text:
11/5/2012 (1 year ago)
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
Ka'b bin al-Ashraf, a chief of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadi, was another victim of Muhammad's rise to power which personifies the alleged prophet's moral failings. Once Muhammad gained political power and the ability for force his will on others, some of the Jewish tribes around him grew mistrustful and opposed both his message and his rising influence. Muhammad ordered Ka'b bin al-Ashraf's murder, and authorized deception in the process.
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
11/5/2012 (1 year ago)
Published in Middle East
Keywords: Muhammad, murder, fifth commandment, natural law, Andrew M. Greenwell,
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (Catholic Online) - Muhammad was driven by power, however he tried to disguise it or sublimate it by his invocation of Allah, and the Jews who lived in the town of Yathrib and elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula who would not submit to his iron rule simply got in the way. The Jew that got in the way, that opposed the will or whim of this vicious man who covered his worldly ambitions with Allah's mantle, was promptly dispatched to Sheol.
The Fifth Commandment, if Muhammad knew it expressly at all, did not apply to Muhammad in his view. He doubtfully read Exodus, since he was supposed to be illiterate. Perhaps it might have done him some good had he read, "Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13; Deut. 5:17) It would also have done him well to have heard Jesus' angle on that commandment. (Matt. 5:21-22). He certainly seems not to have been open to the divine injunction that prohibited murder that was contained in the recesses of his heart, i.e., the natural law.
But in Muhammad's view, there was no need to read the Scriptures prior to his supposed revelations; they were corrupted on Muhammad's account (See Qur'an 5:13, 41.). And whatever was therein contained was of no moment since, by the supposed revelations of Allah which came to us through the mouth of Muhammad, whatever Muhammad did was perfect. If the Fifth Commandment has to take a back seat to Muhammad's "perfect" desires, and if the unwritten law of God in the heart of every man that says one should not kill an innocent man had to be squelched, then so be it: Allah and his messenger know best.
Unlike Yahweh, Allah did not say, "Thou shalt not kill." Rather, Allah said, "Thou shalt kill." Or so Muhammad would have it where it was to his political advantage.
Ka'b bin al-Ashraf, a chief of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadi, was another victim of Muhammad's rise to power which personifies the alleged prophet's moral failings. Once Muhammad gained political power and the ability for force his will on others, some of the Jewish tribes around him grew mistrustful and opposed both his message and his rising influence.
Though Muhammad had ostensibly entered into an informal treaty with the Jewish tribes in the town of Yathrib (which later was known as Medina), there was tension between Muhammad's followers and the Jewish tribes, including the Banu Nadi. (This seems to be a chronic feature of Islam's relationship with its neighbors, even to this day.)
Al-Ashraf, it may be conceded, was an opponent of Muhammad, believed Muhammad a false prophet, and opposed himself to Muhammad's worrisome rise.
After Muhammad's victory at the battle of Badr, al-Ashraf grew particularly concerned. But is that a crime?
It was from Muhammad's vantage point. In Muhammad's eyes, opposition to him and his doctrine and will was anathema: nay, it was more than that; it was a virtual death sentence.
Moreover, Muhammad was like the devil, "the proud spirit [who] cannot endure to be mocked," as St. Thomas More put it, and al-Ashraf mocked both Muhammad and the Muslim women. "He [al-Ashraf] inveighed against the apostle," wrote a plaintive poem at the loss by the Quraysh tribe defeated at Badr, and "composed amatory verses of an insulting nature about Muslim women," Muhammad's biographer Ibn Ishaq tells us.
This was the extent of his alleged crimes.
The enmity between al-Ashraf and Muhammad and Muhammad's response to it is found in several sources, including Sahih al-Bukhari 3.45.687 and 5.59.369. The second hadith is particularly long, so only parts will be quoted here. The hadith begins:
"Allah's messenger said 'Who is willing to kill Ka'b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His apostle?'
Thereupon Maslama got up saying, 'O Allah's messenger! Would you like that I kill him?'
The prophet said, 'Yes.'
Maslama said, 'Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e., to deceive Ka'b).' The prophet said, 'You may say it.'"
So here we have two questionable moral lapses by Muhammad to the Realpolitik of the day. The first: a willingness to put a political opponent to death--political murder. The second: a willingness to use all manners of deceit to advance the political murder--lying. Here we find an instance of the questionable doctrine of taqiyya, or dissimulation, approved by the alleged prophet of Allah, the Arab war idol and transformed moon god who--unlike Christ who says, "I am the truth" (John 14:6)--says of himself that he is the "best of deceivers," Allahu khayru al-makirina, (Qur'an 3:54).
Based on the pretense that, as an opponent of Muhammad, he wanted to borrow a camel load or two of food, Maslama visited al-Ashraf at night and, together with his foster brother Abu Naila, was invited into Maslama's fort. The plan among the conspiring assassins was to compliment al-Ashraf on his perfumed hair, and, when he was distracted, to cut off his head.
The plan worked, and together Maslama and Abu Naila cut of Muhammad's enemy's head.
According to the Muslim historian Ibn Ishaq, the Muslim poet Ka'b bin Malik (who should be distinguished from the murdered Jewish poet and political enemy of Muhammad, Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf) said:
"Sword in hand we cut [Ka'b] down.
By Muhammad's order when he sent secretly by night Ka'b's brother to go to Ka'b.
He beguiled him and brought him down with guile.
Mahmoud [bin Maslama] was trustworthy, bold."
Ibn Sa'd's Tabaqat records Muhammad's delight at the successful murder of his political opponent:
"Then they cut his head and took it with them [and] . . . they cast his head before him [Muhammad]. He (the prophet) praised Allah on his being slain."
Allahu akhbar. The pseudo-prophet can rejoice at an innocent man's death, just like many of his followers could rejoice at the attack of the Twin Towers on 9/11, and the deaths of thousands who did none of their killers wrong. This is what happens when you are the prosecutor, the alleged victim, and the judge. The defendant, even if innocent, has no voice. This is because, in Islam, Allah and his messenger know best, Allahu wa rasulluhu a'lam.
This is the Muslim mantra that blinds him to the fact that his alleged prophet is a sinner, a violator of the natural law, and most certainly not an authentic prophet.
To exchange reason for Muhammad's Islam is a Mephistophelian bargain.
(This article is adapted from the book written by the author entitled, The Heart's Witness Against Muhammad: Why the Natural Law Proves Muhammad False.)
Andrew M. Greenwell is an attorney licensed to practice law in Texas, practicing in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is married with three children. He maintains a blog entirely devoted to the natural law called Lex Christianorum. You can contact Andrew at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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July 24 individuals are understanding and thoughtful. Browse through this article for a list of famous people born on 24th July and also know more about their personality traits.
Famous People Born On July 24th
The probabilities of all Leo personalities are assumed to be astrologically predicted by the influence of the Sun. The actual date in which these individuals are born is governed by the planet Venus, which explains the change in the anticipated typicalities and qualities. The two celestial bodies together determine the uniqueness of these people. July 24 born individuals are understanding and thoughtful. They are sociable and friendly and respect the thoughts, actions and feelings of others. These people have a practical outlook and communicative spirit, which helps them attain much in life, their imaginative creativity helping them in the same. The only thing that these people need to work on is their tendency to get easily offended by the comments of others. In unfavourable situations, these people can show jealousy, clinginess or extra touchy behavior.
Alexandre Dumas
Died on: 05 December 1870
Nationality: French
Year Of Birth: 1802
Amelia Earhart
Died on: 05 January 1939
Born in: Atchison, Kansas, U.S.
Nationality: American
Year Of Birth: 1897
Anna Paquin
Born in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Nationality: Canadian, New Zealand
Year Of Birth: 1982
Barry Bonds
Born in: Riverside, California
Nationality: American
Year Of Birth: 1964
Ernest Bloch
Famous as: Composer
Died on: 01 January 1970
Born in: Geneva
Nationality: Swiss
Year Of Birth: 1880
Jennifer Lopez
Famous as: Singer, Actress, Dancer & Fashion Designer
Born in: New York City
Nationality: American
Year Of Birth: 1969
John Newton
Famous as: British Sailor and Anglican Clergyman
Died on: 21 December 1807
Born in: Wapping, London
Nationality: Briton
Year Of Birth: 1725
Kristin Chenoweth
Born in: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, U.S.
Nationality: American
Year Of Birth: 1968
Zelda Fitzgerald
Famous as: Novelist
Died on: 10 March 1948
Born in: Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Nationality: American
Year Of Birth: 1900
Personality Traits & Characteristic of Famous People Born on July 24
July 24 individuals are endowed with typical Leo traits which include charming nature, diplomatic mind and practical approach. These people are friendly and warm with an empathetic heart. What differentiates them from other Lions is the fact that these people aren't as bossy or blunt as others. Ambitious and strong willed, individuals born on July 24 are enthusiastic about challenges with a rather optimistic thinking and futuristic outlook. Like other Lions, these people do seek reassurance in the form of constant appreciation and approval of others. They are good at organizing with an expansive imagination and excellent communication skills. They have profound sensitive emotions and a tendency to take things quite personally. July 24 individuals possess an enhanced creative or musical streak.
July 24 individuals experience just about decent health and well-being. This is mainly due to their disinterest in the general health condition. Those with this birthday tend to overwork their mind and body and mostly take their health for granted. Due to these proclivities, they experience unhealthiness and illness. What's more, despite having a fondness for exercises and physical activities, these people gain weight due to their habit of indulging in comfort eating. When sad, they resort to eating high-calorie food and stimulants to restore their emotional well-being. Also, July 24 individuals are prone to accidents when emotionally weak and unstable.
The financial condition of July 24 individuals is mostly stable. They have a natural talent for acquiring money. In addition to this, they are lucky in financial matters and have a favourable fortune. Due to this, even their generous nature and the temptation to overspend once in a while do not harm or come in between their thriving financial status.
Ideal occupational choice for individuals born on July 24 is one that provides high degree of mental stimulation. Since these people are cautious about mundane task, they can be indecisive or impulsive concerning the preferred occupations. A regular nine to five job does not appeal to the sense of these people. Jobs that are interesting by nature and challenging are perfect options to explore. Since July 24 individuals are blessed with great communication skills and have the ability to organize skilfully, the idyllic job choice is one that allows them to use these traits in their professional life.
Relationships, Marriage & Children
Leo's born on July 24 have a lot of regard and esteem for the relationship they share with their family, friends and relatives. Romantically, these people are complete believers in true love. They are idealistic about romance and hence, trust people easily. Due to this, they get easily hurt by bruised ego. However, despite this, July 24 individuals do not feel let down and continue their pursuit of finding their true soul mate. An ideal partner for July 24 individuals is one who makes them feel complete. In the love relationship, these people are extremely loving and faithful. They are truly committed to their romantic alliance and expect the same in return. July 24 individuals are caring individuals who lend their partner support at every step. The only thing that does not work for them is their proneness to jealousy and possessiveness. As far as parenting is concerned, they make excellent parents. They are more of friends than disciplinarian.
Lucky Color: White, Cream, Rose, Pink
Lucky Number: 6, 15, 24, 33, 42, 51
Lucky Days (of the week): Friday, Saturday, Wednesday
Lucky Days (of the month): 6, 15, 24

subset: commoncrawl


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"What a fun book!"
This book was not what i expected. Some of the topics seemed a but off beat and i would wonder if they would amount to good listening. I was at the least smiling to every story. some made me pause and think, others made me laugh out loud. overall a great listen!
"Great unique thinking!"
This recording blew my mind. The progression of thought and how he presents his material really is impressive. But, THE RECORDING QUALITY STINKS!!!
All of it. If your not of the open mind type, don't waste your money.
the sound quality.
"What a letdown."
I like the premise but the execution of the whole audio book was a huge letdown.
I think the narrator was the biggest draw back for me. His voices were not far from his own and after 6 hours his voice became very grating.
What a waste of the hour i made it threw. first audio book i couldn't finish.
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Book your room at Hotel Hellsten
Junior SuiteMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Standard Single RoomMax Occupancy: 1 guest (up to 1 infant)
Single Room (Grand Lit)Max Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Standard Double or Twin RoomMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Superior Double or Twin RoomMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
A hotel with a difference in the centre of Stockholm.
Close to everything
Hotel Hellsten is a cosmopolitan hotel located in the centre of Stockholm within walking distance of everything the city has to offer. Just follow Sveavägen or take the Metro around the corner to the Old Town.
Colonial-style bar
Hotel Hellsten serves a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning. Guests can enjoy Swedish beers at the colonial-style bar. A sauna, a fitness facility, and a business center are offered.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Guestrooms at Hotel Hellsten, individually decorated with bold colors, offer city or courtyard views. Rooms feature LCD TVs with cable channels. Complimentary wireless Internet access is provided.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Hellsten
Hotel Amenities
The 6-story Hotel Hellsten, housed in a 19th century building, features colonial-style Hellsten Earth Bar. African masks, Chinese drawings, and black-and-white travel photographs adorn the walls of the bar and lobby. In this hotel's glass-enclosed breakfast room, guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning. A business center, conference rooms, and meeting rooms for small groups are on site. This Stockholm hotel has a sauna and a fitness facility. The hotel includes multilingual staff, concierge services, and a safe deposit box at the 24-hour front desk. The lobby provides complimentary newspapers. The hotel offers currency exchange, and dry cleaning/laundry services (surcharge). A parking garage is available (surcharge).
- Sauna
- Concierge services
- Free! Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Fitness facilities
- Bar/lounge
- Meeting rooms
- Business center
- Conference space
- 24-hour front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of floors - 5
- Laundry facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Free! Free breakfast
- Free! Free Wi-Fi
- Total number of rooms - 78
- Luggage storage
- Offsite parking reservations required
- Year Built 1898
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 2
Available in all rooms: Free! Free Wi-Fi , Free! Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free! Free Wi-Fi
Room Amenities
- Room service (24 hours)
- Phone
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Cable TV service
- Free! Free Wi-Fi
- Room service
- Free! Free wired high-speed Internet
- Individually furnished
- Individually decorated
Where to Eat
Hellsten Earth Bar - Foreign and Swedish beers. Colonial-style and eclectic decor. Open Monday-Saturday nights. Complimentary breakfast - Daily breakfast buffet served in a glass-enclosed breakfast room.
Nearby Things to Do
The hotel features a sauna and a fitness facility.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Minimum check-in age is 18
Special check-in instructions:
Groups booking 5 or more rooms are asked to contact the hotel in advance.
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Pets allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Special policies:
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Parking height restrictions apply
- Self parking fee: SEK 250 per night
- Pet fee: SEK 250 per night
- Rollaway bed fee: SEK 250 per night
We should mention
Children 6 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section).
National Rating
Hotelstars Union assigns an official star rating for properties in Sweden. This property is rated 4 stars.


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Resize QuickTime Player windows to 'smooth' sizes
Cool, thanks for that, didn't know that was available, I can now do 50% larger when I could only do 100% (Double Size) from the View menu.
Resize QuickTime Player windows to non-proportional sizes
There's more: If you hold Shift while dragging, you are able to change to an non-proportional size. Good for resizing anamorph videos to square pixels. (You can see the actual and original size in the information panel.)
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cat crossing kensington place on Flickr.
Took this pic while i was teaching my hot shots photography courses.
One of the tasks on the course is to shot a list of 66 things on 2 rolls on film in 3 hours. this was for one of my "perspective". The next course with places left is on the weekend 16th-17th June.
Matt Stokes's 1st place winning illustration form the Create in Brighton Competition. I was one of the judges, read more about the other winners and prize giving night on my blog here.
Arty in the Clouds by dazb
Would never usually re-blog a cat pic but there is something special about this.
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|13 Dec 2011
Flac files incorrectly displayed as mp3 file type in explorer!?!?
OK. Having kind of a bad PC day today. I've been using a flac codec from xiph.org (has a tiny fish head icon). Tried the Winamp media player yesterday and it just wasn't for me. Long story short. Uninstalled Winamp and did a ccleaner registry cleanup. (Probably cleaned too much.) My flac files in explorer now have an mp3 logo and under the 'type' column it shows, "Mp3 Format Sound" I uninstalled, reinstalled the xiph codec and it still shows the mp3 logo and description. Funny thing is they play just fine with the xiph codec installed. Without it, no playback is possible so I know that they're still flac not mp3. These flac files were never converted but now they're labeled/displayed incorrectly as mp3 format and the tiny little xiph fish head logo is no longer there. I've tried a system restore but it didn't work. Ideas? Suggestions? Much obliged and greatly appreciated! Thanks again! Todd
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
Don't know what issues you had with using Winamp, for FLAC or other audio media formats, that you didn't like. Perhaps you didn't install it with some customized choices that would give you what you really wanted. I've been using Winamp for 15 years and would be glad to help provide some insights, both for installation and use.
However the use of Winamp for FLAC playback doesn't involve installation of a codec (which would allow other players such as Windows Media Player to be used for FLAC). Winamp itself can simply play FLAC itself with its own built-in capabilities, and that's all I care about since the installation of Winamp associates FLAC with Winamp and that's what I want. I generally don't use WMP to play music, I use Winamp.
Anyway, using the "Default Programs" program (from the Start menu) you should be able to set the default program associated with FLAC (forget about the icon for the moment). What program name shows there now? Do you want it to be Windows Media Player? It would have been Winamp if you'd installed Winamp and left it installed (as you can see in my screenshot below), but you can change the default program to say be WMP if you want.
Now if you do change the default program to specify WMP for FLAC, I would think you'd then get the WMP icon for FLAC files.
You can change the icon associated with a file type by using a nifty 3rd-party program from NirSoft, a program named FileTypesMan. This program makes it trivial to modify things in Windows 7 that used to be easy to modify in WinXP (e.g. file type icons) which are far more difficult and challenging in Windows 7.
Assuming you have a valid "fish" ICO from your xiph FLAC codec install, you can easly use FileTypesMan to set that ICO as the associated file type icon for FLAC. Don't forget to log off/on (or re-boot) after setting it in order to see the effect of that icon change.
But... again, I would be glad to provide any help or answer any questions you have about Winamp. I love it, including its presentation of an Album Art window (to show off my collection of high-quality 500x500 "cover.jpg" images that I have in each of my album folders). I also use a 3rd-party visualization plug-in named G-Force Platinum, that "dances along with the music, both in beat and mood".
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
Win 7 Pro x64
This is to confirm what dspreber has said. Both the "File Type" description and the icon used in the listing are determined by the program associated with the file extension.
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
taskkill /IM explorer.exe /FBut on a number of occasions the "DEL iconcache.db /a" failed because the file was claimed to be "not found". Looking deeper, the "H" (hidden) attribute was on for the file and I had to un-hide it in order to delete it.
However even after deleting the file and then rebooting, the re-boot did not rebuild the iconcache.db file for some inexplicable reason!
Almost always the above commands and the re-boot works perfectly. But again, every so often it doesn't work and I have to be "creative" to get iconcache.db to be rebuilt correctly by the system (even when it didn't get rebuilt automatically by the re-boot even after deleting it).
I've learned that a way to guarantee and force Windows to rebuild iconcache.db is to change the display properties color characteristics:
(1) right-click on desktop, select "Screen resolution", click on "Advanced settings" to get your display driver's properties/setup dialog, select "monitor" tab or wherever your "colors" item lives, change from "true color (32-bit)" to "high color (16-bit)", and OK all the way back out.
(2) re-boot. The change in color from 32-bit to 16-bit will force Windows to re-build iconcache.db automatically.
(3) repeat the (1) process but this time going from 16-bit back to the original 32-bit color.
(4) re-boot. Again, the change in color from 16-bit to 32-bit will again force Windows to re-build iconcache.db automatically.
This color-depth change "trick" method to trigger Windows itself to automatically do the iconcache.db re-build seems to work 100% reliably, even if the earlier command method described in the forum tutorial inexplicably fails occasionally (as it has for me several time) as I've described.
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
clever workaround ,thanks for the tip
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
Here's a couple of screenshots. I have maybe 5% or so of my music files in a flac format. It makes it a lot easier to discern between mp3 and flac. Here's is what it looks like now:
Here's the xiph.org icon.
This was once a part of all my flac files and now it isn't. When I first installed the xiph codec, this was attached by default to all flac files. (I only had one at the time because I was just beginning to use flac.) Any other flac files that were either ripped or downloaded had this by default. vNow I have them listed as, "MP3 Format Sound". What? Before there was no mention of mp3. They have the .flac extension and only playback in WMP using the xiph codec, so there is NO WAY these files have anything to do with mp3. What happened?
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
Here's a couple of screenshots. I have maybe 5% or so of my music files in a flac format. It makes it a lot easier to discern between mp3 and flac. Here's is what it looks like now:
Attachment 188226
For example, here's one of my album folders containing BOTH MP3 and FLAC files. Since I have Winamp installed and set (during the Winamp install) to be the default player for both file types, its icon shows at the left for all MP3 and FLAC files in this folder.
Also, I'm interested in seeing seeing what your default programs are that are associated with FLAC and MP3. That's not shown by Explorer, but rather by using the Default Programs program.
For example, here are my Default Program entries for both FLAC and MP3, that I'd like to see in your system. Again, for me both of these show that Winamp is the default program associated with each file type. I'd like to see what it is on your system.
|My System Specs
|14 Dec 2011
Here's the xiph.org icon.
Attachment 188227
Is that an actual EXE? For the installer file? Or is there actually an executable program that runs somehow, somewhere, sometime?? Seems mysterious. With Winamp as the default program associated with FLAC files, the Winamp icon is shown for FLAC files because that is exactly how Windows works. But XIPH is not a "player" I don't think, so I don't know what this thing is that you've taken a screenshot of and which has this icon?
To associate a different icon with a file type, other than that of the associated default program (e.g. using FileTypesMan, or other well-known but involved Windows Registry hacks) you need an actual ICO file. So you'd need to extract that icon from within that EXE file and save it as an actual ICO file. There are a large number of free and non-free products out there to extract icons from within an EXE, and save it as an ICO.
However, looking more closely at what FileTypesMan shows on my setup as the default icon for FLAC, it's specified as: c:\Program Files (X86)\Winamp\winamp.exe,3 so it would appear you can point directly to an EXE file (at least in windows) and there will automatically be a Windows-implemented extraction of the imbedded icon whenever needed in Explorer. In the case of Winamp, there were a set of possible icons the user could choose between, and I'm guessing that the ",3" suffix implies the third of the set of icons.
Anyway, maybe you can simply point to that XIPH.ORG EXE file and let Windows pick up its icon... using FileTypesMan.
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text:
That headline is kind of inaccurate, actually. I haven't completely retired from roller derby; I've just retired from the skating part of it after six seasons with the Cincinnati Rollergirls. And nearly three months after my last game, I have no regrets.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about not skating competitively anymore. I don't always adjust easily to change, and for six seasons, my life revolved around going to practice two, three and then four days a week, 10+ months of the year. I lived, breathed and dreamed derby. But the time commitment, coupled with my frequent frustration at my own performance, was wearing on me. It had become more stressful than fun. And my life is much less stressful now.
Don't get me wrong: I miss a lot of things about derby. I miss the sheer joy of skating and the feeling of accomplishment when I got the hang of a drill or had a good jam, and when I felt like we were coming together as a team. I miss pushing my body to the point of complete and utter exhaustion. And most of all, I miss my teammates and feeling like part of a team. I'm still very much involved with the team, serving on our leadership team and managing our marketing, PR and social media — all things I truly enjoy — but it's just not the same as being with my teammates regularly.
My coaches told me that I was still welcome to attend practice after my retirement, and I considered it. But I think that would be more difficult than not going to practice at all. I've never been the type to half-ass things. I'm either going to be a retired skater or I'm going to be an active one. For me, there's no in between.
I still feel strongly that it was time for me to retire, and that it's other people's time now. That has been abundantly clear to me over the past few months, when I've been a spectator at our own practices and games and at a junior derby camp that we held this summer. It's thrilling to see how far my teammates have come this year, and to see the next generation of derby girls throw themselves, sometimes quite literally, into the sport. That first day of our junior derby camp in July was jaw-dropping to watch. Many of us were there who were there on the day of CRG's first-ever practice in 2006, and we all commented that that batch of 8- to 17-year-olds looked better at their first practice than we did at ours. Retired Cincinnati Rollergirl Panterrorize, the coach of the Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls, even had them scrimmaging that first week, despite my doubts that they'd be ready for it, and they exceeded our expectations. See for yourself:
(By the way, the Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls' fall season starts Monday, Sept. 12. More details here.)
More than anything, I just want other people to fall in love with derby the way I did, either by playing it or watching it. My goal is to never again hear anyone say, "I didn't know there was roller derby in Cincinnati." I'm going to work as hard as I can to get us there, for as long as I possibly can.
Meanwhile, I've developed a new hobby: Running. I never had any desire to run before now because it seemed boring and like something that everybody did, and I've never been too interested in doing things that everybody else is doing. But I was always one of those annoying skaters who enjoyed endurance skating and was pretty good at it, so I was curious to see whether that would translate off-skates. For me, it translated pretty well. Running definitely works different muscles from skating and I was pretty sore after the first few outings, but I eventually found my stride. It's kind of nice to be able to just charge ahead at my own pace and to my own soundtrack without having to worry about someone crashing into me. And there's something so invigorating about running outside in the evenings after being cooped up in an office all day. Whatever the weather, it always beats the gym.
And then I come home and see my skate bag in its usual spot by the front door, and I remember how I used to spend my evenings, not that long ago. I can't bring myself to put it away just yet.
Tags: junior derby, retirement


text:
View all artworks by Guy Thomas-Rodet
About this artwork: huile/toile
Mixed Media
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Order a custom work by Guy Thomas-Rodet! Are you interested by a custom piece of art from Guy Thomas-Rodet ? To inquire about customizing an existing work, or to have the artist create a completely new project based on your requirements, please contact the artist and provide details about your project. The artist will get back to you within 48 hours.
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I was born in 1957 in south Bretagne, France. Completely self-taught, I discovered the pleasure of drawing,
painting, writing poetry and making music very early on. After searching for a number of years, the visual
media became the obvious choice for me and at 25 years, a sensual way to express [..]
I was born in 1957 in south Bretagne, France. Completely self-taught, I discovered the pleasure of drawing,
painting, writing poetry and making music very early on. After searching for a number of years, the visual
media became the obvious choice for me and at 25 years, a sensual way to express deep sentiments
and perhaps to put a little light in the shadows of life…
I have lived many places in France, on the seashore in Bretagne, the forest in Normandy, in the mountains
in the French Alps, working here and there. Currently I live and work in Paris where I have had quite a number
of exhibitions (both solo exhibitions and in group settings) selling very well both in France
and to foreign collectors.
During the past 20 years most of my work has been in oil. During the first seven years I was influenced
by the work of Salvador Dali and worked mainly in Surrealism. Then for two years I experimented with abstract
art, exploring multiple styles and using different medias.For a decade I worked in the neo-classical style,
which gave me a solid background in technique and a freedom of expression.
Enough about the past, now let's talk about me and bears and my art. You could say drawing
the male figure and doing full body portrait –capturing the essence of a particular moment– has been
at the center of my life and feelings! Yet, when I was young I was very attracted to the strange
strength emanating from the old masters portraits. The intimacy of these tender moments expressed frankly
and without guise was extremely powerful. This simple essence of life is what drove me to portraiture.
Years later I find myself spending a lot of time drawing rounded anatomy, sexy and charming figures.
Like caresses sliding on paper the sweet sound of my color pencil… Sensuality is very essential to my work.
Since my teenage years, I've never stopped drawing what I love most: big, strong, full bodies,
hairy with rough or smiling bearded faces. Sometimes with wild guys who loves this kind of man.
This is my way of thanking Mother Nature for all the grace and pleasure she brings us with bears.
I really didn't know then, that one day I would show these pictures and that many people would really
enjoy them. A lifetime of work finally bears fruit! In the last six years I have begun exhibiting my bear art
regularly in France and Europe and I have got it edited in gay book and magazine.
My work was received warmly everywhere with much success. Many people enjoy the realism
of my portraits, in which I like to install a sweet and sensual vision of our intimacy. A fleeting glimpse
of a loving instant, trying to follow the wave of a caress deep deep into the soul…!
Guy Thomas


text:
Oprah Winfrey is the answer to Lindsay Lohan's prayers -- at least according to Michael Lohan who tells us that LiLo's BIG deal with the big O is the best thing that could have happened to her.
Our photog spotted papa Lohan at LAX Saturday -- and asked him how he felt about LiLo making nearly $2 million to do a sit down interview and 8-part docu series with O.
Michael says he couldn't be happier for LiLo and explains how the Oprah effect could be just the thing his troubled daughter needs to keep her nose clean.
He also discusses whether or not he'll make an appearance on the show ... check it out.
any good that comes out of this will be ruined by michael lohan is one quick phone call to tmz live.
The only reason why Lohan stayed in rehab was because she was court ordered forced.
She isn't forced to do this Oprah crap. Want to bet Lohan will take the money and burn her.
Winfrey can't be that stupid. She's got to have some kind of contract that if Lohan tried to screw her she get's nothing.
Bwahahahaha sorry Michael, but the rest of the public sees this as O's way to save her failing network. You really are in lala land.
Lindsay Lohan searching for sperm donor
Everyone have a great day.....see ya'll later on.
Winfreys network is doing a little better but still not great by a long shot. How she thinks this junk with Lohan is going to help is beyond me.
And why is this if pulled off to be aired sometime in 2014 that's like a year away.
Guess I'll believe it when I don't see it.
This is a win for Oprah no matter what happens. If Lindsay cleans up -Oprah wash the one to save her-where everyone else failed. If she is a mess (which I think we can all agree will happen) Oprah can sit back all concerned, smug and I told you so-no one does that better than Oprah. She can look at the camera and say I tried my best but Squeaky is beyond hope and help. No one can Oprah did not try and at the end of the day Oprah is still a billionaire and secure for life and the Lohan's will be selling any child they can to make a buck.
Doomed from the start. This is ALL WRONG. Oprah is not a "savior," she's an employer. When the shows don't do what they need to for OWN, the lady will move on. Just ask Rosie.
If Oprah thinks the Cracken will save her failing network, that's not going to end well. I hope she has an iron clad contract with Crackie, even so, she'll take and number and stand in line to sue her when she burns her like she does everyone else.
Lohan needs money and drug money. If Lohan can pull this con off she will. Just don't see that happening. She can't even make a 2 day shoot without being a complete nightmare and going on binges for days. Why should this be any different.
Lohan is just going to make whatever money she can to drink, drug and party.
How Lohan thinks that 6 rehab jokes current 90 days forced rehab is going to change her over 10 years of hard drinking, drugging and partying is going to change is still funny as hell.
I'm going to have nightmares about this impending pregnancy. I can really see her doing this. She would see it as the answer to all her problems.
Will Oprah film Lindsay helping young woman? After all isn't that what Lindsay wants to do with her life? We will all be crying as Lindsay transforms the lives of young woman everywhere. Any celebrity can adopt a poor child and give them wonderful lives but only Lindsay can teach them the Arab businessmen circuit and that my friend is priceless.
See everyone later. Play nice unless Nicole shows up again and then let that bitch have it!
Shouldn't rehab have saved Lindsay as opposed to Oprah saving Lindsay post rehab?
I also noticed that Lindsay's fee is now "nearly" $2million.
Cmon... no one believe she's getting anywhere near even 1 million for this. The cable network isn't even in the top 25 cable networks on zap-to-it. Lindsay accepted minimal wage for her last project. She comes cheap these days...


text:
1. "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." — Abraham Lincoln.
2. "There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." — Jill Churchill.
3. "A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest." — Irish proverb.
4. "God could no be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." — Jewish proverb.
5. "Mothers are all slightly insane." — J.D. Salinger.
6. "Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." — Unknown.
7. "A mother understands what a child does not say." — Jewish proverb.
8. "There is no velvet so soft as a mother's lap, no rose as lovely as her smile, no path so flowery as that imprinted with her footsteps." — Archibald Thompson.
9. "A mother is a mother still, the holiest thing alive." — Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
10. "We never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves." — Henry Ward Beecher.


text:
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Weird Trivia
What was spotted again in the Hong Kong harbor?
What was spotted again in the Hong Kong harbor?
How many pizzas were sent to military personnel in Afghanistan?
According to the article, what types of dogs are wake-boarding in the photos?
Who approached Selina Gomez for a photo backstage?
According to the article, the only things certain in life are death, taxes, and the fact you'll own at least a few pairs of what?
Click here to see the answer.
What classic video game did this dad hack so his daughter could play as a girl?
According to this article, Ben & Jerry's almost sold what food?
According to this list, what comedy deals with nuclear war?
Division Mortgage would like to show their appreciation by providing a special offer to our veterans. Watch the video below and answer the Trivia Question for 500 points!
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Today's Domino's Pizza deal is good at how many area locations?
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The Fabricator 181i is the premiere tool for welding power. In this video, learn how the tool has an advanced inverter technology that makes this unit 32.2-lb. highly portable, gives it the arc performance professionals demand and makes it easier for beginners to learn to weld. After watching the video, answer a trivia question to earn 500 points.


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Other titles in the Llewellyn's Witches Companion series:
Llewellyn's Witches' Companion: An Almanac for Everyday Living (Llewellyn's Witches Companion)by Llewellyn Llewellyn
Synopses & Reviews
Publisher Comments:
Gain insight on issues relevant to you and find some great tips and ideas for living your craft every day in Llewellyn's indispensable Witches' Companion. Stay one step ahead of the latest witchy trends and craft practices with the provocative and practical articles, how-tos, and lunar information inside this guide. This year's almanac features twenty-one thought-provoking essays on a variety of timely topics--the magical benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle, inviting house spirits to participate in rituals, finding magic on the Internet, and much, much more. Must Pagans Do Everything Pagan? by Barbara Ardinger Conferring Celebrity Status on Big Name Pagans by Boudica Chakra Balancing and Tarot by Calantirniel Green Witch Initiation by Susun S. Weed Personal Myths by Lupa Written for busy modern witches, Llewellyn's Witches' Companion is the perfect complement to our Witches' Calendar and Witches' Datebook. Includes a sixteen-month calendar featuring lunar information to fuel your spellwork and rituals.
Current, irreverent, and indispensable, Llewellyn's 2011 Witches' Companion will spark the interest of every witch and pagan.
From creating your own personal myth to balancing a hectic pagan lifestyle to avoiding the pitfalls of pagan celebrity devotion, this year's edition is filled with wry and relevant articles from innovative thinkers, authors, and experts. Stay up-to-date on current debates in the pagan community. Revitalize your practice with fresh ideas in sustainable witchcraft. Discover how green living can pack a powerfully magical punch. You'll also find thoughtful essays devoted to craft essentials, health and wellness, communication, and transformation in your life.
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I first dressed her in a jason wu/dynamite girls top with basic toralei's leggings, which fit her fine. since she's thicker, the length is shorter on her but they still look good. i like a casual look on her contrasted by her crown headband.
then I dressed her in a bratz (I think?) dress I had laying around with scaris clawdeen's shrug. it's a little loose in the torso but its still believable.
next I put her in a bratzillaz dress, which again is a little big in the torso but overall fits fine.
lastly, I put her back in the jason wu top and bratz jacket with a monster high skirt I bought on etsy.
overall I realized that she becomes much more appealing to me when she gains a little bit of edge. sweet looking girls don't last long in my doll collection.
I'll post raven and maddie tomorrow!
when i first saw the ever after high dolls i was really unimpressed but these outfits are cute as hell on her


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Additional Information
|59 x 42 x 30 in
A-Grade Teak, Sunbrella® Fabric
This Teak Outdoor Lounge Chair from the Cabo Teak Outdoor Furniture Collection features an expansive seating area, which is a trait of the whole collection. This piece is made for relaxing and long afternoons where you might even consider napping outside.
Read more about this Teak Outdoor Lounge ChairClick to Hide Information
The super deep seating surface on the Cabo teak Outdoor Lounge Chair is incredibly forgiving and the tailored cushions keep the chair true to its contemporary and minimalist roots.
The lines on this teak outdoor lounge chair are clean and minimalistic, but the chair is designed to capitalize on the open feel of the collection. Every piece of A-Grade teak on it has a specific function and the thick board profiles work well with the low, deep, flat style of this chair. Only 14 inches from floor to the top of the cushion make this an easy piece to take an extended siesta on. The Cabo Teak Outdoor Lounge Chair is a piece that wants you to commit to spending a long time on it.
The dimensions are made for full comfort and a lot of flexibility to pair this chair with other pieces. In fact this outdoor lounge chair has been given the nickname of "the meditation chair" because of the width. It's perfect for seated yoga poses or for that extra special someone next to you. The Sunbrella® tailored back cushions give it a signature style and work well with a variety of throw pillows to ensure every guest who might use it can fully enjoy its large footprint.
Please choose an in stock cushion color from the drop down menu for immediate delivery or select a custom cushion color from our Sunbrella® range below. Allow an additional 2-3 weeks for custom cushion colors. All cushions shown are included in price.
|59 x 42 x 30 in
A-Grade Teak, Sunbrella® Fabric
About Teak Furniture Teak is always the first choice for wooden outdoor furniture. It is a very stable timber, which has a high oil and rubber content creating a built-in water repellent making teak furniture virtually immune to rotting. Teak is highly valued because of its beautiful grain and color and is preferred in shipbuilding… Find Out More →
Sunbrella manufactures the fabric that is used in many of our products, such as furniture, cushions, umbrellas and more. Cushions made of Sunbrella fabric are durable enough to stay outside. However through the winter we recommend that you store inside against the harsh snow and rain to ensure that they are clean and ready for… Find Out More →
Teak outdoor furniture is beautiful, durable and practical. It can be left out in the weather without becoming twisted or warped. And you can rest assured that your teak patio furniture will never crack, splinter, or be a home to termites! Proper teak furniture care will maintain teak's attractive and durable qualities. The Natural Aging… Find Out More →
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleaning is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur…. Find Out More →
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"By the way, did you know that our Sunbrella® cushions are FREE with all of our deep seating and lounging products as shown on site? So no hidden charges, just another benefit from us to you. No one else does this. Compare before you buy, you owe this to yourself." -TW
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"The tragic mistake of so many in the environmentalist movement is the belief that the rest of the world can afford to hold itself to our expensive green standards.
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Sports and awards go together like cleats and grass. But when Team DC starts handing out the kudos Saturday night, it won't be for most points or best time. Instead, the umbrella organization for the myriad LGBT sports organizations in the D.C. area – and there are plenty, from rowing to bowling, Frisbee to football – will be recognizing those athletes who have helped make the community one that affirms LGBT participations in sports, at all levels and at all ages.
First up is the MVP Award. Marcel Acosta and Brian Beary of the DC Front Runners didn't need to break a sweat for this honor, but they did have to put in hours to create Fast Forward, a documentary the duo created to mark the running club's 30th anniversary. Also at the MVP level is Walker Chaffin of the Capital Tennis Association for years of commitment to the Capital Classic Tennis Tournament – held once again in D.C. in 2012 – which has raised thousands of dollars for a variety of groups, such as Whitman-Walker Health and Food & Friends.... more
Our daily emails are personally curated by our editors and feature a wide range of news, features, reviews and interviews. Don't miss out on any of our award-winning content -- from news to arts, cars to tech, food to fitness, we've got a bit of it all!


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Look back at the action from The Lamex Stadium as it unfolded
STEVENAGE: Day, Dembele, Ashton, Mousinho, Charles, Akins, Zoko, Heslop, Freeman, Smith, Obeng. SUBS: Goodliffe, Wedgbury, Morais, Reid, Flanagan, N'Guessen, Henderson.
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On January 9th Southern Sudan votes to become an independent nation.
In this spirit of this historical event on January 9th PACODES will raise $100,000 with your help. To give the gift of education to the people of Southern Sudan. PACODES is building a library in Panyijiar, Southern Sudan.
January 9th. Go to libraryproject.org. Give the gift of education to a community ready for change.
Please share this with your friends and family and encourage them to share it with their friends as well. We can make the dream of this library a reality with your help!
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Home > Camping Articles > Eco-Friendly Camping: How to Leave No Trace
"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints." This popular motto of leave-no-trace camping speaks to its overall goal: have as little impact on your outdoor location as possible.
What started as an eco-friendly trend in outdoors adventuring has become increasingly popular and important. And with growing numbers of visitors to wilderness areas, it's more important than ever to protect and preserve these sacred spaces.
Here's how you can implement leave no trace on your next camping trip.
The leave no trace principles were laid out by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. As an overarching set of rules in this increasingly important eco-friendly movement, they are important to know.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: This includes familiarizing yourself with the area you plan to visit. Learn the rules for hiking and camping in that area and plan accordingly. It's also recommended that you travel in small groups, and avoid going at times when there's already a high volume of use.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:"Durable surfaces" are established trails and campsites. Try not to create new paths and campsites, which further disrupt the purity of the area.
Dispose of Waste Properly: The best way to remember this is: "pack it in, pack it out." Don't leave anything at the site that wasn't there before. Remember that human waste should be buried 200 feet away from any body of water, and placed 6 to 8 inches in the ground.
Leave What You Find: Don't take anything natural, including rocks and plants, from the campsite. The key is to avoid introducing or transporting non-native species to or from the site.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use established fire rings and a small, lightweight camping stove. It's important to burn your fire down to ash, and then put out the fire completely; scatter cool ashes when possible.
Respect Wildlife: This is not only good practice for the environment, but your safety as well. Don't approach or follow a wild animal and never feed them.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect campers around you, and yield to them on the trail. Keep loud noises to a minimum so that others can enjoy the serenity of their natural surroundings.
While the leave no trace principles are an important set of eco-friendly camping ethics, consider which ones apply to you more given the area you plan to visit.
Primitive and Backcountry Camping:
Campground Camping:
The most important element of eco-friendly camping is having respect for the places you love to visit. It's a reciprocal relationship and the rewards are endless.
Reserve a campsite.
Places to Camp Near Planet Earth Locations
Dream Camping Destinations in the U.S.
10 Least Visited National Parks and Why You Should See Them


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FEATURED RESOURCEImmigration Minute by Fragomen
Module 3November 5, 2014White Plains, New YorkRegister today!
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November 2009
Despite appearances and an intricately intertwined history, residents of the United States and the United Kingdom have different views of health care, many of which stem from subtle cultural differences and views toward the world. Marsh examines the two countries' health care systems, and offers a no-hold-barred analysis of their differences.
By Donna Marsh
As an American/British dual national, it is always interesting to consider the innumerable cultural differences between the two countries.
Of course, these differences extend far beyond your definition of football, when you think World War II began, or in which hand you hold a fork. The current debate concerning proposed American health care reform has provided a platform that clearly illustrates how different the two countries can be.
Americans are taught from an early age to take care of themselves, i.e., to pull themselves up by their bootstraps if necessary. Many Americans view health insurance—supplied by many but not all employers to their employees and their families—as something they individually earn, along with their wages or salaries. Some also are of the opinion that those who do not have health insurance should be motivated to find "better" work that does include this benefit. Indeed, there are a portion of Americans who view health care as a privilege and not a human right. Some Americans' general mistrust of government-controlled social programs further fuel this attitude.
However, America's scepticism is not as clear cut as it initially might seem. The American government has been sponsoring two important health programs since the 1960s. America's Medicaid system provides health benefits to certain low-income groups. The Medicare system provides comprehensive health benefits to those older than 65.
Both programs generate strong feelings in the American public. Some may feel resentment toward the Medicaid system for any number of reasons, mostly relating to a belief that these individuals have not "earned the right" to access a system paid by taxpayers' dollars and thus "don't deserve it." This reluctance to help the less fortunate, especially if there also is a perception of "not pulling their weight" is a telling example of the Protestant work ethic and its belief in reward for hard work.
However, Medicare most often is seen as an entitlement to be accessed at the age most Americans retire from work, and often—not insignificantly—lose their work-related health care benefits, as well. It would take some effort to find many Americans who would argue against the availability of the Medicare system for their elderly relatives or for themselves at some point in the future. The shift from individualism to a more collectivist approach is being made, at least in this instance.
In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service is free at the point of need to all British residents, including foreign nationals with a legal right to remain in the U.K. (including expatriate Americans). The NHS is funded through the National Insurance system, paid by both employees and employers. It undoubtedly is considered a human right by the British public, expected to be provided for all by the government.
This approach also fits into the U.K.'s value system of fair play and characteristic support for the underdog. Although it is not difficult to find many British people criticizing their government, there is not an equivalent level of mistrust as found among many Americans.
It is not unusual for many Americans to look at many resources as being available in abundance, including health care. The British, with the days of post-WWII rationing still in living memory among its older population, are more pragmatic, recognizing that resources are limited and must be managed to maximize provision to all who need them.
Of course, health care expectations can be quite different. Americans are still very likely to expect "whatever it takes,"—heroic levels of medical intervention; many patients and their families will not be shy in making their demands quite forcefully—putting the squeaky wheel adage to use. On the other hand, these heroics are not always in tune with the patient's wishes, especially at end-stage terminal illness. In addition, seemingly endless diagnostic procedures are no doubt contributing to U.S. health care costs, likely in part because of a motivation to avoid potential malpractice lawsuits. And, of course, access to health care in the United States depends very much on what the patient's insurance will cover—hardly an equitable system for a country taught to believe that "all men are created equal."
The scaremongering found in some of the less responsible American media has little resemblance to the realities of the NHS. Access to comprehensive health care truly is available to all—this includes full services to the terminally ill and the elderly, contrary to some very ugly rumors. There is, however, an overhead of bureaucracy that is more transparent in the British system at the point of access. This includes how appointments are secured, as well as the realities of waiting lists for non-urgent yet medically necessary procedures where demand outstrips supply. Americans are more likely to face their bureaucratic nightmares post-treatment and over the legitimacy of insurance claims.
Unlike their American counterparts, most British people are unlikely to make specific demands of their system—squeaky wheels are replaced by a "mustn't make a fuss" attitude. Instead, the British are much more likely to fall into place within the system—forming an orderly queue to access their health care resources.
The British often are described as patient—their reputation as a queuing nation exists for good reason. Americans are not known for having the same level of patience as their British counterparts. How this is manifested is another illustration of the differences in access to health care. Competitive Americans are happy to use the best health care insurance possible to avoid waiting, especially if they are given a choice of health care providers who honor their medical insurance. Most British people accept that their system might include a wait to access specialized health care, although this is not always the case. The British do have an alternative that also allows them to effectively jump the queue—through private health insurance. However, some Americans may not realize that using private insurance in the UK often is done precisely to jump the queue as opposed to gaining access to superior medical treatment, as in most instances, the same doctors are visited for the same procedures. In fact, only 8 percent of all Britons have private health coverage.
Americans who access the British health system for the first time often are shocked by a number of factors. In particular, Americans' notorious hygiene standards are challenged in many British facilities, even when taking the relative age of most hospital buildings into account. The relative lack of privacy also can be uncomfortable for many Americans.
Britons who access health care in America for the first time often are shocked at being asked directly how they intend to pay for their medical treatment. Not only is this a totally irrelevant question in the UK, it also encroaches on the cultural insensitivities of discussing personal finances, which remains a private matter for most British people. The British also may believe they are being subjected to a battery of questionable diagnostic procedures that appear to have little relevance to their immediate medical needs.
The experience in the emergency room (U.S.) or A&E (U.K.) can be shocking for both cultures, at least when looking beyond true medical emergencies, such as road accidents. The number of indigent people found in American emergency rooms, often seeking primary care, may be astonishing to a British observer. On the other hand, the vast resources dedicated to alcohol-related medical treatment in a British A&E may be appalling to an American observer. Both systems, however, are faced with the same challenge of dealing with hundreds of languages, at least in major cities. The main difference will be whether the language challenge is in finding a speaker of Pashto, Yoruba, Khmer, or Quechua.
It is not uncommon to hear Americans boast that their health care system (at least for those who are insured) is the biggest and the best in the world. It also is not uncommon to hear the British complain about the NHS.
These behaviors should be considered within their cultural contexts. It is not unusual for Americans to value being the biggest and best in many walks of life; nor is it unusual for them to look inward without regard to or knowledge of the wider world. Nor is it unusual for the British to apply their talent for self-deprecation without regard to its misinterpretation elsewhere in the world—until they need what they have been so adept at criticizing. At this point, the NHS becomes "not so bad" after all. In fact, it is not unusual to see British abroad returning home specifically for the purpose of using the NHS, including those returning from the United States.
The cultural biases of both countries can be misleading. According to the World Health Organization, (WHO) there is no doubt that America's health system is the biggest, given that the country spends approximately 16 percent of its GDP on health care, approximately double the 8 percent spent by the UK (which is in line with most of the developed world).
Being "best," although somewhat interpretive, also has been quantified by WHO on more than 100 indicators. The results from the most recent available figures: the U.K. system is ranked 18th, the U.S. system is ranked 37th.
The British cherish their universal health coverage and, in their understated way, would not compromise either access or government support. For Americans, any change to their system that protects individual choice and is perceived to maintain access to the full range of medical care will have a better chance of being accepted.
Finally, it might be an idea for both countries to remove their own cultural blinders and to have a look around the globe to see what other countries may be doing better. Maybe it is time for both countries to look toward France, who holds the number one position on the WHO list—that should be interesting from a cultural perspective.
Donna Marsh is the author of "Yanks in Blighty: Tips for Americans on Adapting to All Things British." She is also the founder of Culture Unveiled (www.cultureunveiled.com), Windsor, United Kingdom. She can be reached at +44 7900 213355 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Northeastern Illinois University 2014 Distinguished Alumnus
Nomination Form
NOMINATION DEADLINE IS Friday, September 19. ALL MATERIALS ARE DUE BY THIS DATE.
The award will be announced on Friday, October 17 at the Your NEIU Alumni Reception as part of the NEIU 2014 Reunion on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18.
A special award presentation will take place at the December 2014 Commencement Ceremony.
Please submit a separate form for each person you wish to nominate.