by Lauren Koval
A. Biblical perspective
1. Biblical Definition
Discontentment in the single life, as Dr. Ernie Baker explains in reference to one case of a discontent single man, “He continually struggled with really loving the Lord as his first priority because he believed that to be happy, he had to be married.” The desire to be married, and, often, start a family, becomes the ultimate hope and satisfaction of the single’s life, and the unhappiness of that “hope deferred” (Proverbs 13:12) becomes all-consuming for the single person. This can result in loneliness, depression, or resentfulness.
2. Biblical Perspective
God is always working all things for the believer’s good and his own glory (Romans 8:28). God does not withhold anything good from “those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). Since singleness is also in the control of God, then discontentment or anger at God is a lack of trust in his goodness and sovereignty to provide what is good to those who love him. Discontentment or the quest for fulfillment from an external or earthly circumstance, like marriage, also shows dissatisfaction with God. Paul learned contentment through Christ who gave him strength (Phil. 4:12-13) because he had learned how Christ was of such surpassing worth (Philippians 3:8). The dissatisfied single longing for marriage to create her happiness looks to a “broken cistern” that holds no water, and to an unfulfilling hope (Jeremiah 2:13). The solution is “living water,” that is, Jesus himself (John 4), who can provide all the satisfaction, companionship, and grace that believers need. The goal is not marriage or singleness, but pursuing a relationship with Christ and his kingdom as the ultimate satisfaction and delight.
B. Secular perspective
Psychology has labeled discontentment and depression in singleness as an “ambiguous loss,” because, “adults who are single do not know when, if at all, someone who matches their anticipated spouse will come into their lives and choose to marry them.” Because they do not see the realization of those hopes or dreams, yet have not completely lost hope of seeing them realized, they are in an in-between mourning stage of something that is not physically there, but is psychologically there. This grief is in a “frozen” state, that which is unresolved, and thus more painful, and uncertain. The longing for relationship flows from a desire for “joy and purpose” from another human, thus, “the absence of meaningful relationships typically leads to loneliness, emptiness, depression, and despair.” With this comes the difficulty of societal pressures and expectations, and the inability to publicly mourn this “psychological loss.”
The goal of treatment of this depressing and ambiguous loss is to train the person to “cope” with the mourning and continue on with life, changing the attitude, not the inevitable situation. Because guilt, or identity-issues, or shame, or confusion can come when the hope of relationship is lost, but not quite, the psychologist can encourage the client by “supporting the notions that there is nothing wrong with enjoying singlehood and nothing wrong with enjoying marriage.” Other therapies like acknowledging conflicting emotions and normalizing the struggle often helps the client come to terms with their own emotions. Finally, helping the client find a new identity and meaning outside of “singleness” or “marriage,” causes them to keep the hope, but not be consumed by it. More assertive therapies include accepting the singleness to the point of saying, “I am not married because I do not want to be…I am single because I am enough for me.” This method encourages the discontent client to find their rest and identity and confidence in their own sufficiency, not their longing for marriage to fulfill them, or their fear of the stigma of singleness.
The idea of loneliness or discontentment in any situation has been since the Fall. Jane Clark says, “[loneliness] is caused by sin…by our estrangement from God and each other.” Sin causes us to seek satisfaction outside of God, or assume we need something other than what God has given. However, the more modern and cultural situation of increasing singleness has only developed in the past few decades. In the 1950s, only thirty-one percent of adults in America were single. As of 2015, that number has jumped to forty-five percent. The ages of single adults has grown over the same amount of time; on average, the age at marriage has increased six to seven years older.  As the article points out, “Despite the high rates of singlehood in the United States, 93% of Americans report that marrying is one of the most important life objectives they have.” So, though the amount of married couples is decreasing, the desire for marriage is not. As online dating services, and other creative methods of forming relationships abound, the issue becomes more and more prevalent.
For singles in the Church, the solution seems to be marriage, and singles are often seen as second best. Betty-Anne Van Rees discusses the “shift” to this issue beginning in World War II, when more women becoming increasingly independent in the work force, causing the increase of singles. As the Church generally centered on families, ministering to the growing number of singles became more difficult to adjust to, and more people struggled with desiring marriage and being discontent with their singlehood. More recently, the approach to loneliness in singlehood in the secular world has been to embrace and celebrate “singlehood.” Books like Eliyam Kislev’s Happy Singlehood, or Keturah Kendrick’s No Thanks: Black, female, and living in the martyr-free zone, promote the idea of perspective, that loneliness is a choice one makes, and, that being single is a healthy and good thing.
Kate Bolick, as explained on Lavin, argues that, “changing opportunities for women are changing the definition of the family, the workplace, the economy, and society as a whole.” As the shift to singlehood grows, the desire for marriage and discontentment in singleness are set aside for celebration of singleness and independence.
II. Evidence of the Problem
Some common themes and patterns of discontented singleness include extreme feelings of loneliness that results in despair and depression. Pulling away from Church activities and involvement because of the pain of seeing married friends, never attending weddings, and experience long episodes of depression during holidays. They can be distracted from ministry and are too preoccupied with searching for a spouse that they are unable to serve the Lord and his Kingdom.
Other results of this discontentedness include dating incessantly or settling for someone who is below the person’s standards. Or, the desire to have attention from someone and escape loneliness causes them to turn to sexual intimacy outside of marriage. Self-pity, feelings of inferiority, or feelings of meaningless are also signs of discontented singleness.
A. The Physical (external) Causes:
-Lacking a marriage or dating partner.
-Same Sex Attraction. Desiring marriage but not being attracted to the opposite sex.
B. The Spiritual Causes:
-Marriage fantasizing and idolizing
-Desire for affirmation and validation
-Lacking trust in God
-Seeing Singleness as a curse
IV. Examining the Heart
- Discontented singleness can flow from a variety of heart idols or themes. The person who desires marriage so strongly that they have become bitter towards God can result from a heart that is worshiping acceptance or security in relationships as the ultimate goal. They feel they are incomplete or invalidated by not achieving marriage, or, feel that the love of another human will complete them and make them less inferior. This is similar to the idol of people’s acceptance, placing one’s hope in the love of another human. Discontent can flow from a misunderstanding of desires. Jayne Clark argues that it is a misconception that God will always fulfill the desire of marriage if he has given it to someone. She refutes this claim by saying God has never guaranteed this in His Word, but that those desires are meant to be brought “under the lordship of Jesus Christ.” Other heart idols are worshiping comfort or security in circumstantial change, worshiping a sense of importance because of marriage, or worshiping the ability to control circumstances to one’s desired end. This demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s goodness, and a desire for satisfaction outside of him.
V. Biblical Solutions
A. Key Counseling Points
Because discontentment is rooted in heart idols, Dr. Ernie Baker discusses in his book, Marry Wisely, Marry Well, that, singles must examine their heart. If they are looking to marriage to make them happy, then it is replacing Christ and what he alone can give. If others have become the rock, the hope of fulfillment or happiness, then that is an idol that replaces the Lord. A sense of need of fulfillment of others by marriage forsakes the Lord as the true place of refuge. This must be repented of, and then worship of and love for the Lord turns the heart to find satisfaction in him.
Discontent singles must also overcome wrong beliefs about loneliness. Jayne Clark says, “Loneliness is actually caused…by sin…our estrangement from God.” Because this is true, “The solution lies in the redemption of our relationship with God.” Pursuing a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the Father through his Son is where true happiness comes. This idea, of pursuing deeper communion with God for lasting contentment rather than looking to marriage for the cure to loneliness is echoed by Dr. Ernie Baker, Lori Smith, Sean Perron, and many others. Because of Christian community, the call out of loneliness is to then turn to the community and union of the Body of Christ and enjoy the fellowship of believers.
The single person must learn to trust the Lord. Bitterness and anger at God for not fulfilling the desire for marriage results from disbelieving that he is good, that he does not withhold anything good from his children, or disbelieving that he is in control of every circumstance (Romans 8:28; Psalm 84:11). If singleness is God’s plan, then it is the best plan for your life at this time. Embrace it, and rejoice in God’s goodness towards you, and turn to him. It’s not something to settle for, but something to thank God for, that he has given this circumstance in this time, and has its own joys and blessings.
Sean Perron, author for “Biblical Counseling Coalition” and Marshall Seagal, author of Not Yet Married: The Pursuit of Joy in Singleness and Dating as well as others encourage singles to develop their love for the Lord and his Word, and then rest in his love for them. This leads to the conviction that Jesus alone is living water (John 4). Finally, because Christians are made to enjoy community with other believers with the union of the Body of Christ, they must involve themselves in the Church, building relationships, discipling others, and serving by using their gifts, not bemoaning their unmarried state and wasting the time in their life to serve.
Discontent singles with same sex attraction need to understand the same principles as above. But, an even more intense feeling of loneliness or isolation can come upon them. As a result, they must be reminded that they are not left alone by Jesus, nor by his church, and that their struggle is common to man (1 Cor. 10:13). There is hope for the pursuit of holiness and love for the Lord. Their struggles should not be reduced to something simple, but, in love, they must be shown God’s goodness and grace in their struggle.
Counseling for contentment also doesn’t mean that the desire for marriage should vanish in contentment. Asking the Lord for a godly spouse, pursuing relationships toward marriage, and examining ways that you can grow are all things that are important parts of this season in life.
B. Important passages in contentment in singleness:
-Know the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 103; Psalm 84:11)
-Know the Lord is in control and trustworthy, working in all situations (Romans 8:28)
-Use singleness as an opportunity and delight and gift to please the Lord (1 Corinthians 7)
-Set surpassing worth on knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8; Phil. 4:11-13).
-Humble yourself before the Lord and draw near to him, repenting of coveting and discontentment (James 4:1-10).
-Rest in the satisfaction God brings (John 4)
C. Recommended Books
Not Yet Married: The Pursuit of Singleness and Dating by Marshall Segal
Marry Wisely, Marry Well by Dr. Ernie Baker
The Secret of Contentment by William B. Barcley
Single and Lonely: Finding the Intimacy you Desire by Jayne V. Clark
Quest for Love by Elisabeth Elliot
Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring your Love Life under Christ’s Control by Elisabeth Elliot.
Redeeming Singleness: How the Storyline of Scripture Affirms the Single Life by Barry Danylak
Seven Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry
D. Homework Resources
Contentment: Seeing God’s Goodness: 31-Day Devotional by Megan Hill
Discovering Wonderful Things Worksheet for:
Study 1 Corinthians 7
Chapters 5 and 7 in Marry Wisely, Marry Well and answer the questions at the end of the chapters.
Asmus, Christopher. “Satisfied in the Arms of Another: Four Lessons for Same-Sex-Attracted
Christians.” Desiring God, October 24, 2018.
Baker, Dr. Ernie. Marry Wisely, Marry Well. Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2016.
Clark, Jayne V. “Struggling through Singleness.” Journal of Biblical Counseling 29, no. 1,
DePaulo, Bella. “Single Life in the 21st Century: A Guide to Owning It.” Psychology Today,
Jackson, Jeffrey B., “The Ambiguous Loss of Singlehood: Conceptualizing and Treating
Singlehood Ambiguous Loss Among Never-Married Adults.” Contemporary Family
Therapy 40, (2018): 210-222.
Lavin. “Going It Alone: Kate Bolick on the History of Singlehood.” Lavin, December 27, 2012.
Perron, Sean. “Relationships: Contentment and Dating.” Biblical Counseling Coalition, February
Reju, Deepak. “How Can you Be Satisfied on Valentine’s Day (And for the Rest of Your Life)?”
Biblical Counseling Coalition, February 13, 2019,
Van Rees, Betty-Anne. “Single in the Church.” Biblical Counseling Coalition, February 14,
 Dr. Ernie Baker, Marry Wisely, Marry Well (Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2016), 71.
 Jayne V. Clark, “Struggling through Singleness,” Journal of Biblical Counseling 29, no. 1, (2015), 15.
 Sean Perron, “Relationships: Contentment and Dating,” Biblical Counseling Coalition, February 7, 2018, https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2018/02/07/relationships-contentment-and-dating/.
 Deepak Reju, “How Can you Be Satisfied on Valentine’s Day (And for the Rest of Your Life)?” Biblical Counseling Coalition, February 13, 2019, https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2019/02/13/how-can-you-be-satisfied-on-valentines-day-and-for-the-rest-of-your-life/.
 Sean Perron, “Relationships: Contentment and Dating.”
 Jeffrey B. Jackson, “The Ambiguous Loss of Singlehood: Conceptualizing and Treating Singlehood Ambiguous Loss Among Never-Married Adults,” Contemporary Family Therapy 40 (2018): 213.
 Ibid., 213.
 Ibid., 211.
 Ibid., 212.
 Ibid., 214.
 Ibid., 215.
 Ibid., 216.
 Ibid., 217.
 Ibid., 219.
 Bella DePaulo, “Single Life in the 21st Century: A Guide to Owning It,” Psychology Today, June 22, 2019, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-single/201906/single-life-in-the-21st-century-guide-owning-it.
 Jayne V. Clark, “Struggling through Singleness,” 10.
 Jeffrey B. Jackson, “The Ambiguous Loss of Singlehood,” 210.
 Ibid., 211.
 Betty-Anne Van Rees, “Single in the Church,” Biblical Counseling Coalition, February 14, 2015, https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2015/02/04/single-in-the-church/.
 Bella DePaulo, “Single Life in the 21st Century.”
 Lavin, “Going It Alone: Kate Bolick on the History of Singlehood,” Lavin, December 27, 2012, https://www.thelavinagency.com/news/going-it-alone-kate-bolick-on-the-history-of-singlehood.
 Deepak Reju, “How Can you Be Satisfied on Valentine’s Day (And for the Rest of Your Life)?”
 Jayne. V. Clark, “Struggling Through Singleness,” 9.
 Dr. Ernie Baker, Marry Wisely, Marry Well (Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2016), 28.
 Ibid., 29.
 Ibid., 44.
 Jayne V. Clark, “Struggling Through Singleness,” 10.
 Ibid., 11.
 Dr. Ernie Baker, Marry Wisely 72.
 Ibid., 75-77
 Christopher Asmus, “Satisfied in the Arms of Another: Four Lessons for Same-Sex-Attracted Christians,” Desiring God, October 24, 2018, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/satisfied-in-the-arms-of-another.


Homeward by Edward M. Bannister
This painting caught my eye as I was reading about Edward Bannister and admiring his art. He was a very successful African-American artist in the late nineteenth century in Providence, RI. I like the painting because of the serenity which he portrays relative to the house in the background. The gentleman in the foreground almost seem as though he is guarding the house.
Edward Bannister was originally from New Brunswick, Canada and travelled to Rhode Island after he married his wife, Cristiana Carteaux, originally from Rhode Island. The two were very charismatic and active Abolitionists. He had very little formal training in art, but was able to become very well-known and a recipient of many awards for his art, despite the racism and bigotry associated with him because of his race.
Boat on the Sea by Edward Bannister
This dreamy redition of a sailboat at sea is indicative of his immensely spiritual nature. The tranquility is a theme which is prevalent throughout his works.
Here is a beautiful view of Dorchester, Massachusetts, which was a promotional painting to attract the attention of the wealthy people living on the water. Bannister had many wealthy patrons.
His artwork is included in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., which has many of the paintings that have managed to survive. Many were lost.
The RI Kids Create Music School has included a line of clothing for children with original designs that are sure to delight your child. The designs are florals, Christmas, and a new nautical design on hoodies, sweatshirts, and tee shirts for any time of the year. We are working on music inspired designs to reflect our school image.
Recently, some of our students performed at the Providence Bruins Hockey game. On 12/4/2015, the RI Kids Create Choral Group sang “Silent Night” before a crowd of 8000 people. The girls were from the Academy for Career Exploration in Providence, RI. I was very impressed when I discovered them in the community and invited them to represent our school. We are currently working on another song for a performance in the spring.
Posted in Music
Tagged Academy for Career Exploration, children, Christmas, clothing, inspiring, Providence, Providence Bruins, RI, RI Kids Create Choral Group, Silent Night, talents
We have a t-shirt for the school – actually it is the camp t-shirt. But, we have decided to make it the school t-shirt. It comes in all sizes and there is a style for men, women, and children.
We wanted a design which would reflect what we are trying to do at the school. We want our piano players to be able to play with other musicians. As students become more proficient, we will bring in other musicians and even singers to accompany the piano players. Let us know what you think! The shirts are available at ETSY and our new promotional site, We appreciate the visits to the site, and even more, the sales!
We are trying to build up the school, so I have written a book to help encourage young piano students. Beyond My Imagination is on sale on-line at Amazon and Barnes and Noble’s. However, I am trying to arrange a book tour and would appreciate the help in ordering books and covering travel expenses. I would like to speak to parents about the benefits of music for their children. Please spread the word to friends and family, and if so moved, please order the book. Thanks!
As the summer approaches, parents may be looking for ways to engage their children in healthy pursuits. Art is a great way to encourage children to develop their talents as well as to develop skills which will help them later on in life.
Stuides have shown that the innovators in society are often the most creative. Children who are exposed to a wide variety of arts are able to create new inventions and obtain patents for them. They are also able to solve problems more creatively. Children who develop artistic ability also develop strong critical thinking skills, and have a tolerance for other ethnic groups – all great qualities for a child to have!
Unfortunately, many of the public schools are eliminating art from the curriculum because of budget cuts, leaving parents to find other alternatives to exposing their children to enrichment xercises such as art. Inner city children can look to non-profit organizations which are trying to enrich children though their programs. Many of the programs in the larger cities are reaching out to more children. The Inner City Arts Program in Los Angeles, California ia one progam which offers many programs for children, such as Photography, Dance, Dramam, and Visual Arts.
After having taught piano in after school programs for about ten years, I decided it was time to go out on my own. I am trying to start an art and music school to help enrich those children whose parents cannot afford private lessons for them. They will have a better chance at getting accepted into college, will have better reading skills and math skills.
The trend is toward STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) schools which are gaining in popularity because of the information age. Several charter schools have arisen in my area and some are offering art or music to enhance the skills of the students.
My most advanced student is beginning to play easy versions of some of the classical songs, as well as some contemporary classic songs composed by Stephan Beneking from Berlin, Germany. He is one of the top ten composers on Sound Cloud. We are preparing for a recital in the spring 2015.
The RI Kids Create Music School will offer classes in crochet, knitting, book writing, and watercolor painting for children and adults. For more information, visit the site.
Here is an interesting view of tulips I painted, looking down upon them while the petals were opening. I was intrigued with this view, as it almost seemed as if they were looking up at me. The painting is in watercolor on 11″ x 14″ paper. I am resuming my painting again after someone posted a note on Facebook that anyone who was not working on their art was denying their emotional health. It’s true!
I have always enjoyed watching the day lilies bloom in the summer. Though they are short –lived, they are one of the most beautiful flowers around!
The essence of the perfect creation,
Of the one who causes elation
So profound a magnificent manifestation
Of God’s love, a subtle personification.


You’ve probably heard the word, but do you know exactly what ‘mindfulness’ is – and if it could work for you? Our guide gives you the basics of this mental health treatment.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is all about using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga to help you become more aware of what’s going on in the present moment.
Think back to a recent sunny day – did you fully appreciate what a nice day it was as you walked along? Or a recent car journey – how much of the journey did you remember once you arrived? Mindfulness can help you to pay attention, appreciate and remember.
Luisa, 23, puts it like this: “Mindfulness is less a practice, more a way of life. It’s about becoming aware of what’s actually happening in the here and now, not focusing on what has happened or what might happen.”
You may hear some different acronyms about mindfulness flying around – here’s what they mean:
- MBSR stands for ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction’ and often helps people who are stressed at work or in their relationships.
- MBCT stands for ‘Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy’. It combines mindfulness techniques with elements from cognitive therapy to help mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Through becoming more aware of each situation you’re better placed to deal with it – and finish it properly – before moving on. This means that you could see yourself have:
- Better focus and concentration
- Appreciating the here and now
- Improved memory
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Learn to deal with depression and better understand emotions
Abida, 17, has been practicing mindfulness for over a year and she’s seen many benefits. “I used to get overwhelmed by difficult emotions and then turn to negative behaviours,” she says, “but both my negative thoughts and self-harm decreased once I started doing mindfulness.”
For 27-year-old Kate, it helps her deal with everyday situations better. “It has given me a toolkit for stressful situations,” she says. “Everything from the bus being late through to being harassed in the street – I move on from setbacks more quickly than I used to.”
How do I learn mindfulness?
The beauty of mindfulness is that anyone can learn it, and there are many different ways, from self-help courses to actual classes. You may be referred to a course through your GP or mental health team, but you can also search for a private course or practitioner.
Many people choose to learn through self-help methods, such as books and online. The bemindful website has a recommended reading list with useful reviews.
If you’re hoping that mindfulness will help you to deal with a mental health issue, it’s always best to consult your GP first.
How much does it cost?
It depends on which approach you’re using. If you get a book out of a library and are dedicated to following the exercises then it’s possible to learn it for free. Or you may be referred via the NHS at no cost.
Private courses and sessions vary in price, so always look for recommendations and compare a few options and prices before deciding which is best.
What if mindfulness doesn’t work for me?
Lots of people warn that it can take a while to learn how to integrate mindfulness into your life properly, so give it time before you write it off completely.
“It isn’t going to make the world perfect and it won’t sort everything out overnight. It requires commitment and effort to actually get results, but it’s worth it in the end,” explains Luisa.
Of course, it won’t be right for everyone. If you still aren’t finding it helpful after some time then it’s worth talking to your GP about other options. If you’re looking for help with a specific mental health problem, there are lots of other talking treatments and medications you can discuss.
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March 24, 2017
Stress and Anxiety
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
- National Mental Health Association
- American Massage Therapy Association
- American Institute for Cognitive Therapy
- Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy
- The American Psychiatric Association
- The National Association of Social Workers
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- The American Institute of Stress
- The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
Stress can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, unease, and worry. The source of these symptoms is not always known.
Recent findings and perspectives on medical research.
The brain’s anticipation of threats is invaluable for survival, but some people cannot turn down the voltage.
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Back to TopAlternative Names
Anxiety; Feeling uptight; Stress; Tension; Jitters; Apprehension
Back to TopConsiderations
Stress is a normal feeling. In small doses, stress can help you get things done. Stress does not affect everyone the same way.
Many people feel stress symptoms in their body. You may be having pain in your abdomen, headaches, and muscle tightness or pain.
When you are very stressed, you may notice:
- A faster heart rate
- Skipped heartbeats
- Rapid breathing
Other symptoms include:
- Loose stools
- Frequent need to pee
- Dry mouth
- Problems swallowing
You may have a harder time focusing, feel tired most of the time, or lose your temper more often. Stress may also cause sexual problems. It can also cause problems with falling or staying asleep and nightmares.
Back to TopCauses
Many people have stress when they need to adapt or change.
- Starting a new job or school
- Moving to a new home
- Getting married
- Having a child
- Breaking up with someone
An injury or illness to you, a friend, or a loved one is a common cause of stress. Feelings of stress and anxiety are common in people who feel depressed and sad.
When these feelings happen often, a person may have an anxiety disorder. Other problems where stress may be present are:
Some drugs may cause or worsen symptoms of stress.
These can include:
- Some inhaler medicines used to treat asthma
- Thyroid drugs
- Some diet pills
- Some cold remedies
Caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco products may also cause or make symptoms of stress or anxiety worse.
Back to TopHome Care
What relieves stress is not the same for everyone. Making certain lifestyle changes is the best start.
Start with eating a well-balanced, healthy diet as well as getting enough sleep and exercise, Also, limit caffeine and alcohol intake and don't use nicotine, cocaine, or other street drugs.
Finding healthy, fun ways to cope with stress helps most people. You can learn and practice ways to help you relax. Find out about yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
Take breaks from work. Make sure to balance fun activities with your job and family duties. Schedule some leisure time every day. Spend time with people you enjoy, including your family.
Try learning to make things with your hands, playing an instrument, or listening to music.
Think about what might be giving you stress. Keep a diary of what is going on when you have these feelings.
Then, find someone you trust who will listen to you. Often just talking to a friend or loved one is all that you need to feel better. Most areas also have support groups and hotlines that can help.
Ask your health care provider if any drugs or medicines you are taking can cause anxiety.
Back to TopWhen to Contact a Medical Professional
Call a suicide hotline if you have thoughts of suicide.
Reasons you may want to seek more help are:
- You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat.
- You are unable to work or function at home or at your job.
- You have fears that you cannot control.
- You are having memories of a traumatic event.
Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.
Back to TopWhat to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your doctor will want to know what medicines you are taking. Your doctor will also want to know if you use alcohol or drugs. You will have a physical exam and maybe some blood tests.
Your doctor may refer you to a mental health care provider. You can talk to them about your feelings, what seems to make your stress better or worse, and why you think you are having this problem.
Sometimes, medicines may help treat your symptoms.
Back to TopReferences
Larzelere MM, Jones GN. Stress and health. Prim Care . 2008;35:839-856.
Ahmed SM, Lemkau JP, Hershberger PJ. Psychosocial influences on health. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 3.
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Almanac History - October 1864
October 1st, 1864
The fighting continues around Peebles' Farm during the Siege of Petersburg as Union troops try to extend their lines to encircle Petersburg. Meanwhile, in the Valley, General Sheridan prepares to move his army north to Cedar Creek from his present position in Harrisonburg. Two small engagements are fought in southwest Virginia at Clinch Mountain and Laurel Creek Gap in Tennessee.
October 2nd, 1864
Confederate President Davis gives General Beauregard command of the two armies in the west under Hood and Richard Taylor. In the Valley, skirmishing takes place between Jubal Early's army and Sheridan's at Mount Crawford and Bridgewater.
October 3rd, 1864
The Army of the Tennessee continues to disrupt Sherman's supply lines forcing him to send more troops from Atlanta to protect his supply trains. Confederate cavalry attack Sheridan's army near Harrisonburg, VA.
October 4th, 1864
After more engagements between the Union and Federal forces in Georgia, Sherman moves his headquarters to Kennesaw Mountain to try to attain a better position against Hood's army. Raiders engage Federal forces at Richwoods, Missouri.
October 5th, 1864
Jefferson Davis delivers a speech in Augusta, Georgia in which he attempts to rekindle the fire of the Southern people by assuring them of his personal confidence in the South's ability to drive the aggressor from its territory. On this same day, Confederate troops are repulsed after attaching a Federal position at Allatoona, Georgia. Federal losses number 706; confederate losses 799.
October 6th, 1864
The Confederate Army refuses to give up in the Valley Campaign although they have been badly beaten in recent weeks. They attack General George Custer's cavalry at Brooks Gap near Fishers Hill, but Custer's troops successfully ward off the attack.
October 7th, 1864
In the Petersburg campaign, the Confederates north of Richmond try to push back Federal troops and the two sides clash on the roads leading to Darbyville and New Market. Once again, the Southerners are forced to retreat. Meanwhile, Sheridan's cavalry continues its work destroying crops and rounding up livestock in the Shenandoah Valley. So far, they have burned 2000 barns filled with wheat, hay and farm implements, destroyed in excess of 70 flour mills, driven off 4000 head of livestock and slaughtered over 3000 sheep to feed the army.
October 8th, 1864
Union and Confederate cavalry skirmish at Toms Brook and in the Luray Valley.
October 9th, 1864
Sheridan, after suffering several Confederate cavalry attacks, turns his men against the Southern horsemen. The Confederates flee up the Valley after an engagement in which they lose 300 prisoners and suffer another 57 casualties.
October 10th, 1864
Hood's and Sherman's men skirmish near Rome, Georgia as the Confederate army continues to move westward. In the meantime, Federals attempt to surprise General Forrest at Eastport, Mississippi but the Confederates are able to disable the Union vessels and the Northern troops are left stranded.
October 11th, 1864
Federal and Southern troops clash along the road between Atlanta and Flat Creek. To the north, Federal cavalry raid Fort Donelson, the site of a black recruiting station, but are driven off by Union soldiers.
October 12th, 1864
Rear Admiral David Porter assumes command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron relieving acting Rear Admiral Samuel P. Lee. Porter earned his reputation for the role he played at New Orleans and with Grant at Forts Henry and Donelson and at Vicksburg.
October 13th, 1864
Sheridan withdraws to the Cedar Creek area and Jubal Early moves back to his old position at Fishers Hill. In northern Virginia Mosby and his band of raiders derail a passenger train near Kerneyville and rob two Federal paymasters on board making off with nearly $173,000.
October 14th, 1864
Sporadic fighting continues as Sheridan's army and Early's army clash at Cedar Creek. In Missouri Sterling Price calls on the civilian population to help him redeem the state. His men are engaged near Glasgow.
October 15th, 1864
Part of Pierce's cavalry known as Shelby's Iron Brigade captures the town of Glasgow, Missouri. This forces the surrender of more than 400 Federals Under Colonel Chester Harding Jr's command.
October 16th, 1864
Sheridan leaves his army at Cedar Creek while he attends a conference with President Lincoln and General Grant on the military situation in the Shenandoah Valley. In Missouri, Price and his men reach the town of Ridgely and occupy it as they continue to move north along the Missouri River.
October 17th, 1864
General Beauregard assumes command of the Confederate western armies east of the Mississippi. General Hood and his army move toward Gadsden in Alabama, relinquishing their attacks on Sherman's supply lines.
October 18th, 1864
In the eastern theater, General Jubal Early and his staff plan an all-out attack on the Federal forces at Cedar Creek to be launched early on the morning of the 19th.
October 19th, 1864
Concealed by Three To Mountain and early mornig fog, the three divisions of Early's corps attack the left flank of the Union army under command of General George Crook. The Federals are taken completely off guard and the flank falls back in disarray . Sheridan, on his way back from a Washington conference, hears the sounds of battle and meets streams of stragglers retreating down the Valley Pike as he rides toward Cedar Creek. Meanwhile, the Confederate charge comes to a halt as soldiers fall out to loot the enemy's camp. At four in the afternoon, the Union forces counterattack, forcing the Confederate army to flee in disorganized retreat. The battle is decisive for the Union who have, at this point, put an end to the Confederates' last major threat in the Shenandoah Valley.
October 20th, 1864
President Lincoln formally establishes Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
October 21st, 1864
In the Trans-Mississippi region, there is more fighting between Federals and advancing Confederate troops under Sterling Price at the Little Blue River.
October 22nd, 1864
General Hood's army is in Gadsden, Alabama, preparing to go to Guntersville and from there on to Tennessee. General Sherman's troops are in Gaylesville, Alabama, just west of Rome, Georgia. From here, the Union general feels hecan protect both Chattanooga and Atlanta from Confederate threat.
October 23rd, 1864
Shelby's cavalry strikes at General Curtis's troops near Westport, Missouri. The Federals check this assault and launch a powerful counterattack. The Battle of Westport, involving some 20,000 Federal troops and over 8000 Confederates, results in about 1500 casualties for each side and marks the last serious threat to Union control of Missouri.
October 24th, 1864
Sterling Price and his forces retreat south along the border between Kansas and Missouri with a heavy cargo of plunder which his men have capture in their month-long raid through Missouri.
October 25th, 1864
Federal cavalry catch up with Price's retreating columns at Marais des Cygnes, Kansas. In the fight that ensures, they capture two Confederate general (including John Marmaduke), four colonels and 1000 men. The also take ten pieces of artillery.
October 26th, 1864
Union troops ambush and kill the notorious "Bloody" Bill Anderson near Richmond, Missouri. Anderson once rode with William Quantrill and his raiders.
October 27th, 1864
As the siege of Petersburg continues, Grant orders an assault on the enemy positions to gain control of the Boydton Road and Southside Railroad. General Ambrose Hill's strong defense, however, frustrates the Union attempt. The assault involved more than 40,000 Union troops and 20,000 Southerners, with the former suffering 1194 killed or wounded and 564 missing. There are no statistic available for Confederate losses.
October 28th, 1864
In the Trans-Mississippi region, troops under General Samuel Curtis again catch up with Price's fleeing troops and attack the Confederates at Newtonia, Missouri. Federal reinforcements arrive in good time and again force Price to withdraw.
October 29th, 1864
General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his men capture the steamer Mazeppa while Hood still waits for Forrest to join his army so he can launch his invasion into Tennessee.
October 30th, 1864
The Army of Tennessee moves into Tuscombia, Alabama. Forrest continues to operate against Federal ships and captures two transport vessels and the gunboat Undine. Meanwhile Federal troops move from Chattanooga to Pulaski, Tennessee as General George Thomas prepares to meet an invasion into Tennessee.
October 31st, 1864
Nevada enters the Union as the 36th state. Lincoln is hoping that Nevada, which is felt to be safely Republican, will help solidify his re-election. Although reassured by elections held earlier in the month in Pennsylvania. Ohio and Indiana, Lincoln still believes the Presidential election will be very close.


By Sean Graham
As a child, William Dumas’ father told him the story of European fur traders arriving on what is now commonly referred to as Hudson Bay. The encounter between the Asiniskaw Ithiniwak (Rocky Cree) people and the Europeans resulted in an endemic, greatly reducing the local population. In telling the story, Dumas’ father explained how elder âhâsiw procured medicine from the little people, who are legendary beings in the Rocky Cree tradition.
This is one of several stories included in the Six Seasons of the Asiniskaw Ithiniwak project, a collaborative effort to, among other things, share traditional stories and preserve the language. As part of the project, the story of the little people has been made into a graphic novel entitled The Gift of the Little People. Using his father’s voice as inspiration, Dumas, with over 25 years as an educator and storyteller, shares a story that is both timely and timeless in its significance.
In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with William Dumas and Warren Carriyou, who is part of the Six Seasons project. We discuss the contemporary significance of telling an endemic story in 2022 (5:29), how the project team has built trust (6:30), and the challenge of putting an oral story into text (9:11). We also chat about the book’s images (13:41), gearing stories towards younger audiences (15:55), and the power of traditional stories (23:10).
Sean Graham is a historian of Canadian broadcasting, an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University, and a contributing editor at Activehistory.ca


Restoring ‘Brain Health’ in Cannabis Users: An Exercise Intervention Study
Can exercise reverse the effect that long-term cannabis use has on the brain?
When people use cannabis very regularly for many years it can have a negative impact on the health of their brain. A small structure deep within the brain called the hippocampus (a key brain region for memory, learning, and emotional processing) is particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy cannabis use.
The good news is that the brain harms caused by long-term cannabis use can be reversed. The challenge is that it takes a very long time, two years or more of abstinence. Many regular cannabis users struggle to quit for this long, so the BMH team are working to discover strategies that speed up the process of brain health recovery.
One such strategy may be exercise! Regular exercise has a positive effect on physical and mental health, and can increase the size of the hippocampus. It’s not yet known how much or what kind of exercise produces the best results. This study will compare the effects of two different exercise programs to investigate whether the programs have a positive impact on brain health and, if they do, whether one is more effective than the other.


"History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people's lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time. " (NC 2013)
We aim to inspire our pupils' curiosity to explore the history of the world in which they live; asking perceptive questions, thinking critically, weighing evidence, sifting arguments and developing perspective and judgement. Children's exploration and endeavour will result in a wide-ranging and deep knowledge of history; of places, people and significant events through time. Key historical competencies will develop so pupils display excellence in: chronological understanding, knowledge of events and their impact, significant people and changes from the past.
History is taught through half-termly or termly units of study. In Reception, pupils start by learning about themselves and their place in the world through the "All About Me" theme, that looks at them as individuals, e.g. how they have changed since being a baby and their family. In Key Stage 1 children develop understanding of time starting with things within living memory (e.g. the theme "Was it more fun to be a child in your Grandparents' time?"). They then extend their chronological understanding by exploring the impact of significant people and events beyond living memory (e.g. the Wright brothers and the first flight and the Great Fire of London). As their knowledge of chronology develops, pupils explore themes (such as the history of communication) and learn how the changes over time affect people and their lives.
Once pupils have built their basic understanding of chronology in Key Stage 1, the history curriculum divides into two main strands for Key Stage 2: a study of Britain's past and a series of studies about civilisations across the world. British History concepts are taught chronologically, starting with Settlers of the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age. The knowledge taught provides a sound foundation for future historical learning and enables pupils to develop their historical competencies. The study of civilisations is linked to Geographical studies of regions, e.g. children learn about the Ancient Greeks after learning about Europe.
Throughout the school, alongside the rich knowledge taught in the units of study, pupils develop excellence in historical competencies. The understanding and appreciation of historical significance, continuity and change, cause and effect and perspective, are ongoing skills that are taught and retaught. They are not assigned to any single unit of study but are constantly revisited. This results in pupils, leaving school, being able to think like historians; debate what is historically significant, consider the impact of changes, study events to identify recurrent themes and ideas, basing their arguments on historical evidence.


The dance of health data begins early
From the first moments after birth, a baby today will have Personal Health Information entered into an Electronic Health Record. This will generally include weight, length, body temperature and any complications during delivery.
Tracking this type of medical information from the first moment of a patient's life - and ongoing - can offer clinicians a rich tapestry of context about a person's health, which can aid greatly in treatment decisions.
The danger of breached data
While the extensive nature of the data being collected offers huge benefits to patient care, it has its potential pitfalls.
A data breach of any kind is highly problematic, so when health data is involved the potential consequences can be catastrophic for individuals.
This could include:
● Economic harm like
- Losing a job
- Losing health insurance
- Losing their housing if the wrong type of information becomes public knowledge
● Social harm
- If a diagnosis like AIDS is exploited
● Psychological harm
● Identity theft - the most dangerous, lucrative and psychologically damaging of them all.
A security breach can also cause disruptions to critical care systems that could literally cost lives due to the lack of access to historical patient information.
Health data is under constant attack
According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Australian hospitals are under constant cyber attack.
“Attacks against the health-care sector are dangerous at any time. But when services are under pressure from COVID-19, and information-sharing (including tools such as contact tracing) is increasingly important, an all-out cyber attack against the health sector could be very damaging.”
They’ve also identified healthcare is the most targeted sector, by a significant margin.
Unfortunately, the industry typically features a lack of cyber-security training, lax security practices and chronic underinvestment in technology and digital infrastructure.
Cybercriminals love health data
You might be surprised to know that cybercriminals are especially interested in electronic medical records.
Why? Because the black market rate for this kind of information is much higher than credit card numbers or bank account passwords.
Data protection is multifaceted and requires the implementation of strategies that not only react and protect data but also predict and prevent any assaults launched by cybercriminals.
How to protect your sensitive medical data
The goals of security are threefold:
- to ensure that only authorised individuals see stored data
- To ensure that they only see the data when they need to use it for an authorised purpose
- To ensure the data they see is accurate
Implementing an Information security management system (ISMS) standard, such as ISO27001, is a good start to adding organisation-wide security safeguards, controls, and policy guidelines that can remediate any security gaps.
This is a risk-based approach that raises awareness across all levels of the organisation.
This also serves to give customers, staff, and other stakeholders of the organisation more confidence in the organisation's ability to manage their security and cyber threats.
Your data security checklist should include:
- A clear incident response plan
- Optimised restrictions, access controls and mechanisms
- Performance of regular cybersecurity penetration tests and bug bounties
- Frequent testing of continuity plans
- Regular education of staff
How will data security evolve in coming years?
It’s becoming apparent that AI will play a bigger role in combating cyber security into the future, while ironically also being the cause of greater future threats.
It is hard to predict what the broader landscape will look like as technology is changing at such a fast rate.
Organisations that are serious about protecting their data will have to proactively employ a team of cybersecurity experts to combat the ever-growing threats.
The human factor will continue to be an ever-present risk for cyber attacks. The risk-based organisation approach will be important to make sure the entire organisation is aware of all possible attacks and there are controls and policies to help avoid and mitigate them.
The competitive upside of high quality data security
Organisations that are investing heavily in cybersecurity standards and baking these into their offering stand to gain a significant advantage over their competitors.
The organisations that give their clients the confidence that security risks are mitigated will be the ones that will secure long-term contracts - and will ultimately see the greatest success - in the highly sensitive health sector.
You can find out more about the Australian legislation around privacy and data security here.


Posted March 20, 2013on:
So I’m sitting in front of my laptop about to write this article, I look out the window and realise it’s the middle of March and still no sign of spring. I bet you’re all wondering like I am what’s happened to spring. With the very limited amount of sunlight, hardly any at all if I’m being honest, we need to look to boosting our bodies with supplements. Where am I going with this? Vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin”.
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because it is produced by the skin in response to exposure to sunlight. We cannot get adequate amounts of Vitamin D from our diets so for those of us who live in a climate that has less sunshine, we need to supplement to keep our Vitamin D levels at its best.
So why do we need Vitamin D? We all know as we’ve been taught over the years that along with calcium, vitamin D builds strong bones, which is true to an extent. Here’s how it really works – vitamin D is actually crucial for the absorption of calcium in your intestines. It is activated in the body by the liver and kidneys before it can be used. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium which means taking calcium is ineffective. Vitamin D also prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate and breast cancers and affects diabetes and obesity.
How do we know if we have adequate levels of vitamin D or are deficient? Some symptoms of mild Vitamin D deficiency include feeling tired, vague aches and pains, and a sense of not being well generally. In more severe deficiency known as “osteomalacia”, symptoms include more severe pain and weakness. Weakness of the muscles may cause difficulties in moving around, bones can feel tender when moderate pressure is applied – according to Andrew Weil M.D., “if it hurts to press firmly on your sternum, you may be suffering from chronic Vitamin D deficiency”.
Children are more prone to infections such as respiratory infections if deficient in Vitamin D. Breathing can be affected due to weakness in chest muscles and ribcage. It can also cause irritability and poor growth, and in more severe cases muscles spasms in babies.
Research has shown that a high number of people in the UK (in the winter and spring, 1 in 6 adults) and some other countries like Canada and some states in the USA are vitamin D deficient. This is because these countries lie further from the equator to have enough UVB rays from sunlight to make vitamin D.
There are some other instances where the body would not be able to make the necessary vitamin D such as:
- Elderly people who have thinner skin than younger ones so are not able to produce as much vitamin D which leaves them at risk of deficiency
- People who have darker skin e.g. Africans, Afro-Caribbeans are not able to make as much vitamin D. They may need 20 to 30 times as much exposure to sunlight than those with fair skin.
- People who stay indoors a lot or those who cover up their bodies a lot e.g. wearing a veil or burqa are also at risk of deficiency.
- Using sunscreen could potentially lead to deficiency especially those with SPF (factor 8 or above). Our bodies can produce vitamin D on their own when exposed to sunlight but the skin must be free of sunscreen, sunblock and clothing which all interfere with the process.
- Vitamin D deficiency can also occur in people with medical conditions which can affect the way the body handles vitamin D and also people on certain types of medication.
To find out if you are vitamin D deficient, go to your doctor and ask to have a blood test done. Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight. It takes months of vitamin D supplementation and exposure to sunlight to rebuild the body’s bones and nervous system so it would be a good idea as part of daily routine to supplement and eat foods that have some amount of vitamin D present to prevent becoming deficient.
Oily fish like sardines, tuna, salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil are the best dietary source of vitamin D. Milk and some cereals are fortified with synthetic vitamin D which are not adequate for the body. A person would have to drink 10 tall glasses of milk every day in order to just get the minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet, so I wouldn’t recommend relying on those.
While we are still without sunshine for now, and throughout the year, I would recommend getting vitamin D supplements to boost health and body. Eat healthy and exercise, and when spring and summer come around, get out there and get your free prescription of the sunshine vitamin – you totally deserve it!
Peace and Fabulous Health!


Sets the current scale of the VectorImage.
GSErrCode SetScale ( long scale );
- The desired scale.
If the function succeeds, the return value is NoError. If the function fails, the return value is the error code.
The VectorImage contains elements interpreted in model space therefore it is totally zoom(magnification)-independent and mostly scale-independent. The scale is the ratio between the model space and the paper space. The scale comes into the picture where the VectorImage stores paper space values typically text sizes.
- Version:API 10.0 or later, ModelerGraphics 8 or later
- Library:ModelerGraphicsImp.lib (Win) or ModelerGraphics.framework (Mac)


Attention getter: Have you ever had such a long, stressful day and went home after and indulged in food to make yourself feel better? I know I have, I find myself indulging in chocolate at these times. Have you ever wondered why you can’t help but do that? Well today, I am going to answer that question for you. Central Idea Statement: People use food as a way to deal with feelings instead of to satisfy hunger. Justifications of Topic: Many people experience using foods as a comforting mechanism and do not know why and cannot help it but my speech will help explain it. Preview the Body of the Speech: So today, I’ll first explain what comfort foods are. Second, I’ll explain why people resort to food for comfort. Finally, I‘ll explain why comforting yourself with food is so bad for you. Body
Transition: So let’s begin.
Main Idea I: First of all, comfort foods are foods that put people in better moods or make them feel better. •
A comfort food usually consists of high sugar or carbohydrate content, like candy or chips. A typical comfort food should supply fullness or satisfaction after being consumed. Comfort foods may also trigger positive memories to make you feel better. •
We all have our own comfort foods and they vary according to moods and gender. Women commonly like ice cream, chocolate, or cookies. Men tend to like ice cream, soup, pizza or pasta. Summary: As you can see, comfort foods are a coping mechanism and an easy way to try and fix your problems. Transition: So next, let me explain why people resort to food for comfort. Main Idea II: Food makes people feel better and help cope with things. •
According to the Chicago Tribune, chemicals in foods such as chocolate may increase the levels mood-lifting neurotransmitters in the brain. Once people start indulging in foods high in fat and sugar, the brain and body get used to those foods and crave them. o
The spike in blood sugar increases your mood and makes you feel better. •
The way you...
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The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximat
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The mystery of the construction of the wall is amazing.
The construction of the Great Wall, drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials, was carried out in line with the local conditions under the management of contract and responsibility system. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people.


Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – We have entered an era where manmade climate change isn’t just recognized by people living near melting glaciers; we’re starting to see it here in Puerto Vallarta too, with extreme weather events like record-breaking rainfall and flooding, and stronger, more destructive hurricanes like Nora.
These disturbing weather phenomena capture people’s attention and provoke thoughts of despair and hopelessness for a beleaguered Puerto Vallarta. The antiquated infrastructure in Puerto Vallarta proved no match for nature’s fury, with collapsed buildings and bridges and loss of life creating a catastrophe for the city of Puerto Vallarta.
Unchecked and fool-hardy development of the floodplain of the Cuale, Ameca, and Pitillal Rivers against universally understood environmental norms, cannot continue. The failure of our city’s decrepit infrastructure and unsupervised, shoddy construction is also an international publicity failure for Vallarta and our tourism-based local economy.
Our environmental re-awakening after such a catastrophe affects decision-making regarding travel plans and vacation tourism spending. People will avoid Vallarta if the buildings and other structures such as bridges are unsound. The City of Puerto Vallarta brand must be built to focus on nature and preservation of the environment and not only nightlife and real estate.
We must insist local leaders prioritize and move immediately to create a more environmentally responsible city. There must be transparency at the building department and enforcement of building codes without illegal exceptions being given to build in the federal zone (along all rivers in Mexico) where, by law, permanent cement structures are not allowed.
Is Puerto Vallarta a unique tropical paradise brimming with God-given nature, or just a sponge to be squeezed?
Our responsibility means protecting our most unspoiled natural habitats, including the Río Los Horcones Canyon, currently threatened by an unneeded hydroelectric project. The hydroelectric dam and the proposed above-ground metal pipeline to connect them would convert our city’s only natural showcase of magnificent, pristine Mexican biodiversity – currently being shared with visiting tourists – into a depressing ride next to kilometers of industrial-sized steel pipeline.
We have just seen, first hand, the dangerous and deadly consequences of altering the flow of a river. The hydroelectric dam is a diversionary story being sold to citizens of Vallarta, while this vital river is at risk of being diverted into a giant pipe for private use. The stolen river water will be used for more and more unregulated, unsustainable development, financially benefiting only a few of Puerto Vallarta’s elite, to the detriment of everyone else: short-term jobs, short-term money, and permanent environmental damage.
The Río Los Horcones Canyon is a place of inspirational wildness inside the city limits of Puerto Vallarta. From its towering jungle cliffs to its crystalline waters sheltering abundant wildlife, including tropical otters and jaguars, it is the most valuable natural tourism asset in Puerto Vallarta and must not be sold in a Get-Rich-Quick-Scheme.
The Municipal Tourism Office acknowledges the Río Los Horcones as an essential tourism asset, but lacks any power to stop this project. The small amount of electricity that the dam might potentially provide can never come close to the severe damage to our tourism-based economy and the livelihoods in Puerto Vallarta that will be lost if the canyon is destroyed.
Once the jewel of the Pacific Riviera, Acapulco committed suicide by allowing developers and corrupt politicians to do exactly what is happening in Puerto Vallarta today. Publicly well-known private interests, supported by corrupt government members, are trying to steal the Horcones river water committing an environmental crime of the highest order that must be opposed by everyone who wants Vallarta to have vital and thriving tourism for years to come.
No manmade dam would have withstood the rain of Hurricane Nora, and a failing dam would have released a tsunami of death upon the residents of Boca de Tomatlan and most probably collapse Federal Highway 200, in exactly the same way the road to Paso Ancho collapsed.
Furthermore, thousands of residents agree with the recently launched online petition to protect and conserve the Río Los Horcones Canyon and declare it off-limits to real estate predation. This petition, launched in June 2020 has been signed by over 800,000 people – making it one of the most successful petitions in the history of Puerto Vallarta and one of the most critical environmental petitions in all of Mexico.
Public support is clearly not for the hydroelectric project but for the protection of the river. To view and sign the petition, go to: change.org/RioHorcones (Scroll down for English.)
Puerto Vallarta has very few intact natural areas to entice vacation-goers from all over the world. Cities that place short-term profits over their environment’s health and the safety of visitors and citizens will doom themselves sooner rather than later.
With so much competition to attract tourists, consumers are looking for destinations that prioritize preserving their ecosystems and observing building codes. Those destinations that commit to future generations by conserving local habitats using environmentally sound building practices will earn long-term success.
We must heed nature’s warnings. Storms like Hurricane Nora and Tropical Storm Narda in 2019 are becoming the norm, and they sound the alarm. Those city leaders wishing to ignore the aftermath of Narda and Nora are putting lives at risk.
Written by Ancelmo Patiño Franco for Defensores de Boca de Tomatlán A.C.


In the United States we tend to associate bells both with emergen-cies and with such joyous occasions as weddings and Christmas celebrations. This association between bells and Christmas can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when Church officials began to use bells for worship and celebration. Medieval European bell customs, in turn, developed out of a wide array of beliefs and practices associated with bells in ancient times.
Bells in the Ancient World
People rang bells for many reasons in the ancient Mediterranean world, especially religious purposes. Jewish high priests hung tiny golden bells from the hems of their robes. The jingling bells repelled any evil spirits who might be lurking about the threshold of the temple. Some evidence suggests that the ancient Greeks also used bells in a number of religious rituals. The ancient Romans sounded bells on many occasions. They rang during civic ceremonies, chimed alongside other musical instruments during festivals and feasts, announced the beginning of religious rituals, publicized the opening of markets and public baths, and warned the people of fires and other emergencies. Evidence suggests that the Romans associated bells with the dead and believed bells could protect them against evil spirits.
As Christianity spread throughout Europe, Christian leaders slowly began to adapt bell-ringing traditions to Christian worship. Like the Romans, they used bells as a means of making public announcements. Since they wanted these announcements to carry over longer distances, they began casting large bells in addition to the smaller hand-held bells known since ancient times. They mounted these larger bells in high places and sounded them by the pulling of ropes or other devices. In early medieval times monasteries began ringing bells to announce the start of religious services. By the tenth century churches throughout Europe, from cathedrals to tiny rural chapels, were equipped with bells for the same purpose.
Like their predecessors in the ancient world, these church bells were credited with mysterious powers. For example, folklore hinted that bells possessed something akin to a life force, a personality, and a soul. Many legends throughout Europe told of bells ringing of their own accord to warn the public of some upcoming disaster. Other legends related stories of bells that refused to sound or that expressed their unhappiness with human actions in other ways. Numerous legends spread word of talking bells. According to folk belief, some bells sounded in tones that seemed to repeat a certain phrase, often praising their makers or lamenting an unjust act. Other bells refused to be silenced, continuing to ring on Christmas Eve even though buried underground or sunk in deep waters. People also commonly believed that church bells had the power to protect them from harm. Church bells were rung to ward off thunderstorms, frighten away witches, and halt outbreaks of disease. Folk belief sug-gested that the dead ascended to heaven on the sound of ringing church bells.
In addition to these folk beliefs and legends, Roman Catholic custom called for the consecration of bells used for church services. This mark of respect reflected the fact that bells served quite literally as the voice of the church building in which they were installed. Bells were prepared for this ceremony, commonly known as baptizing a bell, by draping them in white cloth and festooning them with flowers. During these services the bells were anointed, incensed, and officially named in the presence of their godparents, usually the donors. Some old legends tell of bells that refused to sound until baptized. People equated the sound of ringing bells with the voice of a person in prayer. Therefore, they frequently inscribed brief prayers on the bells so that the bell might offer the prayer to heaven. Other popular bell inscriptions state the bell’s purpose or powers, for example, “I call the living, I bewail the dead, I break up storms.”
Church bells were most commonly used for worship and celebra-tion. The big bells adopted by churches during the Middle Ages rang to call parishioners to religious services. They also chimed at certain points during the service so that those standing outside or those at home and at work could join in the prayers. In addition, churches tolled their bells to announce local deaths (see DEVIL’S KNELL). Many churches had four or five bells. The more important the occasion, the more bells rang to honor it. A high mass warranted three bells, for example. On the principal feast days, such as Easter and Christmas, four or five bells pealed together to celebrate the joyous occasion. In medieval ENGLAND Christmas bell ringing began in Advent, with a loud clang coming on the first Sunday in Advent to alert parish-ioners that they had entered the Advent season. Many of these practices were discontinued by Protestant churches after the Reformation, however.
Bells and Christmas
Today fewer churches carry out the old Christmas tradition of bell ringing, and the folklore surrounding bells has been largely forgotten. Nevertheless, the public imagination still links bells with Christmas. A number of well-known Christmas poems and Christmas Carols depict pealing or jingling bells as joyful emblems of the holiday. In addition, bells appear as symbols of the holiday on many Christmas decorations. Finally, representatives of charitable causes seeking donations at Christmas time often announce their presence on street corners by ringing hand-held bells. (See also SALVATION ARMY KETTLES.)


Iterative Versioning - 2019.01.02 - EnglishPublicationdate: 2019-01-27T10:53:43+01:00
Iterative versioning knows the following format: x.y.z(-ADDITION), where the letters represent the following values.
Where the x is sometimes used to indicate a miajor release, it makes more sense to use the year in which the build was made. Togheter with the sprint or production release, you should be able to identify when the release took place.
Sprint / Production release
It's useful to increment this number after every sprint, because you can deduce retroactively which was the last version that was release to production.
For the sake of iteration, it's very useful to increment this number, each time you build a release that will be deployed to one of the environments on your (d)TAP.
The terminology snapshot was once brought to life to indicate that the current build was a snapshot of the code at any given time and therefor was not a production ready build artifact. This is used in projects where the code can be checked out by third parties. The addition snapshot indicates that changes are likely to be made in this release in the future. With software that is beeing used by only one projectteam, the usage of this addition isn't always neccesary. You could use this addition however to clarify the use or purpose of this release. For example if you're building a release to test specific functionality.
Versions and releases - flow
TL;DR Git flow
Here you find a flow of how the versioning relates to the release process.
When to use Iterative Versioning?
TL;DR no end-users.
Is your team the only party that works with the software? Do you use agile methodologies? Use iterative versioning.
Why not semantic versioning?
Where the semantic versioning scheme aims at informing the third party user of how this version compares to it's predecessors in terms of compatibility, iterative versioning aims towards informing the developers of the software itself.
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119.
A normal version number MUST take the form X.Y.Z where X, Y, and Z are non-negative integers, and MAY contain leading zeroes. X is the year, Y the sprint of production release and Z the iteration. Every element MUST increment numerically, for instance: 2019.01.01 -> 2019.01.02 -> 2019.01.03.
Once a versioned package has been released, the contents of that version MUST NOT be modified. Any modifications MUST be released as a new version.
Version X.01.Z defines the first production release, where X is the year of the release and Z the number of iterations that took place.
Sprint or producion release Y (x.Y.z) MUST increment MUST be incremented when either a new sprint is started, according to Agile methodogy Scrum, or when a production release has taken place. After sprint or production release Y has been incremented, iteration Z (x.y.Z) starts with 01.
Year X (X.y.z) MUST be incremeted when a new calendar year starts. Sprint or production release Y AND iteration Z both start with 01, when year X increments.
A pre-release version MAY be clarified by adding a hyphen, followed by a series of ASCII alphanumeric capitals, numbers and hyphens [0-9A-Z-]. Pre-release versions have a lower precedence than the associated normal version. A pre-release version indicates that the version is unstable and might not satisfy the intended compatibility requirements as denoted by its associated normal version. For example 2019.01.01-TEST, 2019.01.01-ALPHA, 2019.01.01-TICKET-NUMMER-01.
Build metadata MAY be denoted by appending a plus sign and a series of dot separated identifiers immediately following the iteration (Z) or pre-release version. Identifiers MUST comprise only ASCII alphanumerics and hyphen [0-9A-Za-z-]. Identifiers MUST NOT be empty. Build metadata SHOULD be ignored when determining version precedence. Thus two versions that differ only in the build metadata, have the same precedence. Examples: 2019.01.01-ALPHA+001, 2019.01.01+201901011130, 2019.01.01-BETA+exp.sha.1567f99.
Precedence refers to how versions are compared to each other when ordered. Precedence MUST be calculated by separating the version into year, sprint or production release, iteration and pre-release identifiers in that order (Build metadata does not figure into precedence). Precedence is determined by the first difference when comparing each of these identifiers from left to right as follows: Year, sprint or production release, and iteration versions are always compared numerically. Example: 2019.01.01 < 2020.01.01 < 2020.02.01 < 2020.02.02. When year, sprint or production release, and iteration are equal, a pre-release version has lower precedence than a normal version. Example: 2019.01.01-ALPHA < 2019.01.01. Precedence for two pre-release versions with the same year, sprint or production release, and iteration version MUST be determined by comparing each dot separated identifier from left to right until a difference is found as follows: identifiers consisting of only digits are compared numerically and identifiers with letters or hyphens are compared lexically in ASCII sort order. Numeric identifiers always have lower precedence than non-numeric identifiers. A larger set of pre-release fields has a higher precedence than a smaller set, if all of the preceding identifiers are equal. Example: 2019.01.01-ALPHA < 2019.01.01-ALPHA-1 < 2019.01.01-ALPHA-BETA < 2019.01.01-BETA < 2019.01.01-BETA-2 < 2019.01.01-BETA-11 < 2019.01.01-RC-1 < 2019.01.01.


Wild Cat Wednesdays, as you know, might be getting a little repetitive but guess what?? That’s no problem. Wild Cat Wednesdays honor all cats from small too big and the IUCN Red List is a great source of information. So, what we kitties would like to do is go through every cat A-Z on ‘Wild’ Cat Wednesdays and ‘Threatened Cat’ Thursdays. Of course, these are cats that don’t have their own specific day and we’d start at with cats that start with an A in no particular order.
Meet the Andean Mountain Cat. Note the photo is from Wikipedia.
A: It's also known just as the Andean Cat.
B: It lives in Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Peru.
C: They are Classified by the IUCN as 'endangered.'
D: They have been seen during the daytime.
E: Canadian Researchers say they live on the Eastern side of the Andes.
F: They are the most endangered, small Feline in the Americas.
G: This cat is ash-Grey and it has brown and yellowish splotches with vertical stripes.
H: When it comes to Hunting, they don't specialize.
I: Andean Indians think their pelts are very powerful.
J: Juveniles are lighter than adults.
K: It sometimes is Killed because of superstition.
L: It's Length is 22-25 inches and it weighs maybe 12 pounds.
M: Mountain Visacha is a main prey.
N: Night seems to be their favorite time of day
O: Observations of their behavior is rare. They are not seen enough, obviously.
P: The Population is decreasing.
Q: Even though there are protections, some have not Quit using this cat for ancient ceremonies.
R: Rare is a word tossed out a lot about this cat but I don't think anyone really has a clue on how rare or how many there actually are.
S: Supposedly, they are Solitary with the exception of seeing a mom with her kittens.
T: Some believe their Tail is used for balance.
U: Sometimes you have to wonder if they like to hide Under rocky piles for protection.
V: Vegetation is sparse in the Andean Mountains which is the home of this cat.
W: The Weather in their home is nasty. It's a lot of snow and sleet.
X: If anything drives these animals to eXtinction it might be the fact mining is done in protected areas.
Y: Unfortunately, throughout the Years, not enough information has been gathered about this cat since they are so rarely seen.
Z: There seems to be a new 'Zest' about saving these animals because there are stronger poaching laws in these countries.


Under the former Larsen ice shelf east of the Antarctic Peninsula, deep-sea sea cucumbers and stalked feather stars were ubiquitously found in shallow waters. These animals usually inhabit far greater water depths.
The main aim of the current Polarstern expedition to Antarctica is the investigation of marine ecosystems under the former Larsen ice shelf. This "white spot" with regard to biodiversity research gave rise to the following questions: What kind of life actually existed under the former floating ice shelf which was up to several hundreds of meters thick? What are the prospects for the future after the collapse of the ice shelf? Obviously, prosperous life did not exist in the area where the Larsen B ice shelf broke off three years ago. This is surprising since Antarctica's seafloor communities are known for their rich assemblages of sessile sponges, cnidarians and moss animals. Instead, underwater video footage and catches of towed sampling gear revealed the dominance of typical deep-sea animals and corresponding life forms.
Here, sea cucumbers and stalked feather stars are the main representatives. These deep-sea inhabitants belong to a group called echinoderms. Until now, stalked feather stars have only been found sporadically and then only below 800m water depths in this sector of Antarctica. But locally in the Larsen B region, they occurred rather frequently at depths of merely 200m.
"During my nine expeditions to Antarctica, the only time I have seen the two most abundant species of sea cucumbers was below the far bigger Filchner-Ronne ice shelf further south." This second encounter brought back chief scientist Julian Gutt's memories of his first trip to Antarctica and his PhD thesis 21 years ago. Preliminary results show that a unique macrofauna exists in conjunction with the ice shelf. The sea cucumber Elpidia is probably the most prominent deep-sea animal but is also known to occur in shallow Arctic waters. Maybe this is the reason why this animal is aptly named glacialis (icy) especially with regard to our confirmatory findings on the opposite pole -- Antarctica.
This species, its bigger "sister" Scotoplanes globosa and other relatives according to their feeding mode are referred to as grazers. Myriads of single-celled algae that sink down to the seafloor are literally grazed by herds of sea cucumbers. The oceanographer Enrique Isla is excited about further processing the collected data back in the Marine Sciences Institute (ICM) in Barcelona.
"Our measurements of environmental parameters of the sediment and the water column will contribute to answer the question, why there are such similarities between habitat use of the deep-sea and below the former ice shelf." Scientists on this expedition will meet again in autumn in Barcelona to work on a synthesis of various results combining the different aspects of ecosystem components. This workshop will be hosted by the ICM and is supported by the Census of Antarctic Marine Life (CAML).
Marine ecologist Julian Gutt is looking to the future: "The minute we have a better understanding of how ecosystems under the ice shelf work we might dare to put forward prognoses how biodiversity on the seafloor changes with respect to ongoing atmospheric warming".
The above post is reprinted from materials provided by Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
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The Relationship of Diabetes to Other Diseases and Conditions
The US diabetes epidemic is extra harmful than most individuals notice. The Center for Disease Control lately indicated that greater than 63% of Americans are in danger for diabetes due to a Body Mass Index (BMI) qualifying them as obese. Diabetes not solely causes different situations and signs, but in addition is linked with kidney and cardiovascular illnesses. To forestall issues, it's necessary to perceive the connection between diabetes and different illnesses.
Retinopathy is a typical complication of diabetes that causes decreed and blurry imaginative and prescient, and typically blindness. The impact of diabetic retinopathy on imaginative and prescient is dependent upon the stage of the illness. Diabetes' impact on the retina is a extreme menace, largely seen in aged victims. People with diabetes additionally have a tendency to expertise long-term results on the circulatory system. As diabetes progresses, the treaties within the retina weakened and type hemorrhages. In later levels of the illness, circulation issues trigger areas of the attention to develop into oxygen-deprived. Consequently, new vessels develop that hemorrhage simply, and blood might leak into the retina as nicely.
Obesity and diabetes are scientifically confirmed to be instantly linked. In reality, weight problems is a direct trigger of Type II Diabetes. Obesity is harmful as a result of an extreme proportion of physique fats causes elevated blood glucose ranges. The human physique manufactures insulin after each meal to alert cells that larger ranges of glucose are on the way in which. Type II Diabetes victims lack the flexibility to use this insulin hormone. And when insulin will not be used correctly, the physique cannot digest meals appropriately, it will increase the danger of extra weight acquire, in addition to diabetes.
Kidney Disease / Kidney Failure
Diabetes impacts many components of the physique. According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetic kidney illness outcomes from injured small blood vessels within the physique. When blood vessels within the kidneys are injured, the kidneys cannot clear the blood correctly. At this level, the human physique retains extra water and salt than it ought to (which ends up in weight acquire and ankle swelling). In addition, protein seems within the urine and waste supplies accumulate within the blood. In addition, Type II Diabetes may cause nerve harm which may end up in urination issues. The stress ensuing from a full bladder can again up and injure the kidneys. When urine stays within the bladder for too lengthy, the excessive ranges of sugar may cause the fast progress of micro organism, leading to an an infection.
Heart Disease & Stroke
The American Diabetes Association says two-thirds of folks with Type II Diabetes die from coronary heart illness and stroke. As such, diabetes and coronary heart illness work in tandem – and folks with diabetes are at the next threat of growing coronary heart illness. An individual with diabetes has larger than regular blood sugar ranges. These excessive blood sugar ranges can harm many components of the physique, together with blood vessels. Heart illness is a direct consequence of narrowed or blocked blood vessels that lead to the guts. Here, elevated blood sugar ranges, widespread with Type II Diabetes victims, causes elevated threat of heart problems.
Scientists have investigated the potential relationship between breast most cancers and diabetes and advised that top ranges of insulin will increase the danger of breast most cancers. Since many components, equivalent to weight problems, enhance the danger of each breast most cancers and diabetes, it's been tough for scientists to decide if diabetes itself is the difficulty. However, analysis signifies that girls with diabetes have a 20% larger threat of breast most cancers than girls with out diabetes. One current research suggests that top blood sugar will increase the danger of breast most cancers, even amongst pre-menopausal girls. In addition, important weight acquire (greater than 55 lbs. Since age 18, or 22 lbs. After menopause) acts as a catalyst in inflicting diabetes – and can even enhance the danger of breast most cancers.
Of the 16 million Americans with diabetes, greater than 25% will develop foot issues due to the illness, in accordance to Foot.com. Diabetic foot issues develop from a mixture of components, together with poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy causes an insensitivity to really feel ache, warmth and chilly. As a consequence, folks with diabetes could also be unaware they’ve developed minor cuts, scrapes, blisters or stress sores. If these minor accidents are left untreated, issues might consequence, lead to ulceration and presumably even amputation. Foot.com additionally states that diabetic neuropathy may cause deformities, equivalent to bunions, hammer toes and Charcot ft.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS is one other widespread complication of diabetic neuropathy. Because of the decreased or distorted nerve perform, a affected person's capability to really feel nerve sensation is lessened. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome embrace numbness, tingling, weak spot and burning sensations, normally starting within the fingers and toes and progressing to the arms and legs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a 2005 research reported that about 85% of sufferers with Type I Diabetes develop CTS. Development of CTS was associated to the affected person's age, in addition to the size of time that they had diabetes.
All of the situations listed above are associated to diabetes, and have gotten rising considerations for Americans. Awareness of these related illnesses will hopefully lead to higher prevention, equivalent to nutritious diet and train.


As you probably know, most people want to be happy and healthy—but did you know that protecting your oral health plays an important role in staying healthy and strong. In order to do so, you may want to know terms and phrases that are common in the dentistry world. For instance, plaque and tartar are used regularly, but do you actually know what the difference between them are?
Plaque is made of bacteria containing food particles and saliva. Plaque usually forms around your teeth. Fortunately, plaque is soft and sticky, and can be easily removed with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Luckily, visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups will help with spots that are difficult to reach, especially if you have misaligned or overcrowded teeth.
Conversely, when plaque hardens, it becomes known as tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar is very hard and porous. Sadly, if you try to damage your teeth, you may actually damage your teeth. Furthermore, if tartar isn’t removed, it can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. Similarly, tartar will trap stains and cause discoloration in your smile.
Still, how do you avoid getting plaque and tartar? In reality, there is nothing you can do to avoid plaque. It is a daily occurrence, making brushing and flossing extremely important. Doing so will also prevent tartar from forming. Finally, please remember that gentle brushing is the best way to remove plaque. Conversely, brushing too hard may damage your teeth and gums.
If you’re worried about tartar, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If tartar is left untreated, it could be caused lead to a variety of issues. Our dentist, Dr. Sanaz Yousefi, and our team can help you address this issue. To set up an appointment, just call Woodland Hills Family Dentistry at 818-225-9410. We are eager to receive your call.


____ Use dunnage or pallets only in refrigerated areas.
____ Ensure that proper air circulation and ventilation are maintained.
____ Store damaged items in special areas for immediate use.
____ Ensure that storage areas are kept clean and in a sanitary condition at all
____ Provide special handling for canned products.
Storage requirements for potentially hazardous food items include suitable:
4. The refrigeration facilities used for proper storage of potentially hazardous food


The Saint Louis Science Center, located in St. Louis, MO, is one of the only free nonprofit science museums in the country. It serves more than one million people each year, making it one of the largest science centers in the United States.
The James S. McDonnell Planetarium, a main attraction at the Saint Louis Science Center, opened in 1963, and features a 24-meter dome and one of the world’s best opto-mechanical star projectors, the ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM Model IX.
The existing roof was saturated with moisture and was starting to develop leaks, so a total tear-off was required.
However, the planetarium houses sensitive equipment that CANNOT get wet: a multimillion-dollar projection system that displays on a 360-degree domed screen.
There were concrete step-offs located under the existing roof around the perimeter of the building, and there were no dimensions on the original plans, so creating the tapered insulation layout would be especially tricky.
The roof itself is unusual; it’s perfectly round, yet slightly bowl- shaped, with an interior round penthouse. The unique shape made it difficult to design a tapered system, flashings, and terminations for this 30-year project.
The facility hosts daily educational presentations for school children, as well as special events and exhibits, so work couldn’t take place during business hours.
The entire roof is surrounded by 5-foot-tall parapet walls, so tear- off and loading material would be complicated.
The roof had to be torn off, but the $1.6 million projection system inside the building absolutely could not get wet.
Bade Roofing decided to go with a SureMB 120TG Base Ply/ Temporary Roof to ensure the expensive equipment inside the building would be safe and protected throughout the installation process. Of the decision to use SureMB 120TG. It was a secondary line of defense that allowed us to remove the entire roof all at once and not have to rely on tie-ins from the old roof to the new one when the crew started and stopped each night.
Concrete step-offs around the perimeter of the building were under the existing roof, and there were no dimensions on the original plans, so creating the tapered insulation layout was tough. This is another reason we decided to use the SureMB 120TG; it allowed us to really see what was going on with the tapered and make adjustments prior to ordering. The roof itself is perfectly round, yet slightly bowl-shaped, making it difficult to design a tapered system, flashings, and terminations for this 30-year project.
The Science Center and the architect both have a history of using EPDM on their projects because they’ve had a lot of success with it. And with the uncommon design and shape of this roof, EPDM was perfect to mold into all the unique angles and it did a good job conforming to the many curves of the building. We used a 90-mil EPDM to get the 30-year warranty the Science Center wanted and for the overall longevity of the roof.
Work couldn’t take place during business hours.
For this job, we brought in light towers and worked from about 5 pm until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning.
The entire roof is surrounded by 5-foot-tall parapet walls, making tear-off and loading material extra complicated.
We brought in a larger crane that could clear the parapet walls to remove the tear off and load the new material.
St. Louis Science Center Planetarium
5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO
4,000 square feet


Dear Fresno: As we prepare for the Fourth of July, we cannot help but think of our grandmothers. As children and teenagers, our grandmothers spent the 4th of July in 1942 confined behind barbed wire fences in a concentration camp in the desert of Arizona.
Our Japanese American families were forced into these camps on the heels of the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor, in a time when wartime fear stoked the flames of ongoing, state-sanctioned racism that was rooted in our country. Long before Pearl Harbor, anti-Asian racism was codified into law and social norms. We need to only look to our farmland to show us these patterns: in 1913 and 1920, California passed laws to prohibit (lawful) Asian immigrants from owning land in California for no other reason than our race. This is one example of the ways in which fear of the “other” has manifested to separate people into two groups: those who are assumed to be loyal and rightful Americans, and those of us who are suspect. Our belonging as a people of color is consistently — sometimes brutally — challenged and under question.
We have both returned to the Gila River camp in southern Arizona to imagine our grandparents’ lives on that land. (Gila River was one of two prison camps built without consultation on Native American sovereign land.) How do we not weep when we think of the young lives of our grandparents: their teenage years spent without liberty, freedom, or the basic dignity of due process, caged indefinitely in harsh desert barracks? Generations later, we are still healing from the wounds.
Now, wounds are re-opened. Yet again, this Fourth of July, immigrant families are locked up by our government. The “zero-tolerance” policy that led to family separations of migrants at the southern border continues, despite its executive reversal. Our government denies entry from specific Muslim-majority countries. And the ongoing mass incarceration of black and brown people continues to destroy families of color. The “land of liberty” is only accessible for some. Another daughter, son, parent, child, aunt, uncle, cousin, will spend our country’s symbolic day of pride and freedom, July 4th, confined in squalid conditions.
On Saturday, June 22nd, we saw our elders protesting at Fort Sill — a military site built during the 19th century wars between immigrant settlers and Native Americans, then used to detain innocent members of our Japanese American community during WWII. As they recalled their memories of being imprisoned as children, we were called to remember the complex layers of this country’s story. Their actions at Fort Sill remind us: We are descendants of survivors of trauma, and yet, our country has still not learned.
Once again, children and other refugees seeking asylum, and those seeking freedom from poverty and violence in the United States, are seen as suspect, not belonging here. Instead of considering our connections, and the global economic structures creating extreme poverty in Central American countries and elsewhere, we have chosen to separate, detain, confine, and imprison the migrants who come seeking shelter, seeking opportunity. Do we not believe we are created equal? Do we not believe in unalienable rights: to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
We have arrived at a moral reckoning. What will we do?
To reckon is to remember; to remember is to turn toward the history of this country with curiosity, and a true desire to face the patterns of brutal exclusion that bring us to this moment. What happens if, to honor this country’s promise of greatness, we ask ourselves a set of deeper, perhaps more difficult questions?
What does it mean to belong to one another, as a community, and as a country?
How can we encourage each other to bravely acknowledge the suffering of the past caused by government-sanctioned racism?
Where and when in our lives do we risk comfort by reaching across to someone suffering to learn their story, in all of its complexity?
Our grandmothers and grandfathers shared stories of neighbors who showed acts of kindness as they were being evacuated and sent to desert prisons, and neighbors who stood by, silent — or, worse, who called them names, confiscated their land, and turned a cold shoulder when they returned from the camps.
Where, in our lives now, are we bystanders, and when are we brave?
In the words of the poet, Adrienne Rich: “A patriot is not a weapon. A patriot is one who wrestles for the Soul of her country / As she wrestles for her own being…”
Dear Fresno, today, we are wrestling. If Fresno were our country, would we not welcome new immigrants, remembering it was immigrants who made our Valley fertile farmland possible? If Fresno were our country, would tacos not be our national pride? If Fresno were our country, as imperfect as it is, would we not welcome anyone to work, live, and love here? This is our dream. We are great-granddaughters of immigrants and we see our grandmother’s faces in the shadows of today’s migrant detention camps. We long for absolution.