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Like Elly-Mae Clampett? Did you keep the fish in the 'ceement pond'?
It seems we have somehow gotten sidetracked into a discussion about vegetarianism. I am not a vegetarian (not yet) - I still eat fish and poultry, although I gave up red meat for more than 10 years already, since I joined an animal protection group in the Philippines. The group never compels anyone to be a vegetarian, but do encourage members to gradually make the shift. Often, decisions are made voluntarily out of conscience. It can be a traumatic experience to actually witness killing inside a slaughter house. One of the challenges presented to meat-eaters is for them to kill the animals themselves - most shy away from the challenge. It is very different from simply buying packages of pork chops in the grocery. Whether humans are by nature omnivore or herbivore, I am not sure. We might eventually evolve into a plant-eating human, just like our gorilla cousin. Who knows, maybe our capacity to empathize with the suffering of animals will be the catalyst.
I think it depends on the cat and the dog. I like some cats, I really hate some cats. I love most dogs, but I really hate some dogs. I'm more of a dog person if I had to pick either one, though.
I'm the opposite, hate cats with a passion, love dogs!
Used to shoot cats to cull their numbers, couldn't shoot a dog.
Cats just use people, no real attachment, if a neighbor gives a cat something better to eat than the owner, the owner loses and the neighbor gains a cat, until it gets better food or treatment somewhere else.
A domestic cat's entire life revolves around staying a kitten, or having it easy, let loose in the wild it becomes a small tiger or leopard where it ravages our wildlife, only to return to kitten state when taken in by a human, mother cat substitute. Where they still kill wildlife in play, without any necessity for food. I love small lizards which the cats have almost wiped out around here. Our dogs ignore them and since our dogs also hate cats with a passion, the lizard numbers have grown in our back yard where the cats fear to enter.
Yep, the only good cat is a dead cat!
That's my opinion.
I'm sick of city people who live in their isolated homes.
At the time I lived in the bush where the excessive wild cat population has destroyed much of the wildlife. The culling of the cats was in the 70s where there was no other choice, you cannot put a fully grown wild cat in with a family. The bush in our region was full of them and the small lizard and bird population, not to mention native rodents was bordering on extinction.
I think the native rodents in that region are already extinct due to cats.
Get out an see the real world.
Domestic animals create environmental disasters, cats should not have been introduced into Australia, same goes for dogs, though dingoes had already been introduced and did their own damage. That's a fact.
We also had a lot of trouble with wild dogs, I was confronted by a pack of 8 wild large dogs that had been killing sheep when they came for the waste at our camp, if it wasn't for a stock whip, they would likely had torn me apart.
Plus I had also the same confrontation with two dobermans who had only a week earlier jumped a hedge and killed a toddler, I only survived because I stood my ground and confronted them.
You are as bad as religious bigots who won't try to understand atheism.
Who we are has a lot to do with the environments we live in, if you live in isolated city dwellings and don't see the ugly side of domestic animals, you will always see them as nice and cuddly animals.
Get out and see the other side, yes they do have a very ugly side, just ask any environmentalist or wildlife officer.
Pets need to be fixed... Homo sapiens need to be fixed as well. Homo sapiens kill WAY MORE of all wildlife than any cat could ever come close to achieving.
Please disregard this message if you have already been nutured.
In a way I agree TNT666, we kill by introducing natural killers into environments where such killers never existed. Yes it's humans fault, not the cats.
Though an interesting part of my studies into cat psychology as a young teenager was a particular cat out of the 30+ cats that inhabited our yard on any given day was a particular young male that I disliked immensely. As a young adult it was the only one of his age that still suckled from his mother and frequently, like two or three times a day masturbate on his mother's head. I used to site this as proof of Freud's oedipus complex existing in cats. Though the oedipus complex has now been confined to the waste bin as Freudian nonsense. Neurology has destroyed his theory completely.
By the way Dempsey Ol' M8! LOL
When it comes to cats I'm the expert compared to you. Started with a family property which would average 30+ cats on it at any one time, I often studied their habits and play. I would follow them into the bush and learned at a very young age what incredible killing machines they are. I actually felt respect for them in a strange kind of way, though the only cat I really cared for was a completely blind, albino, feral cat, I was amazed how this cat could survive in the wild being blind and yet it was always well fed, without the need for food from us. I often tried to catch it, yet it was so sensitive to vibrations and noises that I could never get near it. I was 12 at this time. It was when I caught them playing and killing native marsupial mice (damn cute little animals) that they started to raise my dislike for them. I wrongly thought having 30+ supreme killing machines would be useful during the mouse plague, but watching the mice just play hop scotch over them without a single cat bothering with them (too well fed by my parents) was very disappointing.
It was later when I started becoming concerned for our native animal population and realized how much damage the cats were actually doing that I and some wildlife officers decided there numbers need to be severely reduced for the sake of our native species.
Since I've studied behavior of hundreds of cats both in domestic and wild situations, when it comes to knowledge of cats. I'm infinitely superior to you.
That's a fact!
Dempsey that is so wonderful that you trap and neuter feral cats. That is what Alley Cat Allies does. I'm a member of them - I give them money. Way to go!
That's the website for Alley Cat Allies.
That's wonderful to hear Dempsey.
I found their website.. I will have to join and donate to the cause.
You take care too! You also rock!
Thanks for taking care of the animals Dempsey.
This conversation has gone to shit. If people can't understand that, sometimes, when domestic animals become feral in an environment in which they are a very serious threat to the native wildlife, they need to be culled, then reason has gone out the door.
If the resources exist to do something else and if that "something else" is really effective, great. If not, then, unfortunately, the feral animals need to be killed. Yeah, it sucks if animals need to be destroyed because of human mistakes but, sometimes, that really is what needs to happen.
This is real life, not a Disney film.
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Sen. Harry Reid: Compromise reached to reopen governmentBy TIM BUCKLAND
New Hampshire Union Leader
October 15. 2013 10:18PM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced a bipartisan deal Wednesday to raise the U.S. debt limit and end the government shutdown.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who had earlier opposed any compromise unless it defunded Obamacare, said he does not intend to delay consideration of the measure, which is expected to be approved later in the day by the Republican-led House of Representatives.
Some sources have indicated the deal would reopen the government through Jan. 15. It would also authorize borrowing by the government through Feb. 7.
Previous stories follow:
Both Democrats and Republicans are confident that the U.S. House of Representatives will have enough votes on Wednesday to pass an emerging bipartisan Senate plan to raise the U.S. debt limit and reopen the government, a top Democratic aide said.
Aides to House Speaker John Boehner called senior Senate staff earlier in the day to say the House would vote first on the measure, the aide said, adding that it appears certain to be approved with mostly Democratic votes.
Senate Republican leaders met Wednesday morning, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., was quoted by CNN.com that a deal to reopen the government and avoid a possible U.S. default could be announced soon.
The stock market is anticipating a deal. Reuters is reporting that major U.S. stock indexes hit session highs Wednesday morning, reflecting optimism for a plan emerging in the Democratic-led Senate to raise the U.S. debt limit and end the government shutdown that will be passed in the Republican-led House of Representatives.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 193.43 points, or 1.28 percent, to 15,361.44, the S&P 500 gained 22.51 points, or 1.33 percent, to 1,720.57 and the Nasdaq Composite added 44.271 points, or 1.17 percent, to 3,838.281.
Efforts to raise the debt ceiling and reopen the federal government were jolted Tuesday when the House canceled a planned vote, according to U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.
"The House can't pass anything," Ayotte said Tuesday night. "What has been most disappointing is that the House can't even act."
Late Tuesday night, leaders in the Senate reopened negotiations toward a deal to end the shutdown.
Ayotte, a Republican, has played a key role in negotiations as a member of a group of 12 senators trying to find middle ground and as a co-host — along with fellow New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat — of an informal meeting of women in the Senate last week. Ayotte's efforts were featured in articles Tuesday in the New York Times and Washington Post.
"Where we are right now is totally unacceptable," she said. "If the leadership can't come to an agreement, then the rest of us need to step up and try to get something done. This is too important."
Shaheen was also quoted Tuesday in media reports as saying she was disappointed in the House's inability to pass a bill for the Senate to consider.
Earlier this month, Ayotte gave a speech on the Senate floor deriding members of her party for adopting what she called "an ill-conceived strategy" to refuse to pass a spending bill without measures to defund President Barack Obama's signature health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. She said House Republicans and some Senate Republicans needed "a reality check."
Ayotte said she has since worked to bridge bipartisan cooperation, such as last week's informal event — pizza was served, she said — which was attended by most of the Senate's female members.
"We hosted it just to try to bring people together," she said.
She called on Obama to be a stronger voice on the issue. Obama has refused any efforts to tie government spending to the health care law and has repeatedly said House Republicans are holding the country hostage by not passing a "clean" spending resolution that doesn't gut Obamacare.
"I expect the President to lead on this. He needs to step forward and not be passive, because this is too important for the country," she said.
She said she holds out hope that something will be done in time to avoid a default on U.S. obligations — the Treasury Department has said it will run out of money on Thursday — and to end the government shutdown, which began Oct. 1.
"I think it's incumbent on people to get together and come up with something," she said. "What I have been trying to do is talk to people on both sides of the aisle to drive an agreement so we can resolve this for the American people."

subset: commoncrawl


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Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas appoints the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray to Commission on Jail Violence
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today announced the appointment of civil rights stalwart Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray to the County's newly formed Citizens Commission on Jail Violence. The commission, established last month with a joint motion by Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Mark Ridley-Thomas, is charged with investigating allegations of abuse at the Men's Central Jail and returning to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations for reform. "After the 1992 riots, Reverend Murray, then pastor of First AME Church in South Los Angeles, became the pre-eminent moral force in the local and national conversation about the relationship of minority communities to the law enforcement structure. It is this voice, along with Pastor Murray's wisdom and experience that he will bring to the commission. My colleagues on the Board have appointed people with laudable experience in the legal system," the Supervisor said, "and those perspectives will be of great service as we move forward to reform the jail system. To be successful, however, I believe the commission must engage the broader public – not just the law enforcement community – in a moral conversation, and few are as well suited to do this task as Cecil L. Murray."
During his 27 years as FAME's pastor, Murray transformed a small congregation of 250 into an 18,000-person church. With multi-million dollar community and economic development programs, Murray brought jobs, housing, and corporate investment into South Los Angeles.
After retiring from FAME in 2004, Murray joined the faculty of USC where he is currently the John R. Tansey Chair of Christian Ethics in the School of Religion.
Murray did his undergraduate studies at Florida A&M University and after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. Murray served in the Korean War as a jet radar intercept officer and as a navigator in the Air Transport Command. He retired after 10 years and was decorated with a Soldier's Medal of Valor. After leaving the Air force, Murray earned a doctorate from the Claremont School of Theology. Although he is now retired from the pastorate, he remains an elder statesman among religious leaders across the nation.


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UPDATED: Fernandez arraigned for Manchester murder, held without bail
July 15. 2013 10:38PM
MANCHESTER — Almost seven months after Daniel Langlois, 25, was fatally shot, a man is charged with second-degree murder in his death.
Jesus "Scoobie" Fernandez, 27, is accused of recklessly causing the death of Langlois. Fernandez was arraigned Monday in Circuit Court-Manchester District Division; a probable cause hearing was set for July 29.
Fernandez, who lists residences in both New York City and Manchester, is being held without bail.
Langlois worked as a door installer and part-time as a club bouncer. He was found shot in the back of the head in the driver's seat of a sport-utility vehicle after it struck a parked car near the corner of Nashua and Jane streets about 3 a.m. Dec. 27.
The brief hearing was attended by many of Langlois' relatives and friends. Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeffery Strelzin, chief of the homicide unit, said Fernandez was arrested Sunday night. He would not say where, other than it was not in Manchester.
Strelzin said the affidavits supporting the arrest warrant remain sealed, but said he would be seeking an indictment from the Hillsborough County North Grand Jury.
Fernandez was represented at the hearing by attorney Carl Olson.
In March, Fernandez was indicted on three felony drug charges for allegedly selling oxycodone and cocaine to Manchester police confidential informants in June and July 2011.
At that time, his address was listed on Jane Street.


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Traveling to a state park in Indiana? Want to know where to fish or hunt in the Hoosier state? This new mobile application is for you. This free application contains a variety of useful information on Indiana's state parks, forests, nature preserves, fish and wildlife areas, and more. It also has convenient links to mobile versions of the hunting and fishing guide.
You can use this app to view:
In addition, the mobile application links to DNR's camping and inns reservation system and the hunting/fishing licensing system. Download this new mobile application here.


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FAO Director-General meets with the Philippines' Secretary for Agriculture
9 March 2014, Tacloban/Rome- FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva met with the Filipino Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcalá during his visit to Tacloban and surrounding areas today, four months after typhoon Haiyan -locally known locally as Yolanda- struck the central Philippines.
"I am here to say that FAO is here to support your work," Graziano da Silva told the Secretary of Agriculture. "Our work is only beginning. If we keep this pace up we will achieve very good results," he said.
"On the way in from the airport I could see that life is slowly returning to normality, but I'm sure in rural areas this is even slower," the FAO chief reported. "I am very proud of our programme so far and very happy to be in Tacloban today," he added.
Graziano da Silva interacted with FAO-supported small-scale fishers and farmers and visited their rice fields, accompanied by Alcalá and the Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations, Dante Delima.
Alcalá expressed his appreciation for FAO's support: "When we go to the fields to carry out assessments, rice farmers tell us that they have already planted with FAO rice seed and fertiliser," he informed.
"Thanks to FAO, by the end of March farmers will start to harvest and rebuild their families and communities," Delima added.
To date, with generous support from Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, FAO has delivered critical rice seed packages to around 44 000 affected farmers in time for the December/January planting season.
More than 1,800 tonnes of certified quality rice seed are being delivered along with fertiliser and farming tools. By March/April 2014 this should yield enough to feed around 800 000 people for a year, worth $84 million in rice.


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Treat your pets to affordable comfort from Sportsman's Guide. We carry a wide selection of Kennels, Cages and Dog Beds you need right here, at low prices, guaranteed!
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Hassan faults NH Senate for across-the-board cutsBy PAT GROSSMITH
New Hampshire Union Leader
May 31. 2013 8:19PM
BEDFORD — Gov. Maggie Hassan said the state Senate made sweeping, across-the-board cuts in its proposed budget without being forthright about the impact it will have "on our people and our economy"
Hassan, speaking at the New Hampshire Forum on the Future breakfast Friday at the Bedford Village Inn, said the Senate budget includes a $50 million cut to state employees, "a group that has sacrificed significantly in recent budgets, and a cut that will dramatically hurt the services the Senate claims to be investing in."
Their budget, she said, would force Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Nick Toumpas to cut $40 million from his budget.
"Now, I regret to say that Senate budget writers are responding to these critiques by muddying the waters rather than addressing the real impact of their actions. They will tell you that their budget provides more spending for HHS than the House budget did. Of course, if they aren't covering all the money going out with enough money going into HHS, they're creating a hole," she said.
She compared the cuts made by the Senate to an airline selling 100 tickets for a plane that seats 80. "Twenty people will be left behind," she said. "That's what Senate Republicans have done to HHS. They've said we want you to spend this much money on all those services, but we're not going to give you enough to pay for it. Nice words about the willingness to spend money on critical programs needed to be backed up with real dollars."
The governor also criticized the Senate for rejecting Medicaid expansion, leaving behind $2.5 billion in federal funds.
"Medicaid expansion would stabilize our health care system by reducing cost-shifting on businesses, making it easier for families to succeed financially and improving the health of our citizens," she said.
Hassan said such expansion would provide insurance coverage for more than 58,000 New Hampshire residents. She said Democratic and Republican governors across the country agree the federal offer is a good deal that will help more families access health insurance, while boosting the economy. The federal government will cover the cost of the program for the first three years and then 90 percent through the seventh year for a total of about $2.5 billion.
The state will lose out on $340 million by delaying one year, money it will never be able to recover, she said.
"Those are federal tax dollars that the people of New Hampshire paid, that the people of New Hampshire deserve, and that our families and economy need," she said to loud applause from those attending which including university and college presidents, politicians, business owners, among others.
The Senate Finance Committee last week voted 4-2 to reject Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") and instead established a commission to study its impact on the state.
Senate President Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, said then he had reservations about the federal government meeting its obligation to pay 100 percent for the first three years, gradually reducing its share to 90 percent after seven years.
The governor said it was disappointing the House didn't pass "our bipartisan proposal," which included a single, highly regulated casino. She still believes revenues from a casino would allow for important investments in the state, especially with Massachusetts moving forward with casinos, which she said is expected to cost New Hampshire $75 million annually in lost revenue and social costs.
"To make progress and for our democracy to thrive, we need to be willing to listen to each other and consider each others' ideas," she said. "Sometimes that means setting aside old ideologies, going beyond our preconceived notions, and listening to the people to get to something that moves us forward — even it if is not a perfect solution."
Hassan said it will be more difficult to come up with a budget without revenue from a casino, "but the people of New Hampshire expect their leaders to do difficult things."
The New Hampshire Forum on the Future is in its eighth year and focuses on issues shaping the state's future economically, socially and culturally with respect to education, the environment and historic traditions.
Founding partners include the N.H. Higher Education Assistance Foundation, the N.H. College and University Council and the N.H. High Technology Council.


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We are happy to be able to provide Live Futures Prices as part of our SugaronlineDiamond package.
Live prices are part of our technical analysis tool. This advanced web based application allows you to view Live prices and options as well as a full technical charting product from any computer in the world.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The Flyers have traded defenseman Ryan Parent back to the Nashville Predators in exchange for the rights to defenseman Dan Hamhuis and a conditional draft pick in 2011.
Hamhuis can be a free agent July 1, meaning the Flyers now have exclusive negotiating rights with him until them.
"Obviously, our intention is to get him signed prior to that date and that is what our aim is at this point in time," added general manager Paul Holmgren said. "The sooner that we get going on trying to get this done, the better."
Hamhuis, 27, recorded 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) and 49 penalty minutes in 78 regular-season games with Nashville in 2009-10. He also posted two assists and two penalty minutes in six games of the Western Conference quarterfinal series with Chicago.
"Dan Hamhuis is a good all-around defenseman," said Holmgren. "He has been in Nashville since his draft year. He's a guy who can play lots of minutes and he can play in a lot of different situations, from power play to killing penalties. He is another athlete we'd like to add to our team to continue to improve our defense."
In six full seasons of play in the NHL, all with the Predators, Hamhuis has compiled 32 goals and 129 assists for 161 points and 375 penalty minutes in 483 regular season games, in addition to nine points (1G,8A) and 18 penalty minutes in 28 career playoff games. He was a first-round pick in 2001.
"Obviously it is sad to leave the Predators. I spent some great years with them and it is great organization to be a part of," said Hamhuis. "I've heard nothing but great things about the city of Philadelphia and the Flyers.
"I think Philly has an unbelievable defensive core," added Hamhuis. "To join a core like that makes the Flyers one of the tougher ones in the league. To play against the teams from the East, the conference has a lot of great forwards, and watching the playoffs, having a great defense will get you a long way."
Parent was acquired by the Flyers as part of the Peter Forsberg trade with Nashville.
"I think Ryan is a good kid," said Holmgren. "He is an extremely hard worker. We certainly thank him for his services and his time here. He has a lot of upside as a player and he is going back to an organization that obviously knows him because they drafted him."


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Less than two weeks before the elections, four House committee chairmen are pressing the Obama administration to produce overdue documents detailing the release dates and costs of upcoming regulatory proposals.
In an Oct. 25 letter to Boris Bershteyn, acting administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the lawmakers said, "This administration has failed to live up to its own transparency standards by failing to release basic regulatory documents which provide transparency about agencies' plans to regulate and allow the public to assess the regulatory state."
Reps. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, chairman of the Judiciary Committee; Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee; and regulatory subcommittee chairmen Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Howard Coble, R-N.C., said they were not satisfied with the "vague" answers to an earlier inquiry from the Office of Management and Budget concerning delivery of the mandatory Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. It is based on data from agencies that were originally due April 13 and is typically released by early summer. The letter also demands a separate benefits and costs report.
"This lack of transparency raises questions about the motives behind the administration's apparent reluctance to inform Congress and the public about its regulatory plans," the letter stated. "Due to the impending election, it does raise concerns that the administration is holding back this information for fear it will be met with dissatisfaction by the public, or even worse, perceived as breaking the administration's promise of regulatory reform." The lawmakers have asked for a briefing from the regulatory affairs office by Nov. 2 to discuss the prospects of "midnight rule-making" at the end of the administration's term.
An OMB spokeswoman told Government Executive that agencies are compiling the latest available information and the updated agenda is in progress.


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27 Nov 2013 06:35:36 AM
John Moraga Out of UFC on FOX 9, Replaced by Turkish Dude Named "Alp"
(Watch this video right now. We'll explain later. Props: Gavin Halbert via MiddleEasy)
The injury curse that's been plaguing UFC on FOX 9 (December 14th, Sacramento) has already claimed Anthony Pettis, Ian McCall, Kelvin Gastelum, and Jamie Varner, turning a once-loaded free show into a half-decent one that we'll still watch because OMFG BROWN vs. CONDIT YOU GUYS. Today, we regretfully add one more body to the casualty list: Former flyweight title contender John Moraga, who has pulled out of his prelim match against Darren Uyenoyama due to an undisclosed injury that will sideline him for four weeks.
Stepping up on short notice to face Uyenoyama will be Alptekin "Alp" Ozkilic, an 8-1 native of Turkey who now trains out of St. Charles MMA in St. Peters, Missouri. Luckily, Ozkilic is more qualified to compete in the Octagon than some other people we could mention. His only career defeat came in a decision loss to current UFC flyweight Chico Camus in April 2012, and since then Alp has won three straight fights, including a 30-second TKO of former WEC mainstay Antonio Banuelos.
But it's Ozkilic's TKO of Josh "Shortstack" Robinson from February of this year that will surely become a viral-video sensation. Captured in the video above, we see Ozkilic on top, bashing Robinson with elbows. Then, in one of the dumbest displays of
bravery absolute fucking stupidity we've ever seen, Robinson shouts "COME ON HIT ME YOU MOTHERFUCKER," and Ozkilic happily obliges, laying into Robinson's head with even harder elbows. There's some controversy about what happens next. Robinson's arms appear to go limp and the referee jumps in to stop the fight, but apparently Robinson wasn't defending himself on purpose, and he immediately protests the stoppage. As Josh writes in the comments section on the YouTube video:


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How Does Enterprise Architecture (EA) Transform an Enterprise?
Enterprise Transformation
- is increasingly used by all types of organizations and stakeholders to implement business change in response to internal and external drivers
- aligns IT, operations and functional parts of the enterprise to make sustainable change
At this conference, you will learn, see and experience:
- TOGAF®, the Enterprise Architecture standard used by the world's leading organizations to improve business efficiency and facilitate enterprise transformation
- business solutions, best practices, case studies presented by industry experts and current trends
- the process in which EA can create a foundation for Enterprise Transformation that business managers can understand and use to their advantage
- the benefits of EA in enabling the enterprise to successfully adapt to 'disruptive technologies' like Cloud Computing and ubiquitous mobile access
- transformation management principles – making the whole process more a matter of design than chance
Industry Verticals & Topics
On Monday and Tuesday, we will focus on Enterprise Transformation issues related to vertical industry sectors.
On Wednesday, we turn our attention to workshops and tutorials on business issues, professional development, as well as what is important regionally – e.g National Broadband Network – and customer experience.
The vertical industry topics provide insight, best practices and resources unique to these industries:
- Finance and Commerce
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Government and Defense
Topics include, but are not limited to
- Enterprise Architecture
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- Risk Management
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- Professional Development


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Israel's decision to leave Gaza some years ago meant that it could no longer police that cesspool of a Strip, and thus that it would suffer from the rocket attacks that have plagued it ever since. Now, Isreal's only recourse is periodically to intervene in Gaza. That's what is happening now, and the intervention might entail another invasion.
Given that the Israelis must tackle Gaza every few years anyway to protect Southern Israel from rocket attacks, this isn't a bad time for such an operation. As Gene Schwimmer at Ricochet points out, neutralizing Hamas's missile capability now means not having to deal with it later, should Israel decide to attack Iran in the near future.
Schwimmer also notes that, so far, Hezbollah in Lebanon has not provided any support for Hamas on Israel's northern front. He suggests that this shows Hezbollah wouldn't be a factor if Israel attacks Iran.
That sounds a bit optimistic to me. Iran reasonably can expect more loyalty from its client Hezbollah than Hamas can. But neutralzing Hamas would certainly constitute a plus in the event of a conflict with Iran.


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Seahorses reproduce sexually through internal fertilization and spawn during every season. With Hippocampus erectus, as with all seahorses, it is the male that cares for the young. Male seahorses have an incubation pocket, similar to the pouch of a marsupial mammal, on the lower side of the tail, with an opening that can be closed off. During courtship, female H. erectus spray between 250 and 650 eggs into the male brood pocket, depending on the size of the individual. Development in the brood pocket lasts between 20 and 21 days. After hatching, the free embryos are carried in the pouch until they are capable of fairly active swimming. When it is time for the incubated young to be born, the prospective father holds fast to a plant stem or some other object by his prehensile tail. He bends rapidly, sharply, backward and forward; the pouch opens and a baby seahorse pops out. With brief intervals between births, the jerking motions are repeated until the pouch is emptied. Each infant seahorse emerges head first and is a swimming, independent miniature of the adult. Newborn H. erectus are about 5/8 of an inch in length, and within 8-10 months reach their maximum size of 5 inches in length. (Moyle and Cech, 1982, pg. 120; Schultz, 1948, pg. 114; National University of Singapore)
One of the complications of seahorse birth is that some of the unhatched seahorses may die within the pouch before birth, and this soon results in the formation of gas. The male then virtually becomes a balloon and is quickly buoyed to the surface, where he is immediately be picked off by some hungry fish. (Herald, 1961, pg. 148)
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male: 273 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 273 days.
Latest updates
No one has provided updates yet.


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Release Date: October 16, 2012
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo welcomes Queen City on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts, UB North Campus.
Join Buffalo's own Peter McGennis on the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film, Queen City, starring Vivica A. Fox and an incredible ensemble cast of Grammy winning and nominated talent including Susan Tedeschi, Allen Toussaint, Maria Muldaur, James Cotton, Sharon Jones, Average White Band, Magic Slim, Toni Lynn Washington and others.
After the screening, soul/funk sensation Sharon Jones, blues legends James Cotton, Toni Lynn Washington and surprise guests will perform a musical set backed by several of Buffalo's finest musicians who contributed to the score. This unique film and live music event will mark the first local date of McGennis' travelling "Rust Belt Revue" to showcase different musical guest performances following Queen City screenings at universities, film festivals and other unique places of interest.
Shot entirely in Buffalo, Queen City celebrates the gritty struggle of two detectives and a jazz singer in the wake of the steel plant closings. Re-creating Buffalo's Little Harlem Nightclub, Queen City comes alive on screen through music by capturing the essence of our weathered city. Buffalo fans will delight in seeing an array of prominent Western New York actors and local icons appear on screen in historic locations such as the Hotel Lafayette, the Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo and the Central Terminal.
Widely regarded as the world's premier live soul diva, Sharon Jones has gained enormous popularity reviving the essence of '60s sound and early '70s funk. James Cotton and Toni Lynn Washington are two of the remaining blues pioneers still performing with passion and strength into their 70s. Fans will enjoy hearing original songs from Queen City in addition to familiar favorites.
Tickets for Queen City are $57 (VIP), $37 and $27. VIP Tickets include a commemorative poster, postcard, and meet-and-greet. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and tickets.com. To charge tickets, call 1-888-223-6000. For more information, call 716-645-2787 or visit http://www.ubcfa.org.


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2016 New Custom Made Blue Men's Wedding Suits Tuxedos Bridegroom Suits Groomsman Suit Formal Party Business Suits
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2016 New Custom Made Blue Men's Wedding Suits Tuxedos Bridegroom Suits Groomsman Suit Formal Party Business Suits
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Use some of the cupcakes to make cupcake push pops. Cut 12 cooled cupcakes horizontally in half. Place bottom half of cupcake in each of 12 push pop containers; cover with 1 Tbsp. COOL WHP mixture and top half of cupcake. Top each with 1 Tbsp. of the remaining COOL WHIP mixture, 1/2 tsp. nuts and 1 candy carrot.
Keep refrigerated.
If candies are too firm to roll up, microwave them on HIGH 4 or 5 sec. or just until softened before using as directed.
Use 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O SIMPLY GOOD Vanilla Bean Flavor Pudding.
* Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.


text: Welcome to Thief Wine! We're a value-oriented boutique wine store and wine bar, offering an exceptional selection of distinctive and eclectic fine wines from around the world. Our flagship location is inside the Milwaukee Public Market, and we've opened our second shop & bar in Shorewood. In each location, the retail store stocks approximately 750 different wines from both classic and emerging regions, while the wine bar offers 30-35 wines by the glass, taste, or flight - read more about our daily specials and current wine bar list. Stop by to browse around or just say hello when you're in the area, and sign up for our Email List for updates on new wines in stock, classes and events, and latest news. We look forward to seeing you!


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VATICAN CITY — St Peter's Square is never dull. People from all over the world end up there. The square has hosted Masses, religious processions, concerts and the starting lines or finishing lines of marathons, bike races and car rallies.
But the mules in the square this morning were unusual.
As were the 300 Spanish pilgrims who were with them. The pilgrims had just spent nine days walking from Assisi, Italy, to Rome, taking a wandering path through the countryside of Umbria and Lazio to visit sites associated with the life of St. Francis of Assisi. They walked 103 miles with 10 mules, who took turns pulling eight colorfully decorated carts. Several of the carts carried statues, including of Mary and of St. James.
Many members of the group organized in the town of Fuenterroble, Spain, are used to walking pilgrimages — they are experts on the road to Santiago di Compostela, where tradition says the Apostle James is buried.
Their Italian pilgrimage, which they called the "Via Lucis" (or "Way of Light"), commemorated the pilgrimage of St. Francis to Santiago in 1214. And, they said, it also was an opportunity "to reunite St. James with St. Peter" — who is buried at the Vatican — and to honor St. Paul a few months after the end of the year marking the 2,000th anniversary of his birth.


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Compared to conventional wood planking, these galvanized grated wagon beds from G.L. Nause Company won't rust or rot and should last a lifetime. The steel-grated floors eliminate chaff buildup, mold and load shifting and should enhance drying while loaded.
Designed to work with all standard running gears, the structural steel framework includes a removable backrest, 3/8- x 2½-in. steel flat bar frame material, 2- x 4-in. stake pockets and 3-in. channel cross members for structural support. The company offers various-sized beds from 14 to 30 ft. ranging in price from $2,100 to $4,500. Custom lengths, running gears and rear hitches are available options.
For more information, contact G.L. Nause Co. Inc., 1971 Phoenix Dr., Loveland, OH 45140, 513/722-9500, or visit www.glnause.com.


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Access to victims remains difficult
23-02-2012 Operational Update No 12/01
Recent fighting in northern Central African Republic has forced thousands of people to flee. In one of the poorest countries in the world, violence has worsened living conditions. Despite the security situation making access difficult, the ICRC is striving to bring aid to the neediest.
Several villages in the northern part of the Central African Republic, some 50 kilometres north of Kaga Bandoro on the road between Ouandago and Gondava, have been partially or completely destroyed since the end of January. Fighting has pitted Central African Republic and Chad government forces against the Front populaire pour le redressement (Popular Front for Recovery). "Thousands of people have had to flee," said Katharina Ritz, the head of the ICRC delegation in Bangui. "They've lost everything: their houses, their crops, all their belongings."
"Most of the displaced have found refuge with close relatives in neighbouring villages, but many are hiding in the bush. These people need water and food," added Ms Ritz. The ICRC is upgrading wells and boreholes in areas where displaced people are concentrated. It is also distributing food and other essentials, such as tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats, soap, jerrycans, basins, clothing, kitchen utensils, hoes and mosquito nets, to those who have not been accommodated by host families. The Central African Red Cross Society has set up two emergency crews in Kaga Bandoro to direct displaced people to host families and to attend to people who sustained minor injuries.
Other areas within the country have also been the scene of sporadic violence – Bria, for example, in September of last year. "The situation is further aggravated by crime and ethnic tension. In certain areas, the lack of security is significantly impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid, including that of the ICRC," said Ms Ritz. To carry out its activities, the ICRC is in constant dialogue with the country's regular armed forces, the administrative and political authorities, civil society and, to the extent possible, armed groups. In areas where access to means of communication is limited and the ICRC is not well known, Central African Red Cross volunteers regularly perform a theatre play explaining the role of the Red Cross.
Almost 400 tonnes of seed distributed
Security concerns are also limiting access to farmlands and to basic services such as medical care and education. In addition to the emergency activities the ICRC is currently carrying out, such as those north of Kaga Bandoro, the organization is helping victims of the violence to rapidly resume normal lives. The aid provided ensures that they have clean water and enables them to rebuild their houses and cultivate their fields again. In 2011, the ICRC:
- distributed more than 393 tonnes of food-producing seed and over 15,000 farming tools to some 31,000 farmers;
- distributed bicycles, pushchairs, carts, oxen, ploughs and grain mills to nearly 24,000 people;
- renovated a veterinary pharmacy and provided training in veterinary care and in drug management;
- trained 10 people in Obo, in the south-east of the country, to diagnose and treat, with ICRC support, people afflicted with malaria. After completing their training they saw over 3,000 patients and treated nearly 2,000 of them in the last three months of the year;
- improved access to water and sanitation for more than 60,000 people by building or upgrading boreholes and wells in 48 communities in the north of the country and in two cities in the south.
Former child soldiers reunited with their families
Last year, six former child soldiers and 29 children separated from their families as they fled or were otherwise affected by armed violence were reunited with their families.
The ICRC visited 1,180 people held in various places of detention in the country in order to monitor the conditions in which they were being held and the treatment they received. It provided soap, buckets, jerrycans, brushes and other hygiene items for 2,400 detainees. In addition, it upgraded showers and latrines in three places of detention.
In order to raise awareness of the fact that certain actions, such as recruiting children, looting and attacking civilians, are strictly prohibited by international humanitarian law, in 2011 the ICRC:
- held more than 50 information sessions on international humanitarian law attended by over 3,000 personnel from the armed forces or armed groups;
- held three seminars on international humanitarian law for 70 Central African Republic army officers in Bangui; sponsored the participation of two senior officers of the army of the Central African Republic in courses on international humanitarian law held in Italy and in South Africa;
- provided course materials and gave lectures at the University of Bangui and at the National School of Administration and the Judiciary.
Support for the Central African Red Cross Society
The ICRC helped the Central African Red Cross to devise a contingency plan for possible post-election violence in 2011. More than 400 first-aid workers were on standby in 24 districts.
The ICRC also helped to train 10 new emergency crews. The Central African Red Cross now has 60 such crews, approximately one for each sub-prefecture.


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Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Masses
If you have ovarian cancer, you know the diagnosis can be physically and emotionally challenging. But you don't have to battle this cancer alone. We have cared for many women with ovarian cancer. We can help you. The gynecologic oncologists at the University of Chicago Medicine are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer. (Note: The term ovarian cancer includes the closely related cancers: fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer.)
We care for patients who:
- Have an ovarian mass that needs to be evaluated for malignancy
- Have a new or suspected diagnosis of invasive or recurrent ovarian cancer
- Have a new diagnosis of primary or recurrent borderline tumor
- Want a second opinion on the best possible treatment
- Are interested in participating in a clinical trial or study
- Have a BRCA mutation and wish to discuss approaches to reduce the risk of developing cancer, including prophylactic surgery
At the Forefront of Diagnosing and Treating Ovarian Cancer
We provide optimal treatment for ovarian cancer patients through innovation, collaboration and leading edge medicine. Your care will involve the newest treatment options, including access to therapies that may not be available at other hospitals. We are one of the largest and most active ovarian cancer research programs in the country. Our physician-scientists are actively investigating the causes of ovarian cancer and are developing better ways to detect and fight the disease. »Learn more about ovarian cancer research.
Our Treatment Philosophy: Compassion and Teamwork
We are committed to patient-centered care based on clear and open communication with patients, their families and their physicians. We pledge to listen, guide and treat you with respect and compassion. Each patient's individualized treatment plan is designed and delivered by an integrated, multidisciplinary team of specialists led by expert gynecologic oncologists.
Nationally Designated Cancer Center
Our ovarian cancer specialists are members of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC), one of only two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Illinois. Here, teams of physicians and scientists work across disciplines to discover new methods for detecting and treating cancer through laboratory studies, clinical trials and prevention research.
Family-Centered Inpatient Unit
Patients undergoing surgery or treatment for ovarian cancer are cared for in the Center for Care and Discovery, a state-of the-art hospital designed with many thoughtful amenities for patients, families and visitors. Patient rooms, located on the top floors, are spacious enough to accommodate family members for extended stays. Features include foldout sofas, flat screen TVs and beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan and the University of Chicago campus.
Special Care for Women at High Risk for Developing Ovarian Cancer
The Cancer Risk Clinic at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center is designed for women who may have a greater risk of ovarian cancer because of their personal or family history. Screening, genetic testing, counseling and a wide range of helpful resources are available for those at risk for hereditary cancers. The clinic is very experienced with BRCA (a gene linked to breast and ovarian cancer) and Lynch syndrome (associated with an increased risk of several cancers including ovarian). Working together with the gynecologic oncology team, the Cancer Risk Clinic creates a comprehensive surveillance and treatment plan that is adapted to your current life circumstances. »Learn more about the Cancer Risk Clinic.
Welcoming Patients from Near and Far
As a leading center for advanced cancer care, the University of Chicago Medicine welcomes patients from throughout the region, country and around the world.
Ovarian Cancer Information in Mandarin (PDF)
Ovarian Cancer Information in Polish (PDF)
Ovarian Cancer Information in Russian (PDF)
Ovarian Cancer Information in Spanish (PDF)


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I have previously written about Barolo and listed several of my favorite producers in this area. Now I would like to briefly discuss a few of those producers, as arranged by commune. This post will deal with five of the finest vintners of La Morra, right in the heart of the Barolo zone.
RENATO RATTI – This historic estate is today managed by Pietro Ratti, the energetic and outgoing son of Renato Ratti. The elder Ratti was one of the most important individuals in this zone during the 1950s and 1960s for his work in mapping and identifying the great crus (single vinyards) for Barolo production. The map he created is still a valuable reference point in any discussion on this topic.
Today, Pietro produces three bottlings of Barolo in most vintages: Marcenasco, a selezione from vineyards near the winery, Rocche (dell'Annunziata) and Conca (these last two from single vineyards). The Ratti style of Barolo is ideal ripeness, but subtle wood, so as to allow the terroir of the sites to emerge. The wines are elegantly styled and are first-rate examples of how Barolo improves and changes with time. Ratti is not the only producer to focus on this, of course, but he is one of the finest, no doubt. His recently released 2006s are beautifully layered (especially the Conca), and his 2004s and 2001s are remarkable.
ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA – Located at the top of the hill, just as you enter La Morra, this estate is one of the most consistent in La Morra and the entire Barolo zone. Alessandro Locatelli is the owner and in my mind, the style of his wines are much like the man himself – straightforward, elegant and charming. His regular bottling of Rocche dell'Annunziata is excellent, but it is the Bricco Francesco, made from grapes from the highest portion of the Rocche vineyard, that is his finest wine. Deeply concentrated with a long, beautifully structured finish, this is classy La Morra Barolo with elegant tannins and lovely perfumes.
MARCARINI – Managed by Manuel Marchetti, this is one of La Morra's most traditional estates. The two Barolos – La Serra and Brunate – are fermented in cement tanks, as these are inert and impart no additional flavors. The wines are then aged in botti grandi (large casks) to emphasize varietal character as well as a great sense of terroir. The wines are subdued, marvelously balanced and age beautifully. These bottlings are also some of the most fairly priced Barolos in the entire zone – bravo Manuel!
Cru of La Serra, located in La Morra (Photo ©Tom Hyland)
ROBERTO VOERZIO – As traditional as the wines are from Marcarini, the Barolos from Roberto Voerzio are just as modern in their approach. Voerzio makes as many as seven different bottlings of Barolo – almost all from La Morra (Brunate, La Serra, Rocche dell'Annunziata Torriglione), each of which is aged in entirely new French oak barriques. While this may seem excessive, the discipline in the vineyard – extremely low yields – ensure that there is plenty of fruit to balance the wood. While these wines appeal to a different palate than those of Marcarini, one cannot doubt their excellence.
GIANNI VOERZIO – Brother of Roberto, Gianni Voerzio produces only one Barolo from the La Serra vineyard, but it is quite a bottling. Just like his brother, Gianni ages the wine in barriques, so the wine has a ruby red color instead of the garnet one expects with a young Barolo and there is ample oak. Again, yields are low, so the wine is balanced and older vintages show quite well. Gianni Voerzio, like his brother, is also a gentleman as well as an impassioned winemaker.
Gianni Voerzio (Photo ©Tom Hyland)


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Research in the PR World
~ James Moore
Research should never stop. This particular statement comes from a place of business – a business principle that many companies toss aside in favor of more pressing and important ideas that will supposedly make them money faster.
But no money will be made without research. When you are ready to hire that social media/PR team to work with your company and change it from a new name to a branded success, making sure that the people you choose completely understand the power of research, is an important task. When it comes to any company coming on board in order to offer the best social media/PR possible, research is a key factor…for both sides.
News up-front is needed. The social media team must be able to work 24/7 consistently watching your competition, running analytics, changing up or building on an extremely successful media campaign, delving into mobile applications and learning how best to utilize them for your products and services – and more. In other words, the research steps never end.
Knowing the ins-and-outs of everything technological is necessary to launch and maintain a successful brand in any industry. But the hardest sector hit when it comes to the need for fast and consistent social media is the franchise – the new business that is just getting off the ground. The menu of questions regarding social marketing; whether or not to start at the top and distribute the media to franchisees across the country; or, making the decision to allow the franchisee to do it themselves – all of these questions need an answer…the right answer before any campaign can begin. Therefore, putting a social media team in place that doesn't have a research and development arm would be a huge mistake.
Consumers change every single day; they have of late chosen to stray from the all-encompassing media campaigns, and turn toward the eclectic and unique. They are far more interested in creating long-term relationships with companies and brands, as well as local franchises. Consumers find less anxiety with this more intimate type of social media because they can see for themselves what is being offered to them, and how the company responds to their requests, comments, and more.
Localized social media strategies have an emphasis on making friends with the consumer. With a multi-unit brand (franchises that are popping up in all areas of the country), each franchise wishes to stay close to their friends and neighbors. Even while utilizing a national campaign, they make sure to stress their own locale's events, contests, benefits, and more.
Again, research. Knowing your community – knowing the consumers who will be the bread-and-butter of your company – is a must. And when the business owner has already got a list of tasks they must do in order for the business to survive, that research should always fall on the shoulders of a great social media/PR team that will get the job done.
Communication is established by professionals, and researching everything from logos to brand names and phrases that will cause consumer delight, is the job of the social media/PR team. Their good work will not only delight consumers, but they will be able to ingrain your company's brand into the memory.
They do the research, so make sure you do yours and hire the best team possible for your company's exciting future.
For more information Contact the Social Media / PR Team at: BeFirst Media Group


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On an uneventful Monday night, Kim Cowan, 31 weeks into her first pregnancy, was sprawled on the couch reading about ways to pay down her debt. Then, without warning, she felt a thrust in her abdomen. "There was a kick, a pop, and then a gush of water," says Cowan, 31. She yelled to her husband, Kelly, and ran to the bathroom. "Is your water breaking?" he asked. No way, thought Cowan, who still had a good two months to go.
"I was terrified," says Cowan, who didn't have any risk factors for pregnancy complications. Too panicked to drive, the couple had a neighbor rush them to the hospital, where their fears were confirmed: Cowan's water had broken and she was in labor. Suddenly, her life was in chaos. "Nurses and doctors were poking and prodding me, and asking a million questions." Her doctor was able to delay delivery with medication, so she could be given steroids to help her baby's lungs develop. Three days later, Cowan gave birth to a son, Cayce, who weighed only 3 pounds, 11 ounces. He was immediately rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit, where he stayed for a month.
Cowan's experience is becoming a more common one for moms-to-be. Rates of preterm birth—one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy—have increased a frightening 28 percent since 1981. It affects about 480,000 babies annually, or one in eight live births, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Experts say the increase is due to the widened use of fertility treatments (and the related rise in multiple births) and the older age at which women today begin having children.
Premature birth is not to be taken lightly. It's the number one cause of neonatal death in the first month of life, and it can trigger health problems such as developmental delays, chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy. These conditions take an emotional and financial toll on families and doctors. The average hospital cost of a newborn is $4,300; for a preterm baby, it's $58,000, according to the March of Dimes. In addition, 65 percent of women and 59 percent of men mistakenly attribute preterm labor to risky prenatal behavior, according to a March of Dimes survey, though that link often can't be made.
While modern medicine has made great strides in treating premature babies, there have been few advances when it comes to preventing or stopping preterm labor. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently stated that the effectiveness of common treatments for preterm labor—such as bed rest, pelvic rest (abstaining from sex), and increased fluids—is not known.
"We don't understand the mechanism of preterm birth enough to come up with safe, effective ways to prevent it," says Ronald Gibbs, M.D., chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, in Denver. "Strategies so far have focused on trying to stop preterm labor, but that's like closing the barn door after the horse is out." But new research is beginning to hint at both the causes of preterm labor and ways to prevent it. And more may be on the horizon: The March of Dimes recently launched a $75 million campaign dedicated to lowering national rates by 15 percent, and has designated November 18 Prematurity Awareness Day. Here's what you need to know now.
Early Prenatal Care
1. Get early prenatal care. One of the best and easiest ways to reduce your risk of preterm labor is to see your health care practitioner as soon as you know you're pregnant or are going to try to get pregnant. Your doctor can advise you on how to eat right and gain the proper amount of weight and screen you for infections that can harm your pregnancy.
Your doctor can also give you a prescription for a prenatal vitamin. Among other essential nutrients, it contains folic acid, a key B vitamin that can prevent neural-tube birth defects like spina bifida (an opening in the spine). The most important time to take folic acid is during the first month of pregnancy—before a woman misses her period and knows she's pregnant. So it's a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin when you decide you're going to try to get pregnant, or to take a daily multivitamin which contains folic acid all the time, since nearly 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned.
What's more, new research suggests that folic acid may also lower the risk of placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), two conditions that are responsible for about 20 percent of early deliveries, according to Charles Lockwood, M.D., chair of the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven.
Know The Risks
2. Know your risks. Certain pregnant women are more likely to deliver early. Risk factors include a prior early delivery; smoking or illegal drug use; high blood pressure or diabetes; carrying multiple fetuses, such as twins; a uterine infection during pregnancy; an age of 35 or older; pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia; being over- or underweight; and being African-American.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these risk factors—she can suggest ways to minimize them, such as improving your lifestyle through diet and exercise or treating a uterine infection. In addition, she may recommend that you take a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and read up on preterm infant care. Keep in mind, however, that half of all women who deliver early have no known risk factors. So it's a good idea for all moms-to-be to have a general understanding of how to care for a preemie.
Get Tested
3. Get tested. Recent research suggests that uterine infections that can begin in the lower genital tract may be responsible for up to half of all preterm births, particularly those that occur before 30 weeks' gestation, according to Dr. Gibbs. During a vaginal bacterial infection, for example, the body releases infection-fighting chemicals known as cytokines, which cause inflammation. This inflammation, in turn, launches the release of prostaglandins, which begin the chemical process that initiates contractions and the dilation of the cervix.
That infections can trigger preterm birth isn't new information—it's been known for years that such sexually transmitted diseases as gonorrhea and chlamydia increase preterm birth risk. But doctors are now looking at other suspect infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that can cause an unpleasant odor and gray discharge. It's more common in African-American women who, incidentally, also have higher rates of preterm birth.
Recent studies have found that treating high-risk women who have symptoms of BV with an oral antibiotic appears to reduce their rates of early delivery. But BV doesn't always cause symptoms, and studies to determine whether precautionary antibiotics would lower a woman's risk have not shown a beneficial effect.
Recognizing and treating infections early or before pregnancy may hold the key to lowering preterm birth rates as much as 30 percent, says Dr. Gibbs. Other risky conditions that are being studied include periodontal (gum) disease, untreated urinary-tract infections, and trichomoniasis. Get screened for all of these during pregnancy—it can improve your odds of having a healthy baby.
Dentist Visits Are Key
4. Visit the dentist. Many pregnant women think they should skip the dentist during pregnancy, but regular cleanings may help prevent preterm delivery. It's believed that the same chain of events initiated by a uterine infection can occur if you have a dental condition such as periodontal (gum) disease (when tissues begin to separate from the teeth, become infected, and even break down). Adding to the problem are hormone changes that occur during pregnancy which make women more susceptible to gingivitis—a condition marked by swollen, red gums that are more sensitive to the negative effects of plaque—which can lead to gum disease.
In one recent study of 366 women with gum disease, premature births were reduced by 84 percent in women who received a deep cleaning by a dentist above and below the gum line. "Most periodontal disease in young women is very simple to treat, and the results are dramatic," says Marjorie Jeffcoat, dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and the study's lead researcher.
Dr. Jeffcoat recommends that all women visit the dentist before or early in pregnancy to be checked for gum disease. If the condition is present, a deep cleaning by a dentist or hygienist, followed by regular dental care, can keep the problem under control. For women who don't have gum disease, dental checkups are still a smart idea, as is brushing and flossing after meals.
Watch Your Weight
5. Watch your weight. The average woman should put on 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Gain too much and you up your odds of complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which increase preterm labor risk. Talk to your doctor if you were heavy before pregnancy—it's recommended that overweight and obese women gain less weight (usually 15 to 25 pounds)—and follow a nutritious diet and exercise to lower your risk.
Underweight women should be concerned too. Research has shown that women who have a body mass index (BMI) under 20 (a healthy BMI is 20 to 25) are less likely to carry their baby to term. These women may be prone to nutritional deficiencies that adversely affect the fetal environment, says Robert Goldenberg, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, in Birmingham.
To calculate your BMI, divide your weight before pregnancy in pounds by your height in inches. Divide that number by your height in inches again, then multiply by 703. Women are considered overweight if their BMI is over 25, and obese if it's over 30. If you're under- or overweight, talk to your doctor about seeing a nutritionist for help with proper diet and weight gain.
Healthy Bites
6. Eat right and exercise. Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy can be vital to healthy fetal development. That means whole-wheat carbs, healthy sources of protein and dairy, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. While it's too early to make definitive dietary recommendations, recent studies suggest that women who have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (found in such fish as salmon) have lower rates of preterm birth. Since these fatty acids are essential to healthy fetal brain development, it's worth including them in your diet.
Other preliminary studies suggest that calcium and vitamin C may help prevent preterm labor—and both are a smart idea during pregnancy. Healthy sources of calcium, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt, help build healthy baby bones. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and juices, helps your body absorb iron and produce connective tissue in your baby. It's recommended that pregnant women consume 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day (the equivalent of four 8-ounce glasses of skim milk) and 85 mg of vitamin C, roughly the amount in one orange.
Another no-brainer is regular exercise. It can reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes, and recent research suggests that it may help prevent preeclampsia as well. One study found that women who walked for exercise during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy lowered their risk of preeclampsia by a third. Exercise can also help you relax, which is important given that severe chronic stress may kick-start labor.
Talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe workouts; in general, swimming, walking and yoga are good options. Contact sports and activities that involve heavy lifting or could cause you to lose your balance are out. You'll also want to stop smoking, drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs, all of which drastically increase your odds of early delivery.
Check Your Meds
7. Check medications. Pregnant women who are depressed or anxious have a twofold increase of preterm birth, according to Dr. Lockwood, so treatment is crucial. One recent study, however, suggests that a class of antidepressants used to treat these conditions, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be associated with a slightly higher risk of preterm delivery.
Another class of drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, did not show this association. (Neither type of medication has been shown to cause birth defects.) It's important to remember, however, that many women have used SSRIs such as Prozac and Paxil safely during pregnancy, and the benefits of treating depression often outweigh any risks. Consult your doctor if you feel you should consider switching medication.
A Repeat Occurrance?
8. Talk to your doctor if you've had a prior preterm birth. A recent groundbreaking study found that a progesterone-like hormone reduced the risk of preterm birth by 34 percent in women who had a prior early delivery. "This is the first hint of some effective treatment to prevent preterm labor," according to Paul Meis, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and lead researcher of the study.
It's not clear why the hormone helps, but it may be because it's a muscle relaxant that inhibits contractions and reduces inflammation. Since the drug is widely available, inexpensive and considered safe for pregnant women, doctors could begin prescribing it now, says Dr. Meis, who uses it in his clinic. If you had a prior preterm birth (there's no evidence that it's effective for other groups), you can discuss these findings with your doctor.
Your doctor may also recommend that you use a condom during sex, since semen contains prostaglandins, the chemicals that initiate contractions. High-risk women may be told to avoid breast or nipple stimulation and having an orgasm, all of which can initiate contractions.
Recognize The Signs
9. Recognize the signs of early labor. Although little can be done to reverse the course of preterm labor once it's started, delivery can usually be delayed for a few days to a week using tocolytics, drugs that suppress contractions. During this critical window, a doctor can administer corticosteroids, which can improve fetal health by speeding up lung maturation. (Without treatment, a preemie may suffer from respiratory distress syndrome, a breathing complication which can lead to health problems and even death.) Delaying labor also allows time to transfer a woman to a hospital with a more sophisticated NICU.
So it's important to recognize the signs of preterm labor, even if you don't think you're at risk. According to the March of Dimes, these include contractions that occur every ten minutes or more, fluid leaking from your vagina, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, menstrual-like cramps and abdominal cramps that begin in the back and move to the front. False labor (also known as Braxton Hicks contractions) may stop when you change position, is often weak, and is usually felt only in the front. Not sure if it's the real thing? Call your doctor right away.
It's essential to remember that a full 80 percent of women who have symptoms of preterm labor will not deliver early, according to ACOG. And the vast majority of pregnancies result in babies who are born healthy and full-term. While medical strides in preventing and reversing the course of preterm labor have been slow, our ability to care for premature babies has skyrocketed. Between 90 and 95 percent of babies born after 30 weeks' gestation survive, with most growing up to be healthy adults.
Cayce Cowan is now a robust 2 1/2-year-old with a younger brother, Cody, who weighed a whopping 9 pounds, 13 ounces at birth. But Kim Cowan will never forget the stress of a surprise early delivery. "The days before Cayce was born were the worst. We had no idea what was happening, and not knowing was the hardest part. We were very fortunate to have a healthy little boy." Hopefully, new research will help doctors find ways to identify and treat women who are at risk of preterm labor, delivering healthier babies and happier moms.


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Thursday, April 23:
John Brown's Body, Soldier of Jah Army at Maxwell's. Benjamins at Whiskey Bar. English and Mayers, Dutch Hudson at Goldhawk.
Friday, April 24:
Teddy Thompson, Alex Battle, Tragedy at Maxwell's. Brian Kirk and the Jirks at Whiskey Bar. Bottoms Up at Willie McBride's. Fairmont, Rick Barry, Nightmares of the Week, The Tonight Life at I.M. Automata Chino.
Saturday, April 25:
Elliot Murphy, Jann Klose, Nine Circles at Maxwell's. Big Bang Baby at Whiskey Bar. The Monster at Willie McBride's. The Campbell Apartment, The Brixton Riot, The K at I.M. Automata Chino.
Sunday, April 26:
Crystal Stilts, Mahogany, Motel Motel at Maxwell's. Daddy No Bux at Whiskey Bar.
Monday, April 27:
Russian Circles, Sweet Cobra, Lichens at Maxwell's. Blues Jam with Ed Sullivan at Dubliner. Blues Jam with Joe Taino at Scotland Yard.
Tuesday, April 28:
Andy Christie, Adam Wade, Martin Dockery, Faye Lane, Dina Pearlman, Tracy Rowland at Maxwell's. The People's Open Mic at Goldhawk.
Wednesday, April 29:
Pat McGee at Maxwell's. Soulvine, Adam Sullivan, The Grift at Whiskey Bar.


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Lamar University establishes Charles V. and Frances W. Alberto Scholarship
Charles and Frances Alberto, both longtime community leaders in Beaumont, have established a new scholarship in the Lamar University Foundation. The Charles V. and Frances W. Alberto Scholarship will be available to all majors.
"We think Lamar University is Beaumont's greatest asset,"Frances said."We hope this scholarship will enable someone to complete their education."
Born in Denison, Salvatore Charles Vincent (Charlie) Alberto moved to Beaumont in 1943 upon his father's death graduating from Beaumont High School and attended Lamar University. He served in the Korean War and later worked for the U.S. Postal Service retiring from the Postal Service Sectional Center as director of employee and labor relations.
Charlie is active in the community as former president of the Lamar University Cardinal Club, Young Men's Business League and past board member of the Beaumont Heritage Society. He is a member of Faith Questers Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church.
A native of Southeast Texas, Frances Ann Wimberly Alberto graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics and master's degree in educational supervision from Lamar University. Frances' father, G.A. Wimberly Sr. served Lamar for 47 years, as acting president, assistant to the president, comptroller, business manager, auditor and an instructor and coach. Following in her father's footsteps, she pursued a career in education. She retired from teaching in Beaumont Independent School District in 1984.
As a community leader, Frances is involved in many local organizations. She is a member of First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for 25 years and is a member of Faith Questers Sunday School Class and First United Methodist Church Estate Committee. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Phi Kappa Phi, Delta Kappa Gama teacher's fraternity and Beaumont Retired Teachers Association. Her accomplishments include Texas Home Economics Student of the Year in 1955 and Texas PTA Teacher of the Year in 1984.
Charlie has two sons, Charles Michael and Richard Kelly. Frances has a son and a daughter, Bert Rogers Jr. and Rebecca Ann Rogers.
For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.