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Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 | 2:05 a.m.
Home News
The Soggy Dog
Beyond the Sun
Gloria Anderson used to dread washing her dog, Felix.
Wrestling Felix, a bull terrier, into the bathtub at home, lathering and bathing him was a back-aching, knee-scraping ordeal that used to take hours to complete.
"It was such a nightmare to bathe him at home," the Henderson resident said of her 13-year-old dog. "He used to get bathed at the vet, that's how bad it was."
That is until two years ago, when Anderson found out about The Soggy Dog, a self-serve "dog wash" in Henderson. Now, the once-loathed chore has become somewhat of a fun experience, albeit, perhaps not so much for Felix.
"This is a lot easier," Anderson, 48, said, scanning the elevated bathtubs and special air-dryers. "I wouldn't go anywhere else. This is the best place to wash my dogs."
The Soggy Dog, 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Despite getting its start just before the Great Recession began, the do-it-yourself dog wash and pet supply store has flourished, capitalizing on a niche in the Las Vegas Valley: dog owners.
California transplant Tracy Bosler, 43, founded The Soggy Dog in December 2005 after finding a similar store in San Diego. Fascinated by the idea, the Henderson resident — and proud owner of four Shetland sheepdogs — opened one of the first self-serve dog-wash stores in the Las Vegas Valley.
Less than a year later, the economy started to tank. Small businesses across the country began feeling the squeeze. Despite the worrisome climate, Bosler made the decision to expand her business, adding aisles of dog foods, treats and toys to her dog wash.
"When I look around, I can't believe we've come this far," she said. "Most people aren't cutting back on dogs; they're like their kids."
An average of 60 to 70 dogs stop by The Soggy Dog each Saturday and Sunday, with some owners driving half an hour or more from Summerlin or elsewhere in the valley.
For a flat fee of $15, dog lovers can lather their pets with one of 13 shampoos and conditioners, wash them in the elevated bathtub and dry them using one of three different dryers: hand-held, air and a special cage dryer.
And the dog wash is not just for the canine species: The Soggy Dog has seen a few cats, a bunny rabbit and even a pot-bellied pig come through its doors.
"We take them all for self-wash," said co-owner Vera Leake, 46. "But, we're not only known for the wash. We carry everything from dog food, cat food, supplements, treats, toys, oral care products, collars, leashes… just about anything you would want and need for your pets."
Bosler and Leake each put in about 80 hours a week running their store: re-stocking the shelves, sweeping up dog hair and washing up to eight loads of towels a day.
"We're glorified janitors," Leake said, laughing. "It's a lot of work cleaning up all day after the dogs, but it's a lot of fun.
"It's nice to be part of the (dog) community and do something that we love and enjoy," Leake said. "There aren't many people who can do that or say that."


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Hundreds of men turn to Zytenz when they need a boost in sex drive and testosterone levels. That's because this all-natural male enhancement product has a reputation for being powerful, safe, and effective.
What is the secret to Zytenz's success? A scientifically-engineered formula that is 100% natural but also prescription-strength. Take a look at what Zytenz has to offer and decide if it's the best choice for you.
Ingredients in Zytenz
The complete ingredient list for Zytenz is not available on the official website. However, after just a couple minutes of searching, I was able to find this information on other sites. The ingredients that Zytenz uses are all-natural and many of them have been clinically proven. The key ingredients in Zytenz are:
L-Arginine – An amino acid that increases blood flow and the size of blood vessels. It is commonly used in male enhancement products for this purpose.
Tribulus Terrestris – A powerful, natural testosterone booster that has been clinically proven. As it boosts your levels of testosterone, this ingredient can amplify your sex drive, improve sexual performance, and reduce sexual dysfunction.
Horny Goat Weed – Discovered by ancient shepherds who noticed that their goats became more aggressive and virile after eating the plant. Today, it is one of the most common aphrodisiacs that you'll find in male enhancement products.
Eurycoma Longifolia – Some research shows that this ingredient can raise testosterone levels.
Testofen – This patented ingredient has the ability to dramatically increase testosterone levels. It has been shown in multiple studies to have this effect.
Oyster meat – Has a high percentage of zinc in it. Zinc deficiency is related to a variety of conditions, including impotence.
The Facts About Zytenz
I like the formula that Zytenz makers use for a few reasons. First, because the ingredients are natural, users can get results with little to no risk of side effects. Second, each of these key ingredients has a reputation for being safe and effective. Nothing sketchy or questionable here. Lastly, since the ingredients have been clinically proven, they are almost always effective.
The only downside to this formula is that you can't find the complete ingredient list on the official website.
How to Use Zytenz
Each bottle holds 84 capsules of Zytenz. The manufacturer recommends that you take 3 capsules with your nightly meal or 30 minutes before sexual activity. At this rate, Zytenz will last for 24 days.
The Cost for Zytenz
The best deal for Zytenz that I found actually comes from the official retailer. They offer the product for $39.95 a bottle, plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. Other online retailers offer the produce for a few dollars less, but none offer a money back guarantee.
If you purchase Zytenz from the official retailer, they give you a 90-day 100% money back guarantee. I recommend that you back up your purchase with this guarantee so you can try Zytenz without any risk.
Educated Opinion
After researching Zytenz, I think it is a solid product that many people could get great results from. It has ingredients that have been clinically proven to improve sex drive and sexual performance. Because the ingredients are all-natural, the risk of side effects from this product is very low.
It is affordable and comes guaranteed so you don't have to risk anything when you try it. In addition to all this, I found dozens of positive customer reviews for Zytenz online.
I like the formula. Customers like the results. Chances are good that you'll like Zytenz. I recommend that you try it!

subset: commoncrawl


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What causes anemia and dizziness? 1 possible condition
Also try this:
- enter the first few letters of the symptom in the Enter a symptom box (above)
- select a symptom from the Pick from a List option
See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.
This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.
Hypovolemic shock (hemorrhagic shock) is a life-threatening condition that results when you lose more than 20 percent of your body's blood or fluid supply, preventing the heart from pumping sufficient blood to your body.
Please consult a healthcare professional if you have health concerns.
Click to add a symptom to your list
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The pediatric TeleHealth service brings the medical expertise of MassGeneral Hospital for Children specialists to children's care teams in community hospitals.
Catherine Chapin, MD, listens and watches with the patient and his family as Phoebe Yager, MD, a critical care specialist at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, uses Mass General TeleHealth virtual technology to assess the patient's condition.
MGHfC TeleHealth team currently works with community hospitals to enable collaborative care. Using telemedicine video-conferencing technology, specialists in Boston can remotely examine patients and consult with a child's care team at the bedside, providing medical advice and guidance in real time. The program will be expanding to include physician-to-physician and physician-to-patient treatment services in the future.
Connecting patients and providers, virtually anywhere
Innovative technology that fosters communication, builds relationships, improves access and convenience, and enhances patient care.
The pediatric TeleHealth team at MassGeneral Hospital for Children currently includes clinicians who specialize in pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care. The team is expanding its services to include clinicians from various subspecialities.
The TeleHealth team offers Telemedicine-based educational programs for healthcare professionals, including lectures and simulation-based team training for medical students, residents and staff.
For detailed program information, please email us.
Exceptional pediatric care
A new model for children's health care: learn more about MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
Quality and safety
At MassGeneral Hospital for Children, we partner with patients and families to ensure that care is safe, high quality, equitable and efficient.


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Hey there, I'm John. I'm 16 years old and love gaming, Warcraft 3, Cry of Fear, Half-Life 1 Mods and other crappy shit! :D
No members were found matching the criteria specified. We suggest you try the memberlist with no filter applied, to browse all member profiles. Also why don't you join the community, we welcome creators and consumers alike and look forward to your comments.


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All materials on Kansas Memory are made available for noncommercial educational and research purposes only. It is the patron's responsibility to request and obtain permission from both the image and copyright owner(s) to use materials.
To obtain permission or to purchase a reproduction, please contact the KSHS Reference Desk at 785-272-8681, ext. 117 or email@example.com. See the Copyright and Permission FAQ for more information.
This is a photograph showing the Cawker City public library which was paid for by the Women's Hesperian Club. The library was organized in 1873 and built in 1884 for $1,313.75.
Date: Between 1890 and 1899
Item Number: 217941
Call Number: FK2.M6 C.761 *2
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 217941
Built Environment - Function - Education - Library
Collections - Photograph
Community Life - Community services - Libraries and museums
Date - 1890s
Objects and Artifacts - Communication Artifacts - Documentary Artifact - Photograph
Places - Cities and towns - Cawker City
Places - Counties - Mitchell
Type of Material - Photographs


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Who's Online:
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Interesting, you could use a little spell-check, but lright otherwise. A bit of advice, try tomake your characters more personalable to the reader. Make them WANT to read. Wecome to LOTR fanfiction, I wish you many long stories and a merry Christmas!
Author's Response: Thanks- that's really helpful advice. I definitely agree with what you said about my characters; one of my biggest worries is that they're not very personable or relatable (I think I'm making up a word there...) On the other hand, I like each character having a title. (i.e. "The Slave" being Rana's title) I think it gives each character a fixed place in the story, and an added element of fate, that the story is being told by someone or controlled by someone (the king?) Sorry, I don't think any of that made sense to anybody but me :) I really need to go to sleep. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Wow! This is a fantastic first story. Welcome to the site. I'm Sarah-Kate but you can just call me Saz.
Your story was very well written. Keep up the good work! xxxx
Author's Response: Thanks! I appreciate the welcome- I'm loving this site so far. Merry Christmas! :)


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ARLINGTON, Va., 24 Oct. 2012. Improvised explosive device (IED) experts at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in Arlington, Va., are asking industry to develop non-contact ways to detect explosives hidden in opaque media with high water content such as mud, meat, and animal carcasses.
DARPA released a presolicitation (DARPA-BAA-13-01) for the Methods for Explosive Detection at Standoff (MEDS) program, which seeks to develop detection and imaging methods to find explosives embedded or packaged in mud or meat.
Because detection and imaging methods have not been developed or applied to this regime, DARPA scientists are interested in a proof-of-concept program with emphasis on demonstration. Development of instruments for deployment in operational environments are not part of this program.
The program seeks to develop methods that permit rapid detection of bulk explosives embedded within an opaque medium with high water content. This will preclude the use of trace detection methods and bulk methods where significant penetration into the medium is not possible, DARPA researchers say.
In addition, the use of ionizing radiation, other than possible employment of backscatter technology, must be excluded because of health concerns to military personnel and civilians.
DARPA is interested in the recognition of abnormalities in complex high-water-content media that can be performed with no physical contact with the surface of the host medium.
DARPA experts are interested in technologies such as mixed modality mechanisms that use electromagnetic indicators and acoustic vibration, x-rays, and non-ionizing detection methods. Approaches that rely on x-rays with minimal ionizing radiation exposure may be of potential interest.
Companies interested should submit abstracts no later than 13 Nov. 2012, and full proposals no later than 18 Dec. 2012. Send abstracts and proposals by post to DARPA/DSO, 675 North Randolph St., Arlington, Va. 22203-2114, Attn. DARPA-BAA-13-01.
For questions of concerns contact DARPA's Judah Goldwasser by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.
More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/DARPA-BAA-13-01/listing.html.
Follow Military & Aerospace Electronics and Avionics Intelligence news updates on Twitter


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Deadly plane crash caught on cameraUPDATED 10:44 PM HST Jan 09, 2014
The crash off Molokai that killed State Health Director Loretta Fuddy is captured in chilling detail by a passenger who was on board. KITV4's Brenton Awa has the video that ABC News obtained and only KITV is authorized to show.Video Transcript
A plane crash that's both deadly and dramatic -- and it's all caught on camera. Good evening, I'm Kenny Choi. And I'm Yunji de Nies. The crash off Molokai that killed State health director Loretta Fuddy is captured in chilling detail by a passenger who was ON BOARD! KITV4's Brenton Awa has the video that ABC News obtained and ONLY KITV is authorized to show... flying propeller shot You're about to experience what it is like to crash...in an airplane, thanks to one passenger...who had his Go Pro rolling ...when the unthinkable happened! 1903 - 1911 "THE ENGINE JUST MADE A SOUND AND... CLEAN AND THEN IT JUST HAPPENED YOU KNOW." Ferdinand Puentes felt the plane dropping...his stomach went with it, as he looked out...and saw this. 1944 - 1949 "I LOOKED OUTSIDE THE WINDOW AND SAW THE OCEAN WAS COMING PRETTY FAST." Then - impact. At that moment Puentes could think only of his family... and felt his life... hanging by a thread. 2038 - 2050 "I DIDN'T SAY GOODBYE TO THEM, JUST FOR THAT SPLIT NANOSECOND IT WAS AS IF TIME STOPPED AND YOUR WHOLE LIFE GOES BY IN FRONT OF YOU." But Pilot Clyde Kawasaki PULLED OFF an incredible emergency WATER landing -- giving his passengers a chance to escape danger. 2012 - 2017 "JUST AS SOON AS HE OPENED THE DOOR, WATER JUST RUSHED IN AND FILLED OUR FEET UP TO OUR ANKLES." As the ocean filled the plane -- all eight passengers were able to get out safely... Take a close look at the top of your screen as one person dives in. Once outside -- some are seen hanging on. Here is Puentes holding on to a floatation device with another passenger drifting a ways behind him -- roughly half a mile from the Kalaupapa shoreline. The National Transportation Safety Board says the Makani Kai Cessna floated for 25- minutes before it sank. It was headed from Molokai to Honolulu early last month when it's engine lost power just minutes after take-off. The late State Health Director Loretta Fuddy was on that flight -- she was found unresponsive when rescue crews reached her 80-minutes-later. The other seven passengers -- and pilot all survived the ordeal -- something they'll never forget. 2006 "IT HAPPENED SO FAST ITS... SIGH..." We're still waiting for the medical examiners report on what exactly killed Director Fuddy. Meanwhile -- the NTSB is still investigating what caused that engine failure. ABC News will have a full video exclusive story tomorrow on Good Morning America. The parents of a 21-year-old woman who
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CommentsThe views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


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What is the BNMC?
The purpose of the Biological Network Modeling Center is to serve as a nexus for computational tools and techniques that support, empower and enable Caltech scientists to do their research.
These tools and methods lie at the interfaces between biology, computation, engineering, chemistry and mathematics, and they are widely applicable to many sub-disciplines of biology.
Specific aims of the BNMC include:
- Provide consultants to help with problems in computational modeling and data analysis;
- Provide essential software-oriented services (including configuration, customization and instruction) to Caltech laboratories;
- Support a knowledge base of available tools and techniques;
- Provide forums for the exchange of information about methods and software;
- Encourage interaction between campus research groups through seminars, super-group lab meetings, workshops, web forums.
Our scientific focus is Computational Morphodynamics. Computational Morphodynamics may be defined as the study of the three-way interaction of physical, informational, and geometrical processes that influence the changing form, shape, and structure of living cells, tissues and organisms.
The BNMC is a resource center of the Beckman Institute at Caltech. The Beckman Institute was dedicated in 1989 with funds from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.
Resources for computational morphodynamics are supported by a generous gift to Caltech from Peter Cross.


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Dave Arnold and co. say yes, Nathan Myrhvold and co. say no.
Dave makes a good case for it and says that 90% of sous-vide cooking can be done without a vacuum, and that his food saver has been relegated to re-sealing potato chips. Nathan doesn't give a reason.
I don't understand why ziplocks couldn't be used for cook-chill applications. Don't we use them to store conventionally cooked food in the fridge?


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What's the greenest, safest, healthiest, most affordable (okay, best) form of Birth Control?
I posted the below note to my Facebook Wall.
"Huff Post: IUD is greenest, safest form of birth control. http://huff.to/bLjKBx "
And this happened:
Jennifer E > Disagree. Fertility Awareness Method in my book (see Persona)
Valerie > Pretty much, yup.
Sadly the FDA here in America only allows for a few types of IUD and virtually no difference between them. Europe, where it's the most popular form of BC, has something crazy like 18 different kinds and sizes, over here …it's a basic MEDIUM. We need to change that.
Melanie > seems great.. but then i would become a real robot.. I'd have copper in my body!!
Waylon Lewis > Nothing wrong with copper, right? I was told it's actually healthy at least as a bracelet, where it bleeds into your wrist.
Valerie > There are other things they can use to hinder implantation if you're allergic to copper
Jennifer Jones Hunt > I agree with Jennifer E: FAM is the the safest and greenest—just a lot more work and has the potential to be less effective.
You couldn't pay me enough to put a piece of metal in my uterus.
Melanie > how does FAM work? And copper seems not so bad.
Waylon Lewis > But JJH, plastic bad! And condoms aren't compostable? We trash our world, we trash mother nature, we trash ourselves? IUDs are supposedly really safe from what little I've read about them thus far. I want to do articolo on this, so keep the comments, facts and experiences and recommendations coming. With thanks–
Jennifer Jones Hunt > @Melanie – FAM: temperature taking, charting, learning your body's natural cycles. It gets easier with time but is a lot of work at first.
Jennifer Jones Hunt > I completely agree, Waylon. Condoms are bad. I had a really hard time trying to find a BC that I felt okay using—keeping mother earth and my body in mind. After much research FAM was the only option that worked for me ally. Now, considering I'm pregnant again with a wonderful 'surprise', if FAM isn't done properly, it is not at all effective
Abigail > Talk to some of the women who got PID from IUD.
Kezia > "After much research FAM was the only option that worked for me ally. Now, considering I'm pregnant again with a wonderful 'surprise', if FAM isn't done properly, it is not at all effective :)" <— if that doesn't steer you away from "FAM" as birth control, what will?
Melanie > Check this.
Kezia > And where is sterilization on that list? Oughtn't that to be number one?
Jennifer Jones Hunt > @Kezia: I openly admitted to not doing FAM properly. If you don't take your pills on time everyday you will have the same result…as with not putting in your diaphragm in a certain amount of time before intercourse. I didn't say it wasn't effective if used properly.
Valerie > We can't get Americans to brush their freakin' teeth, there's NO WAY we're going to get them to take their temps, etc etc and follow FAM the way it's supposed to be followed. Please regard above comment about baby on the way, which is adorable, but the exact reason why FAM isn't the greenest. What takes up more energy? An accidental child or a strip of copper? how about an accidental child or a piece of leftover latex? this is a large scale issue, we need a solution that works for everyone, FAM is not for everyone. And guess what, I use it. I still wouldn't recommend it to the masses.
Hell yes to sterilization, Kezia, it IS the truest form of green! maybe a vasectomy would be next, MEN!
Jennifer Jones Hunt > No, I certainly wouldn't recommend it to the masses but that wasn't the question. So, going back to the original question, I would consider it the greenest and safest IF done properly.
Valerie > @Abigail- There's a higher rate of PID in women who use no birth control than in IUD users. and IUD's don't cause PID, STDs do and unclean conditions during insertion.
Mathew Gerson >Way, latex condoms indeed are 100% Biodegradable! You did the interview with me on it. In order to breakdown properly they need to end up in a landfill to compost and not our waterways…so never flush them.
Valerie > I assumed "green" applied to our species as a whole and not just individuals, that's where I'm coming from.
There's little room for mess up with an IUD, as with pills, shots or FAM there's no denying that.
Valerie > I thought so @ Mathew. latex is natural, right? And while you're at it, buy Sir Richard's condoms!
Holly > I'm with Kezia and Valerie, sterilization is pretty effective, and, a one shot deal – then taking the leap to having no kids is really affecting your environmental impact.
Then again, if I get hung up about how green my birth control is—it might be enough for me to abstain altogether.
Waylon Lewis > Mathew, my understanding (from you, I thought) was that your Sir Richard's condoms will be biodegradable (not compostable!), which is awesome. But that conventional condoms have other crap on them, which makes them not just latex? Enlighten me brother. Are conventional condoms just latex? And is that latex mindfully sourced?
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Valerie, we all individually do our part to be green, right… I see it on an individual level. I cloth diaper but I also wouldn't recommend that to the masses because it can cause major health issues if not done properly. We are in agreement about the amount of dedication necessary to make FAM effective.
Valerie > @ Jennifer- And I'm glad to see we're choosing FAM as a serious option. I haven't had any form of BC in my body, or on my body for over 10 years and I know it can work. I also know plenty of friends that would end up knocked up because …they're so out of whack with their cycle so we have to have something effective and pretty green to offer them. ANYTHING BUT THE PILLLLLLLLLLL!!!! It served its purpose, hell yeah!, but we know pumping that many hormones into our waterways is having negative effects on our environment and possibly our species.
Good luck with your new one on the way!
Lauren > I haven't checked the accuracy of the data on this link. But I do know of one who experienced uterine puncture with an iud, and another who experienced a reaction to the copper.
Mathew Gerson > Sorry, I was likening "compostable" to "biodegradable", in the sense that the condoms are made of organic bio-mass (natural latex) that under the proper conditions will break down into its constituent parts and be integrated back into the …watershed.
Most condoms, including Sir Richard's, have Silicon based lubricant (helps prevent breakage and skin lesions) added to them. Silicon is made by combining Silica + Coke.
Some condoms have nonoxynol 9 added to them which is a chemical that is known to have a host of negative side effects and to the best of my knowledge is not biodegradable. (Sir Richard's does not contain it)
Hope that answers your questions!
Valerie > nonoxynol 9 is no fun.
Anna Brones > Seems to me like choosing any form of birth control is "green" since it means you're consciously choosing to not procreate. Anyone done any studies of environmental impact of using various form of BC over a certain period of time versus the impact of a human being?
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Valerie – Yes, absolutely! I'm in complete agreement with you. I used FAM in order to get pregnant with my 2 boys and used it for another 3 years as BC. Just guessing when you ovulate doesn't cut it, so women need to have another healthy and green option if they can't dedicate the energy and time. The pill is the worst in my book, as well. Thank you for your well wishes, dear!
Waylon Lewis > Anna, I personally am not sure about the whole "human beings aren't green, being dead is green" logic. We have the power to be of benefit. Life is precious. Green isn't about not living. It's about being responsible, learning, waking up and celebrating life in all its ordinary magic. That said, you're right—most of us "First Worlders" create a lot of suffering and waste without hardly thinking about it.
Anna Brones > Waylon, I agree with you. In fact I think when we start getting into the "nitty gritty" of things — like which form of BC makes you more eco friendly — we lose sight of the bigger picture, which is making sure that we live balanced, conscious lifestyles. At the end of the day, we all have al choices to make. For some that means having children. For others it doesn't.
It's easy for us to get hung up on the little things, because if someone tells us that a certain product is more environmentally friendly we feel empowered to buy it. And although we can certainly vote with our pocket book, it's not because you buy eco dishwashing detergent that you're going to save the world. We need to be empowered to engage in a larger, broader conversation.
Valerie > The little things add up, too. To deny that is to deny us any power right now to make a positive change. I would argue policy change is great, of course, but every day choices are the first step to a society shifting. We need to pay attention right now to how we live because we're undoing a lot of bad decisions from the past. This even includes what kind of BC is the best for us and for the environment. If you don't do both at this junction, you might as well sit on your hands or pick your nose. We've been doing that long enough.
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Anna, we are all an army of one. It would be nice for humanity as a whole to step up and make massive global changes to help the environment, however, that kind of shift doesn't happen overnight and without many small steps. In my opinion, it is the small things that count… Replacing paper towels in your home with reusable cloth towels, walking instead if driving whenever possible, using Eco-friendly products. Any little step that you can take makes a difference and acts as an example to other to do the same thing. If everyone said what that these little efforts aren't worth it and stops making them, we would be in MUCH worse shape… On the contrary, if everyone did even just one small part a day, think of the impact. We do need to concentrate on the small things because they really do make a difference. It's nice that you dream big but the reality is that it takes baby steps. The bigger picture is affected by our individual choices.
Carolyn > May I suggest not using it before you've had a child. Otherwise it is VERY painful.
Waylon Lewis > Jennifer, Anna, if I may, and as you well know, you're both right. As they say in Buddhist language, we must join "heaven" (vision, big ideas) with "earth" (actual action, specific "small" steps).
Waylon Lewis > Okay, any last thoughts or suggestions or advice? I'm gonna write up green birth control article tomorrow.
Anna Brones > Jennifer, Waylon: yes, yes and yes. I'm not saying the small decisions matter. They definitely do.
I'm just saying that very often we get caught up focusing on the small decisions that we lose track of the bigger picture. Just because I ride my bike everyday doesn't make me an eco warrior and doesn't mean that I can't always do more. The worst al decision we can make is to become self congratulatory and complacent.
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Waylon, I don't know if you want to go in this direction but I've recently read that the hormones in the pill not used by the body are expelled in urine and are, like most pharmaceuticals in our sewage, make their way back into our food and water supply.
Valerie > Jennifer, they definitely do!
So does Miracle Grow which is chocked full of synthetic estrogen and horrible for the environment (and made by Monsanto) grrr
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Valerie – I was shocked when I read that about the pill and other pharmaceuticals…and I had no idea about Miracle Grow. That is when I seriously stopped trusting our water supply. I also challenge women who have been on the pill for years to stop and try a different form of BC…they will be absolutely blown away at how much better they feel physically and emotionally.
Valerie > That's exactly why I stopped taking it, I never felt right, always bloated and then, weirdly, I lost interest in sex. freakin' pill! what's the point of taking it if you don't want to have sex? right?? haha and we haven't mentioned the link between smoking, taking the pill and blood clots, heart attacks and cancer. there's so many reasons to avoid popping that thing!
Elaine > IUD birth control is not for everyone. I became ill after using one. Women need to consider their own health and options, and not be swayed by external pressures, such as: This is the greenest option. Women need to pick something because: This is the best option.
Waylon Lewis Amen, Elaine. Green in this context includes healthy, of course. So what are you recommending?
Elaine > Aha! Thanks for asking. I'm not a doctor, but IMHO, I like the condom for disease protection. And if you're in a stable, committed relationship, there are lots of choices for the pill. For women who have painful menstrual and premenstrual experience, it can be a real relief. Some birth control pills use less hormones too. They even have a female condom. They promote this in Africa for protection against AIDS. BTW, I'm really interested to read Freedom by Johnathan Franzen on the topic of over population and how we pretend it's not there. I could go on, but I'll spare you the rest of my diverging tangents:)
Mathew Gerson > Good article on IUD's in todays NYT's.
Waylon Lewis Thanks for that! What auspicious timing. Now I don't have to write anything—their article is so well done.
Elizabeth > What about vasectomies? Safe and "green". Though admittedly less reversible, this fact may make them even greener, in a way. It's always irked me that so much of the responsibility for birth control falls on women's shoulders and, like an IUD and pills, can be creepy, painful and/or sickening. It would be so nice if guys had more options besides condoms (super-temporary) and a vasectomy (fairly permanent). Is there anything effective besides these that I should know about?
Elaine > It falls on a woman's shoulders because the consequences fall mainly on the woman. True a man has a moral, legal, and genetic responsibility for the children he fathers, but…the woman holds the baby or decides to have an abortion.
Heather > I'm a big FAN and it's the best method I've ever used but….we women still undergo some "unfortunate" side effects using the non-hormonal IUD. Just another reason you MEN should worship us in every way, every day!
Waylon Lewis > Great question, Elizabeth. I don't know of anything except the ol'pull out at the last second move, which of course is infallible.
Jarod > I prefer the 'pull-out and pray' method…verrry "Green"—nothing to throw away after (hopefully)…
Elaine > I rest my case.
Mathew Gerson Glad you are going to cover the topic, Waylon. It would be important to mention the importance of getting tested with every new partner you are with, especially for the cavalier serial daters who are not wearing condoms. (You know who you are)
Kayla > I used FAM for three years in my LTR and it worked perfectly. I'd temp, chart and take ovulation tests. The three times I tried BC pills, they made me emotionally nuts, when I am naturally a very balanced and happy . I also gained weight, and felt crappy (bloating, cramps) when I normally have no issues with that. There was a nagging feeling that I wasn't myself! And I had to wait several months after I stopped them to feel like me again and it took my body just as long to function naturally again. I have an athletic, non-smoking friend who had a stroke while on bc pills. I was an IUD baby, but I guess the IUD was less effective in the 80's. Regardless, mom had used an IUD for 15 years with no problem, but I am here! (and very glad that I am) She said that when she got pregnant with me, the IUD should have been the most effective. I guess it's not as effective during the beginning and end of of its "shelf life."
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48 Responses to "What's the greenest, safest, healthiest, most affordable (okay, best) form of Birth Control?"
Reading this alone was good birth control. Bejesus. I want a vasectomy now.
The risks of birth control pills scare me, and the rest, too. So I had a vasectomy. Having 3 children already was a pretty darn good form of birth control, too.
I would love love love to see more articles like this! I quit using hormonal bc about four years ago due to some health issues (I'm talking thyroid problems, lymphatic problems, stuff that didn't even make sense) that couldn't be ruled out as being caused by anything else, and as a last ditch effort my doctor advised me to stop taking a bc pill I had started around the same time the issues started (it was seasonale, in case anyone is interested, which in retrospect, yeah, I know – inherently bad idea). The health issues (including nodules on my thyroid that were visible on two different CT scans I had) disappeared within a month and haven't returned since. The experience spawned an intense interest in this topic for me. I will never use the pill again.
Oh, as an aside, I'm also allergic to adhesive (rules out the patch) and latex (no latex condoms) as well as spermicide, so birth control has been tricky for me, to say the least. I've been using FAM for about three years now and knock on wood, it's worked so far. However, as pointed out above, the effort that is required makes me think it might not be the best solution for "the masses." I also really think you have to be in a situation where you are truly "okay" with the result (whatever that is for you) should you accidentally become pregnant, or else the stress of that potentiality can make it even more difficult to stick with. I talked to my doc a few years ago about the IUD but it's my understanding they're pretty painful if you haven't had a child previously, and also that the non-hormonal ones are actually more likely to cause side effects than the ones with hormones! I decided it just wasn't worth it, especially since I would like to have children in the next 2-3 years.
I think it's a sad commentary on society that we don't have any more options to offer than we do. We're all over high-tech warfare, but can't come up with an easy way to prevent conception without wrecking women's bodies in the process?! Sigh…
The photo in the first frame is content from http://www.thathipsterporn.com
Hopefully used with permission.
A great site…
No better choice did I EVER make in my life, EVER than sterilization.
No babies. No way. No how. No drugs. Nothing to insert, change, worry about, done and done…
Definitely agree with practicing FAM. I and my husband used it for many years since I cannot use any type of hormonal BC. We did have a surprise a few of years ago when I was 40, so I had the Paragard (copper IUD) put in, but it became lodged and I had it removed. In theory, I thought it would be great to have reliable BC that lasted until I was officially menopausal. I'm back to FAM, but it dictates a certain amount of diligence to be successful.
Back in the day we used condoms and diaphragm b.k. (before kids). After two children my husband decided to go the vasectomy route. Our health insurance even covered it! It pays to read your policy as some will cover vasectomy. I was always a little wary of the family planning method since we're told sperm have a life span of quite a few days…
I have the copper IUD and I could not be happier with it. It is the BEST birth control I've ever used. TMI, but condoms made me get yeast infections, the Pill made me insane (literally) and long-term use of Depo Provera caused horrific bone problems. For me, copper IUD is the only birth control I'll ever use!
The amount of copper that it's delivered in the body by this "green bc" it's actually causing cancer and other disease. Copper is good but like everything in nature it depends on the quantity and the molecular structure of the substance. So be carefull.
Ensure – it's permanent but no hormones, no surgery. It is a spring that is inserted in the fallopian tube that causes scar tissue to form around it blocking an travelling cells (eggs down and sperm up) from passing. Great for those who have completed their family.
[…] The majority of our population doesn't really find non-monogamy appropriate no matter its label (open relationship, polyamory, etc.) these people generally seem to think that those who are open are promiscuous amoral sluts with STDs. But, there is a right way to be a proper ethical slut, (and even a guide book for those who want more info); part of it includes always using protection and not screwing every person you meet. People who are out doing everyone wi… […]
[…] *Always practice safer sex: try Vegan Condoms For STD and pregnancy protection try vegan condoms instead of latex or sheep skin (for those who are allergic to latex or just prefer sheep skin remember that it only protects against pregnancy and not STDs). […]
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Temperature PLUS fertile mucus awareness works really well. All birth control works really well if it's done properly. Great book "Your Fertility Signals" http://www.amazon.com/Your-Fertility-Signals-Preg…
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I'm inspired! Very helpful information specially the last part I deal with such information a lot. I used to be looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
I had a copper IUD for 6 years before it failed me and I had an ectopic pregnancy. Also as I was getting deeper into my yoga practice I was more aware of the IUD in certain asanas – it sort of "pinched" me… but before I was very flexible it was no problem… eventually my husband and I decided to have a baby so we stopped birth control and then after I had our baby, he had a vasectomy which is THE BEST form of birth control EVAHHHH!
I also want to add that the IUD will not protect you from STD's if you and your partner are not in a monogamous relationship. So an IUD would work better for those who are monogamous but if you or your partner are not, better stick to condoms.
Oh dear. I've come to several conclusions while reading this.
1. Your facebook friends are awesome.
2. I try to do good, but I'm significantly less "green" than I realized as I never even considered that my bc needed to be greener.
3. I don't think I'm getting enough action to destroy the planet with the condoms I'm going through (and now I'm sad about that)
4. I'm overwhelmed with information that I didn't realize that I needed.
Thanks for sharing this!
I had an IUD and as birth control it was awesome. No thoughts, no worries. I could feel it from time to time in yoga. My body sadly didn't take well to it and I became dangerously anemic which I am still dealing with one year later. In retrospect the health problems this has caused (heart palpitations, lethargy, weight gain, complete loss of sex drive) made it not worth it for me at all. I wish i hadn't done it. No one knows why I reacted so badly to it. I bled and bled and bled some more. They just kept saying it would lighten up with time. I waited too long.
The Birth Control Comuter – PERLY or LADY COMP is the best, its the most easy way to use FAM, ince it does the planning for you. Its not the cheepest but in relation to what pills and other things cost in the long run, this is a one time cost and then you can use it all your life, and its a computer made of plastic, but it lasts for life is you take care of it and its really reliable. Everywoman should have one. http://www.raxmedical.com/pearly.php
A copper IUD basically gives you an abortion repeatedly. BAD KARMA
That is absolutely, undeniably, scientifically flat wrong.
I've used the IUD for quite awhile. It's a no-brainer. Just remember to protect against STDs w/a condom [and review how to use it properly].
Signs/Symptoms of PID are possible w/Tubal Ligation as well. It's an invasive procedure – with all the concomitant issues that can follow…
Research and find what works best for your lifestyle! You can take charge of you fertility.
Annie T.
Nurse Practitioner Grad Student
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[…] Stay Safe. And Get Tested. […]
I have heard that excess copper can lead to organ cancers…. My mother in law who just went through chemo/avastin treatments for the last 1.5 years with cervical cancer found that she had excess amounts of copper in the spring that feeds into their tap. Just sayin' I wouldn't put a copper IUD in after hearing that.
After being on the pill for ten years, my doctor suddenly recommended I try a hormone-free birth control method. This recommendation was based on my family history of breast cancer. I had not thought much about how the hormones had been affecting my body all of those years, not had I thought about how it might affect my risk of getting breast cancer. Basically, I wasn't thinking about anything else except preventing pregnancy!
I turned to the copper IUD two years ago. I love it, and with a shelf life of ten years, I wish I had known about it earlier. My periods are back full on, along with cramps that I totally forgot existed during a period. But then again, I think I am closer to what my usual, natural cycle would feel like. Somehow, my cycle is in sync with the moon's cycle, which never ceases to amaze me. That never happened when I was on the pill! When I first got it inserted, my partner could feel the fish-line like threads, but then my doc trimmed 'em, and we were all good!
Bottom line, while I love the IUD, I don't think there is an ideal form of birth control out there. I'm still waiting for a hormone-free, green, no-brainer, highly effective form of BC. Until then, I'm going Abe Lincoln penny- style!
No one here has mentioned using the Lady Comp. I myself have only used FAM, but know many people who have used the Lady Comp for YEARS with not one unplanned pregnancy. It is 99.3% effective. Eventually I am planning on purchasing one (you can get it on Amazon).
There is a lot that plays in to becoming pregnant and it can vary from month to month. I have been lucky to have never gotten pregnant by using charting and the withdrawal method on 'unsafe' days for four years straight. I'm unsure if this is because 1. It works (so much contradicting info on withdrawal..but I've used it on my fertile days and never gotten pregnant). 2. I've just been lucky 3. I have fertility issues (don't believe I do as I have confirmed ovulation). but…never been pregnant yet and as the years go on I trust my body and its signals more and more. Still, it is scary to just go with trusting yourself-much 'easier' to take a pill or have an IUD and know for sure that you are protected.
I would love to get an IUD but have heard too many horror stories, and my body is extremely sensitive (rejected all my piercings) so I'm sure it would reject an IUD as well. Also have heard that the copper in your body can have adverse effects and cause imbalances….
From all I've read I feel FAM and the Lady Comp are as good as it gets for BC.
After 17 years on the pill, and then having one child, I'm a copper IUD user. After going off the pill and then getting back on, I realized the hormones make me crazy. Wish I would have known that when I was single and in my 20s, LOL! So I went for the copper IUD. But the cramping was excruciating for the first 3-4 months. I stuck it out, but I still get cramps with deep yoga twisting, etc. I haven't really been able to find any good info re: the side effects of the copper IUD, does anyone have any suggestions?
I guess for me, the intermittent pain is better than the side effects on my psyche from the pill.
Main side effect of copper in the body is its effect on zinc levels. It can decrease your body's utilization of zinc in turn impacting immunity, hormone production, etc. A naturopath or holistically minded doctor can check your zinc levels to see if this is an issue for you.
I've looked into the copper IUD, and I found many of the testimonials to be potentially dangerous. A piece of copper is NOT supposed to be in your uterus. For me, what is the greenest, safest, healthiest, best form of birth control? This is for the men; separate your ejaculation from your orgasm. Check out Mantak Chia's work; it is an ancient Taoist sexual technique, and in this way it is literally impossible to become pregnant, and men retain the energy and power within their semen that recycles again throughout their body. It is really fascinating and beneficial for men. Now, I'm not a man but I have been dating a man for years that does this, and I haven't become pregnant. Awareness is extremely important, and on my end I keep track of ovulation dates, etc.
I have used both mirena and copper- strictly at the beginning for severe menstrual issues, including cramps so bad I would pass out. As an athlete this just wasn't acceptable and it was ruining my life. The copper exacerbated my symptoms, the Mirena (which includes hormones- I know- heaters gonna hate) completely changed my life for the better. I can actually function as a human being- very reliable, and zero problems with implantation (which is actually quite rare).
As a naturopath in Aus, I've seen so many poor women suffer badly with the side effects – more so for the marina, I don't know much about a copper IUD, not even sure if it's available here, though excessive amounts of copper is definitely toxic. I find that the women suffer from vomiting, constant nausea, bloating, uncontrollable weight gain and sometimes even flooding with breakthrough periods. They are all told to "stick it out" for the first few months. This, holistically speaking, is kind of like forcing your body to accept something it obviously rejects, and after that 2 – 3 month period their immune system becomes depleted from attacking the foreign object it switches the other way and starts overcompensating, which is why people end up with autoimmune conditions! Would NOT recommend any form of synthetic oestrogen therapy at all. Not to mention the long term increased effects of all sorts of oestrogenic cancers. Any form of contraception would be better than this!
I had the copper IUD for years–and it descended (did you know they only have ONE size of the thing—as if all uteruses are the same size!). Anyway, I tried BC (the ring and the pill) both had side effects that I did not like (i.e. depression on the ring, migraines on the pill) so I did some researching. I was big on the FAM for awhile, but then got irritated with having to track my body temperature every day (and you're supposed to do it a the same time).
Long story short—I did some MORE research and now use a diaphragm (yes, very old school–but it's washable and reusable–and more fool proof than other barrier methods) and found an all natural and effective spermicide (Contragel) to use with it. Which, when used with the diaphragm, and used correctly has a really high efficacy rate (somewhere in the 90s (percent). My bf also pulls out, and I keep track of my cycle with PinkPad (iPhone app) which helps me to know when I'm more fertile and when to be more diligent about having my bf pull out along with using the diaphragm/natural spermicide.
By the way–the spermicide cannot be purchased in the U.S.–I have it shipped in from Canada (it's approved for use there, but go figure, not in the U.S.). It's expensive to pay for shipping, and the spermicide does have an expiration date–so plan well as to how much you will use—and maybe buy several tubes at once (have another friend who want to buy some purchase with you)?
Finally, if you're not in a monogamous relationship—you still need to practice safe sex, y'all. There is some BAD stuff out there—and don't be fooled that you won't catch it. Be smart and use condoms. Not ideal for the environment, but if you want to not put that waste out there—then get tested, have your partner get tested, and wait to have intercourse until you're committed. Duh.
I've used the diaphragm for about 7 years now and LOVE it! It's completely green, totally reliable, and no hormones or adverse side effects!! Buy it once for about $30 and use it for years! Why would we choose anything else?… Maybe because I had to seriously search to find this method. No one talks about it, doctors don't offer it, and I still don't know why. It is the best: greenest, safest, healthiest, most affordable! Check it out, ladies. And while you're being green, check out the diva cup.
I'm surprised there's so little talk about the diaphragm. I'd compare it to a reusable water bottle but for sex. I was totally turned off by the IUD when my dr told me it could "latch to and penetrate my uterine wall" and possibly ruin my chances of having children when I'm ready. Not to mention the toll synthetic hormones took on my mood, body, sex drive, etc. I'm with Kate Williams. Noone talks about the diaphragm, maybe because it doesn't make pharmaceutical companies much money. After using the diaphragm I will never use anything else!
Birth control is one thing. Very important, yes. But so is protecting oneself & others against STI's. IUD's don't do that.
wild carrot seed worked for me.
Not mentioned here is the form of birth control FOR MEN that has been around for a while with virtually no side effects but not available in north America…I can't remember the name offhand, but Google it and you will find it. No hormones, virtually no side effectS…of course that means no profit for big pharma hence why we can't obtain it here also, very green
I had a copper IUD for two years. It was GREAT until I got pregnant. The pregnancy was ectopic (implanted outside the uterus) and ruptured. I required emergency surgery and almost died from internal bleeding. They were able to save my ovary but I am now missing my right Fallopian tube. Even if you have an IUD, you should STILL use condoms as a backup. I almost lost my life because of this method. No method 100% effective, even if used properly. The ONLY way to guarantee you will not become pregnant is to not have sex.
FAM is what got me pregnant. Too easy to screw up, and takes too long to "figure out" what works best for your body & cycles…before I even had time to figure it out, I was pregnant. Love my IUD, and if it's not green oh well…at least I am trying to be green in many other places in my life. Not having another child is way more important to me than getting "green" birth control.
Also, this is really hard to read if you're as ADD as I am. I was all over the place…lol…
I had the copper IUD for 7 years- it seemed convenient since I couldn't do hormonal birth control, but it made my periods extremely heavy (9 days of bleeding per month- that's bleeding A THIRD OF THE TIME), totally anemic, and I believe I have some remnant copper toxicity since taking it out a year ago. Do NOT recommend. FAM all the way.
I never post comments on the web… And I mean never- this is my first one because I just have too. I got the copper IUD in hopes to get off birth control because I didn't want any added hormones. I had been having imbalanced hormones for years so I decided to get a copper IUD. Big mistake. I started having insane periods where I would bleed horribly through my sheets, have to change my tampon every 1 1/2 hours. I also started breaking out horribly. All of this was happening at age 23. Every doctor told me it was fine, the IUD wasn't breaking me out. Then I went to a holistic Gyno and we researched copper IUD and breakouts and so much information came up! I got it taken out and everything Started to regulate. Needless to say I know the IUD works great for some people but for others it causes a lot of issues that doctors don't acknowledge.
Birth Control Pill? Got pregnant (love my daughter)
Condom? Got pregnant (love my son)
Thought about sterilization after 2 kids, but doctor said I was too young. It was a blessing because…
After an IUD for 11 years, I was pregnant with a planned child (another son!) the first month after removal.
Bottom Line? It's a personal choice and lots of research to make the right decision for YOU.
Be educated, be informed.


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On the Dalai Lama's Ladakh Visit
Last week I had to make a short trip to India (thus the absence in my blogging here for awhile) where I visited Leh in Ladakh. His Holiness the Dalai Lama was on a visit there. Ladakh borders Tibet and the people there have close spiritual, historical and cultural relationship with the Tibetan people. His Holiness was visiting different parts of Ladakh, including remote areas, visiting monasteries and mosques, and giving religious teachings.
I was able to observe two days of teachings by him and it was reported that more than 35,000 people attended the same. There was virtually a sea of humanity and it was heartening to see the devotion of the Ladakhi people towards His Holiness. I was told that many of these people are nomads who have come to Leh from the northern plains for the teachings. Quite many of them would have trekked overnight or sought recourse to whatever transportation opportunities available not to miss such a sacred opportunity to have a glimpse of the Dalai Lama. The Ladakhi language is based on Tibetan but the dialect is different and so the teachings of His Holiness was being translated into Ladakhi as well as English and Chinese (there were quite a few Chinese-speaking Buddhists there). The teaching site was an interesting social experience to see the attitude of non-Tibetans like Ladakhis towards the Dalai Lama.The above photo of the scene on the day the Dalai Lama arrived in Leh on August 9 is indicative of this attitude. I found the photo on the internet and seek the photographer's indulgence in using it here.
One evening, I was in the main market in Leh and a colleague pointed out a few people who were standing outside an antique store. They had some rugs in their hand and the colleague mentioned that these are nomads who had come for the teachings and that they were using the opportunity to indulge in some trade.
If You Want to Help the People of Tibet, drink Beer!
Happy days are here again in the United States. At last, a beer from Tibet will be available for consumption here. Too bad the Lhasa Beer made its debut after President Obama had his beer session at the White House with the professor and the police officer from Harvard University. Otherwise, this could have been a good opportunity for the Tibet movement to press for making Lhasa Beer the beer of reconciliation.
Seriously, more than the appearance of the beer here, I am intrigued by the report that said, "Lhasa [i.e. the beer, not the capital of Tibet] will donate 10 percent of its annual profits to non-profit groups supporting education, health care, cultural preservation and other socially responsible initiatives in Tibet, according to Witz." George Witz is the president of the American company, Dzambuling Imports, which is doing the importing of Lhasa Beer to this country.
I visited its website and did find half a dozen Europe and US based NGOs that are currently working in development projects in Tibet among whom one is getting that 10 per cent.
It seems "Lhasa Beer is brewed using only the finest natural ingredients, including Himalayan spring water, barley, Saaz hops and yeast. This export product is specially formulated with 30 percent of the malt content coming from the huskless native Tibetan barley. Using this Tibetan barley gives the beer a crisp clean taste without any harsh or astringent flavors that can come from the husk, and supports the Tibetan farmers."
How many bottles of Lhasa Beer would be available here? According to a report in the Tibet Daily, the newspaper from Lhasa, the first batch of 11340 cases of Lhasa Beer were sent to the United States in the middle of May this year. The report said that the second batch of 13860 were due to be sent in July. Thereafter, the schedule seems to be to send a batch every second month.
The beer's website says this, "Through your purchase of Lhasa Beer you are contributing directly to the well being of people in Tibet." If that is so, my mantra to you is, if you want to help the Tibetan people, get drunk on Lhasa Beer.
Tibetan Performing Arts at 50
Today, I heard on the Voice of Tibet that the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala has turned 50.
This is one institution in exile that has served a unique purpose in bringing Tibetan performing arts tradition to the world at large, including the Tibetans in diaspora. In the process many have lauded its contribution in clearly projecting the "pure" Tibetan tradition (as opposed to what China is doing to the art). I feel the time has come for TIPA, as it is more popularly known to the English-speaking community (Dhoegar to the Tibetans), to reassess its role in the new environment it is in.
Fifty years back, TIPA was set up for the basic functional utility of being a center for preserving some of the Tibetan music and dance traditions. It has very much served this purpose since then. But now the time has come for TIPA to go beyond mere preservation and to step up its efforts on composition. Yes, TIPA artistes do compose and some of its products come out through bands like Akama. Also, the most popular tune during my school days would be "Zepay Rinzin Wangmo", composed by then TIPA artiste and currently located in Canada, Thupten Samdup la. But these are non-traditional output.
In recent years, TIPA has done much to promote the Tibetan opera tradition. I heard TIPA Director Wangchuk Phasur say that it has been supporting eight Tibetan opera troupes throughout the Indian subcontinent. Also, TIPA has composed more than two operas (Milarepa and The Great Fifth Dalai Lama) in the post-1959 period (there are, I think two more that I have not seen) . Such works need to be expanded. Similarly, in the field of semi-classical music like Nangma, Toeshey or Garlu, I do not think there have been any new compositions and that needs to be paid attention to.
It is only through composition that we enrich the classical musical tradition. But then, as a commercial for a church in our part of the United States says, what I am doing is giving "Just a thought, not a sermon."
My take on People's Daily in Tibetan
The news out of Lhasa is that the Chinese Communist Party has started publishing a Tibetan edition of its mouthpiece People's Daily from August 1. Of course, to those who know the nature of this publication one can only expect the straight official line. Thus, the Tibetan people will now be getting an opportunity to read the same, in addition to hearing and seeing them on radio and TV.
However, I am intrigued on two points by the latest announcement. First, this will be a Tibetan edition that will cover not just the Tibetan Autonomous Region but also all the Tibetan areas that are outside of it in present-day People's Republic of China. Thus, this is a pan-Tibetan daily, so to say, in Tibetan. Secondly, the statement announcing this publication has the following interesting quote, "We will try our best to provide accurate and timely news that relates to local people."
Of course, technically such a commitment would be contrary to the very nature of the People's Daily for its sole purpose seems to be to convey to the people what the Party wants. However, since such a promise has been made in writing the readers, whether in Tibet or outside, can only wait and see whether it is really delivered.
The Xinhua report that carried the above quote is accompanied by a photo of four beaming women in Tibetan dresses holding a copy of the Tibetan edition of the People's Daily. Although the Xinhua caption said, "Tibetan people read People's Daily…" except for one of them, the rest of the four ladies are looking away from the newspaper and seem engrossed with each other and being amused with something. I hope they are not making fun of this latest venture that is "aimed to contribute to the economic development, social progress, ethnic harmony and stability in Tibet with its news coverage" for that would be gross anti-party activity.
Chinese Propaganda Machinery and the Dalai Lama
These are my thoughts for today as I monitor the media reports coming out from China as well as from the rest of the world on Tibet.
The Chinese authorities, or at least those who have a vested interest in leaving the Tibetan issue unresolved, seem to be desperate to paint an image of declining international interest in His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet. One can see this in constant churning of misinformation coming out of China trying to give a distorted picture. The fact that this version of the situation comes out only through the official Chinese media while the free press comes out with a different version is being missed by the Chinese officials.
More interestingly, such disinformation from Beijing are sometimes in the form of "news" and at others in the form of "article" in the name of some non-existing person called "Yedor." While on "Yedor," did the Chinese propaganda people not know that in Tibetan it means "casting away the mind", which is indeed an apt definition of the content of the writings under this name?
The latest such propaganda items are devoted to the ongoing visit of H.H. the Dalai Lama to Germany and Switzerland. While representatives of the free media that have gathered in Switzerland have been reporting from the field about "Sellout crowds of 12,000 for two days of conferences offered by the Dalai Lama" (just do an internet search) or that "The Dalai Lama enjoys moral authority in much of the world (AP from Lausanne, Switzerland, August 5, 2009)," People's Daily can only moan from faraway Beijing (dateline) that "Dalai Lama gets cold reception in Germany, Switzerland."
Of course, if the Chinese media is hinting at the hesitation of the politicians to interact with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I am afraid the "cold reception" is one that is being forced upon these leaders than one that has been genuinely evolved. For example, in the case of Switzerland, the Chinese may be correct to assume (as the People's Daily did) that "In the past, Switzerland boldly received the Dalai Lama as the country has little influence on international political strategies. The reason behind the refusal lies in Switzerland's new awareness of China's growing power in the global environment, which cannot be ignored. Switzerland must consider cooperating with China in order to advance its national interests and safeguard its economy and trade." What better evidence do we need than this to say that it is only through brute political force that China is imposing its will on other governments.
On the other hand the 12,000 sell-out crowd in Lausanne and those many who attended the events in Germany have all spent quite a bit of their money to travel to the venue and to purchase entry tickets so that they can get an opportunity to hear from the Dalai Lama. A look at the website of the organizers of the events in Lausanne says that all the tickets for the two-day sessions were sold out. What would be the situation if a Chinese leader were to give a two-day talk in Lausanne and tickets were being sold? At best, there may be just some business type people who will buy the tickets, that too unwillingly.
So if these Chinese officials want to be petty and continue with this childish act of making others believe what they may be hoping for, it only goes to show how unprepared China is to be a genuine superpower.
I want to believe that it is only the wrong sort of leaders that are guiding the propaganda machinery in China and that there are more serious and understanding leaders in Beijing. If that is so, it is time for them to speak up before China loses any standing it has among the people of the world, who ultimately count. Otherwise, the outcome of any match between the Chinese propaganda machinery and the Dalai Lama before the international public opinion will be a foregone conclusion. The Dalai Lama will be the gold medal winner.


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Fusion Beauty Prime Results Tinted Moisturizer
I'm busy testing out tinted moisturizers at the moment because hey, it's Summer! Time for lightweight coverage chicas!
What are you HG tinted moisturizers of choice?
Fusion Beauty Prime Results Tinted Moisturizer is one that has my eye.
Let's take a look!
Fusion Beauty Prime Results Tinted Moisturizer has an SPF 15 and a built in primer to provide sheer coverage that hides imperfections while protecting your skin.
It contains Saliporine-8TM which helps provide incredible hydration and peptides to protect skin against premature skin aging.
Flawless, primed, protected skin?
All check plus anti-aging? Check!
Fusion Beauty Prime Results Tinted Moisturizer sounds like a winner!
To be tested…
What do you think?
Available now from Ulta and Sephora. Learn more at www.fusionbeauty.com
Anyone try?
Share it!
6/30/11 16:55 Steph:
I've been using Clinique's tinted moisturizer, and I wish it did more than feel nice on. it's a velvety feeling on my skin, but maybe the shade I have is too light or something because it does nothing for my skins appearance.
6/30/11 17:43 2sillybugs:
What is the source of the sunscreen protection? Looked at the ingredient deck online at the Sephora site, and I didn't see it. I like the ingredients but need to look into Salicornia plant. Allergies are so much fun, NOT! Thanks.
6/30/11 17:45 Sarah S.:
Origins Vitazing is awesome!
6/30/11 18:42 2sillybugs:
I just looked at this product on HSN. They show it contains octinoxate and tianium dioxide. The ingredients listed on the Sephora website are vastly differently from those listed on HSN. Obviously one of them has made a mistake. It didn't get very good reviews on HSN. Weird, huh. Oh, no mention of Salicornia plant in the ingredients on HSN, LOL!
6/30/11 18:46 Alicia:
Muse, do you know if the spf 15 comes from oxybenzone? I'm concerned about the safety of that ingredient from a health perspective. My personal favorite tm comes from Josie Maran- I really feel like it still looks good at the end of the day rather than drying out my skin. She's got an underrated line imo!
6/30/11 18:48 Melissa:
I'll be waiting your review on this one. I played with it in ulta but they were out of the shade I think I need. Im nearing the end of my UD and laura mercier tms so its time for a new one.
6/30/11 21:49 Karla Branson:
I like the Laura Mercier one <3
7/1/11 7:41 Phyllis Alexander:
I work at Ulta and have tried this many times and have come close to buying it. It is one of the nicest TM's I have ever used – it applies smoothly and beautifully and I am a N3/NW15-20 in MAC and light is perfect. It is not sheer and has very good coverage. I wish the SPF was higher though.
7/1/11 14:20 Giselle da Silva:
I like mixing my LUSH Color Supplement with my moisturizer to make it into a tinted moisturizer. It feels very nice, light, and great coverage. No SPF though, so I dab my Smashbox translucent powder on that has SPF in it. ^^
7/1/11 15:18 sylvia:
i am done with tinted moisturizers and foundation since i discovered bb cream
7/1/11 23:25 Julie:
wow…I am really pimping out my ebay wares this week (and while on vacation in Hawaii, too!), BUT have all 4 colors for $19.99 each in my store…won't add any more, but if readers want for 1/2 price, I am your girl! xoxo
7/2/11 0:33 Angela:
I bought this in the shade Ivory and ended up returning it because it was a tad too dark and it also ended up making me feel oily later on in the day.


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PAWTUCKET – Nina Morey isn't about to complain about a win after her Mount St. Charles squad held on for a down-to-the-last possession 33-31 decision against Tolman on Friday.
That said, the MSC head coach came away with the understanding that the Mounties were very fortunate to waltz out of the Donaldson Memorial Gymnasium with the higher point total.
"I'm glad that we had the ability to hang on," said Morey, "but a little more time for (Tolman) and it may have been a different story."
The outcome wasn't sealed until Brittany Bilodeau, a reserve guard on Tolman, tossed up a prayer of an 18-footer as the final horn sounded. Bilodeau's last gasp didn't even reach the rim as MSC's Paige LaBreche applied enough pressure to remove the drama out of Tolman's last chance.
"We're lucky and glad to come out of here with the victory," said a clearly relieved Morey.
With the win the Mounties improve to 3-1 in Division II-North, 6-2 overall. The loss drops Tammy Drape's Tigers to 3-3 in league play, 3-5 overall. MSC's Maria Saia led all scorers with 16 points while pulling down 10 rebounds. Danai Porter topped the Tigers with 11 points while Jenna Ayala enjoyed a productive outing, particularly on the defensive end (eight points, 16 rebounds, seven blocks, five steals).
Both sides had plenty of chances down the stretch to either salt away the win (MSC) or come back and force overtime (Tolman). The Mounties missed a pair of 1-and-1 tries in the final 16 seconds that would have forced the Tigers to go for a 3-pointer. Tolman also had free throw issues late (two misses with 1:11 that would have tied things at 33-all) and also added a killer turnover with 27 ticks left when Ayala lost control of the ball on her way to the basket.
Despite the closing stages unfolding in excruciating fashion, Drape remains optimistic. The Tigers welcomed back guard Maria Lopera to the starting lineup Friday after the senior suffered a serious knee injury against Central Falls last month. Lopera was cleared to practice only a few days ago, as her return coincided with Drape choosing to sit one her guards for disciplinary reasons.
The Tigers spent the first half in an offensive slump, shooting just 6-of-18 and committing 14 turnovers on their way to trailing 21-15 at the break. On the flip side Tolman had a hard time containing Saia, who had 12 points by recess.
With her team crying out for some sort of spark, Drape went with a 3-2 zone that helped get the Tigers back in the contest. The Mounties opened the second half in a 1-for-15 spell, which helped the home team draw even at 24-24 with 8:30 remaining.
"I'm going to take the blame for that," said Drape when asked about the effectiveness of Tolman's zone. "We should have made the adjustment a little quicker."
Mount St. Charles scored the next five points to go up 29-24, but three free throws by Porter helped bring the Tigers right back to within shouting distance. The teams alternated scores before engaging in a "here it is, you take it" stretch to conclude matters.
"This is a lesson learned," said Drape. "I told them they worked very hard in the second half."
MOUNT ST. CHARLES (33): Paige LaBreche 0 0-0 0, Lauren Mallon 1 0-2 2, Adriana Maurano 3 1-3 7, Taylor Messier 1 0-0 2, Noreen Mulledy 1 0-2 2, Tara Murray 0 0-0 0, Alyssa Rossi 2 0-0 4, Maria Saia 6 4-7 16. Totals: 14 5-14 33.
TOLMAN (31): Jenna Ayala 3 2-2 8, Cassie Gustafson 0 0-0 0, Crystal Figueroa 2 0-0 5, Danai Porter 2 7-11 11, Mallory Moniz 0 0-0 0, Brittany Bilodeau 0 0-0 0, Maria Lopera 3 1-5 7, Ariana Wood 0 0-0 0. Totals: 10 10-18 31.
Halftime: MSC 21-15.
Three-point field goals: T 1 (Crystal Figueroa).
[1] http://www.pawtuckettimes.com/sites/default/files/0107TOLM AYALA REBOUNDS.jpg
[2] mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com


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Hillsdale hurler Taylor Petush was masterful on the mound, mowing down Chippewa on a one-hitter to highlight area softball action Monday night.
Hillsdale 5, Chippewa 0
The Falcon junior struck out two and walked two in throwing zeros at the Chipps over seven innings. She also singled and scored to help her own cause.
Hillsdale scored three times in the first inning and added two insurance tallies in the fifth. Ashlee Cutlip doubled and drove in two runs for the winners (4-2, 2-1). Rachel Larue added a single and two RBI, and Amber Deter added a run-scoring hit.
Kourtney Kehres doubled for the lone Chippewa hit. Kendall Kehres was the losing pitcher, giving up five runs on 12 hits. She struck out four without walking a batter.
Northwestern 16, Rittman 0
The Huskies put up crooked numbers in every inning in scalping the visiting Indians, capping off the WCAL win with a seven-run fourth.
Four different players had two-hit games as the Huskies hammered out 14 safeties. Katelyn Edwards tripled and singled, Savannah Gregan doubled and singled, and Tessa Topp and Kerri Manley each singled twice. Addie Hastings added a two-base hit for the winners (4-2, 2-1).
Karyssa Austin doubled for one of Rittman's two hits off winning pitcher Amanda Bowman, who walked two and struck out eight. Sarah Burger was tagged with the loss for the Tribe (2-5, 0-3), giving up four runs on six hits over two innings.
Waynedale 3, Smithville 0
Tabitha Pinkstaff blasted an RBI double in the first inning and Trinity Schlabach made that lead hold up. The senior hurler blanked Smithville on four hits, striking out a dozen without walking a batter.
Schlabach also launched a two-run homer in the third inning for some insurance. The win kept the Golden Bears perfect on the season with a 7-0 mark. Waynedale is 4-0 in Wayne County Athletic League.
Kelsey Kallenborn had two of the hits for the Smithies (5-2, 2-2). Kayla Luangraj added a two-base hit. Jenna Kendall was the hard-luck loser, scattering six hits. She fanned five and walked one.
Dalton 11, Norwayne 3
Threes were wild Monday for the Bulldogs, as the hosts put up a trio of three-run innings in rolling over the Bobcats in this WCAL contest. Paige Summers roped a two-run homer and added a two-run triple to lead the 10-hit attack of Dalton. Amanda Hershberger added three singles and Danae Hershberger doubled for the winners (5-1, 3-0 ).
Norwayne scored twice in the top of the first inning. Kaitlyn Howard doubled and scored for the Bobcats.
Perry 4, Wooster 3 (8 innings)
Wooster traveled to Massillon for a non-conference clash with the Panthers and took a 3-2 lead into the seventh inning, but couldn't close the deal as the hosts tallied a run in the seventh and added another in the bottom of the eighth to send the Generals to their fourth loss of the season.
The Generals managed six hits off two Perry pitchers. Bri Bocook, Carmen Soranno, Paige Dickerhoof, Julia Massary, Alicia Carter and Hannah Rehm had hits for Wooster. Shauna Russell was the losing pitcher. She gave up two runs (one earned), fanning four and walking three.
Tuslaw 16, CVCA 6
The Mustangs banged out 14 hits and took advantage of four Royal errors, most of that coming in the 11-run fourth, cruising to a five-inning Principals Athletic Conference win.
Megan Warner led the assault for Tuslaw (6-3, 4-1), going 4-for-4 and scoring four runs. Ashley Schaer was 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs driven in. Jess Knaus knocked a sole homer in the second inning and Cassandra Patterson helped her own cause with two hits, two RBI and three runs scored. She also went the distance on the bump, scattering six runs on seven hits. She struck out five and walked one.
Triway 7, Timken 3
A seven-run fourth inning lifted the Titans to a PAC victory over the Trojans. Maggie Beckler and Erica Jones blasted triples and Bailey Harden doubled to lead the eight-hit attack of the Titans (3-4, 2-1).
"We put the ball in play and forced them to make some decisions," Titans coach Ron Rock said. "We strung some hits together and we were very lucky."
Hannah Marcum was the winning pitcher for Triway, striking out seven and walking one. She allowed three runs on six hits.
Malvern 4, Hiland 0
The Hawks forgot to bring their gloves to the field in the first inning, giving up three unearned runs and the hosting Hornets added another unearned run in the third as the Hawks committed six errors in this Inter-Valley Conference clash.
Maryssa Mast was the hard-luck loser for Hiland, giving up four runs on one hit and a walk.
The Hawks managed only four singles off the Hornets' Taylor Zeiger, who walked three but struck out 10. Zeiger had Malvern's only hit, a double.


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MSc in Cyber Security
Industrial Advisory Board
The Industrial Advisory Board gives advice on the development of the MSc Cyber Security curriculum, ensuring that it is in tune with the needs of the computer security industry. Its current members are:
- Ian Batten, Fujitsu Telecoms Europe
- Chris Dalton, HP Labs
- Ian Kayne, Senser Ltd.
- Paul King, Cisco
- Russell May, Guidance Software
- Tom McCutcheon, Defence, Science and Technology Labs
- David Pinchbeck, Oxford Computer Group
- Harj Singh, Siemens
- Liwen He, BT
We also have guest lectures from industry on our programme. Recent lectures include:
- Phil Cheese, Vodafone.
Security and vulnerability testing at Vodafone
- Alan Melia, Microsoft.
Tales from the Dark Side
- Ian Kayne, Cable & Wireless.
Security in industry
- Ian Batten, Fujitsu.
ISO 27001: Information Security Management System standard
- Harj Singh, Synetrix.
Security in the public sector: flexible working
- Steve Kremer, INRIA.
Blind, designated verifier and ring signatures
- Jon Carpenter, McAfee.
Malware - a high level overview
- Ian Batten, Fujitsu.
Who watches the watchmen?
Some students choose to do their projects with co-supervisors from industry. This is an excellent way of gaining an introduction to a company, which can lead to future employment opportunities. The set of projects offered by our industrial colleagues varies from year to year. Recent projects have included:
- Anomalous access detection
- Anomalous flow detection
- Providing a secure storage infrastructure within a virtualised data-centre
Hewlett Packard Labs
- Understanding system security properties
Hewlett Packard Labs
- Management of release and transfer of personal information
Hewlett Packard Labs
- Computational puzzle implementation
Hewlett Packard Labs
- Trusted Computing Remote Attestation
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Semantic Security Metadata
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Entropy of Generated Pronounceable Passwords
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Security Decision Modelling
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory