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Learning Paths
Accounting and Finance
Compliance and Legal
Contact Center
Human Resources
Information Technology
Insurance Immersion
Onboarding Courses
Executive Development
DOL Fiduciary Basics for Employees
Customer Experience Education
Home / Head Office
Entry Level
Sales Offices
Contact Centers
Work Remotely (Virtual Worker)
Customer Service & Operations
Employee Opinions & Consultation
Service Turnaround Times
LOMA is updating the Service Turnaround Times Survey questionnaires for both Individual Life Insurance and Individual Annuity to make sure that it remains relevant and continues to meet the needs of our members. We are also evaluating the methods that we use to collect the data and report the results back to our participants to make it more user-friendly. The updated survey will resume in 2018.
We need your input! For the survey questionnaire updates, we are seeking volunteers from our member companies to provide input on the questions that will be on the new version of the surveys. Please click here if you or someone else from your company would like to be contacted with additional information about providing input on the survey questionnaire updates.
2015 Survey Participants
By identifying strengths and weaknesses in your organization, you can focus your resources where they will make the greatest impact. The LOMA Life Insurance and Annuity Service Turnaround Times Survey reports are valuable tools in comparing your organization's performance to that of other companies. The reports provide valuable service time information around various new business and policyowner service functions, and can help guide you in setting internal benchmarks and performance standards.
The surveys also include a special section on NIGO business, placement rates for the life survey and Electronic Application (E-App) usage for the life and annuity surveys.
In 2015, 25 companies participated in the Life Survey and 13 companies participated in the Annuity Survey.
Companies participating in the Life Insurance Service Turnaround Times Survey submitted separate service times for the following types of individual life insurance:
Companies participating in the Annuity Service Turnaround Times Survey submitted separate service times for the following types of individual annuities:
LOMA Member: US $875
Non-member: US $1,175
LOMA Member: US $1,025
Non-member: US $1,325
For more information about the Service Turnaround Times Surveys, please contact:Angie Norman, ALMI, ACS, CTPSenior Associate, Insurance Operations Email firstname.lastname@example.com 770-984-6438

subset: commoncrawl


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I always enjoy getting letters to the editor, even when I don't agree with them. Maybe especially when I don't agree with them. Here's part of one I received recently:
"I am writing in response to the 'Turning Call Centers into Interaction Centers' article. While I agree that adding interactive technologies to the call center will improve customer service, I believe adding better interactive technologies to a company's Web site can have a greater impact on the bottom line.
"Given the comparative cost structures of a Web site versus a call center, it is clear that answering a user's query before it results in being forwarded to the call center is a less expensive alternative. Improving customer self-help lowers the overall cost of support as well as raising overall customer satisfaction.
"By increasing the opportunities for users to solve their own problems, companies can lower their cost to provide support and optimize the use of live personnel. I believe the issue is not adding interactive functionality to the call center, but ensuring that clients have an opportunity to find answers to their questions online before the need to contact the call center arises."
The writer makes some good points, but I disagree with his conclusion.
Web-based customer service is good in theory and in fact is a very viable and cost-effective option for some businesses and some customers. But the fact is that Web sites don't address all users. Being up to our eyebrows in the high-tech industry sometimes makes it hard for some of us to see what's going on outside our little pond, but not everyone spends eight hours a day connected to the Web. Many either can't or prefer not to use the Web for self-help and that will continue to be the case for a long time to come.
Imagine a user on a business trip not carrying his laptop, or not in a position to make an Internet connection--in an airport, for instance. Imagine my mother. These people are not served by a better Web site. They're not served by any Web site.
Or consider the customer who has tried the Web site and found it didn't meet his needs. He's going to want a higher level of service from the call center, not less.
The point of using technology should not just be to do it cheaper but to do it better. Any time anyone claims they're going to save you money by selling you technology, walk away. If they follow, scream loudly. The promised cost savings hardly ever materialize.
Larry Tuck, Editor


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Picture: Comedian David McSavage at Pixar and Walt Disney Cars 2 screening at Cineworld. Dublin, Ireland - 25.07.11
Animation giants Pixar and Walt Disney have ended their record-breaking partnership, despite the international success of films including Finding Nemo, Toy Story and Monsters inc.
PIXAR chief executive STEVE JOBS says the company has decided to end its distribution deal with Disney, after its request for a greater percentage of the profits was declined.
The move ends one of the most lucrative partnerships in movie history, raking in over $2.5 billion at the box office.
Jobs says, "After 10 months of trying to strike a deal with Disney, we're moving on.
"We've had a great run together - one of the most successful in Hollywood history - and it's a shame that Disney won't be participating in Pixar's future successes."
DISNEY boss MICHAEL EISNER says, "Although we would have enjoyed continuing our successful collaboration under mutually acceptable terms, Pixar understandably has chosen to go its own way to grow as an independent company."
Pixar and Disney will complete two films already in production: THE INCREDIBLES, set for a release this year (04), and CARS, due out in 2005.30/01/2004 16:58


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Tel:++62 361 286 283
Fax: ++62 361 286 284
U.S.A. Fax:(toll free) 1-800-506-8633
U.K. Fax: ++44-20-7000-1235
Australian Fax: ++61-2-94750419
24h: ++62 812 3819724
Bali will host the 1st Indonesian International Animal Training & Enrichment Conference (ATEC) to be held at Bali Safari & Marine Park December 1-5, 2013.
The conference, designed for professionals working with captive animals, will feature leaders in the area of animal training and enrichment.
Conference activities include workshops led by recognized international experts in the field of Animal Enrichment, presentation of cutting-edge research papers and fun-filled social networking opportunities - all headquartered at the Bali Safari and Marine Park located on the outskirts of Bali's capital of Denpasar.
Affordable registration programs include attractive accommodation options and post conference tour options.
The complete program and registration information will be available on-line by mid-July 2013
[First Announcement: ATEC]
[Email for More Information]


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Polk Audio Updates Delivery and Pricing of Built -in Subwoofers and Matching Amplifier
Three new built-in subwoofers coming soon from Polk Audio. Two models are the least visually obtrusive on the market.
September 9, 2005, CEDIA Expo 2005, Booth 713, Indianapolis -Today Polk Audio announced new prices and delivery dates for their new line of built -in subwoofers and a dedicated power amplifier for custom home installation audio systems. The products were originally announced earlier in 2005. One model is sized for in -wall placement while the others are sized for in -ceiling/in -floor installation. Two models boast small grille sizes making them the least visually intrusive built -in subwoofers on the market. The new suggested retail prices (with amplifier) range from $1325 through $1650. These are the first built -in subwoofers from Polk Audio since the AB900 bandpass model offered between 1989 and 1991.
The CSW88 in -wall model features dual 8 -inch long -throw, shallow basket woofers mounted behind a metal pressure plate in a sealed enclosure. The robust enclosure is fabricated of MDF wood and 1/8" aluminum panels for resonance -free high performance. At 60" L x 13.5" W x 3.5" D, the CSW88 easily fits in standard stud walls without any protrusion into the room. Bass frequencies are launched into the room through a vent measuring 10" x 4". Once installed the CSW88 will look like an air vent, not a subwoofer. To ease wiring, the CSW88 has inputs on both the top and bottom sides of the enclosure. The CSW88 will be available in early 2006.
The CSW100 is an in -ceiling/in -floor design that can also be placed in entertainment cabinets and other types of furniture. The CSW100 uses a single 10 -inch woofer in a bandpass style enclosure fabricated entirely of low -resonance MDF. Patented High Velocity Compression Drive® bandpass alignment and a Slot port, combine to produce exceptional bass output unmatched by similarly sized built -in models. Measuring 26.2" L x 13" W and 9" D, the CSW100 comfortably fits in standard joist spacing and even in smaller Quiet Floor™ joist spacing. Bass frequencies exit the enclosure via an incredibly small 2" x 12" vent. The CSW100 will be the first model to ship to retailers in October 2005.
The CSW200 is another in -ceiling/floor model with a direct radiating 10" driver in a 1.5 cubic foot slot load vented MDF enclosure. Its large size (35.6" L x 13" W x 9" D) and long -throw woofer driver enable the CSW200 to produce robust bass down to the lowest audible frequencies yet it can fit between in the tighter joist -spacing of QuietFloor™ construction. With a 12" x 12" grille opening the CSW200 is best used in situations where ultimate performance is paramount and where small size and unobtrusive grille are not as critical. The CSW200 will be available in December 2005.
All three Polk built -in subwoofers are powered by an external Class D amplifier, the SWA500. Producing 500 Watts Continuous into 4 Ohms, the SWA500 easily powers up to two woofers to rafter shaking levels. Three plug -in SPEX data cards, one for each model of subwoofer, are shipped with the amplifier. Each one is pre -programmed to the equalization, infrasonic filter characteristics and power output that best match the woofer being used. SPEX stands for Secure Power & Equalization with an "X" tacked on to make the name sound cool. A full array of features include: front panel Level and Variable Low -Pass Filter controls, Overload Protection circuitry, low -level and high -level Inputs, 2 sets of outputs (for daisy -chain connection to additional amplifiers), Phase Switch and Auto On/Off.
To Download High Resolution Images go to:
Click a thumbnail photo to display a large 300dpi image to save to your PC
About Polk Audio
Baltimore, Maryland -based Polk Audio is an award -winning manufacturer of high performance audio products. Founded by Chairman Matthew Polk and CEO George Klopfer in 1972, Polk Audio holds over 50 patents for advances in loudspeaker design and technology. Polk's products include loudspeakers and electronic components for home, auto and marine applications, the first XM satellite home component tuner, the world's first active IP -addressable loudspeaker, and in the winter of 2005 -2006 the I -Sonic -the first entertainment system to include HD radio, XM Connect & Play capability and a DVD player. Polk products are available through specialist consumer electronics retailers worldwide. For the location of a Polk retailer or distributor in your area visit the Dealer Locator page of www.polkaudio.com or call us at 1 -800 -377 -7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358 -3600.


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Today is February 28th. If it were a leap year, tomorrow would be February 29th. But we just had a leap year in 2012, so tomorrow is March 1st.
I've always wondered when people born on leap day celebrate their birthday during non-leap years. Do they celebrate it on the 28th, or the 1st, or do they skip it altogether? I'd be kinda bummed if I was born on the 28th and missed being born on leap day. Because when February 29th does roll around every four years It'd be a blowout birthday party, I just know it!
For this playlist I thought I would put together a list of songs by artists who were born on February 28th.
Happy Birthday! You're special too, leap day or no leap day.
1940 – Joe South, American singer (d. 2012)
1942 – Brian Jones, English musician (The Rolling Stones) (d. 1969)
1943 – Barbara Acklin, American singer (d. 1998)
1948 – Bernadette Peters, American actress and singer
1951 – Roseanna Vitro, American jazz singer
1957 – Cindy Wilson, American singer (The B-52's)
1958 – Jeanne Mas, French singer and actress
1969 – Patrick Monahan, American singer (Train)
1977 – Jason Aldean, American country singer
1978 – Jeanne Cherhal, French singer-songwriter
1984 – Ben Fagan, American musician
1985 – Fefe Dobson, Canadian singer
Songs By Musicians Born on February 28th
Follow what Robert is listening to, or suggest a playlist on Twitter !


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The pull-apart basin
Best way to see Canyon Sin Nombre is on foot
The Canyoneers 1 p.m., Nov. 22
Experience the drama of competition in the plant world as opposing forces vie for a position in our open spaces. A trail guide will assist participants in identifying natives and non-natives. Visitor Center.
One Father Junípero Serra Trail, San Carlos, 92119
Get directions
Please log in to submit event corrections


text: robee00 206 Report post Posted July 22, 2013 Hi! I'm having a plan on doing a 3D first person dungeon crawler. I'm doing the prototype with fantasy items (sword, cave setting, etc..), but I'm a sci-fi fan. I love game that is sci-fi. So, I was thinking about putting the game into sci-fi setting. But I'm having a hard time about melee weapons. Lightsabers are out, of course :P Energy swords? Or staffs? With ranged weapons, it's ok. I can drop in some guns, or something. And with enemies? Robots, aliens? And I'm not sure even if the dungeon crawler genre fits the scifi theme 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Cristiano Ronaldo at the double as Real Madrid stun Barcelona in the Nou Camp
Barcelona 1 – Real Madrid 3 (Agg. 2-4) (Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, February 26, 2013) (Alternative highlights & longer highlights.) Lionel Messi fired wide early on against Real Madrid. Pique fouled Cristiano Ronaldo in the box and the Portuguese forward put Real Madrid in front both on the night and in the tie from the spot. Pedro had a strong penalty shout just after the half hour. Just before the hour mark, Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0, after Angel Di Maria had skinned Carles Puyol. It was game over when Raphael Varane scored his second goal of the tie. Jordi Alba pulled 1 back late on for Barca.
Barca TV: The pre-match atmosphere ahead of Barcelona v Real Madrid.
GIF: Gerard Pique brings down Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid penalty.
GIF: Cristiano Ronaldo scores Real Madrid penalty v Barcelona.
GIF: Referee obstructs Lionel Messi in the penalty box.
Ridiculous Jordi Alba diving show v Real Madrid.
Jordi Alba diving show v Real Madrid + refuses Sergio Ramos help.
GIF: Cristiano Ronaldo's 2nd goal v Barcelona.
GIF: Angel Di Maria skins Carles Puyol for 2nd Real Madrid goal at Barcelona.
GIF: Raphael Varane goal v Barcelona.
GIF: Real Madrid fans throw lit flare into Barcelona supporters.
Pepe causes major scuffle with 5 minutes to go of Barcelona v Real Madrid.
Graphic of how Real Madrid successfully pressed v Barcelona.
Pictures after the jump.
Jordi Roura & Jose Mourinho pre match
Sir Alex Ferguson scouting Real Madrid at the Nou Camp
Ronaldo celebrates penalty goal v Barcelona
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 2nd goal v Barcelona
Raphael Varane hugs Jose Mourinho after 2nd goal v Barcelona


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The US pet industry – food, toys, services, veterinarians, what am I forgetting? – is worth billions, and growing. By and large, Americans don't seem to balk at laying out vast sums of money on their pets – including for pet health care.
These days, canine lymphoma can be treated with chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplant. A man who financed these two steps for his dog paid $25,000 altogether, according to a recent newspaper story.
Other animal cancers are being treated today that yesterday might have meant the end of the road for the animal involved. The same with urinary tract disorders, kidney ailments, joint failures and canine dementia. One dog's inoperable brain tumor received $10,000 radiation treatments.
Helping to diagnose and treat an expanded range of animal ailments, today's aids include imaging technology, better drugs, new surgical techniques and holistic approaches like acupuncture. Follow up care -- such as physical therapy, pain and nutritional management – is available too.
And some veterinarians offer hospice care at home.
All this, and more, was reported in an April New York Times story, "New Treatments to Save a Pet, but Questions about the Costs," by William Grimes.
In 2006, the total outlay for animal care like this was $9.2 billion; by last year, it had risen to $13.4 billion. And that was just the monetary cost. There can be no calculating the emotional price paid, by people and their pets as well.
The fact that less than 3% of Americans carry pet insurance was also noted. One or two of those interviewed mentioned that eventual college costs for their children could force them to think twice about heroic medical measures for their pets. But not now.
Another factor, a painful one to consider, came up in the story: pets' lives are comparatively short to begin with. Relief or cure from one ailment can extend life only so long.
But to pet owners who can afford it – and maybe even those who can't afford it – any time with a loved pet is better than a shortened or ended time. And so these new tools and treatments increasingly come into play.
Interestingly, these expanded medical options are being made available to pets at a time when people are starting to re-think the necessity of annual physicals and use of specialists for themselves! One door starts to close; another door opens?


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04 Jun The low down on Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an aminomonosaccharide naturally occurring in the human body and is produced naturally in the body by chondrocytes in cartilage to help maintain and build healthy joint tissue. The main basic purpose of glucosamine is to create long chains called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which the joints and cartilage require for repair. The GAGs, formerly known as mucopolysaccharides, are long chains of modified disaccharides and are the main component of proteoglycans (PGs).
These, along with chondrocytes and collagen, make up cartilage. The chondrocytes use ingested supplemental Glucosamine to produce more cartilage components, which are the four main types of GAGs: chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, keratan sulphate and, to a lesser extent, dermatan sulphate. So, as you can see, chondrocytes are responsible for the synthesis, maintenance, and regeneration of cartilage. The more Glucosamine at hand means your body has a better chance of decreasing or eliminating pain caused by insufficient lubricants and poor shock absorption.
Chondrocytes have two methods in which to make GAGs. In the first method, a glucose molecule will be phosphorylised (have a phosphate group added) and will then undergo epimerization reactions (basically changing the configuration of the compound). This modified sugar then receives an amino group donated from glutamine. A synthetase reaction (from the glutamine) forms the molecule glucosamine-6-phosphate, which then undergoes additional reactions in GAG synthesis. This is the 'natural way' if you will. The second method is basically the 'supplementary method'. What I mean by this is that the chondrocytes use preformed glucosamine from ingested supplemental sources. When the glucosamine enters the chondrocyte, a phosphorylation reaction occurs forming glucosamine-6-phosphate and from here continues the natural synthesis reactions.
Ingestion of Glucosamine has been shown to actually stimulate GAG and PG production (1). This is because when glucosamine is available for chondrocytes, they are able to produce connective tissue faster because they can skip three chemical reactions, needing only a phosphorylation reaction to make glucosamine-6-phosphate. Also, when supplementary glucosamine is taken, fibrotic articular tissues begin to heal, improving the potential diffusion of glucose and amino acids through joint capsules and synovial membranes. This then provides the chondrocytes with the raw materials necessary (sugar and amino acids) to stimulate the synthesis of GAGs and PGs. At the end of the day, a lack of adequate glucosamine would result in GAG synthesis essentially 'shutting down'. In turn, this would cause proteoglycan synthesis to also cease. It's at about this time that you may notice joints getting that little bit sorer after a hard workout, or your knees getting stiff a few hours after cardio. Over an extended period of time of continuous 'wear and tear' so to speak, you may very well develop osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is when cartilage becomes worn and exposed bones can rub together. This can get extremely painful and can even affect the joints of bones throughout the spine, which can also become very dangerous for nerves. Glucosamine supplementation is recommended for anyone with osteoarthritis as it has been proven to alleviate pain (2,3,4), increase flexibility (5, 6, 7) and is even comparable to ibuprofen for joint pain relief (9).
As far supplementation goes, there are four possible sources of Glucosamine: Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Glucosamine Hydroiodide, N-acetyl Glucosamine, and Glucosamine Sulphate. Out of these four, however, only the sulphate and hydrochloride (HCL) versions are recommended. The two glucosamines are actually identical in their effects, but the Hydrochloride version is more cost effective as it is a richer source of Glucosamine. In fact, the percentage of pure glucosamine in these two common forms is: 83% in the HCL version compared to 65% in the sulphate version. The reason being that during the preparation, sodium and potassium are added to glucosamine (resulting in the 83% for the HCL version), but the sulphate version has sulphur added (hence, 'sulphate') which results in a net loss of glucosamine per capsule or tablet. But after oral administration, glucosamine sulphate is split into glucosamine and a sulphate ion so like previously mentioned, the effects are identical and it doesn't matter whether you take the HCL or sulphate version.
The N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) version yields 81% pure glucosamine. This gives the false belief that the NAG version is superior to the sulphate version, but NAG is metabolised differently than other forms of glucosamine. Instead of being absorbed relatively intact, the intestinal bacteria digest it rapidly and other tissues of the gastrointestinal tract absorb it before it can reach cartilage. A study does exist showing positive effects from NAG (10), but in general, it is probably best to avoid this type of glucosamine as far as cost-benefit goes.
Another interesting trait of glucosamine is that unlike other amino sugars, it can be digested and still keep it's primary properties and isn't metabolised like other compounds are. For instance, insulin is a peptide hormone that when ingested orally would be broken down into the constituent amino acids and used for protein or energy. Thus, insulin is only worth taking intravenously. Glucosamine has been shown to keep it's nature despite digestion (21), although quite obviously, intravenously would be a better way but it is quite impractical and unwarranted – especially for people who dislike needles.
Manufactured glucosamine is derived from Chitin, a major component of shellfish shell. Crabs, shellfish and lobsters tend to be the popular choice of manufacturers. The calcium carbonate and proteins are removed from the chitin and which is then hydrolysed to yield Glucosamine hydrochloride. If the manufacturer wishes to make glucosamine sulphate, they simply add a sulphur group. More often than not, they will add this sulphur group, because it means they save money on production costs i.e. the sulphur is basically a 'filler'. Incidentally, over 90%, of the imported Glucosamine in the US comes from China because it's cheaper to manufacture and there are fewer quality controls.
Now, as a wise man once said "The dosage dictates the poison", or something to that effect I'm sure. If you're confused as to where this has come from, it's because glucosamine has a dark side. More specifically, glucosamine has been shown in several studies to directly cause increased insulin resistance, reduced liver glycogen production, and reduced glucose uptake by cells. If you're unsure of what this means for the long run, let me explain insulin resistance to you. It is where more insulin than normal is required to reduce blood glucose (insulin transports nutrients into cells). There are many ways this can happen but it is bad because it overworks the pancreas, causes more insulin to be secreted, and raises the average blood glucose level. More insulin secretion may be anabolic, but it is also very fat storing. This also makes glucose the preferred choice of fuel over stored body fat. This is nothing new, but it means that cutting becomes extremely hard.
Another problem that can arise is the onset of type II diabetes from the increased insulin resistance, which has been shown in several studies over the years (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17). These studies, however, use "chronic" doses to establish this. Define the term chronic how you will, but the recommended daily dose is 1500mg and there exists a study indicating that short term glucosamine use doesn't in fact cause insulin resistance (18), so there is no harm in those users who only take glucosamine for a few weeks at a time and then cycle off it (although cycling of glucosamine is not actually necessary).
If the insulin resistance is something that really concerns you, then I can inform you that ingestion of inosine (a nucleotide, also available as a supplement) has been shown (in vitro) to counteract the increased insulin resistance from glucosamine. And let us not forget that glucosamine has been shown on several occasions to assist in the up-regulation of leptin levels (22, 23, 24, 25, 26). I can also tell you that a combination of EPA GLA, chondroitin, MSM, cod liver oil, ginger oil, and nettle leaf extract may also be just as effective as glucosamine, only not as cost effective. In fact, chondroitin on it's own has been shown to be a great supplement for joints (19).
At the end of the day, glucosamine supplementation is proven to help joints (20) and really should be a supplement any strength athlete; especially bodybuilders and power lifters have on their supplement shelf.
Written by Robert Clarke
Discuss, comment or ask a question
If you have a comment, question or would like to discuss anything raised in this article, please do so in the following discussion thread on the Wannabebig Forums – The low down on Glucosamine discussion thread.
(1) Bucci L. Nutrition applied to injury rehabilitation and sports medicine.
CRC Press, 196, May 1997.
(2) Jose M. Pujalte, M.D. et al. Orthopedic Hospital, Manila, Philippines;
Current Med. Res. and Opinion (1980), 7, 110
(3) G. Crolle, M.D. and E. D'Este, M.D., Hospital 'G. B. Giustinian', 1st Medical Division, Venice, Italy
Curr. Med. Res. Opin, (1980), 7, 104
(4) A Drovanti – Vigevano General Hospital, Italy; A. A. Bignamini – Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Pavia, Italy; A. L. Rovati – Rotta Research Laboratorium, Milano, Italy;
Clinical Therapeutics/Vol. 3. No. 4, 1980
(5) Yongyudh Vajaradul, Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Med., Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand;
Clinical Therapeutical/vol. 3, No. 5 (1981)
(6) E. D'Ambrosia, B. Casa, R. Bompani, G. Scali & M. Scali – Hospital "G Stuard", II Division, Parma, Italy;
Pharmatherapeutica, (1981), 2, 504
(7) Antonio Lopes Vaz, M.D. St. John Hospital, Oporto, Portugal;
Current Med. Res. and Opinion, (1982), 8, 145
(8) Wolfgang Noack, Michael Fischer, Klaus K. Forster, Lucio E. Rovati, and Ivo Setnikar – Dept. of Orthopedics-Evangelisches Waldkrankenhaus (Berlin, Germany); Institute for Numerical Statistics GmbH (Koln, Germany); Dept. of Clinical Research, Opfermann Arzneimittel GmbH (Wiehl, Germany); Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology, Rotta Research Laboratorium (Monza, Italy);
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (1994) 2, 51-59 – Osteoarthritis Research Society
(9) Hans Muller-Fasbender, Gerhard L. Bach, Wolfgang Haase, Lucio C. Rovati, and Ivo Setnikar, Rheumazentrum, Bad Abbach, Germany; Klinik Herzoghohe, Bayreuth, Germany; Institute for Numerical Statistics GmbH, koln, Germany; Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology, Rotta Research Laboratorium, Monza, Italy;
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (1994) 2, 61-69 – The Osteoarthritis Research Society
(10) Clin Ther 1996 Nov-Dec;18(6):1184-90
Talent JM, Gracy RW
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA.
(11) J Clin Invest 1995 Jul;96(1):132-40
(12) Diabetes 1999 Aug;48(8):1562-71
(13) Metabolism 1998 May;47(5):573-7
(14) J Clin Invest 1997 May 1;99(9):2173-82
(15) Diabetes 1996 Oct;45(10):1329-35
(16) J Clin Invest 1995 Jul;96(1):132-40
(17) Endocrinology 1999 Sep;140(9):3971-80
(18) J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001 May;86(5):2099-2103
(19) Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998 May;6 Suppl A:6-13
Protective effect of exogenous chondroitin 4,6-sulfate in the acute degradation of articular cartilage in the rabbit.
Uebelhart D, Thonar EJ, Zhang J, Williams JM
Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Dermatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
(20) R. R. Vidal y Plana (Rota Research Laboratories S.p.A, Milan, Italy) and K. Karzel (Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany);
Fortschr. Med. 98, 801-806 (1980)
(21) I. Setnikar, R. Palumbo, S. Canali, and G. Zanolo – Rotta Research Laboratorium S.p.A, Monza, Policlinico di Perugia, Perugia, and RBM – Instituto di Ricerche Biomediche A. Marxer, Ivera (Italy);
Arzneim. Forsch./Drug Res. 43 (II), Nr. 10 (1993)
(22) Zhang P, Klenk ES, Lazzaro MA, Williams LB, Considine RV.
Endocrinology. 2002 Jan;143(1):99-106.
(23) Emilsson V, O'Dowd J, Nolan AL, Cawthorne MA.
Endocrinology. 2001 Oct;142(10):4414-9.
(24) Considine RV, Cooksey RC, Williams LB, Fawcett RL, Zhang P, Ambrosius WT, Whitfield RM, Jones R, Inman M, Huse J, McClain DA.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Oct;85(10):3551-6.
(25) McClain DA, Alexander T, Cooksey RC, Considine RV.
Endocrinology. 2000 Jun;141(6):1999-2002.
(26) Wang J, Liu R, Hawkins M, Barzilai N, Rossetti L.
Nature. 1998 Jun 18;393(6686):684-8.


text: I just bought a couple of racquets from Juan and it was my pleasure dealing with him. Juan provide fast and friendly communications, the racquets were as described, and he shipped the racquets out fast. I can recommend him highly as a great guy to deal with. Thanks Juan! mclee025


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These Nature People poems are examples of Nature poems about People. These are the best examples of Nature People poems written by international PoetrySoup poets
If you don't find the poem you want here, try our incredible, super duper, all-knowing, advanced poem search engine.
The poem(s) are below...
I am the ring around Saturn
spinning words as particles of ice and dust
with the power to transcend
I am the original chosen to be right here right now
transmitting verbal frequencies
through speaking my thoughts into existence
I am the heir of omnipotence,
born with a direct connection to profound abundance
The one whose words will age, yet still have substance;
since there are no boundaries attached to my pen
I am constant energy
Translating personal experience into imagery
Vulnerable to tyranny,
yet i continue attempting to share some truth
through this abstract language of poetry
I am the core
I am that I am more
I am the Divine Presence that is the Source of my rewards
I am the green you get when you mix too much yellow with the blue
That shade of gold you get when the sun resides into darkness
and when it ascends in the dawn burning dew
I am the transition between the third and fourth dimension of time;
the love you feel when you realize how it feels
I am the poem that is abstractly direct
because I write beyond limits
absorbing frequencies from 3 to 8 hertz
through meditation for several minutes
I am the one bridging the gap between
the analog ascension and the direct connection to spirit
The one who is love
because I am a descendent of it
I am the rhythm that the wind blows
I am the beginning and the ending of stories told
about the universe and how miracles unfold
I hold the power to accept judgement from those who will do just that
Not knowing that I am them in the absolute reality of me
Judge that
I am knowledge beyond measure because that is my right
So I continue meeting the different parts of me
when I meditate and write
Who am I?
Copyright © humble b | Year Posted 2012
Standing firm
we live
we give
we take
we learn
we strive to make sure
each day enlightens us
and brightens us
even as light fades to gray
may we keep fighting
with two swollen feet
beneath the body and soul
experiencing trials
and intense life lessons
meshed with stresses
may we persevere
turn off fear's song
may we stand firm
as we glide along
through shifty winds of change
that may cause things to sway
but we hold true
inside the values and morality
we stand for
fall for nothing
may stumble along the trip
may swerve at the wheel yet
do not lose our grip
because no one
can eclipse the sun
everyone heals
before they're done
Just when situations arise
flooding us with pain we despise
and just when it seems like
our tear ducts are dry
from ongoing cries
we may think
things are on the brink of ending
then God shows us the ways of faith
by way of love that he's sending
Standing firm
we live
we give
we take
we learn
we make sure
every day enlightens us
and brightens us
as each day takes its turn.
Copyright © JSLambert Mister ROBOTO | Year Posted 2012
Walking alone past the reeds blowing lace,
Stroking the oak by the old wooden gate,
Guided by trust to my lovers embrace,
Pouring my heart into leaves as they bate
Wind into dancing as feet hesitate,
Just long enough to find rhythm, I trace
Patterns in air as the pollen creates -
Fair is the face of the Lords given grace...
Sky paints a picture for moon in dark space,
Vast driven oceans of life demonstrate
Love for the mountainous deserts displaced,
Each born anew, by the wind to its fate -
Seamless infinity's natural state,
Is seeing your eyes on another's kind face
And Finding forgiveness for those who breed hate,
Fair is the face of the Lords given grace
Out in the sun as light seeks out its place,
Faith comes to breathe as it encapsulates
Bodies of men where his truth is encased,
Dreamers whose dreams become true and innate,
Their journey is hard but rewarding and great
Where love can be found but cannot be replaced
And words that when written just right captivate,
Fair is the face of the Lords given grace...
Each breath I breathe makes me appreciate
How beautiful life is, how rich and how chaste -
Nature's perfection is light incarnate,
Fair is the face of the Lords given grace...
copyright Kristin Reynolds 2008
Copyright © Kristin Reynolds | Year Posted 2008
I was once a little twig with dreams of being a mighty tree
So people would come from all around just to look at me
As the years started to come and go I fell in love with the wind
I would open myself big and wide swaying to the music of my friend
My rings became many and my bark was as red as red could be
Then the day finally came I was the tallest of the tallest trees
I stood tall and I stood proud and everyone knew my name
As my rings continued recording my destiny to fame
Then the fateful day it came my friend and I had a fight
Looking back I can't recall who was wrong or right
I said, "You are but the wind something people can't even see"
" And I'm the king of them all the tallest of the tallest trees"
That night the wind started to howl she really started to blow
And I the tallest of all the trees learned we reap what we sow
My roots struggled to hold on tight but without a soul around
She who had been my dearest friend knocked me to the ground
The loggers came and cut me up then shipped me away
To my soul that truly was a sad and lonely day
Torn from all I knew and loved wishing I didn't have to feel
I was cut into boards and post down at the local mill
Now I'm back here at home just a few feet away
From where my friend the wind and I used to dance and play
I'm the deck on which you stand I lay below your feet
There is a bench made of me would you care to have a seat
Sometimes in life our roles change just take a look at me
The trick is no matter who are what you are be all you can be
See I was once a little twig who became a mighty tree
And now I'm a redwood deck as proud as proud can be
And of my friend the wind she visits me everyday
So I can thank her once again for helping me find my way
Copyright © Michael Jordan | Year Posted 2007
The lake was still sleeping
a light mist rose above,
a weathered dock could be seen,
its aged wood; full of memories.
The air crisp, breeze light,
trees majestic; watching all.
Squirrels busy scampering,
as a flock of geese soared above.
Way over yonder
clear across the still lake,
shining brightly were yellow shutters,
on our cabin; our special place.
We had toiled the garden
planted yellow roses with great care,
we had painted the old wood shutters,
yellow paint; speckled our hair.
The roof we re-shingled,
one painstaking nail at a time,
we even counted the ouches;
when our hammers got out of line.
With nothing but smiles
on our weary, aching bodies,
we held hands, and went running,
into the still of the lake; giggling.
We swam out to the dock,
it was a race; he won,
my hand he took laughing;
as he quickly scooped me up.
Our toes dangled playfully
sending ripples in the lake,
as we gazed at our cabin;
yellow shutters; fresh with paint.
The trees swayed slightly
as if nodding with approval,
for our cabin by the lake,
was our private sacred jewel.
As we cuddled together
warmth filled our souls,
for our bright yellow shutters,
symbolized, our love's blossoming growth.
It was on this very dock,
air crisp, breeze light,
when he gave me a yellow rose;
and asked me to be his wife.
Copyright © Lynn Marie | Year Posted 2006
Riding an elephant
Down the narrow trail looking triumphant
Scanning the golden landscape
Like Hannibal with enemies in flight
Sight from a lofty height
King of the jungle moving
With lioness by his side
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Guides by my side with packs on their backs
Some paths steep with rocks
Boots slipping below our tired feet
Beautiful birds in unison flight
Moving with terrestrial light
Stunning sunlight summit on the peak
Praying in an Ethiopian Church
Preserved in rocks built by humans' hands
Never touched by conquest plans
Protected from the invaders' footsteps
Queen of Sheba and Solomon's nest
Touched by Arch of the Covenant
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus once slept
Eating yam, sipping palm wine, and tasting milk
Freshly squeezed by experienced hands
Taste of life in the mosaic grassland
Sustaining and soul refreshing
Cradle of humankind adorning
Invaded for its gold, riches, and human capacity
Birth of life on earth with tenacity
Respecting its living and arduous journey
Essence of life once was and is again to come
Riding a camel across the hot Sahara sand
Once wet now dried, exported gold from Mali…
Treasures from the hearts of once African empires
That which was, is, and shall forever be
Africa the birthing Motherland
We still love and respect thee!
Seventh Place Winner
"African's Pride" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Adeleke Adeite
June 30, 2010
Copyright © Joseph Spence Sr | Year Posted 2010
You are the wild flower in my palm
With no stem to keep you anchored to this covetous earth
You are the fragile thing I dare not cup,
As your petals whittle away under the wind
And flit unfettered in the air;
Exaggerated fear leaves my fingers numb
Hungry need leaves my fingers twitching
And my hand is paralyzed by turmoil
As every breath of wind takes another petal from me
And brings to my lungs, my chest and my heart
An overwhelming scent of need-
You are the wild beauty in my palm
And I dare not hold you to my chest
For I fear to crush you
To know first hand
That caged beauty, is beauty no more.
Copyright © Samir Georges | Year Posted 2011
Obsessed with the thought of you
wondering if it's only me or
if you sometimes remember the sweet things you've said
and if you meant them how I took them
or if I'm just obsessed with what's in your head
Obsessed with your very sentences
Every response I take personal
I know it's selfishness
Have you not noticed my eyes?
They hold secrets that only you can unlock
if you'd just take time to fill the thick juices of my pride
It's just boiling with lust, passion, trust and distrust
and other things I obsess over so much
I find myself writing to free myself from this prison I've created
where only you and I reside
I become confused about what I'm really feeling inside and I
try to rid the thoughts that are highly debated as false and I
begin to cry and
think of casting love spells so that the universe can deliver this affair
I know it's unfair
but I don't care
I'm obsessed with what hasn't happened between us
I'm obsessed with your heart and that the fact that
I don't think you've even noticed my selfish innuendos
and secret undertones that blatantly express my lust
Or maybe you have and you calmly remain in resistance of distrust
If you could only read my mind by simply touching my fingertips,
I'm sure I'd catch you out the corner of my eye biting your bottom lip
I'm obsessed with the passion and thoughts I think you have
Obsessing over an experience that I may never have....
Its Raining…
God's Cleansing Tool
Cloud-Concerto… How Cool !
Plop-Plop Plopping into Pothole Pools
On the Grass, Pavements and On My Own-Sweet- Fools…
who, don't have Sense enough, to get out of the Rain…
… I think I'll go Join Them… Again
Copyright © MoonBee Canady | Year Posted 2009
Listen to the jazz instrumentals of Masekela,
as you take red wine outside a thatched
shelter in a beach in the Western Cape.
Enjoy a hearty meal of bobotie (meatloaf),
chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish),
tomato bredie (a lamb and tomato stew),
potbrood (pot bread),
melktert ( dessert)......
and other forms of cuisine;
have a siesta in the canvas tents,
then you visit the misty mountains
of the Magoebaskloof.
To feel at one with nature,
visit Limpopo, and get lost in the awesomeness
of sighting elephants, lions, rhinos.....
You'll see baobab trees stretching their branches
to the red, setting sun;
get dazzled by the Limpopo river's majestic
flow to the Indian Ocean.
Introduce yourself to all kinds of dialects and people;
Africans, Dutch, Indians, and Malaysians.
Watch their traditional dances,
and listen to their folklore - it will remind you
we are from the same Womb; Earth.
See Nelson Mandela in people's smiles and way
of doing things in the cities, streets, and towns.
Listen to South Africa's unifying anthem,
as you take a ship back home......
Copyright © Teddy Kimathi | Year Posted 2017
We bound down the stairs, out into the light-of-day, and into the blue of the
misty breezes, heavily laden with the smell of wild sea salt roses that grow in
perfusion along the winding road, that bends and turns in gentle lifts and dips to
the other side of the bay, where it crosses the bridge and rises up and winds
away, over the hill.
Overhead the seagulls screech and glide over the ocean spray that washes on
the rocks on the lower banks behind our house along the Fundy Bay, where we
run like the wind through the fields of fresh cut hay and make our way to the
rocky mantle below .
There in the volcanic plateau, worn smooth as glass by the constant rolling
weight of the ocean, is our pool, known by all in our village, as 'Lizza's Bathtub',
created by the eruption of the earth's inner core, millennia's ago.
We slip into the still, salty water that has been warmed beneath the blazing sun,
and float with the perry winkles and tiny crabs and listen to the sound of the
ocean, that roars beneath us as it leaves in the receding tide, while we drift
away, in our minds, my little brother the 'King' and I, the 'Queen' for a day on
the 'Fundy Bay'.
Copyright © Elaine George | Year Posted 2006
Into the mist which settles upon the waters
Tempered elements connect and clash
Each vying for dominance within their domain
Lightning chases Thunder throughout forlorn skies
The harder she cracks her brilliant, whip the further he runs
In pain he roars through pitch black skies
Man stands in awe of the battle displayed
And the heavens hang low and cry pouring rain
Note: Inspired by "The perfect Storm" Very sad ending, yet, one of my favs.
Copyright © Annalise Brigham...a.k.a. Audrey Haick | Year Posted 2011
My door is open
I welcome you
To my Highland lands
Off heathers and hue
Cross the bridge
Of centuries old
To my castle of grey
In it's regal fold
Stand with me
In the great hall of my past
Like generations
Us Fraser's will last
Climb spiral stairs
To a turreted tower
Look out on my lands
As the northern lights shower
Turn to the left
Look out to the fields
They stretch for miles
Many harvests they yield
The moat leads off
Into a river so pure
With it's salmon ladder
Caught to mature
Lets take to the horses
To forests of pine
They carpet the glens
In greenery fine
Centuries old
Camp fire and cheer
Weeks away
Chasing the deer
The welcome we received
When we reached home
Venison and pheasant
From our Highland roam
Off the great hall
To the room of the past
Where tartans and paintings
My ancestral past
Open great fireplace
Lights up the room
Claymores and armour
In past battles bloom
The evening draws
Arrival of guests
To feast on the roam
For the food we are blessed
Midnight approaches
Bedtime retire for all
As i look out my window
In awe at it all
Copyright © James Fraser | Year Posted 2009
Some people are voices
On the edge of rocks
With steep slopes and cliffs.
Some people are echoes
At the bottom of walls
Carved by rushing waters.
Copyright © Leon Stacey | Year Posted 2007
A void of Facebook
Creativity dies here...
Copyright © Dan Keir | Year Posted 2013
Mankind's greatest
is death.
Copyright © Vincent Rossi | Year Posted 2012
"There is a time for each season…
To everything made…
There is a divine reason.
A time for purpose under
the heavens above…
A time for meaning from a God of love.
A time to be born. A time to die…
A time to farm the ground
under the beautiful sky.
A time to kill. A time to heal...
A time to tear down and
to build up with a passion and zeal
A time for weeping. A time for laughing…
A time to mourn. A time for dancing.
A time to keep...
A time to throw away.
A time to tear. A time to make amends today.
A time to get. A time for losing…
A time to keep. And to give
away at our choosing.
A time for silence. A time to speak…
A time for each hour
and day of the week.
A time for love. A time for hate…
A time for war. A time for peace at your gate.
How will you spend the time
God has given to you?
What is your choice? What will you do???
May this be a time living in
God's purpose and design.
He created you and made
everything beautiful in his time!
By Jim Pemberton 05/22/10
Read Eccl. 3:1-11
Copyright © Jim Pemberton | Year Posted 2011
peel away layers
behold emptiness
© Joseph, May 15, 2009
© All Rights Reserved
Joseph S. Spence, Sr., is the author of "The Awakened One Poetics" (2009), which is
published in seven different languages. He invented the Epulaeryu poetry form, which
focuses on succulent cuisines and drinks. He is published in various forums, including the
World Haiku Association; Poetinis Druskininku, Milwaukee Area College, Phoenix Magazine;
Möbius Poetry, and Taj Mahal Review to name a few. Joseph is a Goodwill Ambassador for
the state of Arkansas, USA, a college faculty, and a military veteran.
Copyright © Joseph Spence Sr | Year Posted 2009
Orphaned footsteps round the old place.
Pitch black soil, packed deep with bartered
coin and Indian heads – wood and otherwise,
coat her worn leather shoes, Hutterite chic.
The long land screams within its own silence.
Prairie sage burns somewhere, a ghostly smudge
for the undulating grass and, those it serves.
Its alive scent makes the dead turn towards
its head - and the barely living turn to listen.
The impossibly endless horizon holds its bright
blue at bay, begging acknowledgement for
its self-professed being and looming enormity.
She looks at the broken window glass and
through the tattered, delicate gray lace. "Those
were hers." She whispers to the one who listens.
This great-great-granddaughter sees the curtains
as they once were – wistful in the hot Manitoba
wind; fresh and lowing with the honest elemental
scent of aspens, hope and bare-knuckle wash boards;
always fresh; shifting in the cry for solace in summer
shadows – never as still as this moments endlessness.
Blowing through the deep brown of splintered pine
front doors; cracking the announcement of cast iron,
rot and burnt wood comes the simple statement of –
I lived. This mother of five young does not cry,
just yearns to walk in the old ones footsteps;
to know them loved; hear the birdsong through
unbroken bedroom windows for a 5am waking;
feel the resistance of dough on fingers that beg
to be broken, and kiss the twisting undead, living.
The burning of the noonday sun taps her whole,
marking; branding her pale Swedish skin its own.
The red sting of burnt breaks her inward silence,
welcoming her familiar face home.
© Kristin Reynolds 3 29 2009
*Reposted for John's Summer Celebration Contest. This is a personal celebration;
celebrating and honoring my great grandparents who settled in Manitoba after leaving
Sweden and Denmark. This celebrates the summer of family, at least for me. We went there
every summer until it was gone...
Copyright © Kristin Reynolds | Year Posted 2009
Lightning blazes across the sky,
Thunder rumbles in quick reply.
Gusty winds cause debris to fly,
While children cry, while children cry.
Torrential rains fall night to day.
Roads are flooded and washed away.
Nature's wrath causing much dismay,
While people pray, while people pray.
A rainbow arcs across the sky,
As stormy clouds go swiftly by.
The sun comes out the earth to dry.
Now comes a sigh, now comes a sigh.
for Shadow Hamilton's "Your Favourite Old Poem #3" contest
Copyright © Kim Merryman | Year Posted 2013
She remains a partial gift
some have none, yet some have much
for her scales, sideways they tilt
yet we crave her soothing touch.
With jars of scents, ointments and creams
ourselves we paint seeking her face
fanciful, our grotesque masks seems
yet she stays mocking our ways.
But true beauty in these things lie;
the morning dew on thirsty leaves
the new-born sun that's up so high
even in Nature's smiles on lonesome cliffs!
Copyright © Edward Babatunde | Year Posted 2006
storming away
your absence leaves me
reaching for rainbows
Copyright © Black Eyed Susan | Year Posted 2012
I am the
Scot's thistle
The emblem of my
proud country it has
been our valiant
pride for so
many years
The thistle has been the national emblem of Scotland
since the reign of Alexander III (1249 - 1286) and was
used on silver coins issued by James III in 1470.
According to the legend, an invading Norse army was
attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scots army
encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman
had the misfortune to step upon a Scots Thistle,
causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots
to the presence of the Norse invaders.
My entry into Deborah Guzzi's " Oh, what a Shape I'm in! " contest.
Not easy doing the above, i nearly went cross eyed.
So young myself, I was naive'
Without a doubt, I did believe
the babe, then latched inside my womb
was bound to me, and would always be
Latched on, was he, as he was fed
Then later on, our hands instead
Not tall enough to open gates
I'd reach the latch for his escape
In time he grew to need more space
The bond we had, would stretch in place
With loving smiles, I watched him play
He longed to grow, and threads grew long
He reached to climb, and fly the wind
Yet ties remained, still ever strong
Years would pass, too soon, a man
Old ties would change, yet carry on
Love came along, as it should be
My eyes, if wise, must let it be
This union blessed, was good to see
Her love for you, the world could see
It didn't mean my son was gone
Songs are sung when lovers part
But no song for a mother's heart
When new adventures come one day
Those new roads take him far away
The man he is, has been set free
To be the man he wants to be
The child he was is never gone
She's letting go, yet holding on
If once, one wish were mine to choose
So many do my thoughts pursue
But one within my heart still yearns
If just one day, the clocks would turn
Together you and I would be
Sitting here among the trees
I would hold you close, upon my knees
then turn you loose, to join the leaves...
First Poem Submitted To Poetry Soup
Written not long after the weddings of all three of my children
who were all married within 1-1/2 years of each other!
I must have been feeling the empty nest blues and all the changes that came along ! :)
Copyright © Carrie Richards | Year Posted 2008
I bent over to touch my toes
and the ground tore open like a backbone.
I tried to feed myself the sky;
to splice my tearducts into the universe
so that, when the pavement cried, it would mean something to me.
My fingernails punctured that slimy membrane
congealed with stars,
and I brought a slice of it to my lips,
hot and slippery like a jellyfish.
Peach juice, chalky-sweet, flowed,
fleshy particles snagged in my teeth,
and the colors erupted within my mouth.
Synthesia took over my lungs.
The hollows between my knuckles flooded with synovia
and all the ectoplasm threatened to separate from my cells
with a sound like thunder.
Diphthong tasted rusty like leukoplakia as it tiptoed across my tongue.
Tomorrow rose like the skeletons of trees,
groping for a feeling similar to catharsis
[catharsis tender as the broken wings of doves,
crunching underfoot like shattered glass.]
The clouds opened their thunderous maws
- teeth snicker-snacking, lamplight-eyes flaming the color of E#'s -
and consumed me.
I felt my skin turn to something other than skin:
thick and rough with scales,
my fingerprints melting into something waxen, smooth and opaque,
like pomegranate kisses on coffee mugs.
A feeling ignited deep in my structure;
cedillas blossoming like lilies from my lips,
fragmented sentences stretching taut as guitar strings
between my thumb and forefingers.
A flutter gentle and demonic as Calcifer erupted from my system
- splattering hot and frothing into my hand -
and fluid rushed in.
I dared to taste oblivion,
and the sky swallowed me.
My lungs failed to be lungs.
They flooded with caustic matter,
and I coughed up reflections sharp as fiberglass;
fighting with organs phthisical and sore.
I struggled to find a way to describe it:
the feeling of consuming something greater than yourself,
of opening your eyes and tasting the sound of rain.
It was like swimming,
but inside out.
I bent over to touch my toes,
and my spine tore open;
the loose laces unraveling, veterbrae poking out
like the tines of forks.
I tried to contort myself into the beginning,
but I only found where I end.
Copyright © Elizabeth Nathaniel | Year Posted 2012
"Well," She asked; her eyes wide. Beads of hot sweat glistening on her brow like miniature
crystal suns. Her angst was palpable. "What is it!"
The air was still. There were no words. Just the sound of bodies breathing in – and
"Congratulations." He held out his arms, handing the mother, her baby, "You have a son."
The moment shone like glass in the center of the heavens – pure and eternal.
It was redemption from every wrong thing she'd ever done.
It was the shining eyes of God smiling onto her exhausted face; lighting it with hope.
It was the only place there was – the only time, the only space.
It was the only feeling that existed.
They were the only two incarnate souls in the room; on the planet, and in the universe.
This was her child –
her son.
And she was his mother.
(there are no words for such things. suddenly, I feel like an intruder. there are too many
eyes, words and moments here. so it is here, I take my leave; leaving this mother and the
only soul in her universe to their perfect moment. they will have many more moments in this
lifetime; but none as sacred, as human, or as eternal as the first look from life to life;
mother to child; heaven to earth, as the very first. None.)
"It's a boy." she whispered. Her throat a crumbling tunnel; stunned, but not really. Like
she'd known it all along. "My baby boy…" She smiled into his ancient, brand-new face;
tracing his delicate cheek with the back of her finger. "He's perfect."
She ran her palm along the bottom of his soft, miraculous foot, and laughed. "Look at
your feet – they're huge!"
And as she wiped the tears with the heel of her shaking hand – smearing what was left of
her mascara - she looked in to his, as close to heaven as one can get, eyes, and said, "Hi.
I'm your mama." He smiled at her. He knew. He'd known it all along. "And I'll love you
The world closed its shades then. Leaving the sacred to its history; the moment to
eternity; and their universe to its quiet, little room.
*Inspired by Deborah's, You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby, contest; and every mother
who has graced this sacred room.
We smile, it's raining
Jovial in dancing joy
Soaked to the skin
Warm hearth welcomes us
Naked to bare, towelling
Goosebumps diminish
Pillows, rugs, two lie
Face to face, lips now caress
We, attraction flows
Candles flickering
Undulating shadows grace
Copyright © James Fraser | Year Posted 2014
I am whatever you say I am...
but, let's get back to reality...
Three short years ago, this room shined welcome mats across a screen of doldrums.
A place of unfamiliarity that screamed,
"You don't belong!"
Yet, a voice of reason spoke and said,
"Expand yir' roots. Venture beyond the comfort zone. Academia resides inside that room, but know you won't be alone."
Repeatedly,brainwaves declined what my wife and editor had told me.
I'd say,
"no way, I'm givin' up my soul for free, they read, they pay, like it's always been, the way it's going to always be!"
Unbeknownst to me one day, and with a slight of hand, my "Open Sores" were put on display and surprisingly more than a handful of great ladies and nice guys began to give feedback on what I had devised.
This interaction was something very new, helpful, and impressive. For a change, it was something real.
For years, those around me were quick to give praise with hidden reasons. Constructive criticism is amazing, and I welcomed being corrected or set straight.
Now there are those who choose to shut me down without explanation, and call me names.
DO NOT mistake me for sophomoric! These words bleeding from my guts have no style and need no approval. There is no thinking involved here, no plan. If you don't like it, fine...don't censor or bracket me in. So what if I am illiterate? If you don't like "street poetry" or the pathetic stuff I write, don't read it. If I offend you, tell me.
We should welcome those who are different than us.
Words of truth inspire movement, like fire.
I came to this room to expand my horizons, step outside the box, learn, help, grow.
There will be no apologies dealt for being different, or for being labelled as something uncomfortable to you.
This has been an ok room so far, but there is some clique trickanery going on.
If the dictionary must come into play, let me recommend looking up the term "Poetic License."
True, I may not be the writer you prefer, or aspire to be....but tread carefully my friend, for you have no idea of my profession. I've made a fine living, for a good long time, spewing words onto paper. I came from nothing, and may still be nothing to you...still, I do what I love, have no boss.
I am not an aspiring writer who dreams of a life, I live my dream. In conclusion, I must wish you luck in finding what you peddle poetry for. Until then, keep
Copyright © JSLambert Mister ROBOTO | Year Posted 2011
I have come to accept the possibility
that I, myself, may be partially to blame (my compost pile of shame)
that I may have stroked the very wheel (unable to feel)
that, set in motion, is the cause of
so much pain (unsheltered in the rain)
Silently suffering through endless winters (embers, cinders)
without anticipation of Spring (hope an ethereal thing)
blind to Mother Earth's gifts (tenuous unfelt shifts)
the colors, the scents of her blossoms (habitually playing possum)
deaf to the melodies of the birds (knowledge lost, language
as they sing
She calls to me but my barriers are thick (mentally stunted, physically sick)
densely scarred and wounded (as I am, to the quick)
As the sludge chokes the seabirds (screaming their lost words)
and the fishes (murdering Piscean wishes)
as Her forests are cleared by those
both greedy and vicious
I feel Mother Earth tremble (demons assemble)
beneath my feet
hear Her sigh as I place a hesitant finger (shaking, letting it linger)
on Her weakened pulse
thready and irregular
We are killing Her, Mother Earth,
mother of us all, matricide (no longer can we hide)
listen, listen to Her heartbeat...
I may have stroked the very wheel...
Copyright © Danielle White | Year Posted 2010
I am a rock; earth, air, fire and water;
a child of the elements.
I grow and erode;
my greatest strength is stillness;
my voice, the silence.
I am a tree, a child of the elements.
I grow and decay;
shedding leaves and bark.
My voice is a whisper;
my strength is the stillness;
though I bow to the winds.
Immobile am I; a conundrum of nature.
I am a mountain; a child of the elements.
I grow and erode, by layers.
my strength is the stillness;
My purpose is a home for rock, tree and beast.
I am a human, a child of the elements.
I grow and decay like everything else.
My voice is a gift;
my strength is the still silence,
where I rarely go.
Haphazardly, I run amok;
relying too much on things I create,
instead of my silent strength.
My greed crushes the rocks;
destroys the trees;.
My ego dynamites the mountains;
poisons the water and air.
Because of me, the earth and her children, suffer.
Wallowing in my greed and ignorance;
my siblings of the elements, are dispensable.
I am a human, a child of the elements.
I destroy because I ignore,
the still silence; my strength.
Copyright © M. L. Kiser | Year Posted 2014


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Jeremy Guthrie is scheduled to go four innings today.
The Orioles might schedule an intrasquad game for Tuesday in Sarasota to provide more innings for their pitchers.
Felix Pie could return to the lineup by Monday or Tuesday. He's dealing with a sore left shoulder.
"It's more from lifting weights than it is anything else - throwing or swinging a bat," manager Dave Trembley said.
Nolan Reimold is serving as the designated hitter in today's B-squad game in Sarasota. He's also doing some extra work with hitting coach Terry Crowley.
"I wanted him to stay back and get a session with Crow today," Trembley said. "I wanted him to work with Crow on his hitting, then I wanted him to get a couple at-bats there in that game. I've got him scheduled to go to Fort Myers on Monday and play left field.
"He hasn't had as many at-bats as everybody else. We've been guarded with him because of the heel. He's had some soreness. He ran better the other day. We have a lot of time to catch him up, but I'm not to the point yet where I'm going to start pushing him. I'm not going to do that. But it's nothing that he's doing that's wrong or I don't like. I just think he needs more time. He can benefit from the time with Crow. And I've only got nine slots. I can only put nine guys in the lineup."
Robert Andino would have played a few innings at third base yesterday if the game hadn't been rained out.
"It's the time in camp to start moving some guys around," Trembley said.


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The Office of Student Experience
The Office of Student Experience, in addition to providing registration services, addresses a wide range of student concerns, including admission to NSCAD, academic and personal advising, disability services, off campus and international programs of study, financial aid and scholarship awards, health and personal development, housing, and international student services. In addressing the extra-academic needs of students, the Office provides personal counselling, financial advising and assistance, professional referrals (e.g. psychological, legal, medical), international student advising, housing assistance, and career exploration resources.
The Office provides information about the programs of NSCAD to interested individuals and those considering applying to NSCAD. The Office also assists students in establishing their educational goals within the disciplines offered by NSCAD and in investigating further study options through Off Campus Study and Exchange Study. The Office also provides resources on a broad range of topics including national and international scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and travel. Students are encouraged to visit the Office to discuss either their educational goals or the extra-academic concerns that arise during studies at NSCAD.
Need more information on the university or enrolment procedures? Contact Admissions at (902) 494 8259, or toll free at 1 888 444 5989, or by email at nscad.ca.
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services.Read more and get the app »
Resources to support students' mental health and wellbeing at NSCAD


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Some time back, a friend gave me several tubs of material, some cut into different size squares, with a lot of them being 2 1/2 inch squares, a lot of pieces of fabric and other misc. So, I have been busy making tops.
This first one I used the 2 1/2 inch squares and did post the beginning of it, a few weeks back. Here is the completed top, now to batt and back it.
This next one is made with plaids and flannel squares, most of which came out of the tubs that I received, and will go to my son-in-law for Christmas. It will be backed with a plaid fleece.
Then, last night, I thought that I should look through the tubs again, just to remind myself what was in them. You know, senior moment thing, and I found 4 blocks of a poinsettia print. I found some dark red fabric with white poinsettias on it and so, I made this top today. All of this fabric came from the friend also. Needless to say, I have barely made a dent in the stash. I did have a little problem, because the original squares were not square. They were 22x23, so I had to keep trimming off, as I added the borders on. But I am happy with the results, and others will be, also, I hope.
That is the end of my quilt show, and I really need to get them done, because lefsa frying time is quickly approaching, and the family is getting hungry for it. Have a great week everyone.


text:
Main: 800-433-1334
Civil Air Patrol: 800-221-1264
E-6 Explosive Ordnance (EOD) blue Navy rating badge.
* Main image displays Dress Uniform and Working Uniform badges.
* E-6 badges are designed to be tailored to E-4 and E-5 specifications after purchase.
* Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery on the "Gold Lace Chevrons" & "Bullion Embroidery" badges.
Main: 1-800-433-1334
Civil Air Patrol: 1-800-221-1264


text:
OLONGA: Former cricketer appearing locally next month07-May-2014
Former Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga will be appearing locally in
Worthing next month, speaking about his life and also performing as a
Olonga was Zimbabwe's first ever black cricketer and the youngest ever player to represent his country at international level. A fast bowler, he made his Test debut for Zimbabwe aged 18 years against Pakistan in 1995.
Following his black armband protest in 2003 he settled in England where he commentated for Channel 4 and the BBC's Test Match Special, and played for the Lashings World XI cricket team.
Since then he has embarked on careers in art, cinematography, public speaking and music; recording his first album, Aurelia in 2006.
The event takes place at the Worthing Tabernacle Church, 64 Chapel Road, Worthing on Friday 6th June at 7.30pm.
Entrance is FREE and for more information please call 01903 236542 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com


text: The Swiss Stock Market Closed Lower Thursday As Investors Exited Defensive Plays 5/10/2012 12:57 PM ET The Swiss stock market finished in negative territory on Thursday, on light trading volume. The market fell below the 5,900 mark at one point today, but managed to recover later in the day. Concerns over the situation in Greece, as well as in Spain persisted on Thursday. The announcement of the partial nationalization of the fourth-biggest Spanish bank helped to reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding that country. The economic data released by the U.S. in the afternoon provided little stimulus.The Swiss Market Index fell by 0.16 percent Thursday and closed at 5,926.60. The Swiss Leader Index climbed by 0.08 percent and the Swiss Performance Index declined by 0.08 percent.Investors sold out of defensive plays, which had an impact on the index heavyweights. Novartis declined by 0.6 percent and Roche fell by 0.5 percent. Shares of Nestle decreased by 0.4 percent. Financial stocks turned in strong performances Thursday, particularly shares of the big banks. UBS climbed by 3.4 percent and Credit Suisse gained 2.9 percent. Julius Baer ended the session higher by 1.8 percent. by RTT Staff WriterFor comments and feedback: email@example.com Analysis 6 Pharma Stocks In News Highway Robbery: 10 States With Highest Sales Tax 10 States With The Lowest Sales Tax


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You can try these similar gifts instead.
Harley Davidson Live to Ride Newborn and Infant Creeper
Harley riders can dress their baby for the ride too in this Harley Davidson Live to Ride creeper. This white lap style creeper shows an eagle carrying a banner screen printed in gray and comes in newborn and infant sizes.


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One of the least charming things about being a human being, and especially a female one, is going through puberty. For boys, their voices change at the most inopportune times (like when they are recording a hot track), and girls start losing their lifesource from between their legs.
Now, I'm sure that the cracking voice and the inexplicable insta-boners are terrible to deal with, but compare that to blood gushing out of an orifice, and I don't think there's much of a contest. Sure, boys, you may have to tie a sweatshirt around your waist to conceal your über boner, but us girls had to do so for completely different reasons.
A day ago, it was reported that girls are now beginning their periods at a younger age than ever before. Just a decade ago, puberty began for the female race between age 12 and 14, whereas many girls are now starting to menstruate and grow breasts as young as seven.
Which begs the question, what are pedophiles going to do? Will they up the ante, by lowering the age bar? Imagine if you were attracted to prepubescent individuals (okay, don't…), would the fact that you have to start concentrating on even younger girls excite you, or disgust you?
Strangely enough, the government in Malaysia are excited about their girls becoming women, at an early age. Apparently it is a sign of improving nutrition (thank God, for those bovine growth hormones), and a pure soul.
It is said that the onset of precocious puberty could be chalked up to the aforementioned hormones that are pumped into the majority of our meat, and the fact that child obesity is at an all-time high.
Girls who are over 22 pounds overweight have an 80% chance of developing breasts before their ninth birthday. I can only imagine how many scams I could have pulled, if I would have had tits at ten.
Seriously though, this has been an ongoing issue for years, and it seems that it's not going anywhere. Unfortunately, only those that have the money to spend on eating healthy and purchasing non-hormonal beef, are able to help curb the problem. As for all of those underprivileged fatties in Florida, who are destined to become whores (Jessi Slaughter, I'm looking at you), there is no hope. It's a vicious cycle of eating food and having sex, the two main staples of life, gone terribly wrong.
If girls are able to pop out babies at the age of five, the legal age should be dropped down to at least 10. Not only would it be beneficial to 4% of the population, I wouldn't feel so bad about being a member of Butterfly Kisses.


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MOBILE, Ala. — Stacy Lewis sweated out a win that came down to the last pressurized putt in a day full of them.
Lexi Thompson, meanwhile, was at her poised best – not her worst – on a Sunday in Mobile.
Lewis outlasted the rising teenager to win the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic by one stroke for her second LPGA Tour title in a round that supplied a measure of vindication for both.
Lewis, five strokes ahead early in the day, reclaimed the edge with a birdie on No. 16, while the 17-year-old Thompson parred the final hole and had to wait.
Lewis parred out. Her week was so solid that her finishing 3-under-par 69 was her worst round en route to a 17-under 271 total on The Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove, part of the Robert Trent Jones Trail. The former Arkansas star also won the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
"I'm getting more comfortable in this situation," said Lewis, who earned $187,500. "I think that's a lot of it, and it's definitely been coming. I lost in a playoff in Australia, so I knew I was due."
She has five top 10s in eight events this year, including a tie for second in the Women's Australian Open.
Thompson made her earn it, and found redemption from her final-round fall in Mobile a year ago. She didn't flinch under the pressure given a second shot, closing with rounds of 66 and 65, tying her career low in a bogey-free round.
NATIONWIDE TOUR: In Valdosta, Ga., Luke List won the South Georgia Classic for his first Nationwide Tour title, closing with 4-under-par 68 for a two-stroke victory over Brian Stuard.
The former Vanderbilt player finished at 16-under 272 at Kinderlou Forest, and earned $112,500.
EUROPEAN TOUR: In Seoul, South Korea, Bernd Wiesberger shot 4-under-par 68 to earn his first European Tour victory with a five-stroke win at the Ballantine's Championship.
Wiesberger made four birdies on his way to claiming the win to become only the third Austrian to win on the European Tour after Markus Brier and Martin Wiegele.
Wiesberger finished at 18- under, five strokes ahead of Richie Ramsay.
LEGENDS TOUR: In Sun City West, Ariz., Rosie Jones won the season-opening Walgreens Charity Classic, finishing with 4-under-par 68 for a two-stroke victory over Elaine Crosby.
Jones had a 5-under 139 total on the Grandview Golf Course.
Crosby also closed with a 68.


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Credit Advice
Have a question? Have advice to share? The combined knowledge and experience of everyone in the Credit Karma community can help you. Enter your question or help others below to get started!
QuestionPosted in Credit Scores
Question By
11 People Helped
we have been paying current for over 24 months with the exception of HIS late pymnt to car recently. and yet my score is not improving??
which would be the most effective way of improving our score? paying down CC's or collections? In addition, we each purchased a new vehicle in the last 6m and each have 5-7 hard inquiries as a result. Is it even possible to get ourselves to a 640 by next year?? Should we consult with a credit coah or seomthing like that??
All Responses
2914 People Helped
Another option is to get your mortgage through the non-profit group www.naca.com. Zero down, zero closing costs, 4% interest and credit score doesn't matter. Check it out and you may get that home quicker than you thought!
1248 People Helped
Work together and pay down on your cc's keep it under 30% usage. Get rid of "all" collections: negotiate a "pay for delete" agreement, this will remove the collections off totally. (if they don't agree then try to negotiate paid in full or as agreed) Getting it completely removed is better though... Keep using your cc's for small purchases that you can pay off in 30 days....Save up a nice down payment (hold on to your tax returns/refunds) Try to get or look for an FHA Loan: They are Federally insured and only require 3% down of the total loan value. Also the inquiries can be removed just by politely asking if they will grant you a huge favor. Write a letter to the company explaining your desires, simply state that you are trying to improve your credit and that it would be a huge help if they would just remove the inquiry as a kind gesture. Collections: write letters first to the credit bureaus asking to validate the debt before making any payment arrangments, you may be able to have them removed that way. If you get stuck and need some professional help give these guys a call 1-877-235-0324 Credit Pros: Ask about their preferred mortgage lender program!!! Happy House Hunting and Good luck my friend!!!
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"I was very impressed with the idea of using a community's talents and assets rather than having everything coming in to us. We have resources right in our own community."
Related quotes
"Memory in youth is active and easily impressible; in old age it is comparatively callous to new impressions, but still retains vividly those of earlier years"
"I am not impressed by the Ivy League establishments. Of course they graduate the best -- it's all they'll take, leaving to others the problem of educating the country. They will give you an education the way the banks will give you money -- provided you can prove to their satisfaction that you don't need it."
"Considered logically this concept is not identical with the totality of sense impressions referred to; but it is an arbitrary creation of the human (or animal) mind."
"Only the really plain people know about love-the very fascinating ones try so hard to create an impression that they soon exhaust their talents."
"Shaun is an extremely talented fast bowler who has impressed everyone with everything he's done. We haven't played anywhere near our best cricket. Bringing Shaun into the side will help us do that."
"My main goal coming into spring training was to make enough of an impression so when they needed someone during the season, they would consider me. I never would have guessed that this would transpire."


text:
Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences records
These records relate to the decennial accreditation review of the University of Maryland. As part of the review each division, college, and department provides a self-study on services and research, strengths and weaknesses, and statistical information. The records in this collection document primarily the 1975 accreditation reviews for the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Included in the files are evaluations, reports, and correspondence generated by the Division itself as well as by the Middle States Association for Accreditation of Colleges and Schools.
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This collection is open for research.
Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences records, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/1661
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This collection is PROCESSED.A full finding aid is available.


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Buoyed by bats, Porcello sinks Rangers
Buoyed by bats, Porcello sinks Rangers
If Porcello believes in it, it is a huge pitch, even though the Rangers eventually broke up his scoreless outing in an 8-2 Tigers win Monday night.
"I know for myself, I needed to get out of one of those jams and just come out of this outing feeling pretty good," Porcello said. "I think it was a big pitch in more than one way."
The Tigers certainly hope so.
It was a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning, and it was a full-count pitch to Mike Napoli. It was also the same maddening pattern that had flustered the Tigers more than once this year with Porcello, who followed a strikeout of Nelson Cruz for the second out with a four-pitch walk to David Murphy.
Even a grand slam would merely cut Detroit's lead in half, but it wasn't the point. Porcello had Napoli in an 0-2 hole before missing on three consecutive pitches to run the count full.
Porcello had missed with a fastball inside for Ball 2, then high with a fastball for Ball 3. Napoli was going to make him throw a strike. Porcello and catcher Gerald Laird went back to the fastball, this time over the plate. If he was going down in this outing, he was at least going to challenge the likely All-Star catcher.
When Napoli swung and missed at the 92-mph fastball, Laird had a bigger fist pump than did Porcello.
"I was pumped up, too," Porcello said. "It was a big pitch in more than one way, not only as far as the game goes. If they get a big hit there, if he hits a home run or something like that, then the game's changed and they're back in it. It was a big pitch in that regard, and I think for myself, to get out of that jam."
His manager's was a more muted reaction, but it wasn't for failure to grasp the importance.
"He threw him a good one, boy," Jim Leyland said. "That was a big situation. Things happen fast, particularly in this ballpark. I mean, look how fast we got five."
If not for Porcello's performance, that outburst would have been the story of the game. The Tigers hadn't scored more than three runs in a game since last Tuesday, totaling eight runs over their past five contests. They had scored more than five runs in a game once since June 13.
The Tigers had a favorable matchup Monday with Justin Grimm, making his second Major League start, filling in on the injury-depleted Rangers rotation, but Detroit had struggled to hit similar pitchers before. Brad Lincoln's six innings of one-run ball against the Tigers on Saturday seemed to fit the profile.
Detroit never allowed Grimm to fall into the rhythm that Lincoln found. Austin Jackson's double leading off the game was the first of seven Tigers hits in a 20-minute top half of the first that took 40 pitches out of Grimm. None of them went for more than a double -- Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run two bagger in the inning and finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the game -- but the cumulative effect put Detroit in command from the outset.
Just as important, they put Porcello -- who lost a 3-1 decision to the Cardinals his last time out despite throwing seven innings of two-run ball -- in a position of leverage.
"We came out swinging early, put some runs on the board and let Ricky relax," Leyland said.
Yet that relaxation has a limit. Forget the Tigers' last visit here during the ALCS, when the Rangers showed how easily they could manufacture runs late. This is the same team that put up an eight-run first inning against Porcello two months ago on a chilly afternoon at Comerica Park.
Porcello had given up three runs over 14 2/3 innings in his previous two starts before that disaster. Opponents had been batting .337 off him since.
"I was trying to keep the mindset that it was a 0-0 game," Porcello said. "For me, if I start thinking otherwise, start thinking that I have a cushion to work with, you tend to get complacent, maybe not be as aggressive in the strike zone, execute the pitches that I need to execute. I've fallen into that trap before."
Between six hits and three walks, he had that opportunity again. Porcello pitched with runners on in all but one of his first six innings. However, he avoided the big hit that has plagued him on other nights, continuing a trend he established in his previous start. His two extra-base hits allowed were doubles down the left-field line, and they both came with nobody on base.
With his name being mentioned in rumors as a possible trading piece for other clubs at the July 31 Trade Deadline, Porcello (5-5) held the Rangers to 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position, including three of his seven strikeouts. The last of them was to Napoli.
"They had that big first inning, and at that point he was commanding his sinker," Rangers first baseman Michael Young said. "He worked ahead, threw strikes and forced us to make contact. He did a good job."
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.