text:
Well, I am working on another little quiz, but I'm going to make it harder...that was way to easy, but I was just seeing how it would work. It was a test run. I will try to have one in a couple of weeks.
So, I am still working on getting better at nail art or just stamping...that's not really nail art, I guess, but it's something I'm still having to work on. So, I thought I'd bring a little example that I conjured up ha. I did some tweaking on my cuticles (they got a little dry between swatches and I guess I didn't really notice until I started editing my pics...srry!)
I used Wet 'N Wild from Fergie's new line Glowstick. It is an almost neon green shimmer that applies easily with 2 coats. I say "almost neon" because neons have been so popular this year that to me true neons hurt your eyes when you see them such as Orly Glowstick, which I also have, but just haven't swatched. One of those that I saw it once and had to have kinda polish (hence the name...) This is still a pretty color and looks nice as a shimmer.
I used Orly Bonder as a base.. 2 coats of Glowstick. I used Color Club Revvvolution,which is my fav gray holo, as my stamping polish and one of my new stamps from Cheeky Monkey CH16. Then finished off with...yup, thick coat of Seche Vite. Have you tried any of the Fergie Line yet? If so, what's your favorite color? What do you think of them?
I wanted to show you a vid of Fergie but wouldn't upload, so I am bringing you some Dave Chapelle...almost the same, right? Does the name Tyrone Biggums ring a bell to anyone?? Well, watch below if you want a good laugh:


text:
A new ingredient in our NEW Celafen cream has been shown in published research to deliver effective pain relief to stiff, painful joints within just 30 minutes of application, which is faster than most oral painkillers.
The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, reduced joint range of movement and limitations to normal daily activities, such as getting up from a chair, walking, balance and ascending/descending stairs.
Research suggests that NSAID's may actually inhibit the growth of cartilage in joints and so in the long term be detrimental to arthritis sufferers.
What is Celafen?
Celafen contains a unique clinically tested patented ingredient called celadrin ®, which is made from a special complex of esterified fatty acids (EFA's). Celafen has the further advantage of having no dangerous side effects, such as those linked to NSAIDs.
Celafen is a natural product that works by lubricating the cell membranes and repelling inflammatory chemicals responsible for the pain, stiffness and reduced mobility associated with arthritis
What's the evidence that Celafen works?
Several pieces of published research, including two recent studies in the prestigious Journal of Rheumatology, have measured the effect that celadrin ® has on all of the arthritic symptoms listed above with convincing results. The researchers found that celadrin ® improved each symptom just 30 minutes after the topical cream was applied, which is significantly faster than any other topical or oral form of pain relief for joint pain and stiffness.
GP Dr Donald Grant comments: "There is good evidence for the efficacy of long chain fatty acids in preparations such as Celafen for the treatment of pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Obviously Celafen ™ will not be suitable for everyone and as the evidence suggests that results from the cream are seen fairly rapidly (within 30 minutes in many cases), therefore if no results are seen within a month I would suggest people stop using the product as it is clearly not working for them. But in my opinion it is worth trying because if preparations like Celafen help reduce arthritis sufferer's dependence on NSAIDs, and there is good evidence to suggest that it might, this can only be a good thing."
How soon does Celafen work?
The claims are that Celafen works within 30 mimnutes of application. Out tester found it worked within 40 minutes and was most effective in the mornings rubbed into the hands and fingers for 15 minutes while hands still warm from bed.
Pain and stiffness were reduced by about 50% and the effects lasted several hours after application. After two weeks of use general pain and stiffness at all times was reduced by about 60%. Overall pretty impressive seeing as no negative side efffects.
Value for money?
Depends how many areas you are using it on, but for one site one tube lasts about a month so not a bad price compared to prescription charges for painkillers.
Marks out of ten
Celafen ™ is a natural formulation and is free from all parabens and propylene glycol. Celafen ™ Cream costs £9.95 (50ml). Click here for more information.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A 40-year-old Baltimore man who crashed his Acura into an elderly driver's car while fleeing police last year was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in federal prison for dealing heroin after drugs were discovered in his abandoned car.
Umar Burley also pleaded guilty in Baltimore Circuit Court this month to vehicular manslaughter in connection with the Northwest Baltimore crash, which killed 86-year-old Elbert Davis, the father of a police officer. Burley was sentenced to a 15-year term in that case as well, to run concurrently with the federal sentence, according to his plea deal.
A 37-year-old passenger riding with him at the time of the crash, Brent Matthews, also pleaded guilty to heroin distribution and is scheduled for sentencing in U.S. District Court next month, the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office said. Burley was on the streets at the time of the crash because he had beaten federal gun charges, a rare exception.


text:
2018 Annual Report
In 2018, our efforts, along with all the library community's local lobbying, legislative visits, and grassroots support yielded increased state aid over the prior year. In January's Executive Budget, the increase we received in 2017 was removed as part of the Governor's proposal, so we started the budget cycle in the hole. We continue to be disappointed in Governor Cuomo's attitude concerning library aid.
In their budgets, both the Assembly and Senate included increases in state aid to libraries, an action for which we are very grateful. After completion of budget negotiations, the approved 2018 state budget includes a $1 million increase in state aid to libraries over the prior year; these funds are distributed across the library community, helping all kinds of libraries and library systems improve services to their users.
Additionally, Library Construction grants were funded in the state budget in the amount of $50 million, which is a very significant increase over prior years. These grants are funded by borrowed money through the State Dormitory Authority, and are essential in developing and sustaining library buildings throughout the state. We are very grateful to our friends in the New York State Legislature for this increase.
Since last summer, we have contributed regularly to those legislators who will help libraries, and are continuing to do so. These contributions have rewarded our friends, brought us access to decision-makers, and have signaled a seriousness of intent within the library community. We need to sustain these activities, and have set a goal of an additional $6 million to bring state aid to libraries up to the statutory amounts. We will need your financial support to achieve this goal, so please donate!
Steve Bolton – Matt Corey – Dennis Fabiszak – Cassie Guthrie John Hammond – Brian Hildreth – Kathy Miller – Debbie Podolski – Libby Post – Rusty Wigg


text:
home | metro santa cruz index | music & nightlife | mūz
It was Big Band Boomer Night at the Attic.
By GARRETT WHEELER
Popular music sure has changed over the last 80 years. For instance, did you know there was a time when a pop song could be longer than 3 1/2 minutes? Some pop songs even included instrumental solos. And voice-overs? No such luck—if you couldn't sing, you couldn't pop. Somehow, pop stardom thrived without MTV, wardrobe malfunctions or scandalous paparazzi. I mean, 80 years ago (that would put us in the '20s), Duke Ellington was cooler than P. Diddy is today, and Fred Astaire broke more teenage hearts than Justin Timberlake. So it's really no surprise that music from the speakeasy era still finds its way into restaurants and nightclubs, even here in Santa Cruz.
San Francisco.com Real Estate
Moving to the Bay Area just became easy. Let San Francisco.com show you all the homes currently for sale.
San Jose.com Real Estate
Relocating to San Jose or Silicon Valley? Let San Jose.com introduce you to some expert area real estate agents.
It was big-band night for the baby boomer crowd last Tuesday at the Attic. The Robin Anderson Big Band featuring Ruby Rudman put on a heck of a show, opening the set with a splendid rendition of Frank Sinatra's "All the Way." Impressive musicianship from top to bottom, bass to brass, kept Ol' Blue Eyes grinning from above, while the rest of us smiled at ground level.
Another standout was a Dizzy Gillespie tune called "A Night in Tunisia." Though it's more of a bebop song than a big band number, Anderson and company adapted it with ease, captivating the audience with dazzling horn solos and spot-on tempo changes.
The following night, inspired to find more music outside the realm of contemporary pop, I headed to the Crow's Nest to see "guitar master" Yuji Tojo. The weekly performer was playing to a packed house, and sure enough, the man was a master. Literally, the guy could play so fast you couldn't see his fingers if you were standing two feet away, and his notes were deadly accurate.
Tojo played a remarkably diverse set ranging from Gypsy to jazz, occasionally sprinkling a little rock & roll into the mix. The place was packed (taco specials always bring 'em in), and Tojo and drummer Mike Shannon succeeded in winning the crowd's attention, even inspiring the formation of a makeshift dance floor at the front of the room.
As the night wore on, the drinking continued and the dance floor expanded. By the time Tojo dove into a Santana medley that would've dropped Carlos' jaw to the floor, the place looked like spring break in Cancun. But instead of drunken teenagers and rowdy frat-boys, the party consisted only of legally drinking adults, happily grooving to Yoji Tojo's guitar mastery, which by the way, was far from pop.
Didn't make it to last week's show? Lucky for you, Tojo performs every week at the Crow's Nest, as do the taco specials. Looking further down the road, there'll be plenty of other fun local acts to check out, like HipCity Cruz. The all-acoustic band uses an array of instruments including piano, dulcimer, guitar, and harmonica to play a wide range of folk-inspired music. Catch them at Don Quixote's on Wednesday, Oct. 10. If rock & roll is what you want, look no further than Santa Cruz's own Villains of Vinyl. The Red Hot Chili Peppers-inspired quartet will get down and funky at Coasters at the Boardwalk Bowl this Friday. Bowl or dance—either way you're gonna be rolling strikes.
Send a letter to the editor about this story.


text:
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located in Roseville, MN and has a sanctuary/worship space that can comfortably fit 200-300 people for weddings. We also have a Fellowship Hall that is attached to a large gymnasium for receptions, however alcohol is not allowed to be served on the property. There are also nice green spaces adjacent to the parking lot as the church is on top of a hill in the middle of Central Park. Prince of Peace provides a wedding coordinator, but can accommodate smaller weddings. Contact either the pastor or the office for more information, availability, and questions. Members receive a discount--come check out our worship on Sundays, 8:30 and 10:45 (8:30 and 10 in the summer) to get a feel for the culture of our congregation.
- 2561 Victoria St
Roseville, MN, 55113
- (651)484-4144
- email@example.com
- http://www.princeofpeace.tc/
Primary Contact
John Klawiter
Associate Pastor
Secondary Contact
Anita Beste
Senior Pastor


text:
Aberdeenshire Council are to begin work on Kintore's fountain, located in front of the town's historic town house.
The fountain has not operated for some years, but over the next few weeks it will be fenced off for a few days for repointing work, followed by a water-tightness test.
The aspiration is to see the Aberdeenshire Council owned fountain functioning again.
East Garioch councillor Martin Ford said: "The fountain occupies a prominent position in The Square and forms part of the setting for the nearby historic buildings.
"Both in Aberdeenshire Council and at the community council, discussions have been on-going for some time about bringing the fountain back into use.
"There are issues about how to repair the damaged top of the fountain in a way that makes it less susceptible to damage in the future, has an acceptable appearance and still allows the fountain to work.
"Also, if the fountain does operate, there will be some on-going running costs relating to keeping the water clean and safe.
"The view expressed at the community council and elsewhere is that the fountain should be put back into operation.
"I hope the Council can find a way of repairing it."


text:
August 27, 2009
Calling all iCarly fans!
I'd like your opinion. We're in the process of creating the new Main Titles for iCarly. In case you don't know, the "Main Titles" (which some people refer to as the "Opening Credits") are the series of show images that you see at the beginning of each episode as you hear the theme song: "I know, you see, somehow the world will change for me and be so yadda yadda yadda..."
So far, we've had two Main Titles. The only shot that was used in both was the shot of Carly tossing her blue cowboy hat into the air. All other shots changed from the 1st to the 2nd Main Titles.
Now, I'm almost finished with the 3rd (new) Main Titles. Of course, I'm keeping the shot of Carly tossing her blue cowboy hat into the air.
Most of the people I work with on the iCarly team feel that all the other shots should change. But some feel there is ONE MORE shot (from the 2nd Main Titles) we should also keep. That is the shot of Spencer and the Ostrich.
So, the big question is: Should we keep ONLY the "Carly cowboy hat toss" shot? Or should we keep that shot and the one of Spencer and the Ostrich.
Some people feel that the Spencer-Ostrich shot is so darn great that we have to keep it.
What do YOU think?


text:
The second article in the Spring Data Couchbase Tutorial series on baeldung.com focuses on entity validation using the JSR-303 specification, optimistic locking, and query consistency while the third article introduces the use of multiple buckets, as well as Spatial views for writing queries against multi-dimensional data, such as geographic data.
You can find all articles in this series including the Introduction to Spring Data Couchbase on the persistence page at baeldung.com.
My next project will be a follow-up series dedicated to Couchbase itself and the use of the native Couchbase Java SDK to query and manipulate Couchbase data, so stay tuned for that.


text:
At my last hourly count 5 seconds ago, it is now 16 days to Christmas! Most students are wrapping up their semesters, and if your family is like mine, there's a lot of family time in your near future. My sister and I have been hanging out a good bit lately as her school is wrapping up and work has slowed down for me a little bit. In fact, there's been some friction as might be expected between sisters who are close in age and live together. I've been thinking that I want to really get Christmas vacation off to a good start between the two of us, so I cooked up a plan for a week-long challenge to intentionally focus on being a great sister.
My idea is kinda-sorta loosely based on The Love Dare from Fireproof, but it's a more compressed, short-term challenge. It's designed around my ideas of the important aspects of a sisterly relationship, but it could definitely be adapted to suit any relationship — friends, roommates, significant others, parents even. The idea is just to intensely, intentionally focus on your relationship with someone for a week to get you focused on being unselfish and loving towards that person — especially important if you're going to be spending a lot of time in close quarters with that person for the next few weeks.
I'll be doing this for my sister starting next week, and if you decide to follow along, let me know how it goes! You could even share the idea with your sister (or another person) and do the challenge for one another together.
So there are two prongs to the challenge: some things to do every day for a week, and some extra-special things to do on the last day of the week.
So here's the plan.
Things to do every day
- Start and finish each day with a prayer for your sister
- Make time to talk to her — talk about her day, talk about what she's struggling with, talk about her goals for the new year. If you're not able to talk in person every day, make a point of texting or FaceTiming her, leave her a voicemail, whatever. The idea is to prioritize communicating with her each day
- Do something helpful for her. This could take a lot of forms — maybe it's your younger sister and she needs some help with homework, maybe you can help with a chore, anything that would take a little bit of the load off her or make her day a little brighter. This is great for her because it shows her that you care, and great for you because it's a way for you to intentionally practice serving her
- Thank her for something. It's super important to feel appreciated by your family, so make a point of showing her that you appreciate her every day
Extra things for the final day
- Write her a note/letter — maybe tell her how happy you are to have her in your, recount a favorite memory, say some of your favorite things about her
- Give her something special. For my sister, I'm planning on creating a scrapbook of photos of us together. (If you recruited your sister to join you on the challenge, maybe get tickets to do something together or work on something together as a joint gift)
- Do all the other things from the first list
So, pick a relationship that you want to improve and focus on, and really put in 110% effort for a week. I'll let you know how it goes for me next week, and I hope to hear your results as well.
Until next time!


text:
Helsinki, 26 January, 2006
Results of the Research Programme on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Published as Web Book
Key results of projects involved in the Academy of Finland research programme on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (SUNARE) have been published as an electronic synthesis book on the Internet. The book Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources From Principles to Practices, generated by the programme, is available via Internet.
The aim of the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Programme was to produce research data for the support of decision-making concerning the sustainable use of natural resources as well as to promote transfer of research data to end-users and to foster multidisciplinary research in the field. The programme was carried out in 20012004 and was funded by the Academy of Finland, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the National Technology Agency Tekes.
The projects within the SUNARE programme studied the sustainable use of natural resources from the point of view of several different disciplines. The research themes covered the planning and decision-making of the use of natural resources, research into the sustainable use of genetic resources, analysis of the use of renewable resources and research into social practices and conflict management. A number of the programme projects were also concerned with healthy and clean environment technologies, production processes and development of innovative products.
The articles in the synthesis book outline among other things the concepts and dimensions of the sustainable use of natural resources and discuss decision-making and management related to it. The book also includes research results of several studies that developed new production technologies and products.
For more information, please contact:
Programme Manager Tuula Aarnio
Academy of Finland
tel. +358 9 774 88325,
On the synthesis book: Academy Research Fellow Pekka Nygren
tel. +358 9 191 58 145
Academy of Finland Communications
Communications Specialist Riitta Tirronen
tel. +358 9 7748 8369, +358 40 828 1724
More information
Further info »
Email this page »
© 2008 eFinland | About this site | Privacy statement | Feedback


text:
Traylor Bros (TBM Grout Plant)
Traylor Brothers Inc.
San Vicente Water Tunnel
San Diego, CA, USA
12 m3/hour per plant
- Conceptual Design
- Structural/Mechanical Engineering
- Fabrication of all Equipment
- Commissioning, Training & Site-Support
- SD1000 Colloidal Mixer c/w 2 colloidal mills
- 2000 liter Agitation Tank
- Admixture & Sodium Silicate Dispenser
- Horizontal Gravimetric Feed Bins
- Feed Screws & Dust Collection System
- Automated PLC/MCC Controls
- Batch Data Collection
- Water & Pneumatic Systems
- High Pressure Peristaltic Pumps
As part of the 17.7km San Vicente water pipeline project in San Diego, Traylor Brothers Inc. required two automated grouting systems for back-grouting of the concrete segmental lining behind a 3.5m diameter TBM.
Team was assigned the task of designing, fabricating and commissioning two separate automated slurry plants which combine cement, flyash, bentonite and water along with a retarding admix in a high shear colloidal mixer. Batches are held in an agitation tank until pumped underground to a holding tank within the TBM.
A dispenser and peristaltic pump system are also used to feed a sodium silicate solution to the TBM.
Horizontal silos, requiring no vertical erection by crane, were a stipulation on this project. Cement is contained in one whereas the second is split to contain both flyash and bentonite, which then sits directly atop the colloidal mixer and agitank.


text:
Bibliographic record and links to related information available from the Library of Congress catalog.
Note: Contents data are machine generated based on pre-publication provided by the publisher. Contents may have variations from the printed book or be incomplete or contain other coding.
Table of Contents Foreword to 4th edition Introduction ix Section One: Before writing your plan chapter 1 Business Plan Basics What is a business plan? How long should it be? When should I write it? Who needs a business plan? Why should I write a business plan? What a business plan can't do Business planning risks Expert Advice chapter 2 Using your plan to raise capital Direct funding sources Your own assets Friends and family Banks Small Business Administration Angel investors Venture Capitalists Going public: Initial Public Offerings Bonds Q & A with a Financial Expert Indirect Funding Trade credit Expert Advice chapter 3 Uses for your business plan Evaluate a new venture Find funding Sell with your business plan Inform suppliers and customers Manage with a business plan Monitor your performance Attract good people Plan for the possibility of failure Update your plan Expert Advice chapter 4 Preplanning Questions Determine your goals and objectives Financing Planning Hiring Assess your company's potential Expert Advice chapter 5 What kind of a business plan do you need? Differences among industries Present yourself in the best light Types of plans Why you may want more than one plan Expert Advice Section Two: Writing your business plan chapter 6 The Executive Summary The summary is the most critical part Purposes of the Executive Summary How much cash - and in what form - are you seeking? Explain how you'll use the financing What financiers look for Who will own what Put your best foot forward Company description Optional information Key to the summary: Extract the Essence Expert Advice chapter 7 Describe your management team Who are your managers? What does each do? Expanding your team Making hiring projections Adding and retaining key employees Board of Advisors or Board of Directors Outside professionals Expert Advice chapter 8 Describe your product or service What is your product or service? What makes it worthwhile? Liability concerns Expert Advice chapter 9 Describe industry background, trends and information The state of your industry Market research Trends Barriers to entry Identifying competitors What makes you better? Expert Advice chapter 10 Put a marketing plan in your business plan Define your product Who is going to buy it-and why? Set prices Location and distribution Promotion Follow-up plan Expert Advice chapter 11 Describe your operations Operations for retail and service Firms Operations for manufacturers Information technology and operations Expert Advice chapter 12 Financial Statements for your business plan Income Statement Balance Sheet Cash Flow Statement Personal Financial Statement Financial Ratios Forecasts Expert Advice Section Three: Enhancing and using your business plan chapter 13 Design useful appendices Key employee resumes Product samples Advertising samples Press clippings Other appendix content Need Expert Advice here chapter 14 Create a great impression with your plan Cover Letters Cover Sheets Stationery, Printing, and Design Charts, Graphs, and Tables Multimedia Presentations Expert Advice chapter 15 Resources for more information Market Research General Research Communications Financing Software for writing business plans Books and how-to manuals Web sites Trade Groups and Associations Business plan consultants Business plan competitions Appendices: Sample Business Plans Appendix A: Business Plan for a Retailer Seeking Start-Up Capital Appendix B: Business Plan for a High-Tech Company Seeking Financing for Growth Appendix C: Business Plan for a Service Firm Seeking Working Capital Appendix D: Business Plan for a Manufacturer Seeking a Partner Appendix E: Business Plan for a Start-Up Needing an Equipment Loan Appendix F: Business Plan for an Artisan/Contractor Deciding to Go Out on His Own Appendix G: Government Listings Glossary Index
Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication:
Business planning.


text:
Gale Tracey AMP
March 09...When the grass looks greener should you break and escape your old mortgage?
If you're like many Canadian homeowners, you've got a little mortgage anxiety – and maybe some mortgage envy -- right now. With advertised mortgage rates edging lower and fixed-rates at historic lows, the grass might be looking greener on the other side. Not surprisingly, many Canadian homeowners are looking for advice as to when it is worth breaking and escaping their old mortgage.
Until recently, most homeowners could expect to pay a three-month penalty and draw up a new mortgage at a better rate. However, with rates falling, if you check your mortgage fine print, chances are you'll find the clause that gives your lender the right to charge a penalty based on the greater of three months' interest or the interest rate differential (IRD), which is essentially the difference between your old rate and current rates for your remaining term. Since rates have fallen so much, the IRD is often now the larger penalty and the amount is surprising some people.
Of course, the exact terms and conditions of your current mortgage need to be examined closely to determine if there are other factors to consider.
There's never been a better time to talk.
Return to News Articles
|Universal Financial Corp. d.b.a. Universal Mortgage Architects | Branch office address #102-2748 Lougheed Highway, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B
Copyright © 2019 Mortgage Architects™ All Rights Reserved


text:
Overview of Herpes Simplex Viruses
Herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause outbreaks on the skin and mucous membranes. After the initial infection, the virus travels to a nerve cell and becomes dormant. When reactivated by ultraviolet light, emotional stress, surgery, trauma, or hormone level fluctuation, the virus reproduces and travels down the nerve to the skin, where it produces recurring infections.
Transmission of Herpes Simplex Viruses
Contact with open sores may result in infection to others. Some infected individuals shed herpesvirus from affected areas, even when no active lesion is present.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are associated with oral-facial herpes (i.e., cold sores or fever blisters) and genital herpes.
Incidence and Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Infection
Approximately one-third of the U.S. population is afflicted by cold sores and over three-fourths have been exposed to HSV-1. About 15 percent of the U.S. population aged 15-75 have been exposed to HSV-2.
Causes of Herpes Simplex Infection
Primary infection is caused by direct contact (usually sexual) with an infected individual. Signs of infection usually appear within 2 weeks of exposure. While the virus can persist on surfaces such as towels or toilet seats for as long as 60 minutes, it is extremely unusual for an infection to result from contact with these surfaces.


text:
Hamilton Fish
Hamilton Fish (August 3, 1808 – September 7, 1893), born in New York City, was an American statesman who served as Governor of New York, United States Senator from New York and United States Secretary of State.
Famous New Yorkers, Famous People: F, US Governors, US Senators
Benson John Lossing, ed. Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (vol. 3) (New York, NY: Harper and Brothers, 1912)


text:
Today we were supposed to be doing family things and in a way we did. We took Lukie to the hospital together!
Luke is going to be in a for a few days (hopefully only a few) to be cleaning out his system. He is not super sick, just has a cough that he can't seem to shake. Poor little guy :(
He is all nice and settled in on his favorite floor with his favorite nurses. I think he actually enjoys being in the hospital because of all the attention that he receives.
Tonight he is spending the night with Daddy and me and Ana are going to have a girls night here at home. I can't believe how quiet my house can be without Luke! He sure is loud.
Anyways, if anything big happens (which I am praying doesn't) I will try to keep my blog updated about. Have a great weekend!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Change of plans!
Today we were supposed to be doing family things and in a way we did. We took Lukie to the hospital together!
Posted by Courtnie at 6:48 PM
1 comments:
- Luke and Jessica said...
Hi. My name is Jessica Hughes. I am 23 and just married my perfect match. He is a 23 yr old with CF. And his name is LUKE. Just thought this might be encouraging to you, since I truly understand what struggles CF can bring to everyday living. I would love to communicate with you more. Would you mind giving me your email address or e-mailing me at firstname.lastname@example.com
Hope you had a great Monday!
- March 7, 2011 at 11:01 PM


text:
About the expert
El Shooky has been managing RITSEC Regional Development Programs since 1992 and joined the Cabinet Information and Decision Support Centre in 1986 as the Manager of International Cooperation. El-Shooky's achievements include founding and directing the "Global Campus" that delivers e-learning academic, professional and executive programs and establishing an Arab e-University on the net. El-Shooky has more than 20 years of experience in international and regional cooperation and ICT projects. She tactfully managed joint projects with UN, UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank, and the Arab League.
Effat El-Shooky
Vice President
Global Distance Learning Center,


text:
Dear brides-to-be,
If you are one of those who love six yard of elegance without any stitch or zip and know how to look your best in it. Then hang on as we found out the latest and prettiest saree trend, that's going to be huge this wedding season. Every designer and B-town beauties had fallen in love with it. Fringe saree has taken over the world, and we too are lusting them.
Here is how Bollywood Beauties styling it!
Here is how Bollywood Beauties styling it!
#1 Sonam Kapoor's mint green and white fringe saree is a bold take on this elegant attire. The fringe detailing is adding on to her beauty.
#2 Sonali Bendre's fringe and frill saree is looking so stylish on the gorgeous diva. We totally loved the frill pallu of the saree.
#3 Sophie Chaudry's dust pink Manish Malhotra's saree is such a great way to doll up yourself. We loved her sheer blouse detail.


text:
Remember the little sewing basket I blogged about here? I was thinking it needed something else but I wasn't sure just what. I thought maybe a liner or even a wash of very light pink. But I think I came up with something better. Here it is.
Yes, buttons. I love buttons. Who doesn't like buttons??
I was watching TV lastnight and thought of this idea. So I plugged in the hot glue gun and busted out the buttons. I have been picking up buttons at estate sales so I just happen to have a stash. I wash them and divide them up by color.
How cute is this I ask you. You don't have to answer that because I already have. It's super cute!
The lid is now a bit heavier, go figure right? But that's ok since it will be closed all the time anyway.
Now, what should I put in it??
Hope everyone has a Happy Easter!


text:
Every girl wants to be a princess. Let her dream come true with a birthday party where she will be a princess for the day. We've found some of the best princess party places on Long Island. Don't see one of your favorites? Add it to the list in the comments section below.
Ballet Long Island
The pirate and princess party at Ballet Long Island includes a performance, make up, nail polish, a party host, games and dancing, pizza, drinks, birthday cake, and paper goods.
Where: 1863 Pond Rd, Ronkonkoma, NY
Contact info: (631) 737-1964
Ever After Entertainment
If you prefer to have a party at home, Ever After Entertainment will conveniently come to you and transform your home into a castle full of princesses.
Where: Location of your choice
Contact info: (631) 902-3929
Lipstick and Lollipops
This Princess Dress Up Party is sure to please any little princess. The birthday girl and her guests will have a choice of Traditional Disney Princess or Pixie Fairy dress up clothes and accessories. The party includes a hairstyle, hair glitter and make-up, an introduction in the Red Carpet Princess Ceremony, music, dancing, games, princess story time, pizza or bagels, and cupcakes.
Where: 176 North Country Road, Mount Sinai, NY
Contact info: (631) 828-4403
Little Dreamers
Invite your guests to dress up as their favorite princess and join you at Little Dreamers. Party package includes invitations, activity, craft, dancing, games, pizza and ice cream.
Where: 85 West Main St, Smithtown, NY
Contact info: 631-656-0731
Primped Princess Parties
Primped Princess Parties will go to the location of your choice to give your princess and her guests the royal treatment. Your princess gets to choose between a Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella or Belle theme. The party includes crafts, games, a princess appearance, story time, Princess trivia, Disney music, makeover, hairstyle, manicure, photo CD, and a birthday gift for the birthday girl.
Where: Location of your choice
Contact info: (631) 615-6758
The Little Ladies Club
The Majesty party is a fabulous princess birthday party. The birthday girl gets her very own crown, all guests get a hairstyle, a personalized comb, a hair accessory, hair glitter lip gloss, manicures, pedicures, dress up, a runway Fashion Show, a tea party with pizza and drinks, music, dancing, party favors, and invitations.
Where: 246 Unit 3 West Old Country, Hicksville, NY
Contact info: (516) 939-2582
Written by Tara Arichabala
Photos by Tara Arichabala


text: HappyTrooperDotCom 43 Report post Posted December 10, 2017 This thread details the adventures and travels of HappyTrooper (TD-10900) while proudly serving with the Mos Eisley Police Department. My first 501st Legion costume was Sandtrooper armor, I was approved on April 18th, 2016. The following photos were taken on location with the men and women of the 501st Legion. All suspects are guilty until proven innocent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
|Mag Makina Imalat Muhendislik
Country: Turkey
City: Yenimahalle
Address: OSTIM 41/A Sokak No:24
Phone: +903123855512
Website: magmakina.com
|Catagory:Security Sub-categories: Armored Vehicles Combat Vehicles General Hardware
|We can verify that Mag Makina Imalat Muhendislik has been registered with ExportBureau
from 02/01/2015 to today 27/05/2019 for a period of 4 years and 146 days.
|Report this company
Thank you ! We have sent your message.
The mid-market rates shown here are neither "buy" rates nor "sell" rates. Mid-market rates are derived from mid-point between the buy and sell rates of large-value transactions in the global currency markets. Actual ExportBureau member rates are often better.
|This report should be used only as a guide to build a more informed opinion on potential international trading partners.
click here to update this company information


text:
The Quite Ideal Of NASCAR On The Internet
Throughout his time as a sports writer, he covered higher school, college and professional baseball both at the major and minor league levels for a regional newspaper. Sports medicine bridges the gap amongst science and practice in the promotion of exercise and health, and in the scientific assessment, study and understanding of sports performance. Some negative publicity in the news drove down the advertisers attraction to him as an asset. Argentinian tennis player Guillermo Vilas is one of the best-recognized players in the history of tennis. Mr. Giamatti, star of the new baseball film The Phenom," isn't a lot of a sports fan. Watching the Japanese Soccer group win the championship more than USA was bittersweet.
Surprisingly, girls who took part in organized group sports reported a lot more alcohol use and delinquent behavior than these who did not play sports. The Japanese soccer group brought hope back to their nation and gave the natives cause to cheer as they dominated the playoffs and won the championship in thrilling fashion. Every April 15th I have to return to assist you honor #42, as all of baseball does nowadays, and thank you once again for this marvelous tribute to Jackie Robinson! Fifty-six percent of those surveyed said it is typical for young athletes to yell at a sports official for the duration of a game.
Very best practices to teach young kids (2-5) to field a baseball with a Hands-Free of charge Coaching approach that relies upon effective coaching communication techniques. BALCO founder Victor Conte claimed to have offered illegal substances to star American sprinters including Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, as nicely as pro football and baseball players. A new tradition in the tradition-minded annals of baseball seems to have caught everyone's imagination.
The 4 time MVP for the NFL is the franchise player for the Colts and was paid another $50 million in salary over the last two seasons with them. He is one of the greatest men in sport these days and it would be a shame if the mindless media pushed him out of Golf for good. I'd like to put the hyperlink to this lens below my baseball story on my lensography if I could figure out how to do it :-).
Prior to the 1974 season, NFL objective posts have been flush with the objective line, with the main help protruding from the ground smack in the middle of the finish zone. Step up to the plate, function your way by means of the batting order below and make sure your vote scores in this appear at the Hottest Sports Presenters in the World! Alex Rodriguez is clearing $32 million in salary from his specialist baseball group this year. My young children have played baseball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, tennis and lacrosse.


text:
Internet merchandising is a matched commercial enterprise and if you
expect to succeed, you will have need of leads to aid found a
目前日期文章:201210 (8)
- Oct 31 Wed 2012 20:13
A trustworthy proportion of
Internet merchandising is a matched commercial enterprise and if you
- Oct 29 Mon 2012 13:24
Devices which can maintain
During a snow under state the wet becomes completely impure inside a day or so. Initially as the binary compound rushes in the pass is not all that polluted. For natural event the New Orleans levee flouting had pristine hose down fluent in from Lake Pontchartrain, but as it rushes in it picks up debris, waste and spend. As it gets complex it kills animals and humans, which fire up to rust. The in flood vocaliser become impure near chemicals and quality spend. All of these belongings can grounds rigorous internal organ pains, virus and annihilation to those who paint the town red the liquid.
There are a number of terribly great of her own river filtration systems out there, but plentiful of them will not slay the bacteria, which is in the hose. Some advise victimisation Clorox or gas to wipe down the water formerly you paint the town red it. But if you are on your protective cover you may not be able to get to your household linen cleaning supplies to get it. If you swim behind into your residence submerged you can end up dirty yourself beside the enormously microbes you are trying to foreclose from effort into your natural object or you could die annoying to water sport in and paddle out if you get blocked within your habitation underwater and submerge.
- Oct 28 Sun 2012 18:37
Post viral fatigue syndrome
The wonders of potable.
The mythical being undersurface for galore group. The 'norm' for many others. And bane if you have CFS/PVFS/ME ...
- Oct 28 Sun 2012 11:04
Of life ago having an
The wonders of potable.
The achilles undersurface for many inhabitants. The 'norm' for every others. And pollutant if you have CFS/PVFS/ME ...
- Oct 28 Sun 2012 02:39
That record businesses use
The telephone set rings. Good intelligence... it's a approaching client. You say, "Thanks for calling, I'll send you our list." But what should you truly be sending them? I'm oft asked to reappraisal brochures or asked almost list shape. But until that time I build any notes I e'er ask one question- "Why do you reason you necessitate a brochure?" Often there's an lumbering prevent from speaking formerly the response comes. "Because we want one to displace to regulars." Do you truly entail a brochure?
The hanker after to have a leaflet is normally spontaneous. But if you run a feature business organisation I suggest you categorize all your options. The common variety of catalogue that record businesses use may not be your good answer. Read on, and get a few design on why you can poverty to stockpile your selling notes for something that genuinely helps you. When a latent shopper contacts you it is an just what the doctor ordered possibleness to exhibit your education and benevolent of your paddock. You can lend a hand your consumer get a more informed decision nearly mistreatment your category of employment. Remember, one of the harsh factors in marketing your employ firm is to insert property in you. Customers must eldest come to belongings you and know how you can back them formerly they will use you. Education is habitually the key. The idiosyncrasy near supreme brochures is they are fixed on 'what' the business concern does, or 'who' the those are, or 'where' the commercial is placed. This is all acceptable substance but it won't assistance your client to holding you. There's smaller school importance. Keep in brain that your future end user belike has other brochures from else firms that besides speech about their "latest equipment", "highly house-trained staff", "years of experience" and "friendly consumer service". How do you send away out the brochure?
- Oct 27 Sat 2012 19:07
Bud stoddard president amp
Protecting Data in Today's Fast-Paced & Uncertain Environment
Online waiter assemblage accumulation and salvage takes hold
- Oct 27 Sat 2012 10:58
His own army unit
Lessons from the Front Line
I sat glued to the word conference as 3 hurt soldiers - Marine Lance Corporal Joshua Menard, Army Staff Sergeant James Villafane, and Army Sergeant Charles Horgan - recounted their experiences of approaching low conflagration from Iraqi force in civil fit out at the metropolis of Nassiriya. Villafane and Horgan told more or less existence stricken by an influent rocket.
- Oct 26 Fri 2012 10:34
Use the archetypical iii methods
Essentially nearby are 5 terribly ruling methods to clear investment online. These methods were not ever free but have one and only go forthcoming due to the cosmic magnitude of cyberspace production woman conducted all and all day online. While it is practicable to get money, and scores of it, victimization other methods, these are in my belief the unexcelled for 3 reasons. First, they are some of the cheapest methods about. Imagine moving a business for an full period wherever your entire outlay was less than $1 a day. Secondly, these methods are instantaneous to instrumentation. Some of the methods can have you up and moving in hours, if not individual a day or two. Lastly, these ideas are unrefined. When it comes to in use online, simpler is greater and full of twists and turns is dead.
The 5 Best Money Making Ideas.


text:
Protect your iPhone's precious display with Moshi's AirFoil Glass. Created using atomically-strengthened glass, AirFoil Glass is extremely durable, shock-proof, and scratch-proof.
The special AirFoil™ adhesive layer aids in the rapid dissipation of air bubbles to simplify the installation process. With its mere 0.3 mm thickness and rounded edges, AirFoil Glass perfectly blends in and virtually disappears with the top of your device.
With this reliable screen protection you won't notice any difference in screen clarity and touch sensitivity.


text:
Cloth diapering has regained popularity recently as more and more parents seek a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle. New parents are choosing reusable diapers over disposables for a myriad of reasons. Cloth diapering is less expensive and better for the environment. Additionally, cloth diapered babies experience fewer bum rashes and tend to potty learn earlier than their comrades in 'sposies (SOLD!)
In our quest to provide our customers with the best products available we've taken on two fantastic but different cloth diaper brands: Omaïki and AppleCheeks. Not all cloth diapers are created equal (we've moved far beyond your granny's days of giant plastic baby pants) and in this post we'll discuss the anatomy of each as well as how they differ to help you get the right fit (pun totally intended!) Continue reading


text:
Daily Archives: January 24, 2018
From muscular pain to a constant state of fatigue and bad mood, fibromyalgia can be an extreme unpleased disorder to deal with, which might be causing you inconveniences in your daily life, starting from your performance at work and up to your interpersonal relationships. Once you discover that this condition is something you are dealing with, seeking solutions if of course necessary. What can you exactly do about your disorder, without putting your health to risk? Reading the following information will come in handy, so try to analyze your options with care:
Give alternative treatments some thought
The first thing you should do is research alternative treatment options. There are plenty of natural remedies, you will soon discover, which have the role of reducing symptoms or even combating them entirely. Plants that can increase relaxation and improve mood, yoga therapy, and even meditation and acupuncture can contribute to your overall well-being. Give every natural remedy a try and you will notice a rapid and effective evolution.
Consider undergoing a few lifestyle changes
Besides trying out a few natural remedies and alternative treatment options, making some changes in your lifestyle will also be required. Because tour dietary choice can somehow influence the state of your disorder, start by choosing healthier foods to incorporate in your meals. Do some reassert on the best foods to eat in your situations. Usually, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as well as omega 3 fats and protein is what you should focus on. In order for your lifestyle to truly follow a healthy path, becoming more physically active could also be demanded, so if you were not that fond of workouts until know, perhaps it's time to start takin exercising more seriously, and do at least a 30 minute workout daily.
Prescription drugs are not the answer
One last thing you need to understand is that prescription drugs are not the answer as you might believe, only if nothing else proves you work, which is less likely, considering how effective natural remedies can actually be. Once you start reading about the side effects prescription drugs can cause, you will think twice about actually taking them. There are many risks involved, and as long as you can keep the symptoms under control naturally, it is recommended to not resort to this alternative. Discuss with other patients in your situation and they will be able to tell you the same.
As you can see, there are a few relevant details that need your consideration when you have been diagnosed with the fibromyalgia disorder. This condition is known for its unpleasant repercussions, and how it can negatively affect your life, so if you want to alleviate symptoms and no longer let the disorder control your life even further, take action immediately, and leave prescription drugs as your last resort. With the right alternative treatments and lifestyle changes, the improvements noticed will certainly impress you, so take into account the advice stated and see how things develop.


text:
How To Make Your 4KQ Christmas Lights Entry Stand Out
This year part of your 4KQ Christmas Lights entry is adding a video or images for judging.
Here's how you can make your entry SPARKLE!
We have selected a few tips and tricks about taking video and photos, to make the entry process smoother.
So, how do you enter the 4KQ Christmas Lights competition?
FIRST - Complete your display for 2017
SECOND - Fill out our entry application form here (including the upload up to 5 images and/or up to 2 minutes (100MB Maximum) of unedited video footage)
THIRD - Cross your fingers that you hear back from our judges and make it to the finals!
Good luck!


text:
Login settings
The Settings dialog box contains general AppDNA options. To open this dialog box, choose Edit > Settings from the menus.
Enable Auto Integrated Login – Select this check box to use integrated login. This means that you will automatically be logged into AppDNA using your Windows user account credentials if your AppDNA administrator has configured integrated login for your user account. Clear this check box to prevent AppDNA from logging you in automatically using integrated login. For more information on integrated login, see About integrated login.
Note: You cannot log on to the AppDNA web client using an integrated login account.
Clear Remembered Credentials – Click this button to clear the stored login name and password. Unlike the other settings in this dialog box, this takes place immediately and you do not need to click the Save button before this option takes effect.
Click Save to preserve your changes.


text:
Gonzales, Nirenberg clear choices
Voters in San Antonio City Council Districts 5 and 8 have urgent unfinished business at the ballot box.
Early voting begins today in the runoff elections for those council positions.
In both races, the candidates offer stark differences in qualifications and styles. Those differences should be enough to bring voters back to the polls for the runoffs.
Registered voters in Districts 5 and 8 can cast ballots in the runoffs even if they didn't participate in the low-turnout municipal election on May 11.
In District 5, challenger Shirley Gonzales is a far better choice than incumbent Councilman David Medina.
Gonzales owns a pawn shop started by her parents. Her business experience can help provide pragmatic leadership in the economically challenged inner-city district.
An advocate of inner-city growth, Gonzales earned a master's degree in business administration from St. Mary's University.
Medina's record leaves a lot to be desired. As the Express-News reported last year, the incumbent missed more than 20 percent of the council's meetings during the first 18 months of his term.
The councilman also inserted himself in an incident that erupted when police pulled over his father for an alleged traffic violation. That type of interference by a councilman is unacceptable.
District 5 will be better served when Medina is out of office.
In the District 8 runoff, Ron Nirenberg is the clear choice.
Nirenberg is competing with political insider Rolando Briones for the post being vacated by Councilman Reed Williams.
The associate general manager of Trinity University's KTRU-FM, Nirenberg has demonstrated an impressive willingness to work for the community. He has served on the boards of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy and the North Side Neighborhoods for Organized Development.
Nirenberg advocates a healthy balance of economic development and best practices to protect the Edwards Aquifer.
Briones' track record is troubling. He operates a civil engineering firm that sought and won a city contract after he started raising money for his council campaign.
Additionally, the Express-News reported that Briones was fired from a job with the San Antonio Water System for violating company policy and "acceptance of gifts from SAWS contractors."
District 8 has a long track record of strong leadership, and Nirenberg is the candidate best prepared to continue the tradition.
Runoffs present a challenge for candidates because it is difficult to get voters to the polls for a second round, particularly following a pathetic turnout such as May's 6.6 percent showing. Runoffs traditionally are determined by get-out-the-vote efforts, but self-motivated voters are crucial.
Even one vote can make a difference.
Early voting will continue through June 11. The official Election Day is June 15, but casting a ballot early is easier.
Voters in Districts 5 and 8 will be making important decisions, and we urge residents not to let their neighbors make the call. Casting a ballot in a runoff is well worth the effort.


text:
Featuring TREALITY® Products
Air Traffic Control
Esterline, Simulation Visual Systems is an experienced player in training air traffic controller visual simulation. It is a must to turn knowledge into practice.
By simulating situations and potential crisis scenarios as accurately as possible you can optimally prepare for mission critical situations.
Esterline provides world class visual system, so air traffic controllers can, through simulation, train what you can't in real life.
TREALITY® visualization solutions are deployed around the world in both civil and military air traffic control centers.
We apply our knowledge and expertise in real-world air traffic control to our simulation solutions, in which replicating reality is critical for effective training.
Challenges and Objectives
Efficient tools maintain uptime and smooth operation
Esterline's solution, upgrades and services
DLP technology is able to provide the higher white levels required for visualizing challenging weather conditions such as fog and snow, but also delivers the black levels needed for night scenes
Skills and expertise around the world
Esterline, Simulation Visual Systems has the experience and global reach to handle in all corners of the world. We are always ready to respond quickly and effectively to customer support requirements.
With such a large worldwide presence, we are able to minimize downtime and maximize customersatisfaction regardless of where our systems are installed.
20,000 air traffic controllers rely on Esterline every day
In major airports all over the world, teams of air traffic controllers work around the clock tirelessly to guarantee minimum separation and guide aircraft safely and efficiently to their destination.
With a worldwide installed base of over 12,000 display products, 20,000 air traffic controllers use Esterline visualization every day to ensure the safety of air passengers.


text:
In the United States, people who keep track of these things estimate that about 40% of American dog owners leave their dog's poop for someone else to pick up.
Poop scooping laws probably make the legislators feel useful but so far haven't had much of an impact on the poop problem.
What about signs that tell you to pick it up?
They work well in countries like Japan, where everyone is law-abiding.
|A poop that could walk would make it easy!
Where the signs don't work, France for instance, people must come up with other solutions. In Paris, poop collectors used to suck it up as they rode about on their "motocrottes."
|A French Motocrotte
Hastings, on the other hand, liked the French idea, and in 2011 purchased four vacuums called "Henry the Hoover."
|All vacuum cleaners are called "hoovers" in England.
The verb is "to hoover," as in, "I hoovered the carpet this morning."
The town council estimated that Henry would save them £420,000 a year.
In 2009, there were plans afoot in a small town in Germany to collect fur or saliva from all 420 resident dogs so as to do DNA matching and fine owners of any poop that might be found.
I can't find any evidence that the scheme ever got off the ground.DNA testing is starting to gain some traction in the U.S., however. As of August of this year, a company called PooPrints tracks down poopetrators for hundreds of property managers in 30 states.
The town of Petah Tivkah, near Tel Aviv, does DNA testing with a twist. If the poop examiner finds your dog's leavings a a marked receptacle, you get a reward--coupons for dog food or toys.
|You get a reward for putting it here, a fine if you leave it on the street.
If he finds it anywhere else, you get a fine.
But sometimes, if the government fails to take action, and the private sector fails to see any financial incentive for collecting poop, you just have to take the law into your own hands. This is Super Vaclav.
He is Prague's self-appointed dog poop enforcer. If he sees your dog poop, and you don't pick it up, he will punish you by throwing it at you or smearing it on you. I doubt whether he is still active, but videos of him from 2011 are widely available.
Does anyone have any other ideas?


text:
Saluting Excellence: Even more National Merit Scholarship winners in Metro Schools
Adding to the ranks of award winners in the Class of 2014, three more Metro students have won National Merit Scholarships. These awards are sponsored by the colleges the students plan to attend and are worth anywhere from $500 to $2,000 annually for four years.
The winners are:
- Zheer Ahmed - MLK Sponsoring College - Vanderbilt University Probable Career Field - Physics
- Owen LeGrone - Hume-Fogg Sponsoring College - University of the South Probable Career Field - Government Service (Intelligence)
- Elizabeth Smith - Hume-Fogg Sponsoring College - University of Chicago Probable Career Field - International Relations
Winners of the College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship are chosen by the sponsor colleges from among the ranks of the National Merit Scholarship Finalists. This year, 16 Metro students were named Finalists. Three of those finalists were named National Merit Scholars and five other students won the National Achievement Scholarship.
We are so proud of these students and what they have achieved. We know they will go on to do great things in college and beyond!
Here's a bit more about the program from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation:
This year, 190 higher education institutions are underwriting Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sponsor colleges and universities include 113 private and 77 public institutions located in 44 states and the District of Columbia. College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners announced today are a part of the distinguished group of about 8,000 high school seniors who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth over $35 million. Earlier this spring, NMSC announced winners of corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and National Merit® $2500 Scholarships.
About 1.5 million juniors in some 22,000 high schools entered the 2014 National Merit Scholarship competition when they took the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were named on a state representational basis in numbers proportional to each state's percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represented less than one percent of the nation's seniors.
To compete for Merit Scholarship awards, Semifinalists first had to advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling additional requirements. Each Semifinalist was asked to submit a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT® scores that confirmed the qualifying test performance. From the Semifinalist group, some 15,000 met requirements for Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will be Merit Scholarship winners in 2014.
NMSC, a not-for-profit corporation that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of National Merit Scholarships provided each year are made possible by the support of approximately 440 independent corporate and college sponsors. These sponsors join NMSC in its efforts to enhance educational opportunities for America's scholastically talented youth and to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.


text:
December 9, 2002 FORTUNE SMALL BUSINESS By Pamela Margoshes
Lois Melbourne isn't someone accustomed to taking no for an answer. So, when the CEO of TimeVision, Inc. (www.timevision.com), a company that makes organizational charting software in Irving, Texas, was closed out of a heavily-booked PeopleSoft convention in San Francisco in 2000, she spent $9,000 to rent a truck to drive around the convention site with an eye-catching banner promoting her company's use of PeopleSoft software to the 15,000 attendees. Thirty-five people took away free CD demos of her product with them. Those contacts translated to $60,000 in sales for Time Vision, which, with 29 employees, projects $5.1 million sales this year.Like many CEOs, Melbourne realizes that in the current economy, she can't rely solely on longtime customers to keep her company's revenue growing. Given the seemingly endless news about economic uncertainties -- from the potential of war to flagging customer confidence -- it's essential for small business owners to dig deep for new ideas to increase their sales. "Elite entrepreneurs focus on satisfying current customers while aggressively seeking new markets," notes Larry Cox, director of research at the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in Kansas City, Mo. To help you identify new ways to attract new business without neglecting longstanding clients, we spoke with successful CEOs around the country to learn their best strategies for shoring up their sales.Break your industry's "rules." When customers call the support desk at Mindbridge Software (www.mindbridge.com), the Philadelphia-based intranet-design company, they connect with well-educated, well-paid support staff. For the past year and a half, Mindbridge has required those who provide telephone advice to its customers to have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree. "Traditionally at many high tech companies," says Mindbridge COO Scott Testa, "customer support has been the lowest end of the food chain, usually the least well educated." Mindbridge's more demanding standards have won many fans among its clients, which include the American Bar Association. Since Mindbridge added this requirement, customers have renewed 98% of their support agreements. These contracts make up 15-20% of the six-year-old company's revenues, which are expected to be $6 million this year."Small businesses often have an edge on larger companies in shaping a customer's experience," says Joe Wheeler, co-author (with Shaun Smith) of Managing the Customer Experience (Prentice Hall, $24). "They can very quickly get their arms around their employee base, make changes, then execute fast on them." Wheeler and Smith are senior executives with The Forum Corp., (www.forum.com), Boston, which specializes in corporate leadership training and workplace learning.Involve customers in your decisions. As the vice president of Sales Concepts, Inc. (www.salesconceptsinc.com), a sales and training firm in Cleveland, Keith W. Strauss knew that his company could earn more money by getting honest feedback from its customers--and acting on that input. So, in the spring of 2002, he enlisted Cleveland-based growth consultant, Andrew Birol (birolgrowthconsulting.com) to organize the first of many customer advisory councils at SCI. The purpose was to get instantaneous feedback from key clients, a comprehensive understanding of customers' needs, new revenue-generating ideas, and ideally, referrals to new business.Birol's first step was to interview a number of major customers, reporting back to Strauss on their key concerns. Their major sources of dissatisfaction ranged from the desire for more one-on-one individualized contact from trainers at SCI to the paucity of "real world" examples given during some of the training sessions. Ten customers then met with Strauss to discuss their complaints in more depth; Strauss, in turn, detailed exactly how he'd remedy each one. "What we are hearing back after just six months of this," Strauss says, "is that customers say they're getting what they've never had before: their complaints resolved, and they also have a roundtable of CEOs to bounce ideas off of. We're all in growth mode together." Strauss's willingness to listen to clients' gripes paid off. The 15-year-old company expects to increase sales from its 1,200 clients by 30% this year.Bond with the big boys. "Get over who your competition is!" says Jill Lublin, author (along with Rick Frishman and Jay Conrad Levinson) of Guerrilla Publicity: Hundreds of Surefire Tactics to Get Maximum Sales for Minimum Dollars (Adams Media, $12.95). "Forming alliances with them lets them be your marketing foot soldiers, drumming up business for you." Case in point: Jay Bower, president of Crossbow Group, LLC., an integrated marketing services firm in Westport, Conn. In Sept. 2000, he tried to win Upromise (www.upromise.com) as a client. But executives at Upromise, a 529-college savings plan company, said they really wanted a big agency. So Bower called the general manager of Brann Worldwide, Chicago, a competing direct marketing agency that is part of the global communications giant Havas, Levallois-Perret in Cedex, France. "Brann then went ahead and made its own pitch to Upromise," says Bower. In return for the heads-up to Brann, Crossbow snagged some spillover work from smaller clients of Brann and also work from a Brann biggie: FleetBank (www.fleetbank.com), Boston. "It worked out really well. Working for Fleet, a big financial services company, provided a bridge for us to other companies like CitiBank."Tear down invisible barriers. As owner and president of Cumberland Gallery in Nashville, Carol Stein was concerned that potential customers were so intimidated by the very mystique of a fine arts gallery that they weren't even coming inside. So, in 1997, she introduced the "Cumberland Gallery Dog," Sasha, whose "job" is greeting customers. "It's hard to feel intimidated when you're met at the door by a friendly, shaggy 70-pound dog," she says. Stein noticed a significant increase in foot traffic--and sales--since Sasha joined the gallery. She's also gotten considerable word-of-mouth publicity; Sasha is now a minor celebrity in Nashville.Pitch "mini" projects. Most big companies won't commit to a large contract with a small business they don't know. So how does a relatively unknown entrepreneur get in the door? What's worked for Ed Simcox, president of Saurian Technology (www.sauriantech.com) in Indianapolis, is to pitch short-term projects that cost companies $20-30,000, as opposed to the hundreds of thousands typical in the industry. That's how he won a deal he recently completed with Komatsu America, a heavy machinery manufacturer in Chicago. "Pricing is less of an issue when you make it easier for tech directors to get clearance for smaller amounts at a time," he says. "They feel less heavily invested."A final piece of advice: Part of the thrill of running an entrepreneurial company is continuing to generate new ideas to maximize the profit-making potential of your venture. Although it's fun to test your creativity, don't disdain simpler ideas, like simplifying your order form or increasing the cleanliness of your offices, which can be just as beneficial. "Just doing the basics well elevates you beyond your competitors," says Minneapolis customer service consultant and researcher, Ron Zemke, (www.socksoff.com), author of Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service (AMACOM, $18.95). When Zemke and the Arlington, Va.-based customer research and survey company TARP surveyed 2,000 consumers on what delights them most when making their purchases, "consistency" was the number one response. In an uncertain world, delivering what you promise time and time again can go a long way.
Birol Growth Consulting, LLC 941 Penn Ave, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222cell: 412-973-2080 fax: 866-349-9280 email@example.com Copyright © 1997-2014 Birol Growth Consulting, LLC.All rights reserved. Website maintained by FADCS


text:
Office Interiors in the South of England
The South of England is more than just a standard region of the UK economy because of its size. Certainly, it includes dynamic London and the prosperous South East. However, its extent is broader and some would claim that it includes the entire M4 corridor, among other areas. The M4 corridor plays a significant role in the national economy and some experts put the wealthy city of Bristol within it.
Upgrading office space in the South of England must take into account the North-South divide. This economic gap has a bearing in the southern part of the country. While there are other economic divides within the UK and there are exceptions to the mantra, it is generally accepted that an economic gap exists between the north and south of England.
Office interiors in South of England locations
In the South, office interiors often have to be state of the art because of the high degree of competition between businesses in the region. Anything that looks nondescript may be disappointing for the enterprise which acquires it. This requirement for aesthetically pleasing offices makes the provision of office interiors in South of England locations a task for experienced teams of diligent experts.
The importance of research and development spending
The level of investment on research and development (R & D) is generally high in the South of England, it compares favourably with allocations made in neighbouring rival areas. As a consequence, office interiors in South of England locations frequently have to be appropriate for a certain level of technology. Office interiors in South of England locations that appeared behind the times would reflect poorly on the outfit that chose to use them.
The significance of the digital economy
Throughout the South of England, the importance of digital firms has grown. From the point of view of delivering office interiors across South of England locations, the implications are clear enough. Companies at the forefront of the digital age want office designs to reflect their status and their aspirations. Office interiors for South of England digital enterprises must be suitable for the sector in question, and a degree of imagination is necessary to come up with appropriate solutions.
The challenges associated with economic globalisation
The South of England will no doubt continue to thrive if it remains open to new ideas and investment from around the globe. This means that office accommodation has to continue to appeal to changing international tastes. Those responsible for delivering high-quality office interiors will be obliged to monitor changing trends in a rapidly changing world. Failing to be aware of patterns of change in form or function is obviously not a recipe for success. Businesses searching for office interior assistance would do well to pay attention to the advice of specialists who have a track record of keeping up with the times.
If you are searching for high quality office interiors in South of England locations, why not contact us at Spacelink and get a sensible quote for the work you have in mind.


text:
Dancing Crab is a refreshing, American counterpart to Singapore's equally famed preferences for seafood, shellfish and rich flavors. The brand promises a mix of robust, country-style Cajun seafood and the distinctive richness of Creole cuisine.
Backed by the TungLok Group, it has since grew in size from its first inception 3 years ago at The GrandStand. The brand has since expanded to outlets all over Singapore and internationally.
BLACK created the brand identity and environmental graphics, communicating a brand image and experience filled with joy and laughter. In 2017, we refreshed the graphics to mark the expansion and growth of the unique 'Dancing Crab culture'.


text:
In many ways, I am still a journalist who has been teaching and working in K-12 and higher education contexts. Narrative is at the core of how I approach sociology of education in studying the narratives undergirding social policies and normalizing societal structures. My approach is to study the relationship between narratives and material structures. Across concepts such as adolescence, migration and identity, I strive to ascertain how a concept has developed its materially lived shorthand, and when possible, work to adjust that imaginative reach. All of the projects below include components of collaborative knowledge building.
Social Location: Interrupting individualized frames of deficit
Inequality affects young people along the lines of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, economic status, migration, and ability. Inequalitly has its roots and maintenance in myriad socioeconomic, political, and historical factors. One salient pillar of inequity is that, across vectors of oppression, lived realities of limited opportunities are seen as merely natural and isolated unfortunate circumstances. We normalize structures that aggressively sequester well-being and life for some at the expense of others. This multi-partner design-based implementation study works to interrupt that normalization, across many vectors of oppression. It documents the affordances and limiations of an intervention designed to provide a dynamic learning space about the hinged nature of domination and oppression. The core of the project revolves around the idea that social location, a term first used by sociologist Bill Gamson, provides anaytic potential for address intersectional harm, that identity, with its individualistic associations, does not. This multi-partner project involves youth leaders and adults from rural and urban locales who engage in collaborative curriculum curation and participatory evaluation. This work has been supported by the Nellie Mae Foundation and the American Educational Research Association.
Recently Immigrated Youth: Ethnography and action
In this long-term ethnography, the participants and focus were recently immigrated youth. Immigrant teens who are between the ages of 13 and 25, who have migrated from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia compose case studies and participants in a study that documents the ways in which opportunities and restrictions are structured for and upon immigrant youth.
This project included research into the daily lives of immigrant youth, including analysis of migration status, racialization and gendering processes and their manifestrations through work, school, family responsibilities, and aspirations for social mobility. Central analysis focused upon the ways in which society differentially structures opportunity through these institutions, particularly education.
This research also explored that ways that migrant populations offer opportunities for societal and cultural transformation. For example, undocumented youth are one of the most civically engaged yet liminally positioned populations in the U.S. What theories of change and resistance are used and what lessons can more mainstream educational projects learn from their practices?
Patel & Sanchez Ares (2013). The politics of coming out undocumented. In E. Tuck & K. W. Yang (Eds). Youth resistance and theories of change. Routledge: New York, NY.
Stevens, L. P. (2011). Literacy, capital, and education: A view from immigrant youth.
Theory into Practice.
Youth in Transition:
PAR and critical consciousness
Building on the research in the long-term ethnography with immigrant youth, I worked with immigrant youth on a critical consciousness project. This participatory action research project began with the youth-led question: Why do some people in society do better and how do they get there? Building from that question and the group's skills, a project was launched in which first generation immigrants in their final year high school are placed in internships. The internships have two crucial components: first, a one-month internship in a professional setting, and second, a weekly critical breakdown conversation with mentors from immigrant backgrounds. The goals of the project were four-fold: 1) to provide systematic adult and peer mentoring to recently arrived immigrant youth who are transitioning from high school, 2) to leverage the academic language tools of capital and critical race theory in making meaning of immigrant and mainstream cultural contexts, and 3) to facilitate systematic collaborations among immigrant youth, community based organizations, and researchers, and most broadly 4) to support immigrant youth to succeed within society without only assimilating. This work was supported by the Collaborative Fellows grant, provided by Boston College.
Patel, L., & Gurn, A. with Dodd, M., Pai, S-J., Norvilus, V., Yang, E. J., & Sanchez Ares, R. (2013). Re/Imaging existing structures of schooling: Immigrant youth, community partners, and dynamic learning through internships. In K. Jocson (Ed.) Cultural transformations: Youth and pedagogies of possibility. Harvard Educational Press: Cambridge, MA.
Patel, L., & Sanchez Ares, R. (2014). Framing youth resistance: The politics of coming out undocumented. In E. Tuck & K. W. Yang (Eds.), Youth resistance and theories of change. Routledge: New York, NY.
Patel, L. (2012). Contact zones, problem zones, and critical consciousness. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 7(4), 333-346.
Critical Literacy
In my teaching as a college instructor, professional developer, and trainer of teachers, the central focus is on how societal inequities happen through language. Language is the conduit through which we love, learn, fight, think, and understand ourselves in the world. In working towards and for critical literacy, we constantly situate and create the word in the world, carrying on the legacies that Freire set forth more than 40 years ago in his Pedagogy of the Oppressed. I work with teachers to develop pedagogy and curriculum that seeks to equip youth with the critical code-switching skills and stances they need to survive extractive systems of schooling and society. I also work with teachers to engage them in critical analyses of policies that shape their professional lives.
• Stevens, L. P., & Stovall, D. (2010). Literacy for xenophobia: A wake-up call.
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 48.
• Stevens, L. P. (2008). The framing of policies: ideologies, issues, and implications.
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 46(4)
• Stevens, L. P. (2007). Para una alfabetización crítica en Australia.
Cuadernos de Pedagogía, 374, 54-58.
• Stevens, L. P., & Bean, T. W. (2007). Critical literacy: Context, research and practice
in the K-12 classroom. New York: Sage.
• Stevens, L.P. (2003). Reading First: A critical policy analysis.
The Reading Teacher, 56, 662-668.
DeColonizing Educational Research
While thousands of educational researchers in post-industrial nations work (and are paid) to study, research, and document the work of education, much of this very work has echoes of colonial logics that seek to stratify well-being for some at the expense of others. In this teaching, writing, and knowledge building project, I document these pathways, ways to interrupt these patterns of coloniality and research in the interest of sovereignty over careerism and property rights.
Patel, L. (2014). Anti-colonial educational research: From ownership to answerability. Educational Studies, 50(4), 357-377.
Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, 6(1-2), 1-14.
Decolonizing Educational Research Blog
Cultural construction of adolescence
Since 2001, I have maintained an active inquiry and writing agenda on the ways that adolescence is cultural constructed as a biological stage and how that construct interacts with processes of racialization, gender formation, and sexuality norms. Weaving in data that includes youth documenting their own transitions through societal institut


text:
KakiTeater: Talking with Jason
Posted on 26 July 2013
Venue : PJ Live Arts, Jaya One
Date : 26–28 July 2013
YouTube : actspressions
Event : Kakiseni Listing
Tickets : RM30/RM50 (Purchase online)
Facebook : Actspressions
Theatre-goers will get a show full of dreams and steampunk this weekend! The Tailor-Made Man opens this Friday and promises to deliver the most elaborate production in PJLA yet.
Tell our readers a little bit more about The Tailor-Made Man.
The Tailor-Made Man is a story of a dreamer, Joseph, and his journey from his father's house to the unlikeliest of places. He meets different, interesting characters along the way; and goes through some nightmares before eventually seeing his dreams come true.
What has changed since the first production in 2007?
For one, it's a completely different set of cast and crew. Some were members of the audience from the first show.
We've improved at telling the story, with a better idea of what works and what doesn't. And of course; a massive upgrade in costumes, sets and props. Essentially, the core message stays the same — only dreamers see dreams come true.
Actspressions is touting this play as one of the most elaborate productions in PJLA. Why the decision to go in this direction? And what is elaborate about it?
Well, that's something that kind of stuck after our initial meet with PJLA, when we told them what we were planning to do, as well as the number of cast and crew involved. We just ran with it.
Are there any parallels between Joseph in this production and Joseph of the Bible?
Yes, The Tailor-Made Man is loosely based on the Bible story, but through a different lens; a steampunk one with contemporary sensibilities, if that makes sense.
Tell us more about your lead actors, Justin Ooi and Darren Yeoh.
This is Justin's first time playing a lead. From day one, he's been a real team player, very enthusiastic and hardworking to get it right. He's great at being Joseph, because he relates to the character so much.
Darren Yeoh is quite a veteran, having been on stage numerous times in the past. This role will be a challenge for him, because it requires him to be calm and collected, as opposed to the noisy, colourful characters he's used to playing. It's been a really good experience working with both of them and everyone else.
As a director, what do you hope to achieve with this production?
There are so many! But if there's just one thing, it would be for people to think about their dreams; and for those who may have (through the course of life) given up, to dream again. That's what it's all about.
What were your inspirations for writing the play?
People who dared to dream, and dared to fight to see those dreams come true. Their stories give me strength and inspiration to believe and fight for my own dreams. The staging of The Tailor-Made Man being one of them.
Did you know there's a West End musical production with the same name?
I didn't back in 2007. But this round I did a search, and found out about it. What was even more interesting is what the play is about. I wouldn't mind catching that one!
Who should come watch this show?
Recent Posts
Hamlet untuk semua
Shakespeare Demystified's Hamlet: A Performance-Lecture was a listening exercise.
Diari Wanita…Episod Kak Ani & Nyonya
Diari Wanita…Episod Kak Ani & Nyonya is a production that deals in doubles.
#FILEMGIG: The White Balloon at Rumah Titi by Kelab Filem Bangsar (and friends)
Where the writer dislikes The White Balloon screened at #FILEMGIG
Theatre Posts
Diari Wanita…Episod Kak Ani & Nyonya
Diari Wanita…Episod Kak Ani & Nyonya is a production that deals in doubles.
Tagged: Darren Yeoh, Jason Ding, Justin Ooi, PJLA, steampunk, The Tailor-Made Man, theatre


text:
One of the most interesting growing trends in real estate and architecture is the customization of the ordinary storage container into fully functioning homes for people. It has become a stylish and popular innovation, appealing to a steadily increasing market of home owners because of its potential as a low-cost, efficient, and entirely flexible alternative to traditional housing.
1) Low-cost
The readily available metal storage container is sold by many shipping- and construction-related manufacturing businesses all around. The products can be purchased in their standard form or can be easily customized according to specifications. Whatever a buyer chooses to have done on them, the total cost will still typically come out much cheaper than when having a wood and concrete home constructed from scratch or even just renovated.
With this alternative, you are not billed with as many expenses for raw materials, building equipment, and skilled labor, among others. The effort exerted to customize and reconstruct the container, whether ordered from the maker or done with your own contractor, will quantifiably be much less than that of a usual home construction project.
2) Efficient
There is greater efficiency of space with this alternative, given how a storage container observably provides only fixed dimensions. It is now up to the smarts of the homeowner, designer, architect, and contractor to make use of the limited space in the best way possible.
This typically brings out the creativity of all those involved, which partly explains why these types of new age homes are flourishing and gaining popularity. It becomes like a craft project or a home improvement challenge that fires up the imagination. From the design of the entry points down to the physical layout inside the space, the goal of efficiency becomes apparent in every detail. You can fit them with glass fixtures and maybe even a full-blown porch out front – anything that can make them look like a real home. Proud, successful home owners end up creating brilliant and impressive little spaces.
3) Flexible
In addition to the glaring versatility of the storage container as a fully customizable space, it being an alternative home offers so much flexibility to the homeowner. You need not confine yourself with one container block. To get the most out of the container home project, why not go purchase several units and put them together in wholly modified ways?
At this point, there is no end to the possibilities of how you can build your container home. You can choose to create a multi-room bungalow with two or three container units, put side by side in different configurations. You can choose to create a loft-type apartment complex with two units on top of each other. You can even choose to create a multi-room, multi-storey building of sorts with three or more container units. Imagine it as playing with real life Lego bricks. The possibilities are endless! All you need is a good architect and construction crew that can help put your vision to reality.
Beyond these three personal advantages to the homeowner, utilizing the storage container with this new trend is a welcome endeavor for the environmental conservation movement. It's clear know how much of a resource this unique storage equipment is for many, if not all, industries. They are vital for all movement of goods. But they also end up as waste sometimes, when no longer used for large-scale business operations.
This new container home innovation trend, therefore, is essentially a direct reusing and recycling effort that is distinctively helpful and effective to all parties involved. It is a creative, functional, adaptive, and brilliant move that only opens up more possibilities for advancement in construction, technology, and even lifestyle.


text:
Maria Dicenso is a lifelong resident of the Boston area. She graduated from Northeastern University with a BS in Marketing and Music and has been actively occupied with the local real estate market for 7 years. As an agent Maria is focused around getting to know her clients as real people. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned seller Maria will use her experience to help you achieve your goals in the least amount of time with the least amount of stress possible. She listens carefully to her clients' needs and will bring a welcomed energy and integrity to your next real estate adventure.
Maria currently lives in the North Shore and is very knowledgeable about the Boston market. She is a city girl at heart and a die hard Bruins fan!


text: Concepted, wrote, directed and produced 60 second corporate promotional video for Vortex Business Solutions an internet marketing and web development and design agency. Designed closing iconic Iowa stamp. Produced in 3 days to showcase Vortex at local Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony for being amongst the 10 Coolest Places to Work in the Iowa City business corridor. Vortex was Executive Producer and provided technical team for production.


text:
Q1. What are the common causes of back pain?
Ans: The causes of back pain are wide and varied but some of the most common reasons include lumbar muscular strain/sprain, Degenerative Disc Disease and inflammation of other spine joints (arthritis). Other pain triggers we see less frequently, but are very important nonetheless are tumours', infections and fractures resulting from trauma or osteoporosis.
Q2 .When do I need to go to the doctor for neck or back pain?
Ans: If the pain is consistent for more than two weeks or if it creates significant weakness or disability you should go see a specialist. Our job as neurosurgeons is to pinpoint the problem with the appropriate imaging studies, such as an MRI, CT scan or x-rays, which can usually reveal the root of the pain. Following those tests we can determine whether the patient is a surgical candidate or if non-surgical treatment is a better option.
Q3. What can I do to prevent neck or back pain?
Ans: The most important thing to consider, whether you need surgery or not, is that prevention is the most effective way to avoid neck or back pain. A regular exercise regimen is very important in order to keep your back healthy and strong. Fitness activities such as aerobic conditioning and strengthening exercises, such as pilates and yoga are great to build up your core and relieve pressure from your back. Believe it or not, good posture is important in reducing back pain as well. Maintain a healthy weight and follow a nutritious diet to avoid additional strain on your lower back. Smoking accelerates the degeneration of discs and increases your risk for developing osteoporosis (bone loss), which in turn increases your vulnerability for compression fractures.
Q4. What is a herniated disc and what are the symptoms?
Ans: When the discs in your spine are healthy, they are spongy and keep the spine flexible, but when a disc is damaged it can bulge or rupture, this is called a herniated disc. The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the structure they affect. Lower back (lumbar spine) disc herniations create pain by straining the ligaments or by inflammation of the swollen torn disc. Shooting buttocks and leg pain
Q5. What is the treatment for a herniated disc?
Ans: Initially, the recommended plan of action for the majority of patients with disc herniations is conservative treatment. Conservative measures include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or involvement in a pain management program, which can include epidural steroid injections and facet injections. Surgical intervention should only be recommended when adequate conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief or the patient's symptoms progressively worsen. When a particular condition warrants surgical intervention, the appropriate procedure is determined based on the patient's symptoms. If we are dealing with a pinched nerve, a Microdiscectomy is indicated. On the other hand, a torn disc causing back pain requires a fusion.
Q6. What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Ans: Quite simply it refers to the wear and tear of the discs in the spine that causes them to stop functioning properly and cause pain; it is not actually a "disease". As the name implies, it is a degenerative process which tends to progress over time due to the aging process. Genetic factors, as well as environmental contributors such as smoking, heavy physical labor, and excessive weight also contribute to the degeneration of discs. Much like disc herniations, DDD is treated with conservative treatments such as physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the neck or back.
Q7. What is a Microdiscectomy?
Ans: This is a minimally invasive surgery using a microscope to remove the disc material compressing the nerve. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and the patient usually goes home within 2 to 3 hours following the completion of the surgery.
Ans: The surgical treatment for back pain is called a fusion. During this process the damaged disk is removed and replaced with bone, eliminating motion, thereby eliminating pain in that joint. Most of the movement and ability to bend forward of the lower back depends on the function of the hip joints, so movement in the lumbar discs is minimal. Therefore, for most patients, the loss in the overall range of motion is not significant and the benefits far outweigh the minimal loss at the fused levels.
Q9. What could happen if I wish to avoid spine surgery?
Ans: Although it is difficult to predict what could happen to an individual case if surgery is denied, medical literature suggests that in the presence of nerve compression with weakness, numbness or bladder disturbances, deferring surgery leads to irreversible changes in the nerves. Importantly, the degree and the duration of nerve compression are important factors in determining the reversibility of nerve damage. If surgery is advised for pain relief alone, it is usually so in the presence of severe radicular pain (leg pain) or pain unrelieved by rest, analgesics and physiotherapy. Surgery may also be advised if there is severe back pain in patients with instability. If surgery is avoided in the presence of a neurological deficit, it is highly likely that the deficit may progress or remain permanent and may not recover depending on the duration of the deficit.
Q10. What long term precautions are necessary for me to stay away from spine disease?
Ans: Many of the congenital problems are structural and genetic and cannot be really prevented. Prevention applies mainly to degenerative diseases like spondylitis, which is degeneration of the spine due to wear and tear. Prolonged bending of the neck, vigorous massage, and excessive strain during road journeys, improper neck support while resting and subjecting the neck to heavy impacts are causative factors for spine degeneration. Prevention includes ensuring proper posture during work, avoidance of strain during journeys by providing proper neck support, use of appropriate pillows, and avoidance of smoking will help to prevent progression of disease.
Date :04/28/2019