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The first case of diabetes among Indigenous people was recorded in Adelaide in 1923 [1]. Records prior to this time showed that Indigenous people were fit, lean, and did not suffer from any form of metabolic condition, which were largely believed to be a characteristic of European populations [2]. The earliest detailed studies investigating the development of diabetes in Indigenous populations were not undertaken, however, until the early 1960s. These and subsequent studies found a significant correlation between the development of a 'westernised' lifestyle and the levels of type 2 diabetes in the Indigenous population [3].
Since that time, type 2 diabetes has been recognised as one of the most important health problems for Indigenous populations across Australia, with the overall prevalence likely to be around four times that of the general population. As well as making a major contribution directly to the excess mortality experienced by many Indigenous populations, type 2 diabetes is associated with a number of other chronic conditions, particularly renal disease. Type 2 diabetes is also responsible for a variety of complications, the frequency of which are likely to increase in the future.
The overall burden of a disease like diabetes can be measured in a number of ways, but three key indicators are its prevalence, and its impact in terms of mortality and hospitalisation. (The incidence of diabetes would also be a useful indicator, but there is no systematic collection about new cases of type 2 diabetes among Indigenous people. There are some data about the incidence of type 1 diabetes.)
The only national estimates of the prevalence of diabetes among Indigenous people come from population surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the most recent being the 2004-2005 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) [4].
Diabetes/high sugar levels were reported by 6% of Indigenous people who participated in the 2004-2005 NATSIHS [4]. These problems were reported more frequently by Indigenous people living in remote areas (9%) than by those living in non-remote areas (5%). The proportions represent a slight, but not statistically significant, increase from those reported to the 2001 National Health Survey (NHS) [5].
After adjusting for differences in the age structures of the two populations, diabetes/high sugar levels were around 3.4 times more common for Indigenous than for non-Indigenous people [4]. The ratio between Indigenous and non-Indigenous females (4.1) was higher than that between Indigenous and non-Indigenous males (2.9).
Overall, a lower proportion of Torres Strait Islander (5%) than Aboriginal people (6%) reported having diabetes/high sugar levels (the difference is not statistically significant), but the proportion was 11% for Torres Strait Islanders living in the Torres Strait area [4].
The crude prevalence of 6% documented by the 2004-2005 NATSIHS is Higher than the prevalence of 5% reported by the 2001 NHS, which was slightly higher than that reported to the 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey (NATSIS): 3.5% of Indigenous males and 4.7% of Indigenous females reported having diabetes [6],[5]. Between the 2001 NHS and the 2004-2005 NATSIHS, the prevalence increased from 7% to 9% for people living in remote areas and from 4% to 5% for those living in non-remote areas [4].
The prevalence of diabetes increases with age, with the increase occurring at much younger ages among Indigenous people – the prevalence reported by Indigenous people aged 35-44 years was around five times that reported by non-Indigenous people (Table 1) [4].
|Age group (years)
|Indigenous people
|Non-Indigenous people
|Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006 [4]
|Note: Ratio is the Indigenous proportion divided by the non-Indigenous proportion.
Surveys such as the 2004-2005 NATSIHS provide some evidence of the prevalence of diabetes among Indigenous people, but better evidence is provided by specific studies involving a combination of self-reported information, physical examination and biochemical testing. A number of studies in the past decade or so provide estimates for various Indigenous populations, but interpretation of these estimates, and comparison with those from earlier studies, is complicated by methodological changes and refinement of techniques [7]. Major issues are the changes over time in the diagnostic criteria for diabetes and the fact that many studies have not taken account of the age structure of the population studied in estimating the prevalence [7] [8].
Despite these limitations, the various studies have confirmed broadly the estimates derived from the ABS surveys. An overall prevalence of between 10 and 30% for Indigenous people is likely to be 2-4 times that of non-Indigenous Australians [9] [10].
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), where blood sugar levels are at an above-normal level, but not quite high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes, has been reported to range between 3 -19% in Aboriginal people aged less than 35 years [11].
Few reports have been published about gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but information from the Northern Territory Midwives' Collection found that around 6.3% of Indigenous women in the Territory developed GDM, compared with 4.1% of non-Indigenous women [12]. After allowance is made for the younger ages generally of the Indigenous women compared with the non-Indigenous women, the level of GDM among Indigenous women was 2.3 times that among non-Indigenous women.
A study of type 1 diabetes among children aged 0-14 years in New South Wales found that the annual incidence of 13.9 per 100,000 was similar for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children [13]. An earlier study of children aged 0-14 years in Western Australia found no cases of type 1 diabetes among Indigenous children, but one case of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) [14].
Diabetes is also a major contributor to Indigenous mortality, being responsible for more than 8% of deaths of Indigenous people living in Qld, WA, SA and the NT in 1999-2003 [15]. The numbers of deaths from 'endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases' (almost 90% of which were due to diabetes) were 7.5 times higher for Indigenous males than the number expected from rates for non-Indigenous males and 10.5 time higher than expected for Indigenous females. Among people aged 35-54 years, the death rate of Indigenous males was 21 times the rate of non-Indigenous males and the rate of Indigenous females 37 times that of non-Indigenous females.
As is the case with most health conditions, hospitalisation rates are not an accurate reflection of the burden of diabetes in the community. This is reflected in the fact that diabetes was recorded as the principal diagnosis in only 1% of episodes of hospitalisation for both Indigenous males and females in 2003-04 [15]. Of these episodes, 17% were for type 1 diabetes. (Of course, diabetes also contributed to many other episodes of hospitalisation, for which it wasn't recorded as the principal diagnosis.)
Despite this limitation of the data, the higher levels of diabetes among Indigenous than among non-Indigenous people are reflected in hospitalisation figures. Australia-wide in 2003-04, age-adjusted hospitalisation rates of Indigenous males and females for type 2 diabetes as the principal diagnosis were eight and ten times higher than those of non-Indigenous males and females [15]. As well as admissions for diabetes as a principal diagnosis, the condition was also reported frequently as an additional diagnosis in admissions for care involving dialysis, cardiovascular disease (including ischaemic heart disease and stroke), respiratory disease, and for bacterial diseases.
A number of studies have noted the link between diabetes and high levels of obesity among Indigenous populations [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]. It has been suggested that high levels of central obesity (which is particularly common among Indigenous people) may be linked to the 'thrifty genotype', and/or other genetic factors [7] [25] [26] [27].
Regardless of the role of genetic factors, contemporary Indigenous diets and levels of physical activity are likely to be the crucial factors in the high levels of obesity seen among many Indigenous populations. The 'westernisation' of Indigenous communities has seen the replacement of a varied nutrient-dense diet with an energy-dense diet, high in fat and refined sugars [28] [29]. As well as contributing to the development of obesity, the increased consumption of snack foods, fruit-flavoured-juices, sugar-sweetened cool drinks, white bread, sugar, and canned meats in some Indigenous communities has been linked with the incidence of high blood pressure [9] [16].
According to the 2004-2005 NATSIHS, 75% of Indigenous people living in non-remote areas of Australia were either sedentary or exercised at only a low level in the two weeks prior to their interview [4]. (A 'low' level exercise was defined as between 100 and 1,600 minutes of exercise in two weeks.)
This proportion is slightly higher than the 71% of Indigenous people living in non-remote areas who reported to the 2001 NHS that they were either sedentary or exercised at only low levels [30]. According to the 2001 NHS, the percentage of Indigenous people taking no exercise was much greater than the percentage of non-Indigenous people – 43% compared with 30% [30]. Similar proportions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people reported exercising at a 'moderate' level, but a slightly higher proportion of non-Indigenous people (7%) than Indigenous people (5%) reported exercising at a 'high' level.
Based on information collected as a part of the 2004-2005 NATSIHS, 57% of Indigenous people aged 15 years or older were overweight or obese, with no real difference according to remoteness of residence [4]. The slightly higher proportion of Indigenous men (58%) than Indigenous women (55%) were overweight or obese. Almost 6% of Indigenous people aged 15 years or older were underweight, with 4% of Indigenous men and 7% of Indigenous women having a BMI of less than 18.5.
After adjusting for differences in the age structures of the two populations, the level of being overweight or obese was 1.2 times higher for Indigenous people aged 15 years or older than for their non-Indigenous counterparts [4].
Overweight and obesity were more common among Torres Strait Islanders aged 15 years or older (61%) than among Aboriginal people in that age range (56%) (the difference is not statistically significant) [4]. The level of overweight and obesity was particularly high among Torres Strait Islanders living in the Torres Strait area, with 86% having a BMI of 25.0 or greater.
The progression of risk factors, particularly obesity, was studied as part of a five-year follow-up study of young Indigenous people living in four communities in the Kimberley region of WA [16]. Less than 3% of people were overweight at the commencement of the study, but 17.6% were at follow-up. Overall, BMI increased significantly over the five-year period, from 16.9 to 20.8 for males, and from 17.7 to 21.8 for females.
The role of obesity and physical inactivity were analysed in studies which involved a group of diabetic Indigenous people returning to a 'traditional' diet and lifestyle [9] [18] [21] [23] [24]. These studies documented improvements in fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, and significant reductions in hyperinsulinaemia and fasting triglyceride levels. In addition to these changes, reductions in blood pressure and increased bleeding time (indicative of reduced thrombosis) were noted.
Like most conditions affecting Indigenous people, diabetes is linked to socioeconomic status – the greater the environmental, social and economic disadvantage experienced by Indigenous people, the greater the levels of type 2 diabetes, associated complications, and other chronic conditions in the population [31]. Improvements in socioeconomic and related conditions are seen as necessary if the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and associated complications (and of other chronic conditions) is to be reduced. This will involve working within other government sectors and community organisations [32].
Documenting the levels of risk factors for diabetes should be a high priority area, as these important health measures are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of intervention programs [7]. Currently, existing knowledge and data of the major risk factors for diabetes in Australia are far from complete, and this is even more evident for the Indigenous population. Available data indicate, however, that obesity is on the rise and levels of physical activity are dropping, which can be expected to result in more diabetes in Australia for all populations [7].
As noted above, the main complications of diabetes (manifest through microvascular and macrovascular changes) are renal disease, retinopathy, heart disease, infections, cerebrovascular disease, and neuropathy (as well as a variety of more minor complications) [7] [12]. The impact of diabetes-related complications has not been studied in most Indigenous populations [12], however, so inferences must be made from the findings of research conducted in the NT.
In contrast to the pattern seen in most developed countries, the main cause of death in Indigenous diabetics may be renal disease and not cardiovascular disease [33] [34] [35] [36] [37]. Most of the mortality is related to end-stage renal disease, for which the incidence among the Indigenous population in the Northern Territory is 20-30 times than that of the non-Indigenous population [20].
Diabetes is recognised as the main cause of legal blindness in the developed world [7]. In the Northern Territory in 1994, approximately 28% of Indigenous people with diabetes had some degree of retinopathy, which was vision-threatening in 13% of cases [12]. There is also evidence of Indigenous patients with diabetes developing retinopathy in their thirties, much earlier than generally recognised.
In terms of heart disease, it has been reported that at least 19% of diabetic patients are admitted to hospital as a result of cardiovascular complications [12]. Medical records reveal that 4% had a previous myocardial infarction and 7% a history of angina. A further 4% had a history of cerebrovascular disease, which was responsible for 2.3% of the hospital admissions of diabetics.
Diabetics are also more susceptible to infections (particularly bacterial) than are non-diabetics. A study of the hospitalisation of Indigenous diabetics in central Australia in the mid 1980s found that infection was the primary reason for admission in 60% of cases, which comprised 4.6% of all Indigenous admissions [38]. Almost 21% of deaths of Indigenous diabetics in Australia in 1995 were attributed to infection [26]. Based on health service records , it has been reported that bacterial infections are the second most common cause of death of Indigenous diabetics (after renal disease) [35].
The combination of infection (due to peripheral vascular disease) and peripheral neuropathy can lead to chronic foot problems, the hospitalisation for which increased almost three-fold among Indigenous people in central Australia between 1992 and 1997 [39] [40]. Foot complications were responsible for around 10% of admissions of diabetics, with Indigenous people being responsible for slightly more than 90% of admissions for diabetic foot. More than one-third of admissions for foot complications required a surgical procedure – mainly debridement, but 7% required an amputation of toe or higher.
Given there is currently no available cure for diabetes, effective management of the condition is crucial. From time of diagnosis, a major focus is on improving glycaemic control to minimise the microvascular and macrovascular complications [11].
Improvement of glycaemic control can be achieved through:
As well as addressing the direct risk factors (obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet) for diabetes, attention needs to be directed also to factors such as smoking and alcohol. Smoking is a major risk factor for vascular disease especially with co-existing diabetes. Diabetic smokers should be informed on the risks of smoking, repeatedly encouraged to stop, and supported during cessation and through the high risk relapse period (immediately after cessation) [41]. Alcohol too, should be limited and consumed in strict moderation. Ethanol (the main constituent of alcohol) may cause increased energy intake, and a pre-disposition to hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Ethanol may also lessen cooperation with treatment schedules and interact with medication. It has been suggested that alcohol should be limited to less than four standard drinks per day for men and two standard drinks per day for women (40 and 20 grams of ethanol per day respectively) [41].
Good management of diabetes involves also the monitoring and special care of associated conditions brought about by diabetic complications. Special attention needs to be directed to:
Other important aspects are control of blood pressure and infections. Screening and control of blood pressure are important because hypertension in people with diabetes is associated with accelerated progression of both microvascular and macrovascular complications [11]. People with diabetes experience higher rates of pneumonia, bacterial, fungal, skin, and urine infections, so good hygiene and early treatment of skin sores, wounds, and urine infections is important in preventing the progression of these conditions [10]. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) also encourages people with high risk underlying conditions (such as diabetes) to have annual influenza and 5-yearly pneumococcal vaccinations [42].
Many of these aspects of diabetes management require frequent visits to a general practitioner or a member of a diabetes health care team. For many Indigenous populations, however, access to linguistically and culturally appropriate services is often limited, particularly in rural and remote areas [31] [43]. High rates of hospital admissions often result, as high morbidity is generally coupled with generally poor self-management and control, and increased complications in Aboriginal people with type 2 diabetes [43] [44].
Primary prevention aims to prevent the emergence of disease in susceptible populations or individuals. In the case of type 2 diabetes, this involves removing or modifying behavioural and environmental risk factors (such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet) prior to the onset of disease or manifestation of symptoms [11] [45]. This has usually included promoting healthy eating and physical activity, and maintenance of normal body weight, [11]. In the majority of cases, programs targeting the primary prevention of diabetes centre on healthy lifestyle promotion, in the form of food intake [10].
Secondary prevention consists of early detection of asymptomatic diabetes followed by prompt, effective interventions that may lessen the condition's impact [46]. As previously discussed, the risk factors for diabetes are also common to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers. As a consequence, prevention strategies that reduce levels of these risk factors are likely to have widespread health benefits across the broader spectrum of health categories [26]. Prevention activities can be aimed at the whole population (aiming to eliminate lifestyle and environmental factors – the 'population approach') or targeted at particular individuals or groups, especially those at high-risk (the 'high-risk' approach) [26].
In view of the fact that quite some time usually elapses between the actual onset of type 2 diabetes and its recognition, it is now recommended that active case detection be undertaken for all high risk groups. This includes all people with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose and for all Indigenous people aged 35 years and over (and younger in communities with a high prevalence of diabetes) [45]. Screening for diabetes in high-risk populations is justified because early treatment of the disease reduces morbidity from long-term complications.
Tertiary prevention involves lessening or eliminating long term impairments that may result from diabetes, such as foot and eye problems [46]. There are a number of programs addressing the whole Australian population, and community-based programs have been shown to be effective in Indigenous communities in central Australia and the Kimberley region of WA [47] [48]. It is important, also, that mainstream programs incorporate Indigenous–specific initiatives which will require resources at regional and community level [11].
Following the identification in 1996 of diabetes as one of Australia's national health priority areas [26], the National Diabetes Strategy and Implementation Plan identified principles for developing strategies for the prevention and management of diabetes among Indigenous people [32]. The plan emphasised that strategies should be part of a holistic approach to health care and should, where possible, deliver services in the communities where people live. Strategies should also include training of local Aboriginal Health Workers and staff of Aboriginal community-controlled services and build their capacity to deliver training and services with minimal external intervention. Finally, strategies should be based on needs determined by the community and programs should be developed, supported and run by the community itself. Also, in the ongoing management of diabetes, local recall and reminder tools should be established to implement and coordinate diabetes strategies. Local registers should be part of a holistic approach, as they are also useful for the control of other chronic diseases. Monitoring standards of care should also be undertaken to ensure that delivery of care is optimised.
The National Diabetes Strategy and Implementation Plan was followed in 1999 with the release of Australia's National Diabetes Strategy 2000–2004 [49]. Despite the fact that all Australian health ministers agreed that the strategy would ensure 'access to effective, efficient, evidence-based and economically viable services and programs for diabetes prevention and care for all people living in Australia', progress appears to have been slow. It is true that the 2001-02 Commonwealth budget included an allocation of $43.4 million over four years for a National Integrated Diabetes Program (NIDP) [49]. Of the planned eleven guidelines developed in approval with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) the first eight have been presented to and endorsed by the NHMRC – Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents; Primary prevention; Case detection and diagnosis; Diagnosis and management of hypertension; Prevention and detection of macrovascular disease; Identification and management of diabetic foot disease; Lipid control in Type 2 diabetes; Management of diabetic retinopathy; Blood glucose control; Renal disease; and Patient education [45].
At about the same time as the National Diabetes Strategy and Implementation Plan was released, separate work was commissioned to examine the epidemiology of diabetes among Indigenous people and the evidence supporting primary care management of the disease. This work resulted in two significant reports, Review of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis and preventability of diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations [10] and Systematic review of existing evidence and primary care guidelines on the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations , but there appears to have been little progress since that time. Fortunately, the findings of the latter report have been updated as part of a separate publication supported by NACCHO [11].
Also at the same time, the Western Australian Department of Health was working on the development of the Western Australian Diabetes Strategy 1999 (the Strategy was formally released in 2002) . The fundamental principle of the section of the Strategy related to Aboriginal people was to develop culturally-appropriate strategies with the aid of local Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal health organisations, and local Aboriginal health services . This also calls for a greater level of empowerment for Aboriginal people and health services, and for them to be given the resources to implement their own diabetes prevention programs. To do this, the Strategy outlines that a greater emphasis is to be placed on strengthening Aboriginal primary infrastructure, as well as supporting regional Aboriginal health plans.
This Western Australian Strategy eventually led to the release of another strategy, Healthy lifestyles – A strategic framework for the primary prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Western Australia 2002-2007 . This was also released in 2002, in response to the seven National Health Priority Areas, of which diabetes is one . This strategy was developed through an extensive literature review, as well as focus group discussions with a number of key stakeholders (including Aboriginal medical services) . It is unclear, however, as to how this Strategy will be applied in a culturally specific and appropriate way to Aboriginal communities, or what the benefits will be.
The latest strategy document released by the New South Wales Health Department – NSW chronic disease prevention strategy 2003-2007 – outlines the main chronic disease focuses in New South Wales. The Strategy has been designed to target seven of the most serious chronic conditions affecting the NSW population, including type 2 diabetes . The Strategy notes that diabetes prevalence and mortality figures for NSW Indigenous people are severely lacking (due to under-reporting of Indigenous status), but that diabetes should be coordinated with Aboriginal health promotion programs. In order to develop this process and as part of the Strategy, the Collaborative Centre for Aboriginal Health Promotion was established . In the future, the Centre aims to implement a greater number of Aboriginal health promotion and diabetes programs. It proposes to do this by strengthening leadership, encouraging workforce development, liaising and maintaining key networks, enhancing the sharing of relevant information about diabetes (in collaboration with the HealthInfoNet, and providing technical advice and support on Aboriginal health promotion matters).
In view of the seriousness of diabetes, reflected in its identification as a national health priority area, it appears that much more could have been done to progress its prevention, case detection and management – particularly for Indigenous people, but also for the general population.
There is no doubt that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem for many Indigenous people. The prevalence of diabetes among Indigenous people is around four times that of the general population, and its impact in terms of mortality and hospitalisation is even higher. The full extent of the morbidity and mortality arising from the various microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes is not well documented, but is certain to increase.
The development of diabetes and the progression to complications can be prevented [11], so clearly much more needs to be done. But, as with most other areas of Indigenous health, committed strategies addressing this national health priority area are lacking for Indigenous people.
© Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet 2013
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Article By: Bruce WademanMon, 07 Mar 2011 9:15 AM
I have been married for five years now, but we have been having lots of problems. One mega problem is that we don't have sex. We manage to go for more than a year without it. I'm tired of complaining, and I'm growing to despise him. He's a great man and a friend, but a terrible lover. Please help.
I'm really so sorry to hear about your situation. Telling you that you are not alone in this situation and that there are many other couples who experience the same frustration as you doesn't make your situation easier either.
It's never easy to be in a relationship which is supposed to bring you happiness and fulfilment but seems to do the exact opposite, bringing disappointment, frustration and anger.
You probably feel that you have tried without success, and now you feel drained, you've given your all and it hasn't worked, so why bother anymore?
Giving in may seem to be the only answer, but I want to encourage you not to give up, even if it seems like it's too late.
Don't give up
It's clear you want your marriage to work and have not chosen the optional route of divorce. I also want to tell you that I think you have great courage to take the initiative to resolve the situation.
Taking responsibility for your relationship is rarely found and yet it is one of the most crucial elements in the successful restoration of relationships. Also, writing about something so personal isn't easy, but such is your desire to resolve the situation that you are trying whatever it takes.
I have to be frank with you and tell you that this column will not resolve this problem or help you sufficiently in dealing with this tough situation, it would be tantamount to cover a gaping wound with a band aid strip.
What makes it more difficult is that you have gone for counselling and it doesn't seem to have helped either?
A situation that has deteriorated to such an extent would need ongoing support, therapy and effort from you and your husband in conjunction with a professional to resolve.
It's not going to change overnight
It's also not going to change overnight so don't have unrealistic expectations. I would therefore recommend you to give yourself a year to 18 months before you can expect the situation to improve satisfactorily. This may seem long but if you look at the bigger picture of a lifetime of happiness in your marriage, then it will seem worth it.
You have admitted that your husband is a great man and if the two of you do work at it, you can have a great marriage, one that is intimate and personal, sexual as well as stimulating.
But, it's going to take lots of ongoing work and commitment from both of you. What I can do is give you some direction and guidelines.
Some guidelines
Firstly, you have mentioned that you have these strong feelings of resentment and bitterness towards your husband. Before you even begin to deal with the sexual issues, you need to deal with these feelings.
Most women are more emotional about their sexuality than men and as a result, if you have negative feelings towards your husband, you have little chance of even mildly-stimulating sex.
There is a common analogy used to describe the differences between how a man and a woman perceive sexual advances.
If a man wants sex, he has to call his wife, charm her, invite her out for dinner, arrive at the front door with red roses (jewellery is also always useful), woo her continually during the evening, display impeccable manners, charm her, pay for supper and wine and take her home on time before commencing with the prescribed foreplay, and hopefully later, sex.
For a woman to want sex she has to pitch up at her man's door, unannounced, naked except for a coat and a six-pack of beers and she's bound to get it. It's amusing but true in that a woman needs to feel loved and valued, she needs to feel secure within the relationship in order for her to allow herself to be intimate.
So to think you're going to have great sex whilst you have these feelings is being unrealistic. You have been repeatedly hurt which has turned to anger and resentment. You will need to deal with these issues and have your security restored first. I would suggest seeing a therapist on your own to understand and deal with these pent-up emotions.
You must forgive
Secondly, and as part of the therapy, you will need to forgive your husband and let him back into your life. Forgiveness is paramount first up. A mentor of mine, Dr Rex Mathie defined forgiveness as giving up the right to hurt someone for hurting you. You need to do that first, to give up that right before you start working on your relationship.
Thirdly, keep reminding yourself of your acknowledgement that your husband is a good man and a great friend. You have identified that you still believe in him which is great and a good base to build from.
I can also tell you that if you were unable to recognise any good in your husband, then your situation would be very precarious indeed.
Perhaps you could see it like this? ask yourself this question: "Suppose you two were more sexual and that you enjoyed your intimate moments more regularly and that they were more stimulating?" Would you then be happily married?
If you can answer yes to this question, then essentially, you have one major problem area to address, knowing that it will result in a more satisfying, holistic and happy marriage.
Fourthly, and only once you have dealt with your anger and have forgiven your husband, you need to get him on your side so that the two of you see the problem as a joint problem and not just yours or his. Sit him down and explain to him how you love him and respect him and you want your marriage to be "more fulfilling".
Tread carefully here
Ask him for his input first, about how he feels and what his perceptions are. Listen to what he says. Then tell him how you feel and then both of you can come up with possible solutions. A good therapist can facilitate this process and enable the two of you to open the lines of communication about the problem. (A word of warning here? it's important for both of you to understand that the challenge must be faced without blame, without looking at the past and without finding fault. A man's ego is very vulnerable when it comes to sex and without coaching you can easily reverse the situation causing your husband to become resentful).
Finally, once the emotional foundations have been laid and you feel more secure in the relationship, and provided you are both on the same side tackling the problem together, you can begin to learn about each other's sexuality.
I firmly believe that many adults have little or no understanding of their partner's sexuality. But this can be a great opportunity to discover, learn and enjoy. Set time aside when the children are in bed with the lights dimmed but not off. Perhaps you can even go away for a weekend, just the two of you.
Learn to discover what arouses each other and talk to each other whilst discovering turn-ons and turn-offs. Talk about it and take your time getting to know each other from the beginning. You might want to get a book or even consult a sex therapist but take your time in your rediscovery. It'll be like starting over, like going on a second honeymoon. I wish you well.
Bruce Wademan is a FAMAC accredited mediator and counsellor. He studied counselling at BTC and Family Law at UNISA. The response to the question covers some of the issues in marriage and does not constitute advice. It is important to consult with a counsellor or therapist who through therapy will be able to provide comprehensive and appropriate advice.


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May 6, 2016
Four vehicle inspectors have been jailed and two Jiffy Lube stations suspended from performing state inspections.
The DMV says the two locations are on Greenville Boulevard and Memorial Drive in Greenville. The state says the Greenville Boulevard location was suspended from performing inspections for 10 1/2 years and fined $5,250, while other Memorial Drive location was suspended for three years and fined $1,500.
The four inspectors are charged with performing illegal inspections for extra fees and are facing a total of 44 felony counts. Linville Almond, 40, was charged with 20 counts and is being held on a $30,000 secured bond; Donnie Wilson, 55, was charged with 17 counts and is being held on a $25,000 secured bond; Marcus Tyson, 31, was charged with five counts and is being held on a $10,000 secured bond; and Joshua Sweezy, 24, was charged with two counts and is being held on a $5,000 secured bond.
(To see their mug shots, click on the article image to view the slideshow)
The DMV says the investigation began in early May. The employees are accused of charging customers as much as $200 extra to pass the vehicles.
According to investigators, Wilson, who owns Donnie's Automotive Care in Greenville, is charged with collecting money from owners whose vehicles would not pass inspection on their own, then taking the vehicles or the vehicle information to one of the Jiffy Lube stations to receive a passing inspection. The state says both Almond and Tyson are Jiffy Lube managers and inspectors while Sweezy is a former Jiffy Lube employee and inspector.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Mass Effect 2 PS3 Review
There it is. It seems so strange to be playing a Mass Effect title with a DualShock 3, but it didn't really feel strange. Then again, I'm one of those people who can switch back and forth between the 360 and PS3 with relative ease.
But, no, it's just wrong, right? This is BioWare betraying Microsoft, betraying the Xbox 360 that gave the franchise its start and, most importantly, betraying the fans. F–k the PS3.
Nah, not really. J/k, j/k, Sony.
Mass Effect 2 (PS3 [Reviewed], PC, XBox360)
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: January 26, 2010
The truth is that Mass Effect 2 on PS3 is totally fine. It's identical to the 360 version in almost every way that is important, better in one way, and inferior in a couple others. There's little to be that upset about.
Really, the biggest problem with Mass Effect 2 on the PS3 is that Mass Effect 1 is not on the PS3. BioWare created an interactive comic to try to make up for that, but it's not the same. The comic only gives you four major choices: whether or not to kill the rachni queen on Noveria, whether or not to kill Wrex on Virmire, to save Ashley or Kaiden on Virmire and whether or not to save the Council at the end.
As you would expect, so many of the nuances of the story and all the smaller options are absent; Feros isn't even mentioned, for example, and you miss out on all the little things that carry over from 1 to 2, like running into Parasini on Illium or encountering a very drunk Fist at Afterlife. Too, the reveal of Archangel's identity loses all its impact if you haven't played the first game. It's hard to say that BioWare could have done more to make up for that given the circumstances, but I can't help but feel sorry for players new to the franchise who aren't getting the full experience.
From the beginning of the game, one difference between the two console version is readily apparent:the PS3 version feels much smoother. I'm not the type to dig into the technical details, so I can't attribute this to a higher framerate or simply a more stable platform, but it's immediately noticeable if you've played ME2 on Xbox.
Aside from how you don't have to change discs, that smoothness is the PS3 version's sole advantage over its counterpart. Players will certainly notice two glaring deficiencies, and a third, more rare glitch will also pop up. The small glitch is merely the occasional graphical freakout, in which a character model will spaz out in a way that isn't easy to explain without video. You'll certainly know it when you see it.
The other glitches are quite infuriating, however. The first is the game's extremely long loading times. The easiest standard for comparison is traveling to different parts of the Normandy; on 360, this would take a handful of seconds, maybe 10, to do, but on PS3 you'll find yourself waiting upwards of 45 seconds. It was a lot of fun to bitch about the long elevator rides of Mass Effect 1, but at least there you could listen to the Extranet news or your teammates talking to each other, but here you just get to stare at a loading screen. It's kind of amazing that this is such a problem even with an almost 5gb install.
The other major problem is that the sound effects in the non-pre-rendered cutscenes are out of synch. This is bizarre because the voice tracks stay in synch, but the effects, whether they be gunshots, explosions or anything else that isn't a voice will reliably be about a second behind.
There are a couple other occasional problems I've never seen pop up on the Xbox 360 version (which I've played seven times). The end of a conversation will sometimes be cut off, and, more importantly, the game twice in my 25-hour playthrough didn't register one of my teammates. While he or she would still be present, I couldn't order them to use powers or even revive them if they went down. The second time this happened was during the final battle, and this resulted in that particular teammate being absent during the two cutscenes even though Shepard interacted with him in one of them.
Content-wise, the game is almost identical to its counterpart. There is a line slightly altered here or there to accommodate players who didn't play ME1, and I believe sometimes you'll earn more money from a hack in this version. The PS3 version also includes all the paid DLC from the Xbox 360 and PC on the disc, which is awesome.
Since the content is pretty much the same, it has all the same flaws and problems. Space mining is still dumb and the story is still way too structured and inorganic ("You better make sure everybody is loyal or people will diiiiiiiiiiiiiie no I'm serious and I'll remind you of this every five freaking minutes") and Mark Meer is still a s–t voice actor as MaleShep and very little still happens in the main story.
But the game is still pretty great despite all that because of the greatness of individual scenes, some wild character moments, the stunning score (and one of the best and most memorable themes in gaming history) and this amazing universe BioWare has created. And it's also fun to play and looks rill pretty! Read our review of Mass Effect 2 from its original launch.
What's the verdict? Think about this: I have played Mass Effect 2 eight times in the last year. Things about it irritate me, but I'm not even close to getting tired of it. Mass Effect 2 is one of those games you simply have to experience. With the DLC included, you're looking at 35-40 hours of game here, and it's absolutely worth the price. Long loads suck ass, and the sound effects thing is annoying, but but this is a game everyone must own, and if all you've got is a PS3, you should just do it.


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Why are you all saying that !ponychan is still down? IT IS UP. GO LOOK.
@starshine Ah, I see. Yay! -closes /co/ tab immediately, very relieved-
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I'm looking at the job market (as I imagine many are at the moment...) and I wanted to ask what the general consensus is on the skill levels required for "intermediate" or "junior" developers (PHP). For example, what tasks should an "intermediate" developer be able to handle - and what would you expect from a junior?
closed as primarily opinion-based by Ixrec, MichaelT, durron597, Dan Pichelman, TZHX May 27 '15 at 11:49
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise.If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
First thing: I hate this sort of title. Only give someone the title junior if you want them to act in a junior manner. I'm not disputing that people are at different levels, just don't put it in the title, it's demeaning. Just go with developer and leave it at that.
My take would be (for any language):
"Junior" - generally requires assistance and mentoring and trusted primarily with smaller or simpler changes and fixes. Knowledge around areas outside core skills (version control, other languages, best practice) tends to be weak.
"Intermediate" - able to work independently on larger code modules and fixes, can do some mentoring of more junior staff members, has a reasonable knowledge of best practice and some other skills around their core competencies. Likely 2 - 3 years plus commercial experience minimum.
"Senior" - seen as a "go to" point for their key skills. Capable of leading good size projects and mentoring others. Champions best practice, frequently and actively suggesting improvements. Good wider knowledge or technology and the industry. Has shown themselves to be pragmatic and versatile and is likely to have some understanding of the business they work in. Likely 5 - 10 years plus commercial experience minimum.


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Police Brutality Alleged in Brownstone Brooklyn
Did you think New York City cops have mellowed since the 'Serpico' era? Think again.
Did you think New York City cops had mellowed since the Serpico and Dinkins eras? That the subsequent horrifying Abner Louima and Sean Bell incidents might have caused people in the department to step back and say, "Whoa, let's all be a little more careful"? Think again. Today's Daily News brings us a new story of police brutality in an unexpected location: Brownstone Brooklyn.
Back in June, police crashed a birthday party in the backyard of a Gowanus brownstone that had been ordered vacated by the city. They dragged 34 people down to the precinct. And that's where things got ugly, some of the partygoers, who are now suing the department, told the paper.
The 21 who are suing say that 78th Precinct cops agreed to order them pizza when they complained they were famished, took their money — but then wolfed down the slices.
"They ate a good portion of the pizza and kept our change, too," said Liana De La Rosa; the party was for her boyfriend, Carlos Franzetti, a 36-year-old art director.
Oh, the humanity.
Brooklyn partygoers say NYPD ate pizza, broke up bash ... now they're slapping cops with suit [NYDN]


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Sinbad? Isn't that what they were calling her husband back then?
Did you read David Brooks today? (I know, I know. You don't dig him.)
He paints this image of this hopeless and bedraggled yet stubborn warrior who just won't die, but not in a brave or valiant way. In sort of a selfish way.
She's blaming sleep-deprivation for her slip up. Oh really?
So, how will the 3 am phone calls go?
She's moved into the "say anything" phase. I wonder if the growing number of commenters who believe that she knows she can't win this nomination but that she is setting up for 2012. If she can cripple Obama's candidacy so that McCain wins, she will run again then.
Very sad that this seems more and more possible.
I agree with Jen. She's a pretty darn smart cookie.
The Brooks piece is priceless and illustrates why the Dems will likely snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the general election. These two just will not get out of each other's way. It's like the North going Zax and the South going Zax from the Dr. Seuss book. All McCain needs to do is sit by and watch them eat each other up. Has anyone even heard any McCain news lately? It's all H&O sniping at each other.
Hillary has no reason to lie down and die. She is convinced, in her heart, that the nomination belongs to her alone, and she will hang in there through the convention. She shares the same illusory self-view as her husband.
Of course, I'm the guy who believed in Chris Dodd and see how far THAT went.
And now Hillary's meeting with Richard Mellon Scaife, who gave her the recent question about Wright.
Consider THIS electronic elocution:
A while back, on this very blog, a commenter (maybe jeffs or thresherk??) wrote something that still resonates with me.
the commenter was talking about the wonderful field of excellent Dem candidates at the start of this race and lamented that instead of riding that opportunity through to the White House, the candidates and the party are more-or-less imploding due to "slow fratricide."
Well put, and very disheartening indeed.
If the GOP vermin could successfully misconstrue Al Gore's comments to say that he claimed to have invented the internet, imagine what they can do with actual bald-faced lies.
To quote the Advocate's Dr. Seuss parody - "Hillary, please go now!"
You know, I was going to say that when Republicans are voting for you, it's time to get out. I wish Joe LIEberman had done so. But there's a "Republicans for Obama" site too. So maybe the GOP knows that more than half the country will never vote for a woman (at least not Hillary - you can count me in that group) and another majority will not vote for Obama. I still think the time to decide and start attacking McCain on the Iraq War is sooner rather than later. And I think it's obvious that Obama is ahead and will do better than Hillary. Let's get this over with.


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Reviews for
Kirkus Reviews 1996 April
~ Poet Sapphire's slim first novel draws on her experience as a performance artist and literacy teacher: She tells her sad but sentimentally uplifting story in the voice of a 17-year-old illiterate from Harlem, and the result is more sociological (in the Ricki Lake mold) than literary. Clareece Precious Jones is a study in abuse. Continually raped by her father since the age of five, she's now pregnant for the second time with his baby, the first having been born with Down's syndrome when Precious was 12. Meantime, her mother is no help, calling the overweight girl a ``fat cunt bucket slut,'' beating her at will, and satisfying her own bizarre sexual needs from her daughter. Schools have also all failed her; teachers find her ``uncooperative,'' and she considers her last a ``retarded hoe.'' Finally, Precious enrolls in a Harlem alternative school where she begins the tough climb out of illiteracy. No longer dreaming impossible ideas about rappers and movie star fame, she joins six others in a basic-skills class run by Blue Rain, a self-proclaimed lesbian who isn't afraid to editorialize in class. In short order, Precious discovers the joys of the alphabet and journal-writing, the pleasures of owning books and composing poetry. Although she raises herself to a seventh-grade level by narrative's end, she also finds out she's HIV positive. All of this is transcribed in a phonetic spelling that's supposed to reflect Precious's actual abilities, but seems condescending--and woefully unauthentic--since Sapphire often loses control of the voice. The homage to The Color Purple (``One thing I say about Farrakhan and Alice Walker they help me like being black'') highlights Sapphire's commercial aspirations, as well as, by contrast, her technical inadequacies. A maudlin (at times pornographic) advertisement for the power of literacy and the value of recovery groups. (First printing of 150,000) Copyright 1999 Kirkus Reviews
Library Journal Reviews 1996 June
Performance poet Sapphire unflinchingly probes the consciousness of an all-too-real teenager from a severely abusive household. Push opens to find Precious fat, unloved, illiterate, deeply confused, routinely raped by her father, and physically and emotionally molested by her mother enduring her second incestuous pregnancy. Crawling from self-hatred and violent loneliness to determination and, occasionally, hope, Precious enters a pre-GED program, learns to read, bears her second child, and breaks from her parents, all under the inspiration of Blue Rain, her steadfastly encouraging and apparently tireless new teacher. Precious's name loses its irony but soon takes on a dark new meaning as she learns the extent of her father's abuse. Written as an internal monolog and journal entries by Precious, with her rudimentary spelling skills and abrupt transitions, Push is compelling, graphic, and occasionally facile but disturbing and not soon forgotten. Recommended. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 2/1/96.] Janet Ingraham, Worthington P.L., Ohio Copyright 1998 Library Journal Reviews
Library Journal Reviews 1996 February
A first novel by a highly touted African American poet will have an ambitious 150,000-copy first printing. Copyright 1998 Library Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly Reviews 1996 April #4
With this much anticipated first novel, told from the point of view of an illiterate, brutalized Harlem teenager, Sapphire (American Dreams), a writer affiliated with the Nuyorican poets, charts the psychic damage of the most ghettoized of inner-city inhabitants. Obese, dark-skinned, HIV-positive, bullied by her sexually abusive mother, Clareece, Precious Jones is, at the novel's outset, pregnant for the second time with her father's child. (Precious had her first daughter at 12, named Little Mongo, "short for Mongoloid Down Sinder, which is what she is; sometimes what I feel I is. I feel so stupid sometimes. So ugly, worth nuffin.") Referred to a pilot program by an unusually solicitous principal, Precious comes under the experimental pedagogy of a lesbian miracle worker named, implausibly enough, Blue Rain. Under her angelic mentorship, Precious, who has never before experienced real nurturing, learns to voice her long suppressed feelings in a journal. As her language skills improve, she finds sustenance in writing poetry, in friendships and in support groups-one for "insect" survivors and one for HIV-positive teens. It is here that Sapphire falters, as her slim and harrowing novel, with its references to Harriet Tubman, Langston Hughes and The Color Purple (a parallel the author hints at again and again), becomes a conventional, albeit dark and unresolved, allegory about redemption. The ending, composed of excerpts from the journals of Precious's classmates, lends heightened realism and a wider scope to the narrative, but also gives it a quality of incompleteness. Sapphire has created a remarkable heroine in Precious, whose first-person street talk is by turns blisteringly savvy, rawly lyrical, hilariously pig-headed and wrenchingly vulnerable. Yet that voice begs to be heard in a larger novel of more depth and complexity. 150,000 first printing; first serial to the New Yorker; audio rights to Random; foreign rights sold to England, France, Germany, Holland, Portugal and Brazil. (June) Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information.


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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a Christmas television special produced in stop motion animation by Rankin/Bass Productions and currently distributed by DreamWorks Classics. It first aired Sunday, December 6, 1964, on the NBC television network in the United States, and was sponsored by General Electric under the umbrella title of The General Electric Fantasy Hour. The special was based on the Johnny Marks song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" which was itself based on the 1939 poem Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer written by Marks' brother-in-law, Robert L. May. Since 1972, the special has aired on CBS, with the network unveiling a high-definition, digitally remastered version of the program in 2005. As with A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph no longer airs just once annually, but several times during the Christmas and holiday season on CBS. Unlike other specials that also air on several cable channels (including ABC Family), Rudolph only airs on CBS. It has been telecast every year since 1964, making it the longest running Christmas TV special in history. 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the television special and a series of postage stamps featuring Rudolph was issued by the United States Postal Service on November 6, 2014.
Frosty the Snowman is a 1969 animated Christmas television special based on the song "Frosty the Snowman". The program, which first aired on December 7, 1969 on CBS (where it still airs to this day), was produced for television by Rankin/Bass Productions and featured the voices of comedians Jimmy Durante as the film's narrator (Durante's final performance in a film) and Jackie Vernon as the titular character.
Alien Planet is a 94-minute docufiction, originally airing on the Discovery Channel, about two internationally built robot probes searching for alien life on the fictional planet Darwin IV. It was based on the book Expedition, by sci-fi/fantasy artist and writer Wayne Douglas Barlowe, who was also executive producer on the special. It premiered on May 14, 2005.
The MTV Movie Awards is a film awards show presented annually on MTV. The nominees are decided by producers and executives at MTV. Winners are decided online by the general public. Presently voting is done through MTV's official website through a special Movie Awards link at movieawards.mtv.com. The most recent award show took place on April 13, 2014.
Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? was a Fox network reality show in which a multi-millionaire named Rick Rockwell married the contest winner, Darva Conger, on television. The show was aired as a single two-hour broadcast on February 15, 2000, and was hosted by Jay Thomas.
Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac was a miniseries that served as a reunion show for the primetime soap opera Knots Landing. It aired in two two-hour parts on May 7 and May 9, 1997.
Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night is a 1988 Cinemax television special originally broadcast on January 3, 1988 starring Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Roy Orbison. The special was filmed entirely in black and white. A live album was released following the broadcast.
Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey is a Christmas television special produced in stop motion animation by Rankin-Bass. It was first aired in 1977, and its plot is similar to an earlier Rankin-Bass special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Battle of the Network Stars was a series of competitions where television stars from ABC, CBS, and NBC would compete in various sporting events. A total of nineteen of these competitions were held, all of which were aired by ABC.
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town is a 1970 Christmas stop motion animated television special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. The film stars Fred Astaire as the narrator S.D. Kluger, Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle/Santa Claus, Keenan Wynn as the Winter Warlock, and Paul Frees in various roles. The film tells the story of how Santa Claus and several Claus-related Christmas traditions came to be. It is based on the hit Christmas song of the same name, which was introduced on radio by Eddie Cantor in 1934, and the story of Saint Nicholas.
Shrek the Halls is a television special that premiered on the American television network ABC on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. The thirty-minute Christmas special was directed by Gary Trousdale and produced by DreamWorks Animation. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas reprised their roles from the feature films.
Mickey's 60th Birthday is the 1988 television special broadcast on the Walt Disney anthology television series on November 13, 1988 on NBC. As the title suggests, it was produced for the 60th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse character. Like Who Framed Roger Rabbit (which had been recently released at the time), much of the footage featured in the film is live-action with newly-made animation (although some of the animation used for some scenes was made from existing footage). It was rebroadcast on Disney Channel Europe on November 13, 2008 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the special, as well as Mickey's 80th birthday.
The Muppets at Walt Disney World is a television special starring Jim Henson's Muppets at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This was the last Muppets project that Jim Henson worked on before his death on May 16, 1990. The special aired on NBC as part of The Magical World of Disney on May 6, 1990.
The Star Wars Holiday Special is a 1978 American musical science fiction television film set in the Star Wars galaxy. It stars the series' first film's main cast while introducing the character Boba Fett, who would appear in later films. It is one of the first official Star Wars spin-offs and was directed by Steve Binder.
Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue is a 1990 American animated drug-abuse prevention television special starring many of the popular cartoon characters from American weekday, Sunday morning, and Saturday morning television at the time of this film's release. Financed by McDonald's and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, the special was originally simulcast on April 21, 1990 on all four major American television networks (by supporting their Saturday morning characters): ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS, and most independent stations, as well as various cable networks. McDonald's also distributed a VHS home video edition of the special, produced by Buena Vista Home Video, which opened with an introduction from President George H. W. Bush, and First Lady Barbara Bush. The show was produced by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation and Southern Star Productions, and was animated overseas by Wang Film Productions Co., Ltd.. The musical number "Wonderful Ways to Say No" was written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who also wrote the songs for Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
Delirious (1983) is an American stand-up comedy television special directed by Bruce Gowers, written and starring Eddie Murphy. The comedy became a TV Special for HBO released August 30, 1983. The 70-minute film became Eddie Murphy's first feature stand-up film, becoming the predecessor to the wide theactrical release in 1987, Eddie Murphy Raw. The stand-up was also released as an album on October 24, 1983 titled "Eddie Murphy: Comedian", which won Grammy for Best Comedy Album at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
Play of the Week is an American anthology series of televised stage plays which aired in NTA Film Network syndication from October 12, 1959 to May 1, 1961.
Legends of the Superheroes is an umbrella title for two one-hour, live-action TV specials produced by Hanna–Barbera that aired on NBC in January 1979. The series was loosely based on Hanna-Barbera's Super Friends cartoon show, then airing on Saturday mornings on ABC. The specials were produced like standard variety shows of the time: on videotape and with a laugh track.
The Year Without a Santa Claus is a 1974 Christmas stop motion animated television special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. The story is based on Phyllis McGinley's 1956 book of the same name, illustrated by Kurt Werth. It was originally broadcast December 10, 1974 on ABC.
The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow is a Christmas television special produced in stop motion animation by Rankin-Bass in 1975. It runs a half-hour (with commercials) as opposed to Rankin/Bass' standard hour format. It is narrated by Angela Lansbury, and co-stars Cyril Ritchard.
The Spike Guys' Choice Awards (formerly Guy's Choice Awards) is an awards show produced by the Viacom cable channel Spike and held since 2007. It is patterned after Viacom's MTV Movie Awards. The winners are chosen based on voting by fans and viewers of the channel.
Rudolph's Shiny New Year is the 1976 stop-motion animated sequel to the 1964 television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, produced by Rankin/Bass.
Once Upon a Wheel is a 1971 ABC television documentary on the history of auto racing. It was hosted by Paul Newman and was directed and produced by David Winters.
Here Comes Peter Cottontail is a 1971 Easter stop motion animated television special produced by Rankin/Bass Productions and based on the 1957 novel The Easter Bunny That Overslept by Priscilla and Otto Friedrich. The title of the special is from the Easter song "Here Comes Peter Cottontail", which is also heard in the special. The name "Peter Cottontail" comes from a series of books by Thornton W. Burgess (1874–1965), although the special is not based directly on his books.


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Best Deals Today
Best Deals for Friday 04/29/2016
Hello, Wise Bread readers! Here are our Best Deals Today! If you're looking for frugal tips, get our bestselling book, now available on Kindle! Don't miss a deal! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
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This ready to hang, gallery-wrapped art set features a fall landscape with a Japanese tree. Artwork by Philippe Sainte-Laudy, a photographer by passion for years. He took an immediate liking to photographing landscape and nature, always in search for the best light and the most original angle. He maintains a constant search for the most beautiful places.
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Kits provide the supplies and the instructions to learn the art of creating beautiful beaded jewelry. The super simple instruction book features lots of great photos and illustrations, helping you master the basics of beaded jewelry design and assembly.
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Heavy duty, all-purpose poultry, herbs, meat cutlery BBQ scissors. Features a heavy gauge 4mm stainless steel full tang blade from tip to end, a spring loaded shear blade that opens wide for all purpose, and a classic ergonomically handle with 3 rivets for strength. It's easy to grip and cut through almost anything such as poultry bone, meat, plastic, paperboard, or even metal sheet.
Circulon features the TOTAL Food Release System for extraordinary food release and exceptional durability. The pans feature unique Hi-Low wave technology that reduces abrasion and improves the durability of its nonstick quality. It's the most advanced 3-layer nonstick from DuPont, this cookware is safe for use with metal utensils.
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The Pink iPhone 5/5s EYN (Everything You Need) Case with Kickstand is a genius little phone case with hidden storage that holds your daily essentials all in one place. Keep your phone and things like cash, cards, ID, keys, tickets, lip balm, mints and other must-haves all in one magic little compartment.
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The Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with MyCloudFitness App keeps you connected while you're getting a full-body workout. The cutting-edge elliptical unit both uses and accommodates the finest in modern technology. Features a double transmission drive system that uses magnetic tension resistance and Bluetooth IOS-compatible Mobile App.
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Spread joy (not smears) with Paper Mate ink joy gel pens! With vivid gel ink that dries 3x faster for reduced smearing, it's like a party on the page where smudges aren't invited. Brilliant color ensures your writing will be bright and filled with fun. Fully wrapped with a comfort grip, these gel pens have a smooth style that keeps the joy flowing as fast as your thoughts.
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Beautiful emerald cut stud earrings by Kate Spade New York. Draws women into a world that's culturally curious, intellectually playful, quick-witted, and strong. Kate Spade New York encourages women to be the stars of their own lives and surprise and delight everyone around them.
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Apie in-ear noise canceling headphones are handcrafted from real wood which provides the best sound. The earphones have crisp powerful sound and strong deep bass. Natural wood headphones with neodymium magnets providing enough power to bring out top-quality acoustics, surrounding you with energizing, high- fidelity sound.
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The MaxLite3 29-inch Expandable Spinner Upright Luggage is Ultra lightweight and features a 4-wheel Spinner system that provides a smooth glide with 360-degree maneuverability. A Honeycomb Framing System and EVA foam construction provide exceptional durability while keeping it super light. Comes in built-in Protective skid guards, corner guards and crash-guard wheel housings.


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Chandlery November 2011 Issue
Holiday Gift Ideas
Comfortable Cruiser
What better way to while away a lazy afternoon onboard than swinging in the breeze in a comfy hammock? While there are many different styles on the market that can be rigged for deck hanging, the Coolnet Hammock was designed to better accommodate the motion, rigging, and space restrictions of a sailboat. With an overall length of 8 feet, the Coolnet is 44 inches wide at the head, 22 inches at the foot and has an advertised capacity of 350 pounds. Our 6-foot, 1-inch tester was able to stretch out comfortably, but there wasn't much room to spare.
The Coolnet is well constructed, with white-oak stretcher bars and 316 stainless-steel attachment rings. The white, loosely woven polyester rope is comfortable and provides plenty of air flow; it's also advertised as UV, mildew, and rot resistant.
The Coolnet's most unique feature is its three-point connection system, which was designed to offer greater stability and more mounting options than a traditional hammock. The Coolnet not only can be set up on the foredeck between the mast and forestay (a typical hammock location) but also outboard of the boom by securing the head and foot to the boom and securing the outboard support to a shroud. This setup also converts the hammock into a "porch swing" of sorts. Buyers have to provide their own lines for the supports, but the unit does come with a storage bag.
We found the Coolnet easy to set up and more stable than standard mesh hammocks. We also liked the versatility of being able to set it up on either side of the boom, which means we can easily hang more than one hammock at a time.
At $130, the Coolnet costs more than typical bag hammocks, but the price is competitive with other high-end products.
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1 Mickey Mouse
There's only 1 Mickey Mouse!
Welcome to 1MickeyMouse.com, for all things Mickey Mouse. This website aims to celebrate the world's greatest cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse was born on 18th November 1928, fathered by the great Walt Disney, who took his inspiration from his own pet mouse. Mickey Mouse has grown and developed over the years and is now loved around the world by young and old alike.
From humble beginnings, Mickey Mouse quickly became a star. The first Mickey Mouse movie with sound was Steamboat Willie in 1928. This was the third cartoon that Walt Disney produced of Mickey Mouse and the one which catapulted the character into the public imagination. This movie made all the rest possible with the launching of Mickey Mouse as the most famous mouse in history and the establishment of the Disney culture.
In 1929 a Mickey Mouse Club was opened, with Mickey Mouse cartoons shown in local theaters on Saturdays afternoon. The Club Members had their secret handshake, dress code, even a code of manners and other social rituals. Then during the 1930s, Walt Disney produced 87 short cartoon movies of Mickey Mouse. This was the golden decade of Mickey Mouse.
In 1932 Walt Disney was awarded by the Academy with the Oscar statue, for creating Mickey Mouse. This event would have been delayed if the Academy's judges could have foreseen one of the most beautiful movies ever produced in Fantasia, which was Mickey Mouse's first long movie. The extremely advanced animation techniques in Fantasia and the introduction of stereo were two elements that made Fantasia one of the milestones of the industrys history.
Mickey Mouses creation gave birth to other characters, such as Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Donald Duck with his three nephews. All of them appended to Mickey Mouse at first and then some, like Donald Duck, gained their own stage and share in the culture.
Nowadays Mickey Mouse is enjoyed by every new generation, and it is has never been so easier to bring a bit of Mickey Mouse magic into our lives. There is Mickey Mouse memorabilia for every space in your life, from home to car to school. Whatever Mickey Mouse item you are looking for, you are bound to find it within these pages. Good luck with your hunt to add that special Mickey Mouse inspiration to your life!
Return to home page 1 Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse Cot
There is a lot to consider before picking the perfect cot for the nursery
Mickey Mouse Diaper Bag
Diaper bags can be livened up, and there is a lot to consider before picking the right one
Mickey Mouse Night Light
There are many different night lights to pick from, but which would be best for your kid's room?
Mickey Mouse Baby Clothing
This baby clothing comes in all sizes and styles so there will be something there for your infant
Mickey Mouse Pram
There are lots of different considerations when looking into purchasing a pram
Mickey Mouse Potty Seat
A great way to encourage kids to use the potty is by having their friend waiting for them there
Mickey Mouse Sippy Cups
If you are teaching your kids how to drink all by themselves then these sippy cups are surely one of the better ways of going about it
Mickey Mouse Pushchair
Pushchairs can be taken almost anywhere, and your kid will surely love one that comes with their beloved Disney character
Mickey Mouse Baby Products
There is a very large selection of quality baby products that incorporate this fun Disney character
Mickey Mouse Cot Bed Bedding
This will not only brighten up the kids room, but also make sleep time more appealing
Mickey Mouse Biscuit Cutter
These biscuit cutters can make baking biscuits fun for the whole family
Mickey Mouse Cake Topper
Invite him to the party by putting him on top of the cake.
Mickey Mouse Cake Molds
When making a cake, get the right mold from the large choice available
Mickey Mouse Cake Pan
Choose to go for either only his face with his iconic ears, or go for the whole body
Mickey Mouse Cookie Jars
Make the treat of having a cookie just a little bit more special
Mickey Mouse Cake Designs
Whether you make your own, or order one ready made, a themed cake will certainly add fun to a special occasion
Wilton Mickey Mouse Cake Pan
When making the centerpiece cake for a party, it is important to use the right tools to help you
Mickey Mouse Bed Set
Everyone will surely love going to bed once they have their favorite character to join them
Mickey Mouse Blankets
Keep warm by wrapping up with your favorite Disney character
Mickey Mouse Toddler Bed
Every toddlers dream would be to get one of these beds for their bedroom
Mickey Mouse Duvet
Duvets are the perfect bed cover for kids beds for all seasons
Mickey Mouse Quilt Cover
These quilt covers can bring a true smile to your kids' faces and keep them there for a long time
Mickey Mouse Twin Bedding
Twin bedding sets are perfect for parents who have twins
Mickey Mouse Comforter Set
Your kid will sleep well with a comforter of their best Disney character
Mickey Mouse Sleeping Bag
Get your kids interested in going on the next camping trip by getting them a sleeping bag they are going to want to sleep in
Mickey Mouse Headboard
Make the bed more attractive to your child by incorporating their friends into the headboard
Mickey Mouse Fleece Blanket
Tips on what to look out for when you go looking for a fleece blanket
Mickey Mouse Bedspread
One of these bedspreads is a must for both children and adult fans
Mickey Mouse Keyring
Get a bit of magical Disney help to keep all your keys together
Mickey Mouse Car Accessories
There are so many accessories you can add to your car, that there is surely the perfect one out there for you
Mickey Mouse Antenna Topper
Add a little bit of fun to your antenna with these antenna toppers
Mickey Mouse Halloween Costumes
Kids love dressing up and pretending to be their favorite cartoon character
Mickey Mouse Crocs
Not only should you get great looking shoes, but they should be practical and comfortable too
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Costumes
Every one has fun when dressed up, and who better to dress up as than your favorite cartoon characters
Mickey Mouse Hoodies
For fun and fashion all rolled into one, check out these hoodies for men and women, young and old
Mickey Mouse Mascot
This would definitely be an excellent treat at your kid's birthday party, especially for the younger ones
Mickey Mouse Mascot Costume
These costumes come in all sizes, so any family member or friend can play the part
Mickey Mouse Mascot Head
If you can't find one to buy or rent, then you can make one and bring fun to all your kids events
Infant Mickey Mouse Costume
Your infant will definitely look cute and adorable in one of these costumes
Mickey Mouse Vest
These garments are for every occasion and for everyone that wants to show off their fun side
Mickey Mouse Face Mask
Dress up with a mask which you can buy ready made, or make one yourself
Mickey Mouse Costume Gloves
They are not only the large white ones available - choose one that suits your needs the best
Mickey Mouse Toodle Ears
This is a magical toy that kids love, and parents will love too as it also helps to teach your kids about time
Mickey Mouse Bow Ties
Show off your fun side by wearing a colorful bow tie
Mickey Mouse Scrapbooking
There are several steps you can take when scrapbooking to make sure this precious memento turns out well
Mickey Mouse Cross Stitch Patterns
Cross stitch patterns that are bright and colorful will be adored by all
Mickey Mouse Iron On Transfers
If you can't find the perfect iron on transfer you are looking for, then you can make your own
Mickey Mouse Sticker Book
These sticker books can come in many themes and no matter the occasion there is one of these books that can be themed to match
Mickey Mouse Cotton Fabric
If you are looking for bright and fun fabric, then everyone's favorite Disney character can certainly help
Mickey Mouse Rug
These rugs of bright bold colors are not only for your kids bedrooms, as you can bring the fun out into the rest of the home
Mickey Mouse Bedroom Decorations
Liven up any bedroom with some of these colorful bedroom decorations
Mickey Mouse Wallpaper Border
There are lots of different things to consider when picking out a wallpaper border
Mickey Mouse Wall Decorations
Lots of tips for picking out wall decorations of your favorite Disney character
Mickey Mouse Room Decor
Using this décor is sure to brighten up and add some fun to any room in your home
Mickey Mouse Wall Murals
There can surely be no better wall murals for your kid's rooms
Mickey Mouse Floor Mats
Add some fun to your flooring with your favorite Disney character
Mickey Mouse Home Decor
There is a lot to pick from when decorating your home in a fun and colorful way
Mickey Mouse Sofa
There are plenty of these sofas available today in different styles and designs
Mickey Mouse Beanbag
These beanbags come in all shapes and colors that are bound to add a little bit of fun to your home
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Chair
For bright and colorful chairs, with some added fun and magic of your favorite Disney character
Mickey Mouse Desk Set
Have your favorite character as your study partner by having him on your desk with you
Mickey Mouse Light Shade
An easy way to change the lighting, mood and color of a room is with a light shade
Mickey Mouse Garden Gnome
Add more fun and color to your garden with a magical garden gnome
Mickey Mouse Topiary Frame
Add fun to your garden with some topiary and smile every time you see it
Mickey Mouse Earrings
So many questions - should they be gold or silver? Just the head or the whole body? Should you keep them or gift them? …
Mickey Mouse Brooch
Brooches are a classic item of jewelry and come in all sorts of fun forms
Mickey Mouse Toaster
One of these is not only great in your own kitchen, but they also make great house warming gifts
Mickey Mouse Lunch Box
See your child enjoying their meals with one of these colorful and attractive lunch boxes
Mickey Mouse Dinnerware
Kids will come running quickly to the dinner table when their favorite friend is there already
Mickey Mouse Teapot
These teapots were first introduced for homes with kids, but nowadays they are popular for all age groups
Mickey Mouse Napkins
Your kids will never forget to use a napkin when it has their favorite Disney character on it
Mickey Mouse Table Cover
When organizing a themed party, a table cover that matches the theme has become a necessity
Mickey Mouse Cutlery
Encourage kids to use their cutlery while adding some fun to the dinner table
Mickey Mouse Oven Mitt
There are lots of different styles and patterns, with multiple designs to choose from as per your preferences
Mickey Mouse Kitchenware
When you bring this favorite character into the kitchen your kids will love it too
Mickey Mouse Luggage
These will make your kids feel more responsible for their luggage, and are available for adults too!
Mickey Mouse Suitcase
When it comes to luggage, you will find a lot of suitcases that will fit your personality and style
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Bag
Kids and adults will love to pick one of these bags out from the different designs available
Mickey Mouse Lunch Bags
Lunch bags can be used to encourage good eating habits and manners
Mickey Mouse School Bags
Kids will love taking their things to school when they carry them in this school bag
Mickey Mouse Luggage Tags
A quick and easy way to identify your luggage with these luggage tags
Mickey Mouse Collectible
There are many collectibles to choose from, and some items you have now may become collectibles in the future
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Figurines
Get all his friends from the Clubhouse including Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto and Goofy
Mickey Mouse Christmas Ornament
Bring fun into your home this Christmas with one of these Christmas ornaments
Mickey Mouse Music Box
Take the time to relax by winding up a music box and listening to the music
Mickey Mouse Collectors Items
Almost everyone has been a big fan at some point in their lives, and may now be looking for a collectors item
Mickey Mouse Wallets
The expression on your child's face when you give them their own wallet will truly be priceless
Mickey Mouse Mouse Pads
A mouse on a mouse pad? What a great idea to brighten up any desk
Mickey Mouse Bathroom Accessories
These bathroom accessories will add some magical sparkle to your bathroom
Mickey Mouse ecards
A good way to bring a smile to anyone's face when you convey your best wishes
Mickey Mouse Toothbrush
Encouraging kids to brush their teeth is never that easy, but by using this toothbrush kids will rush off to brush their teeth
Mickey Mouse Photo Album
Capture all those precious moments in one place, and arrange them to show off your wonderful times
Mickey Mouse Picture Frame
A great way of showing off all your photographs, and they make wonderful gifts too
Mickey Mouse Beach Towel
Show off your sense of fun when you are on the beach with one of these beach towels
Mickey Mouse Favors
Favors that will be cherished for a long time after the event, that can even be personalized
Mickey Mouse Birthday Party Ideas
Having a themed birthday party can be a lot of fun for everyone
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Party Ideas
The Clubhouse themed party adds all of the Clubhouse friends to the invite list
Mickey Mouse Party Themes
Pick the best party theme to create a memorable party for your kids
Mickey Mouse Gift Wrap
For gifting something special, you should consider using special gift wrap
Mickey Mouse Birthday Banners
There can be no better way of announcing a birthday than with a bright colorful birthday banner
Mickey Mouse Birthday Party Invitations
Ask your friends to your birthday party by using these magical party invitations
Mickey Mouse Party Hats
No kids party is complete without party hats, and when you opt for these party hats, there are many different varieties to choose from
Mickey Mouse Confetti
Parties and weddings are happy events, just right for this confetti
Mickey Mouse Loot Bags
For a successful party, make sure you have chosen the right loot bag for the kids to take home their return gifts
Mickey Mouse Cuddly Toy
They come in many different forms for kids, or that can be customized for Valentine's Day
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Toy
There's a lot to think about when picking out the perfect toys for a kids bedroom
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Figures
Collect all the figures of to recreate the Clubhouse and play with them at home
Mickey Mouse Plush Toy
These soft and cuddly toys are a great comfort when hugged and are loved by many
Mickey Mouse Trike
What type of trike will be the most suitable for your little one to start riding on?
Mickey Mouse Soft Toys
Soft toys have a universal appeal to everyone throughout the world, and of all the soft toys that are available in these must surely be one of the best
Mickey Mouse DS Game
DS Games are fun for all, and can help kids with their learning
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Train
Have fun with this great toy that has appeared in several episodes
Mickey Mouse Bath Toys
Make bath time more fun by using these colorful bath toys
Mickey Mouse Play Tent
Kids will enjoy camping indoors with this play tent
Mickey Mouse Talking Phone
Kids love this telephone as they can hear their friend by just picking up the receiver and dialing
Mickey Mouse Jumping Castle
These can add a lot of fun to any kids party, making the guests enjoy the party even more
Mickey Mouse Playhouse Toys
These toys make gifts that are bound to be loved by all children
Mickey Mouse Bike Helmet
Encourage your kids to stay safe by using a bike helmet
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Keyboard
Use this to encourage your kids musical talents in a fun and colorful way
Mickey Mouse Alarm Clocks
Being woken up by your favorite character can be the best way to start the day
Ladies Mickey Mouse Watches
There are many different styles of ladies watches to pick from, and these should be one of your favorites
Ingersoll Mickey Mouse Watch
This is the classic watch which has gone through many variations
Mickey Mouse Mens Watches
There are lots of characteristics you can expect from these men's watches
Mickey Mouse Wall Clocks
Make your kids happy by having their favorite character as part of a clock hanging on the wall of their room
Antique Mickey Mouse Watches
These watches are magical and can be found in many different places
Mickey Mouse Wrist Watch
These watches tend to have bright and cheerful dials, which are adored by both kids and adults
Timex Mickey Mouse Watch
This watch is an exquisite piece of art which will keep good time
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Rock Climbing Photos : Comments
Solo para Chicas
Jimborella and Luz taking the name of the route very seriously "For Girls Only"Rating: | Votes: 52 | Comments: 30
Submitted by: greatgarbanzo on 2006-12-19 | Views: 11833
kiero irrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
jaja lol yo las conosco y ustedes no lero lero xD!!
Use a flash next time.
Evolv please pick these girls up for a sponcer! Climbing mag get their phone number and I'll buy you mag. Lots better than 5.ican'tclimb pictures!
OMG dang
pretty much the best climbing pic I've ever seen, it could only be better if they were climbing trad.
Wow! cancel the costa derada trip... I'm going to Venezuela!
NICE - I like it
oh lala, know i remember why i do love climbing:d....i should go more ot the beach
oh lala, now i remember why i do love climbing:d....i should go more ot the beach
Dude, I'm buying a ticket today!
Beautiful girls climbing. nice.
Would you prefer to watch them dancing instead of climbing? follow this link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FrSjf5-Md-Q
Hotbirds but the photo is nothing special
la playa es hermosa!
sweet...is that the new prana performance climbing gear?
kien fuera bolsa de magnesia!! XD
Damn right its Chicas!
Damn! I almost forgot about the icestorm
I'd rather not see Maxim infiltrating climbing culture. Plus, technically, it's a really bad photo.
Hot, yes... but sidepull is right. Technically aweful.
nice bikini's appears a 5.8 :(
quit dissn the hot chicks! then more wont post there pics! i for one think climbing in a swimsuit should be the norm
The image itself sucks, but damn, the ladies are nice. 5 stars.
The photo is not a good photo. They are climbing in the shadows with a back lit background. It's only on here because it's a couple of chicks. Lame!!!
Yea the picture is tech bad. But climbing is beautiful and women are beautiful. Especially them. It seems this picture has the combination. I wish I had them as company when I went out bouldering. I know this is a climbing site but I'm sorry, that is sexy, I mean come on, I live in Leadville...a mining town. I'm not a hornball but I need alittle gender diversity
It's really pitiful that this is a Top Photo. It's a terrible picture. If the girls weren't wearing bikinis this would be anothe rone of thousands of terrible pictures. The guys on this website really need to grow up. "OMG! Half naked girls!!!" Quit wacking off and get a life. Maybe even go out climbing.
nice bikini's appears a 5.8 :(


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The Most Innovative Surface On The Market
Invented by Briton Engineering's Brian Thomas, Snowflex is a synthetic material designed to simulate the slip and grip effects of real snow. The most innovative surface on the market, Snowflex has a misting system that keeps it moist, maximizing speed and edge control. Snowflex retains its shape year-round, so riders can progressively sharpen their technique on its various contours. Unlike previous terrain technologies, Snowflex has multiple layers to cushion skiers and snowboarders if they should fall.
Snowflex possesses these unique qualities:
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Safety: Ultra cushioning for falls; no holes in surface layer to get caught in; no sharp edges/surface metal to cause abrasions or cuts.
Formability: Ability to create adventurous and interesting terrain and stunt formations
Authenticity: Creates the thrill of real snow


text:
Sunday Worship
9:45 am Gather in silence, 10 am service begins
Outside in the pavilion in the summer and in the old Farmhouse in the winter (with programs for children ages six and up)
School of Christian Living
Thursday evenings sessions in Spring and Fall
Noon Prayer (contemplative)
Weekdays at the Farmhouse 12 - 12:30
Centering Prayer
6:30 pm Monday at the Silent Retreat Lodge
Quiet Days, Weekend Silent Retreats, Individual Retreats
Full schedule at dayspringretreat.org
Seasonal Celebrations, Walks on the Land, Tours
See Earth Ministry website
For Reflection
Creator God, You have called us to be keepers of your Earth; through greed, we have created an economy that destroys the web of life. We have changed our climate and drown in despair. Let oceans of justice flow, may we learn to sustain and renew the life of our Mother Earth. We pray for our leaders, custodians of Mother Earth. May they negotiate with wisdom and fairness, may they act with compassion and courage, and lead us in the path of justice for the sake of our children and our children's children.
~ Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.


text:
Saks Incorporated Announces Results For The Second Quarter And Six Months Ended August 3, 2013
Pending Merger with Hudson's Bay CompanyOn July 29, 2013, Hudson's Bay Company (TSX: HBC) ("HBC") and Saks jointly announced that they entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby HBC will acquire Saks for $16.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.9 billion, including debt. The transaction has been approved by each company's board of directors and is expected to close before the end of the calendar year, subject to approval by Saks' shareholders, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions. There is a 40-day "go-shop" period under the terms of the agreement, during which Saks may solicit alternative proposals from third parties. Saks does not anticipate that it will disclose any developments with regard to this process unless and until Saks' board of directors makes a decision with respect to a potential superior proposal. There can be no assurance that this process will result in a superior proposal. The agreement also includes customary breakup fees payable to HBC in connection with the termination of the agreement in certain circumstances. Due to the pending transaction, the Company will not hold its regularly scheduled conference call for the investment community and has discontinued providing forward-looking guidance. Overview of Results for the Second Quarter and Six Months Ended August 3, 2013 For the second quarter ended August 3, 2013, the Company recorded a net loss of $19.6 million, or $.13 per diluted share. The results included after-tax charges totaling $5.2 million comprising $1.1 million of store closing costs, a $1.6 million non-cash pension settlement charge related to the payment of excess lump-sum distributions, and $2.5 million of expenses related to the pending merger with HBC. Excluding these items, the Company would have recorded a net loss of $14.4 million, or $.10 per share, for the second quarter ended August 3, 2013.
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text:
Nov. 1, 2012 – HSI RRTs deploy in Sandy's aftermath
In the wake of one of the worst storms to ever hit the northeastern seaboard, multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Rapid Response Teams deployed to assist with the massive recovery effort. Full Story
Oct. 30, 2012 – ICE repatriates Guatemalan woman sought for role in slaying of ex-government security advisor
Earlier this week, officers with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) handed over a Guatemalan woman, wanted for her alleged role in the murder of a former top security advisor, to authorities in Guatemala City. Full Story
Oct. 29, 2012 – HSI shuts out counterfeit goods dealers who hoped for World Series windfall
During enforcement actions that coincided with the first two World Series games, HSI special agents seized nearly 1,200 counterfeit Major League Baseball clothing articles. If these articles were genuine, they would have retailed domestically for more than $32,000. Full Story
Oct. 29, 2012 – Central Florida ICE teams arrest 11 sex offenders, criminal aliens during Operation SOAR
During a four-day operation that targeted aliens who have sex crime convictions, especially involving children, ERO officers arrested 11 convicted alien sex offenders and other criminal aliens. Full Story
Oct. 29, 2012 – Federal agencies warn against counterfeit decorative contact lenses
ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations are working together to warn the public about the dangers of counterfeit decorative contact lenses. Full Story


text: Tribine Introduced at 2013 Ag Connect January 29, 2013 05:19 PM Tweet A harvester prototype that can gather and store a mile's worth of corn without stopping is generating plenty of buzz at the 2013 Ag Connect Expo & Summit this week in Kansas City. On Tuesday, inventor and Indiana farmer Ben Dillon spoke about the machine, its advantages and his time at the show. (Click here to read more about the Tribine prototype.) Watch the interview: Click here to read more coverage of the 2013 Ag Connect Expo & Summit. Back to news


text:
Lager brand Corona Extra is launching Corona Extra Summer - a pop-up beer garden designed to "disrupt" the traditional Christmas party season.
The tropical heated pop-up beer garden on London's Southbank opens on 15 December to build brand visibility, drive trial and increase rate-of-sale in the on and off trade during the Christmas sales period.
The experience is themed around summer holiday venues, including Mexico and Miami and promises to deliver the "sights, scents, sounds, tastes and feel of the perfect summer".
The experiential push, created by The Red Consultancy, will be supported by a Facebook campaign and wider social push.
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