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These Couplet Family poems are examples of Couplet poems about Family. These are the best examples of Couplet Family poems written by international PoetrySoup poets
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She Calls Me Home…
At days long end
Left on troubles shore
When I just know
I can't take anymore
When the last light
Of hope is gone
She calls me home
She calls me home
When my thoughts
Are racing round
And I can't find
A friend in this town
When every door
Has turned out wrong
She calls me home
She calls me home
She calls me home
To her embrace
Wipes the tears
From my tortured face
Calms my soul
Til the demons are gone
And with her sweet voice
She calls me home
When the dark
Won't give up light
When the wrong
Outscores the right
When the noise
Outdoes the song
She calls me home
She calls me home
When the clouds
Won't seem to break
And the sky
Just seems to ache
And the sun's
Completely gone
She calls me home
She calls me home
She calls me home
To her embrace
Wipes the tears
From my tortured face
Calms my soul
Til the demons are gone
And with her sweet voice
She calls me home
Copyright © James Burns
I mother always pride galore
until the words from daughter abhor.
Her gentle heart and loving embrace
smashing to pieces. She fell from grace.
Her untied tenny shoe, wrapped and tight
around her bike, could free no might.
Mommy checking faithful each half hour
found her daughter helpless, no power.
Down the hill mommy went
no time was wasting nor was spent.
The wind passed threw my long hair locks
when shock took over from what I got.
Not what I thought from bike I bought
but cruelest words, my life distraught.
From those lips kissed each night to bed
not once, nor twice, but thrice to head.
"Hurry up old lady" from my daughter
how my heart bleed of tears and water.
For no words crueler ever sere spoke.
My shame, the horror on face neighborhood folk.
My tail between my legs indeed
got there, put there by my third bore seed.
And mothers day and birthday too
three days from now turn 45, BOO-HOO!
Never knew my aging beauty fade
would be this hard for the lies I've made.
Lies I've told to self each day
that children's love fulfillment may.
So on this very special mothers day
this "old lady" family f--- off say.
Copyright © catherine Reinke
We let down the top to soak in the sun
Now that the harshness of winter is done
As you let back the seat and put your feet on the dash
Saying, "keep your eyes on the road I don't want to crash"
I truly must admit that I'm torn completely in two
The coast has its beauty, then again so do you
As the beauty of the Sun is absorbed by your skin
Like a kid at the candy store I simply want to dig in
If life is a candy store sweetheart you are the treat
All the other candy I tasted, never tasted so sweet
The reason I love summer is because of the heat
The skimpier the bikini, the greater the treat
I can't begin to express how wonderful you are
Saying, "hey take a look at her I'll steer the car"
At first I truly had no idea what I should say?
Though now it's, "ok sweetheart, have it your way"
I think that is because you know these words are true
I may take look at her but I shall forever belong to you
Summer is a time that is as bright as the sun
Out goes the cold as it's replaced by the fun
We have our barbecues and sit under the stars
Let down the tops and go for rides in our cars
Go tend to our gardens in farmer John clothes
Truly amazed at how fast everything grows
Go hang out at the river as well as the lake
Cover ourselves in oil than let our skin bake
Embrace the moments because these words are true
The days last much longer and the sky is so blue
The dog days of summer I reckon that's so
We bark and howl at folk we don't even know
If life is banquet then summer is the feast
I think we should gobble it up, to say the least
Written for john's Summer contest.
Copyright © Michael Jordan
Here further down the hillside slope
Down close to the creek with hope
My husband bought a house, land
Fenced in and made many plans
Subdued the land to cow pasture
And planted a garden, fruit trees sure
Fathered another child to call him sir
The creek seemed to like the stir
Enjoyed the children for a little while___
Loved them so that it made her smile
Today she loves grandchildren the same
No girls there are in frills ___tame
The creek keeps on flowing to the sea
The land is mostly stripped of trees
(This is my adaptation of Robert Frost's poem "The Birthplace". I hope that it does not insult
his work.)
Copyright © Sara Kendrick
(This is a "childhood" poem, written many years ago.)
High above the pristine falls
the looming mountain lifts its walls.
A monolith of stony gray,
with bulky lips, it seems to say:
"Eons passed since I've been here;
nothing have I seen to fear
while above my walls, from year to year,
about the world below I peer.
My walls so high, so steep and strong,
protect me well from all that's wrong.
Would that Man below could see
how I keep all harm from me.
Would that he could build a wall
about his home, his family -- all --
to keep them safe from Evil's charm,
which causes Man unending harm."
Copyright © Leo Larry Amadore
"I never travel without my diary - One should have something sensational to read"
...Oscar Wilde, 1891
30 May 48: I graduated from high school today now thank God I'm free!
No more doggone homework, perplexing algebra or teachers bugging me!
7 Jul 48: Enlisted in the Air Force today! Good Lord! What have I done!
The sarge said, "Forget Mom, Dad and Susie Q! You're now mine, my son!"
21 Oct 48: Finished basic training today with about a hundred other guys.
I thought it'd be more like a Boy Scout Camp! Boy, was I in for a surprise!
15 Feb 49: Graduated tech school at Fort Warren and sent to the Bermuda Isles.
Quite a change for a country boy! Water, water everywhere for miles and miles!
12 Oct 52: Was married tonight at Perrin AFB with Vera as my beautiful bride!
She was very pert and calm, but diary, I was somewhat nervous I must confide!
23 Aug 54: Our family grew by one today! Leanna, a little girl, my fondest wish!
She was measured by a nurse holding her by the heels! Just like measuring a fish!
15 Aug 55: Boarded a crowded troopship in New York and set sail for Morocco.
Was beset with a bit of mal de mer since the ship was wallowing to and fro!
17 Oct 57: Our little 'arab' Leslie was born today near Casablanca! What a dolly!
She has a hearty set of lungs, but that's OK, she's a healthy little dude, by golly!
11 Jan 68: Son Mark was born at the Air Force Academy and seemed a healthy tot!
9 Apr 68: Alas, we buried Mark today at Evergreen. Boy, do we miss him a lot!
24 Jun 71: My family and I arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to begin our three-year tour!
Japanese is foreign! For "good morning" do I say, "ohio gazamus" or "bon jour?"
1 May 74: Chaplain Porter notified me that I had been promoted to Chief!
Happy day, dear diary! I've reached the highest rank! What a blessed relief!
1 Aug 78: I retired today at Offutt AFB, after 30 wonderful years of service!
After wearing the 'blue suit' all those years, wearing civvies makes me nervous!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Placed No. 3 in Constance La France's "The Diary" Contest - April 2011
Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw
I was as high as the eyes could see
A giant dark cloud of pure misery
I seemed to roll as one with the wind
A giant black wall that had no end
I stripped the land and left it bare
Of the lives I destroyed, I didn't care
Those who stayed I covered in dust
As their children died I broke their trust
From my hell many families did flee
Left to wander homeless in misery
I changed the word these words are true
Black Sunday brought darkness on you
I didn't see any direct link but just goggle
pictures of the dust bowl and you will see
what i have written for Brian's Contest.
The Dust Bowl - Alexandre Hogue - 1937
The pendulum motions to and fro,
From the clock upon the wall.
As the second ebb like grains of sand,
For one by one they fall.
Through the window of the dim lit room,
For outside, lies a world of grey,
For thoughts now turn to yester year,
That seems so far away.
With freckle on skin and golden hair,
Topped with lace like bonnet fair.
Upon a face a smile of glee,
As little feet splash in the sea.
A bucket clenched in fingers tight,
With spade to match its colors bright.
In awe and wonder of many things,
Through eyes so young that new life brings.
N Windle. MMXI.
Copyright © nicholas windle
Oh, how could I ever be bored?
When I had such interesting chores.
I had to paint our bedroom door,
Then mop the grand, speckled floor.
Walked quickly down to the shore,
And dug hidden clams with the oar.
Made a tasty clam-supper for four,
Then into their big bowls I poured.
Knowing, they would yell for more,
Prompting my tender voice to roar -
All gone, there's more at the store!
Or take a lantern to search the shore.
However, they cost more at the store,
But not a penny, to dig with the oar.
Oh, I'm sure you will not get bored,
Performing such an interesting chore.
For soon in bed, I will sweetly snore,
With a sound much louder than yours.
Last night the paint actually, tore,
From the ceiling and door, it poured.
And that is why, I happily wore,
That Silly Old Hat Of Yours.
Copyright © Carol B Tyre
atop your hearth my soul doth rest
away from fear that grips the best
like ships at dock you gently tend
to aches and pains your love will mend
when evening falls you bathe your light
on loved ones gathered, hearts held tight
as daylight breaks, you conjure smiles
our travels filled with love for miles
and like majestic oaks that cast
your acorns nourish dreams that last
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © James Marshall Goff
Among scattered stones the sisters liked to play
Mommy finding rocks in pockets day after day
But beneath a leaf a treasure one little girl found
A rock like she'd never seen, beautiful and round
So off to her sister she ran to show her prize
They danced in circles letting out delighted cries
No matter how they looked they only found that one
So they decided to share; showing it to everyone
Each day they played with that stone and had fun
Loving its beautiful green and how it shine in the sun
After time the sisters came to adore this pebble
Taking it everywhere; never letting it get dull
Then one day the neighbor down the street was passing by
Daddy always said stay away from him; he's not a nice guy
The girls were so happy in the yard they hadn't noticed him
Wondering why they were laughing so, he had seen them
You see, old Mr. D was a very slick and greedy man
Wanting what wasn't his; stealing from every hand
So Mr. D snuck closer to see what made them glow
His eyes got big when he saw them dance to and fro
Taking turns with their friend; their own little rock
Never setting it down; so he continued to gawk
Now Mr. D knew something precious when he got a look
This was no regular stone, but rare Jade just like in books
A lovely rare stone the sisters shared between them
Never knowing its worth, but still loving this gem
Mr. D stood up straight and put on his nicest smile
Then asked "dear girls, may I sit here a while?"
The girls always listened to daddy; so in reply they said
You have to ask dad before you open the gate ahead
Mr. D was no longer smiling, as they had foiled his first trick
But he wanted that Jade, so another time he would pick
It was late now and mommy was going through pockets
Soon she found their pretty stone nestled in some blankets
She thought "I'll set it on the sill while the blanket dries"
Not knowing Mr. D had seen her with his greedy eyes
As soon as she went inside he tip toed beneath the sill
Knowing he'd make the girls cry he laughed a loud shrill
Mom ran outside and could not believe what she saw
The precious stone was gone; it had to be that outlaw
Momma cried all night because of her carelessness
Wanting to fix it; hoping her girls loved her no less
Some time had passed and Mr. D did not care for the stone
It was now always by garbage, in the dirt, or just left alone
So one day having used it enough, he left it on the side of the road
It was dirty and scratched not being given the love the girls showed
People passed by and never noticed the gem on the roadside
Thinking it was like every other rock they continued their ride
The girls were a little older now; but had never forgotten about their friend
The pebble brought them so much joy their hearts would never quite mend
The family decided to take a walk and look at pretty flowers growing
To take in some of the fresh air, warm sun, and feel the wind blowing
But as they were walking a small flash of light caught the girls eyes
And they froze as they could not believe what just under the dirt lie
It was their treasure, their prize, the friend they'd always kept close
A beautiful green rock that shone bright and kept them on their toes
They run to their parents and say "she looks different, but can we keep her please"
Daddy looked and momma and smiled; she looks at the girls but does not tease
"It's only the outside" she said; "the inside will still be as pretty as ever"
"Just need to wash the dirt and rub the scratches and she'll be even better"
So home she went, that precious stone, right where she belong
The three back together, they danced in the yard all day singing songs
All cleaned up and shining bright, the neighbors now admire that Jade
Never realizing all its hidden qualities; happy that too far it hadn't strayed
Mr. D sees all the commotion and wants to know what is going on
Then he saw all admiring the stone he wanted to be forever gone
If he couldn't have it he didn't want anyone else to enjoy its beauty
But Mr. D lost this one; that little Jade was home, loved and happy
~FJ Thomas
Copyright © FJ Thomas
Tediously bored, Sir Drake
Prolonged afternoon of tea and cakes
Jam coats his chin with gooey paste
A beard of crumbs hangs from his face
His manner somewhat hard to grasp
Small fingers smother giddy laughs.
To sup he'd need a tuning fork
to confound the smacks from lamb and pork.
Lanky strands of cabbage slaw.
Gravy splashes grease his jaw
Pastries flurry dandruff flakes
A grubby mess, grandiose Sir Drake
Theodore Aka Teddy Bear
With soggy paws and matted hair
Needs a scrub from his stout chin
to the furry spats about his shins.
Carried off by loving arms
A bath restores his stately charm.
Copyright © Michelle Mac Donald
Impressionable young hearts do tell the grandest lies
When learned from grandfathers with sparkling eyes
Grandfathers living renewed through the breath of a grandchild
Oh grandfathers' whoppers told in all kindness and glory
The bigger the whopper makes the child's lies the cute little story
Thus the grandchild's faith breeching walls of reasonable reality
Simply because beloved grandfather had told the story
My grandfather said it was so- tiny voice of pledged belief
And I believe him -for grandfather would never lie to me
So sleep little one- dream the telling's of funny grandfathers beloved
For their little lies to you are meant to not make you a worried
But make you believe in the impossibilities of grandeur and extravagance
There is a Santa Clause
The fish really was so big it couldn't fit in the boat
I wrestled a grizzly when I was just about your age
For in the telling of such blessed little lies
A remembrance of grandfather will never die
The wisdom and laughter thus remembered in each time's telling
Will warm you over and over- as little lies do you begin the telling
Copyright © Mark Goodson
Ah, the time when we begin
Brother to brother skin to skin
I got here first and you know why
I got her first to watch over you guy!
Sometimes, I think that Ma likes you better
BUT hey, you're in a diaper, she's knittin' me a sweater!
Then I think "Hmmm" you're getting all the cuddles
But, but, you can't go out and splash in puddles.
I'm your BIG brother, you're my best fan
No ones better than you bro you're the man.
Brother to brother, skin to skin
Ah, the time when we begin.
Copyright © Debbie Guzzi
Heaven must be this sweet -
Old Pilikov across the street,
The Schillings there along the shore,
Apple trees just outside door.
In the softness of lush pink shade
My children grew and played
With their heavy laden giant blooms
And inhaled their pure perfumes.
To start each day in blossom,
In display perfect and fulsome,
Spread low over my transom -
Is surely life in heaven's bosom.
Copyright © Sidney Beck
So many trials seem to be filled up with so much fear
So many ask, "Oh Dear Lord, what am I doing here"?
So many questions that I have come to know
If we just plant a seed, with water it will grow
I have a natural green thumb that now is wasting away
Along with a mind that does love to go out and play
Times I still ask, "How did this all came to be"
What was it that my wife was able to see in me?
She says that my heart was the most beautiful around
It still blows me away, for I clearly remember the sound
Her voice was so soft, her tone was so sweet
I was nothing less than pure evil upon two feet
Had been years since anything had took me by surprise
Ice cold is what the rest of the world had seen in my eyes
I looked at her smiled and laughed in my cold convict way
She smiled and said, "Why you want to be mean anyway"
I told her, "I reckon we are all born to just what we are"
She said, "So why are you a dope cook instead of a star"
That question stopped me right there dead in my tracks
I thought, "This girl is a looker but God she is whacked"
Last night her and I sat out underneath the moon
Two very blessed souls swinging in our sliver spoon
Just a little swing we built together out in our back yard
Place to just sit back and rest after a day long and hard
I once again ask her, how in the world could you ever know?
"My Grandmother was preacher, I could see her in you soul"
Which led me to speak out my truth for I learned to not lie
"My grandmother was also in yours, answering the entire "Why"
Grandmothers we respected and held above all others
Brought each of us together in the land born of lovers
Two Grandmother Spirits full of pure heavenly delight
Led their grandchildren into the valley born of the light
Now here we sit holding each other, each other high above
Because we share in the blessing of our Grandmothers love
Toni and I had lost our Grandmothers before we had ever met
though I knew of hers because she was a very powerful lady
and a down home speak in tongues Pentecostal Preacher that
had great respect up in these parts. After all these years we
confided in each other that we could see our grandmothers in
each others eyes. Thank you and God Bless, MJ
As I looked upon my Daughter Michaela it was clear to see
Two big beautiful blue eyes were looking back at me
When I got home from Prison and she was 5 days old
Speaking of holding the warm after absorbing the cold
The happiness of childhood was looking up to see
A little bundle of love that was looking inside of me
She would lie upon my chest and then she would fall out
I think safety in her daddy's arms is what that was all about
She had a beautiful smile as well as a beautiful glow
As I looked at every tiny finger and every little toe
Then when she opened up her eyes everybody knew
"Just take a look at those blue eyes she looks just like you"
No ones knows where life may lead but I know in my heart
Made my end then started again so this baby would have a start
From the darkest night to the brightest light I can help her Soul
Perhaps in the overall scheme of things that always was my goal
I don't think things are ever quite that easy, only thing I know
When it comes to beautiful babies, my little girl steals the show
Written for the Beautiful Babies Contest.
Stork flights in unison To teach unity to every person
Holding the neck extended Aligning the body as if amended
With legs pushed behind To cope with blowing wind
With wide wingspan like the glider In a well-defined order
Hover with one, as leader Of course, watching is a wonder
With the flame of foresight, Stork sets own nest on height
Bears young ones into the wing Benevolently while growing
With wings, provides shade to the young chick So that they could learn to pick
Causes to clatter to communicate About the impending threat, to indicate
Maintains link with the group To get the team spirit, recoup
Revisits the old-aged-mother To attend to issues that may bother
Cares the mother, with fresh feed As the mother may need
Stork is a bird of highest spirituality
In Hebrew, stork means love and loyalty!
Above poem is from "EAGLE EDUCATES ENDURANCE! AND OTHER POEMS ON NATURE " by Shri.V.Muthumanickam.
Copyright © V.MUTHU MANICKAM
The smell would hit me like a slap in the face
My daddy was a patient in that place
I would find him sitting in his chair alone
I wished he didn't live in a nursing home
How I longed to take him home with me
I couldn't afford to stay with him, you see
He might wander off and I had to make a living
How I hated doing this for he had been so giving
He worked so hard, he had been a good Dad
Providing for the big family he and Mama had
Now Mama had gone on up to heaven
It was up to me, youngest of the seven
I would feel so guilty leaving him there
I was afraid he might think I didn't care
His mind slipped away to some other place
Most days he didn't even recognize my face
"I love you daddy," I would always say
Hoping he would know me that day
He did recognize me one last time
It's a favorite little memory of mine
He looked at me with clear recognition
He patted my arm and asked this question
"Baby, are you still teaching school?"
I broke down and cried like a blubbering fool
On the day he died, I was there with him
I fed him ice and sang to him a favorite hymn
I wish he had known and had felt my touch
Daddy's 'baby girl' misses him so much
Copyright © Anita Lovelace
I am the predator you watch up in the sky
Blessed by the Lord with the keenest of eyes
I nest in the canyons high up on the walls
Keeping my babies safe from it all
When my babies grow hungry and it's time to feed
I rely on my senses to provide what they need
As I take to the sky it's so clear to see
You think of freedom while looking at me
Protected from hunters I've no need to hide
As upon the currents I gracefully glide
As I circle the sky throughout the day
I scour the ground searching for prey
When prey is spotted I go into my dive
Know that speed and accuracy are how I survive
You duck and you dodge for no use at all
With you held in my talons I fly back up the wall
Back to the nest to the fruit of my seed
For you are the food my babies need
Then back to the sky where I notice under a tree
One peaceful poet is writing of me
Armano the Auracano of Rock Star fame
Will never be singing on his stage again
A fan. a critter, or even a possum
Has taken his life, he will no longer blossom
He was a handsome dude, tall and preened
With shiny red rustic feathers, and did the girls scream
A newspaper reporter asked his manager Dane
It must be hard for you, as you will miss him playing
Yes i will, things will never be the same
But another star will be born, to look after his dames
Copyright © James Fraser
We nurture them within our bodies, birth them in a blinding pain,
suckle them on breasts so swollen, till we think we'll go insane.
We kiss away each painful boo-boo, bandage each and every wound,
show them that in spite of roundness, peas can stay upon their spoons.
We intercept their nostril's flowing, be it green or white as snow,
wiping gently ever hoping, for the day they'd learn to blow.
We give to them each ounce of wisdom, try to teach them everything,
suddenly, for unknown reasons, screw it up and give them wings.
We mourn a bit, those cherished moments, when on us they did depend,
days when we were super heroes, possessing wisdom without end.
We watch the journey proudly knowing, as they soar into the light,
Mother's wisdom, though not perfect, lends the wind that gives them flight.
Copyright © Shelly Berkeley
Before the future and after the past
We have found each other's souls at last
In the beat of a heart I was able to see
The rest of my life belonged to thee
When our eyes met it wasn't a glance
Locked together in a forbidden trance
For we had each given up on love
And being forgiven by Lord above
We were forever lost and on the run
Burying our pain by having our fun
Children scattered from here to there
As we stayed so high we didn't care
We each knew when you come down
You lose your mask and face the clown
And that was something we couldn't do
Until the day you met me and I met you
Unplugging the phone we locked the doors
I told you my sins and you told me yours
The people in our life just couldn't believe
We found in each other the strength to leave
To change our fate was quite the chore
But there was noting we each wanted more
My children love you and yours love me
Because we have melted into one family
I wrote this poem because I want you to know
You beat with my heart and live in my soul
You have always been way more than my lover
You're the friend I found who is like no other
Why; Hello Colin good morning mate
Son, there is no accent in hands of fate
Throw out the tea and chug the beer
Then I bet you find a keg in ere
Everything is a riddle once it is spoke
The tag is from you to me and then some other folk
But who should I choose, I'm here to say
So many beautiful feathers float by my way
Once while I was taking a path from here to there
When I noticed beauty beyond compare
She made me smile and she made me think
Looking at her was like taking a drink
She made me feel good and forget all the rest
I reckon that is a true poets test
The only thing I really did know
What a wonderful beautiful soul
My only complaint of her poetry was the last line
For I was hoping to have just a little more time
Talk of someone who needs no adorning
She plays a huge role in the global warming
For she has a beauty that could melt Glacier Ice
I guess everything wants to see beauty so beautifully nice
So who is the beautiful Angel that I'm speaking of?
Tag Christie Moses your it my love
Colin if I failed I apologize my head feels like it is in a vice
this morning but I wanted to respond. I will keep this poem
and then on a better day I will write a reply to you also. I
feel better guys & gals 0r guy gals & gal guys - One just
never knows anymore. At any rate God Bless you all, mj
My Cyber family
I had no one to speak my heart,
Depression had stolen my spark,
Could not help emotions flow,
Glittering eyes had lost their glow,
One fine evening of early sunset,
I doomed in Ocean of deep regret,
Penned my feelings at poetry soup,
Was welcomed by a warm group,
Washed away in tears was grief,
Cyber family touched me deep,
My feelings as I penned to post,
Within no time came hugs of support,
Critical comments gave me a go,
brainy ones blew away the sorrow,
Contests kept me occupied,
Negative thoughts were put aside,
Exquisite pens mesmerise, age no bar,
Put you to cloud nine and ride the stars,
If you too are sad and crazy,
Welcome to my cyber family !
Written July 21st, 2015
For contest by Mystic Rose
Copyright © Dr. Upma A. Sharma
I thought about him today,
And I hope that he is doing Ok;
I miss him more than I care to admit,
His little smirk and courageous wit;
He always had something funny to say,
And he never failed to brighten my day;
His cute little phrases or silly songs,
In my eyes he could do no wrong;
He was always there no matter what,
With his worn out hat that was beat up and cut;
Barely surviving, just like him,
There till the end when he started to dim;
I hope he occasionally thinks of me too,
Cause I love him more than he ever knew.
Copyright © Tirzah Conway
As I listen to the lark's surreal melody to her mate.
I wonder does she ever feel there's too much on her plate?
Ever beside him juggling, tediously feathering the nest,
in her discomfort struggling, incubating without rest.
I wonder if in her daydreams does she laze as her mind lingers
in bygone days pursued by teams, of young and gallant singers?
Or does she occupy her days with tending her small brood
not entertaining winsome ways as gaping nibs crave food?
Does he while out a'gathering, squirming tidbits for their young,
ever give way to lathering 'cause his work is never done?
Does his keen eye ever wander over lighter creamy breasts
allowing himself to ponder his days of youthful quests,
or does his steadfast honor seek but to gather and bring home
supper for each tiny beak never thinking once to roam?
As I hear the song bird warble, with expectancy to her mate
I'm thankful for each morsel placed in love upon my plate.
And listening to the lark refrain his bride's devoted call,
I find being called a birdbrain the best compliment of all.
Sometimes, life isn't always how
It looks at first. It's all better now.
I felt so overwhelmed by the world's demands,
But I feel better knowing she understands.
I no longer have to regret the things I've said.
I know now that I can move on instead.
I felt as if I was without that thing I could never find.
Now I'm back in my body and back in my mind.
I found that moment where my world was bright.
I found that the sky's still blue and my world's alright.
Loves are loves, traitors are traitors, but family is always there.
Now I can look nearer for someone to care.
I hope that everyone can be like me and find shelter from the rain.
Love, family, friends, help, anything to help fight against your pain.
Copyright © Josey Portas
Full circle, karma comes around 360 degrees.
When this happens, they'll be brought to their knees.
They have to answer for all they have done.
Stealing everything from her and her sons.
Always preaching, with such righteous indignation.
All their false modesty and sense of elation.
At this moment, they may be on cloud nine,
But as the Lord sayeth, "Vengeance is Mine!"
Copyright © Aleera Canino
Spring tea,I'm invited
you are too ,'cause she's decided
underneath the willow tree
served a little after three
baby bear and kitty cat
sit right where they've always sat
but now she's put us on the right
beside the zebra black and white
they're already stuffed you see
from eating cookies at spring tea
she has pots and pans to clean
from all her baking in between
doling out the china berries
"Don't eat them ,they aren't
really cherries".
She makes cookies out of sand
a little water and they're grand
she will scold you if you're late
she meets you at the garden gate
escorts you to your special place
she has icing on her face
from the cupcakes Mommy brings
to mix them in with all those things
the leaves and acorns on our tray
Spring Tea gets better every day
When you're almost,nearly four
you learn to serve,you learn to pour
just think how boring life would be
If not invited to SpringTea.
Copyright © Johnette Loefgren


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Hi All,
My brother has recently bought a 3 door 56 plate Ford Fiesta 1.4 Freedom - The gears are fine for the first 20 odd minutes of driving but they soon become stiff if driven much more and in particularly if you stop. For some reason you can drive 15 miles with no problems but if you stop for 5/10 minutes when you come back the gears are just stiff. The gears have to be forced in and out instead of just slidding in/out when the car is first started and its very hard to find neutral... anyone have any ideas? Is this a common problem?
Appreciate any feedback
Stiff Gears After Warmup
Started by jamespheely, Sep 01 2012 05:46 PM
3 replies to this topic
Posted 01 September 2012 - 05:46 PM
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Posted 03 September 2012 - 08:26 PM
You could try greasing the socket below the gear stick or the oil in the gearbox is low and it may need topping up
Posted 03 September 2012 - 08:49 PM
remove the plastic cover from front of gearbox. grease cables and pivot, see if that helps. may have a damaged cable somewhere
Posted 03 September 2012 - 08:59 PM
I've heard this to be a common problem on fiesta's and have experienced it myself. I believe it's the actual linkage on the gearbox itself been tight due to a sleeve/bushing binding, and is relatively easy to fix as it just needs dismantiling/cleaning until it is smooth and then greasing with copper grease. On the front of the gearbox theres a plastic cover which needs removing, cables need to be taken off and then the metal arm removed.
Heres a good link to what i think is you're problem http://forums.overcl....php?p=20780884 if you scroll down theres a picture and then a procedure for fixing it.
Heres a good link to what i think is you're problem http://forums.overcl....php?p=20780884 if you scroll down theres a picture and then a procedure for fixing it.
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If only the rules would allow it, James Franklin might just have grabbed the microphone in Hershey on Tuesday night to yell out the names of Sterling Jenkins and Brandon Wimbush.
The Penn State head coach was otherwise occupied with the opening stages of his Coaches Caravan tour when another two blue-chip recruits gave their public pledges to the Nittany Lions.
NCAA regulations prohibit coaches from mentioning recruits by name to the media until they officially sign. But Franklin still found a way to recognize the triumphs.
According to reporters at the event in Hershey, Franklin opened his speech with an apology.
"If my phone rings," he said to laughter from the crowd, "I'm answering it."
Indeed he did. At one point during a Q-and-A session with fans, Franklin was called away to the side of the stage.
After a few moments he brought the phone back out with him, held it up and led the crowd in a "We Are" cheer to serenade the person on the other end.
Whether it was Jenkins or Wimbush, it was a significant win for the Lions.
Jenkins, a 6-foot-8 tackle from the Pittsburgh suburbs, is considered by multiple recruiting services to be to the top prospect in Pennsylvania for this cycle. Wimbush, meanwhile, is one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the country, a mobile passer from a private school in Jersey City.
Both prospects have consensus four-star ratings and had scholarship offers from across the country. And both ultimately chose the Lions over Big Ten rival Ohio State, the No. 2 school on their respective lists.
It was a banner recruiting day for Franklin and his staff -- one of many so far during their short tenure.
"We're feeling pretty good right now," Franklin said. "We're gonna try to keep it rolling."
With the additions of Jenkins and Wimbush, the Lions now have a whopping 15 verbal commitments for the 2015 class, which will sign on next February. With nine long months still to go, Penn State's class currently ranks second in the country, behind only perennial power Alabama.
Jenkins became the first -- and largest -- domino to fall early Tuesday evening when he made his pick official on the 6 p.m. newscast of KDKA in Pittsburgh.
"I really believe it's a place where I can prosper and take my abilities to the next level," Jenkins said. "Everything that (offensive line coach Herb Hand) has been saying to me, building that relationship, I have the utmost confidence in attending there and doing the best I possibly can.
"I really enjoyed talking to the coaches, especially talking to coach Hand and coach Franklin. I can tell that they're genuine."
The choice couldn't have come as much of a surprise to Franklin. Jenkins was in State College with his family on Monday, and the Baldwin High School standout likely gave the news a day early to his future coach before announcing himself.
He chose the Lions over a top grouping of Ohio State, Michigan, Pitt, Tennessee and Ole Miss. His commitment gives Penn State six of the top 15 players in the Keystone State, according to the 247Sports composite ranking.
Jenkins is rated No. 1, followed by OL Ryan Bates (No. 3), RB Andre Robinson (No. 4), RB Saquon Barkley (No. 7), DL Ryan Buchholz (No. 12) and LB Jake Cooper (No. 14).
Wimbush's decision came perhaps a bit sooner than expected. The St. Peter's Prep standout listed Penn State, Ohio State, Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College as his top five on Monday night, announcing he would be delivering his decision Tuesday.
Both players had also recently received offers from Alabama, an especially interesting development for Wimbush. His St. Peter's Prep teammate -- Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of the top 50 recruits in the country -- committed to the Crimson Tide last month.
But when it came time to pick a school for himself, Wimbush said he was drawn to Penn State's new coaching staff on a live webcast on Bleacher Report.
"Penn State, just having the energy right now that they have around the program, I feel like they're gonna come in and dominate the Big Ten," Wimbush said.
"The other 2015 commits, I've talked to them, and they only have great things to say about the coaching staff. I've been up there three times and I just got a great vibe about the whole program and the people around the program."


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Welcome to the Joovy Family On The Go giveaway event!
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First and foremost, I would like to specify what I was actually diagnosed with by my past Gynecologest. He concluded that I had Interstitial Cystitls back in 2007. Basically, according to research and the medical description, IC is a chronic inflammation of the lining in the bladder,characterized byshooting, stabbing, and burning pain in the pelvic region, including horrible pressure and muscle spasm. What I have gone through is this, every day of my life since I had a cesaerian with my child's birth in January of 2007. But this is not all.
I have always suffered from chronic back pain due to scoliosis and kyphosis(curvature of the spine), as well as chronic fatigue due to Fibromyalgia. For those of you who are not familiar with FM, it is well, what I just described, including having a severe consistent feeling like that of flu-like symptoms; aches and pains throughout the whole body, having low energy most of the time, and feeling drained. Fibromyalgia patients are affected by climate, environmental, and social stress. I have a sensitivity to light, sound, and I get poor sleep. But I would like to talk more about IC.
IC is deadly, and there is no cure for it. I am not entirely certain that I have IC, because there are other related conditions that can mimic this illness. I have been researching a lot, and I have personally concluded that it may be a neurological disorder, though, I am not the expert. I would like to explain further about the symptoms. First off, I find myself in constant pain, mainly with a feeling of a prolapsed bladder, and over time, I find myself getting up to go to the bathroom anwhere from 30 to 80 times during the day, and nightly, on average, sometimes, I get up every 2 minutes with the strongest urge to urinate, yet now I am suffering from urinary retention. This is all part of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
PFD is terrible to live with. You may be wondering if it affects a person's sexuality. Yes, absolutely. It is difficult to have intimacy, but, not impossible. I just got married a little over two months ago, and we both knew that this would be something to "deal with carefully". Stress and poor sleep can lower a person's libido first of all, and second, having pelvic pain and pressure, well, need I say more? I have a lot of nerve damage, not to mention. My husband is the most compassionate and understanding man, with unlimited self-control. I have known him for a long time, andwe have gained a deep friendship, so that is important in a relationship, in which one or the other individual suffers from IC or PFD.
Usually, the use of narcotic pain medication, such as Hydrocodone(what I have to use for now) helps most definitely for the muscle spasms, and aids in ability to have sexual relations. Without the pain medication, sex is pretty much non-existent(not all the time though). I used to feel guilty, like I was cheating by having to use a drug in order to enjoy intimacy, however, I have realized that I must use the pain medication to function at all, for now. Love is not just physical, but emotional, and intellectual, and if you have trust, you will have some form of intimacy, if you get adequate sleep, and relax....sometimes just holding hands is precious, and holding one another is a gift you can share.
I have some hope now, because I finally am going to see a specialist this week, which maybe, can help me with a treatment and not just a drug.
By the way, in January of 2008, I hada supracervical laparascopic hysterectomy(the removal of my uterus only). That didn't help. I have read that surgery can lead to IC, PFD, and the other conditions related to these, due to nerve damage. The spinalchord is connected to so many nerveswhich affect organ function. I also have IBS(irritable bowel syndrome) and I suffer from some form of mental illness, which is brought on by the physical ailments. I have anxiety, depression, and occasional panic attacks.
Insomnia is an issue, due to the nighttime frequency(20-80 times in one night). I am unable to get many household things done, and I definitely am unable to work. IC patients are disabled, and this is hard to get through to most people, because 'we don't look sick' sometimes. IC(or PFD) is an "invisible disability". I am the kind of female who loves to get prettied up, dressed up, makeup done, hair done, you name it. So when I have to run down to the grocery store, pharmacy, or even a doctor's appointment, I take the opportunity to get made up, that is, when my pain is under control, or if I'm having a good day(rare). People say I look great or "fine" or compliment me. I just have to say thank you. But they don't understand, and more than likely they never will, or they just don't want to.
Having to depend upon others is a must, and though I would like to do so many things on my own, I cannot. You must find a support system.
I have to stop now, for I'm losing my train of thought, though, I think that I have made my point. What I have been going through isa nightmare, and it affects the people around me, not only myself. I used to be extremely social, but I tend to isolate, only because I am not well, physically. I stay away from stress, if I can help it. I must. And if I were to not have any faith at all, or anyone who cared for me, I probably would have killed myself by now. That is how serious the pain is. If you feel you may be suffering from the same thing, fight for the right to get the treatment you deserve, and having an advocate is definitely recommended.
Ask me more, and I will try to explain further...
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Theodore Roosevelt believed that the Chief Executive should be an aggressive leader in both foreign and domestic affairs. After completing the three and a half years that remained of McKinley's term, Roosevelt was elected President in his own right in 1904.
Early in his administration Roosevelt ordered the government to prosecute a number of trusts, and earned the title of "trust buster." He did not oppose the growth of industrialism, but felt that vigilant government supervision over big business was essential to the public interest. He thus allied himself with the progressive wing of the Republican party.
In 1902 Roosevelt forced the owners of the leading anthracite coal mines to agree to arbitrate wage and other demands of their workers, who were on strike. This was the first time that a President had taken labor's side. Roosevelt believed labor, business, and the public were all entitled to what he called a "square deal."
When Panama revolted in 1903 against Colombia, of which it had been a part, Roosevelt supported the revolution by immediately recognizing the new republic. In return, Panama granted the United States the right to build a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, a concession Colombia had refused to make. In this same period, United States influence over Caribbean nations was greatly extended.
Roosevelt's foreign policy was to "speak softly and carry a big stick"—to avoid starting trouble but to be prepared to use force if trouble occurred. His favorite "big stick"—the U.S. Navy—was displayed in the 1907-09 around-the-world cruise of the Great White Fleet (the ships were painted white).
By this time the United States was an important world power and Roosevelt used his prestige to help settle foreign disputes. He was awarded the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize for his arranging a negotiated settlement of the Russo-Japanese War (1905). He helped ease a crisis among European powers by persuading France to participate in the Algeciras Conference (1906), called to settle differences over Morocco.
Conservation of natural resources became a major government policy during Roosevelt's administration. Millions of acres of government-owned land were withheld from sale to private interests to prevent what Roosevelt termed the "wasteful use" of the nation's forests and minerals. Exposure of insanitary and fraudulent practices in the food and drug industries brought the federal Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.


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Celkon Mobile Cup: Watch India v Sri Lanka Live on ESPN3.com
KINGSTON, Jamaica (Sporting Alert) — India won the toss and will bowl first in their tri-nation Celkon Mobile Cup one-day international series clash with Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, in Kingston, Jamaica.
Watch India v Sri Lanka Live on ESPN3.com
Both teams are looking to bounce back from their opening game defeats to hosts West Indies.
In teams, both sides have made adjustments to their lineups for the clash with Ajantha Mendis and Jeevan Mendis making way for Kusal Perera and Sachithra Senanayake in the Sri Lanka starting team.
For India, top order batsman Murali Vijay and medium pacer Shami Ahmed coming in for the injured captain MS Dhoni and pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
It is also believed that the seamers could get some early help from the wicket, which prompted stand in captain Virat Kohli to field first.
India team
S Dhawan, RG Sharma, M Vijay, V Kohli*, KD Karthik†, SK Raina, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, Shami Ahmed, I Sharma, UT Yadav
Sri Lanka team
WU Tharanga, MDKJ Perera, DPMD Jayawardene, KC Sangakkara†, LD Chandimal, AD Mathews*, HDRL Thirimanne, KMDN Kulasekara, SMSM Senanayake, HMRKB Herath, SL Malinga.
|Match details
|Toss India, who chose to bowl first
|Umpires IJ Gould (England) and JS Wilson
TV umpire PJ Nero
Match referee JJ Crowe (New Zealand)
Reserve umpire N Duguid
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Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements
To graduate with an associate in applied science degree, a student must complete specified coursework in general education, technical specialization, and general electives (see the following section), with an overall grade-point average of no less than 2.0. In addition, students must earn the minimum number of total credits required for each specialization, no fewer than 64.
General Education
In addition to curriculum-specific coursework, the associate in applied science degree includes a general education component that is designed to educate and to enlighten students about the world around them. General education courses develop each student's ability to think and communicate effectively; to better understand the many social, cultural, and environmental issues and challenges of the world; to become problem solvers; and to make positive contributions to society. This is achieved through a combination of coursework in the sciences, including mathematics, arts and humanities, and the social sciences. A minimum of 20 credits are dedicated to this component of the degree.
In this area, a student must complete:
- courses in the sciences, including mathematics (minimum of three credit hours) and technology;
- courses in arts and humanities, to include COM 209, Expository Writing and Reading;
- courses in the social sciences, to include either SSCI 201, Human Relations, or SSCI 202, Social Issues.
The remaining eight to nine credits (at least two additional courses) of the minimum 20 needed to fulfill the general education component of the associate in applied science degree must be taken from two of the three named areas. A maximum of eight credits may be double counted as a required course within the student's program area.
General Education Course Descriptions:
Agricultural Mechanization
Social Science
Technical Specialization
These are courses designed to develop the necessary scientific knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience required for employment in a professional discipline. Each student must complete all technical courses specified in the selected program of study.
See the following Programs of Study sections for more detailed information on course requirements and descriptions for each program.
General Electives
This component of the degree program allows the individual to pursue courses of personal or professional interest. In this area, a student may choose a number of courses in each program of study specified as electives. These may be chosen from courses offered by the Thompson School or from other selected University undergraduate courses with adviser and administrative approval.


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Drives: 2014 ZL1
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 266
I have no idea which company manufacturers their turbos. All the badges show STS. I had asked their tech support guy named Ben Brownie on a few different occasions of who actually makes them. His answer to me was "STS builds them ourselves on site". I have heard from this and a couple of other forums that they could be made in China or South America but I have gotten no confirmation from STS on that.
I do know that whom ever makes them needs to be fired! I have sold one of the BB Turbos to Rx, returned the other one to STS for a charge back so I still have the GT-35 JB with two different housings sitting in the garage. It has shaft play and for anyone with re-build skills I'll sell it to you at reasonable price+shipping. PM me if anyone is interested.
Last edited by elsololobo02; 02-19-2013 at 12:43 AM.
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Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 6,070
Here is another STS conversion we just finished:
I do not know how to post videos so we will wait for Chris to do that. Exotic sounding though.
Best way to understand the EFR turbos is to read the training manual. Pretty long but jump to the subjects you want info on. You can run an external BOV as well as the integrated one, but the redundancy is not needed.
Where were at the tune is close to dead on....the MAF started to fail today when final test driving by Chris (very common on even stock LLT's, and when you boost these your straining it to the max) so even though I have never had a Jet product I feel is worth a dang, we tried the Jet MAF on the syn green twin efr turbo build here this past week and it appears to have a greater flow capacity than the OEM unit, even tough it appears identical and the only difference we can see is the Jet sticker and they mill off the OEM part# ( a re-brand) it may be for a V8 application on some type so were going to try that.
Sent him on his way with it dialed to 12# boost (hits 14 before settling to 12) at 3/4 throttle and the A/F never goes leaner than 12 flat, mostly mid-high 11's so were still a little rich compared to what the other tuning co. is running their FI tunes at and once the new MAF is on it should be mid 12's where we feel it is ideal from a safety standpoint. The DI engines are 11.3-1 CR and can even be run a bit leaner w/out issue as well.
Car is amazing and the sound is unreal as the integrated wastegate & BOV are right at the tail pipe so cars next to you look over, slow down, open the window and want to see what that whine and blow off is from.
Really comes alive in 3rd gear and above and just keeps pulling.
Chris is on his way now to the tail of the dragon (be safe!) and a nice drive home.
No oil leaks, no smoke, no boost leaks, etc. On most of the charge piping we had to remove all and roll beads to keep them from blowing apart as they come with just 3 little dimples from the manufacturer. The clamps are all radiator hose style screw clamps instead of T clamps so we replaced the ones where it was critical. Made a sump system for the scavenge pump, re-did most of the system except some tubing/piping and the intercooler.
The single EFR on MyWorld's build (or Matt's) easily will build 18 plus PSI on the LLT but it is not ever going to be pushed that hard. The 12-14# it's dialed at right now is awesome and were using a custom Alky Control system w/ MAP sensor and far more robust tuner/controller all referenced to boost levels and have no fuel starvation issues yet so this seems to be an under $1000 option for those wanting to make more boost vs the cheaper "off the shel" units we have tried in the past. SO thats promising.
We are going to try the Jet MAF on 2 other builds here right now as well to see if it is really a higher capacity MAF than the OEM unit that has been limiting us in the past.
Here are some pictures:
Alky Control system in this beautiful trunk area:
The turbo:
The EFR is the most advanced design to date in turbo chargers and is the standard currently with the Indy teams. Amazing design and technology.
The car:
So, the twin turbo version spools up quicker, but either the single or twin version will give all the power the LLT can really handle right now, and Chris is driving app 1200 miles back home with it right now so we wish him a safe & enjoyable trip.
(he is stopping for a short throw shifter on his way home also....the only thing we could reccomend changing, the car is simply gorgeous)
Those that know his car and have followed his issues the past year will have to test drive it when he gets home.
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 6,070
And the latest EFR on a LFX:
From rear the turbo and all piping are above the chassis so no clearance issures:
Tucks up nice with NO pipes below chassis:
Kinda crowded in here....16 cars right now most getting FI.
Drives: 13' ZL1 Red M6
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: I.E. SoCal (Yucaipa)
Posts: 6,248
You guys don't come to So Cal do you?
Roto-Fab Intake, WW Reservoir kit & Big Gulp Air Scoop, Elite Catch Can, ATI Super Damper & 5% overdrive Pulley, Dash-Logic controller, 3m Clear Bra, ZL1 Mirror inserts, GM Interior Ambient lighting, ZL1 Addons Splitter guard washers, Tow Hook kit & rock guards, Hurst Shifter Billet Plus 6 Speed Short Shifter, Carbon Fiber Bow ties front & rear, ZL1 DRL lighting harness.
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Looking good Tracy!! Crowded shop for sure!
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Time for RX to have a spring expansion ! Isn't that when most start heading back to New England ??
1st IPF Supercharged 2011 2LT/RS RJT Convertible
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Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard of scientific testing for new medical interventions. They have become the standard that must be met by pharmaceutical companies in the process of working out what level of efficacy and safety can be achieved by an experimental drug.
The three words for this method of clinical testing - randomized controlled trial (RCT) - represent important elements of the scientific design:
- Randomized - the decision about whether a patient in the trial receives the new treatment or the control treatment (or placebo) is made randomly
- Controlled - the trial uses a control group for comparison or reference. In the control group, the patients do not receive the new treatment being tested, but a reference treatment or placebo instead
- Trial - the drug is on trial during an RCT; it will be approved for wider use only if the results of the testing program prove that there is a worthwhile level of efficacy, which must be balanced against an acceptable level of side-effects (safety).
Why are clinical trials 'randomized'?
Randomization is important because, if the decision about who receives the new treatment in a clinical trial is not decided by random, the patients and the scientists can influence the results.
The selection of patients into one arm of a clinical trial or the other (into the treatment arm or the control group) is left to the play of chance.
Thanks to randomization, the selection of patients into one arm of a clinical trial or the other (into the treatment arm or the control group) is left to the play of chance. This way the results are free from any bias that might otherwise be introduced by the people involved.
For example, if patients are chosen to receive a treatment that the doctors really hope will work, the doctors may be tempted to offer that treatment - subconsciously, even - to those who have less severe disease, or some other factor that may improve the drug's chances of success.
You can imagine the risk of this bias being higher if the treatment allocation is decided by doctors who are in the pay of a pharmaceutical company, which will have a clear (and usually very large) financial interest in achieving positive results.
Knowing which patients are getting the experimental drug can result in sound motivations as well as questionable ones. Doctors could have a well-intentioned influence over the results.
If the active treatment seems to be producing bad side-effects, for example, doctors may protect certain types of patient from the drug. Treating subjects in the trial differently in this way reduces the integrity of like-for-like comparisons and gives false results.
In summary, randomization in a clinical trial helps to remove bias and to ensure that the two groups being compared are truly similar, and that - as far as possible - the only difference that could influence the outcome in their disease is whether or not they are receiving the new drug.
Fast facts on randomized controlled trials
Here are some key points about RCTs. More detail and supporting information is in the body of this article.
- Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard of clinical testing applied to new medical interventions.
- RCTs are usually required in pharmaceutical testing programs before regulators will allow new drugs to be sold.
- Randomization means pure chance is used to decide who gets the new treatment and who goes into the comparison group of the trial.
- Randomization is done so that 'selection bias' is removed when treatment is allocated, making the results of the comparison more reliable.
- RCTs are 'controlled' so that investigators can tell for sure if any health effects are the result of the drug treatment, by observing effects in the reference group not given the new drug.
- Placebos may be used for the control group - dummy treatments that look the same as the experimental treatment but contain nothing.
- It is not always ethical to give a placebo, such as when this would mean denying treatment to people who have a life-threatening or serious illness.
- A standard treatment that is already established against the disease can be used in the control group for comparison.
Why are clinical trials 'controlled'?
The importance of employing the control in a randomized controlled trial is to help prove that any benefits (and risks) identified during the process can be attributed to the drug itself.
The trial could use a placebo control - a dummy pill that looks exactly like the treatment, but lacks the active ingredient.
If there is no control - no reference or comparison group - an improvement in health may be recorded that has nothing to do with the drug.
There may be others factors about being in the clinical trial that could explain the results, and without comparing what happens in similar patients taking part under similar conditions - but not getting the new drug - there is no proper measurement of any health changes that may be observed.
This value of employing a control group is produced only if the trial is sufficiently large. It must have enough people taking part to ensure that chance differences and unusual cases do not have a large effect on the results.
The control group may be receiving a placebo - a dummy treatment that looks exactly the same as the drug being tested, but that does not actually contain the active agent.
The quality of the control group is important, in terms of how well its participants match those of the active group. For example, randomization (explained above) helps to ensure that there is no bias influencing the selection of people into the control group.
Comparison with standard treatment
Many drug trials give the control group a treatment that has already become established against the disease. The purpose of this type of control is to find out if there is any comparative benefit from the new drug versus the standard treatment. Even if the new drug does give positive results in itself, the other established treatment may work better still.
Comparative drug trials are important beyond the pharmaceutical development process, helping to guide decisions about healthcare resources.
For example, healthcare policymakers around the world are particularly interested in how a new drug fares against existing treatment options, taking into account cost-effectiveness, effects on quality of life, and other factors that add to the picture of overall benefit and cost to society, as well as to individuals.
Impractical or unethical use of dummy treatments in RCTs
Rigorously scientific trial design is not always practical. It can be difficult to achieve a true placebo, to disguise the dummy completely. And in some cases, it is unethical to give a dummy treatment.
Desire for a randomized controlled trial may be defeated by the following examples of practical limitation:
- Treatments that are more invasive - involving devices or surgery, for example - may be impossible to mock-up realistically in the comparison group
- There may be too few people with a certain disease available for investigation in both treatment and non-treatment groups
- The recruitment of patients to a particular trial may be too difficult.
A placebo-controlled trial is often simply an unfair prospect for participants. For example, a placebo is not allowed to be given for comparison in serious or life-limiting disease if it would mean denying usual care.
Here, the comparison group would instead be given a treatment that is already available, so that the patients would not be sacrificing their standard care for the sake of a dummy treatment.
If no existing treatment is available, another trial design may be used. Decisions about whether trial designs are fair on the participants are made by independent ethical review boards. A clinical trial cannot go ahead without this ethical approval.
Written by Markus MacGill


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Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
- Year:2012
- Rating:G
- Director:Eric Darnell
- Cast:Sacha Baron Cohen, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Ben Stiller
- Release Date:September 13, 2012
- Distributor:Paramount
- Running time:93 minutes
- Film Worth:$15.00
- FILMINK rates movies out of $20 - the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Genuinely funny and gleefully entertaining, its creators aren't afraid to throw everything they've got at the screen to see what sticks – and a lot of it does.
The great thing about DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar franchise is that it always packs in jokes for those members of the audience who may be old enough to drive. The third installment maintains this tradition: it's very often laugh-out loud funny, and in very clever ways, piling movie references onto visual gags and well above-average dialogue for this sort of film. There are constant nods to James Bond, the Bourne franchise, the Mission: Impossible movies, and, essentially, any other light thriller that has used Europe as its backdrop (there's even a reference to the original Italian Job).
Refreshingly eschewing any pretense at setting up the characters (realistically acknowledging that the kids in the audience have seen Madagascar and Madagascar 2 twenty thousand times on DVD), the action kicks in immediately and never lets up, as our whacky stable of animal misfits, led by Ben Stiller's lion, Chris Rock's (very funny) zebra and David Schwimmer's giraffe travel first to Monte Carlo, and then to Rome, London, and finally New York, joining – and invigorating – a circus along the way.
The locations are lovingly and realistically depicted, from the detailed interiors of the Hotel de Paris and the Casino de Monte Carlo (heavy gambling surprisingly featuring in a family film) to the Colosseum in Rome and New York's Central Park Zoo. Using 3D for the first time in the series, the trio of directors make a party of it, hurling planes, circus props and famous national monuments at us in a blatant and successful attempt to entertain through sheer spectacle. DreamWorks Animation has traditionally relied on epic scope, zany antics and fun for fun's sake (whereas Pixar tends to focus on more intimate, and emotionally engaging, stories) and Madagascar 3 continues that ethos: it's ludicrously silly, and that's a big part of its appeal.


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Lalbdr Biswa, 15, picks out a jacket at the Saints Place Clothing Closet at St. John's Church in Perinton. Lalbdr and his family are refugees from Bhutan. Saints Place helps refugees with items such as clothing and furniture.
Michele Quinn lived overseas for 26 years, so she's familiar with being a stranger in a strange land.
That's why she got involved with Saint's Place, a joint ministry of two local Catholic churches and the Catholic Family Center that helps refugees who arrive in the Rochester area.
Quinn, a Pittsford resident, is assistant director of the volunteer organization and has been involved for 13 years. ...


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We don't make the pronouncement lightly, but the Topping TP23 may possibly be the perfect desktop amplifier!
It is a dedicated computer amp, having only a single USB input. Plug the TP23 into a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer with the attached USB cable and it should be instantly recognized as an external sound card. The TP23 will turn on or off depending on the presence of the USB signal from the computer – the only control on the amp is a big, friendly volume knob, front and center.
Speakers wires are attached using the mini binding posts on the back of the TP23. At the heart of the amplifier, there's a Tripath TP2021B IC providing 25 watts x 2 of Class T power, enough for all but the very most demanding nearfield applications.
Operation couldn't be simpler, performance is top-tier, and the construction is every bit as good as you've come to expect from Topping. The TP23 includes a rugged chassis with thick, brushed aluminum faceplate. Inside the amp, you'll see lots of high-quality, name-brand components from TOKO, ALPS, KOA, Nichicon, and EPCOS.
Specifications: • Output power: 25W x 2 (4 ohms, THD 10%), 14W x 2 (8 ohms, THD 10%), 13W x 2 (4 ohm, THD 0.05%) • Size: 4.06" W x 1.46" H x 6.54" D • Power requirement: 14 VDC, 4A (supply included) • Weight: Main unit only 0.91 lbs.; Package (including power supply): 1.55 lbs.
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Caliber Media casts up Some Kind Of Hate
Ronen Rubinstein (pictured), Grace Phipps and Sierra McCormick will star in Caliber Media's slasher film that starts shooting this week in Los Angeles.
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Your Mercury Mountaineer's performance isn't only measured with the ability of the motor to produce massive amount of horsepower. If key vehicle features such as the Mercury Mountaineer suspension can't operate correctly, expect its performance to go down. Other than too much strain that can decrease one's lifespan, you can also stay clear of severe troubles by carrying out the necessary repair. Obtaining the best automotive devices for your rig would help you eliminate untimely replacements later on.
An outstanding Mercury Mountaineer suspension basically provides enhanced control and driving comfort for your motor vehicle. Every single piece of this particular system can reduce abnormal automobile motions even when you're driving on a rocky street. Because the devices are exposed to corrosion on a daily basis, they will , sooner or later, display indications of breakdown. You can make certain that the worn out units won't trouble you while driving by speedily undertaking the necessary replacements. The optimal replacement Mercury Mountaineer components to get are those with utmost sturdiness and also fit properly to your rig's specifications.
Whether it's a vehicle component or add-on, buyers can select from our wide range of aftermarket Mercury Mountaineer products at Parts Train. We could supply you a good suspension unit that's manufactured by leading brands like Edelbrock, Hotchkis, or Rugged Ridge.
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Even As digital media expands, there is still a place for magazines.
By Craig Levitt
It sure seems like technology has it out for the magazine industry. Today many Americans get their news from the Internet. Personal tablets are threatening to erode magazine sales. At retail, self-scan aisles are eliminating the space for the front-end magazine rack.
However, consumers still want to flip pages. According to industry reports, 87% of people interested in reading magazines on a digital device still want a printed copy.
Observers say magazines remain an important retail category based on its portability, consolidated content and distinct ability to delight, educate and entertain consumers. Newsworthy events, such as the Royal wedding and assassination of Osama bin Laden, and issues that commemorate special events such as the Super Bowl also drive incremental sales and profit.
Despite the impulse nature of the category, magazines can also be used as an enticement to grow basket sales, says Richard Alleger, senior vice president, retail for Emmaus, Pa.-based Rodale.
"Frequent shopper information can and has been used to help target promotions," he says. "[For example] we have tied purchase of Men's Health with a retailer's private label water."
While checkout is clearly the most important location for magazines, followed by a mainline magazine section, supermarkets shouldn't ignore the opportunity to create secondary displays throughout the store. Some areas retailers should be paying close attention to include: beauty, baby and wine. Also effective are temporary display bins for special issues.
Overall, the outlook for magazine demand remains optimistic, says William Romollino, vice president, shopper insights for New York-based Time/Warner Retail Sales & Marketing.
"Strong readership patterns and demand for specialty and seasonal magazines continues to deliver impressive incremental sales and profits to retailers and publishers. Collaboration in the areas of research, display and promotions will enable retailers to continue to reach profit and customer satisfaction goals," he says.


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PULP on FIRE Collection
Almost a decade before their status as press darlings and eccentric purveyors of weird and wonderful pop music, a deeply disturbed Sheffield pop group crafted a brace of loveably awkward pop classics, most notably the controversial "Little Girl (With Blue Eyes)". Pulp were simply awesome and undeniably strange, ranging from Scott Walker balladeering to post-punk, avant-garde aggressiveness.
Fire Records have reissued the first three Pulp albums as part of the Embers series. Constituting three very different stages in the development of the band, the albums cover a staggering sonic range from the pastoral, acoustic sounds of 'It', to the darkly romantic 'Freaks' and the disco-tinged 'Separations'. They point to Jarvis Cocker's varied sources of musical inspiration and show a band in the process of finding their own unique voice, whilst hinting at the greatness that would follow. All three come newly re-mastered and beautifully repackaged, complete with additional bonus material and brand new liner-notes by Everett True.
As one of their most honest recordings, 'It' captures a band at the very beginning of their startling career. It is a gentle, mainly acoustic album, hinting at the musical directions Pulp would later pursue. The record touches on the majestic, theatrical ballads of Scott Walker as well as the stark, folky song-poems of Leonard Cohen. Produced by a young band in the process of pinpointing their direction, the album has aged beautifully into a charming collection.
The reissue features 4 Bonus tracks including single version of 'My Lighthouse', an alternative mix of 'Blue Girls', as well as the previously unreleased 'Sink Or Swim' and 'Please Don't Worry' from Pulp's John Peel session in 1981.
Pulp had changed significantly since their debut 'It'. By this time every member bar Jarvis had moved on but the addition of Russell Senior proved to be a pivotal turning point for the band. No longer did Pulp sound pastoral, easy-natured; now they were darkly romantic, brooding, noisy and a little bit Gothic, in the way young folk who brush their hair a certain way are always a little bit Gothic. Pulp were out-of-tune with the times: but the times didn't satisfy Pulp.
The album is quite marvellous. Most of these songs stand the distance of time: it was here, possibly even more than 1992's Separations, that Pulp started coming into their own as a band with a fully-realised aesthetic.
The first disc is the original album, unaltered and in its entirety. The second is a bonus disc comprising of tracks from the two big non-album singles from the same era, 'Little Girl (With Blue Eyes)' and 'Dogs are Everywhere'. Two further b-sides 'Tunnel' and 'Manon' complete the second disc for the definitive 'Freaks' period release.
Completing the collection, their third and last album for Fire, 'Separations'. By 1992 Pulp had already transformed from their debut 'It' through the dark electronic phase of 'Freaks' and were garnering significant momentum. Now critically acclaimed and with a live reputation matched by only a few, most of the songs on 'Separations' sound fully-realised in that undeniably Pulp manner that was soon to be experienced everywhere. And, for the first time, there was an inescapable disco pulse. This is the transition album where Pulp, caught between a doomed romantic outsider past and an acid-bright future, made an album that brilliantly reflects both.
The reissue includes 4 bonus tracks, including 'Death Goes To The Disco', 'Is This House', as well as an extended version of the single 'Countdown' and the previously unreleased 'Death Comes To Town'.
'Separations' spawned two of Pulp's most successful singles to date in 'Countdown' and 'My Legendary Girlfriend', with the latter topping the singles of 1991 lists by major music publications.


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The 2007 Meeting of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies: San Diego, California, November 16-17, 2007
Huff, Peter A., Buddhist-Christian Studies
The Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies sponsored two sessions in conjunction with the 2007 annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR). Each session highlighted themes related to the work of a major figure in Buddhist-Christian dialogue. The first session, addressing the topic "Homosexuality, the Church, and the Sangha," was organized in honor of Roger Corless (1938-2007), longtime member of the society, dual practitioner of Roman Catholicism and Vajrayana Buddhism, and a well-known voice for "queer sangha." The second session, a panel discussion titled "The Thought and Legacy of Masao Abe," focused on the career achievements of Abe (1915-2006), widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and influential scholars in modern Zen studies, interreligious dialogue, and comparative philosophy.
The first session, moderated by Harry Wells (Humboldt State University), featured three papers on issues of gender, sexual ethics, and religious identity. Robert Fastiggi, professor of systematic theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Detroit), presented the paper "The Catholic Church and Homosexuality." Arguing that the Catholic tradition avoids an "either/or" approach to homosexuality, he outlined the church's official distinction between morally neutral homoerotic identity and what Vatican documents call "intrinsically disordered" homosexual acts. He also noted that Catholic researchers differ significantly on the question of the genetic origins of same-sex attraction. The key to Catholic moral teaching on homosexuality, he explained, is a "theology of the body" that envisions male-female complementarity as the divinely ordained pattern of creation. Fastiggi suggested that further discussion of related ideas such as celibacy, chastity, desire, and concupiscence would enhance future Buddhist-Christian dialogue on homosexuality.
Ilene Stanford, a ThD candidate in religion, gender, and culture at Harvard University, presented the next paper, "In or Out? Marriage as a Social Practice." Describing marriage in the United States as a "site of contestation," she explored the conflicting models of sexual union that currently inform public debates in political and ecclesiastical contexts. Using William Johnson's A Time to Embrace: Same-Gender Relationships in Religion, Law, and Politics (2006) as a point of departure, she argued that many contemporary examinations of sexual relationships, even some of the most inclusive, fail to reckon with the way in which the West's Augustinian legacy continues to make heterosexual marriage the norm for all moral reflection on sexual identity and expression. The escalating controversy in the international Anglican community, she said, exposes the weaknesses of Johnson's "deliberative democracy" model and other theoretical models that minimize the role of political and social power in the construction of sexual ideals.
Jose Ignacio Cabezon, who holds the XIV Dalai Lama Chair in Tibetan Buddhism at the University of California, Santa Barbara, presented the final paper: "Is Homosexual Sex 'Sexual Misconduct'? Critical Reflections on Some Classical Indo-Tibetan Sources." Analyzing the changing portraits of sexual immorality in the Pali canon, Indian Sanskrit texts, and Tibetan scholastic treatises, Cabezon traced the evolution of monastic commentary on lay sexuality over the course of several centuries. …


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Pope Highlights Mary as Solemnity Nears
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Before taking leave of those assembled in Paul VI Hall for the general audience, the Pope addressed a particular greeting to the youth, the sick and the newly married, in anticipation of the Dec. 8 solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
"May she guide you, dear young people, on your path of adherence to Christ," said the Pope.
Speaking afterward to the "dear sick people," some in wheelchairs, he wished that Mary might "be a support in suffering and sustain in you a renewed hope."
Finally, the Holy Father greeted the newlyweds present, some of whom came dressed in their wedding attire, and expressed his desire that they look to Mary to help them "discover more and more the love of Christ."
On Friday, Benedict XVI will preside over the traditional tribute to Mary on the eve of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in the Piazza di Spagna at 4 p.m.
That same day, the jubilee year marking the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Immaculate Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous will begin in the French town.