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I mean at some point you've just got to feel for the Bucks. Coming off of another irrelevant season they make a ton of irrelevant moves to make sure they stay in a state of perpetual irrelevance and what happens when they try to welcome their new retread/irrelevant coach? The venue they hold it that is owned by a guy who was just suspended for the rest of the baseball season for PED use and is becoming a social pariah. It's so Bucks it hurts.
Also as a side note, I give it until spring before the Graffito reopens with a new name. I've eaten there once and while the food was okay it was wildly overpriced. I guess those testosterone throat lozenges don't pay for themselves! But I'm pretty sure the only reason anyone went there was to support the hometown ballplayer with the long contract. Plus the bulk of the menu was Italian food and at best I'd give it a 6/10. It's no Olive Garden that's for sure. So unless Braun starts repairing his image STAT, my guess is even Jon Taffer can't rescue that joint.
PS: Larry Drew on the day of his welcoming party:


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I ordered this pouf in the turquoise color. The color is way way off from the picture. The ottoman I received is baby blue with navy stitching. Not a hint of turquoise or gold/yellow stitching.
I was eye-ing this ottoman for a while based on its price, color and good reviews, and I was thrilled when this item became re-stocked again, so I bought it right away as soon as it was available. But, only to come to a dissapointment when I opened the box to find that the color does not match with the color shown on the listing. Not to mention, there are a few small holes in the leather. So, unfortunately I returned this back to OS!
I love the bright uniform pumpkin color, size and weight of this ottoman. The leather does not have a bad smell and is sealed well enough that it did not stain when my dog licked it. It is very solid, unlike the ones I bought in Morocco and had to stuff myself. Mine arrived with a small tear next to one of the points in the stitching which I find acceptable given the nature of the product. It is a fun, offbeat and useful accent piece that really livens up a quiet corner in my study.
I like the product. Comfortable, good quality leather, keeps shape well. Easy to move. Good decorative piece.
I have a green LEATHER chair and needed an ottoman. The ottoman's made for this chair are very expensive so I am happy to find this affordable little ottoman. It isn't used often but it's there should someone need it. This chair is in a seldom used room.
Love these poofs. Great size and Beautiful color.they are exactly as stated in description. Perfect as extra seating or foot stool.
I purchased two of these, after reading the reviews here. I was wary, but decided to take a chance. They arrived yesterday, and straight out of the box looked scuffed and worn. Upon closer inspection, I noticed pen markings on both! (one on the top, the other on the bottom). Additionally, there are black marks all over one of them. I decided to return them, which was good, b/c when I came downstairs this morning, and saw them in natural light, I realized they are different colors! One is like a pumpkin orange; the other is more tangerine. I like supporting local artisans, and I have no problem with something looking 'handmade'; however, I feel these are just really poor quality. I've had great luck with all my other overstock furniture purchases, so I'm sad this one didn't work out.
This item is exactly what I expected. The color is bright {I ordered orange] but that is what I was looking for. I would say the colors are as pictured on my Mac.
I have seen similar ottomans at 3 times the price. This is a bit smaller that I had anticipated but a better quality than I had anticipated. Looks great. Comfortable to put your feet on or to sit upon.
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subset: commoncrawl


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The Detroit News reported one Friday that three warrants were filed against a prominent Wayne County official alleging he took kickbacks in exchange for lucrative county contracts.
The first warrant contended the official took money from a politically connected contractor in exchange for the county using his cleaning product called Solventol.
The second alleged the same official took nearly $18,000 from a meat vendor who in turn was permitted to sell beef and butter to county institutions.
The third charged that the official took another $10,000 from an insurance company for a share of Wayne County's bonding and insurance business.
The official, Edward H. Williams, could not be reached for comment. That is because Williams died long ago, after serving three years in state prison for public bribery.
The Detroit News report of his indictment was from Friday, Dec. 26, 1941. The yellowing hardcopy of the paper was sent to me by a viewer who thought I might find the historical artifact interesting. When I called the viewer, he said he never noticed the county corruption story.
"Ha, ha," he said. "The more things change, the more they stay the same." It's true. Corruption came before Coleman Young and Ed McNamara and Kwame Kilpatrick. Corruption is in Detroit's very fiber.
The scandal must have been important because there it is in the left-hand column of the paper next to news of Gen. Douglas MacArthur fleeing Manila and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressing U.S. Congress three weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. For some context, a bottle of Pepsi Cola was selling for a nickel and women's underpants went for 29 cents.
Williams was a member of the County Board of Auditors, a three-man committee that was the precursor to the current position of County Executive. All three members, it turns out, were sent to prison in 1942 as well as the county sheriff and a prosecutor. All for public malfeasance.
So here we are again. It's 70 years later and we have an FBI probe into County Executive Bob Ficano and his deputies. The contracts they doled out. The political donations they received. (I'm told indictments could come as soon as February.)
Ficano claims ignorance, saying a lot of things went on under his nose that he was not aware of. And maybe that's true. Maybe he was not an agent of commission.
But if his defense is omission -- that as leader of Michigan's largest county he did not know his deputies were shaking down contractors, getting sweetheart severance deals and taking checks from people with business before the government -– then one has to wonder, who is running Wayne County?
When the last of the county auditors was tried in September 1942, the Detroit Free Press published an article that rings like an echo from the old train station. It reads in part:
"Altogether, Michigan's taxpayers have taken a thorough financial drubbing from corrupt officials in this county ... it is inevitable that sooner or later another gang of rogues will take it over. Then the whole costly, shameful process will have to be gone through again –- with every taxpayer in Michigan as the ultimate sucker."
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But now that a Jan. 6 article has confirmed she provided inaccurate information to that publication about those bankruptcies — and also suffered repeated domestic abuse — it's time for us to weigh in.
On one hand, kudos must go to Lustgarten for overcoming these challenges and for making a new life for herself, even getting elected to the City Council.
At the same time, it's troubling that she apparently misled the media, and ultimately the public, about her past — even though that past is obviously a sensitive topic and we understand her desire to want to move on.
Lustgarten says she simply misunderstood the question, and thought to herself that because her bankruptcies happened so long ago, they were no longer on her record and were therefore irrelevant.
But the question was rather straightforward: "Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?" It was not a question about her current credit record. The Bee asked about whether she had ever filed for bankruptcy.
At least Lustgarten admitted to making a mistake.
We see no reason for Lustgarten to resign based on this incident, but local residents will be watching her closely — as well as the rest of the council — to ensure that matters are carried out with integrity.
And we hope Lustgarten pays closer attention to the wording in her council agendas than she did to the question offered by Modesto Bee.
At the same time, it seems those who are seeking to bring Lustgarten's past financial troubles into light are doing so at least partly because of political motivations. Especially considering that more information is being dug up regarding alleged elections law violations.
If Lustgarten committed provable violations, those must come to light. But if this is just a matter of speculation and hearsay, it's time to move on.
City politics in Patterson have taken a decidedly ugly turn during the past five years, creating an unhealthy atmosphere.
We hope the new council will rise above contentious rhetoric and take a different approach, for there is much work to do in the months ahead.


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PhD, University of Bath; MBA, Manchester Business School; PGCE, University of London; BA (Hons) University of Cambridge
Professor Nairn has over 15 years of experience teaching. Her area of research expertise is the ethics of marketing to young people. She works as a consultant to a range of governments, NGOs, and corporations including UNICEF, Family and Parenting Institute, Coca-Cola GB, Unilever, and Mothercare. She has served government panels for the U.K. Department of Education and the Department of Health to conduct a major review of the impact of the commercial world on children's wellbeing. She is a frequent press, radio and TV commentator on the ethics of marketing to children, and published a book, Consumer Kids.


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UPDATE: On Thursday morning crews rescued a woman from the Spokane River who was stuck at the flood gate by Riverfront Park. At one point she appeared to be eating debris from the river. The rescue proved to be challenging for rescue crews because the victim wouldn't respond or corporate with their instructions. At this hour the woman's identity is unknown. We'll post more details as we get them.
TWEET FROM KATIE: Right now officers are trying to save a person from going in the flood gate in the Spokane River. The rescue is happening near Riverfront Park. As soon as we learn more details we'll post them. Click HERE to follow Katie Steiner on Twitter.


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The conference was a great success. Thanks to all who attended.
Thank you to the 443 participants, 62 presenters, 19 sponsors and 29 exhibitors who helped make the annual P&I East Coast Defined Contribution Conference a success.
Once again we gathered the experts in the fields of investments, plan design, and communications to discuss the changes in the industry and offer you time-tested strategies that will help you make informed decisions for your plan and succeed in your efforts to provide an adequate retirement income for your plan's participants.
To get a glimpse of the event please go to the presentations page to view and download the session presentations, watch the video highlights of our keynote speakers below and go to the photo gallery page to view pictures of this great 2 1/2 day event.
P&I 2012 West Coast Defined Contribution Conference will be held on November 4-6, 2012 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Full conference details coming soon.
P&I 2013 East Coast Defined Contribution Conference will be relocating to the InterContinental Hotel in Miami. The conference dates are March 10-12. Full conference details coming soon.
We look forward to seeing our old friends and welcoming new ones to join us at these great educational and networking events.
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Visit the stunning 'Emerald Isle' and explore the lush green landscapes that earned Ireland its nickname. Rugged coastline and beautiful historic cities – including the captivating capital of Dublin – are all waiting to be discovered in glorious Ireland.
With its blend of warm Irish hospitality, rich literary heritage and famously exuberant nightlife, Dublin has an irresistible charm. Soak up the bohemian atmosphere of medieval Galway City and wander around the quaint cobbled streets of Kilkenny, stopping for a pint of Guinness at a cosy watering hole. Tuck into the fabulous culinary scene of Cork, or marvel at artistic masterpieces and explore the fascinating history of picturesque Limerick.
Steeped in history and boasting breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery, Ireland is a sparkling gem just begging to be explored. Take in miles of spectacular coastline sprinkled with lively fishing villages and idyllic sandy beaches. Or discover the unspoiled natural splendour and awe-inspiring ancient monuments of rural eastern Ireland. Experience the legendary 'Craic' in vibrant Dublin and visit the beautiful historic cities of Galway, Kilkenny and Limerick.
Not far from Dublin you'll discover a fantastic cliff-top walk at Howth Peninsula. Visit Bull Island – an enormous municipal park and nature reserve in Dublin Bay. Take a trip north to the banks of the River Boyne to see the UNESCO World Heritage site Bru na Boinne. Or venture south to visit County Wicklow, the 'Garden of Ireland', to explore Powerscourt, the Japanese Gardens at Kildare, or experience the dramatic horseracing at Curragh.


text: content December 2005 Increased magnesium linked with stronger bones NAC cuts cocaine cravings Study confirms melatonin's role in breast cancer prevention Fish oil protects against pollution-induced reduction in heart rate variability Green tea compound may help leukemia patients Omega-3 fatty acids help COPD patients Drinking tea may lower ovarian cancer risk Vitamin D could help asthma patients Fiber intake correlated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors Amino acid prevents muscle breakdown Higher levels of inflammatory markers linked with stroke risk What's Hot Archive December 30, 2005 Increased magnesium linked with stronger bones A report published in the published in the November 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that individuals who consumed more dietary and supplemental magnesium had greater bone mineral density (BMD) than those whose intake of the mineral was lower. Kathryn M. Ryder, MD, of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and colleagues analyzed data from 2,038 men and women aged 70 to 79 enrolled in the Health, Aging and Body Composition study. Magnesium intake was calculated via the use of food frequency questionnaires and medication inventories, and whole body bone mineral density was determined for all subjects. Dr Ryder's team discovered that less than 26 percent of the subjects met the recommended daily allowance for magnesium, which is 320 milligrams per day for women and 420 milligrams per day for men of this age group. Bone mineral density was found to be greater in African-American men and women than among Caucasians. Magnesium intake was positively associated with bone mineral density only for Caucasian men and women. Among Caucasian men and women whose magnesium intake was in the top one-fifth of participants, bone mineral density was 0.02 and 0.04 grams per cubic centimeters greater than the BMD of those whose intake was lowest. For each 100 milligram daily increase in magnesium intake, there was a one percent gain in bone density, an effect similar to that of calcium. Dr Ryder commented, "Although this seems small, increases across a population may have large public health impact." The authors suggest that magnesium could benefit bone mineral density via calciotropic hormones or by buffering the acidity produced by the typical Western diet. They conclude, "Higher magnesium intake through dietary change of supplementation may provide an additional strategy for the prevention of osteoporosis." —D Dye December 23, 2005 NAC cuts cocaine cravingsThe American College of Neuropsychopharmacology's annual conference held in Hawaii from December 11-15, 2005, was the site of a presentation by Peter Kalivas, PhD, Professor and Chair of the department of neurosciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) concerning the ability of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to reduce cravings associated with cocaine addiction. N-acetylcysteine is a popular dietary supplement available over the counter that has antioxidant and other benefits. Its metabolic pathway in the brain affects one of the same proteins that is affected by cocaine. In research funded by the National Institutes of Health, Dr Kalivas and his colleagues established cocaine dependency in rats and treated some of the animals with NAC. Unlike those who did not receive the amino acid, rats who received NAC ceased actively seeking cocaine and showed normal food-seeking behaviors. In a second experiment, conducted by MUSC's department of psychiatry, Dr Robert Malcolm and his team members tested N-acetylcysteine on fifteen cocaine-dependent inpatients. Participants treated with NAC spent less time looking at cocaine-related pictures when various pictures were shown to them and reported reduced craving for the drug. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed a reduction in activity in the prefrontal cortex (an area activated during cocaine craving) among those who received NAC, compared to patients who did not receive it. Dr Kalivas commented, "The potential to use NAC for the treatment of individuals addicted to cocaine is a major finding. For those individuals who have the desire to end their addictive habit, a NAC supplement might help to control their cravings." A clinical trial involving 282 individuals with cocaine addiction has been initiated to help clarify how NAC works in the brain to reduce craving for the drug. —D Dye December 21, 2005 Study confirms melatonin's role in breast cancer prevention The December 1 2005 issue of the journal Cancer Research http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/ published a report by researchers at the Bassett Research Institute of the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia that adds further evidence to the theory that the pineal hormone melatonin help prevents breast cancer, while a deficiency contributes to the disease. Rats with liver tumors or with implanted human breast cancers were exposed to varying intensities of light during twelve hour dark phases and were found to have levels of melatonin suppression that were dependent upon the dose of light received. The researchers then took blood samples from 12 women during daylight, at night after 2 hours of complete darkness, or during nighttime after exposure to 90 minutes of bright fluorescent light, and pumped the blood samples directly into the developing tumors. While tumors perfused with blood collected at night after complete darkness showed a significant reduction in growth, blood collected at night after light exposure was associated with a growth-stimulating effect similar to that of daytime-collected blood. Lead author David Blask, MD, PhD, who is a neuroendocrinologist with the Bassett Research Institute, concluded, "These results are due to a direct effect of the melatonin on the cancer cells. The melatonin is clearly suppressing tumor development and growth." "We know that many tumors are largely dependent on a nutrient called linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, in order to grow," Dr Blask explained, "Melatonin interferes with the tumor's ability to use linoleic acid as a growth signal, which causes tumor metabolism and growth activity to shut down." The authors conclude, "These mechanistic studies are the first to provide a rational biological explanation for the increased breast cancer risk in female night shift workers." —D Dye December 19, 2005 Fish oil protects against pollution-induced reduction in heart rate variability A report published in the December 15 2005 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine revealed that consuming fish oil capsules helped prevent the decline in heart rate variability associated with airborne particulate matter. Heart rate variability is a measure of autonomic nervous system regulation of the heart. Greater variability between beats reduces the chance of arrhythmia, heart attack and sudden death. Fernando Holguin, MD, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and his associates provided 26 Mexico City nursing home residents over the age of 60 with daily supplements containing two grams fish oil, while 24 residents received two grams soy oil per day for five months. The subjects, who spent 92 percent of their time indoors, were found to be exposed to indoor airborne particles measuring 2.5 microns or less. All participants had a low omega-3 fatty acid intake prior to the beginning of the study. Heart rate variability was assessed on alternative weekdays beginning one month before treatment period through the end of the supplementation period. Dr Holguin explained the findings: "In this randomized controlled trial, fish oil supplementation prevented the reduction in heart rate variability associated with the same-day exposure to indoor particulate matter. In contrast, soy oil, our comparison supplementation of plant-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids, was associated with a marginal, nonsignificant protection from the effects of particulate matter on heart rate variability." "Fish oil as a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could be considered as a potential form of preventive measure to reduce the risk of arrhythmia and sudden death in elderly subjects exposed to ambient air pollution," he added. —D Dye December 16, 2005 Green tea compound may help leukemia patients Acting on published findings by Mayo Clinic researchers that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound that occurs in green tea, kills leukemic B-cells derived from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a number of patients with the disease as well as individuals with other low grade lymphomas began to try over the counter green tea extract products, despite evidence of clinical benefit against the disease or information on optimal dosing. In a case study published online on December 1 2005 in Leukemia Research, Tait Shanafelt MD, who coauthored the earlier article, and colleagues report on improvements in four of these patients, three of whom met the criteria used to define a partial response in clinical trials. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia currently has no cure, and spontaneous remission or regression is rare. The previous research, published in the August 2004 issue of the American Hematology Society journal Blood, revealed that EGCG killed leukemic cells by interrupting communication signals needed for survival. The patients discussed in the current case study had documented clinical and/or laboratory evidence of steady progression of CLL prior to starting green tea products, and all experienced objective responses shortly after initiating the therapy. Dr Shanafelt, who is a hematologist at the Mayo Clinic, commented on the findings: "The experience of these individuals provides some suggestion that our previously published laboratory findings may actually translate into clinical effects for patients with this disease." Dr Shanafelt is currently the lead research in an NCI sponsored clinical trial that is examining the benefit of pharmacologic doses of green tea extract for early stage CLL patients. "Green tea has long been thought to have cancer-prevention capabilities," he added. "It is exciting that research is now demonstrating this agent may provide new hope for CLL patients." —D Dye December 14, 2005 Omega-3 fatty acids help COPD patientsA study reported in the December 2005 issue of Chest, the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, found that diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids reduced inflammatory markers and improve breathing and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, walnuts and canola oil, and have been found to lower inflammation and improve symptoms in a number of disorders. Researchers at Kagoshima University Hospital in Kagoshima, Japan enrolled sixty-four patients with COPD for the current study. Participants were provided with an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich dietary supplement, or a polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement containing the same amount of calories that was not rich in omega-3 fatty acids, to be taken daily for two years. Inflammatory mediators in blood serum and in sputum, exercise capacity, and dyspnea scores, which assess breathing difficulty, were evaluated before and after the study.The team found that individuals who received the omega-3 fatty acid-rich supplement had significantly decreased serum and sputum levels of the inflammatory cytokine leukotriene B4 as well as lower sputum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8 levels at the conclusion of the study. The group that did not receive the high omega-3 supplement experienced no change. Dyspnea scores and exercise capacity also significantly improved in the omega-3 supplemented group. "There is an urgent need to develop new anti-inflammatory treatment because no currently available agent, including corticosteorids, can slow the chronic progressive inflammation of COPD," the authors write. They note that the dose of omega-3 fatty acids used in the current study was small and suggest that future studies using high doses of omega-3 fatty acids in COPD "might be interesting." —D Dye December 12, 2005 Drinking tea may lower ovarian cancer risk The December 12 2005 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Internal Medicine, published the finding of Swedish researchers that women who drank at least two cups of tea per day had a lower risk of ovarian cancer than those who were not tea drinkers. Susanna C. Larsson, MSc, and Alicja Wolk, DMSc, of the Karolinska Institutet's National Institute of Environmental Medicine analyzed data obtained from 61,057 participants in the Swedish Mammography Cohort, a study of women aged 40 to 76 residing in two Swedish counties. Participants completed questionnaires upon enrollment from 1987 and 1990 that provided information on diet, education and other data. The women were followed for the incidence of cancer for an average of 15.1 years, during which time 301 women were diagnosed with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. Sixty-eight percent of the participants reported drinking tea at least once per month. Among these women, drinking less than one cup of tea per day was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than that experienced by women who drank tea less than monthly. Consuming one cup daily was associated with a 24 percent lower risk, and drinking two or more cups was linked with a 46 percent reduction. Antioxidant polyphenols in green and black teas have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in cell and animal studies. Inhibition of cell growth and angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis have all been proposed as mechanisms of action for tea against cancer. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols may also offer protection against the disease. The authors conclude that tea drinking may lower the risk of ovarian cancer, but because there has only been one other prospective study to examine this relationship, the findings need confirmation by future research. —D Dye December 9, 2005 Vitamin D could help asthma patients A report published in the December 8 2005 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation revealed that supplementing with vitamin D3 could help improve the response of asthma patients to steroid drugs, which are commonly prescribed for the disease. When inhalable steroids fail to elicit a response, oral steroid tablets are the only way to control the disease, however the drugs have significant side effects and do not always result in improvement, even at higher doses. This leaves some asthma patients at an increased risk of dying from the disease. For the current study, Dr Catherine Hawrylowicz and colleagues from King's College London added vitamin D3 to T-cells derived from patients who are steroid resistant. When cultured with the steroid drug dexamethasone, T-cells from these individuals fail to produce interleukin-10, a signaling molecule that can inhibit the immune response that causes allergic and asthmatic symptoms. They found that when vitamin D3 was added to the culture medium, the steroid-resistant cells produced interleukin-10 similarly to cells derived from steroid-responsive individuals. To test whether vitamin D3 would work in asthmatic humans, the researchers gave the vitamin to steroid-unresponsive subjects for seven days. Blood samples taken at the study's conclusion revealed an increase in the T-cells' responsiveness to dexamethasone. Dr Hawrylowicz commented, "'The hope is that this work will lead to new ways to treat people who don't respond to steroid treatment as it currently stands, and it could also help those people who are on heavy doses of steroids to reduce the amount of medication they are taking." "Interestingly, vitamin D3 is at present occasionally administered to patients with severe asthma to help prevent steroid-induced osteoporosis," she added. "Our studies suggest that there is an additional potential benefit to this treatment." —D Dye December 7, 2005 Fiber intake correlated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors A report published in the December 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed the finding of French researchers that increased dietary fiber intake is associated with reduced levels of a number of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The finding adds to a growing body of evidence linking higher dietary fiber intake with a lower risk of heart disease. Subjects were selected from participants in the SU.VI.MAX study, an ongoing trial designed to evaluate the effect of antioxidants on cancer and heart disease incidence over an eight year period. Participants who provided at least six twenty-four hour dietary recalls during the first two years of the study were included in the current analysis. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured during the second year of follow-up. Blood samples collected during the first year were analyzed for plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I and B, and lipoprotein A. Plasma homocysteine was measured in a subsample of men at the three year point. Individuals whose intake of dietary fiber was in the top one-fifth of participants had a significantly lower risk of being overweight as well as having elevations in blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, plasma apoplipoprotein B, apolipoprotein B to apoplipoprotein A-I ratio, cholesterol, triglycerides and homocysteine compared to those in the lowest fifth. A similar association was observed when nonsoluble dietary fiber was examined. Increased fiber intake from vegetables and cereals was associated with lower blood pressure and homocysteine levels. "These findings suggest that 25 grams total dietary fiber per day is the minimum intake required to achieve a significant protective effect against cardiovascular disease;" the authors write. "However, total dietary fiber intakes of 30-35 grams/day will provide an even greater protective effect." —D Dye December 5, 2005 Amino acid prevents muscle breakdown A study published in the December 2005 issue of The Journal of Physiology reported the findings of researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Centre Clermont-Ferrand and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique in France that adding the amino acid leucine to older individuals' diets could help prevent the muscle breakdown that occurs with aging. After age 40, humans lose 0.5 to 2 percent of their muscle tissue per year. In the current research, Lydie Combaret and colleagues studied muscle breakdown in young and old rats. Immediately after amino acids are consumed, muscle protein degradation slows and protein synthesis increases. This process is less effective in older animals, resulting in increased breakdown and slower synthesis. While it had been demonstrated that leucine could improve protein synthesis, the amino acid's effect on breakdown had not been previously determined. They found that the slow in degradation following a meal did not occur in the older rats, but adding leucine to the diet restored breakdown in older animals to that of younger rats. The authors believe that the problem results from a defect in the machinery that breaks down contractile muscle protein. Senior co-author Didier Attaix commented, "Preventing muscle wasting is a major socio-economic and public health issue, that we may be able to combat with a leucine-rich diet." In an accompanying "Perspectives" article in the same issue of the journal, Michael J Rennie summarized, "When old rats are fed a diet which is supplemented with leucine, there is what amounts to a rejuvenation of the normal postprandial inhibition of muscle protein breakdown . . . This is exciting because it strengthens the idea of a co-ordinated linkage between the meal-related stimulation of protein synthesis and the inhibition of breakdown." —D Dye December 2, 2005 Higher levels of inflammatory markers linked with stroke risk The November 28 2005 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Internal Medicine reported findings obtained from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study that elevations of two markers of inflammation are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. The ARIC study enrolled 12,762 healthy middle-aged men and women between 1987 and 1989.The current study compared 194 cases of participants who had an ischemic stroke over an approximate six year period with 766 noncases. C-reactive protein (CRP), a well-known marker of inflammation, and the proinflammatory enzyme lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), as well as plasma lipid levels and other factors, were measured at the beginning of the study. The research team found that mean Lp-PLA2 and CRP were higher among the participants who had undergone strokes than in those who had not, while there was no significant difference in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Participants whose CRP levels were in the top one-third of the participants had a 2.23 times greater risk of ischemic stroke than those in the lowest third, and for Lp-PLA2, the risk was 2.7 times higher for participants in the top third. The authors ask the question, "If LDL-C is not a major risk factor for stroke, then how can one explain the reduction of stroke observed in statin trials?" This is answered by the fact that statins reduce CRP levels by 20 to 40 percent as well as reduce Lp-PLA2 activity by 28 to 42 percent, similar to the reduction in stroke events seen with statin use. The authors conclude that "Lp-PLA2 and CRP levels may be complementary to traditional risk factors to identify middle-aged individuals at risk for stroke." —D Dye What's Hot Archive


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The federal government devotes a substantial and growing share of its budget to benefits for the nation's retirees through Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs. Federal spending on the "big three" benefit programs totaled nearly half of all federal spending in 2013. CBO projects federal spending for those programs under current law for the next decade and for the longer term, and it analyzes a wide range of proposals to change those programs. (See Health Care for further discussion of CBO's work on federal health care programs.) Additionally, the exclusion of pension contributions and earnings from taxable income constitutes one of the largest preferences in the federal income tax code. Together with the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, CBO analyzes the budgetary and economic effects of such tax preferences and potential changes to them.
Use this menu to filter CBO's publications by topic. From January 2011 forward, all the agency's products are categorized by topic. Cost estimates released prior to the 112th Congress are not categorized by topic.


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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - How many times have you heard Bob Barker or Betty White utter the line "please spay or neuter your pets?" It's sound advice considering the pet overpopulation and the solutions of adoption or euthanasia.
So it's with some hesitation that I tell you of my first dog "Tuffy." He was a cockapoo and he lived up to his name. When I visit Hot Springs, in the southern Black Hills, I can still see a little bit of that dog in many of the local mutts. He was that cute.
Because we did not "fix" him he roamed more than a herd of cattle. He was gone for days. We would drive Hot Springs, a town of about 4,000 residents; unknown number of dogs, yelling his name. Once he came home with three strings tied to his collar, somebody tried to tie him up.
When he did come home, and he always did, he would eat an entire bowl of food, drink the water and sleep for days.
He managed to get the neighbor's dog pregnant, a German Shepherd far larger than he. The puppies were the cutest and we managed to find owners for them all. Got to admit I was a proud owner. (She was out of his league)
I know, I know, irresponsible, can't deny it. There will be more Tuffy stories with skunks, a second male cock-a-poo and the winter day we buried, or tried to, Tuffy in our backyard


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Why Have Colorectal Cancer Mortality Rates Fallen?
Several years ago, research groups supported by NCI's Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network, or CISNET, developed computer models that estimated the impact of different factors on colorectal cancer mortality rates in the United States.
They estimated that approximately half of the reduction in colorectal cancer mortality was due to increased screening, just over a third was due to reductions in risk factors such as smoking, and a smaller proportion, 12 percent, was due to improved treatment.


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You are Here :
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Cabinet Cup PullsBrowse our huge range of quality cup pulls and recessed pulls. Cup pulls and recessed pulls can be used to create added dimension on your cabinets. KnobDeco.com offers cup pulls in a huge range of styles, finishes and sizes.
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Dana Wachter is a reporter and the weekend anchor for FOX Carolina News and usually appears on FOX Carolina News Tonight.
Dana grew up in Marietta, Ga., and went to school at the University of Maryland, where she graduated with a degree in broadcasting and a concentration in sociology.
In college, Dana interned at CNN, working with the Special Investigations Bureau. She spent a summer in Washington, D.C., interning with WTTG-TV. She also interned at ABC World News in Washington, D.C.
After graduating from Maryland, Dana headed back south to Johnson City, Tenn., to work at WJHL-TV, covering northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia.
In October 2010, Dana moved to the Upstate of South Carolina and joined FOX Carolina as a reporter for The Ten O'Clock News. About three years later, Dana became the weekend anchor for The Ten O'Clock News on Saturday and Sunday. She continues to report some week nights during FOX Carolina News Tonight.
E-mail: email@example.com
Follow Dana On: Facebook | Twitter
On the weekends, I love to: Be outside, explore new places and try new things.
My favorite food is: Cheese, and pretty much any type of food in which cheese can be incorporated.
Hobbies: Listening to live music, cooking, swimming, hiking, camping and being with friends and family.
Most Memorable Story: So many stories, and the people I've interviewed, have become a part of who I am. One of the hardest things I've done as a reporter was to be the one to tell a woman why the man she loved didn't come home the night before. The day before, he had driven more than an hour away, to a post office, and held hostages, prompting a police standoff. Shocked to hear the news, she told me that before I explained the situation, she had no idea why the FBI showed up at her door that morning. I do love opportunities to report on, and take part in, adventures around the region. In a two week span, I white water rafted with a local sheriff's department as they GPS mapped a river for their 911 system, I repelled off a bridge with an EMS rescue squad in training, and floated in a hot air balloon as teams prepared for a massive balloon rally.
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PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) -- Mubarak Wakaso stepped up in place of Asamoah Gyan and converted a 38th-minute penalty to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Mali on Thursday in the African Cup of Nations, then celebrated with a religious slogan that could leave him in trouble.
Wakaso put Ghana's Group B campaign on track after the title contenders blew a 2-0 lead to draw their opening match against Congo. He celebrated by showing the words "Allah is Great!" on a T-shirt under his jersey, breaking FIFA rules that bar players fropm displaying political or religious slogans on the field. He received a yellow card and a suspension for the final group game.
In the other Group B game, Congo and Niger played a scoreless draw.


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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It's an interesting thing about blogging – it's made us able to get a glimpse of hundreds of people's lives on a moment-by-moment basis. I don't have a lot of time (well, more to the point, I have no time at all) to read other blogs; I can barely keep up with posting to Murderati and my own blog. But I do click through on people's signature lines sometimes to see what they're up to; it's an extension of my natural writerly voyeurism.
And a certain pattern has emerged with the not-yet-published writers I spy on.
It goes something like this: "My current WIP is stalled, so I've been working on a short story." "I've gotten nothing done on my WIP this week." "I have reached the halfway point and have no idea where to go from here." "I had a great idea for a new book this week and I've been wondering if I should just give up on my WIP and start on this far superior idea."
Do you start to see what I'm seeing? People are getting about midway through a book, and then lose interest, or have no idea where to go from where they currently are, or realize that a different idea is superior to what they're working on and panic that they're wasting their time with the project they're working on, and hysteria ensues.
So I wanted to take today's blog to say this, because it really can't be said often enough.
Your first draft always sucks.
I've been a professional writer for almost all of my adult life and I've never written anything that I didn't hit the wall on, at one point or another. There is always a day, week, month, when I will lose all interest in the project I'm working on. I will realize it was insanity to think that I could ever write the fucking thing to begin with, or that anyone in their right mind would ever be interested in it, much less pay me for it. I will be sure that I would rather clean houses (not my own house, you understand, but other people's) than ever have to look at the story again.
And that stage can last for a good long time. Even to the end of the book, and beyond, for months, in which I will torture my significant other for week after week with my daily rants about how I will never be able to make the thing make any sense at all and will simply have to give back the advance money.
And I am not the only one. Not by a long shot. It's an occupational hazard that MOST of the people I know are writers, and I would say, based on anecdotal evidence, that this is by far the majority experience - even though there are a few people (or so they say) who revise as they're going along and when they type "The End" they actually mean it. Hah. I have no idea what that could possibly feel like,
Even though you will inevitably end up writing on projects that SHOULD be abandoned, you cannot afford to abandon ANY project. You must finish what you start, no matter how you feel about it. If that project never goes anywhere, that's tough, I feel your pain. But it happens to all of us. You do not know if you are going to be able to pull it off or not. The only way you will ever be able to pull it off is to get in the unwavering, completely non-negotiable habit of JUST DOING IT.
Your only hope is to keep going. Sit your ass down in the chair and keep cranking out your non-negotiable minimum number of daily pages, or words, in order, until you get to the end.
This is the way writing gets done.
Some of those pages will be decent, some of them will be unendurable. All of them will be fixable, even if fixing them means throwing them away. But you must get to the end, even if what you're writing seems to make no sense of all.
You have to finish.
I've had a couple of weeks in which my page marker has not moved past the number 198 because I keep deleting. Nothing I write makes any sense. I don't have enough characters, I'm not giving the characters I have enough time in these scenes, I have no conception of yacht terminology and am spending hours of my days researching only to find I'm more confused about how things work on a boat than when I started.
I have Hit. The. Wall.
Yeah, yeah, cue World's Smallest Violin.
Because – so what?
It always happens. I'm not special.
At some point you will come to hate what you're writing. That's normal. That pretty much describes the process of writing. It never gets better. But you MUST get over this and FINISH. Get to the end, and everything gets better from there, I promise. You will learn how to write in layers, and not care so much that your first draft sucks. Everyone's first draft sucks. It's what you do from there that counts.
That is not to say you can't set aside a special notebook and take 15 minutes a day AFTER you've done your minimum pages on the main project, and brainstorm on that other one. I'm a big fan of multitasking.
But working on that project is your reward for keeping moving on your main project.
Finish what you start. It's your only hope.
- Alex
Previous articles on story structure: (all also linked at right hand side of blog under WRITING ARTICLES).
Story Structure 101 - The Index Card Method
Screenwriting - The Craft
What's Your Premise?
What is High Concept?
Why the Three Act Structure?
Elements of Act One
Elements of Act Two
Elements of Act Two, Part 2
Elements of Act Three, Part 1
Elements of Act Three, Part 2
What Makes a Great Climax?
Visual Storytelling Part 1
Visual Storytelling Part 2
Creating Suspense
Creating Suspense, Part 2
Fairy Tale Structure and the List
Meta Structure
What Makes a Great Villain?
Villains: The Forces of Antagonism
23 comments:
Thank you so much for this post, Alex. I know I particularly needed to hear it. You're the best!
- seanachi said...
Alex, your timing is impeccable. I've been trying a new experiment in plotting out the entire WIP before starting to write and now that I've got the whole outline I've been staring at a blank page wondering how to start (the flu probably hasn't helped my focus any). I really needed this reminder to just butt in chair WRITE even if I have to revise the front end a dozen times. Thanks.
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Kristine, everyone needs to hear it. Pretty much every day. No one said this was easy (or if someone did ever say it was easy, send me an address so I can kill them).
Kait, hope you're feeling better! It's true, if you just sit there in the chair every day, you will eventually get bored and desperate enough to write something amazing.
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Kristine, everyone needs to hear it. Pretty much every day. No one said this was easy (or if someone did ever say it was easy, send me an address so I can kill them).
Kait, hope you're feeling better! It's true, if you just sit there in the chair every day, you will eventually get bored and desperate enough to write something amazing.
- R.J. Mangahas said...
Alex, what timing on this post. I was actually kicking myself because my WIP was stalled, but then I figured, "Hey, it's only a first draft. It's okay if it sucks. That's what re-writes are for."
It was really encouraging to see this post now. Thank you.
- Joylene Nowell Butler said...
I know you said everyone needs to hear this, but honestly -- I really needed to hear this. I'm lucky if I write 100 words a day. It's agony at this stage. Yet, I wouldn't have it any other way. At least I'm writing.
Thanks, Alex!
- Ace Antonio Hall said...
I concur...I'm at a place where I juggling ideas and this was very timely...Thanks!
- jnantz said...
Well said. Working on rewriting my first WIP right now. But yeah, that first "THE END" was a celebratory moment.
Oh and Alex, I LOVE the cover you put up for THE UNSEEN. Just the right amount of spooky, plus the large title font gives it a "This book will be a big deal" kind of feel. Congrats!
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Hey Ace! Yeah, we're all always juggling projects. One has to be your main focus... but AFTER that, stealing time for a secret new passion can work just fine.
In writing. WRITING.
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Jake, CONGRATULATIONS on getting to THE END. Everything from there is gravy.
And thanks, yes, I love the cover for THE UNSEEN, too.
It was a last-minute change and I should really do a post to put up the original that was discarded and this one, and see what people think.
- Kaycee James said...
Thanks for the post. It is great advice. Now I just have to take it... :-)
- Judi Romaine said...
So true - I love Sol Stein who says writing is actually editing - if you don't love editing, you're not a writer. It also reminds me of Outlier, Malcolm Gladwell says:
"In study after study, of composers, basketball players, fiction writers, ice-skaters, concert pianists, chess players, master criminals, this number comes up again and again. Ten thousand hours is equivalent to roughly three hours a day, or 20 hours a week, of practice over 10 years… No one has yet found a case in which true world-class expertise was accomplished in less time."
Lynn romaine - www..ecosuspense.blogspot.com
- Marina said...
I've heard this before, but it's very reassuring to hear it again now. I feel as if you've been peeking inside my head! I've been slogging on for weeks, hating nearly every painful word, and thinking "but surely writers are meant to love their work? Is it just me? Am I doing something wrong?". It's good to know I'm not alone.
I've only recently discovered your blog, and have been enjoying exploring your posts on writing. They've given me lots to think about. Thank you for taking so much time to share your knowledge.
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Kaycee, you can do it!
Judi, wow, that's an interesting point by Gladwell. Three hours a day doesn't seem like much, really. It's the ten years that count.
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Marina, I'm hating every painful word right now, too. But after I get through my five pages of painful words on the new book, I'm also revising my last book, during the writing of which I often hated every painful word, and I'm thinking - WOW, this is a great book!
It's only the initial brainstorming, and then the revision stages, when everything starts to click, that I actually enjoy.
- Karen from Mentor said...
Alexandra, (a few more times and I might get to "Alex" I have a hard time not going with Ms. Sokoloff)
I loved this post. That you would share having the experience of "this sucks" is just amazing. You make it look so easy.
I got to "The End" of my book; sent out a mass email saying I'M Done!.. and then wrote 5,000 new words THAT AFTERNOON. It was hysterical. Something about actually winding the story up got me in the right frame of mind to go back in and add the backstories, the layering that it needed that I didn't take the time for in the first rush through to get the story moving. And in some cases, the backstories didn't even occur to me until after I knew how the whole thing ended.
thanks for this great post!
Karen Schindler :)
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Karen, congratulations on getting to the end!
I know exactly what you mean about the backstories not occurring to you until you knew how it ended.
Even with all the outlining I do, my first draft is rarely more than the SHAPE of a book. But once I have that shape, all kinds of interesting stuff starts to happen within it.
If only that first draft didn't take so damn long....
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Oh, and good grief - I'm Alex. I still wonder who people are talking to when they say Alexandra.
Except my mother. I know exactly who she's talking to when she says Alexandra. And it's not good.
- Barbara Martin said...
Wise words for a writer. I keep wanting to change the ending to my first manuscript, whether to leave it soft for a closing of the threads of main and subplots, or strong, as a lead-in to the second manuscript.
I know this is a very old post, but if you see this comment, thanks for saving my sanity today. I have slogging forward, giving myself strict word-count requirements each day, loathing everything I write, and thinking (about every 4 seconds) "this isn't what Real Writers do." Thank you for making me feel that the exact opposite is true!
300 more words today and I can go for a walk!!! Staggering-- back-- to--notebook . . .
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Hey Ellen - you just pretty much described my standard writing day.
Sounds like you're doing just fine. I HATE the first draft. But it all gets better, I swear.
- Alexandra Sokoloff said...
Barbara, if it's sold already then you can leave it soft - but if this if a first novel, conventional wisdom is that you finish it strong, as if it's a standalone, and talk about the other books when you have an editor interested. (Agent first, of course...)
- Ellen said...
Thought I would share this from the immortal Martha Graham since your blog (and this post in particular) got me through a hard day of writing earlier in the week. Here's what's helping me through today:
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."


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Merit Scholarships for Freshmen
Claremont McKenna College offers three types of merit scholarships for our freshman applicants. While all are competitive, any student can apply. The three types are:
- McKenna Achievement Award - $10,000 / year
- Seaver Leadership Award - Full Tuition / year
- Interdisciplinary Science Scholarship (ISS) - Full Tuition / year
Who Can Apply
All applicants planning to enter CMC as freshmen are eligible for merit scholarship consideration. There are no citizenship, residency, or geographic restrictions. Scholarship awards are announced at the time of admission.
How to Apply
- Submit your Common Application on or before December 1.
- If applying for the Interdisciplinary Science Scholarship (ISS), you must file the CSS Profile (November 1 - ED & January 1 ED II and Regular Decision) and the FAFSA by March 1.
- Seriously... that's it.


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Daniel Carroll |
Research Economist
Daniel Carroll is a research economist in the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. His primary research interests are macroeconomics, public finance, and political economy. Currently, he is studying the implications of progressive income taxation for the distributions of wealth and income.
Dr. Carroll received a PhD in economics from the University of Virginia. He has a BA from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.


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Welcome to ARTE Creative!
Here you can view projects by renowned creatives where discovering, you can inspire and share with like-minded people. Sequence profiles of creative and cultural producers, put on your personal favorites or playlists, and will free part of an international creative community. About ARTE Creative
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Andy and Novak find themselves in a tricky situation.
A little girl's birthday party, a strange guy and an extraordinary challenge:
To play the ULTIMATE MATCH.
Take part in our sweepstake on our Social Media channels and win a Graphene Speed or Radical racquet signed by Novak or Andy.
Take a look behind the scenes.
Ever wondered what a film shoot with Andy and Novak looks like?
Check out our exclusive behind the scenes material.
*HEAD PRO Players may play with different racquets from the model shown.


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By Amy LangeFox 2 NewsWARREN, Mich. (WJBK) -- It was a terrifying start to the New Year for a Michigan State Police trooper stopped on the side of the interstate. A taxi plowed into his patrol car, and it's not the first time this trooper has been hit."He gets hit about 70 miles an hour in the back end. Didn't even knew it was coming," said Michigan State Police Lieutenant Michael Shaw.It all happened around 8:20 Tuesday morning on eastbound I-696 near Van Dyke. The trooper had pulled over a driver for speeding. He had a suspended license and was asked to come back to the patrol car. The trooper and the man being ticketed were sitting in the front seats when suddenly they were hit by a man driving a Getter Done taxi cab.This same trooper was hit just one month ago. In fact, this was the tenth time he has been hit in his 23 years with State Police."We're more worried about getting hit by a car then we are about getting shot. I mean, that's how serious it is for us," Shaw explained.The trauma team at Beaumont Hospital worked on both the trooper, as well as another individual in the accident. Both are in fair condition and should be okay."It's a pretty high impact crash, but the EMS personnel did a great job getting the patients here. We took good care of them. They seem to be doing okay at this time," said Dr. Patrick Pettengill.The taxi driver did have a passenger in his cab. Police will be interviewing both men as part of the investigation, trying to find out why the taxi driver swerved into the trooper.Meantime, Shaw had this reminder for drivers when it comes to emergency vehicles."Move over. If you can't move over, slow down. That's going to save a lot of [people's] lives. I mean, this could've been a lot worse."Everyone involved in the accident is expected to recover.
WJBK-TV | Fox 2 16550 West Nine Mile Rd.Southfield, MI 48075Main Station: (248) 557-2000Newsroom: (248) 552-5103


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I just had to get this out there now that I've calmed down a bit, but last week I had an incident with the CASA manager in our area. It upset me so bad that I cried for two days and just had a terrible time letting it go. Now I've let it go for the most part, but I just haven't felt like myself since.
So just to bring everyone up to date...mom did get visits suspended. They said it was both for her safety and for the baby's safety. I was feeling better after that, had a little more faith in those involved and their ability to make difficult decisions for the safety of this child. That feeling didn't last long though. Even though the petitioners (who were granted visitation until the ruling is made on their petitions) didn't show up for the very first one and knowingly did so, I still have to take her every other week to visit with them. They both showed up last time so all of a sudden people were acting like one of the petitions could happen. I was so confused as we were told by the CASA manager (before an advocate was assigned) that there was no way either petition would happen. She laughed when I asked her if either one of them was a contender and even made a joke when I told her one of the ladies was crying in court and really seemed to care. I assumed it meant she knew more than I did (of course) and didn't really question it. When I called her last week to ask some questions after things seemed to change this woman turned completely two faced on me.
A few weeks ago she said she'd be here until July, that we should go buy diapers and formula in bulk, etc. That the only think that could change would be determining paternity. Well when I called this day, she said that one of them could have a real chance and that I shouldn't even be asking her of the possibility because she couldn't tell me what their recommendation would be...she told me a few weeks ago they were recommending against it. She then proceeded to tell me that visits were suspended because of me...Apparently, me giving mom a Valentine card of her child (to make her feel better and not so sad and lonely on Valentine's day) is what caused her episode and she called it the catalyst that started this series of events. Mom has been off meds for weeks and has had repeated episodes for weeks. This one just happened to happen when I gave her that card. This lady indicated that I shouldn't have done it, and made it sound like I did it knowing she would freak out...since I have SOOO much knowledge of how to deal with Schizophrenic people. That's sarcasm there in case you didn't catch it.
She indicated that mom is depressed to the point of them being worried about her hurting herself and I told her it made me feel awful that this happened after I gave her a card to make her feeling better. She told me it is what it is and me doing that did start this series of events and basically indicated that mom losing her visits, being depressing, having episodes, not being on meds, and potentially hurting herself was MY fault! I should have just disregarded everything she said after that since obviously it's ridiculous but it really hurt me that anyone would accuse me of that. I've been afraid to call anyone else and haven't had any contact with our advocate, SW, or anyone. Honestly I've wanted to take a step back and not ask questions, not call unless it's an emergency, and just kind of get away from it. I just haven't felt the same since then. It upset me so bad that anyone would accuse me of something like that.
I've done nothing all along but try to help this mom and to try to include her in her daughter's life as much as possible. I've been telling everyone involved from day one that I was no comfortable meeting with her at visitation without some coaching on how to handle her episodes. No one ever helped or told me how to deal with anything. They just threw me to the wolves it feels like. Apparently mom is also angry at me now which will be great when visits start back and I'm sure they will at some point. When it happened, I apologized to the SW and she fell all over herself telling me that there was no way that was my fault and that I shouldn't waste any time worrying about it. I just hope that she isn't saying one thing to my face and talking to this other crazy woman behind my back or something. Now I feel like I can't trust any of them and I'm considering asking not to meet with mom at all anymore when visits start back.
Has anyone else been through anything like this while fostering? Sorry this was so long. It's still hard to get out. I am feeling like she was in the wrong and not me but losing trust in the system and in the people involved has thrown me for a loop.


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Look in the tackle boxes of any 10 bass fishermen you know, not only here in Louisiana but around the country as well and chances are excellent you'll find a Rat-L-Trap or two in half of them. With millions sold for years, this outstanding bass lure had its beginning and in fact, still calls Alexandria its home.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining a group of writers on a tour of north Louisiana lakes and outdoor-related industries to showcase just what our part of the world has to offer the fisherman. Hosted by the Explore Louisiana North group one of our stops was at the Bill Lewis Lure Company in Alexandria. Quite frankly, I was a bit shocked at what I saw.Subscribe to Read!


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Hall of Fame
Dave Franco: Wait. Wait. Wait. Let me get some drinks.
Dave Franco: I see you found the bedroom.
Dave Franco: Yeah, okay.
Dave Franco: I wasn't sure you really liked me.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler: What do you think now?
[ Cat purring ]
[ Cat meows ]
Dave Franco: Okay. Oh. Yeah.
[ Cat purring ]
Jamie-Lynn Sigler: What?
Dave Franco: Hey buddy, what are you doing down there? Hey, I'm sorry. This is Arturo. He's a little bit of a cockblock, but look at that little face. How can you be mad at that, right? Yeah.
Dave Franco: Oh my god, I'm so. I'm so sorry. Arturo, what are you? Come here, buddy. Come here. No, that's a bad kitty. Bad kitty. Come on.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler: Come back to bed.
Dave Franco: I love you.
Dave Franco: Yeah, just go. Just.
[ Cat meows ]
Dave Franco: We got it. Alright.
[ Extremely loud meow ]
Dave Franco: Oh my god, he can't get out. I'm sorry.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler: I want you. Now!
Dave Franco: You just carry that with you?
Jamie-Lynn Sigler: I'm gonna turn you inside out.
[ Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays]
[ Cat meow ]
[ Jamie-Lynn Sigler screams in pain ]
Dave Franco: Yeah! What? What? What's going on? What's up? You good?
Dave Franco: Wait, wait, you're cool, right? You just need, like, a band-aid, right? Come on, we're so close.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler: Screw this. I knew I should have gone for Culkin brother.
Dave Franco: Wait, wait, was it about the blood?
[ A woman's moaning is heard from the computer speakers ]
[ Cat purring ]


text:
Friday (all times Eastern)
Marist vs. Maryland, 4 p.m.
Florida State vs. Michigan, 5 p.m.
Boston College vs. Washington, 5 p.m.
Santa Clara at Notre Dame, 9 p.m.
Clemson vs. Davidson, 9:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State, 9:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech vs. TBA, Coaches vs. Cancer
Richmond vs. No. 24 North Carolina, noon.
Liberty at Virginia, 4 p.m.
Clemson vs. TBA, Charleston Classic
North Carolina vs. TBA, Hall of Fame Tip-Off
Maryland vs. TBA, Paradise Jam
Florida State vs. TBA, Puerto Rico Shootout
Army at Notre Dame, 2 p.m.
North Carolina A&T at Georgia Tech, 2 p.m.
Vermont at No. 6 Duke, 6:30 p.m.
Maryland vs. TBA, Paradise Jam
Minnesota vs. No. 9 Syracuse, 5:30 p.m.
Texas Tech vs. Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh vs. TBA, Legends Classic
Syracuse vs. TBA, Maui Invitational
Sacred Heart at Boston College, 7 p.m.
Florida Gulf Coast at North Carolina State, 7 p.m.
Furman at Virginia Tech, 7 p.m.
Hampton at Virginia, 7 p.m.
Mississippi Valley State at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m.
Syracuse vs. TBA, Maui Invitational
Duke vs. TBA, NIT Season Tip-Off
Miami vs. George Washington, 2 p.m.
Wake Forest vs. Kansas, 3:30 p.m.
Wake Forest vs. TBA, Battle 4 Atlantis
Miami vs. TBA, Wooden Legacy
Duke vs. TBA, NIT Season Tip-Off
Radford at Virginia Tech, 2 p.m.
Georgia Tech vs. Ole Miss, 4:30 p.m.
Morgan State at Maryland, 6 p.m.
Coastal Carolina at Clemson, 7 p.m.
Florida State at Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Virginia vs. SMU, 7:30 p.m.
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PPG Contract To Redesign 737 WindshieldsAugust 13, 2009 12:25 pm | News | Comments
PPG Industries, a maker of paints, coatings and other specialty products, said Thursday one of its subsidiaries received a contract to redesign laminated glass windshields for Boeing's next-generation 737 airplanes. Pittsburgh-based PPG said its aerospace transparencies business was awarded the contract by Spirit AeroSystems, a Boeing supplier based in Wichita, Kan.
Ford To Boost Production Of Focus, EscapeAugust 13, 2009 11:27 am | by Kimberly S. Johnson, AP Auto Writer | News | Comments
Ford said Thursday it will build more of its popular Focus and Escape models and boost total vehicle production later this year to help dealers restock depleted showrooms. The automaker needs to keep up with demand for its Focus compact car and Escape crossover, both ranked as top sellers under the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program.
Fighting Fire With FireAugust 13, 2009 10:04 am | by Anna Wells, Editor, IMPO | Articles | Comments
"It was a scary night," says Quandt, of the blaze that broke out around 8 pm back in May at the chemical distributor's Columbus, WI facility. "We have a lot of inventory; there were well over 1,000 chemicals involved in that fire. Those of us who work here thought we'd lost it all.
Q&A with Greg Polli, MSC Industrial DirectAugust 13, 2009 9:39 am | Articles | Comments
A: The recent economic crisis has obviously had an effect on most companies around the world. The credit crunch, along with instability and uncertainty, has temporarily reshaped how business is done and some of those changes may prove to be permanent. As demand has dropped off in many areas, manufacturers are facing increased pressure for high quality service.
Refloating The BoatsAugust 13, 2009 9:36 am | by Mike Collins | Articles | Comments
The old adage that a rising tide lifts all boats used to apply to the American economy. It used to mean that good economic policy could grow all sectors of the economy, which would raise the living standards of all Americans. It was a time when the American Dream was truly attainable by any American worker with determination.
IPM For The IMPAugust 13, 2009 8:12 am | by Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Director of Technical Services, Orkin, Inc. | Articles | Comments
As a maintenance professional, you know that for every preventive maintenance measure you take, you save dollars, time, and headaches in the long-run. Your pest management program is no different. By implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, you can help prevent disease-carrying pests from ever entering your facility, reducing possible product contamination and destruction, lost profits, or negative media attention.
Doing The Responsible ThingAugust 13, 2009 8:04 am | by by Anna Wells, Editor, IMPO | Blogs | Comments
by Anna Wells, Editor, IMPO It seems the concept of personal responsibility has become skewed over time. What used to be a matter of pride—something one could accomplish based on his or her own volition—is now carrying a more negative connotation. Responsibility has become a matter of who is "at fault" for a certain situation, or how one's efforts can be excused by sharing the burden of accountability.
Inside GM's Electrifying 2011 Chevrolet VoltAugust 13, 2009 5:54 am | by MyRideVideos | Articles | Comments
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt represents a direction for GM, and maybe you guessed by the name, one that is focused on electricity. In fact, although technically a hybrid, the Chevy Volt uses only electric power to move the wheels. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered by electricity stored in its lithium-ion battery.
GM To Build $43m MI Battery Plant For VoltAugust 13, 2009 4:59 am | by David N. Goodman, Associated Press Writer | News | Comments
General Motors Co. boss Fritz Henderson says a new $43 million plant in southeastern Michigan will assemble battery packs for its new rechargeable electric car. GM's president and chief executive held a news conference Thursday morning at the plant site in Brownstown Township, 20 miles southwest of Detroit.
Yes, It Could Even Scan And Print Jay's ChinAugust 13, 2009 4:28 am | Articles | Comments
NextEngine's 3D Scanner — Everything you need to scan and digitize 3D models at a reasonable price. Made in America. Via Jay's Garage . See why 3D scanning and rapid prototyping could change the game for hobbyists, restoration specialists, and even the most mainstream of manufacturers.
Bait And Switch: A Product Disaster StoryAugust 12, 2009 12:23 pm | Articles | Comments
3 tips for communicating the right product information to your suppliers every time. Tucked between the hills in a dense patch of pines halfway between Boise and Idaho City is the home office of Fogg Island Tackle. The brainchild of a cadre of entrepreneurial fishing enthusiasts who met as engineering undergrads at Stanford, FIT is a hip, young company frequently profiled in the trade press for its cutting-edge design and manufacturing processes and for pushing the technological envelope of recreational fishing.
Putting A Bullitt In Jag, RoverAugust 12, 2009 11:24 am | by by Jeff Reinke, Editorial Director, IMPO | Blogs | Comments
Jeff Reinke, Editorial Director, IMPO One of my favorite all-time movies is Steve McQueen's Bullitt . It's not that the movie itself is all that special, but anyone familiar with it knows exactly why it's among my top picks. It contains a scene that is considered to have revolutionized the way Hollywood filmed car chases.
iRobot Receives $5.1M Order From US ArmyAugust 12, 2009 5:24 am | News | Comments
Robot maker iRobot Corp. said Wednesday it received a $5.1 million order from the U.S. Army for its bomb-disposal robots. The order calls for 14 of the company's iRobot PackBot 510 robots with spare parts. The robot is used by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to help investigate dangerous areas where explosive devices might be present.
Kraft Worker Gets 2 Years In Tomato Corruption ProbeAugust 12, 2009 5:22 am | News | Comments
A former buyer for Kraft Foods Inc. will spend more than two years in jail for accepting bribes from a Central California supplier of the company's tomato products. Robert L. Watson of White Plains, N.Y., is the first defendant sentenced in the widespread corruption case involving Lemoore, Calif.
Wyoming Ranchers Struggling In Decade-Long DroughtAugust 12, 2009 5:00 am | by Matt Joyce, Associated Press Writer | News | Comments
Wyoming's cattle population dropped 21 percent during the past decade as ranchers struggled through a persistent drought that gripped much of the state from 1999 until last year. The cattle count in Wyoming dropped from 1.66 million in 1998 to 1.
New Egg Regulations To Cost $81 MillionAugust 12, 2009 4:57 am | News | Comments
New federal legislation designed to reduce the risk of salmonella in eggs will cost the industry $81 million, the United Egg producers trade group estimates. Several salmonella scares in recent years linked to other foods, such as peppers, tomatoes, cookie dough and peanut products have caused increased government scrutiny.
Kia Says 2Q Profit SoarsAugust 12, 2009 4:27 am | by Kelly Olsen, AP Business Writer | News | Comments
Kia Motors Corp said Wednesday that second-quarter net profit quadrupled to a record, boosted by weakness in the local currency and robust vehicle demand in South Korea. Kia Motors, South Korea's second-largest automaker, earned 347.1 billion won ($279 million) in the three months through June, the company said in a regulatory filing.
CA Meat Plant Cited For Cow MishandlingAugust 11, 2009 12:36 pm | by Garance Burke, Associated Press Writer | News | Comments
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A California beef processor that voluntarily recalled tons of hamburger meat due to salmonella fears last week was slapped with animal handling citations last year in a government review of meatpacking plants, records show. At least 28 people in three western states have reported salmonella-related illnesses since last Thursday, when Fresno-based Beef Packers Inc.
4 Cited After Chaining Selves To WV Agency DoorAugust 11, 2009 12:28 pm | by Tim Huber, AP Business Writer | News | Comments
Police arrested four mining protesters who chained themselves to the front door of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection headquarters Tuesday. The protest was the latest in a string of actions targeting surface coal mining in Appalachia.
Quake Disrupts Corning Glass Plant In JapanAugust 11, 2009 12:26 pm | by Ben Dobbin, AP Business Writer | News | Comments
Corning Inc. said Tuesday its output of liquid-crystal-display glass will be lower than expected in the third quarter after an earthquake halted glass production at a plant in Japan. Operations at its factory in Shizuoka, southwest of Tokyo, "are currently suspended and we believe they will remain so for some time," said Corning's chief financial officer, James Flaws.


text:
Following two recipes last week, Chicken Piccata and a Jamie Oliver beef stew, both required the meat to be covered in 'seasoned' flour.
First recipe was for chicken excalopes which were fried, second for cubes of beef that weren't to be browned.
Question is - why?
What does the flouring do/add/achieve?


text:
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Quantum of the Seas Review
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Royal Caribbean
> Quantum of the Seas Review
Find out how the suites and cabins were designed
RipCord by iFly provides first-ever skydiving experience at sea
Every cabin will have a view with all-new virtual balconies
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Quantum of the Seas Overview
Quantum of the Seas, the first of three 167,800-ton, 4,180-passenger next-generation Royal Caribbean cruise ships, will launch November 2014 with 2,090 cabins including 373 virtual balconies -- inside cabins featuring real-time views of the ocean and destinations. Quantum Class fleetmates Anthem of the Seas will sail spring 2015, and a third, yet unnamed ship will debut in mid-2016.
The Quantum Class represents a significant reduction in size compared with Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, which measure 225,282 tons and carry 5,400 passengers at double occupancy. The Quantum Class is more similar in tonnage to RCI's 154,407-ton Freedom Class trio.
Quantum of the Seas is bringing with it a number of firsts at sea, including a skydiving simulator and North Star, a jewel-shaped glass capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level and provides 360-degree views from high above the ship. Seaplex will become the largest sports and entertainment complex at sea, with attractions including bumper cars, roller skating and a circus school complete with a flying trapeze. The adults-only solarium and outdoor pool will return featuring a brand-new indoor pool with retractable roof. Several new cabin categories debut on the class: virtual balconies will dispel the traditional idea of an inside cabin, family-connected staterooms will prove more accommodating and studio staterooms with balconies will spoil the single traveler.
In March 2014, Royal Caribbean unveiled a new concept called Dynamic Dining, which eliminates set dining times and main dining rooms, replacing them with 18 restaurant options, flexible dining times and dining spaces that limit capacity to no more than 500 passengers. This will be rolled out on the Quantum Class.
Other features announced so far include:
Cabins will be nine percent larger, on average, than those of the Oasis Class ships.
Standard amenities will include modern touches such as USB outlets, larger storage solutions and multifunctional furniture.
Of 2,090 cabins, 1,570 will be balconies, 147 will be outside cabins, 373 will have virtual balconies (inside) and 34 cabins will be wheelchair accessible.
Family-connected cabins will offer flexibility for multigenerational families, connecting three cabin categories to create layouts that provide separate bedrooms and bathrooms for each occupant. The layouts provide shared space with the benefit of added individual privacy.
Studio cabins will allow solo travelers to enjoy their spaces, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.
Loft suites will be the largest suite class, located across the stern of the ship. Quantum will also feature three junior suite categories with spa-inspired amenities and a family junior suite featuring a full bath.
Broadway, TV and film star Kristin Chenoweth will serve as Quantum's godmother, as well as entertainment advisor. She will oversee costumes, casting and sets and offer insights on all shows, productions and themed events onboard.
Shows will range from a full-length production of Broadway sensation Mamma Mia! to a futuristic light show that melds stunning visuals with live singers, dancers and aerialists.
New multilevel 450-seat venue space Two70 will pair advanced technology with dancers, singers, aerialists and musicians to deliver a series of shows. The visuals will appear via a floor-to-ceiling window of digital screens over 100 feet wide and 20 feet tall that will be able to create any scene, real or imagined. Combined with these will be six moveable Roboscreens, which measure seven feet high and can twist and turn. The space will also host a series of virtual concerts with "premier" musicians, groups and bands.
Music Hall, a rock-and-roll inspired space, will be outfitted with a distinctive design including leather, chains and mirrors. Spanning decks three and four, Music Hall will host dance classes and improv workshops, along with bars and billiards. The intimate space, which will meld the stage with the dance floor, will be home to tribute bands covering the likes of The Beatles, Bee Gees, Journey and Bon Jovi, as well as an after-the-show Mamma Mia! cast party; and Wink, a "class and sass" adults-only late night show.
In addition to the already announced Mamma Mia, Quantum of the Seas' Royal Theater will be home to one other main show. Sonic Odyssey is a musical show created by 2013 America's Got Talent contestant William Close that combines the ethereal music of his gigantic Earth Harp with a 136-drum Drum Wall, a Vocal Percussion Jacket and Violin Dress. The show also will incorporate singers, dancers, aerialists and gymnasts to tell a story through music and movement.
Billed as the largest indoor active space at sea, Seaplex will be a sporting and entertainment venue with everything from a full-sized regulation basketball court to the first flying trapeze at sea. Did we mention roller skating and a bumper car space that grooves to the sounds of a floating DJ booth above? Four activity rooms, each with a view and a custom theme, will be located on the mezzanine level. Also on that level you will find the first food truck at sea, serving up snacks to the masses at play. Seaplex, along with the outdoor sports court, will be located on deck 15 on all three Quantum Class ships.
Skydiving at sea will be made possible with the simulator RipCord by iFly onboard all three Quantum Class ships. Feel like you're flying with ocean views as far as the eye can see inside a 23-foot tall glass chamber for two one-minute simulations. A viewing platform allows family and friends (along with curious spectators) to observe your flight. Located on the outdoor sports court at the stern of the ship, you will be close to other signature Royal Caribbean activities, overlooking the FlowRider surf simulator and nestled by the rock climbing wall.
Rise well above the sea in a gem-like transparent pod called the North Star, for 360-degree views 300 feet above sea level. Available at sea and in port, this 15-minute experience will be located on the top deck toward the bow. While complimentary, three North Star premium packages will also be available for advance purchase, including private flights and flights during the most sought-after viewing times, expected to be sunrise and sunset. All packages will include a preflight reception, in-flight Champagne toast, commemorative certificate and a postflight brunch or dinner.
Dynamic Dining makes its debut on Quantum of the Seas, giving passengers more flexibility and eliminating the main dining room. Instead, passengers will have 18 restaurants, comprising complimentary and for-fee options, from which to choose.
The change is a radical one for a line long steeped in tradition when it comes to dining. An innovator in entertainment -- in part because of its brand partnerships with companies such as Fisher-Price, Coca-Cola and DreamWorks -- Royal Caribbean is taking a new tact and bringing on some familiar names from the world of dining. Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver (Jamie's Italian), Michael Schwartz (Michael's Genuine Pub) and Devin Alexander (Devinly Decadence at Solarium Bistro) shape the menus at three of the for-fee restaurant options.
The ship's complimentary dining options include:
American Icon Grill:
Specializing in American classics -- with a modern touch. Dishes include items such as New England clam chowder and Reuben turnovers.
Modern dishes with big flavors. Menu items include mint-crusted lamb chops and Mediterranean sea bass.
Pan-Asian food with bold-yet-familiar options like crispy Beijing Duck and Saigon style shrimp.
The Grande:
The ship's true formal restaurant. (Rather than having formal nights, Quantum will have only one formal restaurant.) The menu is inspired by classic dishes once served on European liners. Options include chateaubriand wellington and chicken a l'orange.
Coastal Kitchen (open to suite passengers only):
California-Mediterranean fare, with dishes like sea bass ceviche and flatbread pizzas.
The Cafe @ Two70:
Soups, salads and sandwiches.
Cafe Promenade:
Serving sandwiches and quick bites.
SeaPlex Dog House:
A genuine food truck at sea, offering gourmet dogs.
A casual Italian joint offering pizza, paninnis and pasta.
Windjammer Marketplace:
Royal Caribbean's signature buffet option, the line is proclaiming this version will be the "Best Windjammer at sea," in part because of the addition of a bakery onsite.
The ship's for-fee options include:
Jamie's Italian:
An Italian menu created by celeb chef Jamie Oliver. Dishes will feature seasonal ingredients.
$25 dinner, $15 lunch
Michael's Genuine Pub:
The pub will offer simply prepared gastropub fare including pulled pork sliders and deviled eggs.
A la carte pricing
Devinly Decadence:
A sit-down restaurant designed by the chef for television show
The Biggest Loser
. All dishes, such as chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce, will have fewer than 500 calories.
$20 dinner, $10 lunch
A journey in molecular gastronomy with dishes like disappearing noodles and wasabi and apple crisps.
Chops Grille:
The line's classic steakhouse.
Izumi Japanese Cuisine:
An a la carte sushi option.
A la carte pricing
Chef's Table:
Available to only a small group per sailing, it's an upscale dining experience.
Johnny Rockets:
A classic burger joint famous for its milkshakes.
Most menus also will feature traditional "everyday" favorites such as salmon, pasta and chicken.
Many of Royal's signature family features return on the Quantum class including its Adventure Ocean children's program, Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, and DreamWorks entertainment and events with live character appearances from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar.
An H2O Zone kids' water park will be featured on the top deck.
Quantum of the Seas will sail out of New York Harbor from its homeport of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, sailing seven- to 12-night itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas through spring 2015. It will then head to China and sail three- to eight-night itineraries from Shanghai to Japan and Korea starting in June 2015.
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text:
I came across this and thought it was interesting.
What do you think the MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU DO FOR YOUR KIDS IS?
(Obviously, besides the basic needs...)
Honestly, my wife and I need to work on this. When we do give each other a hug and kiss in front of each other, the kids LOVE it and they all want to get in on the action, which we usually let them. It's pretty fun/cute, but after reading this I think we need to do it more-often!
(Courtesy of the Health News Digest)


text:
Hi there,
I have lots of problems getting my SpaceNavigator to run properly with the recent beta. It resets options, doesnt switch profiles properly and misses important features I need for 2D mouse function. Funny I dont see many complaints about this. So I guess I am doing something wrong.
So how do I make it work properly? Do I have to install more software than the 3DWare Beta? Do I have to delete all profiles I dont need? Do I have to use XML editing to make it run as I want?
Is there a guide somewhere how to edit the XML files, because I dont really understand how to edit them. For example I simply dont know all the possible commands.
Thank you.