizer and Hewlett-Packard, thus there isn't much I haven't tried or seen in this arena. I've sorted through what works and what doesn't through the school of hard knocks. Most traditional "closing" strategies don't work, turn people off and end up closing the door, not the sale. The techniques I will teach you are the ones I continuously use and I will absolutely guarantee you that if you implement them, they will work for you too.
Reason Two: I've been using these techniques in my own business and in my consulting practice for companies in a wide variety of industries, and because they consistently produce results, I make a very comfortable living for my family while my husband finishes his Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship. As an onstage presenter for the last 8 years, I personally convert 60% to 86% of my audience into happy paying customers on-the-spot...and you can too.
Reason Three: I recently used these very same techniques to take a small seminar company from $300K a year to over $1 million a year...all with no marketing budget!
Get Your Hands on
Most important, I will show you how to share the
"The Invisible Close™" is compact and to the point. You can read this guide in one day and be in action, making sales, tomorrow! No fluff, no filler, just page after page of proven, simple to implement sales strategies that produce results.
Now, you're probably wondering how and why this guide can help you do all those things.
Let me explain. You see, as I mentioned earlier...
I am a results junkie.
It breaks my heart to see salespeople and platform presenters give fabulous, valuable presentations, but miss the needed elements to convert sales on the spot.
It's a rip off not to give your customers
...and I see it happening over and over again in nearly every sales presentation I attend.
My goal in this guide is to share my gift of sales conversion (on-the-spot, one-call closing) with you so that you know exactly what to pay attention to and what to include to have that happen consistently for you.
I'm all about you increasing your bottom line...
...while sharing your gifts, talents, products and services with the world. I love seeing people handsomely paid for what they provide, but it doesn't happen without paying attention to what's in this guide.
For some people, it comes naturally, but for most it doesn't.
Fortunately, it's a learnable skill.
This product was originally called "The Insider's Guide to Designing and Presenting Irresistible Offers". After receiving feedback from my first set of readers, I realized that it had so much more than just the advice on using Irresistible Offers. It needed a bigger name to encompass all of the no-pressure sales closing techniques that were exploding off of every page.
This is THE resource for salespeople
It houses the secrets that every platform presenter and direct salesperson needs to know. It contains the missing links in many marketing presentations and reveals secret after proven secret to pumping fresh power into your sales presentation.
In my opinion, this guide is the starting point to make any business profitable and is a must read for those who want to be wildly successful.
If you're tired of being the best kept secret in your field, read it, learn it, live it, love it!
I've been told time and time again that "The Invisible Close™" is unlike any other sales book you've ever read, and having read many sales books over the years, I have to say...I humbly agree.
Don't take my word for it.
Warning: Do NOT buy any book about
There is a lot of confusion surrounding our field. I want to give you 5 criteria or elements you absolutely, positively must look for in any product you buy that promises to help you increase sales:
You get at least 10 times your money's worth!
Okay. Let's talk about price. There are many directions you can go when looking for the magic key to doubling or tripling your sales. Most sales seminars and workshops run between $2,000 and $5,000 and teach old school, cookie-cutter techniques that don't work anymore.
I normally charge over $3500 an hour for sales consulting and this book contains what would take me at least 20 hours to teach you, thus it contains $70,000 of my time.
By reading and implementing the simple ideas in "The Invisible Close™," you will save yourself the costly expense of other non-effective marketing and PR attempts and worst of all, countless missed opportunities. I was recently told by a big named platform presenter that he spent over $50K to learn what I teach you on the pages of "The Invisible Close™."
The bottom line for most businesses is...
If you sell even ONE MORE UNIT of your offering
Now you may be wondering...
"Does 'The Queen of Sales Conversion'
You bet I do! Read on...
If you respond right away, you pay only
However, if you act TODAY,
Since I know it's 100% to your benefit to act right away, I want to sweeten the pot and give you every possible reason to say YES today! If you respond immediately, you'll also receive the following:
By the way, these bonuses are yours to keep even in the unlikely event you decide to take advantage of my ironclad money back guarantee:
You can't lose with my 100%
Your satisfaction is assured through my NO RISK, "YOU-CAN'T-LOSE", 100%, NO-QUESTIONS-ASKED, IRON CLAD MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Now that's as strong as I can say it. I have spent hours and hours developing this guide and I KNOW you can make thousands of additional dollars each month if you implement even a few of my suggestions. However, if for any reason, you aren't thrilled and satisfied with my product, just contact me within 6 months and I'll refund 100% of your purchase price. No hard feelings. No hoops to jump through. FAIR ENOUGH???
What I'm saying is...
Just download it, read it and try out my ideas. If it doesn't do everything I say and more, if you don't secure more customers and make more money without it costing you an arm and a leg; if it doesn't work for you, your style, your business model, you have nothing to worry about because you can get every red cent of your money back under my no-loopholes guarantee. So you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. All the risks are on me.
Here's how to order right now!
The Invisible Close™ is NOW SHIPPING!
To immediately DOWNLOAD your copy of
"The Invisible Close™"
To your success,
P.S. Not able to order online? No problem! Just call us at 646-368-8210 and we will take your payment by phone and immediately e-mail your guide to you.