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I was feeling 'crapped on' this morning. I find the best way to turn that around is to effectively/healthily 'speak up' and then pass on a kindness or make a Drive Yourself Happy, run. ;o)
I headed out to my favorite Thai restaurant for lunch which causes me to drive through a quiet, shaded, stop-sign at every corner development. I came up a group of 5 people, standing around and leaning on the back flat-bead of a pick-up truck parked in their driveway. I couldn't resist as I came to a proper STOP at the sign – rolled down my window and said: 'YOU KNOW, IF YOU PUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON, YOU WON'T HAVE TO ALL STAND AROUND IT HOLDING IT IN PLACE!' They laughed and smiled! Thank goodness!
After lunch, I stopped at a Crowded, Heavily Traffic Grocery Store. There are stop signs on either side of the white-lined customer walkways going in and out of the store – but it is still intimidating.
I reached the walk-way into the store as an elderly couple was coming up on my left. I said: COME ON! STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! WE'LL CROSS TOGETHER! The wife laughed. Another woman was crossing with her cart from the other side, but a woman with a VERY LARGE CART-FULL of stuff was hesitantly looking from the store curb. I said: WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO BE YOUR CROSSING GUARD? She laughed and said: "I guess I SHOULD go while everyone else is!' She made a run for it! ha ha
When the older couple and I got into the store entrance, there were only 3 'tiny' carts and 3 oversized carts. I had wanted a 'tiny' cart but saw that the other two carts were WEDGED together. The older gentleman and I tried to pull it loose with team effort, but no luck. Then the older woman and I tried another method – tipping the carts upside down, but couldn't pull them apart. While this was happening, another customer took my tiny cart! ahahaha The older couple felt so bad. I told them not to worry, I'd take a large cart – but – THE OLDER WOMAN WENT OUTSIDE AND FOUND ME ANOTHER SMALL CART, that another shopper had just released! Warms the heart when these things happen!
We entered the store with smiles on our faces and warm hearts as we had each shared a KINDNESS.
On my way to my car, I go to do another random act of kindness by cleaning up the carts spilling out into the parking lot driving lane. I pushed a bunch together and got them nestled into the cart storage area.
OH! and when I got into my car, the digital clock read 1:01pm that's LOOK like LOL! Laugh Out Loud! So I did … have a healthy laugh!
So, feeling crapped on? Not by birds but by a negative encounter – DO A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS or DRIVE YOURSELF HAPPY! Turn your day around.
Ha Ha Helen Szollosy of LAFOLOT
Live Life! Laugh Often! and DRIVE YOURSELF HAPPY!
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Supreme Court justices
Published On: May 23 2011 03:45:33 PM CDT Updated On: Jun 01 2011 02:42:03 PM CDTSorry, Flash is not supported.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Suspended 1 game for hitting OJ Mayo in the nuts. Good job dude.
Suspended 1 game for hitting OJ Mayo in the nuts. Good job dude.
He is just misunderstood. With the right coaching I bet he stops punching people in the nuts.
Awesome Chris. Lol
And there's proof that's true. He never nut-punched while at UK.
he's just anxious. he can't believe it still isn't saturday. coach Cal once told him there were 7 days in a week. he's pretty sure it's been more than 7. he knows OJ gots 2 balls. he's working from there.
[size/HUGE] RUDY [/size]
anti-cakk bakking... from the outset. #cakks&pies
**** dumb dick and anyone that love him
Jamaal "Tickle Tickle" Tinsley
Put some respeck in my paycheck
In a league full of morons who skipped college and who generally find themselves bankrupt after 6 months of retiring, Cousins might be the dumbest of them all.
Cal deserves some sort of a medal for not strangling the kid and actually turning him into a decent college player.
Cousins must have at least Aspergers, will be out of money within 3 months of retiring/getting kicked out of the league, and will probably end up running somebody over while drunk within the next few years. He's a complete waste of air. I literally can't think of a player that annoys me more. Maybe Kenyon Martin? Or Vlade back in the day? I had always hoped that Malone would give Vlade a nice elbow to his face (and something to really flop about) and lay him out David Robinson style. Freaking flopper
Lakers Suck.


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Obama can't figure out his Syrian policy
September 14, 2013
The confrontation over Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons on its own civilians last month is mired in confusion and controversy, and if you want to know the latest, you might want to check with......
Liberals always agree with EVERYONE. They are too big of a bunch of cowards to stick with ONE VIEW or same opinion. It depends on what will get them votes........then after they get your vote.....they'll stab you in the back and lie and say they never agreed or believed what you said-----even when you have PROOF they said it. Ignorant weasels.
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Syria has been infiltrated by groups that have links to the CIA, and are also backed by certain Arab nations. Their task is to topple the regime, since it has proved to be resilient. The West has tried to distance itself from these groups to avoid being responsible for their terrorist activities. Right now those groups are fighting one another in northern Syria. They are trying to destroy the Free Syrian Army, as we can see from yesterday's fighting in the Azaz area. Those groups are blacklisted by the West as terrorist groups, but the West prefers to keep silent about it. The Americans back those groups, because they share the purpose of overthrowing the regime in Syria.
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A collection of some of Syria's most powerful rebel brigades have rejected a Western-backed opposition group that announced the creation of an interim government in exile this month.
The 13 rebel groups, led by the al Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front, also called on supporters of the Syrian opposition to embrace Sharia law "and make it the sole source of legislation."
The new group includes many who were until now members of the openly U.S. supported Free Syrian Army and include the very "democratic" folks Senator John McCain met at the Turkish-Syrian border.
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It was quite obvious from the very beginning of the protests and insurgency violence in Syria that the violent part was done by sectarian Sunni Jihadists aligned groups who's aim were to implement an Islamic state. Every name of the "brigades" that announced their youtube existence was taken from some famous Sunni hero, historic event or other sectarian religious scheme. The "western" media tried their best to avoid noticing such and for two and a half years continued to talk about "democratic" and "peaceful" "protesters".
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Bwahaha....What is obviously MORE comfortable putting up with terrorists attacking us here on our own soil and having to resort to wearing gas masks daily rather than ousting the clueless incompetent getting us into these messes that sits in our WH. What...whereever the heck you came here from.........go back!
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If you were to read news from other places you would see that Assad is not the one that used chemical weapons. For starters the rockets were home made from steel pipe topped with a 20 pound propane tank. Secondly the videos and pictures of said sarin attack were posted a day before the said attack. Third the symptoms that we see in the videos are not symptoms of sarin the foaming of the mouth would be yellow not white. Fourth the Children in the videos were kidnapped 2 weeks before said attack from a town 200KM away. Fifth if it were a chemical attack how many of those people standing around posing as caring for the sick would be doing so with out protective gear, Sixth The videoes show men and children did this attack exclude women (a smart chemical). You people spout off without looking at the whole picture. By the shadows projection it is even the wrong time of the day as to when said attack took place. WAKE UP!!!
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Actually, he's doing exactly what liberals do----say they are 'for' something......then a week later....denying they said it and saying the opposite. Nothing new here.
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Saddam Hussein murdered with CHEMICALS about 400,000 of his own citizens. Democrats didn't care!
Syria govt has killed around 10,000 and democrat morons screaming WAR WAR WAR and putting on the war paint. Hypocrites.
It's not about the innocent people murdered with democrats. THIS is about Obama helping his own muslim radical murdering people against another group just as bad.
Obama today says he will WAIVE a LAW that makes it ILLEGAL for USA to ARM TERRORISTS. That way, he can give the muslim brotherhood all the arms they want to murder other innocent christians in Syria or around the world. Wait until they show up HERE!!!
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WHo said democrats don't like WAR????????
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Obama can't figure out his Syrian policy?
Bwhaha.....Obama hasn't yet figured out how to write a BUDGET.....or even what a B-u-d-g-e-t IS!
You ask too much for his miniscule brain. He needs another vacation now.
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks joints and other tissues. RA can also cause complications in other areas of the body, including the organs.
What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The hallmark symptom of RA is morning stiffness of the joints that lasts at least 1 hour. RA usually first develops in the small joints of the hands, including the wrists, the knuckles, and the base of the fingers. It can also affect feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Joint pain usually affects both sides of the body.
Who Has Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA can occur at any age. But symptoms typically first appear in middle age (ages 30 to 50).
Women are more likely to develop RA than men.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
RA can be difficult to diagnose when it's in its early stages. A doctor will base a diagnosis on a patient's medical history, physical exam, and the results of laboratory tests for specific antibodies.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?
The treatment of RA involves medications and lifestyle changes (including exercise). The goals are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow joint damage, and improve the patient's quality of life. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological drugs are the main medications used for rheumatoid arthritis.
The American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) drug treatment guidelines for RA recommend:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease in which various joints in the body are inflamed, leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and the possible loss of function.
RA often develops in the following way:
The chronic inflammatory process associated with RA not only affects cartilage and bones but can also harm organs in other parts of the body.
Doctors don't know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The condition is most likely triggered by a combination of factors including an abnormal autoimmune response, genetic susceptibility, and some environmental or biologic trigger such as a viral infection or hormonal changes.
RA is considered an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity means "immunity against the self." In autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells and tissue.
The immune system determines the body's responses to foreign substances (antigens) such as viruses and toxins. The immune response helps the body to fight infection and heal wounds and injuries. The inflammatory process is a byproduct of the immune response.
Two important components of the immune system that play a role in the inflammation associated with RA are B cells and T cells, both of which belong to a family of immune cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell
A key feature of a healthy immune system is the ability to tell what is normal, or "self" and what is foreign and possibly harmful, or "non-self." If the T cell "sees" an antigen as "non-self," it will produce chemicals (cytokines) that cause B cells to multiply and release many immune proteins (antibodies). These antibodies circulate widely in the bloodstream, recognizing the foreign particles and triggering inflammation in order to rid the body of the invasion.
For reasons that are still not completely understood, both the T cells and the B cells become overactive in patients with RA and attack normal tissue as if it were foreign. This is why conditions like RA are referred to as "autoimmune" diseases: the body's immune system produces antibodies that attack it.
Genetic factors may play some role in RA either by increasing susceptibility to developing RA or by making it more severe. The main genetic marker identified with RA is HLA (human leukocyte antigen).
A number of HLA genetic forms are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These genetic factors do not cause RA, but they may make the disease more severe once it has developed. Genetic variations in the HLA region may also predict how well a patient will respond to certain drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Infections. Although many bacteria and viruses have been studied, no single organism has been identified as a trigger for RA. Some researchers think an infection may stimulate the immune system to start or prolong RA. Potential infectious triggers include E. coli, Mycoplasma, parvovirus B19, retroviruses, mycobacteria, certain bacteria seen with dental infections, and Epstein-Barr virus.
According to the U.S. Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1.5 million Americans.
Although RA can occur at any age from childhood to old age, onset usually begins between the ages of 30 to 50 years.
Women are more likely to develop RA than men.
Some people may inherit genes that make them more susceptible to developing RA, but a family history of RA does not appear to increase an individual's risk.
Long-term smoking is a very strong risk factor for RA, particularly in patients without a family history of the disease.
There is some evidence that moderate alcohol use (2 to 4 drinks per week) may help protect against rheumatoid arthritis, at least in women.
Severe periodontal disease and chronic infection of the gums is associated with RA and with developing antibodies to an antigen called cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP). People with CCP antibodies have an increased risk for developing a more severe form of RA.
The course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from person to person. For some patients, the disease becomes less aggressive over time and symptoms may improve. Other people develop a more severe form of the disease, which can lead to serious complications that affect not only the joints but other areas of the body including organs. Fortunately, for many patients newer treatments are helping to slow the progression of the disease and prevent severe disability.
Many complications of RA are the result of chronic inflammation.
Affected joints can become damaged and deformed with ongoing active disease. Some patients find it difficult or impossible to perform even ordinary daily tasks. In addition to pain, patients may also experience muscle weakness.
This condition affects the nerves, most often those in the hands and feet. It can result in tingling, numbness, or burning.
People with RA may develop anemia, which involves a reduction in the number of red blood cells. Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
Scleritis and episcleritis are inflammations of the blood vessels in the eye that can result in corneal damage. Symptoms include redness of the eye and a gritty sensation.
Patients with RA have a higher risk for infections, both because of the disease itself and the immune-suppressing drugs used to treat it. Before starting treatment with a disease-modifying or biologic drug, patients should receive age-appropriate vaccinations for pneumococcus, influenza, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, and varicella zoster virus.
Skin problems are common, particularly on the fingers and under the nails. Some patients develop severe skin complications that include rash, ulcers, blisters (which may bleed in some cases), lumps or nodules under the skin, and other problems. In general, severe skin involvement reflects a more serious form of RA.
Osteoporosis, loss of bone density, is more common than average in postmenopausal women with RA. The hip is particularly affected. The risk for osteoporosis also appears to be higher than average in men with RA who are over 60 years old. Corticosteroids (also called steroids) used to treat RA may contribute to osteoporosis.
Patients with RA are susceptible to chronic lung diseases, including interstitial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and other problems. Both RA itself and some of the drugs used to treat it may cause this damage.
Vasculitis involves inflammation in small blood vessels and can affect many organs in the body. Manifestations of vasculitis include mouth ulcers, nerve disorders, rapid worsening of the lungs, inflammation of coronary arteries, and inflammation of the arteries supplying blood to the intestines.
Patients with RA have an increased risk for heart and circulatory conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. They may also face higher risks for venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition that includes deep vein thrombosis (formation of blood clots in the veins) and pulmonary embolism (clots in the arteries of the lungs).
Patients with RA are more likely than healthy patients to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. RA's chronic inflammatory process may play a role in the development of this cancer. Anti-TNF drugs used for RA treatment may also possibly increase the risk for lymphoma (particularly in children and adolescents) as well as leukemia and other malignancies.
People with RA have a higher risk for developing periodontal disease, which damages the gum and bone around the teeth. (Conversely, severe periodontal disease can also be a risk factor for developing RA.)
Although RA only rarely involves the kidney, some of the drugs used to treat the disease can damage kidneys and the liver.
RA is a painful and frustrating condition. Patients often struggle with depression and anxiety. The stress of dealing with a chronic illness can worsen pain.
Women with RA have an increased risk for premature delivery. They are also more likely than healthy women to develop high blood pressure during the last trimester of pregnancy. For many women with RA, the disease goes into remission during pregnancy but the condition recurs and symptoms can increase in severity after giving birth.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms usually develop gradually over the course of weeks or even months. However, rapid onset with more severe symptoms may also occur.
The hallmark symptom of RA is morning stiffness that lasts for at least an hour and sometimes up to several hours. (Stiffness from osteoarthritis, in contrast, usually clears up within half an hour.) Joints may also feel very stiff if not used for long periods of time throughout the day. Warmth or activity can help relieve the stiffness.
Swelling and pain in the joints must occur for at least 6 weeks before a diagnosis of RA is considered. The inflamed joints are usually swollen and often feel warm and "boggy" (spongy) when touched. The pain often occurs on both sides of the body (symmetrically) but may be more severe on one side of the body, depending on which hand the person uses more often.
RA usually first develops in the small joints of the hands, including the wrists, the knuckles, and the base of the fingers. It can also affect feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Many joints may eventually be involved, including those in the upper part of the cervical spine, temporomandibular joint (jaw), and even joints between very small bones in the inner ear.
In some patients with RA, inflammation of small blood vessels can cause nodules, or lumps, under the skin. They are about the size of a pea or slightly larger, and are often located near the elbow, although they can show up anywhere. Nodules can occur throughout the course of the disease, although they are usually a sign of more severe disease. Rarely, nodules may become sore and infected, particularly if they are in locations where stress occurs, such as the ankles.
Fluid may accumulate, particularly in the ankles. In some cases, the joint sac behind the knee accumulates fluid and forms what is known as a Baker's cyst. This cyst feels like a tumor and sometimes extends down the back of the calf causing pain. Baker's cysts can also develop in people who do not have RA.
The inflammation associated with RA may also cause general "flu-like" symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever.
In children, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as Still's disease, is usually preceded by high fever and shaking chills along with pain and swelling in many joints. A pink skin rash may be present.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be difficult to diagnose. Many other conditions resemble RA. Its symptoms can develop insidiously. Blood tests and x-rays may show normal results for months after the onset of joint pain.
Specific findings or presentation more likely to suggest the diagnosis of RA include morning stiffness, involvement of three joints at the same time, involvement of both sides of the body, subcutaneous (under the skin) nodules, positive test for rheumatoid factor antibodies, and changes in x-rays.
Various blood tests may be used to help diagnose RA, determine its severity, and detect complications of the disease.
Rheumatoid Factor. In about 80% of cases of RA, blood tests reveal antibodies in the blood known as rheumatoid factor(RF). RF can also show up in blood tests of people with other autoimmune diseases. However, when it appears with clinical signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it is a strong indicator of RA. A negative test does not necessarily rule out RA.
CCP Antibody. A cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody test is often ordered along with a rheumatoid factor test. If people with signs and symptoms of RA test positive for both CCP antibody and rheumatoid factor, it is an indicator that not only do they have RA but they may also develop a more severe or rapidly progressing form of the disease. A positive test for CCP but negative test for RA along with clinical signs and symptoms may suggest early-stage RA or an increased likelihood of developing RA in the future.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a measure of inflammation. The higher the sed rate, the greater the inflammation. Because the sed rate can be high in many conditions ranging from infection to inflammation to tumors, the ESR test is used not for diagnosis but to help determine how active the RA is.
C-Reactive Protein. A test for C-reactive protein (CRP) may be ordered along with an ESR test. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are also indicators of active inflammation. Like the ESR, a high CRP result does not indicate the source or cause of the inflammation.
Tests for Anemia. Anemia, a reduction in red blood cells, is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests determine the amount of red blood cells (hemoglobin and hematocrit) and iron (soluble transferrin receptor and serum ferritin) in the blood.
A synovial fluid analysis may help in differentiating RA from osteoarthritis. To perform this test, the doctor inserts a sterile needle into the joint and withdraws the synovial fluid into a syringe attached to the needle. The fluid is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
X-rays are generally not helpful for showing joint damage in early RA because they cannot show images of soft tissue. However, x-rays do show the progression of joint damage over time. The doctor may also order other imaging tests, such as ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA scans), also called bone densitometry, may be used to check for signs of bone density loss associated with osteoporosis.
Symptoms of RA can resemble things as harmless as a bad mattress or as serious as cancer. Several rare genetic diseases attack the joints. Physical injuries, infections, and poor circulation are among the many problems that can cause aches and pains. Many conditions start with symptoms of joint aches and pains. A few that in particular may be confused with RA arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, but it differs from RA in several important respects:
Gout. Gout also causes swelling and severe pain in a joint. It most commonly starts in one joint. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish chronic gout in older people from rheumatoid arthritis, since gout in this population can occur in a number of joints. A proper diagnosis can be made with a detailed medical history, blood tests, and finding uric acid crystals in the affected joint.
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves medications and lifestyle changes.
Many drugs are used for managing the pain and slowing the progression of RA, but none completely cure the disease. The goals of drug treatment for RA are to reduce disease activity and achieve remission, which includes:
The drug classes used for RA include:
In the past, before current drugs became available, the question of how early and how aggressively to treat RA was the subject of great debate. Some patients with early RA go into remission and remain in remission for the length of their lives even in the absence of treatment. Other patients go on to develop active, sometimes severe RA.
Today, current practice recommends treating the disease aggressively while it is in its early stages to help prevent it from reaching a more severe and chronic state. Studies have found less joint damage in patients with early, aggressive treatment, particularly with the use of DMARDs and TNF modifiers in combination with methotrexate.
Patients in early stages of RA with moderate symptoms are usually started on a single drug such as methotrexate. Patients with more advanced disease or those who have not been helped by single drug therapy often benefit from a combination of drugs, including other DMARDs, a biologic TNF blocker, or another type of biologic drug.
There is no one-size-fits-all drug treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will make a decision on which drug or drugs to prescribe based on:
[For more specific information on drugs, see Medications section of this report.]
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the standard treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are used either alone or in combination with newer biologic DMARDs.
DMARDs do not have any common properties other than their ability to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Many were used for other diseases and were found accidentally to help RA. DMARDs include:
Unfortunately, all DMARDs tend to lose effectiveness over time. Patients rarely use one drug for more than 2 years. Combining DMARDs with each other or with other types of drugs offers the best approach for many patients.
All DMARDs may produce stomach and intestinal side effects, and, over the long term, each poses some risk for rare but serious reactions. (In some cases, however, they may be less harmful than long-term NSAID treatment.)
Methotrexate. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, Otrexup, generic) acts as an anti-inflammatory drug and is generally the most frequently used DMARD, particularly for severe disease. Methotrexate starts working within 3 to 6 weeks, but its full effect may not occur until after 12 weeks of treatment.
Even this drug loses effectiveness, however, when used alone. For this reason, it is often used in combination with other DMARDs such as hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, or leflunomide. It may also be combined with various biological response modifier drugs, especially for treatment of patients with early aggressive arthritis. The combination appears to work better than single drug therapy.
Some patients have to stop taking methotrexate because of its side effects. They include nausea and vomiting, rash, mild hair loss, headache, mouth sores, and muscle aches. Methotrexate reduces levels of folic acid (folate) in the body, which can lead to some of these side effects. Doctors may prescribe folic acid supplements to prevent side effects. However, some research suggests that folic acid may interfere with methotrexate's effectiveness.
Methotrexate is usually given as pills. Patients who need higher doses can take it as an injection. Methotrexate has fewer serious toxic effects than many DMARDs. Although these severe reactions are rare, they may include:
Leflunomide. Leflunomide (Arava, generic) blocks autoimmune antibodies and reduces inflammation. It also may inhibit metalloproteinases (MMP), which are involved in cartilage destruction. Leflunomide takes several weeks before improving joint pain or swelling. Full benefits may not occur until 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.
Leflunomide may be given alone or in combination with other DMARDs such as methotrexate. (This combination poses a risk for liver toxicity and requires monitoring.)
Side effects are similar to those of methotrexate, including nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, and rash. Potentially serious side effects include infections and severe liver injury. Everyone taking leflunomide should be monitored regularly, including blood tests for liver function, and anyone with liver problems should not take this drug. Leflunomide should not be taken by patients with active bacterial infections, active herpes-zoster viral infection, active or latent tuberculosis, or acute or chronic hepatitis B or C. As with methotrexate, the drug increases the risk for birth defects and should not be taken by pregnant women.
Hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, generic) was originally used for preventing malaria and is now also used for mild, slowly progressive rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine starts to improve symptoms within 1 - 2 months, but it may take up to 6 months to achieve full benefit. Hydroxychloroquine usually causes fewer side effects than other DMARDs but it does not appear to slow disease progression. The most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea, which typically improve over time or when the drug is taken with food. Less common side effects include skin rash or bleaching or thinning of hair.
This drug used to be associated with eye and vision problems, but with current lower doses this side effect is rare. If vision problems occur, it is usually with people taking very high doses, those with kidney disease, or those over 60 years of age. Still, patients should have an eye exam (including retinal examination) within the first year of treatment. Patients with health risks (liver disease, retinal disease, over age 60) should have an annual eye exam. Patients should notify their doctors if they experience any sudden changes in vision.
Sulfasalazine. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, generic) works best when the disease is confined to the joints. Symptom relief occurs within 1 to 3 months.
Side effects are common, particularly stomach and intestinal distress, which usually occur early in the course of treatment. (However, serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach ulcers, occur less frequently with sulfasalazine than with NSAIDs.) A coated-tablet form may help reduce side effects. Other side effects include skin rash and headache. Sulfasalazine increases sensitivity to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) while taking this drug. People with intestinal or urinary obstructions or who have allergies to sulfa drugs or salicylates should not take sulfasalazine.
Minocycline. Minocycline (Minocin, generic) is a tetracycline antibiotic that is generally reserved for patients with mild RA. It can take 2 to 3 months before symptoms begin to improve and up to a year for full benefit. Side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and skin rash. Long-term use of minocycline can cause changes in skin color, but this side effect usually disappears once the medication is stopped. Minocycline can cause yeast infections in women. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Minocycline increases sensitivity to sunlight and patients should be sure to wear sunscreen. In rare cases, minocycline can affect the kidneys and liver.
Tofacitinib. Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) is the newest DMARD. Approved in 2012, tofacitinib is the first in a new class of drugs. It works by blocking "Janus kinase" molecules involved in joint inflammation. There is hope that DMARD might be an alternative to biologic DMARDs, and a new option for patients with moderate-to-severe RA who have not been helped by methotrexate. Tofacitinib, which is taken as a twice-daily pill, can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate. Tofacitinib may increase the risk for serious infections. Because it is new a drug, long-term side effects are still unknown.
Gold. Gold used to be a time-honored DMARD for RA but its use has decreased with the development of newer DMARDs and biologic drugs. Gold is usually administered in an injected form because the oral form, auranofin (Ridaura, generic), is much less effective. There are two injectable forms of gold: Gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine, generic) and aurothioglucose (Solganal, generic). It can take 3 to 6 months before injections have an effect on RA symptoms. Gold injections can cause a number of side effects including mouth sores and skin rash and in rare cases more serious problems such as kidney damage.
Azathioprine. Azathioprine (Imuran, generic) suppresses immune system activity. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for early symptom improvement and up to 12 weeks for full benefit. Azathioprine can cause serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract including nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by stomach pain and diarrhea. Azathioprine can also cause problems with liver function and pancreas gland inflammation, and can reduce white blood cell count.
Cyclosporine. Like azathioprine, cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, generic) is an immunosuppressant. It is used for people with RA who have not responded to other drugs. It can take a week before symptoms improve and up to 3 months for full benefit. The most serious and common side effects of cyclosporine are high blood pressure and kidney function problems. While kidney function usually improves once the drug is stopped, mild-to-moderate high blood pressure may continue. Swelling of the gums is also common. Patients should practice good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing.
Biologic response modifiers are drugs made from living cells. These drugs target specific components of the immune system that contribute to the joint inflammation and damage that are part of the RA disease process.
Biologic DMARDs are generally used to treat moderate-to-severe RA. Some of these drugs are used as first-line treatments for RA. Others are used for patients who have not responded to DMARDs or other types of treatment. Depending on the specific drug, they may be used alone or in combination with the DMARD methotrexate. However, biologic response modifiers are not used in combination with each other, as this can lead to serious infections.
As with other RA drugs, these drugs do not cure the disease but can help slow progression and joint damage.
Anti-TNF Drugs. Most biologic DMARDs are anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs. They block TNF, which is a cytokine involved in the inflammatory process. Anti-TNF drugs approved for treatment of RA are:
Other Biologic DMARDs. Other biologic DMARDs approved for RA treatment are:
Side Effects and Complications. Etanercept, adalimumab, anakinra, golimumab, certolizumab, and abatacept come in pre-filled syringes and are given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). This may cause pain at the injection site. To prevent injection reactions, patients are sometimes pretreated with betamethasone, a corticosteroid drug, but some research suggests that the steroid does little good.
Infliximab, tocilizumab, abatacept, and rituximab are given by intravenous infusion in a doctor's office. Common infusion reactions include headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. Because biologic response modifiers affect the immune system, patients who take these drugs have an increased risk for infections.
Biologic DMARDs should not be taken by patients with active bacterial infections, active herpes-zoster (shingles) viral infection, active or latent tuberculosis, or active or chronic hepatitis B. Anti TNF drugs should be avoided in patients with acute hepatitis C infection or with chronic hepatitis C infection (treated or untreated) with significant liver injury. In addition, anti-TNF drugs should not be given to patients with a history of heart failure, a history of lymphoma, or who have multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating disorders.
Other risks associated with these drugs include:
Corticosteroids, also called glucocorticoids or steroids, are powerful drugs that work rapidly to reduce inflammation. Steroids mimic the action of cortisol, a hormone produced naturally in the adrenal gland. For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroids may be given orally by mouth or by injection into a joint.
Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisolone and prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, generic) are often used in combination with DMARDs. Corticosteroids are often used early in the treatment of active RA since they act rapidly. As the DMARDS begin to reduce activity of RA, the corticosteroids are tapered off and stopped.
Side Effects of Oral Corticosteroids. Serious side effects are associated with long-term use of oral steroids. Doctors recommend taking as low a dose as possible. (However, side effects can still occur with daily use of low doses.)
Osteoporosis is a common and particularly severe long-term side effect of prolonged steroid use. Other adverse effects include weight gain, fat deposits, fluid retention and swelling, increased appetite and weight gain, bruising, acne, high blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, susceptibility to infections, muscle wasting, menstrual irregularities, and mood swings.
Withdrawal from Long-Term Use of Oral Corticosteroids. Long-term use of oral steroid medications suppresses secretion of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. After withdrawal from these drugs, this adrenal suppression persists and it can take the body a while (sometimes up to a year) to regain its ability to produce natural steroids again.
No one should stop taking any steroids without consulting a doctor first, and if steroids are withdrawn, regular follow-up monitoring is necessary. Patients should discuss with their doctor measures for preventing adrenal insufficiency during withdrawal, particularly during stressful times, when the risk increases.
Two-thirds of people with RA rank pain as their primary reason for seeking professional help. The most common pain relievers for RA are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs block prostaglandins, the substances that widen blood vessels and cause inflammation and pain. There are dozens of NSAIDs:
Studies suggest that the best times for taking an NSAID may be after the evening meal and then again on awakening. RA symptoms increase gradually during the night, reaching their greatest severity at the time of awakening. Taking NSAIDs with food can reduce stomach discomfort, although it may slow the pain-relieving effect.
Long-term, regular use of NSAIDs (with the exception of aspirin) can increase the risk for heart attack, especially for people who have a heart condition. Long-term use of NSAIDs also increases the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk can be reduced by taking antacid medication such as omeprazole (Prilosec, generic) along with the NSAID. To reduce the risks associated with NSAIDs, take the lowest dose possible for pain relief.
Other possible side effects of NSAIDs may include:
COX-2 Inhibitors (Coxibs). Coxibs inhibit an inflammation-promoting enzyme called COX-2. This drug class was initially thought to provide benefits equal to NSAIDs, but cause less gastrointestinal distress. However, following numerous reports of heart problems, skin rashes, and other adverse effects, the FDA re-evaluated the risks and benefits of COX-2 inhibitors. Several coxib drugs were removed from the United States market. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is still available, but patients should ask their doctors whether the drug is appropriate and safe for them. Like all NSAIDs, celecoxib has a "black box" warning on its prescribing label that it may increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, and serious stomach problems.
Some people with RA benefit from joint surgery. Surgery can help relieve joint pain, correct deformities, and modestly improve joint function. There are several types of joint surgery techniques.
Synovectomy is removal of the joint lining (synovium). It is used to remove inflamed tissue that causes pain. Synovectomy can help reduce swelling and slow the progression of joint damage.
The procedure may be performed on joints in the knees, elbows, wrists, fingers, or hips. Synovectomy may be performed as open surgery (arthrotomy) or arthroscopically (arthroscopic synovectomy).
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a small lighted tube with a camera (called an arthroscope), which is inserted the joint. A fiber-optic cable attached to the arthroscope allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a monitor.
Arthroscopy can be used to perform different procedures including synovectomy. It may also be used to clean out bone and cartilage fragments (a process called debridement) that cause pain and inflammation.
Eventually, even after these procedures, RA may progress to the point that normal functioning is impossible. In such cases, artificial (prosthetic) replacement joint implants may be considered for shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, wrists and hands, or other joints.
Joint replacement (arthroplasty) is usually reserved for people over age 50 or those whose joint damage is rapidly progressing. The joint replacement typically lasts for 20 years or more.
If the affected joint cannot be replaced, surgeons can perform a procedure called arthrodesis that eliminates pain by fusing the bones together. However, fusing the bones makes movement of the joint impossible. Bone fusion is most often done in the spine and in the small joints of the hands (wrists, fingers) and feet (ankles, toes).
Lifestyle changes can help patients deal with the physical and emotional aspects of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
It is important for patients with RA to maintain a balance between rest (which will reduce inflammation) and moderate exercise (which will relieve stiffness and weakness). Studies have suggested that even as little as 3 hours of physical therapy over 6 weeks can help people with RA, and that these benefits are sustained.
The goal of exercise is to:
In general, doctors recommend the following approaches:
A common-sense approach to exercise is the best guide:
Many patients with RA try dietary approaches, such as fasting, vegan diets, or eliminating specific foods that seem to worsen RA symptoms. There is little scientific evidence to support these approaches but some patients report that they are helpful.
In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil may have anti-inflammatory properties useful for RA joint pain relief. The best source of fish oil is through increased consumption of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. Fish oil supplements are another option, but they may interact with certain medications. If you are thinking of trying fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor first.
Patients can learn strategies to cope with the stress and frustration of living with chronic pain. Relaxation and stress management techniques such as guided imagery, breathing exercises, hypnosis, or biofeedback can be helpful.
Although there is no definitive evidence to support their efficacy, some patients report relief with modalities such as acupuncture, massage, and mineral baths.
There are many different types of assisted devices that can help make life easier in the home. Kitchen gadgets, such as jar openers, can assist with gripping and grabbing. Door-knob extenders and key turners are helpful for patients who have trouble turning their wrists. Bathrooms can be fitted with shower benches, grip bars, and raised toilet seats. An occupational therapist can advise you on choosing the right kinds of assistive devices.
Various ointments, including Ben Gay and capsaicin (a cream that use the active ingredient in chili peppers), may help soothe painful joints.
Orthotic devices are specialized braces and splints that support and help align joints. Many such devices made from a variety of light materials are available and can be very helpful when worn properly.
Herbal remedies used for RA include Boswellia, equisetum arvense (horsetail), devil's claw, borage seed oil, and many others. To date, no evidence supports their efficacy.
Researchers are currently conducting studies to determine if supplements extracted from the turmeric spice can help prevent joint inflammation. The Chinese medicine herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is also being investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.
Like all chronic illnesses, RA poses many frustrations and challenges -- physical, emotional, financial, and otherwise. It affects all dimensions of a person's life including work, family, and relationships. In addition, many patients with RA are diagnosed while in their prime adult years, when they may have responsibilities for taking care of children or elderly parents.
It is absolutely normal and natural for patients to feel overwhelmed, especially after first receiving a diagnosis. It is important to know that the newer medications, when started early for RA, have markedly improved the long-term outlook for RA. Specialists called rheumatologists are most familiar with these medications and treatments for RA.
The following are some tips for living and coping with RA:
Anderson J, Caplan L, Yazdany J, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity measures: American College of Rheumatology recommendations for use in clinical practice. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(5):640-647.
Cramp F, Hewlett S, Almeida C, et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;8:CD008322.
Di Giuseppe D, Alfredsson L, Bottai M, Askling J, Wolk A. Long term alcohol intake and risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women: a population based cohort study. BMJ. 2012;345:e4230.
Donahue KE, Gartlehner G, Jonas DE, et al. Systematic review: comparative effectiveness and harms of disease-modifying medications for rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148(2):124-134.
Firestein GS. Etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2012:1059-1108e5.
Holmqvist ME, Neovius M, Eriksson J, et al. Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and association with disease duration and hospitalization. JAMA. 2012;308(13):1350-1356.
Huizinga TW, Pincus T. In the clinic. Rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Intern Med. 2010;153(1):ITC1-1-ITC1-15.
Komano Y, Tanaka M, Nanki T, et al. Incidence and risk factors for serious infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: a report from the Registry of Japanese Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients for Longterm Safety. J Rheumatol. 2011;38(7):1258-1264.
Lindhardsen J, Ahlehoff O, Gislason GH, et al. Risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke in rheumatoid arthritis: Danish nationwide cohort study. BMJ. 2012;344:e1257.
Macfarlane GJ, Paudyal P, Doherty M, et al. A systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of practitioner-based complementary and alternative therapies in the management of rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2012;51(9):1707-1713.
Mariette X, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pavelka K, et al. Malignancies associated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in registries and prospective observational studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70(11):1895-1904.
Matcham F, Rayner L, Steer S, Hotopf M. The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013;52(12):2136-2148.
McInnes IB, Schett G. The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(23):2205-2219.
Murphy LB, Sacks JJ, Brady TJ, Hootman JM, Chapman DP. Anxiety and depression among US adults with arthritis: prevalence and correlates. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(7):968-976.
O'Dell JR, Mikuls TR, Taylor TH, et al. Therapies for active rheumatoid arthritis after methotrexate failure. N Engl J Med. 2013; 369(4):307-318.
Scott DL, Wolfe F, Huizinga TW. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2010;376(9746):1094-1108.
Singh JA, Furst DE, Bharat A, et al. 2012 update of the 2008 American College of Rheumatology recommendations for the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(5):625-639.
Smolen JS, Aletaha D, Bijlsma JW, et al. Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: recommendations of an international task force. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(4):631-637.
Sweeney SE, Harris Jr ED, Firestein GS. Clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JReds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2012:1109-1136e4.
Thompson AE, Rieder SW, Pope JE. Tumor necrosis factor therapy and the risk of serious infection and malignancy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arthritis Rheum. 2011;63(6):1479-1485.
On a mission to heal body, mind and spirit


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The best car Dodge has ever made
My Intrepid is the shiznit
by chrisabel June 22, 2005
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
Top Definition
Fearless and bold; brave.
Spaceman Spiff is an intrepid explorer of space.
by Dangerous Dave June 07, 2005
1. Fearlessness; Bold.
2. Reeking of awesomeness
2. Reeking of awesomeness
1. Holy crap thats really intrepid of Johnny to go save the Chinese family from that burning building.
2. Barby is the most intrepid woman on the face of the Earth! Less than three!
2. Barby is the most intrepid woman on the face of the Earth! Less than three!
by Johnnyfftt March 23, 2009
The Intrepid class is a fictional Starfleet starship class in the Star Trek universe, the most notable being Star Trek: Voyager's titular USS Voyager.
In real life, the Intrepid class was designed by Star Trek: Voyager production designer Richard D. James and illustrator Rick Sternbach.
by WordMastah2010 November 05, 2010
Intrepid, the code name of William Stephenson, the Canadian World War II spymaster.
Sir William Samuel Stephenson, CC, MC, DFC (January 23, 1897 – January 31, 1989) was a Canadian soldier, airman, businessperson, inventor, spymaster, and the senior representative of British intelligence for the entire western hemisphere during World War II. He is best-known by his wartime intelligence codename Intrepid. Many people consider him to be one of the real-life inspirations for James Bond. Ian Fleming himself once wrote, "James Bond is a highly romanticized version of a true spy. The real thing is ... William Stephenson.
by WordMastah2010 November 05, 2010
By far one of the worst cars ever made. Constantly requiring repair, the Intrepid can kill you in many different ways such as faulty suspension parts, cracked plastic fuel rails, or a failing POS 2.7 V6. Either way, you will replace many parts, sometimes costing 3x what you paid for the car.
What the fuck? ANOTHER transmission? This Intrepid has already had 4 transmissions. And the 2.7 V6? Don't get me started on that!
by Bo-Ob Saget July 23, 2009
Please see definition for "banana"
Damn intrepid is such a banana
by anonymous June 28, 2004


text:
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis
Primary tabs
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that results from breathing in dust from coal, graphite, or man-made carbon over a long period of time.
Alternative Names
Black lung disease; Pneumoconiosis; Anthrosilicosis
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (also called progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF).
Your risk of getting coal worker's pneumoconiosis depends on how long you have been around coal dust. Most people with this disease are older than 50. Smoking does not increase your risk of developing this disease, but it may have an additional harmful effect on the lungs.
If coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome.
Exams and Tests
The doctor will do a physical exam and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. A chest x-ray or chest CT scan will be performed. You may also need lung function tests.
There is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust.
Support Groups
For additional resources, see lung disease support group.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that gets progressively worse.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cor pulmonale (failure of the right side of the heart)
- Respiratory failure
When to Call a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Wear a protective mask when working around coal, graphite, or man-made carbon. Companies should enforce the maximum permitted dust levels. Avoid smoking.
Cowie RL, Murray J, Becklake MR. Pneumoconioses and other mineral dust-related diseases. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 65.
Samet JM. Occupational pulmonary disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 93.


text:
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text:
Company category
Biological & medical physics
Buyer's guide > Biological & medical physics
Showing company 41 to 60 of 663 in Biological & medical physics.
Result page: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next »
Biological & medical physics
Southernstar Tech 26-Sep-2012
LED lights manufacturers of LED tubes, LED panel lights, downlights, high bay lights, ceiling lights, spot lights, bulb lights, candle lights, LED strips and other indoor/outdoor LED lighting products.
CMR-Direct 24-Sep-2012
We are now into our second decade of selling components and consumables for the low temperature and condensed matter research communities. Being first with our webstore is no-longer a sufficient goal - but being the BEST is !
Thor Fiber 24-Sep-2012
We specialize in transporting visual signal over single mode or multi-mode fiber optic lines or over IP Internet / Ethernet
Surface Analysis Consulting 24-Sep-2012
John T. Grant provides surface analysis consulting, in particular regarding Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/ESCA). Short courses are offered on a regular basis in the USA and in Europe (or in-house).
Institute for Molecular Science 04-Sep-2012
Our institute studies molecular science from physical, chemical, and biological matters.
Psychsoftpc 28-Aug-2012
Psychsoftpc is a US manufacturer of high performance scientific workstations, linux clusters and tesla based personal supercomputers for data analysis, data modeling, pattern analysis, mathematical modeling and physical research
Precision Fiber Products 21-Aug-2012
Global Supplier of quality fiber optic products: PM connectors, optical attenuators, adapters, ferrules, MIC patch cords & cable assemblies, polishing film, fixtures, Miller tool kits & more.
Qubyx Software Technologies Inc. 21-Aug-2012
QUBYX is a technology contributor to medical imaging industry. QUBYX solutions include display management systems, calibration and QA software for medical imaging. QUBYX Software Technologies is a privately owned company, based in Wilmington, DE.
Saudi Arabia Fiber Optic Cables,Inc 15-Aug-2012
Saudi Arabia fiber optic distributor and reseller of fiber optic cables,components and test equipment.
Torr Scientific Ltd 15-Aug-2012
TSL offers a range of expertise from thin films, UHV instrumentation and electro-optics, manufacturing X-ray anodes, UHV Viewports and processes AR coatings. Facilities include furnaces, welding, helium leak testing, thin film coating systems
Berkshire Photonics 15-Aug-2012
Berkshire Photonics distributes specialty optical fiber products including single & multimode fiber, H-PCF, POF, multicore POF, coherent imaging fiber, & distributed temp. sensing systems. Manufacture custom assemblies, bundles, coils, & connectors.
Deutsche Optics Fibre,Limited 14-Aug-2012
Develops linear, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits, including data converters, interface, fiber optic, sensor signal, and wireless RF.
European Fibre Optics,Ltd 13-Aug-2012
Europe fibre optic supplier of cables and equipment for video, audio and data applications.
Fiber Optic de South America,S.A. 10-Aug-2012
Distributor of fiber optic products from the optical transmitter to the receiver and all products in between including test equipment.
Navitar, Inc. 09-Aug-2012
Navitar designs, develops, and manufactures precision optical and electro-optical solutions for the fastest growing segments of the world's economy. Standard of-the-shelf and custom optical designs available.
Wesson Bellowtek Ltd 09-Aug-2012
We offer ferro-magnetic fluid feedthrough,Magnetron Sputter Sources,Vacuum chambers,CF Viewports,Magnetic coupling,edge welded bellows,hydro forming bellows,Deposition Material,vacuum components
Fibertronics Store 06-Aug-2012
Fibertronics provides affordable high quality cables and accessories to our customers, primarily focusing on the needs of the Fiber optic networks installers, and resellers of  fiber optic  products.
Orient Telecommunication CO,LTD 06-Aug-2012
Fibernetworksystem-We are distributor of Medical Fiber Optics and manufacturer of Fiber optic cable,adapter,connector,patchcord and other fiber optic cable assemblies.http://www.fibernetworksystems.com
EMCO High Voltage Corporation 02-Aug-2012
A leader in the high voltage power supply industry for over 40 years, EMCO High Voltage Corporation provides dependable solutions to original equipment manufacturers (OEM), laboratories, and educational institutions throughout the world.
Boco Communication Co,.Ltd 27-Jul-2012
Boco communication industry Co.,ltd is a professional manufacturer specialized in fiber optic network devices.


text:
Top Definition
A bad state of being. Often has to do with ones living situation. Often, an upstanding or wealthy individual who has gone from riches to rags, lost purpose, a job, family, or become an addict.
After my bosses wife and kids left him, he began to drink and now lives in one bedroom apartment on "Shitters Alley".
автор: Macrent2 28 сентября 2009
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?


text:
The Marshall University student newspaper, the Parthenon, has run a feature article on Dr. W. Elaine Hardman in its March 10, 2011 issue. The article highlights Dr. Hardman's education, research, and life story. The full text of the piece can be found below and on the Parthenon Website.
Elaine Hardman was at Cabell Huntington Hospital one day picking up blood samples to test while carrying a bag of toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste.
"What are you doing with that?" asked Theodore Witte, Hardman's research assistant and part-time doctoral student in the biomedical sciences program at Marshall University.
Witte said she saved them from all the hotels she has stayed at and gives them to the women's shelter.
"How many people do you see doing that?" Witte said. "She doesn't even consider herself decent; she just is."
Hardman is the associate professor for the department of biochemistry and microbiology at Marshall and has been at Marshall for five years.
"We were very fortunate to recruit her to Marshall," said Richard Niles, senior associate dean for research and graduate programs.
Niles met Hardman when they first worked together a couple years ago in the same study section for the American Institutes for Cancer Research. After working with Hardman, he encouraged her to apply for the open position available at Marshall.
"I knew what I was getting myself into before I applied for the job," Hardman said.
Philippe Georgel, associate professor for biological sciences, said he met Hardman at her interview. He said she was very professional, but his first impression was that she was very quiet.
"I realized there is a lot of energy under that calm surface," Georgel said. "She is extremely energetic and I think she is one of those researchers who thinks if there is something that can help and benefit others, she will do her best to include other people in her research and in her success."
Hardman has been researching the subjects of nutrition and cancer for the past 20 years.
Hardman served six years as a member of the National Institutes of Health study section and spent five years on the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation study section.
Some of her earlier research was on the effects of dietary fiber on colon cancer. Now she is studying the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on various cancers, including lung, prostate, breast and colon.
Hardman said her passion for science began in junior high school. She grew up in a small town in the backwoods area of Dicey County, Fla., and always found some interest in science.
She said she asked her mom and dad for a chemistry set, but instead she received a microscope.
However, there was a dilemma.
"At the time I was growing up, what did a girl who liked science do?" Hardman said. "Maybe I could be a nurse or a science teacher, but I finally realized I wanted to be a researcher and I didn't have a clue how to get there."
Hardman said the only thing she thought of was to take all the science she could in high school.
By her junior year, she had taken all the science and math courses her high school provided. She decided to go to junior college and ended up graduating a year early from high school.
Within 15 months at junior college in Florida, Hardman completed her two years and went to the University of Florida. Then, seven months later, she finished her junior year at the university and was 18 years old.
She then married and had a family.
"I always knew I was still going to finish college," Hardman said.
Hardman said she believes her marriage came at the right time.
"It worked for me," Hardman said. "It enabled me to focus on raising my children when I was young and had more energy. It has also given me enough time at a later time in my life to get back into science and focus on it."
The family moved to Montgomery, Ala., at the time her youngest of two children, Don, entered preschool. Hardman said then was the perfect time to go back to school and finish her degree.
Auburn University had just started a clinical laboratory, medical technology course, and Hardman said she was interested in it. She went to the department chair and asked what she should do in the field of science. He suggested she enroll in the new technology course.
She said she realized that, even though it was a delightful experience, she could not stand the idea of doing the same type of work every day for the rest of her career.
Her family moved again to San Antonio, Texas, where Hardman found a part-time job at the Cancer Research Therapy Center as a medical technologist.
"I was working with cancer patients," Hardman said. "I was reading their blood smears, learning about their cancers and learning about their treatment."
At the time her oldest child, Sharon, entered college, Hardman said she heard about a full-time position as a research assistant available at the University of Texas Science Center.
Hardman said she was ready for a full-time job and started working hard at it. Two years into the position, she said she practically ran the project the center was working on.
Again, however, Hardman made the decision to go back to school and further her education. This time she applied for graduate school at the University of Texas and finished her doctoral degree in cell biology in two years and three months.
"Most students work at it for five to six years," Hardman said. "But I had already been working on it in the lab for two years."
As a graduate student, she received her first grant funded by the American Institute for Cancer Research and a pre-doctoral grant. She has also received funding from the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health for her research throughout the years.
"Things have fallen into place for me," Hardman said. "Partly because I was ready for the next step and the next step would come at the time I was ready for it."
Out of the lab, Hardman can be found cross-country skiing, around campus or in the park, according to some of her students.
"Whenever there is enough snow, she will go do that," said Anne Silvis, a biomedical sciences doctoral candidate for cancer biology from Hurricane, W.Va. "She is very adventurous and she is going to do whatever she wants to do and she really doesn't care what people are going to think. She really enjoys life."
Hardman said she was once a Girl Scout and likes to help with teaching young girls how to white water raft. She also said she likes to stay active, and her students seem to be a little jealous of that.
"Well despite her age, she is perhaps the most active person I know and would probably put me to shame in terms of physical health, and I consider myself in pretty good shape," said Johannes Fahrmann, a biomedical sciences doctoral student from Dresden, Germany.
Hardman even plans surprise trips for her students. Witte said Hardman would take her lab members on a boat ride for lab meetings.
"Unbelievably, you think that you're going into a scary lab meeting and you find that you're going on a boat ride and she is making upside-down cake," Witte said. "The trick is that she grandmothers us into performing, so you can't let her down."
Many of the students interviewed said she was a wonderful role model to them. Silvis said she is inspired by Hardman's success in the field of science as a woman who has a family.
"She is very important to me having a family myself," Silvis said. "It's very comforting. And I think for women to see that, even though she has a family and kids in graduate school, they can accomplish as much as she has in her professional life and still have a family life."
Hardman said she hopes she is always directing her students in the right direction but may not think she is necessarily the right leader for the job.
"I have always thought of myself as fairly shy, but other people say that I'm a pretty strong leader," Hardman said. "I don't quite see that."
"Things have fallen into place for me; partly because I was ready for the next step and the next step would come at the time I was ready for it."
-Elaine Hardman


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About WQED
Mission: WQED changes lives by creating and sharing outstanding public media that educates, entertains and inspires.
WQED was the nation's first community-supported television station and went on the air on April 1, 1954. In 1973, Classical WQED-FM 89.3 was founded as the region's only 24-hour classical radio station.
Today, WQED is educational public media with four television programming streams: WQED-TV; WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; and WQED Showcase; three radio streams: WQED-FM 89.3; WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; The Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-FM HD-2 and www.wqed.org/fm online provide WQED content for free to all residents in the viewing and listening area, and online around the world; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive, and iQ: smartmedia, WQED's Educational initiative.
Over the years, WQED has been honored with 73 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards (including two for Station Excellence); 61 national Emmy Awards; an Academy Award; 10 Peabody Awards; 5 DuPont/Columbia batons; 10 Gabriel Awards; 27 CINE Golden Eagle Awards; 1 Edward R. Murrow Award; 95 Golden Quill Awards; 23 awards from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB); and 13 Telly Awards.
Throughout its history, WQED has partnered with hundreds of local community organizations toward improvements in education; arts and culture; community health; economics; and important local issues through its form of civic journalism. These partnerships are a hallmark of WQED's mission and are an important part of its daily activities. As the only community-owned multimedia resource in the region, WQED is a convener, a central gathering place, and a conduit for other local non-profit organizations.
From local and national programming that exports Pittsburgh to the world to teacher training sessions and media literacy, WQED reaches every facet of life in southwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Maryland. No other local media can match WQED's footprint or impact.
Whether natives or transplants, most Pittsburghers know WQED. Pittsburghers have come to rely on its quality programming and viewers and supporters appreciate WQED's safe, educational content for children. WQED's reverence for the city can be seen in local broadcasts that highlight Pittsburgh's distinctiveness.
WQED has exported the region nationally with projects like The War That Made America, a four part historical documentary on the French and Indian War that aired nationwide on PBS; national cooking shows with Chris Fennimore; the Doo Wop music franchise; weekly national radio broadcasts of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and a continuing series of local and national documentaries by Emmy Award-winning producer Rick Sebak.
WQED is one of the busiest producers of local programming in the PBS system. In addition to the local and national documentaries, WQED produces and airs local programs that capture the stories of advancement, arts and diversity in our region:
Conversation @WQED
Michael Bartley hosts this live discussion program focusing on topical issues, with guests ranging from newsmakers and community leaders, to entertainers and athletes. Interactive brings viewers into the conversation through Facebook, Twitter and more.
Pittsburgh 360°
Pittsburgh 360 is a full circle look at the region and the stories that capture what Pittsburgh is as a community. With a focus on arts and entertainment, education, ethnic customs, challenges and celebrations, health, technology and civic issues, Pittsburgh 360 creates an interactive dialogue with viewers. This show is shot both on location and in the WQED studios.
4802 makes WQED's Fifth Avenue address the central point for a lively conversation about the events making the news of the week. Hosts moderate a panel of guest journalists to talk about what's in the news.
Filmmakers Corner
Rounding out WQED's local programming lineup is Filmmakers Corner, an hour-long showcase of independent films by local producers. Each week, a new independent film is showcased that includes interviews with the producers to provide background on each documentary.
Special series such as Portrayal and Perception: African-American Men and Boys examine and challenge the destructive images of African American males in media. Inspiring young people about classical musical was the aim of WQED's Musical Kids project, a competition and public recognition of musically inclined students. Another of WQED's timely and important pieces is a series examining gun violence through pieces such as Gun Violence: Victims and Voices for Change. The range of compelling, inspiring, heartwarming and important programming, as it relates specifically to Pittsburgh, can be found through no other outlet, locally or nationally.
Classical WQED-FM is "the voice of the arts in western Pennsylvania" by highlighting all that the station has meant for the region with retrospectives, tributes, community events, and celebrations. WQED-FM has offered classical and fine arts and cultural programs since its inception in 1973, allowing listeners to hear live and recorded classical performances and learn the latest arts and culture news from Pittsburgh and around the world. Listeners can hear WQED-FM at 89.3 and on its repeater stations, WQED-FM89.7 /Johnstown. In 2012, WQED launched WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM), which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. WQED-HD2 airs the Pittsburgh Concert Channel, exclusively broadcasting archived performances recorded by WQED from concerts by local performance groups.
Interactive and Social Media
WQED Interactive, a media portal to the world, makes the aforementioned WQED programs all the more accessible to viewers and listeners, any time, and any place. WQED reached a few important milestones recently in its social media initiatives, with over 9,500 Facebook friends and over 15,000 Twitter followers.
iQ: smartmedia
iQ: smartmedia is the innovative model for WQED's educational content for children. Specifically, it creates and promotes educational games, music, web and TV videos, events, and workshops for children to have fun and learn.
WQED's educational programs for children offer free and effective educational tools that can make dramatic differences in how children perform and achieve. Through television programs, multimedia toolkits, and community collaborations, WQED programs ensure that, "anytime is learning time." WQED engages in meaningful partnerships with other schools, organizations, and stakeholders nationally as well as across the region that have a vested interest in ensuring that children receive the highest quality education possible. WQED serves 82% of the regions' children ages 8 and under and 40,000 parents on a monthly basis, just through TV broadcast.
Parents can trust WQED. Adults who grew up with PBS characters as part of their lives pass that love on to their children. WQED's free educational programs allow all children to participate, regardless of socio-economic background. And WQED gives parents the security of knowing that their children are viewing something that simultaneously entertains and educates. Parents can trust that their children aren't being bombarded with commercials designed to encourage consumerism, as WQED is commercial-free. No other media in Pittsburgh provides parents with this level of safety, security and peace of mind.
WQED's Service to the Community
WQED's services are free to the people. All people. Just like libraries. No admission is required, no dues are collected, no tickets are sold.
Imagine a world without twelve hours a day of free educational programming for kids. These are programs that teach children instead of peddling merchandise. Imagine Pittsburgh without Nova or Frontline, or without Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood or Sesame Street. Imagine Pittsburgh without classical music or performances from local arts and culture organizations.
The brilliance of the public service media model is that WQED does much more than air programming. We leverage the educational value of that programming and take it out to the community to educate, engage and inform through real world learning.
iQ: smartmedia is our strategy for education to capitalize on what kids have inside of them and to capture that potential. Around it revolves all of WQED's educational goals and objectives: to provide new tools and models, thought leadership, research, and training on the intersection of media and learning to prepare our children for a competitive world. We provide content for science and technology; literacy; global cultures and connections; expression; social and community responsibility; numeracy; and behavioral wellness.
For children and teens, WQED offers more than 60 hours a week of programming and online resources free of charge to the entire community regardless of socio-economic status. We offer media literacy and digital fluency through our "Ready to Learn" initiative that speaks to early childhood science, literacy and arts.
WQED and public broadcasting stations nationwide are America's largest classroom, providing educational content that is available to all of America's children, including those who can't attend preschool. Research shows children gain valuable skills through our programs, including measurable improvement in literacy scores, and children who watch Sesame Street obtain higher grades in English, math, and science.
There is a difference between WQED and commercial media. In commercial broadcasting, the relationship is between the broadcaster and the advertisers, with the deliverable being the audience (number of eyeballs to the screen). In public broadcasting, the relationship is between the broadcaster and the audience. We represent the community and air programs that educate, inform, and engage our audience.
Public broadcasting is a public/private partnership that has served the community well. Non-commercial public service media started in Pittsburgh with Fred Rogers and WQED in 1954, and it continues and flourishes as an educational service to this city and the four-state area we serve -- free of commercial influence and as an educational voice for our community.


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Originally coined in 2004 by one Michael John Keegan, <4 was created to be a play on the ever-popular internet code for love, <3. It has since become a fad, thought by many to have originated as a typo rather than an entity all its own, and has been reabsorbed into the tween culture that prompted its creation.
Phrases utilizing <4 require unusually hammy dialogue; e.g., OMG I <4 U.
de M(bolism) 14 juillet 2005
better than <3 becuz lilaksdlkas omg lolz i like to eat pizza
i <4 you so much laydee
i <3 j00
me: oh noez j00 dont luv meh i hatez j00
i <3 j00
me: oh noez j00 dont luv meh i hatez j00
de Matt 15 novembre 2004


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"Brings Good luck to me when goalie!AWESOME!!!!!!" (E970)
"Very quick service! The jersey is a gift, so it hasn't been used yet, but looks very cool and I'm sure my son will love it." (E18741)
"Easy to set up, very sturdy, we use them for our club's match goals, very pleased" (E1414)
Epic Sports
We're sorry but there were no products found for the specified criteria.


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Rich Glickstein/Associated Press file photo
Rich Glickstein/Associated Press file photo
Coach Steve Spurrier said No. 3 South Carolina has high goals for this season, and several are much bigger than starting 6-0 or dominating Georgia.
The Gamecocks (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) moved to their highest ranking in 28 years � and into discussions about SEC and national titles � after their 35-7 victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday.
South Carolina had one of the more complete performances of Spurrier�s eight seasons. None of it, Spurrier reminded people Tuesday, will matter if the Gamecocks don�t stay focused on their next challenge: playing at No. 9 LSU on Saturday night.
�We are getting some national attention,� the coach said. �That�s what we all like, but it can turn south on you if you don�t watch it.�
Spurrier knows that too well. South Carolina pulled off a stunning upset of then No. 1 Alabama, 35-21, in October of 2010. A game later, the Gamecocks blew an 18-point halftime lead to lose at Kentucky, 31-28.
Spurrier blames himself and his staff for not coaching very well after halftime.
�Our guys were ready to play, ready to play,� he said. �We had them up 28-10 and pooped around the second half.�
It�s easy to lose focus when so many people are praising the Gamecocks, which is happening all around South Carolina�s campus.
Safety D.J. Swearinger said a teacher asked him to the front of the room so his nearly 200 classmates could applaud him for South Carolina�s win over Georgia.
That�s heady stuff for a team not used to big-time success. But Swearinger said neither his head, nor those of his teammates, will be turned by the attention.
Swearinger told the defensive players at Monday�s practice they could not afford to dwell on last week�s victory, not with an angry bunch of LSU Tigers ahead.
�We�ve got a bigger task at hand than Kentucky� two years ago, Swearinger said.
LSU, the defending SEC champions, hopes to rebound from its first loss of the season, 14-6, at No. 4 Florida last Saturday. Tigers coach Les Miles said the players quickly want to put the defeat behind them and get back to winning.
�For the first time in a year and a half we are talking about regular-season loss,� Miles said. �And it is miserable for us.�
South Carolina has struggled, like many SEC teams, against LSU. The Gamecocks are 1-4-1 against the Tigers since joining the league in 1992, their only victory at Death Valley coming 18 years ago.
Chalk up another challenge, South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles said.
�I feel like we�ve got something to prove on the road,� he said.
Quarles and Swearinger are among South Carolina�s upperclassmen who have kept a steady hand on the team through its rise this season, Spurrier said. The pair also are close friends and former Greenwood High School teammates of LSU defensive lineman Sam Montgomery.
Quarles said the two have talked this week, wishing each other good luck and looking forward to seeing each other in person.
�We�ve got a brotherly bond,� Quarles said. �It�s going to be fun.�
The ole ballcoach sure is having a good time, despite his calm, focused talk.
This week, he recalled going 3-0 against LSU while playing quarterback for Florida in the 1960s, joked how fortunate the Gamecocks will be to have star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney for three years before he�s NFL eligible � �At Kentucky (basketball), they get them only one year, and they�re happy,� Spurrier said � and even got in a dig at state rival Clemson, which also has nicknamed its football stadium, Death Valley.
�Most of our guys have never been to Death Valley. That is the Death Valley, isn�t it? Or is there another one?� Spurrier said wise. �There�s two of them? That�s right, there�s two Death Valleys.�
Spurrier said his team�s fast offensive start against Georgia � the Gamecocks led 21-0 with less than nine minutes gone in the game � put the Bulldogs on their heels and gave South Carolina�s defense the chance to make plays.
The Gamecocks� D kept Georgia off the scoreboard until a meaningless touchdown in the game�s final two minutes.
�When one team gets hot, scores on the first two or three possessions, you got an excellent defense, it can happen,� he said. �But you don�t ever plan for it. You plan for a down-to-the-wire game being won in the fourth quarter.�
That�s what Spurrier�s expecting against LSU on Saturday in Baton Rouge, La. He�s working this week to make sure his team�s prepared for that, too.
�We�re just trying to guard against going south and that we�re totally ready to play this week,� Spurrier said.
Brett Flashnick/Associated Press file photo
Phil Sandlin/Associated Press file photo


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Bulletstorm Review
Given the current landscape of the genre, it's fair to say that Bulletstorm is not only a great game, but an important one, too.
Bulletstorm is: a bromantic comedy starring two meat-heads and a chick with huge norks; a lesson in creative swearing and vulgarity; an interactive compendium of interesting things you can do with a gun; a middle-finger to the current customs and conventions of the FPS genre; and a shout out to its peers: "Hey! Assmaggots! Why you all gotta be so serious!?"
And they are. Killzone 3 might be technically flabbergasting, with glorious environments and reload animations that could make a grown man cry, but it "lacks heart". From the word go Bulletstorm is different. The opening scene finds mercenary captain Grayson Hunt swigging on a beer, staring through a wobbly haze of inebriation as he attempts to shoot a bottle off the head of a captured enemy. Alcoholism is one of a long list of character flaws afflicting our wannabe William Tell, but it doesn't take long to grow attached to the brute regardless. His loose tongue and quick wit make for entertaining banter, which shines brightly during the frequent exchanges with his facially disfigured squad-mate, Ishi Sato.
Like everything else that goes wrong in the game, Ishi's face is Grayson's fault - caused in the ramifications of a drunken decision to start a fight with the vastly superior space cruiser of nemesis General Serrano. Revenge drives the remainder of the plot, and while you might not expect a game of Bulletstorm's nature to offer much in the narrative department, the strength of its characters and comical situations turn out to be one of the title's strongest assets.
Those with sensitive ears might find the game to be crude and vulgar (which it is), but the use of profanity really is masterful. As well as dropping plenty of f-bombs, Bulletstorm combines words such as 'dick' with other anatomical lovelies - like 'tits' - for a brand new swearing experience. Chances are you've heard dick-tits already, but the wonderfully cobbled together 'fungal rim-job' is perhaps the best of the bunch. Not far into the story, Trishka gets in on the verbal sparring matches, at which point you'll realise it's not just the men that need their mouths washing out with soap.
After escaping from their burning vessel at the start of the game, Grayson and Ishi (with his face patched up) find themselves in some backwater corner of the galaxy. It's on this paradisiacal planet that the majority of the game takes place; a world populated with palm trees, waterfalls and dazzling pink sunsets. Oh, and mutants. The hooded freaks, gang members and hideous abominations that stroll about decaying architecture are a striking contrast to the landscape itself.
Disposing of them is a violent and bloody affair, largely defined by the game's Skillshot system: 131 specific ways in which you can kill your enemies. It's the mechanic behind Bulletstorm's Kill with Skill! slogan, the sentiment that if you put some creativity into your gun-slinging, you'll be rewarded.
Bulletstorm contextualises its main mechanic with the Leash, a rope of energy that grades your performance as you fight, with those who make use of Skillshots getting resupplies via shops scattered about each level. This Darwinian approach to battle actually makes quite a lot of sense when you think about it - survival of the fittest and all that. These shops not only offer upgrades and power-ups, but feature a database of every Skillshot in the game.
At first you'll rely heavily on the bullet kick: a sturdy boot to the face which sends an enemy flying into the air in slow-motion, at which point they're ripe for pumping full of lead. You could even choose to yank them back with your trusty Leash and kick them again, if you fancied. After time, however - once you know your weapons and surroundings - you'll be making use of far more entertaining executions.


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Spring Mills names football coach
Familiar middle-school teacher to guide new school in first season
February 6, 2013
MARTINSBURG — Derek Munson's been a familiar face around the Spring Mills area of Berkeley County....
Putting in the new high school will make sports bad on this end of the county not better . Spring High wont even have seniors the first year. Who ever told you this was done to make sports better is misinformed . Shouldn't effect the recruiting of the other schools.
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HIMMGT what is this "BS" about rezoning to improve Hedgesville's sports programs?? That is the biggest load I have heard about this whole thing!
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EPSportsfan. I find it strange that you were not vocal about Musselman naming a 28 yr old head coach........yet you are mad that Spring Mills has a 41 yr old who has had experience being a head coach of several teams, and has much experience!! Whats up with that?? Is this just a case of sour grapes??
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Since I don't have anything nice to say (on this platform or any other)about the whole rezoning BS to improve Hedgesville's sports programs, I'll sit quietly and read the comments. "The Ville" is trying to get on the map. Maybe Al Roker will shout them out in his next weather segment.
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Has Spring Mills named their head teachers yet? How about their head principal? Or is it football first, education second?
Anyway, good luck to the new coach.
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I am neither a Yurish nor a Hayes... I am a parent of a former HHS player. I Know of Coach Munson...seems like good man, good Dad, good teacher, etc. I, as a fan though, have struggled through bad hiring choices. I wish Coach Munson luck...as I continue to wish Coach Thomaselli...Coach Walker...and, now, Coach Thomas. I attend as many games as possible and, now, cheer for no team. I just wish we (as a community) could place more emphasis on this game. I hope I am wrong and Coach Munson's inexperience isn't a factor. We have the talent in this region to have each of our teams in the field of 16...not just one.
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Ep sports are you Hayes or Yurish?
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You've said it yourself...you obviously don't need someone who's play semi-pro or pro football in fact not even someone who's played college football. If you are knowledgable enough to coach the game and have good repore with the kids then the experience isn't going to matter. It's not like coach Munson has never coached the game of football and if I do recall correctly the kids at H-ville loved having coach Munson as an assistant regardless of thier success. They feel as if they've learned something from him. I've heard nothing but positive comments since Coach Munson was named the head coach. The second kids found out about the new high school being built and the top notch facilities for the football program, they were questioning Mr. Munson wondering if and when he was getting the head coaching position. Therefore the previous comments are invalid. I guess we all have our own opinions. Good luck Coach Munson! We believe you can build this program from ground up with no problem!!!
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I know what a coordinator is but we're talking high school sports , this isn't Alabama . Apparently you must have been a coordinator cause you put more on that then what it is. Sounds like maybe u thought you deserved the position, atleast in your mind!
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Since you don't know what a 'coordinator' is, I will assume you know little about football. The original point is that football coaching requires a great deal of knowledge, insight, leadership, energy, passion, compromise...basically EXPERIENCE. Nobody will question his friendliness with middle school students...or his close ties to Mr Arvon...those are the skills that got him the job. Head football coaching is much like a symphony conductor...perhaps more difficult. Hiring a middle school music teacher to conduct the London Philharmonic may seem like a good idea too...but, the level of experience may not be there. I, of course am, exaggerating with the analogy...but, Coach Munson will be coaching against entire staffs with more (and more recent) experience. The game has changed a great deal since he was a subordinate coach at a losing Hedgesville program.
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One additional item. Hedgesville brought in a high profile coach who played pro ball, how's that worked out so far? Most of the assistants are gone, team still not good, players quitting , and attendance not good! Don't need a legend just a good coach!
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Don't believe anyone was short changed here. Almost all the coaches I see at the high school level are just people who played the game and once they couldn't play any more they got in to coaching. With Derek you get more then that you get someone who really loves kids and wants to teach. If I had a son I'd be proud to have Derek coach him. I've always known Derek to be of high morals, a devoted family man, and someone who cares about others. I'll take that over your high profile coach from another region or a so called coordinator. Good luck ,Coach Munson from the Masonsx
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Congrats to the new coach and I wish him well. But the author needs to understand that not all the kids are coming from Hedgesville and their poorly ran and coached program.Some of the kids are also coming from Martinsburg. Nothing against the players at Hedgesville, it's the adults who destroyed that once proud program. But steps need to be taken to ensure Spring Mills doesn't turn into Hedgesville 2.0. Being slighted by the author and relating Hedgesville's failures to Spring Mills is not the way to start.
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With the dozens of high profile coaches that applied (including local head coaches, local coordinators, accomplished coaches from outside of the region, college coaches, etc) this is a BOLD choice. Hiring a coach with no experience as a varisty coordinator, who hasn't coached in nearly a decade may seem like a head-scratcher to most. Football in the Panhandle has struggled over the last several years...with only one program recognized as strong, and another decent program with a retiring coach. Spring Mills COULD have been a marquee program due to its facilities and potential of quality athletes. One can't help but think the community may have been short changed with this decision...
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