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Problems at California Census offices result in major complaints from female Census Bureau managersMonday, May 3rd, 2010
In recent days, I have received many complaints from Census Bureau employees about the poor quality of their managers. I encourage people with problems to write up their stories and I will publish them here. The following document does not represent the opinions of Stephen Robert Morse or MyTwoCensus.com, but rather the female manager from California who sent me this piece. Inside you will see her opinions about fraud and abuse by Census Bureau management as well as discriminatory treatment of staff and information about the process of filing complaints:
Three female managers in the Santa Maria, CA, Local Census Office, Los Angeles Region filed EEO complaints against our Area Manager, Araceli Barcelo and Assistant Regional Census Center Manager, Jeff Enos. Enos had been our Area Manager and was promoted to ARCM. Barcelo had been a Regional Tech for Enos and was promoted to Area Manager. Those in our office who filed complaints include the Assistant Manager Administration, the Assistant Manager Technology and me, the Local Census Office Manager. We filed complaints because Araceli Barcelo and Jeff Enos rehired a man (I won't name him as he is also part of our complaint and not a manager) who had abused and sexually harassed women in our office. Both Area Manager Barcelo and ARCM Enos knew about this man's behavior and never did anything to stop it. The behavior was well documented and ARCM Enos had the documentation. There was a very volatile incident in our office where this man yelled, made an inappropriate comment and a menacing gesture directed at our AMT. This happened while we were on a teleconference with Jeff Enos. This man also "cussed out" Jeff Enos and Enos did nothing. Later Enos called me and told me to handle the situation with this man because "he did not like to do those types of things". The next day, the man resigned while I was writing him up. Jeff Enos should have disciplined this man. The Local Census Office Manager does not hire, fire or discipline managers. That is the responsibility of the Area Manager.
After the three of us, female managers, learned this man had been rehired during a teleconference with Araceli Barcelo, we filed EEO complaints. We filed complaints because management had not dealt with this man's illegal and abusive behavior, had rehired him and, then, given him a promotion as a Regional Tech in the area Araceli Barcelo supervises. The women in our office were told this man was to not come to our office. However, as a Regional Tech, he now had access to our work and all our electronic files. He could also show up at our door and gain entrance. We filed because we feared he would harm us. The statement from management that this man would not come to our office shows they knew he had done something wrong in our office.
This man was originally hired as a Group Quarters Supervisor in one of the Central Valley Offices about three hours from Santa Maria. To do this, Barcelo needed to have used a fake address, a new geo coding, as office staff can only be hired from the local area. This man lives in Santa Maria. Staff from our office sees him at the local gym quite regularly. Barcelo had fired the LCOM and the Assistant Manager of Administration from one of the Central Valley offices for allowing the Administrative Assistant to use a fake address, her sister's address so she could move with the LCOM to one of the new offices. Why hasn't Barcelo been fired for doing the same thing?
Araceli Barcelo with the direction of Jeff Enos has fired numerous managers in her area. She uses her Regional Techs as spies. Barcelo uses these spies to get information so Barcelo can build documentation on the managers. While some of these managers may have been fired for performance issue, the majority have not. Some of the managers have quit because they couldn't deal with Barcelo's harassing behavior, her firing of their staff and taking over the office to put pressure on the LCOM to quit or to find something to use against them. After one LCOM quit, he contacted his Congressional Rep to complain about all the firings and a delegation from the Congressional Office went to L.A. to meet with James Christy, Regional Director. However, the firings continue. Some of these managers had been with the 2010 Census since the offices opened in 2008. The cost of hiring, training, firing, hiring a replacement and retraining is staggering and a huge waste of taxpayer money. But, then again, as many reports have stated, the Census Bureau has wasted enormous amounts of money. Nothing is done about Barcelo and her behavior as they don't want to disrupt the operations.
If you complain about Barcelo or Enos or anything Barcelo does, you are subjected to retaliation. All of us who have filed against her have received the brunt of her retaliatory behavior. Some of us have been fired. I have been harassed by her every day since I complained about her. She calls us and makes snide, abusive and insulting remarks. She treats us like we, in the field offices are the enemies instead of helping us with the operations. She has made her Regional Techs scour everything in our office to build documentation on us. They looked at all our time sheets to find errors and, I was written up for it. She had one of her Regional Techs, the hatchet man, go through every selection certificate we have handled since the office opened to find mistakes. He is the hatchet man because Barcelo uses him to find things so she can fire. Our Administration Department, by this time, had hired over 2,000 employees and was handling about 300 payroll documents a day. Given the volume and speed of these transactions, since they are all on strict timelines, there will be mistakes. Management claimed all offices were being audited. This was a lie. Barcelo conducted sham superficial audits of her other offices. She used another RT to audit the work he had done when he was the Assistant Manager of Administration. None of the offices in her area or offices reporting to other Area Managers received the depth of review or covered the timeframe audited in our office. Some of the other offices were not audited. This was pure retaliation on the part of Barcelo and Enos. Regional Director, James Christy and Deputy Director know about all of this as we have sent our complaints to them. They turn a "deaf ear" as they don't want to "disrupt the operations". Barcelo continues her abusive retaliatory behavior.
We filed our informal EEO complaints and the EEO Counselor contacted us within a week. She tried to resolve the complaints but, of course, management refused to settle claiming they had done nothing wrong. What we sought was to have management deal with this man who they rehired as they should have done originally, to have Barcelo and Enos disciplined for not dealing with this man's behavior and for rehiring him with full knowledge of his behavior and to have our office moved from the chain of command of Barcelo and Enos as we knew they would retaliate. Retaliate, they did.
We filed our formal complaints with the Decennial Office of Civil Rights, Kathryn H. Anderson, Deputy Director for Decennial Operations Office of Civil Rights, Washington, DC. This was several weeks ago. We received notice from DD Anderson that our complaints had been received but, no decision as to whether our complaints had been accepted for processing or whether an investigator would contact us.
Last week, an LCOM from one of the Central Valley Offices called me. This LCOM and another manager from her office had also filed complaints but, were told by an EEO Counselor that the Decennial Office of Civil Rights is delaying processing the formal complaints so the Census Bureau can finish the operations. None of our complaints have been processed. This LCOM told me complainants are now filing with the Office of the Inspector General so that someone will do something to stop Barcelo's behavior.
There is a statutory timeline for agencies to process complaints, 180 days. When a federal agency/department/bureau stalls processing formal complaints, they can say they won't be able to investigate the complaint within the 180 day and pass the complaint on to the EEOC. The Office of Civil Rights, then, never investigates the complaints. This discourages complainants, they give up or they don't want to deal with another process, EEOC. This creates what is called a "chilling effect" on complainants. The "chilling effect" has been used in the past by employers as a way to avoid having to deal with complaints and avoid correcting their illegal practices. By stalling, the census operations will finish, the responsible management officials will be gone and documents will be destroyed. And we know the Census Bureau is known for shredding and destroying documents and materials. Also, by stalling processing and investigation of complaints, the Office of Civil Rights is giving benefit to management. The OCR is to be an impartial finder of fact. Giving management a benefit and not giving complainants their statutory rights makes the office biased toward management. The only "right" the temporary decennial census employees have is civil rights. Completing the Census does not trump civil rights laws.
By not conducting timely investigations of EEO complaints, the Census Bureau is giving license to managers to continue to engage in discriminatory/harassing and abusive behavior. The managers see no consequences for their behavior and see EEO as a joke. Araceli Barcelo has been quoted as saying: "I have so many EEO complaints filed against me but, I still sleep at night."


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The human form has fascinated artists since the time of the Greeks. However there is a line between aesthetically pleasing and just plain creepy. El Dessouki Fahmi's exhibition, Eros, crossed this line.
While it is understandable Eros was the Greek god of love and desire, it does not mean that squiggly line drawings of crotches and butts should be considered art. Going through the exhibition artwork, it is hard to feel any kind of connection to the sketches. Most of them are of strange-looking women in repose, with an emphasis on thighs and crotches.
At a time when women are objectified in every sort of medium, you would think that art would try to correct that. The exhibition's brochure states: "When Dessouki Fahmi was a small child, he used to spend his leisure time contemplating young peasants' bodies, enjoying seeing their curves under the setting sun's rays." We fail to understand the intended effect of this paragraph, but if it attempts to imply that Fahmi was a Peeping Tom, then it has succeeded.
Even senior citizens did not escape the attack of the squiggly crotch.
The brochure mentions Botticelli, Mahmoud Mokhtar, Renoir, and Modigliani. Although Fahmi's sketches are somewhat similar in their use of perspective to Modigliani's nude paintings, they do not conjure the same feelings in the viewer.
While we are all for exploring human senses, Fahmi's sketches do not do that. If he really wanted to differentiate between the sensual and the sexual, then in our humble opinion, he failed. We felt his sketches only managed to condense the whole idea of womanhood in female genitalia, with a side of conical boobs.
The Eros exhibition is currently on display at the Gallery Misr in Zamalek, and runs until 21 March.

subset: commoncrawl


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The LSI specifically provides participants with feedback on Self (LSI 1) and Others' (LSI 2) reports on personal orientations (Constructive, Passive/Defensive, and Aggressive/Defensive) and 12 specific thinking and behavioural styles associated with these orientations. Results are plotted on the Circumplex, which is normed against 14,000 individuals.
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Continental Supersonic Tubes are super light so you enjoy less rotating weight for easier acceleration and climbing. Made of seamless butyl rubber, they are individually tested for top quality.
Size: 700 x 18-25c
Schrader valves are identical to those found on car tires. These valves are generally used on hybrid and children's bikes. Presta valves, which are found on most road and off-road bikes, are longer and thinner and feature a threaded tip, which must be opened to inflate (turn counterclockwise).


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And finally, the numbers go all the way back to 1871 for hitters and 1876 for pitchers. Some of the estimates used to fill these stats in, like the baserunning regression formula or the JAARF fielding numbers, are not to be trusted as anything more than a reasonable guess. Catcher defensive ratings are based on passed balls and errors only. It is not worth it to even try to estimate performance against the running game by catcher assists. Mike Piazza had about as many assists per game as Johnny Bench. Enough said.
Here's the WAR database.
And here's Shoeless Joe Jackson. And Eddie Collins. And Luke Appling.
And Red Faber. And Ed Walsh. And Ted Lyons. And Eddie Cicotte. And Billy Pierce.


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"Death is not true when one has carried out well the work of a life"- José Martí
|Harold Cepero Escalante and Mario Manuel de la Peña
On Friday, December 28, 2012 Mario Manuel de la Peña, who was born in the United States in the township of Weehawken, New Jersey in 1971, should have been 41 years old.
One month and a day later on January 29, 2013 Harold Cepero Escalante, who was born in Cuba in the municipality of Chambas in the province of Ciego de Ávila in 1980, should be celebrating his 33rd birthday.
Sadly, neither young man will have the opportunity to do so.
Mario Manuel de la Peña was one of four men shot down by Cuban MiGs on February 24, 1996 while searching for Cuban rafters in the Florida Straits in international airspace. Mario was 24 years old when he was killed.
Harold Cepero Escalante was a youth leader in the Christian Liberation Movement and died under suspicious circumstances with its founding leader Oswaldo Paya Sardiñas on July 22, 2012. Harold was 32 years old at the time of his untimely death. Family members are demanding an international investigation into the deaths of Harold and Oswaldo.
December 28 is the Day of the Holy Innocents and is a religious holiday named in honor of the young children slaughtered by order of King Herod around the time of Jesus' birth. These young victims were called"Holy Innocents" because they were too young and innocent to have committed any sins.
Both young men were human rights defenders who nonviolently sought to save lives and rescue human dignity.
The Cuban Democratic Directorate and members of the exile community are offering a Mass officiated by Father José Luis Menéndez to pray for the souls of Harold Cepero Escalante and Mario Manuel De la Peña on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 8pm at Corpus Christi Church located at 3220 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL.


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Every year over 150 Ballet Austin Academy students are cast in Ballet Austin's production of The Nutcracker.
This year is no exception, with the total clocking in at 174. See if you can spot our…
2 Claras, 2 Fritzs, 11 party girls and 6 party boys:
8 rats and 24 mice:
40 bon bons and 20 Chinese
… and 61 angels!
Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker is celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year. Tickets available now.


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STANDING SQUARELY at the intersection of faith and life, St. Matthias Catholic Parish and School in Chicago's Lincoln Square Community is committed to your spiritual and educational journey.
The soul of a wildly varied and thoroughly Chicago neighborhood, St. Matthias welcomes everyone. Joined by a faith that celebrates Catholic social values, we treasure each individual's unique gifts. In our school and church we build values for living and friendships for life.
Welcome to our vibrant, nourishing, and faith-filled community that is the heart of a life well-lived from infancy to eternity.


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Harris earning higher profile in D-backs' bullpen
PHOENIX -- Outing by outing over the past season, D-backs reliever Will Harris has methodically built a case to pitch in higher leverage situations.
D-backs manager Kirk Gibson used Harris in the eighth inning Tuesday night to protect a 5-4 lead against the Giants.
With setup man David Hernandez out for the year after having Tommy John surgery, it opens the door for Harris to take his spot in the eighth inning.
"It's something that you've kind of got to earn a little bit," Harris said. "That's fine by me."
Harris compiled a 2.91 ERA in 61 relief appearances last year and followed that up with a good spring. Still, until Randall Delgado moved from the 'pen to the rotation following the injury to Patrick Corbin, it looked like Harris might have to start the year at Triple-A Reno.
Harris said he did not pay attention to the roster speculation during the spring.
"I've always taken the approach that if you pitch well and if you're good enough to pitch in the big leagues, you'll pitch in the big leagues," he said. "They'll find a spot for you. If you can help a team win, then you'll be here, and if they don't feel like you can help the team win, then you won't. I just try to do whatever I can to help the team win and I feel like the other will take care of itself."


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text: Hey Annette, You should hang out with my wife! She REALLY likes Fiona Ritchie!..Shes into renaissance too! I think she wants me to go to one of those camps where people dress like knights and fair maidens!..She says(right behind me now, watching)I should be a blacksmith..She wants to be one of those "Buxom Beauties with BIG boobs(my emphasis) waiting at the harbor inn with her heart of gold offering the little laddies mild diversions while waiting for her blacksmith who should arrive on ship with his mighty smithin hammer!( she telling me what to type!) Oh, god,...the pressure... Anyways, you'd like her!


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An ABC News report about the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998, which focused national attention on violence against gays, has ignited indignation among gay rights advocates even before its broadcast tonight.
The hourlong report on "20/20" re-examines the murder of Mr. Shepard, 21, a college student who was tied to a fence, beaten and left to die by two men outside Laramie, Wyo.
The program includes prison interviews with the confessed killers, Aaron J. McKinney and Russell A. Henderson, who are serving life sentences. Mr. McKinney tells the ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Vargas that he was high on methamphetamine when he killed Mr. Shepard in a rage, explaining that his intent was to beat up and rob him.
"Did you kill Matthew Shepard because he was gay?" Ms. Vargas asks. "No, I did not," Mr. McKinney replies.
Mr. Henderson, who is appealing his sentence, also says on camera that the killing was simply a robbery gone bad. "It was not because me and Aaron had anything against gays," he says.
Those leading the charge against the heavily promoted ABC report -- including Joan Garry, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation -- said the program relied on speculation, two convicted killers and other witnesses lacking credibility who are now changing their stories or making accusations that cannot be proved.
Ms. Garry and others also noted that the contentions that robbery and drugs figured into the killing are old news, as is the assertion of the Albany County prosecutor, Cal Rerucha, that Mr. Shepard's sexual orientation played no role in the killing, as he re-states in the "20/20" interview.
"I would be prepared to hear a sound argument that something else was at play; this was not a sound argument," Ms. Garry said in an interview.
Jeffrey W. Schneider, an ABC News vice president, said he understood the concerns, which he said had been expressed in calls to the network. But he called the report "both fair and accurate" and said it was a result of a six-month investigation.
"I don't think our piece in any way diminishes a vitally important national conversation about hate," he said.
Sean Maloney, the lawyer for Judy Shepard, Mr. Shepard's mother, called the program "just bad journalism," a simplification of a complex case. He appears in the report with Ms. Shepard.
"No one has maintained that this was only a hate crime," Mr. Maloney, a lawyer at Willie Farr & Gallagher in New York City, said in an interview. But "there is a mountain of evidence that anti-gay bias was a trigger for the beating that left Matthew dead after they robbed him."
Others said they welcomed a fresh look at the case. "Whether this killing constitutes a hate crime or drug-fueled rage, robbery, some combination or whatever, we must not lose sight of justice," said Bill Dobbs, a lawyer and advocate for gay rights in Manhattan who opposed the death penalty in the case. Mr. Dobbs said he did not agree with every aspect of the "20/20" program but applauded ABC for producing it.
There has never been a unanimity of opinion about what role homophobia played in the case.


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Tayari Jones is the author of two novels, The Untelling (2005), which won the Lillian C. Smith Award for New Voices, and Leaving Atlanta (2002), which received the Hurston/Wright Award for Debut Fiction. Essence
A few months ago, before the media coverage of Clinton/Obama contest pressured black women to decide if we are "women" before we are "black," I sat beside a black man on an airplane. Since such close quarters lend themselves to small talk, he asked me what I do for a living.
"I'm a writer," I said.
"Oh," he said. "What do you write? Romances?"
He gave me a sideways glance. "So you have a problem with men?"
Though I was completely aware of the inanity of his question—of both his questions—I found myself working hard to allay his fears. "Oh no," I said. "I have no problem with brothers!" Once I had disembarked from the plane, claimed my bags, and settled myself in a taxi cab, I recalled my own voice, treakly sweet with an edge of desperation.
What the hell was that all about?
The man on the plane was about the same age as I am—37 this year. We both came to understand the tradition of African American women's writing in the context of the maelstrom surrounding Alice
Perhaps the most biting of the attacks was Ishmael Reed's claim that "the same charges that Alice Walker makes against black men were made about the Jews in
As my own novels have been published, I have been fortunate enough to meet the writers whose work guided me, not only as a craftsperson, but as a thinker. In October of last year, Cheryl Clarke, whose work appears in the Black Feminist Anthology Homegirls, remarked that Ntozake Shange gave the women of her generation permission to "tell a black woman's story." Squirming in my seat, I envied her this moment of experiencing the debut of "For Colored Girls," to be enthralled by the language, the performance, and the narrative, without being frightened by the controversy that would follow.
In her memoir, The Same River Twice: Honoring The Difficult, Alice Walker relates her experiences following backlash to the publication of The Color Purple and to the release of the movie adaptation:
It was said that I hated men, black men in particular; that my work was injurious to black male and female relationships; that my ideas of equality were harmful, even destructive to the black community. … It was a curious experience that always left me feeling as if I had injested poison. (22-23)
It was a curious experience for me as well. As a tender young writer-to-be, I was very much like a small girl who witnesses domestic violence and sexual terrorism between her parents. As I have set my own pen to the page, I recall the experience of Alice Walker. I understand what she meant when she said that the criticism "prevented my working at the depth of thought at which I feel most productive." So fearful was I of being "unfair" to my male characters, that I relied on my older brother to vet my manuscripts. When he was unwilling to help me with my second novel, he unwittingly forced me to trust my own sense of just representation. For this, I will ways be grateful.
In her famous essay, "Looking For Zora," Walker writes that she had limited exposure to Black women writers as she was coming of age as a writer herself. Gloria Naylor has remarked that before she went to Yale, she didn't know that black women wrote books. I sometimes wonder if this was not a mixed blessing as they created their art without fear of being forced out of the circle.
So this brings me back to my experience on the airplane. My seatmate's question-So you have a problem with (black) men- was really a demand that I establish my loyalty to the Race. Although we engage in philosophical discussion about what "blackness" is, there is no doubt that—whatever it is-- it involves an uncritical appreciation for its men. The consequences of being pronounced a race-traitor are cultural isolation, crippling for a person already marginalized. Of course, the flip side of this is that proving my allegiance requires a toxic silence.
I am a feminist, and I do not resist the label. I didn't mention this to my seatmate although this is probably the real answer to the question, "What do you write about?" I would not be honest here if I didn't confess to a secret desire to please this man, for him to tell me that I am still a member of the fold.
But I am veering away from my experience on the plane. Perhaps I can't stay on task because I am embarrassed by own response, that I didn't take the high road, seeing this as a "teaching moment." Or maybe I could have taken the low road and given him a piece of my mind. Perhaps I can't stay on task because I am ashamed to remember so clearly the moment, to have been so rattled, to feel the need to confess here my reticence.
The antidote, of course, is to return to the substance of the texts that convinced me that a black woman's story is a story that must be told, that must be passed down. Black women writers of my generation must have a bravery that exceeds that of the women who went before us. Although they are said to have paved the way, I think a better metaphor is that they cleared away the brush. The road down which the next generation will travel is still in need of pavement. There is molten tar to be mixed and spread. The work will be difficult, dangerous, and essential.


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I wrote another piece for Broadsheet yesterday because this Daily Beast piece made me tremendously ranty, and I figured I might as well get paid for it. I've been thinking a lot about the social advantages and disadvantages of motherhood these days, so once I started, I couldn't shut up even more than usual. Which meant that the piece I turned in was absurdly long, and I fully expected to see large chunks of it missing in the final version.
What's missing, as it turns out, is the last three paragraphs. They were exactly the right thing to cut, since I'd already made my argument (and then some) by that point, and the rest was a combination of tangent and reiteration. But the tangent was one I really wanted to get in there — that choosing not to have kids really doesn't come off as a glamorous, attractive choice, just because it might increase a woman's chances of reaching the top of her field. If you know you want kids, the message childless* women send is kind of beside the point. I know people who want/have kids, who don't want kids and who are ambivalent — and sometimes, ambivalence gives way to a default decision one later regrets — but I have yet to meet a woman who's like, "I am absolutely certain I want to be a mother, but I'm going to completely ignore that overwhelming urge because it might ruin my career." Some women gamble on delaying pregnancy and lose, but that's really not the same as saying, "I desperately want children but have officially decided I will never have them because Sonia Sotomayor is my hero." And that's what Beinart seems to be worried about.
So. Please do go read the Broadsheet post, because that's all about how brutally hard it is to balance motherhood and career ambition, and if you just read this part in isolation, you'll think I'm missing the point entirely. (I've been writing and thinking a LOT lately about my own ambivalence toward having children and how much of it stems from the fact that neither childless women nor mothers get the social support and respect they need, so committing to either feels like asking to have a load of shit shoveled down my throat — whereas existing in this liminal state allows people to project whatever future they think is best on me, and thus not harass me too much about my choices. Problem is, this state has a fast-approaching expiration date.) But I think there are lots and lots of important points that arise from Beinart's piece, basically — too many for one post — so I wanted to put up the rest of my rant, and open a space for discussing the whole thing that's free of Broadsheet trolls. And make sure you all saw Tami's piece, because it's brill, and I basically spent the whole rant working up to quoting her, but then that got cut.
Without further ado, the last three paragraphs:
And trust me, young girls are hardly getting the message that choosing not to have children is an easy path — or if they are, they shouldn't be. If you haven't thought too hard about it yet, girls, let me break it down for you: In addition to the potential for lifelong regret, which you'll never stop hearing about from the Hewletts of the world and their proxies among your friends and family, you will be widely regarded as a freak, as incomplete, selfish, irresponsible, unfeminine, somehow broken — what kid of woman doesn't want kids? — and you'll spend half the time and energy you saved by not having kids defending that decision and your credibility to people who inexplicably think it's their business. So basically, the message you should be hearing loud and clear is that you're damned if you do, damned if you don't — which means the only good reason to have kids or not is because it's what you feel is best.
Blogger Tami of What Tami Said nails it:
The problem is not that women without children are getting too many extra goodies, too many shots at the brass ring. The problem isn't that working mothers don't have enough role models to demonstrate that they can have it all. The problem is that for all our superficial obsession with "baby bumps" and our pledges that "the children are the future," we aren't willing to walk the walk. We don't support women in having it all. We fail to back up our supposed belief in families with legislation and societal values that truly establish successful nurturing of the next generation as a priority. (I can pretty much guarantee that our "family values" friends on the right would be the first to rail against any sort of strengthened parental leave or socialized childcare.)
Beinart concludes his argument, "[C]hoosing Wood would send the message that women can have kids and still reach the apex of their profession. That's a message that I'd like my working wife –and our 2-year-old daughter — to hear." Hey, as a married 35-year-old professional currently grappling with the question of whether I can handle motherhood, that's a message I'd love to hear myself — but only if it's true. And for the most part, right now, it's just not. Right now, the number of women who reach the apex of their profession, kids or no kids, is still so tiny relative to the number of men who do, the girls and women I know will take any dingdang role model we can get. So instead of scrutinizing potential Supreme Court appointees' reproductive choices, it would probably be more helpful if men who care about their wives' and sisters' and daughters' futures would help women agitate for longer parental leave, subsidized day care and a culture that supports women who choose motherhood, women who don't, and women who want to balance parenthood and career ambition without being condemned as either coldhearted monsters or half-assed employees, just like men always have.
*I'm using "childless" because I actually find "childfree" just as problematic, in addition to the fact that not everybody without kids identifies as such. To me, "-free" overcorrects for the lack implied by "-less"; now, instead of implying that people without children are missing something, we're implying that people with children are burdened, and those of us without have dodged a bullet, suckers! I don't particularly like what that says about parenthood or about people who choose not to have kids, who are often stereotyped as simply unwilling to sacrifice and take on the responsibilities of parenting. So what I'd really love is something in between, but since I can't think of anything, I revert to the word that's more commonly used.


text: On Sunday, June 24 a group of wounded soldiers will join National Aquarium divers in the Wings in the Water and Atlantic Coral Reef exhibits. The soldiers have been participating in Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS), a nonprofit program designed to help improve the lives of injured soldiers through diving. Training soldiers in such a challenging and rewarding activity can help facilitate the rehabilitation process and promote mobility. Each diver will be accompanied in the water by National Aquarium dive professionals. The soldiers will be taught the basics of Aquarium diving and safety procedures before they dive in the exhibits with more than 50 species of fish, rays, sharks and more. This is not the first time National Aquarium has welcomed wounded soldiers to dive. Last summer, the visiting soldiers bonded with Calypso, the 400-lb green sea turtle who also happens to be an amputee. What: Wounded Warriors will be SCUBA diving in the Wings in the Water and Atlantic Coral Reef exhibits at National Aquarium. Who: Wounded Warriors participating in Soldiers Undertaking Disabled SCUBA (SUDS) at Walter Reed National Military MedicalCenter (WRNMMC) When: Sunday, June 24, 2012 5:00pm Where: National Aquarium 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Media Opps: Interview soldiers participating Interview National Aquarium representatives B-roll or photos of the dive Photos available upon request (from 2011 dive) On-site media contact: Kate Hendrickson, cell: 856.630.5545 Categories:


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The oversight of individual, self-employed and small employer medical insurance happens at the state level. Since every state has its own unique set of regulations aimed at maintaining low cost medical insurance, the laws governing health insurance contracts vary dramatically. Some states have the authority to regulate premiums charged by health insurance companies, while others simply review rates but do not have the authority to reject a premium increase. The laws also differ based on the type of medical insurance policy offered in Missouri and how the health insurance company filed their contract in the state. Some health insurance policies are filed directly with Missouri, while others are considered "out-of-state" trust or group association arrangements. The former are generally subject to greater regulation thereby giving Missouri more control and authority over what benefits must be provided and the premiums that can be charged.
In Missouri, rates for health insurance policies are not required to be filed with the insurance commissioner. This very limited type of oversight often relies on consumer complaints to indicate a problem. As a result, individuals have not historically been protected against large medical insurance premium increases.
New medical insurance rate review requirements
Since medical insurance premiums have doubled during the past 10 years, the new healthcare law provides for special rate review provisions to help consumers get "better value for their health care dollars." The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act require the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to work in collaboration with state insurance commissioners to review "unreasonable increases in medical insurance premiums."
The new healthcare law also requires medical insurance companies and health plans that propose an "unreasonable" rate increase to provide justification for the increase to HHS, and post the justification on their websites. Additionally, in order to promote price transparency, HHS asked the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop a standard rate filing disclosure form that all health plans must use when justifying unreasonable rate increases to HHS and Missouri. The goal is to ensure that regulators and the public can access the data and justifications in a way that allows for "apples-to-apples" comparisons. "Grandfathered" health insurance policies effective prior to March 2010 (before the new healthcare law was enacted) are exempt from this new rate review requirement.
State grants to support review of medical insurance premiums and rate increases
Lastly, PPACA provides a pool of $250 million in grant funding for state insurance departments to support an enhanced review of medical insurance rates and premium increases. It should be noted that PPACA does not alter Missouri's existing regulatory authority over health insurance rates and premium increases.


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Nemacolin wants workers for new casino
Lady Luck Casino to feature 600 slot machines, 28 table games
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is gambling on a new casino this summer, and officials are ready to hire.
Lady Luck Casino, a $60 million gaming facility, will feature 600 slot machines, 28 table games and two restaurants.
The casino is holding informational sessions for potential applicants in March and April. It also plans to begin a second session of dealer school.
"Our first session of dealer school is well underway. We are pleased with the participation and interest and have determined a need to begin a second session," said General Manager Rich Laudon. "Additionally, we are beginning to focus on hiring other casino positions and have set six informational sessions. We hope that anyone interested in job opportunities will stop by and regularly check our website for new job postings."
-March 7: CareerLink Uniontown, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 135 Wayland Smith Drive
-March 7: West Virginia University, Morgantown, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1550 University Ave.
-March 16: Holiday Inn Uniontown, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 700 W. Main St.
-March 21: Pittsburgh Career Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Clarion, 401 Holiday Drive, Pittsburgh
-April 17: Holiday Inn Uniontown, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 700 W. Main St.
-April 23: NAACP Diversity Career Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marriott City Center, Pittsburgh
-April 27: Holiday Inn Uniontown, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 700 W Main St.
Dealer school is scheduled to begin on March 25, 2013. Dealer school applications will be accepted electronically by accessing the Company's website at www.islecasinojobs.com. Dealer school trainees must be over 21 and able to pass a drug and alcohol screen. There is no charge to attend dealer school.
Lady Luck Casino will be the 16th casino operated by Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. across the United States.


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Visit Vocations Toronto at www.vocationstoronto.ca, a resourceful site in answering these questions.
The prophecy of Malachi tells us that suddenly there will come to the
temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you
desire. Those who were waiting for the Lord and for a Savior could never
have imagined that it was this baby coming into the temple that fulfills
this prophecy. So often this is the way of our God: a surprise with
complete love but a totally unexpected fulfillment of His word.
The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus had to become like his
brothers and sisters in every way. This reflects again this tremendous
mystery that God takes on our flesh, God becomes one of us, God the
almighty becomes a child in the womb and is born for us. Today that child
is presented in the temple, like any normal child would have been. Jesus
is truly human and truly God. Jesus is human in every aspect of His life,
just as we are, except that He does not sin.
The Gospel today is from Luke and tells the story of the presentation in
the temple. This is where we meet the old people who have stayed in the
temple, waiting for a Messiah, waiting for the Lord to send salvation for
His people. It is a lesson for us because these old people have been
praying and because of their spiritual gifts are able to recognize the Lord
in this child.
Simeon knew from a prophecy that the Lord would come to the temple. Surely
he was not expecting this 40 day old child! Yet Simeon is able to
recognize in this child, the Savior of the world. This can encourage us to
pray and to become old praying. The more we pray, the more we see in the
spiritual world.
Anna is another model of old age. She had no prophecy ahead of time but
recognizes this child as the Redeemer and gives thanks to God. Once more
we are reminded to keep praying and to trust in the Lord. God never
abandons His people. Salvation and Redemption are at work today in our
lives and in our world, even when we seem blind to these realities. Not
all recognized the Savior and Redeemer in the child Jesus. Not all can see
the work of God today. Let us rejoice in the gift of faith.
Reflections are available for the following Sundays:


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My problem is really simple yet it sounds complex, but I have zero to none experience with this.
I have set up a box using gentoo which has its own semi-static WAN-IP and acts as router for my LAN. I have access to a router elsewhere on the web, which has a dynamic IP and is registered to dyndns. My plan is to redirect specific traffic from my gentoo-box to the router to make use of the tunnel and the dynamic IP.
My idea was to install a proxy on my gentoo-box which uses a VPN connection to the router as default. Every computer on the LAN and specific computers on the WAN (that have access right to the proxy) should be allowed to use this proxy, but no traffic should be forced to go through the router. Which rules out the idea of just using iptables.
Example: I want to redirect Firefox traffic through the VPN but not Opera traffic. I setup Firefox to use the local proxy, it gets the dynamic IP of the distant router, Opera still browses with my semistatic-IP.
Is this possible? Which software to use? Any further ideas?
btw: the router supports PPTP, IPSec and L2TP
Edit: If you have better ideas for the title please edit or suggest, I have no idea how to call my problem :(


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You are here
Conservative Prescribing Is Needed To Improve Medication Safety
When we think about wrong drug errors, we might envision a nurse or pharmacist who selected the wrong drug from its storage location because it looked like another drug, or a pharmacist or prescriber who selected the wrong drug from a computer screen because its name looked similar to the intended drug. Yet, wrong drug errors often arise when medications are prescribed inappropriately or are overused, sometimes leading to significant harm. These errors suggest that an important facet of medication safety is making sure the right drug is prescribed only when indicated.
In the September 2011 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, Schiff and colleagues1 offered a set of principles to guide more conservative prescribing of medications intended to help ensure that patients receive the right drug only when indicated. These principles represent a paradigm shift to help counterbalance the pressure physicians often feel as a result of the pharmaceutical industry touting its "latest and greatest" drugs and patients' uninformed requests for what they see or hear advertised. Indeed, it is nearly impossible for patients to imagine leaving a doctor's office without a prescription, and physicians may feel they need to use the latest drugs when treating their patients. To instill more thoughtful prescribing attitudes and behaviors, the authors identified the following principles for safer, evidence-based prescribing.
Think Beyond Drugs
Prescribers are encouraged to consider nondrug therapy for conditions that respond well to other modalities, such as exercise, physical therapy, diet changes, and smoking cessation. Literature supports initial nondrug therapy for numerous conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, back pain, arthritis, and headaches. The authors suggest a focus on disease prevention and consideration of underlying causes of conditions before prescribing a medication. For example, while metformin can delay or prevent type-2 diabetes, lifestyle changes are often more effective. Prescribers should think beyond drugs and use restraint when dealing with undiagnosed symptoms and potentially self-limiting conditions.
Practice More Strategic Prescribing
Citing studies that affirm higher-quality prescribing, Schiff et al. advise prescribers to use a limited personal formulary of drugs with which they are familiar so they can master dosing, become familiar with adverse effects and interactions, and even know what the tablets look like, placing them in a better position to prevent errors and anticipate problems. Deferring non-urgent treatment to allow self-limiting conditions to resolve on their own, starting treatment with only one new drug at a time so the patient's response can be identified, and not switching to a new drug without compelling evidence-based reasons are also essential to conservative prescribing. Prescribers need not only a good reason to prescribe a medication, but also a good reason to change therapy.
The authors also warn that, although it may seem to go against patient-centered care, "individualized" drug therapy is often the mantra of prescribers who engage in ad hoc "trial and error" medicine. Individualization is desirable when used to address specific concerns, such as making dose adjustments for renal-impaired patients, or in response to the patient's reaction to the medication, but not when it is used for unscientific experimentation.
Maintain Heightened Vigilance Regarding Adverse Effects
Schiff and colleagues advocate a construct called "forecaring"—the practice of anticipating potential adverse drug effects, including withdrawal symptoms, even when cause–effect relationships are not fully evidence-based. Prescribers should be experts on the adverse reactions associated with the drugs they prescribe and should monitor patients for both common and rare but important reactions. For example, is the patient's worsening heart failure caused by a medication? Is what appears to be symptom relapse really a withdrawal symptom after stopping a medication? Maintaining a high index of suspicion that a new symptom might be drug-related has also led to identifying previously unknown reactions. Prescribers should also educate patients about side effects; the authors note that concerns regarding enhanced susceptibility to side effects among patients after education have been exaggerated and are outweighed by the benefits of an informed patient.
Exercise Caution and Skepticism Regarding New Drugs
Schiff and colleagues recommend avoiding the rush to use newly marketed drugs, including new designer drugs with sophisticated molecular structures. The authors warn prescribers not to succumb to theoretical promises alone but to await evidence of actual beneficial clinical outcomes. For example, while torcetrapib was initially shown to increase high-density lipoprotein levels, two subsequent clinical trials showed that the drug did not slow atherosclerosis and actually increased mortality, forcing abandonment of the drug.
The authors also raise an important distinction between improving patient-centered outcomes and treating surrogate disease markers. Studies may show improvement in disease markers based on laboratory and radiological evidence, for example, but these improvements may not result in meaningful outcomes related to quality of life and mortality. An example offered by Schiff and colleagues is the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial, which led to more intensive lowering of hemoglobin A1c levels but worsened the outcomes for patients with type-2 diabetes. Information used to inform prescribing decisions must be complete and unbiased.
Prescribers should not be overly confident about prescribing a new medication even if good outcomes have been reported with clinical trials. Selective drug trial reporting, in which only the positive results are promoted and published, is commonplace. Furthermore, not enough time has elapsed or too few patients were enrolled in the trial to accurately predict long-term safety; the authors cite studies that suggest it takes five to 10 years to identify significant adverse effects.
Also, patients in a drug trial are not necessarily like a typical patient treated with the drug who has multiple medical problems, does not reliably comply with drug therapy, has pre-existing renal, liver, or cardiovascular disease, and is taking other medications. Prescribers need to understand the specific niche for each drug; a presumption that all patients are similar to those who participated in the drug trial is not evidence-based prescribing. Stretching the indications of a drug (gabapentin works for post-herpetic neuralgia; thus, it is worth trying for migraines) also cannot be considered evidence-based prescribing.
Work With Patients For a Shared Agenda
Health care providers are under great pressure from patients to prescribe advertised drugs. They don't want to antagonize patients, and they often lack the time to fully discuss the benefits and risks of the requested drug. But Schiff and colleagues discourage prescribers from automatically agreeing to drug requests and ask them to consider the effects of writing a prescription for a questionable drug. On the other hand, while some patients seem to demand the latest drugs, others are reluctant to take medications for various reasons, some valid.
The authors ask prescribers to understand the basis for patients' skepticism, engage in honest dialogue about the benefits and risks of medications, and be cautious about prescribing. When a conservative approach to drug therapy is taken, patients will more readily accept treatment with essential medications. Prescribers also need to consider patient nonadherence, the extent of which is often underestimated, before increasing doses or adding new drugs to a regimen when patients' conditions do not improve. Attention must also be paid to avoid prescribing a drug that has previously failed or caused an adverse reaction, and to discontinue medications when they are ineffective or no longer needed.
Consider Long-Term, Broader Effects
The final principle proposed by Schiff and colleagues involves thinking beyond the short-term benefits of medications and considering the long-term benefits and risks. Unfortunately, we often learn about serious adverse effects several years after a new drug enters the market. The authors give numerous examples, including antipsychotic medications that are allegedly safer than older products such as haloperidol but are causing serious weight gain and increased risks for diabetes with long-term use. Medications must be prescribed conservatively given the risk of as-yet-unknown adverse effects. The authors further note, "Implementing well-designed computerized prescriber order entry or improved patient or laboratory monitoring has been shown to improve drug treatment, often more than the marginal impact of many new 'breakthrough' drugs."
Schiff and colleagues aptly note that, individually, each principle described above is neither novel nor controversial. But taken together, they represent "a shift from 'newer and more is better' to 'fewer and more time-tested is best.' " No prescriber wants to experience the anguish of realizing that a drug he or she prescribed has harmed a patient. As confirmed in every one of ISMP's QuarterWatch™ reports (
Like Schiff and his co-authors, ISMP encourages leaders at academic programs, medical professional organizations, and hospitals to share and discuss these guiding principles with prescribers. Such dialogue and curriculum content are needed to influence prescribing habits—ideally, early in the prescribers' careers when habits are formed. In hospitals, the P&T committee is a great starting point for discussions and action planning.


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Better late than never is my new motto! At our Thimbles meeting in March, I took lots of photos of the quilts for Show and Tell. Pat, our beloved leader, was out-of-town with another commitment. I'll try to give the name of each quilter, but I'm not remembering all of them. Fellow Thimbles, please leave a comment if you remember who made the quilts that I forgot or credited to the wrong person:) The stunning quilt above and below were delivered to Sandra that day, freshly quilted.
Gretchen's black, tan and red stunner from the book 40 Fabulous Quick Cut Quilts. I want to make this one.
Sarah (no blog) designed these blocks and used selvages she collected from her other quilt projects.
Jane with her just quilted Cupcake Quilt. She used Minkee for her backing. I convinced her to give me the trimming of the green Minkee. It has already been gifted as a pet bed.
Don't you just love Paula's Pinocchio creation?
I'm totally blanking on this one. Love the fabric and design. I recognize Gretch holding the quilt, but can't remember if it is her quilt or if she was helping someone else.
Great design!
Pat with her batik wall-hanging.
Sarah, no blog, drew the string blocks after seeing a similar design on cheater cloth. She sewed her quilt with pieced string blocks. The basket quilt is Kitty's Baskets from Pat's book Spotlight on Neutral, but with colorful batiks!
Danita's block of the month from Little Quilts is now done.Marie, on the right, with her beautiful Twister quilt. Leisa, on the left, quilted the top for Marie.
Elaine hand-quilted her Emily Jane quilt. Elaine and
Pam split a kit. Pat's beauty is machine quilted.
Teresa with her Snowman wall-hanging.
Teresa and "Sir Quilt Dude" with a favorite design from our "Sisters" days.
I'm thinking this is Debbie's Jelly Roll Race.Leisa and "Sir Quilt Dude", but again I've forgotten the name of the quilter with this wonderful quilt.
Janet adding the final borders to her new Spring quilt.
If anyone can tell me the name of the quilters on the ones that I've forgotten, please let me know and I'll edit this post. As always, it was a wonderful Thimbles weekend! Pat, we missed you!


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8 ounces Harvest Moon® Pumpkin Ale
6 ounces pecan halves
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 whole pie shell, deep dish
Whipped cream, optional
In a small saucepan, heat beer with pecans and spices over medium heat. (The sauce will soak into the pecans and steam off, reducing to just a few tablespoons of liquid.) Remove from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, beat the eggs, corn syrup, and sugar. Fold in pecan mixture. Put entire filling into a prepared deep-dish pie shell.
Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until filling rises and crust is golden brown, about 30-45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool for 30 minutes. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream.


text: This reef-dwelling fish is known for its bright yellow body. It is a popular aquarium fish and is exported in great numbers from Hawaii for this purpose. It spawns primarily during the full moon. Although males can become territorial, the yellow tang is sometimes known to live in small groups. These fish look very similar to the juvenile stage of blue tangs, but blue tangs turn blue and get quite a bit larger, where yellow tangs retain their bright yellow color and stay fairly small. A Note From The Caretaker "These fish are lawnmowers! Any thread of algae is quickly eaten. They spend large portions of their day picking at the rocks. " Did You Know? This reef-dwelling fish is known for its bright yellow body. Diet The yellow tang primarily feeds on algae. Size The yellow tang is commonly 7 inches long. Range This fish is found in the Pacific Ocean around the Hawaiian Islands and in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. Population Status This species is not threatened. Predators Larger fish, sharks Back to the Top


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October 8, 2010, 10:22 pm
Papa Roach and Skillet – Together
Heavy metal mainstream artists Papa Roach is teaming up with Skillet for a fall tour that will hit Denver on Tuesday Oct. 26 at the Fillmore Auditorium.
Talk about a weird juxtaposition. I'm trying to score an interview with a member of Papa Roach, so keep an eye on this site.
In the meantime, here's a little piece about Skillet.
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Lil Wayne is a 'Lil wrong when he says he was denied entry into tonight's playoff game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs — fact is, he just didn't have a ticket.
The rapper just tweeted, "Going to go to the Thunder game tonight but was denied by the team to be in their arena. Wow."
But a rep for the OKC Thunder tells TMZ … "We did not deny him," adding, "His representatives contacted us about courtside tickets and we told them we are completely sold out."
— Reported by TMZ
InsideHoops.com editor says: You generally have to acquire a ticket in order to attend a ticketed event. The arena probably "denied entry" to other people who also did not have tickets to this particular ticketed event.


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Hi, Yogi. Have you tried 39 degree version of Kokutaku 007 Pro.Selected?
Hey Yogi, not sure if you still remember but when you reviewed Azalea blade, do you recall how the surface of the blade was like? Is it similar to the usual Stiga wood blade for which lacquering is recommended? Or do you think the surface is already treated from the factory and there is no need to lacquering? Might be ordering one from TT11 and not sure if I should ask for lacquering service or not.
I've also wanted to try a Chinese rubber once but never did it coz I'm quite weak at my forehand basics. In the start I was good with Omega V Asia on my forehand but now I want a rubber like can say Dignics 05 but I can't afford it as it's way too expensive and I can't keep buying it everytime as we don't get genuine equipment here in India. Suggest me a rubber which should somewhat work like Dignics 05. Or suggest me where I can get this rubber only at a feasible/affordable/economical price.
I want to buy a Viscaria or Long 5, Butterfly Free Chack Pro or any good glue, Butterfly Hard Case, 2pcs of Red Backhand Rubbers, and 2pcs of Black Forehand Rubbers.
Basically, I want to change my forehand rubber because I have a some problem in my forehand action and this time there's a little disturbance with it. I'm working upon it and soon I'll be perfect at it I know coz I'm working hard to form a particular action. And please suggest me ways to master one proper forehand action. I really need to work hard! I'm satisfied with my backhand. I have great backhand strokes and a good weel too. I have no problem in my backhand. I just need to be a little consistent coz the only reason I lose is always my rash/negative points.
I want to overcome this.
So, this was the reason I've been so confused with my new setup.
Actually, I want to opt a dominant, aggressive, attacking and offensive + playing style. So I want to have a good forehand too. I don't want slow or normal spinney topspin like Timo, but hard hits like Ma Long or Zhang Jike's playing style.
Hey Yogi, can you please explain me for the suggestion you made for the rubber selection I need to do. Your suggestions seem to be practical and good for me. Thanks!
My Current Setup - Butterfly Timo Boll ZLC, Xiom Omega V Asia Max (forehand) and Yasaka Rakza 7 Max (backhand).
Blade - Butterfly Viscaria / Hurricane Long 5?
Forehand rubber - Tibhar Evolution MX-P 50°, DHS Goldarc 8 50°, Andro Rasanter R47, Xiom Omega VII. Or any other?
But, leaving all, I would love to go for Dignics 05 (but it's way too costly) can I get it from somewhere at a feasible/economical/affordable price?
Backhand, I'm happy with Yasaka Rakza 7.
And yes, for once, can you compare Rakza 7 and Rasanter R47 for backhand? Which is beteer?
Oh, and is it true that handles can be different in circumference? Or is that my imagination?
So here are my list of questions:
1. Is having a flare handle and as a result having the ability to squeeze more firmly than anatomic, more desirable and helpful with striking the ball more effectively?
2. Would you recommend that I apply faster & harder rubber to Challenge Light, rather than going up to Challenge Force?
3. Is the Synchro an actual legitimate blade that can be used by players wanting to get serious, or is it more for recreation?
4. If I can only find an Anatomic or Straight handle, is there a way to make it a Flare handle?
Thank you for your time
What's more is that I got to hold my friend's Timo Boll Spirit Flare, and the handle was rather comfortable. I think it was comfortable because the "neck" was narrower than my Timo Boll All Flare. And I'm not sure if this is desirable but because the Flare handle is narrower than Anatomic, it felt like I could squeeze/grip firmer (kind of like shaking hand with big hands vs small hands) which felt good to be able to squeeze more firmly.
What I really like about the Challenge Light is the "feeling/softness/Vibration" and it's lower weight
I also got the Adidas V1.1 and found it too "hard" - too "pingy" and somewhat heavy
And then I noticed that Adidas had Synchro Unity/Plus.
They are rated by Adidas as even more vibration. Also they are even lighter than Challenge Light.
I'm also considering Challenge Force because I'm told by experienced players that Challenge Light may be too slow for me now.
I can only find "Anatomic" or "Straight" version of Challenge Force.
?And this is when I discovered Adidas. First off I like the company Adidas and was surprised theywere involved with table tennis, but the added benefit is that their equipmentare on sale because Adidas has left the market. The fact that their equipment areon sale intrigue me because it means that I can purchase and try more thingsfor a set amount of money.
However, it doesn'tmean that this is an inexpensive process - I do find that I'm spending way toomuch.
And the reason isbecause of my curiosity - "is this or that blade or rubber better forme?" continues to haunt me
I did buy the AdidasChallenge Light Anatomic - and I like it.
I bought theAnatomic in response to the poor feeling with Timo Boll All Flare handle.
However, I'm notaware of anyone using Anatomic handle
Hi Yogi_bear,
I have some questions about equipment that I think you may be the only person who can help me with as you've seem to be the only person who tested the equipment I'm interested in. And so I hope you can lend me a hand. (This message will be split into 4 parts because I'm limited to 1000 character lengths)
I'm new to table tennis equipment. I think my level is about beginner-intermediate. ie. I'm developing fairly quickly over past 2 months.
Because I'm new to equipment and don't know what I wanted, the local racket shop sold me multiple expensive carbon pre-made rackets.
I've since discovered that those rackets are probably not suitable for my level and development.
And so I bought a Timo Boll All blade flare. However, the handle didn't feel good. It felt too wide around the "neck" of handle and so I felt like my hand was gripping hard to prevent the racket from slipping out. I tried to sand the "wings", but it still doesn't feel secure.
To be continued
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text: One way to increase the potency of Bluetooth headsets as social poison is to wear them while affecting strange, inexplicable and constant head movement. With Plantronics' new movement-charged headset design, that may become a necessity. The device relies on a small flywheel that, when rotated in a magnetic field, draws enough current to power the headset. Plantronics claims that the system would harvest enough energy to power the headset during constant use, which is actually pretty impressive. If it works as advertised, it would beat the hell out of some of the more cumbersome approaches to the headset charging problem. While the patent isn't too revealing, the charging apparatus at least sounds like it could be repurposed in any number of other gadgets, potentially increasing battery life of high-draw products that we tend to move around anyway. [New Scientist]


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Local by-elections: we anticipate most elections will continue as planned.
May 2020 scheduled elections: The Government have announced they plan to postpone the election in May until 2021. We will update ths information on this site once the postponement has become law.
You should contact your council for more information
St Albans local election
Colney Heath ward
This election was held on Thursday 2 May 2019.
4 candidates stood in this ward.
🌟 Elected: Chris Brazier 🌟
Liberal Democrats1,022 votes Learn more
Susan Devi
Conservative and Unionist Party421 votes Learn more
Andrew Osborne
Labour Party174 votes Learn more
James Ryan
Green Party157 votes Learn more
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Hans Richter
Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909–1949
Dec 13, 2014–
Apr 19, 2015
Making Music Modern: Design for Ear and Eye
Nov 15, 2014–
Jan 18, 2016
Cut 'n' Paste: From Architectural Assemblage to Collage City
Jul 10, 2013–
Jan 5, 2014
Inventing Abstraction, 1910–1925
Dec 23, 2012–
Apr 15, 2013
Building Collections: Recent Acquisitions of Architecture
Nov 10, 2010–
May 30, 2011
- Hans Richter has online.
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New punter ready to go for Steelers
Zoltan Mesko finds new home in Pittsburgh after being released by Patriots
New Pittsburgh Steelers punter Zoltan Mesko believes that everything happens for a reason. That was never more evident than this week.
Mesko was released by the New England Patriots last week, but was unemployed just two days. Scooped up by the Steelers Monday, and given a second chance in the NFL, Mesko is ready for the challenge.
After all, he was once a fan of the Black and Gold. Indeed, somewhere along his journey from Ohio to Michigan to Foxborough, Mass., Mesko fell in love with Pittsburgh's pride and joy.
"I randomly found this Steelers jacket at a Wal-Mart in Cleveland, because I needed a new winter jacket," he said. "I really had no clue if the Steelers were a football team or baseball team. I didn't know anything about them."
He does now. And he will get a chance to return the favor, when Pittsburgh takes on Tennessee in Week1.
Mesko has been busy, getting a quick history lesson this week. He passes the franchises six Super Bowl trophies every day as he attends team meetings, and he also has been told about the city's Major League Baseball team. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine that Mesko could quickly become the favorite Steeler for Pirates fans. And it would have less to do with his kicking prowess and everything to do with his first name, since the "Z'' sign (for Zoltan) has become a good-luck symbol for the team's players and fan base.
Even Steelers coach Mike Tomlin got into the act by flashing the "Z'' sign when he first saw Mesko being interviewed in the club's locker room before a recent practice. Mesko didn't see it, but he is well aware of the reference. One might even see him throwing out the first pitch at an upcoming Pirates game.
"I have heard about the 'Z' sign and the Pirates," Mesko said. "I welcome it, but I'm not going to take it to the next level. That's the Pirates' thing, and I think it's pretty cool. And if they call, so be it. But first thing's first. I have to take care of my job here."
The Steelers are hopeful that Mesko stabilizes a position that has been in constant transition, as Drew Butler, Jeremy Kapinos, Daniel Sepulveda, Paul Ernster and Mitch Berger have held the job since 2008. When asked about him this week, Tomlin was effusive in praising Mesko.
"He's a high-pedigree guy, one that was highly regarded out of Michigan," Tomlin said. "He's a long guy (6-foot-5, 225 pounds), a left-footer. He's no stranger to the elements, having kicked in New England in the professional ranks and at the University of Michigan in college. He is an Ohio native. All those things were attractive to us."
After the Patriots selected him with the 150th pick in the 2010 fifth round, Mesko quickly established himself among the league's top punters. He averaged 44.2 yards per kick with nearly 40 yards in net. He had just one punt blocked, as a rookie, and a whopping 71 downed inside the 20 with none returned for touchdowns.
Yet the Patriots still cut him.
"Honestly, I don't know," Mesko said. "I wasn't really let known of the situation. I like to believe that I did have a really good camp. I feel really fundamentally sound. What is in the past is in the past. I don't look back at it. I look forward, and I'm really glad to be here. It's never fun to get released, but I'm glad that I landed on my feet.
"And I'm glad that I landed with such a great organization. So, I'm excited about the future. Being released was always a possibility. Anything in life is a possibility. It was a little bit of a curveball in the essence. But I'm a strong believer in things happening for a reason. Now that I find myself here today, I guess that's kind of attesting to that fact."
NOTES: Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (chest) practiced Friday, his second straight day of full participation, while fullback Will Johnson (hamstring) was a full participant for the first time this week. ... Tight end Heath Miller (right knee) was limited for the third straight day, along with defensive end Brett Keisel (not injury related). ... Running back Le'Veon Bell (right mid-foot sprain) missed his third straight practice and has been ruled out for Sunday's game. ... The final injury report Friday has Bell listed as out, while Miller is doubtful. Jones, Johnson and Keisel are probable.


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In an interview for the BBC Microsoft's corporate vice-president for Skype, Mark Gillett mentions something very interesting, namely that the company has been working on a technology for providing stereoscopic 3D video calls for a while now, however such feature may take quite some time before we see it released to the public (if at all).
"We have it in the lab, we know how to make it work and we're looking at the ecosystem of devices and their capability to support it in order to make a decision when we might think about bringing something like that to market."
The actual problem in realizing 3D video calls over Skype is not the part where you need to display the stereoscopic 3D data on the screen, but in capturing it in a 3D format. There are already quite a lot of 3D-capable computer displays, a lot of 3D HDTvs, even a few smartphones and tablets, so many people already could be able to see a 3D video chat if there is a means to capture it in 3D on the other side. Unfortunately there are just a few 3D-capable webcams out there (Minoru 3D for example), and only some devices with built-in stereoscopic 3D cameras (Lenovo L2363dwA 3D Vision monitor for example) available that could capture 3D video to send over Skype. There are however no 3D HDTVs equipped with a stereo 3D camera and generally we are just now getting webcameras integrated or available as an option for start TV sets and these are all standard 2D cameras. As for smartphones with 3D capabilities, there are just a few such as the LG Optimus 3D smartphone – equipped with an autostereoscopic 3D display and dual cameras, however the stereo 3D camera is on the back of the phone, so not very convenient for use for a video call.
Apparently Microsoft is well aware of the current hardware limitations, especially regarding the 3D video capture, and they are not in a hurry to bring a new feature that will provide an option to have 3D video calls while the 3D video capture hardware is not yet available on the market. Unlike some other companies Microsoft is rarely seen as a technology leader that will push new technologies such as 3D video calls ahead of time and thus create the demand and the market not only for the service, but for compatible products as well. Instead they are more conservative in their approach and will most likely wait for the technology to be ready and widely available before making Skype able to be used for 3D video calls. What is not taken into account here is that meanwhile some competitor may actually take the lead or a new company may come out and present a whole ecosystem for 3D video calls especially on the mobile devices side where things are happening very fast nowadays.
We should also consider that one of the main problems preventing the stereoscopic 3D technology to really boom is still the general lack of good content. Without enough good 3D content it is hard to convince anyone to buy a 3D-capable computer, 3D HDTV, 3D smartphone or a 3D tablet, and making good 3D content for such devices requires quite a lot of money to be invested. Furthermore the current not so good economic situation worldwide and the fact that the recent boom in stereoscopic 3D technology coincided with the financial crisis of 2007–2008 did not do any good. Yet again there are visionaries like James Cameron who believe in 3D's future and are able not only to pioneer 3D technology, but also make big profits out of the good work they are doing. So it is possible to be done, though you may have to risk more than you are willing to at this moment and in the end you may still either succeed or fail.
In the end if you are excited about the possibility to have 3D video calls over Skype soon, then you should not get your hopes too high, this is something that may or may not happen, but if it does it will probably take a few more years. What sounds more reasonable is to see Skype celebrating its 15th birthday with the addition of 3D video calls and they are just at their 10th year at the moment, then again in five years Skype may not exist or they may not present 3D video calls at all.
– To read the full interview with Mark Gillett about 3D Video calls and not only over at BBC…


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Assume that $S$ is a finite 2-dimensional simplicial complex equipped with a metric $d$ such that each triangle is isometric to a plane triangle (so $(S,d)$ is a polyhedral space).
Is it possible to subdivide the triangulation of $S$ so that it will have acute triangles only?
It is well known that any triangle admits a triangulation with only acute triangels; one can see the proof in the following picture. But I do not see a way to fit such triangulations together.
Such a triangulation would be useful in the proof of Zalgaller's theorem: any n-dimensional polyhedral space admits a length-preserving piecewise linear map to $\mathbb R^n$. Well, it would help only if $n=2$, for larger $n$, we should say that a simplex is acute if it contains its circumcenter.


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Peter Waraska was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison for setting a fire that killed a couple.
A former Connecticut volunteer firefighter has been sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to setting a fatal 1986 fire in East Windsor.
For more visit NBCConnecticut.com.
Peter Waraksa, 50, pleaded guilty on Thursday to two counts of negligent homicide, arson and burglary.
Waraksa was arrested in July 2010 -- more than 23 years after the crime -- in connection with the deaths of Orie "Harold" Weeks, 59, and his wife, Assunta, 57, who were found dead after a fire at their home on Oct. 7, 1986.
Waraksa, a member of the Warehouse Point Volunteer Fire Department at the time of the fire, was charged with arson murder after an investigation by East Windsor police and the state cold case unit.
He was already in prison at the time of the arrest, serving a five-year sentence issued in 2007 for sexually assaulting five boys.
NBCConnecticut.com and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More content from NBCNews.com:
- Maryland boy, 4, injured but alive after fall from 9th-story window
- Panetta: Cyber intruders have already infiltrated US systems
- Dottie Sandusky in letter to judge: 'Jerry is not the monster'
- Firefighters in pink? Bristol, Conn., mayor now OK with cancer fundraiser
- BP, Obama administration reportedly near deal on Gulf spill
- Stun gun used on pizza deliveryman leads to jail instead of food
- Why did environmental nonprofit donate to conservative pro-coal group?


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Posted on October 22, 2014
I haven't updated my everyday makeup staples in a long long while. These are the products I keep going back to, will cry if they ever stop making them and never seem to fail me. Read More
Category: Beauty, Beauty Blogger, Beauty Reviews, blogger, Eye Products, Face Color, Face Makeup, Luxe, On Repeat, Tools Tagged: beauty products, Beauty Staples, Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation, Everyday Beauty, L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara, L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara Review, NARS Laguna Review, Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow, Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Not Just Nudes Review, rms beauty, RMS Living Lu, RMS Living Luminizer, RMS Living Luminizer Review, Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Review


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That is quite a bit of material, isn't it? There is no way anyone could expect an engine to function as it should with it being gunked up with that much carbon. This car had 69800 miles on it and did not have any aggressive modifications only a rear section exhaust and filter.
As for the effect on performance, the baseline on a Mustang all wheel drive dyno before the cleaning showed 287 horsepower to the wheels and 240 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. After the cleaning these figures change to 329 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A night and day difference.
There are measures that can be taken to minimize carbon buildup such as oil catch cans and methanol injection but this will be an issue no matter what and one owners of direct injected engines should monitor. A good cleaning can make the car feel like new especially if one gets the impression it has become sluggish over time.
Valves before the cleaning:
Valves after the cleaning:


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A child is waiting for you.
Sponsoring a child will provide help, health, and hope for today as well as eternity!Sponsor a Child
Sponsoring a child will provide help, health, and hope for today as well as eternity!Sponsor a Child
Your sponsored child will receive everything needed to provide an education to help them grow, succeed and escape poverty.
Your child will become part of our Christian Character Development program, which teaches and builds future leaders.
Food security is a major component of your sponsorship. We make sure your child has enough to eat and stay healthy.
One child dies from waterborne illnesses each minute. Your child is assured of access to clean, safe drinking water.
Access to medical care, including vaccinations and doctor visits as needed, is provided to your child.
Founded in 1981, Childcare Worldwide is a Christian child sponsorship ministry dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, providing hope, and developing the unlimited potential of impoverished children around the world.
Childcare Worldwide is committed to the highest ethical standards in Christian stewardship, and we understand the wise use of your gifts is a key to our ministry. We are a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and consistently receive a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. We offer our financial statements and 990 tax forms to you at your request.


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It's not a problem to go over 100 pages. I'm not sure where this rumor of a rule got started. We just want someone to notify a mod when a thread gets to 100 pages so we know a new one needs to be started. But you don't have to stop posting when it gets to 100 pages, just notify a mod.edward4ever wrote:I don't get what the major catastrophic consequences are if we go over 100 pages while we're waiting for a Mod to start a new thread? It happens on the Rob Pattinson Thread quite a lot! I know they like to keep them at 100 pages but really...is the world going to implode or something if we go over????
Anyway, I guess we've (the mods) all been busy. I thought for sure one of the others had beat me to this. Locking this one and starting the new thread.
Edward Cullen #4: http://www.twilightlexiconforum.com/vie ... =16&t=4484


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Plumber at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33069
About the Job
Rapid Rooter, a the premier provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services in South Florida, is looking for top notch plumbers. The career opportunities at our company can help you achieve higher levels of personal, financial and professional success.
Experienced plumbers are needed for our rapidly growing plumbing business. Our plumbers perform plumbing services ranging from simple faucet repairs to water heater installations and plumbing system replacements for both residential and commercial customers.
Our plumbers are career-minded individuals who manage their time efficiently, possess outstanding troubleshooting and repair skills, and enjoy working with customers. Our plumbers are rewarded for their quality work.
If you hold a state issued plumbing license or have at least 3 years of repair and service plumbing experience along with a commitment to providing outstanding customer service, we want to talk to you! A valid driver's license is also required. COMPANY VEHICLE SUPPLIED
We conduct pre-employment drug screening and background check including driving record and criminal history.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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Soy Foods, Pumpkin Seeds and Sunflower Seeds Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
July 29, 2012 by Robert Wascher
Filed under A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race, Breast Cancer, breast cancer prevention, breast cancer risk, Cancer, Cancer Prevention, cancer risk, diet, estrogen, Flaxseed, Healthy Diet, lifestyle, Menopause, Nutrition, Phytoestrogens, polyphenols, Pumpkin Seeds, Raloxifine, sex hormones, Soy, Soy Foods, Sunflower Seeds, tamoxifen, Weekly Health Update, whole grains
A new study links the consumption of soy foods, pumpkins seeds, and sunflower seeds with a decreased risk of breast cancer.
As I discuss in my bestselling book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race, phytoestrogens are substances found in plant-based foods that have weak estrogen-like effects in the body. As estrogen is a known risk factor for breast cancer, there has been understandable concern that phytoestrogens, if consumed regularly, may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer over time. While the data supporting this hypothesis has been both weak and contradictory thus far, some of the strongest available data regarding phytoestrogen intake and breast cancer risk has, counterintuitively, linked certain phytoestrogen-rich foods, and especially soy foods like tofu, with a decreased lifetime risk of breast cancer, particularly when consumed before and during the onset of puberty, as I discuss in my book.
Now, a newly published German study further suggests that the regular consumption of at least some phytoestrogen-rich foods may significantly decrease breast cancer risk, particularly later in life, after menopause. In this public health study, 2,884 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,509 age-matched "controls" without breast cancer underwent detailed assessments of their dietary habits. In addition to using a scientifically validated food-frequency questionnaire, additional specific questions regarding the consumption of phytoestrogen-rich foods were asked of all of the 8,393 women who participated in this case-control clinical study. Importantly, the volunteers' individual risk factors for breast cancer were assessed and accounted for when the study's researchers analyzed their data. This public health study appears in the current issue of the journal Nutrition and Cancer.
Among all foods known to contain phytoestrogens, three foods were found to be significantly associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. Specifically, the regular consumption of soy foods was linked to a 17 percent reduction in breast cancer risk, while the routine intake of sunflower and pumpkin seeds was associated with a 34 percent reduction in breast cancer risk. At the same time, the consumption of flaxseed, which contains very high levels of phytoestrogens, did not appear to be linked with a decrease in breast cancer risk in this study.
The results of this study add further evidence that at least some forms of phytoestrogens may actually decrease the risk of breast cancer, even though they are able to weakly stimulate the same hormonal receptors that estrogen normally stimulates. While this finding may at first seem contradictory, recent research has shown that these plant-derived nutritional substances actually have rather complex effects on estrogen receptors within breast cells and other hormone-sensitive cells. In fact, in many cases, phytoestrogens may actually block the effects of estrogen on estrogen receptors within breast cells, thus acting more like medications that are regularly used to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients with estrogen-sensitive tumors, including tamoxifen and raloxifene.
I will end my review of this new public health study by reminding readers that studies such as this one rely upon relatively weak research methods, and the findings of these types of public health studies are less compelling, in general, than "gold standard" prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical research studies. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of cancer prevention research data published to date has been derived from relatively less powerful public health studies like this particular study. However, given the enormous expense and resources necessary to perform large prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical studies, and the extended period of time that is required to arrive at meaningful observations within such studies, we are left primarily with questionnaire-based public health studies such as this one in an effort to better understand potential links between diet and cancer risk. For a much more detailed evidence-based discussion of the impact of diet and other lifestyle factors on cancer risk, purchase your copy of A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race from your favorite bookstore (available in both print and e-book formats).
At this time, more than 8 percent of Americans are unemployed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, the unemployment rate for veterans who served on active duty between September 2001 and December 2011 is now more than 12 percent. A new website, Veterans in Healthcare, seeks to connect veterans with potential employers. If you are a veteran who works in the healthcare field, or if you are an employer who is looking for physicians, advanced practice professionals, nurses, corpsmen/medics, or other healthcare professionals, then please take a look at Veterans in Healthcare. As a retired veteran of the U.S. Army, I would also like to personally urge you to hire a veteran whenever possible.
For a groundbreaking overview of cancer risks, and evidence-based strategies to reduce your risk of developing cancer, order your copy of my bestselling book, "A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race," from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Vroman's Bookstore, and other fine bookstores!
Within one week of publication, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race was ranked #6 among all cancer-related books on the Amazon.com "Top 100 Bestseller's List" for Kindle e-books. Within three months of publication, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race was the #1 book on the Amazon.com "Top 100 New Book Releases in Cancer" list.
Disclaimer: As always, my advice to readers is to seek the advice of your physician before making any significant changes in medications, diet, or level of physical activity
Dr. Wascher is an oncologic surgeon, professor of surgery, cancer researcher, oncology consultant, and a widely published author
I and the staff of Weekly Health Update would again like to take this opportunity to thank the more than 100,000 health-conscious people from around the world who visit this premier global health information website every month. (More than 1.3 million pages of high-quality medical research findings were served to the worldwide audience of health-conscious people who visited Weekly Health Update in 2011!) As always, we enjoy receiving your stimulating feedback and questions, and I will continue to try and personally answer as many of your inquiries as I possibly can.


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Christian Anthony
At only 10 years of age, Anthony Christian was granted the privilege of studying the techniques of the "Old Masters" at the National Gallery in London and the accolade of publicity he received during this period, announced him to the world as a child prodigy. Throughout his time at the National Gallery and for a further seven years Anthony studied at length the works of Rubens and Rembrandt as well as other Old Masters.
Although students and professional Artists are able to utilise this method of learning, none are allowed to do so under the age of eighteen and Anthony's opportunity has remained unique to this day.
In his earlier days Anthony earned his living as a Portrait Artist and painted many of the world's rich and famous, including Lord Mountbatten, Baroness Olympia de Rothschild, Baroness Fiona Thyssen, Count Guido di Carpegna, Lord Lichfield, Blake Edwards, Julie Christie and Terence Stamp.
His work now features in some of the most prominent private art collections in the world. Collections such as Gore Vidal, Baroness Marie-Helene de Rothschild, Viscountess de Ribes, Mrs J Heinz, Bill Blass, HM Queen Elizabeth II, Mrs. James Lipton and Herbie Hancock.
As for his painting and drawing, his style most resembles the techniques of Leonardo da Vinci and he has dedicated his life to the discovery of all means possible, to paint the most beautiful works of art ever.
Anthony chooses to live a bohemian existence, living as a virtual recluse and making recognition extremely difficult. Until recently, he was living on one of the most beautiful properties in the world, in Southern India, surrounded by the various collections he has made from brass to glass, baskets to African gourds, textiles to costumes and an amazing library covering virtually every Artist and Museum in the world.
He is a true eccentric.
His wife, Fanny, is also a superb artist, creating mesmerising images of such captivating detail and beauty that the eye cannot help but widen in amazement. Fanny's style is probably unique in its form and in no way influenced by Christian's work despite how closely they live and work together. Her work comes purely from her heart and soul, manifesting itself in a harmony of colour and form upon paper.