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Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Doxorubicin Beads With or Without Sorafenib Tosylate in Treating Patients With Liver Cancer That Cannot Be Removed By Surgery
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01324076
Recruitment Status : Unknown
Verified May 2011 by National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Recruitment status was: Recruiting
First Posted : March 28, 2011
Last Update Posted : May 13, 2011
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemoembolization kills tumor cells by carrying drugs directly into the tumor and blocking the blood flow to the tumor. Sorafenib tosylate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor. It is not yet known whether transarterial chemoembolization using doxorubicin-eluting beads is more effective when given with or without sorafenib tosylate in treating patients with liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying giving transarterial chemoembolization using doxorubicin-eluting beads and sorafenib tosylate to see how well it works compared with giving transarterial chemoembolization using doxorubicin-eluting beads and a placebo in treating patients with liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
|Condition or disease
|Liver Cancer
|Drug: doxorubicin-eluting beads Drug: sorafenib tosylate Other: laboratory biomarker analysis Other: pharmacogenomic studies Other: pharmacological study Procedure: quality-of-life assessment
|Phase 3
- To determine whether the addition of sorafenib tosylate to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-eluting beads, compared to TACE alone, prolongs progression-free survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
- To determine if adding sorafenib tosylate to TACE prolongs overall survival of these patients.
- To determine if the sorafenib tosylate regimen prolongs time to progression in these patients.
- To determine acceptable toxicity related to the sorafenib tosylate regimen in these patients.
- To determine the effects of the sorafenib tosylate regimen on disease response, in terms of complete response, partial response, or stable disease, in these patients.
- To determine the effects of the sorafenib tosylate regimen on quality of life of these patients.
- To determine if treatment with the sorafenib tosylate regimen reduces the frequency for repeat TACE as measured by number of TACE procedures performed in 12 months.
- To establish a blood sample bank linked to this study for biomarker research (proteomic and genomic analysis).
OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to randomizing centers and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels (< 400 ng/mL vs ≥ 400 ng/mL). Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.
- Arm I: Patients receive oral sorafenib tosylate twice daily in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Beginning within 2-5 weeks after start of sorafenib tosylate, patients undergo transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-eluting beads. Patients may undergo additional sessions of TACE with doxorubicin-eluting beads, in the absence of complete devascularization of the tumor(s) (as assessed by follow-up contrast enhanced scan).
- Arm II: Patients receive oral placebo twice daily in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Beginning within 2-5 weeks after start of placebo, patients undergo TACE with doxorubicin-eluting beads as in arm I. Patients with disease progression may cross over to the sorafenib tosylate arm at the discretion of the treating clinician and are followed for survival.
Blood samples may be collected at baseline and periodically for pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic studies. Patients complete EORTC QoL questionnaire (QLQ-C30) version 3 and EORTC QLQ-HCC18 (a site-specific module for HCC) at baseline and periodically during the study.
After completion of study therapy, patients are followed up periodically for 1 year.
Peer Reviewed and Funded or Endorsed by Cancer Research UK.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Estimated Enrollment :
|412 participants
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|TACE-2: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double Blinded, Phase III Trial of Sorafenib in Combination With Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Cancer
|Study Start Date :
|November 2010
|Estimated Primary Completion Date :
|November 2014
- Progression-free survival
- Overall survival
- Time to progression
- Toxicity
- Disease control (complete or partial response or stable disease)
- Quality of life
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Histologically or cytologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) OR meets the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria for diagnosis of HCC
- Unresectable disease
- Not amenable to liver transplantation
- At least one uni-dimensionally measurable lesion according to the RECIST criteria by CT scan or MRI
- Child-Pugh A (score ≤ 6) and no Child-Pugh cirrhosis C or B (score ≥ 7)
- No ascites refractory to diuretic therapy
- No documented occlusion of the hepatic artery or main portal vein
- No extrahepatic metastasis or hepatic encephalopathy
- ECOG performance status 0-1
- Life expectancy > 3 months
- Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/L
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 10^9/L
- Platelet count ≥ 60,000/μL
- Bilirubin ≤ 50 μmol/L
- Alkaline phosphatase < 4 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
- AST and ALT < 5 times ULN
- Creatinine ≤ 1.5 times ULN
- Amylase and lipase < 2 times ULN
- Able to swallow oral medication
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Negative pregnancy test
- Fertile patients must use effective contraception during study and for 3 months after completion of study treatment
- No history of bleeding within the past 4 weeks
- No contraindications for hepatic embolization procedures, including portosystemic shunt, hepatofugal blood flow, or known severe atheromatosis
- No hypersensitivity to intravenous contrast agents
- No active clinically serious infection > grade 2 (NCI-CTC version 4)
- No known history of HIV infection
- No history of second malignancy except non-melanotic skin cancer or cervical carcinoma in situ or malignancy treated with curative intent with > 3 years without relapse
No evidence of severe or uncontrolled disease including any of the following:
- Systemic disease
- Cardiac arrhythmias (requiring anti-arrhythmic therapy or pacemaker)
- Hypertension
- NYHA class III or IV congestive cardiac failure
- Myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
- Laboratory finding that, in the view of the Investigator, makes it undesirable for the patient to participate in the trial
- No psychiatric or other disorder likely to impact on informed consent
- At least 4 weeks since prior and no concurrent investigational therapy
- No prior embolization, systemic therapy, or radiotherapy for HCC
- No major surgery within the past 4 weeks
No ablative therapy (radiofrequency ablation or percutaneous ethanol injection) for HCC
- Patients with untreated target lesion(s) and ablation occurred > 6 weeks prior to study entry allowed
- No concurrent rifampicin or St. John wort
- No concurrent bone marrow transplant or stem cell rescue
- No concurrent bevacizumab or drugs that target VEGF or VEGF receptors
- No other concurrent anticancer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or molecular therapy except bisphosphonates
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01324076
|United Kingdom
|Queen Elizabeth Hospital at University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Trust
|Birmingham, England, United Kingdom, B15 2TH
|Contact: Contact Person 44-121-472-1311
|Bristol Royal Infirmary
|Bristol, England, United Kingdom, BS2 8HW
|Contact: Contact Person 44-117-923-0000
|Aintree University Hospital
|Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, L9 7AL
|Contact: Contact Person 44-151-525-5980
|Royal Free Hospital
|London, England, United Kingdom, NW3 2QG
|Contact: Contact Person 44-20-7794-0500
|King's College Hospital
|London, England, United Kingdom, SE5 9RS
|Contact: Contact Person 44-20-3299-9000
|Royal Marsden - London
|London, England, United Kingdom, SW3 6JJ
|Contact: Contact Person 44-20-7352-8171
|Queen's Medical Centre
|Nottingham, England, United Kingdom, NG7 2UH
|Contact: Contact Person 44-115-924-9924
|Southampton General Hospital
|Southampton, England, United Kingdom, SO16 6YD
|Contact: Contact Person 44-23-8079-8751
|Principal Investigator:
|Tim Meyer, MD, BSc, MRCP, PhD
|Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|March 28, 2011 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|May 13, 2011
|Last Verified:
|May 2011
adult primary hepatocellular carcinoma
localized unresectable adult primary liver cancer
advanced adult primary liver cancer
Liver Neoplasms
Digestive System Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
Digestive System Diseases
Liver Diseases
Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
Antineoplastic Agents
Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Protein Kinase Inhibitors


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At this point, we're used to the idea of free-to-play games on mobile platforms serving up ads in lieu of charging for downloads. It's a somewhat annoying practice but usually a tolerable one if you're feeling especially cheap. That is definitely not the case with a new branded item that appeared recently in Tetris Blitz for iOS.
As TouchArcade noticed, the newest item in the Tetris Blitz prize wheel is a Toyota Corolla branded advertisement, referred to as "Turn It Up" in the game. When activated by clearing a line with a special piece, a large italicized message declaring the existence of "THE ALL-NEW COROLLA" scrolls in atop the screen, and an image of a Corolla drives in, complete with an engine sound effect. As the Corolla drives off, it drops a row of helpful, vertical 3x1 blocks into your play field, which can be quite lucrative for your point total.
Despite Touch Arcade's screenshots, we couldn't quite believe that such a blatant advertisement had been inserted into a Tetris item, of all things. Sure enough, though, we found it for ourselves without much trouble. Here's a quick video of the ad in the middle of gameplay.
It should be noted that, while you can earn spins on the prize wheel for free, you can also buy them for a price of up to 66¢ each. That means there are some people out there who are actually getting this ad attached to an item that they already paid real money for.
We suppose that's not too different from, say, paying for cable (or even Hulu Plus) and watching advertisements during TV shows. Still it's somehow a little more galling when the advertisement is so blatantly inserted into the middle of a gameplay modifier like this.
Say what you will about this latest salvo in the in-game ad wars—one thing you can't say is that it's easy to ignore. That probably makes it a lot more lucrative for EA than the banner ads that already run at the bottom of many menus in the free-to-play version of Tetris Blitz menus.

subset: commoncrawl


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BOULDER, Colo. — Andre Roberson had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Spencer Dinwiddie scored 16 points and Colorado beat Georgia 70-68 on Monday night.
Asika Booker scored 14 points and Carlon Brown had 10 points for the Buffaloes (4-2), who extended their non-conference home win streak to 26.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 15 points and Gerald Robinson 14 for the Bulldogs (4-3), who have lost three of their last four.
Colorado came out aggressive to start the second half, hitting five of their first six shots to take a 45-39 lead with 15:57 remaining.
The Bulldogs were cold to start the second half and missed their first 11 shots. They didn't get their first bucket until Nemanja Djurisic hit a 3-pointer with 12:34 left to cut the deficit to 45-42.
The lead was one when Colorado pulled away. Roberson converted a three-point play, Nate Tomlinson hit a 3-pointer and Shane Harris-Tunks made a layup to give the Buffaloes a 62-52 lead with 3:52 left.
The Bulldogs rallied late to cut the lead to three with 4.5 seconds left, but a free throw by Booker sealed the win.
Georgia grabbed a 12-point lead in the first half on the strength of its hot outside shooting. The Bulldogs hit six of their first eight shots from behind the 3-point line to go up 26-14 with 8:30 left before intermission.
After a timeout, Colorado began to chip away at the deficit. Dinwiddie, a freshman, led the charge, scoring nine points in the first half and helping the Buffaloes go on a 16-4 run to tie it at 30-30 on Brown's 3-pointer with 3:10 left.
Robinson scored six of his 11 first-half points in the final 2:58 to lift Georgia to a 38-34 lead at the break.


text:
Goldman Warns Investors Away From J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney's stock drops as analysts at Goldman, the bank that is helping the retailer raise more money, warn investors away from Penney's debt. Suzanne Kapner has the latest on the News Hub. Photo: AP
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the ... the J C Penney stock in the three file today that after all the facts do is laugh the company in a research note ... he sees and kept their year to sell us more I ... that thanks for being over yet and so it's the thing mean J C Penney step down as much as seventeen percent in what's going on well planned well couple things going on we have that Goldman report which basically said look the company's faces the challenge is ... it may look to raise additional capital ... heading into the fourth quarter and that's kind of spooked ... high investors ... and to pound ... you know that it's no secret that ... his ... business has been tough since my calming came ... on board he's trying to reinvigorate things by adding more discounts and stocking more ... of the traditional merchandise that Penney customers like that it's been slow going in the US same-store sales were down in the double digits last quarter when I'm hearing from suppliers is that ... maybe they'll be down you know mid single digits this quarter it's an improvement but it's not quite happening as fast as ... people would have hoped ... I can eat any dinner in all its rating there yet with ... the intent of bankruptcy filing even had to say it's premature to me that's the sign you're in preaching ... the but you know is that any you know it's Deathly touching ballad it's no guarantee that the economy hit by ... the league does seem like they're heading in the right direction it sets you will it happen ... fast not a lot is riding on the fourth quarter it is here to break the what the what can J C Penney do the kind of ... detail in some good will with investors going into the all important holiday shopping season ... while Mike Ullman and his team are in New York today for some reason is the schedule of investor meetings and ... and and you know an analyst who is in one of the sessions that and note that was much more positive than the old man now ... basically saying that you know it sounds like things are moving in the right direction ... and that all men in his team said no woman stock the new merchandise sits out lane ... by you know it in my car from parts of town so ... you know about how the business is performing so I think that they are getting a mean air in some assistance helping and pleasing actually I mean t you think that these concerns that would ... be looking back their debts are overblown it this way with you to ... I think a lot depends on you know how they do in the third quarter but more important the fourth quarter's make or break for them if they happened that fourth-quarter ... there to be in big trouble ... I knew as I have been made with J C Penney was the glue in place the twenty oh for holiday shopping for back to school shopping ... I think in their seals that you know they're still say he's been flailing all of that ... what yet they had this new guy from Apple come and Inti completely change everything ... from you know it instead of discounted as an everyday low price strategy that that didn't sit well with consumers he tried to ... formulate the stores he added these new home departments ... with a lot of you know merchandise from Martha Stewart and other designers that haven't ... really connected with customers and that resulted in a lawsuit with Macy's by the way over to Martha Stewart products ... it's been one headache after another so ... you know ... Ullman has a lot of balls in the air is trying to get this thing back on


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Historical overview
ESA began developing communications satellites in 1968. Ten years later, the Agency launched an Orbital Test Satellite (OTS-2). ESA, Eutelsat (Europe's organisation for satellite telecommunications) and European national telecommunications companies used OTS-2 for over 13 years. It demonstrated new services, such as broadcasting to cable feeds and direct-to-home television. The success of OTS-2 inspired the design of many subsequent satellites in Europe.
Following this pioneering work, ESA developed and launched four European Communications Satellites (ECS) between 1983 and 1988, for use by Eutelsat. Each ECS allowed coverage of the whole European continent for cable television, telephone communications, specialised services and Eurovision transmissions. Two of those satellites are still in commercial service.
For communications with mobile stations, especially ships at sea, ESA developed two MARECS satellites. Launched in 1981 and 1984, they were later leased for operations to Inmarsat, the international maritime satellite organisation. Their
ESA also developed Olympus, which was the largest civilian telecommunications satellite in the world at the time of its launch in 1989. Its design incorporated many key technologies that have later been incorporated in commercial satellites, including high-power transmitters, multi-spot beam Ka-band technology and on-board switching.
Its direct-to-home TV broadcasting payload allowed national network programmes to be captured with dish antennas as small as 30 cm in diameter. Control of Olympus was accidentally lost in May 1991 but a major recovery action enabled it to resume full service by the following August. Two years later, the ambitious experimental mission ended when the spacecraft's fuel ran out.
In 2001, a new telecommunications satellite called Artemis was launched to continue the technological development of Europe's space infrastructure.
Artemis is a technological demonstration satellite that incorporates pioneering Data Relay Satellite technology at both optical frequencies (SILEX payload) and in the
In addition, Artemis pioneered a number of new technologies – one of the most important being ion propulsion – a system able to convert the solar energy received from the Sun into propulsive force to move the satellite.
This was very serendipitous, since a failure on the upper stage of the launcher left Artemis well below its target orbit. By using a combination of its chemical and ion propulsion systems, Artemis was able to reach its orbital position at 21.5° east in geostationary orbit, where it has remained operational ever since.


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Thy Holy Temple (Friend)
1. Thy temple shines with heav'nly light against the darkness of the night
My heart rejoices at the sight. I love Thy holy temple.
Each time I see Thy temple shine, I think of promises divine And all the blessings that are mine. I love Thy holy temple
2. Thy temple stands majestic'ly, inviting me, reminding me
To be the best that I can be. I love Thy holy temple.
For temple marriage I'll prepare. I'll seek Thy ordinances there.
With Thee I'll covenant in prayer. I love Thy holy temple, I love Thy holy temple.
Text: Marvin Gardner
Music: Vanja Watkins
Artist: Gardner/Watkins
Album: Music Published in the Church Magazines: Friend
Composition Date: 2012-01-02
More Info: Friend


text:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, further support for this particular item can no longer be provided until further notice. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. Thank you.
Sleeko is a sleek and professional HTML5 responsive vCard for highly awesome people.
It comes in a feature-pack and easy to install package. Get your online virtual card up and running in minutes, and start impressing your potential clients. It's a one-stop centre for your online presence.
- Clean, minimalist, and professional design
- Built on Bootstrap
- Responsive design
- Ajax contact form with form validation
- Google Maps™ integration
- Print and download resume
- Filtered Pinterest-style portfolio page with smooth animation
- A set of social media icons with easy installation
- Highly customizable
- Powered by stunning jQuery
- Valid xHTML and CSS
- SEO friendly
- Highly optimized, best practices for CSS and jQuery applied
- Extensive documentation included
- Layered PSD included for Home page
- Cross-browser compatible
- The preview site uses free Google Web Fonts 'Lato'.
- The assets/images shown in the preview are not included.
- Please rate 5 stars if you like it!


text:
The architect's quick reference and comprehensive guide to design and specification of building materials and systems. Time-Saver Standards for Building Materials and Systems: Design Criteria and Selection Data. This volume, the newest volume in the Time-Saver Standards Series, offers easily referenced and detailed technical guidelines for architects and builders to design and select any material, product or system for any building construction project. This new volume updates and extends the technical data sheets prepared over the past twenty years for Sweet's Catalog File Selection Data. In cooperation with SWEET'S Catalog File, Time-Saver Standards for Building Materials and Systems serves as an essential overview of key criteria required to evaluate and select building materials, components and systems. In its new and updated format, the book is a "first reference" and primary source of guidance for design and material selection. It lists in easily accessible format the key design criteria that every architect and builder must consider in designing, specifying and constructing buildings. Topics are arranged to conform to the Uniformat Classification System, the widely adopted industry indexing system that "builds" technical information in the same sequence and logical order that a building is built, from foundation, to structure, to enclosure, to interiors, to service systems. This classification system has been adopted by architects and other professional societies for design and preliminary cost estimating because it conforms to the way that a building is built and a designer logically thinks about a building. Time-Saver Standards for Building Materials and Systems provides a comprehensive overview of all building-related principles, materials and systems. It is therefore an invaluable guide for review of technical data, appropriate for continuing education courses, preparation for professional licensing exams, and use in schools of architecture, continuing education courses, preparation for professional licensing exams, and use in schools of architecture. 800 pages of illustrated data sheets, updated and extended with new topic listings.400 tables and checklist summaries, making it possible to quickly reference a broad range of selection data and criteria. Definitions and Physical Principles of Building ConstructionFoundationsStructuresConcreteStone and MasonryMetalsWood and Wood ProductsInsulationWaterproofing and DamproofingExterior WallsBearing WallsCurtain WallsWall FacingsGlass and PlasticsWindowsEntrance and DoorsCoatingsSealantsRoofing AssembliesSkylightsInterior PartitionsStaircasesInterior Systems and FinishesCeilingsFlooringConveying SystemsPlumbingHeating, Ventilating and Air-ConditioningFire ProtectionElectrical SystemsLightingWatson, Donald is the author of 'Time-Saver Standards for Building Materials & Systems Design Criteria and Selection Data', published 2000 under ISBN 9780071356923 and ISBN 0071356924.[read more]
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text:
Rotation must improve for Blue Jays to bounce back
Toronto should be better than 2013, but to be contenders, club needs strong pitching
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The unofficial rallying cry of the 2014 Toronto Blue Jays appears to be:
"We're better than that!"
The "that," in this case, would be the Blue Jays' 2013 season, which ended with a 74-88 record and a fifth-place finish in the American League East.
That performance was a double-edged letdown because Toronto had made some notable and bold acquisitions prior to the season. The club was widely congratulated for these moves, and preseason predictions were dotted with the Jays winning the AL East, the AL pennant and even the World Series.
Those pleasant expectations came apart, first in some serious early-season rotation shortcomings, then in a series of injuries to important personnel. The Blue Jays have taken the view that the 2013 season was an aberration, a fluke, a one-time occurrence.
Thus, the Blue Jays have brought back last year's team nearly intact. Starter Josh Johnson isn't back, but he was hurt much of the time in 2013, and when he wasn't hurt, he posted a 6.20 ERA.
Shortstop Jose Reyes, who was limited to just 93 games by injury last season, made an early appearance at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on Tuesday, wearing a form-fitting Superman shirt. Reyes lights up a room on an average day, so reporting that he is optimistic about 2014 is not a breakthrough scoop. But for the record, he was relentlessly upbeat.
"I'm very excited for this year, because last year was a tough year, not just for me, but for the whole team," Reyes said. "It was tough. But you have to put it in the past.
"We still have the pieces here. We just have to put it together on the field."
For success this season, Toronto will require Reyes to be much more of a full-time catalyst. The Jays could also use something more like a full season from slugging outfielder Jose Bautista, who played in 118 games last year.
This is still a club with a roster that obviously contains significant talent. The Blue Jays' lineup should be productive. Toronto's bullpen looks deep and sturdy, as it includes two All-Star setup men in Steve Delabar and Brett Cecil.
The leading question here is the rotation. Can the Blue Jays' starters pitch well enough to make Toronto into the genuine contender the club was supposed to be last season?
On paper, the Blue Jays look fine in the rotation. But they looked even better on paper at the beginning of 2013 with the talented Johnson on board.
Still, the Blue Jays have R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle and J.A. Happ. They all share the virtue of having pitched considerably better at some earlier point than they did in 2013. And there are eight legitimate candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation. Toronto should at least have more starting depth this season.
Still, there was the expectation in some portions of Ontario that this situation would be addressed with outside help. When Blue Jays manager John Gibbons stepped into his post-workout media session Tuesday, the first question that greeted him was: "When do you expect Ervin Santana to arrive?" The reference was to the leading starter still available on the free-agent market.
Gibbons, to his credit, smiled at this question. The question may have been asked only partially in jest, but Gibbons took the always sensible position that he is managing the people who are actually on his team.
"We're going forward with what we have unless something happens," Gibbons said. "And we like this group. [General manager] Alex [Anthopoulos] is working hard, and he's been doing it all winter and half of last season, looking at some different options. If something happens, nobody knows. We just approach it as, 'Let's get after it with what we have.'"
Gibbons remains confident that last year's performance was far from the true level of the rotation.
"You look at the guys in it, we're better than we pitched last year, so automatically we've got to improve on it," Gibbons said.
"You know, there are still some question marks, but depth is a big thing for us. If some guys falter, if we need to make changes, we've got some guys who we think may be pretty good Major League pitchers down the road, and they just may work their way into it. There's some depth there, with some better arms than we were looking at last year.
"There is no question that we struggled with our starting pitching last year, and we're looking to upgrade that. But it's not easy to do. There were a couple of deals that fell through; I'm talking in the trade market. And then with the free agents, there's a little bit of a bidding war going on. It's not automatic that you're going to get those guys.
"Me personally, I like this group in here, and we'll just approach it that way," Gibbons concluded.
The Blue Jays should be better than last year. How much better will be determined in large measure by the performance of the starting rotation.


text:
I want to implement a version that checks if the file exists then the text is added to the file without deleting the previous content. If it does not exist then it should just create it and write text to it.
Code: Select all
;; write to an existing file
(define write-to-a-file
(lambda (path txt)
(call-with-output-file path
(lambda (output-port)
(write txt output-port)))))
I 'm writting in chicken scheme. I have chicken wiki and the api page but the just mention the commands without some simple examples to get you started.
Any ideas?


text:
Guitar zone: Terri Allard and her evolving band
Terri Allard would probably admit to being a folk musician, but beyond that, she's not one to be pigeonholed. Just when you think you've got her figured out, she rustles up a battalion of eight musicians and plays an electric set at Fridays After 5. This is a rare occurrence, though, since her act can usually be assembled much more easily. As a matter of fact, all she really needs is a guitar.
"On the folk circuit, it's generally much more of a troubadour thing," she says.
That doesn't mean that there isn't room for a few friends every once in a while, though, and Allard is constantly mixing and matching her favorite supporting musicians, trying to find new and exciting combinations.
For example, she often brings in harmonica player Gary Green for duo performances, while the trio lineup might involve bassist Sonny Layne or multi-instrumentalists Jim Taggert and Jeff Saine. You might also someday catch her with her full complement of nine after she calls everyone in her Rolodex– if you're really lucky.
"Let's face it, on the road, they'd starve! I mean, it's the folk circuit," she sighs.
Allard is quick to sing the praises of her bandmates, and they respond in kind, even if they don't get to share the stage with her nearly as much as they'd like.
"I just thought she was tremendous," says drummer Eddie Hall of his first encounter, when he prodded her into an impromptu demo of her six-string and vocal cords in the midst of an Orange County social engagement.
Taggert finds that Allard is as rewarding as a co-collaborator as she is impressive. "She does so much original material," says Taggert. "It gives me carte blanche to either come up with a new riff or blend a traditional bluegrass riff into it."
Allard's in demand these days– doing everything from teaching at a Pennsylvania retreat for singer-songwriters to scoring a gig in Staunton alongside John Hiatt and Shawn Colvin. Even when she's at home, she's often working on new material or soaking up the local flavor.
"It's a real treat to live here and be able to go out and hear all these great musicians," she says, naming Jan Smith and Nickeltown among her favorites. "There are a lot of great musicians... and great poets, too," she adds, throwing in a poetic pause of her own for good measure.
Disaster strikes when the fury of a screaming toddler erupts in the background, and Allard finishes the interview hiding under a blanket with her three-year-old, who likes to play this game when Daddy comes home from work. "This is my world," she laughs.
Chances are Daddy finds them. She's hard to miss.
Age: 42
Why here? I moved to the area when I was 8.
Worst thing about living here? Can't think of a thing.
Favorite hangout? Page's Store
Most overrated virtue? Is housekeeping considered a virtue?
People would be surprised to know? I can keep a secret.
What would you change about yourself? My attention span
Proudest accomplishment? I still hold the two-mile track record at Orange County High School– I think.
People find most annoying about you? I'm a chatty optimist.
Whom do you admire? People who take chances
Favorite book? Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Subject that causes you to rant? Bigotry
Biggest 21st century thrill? Progress in medicine
Biggest 21st century creep-out? Global warming
What do you drive? Honda Civic
In your car CD player right now? I rotate Mary Chapin Carpenter's Between Here and Gone and Patty Griffin's Impossible Dream
Next journey? Becoming a better songwriter
Most trouble you've ever gotten in? My twenties in general
Regret? Not finishing college (yet)
Favorite comfort food? Dr. Ho's Pizza
Always in your refrigerator? Milk, eggs, juice, bread, and beer
Must-see TV? Six Feet Under
Favorite cartoon? I never liked cartoons much. "The Roadrunner" really got on my nerves.
Describe a perfect day. Walking in our woods with my husband and son
Walter Mitty fantasy? Being Coran Capshaw
Who'd play you in the movie? Holly Hunter
Most embarrassing moment? Too many to come up with just one...
Best advice you ever got? Take voice lessons
Favorite bumper sticker? Drive 25 in Batesville
Terri Allard


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Fars, a "semi-official" Iranian news agency, photoshopped an image of Michelle Obama announcing the Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards, adding sleeves and a high crew neck to her gown, making it appear more modest.
Iranian women—both in everyday life and in depictions in the media—are required to wear a hijab that covers their hair, legs, and arms. But censors are a little more lenient on foreign women shown on TV, to a degree. In this instance, the arbitrary line was drawn at the First Lady's chest and shoulders.
The picture of Mrs. Obama was used by the Iranian press to report on Argo's win as Best Picture, which didn't go over so well; Iran believes the film promotes "anti-Iranian" sentiments. And this isn't the first bone that Iran had to pick with the Academy Awards. The country boycotted the Oscars this year, refusing to submit a film, because the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not officially denounce the anti-Islam YouTube video "Innocence of Muslims." Last year, Iran had received its first Academy Award ever after A Separation won Best Foreign Film.
Michelle Obama's Oscars dress too revealing for Iranian media [Guardian]


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WHISTLER, B.C. — Matt Hallat hasn't had an opportunity to do much ski race training the last few days, but it has allowed him to get better with a Ping-Pong paddle in his hand.
The single-leg amputee from Whistler is in the men's standing category, a group that has been waiting for three days to get a training run in for Saturday's downhill race that will launch the alpine schedule at the 2010 Paralympics.
"It's not that frustrating for me," Hallat said Friday afternoon as he looked out his Whistler Creekside hotel room at skies starting to clear after a morning of heavy snowfall. "Having lived here, raced here, spent as time as I have here, I expected this a bit. I've been able to relax."
Well, except for those times at the Ping-Pong table.
"Yeah, that's getting pretty intense," said a laughing Hallat.
Training runs for the three alpine categories — standing, sit-ski and visually impaired — were scheduled for Wednesday through Friday. But after the sit-skiers, the visually impaired and the women's standing managed a run in Wednesday, it's been a no-go the rest of the week, with training wiped out by a combination of snow and fog.
Saturday's forecast looks somewhat promising, certainly better than what is expected Sunday through Tuesday, so officials will make every effort to get the downhill in.
Since at least one training run is required, the men's standing skiers were scheduled to be on the course in the morning, with the actual race beginning a few hours later in the early afternoon. The three women's categories will be first out of the start gate.
Hallat, who got in a few "fun power turns" with all the delays, said having a training run and the race on the same day isn't unusual. The same scenario happened for the men's standing category at a World Cup in Italy just two months ago.
"For most of the guys, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Actually, it's kind of nice to be able to do it (Saturday) because the conditions (for the rest of the categories) will have changed so much from Wednesday. It's going to give us a better indication of what it's going to be like for the race."
The biggest concern for the skiers is whether the volunteers can scrub off all the new snow. Hallat said he expects Franz's Run, the same course used by the women during the Olympics, to be bumpier and slower. Canada will have several medal contenders in the field Saturday, including Lauren Woolstencroft of North Vancouver.
Skiing with prosthetics on both lower legs, Woolstencroft is the reigning world champion in women's standing and won two World Cup downhills earlier this season in Italy. She also posted the fastest training time Wednesday.
Visually impaired skiers Vivianne Forest of Edmonton and Chris Williams of Markham, Ont., have been frequent podium finishers on the World Cup circuit the last couple of seasons.
In the highly competitive men's sit ski category, Josh Dueck of Vernon, B.C., is the reigning world champion and also won the World Cup event at Whistler last season. He was sixth in training Wednesday behind leader and second-year national teamer Sam Daniels of Whistler, who was fifth on his home hill last season.
"That was amazing," Daniels said after his Wednesday run. "That was fun. I waited all year to do this course again. I really can't wait for the real race to happen (Saturday)."
Para-nordic skiing also begins Saturday with the men's and women's biathlon pursuit at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley.
Vancouver Sun


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Terms and Conditions
Open Mic T&C to read before you register :
1. This stage is for all stand-up performances and artist e.g. Poetry, Storytelling, Comedy, Romedy Poetry.
2. You'll be notified about your selection(FOR YT)on the email id or contact no. you provide through this form. So make sure they are correct.
3. The performance time given to each participant will be 5-6 minutes.
4. If your video isn't selected for YouTube upload, a short part will be upload on Instagram or Facebook.
5. You retain ownership of your work, but you give "Poem and Kahaniyan", permission to photograph or recording your performance for display on their websites or YouTube with your consent (Should you wish to be excluded from being photographed or recorded, please inform any team member beforehand.)
6. Your performance will be recorded during the event and each participant has to pay a minimal amount for video recording and editing.
7. A raw video wouldn't be provided in any case.
8. There is a hundered rupee charge for the performance.
9. Unauthorized photography and videography of the performers are strictly prohibited. For this, we will be having our own team to do this.
10. For any other information, drop a mail through events high, we will respond ASAP. Max:12 hours
11. You agree to give us permission to put your video on our website, youtube channel or other associated partners websites and portals for our organization promotion.
12. You must reach the venue 10 minutes before the event's starting time failing which your spot stands canceled.
1. Performer of the week will win a certificate of appreciation.
2. Selected videos will be uploaded on YouTube.


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The Morenci Fire Association is teaming up with the local Kiwanis Club to accomplish one important goal: Getting working smoke detectors into more area homes.
Fire chief Chad Schisler emphasizes the word "working." From his experience fighting fires, he knows a lot of homes have smoke detectors that aren't functioning.
At a recent fire in the area, the house had at least two smoke detectors in place, but they weren't functioning.
The smoke detector project goes beyond the usual reminders to change batteries and test detectors.
With the financial help of the Kiwanis Club, the Fire Association will give away detectors for free to those in need. Members will even install the detectors, if requested.
"Our intention is to get smoke detectors into homes that don't have them," Schisler said. "Homes with children present will have first priority. We really want to get people protected."
The Kiwanians will buy smoke detectors from Johnson's Hardware. Anyone interested in obtaining one should leave a message at the fire department by calling 458-2301.
Schisler will schedule a time to deliver a unit and talk about proper installation.
The offer is good for residents throughout the department's coverage area in Morenci and the townships of Medina, Seneca and Chesterfield.


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From the mouths of babes
China's never been known for its stellar policies on little girls. But this week, its female trouble in Beijing has been especially vexing. There are, of course, the rumblings about members of the Chinese women's gymnastics team who appear younger than the International Olympic Committee's age requirement of 16. But that controversy has been put on the back burner by the fracas surrounding Lin Miaoke, the 9-year-old who lip-synced "Ode to the Motherland" during the opening ceremony.
The real voice behind the pig-tailed and photogenic Miaoke turned out to be that of 7-year-old Yang Peiyi. A gifted singer with a round face and crooked baby teeth, Peiyi was scheduled to perform at the ceremony until Communist Party authorities deemed her not cute enough for the job. Then, when her replacement's vocal skills were found to be lacking, ceremony organizers decided to have it both ways: Peiyi's voice was played while Miaoke, a veteran of Chinese television commercials, stood before the crowd of 91,000 at the National Stadium and adorably moved her lips -- maybe she was singing, but the microphone wasn't turned on.
Ever since the Chinese media broke the story, cries of totalitarian-style foul play, along with copious references to the lip-syncing, Grammy-stripped 1980s duo Milli Vanilli, have been in heavy pundit and blogosphere rotation. Ceremony organizers, already under criticism for digitally enhancing a fireworks display, are being accused of sacrificing Peiyi's self-esteem for the sake of artificial beauty standards and rigid nationalism.
"The reason was for the national interest," Chen Qigang, music director of the opening ceremony, said in an interview. "The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feeling and expression."
Flawless in image, internal feeling and expression? What an outrage! No wonder Americans are scandalized by this hybrid performance. Over here, this would never happen. Over here, we'd choose the beautiful person as a matter of course and then ignore -- or not care about -- the fact that she couldn't sing as well.
For all those who've suggested that the Miaoke-Peiyi stunt proves the stranglehold of authoritarianism, plenty of others have seen it as a symbol of China's embrace of American-style capitalist values. After all, we made shallowness not just a national pastime but a major export. Thanks largely to our example, the receipts of the global cosmetic surgery industry are thought to exceed the gross domestic product of Somalia four-fold. If China feels uneasy about enlisting a girl with crooked teeth as the face of its children, it's easy to lay blame on the way American pop culture has redefined phony notions of attractiveness as baseline criteria.
Not so fast, I say. China may have played the shallow card, but it played it differently from how we would have. Americans are obsessed with artifice and perfection as it applies to our physical selves, but we're equally obsessed with "authenticity." Sure, we love our teeth-whitening technology and our freakishly flawless celebrities, but we also love to talk about "keeping it real." Even when things are scripted, we like to pretend they're not. Even when an actor or an athlete or a CEO has been honing his craft and building his resume for years, we pretend that he was just discovered, that he emerged fully formed out of a cabbage patch. When it comes to a pop heroine for the masses, as long as she's suitably hot looking, it's almost better if she's not stratospherically talented but more "real." All the easier that way to pretend that we have a chance at that kind of stardom ourselves.
The realm of popular music, of course, has long favored sex appeal over genuine talent. Granted, "American Idol" has introduced a hint of democracy into the corporate labyrinth of the music business (it's only after the show that the winners are reshaped into wax figures), but, with a few exceptions, being really good-looking and just a little bit talented will get you further than being average-looking and extraordinarily talented. How else can you explain Pierce Brosnan butchering his songs in "Mama Mia!" or Janet Jackson's entire career?
Don't misunderstand me. Like most people who don't work for the Chinese government, I think it was lame and creepy, not to mention antithetical to the spirit of the Games, to make Miaoke lip-sync to Peiyi's voice. But for all its wrongheadedness, it revealed an appreciation of genuine talent. At least the best voice got heard.
Yes, China was deceptive. Yes, it belied its shallowness and insecurity by hiding Peiyi from view. But it also honored her in a way that the American reward system is largely incapable of. It recognized Peiyi's talent for its own sake. It showed respect for her voice as an instrument wholly separate from her beauty.
Was looks-discrimination in play? You bet. But so was a discriminating ear.


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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Scott Palguta has been used to warming up from the bench this season for the Colorado Rapids to fill in as needed in his club's stingy defensive line.
In the Rapids' last game against Chicago just ahead of the World Cup break, Palguta had no such luxury. Julien Baudet, who had been struggling with a knee injury before the Chicago game, went down in the fourth minute and Palguta was on.
"There was no warm up, no nothing," Palguta told MLSsoccer.com.
The former Rochester Rhinos player, who joined he Rapids last season and enjoyed plenty of game time in 2009, relished the rest of the game, partnering Drew Moor at center back in place of Baudet.
Last season the Rapids fell to their worst away defeat of the year at Chicago, managing to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory having been 2-0 up with barely 20 minutes to go. Two weeks ago, a last minute equalizer from Conor Casey restored parity after Chicago had come back to lead 2-1 going into halftime.
"We should be pleased with the way we finished, given what happened last year," he said. "We felt we did enough to win, but it was a good result in the end."
Palguta will have more time to prepare for this weekend's game against Houston. With Baudet also sustaining a hamstring injury recently, the 27-year-old Cornell graduate looks set to make his first start of the season on Saturday.
The Rapids enter the game trying not to lose the momentum gained from an unbeaten run of four games, including three victories. Whether Palguta starts or not, he is clearly determined to make the most of any chance he gets.
"It has been difficult for me because we have had a very solid back four," he said. "But whether it is the fourth minute or the 88th, I am just trying to make the coach's decision for him."
The Rapids restart their season in Houston on Saturday at 6.30pm MT.
Join the Debate! MLSsoccer.com's "ExtraTime Radio" is LIVE every day during the World Cup, 5-7 pm ET. Call in at 888-MLS-GOAL.


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The Doctor Told Me That My Stress Caused My....
(Headaches, Insomnia, Burning Stomach, Or Whatever Your Symptoms Are)
Stress from Caves to College
Learning How To Be Stressed
Stress and Physical Symptoms
Relaxation and Performance
Brief Strategies
Training Times
Relaxation Exercises
If you have a stress-related symptom, you're not alone! Nearly 85 percent of visits to doctors (and nearly as many to psychologists) are for stress-related problems. Read on to understand how reacting to stress with physical tension can lead to headaches, ulcers, insomnia, excessive fatigue, high blood pressure, sore shoulders, or any stress-related disorder. Learn how you can begin doing something about it right now -- even while reading this article.
Remember how you felt the last time you were under extra stress? Maybe you were giving a speech, taking an especially important test, speaking up in a large class. Your heart pounded, your hands got cold and clammy, you began to sweat, your muscles got tense.
These biological responses were critical to the survival of our ancestors, who were constantly faced with physical threats: tigers, bears, prairie fires. Each physical threat set off their fight-or-flight response for 20 or 30 minutes while they defended themselves. Then they had a recovery period -- two or three hours to slow down (no assignments, no telephone calls, no tests) while their bodies returned to a more normal, relaxed state.
Today, however, few of us live in fear of constant physical danger, but we still react with our bodies as if we did. And we react between 50 and 200 times a day.
That's right--50 to 200 times daily. Not as much as we would to a tiger -- more at the cub level. But we do react. And that's where our problems begin.
Researchers who study stress say that you react to things that happen to you daily, to your thoughts, to other people. When you wake up and remember a paper that's due, you react. The clothes you were going to wear today have a spot on them. You react momentarily. Where are the car keys? A slow checkout line. A book you need for the paper that's due isn't in the library. Your mind wanders in class and you realize that you've missed a key point the instructor just made.
You react so often that you've eliminated that needed recovery period. So the tension builds and builds all day long and day after day.
Why? Because you've never been taught skills for dealing positively with nonphysical events, hassles, or threats. Fortunately, it's not too late to learn!
Learning to be too tense early in life causes stress problems later. Through childhood experiences you were led to believe that to succeed you needed to put yourself in high gear or psych yourself up in order to perform well. Perhaps it was on your first test in the second or third grade. You got a little nervous. Took the test, and passed it. During the next test you got a little psyched up and got a good grade, too. In junior high and high school you got good at that pattern - when taking tests, giving a speech, doing all kinds of things.
In college you fine tune your skills and become a real pro at getting at least a little tense and psyched up when given the right performance cues -- a book to be studied, a test, the thought of a paper that's due, or a design project.
You are probably convinced that stress and performance go hand in hand, convinced that you need to psych yourself up to perform well. Most people believe this. Seems reasonable. After all, it worked in the past and you've never learned any other way. As a result, tension and stress are the motivators you know best.
Remember that most of us react about 100 times each day with modest fight-or-flight responses. We usually have one biological system that reacts more strongly than the others. It's the system that eventually shows signs of wear.
For example, many of us react a little more with our muscular system in times of stress. We wake up, think of the paper that's due, react a little with our bodies, and our shoulder muscles tense a little more. We can't find the keys to the car, and our shoulders tense up a little extra. We can't find a book in the library, and our shoulders tense up. A hundred times, day after day.
When a muscle is tensed, it takes 20 minutes for it to relax completely. When we're reacting many times a day, there isn't that recovery period that our bodies need. So the tension builds. Muscle reactors might hurt from tense shoulders and neck, tension headaches could begin as the day progresses, lower back problems might occur, or you could be overly tired at the day's end. Those tense muscles are like driving a car with the brakes on--it runs out of gas. And so do our bodies.
Are you a "cardiac reactor?" If so, your heart rate speeds up under stress. Or maybe it's your blood pressure that increases those 100 times a day, so your high blood pressure eventually is high all the time. Some people dump extra acid into their stomachs and have burning sensations or ulcers. Stress also results in depressed immune systems, resulting in more frequent illness.
Some reactions are more psychological: insomnia, getting depressed or overly anxious, constantly worrying.
Migraine headaches follow a different pattern. They usually happen on weekends after the stress is over. You take your last final exam, and then you get a migraine. But this is understandable. Fifteen thousand years ago, after fighting a tiger, persons recovered for two or three hours. During this recovery time, blood vessels expanded to carry more blood for carrying away lactic acid and other products produced during the high-energy, fight-or-flight phase. In migraine-prone people, there is an initial constriction of blood vessels in the scalp, followed by over-dilation. This excessive dilation sets off nerves around blood vessels. The overly expanded vessels pulsate as the heart pumps, irritating surrounding tissue so that more chemicals are produced, contributing to the pain and nausea.
All these reactions can be minimized or avoided if we learn to master our biological reactions to stress. Learning to be more relaxed during the many daily stresses is the key.
Try this simple, beginning exercise to check WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR TENSION.
You have to believe that you can be just as productive when you are more relaxed. You need to understand that you do not need to get yourself so psyched up to succeed.
There is considerable research evidence that if we are relaxed we can
(a) perform at least as well
(b) perform better.
You've experienced that when giving a talk. As you relaxed, you spoke more effectively. The same holds for relaxation and performance. As you relax, you read faster, remember more, do better on tests, and improve your performance in many areas. And you do it without spending (wasting?) as much energy.
So it's true. You can be less tense and more relaxed while continuing to be as productive as ever -- perhaps more so.
Relaxation is hard for many of us because we do not equate it with success. We are afraid to change the psyched-up behavior that has helped us succeed in the past (and also has resulted in tension, headaches, insomnia, etc.). Yet those who take the time to practice and learn relaxation strategies are rewarded in two ways:
- they perform better (remember more of what they read, concentrate better, read faster) and
- they have fewer stress problems and more energy.
Take a moment to try another brief exercise: SEATED TWIST.
The key is active relaxation: learning to go through the day getting things done in a more relaxed style.
Learning active relaxation takes practice, as does learning any skill, be it writing, tennis, or speaking in public. Be patient with yourself as you practice your new skills over the next few weeks. Six weeks or so is not much time compared to the many years you've been learning to get more psyched up than necessary.
Three related strategies will help you learn active relaxation:
Remember that you react 50, 75, or 100 times every day with modest fight-or-flight physical responses. So your tension builds all day long, unless you do something often to break the build-up. And what you do has to be something that does not interfere with getting done what you have to do.
Brief strategies are the answer, if done frequently at all those brief natural breaks in your activities. Throughout this page, you are given an opportunity to practice some brief relaxation strategies. Do these really work? YES! And there's been research to support their success. The critical factor is doing them several times a day.
- As tension begins to build: take a quick break and lower the tension level.
- When it builds again, try another brief exercise: TOE TENSE.
There are many natural breaks in your day when you can practice relaxing. Work these brief exercises into your routine. For example:
- While waiting for the instructor to begin lecturing,
- Begin every study session with a 1-2 minute relaxation,
- Do one before every meal,
- When using the restroom,
- Waiting for class to start,
- When at stop lights,
- Standing in a check-out line, etc.,
- Let the phone ring one more time and do a quick exercise,
- When you get books out to study.
Doing brief strategies many times a day is the most important method for controlling stress levels and eliminating your stress symptoms.
When you first do them, you'll find that your old, too-tense habits take over just as soon as you turn your attention back to the instructor, to the books, or whatever you were doing. But practice maintaining the more relaxed state for longer periods of time. Just keep at it. You'll begin to catch your tenseness sooner, to let the tension go, and to become more comfortably productive.
You'll need reminders to help you remember to do many brief strategies. Otherwise you'll act out of habit with the old, too-tense reaction. Put reminders where you'll see them many times each day:
- on your backpack zipper,
- around your desk,
- on your watch,
- on the rear view mirror of your car,
- on your refrigerator.
The reminders can be:
- colored ribbon
- stick-on smiling faces
- a watch set to beep every hour
- ads from magazines (a tranquil lake from a travel ad; "Keep Cool" from an air conditioner ad)
Reminders are important. Use them. And make them fun.
Your brief strategies during the day will work better if you spend time training more intensely at relaxing. A basketball player might shoot foul shots for 20 minutes every day in order to do well for a few seconds during a game. ln the same way, if you practice getting more relaxed for 15-20 minutes a day, you'll do better during those brief moments when you do a quick relaxation exercise (your "game").
Do you play your guitar to relax? If so, play it for a while. Then sit quietly while maintaining that inner calm state. It's the state you want to get good at approaching with your brief strategies during the day.
Or do you have a favorite "quiet spot?" It can be a real one you've used in the past or an ideal place you've created in your mind. Go there just in your mind. Achieve the calm feeling and practice maintaining it. Or perhaps you use calm music to quiet yourself (but not music with favorite lyrics or a real beat that tends to capture your thoughts).
Click here for a sample of calming music
Check online (e.g., YouTube.com for music or videos for relaxation or meditation skills. Your local bookstore will also have resources for you to consider. Try them and see if there's one you can do on your own. You'll probably find that just parts help you. That's okay. Use what works for you.
Train as regularly as possible. Eventually you will be able to cut your training time down to one or two five minute sessions every day or two. And you'll have that longer strategy to use when you "lose it" and get uptight.
Begin Now. Do It!!!
- Other Counseling Services brochures on stress:Check our LINKS page for additional information. You may also want to do a web search for other sites dealing with stress and relaxation.
All sound files created using
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You may find it helpful to be able to practice by closing your eyes and listening to an audio version of this instruction. Click here to access the audio file for "WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR TENSION"
Note what part of your body has some unneeded tension in it right now -- jaws? feet? neck? eyes? forehead? shoulders? tongue? back? stomach? hips? legs? Move that part slowly, stretch it out gently. Then just let it relax and let that tension go. Keep it relaxed while taking several deep breaths in and out, slowly.
You may find it helpful to practice by closing your eyes and practicing while listening to the audio version of this instruction. Click here to access the audio file for "SEATED TWIST".
Check that part of your body for tension again -- let it go. While it's relaxed, while you are seated, slowly turn the upper half of your body to one side, arms out a bit, and look over that shoulder. Take a deep breath and let it out as you slowly turn to the other side. Breath deep and turn back. Repeat.
You may find it helpful to close your eyes and practice while listening to the audio version of this instruction. Click here to access the audio file for "TOE TENSE"
First, tense all your muscles by raising your toes as if to touch your shins. Hold it while tensing your legs and buttocks, clenching your fists and jaws, closing your eyes tight, taking a deep breath and holding it, so you are tense all over. Then let go all at once.
"Current research shows that some people whose lives are extremely busy do not feel overwhelmed by stress."--Pelletier says. "While at work, they work very hard, but at other times of day they operate in another mode. Modern society does have its chronic stresses. But there's usually a way to break that frantic cycle and build some islands of peace and tranquility into our lives...."
Tom Ferguson, M.D. "Dr. Pelletier's Guide to Do-lt-Yourself Stress Management. Medical Self-Care, September-October, 1986.
- Schedule time for phone calls to people you enjoy.
- Have lunch once a week with a special friend.
- Sign up for a recreation class in guitar playing, bird watching, juggling, or some fun activity. You'll probably enjoy the other people who also chose it.
- Enroll in one "different" University class each year.
- Enroll in an aerobics class.
- Have a five-minute stretching routine and use it daily. Learn a different one each month.
- Get or give a back rub.
- Go feed some grass to the horses at the University farms.
Take a few minutes now. Brainstorm and generate a list of some things you'd enjoy. Put the list on your refrigerator and add to it.
Each Sunday make sure you have some "island of peace" planned for the week. Also, feel free to grab some five- or ten-minute extras as opportunities appear.
Deep Breath. Click here to access the audio file for "DEEP BREATH".
Take a deep breath. Hold it for about three seconds. Then let it out all at once (with a sigh, if you want). As you exhale, let your jaw relax, your shoulders relax, and think "calm." Let your teeth remain slightly apart (we should go through the day with a slight space between our jaws!) .
Cool Air In, Warm Air Out. Click here to access the audio file for "COOL BREATH".
With your eyes closed. Shift your attention to the tip of your nose. As you breathe in become aware of the air coming into your nostrils. As you breathe out be aware of the sensations of the air passing back out. Notice that the air coming in tends to be cooler and the air breathed out tends to be warmer. Be aware of cool air in, warm air out. Feel loose and heavy as you are doing it. Do this several times.
Sample Active Strategies -- Stretching
Shoulder Roll. Click here to access the audio file for "SHOULDER ROLL".
Raise your shoulders as if trying to touch your ears with them. Then move your shoulders back; then let them drop. Up, back, down, and around. Do that about five times. Some persons find it helps more if they roll their shoulders forward rather than backward. Experiment to see which works best for you. Keep your jaw relaxed and breathe easily.
Stand And Reach. Click here to access the audio file for "STAND AND REACH".
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Put your arms over your head and interlace your fingers. Turn your palms toward the ceiling and stretch, trying to reach the ceiling. Stand on your toes and stretch if you can. Remember to breathe deeply and calmly.
Sample Self-Directed Visualization
Re-create a Favorite Calm Scene. Click here to access the audio file for "VISUALIZATION".
Take a deep breath. As you let it out, let your eyes close. Imagine snuggling down in a warm bed. Or lying on a beach at a favorite lake. Or taking a luxurious warm bath. Maintain the feelings of calm as you gently activate yourself.
Create a Feeling: Calm, Serene.
One woman helped rid herself of migraine headaches by recalling a serene grandmother. When everyone else seemed to be frantic, or when life became hectic, the grandmother remained calm. So several times a day the woman visualized her serene grandmother, and it made her feel more serene herself.
Originally written in 1989 by David G. Danskin, Ph.D., Counseling Services; modified and updated in 8/2000 by Dorinda Lambert, Ph.D. for inclusion on the Internet; updated in 5/2015.
Help Yourself is created by Kansas State University Counseling Services
© 1989, 1997 Kansas State University


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TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 25 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 1 hr 10 min
YIELD: 4 to 6 servings
LEVEL: Easy
n a large saucepan over medium heat, render the bacon until golden and crisp. Place on a wire rack to drain the excess grease. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
Return the saucepan to medium heat and fry the garlic in the bacon fat until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, onions, chipotles, jalapenos and poblanos. Saute for 8 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes. Add the espresso, maple syrup, oregano and lots of pepper. Bring the chili to a simmer. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook for 45 minutes, partially covered. Add the beans and cilantro and cook for 5 more minutes, until heated through.
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of sour cream, the crumbled bacon and scallions.


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Delivering the spirit of Christmas to military families
– one Christmas Tree at a time.
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"Thank you for the beautiful tree. It made all the difference in the Christmas photos and brought holiday cheer to the HHT 1-108th Christmas party. Thanks for all you do for the troops and their families."
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"Thank you for the Christmas tree! This year, my husband and I celebrated our first Christmas together as newlyweds. He waited in line for hours at Scott Air Force Base and received one of the last trees on the lot. When he brought it home, we decorated with the ornaments we had and added the ornaments that a local Girl Scout troop gave John on base. This was each of our first Christmas tree. It is such a blessing to celebrate together this year since he was deployed in Iraq last Christmas. Thank you for adding to the blessing."
- Sarah
How to Get Involved with Trees for Troops
We need your support of Trees for Troops year-round! Through the generosity of consumers like you, as well as the Real Christmas Tree industry and FedEx, Trees for Troops provided 16,599 free, real Christmas Trees to military families and troops in 2018 as we celebrated the 14th Anniversary of the Trees for Troops program! The demand continues to grow in 2019. Here are some ways you can support Trees for Troops today:
Visit a Participating Location during Trees for Troops Weekend, December 6 - 8, 2019.
Be a part of this wonderful program by visiting one of the farms, retail lots and garden centers across the country that will be participating in Trees for Troops Weekend this year. Each of these locations will have a FedEx trailer parked at their farm/lot so you can purchase a tree and then place it on the truck to be donated and delivered to a military family at one of our participating bases the following week. (2019 List will be available in November 2019)
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Newbold's Knock-Down 10" KnockDown Reactive Target and the Pivot Base it mounts on are each sold separately. When mounted on the Pivot Base and hit, this 10" KD Pivot Target reacts and falls over backwards. It stays down until you reset it manually or by pulling on a string. Bullets pass through the 10" KD target and the Pivot Base because they are both made of Throom™, our tough, flexible, Self-Healing polymer.
To mount a KD target on its Pivot Base, you simply snap it into place. Then secure the Pivot Base to your soft wood target stand with (4) wood screws or with (2) Throom™ Nuts & Bolts. For a different experience with the KD Series Targets, mount the KD Base upside down for swinging action and automatic reset or remove the target from the KD Base and hang from a wire.
|Preferred Ammo
|Handgun Ammo (Full Metal Jacket Roundnose)
|.50, .45, .44, .40, .38, 9mm, 10mm, .50 Black, .58 Black
|Rifle Ammo (Full Metal Jacket Roundnose)
|.45, .22 Long, 9mm, 10mm, .50 Black, .58 Black
|Pointed (Spitzer or Spire-Point) FMJ Ammo
|Not recommended for use with the 10" Round KD-Pivot Series Target
|Product Specifications
|10" Dia. x 5/8" Th.
|2.03 lbs
|Knock Down, Stay Down, Manual Reset or Swinging Action


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Opinion: The Government Shutdown to Come?
Fox News contributor Monica Crowley on why House Republicans and President Obama may not reach a deal in the coming budget battles.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... on to Washington both sides of politics seem to be girding for a budget battles in the coming days ... a week just the remarks this morning from both the president ... and the majority leader in the house Eric Cantor have a listen ... what we now have is the ideological ... fight it's been mounted ... in the House of Representatives that says ... we're not going to pass a budget and we will threaten a government shutdown ... alas we repeal ... the Affordable Care ... O plan ... to extend our nation's ability to borrow ... while delay Obamacare ... they're protecting working middle class families ... from its her riffic of facts ... welcome back to Opinion Journal I'm Mary Kissel at that Fox these commentator and author Monica Crowley here to talk about this budget battle we just heard like that ... there doesn't seem to be a lot of room for compromise on either side the president says ... he's never been to defund Obamacare is not to negotiate ... and it uses morning we saw on the House GOP say ... we're going to try and defund Obamacare ... to funding government that was our government shut down here we go again re any we've seen this pattern over the last several years where ... both sides week until the last minute and then everybody in Washington runs around with their hair on fire as the American people are wondering where's the budget why can't we have any kind of this fiscal discipline or responsibility ... so here we go again the difference this time Mary ... is that what you saw this morning the presence of look I have no intention of negotiating ... Yet Eric Cantor inviting the president to come to the table to negotiate what we've seen the pattern with this president is that he doesn't ... negotiate he doesn't consult with Congress even members of his own party ... he doesn't tend to build coalitions in really working consulting compromise to negotiate he doesn't do that ... I don't think he's going to change this time around oh what this different ... is Obamacare ... Obamacare is Diq's dynamic in this budget process ... and is complete into those size politics is present will never give out twenty inch on Obamacare he's done waivers he's done exemption ceased and the employer mandate in weak that for year two piece chipped away at it but he's never been let the whole thing go because that's the signature of this ... the completely again ... suggested that the Republicans don't own Congress they only control one house right and they did have leverage called the sequester ... into the pain ... to keep these government funding cuts going to think the stock to gather ... the present with had succumbed to the I'm so ... you how you view the situation that new box themselves in Republican sticking together Mary that the app then out to be a real numbers at the numbers look pricey but the Republicans right now it is to try to stay can stick around to Obamacare when some new polling this week showing increasingly the American people peak the Standard ... almost two-thirds won every killed either in total or in part to the Republicans have the American people but come on on their side effect Rasmussen yesterday ... released a poll showing fifty one percent of Americans ... actually prefer to see a government shutdown it will stop the funding for cus menacing a government shutdown when her Republican here's what I'm saying the letters ban saying ... it entree is coming out of the house just a couple of days ago put a piece of legislation in front of Congress to look like a merry can target a move on it what it says as we fully intend to find every other facet of the government except for Obamacare ... if they go head to vote for that vote on that in the house it passes the house then it goes to the Senate agreed the real game is what Republicans Republicans can win this fight politically ... they have the American people on this site but they have to win Mary is messaging and I'm very little faith really doubt as to when the message even on the buying on the editorial pages if if the Republicans adjusts and ... let's continue the funding government with the sequester cuts ... they pass it be thrown at the center the cynic and that's what that that now what they're doing is are singer is not a ... prude player in ... tax increases whatever you like into this bill all the top ... and the indifferent that somehow I'll tell ya I agree with with that mostly windy Obamacare battle is the battle to have because to socialize medicine and well blowout in free on their part in the economy we can talk about tax reform until we're blue in the face that will not ... know they'll be no movement on any of these things if Obamacare goes forward the funding it is literally ... politically in the battle that the Republicans should fight and back until they should dine on ... but also remember that it has huge implications for this economy if it is allowed to go forward in what ever for men I know some of my fellow conservatism the editorial page ... let it go forward with the disaster had been ... hanging on the necks of the Democrats next year into the art seen it ... yet and I understand that argument ... but once it goes forward and the benefits start flowing and attacks start going you will never be answered repeal it trades at a bad sign the bill that the funding a government shutdown ... that the Republicans as it was is my point about messaging Republicans have to get their act together to make sure the public knows that if there is a partial government shutdown it's not the Republican spot they passed a bill to fund every other part of the U S government except for the thing that Americans love it which is Obamacare like it's a wager that the president is willing to take based on its contents it's not every member his presidency has been weekends in large part because of his mishandling of Syria flooded Democrats New York Times today has front page story about the Democrats are very frustrating not willing to toe the line for him that much anymore right so he's going into these budget battles weekend on his own flight okay well so please both sides of the argument that Fox these commentator and author Monica Crowley thank you so much my pleasure ...


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There's this famous PlayStation tech with a rubber duck and a submarine. Everybody always forgets the submarine, but remembers the duck. The PS3 had a duck tech demo, which didn't just have one duck. It had a bunch. Oh, and pirate ships.
If you are familiar with these tech demos, they're going to be the first thing that comes to mind when you fire up iBath, a iOS app aimed at people with little kids.
In iBath, you fill your tub with water, add (or remove) ducks, and drag your finger around. That's about it! This is, in a way, a tech demo. It's not as impressive as Sony's duck demos, but outdoing Sony doesn't see to be the point.
Design-wise, I love the way it looks artistically; however, I do wish things like the faucet and bath stopper were bigger so they'd be easier for little kids to control. Or at least, I wish they weren't so darn close to the icons that add ducks to the bath and subtract them.
I gave the game to my three-year-old and he seemed to like it. I know this game isn't exactly aimed at me, but the music and the bath sounds are relaxing enough to serve as some sort of decompression aid. And one can never have too many of those.
iBath [iTunes]


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Make your holiday an easy and memorable one when you visit Natal, situated on Brazil's most eastern beaches. The sandy shores and dunes of Natal are easily accessible with TAP Air Portugal. Our flights to Natal offer comfortable cabins with modern technology on board – all for one great price!
Natal has many impressive attractions to discover in between your relaxing:
Weather is great year-round in Natal. In Brazil's winter, fewer local tourists visit so you can catch some great savings. Rent a dune buggy for a fun drive along the wide beaches. Head into the city in the evenings for a taste of great Brazilian nightlife. Start your holiday off right with all the extra money you'll save when you travel to Natal with TAP Air Portugal!


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Teen Challenge Day: Churches Asked to Recognize Life-Changing Ministry
Teen Challenge Day: Churches Asked to Recognize Life-Changing Ministry
The president of an evangelical Christian recovery ministry called "Teen Challenge USA" is hoping that people both inside and outside the church will give recognition to the life-changing program during a national day designated to honor the organization this coming Sunday.
The ministry, which is closely connected to the Assemblies of God denomination, states that its mission is "to provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society."
Teen Challenge USA began 53 years ago as a ministry led by the late Rev. David Wilkerson, the founding pastor of Times Square Church in Manhattan, N.Y. Wilkerson died, at the age of 79, in a severe car crash in April.
President Jack Smart, 56, told The Christian Post that although the organization's roots are with the Assemblies of God, Teen Challenge also partners with many Christian organizations and is interdenominational.
The way in which Teen Challenge Day is recognized will depend on whether churches and groups within the local areas of the ministry's 234 centers throughout the country have planned anything, Smart said. He did not have any specific details from any centers relayed to the national headquarters in Ozark, Mo.
"We hope that churches of all types will recognize teen challenge for its contribution to the Kingdom of God and what we do to help people that are in need," Smart said. "This is another way to remind people that there is a place for help to those struggling with drug, alcohol, and other addictions."
"They don't have to continue to go it alone when they are facing these kinds of problems and needs," he added.
Smart emphasizes the faith-based element of the program.
"This day is to remind people that Teen Challenge is there 365 days out of the year ministering to people who are in need of the grace and the love of God," he said. "We have the privilege to be there day in and day out and see the miracle of God transforming lives."
Teen Challenge's staff and students visit prisons, schools, and churches, and conduct outreaches to share with more than 1.8 million people annually what God has done in their lives, according to the group.
"When you see lives transformed that's what Teen Challenge is really all about," Smart said. "It is celebrating what Jesus Christ does to transform lives and the lives of thousands of people a day."
When asked about the reason for the program's success, he answered, "The first thing you have to say is the Jesus factor – the fact that Jesus transforms lives. The second key thing is the wonderfully dedicated people who serve in various capacities in our Teen Challenge centers as staff members and volunteers."
Smart, who has been the organization's president for one year, said he previously served in a local area center for more than 30 years. He said there are many people at Teen Challenge that have dedicated their lives to the ministry and served many years.
"You have to have people that carry that message that Christ gives and we are blessed with so many people across this country that have committed their lives to a ministry that transforms people," he said.


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Chapter 7, page 209.
Fishermen off the coast of Maine, spear fishing for Bluefish.
Many coastal Maine communities depended on the fishing industry to survive.
Primary Sources for Finding Katahdin Chapter 7, Section 3
This Document Packet Contains 11 Items
View options: slideshow view | list view | Copy all items to My Album
Item 6298
Chapter 7, page 209.
Item 6313
Chapter 7, page 212.
The offloading of a catch of fish from a dory.
Cod was the most important fishery in Maine during the time of the Civil War, and was a dietary staple for families throughout the country.
Fishing for cod was relatively inexpensive, requiring only a boat, lines, and bait. The low cost of fishing for cod also increased its popularity.
Item 133
Chapter 7, pages 210-213.
Fishermen caught a wide variety of fish off the coast of Maine such as cod, mackerel, herring, and haddock.
The fish were processed at facilities where workers dressed the fish, (removed the heads and internal organs), salted the meat, and allowed it to dry on outdoor racks, or "flakes."
Item 4152
Chapter 7, page 212-213.
Fishermen mending nets and drying cod fish at the Flake Yard, on the Portland, Maine waterfront in 1854.
Item 7665
Chapter 7, pages 212-213.
Long rows of flakes at Wilson's Beach loaded with pollock, ca. 1930.
Item 9749
Chapter 7, pages 210-212.
Captain Parsons, of Biddeford, kept this journal recording the 1859 fishing season of the schooner Emerald.
The Emerald sailed out of Wood Island Harbor in Biddeford to fish for cod and other groundfish. The journal details the day-to-day activities of the vessel including landing and dressing fish, repairing nets and other gear, and seeing sharks and whales.
Item 6641
Chapter 7, pages 209-210.
The compass navigational tool that would have been used by seafarers.
Item 6095
Chapter 7, page 215.
A 1891 Burnham and Morrill Company trademark label for canned mackerel.
Mackerel were more difficult to catch, and sold for a significantly higher price than cod.
Item 6296
Chapter 7, page 215.
Clam diggers work Maine's beaches and mudflats during mid to low tide. Clammers use clam rakes to dig deep into the sand and pry up the clams living in the mud.
The clamming industry was not as large as cod fishing or lobstering, but did provide income to numerous Mainers.
Item 7667
Chapter 7, page 214.
Regulation lobster traps used by Frontier Maine fishermen from Eastport.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries there were very few fisherman lobstering the waters of Maine. Today, lobstering has become one of Maine's most important marine industries.
As the demand for cod dwindled after the Civil War, lobster began to replace the fish as a dietary staple.
Item 6094
Chapter 7, page 214.
Burnham and Morrill began canning lobster in addition to mackerel at the turn of the 20th century.


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Weight Watchers Snack Size Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches - Sometimes, a product's name alone can induce a Cheshire-cat-like grin on our faces. "Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwich" is the perfect example of such a phenomenon (especially with WW behind it)! Each sandwich has 100 calories, 1.5g fat, 80mg sodium, 20g carbs, 2g fiber, 5g sugars, and 2g protein (PointsPlus® value 3). Bite, smile, and enjoy the party in your mouth! (Don't smile too wide, or ice cream will dribble down your chin.) At Walmart locations nationwide and select supermarkets. Coming soon to supermarkets everywhere! MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik Patties - MorningStar has been serving up meatless Buffalo wings for a while, but now there are full-sized breaded patties of Buffalo chicken flavor! Each one has 200 calories, 11g fat, 530mg sodium, 16g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g sugars, and 8g protein (PointsPlus® value 5*). Perfect for a fast-food-style spicy chicken sandwich swap! Go for guilt-free condiments and light buns (or lettuce wraps) to keep stats in check. Find these in Target freezer aisles. They'll be in supermarkets this summer! Yoplait Fruplait - What's Fruplait? It's low-fat yogurt layered with TWICE as much fruit as other yogurts. There's fruit on the bottom AND in the middle! In Strawberry and Harvest Peach, each 4-oz. container has 110 - 120 calories, 1g fat, 50 - 55mg sodium, 21 - 24g carbs, 0g fiber, 16 - 19g sugars, and 3g protein (PointsPlus® value 3*). Yummily played, Yoplait!
When we see stories like this we cringe, because we hate finding out that our favorite meals have more calories and fat than chains claim. Consumer Reports recently tested 17 menu items from 12 popular fast-food and restaurant chains, checking each item at 3 different restaurant locations. Here's the scoop... The good news? Many of the stats listed were pretty accurate! In fact, most of the menu items were within 10 percent of their reported stats. HOORAY! Kudos and thank you to Applebee's, IHOP, Burger King, and more. The bad news? A couple of items -- both billed as lighter selections -- were way off. Olive Garden's Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken was originally listed as having 420 calories and 15g fat, however the samples tested had 508 - 585 calories and 25 - 32g fat. Olive Garden reps have since said their website had incorrect info and that the dish has always had 530 calories and 20g fat. And while the Denny's Fit Slam dishes from two locations closely matched the given stats, the one from the third store missed the mark by over 100 calories and 7g fat. Bottom line? Major chains are pretty reliable, but mistakes DO happen. If your meal looks too large, oily, etc., to fit its reported nutritional info, there's a good chance the stats are off. So use the info provided, but trust your instincts when the plate arrives! Click here to see the full results from Consumer Reports.
Yoplait Light Piña Colada Yogurt - The folks at Yoplait must be in a spring break state of mind. This new seasonal flavor makes us think of sunny vacations! Like all Yoplait Light yogurts, a 6-oz. container has 90 calories, 0g fat, and an official PointsPlus® value of 2. There's also a Cosmopolitan flavor in the Original line, with 170 calories and 1.5g fat per 6-oz. container (PointsPlus® value 4*). Try 'em now, because they'll be gone after May!
Seasonal Flavors! Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Flavor Mixes - Oooh, it's a new set of fun powdered mixes from Duncan Hines! Through the end of the month, choose from Fruit Punch, Key Lime Pie, Peaches and Crème, and Pink Lemonade. Each packet has just 10 calories, and they're not just for frosting. Click here to see how we use 'em, guilt-free! Fruit Punch Greek yogurt, anyone?
Dreyer's/Edy's Outshine Seasonal Picks Fruit Bars - Made with real fruit puree, these limited-edition bars are inspired by fruits of the season. From now through August, enjoy Peach and Raspberry! Each bar is free of fat with just 80 - 90 calories each (PointsPlus® value 2*). Next season's flavors are Blood Orange and Grapefruit. Shine on!
FREE ICE CREAM ALERT!!! Tomorrow (Tuesday, 4/9) is Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day! This is your chance to try that Liz Lemon Greek fro yo at no cost. Not into lemon (or Liz, for some reason)? No worries... There'll be lots of classic flavors to choose from as well. Click to locate a participating Scoop Shop! ***Calling all creative cooks! The Steve Harvey show is inviting fans to send in their best dessert recipes under 200 calories as part of an upcoming HG segment! A few entrants will be selected to present their desserts to Steve and Lisa (YES, HG herself!) on the show. Click to take the challenge! And for some SUPER-EXCITING news about HG-rific desserts under 200 calories, do NOT miss next Monday's email for a special announcement! ***Want even MORE creative recipe fun?! This time, for BLOGGERS! HG partner Pompeian is asking bloggers to submit recipes that use its OlivExtra Mediterranean Blend or Grapeseed Oil in place of butter or vegetable oil. Hungry Girl Lisa is judging!!! You could win a trip to BlogHer Food '13 in Austin, TX, in June. Click for the 411! Don't blog? You can still get in on the fun by voting on the semi-finalists next month! We'll keep you posted... ***Are you easily fooled by foods with "health halos," those that seem more virtuous than they really are? A survey out of Cornell University found that many subjects equate an organic label with lower calorie and fat counts. Participants were presented with two yogurts, two cookies, and two portions of potato chips. One of each pair was labeled organic. The participants estimated that the cookies and yogurt labeled organic had fewer calories. They also said these tasted lower in fat. You may have guessed the twist by now... Each pair of products was identical (BOTH organic). This experiment also revealed that people who regularly read nutrition labels are among those less susceptible to the organic "health halo" effect. So read those labels! And that's all we've got. HG out!
It's that time again... Who do you think needs this info? Now click "Send to a Friend" to pass it along!
Today, April 8th, is National Empanada Day. We debuted our incredible beef empanada recipe just last week! Make a batch while you marvel at all the crazy coincidences in the universe...
SmartPoints® value not what you expected? Click here for more info on how the values are calculated, plus more FAQs about PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® values on our website.