text:
Americans spend about ninety percent of their food budget on processed foods, which, unlike whole foods, have been treated, stripped, altered, or refined in some way after being harvested or butchered. F Almost all of these processed foods contain additives, substances intended to change the food in some way before it is sold to consumers. Additives include flavorings that change a food's taste, preservatives that extend its shelf life, colorings that change the way it looks, and dietary additives, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other supplements. Packaging is considered an indirect food additive and, in fact, many kinds of packaging actually add substances to the food they enclose.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently lists 3,000 food additives approved for food use in the United States. F However, while approved for human consumption, food additives may still threaten our health. This is one of many reasons why it is better to purchase whole foods, or those that have been minimally processed and treated.
It is also important to note that while the FDA lists some additives that are approved for food use, many more additives are never approved by the FDA. There is actually very little oversight for many of the additives and other ingredients in our food supply. The term GRAS refers to "generally regarded as safe," the moniker the FDA uses to regulate food additives, dyes, and preservatives. But according to Dr. Michael Hansen, a senior scientist at Consumers Union, many additives in our food supply are never even tested. That's because the GRAS designation is a voluntary process—instead of being required to register food additives, companies can notify the FDA about their product, but only if they so choose.
In 2010, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the FDA is not ensuring the safety of many chemicals.
According to the Body Burden website, there are 80,000 chemicals in commerce and the site says that, "No one is ever exposed to a single chemical, but to a chemical soup, the ingredients of which may interact to cause unpredictable health effects."
Regulation and Categories of Food Additives
The food additives that the FDA does regulate are broken down into three categories. "Indirect Food Additives" include packaging materials such as paper, plastic, cardboard and glue that come into contact with food. F "Direct Food Additives" include preservatives, nutritional supplements, flavors and texturizers that are added to food. "Color Additives" are used to alter color.
Preservatives generally fall into one of three categories: those used to prevent bacterial or fungal growth, those that prevent oxidation (which can lead to discoloration or rancidity), and those that inhibit natural ripening of fruits and vegetables. F According to an article written for the FDA, "it's almost impossible to eat food without preservatives added by manufacturers," unless you eat exclusively fresh food that you cook yourself. F
Some common preservatives in wide use are propionic acid, which prevents mold in bread; nitrates and nitrites, which prevent discoloration in meat; and benzoates (most commonly sodium benzoate), which are used primarily in acidic foods to prevent bacterial growth. F
Flavorings are chemical formulations that mimic the flavors and smells of foods. F Smell is just as important as taste to food processors, because most of a food's flavor appeal to the human brain actually comes from its smell. F Most processed foods rely on these additives to restore flavor that is lost in processing or create new flavors altogether. McDonald's, for example, adds "chicken flavor," among other additives to its Chicken McNuggets.® F
Common flavor additives such as sweeteners, fruit flavors, and butter or cheese flavors are found in both natural and artificial forms. The difference between the two depends on the source of the flavor and way it was derived. F Natural flavors are often produced using just as much chemical manipulation as that used to create artificial flavors, and in some cases there is no real difference between a natural flavor and its artificial equivalent. In fact, due to impurities that result from some production processes, natural flavors can actually be more hazardous than corresponding artificial ones. FFood manufacturers often use natural flavors simply because the term "natural" is appealing to consumers.
Food flavoring is a huge business, which in 2002 was found to produce about $1.4 billion in annual sales. FAlthough some flavorings are undoubtedly safe and useful, many are used to transform low-quality ingredients into something considered palatable.
What is a Food Additive?
The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines a food additive as, "any substance the intended use of which results or may reasonably be expected to result, directly or indirectly, in its becoming a component or otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food.... [S]uch substance is not generally recognized, among experts qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate its safety, as having been adequately shown through scientific procedures... to be safe under the conditions of its intended use...." F [Emphasis added]
If the federal government itself defines food additives as being of unknown safety - perhaps that's reason enough to think twice about eating them.
Read the list of ingredients on your food package. If you can't pronounce something, chances are good it is a food additive. Here are some common additives found in many processed foods. F
• Benzoates (used to kill microorganisms)
• Potassium Sorbate (used for killing mold)
• Carrageenan (used to create a smooth texture and thicken foods)
• Propylene Glycol (thickener and texturizer, also used as antifreeze for cars and airplanes)
• Calcium Pantothenate (calcium supplement)
• Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B supplement)
• Aspartame (sweetener)
• Disodium Guanylate (flavor enhancer)
• Cochineal (Red coloring)
• Titanium Dioxide (white coloring)
Are Food Additives Safe?
Once approved by the FDA, food additives are considered fit for human consumption—but they may not be entirely safe. Some food and color additives have induced allergic reactions, while others have been linked to cancer, asthma, and birth defects. The FDA requires that all ingredients be listed on a food's label, but additives are often listed without specificity, as "spices" or "flavorings," making it impossible for consumers to determine what, exactly, they are eating. F
On the other hand, there are numerous additives that must be listed explicitly on packaging because they can cause health problems. These include sulfites, for example, which are used to prevent discoloration. The FDA estimates that sulfites cause allergic reactions in one percent of the general population, and five percent of people who suffer from asthma. FSulfite allergies can develop at any point in a person's life, and can result in acute, potentially fatal respiratory distress. F As a result, the FDA now restricts sulfite use to certain types of foods, and requires that they be included on product labels. F
Similarly, monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can cause headaches, nausea, weakness, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain, must be identified on food labels because of its potential for harm. F However, it is important to know that some ingredients are actually MSG in disguise. The terms "natural flavor" and "hydrolyzed yeast extract" are often forms of MSG. Recent research also points to health risks from eating nitrites, common preservatives used in cured meats such as sausages, bacon and hot dogs. For example, a 2006 study found that people who regularly eat cured meats have a 71 percent greater chance of contracting lung disease than those who never eat cured meats. F
There are also many cases in which approved additives once thought to be safe were later restricted or banned after being proven harmful to human health. The artificial sweetener cyclamate, widely used in the 1950s and 1960s, was banned by the FDA in 1970 after research suggested that it caused cancer. F F The color additive Violet No. 1 was used by the USDA to stamp inspection grades on beef until it, too, was suspected of being a carcinogen and banned by the FDA. F After years of use, a flavoring called Safrole that was used in root beer, as well as the common preservative BHA, were both found to cause cancer. F
Fruit juices, marketed heavily to parents of young children, nearly always contain additives, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colors. A study published in The Lancet in November of 2008 looked at the effects of fruit juice additives on children's behavior, finding that, "Artificial colors or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population." F In most cases, the increase was nearly 50 percent greater than that observed in children who consumed fruit juice without additives. F
Another study found that one particular dye acts as a "central excitatory agent able to induce hyperkinetic behavior." And yet another study suggests that the combination of various common food additives appears to have a neurotoxic effect—pointing to the important fact that while low levels of individual food additives may be regarded as safe for human consumption, we must also consider the combined effects of the vast array of food additives that are now prevalent in our food supply.
In a statement released in 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) asked for reform to the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. The group is particularly concerned about the effects these substances have on children and babies.
Animal Feed and Other Concerns
Many substances used in food production are not officially "additives," and are not regulated with human consumption in mind, but may nevertheless wind up in our food. These include pesticides, antibiotics, and heavy metals added to industrial animal feed. It has become increasingly common to package foods—especially meat—using "modified atmosphere packaging," which replaces oxygen in the food package with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. F FWhile these gases may not be used in amounts sufficient to cause health problems, critics point out that because the practice preserves color but does not prevent spoilage, it may promote spoiled meat to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. F
Many packaged meats are also injected with solutions of water, salt and chemicals to enhance flavor. A meat industry study in 2004 found that forty-five percent of pork, twenty-three percent of chicken, and sixteen percent of beef in U.S. retail stores had been injected with these solutions. F
Irradiation, which is used to disinfect and preserve meat, dairy products, nuts, spices, and other products is another common practice that may pose a health threat, yet irradiated food is not required to be labeled as such. In August of 2008, the FDA approved a rule allowing "ionizing radiation for the control of food borne pathogens and extension of shelf-life in fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach." F
What You Can Do
You can avoid food additives and health problems they may cause by eating fresh, unprocessed foods grown by local farmers. Since these foods are not transported thousands of miles, they don't need to be packaged or pumped full of preservatives before reaching you. And since they are whole and unprocessed, they won't contain colorings or artificial flavors.
When shopping in your grocery store, check labels for additives. Buy more whole foods and fewer "convenience foods," such as ready-made meals. The time you spend preparing an additive-free meal will pay off in fresh flavor and increased food safety for you and your family.
Did You Know?
• In August of 2006 the FDA approved the process of preventing the foodborne disease listeriosis by spraying bacteria-eating viruses on processed meats and cold cuts. F
• To create new flavor additives, chemists sometimes use fungal and tissue cultures—both of which can produce flavorings classified as "natural." F
For More Information
• Food: Ingredients and Colors, a brochure produced by the International Food Information Council and the FDA, provides a basic overview of food and color additive use, including an overview of the FDA's additive approval process.
• The FDA also maintains a document called Everything Added to Food in the United States, which lists all of the additives that have been approved for use.
• The Center for Science in the Public Interest has a useful page on additives, including a guide to each additive's relative safety.


text:
Triangular Wood Scouting Coin Display Rack
Scouts and adult leaders can proudly show their progress as Scouts and Scouters by exhibiting their Scouting coins on this handsome and well-designed coin rack created especially for Boy Scouts of America.
Solidly hand-crafted of wood and fitted with a brass plate bearing the laser-engraved legend "Boy Scouts of America," this stylish triangular-shaped display is dotted with brass supports specifically designed to hold all of your coins. Whether a diamond-shaped Cub Scout coin, an oval-shaped Boy Scout coin, a round Den Leader coin, or a pentagon-shaped Wood Badge coin, all will look sharp and tell your compelling story of excellence and achievement when displayed in your room, your living room, or your office for years to come. Holding up to 10 coins of approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches, it makes an outstanding gift for any Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer, or Scouter.
Coins are the new BSA tradition. From Tenderfoot to Eagle - and even for adult leaders with coins for their roles as Scoutmasters or Commissioners - a full assortment of coins on display quickly establishes the owner as an individual of character and faith, able to take command of every situation, from building a camp to building a nation. Share your story by proudly showing your Scouting path with the Boy Scouts of America Scouting Coin Display.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Gerard Butler & Jessica Alba: Coachella Weekend Two!
Gerard Butler cracks a smile as he walks around during the second day of Week Two at the 2013 Coachella Music Festival on Saturday (April 20) in Indio, Calif.
The 44-year-old actor was among the many celebrities spotted that day, including Jessica Alba who was seen walking solo.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Gerard Butler
Earlier in the week, Gerard held on to his messenger bag as he headed into an office building in Century City.
FYI: Jessica is wearing 7 For All Mankind jeans, Matt Bernson's KM Gladiator flats, and an Inhabit sweater around her waist.
10+ pictures inside of Gerard Butler and Jessica Alba at Coachella…


text:
Peter Yates
The British director earned Academy Award nominations for "Breaking Away" and "The Dresser." "Bullitt" was Yates' American directing debut. It starred Steve McQueen as a detective and featured a memorable car chase on the streets of San Francisco with McQueen at the wheel of a Mustang. He was 81. Full obituary Notable film and television deaths of 2010
Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times
Copyright © 2018, Orlando Sentinel


text:
Difference between revisions of "Banana Pancake Trail"
Revision as of 15:12, 28 March 2012
The Banana Pancake Trail is the name given to the well-trodden and constantly growing routes around South East Asia travelled by backpackers and other tourists. The Trail has no clear definition but is used as a metaphor for places that are well-visited by mostly Western tourists who have left their marks on the local tourist industry, which has created restaurants, hotels and entertainment catering to these travellers' needs.
The term "Banana Pancake Trail" is usually used tongue-in-cheek as an affectionate nickname and in reference to routes connecting the many guesthouses, cafes and restaurants that serve banana pancakes as a form of sweet breakfast.
The Banana Pancake Trail is sometimes associated with travellers who use Lonely Planet travel guides, due to the fact that this publisher's books were the first to provide information about the region and were therefore used by many backpackers. The influx of Western travellers led to the rise of many restaurants serving food adapted to their needs, including banana pancakes and other comfort foods like yoghurt with muesli and honey.
Get in
There is no firm definition of the Banana Pancake Trail, as it is a metaphor to describe the ever-developing travellers' trail going through many different places in Southeast Asia rather than an actual route or road. However, the term is used to describe, amongst others, Pushkar and Varanasi, Mcleod Ganj, Manali and Goa in India, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Hanoi in Vietnam, Vang Vieng in Laos (with its rites-of-passage river tubing), Sihanoukville and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) in Cambodia, Bangkok (with its famous Khao San Road), Pai, the islands of Ko Pha Ngan (with its world-infamous full moon party) and Ko Phi Phi in Thailand, and Penang, the Perhentian Islands and Melaka in Malaysia. In Indonesia Lake Toba, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo and the islands of Bali, Lombok and Gili Trawangan are considered to be on the Banana Pancake Trail.
As the tourism expands, the Philippines has become part of it as well, and the Trail's stops are thought to include the island of Boracay, Siargao Island, the dive centers of Puerto Galera in Mindoro island, as well as the islands of Palawan.
The Banana Pancake Trail also seems to have a northern extension in to China with Dali and Yangshuo as the major centres.
Stay safe
Don't mix alcohol and motorbikes. Cover-up and use sunscreen during the peak sun hours. Always wear condoms. Be wary of people offering drugs in the streets. And don't argue with police when they ask for traffic infringement fines. Hand 200 baht in an envelope and walk away.
Get out


text:
BANGOR — One of the most decorated musicians — as part of a multiplatinum band that ruled the late 1970s and early 1980s, and as a solo act, songwriter or producer since then — is bringing the encore portion of his successful Back to Bass concert tour to Bangor.
Gordon Sumner — better known internationally as Sting, the former lead singer and songwriter of the British supergroup The Police — has extended his 2011-12 world tour with more stops in North America and Europe, beginning in late May.
Sting will perform many of his greatest hits from his days in The Police and as a solo artist — stripped down — with a five-piece band in Bangor on Thursday, June 20. Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Feb. 1.
"Sting for us is a huge coup. The hottest ticket in the business four years ago was The Police when they had their reunion tour," said Alex Gray, an Old Town native and Waterfront Concerts promoter. "And for us too this is a big deal because it's along the lines of a big name in terms of iconic status."
Sting, who got his nickname from a black-and-yellow sweater he wore at many of his performances during his early days as a musician, was born in Newcastle, England, in 1951. He formed The Police with drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Henri Padovani in 1977, but Andy Summers replaced Padovani in 1978.
Together, the trio produced five studio albums and six top 10 Billboard singles — one of which ("Every Breath You Take") was No. 1 for eight weeks — and won six Grammy Awards over a seven-year period (1978-1984)
Since the breakup of The Police, Sting has put out 10 studio albums — three of which were triple-platinum (Recording Industry Association of America-certified sales in excess of 3 million), one double-platinum, and three others platinum. Five of his singles have peaked in the Billboard Top 10 and five others were in the Top 20.
His biggest-selling album was 1999's "Brand New Day," but while it peaked at No. 9 on U.S. album charts, two others fared better in popularity at No. 2. Those were his solo debut "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" in 1985 and "The Soul Cages" in 1991. His most popular single was "All For Love," a collaboration with Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart. The single from the movie soundtrack to "The Three Musketeers" went all the way to No. 1 in 1993.
Ticket prices, not including applicable fees, for the show at Bangor Waterfront Pavilion will be $63.25, $83.25 and $103.25. Tickets are available online at www.waterfrontconcerts.com or www.tickemaster.com, by phone at 800-745-300, or at Mark's Music at 203 Penobscot Square in Brewer.
Members of the Sting Fan Club will have the opportunity to buy tickets for the Bangor show at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, online at www.sting.com.
"We still haven't had a major hip-hop show in Bangor yet, and we haven't been super successful in tweener music like Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift, or even adult contemporary, which is huge in this market, even though we had Jason Mraz our first year," said Gray. "So we're always trying to broaden our musical offerings across the board."


text:
Former Nashua North coordinator Laurendi to coach Merrimack footballBy ROGER BROWN
New Hampshire Union Leader
March 04. 2013 9:26PM
After spending five seasons as the offensive coordinator at Nashua North, Dante Laurendi decided that he'd like to run his own program again. He'll get that chance this fall, when he'll enter his first season as Merrimack High School's football coach.
Laurendi, who spent three years as Manchester Memorial's head coach, interviewed for the Merrimack job in late February and said he was offered the job last weekend.
"Initially I was interested, but I didn't jump at it," Laurendi said. "I talked it over with my family and started to get the itch to be a head coach again. It's also an opportunity for a new challenge. I know it's a really good sports town."
Laurendi, 40, replaces Joe Battista, whose five-year tenure as Merrimack's head coach ended when he resigned earlier this year. The Tomahawks are 15-40 during the last five seasons, and have made one playoff appearance since they lost to Manchester Central in the 1995 Division I championship game.
Merrimack, which was 0-11 last year, will move from Division II to Division I next season, when the NHIAA will introduce a three-division format. The Tomahawks will be in a conference that includes Pinkerton Academy, Goffstown, Londonderry and Salem.
"Now that Division I and II are combined, anywhere you go it's going to be tough," Laurendi said. "I know there are good athletes here because they're good in the other sports."
Laurendi lives in Nashua and teaches at Nashua North. He attended Nazareth High in Brooklyn, and graduated from Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, Conn.) in 1996.
He was an assistant coach at Manchester Central before being named Memorial's head coach in 2005. After spending three seasons at Memorial, he joined Jason Robie's staff at Nashua North and helped the Titans reach the Division I championship game in 2009 and 2010.


text:
Hi everyone.. my son is 2 months old, im now back at work for about 3 weeks and pumping. I have been leaving 4 2.5oz bottles with his caregiver (in-laws). and they feel this isnt enough milk. when nursing my son eats just about every 2 hours/about 10 time a day. Im not sure if i should up his bottles to 3oz (would he still eat every 2 hours?) When my sister watches him she seems to do fine with feeding him 3 bottles of 2.5oz. Part of me feels they just want to feed him at every noise he makes... but im not sure when the right time would be to up his bottles, and would this affect him nursing every 2 hours?
thanks everyone!!


text:
Affiliate Disclosure
This website contains links to other products and services. We receive referral commissions for any products or services that are purchased from those websites through the links from this website. The commissions received DO NOT have any effect on the price of the products or services you purchase. You will pay the same for those products and services whether you purchase them through the links from this website or not.
It's also important to point out that the commissions received DO NOT affect the information, reviews, or recommendations posted on this website. We do not accept free products or services (or discounts) for favorable reviews and recommendations.
Accuracy Disclosure
We strive to keep the information on this website current and accurate but information on the Internet changes rapidly. Therefore, some information within this website may be out of date or even possibly inaccurate due to said changes. It is your responsibility to verify any information you believe is dated or inaccurate. I do not assume any liability for the information contained within this website, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages.
Other Disclosures
All product and service names referenced within this website are copyright and trademarks of their respective owners.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under our control. Therefore, we have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and may not be held liable for any losses or damages which may occur as a result of any person using information or products associated with those sites.
If you have any questions about these disclosures, please contact us.


text:
This is a acoustic and emotional music piece. It's really soothing and easy listening. It got a clean sounding acoustic guitar playing an emotional melody together with a piano & some strings to make it really sentimental.
2 Versions Included:
- Emotional Acoustic Story: 1:55 long
- Emotional Acoustic Story (No Drums): 1:55 long
Both comes in mp3 & wav.
This music fits great in youtube videos, presentations, commercials, corporate video, film or even games!
If you decided to purchase this track I really hope you'll enjoy it.Peace! /Celestial-Sound


text:
Wrongly Sold Abbey PPI Insurance PoliciesIf you have (or have had) a loan with Abbey in the last 10 years, you may be successful in reclaiming wrongly sold PPI.
In many cases, you may even be able to get a refund from Abbey if you've lost your paperwork or already made a claim on the PPI policy.
There are hundreds of companies other than Abbey PPI who also sold PPI which we can pursue a refund from if they wrongly sold you a PPI policy. We can also help you reclaim PPI from out credit providers as well as Abbey.
CONFIDENTIAL PPI Reclaim EnquiryDo you have any questions before you start your Abbey refund claim? No problem, just tap in a few details and use the comments box below.
Make contact with a professional Claims Management Company now. Your claims manager (not a call centre) will get back to you as soon as possible.
Your enquiry is confidential with no obligation to proceed. Discover how much you are owed by Abbey.
How Much Are You Owed by Abbey?
We guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will not be shared with anyone other than the people directly involved with your Abbey PPI reclaim.


text:
The Gunners play host to their bitter rivals in the early kick-off on Saturday, with the Frenchman in need of a win after a dip in form that has seen them draw to Fulham and lose to Norwich and Manchester United in their last four league games.
As revealed by Goal.com on Thursday, Wojciech Szczesny and a number of others are nearing a return, with the former Monaco manager now indicating a host of names will face late tests.
The Emirates outfit are also sweating on the fitness of a number of key men, including Theo Walcott, Mikel Arteta and Olivier Giroud, while he admitted the problems, mixed with other longer-term injuries, are giving him a headache.
The 63-year-old told reporters: "Apart from long-term injuries I get a bit confused because we have so many players who come back with injuries or small injuries. We need to see how they are today.
"Szczesny, [Bacary] Sagna, Walcott, [Alex Oxlade] Chamberlain, Arteta, Giroud - there are so many - I think I will need a few doctors this morning.
"Arteta has a little hip problem and Giroud has come back with a hamstring and calf problem.
|Arsenal are 15/2 with bet365 to beat Tottenham 2-1
Summer addition Santi Cazorla is another doubt for the visit of Spurs, after the midfielder travelled to Panama with Spain on international duty in mid-week. Wenger was glad that the 27-year didn't actually feature in the game, though the player is still not 100 per cent fit for Saturday.
"I believe he didn't need games," he continued. "He was overloaded with games so on that front I was happy that he got a little breather.
"It is not a complete breather because 20 hours travelling is of course not what we want. It's the advantage and the disadvantage of being called up in a squad. At least he didn't get injured and hopefully will recover before Saturday.
"They had 30 degrees there, so it was [good for] sunbathing!
"What do I make of it? At the moment, if you are selected you have to go, unless you say you're injured.
"I understand completely that in Spain, the competition is so high that if a guy turns it down and there is suspicion there, the next time he will not be called up.
"Could Cazorla have done without that trip? Of course. He could have got injured, so I personally don't complain, but he must not be very happy."


text:
Thank you for the outpouring of support on behalf of the entire Howe family. Gordie lived a tremendous life and we are all touched by how much of a positive impact he had on others globally.
Gordie truly loved his fans and spending time in the public life. As a family, we always said that he was at his best when he was around others. Whether it was giving a young aspiring hockey player an "elbow" for a photograph pose or pranking a fan by pretending to sign someone's forehead, he relished the opportunity to be around those who loved him. His smile and genuine care for others was infectious and inspired us all. Gordie was most passionate about his beloved wife, Colleen, his family, the game of hockey and his incredibly supportive fans.
Thank you again for all of your support.
If you are interested in donating to the Howe Foundation, founded by Gordie & Colleen, please click here
Please visit www.DetroitRedWings.com for up-to-date information related to memorial services.
Please check back in late July as this site will be undergoing updates.


text:
About RSNA
Digital technology was burgeoning in the early 1990s. At the 1992 RSNA Annual Meeting, infoRAD featured the first public demonstration of a standard for digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) developed by the American College of Radiology and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. DICOM has subsequently become the universal standard for medical imaging.
Earlier that year, RSNA made its debut on cable television. "Radiology Update," a series aimed primarily at radiologists, was produced by Lifetime Medical Television in association with the Society. Several months later, the show was cancelled when Lifetime Medical changed formats. The Radiology Today video series also was discontinued due to lack of subscribers and advertising support.
Education Center Formed
1993 was marked by many successes. The RSNA educational materials library included courses on slides and audiocassettes as well as videocassettes. To develop educational materials in new electronic formats such as compact discs and the Internet, the Board of Directors established a Learning Center. RSNA President Thomas S. Harle, M.D., headed the editorial board that selected the materials for the new Learning Center.
RSNA also began enlightening the public about the role of radiology in healthcare. The Society contributed money for imaging exhibits at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry and helped organizations, such as Radiology Centennial, Inc., educate patients about radiology.
Envisioning the Future
Concerned about the fast-paced technologic changes and the evolution of healthcare toward a managed, for-profit system, Society leaders believed radiologists must adopt a proactive stance regarding the shaping of their futures in medicine. Consequently, they created a thinktank called FutuRAD, which studied the coming changes and recommended new activities and programs for RSNA.
Meanwhile, planners of the 1993 annual meeting were taking advantage of technological changes. The Scientific Program was offered in an electronic format and a new fiberoptic communication link, called RSNAnet, allowed exhibitors to transmit radiologic images and other scientific information between the East and North buildings of McCormick Place. Also, infoRAD featured a deployable teleradiology unit for use during war or disaster relief.
In his President's Address, Dr. Harle acknowledged the relationships RSNA had developed with international organizations such as the European Congress of Radiology, the British Institute of Radiology and the Japan Radiological Society. He also announced that RSNA was developing an Office of Research Development (ORD), now the Department of Data Management, "to provide support to members in their development as researchers and investigators." 1
As RSNA objectives increased, so did the number of staff members at the Oak Brook headquarters. By 1994, the Society employed nearly 100 individuals and the staff was reorganized into four divisions: Finance and Administration (including accounting and human resources), Research and Education (including ORD and the Research & Education Foundation), Informatics and the Scientific Assembly (including information systems and related-society services), and Publications and Education (including the Learning Center, marketing and advertising).
Digital Advantages
RSNA 1994 showed how digital images could be transferred through a computer network that used the DICOM standard introduced at the 1992 meeting. RSNA members could have their picture taken at designated kiosks scattered throughout McCormick Place, then see their digitized image at a technical exhibit. The Learning Center exhibit showcased a new RSNA Web site (soon to be called RSNA Link). In addition, 1994 RSNA President O. Wayne Houser, M.D., focused on advances in neuroradiology during his address and called soft-tissue radiology "one of the most important medical advances of the 20th century." 2
More than 55,000 people attended the scientific assembly that year. Fortunately, McCormick Place was also expanding. A new South Building, with a grand concourse and 870,000 square feet of exhibit space, was due to open in 1996. Meanwhile, RSNA meeting managers obtained additional conference space by using two Lake Michigan cruise ships, which were moored in a slip behind McCormick Place.
Roentgen Celebration Year
In 1995, radiologists worldwide marked the 100-year anniversary of Roentgen's discovery of the x-ray. It was also the year during which RSNA was represented by its first woman president, Helen C. Redman, M.D., and, by the summer of 1995, Stanley S. Siegelman, M.D., announced he would retire as editor of Radiology. During his editorship, the average review time for submitted manuscripts had been reduced to eight weeks. At that time, Dr. Siegelman noted that the publications office in Baltimore received more than 2,000 manuscripts each year and that nearly half were coming from locations outside the United States. 4
RSNA 1995 convened at the end of the Roentgen centennial year. RSNA leaders chose the meeting theme "Architects of the Future," preferring to look forward rather than backward. The meeting featured a "Radiology Department of the Future," which showcased 21st-century patient care by highlighting new ideas, equipment, techniques and concepts within futuristic settings. ORD introduced a database of funding opportunities.
International Leader Lost
In October 1996, RSNA Board member Derek C. Harwood-Nash, M.B., Ch.B., D.Sc., died suddenly of a cerebrovascular event at his home in Toronto. During the previous two decades, he had been the "goodwill ambassador" for radiology by encouraging worldwide cooperation among radiologists. His position on the Board as liaison for publications was filled by R. Nick Bryan, M.D., Ph.D.
Also in 1996, the RSNA Corporate Relations Committee, after much feedback from manufacturers of radiologic devices, recommended that a white paper be developed that would "document the plight of U.S. industry and medical practitioners and describe how the worsening situation [was] ultimately detrimental to patient care and research efforts in the United States." 3
The paper, "The FDA and Its Impact on the Transfer of Technology to Radiology," was subsequently presented at a conference in Washington, D.C. Speakers representing radiology practice, industry and the FDA debated whether the FDA was too slow to approve medical devices.
Healthcare in Chaos
By late 1996, the medical field was evolving toward a system of health maintenance organizations that allegedly put profits before patient access and led indirectly to decreased funding for many aspects of medicine, including research. Radiologists became worried that in this new cost-conscious environment, many simpler radiologic procedures might be performed by non-radiologists.
To address those concerns, the RSNA annual meeting was themed "Progress Through Partnership." Society President Ernest J. Ferris, M.D., reminded radiologists that "continued cooperative efforts are necessary to provide optimal healthcare in the future." 4
Advancing computer technology helped RSNA put annual meeting publications online. Also, the Society began accepting electronic scientific abstracts of papers to be considered for RSNA 1997.
Considering Orlando
Despite more opportunities to access medical education at home, the scientific assembly continued to grow. Total registration for the 1996 meeting topped 61,500, and the Board of Directors was becoming concerned with Chicago's increasing inability to provide hotel rooms at reasonable prices. Many attendees were sharing hotel space. Others were staying in hotels in the suburbs. Consequently, the Board of Directors began considering other sites for the annual meeting.
Orlando seemed to have enough hotel rooms and a convention center large enough to house the scientific assembly, but Chicago officials soon realized their city was about to lose the largest annual medical meeting in the world and the more than $100 million in revenue meeting attendees brought to the city.
Mayor Richard M. Daley brought city officials, hotel managers and labor leaders together to develop improvements in the hospitality, number of hotel rooms available and prices offered to RSNA attendees and exhibitors. The Board decided to keep the RSNA Scientific Assembly in the Windy City until at least until 2011.


text:
DETROIT — Many of the Wings are huge Detroit Tigers fans, including Mike Babcock and Jimmy Howard.
Both were asked about the pressure of a win-or-go-home game.
"It's way more nerve wracking to watch them play than to coach us I can tell you that," Babcock said. "(Anibal) Sanchez started the night before and then I had to laugh when they asked (Jim) Leyland and it's, 'well he's my guy.' When Howie's getting bombed 6-1 in the playoffs what do you do? He's our guy. And I thought it was awesome bringing (Max Scherzer) off the bench yesterday because if you don't win Game 4 forget about saving a starter for Game 5 then you have (Justin) Verlander. To me it was exciting stuff."
The Tigers forced a Game 5 after beating Oakland in Game 4, 8-6.
"The other thing, attitude is contagious, work ethic is contagious, hitting's contagious, scoring is contagious and once they got a couple of hits the guys got confidence, it's exactly the same thing in our game," Babcock said. "Then you get feeling it, you get some swagger back and you get up there and the ball looks big again. That's what I watch when I'm watching the game. It's the same thing, it's a bunch of guys competing. The other team's competing too.
"Last year in the playoffs when Howie had Corey Perry's number," Babcock continued. "It's not like Corey Perry didn't have 100 chances, Howie had him. It's like a pitcher that's got you. Yesterday when they got to the bullpen to me that's a sign of good things to come. Go Tigers."
Babcock also is a big fan of Tigers manager Jim Leyland.
"One of the best stories I have of Jim Leyland, I was asking him about walking out there and saying you're done (to a pitcher and how it felt) and he said, 'I've pulled better pitchers than that,'" Babcock recalled. "The reality of what he's telling you it's not about the guy, but he's making decisions for the team. What I like is he does what's right. He doesn't let the fans coach the team, he doesn't let the media coach the team, he does what he's supposed to do. To me that's what it's all about you make these decisions based on experience and you go with your gut and your gut is based on a track record of being steady on the rudder and winning. You don't win over and over again, you don't become a serial winner like he is by accident so you do the right things and good things happen."
Howard was at Game 4.
"It was a blast," Howard said. "Let me tell you, in those situations, it's fun being a fan. Just sitting there cheering and now the one being in that situation. It was just fun cheering them on. That game was awesome to be a part of last night. It was amazing to watch Sherzer pitch out of that jam."
Howard faced the same situation in Game 7 last season against the Chicago Blackhawks that the Wings eventually lost in overtime.
"Usually when I'm out there I just play and whatever happens happens," Howard said. "I wasn't nervous (in Game 7 last year). Just one of those things you go out there and you play. You play hard and leave it all out there on the ice. For me, being in Game 7s and in overtimes, I just don't get nervous. It's a lot tougher to watch, just being in the stands and sitting in the stands I think it's more nerve wracking watching than it is playing."


text:
Dave D'Onofrio's Sox Beat: Legacies for a lifetime built or destroyed in OctoberDAVE D'ONOFRIO
October 18. 2013 12:29AM
IN BASEBALL, October is the month when legacies are built or broken, and labels are bestowed. Just ask David Ortiz, whose dramatic heroics back in 2004 not only helped bring Boston a World Series title, but earned himself the title of "Greatest Clutch Hitter" in Red Sox history, as decreed by team ownership — and that clubhouse coronation came a full eight years before last Sunday, when his eighth-inning grand slam tied the second game of the ongoing American League Championship Series.
The plaque matches the perception of a fan base that, for most of a decade now, would rather nobody else be standing at home plate with the game hanging in the balance. They remember all the big hits, the big homers, the big moments where he's been in the middle of everything.
And they forget that as Ortiz entered Thursday's Game 5 his .067 average put him at risk of batting .235 or worse for the fourth time in his last five playoff series.
This reminder is not meant to disparage Ortiz' career accomplishments, or to dispute the notion that he has been one of his generation's best postseason performers. Neither of those can be taken away from him. Nor can the plaque. He deserved that, too.
Rather, the designated hitter's more recent track record is relevant because it serves to remind that as the Red Sox and the rest of baseball's best play out the postseason this October — establishing legacies and getting pinned with labels — the ability to perform in clutch situations isn't always something that translates year to year, series to series, game to game, or even situation to situation.
It's something that varies moment to moment, and while there are those who have come through in those spots time and again — like Ortiz — those players are still subject to the same failure as others. And while there is certainly value to a player embracing pressure, staying in calm control of his emotions, and managing his heart rate, ultimately playoff success is still decided on matchups, streaks, and slumps.
Ortiz is an example. Entering Thursday, the aforementioned grand slam was his only hit in the series, and his only hit in seven opportunities with runners in scoring position. Carlos Beltran is another example along the same lines, as the Cardinal slugger who has a 1.160 on-base plus slugging in 44 career playoff games added to his legend with a couple big hits along the way tonight's National League Championship Series Game 6 — but is batting .176 in this round after hitting .222 in the last.
Similarly, people around here remember Curt Schilling's two ALCS Game 6 performances with the Sox — blood staining his sock in 2004, then seven quality innings in 2007 — but they've probably forgotten that in his first start of each of those series he got knocked around pretty good. If Schilling eventually gets into the hall of fame, his postseason track record will be among the primary reasons.
But no matter how many highlights a player has on his playoff reel, it doesn't guarantee anything. Heck, Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson, finished six different AL championship series with a batting average under .200.
It doesn't always make sense, but that's part of what makes baseball's final month so entertaining, so dramatic, so intriguing. Jake Peavy has been brutal in three of his four career playoff starts, but was great in the other against Tampa Bay. Mike Napoli carried the Rangers through the ALDS and World Series in 2011, but hit for no power and had just one RBI during the ALCS in between. David Freese, the Cardinal third baseman whose big hits probably prevented Napoli from winning a ring that season, has batted .192, .188, and .118 in St. Louis' last three series.
It just goes to show that success comes and goes quickly in the postseason — precisely like it does the regular season, just under a brighter spotlight.
"To me, that's what the 162 games are for," Sox manager John Farrell said, "is to get the real pulse of the individual; how they do respond to some of those situations?" Even when that question is answered, though, nobody ever really knows exactly what to expect. There are instances where decent players like Marco Scutaro, Jose Lobaton, Pablo Sandoval and Delmon Young to make a major impact by coming through when it counts. There are instances where players as supremely confident as Dustin Pedroia struggle at the plate before mishandling a routine double play ball and breathing life into a Tiger rally like he did Wednesday.
There's no question that with the game on the line, Pedroia wants to be in the batter's box, or he wants the ball hit to him, and with that attitude he's more apt to make the play than someone who'd rather be a spectator in the big moment. But sometimes the best players make errors. Sometimes they go through slumps. Sometimes — oftentimes — they fail, whether it's April or October.
The difference is that in the latter of those months, legacies are formed as the labels start getting stuck to people. Choker. Clutch. Goat. Hero. Loser. Winner.
Ultimately, though, circumstances change and this October's label won't necessarily still fit next October when the postseason comes around again, and everybody's tries in vain to predict what will happen — except for one: Champion.
That one's permanent.
Dave D'Onofrio covers the Red Sox for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. His e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
15 U.S. Code § 69b - Misbranded fur products
§ 69b.
Misbranded fur productsFor the purposes of this subchapter, a fur product shall be considered to be misbranded—
if it is falsely or deceptively labeled or otherwise falsely or deceptively identified, or if the label contains any form of misrepresentation or deception, directly or by implication, with respect to such fur product;
(2) if there is not affixed to the fur product a label showing in words and figures plainly legible—
the name or names (as set forth in the Fur Products Name Guide) of the animal or animals that produced the fur, and such qualifying statement as may be required pursuant to section 69e(c) of this title;
that the fur product contains or is composed of used fur, when such is the fact;
that the fur product contains or is composed of bleached, dyed, or otherwise artificially colored fur, when such is the fact;
that the fur product is composed in whole or in substantial part of paws, tails, bellies, or waste fur, when such is the fact;
the name, or other identification issued and registered by the Commission, of one or more of the persons who manufacture such fur product for introduction into commerce, introduce it into commerce, sell it in commerce, advertise or offer it for sale in commerce, or transport or distribute it in commerce;
the name of the country of origin of any imported furs used in the fur product;
if the label required by paragraph (2)(A) of this section sets forth the name or names of any animal or animals other than the name or names provided for in such paragraph.
(Aug. 8, 1951, ch. 298, § 4, 65 Stat. 177.)
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of functions of Federal Trade Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 8 of 1950, § 1, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175,64 Stat. 1264, set out under section 41 of this title.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text:
At Masterfeeds, it's the knowledge of our people that sets us apart. Whether you have a question about the ingredients in a feed product or want to know how to improve your animals' nutrition, our on-staff animal nutrition experts can help. Please fill out the form. We aim to respond within two business days of receiving your query.
People Advancing Animal Nutrition.
Since 1929, Masterfeeds has served farmers, ranchers and poultry producers through research-based animal feed formulations, ingredient innovations, feed manufacturing technologies and the distribution through dealer and direct sales. From feeds for horses, sheep and goat feeds, poultry feeds, specialty animal feeds, beef feeds, dairy feeds and swine feeds, Masterfeeds' Nutrition Programs are backed by a skilled group of animal nutrition experts – experts by species, and/or experts by Canadian region – who collectively formulate for the ranges of forage and health requirements, by life stage or performance stage of the specie and by the challenges and opportunities they see on a national scale.
Masterfeeds offers bulk and bag feeds, supplements, blocks and minerals, premixes, organic feeds, ration balancing, in-barn assessments as well as many specialty and back yard animal feeds through our 340+ strong dealer network and their staff, Masterfeeds Account Managers and committed Sales Staff across Canada.


text:
Walmart's proposal to expand its Hood River store has triggered an active debate on issues both local and national. Most of it has been civil and interesting; though largely unrelated to the question before the city council. Now that the city council has completed its proceedings I am free to talk about it, and I'd like to share a few thoughts with you.
If I can only get one thing across in this letter, it is that land use issues are decided by law, not public opinion. The city does not get to pick and choose which businesses come to town, and it does not get to arbitrarily decide what they can sell. We do get to set zoning law, within constitutional limits, and see that law applied fairly to all landowners.
It was my job in presiding over the hearing this month to see that Walmart's application was judged under the law, without consideration of personal or public sentiment, and received the same treatment that any other application would receive. It was a difficult task.
The vast majority of testimony we received from both sides concerned Walmart's effect on the community and the nation. I suppose we could have chosen to make a statement by deciding the issue on Walmart's business practices, but such a decision would be reversed in the courts - a pointless and possibly costly gesture.
Let's talk about what we actually could consider in our decision. A large part of our job was to interpret the 1991 planning document which allowed construction of the existing Walmart store. Sounds straightforward, but I can tell you that it took me countless hours to read the document, related testimony, traffic study, statutes and municipal code, legal briefs, and finally case law before I felt sufficiently informed to make a decision. I'm just one of seven who received this homework assignment (as well as four planning commission members before us).
You've all read assertions that our task was easy, the meaning of the 1991 document clear and obvious. The opposition lawyer made the bold assertion that there was only one possible way to interpret the order. I sure didn't see it this way.
In fact, I counted three distinct interpretations of the document in the testimony by opponents to Walmart's expansion, so apparently they didn't all see it the same way either. Two council members I respect greatly came to a different conclusion than I did, so I can safely place this in the category of issues where honest people can disagree.
Unfortunately, after rebuffing the efforts to emotionalize the issue, we're now facing a concerted effort to demonize us for our decision. You've read a lawyer's declaration in this newspaper that our decision was "outrageous." We've been subjected to claims of bias, graft, ignorance, naiveté and stupidity.
I understand the tactic of demonizing someone who disagrees with you, but I simply don't think it has a place in Hood River. There are abundant examples of the destructive results of this tactic. It's hard to move from condemning someone's motivations on one issue to working side-by-side on another.
The fact is, we took extraordinary efforts to decide this question on relevant legal grounds. We applied the required legal standard. We're certainly not the group Walmart would have chosen to hear its case. Members of the council fought the earlier "Super Walmart" proposal. We're mostly small-business owners. One of us recently had to close a small retail store. Few of us shop at Walmart.
It has been suggested that we have caved to bullying by Walmart. Walmart may have political clout at the national level, but I can't imagine what threat they could level that would matter to us.
The closest I saw to bullying was Walmart's threat in the News not to pay for a traffic signal. Since they publicly acknowledged the signal is a requirement of the 1991 order, I'm happy to let our attorney deal with that one.
Whether Walmart ultimately gets to expand its store will be decided by the courts. We can continue to argue it but the courts are not likely to take notice. It's unfortunate that we've seen this destructive style of politics pop up in our community. It's time for us all to swallow hard and move on to issues where our spirited but respectful debate can build a stronger community.
Arthur Babitz is the mayor of the city of Hood River.
Comments are subject to moderator review and may not appear immediately on the site. A user's first several comments must be manually approved by a moderator.
Please read our commenting policy before posting.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)


text:
UH Alumna Receives National Public Relations Professional AwardUniversity of Hawaiʻi
Kristen Cabral, (808) 956-5039
Public Information Officer
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced that Patrice Tanaka, CEO, creative director and co-founder of PT&Co. of New York City, is the winner of PRSA's 2002 Paul M. Lund Public Service Award.
Tanaka was born and raised in Hawaiʻi, is a 1970 graduate of Castle High School in Kaneohe, and graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1974.
The Paul M. Lund Public Service Award is presented to a PRSA member whose participation as a volunteer has increased the common good and reflected credit on the society. Tanaka is recognized for building a public relations agency specifically designed to be a positive workplace for employees and setting an example as a company that is committed to creating healthy, sustainable conditions.
Tanaka and her five partners founded PT&Co. in July 1990 upon completing a successful management buyback of the public relations firm from former parent company, Chiat/Day, Inc. Advertising. Over the past 12 years, Tanaka has led PT&Co. to become one of the nation's most well-respected independent PR firms. During that time, the agency has grown more than 850 percent, won more than 150 industry awards for its breakthrough public relations campaigns, been honored by Inside PR magazine as the "#1 Hot Creative Shop" in the country, and been saluted by Working Mother as one of "15 family-friendly workplaces in America."
Previously she was executive vice president & general manager of Jessica Dee Communications, the PR subsidiary of Chiat/Day, Inc. Advertising. Before moving to New York, she was the public relations director for the Hotel Intercontinental Maui from 1977-1979.
Tanaka serves as a trustee for the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the Family Violence Prevention Fund and Asian Women in Business. She is the president of New York Women in Communications, a founding board member of the Council of PR Firms and sits on the Editorial Board of The Public Relations Strategist, the quarterly magazine of the Public Relations Society of America.
She will be honored during the Legends Luncheon on November 18 at PRSA's 2002 International Conference, "Public Relations: Interpreting a World of Change and Challenge," in San Francisco.
The Public Relations Society of America (www.prsa.org) is headquartered in New York City, and is the world's largest professional organization for public relations professionals, with nearly 20,000 members organized into 117 chapters nationwide who represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations.


text:
Lionel Messi has revealed his debt of gratitude to Ronaldinho for helping him through his early days at Barcelona.
The four-time Ballon d'Or winner made his Blaugrana debut back in 2004, a year after the Brazilian joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain and set about becoming a Camp Nou idol.
It is a time Messi has never forgotten and he admits the welcoming presence of Ronaldinho ensured his transition to the first team was a smooth one.
He told Barca TV: I've always said, since the first moment I walked in the locker room, Ronaldinho and other Brazilians, Deco, Sylvinho and [Thiago] Motta welcomed me and provided me things, but mostly he (Ronaldinho), and I learned a lot at his side."
"It was a big help. It's never easy to go into a locker room as a teenager and Ronaldinho made everything easier. I was fortunate to live near him and share many things with him. I can say that he is a great person and that's the most important thing."
Ronaldinho lifted two Liga titles and the Champions League during a five-year spell at Camp Nou and Messi believes the 33-year-old was the biggest sole influence behind that side's success.
He continued: "Ronaldinho was responsible for changing the club. The club was going through a bad spell but it changed with his arrival.
"During the first year we did not win anything but people loved him. Later came the titles and he made all those people happy. I believe that Barca should be forever grateful for everything he did."
The Brazil international eventually left the club for AC Milan in 2008, before joining Flamengo and then Atletico Mineiro in 2012.


text:
last weekTuesday, August 30, 2011
Sweet treats were bought at the bakery. (Except for my chocolate chip cookies.)
The first day of school went off without a hitch. (Except for the fact that Andrew got lost, in his new school, at least 16 times.)
27 comments
The chocolate cake looks heavenly!ReplyDelete
I hope your son has better luck today; mine is starting Jr High in a new building also. We walked his schedule twice last week during the open house. Hope he does OK this Thursday when he starts.
The cardigan looks a lot more fun than seed stitch!
crossing my fingers for you! glad to hear that the start of school went off without too many hitches. xo.ReplyDelete
Waiting on a delivery is torture! I hope you get it today. That cake looks yum!ReplyDelete
I bet it was fun to have everyone there! Good Luck with the deliveries.ReplyDelete
Oh I have that pattern queued too - I just haven't figured out what I want to work it up in yet.ReplyDelete
I'm so glad that your week went so well - and the heart in the sunflower would have made my week all by itself.
I love the patern on your dishes (pictured just below the chocolate cake) What is it called??ReplyDelete
Hi Leslie,ReplyDelete
Oh no - he got lost! My Ben starts middle school here 1 week from today which is 7th and 8th grades only - big, big school and I worry that he'll got lost too. It's hard at first but they settle in the groove ... hopefully before Thanksgiving :)
Looks like you've started an Aidez movement! I sure hope you were able to cast on today, so you can be wearing it by the end of the week. :)ReplyDelete
Hang in there Andrew! You'll soon be a master at 6th grade!!
Awww - I love the impromptu visit by sisters. Everything looks delicious. I hope your son gets the hang of things quickly and isn't stressed out. BTW, I'm making one of those blankets too... and I totally agree. B-O-R-I-N-G. I also find it really hard on my hands (I guess the constant switching back and forth from knit to purl and vise-versa). I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your yarn comes today.ReplyDelete
Did it come, yet? Huh? Did it come?ReplyDelete
I know that feeling. It makes me feel rather empathetic when kids chant "Are we there yet?" when on a long road trip.
Looks like you had a great visit with your extended family. Hope your son soon becomes acclimated to his new school.
I see it! As a matter of fact you have influenced my eyes and now I am looking for it in my daily life too. I found it one day on the floor in a bathroom stall. The floor was red except where a lovely heart had been warn away in front of each toilet.ReplyDelete
I love the little signs my sister leaves around my house too. Which is usually abandoned water glasses.


text:
NEW ORLEANS —Shelley Anderson, whose husband was one of 11 workers killed in the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion, made a New Year's resolution to try to avoid crying in front of their children.
"Like most New Year's resolutions, I didn't do too well. Jason not being with us is hard enough for them to understand. My sorrow only makes that worse," Anderson wrote in a letter to the federal judge presiding over a plea deal that calls for BP PLC to pay a record $4.5 billion in penalties for the 2010 disaster.
Other victims' relatives are sharing their stories with U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance as she prepares to decide whether to accept the London-based oil giant's plea agreement with the Justice Department.
Wednesday was the deadline for victims to submit written statements about the deal to Vance, who is expected to rule on BP's criminal settlement at a Jan. 29 hearing.
Siblings of another victim, Gordon Jones, said BP's sentence should include a personal apology to family members. Chris Jones said he would be satisfied if BP executives and board members visited Baton Rouge and told his brother's widow and children that they are sorry.
"As an attorney, I respect the law and the rights extended to BP," Chris Jones wrote. "But what I do not and never will respect is BP's refusal to acknowledge its responsibility for this accident."
Chris Jones also urged Vance to consider stiffer penalties that prohibit or limit the company's ability to operate in U.S. waters.
"It will move on from this and continue to make billions of dollars in profit in United States waters for its stockholders," he wrote. "Whereas BP will live on, Gordon will not."
Jason Anderson's father, Billy Fred Anderson, urged Vance to reject the deal and called for BP to pay billions more in restitution, including additional payments to families.
"The plain and simple fact here is BP killed my son in their efforts to speed up operations, to save time and money not only at the expense of my son's life, but also the lives of ten of his crew members," he wrote.
Buddy Trahan, a worker who was severely injured in the blast, also urged her to reject the deal.
"It is incomprehensible that BP will be permitted to settle its criminal liability when, after nearly 3 years of opportunity, it has failed and refused to satisfactorily address the claims of victims injured or killed as a result of its conduct," he wrote.
BP agreed in November to plead guilty to criminal charges involving the deaths of 11 workers and to lying to Congress about how much oil leaked from its blown-out well. BP can withdraw its agreement if Vance rejects the deal. If she accepts it, Vance must impose a sentence that adheres to the agreed-upon terms.
The settlement calls for BP to pay nearly $1.3 billion in fines. The largest previous corporate criminal penalty assessed by the Justice Department was a $1.2 billion fine against drug maker Pfizer in 2009.
BP spokesman Scott Dean says the company "regrets the tragic loss of life caused by the Deepwater Horizon accident as well as the impact of the spill on the Gulf coast region."
"We apologize for our role in the accident, and as the company's resolution with the U.S. government further reflects, we have accepted responsibility for our actions," Dean said in a statement.
Jessica Manuel, whose father, Keith Blair Manuel, was killed in the explosion, said no amount of money will be enough to make up for her family's loss.
"My baby boy will never know what a wonderful grandfather he had," she wrote. "We can no longer enjoy holidays or family vacations without having a black cloud over us missing our dad."


text:
The Secret Behind the Mediterranean DietJanuary 2010
By Dale Kiefer
The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest ways to eat on the planet. It's rich in fiber, fruits-vegetables, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
You may be surprised to learn, however, that many of its benefits emanate from just one of its components: olive oil.1,2 Emerging scientific evidence suggests that along with other foods found in the Mediterranean diet, specific olive oil compounds—olive oil polyphenols—enhance the diet's health-promoting effects.
For thousands of years, people in Mediterranean countries have eaten a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, fish, wine, olive oil, and lean meat. The benefits of this approach are well-documented. They range from a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk to lower incidence of neurological disorders, cancer, and even age-related bone loss.3-15
Recent clinical studies indicate that these benefits result from the combined effect of the polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol found in olive oil, in conjunction with omega-3 from fish, resveratrol from red wine, beta-sitosterols abundant in plant foods, and other constituent compounds of the Mediterranean diet.16
The Power of Olive Oil Polyphenols Revealed
Experts have long assumed that the monounsaturated fat content in olive oil is responsible for most of its health benefits. But a growing body of evidence suggests that the collective effects of olive oil polyphenols are just as important.
In 2007, Spanish researchers published a review of multiple clinical trials looking at various aspects of olive oil polyphenolic compounds' effect on health. The reviewers noted that monounsaturated fat alone could not account for all the observed benefits.
"Perhaps a high oleic acid intake is not the sole primary [agent] responsible for the healthy properties of olive oil," the authors wrote. If this were the case, any rich source of monounsaturated fats, such as non-virgin olive oil, or rapeseed/canola oil, would provide the same benefits as extra virgin olive oil, they argued.17
Another large study indicated that polyphenols are the nutritional "secret weapons" in olive oil. This large, multicenter clinical trial involving 200 subjects from five European countries, examined the effects of daily olive oil consumption on oxidative damage.18
Three different kinds of olive oil were used, each with increasing concentrations of polyphenols.18 Participants were randomly given about 0.84 fluid ounces of one of the olive oils each day for three weeks.
Investigators found that all the olive oils increased beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. All three also decreased plasma triglycerides.18
Consumption of medium- and high-phenolic-content olive oil favorably influenced the total cholesterol/HDL ratio and reduced levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL).18 "The greatest effects on increasing HDL-cholesterol levels and decreasing lipid oxidative damage were observed after [consumption of] high-phenolic olive oil," researchers noted.19 This led them to conclude that the polyphenols, rather than monounsaturated fat alone, are responsible for olive oil's multiple benefits.
Olive Oil Works with Omega-3 to Prevent Atherosclerosis
Many of the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of the Mediterranean diet come from the omega-3s from fish and other seafood in the Mediterranean diet. However, recent scientific evidence showed that when consumed in combination, omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil polyphenols confer greater benefits than either nutrient alone.20-24
In July 2009, scientists presented data regarding atherosclerosis prevention in a preclinical model of atherosclerotic disease. Norwegian researchers used a blend of marine omega-3 fatty acids and extra virgin olive oil and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions was subsequently assessed.23
Lesion formation was reduced by 54% in the aorta and 61% in the aortic arch of the female animals studied. Among males, significant reductions in lesion sizes were observed solely in the thoracic and abdominal aortas.23
"This effect seemed to be [independent of] lipid metabolism and platelet aggregation," they concluded. "Hence, dietary supplementation of such an oil mixture may be valuable in the prevention of atherosclerotic vascular diseases."23
Heart Health Benefits Comparable to Aspirin
Physicians routinely recommend that patients at risk for cardiovascular disease take low-dose aspirin because of its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory action, which reduces the risk of a heart attack or ischemic stroke. Olive oil polyphenols may work just as well.25,26
A recent study demonstrated that olive oil polyphenols decrease the "stickiness" of blood platelets as effectively as aspirin, lowering the risk of clotting.26 The olive oil polyphenol hydroxytyrosol acetate inhibits synthesis of the body's natural clotting factor, according to the British Journal of Nutrition.26
A clinical trial performed on healthy male volunteers revealed similar findings. Subjects consumed olive leaf extract before submitting blood samples for analysis. Tests revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction in platelet activity with olive extract.25
Dietary olive oil polyphenols have also been shown to significantly lower experimentally-induced inflammation.27 Laboratory rats fed a diet rich in olive polyphenols have shown markedly diminished indicators of inflammation, compared to rats fed olive oil with no polyphenols.
Animals with adjuvant arthritis, a model of chronic inflammation, also fared better on a diet rich in polyphenols compared to those on diets without them. Olive oil polyphenols have even been shown to augment the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin in pre-clinical models.27


text:
By now the list of a half-century of half-tried and discarded educational remedies seeking to honor the promise of Brown v. Board of Education fills volumes: attendance-zone redistricting, busing, magnet schools, compensatory education, bilingual education, ebonics, military schools, year-round schools, single-sex schools, Head Start and multiculturalism, plus scores of other curricular reforms. While gaps between the academic achievement of white and minority children were reduced in the first decades after the end of legal segregation, they were never eliminated. By almost any educational measure, the average black or Latino child continues to lag behind her white or Asian counterpart. In 1973, with its decision in San Antonio v. Rodriguez that public schooling was not a right guaranteed under the Constitution, the Supreme Court itself effectively gave up its cause.
That threw the issue back to the states, where it has remained ever since, but where, in an accumulation of crucial state Supreme Court decisions and associated legislative reforms, the drive for decent schools for poor and minority children has taken a new, unexpected–and perhaps encouraging–set of turns.
At the heart of those cases is the principle of adequacy, a legal idea, rooted in variously worded state constitutional provisions, that's as promising as it is awkward. Many state constitutions require the state to maintain "thorough and efficient" schools or (as in New York) "free common schools wherein all the children of this state may be educated," or (as in North Carolina) to establish the "right to the privilege of education."
Most such provisions have been in state constitutions for generations. But in the past fifteen years, as state after state has adopted tougher academic standards, tests and accountability measures, those standards have become both the drivers and the gauge for new demands from parents, school districts, civil rights groups and others for better resources, especially in schools serving the neediest kids: If students are required to meet higher standards for promotion, or to pass exit exams to get a diploma, or if teachers or principals face sanctions if their schools don't measure up, the state has a commensurate responsibility to provide the resources–in trained teachers, materials and facilities–to enable them to succeed. In this way, advocates of educational equity have attempted to turn the "standards" movement–which has been championed by conservatives–into a lever for progressive change.
The list of states where this is happening continues to grow: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Wyoming, among others. The courts have ordered these states to establish systems that base school funding not on the customary political sausage machine that allocates money according to local wealth and the relative clout of competing legislative interest groups but on the closest possible determination of what it actually costs to educate each child. In some of them the judges have ordered even more specific remedies–preschool for at-risk children, for example, or wholesale curricular reforms.
In others, like California, major lawsuits are still pending. Former Governor Gray Davis, a Democrat, hired high-priced corporate lawyers to fight a California suit first brought by the American Civil Liberties Union along with other civil rights groups. The state argued, among other things, that lousy schools weren't its responsibility. After the state spent some $18 million on its lawyers, Davis's Republican successor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is now trying to negotiate a settlement.


text: Magnus Arcanis 1 Posted November 14, 2012 Hey all! I know you guys have been itching to see this and didn't want to keep you waiting any longer than you had to! Beware, the following may appear as a giant wall of text. I attempted to format as best I could, but I have no clue how well it'll turn out in the end. *Note: This is not my worlds report, but merely a thread focused on the deck I used at Worlds and Nationals. The deck is currently undefeated in two major tournaments. Has yet to miss playing a 4+ cost character on turn 2 with mulligans. Below is a comprehensive deck breakdown and some thoughts I had going into the tournaments. Deck Name: "Dinner"Other possible deck names: "Twilight Feeding" , "Broken Twilight, Broken Feeding" , "Evening Snack" , "Nom Nom Nom"Deck Designer: Tom CaporTournament: 2012 World Championship + notes for 2012 National Championships Deck Total: 50 Charactes: 38 2x *Glaaki2x *Nyarlathotep2x *Y'Glonac1x *Nodens2x Master of the Myths3x Black Dog3x The Mother's Hand3x Twilight Cannibal3x Hungry Dark Young3x Grasping Cthonian2x Displaced Cthonian2x *Basil Elton1x Corrupted Midwife3x Facless Abductor3x Many-angled Thing3x Stalking Hounds Events: 11 3x Twilight Gate3x Feed Her Young3x Pushed into the Beyond2x Broken Space, Broken Time Support: 1 1x Under the Porch Faction Break Down: Shub: 26Yog: 17Neutral: 7 The Theory and Thoughts behind the Deck: The meta this year was pretty wild. I really felt like just about anything was viable. Syndicate had their control over skill. Hastur was scary with their discard and character steals. Cthulhu is still a force to be reckoned with due to its ability to clear the board. Silver Twilight and Yog are still really relevant and offer some scary tricks. Even Miskatonic posed a threat (though, far more than I could possibly predict). I guess the only thing I wasn't worried about was Agency. So I needed a deck that could handle all of that, plus each of its hybrid versions, plus combo decks! That's a lot to prepare for. Deciding to basically ignore combo decks was my biggest risk. I rationed that Glimpse was not going to show based on how easy it was to tech against. The recently revealed (and soon to be halted) Logan+Necronomicon combo really put a wrench into things. I had made my own version ranging in speeds from winning on turn 1 to turn 3+. However, to beat that deck it would cause me to come up with a wildly different build or play a different deck entirely. So, instead of teching against it (or use one myself) I decided to try and let others do the work for me. I struggled with that decision, but since I had a bye in the first round so I was hoping that any Logan decks that entered would fall right away letting me avoid the matchup altogether. Of course, this became a moot point as no one even bothered to play either combo deck. Which I really believed played to my advantage. As for everything else… I needed a deck that could handle support cards with ease (check). I wanted to be aggressive (check). The last few years I always found myself to be in the position of having to create openings with characters sporting weak icons, so I this year I wanted to be the dominator with an intimidating field presence (check). However, I didn't want to sacrifice my speed for it either (check). The deck needed to draw well in case of discarding or a long game (check). Above all else, since we're only playing best of 1, the deck needed to be consistent (check). However, the true heart of my ability to keep this streak alive had to remain. I needed to make sure that I kept enough tricks in the deck that would not only allow me to open holes in my opponent's defenses, but also disrupt their offense as well. The nationals build felt like it had the bare minimum, but the world's version had a perfect feel to it thanks to the new additions of Master of the Myths and Pushed into the Beyond. Thus, this deck was born. Chalk full of high skill characters to combat Syndicate. Ancient Ones, consistent draw, support removal, and every character in the deck either has a Terror icon or Willpower(special exception for Basil, but he doesn't spend too much time in play anyway) to combat Hastur. Able to flood the field quickly and repetitively to combat Cthulhu. And with enough out of turn tricks to fight the remaining factions… like I told Damon after winning the U.S. Nationals… this is the best I've got (for the current meta). Honestly, I tried coming up with better. As I didn't want to show up with the same deck twice, but since FFG didn't post my deck in an article (not sure why they haven't yet as I gave them permission, but they said they had plans for it) and I was unable to post for so long (due to pc problems). Since this deck was a secret kept by accident I took it as a sign and gave myself the green light to play it again. As a side note. I am, in no way, saying that this deck is unbeatable or whatever. I'm simply saying that for the goals I had set for building my deck were not only achieved, but surpassed any other attempt I made at building a deck designed to reach same goals. Why the Deck Wins: The easy way to answer this is… it's strange. Theres nothing new about this deck on paper but it doesn't play the way you'd expect it to. Turn one, I often do nothing or maybe play 1 small 2 cost character. Not unheard of, but strange. Now, most people are going to assume I have some sort of trick to defend myself and commit to stories very cautiously. They're right to do so of course, but instead of playing against what is on the field they to worry more about playing against what is in my hand. Which for someone who's not used to that… it can be really off putting. Then on my following turn I can go from having zero characters to several and they're no mooks. They're Ancient Ones or wreaking machines like Displaced Cthonian plus some other possible friends like The Mother's Hand or Stalking Hounds. So, all of a sudden you're behind and to recover you have to get past some of the most powerful cards in the game! Even if you managed to keep your sanity, the deck doesn't stop. It just keeps coming with more and more large and intimidating characters. It's strange in that you'd think it would run out of steam eventually, but every draw has a high percentage chance of pulling up another large character to replace any of the ones lost. Add in board wipes like Nodens and Nyarlathotep not letting your oppoenent resource cards how they want can be rather disorienting in such a subtle way. How to Play the Deck: On the surface, this is a very simple deck to run. Try to go first if you can and mulligan to a hand that allows you to play Feed Her Young or Twilight Gate (rarely will accelerating your big domain not be the best idea). At some point before you reach your second turn you want to have 3 resources on a single domain. Granted, if you deem the situation necessary, you can skip doing this and doing a 3/2 for you two main domains and be just fine. However, I've yet to run into the need but I recommend only doing this if you're using Feed Her Young. The deck is designed to always threaten with "Pay 1" effects and going 3/2/0 could put you in an awkward (and easy for you oppoenent to predict) position. You accomplish this by either playing a strong cost 2 character followed by Feed Her Young or Twilight Gate over a character to the domain used to pay for Twilight Gate. Then on your second turn you'll typically want to resource to 4 on your main domain and drop the biggest, most intimidating character you can. From then on you can resource to 5 in case you need to pay the full cost for Nodens or build up a second domain (or rebuilding your empty domain to 1 in case of Twilight Gate). Of course, building up to 6 isn't out of the question either. Especially if you've drawn both copies of Glaaki or are facing a lot of "return to hand" effects as Glaaki tends to play a big role in most games. As far as general strategy at stories… it can't be any simpler than this. In most match-ups/situations you're going to out-icon and out skill your opponent. All you have to do is be smart when committing. If you don't leave yourself too open to counter attack it's difficult for this deck to fail. Deck Advantages: - Almost guaranteed to play an Ancient One on turn 2 or other characters of similar power level.- Beef! You 38 bodies in this deck. Most of which have at least 3 icons, which most of them aren't redundant in a bad way. Which might be the most out of any deck that I've ever used or seen in a tournament.- No shortage of tricks. Be it Twilight Gate, Black Dog/Master of the Myths, Pushed into the Beyond, Y'Glonac, Facless Abductor or Under the Porch you can make plenty of holes on your opponent's board position.- Easy and simple solutions to common problems. For example, Displaced Cthonian solves most problems involving support cards. Your opponent floods the board with cheap low skill characters in an attempt to out race you to stories can be easily handled by Nodens. An opposing Ancient One or other heavy icon beast standing in your path to victory? Just call Glaaki or Y'Glonac to solve your problem. Pushed into the Beyond will also elegantly take care of any problems you might be having with any individual character.- Able to ignore many of the metagame's current top strategies just by being so fast and so unrelenting with such large characters.- Draws extremely well. Even with an empty hand I can pretty much bank on the deck producing at least 1 large character off the top. Deck Disadvantages: - Very stressful opening moves. You have to be smart. Keep your Twilight Gate defenses versatile. Make sure you have a way to drain your 2 resource domain so you can play Feed Her Young on it. Try not to resource Stalking Hounds, Black Dog, or Master of Myths immediately as you may need them to defend yourself. The first round of turns is all about mitigating the damage your opponent can do and if possible reduce their board position.- Opposing decks that can easily handle Ancient Ones while fielding some of their own can be problematic when trying to use Broken Space, Broken Time. Thanks to Pushed into the Beyond this isn't nearly as bad, but ideally when your opponent also picks up their deck to pull out an Ancient One you'd typically want to bring out Glaaki to deal with the new threat. However, since you're (usually) not at 6 resources to easily replay or recover Glaaki should your opponent have the means to remove it from play you can be caught in a rather unfavorable situation.- Combo decks. This version has so few options to deal with today's combo decks. It's not without answers, but none of them are particularly reliable or even optimal. However, this deck can be modified to deal combo decks, but each "counter card" added can significantly take away from this deck's overall power and consistency. Individual Card choices and why: 2x *Glaaki – My favorite giant slug. This guy just wins battles! He's primarily in here for his ability to handle problematic icons. 2x *Nyarlathotep – The deck's restricted card. Honestly, it was a toss-up between him and Negotium Perambulans in Tenebris . However, believing that my deck could handle low cost rush decks without the conspiracy allowed for a more streamlined deck that put a heavier focus on characters. Plus, having Nyarlathotep gave me hope against decks that I'm weak against by having my opponent resource something they needed. Also, the big guy creates a lot of extra unique problems from my opponents. Especially for players running complex decks that take choice of resourcing for granted. 2x *Y'Glonac – This disruptive gem of an Ancient One has been a favorite of mine for as long as he's existed. He's able to do so much with so little that it's hard to imagine a Shub deck without him. Plus he makes for an excellent turn 2 play when you likely have nothing but 1 resource on your other domains anyway. 1x *Nodens – Nodens is a bit tricky. He is really only there for that emergency case when your opponent floods the field. Otherwise he sits in the hand waiting for an opportunity to strike as this deck contains a lot of 2 and 3 skill characters. Main reason behind only having a single copy. However, keep in mind that Noden's ability is optional. Thus, if you need it. His skill and icons can be merely added to your forces. 2x Master of the Myths – Not originally in my Nationals deck (an admitted mistake). Originally I had a pair of Dreamlands Fanatics. With more time to iron out the deck this change made all the sense in the world. I primarily use him to not just block but more specifically as way to deny my opponent a victory in the Arcane Struggle or to goad my opponent into draining an extra domain (to play their own) should they feel the need to win it. Otherwise, Master of the Myths is the one of, if not the best, blocker in the game today and having his ability only cost 1 synergized well with the deck's strategy. Also, a side note. When going second this can be paired with Feed Her Young to create a better turn 1 for you. 3x Black Dog – Similar to Master of the Myths, Black Dog is a huge deterrent. Opponent's must always respect the Black Dog for his bite is worse than his bark. The reason for 3 of BD instead of MotM is simple. Resource match, easier to play normally, and fear. Most smart opponents will always believe that you have the dog in hand and attack accordingly thus narrowing his options whether you actually have him or not. Which, in turn, causes your opponent to place fewer success tokens in the early turns of the game. 3x The Mother's Hand – In this deck… it's cost may as well be 0. And those that know me, know how much I love not paying for useful cards. Since we're building to 4 resources on turn 2 anyway… this gem allows us to quickly flood the field with decent combatants. 3x Twilight Cannibal – Great icons, high skill, low cost. Add in some toughness and you have one hell of a durable character. If I need the beef for blocking, theres no shame in pulling him out for Under the Porch or Twilight Gate. As an added bonus I don't think Hungry Dark Young could ask for better friend at stories. 3x Hungry Dark Young – A common resource for Twilight Gate trickery, HDY is an excellent choice at all phases of the game. During your opponent's first story phase HDY and his friend can block up to 2 story cards and possibly nullify up to 4 opposing characters. Paired with Basil Elton can turn him into a poor man's The Mother's Hand. Combo with Under the Porch for some serious discard pile recovery should the need arise. 3x Grasping Cthonian – Solid stats and a quick answer for individual support cards. Pairs well with Twilight Gate and Under the Porch. A no brainer for this style of deck. 2x Displaced Cthonian – This beast causes support heavy/reliant decks to weep. Good stats and the fact that his ability doesn't require additional resources to continue to use his effect in a deck with so few support cards make it an ideal choice. Basically, with so many powerful support cards in today's meta, this guy lets you have your cake and eat it to. Only went with two copies because of simply how well he does his job. Just one in play is more than enough. 2x *Basil Elton – Another card that lets you quickly flood the field with powerful characters. Really, Basil is the harbinger of hopelessness. Allowing you to drop an additional cost 4+ character in a single turn can quickly demoralize an opponent. Only went with 2 copies because you can have too much of a good thing. Basil is the weakest thing I can draw when top decking on an empty hand and only useful in the first few turns of the game unless I find a way to refill my hand. 1x Corrupted Midwife – My token fun card. CM might not be the most optimal or streamlined choice for the deck as its typically not needed in most games, but I love it in close/long games. Being able to recover some of my biggest characters at crucial points allowed me to win several games that I normally wouldn't of been able to. Only went with one copy because it's not a card I normally rely on and for stats they were/are better options. 3x Facless Abductor – Ok stats for a 2 cost character, but is capable of throwing some serious wrenches in your opponent's plans at/in any phase of the game. 3x Many-angled Thing – "Polygon" here is simple, yet effective. Creating a 2 for 1 (my opponent losing a character, me gaining a character at the cost of paying for only 1 card) swing every time I play it is just pure advantage. Plus, it can be an ideal Twilight Gate target as well. Your opponent will need every character they can get their hands on against this deck and depriving him of even the weakest of their arsenal all adds to your impending victory. 3x Stalking Hounds – Acts as a deterrent for your opponent to play characters through non-standard means. Which… is really common right now. Plus the hounds really help out when your opponent also grabs a character from Broken Space, Broken Time. Worst case scenario, this deck can easily pay the 4 cost to put it into play. Also, a strong counter to Uroborus + Temple of Ry'leh combo. 3x Twilight Gate – Possibly my favorite card in the game, but definitely the best card in the deck. Always a good play regardless of who's or what turn it is. 3x Feed Her Young - Realize this. Using cost reducers may be more efficient in the short term, but in the long run having a domain with 4 real resources is far superior in my opinion. However, the cost I pay for is that 26 total shub cards in the deck. When using a card like this that has triple steadfast and a strong desire to play on turn 1… Having over half of the deck matching those steadfast icons is mathematically necessary. Sure, I would love give a few shub slots to some neutral or yog cards instead, but I wasn't willing to miss. I wasn't willing to add to the risk of not having a 4 cost character enter play on my second turn. 3x Pushed into the Beyond – Be gone! Obviously I didn't have this for nationals, but glad it was ready to go for worlds (replaced 1x Ya-te-veo and 2x Forgotten Shoggoth to deal with the threat of the Glimpse deck). Being able to easily resource up to 6 means that I had at least one answer for virtually any threat that I could possibly face. An answer that can be played during any phase regardless of who's turn it was. 2x Broken Space, Broken Time – 2 extra copies of each of my Ancient Ones. Ran only 2 copies because I didn't want to rely on it to bring out my Ancient Ones. Flux Stabilizer and opposing Ancient Ones were and still are a concern. 1x Under the Porch – The one support card. I basically puts a an additional copy of each Shub character into the deck. Plus I kind of wanted to have a target for "The Heirloom" story card. With Displaced Cthonian in the deck, I couldn't field too many support cards knowing they wouldn't last long, so Under the Porch is a good fit. Like Corrupted Midwife, it's more of a mid to late game card. Plus with my opponent's hand likely being chalk full of anti-support cards towards the beginning of the game I wasn't willing to rely on its effect going off to warrant additional copies. That being said, it can be a huge boon to any Shub heavy deck. To recreate my nationals deck: 3x Pushed into the Beyond + 2x Master of the Myths -> 2x Dreamlands Fanatic, 2x Forgotten Shoggoth, 1x Ya-te-veo Dedication: I would like to throw out some thanks to Chevee Dodd, Mike Mazur and Rhett Jenkins for assisting me in creating/tuning/testing this deck. At this time I will open up the floor to any questions or comments and remind everyone to keep an eye out for my tournament report(s). Technically I still think I owe you guys one for gencon too and I'll do my best to recap those events as well. However, computer issues do still tend to plague me and ask for you patience while that is being resolved. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
By Liam Twomey
Dimitar Berbatov's "class" has been the key to making Fulham the entertainers of the Premier League this season, according to team-mate Steve Sidwell.
Having lost last season's top scorer Clint Dempsey and powerful midfield playmaker Mousa Dembele to Tottenham last season, a difficult season appeared in prospect for the Cottagers.
But after 12 matches Martin Jol's men find themselves ninth in the table, five points better off than at this stage last season, with their tally of 25 goals scored only bettered by Manchester United.
Key to the Fulham revival has been Dimitar Berbatov who, having arrived from Old Trafford on transfer deadline day, has netted five times and thrilled fans and neutrals alike with his skill.
And Sidwell is in no doubt as to the impact the elegant Bulgarian has made since his summer move.
"After losing Clint, our top scorer last season, and Mousa, with the type of player he is, the fans thought 'This is going to be a tough season', and us players thought it too," he told Goal.com.
"But we brought in quality too. With Berba, people can see what he's done already in games, and the class that he brings.
|Dimitar Berbatov is 16/1 with bet365 to score two or more againt Stoke
"He's got that class, and he shows it day-in and day-out in training.
"As a footballer you know that if you get the ball into him it's going to stick, and if you make runs off him that he's going to make chances."
Sidwell himself has played a significant role in Fulham's impressive early season form, scoring three times and being ever-present in a dynamic and expansive midfield.
It is something of a personal renaissance for the 29-year-old after difficult spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa, and the man himself credits the welcoming atmosphere at Craven Cottage.
"My time at Reading was fantastic, and I enjoyed every moment of it," he continued.
"In truth, I've enjoyed myself at every club I've been at, because it's been a good experience, whether good or bad.
"Sometimes you go to a club and it just doesn't work out. Unfortunately that happened at Chelsea, and it never really got going at Villa.
"But as soon as I stepped through the door at Fulham it felt like being home. It's a good, family club, and I hit the ground running because I felt comfortable.
"Being back in London was good too. As a footballer, when your life is settled off the field then your football takes care of itself."
Earlier this month Everton midfielder Leon Osman was awarded his first England cap against Sweden at the age of 31 – the fruit of over a decade of consistent service at Goodison Park.
Sidwell, himself uncapped, is heartened by the call-up, and believes it shows that the international door is always open for those who perform consistently at club level, regardless of age.
"It gives any player hope," he admitted. "When a new manager comes in, it's a fresh start for everyone.
"As far as Leon Osman was concerned, I think it was quite long overdue. He's been one of the most consistent midfield players the Premier League has seen.
"But it goes for any player. If they perform consistently for their club, and they're playing well, then they've got a chance to play for their nation."
Steve Sidwell was a guest captain at the Black Ops 2 Live eSPORTS tournament, in partnership with SBTV. The tournament was part of a four day event to celebrate the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, which is out now. To find out more about the game head to http://www.callofduty.com/blackops2
Follow Liam Twomey on