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I never doubted Bonne, says O's head coach
PUBLISHED: 10:00 18 March 2019
Simon O'Connor Photography
The forward ended his seven-match run without a goal by scoring the winner against AFC Telford United on Saturday
Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh heaped praise on his main man Macauley Bonne following his winner at the weekend, but also reiterated how the team can't always rely on the forward.
The O's will take a 1-0 advantage to AFC Telford United on Saturday for the second leg of the FA Trophy semi-final.
Bonne's goal at the start of the second half settled the clash and ended his run without a goal which stretched back to January 26.
During his seven-game spell without a goal, the likes of Jamie Turley, Jobi McAnuff, Matt Harrold, Dan Happe, Jordan Maguire-Drew, Josh Coulson, Sam Ling, Jay Simpson and Marvin Ekpiteta have all stepped up and produced the goods.
After missing two sitters in the first half against the Bucks, it seemed Bonne's barren run would continue, but he showed his class with a smart finish in the 54th minute to grab his 21st goal of the campaign.
Edinburgh said: "There is no doubt the boy's a talent. He is a natural goalscorer and it showed in how strong his mentality was.
"After the two chances he had, he could have gone missing, but he stayed in there and got into a position to score the winner.
"I never had a doubt, it was never in question and all it took was his team-mates to score the other goals and that's what it has got to be.
"We can't always rely on Macauley to win us football matches, but he has the quality to do that and he showed it again."
Bonne's dip in form coincided with Josh Koroma having a spell on the sidelines after he sustained a hamstring injury during the 3-0 National League win over Maidstone United on January 26.
It was Harrold who set up the forward for his winner on Saturday though, and O's boss Edinburgh believes the ex-Colchester United striker enjoys playing with all the different attackers at the club.
When asked about Koroma and Bonne's partnership, he replied: "They play well together, but either player – whether it is Macauley or Josh – they can play with anyone.
"Matt Harrold played really well. I thought he was effective and gave us a focal point, but it is good to have Macauley and Josh back together."
Koroma made his comeback on Saturday with a very bright cameo appearance off the bench, but O's had to withdraw Sam Ling at half time.
The full-back felt some tightness in his hamstring and Edinburgh admitted there was never a chance they would risk the full-back's fitness.
Jamie Turley moved to right wing-back for the second period and caught the eye, but it seems Ling's issue isn't anything major.
Edinburgh concluded: "Sam had a tight hamstring, so we'll have to have a look at that over the coming days.
"I would never risk someone. I always work off the medical team and the player. Sam said it felt tight and I couldn't risk someone getting a serious injury, so we took him off."
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the East London Advertiser. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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LFA INTERMEDIATE CUP WEST LONDON SFC............1 Phoenix...............................2
Colin John-Baptiste has been scouring the whole of the capital in a bid to beef up West London SFC's squad.
Boss Baptiste works for Chelsea's Football in the Community section, and has wasted no time in using his post to tap up the best of the west's talent.
He oversees six projects in four boroughs, and has spotted several youngsters who now strut their stuff in the Sportsman's League.
And he is keen to add even more. He said: "You could say I've got a larger scouting network than other Sunday league clubs, and there should be a few more once they're old enough.
"But the first thing I have to tell them is that they won't be getting a trial for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, but playing down the park for me on a Sunday instead!"
Baptiste's boys slipped out of the LFA Sunday Intermediate Cup by the odd goal in three to Phoenix on Sunday.
Trailing 2-0, Calvin Thomas hit back to give them hope, but it wasn't enough.
But the defeat doesn't bother Baptiste one bit.
He added: "I don't care about the cups. The league is the Holy Grail."

subset: commoncrawl


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Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
|Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
|Butte County, Glenn County, Tehama County, California, United States
|Nearest city
|Chico, California
|39°42′25″N 121°57′15″W / 39.7069°N 121.9542°W / 39.7069; -121.9542Coordinates: 39°42′25″N 121°57′15″W / 39.7069°N 121.9542°W / 39.7069; -121.9542[1]
|10,146 acres (41.06 km2)
|Governing body
|U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
|Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Sacramento River in the Sacramento Valley of California. Landscape is very flat, bordered by the Sierra and Coast ranges, with intensive agriculture (rice, with walnut, almond, and prune orchards along the river). This riparian community is one of the most important wildlife habitats in California and North America.
The refuge is currently in an active acquisition phase, and includes the Llano Seco Unit. Large-scale riparian habitat restoration is ongoing. Riparian habitat along the Sacramento River is critically important for various threatened species, fisheries, migratory birds, plants, and the natural system of the river itself.
There has been an 85% reduction of riparian vegetation throughout the Sacramento Valley and foothills region, and probably over a 95 percent reduction along this area's major river systems. The relatively small amount of Riparian forest woodlands that remains provides a strikingly disproportionate amount of habitat value for wildlife.
- ^ "Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge - Capay & Phelan Island Units" (PDF). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
External links[edit]
- Media related to Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge at Wikimedia Commons
- IUCN Category IV
- National Wildlife Refuges in California
- Sacramento River
- Natural history of the Central Valley (California)
- Protected areas of Butte County, California
- Protected areas of Glenn County, California
- Protected areas of Tehama County, California
- Protected areas established in 1989
- 1989 establishments in California


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Andre Schurrle was pleased to come through his first 45 minutes in a Chelsea shirt in Bangkok on Wednesday, and believes bright things are to come.
The 22-year-old, a summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, started Jose Mourinho's first game back as manager as we defeated the Singha All-Stars, a Thai league representative XI, 1-0 thanks to a Romelu Lukaku penalty.
During that time he linked up well down the left wing with Ashley Cole, also cutting inside to combine well with Kevin De Bruyne and showing flashes of both his pace and impressive touch.
'It was great, I feel really good and now the first one is done in a Chelsea shirt, I can kick on,' the German said afterwards. 'It was only 45 minutes but at this time in pre-season it's very good to get that time, to play in the game and get the movements against opponents, not your team-mates in training.
'I think it was okay for the first time, it can be better but it's only after one week of pre-season. The fitness is the most important thing. You have to get fit and get your movement right. I am in a good way, the team is in a good way and it feels good to win, not to lose.'
The squad moves on to Kuala Lumpur to see our Malaysian fans on Thursday, and Schurrle reports he is already feeling very much a part of things at Chelsea.
'We have a good spirit and a good feeling in the team,' he said. 'I feel I am settling in very well, my team-mates have helped me a lot, they have talked to me a lot and I am getting to know them. I like it very much and it's going to be great for me this season.'
There is still a month until the Barclays Premier League season gets underway, and Schurrle will be hoping for many more minutes on the pitch before then. The next opportunity will be on Sunday at the Shah Alam Stadium, with the game live on Chelsea TV.


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Welcome to LasikPlus!
LCA Vision/LasikPlus is a leading developer and operator of 60 fixed-site laser vision correction centers across the U.S. We have earned an impressive reputation having performed over a million laser vision corrections in the U.S. and Canada since 1995. Our company's purpose is to transform lives everyday by positioning ourselves as the industry's trusted eye health expert. We are dedicated to accomplishing this by having the best optometrists, surgeons, and technicians in the field.
American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141
©2015 American Optometric Association
Copyright 2018, a2z, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Private Dining
Planning a birthday party, business meeting or corporate event? Our South Cumberland Street location in Lebanon can accomodate you in our Private Dining Room.
- Up to 80 guests capacity
- No charge to rent
- Beautiful atmosphere
- Multiple high-definition TV's to display your presentations
- In-room buffet if desired for your guests
- Only available at our South Cumberland Street location in Lebanon
- Call ahead to reserve: (615) 444-3737
Let us cater your next affair! We'll put together a package custom to your needs & anything on the menu is available.
Order ahead for pickup or we'll deliver to you!
- Wherever you choose to hold your event, your group will enjoy authentic Los Compadres signature dishes.
- Bring the flavors of Mexico and Los Compadres to your next gathering. Let us cater our extraordinary menu and you can focus on having fun.
Please give 48 hours advance notice for parties over 20 people. Call the location you wish to order from:
S Cumberland: (615) 444-3737; W Main: (615) 443-4697; Lebanon Rd: (615) 773-2777


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Ritualists Beheads Man In Ogun State, His Kidney And Heart Removed - Very Graphic Photos
Suspected ritualists strike again in Ogun State.This time, they gruesomely murdered Mr. Sunday Ibo in Odogbolu town in Ogun State. The gruesome act is alleged to have been carried out by the traditional Practitioners (Herbalists) in Odogbolu local government.
Sunday Ibo, an Okada Rider, hails from Benue but a resides in Odogbolu town, was said to have gone missing after he didn't since yesterday 14/2/2018. This made the Association of Benue residents in Odogbolu to search for him only to find his corpse in one of the thick bushes.
The victim was beheaded, his kidney and heart plucked out and left in a pool of blood. The incident caused a huge unrest in the region among residents who are now scared of being victims. According to reports, there has been increase in the deaths of kidnapped people in the area whose dead bodies are later dumped on the road by the killers.
The Nigerian Police and other security agencies have however been called to investigate and prosecute the person(s) behind the act.


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Welcome to Ketton Sone Masonry & Fixing Ltd.
Ketton Stone (Masonry & Fixing) Ltd was created from the trading name of the initial company, Ketton Architectural Stone and Masonry. Andre Vrona started the company in 1988. The initial goals, were to work locally and to create a reliable, efficient, hands on and direct approach, to client requirements and to produce work of the highest quality that echoed the craft in past centuries and to achieve and maintain the craft and quality that was sadly all too often drummed down in practice in the past decades. Through the years Ketton Stone Ltd have built upon early small achievements and success, brought about with committed individual achievement.
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Attack the systemic problem, not constitutionally protected liberties
Houston Community Newspapers
Attack the systemic problem, not constitutionally protected liberties
Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 4:00 am
By Rep. Pete Olson
The tragedy in Newtown was every parent's worst nightmare. We all held our children a little tighter when we heard the news. It is normal to now feel a little nervous sending our children to what we thought to be a safe place - school. It is incomprehensible why anyone would target innocent children. Our prayers are with all of the victims and families that were touched by this tragic event.
How we respond to this tragedy will tell a lot about us as a nation. Do we resurrect failed policies of the past – like the assault weapons ban – so that some politicians can score quick political points, hiding behind the false claim that they have done something to prevent another Newtown incident, or do we truthfully work to understand the forces behind these tragedies and tackle them. If the latter is the case, then first and foremost, we must address the serious mental health issues facing our nation and develop a plan to implement needed solutions. In the Houston area, the largest mental health facility is the Harris County jail. That's wrong. The criminal justice system is not the proper place to treat the mentally ill.
It would be ignorant to not consider that these horrible events are driven to some degree by a shift in our society's values over the decades. Firearms have always been present in our society - what's changed is our society. Decades ago, there were fewer gun laws and certainly fewer bizarre, horrible mass killings. Unfortunately, over time our society has shifted to where it glorifies violence and has an increasingly morbid fascination with death.
Try to watch a football game without seeing violent ads for brutal video games. It's hard to do. When brutal messages are repeatedly thrust upon young impressionable minds, it clearly has an impact. We accomplish nothing if we do not address the unraveling of our social fabric. The lack of respect for life and the culture of violence that permeate our society can and must be dealt with – not by laws - but by leadership and social pressure. President Obama could achieve something meaningful by challenging his Hollywood friends and supporters – many who make violent movies and hypocritically call for strong gun control - to ensure their actions reflect their words.
Equally troubling are recent comments made by President Obama hinting at circumventing Congress on gun control measures. At a recent press conference Obama said, "...there are some steps that we can take that don't require legislation and that are within my authority as President." The Second Amendment of the Constitution is not something the President can alter through Executive Order. Rest assured that House Republicans will watch the President's actions closely and we will not stand by and allow our constitutional rights to be diminished.
Vice President Biden ran a highly publicized task force that delivered promises to make recommendations on how to reduce gun violence. Everyone is for reducing gun violence, from the National Rifle Association to the Brady Campaign. We all share a common goal of reducing gun violence. The ultimate question is how do we get there?
What we cannot do is attack the constitutionally protected liberties of law abiding gun owners. It's a red herring disguised as a quick solution to the problems plaguing our nation. Restricting the right of law abiding citizens to defend themselves or their property against violent intruders threatens the very foundation upon which this nation was built. It dismisses the bigger issues of mental health and our society's acceptance of gratuitous violence that, at an early age, begins to harmfully influence our children. It would be criminal to take America down a dead-end path that restricts our constitutional rights.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, on which I serve, will hold hearings to thoroughly review the systemic problems that are causing this kind of violence. We will examine mental health problems and explore solutions. And we will explore the impacts of violent video games on children. As painful as this tragedy is, we must remember that the problem is not the firearm, but the person behind the trigger. Finally, we will develop solutions to address these problems to protect our children and keep our communities safe.


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For decades, the real estate in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco had mainly consisted of warehouses, storage yards and dilapidated piers. Beginning in 1981, however, the City began to transform the area into a mixed-use development.
Now one of the ritziest neighborhoods in the City (South Beach is considered by some to be the new Nob Hill), this neighborhood is home to some of the most desirable and valued real estate, condominiums, live/work lofts, and interior design stores in San Francisco.
One of the most prominent features of South Beach is AT&T Park, home of the World Champion San Francisco Giants. The presence of this ballpark has enticed many new services and restaurants into the area, most notably chef Michael Mina's RN74, Ironside, and Tres.
Wine bars also abound, like Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant and District Wine Bar.
Since South Beach is a quick walk to the Ferry Building Marketplace, weekly shopping at the Farmer's Market is a must. On your way down the Embarcadero, check out Pat Kuleto's Waterbar and Epic Roasthouse. You'll be glad you did.
Over a century ago, the wealthiest merchants in the area lived in South Beach (their mansions rivaled those found in Pacific Heights today), which was founded by Englishman George Gordon in 1854. Now, it is a quaint oasis surrounded by cafes, restaurants, condominiums and lofts.
Rincon Hill, an area rich with history, has become a center of significant development and includes at least five hi-rise condominium buildings as well as mixed-use buildings on landscaped residential streets.
As San Francisco's newest, South Beach combines the best of everything — access, dining, shopping, entertainment, and luxurious living — into one ultra-cool, ultra-modern package.
Sign up to view market activity and receive email reports that include new listings, price reductions, recently sold data and more.


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2014 July 27: The Perils of Art
The Spanish composer Granados was ever the prankster, and after he became established in Spain the 'brilliant' idea occurred to him that he and his colleagues should form an orchestra in which everyone played an instrument about which they knew nothing at all. So the opera singer scratched away on a fiddle, the composer Albeniz struggled with some dolorous wind instrument, and Granados played on a comb and paper. Rehearsals took place on an open patio, and though discretion was attempted, the fame (or infamy) of this strange orchestra spread quickly, even reaching the King's ear in his palace, so that Royal inquiry was made to their progress. (more ↠)


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Confederate Memorial Day has been celebrated in Brazos County for more than 100 years every April 26. But apparently that has not been enough celebration. Because this week, Brazos County commissioners signed a proclamation to celebrate Confederate history for the entire month of April, now known as "Confederate History and Heritage Month" in those parts.
The commissioners, however, made clear that this does not mean they are condoning slavery: "Our recognition of Confederate history also acknowledges that slavery was one of the causes of the war, and was ended by the war and is hereby condemned," the proclamation states. When we reached one of the commissioners and asked why Brazos County decided to do this, he said it was Sons of Confederate Veterans who requested it, and that, anyway, they've always celebrated Confederate history, so this is nothing new.
Requesting Confederate History Month in counties across the South is just one of the various ways in which Sons of Confederate Veterans has worked to honor its Confederate ancestors. The organization's position is that the Confederacy was not fighting for slavery but against unfair export taxes on cotton. One of the group's members, Marshall Davis, told the Houston Press on Thursday that people who argue Confederate symbols are offensive are simply too concerned about political correctness and hurting people's feelings. He also said people opposed to the Stars-and-Bars just don't understand that the war was not about slavery. And that's why, Davis said, the group has had to fight to preserve its heritage.
In the recent past, the group has fought in court to block the University of Texas at Austin from removing a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, a fight it didn't win. It has also fought all the way up to the United States Supreme Court against Texas's decision to prevent the group from displaying the Confederate flag on its license plates; it also didn't win that one. And it has fought on the floor of the Texas Legislature against a bill that would move Confederate Heroes Day to May instead of January, so that it was not so offensively close to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, and also rename it more appropriately as "Civil War Remembrance Day." The group won that one.
But to other historians, you can't honor the soldiers who fought for the Confederacy without honoring what they fought for.
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"They are honoring the soldiers for fighting for slavery…but they condemn slavery. That, to put it mildly, is contradictory," said Ed Dorn, a public affairs professor at the University of Texas. "It's hard to honor someone for a cause that you think is morally abhorrent."
Dorn compared honoring the Confederate soldiers for their brave, selfless service to honoring suicide bombers for their brave, selfless acts of violence. He took particular issue with the note on which Brazos County's proclamation ends, which says the purpose of the celebration is to "honor those devoted men and women who fought and died for Texas, and to give thanks for their unselfish sacrifice to that [sic] future generations might live free and prosper."
"I'll attach Donald Trump's favorite word to that statement," Dorn said. "It's just stupid."
None of the Brazos County officials who actually drafted the proclamation returned multiple requests for comment. We'll update if they do.


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India Solar Energy Sector Reviewed & Analyzed in New Four-S Services Study Published at MarketPublishers.com
18 Jun 2012 • by Natalie Aster
LONDON – Though India records GDP growth rates of 7-8% per annum, much of the country remains energy starved. Though, the country is the fifth largest consumer of energy in the world, per capita consumption of electricity presently stands at just nearly 700 kWh, much lower than the global average of around 2,500 kWh. It is projected to become the third largest consumer of energy in the world by 2030.
As the Indian economy grows at an average of 8% per annum, demand for power is likely to soar from around 120,000MW currently to 315,000-355,000MW by 2017-end.
New market study "Four-S Services Pvt Ltd - India Solar Energy Report" drawn up by Four-S Services provides an in-depth review and analysis of the solar energy sector in India. Its scope comprises:
- overview of the solar energy market in India;
- solar energy segments;
- drivers for the Indian solar market;
- government incentives/NSM;
- investment opportunities in the solar sector;
- key market issues and challenges;
- profiles of the top companies operating in the market.
Major manufacturers of cells/modules/systems mentioned are: Moser Baer Photovoltaic (MBPV), XL Energy, Websol Energy, Indosolar, Tata BP Solar, Titan Energy, Solar Semiconductor, Kotak Urja, Photon Energy, Maharishi Solar, Vikram Solar, Reliance Solar, PLG Power, and HHV Solar.
Developers of solar power plants discussed include: Lanco Solar, Moser Baer Clean Energy, Azure Power, SunBorne, and Kiran Energy.
Report Details:
Four-S Services Pvt Ltd - India Solar Energy Report
Published: June, 2012
Pages: 76
Price: US$ 450,00
More new market studies by the publisher can be found at Four-S Services page.
MarketPublishers, Ltd.
Tanya Rezler
Tel: +44 208 144 6009
Fax: +44 207 900 3970
[email protected]


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Australia Network News
Samoa water shortage continues
Authorities in Samoa are again calling on residents to conserve water as a prolonged dry spell continues.
The Samoan Water Authority has rationed water to some areas and announced plans to make greater use of underground supplies.
However that plan is expected to take up to five years to implement.
The authority's acting managing director, Ekiumeni Fauolo, told Radio Australia the water shortage was getting to a critical stage.
"It's the surface water that we're struggling with at the moment, in particular in urban Apia where we have treatment plants," he said.
Mr Fauolo said the shortage was due to unpredictable weather patterns.


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Home › Forums › Miscellaneous › Do you feel safe?
This topic contains 29 replies, has 11 voices, and was last updated by Mark Hammer 7 years, 6 months ago.
April 17, 2013 at 6:04 pm #178039
I am compelled to post something briefly here because I'm stunned by the events of this week. Stunned by the attacks in Boston and the images we're being bombarded with on the news. Stunned with how simple the device seems to have been. Stunned by the ricin laced letters being discovered.
But it suddenly dawned on me that I'm stunned by something else too. No one is talking about it in my office. No memos have been sent, no resources are being provided. There's been no acknowledgement that this environment might be unsettling to people.
Speaking for myself, I've been very anxious since Monday. After the bombings I went to the gym to run off the jittery-ness, but also because I didn't want to get on the metro immediately. I've since become very aware of every trash can I pass. Maybe my feelings are stronger because I have a personal connection to Boston, having gone to college there. Maybe I'm just naturally a little more anxious than the next person. But I also have to assume I'm not the only one that feels this way.
I've seen multiple stories about how we need to talk to children about these events to help them cope with the feelings of anxiety and fear. That the open discussions help them feel safe when, really, there is an element of the unknown with regards to what is unfolding. So why aren't we, in our workplaces, being encouraged to do the same thing?
Is it different in your office? Do you feel safe at work? On your commute?
April 17, 2013 at 8:24 pm #178097
Why wouldn't you feel safe? If anyone wanted to do harm, in every city every day there are literally thousands of opportunities where people gather in largely unproctored or unsecured fashion. Multiply those hundreds of thousands of opportunities, across the nation, by the number of days in a year, and the number of years, and now divide 1 by that number, and calculate the odds. I'd be more afraid of driving home at the end of the day if I were you.
One of the quirks of human cognition is that frequency-of-occurrence is logged in rather indiscriminate fashion at an unconscious level. So when people are glued to the news, and the same footage of a terrible event is repeated endlessly for hours and days on end, we may "know", at a conscious level, that it is one rather rare event, but at an unconscious level, we are given to logging it as something that "happens a LOT". If you listen to your partner rave about the same restaurant to many of your friends, you'll log it as the restaurant being immensely popular, even though it is one solitary opinion. This is, of course, why folks who watch a lot of TV are known to overestimate the incidence of crime in their area: the same few news events, repeated, FEEL like a frequently-occurring category of events.
At the same time, it is entirely understandable that when an event like Monday's is so rare and novel for younger persons (older individuals having likely experienced more traumatic events over the course of their lives), they will want to know and learn as much about it as they can. It will rivet their attention, as anything new and emotionally-laden should. But within the context of the contemporary 24hr news cycle, that solitary event will consume the airwaves and bandwidth, and leave folks like yourself with the unshakeable deep-seated feeling that it is an event highly likely to reoccur, and elicit fear as a result.
I'm not diminishing the seriousness one iota, just drawing attention to the manner in which normal human cognition, when paired up with media that don't feel any obligation to be mindful of such things, plays tricks on one's thinking and reasoning.
So, you're safe. The person/s who did it…not so much.
Over forty years ago, when I was in junior college, martial law was declared and my city was locked down after the British High Commissioner and a provincial cabinet minister were kidnapped, the latter being murdered and found in a car trunk ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Crisis ). This had been preceded a few years earlier by a rash of mailbox bombings in the same city by the same political extremist group. There were tanks and jeeps patrolling the streets downtown, and soldiers with machine guns at the entrance to every subway station. A number of my classmates and instructors went into hiding because all sorts of folks were being arrested and detained. Pretty dramatic stuff. But we had no internet, no cellphones, no Twitter, no Facebook, no cable news, and very little media coverage apart from the 6PM and 11PM news, and newspaper. Nothing was being suppressed; we just weren't drowning in the stuff. We treated it seriously, but we went to school, came home, went shopping, went out, and lived our lives normally, with very little effort, and no shudders of fear after, because it wasn't drilled into our heads in a way that made us feel it could happen again at any moment on any day.
April 17, 2013 at 9:08 pm #178095
Mark, Thanks for your comments. I have explained to many people that what I know has little impact on how I feel right now. But, these are the kind of conversations that we can have in our offices (with those who are "in the same boat" so to speak) that can be really helpful. Even though these conversations are not being had in my office, I'm grateful to have other govies to provide insight. I'm going to apply this interesting info from the field of cognitive science and do what I can to avoid over exposure to the media for a little while–Thanks!
April 18, 2013 at 1:46 am #178093
No I don't feel safe, but not specifically because of bombings. The world as a whole feels more unstable these days, on many levels. I do have a sense of shifting sands in a good way, but quicksand is everywhere. At least that is my personal experience. OpenGovvies may be more vulnerable, simply because we are more visible.
April 18, 2013 at 3:46 am #178091
David B. GrinbergParticipant
Words of wisdom, Mark, very well put.
FYI — Yes, I feel safe during my metro commute from Maryland to DC. Likewise, I feel safe in my federal workplace. You should too.
I recall being in my federal building downtown on 9/11 and having to evacuate. I recall the panic, fear and uncertainty that gripped the city and the country in the days, weeks and months that followed. Since then, an untold number of high-level and unseen security measures have been put in place in the Washington area and enacted into national law (Patriot Act, etc.).
By the way, my agency conducted a shelter-in-place drill today. On Tuesday, during a large meeting in a conference center, the hosting official began by acknowledging the Boston bombings. He then pointing out where all of the emergency exits are located and specifically where people should go in case of an emergency evacuation.
And while it's reassuring, smart and prudent to have plans in place and security enhanced, let's not forget that ordinary citizens need to be proactive and alert to their immediate surroundings. If you see something, say something, like DHS keeps reminding us.
Inflicting fear, panic and uncertainty on the masses is a major goal of terrorist acts. Don't let yourself be a victim. Rather, fear not.
We are safer and more prepared today than a decade ago, both in the nation's capital and nationwide. We live in America, land of the free and home of the brave. Let's try to remember that and keep things in perspective.
April 18, 2013 at 12:38 pm #178089
Peter SperryParticipant
I am more afraid of the massive overreaction to these events than the events themselves. We have become a very fearful society, willing to allow our "protectors" to restrict basic freedoms and impose limitiations in the name of security that previous generations would have found intolerable.
As a young child, my family moved to Washington in 1965. Severe riots had recently turned much of the 12th and 14th street corridors into burnt out shells (some of the damage still remains). There were deadly riots in major cities literally every summer. The 82nd Airborne was deployed to Detroit to control riots and Newark NJ was more or less burnt to the ground before the army went in. Walking outside at night in many urban neighborhoods was risky during the daytime and suicidal at night. SDS (Students for Democratic Society) terrorists planted bombs, and other groups openly shot the "pigs" (police officers for you millenials). JFK, RFK and MLK were assasinated in the space of 5 years. And there was also the constant threat of a world ending thermonuclear war with the Soviet Union.Those were truely dangerous times.
But few people panicked the way they do today. The streets of Washington were open and welcoming rather than resembling an armed police state. People could drive down the streets between the White House and Treasury or Old EOP. People could freely enter any federal building, mostly to eat at the Hot Shops in the basement. The capital was open 24/7 and largely unguarded. The shopping mall in the Pentagon was a great place to grab a snack between buses. Travelers could get out of a cab at the entrence to the airport and board their plane 5 minutes later simply by walking unhindered to the gate. Law enforcement's response to the ongoing violence was to focus on catching, prosocuting and incarcerating the perpetrators while imposing as little burden as possible on the average person just going about their daily business.
The situation today is 180 degrees reversed. The number of actual terrorist attacks is actually quite low compared to the 60s and the last major riot was 21 years ago in LA. The vast majority of urban neighborhoods are reasonably safe at night and very few are dangerous during the daytime. Yes there are bad people doing bad things; but compared to the 60s, we mostly coexist peacfully.
But look at how law enforcement and the public overereact to the small number of incidents that do occur. Daily life in downtown DC today farily closely resembles the descriptions we used to read of East Berlin, Moscow and Peking. The last time I flew out of Dullus, I allowed 60 minutes to get through security and only cut it that close because I had no checked baggage. The gate area was patrolled by an armed policeman carrying a "spray and pray" short barreled assault rifle which would, if ever used, pose more danger to the civillians in a crowded airport than to any potential attackers. Government buildings resemble armed fortresses in which the public we serve is completely unwelcome. We have become the society George Orwal warned us to avoid.
I am not niave and recognize the danger posed by terrorists. But I have also seen central DC brought to complete gridlock by empty cardboard boxes left on the sidewalk. At least four times in the past three years. This is not rational security. It is mindless paranoia.
We need to identify the terrorists, find and capture them, try them fairly in an open court of law, confict them, allow them one and only one appeal, stick a needle in their arm, execute them and be done with them. Next we need to get back to leading normal lifes. Yes, there will be another incident and one after that and on and on. They are an unfortunate part of the human condition and have been since barbarian tribes first raided Sumarian cities. But locking ourselves in some sort of supermax security state and cowering in fear is not the right answer.
April 18, 2013 at 1:24 pm #178087
Passionate analysis, Peter. Thanks.
This morning, we were awakened to news of the terrible fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. In terms of devastation, injury, and loss of life, it appears at this point, to have been more severe than the Boston bombings.
What separates these two very terrible events? To some extent, it is the presumption of motive behind one, but not the other. And, to the extent that people who could have motives are everywhere, the one elicits our anxiety while the other much less so.
I am well aware, due to my wife's job checking over WHMIS sheets for completeness and currency, that a great many people work with materials and substances that could pose great risk to them, and those around them, unless used, stored, and disposed of, properly and safely. But we don't see every manufacturing plant or dry cleaner as a potential source of threat (even though they are, as last night's Texas tragedy illustrates), because we don't presume "stuff" to have motives (although some industrial tragedies are a result of the lack of motivation by some). In any given year, far more Americans will be killed, maimed, or have their lives savagely disrupted by industrial accidents than by acts of deliberate attack on the basis of some ill-conceived political or religious motive.
I don't say any of this to suggest "this boo-boo is bigger than that one"; it's ALL terrible and the sort of stuff you pray to keep out of the lives of those you care for. Rather, it is more a musing about what shapes our perceptions of risk/threat/safety. If the danger is from "stuff", we seem to blithely accept it, and carry on about our business, making some minor sensible adjustments here and there.
Will folks who work in, or even near, the fertilizer industry walk around today, thinking that at any moment "it could happen to them"? Maybe. But it will dissipate fairly quickly. By contrast, when any threat is deemed to be based on someone's motive, anxiety and feelings of being unsafe linger much longer. Part of that is in response to the way in which such events are publicly responded to (e.g., all the announced preparations and precautions, worldwide, at most of the upcoming marathons, as if somehow long-distance races had suddenly become a "target", equivalent to Iraqi police recruiting offices) and the things that public officials do to convey that they are "taking care of the problem". Those things tend to prolong the emotional impact of the precipitating events. But another part of it is social mistrust, and the notion that someone – who could be anywhere – may be harbouring malevolent motices, waiting "for the right moment".
Human perception of risk is a curious thing, innit? And in the contemporary communications era, where our perceptions are shaped more by information from 2nd or 3rd parties than by our own direct experience, even more curious.
April 18, 2013 at 1:28 pm #178085
Ressie MullParticipant
Hi Amanda,
Being the Director of Security for our Air Force squadron, I ensure that everyone understands the importance of remaining vigilant and relaying any potential concerns to the security management office. We as a whole have to take care of each other by looking out for warning signs and letting people know when things out of the ordinary are happening.
What is the security in depth level around your work area? Is it easy for someone to watch your organization and cause some level of harm. Having a good security defense is a good start to ensure your are safe at work.
April 19, 2013 at 11:39 am #178083
Terrence HillParticipant
I have always felt safe in my workplace and being in DC, we have more police per square mile than virtually anywhere in the world. What you don't want to do is over-react in paranoia. Of course, we all need to be vigilent when we ride on the Metro or are in public venues…Maybe look up from our smartphones periodically. We are ALL responsible for our security. There aren't enough police officers to provide each of us with a personal body-guard. We can all do more to make our environment safe and I know it sounds like a cliche at this point, but – "If You See Something…Say Something."
Stay safe, but don't let this incident change your life.
April 19, 2013 at 1:48 pm #178081
Lisa M MaddryParticipant
I would like to offer some resource sites that may be helpful:
- Psychological First Aid: Helping People Cope During Disasters and Public Health Emergencies http://pfa.naccho.org/pfa/pfa_start.html
"Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event" is a guide for parents, caregivers, and teachers. http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Talking-With-and-Helping-Children-and-Youth-Cope-After-a-Disaster-or-Traumatic-Event/SMA12-4732
"Effects of Traumatic Stress after Mass Violence, Terror, or Disaster" is a guide that provides information regarding normal reactions to abnormal situations and describes common traumatic stress reactions and PTSD. The guide, as well as a number of other related resources, is available at http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/?from=carousel&position=1&date=03272013
- "Mass disasters, trauma, and loss" is a brochure that explains reactions individuals may experience after a disaster and what they can do to recover. This is also available at http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/?from=carousel&position=1&date=03272013
April 19, 2013 at 1:52 pm #178079
David, thanks for your insight. I did make it a point to go for a nice walk around the capital Tuesday, since it was a nice day and that is normal for me. You also bring up a great point about preparedness in our offices, to make sure we know how to respond and where to get our information from in the case of an emergency.
April 19, 2013 at 1:56 pm #178077
Megan, thanks for sharing your feelings. It's reassuring in an odd way to know other people feel the same and it can be hard to talk about these things. But you're right, no matter how many ways we can rationalize that we are safe (as other people have commented), there is something kind of vaguely unsettling about things in general. I do hope you are right about positive shifting sands–it is about time!
April 19, 2013 at 1:59 pm #178075
Peter, thank you for sharing your perspective. It is always instructive to remember that this isn't the first time our nation has dealt with these crises and it likely won't be the last. But also that we always get back to "normal". I would assert, however, that having open discussions about our fears, rational or not, is constructive. We need mindful vigilance, but the mindful paranoia, as you put it.
April 19, 2013 at 2:02 pm #178073
Mark, I completely agree with your comments on the industrial explosion in TX. There are also very normal everyday things that present a risk. People have every right to be concerned about the industries around them and that they are safe. Interestingly, I have hear some discussion about the zoning laws in West, TX near the plant, raising questions about whether you should be allowed to build a school or homes some close. Certainly an interesting question for local gov to consider the pros and cons of the argument.
April 19, 2013 at 2:05 pm #178071
Ressie, Thanks for your insights. While I know little about the security of my building (other than what is visibly apparent) I would say I do feel safe AT work. It's the larger idea that, living/working in a city you are at crowded public events and on public transportation, both of which could be targets.
April 19, 2013 at 2:09 pm #178069
Terry, thanks for your thoughts. You're absolutely right and I have noticed people being a little more aware of their surroundings on the metro Monday and Tuesday. Your perspective also reminds us that we're not totally helpless. We can go on with our daily lives while staying alert within reason.
April 19, 2013 at 2:10 pm #178067
No one is talking about it in my office either, except that we are having a marathon here on Saturday, one with about 5,000 people that we hold every year (Salt Lake City Marathon). My staff member is volunteering on it, so we talked a few minutes, and it goes right by my house. So it is on my mind for sure.
But I feel safe at work, although it made me realize how vunerable we all are, and I believe, we all survive each day only by the Grace of God. So it makes me want to strengthen my character more, become a better person, so that I can be closer – when it's my time it's my time, I just want to be ready!
Thanks for posting!
April 19, 2013 at 2:13 pm #178065
Lisa, thanks for sharing these resources. I should say my agency has since sent out some words reminding employees of resources that are available, as a part of a weekly agency email/newsletter. Having taken many psychology courses in college, I know how just understanding what behaviors to look out for can be tremendously helpful in recognizing then normal stress/anxiety starts to cross a line. These are also great resources for supervisors to review so they can be aware of these behaviors in their staff and react accordingly.
April 19, 2013 at 2:14 pm #178063
Excellent point! That is what I really do not like, is the inundation of media coverage – it does tend to blow it out of proportion. Thanks you!
April 19, 2013 at 2:30 pm #178061
Great to hear someone with the same mindset! Quick and sure justice, and then move on – don't give more attention to evil than to good, and then maybe society could realize the difference! Thank you Peter for sharing your views!
April 19, 2013 at 2:38 pm #178059
Ressie MullParticipant
Hi Amanda,
We have suggested training to the chief executive staff of our contracting companies on areas such as these. We have had executives get followed by people and even run off the road. There are several companies that provide self defense courses for when you are in a vehicle and you feel you are being followed and martial arts classes for protection if you are ever in need. I agree, public events and transportation do provide little security for the public.
April 22, 2013 at 1:26 pm #178057
Carol DavisonParticipant
Having "grown up" in an environment where we were required to wear badges I was always annoyed when people didn't wear theirs. THREE DAYS after the marathon bombing I noticed 2 men without badges leaving the cafeteria. They said that their escort had to go back to her office and showed me the badge of a contractor. I replied "Al Qada has those badges." If it happened again I would consider escorting them to the security office and reporting a violation. Comments?
April 22, 2013 at 3:14 pm #178055
Good point, and that reminds me of how important it is to wear them. I am guilty of forgetting to put it on (it's in my purse) until the middle of the day because I use my purse to open our door, and then I'm usually at my desk for a while before I have to go anywhere. It is then I usually think about it. But we have them for a reason, and like it or not, it is reality. I think you are wise to be serious about it, and I would do that if it were me, now that you have pointed that out. That will help me remember to wear mine right from the start of the day. Thanks for the post —
April 22, 2013 at 3:38 pm #178053
Amanda. I am with the IRS in Austin. While I was not in the same building, there was an incident in which a man flew a plane into one of our buildings. Safe. What does that really mean anymore? Our brothers and sisters overseas have always had to deal with these issues. We have always been comfortable in our geographic isolation in the United States. However, the world became much smaller after 9/11. For me it started with OKC Federal Building. But it continues to get smaller. Patton Oswalt stated that the good outnumber the bad. Keep that close to you…we do outnumber them. But there will be casualties. There always are. You are safe…as safe as you can be. But you I have always told my son, our hearts have only so many beats in them, and when they run out of beats, they run out. Whether it be natural death or some act that defies the imagination. Don't let fear and concern guide your life. Live your life happily. See, the thing about terror is not the actual bombing…or the casualties (which are truly horrible) but the impact on our lives after. The forced change to our existence out of fear. The way we view people now of different backgrounds, ethnicities, dialects, etc. The true weapon they use is fear. I know you use the word anxious and not fear, but to me they are one and the same. As long as you lead a good life doing right by others, whatever your destiny may be, you will meet it with honor and without regret.
But make no mistake, people do not like to talk about such things because it forces them to acknowledge their deepest fears. Honestly, I just do not care. Even after the plane hit in Austin, when everyone was worried it would hit our building, I thought to myself that should that occur, I will act in the way I best know how. So do what you must to overcome your feelings of anxiety and continue to do the best you can. That is all we can do. Regards…..
April 22, 2013 at 4:44 pm #178051
Ever seen a rat? Some folks live and work in circumstances where they will rarely, if ever, see one. And when they do, it is the shock of their life. heck, they may even have nightmares about it. Other folks, because of where they live or work, or both, have enough encounters that their reaction is "Aw, geez, another one? Better leave the cake in the fridge. Martha, can you go get the Warfarin box?".
While it has seen too many of its own lose their lives in conficts overseas, the United States is blessed with having had precious little warfare (apart from Pearl Harbour) within its own borders, in living memory. The same cannot be said for most other industrialized nations, where monuments to this and that, and the preserved ruins of this or that, can be found all over. Thankfully, humans have toned down their act in many of those places, such that the experience of war is largely 2nd hand, and history-book stuff, for many. But folks remember.
The shock that you reflect, is, in many respects, a byproduct of what it contrasts with: continued peace. That's not any sort of diminuition of the events that prompted Amanda's thread, or any sort of delegitimization of the reaction that many have, but a partial explanation of its depth. People react strongly to things they've never had to live through before. And in the absence of war on domestic soil, people react to events like the Boston bombing, or Newtown, or Oklahoma City, or the Twin Towers, as if it were war. Because, apart from those that served in the military, or emigrated to these shores from places torn apart by constant war, these events are the closest many have ever come to war.
April 22, 2013 at 5:03 pm #178049
Mark I totally agree with some of your points. However, it is often our own, I say this carefully because people react strongly to it, arrogance or overconfidence, that undoes us as a society. My son is 14, but I have prepared him for these realities. I have prepared him for a Columbine. I have prepared him for WTC or OKC or Boston Marathon. I do not consider the US exempt from what the rest of the world has faced due to its relative calm. So while a person may never see a rat, they should know they exist. They should not be shocked when they see one. This should in no way be seen as diminishing what Amanda is feeling. I completely understand her concern. Her fear. Her anxiety. I wish we lived in a society that better prepared us for this sort of thing. Situational awareness without becoming paranoia. I do not begrudge her from reacting strongly. I just hope that this situation does not influence hers or anyone else in a negative way. As the word was spread that one of the men had been captured/killed, I was dismayed to see people celebrate so happily and publicly at this. We live in a televised world, furthering fueling the fires of our enemies to continue to do us harm. In my mind, it is sad any person had to resort to this. And it should not be a moment for rejoicing, but a time of reflection to ask what could we have done better as a society to prevent this.
April 22, 2013 at 7:26 pm #178047
I really appreciated your reply. I think the most important point you made is that the only thing we have control over is our own actions (and reactions for that matter). It is in the choices we made every day and our actions that will give us either comfort or uneasiness. If I know I'm not living right or treating others right I am worried, anxious, and if I am taken at that point that is unfortunate — but it is something I did. If I am doing the very best I can and doing all that I know is right, I don't have to worry, no matter what happens. So I appreciate the reminder that in all the circumstances of my life, I will be much better served by doing right.
Thank you Rod.
April 22, 2013 at 7:53 pm #178045
Priscilla, I tell my son all the time, we cannot control the actions of others. We can just try to be aware of them. All we can control is our own actions. All we have in this world is our honor and our own personal code. If you do right by people, then when your time comes, whatever time it may be, you will go into that good night knowing you did the right thing. What we cannot do is live in fear of what is around the corner or in the next trashcan or in the bag that someone forgets. If we do that, then the people that did it have won, not because we are a casualty, but because we live in constant fear of what is around the corner.
So, I say do your worst. Try your hardest to ruffle my calm. You may take lives. You may hurt and maim. But you will never win….we outnumber you. Our collective strength is stronger than yours. Regards.
April 22, 2013 at 8:22 pm #178043
We're on exactly the same page, buddy. Thanks for that.
April 23, 2013 at 4:57 pm #178041
Hi All, I just wanted to say a quick thanks for the thoughts, encouragement and perspective. I was surprised by all of the discussion and greatly appreciated being offered different points of view to serve as context for last weeks' events. I hope this helped other people who were feeling as I was. I know it helped me.
More importantly, I hope this reminded at least one person at the management/supervisory level to consider the emotional well-being of their staff. National crises serve as reminders because it is easier to conceive that your staff may be impacted. However, each of us go through any number of personal crises which may have an impact on our work lives. Being aware of this, sensitive to different points of view, and open to discuss topics that may make us uncomfortable at times can go a long way towards managing a happy and productive staff.
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What Do Recruiters Look for When Searching for the Best Job Candidates?
So you want to further your career, but you're not sure how. There are nuances to working with a recruiter, and if you get them wrong, you may never have the opportunity to work with one. With this in mind, let's look at the seven things that will guarantee you'll never advance your career. Avoid these, and recruiters will love you!
1. Lying in your resume.
What do recruiters look for? An honest resume. We're all subjective and think we're better than we actually are, but that doesn't mean you can beef up your resume. Not only is this dishonest, but job recruiters and potential employers can smell made-up skills and experiences a mile away.
Instead, include skills and past experiences you believe will make a potential employer think you're right for the job. Employers aren't looking for the PERFECT candidate – they know they can't possibly find someone to perfectly fill the void. What they're after is people that have similar skills and experience with their vision of an IDEAL candidate. Include volunteer work, hobbies, awards and computer skills. So, daily perusing of Facebook doesn't equal excellent computer skills, no matter how quickly you can harvest crops in Farmville.
Being honest in your resume will not only make you look more trustworthy, but you'll also have an easier time proving your skills in interviews. As Mark Twain put it: "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."
2. Being obnoxious.
Keeping in touch once a week is being persistent, but once an hour is being obnoxious. So it's a good idea to remember that job recruiters talk to a lot of people every day. It takes time to look at resumes, make a decision, and set up interviews.
However, don't be afraid to ask your job recruiter when to contact him or her for updates. Some will give you the "don't call us, we'll call you" routine, but contacting them once in a while is okay. If anything, it shows you're really interested in new opportunities, and it makes the recruiter work for you. What recruiters look for is persistence.
3. Not collaborating.
To see if you fit a certain job a recruiter has in mind for you, sometimes they'll ask you questions to find out more about you. This is your chance to land a great job, but if you blow it, you'll make the recruiter doubt you. What should you do? It's simple. Talk to them. Answer their questions. Have a genuine conversation. After all, it's in your own best interest to be honest with a recruiter. They are your advocate and if they don't believe you are being genuine, they won't go to bat for you.
What do recruiters look for? Someone who can collaborate. Let them unearth all your strengths to see if you are indeed that ideal candidate for future positions, or even that current position they're not quite ready to share with you just yet.
4. Not listening to their advice.
The job recruiter will often give you tips for a successful interview, such as dressing in a particular way, or avoiding certain topics. They do it because they have experience and know things you don't, so ignoring their advice and doing what you want might just make your job recruiter hate you. And contrary to what you may be thinking, wearing eight-inch heels or a tuxedo won't get you far at all.
Another form of doing your own thing is bypassing the recruiter, and going straight to the employer. If job recruiters happen to share information with you about a certain company, let the job recruiter prepare the ground and give you more information before you show up at the company's door. What recruiters look for is someone who follows directions and can take advice in regards to standard protocols. They know what their client is looking for and they can help you show how well you fit the bill.
5. Turning down good offers.
A job recruiter can definitely help you find a good job, but if you're at the beginning of your career, you're in no position to turn down a good offer. If you lack the skills and experience necessary for a higher paid position, you won't get the offer for it, no matter how swanky your suits are. Chances are high that you'll be offered average-paying jobs. This is not because you made the job recruiter hate you when you mailed the resume in a bright blue envelope, but because employers have no reason to pay you above average.
There's no such thing as the perfect job that has a great salary. You may be tempted to turn down an offer, thinking a better one is just around the corner, but this is a mistake. Take an offer you consider to be good, and build your way up the corporate ladder over time. What recruiters look for is someone who knows and understands that building your skills and experience takes time. They will find a job that matches where you are in your career and will allow for growth.
6.Not showing up for interviews.
What do recruiters look for? Punctuality. Not showing up to an interview hurts your recruiter's reputation. While this may have only happened once or twice in the last 30 years, it bears reminding. Show up! One mistake like this and you'll never get a second chance. That's right. This is another great way to make your recruiter hate you and wish you only "wonderful" thoughts. And you'll be on your own when it comes to looking for a job.
7. Being cocky during interviews.
In line with the previous point, you're still hurting your recruiter's image if you show up to an interview and act as if you've discovered the hole in the donut. Remember that when you go to any interview, you're the one who has to win the interviewer over, not the other way around. So be as diplomatic as you can, even if you disagree – it's not the disagreeing that employers dislike, but the way it's done. What recruiters look for is the same thing employers look for. Someone who is likable, agreeable, and respectful.
There you have it. Seven wonderful ways to make your job recruiter hate you. Avoid these mistakes and your recruiter will love you. Then you'll have the job of your dreams in no time flat.


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FDA Touts Efforts to Enhance Food Safety
Dec. 2 -- MONDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Responding to criticism that it has done a poor job safeguarding the nation's food supply, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a report Monday detailing its efforts to protect consumers.
Among the most important changes in 2008 was the agency's initiative to build better relationships with state and local health departments to protect the food supply, said Dr. David Acheson, assistant commissioner for food protection at the FDA.
"Another big success is the strategic change we are making with regard to imports. What you could call the 'globalization of FDA,' which is shifting our emphasis on inspection on the port of entry only to more of a product-lifecycle approach," Acheson said. "We are focused on building the systems to better understand what's going on in foreign manufacturing."
U.S. consumers have been bombarded during the past two years with a series of worrisome headlines, ranging from milk products, blood-thinning medication and pet foods contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine imported from China; to jalapeno peppers from Mexico bearing the salmonella bacteria; to U.S.-produced spinach poisoned with the E. coli bacteria.
The new report updates progress made since the FDA unveiled its Food Protection Plan in 2007. Titled Food Protection Plan: One-Year Progress Summary, the document cites improvements in three areas: prevention of outbreaks of food-borne disease; intervention; and response to outbreaks. Some of the accomplishments include:
On the intervention front, the FDA said it has inspected 5,930 high-risk food establishments in the past year; has developed a rapid detection test for E. coli and salmonella in food that's now being used in poultry-processing plants; and has expanded its database of "adverse drug events" to include "adverse feed events," to respond faster to outbreaks of feed-borne disease in animals, among other efforts.
As for its "response" efforts, the FDA said it's working with industry and the public to find better ways of tracing fresh produce in the food-supply chain; has hired two "emergency/complaint-response coordinators" to improve the agency's response to emergencies involving animal feed, including pet food; and has reached agreements with six states to create a "rapid response team" for food and food-borne illnesses.
In response to the threat of melamine-contaminated infant formula and milk products from China, the FDA said it has canvassed more than 2,100 stores stocking Asian products to remove them from store shelves.
Some critics think the FDA's food-safety efforts still don't go far enough.
"We were not a huge fan of some of the goals they laid out, so we are not a huge fan of the progress they've made," said Patty Lovera, assistant director of the consumer watchdog group Food & Water Watch.
Lovera thinks the FDA needs to have more independent authority to enforce food safety.
"They are too reliant on the industry," Lovera said. "They are really collaborating with the industry -- there is really not new regulation. There is not an overall commitment to enforcement domestically or abroad. This whole plan they are reporting progress on, we think is a step in the wrong direction."
Lovera said many of the food-safety problems that occurred this year highlighted the FDA's shortcomings. For example, late last week, the agency set acceptable levels of melamine in domestic infant formula -- one month after stating that no levels were acceptable.
"That's a month after they said, 'Oh, we don't think there is any safe level for infants.' Then magically, they said, 'Now we have a safe level for infants,' " Lovera said. "They are always in catch-up mode, they are always in response mode."
Jeffrey Levi is an associate professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, and a senior policy advisor to the consumer group Trust for America's Health. He said the new FDA report fails to offer enough guidance for what needs to be done to protect the food supply.
"The report does not rise to the level of providing a roadmap for the next administration about the challenges ahead, the resources that will be needed, and the milestones against which we can measure progress," Levi said.
The challenges to food safety are growing, Levi said. "Especially as we import more food, especially as the food-production system becomes more complex, we need a system that keeps up with that," he said.
Consumers Union, while acknowledging some progress, also said the FDA wasn't doing enough to protect the American food supply.
"The FDA needs a complete overhaul, including but not limited to vastly increased funding, far greater staff and much more frequent inspections of both domestic and foreign food processors," Consumers Union said in a news release. "While FDA's progress report states that the agency has inspected 5,930 domestic food establishments during fiscal year 2008, a January 2008 GAO report analyzing the Food Protection Plan states that there are 65,520 domestic food production facilities in the U.S. This means that FDA is still inspecting U.S. food production facilities only once every 10 years. At this rate, we would not be surprised to see more problems like the salmonella that was found in peanut butter manufactured at a Georgia processing facility in 2007."
Besides regulating drugs and medical devices, the FDA oversees about 80 percent of the U.S. food supply, including many foods grown abroad.
More information
For more on food safety, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
SOURCES: David Acheson, M.D., assistant commissioner for food protection, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Jeffrey Levi, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Health Policy, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, and senior policy adviser, Trust for America's Health, Washington, D.C.; Patty Lovera, assistant director, Food & Water Watch, Washington, D.C., Dec. 1, 2008, U.S. Food and Drug Administration report, Food Protection Plan: One-Year Progress Summary; Dec. 1, 2008, news release, Consumers Union, Washington, D.C.


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By Ashok Malik
Feb 19, 2014
New Delhi must brace for a terrorist upsurge as civil wars in Pakistan and Afghanistan worsen.
Precarious anyway, "peace negotiations" between the Pakistani government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - or simply the Pakistan Taliban - have suffered still more after news that TTP beheaded 23 Pakistani soldiers in its custody. India should be paying attention.
While national security has been almost absent in the pre-election political discourse, this cannot take away from the fact that India's security environment is set to undergo a dramatic change in 2014. The challenges the new government will end up facing in even its early months could be of an order unknown since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.
At the end of this year, American and international forces begin their withdrawal from Afghanistan. Even if a security agreement is signed with the government in Kabul that allows the Americans to retain a small presence, the overarching security umbrella that has been in place since the Taliban defeat in 2001 would have receded. A period when the greater jihad in Afghanistan (and inside Pakistan) overtook the lesser jihad in Kashmir and against India would come to a close. Twinned with this is Pakistan's own but different Taliban threat - in the form of TTP.
What is the state of play in both these trouble zones? In Afghanistan, western governments are confident that the Afghan army, largely officered by Tajiks, will be able to take on the Pashtun-led Taliban forces and keep the symbolically important city of Kabul for the foreseeable future. This confidence is somewhat negated by the admission of these very governments that the Taliban is likely to chip away at territory, especially in southern Afghanistan, and will invite defections, seek to win over supporters from the government side, make economic and developmental projects unviable and destroy signs of progress such as girls' schools.
Despite this, western diplomatic sources continue to insist that Kabul, though likely surrounded, will still hold. Is this optimism justified? How does one square it with reports that property prices in Kabul are falling? There is evidence that the city's (non-Taliban Pashtun) elite is moving money and investments to other places, such as Dubai, where the ongoing property boom is dependent at least to some degree on the flight from Afghanistan.
While the Pakistani army would hope for a Taliban takeover of Kabul or at least removal of a leadership in the city that is not in the control of Rawalpindi, the in-house Taliban question in Pakistan poses quite another dilemma. Here Pakistani generals are theoretically determined to fight TTP and stave off a challenge to the state. TTP's ultimate goal is the capture of Islamabad and formal conversion of Pakistan into an Islamist lebensraum. As such, in the battle against TTP, Indians find themselves in the unusual position of rooting for the Pakistan army.
Yet, here too there are complications. Intelligence sources suggest the Pakistan army is too tired and incapacitated to take on TTP in its strongholds of North Waziristan, even if the Nawaz Sharif government gives permission to do so. A quick, decisive victory for the army is ruled out. The TTP has a growing footprint in Punjab and Sindh, including in the urban centres of Lahore and Karachi. An army onslaught would drive TTP warriors out of Waziristan and into the heartland of Punjab. A civil war in Pakistan, to match a civil war in Afghanistan, would result.
Civilian Pakistani politicians, whether Nawaz Sharif or former cricketer Imran Khan, seem to take a more indulgent view of TTP. They look upon it as representing an insurgency and a disaffection that can be appeased with territorial concessions, with imposition of strict sharia laws in its regions and with offering it a slice of political power. That explains "peace talks" with TTP. In short, the Pakistan army may not even get permission to wage war on TTP, never mind if it can win the war in the first place.
What happens in case of a deal between the Sharif government and TTP? Pakistani political leadership would hope to co-opt the Pakistan Taliban, as it has the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It is to be noted that TTP, LeT and the Pakistan army recruit from the same areas in Pakistani Punjab. In the short run, the only common target Islamabad can find for the army, LeT and a potentially or partially co-opted TTP is an external adversary. The pressure on India would be obvious.
There is one other concern. Sections of the Pakistan army and Inter-Services Intelligence have a history of testing a new Indian leader. In 1990, V P Singh encountered reckless threats about a nuclear attack on New Delhi. In 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had an invasion on his hands in Kargil. What awaits the prime minister who takes office in New Delhi in May 2014?
It is possible all of this is scaremongering and actually the civil wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan will continue for long enough to give India breathing space. Even so, a medium-term nightmare scenario - with the Afghan Taliban closing in on Kabul and Pakistan Taliban getting a slice of state power - cannot be ruled out. For India, it would be the perfect storm.
Ashok Malik is a political commentator.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Two-Talibans-and-India/articleshow/30634391.cms
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/ashok-malik/two-talibans-and-india/d/35815


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The discount brings the price of the pickup truck from $43,620 to $32,620.
Chevrolet began delivering the first units of the all-new 2019 Silverado in August. Production and sales volume of the all-new models are ramping up, but dealers still have quite a few units of the last-generation 2018 model on hand, while also continuing to produce the last-gen K2 Silverado in a single configuration.
Ron Westphal Chevrolet is currently offering select Silverado models with incentives in excess of $12,800. Please call our Customer Care Team at 630-898-9630 or visit our showroom today.
So in what we image is an effort to clear out remaining inventory of the 2018 models, the Bow Tie brand has introduced a rather attractive October 2018 incentive offer for the Silverado 1500.
The Incentive
The nationwide Chevrolet incentive on the 2018 Silverado is $7,250 customer cash plus a $3,000 price reduction and a $750 option package discount when financing with GM Financial.
Based on a $50,940 MSRP, the $11,000 incentive equates to a discount of over 20 percent.
This offer is only applicable to 2018 Silverado Crew Cab models equipped with the All Star Edition package, which adds an additional $2,275 to the truck (before the aforementioned discounts) and includes following features:
- Driver 10-way power seat adjuster with bench seat only
- Dual-zone climate control
- Remote Vehicle Starter system
- Rear-window defogger
- Manual tilt and telescopic steering column
- 110-volt power outlet
Shoppers should also note that some customers may not qualify for this offer, and that it is not available with special finance, lease, and some other offers.
Source: Chevrolet Incentives: $11,000 Off 2018 Silverado In October 2018 | GM Authority


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A note from Katy…
Dear Friends:
It is one of my greatest honors being your elected Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Place 2. You have entrusted a great confidence in me and I extend a heartfelt thank you.
I am asking for your support in this upcoming election. I hope you will reelect me for the simple reason that I am a competent, hardworking, trustworthy and approachable Democratic Judge. Your vote means you agree.
You can support the campaign by sharing your endorsement, requesting a yard sign, donating to the campaign and volunteering.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
Democratically yours,
Judge Katy


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The tour, which is co-produced by Phil McIntyre Entertainments and the Michael Grandage Company, will begin performances at Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre June 5 for a run through June 8, then continue to visit Glasgow, Derby, Buxton, Llandudno, Birmingham, Brighton, Plymouth, Bradford, Dublin, Cardiff, Crawley, Reading and Dartford.
Set and costume designs are by Lez Brotherston, and the lighting is by Willie Williams.
According to press materials, the show will "consist of various delights and riches, with the odd irksome tribulation thrown in, as she takes audiences through the various lessons life has taught her, and the things she knows for sure. She will share how she has misguidedly spent her whole life vigorously attempting to be a fully functioning female human. Her extraordinary lack of willpower, combined with an enviable knack for nosey parking and showing off, has driven her to grapple with the big stuff of life in public. 30 million minutes of life in fact. That's how long she's been alive."
In a press statement, she commented, "I'm sick with excitement about this solo tour. I am enjoying the fact that I can't categorise exactly what it is, but it's somewhere between a monologue, a play, and an autobiographical slide show with a few funnies thrown in. At last, I have one of my three genie wishes granted, which is that I finally get to work with Michael Grandage. The other two wishes are as yet unfulfilled. They are secret obviously, but suffice to say, one is about Barack Obama in Speedos. The other is about me in speedos, with cheesecake involved... Enough said."
Tickets go on sale Feb. 28. For details, visit TicketZone.co.uk.


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Madonnella di San Marco is a small late 17th century devotional chapel which was dismantled and inserted into the ground floor of the Palazzo Venezia, a 15th century edifice, in the 20th century. The separate entrance doorway is on the right hand side of the façade of the palazzo on the west side of the Piazza Venezia.
The chapel is counted as attached to the basilica of San Marco, with the same postal address of Piazza di San Marco 48. However, its separate entrance and own history justifies its being given its own page on this Wiki.
Arco di San MarcoEdit
The icon venerated in the chapel used to be in a nearby street known as Via dell'Arco di San Marco, under the archway which gave the street its name.
Before the massive alterations to the Piazza Venezia beginning in the late 19th century, the piazza was much smaller than it is now. The eastern frontage of the Palazzo Venezia took up the entire west side, while the southern side was occupied by the Palazzetto Venezia which joined onto the Palazzo at its south-east corner. The church of San Marco occupied the north side of its own piazza to the west, with the Palazzetto forming the east side.
The Via delle Botteghe Oscure ran into the Piazza di San Marco at its south-west corner. The Via dell'Arco di San Marco exited from the south-east corner, ran along the south side of the Palazzetto and became the Luogo della Ripresa dei Barberi before ending up at Santa Maria di Loreto. The archway over it carried an elevated walkway which used to connect the Palazzo Venezia with the Campodoglio.
In 1654, the canons of San Marco commissioned Bernardino Gagliardi to paint a street icon of Our Lady, and installed it under the archway.
Miracle, and foundation of chapelEdit
The icon attracted serious devotion after a miracle was reported in 1668. A young nobleman was mugged by an assailant who tried to stab him with a dagger, but the dagger bent as if it were made of plastic and the attacker fled.
Thirty years after this, funds had been collected to furnish a chapel for the icon. The project had been sponsored by the ambassador from Venice, one of the great Barbarigo clan of Venice, and much of the money came from the local Ruspoli family. The location chosen was in the Palazzetto, which was arcaded on four sides around a central formal garden. The little chapel was in the north-west corner of the arcade, and was accessed from a doorway in the frontage on the south side of the Piazza Venezia.
In the early 20th century, it was decided to improve the layout of the area around the new Il VIttoriano and to enlarge the Piazza Venezia as a traffic hub. One major intervention was the demolition of the Palazzetto and its re-building on the west side of the Piazza di San Marco. However, the chapel was not moved there with it. Its interior was dismantled, and re-erected in a little room in the north-east corner of the Palazzo Venezia. It was then accessed by its own door from the piazza.
The chapel has been accessible to devotional visits ever since. However its profile was raised in 1957 when Mother Maria Oliva Bonaldo, foundress of the congregation of the Daughters of the Church, established a small convent attached to San Marco. This is the Casa Speculum Iustitiae ("House of the Mirror of Righteousness"), and the sisters resident there have made the chapel a centre of Eucharistic devotion. Another adjacent room in the Palazzo was taken over, and used as a chapel for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
ExteriorEditThe doorcase is marble, with simple linear molding and with a coat of arms affixed to the wall above. This is the only indication that there is a chapel here.
Icon chapelEdit
On entering, you find yourself in the tiny original chapel.
To the left is the ornate Baroque altar by Giovan Battista Contini, in polychrome marble dominated by red, yellow and green. This has an unusual form, since it is not an aedicule but more resembles a funerary monument. A coved (concave) entablature in verde antico is on top of the actual altar, and at the ends of this are two angels in white marble who are adoring the icon after which the chapel is named. The icon itself is enshrined in a coved trapezoidal slab with incurved sides, which is in red marble with a verde antico border. On top is an omega cornice (Ω), on which a pair of putti are holding a large bronze crown. The sides of the panel have swags and curlicues in yellow SIena marble, and the same stone is used for the omega cornice and the cornice of the entablature below.
The sculptures of the angels, putti and the winged putto's heads on the face of the slab are by Filippo Carcani.
Our Lady in the icon is shown suckling the Christ-Child, and above is a plaque giving the title Maria Mater Gratiarum (Mary, Mother of Graces).
A fresco of the Holy Family travelling to Egypt is to the right of the altar. It is attributed to Alessandro Algardi.
Above, the cross-vaulted ceiling of the chapel is almost completely covered in gilded stucco decoration containing tondi with reliefs, and is very impressive.
Exposition chapelEdit
The exposition chapel is through the doorway opposite the entrance. It is very plain, with whitewashed walls and ceiling. The only remnants of the former decoration of this palazzo room are narrow marble Corinthian pilasters embedded in the side walls, looking rather lost.
Access and liturgyEdit
The chapel is a popular centre of Eucharistic adoration, which has rather taken attention away from the icon. Also it has become the ferial chapel for the parish of San Marco, which now celebrates its weekday Masses here.
Mass is celebrated (parish website, June 2018):
Weekdays 7:30 (not August) and 19:30 (not Saturdays).
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for veneration after the 7:30 Mass to 12:30, then 16:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday.
The sisters celebrate the Divine Office here Monday to Friday, with Lauds at 7:00, Sext at 12:00 and Vespers at 19:00. On Sundays and Solemnities, Vespers is at 18:00.
Visitors are asked to show respect, and not to take photos.
External linksEdit
(There is no separate diocesan web-page.)
Nolli map (look for 905) (This shows location of chapel before 20th century.)
"De Alvariis" gallery on Flickr
Blog-page on Arch of San Marco (original location of icon)


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Don't stress about what has not happened yet because if you do, you create your nightmare.
There is a potential lawsuit against me.
While I am waiting for the decision, I am unable to sleep and eat properly, and I just want to stay in bed most of the time.
What can I do to feel better?
If you care about yourself other people will also care about you.
Parents should not make their children feel guilty about growing up. Children don't owe their parents anything for the decisions the parents make.
I have been diagnosed with social phobia and anxiety by a psychologist who was not able to help me overcome these issues. However, I have decided not to let that put me off.
There was an incident at work with a female colleague who had bullied me for quite a while. One day she just went too far and I threatened to beat her up. Of course I will never lift my hand to a woman, and did not mean it. Unfortunately the woman is related to the manager, who took her side and I lost my job.
I have since had chance meetings with some ex-colleagues who looked at me in a funny way, as if they want to laugh at me but not to my face. At first I thought it was my imagination, but then it happened again and again. This made me believe that they are gossiping about me whenever they can.
I am wondering whether it is possible for gossip to destroy a person's life. Do you think I should be concerned about what these people say about me behind my back? I know that I live in a large city and I no longer work for this company, but it still bothers me that these people are talking about me and I don't have an opportunity to defend myself.
Children are entitled to live their own lives. Parents should not deny their children the freedom to become adults
Click on this link to listen to the podcast.
To read more about dealing with relationship issues:
Click here if you are in the UK.
My mother won't let go of me and it is driving me crazy.
I am 21 years old and was not even allowed to arrange a birthday party for myself – not that it would have been a big party, because I only have one friend. My younger brother has already left home to study, but my mother refused me that opportunity. Instead she expects me to stay home and do all the cooking and cleaning. My mom seems to be afraid of so many things and wants me to take care of her all the time.
I recently got a job, and my mother makes a scene every time I leave for work, but I refuse to give up the job. At the same time she expects me to use my money to pay the household bills, even though she has her own well-paid job.
I have decided to leave home and move into a small flat. I don't know how to tell my mother this without having a confrontation, because I don't know how she will treat my younger sister when I leave home. I love my mother, but Iwant to have my own life and make my own rules. I want to go out with friends and study and travel.
How do I get away from all this?
When your partner is insecure, they need to deal with it. Don't allow them to use up your energy.
Click on this link to listen to the podcast.
To read more about dealing with relationship issues:
Click here if you are in the UK.
Click here if you are outside the UK.
My boyfriend is 23 and gets panic attacks during the night a few times a week. He has been for medical tests but the doctors cannot find anything wrong. He does not have much of an appetite.
He also asks so many questions – whenever I tell him something, he wants to know the smallest details. Even when I do answer his questions, he just comes back with more and more.
I feel like the longer we are together, the worse it gets. I am not sure how much longer I can cope with this. He has mentioned that he doesn't want to lose me but I am starting to feel smothered. How do I deal with this?
My boyfriend and I have been dating for nearly two years now. Our relationship was the best ever because we can talk about anything – even the stuff we have different views on. He loves to surprise me with little gifts and I always feel better after telling him when something bothers me.
About three months ago things changed for him at work, and I can see he is really stressed out. He does not talk to me about work, and he has gained weight. We don't have sex anymore because he does not feel comfortable being with me while he is so stressed. He has also developed a temper and I can see that this bothers him as well.
He assures me he is still totally committed to me, but I feel I am losing him. What can I do to help him?


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Scranton Products' Duralife® Lockers Bring School Colors and Style to Cologne Academy
Cologne Academy, a charter school in Cologne, Minnesota, has selected Scranton Products' Duralife® Lockers for their new middle school addition. Made of stylish-looking, durable, HDPE (high-density polyethylene), the lockers are designed to hold up to the wear and tear of everyday use. The staff and students chose bright blue and yellow, the school colors, which inspires pride in the new lockers.
The Cologne Academy Charter School is among the city's proudest assets. Charter schools provide an alternative to traditional public schools and operate as their own publicly funded independent school district. When the school opened in 2008, 127 students were enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Three building additions followed and today the school is home to more than 460 students from grades K – 8.
This new addition is the first of two middle school wings for the Academy and when it came time to specify the corridor lockers, Lynn Peterson, Executive Director along with the Facilities Task Force wanted to explore options beyond metal. They discovered Duralife from Scranton Products, which is the first HDPE locker designed and fire-rated for corridors.
"Durability and appearance were just two of the main attributes that led to our choice," said Peterson. "In the five years since the Academy opened, the metal lockers we have in the other buildings on campus have started to look worn. We wanted a locker that would outlast and continue to outperform the metal ones."
Duralife Lockers are designed to meet the demands of a school environment and withstand the harshest daily use. Scranton Products begins with the best material – American-made solid HDPE that is engineered for strength and durability. HDPE outperforms metal lockers at a comparable price point, providing years of everyday low maintenance. It resists dents and scratches with a non-porous surface that also resists odors, mildew, mold and graffiti, for easy cleaning and maintenance. Today, these lockers are fast becoming a trend in the halls of many schools across the country.
In addition to Duralife Lockers being the only line of solid HDPE school lockers that are fully fire-rated and compliant with NFPA 286, they are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified for Children & Schools, for improved indoor air quality.
The Academy had 170 Duralife Lockers installed in the corridors of the newest addition. According to Peterson, they also make less noise than the metal lockers. And from the students' perspective, "They are thrilled about having a full-size locker, something they didn't have before."
The entire staff, parents and students are so happy with the new lockers, they are specifying Duralife for the second half of the middle school wing and a new gymnasium. "They have performed really well and look great," said Peterson. "We'll never go back to metal."
To learn more about Duralife Lockers, visit http://www.scrantonproducts.com.
About Scranton Products
For more than 25 years, our premium brands have led the plastic partition & locker market setting new benchmarks for the industry in quality and innovation. Our well-known brands, including Hiny Hiders®, Resistall™, Tufftec® and Duralife®, feature the most durable, low maintenance and best looking partitions, lockers and industrial sheet products in the industry. They won't dent, rust or need painting, and because they have color throughout, delamination is not a factor. For more information, visit http://www.scrantonproducts.com.


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Pre/Post Venue
Kinross is the ultimate place for you to make time for romance, friends, family, and get married!
Kinross Cottages are set amongst the vineyards of the majestic Gibbston Valley. This unique property offers modern studio cottages surrounded by a paradise of water features, schist ruins and hundred year old trees.
Our self-contained cottage rooms are luxuriously homely & designed with YOU in mind! We have 40 acres of green surrounds with mountains, vines & ponds.
For a relaxing escape near Queenstown, nothing matches the location, warmth & style of Kinross.
Phone: 0800 131 101
Email: [email protected]
Interested in becoming a member?
The QWA is a "not for profit" organisation designed to bring the wider wedding community based in Queenstown closer, with a focus on providing networking opportunities and marketing initiatives to collectively promote Queenstown as a premier 'destination wedding location' by working together. If you would like to join Queenstown's most popular wedding directory then email us today for more information.


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From planning permission to completion Instant Construction can design, plan and build your extension. We will take you through planning and building regulations applications processes and provide you with all the visual and technical information you need to make sure your dream extension is delivered.
Without the hassle and expense of moving home, without sacrificing your garden and without the complications of an extension, a loft conversion with Instant Construction means peace of mind. You'll notice the difference in the excellence of the build and in finishing touches that create a feeling of quality and real style.
We specialise in providing high quality roofing installations for residential, commercial and industrial clients which includes slate, tiled and fiberglass roofings. We handle major re-roofing projects to minor domestic roof repairs to give you quality service.
Our skilled workers can carry out all the necessary structural work needed for refurbishments. From plastering and moulding to painting and decorating, our professionally trained staff are all CSCS qualified.
Instant Construction can guide you every step of the way to your new home, from planning and designing to choosing your lot and budgeting. Our new homes are built to the latest environmental standards but also to last the test of time.


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Health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide
Palmitoylethanolamide is a natural pleiotropic compound. It's a "magic shotgun" capable of modulating numerous complex systems by hitting different important cellular targets simultaneously. Oral supplementation with palmitoylethanolamide is an interesting alternative or worthwhile complementary strategy in the treatment of a large number of disease states, especially chronic pain, inflammation and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system.


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By madeleineanderson, Feb 7 2012 8:32PM
I've been waiting for a year and a half for the studio manager to realise he wanted me to have this chair all along! It will have to wait a bit longer before it gets a face lift, I'm up to my eyeballs in work at the moment. Watch this space....
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Schizandra berry is a small and bright red fruit. In Chinese, it is known as Wu Wei Zi (or "five flavour berry") as it tastes sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent at the same time.
Schizandra berries are best used for its medicinal properties, and not for eating as fruits. They can made into powder, tablets, capsules, extracts, juices, tea and tinctures.
(Image Credit: Vladimir Kosolapov – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link)
Schizandra Berry Benefits
Schizandra has balancing, regulative and tonic properties. It is an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps your body to adapt and return to a balanced state of calm and well-being. For example, it can stimulate your body when you need the energy boost and calm you down in stressful situations. Adaptogens increase the body's resistance to physical, chemical and biological stress, thereby protect against damage caused by long-term stress.
For thousand of years, schisandra has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to
– slow aging, promote youthfulness and longevity
– increase energy and prevent fatigue
– improve mental function, focus, memory and clarity
– enhance physical performance and endurance
– strengthen sexual organs
– beautify skin
– aid digestion
– reduce stress hormone levels
– protect the liver
In Russia, schizandra has been widely studied since 1940s. It is recognised as an adaptogen in the official medicine in the early 1960s and has been used as an official medicinal remedy for more than 40 years.
Schisandra Active Constituents
Schisandra contains lignans, which protect the liver and stimulate the immune system. Lignans activate enzymes in the liver cells to produce glutathione, an important antioxidant to maintaining normal liver function.
Lignans also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. They are used in drugs for treating hepatitis and other liver diseases.
Schizandra Berry: Featured on Dr Oz Show
The Medicine Hunter, Chris Kilham appeared on Dr Oz show to reveal the little known miracle anti-aging pill, schizandra berry. It contains potent antioxidants to help your skin look younger, protect it against aging and get rid of toxins from the body.
In addition, Chris recommended Schizandra berry as a great alternative to energy drinks and coffee when you need the energy boost. He never felt fatigue when taking this berry. Schizandra berry is also good for improving memory, focus and thought formation.
It can be taken in the forms of juice, tea, liquid extract or supplement. If you are taking the supplement, the recommended dosage by Chris is 500 mg/day.