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Is the Brody House for Sale?
Posted by Matthew Gaskill on Monday, February 3rd, 2014 at 7:02pm.
Perhaps you noticed construction at the Brody House recently came to a close and you were wondering when the architectural gem located at 360 South Mapleton Drive in the Holmby Hills would hit the open market.
The Brody House, commissioned by philanthropist art lovers Sidney and Francis Brody and designed by architect A. Quincy Jones, interior designer Billy Haines, and landscape architect Garrett Eckbo, was built in 1949. The Holmby Hills house first went up for sale in 2010, when it sold at the end of 2010 for $14.888 million to an investor with the intent of flipping the home.
When it sold in 2010, the house was 11,500 square feet situated on about 2.3 acres, with nine bedrooms (including 4 staff bedrooms) and seven and a half bathrooms, a pool, a tennis court, and a guest house.
The original owner kept a large staff to run the house, but the house had not been updated or changed much in the decades since it was first constructed. The buyer hired designer Stephen Stone to update the entire property and ready it to be flipped. Stone said his team restored as much as possible, but much of the house had to be dismantled before being put back together. What was the first project the designer undertook? He planted a row of hedges to block the view into the Playboy Mansion, which is located next door to the Brody House.
After two years, the work was completed and the layout of the home remained almost exactly as it was originally built. A few changes were made:
- The master bedroom (including a study) now occupies the entire top floor after a second top-floor bedroom was converted into a second mater bathroom and dressing room
- The staff area on the ground floor with a tiny original kitchen was modernized into what is now an over-sized kitchen, breakfast room, and family room
- Original cork floors were replaced with walnut in many areas
- All of the bathroom fixtures and finishes have been updated
- A new pool was laid in the footprint of the original pool
- A koi pond was added outside an office situated on the ground floor
- A retaining wall to level the backyard was installed
- Most of the shrubbery was replaced, but most of the trees were healthy enough to remain
- After becoming too overbearing, the large ficus in the atrium was replaced with rare palms
- A new fence now surrounds the tennis court
Stone and the buyer negotiated with the heirs of the Brodys to buy many of the original pieces of furniture designed by Haines for the house, so those piece could be offered in the sale. Even prior to completing the renovation, the designer indicated interest was high from potential buyers. At the time, Stone predicted price paid for the Brody House "will be the highest price per square foot the city's ever seen."
In fact, the Brody House never made it to the open market as Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi purchased the estate for a reported $39.888 million. So, if you had your dreams set on this amazing piece of architecture, it looks like you will need to wait and keep saving for the next time it is available.
And as for Stone's prediction, the $3468 per square foot the Brody House commanded was among the highest price per square foot sales seen in Los Angeles, but not quite the highest.
Contact our Holmby Hills Realtors to discuss buying or selling homes in the Holmby Hills neighborhood and subscribe to our blog to stay up-to-date on the Los Angeles real estate market.
UPDATE: Tech billionaire Sean Parker has purchased the Brody House from Ellen and Portia after offering them $55 million and an eight-day closing. Apparently, the founder of Napster and first President of Facebook, portrayed by Justin Timberlake in The Social Network, saw the house and had to have it. And a $15 million profit was enough for Ellen and Portia to part ways with the home after a few months. With a selling price of $4782 per square foot, it is time to give some Stone credit for his bold prediction; other than oceanfront bungalows slated for teardown in Malibu, the Brody House has sold for one of the highest price per square foot numbers Los Angeles has seen. An celebrity-owned architectural home by John Lautner on the beach in Malibu broke the $6000/square foot mark, but the Brody price is in rarified company.
UPDATE: Public record shows the purchase price of the Brody House as $49.5 million. The revised purchase price equates to $3,963.81 per square foot. The adjusted price paid for the home is still among the handful of homes close to or above $4000/square foot in Los Angeles.
2 Responses to "Is the Brody House for Sale?"
Posted on Wednesday, March 11th, 2015 at 2:39am.
Posted on Wednesday, March 11th, 2015 at 10:04am.


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Black Knot of Plum and Cherry
Pest Management Fact Sheet #5091
Bruce A. Watt, Extension Plant Pathologist
For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.
Find more of our publications and books at extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu.
Black Knot is one of the most common diseases of plum and cherry (rare on other Prunus spp.) in Maine. It is caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa and can severely limit the production of fruit trees or ruin the esthetic value of ornamentals.
Environmental Conditions
In the spring, the fungus produces infective spores (ascospores) which are forcibly ejected during rainy periods. These spores are splashed by the rain and blown by the wind to land on susceptible plant tissue. The spores can germinate and infect new tissues during wet periods as short as 6 hours at the optimal temperature for infection (70-75°F). Infection occurs from April through June on the current season's growth.
This disease appears as obvious hard black elongated swellings (knots) which may be 1-6 inches or more in length. The knots are scattered throughout the tree with the number increasing in successive years if the condition is left untreated. When the symptoms first appear during the autumn following infection, the knot appears as an inconspicuous swelling on the current season's shoots. As growth resumes the following spring, the bark splits and knots are greenish and soft but become hardened and black by the end of the second year.
Survival and Dispersal
The fungus over-winters in the stem of the infected host, resuming growth during the spring. During the second year, infections produce asexual spores (conidia) which are considered unimportant in the disease cycle. As the knot darkens through the summer and the following winter, sexual spores (ascospores) are produced and it is these spores which cause most infections. If the knot has girdled the stem sufficiently to cause its death the infection will stop. Otherwise the knot will continue to expand and produce new spores in successive years.
Black knot can be controlled using a combination of prevention and sanitation.
- Remove all knots and swellings by pruning 3-4 inches below the knot during the dormant season before April 1. Where infections occur on larger branches, excise infected tissue down to the wood and 2-3 inches from its edge.
- Burn, bury, or otherwise remove prunings from the area because they may still be an active source of spores.
- Severely infected trees should be removed entirely.
- Cut and remove wild hosts of the disease.
- Use resistant varieties if disease pressure is high.
- Preventative sprays may be necessary if nearby disease sources cannot be eliminated or when bringing a heavily infected tree back to health. A dormant spray of lime sulfur may be helpful when pruning heavily infected trees. Fungicides, which have been effective against black knot, should generally be applied at budbreak and every week to two weeks, especially before rain, until terminal growth stops.
|Application Notes
|Examples of Trade Names
|See label for timing.
|See label for spray timing.
|Bravo, Echo, Fung-Onil and others
|Copper Products
|Do not apply after full Bloom.
|Bordeau Mixture, Kocide, Tenn-Cop, Liqui-cop, Basicop, and others
|Lime sulfur
|On peaches pre-blossom only.
|Lime sulfur
|Mancozeb+copper hydroxide
|For use on ornamentals.
|First spray at pink stage.
|Many names
|Apply at early bloom. See label.
Ogawa, J. M. 1995. Compendium of Stone Fruit Diseases. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN
McFadden-Smith, W., Northover, J., and Sears, W. 2000. Dynamics of ascospore release by Apiosporina morbosa from sour cherry black knots. Plant Dis. 84:45-48.
Rosenberger, D. A, Meyer, F. W, and Engle, C. A. 1994. Fungicides for controlling black knot on plums. Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society, Northeastern Division. Phytopathology, Volume: 84 Issue: 11 Pages: 1375
Latham, A. J. and Campbell, H. L. 1994. Long-term fungicide control of black knot of plum. Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. Phytopathology Volume: 84 Issue: 10 Pages: 1078
Rosenberger, D. A.and Gerling, W.D. 1984. Effect of black knot incidence on yield of Stanley prune trees and economic benefits of fungicide protection. ; Plant Disease, 68, 12, pp 1060-1064
Sinclair, W. A. and H. H. Lyon. 2005. Diseases of trees and shrubs. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 660 pp.
When Using Pesticides
Pest Management Unit
Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory
17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473-1295
1.800.287.0279 (in Maine)
Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
© 2004, 2010, 2013
Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit extension.umaine.edu.
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran's status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

subset: commoncrawl


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Well, some of the shoots are quite fail, but I decided to keep them. Practice makes perfect!
Sign up to our newsletter to save 10% on your next order. We'll send you exciting photography interviews, crazy tips and tricks, competitions giveaways, and unmissable offers. No funny business, just a whole heap of Lomography love right to your inbox.


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Stevenson University
March 8, 2017
The Stevenson University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Elliot Hirshman, Ph.D., will be the University's sixth president, effective July 1, 2017. He succeeds Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., Stevenson's fourth president, who served from 2000-2016, and Claire E. Moore who has served as Stevenson's Interim President since December 2016.
Hirshman joins the University after serving as president of San Diego State University (SDSU) since 2011. Under President Hirshman's leadership, SDSU implemented an integrated budget and financial strategy; raised more than $755 million in private philanthropy for scholarships and new initiatives and programs; and established and endowed its Honors College. SDSU is recognized nationally for increasing student retention and graduation rates – rates that are equal across ethnic and racial groups. Hirshman is currently a member of the NCAA Board of Directors and former chairman of the Mountain West Conference Board.
"The Board of Trustees is confident that Dr. Hirshman is the right leader to continue the remarkable transformation and growth of Stevenson University and to take the institution to the next level," says James B. Stradtner, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "After an intensive search process that began last summer with more than 200 individuals interested in the position, the search committee unanimously recommended to the Board that Hirshman serve as our next president. He is committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds achieve excellence and go on to personal and professional success."
"I am honored to join Stevenson University's dynamic community," said Hirshman. "Stevenson's unique integration of career preparation and the traditional liberal arts reflects the best traditions of American higher education while envisioning a future that serves our students and our communities. The University's core values of community, learning, integrity, and excellence were evident in every aspect of the recruitment process. I am excited to work collaboratively with our diverse community to support these values."
Read more...


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Porom Pomperos Giant Bubble Show
Porom Pomperos tried all kinds of ways to make the largest possible bubbles. Born of a friendship between two great artistes who met backstage, they began to create and shape a show that wowed everyone with giant soap bubbles. After several years of effort … Continue reading →


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| The new Waze Wiki, aka Wazeopedia, is now live at Wazeopedia.waze.com! While this legacy wiki will remain accessible for the time being, it is no longer updated by the community. For the most up-to-date guidance, please visit your local Wazeopedia.
Please do not make any more updates to these legacy wiki pages, all future updates should be made in your country's local Wazeopedia.
Difference between revisions of "How to label and name roads (Austria)"
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Note: Although 'Alt. Name' (alternativer Straßenname) is currently not available (deactivated) it is covered in this documentation.
Note: Although 'Alt. Name' (alternativer Straßenname) is currently not available (deactivated) it is covered in this documentation.
''For this table is meant as a reference to the Austrian road system the original
''For this table is meant as a reference to the Austrian road system the original of the various road types (as used on traffic signs) is not translated''
Revision as of 08:27, 16 September 2012
- 2 Road Classification
- 3 Map Legend Austria
- 4 Table of available Road Categories in the Editor
- 5 How to label and name roads in the Editor
- 5.1 Road and City Names
- 5.2 Urban Areas
- 5.3 Autobahnen and Schnellstraßen (A & S)
- 5.4 Bundesstraßen and Landesstraßen (Bxxx)
- 5.5 Landesstraßen (Lx – Lxxx)
- 5.6 Hauptstraßen and low level Landesstraßen (Lxxxx)
- 5.7 other Roads, secondary Roads
- 5.8 Fuel Stations, Rest Areas, Drive Ins
- 5.9 Other Drivable roadtypes
- 5.10 Other Non-Drivable Roadtypes
- 7 Background Information for proper road categorizing
A word before we start with the actual translation:
This is a translation of the respectiveAT-Wiki-Page. We considered this necessary to ensure the inclusion of fellow wazers in Austria, who do not have German as their mother tongue. Also we would like to encourage INTL-Users to see how we solve AT-typical problems and share their thougts with us, so we added some explanations (for background information or discussion purposes) you will not find in the original version - like this preface. They are formatted in Italic-style to seperate them from the translation. Don't hesitate to use the link to the Austrian forum, even if it is in German - some of us will reply to english posts too. Now back to the translation.
This documentation is intended to give the new editors a good start up in editing roads and follows the KISS (Keep It Simple and Stupid) principle.
It is therefore kept strictly staight forward and basic, so it does not reflect every possibility or aspect.
In case of any questions visit the Regional Forum Austria. (German forum, but feel free to post in english - that's easier for us to understand, than any automated translation)
Road Classification
How to label and name roads and urban areas in Austria.
- AT-Editors are encouraged to use this document as a reference: Referenzseite
Map Legend Austria
The Map Legend Austria contains information about labeling and the varous segments.
Table of available Road Categories in the Editor
Note: Although 'Alt. Name' (alternativer Straßenname) is currently not available (deactivated) it is covered in this documentation.
For this table is meant as a reference to the Austrian road system the original designation of the various road types (as used on traffic signs) is not translated
- Freeway => Autobahnen und Schnellstraßen (Ax, Sx)
- Major Highway => Bundesstraßen und Landesstraßen (Bxxx)
- Minor Highway => Landesstraßen (Lx - Lxxx)
- Ramps => Ramps end Exits of Autobahnen
- Primary Street => Mainstreets, main traffic routes in larger cities und low level Landesstraßen (Lxxxx)
- Street => all other roads
- Service Road => roads inside the boundaries of sites like Fuel stations, Drive Ins, industrial areas, etc.
Other - drivable
- Dirt Roads/4x4 Trails => Feldstraßen (Land- Forstwitschaft), Waldstraßen etc.
- Parking Lot Road => roads off the main roadgrid, dedicated for parking purposes
- Private Road => private roads (for residents only), access to residential areas
- Walking Trails => Fußwege, nicht befahrbare Spazierweg
- Pedestrian Boardwalk => Fußgängerzonen, Uferwege
- Stairway => Treppen
- Railroad => Eisenbahnen
- Runway/Taxiway => Lande- und Rollbahnen
currently not supported in the client, using the Landmark (Airport) is absolutely sufficient!)
How to label and name roads in the Editor
Road and City Names
The Waze-Client offers TTS (Text to Speech) since version 3.2.x, an impementation of voice control is available in N.A. and is sceduled for German too.
Therefore it is neccessary to avoid abreviation - allways use the full written name.
Urban Areas
The City field comprises the Gemeindename.
City is short for Municipality.
Postal Codes and naming of Suburbs is currently not supported in the Editor.
Allways use the full written form in the City Field. For example:
"Sankt Anna am Aigen" instead of "St. Anna a. Aigen"
"Bruck an der Leitha" instead of "Bruck a/d Leitha"
The Gemeindename is to be applied in the City field for all roads in the area of a Gemeinde, except for Freeways, witch are to be labeled as "No City".
Exeption can be made on Segments of the Other- and Non-driveable subcategories, where it can be left blank or it can be used to specify the area of the Gemeinde.
Autobahnen and Schnellstraßen (A & S)
- Road Type: Freeway
- activate No-City checkbox
- Name: <Codenumber of Autobahn> if aplicable add blank-blank<Euro-Route-Number>
Examples "A1 - E60" res. "A1"
Note: not all segments of A1 are part of the Europastraße
- activate Toll Road checkbox
- Alt. Name of Autobahnen
Example "West Autobahn"
- Name <Codenumber of Schnellstraße> (S1, S36 etc.) if applicable add blank-blank<Euro-Route-Number>
Example: "S37"
- Alt. Name of Schnellstraßen
Example "Klagenfurter Schnellstraße"
- activate Toll Road checkbox
Ramps and Exits
- Road Type: Ramp
- activate no City checkbox
- Name of Ramps: <Codenumber> ">" <Name of indicated City> Example "A1 > Salzburg"
Note: TTS interprets ">" as "Richtung (Direction)
- Name of Exits: AS or Exit <Name of indicated City> Example"AS Salzburg" or "Exit Salzburg"
Note: TTS interprets "AS" as "Ausfahrt" (Exit)
- Toll Road: checkbox is to be activated on Ramps only
Editing Autobahnen
AT-Editors are encouraged to refer to the German page Autobahnen bearbeiten which offers a good Instuction for editing Autobahnen and Ramps/Exits.
Bundesstraßen and Landesstraßen (Bxxx)
- Road Type: Major Highway
- Name: <Codenumber>blank<Name>
Example "B70 Völkermarkter Straße"
Landesstraßen (Lx – Lxxx)
- Road Type: Minor Highway
- Name: <Codenumber>blank<Name>
Example "L203 Zurndorfer Landesstraße"
If the roadname is unknown the codenumber will suffise.
Hauptstraßen and low level Landesstraßen (Lxxxx)
- Road Type: Primary
- Name: <Name>, if Name is unknown, use Codenumber instead i.e. "L4001"
other Roads, secondary Roads
- Road Type: Street
- Name: <Name>
Fuel Stations, Rest Areas, Drive Ins
- Service Road
- Toll Road checkbox: as required according to österreichische Vignettenverordnung
Note: Rest Areas at Motorways are considered part of the Motorway and therefore the toll-sticker has to be on a Vehicle, even if there is access via a tollfree road too
Other Drivable roadtypes
Farmroads, Fieldtracks etc.
- Road Type: Dirt Roads/4x4 Trails
Roads in parking areas and roads leading into arking lots
- Parking Lot Road
Roads reserved for Residents or employees on a company area
- Road Type: Private Road
Please keep in mind, that Waze allouws routing along such roads too. Routing along roads reserved for residents should be prevented. Consult the forum, for more information about suitable measures, if the need arises.
Other Non-Drivable Roadtypes
- Road Type: Walking Trails
- Direction: Unknown
Fußgängerzonen, Uferwege
- Road Type: Pedestrian Boardwalk
- Direction: Unknown
- Road Type: Railroad
- Direction: Unknown
- Level: -5
- why not user abreviations?
As mentioned above Waze uses the entries for TTS, apart from certain keywords abreviations could not be processed and therefore prevent proper function of the TTS.
- Straße or Strasse?
In Austria the proper spelling for road is Straße. If your device does not support the German letter "ß" the use of the secondary spelling "Strasse" is acceptable. Wenever possible, one should try to use the proper form (i.e. copy from an existing road using the clipboard) to ensure homogenous spelling.
Background Information for proper road categorizing
- OpenStreetMap with Google Maps
- OpenStreetMap: Wiki Map Features - Wege
- OpenStreetMap: Listen der Landesstraßen in den meisten Bundesländern (A+D)
General Background Information abaut Austria
- Table of Autobahn-Exits in Austria including km-Reference
- Autobahnbezeichnungen in Austria according to Bundesstraßengesetz 1971
- complete Table of Austrian Autobahnen, Schnellstraßen und Bundesstraßen
- Wikipedia: Bundesstraßen in Austria
- OpenStreetMap: WikiProject Austria - Straßen
- Designation of Schnellstraßen in Austris according to Bundesstraßengesetz 1971
Designation of Autobahnen is still unchanged in the 2011 actual version :
Note: correct="A1 West Autobahn" wrong="A 1 Westautobahn" !
- Wikipedia: Roadsystem in Austria(including corresponding trafficsigns)
Austria- provincial regions
- Table of all Austrian Landesstraßen, ordered by Provinces (Bundesländern)
- Geodata portal of all Austrian Provinces (Bundesländer)
- Roadnumbers in Oberösterreich according to Provincial Gouvernment OÖ (Upper Austria - 11 MB)
- Geographcal Informationsystem of the Provincial Gouvernment of Upper Austria
- Hauptstraßen A und B (Main Roads Class A and B) in the City of Vienna according to decree of the municipal council (Gemeinderatsverordnung)


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I've discovered more wonderful book artists since I made my first post of book art by various artists. Here are some of my recent favorites.
Above: "Eternity" by Míla Fürstová. Discovered via how to make a baby elephant float.
Via Imagine Gallery. I first learned of her work, and Imagine Gallery, via Ullabenulla.
Peat Stack by Joanne B. Kaar.
Seafarer's Log by Joanne B. Kaar.
Bird Book by Chela Metzger. Via f yeah book arts.
f yeah book arts.
Edge Painting by Louisa Boyd. Via winterlief.
Forgotten Knowledge by Rachael Ashe on flickr.
via poppytalk.


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All is made with a mixture of Photography, Photoshop, and Digital illustration with a Wacom tablet. I do not own rights to the picture I used on the illustration. Copyrights: Game of Thrones, HBO.
To avoid confusion, I do not illustrate these from scratch, I mix real photo's with digital illustration along with effects in photoshop CS6 to achieve this certain effect.


text:
Underwater Kinetics
The most innovative, reliable designs for each and every dive. Bar None.
We now offer 60-day payment plans on most knives over $349.
To take advantage, follow the steps below:
For more details, visit here.
Our lights have brilliantly illuminated underwater expeditions in every corner of the planet for nearly four decades. Divers trust UK as the gold standard in performance, reliability, and durability. That's why ours are the best-selling, brightest dive lights in the world.


text:
I guess you can also hunt ducks on St Clair and not just fish.
Views: 73
Join Field and Stream Team
Welcome toField and Stream Team
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Guidance, Clarity, and Direction
Our Longing for Love
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Loving Others
Rifle Review: The Nosler Mountain Carbon, Part One
Blast From the Past: Remington Model 58
Postseason Review: Turkey Shotgun Essentials
Outdoor Inspiration
Advice on Working Up Handloads, Part III
Hatches of the Catskills, with Evan Lavery
Backcast Black Diamond Episode- Six Tips on Fishing Emergers
Funny and Bizarre Stories from River Guides
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text:
Hellooo… pewh… i am able to post again!
Our computer crashed on Thursday and I was getting a bit itchy if hubby would be able to at least recover all my files of the hard drive. Wow… that really makes you think about all the things you have on your computer. I haven't copied and saved my things for a very long time.
Angie liked the binder I decorated with Bella and she asked me if I would make one for her too.
This time I used one of her brand new images. They just have been released this weekend. Wow.. they are sooo dang cute!
Fairy by Little Darlings – Saturated Canary Collection
Papers: Magnolia: Ink pink gingham (strawberry plaid pink also in blue), Dragons (come in blue and pink)
Dies: Memory Box die, Magnolia leaf
Other: Wild Orchid Crafts
Sentiment: unknown.. might be by Whimsey????
white small binder: @Office Depot $4.99


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Three new members were elected to the Board of Directors of Soldiers' Memorial Hospital last evening. They were chosen by secret ballot from the 214 hospital corporate members in attendance at a special membership meeting.The new board members are Tony Katarynych, Carol Nass and Cliff Whitfield.
Hospital board members are volunteers who serve on numerous committees, in addition to attending the monthly board meeting. Board meetings are normally held the last Tuesday of every month in the Poppy Room in the hospital. Members of the public are welcome to attend the open session part of the meeting which always begins at 6:30.
For more information please contact:
Sharon Burkhart, Director of Public Affairs
Tel: (705) 327-9179
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
I am an illustrator and collage artist working freelance on commissions across the field of design and illustration as well as on personal and collaborative projects.
Originally from Germany, I came to London in 1998 to study at Chelsea College of Art and carried on to do the BA Illustration course at Kingston University. In 2008 I completed an MA in Printmaking from Brighton University, which was held at the London Print Studio. In early 2016 I moved to a rural area outside Stockholm, Sweden, where I now work and live.
I have been a visiting lecturer in the printmaking department at Konstfack, Stockholm and on the illustration course at Middlesex University.
My work has been exhibited in various venues across London, including at the Medici Gallery on Cork Street, the Young Master's Art Prize at Sphynx Fine Arts, The Art of Giving at the Saatchi Gallery, Viktor Wynd Fine Arts, London Print Studio, BHVU gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum and with the Printmaker's Council.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any queries, to discuss a project or to request printed work samples.
Clients include:
Absolute Press
Atlantic Books
BBC Countryfile Magazine
BBC History Magazine
Bloomsbury Publishing
Burda Verlag
Cassava Republic Press
Chatto and Windus
Domino Records
Elliott and Thompson Books
Faber and Faber
Harper Perennial
Ivy Press
Jahreszeiten Verlag
Kyle Books
Oneworld Publications
Orion Publishing Group
Quintet Publishing
Quercus Books
Random House
Readers Digest
Pan Macmillan
Simon and Schuster
Soundtree Music
The Guardian Weekend Magazine
The Times Newspaper
Victoria & Albert Museum
Vintage Books
Virago Publishing
Waitrose Food Illustrated
World of Interiors


text:
A little scary, right? Who wants to be responsible for cutting up someones wedding dress? If you know me even a little I am always up for a challenge. Before I accepted my fate to make a quilt out of her wedding dress, I searched the internet and tried to convince her of other things we could make with it. She wasn't having it. Her mind was set. Since this is my first quilt, yes I said first, I searched and searched for ideas of quilts with less cutting and sewing. I found an idea here http://quiltstory.blogspot.com/p/our-quilt-patterns.html. I received my sisters consent on the style and set to work.
One word before I being. If you are a quilter or sewer, be nice... please.
Here is her gorgeous wedding dress.
Luckily it was a thick polyester. You may be wondering what convinced her to do this...
1.She has 3 boys, so no daughter was going to wear it
2. She never cleaned or preserved it so it couldn't be sold since she didn't want to pay for it to be cleaned.
3. She wanted some memory of it.
4. She just wanted it out of her closet!!!


text:
Work Platforms
These OSHA compliant Work Platforms feature multiple safety features and a heavy duty construction improving performance. Swing-in latch-able gates are located at either end. A heavy duty metal floor is covered with a non-slip rubber mat. Fork pocket mounts are 36″ and 48″ wide to fit 2 3/4″ thick by 6″ wide forks from 42″ to 48″ in length. Quick coupler mounts are also available.
- OSHA Compliant
- Fork Mountable
- Gates on both ends feature safety stops
- Heavy-duty metal floor with non-slip rubber mat
- High visibility design


text:
For some people after doing local NPC shows heading to The Nationals is indeed a bit like 'entering the dragon'. You never know what to expect, especially as a female bodybuilder since you never quite know who you could be up against. Although regional numbers are down, at the Nationals it could be a whole other ball game…..so you have to be prepared for anything and Linda Estavillo most definitely is!
This Las Vegas Native (part Korean, part Puerto Rican) has been preparing for this competition for months though and is Miami bound in a few days to do battle with her coach, Colette Nelson by her side.
So with days to go till the final showdown let's find out a little more about Linda Estavillo…
First of all can you tell us a little about how you got in to the sport of bodybuilding? Were you always athletic?
"I started competing in 2006 and entered my first show, which was The Eastern USA, as a figure competitor. In 2007 I transitioned to bodybuilding and have been competing as a female bodybuilder ever since. I grew up in Las Vegas, and was highly active in sports. I ran track in high school and was the captain of my dance team as well. There are several things that turned me on to bodybuilding, I've always loved training and being able to see the hard work of your training in your own physical body is so gratifying, but more importantly it's the mental discipline and persistency that one must have to be successful in this sport that appeals to me."
You have done quite a few shows, what do you think are the biggest lessons learned from those early outings?
"Well my biggest lesson and a very hard and LONG ONE at that is basic conditioning in the off season. I took a year off to get my diet straight and in order before competing again."
What are your thoughts on the increasing part social media is playing in the sport these days?
"I really don't have that much to say about the increasing part social media is playing in the sport these days. I do however feel like women are getting more respect in various sports and also getting more in the way of the recognition they deserve as an athlete."
Now you have chosen to stay competing in the bodybuilding class despite the current popularity of women's physique. What made you decide to stick to your guns on this?
"Yes I have chosen to stay competing in the bodybuilding class despite the popularity of women's physique because I've always been the type of person to have my own opinion about things despite what others may say, and bodybuilding is no different. I feel that female bodybuilders have gotten a bad reputation. I want to show people that yes women can have "big muscles" and still be beautiful, feminine, and keep her dignity and be true to who they are despite the media perpetuated idea of what beauty should be in their eyes and what they portray in magazines."
There are some that say the lines between figure and physique are blurring somewhat. Care to comment?
"Oh absolutely agreed! I even feel that there is a thin line between bodybuilding and physique as well. There should be a more clear cut distinction between all three.....now how will that be determined is all a matter of time I guess and ultimately in the hands of the judges"
As a diehard bodybuilder what are your thoughts on the runaway success of the bikini division?
"As my mom would say: "if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all." So no comment about bikini division."
You took a bit of a break from competing to focus on other areas of your life can you tell us about your current career aspirations?
"Yes I did take a bit of a break from competing to focus on other areas of my life. First of all I had to get my mind right and reconnected to "mind, body, spirit" I went on several spiritual retreats last year which were life changing and I am currently getting my masters degree in acupuncture. I then plan on getting my doctoral degree thereafter. I am also in the process of marketing myself in doing more fitness modeling work too."
Why did you opt for Oriental over 'conventional' medicine?
I chose oriental medicine over conventional medicine because in Traditional Chinese Medicine they believe in treating the body as a whole instead of treating the symptom. Looking at the persons patterns, past history, appearance, all play an important role in making a proper diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This is something that western medicine neglects to do."
For those who love details what is your current training philosophy and your approach to diet?
"In the past I have always been a huge advocate of lifting heavy all the time. Well as a Licensed Massage Therapist, lifting heavy ALL THE TIME will get you injured "all the time" lol it is about balance. Listening to your body and training in unison with the signals it is giving you. Some days you feel like the Hulk and are good to go so lift heavy....and on other days u may feel like shit so get your ego out of the way and do what your body can do for THAT DAY. I basically alternate from heavy to supersets to light. if I do a heavy back and triceps workout one week the next week I'll superset or do a lighter workout. As far as my diet goes, I actually had my blood work done to find out what food allergies I had. This was 8 years ago and this was with a holistic reputable doctor that I went to that educated me thoroughly on certain foods. To make a long story short I stay away from dairy, wheat, gluten, and baker's yeast. By eating these foods, it had caused a huge drop in serotonin levels which is produced in the small intestine. Not to mention fatigue and inability absorb nutrients properly. So I stick to something similar to the Paleo diet (not eating a lot of fat though)"
After coming back and taking second at the Eastern USA's you are now Miami bound for The Nationals. How is your mind-set going in to this contest?
"This is the first time that I am actually calm, focused, and confident going into nationals. Before, competing used to be extremely hard and taxing on my body. I am in graduate school now going FULL TIME, working as a Licensed Massage Therapist, and preparing for nationals all at the same time and yes it's taxing on my body, but it's not nearly as 'hard' as it used to be in the past. I am very focused and centered this time around."
And when the curtain falls on this years contest season what are your plans for the future?
"I plan on competing with my coach Colette Nelson in my first pro show next year. I also would like to get endorsements and sponsorships as well. Now as far as which show I will do.....I haven't figured that out yet. Let's just say, to be continued........"
To quote a Korean proverb "Dduhsi itnuhn kose kiri itda" ….In a place where there is will, there is a road. And for Linda Estavillo the road leads to Miami and her will to succeed will certainly carry her through…and you can quote me on that!
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Mandala Elemental
Mandala Elemental is a representation of nine different elements that make up the universe: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Metal, Plants, Animals, the Void, and Light/Creation. Mandala is a ancient Sanskrit term meaning "circle." Today it is generally used to refer to geometric patterns that symbolically represent the cosmos. Some religious sects create mandalas from sand, hand scattered onto the floor over a period of days. All mandalas share a common intent of providing a focus point for meditation, a sort of visual "om." The mandalas I have created for Mandala Elemental follow this plan of geometrical patterning, symbolic representation and intent for meditative study. Each of the mandalas can be studied in sequence during meditation to provide a flow of attention, or a single mandala can be studied to explore its individual meaning as interpreted by the viewer at that time. Technically, each mandala is comprised of a single digitally captured image of a real instance of the element represented by the mandala.. The image is then manipulated through complex geometric functions that create a "warp field" that transforms the original 2D image into a 3D "lightsphere", which is then projected back to 2D form, now distorted into the new geometry. Adjustments of colour, contrast and tone are then made to finish each mandala. About the Images I feel it is important not to reveal too much about the mandalas before you have a chance to study them, so I'm placing mandala-specific commentary in a second gallery. When you are ready to learn more, click here. Click a mandala to view it larger.Read More


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- Research article
- Open Access
- Open Peer Review
Report on personality and adherence to antibiotic therapy: a population-based study
- Malin Axelsson1, 2Email author
© Axelsson; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2013
- Received: 30 April 2013
- Accepted: 18 November 2013
- Published: 22 November 2013
Antimicrobial resistance results from inappropriate use of antibiotics and makes common or life-threatening infections more difficult or sometimes impossible to treat. Proper adherence to antibiotic therapy is one among several measures required to prevent antimicrobial resistance. Knowledge of personality traits could help in identifying patients who need support with their adherence behaviour. Previous research has presented associations between personality traits and adherence to long-term medication treatment in individuals with different chronic diseases. However, there is limited knowledge about associations between personality traits and adherence to both antibiotic therapy and to shorter treatment periods. The aim was to explore the relation between personality and adherence behaviour in people prescribed antibiotics for common infections.
In a population-based study, 445 respondents reported on their prescribed antibiotic therapy and completed the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness to experience Five-factor Inventory and the Medication Adherence Report Scale. Data were statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, bivariate correlations, multiple and logistic regressions.
Non-adherence was estimated to be 9.4%. The most common reasons for stopping therapy prematurely was that the respondent was now healthy and that the respondents experienced side-effects. Non-adherent respondents scored lower on the personality traits Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. A logistic regression showed that higher scores on Agreeableness decreased the risk for non-adherence to antibiotic therapy. In a multiple regression, Neuroticism was identified as a negative predictor, and both Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were identified as positive predictors of adherence behaviour.
Preventive measures to decrease non-adherence may be to inform patients not to interrupt the antibiotic therapy when they start to feel healthy and to inform them about how to prevent and handle common side-effects. As associations between personality and adherence mainly have been described in relation to long-term treatments in chronic diseases, the current study add to the literature by showing that personality traits also seem to be reflected in adherence to shorter treatment periods with antibiotics for common infections. More studies in this specific area of adherence research are recommended.
- Antibiotic Therapy
- Personality Trait
- Standard Deviation
- Adherence Behaviour
- Common Infection
Deviating from the instructions on an antibiotics prescription may lead to a flare-up of the infection, but also to the development of resistant bacteria (The World Health Organization 2003). Bacteria develop resistance as a response to the antibiotics used to treat the infection. The process of antimicrobial resistance is natural, and it is accelerated by overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics. One consequence of this development is that common or life-threatening infections have become more difficult or sometimes impossible to treat. Therefore, the resistance could lead to prolonged illness, increased risk for complications and mortality, which in turn increases the suffering for the individual and the economic burden for the society (The World Health Organization 2012). In a global survey, non-adherence to antibiotic therapy was estimated to 22.3%, but there existed a variation across countries between 9% and 44% (Pechere, Hughes, Kardas, and Cornaglia 2007). Poor patient adherence is one of several factors causing antibiotic resistance, and as one measure, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of patient education in improving adherence to antibiotic treatment regimes (2012). Strategies to improve adherence to short-term treatments, antibiotic therapy for example, such as written information about the importance of taking all the medication and personal phone calls, have been described as effective (Haynes, Ackloo, Sahota, McDonald, and Yao 2008).
In order to identify patients in need of support with adherence to long-term medication treatment in connection with various chronic diseases, we have previously explored the importance of personality to adherence behaviour (Axelsson, Brink, Lundgren, and Lötvall 2011; Axelsson, et al. 2009). Personality has been found to affect people's thoughts, feelings and behaviour (Pervin, John, and Cervone 2008). According to the five-factor model, normal personality can be described using five broad and bipolar personality traits: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness (McCrae and Costa 2002). Moreover, these personality traits can be observed and appear to function quite similarly across cultures (McCrae et al. 2004), and in both men and women (Costa, Terracciano, and McCrae 2001). People with high scores on Neuroticism are prone to being anxious, vulnerable to stress and to having difficulties controlling their impulses and desires (Costa, and McCrae 1992). Higher scores on this personality trait have been associated with poor adherence to long-term medication treatment in individuals with various chronic diseases, for example hypertension, asthma, diabetes (Axelsson, et al. 2011), and in individuals with multiple sclerosis (Bruce, Hancock, Arnett, and Lynch 2010). The trait Agreeableness concerns interpersonal behaviour, and people with high Agreeableness scores tend to be sympathetic, altruistic and cooperative (Costa, and McCrae 1992). Higher scores on this trait have also been associated with good long-term adherence behaviour to medication treatment in individuals with various chronic disease, for example hypertension, asthma, diabetes (Axelsson, et al. 2011), and in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (Ediger et al. 2007). Conscientiousness refers to goal-directed behaviour, and people with high Conscientiousness scores could be described as reliable, conscientious and determined (Costa, and McCrae 1992). In several studies, higher scores on this trait have also been associated with good adherence behaviour to long-term treatments for various chronic diseases (Axelsson, et al. 2011); for example in individuals undergoing renal dialysis (Christensen and Smith 1995), living with HIV (O'Cleirigh, Ironson, Weiss, and Costa 2007) and in individuals prescribed cholesterol lowering treatment (Stilley, Sereika, Muldoon, Ryan, and Dunbar-Jacob 2004).
Most studies on the relation between personality and adherence behaviour have focused on adherence in people with chronic conditions (Axelsson, et al. 2011; Axelsson, et al. 2009; Christensen and Smith 1995; Ediger, et al. 2007; O'Cleirigh, et al. 2007; Stilley, et al. 2004). Thus, we have limited knowledge about the relation between personality and adherence to short-term medication treatments, e.g., to antibiotic treatment regimes. Consequently, the aim of the current study was to explore the relation between personality and adherence behaviour in people prescribed antibiotics for common infections.
In 2009, 5000 inhabitants in the ages between 30–70 years in two municipalities in western Sweden were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study on the relation between personality and adherence behaviour. Contact information was provided by the Swedish Population Register and the sample was selected at random. Individuals were sent information letters inviting them to participate as well as questionnaires by mail. Two reminders were sent to non-responders. A completed and returned questionnaire was regarded as consent to participate. The response rate was 40% and a non-response analysis was conducted, which has been described in detail elsewhere. Briefly, the non-response study, based on data collected through structured telephone interviews, showed no differences relating to age and education level but some differences in personality scores were identified. Responders reported chronic disease to a greater extent than non-responders (Axelsson, et al. 2011). As part of this cross-sectional study, 445 individuals returned questionnaires which contained reports on antibiotic therapy and these form the basis of the current study.
Data collection
The questionnaires contained questions on socio-economic status and the following items on antibiotic therapy: "During the past year, have you been prescribed antibiotics/penicillin?", "Specify the type of infection:", "If you took antibiotics/penicillin, how many days were you prescribed to take them?" and "How many days did you take the antibiotics/penicillin?". The last two questions were answered by choosing among the following alternatives: <7 days, 7–10 days, and 10–14 days and >14 days. "If you did not take all the days you were prescribed, why did you stop?" The respondent could choose between the following alternatives: "Had no effect", "Felt healthy", "Forgot" or "Side effect".
The Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness to experience Five-factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was used to collect data on personality. The NEO-FFI consists of 60 items (12 for each personality trait) with five response alternatives, scaled 1–5 (Costa, and McCrae 1992). The Cronbach's alpha values were: Neuroticism, 0.88; Extraversion, 0.82; Openness to experience, 0.68; Agreeableness, 0.71; Conscientiousness, 0.80, which is line with previously published values (Christensen and Smith 1995).
To collect additional data on adherence, the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS) was used to estimate adherence behaviour on a continuous scale. The MARS contains five items ("I forget to take them", "I alter the dose", "I stop taking them for a while", "I decide to miss out a dose", and "I take less than instructed") scaled 1–5 with a maximum score of 25, which indicates highly adherent behaviour (Horne, and Weinman 2002). The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.82, which is in line with previously published values (Cohen et al. 2009).
Socio-economic data and data from the items on antibiotic therapy were analysed using descriptive statistics, i.e. frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations (SD). Differences between subgroups were analysed using t-tests. Any deviation from the prescribed number of days of antibiotic therapy was considered non-adherence, and a binary variable was constructed that was used in a logistic regression to identify predictors of non-adherence. Associations between personality traits and the MARS were explored using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression (Brace, Kemp, and Snelgar 2006).
Ethical considerations
The study was approved by the regional research ethics board at the University of Gothenburg.
Characteristics of the respondents (n = 445)
n (%)
159 (36%)
286 (64%)
Mean age (Standard deviation)
50.8 (11.7)
Education level
Compulsory school
104 (23.4%)
Upper secondary school
190 (42.7%)
147 (33%)
4 (0.9%)
Own income in SEK
<15 000
111 (24.9%)
15 000–25 000
185 (41.6%)
25 000–40 000
105 (23.6%)
>40 000
15 (3.4%)
29 (6.5%)
Reported infection
52 (11.7%)
Urinary infection
95 (21.3%)
31 (7%)
43 (9.7%)
Wound infection
44 (9.9%)
Respiratory tract infection
74 (16.6%)
Antibiotics: days prescribed
<7 days
50 (11.2%)
7–10 days
266 (59.8%)
85 (19.1%)
37 (8.3%)
7 (1.6%)
Antibiotics: days taken
<7 days
57 (12.8%)
7–10 days
254 (57.1%)
79 (17.8%)
33 (7.4%)
22 (4.9%)
Logistic regression showing odds of non-adherence to prescribed antibiotic therapy
Odds (C.I. 95%)
1.012 (0.967–1.060)
1.062 (0.998–1.130)
Openness to experience
0.955 (0.899–1.015)
0.924 (0.865–0.986)
0.951 (0.892–1.014)
Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) between MARS # and personality traits and a multiple regression model with MARS # as dependent variable and personality traits as independent variables
Pearson's r
Multiple regression model
Openness to experience
The current study suggests that personality is of importance to adherence to short-term treatment, given that Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness played a role in adherence to the antibiotic therapy. Non-adherence was estimated to 9.4%, and the most common reason for prematurely stopping therapy was that the respondent felt healthy.
People with high scores on Neuroticism have a greater propensity to display worry, anxiety and vulnerability to stress. In comparison, low scorers on this personality trait are more inclined to have an even-tempered disposition (Costa, and McCrae 1992). The behavioural tendencies associated with higher scores on Neuroticism may explain the poorer adherence behaviour among the respondents in the present study. The findings are in line with previous research showing associations between higher scores Neuroticism and poorer adherence to long-term medication treatment (Bruce, Hancock, Arnett, and Lynch 2010). It is possible that adherence support for persons with higher scores on Neuroticism should address their worries.
People with high scores on Agreeableness have a propensity to be sympathetic and to cooperate (Costa, and McCrae 1992), which could explain why Agreeableness had a positive influence on adherence to antibiotic therapy in the current study and in previous research focusing adherence to long-term medication treatment for chronic disease (Ediger et al. 2007). People with low scores on this trait tend to be antagonistic, skeptical of others' intentions and competitive instead of cooperative (Costa, and McCrae 1992). These characteristics may explain why, in the current study, low scores on this trait were associated with non-adherence. Agreeableness concerns interpersonal behaviour, and low scorers on this trait are prone to being sceptical and reluctant (Costa, and McCrae 1992). Thus, we might expect that, for this group, support intended to improve adherence to antibiotic therapy should focus on the health-care relationship and on achieving mutual trust.
There was also a significant relation between Conscientiousness and adherence to antibiotic therapy. Lower scores on this trait were found among the non-adherent respondents. Less conscientious people are less likely to actively plan and organize things and may be somewhat unreliable (Costa, and McCrae 1992), which could explain the non-adherent behaviour of respondents scoring low on Conscientiousness in the current study. Previous research has presented similar associations between this personality trait and adherence to long-term medication treatment for various chronic conditions (Christensen and Smith 1995; O'Cleirigh, Ironson, Weiss, and Costa 2007; Stilley, Sereika, Muldoon, Ryan, and Dunbar-Jacob 2004). Thus, we might expect that this group would benefit from adherence support in the form of help with developing routines for taking antibiotics.
The current results are in line with previous research showing associations between personality traits and adherence behaviour in individuals prescribed long-term medication treatments for various chronic diseases (Christensen and Smith 1995; Ediger, et al. 2007; O'Cleirigh, et al. 2007; Stilley, et al. 2004), which could be seen as a strength. However, it could be argued that assessing and taking personality into consideration is unrealistic in daily clinical practice when prescribing antibiotics for shorter treatment periods for common infections. With reference to our current understanding that inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to an unnecessary burden for both the individual and the society (The World Health Organization 2012) every effort to increase adherence is of significance. Therefore, an increased understanding of patients' individual differences may be one option to promote adherence. It may be unreasonable to formally assess personality traits in clinical practice but an increased awareness of patients' needs and resources should be taken into consideration, according to the results in the current study. The results suggest that efforts to improve adherence should be matched to each patient instead of a "one-method-fits-everyone-approach".
Personality traits do not explain all the variance in adherence behavior, which indicates that having an awareness of patients' individual differences, is to be combined with other measures. A Cochrane review describing interventions to improve adherence concluded that measures such as personal phone calls, written information and counseling had a positive effect on adherence to short-term treatments (Haynes, Ackloo, Sahota, McDonald, and Yao 2008). The current study showed that common reasons for stopping therapy prematurely was that the respondent was now healthy and/or experienced side-effects, which indicates that for instance patient information and follow-up tailored to each patient may be recommendable to improve adherence to antibiotic therapy.
Non-adherence to antibiotic therapy in the current study was lower than the average non-adherence in other studies (Kardas, Devine, Golembesky, and Roberts 2005; Pechere, et al. 2007), although requirements for being classified as adherent were stringent. Nevertheless, it is to be noted that Pechere et al. (2007) reported that non-adherence to antibiotic therapy in some countries was almost as low as in the current study. For instance, 9.9% so called "admitted non-compliance" was found in one country. One explanation for the low non-adherence in the current study could be that patients in Sweden are made aware of the importance of taking the full course of antibiotics. Another explanation could be that this low rate could result from the adherence data being gathered by self-reports, which may suffer from bias caused by respondents' recall or wish to project social desirability, thus leading to unduly high adherence reports (Shumaker, Ockene, and Riekert 2008). Therefore, the use of self-reports to monitor adherence could be viewed as a weakness with the current study. Another possible limitation of the current study is that the items on antibiotic use were not validated. However, they were compared with the MARS (Horne, and Weinman 2002) and the findings were similar, which could be seen as a strength.
A further limitation is the low response rate, which could have implications for the representativeness of the findings. One strength may be that the findings are based on a random population and a non-response study was conducted. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is entering a new area of adherence research by showing that personality traits not only is associated with long-term adherence to medication treatments in various chronic diseases but also seem to be of significance in relation to short-term adherence to antibiotic therapy for common infections. More studies in this research area are needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the relation between personality and antibiotic therapy. The findings show that personality traits were reflected in adherence to shorter treatment periods with antibiotics for common infections. Taking individual differences into consideration could be one way of identifying individuals who need support with adherence behaviour.
This study was funded by the VBG GROUP'S Herman Krefting Foundation for Allergy and Asthma Research.
Authors' Affiliations
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- Shumaker SA, Ockene JK, Riekert KA: The Handbook of Health Behaviour Change. 2008, New York: Springer Publication, 3Google Scholar
- Stilley CS, Sereika S, Muldoon MF, Ryan CM, Dunbar-Jacob J: Psychological and cognitive function: predictors of adherence with cholesterol lowering treatment. Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 2004, 27 (2): 117-124. 10.1207/s15324796abm2702_6.View ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
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- The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/2050-7283/1/24/prepub
Pre-publication history
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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Wright County Board Minutes
The Wright County Board met in regular session at 9:00 A.M. with Mattson, Eichelberg, Sawatzke, Jude, and Russek present.
Russek moved to approve the minutes of 3-23-99 as presented, seconded by Eichelberg, carried unanimously.
Petitions were accepted to the Agenda as follows: Consent Agenda Item D2, "Accept Resignation, Heath Warnsholz, Highway Maintenance, Eff. 4-9-99 & Authorize Replacement" (Norman); Item For Consid. #2, "Crow River Meeting" (Russek); Item For Consid. #3, "County Month at the Capital for AMC" (Jude); Item For Consid. #4, "Set Public Hearing Date, Metro Dairy Feedlot Variance" (Salkowski). Jude moved to approve the Agenda as amended, seconded by Russek, carried 5-0.
The Consent Agenda was discussed. Eichelberg removed Item B3, "Claim, KUE Contractors, $14,296.00, (Fund 34-HSC)" and Item B4, "Claim, KUE Contractors, $46,012.80 (Fund 34-PW)" for discussion. Sawatzke removed Item C3, "Refer to Budget Committee the reconsideration of the budget request for an additional half-time Case Management Deputy to process the support case load." Sawatzke clarified that approval of Item C2 would be approval to refer the request to the Personnel Committee. On a motion by Jude, second by Russek, all voted to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Items B3, B4 & C3 and the addition of D2, as follows:
1. Performance Appraisals: R. Linder, Ct. Admin.; J. Carpenter, R. DeBlois, M. Froslie, T. Hoffman, M. Kaczmarek, T. Pippo, Sher./Corr.
2. Authorize Hire, Frank Rozek, Custodian, Eff. 3-31-99, Step 1.
1. Approve Tobacco License, Elletson Bowl, Maple Lake City.
2. Claim, Facility Systems Inc., $265.00 (Fund 34-HSC).
5. Claim, Shared Resource Management Inc., $2,607.50 (Fund 34-HSC).
6. Claim, Dell Comm Inc., $23,528.55 (Fund 34-PW).
7. Claim, Computer System Products Inc., $564.57 (Fund 34-HSC).
8. Claim, Unlimited Electric, $533.32 (Fund 34-PW).
9. Claim, Emergitek, $707.48 (Fund 34-PW).
10. Claim, Citi-Cargo & Storage, $27.16 (Fund 34-PW).
1. Authorize Hire, Tara Livesay, Calendar Coordinator, Eff. 3-31-99, Step 3.
2. Accept Resignation, Barbara Douglas, Case Mgmt. Supervisor, Eff. 8-20-99. Authorize Case Mgmt. Supervisor replacement to start 6-1-99 to allow 8 weeks training. Authorize filling of any subsequent positions should this position be filled from within the Court Administration Department. (Refer to Personnel Committee per request of Richard Norman, County Coordinator.)
1. Approve Award of Contract 9902, Victor Township Bridges (L9413 & L9398), to Landwehr Construction Company of St. Cloud, MN, Total Bid $111,231.20.
2. Accept Resignation, Heath Warnsholz, Highway Maintenance, Eff. 4-9-99 & Authorize Replacement.
1. Accept Resignation, Paula Ries, System Support Specialist & Authorize Replacement.
1. Request To Establish A Planned Unit Development Zone, Harvey & Beverly Bureau (Franklin Twp.).
2. Request To Rezone From AG to R-2a, Kevin & Barb Staskivige (Rockford Twp.).
1. Authorize Signature on an additional DNR Grant for Boat & Water Enforcement.
2. Acknowledge Hire, Melanie Enge, Corrections Officer, Eff. 3-29-99.
3. Acknowledge Hire, Jodi Galvin, Corrections Officer, Eff. 4-5-99.
4. Acknowledge Appointment, Bernard Williamson, Deputy Sheriff, Eff. 4-2-99, Grade 5.
5. Acknowledge Appointment, Richard Nevala, Communication Officer, Eff. 3-25-99.
Item B3, "Claim, KUE Contractors, $14,296.00 (Fund 34-HSC)" and Item B4, "Claim, KUE Contractors, $46,012.80 (Fund 34-PW)" were discussed. Eichelberg referenced a ceiling leak at the Public Works site and questioned whether the bills should be withheld for payment. Jude moved to lay the bills over to the Building Committee Of The Whole meeting scheduled for 10:30 A.M. today and for the Committee to authorize payment if they determine it is appropriate. Motion carried 5-0 on a second by Eichelberg.
Item C3, "Refer to Budget Committee the reconsideration of the budget request for an additional half-time Case Management Deputy to process the support case load" was discussed. Sawatzke recalled that during the last budget sessions, Court Administration had requested 3.5 positions (including 1 full-time Case Management Deputy) and that the Board approved 2 positions. He felt the request should be presented as part of the upcoming budget sessions. Mattson moved to deny the request, seconded by Russek, carried 5-0.
Doug Gruber, Auditor/Treasurer, introduced Bonnie Swan who was recently hired as a Clerk in the Auditor's Office. Swan was welcomed.
The claims listing was reviewed. Mattson referenced claims on page 10 relating to the Preferred Correctional Medical Team (PCMT) contract:
Buffalo Clinic ($451.50); Consulting Radiologists LTD ($32.00); Dr. Edward Henk ($259.16); Moore Medical Corp. ($254.16); North Memorial Health Care ($2,841.52); Wright Medical Clinic ($236.00). Mattson referenced the contract with PCMT which allows PCMT to collect reimbursement for inmate medical procedures which are incurred over the allotted $12,000 for off-site medical services. Mattson explained the contract requires PCMT to provide quarterly itemized reports, of which the County received two only after Mattson contacted the Better Business Bureau to obtain them. The reports received were not complete. Mattson moved to have the Auditor/Treasurer Office request a complete report from PCMT for the Jail medical expenses. Jude seconded the motion with the stipulation that the Auditor/Treasurer work with Capt. Torfin on the request. It was clarified that payment of the claims will be withheld for one week. Motion carried 5-0. On a motion by Russek, second by Jude, all voted to approve the remaining claims listed in the abstract, subject to audit.
Bill Weldele requested that a meeting be held with property owners on Pelican Lake and Ditch 21 to discuss lowering the water level of Pelican Lake. Eichelberg referenced a letter from the DNR dated 3-1-99 to Weldele which outlined five steps that must be taken in order to obtain the necessary permits for an outlet on Pelican Lake. Eichelberg said one step would be a detailed hydrologic study for all waters affected. The DNR also recommends that a feasibility study be completed. The County Board conveyed to Weldele that it may not be in the County's fiscal interest to proceed with lowering the lake to save 20 acres of marginal land. They suggested that Weldele could potentially sell his land to an organization such as Ducks Unlimited or Fish & Wildlife Service for fair market value and come out further ahead. Consensus was that a petition of interested parties must be presented to the County Board before they can determine whether it is in the County's best interest to proceed with Weldele's request.
Jerry Uhde, Surveyor, presented the 1998 County Surveyor Report. The report provided an overview of the major activities carried out by the Surveyor's Office including tax parcel mapping, public land survey system/geodetic reference system, County Highway right of way plats, and plat checking.
A Personnel Committee Meeting was held on 3-22-99. The Performance Appraisal of Don Mleziva, Human Services Director, received an overall rating of Superior based upon the four appraisals submitted. On a motion by Jude, second by Russek, all voted to approve the minutes as presented.
Tom Salkowski, Planning & Zoning Administrator, requested that the Board schedule a Public Hearing to consider a variance applied for by Metro Dairy. The variance would allow for the expansion of the existing feedlot. The existing feedlot ordinance requires a barn to be 1000' from neighboring properties. If approved, the variance would allow the barn to be built approximately 870' from a neighboring property. Russek moved to schedule a Public Hearing for 4-27-99 at 10:00 A.M., seconded by Jude, carried 5-0.
Russek attended a meeting on 3-29-99 with those counties involved with the Crow River Watershed. The draft Joint Powers Agreement was reviewed and another meeting will be held to finalize it. A draft agreement will be presented at a future date. For now, they have decided to meet as the Crow River Organization of Waters (CROW).
AMC is sponsoring County Day at the Capital during the month of April. Each county will have the opportunity to sign up for one day to participate in lobbying. Consensus was that this issue should be brought back before the Board when a date has been determined and to inform Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties of the date selected.
Bills Approved
Airtouch Cellular Bellevue 339.71
American Institutional Supply 842.58
AMI Imaging Systems Inc 262.50
Bachman Printing 184.19
Boyer Trucks 109196.00
Business Record Corporation 601.98
Cellular 2000 of St Cloud 357.94
Computer Training International 2163.65
CPS Technology Solutions 260.50
John Dziuk 526.50
Ecolab 122.22
Mark-Erickson 183.77
Gateway 2000 653.92
Hennepin Cty Medical Examiner 101.04
Intoximeters Inc 106.50
Minnesota Chemical co 723.17
MN County Attorneys Assn 113.00
Dennis Moeller 148.34
Office Depot 1023.61
Precision Business Systems Inc 580.44
Ritz Camera Centers 1884.25
Schumachers Incorporated 191.18
Shared Resource Mgmt Inc 3225.00
Sherwin-Williams 429.31
Stationers Inc 262.88
Total Printing 394.05
University of MN Stearns Cty 1467.50
US West Communications 313.97
Harry Walsh 275.00
American Health Care Supply 382.27
American Planning Association 293.00
BME Incorporated 359.00
Buffalo Hospital 184.25
Lola Carlson 110.00
Computer System Products Inc 902.19
Contech Construction Product 266.00
Dell Comm Inc 23528.55
East Central Regional Juvenile 1629.00
Emergitek Inc 707.48
Facility Systems Inc 265.00
GE Capital Information Tech 784.83
Hillyard Floor Care Supply 1643.64
Marco Business Products 661.89
MN Counties Computer Co-op 2865.82
MN State Auditor 8585.01
National Assn of Cty Engineers 600.00
Performance Office Papers 387.65
Reentry Services Inc 726.60
School District No 882 181.00
Service Unlimited 3722.18
Sheriffs Youth Program of MN 5153.88
St Cloud Stamp & Sign 161.46
Streichers 3718.06
Uniforms Unlimited 136.80
Unlimited Electric Inc 533.32
Vergin TV & VCR Service 104.47
Wright Hennepin Electric 1877.14
26 payments less than $100 1,051.67
Final Total $189,550.30
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 A.M.
Patrick Sawatzke, Chairperson
ATTEST: Richard Norman, County Coordinator
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The 48" diameter Corsair Flyer Kid's Room Fan is so cool, a child
must have come up with the concept! This authentic replica of the
Navy's famous F-4U Corsair fighter features 3 propeller-style gray
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cute but is it practical?
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This fan looks great and should make kids happy when they first see it. I'm not sure about how durabe it will be. The appearance may no longer be suitable when a child is older.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Sandy Brundage
Karen Long (a pseudonym), in her mid-20s, turned to meditation as a way to feel connected. "I wanted to experience that 'oneness with the universe,'" she says. At a nondenominational San Francisco temple, she hooked up with a group of women practicing a hodgepodge of relaxation techniques, drawn from books and discussions. Long spent one to two hours a day meditating over the next three years.
"Then I began hearing voices," she says. "I heard profound messages. The other people thought it was a sign of enlightenment. Some people at the temple told me that I had 'contacted a spiritual guide.' During my normal awake hours, I found myself feeling spacey sometimes."
Unconvinced that aural hallucinations were a sign from God, Long quit meditating. The voices stopped.
Long's experience isn't unique. Researchers have known for 30 years that meditating can have adverse health effects on some people, inducing psychological and physical problems ranging from muscle spasms to hallucinations. But around the Bay Area, eyes seem closed to the data.
"A lot of people do experience negative side effects," says Dr. Maggie Phillips, the director of the California Institute of Clinical Hypnosis and a licensed psychologist in Oakland who teaches workshops to colleagues around the world on the proper applications of relaxation therapies. "I've had people that went to these five- to eight-day-long retreats, and they were practically basket cases when they came out the other end. And they're told, "You just have to be more patient.' A lot of spiritual teachers don't know how to look at the internal dynamics and how they interact with types of relaxation and meditation."
Just as some people are allergic to penicillin, some people react badly to meditation. Billed as a "one size fits all" technique for self-improvement and even healing, meditation is packaged in a hundred different ways. Mantra meditators chant a phrase with numbing repetition. Others practice walking meditation, or empty-mind meditation, sweeping the mind clean of thought. The harmful effects aren't limited to one specific technique or even long retreats.
Those effects can include facial tics, insomnia, spacing out, and even psychotic breakdowns. Dr. Margaret Singer, clinical psychologist emeritus at Berkeley, with research partner Dr. Janja Lalich, collected case histories from 70 clients seeking treatment for problems that began during meditation practice. Their research presents several examples of these symptoms and notes that prior to meditating, none of the patients had individual or family histories of mental disorders:
- A 36-year-old business executive now lives off welfare as a result of the relentless anxiety attacks and blackouts he suffered after taking up meditation. "Everything gets in through my senses," he told Singer.
- A young woman watched rooms fill with orange fog when she "spaced out" at random moments.
- A 26-year-old man was overwhelmed by rage and sexual urges whenever he went out in public, driving him to stay home to avoid these episodes.
Singer and Lalich point out that most people never have problems with meditation. The danger for those who do is that many instructors call the problems a welcome sign of enlightenment, as in Long's case, or proof of the student's insincere effort. In either situation, teachers encourage the student to meditate longer. One former mantra meditator, who did not want his named used, called it "being strangled by concepts." After increasingly frequent panic attacks, he abandoned mantra meditation in favor of informal, unstructured contemplation and a Paxil prescription.
The tricks played by the meditating mind are based in physiology. Over the past year Dr. Andrew Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania scanned the brains of eight longtime practitioners of Buddhist meditation, snapping images of blood flow within the brain while they were meditating and comparing them with images taken when they were not. The scans tracked increased blood flow to the frontal lobe -- used for concentration and focusing -- during meditation. But blood flow to the parietal lobe, which calculates the boundaries of your body in relation to its environment -- "You are not the chair, you are sitting on the chair, the chair is on the floor" -- decreased. Other parts of the brain also activate during meditation -- the limbic system, which is the heart of emotion and memory, and core areas that control heart rate, blood pressure, and arousal.
These results support what other researchers have discovered about the side effects meditation can cause. Dr. Michael Persinger, a psychologist at Laurentian University in Canada, found in 1993 that meditation induces epilepsylike brain seizures in some people. His study of 1,081 students showed that the 221 meditators among them had a higher rate of hallucinating floating spots of light, hearing voices, and even feeling the floor shake. Other studies reported that meditators complained of feeling emotionally dead and seeing the environment as unreal, two-dimensional, amorphous. Those results aren't surprising if meditation reduces blood flow to the parietal lobe. In longtime meditators, unreality can strike spontaneously. Singer describes it as "involuntary meditation." One of her patients took anti-seizure medication for 25 years after quitting meditative practice to regain control of his mind.
Other side effects fall under the paradoxical umbrella of "relaxation-induced anxiety," or RIA. Instead of relaxing during meditation, RIA sufferers feel distressed. Psychologists at Virginia Commonwealth University monitored 30 chronically anxious people during guided meditation. Seventeen percent indicated that their anxiety got worse. A previous study led by Dr. Frederick Heide at Pennsylvania State University reported that the same happened to 54 percent of the subjects. Symptoms of RIA include panic attacks, sweating, a pounding heart, spasms, odd tingling sensations, and bursts of uncontrollable laughter or tears. RIA can also aggravate conditions, such as schizophrenia, depression, asthma, and bleeding ulcers, that were previously stable.
What physiological changes explain RIA? During meditation, the brain releases serotonin. People with mild depression might enjoy the increased levels of serotonin because the neurotransmitter can ease their mood. Drugs like Prozac mimic this effect. However, too much serotonin can cause all of the symptoms of RIA, according to Dr. Solomon Snyder, head of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. In some cases of schizophrenia, an excess of serotonin coupled with meditation can drop-kick someone into psychosis.
"Most people, when you're working with anxiety, the treatment of choice is relaxation," says the California Institute of Clinical Hypnosis' Phillips. "But if you have people that get easily overwhelmed and may not even know what it's about, don't even have words to go with it, you have to avoid hypnosis, relaxation, meditation until you teach them how to handle what comes up."
Meditation is a huge industry in San Francisco. We asked 14 Bay Area instructors, chosen at random from different fields of meditation, if they inform students about the possible side effects. Only three of the teachers knew what we were talking about. Of the remaining 11, Sam Geppi of S.F. Yoga gave a typical reply:
"Negative side effects from meditation? There really are none. Meditation is just about going within, toward what is real. There is nothing 'created' through meditation. We create our problems and negative side effects more by escaping into the world, escaping from meditation. Meditation is a long-overdue look within. Sometimes a student will discuss their initial fear of the inner void once the space and depth of being is first encountered, or that they feel like they are going crazy. I simply tell them, 'Meditation is not making you crazy. It is making you aware that you are already crazy.'"
Lalich, now a sociologist specializing in psychological manipulation at California State University in Chico, says, "The problem is that everyone thinks that meditation is great for everybody, and people are always surprised to learn that it can cause problems. Certainly there's plenty of context where it's completely harmless, but it's like driving a car -- people don't think, 'Oh, I'm the one that's going to have an accident.'"
Lalich hopes that 30 years of research will finally open our eyes. "If you were going to buy a car you'd look at Consumer Reports. It's the same thing -- you're talking about your body and your mind; you should be as cautious."
The preceding article is reprinted with permission of the San Francisco Weekly, in which periodical the article first appeared on August 28, 2002.
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With more than 1.3 million members working for public bodies, private companies and voluntary-sector bodies across the full range of public services, being part of UNISON means you have the full weight of the UK's leading trade union behind you.
You can help your colleagues and fellow UNISON members tackle this and other issues by becoming a UNISON rep or workplace contact.
Our activists and reps are organisers who talk to, recruit and organise members around workplace issues, hold meetings, undertake surveys and help run ballots. They give members information about union issues by publicising campaigns, distributing leaflets and keeping members informed about and involved in local negotiations.
They are advisers and sounding boards, talking to members about workplace problems, advising on how to deal with these and arranging for help or advice from elsewhere in the union or other sources.
They represent and speak on behalf of members in their workplace.


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Definitive SURGICAL TRAUMA CARE - DSTCTM Course & Definitive ANAESTHETIC TRAUMA CARE - DATC Course
VENUE TheoryFORTEZZA VISCONTEAPiazza Perrucchetti, 3 - 20062 Cassano d'Adda – Milan – Italy
Hands-on trainingCRABCCLocalità "La Quercia" - 26027 Rivolta D'Adda - Cremona - Italy
The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) Course of the American College of Surgeons has had a dramatic effect in improving outcome of patients by standardizing their resuscitation and initial assessment, and providing one safe simple way for the initial care of such patients. However, ATLS® makes very little provision for care beyond the "Golden Hour", and often the surgical care that the patient receives after resuscitation is performed by those inexperienced in the surgical management of the trauma patient."Standard" general surgical training received in the management of trauma is often deficient, partly because traditional surgical training is more and more organ specific, concentrating on "superspecialties" and partly because in most developed training programs, there is limited exposure to the range of injured patients.It is not enough to be a good operator. The effective practitioner is part of a multidisciplinary team that plans for, and is trained to provide, the essential resuscitative and surgical response required in the management of the injured patient. Planning the response requires an understanding of:• The causation of injuries produced in the local population. An urban population with motorways will have a different spectrum of injury to an armed inner-city population.• The emergency, pre-hospital and emergency room care of the patient. The condition in which the patient is delivered to the hospital and subsequently to the operating room will be determined by the emergency response, and in many respects will determine outcome.• The resources, both physical and intellectual within the hospital, and the ability to anticipate the specific problems associated with the patient with multiple injuries.
The International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) is a founding component of the Société International de Chirurgie (International Society of Surgery) – ISS/SIC. Under the patronage and supervision of IATSIC, the Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTCTM) course has been developed for surgeons who may be faced with the definitive care of a patient with multiple injuries. Since best possible in-hospital care needs a coordinated multimodal approach by an informed and trained team and in most settings the in-hospital team of acute trauma care will consist of nursing staff, surgeons, anaesthetists and intensivists, the Definitive Anaesthetic Trauma Care (DATC) course has been developed in order to help anaesthetists and intensivists to develop trauma related competencies focusing on Damage Control Resuscitation. The DATC course covers the Damage Control period until re-operation for definitive treatment and is always given together with the DSTCTM. The position within IATSIC and the integrated organizational structure of both DSTCTM and DATC reflects the will for a close cooperation between the surgical, anaesthetic and intensive care teams; mutual understanding of the concepts and procedures specific to each speciality will in fact ultimately lead to an improved patient outcome.
The course focuses on:• Surgical decision making in complex scenarios• Peroperative anaesthesia and Damage Control Resuscitation• Operative techniques in critically ill trauma patients• Hands-on practical experience with experienced instructors (both national and international)• Insight into difficult trauma situations with learned techniques of haemorrhage control and the ability to handle major thoracic, cardiac and abdominal injuries• Animal laboratory training.• Multidisciplinary team approach


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House Republicans are planning to unveil a unified alternative to the Affordable Care Act this spring, the Washington Post reported on Monday. Though details of the plan remain sketchy, the measure is "hardly intended as a full replacement of the federal health-care law" and will focus on filling gaps in the health care system.
According to the Post, lawmakers will endorse "ability to buy insurance across state lines, guaranteed renewability of policies and changes to medical-malpractice regulations." Once Obama's health care reform law is repealed, insurers will be able to discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, though the GOP-backed proposal will offer sicker individuals coverage through "high-risk insurance pools" managed and subsidized by the states." The alternative will also promote health savings accounts, allow small businesses "to purchase coverage together" and permit young people to stay on their parents' health care plan until age 26.
If that last plank sounds a whole lot like the Affordable Care Act, that's because it is. Of the seven provisions outlined by the Post, five — save health savings accounts and malpractice reform — are already included in the law in one way or another. The provisions may not be drafted exactly the GOP's liking, but they accomplish very similar goals:
— Buying insurance across state lines. SEC. 1333 of the ACA creates "Health Care Choice Compacts," which allows insurers to sell policies within the confines of state compacts, so long as the companies follow the consumer protection standards designed and agreed to by the states.
— Renewability. SEC. 2703 of the ACA states that "if a health insurance issuer offers health insurance coverage in the individual or group market, the issuer must renew or continue in force such coverage at the option of the plan sponsor or the individual, as applicable."
— High-risk insurance pools. SEC. 1001 of the ACA created a temporary program that provided immediate access to insurance for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Ultimately, the initiative — which provided coverage only to sick people — proved unsustainable and ran out of money earlier than expected.
— Small business purchase coverage together. SEC. 1311 of the ACA "provides for the establishment of a Small Business Health Options Program (in this title referred to as a ''SHOP Exchange'') that is designed to assist qualified employers in the State who are small employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in qualified health plans offered in the small group market in the State."
— Children on their parents' plans. SEC. 2714 of the ACA states that "A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage that provides dependent coverage of children shall continue to make such coverage available for an adult child until the child turns 26 years of age."
A GOP alternative is not a certainty, however. Republicans had promised to introduce a single party-backed alternative to the law since 2009 and have repeatedly reneged on that pledge. Some conservative lawmakers are still "wary of the push to have House Republicans sing as a unified chorus," arguing that the party out of power does not have to offer a detailed governing agenda and could make gains in 2014 by criticizing the unpopular law. A detailed proposal could also open the party up to policy criticism. When Republicans last offered a leadership-supported plan in 2009 — which closely resembles the above mentioned principles — the Congressional Budget Office estimated that "the number of nonelderly people without health insurance would be reduced by about 3 million relative to current law, leaving about 52 million nonelderly residents uninsured."


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Hey guys….
I was asked this question by one of my clients a few weeks back and I thought I should write about it. So why are backlinks important to google?
How does it fit it?
Well backlinks are nothing but referral links….nothing too complicated. Google uses a link to your site as a ranking factor because in a perfect world these links are supposed to be relevant and are supposed to drive referral traffic to your website.
For example if you have a website about cancer research which has great content and the latest research news. It is highly likely that your website might get linked by another similar website about incurable diseases.
So google sees this in a way to promote healthy traffic across the web and at the same time use this to gauge the popularity of your website.
Here's my other website where I mention more about live backlinks and SEO services.
In the above page, I describe how backlinks are important for SEO and how they are actually supposed to be used.