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Our Services
Process Analysis
In order to introduce ML/AI in your organization, Process Analysis must be the first step. Which processes can be automated? Where are the highest gains? What are the business impacts? We help you in all these preliminary steps…
OD Strategy for ML/AI
What is the organizational impact of employing ML/AI in your company? What do you need to consider? What are the risks to your organization? We help you identify all these and plan accordingly…
Software & Tools
We provide tools & software to kick-start your own ML/AI-projects. These tools, including Neural Network Models, allow you to jump-start your activities without a lot of upfront work.
Team Setup
We help you setup your in-house ML/AI-team in order to continue owning your business. This includes providing you with profiles, performing interviews with candidates, and much more…
About us
We are a team of people enthusiastic about the possibilities that machine learning and artificial intelligence open up. We are especially aware of not only the possibilities but also of the risks that come along with such a revolutionary and disrupting technology. We have decades of experience in employing software to not only make business processes more efficient but also to empower people. Thus, we offer a full-range of services in the area of using ML/AI but also planning ahead on all matters of organizational change & disruption that comes with it.
Speech Recognition
Speech Synthesis
Text Classification
Object Recognition
Document Classification
Specialized Translation
Sentiment Analysis
Specialized OCR
Signal Processing
Latest news
AI in the News: What Will be Our Purpose?
"One very valid reason for existing is that we are here to create. What AI cannot do is perhaps a potential reason for why we exist. One such direction is that we create. We invent things. We celebrate creation."
The M-AILABS Speech Dataset
The M-AILABS Speech Dataset resides from now on here. Please update your links to the new page (courtesy of Imdat Solak): The M-AILABS Speech Dataset
Speech Recognition
Speech Recognition is a method of converting voice data into text. It is also very often called Speech to Text, or (better) Speech Transcription.
Making Data Available (cont'd series)
In the series of making data available for machine learning, we have some really good news.
German Wiktionary as clean JSON
Our next, in the series of "making data available" is an extract of German Wiktionary…
Database of Locations in Germany
As of today we have put online for free download the database of (hopefully) all locations in Germany.
Preparing Training Data
One of the major tasks in training machine learning (if not the major-task) is preparing the training data. This is a tedious task that requires people who like repetitive work. Though it is tedious, it is (in our opinion) even more important than knowing which model to use, what software to write to train the system.
Beethoven by Deep Neuronal Network
Our DNN (Keras2-based WaveNet) is now training on Ludwig van Beethoven, specifically the piano sonatas. You can find the complete works on Amazon* (no affiliate :-). Artist is Yukio Yokoyama (also, Amazon-Link).
We have some mixed results, but mainly lots of learnings…
Chopin by a Deep Neuronal Network
The last few days, we were training our Keras2-based WaveNet on samples from Chopin. The samples are just two pieces by Frederic Chopin, recorded very long ago and thus out-of-copyright. We still have a long way to go (and also figure out why we had a dead-lock during Multi-GPU-training). Because of that deadlock, we are[…]
Keras2-based WaveNet published on GitHub
At Munich Artificial Intelligence Laboratories (M-AILABS), we experiment with a lot of technologies and methods. We also look for novel ways of doing things in the area of ML & AI.
One of my personal dreams is to have an AI-based solution that can "compose" music. And of course, it has to be music like the great Ludwig van. So, we started looking for some papers.


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Published: Wed, 07 Mar 2018
R v Graham [1982] 1 All ER 801
Criminal – Duress – Murder – Relevance of consumption of drugs and alcohol
Paul Graham had been drinking and taking drugs when he and his homosexual partner killed Graham's wife. Graham claimed he was under duress as his co-defendant was a violent man. He was charged with first degree murder. He appealed against the conviction on the basis that the trial judge applied a subjective test to the defence of duress.
Whether an objective or subjective test should be applied when determining whether a defendant was under duress at the time the act was committed.
The trial judge was correct in putting to the jury a subjective test and then objective test to determine if the defence of duress could be relied on by Graham. The Court further held that while there was no binding authority that determined whether the test of duress should be purely subjective or objective, it was essential to limit the defence of duress by means of an objective test. The objective test being the "reasonable man" principle. The court defined the test as whether Graham was impelled to act as he did as a result of what he reasonably believed, and, if he had not acted in accordance with King's wishes, would he have been killed? The second prong of the test was if the answer was yes to the first question(s) of the test, would a sober person of reasonable firmness, sharing Graham's characteristics, have not responded to whatever he reasonably believed his co-defendant said by participating in the act of killing? The fact that Graham's will had crumbled as a result of alcohol and drugs is irrelevant to the test and was not required to be considered. Therefore, the appeal was dismissed and the conviction stayed.
Cite This Essay
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subset: commoncrawl


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The emergence of popular media website BuzzFeed has transformed itself into a credible news source with topics ranging from ISIS in Mosul to cute outfits for dogs. BuzzFeed has expertly utilized social media as a promotion tool and crafts their clickbait to a T, bringing in more than 7 billion content views per month. BuzzFeed has their handprints all over the internet: on their website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube page.
When BuzzFeed came on the scene the genre of the listicle blew up. Wikipedia defines the listicle as "a short-form of writing that uses a list as its thematic structure" so it's something to pique our interest, but is it going to overtake the traditional form of an article? Will this new genre invade our academic spaces? Will our conferences and newscasts be focused around finally reaching number 10 and getting the OK to turn off our brains? Imagine a college senior's final paper formatted as a list? Would you dock points for the simplistic, dumbed down style, or would you look at it as a creative, forward thinking style applying new techniques to an antiquated system? The listicle has certainly changed the game of popular news media and I wouldn't be surprised if eventually colleges move toward a more bullet-point style of writing.
Here's 3 reasons why listicles could be dangerous:
- We're becoming a clickbait culture – only opening the article based on a quick, 10 words or less headline. Our culture likes the look of a listicle, less words all stuck together in that scary article format.
- It reduces news to a silly format and writers could have to sacrifice content in order to fit the genre.
- We're writers, we don't do numbers!
The New Yorker's article, "A LIST OF REASONS WHY OUR BRAINS LOVE LISTS" says that "it spatially organizes the information; and it promises a story that's finite, whose length has been quantified upfront" and that if given the choice, we will choose small, "bite-sized" portions of news about China and ISIS rather than spend our time on paragraphs about impending doom. It's easier to numb our feelings about the world and compress them into short lists instead of digesting the news, recognizing the state of our world, and making a change. If learning about the election only takes 15 easy steps, why immerse yourself in politics and get involved in the state of the nation?
Granted, there's some days when you just need 21 Puppies So Cute You Will Literally Gasp And Then Probably Cry
I mean, look at that little munchkin, but can't our culture find something redeemable to spend our time on? 7 BILLION views a month! Facebook is dominated with BuzzFeed posts, so much so that you can't look at your news feed without seeing a BuzzFeed article or copycat listicle. BuzzFeed has tapped into all genres imaginable and yet they keep coming up with more.
For all their faults, BuzzFeed has found their niche – maybe a global niche? – and they are relishing their success. With offices around the world, 1300+ employees, and a growing credibility, it seems that BuzzFeed is here to stay.
One of BuzzFeed's breakout stars, Matt Bellassai, got famous from his weekly video series where he "gets drunk at his desk and complains about stuff," like the one below about the downside of fall. Bellassi went on to win a People's Choice Award for Favorite Social Media Star.
The upside to BuzzFeed is that most of the content is purely positive. There's no slander of presidential candidates or injection of religious perspectives (or lack there of) and what you see is what you get. They work on inclusion and acceptance of everyone, including those 32 weird shower habits everyone does but you felt alone about. BuzzFeed helps the people of the world feel less like a weirdo and brings our aforementioned habits into the light. Then we can share it all over our personal social media and Aunt Jenny can comment something like "bless your heart" and eventually we'll delete the post. Family drama aside, BuzzFeed brings people together whereas other news sources divide people further.
Although I may not be in love with the idea of a listicle like so many of my fellow Facebook friends, but I might be interested in the possible evolution of the genre in an academic space. Do you think it has a chance to change the way we view education? Or has it already changed our view?
Please comment below and lets talk about your love/hate relationship with listicles, or send me your favorite BuzzFeed links and we can bond over that one thing we do when we're alone in the car.


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False or true, I wish I had a clue or two
Where I stood I thought I knew
Or should
True or false, life wasn't ever any waltz
Then it caught the somersaults
For good
Might have known it would
Ev'ry Time my heart begins to dance
The world steps on my little toes.
Ev'ry time I take a little chance
I pay right through my little nose.
Ev'ry time I fly my little kite
It catches on a tree.
Ev'ry time I throw an anchor out
It pulls me in the sea.
Ev'ry time I feel a little glow
I always get a little shock.
Ev'ry time I stick my little chin out
I always get a little knock,
And when I aim my arrows at the sun
They always miss their mark
Leaving just a lonely little lady
In the dark
Lyrics taken from /lyrics/j/june_christy/evry_time.html


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Shortly after her extensive efforts had created the hill
A considerably more recent development in
We have a chance to sit down in a café seemingly fashioned from an up turned boat (it wasn't explained if a giant's temper had got the better of them again!) and heard some local accomplished girls play their zithers and explain some of the detail in their costumes. If I recall, the brighter the red on their dress, the younger and more available the girl! We eat a tasty pastry filled with a leek and bacon mixture I suspect accompanied by, in my mind, the strongest blackest tea ever. I couldn't drink it but I enjoyed the savoury.
Another thing the Estonians are proud of is their flag. I guess they haven't been flying it for that long. Merica explains that generally flags with three stripes like this would always have the white at the top possibly explaining the fact that when they won their first gold in the Barcelona Olympics in 1991, their new flag was hung upside down. The explanation goes that the blue signifies the sky and the seas, the black the soil and the white for the hope of the people. So now we know!
Our evening meal is enlivened by some of the new stories we've been told of during the day and M and I are extremely grateful we had Merica enlightening us. Tonight's chosen options were Celery Mousse on Marinated Cucumber Salad with Spring Onions and Tomato Relish, though some of us waived the tomato. Ericson is very good and remembers my bête noir so I don't have to fear the dreaded red stuff!
The soup is Cream of Courgette with Croutons, another pale and not entirely interesting offering.
My main course tonight is Slow, Cooked Duck Leg with Blackcurrant, Orange and Cassis Sauce, Vegetable Mixture and Marquise Potatoes. The duck is quite cooked! M chose the Braised Venison with amongst other delights - a pear and potato dumpling. She had forgotten it was a dumpling and thought her potato tasted even odder than usual!
And tonight's finale is an Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce with yet more mutant mint sprigs.


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|Tombstone of Joseph Fowlie, Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City, Iowa
You are probably reading this thinking, "Hey, that tombstone says 1881, not 1879! What's up with that?" Well, the tombstone must be wrong. Family records indicate October 5, 1879. The 1880 Census of Jackson Township, Benton County, Iowa dated June 1, 1880 has Joseph listed as age 8/12, born in October [1879]. The 1900 census of Twin Lakes Township, Calhoun County, Iowa has Joseph listed as age 20, born October 1879. The tombstone photographed above, by me in March 2011, was directly in line with his parents and adjacent to the Fowlie monument, so it is for the "right" Joseph Fowlie. My only guess is that someone made an error in making the tombstone and the death notice. Perhaps the tombstone is a replacement or there was no stone to start with and the new stone was based upon the following death notice.
This death notice is from the Rockwell City Advocate, January 23, 1908.
Death of Joseph FowlieThe community was shocked yesterday when the announcement was made on the streets that Joseph C. Fowlie had passed away after an illness of about ten days with pneumonia, his death occurring at the home of E.M. Reynolds. Deceased was born in Benton county [Iowa] and was aged 27 [sic] years, 3 months and 17 days. He came to Rockwell City with his parents when about five years old and has resided near here since that time. He leaves to mourn him four sisters and seven brothers. The funeral occurs this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Baptist church, deceased being a member of that organization.


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Ghaziabad, Aug 8 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court is to hear on Thursday the case of a student's death in GD Goenka Public School Indirapuram.
After issuance of notice from the High Court on Tuesday, the parents of Armaan Sehgal, a Class 4 student, lifted their dharna from outside the school which they started on Tuesday morning.
The 10-year-old student died in the school premises on August 1 after he slipped in the corridor of the school.
The police registered a criminal case against the principal and the management of the school for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destroying evidence under sections 304 and 201 of IPC.
But the school filed a petition in Allahabad High Court for quashing the FIR and to grant stay on the arrest in the case.
The court issued notice to both parties after the parents filed a caveat in the court in which the parents prayed that they be heard before making any decision. So the court issued notice.
The BSP leader Satyapal Chaudhary, said "On August 10, 2017, the entire opposition including BSP, Congress, SP and RLD would meet the DM and SSP to press the demand for the immediate arrest of the culprits."
Swati Sehgal, mother of Armaan, had confronted SSP H.N. Singh last Friday when the police chief sought a time till Monday.
She asked the reason for delay to arrest the culprits since the student died inside the school premises and the parents were not allowed to visit the crime scene, which she said was heavily dressed up.
The SSP insisted that the culprits would be arrested if evidence was found against them. At this, the mother alleged that the school has tampered with all evidences. She asked when all the CCTVs were found operational, why were the two CCTVs not found operational which covered the corridor where Armaan slipped and died.
The parents submitted an application to the SSP in which they alleged that the school owner Ankur Malhotra, Smita Malhotra, Kavita Sharma, Meenakshi Dhingra, Shilpa Babbar and Sumit Anand have threatened them with being killed.
She alleged that she never demanded a magisterial inquiry but it was ordered to grant them time to approach the High Court.
The incident occurred on August 1 inside GD Goenka school situated in Shakti Khand (IIIrd) Indirapuram, Ghaziabad when Armaan Sehgal came to appear in the internal unit test of the school. He was going to the classroom situated on IInd floor. As he was walking through the corridor he slipped. As he collapsed, the school management rushed him to a nearby Shanti Gopal Hospital where doctors declared him dead.
The boy's father Gulshan Sehgal, a resident of Vaishali, alleged that it was the fault of the school that the corridor was not safe to walk. Armaan's clothes were found wet which suggested that there was water on the floor so he slipped due to water logging in the corridor. The father said legal action should be initiated against the erring institute.
Post Source: Ians feed


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Lionel Richie's name misspelled at BET Awards ahead of big honor
Lionel Richie was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 BET Awards last night but as he spoke onstage his name was displayed on screen as "Lionel Ritchie."
According to Us weekly the "All Night Long" singer was seemingly unaware of the snafu.
Before he accepted the accolade a range of artists covered his classics. After an introduction by Pharrell Williams, John Legend, Ledisi and Yolanda Adams all sang Richie as well as songs from the group that launched him, The Commodores.
PHOTOS: Biggest live TV flubs
"That was absolutely amazing," gushed the 65-year-old singer after the performances."Everyone did a great job. These are all the songs that they told me would ruin my career."
"Soul is a feeling," he continued. "Not a color. Talent is a God-given gift and not a category. And out of the box, out of the box is that magical place where talent—true talent—goes to live and thrive and breathe. And may you never give that up as long as you're in this business."


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Sulaimaniyah: An Iraqi police official says prison officials and guards have been detained after 17 prisoners including 10 al Qaeda-affiliated detainees broke out of jail in a northern Iraqi city.
Police on Saturday said the entire staff of the detention centre is being questioned as part of the investigation into the prison break in the city of Kirkuk on Friday.
A police official said that one of the escaped prisoners has been recaptured.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to release the information.
Kirkuk is located 180 miles (290 kilometres) north of Baghdad. The oil-rich city has seen sporadic insurgent violence and ongoing tensions between the region`s three main groups — Kurds, Arabs and Turkomen.
Bureau Report


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It has been a long time since I played with Lori Boyd's images.. I'm absolutely in love with them… After a break, Lori has now a new challenge on and of course I had to join it.
Here is the card I made for it:
Isnt it just adorable? Here are the materials I used on my card:
- stamp: puddle jumper from Lori Boyd Designs
- copic markers: G24, G21. G20, RV23, RV21, RV00, YR07, YR04, YR02, C9, C7, C5, C3, C2.
- sentiment: frou frou tag stamps from Stamping Scrapping Designs
- nesties: frou frou tag die cut & big scalloped oval
- punch: Martha Stewart
- stash: cardstock, stash, buttons
- swirls: Recollection
- The Pink Elephant: heart
- By Lori Design color combo
- Descontructed Sketch: sketch
- Sweet Stamps: hearts


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Have you been tasked with creating a default corporate image and wished you could configure it ONCE and not have to worry about the settings or preferences when a new user logs on and creates a new local or roaming profile?
Windows (XP – Win7) allows us to do so using the following steps.
- Have another admin level local account. I typically create a new local admin acct called "Setup"
- Ensure you have show Hidden and System folders ON
- Log in to the new local account and get it completely set as your default configuration. this can include everything from desktop icons, to IE favorites to MS Office preferences to printers. Once complete, log off "setup" user and back on using the local admin account
- Now logged on as admin, access the system properties window by right clicking "Computer" or "My Compter" icons either via the desktop or start menu. At the System Properties windows click on the Advanced Tab, and click on the "Settings" button in the middle section labeled User Profiles as shown here..
- In the new window that appears you should see a list of profiles and the "setup" user profile you wish to copy. Highlight it and then click on the "Copy To" button in the lower right as shown here…
- The copy to button should be active and you will be prompted for the location to copy the profile to. For XP BROWSE (do not type the path in) to C:documents and settingsDefault user. If this path doesn't appear you don't have show hidden and show system folders on. For vista / win7, browse to C:usersDefault
- You will then be prompted for what permissions will be used on the new profile after it's copied. Add the "Everyone" group.
- BINGO! now all new profiles created on that machine will be built off of the "setup" profile you created earlier! Congrats!
You can also reference this TechNet article for more information..
« Windows XP unattended install docs Acitve or Passive? who's side are you on for FTP? »


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Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Indiana Festival Theatre: You Can't Take it With You
Categories: Indiana University, Arts & Culture, B-town Giveaways
Congratulations to our winner of two tickets to The Taming of the Shrew last week!
This week, we've got another voucher good for two Indiana Festival Theatre tickets - this time for the production of You Can't Take it With You, which opened last Thursday and runs through July 29,
This fun, family centered comedy features the unconventional Sycamore family and the mayhem that ensues when their daughter's fiance arrives with his prim and proper parents for an introductory dinner on he wrong night (can you say awkward?). Fireworks fly with the quirky behaviors of the Sycamores collide with the Kirbys' buttoned-up attitudes... and the audience discovers the universality of family and learns that sometimes our family eccentricities are the ties that bind.
So, you know the drill this time, right? Simply comment on this blog post for a chance to win. Tell us about your favorite memory or experience in Bloomington involving family (or close friends - what can we say, we're flexible!). Each comment has a chance to win and a winner will be chosen this Thursday, July 19, in the afternoon, so you've got two days to get entered!
Be sure to share your comment on Facebook, so your family and friends can enter to win, too!


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# Supporting Companies' Newsletter # Various individual models
Von Calisson,
Hi, fans of modelling.
I have to apologize for being late, but we have received an interesting newsletter with plenty of models, from Mierce.
Here it is (long post). Enjoy!!
Display Spoiler
Our April newsletter.
Lots of uses for T9A players.
OK, here's more awesome Mierce minis, it's April and that means a bunch of new releases ready to order from our webstore! Don't forget that T9A players get 15% off using the promo code THE-9TH-AGE
I have to apologize for being late, but we have received an interesting newsletter with plenty of models, from Mierce.
Here it is (long post). Enjoy!!
Our April newsletter.
Lots of uses for T9A players.
OK, here's more awesome Mierce minis, it's April and that means a bunch of new releases ready to order from our webstore! Don't forget that T9A players get 15% off using the promo code THE-9TH-AGE
|The promised releases for April this year are here, a little late thanks to the Easter Holidays and other shenanigans (not the least of which are our preparations for Salute 2018) but they're here anyway! We have seventeen more releases for Darklands and BaneLegions this month, and all are very spiffing.
Every so often an idea comes along that just... well, works. The Slayers of Dunholm, Slēanbera Unit are just such an idea! Started by Cæna a few years back, we've expanded the unit thanks to Danny Cruz' artwork and Valentin Zak's sculpting talents, bringing in Osbeorn, the unit's champion, and Ewart, another warrior. These guys are absolutely wonderful and some of our favourite miniatures of all time!
Slayers of Dunholm, Slēanbera Unit
We decided to use Dan Warren and Martin Lavat's talents to convert Cnebba somewhat, making him howl at the moon or perhaps he's just making sure his mum knows what time he'll be home for tea. Or something. Here's Howling Cnebba, anyway...
Howling Cnebba, Mægenwulf
Now Bakr is another of our banner bearer to warrior conversions, completed by Tim Prow from the originals by Roberto Chaudon. He's a cracking fella, so he is, full of movement, and a great addition to your Byzantii host!
Bakr, Dromedus Warrior
Another conversion by Tim Prow from the original by Didier Fancagne, Murderous Cúlaítar now has two massive crosses to batter the enemies of the Érainn with, one made of stone and one of wood, a fact that only drives Cúlaítar to even more murderous intent. Maybe the wooden cross was part of his dad once.
Murderous Cúlaítar, Beast of Lagáin Forest
A natural conversion of Naraa (originally sculpted by Jacques-Alexander Gillois from the artwork by Stefan Kopinski) was Archer Naraa (converted by Yannick Hennebo from the artwork by Dan Warren) as of course she had a bow over her shoulders. She looks great, as always!
Archer Naraa, Tain of Baalor
Michael Anderson sculpted the original armoured Chaaruch with helm, and then he did unarmoured Chaaruch which is strictly limited edition, but we thought we'd give people of the option of armoured Chaaruch without a helm. So here he is, Unhelmed Chaaruch, and he looks ace of course!
Unhelmed Chaaruch the Despoiler, Gul-Gabrax Tain
Converted from the original Qqolaan (the Srónax Banner Bearer) by Andrew May, Aaqko is a cracking addition to your Fomoraic hairies and really does look as if he could chop your head off with a single blow.
Aaqko, Srónax Warrior
Archer Sthena was rather an obvious conversion, of course, so we thought we'd mix it up by making her bare-chested, too. Tim Prow's done the honours from the artwork by Dan Warren.
Archer Sthena, Gorgór of Khthon
Yet another banner bearer to warrior conversion, Ssithi - a Gorgonar warrior - was converted by Tim Prow from the original Issithill by Stéphane Simon. And that's all we have to say about that.
Ssithi, Warrior of Khthon
Another Tim Prow conversion - Iiss is the warrior version of the Gorgonar unit's herald, and he just replaced Mneriiss' rattler with a normal tail!
Iiss, Warrior of Khthon
Now here's an awesome (and bloody massive) thing... Tórlákr is a mighty great Grimtroll with a massive great hammer and a thing of beauty, converted from Blood-Maw superbly by Dan Warren (artist) and Martin Lavat (sculptor). We absolutely love this guy, and if you're worried about Martin matching Dan Cockersell's amazing skin textures, don't be - he's matched them brilliantly!
Tórlákr, Grimtroll
Our own Tim Fisher, master moulder extraordinaire, has converted Kanka'k'ohkh (from Carrowek of Carn Dhu) to lead our other blighted monstrosities into battle on his blight horse. Pronounced "kankakok", if you ever come across him that's your sense of smell gone for sure.
Kanka'k'ohkh, Blightbringer on Blight Horse
Tim's also converted Sthif'hih'liss this month from the original Ischys, simply to ensure your sensibilities are disgusted a little further than normal. And yes, gribblous is a word. Well, it is now! Watch out for more of Tim's work on the blighted ones in the future...
Sthif'hih'liss, Gribblous Blightworm
Released on the 7th of April 2018
All of the releases above will be officially released on the 7th of April 2018. That was last Saturday, so you can order them right now!
Watch out for the May releases, which should be unveiled soon!
No comments available


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Thursday, January 24, 2013
G. Gordon Dean - Scam Factory - Author Interview & Giveaway
Congratulations to our winner!
marypres [at] gmail [dot] com
About the Book
Whoever said 'white-collar crime doesn't pay' never lived in Washington D.C. TierGroup is a business consultancy firm located in the heart of DC. Its Division Heads have a very cold and calculating unorthodox approach to conducting business. Protecting and serving their clients is the only thing that matters. Nevertheless, loyalty can swing both ways in this journey through greed, corruption, and absolute lack of accountability.
As a former Las Vegas Casino Surveillance Director, Michael Crayter, a straight shooter, becomes an unaware, almost, employee of TierGroup in mid-2001. His transformation takes many shapes from idea man to fraud guru. He embarks on a journey to Iraq, through Hurricane Katrina and eventually takes part in one of the biggest scams in the history of the United States - the TARP funding program. His boss, Charles "The Czar" Zarin, is the ultimate manipulation mentor. Michael Crayter's experience will last for more than eight years and will make his old Vegas job seem like child's play.
The investment opportunities the United States has to offer during this timeframe are seemingly endless and the public joins in on the greed. The whole country is riding high on the inflated value train with careless abandonment. There are no regulations followed or laws unbroken by the Mortgage Lenders, Stock Brokers, and Bankers. The bubble is getting bigger and the clock is ticking. It's every man for himself. Divide and conquer. Borrow and spend. No one sees the tsunami coming, except for Charles Zarin. Capitalism will be turned upside down and the money spigot will run dry.
By late 2007 the bubble bursts and our country's economy is left in ruins. The Treasury is sent in to bail out the white-collar thieves. While losing most of its clients TierGroup and Michael Crayter are left to fend for themselves. The tables are turned on the fat-cat bankers who caused the meltdown. Michael Crayter uses his hard gained experience to get even with the fake bastards. Almost everyone loyal to TierGroup gets away with highway robbery and the American taxpayer is left holding the bag. Michael Crayter begins to tell his story, in this Four Part first-person narrative, during a 2005 interview at FBI headquarters in Washington D.C.
Author Interview
1. Please tell us about your current release.
SCAM FACTORY is a modern day White-Collar Crime Novel that begins in 2001 and continues into 2009. The 4-part story tells about the events that led to the U. S. Financial Crash that started in late 2007. The story's main character, Michael Crayter, begins a new career, in mid-life, with an ultra-private Washington D.C. Consulting Firm. The Consulting Firm (TierGroup) represents seventeen of the worlds' largest and most powerful industries who are making tremendous financial gains with no end in sight. SCAM FACTORY is also a story that takes its reader to Iraq, New Orleans, the Caribbean, and other major US cities. I believe I have described the story well in the Back Cover Copy and Prologue.
2. Can you tell us about the journey that led you to write your book?
The journey for writing SCAM FACTORY started with a dream I had one night about interviewing for an executive position at a major Consulting Firm. I landed the job in my dream, but after I woke up, I still had no idea what they did. I thought to myself: That was not a legitimate company, it was a Scam Factory. Then I further thought to myself that it might make an interesting book or even a movie. The war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, and the U.S. financial crash, which all occurred within the last 12 years, were also a perfect fit for this story.
3. Can you tell us about the story behind your book cover?
I designed and created the book cover with help of an associate. The title says it all: SCAM FACTORY. There is a silhouette of Washington D.C. in the background on the bottom of the cover, with the Washington Monument broadly standing out almost like a smoke stack from a factory, and sub tittles give the reader added information about the story. The font colors are also mean to stand out. I may add a light watermark of hurricane Katrina in the background later.
Scam Factory can be purchased at:
Kindle, Nook
Price: $4.99 ebook
Pages: 263
Release: October 15, 2012
About the Author
G. Gordon Dean is a Real Estate agent and Business Consultant currently living in Arizona. He has been a media buff for over two decades. As a media buff he has kept himself well aware of past and current events in business, government, and politics. He lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for over 30 years. This is his first novel.
Links to connect with G. Gordon:
Blog Tour Site
About the Giveaway
Leave a comment with your email address to enter to win an ebook of Scam Factory.
Ends January 31, 2013.
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Van Wormer Law LLC offers a full range of immigration legal services, including naturalization (citizenship), fiance and marriage visas, and employment based visas.
Van Wormer Law LLC represents individuals, small businesses, and large multi-national corporations in all aspects related to U.S. immigration.
Our office works to provide families, employers, and employees with the latest and most appropriate immigration services.
Contact Van Wormer Law, LLC
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Immigration Lawyer (Arlington, VA) USA
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this is all random stuff about the area:
The folk of the Silver Marches are confident, hopeful, and content. All around them stands a wide and beautiful land, a promise of growth and prosperity for generations to come. With care and respect, the humans hope to reap the riches of the forests and mountains without destroying what they touch, learning from elves and dwarves how to live with the land instead of bending the land to human whim. All people of the Silver Marches are free, all people may own land, and no one is guaranteed rights and privileges that are denied to others under the law. The Silver Marches represent the unfolding of a dream, a chance to forge a better Faerûn, and everyone from the poorest woodcutter to the richest city merchant senses the beginning of something extraordinary.
That said, the new confederation is not perfect. Just because humans, elves, and dwarves have set aside their differences in a few small cities in the North doesn't mean that the barbarians, orcs, gnolls, giants, and dragons of this forbidding landscape feel constrained to join them. Deadly enemies surround Alustriel's league and plot its downfall. The orc hordes of the high mountains grow strong again and arm for war. The drow of Menzoberranzan threaten the fledgling realm from the depths of the earth. And, like most other places of Faerûn, the wreckage of ancient realms and the remnants of magical disasters wait under the forests and snows of the realm. Plagues and evils untold await those foolish enough to disturb them.
In the long history of the settled lands of the North, few civilized humans have dared establish permanent dwellings outside walled cities and towns such as Silverymoon and Everlund. That has begun to change in the first few years of peace brought by the creation of the Silver Marches. Immigrants from all over Faerûn have moved into the north lands, drawn by the new alliance that promises to stand strong against the orcs.
To the surprise of the citizens of the Silver Marches, the new immigrants include retired Zhent soldiers and their families. They've been cashed out of active service with the Zhent forces, provided with enough gold to buy seed, a plow, and possibly even some land, and asked to move somewhere far away from the Moonsea. Most of the Zhent retirees can't wait to move as far away from Zhentil Keep as possible, since few of them wish to risk being called back to active service. Or at least that's the story they tell the citizens of the Silver Marches.
Silverymoon (Metropolis, 37,073): The city of Silverymoon is a beautiful place of ancient trees and soaring towers, with curving lines in its stonework and garden plantings adorning every nook and balcony. Aerial steeds carry riders on high, magic and learning is revered, music and laughter are heard often in the streets, and the city contains fascinating shops brimming full of maps, books, minor magic items, and beautiful things.
Even moreso than Waterdeep, Silverymoon is built on the spirit of cooperation between the races. Humans, elves, and dwarves all maintain dwellings in the same areas of the city instead of dividing into separate wards. A human home might be built around the base of a tree, with elves using the tree above as part of the walkway to their central tree home, and dwarven caverns beneath the surface.
Silverymoon is considered the foremost center of learning and culture in the North. It is noted for its musicians, its cobblers, its sculptors, and its stonemasons — as well as its mages, who are gathered here in greater numbers than in any other city of the Sword Coast lands except Waterdeep. Their might alone keeps the Arcane Brotherhood of Luskan and other evils of the North at bay — were they to vanish tomorrow, the civilized North might well be swept away in blood and ruin.
Silverymoon boasts a conservatory of music, a great library, parks, castlelike residences of many noble folk, and temples and shrines to such deities as Helm, Lathander, Mielikki, Milil, Mystra, Oghma, Selûne, Silvanus, Sune, Tymora, and the dwarven and elven deities. Perhaps the most famous structure is the University of Silverymoon, a school of magic comprised of several formerly separate colleges. Member schools include the Lady's College (serving both sorcerers and bards), Miresk's School of Thaumaturgy, and Foclucan, a legendary bard's college that has reopened from taking a century off after being overrun by orcs.
The city's army, the Knights in Silver, numbers over five hundred and patrols the city constantly. Harper scouts and mages assist the army, and when it must turn back orc hordes, awesome mage-might gathers to fight with it. Silverymoon is also protected by a number of wards that detect the presence of evil beings and the use of magic in certain areas. Even long-time Silveraen know little about the properties of the permanent magical field that augments some magic, turns other spells wild, and negates still others, protecting the city east of its great open market. Certain areas in the palace (a place heavily guarded at all times by mages of the elite Spellguard) have an inner ward that requires possession of a token to allow entry at all.
The city's peace and goodwill is due to the influence of powerful local mages and the Harpers. Silverymoon's folk feel safe — and that's due to the vigilance of the mages and agents trained and established by Alustriel.
In 1369 DR, the Lady Alustriel stepped down as High Mage, yielding up the Silver Throne to Taern "Thunderspell" Hornblade (LG male human Wiz18). Alustriel is the high lady, or speaker, of the Silver Marches and leads the league councils.


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CC2 Challenge this time, it's a combination of pages 33 and 34 of Tim's book - configuration boxes techniques. Like so many of you participating in these challenges, I had a configurations box I'd been saving since I found it on sale at Michael's. My idea is a combination of a vintage sewing box theme and inspiration of wooden spool scrolls I've seen in a couple Stampington publications. I stained torn strips of muslin with Distress Stains and stamped random words and phrases that came to mind on them. Then I attached each strip to a spool and added an eyelet to one end which I used to tie a length of baker's twine to wrap around it and hold it in place. I added buttons in places, and kraft colored chit-chat stickers mounted on black cardstock in others.
Here are closer views of the compartments:
And here are all the spools opened up. I chose to not attach them in the compartments so that I could pull them out and read them from time to time... although in my house, that could be risky as one did fall out and was quickly utilized as a cat toy!!!! Fortunately, I rescued it and put it back in its place :-)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
CC2C weeks 11 and 12
Posted by penny4thoughts at 8:02 AM
4 comments:
- Lori said...
This is GENIUS and I LOVE it!
- July 10, 2012 at 1:39 PM
- Sue said...
Hello Penny
This looks just wonderfully delicious; not that I want to eat it! But your pastel palette is soft, warm and yummy, covering the box with printed paper is a wonderful contrast.
I just love it.
- July 10, 2012 at 5:18 PM
- Jane said...
What a great idea! Way to step out of the 'box'..
- July 10, 2012 at 10:35 PM
- Lisa H said...
I love what you did with the spools! so cool
- July 13, 2012 at 12:58 AM
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Cactus Cake Bites Bulk Dog Treats
Preservative-free dog treats; made with organic and natural ingredients and free of wheat, corn and soy. Handmade in small batches in NJ using locally sourced human grade ingredients from the U.S. All meats & eggs are free-range, grain and/or grass fed, hormone, antibiotic and nitrite free. Free of chemicals, sugar, salt, artificial flavors, colors and fillers. Just key ingredients for great tasting treats.
These cake bites are densely chewy in texture (like a combination of a day old brownie and a biscotti) and made with an apple peanut butter cake recipe.
Size: 2" each (12 treats per order)
Ingredients: organic oat flour, applesauce, molasses, honey, peanut butter, peanut oil, baking soda, vanilla extract, ginger and cinnamon. Topped with yogurt coating, vegetable coloring and carob.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein (min.) 6%, crude fat (min.) 13%, crude fiber (max.) 6%, moisture (max.) 19%
Note: These have a standard shelf life of up to 1 year and do not require refrigeration or freezing.


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JW Library 1.5.0 APK Free DownloadBy: Jehovah's Witnesses - in: Books & Reference
JW Library 1.5.0 is the Best Free Books & Reference by Jehovah's Witnesses
JW LIBRARY is an official app produced by Jehovah's Witnesses. It includes multiple Bible translations, as well as books and brochures for Bible study.
• Choose from six Bible translations.
• Compare all available Bible versions by tapping a verse number.
• View the associated material by tapping a footnote marker or reference letter
• Swipe left or right to quickly navigate your current publication.
• Place bookmarks at any verse or chapter to quickly resume your reading.
• Use the history feature to quickly access recently read content.
• Find words or expressions in your current publication with the search feature.
• Highlight text and make notes as you study
© Copyright 2015 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
Recently changed in this version
• Support for convention releases.
• Videos and audio programs in more languages.
• Fixed a bug causing Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) devices to crash.
JW Library version 1.5.0 is the property and trademark from Jehovah's Witnesses, all rights reserved by . Click on the above link to proceed to the APK file download page.
All files of APK apps here are for personal use only, if any APK download infringes your copyright, please contact us, We'll delete it any way. Thanks so much for your interest in our freeapk123.info website!
Sponsored links
What's New in JW Library - Version:1.5.0Six full translations of the Bible
Many reference images in the index
Search function
A little difficult to learn to navigate


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The Hand Loom Lament Radio Hour
Hang your favourite photos on those little underwear hangers.
Use the tray from a chocolate box to make fun-shaped ice cubes.
My Granddaughter was going to a fancy dress party and wanted some glittery shoes. I spray painted her crocs gold and she LOVES them.
After one of the straps broke on my favourite bag I didn't want to throw it away, so I cut off the other strap and now use it as a cool clutch bag.
If you haven't got anything to give to charity this time round, use the collection bags to protect clothes.
If the spirit doesn't move you, then scoop up your shnozz-pipe and move to the nearest workingmens club, whereupon a close-to-the-bone cabaret turn will be provided by Nick Edwards, Time Attendant, Helm, Suzuki Junzo, Frank Randle, Austerity Britain and Vainio/Drumm/Doner/Capece, amongst other genial yet unquestionably rough-hewn commoners.
A limited amount of bar snacks will be provided while supplies last. Things could get a little "blue".13:00 - 14:00
Nick Edwards
Editions Mego
Suzuki Junzo
Time Attendant
Exotic Pylon
Frank Randle
Regal Zonophone
Austerity Britain
Hand Loom Lament
Richard Skelton
Corbel Stone Press
Duane Pitre
Failing Lights
Mika Vainio // Kevin Drumm // Axel Doner // Lucio Capece


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This box is similar to my You've Been Boo'd Box but has a scalloped rim around the box area. You can deliver little treats to neighbors old and young and these little boxes make it so much fun! This box is 9-1/2" x 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" and holds lots and lots of goodies. The file comes with the box base (one for the Cameo and 2-pieces for the Portrait), four decorative panels, the sentiment, everything you need to make the turkey and it is compatible with both the 12x12 and 8x12 mats!
This one is super quick to put together so you can get the kids involved!
Here is the tutorial:
1. This file comes with two bases, one for the Cameo and the other for the Portrait. I am using the Cameo piece. If you need help with the Portrait box, click HERE. Fold on the score lines and place adhesive on the side tab.
2. Adhere the tab to the other side of the box.
3. For the bottom, bring the two sides in...
4. Then fold the top piece into the slot as shown.
5. Your box should look like this now. Cut the decorative panels.
6. Adhere them in place so you box looks like this.
7. Cut out the Turkey Feathers and adhere them as shown.
8. Place foam adhesive on the back of your Turkey body.
9. Then adhere him to the front of the box.
10. Cut out the sentiment and adhere it to the front of the Turkey body as shown!
Now you can fill it with candy or goodies and leave it on your recipients door!
These are great to hang on Teacher's doors too!


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Judging ANCHORS in West Coast Swing
We have discovered new insights lately, into the art of "anchoring". Because of so many discussions lately, concerning the new Judging program, I get to talk to quite a few judges. I also talk to quite a few potential judges - some new to the game - others pretty well seasoned.
One young lady seemed way off base concerning one couple in a recent out of state competition. When asked if she remembered why she had given them such low scores, she replied that they never did an anchor. Having observed the couple in question, I felt that both partners have a great connection and anchor all the way through the dance. Second question was - "Why do you think they didn't anchor?" Answer - "She seldom ever does a Triple on 5&6."
Problem solved. An ANCHOR does NOT require a TRIPLE in order to qualify as an ANCHOR. An anchor is neither a Foot Position nor a Dance Rhythm. MANY dancers do Triples in 3rd foot position, and yet do NOT anchor their bodies. These are the ones who need the work. An ANCHOR Is an "away" connection from one partners center to the other partners center. It is achieved by placing one's Center Point of Balance (CPB) BEHIND the heel of the forward foot in order to tighten the partner connection at the completion of a pattern. It's a silent signal that each partner is ready to proceed to the next pattern.
It is true that TEACHING someone how to do a BASIC anchor is easier if we teach them to do an "ANCHOR Triple, in 3rd foot position." That is a process for teaching someone how to feel the connection in an anchor.
Once felt and achieved, there are numerous ways to get an Anchor Connection, and it can be done with various rhythms. A "Point &a Close" makes a good anchor. Sometimes a follower can hit a back step on the Right foot on "4" and drag the free Left foot slowly back through counts "&a 5&a" and close the Left foot behind the Right foot precisely on "6". The point is this - We need to spread the word that an ANCHOR is an ACTION, not a specific rhythm and not a specific Foot Position.
A recent discovery that explains the lack of action/reaction, is that some ladies "anchor in 3rd foot position" but have their centers over the FORWARD foot. The anchor looks like it is in the right place - but lacks the inter-action it was designed to deliver.


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I took a trip to Shinagawa to renew my visa today.
In the documentation....
- a application form to extend the visa
- Hiro's family register which his mother gets from the Odate local govt. office.
- a certificate of Hiro's place of residence (jyuminhyo)
- a certificate of my residence (even though I am written onto Hiro's as being at the same address I need to produce my own foreigner's place of residence certificate )
- a tax certificate of Hiro's (they don't care about my income fortunately)
- a certificate of guarantee for Hiro to fill out in case I do bad things and get deported - it is just about a blank cheque.
The double certificate for residence proof is a relic of when foreigners couldn't be written onto the Japanese jyuminhyo, but.... the last two were a cause for consternation.
I can't pick up Hiro's tax certificate from the local govt. without Hiro's permission... privacy..... (I picked up a form to get him to designate me proxy to collect it.)
I can fill in the guarantor form which is potentially a blank cheque - in English - & use a 100yen shop stamp as a signature and they accept it !!!.


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The Holy Shit Grips 2.0 represent an evolution of our already uber comfortable grips. From the durable proprietary compound, to the differential padding depending on what rocks your world. The skulls on top don't just look monstrous but they add to a smoother and more comfortable grip on your hand's paws.
Straight out of the oven.
Available in black and white.
The skulls not just for looks but for unsurpassed comfort.
For those that prefer a more responsive feel just flip it 180 and you get a more connected feel for your hands. The Holy Shit Grips 2.0 are installed using lock-on bolts both on the interior and exterior for death-grip like security.
Alloy end caps.
Another view.
You want some customization with some color and some flava flave? We got them for you. Inspired by Jelly Belly beans, we decided to offer a premium upgrade option over the standard plastic end caps.
Jelly Belly Inspired
Coming out with alloy end caps in FIVE SEXY colors to match all the bikes in the world. Light alloy caps with laser-etched DaBomb logos. What more could you ask for?
Looks like some serious "eye-candy"
Ingest at your own risk.
As good and tasty as real Jelly Belly beans BUT PLEASE.....DON'T EAT THEM!
Offered in both black and white varieties to meet all your tastes.
Peace out.
- DaBomb Bikes


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Think About It. . .
Remember All The Movies And Novels Of "Future" You've Experienced?
by The Old Hippie Because Of The Fact That Our Reality Is Not Non-Fiction
"1984," and "Brazil" are two classics of fictionalized possible futures with an oppressive right-wing single-party ruled fascist totalitarian oligarchical plutocratic government. You know, the fiction literature and movies, sci-fi, as well as many other genres, that have described this form of future government rule at many levels and degrees, none of which were benevolent or good for the masses, only for "the few." We all have watched the movies, read the books and stories. . .
Are we Americans, similar to the German citizens of the 1930s, now living through, allowing, a non-fiction, reality-based, enhanced modern version of those depicted future governments?
Why have we allowed it to get to the point were I, and many others, would even have reason, or feel the need, to ask that question in a serious tone?
The other question, that is more prevalent, is, "How much more will it take. . .?"
Nothing else at this time.


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A little panda has decided that he wants pants, and he's going to tell his father exactly why.
Pants have pockets, pants are warm, pants are soft, pants would impress—but father panda is not convinced that this little panda will be the first panda to wear pants. While they walk and talk, a gray-and-black–spotted tail is always near; is someone following them? Passing a garden, the little panda notices a scarecrow wearing—pants!—which find their way onto the little panda, who runs to catch up with his father. Suddenly, a snow leopard jumps out! With some quick thinking, a watermelon, and teamwork with little animals nearby, the little panda's pants turn out to be very useful—and impressive—in foiling the snow leopard with a melon to the noggin. Excitement over, the little panda gives his pants to a rabbit. When his father asks why, he explains that he doesn't want pants. He wants shoes. Davies' story will be amusingly familiar to anyone who's gone head-to-head with determined little ones who are convinced they have the best idea ever right now. Hanson's illustrations are impressive, double-page spreads of lush watercolor bamboo alternating with white-backgrounded vignettes for faster-paced dialogue. Hanson has a knack for drawing ridiculously cute, expressive animals, and she does so here, with the facial expressions reflecting the dialogue wonderfully.
There's nothing too scary, no message to navigate—just a sweet story, well done. (Picture book. 3-7)


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Download/listen to this tape [HH1-1987]
Monday, January 8, 2018
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Historical retrospective collection! Rare tapes of the 70's radio show that recorded the world's punk bands as they crashed into San Francisco ... hosted by Ruth Schwartz of Mordam Records and Tim Yohannan of Maximum Rock'n'Roll. With new intros by Dirk Dirksen, the pope of punk!


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Multi-Modal Sensor Pod
Wide-Area Motion Imagery for Manned and Unmanned Aircraft
As a leader in the field of wide-area motion imagery (WAMI), Logos Technologies is continually investing in, and advancing, the capabilities of sensor systems.
Currently under development is our Multi-Modal Sensor Pod (MMSP), a 250-lbs multi-sensor pod that can deploy on a medium-altitude unmanned aircraft and other platforms, giving operators a robust electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) WAMI capability without having to sacrifice other mission payloads or airborne endurance.
MMSP's features include:
- 250-lbs, platform-agnostic pod containing WAMI and room for two additional sensors
- City-sized coverage area
- Onboard sensor data processing
- Streaming video windows to support more than 10 sensor operators at once
- Imagery that can be transmitted to handheld devices
- User-defined "watchboxes" to provided sensor operators automated detection alerts
For more information about our Multi-Modal Sensor Pod, please email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Hazel A. (Burns) Pursell of Morrisville died Tuesday, Sept., 27, 2011, at her home. She was 86.
Born in Woodside, Pa., she lived in Morrisville for the past 68 years.
Mrs. Pursell was formerly employed with Vipco Ceramic Co. in Morrisville.
During World War II, she worked at General Motors, working on planes much like 'Rosie the Riveter.'
She was a devoted and loving mother, who was a member of the Morrisville Senior Service Center, Holy Trinity Church, and the St. Theresa's Guild.
She was the daughter of the late LeRoy and Mary (McManamon) Burns, and wife of the late Leonard M. Pursell Sr., and sister of the late Irene Burns, LeRoy Jr., Clinton, and James Burns.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Leonard M. Jr., and Jeannette Pursell of Solebury, Pa. She will be sadly missed by her nieces, nephews, and all her other family members.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her funeral Mass on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Morrisville. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
Friends may call Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, 41 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville. J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel,


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History of Stockton House
Stockton House was built in the 1860's for a brewer in Hartley Wintney. It was originally set in a 77 acre estate stretching down to the station between Fleet Road and Elvetham Road.
The main driveway to Fleet road was planted with Canadian redwoods – known locally as Wellingtonias after the Duke of Wellington (who lived nearby at Stratfield Saye). A few of the trees survive, now more than 100 feet tall, at the top of the main drive.
The back drive, of beech trees, led down to Elvetham Road; Stockton Lodge is still there. The Courtyard, now on Waverley Avenue, used to be the laundry. The Coach House still bears the same name and now has its entrance on Stockton Avenue; the downstairs rooms used to house the coaches.
The house itself had an orangery on the south facing terrace. The basement contained the kitchens and staff quarters with windows opening onto a narrow walled passageway that surrounded the house; metal gratings let in a dim light. Banks of earth beyond the passageway created the illusion that the gardens came right up to the house.
All the main rooms on the upper floor were interlinked in a circle around the main hall so that the servants never had to use the main staircase. A large subterranean tank, collected rainwater from the roof for the house's use; there was no mains water until the turn of century. Whether the Hartley Wintney brewer ever lived in the house is unknown; on the 1871 census, the only name given was that of a Miss Eliza Cox. We understand that the house was privately occupied until 1912. Much of the land had been sold off by then, with further sales around Waverley Avenue in the 1930s.
War Time
During the First World War, the house was occupied by evacuees from London. We were told by one of them, a child at the time who stayed in Fleet after the war, that the original marble on the main staircase was ripped out at the time, possibly for sale. Between the wars the house was a boys' prep school. During the Second World War the house was used as a billet for Canadian soldiers. When we first moved in, some of the basement doors had signs in chalk and paint indicating that the rooms had been used as a guard room and for stores. There were still foundations of military huts in what is now the formal garden.
A shadow of its former self
After the war, a builder owned the house and converted it into flats. In 1967 the house was put up for sale and was due for demolition. The main hall had bare plaster walls and a flagstone floor. Many of the larger rooms had been subdivided and an enormous coal-fired boiler in the basement consumed, we were told 20 tonnes of coal a year. We later discovered that the house was riddled with dry rot, which had spread to the beautiful moulding surrounding the original domed skylight in the main hall. The roof leaked in 20 or 30 places into plastic containers in the attics.
Saved from the bulldozers
Stockton House was rescued from demolition by Peter Tweedie-Smith, Managing Director of a small private company. He changed the name of the company to Stocktonia Limited and, over the following 33 years until his death in 2000, he devoted his considerable creative energies to restoring the house to something like its former glory. At the same time, his wife Clare Tweedie-Smith set up Stockton House School. He also extended the grounds again by buying adjacent land. Just before he died, he had completed his last great project, restoring the main hall and installing the eight foot high oak front doors and the enormous oak fireplace in the hall. He had rescued these from his parents' house, another Victorian house – in London – before it was demolished in the 1960's. In his memory we built the portico to enhance the front entrance.
Fit for the Twenty-First Century
Since 2000 we have further restored the whole building and developed the Conference Centre. We have incorporated more Victorian features including some wonderful carved woodwork. Hidden within each room we have designed power, projection and internet facilities.
Outside we established an "Italianate" formal walled garden to complement the architectural features on the South side of the house. This has created a spacious terrace and a spectacular "outdoor room" for large functions and events.


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Price: $6 * Buy At: ColourPop Website * Size: 3.2 g
The ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Jellies is a muted dark royal blue with a matte finish.
The Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks come in a long clear tube and have a typical doe foot applicator. Jellies has a thin formula that applies opaquely onto the lips. As you can probably imagine, the formula does feel drying on the lips, but it does tend to feel more comfortable as wear goes on. The product will have a very good wear time, as long as you don't rub your lips together or eat oily or greasy foods, as it will break down the color. Jellies is definitely not a color for everyone, but if you are familiar with my preferred lip colors, you would know that I love bold, edgy colors like Jellies. Blue lip colors are having a bit of a trend at the moment, and Jellies is a very affordable way to try out the trend. To add some comfort on top, I will sometimes use the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Moscow which is a navy blue. This will give you the lasting power of Jellies, but with more moisture on the lips.
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Product Reviews
May 2017


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Megan Fox Was Fired For Hitler Comment
Check out Bas Rutten's Liver Shot on MMA Surge: http://bit.ly/MMASurgeEp1 Megan Fox was fired from the third "Transformers" movie for calling director Michael Bay "Hitler." The remark was enough to upset the film's producer, Steven Spielberg, to the point he advised Bay to fire her, Bay told GQ magazine. "I wasn't hurt, because I know that' just Megan. Megan loves to get a response. And she does it in kind of the wrong way." Co-star Shia LaBeouf, who is Jewish, told GQ, "Criticism is one thing, then there's public name-calling, which turns into high school bashing. Which you can't do." 25 year-old Fox was replaced by Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who has never acted before. In the summer of 2010 Fox's rep told People Magazine that "It was her decision not to return. She wishes the franchise the best." http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1083271/ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000229/ http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/21/spielberg-fired-megan-fox-for-hitler-comment/ http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/06/transformers-director-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-hitler-remark http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-hitler-comment-transformer/story?id=13884212 http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z45/rosiehuntingtonfans/Victorias%20Secret/Fashion%20Show%202007/?action=view¤t=1116_victorias_secret_runway_31.jpg
Length: 00:52


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"Wear Orange" events are planned today in three Nebraska cities as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Amber Gustafson, a chapter leader of Moms Demand Action, says so-called "orange meet-ups" are designed to bring people together in family-friendly environments for concerts, walks and picnics. Events are planned in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha.
"This is a national initiative to bring awareness to the 90 lives that are taken with gun violence every day," Gustafson says. "That includes deaths due to suicide, deaths due to accident and homicide as well."
The Wear Orange events were started to honor a 15-year-old honors student who was fatally shot in a Chicago park in 2013 when she was caught in the crossfire of gang violence.
"This is happening, not just in our inner cities. It's happening in rural communities. It's happening in suburban communities that lives are being taken with guns," Gustafson says. "They decided to wear orange because orange is the color hunters wear when they're out hunting. It's a color that says, 'I'm here, I'm human, don't shoot.'"
The full name of Gustafson's group is Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. She says many of the attendees will be mothers who are bringing their kids, so the events are being held primarily in public green spaces and city parks.
"We're going to have popsicles, we've got sidewalk chalk, games, opportunities for kids to express what they are wearing orange for or who they're wearing orange for," Gustafson says, "and an opportunity for moms to sit down and talk about the issue of gun violence in our country."
She says the Wear Orange campaign is a coalition of more than 200 non-profit groups, cultural influencers and elected officials working to reduce gun violence in America. Those who wear orange pledge to honor the lives of Americans stolen by gun violence, to help keep firearms out of dangerous hands and to protect children from gun violence.


text: MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) - Sugar beet seed that has built-in resistance to the popular Roundup herbicide is expected to be in widespread use next year, as governments and sugar processors approve the biotech beets. In the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota, American Crystal Sugar Co. has decided to make the jump. ''It's a pretty major step,'' Crystal President David Berg said. ''Here at American Crystal, we believe biotechnology is the current wave that will help feed the world.'' The Worland, Wyo.-based Wyoming Sugar Co. planted about one-sixth of its 12,000 acres to Roundup Ready beets this year. Wahpeton, N.D.-based Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative has announced tentative plans to move to biotech seed. ''It's still not 100 percent,'' said Tom Knudsen, a co-op vice president for agriculture. ''(But) the reasons for making the decision are still valid. I don't see anything that looks like it could be a cloud on the horizon.'' Biotech seed harvest is beginning in Oregon, Knudsen said. Three companies are expected to handle it in 2008, and the Crystal Seed brand also will be available for American Crystal growers. Berg said he expects farmers in the Red River Valley to have enough biotech seed to plant up to half of their acreage. Farmers who want to use the biotech seed must factor a technology fee of about $60 per acre into their plans. ''What we're asking our shareholders to do is go in with a good healthy look at their production costs,'' Berg said. ''We have a database of what (farmers) spend, and our numbers say if you're in the middle to lower half in weed control costs, it probably would make sense to use conventional seed and weed control.'' Amenia farmer Bill Hejl, president of the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, said he expects to get more sugar per acre with biotech beets. ''I also think I'll probably spend less on herbicides, maybe less on fertilizer next year, and less on cultivation,'' he said. ''It's something new, and a lot of sugar beet growers, a lot of my neighbors are very excited, up and down the valley,'' Hejl said. Sugar beet yields are particularly susceptible to weed pressure, with some industry experts saying weeds can sap as much as 30 percent of a crop's yield. Sugar beet fields are the only ones in the Red River Valley where people still are occasionally employed to work up and down the rows, hoeing weeds. ''Field labor will be thing of the past,'' said Nick Sinner, executive director of the sugar beet group. Biotech beets also could reduce the need for what is known as ''micro rate'' herbicide applications. The process involves smaller amounts of chemical applied multiple times, to cut down on injury to the beets. That requires more passes through the field, which burns more fuel and compacts the soil, which then needs cultivation. ''Typically, a farmer might spray three or four times a year, but it can be up to five,'' Sinner said. ''With Roundup Ready (beets), we have more of an opportunity to kill weeds without injury to the beets.'' All countries that are major sugar beet markets, including the United States, have approved the Roundup Ready beet variety. The European Union's formal approval is pending, but the European Food Safety Authority said late last year that ''no risks to human and animal health were identified in studies.'' Molly Cline, senior director of global industry affairs with St. Louis-based Monsanto Co., which developed Roundup Ready beets, said recently that processor acceptance was the last step to making biotech beets as widespread as genetically modified soybeans, corn and cotton. ''The sugar from genetically modified beets is chemically the same as that grown from traditional beets, leaving no DNA trace from the biotechnology process,'' Cline said. ''As such, it requires no special labeling in North America and in Japan.''


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Visitor reviews for Grimentz Ski Resort
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
January 28, 2017
Tim from United Kingdom
We have owned an apartment in Grimentz for the last ten years or so, so clearly have a bias but I will try to be objective!
Firstly, the skiing. The ski area is limited in quantity even with the very welcome addition of the cable car over to the Zinal area and free buses to the neighbouring resorts of Vercorin, St Luc and Chandolin. However the quality is excellent; good pistes and first rate off-piste opportunities for the more adventurous. For those like me who are largely piste skiers but like the odd adventure there are some nice signed itinerary routes and Piste Chamois offers a challenging semi-groomed route back from Zinal to Grimentz; though there is a long track element to it after you've done the exciting part.
It's about as snow sure as the Alps can be with high level skiing and decent snow-making. The worst we've seen it in terms of snow depth was this last Christmas where it suffered from the same drought as everywhere else in the Alps. But to a high degree it benefits from demand adjusting to supply. There are virtually no pre-booked package holidays to Grimentz and the vast majority of skiers are either locals or apartment owners/renters who tend not to bother if the snow is bad. So in the lead-up to Christmas the ski area was very limited. But the pistes were virtually empty and in excellent condition.
Queues are relatively rare but they do happen at busy peak times. Generally, when it's nice weather during a holiday and a weekend, the resort is busy and the locals are out in force as well. The main bottlenecks are the gondola and the four man chair from the top of the gondola up the mountain. Longest queue experienced in ten years: about 20 minutes (other than very occasional lift malfunction). If you are not an all day, everyday skier avoid the gondola at the peak times: when the ski schools are about to meet and the four man chair just after they've met!
The old village is beautiful and chocolate box perfect. The resort has been heavily developed over the last decade and whilst the development is 90% in keeping with the traditional architecture, there is no doubt that the village has a much 'bigger' feel to it than it did ten years ago, particularly on the Chez Florioz (the only slope side apres-ski venue) side of the piste. But it is still stunning.
Facilities wise, it is limited. There are a number of good restaurants; virtually all traditional Swiss though there is a very good pizzeria and a creperie. There are a number of bars, but it is not lively. Those looking for a St Anton experience will be disappointed so stay away (please, please, please!). Chez Florioz is fabulous for a post-ski drink and a quick meal, though the menu is restricted, but it closes at around 8pm. It can be rammed at busy times and when there is a band on (not that often!), but I love it there.
It's also very beautiful and very quiet in summer; fabulous walking.
I've bored myself now, so enough!
Grimentz Ratings
Overall: 4.0. Based on 20 votes and 17 reviews. Vote
Access: 3.4
(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Grimentz.
Public Transport: 4.0
(1) There are no buses or taxis to Grimentz, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
Scenery: 4.8
(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.
Accommodation: 3.8
(1) No places to stay in/near Grimentz, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
Cheap Rooms: 3.1
(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.
Luxury Hotels: 2.7
(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Grimentz.
Ski in/Ski out: 4.0
(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.
Childcare: 3.4
(1) There are no child care facilities at Grimentz, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
Snowsure: 4.6
(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Grimentz is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.
Snowmaking: 3.8
(1) Grimentz relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
Snow Grooming: 4.4
(1) There are no snow groomers at Grimentz, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Grimentz are groomed daily.
Shelter: 3.8
(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Grimentz is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
Nearby options: 4.5
(1) If snow conditions are poor at Grimentz, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.
Regional rating: 4.8
(1) Grimentz usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
Lift Staff: 4.6
(1) The staff at Grimentz are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Grimentz are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.
Crowds/Queues: 4.6
(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
Ski Schools: 4.4
(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.
Hire and Repairs: 4.7
(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
Variety of pistes: 4.4
(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Grimentz has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.
Beginners: 3.7
(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
Intermediates: 4.1
(1) No intermediate terrain at Grimentz, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.
Advanced: 4.8
(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
Snow Park: 4.0
(1) Not even a kicker at Grimentz, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.
Off-piste: 4.9
(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
Cross-country: 3.1
(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Grimentz, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.
Luge/Toboggan: 3.6
(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Grimentz has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
Mountain Dining: 3.8
(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.
Eating: 3.6
(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
Apres-Ski: 3.1
(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.
Other Sports: 3.4
(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
Entertainment: 3.2
(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.
Winter Walks: 4.0
(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
Ski Pass Value: 4.2
(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.
Value (National): 4.3
(1) Overall, Grimentz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
Value (Global): 4.0
(1) Overall, Grimentz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.
January 01, 2016
Robert Winston from United Kingdom
I don't understand these sometimes negative reviews. Simply put, Grimentz is wonderful. I have spent years skiing in virtually every major Swiss resort, big and small, and many French ones. But I am new to Grimentz which has it all. Charming old village, really hospitable people, few queues, good food, amazing views and remarkably well-kept runs. And it's less expensive than bigger resorts. Excellent service in the Intersport ski shop. Most important, the kids gained confidence and hugely enjoyed the excellent ski school.Yes, we have just come back after a massive drought combined with warm weather, so the skiing was limited as it is everywhere at present in the the Alps. But anybody with a modicum of intelligence should be able to see the opportunity for really great off-piste skiing when there is snow and the connection with Zinal increases the skiing considerably.
The Hotel Cristal is lovely with a short walk to the lifts. Oliver and his outstanding staff are delightful, kind, hospitable and always smile taking trouble to make you feel really welcome. Some mindless people are bored in the evening? How about taking a good book or Kindle and relaxing comfortably with a drink.
March 20, 2015
Dave Chesney from United Kingdom
March 20th, 2015.
Just back from a wonderful long weekend in Grimentz. An ideal village for 3 days skiing but probably not big enough for a longer visit if you like clocking up the miles. Stayed at the very hospitable Alpina Hotel right next to the lifts to both Grimentz and Zinal. The piste conditions were very good but off-piste was crusty and tracked out. The skiing was fantastic with great descents over long well groomed and mostly deserted runs. Lona is stunning top to bottom! The Alpina was a great place to stay with good food and really nice staff. We loved the quiet ambience of the village and look forward to returning soon.
January 28, 2014
Sarah from United Kingdom
Just back from our short first visit, which coincided with the opening of the new cable car over to Zinal. The village is very pretty. Yes, it is quiet, but that suits us. We rented an apartment in the middle of the old village, a short walk from the lifts. We were lucky as about a foot of fresh snow had fallen up the mountain on the day of our arrival. The first thing we noticed was how quiet it was. Yes, there are slow drag lifts, but it helps keep the numbers down.
The great new snow continued into the Saturday when we spent a day playing in the powder over in Zinal. Still making fresh tracks at 3.30pm! The wind then blew it all away overnight, and that's when the more interesting topography of the pistes over in Grimentz proved more attractive.
We ate at the Hotel de Moiry twice and were very impressed by the food. We also thought that the prices compared very favourably with the big French resorts-5Chf for vin chaud, for example. Not as extortionate as some places in Switzerland. We will be back. Having said all that, I wouldn't recommend either Grimentz or Zinal as the best places for beginners or early intermediates, The red runs are proper reds, and there are few easy slopes. The runs to the bottom on the mountain are steep. If you're an aspiring off-piste enthusiast then this is a great place. Next time I think we will book a guide and really explore.
October 27, 2013
Rock from United States
- pro is that it is not very crowded.
- cons are that there is no nighlife, np other activities
- small resort with slow horrible and old lifts
- high prices at the resort
January 05, 2012
Nicola Dealtry from United Kingdom
To another reviewer: I think I see where you are coming from ... I agree wholeheartedly - stay away everyone!
December 28, 2011
Graham Ellis from United Kingdom
I've been going to Grimentz for 4 years now including New Year week, February half term & Easter. I don't think I have queued longer than 5 minutes at any lift and the majority have no queues whatsoever.
As for night life, yes, it's virtually non-existent, as are drunken yobs and Hooray Henrys singing in the street at 3AM!
December 27, 2011
Andrew St Johnston from Switzerland
We need more reviews like those from two other reviewers. Having only known Grimentz for 25 years it is difficult to reconcile reality with their views. There is no night life - the only correct statement. We love it that way. I am, for one, delighted they didn't enjoy their stay. They should go to Verbier and learn what queuing is really like.
December 06, 2011
Richard Perkins from United Kingdom
Would not bother going here
Long queues, poor snow and nothing to do in the evening
Recommend everyone stays away !!
October 07, 2011
Nicola Dealtry from United Kingdom
I was surprised by what another reviewer said about a long lift wait at Easter last year because I too was in Grimentz and had no waits at all! There can be a small queue first thing in the morning to get onto the gondola but it moves very quickly because the gondolas go every minute or so .. Maybe he was unlucky and found a lift with a temporary glitch?
Also, the snow in Grimentz was amazing compared with just about anywhere else in the Alps! We had friends skiing elsewhere who had no snow at all below 2,000m - at least Grimentz is high enough and has enough snow-making to be fairly snow-sure!
Admittedly, there is limited scope for teenage partying .. but maybe they missed the Shaddock disco and the Country Pub and Pub Domino??


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The Truth About Over Medicating ADHD Children
This is likely the most controversial topic when it comes to the ADD/ADHD subject. So what's the controversy over medicating children with ADD or ADHD?
Your child is sick, you give them medicine, they become healthy again. With ADD/ADHD medications, they only help the symptoms temporarily and they come packaged with long warning labels and a list of side effects. The majority are stimulants and we wonder what the long term effects are. Will they become addicted? Will they become reliant on a "pill" to function in the future?
Most importantly it effects the parent(s) of ADD/ADHD children, because you are the ones who make the ultimate decision. Should we or shouldn't we medicate? This decision should only be made after thorough investigation and weighing the options, pros and cons.
Medications Used, What Are They?
Children with ADD/ADHD are commonly treated with stimulants, such as:
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Daytrana)
• Amphetamine (Adderall)
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
•Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• And the newest FDA approved in 2007 stimulant lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) for children 6-12 years of age.
• A nonstimulant (antidepressant) medication atomoxetine (Strattera)
Stimulant medications can be short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting wear off quicker and additional medication may needed during the day. Long-acting, sustained, and extended release forms allow children to take the medication just once a day before school. Some of the medications wear off after an 8-12 hour period and therefore are used for school.
The parent and Doctor should make the decision together what, when and which medication is right for the child.
Sources: NIMH, Wikipedia.com, FDA
How Do They Work?
ADHD medications help many children and adults who are hyperactive and impulsive. They boost concentration and focus while reducing impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. Essentially, they help people focus, work, and learn. Stimulant medication also may improve physical coordination.
ADHD drugs given in low dose form boosts levels of two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain, dopemine and norepinephrine. Much more research in this area is being done and how these effect the pre-frontal cortex part of the brain, which performs our executive functions and is dysfunctional in the ADD/ADHD brain.
- Executive functions relate to abilities to differentiate between conflicting thoughts, determine good and bad, better and best, same and different, future consequences of current activities, working toward a defined goal, prediction of outcomes, expectation based on actions, and social control.
In essence, these medications have the opposite effect on the ADD/ADHD brain than you would think, by boosting the neurotransmitters thus helping with focus and self control.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are:
- Decreased appetite
- Sleep problems
- Stomachaches and headaches
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
Less common side effects: (consult with your physician if these occur)
- Sudden repetitive movements or sounds, called tics.
- Appearing 'flat' or without emotion.
In 2007, the FDA required that all makers of ADHD medications develop Patient Medication Guides. The guides must alert patients to possible heart and psychiatric problems related to ADHD medicine. The FDA required these Guides because a review of data found that ADHD patients with heart conditions had a slightly higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death when taking the medications. The review also found a slightly higher risk (about 1 in 1,000) for medication-related psychiatric problems, such as hearing voices, having hallucinations, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic. This happened to patients who had no history of psychiatric problems.
The FDA recommends that any treatment plan for ADHD include an initial health and family history examination. This exam should look for existing heart and psychiatric problems.
Blood tests to check the effects of medication on the liver also should be done a minimum of once a year.
The non-stimulant ADHD medication called atomoxetine (Strattera) carries another warning. Studies show that children and teenagers with ADHD who take atomoxetine are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than children and teenagers with ADHD who do not take atomoxetine.
A medication that works for one child, may produce unwanted side effects in another child. Sometimes different medications or dosages must be tried before finding what works for your child.
What ADD/ADHD Medications Are Not.
ADD/ADHD medications are not a cure. Stop the medications and the symptoms return.
They are not a fix-all magic pill. Even while taking medication, children can still have symptoms of ADD/ADHD, though reduced.
Medications are not the only option. No one can force you to medicate your child/children. Not doctors, school officials, teachers, the decision is yours.
Even if you do opt for medication, there are numerous other things that need to be modified in your child's daily life; nutrition, behavioral modification, social skills development, etc.. But that's another Hub.
What do you think?
Are ADD/ADHD Meds over-prescribed?
My Two Cents
First, let me say that I am neither for or against using ADHD medications. It's an individual choice, your decision as to what works for your family. So, in essence, I'm neither an advocate nor a protester.
Secondly, let me add that we have four, yes four, children with ADHD. How can we have so many? Must be our parenting? According the a genetic study through USC it was explained to us like this if one parent has ADD/ADHD in the family, you are likely to have a 50% chance of having a child with ADD/ADHD. If both parents have the disorder in their families the likelihood increases to 70%. That's exactly what we have.
When our oldest was diagnosed in 1997, I knew nothing about it. I immediately went to the bookstore, searched the Internet, scoured through parenting forums, spoke to psychologists, psychiatrists, family practitioners and pediatricians. Opinions? Seconds, thirds, Fourths, etc.
When medication was first presented to me, I researched and at first was horrified. "You want to prescribe my child a stimulate (like speed? Uppers?) for a child that can't sit still for more than 2 seconds? He's like a freight train 24/7 and you want to give him fuel?"We just said no. We tried everything else there was available at the time including neurofeedback, diet, holistic, and many, many more.
Our third child was diagnosed in 2nd grade, our fourth child also in 2nd grade (but I already knew) and our fifth in Kindergarten. Yes, Kindergarten. At that point, I had a small meltdown.
Only two of our children take medication for school. Why? For the simple fact, that it works for them. One I wasn't convinced that was the remedy the other experienced adverse side effects.
Helpful Links
Dedicated to the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
- HealthyChildren.org
- CHADD Live | Home Page
- Symptoms of ADD and ADHD
Because anyone can display the following symptoms at one time or another, especially children, the criteria for diagnosing ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)...
Have you learned about child developmental stages? What did parents do before all these labels were given. What about personality development? I see the focus you have on this topic. Does that mean you CAN and DO focus? What about looking into the child's choice? Setting up guidelines and rules to follow for safety. Please consider these things too.
As with the last two articles, this one falls perfectly in sync and is well thought out and organized. Perhaps you should try to write a whole book about this subject, it certainly would be a worthwhile task, for most literature is vastly inferior on it that I have seen before. And you could do some good, enlightening a realtively dark area of medical mental health research. You should think about it. Great work all around. Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d
ADD and ADHD, and Bipolar disorder have made a train wreck of dysfunction thru my family background, for me my mom, and my now grown up daughter. It is a very touchy and important subject, for the average person to discuss openly. Not just experts and doctors in clinical settings...I wish I had known that when my own daughter was younger.
And Wow Missi, so you are into geneology, probably the most over looked and underrated practice in the modern world today. I won't go into all the details, but I had quite a trek in my life due to my identity being hidden from me by a family member falsifying my birth records as a baby. Falsified who one of parents what legally, and I had to go through a very long search to find my real Father and my family history. Since there was this other set of issues. I had to do some real work in the areas that you seem to have expertise. I wish I had known someone like you when I was in my twenties.
My point was geneology and ancestral tracking is not given credit in this country where we are all a bunch of home wrecking bastards right? You know I ended up having to go to the Mormon records center in my state to find accurate data. Because I kept running into dead ends, since then I have had several friends that were adopted or orphans, who I was able to help a little with their search for lost relatives and the like. I am going to recommend one friend read thru your hubs this week. Really, glad to see someone tackling that kinda subject here.
Good luck and lemme know if I can ever be of help to you. I have lots of opinions, ideas, and think well with little data for solutions. Its kinda my superpower. Welcome MD
and Keep on Hubbing.
Good Hub. This subject is so emotional to people struggeling with the issues of ADHD. We each have to make our own assessment and decission as to medicate or not to medicate.
I hope you don't mind, I have posted links to your ADHD hubs on my blog (Living With ADHD/ODD, the Undeclared Epidemic.)
I am trying to put as much relevant info and resources on the blog, so if you have any links you think would help, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Great hubs my dear - thanks so much!
I have one child with ADHD/ODD and a couple of other disabilities - I don't think I could take more than one LOL...I understand your feelings about the medications - I felt like I was letting my son down if I put him on meds, but I needed to do something for him. Fortunately, they work fairly well. He is turning 13 and his dosage has remained the same since he was first diagnosed. (It's the ODD that makes me crazy!)