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I have a friend who thinks the more expensive an item is, the better it must be. Her perceived value is forged by advertisers, marketers, and in part, it has to do with the way she was raised. She is the type who will shop at the grocery store and pick the most expensive jar of peanut butter because she figures it must be the best. She researches nothing and does the same thing with clothes, insurance companies, cars, shoes, and electronics. She is what makes the consumerism train roar ahead at full speed. Marketers love her because she can be easily swayed and her mind can be molded like a fresh piece of clay. If she just did a little research before making buying decisions she would save SO much money. I have been telling her this for years with no effect. I just can't convince her to change her ways.
Example: The $500 Coach Handbag
Some people perceive that a Coach handbag bought for $500 is a better value than a $25 handbag bought at Target. Their perception is based on the handbag being a status symbol they can show off to their friends as well as to strangers that pass them by in the shopping mall. Some consumers are willing to pay a premium for items that carry the perception that they are the "best" money can buy. My take is that they both carry my stuff, and neither have holes in the bottom. Why would I want to buy more than what is reasonably needed? This concept is lost on so many people who are struggling with debt and wondering why they can never get ahead. Look at your lifestyle, you may not be to the extreme of the $500 handbag, but you probably pay $50-70 a month on cable, buy $3.50 cups of coffee, or spend $75 a month for cell phone services.
I especially find the premium for concert tickets an interesting example. Growing up, I can't remember how many times I sat in the Bob Uecker nose-bleed section, looking down on the people in the first few rows, and said to myself, "Man, I wish I could afford those seats". My perception was that those seats would increase my happiness. Today, I am content with the seats I have in life. I have realized that wishing I was in somebody else's seat only detracts from my current happiness. Not worth it! Live within your means, find the real value in "stuff", and sleep well at night.
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Good article, I am not in USA, so do not know a coach bag from a plastic bag, but the comments are great as well.
I do have one thing to add though. If you really know your quality brands and quality models (some brands have great quality mixed with poor quality depending on the model) then you are in a great position to buy second hand.
I recently had my HiFi system stolen in a burglary, and I went straight to online auctions and charity stores. I purchased a new system that will never break down, or need to be replaced for the rest of my lifetime. I paid less than the value of the equipment stolen, and I traded up to some very impressive units.
I saved two thirds of the new price. I also paid less overall than the cost of an average Japanese brand.
I also challenge any burglar to steal the system now. It weighs over 100lb, and the brands are so rare that they will be hard to fence, but easy for the police to identify. I have been burgled before and know that you can often get your items back if they are very unusual.
Excellent point made in your post!
I do agree with the other posters who are saying that a well made item is more frugal than a cheaper item when it is going to last tons longer. But your point seems to be about labels and what makes you look good or what has you keeping up with the Joneses….
Holly, I totally agree. I have a Coach bag that I paid $200 for about 15 years ago at the Coach outlet (plain black with no C's on it, classic styling) and I've never had it break. Last year, I bought a $25 trendy Target purse and after a month it started to wear through and looked so cheap. I had to toss it at the end of one season it was so ratty. I couldn't care less that it's Coach or Gucci or KMart, but I knew it was good quality, it would last and spending a little more upfront paid off in the long run! I'm pretty thrifty and not logo conscious, but I think there are some things that are worth spending a little more money on: a good classic pair of loafers or quality jeans that fit. Of course I find the best deals on them ;)
Very rarely is more expensive better. But marketers have made our perceptions into reality . . .
I search for quality and value. How do I secure these traits? I ask myself some questions:
Is it well made?
Is it built to last?
Is it a good exchange for my money?
Is it a time saver?
Is it a money saver?
Is it a money maker?
Is it warrantied?
Is it guaranteed?
What else am I getting?
For more ideas on quality and value:
I picked up a $10 handbag at Charlotte Russe four years ago. It was the first purse I really owned or carried (I had a backpack in high school and college, so a purse was sort of useless), and I carried that thing everyday for four full years. I was a flight attendant and dragged that thing all over the country. It was in and out of overhead bins multiple times a day. It went with me to parties, to clubs, to concerts, to dance halls. And you know what? It held out just fine.
Arguing that your expensive purse saves you in the long run is kind of silly. An item doesn't have to be expensive to be well-made, and if you take care of the things you own (regardless of initial cost) they can hold up for a very long time. I have this argument with my boyfriend all the time, who thinks that more money means better quality. When I show him shoes I've owned for 8 years that I got for $20 or sweaters and dresses that I bought on sale when I was in high school that I still wear, he's always shocked that I made my money go so far on what he considers "inferior" items. And while he talks big talk about how long expensive items will last, he tends to cycle through new things quickly (particularly with electronics) and so he never gets the long-term use he claims he will get out of them.
I would argue that an expensive one-time buy that you use for a long time is probably money well-spent, even if I think you could probably have gotten something just as good for far less money. However, most people don't do that. They justify the expense with the long-term argument, but for the most part, the money is thrown at an item that is being purchased for status, not quality.
I have to say that I agree you have to do your research before you buy anything especially something as expensive as a Coach bag. I have 3 and a wallet and I LOVE them! I also did my research and got them at 25% off and on base so they were tax free and I paid cash for them. We all know they will last forever and I smile every time I pick one up. I know that we are all supposed to be practable and be good stewards of our money but sometimes you just have to splurge and get something that you love every now and then otherwise life becomes one big case of depervation and we all know how that will turn out…with a $6,000 credit card bill!
So I say be practicle and know that most of the time less is more but also save up and have a little fun every now and then!
Whether we want to admit it or not, at some point, we've all had the need to buy stuff we couldn't afford to impress people we don't know…
Maybe it's simply a maturity thing but it seems like some people come to their senses and grow up from that and others never get it.
While I agree with the others above me that some things are worth the investment many people are still paying more than needed for the branding.
Continuing with the purse example: there are many quality handbag companies that produce excellent leather purses with lifetime warranties for about 1/4-1/3 of the price of Coach.
If you truly want a Coach bag and will always use it then it may be worth the difference- I have two quality Italian leather purses (made in Canada) one black, one brown, that cost me $125 each and I expect to last me a lifetime.
I guess my point is that I most definitely agree about buying quality but not about buying labels.
"My perception was that those seats would increase my happiness. Today, I am content with the seats I have in life. I have realized that wishing I was in somebody else's seat only detracts from my current happiness. Not worth it! Live within your means, find the real value in "stuff", and sleep well at night"—————–
Well-chosen words. Obviously, I am not into handbags and such, but trying to keep up with the Jones's does not cut it nowadays. I believe in common $cents$ when purchasing most things. Liking oneself and sleeping well at night is truly important.
I am fine with spending money on something that I want but I will save for it.
With the example above, I have a Lonagberger purse. I saved for it bacause it was what I wanted. But I save money on other things. We don't use paper towles, namkins and real plates. That saves money on our food bill. I make my own bread because I don't wnat to spend $3 on a loaf I can make for about $1
So if it is something I have looked at and want I can save for it instead of putting it on my credit card I am fine with it. And I better last for a LONG time!
Great comments! I had no idea the Coach exmaple would spark such comments. As a guy, it always blew me away when I saw the price of those things. I have had my $15 velcro wallet for 10 years. But if the Coach bag lasts forever I can see how it is a true investment. Although I would buy it at an Outlet like Sarah. :-)
My Mom used to say "Cheap is Expensive" and in the case of the $25 purse, I think she was right. I, too, have a Coach bag, a classic black one that will never look dated, that I have used for 20+ years. It's good that I like it because the darn thing will NEVER wear out and if it does, Coach will fix it for free. For 99% of things, I don't care at all about labels, and will never pay just for the "name". But some things are such good quality that it makes sense to pay more for them. I carry my life with me in that bag and want it to hold up to the stress I put it through!
Now the concert thing? I couldn't agree more! Your ears hear just as well in the cheap seats as they do in the $250 floor seats!
I agree with both Holly and Kirsten.
While I can't see spending hundreds of dollars to have the latest Coach bag. Some people buy a new one every time the new collection comes out. I do think that Coach bags are very well made and are a true investment. I bought one at an outlet and have been carrying it for a little over 3 years and it looks brand new. I have never $25 bag last that long.
I'm all for saving money and buying the most inexpensive item but sometimes it does "pay" to spend a little more.
I agree with Holly. Sometimes is does pay to spend more if it is really something you're going to have for a long time. This makes me think of my sweaters. I love sweaters. I have some that purchased from less expensive stores (Old Navy, Target) that I spent $25 on and they started to pill and fall apart after one season. I also have sweaters that I bought from more expensive stores for $90, and I'm still wearing them after 10 years. I think the more expensive sweaters were the better bargain in the long run.
While the less expensive bag may seem like a better deal in the short run, I have a Coach purse that I bought for two hundred dollars many, many years ago. (It's a classic brown leather bag; no C's all over it; no in-now/out-later styling.) It is my only purse and I use it year round. It has broken twice (once the strap broke, the other time the seam on the bottom started to go) and both times it was fixed for free by Coach. So I paid up front (and with cash that I had saved for its purchase), but I will never have to buy another purse again. Even at $25, buying a new purse every 6-12 months when your old one wears out will add up to more than I paid in just a few years.
Now, if you were talking about buying a new purse (Target or Coach) to change with the seasons or your outfit, I agree that the cheaper purse is the way to go. But if you're looking to buy one purse that will last forever, Coach is a much better choice than Target.
I wouldn't know a Coach handbag if it jumped up and bit me, and I would guess there are a lot of other folks out there who wouldn't recognize one, either. My point being, anyone who buys "the best money can buy" in order to impress friends and strangers may really be missing their mark.
I think that your point about your friend who doesn't do the research is the important thing. If she really studied and chose wisely, like many who commented here, then that would be one thing. But if she just buys whatever because someone else *says* it is the best, that's just foolishness. I buy good quality shoes, because I expect them to last. I pick styles that are timeless and well made. But, I do my homework and buy them on sale, at outlets, or (my favorite) from local small business. On the other hand, I am also happy shopping at thrift stores. I get generic medications and buy whatever peanut butter is on sale and I have a coupon for. I think being frugal does occasionally mean paying more when you know you will get a good value from it, but also being happy with less when it isn't needed.
I'm just an average mom, trying to live a frugal life and get out of debt. I write about things that have (and haven't) worked to improve my family's financial situation. What works for me may or may not work for you, and you should always consult a financial advisor before making important financial decisions.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, I state that I have a financial relationship with companies mentioned in this website. This may include receiving access to free products and services for product and service reviews and giveaways.
Any references to third party products, rates, or websites are subject to change without notice. I do my best to maintain current information, but due to the rapidly changing environment, some information may have changed since it was published. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers.
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Candlewood Corporate website
Overlook Boulevard
Nanuet, NY
845-371-4445 or reservations 1-888-CANDLEWOOD
Candlewood is a cross between a hotel and an apartment complex. Although its nightly pricing is comparable to other hotels in the area, it especially attractive for those who need to make longer term arrangements.
Corporate Rate
There are two styles of rooms-- studio and suite. Both have a complete kitchen (including dishwasher and utensils), full bathrooms, and double beds. The studio has a desk area and recliner. The suite has a separate bedroom, executive desk area and small sitting area, and a TV in both the bedroom and sitting area. Rates are on a sliding scale.
Room Rates --$105.00
Over 30 days -- $ 99.00
One Bedroom --$130.00
- Indoor access
- Irons and hair dryers
- Laundry facilities
- Fitness center
- Weekly cleaning service
- Free videos
- Mini market on premises (good for emergency supplies)
- Direct billing

subset: commoncrawl


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Man denies possessing stolen goodsApril 17,2014Man denies guilt
in stolen steel case
A Rutland man charged with possessing stolen bridge building equipment that he tried to sell at a local scrapyard denied a felony charge in Rutland criminal court this week.
Aaron W. Goodrich, 41, pleaded innocent to a charge of possessing stolen property. He remains free on court-ordered conditions that include a 24-hour, seven day a week curfew at his Elm Street residence.
Goodrich was arrested Friday morning the morning after the bridge parts were stolen from Atlas Painting and Sheeting Corp., which has been parking its vehicles at the old Florys Plaza site in Rutland Town.
Vermont State Police say Goodrich was arrested while trying to sell the parts worth $8,140 to Rosen and Berger scrapyard just down Business Route 4 from Florys Plaza for $104.
State Police say Goodrich denied stealing the 1,060 pounds of parts. He told police he bought the items the night before from a man he bought metal from in the past. He said he paid $70 to the man for what he believed was about 500 pounds of scrap steel.MORE IN This Just InMONTPELIER Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2017 will be available Dec. Full StoryWHITE RIVER JUNCTION A Vermont National Guard member has denied a charge of sexually... Full StoryRutland City is getting $20,000 to tweak its zoning laws. Full Story
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Vineyard Vines
By Justin Holmes | June 20, 2014 | FULL POST
To me, Martha's Vineyard has become a land of opportunity. I came up here for my internship at Vineyard Golf Club. In the future, I would eventually like to go into merchandising in the golf business, so I figured that gaining some background in retail would be helpful.
My Internship at the Vineyard Golf Club
By Justin Holmes | June 6, 2014 | FULL POST
Earlier I mentioned that PGA Golf Management students are required to do internships. For my three-month internship, I chose the Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Massachusetts as my destination. Edgartown is on the island of Martha's Vineyard.
Beginning my Study Abroad Adventure
By Hannah Gooding | May 30, 2014 | FULL POST
I always knew that I wanted to study abroad because of my love for travel. In January of this year, I started meeting with Kendra Erickson, the Study Abroad coordinator at Campbell University. She helped me decide what I would like to study, and I determined it would be Spanish because I thought the best way to learn the language would be through immersion.
Top 5 Things Freshmen Should Know
By Shuntaria Wood | May 16, 2014 | FULL POST
Beginning college can be scary for most students. The second your parents finish moving in your things and give you the pep talk for college, you become a young adult. There are multiple movies that advertise the college life, but many of them skip the reality of college.
Changing Majors or Career Choices
By India Heckstall | May 5, 2014 | FULL POST
Throughout my childhood, I loved talking, listening, and reading about politics. I enjoyed all of my political science classes in high school. When I came to Campbell, my passion for political science grew even more. I initially wanted to be an attorney, but I made the decision towards the end of my sophomore year to pursue a career in public policy.
Why Campbell?
By Justin Holmes | April 29, 2014 | FULL POST
As my freshman year of college comes to an end, I am able to reflect on how this year has changed my life. The best way for me to gauge my progress is to share why I chose Campbell in the first place.


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"We had several goals on the line," Huerta said. "Undefeated home season, undefeated district championship, and winning 100 games."
The Bobcats amassed 78 wins in the last four years. The Cats also wanted to preserve their No. 3 ranking.
"These kids have been here through all that, especially the seniors," Huerta said. "So it's a milestone, not just for me personally, but for this program.
The game drew the biggest crowd of the season — approximately 300.
"The game turned out to be highly competitive and great for spectators," Huerta said.
The visiting Badgers quickly set the tone for the evening, scoring a run in the top of the first inning.
Travis Quintanilla gave up consecutive singles followed up by a defensive error for the lone run in the inning.
Refugio answered back off Bishop's ace Joseph Rubio. Chase Whetsel led off with a walk and later scored on a John Wesley Shipp RBI fielders choice.
In the top of the second inning, the Badgers regained the lead with a home run. After the run, Huerta said Quintanilla pitched a dominate game.
The Badgers kept the lead until the bottom of the fifth inning when Tyler Castellano, a pinch runner for Jared Contreras, scored on an error off of Shiloh Whetsel's bat.
Going into the sixth inning knotted in a 2-2 tie, the district title was on the line. Bishop lead off with a single and a sacrifice bunt to set up a potential go ahead run at second base.
Quintanilla would strike out the next batter and get a ground-out to finish the inning.
In the bottom of the sixth, the first two Bobcats reached base safely as Justin Padilla was walked and Colton Carroll was hit by a pitch.
The Cats were now threatening when Chase Whetsel delivered the decisive blow. Chase took a 1-1 pitch to the left-center gap scoring Padilla and Dante Leal, who was running for Carroll.
The runs put the Bobcats up 4-2.
Quintanilla would strike out two of the last three batters to seal the win for the Bobcats.
Quintanilla recorded 10 total K's and pushed his record to 9-0 for the season. The sophomore pitcher threw 75 strikes of his 113 pitches.
After the crowd-thrilling victory, the Bobcats improved their record to 22-0, and 14-0 in district.
The district championship gives the Bobcats a 1st round bye in the AA state playoffs.
This is the Cats' fifth consecutive playoff appearance and second district title in the last 3 years.
The Bobcats will face off with the winner of the George West and Stockdale match in the second round of the playoffs.
The Bobcats defeated George West earlier in the season in the Mathis Tournament Championship by a score of 6-1. The Cats also beat Stockdale in a double header, 8-4 and 12-1.
"Thank you to all who support the Refugio Athletic Program," Huerta said.


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September 29, 2011 —
As summer gives way to fall, I pause and reflect. Although I do not spend much time in temple these days, the Jewish traditions I grew up with still resonate. Rosh Hashanah is "One of two High Holidays in the Jewish religion, the other being Yom Kippur, which occurs 10 days after Rosh Hashanah begins (this year, Thursday, September 29). During the High Holidays, Jews cleanse their soul and get the chance to start fresh with an unburdened conscience and the intention of doing better in the coming year," (www.howstuff [2] works.com).
Even though I'm not prone to believing in sin, per se, a fresh start is appealing, and an opportunity to wipe the slate clean of whatever transgressions I might think I've made is welcome. One of the most prominent themes of the holiday revolves around the symbolic "Book of Life." An internet search reveals that "A Jew's life depends on whether or not he or she decides to make amends during the holiday period through the means of repentance (teshuvah), prayer (tfiloh) and charity (tzedkah). It is a key moment to reflect on past mistakes and resolve (in front of God) to not repeat them in the coming year" (www.wikipedia.com [3]).
Not wishing to dwell on some of the poor choices I may have made during the last year, I choose instead to embrace the tradition of "casting my sins upon the water" and move on. Even though I have worked hard at ignoring the concept of "Jewish Guilt" (and yes, my mother was an expert), I honor this tradition every year, just in case. Pondering the past is a great way to make informed decisions for my future, so I resolve to spend the next 10 days in deep thought (it could happen!) and contemplation, praying (for lack of a better word) that the meditative state will serve to make me a better person.
Apparently, examining the past in order to create a better future is not relegated to a "chosen few" but more of a universal theme, as exemplified by actor/dancer/writer Nora Brown's one-woman show "Dad Doesn't Dance," which was presented at the Krause Recital Hall (www.artsalliancesite.org [4]) in Narrowsburg, NY over the weekend.
Described in the program as "A true noir tale of a dancer from the wilds of Winnipeg who tangos her way through five mysterious men to her ultimate dance partner, the biological father who abandoned her," the one-act play, which was nominated for Outstanding Solo Show Production in the NY Midtown International Theatre Festival this past July, is a fascinating (IMHO) look at how the "sins of the father" can impact us long into our adult lives... and that self examination can lead to enlightenment, resolution and forgiveness.
With nothing but a bare stage and a single chair, Brown creates an atmosphere for the audience that takes hold from the very beginning of her story and keeps the observer rapt with attention throughout. OBIE-award-winning media artist Marilyn Ernst's subtle, effective sound design enhances this production, and the hour flew by as Brown engaged the crowd with her tale of fear, rejection and revelation.
Brown, who splits her time between NYC and the Upper Delaware Valley, has been exploring these issues for a lifetime, but the last two years have been key, as she hones this piece for an audience. With dance as a metaphor, the playwright employs body movement throughout to bridge the timeline between scenes, which adds to the dreamy landscape she presents, baring her soul and sharing her tale, which ultimately leads her back home to the family and life she values above all else.
Not being Jewish, it would appear that Brown's motivation in finding the father she never knew was never intended to elicit guilt from him, but rather to serve her with a better understanding of love, acceptance and relationships. Interesting and intimate, Nora Brown's exploration of the parent/child relationship (or lack thereof) is clearly cathartic for her—and was thought provoking for me.
If there are any residual thoughts of abandonment (or guilt) on my mind, the Jewish holiday is a timely reminder that forgiveness is a gift not to be taken lightly, but one that can ultimately free the soul to move forward with understanding and compassion, rather than dwelling on what might have been. On Rosh Hashanah, Jews often say to each other, "May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life, which brings the promise of a good year." The belief is that on this holiday, the names are written in the book and on Yom Kippur, 10 days later, the book is sealed. These 10 days are referred to as the "Days of Awe." Okay, then... moving on.


text: Christina Kirk: Susan B. Anthony (3) tv-14 Play video Select your TV provider to log in to have full access to videos Select your TV provider See all providers Don't see your TV provider? Learn more You can access this video on the free HISTORY® app. *You must verify your TV provider towatch this video on the App Your Parental Control settings do not allow you to view this content. Christina Kirk: Susan B. Anthony (3 min) tv-14 Actors Christina Kirk and Josh Brolin perform the speeches made at Susan B. Anthony's suffrage trial.


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For Immediate Release
January 3, 2012
Six districts selected for School Technology Revolving Loan Program
ISBE names local districts to benefit from low-interest loans
to boost technology in schools
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Board of Education today selected six school districts from across Illinois to receive a combined $618,000 from the School Technology Revolving Loan Program (STRLP). The low-interest loans allow schools to use technology for classroom instruction and staff development.
"It's essential students keep up with technological advances so they can succeed in a high-tech tomorrow," said State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico. "These low interest loans provide another option for cash strapped districts so that they can provide the resources necessary to prepare students to succeed in college and careers."
The districts receiving the loans and the amounts, which total $618,000, are:
- Lexington Community Unit School District 7, $74,950
- Irvington Community Consolidated School District 11, $15,000
- New Berlin Community Unit School District 16, $110,050
- Elmwood Community Unit School District 322, $91,300
- Wolf Branch School District 113, $105,000
- Community Unit School District 300, $221,700
The School Technology Revolving Loan Program is a 3-year loan with a 2 percent interest rate. Districts repay the loan in six payments (due on June 1 and Dec. 1 of each year). Districts that meet criteria set in law are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. A formula dictates the maximum amount districts can receive based on enrollment. Some districts request less.
This year's loan applicants listed plans such as purchasing projectors, interactive white boards, laptops; creating iPad labs; training staff for using technology in the classroom; upgrades to computer networks and wireless coverage; and more.
The loans can be used for a variety of technology investments, including:
- Equipment and wiring for installing and upgrading local- and wide-area networks and for network hardware.
- Supplies and labor costs for electrical work directly related to technology.
- Computer hardware used for classroom instruction and/or staff development.
- Other technology hardware investments that directly relate to staff development and classroom instruction.
- Staff development directly related to the integration of technology into the learning environment.
- Computer furniture (not to exceed 10 percent of the loan).
Since the inception of the program in fiscal year 1999, more than $75 million has been loaned to qualified school districts. A total of 530 loans have gone to districts so far, not including FY12. Loan applications are received from June 1 to Dec. 1 every year.
In FY 2011 districts, charter schools, lab schools, area vocational centers and recognized nonpublic high schools were eligible to apply. In FY 2012, the loan was extended to qualifying districts serving grades K-8. The loan will continue to cycle in that manner.
For more information, visit http://www.isbe.net/curriculum/elearning/html/revolving_loan.htm.


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Hello from Oklahoma
When did I become a HUGE NASCAR FAN????? My boyfriend told me at the start of the 1999 Daytona 500 on Feb. 14th to watch that #20 starting outside pole. He is an "AWESOME DRIVER!!!!"......I haven't stopped watching. I've been with you thru the ups and downs...the BOOS and CHEERS....and the crying and laughing! I'm so proud of you, Tony!!!
"You win with people. Surround yourself with not just good people, but GREAT people and the results speak for themselves." - Tony Stewart, 2009
Last edited by speedqueen on Sun Jan 27, 2013 5:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.


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The competition featured 42 craft breweries that entered 396 beers in 134 style categories.
Nantahala Brewing of Bryson City led the local winners with 13 medals and a third place ŌĆ£Best of ShowŌĆØ finish for their 4-Foot Drop, an American-style pale ale. All of the brews tasted were judged in accordance with the Great American Beer Festival guidelines.
ŌĆ£WeŌĆÖve competed well in the past, but this year was by far our best showing,ŌĆØ said Joe Rowland, co-owner of Nantahala. ŌĆ£To know that the 4-Foot Drop was judged higher than 393 other beers in the competition is something to be proud of.ŌĆØ
In its inaugural festival entry, BearWaters Brewing of Waynesville pulled in 10 medals, which placed the young brewery among the top competing establishments.
ŌĆ£Since our blind-judged competition inception eight years ago, I cannot recall a new brewery having such great success in the Carolinas Championship of Beer,ŌĆØ said CCB organizer Bobby Bush. ŌĆ£One medal is great. Ten is phenomenal and a sure sign that something wonderful is happening at BearWaters.ŌĆØ
Tipping Point Brewing and Frog Level both hailing from Waynesville also both won a bronze.
ŌĆ£We can now rightfully claim our spot on the stage with Asheville and the rest of North Carolina,ŌĆØ said Jon Bowman, co-owner of the Tipping Point.
Rave reviews are something Bowman and the other brewers are used to among their local fan base. But winning the endorsement from objective tasters ŌĆö not just the buddy on the other side of the bar from them ŌĆö was of a different order.
ŌĆ£It was incredible to be outside of Haywood County and experience the positive reaction as people sampled our beers and returned to the booths multiple times,ŌĆØ Bowman said.
All of the breweries, including Heinzelmannchen Brewery of Sylva won a bronze for their regional collaboration beer, the ŌĆ£Ryeway 74.ŌĆØ
ŌĆ£ItŌĆÖs exciting to know that our brews are being recognized as some of the best in North Carolina, but itŌĆÖs equally exciting to continue to help put us on the map,ŌĆØ said Jenn Huston of Nantahala. ŌĆ£The more people who travel to our breweries help both us and our communities grow.ŌĆØ
2013 Carolinas Championship of Beer awards
4-Foot Drop (gold ŌĆō 3rd ŌĆ£Best of ShowŌĆØ), Little Tennessee Logger (gold), Dirty Girl Blonde Ale (gold), Trail Magic 1 (gold), Up River Amber (silver), Noon Day IPA (silver), Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout (bronze), Dirty Girl Blonde Ale (bronze), Bryson City Brown (bronze), Devil's Courthouse (bronze), PattonŌĆÖs Run Porter (bronze), Trail Mix 1 (bronze), Little Tennessee Logger (bronze), and Nantahala Pale Ale (bronze).
Sliding Rock Ale (gold), Riverdog ESB (silver), Stiff Paddle IPA (silver), SnowNado (silver), Paint Rock Porter (bronze), Skipping Stone Stout (bronze), Brown Mountain Dark Ale (bronze), Pumpkin P.F.D. (bronze), Shining Creek Ale (bronze), and Ripcurrent Red (bronze).
Frog Level:
Salamander Slam (bronze)
Tipping Point:
1736 Porter (bronze)
Ryeway 74 (bronze)


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At Focus Creative, we put everything we have into what we do. We probably won't qualify for the Australian ping pong team, so it's just as well that we are really good at producing engaging and meaningful creative for our clients.
As a creative agency, our team lives for developing strategy, ideas and solutions that go above and beyond for our clients. From large to small, we work with brands and businesses across a range of sectors, including retail, financial services, automotive, telecommunications, FMCG and not for profit. What connects them is the fact they see the importance in collaboration, have a brave spirit... and don't mind joining us in the odd Friday afternoon BBQ at our studio.
We are driven by great ideas and strong results. In short, we're Focus(ed).
Not long now til Christmas! While shocked at how quickly the year has flown by, we're excited for the… https://t.co/qTAbegqoh626/11/15 18:53:53
Today is all about Irish culture, parades, dancing and a whole lot of green. Of course, St Patrick's started out as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, honored here by our in house illustrator. Happy St Patrick's Day from Focus Creative! #stpatricksday #paddy #irish #illustration #lepracorn #green #heritage #behindthecelebration
A huge shout out to our new designer Courtney – to de-relax Courtney makes sure she stays active. She… https://t.co/avpP6qzbbV13/11/15 07:38:30
#designquote #fcinspired #creativity
A big welcome to our newest recruit René! She has a hidden super power in her synesthesia, which allows her to perceive the world differently and associate colours where others don't. Worth looking up the definition of you're curious #synesthesia #superpower #differentperspective #creativeminds #welcome #fcprofile
We've been working with Opal Aged Care, and are delighted to see our poster boy Herman on a billboard… https://t.co/33UdQ9Fhtt09/11/15 19:31:13
Tomorrow our client De'Longhi is running a coffee taste testing at Fred's Bar in Circular Quay. We'll be there to get in on the action. Come down and say hi and grab yourself a free coffee!* Thursday 10th March 2016 7:30am – 4:00pm. Fred's Bar & Bistro 1 Alfred St, Sydney, 2000. *Your bonus coffee is standard size. Coffee is limited to one free coffee per person. To be eligible to receive your free coffee you must partake in a coffee taste test and vote. #coffee #circularquay @delonghi_au #freecoffee
Our Founder Carlos is participating in movember and as a team we're supporting this Movement for… https://t.co/gwhoSIAsjv06/11/15 12:54:12
Focus women celebrating International Women's Day #wecandoit #whorunstheworldgirls #internationalwomensday #thefutureisfemale
A double celebration for our Design Director Victoria. Happy birthday and congratulations on 5 years at Focus Creative! Thank you @doughnut_time for the special delivery #happybirthday #workanniversary #doughnuts #fcpeople #fcbirthday #afternoon #sugarhit
Presenting the winner of yesterday's Inaugural Focus Creative Melbourne Cup Costume Competition. The… https://t.co/czHzRXCr1o04/11/15 12:31:56
Our amazing client celebrating Mardi Gras in style #mardigras #parade #sydney #fcattends
Do you like to drink coffee, play ping pong* or enjoy Friday afternoon BBQs**? Then you're in luck. Drop us a line and come by our Ultimo studio for a chat sometime, won't you?
*It's ok, you don't have to. We don't judge.
** Who doesn't like Friday afternoon BBQs?
Level 1,
233 Bulwara Road
Ultimo, NSW 2007


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Related Reading
Apache Cookbook
Editor's note: Last month, we published our first batch of recipes from the recently released Apache Cookbook. This week, we've excerpted three more samples. Find out how to make part of your web site available via SSL, how to place a CGI program in a directory that contains non-CGI documents, and how to redirect a 404 ("not found") page to another page (such as the front page of the site) in these latest samplings.
You want to have a certain portion of your site available via SSL exclusively.
This is done by making changes to your httpd.conf file.
For Apache 1.3, add a line such as the following:
Redirect /secure/ https://secure.domain.com/secure/
For Apache 2.0:
<Directory /www/secure>
Or, with mod_rewrite:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^/(.*) https://%{SERVER_NAME}/$1 [R,L]
It is perhaps best to think of your site's normal pages and its SSL-protected pages as being handled by two separate servers, rather than one. While they may point to the same content, they run on different ports, are configured differently, and, most importantly, the browser considers them to be completely separate servers. So you should too.
Don't think of enabling SSL for a particular directory; rather, you should think of it as redirecting requests for one directory to another.
Note that the
Redirect directive preserves path information, which means that if a request is made for
/secure/something.html, then the redirect will be to https://secure.domain.com/secure/something.html.
Be careful where you put this directive. Make sure that you only put it in
the HTTP (non-SSL) virtual host declaration. Putting it in the global section of
the config file may cause looping, as the new URL will
match the
Redirect requirement and get redirected
Finally, note that if you want the entire site to be available only via SSL, you can accomplish this by simply redirecting all URLs, rather than a particular directory:
Redirect / https://secure.domain.com/
Again, be sure to put that inside the non-SSL virtual host declaration.
You will see various solutions proposed for this situation using
RedirectMatch or various
RewriteRule directives. There are special cases where this is necessary,
but in most cases, the simple solution offered here works just fine.
It it important to understand that this
Redirect must
appear only in the non-SSL virtual host, otherwise it will create a condition
where the
Redirect will loop. This implies that you do in
fact have the HTTP (non-SSL) site set up as a virtual host. If you do not, you
may need to set it up as one in order to make this recipe successful.
Thus, the entire setup might look something like this:
NameVirtualHost *
<VirtualHost *>
ServerName regular.example.com
DocumentRoot /www/docs
Redirect /secure/ https://secure.example.com/secure/
<VirtualHost _default_:443>
SSLEngine On
SSLCertificateFile /www/conf/ssl/ssl.crt
SSLCertificateKeyFile /www/conf/ssl/ssl.key
ServerName secure.example.com
DocumentRoot /www/docs
This is, of course, an oversimplified example and is meant only to illustrate
the fact that the
Redirect must appear only in the non-SSL
virtualhost to avoid a redirection loop.
The other two solutions are perhaps more straightforward, although they each have a small additional requirement for use.
The second recipe listed, using
SSLRequireSSL, will work
only if you are using Apache 2.0. It is a directive added specifically to
address this need. Placing the
SSLRequireSSL directive in a particular
<Directory> section will ensure that non-SSL accesses to that directory are not permitted.
The third recipe, using
RewriteCond and
RewriteRule directives, requires that you have
mod_rewrite installed and enabled. Using the
RewriteCond directive to check if the client is already using SSL, the
RewriteRule is invoked only if they are not; in
which case, the request is redirected to a request for the same content but
using HTTPS instead of HTTP.
You want to put a CGI program in a directory that contains non-CGI documents.
AddHandler to map the CGI handler to the particular files that you want to be executed:
<Directory "/foo">
Options +ExecCGI
AddHandler cgi-script .cgi .py .pl
Enabling CGI execution via the
ScriptAlias directive is preferred, for a number of reasons, over permitting CGI execution in arbitrary document directories. The primary reason
is security auditing. It is much easier to audit your CGI programs if you know
where they are, and storing them all in a single directory ensures that.
However, there are cases where it is desirable to have this functionality. For example, you may want to keep several files together in one directory — some of them static documents, and some of them scripts — because they are part of a single application.
Using the
AddHandler directive maps certain file extensions to the
handler so they can be executed as CGI programs. In the case of the
aforementioned example, programs with a .cgi, .py, or .pl file extension will be
treated as CGI programs, while all other documents in the directory will be
served up with their usual MIME type.
Note that the
+ExecCGI argument is provided to the
Options directive, rather than
ExecCGI argument — that is, with the
+ sign rather than without. Using the
+ sign adds this option to any others already in place, whereas using the option without the
+ sign will replace the existing list of options. You should use the argument without the
+ sign if you intend to have only CGI programs in the directory, and with the
+ sign if you intend to also serve non-CGI documents out of the same directory.
You want all "not found" pages to go to some other page instead, such as the front page of the site, so that there is no loss of continuity on bad URLs.
Use the
ErrorDocument to catch 404 (Not Found) errors:
ErrorDocument 404 /index.html
DirectoryIndex index.html /path/to/notfound.html
The recipe given here will cause all 404 errors — every time someone requests an invalid URL — to return the URL /index.html, providing the user with the front page of your web site, so that even invalid URLs still get valid content. Presumably, users accessing an invalid URL on your web site will get a page that helps them find the information that they were looking for.
On the other hand, this behavior may confuse the user who believes she knows exactly where the URL should take her. Make sure that the page that you provide as the global error document does in fact help people find things on your site, and does not merely confuse or disorient them. You may, as shown in the example, return them to the front page of the site. From there they should be able to find what they were looking for.
When users get good content from bad URLs, they will never fix their bookmarks and will continue to use a bogus URL long after it has become invalid. You will continue to get 404 errors in your log file for these URLs, and the user will never be aware that they are using an invalid URL. If, on the other hand, you actually return an error document, they will immediately be aware that the URL they are using is invalid and will update their bookmarks to the new URL when they find it.
Note that, even though a valid document is being returned, a status code of 404 is still returned to the client. This means that if you are using some variety of tool to validate the links on your web site, you will still get good results, if the tool is checking the status code, rather than looking for error messages in the content.
Check back here next month when we run the final batch of samples from the book. Recipes will cover how to require logins for proxied content; how to optimizing symbolic links; and how to solve the "Trailing Slash" problem.
Rich Bowen is a member of the Apache Software Foundation, working primarily on the documentation for the Apache Web Server. DrBacchus, Rich's handle on IRC, can be found on the web at www.drbacchus.com/journal.
Ken Coar is a member of the Apache Software Foundation, the body that oversees Apache development.
Return to the Apache DevCenter.
Copyright © 2017 O'Reilly Media, Inc.


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Bluebonnets and other wildflowers are popping up around the county, with the wetter start to this year adding to the general positive feeling.
However, city officials are facing a dilemma, partially caused by the growth thanks to the Eagle Ford Shale development.
In addition to the problems with traffic and housing, city leaders now have learned that to ensure an adequate water supply for the future, we are looking at an expenditure of $7 million to $15 million.
A front-page story today reveals that at a meeting with City of Beeville and Beeville Water Supply District board members with City of Corpus Christi officials, they learned that the district has no choice but to relocate the raw water intake structure in the Nueces River near Swinney Switch.
Because of the lower lake level, the Beeville water intake structure is almost high and dry – "about three miles from the main lake," Jim Crumrine, water board president, said.
According to Crumrine and Stephen Grunewald, civil engineer from Corpus Christi, in order to have a dependable water source, we need to move our intake structure deeper into the lake to maintain the flow. That means the BWSD will need to approve a substantial bond sale soon.
Fortunately, the $10 million in bonds sold 30 years ago to build the existing system were paid off last year and bond rates are low, making this a prime time for governmental entities to go out for bonds.
Factoring in the business and population growth from the Eagle Ford Shale, it seems now would be a opportune moment for city planners to take into account all reasonable needs for the city's water supply, including repairing the Morrill treatment plant equipment, the city's old backup wells and leaks along the 18-mile pipeline to Beeville.
No one wants to see the city deep in debt, but if we run dry of water, our potential will die.
– Chip Latcham


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I can't help it. I see bright and pretty Sharpie colors and I want them. I have a huge collection in all sorts of shades and I love using them. I never realized how many different crafts I could make with them until doing a little research recently for a gift idea. I was quickly whisked into the awesome world I like to call "coloring everything with permanent markers." The red shoes above are one of the projects that I love; but there are so many more. Find them right after the jump.
Looking for more ideas for Sharpie fun? Check out these 22 ways to decorate with a Sharpie
Article Posted 5 years Ago


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Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online.
Action - Bolt Action
Caliber - .30-06 Sprg.
Barrel Length - 22"
Weight -
Sights -
Innovation is the Browning tradition and the X-Bolt is just the latest example. The X-Bolt builds on the proven successes of past Browning rifles, and adds numerous improvements that are certain to place the X-Bolt at the top of the pack. Most notably is a completely new adjustable three-lever Feather Trigger system that offers the best feel on any Browning rifle ever. A new bolt unlock button works with the top-tang safety to offer enhanced safety while unloading. The X-Bolt Hunter's low-luster finish on the solid steel receiver, barrel and walnut prevents glare and reflection. The Inflex recoil pad has been engineered with directional deflection to pull the comb down and away from the face of the shooter with every shot for even greater comfort and faster follow-up shooting. This rifle's wood, metal, and bore are all in excellent condition.


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Reinstatement of abortion law leaves few optionsAP Photo
Lupe Del Angel holds a sign outside of the Southwestern Womens Surgery Center in Dallas on Friday. A third of the abortion clinics in Texas can no longer perform the procedure starting Friday after a federal appeals court allowed most of the states new abortion restrictions to take effect.
HARLINGEN, Texas In a Texas abortion clinic, about a dozen women waited Friday to see the doctor, already aware that they would not be able to end their pregnancies there.
A day after a federal appeals court allowed most of the states new abortion restrictions to take effect during a legal challenge, about a third of Texas clinics were barred from performing the procedure.
Thursdays ruling made Texas the fourth and largest state to enforce a provision requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges in a nearby hospital. In places such as the Rio Grande Valley and rural West Texas, the mandate put hundreds of miles between many women and abortion providers.
Anti-abortion groups welcomed the courts surprise decision, which they insisted would protect womens health. The ruling came just a few days after a lower federal court put the law on hold.
A panel of judges at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that Texas can enforce the law while a lawsuit challenging the restrictions moves forward.
The law that the Legislature passed in July also bans abortions at 20 weeks and, beginning in September 2014, requires doctors to perform all abortions in surgical facilities.
But its the provision about admitting privileges that has idled Dr. Lester Mintos hands here in Harlingen, near the Texas-Mexico border.
After the law was adopted, the clinic began preparing to close, shredding old patient records and drawing down their inventory, ordering only enough supplies to keep going for a month at a time.
Minto, who has been performing abortions for 30 years, predicted the women he sees would take dangerous measures in their desperation. He made clear he would not perform abortions Saturday if they remain prohibited, but he did not rule out taking other steps in the future.
Im going to continue helping girls somehow, he said.
Without access to his services, theyll do drastic things, Minto predicted. Some, they may even commit suicide.
He said he has seen women take various concoctions hoping to end pregnancies. Others have been beaten by boyfriends who pounded their abdomens with bats.
The communities Minto serves are among the nations poorest. On top of that, many of his patients cross the border from Mexico, where abortion is illegal in most places. Others live in the U.S. illegally.
If this clinic and one in nearby McAllen are forced to close, women seeking abortions would be faced with taking days off work, finding childcare and paying for hotels in cities such as San Antonio, Austin or Houston.
The Supreme Court prohibits legislatures from banning most abortions, acknowledged Joe Pojman, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life. But, he said in a statement, states should have the right to protect women from dangerous abortion procedures.
Texas follows Utah, Tennessee and Kansas in enforcing the admitting privileges law. Similar laws are under temporary court injunctions in Alabama, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Mississippi, which also falls under the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court has left in place the temporary injunction against the Mississippi law.
The Supreme Court has ruled in past decisions that lawmakers may not pass laws that would effectively end abortions in a state because that would put an undue burden on women trying to exercise their right to end a pregnancy.
In Thursdays opinion, appellate Judge Priscilla Owen noted that the Texas law would not end the procedure, only force women to drive a greater distance to obtain one.MORE IN Wire NewsMADISON, Wis. Full StoryKABUL, Afghanistan Afghanistan has fallen so far from Americans consciousness that some may... Full StoryCHARLESTON, S.C. Full Story
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Dr. Mohamed Liaqath Hussain
Tetracycline Stains
Asthma Management
Allergy Treatment
Allopathic Treatment
Diabetes Management
Insulin Treatment
Stitching of Wounds
Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Hiv
Dressings of Wounds
Chickenpox Treatment
Measles Treatment
Migraine Treatment
Removal of Stitches
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Health Screening for Women
Health Check Up
Health Screening for Men
Shin Splints
Hi Dr. My age is 34 years n m doing masturbation last 15 years now my problem is my penis is very thin n loose also even not standing without using hand now my marriage is coming soon in March please tell me what m doing please tell M very dipress.
I am 31 years old Male, Have been struggling with sleeping problems, what should I do? Can you suggest any doctors in particular for treatment in Noida or which branch of medicine like allopathy or homeopathy should I go for?
The only thing that can ruin a great meal is the feel of a bloated tummy afterwards! Usually any abnormal swelling or increase in diameter of the abdominal area is termed as bloating. The condition has become very common and is experienced by people around the world. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, high level of stress and need for daily medications seem to be making people more prone to this epidemic. It can sometimes also be a result of an underlying health issue that you might be unaware of. The good thing is that there are signs of it which can be watched out for.
What to Keep an Eye Out For: To start off, there is the sign which is considered to be rather obvious by many flatulence. If a person wants to get rid of flatulence for an extended period, he or she should consider this to be a warning.
Bloating itself can be a sign for other problems which are deeper. The prime example of this happens to be coeliac disease. A bloating of the stomach which is accompanied by pain and a puzzling loss of weight could be signs of this disease.
If a fever seems to keep recurring without a cause which is explainable, it could be a sign of bloating. As a matter of fact, this sign along with bloating also does signal some infection, which should be looked at immediately by a medical professional. Also, too much stress on a person could be a sign of impending bloating issues.
Getting Rid of Bloating: In order to cure bloating which is caused by flatulence, an easy and elementary solution is to eat your food slowly and to chew properly. In serious case, seeking adequate medical help is important.
When a person finds that he or she seems to be suffering from bloating very often, it is a good idea to maintain a food diary. This will help find whether there are certain trigger foods which cause bloating. The pattern can be discussed with your doctor and concrete steps can be taken towards a complete solution.
Simple lifestyle changes beyond the diet can also make a difference. These include correction of sleeping and eating habits of a person. You are also required to be very regular with this.
Bloating always has some signs which are associated with its causes so it makes good sense to be aware of the same as the saying goes, 'a stitch in time saves nine'!
Sir I am suffering from low testosterone level from long days, and I diagnosed my testosterone level is 2.90, and my free testosterone level is 2.48 please suggests and give me reply sir.
Homeopathy is the best alternative to avoid surgery specially, in the cases of piles, fissure, fistula. There are many cases that were recommended operation but with homeopathy not only they were treated successfully but the surgery was also not done.
Piles or haemorrhoids cause severe bleeding in the anal region due to an abnormal enlargement of the rectal veins. The bleeding occurs as a result of a sudden increase in pressure in the rectal area. The haemorrhoids which tend to grow in the exterior part of the anus tends to be severe painful as compared to the internal haemorrhoids (which are invisible and grows in the interior portion of the rectal area).
The major causes of haemorrhoids are genetic factors, pelvic tumours, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of regular physical exercise, undiagnosed and chronic gastric disorders like dysentery, diarrhoea or constipation and a significant increase in the weight of the uterus during pregnancy.
The sign of piles might include intense pain and irritation in the rectal area along with the presence of blood in the faeces and abnormal swelling of the affected area. If taken in a prescribed dosage, homeopathy can be very effective in curing piles. The most beneficial homeopathic preparations for piles are:
- Nux vomica: This homeopathic preparation is useful in curing piles which display symptoms of extreme aggressiveness and intolerance to cold weather. If piles are caused due to excessive intake of spicy foods and alcohol or cigarettes, this homeopathic preparation can work as an effective cure.
- Hamamelis: This preparation is useful to cure piles which show symptoms of blood in the faeces along with a sensation of discomfort and contusion.
- Ratanhia: This preparation provides a remedy for severely painful hemorrhoids (which causes complications during excretion). Symptoms include severe pain which stays for several hours after excretion along with a burning sensation. It may be relieved with the help of cold water.
- Graphites: If you suffer from the symptoms of chronic constipation, frequent skin eruptions and recurrent instances of menstrual anomalies in females along with piles, this homeopathic medication can provide effective cure to you.
- Aesculus Hippocastanum: This homeopathic preparation provides an effective remedy for non-bleeding hemorrhoids along with the symptoms of severe back pain and pain in the anal regions.
- Arsenic Album: This homeopathic preparation can prove effective in curing piles with the symptoms of a burning sensation during any forms of physical movement. If the hemorrhoids bleed extensively and are bluish in color, this homeopathic preparation can be beneficial in such cases.
I am a 24 year old male. I am having problems speaking properly mainly due to breathlessness. I also get sudden panic attacks when others call my name in meetings etc causing me to stutter in my speech. Sometimes I just cannot start with the word I want to start with, and I instead have to insert two words before starting the sentence, like "Um" "Basically" "So. Etc. I think I have some sort of anxiety disorder. Its gradually becoming worse, due to which I'm avoiding many things I normally enjoy like team outings, group events etc, simply because I can't talk properly. Is there any over the counter medication to relieve this anxiety/panic attack problem?
I am suffering from fatty liver please suggest me a diet plan and how can I cure it My scanning report is hepatomegaly with infiltration of fatty liver No fecal lesion.
When you cant eat fresh, eat frozen. Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, you cant always get your hands on high-quality fresh produce. Keep this in mind: frozen is fine. Manufacturers freeze frozen fruits and veggies at peak ripeness, which means they will pack a similar nutritional value as their fresh counterparts. Just choose plain frozen foods rather than those with added sugars or sodium.
I am tired of this precum how to get rid of these I am an athlete I don't want this thing in my life and I am shy to go for Dr. so btr give me a nice suggestion to get rid of these precum.
I am lack of sleep and I am not sleeping well due to stress sir I don't know the reason why can't I am lack of sleep sir please solve my health issue sir.
Keep healthy in winter by including plenty of these 5 foods in your diet. Although there are fewer foods that are in winter season than in summer. Here are 5 of the healthiest winter foods you should be eating.
1. Pomegranates - Chances are you have tasted pomegranates in their newly popular juice form. And from a heart-health perspective, thats probably a good thing. Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants (more so than other fruit juices), just a cup daily might help to keep free radicals from oxidizing ldl bad cholesterol, according to a preliminary study in the american journal of clinical nutrition. Oxidized ldl contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Another study showed that drinking pomegranate juice might improve blood flow in the heart in people with myocardial ischemia, a serious condition in which the hearts oxygen supply is compromised because the arteries leading to it are blocked.
2. Dark leafy greens - Dark leafy greens, such as kale, chard and collards, thrive in the chill of winter when the rest of the produce section looks bleak. In fact, a frost can take away the bitterness of kale. These greens are particularly rich in vitamins A, C and K. Collards, mustard greens and escarole are also excellent sources of folate, important for women in childbearing age.
3. Citrus - Citrus fruits, including lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, are at their juiciest in the wintertime and can add sunshine to the dreary winter. Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin, one medium orange delivers more than 100 percent of your daily dose. Citrus fruits are also rich sources of flavonoids. The predominant flavonoid in these fruits hesperidin is credited with boosting good hdl cholesterol and lowering bad ldl cholesterol and triglycerides.
4. Potatoes - Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap for being a white starch, thrown into the same category as white rice or white bread. But unlike those other starches, which have indeed been stripped of healthful nutrients, potatoes are foods that contain several beneficial nutrients. They are an excellent source of two immunity boosters .vitamins C and B6, delivering 25% and 29% of your daily needs per medium potato, respectively. They are also a good source of folate, which is especially important for women in childbearing age, and they deliver fiber (4 grams in a medium potato, women need 25 grams daily and men need 38 grams). If you can find purple potatoes, you will get an added health boon as they are rich in anthocyanins antioxidants that are linked to a host of health benefits, from lowering cancer and heart disease risk to quelling inflammation.
5. Winter squash - There are many varieties of winter squash including butternut, acorn, delicata and spaghetti squash and they all are excellent choices in the winter. One cup of cooked winter squash has few calories (around 80) but is high in both vitamin a (214 percent of the recommended daily value) and vitamin c (33 percent), as well as being a good source of vitamins B6 and K, potassium and folate.
Causes, symptoms and preventions for Nasal Allergy
Symptoms and preventions for Menopause
Severe headache, muscle aches and stiffness especially in neck, light sensitivity, no appetite, and dry throat (very thirsty). Feels like flu, but worse than I've ever experience.
I am 23 years old and after my firstbreakup I do not have any sexual feelings. I am virgin. But many of my friends of same age have such feelings but am not having it since my breakup. Is it normal? If no what shud I do?
I have erection problem in sex. I am having this issue since in a month. I am 39 years old. Got married 9 year completed and does have kid still. No smoke and no drink habits. But I have depression. I am not able to perform well during the sex. My penis not become strong. Please advice.
My father in-law is a diabetic patient. He has diabetic foot. One month ago he underwent a surgery and his thumb had been amputated. Can he take Oats?
If you wish to father a child, then sperm count and quality are critically important. Do you know some bad habits or activities can unknowingly harm your sperm? Here are 7 research-backed ways that you are ruining your sperm quality and count.
1. Laptops- Laptops can be dangerous if you use them on your lap. They can heat your testicles which can negatively affect your sperm production. In fact, a study indicated that men who use laptops on their lap regularly, their sperms motility decreases and DNA damages. This may hurt the chances of reproduction.
2. Smoking -Smoking contributes to 13% of male infertility cases. It damages the sperms in such a way that they are unable to fertilize the eggs. Even if they manage to create an embryo, it is less likely to survive. A puff of smoke may also cause hormonal imbalances and erectile dysfunction.
3. Hot shower - Watch out when you raise the temperature of your bath next time. Experts say that taking baths in very hot waters can heat your scrotum and decrease the sperm count. Scrotum is sac that stores sperms at 35 degree celsius. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, moderate exposure is fine.
4. Soap and detergent - Sure, they are considered as the ultimate germ killer but it is not just germs they kill, you are also killing your chances of having a baby. Some antibacterial soaps, shampoos, detergents and toothpastes may contain triclosan, this chemical has been linked to.
5. Beer - A european study suggested that drinking 5 beers a week is enough to reduce the sperm quality in healthy men. The researchers advised that high habitual alcohol can affect reproductive health and lower the chances of having a baby. However, semen quality can be restored if alcohol intake is reduced.
6. Tight briefs -When you wear tight briefs, your scrotum gets hold more tightly against the body. It can warm the testicles and create a hostile environment. Switch to wearing briefs as they can make you comfortable and also keep the scrotal temperature elevated.
7. Smartphone - Keeping your smartphone in the trouser pocket can spell trouble for you. An american study suggested that phones emit electromagnetic radiation and can have undesirable effects on the cells responsible for development of sperm inside the testicles.
Near By Clinics
Bramha Health CareAyurvedaCHENNAI
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Shree Ayurvedic Health CentreAyurvedaT.Nagar, Chennai, Chennai
KURINJI Holistic Health Care CenterAyurvedaMogappair West, Chennai, Chennai
Sri Venkata Ragavendra Ayurveda ServicesAyurvedaPorur, Chennai, Chennai


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Innovations in Education
Amistad Academy, New Haven, Conn.
School Profile: Selected Variables a
|Year First Chartered
|Grades Served
|Student Ethnicity b
|61% African-American, 31% Hispanic, 2% White
|Special Education
|Less than 5%
|Free or Reduced-price Lunch b
|Annual Cost per Student
a Unless otherwise indicated, these data are reported by the school and are for the
school year 2006–07.
b These data are drawn from the Amistad Academy school report card for 2005–06 posted on Connecticut State Department of Education Web site.
Mission and Founding
In 1998, a group of Yale law students began studying urban education issues and became inspired by civil rights leader and mathematics educator Bob Moses, who views the realms of civil rights and mathematics education as intertwined: "The absence of mathematics literacy in urban and rural communities throughout this country is an issue as urgent as the lack of registered black voters in Mississippi was in 1961."21 Inspired by Moses' words and work, the Yale students concluded that closing the achievement gap is the civil rights issue of today. In exploring how they could help to close achievement gaps in Connecticut, they decided that the most powerful way would be to open a public charter school to prove that urban students can achieve at extraordinarily high levels. Critics told them it could not be done and certainly not without the expertise of a veteran principal. Others cautioned against starting a middle school, advising that it is the hardest nut to crack. But a few visionary leaders offered hope and said they would support the idea.
Led by the two Yale law students, Dacia Toll, a former teacher and Rhodes scholar, and Stefan Pryor, a former New Haven City alderman and policy advisor to the mayor, a 32-member team worked for 18 months to plan the school. On the planning team were teachers, parents, philanthropists, bankers, lawyers, government leaders, foundation and university representatives, and six additional Yale law students.
Charles Terrell, chief executive officer of New Haven Savings Bank, helped to galvanize the business community and worked to get the school financing. Carroll Stevens of Yale Law School and Rod Lane of Southern Connecticut State University provided needed support from connecting Amistad with potential donors to helping to recruit teachers and serving as resources developing the education program. Local leaders and philanthropists offered financial and strategic support, as did the New Haven County Bar Association and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. The approval process was challenging because, while this charter school application was ranked number one in the state's charter approval process (i.e., it would have been the first school to receive a charter), at the time there was no funding for new charter schools. Applicants were forced to appeal to members of the Connecticut General Assembly to get the necessary funding. They did so successfully.
The doors of Amistad Academy opened in 1999 to serve New Haven middle school students in grades 5–8. The school started with 84 fifth- and sixth-graders and subsequently expanded to 270 students. The school is named after the schooner La Amistad, which became a symbol in the abolition movement after 53 West African captives on the ship staged a rebellion in 1839. A replica of the ship is based in the New Haven harbor.
In its first five years, the school received a deluge of applications—eight for every available seat. "I didn't like having to explain to parents that getting a good education was based on luck in the lottery," says Toll, who served as Amistad's first principal. In 2003, as it became clear that more seats were needed to meet the demand, Amistad's school leaders formed a separate nonprofit, Achievement First (see the box on p. 51, Replicating Amistad's Successes: The Role of Achievement First, A Charter Management Organization), which replicated the Amistad Academy model and established Elm City Preparatory School in New Haven, a K–8 school. The nonprofit later launched several additional schools in Brooklyn, N.Y. Toll subsequently gave up the principalship to become president and CEO of Achievement First. In what was reportedly a smooth transition, seasoned Amistad teacher Matthew Taylor stepped in to replace her as principal.
Amistad Academy's mission is three-fold: academic excellence, public citizenship, and public school reform. The school seeks to educate students so they will graduate prepared for successfully tackling academic challenges in high school, college, and beyond. The school also works to foster responsibility among students so that they take care of themselves, their school, and their community according to REACH values (i.e., respect, enthusiasm, achievement, citizenship, and hard work). Doug McCurry, the superintendent of Achievement First schools, explains that the mission is to "change the life options of kids so they can succeed in college and life. It's not about raising [scores] from the 20th percentile to the 35th. That's still poor. We want dramatic gains, in academics and in character."
The school's mission is embedded in many of its daily routines. A daily, student-run morning circle at which the whole school gathers is an opportunity to publicly recognize students for good work and positive citizenship. On a monthly basis, students complete a REACH rubric, rating themselves on the five REACH values. Upon teacher corroboration of their self-assessment, students can earn awards and privileges, such as invitation to a formal breakfast at the end of the school year. Within the school, staff take care to "sweat the small stuff," with the intent of preventing small issues from escalating into larger problems. Likewise, teachers use timers to keep classes on task and ensure that no time is wasted. Administrators demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence by teaching classes, and parents are asked to affirm their own devotion to Amistad's goals by signing a contract pledging support of their children and the school.
School Operations and Educational Program
"Rigorous" and "relentless" are two words that staff, parents, and community members frequently use to describe this school's academic and behavioral environment. Expectations are clearly communicated, verbally and visually, to students. Within the clean and bright school, hallways are decorated with art, college pennants, inspirational phrases, and signed parent contracts. Bulletin boards draw attention to famous Latinos and African-Americans who can serve as role models to the 95 percent Latino and African-American student body. Amistad demonstrates its commitment to all of its students by providing free lunch to everyone, not just the 84 percent who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
A large "Commitment to Excellence" poster hangs on the wall of every classroom. The poster begins with a preamble that states, "I have the power to create a great life for myself. I have high standards and always behave in a way that brings me closer to my goals of success in high school, college, and life. I follow the rules to keep my community safe and strong. To achieve my goals, I will follow the REACH values. … " Beneath this opening, the five REACH values are listed with specific methods of achieving them. For example, under Respect, one of the instructions is "Treat Teachers Like PLATINUM: My teachers care about me and my family. I never talk back, roll my eyes, or suck my teeth. My teachers are here to help me be my best, so I treat them with TOTAL RESPECT." The focus on helping these middle school students aspire to college appears twice within this pledge. For example, under Enthusiasm are the words"Bring an A+ Attitude: I'm excited to climb the mountain to college. I always bring a positive attitude. I never whine, pout, or act out when things don't go my way."
Just as the classroom poster is explicit about behavioral expectations, so, too, are Amistad staff honest with students about their achievement. They talk to students directly about their level of performance in order to inculcate a sense of urgency regarding achievement. "We're up front with them," says dean of students William Johnson. "We tell them, 'You are behind.' We congratulate them when they do well, but not when they're behind." This attitude feeds into school policy. For example, if students get in trouble and are removed from class for breaking rules, they cannot avoid schoolwork. They must make up any missed work.
Amistad Academy prides itself on using data to inform teaching and learning. All Amistad students are selected by a blind lottery run by the New Haven Public Schools; as a result, there is no "creaming," that is, taking only higher-performing students. On average, Amistad's incoming fifth-graders test two years below grade level in reading and mathematics. Every six weeks, the school conducts interim assessments based on, but more rigorous than, the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT), to evaluate student progress and identify areas in need of improvement. Using these data help Amistad staff teach for mastery because they can find out whether or not students understand underlying concepts and, if not, refine their teaching accordingly. Sue Harmon, Amistad's academic dean, brags that all Amistad teachers are excellent but says that she assigns the "best of the excellent" to teach struggling students in small groups. This staffing decision differentiates Amistad from many public schools where the least experienced or prepared teachers frequently are assigned to the most challenging students. Amistad also has a group of teachers known as the "Whatever It Takes" team that provides intensive help for struggling readers. "The goal," says Toll, "is to close the achievement gap with the wealthiest districts." This takes "audacity and focus," she adds. Amistad offers before- and after-school tutoring for struggling students, as well as Saturday classes and a three-week summer school.
From Monday to Thursday, Amistad students attend school from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., a school day that is an hour and a half longer than that of typical public schools. On Fridays, students start at 7:30 a.m. but are dismissed at 1 p.m., giving teachers time to plan together and engage in professional development. During the nine-and-a-half-hour school day, students spend three and a half hours on reading and writing; after school, all students have homework assignments that include independent reading. In all of their work, the emphasis is on conceptual learning. "We teach for mastery, not for coverage," says Harmon.
Amistad uses an unconventional form of tracking to push students forward: staff divide students into four academic groups and differentiate teaching and support to ensure that members of each group get what they need to succeed. Unlike in traditional tracking where low performers get less attention and low expectations, Amistad teachers expect all students to work to their capacity and constantly push all students in all groups to do better. Some fifth-graders enter performing at a kindergarten or first-grade level. That group gets the best teachers, those described by Harmon as being "experts at moving kids forward."
With the exception of the Reading Mastery program for the poorest readers, Amistad does not use packaged curricula and, instead, develops its own standards-based and rigorously taught curriculum. Director of Curriculum Development Kathleen Porter-Magee describes the Amistad curriculum as "state standards plus." For the past two years, Amistad has focused on science and mathematics, and it is currently going through what one staff member calls "writing revolution." Upon opening, the school's writing curriculum centered on expository and persuasive writing; now it is broadening to include personal narratives, poetry, research pa53 pers, compare-and-contrast analyses, and literary analysis essays.
Members of the school management team, including the principal and academic dean, teach classes. Harmon says that as an instructional leader, she loves being in the classroom because it shows her what teachers need to do in order to be successful with Amistad students. One tool employed in every classroom is using a timer to keep students on task and push them to be productive. In a low-level reading class, for example, a teacher eyed a student who had been dragging his feet and said, "You've been picking through those books for 12 minutes." She then selected a book and offered it to the student, telling him that he would "love it." This teacher also demonstrated her ability to push and compliment lagging and ambitious students, alike. To a student who picked out the slimmest book available, she said, "You won't read anything over 100 pages. That's a wimpy way out of things. Challenge yourself. I'm not asking you to read a 700-page book. At least get to a 200-page book." To another student who selected the 352-page biography of Medgar Evers, she offered accolades: "I'm very proud of you. That's a tough book."
Amistad teachers are attuned to habits and changes among individual students, but are also responsive to the class as a whole. In one mathematics class, a teacher asked the students to individually complete a timed mathematics exercise and then swap papers with a partner to check answers and explain the problem-solving techniques used. When she saw how lethargic students were in working together, she stopped the class, told everyone to stand up, and said, "You need a warm-up." She then engaged them in a game in which she calls out types of angles (e.g., right, left, acute) that students have to form with their arms. Students who miss the angle sit down, and the teacher gives instructions faster and faster until there is one student left standing. At the end of the game, everyone was energized.
Family Involvement and External Partnerships
Parents, students, and school staff sign a contract that outlines their shared commitment to hard work and consistent support of one another. In addition, Amistad staff members meet with new families over the summer to ensure they understand the school's expectations. The school also communicates regularly with parents throughout the year. Every Monday, students bring home a "scholar dollar paycheck." Scholar dollars are points earned through good attendance, good work, and good behavior; they can be used for such things as pizza lunches and fun after-school activities one Friday a month. The paycheck provides detailed information about a student's attendance, work, and behavior.
Every Wednesday, parents receive a more general school update with information about schedules and upcoming events. Parents are required to sign the monthly REACH rubrics that students and teachers complete, as well as to attend a progress report conference every trimester.
Parents appreciate the effort the school makes to involve them. One parent says, "The school is open and they welcome you anytime. They value parent input. Every time I've raised an issue, it's been addressed." Amistad gives parents various opportunities to be directly involved in school leadership, in such ways as participating on the Parent Leader Council or as the parent member of the board of directors. They also encourage parents to be involved with the classroom, in such ways as chaperoning field trips. One of the school's newest parent-school activities is the Big Job Seminar at which the entire school staff and parents gather three times a year to discuss parenting challenges and to offer one another advice and support. According to the parent satisfaction survey completed at the end of the 2005–06 school year, 97 percent of parents gave Amistad an A or A+. One parent commented, "This is a good institution. They stress the importance of education. They have high standards and push people toward those standards. … It should be a model everywhere. Every child deserves what they have here at Amistad."
Within the community, Amistad has maintained the close relationship its founders had to Yale University and the surrounding area. The volunteer tutor program, for example, draws over 30 volunteers from Yale, local churches, and businesses.
Governing for Accountability
The state of Connecticut authorizes Amistad's charter, which is, in turn, overseen by a 19-member board of directors. The board includes representatives from the business, legal, philanthropic, and education worlds. Two teachers and a parent also have spots on the board, which meets about five times a year. Amistad's board of directors works in partnership with Achievement First to provide support, oversight, and leadership to the school.
The Amistad management team consists of the principal, the academic dean, and the dean of students. Since 1999, the school has had only two principals, Toll and, now, Matthew Taylor. Teacher recruitment plays a large role in Amistad's success. There are two full-time staff dedicated to recruiting teachers for Achievement First's New Haven schools. When hiring teachers, Amistad looks for those with a strong commitment to closing the achievement gap, interest in being in an urban school, comfort with data-driven decision-making, receptiveness to feedback, and dedication to working as part of a team. The hiring process includes an extensive written application, phone interviews, school visits, guest teaching, and a debriefing to gauge how well the candidate receives feedback. "We put them through the ringer to make sure we find the right people," says recruiter Carla Seeger. Toll also notes that she hires "for attitude as opposed to experience. With the right attitude, we can teach them how to teach."
Amistad utilizes ongoing professional development to advance its teachers' skills. Frequent classroom observations, combined with twice yearly comprehensive evaluations, yield feedback for teachers, who, in exchange for working longer days, earn about 10 percent more than those in other public schools in the area. Teachers also are eligible for a $1,500 attendance bonus if they are present every day and a prorated amount based on the number of missed days.
The state provides about $8,000 of the $11,000 Amistad spends per student. To fill the gap, Amistad uses a combination of categorical federal funding (e.g., Title I, special education), government grants, and philanthropic gifts. The Achievement First development office helps raise money, and the school has successfully petitioned the state to increase charter school allocations.
Replicating Amistad's Successes: The Role of Achievement First, A Charter Management Organization
In Amistad's fourth year, the leaders and board began carefully planning a way to maintain excellence at Amistad while building a new school reform effort. In June 2003, Amistad's leaders created a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit, Achievement First, with the mission of bringing Amistad's model and best practices to scale by creating a network of high-performing public charter schools to effect dramatic student achievement gains in low-performing urban districts. Their goal was to create a replicable system that can generate positive educational opportunities and outcomes for thousands of urban students by sharing effective practices and growing a network of high-performing charter schools in New York and Connecticut.
As a charter management organization (CMO), Achievement First provides a range of organizational and institutional supports for its member schools. The support it offers network schools is extensive, including but not limited to, developing curriculum; creating a technology-based interim assessment system; providing monthly budget reports for each school; purchasing staff benefits and insurance; fund-raising; providing access to audit and legal services; recruiting teachers and school leaders, providing a two-year sequence of professional development opportunities for all teachers and leadership training for all prospective principals; conducting principal evaluations twice a year and an intensive school inspection once every two years; and coordinating special services, such as food service, maintenance and custodial service, and transportation. Achievement First also handles marketing to potential parents, students, and teachers, and manages the student lottery and enrollment process for its network schools.
As a network, Achievement First can leverage resources to provide high-quality systems for which individual schools might not have the resources on their own. By providing these services, Achievement First frees the principal to focus on instructional leadership and ensuring high-quality school programs. For example, Achievement First does all of the fund-raising, so that principals do not have to engage in such time-consuming activities. While the local school site pays the salary for each school site's director of operations, Achievement First manages this staff member, providing training and oversight. All teachers and administrators from Achievement First schools come together two days a year for focused seminars, professional development, and exchange of best practices with colleagues.


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This time i present you "World Wide" clean portfolio website template. Package includes 5 PSD (full site) templates and 5 high quality jpgs. Templates are designed using 960 grid system (16 colons). As always, layers are well organized, named and grouped for easy editing.
I used two fonts and they are:
News Gothic MT (variations) – Logo + Headers + Links on top
Arial – Everything else
Icons i used are free and you can find them here: Royal icon set: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/06/20/smashing-royal-icon-set/
e-commerce: http://www.starfishwebconsulting.co.uk/articles/free-ecommerce-icons?/ecommerce-icons


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May 29, 2013 —
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Winning a Section Nine track and field championship is a monumental achievement, an honor most schools have never laid claim to. Thus it is with the utmost reverence and awe that one regards the consecutive dominance of the Tri-Valley girls in Class C and the Eldred girls and boys in Class D who, with this week's title wins, have run their streaks to seven, six and five years respectively.
For the T-V girls their seventh title was a fitting sendoff to their beloved coaches Joe and Missy Iatauro, who are retiring in June. Missy, who coaches the girls, was enshrouded by an immense group hug after the Lady Bears dusted Onteora 194.5 to 148.5.T-V was led by a trio of gold medalists abetted by a profusion of others who garnered points by placing in their events: Mareena DiMilia won the 100 hurdles (15.73) and the shot put (37-2.25). Colleen Jones took the discus (106-4), Katlynn Greffath won the high jump (4-8). Though T-V's win was the big story of the day, honors went to others including Fallsburg's Candhace Forrest who won the 100 (12.73) and the 200 (27.05).
Epic performances by Sullivan West freshman Courtney Meyerer resulted in second place finishes in the 400 (61:40) and in the 1600 relay (4:21.28 which she ran with Rosa Martinez, Megan Robisch and Erin Sumfleth. She also took third in the 800 (2:28:51). The Lady Bulldogs were fourth in the meet among 12 competing Class C schools. It was the swan song for Dani Myers, whose career at SW has been an epic one.
Meanwhile, the day before Eldred's girls buried second place Chapel Field 216 to 158 while the boys beat CF 216 to 125. Kayla Maas won the 3000 (12:10.80). The Lady Yellow Jackets won the 3200 relay (11:34.61) behind the combined efforts of Sara Jane Drewett, Selena Hudak, Jessica Davis and Maas. Melissa McMonagle won the pole vault (7-0). Livingston Manor's Ami Calo claimed the high jump (4-5) and the triple jump (33-2.75). Teammate Katherine Ellis won the discus (68-3) and the shot put (27-4.5).


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Events » Family & Youth Programs » Stories in the Afternoon
Stories in the Afternoon
Two Heads, 1932
Paul Klee
Swiss, 1879-1940
Encaustic, oil (?) and pencil on canvas
31-7/8 x 33-1/2 in. (81.0 x 85.1 cm)
Norton Simon Museum, The Blue Four Galka Scheyer Collection
© 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn
More Then Just a Square
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2014
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Speaker: Educator
Type: Stories in the Afternoon
Sometimes a square is more than just a square. Read a story about a square that transforms and reinvents itself, then look at a variety of shapes from the Museum's collection of modern paintings before creating your own reinvented square.
Meets in Entrance Gallery | Free with admission. This activity is designed for families with children ages 4–8. | No reservations needed


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I'm considering supplementing just a bit with formula, but I really don't want to and am looking for advice.*
My baby is 3 mos. She's been exclusively breastfed since birth, has never been fed formula. I can't remember when this started, but very early on I developed oversupply and hyperactive letdown in the morning. She started sleeping well at night really early, so that contributed because I had so much milk stored by the time she woke up. It took me a while to realize this was why she'd choke and cough, why she fussed at the breast, was gassy and had greenish stools. So then I took the recommended steps to fix it. Block feeding to reduce supply and baby on top position when letdown was particularly forceful. It helped a lot. I still get some coughing and milk gushing everywhere, but not nearly as much, and she seems more content eating, for the most part.
I had a second problem right from the start, though. By late afteroon my letdown would start to slow. By the time we do bedtime feeding, it's extremely slow. It's always been that way, even when I had way too much milk. The baby tends to cluster feed at night, which makes it worse. I've lost count of how many nights I've tried to feed her and she gets too frustrated to wait for letdown, pulling off the nipple every few seconds to cry.
This has gotten a bit better lately, since I started following some rules. No feeding for two hours before bedtime, and I make sure to take a really hot shower before the last feeding. It's the only thing that consistently helps, and we've had many peaceful nights lately. The problem is, we don't follow any kind of schedule. I feed her on demand. And last night she was so hungry and fussy that I broke my rule and fed her after the "cutoff" time. The result was a baby at bedtime who was hungry but cried and cried because my milk wouldn't let down fast enough, and she didn't go to sleep until an hour later than usual.
So it's clear that we'll still have some nights like these, and it drives me crazy not to be able to feed her when she's hungry. I can't take steps to increase supply; that would bring back the oversupply, and it wouldn't help at night, anyway. I'm scared of pumping, think it will increase supply too much.*
So I'm considering trying a bit of formula when this happens, just enough to get her to calm down and become patient enough to suck until the milk lets down. She doesn't take a bottle very well--chews on it instead of sucking--so it's unlikely this will result in us getting lazy and replacing bf'ing with formula.
This makes me feel like a failure and a Bad Mom, though! Weight gain is not a problem. She's gained an average of 9 oz per week since birth. So there's no reason to do it other than the fact that it breaks my heart when she's hungry and I can't satisfy her.
I also have to confess that I've found exclusively breastfeeding to be the hardest thing I've ever done, and I don't enjoy it at all. Aside from the oversupply and slow letdown issues, the baby being so absolutely dependent on me has been extremely difficult. I long for the ability to be able to be separated from her for more than an hour at a time, and not worry that she'll get hungry or just need me for comfort. Being able to take a break just once in a while would help me recharge. I know my husband also is looking forward to being able to feed her and take care of her in that way. So that makes me feel that I'm just looking for an excuse to give her a bottle now and then, for the convenience, and then I feel selfish.
Anyway, I've searched the Internet a lot for women with a similar experience of hyperactive letdown in the morning and too slow flow at night, but it seems I might be alone in this?
Any advice or even just a "hang in there" would be appreciated!