text:
The New Partisan Divide in Public Opinion about Stem Cell Research
Science and the Media
Matt Nisbet
January 9, 2006
It is still too early to gauge any public opinion fallout from the Korean stem cell scandal. The event is potentially important since the most extreme research opponents have long claimed that scientists can't be trusted, that they are driven by profit motive and fame, and that they violate basic ethical rules to advance their own agendas. Some critics have even alleged that embryonic stem cell research is "junk science".
Before last month, it was easy to dismiss these critics, with their claims argued almost exclusively at conservative outlets like the Weekly Standard, National Review, and Fox News. However, the Korean scandal provides for the first time real-life fodder for the grist mill of stem cell opponents. No matter how isolated and unrepresentative, the events lend momentum to a re-framing of stem cell research into a debate about scientific fraud and untrustworthy scientists.
One of the key variables to watch in understanding the public impact of the Korean stem cell scandal will be the amount of media attention the controversy generates beyond just the elite news organizations. According to Lexis-Nexis archives, in the month of December, the Korean scandal was featured in 15 articles (3 on the front page) at the New York Times, and 6 articles (3 on the front page) at the Washington Post. At National Public Radio, 7 stories appeared on either Morning Edition or All Things Considered, and the scandal was a topic of discussion on three consecutive weeks of NPR's Science Friday.
Despite this attention at the elite national outlets, in my search of Lexis-Nexis and various Web sites I find that smaller regional and local papers devoted only an average of 3-5 stories to the topic. At the TV news networks, the scandal was barely mentioned. At CBS, there was one story on the Early Show, but no coverage on CBS Evening News. At ABC, there was one story carried by Good Morning America, but no reporting on the topic on World News Tonight. At NBC, there was one report at the Today Show and one report on NBC Nightly News.
Though it may be too early to measure the impact of the Korean events, accumulated poll data from 2005 reveals a new troubling dimension to public opinion. Last year, in the weeks following the Presidential election, I detailed an apparent paradox: In a campaign that was allegedly defined by voter preference for "moral values," aggregate public opinion had shifted to slight majority support for embryonic stem cell research.
But in 2005, polls show that the gains in public support for embryonic stem cell research have occurred almost exclusively among Democrats and religious moderates, while Republicans, white evangelical Protestants, and church-going Catholics remain anchored in their opposition. In fact, it is likely that the 2004 Kerry campaign catalyzed a divide between Democrats and Republicans on the issue, as public opinion about embryonic stem cell research now appears for the first time to split relatively cleanly along traditional party lines.
According to data from the Pew Center for the People and the Press, in December 2004, 56% of surveyed respondents said it was more important to conduct embryonic stem cell research than to protect embryos, an increase over 43% in 2002. Yet among Evangelical Protestants, only 33% said it was more important to conduct research, compared to 69% of non-Evangelical Protestants. More revealing, however, are the changes over time within these groups. According to the Pew data, since 2002, there has been a +18% change among non-Evangelical Protestants, but only a +7% change among Evangelicals.
In other representations of public opinion, Gallup polling (Newport, 2005) indicates that estimates of the moral acceptability of research among Catholics varies significantly by level of commitment, with only 37% of weekly church-going Catholics answering that research was morally acceptable compared to 58% of Catholics who attend church nearly every week or monthly, and 68% of Catholics who seldom or never attend church.
The Pew survey taken in December 2004 also shows a major gulf between Republicans and Democrats in their evaluations of stem cell research. Among Democrats, 68% answered it was more important to conduct stem cell research that might result in medical cures than to not destroy human embryos. In comparison, only 45% of Republicans and 58% of Independents said it was more important to conduct stem cell research. There are also important differences in how opinion shifted since 2002 across these groups. The percentage shift among Democrats was +23% compared to only a +7% change among Republicans and a +9% change among Independents.
The Pew findings do get somewhat more encouraging when examining moderate/liberal Republicans. In the December survey, within this group, 55% said it was more important to conduct research, compared to 40% of their conservative Republican counterparts, a difference in public opinion that reflects the conflict in Congress between many conservative and moderate GOP members.
Confirming these trends, Gallup polling over the last year also indicates a sharp partisan divergence in views about the moral acceptability of research (Carroll, 2005). In May 2002, 54% of Democrats and 52% of Republicans indicated that using stem cells obtained from human embryos was morally acceptable. In May 2003 and May 2004 the gap widened slightly, but in both years the difference remained within the margin of error for the sub-samples. Yet after the 2004 Presidential campaign, in May 2005, the partisan gap had widened to 23 points, with 72% of Democrats now indicating that stem cell research was morally acceptable while the opinion of Republicans remained relatively unchanged at 49%.
Other recent survey findings reveal that therapeutic cloning still lacks majority public support. In the September 2005 VCU Life Sciences survey, only 43% of Americans answered that they favor "using cloning technology to help medical research develop new treatments for disease," a level equivalent to the 45% support in 2002. When asked more specifically about "using human cloning technology if it is used to create human embryos that will provide stem cells for human therapeutic purposes," only 34% were in favor.
In conclusion, these results show that communication campaigns have moved many Democrats, non-church-goers, and moderates beyond a "yuck factor" reaction to stem cell research using spare embryos, and this shift accounts for the slight majority support in polls at the national level. Absent long term generational change in the religious and ideological views of Americans, at the Federal level, scientific institutions may be forced to re-evaluate just how well their goals ultimately match the values and policy preferences of a sizable proportion of the public. Others have argued that if and when stem cell therapies are available to the general public, support will quickly follow. In the meantime, however, perhaps the focus on funding stem cell research in science-friendly states remains a best strategy for stem cell proponents.


text:
In these lands of Siberian, these hot and humid lands.....
So as I mentioned before, there has been a short delay in writing on the blog because I was going to be away at Curious Pastimes for the entirity of the weekend. Well, after recovery on Wednesday (down in Thetford with the guys from the Battlehammer) and going back to work yesterday, I finally think I can get thoughts on to the paper... fine, down onto the screen... and actually give people a bit of a fallout/review of what went on.
Except for one small issue, I pretty much managed to by pass all of the plot for the entire weekend. I have absolutely no idea how I managed it, but not once did I get involved in the World Plot or any of the my groups (the A'Kesh) faction plot. I must have been in the middle of some sort of plot void for all 4 days of the event. Now partially this is down to what I do as part of this fantastic game world, but before I get into the specifics of Renewal itself, I think I should impart some general background in terms of what I know about CP and what this LARP is actually like. I've been there for 8 years now (CP is 20 years old so I've not even got half of a full understanding of what is going on), and I've sampled the game as both a player, and for the last 3 years as a volunteer faction ref within the Mercenaries. So, lets basically tackle this in a bit of detail.
So, the real basics for people who don't know. LARP stands for Live Action Roleplaying, and basically if you take the idea of almost any fantasy book, get real people to play the characters, then get them to wear the correct costume and actually got and have all the fights and conversations in real life out in a field somewhere... well you won't really be close at all to what it is all about but you'll get close to the idea. Common jokes in the community are things like calling it "Cross Country Am-Dram" or "Full contact Cowboys and Indians". The simple thing is it is really hard to explain, but there are aspects of standard RPGs, Cosplay, Medieval Reenactment and camp fire story telling mixed together. Frankly, there isn't really anything better than LARP for allowing you to abandon real life for a bit and go and do/be something else for a while.
And there in lies the key. LARP isn't about ignoring real life, LARPers in general are from massively dirverse backgrounds and have massively different approaches and outlooks on life. It's about putting it down somewhere safe, that you know you will be back to later and it'll be exactly how you left it, but in the time you are away from it you can just let loose and not have to worry for a while.
Curious Pastimes
So in terms of LARPs there are quite a few varieties; local club, national system and fest spring to mind, but there are more. CP falls into the Fest variety, and basically to fulfil that mark, most fest systems meet up may be 3 or 4 times a year, but support a site of at least a few hundred people all involved in the game, and a cast and crew dedicated to rolling out NPC charatcers and delivering the story and the plot to as many people as possible over the weekend. In addition to this, most fest systems tend to pull out some immense battles (with half the player base getting into more generic kit and being the bad guys for the day, and then swapping over for the second battle later on). In addition, every now and then a Faction will "go on manuevers" and do a couple of encounters during the day for people to play around with. At least a few systems discard some or all of this in order to include Player vs Player combat (normally the battles are then faction vs faction), or allow the players to generate their own plot rather than supporting an ongoing story from within the crew.
CP goes with the Crew system, with player vs monster battles, and monster slots. It also has some of the riches plot going in any system I have had a chance to be involved with. The Game Team (the "reffed" members of the crew), as well as the faction commands for each faction, work heavily to write, check and the supply plotlines to the players with the vague hope that everyone will engage with the plot and not try to stear it off a cliff, into a river and through a volcano... invariably adjustments need to be made regularly.
I've been fortunate enough to play in 3 factions since I joined in 2008, starting with what was then known simply as the Vipers, moving over to the Lions and then being one of the original hangers on to the A'Kesh when they started in 2012. I've not changed character since, which also includes keeping the poor sap alive somehow, and its been one hell of a ride. The "World" plot has moved through from a war against Terror itself (the physical manifestation of it, plus all his mates), and we are now looking at a return to war with the Fae families having fallen out with each other over whether mortals should be allowed to live, and if they really should have a single king or not. Fae are, for want of a better term, Bel.. sorry.
Renewal 2016
Every year, Renewal runs out as the flagship event for CP. Help near Gerrards Cross, around 800+ people decend on to the site, beginning Thursday (for those that want a social night before the event).. now some people are there before this time to do the work of making a scout campsite look like some part of a fantasy world, but the vast majority start appearing on the Thursday. By 7pm Friday night we are all in, and off we go. Time in called. I enter the mind of Sul, a disgruntled former warrior, a man who has tried to lead his people in war for 3 years, struggled and failed, and due to injury has been forced to change his skills to those of a Ritualist to try and help people that way. Of course, all characters are based on what you think you can play and what you think you can do. Sul started out as a warrior character and then my back started going into spasms last year and it was over to being the ritualist. His personality has always been that he has been a bit of a "nearly man" back home, but now in the world of the factions, he has had the chance to take what he desires and prove how good he is (having fluffed the warrior bit a little as I'm not a good figther, being a ritualist has kind of given me the chance to achieve both parts of Sul's plan).
So the first thing I did when time in was called.. well it was straight up to the ritual circle to do a ritual 1 hour in.. and thus a lot of running around, getting the necessarily people to help me (leads need contributers), and then telling them what to do in my first ritual for the weekend.
Rituals are, for the most part, a condensed roleplay dramatisation, put on the for the masses (or lack there of in a lot of cases.. something which is a bit of a shame to be honest). Rituals are performed in a circle (sometimes called the "Circle of Look at Me" - one of the Game Ref's used to do a lot of rituals as a player and is known as look at me!), marked by a ref, and allow you do do a miraid of "mostly permenant" effects on items, other people, or in the world in general. Used mostly as a method of empowering (read this as recharging) magic items, most Factions have dedicated individuals who use a lot of their time getting the rituals right. The Mercs have had it harder, as Mercs don't tend to work together. The idea of a ritual team that works together constantly and doesn't have other things to do all the time.. thats a novelty. Hence the running around before rituals.
Either way we managed our Friday ritual and then 20 minutes later, with more cat herding we hit our second ritual as well. Both our Friday rituals done, and a bit of dealing to get some other things done more easily the next day. I broke for the night feeling pretty good with myself (after all rituals can and do fail, so 2/2 completed it a nice feeling). It was at this point that I could now roll down my sleves and get into the plot. Except, now the Mercs were on Monster duty. Wrangling up food, and then up to the Ref hut to be confronted with 100 Merc players all ready to give a good showing of themselves. I do love reffing with the Mercs when we gather up these numbers for Monstering. We got to mess around with the ritual circle (its like I can't leave, and Saturday will prove that). Monster slots are 2 hours long, and post the ritual I completely forget what I then went an did. I can not remember a damn thing about the rest of the night (and there was no alcohol involved).
Saturday, up at 9 and off I went into the Merc camp. In a strange way it was quite a nice morning. I had little to do til midday, where there was an hour long ritual lesson being set. This is something I love about CP, the Game Team put a massive amount of effort into helping the players develop and learn how the game works and what they can do. The Academy of War is a player lead (Game supported) organisation that can let players learn new skills and abilities (something that you are normally capped to one of per year with a maximum of 7 (10 with bonuses)). The college is more of a magical debating and research group, run by both Game and Players in tandem. There are Blacksmith guilds, Surgeon Guild etc etc, all there to help progress fields within the game, and Ritual School is a new one started this year, support by the lovely Zara (special mention here, because Zara has kept pushing my Ritual game since I started last year). We hit the hour long ritual school, and decided to play about with a special ritual to get us all thinking, and immediately afterwards my props and contributers arrived to do our ritual.. which had 2 more items in it than I expected. I was meant to just be renewing 1.. I had a play for 1.. fine. a rewrite of a ritual in 10 minutes and bosh 3/3.
Right, lunch, because I've been playing now for 3 hours and not had anything to eat yet. Mhorish are my current choice for sustenance. They supply 3 meals every day, and supply a ticket based system where you can buy in to the whole weekend if you so desire. The price is massively discounted, so unless you are just topping up a self catered menu or want to shop around for food then getting the tickets is so worthwhile.
I've still not encountered a single item of World or Kesh plot. I'm so busy thinking about the ritual I have coming up that I basically spend the next hour or so with a ref radio on and not listening to anyone else. This one is the biggy, the one I've been dreading and looking forward to all weekend. I'm going to make a banner, a really good banner, for a Mercanary group called the Black company. To be honest I've messed them about a bit. I was supposed to start this at event 1, but as people know I flaked out of the event. Event 2 was no better, and at the Event 3 (I actually made it this time) I had no experience of the group of contributers nor they of me, that I cut the ritual down and only did the first part of what was needed (normally parts 1 and 2 can be done together, to then tackle the big part 3 on its own). So.. for my next trick I'll do part 2, and part 3, at the same time.
I don't really remember the next 10 minutes plus of ritualing. I remember we had to fight our way back to the ritual circle because it got monstered again right before we started. Damn monsters. I remember carrying the banner around while we fought and ran around from fear effect (which amused me a the time seeing as the banner was going to be able to let the Black Company resist that kind of stuff). I remember getting back and demanding the circle let me enter so that I could clean up the mess the monsters had left behind. After that.. its a bit of a blur. I know my directions weren't completely followed from the original plan, but it was close enough that it didn't matter and I could wing it. I know that it went well. I know the Black Compnay that weren't pulled into the circle with me were singing. There was a lot of screaming going on. It was fun. There was an honour guard for me (well probably the banner) when I finished and left the circle. I know we got a complete success. I was pretty happy and 4/4 was good.
For the life of me, what the hell did we actually do? I mean, yes I still have the bullet point idea in my head, but I'm in that damn circle and I never get to see what we do, how it looks. Slender Pictures if you happened to record this ritual (or any of my rituals) please can I watch them, just send me the clips privately because I actually want to watch one for a change!
Anyway, banner made.. its a good banner. There is a level up from Complete success which I've not hit yet, but the actual ability of the banner might have made it hard enough as it is. So a complete will do me.
Saturday rattled through, I'm pretty sure I slept, ate, and somehow missed all interaction with plot. I very very rarely miss interaction with plot. Hell at event 3 I was actively trying to avoid it as I had helped out a little by writing some of the local flavour plot and I somehow managed to get all the way through to the last day when two ladies managed to bump into me and verbatum my plot sheet back at me (well done by the way). The big thing that caught me on the Saturday was the end of the Moredhel.
Curious Pastimes has had some really long running groups, and the Moredhel were one of the longest. It is such a shame that this group has now seen its time end, especially as one of my close friends was one of the people that had been with them for such a long time. The Moredhel existed when I started in 2008, and some characters haven't changed in that time. Sul has been involved with one of these characters since we joined the factions (she liked my shiny scale armour!) and so seeing her leave was going to be difficult. The Kesh (thankfully) aren't prone to greiving, so instead I got to play angry and grumpy at how the Gods need to be put into their place (because their leaving plot was that their gods insisted they leave). This is not, necessarily, the best way to then have to handle more rituals.
We managed to be more work on our spear (and I even used one of those cliche endings for my rituals.. "thats a story for another time"). 5/5 and just one more to do for the whole weekend. What I wasn't expecting was to see 3 ritual markers come down for this one.. thats not normal. I actually don't fully know why everyone was there, but I didn't mind. We had a plot ritual to do, something that needed to be sorted out for the Kesh story to keep moving onwards. Its rituals like this where you get to play a little bit. They can still go wrong, the plot changing drastically in one direction or another because of what happens, but plot rituals are more roleplay orientated, its about trying to cast your hand over a story, move the pieces slightly and see where they end up. Its not like renewals where people can have a physical item stop working, there is more of an expectation when people want you to renew things. Plot rituals, they are a lot more fun.
One of the nicest things about working with the group of people I did over the weekend was how much I trust people to just go to town. I don't like my rituals being completely free reign, there is always a set of bullet points for each ritual that I will mentally rattle down and let people know about. What people say in each section is completely up to them, and its amazing how well the Kesh ritualists and those of the Teutonians that I have worked with pick up on que and run with it. The same happened in the last ritual. It just worked, flowed correctly and had everything we needed. I'm going to try and build more effects and props into my rituals, but knowing that the people I game with can just roll with it is also exceptionally helpful.
6/6 done... and after that? Well as it happens nothing. I was done for the weekend.
Ritual running is one of those things that dominates the weekend. May people that do it call it Cat Herding on an epic level, and it really can be. Do you have your plan? Are all the contributers there? Do you have any props or items you might need? What about the actual item or person you are working on? Right time to head off? Oh, and by any chance does anyone have the money... damn it. Once you have done all of the rituals for the weekend you then collapse a little, its all over, and then the nagging happens, the circle of "look at me" starts calling, you want to just jump in and to a few more, some that don't really matter (well not to you anyway).
I spend Sunday going for food, sleeping, watching a few rituals, and completely missing plot.. again. There was a bit of fall out from the Moredhel leaving, and CP's first big battle of the weekend. As the Akesh were playing and I'm a flaky ritualist with no combat skills or magic at all, the general rule of the Akesh is I don't go near the battle field. That actually came about, In Real Life, because of my back pain. Sadly, even though that is clearer than it has been, its not a limitation on the character due to being paper thin and without enough power to make him worthwhile on the field (I have plans next year). There is something helpful about being able to grab lunch and sleep in this time, but the rest of the day kind of dispersed in a blur. One of my characters original family members, one of the people who helped build the original family idea (something that two of us had kind of stumbled upon due to a single LARP weapon we picked up at an open day at DarkBlade) was gone. To make matters worse he was the last of the original two handed hammer weilders (2 died, 2 left, and me... no longer able to use them). Officially the original Tyanites are now all gone.. its a very odd feeling and I kind of struggled to register it for the rest of the day.
The long weekend comes to a close with Monday, a mad dash early morning for me so that I can get myself ready to Battle Ref. This is where, as a volunteer, I really get to see the hard work that goes on. The level of planning, the attempts that the Game team take to make sure everything is going to be safe, fun and at the same time seem chaotic and terrifying for the playing factions. In addition, I also have the somewhat entertaining idea of dealing with a faction of players that I normally don't deal with. Now, I'll admit right now, I am not confident with battle reffing.. yet! That is a key thing, even after a couple of years those battles are something you can only learn to handle by being there and doing it (you don't buddy up very often with big battles because they need everyone available to do a job), you will only ever see everything that can happen on a battle field once every now and then. Crushes don't always happen, not near you anyway, so to know what one looks like and how to handle it can be a steep learning curve. Knowing when to stand back and observe or get in to the line and watch.. each thing adds a layer of complixity. However, that is what you are there to do, so the only option is get stuck in. There are plenty more people who know more than me, so if they say something I try to do it, add it to the list in my head as something to watch for and then get going. Being a volunteer is an interesting job.
There are moments in big battles where you realise how epic these games can become. A huge number of players (not all 800, but a lot of them), storming across the battlefield. A prime example of this was the start. The Monsters had a plan to skirmish and hold the entrace way to the battlefield, once a breach had been made. Instead, the Black Company as a whole charged through the breach, no slow advance, this was a headways sprint at the enemy, and the Monsters scattered, there was no way they would have been able to hold and they reacted, no like automatons set up to be smashed aside, but as real living, breathing, scared troups. Watching the Lions weep over their dead at the end of the fight was possibly the best, brief, outline of how a collective of people can form and care for one another regardless of the fact that it is not real life, isn't serious in any way shape or form, and yet the loss and heartbreak of such things can be well played and heartfelt all at the same time.
That personal touch
In trying to stop this being a trumped up display of my own ritualing successes and nothing else, what is important to point out is just how well Curious Pastimes gets the idea of trying to get everyone to stop and believe in the world in which they play in. I've lost count of how many different people some of the crew play, how many different characters they have to have a handle on. The organisation of the crew, both overall and their individual control, is amazing and it is what allows people to get so emersed. On top of that, a plethora of event crew make sure the players have everything they need, are cared for in cases of injury, and are safe on the site. Everything which has to work in a real life sense is handled seamlessly, and this means that the game world can just keep going without concern. On top of that, the volunteer refs that I have the pleasure of working with work their socks (IC and OC) off. It is a joy to be part of this team, and while there is always a balancing act between the reffing and the still being a player, there is nothing better than seeing refs get caught out by something they weren't expecting a player to do, or that random comment on the radio which they have to keep straight face for.
As noted before, then there is plot. So much plot. I don't know for certain, but this is something that seems to be unique in CP. Certainly the explanation I have had from people who play other systems, is that CP the plot is there to find or to have "forced" on you, while other systems its up to the players to make the plot or hunt down the small number of things which are affecting the whole world. To write all of this plot, there is only a small dedicated team (or set of teams, a faction will have their own little team of writers and then the world has its own little one as well). To keep things going with just small groups of people is quite amazing. The number of people I have seen who are saying the first thing they have done since getting home is starting to write or having meetings over next years plot. It is seriously impressive that there are people in this system that are determined to make sure the players have fun and have something to do at every gathering. To each of these people I raise my digital hat.
I can't deny that I was on the brink of stopping LARP recently. Some of you may have already read my post on social anxiety and what it did to my first event this year. I also know that personal life got in the way of quite a lot of my friends, and people who are important to me, from enjoying this event as well. However, I think there has been enough for me to want to come back and experience the world of Curious Pastimes again next year. Heck I've got a Banquet coming up soon which I really will have a lot of fun with. The winter can feel like a very long and drawn out period of time before the next major event, but with hope I can make a few of the faction events and monster to my hearts content.
If you are interested, then have a look for Curious Pastimes on Facebook, there are a lot of different groups (the Unofficial page being a good start point) and have a look at all the things that go on there. Hopefully I will have some photos on here soon too from some of the photographers that prowl the battlefield and the camps over the weekend (I just have to ask them nicely).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Abingdon Square Park. 9:00 PM. Photo: JH.
|10/29. Yesterday was a rainy day in New York and when it wasn't raining, it was getting colder. Down at Michael's a group of women were celebrating Kathy Lacey Hoge's 39th birthday at the round table in the bay.
At the table right next to them was the beautiful Jane Fonda looking like the glamorous movie star she always will be. You just wanna stare at Fonda – that face, that history, that legend. But of course we didn't.
There was a tight circle within the circle around her at CED which I was not a part of so my insights came from observation and hearsay. I'd be willing to bet today that just about everyone, if not all of that circle, went the way of Tom Hayden in her life. That's typical of movie stars ("I loved ya honey but the show closed" goes the old vaudeville line.) She made a great deal of money from the Workout fad, and word back then was money was what she really liked. It was a very powerful and charismatic personality to be around. Many of us felt she should run for office although she evidently had no desire to do so.
She was always very friendly in the sense of courteous but there was also a diffidence, a reluctance to trust about her; a subtle uneasiness in her space, which is present in her performances as an actress. Vulnerability is probably the best word for it.
Aside from that "work" association, I've always loved watching her on the screen. She'll be 71 this coming December 21st and it's hard to believe that just seeing her today. She's more beautiful now than she was thirty or forty years ago.
Top: Katia Mead, Linda Janklow, Betsy Lack, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, Kienan Lacey. Seated: Sherrie Westin, Silda Wall Spitzer, Kathy Lacey Hoge, Dr. Sarah Simms Rosenthal.
|Right next to them Liz Smith was lunching with Ellen Levine, the editorial director of Hearst. Readers know that the night before Liz and I were at the New York Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children gala where she was honored. Liz has another decade and a half on Fonda and that's even harder to believe. And as far as her good works are concerned, she could give a damn about the dough (oh, I'm sure she's glad she can pay her rent). Besides her ongoing role as the Grand Dame of Dish in the world, Liz Smith is one of the leading philanthropists in New York today, personally without wealth, she raises millions and millions and millions every year for causes benefiting mainly the children and the citizens in need of New York (and the world).
The luncheon's guest speaker was Carolyne Roehm who has just published her eighth book, "A Passion for Blue & White." You're going to be hearing a lot about it in the next few weeks because Mrs. Roehm is a brilliant marketer of her products and her products are all about Beauty, natural beauty, and god knows we need as much of that as we can get for our spirits.
Last night Carolyne also had her first book signing for the new book at the ultra-chic, impossible-to-just pass-by arts and culture bookstore Archivia on Lexington between 71st and 72nd Street. And there's more to come here in New York and no doubt elsewhere. Carolyne Roehm is a worker. (See NYSD HOUSE).
Also last night, per usual, lots going on around town. The Central Park Conservancy hosted its annual Halloween Party in the Park. This is always fun and NYSD was there to record it for you to see.
|And downtown, Rago Arts and Auction Center previewed highlights from its Post-War and Contemporary Art auction at Lars Bolander NY in the Meat-packing District.
Lenore Danielson and Waaben Sigurd
|The works of art, on view through November 1, at will be auctioned at the Lambertville, New Jersey-based auction house, on Saturday, November 15. Among the artists whose work will be on view are Mike Bidlo, Ross Bleckner, Norman Bluhm, Jane Hammond, Ed Keinholz, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Henry Moore, Takashi Murakami, Jules Olitski, Richard Pettibone, David Reed, Jim Shaw, Frank Stella, Antonio Tapies, and Andy Warhol.
|Timothy Doyle, Meredith Hilferty, and Christopher Kalachnikoff
|Sara Gilbane and John de Neufville
|Suzanne Perrault and David Rago
|Ron Wagner and Timothy Van Dam
|Sophia Takal and Larry Levine
|Geoffrey Bradfield, Sue Chalom, and Roric Tobin
|Urban Karlsson, Miriam Tucker, and Juan Montoya
|Marilyn White, Brook Mason, and Debbi Hatfield
|Joseph Bunge, Natalie Donghia, and Jessi Cimafonte
|Also last night at Beekman Place, Lillian Vernon and her husband Paolo Martino along with the American Friends of The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra hosted the Young Forum reception from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The evening served as a kick-off for the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's annual Concert at Carnegie Hall (conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, the 27-year-old wunderkind Venezuelan conductor) and Gala Dinner at the Waldorf=Astoria, all taking place on November 17th.
The evening is chaired by Lily Safra and co-chaired by Patricia and Gustavo Cisneros and Elaine and James Wolfensohn. Associates Gala Co-Chairmen are Jason Hirsch, Jeffrey Hirsch, Jared Kushner and Jillian Merns.
To order tickets online: Associates (21-40 yrs old only) & Patrons.
|Lillian Vernon and Paolo Martino
|Ben Harris, Jennifer Mahl, Jason Hirsch, and Jillian Merns
|Josie Sandler with Charles and Elaine Petschek
|Stephen Rutenberg and Jessica Kerner
|Lisa Snyder and Irit Rub
|Jessica Fishman and Andy Levinson
|Jennifer Mahl and Jason Schwalbe
|Lynn Syms and Lillian Vernon
|Suzanne Ponsot introducing Irit Rub
|Harold Berlowe, Heidi Lerner, and Wendy Rockman
|Suzanne Ponsot and Mike Weinstein
|Meanwhile down to the Waldorf they were celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala which was created a quarter century ago by Hayworth's daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan after the film star died of Alzheimer's.
Last night they honored Lily Safra who has been a major donor to the cause, and the Hearst Corporation which has also been involved with Rita Hayworth/Alzheimers since its inception. Anne Hearst, now Anne Hearst McInerney, has been a friend of Yasmin Khan and a supporter of the cause since the beginning also.
This is always a very glamorous affair. The women involved in organizing and selling the tickets take the role very seriously and perhaps in tribute to their friend Yazzie's mother, they play the glamour role to the hilt.
The Gala Steering Committee was: Muffie Potter Aston, Donna Dixon Aykroyd, Cornelia Sharpe Bregman, Margo Catsimatidis, Chele Upton Chiavacci, Nancy Corzine, Hilary Dick, Somers Farkas, Phyllis George, Deborah Grubman, Nurit Kahane Haase, Michele Herbert, Susan Hess, Laura Hunt, Louise Kornfeld, Alexandra Lebenthal, Anne Hearst McInerney, Judith Ripka, Andrea Stark, Felicia Taylor.
Congratulations to all on a job well done!
Nancy Corzine, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Mary Richardson Kennedy, Anne Hearst, and Nina Garcia
|The Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf was decorated by interior designer Nancy Corzine using the theme of silver (anniversary). Women were encouraged to wear white, silver, or blue. As a result there was a lot of sparkle in the room. On huge screens above the stage and in the corners of the ballroom were black and white stills of Yasmin's beautiful mother in her youth when she was one of the most beautiful movie stars in the world.
The cover of the program is of Rita Hayworth in a costume from her famous film "Gilda" in which she sings her (then) famous "Put the Blame on Mame." Hayworth's singing voice was actually dubbed by a well known vocalist of the day, Anita Ellis.
Anita Ellis, born Anita Kert, was also the sister of Larry Kert who played the original role of "Tony" in "West Side Story" (singing "Maria" and "Tonight.")
The Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria.
|I knew Anita Ellis late in her life because she was a neighbor of mine on East End Avenue. We first met when she'd walk on the Promenade where I took my dogs. One day she told me that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimers.
For a long time she was quite aware of her situation and although she didn't discuss it with me, she'd refer to it when we met. Until the day came when I saw her and she was unable to recognize and/or communicate with me.
And then finally when I saw her on her outings, she was completely gone, her self having departed. She was a lovely, sweet, gentle woman, like the woman whose voice she dubbed 50 years before in "Gilda." Anita.
|Richard and Renee Steinberg
|Nikki Haskell and Lisa Anastos
|Michele and Larry Herbert with Denise Rich
|Hilary and Bryant Gumbel
|Ivana Trump, Oliva Velaire, and Denise Wohl
|Lily Safra, Allen Brill, and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
|Christina Kringstein, Michelle Swarzman, and Lisa Engel
|Chris Cox and Andrea Catsimatidis
|Wilbur and Hilary Ross with George Farias
|Phtographs by DPC & JH; Ann Watt (CPC Halloween).
CLICK here to subscribe to NYSD.


text: D6115 Reciept for the final payment of the settlement of the Late King Louis XI, document in French on vellum. Receipt by Michel Marquet, notary, secretary of the king (Charles VIII of France) and 'commis a la distribucion de certaine grant somme de deniers' the moneys to be used for "pensions des seigneurs des anciennes lignes des haultes almaignes et nacion de suysse' the remainder of the settlement made by the late king (Louis XI) re 'la franche de bourgogne' (Franche Comte) for a sum of 1309 livres 14 solz and 9 deniers tournois received from the Treasurer General of Languedoc, Bayart. Dated: 16 July 1486. Signed by Marquet with his notarial symbol follwed by a restatement of the sum received. Size: 13 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches.


text:
Wow, it's been a while since I've updated my blog here. I'm sorry!! 🙂 I've got a good excuse (well at least a decent excuse anway), promise.
In August of this year, my husband and I found out that we are expecting child #2 in April. We're very excited about a new baby in the house; though, admittedly, we're a little apprehensive too. Our first child is 6 1/2 yrs old, so it's been a while since we've done this. But, we're up to the challenge.
Anyway, needless to say (I hope), I've been a little exhausted and trying to spend as much time as I can resting and enjoying my pregnancy. I hope you all haven't missed me too much!
We find out on December 3rd what the baby will be. My daughter is hoping for a little boy because a friend of ours has promised to buy her an ice cream cone if she has a little brother (nothing for a little girl – LOL!). Oh, the days when I could be bought for the cost of an ice cream cone!
Anyway, I'll keep you all updated on how things progress and what the baby will be once we find out.
As for the real estate side of things, my Semonin office in Oldham County is closing it's doors on Dec. 31, 2008. That means that I'll be based out of the Semonin office off of Brownsboro Road sometime in the near future. I'm looking forward to getting to know some new faces though and seeing my fellow agents from the Oldham County office at the new location.


text:
Bernard Pfriem
Bernard Pfriem (09/07/1916-03/07/1996) was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was most well-known for his large-scale hyper-realistic drawings of the human figure. Pfriem lived in Mexico from 1940-42, where he was the editor of a Spanish-English magazine published in Mexico City entitled "Mexico Habla." He was an assistant to Jose Clemente Orozco on frescoes in Jiquilpan, Mexico, and to Julio Castellanos on murals in Mexico City. He served in the United States Air Force from 1942 to 1946. Later, Pfriem served as the arts director of the Grey Falcon Press. He founded the Lacoste School of the Arts in France, and served as the school's director until 1989. A retrospective of his work was held in 1963 at the Cleveland Institute of Art. His first one-man exhibition was in 1951 at the Hugo Gallery in New York. He also had solo exhibitions throughout the U.S. and in Paris. He was included in group exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian Institute, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and the American Drawing Society, among others. Pfriem's works are in the collections of the University of Arkansas, the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Other works by: Bernard Pfriem


text:
There is a technique i invented in an LD that has allowed me to fly from Earth to deep space in a few seconds. Already made it about 3 times and with good results.
In the dream, I decide that I want to fly to space, but I can only fly a few feet. Then, standing in the air, i look down, open my arms (not too much, as long as they are in my field of vision). I look at my hands and to the objects that are close to my hands into my field of vision and slowly close the arms. It's like when we zoom out on a tablet / smartphone, but here is with arms and in full size.
In a few seconds, the Earth disappears from my feet and I'm in space.
Fly to space in a few seconds
Discuss lucid dreaming techniques including dream recall, MILD, WILD, meditation and other ways of attaining lucidity in dreams.
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
- Highlander
- Posts: 426
- Joined: 14 Mar 2013 00:31
- Location: Portugal
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 25 Mar 2013 23:16
Re: Fly to space in a few seconds
That actually sounds like a very good idea. Well done for coming up with that, I'm sure that will be very useful to allot of people who would like to explore outer space in there LD's but do not yet have the capability to fly.
Keep getting so close and giving up !!
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
Return to "Lucid Dreaming Techniques"
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


text: This evening I dined at Six89 in Carbondale with four other friends of mine. I had never been to the restaurant, but the menu looked pleasing; I decided to take my four, out of town, guests to the restaurant. We arrived for our reservation a few minutes late after a movie, I had informed the restaurant beforehand we would be a little late, they said no problem. There was no one at the host stand for a few minutes, then someone came and seated us on the porch outside. Our table had two place settings on it, thats all. We asked to dine inside so after a few minutes and telling numerous memebers of the staff we wanted to dine inside, we were shown to our table. We sat down, and everything was fine. The server came up and greeted us, shirt not tucked in, talking to us with his hands on his hips and very casual, like we were dining at a burger joint. We had to ask for a wine and beverage list to be brought over. A few ordered wine, and when the server presented and poured he did a very poor job, banging glasses together, having to leave and get a new bottle to finish the pour, just very unprofessional. Next we were rushed to order our entrees. We were only informed about half of the specials, I had to ask the server for the entree special as he just walked away after telling us the starters. We ordered parmesan truffel fries as a table starter, they had no taste of truffel whatsoever, they were terrible. They didnt have any sauce with them nor ketchup or anything for dipping even offered. We ordered our appetizers and entrees, two ordered heirloom tomato salad, two ordered salmon corn chowder soup, one ordered squash blossoms, tw of us ordered halibut, one ordered salmon, the server did not ask for a temperature on the salmon, and two ordered chicken. We were brought bread and the fries, and then our appetizers. The portions were normal for appetizers, not generous, not too smal. However, the soups were $13 each, for a cup of soup of the day, it was very unexpected. The soup was rich so I would not have wanted a larger portion, however; $13 for a cup of soup, I could have gone without it considering it was just okay, nothing special. When the entree arrived the portions of fish were slightly small, but nothing too dissapointing, however; a huge letdown was the absence of vegetables on the plate. Six89 is suppose to be known for local organic produce and quality ingredients. The genuine idea for local produce is greatly appreciated by many and attracts many as well, however; the restaurant must deliver this. The salmon had a few beans on the plate, very small amount of greens, the halibut had one small piece of aspargus cut into thirds with a presentation of corn underneath the fish, once again no vegetables, and the chicken Im not sure if it even had vegetables, all I remember was polenta on the plate. One of the main reasons I have been dying to try Six89 was due to the fact of organic, local quality ingredients and lots of fresh vegetables and seeing the lack of this was very dissapointing. During dinner the water service was poor, I had an empty glass for fifteen minutes until someone came to fill it up, and this happened numerious times. We had finished dinner and were too stuffed for dessert, not that we were even presented a dessert menu. The server was rushing us and could have cared less if we had ordered dessert or not, however; one person at the table was interested in dessert and she wasn't offered a menu or anything. I was too full for dessert but the server should have delivered the dessert menu regaurdless because one person was interested. We were not offered any coffee or after dinner drinks, he just dropped the check on the table very quickly. I picked up the bill and was appauled to find 20% gratuity added onto the bill. The last time I checked you do not add the gratuity onto the bill in a fine dining restaurant, especially when the party is less than six people. The bill was expensive for what we had recieved, and 20% gratuity was much more than this server had ever deserved. When we left we weren't even thanked for dining there... frankly I was embarrassed I suggested that restaurant to bring my guests to. I had high expectations for Six89 and they performed at a much lower level than acceptable. I will not be returning in the future due to all the dissapointments of the evening between the food, service, and attitude of the entire restaurant. There are many other restaurants in the valley I would much rather take my business to.


text:
NBA Edition
By The Team at SportsInsights.com
Welcome to the NBA edition of Sports Marketwatch, where the Team at SportsInsights gives sports fans an unprecedented glimpse into the NBA point-spread marketplace. If you ever wanted to know what was really happening on the sportsbook side, you now have an all-access pass with Sports Marketwatch!Initially, the NBA Edition of Sports Marketwatch will be a weekly column published on Wednesdays, normally around 5PM, Eastern Time.
The staff at SportsInsights.com analyzes the marketplace, and especially thesports betting industry's largest and most reputable sportsbooks, to identify which games the public is chasing and which ones the Sharps are pounding. Let'stake a look at what's in store for tonight's NBA games.
SportsMarketplace – NBA Edition
Amidst rampant trades and trade speculation involving both teams last Wednesday, New York managed to choke awaya 15-point second half lead against visiting Chicago. Danilo Gallinari missed a couple of crucial three point attempts in the last minute, and the2-point favorite Knicks dropped their second game to the Bulls in two nights,115-109. (Note to self: stop telling Chris Duhon when you pick the Knicks in Marketwatch. He's still upset from that one time… and not above sabotage.)
2009-10 NBA Games to Watch: 14-16,46.7%*
*Source: SportsInsights.com
Dallas Mavericks -1.5 over Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers come to Dallas tonight fresh off a thrilling one-point victory in Memphis. Kobe showed all the sportswriters his version of rust, hitting two three-pointers in the last minute and one in the waning secondsto ice the game. Dallas is also in good form, having won four straightsince acquiring Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood from the Wizards, includingvictories over the Suns and Magic. Haywood has been an especiallyimportant fill-in on the inside, since the overpaid muscle named Erick Dampier has been out with a dislocated finger. The Mavericks needed ashot in the arm to remain in the discussion of Western Conference contenders, and Butler, long-suffering star of the Wizards, fits the bill.The swingman averaged nearly 17ppg and 7rpg for Washington and won't havethe focus of the entire opposing defense with weapons like Dirk Nowitzki,Jason Terry and Jason Kidd around him.
The line for this clash opened at apick at both CRIS and Olympic, as the Mavericks are especially tough atAmerican Airlines Center. The Public, though, ever the lover ofdefending champions, is backing the Lakers hard. Currently, LosAngeles is getting 68% of spread, 67% of moneyline and 79% of parlay andteaser bets. In spite of such heavy support, the line hasn't leanedtoward Kobe & Co. Instead, it's moved 2 full points at most offshorebooks, where the Mavs are now favored! We've seen a handful of sharpmoney plays come in on Dallas, including a Smart Money from Bet Jamaica (+14Units Won) and a Steam Move from ABC (+7.3 Units). Those books are theleaders in their respective Betting System, a huge endorsement. Go andgrab the Mavericks with an extra half point at BetUS.
Dallas Mavericks -1.5
Games to Watch: 14-16 = 46.7%
Dallas Mavericks -1.5
It should be an exciting night in the sports marketplace. Keep SportsMarketwatch picks handy and your browser pointed to SportsInsights.comfor thelatest real-time updates, using our exclusive Sports Investing tools.We'll be back next Wednesday with the new edition of the SportsMarketwatch –NBA Edition.
Enjoy the games!
The Team at SportsInsights.com


text: On Wed, 23 Mar 2005 22:58:51 +0100, Florian Schulze <florian.proff.schulze at gmx.net> wrote: > BTW, Herman Toothrot is from Monkey Island. Right. That's what leads me to believe 1) it's not a serious post, and 2) it's from someone who's old enough to know better. -- Tim Lesher <tlesher at gmail.com>


text:
A St. Johns County tourism leader says the area has a secret weapon to buttress an already improving economy.
Richard Goldman, executive director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, said Sunday a significant number of vacation properties in the county are not among an independent research group's data showing hotel occupancy rising in 2010.
"It's my belief that our vacation rental business is also up - maybe more than our hotels," Goldman said.
Goldman thinks that brightens already positive data from Smith Travel Research, a company that aggregates individual hotel sales data and reports them back to St. Johns County.
To date, the firm reported a year-to-year increase of nearly 5 percent in St. Johns County hotel occupancy and 7.4 percent in rooms sold, Goldman said.
He said a significant number of county vacation properties are not factored in the research group's data, and anecdotal evidence tells him rental business is up.
October was the eighth straight month of hotel occupancy increase in St. Johns County, he said.
Bed tax revenue is up this year and would still have been "significantly" higher without the one-cent bed tax increase implemented last spring, Goldman said.
"Enough people came here and stayed here that we improved greatly without that as a factor," Goldman said of the increase.
Reporting of bed tax revenue data lags actual occupancy by about a month and a half, so there will be no news until the new year on how many tourists stayed where. Goldman said other travel data is released in mid-December.
Goldman said St. Johns County, Miami and Orlando bucked the trend of slight tourism decline this year in Florida, but with different catalysts. Goldman attributed growth in the two signature Florida cities to luring international business.
"We are not strong in drawing that business," he said of St. Johns County. "But we are working on it."
This year, Goldman said St. Johns County geared spring and summer events toward families and are targeting adult couples this winter.
Throughout the area economy, business owners said anecdotal evidence supports an uneven but active recovery.
Mike Mosley, who operates area tree-removal service Van's Yard & Tree Service Inc., said starting this fall, home owners were again more willing to outsource their yard care. But, he said, recovery throughout his customer base is rationed.
"Ponte Vedra is consistent," Mosley said. "In other areas, people are bargaining, and in some places they just say, 'We wish we had the money,'" Mosley said.
Tony Lippi, who owns The Panama Hat Company on St. George Street, said the usually soft merchant months of September and October improved this year, likely as tourists avoided the Gulf Coast and visited the Oldest City during the BP oil disaster aftermath.
In June, The Record quoted area tourism leaders saying the oil disaster off the Gulf of Mexico seemed to be diverting some tourists to St. Augustine, boosting local business.
Sales have dipped at his store since the Fall spike, Lippi said. But his numbers are better than forecasted and he is hopeful for a profitable holiday season.
"The good news is tourism data is solid," he said. "We see a lot of people walking around with shopping bags, especially on St. George Street."
Goldman said numbers lead him to be positive about the local holiday economic season.
"Things are moving in the right direction," Goldman said. "I think the trend of more visitors coming to St. Johns County will help make this a great season."
Glenn Hastings, executive director of the county's Tourism Development Council, which oversees the county's bed tax, said the overall bed tax collection for the 2010 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 was up by $988,000. He attributed that, in part, to the fourth cent increase in the bed tax, the visitor influx diverted here from the Gulf Coast after the BP oil spill, and the return of group sales business.
Occupancy rates for paid lodging, January through October 2010
January, down 7.6 percent
February, down 6.7 percent
March, up 3.1 percent
April, up 4.5 percent
May, up 0.9 percent
June, up 7 percent
July, up 10 percent
August, up 8.1 percent
September, up 19.4 percent
October, up 10.4 percent
Source: St. Johns County Tourist Development Council/Smith Travel Research


text:
Politics Chicago-Style: Obama Calls on Supporters to Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight
Barack Obama sent out another letter to supporters today.
He asked them to fight… fight… fight… fight… fight!
It's politics, Chicago-style.
Here's the letter:
Jim — The road to change is hard.
But you need to know this: If we don't fight every single day, the Republicans will obstruct everything you and I stand for.
Today matters. In this fight for what we believe in, every single day matters.
I need you to stand up to the negative ads they're throwing at us. I need you to show the special interests and the billionaires financing them that they can't undo what we've done and what you and I stand for.
Jim, I need you today. Every day we don't fight gives our opponents another chance to roll back what we've worked for. Will you pitch in $3 to protect Democratic leaders and fight for my agenda before the FEC deadline in 48 hours?
Progress doesn't just happen. You and I have to fight for it every single day.
If we get there, it'll be because you and I didn't stop fighting when times seemed tough.
I truly believe we can get there. But it depends on today — and you. Will you stand with me?
Thank you,
P.S. Just 48 hours until the FEC deadline. Can you kick in $3? https://www.dscc.org/48-hours
With all these campaign letters he keeps sending out, it's no wonder he doesn't know what's going on in DC.
As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to edit or remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, anti-Semitism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. The same applies to trolling, the use of multiple aliases, or just generally being a jerk. Enforcement of this policy is at the sole discretion of the site administrators and repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without warning. Guest posting is disabled for security reasons.


text:
by Christopher Rainville
If you're trying to solve a problem with wide-angle lens distortion the new Adaptive Wide-Angle Filter in Photoshop CS6 may be just what you need. In this video, the basics of using the new filter are explained as I go through a photo from start to finish.
Filed under: Photoshop CS6, post processing, Uncategorized | Tagged: adaptive wide angle filter, Beginning photography, digital camera, Photoshop, Photoshop CS6, post processing | Leave a comment »


text:
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
1st Edition
Table of Contents
K.M. Ferguson and K. Loughney, Identification and Quantification of PDE Isoenzymes and Subtypes by Molecular Biological Methods.
H. Tenor and C. Schudt, Analysis of PDE Isoenzyme Profiles in Cells and Tissues by Pharmacological Methods.
K.F. Rabe, Effects of Theophylline and Nonselective Xanthine Derivatives on PDE Isoenzymes and Cellular Function.
R.K. Sharma, Interaction of PDE I Inhibitors with Isoenzymes and Cell Functions.
R. Fischmeister, EHNA as an Inhibitor of PDE II.
V.C. Manganiello, PDE II Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents.
M.A. Giembycz, Interaction of PDE IV Inhibitors with Enzymes and Cell Functions and their Therapeutic Potential.
P.J. Silver, Inhibition of PDE Isoenzymes and Cell Function by Selective PDE V Inhibitors.
J.D. Corbin, Design and Synthesis of Xanthines and Cyclic GMP Analogues as Potent Inhibitors of PDE V and PDE I.
A. Hatzelmann, Enzymatic and Functional Inhibition of Dual-Selective Inhibitors.
R. Alvarez, Subtype Selectivity, Inhibition of Cell Function and Therapeutic Potential of RS 25344.
J.E. Souness, Characterization of Different States of PDE IV by Rolipram and RP 73401.
T.J. Torphy, Functional Significance of Two Sites for Inhibitors at PDE IV. Subject Index.
Non-selective inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE), such as theophylline, have been used extensively since 1958. In the decade of the '70s, various PDE isoenzymes were defined which led to the development of the second generation of PDE inhibitors. Currently a variety of these new inhibitors are under test as potential anti-inflammatory drugs. During the past five years, molecular biology has revealed a superfamily of these phosphodiesterase isoenzymes. This book summarizes the present state of knowledge, as well as giving a comprehensive description of the compounds available. It will be invaluable for everyone who wants to choose the most suitable PDE inhibitor for their research or who is dealing with such drugs in a clinical setting.
Key Features
- Utilizes actual testing and research of new PDE inhibitors
- Valuable for researchers and students alike
Research level pharmacologists, immunologists, and cell biologists; as a reference text in this area for those involved in degree-level teaching. Pharmaceutical companies.
- No. of pages:
- 228
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © Academic Press 1996
- Published:
- 16th August 1996
- Imprint:
- Academic Press
- eBook ISBN:
- 9780080538815
- Hardcover ISBN:
- 9780122107207
Ratings and Reviews
About the Series Editors
Clive Page Series Editor
Affiliations and Expertise
King's College London, U.K.
About the Series Volume Editors
Christian Schudt Series Volume Editor
Affiliations and Expertise
Byk Gulden Pharmaceuticals, Konstan, Germany
Gordon Dent Series Volume Editor
Affiliations and Expertise
Kraankenhaus Grobhansdorf, Zentrum fur Pneumologie und Thoraxchirurgie, Grobhansdorf, Germany
Klaus Rabe Series Volume Editor
Affiliations and Expertise
Kraankenhaus Grobhansdorf, Zentrum fur Pneumologie und Thoraxchirurgie, Grobhansdorf, Germany


text:
I've been down and out from this ridiculous sinus infection for what feels like forever, so being able to get dressed up and go out for dinner on the weekend was the best treat and really helped my flat out mood. I went to Kuki Tanuki, in Erskineville. I love that place to pieces, lots of GF options and so damned delicious. The beef tataki? Ah-mazing!!!
And how good are these lucite earrings from The Vintage Drawer? I've fallen hard for vintage plastics these days.
The Original Bad Girl 'Blaze' top, Vintage 50s bow print skirt, Asos New Look belt, Wittner 'Howling' heels, Vintage 60s bag, Ooh La La group Fakelite Lips bangle, The Vintage Drawer lucite earrings


text:
Joining chains such as A&W and McDonald's, Wendy's will begin serving antibiotic-free chicken products at all of its restaurant locations. With a growing consumer demand for meat that is more natural and free of hormones, the move demonstrates Wendy's attempt to keep pace with changing consumer preferences.
As recent reports reveal, Wendy's is aiming to completely phase out the use of chicken raised with antibiotics by 2017. In terms of other meat products such as pork and beef, the chain will reveal its plans for procuring antibiotic-free alternatives in the coming year.
As the fifth-largest fast food chain in the US, Wendy's effort to serve antibiotic-free chicken products sets a new standard for other quick service and fast casual restaurants.
Antibiotic-Free Chicken Products
More Stats +/-
Limited-Menu Burger Chains
Organic Fast Food Restaurants
Grass-Fed Restaurant Burgers
Transparent Fast Food Menus
Antibiotic-Free Beef Burgers


text:
AMC's The Walking Dead show is looking for zombies currently. They will begin filming in Atlanta, GA on June 2nd. So if you in live GA and have a burning desire to be a zombie, go audition!
For all the proper information visit the website On Location Vacation:
The Incredible Melting Man (1977)
3 years ago


text:
Compare offers from multiple travel agencies
Find your cruise
& request quotes
Compare members only prices,
upgrades, cabin credits & more!
Contact your preferred agent
for questions or to book your cruise
Over 1 million members
How it works
Search Cruises
Shore Excursions
Cruise Specials
Ports Reviews
Ocho Rios reviews
Average Rating based on 4 Reviews:
Jackieblog saw things this way:
Bob Marley Bus was excellent. Marley site was not - too many beggars, peddlers.
, March 16, 2013
Reviewer: Jackieblog
The drive into the mountains, insights into Jamaica & Bob Marley. The bus guide.
Beggars & people trying to sell marijuana, aggressive for tips. Marley hoopla.
Bob Marley died at age 36 from skin cancer. His family, however, believes the reggae superstar was actually poisoned.
Bob Marleys father, Captain Norval Marley, was a white sea captain from Liverpool, England, sent to Jamaica to oversee plantations. His mother, Cedella Booker, was a Jamaican.
Some say he never knew his father. Others say the Englishman who died when his son was 10 played an important part in the future musicians early life.
Myths often surround a man who becomes a Legend.
And it can be hard to find the truth in all the lore. Such is the case with Bob Marley.
You hear so many things about Bob Marley and many of them arent true, says guide Gary Dalling. On this tour we are going to try to set the facts straight.
That, Gary says, pointing to a large photo shellacked inside our van of a stern-faced man wearing a dress shirt and tie, is Bob Marleys father. That is the truth.
When the Carnival Breeze docked in Ocho Rios in Jamaica, we had a ton of tours we could take. One of the most popular was a visit to Dunns River Falls where visitors can climb the 600-foot waterfall. I did that years ago and might have done it again had I not noticed a blurb under the shore excursions Cultural Tours called the Bob Marley Bus Adventure. Lasting almost six hours, the tour cost $89.99 per person.
It turned out to be quite a trip.
The tour is almost two in one. First, it gives you a glimpse of Jamaica that many visitors never see. Second, it shares an in-depth look at the life of Jamaicas famous son, Bob Marley.
Limited to about 26 people, our group followed our tour guide from the pier to a very colorful bus. The inside of the bus is plastered everywhere with pictures of Bob Marley, his quotes, his album covers, his concert tickets. No air conditioning but the windows open and a few fans stir the air. Before we even leave the pier parking lot, the bus driver Alan hands us rum drinks through the bus windows. Strong on the rum.
Bottles of chilled water also are kept in a cooler for us. The rum and the water are both complimentary and will be passed out again on our tour. That is important to note because Jamaica has a bad reputation deservedly so in many case of overcharging for almost anything. Once on a Jamaica rafting trip down the Martha Brae, a man on shore tossed a small popsicle stick raft into the water by our boat. I reached out to keep the trinket from sinking. Then the man met us ashore to collect $20 for the knick-knack. Jamaican vendors and beggars can be quite aggressive.
For our reggae bus adventure, we were quickly on our way with Bob Marley music rolling out from a good PA system and our guide overriding the music to point out landmarks or share interesting info. Our guide is knowledgeable, articulate, funny and very professional.
When Bob Marley was singing all these love songs, people said he was getting soft. So he wrote this song, Gary says, blasting I Shot the Sheriff as our bus bumped along.
I dont know why but the singer is seldom referred to as Bob or as Marley in Jamaica. In fact, almost everyone I encountered on this tour called him Bob Marley or superstar legend Bob Marley.
The first part of our trip is the thrilling drive into the mountains. We are all going to get high, Gary says, noting that we will soon be looking down on some spectacular sights. He was right.
The roads are more like zigzag cow paths. The higher we go, the rougher and narrower they get. If you are afraid of dying, dont look down, Gary warns at one point, adding a few miles later that we should keep our arms and hands inside the bus.
And you might want to learn toward the aisle a little bit, he notes as tree branches reach inside our bus windows. I ended up with a lap full of leaves.
In Jamaica, they drive on the opposite side of how Americans drive. The right side is suicide in Jamaica, Gary says.
I dont know what they pay our bus driver Alan but I hope it is good wages. He certainly earns it. A couple of times he would have to back down a steep hill so another vehicle could pass us. Pulling a little string to blare a horn, Alan mostly barrels safely ahead leaving a cloud of dust and noisy horn blasts.
We blow our horns in Jamaica to say Good morning, Hello, or Get the hell out of the way. When you cant see around the curves in the road, its a good idea to let other drivers know youre coming, Gary explains.
Leaving Ocho Rios and civilization behind, we are seeing the real Jamaica, Gary says. Lush greenery. Rolling hills. Shacks. Scrawny goats. Clothes drying on the line. Half-built houses (It often takes several generations before a house is finished, Gary says). Friendly people. Immense poverty.
Those children dont have flush toilets but they are happy, Gary says, pointing to some youngsters walking along the road. You can starve in the city. You wont starve out here because you can grow what you want Our bauxite soil is so rich that if you stand still in it for very long, you will start growing, too.
About an hour and a half into our tour, we pull off for a rest stop and a snack, a complimentary spicy meat patty and a chance to buy some Red Stripe beer at a circular outdoors bar. This is the same clean place we will stop on our way back down the hills for a traditional jerk meal included in our trip cost jerked chicken, jerked beef, rice, peas, slightly sweet bread, some kind of fruit drink. Cooked and served by a very nice Jamaican lady, the lunch is delicious and a true taste of Jamaica.
After lunch we are enter Nine Mile in St. Ann Parish the birthplace of Robert Nestor Marley on Feb. 6, 1945. His father was 50. His mother was 18, Gary says. His father had two women here, one in Kingston. He didnt stay with Bob Marleys mother.
As our bus pulls into a high-fenced compound run by the Marley family, Gary alerts us that vendors will try to sell us marijuana and other pot paraphernalia as soon as we step off the bus. And beggars will be asking for money. Just say no and follow me, he says.
Or indulge on the site. But dont bring it back on the bus.
Inside the compound, a security guard eats his lunch in a guard shack. A large sign notes that Smoking of marijuana is illegal and persons can be persecuted. (Dont know why smokers would be persecuted, instead of prosecuted. Maybe that is the way Jamaicans really feel about marijuana being illegal.)
Not far from the guard, a window hole in the wall is quickly filled with a row of big marijuana stogies. Some cruisers walk over to look, some to buy. Joints are $20 and are potent, a couple of smokers tell me. No pictures. No video, shout several men with long dreadlocks lounging near the gate.
Next we go through the obligatory over-priced gift shops to a restroom where the toilets wont flush and a bar where Reggae Shooter drinks are about $13. Meeting our guide Fozzie, we make a quick stop to hear a group of reggae singers on a stage with the omnipresent tip jar. Tip them. Fill that jar up, Fozzie says.
When we leave, Fozzie will stand by a closed gate and open it wide enough so tour participants need to pass through one at a time, the better to make sure he gets his tips. Its Jamaica, Gary shrugs.
A small museum contains some of Bob Marleys gold records and other awards, plus a guitar. The dwelling where Bob Marley was born doesnt look the way it originally did the government renovated it - but this is the place.
Six months later, his mom take the baby up on the hill to Sugar Hill or Mt. Zion, Fozzie says, leading the way to a two-room shack where he says Bob Marley spent the first 13 years of his life.
On the steep climb (this is not a tour for anyone with mobility problems), we pass by a tall steel wall where little fingers have dug a small hole, just big enough to reach through from the outside to the place where we are climbing. Holding a cellophane candy wrapper taped to a long stick stuck through the fence, a child begs, Pretty lady, dollar, please.
At the top of the hill, we see the Rasta-colored stone pillow on which a young Bob lay his head when seeking inspiration. Inside the tiny two-room shack is the single bed he sang about. A stone pile in the yard is topped by a flowerpot with a healthy marijuana plant.
Fozzie instructs us to remove our shoes before we enter two mausoleums one is the final resting place of Bobs mother, the other is where Bob is entombed. Two children halfway up a tree over the high fence near the mausoleum are begging for dollars.
His mother die in 2008 at 82 years of age, Fozzie says. No sickness. It was just her time to die.
Bob Marley, however, died far too early. And his death may have been prevented, some say.
A jogger and fitness devotee, Bob injured his toe playing soccer in 1977. When it wouldnt heal, he went to a doctor who said the singer was suffering from malignant melanoma skin cancer. The doctor recommended amputating the toe.
Although his medical records were never made public, it is believed that Bob underwent a skin graft instead of amputation. But the procedure did not stop the spread of cancer. By the end of 1980, Bob Marleys health began deteriorating at an alarming rate.
While performing in September 1980 in New York, Bob collapsed on stage. It was discovered this time around that the untreated cancer had spread to the rest of his body, including his brain. There is speculation that he underwent controversial last-minute cancer treatment in Germany under holistic physician Josel Issels to try and save his life.
That is where some family members say that Bob was poisoned by the doctor because of Bobs outspoken revolutionary stances. After all, someone had tried to shoot Bob in Dec. 3, 1976. Bob, his wife Rita and his manager were all wounded when bullets were fired on his Kingston home.
In Germany, the reggae star soon realized that his cancer was terminal. He wanted to return home. On the flight from Germany to Jamaica, Bobs condition became so critical that the plane had to land in Miami. On the morning of May 11, 1981, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Bob died.
The stone mausoleum where Bob is entombed with his red Gibson Les Paul guitar (some say it was a Fender Stratocaster) is filled with candles, photos, notes, flowers and other mementos from fans. The singer left a dozen or so children from six or seven different mothers.
Buried in the mausoleum beneath Bob Marley is his half brother who was accidentally killed by police in Miami. Bob Marley died in Miami. His mother died in Miami. Hs brother died in Miami, Fozzie says. I am not going to Miami.
The controversy didnt end with Bob Marleys death. He died without a will which spawned court actions for years. The ownership of Bobs body also was disputed. Several years ago, Bob Marleys widow Rita wanted to move his body from Jamaica to Ethiopia.
The Jamaican government stepped in and said his body couldnt be moved because Bob Marley is a national treasure, Fozzie says.
A strong advocate of freedom and One Love for all people, as well as a famed ganja smoker, Bob Marley left behind a lasting legacy and a wealth of music 104 songs and 21 albums. I dont know what the poor boy from the slums of Jamaica whose estate grew to the millions would think of the massive mausoleum and all the people who are making money off him, his life and his death.
Bobs last words as reportedly spoken to his son Ziggy were, Money cant buy you life.
Those words also are disputed. Maybe the truth about this reggae superstar is buried somewhere in all the untruths. And it might not matter anyway.
Bob Marley lived. He died. And his legions of loving fans keep his music, message and memory alive.
cook32607 saw things this way:
Sad to see all the poverty.
, May 10, 2012
Reviewer: cook32607
We went to a private beach club so we were not constantly harrassed.
Aggressive people.
Our excursion was probably one of the best--Bamboo Beach Club. It's a gated cove, so it's impossible for people to get onto the beach unless they work there.
Everyone else we spoke to on the cruise felt like they were constantly harrassed. People would leave them alone to enjoy the beach or Dunn's River Falls.
Those who went to Paradise Beach complained that the water was murky and that every two minutes someone was trying to braid their hair or sell them things.
We probably will never go back to Jamaica. Other Caribbean islands are much nicer (Grand Cayman and most of the eastern Caribbean islands).
cheepskate saw things this way:
Take a ship organized excursion or stay on the boat
, December 17, 2010
Reviewer: cheepskate
I would go to Port-a-Prince before setting foot in Ocho Rios again
Armed guards[rifles] at every ATM; aggressive level of panhandling that would get you arrested anywhere else;
nothing worth seeing within walking distance of cruise terminal;
for a place this beautiful, the level of poverty is embarrassing.
chuck-1999 saw things this way:
I will never go there again
, December 14, 2010
Reviewer: chuck-1999
There is nothing good to say about this port
Rude and pushy locals practically harrass you as you walk from shop to shop
I have never been so uncomfortable with a local population at a tourist location. They won't let you just walk down the street. I expected the occasional offer of "smoke" but the constant "in your face" aggression was too much.
We got back on the ship and will never go back - if a future cruise stops at Jamaica, we will be on the boat.
Your Account
Shore Excursions
Group Cruises
River Cruises
International Cruisers Welcome
Weddings at Sea
Cruise Videos
Cruise Ship Reviews
Cruise Port Reviews
Cruise departures:
Cape Liberty
Fort Lauderdale
Los Angeles
New Orleans
New York
Pearl Harbor
Port Canaveral
Port Everglades
Quebec City
San Diego
San Francisco
St Louis
St Paul
Browse Cruise Ships and Cruise Lines
Amadeus River Cruises
AmaWaterways Cruise Tours
American Cruise Lines
American Queen Steamboat Company
Avalon Waterways
Azamara Club Cruises
Blount Small Ship Adventures
Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruise Tours
Celebrity Cruises
Costa Cruise Lines
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line
Disney Cruise Line
Emerald Waterways
Holland America Cruise Tours
Holland America Line (HAL)
Imperial River Cruises
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Tours
Oceania Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Princess Cruise Tours
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Riviera River Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruise Tours
Royal Caribbean International (RCL)
SeaDream Yacht Club
Silversea Cruises
Star Clippers
Tauck River Cruising
U by Uniworld
Un-Cruise Adventures
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Variety Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking River Cruises
Voyages to Antiquity
Windstar Cruises
Cruises by Region
Competing quotes
on resort vacations.
Cruise reviews, tips
and information.
Connecting cruisers with the
best cruise prices
discount cruises
since 2003.
Privacy Policy


text:
Understanding resolution settings of Digital CamerasFebruary 18, 2011 // Posted by: cooldude // Category: Digital Cameras
Sometimes when you take out a print of the picture clicked by you using a digital camera, you will realize that the picture looks better in the digital camera. This is because of inappropriate resolution settings of your digital camera.
What is resolution? The digital picture consists of tiny solid color squares known as pixels. These pixels altogether make a picture. Usually a digital camera gives you three options for resolution; small, medium and large. When you set it at large, it captures maximum pixels in a shot which is equal to its capacity, while in the medium mode the pixels are reduced to half, and in small mode they become half the numbers in the medium mode.
The quality of a picture depends on the number of pixels. More pixels means the picture has been captured with more details. Thus choosing the setting which captures maximum number of pixels in a shot is the right resolution setting for your digital camera.


text:
Screwed Up, Beyond Belief -- Part X
1/13/2013 | Share this article: View CommentsBy Ex-Pastor Dan ~
Chapter 10 - The "Blessing" of a Lifetime
As I stood there greeting the early-arrivers for Sunday Evening Worship, I spied a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief convertible pulling into the parking lot across Oak View Avenue. This vehicle was unfamiliar to my bespectacled eyes and the profile of the driver was intriguing to say the least. It was a young woman, I was sure of it! Young, single males have a way of sensing and instantly checking out young females with the speed and adroitness of a Kung Fu master in a Bruce Lee movie! And believe me, this young beauty did not escape my genetically coded response of sensing, whirling and staring. I won't elaborate on the other genetically coded response that was stirring in my loins as this long-legged goddess emerged from that two-toned coupe. "Father forgive me for my lustful thoughts," was the silent prayer that was issued up in supplication as the mini-skirted brunette swept past me and a couple of my best friends - disappearing through the glass entry doors. All we were left with was the lingering scent of Channel #5 and an open-mouthed expression affixed to our titillated mugs. "Who was that?" exclaimed Chuck. "I have no idea, but I intend to find out! It is my duty as youth leader to welcome any new guests!" I said in my most pious tone, hoping he wouldn't notice the bulge in my pants that I was desperately trying to "re-arrange" and "pray down!" "Yeah, Right!" Chuck said with a wink of carnal knowledge. "Don't tell me you didn't notice how short that skirt was, you old horn dog! Maybe you should ask her out, it looks like she needs some 'sanctifying'!" he said with a wink and a snort. I can't be sure, but I think I heard him faintly whisper under his breath "…if you don't, I will…"
As you may recall from earlier chapters in this story, I had taken a vow unto the Lord and hadn't dated in several months as I waited for God to show me His choice for my mate. I was horny as could be, but figured it was just my old sinful nature raising its ugly head, and I needed more time on my knees. Chuck on the other hand, was one of my best friends, but he couldn't be trusted with someone as sweet and innocent as Miss Mini-skirt. NO WAY! He was always bragging about his exploits with "the chicks" in other churches. He had already begun preaching around southern California and had met some women who were living a lifestyle of which I would call, "questionable modesty," in those liberal Assembly of God Churches where he had ministered. Brother Mac was not pleased that Chuck had taken preaching engagements at those "Worldly A of Gs" as he called them. You see, the organization that we belonged to (The California Evangelistic Association or CEA) was launched in the 1930s after two brothers left the Assembly of God organization because it wasn't holy enough and was getting too "liberal" in its interpretation of scripture. The Assemblies were moving away from fundamentalism and were now "flirting with the devil" by allowing their women to wear make up and jewelry. The organization had really gone off the tracks. They even allowed the church boards to pick and hire their pastors. For Christ's sake, only God could pick a pastor, and then that pastor (and only that pastor) was the head of the church. Church boards only caused confusion and muddied the waters of finding God's will and direction for the local body of believers. God didn't abide any of that tom foolery in His church, and those Assembly-ites had even become ashamed to call themselves Pentecostals. There was no more "holiness" being preached in the A of G Churches, so the Harmes Brothers felt it was time to "come out and be ye separate."
I headed straight for the prayer room at the back of the church. To anyone watching, I was in prayer and meditation for the evening service. The truth of the matter was that I couldn't walk into the sanctuary with that raging woody which even now was stretching my double knit slacks! "Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" I loved quoting St. Paul back to God when I was feeling especially carnal and full of lust. It helped knowing that other men of God knew what it was like to suffer the pangs of their Adamic nature and "thorns of the flesh." I continued to try and pray, but all I could think about was that sweet, young thing (one of our favorite phrases) in a plaid (Catholic School Girl) mini-skirt, green vest, platform shoes, and those long, long…. incredibly long legs!
"Oh my sweet Jesus, is this the one?" I began my query of the Lord. "You know that I have been a very good and chaste young man for several months now, Lord. Is this the answer to my prayers? Could this be my future wife? Is my wait over? Oh, please, please let her be the one, dear heavenly Father!"
Now, you may be thinking that this kind of talk was very sudden, vain and presumptuous of me, but when you live in the delusional world of believing that miracles happen every day, and that I was truly God's special & chosen one, it seemed perfectly logical. In fact, it was considered righteous to claim these thoughts as "words of Faith." As I look back now, I shutter in embarrassment and horror at the immensity of my Solipsim and Hubris, but at the time, I felt right at home in speaking these lunacies. The truly baffling thing is that I not only spoke like this, I acted upon it…..In the name of the Lord! Hallelujah, Praise Jesus, nothing was impossible with my God! …Rawm pawm pawm Hippah Shawndie Condamee Oh my shyee Hallomawkaw taunda keedy a kyee Shawndra mawkiteee Racha Shawnda moko todo coooooee……..(yes, I can still speak in tongues. Nothing magical about it. When you hear heavenly gibberish gushing forth as often as I did growing up, it comes as natural as farting)
You must realize that this new, heavenly being; this female conundrum of devilish sexiness, combined with angelic innocence, was every Pentecostal boy's wet dream, from the time he was 12 years old until, well… until he gave in to God's will and married one of our chubby, shame-faced, granny-dressed, canckled (a term for legs that have ankles so fat that they look like the calf goes all the way to the foot, therefore - Calf-Ankles = Cankles) accordion players. Obviously this vision of loveliness didn't come from any of our CEA churches. She was too stylish. She was too sexy. She was too beautiful. She was too…THIN! She was wearing make up and jewelry….OHHHHH MY! And those legs! Did I mention the legs?
But, she was carrying a Bible! I'm pretty sure that I saw a Bible clutched to her bosoms…err…I mean…. bosom. "Hallelujah! She must be a Christian. She must have come from one of those worldly Assembly of God Churches down in Ventura. Yeah, that was the ticket." The prophetic thoughts were now flowing as if inspired by the Holy Ghost Himself. My head was spinning.
She was probably a frustrated A of G'er who was tired of their worldly ways. "She must be seeking a deeper walk with the Lord," I mused, as my prayer trailed off and my mind whirled with the excitement of new romance and the prospect of this gift from God in the form of a beautiful and sexy wife! God had heard my desperate pleas. He had sent her straight from heaven and into my waiting arms. "Oh God, I praise Thee in advance! I know that Thou hast brought this young Christian woman into the Oak View Full Gospel Lighthouse for a purpose. Please, oh please, let that purpose be the answer to my constant prayer. Let her be the one, Oh Lord. Let me be the chosen vessel to bring her to sanctification. I beseech Thee, in the precious name of Thy Son, Jesus. Let this be the 'Blessing of a Lifetime' for me, Thy faithful and most humble servant….Amen and Amen."
Next time - Patience Rewarded
Filed Under: ex-Pastor Dan , Testimonials


text:
Pain Management Team
The Greenwich Hospital Pain Clinic is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals including medical specialists, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists, nursing and administrative staff and researchers.
These staff include:
Prof Philip Siddall, Director, Specialist in Pain Medicine
Prof Siddall is a specialist pain medicine physician, and Director of the Pain Clinic and Professor in Pain Medicine at the University of Sydney. He has been working in the field of pain medicine for over 25 years and previously worked at the Pain Management Centres at Royal North Shore and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals. He is recognised internationally for his work in the field of pain management with many publications in scientific and medical journals, regular invitations to speak at national and international meetings and for six years was the Australasian representative on the international council of the International Association for the Study of Pain.
As well as his clinical work, he is an active researcher and teacher at the University of Sydney. Further information regarding his background, research interests and publications can be found through his profile page [PS1] at the University of Sydney.
Dr Amanda Johns, Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain Medicine
Dr Johns is a consultant physician in both Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain Medicine. She completed her medical degree at the University of New South Wales, graduating in 2003. Amanda completed her rehabilitation medicine training in the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales and was highly successful in her fellowship clinical examination, receiving the Basmajian Prize as top candidate in 2009. After qualifying as a Rehabilitation Specialist, she completed a second fellowship in Pain Medicine at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Amanda is interested in the individual's experience of chronic pain and how that experience impacts on function and social roles. With a rehabilitation training background, she works closely with the allied health team to find practical solutions and explore individual goals. Amanda is happy to provide advice about opioids and other analgesic management options. She works closely alongside GP's and specialists to provide care for people with acute, chronic and cancer pain issues.
Dr Raj Vinod Anand, Specialist in Rheumatology and Pain Medicine
Dr Anand is a consultant physician in both Rheumatology and Pain Medicine. Following his undergraduate medical training in India, he moved to New Zealand and completed a dual Fellowship in general medicine and rheumatology under the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He then moved to Australia to pursue further training and obtained another Fellowship in Pain Medicine. He has a very strong clinical and research interest in pain in the elderly (particularly those with dementia) and holds a position within the Dementia Centre at HammondCare providing support through their national dementia advisory service. He is happy to offer telemedicine consults to patients including those living in aged care facilities.
In addition, Dr Anand has interests in chronic widespread pain (fibromyalgia), musculoskeletal pain and mindfulness based lifestyle interventions. He is an enthusiastic physician, who strongly believes that understanding the person is a vital part of improving healthcare experiences and delivering outcomes which matter to the individual and is keen to work and support all healthcare providers to improve outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
David Monck, Clinical Nurse Consultant
David is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Pain Management. He has been working in the field of pain management since 1998 and completed the Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) at The University of Sydney in 2012. As well as working at Greenwich Hospital Pain Clinic, David works as Acute Pain Service Clinical Nurse Consultant at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
David's primary role at Greenwich Hospital Pain Clinic involves working with Dr Amanda Johns to provide Outreach Pain Management Services to NSW Far West Local Health District. This outreach service includes telehealth consultations, video-link group patient education sessions, outreach site visits and training and education for Local Health District and Primary Care Clinicians to build local capacity.
Rebecca McCabe, Physiotherapist
Rebecca is a physiotherapist who has worked at Royal North Shore Hospital Pain Management and Research Centre as well as working in private practice. The focus of her physiotherapy practice is on treating people with chronic pain both individually and in groups. She has also been involved in research at the Royal North Shore Hospital Pain Management and Research Centre investigating the effectiveness of a self–management program in helping elderly people manage their pain.
Robin Murray, Clinical Psychologist
Robin is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. She has a PhD in clinical psychology and has also been part of the pain management teams at the Royal North Shore Hospital as well as Canberra Hospital. Robin has a strong interest in positive psychology and has taught on this subject at the University of Sydney. Robin was also involved with Rebecca in research on the effectiveness of a self-management program in helping elderly people to manage chronic pain.
Skye Dong, Clinical Psychologist
Skye is a clinical psychologist with a strong interest in working with individuals adjusting to medical conditions, loss and grief, complex trauma, and significant life events impacting one's quality of life. She has a PhD and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Sydney University. She has conducted research in the areas of psycho-oncology and symptom management. She currently works as a clinical psychologist on a spinal cord injury unit, rehabilitation unit, and palliative care unit across public and private health settings. Skye is interested in researching the subjective experience of suffering and the role of purpose and meaning in fostering post-traumatic growth in individuals with chronic pain.
Kathryn Nicholson Perry, Clinical Psychologist
Kathryn is a clinical psychologist specialising in working with people with medical conditions. She has a PhD (about pain in people with spinal cord injury), and has worked in pain services at St Thomas' Hospital (London, UK) and Royal North Shore Hospital (Sydney, Australia). Kathryn is Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Psychology where she contributes to teaching on post-graduate psychology programs including the Master of Psychology (Clinical).
Kathryn conducts research concerning pain, disability and rehabilitation and is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney.
Janene Meacham, Administrative Officer
Janene is the person who handles enquiries, arranges appointments, books people in on arrival at the clinic and the many other tasks that are required to help us function smoothly.
Phil Austin, Postdoctoral Researcher
Phil is an osteopath and completed a PhD in the area of visceral pain and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. He is presently employed on grant funding within the Pain Clinic to conduct research investigating how the body's pain inhibitory system in the brain and spinal cord may not be functioning well in people with chronic pain. Phil also works in clinical private practice, treating people with musculoskeletal chronic pain disorders.
Bruce Carr, Volunteer
Bruce began volunteering at Greenwich Hospital in July 2013. He spent the first part of his working life in the marketing and business field. In 1999, he moved to Gothenburg (Sweden) with his family and worked for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. This was his initiation into the Healthcare industry. After two very cold winters and one brilliant summer in the Scandinavian climate, Bruce moved home to Australia to continue work in healthcare. In particular, this entailed the project management of clinical trials across various therapeutic areas in Asia and Australia. Recently, he started his own business conducting residential and commercial energy assessments. This role (working from home) has allowed him the flexibility and ability to volunteer at Greenwich.


text:
The Philips Sonicare TongueCare+ comes with tongue spray in only one flavour. Discover what our plans are for the tongue spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get other flavours of the TongueCare+ tongue spray?
No other flavours
There are no other flavors of tongue spray available. Currently, there are no plans for additional flavors.


text:
...of technology!
This is what I fiddle with if I don't take photos of florets... ;-)
Hannover Messe / Trade Show of Technology 2013 - Lead theme: Integrated Industry
8 - 12 April 2013
Booth of the No. 1 in clamping technology and gripping systems: SCHUNK.
30 years of SCHUNK grippers.
The worldwide benchmark in industrial robot hands.
SCHUNK presented its historic milestones from the first industrial gripper to the 5-finger hand, and the latest innovations in the field of gripping and automation.
Technology - Goalkeeper Talk at the SCHUNK booth of the Hannover Show.
The SCHUNK "locker room" - our reception room for VIPs and guests.
Visit of Baden-Wuerttemberg's minister for finance and economic affairs and deputy prime minister Dr. Nils Schmid in our lobby.
Customer's photo shooting with world-class goalkeeper Jens Lehmann - the SCHUNK brand ambassador.
Everybody was able to spectate at the photoshoot...
...live on the videowall.
Exhibition stand of the German robot manufacturer KUKA, one of the most innovative makers of industrial robots.


text:
QILA ABDULLAH- A new case of polio has been reported in Qila Abdullah district of Baluchistan, increasing the tally of the victims of the crippling disease to 12.
Baluchistan health department in a statement confirmed a new case of polio in Zaman Achakzai village of Qila Abdulllah district.
The infection has been reported in 14-month son of a villager Abdul Razzaq. The parents had not vaccinated their child, leaving him to the mercy of the crippling infection. The number of polio cases in Baluchistan has reached to 12 with the new reported infection.