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Topic: 2 years today since dad passed away.
Today it is 2 years since my dad passed away. I can't really believe that it has been 2 years since his passing. Sometimes it feels like it hasn't been 2 years, but then sometimes it feels so much longer than 2 years. My mum and I have come a long way in this time but things don't feel the same. I guess they never will but we all get used to the new normal don't we. I was round at mums earlier and she is okay, and I am away to go back around there again after I finish this post. It will just be the 2 of us today and that is okay and mums sister will be over tomorrow with the kids so that will be a good day for mum.
To all my family here I thank you so much for everything. For the support you all give, the love you all have and I know that you are always here for me and also for each other. It is hard to put into words what you all mean to me and I just wanted to say thank you so much to each and everyone of you for everything.
And to you dad, there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss you, and of course there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you lots. You will never be forgotten, you will always be much loved and sorely missed by us all. I know you will remember the promise I made to you that night, and I hope you are happy with what I have done since and will always do for mum.
Rest In Peace Dad.


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A Trial of the Drug Donepezil for Sleep Enhancement and Behavioral Change in Children With Autism
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
- Some children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) do not have normal sleep cycles. Some of these children spend very little time in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. Some studies suggest that less time in REM sleep can be associated with learning and behavior problems. Donepezil is a medication used to treat Alzheimer s disease. Donepezil can increase REM sleep in some adults with different disorders. A small study showed that Donepezil can also increase REM sleep in children with ASD. Researchers now want to see if Donepezil can improve communication skills and social interaction in children with ASD. They also want to see if any change in symptoms seems to come from changes in REM sleep.
- To see if a medication, Donepezil, can improve the way communication skills and social interaction develop in young children with autism spectrum disorders.
- Children 22 to 44 months of age with ASD.
- Participants will be screened with a blood test, heart tests, and a sleep study. During the sleep study, children will sleep in a darkened room for 2 nights with electrodes on their body and a tube under their nose. Parents can sleep in the room with their child. A technician will monitor the room all night.
- Participants will take the study medication once a day.
- Treatment will be monitored at visits every 3 months. At each visit the participant will take blood tests, heart tests, or behavior tests. Participants will have 2 more sleep studies.
- Participation will end after 18 months.
|Autism Spectrum Disorders
|Drug: Donepezil Drug: Placebo
|Phase 2
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Official Title:
|A Randomized Controlled Trial of Donepezil for REM Enhancement and Behavioral Change in Autism
- 12Either an improvement in the Expressive Language and the Receptive Language subscales of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL)OR an improvement on the severity scale of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). [ Time Frame: 12 months ]
- An exploratory analysis will investigate whether normalization of REM parameters also improves other measurements of sleep quality in children with autism. [ Time Frame: 12 months ]
- The change in REM sleep parameters after 12 months in relation to improvements in behavioral indices. [ Time Frame: 12 months ]
|Study Start Date:
|June 2013
|Study Completion Date:
|December 2015
|Primary Completion Date:
|December 2015 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
|Experimental: Open-Label Donepezil
|Drug: Donepezil
|Experimental: Donepezil - Blinded
|Drug: Donepezil
|Placebo Comparator: Placebo
|Drug: Placebo
Detailed Description:
i. Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of donepezil to improve the developmental trajectory for core behavioral domains specific to autism, namely reciprocal social interaction and communication.
ii. Study population
90 children with an autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 24 to 50 months will be screened via polysomnogram to find 45 with a relative REM deficiency. This group will then be divided into two arms of drug versus placebo. Allowing for a 22 % drop out rate we expect 17 in each group to complete the study. Additionally, we will enroll 16 children with an ASD who do not meet criteria for relative REM deficiency in an open label arm to ascertain whether or not donepezil is beneficial to behavior in this group.
iii. Design
The proposal is for a 6 month treatment trial of 2.5 mg donepezil/placebo/day followed by 12 months of longitudinal follow-up. The primary study endpoint will be an examination of autism core symptoms and sleep architecture after 12 months.
iv. Outcome measures
The primary outcome measure will be:
An improvement in the Expressive Language and the Receptive Language subscales of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) at 12 months.
Secondary outcome measures will be:
An improvement in the Expressive Language and the Receptive Language subscales of the Mullen Scales at 18 months.
- An improvement on the severity scale of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) at 6, 12 and 18 months.
- An improvement on the Vineland at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months
- We will also measure the change in REM sleep parameters after 6, 12 and 18 months in relation to improvements in behavioral indices.
- An exploratory analysis will investigate whether normalization of REM parameters also improves other measurements of sleep quality in children with autism.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|24 Months to 50 Months (Child)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
- Diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (DSM-IV diagnoses of autistic disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified).
- Male or Female subjects between the ages of 24 and 50 months.
- Language scores (from the Mullen Scales of Early Learning) that are at least 1.5 SD lower than the mean.
5. Each legal guardian must have a level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations. Each legal guardian must understand the nature of the study.
6. Each subject must be stable for at least 6 weeks on any medication or therapy regimen prior to entry into study and must have no newly (within 6 weeks) recognized or intolerable adverse effects from that medicine or therapy. No subjects will be asked to discontinue any medication in order to qualify for enrollment but subjects taking contraindicated drugs will not qualify for enrollment.
7. Demonstrated REM% two standard deviations or more below the normative values for age for the randomized controlled trial part.
8. English language is primarily spoken at home.
- Serious, unstable illnesses including gastroenterologic, respiratory, cardiovascular endocrinologic, immunologic, or hematologic disease.
- Renal or hepatic dysfunction that would interfere with excretion or metabolism of donepezil as evidenced by increase above upper limits of normal for BUN/creatinine, or two-fold elevation of serum transaminases (ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT) or gamma glutamate (GGT).
- Documented history of hypersensitivity or intolerance to donepezil or other piperidine derivative.
Subjects must not be taking any medication known to affect REM sleep (or sleep
architecture in general) or that is contraindicated for co-administration with donepezil.
- Presence or history of other unstable neurological disorders such as seizure disorders,
metabolic disorders, narcolepsy or movement disorders.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01887132
|United States, Maryland
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
|Principal Investigator:
|Ashura W Buckley, M.D.
|National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
|Responsible Party:
|National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01887132 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|June 22, 2013
|Last Updated:
|December 19, 2015
Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) ( National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ):
Sleep Architecture
Language Development
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Autistic Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Problem Behavior
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Mental Disorders
Behavioral Symptoms
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Cholinergic Agents
Neurotransmitter Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Nootropic Agents
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In theatre, less is more. You the Man features:
One actor.
Black t-shirt, black jeans for costume.
A nearly bare stage–table, stool, a couple of small props, flip chart.
Lights on the stage, and in the house.
This minimalist set up not only makes for ease in touring, it give audiences a chance to project an individual understanding of the characters, their situations, their ages. But this description gives very little information of what the play is actually like.
Yes, if it were on video PERHAPS we could reach many more people.
No, there is not going to be a video version of the play.
Why? Because the ability of theatre to break through the noise of the hours of screen time youth as well as adults have every day is inherent in it being LIVE THEATRE.
But, this being the 21st Century, it's pretty much required to have some sort of media version of one's program or work.
And, having tried NUMEROUS times to capture the essence of the production on the ever-requsested video of the production, the transfer from one medium to the other is not simple (or inexpensive!).
So, for the purposes of having a video for use in promoting and presenting the program, the students in Mr. David Beane's video production class at the Portland Arts & Technology High School worked with both the actors Lloyd Watts and Brian Chamberlain to capture 'essence' of the play. We've got a typo to fix, but ignore that for now and check out their work!


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Buchanan gave a broad outline of the state's fiscal problems, starting with how California got into its current troubles, explaining that borrowing gradually increased until the recession, when revenues dropped dramatically and forced a sharp jump in borrowing.
In nine years, from 2002 to 2011, she said debt service -- paying for the borrowing -- has risen nearly 111%, pensions have gone up 90.5%, and prison costs have risen almost 78% while the total money in the state's general fund has only gone up a little over 30%.
Buchanan said Brown's solution of cuts and tax extensions is a realistic one, that doesn't "kick the can down the road."
"The governor is not using inflated federal dollars," she told the crowd of about 40 who came to see her. "He's not pushing payments back."
She acknowledged that getting the tax extension measure -- a five-year extension of higher vehicle license fees, sales taxes, and personal income taxes, and also eliminating dependent exemptions -- has been a tough sell to legislators, who were set to vote on the measure Wednesday.
But, Buchanan said, "The governor has said he's prepared to make an all-cuts budget" if the measure doesn't pass the legislature or a popular vote, currently set for May.
The event, at the Livermore Library, was sponsored by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee, and for the most part, Buchanan was speaking to the choir when it came to keeping the tax extensions in place for another five years. That wasn't the case when the discussion turned toward redevelopment funds -- money normally used by cities for areas that need improvement -- and the governor's plan to use that money to help balance the state budget.
Redevelopment funds have become an issue recently after misuse of the money for pet projects like a mermaid bar in Sacramento, but voters approved a measure last year, Proposition 22, that was supposed to keep that money local. Brown, however, would keep the money by repealing the law that created the funds.
Many cities are trying to hold on to that money by allocating the funds for projects, essentially tying up the money, which is likely to wind up in court. Most of those in the audience wanted Buchanan to fight that part of Brown's budget, but she said the state needs the money more than cities do, especially when it comes to one of her prime issues, education.
"Education has taken a bigger hit than the rest of the budget," Buchanan told the crowd, adding, "College tuitions are going way up."
She said that California per-pupil spending is $8,908 per student, far less than the national average of $11,397; that classes sizes average to 20.5-to-1 as opposed to the national average of 14.4-to-1; and that many districts have cut librarians, counselors and administrators -- all issues the Pleasanton school district is grappling with.
"The primary mission of the state is education and public safety," Buchanan told the crowd. She asked the group to work to help pass Brown's tax extension, something she said Brown would fight for himself.
"I believe he will campaign for it tirelessly," Buchanan said.


text: West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association works to recycle and encourages other organizations to join in the cause ahead of America Recycles Day. The West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association, representing convenience stores, independent groceries and petroleum marketers across the state, is working to do its part to recycle and conserve resources. The


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MountainTrick brain teasers appear difficult at first, but they have a trick that makes them really easy.
Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain on earth?
AnswerMount Everest.
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Culture-specific Services
OHSU is proud to offer services to patients and their families that improve intercultural understanding and comfort of care during the patient visit. Some of the services are customized for particular cultural populations. OHSU also offers various services to its employees that increase employee engagement, community involvement and help to further the culture of inclusion at OHSU.


text: Unyforme is a relatively new brand specializing in contemporary menswear, and has quickly gained recognition for its collection of buttondowns, hoodies, jackets, pants, and more. The focus at Unyforme is on crafting high-quality apparel that combines the essential and casual with modern designs. Unyforme gear is distinct for its impressive detail and premium materials, but it also stands out for its affordability, which is rare in today's landscape of overpriced menswear. Unyforme is committed to creating original apparel that won't break the bank, making its menswear an ideal choice for your collection.


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No Hidden Fees - No Credit Card Surcharges - Low Shipping Rates
Images shown may not be an exact representation of the actual product.You may contact us if you have questions about the exact specifications of this item.
Remember the very first time you saw an image of the Stealth Bomber? With its aggressive lines and matte black paint job? Well the Guardian Back-Up probably belongs on board that bird. Because the overall look and attitude is much the same. This is a professional fixed blade knife that takes a mighty serious cut at self defense. It features blackened and therefore non-reflective stainless steel in a 3/4 tang blade. Its lightweight. Its compact. Its effortless to carry, and agile to use. Importantly, the Santoprene-covered nylon handle is very much at home in the hand of those who take on life's nastier tasks. Don't overlook the patented sheath. It lets you adjust the withdraw tension to suit your individual style.
Clip it to your boot or belt or your strap, and you'll never be without a reliable back-up.
The Gerber Guardian Back Up model 05803 is a dagger style knife designed for carrying on your belt, boot, or strap. A non-reflective black coating covers the full tang stainless steel blade giving it a stealthy appearance. The handle is comfortable with a nice grip thanks to the Santoprene nylon covering. The sheath is full adjustable allowing you to set the draw tension for removing the knife. Some may want the Gerber Guardian to have a loose draw while others may want a more stiff draw.
Key Features:
Double-edge blade Non-reflective black blade coating Adjustable withdraw tension sheath, included
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Item # 45803
Express orders for items available to ship the same business day must be placed by 1 PM MST. Express orders received
after 1PM ready for immediate shipment will not be shipped until the following business day.
Note: Delivery times are approximate and although generally accurate are not guaranteed. FFL transfer issues may affect
delivery times.
Express shipping is only available in the continental US to non-PO Box addresses. AP/FPO addresses may add to the
delivery time.
Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. We offer a wide selection of firearms, including: handguns, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, rifle scopes and optics, as well as collectible machine guns and other NFA/Class 3 guns. Impact also services the needs of law enforcement and military with our wide variety of tactical weapons and accessories. Shop online through our 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer encrypted online gun store 24 hours a day!


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Defending Your Plant
Securing the Perimeter Just Isn't Enough. You Have to Have Inside Defense Too
Part Two—Inside Security, Part One Access Control
By Rich Merritt
That nice-looking sales rep in the business suit got through the perimeter security and has arrived at the guard shack, seeking admittance to the plant for an appointment with Paula Process, one of your instrument engineers. The rep could be packing a Heckler & Koch 9mm pistol, be wrapped in explosives under that suit coat or carrying a bomb or an AK 47 in the attache case. Can your security handle this?
I visited a number of chemical and petrochemical plants in the past year with sales reps and realized that I could be carrying all of the above, and only a few of the guards would have detected my armament. I did, however, have to watch some silly videos in guard shacks explaining the plants' rigid security policies. Clearly, internal plant security is going to have to change—and the Department of Homeland Security is going to force it upon any plants that it deems at risk.
Many plants use a system based on trust; that is, if the guards or someone else at the plant know the sales rep or the consultant, they often let anybody into the plant who is accompanying the trusted person. That's how I got into the plants—I was with our rep. This method seems to work well, especially at low-risk facilities. However, it's a tempting weakness in the system for those with less benign intentions. How rigid you must be in screening visitors depends, once again, on your own security assessment and the recommendations of security consultants.
Figure 1: ACCESS CONTROL
Keeping Track
Obviously, the simplest answer to a sales rep/terrorist is to have airport-like security at the plant entrance—a metal detector or one of those wands airport security people use to check you over, and inspection of all incoming attache cases. That will find the weapons and bombs, but it doesn't deal with the problem of having a smart terrorist on the premises who is not so much interested in blowing things up as in messing with your processes and who knows how to sabatoge things electronically. The answer is to control access to vulnerable areas and track where everybody goes.
Honeywell's Geismar chemical plant in Geismar, La, follows a structured plan that identifies people and assets, controls access to secure areas, and tracks people and assets in the plant at all times (The Inside Job at the end of this article). The plan applies to all key areas of the plant that are vulnerable to damage, such as control rooms, storage tanks, pipelines, shipping areas, laboratories, data centers, offices, etc.
Such security plans are being employed all over the country in all types of plants. Even at Involta's new data center in peaceful, crime-free Marion, Iowa, 28 security cameras keep an eye on the premises and on visitors. Access to the inner sanctum server farm is controlled by proximity card readers and eye scanners that analyze the iris—the visible colored ring around the pupil—to authenticate authorized individuals.
Figure 2: Watching Via Ethernet
A simple card ID system (Figure 1) can restrict access and track who comes and goes into and out of restricted areas. Other equipment to perform access and tracking functions includes GPS tracking systems, RFID monitoring of people and assets, vendor verification systems, license plate recognition systems, motion sensors and biometric systems, such as facial recognition, palm readers and retinal scanners.
For access to areas of highest security, you may want to follow the Involta data center model and require two forms of access, such as an ID card and a biometric.
A traditional solution involves locked doors everywhere, which requires keys issued to engineers and technicians. But keys present a problem—what do you do when somebody loses a key? When a key is lost, you have to change all the affected locks. This can be a big—and expensive—problem in a large building or in a facility that has remote locations. An integrated video and access control system eliminates the cost and inconvenience of keys.
RFID Tracks People and Assets
RFID badges and tags allow the plant to track the comings and goings of people and assets, even if they don't pass through access-controlled doors. They also help prevent theft.
One major security problem in industrial plants is the theft of copper, although the same preventive strategies can work with other high-value items. It's not just intruders jumping over a fence at a remote power station and stripping wires; it's also employees who help themselves to your stores of copper wire, fittings, pipe and other parts.
Figure 3: BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU
RFID tags hidden in wire bundles or affixed to copper parts can trigger alarms when thieves try to remove them from storage areas or drive through a security gate. RFID tags work on any other assets that are likely to be stolen, moved to another area, or misplaced. Lost the portable flow calibration kit? If it has an RFID tag, asset management software can tell you the last detector it passed by.
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PasswordLogic puzzles require you to think. You will have to be logical in your reasoning.
When Mad Ade was a private eye he never ceased to astound everyone by how quickly he could wrap up a case. One day he was out to solve yet another crime. It seems that someone had mischievously hacked into the online database maintained by "Honest Ron's Secondhand Underwear Emporium", and changed their password. The hacker then sent an untraceable e-mail that read: "wish about happiness but never ask, 341223." Within a few minutes Mad Ade has found the new password, allowing the company to get back on track.
What was the password?
Reverse the order of the numbers given, then from beginning to end, that is the number of the letter in each word; once you have all 6 letters reverse them and that forms the password.
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Moderators: Timko, Fritz, Solty, Booter, Blake_T, Frank Delicious
itlnstln wrote:I've heard Sam Bass is pretty good.
Having spent a week in Houston, I would drive to Austin if I went again.Jeronimo wrote:Think its worth the 2 hour drive to visit Austin? I'd love to lay a big ol' Yankee fart deep in the heart of the south(Discnation).
ferretdance03 wrote:itlnstln wrote:I've heard Sam Bass is pretty good.
Tom Bass? Forgettable in my opinion. All flat, wide open and covered in mosquitoes. Spring Valley was a fun play- half open on the golf course and half in the woods. It was my favorite of the courses I played in Houston area.
zeike524 wrote:Austin---Roy G. Guerrerro <--however the hell you spell that is a must.
Jeronimo wrote:Looks like I'm going to be in Houston around the 28th through the 30th. Any recommendations? Looks like Shawshank is a must hit...
Jeronimo wrote:You guys care to explain what you mean by needing to "reserve" at shawshank
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text:
Rather interesting to see former Blazers GM, Kevin Pritchard, traveling with the Pacers during this West Coast trip. There had been some talk a while back that he might be brought in to work for the Pacers in some capacity. He's not employed as of now, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacers offered him a deal. See below: http://www.indystar.com/article/2011...-Warriors-game
Pritchard traveling with Pacers
Former Portland Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard spent the first part of the trip traveling with the Pacers.
Pacers president Larry Bird invited Pritchard, who was fired by Portland about an hour before last summer's NBA draft, on the trip. Their friendship goes back to when the two were teammates with the Boston Celtics during the 1991-92 season.
Bird, who is in the last year of his contract, respects the job Pritchard did in rebuilding the Trail Blazers. Pritchard played a significant part in acquiring guard Brandon Roy and forward LaMarcus Aldridge.
The Pacers do not employ Pritchard. Bird likes to pick the brains of people who have held front office positions. Golden State's former executive of basketball operations, Chris Mullin, also a former Pacers player, might hang around the team later in the season.
"There's a lot of guys around the league I talk to," Bird said. "I've always done that."


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5/17/2010 – what is your phone number?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can be reached at (425) 355-8865Our toll free order number is (800) 850-2739
9/24/2009 – I have some leaf hops left over from a previous recipe. I kept it in the package, sealed it in a ziploc bag, and have kept it refrigerated. How long is it generally good for once the vacuum sealed pack has been opened?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Kept away from oxygen (air) and frozen, they should keep their aromatic properties for at least 6 months. Colder is better, of course.
1/26/2008 – I live about an hour (if traffic is good) from the address on your website. Do you have an actual store or is everything here based solely online?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have an actual brick-and-mortar store in Everett, WA. People actually walk in and buy stuff!Our address is:Homebrew Heaven9121 Evergreen WayEverett, WA 98204Heck, you can actually call us on the phone, too! It's 425-355-8865. A person will actually answer as long as it's business hours!
11/5/2006 – I live in Seattle, can I come and pick up the bottles in Everett? Do you have a "brick and mortar" store?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You sure can. It is literally made of bricks and mortar, in South Everett. Our address is:Homebrew Heaven9121 Evergreen WayEverett, WA 98204425-355-8865Hours are 10am-6:30pm Monday-Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturdaysand 10am-3pm on Sundays
4/12/2005 – I'm fairly new to beer making, so.....Is it common at all to NOT use hops?What do hops do?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, hops are used in almost ALL beers. Hops provide bitterness that offsets the sweetness of the malt. Hops also are an active antibacterial agent, and help with long term storage of the beer.
4/7/2005 – Can you be more specific in your hop varieties? E.g., are your Hallertauer a Hersbrucker or a Mittelfrüh? Same for your Goldings?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: They all came to us from the Yakima, Washington area. Some refer to the Goldings as "Yakima Goldings", or "American Goldings" but they were originally from East Kent, in England.Same thing with the Hallertauer variety. They were originally from the traditional German Hallertauer region, and are neither Hersbrucker or Mittelfruh. They are . . .
2/1/2005 – Where can I buy the hops to brew the beer? I live in Plainview, Texas....would love to brew my own. But, I need the ingredients to brew it. will buy your equipment, so....where can I buy the goodies to brew it?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Right here! We have a large selection of hops, yeasts, grains and everything you need in the way of ingredients. Here is a link:A good way to get started is to choose one of our ingredient (recipe) kits. They get you started the right way!
1/28/2005 – I've been brewing most of my brews with hop pellets, but i'm starting to get discouraged by the amount of residue. When i try to filter it out, it clogs up right away (and a fair amount still seems to get through). Can this bag contain the pellets (i kinda doubt it) or is there something else i can use? or should i just make the move to . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, the muslin bag will not contain pellet hops residue. Filtering isn't really effective, as you have found out.The idea with pellet hops is to allow the residue to settle in the primary fermenter, and then rack (siphon) away the good stuff (clear beer). After transferring to a glass carboy, you shouldn't have much (any) in your final . . .
1/13/2005 – Are hops(as far as boiling,aroma,flavor,etc) placed under one of these categories based on when they are thrown into the brew, or is there a big difference between the hops themselves?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Both, really.Hops added at the beginning of the boil add bitterness. Hops added toward the end of the boil add flavor, and hops added at the very end add aroma.Some hop varieties are considered boiling (bittering) hops, like Galena and Columbus because that is how they are typically used AND they have high alpha acid rating that also . . .
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text:
Overview of Online Degrees
The College of Business and Management offers the following degrees online:
Online Bachelor of Business Administration Degree
Online Bachelor of Management Information Systems Degree
Online Masters Degree in Management Information Systems
Online News
- U.S. News & World Report ranks UIS online programs #54 in the nation.
- UIS Online BBA ranked 8th among Best Online Colleges: Business Management, and UIS Online ranked #1 by Affordable Colleges Online for 2016. The Online BBA is recognized for offering notable balances of academic rigor, student support, and affordability of online learning, and UIS faculty are recognized overall for their academic credentials and preparation for teaching online.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks UIS online programs among the top 20 best in the nation.
- Press Release: U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORTS GIVES UIS ONLINE BACHELOR'S AND GRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS HIGH MARKS In its 2013 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Illinois Springfield 83rd among the 100 Best Online Bachelor's Programs nationwide and 16th among the Best Online Graduate Business programs. Read more
U.S. News & World Report's 2013 Edition of America's Best Colleges ranks the University of Illinois Springfield second among public regional universities in the Midwest, a two spot increase from the 2012 rankings when UIS was fourth. For the fifth straight year, UIS is ranked as the top regional public university in Illinois.
- UIS Makes Annual List of Best Colleges for the fourth consecutive year! U.S. News & World Report's 2012 Edition of America's Best Colleges ranks the University of Illinois Springfield as the top regional public university in the state of Illinois and the fourth best public university in that category in the entire Midwest. This is the fourth straight year that UIS has achieved those rankings.
- The UIS Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program ranked fourth on a national list of the Top 10 Online Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Programs of 2011.The ranking was conducted by the website The Best Colleges, which uses publicly available data to evaluate programs according to several different criteria, including reputation, accreditation, student satisfaction, and cost. The ranking can be found at: http://www.thebestcolleges.org/top-online-bachelor-business-admin/
- Dr. Laurel Newman, Director of Online Programs in the College of Business and Management, was honored with the Oakley Distinguished Online Teaching Award during UIS' annual Faculty Honors and Recognition Reception. Read More.
- UIS Wins National Honors in Online Education UIS receives the inaugural Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education Awarded by the Sloan Consortium
- National Public Radio comes to UIS to learn about online education. "Compared with the campuses in Chicago and Urbana-Champaign, Springfield is a tiny outpost on the prairie. But when it comes to online education, this school is a titan." Read more or listen to the broadcast.
- University of Illinois Springfield made U.S. News and World Report's annual list of America's Best Colleges for the second straight year. Read more.
- UIS approved for membership in COPLAC
UIS has been unanimously approved for membership in the distinguished Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). The vote places UIS among a select group of 25 public liberal arts institutions representing 23 states and one Canadian province. Read more.


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WordPress is a very popular option for running your web site and can be used to get your content online quickly for the world to see. This guide will walk you through installing the WordPress server software and the initial setup process.
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The Archduke FerdinandTrivia brain teasers have some element of trivia in them, but they are not just pure trivia questions.
When Archduke Ferdinand was shot, in 1914, his attendants could not undo his coat to stop his bleeding wound. Why not?
HintHe was very vain.
His coat had no buttons or zippers
AnswerArchduke Ferdinand`s uniform was sewn onto him so that he looked immaculately smart. It could not be taken off quickly. His desire for a perfect appearance probably cost him his life.
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Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. said Friday it has appointed Laurie Ann Goldman and Joseph O'Leary to its board of directors, effective April 17.
Goldman is CEO of shapewear brand Spanx. Earlier in her career, she held marketing positions at R.H. Macy and Maison Blanche Stores.
O'Leary is EVP merchandising, marketing, supply chain and strategic planning for PetSmart.


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On some of the songs from her debut album, Lea Michele is convincing. On others, it�s like she is acting.
The �Glee� star, known for her big voice, provides the pipes on �Louder,� but some songs sound empty and don�t show much emotion or personality from the 27-year-old talent.
The dance-flavored title track is typical and forgettable, as is �Don�t Let Go.� �Empty Handed,� co-written by singer Christina Perri, comes off like an unimpressive Coldplay cover, while other songs echo Kelly Clarkson, but lack the energy that Clarkson�s learned to build on her songs.
Michele, who has appeared on Broadway in �Spring Awakening� and other shows, gets it right on the piercing �Burn With You,� where she sings: �I don�t wanna go to heaven if you�re going to hell/I will burn with you.� She also shines on the slow piano tune �Battlefield,� one of four tracks co-written by the exceptional Sia Furler (Rihanna�s �Diamonds,� Beyonce�s �Pretty Hurts�). Instead of yelling, she works her voice nicely on �Thousand Needles,� building it up when needed, but hitting softer notes to provide balance.
But, all in all, �Louder� is jagged. The songs don�t play well together, and the collection sounds more like a demo, instead of a Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated singer-actress� debut album. That may be due partially to the group of producers and songwriters, which include Stargate, Benny Blanco, John Shanks, The Messengers, Anne Preven, Christopher Braide and more. While they�ve produced hits for others, from Clarkson to Rihanna, Michele might have been better off with a tighter and smaller group of collaborators.
Michele closes the album with the ballad �If You Say So,� which was inspired by one of the last conversations she had with her �Glee� co-star and boyfriend, Cory Monteith, who died after overdosing on heroin and alcohol last year.
The track is somewhat chilling and worth a listen, but while the rest of �Louder� features a big voice, most of the time Michele isn�t saying much.


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This professionally remanufactured Sharp UX-C70B Black inkjet cartridge is an original Sharp UX-C70B ink-jet cartridge which has been through one cycle of service and has been recharged. The UX-C70B ink cartridge has been thoroughly cleaned along with the printhead nozzles. Then the UXC70B ink-cartridge is inspected for any possible shell leakage, tested on the operation of all electrical circuitry and finally the UX-C70B is run through an actual print test. If the UXC70B inkjet cartridge passes our rigid standards, it is a remanufactured UXC70B inkjet cartridge for your Sharp Printer!
We offer a 100% Quality Satisfaction Guarantee on our Remanufactured UX-C70B ink cartridge.
Please be aware that due to changes in printer programming the ink levels for this particular cartridge might appear to be low or empty. It is indeed full and will print a full yield.
Compatible Printers
|Product Type
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|Ink Cartridge
|Standard Yield
|3.60 cents
|12-18 Months


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- BSO Case Number: 01-1309-000939
- PIO Number: 13-10-16
- Date: September 27, 2013
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Place of Occurrence: 5500 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Pembroke Park
- Jurisdiction: Pembroke Park
- Jennifer Lynn Hunt, 33, female, Hollywood
- unidentified male
Description of Incident:
BSO detectives are looking for an opportunistic thief who snatched an iPad from a woman as she rode the county bus.
Jennifer Hunt, 33, was riding the Broward County bus while using her iPad and never anticipated that she was being watched by a thief just waiting for the right moment to steal her expensive personal electronic device. The unidentified man, wearing a white t-shirt and red shorts, got on the bus in East Hallandale. He took a seat near the victim and realized that she was sitting near an exit with an iPad. The thief pulled the stop switch and waited near the rear exit door for the bus to come to a stop. Once the bus doors opened, he quickly snatched the iPad and ran north on southwest 55 Avenue. Hunt tried to chase the robber but was unable to catch him. The robbery was captured on the bus video surveillance system.
Anyone with information can contact BSO Detective Theophilus Woulard at 954-321-4270 or report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $3,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
***MEDIA NOTE: A clear video is available for download from our website www.sheriff.org.
- INVESTIGATORS: BSO Det. Theophilus Woulard, CID
- THIS REPORT BY: Gina Carter/PIO 10/14/13 1315
Posted At: 10/14/2013 01:13 PM
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ImTOO Video Converter is an easy to use program that lets you edit and convert video, audio, and animated images. This Total Video Converter is the best video converter software to convert between HD videos: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, AVCHD (*.m2ts, *.mts), MKV, HD WMV, MPEG2/MPEG-4 TS HD. It can convert videos from HD to SD, convert various general video formats: AVI, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, H.264/AVC, and extract audio and pictures from videos. Even create a video from pictures further with flexible merging/clipping/editing/splitting features.
Info updated on:


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NEW ORLEANS -- Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith has occasionally found himself so far downfield he thinks quarterback Joe Flacco couldn't possibly reach him _ only to have the ball sail over his head.
"I've learned to keep on running,'' Smith said Wednesday. "Never underestimate him.''
One of the 49ers biggest challenges Sunday in Super Bowl XLVII at the Superdome will be to ground one of the NFL's most dangerous vertical games.
Flacco's ability to throw deep presents a different challenge than Atlanta's Matt Ryan, who completed 30 of 42 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers in the NFC championship game.
Ryan hit Julio Jones for a 46-yard touchdown against a blown coverage to open the scoring, but for the most part it was a steady procession of short and intermediate passes that carved up the 49ers secondary.
"Matt Ryan is a guy that's going to march up and down the field with multiple play and multiple-play drives,'' 49ers safety Donte Whitner said. "Baltimore runs the ball, goes play-action, and they want to throw it deep. They want to get those chunk yards.''
Cornerback Carlos Rogers will be particularly cognizant of Smith, who averages 17.1 yards per catch on 99 career receptions
"With Torrey out there you've got to be aware of him going deep and take that away from him,'' Rogers said.
Also dangerous are Anquan Boldin, primarily a medium range threat who occasionally goes long, and Jacoby Jones, who is nearly as fast as Smith.
In dispatching Indianapolis rookie Andrew Luck, Denver's Peyton Manning and New England's and Tom Brady, Flacco has thrown eight touchdown passes without an interception.
It's a challenge for a 49ers defense that lives off turnovers. A Chris Culliver interception in the second half against Atlanta helped break Ryan's momentum as the Falcons went scoreless sin the second half.
"There's always a feeling when our defense is on the field that they can will a turnover, that they can make it happen,'' 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. "I know every drive isn't going to end in a turnover but it's been something that has fueled us this season and in the past.''
Although primarily a dropback passer, Flacco is good enough on his feet to give himself additional time to pass and break down the coverage in the process.
"When he's being pressured in the pocket, the play can sometimes be extended,'' Whitner said. "If you're not continuing to stay in your deep zones, that's when you'll get beat. We understand that, it's something we haven't really seen, and we just have to keep those guys in front of us and not allow them to get behind us.''
Flacco's deep passing has improved since coach John Harbaugh fired Cam Cameron and installed Jim Caldwell as offensive coordinator. He has completed 53.6 percent of passes 21 or more yards down field (including the postseason), as opposed to 34.2 percent under Cameron.
Flacco has thrown the ball 101 times 21 or more yards downfield _ the most in the league _ yet has not thrown an interception on any of those passes.
"His arm strength is just crazy,'' 49ers safety Deshon Goldson said.
While the 49ers rallied against the Falcons, Whitner feels errors against Flacco could have dire consequences.
"A mistake against Baltimore can end the football game for us,'' Whitner said. "Last week, we really didn't feel like it would end the game because they weren't going for the home run ball that much. Against Baltimore, if you give that up, it can be the difference between winning and losing.''


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"A" List
• Baldwin Park
• Calabasas
• Compton
• Glendale
• Huntington Park
• Pasadena
• Santa Monica
• South Pasadena
"B" List
• Burbank
• Carson
• San Fernando
• Temple City
Source: American Lung Association
Eight Los Angeles County cities received grades of "A" Wednesday for their tobacco control policies, the American Lung Association said Wednesday.
The A list included Glendale, Pasadena and Huntington Park.
The city of Los Angeles received a C, as did Long Beach.
It was a different story in San Bernardino County.
Loma Linda received a B and Adelanto and Rancho Cucamonga received Ds. All other San Bernardino County cities received Fs.
Statewide, 60 percent of all cities received an F for their overall grade in the most recent Lung Association report.
Grades for San Bernardino County on tobacco control
• Loma Linda, B
• Adelanto, D
• Rancho Cucamonga, D
• Apple Valley
• Barstow
• Big Bear Lake
• Chino
• Chino Hills
• Colton
• Fontana
• Grand Terrace
• Hesperia
• Highland
• Montclair
• Needles
• Ontario
• Redlands
• Rialto
• San Bernardino
• Twentynine Palms
• Upland
• Victorville
• Yucaipa
• Yucca Valley
Source: American Lung Association
The annual report card assigns cities grades in the following areas: policies for smoke-free outdoor air, smoke-free housing, and reduction of tobacco product sales.
"Some of the best cities in the state are in Southern California," said Marlene Gomez, an advocacy manager for the American Lung Association based in Los Angeles.
The grades are based on tobacco control laws and regulations in effect as of Jan. 2.
"The policies reflected in this report demonstrate the leadership at the local level to ensure that all Californians breathe clean and healthy air," said Marsha Ramos, chairwoman of the Lung Association governing board.
California is ranked 33rd in the nation for its tax on cigarettes, which is 87 cents a pack.
The overall average is $1.53 per pack.
Some other states:
• Arizona - $2 per pack
• Connecticut - $3.40
• New Jersey - $2.70
• Texas - $1.41
• Utah - $1.70
• Oregon - $1.31
Source: American Lung Association
San Bernardino County's health officer, Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, predicted that next year's report will show significant improvement.
Evelyn Solorio, program coordinator for San Bernardino's county's health education section, said the county has been working with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make public housing complexes non-smoking zones.
Solorio said that the county Public Health Department is reaching out to other large complex operators to get similar smoking bans.
In December, the smoking of electronic cigarettes were banned in all county buildings and inside most businesses county-wide, said Felisa Cardona, a county spokeswoman.
Dr. Ricardo Whyte, medical director of the chemical dependency unit at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center in Redlands, said he is concerned that "e-cigarettes could potentially be a gateway" that will snag people into a smoking habit who never would have become smokers.
"The Obama administration and the Food and Drug Administration need to become involved in regulating e-cigarettes," said Kimberly Amazeen, vice president of programs and advocacy for the American Lung Association in California.
The organization is concerned about the growing number of teenagers and young adults that are being drawn into smoking, largely because of e-cigarettes, she said.
"While other states have taken steps forward, progress in California, which was once on the forefront of tobacco control efforts, has stagnated," the association said in a statement.
"Our state has made little to no headway in increasing its tobacco prevention and control funding, protecting its workers from loopholes in the smoke-free workplace law, raising its cigarette tax or increasing coverage," the statement said.
"We know how to prevent kids from starting to smoke and that is by raising the tobacco tax," Amazeen said, adding that youthful demand is price sensitive.
California ranks 33rd in the nation in its state tax on cigarette packs.
The Golden State taxes cigarettes at 87 cents per pack. It's $2 per pack in Arizona, $1.31 in Oregon, $4.35 in New York and $1.41 in Texas, according to an American Lung Association survey.
In California, tobacco use causes an estimated 36,000 deaths annually.
More than 30,000 California kids start smoking each year, and tobacco use costs the state's economy $18.1 billion in combined health care and lost productivity, Amazeen said.


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The New School
Internship Workshop Series
Students who are looking for or already signed up for an internship are urged to attend an internship workshop. Learn how to find and register for an internship, present yourself professionally to prospective employers, and develop strategies to make your internship a positive experience. School of Design Strategies students note: the portfolio requirement is covered in the last half-hour of the January 30 and January 31 workshops.
This event is only open to Parsons students.
80 Fifth Avenue/Room 802
Free; no tickets or reservations required; seating is first-come first-served
Parsons Career firstname.lastname@example.com
Email Updates
Browse Events by School


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Outman called up, Volstad sent down
DENVER -- A lights-out beginning at Triple-A Colorado Springs has earned left-handed relief pitcher Josh Outman a promotion to the Rockies for Friday night's opener of a three-game weekend series against the D-backs.
To make room for Outman, the Rockies optioned right-handed pitcher Chris Volstad to Colorado Springs. Volstad, 0-0, 8.53 ERA in four games, gave up one run in two innings at the end of Thursday's 11-3 victory over the Mets at Coors Field.
Rockies manager Walt Weiss said the number of left-handed hitters carried by the D-backs, whom the Rockies face in seven of the next 10 games, and Braves, who come to Denver Monday, figured in the decision. Outman, 1-0 with an 0.84 ERA in 10 2/3 innings over five games at Triple-A, can pitch in short or extended stints, much the way Volstad was slated to do, but his presence frees Weiss to use lefty Rex Brothers (1-0, 1.23 ERA) earlier in the game against a key lefty hitter.
"Our bullpen isn't necessarily designed for matchups exclusively, but with an extra lefty, that option is in play, as opposed to trying to save Brothers for later in the game, that eighth or ninth," Weiss said.
Outman went 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in eight Spring Training games, but the Rockies felt Volstad showed excellent downward life on his pitches and Outman needed to improve that aspect. Also, Outman had four walks and six strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings. At Colorado Springs, Outman forced ground balls and had 14 strikeouts against four walks.
It's also a chance for Volstad, a starter until this season, to pitch regularly.
"Chris didn't perform poorly," Weiss said. "He's in a situation where he wasn't getting a lot of consistent work. Hopefully he'll go down there and get that consistent work. I imagine he'll be with again us at some point this year."
Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Hardball in the Rockies, and follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb. Owen Perkins is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Halloween's not until Sunday, but a number of folks at our office got into the spirit early — dressing up on Fallout: New Vegas' release date as their favorite characters from the game.
From left to right, we've got Sam Berstein as Fantastic, Larry Waldman as a King, Ian Rogers as Mr. House, Joe Mueller (sitting) as a White Glove greeter, Greg Ruddick as President Kimball, Jen Tonon (sitting) as White Glove member, Kurt Weaver as Boone, Christopher Krietz as "Yes Man," Jason Bergman as a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, Andrew Scharf as Benny, Tihana Tresnjak as Cass, and Marisa Lyon as Rex.
More pics after the break… Happy Halloween!
Fantastic celebrates his Theoretical Degree in Physics with Boone and President Kimball
Representing The Strip and Freeside
Choose your companion!


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A short in an electrical system sparked a fire in an electricity sub-station.
Crews from Bridport and Charmouth attended the Bridport sub-station at 5.44pm yesterday. (22) They found electrical apparatus had been involved in fire but was out on arrival.
Crews set up a cordon and handed over to the power company on their arrival. The cause is believed to be a short in the electrical system.


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|Easy and delicious Sauteed Chicken Breasts Recipe with Warm Tomato-Tarragon Salsa
At my house, it's been a good gardening year. All the herbs are especially growing well, and I've developed quite a thing for fresh tarragon. It started when I made Chicken Salad with Tarragon and Peas; then I moved on to Roasted Mushrooms with Tarragon Vinaigrette. This recipe is another way to use this tasty herb.
Sauteed Chicken Breasts with Warm Tomato-Tarragon Salsa
(Makes 2 servings, recipe created by Kalyn with inspiration from Simply Recipes and Fine Cooking Annual.)
2 large boneless-skinless chicken breasts
1 T olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground poultry seasoning (I use Penzeys)
2-3 large garlic cloves (to season oil)
Salsa Ingredients:
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (about 4 small tomatoes)
2 T finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp. capers
1/2 tsp. garlic puree (also called ground garlic, or use finely minced fresh garlic)
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
1 T chopped fresh tarragon (can substitute basil, oregano, or thyme)
1 green onion, finely sliced
2 T olive oil
Remove chicken to serving plates. Scrape out any accumulated chicken bits from pan, turn heat to high, then pour in salsa and cook about 30 seconds to one minute, until salsa is warmed through. Spoon salsa over chicken and serve immediately.
Variations: I think you could make this with good quality canned tomatoes, although the flavor would not be quite as fresh. Basil, oregano, or thyme could be substituted for the tarragon if you don't have fresh tarragon. (I would reduce the amount if I used oregano or thyme.)
This makes a generous amount of salsa. You could serve the leftover salsa as a spread on pita bread or on scrambled eggs.
South Beach Suggestions:
This is a perfect main dish for any phase of the South Beach Diet. It would taste great with Braised Cauliflower with Garlic and Anchovies and Arugula and Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette for phase one. For phase two or three add something like Basil and Parmesan Rice with Pine Nuts.
Nutritional Information?
More Tasty Recipes with Chicken and Tarragon:
(Recipes from other blogs may or may not be South Beach friendly, check ingredients.)
Chicken Salad with Tarragon and Peas
Grilled Chicken with Tomato Tarragon Sauce from Simply Recipes
Lemony Chicken Salad with Tarragon from Champaign Tastes
Chicken with Tarragon Cream Sauce from Blog From Our Kitchen
Sonoma Chicken Salad from Fresh Approach Cooking
Blogger Disclosure:


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Conversations on the Journey
Conversations on the Journey provides a wealth of material for discussion groups and an opportunity for people turning 50 and older to share their experiences and learn how others approach transition, uncertainty and new possibilities in their lives.
Each session explores an issue that people 50+ want to talk about with others: What has been important in my life? How will I change? How do I stay vibrant? What do I want as my legacy? And more...
The DVD includes excerpts from talks by distinguished authors and experts taken from Coming of Age: Boomervision! presentations, recorded with a studio audience at WHYY in Philadelphia. Using the accompanying discussion guide, a facilitator helps participants explore:
— Living a Fulfilled Life
— Health and Well-Being
— Knowing and Sharing Your Story
— Embracing Change
— A Precious Life, A Finite Life
— How Elders Will Save the World
Coming of Age is a Philadelphia-based national initiative that helps people explore their futures, promotes their connection to the community and builds stronger nonprofits. To learn more, visit ComingofAge.org
Conversations on the Journey was funded through a grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies.


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These terms and conditions apply to the Rapha Alpe D'Quiz Competition. By participating in the competition, participants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
This Competition is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Competition is organised by Rapha Racing Limited, Imperial Works, 18 Tileyard Road, London, N7 9AH.
The Competition prize consists of a product from Rapha's 2014 Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer collections. The winners will be chosen randomly every day between 4th-24 December, 2014 and one draw on 24th December
Qualifying Participants
The Prize Draw is open to everyone.
Entrants are required to fill in their name and email address.
By entering this competition, participants agree to be bound by these terms and that the decision of Rapha Racing Limited is final and binding in all matters relating to this Competition.
Results may be used for publicity purposes.
Prizes are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.
Prizes are subject to availability and confirmation. All other expenses not expressly stated or included in the prize are the responsibility of the winner(s).
Rapha Racing Limited reserves the right to substitute a prize or any part of it of equal or greater value, if this is necessary for reasons beyond its control.
If no winner has claimed within 12 weeks from the closing date, after reasonable effort has been made by Rapha Racing Limited to notify the chosen winner, the prize may be forfeited.
Rapha Racing Limited reserves the right to alter, amend or foreclose this prize draw without prior notice in the event that unforeseen circumstances make this unavoidable.
To request the winners name/s for the Competition, send a letter to Rapha Rapha Racing Limited, Imperial Works, 18 Tileyard Road, London, N7 9AH.
Rapha Racing Limited are the arbiters of the competition and reserve the right to alter, suspend, amend or foreclose the competition at any time without prior written notice and without any liability to any Qualifying Participant.
Rapha Racing Limited will not be responsible for any delays, operational problems, inaccuracies or other acts of default.
Rapha Racing Limited accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant resulting from entering this Competition or by the entrant's acceptance of the prize, or any damage to any entrant's or other person's computer or mobile phone equipment as a consequence of downloading any material relating to this Competition. Nothing shall exclude Rapha Racing Limited's liability for death or personal injury resulting from its negligence.
Employees of Rapha Racing Limited and their immediate family are not eligible for the Prize.
Privacy Policy
The collection and storage of personal information submitted to Rapha Racing Limited is governed by the UK Data Protection Act (2003). This means your details will not be divulged to third parties and we will not send you promotional information, by email or post, unless you agree to it. Under the Data Protection Act, you retain the right to access and modify any data about you held by Rapha Racing Limited. When you register your name or email address you agree to be governed by Rapha Racing Limited's terms and conditions.


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kirtu wrote:gregkavarnos wrote:The president of Golden Dawn and current member of national parliament, Mihaloliakos, taking his dogs out for their afternoon walk.
This is truly frightening stuff. Why is radical nationalism making a come back in Russia, the Balkans and Greece?
It is a symptom of the weakening of local economies under the forces of international globalization.


text: Wallace & Barnes indigo pocket T-shirt Item A2420 Color: DARK INDIGO Size: All sizes are US sizes. MEDIUM LARGE 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 A classic T-shirt, dyed with true indigo for an unmistakably rich color that fades (and looks better) with age, just like a pair of great jeans. Cotton jersey. Rib trim at neck. Chest pocket. Machine wash. Import. Since this item is indigo dyed, it's prone to crocking, or color transfer, so wear (and wash) it with dark colors till it's worn in. Item A2420.


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iHerb Customer Reviews
Superior product...
Verified Purchase
Superior product...
This is one of the few calcium products that actually helps relieve my back/neck pain almost immediately. I think it works due to the fact that it is so bioavailable compared to other calcium formulas...
Was this review helpful to you?
Superior product...
Posted by iHerb Customer on Mar 25, 2008 | Verified Purchase
This is one of the few calcium products that actually helps relieve my back/neck pain almost immediately. I think it works due to the fact that it is so bioavailable compared to other calcium formulas...
Herbal Calcium
Posted by iHerb Customer on Apr 10, 2008 | Verified Purchase
I've read great things about Herbal Calcium and how it reaches the bones. So far, this product has been working well.
The only calcium I seem to absorb
Posted by iHerb Customer on Apr 26, 2010 | Verified Purchase
Having tried other forms of calcium, this is the only one that I am able to absorb. I will be re-ordering this supplement.
Excellent Product
Posted by iHerb Customer on Mar 27, 2010 | Verified Purchase
Helps greatly in night time bone aching and leg cramps due to a lack of calcium. My mum only took 2 capsules a day for 5 days a week. We do not have to take 6 capsules as directed as 2 capsules already yield about 850mg of calcium. Do take 1 or 2 days break per week as it will help to absorb the calcium better. It's good that it's all natural however I am not sure of the long term effects of taking herbs.
Posted by iHerb Customer on Jun 11, 2010 | Verified Purchase
all other companies should take note. there is no wasted packaging. capsules are filled right to the top of the bottle. there are no fillers or lubricants! just pure herb!
Not The Right Choice For Me
Posted by iHerb Customer on Sep 15, 2010 | Verified Purchase
I was looking for an all natural food based calcium and this is ground herbs with some natural calcium and other mineral content, presumably. No way to know how much calcium you are actually getting as the mg. listed is how many mg. of these herbs are in each pill. I discovered you can dump these out of the caps into hot water and make a fair tea with them but are they an effective calcium form...no stats to indicate that they are.
Great supplement
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My nails become stronger after taking this supplement, it is very effective.
A nice change from synthetic calcium formulas
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Looking at the other options in synthetic calcium formulas, I'll try herbal calcium anyday. This product felt very compatible with my system.
Herbal Calcium
Posted by iHerb Customer on Mar 18, 2010 | Verified Purchase
Good source of calcium. Remember always to take you calcium and different times from you magnesium!
Posted by iHerb Customer on Nov 04, 2012 | Verified Purchase
Best way to get extra calcium is from herbs.


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Low pressure sessions tailored to your level will ease you into mountain biking and help you to develop skills and confidence to manage your bike on varying terrain.
Whether you are starting from scratch or have a little experience you will benefit from an expert eye and some useful tips to help you make the changes to really get the most enjoyment out of your bike.
Our tutors will teach you the tricks of the trade as they help you develop a greater understanding of key mountain biking principles and leave you a more confident and skilled rider.
Key Content
- Learn the basic skills
- Understand key principles
- Develop confidence on your bike
- Mountain Bike safety
- Know your limits
- At your own pace
No experience required. Suitable for those new to mountain biking and people with very limited experience.
Contact us on 01751 460049 to find out more and book a great day out


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The former Gunners attacker says he grew frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities at the Emirates Stadium and does not envisage leaving Real Sociedad
The Mexico international spent six years with Arsene Wenger's side but was shipped out on loan to four different clubs in that time and made just 28 appearances for the Gunners.
And, whilst the 24-year-old says he will always be grateful for the opportunity Arsenal gave him amidst rumours of a return, he underlined his desire to remain in La Liga.
"Arsenal are a big team who gave me the opportunity to play in Europe," the Mexican told EFE. "I will always remember that, but I didn't have the opportunities that I felt I deserved.
"I am very happy here [at Real Sociedad] and would like to stay here."
Vela has enjoyed an impressive first full season with La Real, grabbing 12 goals in 24 appearances.


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Compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) in Automated Export System (AES) Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) encourages exporting companies to participate in Census Bureau AES Compliance Seminar training to understand the requirements for complying with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) in Automated Export System (AES) Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing. AES seminars are an invaluable way for a company to contribute to U.S. national security and nonproliferation priorities while protecting vital company interests by minimizing the risk of AES filing noncompliance with the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and the EAR.
OTE presents at AES training seminars on the requirements for reporting in AES items that are controlled for export under the EAR. In order for companies to report EAR required information they need to determine if the items are subject to EAR controls. Among the check list of questions are:
- What the company is exporting? (Determining the Export Control Classification Number),
- Where your export is destined to?
- Who are the parties to the transaction?
- And, How the items will be used?
AES is used by many government agencies to measure the compliance of U.S. exports with the regulations. AES seminar's also cover mandatory filing requirements, filing timeframes, types of export transactions: Standard and Routed, how to avoid penalties and cargo seizure, common FTR violations, mitigation guidelines, export enforcement, commodity classification – Schedule B codes, and using current trade statistics to discover new markets.


text: I'm really with you with the caveat that this has gone on for months now and I've been feeling a bit iffy for months, turned into full-blown pessimistic this month. People act like it's a bad shooting night or two here or there. No. It's a trend. And trends don't reverse overnight.This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote


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Topic: Cured of CC
My wife Cindy was diagnosed in March of 2007 with a massive bile duct cancer that consumed over 75% of her liver. Her tumor marker in March was 37,000, the largest number ever recorded. Today she is 100% CC free. Her last blood test recorded her tumor marker at 19, well with in the normal range of 0-40. Tell every to watch Cindy's miraculous story at www.curedoflivercancer.com and www.cindysmiracle.com.
God bless,
Neill Russell


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Eliminating costs and paperwork barriers, the U.S. and Japan announced an an agreement that government and industry leaders said will help organic trade increase between the two countries.
Beginning Jan. 1, organic products certified in Japan or in the U.S. may be sold as organic in either country, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"This partnership reflects the strength of the USDA organic standards, allowing American organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses to access Asia's largest organic market," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release. "It is a win for the American economy and sets the foundation for additional organic agricultural trade agreements in Asia."
U.S. exports of organic fresh produce to Japan were led in 2012 by cauliflower, which registered sales of nearly $16 million. Exports of U.S. organic broccoli, grapes, strawberries and grapefruit all totaled more than $1 million each, and other organic fresh produce items shipped to Japan with significant sales include lemons, blueberries, oranges, peppers, tomatoes and lettuce.
The agreement, finalized Sept. 26, streamlines access to the growing Japanese organic market for U.S. farmers and processors, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in the release. Before the agreement, organic farmers and businesses hoping to sell in either country had to obtain separate certifications to meet each country's organic standards, according to the release. For the first time, certified organic farmers and businesses in the U.S. now don't have to prove that they didn't use a specific substance or production method to sell to the Japanese organic market, according to the release.
Total U.S. annual organic sales to Japan are close to $80 million, and the new agreement may help triple U.S. organic sales to Japan over the next decade, according to a USDA official cited by The Washington Post.
"This monumental agreement will further create jobs in the already growing U.S. organic sector, spark additional market growth, and be mutually beneficial to producers both in the United States and Japan and to consumers who choose organic products," Laura Batcha, executive vice president of the Organic Trade Association, said in a news release.
More details on the agreement can be found online.


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The election results put an end to the threat of a Republican repeal of the health care law, but not to the public's emotional response to it.
Fueled by contradictory campaign claims, the public's reaction ranges widely. Many Republicans fear interference with their medical care, while many Democrats are jubilant that everyone will be able to obtain health insurance for the first time, some with a subsidized price or even free.
But many people remain utterly confused about what the law will change.
Fifty-one percent of Colorado voters chose Obama — even though 55 percent of Coloradans surveyed in exit polls said they favored repeal of the health care law, according to the Colorado Health Institute.
Experts say that the new rules will come quickly to allow full implementation of the law in just 14 months, and that will help sort out both what's real, and what needs fixing.
Up to half a million Coloradans are expected to obtain health insurance as a result of the law.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the changes by 2014 include:
• Insurance companies won't be able to refuse anyone coverage. Rejection for pre-existing conditions and age will be barred.
• Families of four with incomes up to about $100,000 can expect tax credits to reduce the cost of insurance.
• Most people will be required to buy insurance. Religious exemptions are allowed.
• The tax for refusing to buy insurance starts at $95 a year, and rises to $695 or 2.5 percent of income.
• Insurance rates will drop for older people and rise for younger people.
• Employers of 50 or more full-time staff will have to provide health insurance or pay a tax.
• Tobacco users can be charged extra for health insurance.
• Employers with 25 workers or less may be eligible for tax credits.
• Insurance price hikes are limited. Charges for executive salaries and administration are limited. Insurance companies that violated these rules have paid millions of dollars in refunds to customers.
People like Dr. William Plested, a former president of the American Medical Association who retired to Bayfield in southwest Colorado, have issued dire warnings that the law will make cost containment more important than the best treatment for the patient. Plested expects a deluge of new rules in the coming months that will prove him correct.
Some people at Colorado rallies for Republican candidate Mitt Romney said they expect outright rationing of health care due to high costs.
But Alfred Gilchrist, CEO of the Colorado Medical Society, says physicians will speak up if any of that shows up. "To the extent that the law is impacting patient care, we're going to be hearing about it," and the CMS will pass physician concerns onto lawmakers and the Obama Administration — whether the impact is positive or negative, Gilchrist said.
"Very few laws are ever written perfectly," he noted.
One state legislator is a physician herself, Sen. Irene Aguilar, a Democrat from Denver. She hopes for "an open and honest and mature discussion" about health care now that the election is over.
And "the people who know how to save money and deliver good care are the physicians," so she hopes to see them have greater influence in implementation.
But there's much left uncertain, largely due to funding shortages at the state and federal level. Most important, some 200,000 Coloradans may — or may not — gain free health insurance by being added to Medicaid, the government insurance program for low-income Americans.
The law raises the income limit for Medicaid for a single person to about $16,000, just above a full-time minimum wage.
Michele Lueck of the Colorado Health Institute said that the people who would benefit include "the worker who you see each morning when you buy your coffee, the bagger at your grocery store, the server who made your sandwich today, the clerk at the dry cleaning counter."
Lueck said Colorado's legislature will debate in January whether to accept federal funding to insure those people from 2014 to 2016. The state may have no costs for this, except for administration. But Lueck warned the funding might be reduced in federal budget negotiations.
Starting in 2017, Colorado's cash-strapped government must start paying a small percentage of the insurance cost for these 200,000 people, and that adds up into hundreds of millions of dollars. Colorado's willingness to pay is in doubt.
The election also switched control of the Colorado House of Representatives from Republican to Democratic. That puts Democrats in charge of both houses and the governor's office. Aguilar said she thinks Democrats will be more interested than the very skeptical Republicans in taking federal funds to cover more people with health insurance.
Democrats are more aligned with the idea that "we pay for health care one way or another — we pay for it now, or pay for it later with complications," Aguilar said.
Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, hasn't announced his position.
But the Colorado Hospital Association strongly supports the Medicaid expansion, said spokesman Julian Kesner. That's because it would provide coverage to many people, and allow hospitals to reduce their $1.4 billion annual cost of care for people who don't have insurance or don't have enough insurance, he said.


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Should I or shouldn't i? Over the last 12 months, you've probably been weighing the pros and cons of your ration ingredients, including feed additives.
Maybe you've made some cuts to your ration to save money or you're considering a change. Every ingredient in the ration should be scrutinized to make sure it's paying its way.
But cutting feed ingredients or additives is not necessarily always the best option. You may need to add something to your ration to improve your profitability.
"We worry so much about wasting money on feed additives. But it's just as important to remember we might be losing out (financially) on a production response if we don't use an additive," says Mary Beth de Ondarza, nutritionist with Paradox Nutrition in West Chazy, N.Y.
For example, an additive might cost 10 cents per cow per day. If the additive doesn't work, you are only out 10 cents. On the flip side, if this same additive returns a profit of 39 cents per cow per day and you don't use it, you would lose out on 29 cents per cow per day, says de Ondarza.
There isn't an exact formula to evaluate whether a feed additive will work on your operation and provide a financial return. But there are a number of things that you can look at that will help you decide, and minimize the risk of a feed additive not working.
Here is a look at how to evaluate feed additives.
Evaluate expected response
What performance change should you expect from the feed additive you are considering?
Feed additives can do a whole host of things, such as increase milk yield, raise milk components, improve dry matter intake, stimulate rumen microbial growth, increase digestion, stabilize rumen environment and pH, improve feed efficiency, minimize weight loss, reduce heat stress effects and/or improve health.
Based on the expected response, you have to decide if there is enough of a financial return.
Learn how the additives works
It's important to understand the feed additive's mode of action.
Reputable companies will tell you how the product works in the cow, says de Ondarza. This is important because feed additives can have overlapping technologies. If you understand a feed additive's mode of action, you can reduce the possibility of overlap between additives.
Palatability is another concern with overlapping technologies. Some feed additives are not very palatable, says Matt Budine, independent nutritionist and chief executive officer of Progressive Dairy Solutions, Inc. in Oakdale, Calif. If you're duplicating technologies, and using a feed additive unnecessarily, you may be reducing intake, creating an unintentional negative effect.
Beware of testimonials
Testimonials are not research.
Be very suspicious if a company just presents testimonials, says de Ondarza. "John Doe's cows were more healthy and vet bills were reduced when fed product x," does not tell you if the product really works.
Be wary of "On, Off trials." These are typically no better than testimonials, says de Ondarza. This information can appear to be a research trial with lots of numbers, impressive graphs and nice glossy print, but the information can't be trusted.
An "On, Off trial" will look at milk production when a group of cows was on a particular feed additive and when they were off the feed additive. The reason you can't trust an "On, Off trial" is that you really don't know what else changed between the month when the cows were fed product "x" and the month when the additive was removed from the ration. Variables, such as weather changes and forage changes, can't be accounted for.
Analyze the research
Check to see who conducted the research.
University research is the most unbiased, and typically published in peer-reviewed journals. On-farm research performed by a company is not as unbiased, but it can still be good research, says Mike Hutjens, dairy specialist at the University of Illinois.
Make sure the research was conducted on dairy cows. A lot of additives show a great response on swine or poultry, but the response has not been replicated in cows, notes Budine.
Examine the details of the research trial. The trial should be set up to have a fair comparison, which means that control and treatment cows are in the same barn, eating the same forages, under the same management, subject to the same environmental temperatures and received specified rations at the same time. The more cows per research study, the better.
Look for treatment groups that have been balanced — in terms of statistical mean and standard deviation — before the trial begins. Milk production, days in milk, lactation number, and expected milk production or ME305's should be balanced in the groups before a study begins. Optimally, a study will have a really low standard deviation. Research studies that swap control and treatment groups mid-trial are good.
The particulars of a ration used in the research trial should be available. This is important because the response may have been artificial due to the lack of a well-balanced diet, notes Budine.
Look at the "p-value"
P less than .05 is good, which means there is less than a 5 percent chance that the production difference between the two treatment groups occurred due to random events.
P less than .10 means that there is less than a 10 percent chance that the difference between the treatment groups was due to random events.
With P less than .10, you can't be entirely sure the change is really due to the feed additive in the diet, says de Ondarza.
Look for repeatability
See if the additive responded the same way in other research trials.
Good companies will invest in many experiments, with many different feeding situations in multiple conditions, notes Hutjens.
If the additive performs consistently in a numbers of trials, you can be more confident that it will perform in your situation and you will have a good rate of return, says Budine.
Which cows respond
Find out which cows respond to a particular feed additive. Is it just early-lactation cows or just the mature cows that responded? Find out if there is a particular time of year when the product will work better.
This knowledge is vital to target feed additives where you are going to get the greatest response. This also eliminates some of the slush factor that is encompassed by the industry rule-of-thumb that every dollar spent should return $2 to cover non-responsive cows and field conditions that could reduce response, says de Ondarza. "Today's margins don't permit us to have slush factors. We need to know which cows will respond best and put the additive there."
Watch out for the "me too" syndrome
Keep an eye out for products that pretend to be something they aren't.
It is important for research to be product-specific, since yeast products come in different strains, fat products and mycotoxin binders have different chemical structures, and bypass amino acids have different coating technologies.
One company's feed additive is not the same as another's, says Budine. Many producers fall prey to the "me too" syndrome, as product "x" may appear to be the same as product z, but cheaper. That does not mean it will work the same in the cow, provide the same results or return on investment.
Look for a meta-analysis
A meta-analysis will give you a good idea if the feed additive will work on your farm.
A meta-analysis is a statistical analysis of a large number of studies conducted with an additive in different settings with different diets. Factors that affect feed additive response, such as stage of lactation and level of milk production, are identified.
Decide if it works
Consider more than the bulk tank when deciding if an additive works or not. Look at milk components, body condition, reproduction, herd health profiles, hoof health and heifer growth charts.
Don't forget there is often a lag time. Some products can take several weeks to have an effect, while other responses are immediate.
You can't just throw an additive in, and two days later take it out, because you don't see the bulk tank come up, says de Ondarza.
It's also important to consider all of the factors that could affect response, so you can minimize the risk of not getting a positive response, says Budine. It's best to make one additive change at a time.


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A delegation of citizen ambassadors is set to travel to Littleton's sister city — Bega, Australia — in 2016, and the group is seeking more members.
More than 20 people have signed up to make the 9,000-mile journey to the southeast coast of Australia and the Bega Valley. For most of the trip, set to depart March 18 and return April 4, the citizen ambassadors will stay with Bega residents and get a glimpse of their everyday lives.
A 2001 Littleton High School graduate and Littleton native is serving aboard the USS New Orleans.
Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Betancourt, 31, is a fire controlman aboard the San Diego-based San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship.
Students from Arapahoe Community College painting instructor Nathan Abels' class invited staff and students from the Colorado Center for the Blind to a fully accessible tactile art exhibit at the Jantzen Gallery in ACC's Art and Design Center recently.
Dakota Ridge High School teacher-librarian John Williams has been hosting a Read Across America Day for 11 years. This year, second-graders from Mount Carbon Elementary visited the DRHS library to listen to high school students, teachers, staff and community members read aloud.
"It's important to instill the love of reading," said Williams. "They have the opportunity to hear that everybody reads."
Mount Carbon second-grade teacher Suzanne Swank said the visit has an added benefit.
LONG Building Technologies Inc. announces its headquarters building at 5001 S. Zuni St. in Littleton was recently awarded LEED (for commercial interiors) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The LEED rating system, developed by the council, is the internationally accepted standard for energy efficient, sustainable and high performing buildings, and provides building owners a framework for designing and implementing green building design and operations. Gold is the second highest in LEED's four levels of certification.
James Mitton of Littleton earned a bachelor's degree in transformational leadership from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., this spring. He is the son of Paul and Janelle Mitton of Littleton.
Benjamin Kane of Littleton was named to the dean's list at Tufts University. To be named to the dean's list, a student must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.4 or greater.
Holden Wiens, a photography major from Littleton, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Columbia College Chicago. To be named to the dean's list, students must have taken at least 12 credit hours and have a 3.75 grade-point average or higher for that semester.
Kurt and Tammy Wells of Ken-Caryl Ranch announce the engagement of their daughter, Kara Wells, to Daniel Hansen of Englewood, the son of Gary and Susy Tournor and Chris Hansen of Grand Island, Neb.
The couple will marry on Aug. 23 at Terrace Gardens.
Copyright © 2017
Columbine Courier is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in South Jefferson County, Colo., and the surrounding area.


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This trend is driving me crazy.
First, let me provide some background. According to most reputable news and information sources, nearly one-third of all Americans now report that they're eating less red meat on a regular basis. (We won't get into the fallacy of switching to "healthier" chicken—much of it fast-food fried and breaded—right now. That's for another day).
People aren't not necessarily going vegetarian or vegan, but simply purchasing, preparing and consuming fewer animal protein products overall.
Why? One, because anti-industry activists have done an outstanding job publicizing legitimate concerns—a lifestyle with excessive meat-eating appears to be associated with a number of cancers and other chronic diseases. And two, they're even better at demonizing red meat's (alleged) contribution to climate change, casting suspicion on its nutritional status and flogging endlessly the issue of animal welfare and the "outrage" they're so good at ginning up over various production practices, issues on which, truth be told, the industry has often left itself wide open for criticism.
Add in ad hoc PR bonanzas such as pink slime, well-heeled campaigns like Meatless Mondays and the occasional food-safety recall—plus rising prices—and you have an environment in which it begins to make economic, if not philosophical, sense to dial down the meat-buying and meat-eating.
Not to mention that if you host anything from a backyard barbecue to a formal dinner party these days, you're likely to be confronted with a guest (or guests) who doesn't eat meat, won't touch dairy and/or is allergic to eggs, soy, gluten and seafood.
Like it or not, the days of slapping a stack of burgers on the grill and calling it good are over.
Just a side order of meat
All that is the backdrop to what has been a slow decline in per capita consumption of meat over the last generation, which is understandable and not necessarily a net negative for the industry long-term.
But what's aggravating is the eagerness with which all too many self-styled foodies have seized on this trend as some sort of watershed moment that history will record as the day the (meat) diets died.
For example: Mark Bittman, a New York Times food critic, has spent the last several years writing books advocating for something he calls the "less-meatarian" diet: As he describes it, "Making and consuming tasty, affordable meals without making meat the center of the plate."
"Combining vegetables with meat makes them much more interesting, and this is historically how people ate," Bittman told ABC News (a Times online news partner). "Meat and fish were treasures. They were treats. They were things you couldn't count on. It's only in the past 50 years that you could count on putting meat on the table every night and every day."
Fine, but here's the part that gets me.
Bittman makes a big deal out of the fact that eating less meat has helped him improve his health.
"I lost 35 pounds, my cholesterol level went down below 200, which is where it's supposed to be, and [my] blood sugar went down to where it's supposed to be," he said.
Dude, I got a news flash for you: Lose 35 pounds any which way—dieting, working out, fasting—and all your baseline health parameters will look way better. We already know that obesity is the nation's single biggest health challenge, and it's common knowledge that nearly every chronic health problem—diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis—improves markedly when people shed those excess pounds.
It's not about cutting back on beef, it's about shrinking your BMI.
But such obvious conclusions aren't good enough for Bittman and his cohorts, though. Instead, ABC News Nightline producers engaged celebrity chef Angelo Sosa, a "committed omnivore," as he likes to be labeled, to go on the "less-meatarian" diet and see what happens.
Here's the kicker: He did it for three whole days, meaning he had to curb the meat and amp up the veggies "for a full 72 hours" (the show's characterization, not mine).
Wow. And you thought The Great Escape was challenging.
So what happened? I'm sure you can predict the outcome.
After his 72-hour, life-changing ordeal, Sosa said, "I'm excited. I'm energized. I feel like I don't need to be weighed down."
Now he's a convert to the less-meatarian diet, which is fine, but the one factor nobody considers in these "now-I'm-eating-less-meat-and-I-love-it" scenarios is the source of all those fruits and veggies we're supposed to be substituting for beef, pork and chicken.
Who's growing all that produce? Where's it coming from, given its year-round availability? How sustainable is the current system of sourcing fresh foods from around the globe? And how "natural" a diet is it, really, if we're subsisting on jet-freighted produce grown somewhere across the world in tropical climates using the same outsourcing business model that has devastated domestic manufacturing?
Don't expect answers to any of those questions from either veggie activists or the less-meatarian crowd.
Ain't gonna happen.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dan Murphy, a veteran food-industry journalist and commentator.