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External hard drives allow you to add terabytes of storage to your computer for a few hundred dollars. External drives connect to PCs and Macs via their external connectors. Almost every computer has a USB 2.0 port, so it's the most common type of connection currently. Here's the speed of other interfaces (from slowest to fastest): FireWire 400, USB 2.0, FireWire 800, eSATA (external SATA), USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt.
Many new drives support the fast USB 3.0 interface, which some newer computers now support. However, all Apple computers only support USB 2.0 connections — Apple has stated that it does not intend to support USB 3.0 in the foreseeable future. Instead, they support the Thunderbolt interface, but very few hard drives support the Thunderbolt currently.
If you'll only be doing backups with an external drive, you can opt for a drive that only supports USB 2.0, because most of your backup process will occur in quietly in the background, and interface speed will not matter so much. However, getting the right size drive is important — it's prudent not to skimp here, you'll want to drive that has a capacity that's 2-3 times the size of the drive you want to backup.
If you'll be using the external drive to store and watch movies, or render videos, then drive's interface speed is important you'll want to connect the drive with eSATA, USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt, if you computer supports these interfaces.
Fireproof and Waterproof: The ioSafe Rugged Portable
ioSafe specializes in making hard drives that are fireproof, waterproof and, in the case of the portable models, crushproof and shockproof. The ioSafe Rugged Portable is encased in a machined block of aluminum (Al) or titanium (Ti) alloy. The drive can withstand being sunk in water for three days, or 1550° F heat for 30 minutes. This ruggedization certainly means ioSafe drives are less prone to disaster, but it does increase the cost of the drives, and makes them larger and heavier than comparable external drives.
ioSafe drives also come with a three year warranty, and one year of data and hardware recovery protection, which means the company will recover your data should a disaster strike, or the drive fails for any reason (this protection only covers your first request for data recovery). If your drive is so badly damaged that forensic recovery is required, the ioSafe will cover up to $2500 in recovery costs. You can extend the data recovery to three years for an additional $50. You can buy a five year warranty together with five years of data recovery protection for an additional $100 over the base price.
The ioSafe Rugged Portable 1TB is available from Amazon for about $277.
Best Overall: Western Digital My Book Studio II
The latest My Book Studio II from Western Digital has a lot going for it: a sleek aluminum case, quiet operation, low energy consumption and 3 terabytes (TB) of space.
The My Book Studio II is now housed in an aluminum enclosure, which matches Apple's range of aluminum devices. Indeed, this drive is primarily intended to appeal to the Apple user — it supports the Firewire 400/800 interface and USB 2.0. Additionally, the drive comes pre-formatted as HFS+, for OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard (Mac OS X Tiger does not support drives with capacities greater than 2 TB). It is also compatible with Apple's latest Time Machine. However, the drive can be reformatted and used with Windows XP/Vista/7 or Linux.
The My Book Studio II is available from Amazon for around $260.
This drive is the older My Book Studio II from Western Digital. I still recommend this hard drive because comes standard with a 5 year warranty — the newer drives from Western Digital now now come with three year warranties. Also, unlike the new My Book, this drive includes an eSata interface (in addition to USB and Firewire).
The drive is quiet, but it does have a distracting light that flashes whenever the drive is active. I also wish the drive's case had a sturdier feel to it. However, the drive still gets my recommendation because of the five year warranty, it supports Raid 1 mirroring.
Recently, one My Books Drives would not turn on, but it was still under warranty, so requested a replacement drive from Western Digital. A replacement drive arrived in a few days. So Western Digital did honor their warranty quite promptly, but I did have to pay to ship my old drive back to the company (it cost about $15 in postage).
The Western Digital My Book Studio II is available from Amazon for around $190.
Simple Security: The Apricorn Aegis Padlock Pro
The Apricorn Aegis Padlock Pro is a newly released, encrypted hard drive. It locks down your sensitive information in a digital vault to protect it against hackers and data thieves. This drive gets high marks from reviewers because it offers high-end encryption into a straightforward and easy-to-use package. The keypad on the drive allows you enter a PIN and unlock the drive quickly.
PC Magazine gave this drive at rating of "Very Good" and a "Editor's Choice" award.
The only complaint from reviewers, is that this drive has unreliable eSata connection support. You may wish to do some further research on this drive, if you'll be using eSata.
The 1 TB Apricorn Aegis Padlock Pro is available from Amazon for about $270.
For Mac Backups: Apple Time Capsule
Apple makes a device called a Time Capsule, which is a wireless router combined with a external hard drive. A Time Capsule allows you perform wireless backups using the Time Machine application or a third-party applications that use the Time Machine format. You connect wireless to the Time Capsule with a host of devices: Mac, compatible PCs, and wireless devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Apple TV. Note that the portables devices must be running iOS 5 to connect to a Time Capsule.
You can attach additional hard drives to a Time Capsule via USB 2.0 if you want more storage space, and you can attach a printer, for wireless sharing.
I'd recommend Time Capsules, you if like the idea of backing up a number of notebook computers and other portable devices wirelessly. Time Capsules cannot be used to create a bootable duplicate your boot volume, so you'll have to buy a second hard drive to create bootable backups. Also, Time Capsules are not mirrored drives (they don't support Raid configurations), but you can attach an Raid drive to a Time Capsule via its USB 2.0 interface.
Apple's standard warranty covers the Time Capsule for one year, and this includes 90 day of phone support. Apple does not an extended warranty for a Time Capsule specifically. However, if you extend the coverage on another Apple device, the Time Capsule warranty will be extended too (see this page for details).
In regards to environmental criteria, Apple has removed almost all of the the toxic substances from its products, and the company accepts old devices for recycling, under the Apple Recycling Program.
The Apple Time Capsule (2 TB) is available from Amazon for about $292.


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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Can I Get Prior-Authorization To Kick Your Ass?
Let me tell you how it usually goes when I try to get a wonderful, newer drug approved for my patients. I love Byetta and prescribe a ton of it. It is the only commonly-used drug for type 2 diabetes that lowers glucose AND helps patients lose weight. Unfortunately, since Byetta is newer and more expensive than your typical, cheaper generic diabetes drugs that cause FURTHER weight gain in these already-obese patients, it often required pre-approval from insurance carriers. We'll start with how the prior-authorization call usually goes (in reality), then we'll slide into the 'Twilight Zone' where both me and the insurance company customer service rep say what we actually WANT to say to one another.
Dr. Lofty: Hi, I was asked to call to get prior approval for Byetta for my patient.
CSR: Yes?
Dr. Lofty: Yes?
CSR: And your question is?
Dr. Lofty: My question is, what information do you need to get this drug that I believe my patient should be on approved?
CSR: Yes (pause, looking up algorithm for questions to ask caller under 'Byetta protocol'), so why does this patient need Byetta?
Dr. Lofty: Because they have gained 20 pounds over the past year on Actos and glyburide and in my experience I can get this patient's hemoglobin A1c down about 1% with about 20 pounds of weight loss using Byetta and getting them off of these other drugs.
CSR: I see. And what is the medical justification?
Dr. Lofty: I just told you the medical justification.
CSR: Yes, well, I'll need to fax over a two-page prior authorization form that will need to be filled out completely along with the last three chart notes documenting failure to achieve control with....
Dr. Lofty: Hey fuckhead with your G.E.D. diploma hanging on your cubicle wall, I went to fucking medical school for four years, did three years of residency training plus a chief resident year, and have been practicing diabetes almost exclusively for ten years. My experience tells me this patient needs Byetta and I want him to have it NOW! Losing weight and shrinking the waist probably reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.
CSR: Sir, we really don't give a flying fuck if your patient loses weight. We would prefer he or she remain on the cheaper, generic drugs that they are currently taking.
Dr. Lofty: Well, the patient sure would feel better in the long run losing twenty pounds and losing about 2 gallons of fluid from their legs.
CSR: Again, don't give a shit about this patient's quality of life. Too expensive to use this drug. This person won't be on our plan in two years, so we could give a rat's ass whether or not they lose weight or feel better. They'll be someone else's problem in two years.
Dr. Lofty: You're a dirty fuck stick...I hope you gain 200 pounds today and develop type 2 diabetes. You'd be begging me to put you on Byetta and I would give you shitty drugs like glyburide and Avandia to make your fat ass fatter!
CSR: Whatever. You doctors are so arrogant.
Dr. Lofty: Hey, Einstein. Can I talk to your supervisor? I want to get the ball rolling on a prior authorization to come down there and kick your sorry little ass!
30 comments:
Would you please call my insurance company? Please?ReplyDelete
My insurance will pay "up to $25" for a psychiatrist per visit. As I have discovered, Psychiatrists do not do counseling, they only write prescriptions. At least here in the sweaty Southeast that is how it goes.
They won't touch a counselor regardless of how many letters they have after their name.
s in my d,ReplyDelete
go see a doctor of psychology. they will sit and talk with you and your insurance should pay. they are doctor and if they think you need meds a psychiatrist will then prescribe but they prefer the couch route.
Out here in California psychiatrists definitely do counseling, but only for those patients who can pay for it themselves. They actually would love to do more therapy, they just don't have patients that can afford to pay for an hour of their time, and insurance won't cover it. The one time I needed therapy a psychiatrist helped me enormously (I was also taking antidepressants), but it was expensive. He missed therapy so much he gave me a teacher's discount.ReplyDelete
The title of this post is cracking me up!ReplyDelete
I hate when the insurance company thinks they can decide which drug the doctor should give. There is a reason the doctor is the doctor and the insurance representative isn't! When my son was having his stomach problems, his doctor and I spent hours convincing the insurance company that whatever drugs she prescribed each time were the drugs she actually wanted him to have. I feel for you having to deal with this!
Thanks, Rad Girl. I aim to please. Funny, I pretty much actually had this conversation with an insurance company today! Same drug, same discussion, same outcome. If I actually get on the phone and waste 10 minutes of my time, I actually get the drug approved quite easily. But, why can't my medical assistant accomplish the same thing while I am in SEEING PATIENTS????ReplyDelete
The red tape and beauracracy really bother me. Why can't anything be easy. Has anyone heard how John McCain is trying to bring free market back to medicine. That's the blurb I herd on Fox news. Rudy G. thinks that people should just buy their own insurance and shop around without going through employers.ReplyDelete
great post lofty. imagine getting these preaproval forms in the ED 2 weeks after you have seen the patient you don't remember in the first place.ReplyDelete
I am with you, S-cat. What a nightmare. How's the 'exit plan' going by the way???ReplyDelete
"I hate when the insurance company thinks they can decide which drug the doctor should give."ReplyDelete
I ain't picking on you, but many think of this process within the wrong paradigm. It is you, and you alone, that decides what drug to prescribe. Patients have an independent agreement with insurance companies such that the company will assist in reimbursement of drugs, with stipulations.
The patient is always free to go outside and purchase the drug. Furthermore, docs are often fooled into performing preauths when the financial benefit to the patient may be marginal - $10 - $50. Yet patients inappropriately expect this unreimbursed service to be provided by your office. There is no contract that stipulates you as the patient's envoy for partial drug reimbursement.
There are several solutions and I take issue now because it has been sop. It is approaching the point that whining about it looks trite. You should have a policy in place for the office -- charging, denying, time frames, whatever, that is followed by default, with the physician making exceptions for those certain patients that are "labors of love."
JMO. Mike
Oh... this post sounds so familiar. I hear co-workers (and their doctors)having to argue for weeks before the insurance will sell them "what the doctor ordered." I think the reason it takes so much arguing, is that in the meantime, the insurance hopes the patient will run out of meds and die. Then, problem solved. Next!ReplyDelete
It is just an evil ploy. :-)
are you high? i have patients demand prescriptions for tylenol and motrin because 'i can't afford it and my insurance will pay if i get a scrip'. so the insurance co's have responded with the above ridiculousness. lofty is not exagerrating. i don't care what you see written on paper, he deals with it, and i do too, every day. all of this because of the federal govt. sticking it's nose in in the first place. the market is not dumb and people are not either. if some get our services for 'free' then others will pay and payors, ins. co's for instance, will impede costly drugs and procedures with idiots on the phone.
ps you chose your screenname. do you wear it as a badge of honor or as a joke?
My endocrinologist is pretty cool, but, now that I think about it, I guess I'd prefer one that used the word "Fuckstick" more.ReplyDelete
My endo DOES use the word fuckstick. I love him so very much because he makes me laugh like crazy every time I see him. He reminds me of Joe Pesci but older.ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
I have to believe the name is a joke. The subject was covered well by lofty, and needs no further comment.
The exit is going ok. Still in the initial stages, but I'm excited about the possiblity of leaving the ED. Will make less, but I don't care because less will go to the gov-ment to pay for shit for people that don't pay into the system in the first place. (2007-6.5 million taxpayers (5% of the total 130,000,000 returns) paid 57%of the total personal income tax in the U.S., yet are still viewed as under taxed) I am trying to be downwardly mobile in what is gradually becoming a more socialist nation so it won't be such a shock to the system when it all is taken away.
My co-workers have to order their meds from a mail order pharmacy that sells and decides what people should or should not take. If they have the power to decide and argue with doctors, they obviously belong to the insurance industry.
And please, go away. You annoy me in a tiresome way. Yawn.
Ah well, a little baby-sittin' will keep our blood pressure low. Way to go with the CAM 911!ReplyDelete
Clozaril... the psychiatrist's nightmare.... oooohhh the paperwork hurts! Every two weeks!!! "You want us to send you WHAT?" (A previous job... in a previous lifetime)ReplyDelete
You have my sympathies....
Can't you just delete Richter's comments rather than moderating EVERYONE'S comments?ReplyDelete
- Anonymous9:13 AM, April 30, 2008
Great post. This is the shit that drives docs out of medicine...
I think 'Mike' is being sarcastic... I REALLY hope so. If not, he may be just dumb enough to get a job with an insurance company.
- ndenunz11:17 AM, April 30, 2008
I have to agree with Mike's analysis. It's not that the patients can't get the medication it's just that they have to pay for it. It usually turns into something like "The pharmacy refused to give it to me or "My insurance said that I couldn't have it". It's not that at all. It is just that it will cost them more.ReplyDelete
It's kind of like when Medicaid patients come into the office without their card. We tell them up front they have to pay full price for their visit. This turns into "The doctor refused to see me". And again, it's not that we refuse to see them it's merely the fact that we told them they had to pay full price for their visit. Which they refused to do.
nurse k,ReplyDelete
no, i got twenty comments from her around midnight last night and couldn't delete them fast enough. she just kept sending them in on many different posts. richter wins the battle, we will win the war. turns out she has a crayzee blog. kinda neat if folks were to give her a taste of her own medicine don't you think?
And here I thought you were finally gonna moderate that pathologist and his 4-letter C-word.ReplyDelete
Gosh, wouldn't it be a hoot if docs could act like, yanno, docs and not have to constantly look over their shoulders to see what some zit-faced insurance weenie is going to say? I weep for the future of American medicine.ReplyDelete
What's really fun is calling and explaining to the insurance company that they've calculated the miles to a Doctor using air miles and I'm not willing to drive three hours to take my kids to the Pediatrician. We drive around an ocean inlet and through the mountains - I explain over and over. They just slap a ruler on the map (over the Alaska range) and call it 50 miles. rrrgh.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous8:09 AM, May 03, 2008
How about...five faxes (the first three dumped in the wastebasket by the insurance co. without bothering to reply that the form on their website was the wrong one, the fourth lost by the insurance co. despite a phone call right after the fax to make sure they got it, and the fifth finally going through) plus three long phone calls to finally get a pre-authorization?ReplyDelete
- Anonymous10:39 AM, May 06, 2008
Sadly, this is all because a couple of decades ago they tried to 'fix health care' by tinkering and making a thousand little patches, and thus creating a huge bureaucracy that just makes everyone miserable except those still making money from it, of course. This is why you have to overhaul the system itself.ReplyDelete
Oh and getting mad at these intermediates who talk to you the phone is fruitless because they, like good soldiers, are just 'in the trenches' doing what they are told and are only the messengers for the evil and corrupt decision makers who are comfortably and conveniently not available to deal with the problems they created. That is why we as docs should not get upset either. It is not worth sacrificing our own health to a morally bankrupt system that sees patients and Docs/providers as mere commodities.
agree almost completely. only take issue with the statement that the flunkies on the phone are 'good soldiers'. they may or may not be. if they understand what they are involved with then they would, as good soldiers, quit.ReplyDelete
i agree that we as doctors should not get upset, especially at each other... many docs don't understand that with some exception we aren't really mad at each other... we are put in positions by the bureaucracy that get us mad, then we take it out on each other.
- Anonymous2:15 AM, March 02, 2010
All hail the awesome doc who calls it like it is. I'm dealing with my own Rx insurance nightmare (& yay! I'm 1 of the sick farks who has to leech onto the "gubmint teat" for this option because I am a medical train wreck) & after being assured & outright lied to after wanting to choke the living crap out of my former insurer for constantly insisting that just about every 1 of my meds needs a prior authorization, which I feel is abusive to physicians, as your time is already overburdened with shit loads of paperwork to be done thatnks to sue happy assholes, so my new insurance company, Fox Insurance Co. has it's call center in India, where the help is paid fuck all & due to cultural differences, really couldn't give a hoot if you get your Rx's approved or not, especially when a few of them cost more than they make in a year. I suspect that you'll be getting more traffic here, thanks to the fact that the braindead fuckos in Washington DC finally caught wind that Fox Ins. Co. is trying all they can to deny patients their medications. This is a fucking nightmare which is only worsening & until the Rx insurers start hiring people with an understanding of health care aspects, I suspect things will get much more insane. I'm curious to know how long it takes you fine physicians to fill out these forms & at what rate are they approved/denied?ReplyDelete
I see that I'm a little late in this quest, as you posted this almost 2 years ago, but perhaps if you or another doc sees this, you can answer me. Again, with this Fox Ins. Co fiasco, expect more visits to this page...
- Anonymous2:07 PM, March 16, 2010
I would like to say that, I pay for health insurance, so I expect something in return. I can afford to pay a doc. visit and am a professional in the engineering business. I can pay 30$ with the insurance because I PAY a monthly premium. If I choose to just pay the full price (read sarcastic as you wrote it) I would pay 200$, so why am I paying my insurance premium again? Is it impossible to have a person answer the phone in your office perhaps?ReplyDelete


text:
(SSS; Bradycardia-Tachycardia Syndrome; Sinus Node Dysfunction)
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is not one specific disease. It is the term is used to describe several heart rhythm disorders. Sick sinus syndrome disorders include:
- Bradycardia —abnormally slow heart rate
- Tachycardia —abnormally fast heart rate
- Bradycardia-tachycardia—the heart alternates between too fast and too slow
Anatomy of the Heart
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
SSS is caused by a problem with the electrical signals of the heart. The problem begins in an area of the heart called the sinoatrial (SA) node. This node is considered to be the heart's natural pacemaker. When the SA node is defective, the heart's rhythms become abnormal. The dysfunction in the SA node can be due to:
- Intrinsic causes (problems within the heart tissue), such as degeneration of the sinus node, long-term illness, or surgical injury
- Extrinsic causes (outside factors acting on the heart tissue), such as exposure to toxins or certain pharmacological agents
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
SSS is fairly rare. It occurs most often in elderly people and those who have had damage to the heart tissue. Although rare, infants and children can have SSS. In this case, it is usually due to congenital abnormalities in the heart. Certain medications may worsen symptoms.
Often, SSS doesn't have symptoms. Some may experience a period of very rapid heart beats followed by very slow heart rate. Many of the symptoms of sick sinus disorder are mild and nonspecific. Some symptoms associated with SSS include:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Confusion or lightheadedness
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
SSS may go undetected for some time. The symptoms are similar to ones for many disorders. Your doctor can do tests that will help to give a more definitive diagnosis. Most likely, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Some additional tests may include the following:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)—measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormal heart rhythms
- Holter monitoring—continuous monitoring to observe episodes of tachycardia and bradycardia over an extended period of time
- Electrophysiology study (EPS)—invasive test where electrical wires are placed into the heart to test the conduction system of the heart
For people with no symptoms, treatment may not be needed. SSS is a progressive disorder. It can further weaken the muscles of the heart in people with previous heart damage. This can lead to heart failure. As a result, people with symptoms are treated. Most treatment plans involve separate therapy for bradycardia and tachycardia. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Pacemaker Insertion
A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device. Electrodes from the pacemaker are placed in the right side of the heart. Signals are sent to the electrodes to stimulate the heart. It helps to maintain a normal heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the heart. It is a very effective treatment of the bradycardia. People with implanted pacemakers have a very good prognosis.
Medication may be given to control tachycardia. It is most often given to people with a pacemaker.
For most people, SSS is not preventable. I may not be caused by prior damage or scarring to the heart tissue. However, some strategies for minimizing your chance of developing this condition include:
- Make sure to get treatment for any heart disorders you might have.
- Make sure any doctor you see is aware of your heart conditions. Some medications should be avoided.
Heart Rhythm Society http://www.hrsonline.org
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.com
Sick sinus syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
Updated October 21, 2014. Accessed December 30, 2014.
Sick sinus syndrome. Heart Rhythm Society website. Available at:
Accessed December 30, 2014.
Sinus node dysfunction. The Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at:
Updated September 2013. Accessed December 30, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014


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text:
I bought a new fleshlight and used it with some warming lubricant. A day or so later I developed a burning sensation while urinating. It's lasted about 3 weeks but seems to be going away. Crazy as it sounds, I have to wonder it it was a return that was infected with something. My best guess is that I got some or the warming lubricant up into my penis which caused the irritation. Any thoughts?
Another paranoid Fleshlight user? Wow. You're like the third one this week.
I agree with your assessment about the warming lubricant causing irritation. As for Fleshlight fears, see below.
Dr. Bob
Second time asking. Please reply.. (FLESHLIGHT FEARS, 2010) (SEX TOYS, 2010) Jan 1, 2010
Hi Doctor,I've used a fleshlight i bought recently without washing it at all( no water no alcohol etc. I just lube it and use immediately). It was sealed in a plastic bag. It felt a bit moist when i took it out from the sealed bag.Is it possible that i get infected by HIV or STD assuming someone unloaded in it before the fleshlight was sealed? I know this sounds a bit ridiculous but there is still a possibility.Thanks.
Response from Dr. Frascino
What is it about horned up Fleshlight users that makes them so damned paranoid??? I shutter to think what you guys will do when you actually have sex with a real live person, as opposed to some squishy plastic thingy.
Your HIV/STD risk is nonexistent. See below.
Dr. Bob
Fleshlight Fears (FLESHLIGHT) (SEX TOYS, 2009) Nov 11, 2009
Hey doc,
your website is extremely helpful and informative. Thank you for doing the work that you're doing. Here's my question: I bought a new fleshlight online (fleshlight.com.au) and it came in the mail like 2 days later. When it arrived, it looked quite new and I used it without washing it. But now I'm just freaking out as to if I could have caught HIV from the toy if someone had used it before and returned it or something. I was reading about how the HIV virus could survive for extended periods of time in a vacuum and I was just thinking, is it possible for this to happen to fleshlight as well since there's like a cap in front of it(like, for the virus to survive inside)? I have never had any sexual experience with anyone at all and am a virgin still. I have called the Government Sexual Health Clinic in my area and they assured me the risk was nonexistent and no testing was needed. But I just feel very worried still. Please help! Do I have to get tested? Do I have HIV?
Response from Dr. Frascino
Even if you shopped at Nordstom, no one is going to allow you to return a spunked-up used sex toy! Plus even if your Fleshlight was a spunked-up retread (which it wasn't), HIV would not survive inside it.
I agree with the assessment you received from the Government Sexual Health Clinic. Your HIV-acquisition risk is nonexistent and HIV testing is not warranted.
It's worrisome that you're this freaked out about HIV and you've never even had sex with a real live person yet! WOWZA! I'll reprint below some information from the archives concerning sex toys, including other freaked-out Fleshlight-using virgins with irrational fears of HIV.
Counseling may help you confront and overcome some of your irrational fears of HIV.
Dr. Bob
sextoys, fleshlights (FLESHLIGHT) (SEX TOYS, 2009) Jan 6, 2009
Hey Doc,
So i ordered a fleshlight which came via mail after 5 three days. I opened up the plastic bag in which it was contained and rinsed it in hot water and then cold water, made sure the water was going in from one end and coming out from the other. then i used it. will i get hiv? im sorry but im just paranoid about this whole thing, how immediate should the other person have used it, assuming that someone did use it before me? thanks, i really appreciate your help. worried in london
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello Worried in London,
Relax Max. Your HIV-acquisition risk is nonexistent. Your fears are irrational and completely unwarranted. Gosh, if you're this freaked out about a sex toy, I shudder to think what you'll be like when you actually have sex with a human.
I'll reprint below some information about fleshlight sex toys from the archives. I also suggest you spend some time perusing the information on this site, at its related links and in its archives. Pay particular attention to how HIV is and is not transmitted.
Good luck. Stop worrying.
Dr. Bob
Fleshlight Oct 16, 2008
I noticed other people got worried after getting a sore throat within 72 hours after using their Fleshlight. I got the same symptom 1 day after; Sore throat (could hardly swallow my morning coffee), tonsils swelling and a slight fever. Could it be some allergy to the materials in the fleshlight?
Response from Dr. Frascino
What exactly did you do with your Fleshlight to irritate your throat? Did you read the instructions before using the device?
As for an allergic response to the Fleshlight's materials, I suppose anything is possible. However, a sore throat one day after playing with your new toy would not be consistent with an allergic reaction! Your swollen tonsil and fever sound more infectious than allergic.
I'll reprint below some information from the archives about Fleshlights.
Dr. Bob
Fleshlight Risk Apr 5, 2008
I recently bought a Fleshlight. I realised that the package wasn't sealed. Anyway, I left it overnight, and washed it twice with soap the next morning before using it. 2 weeks later, I used it again a few times, and likewise washed in between use.
Problem is, if someone with HIV used it before (probably the shopowner), I'm worrying that the HIV might not die in the Fleshlight, since the interior of the Fleshlight is not dry, though air still passes through. Or worrying that perhaps the "repeated exposure" to the toy means "repeated exposure" to HIV.
Now I'm really worrying and making myself feel sick. I'm beginning to be depressed and have been losing sleep frequently. Please advice me.
Response from Dr. Frascino
It seems that many folks who buy or use sex toys, particularly these fleshlight things, freak out after they shoot their load into the "patented, high-quality material designed to replicate the sensation of penetrative sex!" What's up with that? One would assume you horned-up dudes are using these latex and "secretly patented" squishy gadgets as substitutes for the real thing because either (1) you look like Dick Cheney and no one in their right mind would have sex with you or (2) you're worried about STDs and want to avoid any and all risks while taking care of your Sergeant Pepper. Either way one would not expect so many of you nervous nellies to be such nervous wrecks after popping your corks in these synthetic orifices, considering the HIV risk is beyond nonexistent. And yes, dude, that applies to your risk as well: nonexistent! Be depressed and lose sleep if you look like Cheney and can't get a sex date, but don't be depressed about schtooping your synthetic playmate. I'll reprint some similar questions below from the archives that hopefully will lift your spirits as well as offer enlightenment.
Dr. Bob
Fleshlight a risk (SEX TOYS/funny question) Feb 21, 2007
And thank you for you response and I appreciate your advice. I am starting to get worried now, it has been 72 hours since this happenend, and I have now developed a sore throat and tonsils are swelling. I know the whole theory "symptoms do not equal HIV", but is this common for a sore throat to occur if this was a sign of infection of HIV this soon? I know you answer these all the time, but I am now starting to freak out, is it too late for PEP, I am not even sure this is available in my area? I am so starting to get worried now. Any advice here now?
Response from Dr. Frascino
My advice would be as follows:
Take three big cleansing and calming yoga breaths in and out. Go ahead. We'll wait. There. Doesn't that feel better?
Next, realize that "symptoms" beginning 72 hours after a potential exposure would not be HIV related. It takes weeks, not hours, for the symptoms of ARS (acute retroviral syndrome) to manifest. Whatever is causing your sore throat, it's not HIV.
Stop worrying if you should start PEP. It's definitely not indicated.
Read through the archives of this forum. Yes, all of them! There is a wealth of information there and you are demonstrating a significant lack of basic HIV knowledge related to HIV transmission, prevention, symptoms and treatment. It's time to get informed!!
Dr. Bob
Fleshlight a risk (SEX TOYS/funny question) Feb 19, 2007
I would like to say I think you are great at what you are doing on here.
My question is, I am a gay man, and recently hooked up with another guy. I am unsure of his HIV status. He performed oral sex on me, there was french kissing mutual JO. But what I am concerned with is, he used what they call the "Fleshlight" on me. But taking turns on himself. As far as I am aware he did not ejaculate in it, but I am concerned there may be precum or something in it. Should I be worried of a risk of HIV transmission if he was positive? I get tested every 3 to 6 mths for my own saftey but I would like to know if I am really at risk for sharing that. I appreciate any advice.
Response from Dr. Frascino
Sex toys should not be shared unless you put a condom on the ones that penetrate you and/or a condom on you for the ones you penetrate, like fleshlight, for example. I don't believe your risk for this particularly incident is high, but there is at last a theoretical risk. Consequently, I'd suggest you get an HIV test at the three-month mark. Also, get your own fleshlight and/or stock up on latex condoms before your next hookup. See below for some practical (and some humorous) advice about sex toys reprinted from the archives.
Dr. Bob
Cleaning Toys (SEX TOYS) Dec 14, 2006
I know that we shouldn;t share toys when playing, but can someone else use my toys if I've washed them well, wiped them down with rubbing alcohol, and then ran them thru the dishwaher with a cup of bleach added?
Is that enough?
Response from Dr. Frascino
As frequently is the case, the answer to your question was already waiting for you in the archives. Have a look (reprinted below)!
Be well.
Dr. Bob
Vancouver question Apr 24, 2006
Dr bob, your forum is excellent. I wish to support it on a regular basis. Question first. On Feb 28, I had shared a anal toy with a male bi-sexual sex worker.it was used on him first then taken out for about 1 min then inserted into me for the next 20 mins or so. I had 2 hiv test done so far but all negative. VDRL was negative too. Hep C is negative too. I am having some symptoms like small sores in mouth and tongue. Ocassional chills, some occassional headaches, a few episodes of drichea, increased pinkishness on my face or cheek areas. Fatigues as well. I am going to get my test done right when i reach the 3 months anniveasry of the exposure. Dr bob can u please let me know the risk involved here of getting hiv.I am dead worried,,,once i am negative,,i will scream yahhooo and send u a big big donation. Thanks a million.
Response from Dr. Frascino
Although I don't know what "a few episodes of drichea . . ." are, I would say your two negative HIV tests to date are encouraging, but not conclusive. I agree you should have a three-month test to get a definitive result.
Sex toys should not be shared without proper cleaning between uses. I also recommend using a condom on sex toys that are shared. I'll repost below a question from the archives that addresses safe sex toy use.
Thanks for your willingness to make a donation (www.concertedeffort.org). I'll send my good-luck karma that your three-month HIV test remains negative.
Good luck!
Dr. Bob
Dr. Bob, Help set the record straight on Sex Toys Sep 21, 2004
Dr. Bob,
I recently bought some anal sex toys (2 rubber plugs and 1 set of jelly beads) and got a little freaked out that maybe they had been used before (although I don't know nor do I have any proof they ever were used). The packaging was a little messed up and I thought I saw a hair on one of the plugs (perhaps it was one of mine from the initial handling). I did a pretty thorough visual exam of each toy and they didn't appear to have any fluids or wetness to them, However, to be safe, I did not use any of the toys for an initial 30 hours and during this 30 hour period I thoroughly washed each toy 4 separate times: twice with antibacterial soap (Triclosan) and twice with regular Irish Spring Bar Soap and let them air dry after each of the 4 washings. I also used fairly hot water (about 50 C to 60 C) for at least one of the rinses. I then used the toys but got freaked out when many of the sex toy sites said that rubber and jelly are porous and can't be sterlized. If the toys had been used before, and given my initial cleansing methods, did I just engage in a potentially "High", "Low", "Extremely Low", or "No Risk" event? Should I be tested for HIV?
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello JJ,
Wow, if you are that rigorous about cleansing a brand new sex toy, I can only imagine what you must do to a brand new boyfriend before having nookie with him. Is it true you sent your last boyfriend through a carwash three times strapped butt naked to the hood of a Hummer before you let him give you a hummer? And the boyfriend before that was stuffed into an industrial-strength front-loading washer with an extra dose of chlorine (water temp. 60-75C and) and then tumbled dried before you let him stuff and tumble you in bed??? OK, enough about making "dirty" boys squeaky clean. Let's talk about sex toys. Sex toys would pose an HIV risk only if the person using the toy before you was HIV positive and got some of their blood, pre-cum, semen, post-cum, or vaginal secretions on the toy, and the toy was used almost immediately after the infected person used it, and the infected person's body fluids had direct access to your mucosal surfaces or bloodstream. As you can see, your story does not meet these criteria.
It's surprising that some folks are fearful of contracting HIV from sex toys purchased new from adult stores. Do you really think it's likely someone else would have previously used that exact item??? Even Nordstrom wouldn't accept butt plug returns! And remember, the toy would have had to be used immediately before you. In essence, there is no risk of contracting HIV from new toys just purchased from a store. OK?
Now, just to be complete, I'll mention that to prevent HIV transmission when toying around with sex toys, simply wash the toy with soap and water immediately after you use it (and before anyone else uses it). You can, of course, also wash the toy immediately before you play with it. I would definitely consider the four washing cycles lasting 30 hours that you had with your new jelly and rubber friends to be excessive foreplay.
So, was your risk "high, low, extremely low, or no???" Hopefully by now, you know it's no! No? Yes, it's no!
Should you be tested for HIV? No. No risk means no reason to test. By the way, just how much money do you spend on cleaning products in an average month at your house?
Stay well J.J.
Dr. Bob
Cucumber Aug 14, 2005
Used a cucumber bought at grocery store as an anal toy. I was alone (I am a male.)I did not share it as it was a private masturbation. I put it in a stong bleach solution for 1 hour prior to use and washed it about 4 times with soap. was this an possible hiv risk.Iam married and just concerned. Thankyou
Response from Dr. Frascino
You marinated a cucumber for an hour in strong bleach and then washed it four times before sticking it up your butt, and you are worried about HIV???? Hmmm . . . just how much action do you think this cucumber had prior to your "picking him up" in the vegetable aisle? Even if the grocery store was a "Piggly Wiggly," you have absolutely nothing to fear. I suggest you spend some time on this site learning about sex, safer sex, basic HIV information and sex toys. I'm a bit concerned what might happen when you get to the watermelon aisle.
Dr. Bob
Sacred to death from insertion of a used sex toy Nov 21, 2005
I had a few drinks and found myself tied to a couch 5 days ago with a man inserting butt plugs and dildos of various sizes up my butt. He used plenty of lube, but it still hurt like heck. He tried to insert his penis once but i pushed him away, so he sucked on me (i did not even get hard) for about 20 minutes before I managed to break free. I then removed the large dildo and the ball gag and ran home and soaked in a hot tub of water feeling violated. I do not know his HIV status, nor how long it had been since he used the toys but it had to be at least 20 minutes or more. He claimed he washed all his toys with bleach and i was a paranoid whimp. I am losing sleep and am making myself feel sick. Please let me know what my risk of HIV infection is, and if I should get tested. I cant stand not knowing who to talk to. Thank You. Scared in New York
Response from Dr. Frascino
Hello Scared in New York,
You had a few drinks and "found" yourself tied to a couch with a ball gag in your mouth and a man inserting butt plugs and dildos of various sizes up your butt???? That was after a few drinks??? Gosh, I can't imagine what would have happened if he had bought you diner. So this dude tried to insert his penis, but you pushed him away??? Hmmm . . . how did you do that while being tied to the couch? O.K., never mind. Let's move on to your questions. Overall your HIV risk is low. If indeed dildo-guy did wash his toys with bleach and he did not insert his dick, your HIV risk is limited to unprotected insertive oral sex with a weirdo. I'd recommend:
HIV testing at three months.
Changing your drinking establishment.
Good luck.
Dr. Bob
Someone else used my sex toy without my Knowledge??!! Sep 12, 2005
Hey Doctor Bob. First you are a great man for giving advice and guidance to everyone who needs it. Its truly remarkable.
I recently went abroad for a few days and took my anal sex toy with me. I used it three times, washed it after each use, and used plenty of lube. After the first time I used it I developed a nasty rash on my thumb, arm and leg which may well have been due to insect bites or another cause.. Thereafter I felt a diarrhoea like pain in my stomach on and off although not to the extent where I had to visit the toilet regularly. In fact each time I used the toilet, there was no actual diarrhoea, only pain in my stomach. I passed waste normally.
I got a little worried as these are symptoms for initial H.I.V infection. To compound my fears, one of the hotel cleaners came into my hotel room once whilst I was dozing. I then began to think that he might have visited my hotel room previously and 'tampered' with my sex toy. I know it sounds paranoid and crazy, but I am terrified that this could have happened. Each time I used my toy I used it about two hours after coming back to my hotel room, rinsed the toy briefly and then washed it more throughly after use. I put it in a bag with another toy in a drawer so it was in a closed environment most of the time. As the virus is not really exposed to air, I keep thinking it is possible that the virus could still breed in this sort of atmosphere...
I guess what I am asking is if its possible that the virus survived in the closed environment and got into my body assuming that the toy had been tampered with. I should have washed the toy more throughly before use or better yet used a condom, but the idea that someone else has been messing around with my sex toy has really freaked me out. Since I have got back, I have still a pain in my stomach after I eat, though it doesn't force me to go the toilet and I am passing waste regularly as normal. I have also developed a mild sore throat...Please help me doc as I am freaking out so badly and am sure that something is wrong.
Thank you very much for your help Doctor Bob and I hope you respond soon and give me some news, good or bad..
Response from Dr. Frascino
Let me get this straight. You are worried that a hotel maid or room service attendant might have come into your hotel room, opened your drawer, found a bag, opened it, found your butt plug and immediately decided to plug themselves with it??? Hmmm . . . now exactly what kind of hotel were you staying in???
Yep, it all "sounds paranoid and crazy" to me, too.
HIV risk? None.
Paranoia risk? Off the charts.
I suggest you seek counseling. You do have a problem; it's just not HIV.
Good luck.
Dr. Bob


text:
Costa Rica Population: 4,872,5433 VISITORS FROM HERE!
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|Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. In 1949, Costa Rica dissolved its armed forces. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
Four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65
|Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
|Geographic coordinates:
| total: 51,100 sq km
land: 51,060 sq km
water: 40 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco
Size comparison: slightly smaller than West Virginia
|Land Boundaries:
|total: 661 km border countries (2): Nicaragua 313 km, Panama 348 km
|1,290 km
|Maritime claims:
| territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
|tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
|coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major active volcanoes
|Elevation extremes:
|Natural resources:
|Land use:
| agricultural land: 37.1% arable land 4.9%; permanent crops 6.7%; permanent pasture 25.5% forest: 51.5%
other: 11.4% (2011 est.)
|Irrigated land:
|1,015 sq km (2012)
|Natural hazards:
|occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes volcanism: Arenal (elev. 1,670 m), which erupted in 2010, is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (elev. 3,432 m), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba
|Current Environment Issues:
|deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution
|International Environment Agreements:
| party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
|^Back to Top
| noun: Costa Rican(s)
adjective: Costa Rican
|Ethnic groups:
|white or mestizo 83.6%, mulato 6.7%, indigenous 2.4%, black of African descent 1.1%, other 1.1%, none 2.9%, unspecified 2.2% (2011 est.)
|Spanish (official), English
|Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
|4,872,543 (July 2016 est.)
|Age structure:
| 0-14 years: 22.82% (male 568,738/female 543,312)
15-24 years: 16.75% (male 416,046/female 399,931)
25-54 years: 43.99% (male 1,078,000/female 1,065,327)
55-64 years: 8.9% (male 211,670/female 222,183)
65 years and over: 7.54% (male 169,646/female 197,690) (2016 est.)
|Dependency ratios:
| total dependency ratio: 45.4%
youth dependency ratio: 32.4%
elderly dependency ratio: 12.9%
potential support ratio: 7.7% (2015 est.)
|Median age:
| total: 30.9 years
male: 30.4 years
female: 31.3 years (2016 est.)
|Population growth rate:
|1.19% (2016 est.)
|Birth rate:
|15.7 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Death rate:
|4.6 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Net migration rate:
|0.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)
| urban population: 76.8% of total population (2015)
rate of urbanization: 2.74% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
|Major urban areas - population:
|SAN JOSE (capital) 1.17 million (2015)
|Sex ratio:
| at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
|Maternal mortality rate:
|25 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
|Infant mortality rate:
| total: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
|Life expectancy at birth:
| total population: 78.6 years male: 75.9 years
female: 81.4 years (2016 est.)
|Total fertility rate:
|1.9 children born/woman (2016 est.)
|Contraceptive prevalence rate:
|76.2% (2011)
|Health expenditures:
|9.3% of GDP (2014)
|Physicians density:
|1.11 physicians/1,000 population (2013)
|Hospital bed density:
|1.2 beds/1,000 population (2012)
|Drinking water source:
| improved:
urban: 99.6% of population
rural: 91.9% of population
total: 97.8% of population
urban: 0.4% of population
rural: 8.1% of population
total: 2.2% of population (2015 est.)
|Sanitation facility access:
| improved:
urban: 95.2% of population
rural: 92.3% of population
total: 94.5% of population
urban: 4.8% of population
rural: 7.7% of population
total: 5.5% of population (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
|0.33% (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
|10,000 (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - deaths:
|200 (2015 est.)
|Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
|24% (2014)
|Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
|1.1% (2009)
|Education expenditures:
|7.6% of GDP (2015)
| definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8%
male: 97.7%
female: 97.8% (2015 est.)
|School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
| total: 15 years male: 15 years
female: 16 years (2014)
|Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
| total: 25% male: 21.3%
female: 31.4% (2014 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Country name:
| conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form: Costa Rica
local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
local short form: Costa Rica
etymology: the name means "rich coast" in Spanish and was first applied in the early colonial period of the 16th century
|Government type:
|presidential republic
| name: San Jose
geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
|Administrative divisions:
|7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
|15 September 1821 (from Spain)
|National holiday:
|Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
|previous 1825; latest effective 8 November 1949; amended many times, last in 2015 (2016)
|Legal system:
|civil law system based on Spanish civil code; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court
|18 years of age; universal and compulsory
|Executive branch:
| chief of state: President Luis Guillermo SOLIS Rivera (since 8 May 2014); First Vice President Helio FALLAS Venega (since 8 May 2014); Second Vice President Ana Helena CHACON Echeverria (since 8 May 2014); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Luis Guillermo SOLIS Rivera (since 8 May 2014); First Vice President Helio FALLAS Venegas (since 8 May 2014); Second Vice President Ana Helena CHACON Echeverria (since 8 May 2014)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president elections/appointments: president and vice presidents directly elected on the same ballot by modified majority popular vote (40% threshold) for a 4-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms); election last held on 2 February 2014 with a runoff on 6 April 2014 (next to be held in February 2018)
election results: Luis Guillermo SOLIS Rivera elected president; percent of vote - Luis Guillermo SOLIS Rivera (PAC) 77.8%; Johnny ARAYA (PLN) 22.2%
|Legislative branch:
| description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies - corresponding to the country's 7 provinces - by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 February 2014 (next to be held in February 2018)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLN 18, PAC 13, FA 9, PUSC 8, PML 4, other 5
|Judicial branch:
| highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of 22 judges organized into 3 cassation chambers each with 5 judges, and the Constitutional Chamber with 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges elected by the National Assembly for 8-year terms with renewal decided by the National Assembly
subordinate courts: appellate courts; trial courts; first instance and justice of the peace courts; Superior Electoral Tribunal
|Political parties and leaders:
|Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE [Oscar Andres LOPEZ Arias] Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or PFA [Ana Patricia MORA] Citizen Action Party or PAC [Olivier PEREZ Gonzalez] Costa Rican Renovation Party or PRC [Gerardo Justo OROZCO Alvarez] Libertarian Movement Party or ML [Victor Danilo CUBERO Corrales] National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes] National Liberation Party or PLN [Bernal JIMENEZ] National Restoration Party or PRN [Carlos AVENDANO] Patriotic Alliance [Jorge ARAYA Westover] Popular Vanguard [Humberto VARGAS] Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Gerardo VARGAS]
|Political pressure groups and leaders:
|Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD (Communist Party affiliate) Chamber of Coffee Growers Confederated Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate) Confederation of Workers Rerum Novarum or CTRN (National Libertion Party affiliate) Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (National Libertion Party affiliate) Costa Rican Exporter's Chamber or CADEXCO Costa Rican Solidarity Movement Costa Rican Union of Private Sector Enterprises or UCCAEP Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP National Association for Economic Development or ANFE National Association of Educators or ANDE National Association of Public and Private Employees or ANEP
|International organization participation:
|BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
|National symbol(s):
|yiguirro (clay-colored robin); national colors: blue, white, red
|National anthem:
| name: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica)
lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ
note: adopted 1949; the anthem's music was originally written for an 1853 welcome ceremony for diplomatic missions from the US and UK; the lyrics were added in 1903
|Diplomatic representation in the US:
| chief of mission: Ambassador Roman MACAYA Hayes (since 18 September 2014)
chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 480-2200
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa (FL), Washington DC consulate(s): San Francisco
|Diplomatic representation from the US:
| chief of mission: Ambassador Stafford Fitzgerald HANEY (since 30 June 2015)
embassy: Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas, San Jose
mailing address: APO AA 34020
telephone: [506] 2519-2000
|^Back to Top
Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed stable economic growth. The economy contracted in 2009 but resumed growth at about 4% per year in 2010-15. While traditional agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in recent years. High value-added goods and services, including medical devices, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high education levels, as well as the incentives offered in the free-trade zones; Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America. The US-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force on 1 January 2009 after significant delays within the Costa Rican legislature. CAFTA-DR has increased foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy, including the insurance and telecommunications sectors. However, poor infrastructure, high energy costs, bureaucracy, weak investor protection, and legal uncertainty due to the difficulty of enforcing contracts and overlapping and at times conflicting responsibilities between agencies, remain impediments to greater competitiveness. Costa Rica's economy also faces challenges due to a rising fiscal deficit, rising public debt, and relatively low levels of domestic revenue. Poverty has remained around 20-25% for nearly 20 years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints on government expenditures. Unlike the rest of Central America, Costa Rica is not highly dependent on remittances, which in 2014 represented 1% of GDP. Immigration from Nicaragua has increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated 300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans in Costa Rica, legally and illegally, are an important source of mostly unskilled labor, but also place heavy demands on the social welfare system.
|GDP (purchasing power parity):
| GDP (purchasing power parity): $79.26 billion (2016 est.) $76.02 billion (2015 est.) $73.33 billion (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|GDP (official exchange rate):
|GDP (official exchange rate): $57.69 billion (2015 est.)
|GDP - real growth rate:
|4.3% (2016 est.) 3.7% (2015 est.) 3% (2014 est.)
|GDP - per capita (PPP):
| GDP - per capita (PPP): $16,100 (2016 est.) $15,700 (2015 est.) $15,300 (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|Gross national saving:
|14.3% of GDP (2016 est.) 15.1% of GDP (2015 est.) 14.9% of GDP (2014 est.)
|GDP - composition, by end use:
| household consumption: 62.3%
government consumption: 16.9%
investment in fixed capital: 22.2%
investment in inventories: 0.5%
exports of goods and services: 29.6%
imports of goods and services: -31.5% (2016 est.)
|GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
| household consumption: 62.3%
government consumption: 16.9%
investment in fixed capital: 22.2%
investment in inventories: 0.5%
exports of goods and services: 29.6%
imports of goods and services: -31.5% (2016 est.)
|Agriculture - products:
|bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber
|medical equipment, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
|Industrial production growth rate:
|4% (2016 est.)
|Labor force:
|2.295 million note: official estimate; excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica (2016 est.)
|Labor force - by occupation:
| agriculture: 14%
industry: 22%
services: 64% (2006 est.)
|Unemployment rate:
|9.3% (2016 est.) 9.4% (2015 est.)
|Population below poverty line:
|24.8% (2011 est.)
|Household income or consumption by percentage share:
| lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 39.5% (2009 est.)
|Distribution of family income - Gini index:
|50.3 (2009) 45.9 (1997)
| revenues: $8.115 billion
expenditures: $11.31 billion (2016 est.)
|Taxes and other revenues:
|14.1% of GDP (2016 est.)
|Public debt:
|62.3% of GDP (2016 est.) 60.2% of GDP (2015 est.)
|Fiscal year:
|calendar year
|Inflation rate (consumer prices):
|Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.3% (2016 est.) 0.8% (2015 est.)
|Current account balance:
|-$2.57 billion (2016 est.) -$2.093 billion (2015 est.)
|$9.824 billion (2016 est.) $9.503 billion (2015 est.)
|Exports - commodities:
|bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment
|Exports - partners:
|US 33.6%, China 6.2%, Mexico 4.6%, Nicaragua 4.3%, Netherlands 4.2%, Guatemala 4% (2015)
|$14.76 billion (2016 est.) $14.38 billion (2015 est.)
|Imports - commodities:
|raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum, construction materials
|Imports - partners:
|US 45.3%, China 9.8%, Mexico 7.1% (2015)
|Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
|$7.96 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $7.834 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Debt - external:
|$24.91 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $23.18 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
|$31.86 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $28.75 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
|$3.354 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $3.154 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Market value of publicly traded shares:
|$2.015 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.443 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $1.445 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
|Exchange rates:
|Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 543.4 (2016 est.) 534.57 (2015 est.) 534.57 (2014 est.) 538.32 (2013 est.) 502.9 (2012 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Electricity - production:
|10 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - consumption:
|9.2 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - exports:
|600 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - imports:
|800 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - installed generating capacity:
|2.9 million kW (2014 est.)
|Electricity - from fossil fuels:
|30.7% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
|0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
|55.9% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Electricity - from other renewable sources:
|13.3% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
|Crude oil - production:
|0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
|Crude oil - exports:
|1,300 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - imports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - proved reserves:
|0 bbl (1 January 2016 es)
|Refined petroleum products - production:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - consumption:
|53,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - exports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - imports:
|51,300 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - production:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - consumption:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - exports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - imports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - proved reserves:
|0 cu m (1 January 2014 es)
|Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
|7.2 million Mt (2013 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Cellular Phones in use:
|total: 7.536 million subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 157 (July 2015 est.)
|Telephone system:
| general assessment: good domestic telephone service in terms of breadth of coverage
domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave, fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is available
international: country code - 506; landing points for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), MAYA-1, and the Pan American Crossing submarine cables that provide links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central Am (2015)
|Broadcast media:
|multiple privately owned TV stations and 1 publicly owned TV station; cable network services are widely available; more than 100 privately owned radio stations and a public radio network (2007)
|Internet country code:
|Internet users:
|total: 2.877 million percent of population: 59.8% (July 2015 est.)
|^Back to Top
|161 (2013)
|Airports (paved runways):
| total 47
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 27
under 914 m: 16 (2013)
|Airports (unpaved runways):
| total 114
914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 96 (2013)
|refined products 662 km (2013)
| total 278 km
narrow gauge: 278 km 1.067-m gauge
note: the entire rail network fell into disrepair and out of use at the end of the 20th century; since 2005, certain sections of rail have been rehabilitated (2014)
| total 39,018 km
paved: 10,133 km
unpaved: 28,885 km (2010)
|730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2011)
|Merchant marine:
| total 1
by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)
|Ports and terminals:
|major seaport(s): Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean) - Puerto Limon; Pacific Ocean - Caldera
|^Back to Top
|Military branches:
|no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security, Government, and Police (2011)
|^Back to Top
|Transnational Issues
|Disputes - International:
|Costa Rica and Nicaragua regularly file border dispute cases over the delimitations of the San Juan River and the northern tip of Calero Island to the International Court of Justice (ICJ); in 2009, the ICJ ruled that Costa Rican vessels carrying out police activities could not use the river, but official Costa Rican vessels providing essential services to riverside inhabitants and Costa Rican tourists could travel freely on the river; in 2011, the ICJ provisionally ruled that both countries must remove personnel from the disputed area; in 2013, the ICJ rejected Nicaragua's 2012 suit to halt Costa Rica's construction of a highway paralleling the river on the grounds of irreparable environmental damage; in 2013, the ICJ, regarding the disputed territory, ordered that Nicaragua should refrain from dredging or canal construction and refill and repair damage caused by trenches connecting the river to the Caribbean and upheld its 2010 ruling that Nicaragua must remove all personnel; in early 2014, Costa Rica brought Nicaragua to the ICJ over offshore oil concessions in the disputed region
|Refugees and internally displaced persons:
stateless persons: 1,806 (2015)
|Illicit drugs:
|transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis in remote areas; domestic cocaine consumption, particularly crack cocaine, is rising; significant consumption of amphetamines; seizures of smuggled cash in Costa Rica and at the main border crossing to enter Costa Rica from Nicaragua have risen in recent years (2008)
|^Back to Top
« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
Source: CIA - The World Factbook


text:
164 Broadway Norwood, MA 02062-3404
For train information at Norwood Central Station tune to 1700 AM
This MBTA station is accessible (Accessibility Key)
Parking Spaces: 781
Average Weekday Availability: 54%
Parking Rate: $4.00
Park & Pay By Phone
Location # : 4375
Accessible Spaces: 16
Bike Spaces: 27
Managed By: Republic Parking System
Please contact MBTA Customer Service regarding platform snow removal, cleanliness and maintenance issues.
Commuter Rail Lines
Bus Lines
34E -- Walpole Center Or Dedham Line -- Forest Hills Sta. Via Wa…
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Plan your trip
Service Alerts
There are no service updates at this time.
Fare InformationTravel anywhere on the MBTA system for the same price.
See all Fares & Passes information.
|Transit Mode
|Passes / Tickets
$2.25 - $12.50 Zones 1A - 10
$84.50 - $398.25 Monthly Pass, unlimited travel to and from your zone plus travel on all bus, subway and Inner Harbor Ferry.
50% Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
$1.70 CharlieCard
$2.00 CharlieTicket / Cash-on-board
$55.00 Monthly Bus Pass
$84.50 LinkPass - unlimited travel on Local Bus and Subway.
Accessibility Key (Back to Top)
- Elevator
- Escalator
- Mini-high
- Mobile Lift
- Ramp
- TTY Phone
- Parking


text:
You get direct feedback on your photos from world-acclaimed, professional photographers. You can learn photography in this way from anywhere in the world.
View photos by previous students. You can make pictures like this too!
This class is new. Student photos coming soon...
Lesson 1: What's Your Passion and Natural Talent? Knowing Thyself
Get the answers to the #1 question every person asks: who am I? (That's no small ambition but we can do it!). Discover your talents and heart-driven passion. Knowing yourself and your greatest passion in photography... this is always a great place to start.
Assignment: Applying Yourself in your Passion
Lesson 2: Masterful Design: Beyond the Rule of Thirds
Topics include the golden rectangle, principles of graphic design, negative space, and more.
Assignment: Masterful design
Lesson 3: Becoming a Master of Light, Part 1
Understand tonal contrast, shadow vs. sunlight and high contrast, getting detail and color in both extremes; other ways to fix light problems (vs. coming back at another time of day) - i.e., reflectors, changing your composition, face another direction.
Assignment: Obtaining extreme detail and/or HDR
Lesson 4: Becoming a Master of Light, Part 2
Night and low-light photography, overcoming challenges of photographing at the best times: when the light is low and when the environmental conditions are, let's just say, no picnic.
Assignment: Painting with light and other low-light fun!
© Jim Miotke
© Jim Miotke
© Jim Miotke
© Jim Miotke


text:
Men's Athletic Pants
Product Compare
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Learn More About Men's Athletic Pants
Ready for Your Training: Men's Workout Pants & Athletic Pants
When it comes to your workout, details matter.
So head to the gym with men's workout pants designed for performance. Browse the latest styles, technical fabrics and features for the fit that maximizes your training. Check out the latest men's pants from DICK'S Sporting Goods:
- Men's sweatpants are the ultimate in versatility. Run errands or laps in lightweight sweats for men, available in a variety of colors and styles.
- Men's warm-up pants are designed for your pre-game ritual. Throw these pants on over your uniform to keep warm as you prep for the game.
- Men's running pants are optimized for logging miles. These pants keep you going the distance with smooth, airy fabrics and a streamlined fit.
- Men's golf pants are crafted for easy movement on the links. Light, stretchable fabrics never get in the way of your form. Polished, pulled-together style keeps you looking good-from course to clubhouse.
- Men's joggers keep you stylish and comfortable simultaneously
Find men's workout clothes from popular brands, like Nike®, Under Armour® and Reebok®.
Expert Advice
Your athletic pants should never stand in the way of your performance.
During an early morning training session, you need a relaxed yet secure fit—and excellent comfort. Look for an elastic waistband that delivers a custom-like fit. Three- and four-way stretch fabrication ensures you can stretch, flex and sprint freely.
Light mesh fabrics provide strategic breathability as you move. If your workout brings you outdoors, go for the lightweight warmth of fleece warm-up pants. Take on the elements with quick-drying fabrics or rain pants, designed specifically to repel chill and moisture. Men's outdoor pants are constructed with abrasion-resistant fabrications for extra durability in the field.
Working out doesn't mean sacrificing style. The latest men's workout pants are designed in sleek colors and technical detailing, so the competition knows you've come to play.
Technology makes the difference in your workout. Choose men's workout pants designed with the latest fitness technologies, so you can stay focused on reaching your goals.
Men's compression pants support your body as you train. A snug, graduated fit conforms to your body to help support blood circulation. Wear your men's compression pants alone or as a baselayer.
Moisture-wicking technology is a must for your fitness apparel. Microfibers lift perspiration from your skin and draw it to the surface of your garment, where it evaporates. This innovative moisture-transport method keeps you dry and comfortable during your most grueling workouts.
Keep fresh as you train with men's workout pants designed to be antimicrobial. Antimicrobial technology works to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, so foul-smelling workout clothes never get you down.


text:
Cheapest flights to United Kingdom only on Myfly.az! We will find you most preferred flight deals and most efficient routes from many airlines such as WizzAir, AirBaltic, Ryanair and many others. Our website is very easy and convenient to use. More importantly, at no cost!
Below you can see not only the best flight deals to United Kingdom, but also the most popular flights to United Kingdom and flights to surrounding cities and countries. If, for some reason, our found flights does not satisfy you, use our long improved search engine above.


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Most cast items are not in stock and will be produced exactly for you in 10-15 days term. Gilted Items could be in production up to 25 days.
Armour that not is stock need some discussion first. Terms for production about 2 months.
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text:
- Description
The Nike Core Lock Men's Training Gloves provide support and maximum comfort during demanding workouts. These gloves fit snug and keep you dry with fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin and ventilation where it's needed most.
- Dri-FIT fabric to wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable
- Adjustable strap with embroidered Swoosh logo
- Stretch-fit design provides a close and secure fit
- Extended middle finger allows for easy pull removal
- Sublimated graphic on back of han
- Details
- Brand: Nike
- Gender: Mens
- Age group: Adult
- Colour: Black
- Nike Mens Fitness Gear
- Reviews
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- Delivery and Returns
METHOD TIME COST SERVICE SPRINT Next working day FREE on orders over £115
(£6 for orders up to £115)
RUN 2-3 working days FREE on orders over £60
(£3.50 for orders up to £60)
Royal Mail
CLICK & COLLECT (Glasgow) Same day (Mon-Fri) FREE SATURDAY DELIVERY 1 working day £12 Royal Mail
Orders received before 3pm (Monday-Friday) are processed on the same day - after 3pm orders will be processed on the next working day.
Click & Collect
Collect your order in person from the achilles heel Glasgow running shop. Orders placed before 3pm will be available for collection on the same working day; orders placed after 3pm will be available for collection on the following working day. Orders placed over the weekend will be available for collection on the Monday.
As soon as your order is ready for collection we will email to let you know. When you collect your order please ensure you bring your order confirmation & identification.
International Delivery
We'll package and post your order to most locations across the world as quickly as we can - for full details of delivery charges for international orders check our delivery charges page.
Spend £200+ and get FREE EU delivery.
At achilles heel we aim to please, so if you're not completely satisfied with your order, we'll do whatever we can to make it better. Items can be returned for free for an exchange or a refund within 28 days of purchase - we offer free & easy tracked returns within the UK via Royal Mail, for full details please check our returns page.
It can be hard to get things right so we are giving 28 days from Christmas Day to return your gifts on all orders made during November and December. Our returns policy will revert to the standard 28-day period for items purchased after December 31st.


text:
The Filet Mignon is the fork-tender end of the short loin. Paired on the bone with the NY Strip, it is the tender half of the larger Porterhouse. Get your heating surface up to high heat, sear the outside and preserve its pink and juicy inside. Ten (10) individually vacuum packed steaks per box - 8 ounces each.
Flash frozen and shipped with 10 pounds of dry ice for safe delivery to your door; We guarantee it! Blackwing items ship separately from the rest of your order and cost $35 for expedited frozen handling. An incremental $10 will be added for each additional Blackwing item or collection you add to your cart after the first one.


text:
|MLBPA Press Release
Major League Baseball, MLB Advanced Media and the Major League Baseball Players Association today announced that, for the first time ever, players on the field will interact with fans via social media during the State Farm Home Run Derby (@StateFarm #HRDerby), Monday, July 11, at Chase Field in Phoenix and televised nationally on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific. In addition, video and picture content shot by players during the event will be distributed across social media and posted to MLB.com, marking the first time MLB players will communicate directly with fans via social media platforms while on the field during an MLB event.
Jose Bautista (@JoeyBats19), Heath Bell (@HeathBell21), Gio Gonzalez (@GioGonzalez47), Joel Hanrahan (@hanrahan4457), Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp), Howie Kendrick (@HKendrick47), David Ortiz (@davidortiz), Hunter Pence (@HunterPence9), Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP), Gaby Sanchez (@GabySanchez15), Justin Upton (@RealJustinUpton), Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) and C.J. Wilson (@str8edgeracer) are among the All-Stars who have already agreed to participate, but the live updates will not be limited to players with existing accounts. Other All-Stars will have the opportunity to share their personalized live commentary, photos and video through MLB and MLBPA social media accounts (Twitter: @MLB and @MLB_PLAYERS; Facebook: Facebook.com/MLB and Facebook.com/MLBPlayersAssoc).
MLB All-Stars will be able to tweet and post to their Facebook fan pages during the @StateFarm #HRDerby using their personal handheld device. For players who don't have their device or don't have a twitter account, they will be able to interact with fans from social media stations set up on the field. The tables will feature laptops, tablets, video cameras and MLB representatives to facilitate their use. All players as well as fans will be encouraged to use the hashtag #HRDerby in order to be part of the live conversation about the event. In addition, the video board at Chase Field will show tweets using the #HRDerby hashtag between batters.
Fans at Chase Field for the @StateFarm #HRDerby also will be able to use the check-in functionality with MLB.com At Bat 11, the top-selling mobile application, to further personalize their event experience on their iPhone and Android mobile phones, including the ability to post messages across Twitter and Facebook from within the app, see aggregated tweets from other fans at Chase Field and view the interactive ballpark maps and menus. A home run tracker and live video stream of the @StateFarm #HRDerby will be available within MLB.com At Bat 11 as well as MLB.com.
ESPN will show the Twitter handles of the Derby participants and some of the All-Stars who are engaging in social media during the @StateFarm #HRDerby telecast. Fans can also follow several ESPN commentators contributing to the Derby telecast including @JohnKruk_ESPN, @karlravechespn, @BLarkin_ESPN, @BobbyV_ESPN, @Buster_ESPN, @kurkjian_ESPN and @pedrogomezESPN. ESPN.com will aggregate tweets -- including ESPN commentators, @StateFarm #HRDerby participants, MLB All-Stars and fans using the #HRDerby hashtag -- on its Home Run Derby tracker page (launching on Sunday, July 10; actively featuring Home Run Derby social media activity Monday, July 11, beginning at 5 p.m. ET). Additionally, fans can discuss the @StateFarm #HRDerby.
In addition to coverage on ESPN, the 2011 @StateFarm #HRDerby will be broadcast live on ESPN HD, ESPN 3D, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV, and ESPN Radio in the U.S. as well as ESPN International beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/5:00 p.m. Pacific on Monday, July 11th. The 82nd All-Star Game will be held the following day on Tuesday, July 12th. The AL team in the @StateFarm #HRDerby will be led by captain David Ortiz and include Jose Bautista, Robinson Cano and Adrian Gonzalez, while the NL team will be led by captain Prince Fielder and include Matt Holliday, Matt Kemp and Rickie Weeks.


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For anyone who thinks a pizza, a six-pack of beer and a movie rental make for a self-indulgent Friday night, the same pizza and a movie night might seem more extravagant next year when the average consumer must also budget about $26 extra a month to pay for rising costs in such basics as electricity, sewer, recycling and 911 emergency calls.
The cost of daily life will be much more expensive for the Durangoan who parks downtown, works in the medical-marijuana industry or lights cigarettes in public places because of new fees and fines.
Through the budgeting process for the coming year, local government and utility officials have justified new fees and rate increases as necessary because of their own rising costs.
Because they had deferred many projects during the recession, facilities and equipment now are overdue for upgrades. The city of Durango, for example, is using Microsoft software from 2000, City Manager Ron LeBlanc said at a recent planning commission meeting.
Not paying for preventive maintenance could mean larger bills for the public in the future.
Fee increases for enterprise funds and business services, such as regulating medical marijuana, also have been justified to make sure these services pay for themselves. Local fees for medical-marijuana businesses and sewer are comparable to what other Colorado cities charge, according to Durango documentation.
Jonny Radding, co-owner of Durango Organics, must pay a $2,000 fee to renew his license for his medical-marijuana business by the end of this year, according to the new fee schedule. A year ago, it cost $200 to renew a medical-marijuana license, but then the City Council changed the rates during the summer.
Radding called the increases totally unreasonable and out of line.
While the economy is on the mend, Councilor Paul Broderick is concerned abut the effect of new fees and costs that seem relatively minor.
The city has returned to strong retail growth, the shop fronts are full and booming, and with the recent addition of Sports Authority, the pending opening of Tractor Supply and the future likelihood of major retail in Three Springs (means) we should see years of strong revenue growth for the general fund, Broderick said. Our economy is largely driven by consumer spending, and when you stack up a bunch of nickle-and-dime fees, fines and taxes, you take real money out of peoples pockets that they could be using to keep the retail cash registers ringing.
The city budget has been growing faster than peoples wages, savings, retirement accounts or the value of their homes, Broderick said. The current annual budget for just the city is over $3,200 per capita. Durango is a great town with great amenities but a pretty steep price tag when you look at the cost. Can we afford it?
The City Council is scheduled to adopt a total budget of about $55 million on Dec. 11. The proposed budget recently was amended to include about $800,000 in projected revenue from the franchise fee for the La Plata Electric Association approved by voters in the Nov. 6 election.
LPEA also is scheduled to adopt a rate increase Dec. 19.
Heres how a day in the life of an average consumer might change in 2013.
A day in the life
Upon waking, the budget-conscious consumer would have more reason to linger in bed rather than flip on the light switch. Electricity rates are expected to go up by about 11 percent in 2013, according to LPEA. The average monthly bill of $88.40 would increase by about $11.20, according to LPEAs calculation.
The electricity consumer also will pay an additional monthly fee of $3.64, an average estimate based on electricity usage, to pay for LPEAs franchise with the city of Durango.
Perhaps the call of nature finally will rouse the consumer out of bed, but there will be an incentive not to flush the toilet too much. The residential sewer rate is set to double to $15.64, based on 2,000 gallons a month, by the end of 2013.
As part of the morning routine, the consumer might roll a 64-gallon recycling container to the curb. It might be filled with plastic flower pots and yogurt containers under an expanded recycling program. To pay for single-stream service, the city will charge the consumer an additional $3 a month.
When the consumer returns to the kitchen, he may receive a phone call from a friend who wants to meet up for a walk later in the day. The phone he uses will cost 60 cents more next year to pay a 911 surcharge, according to a proposal of Emergency Telephone Services Association of La Plata County. The surcharge, which would cost a total of $1.30, is added to residents telephone bill.
The consumer then will drive downtown to go to work. To park on the street could cost about twice as much, going up to a composite rate of 85 cents an hour to pay for sophisticated parking meters that take credit cards and payment from smartphone apps.
This Durangoan happens to manage a medical-marijuana dispensary downtown. If the dispensary needs new employees, it will have to pay for a background check that has increased from $100 to $150. The registration fee for a new manager also has doubled to $150.
The medical-marijuana business would like to move out of downtown, but the fee for moving the business has gone up from $600 to $3,000.
The business owner also would like to sell the shop, but the cost to transfer the license also has gone up from $600 to $3,000. A new license also costs $2,000 when the city previously charged just $875 for a license application. Just to apply for a license now costs more than $3,000.
Stressed out at work, the dispensary manager decides to meet his friend for a walk on the Animas River Trail, where he smokes a cigarette. A police officer then gives the smoker a $100 fine because of the citys new ban on smoking in public places.
The significant other calls the Durangoan with the nights grocery list. At the supermarket checkout line, the consumer could be charged 10 cents per plastic bag. This fee still is tentative because city staff has not presented a draft ordinance, but officials anticipate there could be other fee increases in 2013.
Because of uncertainty about federal funding, officials have noted that Durango could lose federal subsidies for pubic transportation next year. The city then would be forced to increase fares for bus rides.


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Aiza Seguerra
Daily Forecast for August 24th 2019
Aiza Seguerra is a female celebrity.
She was born on Saturday September 17th 1983, in Unknown.
Aiza Seguerra meets a day of strong spiritual overtones with faith and gratitude. August 24th 2019 leads Aiza to seek perfection in her deeds - a task well accomplished through the intense concentration that she manages to maintain.
While Seguerra's mental and spiritual faculties are sharp today, practical chores are less mastered by her, and mechanical break-downs may occur.
Saturday calls for repaying debts. It is also a good day for nature walk.
While studying the color and flavor of the day, it is a good practice to keep in mind the greater meaning of August and the master plan of 2019 in Aiza's life.
You and Aiza
About Aiza's Numerological Forecast & Personal Day Cycle
Just as Aiza Seguerra evolves through a nine-year cycle and experiences the nine-month cycle, she is also subjected to nine-day cycles, even though their impact is subtle compared to the Personal Year and even Personal Month cycles. The Personal Day cycles proceed according to the same pattern - 1 through 9 - that the Personal Year and Personal Month cycles do. The numbers within the daily cycles have a similar impact on Aiza to the yearly and monthly cycles - though less pronounced.
Read more about our numerological daily forecast for


text:
If you have any questions regarding the
rules and regulations of the Oil and Gas Program State Revolving Fund Program, please call (615)
532-0625. You may also link to the
Department of Environment and Conservation.
Click on the rule you want to view or print.
To print a rule, use the Print button located on the Acrobat Reader toolbar; be
sure to select the correct paper size in your print setup dialog box.
Keywords may be searched for in individual PDF files by using the
(Find) button
located on the Acrobat Reader toolbar.
Priority Ranking System (Transferred from 1200-22-01 which was repealed)


text:
People with schizophrenia may have perceptions of reality that are strikingly different from the reality seen and shared by others around them. Living in a world distorted by hallucinations and delusions, people with this condition may feel frightened, angry, anxious, depressed, or confused.
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start in adolescence or early adulthood. They often appear slowly and become more pronounced, disturbing, and bizarre over time. The first signs of schizophrenia often appear as confusing—or even shocking—changes in behavior. To fit the diagnostic criteria, symptoms of the illness must be present for at least 6 months, and there must be deterioration from the person's previous level of functioning.
The sudden onset of severe psychotic symptoms is referred to as an acute phase of schizophrenia. Psychosis, a common condition in schizophrenia, is a state of mental impairment marked by hallucinations. Less obvious symptoms (such as social isolation and/or withdrawal, unusual speech, bizarre thinking, or strange behavior) may precede, coincide with, or follow the psychotic symptoms.
People with schizophrenia may behave differently at unpredictable times. This unusual behavior usually occurs as a result of the unusual realities they are experiencing. People with this condition may seem distant, detached, or preoccupied. They may be very restless and/or hypervigilant and unable to sit or stand still, or sit as rigidly as a stone (catatonia) without moving or speaking for hours.
Common symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Hallucinations —Hallucinations involve seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, or smelling things that are not there. Hearing voices that other people do not hear is the most common type of hallucination observed in schizophrenia. Voices may describe the person's activities, carry on a conversation, warn of impending dangers, or even issue orders to the person (called command hallucinations).
- Delusions —Delusions are false personal beliefs that are not based in reality. Delusions may take on different themes. For example, people suffering from paranoid-type symptoms often have false and irrational beliefs that they are being cheated, harassed, poisoned, or conspired against. These people may believe that they, a family member, a friend, or someone close to them are the focus of this persecution. In addition, they may believe that they are a famous or important figure. Sometimes the delusions experienced by people with schizophrenia are quite bizarre. For instance, they may believe that a neighbor is controlling their behavior with magnetic waves, that people on television are directing special messages to them, or that their thoughts are being broadcast aloud to others.
- Disorganized thinking —Schizophrenia often affects a person's ability to "think straight." Thoughts may come and go rapidly. The person may not be able to concentrate on one thought for very long and may be easily distracted or unable to focus attention on any one subject or theme for very long. A person with schizophrenia may not be able to sort out what is relevant and irrelevant to a situation. They may be unable to connect thoughts into logical sequences, as their thoughts are often disorganized and fragmented.
- Disorganized speech —People with schizophrenia often lack logical or continuity of thought, which makes carrying a conversation difficult if not impossible. This can lead to misunderstandings, fear, and eventually contribute to social isolation.
- Catatonic behavior —Schizophrenia can include catatonic behavior, which is marked by slow or absent movement. Those experiencing catatonia can remain motionless for hours, demonstrate peculiar posturing, perform rhythmic gestures, or pace for an extended period of time.
- Emotional flatness —People with schizophrenia often show little or no emotional expressiveness. They may show no signs of normal emotion, speak in a monotonous voice, lack facial expressions, and/or appear extremely disinterested.
- Inappropriate laughter —Inappropriate emotions are common in people with schizophrenia. They may inappropriately laugh or act silly in response to situations and events not considered humorous by others.
- Poor hygiene and self-care —A person with schizophrenia may not bathe, wash, or take care of their appearance.
- Social isolation —A person with this condition may avoid contact with others and withdraw socially. If forced into situations that require interaction, they may do so inappropriately or in a bizarre manner.
Some people have only one psychotic episode. Others have many episodes during a lifetime, but lead relatively normal lives between these periods. A person with chronic schizophrenia, with a continuous or recurring pattern of illness, often does not fully recover normal functioning. This person typically requires long-term treatment, including medicine to control the symptoms.
People with schizophrenia do not always act abnormally. Indeed, some people with the illness can appear completely normal even while they experience hallucinations or delusions. A person's behavior may change over time—often becoming strange or bizarre if medication is stopped, then returning closer to normal when receiving and complying with appropriate treatment.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Adrian Preda, MD
- Review Date: 03/2017 -
- Update Date: 03/15/2015 -