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The Playbook: Previewing 49ers-Packers, Eagles-Saints, more wild-card games
Chris Burke and Doug Farrar get you ready for the weekend with The Playbook, a detailed weekly preview that gives you everything you need to know about the upcoming slate of games.
No. 5 Kansas City Chiefs at No. 4 Indianapolis Colts -- Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET (NBC): "I didn't think we played very well, in any facet of the game," Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said a mere two weeks ago, when his team was stomped at home by the Colts 23-7.
Was that lackluster performance more the result of Kansas City's poor play or of the Colts being able to dictate the game? We should get the answer to that question Saturday in a playoff rematch.
MORE COVERAGE: Playoff Power Rankings | Wild-Card Picks | Expert predictions
Certainly, Kansas City will have to be much better than it was in Week 16, when the Colts sacked Smith five times and forced three turnovers. One of those K.C. miscues turned the game irreversibly in Indianapolis' favor: a Robert Mathis strip-sack of Smith near midfield, setting up a Donald Brown touchdown that put the Colts up by 13. Rookie Eric Fisher, who struggled so mightily after getting selected No. 1 overall, will be responsible for Mathis again, should Fisher play -- he's currently questionable with a shoulder problem. Mathis finished the regular season with a league-leading 19.5 sacks. Donald Stephenson will fill in for Fisher if his injury keeps him out.
(Update, 2 p.m. ET: Fisher has been ruled out for the game.)
The Chiefs generated 47 sacks of their own in 2013, five more than the Colts despite Mathis' efforts. Part and parcel of that pass rush came the 36 turnovers the Chiefs forced, good for second-best in the league. But Indianapolis coughed up the football less than once per game with 14 total turnover during the regular season.
Neither quarterback (Smith or Andrew Luck) was particularly reckless through the air this year. Smith fired interceptions on just 1.4 percent of his passes; Luck was not far behind at 1.6. This is the lone game where the weather will not play a factor, thanks to Indianapolis' retractable roof, so there could be some fireworks through the air.
Indianapolis might prefer that to a grind-it-out game. Why? Well, the Chiefs own an advantage on the ground, with the ability to unleash Jamaal Charles against the league's 26th-ranked run defense. Even in that earlier 16-point loss to Indianapolis, Charles gained 144 total yards and a touchdown. For what it's worth, Donald Brown and Trent Richardson combined for 122 yards rushing in Kansas City.
Luck will make just his second postseason appearance. He struggled through a 24-9 loss at Baltimore last season. And it's just playoff appearance No. 3 for Smith, who went 1-1 for the 49ers in the 2011 postseason. -- Chris Burke
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No. 6 New Orleans Saints at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles -- Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET (NBC): There are all kinds of interesting narratives for this game, starting with the fact that Eagles quarterback Nick Foles and Saints quarterback Drew Brees both went to Westlake High in Austin, Texas. Foles, who has redefined the Philly offense in his second year as an NFL quarterback, has been watching Brees with much respect for years.
"He's a guy I've watched and learned from," Foles said this week. "He's done a lot of great things throughout his career, on and off the field, and he's a great role model for fellow players, kids and adults."
Brees, who is coming off a ridiculous regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which he completed 24-of-31 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns, has been his usual brilliant self most of the season -- but the dings against him for road performances are legitimate. He's thrown 27 touchdown passes and three picks in the Superdome this season with a 126.3 passer rating. When the Saints travel, Brees' stats are far more mortal -- 12 touchdowns, nine picks and a 84.8 rating. It's a hair-splitting argument in the regular season, but with Brees traveling in a one-and-done situation, concerns might be amplified on the Saints' side of things.
One thing's for sure. The two offensive play-designers in this game, Saints head coach Sean Payton and Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, have a great deal of admiration for each other.
"I think one thing that Sean does, he just always seems to get the right matchups," Kelly said Wednesday. "He's obviously got some talent and they are a really, really talented football team, but Sean does a great job of getting his playmakers in matchups that are favorable to him and he does it week in and week out."
Another thing driving the Saints' passing offense this year is that Brees is spreading the ball around in ways the league has never seen. In 2013, he led an offense with four players amassing more than 70 receptions each, the first time that's happened in NFL history. Jimmy Graham is Brees' most productive target, and he'll be a matchup nightmare for an Eagles defense that improved in the second half of the season but still ranks 24th against tight ends in Football Outsiders' opponent-adjusted metrics.
Kelly has integrated the formation concepts that worked so well for him at Oregon, and he's been beating NFL defenses over the head with them all season. The Eagles present a nearly unstoppable combination of execution, motion and matchup awareness when they're firing on all cylinders. Payton said this week that his scout team is having a tough time replicating Kelly's spread concepts.
"The pace is extremely, extremely fast, and so we will have our work cut out for us ... There is a lot of variety. You have to defend the whole field."
The two defenses in this game must feel like ugly ducklings, but each brings interesting attributes to the table. Rob Ryan's Saints squad excels in advanced blitz concepts, but his go-for-broke approach leaves defensive backs in matchups that are hard to win at times. Philly's Billy Davis has established a hybrid defense that works pretty well on all levels and features a host of underrated players -- especially on the frontline.
One guy to watch is Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin, who nabbed the late-game interception against the Cowboys last Sunday that gave his team the NFC East. It was no fluke, as Boykin has been effective from the slot and outside most of the season. Against a formation-diverse passing offense such as the one run by Payton and Brees, Boykin's adaptability might prove to be the difference. -- Doug Farrar
No. 6 San Diego Chargers at No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals -- Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS): It's a good thing Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is having one of his best seasons under new head coach Mike McCoy and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, because the defense San Diego has put on the field in 2013 isn't good enough to win a playoff game by itself. Outside of safety Eric Weddle and defensive lineman Corey Liuget, the Chargers lack impact players on that side of the ball. That's more the fault of former general manager A.J. Smith than anyone in the building now, but things are what they are -- and the Bengals have the weapons to break that defense down pretty quickly.
Cincinnati has scored more than 40 points in three of its last six games. Quarterback Andy Dalton is streaky and somewhat limited, but he has two outstanding targets in All-World receiver A.J. Green and second-year man Marvin Jones, who came out of nowhere this year to score 10 touchdowns. The problem for Dalton is he's hardly been outstanding in the playoffs. In two first-round losses to the Houston Texans, the third-year quarterback put up a 48.6 passer rating, completing 41 passes in 72 attempts for 384 yards, no touchdowns and four picks. Given that he matched that four pick-total in the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens (which the Bengals still won 34-17), it's possible that even San Diego's leaky defense could exploit Dalton when he's off his game.
"Offensively, I don't think we've done very well, but we haven't put a pretty complete game together," Dalton said this week. "This is the time. What you've done in the regular season doesn't matter anymore; it's all about what you're doing now. It's the team that gets hot that ends up winning it all. We've got to play to our potential, and good things are going to happen for us."
These teams met on Dec. 1 at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, and the Bengals pulled that one out 17-10 with a physical gameplan that led with their stellar defense and run game. Rivers was limited to 252 yards passing and posted his lowest quarterback rating of the year (80.0). Even without defensive tackle Geno Atkins, this Cincinnati defense is for real, and the Chargers are well aware of that.
"It was our last loss, and we are not far removed from that game, so you have to watch film," Rivers said Wednesday. "What you remember most from the game is we moved the ball decently, but we turned the ball over a few times down in there. Then we miss a throw here and there down in there that stop drives. We had the chance to take the lead and never did. It's a tough opponent... It's evident when you watch the tape that they are really good. They have won all eight of their games at home. We definitely have our work cut out for us."
Indeed, and there's no margin for error for Rivers against the third-ranked total defense and tied for fifth-ranked scoring defense. San Diego's defense will have to step up ... or hope for one of those games from Dalton. -- DF
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No. 5 San Francisco 49ers at No. 4 Green Bay Packers -- Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET (FOX): Aaron Rodgers almost always grabs the majority of headlines for Green Bay, but the man really in the spotlight this weekend is defensive coordinator Dom Capers. He has yet to solve the 49ers' offense since Jim Harbaugh arrived in 2011, losing three straight times, including in last season's playoffs, with the 49ers averaging 36.3 points per game.
Perhaps the weather in Green Bay will help Capers' cause this year. Sunday's high is listed at a mere five degrees, with a low that night of minus-18. (The game kicks off a 3:30 p.m. local time.)
But outside of that, it will be up to Capers and his defense to find some way to slow Colin Kaepernick. San Francisco's QB humiliated Green Bay last postseason to the tune of 181 yards and two touchdowns ... and those were his rushing totals. Kaepernick also threw for 263 yards and another pair of scores in the 45-31 win. The weapons around him, which now include proven playoff performer Anquan Boldin, have returned to health just in time.
The same can be said, of course, about Rodgers. He shook off some rust in his first game back to deliver a late dagger in Chicago, which handed the Packers a division title. And even though he was slightly off his game versus the Bears (as evidenced by two interceptions), Rodgers still hit on 64.1 percent of his passes for 318 yards. He has been strong during this three-game skid versus San Francisco, too, connecting on 77-of-120 passes (64.2 percent) for nearly 900 yards with a 7:3 TD-to-interception ratio.
What Green Bay has now that it did not in last year's playoff loss -- or even, really, in its Week 1 setback against San Francisco -- is a formidable run game. Eddie Lacy rushed for 41 yards in that season-opening defeat, then averaged more than 80 yards per game from then on out.
If he cannot tip the scales in his team's favor, San Francisco's Frank Gore might do the trick. He, like Lacy, topped 1,100 yards rushing this season.
With Rodgers back in the lineup, the key injury of note for this game is that to the thumb of Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews. He will not play Sunday, robbing the Packers of their best defensive playmaker. Statistically, they're already well behind the 49ers' defense (San Francisco ranked third in points allowed; Green Bay 24th). Holding up minus Matthews will be a tall order. -- CB
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Two-Minute Drill
• Matchup to Watch:
-- Vernon Davis vs. ??? Sorry for the incomplete answer there. However, it remains to be seen what the Packers can do in hopes of limiting Davis. The 49ers' tight end scored twice with 98 yards receiving back in Week 1 versus Green Bay.
The real problem is that the Packers do not have anyone who matches up all that well with Davis. (Granted, few teams do.) A.J. Hawk's not a great answer, so the Packers may opt to bring a safety down for that responsibility. Likely, Green Bay will mix and match coverages with various defenders, hoping to at least give Davis some different looks. -- CB
-- Eagles OLB Trent Cole vs. Saints LT Terron Armstead. Saints head coach Sean Payton benched left tackle Charles Brown after New Orleans' Week 15 loss to the St. Louis Rams and replaced him with Armstead, the third-round rookie from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Armstead became a scouting combine star for his athleticism, but he's had trouble solving NFL defensive lines and has allowed three sacks in two starts. Cole has been an underrated force for the Eagles all season -- his sack total (eight) doesn't pop off the stat sheet, but he's also an exceptional run-stopper.
Asked on Friday if the Saints would give Armstead help against him, Cole replied simply, "They'd better." -- DF
• Pressure's On …:
-- Andy Dalton, Bengals. This may be too obvious an answer, but until Dalton starts getting the job done in the playoffs, there are going to be questions about the Bengals' ceiling with him at the helm. It would be unfair to hang all of Cincinnati's past two playoff exits on Dalton's shoulders, but he has a postseason QB rating of 48.6 and has yet to throw a TD pass in 72 attempts. For the Bengals to beat San Diego, Dalton must be on his game. -- CB
-- San Diego's defense. While Andy Dalton's playoff performances have been far from impressive, they came in two games against Houston Texans defenses that were optimally constructed to take streaky quarterbacks like Dalton out of his game. Dalton is still off-and-on, but he's got another year of experience, and second-year receiver Marvin Jones adds to his list of targets. Meanwhile, the Chargers have the league's worst defense per Football Outsiders' metrics, and they're in the bottom three against Nos. 1, 2, and 3 receivers. -- DF
• This Week's Sleeper:
-- Mark Ingram, Saints. Remember him? He actually performed relatively well this season considering his limited chances -- 4.9 yards on 78 rushing attempts; 9.7 yards per reception. Pierre Thomas sat out practice Wednesday with a chest injury, meaning the Saints might need someone to provide a little boost in the ground game. Ingram could find himself with an increased role Saturday. -- CB
-- Riley Cooper, Eagles. No surprise that DeSean Jackson is Philly's most efficient and effective receiver, but the guy in second place may surprise you -- it's Riley Cooper, who has managed to regain the trust of his team after his regrettable racial outburst in 2013. Cooper is averaging 17.8 yards per catch on 47 receptions, and he's been a top-20 receiver when opponent adjustments are taken into account. If New Orleans' defense spends too much time worrying about Jackson and LeSean McCoy, Cooper has the talent to burn them. He's especially effective when asked to get open on seam routes, where quick cuts in space are the order of the day. -- DF
• Rookie Spotlight:
-- Eric Reid, 49ers. Reid had an interception of Aaron Rodgers and seven tackles in the 49ers' Week 1 win over Green Bay. San Francisco could use a similar performance Sunday, as the Packers figure to test Reid and his fellow defensive backs early and often. Randall Cobb's return to the lineup will make their job even more difficult, expanding the areas that Rodgers can attack. -- CB
-- Kenny Stills, Saints. Speaking of FO metrics, you'd probably guess for quite a while before coming up with the NFL's most valuable per-play receiver in the 2013 regular season. It's Stills, the fifth-rounder from Oklahoma who's tied with Marques Colston among New Orleans' receivers for touchdowns with five. No Saints receiver has had more deep targets than Stills' 14, and all five of his touchdowns came on plays in which the ball traveled 20 or more yards in the air. -- DF
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New work for Deko, styled by Susanna Vento.
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4 comments:
who ever said patterns shouldn't be mixed, should take a look at this! its perfect.ReplyDelete
I love the mix of patterns too! I also love the simplicity of black and white.ReplyDelete
Check out that light complimenting the black and white stripes and checks. Awesome. Thankyou. Amy xReplyDelete
What a nice pattern pallet! Love it!ReplyDelete
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Indiana Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington) represents Huntington County and portions of Wells and Allen counties.Gun control advocates sometimes point out that they have been victims of gun violence, as though that makes their opinions on the topic more relevant. Well, I have also been a victim of gun violence, and I favor less gun control.
Many years ago when I was in college, I was raped at gunpoint. At no point did the gun demonstrate any individual volition. To put it another way, the gun didn't rape me. The laws against rape didn't protect me. The police were not instantly on scene to save me. And I was unarmed, so I had no personal protection against the act of violence. Had the rapist been caught, it wasn't his gun that would have been prosecuted.
Man-made laws are not self-enforcing, like laws of physics. Anyone who really wants a gun will get one. And if a person is intent on committing an act of violence, lack of a gun won't stop him or her. Murders are committed using cars, knives, bows and arrows, bare hands, explosives, poisons and blunt instruments. We don't move to get rid of cars even though you have no constitutional right to own one. We cannot get rid of bare hands or blunt instruments.
Sure, a gun can be stolen, or taken away and used on its owner. This doesn't stop the police and the military from carrying guns. It doesn't stop bodyguards from carrying guns. It doesn't stop people who hire them from refusing the possible protection of someone armed with a gun.
If you think guns are useless, don't buy one. They are not inexpensive, and becoming proficient requires a time commitment that would get in the way of other activities. On top of that, it takes additional time on an ongoing basis to remain proficient. Incompetence and guns are a potentially lethal combination, so by all means, don't buy one if you think they aren't effective. But my right to "keep and bear arms" is constitutionally protected and "shall not be infringed."
I cannot imagine the pain one feels if a loved one has been killed by a gun, but don't make my loved ones feel the same pain by trying to take away my means of self-protection. I survived one attack, but I have no guarantees about the future. No one can predict whether they may be attacked at a given time because violence doesn't make appointments. If you don't want to be prepared, that's your choice. I just insist on being allowed to make my choice.
Donna MaskellMace has been a stalwart tool in the handbag of many women to protect them from harm. Wasp spray, because of its extended range, has been recommended for home defense. However, its efficacy has been questioned, and it is illegal under federal law to use it for any other purpose.
Bear spray is required when you go into a park where there is danger of attacks. It is mace with a broader range and has a larger canister. The concentration of mace is not increased.
There is a type of mace that has an extended range comparable to wasp spray and bear spray. I think it's called expanded mace.
Rather than arm people in schools or other areas with guns, it would seem plausible to consider this deterrent. These could be in the desks of every teacher and carried by every maintenance man. They would attend practice sessions for aiming and their use. Picture a lone gunman with three of four teachers spraying him.
I think it might be a good alternative and less troublesome and expensive than fortifying with guns. Even if other methods are used, it could be an auxiliary measure. Another possible deterrent could be a taser, in case the assailant was wearing a mask.
Paul ReszelA post on Facebook from Jan. 13: If I were a teacher, one thing I would do is start carrying a pepper spray in my pocket whenever I was in the school building. And if a shooter came into my school, I would at least have something that could temporarily disable his eyes, even though only from 10 or 15 feet away. I may get shot while administering this countermeasure, but I'd probably get shot anyway.
And if the school board doesn't like my carrying pepper spray, they'll first have to find out I have it and then give me some alternatives, like giving me a gun or conceding that shooters who break into our school can mow down kids without fear of adult resistance. While the politicians posture and rant about how they "want to protect kids" with impossible schemes, I'd sneak my pepper spray into school and at least one person in the country may be doing something positive, even though it may be politically incorrect.
Bill SerstadI am a proud Christian American and I own firearms. They are my property bought with hard-earned money that I paid taxes on and earned honestly. I have no intention of giving them up.
I attend the same church every week, work 50-plus hours a week and follow the laws of the land to the letter like so many do. There are many like me living here in this country that my brother, my father, my grandfathers and many more like them fought for and did it all for God and country and never complained.
With that said I have had enough of the garbage coming from my leaders' mouths. I have had enough of blaming it all on the wrong reasons; this is evil at its worst. Plain and simple. It's not people like me who shoot for a hobby and have guns to protect my family from the same.
To me the answer is simple. Do like my grandpa taught me and pray to God every day for guidance, compassion, understanding and most of all love for my fellow people. I can tell you this for sure, until I know everybody is on the same page I will never give up the rights my fathers gave to me to protect and fight for as they did.
James LemmonThe way to reduce traffic fatalities is to ban motor vehicles. That is absurd, right? The way to reduce drug abuse is to ban heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines. Wait a minute, we already did that and we still have drug abuse.
But certainly, the way to prevent school shootings is to begin banning weapons and high capacity magazines? No one needs an "assault rifle," right? Well, no one needs a Corvette either.
The tragedy at Sandy Hook was indeed horrendous, but emotional knee-jerk reactions to it are worse. Statistically, school children are far more likely to die in traffic accidents than to be murdered with a firearm. More people were murdered in the United States last year with hammers than with rifles, yet the rifle is to blame? Will a criminal with a 30-round magazine wreak more havoc than a criminal with three 10-round magazines?
The Second Amendment was to ensure the "people" could not easily be subjected to a tyrannical government. Both the Federalists and their opponents agreed on this. It was not about hunting. I am confident that the Founding Fathers would indeed favor the individual's right to own a so-called assault rifle in that to trying stop a tyrannical government with less than equal force would not make sense. If the Constitution needs to be changed, let's go through the proper amendment process instead of simply ignoring and infringing upon it.
Dennis L. Cooley
New Haven


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1. Stephen Foster wrote a lovely song about "Jeanie with the (blank) (blank) hair." Fill in the blanks.
2. The Brothers Grimm gave us a maiden with hair so long her gentleman friend could use it to climb up to the tower where she was confined. What was her name?
3. One of O. Henry's short stories has to do with a young couple very much in love who sacrifice the only treasures they have to give gifts to each other. She sells her hair; he sells his gold watch. The name of this story, please.
4. Name the very popular musical showing opposition to the Vietnam war and at its end inviting members of the audience to come up on the stage to dance.
5. In this well-loved book the protagonist sells her luxuriant hair to give Marmee some very welcome money. Name the heroine.
6. For many years she has been the wife and mother with her husband and children in the popular comic strip by Chic Young. Her name, please.
7. "Shoot, if you must, this old gray head, But spare your country's flag, she said," is from a famous poem by John Greenleaf Whittier. Name this resident of Frederick, Md.
8. She takes a shower on stage and sings, "I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair." The title of the very popular musical, please.
9. She is always associated with the three bears. Who is she?
10. So you know the poem by Longfellow talks about Edith with golden hair, one of three youngsters who come to "capture him in his fortress." Now what is the name of the poem?
11. In the phrase, "a shave and a haircut," how much are they?
12. What American playwright wrote "The Hairy Ape"?
13. What musical was a hit as a play and as a film. It was about a plump teenager — and John Travolta was one of the stars.
14. "Your locks were like the raven," she says of her love, John Anderson, her Jo. Who was the poet who wrote about her?
15. What famous redhead, with blue eyes, was married to a Cuban and gave us years of fun in film and television?
16. A young orphan girl who faces a tyrannical Miss Hannigan and who has a mop of curly red hair, she started in a comic strip and went on to star in a very popular stage show. Who is she?
17. Who wrote "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"?
18. Who was known as the Blonde Bombshell back in Hollywood's earlier days?
19. Where do we first find, "A hair of the dog that bit us"?
20. Where do we find the phrase, "Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin"?
Bonus: What longtime favorite singer had a hit with "Red Headed Stranger"?
Answers: 1. light brown; 2. Rapunzel; 3. "Gift of the Magi"; 4. "Hair"; 5. Jo March; 6. Blondie; 7. Barbara Frietchie; 8. "South Pacific"; 9. Goldilocks; 10. "The Children's Hour"; 11. two bits; 12. Eugene O'Neill; 13. "Hairspray"; 14. Robert Burns; 15. Lucille Ball; 16. Little Orphan Annie; 17. Anita Loos; 18. Jean Harlow; 19. Proverbs; 20. Three Little Pigs; Bonus: Willie Nelson.
Do you know that in July 1941 the U.S. War Department issued a call for human hair, especially blonde females? That hair would be used for precision instruments, including — possibly — bomb sights. And surely you scored at least 75 on this quiz.


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ervice and getting their entertainment exclusively thru the internet. I almost loved television too muh for that — the news is interesting, and there are so many great shows — but I recently realized my weekly "TV" viewing time was probably down to 2 or 3 hours per week.
The reason wasn't austerity or puritanism. Rather, there are so many on demand options on my Xbox One it's hard to justify cable as a separate purchases.
Youtube on Xbox One has many great news channels that my wife and I "subscribe" to for free, such as Vice News, New York Times, CNN, and The Verge. From the same source there are entertainment sources such as Jimmy Kimmel, College Humor, GoPro, and Cyanide or Happiness which provide a pleasant welcome to each new day.
We are living in a golden age of television, however, so it's great so much of it is available without cable tv. Most every show are available for purchase from either Xbox Video or Amazon Video. Similarly, movies can be purchased from Xbox or Amazon, or watched from either the Amazon or Netflix streaming services.
Even sports is moving to a cable-also format, with great apps from the NFL and Major League Baseball. There's also the woman's football (which streams live games) and computer games on watch Twitch.
As of now, there are only two things absolutely missing. There's no easily watchable 24 hours streaming news channel, and HBO shows aren't available for either download or purchase without a traditional cable tv plan. Hopefully, HBO's eroding market share will make them reconsider this move.
We're not in a post-cable-tv world yet, but that world is rapidly coming. It's harder and harder to justify having a cable TV plan at all,.


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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Kidney Diseases
Elevated Microalbumin in Urine
I am a healthy 23yold female. Had a check up because of abdominal pain. Blood test was normal, but urine test showed a microalbumin level of 1742 (told normal 0-17) and microalbumin/creatinine ratio 1119.5 (normal 0-30) told to consult a nephrologist. I am not diabetic, don`t have HTN, don`t having swelling or any of the things I have read about. Could this test be flawed or a false reading? What could explain these results? Could my abdominal pain be associated with this? (increased pain when I eat)
This is unlikely to be a false result. It indicates that you have protein leaking from your kidneys, which can happen in several disorders (of which diabetes is only one). You should definitely see a nephrologist as soon as possible, and you'll need to undergo a number of tests (blood tests, urine tests, imaging such as an ultrasound, and possibly a kidney biopsy). When you see the nephrologist, be prepared to supply information such as:
- any medical conditions for which you have been or are currently being treated. It is possible, for instance, that your abdominal pain is related to a kidney problem.
- a list of medications that you take (including over-the counter meds and recreational drugs).
- any diseases that are known to run in your family, especially your immediate family.
In the meantime, you can learn a little about protein in the urine by reading the links below, which cover basic kidney information and info about kidney tests. And please do not hesitate to write again if you have more questions, even if before you actually see the nephrologist.
Mildred Lam, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University


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This was from this morning's Daily Dime, but I'm just reading it now.
It's more about Ainge/Boston, but it's based off our game last night and has some Bird/Walsh GM commentary and a little J'OB with the Cs history for those of yall that aren't familiar.
Ainge Getting Another Big 3 Through That Door
By Royce Webb
It's good Danny Ainge is a devout man.
Otherwise the Boston Celtics' architect might be feeling all the angry joy that comes when vengeance is thine.
If Ainge were prone to such feelings, Boston's sixth straight win, a 101-86 walkover in Indiana on Tuesday, was a statement game disguised as an ordinary Tuesday night in November.
In fact, as statement games go, it was the Big 3:
Statement 1: See, Jim, I knew what I was doing.
Just four seasons ago, the Celtics were coached by Jim O'Brien, now the Pacers coach, who had led them to their greatest successes since their 1980s heyday. O'Brien had salvaged the Rick Pitino squad, taking the C's to the 2002 East finals.
But when Ainge took over in 2003, he looked to the future and started reshaping the roster. When Ainge traded veterans Eric Williams and Tony Battie to Cleveland for Ricky Davis (plus two players and a pick), O'Brien up and quit.
Score one for Coach Obie. When we polled fans that day on his bold move, 79 percent said they trusted O'Brien's judgment more than Ainge's. An overwhelming 98 percent said that O'Brien deserved another coaching job, and 76 percent described his resignation as "honorable" rather than "crazy" or "disloyal."
During the following three seasons, Ainge's reputation became further tarnished until rock bottom arrived in 2006-07, when the C's won 24 games and were widely accused of tossing games. Many thought Ainge's days were numbered.
Meanwhile, the Celtics had continued to stockpile young talent, hoping for either an infusion of Miracle-Gro or, even better, a miracle trade or two.
Enter Ray-Ray, courtesy of the Seattle Durants.
Enter The Big Ticket, courtesy of old pal Kevin McHale.
As Ainge admitted Tuesday in Chad Ford's podcast , he didn't know whether players like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett would ever come walking through that door.
But give him credit: He's got guts. Ainge traded away 10 of his assets, including Al Jefferson and three first-round draft picks, to get Allen and Garnett.
So maybe Ainge and O'Brien can both pat themselves on the back. Maybe they were both right. Because finally the Celtics are exactly the kind of team O'Brien wanted.
Statement 2: Hey, Larry, my team is better than yours.
Just four seasons ago, the same year O'Brien resigned in Boston and Ainge found himself wearing the dunce cap, the Indiana Pacers had the NBA's best record. Ainge's old teammate Larry Bird had just rejoined the team as an executive after guiding the Pacers to the NBA Finals as coach, and his first season was charmed.
The Pacers' fall from grace, starting with the infamous Palace Brawl, has been well-documented, but receiving less scrutiny has been the disastrous series of front-office decisions by Larry Legend and Donnie Walsh.
It's impolite to suggest that an on-court genius like Bird might be less well-suited to the executive suite, but basketball IQ doesn't transfer easily to the boardroom.
Meanwhile, as Bird's Pacers continue their descent into the hell of NBA mediocrity, Ainge finds himself on a rocket ride fueled by the kind of star power the Pacers used to boast. And now it's Ainge with the halo, the genius label, the wins, the media at his feet.
And don't think he forgets for a second who is running the Pacers into the ground.
Statement 3: I've got my own Big Three.
Ainge doesn't like to hear about the original Big Three of Bird, McHale and Robert Parish. In fact, he says in Tuesday's podcast that trio was not the Big Three, if such a creature even existed.
Remember, Ainge and backcourt mate Dennis Johnson were All-Stars who sacrificed their stats for the greater good. And in doing so, they had to watch Bird, McHale and Parish grab the spotlight, the accolades and the cool nickname.
So as the Celtics roll to a record of 6-0, what could be more satisfying than seeing his new Big Three already making strides toward supplanting Bird, McHale and Parish in the hearts and minds of Celtics fans? You don't need Ainge's brain doctor to tell you how good that must feel.
Sure, Garnett, Pierce, Allen and Co. are focused on winning the East and ultimately the NBA title. But there is more at stake. There's history, both professional and personal.
The 1985-86 Celtics, still revered by many Boston fans as their choice for the greatest team of all time, won 67 games.
So don't be surprised if Danny Ainge drinks an extra big glass of milk if and when his Celtics get victory No. 68.
Royce Webb is an NBA editor for ESPN.com


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The Giants Causeway is probably the visitor attraction that most people visiting Northern Ireland have heard of. It is well sign-posted (from pretty much everywhere!) and has ample visitor parking. There is a tea shop which serves drinks and light refreshments and a gift shop with the inevitable postcards, pencils and other tourist grot that people are persuaded to part with money for!
There is quite a walk down to the causeway itself although a minibus will take you most of the way if you find walking arduous. On the way down you pass basalt columns that hint at what you will find at the bottom.
The six-sided columns of basalt spring out of the sea and are battered by the waves constantly, which shows just how hard these volcanic rocks are. Parts of the structure are safe to climb on with care, and the braver/more foolhardy can venture further out, although I'd recommend caution as they can be hard to get around on.
If you take the Causeway coast walk you can follow a path along the coast, seeing more of the natural formations. It's not for the fainthearted though - some parts are quite narrow, and although it is fenced and there are ropes and handrails in places to help you, it can be a little precarious for those of us with an anxiety about heights. Some walkers try to take bikes along the walk too, which can be awkward when they are coming the other way and you have to get past them.
If you have children then the part of the Causeway near the Causeway visitor centre is fine, if you keep an eye on them. I'm not sure I'd try the coastal walk with them, though, and don't even think about it if they need a buggy!
If you are ever in Scotland, then Fingal's Cave in Staffa is well worth a visit - the other end of the Causeway and arguably even more spectacular.
The Giants Causeway is popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. Situated in Country Antrim, this odd collection of 40 thousand hexagonally shaped rocks is certainly worth a visit!
In 1963 running and maintaining of the Causeway was taken over by the National Trust, and has remained that way to this day.
For those visiting this site, there is no entry fee per se, however a parking fee of £2. Please bear in mind that this car park fee does go towards the running of this tourist site and is a good cause, but if you prefer to save your £2 you can park further down the road and have further to walk.
Before braving the Causeway there is plenty to do and look at. Atop the Causeway there is the obligatory shop selling various tourist items, Tourist Information which provides some interesting information about this site. There is also a cafeteria for a refreshing drink or two.
Those of a healthy and fit disposition are welcome to brave the walk down the rock formations, however there is a bus service to take you down, but be aware that you have to pay for this.
Once done on the causeway you will see that the collection of rocks are really pillars of different sizes therefore creating the impression of a "stairway" which lead down to the sea. Whilst it is truly breathtaking to be standing on these stones with the waves of the sea crashing around you, keep an eye on the kids if you have any with you. It's so easy to get too close to the edge! Be sure to have the camera ready to take some pictures of the magnificent scenery and the interesting rocks.
For those that are mad you can walk back up to the car park...I use mad in the sense that it's a fair hike back up and I would advise taking the bus back up if you'd like to get to the top without any difficulty breathing.
The Giant's Causeway is a must if you are sightseeing in Northern Island. It is an amazing natural stone walkway which stretches out into sea.
All around you is the wild and windy Atlantic Ocean, off the coastline of County Antrim.
The Causeway itself looks like a stack of huge squared off blocks, all on top of each other. The fabulous colours of the rock range from bronze and red, to dark grey depending on the light and the weather.
It is made up of more than 40,000 closely packed basalt columns. Some of these are as much as 90 feet thick. The highest columns reach about 40 feet above sea level. These were formed about 60 million years ago when molten lava came up from the seabed. The sheer scale of the Causeway is breath taking.
This is a cold and windy place, even on a warm day and it is easily accessible from Port Ballintrae and Port Rush. There is a bus service which runs during the summer and will drop you within half a mile of the Causeway. It is also accessible by foot, or car.
This is not a place I would recommend during the winter months because it is very exposed and tends to be very wild and windy. In the summer it is certainly a spectacle that should not be missed.
There is a certain magic about the place which has been celebrated in legend. The story says that the Giant's Causeway was created by the giant Finn MacCool who wanted to fight his neighbour, Finn Gall across the sea, in Scotland.
When Finn McCool was tired after all that work and he rested, Fin Gall came across the causeway but got such a fright when he saw how big and powerful the sleeping Irish giant was, that he ran away home.
The battle of the giants was long ago finished and just the causeway remains. This is a magical place with lots of atmosphere and its sure to make a lasting impression.
If you are in Northern Island, don't miss it.
This is a must-visit destination, but try to avoid peak times and weekends. It is truly amazing but its not well managed. Contrary to what one of the other reviewers say, its an easy walk to the accessible part of the causeway. They have long since closed the most beautiful part which was a more difficult walk. Anyone with normal fitness should be able to see the most important parts by foot. The buses are there for others. Unfortunately the buses share the same road as the pedestrians and go far too fast. I supect htey have been told to get up and down quickly so as to make more money but they are too fast and aggressive. This is just one instance of greed that detracts from this attraction and its down to the National Trust. They also "run" the tacky shop, the shack like visitor centre, the toilets and the buses. It looks like they are only really interested in earning money from this. The toilets are a disgrace - really smelly and dirty and the interpretation is almost non-existent. Teh other detraction is Moyle District Council who have obviously asked the question "what is the maximum amount we can get out of the tourist here and how?". The answer is to build a big car park and charge 5 pounds per car (2008). It takes 1-2 hours to see the Causeway, so that's pretty extortionate but they have managed to get the roads nearby yellow lined so that you have no choice (although lots of people sneak in trough the hotel car park and don't pay and display).
The Giants Causeway is a place all Northern Ireland children are sent to by their schools. Well it seems that way anyway; as when you ask someone Have you ever been to the Giants Causeway? the typical answer is Oh yeah, I remember going there in primary three! Its up there with Belfast Zoo on the schools secret list of boring places to take youngsters. Well, that was my vague memory of it, I could recall a long bus journey from Derry to Antrim, I could remember someone spilling a carton of Five Alive down the aisle of the bus. I could remember that there werent enough seats on the bus, so we had to sit three in a seat. And I could also remember that when we got there our little legs aches from having to walk so far from the Coach. But then, that was 1988, and things have changed since then!
When I went to the Giants Causeway on a school trip I was non-plussed by it. Yeah, it sure was fun jumping over those funny rocks. But was that all there was to it? Big deal! I live in the country, there are funny shaped rocks everywhere. I had a good day there, but teachers, you might as well have taken all the children to an empty field and let them run wild. All we were there for was fun. We learned nothing from our day out. However, as I got older I began to take more of an interest in Celtic Mythology and even Geography, and began to realise that there is more to the Giants Causeway than funny shaped rocks. Since then Ive been back a few times, when Ive been in the area and I really think that it is a worthy visit if you happen to be in Northern Ireland.
Historical Stuff and all that Jazz
The Giants Causeway is a bizarre rock formation located on the coast of Northern Ireland in County Antrim. It is created from forty thousand hexagonal (and I mean perfectly hexagonal- but apparently some are five-sided!) basalt rock pillars. These pillars are all of different sizes and look almost like stairs leading somewhere, but they dont! How dull, you may indeed think. I mean, really, how exciting can a rock formation be? But the Giants Causeway really must be seen to be believed. From the seventeenth century the Giants Causeway became know informally as the Eighth wonder of the world, such is its magnitude. Apparently when the causeway was first discovered there was much debate as to whether it was a natural phenomenon, or made by men with pick axes! Although the origin is thought to have been volcanic activity in county Antrim sixty million years ago. In 1963 the causeway was taken over by the National Trust, and remains so today.
When you arrive at the Causeway you will be asked for £5 to park your car! I objected to this the last time that I went, but to no avail. Personally, £5 per car seems ridiculous to me, but thats the cost. However, you will not encounter any other entrance fees. Once you park you wander up to the Tourist shop. Here you will find a minefield of tacky my mate went to the Giants Causeway and all I got was this lousy pen stuff. But some of the photography and Celtic crafts on sale here are worth looking at. If you leave the shop youll find yourself on the path down to the rocks. This is a long path, and even if you think that its a lovely sunny day, you should pack a raincoat, as weather here changes before you realise it!
If youre unfit like me, the walk will be a nightmare! But the landscape surrounding you is breathtaking enough to let you forget about it! Rugged cliffs and rolling waves are everywhere around you. Be careful if youre walking along the path, as its quite narrow and at 15 minute intervals everyone will be forced to the side as the small coach (mainly used by old folks and those with kiddies) ferries people up and down to the rocks. The Causeway is huge, and I have to admit that I personally have never been able to see every part of it. My legs get much too tired! But let me tell you a story
Mythical Ulster
A long time ago there was an Irish Giant called Finn MacCool (he was only 52 feet tall!) and over in Scotland his rival Bennandonner lived. The giants argued a lot, and thought that they could see who was strongest in a battle and so to hold this battle Finn hospitably agreed to build a causeway from Ireland to Scotland. (well the island of Staffa actually) One morning Finns wife awoke to find that Benandonner had arrived over the causeway to battle Finn, and as he was a much bigger giant than Finn she knew her husband would lose. So she covered him up in a baby blanket and put a bonnet on his head. When Finns wife saw what he thought was Finns baby he panicked! If the baby was 52 feet, then what size must his father be! He ran all the way back to Scotland, he ran so hard that the Causeway between the countries crumbled beneath his feet. And so, thats why the Giants Causeway is called the Giants Causeway. But theres another tale, one which I prefer
Finn was involved in a fight with a Scottish giant, he scooped up a huge mound of earth from Northern Ireland and flung it at his rival. The earth fell into the sea and became the Isle of Man. The hole it left filled up with water and became Lough Neagh.
Finn fell in love with a lady giant on the island of Staffa, so he built this wide commodious highway to bring her across to Ulster. Isnt that a sweeter story!
And back to the review
Because of its association with the Giants, many of the rock features have names to reflect the giant himself who lived there. Theres the Giant's Granny or the Giants Organ that one always sounds quite rude to me! But I assure you it is not! There are countless other rock formations, too many to mention in fact, but I would like to tell you about other things you can visit while youre at the Causeway, as these are every bit as spectacular as the rocks themselves. The National trust provide guides to these formations.
The Cliffs:
Walking along the cliff route is spectacular. Although in wet weather it can be terribly slippy, and is a very long walk. If you look out to sea, you can view the breathtaking rock columns below and the rough sea beating against the stones. There isnt a view like this anywhere else in the world. The rocks are 24 metres wide in certain parts and studies done on fossilised vegetation within the rocks has shown that Ireland originally had a semi-tropical climate.
The Spanish Armada:
During the 1960s a wreck from the Spanish Armada was discovered off the coast of the causeway. Remarkably there was over 10,000 objects found within this wreckage. These are on display at the Ulster History Museum, and the find is documented on boards at the Causeway tourist office.
Carrick-a-reed rope bridge:
Some of you may remember a Guinness advertisement a few years back, where a man is standing in the middle of a desolate rope-bridge between two islands. This is Carrick-a-reed. Located a short drive away from the Causeway, this rickety old bridge joins the mainland to the small fishing island of Carrickareed. It is probably the most scary thing Ive ever walked across! Only one person can go across or back at a time and the bridge shakes as it blows in the wind. There are tales of tourists who have crossed over to the island and have been too frightened to walk back over the bridge again, so they have to be airlifted from Carrickareed! (the island is nothing more than a spike of land) Oh and by the way you cross at your own risk!
Bushmills Whiskey Distillery:
My boyfriend and I had a great day learning about old Irish whiskey (Irish whiskey is spelt with an e while Scottish Whisky has no e!) It was a fascinating day out and we learned how Irish whiskey is distilled more times than other whiskeys to give it a unique flavour. We also got to taste lots of different types of whiskey and got a free glass at the end! The even gave us student rates of entry. Im going to review this one in more detail for definite!
So, thats the location and the surrounding areas described as best as I can for you all. I can only emphasis that a day (or a weekend) on the North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland is not only an education, but a hell of a lot of fun if you plan your days correctly. Staff at the Giants Causeway are helpful and everything from the Causeway itself to the village of Bushmills is sign posted coherently. And if youre from Northern Ireland, and havent been here since you were in primary three! then its about time you paid it another visit!
Many, many, many years ago (you get the idea), the warrior giant of Ulster, Finn McCool was challenged to a 'scrap' with the Scottish giant Benandonnor. In order for Benandonnor to get across, Finn built a highway from Antrim to the Isle of Staffa, Benandonner's home. One day after the highway was built Benandonner came over to Antrim whilst Finn was asleep. Finn's wife realised that he was much bigger and stronger than her husband so she cleverly (what else would you expect from a woman) covered Finn with a blanket and a baby's bonnet. When Benandonner arrived and saw the baby he didn't stay around to see Finn: if the baby was that big then how big would Finn be! When he went back across to his home on the Isle of Staffa he destroyed the highway in his wake, and today the Giant's Causeway is what remains. Ok, the scientific version is millions of years ago, cooled down larva that was compressed to form the basalt columns, is now what forms the Causeway. Whichever theory you believe, it really is a dramatic site. I am very surprised that the Giant's Causeway is not the eighth wonder of the world. As with many attractions I had people waxing lyrical about it so wanted to see it for myself. I wasn't disappointed. The local council and The National Trust jointly maintain the Causeway. It gives tourists confidence I think that any money that you do have to pay out will be invested by a reputable organisation like The National Trust into preserving landmarks such as this. Which brings me to the cost. There isn't an entry fee as such, but you do have to pay £2 for parking in the car park. You can if you want, park further down on the road (if you're stingy!), but bear in mind the £2 goes to the obligatory worthy cause (way…sorry, I'll keep the jokes to myself). There's plenty to wander around before you actually make the descent to the Causeway.
Around the top, overlooking the sea, there are a collection of shops and a Tourist Information Office. Refreshments are available from the shops or there's a cafeteria in the main entrance as you go in. Beware of some of the shops: tacky souvenir alert! Before you go down and look at the Giant's Causeway itself you might want to watch a 10 minute film in the theatre which mainly concentrates on the myth surrounding the creation of the Causeway, it only costs £1, but is mainly aerial shots of the Causeway, with the story of Finn and his Scottish counterpart and some 'floaty' Irish music. It wasn't really much use. Ok, you might have seen pictures of the Giant's Causeway before, but you don't want to see them before you go to see it – it spoils the fun a bit. I think it would have benefited with a thin brochure telling the story of the giants as you're looking at the different formations. Right, the Giant's Causeway itself. It's knackering! You can walk or take a bus down to the rock formations. If like us, you forget to take enough money, you walk. Going down was the easy bit. It was the coming up which we weren't looking forward to. Once down at the bottom and walking along the pathway running parallel to the sea, all the psychological anxiety of what is to come becomes worth it. The Giant's Causeway is truly amazing. It is hard to believe the scientific explanations of the hexagonal pillars – why are they all roughly the same shape? Why hexagonal? Why not square? It really is like looking at modern architecture. I'm sure that the linear lines of the rocks have been copied for that purpose. Unlike many other 'natural' attractions, you are able to climb across the pillars, where if you go to the end it juts out of the land, and you can stand on a small area with the sea lapping the rocks almost all the way around you. I hasten to say at this point,
that if you go with children, you will need to keep an eye on them all the time: it's great to be allowed on to the rocks and not just to see them, but adventurous kids might find this too tempting. As you walk along there are certain formations of rocks that you should look out for. Some are obvious, but again I feel that a written guide would benefit. But, if you look hard there is the Giant's Boot (I still maintain that this giant must have suffered from clubfoot) and the Giant's Organ (no, not that sort, the musical sort). Ok, the walk back up to the carpark…tiring…very tiring. Must…stop…for breath [happybunny collapses]. Yep, I'd advise using the bus to get back up, but you do see some spectacular views (although you can see these at the top and on the bus I would imagine). Oh well, it justified my reason to eat a large tea when I went back to my lodgings that night…
The Giants Causeway, a world heritage site, is a beautiful place whether you are a tourist, a local or have an interest in geology. The causeway is estimated to have been formed 60 - 65 million years ago when there was a lot of volcanic activity in the area, in fact it extends to the Scottish Isle of Staffa northeast from the North Antrim Coast. As the lava cooled, most likely in contact with water, it contracted forming cracks and creating the 'honeycomb' like basalt columns we see today. The columns are generally hexagonal, though the sides range from 5 – 8. There is a minibus that runs up and down to the middle causeway (the one you usually see in pictures), and I think they do allow individual cars to drive down if you are a disabled person wanting access. Your perception of it will depend on your interests of course. There are supposed to be some interesting plants in the area and some excellent bird watching along the cliffs. If you enjoy walking you can follow the paths either way from the causeway. If you head west towards Portballintrae you come to Runkerry Beach - a great beach if you have kids with you and you've 'done' the causeway. Head along the causeway path east for Whitepark Bay, Ballintoy and on to Ballycastle. On the way you will pass Port na Spaniagh where the Spanish Armada Galleon, the Girona, was wrecked in 1588 - you can see some of the items recovered from the wreck in the Ulster Museum in Belfast. If you do head east, after a while you come to 'the shepherds steps' where you can choose head back a different way along the cliff top path to the car park. Of course, if you get there on a wet day and think you might melt if you venture out for a walk, there's always the visitors centre. It had a souvenir shop and some audio visual / interactive displays – the usual tourist attraction things. As Belfastgirl' mentioned, it
was closed due to fire damage and I think the causeway itself is closed due to foot and mouth at present - hopefully it will be even better now that it's undergoing a forced refurbishment. To me the causeway is the sort of place that can be visited in any weather! There's always something you haven't noticed from the previous visit. Personally I love the causeway in the winter or on a really windy day – it looks at its best with massive waves breaking over it – absolutely spectacular! Enjoy! Situated on the north Antrim coast. Head out of Bushmills on the A2 towards Ballycastle and a few miles along the road it is signposted on the left.
I have updated this opinion from my very first writing of it! The Giants causeway is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. For those of you who are interested in travelling there, it is around an hour's drive from Belfast, depending on the route you take. The route that I am used to taking is along the beautiful Antrim Coast Road, a very picturesque area. There are various tours to the Giant's Causeway and of the Coast Road, and it would be best if you asked at the local tourist information as these can vary due to the time of year, and the situation in Northern Ireland at the time. The Causeway has to be Northern Ireland's biggest attractions with some people only coming into the North just to visit. Well, what is it? The Giants causeway is an area that extends about 90 meters into the sea. It is made up of hexagonal stones that were formed due to cooling lava. The stones are in column shape and some are as high as 6 meters! Local Legends suggest that the stones were formed as a competition between two giants to form a pathway from Ireland to Scotland. In Scotland there is an Island called Staffa which has similar rock formations, and so links in with the folklore. More about the Local legends usually can be found in the beautiful little visitors centre that once was there. Unfortunately this was burnt down a while ago, but I am led to believe that they are well on the way to building a new and improved one, so I will keep this post updated. The lack of visitors centre at the moment does leave many tourists wondering what the whole point of it is, as I heard one tourist say, "It's just a big pile of stones", but this can be found out by taking the tour bus around the site which operates during high season. It is a lovely area to visit, especially on a warm sunny day, which, unfortunately, does not come all that often in Northern Ireland, and it is
a shame that much of the tourist industry is affected by the events of the summer in Northern Ireland. If you intend to visit Northern Ireland, I would advise against visiting during "the Twelth fortnight" if you are bothered by the Marches and such. Some people do not mind this and come ahead anyway. It is a great day out, if you enjoy walking, and the fresh air, the Antrim Coast is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and if the stones don't interest you, I'm sure that the scenery will take your breath away (mind you, the long walk may add to that!). For those with young children, or people who have difficulties climbing, and walking far distances, then this may not be for you, but as I said previously, there is a tour bus for such people. I would highly recommend visiting the Giants Causeway!
Giant's causeway is situated on the outskirts of county Antrim just besides the bushmills distillery. A place for those people that like walking for pleasure. While I was over in Ireland we paid this place a visit. On arrival we came to the entrance that was a very nice attraction. Just inside the entrance were a gift shop and a coffee shop where you could get refreshments. Beyond the main entrance was the start of the walk As we were walking we admired this beautiful rocky place and the view was unbelievable too. It took us about six hours to get all a round giants causeway something that I will do again.


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Thank you to whatever it was that got my butt out the door today to get my long run in.
As I was talking with one of the parents at DS's school this week, the conversation turned to running. We talked about the weather and how it was going to be VERY rainy this weekend. I mentioned what a bummer it was for the runners of The Ten Miler on Sunday. I was not running that race, but would be doing my own 13 mile training run. She suggested I switch my run to Saturday to avoid the storm. I responded by saying I don't like to run on Saturdays during the fall. That is my football watching day .
Her suggestion was totally reasonable. We were supposed to have 3 storms come in between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, with winds between 20 to 30 mph - gusting to 40 to 50 mph - and dropping record rainfall. The PNW is sort of known for the abundance of rain, but we usually have really nice weather in September. I don't mind running in the rain. At all. It was the wind I was concerned about.
Saturday morning came and I enjoyed my coffee, snuggled up on the couch watching College Gameday. With the exception of a trip to TJ Maxx, the rest of the day was filled with watching more football, eating unhealthy foods and drinking beer. The rain and wind came late afternoon, just as the forecast predicted. By the time the Duck game started, the weather looked like this:
I decided to check the hourly forecast for the morning. Each hour was virtually the same. Chance of rain: 100%. Wind: anywhere from 16 to 22 mph. Hmmm. I decided not to put myself through that and reschedule the run for Monday. Back to watching football I went.
But when I woke up in the morning and looked outside, the weather didn't seem that bad. It was raining, but just regular rain. It didn't appear to be windy at all. So I went to the kitchen and prepared myself a pre-run breakfast of sweet potatoes and an egg. Upon finishing my breakfast, I had somehow slipped back into the mentality of pushing the run back to another day. Even though I know that I never regret a run once it's finished, there are still occasions when I give in to staying home.
As DH woke up and prepared his breakfast, he asked if I wanted any. I informed him that I had already eaten because I thought I was going to run, but to go ahead and make me a small portion. That small portion was actually a regular-sized breakfast of sweet potato hash browns, a kale scramble and a sausage patty. And two chocolate-chip coconut flour pancakes with my coffee
Soon enough, I had that feeling of regret - like I really should be out there running. And if I would have started when I initially planned, I'd be done already. I went in and got my running gear on, deciding to get at least some miles in.
You know what's the worst??? Standing in the pouring rain waiting for your watch to locate a satellite.
The run itself was not bad at all. The rain was constant, but the effort felt easy. The miles were flying by. I stopped under a tall fir after 7 miles to eat my half-banana. After 8 miles, the rain began to fall a little harder. The wind picked up after 10 miles and this is when I finally started to work a little. I checked my watch at 13.1 and was pleased to see that this was unofficially my 3rd fastest half-marathon (I've only raced that distance four times) - 1:51:42. A few minutes later, I was back at my house after 13.44 miles in 1:54:34, an 8:32 average.
Here's how the week went:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 4 Mile Tempo, 7.1 miles overall, 8:04 avg. Tempo avg: 7:29.
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Medium Long Run 8 miles, 8:42 avg.
Friday: Easy Run w/ 10 x 100m, 4.28 miles total, 8:49 avg.
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Long Run 13.44 miles, 8:32 avg.
Weekly Mileage: 32.82 miles
This was my highest weekly total since April. It was also the highest monthly total since then, with 107.47 miles. I have 8 weeks left until my goal half-marathon. At this point, I am feeling really good about hitting my goal. Things seem to be falling into place pretty well. I'm sure I can attribute a lot of that to the change in weather.
Run well, Loop!


text: The most important importation of this kind [from Scandinavian to English] was that of the pronomial forms they, them and their, which entered readily into the system of English pronouns beginning with the same sound (the, that, this) and were felt to be more distinct than the old native forms which they supplanted. Indeed these were liable to constant confusion with some forms of the singular number (he, him, her) after the vowels has become obscured, so that he and hie, him and heom, her (hire) and heora could no longer be kept easily apart. [Jespersen, "Growth and Structure of the English Language"]


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Kidney Diseases
Kidney and Lower Abdominal Pain
I am a 29 yr old female who has had a UTI for several weeks. I took a sulfa drug then 2 wks. later Cipro and then now Augmentin. My urine culture results came back today as less than 10,000 so, I was told I could cease the antibotic. My question is I still have lower bladder pressure and right side kidney spasams. I also have some lower back pain but, no fever. I have no issues with urinating except for the feeling of I have to go. I am even waking up at least 2 times a nigth to use the bathroom. I have had some issues in the past with UTI`S especially when I was pregnant. My last pregnancy was 6 yrs. ago however, I have not had my menstral cycle since April 25th and I had a tubal litagation 5 yrs. ago. All pregnancy tests come back negative and my Dr. is stumpped. I once had to have shots of gentimican for 7 days to clear up an ecoli infection. I do not have ins. so I have been paying my Dr. cash but, I am scared now because I am not getting better. I will say that the burning and only peeing 2-3 drops has subsided. I only drink juice and at least 60- 80 oz. of water daily. The pressure of having to go is horrible and the side pain is bad too. It is not so bad I can not function but, it is annoying. I am thinking of taking more AZO tablets (they are like pyridum) to numb it so I do not feel that lower pressure what do you think? Are these pills safe to take on a long term basis. I am only seeing a family Dr. now and they said I could see a Urologist but, I am not sure they can help me. I saw one in the past and my OB/GYN was the one who actually helped me with the gentimicin shots. Any help you can offer will be apperciated. Thanks.
Without seeing your actual urine test results, I cannot be of much help. However, it does sound like overkill to be treating E. coli with gentamicin, since this antibiotic can cause both kidney and ear damage. Be aware that even small numbers of bacteria (less than 10,000) can still cause significant irritation and symptoms.
It would probably be wise for you to see either an internist or nephrologist (medical kidney doctor), who should order an imaging study such as an ultrasound or intravenous pyelogram (IVP), or may refer you to a urologist (surgical kidney doctor) for a cystoscopy (direct bladder examination with a flexible scope) to see if there is any underlying structural reason for your bladder/kidney infection and symptoms that seem to be persisting for an abnormally long time. Also, the urine culture should be repeated just to be sure that the bacteria that grow are sensitive to the antibiotics that you are taking.
Taking the azo drug may hide the symptoms, but it is important at this time to get to the cause of the symptoms and fix that. Keep in mind that it is possible that your side pain may actually be caused by something other than your kidneys or bladder.
Mildred Lam, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University


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Annabel wrote:Children are curious. So sometimes they cut a rainworm into pieces or torture animals and don't know what they are doing.
That's why our laws give them a time frame in which their actions have no legal consequences.
But I guess it's a different story with kamma.
Or no?
clw_uk wrote:Kamma doesnt have a grace period so to speak. Whenever there is intentional action there is kamma.
Annabel wrote:Yes. Thank you.
What would happen if a relatively small child kills a small animal out of curiosity to see how "dying goes". But it has no idea what death means for the animal...nor, that killing critters is wrong. Parents do it all the time.
Intention (cetana), I tell you, is kamma. Intending, one does kamma by way of body, speech, & intellect. - AN 6.63.5
Jechbi wrote:I bet that child would grow up and think about it later in life. When I was 14 I was forced to dissect a live frog in science class. The teacher convinced us that the frogs had been "pithed" and thus could feel no pain, but I remember the frogs seeming to wince in reaction to the scalpal piercing the belly. I killed that frog, but not before I saw its beating heart. I think about it sometimes.
clw_uk wrote:Your right not all intentions are the same.
There is unwholesome intention motivated by greed, hatred and delusion
There is wholesome intention motivated by non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion


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Salon magazine, that curious publication covering news, politics and entertainment (wait a minute, isn't politics news?) just published a story that should gag almost everyone who thinks ag gag laws are a great idea. Writer Lindsay Abrams led with a paragraph about that infamous 2008 Humane Society video that exposed Hallmark employees using chains and forklifts to drag sick cows across the ground.
The video forced the USDA to order a recall of 143 million pounds of beef, the largest in U.S. history. It was scandal and it was brought to light by an undercover whistleblower. It wasn't the first time and it certainly won't be the last with the possible exception of nine states that have passed ag gag laws. Videos taken without the farmer's permission in those states, even from across the road, can not be legally made public.
Abrams said Idaho's just-passed law, similar in content to the others, makes it "illegal for anyone not employed on the farms — and undercover activists don't count — to make recordings of what goes on there without the owner's explicit consent."
Will the animal welfare/rights folks figure out an end run around those laws? Of course they will. As proof, Abrams interviewed Will Potter, who calls himself an investigative journalist. He's planning to do it with drones. He's already 'crowdsourced' the concept and has the money to make it happen.
Potter says he has everything he needs to do an "aerial exposé": drones, travel expenses, production costs for a planned documentary and e-book, and legal counsel. Lots of legal counsel, I expect.
He's talking drones, unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicles, an eye in the sky. And the best a farmer or rancher intent on maintaining his privacy can do is mistake that hovering object for a bird and hope it's duck season.
You didn't think that an ag gag law, probably unconstitutional anyway, would stop the attack of the animal rights groups did you? They are absolutely dedicated to what they do, convinced of the correctness and inevitability of their cause. Most of them would willingly spend a few months in jail if the trade off was the release of some surreptitiously gained inflammatory footage.
The real damage done by ag gag laws is the sense that animal agriculture has something to hide. To people who want to believe that animal agriculture is best represented by Hallmark videos, the passing of those laws is proof that this business is inherently bad and must be banned immediately.
It would be better to do what so many agvocates are advocating; open those barn doors and let everyone in. Show them that the norm is not what Mercy For Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Animal Liberation Fund claim. Or you can hide behind ag gag laws and proclaim to an unbelieving world that you have nothing to hide.


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A portion of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) has had an aspect of helping finance more efficient irrigation equipment by farmers, but an unexpected outcome or loophole apparently is that more irrigation equipment has been installed, which ultimately results in more water use.
At least that is a claim in an editorial in the New York Times—"Farm Subsidies Leading to More Water Use"—on June 7. Irrigating crops has lowered aquifer levels and reduced stream flow, the writer, Ron Nixon, contends.
After reading the editorial, a group of mainly western farm organizations and the Irrigation Association wrote a letter of response to the Times "highlighting the many attributes that irrigation agriculture provides."
As the IA noted in a news release about the group's complaint, "the letter outlines the economic, environmental and social benefits of irrigated agriculture and discusses how productivity gains made by our nation's farmers and ranchers are not a luxury, but a necessity."
Besides the Irrigation Association the other groups signing the letter were the Family Farm Alliance, Arizona Cattle Growers' Association, Association of California Water Agencies, California Agricultural Irrigation Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Public Lands Council and the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association.
Dan Keppen, executive director of the Family Farm Alliance, called irrigated agriculture "one of the largest economic engines in the Western U.S." and suggested everyone look at the positive economic impact that agriculture provides states and the nation.
The response letter seemed to forget that the main aspect of the editorial was about water use increasing rather than decreasing, as some uniformed members of Congress apparently expected by voting in favor of EQIP.
Anyone who thought farmers would quit irrigating crops, if they had functioning irrigation equipment, and try to grow crops without irrigation is pretty naïve. Farmers having a chance to replace old pivot irrigators with new pivot irrigation that can be remotely controlled for more efficiency in water use is quite logical.
But at the same time, savings in water costs, higher crop prices and drought has encouraged some farmers to put in pivots on ground that wasn't previously irrigated. Another pivot allows the farmer to grow higher return crops than was possible in a dry land situation. Additionally, in the long-lasting droughts, no pivot has meant no crops to harvest.
The Times editorial explained how a couple congressmen and the Environmental Working Group think that farmers should be limited in their free enterprise decisions if they accept government assistance in water efficiency. Basically, it appears that they want farmers who accept assistance to make their irrigation more efficient to be required to lower their water use and not install additional irrigation systems.
Living near a major irrigation area of the U.S., the Kansas City urban area, I'd have a hard time sitting on a water board basically telling some farmers to give up farming because irrigation water isn't available to them but it is to the farmer across the road who inherited water rights.
When I drove from Kansas City to Sioux Falls, S.D., last week, I saw a large number of shiny, new looking pivots from Sioux Falls to Sioux City, Iowa. When I talked to a liquid fertilizer company employee, he explained that farmers had decided the insurance of a high-functioning pivot was necessary with the threat of more drought in years to come.
Water use for agriculture is a necessity to meet the goals of growing additional volumes of crops in the future, and there are no easy answers to how that water is allocated between rural and urban areas and to which farmers.
But my guess is that government assistance to install new efficient pivot irrigation equipment is going to end.
Click here to read the New York Times op-ed
Click here to view the full letter response to the op-ed.


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California lettuce grower-shippers report good quality, normal volumes and steady markets as the deal transitions from Salinas and Huron to the Arizona and California desert.
Salinas, Calif.-based Coastline Produce was shipping solely from the Huron, Calif., region the week of Nov. 5, said salesman Mark McBride.
The week of Nov. 12, the company's mix was expected to be 75% Huron, 25% Yuma, Ariz. By the following week, Coastline expects all of its lettuce to be sourced from Yuma, McBride said.
As of Nov. 5, those transitions looked to be on schedule.
"As long as Mother Nature doesn't deal from the bottom of the deck, we should be right on time," McBride said. "There's been no rain or excessive heat, and the quality has been good."
Some head size irregularity has been reported in Yuma, but for the most part, quality there looks fine, McBride said.
Coastline expects normal weekly volumes through the holidays this season.
Salinas-based Boggiatto Produce Inc. expects to begin shipping romaine from the Imperial Valley the week after Thanksgiving, about right on time, said Michael Boggiatto, the company's president.
The company's Salinas deal would likely overlap the Imperial deal by a week or two, also normal, Boggiatto said.
Boggiatto Produce reported typical volumes for this time of year and good quality from Salinas in early November.
"We kind of lucked out with the weather," he said. "We have adequate supplies and the quality's still pretty good."
Cartons of romaine were selling for $8-9 in early November, maybe up a bit from typical prices for this time of year, Boggiatto said.
"Markets are maybe a little stronger, but not enough to get people whooping and hollering," he said.
Prices would likely stay fairly stable heading into the desert deal, Boggiatto said.
On Nov. 6, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported prices of $8.06-9.65 for carton 24s of romaine from Salinas, down from $13.50-15.36 last year at the same time.
McBride expected iceberg prices to firm up some heading into Thanksgiving.
Carton 24s of iceberg from the Central San Joaquin Valley were $7.95-9, down from $14.47-16 last year at the same time.


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Weeds work hard to develop resistance to specific herbicides and cultural practices, and they will ultimately become resistant unless a diverse weed management program is put in place, said Mike Owen, Ph.D., Iowa State University, weed scientist. He made a presentation in the Monsanto pavilion at Farm Progress Show.
Owen provided a short summary of a couple key points about weeds potentially winning against farmers.
"Without a diverse weed management program, anything that you do, whether it be a tillage system or specific herbicide or the combination of a herbicide resistant trait in the crop in combination with a herbicide, anything you do will inevitably fail simply because Mother Nature lets weeds adapt to anything we do in an agronomic system.
"This was proven, I think, many, many years ago by Charles Darwin when he was talking about origin of a species, selective pressure and how various species adapt to that selective pressure. In our case, we are spraying a specific herbicide repeatedly and that is all we are doing, and as predicted, the weeds will ultimately evolve resistance to that herbicide.
"Essentially what I was saying is that you need to diversify your weed management program. You need to use different herbicide mechanisms of action, you need to use different cultural practices, you need to consider how tillage and mechanical weed control fits into that program and try to come up with a best management practice that will keep the herbicide resistant weeds or weed population off balance, so that they are not able to adapt as Charles Darwin predicted.


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POLICE are appealing for the public's help in tracing a man they want to speak to following thefts from a shop in Westcliff.
On January 21 and 22, a man walked into the Cooperative in London Road and took items including meat and cosmetics without paying.
Officers are investigating these incidents in conjunction with an enquiry in to a theft from the BP petrol station in London Road, Westcliff on January 14.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PCSO Louise Tate on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.