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Hydroxychloroquine in Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Proof of Concept Study
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- Study Results
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Kidney Failure, Chronic Cardiovascular Disease Arteriosclerosis
|Drug: Hydroxychloroquine Other: Matching Placebo
|Phase 2
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Official Title:
|Hydroxychloroquine in Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Proof of Concept Study
- Change From Baseline in Inflammatory Marker, Hs-C Reactive Protein, at 6 Months [ Time Frame: Baseline and 6 months ]Hs-CRP will be measured at baseline (before study drug) and at end of study (6 months). This marker is measured by ELISA assay from serum.
|Study Start Date:
|February 2012
|Study Completion Date:
|September 2013
|Primary Completion Date:
|September 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
Placebo Comparator: Matching Placebo
Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be randomized to either hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or matching placebo in a 3:1 ratio (approximately 39 to HCQ and 13 to placebo)
Other: Matching Placebo
matching placebo capsule 200 mg daily for 10 +/- 4 days and thereafter 200 mg twice a day for duration of study, approximately 6 months
Experimental: Hydroxychloroquine
Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be randomized to either hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or matching placebo in a 3:1 ratio (approximately 39 to HCQ and 13 to placebo)
Drug: Hydroxychloroquine
200 mg capsule daily for 10 +/- 4 days, then 200 mg twice daily till end of study (duration approximately 6 months)
Other Name: Plaquenil
Detailed Description:
This pilot study has been designed to look at the impact of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the clinical model of accelerated atherosclerosis (AS) in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. This intervention is designed to have an impact on the initiation and progression of AS by reducing systemic inflammation, improving or restoring vascular endothelial function, and by improving the milieu of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
The current study is a proof of concept study for the expansion of the use of HCQ for a new indication for the treatment of AS and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with CKD.University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) for a new indication on 4/28/11. The FDA responded that this study is exempt from an IND.
This "Proof-of-Concept" randomized double blinded placebo controlled study will evaluate the nature and extent of HCQ effects, and if found significantly beneficial, it will be used to guide the development of a large, multicenter, randomized control trial of HCQ to examine the hard clinical end points of CVD and mortality in patients with advanced CKD. The investigators propose to enroll 62 subjects to achieve the effects of HCQ in 52 individuals (39 HCQ group and 13 placebo group).
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 80 Years (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Measured stage IV proteinuric chronic kidney disease with an estimated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) GFR (eGFR) of 18 to 35 ml/min.
- Current or history of documented proteinuria of more than or equal to 300 mg/dL in 24 hours or a spot urine protein to creatinine ratio of greater than 0.3 ug/mg.
- Not on dialysis.
- Ages 18 to 80 years, both sexes, all races and ethnicities
Exclusion Criteria:
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or known hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline compounds (such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine).
- Abnormal liver functions; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) more than 2.5 times the normal or international normalized ratio (INR) without being anti-coagulated greater than 1.4.
- Known chronic active infections like HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C positive, chronic osteomyelitis etc.
- Recent serious infection including Pneumonia requiring hospitalization, meningitis, septicemia in the 2 months prior to screening.
- Active or recently treated (< 1 year in remission) malignancy or systemic inflammatory diseases (Patients with localized squamous cell carcinoma of the skin are eligible).
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study.
- Use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppression within last 3 months (acute course of steroid for a gouty arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is eligible if > 1 month ago).
- History of prolonged corrected QT interval > 450.
- Inability to attend or comply with treatment or follow-up scheduling.
- Life expectancy less than 6 months or uncontrolled congestive heart failure (CHF) (defined as more than 2 admissions in prior 6 months).
- Any other condition the PI determines may put the research subject in jeopardy during the course of the study.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01537315
|United States, Arkansas
|Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
|Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72205
|University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
|Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72205
|United States, Florida
|University of Florida
|Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32610-0224
|Principal Investigator:
|Dumitru Rotaru, MD
|University of Arkansas
|Responsible Party:
|University of Arkansas
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01537315 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|February 10, 2012
|Results First Received:
|October 31, 2014
|Last Updated:
|November 18, 2014
Keywords provided by University of Arkansas:
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Cardiovascular Disease
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Cardiovascular Diseases
Kidney Diseases
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
Renal Insufficiency
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Urologic Diseases
Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Vascular Diseases
Antiprotozoal Agents
Antiparasitic Agents
Anti-Infective Agents
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Antirheumatic Agents
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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Woman, mother and educator of the human person
The Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi strive to help
women carry out their vocation to love in marriage, as
spouses, mothers, and educators, and in their professional and social
lives. Without neglecting their mission as spouses and mothers, women
should open themselves to the vast world of culture, economics,
and politics, and should participate in the life of society
and the Church. In these and other professional activities, they
contributes their "feminine genius" to society, with the fine and
delicate touch proper to a woman, in their role as
humanizers of society. Women have an irreplaceable role to play
in passing on the Catholic faith and educating their children
in religious values, and they are called to offer the
Church their great capacity for oblative love.Regnum Christi
strives to spread an authentic vision of true femininity, in
accordance with the Magisterium of the Church, and promotes initiatives
aimed at strengthening the authentic rights and duties of women,
thus helping them to avoid being manipulated by false forms
of modern feminism

subset: commoncrawl


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Church opening museum to remember its history
here. CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In honor of its historic birthday, St. John's Episcopal Church is opening a museum of sorts with pieces of its 175-year past.The museum is housed at the church, at 1105 Quarrier St.Prior to opening the room, the church had several of the historic items in storage. Others came from church and community members."[The items were] mainly put away in storage so people can't see," said Janet Morris, church archivist. "That's when we decided that we should, you know, let people view these things."Items in the museum will include a candlestick -- one half of a pair that was left when a thief broke into the church in the 1980s, stealing its mate, altar linens and other items. There are old ledgers -- some dating back to 1855 that record marriages, births, and deaths."We've got a whole room full of these ledgers," Morris said. "A vault-full, really."There's a promotional certificate, presented to a fourth-grader in September 1931 on the Sunday he transitioned from one grade level to another.There's also a copy of a receipt for $1,850 in reparations from the U.S. government the church received when Union forces occupied its building during the Civil War.Prayer books dating back to 1790 and old Bibles are also part of the collection.Morris and a committee at the church have been working on putting together the display for about six weeks, she said.The church museum will be open Sunday after the morning church service, as well as Sunday night.After this Sunday, the museum will open once every quarter and by appointment, Morris said.Reach Lori Kersey at email@example.com or 304-348-1240.


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Analogue Solutions Telemark Unboxing from Oliver Chesler on Vimeo.
I received a delivery from Noisebug yesterday and made the above unboxing video for you. I was also inspired to add the Analogue Solutions Telemark to an EBM song I am working on for my next album. You can hear the song in the video above. It still needs plenty of work and of course vocals. You're also hearing a Jomox Brane 11 and the sequences are being fired off by a Doepfer Dark Time. The Telemark is created in the UK by Tom J Carpenter. He recently repaired some of Alan Wilder's (Depeche Mode) equipment for an auction. The Telemark starts off as an Oberheim SEM clone but adds Noise (to me VERY important) and some other goodies. It's a large beautiful synth and it sounds incredible.
"More features than the original SEM such as Sample and Hold, LFO Square wave, Noise, extra inputs, many more signal modulation options via rotary switches." – analoguesolutions.org.uk
To see a full set of Telemark photos: click here


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gregkavarnos wrote:And being aware of the fact has done what for your practice? Coz, really, unless I am completely mistaken, that's what all this is about. Right?Clarence wrote:Actually I was aware of that fact before this thread.
When you stop being a punk I will tell you what it did for my practice.


text:
Socket, 1/2 in. Dr, 3/4 in. Double Square
WESTWARD| Zoro #: G1414795| Mfr #: 1FAC5
Zoro #: G1414795Mfr. Part #: 1FAC5
$8.77 /ea
Orders over $50.00 ship free. DetailsStandard ground shipping
Technical Specifications
|Zoro #: G1414795 Mfr #: 1FAC5
|Material: Chrome Vanadium
|Drive Size: 1/2"
|Drive Type: square
|SAE or Metric: SAE
|Item: Socket
|Socket Depth: Standard
|Tether Capable: Standard Tool (Accessory Needed for Tethering)
|Finish: Chrome
|Standards: ANSI B107.1
|Socket Sizes: 3/4"
|Output Type: 8 pt.
|Number of Points: 8
|Overall Length: 1-1/2"
|Country of Origin (subject to change): Taiwan
Product Description
Get a handle on your next project thanks to this socket from Westward. This chrome vanadium socket has a Chrome finish with a 1/2" drive and is 1-1/2" in length.
Restrictions and Compliance
- *1 : California Proposition 65 : This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- *2 : California Proposition 65 : This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.


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Sea bream with Cantal cheese
Take a saucepan and allow the butter to melt, add the leeks which have been cut into small portions. Moisten with the wine. Add enough water to the pan to cover the leeks. Allow to cook on a slow flame for about 10 minutes. Cut half the Cantal into thin slices and gentle mix into pan. Stir carefully to obtain a sauce. Place the fish in a oven pan well buttered; add seasoning. Cover with the sauce. Cut the rest of the Cantal into small cubes and sprinkle on the fish. Cook in the oven at thermostat 4 for 15 minutes.
A great fish correctly dressed to serve a King. Delicious
Ingredients :
600g of Daurade, known a sea bream or chysophrys fish.
320g of Cantal
2 white leeks
1 spoon of butter
1/2 glass of white dry wine
White Burgundy
Cantal Entre Deux


text:
Healthwatch Wiltshire is calling on people to become volunteers as it announces the appointment of Emma Cooper as its chief executive.
Emma brings expertise in working with the local voluntary and community sector and is particularly interested in Healthwatch Wiltshire's role as the consumer champion for health and social care.
She said: "I am thrilled to be joining Healthwatch Wiltshire at this important stage in its development locally. A lot of excellent work has been done over the last six months to set up the organisation and raise awareness about its role.
"2014 will see Healthwatch Wiltshire make a real difference locally and one of our priorities is to engage with people who want to get involved with our work as volunteers."
Healthwatch Wiltshire has set up the following consultation meetings for people interested in becoming volunteers; Wednesday January 29, 10am to noon, Corn Exchange, Devizes; Tuesday February 4, 1pm to 3pm, Salisbury Methodist Church and Thursday February 6, 10am to noon, Neeld Hall, Chippenham.
If you would like to attend contact Lucie Woodruff on 01225 434218 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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Re: tubeless in seattle?
Yes we are done for now. We do alternative farming-we rent our land, all but 10 acres to "real" farmers. We used to be real farmers then started growing flowers(for drying) now produce and pumpkins and we have greenhouses for plants. I start getting busy again in Feb. I love the time off but miss the income! I'm really glad you're feeling well. That is what is really important. Tom always said he could take a lot as long as he wasn't feeling sick or in pain. Let us know how things go on the 19th. I hope things go great for you too. Mary


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Or did he?
Or was it the other way around — first the lie, then the smirk?
And what's the difference between a lie and a joke?
In truth, if truth could be found in the story over the competitive shooting battles between Sheehey, Jordan Hulls and Christian Watford, did it matter?
"I win them all," Sheehey said.
With a smirk.
Sheehey has gone where no Hoosier has gone before. Not Calbert Cheaney, the greatest scorer in Big Ten history. Not Steve Alford, perhaps Indiana's best-ever shooter. Not Don Schlundt, who held the IU career scoring record for nearly two generations.
Not bad for a sixth man.
Sheehey was a school-record 9-for-9 from the field against Purdue. He scored a career-high 22 points in Saturday's 83-55 victory. It wasn't a total surprise considering he averages 51.3 percent from the field and 10.1 points, but major credit should go to the after-practice shooting sessions he has with Hulls and Christian.
"We play different type of (shooting) games," Sheehey said. "We see who can make the most in a row, and things like that."
And the winner is?
"I win them all," he said.
With a smirk.
Sheehey sat next to Watford in the post-game glow of the Assembly Hall media room. Watford was asked about who wins these battles the public doesn't see.
Watford leaned back. He smiled. The pause was telling.
"Yeah, he wins them all," Watford said.
Regardless of the truth, Sheehey was an off-the-bench force of nature against Purdue. He hit three-pointers and layups and mid-range jumpers. He was in — if you believe basketball clich� — the zone.
"The guys who stay in zones the longest are the best players," he said. "There's a zone. You see a couple of shots go through the hoop, you get confidence."
Sheehey does not lack for confidence. It is part of his game, his charm, his edge.
For instance, he was asked about teammate Victor Oladipo and his injured ankle. The team policy is to say nothing about injuries. Sheehey followed — in a manner of speaking.
"Victor is fantastic," he said. "I've never seen him better."
As for the impact of losing Oladipo against Purdue …
"I got excited," Sheehey said. "I got to play a little bit more."
Sheehey scored six points in 11 first-half minutes. In the second half, as Oladipo's replacement, he scored 16.
"I try to stay aggressive regardless of what the situation is," he said. "That's the way I am as a player. Some guys are different. The more minutes I get, the more opportunities I get, the more I'll try to stay aggressive. That's how it should be for everyone."
It's not, of course. Sheehey is not like everyone. He's the 6-7 son of a former college player (Mike Sheehey, Syracuse and St. Bonaventure) and the nephew of a former pro player (Tom Sheehey, Boston Celtics, Spanish pro league).
His previous career high of 21 points was set against Butler last season. He knew he was close to a new high just as he knew a record was in reach. Coach Tom Crean has a knack for knowing such things courtesy of athletic media relations director J.D. Campbell.
"(Crean) is good about that," Sheehey said. "He wants us to excel and do things here that have never been done before."
Given IU's storied history, that's hard to do. Sheehey, Crean said, was more than capable of doing it.
"That's why I consider him a starter," Crean said. "There's no doubt about it.
"He does so many things defensively. He's so locked into helping his teammates. He could run our walk-throughs. That's how locked in he is. He's got edge and personality. He has completely bought in that he's a starting-quality guy off the bench. He epitomizes student of the game. He's really maturing.
"He was all over the place. He guards so many people and that activity carries over to his offense.
"I'm glad he got (the record). It's something he'll always have. He played outstanding."
Outstanding doesn't mean perfect. Sheehey's 2-for-5 free throw shooting bugged him.
"I missed three free throws, but besides that, it felt good. My teammates found me. I thought I played pretty good defense. Playing defense, the offense will come."
No smirk required.
More Information
Up nextTipoff: Indiana at Michigan State, 7 p.m. Tuesday
Online: For more on Indiana athletics, follow Pete DiPrimio via Twitter at pdiprimio.


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Williams helps give Falcons lift
CORINTH — Dalyn Williams was nowhere to be found as Tuesday night's game between Lake Dallas and The Colony got underway.
By the time the game ended, Williams made his presence felt loud and clear and almost single-handedly won the game for the Falcons, who beat The Colony 8-7.
Williams, who will play quarterback for Dartmouth next season, was at a university function in Dallas and could not make it back in town for the beginning of the game, but was inserted into the lineup in the second inning.
He struggled in his first two at-bats, but came up big in his final one when he hit a two-strike single to lead off the bottom of the sixth with the score tied 7-7. He then stole second base, moved to third on a sacrifice fly from Jackson Owens and scored on a wild pitch for the game-winner.
"He's a great player," Lake Dallas head coach John Tompkins said. "He's a competitor. He works hard. He struggled a little early because he was out of his routine a little. He re-adjusted and had a huge at-bat with two strikes going the other way. That's a huge two-strike hit. We were able to manufacture a run there."
That hit and the subsequent run helped the Falcons escape an unheard of defensive game when they committed four errors and allowed five runs to score on sacrifice bunt attempts by The Colony.
"I've never seen anything like that at this level," Tompkins said.
In the top of the second, The Colony took a 3-0 lead on a sacrifice bunt attempt from Correy Patterson after pitcher Dylan Andrews' throw sailed over the first baseman, allowing two runs to score.
"The kids were like, 'Coach we need to bunt,'" Tompkins said. "The ball was soaked. Andrews said he threw the ball way because it was wet. We went through 2 1/2 dozen baseballs tonight. They like to bunt. I give Coach Dean credit. They used it to their advantage."
The Colony scored three more runs in the fifth inning off another botched throw to first on a sacrifice bunt attempt that ended up clearing the bases after another error in right field following the bad throw.
Andrews, Lake Dallas' ace who is still working his way back to full strength after a shoulder injury, lasted 4 1/3 innings on 75 pitches, giving up eight hits.
"He's one of the grittiest guys we've got," Tompkins said of Andrews. "Great pitchers find ways to win when they don't have their best stuff. I think he gave us a good enough outing to give us a chance to win the game. He got to his pitch count so we pulled him. We're bringing him back slowly. We're not gonna extend him out too far right now because he's too important."
The Falcons (13-9, 6-3) put up a big inning of their own in the bottom of the second inning as the Cougars committed two errors of their own and Riley Forson had a big two-run single to go with RBIs from Owens, Williams and Tim Drozd.
The win kept Lake Dallas in a favorable position in the District 4-4A standings behind district leader Ryan and Wichita Falls.
Tompkins said it was important to pick up a sixth district victory with the parity in the district's pecking order, citing Little Elm's no-hit victory over Wichita Falls as an example of how any team can beat any other one on any given night. It was one of two district wins for Little Elm, and just one of two district losses for the Coyotes.
"We were 6-6 and got in last year, so it's huge," Tompkins said of the victory. "Everyone's so even. Anyone can beat anyone on any given night right now. The district is pretty even. Nobody really stands out.
"It's going to be a dogfight until the end. You have to come out and play the games and see what happens."
ADAM BOEDEKER can be reached at 940-566-6872. His e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com .
The Colony
Lake Dallas
WP – Michael Cox. LP – Parker Jones. SV – Keenan Wingfield. 2B – TC: Sam Warrum, Austin Ferguson. LD: Tim Drozd. 3B – LD: Ryan Navarro. Records – Lake Dallas (13-9, 6-3). The Colony (2-7).


text:
Date change
Tuesday Musical concert
Mezzo soprano Susan Graham will perform April 21 as part of the Tuesday Musical season. This concert was rescheduled from the original date of April 10.
Pianist Bradley Moore will still be joining her on stage for the recital.
Tickets are $25, $45 and $55, and can be purchased through EJ Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-972-7570. Currently held tickets for the previous concert date will be honored at the April 21 concert. Refunds are available at point of purchase.
Students can attend any Tuesday Musical concert at no cost; they need a ticket voucher that is redeemed for a concert ticket the night of the concert. Parents or adults who accompany their children may purchase companion seats for $15. Transportation costs are covered for groups of 20 or more. For details, call the Tuesday Musical office at 330-761-3460.


text:
Submitted by Ryan on Fri, 08/24/2012 - 20:19
The Friends of the Library Fall BooK Sale is scheduled for Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20. On Monday, October 22nd, all remaining books will be sold at $1 per bagful. Donations of good-condition used books for the Friends will be allowed up until Thursday the 18th. Call the library at 269-694-9690 for more info.


text:
- An average systolic blood pressure reduction of 26 mmHg points was maintained
- 76 percent of patients responded to the therapy and had an average office blood pressure of 150 / 86 mmHg
- There were no serious acute device- or therapy-specific adverse events reported
St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ), a global medical device company, today announced that the company's EnligHTN™ renal denervation system provided a safe, effective and sustained reduction in office and ambulatory blood pressure measurements at six months. The new data was released in the Clinical Science and Special Reports Session during the annual American Heart Association (AHA) meeting. Renal denervation is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of patients with drug-resistant hypertension. It is a specialized ablation procedure that targets nerves in the renal arteries leading to the kidneys that has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure. A typical normal blood pressure is below 120 systolic (the first number) and 80 diastolic (the second number) and is expressed as 120 / 80 mmHg. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a blood pressure greater than 140 / 90 mmHg. The risk of cardiovascular death is cut in half with every 20 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure. Patients enrolled in the EnligHTN I study had an average blood pressure of 176 / 96 mmHg despite being treated with multiple medications to manage this condition. Those treated with the EnligHTN renal denervation system experienced an average rapid systolic blood pressure reduction of 28 mmHg points after 30 days. At six months:


text:
My Dream Car
Posted: Apr 9, 2007 10:05am ET
"Beautiful is more difficult than different." If you think about that for a second, it's a pretty profound statement. And it came from an automobile designer. Not just any designer, but a man named Ian Callum, who is the chief design engineer at Jaguar. I was at dinner with him last week, partly because I still remember my first teenage car fantasies that focused on the original XKE series from the early 1960s. I thought it was the most beautiful car in the world. And I wanted to meet the man responsible for its resurrection.
Over the years, I had watched as the XK series morphed into an automobile that I knew I wouldn't like. For the record, I've owned cars such as a 3 Series BMW, when I lived in France with my wife, to a long series of Audi A6s in recent years. The Audis have been great family cars, reliable and safe for those long, weekend trips to my daughter's soccer tournaments all over the East Coast. And, as executive editor of this magazine, I get to test-drive all kinds of different cars. I usually focus on the various sports cars that make it into the press fleets. (Yes, auto manufacturers have cars designated for the media.) It's been fun: a Lamborghini here, a Bentley there, and my favorite on the unaffordable list, the Aston Martin Vantage. All in all, they've kept my sports car addiction at bay.
But then there was a moment about a year ago when I saw the new Jaguar XK. At first, I thought, "Wow, that's the closest they've come to matching the beauty of the old XKE." I remembered quickly, however, that the previous XK model looked pretty good, but it was more a luxury coupe than a sports car. I couldn't wait to try the new car out. Last summer and fall, I drove both the regular XK and the new XKR, a high-powered version of the XK.
Not only did both cars live up to my sports car desires, but they didn't disappoint my teenage fantasies about the XK. They were fast. They were comfortable. And they had the requisite head-turning "wow" factor that any boy loves.
Sitting next to Mr. Callum, hearing him talk about his design philosophies and his desire to keep reshaping Jaguar into a twenty-first-century icon, reaffirmed that sometimes a car can be more than just a shaped piece of metal with an engine in it. For a man who claims the Aston DB7 as his design—remember the Dunhill DB7 with a built-in humidor—Mr. Callum has done as much as any current car designer to put beauty back into the automotive world equation. He likes his cars to be striking, too, but he doesn't just want them to be noticed for being different… they have to be beautiful too.
Wait until you see the new XF series!!!
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text:
Welcome to the Muppet Central Forum!
You are viewing our forum as a guest. Join our free community to post topics and start private conversations. Please contact us if you need help with registration or your account login.
Is this a teaser poster for a Muppets sequel?
Discussion in 'Muppet Headlines' started by muppetlover123, Mar 26, 2012.
Page 2 of 2
Page 2 of 2


text:
PHA may 'cut our losses' and scrap Queen Lane Apartments demo plan, says agency official
After more than a year of public meetings, presentations, changing plans and disagreements over the future of the Philadelphia Housing Authority's property at West Queen Lane and Pulaski Ave., the one thing everyone seemed to agree on was that the aging high-rise apartment building had to go.
Now, for the first time since announcing plans to replace the 16-story tower with 55 low-rise units, PHA officials said that keeping and rehabilitating the building is an option on the table.
At a meeting Thursday night, officials showed a rendering of what a rehabbed Queen Lane Apartments tower would look like, and said the building could be made livable again.
"It's a real option, and it's something we are considering," said Michael Johns, PHA's acting executive director of housing operations. "Essentially, the site would remain as it is."
Potter's Field review still pending
Meanwhile, PHA residents, officials and Germantown neighbors are still awaiting the result of a historic review and planned archaeological dig to determine if human remains are beneath the ground, left from the 18th century Potter's Field that once stood on the site.
Johns said PHA has committed to bringing public housing back to the site, preferably through its plan to put new homes there. But if that doesn't work, the tower could stay.
"There seemed to be some tension no matter what PHA tried to do," he said. Ongoing delays around the project are "an insult to people who are on waiting lists."
While he didn't mention a specific deadline, Johns said the time may come soon when PHA would decide to fix up the tower rather than continue fighting and risk the funding it has secured for the project.
Lingering tensions
The not-so-subtle hint of an ultimatum didn't go over well with those who gathered at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, just across Pulaski Street from the empty and forbidding PHA property.
Some called it "asinine," while others begged for relief from the poverty, crime and death the tower became known for.
"You were asked to come here and kind of bully us," said Winona Street resident Jeff Templeton. "For you to come here and give us an ultimatum is a sign of disrespect to these people."
Bigger-picture issues
The meeting was meant to be another periodic update from project officials. However, it was in large part a continuation of the discussion of various issues that have swirled around the plan from the beginning: Why PHA built on the grave site in the first place, what will happen if any remains are discovered, what happened to the remains originally on the site, and what, if anything, should be re-built.
Johns noted that PHA's original plan had already changed based on the Potter's Field issue. He also expressed frustration at the torturously slow pace of progress on the project.
"Some folks in the community have opposed us on every point going forward," Johns said, noting that some opponents were motivated by a desire to not see public housing as much as a desire to honor those buried in the Potter's Field.
Through it all, there have been questions about why PHA would re-create a housing project there rather than do scatter-site housing in the area, especially with many vacant and abandoned properties in the surrounding areas of Germantown.
As he has at meetings and forums throughout the process, Germantown resident and former Eighth District City Council candidate Greg Paulmier strongly urged PHA to take a different approach.
"We want to integrate the families that need housing into our community," Paulmier said, decrying the time and money he said is being wasted on Queen Lane.
Affordable housing, in one form or another
Johns said whether the tower ultimately stays or PHA gets the go-ahead to develop the 55 new homes, there will be residents living at 301 W. Queen Lane.
"The housing authority has made the commitment to develop affordable housing on that site," Johns said.
Citywide, PHA has replaced several former apartment towers with townhouses and other low-rise structures, replacing high-rises with more traditional neighborhood setups.
Johns offered to take Germantown residents on a bus tour of other PHA sites to show them similar projects.
Historical ramifications
While little consideration was taken for the buried remains when the tower went up in the 1950s, and neighbors have described seeing bones in the ground during construction then, historic preservation regulations now require a so-called Section 106 review whenever federal money is used on a project with historic significance.
PHA and project officials have said repeatedly their desire is to neither disturb gravesites nor build anew on top of the former burial ground. The discovery of any remains at the site, or the discovery that the traditional two-acre Potter's Field site is actually larger, could ultimately change or halt PHA's plans.
Under PHA's original plan, the Queen Lane tower would have been demolished months ago, but demolition cannot proceed until the Section 106 review is complete. The agency has city zoning board approval for its 55-unit plan, but can't do anything until the historic review is complete.
"You've kind of driven us to this point," Johns told the audience. "Here we are, a year later. Are we any closer to moving forward? It's almost better for us in some ways to cut our losses, and rehab the building."
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Women in Business give back to campus and community
Women in Business President Deirdre Smith, far right, stands with fellow members Cabrittany Price, left, Amy Stramich, center, and Alex Garrett, right, at the Homecoming activities fair to raise awareness about their student organization.
November 16, 2012
By Kelsey Budd '14
Deidre Smith, president of the student organization Women in Business, added another
jewel to the organization's crown this past month—Homecoming Queen.
Smith, a senior studying food nutrition, was crowned Bradley's 2012 Homecoming
Queen and used the competition to raise the group's profile on campus and in the
Bradley's Women in Business student group works with women from across campus on
building resumes, networking, preparing for job interviews and learning basic skills for
the business world.
The organization was involved in every homecoming activity throughout the week in
attempt to inform students about what they offer. Smith said her victory came about
thanks to the work of other members in the organization that helped her raise more than
$400 during the weeklong celebration.
"It is very important for me to show school spirit and I wanted to get our name out there.
My board helped me raise all the money, so it wasn't just me by myself," Smith said.
Women in Business hosted a bake sale to raise money to donate to Dress for Success, a
local organization that helps women in need learn job skills and prepare for interviews.
Smith said it is important for student organizations to get involved in the community as
well as on campus. After learning about Dress for Success, she said the group wanted to
help provide local women with opportunities they might not otherwise have.
"Some of their goals met up with our goals," Smith said, "so that's why I thought it
would be a great charity to donate to."
The homecoming success for Women in Business was just one example of the many
ways the organization has marketed itself and grown. Aside from an increase in
membership, Smith also redesigned the organization's mission statement, making it more
professional and relevant to what the organization stands for today.
Smith said she hopes to keep making students aware of the opportunities with Women in
Business and continue relaying the importance of what they do.
"Everything is a business when you graduate and these are important skills you need,"
she said. "It's definitely made me think outside the box and made me realize women can
be very influential in the business world."


text:
Keep in mind that we are more than an online store. We're real people that love wine and are happy to talk wine with you.
You can reach us, toll free, at 877-322-2576 to order over the phone if this is your preference.
Questions and comments can also be emailed to email@example.com.
Thanks, and happy shopping!
Back Room Wines


text: Girls' embellished cashmere cardigan sweater Item C8862 Size: All sizes are US sizes. Size Charts Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Prices do not include taxes. Add to Bag Wishlist Add to Bag Add To Wishlist share: size & fit Product Details Kids love cashmere too—especially when it's the same irresistibly soft Italian cashmere we use for Mom (aka the very best)—and it's super-sparkly with a sequined placket. Italian cashmere. Hand wash. Import. Select stores. Item C8862.


text:
Right now prices for urea, DAP and potash are all down from year ago levels, but prices for anhydrous ammonia are up a little, according to Doane Advisory Services.
With the relatively small crops in 2012, nutrient removal from the soil may be lower than in a "normal" year, which would tend to dampen demand, especially for P and K. Nitrogen prices soared right during spring planting this year due in part to the very fast planting pace. Overall, we expect fertilizer costs to produce an acre of corn to be down in 2013


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FORT WORTH — Broadway Baptist Church has the largest pipe organ in the state, a gigantic five-manual instrument installed in 1996 by the Canadian firm Casavant. The church is also one of fewer than a handful around here suggesting the cathedralesque reverberation for which most great organ music was conceived.
The instrument was lavishly displayed Sunday evening by Christopher Houlihan, a young American organist of formidable skill and considerable flamboyance. In fact, I can't remember an organ recital with so many and such kaleidoscopic changes of registration, showing off everything from purring string stops and burbling flutes to sonic assaults at near disco levels. Apart from two movements from French composer Louis Vierne's 1911 Third Symphony, everything was played from memory.
Houlihan extravagantly "orchestrated" Liszt's vast Fantasy and Fugue on "Ad nos, ad salutarem undam," whose demands make the composer's B-minor Piano Sonata look like child's play. Dispatching those notes with such authority and élan was a major accomplishment. Constantly, and deftly, shifting and nuancing sonorities, with only one momentary mishap, added to the amazement.
Adding chimes at one point, though, went over the edge into tackiness. And just because one can pile on all 191 ranks of pipes — with horizontal "party horns" fore and aft — doesn't mean one should. Ouch.
Houlihan has created something of a stir by playing all six of Vierne's organ symphonies on single days, as he did last August in Dallas. This time, he performed the playful Intermezzo and turbulent Final from the Third Symphony and, as an encore, the Scherzo from the Second. Apart from clipping some phrase endings in the last, he demonstrated a sure command of the music, as he did in the Saint-Saëns Fantasy in E-flat major.
A lovely surprise was an Alexandre Guilmant transcription of the slow movement from Debussy's String Quartet, which — with, again, manifold but subtle registration changes — Houlihan made completely persuasive as an organ piece. In fact, it wouldn't have been out of place in one of the Vierne symphonies. (Debussy, in his music-critic sideline, wrote a favorable review of Vierne's Second.)
Alas, Houlihan played the Bach G minor Fantasia and Fugue pretty much the same way he played Liszt, with lots of registration changes impossible on organs of Bach's day. Liszt's music is at least half about showing off the performer's virtuosity, so highly imaginative realizations make sense. Bach is Bach, though, and I'd rather meet him on something closer to his own terms, not as a vehicle for showing off how many times an organist can shift and re-sort sonorities.


text:
Model Type
25 Combined MPG (22 city / 28 hwy)
EPA estimated
A full list of available features and filters for the used 2017 Lexus NX 200t inventory include but are not limited to: Edmunds Special Offers: Purchase Offers, Lease Offers, Gas Card (4), Used Offers (3). Model Type: SUV (10).
Trims: Base (5), F SPORT (3). Features: Alarm (10), Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel (10), Auto Climate Control (10), Back-up camera (10), Bluetooth (10), Fold Flat Rear Seats (10), Keyless Entry/Start (10), Multi-Zone Climate Control (10), Post-collision safety system (10), Power Driver Seat (10), Rear Bench Seats (10), Stability Control (10), Tire Pressure Warning (10), Trip Computer (10), AWD/4WD (10), Upgraded Headlights (10), Heated seats (2), Sunroof/Moonroof (3), Power Liftgate/Trunk (2), Blind Spot Monitoring (1), Parking sensors (1), Navigation (1), USB Inputs (1), Cooled Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control (1), Pre-collision safety system (1), Upgraded Stereo (1), Leather Seats. Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders (8). Transmission: Automatic (8). Fuel Type: premium unleaded (required) (8). Drivetrain: all wheel drive (10), front wheel drive.
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The Lexus NX 200t is just heading into its third model year, but we're still wrapping our head around how different it is from the Lexus norm: Its sharp styling and sporty driving demeanor signal a sea change for Lexus. It also differentiates itself from the competition by being somewhat larger than the subcompact crossover SUVs that other luxury brands are bringing to market.
Though the five-passenger cabin isn't quite as radical as the exterior styling, it exhibits a cool, modern vibe that further differentiates the NX 200t from its competitors. Materials are as nice as can be; we love the expensive feel of the leatherlike material that lines the doors, dash and other touch points, as well as the padding on the areas of the center console that are likely to rub up against your legs.
Most of the NX 200t's controls are intuitive, but there's not a lot to love about the Remote Touch interface, which comes as part of the optional navigation system. It uses a laptop-like touchpad with haptic feedback (the pad vibrates when you click something), but like a laptop, using it requires you to have your eyes on the screen — and that?s not where drivers should be looking as they cruise down the road. And while we're complaining, we'll mention cargo space, or more specifically, the lack thereof. Luggage room is limited, and the steeply raked tailgate makes the area even more cramped. But the rear seat is unexpectedly generous, so at least we can surmise that cargo space has been sacrificed to a good cause.
As the model name implies, the Lexus NX 200t is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The NX is available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and EPA fuel economy estimates are a respectable 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway) for the front-wheel-drive version and 24 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway) with all-wheel drive.
As we mentioned earlier, the driving experience is unexpectedly good: Lexus has a new focus on driver enjoyment, and that shows in the NX, particularly the F Sport version. And yet even with its newfound focus on handling, Lexus refuses to give up on ride quality: The NX 200t glides over imperfections in the pavement that would upset its rivals.
The NX 200t is available in a single trim level, with the F Sport upgrades offered as an option package. Options are grouped into bundles, but unlike most vehicles, availability can vary by region. Edmunds can help find the perfect 2017 Lexus NX 200t for you.
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In the November issue of PHR, we presented a lengthy, and hopefully immensely informative, tome on the battles the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) and their SEMA Action Network fight on an on-going basis to ensure your right to hot rodding. As promised, just in time for November elections, we present the full list of representatives on the state and federal level which SEMA has helped us identify whose platforms and ideas keep the right of hot rodders in mind.
As an extra bonus, provided you can make it to the end of the exhaustive list, we've also included some of our favorite quotes and stories from a few state and congressional legislators who are not just sympathetic to the car cause; they're actually enthusiasts and members of the community themselves.
State Legislators Who Support the Hobby
State legislators around the country with a common goal to support the motor vehicle hobby have joined the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Celebrating its five year anniversary, the Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. The Caucus is helping to raise the motor vehicle hobby's profile in the state legislatures and in the eyes of the public. Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and protect the hobby by seeking the amendment of existing motor vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby. Over the past several years, their work has brought a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration classifications, and from emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights. By joining the Caucus, these legislators have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the rights of vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, hobbyists are able to quickly identify which state legislators have chosen to be recognized for their support of this great American hobby. Approximately 450 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the Caucus. Here is a comprehensive list of current caucus members and photographs of some with their treasured automobiles and trucks.
State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus
Chairman: Assembly Member Bill Reilich (New York)
Senator Roger Bedford
Representative Mike Ball
Representative Victor Gaston
Representative H. Mac Gipson
Representative Laura Hall
Representative Johnny Morrow
Representative William E. Thigpen
Representative Randy Wood
Senator Fred Dyson
Representative David Guttenberg
Senator Robert Burns
Senator Ron Gould
Senator Linda Lopez
Representative Tom Boone
Representative David Bradley
Representative Jack Harper
Representative Bill Konopnicki
Representative Nancy McLain
Representative Lynne Pancrazi
Representative Jerry Weiers
Representative Vic Williams
Senator Denny Altes
Senator Shane Broadway
Senator Gene Jeffress
Senator Johnny Key
Representative Allen Kerr
Representative Mark Martin
Representative Barbara Nix
Senator Ron Calderon
Senator Dave Cogdill
Senator Jeff Denham
Senator Dennis Hollingsworth
Senator Bob Huff
Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod
Senator George Runner
Assemblymember Joel Anderson
Assemblymember Jim Beall
Assemblymember Bill Emmerson
Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes
Assemblymember Ted Gaines
Assemblymember Martin Garrick
Assemblymember Kevin Jeffries
Assemblymember Tony Mendoza
Assemblymember Roger Niello
Assemblymember Alberto Torrico
Assemblymember Michael Villines
Senator Ken Kester
Representative Debbie Benefield
Representative Larry Liston
Representative Nancy Todd
Representative Edward Vigil
Senator Scott Frantz
Senator Robert Kane
Representative Penny Bacchiochi
Representative Toni Walker
Representative Zeke Zalaski
Representative William Oberle Jr.
Representative Eddy Gonzalez
Representative Bill Heller
Representative Ed Hooper
Representative Dave Murzin
Representative Pat Patterson
Senator Bill Heath
Senator Chip Rogers
Representative Bob Hanner
Representative Calvin Hill
Representative Mike Keown
Representative Howard Mosby
Representative Alan Powell
Representative Nikki Randall
Representative Bobby Reese
Representative Tony Sellier
Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland
Representative Henry Aquino
Representative Karen Awana
Representative Jerry Chang
Senator Jim Hammond
Senator Mike Jorgenson
Representative Marv Hagedorn
Representative Bill Killen
Representative Janice McGeachin
Representative Rich Wills
Senator Brad Burzynski
Representative Annazette Collins
Representative Kay Hatcher
Representative Brandon Phelps
Representative Robert Pritchard
Representative Harry R. Ramey
Representative Al Riley
Representative Jim Sacia
Senator Brandt Hershman
Senator Travis Holdman
Senator Dennis Kruse
Senator Sue Landske
Representative Bill Friend
Representative Wes Culver
Representative Tom Knollman
Representative Nancy Michael
Representative P. Eric Turner
Senator Staci Appel
Senator Jeff Danielson
Senator Wally Horn
Representative Dwayne Alons
Representative Dave Deyoe
Representative Cecil Dolecheck
Representative Jim Lykam
Senator Mike Petersen
Senator Chris Steineger
Representative Bob Bethell
Representative Elaine Bowers
Representative Doug Gatewood
Representative Mario Goico
Representative Carl Holmes
Representative Deena Horst
Representative Harold Lane
Representative Judith Loganbill
Representative Peggy Mast
Representative Ray Merrick
Representative Melvin Neufeld
Representative Shirley Palmer
Representative Michael Peterson
Representative Don Schroeder
Representative Joe Seiwert
Representative Dale Swenson
Representative Bill Wolf
Senator Tom Buford
Senator Joey Pendleton
Senator Dorsey Ridley
Senator Robin Webb
Representative Thomas Burch
Representative Tim Couch
Representative Ted Edmonds
Representative Danny Ford
Representative Keith Hall
Representative Charlie Hoffman
Representative Richard Henderson
Representative Mary Lou Marzian
Representative Reginald Meeks
Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo
Representative Don Pasley
Representative Jody Richards
Representative Tom Riner
Representative Brent Yonts
Senator A.G. Crowe
Senator Ben Nevers
Senator Francis Thompson
Senator Mike Walsworth
Representative Jeffery Arnold
Representative Damon Baldone
Representative Girod Jackson III
Representative John LaBruzzo
Representative Anthony Ligi
Representative Nickie Monica
Representative M.J. Smiley
Senator Douglas Smith
Representative Richard Cebra
Representative Dale Crafts
Representative Gary Knight
Representative Everett McLeod, Sr.
Representative Ann Peoples
Representative Michael Shaw
Representative Linda Sanborn
Representative Nancy Smith
Senator Barry Glassman
Senator Katherine Klausmeier
Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr.
Delegate Barbara Frush
Delegate Cheryl Glenn
Delegate Benjamin Kramer
Delegate Warren Miller
Delegate Wayne Norman
Delegate Jay Walker
Representative Fred Barrows
Representative Robert Hargraves
Senator Glenn Anderson
Senator Nancy Cassis
Senator Ron Jelinek
Representative David Agema
Representative Bill Caul
Representative Larry DeShazor
Representative Douglas Geiss
Representative Martin Griffin
Representative Ken Horn
Representative Rick Jones
Representative Eileen Kowall
Representative Richard LeBlanc
Representative Chuck Moss
Representative Tom Pearce
Representative John Proos
Representative Bettie Cook Scott
Representative Joel Sheltrown
Representative John Walsh
Senator Michael Jungbauer
Senator David Tomassoni
Representative Jim Abeler
Representative Pat Garofalo
Representative Steve Gottwalt
Representative Rick Hansen
Representative Melissa Hortman
Representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher
Representative Carol McFarlane
Representative Ron Shimanski
Representative Phil Sterner
Senator Hillman Frazier
Representative Scott Delano
Representative Ken Morgan
Representative Dannie Reed
Representative Walter Robinson Jr.
Representative Curt Dougherty
Representative Joe Fallert
Representative Tim Jones
Representative Gayle Kingery
Representative Don Wells
Representative Patricia Yaeger
Senator John Brueggeman
Senator Jeff Essmann
Senator Ryan Zinke
Representative Jill Cohenour
Representative Gordon Hendrick
Representative Mike Miller
Representative Penny Morgan
Representative Bill Nooney
Representative Josh Peck
Representative Wayne Stahl
Senator Colby Coash
Senator Heath Mello
Senator Jeremy Nordquist
Senator Bob Coffin
Senator David Parks
Assemblymember Bernie Anderson
Assemblymember Chad Christensen
Assemblymember Moises (Mo) Denis
Assemblymember Ellen Marie Koivisto
Assemblymember Mark Manendo
Assemblymember John Oceguera
Assemblymember Lynn Stewart
New Hampshire
Representative Ronald Boisvert
Representative Gene Charron
Representative Daniel Eaton
Representative Philip Harvey
Representative John Henson
Representative Timothy Horrigan
Representative Paul Ingersoll
Representative Russell Ingram
Representative Robert Introne
Representative Michael McCarthy
Representative Carol McGuire
Representative Sherman Packard
Representative Lawrence Perkins
Representative Ken Weyler
New Jersey
Assemblymember Gary Chiusano
Assemblymember Upenda Chivukula
Assemblymember Alison Littell McHose
Assemblymember Charlotte Vandervalk
New Mexico
Senator Clinton Harden
Representative Jose Campos
Representative Nathan Cote
Representative Rudy Martinez
Representative Bill Rehm
New York
Senator Jeff Klein
Senator Thomas Libous
Assemblymember Jim Bacalles
Assemblymember Greg Ball
Assemblymember William Barclay
Assemblymember Philip Boyle
Assemblymember Daniel Burling
Assemblymember Marc Butler
Assemblymember Nancy Calhoun
Assemblymember Robert Castelli
Assemblymember James Conte
Assemblymember Clifford Crouch
Assemblymember RoAnn Destito
Assemblymember Janet Duprey
Assemblymember Steve Englebright
Assemblymember Joseph Errigo
Assemblymember Ginny Fields
Assemblymember Gary Finch
Assemblymember Mike Fitzpatrick
Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak
Assemblymember Joseph Giglio
Assemblymember Steve Hawley
Assemblymember Janele Hyer-Spencer
Assemblymember Brian Kolb
Assemblymember Peter Lopez
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo
Assemblymember David McDonough
Assemblymember Marcus Molinaro
Assemblymember Bob Oaks
Assemblymember Thomas O'Mara
Assemblymember Jack Quinn
Assemblymember Andrew Raia
Assemblymember Bill Reilich
Assemblymember Joseph Saladino
Assemblymember Teresa Sayward
Assemblymember Mark Schroeder
Assemblymember Dede Scozzafava
Assemblymember James Tedisco
Assemblymember David Townsend, Jr.
North Carolina
Senator Julia Boseman
Representative Marilyn Avila
Representative John Blust
Representative Larry Brown
Representative George Cleveland
Representative Nelson Cole
Representative Tricia Ann Cotham
Representative William Current
Representative Bill Faison
Representative Phillip Frye
Representative Rosa Gill
Representative Bruce Goforth
Representative Hugh Holliman
Representative Julia Howard
Representative Frank Iler
Representative Tim Moore
Representative Wil Neumann
Representative Shirley B. Randleman
Representative Mitchell Setzer
Representative Fred Steen, II
Representative Laura Wiley
Representative Arthur Williams
North Dakota
Senator Dick Dever
Senator Tom Fischer
Senator Judy Lee
Senator Elroy Lindaas
Representative Chuck Damschen
Representative Jerry Kelsh
Representative David Monson
Representative Darrell Nottestad
Representative Louis Pinkerton
Representative Robin Weisz
Representative Alon Wieland
Representative Michael DeBose
Representative Mark Schneider
Representative Lynn Wachtmann
Representative Kenny Yuko
Senator Davie Myers
Representative Wallace Collins
Representative Scott Inman
Representative Danny Morgan
Representative Jeff Barker
Representative Brian Clem
Senator Daylin Leach
Senator J. Barry Stout
Senator Michael Waugh
Representative Scott Conklin
Representative Dom Costa
Representative John Evans
Representative Patrick Harkins
Representative Tom Houghton
Representative John Pallone
Representative Tony Payton, Jr.
Representative Scott Perry
Representative John Siptroth
Representative Tim Solobay
Rhode Island
Senator William Walaska
Representative John J. Loughlin II
South Carolina
Senator Larry Martin
Representative Dan Hamilton
Representative J. Gary Simrill
Representative Tommy Stringer
South Dakota
Senator Jim Hundstad
Representative Thomas Brunner
Representative Elaine M. Elliot
Representative Richard Engels
Representative Charles Hoffman
Representative Mark Kirkeby
Senator Tim Burchett
Representative Vince Dean
Representative JoAnne Favors
Representative Craig Fitzhugh
Representative Jim Hackworth
Representative Sherry Jones
Representative Gary Moore
Representative John Tidwell
Representative Joe Towns
Representative Mark White
Representative Les Winningham
Representative Eddie Yokley
Representative Wayne Christian
Representative Ellen Cohen
Representative Garnet Coleman
Representative Patricia Harless
Representative Mark Homer
Representative Charlie Howard
Representative Edmund Kuempel
Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr.
Representative Joe Pickett
Representative Allen Vaught
Senator Gene Davis
Senator Brent Goodfellow
Senator Howard Stephenson
Representative Ron Bigelow
Representative Tim Cosgrove
Representative Gage Froerer
Representative Neal Hendrickson
Representative Gregory Hughes
Representative Fred Hunsaker
Representative Curtis Oda
Representative Patrick Painter
Representative Stephen Sandstrom
Representative Kenneth Sumsion
Senator Kevin Mullin
Representative Joseph Baker
Senator John Edwards
Senator Emmett Hanger
Senator L. Louise Lucas
Delegate Morgan Griffith
Delegate Daniel Marshall
Delegate Mark L Keam
Delegate Sam Nixon
Delegate Dave Nutter
Delegate G. Glenn Oder
Delegate Kenneth Plum
Delegate Tom Rust
Delegate Mark Sickles
Delegate Ron A. Villanueva
Delegate Onzlee Ware
Senator Mike Carrell
Senator Jerome Delvin
Senator Jim Honeyford
Representative Mike Armstrong
Representative Jan Angel
Representative Tom Campbell
Representative Cary Condotta
Representative Bob Hasegawa
Representative Ed Orcutt
Representative Deb Wallace
Representative Marcie Maxwell
West Virginia
Senator Dave Sypolt
Delegate Robert Beach
Delegate Ron Fragale
Delegate Virginia Mahan
Delegate Cliff Moore
Delegate Thomas Mike Porter
Delegate Harry Keith White
Senator Mary Lazich
Representative Ed Brooks
Representative Steve Kestell
Representative Phil Montgomery
Representative John Nygren
Representative Stan Blake
Representative Pat Childers
Representative Mike Gilmore
Representative Sue Wallis
On Federal Level, the members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus are ones who have rodders' interests in mind.
Sam Brownback (R-KS)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Michael Crapo (R-ID)
Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
John Ensign (R-NV)
John Kerry (D-MA)
Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Carl Levin (D-MI)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Rodney Alexander (R-LA)
Brian Baird (D-WA)
Joe Barton (R-TX)
Shelley Berkley (D-NV)
Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Leonard Boswell (D-IA)
Rick Boucher (D-VA)
Allen Boyd (D-FL)
Kevin Brady (R-TX)
Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL)
Michael Burgess (R-TX)
Dan Burton (R-IN)
Ken Calvert (R-CA)
John Campbell (R-CA)
André Carson (D-IN)
Howard Coble (R-NC)
Jim Cooper (D-TN)
Jerry Costello (D-IL)
Lincoln Davis (D-TN)
Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Mike Doyle (D-PA)
John J. Duncan (R-TN)
Bob Etheridge (D-NC)
Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Trent Franks (R-AZ)
Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Bart Gordon (D-TN)
Gene Green (D-TX)
Ralph Hall (R-TX)
Doc Hastings (R-WA)
Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
Bob Inglis (R-SC)
Darrell Issa (R-CA)
Walter Jones (R-NC)
Paul Kanjorski (D-PA)
Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
Dale E. Kildee (D-MI)
Jack Kingston (R-GA)
Steve LaTourette (R-OH)
Sander Levin (D-MI)
John Linder (R-GA)
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)
Donald Manzullo (R-IL)
Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
Howard McKeon (R-CA)
Gary Miller (R-CA)
Jeff Miller (R-FL)
Dennis Moore (D-KS)
Sue Myrick (R-NC)
Tom Petri (R-WI)
Todd Platts (R-PA)
Bill Posey (R-FL)
Adam Putnam (R-FL)
George Radanovich (R-CA)
Nick Rahall (D-WV)
Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)
Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA)
Mike Rogers (R-MI)
Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ)
Edward Royce (R-CA)
Loretta Sanchez (D-CA)
Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Jean Schmidt (R-OH)
Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Adam Smith (D-WA)
Vic Snyder (D-AR)
Mark Souder (R-IN)
John Spratt (D-SC)
Cliff Stearns (R-FL)
Bart Stupak (D-MI)
Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)
Patrick J. Tiberi (R-OH)
Michael Turner (R-OH)
Fred Upton (R- MI)
Zach Wamp (R-TN)
Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Congressional Legislator Quotes
Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN)
"When I was young, I had a Strombecker model racing set. I raced my miniature dream car: a classic blue Shelby Cobra with white stripe. I actually met Carroll Shelby at the annual Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg parade in Auburn last year and told him that. My second choice is the car I once owned, the '69 Mustang Mach 1."
Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN)
"I grew up in a wonderful small town in Tennessee. You had to drive to get anywhere. Since we lived about an hour outside of Nashville, some of my earliest memories center around car trips into Nashville. And, our family took car vacations to 48 states. Of course, as I got older, it wasn't just the excitement of the trip I enjoyed. I discovered I loved cars."
"My favorite car was my 1963 Chevrolet Impala convertible. I learned how to drive in that car. And it took me off to college when I headed to the University of North Carolina in the 1970s. It was tobacco brown, had a huge V8 engine and more than 150,000 miles on it by the time I gave it to my younger brother. I've had some great cars since then-a Ford F-150 Lariat, a BMW, several Ford Tauruses-but never one that I enjoyed more than that Impala convertible."
"My dream car is a 1954 MG. It's a beautiful machine-and the year I was born. Of course, I couldn't afford one or to keep it up. My father had a 1958 Cadillac convertible that I wish we'd never sold, but we did. It had red leather seats."
"What a thrill to see the huge crowd and the infinite variety of customized pickups, muscle cars, midget cars, hot rods and vintage machines on the Hot Rod Power Tour. There were even motorized bar stools! The wheels, paint jobs and custom features were just the most visible add-ons. I think every significant manufacturer was represented."
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI)
"I had two jobs in the plants. My first was drilling front supports for roofs, and my second was installing front windows."
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
"Americans see their cars as an expression of their self-image, and carmakers, aftermarket suppliers and consumers all benefit when competition is encouraged. One only needs to look at the cars built by the former Communist states in Europe and the Soviet Union to see what happens when innovation and competition are stifled."
Rep. John Duncan (R-TN)
"I've always been a big fan of cars, but recently I purchased my youngest son, Zane, a racing go-cart and have become more interested in NASCAR and other types of automobile racing. I've taken Zane racing all over east Tennessee to places like Asheway Speedway, Dumplin Valley and others. I've also taken Zane and my oldest son, John, to many NASCAR events throughout the South."
Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
"I currently own a 1999 Chrysler 300 and a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. My dream car is a 1931 Packard Roadster, 100-point restoration."
Rep. Mike Burgess (R-TX)
"I've always had an affinity for automotive innovation. Growing up in what was rural North Texas in the 1960s, the roads were flat and a car was a necessity. As I grew older, the necessity of a car was overtaken by my general enthusiasm for driving great cars."
"My first car was a 1968 BMW 2002. I had it for many years until I was intrigued by the RX4 station wagon. When I entered my residency program, finances and common sense drove me to a Ford Escort."
"Later in life, I decided to purchase a car that felt as young as I did, and I bought a 1991, 35th Anniversary Thunderbird Super Coupe. She was beautiful. About nine years later, I went on to purchase an RX-7."
"With Texas Motor Speedway in my district, I'm a motorsports fan. I enjoy the fast-paced atmosphere and the true devotion of physical and mental strength the drivers must maintain. The crowds may be rambunctious, but they are loyal and knowledgeable about the sport. Truly American in scope, motorsports, be it drag racing or stock cars, are a part of our everyday culture. All it takes is driving with your family down to the local Dairy Queen with the top down on your convertible to feel you are part of an American tradition."
Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA)
"I wouldn't call myself the most talented at working on cars, but I enjoy a nice ride. I do drive a fully loaded Ford Expedition. I also want to tell you about my first car. My senior year of high school, a local car dealer, Wilkins Chevrolet, gave me a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle to drive as a "Safety Ambassador." This was a Chevelle SS 396 two-door, dual carburetor, 400-plus horsepower, four-speed manual transmission. It was silver with black rally stripes and a black hardtop with a cowl-induction hood. The interior had black vinyl bucket seats and console. The dealership wanted people to know that a teenager could drive a nice car and still drive safely, so Wilkins Chevrolet painted its logo, my name and my high-school's name on the car. They paid for my gas and allowed me to drive the car that year."
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
"I am a big fan of NASCAR, and I am thrilled to represent Mooresville, North Carolina, which hosts various NASCAR events. Motorsports are really a big part of American culture, and I am honored to serve so many fans in western North Carolina."
Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS)
"I'm proud my district includes the Kansas Speedway, a NASCAR track that is one of the state's top attractions. On a personal note, a love for fast cars runs in the family. My wife belongs to the Corvette Club of Kansas City. One of my sons is a SEMA member and is rebuilding the motor in his '98 Camaro. Another son drives his '95 Trans Am daily."
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL)
"I've always been an automobile enthusiast. I grew up at the end of the muscle car era and have been a fan of NASCAR for some time now. In the Florida legislature, I sponsored the bill that kept the autopsy photos of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. sealed from those who wanted to profit from the publishing of those private photos."
"I'm a former stock car racer. I used to race a '65 Mustang on dirt tracks when I was growing up. I currently drive a GMC extended-cab pickup. But I also own a Model A that is currently going through a complete frame-off restoration. It'll be mostly stock with a few upgrades to update its look."
"I've always liked American musclecars-1960s and '70s Mustangs, Corvettes, GTOs, Firebirds and the like. I got to ride in a bright red Olds 442 convertible last Fourth of July. I looked at those cars on Ebay for a month after that experience. I would love to have one of those in my garage."
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
"I gained an interest in classic cars and motorsports while refurbishing my vintage truck, and a good friend of mine, Jack Chisenhall of Vintage Air-who helped me install my air conditioning unit and has also done work for stars like ZZ Top-urged me to get more involved. Automobiles and the open road are a unique part of our nation's history and heritage. They remain treasured symbols of the freedoms we enjoy in America. Anything I can do to help preserve them for the future is important to me."
"I have a 1949 Chevrolet pickup truck that my grandfather gave me just before he passed away. It is my most prized possession. I spent several years restoring it, taking it completely down to the frame and rebuilding it. I tried to keep it as historically accurate as possible, but with our hot summers in Texas, air conditioning was a must! My house only has a one-car garage, so my wife's car and mine usually get the driveway. That's not to say we don't get a lot of use out if it-I think my truck has appeared in as many parades as I have."
"Automobiles and the open road are a unique part of our nation's history and heritage. They remain treasured symbols of the freedoms we enjoy in America. Anything I can do to help preserve them for the future is important to me."
Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN)
"I call federal legislating "a full-body-contact sport." What I mean is that you must be face to face with decision makers and, to put it in SEMA terms, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." You must be active and aggressive and turn people into a resource. Everyone loves cars, so make sure the Congress knows what you stand for and what you would like to have happen. If you demonstrate that a lot of people agree with your positions, Congress will respond."
"I believe that the entire automotive industry is one of those things in our culture – like horses and baseball – that just fascinate people. I have always loved cars, and I've had dozens of them. When I was young, I saved enough money to go buy a Triumph TR 4-A before I even turned 16 years old. I worked on it constantly, and I put chrome wire wheels on it. And then I had an MG-BGT. Later, I had this chocolate brown 1974 GTO that would flat scream. I have always loved cars. I had a TransAm when that was the thing to do, and it was all souped up and loaded with a Hurst four-speed, and that's about as much specialty equipment as you can have on the road without getting in trouble. I've always put specialty products on automobiles as I grew up."
"Even today, I drive a Chrysler 300M. It's a four-door business car, but it's also a sport vehicle and a lot of fun to drive. I still really love cars, and I love accessories and performance products. It's a lot of fun to drive."
Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)
"I love cars! Being born and raised in California, I grew up around cars-how could you not? In high school, I developed an appreciation of driving down the road behind the wheel of my Chevy Nova 396. Now that was a beautiful car-a four-speed and all cherried out. That car cooked. Of course I spent all my extra money to restyle the body and would spend the weekends tooling around with the headers, mags all around and all that good stuff."
Representative Sander Levin (R-MI)
"Americans-Michiganians in particular-have a powerful affinity for automobiles. We've loved cars since the first production Model T was assembled at the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit in 1908. Ninety years later, America's love affair with cars has not waned. The evidence is indisputable. The history of the automotive industry in Michigan profoundly influenced and defined the development of the state."
"Carl [Levin's brother, Senator Carl Levin] and I like to say we have the auto industry in our blood. As kids, we used to go to the Motor City Speedway. It was a small racetrack so we always sat close to the action. The driver that I remember best from those days is Izzy Katona. The August unveiling of the new cars also made a lasting impression on me. All of these memories as a kid intensified when I worked a summer at the Dodge Main plant."
Representative Gary Miller (R-CA)
"I enjoy motorsports and high-performance vehicles. I want to do what I can to support the growing automotive performance and motorsports industry, which has many members in my district."
Representative Joe Barton (R-TX)
"I try to get out to the races at the Motorplex at least once a year and know there is a good deal of interest in automotive and motorsport issues in my district. Like many Americans I do enjoy high-performance vehicles."
"The first car I ever bought-and the best car I ever owned-was a 1967 Mustang. It had the high-performance package with a 289 V8 engine and a double-barrel carburetor. That was a great car to drive, and I had a lot of fun with it."
"When I was growing up, I always wanted a Corvette, and I guess if I was 10 years younger than I am now, I'd want a Viper. It's a high-performance vehicle and would be great fun to drive, especially on the winding country roads near my hometown."
Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)
"My dream car-if I had to pick just one-would be a '69 Shelby Mustang, but this comes just in front of a '67 convertible Corvette."
"I am very enthusiastic about cars. I own four, and I enjoy thinking of all the others I've owned over the years. Anyone who loves the thrill of driving or restoring automobiles understands that being in touch with others who share that passion is a must."
"I drive a supercharged Mercury Cougar most of the time, but nothing compares to my '69 Cutlass convertible. I currently do have aftermarket products on my cars, and if I had my preference, all my cars would have the aftermarket touch."
Rep. John Campbell (R-CA)
"…older cars are not transportation. They are pieces of history. We don't make historic buildings meet all current building codes. Neither should we make historic cars meet current vehicle regulations. I am in favor of further reducing smog. But the extremely small amount of additional pollution from historic cars is more than offset by the addition to our culture and history by leaving them in their original form."
"I have gasoline in my veins. My dad raised me around his cars, which included a '57 T-bird, a supercharged Corvair and a '67 Porsche 911. I have two sons aged 19 and 17 who have attended Skip Barber Racing School and love cars as much as I do. They are constantly putting aftermarket performance items on their cars and doing it themselves."
"My main driver in California is a new 2005 red Corvette convertible. I have three-piece HRE wheels on it that are plus-oned. I have a set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s, Brembo brakes all around (14 inches in the front) and a Corsa exhaust-all aftermarket. In Washington, I drive a new 2006 Audi A3 with TSW 18-inch wheels and PZero Nero for the snow back east. I also have a 2005 Mini Cooper S as an extra car. I am also starting the process of restoring a 1941 Chevrolet pickup, which has been in my wife's family for almost 50 years."
"My dream car is an Aston Martin DB9 Convertible. I love sports cars. And, to me, it's not a real sports car if the top doesn't go down. Aston Martins are beautiful and a great brand."
Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL)
"It started when I was just a child. We lived in California, and my Dad took me to races at a track in Encino. I loved it, and we had a great time together. I became involved in midget races at around the age of five. We would go to a track in Culver City and other places around Los Angeles. I started racing motorcycles at about the age of 13 or 14. By this time I knew I was a guy who really loved racing-it was in my blood. I bought my first car in 1962. It was a 1951 Ford flathead. Back then, you had to be 16 to race. I was only 15 and would sneak in and go a few laps before they stopped me. I have owned 20 or 30 race cars over the years. I'd get them, fix them up, and race them.
Sen. John Tester (D-MT)
"Whether it's fixing the clutch on my tractor or working to improve local schools or going to the Senate to help repair the energy deregulation that hurt Montana consumers, workers and businesses, I do my best work with a little grease and dirt under my fingernails."
"Car guys have every bit as much of a right to make their voices heard as the special interests and their lobbyists."
Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL)
"I have had a personal interest in sports cars, especially in my younger days. The interest in cars runs in the family. My brother is a member of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and a street-rod enthusiast who helped secure passage of SEMA's street rod/custom vehicle legislation."
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL)
"I recognize the importance of the automotive performance and motorsports industry to our economy and to our culture."
Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)
My idea of a dream ride is a nitro-burning, double-engine Harley Davidson Super Glide with twin blowers. Not a machine for extensive touring, but most other feelings would be superseded by complete exhilaration and absolute terror."
Rep. Jean Schmitt (R-OH)
"My father was Gus Hoffman, known by friends and associates as Old Timer. My dad loved racing. He loved the thrill; he loved the challenge; and he had a great competitive spirit. He founded Hoffman Auto Racing in 1929. Many drivers have come and gone from our team. Some are now famous. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kenny Irwin, J.J. Yeley, Johnny Parsons Jr, and others have raced for Hoffman. It now competes on the USAC Sprint Car and Silver Crown Series racing circuits. Hoffman Auto Racing is currently the winningest team in USAC sprint car history. My dad raced midgets in the 1950s and began with sprint cars in the 1960s. It wasn't until the 1970s that Hoffman Auto Racing competed at Indianapolis. Their first year at Indy was in 1973. Our team is still based at our family farm in Southern Ohio, and my brothers, nephews and now their children continue to carry the tradition that my dad, Old Timer, began."
Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH)
"I'm fortunate that for my 40th birthday, my wife bought me my dream car-a 1964 Cadillac DeVille two-door convertible. Now my dream car is a new Cadillac XLR convertible. So, I guess my dream would be to have antique and new Caddy convertibles."
Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA)
"Automotive recreation has always been something I have enjoyed." Growing up in a small town near the mountains, there is always plenty of fun to be had in a truck off-road. I would love a Jeep Wrangler and the time to drive it around the ranch."
Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA)
"My first car was a 1940 Ford 4-door sedan that was 14 years old at the time. I wasn't able to afford any aftermarket equipment. Next I had a 1955 Ford pickup that I owned with my dad and brother. We put some special tail lights on it, and a custom tarp on the bed."
State Legislators
State Senator John Brueggeman (R-MT)
"I've been interested in everything mechanical since I was a kid. The things I imagined became reality with Legos and I couldn't get enough motors, gears or pneumatics. I started riding at a young age and earned a motorcycle endorsement for my driver's license by 15. I remember sitting in the coffee shop with my dad hearing stories from his biker buddies about putting blower belt assemblies on bikes before anyone had heard of an open primary drive. In college I worked for a CNC machine shop while studying engineering, which gave me a great understanding of manufacturing and boosted my CAD/CAM skills. I also took the time to get my 6G certification for TIG welding stainless tubing as 304's my metal of choice."
"There is nothing I enjoy more than going to shows and talking with the owners and builders, as they're still the embodiment of what makes America great."
"When it comes to cars, my favorites are the '65 GTO and the '65 Shelby Cobra. The lines on the '65 GTO have the same straight, square profile as the previous years, but Pontiac started using stacked headlights that year and it was a one-year car. I'm still looking for a GTO project, and a Cobra kit is probably in my future, but motorcycles command most of my attention right now."
"Threats are everywhere. I've seen bad legislation attempted every session and some of it had more traction than deserved. Any constituent can come up with an idea, no matter how off the wall, and some legislators will run with it to pacify their base. I've had folks ask me to carry mandatory mud flap legislation for every vehicle on the road because they got a rock chip in their paint or window. This person's perspective had no understanding of custom or classic cars, and though I told them no, another legislator submitted the bill and we had to fight it."
State Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R-NY)
"My love of automobiles was inherited from my father. Although he never worked on cars, especially to the extent I always have, he would always end up at the car dealership looking at the newest models and almost every year ended up with the latest model. Cars and my love of them goes way back to my early days of my pedal car. I think nearly every car enthusiast can remember that first day they were hooked."
"I can remember approaching the legal age to drive when I would spend much of my time imagining what my first car would be. That first car was actually a gift from my brother. It was a '64 Plymouth Valiant that required a great deal of work due to the rust and age of the vehicle. That car, however, inspired me and also provided me the opportunity to learn both mechanical repairs and body work. I not only worked with fiberglass as I placed a huge hood scoop on the hood, I also learned how to paint a car. I finished the Valiant using a technique popular at the time called "spider webbing" which involved layering silver over the black paint."
"I believe that car enthusiasts realize that modifying newer vehicles and restoring older ones is a hobby that can be enjoyed by both the young and the old. This not only allows us to express out personalities through our vehicles, but allows us to regain our past, just as I was able to do by obtaining a '73 Mustang Mach 1. The Mustang was a car I used to dream about while in high school, but at that time was well beyond what I could afford. Protecting the rights of hobbyists to restore or enhance their vehicles will ensure that future generations will be able to fulfill their own car dreams."
"America's love affair with the automobile started long, long ago and will continue as each young child dreams of their first car. America's appetite for obtaining a vehicle is as significant as the desire to own a home. It is a slice of the American Dream and the automobile is deeply embedded in our American culture. My advice would be for hobbyists to stay informed and engage their lawmakers on the issues that matter most to them. From state laws to city ordinances, it is important that individuals get involved so they can educate elected officials on the impact these laws may have on this great hobby of ours."
State Representative Tony Mendoza (D-CA)
"We need to work to legitimize nonprofessional racing through programs and events sponsored by auto manufacturers, by the Society of Automotive Engineers and by creating statewide racing tournaments at public race courses. SEMA's RASR program is a great example of how we can try to engage youth and channel their passion for racing to safe and legal track alternatives."


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Bloodthirsty and riotous, slayers and killers and sayers of woe: Your Cage Match 2013 bracket awaits. Look upon these brave souls as Caesar once looked upon the gladiators of the Colosseum: They fight for your amusement and live and die at your command. Air! Earth! Fire! Water! It is appropriate that our warriors are divided among four elements, for killing is the most elemental act of all.
We first gave you a glimpse at your Cage Match 2013 contestants, and now the next part of the proceedings: The Bracket Reveal. Here's who will be pitted against who in the tournament of the year, broken out into the four elemental divisions. Check out the full bracket above (point and click to enlarge), or peruse our contestants by division, below. Matches will commence in early March.
Check out the matches and then vote, all here.


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Topic: Questions for anyone that can help
Hello and Good day to everyone,
I was diagnosed last July and after five months of chemo: cisplatin and gemzar for the first two and than the following three I was on gemzar and xeloda. After the five months my cancer did not spread so my doctor decided to take me off the drugs to dry to determine if it was a slow moving cancer or if the chemo was keeping it from spreading. After going off the chemo my blood counts had went up for a little while but they are now slowing falling again. My doctor assumes my platlets are being absorbed into my spleen for that is enlarged also. HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED BLOOD COUNTS DROPPING WHEN NOT BEING ON CHEMO!
After having three ercp's and two liver stents placed I was told i was going to get into a clincal trial at a larger hospital, after working with the doctors for about a month they told me since my platlets were under 100 they could not administer the trial:( Im back at square one with my doctor and she has told me all they really have left to offer is to go on xeloda. Im so very confused on this being my last option!! So im working on a referral to Mayo in Rochester. Has anyone had a similar experience or have any suggestions on what I can do next. My time is running out i have been becoming more nauseated , have been loosing more weight, and at least once a week i end up vomiting. Im getting so frusterated and Im starting to loose hope in my doctors!!!! HAS ANYONE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES OR HAVE ANY ADVICE IM NOT READY FOR THIS TO BE MY LAST OPTION!!!
Thankyou everyone


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The founder of Hungry Howie's, Jim Hearn, died Tuesday in his current home state of Florida.
Hearn was 72.
Steve Jackson, the company's president, wrote in a statement that Hearn died of an undisclosed illness after a remission from cancer.
In 1973, Hearn opened the first Hungry Howie's in Taylor, Michigan.
He converted the then 1,000 square foot hamburger shop in into a successful carry-out and delivery pizzeria.
Jackson delivered pizzas for Hearn and the two became partners in 1976.
The pair turned the business into a franchise opportunity in 1982, and within three years 65 franchises opened.
Hearn later moved to Tampa to become a sub-franchisee where he also operated more than 200 locations in Florida.
Hungry Howie's now has more than 550 pizza stores in 20 states.
"Everyone within the Hungry Howie's Pizza organization, from our employees at our headquarters in Michigan to our franchise owners and employees at our stores in Florida and across the country, adored Jim," Jackson said in the statement. "He was a leader and a visionary, and we all learned so much from him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will carry on."
Hearn is survived by his wife Ginny and two daughters.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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There are so much to Buddhism that doesn't have to involve metaphysics or supernatural.
I enjoyed your comments. We could do with more able to maintain Noble Silence when confronted with the, 'this is the true Dharma' inclination and expression. I find a great value in alternative approaches, whether from the atheistic, supernatural, historic or histrionic approach. Many thanks for your considered responses . . .


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In the Community
AU Helps Needy During Holidays
For the faculty and students of AU's School of Education, Teaching, and Health, the holidays provide an opportunity to help people in need.
That's why for the fifth year, working with Mary's Center—a local nonprofit that helps families with health care, literacy, and social services—they "adopt" families and buy presents for them during the holidays.
And for the second year, SETH faculty and staff are giving presents to families through Bright Beginnings of D.C., which helps homeless families with educational and support services.
"This service project exemplifies two important concepts," says SETH professor Stacey Snelling. "First, students come to American University for the Health Promotion Management Program as well as to contribute to the D.C. community through turning ideas into action and action into service. Second, health promotion students understand that for individuals to achieve overall health, their basic needs must first be met."
Each year, students and faculty AU's health promotion program buy gifts and wrap them at a year-end holiday social event that also gives students a chance to learn more about their classmates. They then take the gifts to the center to be delivered to the families.
"Hundreds of families look to us during the holidays as the only place where they can receive a toy for their children," says Maria Gomez, Mary's Center president and CEO. "We are only able to bring holiday smiles to children's faces with the support of such loyal and committed friends as the students and staff at American University."
Added Josephine Morris-Young, the center's chief financial officer: "Dr. Snelling and AU have been working with me over the past several years with this program. The generosity of the students has made a huge impact on these families. In one of the families from this year alone the mother is a single parent of two boys who are in elementary school. They lost a lot of their belongings when they were evicted from their apartment earlier this year. The clothes and material for their apartment have enhanced their lives and living conditions. Without this wonderful program, many of the families wouldn't have the basic necessities. The program made their lives a lot easier and not only will brighten their holidays but their standard of living as well."
Mary's Center, founded in 1988 as a nonprofit to help provide health and child care to immigrant women from Central America, is now a federally qualified health center. That means it can provide primary health care to immigrants from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, regardless of their financial resources.
The center has two clinics in D.C.'s Wards 1 and 4, and medical and social services clinics in Maryland for medically underserved families as well.
"Mary's Center serves low-income, immigrant families whose linguistic and cultural needs would otherwise go unmet by public or private health care systems," according to the organization. "We link families to community services, informing them about the educational, housing, and employment resources available to them. All our social and educational services are provided at no cost, and no one is turned away from our medical services for lack of payment."
Since its founding in 1991, Bright Beginnings has helped 1,700 homeless children in Washington, D.C., by providing child care and family support services. Its classrooms are at the Perry School Community Service Center on M Street, Northwest.
"Bright Beginnings is a nationally-accredited child and family development center that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families," the organization says.
"Bright Beginnings serves about 186 children annually whose families are living in crisis shelters or transitional housing. Our educational, therapeutic, health and family support services prepares these children for kindergarten and stabilizes their families."
Both organizations accept contributions.


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General News of Saturday, 26 January 2013
Source: myjoyonline
The Concerned Clergy Association of Ghana, has added its voice to the call on NPP Members of Parliament, to rescind their decision not to participate in the ongoing vetting of ministerial nominees of the President.
The Minority in Parliament and NPP members on the Appointment Committee decided not to participate in the exercise stating that, the December 7, 2012, Presidential election in which President Mahama emerged as winner is being challenged at the Supreme Court.
According to the minority, if they were to vet the president's nominees then the minority would be giving legitimacy to the fact that, President Mahama is recognized as the president and has won the election fairly. The decision has been heavily criticized by the public and interest groups including the Ghana Bar Association, who are urging the NPP MPs to take part in the exercise in the interest of the public. The Clergy Association is the latest group to issue a release saying: "We respect your right to exercise a boycott but at this moment when the nation is going through challenging times, you could have been a bit circumspect not to do anything to heighten the tension".
"Even though you are in court it is still your constitutional and patriotic duty to help GHANA get the best in governance so boycotting any event that borders on governance is to let down the many people who love you and voted for you.
"May God touch your hearts to reconsider your decision which is very crucial to the future development of our nation and its democracy.....! "Rom. 14:16....Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil," the statement said.


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HUNTINGTON — The just-announced home-and-home football series between Marshall and North Carolina State involves a few connections.
Coach Doc Holliday worked in Raleigh as an assistant for Chuck Amato from 2000-04. MU athletic director Mike Hamrick didn't work there, but he did work down U.S. 264 at East Carolina, a frequent football rival of the Wolfpack.
Even MU's athletic director for media relations, Jason Corriher, is an N.C. State man who worked in the sports information department for two years there after his 2000 graduation.
So it was natural that the two schools struck a scheduling agreement for later this decade. The teams will meet Sept. 9, 2017 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, then play on Sept. 22, 2018 in Huntington.
It's the first time the Herd has struck a home-and-home deal with a current Atlantic Coast Conference team. New ACC member Louisville is still due to come to MU on Sept. 24, 2016, but the Cardinals were a member of the old Big East when Marshall beat them in 2011 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
"North Carolina State is a very good opponent for us," Hamrick said, "and it's an exciting matchup for our football program and for our fans. Our Herd followers will be enthused about the proximity of the game at State, and will welcome the Wolfpack as a quality attraction here at Edwards Stadium."
The 2017 game gives the Herd its third of possibly four nonconference games, with the other two (Miami of Ohio, Kent State) coming to Huntington. The 2018 game in the first home game on MU's early slate.
How Marshall's future nonconference schedules look:
2015 — (full) Purdue, at Ohio, at Kent State, Norfolk State
2016 — Akron, Louisville
2017 — Miami (Ohio), at North Carolina State, Kent State
2018 — at Miami (Ohio), North Carolina State
2019 — Ohio
2020 — at East Carolina, at Ohio
2021 — at Navy, East Carolina
2022 — Navy
Reach Doug Smock at firstname.lastname@example.com, 304-348-5130 or follow him at twitter.com/dougsmock.