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EEnadu ,headquartered in Hyderabad, India, is the largest circulated Telugu
news daily in the state of Andhra Pradesh and the world. According to NRS (National
Readership Studies) 2005 it has a readership of 134,000 and is the third most circulated
regional language daily and 10th most circulated daily in India. Eenadu (meaning
"Today" in Telugu) was founded by the Indian media baron Ramoji Rao in
1974. It has played a role in both crowning or dethroning governments in Andhra
Pradesh. It has also successfully adapted the latest publishing and communication
technologies into the Telugu language. Eenadu's rapid expansion enabled diversification
of its portfolio by venturing into numerous other markets such as finance and chitfund
(Margadarsi chits), foods (Priya Foods), film production (Usha Kiran Films), film
distribution (Mayuri Films), and a group of television channels (ETV). All the businesses
are organized under Ramoji Group.
Click here to read eenadu news paper
Sakshi is Telugu newspaper daily. It is the second largest circulating Telugu daily.
It was brought out in 23 multi-colored editions (one edition per district) by Jagati
Publication It is owned by MP Y. S. Jaganmohan reddy and is its chairman. The newspapaper
as well as the news channel are run by Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, editorial director,
Jagati Publications and Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy's political mentor.
Click here to read sakshi news paper
Vaartha , headquartered in Hyderabad, India is a Telugu news paper.Vaartha means
"News" in Telugu. Vaartha is the firstly daily in Andhra Pradesh to have
facilitated Information Technology in publishing all the news that broke as late
as 4 a.m. Vaartha is extremely popular in the beginning of its launch and many people
switched to Vaartha.
Click here to read vaarttha news paper
The paper was started from Chennai on August 15, 1938 by Ramnath Goenka to challenge
the sway of the leading Telugu newspaper at the time, Andhra Patrika. A reader from
Bellary had suggested the name Andhra Prabha to the management of the paper which
was promptly adopted by them. The then management of Andhra Prabha awarded him with
the sum of Rs. 116 as a token of their gratitude.The paper was initially edited
by Khasa Subba Rao (joint editor of Indian Express at the time) who was succeeded
by Nyapati Narayanamurthi. In 1942 Narla Venkateswara Rao was promoted from news-editor
to editor of the paper. He held this position for seventeen years, a period of time
that is considered epochal in Telugu journalism. He was responsible for many revolutionary
changes in headline and caption writing, in the framing of action photos, in news
display and in page make-up. It was during Narla's editorship that the paper was
closed down for a brief period during the Quit India Movement. The newspaper was
shut down for a few months in order to protest the British Government's attempt
to impose censorship of the press. The Andhra Prabha was also banned from the State
of Mysore and the State of Hyderabad because it opposed the feudal nature of these
regimes. Narla later tendered his resignation when he had a falling out with Ramnath
Goenka over his sympathy with the workers in the press which resulted in a strike
in Chennai. He was succeeded by Neelamraju Venkataseshaiah.
Click here to read andhraprabha news paper
Surya headquartered in Hyderabad. This newspaper is being promoted by Nukarapu Surya
Prakash Rao. This telugu newspaper is being published from seventeen cities in India.
Click here to read surya news paper
Prajasakti is a Telugu newspaper that is published in Andhra Pradesh, India. It
started as a daily newspaper in 1981 with Vijayawada as the centre. Currently it
is being published with nine centres (or editions) at Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam,
Tirupati (city), Khammam, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, Srikakulam and Karimnagar. It has
a wide network of over 100 primary news-gathering centers across the state. Prajasakti
has grown up in leaps and bounds and is now the largest circulated progressive daily
among Telugu newspapers. On the 20th anniversary of Prajasakti, it went online and
came much nearer to all those who are not within its reach in this global world.
prajasakti news paper
Andhra Bhoomi is a Telugu daily newspaper. It covers whole of Andhra Pradesh with
editions from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Anantapur, Karimnagar,
Nellore, etc. It also comes with Monthly Magazine named Andhra Bhoomi Sachitra Vaara
Patrika. With a circulation of 3,65,794 it covers whole of Andhra Pradesh and some
parts of South India with Bangalore (mainly). Andhra Bhoomi is a paper from Deccan
Chronicle(DC), a leading English Daily of Andhra Pradesh. It is the Telugu version
of English daily Deccan Chronicle. Both newspapers are owned by T Venkatarami Reddy
who is the nephew of Congress MP T Subbirami Reddy.
Click here to read andhrabhoomi news paper


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Plains' wheat crop is in tough shape
From South Dakota to Texas, the U.S. hard red winter wheat crop is in bad shape.
"The crop is really in dire straits," says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. "It got off to a rough start in South Dakota and Nebraska. States south of there, especially from Kansas through Texas, it has turned dry—virtually no rain since the first of October in many of the central and southern Plains' locations."
The "poor to very poor" ratings in the latest crop progress report tell the story—South Dakota at 60 percent, Nebraska 40, Kansas 24 and Oklahoma at 44 percent poor to very poor. In fact, those condition ratings are at some of their lowest levels since USDA starting tracking those statistics in 1986.
And Rippey says the prospects for improvement are not very bright.
"For the South Dakota to Texas portion of the belt, there's really no prospect for any appreciable precipitation during the next two weeks, outside of a few sprinkles or snow flurries from time to time," he says. "So I don't think we'll see any appreciable drought relief as we head on through the remainder of November and into December.
"We need a pattern change—we need a couple of big storms—we need some snowfall to bring back this winter wheat crop from the brink of disaster."
But on the positive side, Rippey says, "we're doing reasonably well in the soft red winter wheat belt, which stretches through the mid-South into the Eastern Corn Belt—and we're doing reasonably well in the white winter wheat belt of the Northwest."
But because half of the winter wheat comes from the Plains and hard red winter wheat belt, Rippey says, the overall picture is rather bleak.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Image Credit: In.A.Dash.Media
"Latinos are not a monolith. There is no one look or concept of race for us. We are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow and our experiences and identities reflect that."
Journalist, Dash Harris, is on a mission to explore the dynamics of Latino identity in the U.S. and abroad. Her upcoming docu-series, Negro, examines both history and present attitudes about skin color, social hierarchies and self-identification of Latinos of the African Diaspora.
Learn more about her project in part two of our interview below and be sure to visit Bicultural Mom for the first half of this interview, where Dash shares part of her personal story and what inspires her.
Dash Harris, born September 11, grew up in Panama, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and the Poconos. She attended Temple University for broadcast journalism, business and French. Dash is the owner of In.A.Dash.Media, a Multi-media and video production studio and currently working on Negro, a docu-series about Latino identity and the African Diaspora. She is also a writer for Examiner.com and founder of Venus Genus, a website that empowers women while examining gender bias and female tropes.
Follow Dash on Twitter at @InADash, @InADashMedia, @VenusGenus and 'Like' Venus Genus on Facebook.
Q &A with Dash Harris, creator of "Negro", a docu-series about Latino identity:
First off, it's great to have the chance to interview you about your upcoming docu-series, "Negro", a docu-series about Latino identity. Could you tell us what the film is about and what topics you might be addressing in the series?
The docu-series will be a series of video interviews in a medium form news format that addresses the global Latino identity. It will juxtapose the U.S. view from Latinos and non-Latinos in the U.S. with Latinos from their respective country.
Topics will range from media portrayals of Latinos, how Latinos identify, the history of the ethnicity, Africa's role in the development of the ethnicity and its people, racism, colorism and eliticism among Latinos and perceptions and misconceptions of Latinos. Each video will be on a specific country and topic.
What are your goals for this film? What do you hope to achieve by producing it?
My overarching goal is to spread truth and awareness, annihilate ignorance, and foster a dialogue about the elephant in the room. The docu-series will present the perception, identity and the honest to God facts of what it means to be 'Latino'.
What is your personal connection to the stories and voices that will make up this film and why is it important to Latinos in the U.S.?
My family is from Panama, an awesome place to visit by the way :-D I have grown up explaining why being Black and Latino is not mutually exclusive. I have seldom seen diversity of Latinos in Latino media and have explored the nuances of a people who tout unity while many members of the culture feel isolation and disharmony. I see a lot of ignorance and gross misconceptions about the ethnicity.
The simple fact that 'Latino' is not a race, but is an ethnicity made up of European, African and Indigenous influences. I have seen Africa's pivotal role in the ethnicity rejected in favor of a more Euro-centric view; the fallacies of uninformed and oftentimes a people ashamed of where their roots really lie. I see the complete and sometimes willful ignorance that someone who is blonde hair blue eyed, someone of indigenous ancestry and someone who is the color of a midnight sky can all be Latino. Latino history and social interaction is seldom taught anywhere, not in Latin American countries and definitely not in the U.S. It's time to open up some eyes.
What are some of the countries and cities you have/will visit for filming? Why did you choose these specific locations?
To start, I wanted to visit the countries with the highest population of people of African ancestry, which are Colombia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil. I have already visited Dominican Republic and Colombia and hope to travel the last three in the winter. I felt these countries were imperative to create a well rounded theme of global identity of the European, African and indigenous populations that comprise the Latino identity.
Does this project have a non-profit status, like a 501c3? How can our readers help and show their support for this project?
The project does not have a non-profit status. However, it still is important to support a project like this because there are very few narratives like this and even fewer told by Latinos themselves. It is time for Latinos to tell their own stories and give a voice to issues and topics that we have all experienced but have never been touched upon or covered in a medium like this.
We support companies who may or may not have our best interests at heart, we spend tons of money on countless items, things, products. Materials, goods and entertainment, why not spend money on sharing your very own stories? I quit my job of two and half years to pursue this because I believe in it. I have used all of my personal savings to do the travels and have had some support from family and friends, I would love to have the support of the community.
Why do you think it's important for people to see this series?
The doc-series is important because it will open some eyes, remove blinders, and expose the truth for exactly what it is, something to be learned, appreciated and celebrated. To quote Jeannie Zandi "The truth has eternity on its side. Your illusions have a shelf-life." And this is what Negro the doc series aims to do, shorten that erroneous shelf-life. The doc-series sheds light on the experiences and history of Afro Latinos specifically. There are some Latinos who identify as Afro Latino but those individuals still share some common Latino culture, as any other Latino.There are places that have a pronounced Afro Latino culture such as San Basilio de Palenque in Colombia that was established as maroon town by a runaway slave. Palenqueros have preserved their African culture and speak a language that is a mix of Spanish and African Languages.
However, Latino culture is Latino culture (with some amazing variations from country to country of course), whether you have a predominant African ancestry or not. I have observed Black Latinos/Afro Latinos say over and over again that Black Latinos or Afro Latinos are "invisible," that they are not acknowledged that they are isolated and made to feel they are somehow not part of the larger culture. I found it puzzling because there were more slaves taken to Latin America than the United States of America itself, so for there to be any confusion on the existence of Black Latinos, and Latinos of African descent is absurd since most Latinos have African ancestry, whether they claim Afro Latino or not. Many prominent Black Latinos have described feelings of invisibility, racism, colorism, isolation and pain.
Hugo Chavez notably said, "When we were children, we were told that we have a motherland, and that motherland was Spain. However, we have discovered later, in our lives, that as a matter of fact, we have several motherlands. And one of the greatest motherlands of all is no doubt, Africa."
This history, is just not taught in schools in Latin American countries and it is such a rich and intricate history of Latino identity.


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Exceeded Expectations
Reviewed By Mark B (LAKE ARIEL, PA) —7/10/2017 6:42 AM
A very high quality cover that is both sturdy and light weight. Fits my vehicle extremely well and provides all the protection I needed. My experience with car covers is that you get what you pay for. Although a bit more expensive than average car covers, if you value your car, the Covercraft Weathershield HP is well worth the additional expense to protect your investment. The grommet provided for reinforcing the antenna hole is well made. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.
car cover review( storm king)
Reviewed By Dave M (Lebanon, NH) Reviewed for a 1984 Mercury Grand Marquis —7/10/2017 5:55 AM
I bought one for my mint condition 1984 grand marquis coupe ..,,i am very happy with the cover , the fit and finish is great...........i thought it had felt lining in it but its nice but for the price the locking cable and bag should be included................someone said they thought they were years ago,,,,,,,,,,but over all i am happy with it ,,i would consider buying 2 more for my other cars................david mcgrath


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I am looking at getting a BA (silicone, under muscle) and some form of either SLIM lipo SMART lipo or VASER lipo done at the same time I have recieved quotes in both Northern CA (where im from) and in AZ and have found that in AZ the prices are all around 1/2 the price quoted in CA. I know "price shouldnt determine the DR" however in my case it is. Is there a way to ask a DR in CA if they could somehow match the prices in AZ or is that considered rude? I just dont understand the $ difference.
Why is a Breast Augmentation in CA So Much More Expensive Than in States Like AZ?
Doctor Answers 9
Why is a Breast Augmentation in CA So Much More Expensive Than in States Like AZ?
The costs of doing business vary considerably by geography. When you are having a breast augmentation, you are buying implants, anesthesia services, hospital or surgicenter services and the professional services of your surgeon.
Implant costs are about the same all over the country, but everything else varies. Where the cost of living is higher, average salaries are higher. Anesthesia costs more, operating rooms cost more, running a plastic surgery practice costs more.
There is no reason not to ask about fee reduction. I can tell you that if you asked me to cut my cost in half, the remaining half would barely cover implants, OR fee at cost, anesthesia fee. That doesn't even consider my office overhead. Unless fees in northern California are way higher than here, I can't imagine someone in Arizona charging half of your local fees.
Thanks for the question, best wishes.
State to State and City to City differences in breast augmentation costs.
Greetings Jenna,
Patients, as they become more informed health care consumers, are comparing the costs of their breast implant surgery not just in their own communities but across their state and the states they live nearby.
In your town, the fees vary based upon the selection of saline vs. gel implants and the experience and reputations of your local surgeons. The cost of your plastic surgeon's office and staff (overhead) also figure into the fees charged by your local plastic surgeons. As you might suspect, someone ultimately must pay for the fancier offices sometimes encountered by patients seeking cosmetic surgery. Local costs of living also figure into how a surgeon sets his (or her) fees.
Doctors who may not be trained, board certified plastic surgeons, also offer breast implants to the public in America (and the prices can be lower). Take a look at the American Board of Plastic Surgery website for further information about training and qualifications needed to provide you with safe plastic surgical care.
Fees in our community are usually lower than "the big city" and may be higher than those found in other states with lower costs of living.
The expense of the breast implants, the anesthesia,and the outpatient surgery centers are going to be comparable among your local docs. I prefer the safety of a well staffed, licensed, and certified surgery center despite the fact that it costs me a bit more. For reasons of patient safety, the savings of doing cosmetic office surgery is not something that I am comfortable with.
When you travel from city to city in your state or to neighboring states, all of the above factors may contribute to higher fees or, as you have found out, lower surgical fees. Like any business, your surgeon must be comfortable with what he (she) earns after all the expenses are paid. No matter where you decide to have your surgery, select a plastic surgeon with a good reputation who you are comfortable with and trust.
I hope this rather long answer helps you better understand the variation of fees for your surgery.
Best Regards
Learn more: https://www.abplsurg.org/ModDefault.aspx?section=PubFind
Price shopping
When shopping and comparing prices, it is important to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, are both surgeons board certified plastic surgeons? Are both performing lipo on the same areas. Are they both quoting you for saline or is one silicone. I often review quotes from another surgeon where it was obvious that both surgeons were not doing the exact same thing. I am sure Younwould like to have the surgery closer to home. Go on a few more consults and bring the quotes with you from the other doctors. The surgeons may be able to point out where the differences are that justify the cost difference.
Learn more: http://edelsonplastic.com/breast/breast-augmentation/
You might also like...
Cost of surgery in CA?
The typical cost for any procedure or product on the coast or big city is usually higher. This is true with gas and groceries. There are many qualified surgeons in the country at a cheaper cost, but it does involve travel expenses and the need for follow up.
I know this well as I am in Ft. Wayne, IN in the middle of the US and we typically have lower prices than the coasts and big cities. It does require travel and possible other issues, but cost of surgery is regionally dependent and does not necessarily mean a better outcome.
Your best option is to find a surgeon in a relatively close proximity with whom you feel comfortable and proceed with a consultation. Do not let money be your sole determining factor for surgery!
Learn more: https://www.aspireplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation-fort-wayne/
Cost differences in breast augmentation
I was interested in reading the responses on this question as I run into it all the time. Most of the reasons have been mentioned. To some extent it's the same reason that gas probably costs more in CA than in AZ. But it is indeed important to break down the costs and make sure that equal parts of the procedure are being compared. The main costs are the surgical fee, the cost of the implants, the facility fee to carry it out, and ancillary costs such as for an anesthesiologist. Surgical fees are all over the place and good plastic surgeons usually set them and stick to them rather than trying to engage in "discount" surgery or one charge for this patient and a different charge for someone else. Some surgeons or facilities make a profit above the cost of the implants but to many surgeons this is a pass-through cost. Silicone gel-filled breast implants cost more than twice what saline-filled implants cost. Facility fees charged by hospitals and outpatient surgical centers are also variable depending on a number of real and inflated costs. Anesthesiologists or anesthetists can also charge whatever they want for cosmetic procedures although it's usually based on how long the procedure is expected to take.
The thing that keep costs in check for cosmetic procedures is competition -- your willingness to go somewhere else if the first surgeon you check out is too high. Another is to do procedures in an accredited office facility under something like local anesthesia with IV sedation. This is quite feasible for breast augmentation and/or liposuction. My office surgical facility cost is quite a bit lower than the hospital or outpatient surgical facility and I don't need an anesthesiologist for IV sedation. Oral surgeons often do this for procedures such as wisdom teeth extraction rather than taking the patient to the hospital. I would recommend making sure the surgeon is board certified, experienced with local/IV sedation technique, and has appropriate accreditation.
I would agree that SMART and VASER liposuction is not demonstrably better than properly done normal liposuction but will cost more because of the expense of the equipment.
Prices for cosmetic surgery are affected by many factors. Price does not always equate with quality.
First of all, you can negotiate with your surgeon. It is not considered rude. In fact, if your surgeon reacts negatively, that is a red flag. When we do procedures in combination we can be more flexible in the pricing. By the way, you mentioned some branded liposuction machines, none of which is proven to be more effective that traditional liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction (remember the surgeon's experience is more important than the brand of liposuction equipment).
A host of things goes into the price (including real estate, the amount of competition, and how experienced and reputable your surgeon is) and it is not true that if you spend more you will necessarily get a better result. First, priorize safety (plastic surgeon who operates in a licensed or accredited facility) and quality, look at plenty of before and after photos provided by your surgeon, and then look at price. You may want to finance part of it using Care Credit for example. Also, you can save about $1000 by choosing saline implants instead of silicone gel (when they are below the muscle, the feel difference is really quite minimal). Also, surgeons who have access an on-site licensed surgery center can usually contain costs better than those who use a hospital or large, multidisciplinary surgery center.
Cost of surgery in California more than Arizona
Yes, there is a cost difference between states. This is because the cost of doing in business in California is probably more expensive than in Arizona. Remember running somewhere else to have lower costing surgery maybe a problem when and if you need further care back in California. Who are you going to follow-up with? Everything is perfect until it is not.
Cosmetic Surgery is an experience, not a product
There are numerous factors in setting the cost of cosmetic surgery. It's definitely influenced by the location and the setting where surgery takes place. Make sure you are comparing apple to apple. You can ask the surgeon to break down the fee schedule for you to see the different components of the fee. The quality and experience of the surgeon and practice can vary greatly which in turn will affect the charges. Certainly not all breast augmentation are the same very much like not all haircut are the same. It is a process and personal experience, not a product you can get off the shelf. If you are still uncertain about the surgeon and the fees, keep looking and comparing. Don't stop until you find the right plastic surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable to put your body on line.
Best Wishes,
Stewart Wang, MD FACS, Wang Plastic Surgery
Varying prices of surgery
The cost for this procedure probably varies in these two states because of overhead expenses. Rent and the cost of livingand insurances may be higher in California.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


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Schifano's In Sicily
Are you looking for an Italian surname? Do you need more information about your family heritage?
This is the right place to start your genealogy search.
This is the right place to start your genealogy search.
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4 posts • Page 1 of 1
Schifano's In Sicily
My Step Dad is a Schifano. His family (Mother, Father and siblings moved to Boston between 1920-1925. Dad was born in December 25, 1925. His name is Calogero Schifano, his (American name is Charlie). He will be making his first trip to Sicily in December and is interested in finding family. He knows that his family is from southern Italy. Does anyone know a Schifano family that moved to the States in the 1920's? I know that he has a sister named Ann. I apologize for not having more information but I am living in Germany an do not have further information as I am just getting the ball rolling for him. Any help would be great!
If you go to www.ellisisland.org and look up Calogero Schifano who was aged 5 in 1920 which seems to contradict the place of birth and age of your father Calogero (aka charlie) iof thats him. This Schifano came from Riesi in Sicily and there are 7 Schifano there now. Go to wwsw.paginebianche.it and put in schifano iun the first line and Riesi in the third line and click CERCA in reed for the 7 listings. Peter
Peter, thanks for the information. I think my post may have been misunderstood. My Dad was born in the states and his family came to the US from Italy before he was born. I did find his father on the immigration records, so this was a good place for us to start. My dad is very excited about the paginebianche.it website and we are going to begin further searching there. Thanks so much for your help.
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News about Cemeteries, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.
How You Would Like to Be Dead
Under roses, in the sea, with a dog. Readers share their burial wishes....
July 13, 2017, Thursday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Cemeteries , Tombs and Tombstones , Cremation
This Is How I Want to Be Dead
In the woods, decomposing with wild things, and my burial money being used to preserve the land....
July 7, 2017, Friday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Cemeteries , Cremation , Environment , Science and Technology
Hard Life Among the Dead in the Philippines
Manila North Cemetery, the final resting place of presidents and literary icons, is home to thousands of poor Filipinos....
June 25, 2017, Sunday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: vis-photo , Manila (Philippines) , Cemeteries , Tombs and Tombstones , Funerals and Memorials , Duterte, Rodrigo
A Hemmed-In Cemetery Finds a Bit More Space
Green-Wood Cemetery, concerned about running out of room for burials, is buying back a small piece of land it sold to a church 150 years ago....
June 22, 2017, Thursday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn, NY) , Cemeteries , Funerals and Memorials
War Hero's Family Suing in Its Decades-Long Fight to Identify Remains
The family of Alexander Nininger, the first Medal of Honor recipient in World War II, has contended for decades that he is buried in Manila as an "unknown."...
May 29, 2017, Monday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Nininger, Alexander Ramsey Jr , United States Defense and Military Forces , Cemeteries , World War II (1939-45) , Medal of Honor (US) , United States Military Academy
Guides for Exploring New York
From the changing demographics of the No. 7 train to the ruins of Jewish resorts in the Catskills, new publications reveal the metropolitan area....
May 25, 2017, Thursday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Books and Literature , New York City , Catskills (NYS Area) , Fire Island (NY) , Flushing (Queens, NY) , Long Island Sound , Cemeteries , Art Deco , Jews and Judaism , Subways
Why the Brooklyn-Queens Border Is Full of Dead People
Early on, that area was seen as an ideal spot for (theoretically) final resting places....
April 27, 2017, Thursday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Brooklyn (NYC) , Queens (NYC) , Cemeteries
Here Lies a Graveyard Where 'East and West Came Together'
Bukit Brown, one of the world's largest Chinese cemeteries, is at the center of a preservation effort in modernization-mad Singapore....
April 4, 2017, Tuesday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Cemeteries , Tombs and Tombstones , Land Use Policies , Historic Buildings and Sites , Singapore , Bukit Brown
'Here Lies': A Clue in Hebrew Points to Rome's Medieval Jewish Cemetery
Archaeologists say that 38 skeletons unearthed in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood were likely buried in the long-vanished Campus Iudeorum, or Field of the Jews....
March 28, 2017, Tuesday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Cemeteries , Jews and Judaism , Archaeology and Anthropology , Rome (Italy)
A Historic New Jersey Cemetery Sits Neglected and Blighted
The 37-acre Woodland Cemetery, which dates to Newark's 19th-century heyday, has become a haven for crime and a scene of disrepair....
March 19, 2017, Sunday
MORE ON CEMETERIES AND: Cemeteries , Tombs and Tombstones , Blacks , New Jersey , Newark (NJ)
'It Could Happen Anywhere'
Volunteers and family members assess the damage at two Jewish cemeteries that were vandalized in the same week. Join them beside the graves in this 360 video.
Second Jewish Cemetery Vandalized
Muslim activists raised more than $130,000 to help restore desecrated Jewish graves nationwide.
Who Was Buried at the Naval Hospital Cemetery in Brooklyn?
An exhaustive 1999 study of the abandoned cemetery included a list of all known burials, from Alexander Adams to Charles Zoller (Pages 115 to 174), as well as a detailed history.
This Is Hart Island
An uninhabited strip of land off the coast of the Bronx in Long Island Sound has been the final resting place for New York City's unclaimed dead since 1869.
Unearthing the Secrets of New York's Mass Graves
Over a million people are buried in the city's potter's field on Hart Island. A New York Times investigation uncovers some of their stories and the failings of the system that put them there.
Malian Jihadist Speaks at the Trial
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court accused Ahmed al-Faqi al-Mahdi of war crimes for attacking the centuries-old world heritage site of Timbuktu.
The Cemetery as Exploratory Theater
For one night only, the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn becomes an interactive theater.
An Asylum's Final Secrets
In New York, more than 55,000 deceased psychiatric patients lie in unmarked graves. Near the former Willard Asylum, a small committee has spent the past three years fighting to memorialize the dead.
Musical Tributes for Mexico's Dead
In Iztapalapa, a violent Mexico City neighborhood, two musicians with a guitar and an accordion are hired to ease the strains of grief, celebrate the dead and remind mourners of more festive memories.
Laid to Rest in the Front Yard
James Davis has been involved in a dispute with the town of Stevenson, Ala., for burying his wife on his property.
Sochi's Old Believers' Cemetery, Then and Now
Farmland and neighborhoods were bulldozed to make room for new Olympic arenas for the Sochi Games. A cemetery, which the Russians could not move, remains among the new buildings.
'Tomb Sweeping' Festival in China
Large crowds flock to their relatives' graves to clean away debris and leave behind temporal favorites of the deceased.
Looking for Answers and Bodies in the Ground
Nobody is quite sure how many boys' bodies lie beneath the grounds of the notorious Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Florida, or which one is Thomas or Owen or Robert. The causes of their deaths are equally mysterious, often listed as "unknown" or "accident," and many were buried with great haste.
The Rites of a Prison Cemetery
In a state known for being tough on criminals, a cemetery has been a little-known counterpoint to the mythology of the Texas penal system.
Iraq's Resting Places
In Iraq, death is more than a moment. It lingers in the morgues, the cemeteries, the sacred tombs of Shiite devotion and the memories of families. As the United States declares a conflict over that it helped begin with the invasion in 2003, some are still reckoning with the past.
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Plotting with a simplex
Is there a way I can do plots for variables that are confined to a
simplex? For example, I often work with variables that are frequencies,
so, say, x + y + z = 1. I can obviously do an ordinary 3D plot, but since
the action is confined to the simplex x+y+z=1, this is a bit silly. I can
obviously use primitives to hack a picture, but that won't help me the
next time I need to look at a different system that's subject to the same
constraint. In some fields simplices like this are called triangle plots,
though they can obviously have dimensions > 3.
Any suggestions are welcome!


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Dark Chocolate Caramel & Black Sea Salt Bar
April 28th—Fearlessly Archived—Still a fun read; price & availability may have changed.
Some say money makes the world go 'round; others give credit to love. We're putting our money on something we love - chocolate. Sure, we could live in a world without chocolate, but we really don't want to. Especially when bars like Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Caramel & Black Hawaiian Sea Salt are so readily available, and easily affordable, too.
Our Dark Chocolate Caramel & Black Hawaiian Sea Salt bar begins with elegantly rich, wonderfully dark chocolate (70% cacao). It's filled with a buttery, burnt sugar caramel & Hiwa Kai, a blend of sea salt and volcanic charcoal harvested from pristine Hawaiian tide pools - the combination of caramel & sea salt is a classic, and this particular pairing elevates the experience to the sublime. The exterior of the bar is garnished with Maldon sea salt harvested from estuaries in Great Britain, putting the finishing touch on a chocolate bar whose quality belies its terrific price. You could easily pay $6-$8 in an "artisan" chocolate shop for a bar crafted to these specifications. At Trader Joe's, we're selling each three ounce bar, in a nifty box, for $1.99, every day.


text: RUSH: Back to the phones, Maria, Jacksonville, Florida. Great to have you on the program. How you doing? CALLER: Hi, Rush. I want to know, why was it possible for Comey to investigate all of Weiner's emails in a week's time and he can't even commit as to when he can give Congress any updates into any of his current investigations? RUSH: Well, because this is a never ending investigation. CALLER: Right. RUSH: In fact, a Democrat congresswoman asked him to explain the process of an ongoing investigation. He said, "Well, that's pretty much what it is, it's an ongoing investigation." She said, "Well, can you tell us how long it will take?" "Well, no." "Well, can you give us the average time of an ongoing investigation?" "Well, there is no average time. Each investigation is its own investigation, and we never limit or prejudge. We follow the facts. We follow the evidence." Well, they're following a lot of nothing right now. Because there isn't any evidence. None whatsoever. Now, I get your point, though. Let's go back and review something. I don't know, were you as impressed as I was about how serious James Comey was about how serious a crime it is to release classified information? Trey Gowdy really pumped him on this today. And these guys don't seem interested in finding who leaks this stuff. They're not interested. They don't want to discuss it. They don't want to go there. They're not interested in who unmasked, for example, Mike Flynn. Now, the way Flynn was caught, Flynn was not being surveilled. I knew this was the case. The Russian ambassador is being surveilled and so what happens, the NSA is monitoring whatever the Russian ambassador does, and there's a phone call with Flynn, Mike Flynn, and they hear it. Now, when something like that happens, and Flynn's not the target, they're supposed to ignore it unless what they hear constitutes without question serious criminal offense. It's part of the protection built in. If you're gonna be monitoring foreign actors and they have dealings with Americans who are not targets, not persons of interest, when you hear them, you're supposed to ignore 'em and nobody's supposed to tell anybody what was said. Well, we know everything Flynn -- well, we don't know. That's the point. They've got the transcript of the phone call between Flynn and the Russian ambassador, but they leaked a bunch of it that made it look like he was discussing the lifting of sanctions and all that, when he wasn't. And so he was being asked, Comey was, "Well, well, well, who would be in charge of unmasking the technique or the term for hiding the identity of an American on a transcript of an intercepted call that is not the target is masking?" You have to unmask that person if doing so is warranted by evidence and circumstance. And so Trey Gowdy was asking of the unmasking of Flynn, but Comey said, "I can't comment on individuals. I can't comment on what's in the news. I can't comment on the media reports, I can't comment." So Gowdy had to ask generic questions about theoretical circumstances to get Comey to even play ball. It was clear that Comey didn't want to say anything about that, except how serious a crime it is to release classified information. He said it over and over again. He stressed it so much that I couldn't help but think this is a different James Comey from the FBI director who said that no prosecutor would prosecute Hillary Clinton for releasing classified information in her email. That's what she did, and Comey's the guy who said (paraphrasing), "I couldn't find an illicit motive, an absolute illicit motive, there's no reason to prosecute her." And yet look what we're doing here. It's the exact opposite of the way Comey said he had to deal with Hillary. BREAK TRANSCRIPT RUSH: James Comey said that he couldn't confirm that there would ever be an investigation of the leakers, while admitting it's a felony. He didn't act interested in pursuing that investigation whatsoever. Before Rush Limbaugh began broadcasting on network radio more than 25 years ago, political talk was often dry, hackneyed, and boring. Rush Limbaugh's lively, humorous, and just plain fun program has rocketed his show to the most listened-to long form program in the history of network radio. Contact Call 1-800-282-2882 Email email@example.com Social


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Why is the Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence attacking Republicans' efforts to obtain documents regarding the Operation Fast and Furious gunrunning scandal?
In a statement issued yesterday, Brady Campaign President Dan Gross ridiculed the vote to hold Holder in contempt of Congress for refusing to provide documents regarding the government's botched gunrunning operation. Two guns from the operation were at the scene where murdered U.S. border agent Brian Terry was found.
Gross calls Republicans' efforts to obtain documents regarding the gunning operation "ridiculous political theater" and an effort to "do the bidding of the NRA" (emphasis added):
"As House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa and Speaker John Boehner lead the ridiculous political theater of a contempt of Congress vote for the first time against a U.S. attorney general, American and Mexican lives remain at risk because of the out-of-control Mexican gun violence fueled by guns trafficked from American gun shops. As Issa and Boehner do the bidding of the NRA, innocent people are dying, including Americans."
And, on June 18, Brady Campaign Vice President For Law and Policy Dennis Henigan attacked the House probe in a piece titled "How About If We Hold Congress in Contempt?"
Henigan characterizes Attorney General Holder's refusal to provide the documents to Congress as "alleged." He says that Republicans are waging "war against the Obama Administration" (emphasis added):
"The contempt vote will be the Republican leadership's latest escalation of the war against the Obama Administration over "Fast and Furious," in which about 2,000 guns purchased from border state gun shops were allowed to "walk" into the hands of the Mexican drug cartels in a misguided effort to get at the higher-ups in the cartels' gun trafficking operations. A month ago, in a precursor to the contempt strategy, the House Republican leadership, led by Speaker John Boehner, sent a letter to Attorney General Holder decrying the Justice Department's alleged "lack of full cooperation" in responding to a document subpoena from Rep. Darrell Issa's House Oversight Committee. Even apart from the silence of Republican leaders about the Bush Justice Department's use of similarly flawed "gun walking" tactics, the letter wreaks of hypocrisy."
Henigan claims that Republicans are merely pretending to be concerned about the harm done by Operation Fast and Furious (emphasis added):
"For example, Speaker Boehner and his colleagues pretend to be concerned about the "serious harm" of "Fast and Furious" to the "important bilateral relationship" between the United States and Mexico, but make no effort to explain the failure of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to respond to the desperate pleas of the Mexican government to strengthen American gun laws to curb the gun trafficking that gave rise to the "Fast and Furious" strategy in the first place."
The Brady Campaign's Website says the group's goal is "to protect you, your family and your community from gun deaths and injuries."
In addition to passing laws, "We can also do this by exposing corrupt gun dealers who feed the illegal gun market. Our Brady Center legal staff works to hold those dealers accountable in court and to protect common sense gun laws when they are attacked in court," the Website says.
So, why aren't isn't the Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence calling on Attorney General Holder to turn over any documents that might shed light on this botched operation that provided guns to criminals, two of which have been associated with the death of U.S. border agent Brian Terry?
And, why are its leaders even criticizing members of Congress for trying to get to the bottom of this tragic scandal?
Editor's Note: The Brady Campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment.
See more "Right Views, Right Now" opinion and analysis.


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Which to Original Real Housewives of ATL Cast Members Are Friends Again?
Well since you know Kandi's has legal issues with Kim it can't be the two of them! Lol Nene and Kim are BFF'S AGAIN!!! Here we go! lol now how long do you think this will last? According to MadameNoire.com the two got together at an event last night, had a long talk and resolved their issues. Well I hpe it lasts it was fun watching the two of them (when they were friends) on RHOA! Lol


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Risk-Free Period Program
About the program
See if our University is a fit for you, risk-free
It's always better to try something before you buy it. At University of Phoenix, we think you should be able to do that when going back to college, too. Our Risk-Free Period Program gives you three weeks to try out the University experience by taking your first credit-bearing course. You'll get to know our online classroom, test your time-management skills and explore our student resources.
See if University of Phoenix is right for you—all before you spend a dime—so you can commit to your education with confidence. Check the list of eligible degree programs.
Here's how the Risk-Free Period Program works
- We'll confirm that you weren't previously admitted to the University and that you're declaring fewer than 24 credits.*
- You'll apply for one of the eligible online or on-campus associate or bachelor's degree programs in approved states.
- You'll be placed in one of these introductory-level, credit-bearing courses: GEN/127 University Studies for Success or GEN/201 Foundations for University Success.
- If you qualify for the Risk-Free Period Program, you'll be conditionally admitted for the first three weeks of the credit-bearing course and won't be invoiced until after the risk-free period ends.
- If you continue attending in week four and beyond, you'll be financially responsible for the entire course tuition.
If you're ready to try us out, just fill out the short form here, or give us a call at 866.766.0766.
*If you don't qualify for the Risk-Free Period Program, you may be eligible for a refund per our Tuition Refund Policy. The refund amount depends on how many weeks you attended, the course length and your state. A Finance Advisor can help you determine this.
Available Degree Programs
These are the online degree programs currently eligible for the Risk-Free Period Program


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Gull 2000 Earthstar Aircraft
Considerable care has been taken in the design and testing process. The result is a stall and spin resistant aircraft with superior handling qualities both on the ground and in the air. The responsive ailerons provide roll control throughout a stall attempt. The beginning flyer will find an easy to fly, stable, and forgiving aircraft.
The Thunder Gull 2000 and Odyssey models maintain the responsive and nimble control necessary for the demanding pilot. All of the Earthstar Aircraft models are fun cross-country machines and have been flown from coast-to-coast many times.
Flight tested to a "G" loading of +5.9 and -3 and are designed to +6 and -4 yield. The ultralight model has been certified to meet the FAA's FAR-103 requirements. VNE for all models is 120 mph.
Options include engine, instruments, propeller, side windows, parachute and others upon request.
Available as a kit or ready to fly.
All kits can be registered as Experimental.
Source: thundergull.com
- Empty weight: 248 lbs
- MTOW: 550 lbs
- Stall speed: 23 kts
- Cruise speed: 55 kts
- Never exceed speed VNE: 55 kts
- Climb: 700 ft/min
- Glide ratio: 12:1
- Takeoff distance (50ft obstacle): 250 ft
- Landing distance (50´ft obstacle): 200 ft
- Engine: Hirth F33
- Fuel consumption: 1.7 gph
- Gull 2000
- Empty weight: 112 kg
- MTOW: 249 kg
- Stall speed: 43 kph
- Cruise speed: 101 kph
- Never exceed speed VNE: 101 kph
- Climb: 4 m/s
- Glide ratio: 12:1
- Takeoff distance (15m obstacle): 76 m
- Landing distance (15m obstacle): 61 m
- Engine: Hirth F33
- Fuel consumption: 6 liters per hr
- Gull 2000


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Hi guys,
My only OS is Ubuntu 10.04. There are no partitions ( that is, I use the entire hard drive for Ubuntu, obviously). I need to run Backtrack for security testing.
I've seen lots of various options from running it in virtualbox to running it from a bootable USB but there seem to be problems originating with the grub bootloader. One thing I keep seeing is that the only way to get round all this is to hard drive install Backtrack first and THEN install Ubuntu. Clearly I don't want to have to reinstall my entire world on my pc, play with settings, re-install a billion apps etc.
My question is this - Given that I have 10.04 installed and running alone, how do I get Backtrack installed/running easily and without all the associated disasters?
Did you achieve this without problems? How did you do it? What do I need to do?
I like the USB option because the thought of screwing the grub up does not appeal; I don't want to reboot my computer and be told "Sorry - I'm grub and I don't want you to load anything" / Other Annoying Message.
Backtrack's site says they didn't provide a USB option so what should I use to burn the ISO (does Unetbootin work for Ubuntu??!?!?!
If you've done what I need to do I'd really appreciate your advice.


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Skip to Content
(603) 225-2711
Home > Wellness > Health Library > Trichomoniasis
Browse and register for related classes.
Trichomoniasis, also known as trich (say "trick"), is an infection caused by a parasite. The infection spreads through sexual contact.
Women are more likely to have symptoms than men. The infection can cause a discharge from the vagina that smells bad.
The infection is treated with antibiotics. If you are infected, it's important for your sex partner to take medicine too.
Current as of:
May 27, 2016
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
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Stats for suboxone.tumblr.com website.
Suboxone ; Suboxone Doctors - suboxone.tumblr.com
Suboxone Treatment and Suboxone Withdrawal tips for Opiate Withdrawal and Addiction.
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Happy Birthday Sagittarius! Born between November 22nd – December 21st, the quintessential Sagittarius is optimistic and enthusiastic with a positive energy and incredible curiosity. Sagittarians are well-known travelers; their open minds and wanderlust motivate them to travel the world and explore different cultures. The following are a few of our favorite selections for Sagittarius.
A perfect mix of symbolism and trendiness, this Arrow Diamond Ring is a clear pick for Sagittarius. Also known as the archer, the star sign is represented in the zodiac with the symbol of a bow and arrow. This ring can be worn on its own, or combined with other rings for a trendy ring stack. (It's also available in midi size here). There's an art to stacking jewelry, and the creative Sagittarian will love playing around with different combinations.
With a Sagittarius constantly on-the-go, a good watch is absolutely vital. One of our favorite picks for the travel-savvy Sagittarius is this Movado BOLD watch in Rose Gold. Rose gold is a trend that has proven to last and this watch will look perfect on the arm of any stylish Sagittarius!
These stunning Amethyst Earrings must have been created with Sagittarius in mind – Astrological experts consider Amethyst to be a stone strongly associated with Sagittarius, and both the deep and light purple hues are power colors for the star sign. Wear these when you need to feel especially powerful and they will provide that necessary extra confidence boost.
It's no wonder Sagittarius is represented by the element of fire. In the zodiac, fire represents enthusiasm and optimism, two defining characteristics of Sagittarius. Another symbolic choice for the star sign; this Ruby & Diamond Pendant can express the inner fire of the wearer. Throughout much of history, rubies were believed to possess an inextinguishable flame. Give your Sagittarius the gift of genuine, natural gemstones that are sure to impress.
Happy celebrating! Share with us your favorite jewelry styles on Instagram or Twitter, using the hashtag #BenBridge.


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Jeff, the thief, Will, the knight, and Lucas, the wizard, take a break from stacking boxes and dissolving in acid to talk about what they've been playing and what the new year may bring. Lucas details his least favourite Genghis Khan biopic. Jeff talks about what DC has planned for next year, what looks promising. Oh, and Will saw Avatar. Hike up those pants, listen in, and continue the discussion in the comments.
Download: Dork Shelf Podcast 14 (37 MB, MP3, 50:45)
Subscribe: Dork Shelf Podcast RSS Feed
- 0:05 — "Soft Revolution" by Stars
- 3:30 — Trine and class warfare in TF2
- 10:00 — System Shock, franchises, and Arkane's Arx
- 14:00 — Jeff on DC's 2010 comics: Earth One
- 27:20 — "Öngyilkos Vasárnap" by Venetian Snares
- 27:55 — Batman's lost in time; Krypton is orbiting Mars
- 35:00 — Talk about Mongols
- 39:15 — On Avatar
- 53:00 — "Killed by a Horse" by Buck 65


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Getting By: Harold Jones
02/29/08 9:40AM By Susan Keese
| Download MP3
Harold "Hoss" Jones is a part time driver for the Green Mountain Express, the bus that runs between Bennington and Manchester. He used to have a higher paying job in manufacturing. Now, like many of the workers he transports, he's just "getting by."


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ModHub Downloader Now Available!
Download it here!
Yep that's right, the ModHub Downloader is now available for public download and use!
The client includes multiple features to make CrossFire modding easier and quicker for everyone. I've got plans to include multiple more features and improvements as time goes on so don't worry if you think it's lacking in something at the moment.
The full feature list is as follows:
- Download and install mods with a single click.
- Install mods directly from the site or anywhere on the internet with the new modhub:// protocol.
- Vote on mods and automate certain site features.
- Backup your game to prevent corruption during modding.
- Change all of your CrossFire settings without launching the game.
It's taken a while to make and I hope you all find it useful!
Have fun!
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PLUSone finds aluminum store-front framing from Norcross, Ga.-based Kawneer North America a cost-effective, versatile way to create large glass openings. "It's easily customized for specific conditions," Baird says, "and it's durable and resistant to decay." Made for low-rise applications, the Trifab line comes in three frame sizes and 26 standard powder-coated colors with anodized finishes. Kawneer North America, 877.767.9107; www.kawneer.com
fritz embaugh and david baird, aia
baton rouge, la.


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Pet 'Adoptathon' this Saturday
December 26, 2012
Rescue for Pet Sake is hosting its Pet Adoptathon from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Petco, 672 Freeman Lane in Grass Valley. Lots of sweet dogs in need of homes will be there. For information, call (530) 263-3331 or visit http://www.rescueforpetsake.org.
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- UPDATE: 1 charged with murder in Penn Valley death


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Dead Space 2
Review by uberschveinen
"Playing to its strengths keeps the Dead Space franchise strong"
Dead Space 2, the direct sequel to the original Dead Space, remains a science-fiction survival horror game. It returns with everything that was notable about it emphasised, many of its defects remedied, and enough new mechanics to keep the game reasonably fresh without compromising what made its predecessor such a good game.
Graphics, performance, and presentation: 10/10
Dead Space 2 has remarkable graphics, markedly improved from the former. Textures are much more varied with fewer obvious repeats, lines are neat and crisp, and the lighting effects in particular set a benchmark for other games on the 360 to approach. This upgrade in lighting technology greatly serves the increased focus on dark areas in the game, and feeds the immersion that is the game's greatest feature. Graphical performance is exemplary; even with encounters involving far more enemies and much larger active spaces than the previous game, and occasionally both, not once in the game did I observe any perceptible slowdown. Given the level of detail and complexity in some of the areas, this is a particularly notable accomplishment. Animations remain excellent, and particularly helpful to immersion. The way Isaac stands and walks differently in zero gravity, the way he turns as though he was actually a heavy man carrying a small armoury in a huge suit, and the way that everything in the game reacts to being hit the way you'd expect really sustains immersion. Isaac has more stages of different animations as he becomes wounded, which once more highlights the immersion of the game, and the greatly increased array of death animations, often entirely unnecessarily long, keep his deaths unpleasant. Facial animations and body movements have been improved, which aids the much greater character focus in this game.
The worldbuilding is where most of the progress has been made, and it is excellent. Instead of the single location of the Ishimura, there are now a bevy of locations Isaac visits, each with its own feel. Residential areas look like actual living spaces, with signs of former habitation everywhere. The mining sector has the same industrial and efficient feel as the Ishimura, but much more dated. Government sector feels clinical, clean, and high-tech. And, most notably, the return of a former location as halfway through decontamination, with some clean rooms, some partly-cleaned, and some lit with blacklights with signs of violence everywhere, is particularly effective. These improvements aid the overall experience quite well.
Sound, music, and voices: 10/10
Once more, the Dead Space franchise sustains the reputation for incredible sound work it has earned. The sound library has expanded massively in this game, giving more detail and complexity to all of the interactive sounds that kept such immersion in the game. The environmental sounds; all those little pings, scratchings and bangs that kept you on your toes in the last game, are back and with much more detail. Now you can hear them close, distant, small, and large. The variety really helps them contribute to the tension. Once area deserves particular mention, a vast and cavernous hallway following on from a good fifteen minutes in which you aren't attacked once, is full of distant sounds echoing in the hallway. The tension of knowing that there is a LOT of them in there with you, and all beyond your sight, is a very effective sequence. Everything else that made the sounds works before, particularly the vacuum silence, is still here, and still keeping tension high.
One area of considerable improvement is in the voicework. Fair enough, as this is a much more character-driven game. Most of the voices are quite well-done, and thankfully, the best among them are the characters you will be dealing with most often. The developers, luckily, did not skimp on getting actual talent into the game, which is the sad fate of most horror titles these days. Not all of the voices are as strong, but the weaker ones don't last long. Giving Isaac a voice was a risky choice, but his voice was chosen well. I was never bothered with him not fitting the notional voice we all construct for silent characters, which is all too often a real letdown.
The music is one area of real improvement. As well as the musical stings that were so effective before, the greater array of actual set scenes, particularly Isaac's quiet moments, allows for actual pieces to be included in the game. Generally, these are well-done, feeling as though they flow naturally from the quiet chords and loud stings of the rest of the game, and add to many of the more emotional sequences of the game.
Story and characters: 10/10
The story is the greatest area of improvement over the original game. The narrative takes a much more central place in this game, with a heavier focus on Isaac and his by-now spectacular issues. That in particular was an enjoyable addition, as having a main character who's seen some incredibly horrific scenes of carnage, watched everybody around him die, and been directly exposed to an enormously potent insanity-inducing artifact actually suffer the consequences of this is gratifying. The story is much more integrated into the plot proper this time around, instead of happening in the breaks between killings, which is very helpful. Isaac's dealings with the other characters, particularly one apparition, really aid the game. Isaac's relationship with the deceased Nicole plays a very heavy role in this game, and it's one that plays through quite satisfyingly. The story is emotionally powerful at times, mostly because it brings you to genuinely care about some of the characters.
The characters in this game are better than the former, feeling more like complete personalities, and have their own discrete objectives and ideas. Their interaction becomes a significant part of the game, and enjoyable to watch. The level of characterisation gets you to feel for them, which is where much of the effectiveness of the story comes from. Particularly well done is watching one of the characters slowly descend into complete insanity, and Isaac's relationship with the figures of his own madness.
There seem to be fewer audio logs this time around, and mostly centered on the main set of characters, but they are better done. They also tend to run in sequence, telling brief stories instead of shorter moments. The video logs are much improved too, with more actual animation involved. The level of effort put into the logs was such that one of the more emotionally powerful moments for me was a videolog, intended to explain TK impalement. They aren't simply contrived excuses to explain, but actual people with stories, who you only see briefly. That you can feel something for a person you see for so little time shows excellent design.
My only concern here is the way in which the superplot began to be involved. There were plenty of elements raised, mostly in the latter stages of the game, but almost none actually resolved. This is something I don't particularly think is good planning, because all too often doing this means that by the time it comes time to resolve the superplot, so many elements were left up in the air for so long it is no longer possible to put it all together without ignoring much of it. However, I can't really reduce the game's score because of this, given it hasn't failed yet.
Gameplay: 9/10
The gameplay here is mostly the same, with a few elements significantly improved. The UI remains incredibly immersive, and the shooting difficult, but it wouldn't be enough for the game to simply leave everything as it was. The vacuum elements of the game have changed, with the removal of oxygen tanks, but the greater provision of oxygen stations. This allowed for much larger open-space elements of the game, which are often some of the better sequences you encounter, but the fact that this means you will never run out of oxygen unless you do something very strange means that the tension of the meter is much reduced. More satisfyingly, Isaac's new suits include thrusters, allowing him to move in zero gravity areas, which unlocks a whole array of new areas of huge size, and complex puzzles and trap sequences to negotiate. It also feels very natural to move around in.
This tension is more than made up for in other areas. Dead Space 2's main change over the original game in gameplay terms is that it now includes a much greater number of set-pieces, something the original lacked. These set-pieces comes just as the tension in normal play builds up to its limit, and are often particularly intense. A number involve you desperately fighting off enemies while trapped, low on oxygen, or fleeing. Others involve boss-like encounters, and quick sequences of the quick-time events of the former, mercifully kept to brief but intense encounters. Some involve fewer difficult enemies, others involve vast hordes. My personal favourite was one sequence in which you are dangling upside-down from a train, on low health, under relentless attack, and completely unable to reach the ammunition dropped because you are attacked too fast to TK it over to you. These greatly add to the tension of the game, allowing it to 'cap off' large chunks the way other franchises, most notably the FEAR franchise, did so well. However, the highly action-based nature of these sequences makes the game feel much more like an action horror game. These sequences generally replace the huge-boss enemies of the former game, a contentious change but one I feel is for the better. After all, there's only so many variations on the HUGE BOSS SHOOT WEAKPOINTS theme before it simply gets old.
The addition of new enemies was crucial, and done generally rather well. There are many more of the larger class of foes, and many more of the horde. Tormentors and Tripods offer more large foe variation than simple Brutes, and very different adversaries to fight. Pukers have potent ranged attacks that stop your running, and extremely powerful close-ranged attacks, offering some variety in foe type. There are a larger range of Slashers and Leapers available, though all variations on the theme. The biggest variation is in the smaller foes, with the appearance of the Pack, very fast and fragile enemies that appear in huge numbers, and exploding baby-things that are no threat by themselves, but a huge nuisance with other foes nearby. Stalkers are one particularly new adversary, appearing in small packs and attacking you from ambush, instead of the traditional rush. The much expanded range and style of foes really helps the settings of sequences, keeping the tension fresh. Conspicuous absences include the Stasis Slasher, which is odd given its terrifying nature in previous games, and the Tentacle things, which were very effective adversaries. I'm not sure why they're gone, given they were personal favourites.
Luckily, you do have new tools to deal with new threats. This time around, your stasis slowly recharges. Very slowly, as in two minutes a shot unless you upgrade it. This is, I think, a huge advantage for this game over the predecessor. There, you hardly ever used Stasis because you were 'saving it', and the recharges were so expensive. I think I never used it beyond obvious bosses and places with recharge. Now, even though it hasn't changed that much, that psychological hoarding effect is gone, and it becomes a proper tool in your arsenal. More notably, your Telekinesis module is now a weapon in its own right. Instead of mere heavy objects and exploding barrels, there is a whole range of nasty things to throw. Spikes litter the floor in some areas, and can be used to impale Necromorphs for substantial damage, and pinning them to walls if it is lethal. More significantly, you can tear off Necromorph limbs and use them in the same way. Stasis bombs are fantastically useful weapons that are basically a Stasis attack set of maximum overdrive. This particularly aids the survival horror element of the game, because the presence of so much improvised ammunition means they can be more stingy with the real stuff.
New weapons appear, and many old ones return with changes. The Plasma Cutter can, fully upgraded, set enemies on fire, and the Contact Beam's secondary fire can be upgraded to inflict stasis on everything it hits, making it almost worth a thousand credits a pop. The Pulse Rifle is now actually useful, doing a little more damage, but better, having a Grenade Launcher secondary fire. Maybe more importantly, the much higher number of pack-attacking weak foes give it more useful targets. The Ripper's blade is wider but much closer, making it better at controlling foes but much worse against anything with ranged attacks. The Force Gun loses the crappy grenade for a single-target attack that works at range, making it a much more useful gun to have. New weapons include the Seeker Rifle, basically a sniper rifle, which balances huge power against no situational awareness and no control, the Detonator, a remote-detonated grenade launcher perfect for the trap-minded, and the Javelin Gun, which is basically TK impalement with BYO electric spikes.
Again, it pays to be careful with the difficulty. The standard of Normal offers such common drops that the game is effectively action-horror, or suited for more casual gamers. Like many modern games, the hard difficulty, in this case Survivalist, offers the intended experience. It's particularly well-designed, as I spent most of the first half of the game with less than full health and half-empty weapons. It wasn't until well into the game that I could afford upgrades at all, and I spent a period of maybe an hour straight in which I never went above yellow health. The drops are particularly well-designed in that when you're very low on ammunition you get more ammunition drops, and likewise for health, so the game can sustain stringing you along on such light drops. It's well designed. For those who had found Dead Space easy, the Zealot difficulty ups the ante again. The New Game + option allows you to change difficulties to anything except the worst, which makes achievement hunting more satisfying. There is also a final game mode which goes far beyond the Impossible of the original. It has Zealot drops and Survivalist enemies, but most importantly, it has no checkpoints anywhere, reverting you to save on death. Worse, you can save your game only three times ever. This is the sort of thing that was okay back when games were 2 hours long tops, but in an 8-10 hour game, that's just cruel.
Multiplayer: 6/10
I'll get this out of the way now - Dead Space 2's multiplayer just isn't much good. It's not bad, per se, it's just not really exciting. The game consists of humans trying to complete a number of objectives against time, and the Necromorphs trying to stop them. Necromorphs respawn much faster, but are weaker. Humans have decent weapons, and most crucially, health packs, but must actively pursue the objectives to win. It's decent, and novel, but it has two problems. The first is that the humans are generally more powerful, and get moreso as they get upgrades. A high-level game requires that the Necromorphs just have outright better teamwork to win at all, which makes for bad balance. This is particularly as the community kind of sucks, with unpleasant numbers of quitters and K/D farmers for such a small community. The saving grace is that, with friendly fire on, Griefers haven't found the game yet. The bigger problem is that playing earns you straight-out upgrades, not just advantages, meaning that unless you got in on the start, or have a bunch of friends that own this game, you're at a huge disadvantage, and one you can't really earn back.
With a bit of work, the multiplayer could be fine. The thing is, though, why is it there at all? Dead Space is a singleplayer game, and having a multiplayer feature doesn't really add that much to it at all. I don't resent the multiplayer, and its presence doesn't make the game worse, but I can't help but feel that the developer hours that went into it would have been better spent making the game an hour or two longer.
Longevity: 9/10
Dead Space 2 is marginally shorter than the original. Don't be fooled by the chapter numbers, some of them are very short, especially the final two. I don't resent this, as much of the shorter play comes because there is much less irksome backtracking through the same areas, and I've always been of the opinion that one good hour of game is better than any number of mediocre ones. However, it's the nature of the game, and mostly the interesting array of weapons, that almost as soon as you finish it you wonder what else you could have used to win it. The fact that you can now up your difficulty for New Game +, and the weapons and suits only available there, strongly encourages more play, and most people ought to get at least two plays out of the game. The story is strong enough that many will want to play it again to pick up the extra details, other logs, or just for the particularly good sequences. Those with the inclination will probably get a huge amount of time out of a single Hardcore playthrough, given the brutal difficulty, and others will enjoy the multiplayer enough to get value from it. It's a worthwhile buy, and I'd suggest the buy over the rent for anyone interested enough to pick it up.
The Good:
Everything good about Dead Space remains, which is a nice change from sequels that give away the original atmosphere for the new. The new weapons are a nice tough, but I think the best addition is in the nature of puzzles Isaac solves. Many of them are actually more than click-button, actually involving assembling this, taking them apart, or other tasks that actually feel like something and engineer would do. Having Isaac actually use his skills really adds to the game. Most impressive in the sequence in which he builds a plasma cutter out of a surgical laser cutter to arm himself with a weapon. Also very satisfying is that the developers have learned to use set-pieces to use the tension they've built up, which was one of the biggest flaws in the last game. In fact, the game was often so tense it went entirely beyond edge-of-your-seat to standing-up-and-screaming-at-the-television, and gave that rare and wonderful sensation each time you stop playing of mixed 'thank GOD that's over' and 'just one more chapter'. Once the end-credits rolled, I had this amazing feeling of relief that it was done, paired with almost immediately planning my second playthrough.
The Bad:
The level of polish in the game is such that any complaints aren't so much what the developers did as what they could have but didn't. I don't understand the decision to take out the Tentacles. Sure, the new quick-time event sequences are just as common and much better, but the Tentacle scenes were so sudden and savage they really worked. The Stasis Slashers were good, too, offering a threat to even high-level players. I would have also appreciated having another of the vast bosses. Although the intense sequences worked well to replace them, I still liked having the absurdly massive foes in the game.
The Ugly:
Not much to say, really. The only real weakness of the game is the multiplayer, which has much less polish than the rest and is reasonably visibly tacked-on. It would have been better to simply not have it at all, and spend the developer-hours on another hour or two of game.
Dead Space 2 is, in every sense, a worthy successor to its predecessor. It keeps what made it work, improves what was weak, and manages to refresh the game without changing the core formula. Dead Space 2 is a very strong and highly-polished horror game, well balanced between survival and action, that offers perhaps the most intense horror experience available today.
Also, watch the end credits. There's two sets, and BOTH have something after them.
Graphics: 10
Sound: 10
Story: 10
Gameplay: 9
Multiplayer: 6
Longevity: 9
Weighted score: 93%
Adjusted score: 9/10
Reviewer's Rating: 4.5 - Outstanding
Originally Posted: 02/14/11
Game Release: Dead Space 2 (US, 01/25/11)
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The good news for Maurice Jones-Drew is that his peers voted him the 12th-best player in the NFL. The bad news is that he isn't getting paid like it.
The Jacksonville Jaguars all-pro tailback and 2011 league rushing king joined NFL Network on Wednesday night after learning his spot on The Top 100 Players of 2012, but he didn't want to vent his contractual grievances a week after skipping his team's mandatory minicamp.
"What I can say about it is this is the side of the NFL that is just as real as Sunday: it's the business side," said MJD. "It doesn't get publicized as much as on the field and The Top 100 and those things, and this is what the NFL is really about.
"What I can say is that I hope that we can get something done, but to talk about it in the media is not going to help."
Jones-Drew, who ran for 1,606 yards last season, is due $9.4 million over the next two years but isn't paid on par with other top backs like Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy.
However only Peterson is ranked ahead of MJD on this year's version of The Top 100.
Maybe he can use that at the negotiating table.
"I'm very honored to be at number 12; obviously I moved up a little from last year," said Jones-Drew, who was 30th in 2011.
"To have the respect of my teammates and the guys in the league, it's a big deal."
Nate Davis is a reporter, blogger and editor who's been at USA TODAY since 2000. He has covered the NFL since 2005. No, he did not play quarterback for Ball State. Davis' succession of our esteemed colleague Sean Leahy at The Huddle is considered a Brady-for-Bledsoe swap by most "insiders."More about Nate


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This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
Evidence on the efficacy of breast screening from randomized controlled trials conducted in the last decades of the 1900s is reviewed. For decades, controversy about their results has centered on the magnitude of benefit in terms of breast cancer mortality reduction that can be achieved. However more recently, several expert bodies have estimated the benefits to be smaller than initially expected and concerns have been raised about screening consequences such as over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Trials with substantial mortality reduction have been lauded and others with null effects have been critiqued. Critiques of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study are refuted. Extreme responses by screening advocates to the United States Preventive Services Task Force 2009 guidelines are described. The role vested interests play in determining health policy is clearly revealed in the response to the guidelines and should be more generally known. A general reluctance to explore unexpected results or to accept new paradigms is briefly discussed.
The idea that early detection of breast cancer must be beneficial is totally compelling. Ideally, screening with mammography will achieve earlier detection of breast cancer. "Earlier detection" implies earlier than would normally be achieved in routine clinical circumstances. The assumptions are that earlier detection will alter the natural history of the disease, namely that death from breast cancer will be prevented and that there will be no major adverse effects from screening itself.
What are some underlying issues hidden in the above paragraph?
Screening mammography is not the same as diagnostic mammography. The former screens normal women for early-stage cancer and is directed at specific age groups. Diagnostic mammography evaluates abnormalities in symptomatic women of any age.
The early detection achievable with mammography is not early enough to alter the natural history of breast cancer in all women with breast cancer. Mammography trials reveal at best a 30% reduction in breast cancer mortality. This means that for every 100 women destined to die of breast cancer if not screened, 70 will still die even if they are screened.
Screening unavoidably increases the incidence of breast cancer. This increase is not due to radiation exposure from mammography but due to lesions being identified as breast cancer that otherwise would never have been diagnosed, namely over-diagnosis.
Most important is that the majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer will not die of breast cancer.
To establish the benefit of screening, the single most powerful tool is the randomized controlled trial. It is not sufficient to establish that early detection is associated with longer survival time post-diagnosis. One wants to demonstrate that the early detection achieved by screening is associated with a lower risk of dying of breast cancer compared to what happens in women who are not screened. To achieve this 'gold standard' of evidence, a number of randomized screening trials were launched in the last four decades of the 20th century in Europe, the U.S. and Canada.
Some important elements of the randomized controlled trial are:
The design of the trial should be ethically approved.
Participants in a trial should all sign informed consent.
Randomization should achieve comparability across the two groups that are to be compared. This means that important variables—both known and unknown—are likely to be equally distributed. In the case of screening trials, women receiving one intervention (in this case mammography) should be similar (with respect to age, marital status, age at menarche, age at first birth,
There should be quality control in terms of the intervention tested.
Participant compliance with the intervention should be reported.
Outcome assessment should be blindly assessed. For screening trials, the outcome of interest was death due to breast cancer.
In spite of these principles, methodological weaknesses occurred in all trials and some will be discussed later. But first it is useful to briefly review the trials that were conducted.
Screening mammography was first evaluated in the
In 1976, another study was initiated in
The Őstergötland trial began in 1977 involving women aged 40–74, with approximately 39,000 in the study group and 37,500 in the control group. (As with the HIP study, the Őstergötland trialists reported variable numbers of participants in sequential publications.) Randomization was by geographic cluster rather than by individual. The intervention was single-view mammography every two years for women less than 50 years of age and every 33 months for women 50 and over. At 12 years follow-up, the breast cancer mortality reduction encompassing all ages was 18%, again statistically not significant [
The Kopparberg trial also began in 1977, recruited women aged 40 to 74 and used geographic clustering for randomization. The sample size reported varied over publications, but approximately 38,800 women were in the study group and 18,600 were in the control group. The intervention was the same as for the Őstergötland trial. At 12-year follow-up, a statistically significant reduction in mortality of 32% was observed for the entire study population. At 14-year follow-up, there was still no significant breast cancer mortality reduction in women aged 40-49 in either county [
Up until this point, with the exception of the HIP study, screening trials compared mammography screening to no screening. This was about to change. By 1979, those interested in screening in North America had concluded that the HIP study had lacked the power to demonstrate a screening benefit in women age 40–49 because breast cancer incidence is so much lower in younger than in older women. Clearly, more women in the 40–49 year age group were required to participate in a trial. The HIP study also raised the question: what was the incremental benefit of mammography over and above clinical examination of the breasts (CBE)? Concurrently in the U.S., there had been a huge project, the Breast Cancer Demonstration Project; it delivered screening but it was not a randomized controlled trial. The U.S. National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society convened a working group to evaluate available data on breast cancer screening [
These two recommendations determined the design of the
Beginning in 1980, CNBSS-1 recruited women aged 40 to 49 years with 25,214 in the study group and 25,216 in the control group. The numbers did not vary over publications. The intervention was four or five annual two-view mammograms with CBE. Controls received one CBE on entry (a consequence of the requirement for informed consent) and thereafter controls responded to annual questionnaires and had usual care in the community. Individual randomization (methodologically preferable to cluster randomization) occurred after CBE was performed by a nurse-practitioner. The randomization process was the responsibility of the center co-ordinators who were blind to the CBE results. At 13-year follow-up, mortality reduction was a statistically non-significant 3% [
CNBSS-2 also began in 1980 recruiting women age 50 to 59 years with 19,711 in the study group and 19,694 in the control group. The study group received four or five annual two-view mammograms and CBEs while the controls received four or five annual CBEs. The relative risk of breast cancer death comparing screened women to control was 1.02 – clearly no benefit was gained from mammography screening [
CNBSS-1 and -2 were conducted in 15 screening centers located across Canada from Halifax to Vancouver. All were based in teaching hospitals or in cancer centers where the best expertise in radiology and surgery was available. The central administration unit was based at the University of Toronto. Surgeons and radiologists met annually in Toronto. Both the director (Anthony B. Miller) and the deputy director (Cornelia J. Baines) visited the centers frequently to observe operations and enhance performance when necessary.
In the meantime, other screening trials based on a comparison of screening
In 1982, the
In 1986, the Forrest Report [
The most recently initiated trial, the
Compliance in attendance at first screen varied from 61% to 100% across trials.
In some trials single-view mammography was used; in others two-view.
In some trials clinical examination of the breast was included, in others not.
The frequency of screening varied from 12 to 33 months
The total number of screens performed varied from two to ten.
Ages of entry ranged from 39 up, depending on the study.
Randomization was sometimes by cluster (geographic region, birth date, or medical practice) and sometimes by individual, the latter being the gold standard.
Only two trials showed substantial breast cancer mortality reductions; the HIP Study and the Swedish Two-Country trial. There are several possible explanations. If the stage at detection is advanced in controls, as occurred in these two studies, the potential for screening benefit is enhanced. In contrast, in the CNBSS, with controls having less advanced disease at diagnosis than in the other two studies, there was less potential for benefit to be shown from screening. Furthermore, benefit from screening was likely to be less in Canada in the 1980s because all women with axillary node-positive disease were routinely offered adjuvant hormone and chemo-therapy [
The mode of outcome analysis is also an important factor. If deaths from breast cancer are determined by an external expert panel, as what happened in the CNBSS and the HIP study, outcome validity is likely to be more valid.
After many years of follow-up, the trials overall demonstrate about a 15 to 16% reduction in breast cancer mortality [
Few people in North America today can be unaware of the fact that there has been much controversy about the benefits of breast screening. Unquestionably, screening advocates are dominant. However screening skeptics deserve to be heard.
Consider two trials, Trial A and Trial B.
Trial A has informed consent and individual randomization. Trial B has no informed consent and uses cluster randomization.
Trial A maintains consistent numbers of participants and deaths over years of follow-up. Trial B does not [
Trial A has 100% compliance at first screen; not so for Trial B.
Trial A uses two-view mammography, Trial B single-view mammography.
Trial A screens every 12 months. Trial B screens every 24–33 months.
Trial A has an external audit of mammography based on stratified sampling. Trial B does not.
Trial A has a higher cancer detection rate with smaller tumor size at first screen than Trial B [
Trial A has external pathology reviews to confirm all biopsies performed. Trial B does not.
Trial A has an external death review panel to determine cause of death in all cases of deaths in participants known to have breast cancer during the trial or suspected of having breast cancer after linkage with a national data base. Not so for Trial B.
Rationally, one would expect that Trial A would be deemed superior to Trial B, but it is Trial B that has recently been described as flawless and meticulously conducted! Trial A is the CNBSS and Trial B is the Two-County trial: the two trials most prominently involved in the screening controversy. The CNBSS showed a null effect of screening and the Two-County trial even though it used only single-view mammography and a frequency of 24–33 months—showed the largest benefit of any trial.
Given the intense criticism directed at the CNBSS, it is puzzling that for decades the screening advocates unquestioningly accepted results from the Two County trial. Rational discourse about screening might have considered the disadvantages of cluster randomization, the lack of informed consent and the absence of demographic data other than age at entry for all participants in the Two-County trial. It did not happen. Nor did screening advocates question the inconsistent numbers in the Two-County trial, not only of participants, but of breast cancer deaths. For more than two decades there was little comment about flawed outcome analysis (determination of breast cancer deaths) in the Two-County trial. Only in 2009, did the Two-County trialists finally address (not entirely convincingly) the number problems in the Journal of Medical Screening, reconciling numbers and explaining why differences were observed [
The situation was very different in the CNBSS. Its strengths included the advantages of individual randomization; detailed demographic information from controls on entry; annual follow-up of controls; consistent numbers of participants, breast cancers and breast cancer deaths; and a meticulous and external outcome analysis. A weighted random sample of mammograms from every center was regularly reviewed by a reference radiologist. All breast biopsies and all breast cancer diagnoses were reviewed by panels of external pathologists. Panels of external oncologists reviewed all medical records for any death where there was any suspicion of breast cancer. In each of these reviews, the examiners were blind to screening status.
A prominent U.S. radiologist asserted that women aged 40–49 with advanced cancers were "placed" in the screened group [
What in fact was the situation
Most tellingly there was no incentive for screening personnel to subvert randomization. The CNBSS protocol required that anyone with an abnormal finding on CBE had to be referred to the study surgeon who would order a diagnostic mammogram when clinically indicated. Symptomatic women require diagnostic mammography, not screening mammography. It was not necessary to "place" as claimed [
In the CNBSS there were more than 50 variables (demographic and risk factors) which were virtually identically distributed across control and study groups, clear evidence of successful randomization [
In the age group 40–49, there were more women who were clinically positive in the control group (3,674) than in the mammography group (3,569). This does not support the claim that clinically positive women were preferentially allocated to mammography [
Responding to relentless attacks, CNBSS investigators allowed a forensic audit of the randomization sheets; the audit found no evidence of subverted randomization [
Proposing that 15 dedicated coordinators in the 15 Canadian centers violated the study protocol is truly calumny. But accusations continue in 2010: "That the CNBSS violated fundamental rules for randomized controlled trials is indisputable." [
Regarding CNBSS mammography, it was also claimed in 2009 "The CNBSS mammography was indefensibly poor" [
If CNBSS mammography was so flawed, how could CNBSS cancer detection rates exceed those of the Two-County trial? And how come the tumors detected in Canada were smaller than those detected mammographically in Sweden [
Another U.S. radiologist reported in 1992 that cancer detection had been delayed for two to five years in almost 20% of screen-detected breast cancers in the CNBSS [
This distortion of the CNBSS published results was just too delicious to be curtailed, and so the information continued to be repeated [
Assertions were made on the Internet in 2000 that according to a Bedford, Virginia radiologist the "Canadian Study did not even use mammography equipment – they were using regular X-Rays!" This was disseminated in spite of two articles in peer-reviewed radiology journals that described in detail the mammography units used in the CNBSS centers [
Screening advocates have not restricted their criticisms to the CNBSS. A firestorm was unleashed by the November 2009 release of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Guidelines for Breast Screening [
Responding to the 2009 USPSTF guidelines the American College of Radiology declared that "two decades of decline in breast cancer mortality could be reversed and countless American women may die needlessly from breast cancer each year" [
Criticisms directed at the USPSTF by a single screening advocate are revealing.
He claimed that the USPSTF was telling women to wait until their breast cancers were so large they could no longer be ignored and asserted that the USPSTF was incompetent [
Of those who disagree with him he charged that "They distort data, rely on weak science, but refuse to defend when challenged" and that "Many European countries as well as Canada do not support or at any rate do not encourage screening before the age of 50
Many are familiar with at least some of the downsides:
Anxiety either before a screening appointment or after a positive call has been made on a mammogram.
False-positives, which can affect up to 30% of women who are screened multiple times in their 40s, leading to unnecessary biopsies [
False-negatives when a cancer diagnosis is delayed and the woman is falsely reassured. Mammography is never 100% accurate [
However there are other downsides that have been more recently recognized.
Over-diagnosis, represented by ductal carcinoma
An anomalous increase in mastectomies in screened women [
The mortality paradox where more screened women age 40–49 die of breast cancer in the first few years after screening is initiated, compared to controls [
Is over-diagnosis real or imagined? Estimates of its magnitude range from trivial to substantial. When the trials were being planned, it was predicted that screening would initially result in an increased incidence of early cancer and that later there would be a corresponding decline in invasive cancer. In fact, U.S. SEER data reveal that the expected correlation between an initial increase in early cancers and later decline in invasive cancers did not occur in the period 1983–2005. The early increase occurred but there was no subsequent decline in advanced cancers [
A review of eight screening trials concluded that screened women had a 20% significantly elevated risk of having a mastectomy compared to control women [
In my role as Deputy-Director of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study, I assembled incoming data on new breast cancer cases and any deaths in the study participants. Recruitment had begun in January 1980 but already by 1982 a trend for breast cancer deaths in women age 40 to 49 years on entry had become evident and would persist for some time. To my then amazement, the death count for women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer was always higher in the group allocated to mammography screening than in the control group.
Because the observed excess defied all our expectations, I labeled it the mortality paradox. By the mid 80s, I was discussing it at meetings because exactly the same paradox had been observed early in the New York Health Insurance Plan Study and the compromised Edinburgh study [
By 1997, Cox reported an overview of all trials to date at the NIH Consensus Conference. He showed that excess breast cancer mortality persisted in screened women up until 11 years post entry [
Even in 2010 when there is increasing skepticism about the efficacy of breast screening, the main argument focuses on the rather small benefit in terms of breast cancer deaths avoided relative to the much larger likelihood of over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. [
Fisher and Retsky
There is much to be learned from the breast screening controversy. It boils down to always being ready to question your own beliefs, to look for conflict of interest in those with the loudest voices, to be curious about the unexpected and to do more good than harm.


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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - John W. Engeman Theater at Northport
Hours: Sat: 11am; Sun:10:30am
Ages: TOD,YE,TW
Price: $15
250 Main Street - 631-261-2900
Northport, NY 11768
Description: Old friends, plus a few new ones, are here in this marvelous musical adaptation. Meet the captivating Princess Snow White, the prince, the evil queen and, of course, the seven mischievous dwarfs — Sarge, Gabby, Gloomy Gus, Ticklish, Spritely, Snore, and Slowpoke. There's also a hilarious palace cat and an enchanted vixen — a fox, you could say. Following the traditional storyline, the fairy tale is brought to life with an eclectic score of toe-tapping tunes.