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Hi girls. I have been lurking for a few weeks now, and have learned so much from these reviews. I am so grateful to you for all the advice, thoughts, fears, joys, and tips you have given. I am certain I have learned more here than by researching or speaking to my doctor! I have many posts and lots to say, so this one will just be an introduction. I was an obese teenager, having a 44 inch waist and weighing 252 lbs at 5'6" by the time I was 16. Between the ages of 19-21 I lost 115 lbs, and have kept it off (mostly...babies don't count, right?) for the last 12 years. I am 32 years old, have 2 children who are 7 and 5, and am done having babies. My pregnancies did not add any new stretch marks or loose skin to my frame that wasn't already there. I developed a minor diastasis after my second pregnancy that I closed through proper exercise, though there is still a 2 finger gap at my belly button, and a 1.5 finger gap below my navel. I am an ultramarathon runner (races longer than 26.2 miles - up to 100 miles or more), backpacker, mountaineer, and yogi. I lift weights, speed walk and bike occasionally. I am very strong and healthy. I am 5'7" tall and weigh 137 lbs. Any of my extra weight is concentrated in the torso area, and always has been.
I began gaining weight at 8 years old, and by that time already had an overhanging stomach. I literally cannot ever remember a time when i could see my belly button. I have always been embarrassed of the extra flesh on my stomach, but more so the effects on my lifestyle are what hurt. I cannot sit down without pulling my shirt out of my skin rolls. I cannot wear certain fabrics. I have to shop for pants at 10 different stores to find something I can tuck my skin into. When I run, my belly skin chafes, blisters or bleeds. When I roll over in bed a pile of flesh is lying beside me. Though my husband has never complained, seeing my own body is a turnoff during intimacy. This surgery for me is not really about the appearance, as much as it is about the functionality of my abdomen, and the way it has hindered or touched every aspect of my life. I have wanted this for so long, and now is the time because fate intervened and I developed a nasty little hernia. It is inguinal, which is rare for women. It is located in the groin, close to my thigh. This cannot be repaired laproscopically, and I must have an incision and anesthesia.
What has held me back all these years is the same thing that holds you back - a sense of selfishness, wasting the money on something "frivolous", being put under anesthesia and cut in half. But now that I need the hernia repair, I have decided to do this once and for all. My first consult was yesterday, Dec 5th, and my surgery is scheduled for December 27th. I have so much more to say including specifics about my surgery, why I am refusing muscle repair, what this means for me as an athlete, and more, but I'll let you chew on this and post more again in the coming days. Thanks for listening.
Tummy Tuck Part 1: PO day 21 - new pics AND new review started!
Hi girls. I have been lurking for a few weeks now,...
Hi girls. I have been lurking for a few weeks now, and have learned so much from these reviews. I am so grateful to you for all the advice, thoughts, fears, joys, and tips you have given. I am certain I have learned more here than by researching or speaking to my doctor! I have many posts and lots to say, so this one will just be an introduction. I was an obese teenager, having a 44 inch waist and weighing 252 lbs at 5'6" by the time I was 16. Between the ages of 19-21 I lost 115 lbs, and have kept it off (mostly...babies don't count, right?) for the last 12 years. I am 32 years old, have 2 children who are 7 and 5, and am done having babies. My pregnancies did not add any new stretch marks or loose skin to my frame that wasn't already there. I developed a minor diastasis after my second pregnancy that I closed through proper exercise, though there is still a 2 finger gap at my belly button, and a 1.5 finger gap below my navel. I am an ultramarathon runner (races longer than 26.2 miles - up to 100 miles or more), backpacker, mountaineer, and yogi. I lift weights, speed walk and bike occasionally. I am very strong and healthy. I am 5'7" tall and weigh 137 lbs. Any of my extra weight is concentrated in the torso area, and always has been.
I thought I'd tell you a bit about my expected...
I have known I wanted Dr. Langstein for years, and already knew that I wouldn't be bothering with multiple consults. Dr. L has 27 years experience as a PS, is the head of the cosmetic surgery department at one of the best teaching hospitals in the country, and is world recognized for his skills as a microvascular surgeon. I have watched him on a few episodes of the PBS series, Second Opinion, and was specifically blown away by his skills recreating a breast from virtually thin air with donor tissue - it had symmetry, realism and balance. The doctors on the show pointed out that he was an incredible engineer and artist, and I have to agree. If he could make a natural looking breast out of belly and labia skin with stitching so fine it could barely be seen, that looks nearly identical to it's neighboring untouched breast - then he can certainly pull my stomach tighter.
I went to see him for the first time on Dec. 5th. He was very kind and pleasant, but as expected in a busy practice - busy. He didn't spend much time chit chatting, but I already knew what I wanted and have educated myself thoroughly, so have no major questions. He looked at my belly and declared that I could get a "great result" and that this would be "easy", not in an arrogant way at all - he just seemed to be confident and comfortable. He questioned me regarding my reasons for wanting no muscle repair and was satisfied with my answers and happily obliged. He did not say I would need liposuction or anything else to get a nice appearance. Because of all this he said the surgery would only take 1.5 hours on his part. In his 27 years he has NEVER done these 2 surgeries at the same time, but felt okay if Dr. W was okay too. Due to the hernia repair - I need an overnight in the hospital, and much of the facility fees and anesthesiology fees will be billed to the insurance company. My total out of pocket price for everything came back as $5182, and without hesitation I booked the surgery.
Nothing left now but the crying! In less than three weeks, my "barnacle" will be gone. So blessed.
On my way to pay my bills! Woohoo...feeling real!
So I am farting around at the store today,...
After 20 minutes, I finally uncover 2 pairs of hipsters that have a seam in the center waist and angle slightly upward toward the hip, like a shallow V. I grab them after agonizing over color..why ? Who will see them but you, my PS and my husband? Crazy! Then I make the unfortunate mistake of wandering over to the body shapers...omg...what? What do I need? How big should it be? One that goes over my butt and hips, one with a crotch or no, one that is like a tank top? What about this silly looking tube slip, can I jam that down over my torso? What brand? Boning or no boning? No doubt about it..these are first world problems! Luckily when I tried my new panties, they were exactly right...and I can wait to figure out the binder....I still have 3 weeks. Omg, 3 weeks!
When I got serious about having a TT, I began...
In the beginning I watched Becky's tummy tuck journey on YouTube, and read countless reviews and first hand accounts here and elsewhere. It seemed to me that there was a litany of short term and potentially long term side effects to MR...some of them that seemed risky to me. Of course there is the pain, pressure, tightness, muscle spasms and slow healing time initially. But then there was the popped stitches, bulges, tingling, muscle weakness and lingering soreness that can prevent one from working the core, lying on her stomach etc. Of course, this was not everybody by any means...but there were enough of these stories that it gave me pause. Do I really need it? Define need.
I asked the question to the realself doctors, as well as went back through the archives. The responses were pretty militant, even bordering on insulting. They said things like - it is essential! It is a rare woman who doesn't need it! Your TT will look unfinished! You will have a sloppy or dumpy appearance! The surgery is not all it could be! This one size fits all model didn't sit right with me. Certainly I have seen photos of ladies who's Timmy's stilled bulged as if they were pregnant, who had hernias, who complained of weakness and who's appearance led them to be asked when the baby was due on a regular basis. Still there are other women who at one time had a lovely narrow waist and they lost it during pregnancy. For these women, muscle repair may be just as important cosmetically or mechanically. But to say that for ALL women it is necessary is unfair.
For me, I had to examine why I want a TT. Is it for a certain look or dress size? Is it to relieve pain and bring back strength? Is it just to remove extra skin and fat? Personally, my TT is about self esteem and function. My primary concern is for good health and mobility. For me, though I have a minor diastasis, it is not worth risking my agility and strength to take an inch of my waist, or make my tummy flatter. For you, maybe it is worth it. But I have been aghast at the assertion by many doctors that it is a must for a good job. In fact I was afraid to even ask for it. Once I explained to my doctor that my core muscles were strong and 'if it ain't broke it shouldn't be fixed', he was very happy to do a skin only TT for me. If you happen to be reading this and are unsure whether muscle plication is for you, I encourage you to research and weigh the pros and cons. Also, to watch tutorials on YouTube that explain how to locate and measure your own diastasis, and not just trust your doctor to make the call once he has you opened up. This is MY TT and I am getting what suits me. I hope you have advocated for exactly what you want as well, and get nothing but the best!
In 16 days, I will shed my skin suit. Hallelujah!
Oh, and I just want to add, in case it wasn't...
I was on the treadmill yesterday, when I realized...
When I run, my stomach skin twists and bounces as if it were a bra-less boob. Sometimes it hurts. Always I am embarrassed that other runners will look at me and think I am undisciplined, or new, or "just a jogger" because of my physique. For years I thought about what it would be like to take 2 months off, and lose fitness and start all over from zero - a heavy proposition since I have been running ultramarathons non-stop for five years. Starting over is a mental difficulty. I never take time off. I don't sleep when I can't run or hike or climb. But when I think about tightening the hip belt on my backpack and not having a roll flopping over the top of it, or wearing shirts that are a size too big to camouflage my bulge, or praying the wind doesn't change direction and plaster the shirt against my pouch, or shopping for special high waisted exercise bottoms to tuck my skin into, or doing down dog without living in total fear that my shirt will flip up and people will see what I am hiding, or doing plow pose and not having the roll flop down and crush my lungs and make it impossible to get my feet on the floor....or putting my hands on my hips and feeling something firm where I used to feel nothing but droopy softness - it is worth whatever amount of time I have to take off, whatever amount of pain I have to endure, whatever kind of judgement from others I am offered to finally feel what I really am, for once - STRONG.
Since surgery is 2 weeks and one day away, and I...
Some genius suggested that purchasing and wearing an "old lady housecoat" that zips up the front is the perfect post surgical solution. No need to bend over and fight with pants or stretch your arms over your head tugging a shirt off...you just unzip and go! This is a brilliant idea, and one that also manages to be acutely humiliating for a 32 yr old woman. In my cart goes 2 pastel colored mumus. I also bought a Hanes brand Torset compression braless tank and a Cupid brand Waist, hip and thigh shaper if I need to attack the belly from the other direction. Since the 2 items cost less than 1 pair of spanx, I figured it was worth it. I also bought Medihoney alginate dressings. They come in rolls that are 12 inches long and you can cut to fit them. I read a lot about manuka honey, perused the various products and feel good about purchasing and using these for my wound care.
I have to say that It was a singular experience to plop the house dresses and body shapers up on the belt in the check out line. You have to laugh at yourself, cause you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't!
Just home from my pre-surgical appointment. The...
The overwhelming thought I had when I walked into the surgical center was just one of disbelief. I cannot believe I am finally doing this, and that I am going to be cut open and sewn back together. This is one of the biggest decisions I have ever made in my life...as I'm sure it's been for everyone else too. I am so very busy right now getting ready for surgery, the holidays and to sell our house after Christmas that I don't have too much time to dwell on it all, thank God. 13 days now.....
When I first found out that my hernia would need...
- Wildorchids: our similar stomach drape and body shape give me immense hope. And her incision and BB have been the best I've seen in my opinion, hands down. If my doctor can make my belly look half as good, I'll be stoked.
- Kimmers25: for being an awesome den mother, encouragement, and for being willing to share her story and then keep helping others on their journeys.
- All the ladies who have a major split to their muscles. What you have endured, with having people ask when your baby is due, the embarrassment of having a pot belly etc - if anyone deserves a TT it is you! I thank God for doctors who can restore those muscles and for your bravery
- All the massive weight loss ladies. You have been to the darkest places a woman can go physically, survived it, and you DESERVE to look as strong as you are. When you began your weight loss journey, perhaps you thought the body embarrassment was over, but it was only beginning because of the hanging skin you were left with. Now is your time to have what everyone else has and feel NORMAL. Way to go - all of us!
- The mamas - who sacrificed their figures, their skin and their self esteem to bring forth children. You give so much of yourself as a mother, and it is time to get back something for you. Go on hot mamas!
And finally, Metalmomma, for posting a pic of her "new favorite pose". It inspired me to do the same, since it is my least favorite pose. On all fours, I measured from the edge of my skin hang to my belly button: 3.5 inches. In 1.5 weeks I will never look down and in that position and see that mess again. Thank you baby Jesus, Merry Christmas to MEEE!
For the last 12 years I have been obsessed with my...
and in 10 days it's over.
I can't believe it's going to be over. What will I do with all the extra brain space that I will have when I am not obsessing about and constantly tortured by my stomach? I anticipate that December 27, 2012 is going to be one of the greatest days of my life.
Tomorrow I have to begin "no supplements". This...
My instinct is to diet myself down as "thin" as possible before the surgery and not eat very much. My common sense is telling me to eat enough to stay warm and healthy and eat the highest nutrient content food possible. Sense wins. I generally eat very healthfully, but not every meal is a win. Sometimes a "meal" is a christmas cookie or a granola bar...that's not cutting it right now. So, I am eating as usual, but making every meal and snack count instead of just one or two. These are items I am emphasizing:
Chia seeds (protein, fat, intestinal health)
coconut milk (fat, electrolytes, minerals)
greek yogurt (intestinal health, protein)
raw honey (general antibiotic capabilities, trace minerals)
fresh pressed vegetable/ fruit juice combos with an emphasis on dark colored greens, citrus fruits, and ginger (vitamins/ minerals)
modest quantities of meat and eggs (protein)
coconut oil (fat is essential for cell repair)
organic nut butters
fresh berries and fruit
green salads with oil and vinegar
steamed vegetables
I am avoiding high sodium foods and processed food, eating very few grains (and gluten free when I do)
PRAYING that this brings me to the surgery as healthy as I can be, and keeps me illness free so I can even have it.
Did a big shop today...bought groceries enough to...
One week from today, and the skin I have always dreamed would go - will.
I have to admit - though I've heard great things...
There is still this part of me that says "I want to see the book of photos!", but I have to trust that he is an expert and will not do me wrong. I am typically a control freak, so to just trust this man is strange, but that is how confident I feel about him. In my gut, I just know he is going to create a great result for me. I absolutely cannot wait for my pre-op appointment next Wednesday where I can see him again and get all my surgery questions answered. Wow, so little time left to wait...
I am so happy to report that my to-do list, the...
SO freaking ready for 2 weeks off my feet and waving bye bye to jiggly belly for GOOD!
Merry Christmas realselfers! It has been a...
Just back from my pre-op. Got all my questions...
I think the best tool one can have in their toolbox for undergoing something like this is the right attitude. You have to be prepared for a bad outcome, a bad recovery, complications and such. You also have to really be willing to accept the swelling, physical limitations, immobility, and lack of independence. There have been many times in the past 12 years when I would get close to booking a consult and then think of the time off from running and living and being normal, and decide it was not worth it. Now, I finally feel like I am ready to face whatever I have to to remove this burden from my life. To not be or feel more attractive...just to feel normal. I don't feel normal since I lost the weight over a decade ago. I still feel like a fat girl or an out of shape person, though that is so far from reality. My dream is that in 3 months I will get dressed without trying on 5 outfits, that I will not be ashamed to get undressed, that I will look as fit as I am, and that I will finally....just feel normal.
Best of luck to everyone going in tomorrow - momoftwinks, yvette29, svalentine, and petite. See you on the flat side!
Lying in my hospital bed. Not wearing compression...
When my folks got to my room, they told me that...
The first time I stood up to go pee I was very dizzy and lightheaded..and nauseous. When they discharged me, without a CG, I knew it was gonna be bad...especially cause my mom is a crazy driver. So I noticed where the plastic bags were in advance. We were only 3 blocks away when I puked all the water I had drank and the 1/2 cup of ice cream! But seriously felt so much better...no dizzies and belly was settled. It did hurt the incision to puke though.
Was sent home with Rx for keflex and norco. I am going to be good and take the pain pills for a day or two, then try to step down to Tylenol. Pain on the drugs is about a 2 out of 10. Pain is localized to drain sites and the hernia repair. Again, as a reminder, I chose not to have muscle repair and that is probably why the pain is minimal. The lack of compression is probably going to equal a big tree trunk of a torso, but I have some garments at home I can rock when I leave mom's in a few days. I am so happy, and can't wait to post pics Sunday or Monday! Even with the immediate swelling I can see my ab muscles. Woohoo!
Rock on 27th sisters!
- I am not surprised that male doctors place...
- the dulcolax, prune juice and antibiotics are hosting a rave in my intestines right now. It's going to be interesting later...very hopeful this helps
- sleeping sitting up is BS and quite uncomfortable. I'll try the bed with a wedge pillow tonight instead.
- get the old lady mumus....it works awesome for dealing with the drains!
- drain output is very high...and needed without any compression, as much as I hate them they are doing their job.
- GMA had a segment this morning about eyebrow transplants. Really? REALLY?
- honestly, it is hard to b excited or relieved or proud or happy at first because you are so wrapped up in your pain. It hasn't registered with me that my body is so different...all I can think of is being careful and healing, not all those fantasies I had about tight shirts and running without all that cadaverous skin hanging off me.
- I am very very grateful for everything and though it will be weeks and months until I finally see my new mid section, I can already say I would do this again and again and again.
Be blessed gals!
What is worse than being in constant pain,...
Slept in bed last night with 2 wedge pillows, but woke up in my side, curled in a ball with my legs scissored...just how I normally sleep. Alas, I had to get up for pills and peeing and never found the sweet spot again. I went to bed extremely swollen and misshapen, and am looking much better today. I hope to shower and see my belly button today. I stopped vicodin yesterday afternoon and switched to Tylenol. Had my first poop this AM... All came out fine thanks to prune juice, tons of water, and twice daily doses of stool softener. I think the freakiest thing is the drains and total lack of sensation below the belly. The painful thing is the hernia repair, and the actions of coughing, throat clearing and nose blowing. And the back...oh lord the back. It's only day 2 and I am already dying to stand up!
But overall I do feel ok, energetic, and focused on one day at a time. Really grateful....this isn't too bad. Don't get me wrong...it really freakin sucks, but it's still not too bad.
Happy healing girlies!
I know this question has been asked before, but...
So interesting to me that when I was Pre-op I...
Yesterday was my first shower, which I took with no help in my parents corner cubicle shower. I figured there were 3 walls to catch me if I keeled over. I did as the doc said, kept my back to the water and didn't linger. My incision is dissolvable sutures and the top layer is glue, so I only have a bandage over my BB. I did take the tape off and found the button filled w gauze. I pulled some out, and it was like a magicians trick, it kept coming and coming! So I cut the 5 inches I'd removed off, put my Medihoney dressing on and left it alone.
I had 2 poops yesterday, and one already this morning with the aid of stool softener. I am managing my pain w extra strength Tylenol before bed, and small doses throughout the day, though I feel I've crossed from pain to discomfort...with minor stabbing pains coming from my right drain. The left drain continues to have high output, that has decreased everyday, the right has less than 40 now, that has also decreased daily. I can only hope that they come out Wednesday! Again, by far the worst part of this is not standing or lying straight. I did get some relief yesterday when I got on all fours and flattened my back for a moment.
Other oddities - mega gas, no appetite (though I am eating plenty), and when I sit up (in the car, at the dinner table), I get sweaty, my heart pounds, head is buzzy and get slightly queasy. Dunno why, because it doesn't hurt to sit up....maybe just takes too much energy.
My swelling is minimal in the AM, but by the evening I have a ring of fluid all the way around my body at the incision line and I look 4 months pregnant. My mom just brought me home...yes, my kids will probably make me nuts, but I just was not comfortable anymore...I was longing for home. So here I am. This was a long post, but I want to make sure I cover everything for all you hungry Pre-ops. I do want to mention how inspired I am by the women who underwent muscle repair....I can imagine that pain only, and I give you so much credit. No wonder there is a period of buyers remorse and depression. As for me, my recovery was just as expected - not fun, but really not too bad. Godspeed Pre-ops, and speedy healing wishes for the post ops, especially team 27th!
Well, I finally got around to taking some photos...
Ah, the drains. Repulsive to look at, painful to have, nasty to change. Specifically my right one has had very low output from day one. Now it is causing stabbing and shooting pains. My first post op isn't until Wednesday, day 6, but I am going to call in this AM and beg to be seen, and at least have the right one removed. Hoping.....
Weighed myself this AM. Down 3 lbs since surgery, despite the unusually large quantities of food I've had to eat while healing. I suspect that 2-3 lbs of that was the actual skin and fat removal. Still exhausts me to sit up without back support, still having bouts of nausea (probably due to the medicine), pain is still minor and localized around the drains and hernia repair. Only now the pain I feel w no painkillers in my system is the pain I was feeling 2 days ago with Tylenol...so, big improvement.
As you can see in my photos, the doctor made me a nice little bloody mess of a BB, but I think it is going to be adorable when it heals. The fact that I even own a visible BB is still a point of disbelief for me, since its been about 22 years that I've been able to see it. When I first saw my incision I couldn't believe how low it was, but I was lying down and had no clue how compressed my torso was. As I become more erect that scar floats higher and higher, and I suspect will be visible in all my hipster underpants. And yes, I did have a MAJOR thigh and pubic lift out of he deal. Holy cow! But ya know, I am all crisscrossed with stretch marks anyhow...what difference does a little old scar make?
This mornings pictures were definitely the first time I've felt thrilled. AND it only gets better from here!
Woohoo, PS can see me today to have the right...
So I went to see the PA for an emergency...
Happy New Years realselfers!
Happy new year realselfers! I am happy to report...
Each day I stand a bit straighter in the morning. Each day I am a bit less swollen, exhausted, etc. weirdness still persists with the hunching, the one drain, the side effects from meds and all that, but each day is a few more baby steps towards normal. Tomorrow the hubby goes back to work and kids go back to school, so for at least a few hours each day I cannot schlep around like an invalid. Truly, I can do more than I have been doing, but won't. I didn't pay all this money and go through this pain to mess up my results, so I've allowed people to baby me. I recommend everyone does the same!
So happy that today is my last day of antibiotics, and I will finally get to sleep through the night. My drain output is pretty low, and looking forward to removal tomorrow. My PA said yesterday that I couldn't run Until THREE weeks. I thought it would be SIX! I told her I was in no hurry, and that my goal was to be walking in 3 weeks, not running. I do run several thousand miles a year, but I am beyond the point where it defines who I am as a person, and have no issues with time off. A few years ago....I'd have been climbing the walls though. I think I waited until the right time to go to flatsville!
Hope 2013 is the best year of your lives gals!
Well, you know what they say, about nothing being...
I was surprised immediately by how much laxity I still have on my sides. The truth is, that I was probably a good candidate for fleur de lis, a circumferential body lift, or at least an extended scar. I didn't speak to my doctor at all about those concerns, I just opted to trust him. I also expected that he'd release my skin up to my breasts, but I realize now that he barely went higher than my BB, so when I sit or lean over, there is already a gathering and sagging of flesh above my BB. There must be a reason for it, but I didn't expect it. I should have asked more questions. My bad. Plastic surgery can undo some of the sins in the past, but not all of them, and for me this is the honest truth. It is a vast improvement. I'd take this any dang day of the week over what I had....but I won't lie and say I am perfectly happy with the outcome. Who ever is?
Slept all night on my side last night! Hooray! Took the last of my antibiotics, and only one Tylenol all day yesterday. Still taking stool softener, because pushing freaks me out. Do not want to blow out my hernia repair! Going to see PS today for first real post op. hoping to get the left drain out, but I have a stinky suspicion it's going to be with me another few days.
Children at school, husband at work. Allowing myself to do light housework and one errand only. Not going to tackle any of my other jobs until next week. The rest of the time I am reclining with my feet up. Everyday I stand up a bit straighter, though its still a couple weeks I think before I am fully erect all the time. Happy healing ladies, stay positive!
I am one week post op today. Yesterday I got to...
Other things I discovered yesterday:
- When you apply compression after the drain is freshly pulled, expect Niagara Falls out of that open wound
- Compression makes you stand straighter. My doc is not a believer, but after I got home I did put on my Hanes Torset top just to help with any extra fluid collection. I am standing up nicer, but have weird sensations under my incision...,not sure if that is good or bad.
- Peeing is very interesting now. There was another realselfer recently who spoke about this problem too, but I cannot recall who she was. When I pee, I have to lean way forward, or else the pee goes all over the seat and my thighs. This is clearly due to the pubic lift as well. Only a minor annoyance in the ladies room. A very large problem it will be in the woods. As a hiker and mountaineer, I am a regular yogi bear, but this definitely throws a wrench in the works. How will I manage to pee outdoors without hitting my clothes. Perhaps I will teach myself to go standing up!
- the fatigue I have experienced is humbling, and my body's cues, powerful. My sport, ultra marathon running ( 31 - 100) mile races, revolves around ignoring your body's pain and fatigue signals. You cannot run for 24 straight hours and honor every cry your body gives to sleep or stop or eat half a large pizza. But my body's insistence that I get off my feet NOW is so loud that I haven't dared ignore it. At first, I could make it for 2 or 3 minutes,now I am up to 10 - 15. Yes, I COULD keep going...but that call to lie down immediately is intense, and oddly, I have been good about honoring it. I have literally thrown whatever item I have in hand on the floor, walked away in the middle of a chore or conversation so I could get horizontal. When my doc mentioned exercise yesterday, I nearly laughed out loud. It is a feat to take a shower or put some clothes in a drawer or make a sandwich for the kids. Exercise is a long way off!
Question! What is the deal with everyone talking...
Yesterday saw two major milestones. The first is a...
The second milestone was experiencing my first full day drain less, and working through the inevitable fluid buildup. My doctor was a little aggressive with my drain pulls, because the output never went below 30, it was between 30 and 40 for several days straight. But he felt okay about it, and of course I was anxious to get rid of them. So by the end of the day yesterday, one side of me, below the incision was filled. I am now wearing a body squeezer that goes from mid thigh to rib cage. This morning it looked better, but I think it will be a daily cycle. Will try some pineapple as everyone suggests.
Other than that nothing is new in tummy tuck land. Read a few books. Watched every goddang episode of Say Yes to the Dress on my iPad in the last couple of days. I don't know why. I kind of hate the girly stuff. I bought my wedding dress for $200 in a department store. But I do love reality TV for various reasons. It's a way to console yourself....'I may not have taken a shower in three days, have pee splatters on my underpants, and be wearing a housecoat.....but at least I'm not as messed up as these people!"
It figures. If there is a ten percent chance that...
So my left drain was pulled after three days of output hovering between 30 & 40, and I ain't even going to try to lie and say I was going to object if the doctor offered to pull it. It's only 10% of the gals! It won't be me! I am super good and totally not going out of the house or doing any housework. I spend all day on my back! And I will wear my power panties! But to no avail. The left side below the scar got heavier and bulgier and I watched it grow all yesterday and all morning, and finally at my lunch time potty break I sat to go and tapped it. And girls, my pubic hairs did "the wave". Frick.
As it's Friday, sort of panicked knowing it had nothing to do but grow all weekend. So disturbing, the left side of my mons was three times as big as her sister and drooping like a rubber sheet off my body when I leaned down. I called the PA and she told me to come right in. She tapped me and watched it dance. After that was the pleasant experience of a huge needle in my tender, recently scabbed drain hole, and the dam breaking. She got out about 35 cc, not a whole terrible lot....but enough..and with a promise that this probably wasn't it and she'd probably see me on Monday. Double frick.
So another order to do nothing. Again, if I did less, I'd be dead. And wear my special unders. Yup! And find that bromelain stuff. Okay! And pray this is somehow it, because Monday my helper (mama) gets on a plane and flies away.
Who said the road would be smooth?! That's right - no one! The odds are that my body still needed that drain and I should have fought to keep it. Paying for it now. Que sera sera....
Oh, and I promise if it develops again, I'll give...
Not much to report today. My seroma returned...
Standing almost straight now, sleeping through the night in my preferred position - on my side. Ready to do more than lie on my back.
When my 6 year old underwent tonsillectomy and...
I knew that post surgical depression is expected with plastic surgery, but I assumed it was caused by a combination of unmet expectation, frustration with physical progress, anxiety about results etc. I was not prepared for what happened to me the last couple of days. Yes, I have all of the issues stated in the last sentence, but what I've been experiencing is much more complex than that. Yesterday I spent most of the day crying uncontrollably. Even crying in front of my children, and I am very conscious to never bring adult problems to little eyes and ears...but I was weeping as I told these poor confused kids all of my fears. I couldn't pull myself together. I had a blinding headache most of the day, was medicating myself with unhealthy food and felt utter irrational despair. As I wake this morning, my prevailing thought is "what the hell was that?!"
So I did a bit of research, and found a fair amount of evidence about the psychological side effects of general anesthesia. I wish I understood this, or that doctors acknowledged these potential post op problems and discussed them with patients. In thinking that we are simply dealing with feelings and processing the reality of the suddenly changed bodies we have, I think we may be done a disservice. What I felt yesterday is not something that I could have gone away simply by manning up or thinking positive. I am generally a positive person, and this madness I began feeling on Thursday, that reached Its crescendo yesterday was far from the normal post op blues. While today I feel so much better and view my water belly and need for continued rest as temporary setbacks, yesterday I was beyond irrational. I wonder if that was the last hurrah...if the drugs were finally exiting my system completely....
I wonder have other realselfers felt paralyzing grief like that?
As for things physically, my pain lessens everyday. My scars look great. I am standing all the way straight now and moving normally. I do have a growing seroma, that I'll have aspirated tomorrow, and every couple days until it is gone. At some point next week I'll begin working again. And emotionally I feel normal again.
Well, I survived the weekend drama and was ready...
Seriously, when I lay on my side it's like a waterfall as it all wooshes to follow gravity. When I look at my lower belly I think "cistern", and the appearance sort of reminds me of a soup ladle. So lucky!
In general I am also swollen and now know what the swell hell is. By the end of the day yesterday I was like an overstuffed sausage, practically bursting the seams of my power panties. If I could just wave a magic wand and sleep through the next 2 weeks of aspirations and swelling and scabbiness, I'd be ever so happy, but alas - there is no magic pill for this one. Repeat after me - it will pass, it will pass, it will pass.
Happy healing, ladies! (sidebar, I am so tired I first typed out "Happy swelling ladies!". Hmmm, perhaps that's more accurate.)
Another day passes in the pursuit of flatness. -...
- Went to PS to be aspirated yesterday. They pulled 70 cc off of me, which is 3 days accumulation. My poor drain site is sore and bloodied from the repeated sticks. By nightfall, the wave was back though. At the PA's suggestion I am wearing multiple compression garments, and feel the way one of those quick change artists must. Currently I have on a pair of tight granny panties, 2 pairs of thigh and torso shapers, and my Torset top over it all. Can't get a deep breath, takes 5 minutes to get it all off to go potty, but the worst part is that it doesn't seem to be making much difference. My seroma will burn out, hopefully sooner than later.
- Both kids are sick now. Doin everything I can to not contract it.
- Still lots of general swelling
- Now the good news: I made a real dinner last night, took care of the sick kid, picked up the house a bit and felt much more energetic and mobile. Slept awesome.
I have realized that my posts are becoming a...
- My scars. First of all - they look lovely. Already the glue is peeling off and they are a light pink. I absolutely love my PS technique of doing layers oF internal sutures and nothing on the very top except glue. There was nothing to remove, no Frankenstein black stitches to look at, no bandages to mess with. And now that the glue is peeling off and I can see my new belly button and the future of my scarring I am very very pleased and not worried in the least about the final appearance.
- I am standing about 90% straight. I can reach my arms over my head. Do an arm bind behind my back to crack my upper vertebrae.
- I sleep on my side, rest comfortably and sleep through the night with no pain meds.
- Am in relatively no pain or discomfort. (Um...sneezing is still off limits though)
- I have read 4 books, hand sewed the binding to a queen size quilt, and learned to let things go and ask for help. Also, I am having more "patience training", which is always good.
- My energy is returning somewhat and I am able to get through a short trip to the store all by myself or make dinner etc. (Wish I could take a small walk, but the seroma keeps me sitting through those non-essential tasks. Again - more patience training.)
- I am learning to accept kindness. Someone once said that it is harder to accept kindness than it is to give it, and they are right. I am amazed by the lengths people are going to, to care for me. My mother stayed in the snowy north for an extra week after Christmas to help me. My husband has worked his full time demanding job and been an excellent house husband and mommy stand in. My children have made me pictures and cards and projects and brought them to me as small offerings, and pressed into my palm special rocks, shells or pieces of jewelry as healing talismen... they are generous, empathetic, caring little girls. My best friend brought over a lovely basket of fancy cheeses, bread and fruit and we took it up to my bedroom for a picnic...just like when we were teenagers. (She also watched my kids during surgery, and brought me smutty magazines when my brain was too hammered to read Tolstoy.) My realself friends have been generous with their support and in sharing their journeys with me.
- There is an end to this. This process is finite. One day I will feel my stomach skin, and pull my chest through upward dog, get dressed without trying on 10 outfits, pull on a 35 lb pack and climb a mountain, leave compression wear behind (for GOOD!), have visible abdominal muscles and run 50 mile races again. There is an end. Though right now it is hard to see, it is there, and it's just waiting for me to make it.
* addendum to todays daily post about "what's...
Went to the doctor yesterday for another...
My back hurts this morning, right in the middle. I think it is from the fatigue of just not standing quite straight. My ribs hurt as well from where the second binder scooches down in my sleep. I took pain killers for the first time in days this AM.
Managed to prevent myself from getting the kids' cold for now. I am going to go on a disinfecting rampage this morning and hope it stays that way. It is a pretty nasty one and I am not interested in getting it.
Today I start back at work. I am a writer. My current major project is as a ghostwriter for a self-help book. I will spend time speaking to my "author" this afternoon and taking notes for the next chapter. Hoping to sit at my desk for a few hours tomorrow and write. I am putting off my other job, as race director for an ultramarathon, until next Monday. Neither of these things are physically labor intensive but they can be extremely stressful and mentally taxing so I have provided adequate space until I was psychically ready to handle them. I hope it was enough time. If i have a nervous breakdown next week, I will get my answer.
Posted 2 week pictures. Skin looks healthy and everything is healing well. Of course there is a great deal of swelling, as is typical between days 9 and 28. Can't stress enough how much reading a million reviews has helped me. I know exactly what to expect by taking surveys from a wide variety of patients. I don't think I have had the "OMG, what is THAT?!" moment, and it is all due to post ops who generously and meticulously share their stories. Thank you ladies!
I had the thought a few days ago that I really...
Yesterday I got fed up with the compression - my ribs were hurting, I felt like I couldn't breathe well and I knew that it just wasn't going to happen for much longer, seroma be damned. So I took my garments off and slept in normal clothes. I was so much more comfortable and slept like a baby. When I woke this morning I was lying on my stomach! That was scary, but it didn't hurt. And I don't feel that my seroma got worse through the night because I was uncompressed. Time will tell.
I think for the first time yesterday it hit me. I was sitting on he couch, with no drains or compression or odd clothing layers, just reading a book and realized with a startle that there was nothing there. I had no roll to rest my book on. Before my TT I thought I would have this moment of tears and joy when my new belly was revealed to me, but that couldn't have been farther from reality. So far I haven't really cared about my stomach or looking better, my main concern was getting well. But now I am beginning to process the reality of my changed body...changed life. This WILL be a process, one that I am excited to undergo.
Many new pre and post ops on realself...welcome gals! Take courage and happy healing!
To read part 2 of my Tummy Tuck journey, please click here.
Dr. Langstein is a world renowned micro vascular surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. He has appeared as a specialist on the PBS series "Second Opinion" and is a true artist. I am very excited to be working with him!


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Retalinnet Retoucher
The Foto CompanyPhotographer Male Sioux Falls, South Dakota, US
My Website: The Foto CompanyMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/thefotoco
Mayhem # 1389125
About MeYou can also find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefotoco
I am a professional photographer who shoots on a part-time basis. I do in studio and on location photography including weddings, seniors, engagements, families, children, glamour and fashion modeling or just about anything you want professional quality photos of. Why limit yourself.
**In case you are wondering. I only will be doing TFCD's if I feel I need to add to my portfolio or if the photo shoot concept presented is worth the time I put into it. All other clients I work with are paying customers so please, serious inquires only when it comes to trades**
I do keep my photography service rates affordable and within reason. I am willing to work out deals when necessary that fits to your needs and wants. I do charge for my time for those interested in doing a shoot that is in the direct benefit of a client and not myself. At this time I do not pay models for any photo shoots done unless it is something that is being paid for by another client needing my photography services. Again, I do photography on a part-time basis, so please keep that in mind. If you like my work and want to work together or have any questions, send an email and I will get back to you promptly.
Also check out my modeling group page on Facebook. It's called Midwest Model Collective. Go to this link, www.facebook.com/groups/midwestmodelshootout and if you want to sign up to one of our events, we'd love to have you there.
Thank you for checking out my MM profile and definitely looking forward to working with many of you models, hair stylists, makeup artists, retouchers and fashion designers/stylists!
Have you worked with The Foto Company? Add Credits for The Foto Company! >>
Worked together 2-10 times; Most recent: August 2015
Credit NotesI am also an Event Host/Coordinator/Promoter of the "Midwest Model Shootout" - Looking for models, photographers, hair/makeup artists, fashion stylists and clothing designers. We are based out of Sioux Falls, SD, in Fargo, ND and now in Omaha, NE! Anyone can take part in this once a year FREE event that signs up. It's a great way to network with others in this industry and build portfolios. Please check out the official website, blog site or like the FB fan page below:
Retalinnet Retoucher
XanderGrim... Model
DodgeandBu... Retoucher
KateeCat Retoucher
ZarinaSM Retoucher
Dima Art Digital Artist
Loading Content

subset: commoncrawl


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Loving And Hating The "Race Card"
If you've sat down and watched a few episodes of Fox News' The Five, then you know that the nightly four-against-one conservatives-versus-Bob Beckel shout-fest has some real difficulty discussing race and politics [1]. And that's unfortunate because they love talking about race and politics.
Last night, comedian and The Five regular Greg Gutfeld (who does for political analysis what Stu Rothenberg does for comedy) attributed the stark polarization of the American electorate to the unwelcome presence of the race card:
GUTFELD: All right. I want to say, I want to say -- what is really polarizing, the most polarizing thing we've ever come into contact with in politics is the race card. And that's why you are seeing polarization now. Nobody likes to be called a racist. And that angers a lot of people. So, there's no surprise. But you know what? When you tie the race card with class warfare, you've got a very angry electorate.
There is indeed an argument to be made that the unnecessary injection of racial issues can be toxic to reasoned discourse, and Gutfeld himself demonstrated exactly how toxic just a few minutes later.
The ensuing segment centered on Rep. Allen West's comments [2] from this past weekend that President Obama and other top Democrats should "get the hell out of the United States." Beckel laid into the Florida Republican, saying: "I've never heard anything more disgraceful in my life. I think Allen West owes an apology to a lot of people." Gutfeld's response to Beckel was to read off a list he'd made of "outspoken black liberals," to include Al Sharpton, Louis Farrakhan, the Black Panthers, and Public Enemy. His point? "In our culture, we celebrate outspoken black leftists. So now, you have one provocative American black conservative and you liberals whine. I want to see more Allen West."
Up to that point, no one had mentioned West's race. It was about as far from the discussion as Farrakhan is from your average liberal. But Gutfeld just tossed it in there to paint liberal objections to West's inflammatory comments as being rooted in race. He rather indelicately played the race card.
And guess what? The conversation went straight downhill. The four conservatives on the panel turned on Beckel as he fended off accusations [3] that he was disrespecting West's military service, and Gutfeld once again dragged the discussion back to race, asking: "Is anything that he [West] said worse than the Black Panthers standing in front of the Philadelphia ... holding, in front of the voting booth, with a nightstick? I didn't see the left go crazy over that."
What relevance do the New Black Panthers have to any of this? None. There is no utility in comparing West's comments to the manufactured and over-hyped [4] "scandal" surrounding the New Black Panthers, unless you're trying to tar "the left" as intolerant. Personally, I'd like to think that we hold our elected officials to a higher standard than "no worse than a fringe hate group."
But Gutfeld proved his point: by needlessly and ignorantly raising inflammatory racial issues, he sent the discussion into a fatal tailspin. As he'd said just minutes earlier: "Nobody likes to be called a racist. And that angers a lot of people."
- Posted In
- Diversity & Discrimination [5], Race & Ethnicity [6]
- Network/Outlet
- Fox News Channel [7]
- Person
- Greg Gutfeld [8]
- Show/Publication
- The Five [9]


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So I started to open the books for AS3 . I feel like AS2 is starting to die….
Anyway just like the title says. I need help. Can someone give me an example please on how to change a movieclip color via xml.
I've search and can't seem to find any help besides only for AS2
Use ColorTransform:
<color>0x00ff00</color> var myColor:ColorTransform = new ColorTransform(); myColor.color = uint(xml.color); myMovieClip.transform.colorTransform = myColor;
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet Works thanks allot!
import flash.geom.ColorTransform; var myXML:XML; var myLoader:URLLoader = new URLLoader(); myLoader.load(new URLRequest("custom_color.xml")); myLoader.addEventListener(Event.COMPLETE, processXML); function processXML(e:Event):void { myXML = new XML(e.target.data); trace(myXML); var myColor:ColorTransform = new ColorTransform(); myColor.color = uint(myXML); custom_color_box_mc.transform.colorTransform = myColor; }
or you can use Color
<color>0x00ff00</color> import fl.motion.Color; var myColor:Color = new Color(); myColor.color = uint(xml.color); myMovieClip.transform.colorTransform = myColor;Color extends ColorTransform , you can set the brightness …
Or just use one of the tween libraries. Here using Tweener with just 1 line:
Tweener.addTween(mcName,{_color:uint("0x" + xml.mcColor)});
Also using this method the buyer doesn't have to enter the "0x" part in the xml, which makes things more simple.
just remember if your movie clip is just graphic if you make your shape in pure AS you don't need all this mambo jumbo stuff.
Then you can apply your color directly via xml with no tween,colorTransform bla bla,work affective make it light
Thats awesome! Thanks
I must say a few years ago I couldn't stand Actionscript but ever since I found this community its been such an awesome experience learning it. I'm loving it. You guys rock!
Thanks again everyone!
Hey Everyone!
I'm new to flash and really learned on a older version of flash. Actionscript has proven to be more then I know, but I am learning. This is a test project I am working on and really only have two issues left. This being on of them. So let me explain my problem…I have an XML sheet being referenced into flash. In the XML sheet I have a series of inputs: Shops 1 – Unit 101 4,204 TBD Available Shops 1 – Unit 102 2,004 Revol Nails – Spa Leased
What I am trying to do is make the movie clip button change color based on the , ie. either Available or Leased located in the XML file
These variables will change from Available to Leased from time to time, and I would like to create an If/then statement to determine the color. I would like the XML file to alter the color of the movie clip instead of having to edit the flash file every time there is a change.
Is this possible? Does this require anything extra to accomplish? Below is the code that I am currently using:
Here is the code that I have thus far, with a piece of code that I found online that addresses "changeButtonColor". I'm not sure how to implement the code though.
Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
s11.addEventListener (MouseEvent.CLICK, onClick); s11.addEventListener(MouseEvent.ROLL_OVER, mcOver); s11.addEventListener(MouseEvent.ROLL_OUT, mcOut);
s11.buttonMode = true;
function showXML(e:Event){
function changeButtonColor(available:Boolean):void {
// change colour to blue
} else {
// change colour to red
XML .ignoreWhitespace = true; var bldg:XML = new XML ; var i:Number;var myText:String = new String(); textField.multiline=true; textField.wordWrap=true; textField.text = myText; for (i=0; i < bldg.S11.length(); i++) { myText += "
" + bldg.S11[i].Title + "
"; myText += "Square Footage: " + bldg.S11[i].SF + "
"; myText += "Tenant: " + bldg.S11[i].Tenant + "
"; myText += "Status: " + bldg.S11[i].Status + "


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i tried the lda ( a buds fullsize ) only shot about 4 mags thro it and did not care for it , strange because i dont mind dao pistols , but something about the lda trigger stroke just put me off .
This is a discussion on Para LDA CCW sweeeet! within the Defensive Carry Guns forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Was into the local gunshop this AM,walking around and carefully listening for something to call to me.(Had my Walkers Game Ear on) Suddenly the far ...
Was into the local gunshop this AM,walking around and carefully listening for something to call to me.(Had my Walkers Game Ear on) Suddenly the far righ hand case lit up with this whiteish-blue glow.
Now I'm not really a Para Ord fan cuz they are for the most part too thick for me. I have heard that they are built well and they have all the stuff that a 1911 should have on it. Don't know 'bout range stuff,but for carry this one caught my eye.
The Para LDA CCW.(CCWWX7455) .45ACP--4.25"bbl--single stack 7+1--34oz.--SS--3 dot sights--very slim grips--short grip safety--scaloped front strap--IIRC also a checkered,flat, main spring housing--flat back hammer.
I tell ya this weapon looked like it was designed to be carried.The very best part was the trigger. It was,bar none,the very best double action trigger that I have ever fingered. When pulled it was very easy to "stage",then broke clean. I almost bought it just to get a chance to shoot it.
Price $859. You Para guys oughta take a look at this one.
If anybody owns one please let me know what you think of it. ---------
Last edited by RSSZ; April 10th, 2006 at 03:29 PM.
i tried the lda ( a buds fullsize ) only shot about 4 mags thro it and did not care for it , strange because i dont mind dao pistols , but something about the lda trigger stroke just put me off .
I have one of those that you speak of...except its a double stack in the magazine. This gun shoots so well that I am inclined to sell a few others that I don't shoot, just to buy another one. The DAO trigger is the finest I have ever shot. I can shoot triple taps at the target and still maintain them in the kill zone.
Folks.... if you never shot one...your missing quite an opportunity...
" Refuse to be a victim, make sure there is a round chambered ! "
Just call me a pessimistic optimist !
U.S. Navy vet 1981-1992
shoulda bought it, it still is gonna "stage", and break clean when you shoot it. I promise...Originally Posted by RSSZ
" Refuse to be a victim, make sure there is a round chambered ! "
Just call me a pessimistic optimist !
U.S. Navy vet 1981-1992
I have a 6.45LDA and carry it a fair amount. It with a clip draw works well with a suit.
I've wanted to shoot one but haven't had a chance yet still not sure if i would like the trigger on a 1911 too used to single action
My girlfriend had 1. it was a nice shooter, but for those who have shot 1911's for a while , the trigger reset will throw ya off. also several small parts internally.
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson
Nemo Me Impune Lacesset
Although I haven't shot a Para CCW, I do like the look and feel. The LDA trigger was better than I expected too.
So many nice guns....
"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others." -- Winston Churchill
I will be adding the Black Watch Companion to my collection in the next year. Love the trigger and love the look. Haven't had a chance to take one for a spin on the range, but will get one anyway.
I had one, with Crimson Trace laser grips. The trigger was simply awesome, and it shot like a dream.Originally Posted by RSSZ
I was financing a patent research at the time, and was terribly hard up for cash, and sold it. I terribly regret doing so.
That is my wife's CCW. She loves it. The Para CCW is truly a fine weapon.
I like their trigger pulls.....
USAF: Loving Our Obscene Amenities Since 1947
Still waiting to try one but I think I would like it. Up there re price but quite desirable.
Hey RSSZ - is this a first - paragraphs? Or did someone else do it
Gotta get a dig in sometimes LOL
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.
"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."
http://www.rkba-2a.com/ - a portal for 2A links, articles and some videos.
Nawwwwww. I figured it out myself. In a past post you told me to(IIRC) just hit the "back" button/key. You wouldn't believe how long I looked for it on my key board. Had the wife in here and everything. Finally,by chance,I found it to be the "enter". There.........now you know what a "pooter guru" I am.
Now I gotta figure out how to post the pic of my Randall,my Kimber,and my AR.
And don't tell me to just hit the "picture" button. ---------
A Randall?
Very cool, which model?
"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." ~ Jeff Cooper
"Terrorists: They hated you yesterday, they hate you today, and they will hate you tomorrow.
End the cycle of hatred, dont give them a tomorrow."


text:
Looking for advice.
Hello, two months ago I was pulled over and arrested on a narcotics charge. I live in Michigan. I posted bail and got a court appointed attorney. On the police report it said that I sold an ounce of marijuana to an undercover police officer and a C.I. They do not have me on wire and they claimed this happened september 2nd, 2009. I have an aliby, I was out of state with a friend and she is willing to testify to that fact. She has no criminal history. Right away they offered to drop the felony drug charge to a high court misdemeanor, maintaining a drug house. This was before I presented my aliby. After stating I had an aliby, I expected them to either drop the charges, or offer me something with a lot less penalties. This is my first drug charge, and other then an M.I.P. of alchol I obtained when I was 20, this is my only other charge. I went into court a couple of days ago for a settlement conference to talk to my laywer. The prosecuter isn't willing to drop the charge any lower. So I told my lawyer to go to trial. I did some research on the high court misdemeanor charge and I would do jail time. I just started a job and can't afford to go to jail. I would like to know what is my next best move here. Is it likely that they will drop the charge down now that I want to go to trial? And what are my chances? And if I do take the deal, what can I expect? I'm not very familar with the court system, especially when dealing with a felony case. I'm very nervous about it. Thank you for any advice


text:
(WESTERVILLE, OH — May 24, 2013) Groundwater scientists and industry professionals will be exploring various groundwater issues affecting Ohio and surrounding areas on June 19, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio, at the Ohio Groundwater Forum. While this forum will focus on groundwater issues of most critical concern to those industry professionals working in Ohio, all who are concerned about, or doing research related to, the resource are encouraged to participate. Issues to be discussed include the following subject areas.
The featured keynote address will be delivered by Scott Bair, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences, Ohio State University, who teaches water resources, hydrogeology, hydrogeologic field methods, and numerical modeling.
This page was last updated on
800 551.7379 (614 898.7791 outside the United States)
8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday
fax 614 898.7786
National Ground Water Association
601 Dempsey Rd.
Westerville, OH 43081
800 551.7379
(614 898.7791 outside the US)
fax 614 898.7786


text:
Bikes Are Big Winners Post-Sandy
"All told the shop sold 15 bikes Wednesday," notes Erlich. "In October it usually sells a bike every two weeks."
Bike enthusiasts are hoping the increased interest in bicycle commuting will endure once the transportation crisis subsides. ""Maybe this can be the window into the life of a cyclist," mused Jake Fleischmann, a salesman at Ride Brooklyn. "Maybe all these people who had a bike for leisure will see that riding a bike can be your mode of transportation, especially a city like New York. We are pretty level ground, you can ride anywhere within a few minutes."
That seems to be the case with Thomas Jarrels, who was a bike messenger in the 1980s but hadn't ridden to work since. "Though it took slightly longer than the train, he said, he thought he would keep biking even after the subway started running again," writes Kate Taylor in The New York Times.
"It saves money, and it's less of a headache," he said. "It gives you time to think, meditate and get your exercise on."


text:
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) just purchased Ginger Software's personal assistant division, launching speculation that the company will have a "Ginger" to Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) Siri (NASDAQ:SIRI) and Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Cortana. The news broke on Hebrew language technology website Calcalist on Friday.
While Intel is typically known for its computer and microprocessor chips that are used in a wide variety of devices, the company also produces a number of computer components, including motherboards, Ethernet cables, and software. Many components made by Intel are used in other devices. Companies ranging from Apple to Acer use Intel's chips in their products.
Aside from its usual array of products, the company also is reportedly working on an artificial intelligence headset. The so-called Jarvis headset is a Bluetooth-enabled device that would work both on and offline. It was initially unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January as a Bluetooth headset. Intel reportedly wants it to make it a rival to both Apple's Siri and the Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass device.
Ginger's technology could be applied to an artificial intelligence product since it has the potential to provide software that could be used in the headset. The purchase of Ginger's personal assistant division includes natural language processing software. Some speculate that it will be applied to Intel's virtual reality project. Up to 16 people employed by Ginger may be joining Intel as a result of the deal, but no clear number has been given yet.


text:
Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 220.127.116.11
Forum Moderators: Robert Charlton & andy langton & goodroi
The first part of the page is a H1 tag with a KW rich phrases. The second part is ads by Google. The third part is paragraph of text about the subject. The last part is links to more google ads - when clicked a page of Google ads is displayed.
The site it is giving a back link to is not hard coded into the page. So I can only assume that when google crawled it they saw the google ads and counted them as back links.
I would be happy to PM the URL to anyone that wants to take a look.


text:
Sunday, Nov 04 2012
There is 1 comment posted to this Video
She's a CHARACTER! She doesn't want to let anyone get past her!!! I think runnnig her in the 3 triple crown races took something out of her. They should? have only picked 1 or 2. She had worse and worse races after this! Still I think her fans would have complained loudly if they kept her out of the Preakness
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Down South: The 10 Hottest Rappers in South Africa
Being called the "Prince of SA Rap" is just one of the few things this 25-year-old rapper has managed to achieve in an extremely short period of time. Kiernan Forbes, known to many as AKA, has taken the SA hip-hop scene by storm, after choosing to take on a solo career and parting with his former group Entity. Joints such as "Victory Lap" and "Jealousy" have managed to seal the rapper's rise to fame, who hasn't disappointed from the start. With the current release of his new joint, "Kontrol" (ft. Da Les), the "Prince" of SA hip-hop is destined for great things.


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This Guide is not only meant to offer help and advice for those people wanting to purchase Craft items, but also as a general rule of thumb guide of tips that I have found to be useful in my relatively short time as an eBay Seller.
I originally started my time on eBay as a Buyer, mainly of clothes for my young son, but I quickly became aware that it would be a great place for me to sell some of my vast collection of craft items that I had gathered up over the years. Not only could I make some extra money but I could also make room for all of my son's new clothes.
I started very enthusiastically as I'm sure we all do and was rather lapse in my judgement of time, which I have found is a very important factor in selling successfully.
For starters, don't end things on a weekend. The majority of people go out on the weekends and I have found that nothing really sells at this time of the week.
The other thing I found to be most helpful was ending your auctions after dinner time. Most people are home and sitting down for a rest and most of those people check their emails etc and have time to bid. Ending auction times in the morning or the middle of the day is definately not the peak period and is much slowly for sales.
I'm sure that all of the regular eBay Sellers are more than aware of these small tips but I thought it would be valuable to all those people of there that have just started, like myself, and are not getting as good a response as they'd like.
Well I guess I should start talking about the subject I'm meant to be giving advice on, which is Buying Craft Items.
Q&A (questions & answers) are the best way to make sure you are really getting what you think you'll be getting.
Even if an item is listed as new, it may have been stored incorrectly or damaged somehow. Make sure the description has enough information for you to be able to decide if this item is right for you.
Again, a picture is worth a thousand words and if an item is not as listed, you should be able to see this by the picture displayed.
I you wish to purchase a Cross Stitch Kit for instance, make sure that all the contents that you need to finish the project are included. There's nothing worse than finding you don't have the last item required to finish your project and having to hunt around to find it. For example, you have stitched your card and are ready to give it to the lucky person only to find that an envelope is not included and you have to search hig and low for one the right size. Again, if your not sure, email the seller and ask.
The more information you can get, the better product you are going to buy. It may take a little longer to read through but it will be worth while in the long run. Some listings for Craft Magazines for example, will include some of the projects that are contained in the magazine, if you don't read these you might miss out on something that you have been looking for, for ages that is contained in that magazine, so take a little bit more time and you might find a treasure in the rough.
When purchasing a chart always make sure that you take a look at what Thread choices you have. You may have a heap of DMC stranded cotton sitting around that you could use to complete a chart but you can't do this if it only contains Anchor thread choices. The other thing is to see whether or not the chart is colour or black and white. Some people might find it easier to follow symbols whilst other find that using colours to stitch is the way to go. Buy a chart that is going to suit your stitching style and requirements.
It's all well and good buying a beautiful Kit to stitch but it's always a disappointment when the instructions are lacking. Make sure your item has detailed instructions on how to complete your project. Also, it's a long shot but does happen from time to time, if you are buying a chart or kit from overseas, make sure it has the instructions in english.
Well I hope that I have given at least one person a better idea on how to bext purchase your Craft Items and maybe even attempt eBay Selling for themselves one day.
Happy and Crafty Buying.


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Paul Hamm still training for 2012 Olympics
Gymnast Paul Hamm has kept a low profile since being arrested in Upper Arlington, Ohio, last summer on charges of kicking a cab driver, damaging a cab window and refusing to pay a $23 fare.
But the 2004 Olympic all-around champion is still training for the 2012 Games, USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny confirmed Wednesday in a conference call with reporters.
"We have had conversations with Paul," Penny said. "I think Paul is most concerned about trying to resolve legal matters he has right now. I will say that in our most recent conversations I felt like he was approaching this in a very responsible and genuine manner."
Hamm did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment. A message was left at the office of his lawyer, Columbus-based Bill Meeks.
The Associated Press reported in November that a judge agreed to a postponement as requested by Hamm's lawyer.
Hamm pleaded not guilty to assault and two other misdemeanors. The arrest, caught on video and posted on the Internet, cost him his job as an assistant coach at Ohio State.


text:
Bear at the Bobbin Mill Falls
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inches Oil on canvas
This painting is available directly from the artist.
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Garage Header
1 Attachment(s)
The supporting 2x4s and part of my garage door header was destroyed by termites.
The header was a 13.5" wide x 17' header that was a solid 3" piece of wood. It was supported by (3) 2x4s on each end. As you can see in the photo on the right side I replaced the damaged 2x4s with new ones, but the header is only 9.5" on that side now (the bottom 4" of the header on the right side was damaged). Being the 2x4s were completely destroyed, I wonder what was holding up the roof.
Also on the photo I show the left side which still has the full header. Unfortuneately as you can see in the photo over the garage is not the Gable end, so the header supports the roof truss which are 24" OC.
Should I replace the header and if I have to replace the header would you recommend using microlams or other option? What size and how many?
Another thought I had is just adding an additional beam for support, which would be a lot easier than replacing the old header. I could replace the supporting 2x4s with 2x6s. The 2x4s sit on a concrete footer and there is just enough space to expand it to a 2x6. Would this be O.K.. I would hav the existing header plus another beam attached to it. What would you recommend I use for the additional beam.
Also I would have to build a support wall to remove the existing beam. There is sheetrock in the garage ceiling. Do I have to remove the sheetrock or can I push the wall tight against the sheetrock in order to provide support long enough to replace the header.
Thanks in advance,
Well you could sister the header; replace it with a new one same size as before or you could use a steel beam W8X21 and depending on your area the code might be for the steel beam to rest on steel columns.
Difficult to sister the hearer. No space on the outside. But can add a beam to the inside. That way I would have the original header which is still good for 9.5" and the new beam.
what you have is fine. the bending loads on the header are fairly small at the ends and peak in the middle. basically all the narrow part of the header is suporting are the shear loads. Those are minimal compared to the bending loads in a situation like that.
I'd be much more worried about the termites returning than the header failing as it is now.
if you are really woried about it, turn that dinky decoratice 1x angle brace into an actual functioning brace.
This is the part I was not sure about. If you lose 4" of wood on the end how it effects the rest of the header. I remember reading once if you have a 12" wide joist and cut out from the bottom 2" you weakened the whole joist to the point that you really only have a 10" joist. I was not sure if the was the case with the end being damaged on my header or not.
You mentioned turning the angle trim into a real brace. How would you suggest I do that. Would that add much support. Currently there is a 2x6 running up that side wall than has a 45 degree cut that hits the angle 2x6.
I bought the house this way. It was treated for termites. But I am not sure how they got in and what will stops them. The sill is PT and it sits on a concrete footer about one foot in the air. The side trim was down to the concrete and rotted. maybe that was their path.
answers in red
Your original builder used the smallest header he could at the time to pass code (think minimum).
When notching a joist or solid wood beam, there are rules, D/4 or 3-3/8" maximum notch right at the bearing: http://arch.umd.edu/Tech/Structural_..._Guide_A11.pdf
Yours is worse because the "notch" isn't true (with radius corners), but longer that could lead to splitting of more of the wood below that is under tension while loaded. Add to that the length – a double car door with possible snow loads? Pp.#2- small circled diagram: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/PDF/Free/021184090.pdf
I suggest calling a Structural Engineer on this rather than anyone on a forum for the liability involved. I don't want to be blood-guilty by having it all crash down on you. Your H.O.Insurance carrier could reject a claim because of an insufficient fix and this paper trail now.
An angled brace may work, designed by a S.E., probably with bolts or Titan screws.
Another header would cause your garage door problems. Not closing tight at the top, whole door recessed into garage-the wall thickness, jack studs in the weather, etc.
With 30-32'? trusses/rafters on top, there is a good amount of weight present. Hence the 3 jack studs on each side, minimum.
Hire a S.E. and DIY or hire it out.
That link was exactly what I was looking for. It says I can have a notch at the end no more than .25% or in my case 3.375". I am a little bit over that, but I was thinking about adding another LVL beam that would be 1 3/4" thich x 14" tall x 17' long. Between that new beam and original beam, it seems to me that should be more than enough support.
One person suggested adding a 16" X 1 3/4" LVL beam to the existing beam pushing it all the way up to the ceiling to support the truss and then face nail one 2X4 under each end with the 2X4 laying flat to the existing studs.
But currently there are 3 studs supporting the beam not one. The nice thing about that idea is I would not have to remove and replace the 2x4 jack studs with 2x6s. But replacing them on the right side would be easy and there is a little bit of termite damage on the left side, so replacing them might also be a good idea.
I am cofused to why you think it would effect my garage door. I plan to turn the 2x4 wall into a 2x6 wall and move the garage door out. The wall is less than 2' on each side of the opening so no big deal expanding it out. Am I missing something?
I think adding this beam would provide more than enough support and I think it would be cheaper than hiring a structural enginner.
Give me your thoughts.
There is enough space on the footer for the 2x4, but I am curious why couldn't one use the garage floor slab?
I realize I forgot an important point. I live in Florda, so floating slab from frost is not really an issue
"One person suggested adding a 16" X 1 3/4" LVL beam to the existing beam pushing it all the way up to the ceiling to support the truss and then face nail one 2X4 under each end with the 2X4 laying flat to the existing studs." ---- the connection between the two beams may require a S.E. I've done beam sisters before using Timbr-Loc screws and others using 1/2" galv. lags, all of which the S.E. called out the spacing and placement. Yours isn't taking the full weight so it would be a different scenario. With this approach there would be be room for the garage door to radius the right angle and still close properly at the top. (My original concern)
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IBM Corp. has proved a rare animal in the recession.
McGraw-Hill Cos., hit by declines in its education, financial services and media properties, said Thursday it has cut 550 jobs.
Lawmakers vented Thursday about the government's inability to solve the nation's housing woes as fresh data showed foreclosure filings continued to rise.
Despite efforts by the federal government and banks to stop the home foreclosure disaster, frustrated borrowers are still battling red tape and delays in their attempts to negotiate lower payments, even as hundreds of thousands of them lose their homes every month.
Inside a small, busy market on Sacramento's 47th Avenue, Ricky Khan filled a shopping cart with bags of flour for the Italian restaurant he runs in Stockton.
Better-than-expected earnings at Intel sent investors pouring back into the market Wednesday, sending stocks higher in early trading.
A drop in travel during the recession pushed American Airlines parent AMR Corp. to a $390 million loss in the second quarter.
The German government made clear Wednesday that its financial support for a takeover of General Motors Corp.'s Opel unit will have to be renegotiated if GM chooses a suitor other than auto parts maker Magna.
Businesses slashed inventories more than expected in May, the ninth consecutive decline, as companies continued to trim stockpiles amid a severe recession.
Exxon Mobil Corp. said Tuesday it will make its first major investment in greenhouse-gas reducing biofuels in a $600 million partnership with biotech company Synthetic Genomics Inc. to develop transportation fuels from algae.


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At 30 years of age I've finally decided to purchase my very first gun and what I've got going against me is a total lack of experience combined with no close family or friends that are in the know. I've been lurking in numerous forums reading up but there is only so much info I can glean without posting questions of my own.
I've decided to purchase the new H&K P30s in .40 S&W when it finally comes out in the next few weeks. This is really intended to be my only weapon (at least for a long time) and what I'm hoping to capture are some tips for a person purchasing his first gun with very little experience.
First step is cleaning. From what I've read, when you purchase a gun new it is coated in grease that needs to be removed before your first time at the range. So do I just field strip it and get every last bit of grease out of every nook? What do I use as a degreaser? Can I just use denatured alcohol for that?
Since I'm starting from scratch, I'm currently looking at purchasing the "Otis Professional 40 Caliber Pistol Cleaning System" kit along with some Militec-1 lubricant.
I've been reading people's recommendation to clean the gun thoroughly and then apply the Militec-1 and use a hair dryer to heat it up to bond with the metal. I suppose the question is do I just apply it based on the P30s manual's instructions for normal lubrication? Or do I douse every last bit of metal in the Militec and heat it up? Also, how concerned do I need to be with getting chemicals on the grip?
My last question is related to the first rounds put through the weapon. I've read plenty of people talk about using 124 grain in the 9mm for the first 200 rounds in order to work the kinks out. But since I'm totally green with this I'm not sure how that applies to the .40 S&W. Any recommendations for initial ammo plus long term ammo for range and home defense would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all,


text: Featuring an open-concept floor plan, the Diplomat Suite is perfect for the business traveler or the guest who wants more room. In addition to the king-size bed, this suite offers unique comforts, including an oversized bathroom, a wet bar, refrigerator and microwave, a Keurig coffee maker, and two flat screen TVs. Custom furniture and original artwork complete this luxurious space.


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A man dressed as Batman has walked into a police station and handed over a wanted man to officers.
West Yorkshire Police said they do not know the identity of the man who took the 27-year-old into Trafalgar House police station in Bradford.
The wanted man had been sought by police in connection with a number of alleged offences.
A member of the public dressed in a full Batman outfit took him into the station on February 25.
A spokesman said: "The person who brought the wanted man into the station was dressed in a full Batman outfit.
"His identity, however, remains unknown."
The stocky, mystery man was posing as the camp 1960s incarnation of the famous DC Comics character, rather than the dark, black figure familiar to fans of the Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan film versions.
The mystery was announced by the neighbourhood police team for the Buttershaw area of Bradford on their Facebook page.
The Facebook post promoted a rush of theories on the internet, including many who suspected the arrested man may possibly know the mysterious crime-fighter - especially as there appears to be little sign of any struggle.
The arrested man was later charged with handling stolen goods and fraud related offences and will appear before magistrates on Friday.
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Crimestoppers 8/14/14
William Taylor is wanted for an Aggravated Burglary that occurred in College Hill on July 26, 2014 where Taylor is accused of kicking in the victim's front door and taking property at gunpoint. William Taylor is described as a black male 35 years old, 5'11 inches and 190 pounds. Taylor has past arrests for Receiving Stolen Firearms, Robbery, Assault, Aggravated Menacing and Drug related Offenses. William Taylor was last known to live in the 2000 block of Parkers Court in College Hill. Taylor was seen in an older model grey Nissan two door with tinted windows and frequents the Price Hill area. If you see William, please call Crimestoppers at (513) 352-3040, or text "CinTip + your message" to 274637.
Each morning from 5am-9am , Jim talks with them all, news correspondents from the White House to London to Baghdad; newsmakers from former Presidents to Playboy beauties; sports figures from Pete Rose to Marvin Lewis and actors, authors and activists. He's the voice of volunteerism, the emcee of choice for just about anything from Marty Brennaman night at the ballpark to a Bengals rally to a visit from the President. Jim is an avid golfer, marathon runner, the guy who will close your kids' school in the winter. And he does this all on 5 hours of sleep a day. Jim is the winner of the 2002 Marconi Award for Large Market Radio Personality of the Year. His show is produced by Greg Shurts.


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Salmon-Wrapped Asparagus RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
4 1 1
"My inspiration for this deliciously different salmon dish came from a variety of Saturday morning cooking shows," writes Amy Clark from Chesapeake, Virginia. "Dinner guest always admire how pretty each fish bundle looks."
Recommended: 26 Ways to Eat Asparagus This Spring
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1-1/2 pounds salmon fillets
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced green onion
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- In a large skillet, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil; add asparagus spears. Cover and cook for 2-4 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water; drain and pat dry.
- Cut salmon widthwise into 1/4-in.-thick slices. To form one bundle, place three to four slices cut side down, overlapping edges slightly; wrap around five to six asparagus spears. Secure with toothpicks. Repeat for remaining bundles.
- In a large skillet, bring 1-1/2 cups water, wine, onion, chives, salt and peppercorns to a boil. Using a spatula, carefully add bundles. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 7-8 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Meanwhile, for sauce, in a small skillet, saute mushrooms and green onions in butter and oil until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chives. Serve with bundles. Yield: 6 servings.
Originally published as Salmon-Wrapped Asparagus in Light & Tasty April/May 2002, p42
Full-Bodied White Wine
Enjoy this recipe with a full-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Viognier.
Reviews for Salmon-Wrapped Asparagus
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Reviewed Jul. 5, 2012
"This tasted really good but my bundles didn't come out looking very good but it was my first time at making something like this. It was tedious for me to make and I would only try this again for a special dinner event (and buy salmon that is already thin sliced?)."


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Gramicci Yosemite Rocket Dry Pant - Womens DetailsNow this is exciting. The Gramicci Yosemite Rocket Fry is an incredible addition to the Gramicci line. Urban inspired meet original Rocket Dry - the Yosemite can be worn styled up with boots or styled down with flip flops. Rocket Dry Nylon the fastest drying, light, ultra high density weave that feels like cotton.
|Not Specified
|Pant Rise
|Low Rise
|27 in / 55 cm
|Zipper fly with button closure, Dual front and back pockets with zipper closure, Cargo style pocket with zipper closure
|100% Rocket Dry Nylon
|2 - 10
|Shipping Estimate
|Estimated Shipping: Same Day Shipping! Mon. - Fri. if ordered by 12 pm MST
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Warranty & Returns
Money Back Guarantee
If you are not 100% satisfied with what you have purchased from CampSaver within 60 days of purchase, you can take advantage of our 60 Day No-Hassle Money Back Guarantee. What does that mean to you? We'll exchange your product for free or give you a full refund. You'll never be left regretting your purchase with CampSaver. We've got you covered.
Extended Return Policy
On top of our fantastic policies described above, CampSaver has a very liberal New/Unopened Return Policy. New, unused, and unopened products (excludes items from The Shed) may be returned to us at anytime, no questions asked. Any new/unopened item returned after 60 days will be issued store credit. We do not accept returns on used/opened products after 60 days. We do not accept returns on used weight bearing climbing gear, mounted skis or molded ski boots ever.
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All New Men's and Women's apparel and footwear (excludes items in the Shed) comes with what we like to call a Fit Guarantee. If the apparel/footwear you purchased does not fit comfortably and you'd like to exchange it for another size, we will cover not only the cost of the return shipping, but also shipping the replacement size. The Fit Guarantee only applies to shipping within the continental United States. At CampSaver you can buy with confidence that you will like what you buy, risk-free. Please allow 2 weeks for replacement item shipping.
All of the products we carry have a warranty which covers product defects. If you have any questions about the warranty on a given product, give us a call at 1-877-883-6276.
Gramicci Sizing Chart


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|Thread Tools
Rocker arm wearing into stud and bending pushrods?
This is kind of lengthy but stick with me here. Well the title pretty much sums it up. I have just rebuilt my 350. Engine internals include
brand new crank with journals .020 over
Comp 270 magnum cam
All new bearings
Block bored .040 over
Stock connecting rods
Domed pistons giving me about 9.5:1 compression
Comp lifters
Federal Mogul pushrods
Stock 76cc heads
used rocker arms
stock valve springs
This is all in a 71 chevelle with the stock springs and used rockers as mentioned.
After the rebuild it drove great. We broke the cam in just as recomended by comp, used plenty of lube and all upon installation. Broke the rings in too. Was still breaking the motor in. Well i changed the oil and filter and drove it a little further than usual. On the way to my destination i heard a pinging noise and threw it in nuetral and pulled over. The noise had stopped but it was missing badly. Pulled the valve cover and the #7 rocker armS had walked off the spring perches and bent both pushrods and wore a grove into the studs about half way into them at the bottom. Number 3 exhaust rocker was loose too and starting to do the same. Well i replaced the pushrods and rockers on all three mentioned and tried to drive her home VERY SLOWLY and it messed up again and bent #3 so i called a wrecker and got her towed home on a flat bed( how embarasing).
My question is what could cause this? I could think of a bunch of things but none seemed to really make sense, maybe you guys have had similar experiences or ideas?
And what do you guys suggest me do? I have about 500 bucks to fix this problem. Either get new heads or rework mine?
Thanks, MG
Replace the damaged stud(s).
Install new rockers and balls and push rods. Be sure and use new nuts. The studs can be replaced without pulling the engine.
My guess is the locking nuts was worn out, and backed off.
If you don't make mistakes. your not doing anything.
69 ss rs full custom camaro 98 ISCA grandchampion
69 ss rs bb camaro wifes driver
66 Elcamino 350/all dz parts,ac,windows,loaded,my driver
69 ss chevelle bb conv.fresh frame off
26 T sedan street rod
Studs wear also if nuts have been run off them a few times over the years. If this is your problem a double nut can help solve it or you could buy a nice set of setscrew locking adjustables for only a $100. New studs might be a good idea, especially on the studs that are damaged. As Troy said, sounds like your nuts backed off and the rockers slid off the valve. Might not be a bad idea to pull the pan and flush her out too, all that debris went straight to the bottom. Should have pulled both valve covers and checked the other valves...or towed it first. Don't ya just love hindsight!
Crappy luck, sorry man.
She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself.
Han Solo
If you look at a stock rocker arm nut they are crimped a little. I can't remember off hand what they call it but you will notice the nut is more triangular shaped than round. Those nuts aren't recommended for reuse. As 4 Jaw said, I would recommend the setscrew type nuts used with roller rockers, (poly-locks).
Meangreen, a lot of stock rocker arms dont have a long enough rocker slot to deal with that size cam. The marks on the studs are coming from the rockers binding on the stud when they run out of slot. This will also give a lot of stud deflection which will break off rocker studs. At the minumum you need to get some long slot rocker arms. Roller rockers are the best choice because they dont drag sideways across the valve. Also poly locks to keep the arms locked down.
I ran across a problem like this a couple of times. I agree as stated before replace the worn studs and nuts. Plus I also used sloted rockers for extra insurance. It cured the problem.
At .470" lift, that cam is too big for both stock rocker arms and stock springs. You are experiencing both rocker arm binding and probably spring binding if you have rotators on the exhaust valves. You will need to use long slot rockers and replace the valve springs that are proper for your cam and eliminate the rotators, depending on what year the heads are. Also, the pushrod guide slots in the heads may be worn, causing the pushrods to have too much side-to-side movement.
What year heads are they?
Thanks everyone for your responses.
Its the stock heads, i can't remember the casting number but it was a stock 2 barrel motor. The weird thing was it ran great at first? And then just messed up. But to fix it i need to get new springs, new rocker arms and pivot balls and nuts, and new studs? How much would the new studs cost? And one more question, When i put the pivot ball on the flat side goes up right?
*Edit* Its not just marks on the studs, a couple are almost worn in half!?!
I agree with the theory that you are experiencing binding due to excessive lift that the stock rockers cannot handle. Chevy rockers that have an "O" stamped in the end have longer slots to deal with higher lift camshafts.
I would look at all your studs and check them for damage.
You will need to replace the studs that are grooved. Also, you should also check to see if the studs are pulling out. If the guide slots in the heads are worn, you'll have to put in screw-in studs and guide plates or get self-aligning rockers.
Meangreen, I had this problem with a old .454 lift crane fireball cam. I also tried to lengthen the slot with a file and then a die grinder with a carbide bit. Forget that, its some hard metal. Theres no set cam lift that you will get bind. All rocker arm sets are different so you have to look and verify they are not hitting.
PS, the flat sides are on the top.
The flat side of the nut goes down, the tapered side is the lock and goes up.If you installed them upside down that could be your problem. The rocker and balls are matched once the eng. has run keep them together.Like posted check for spring binding. You should only have to replace the damaged studs. HTH
Good Luck
If you don't make mistakes. your not doing anything.
69 ss rs full custom camaro 98 ISCA grandchampion
69 ss rs bb camaro wifes driver
66 Elcamino 350/all dz parts,ac,windows,loaded,my driver
69 ss chevelle bb conv.fresh frame off
26 T sedan street rod
69 ss rs full custom camaro 98 ISCA grandchampion
69 ss rs bb camaro wifes driver
66 Elcamino 350/all dz parts,ac,windows,loaded,my driver
69 ss chevelle bb conv.fresh frame off
26 T sedan street rod [/B][/QUOTE]
Well i think i am gonna get some new heads, either that or get mine reworked. I have a guy who has some camel hump heads with the 462 casting number , 2.02 valves 1.60 exhaust 64cc combustion chamber with heavy duty springs and just reworked all for 300 dollars and for another hundred he will throw in some roller rockers. So my question is now can the domed pistons work with the 64 cc combustion chamber?
The BFD is, this is called a signature, some have them and some don't,
If you don't make mistakes. your not doing anything.
69 ss rs full custom camaro 98 ISCA grandchampion
69 ss rs bb camaro wifes driver
66 Elcamino 350/all dz parts,ac,windows,loaded,my driver
69 ss chevelle bb conv.fresh frame off
26 T sedan street rod
Last edited by troy-curt; 12-26-2003 at 02:45 PM.
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