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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms but cause adverse effects. D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols, is effective against experimental OA. A pilot study found that D-002 (50 mg/day) for 8 weeks improves OA symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of D-002 (50 to 100 mg/day) administered for 6 weeks on OA symptoms.
Patients with OA symptoms were double-blindly randomized to D-002 (50 mg) or placebo for 6 weeks. Symptoms were assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Patients without symptom improvement at week 3 were titrated to two daily tablets. The primary outcome was the total WOMAC score. WOMAC pain, joint stiffness and physical function scores, VAS score, and use of rescue medications were secondary outcomes.
All randomized patients (n = 60) completed the study, and 23 experienced dose titration (two in the D-002 and 21 in the placebo groups). At study completion, D-002 reduced total WOMAC (65.4%), pain (54.9%), joint stiffness (76.8%), and physical function (66.9%) WOMAC scores, and the VAS score (46.8%) versus placebo. These reductions were significant beginning in the second week, and became enhanced during the trial. The use of rescue medication by the D-002 (6/30) group was lower than that in the placebo (17/30) group. The treatment was well tolerated. Seven patients (two in the D-002 and five in the placebo group) reported adverse events.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial painful and disabling degenerative joint disease involving the cartilage and many surrounding tissues and is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting hundreds of millions worldwide, but mainly the elderly [1-3].
Although nonpharmacological interventions are the mainstream treatment for OA management [4], current guidelines support the use of analgesics such as paracetamol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to provide symptom relief in patients with OA, despite that they do not solve the underlying pathological process. Optimal treatment combines both nonpharmacological and pharmacological modalities [5,6]. Nevertheless, a search for safer alternatives is justified due to gastrointestinal adverse effects (AE) of nonselective NSAIDs, the cardiovascular AE of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors, and the hepatotoxicity of paracetamol [7-10].
D-002 is a mixture of six high-molecular-weight aliphatic alcohols (C24, C26, C28, C30, C32, and C34) purified from beeswax [11], which inhibits both cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme activities in vitro (Perez et al. in press); thus, acting as a dual anti-inflammatory substance, which results in a safer gastrointestinal profile compared to that of NSAIDs [12]. Consequently, D-002 is effective in experimental models of acute and chronic inflammation [13,14] and experimental OA [15]. In addition, preliminary results of a pilot study indicated that D-002 (50 mg/day) administered for 8 weeks led to improvement in OA symptoms [16].
Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of D-002 (50 to 100 mg/day) administered for 6 weeks on OA symptoms.
Study design
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Surgical Research Centre (Havana, Cuba) and was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards established in the Declaration of Helsinki.
Patients were provided oral and written explanations of the nature of the trial and the study treatment and gave their informed written consent at enrolment.
Eligible patients were randomized to D-002 (50 mg) or placebo tablets, which were taken once daily with breakfast for 6 weeks. Thereafter, subjects attended a visit each week. Physical examinations and a symptom assessment were conducted at each visit. Treatment compliance, control of rescue analgesic consumption, and AE were controlled weekly, whereas laboratory examinations were performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment.
Study participants
Ambulatory females and males 20 to 80 years of age with a prior diagnosis of OA of the knee, hip, or fingers and supported by clinical and radiological criteria were enrolled in the trial. Participants were required to have a diagnosis of functional class I, II, or III OA (mild to moderate) in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology Criteria [17,18] and a Western Ontario and McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score ≥ 30 [19-22].
Exclusion criteria were suffering from other forms of arthritis, arthroscopy within the past year, intra-articular injection of steroids within the past 3 months, uncontrolled hypertension (diastolic pressure ≥ 120 mmHg) or diabetes (fasting glucose > 7 mmol/L), active liver or renal disease, malignancies, any other serious illnesses, hospitalization during the 6 months prior to the study or the following laboratory abnormalities: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 45 U/L, and creatinine > 130 µmol/L. In addition, pregnant or nursing females, and those not taking adequate contraceptive measures were excluded from the trial.
Predefined premature discontinuations included unwillingness to follow-up, an AE supporting such a decision, and protocol violations (failure to take treatment ≥ 5 days).
The study tablets were produced under Licensees and Good Manufacturing Practices conditions and came directly from the manufacturers (Plants of Natural Products, Laboratorios MedSol, Havana, Cuba). D-002 content was assessed by gas chromatography [23]. The placebo had a similar composition as the D-002 tablets, except the active ingredient was replaced with lactose. Otherwise the placebo and D-002 tablets were indistinguishable. Treatments were packaged in identical PVC-aluminum sealed blister packs.
At visit 2, the coded and packaged study tablets (D-002 50 mg or placebo) were given to the study subjects. Tablets were taken once daily with breakfast for 6 weeks, but patients without symptom improvement by week 3 were titrated to two tablets daily. Then, D-002-treated patients received a dose of 100 mg/day.
The randomization code was computer-generated with a fixed, not stratified randomization method, using balanced blocks and an allocation ratio of 1:1. The starting dose of D-002 (50 mg/day) selected was the same used in the 8-week pilot trial in subjects with OA symptoms [16].
The entire code was kept confidential at the generating location. Sealed individual envelopes with codes of each subject were kept at the generating place and at the site of the Principal Investigator and were opened prematurely in case of a serious adverse event (SAE) occurred, but such a situation did not occur in the trial.
Treatment compliance was controlled by counting the remaining tablets and interviewing participants. At trial completion, unused tablets were recovered. Compliance was considered good if the subjects consumed at least 85% of the tablets scheduled from the previous visit.
Subjects were not allowed to consume NSAIDs, steroids, cartilage or calcium supplements, or any other agent that may have affected the study outcome, except rescue medications to treat persistent pain: acetaminophen (maximum 2 g/day) or metamizole (maximum 600 mg/day). All patients were instructed to keep a diary of their consumption of rescue medication and report them at their next scheduled visit. The number of consumed rescue medication tablets was recorded at each visit.
Outcome measures
The primary endpoint was to obtain a significant reduction in the total WOMAC index of not less than 30% compared to that of the placebo group (Table 1) [19-22]. The WOMAC questionnaire is used widely in clinical trials to evaluate the effect of investigational products on OA, provides a validated assessment of the patient's functional capacity, specifically joint pain, stiffness, and functional impairment [19-22].
At each visit, subjects completed the WOMAC questionnaire, which consists of three sections, one that assesses pain intensity (five questions), other joint stiffness (two questions), and the third that assesses physical function (17 questions). Individual responses were scored on the following scale: 0 (none), 1 (slight), 2 (moderate), 3 (severe), and 4 (extreme). The total score range was 0 (the best) to 96 (the worst).
Reductions in pain, stiffness, and physical function as assessed by the WOMAC score and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were secondary efficacy variables [24,25]. The treatment should significantly decrease scores compared to placebo to be considered effective. Patients completed the WOMAC and VAS questionnaires in the physician's office before their examination to avoid bias. The VAS score used a 100-mm linear measure of pain status with 0 representing no pain and 100 the worst imaginable pain. Patients marked the relevant amount of pain they were experiencing on a linear scale.
A decrease in the use of rescue medications versus placebo was another secondary outcome. The amount of rescue medication was assessed in terms of total use at the conclusion of the study.
Finally, the patient's perception of treatment efficacy in terms of symptom relief was a collateral outcome. Responses were classified as follows: very good (complete symptom relief), good (partial, but relevant, symptom relief), fair (modest improvement), or nil (symptoms unchanged). In this case, the goal was that the frequency of responses classifying efficacy as very good or good in the treatment group should be ≥ 70% and significantly greater than that in the placebo group.
Safety and tolerability assessment
Safety indicators included vital signs (body weight, pulse rate, blood diastolic and systolic pressure), and blood indicators (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ALT, AST, serum fasting glucose, and creatinine). Blood biochemical safety indicators were assessed with enzymatic methods using reagent kits (Roche, Basel, Switzerland) and performed on a Hitachi 709 Autoanalyser (Tokyo, Japan). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was assessed by a conventional method at the clinical laboratory of the Surgical and Medical Research Centre (Havana, Cuba). Controls for precision and accuracy of the methods were performed.
We considered all AEs undesirable events that occurred during the study. Subjects were queried by investigators regarding the occurrence of AEs between study visits. AEs were recorded on the case record form, including the characteristics, dates of onset and disappearance, treatments adopted, and responses achieved. The severity of the AE was classified as mild, moderate or serious; mild, were those easily tolerated AEs that did not require suspension of study medication and/or specific treatment; moderate, those that caused discomfort enough that therapy and/or specific treatment was stopped; and SAE, those disabling events that leaded to hospitalization and/or death. AEs that occurred within 30 days of consuming the last study dose, monitored by direct contact with the subjects, were included in this analysis. The causal relationships between AEs and the treatments were classified using the Naranjo algorithm [26].
Statistical analysis
Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach. Thus, data of all randomized subjects were included in all analyses. The sample size estimate assumed a difference of ≥ 30% between the reduction in WOMAC total score from baseline in the D-002 and placebo groups at study completion. Then, 30 subjects per treatment arm were sufficient to detect such a difference with 80% power and α = 0.05. Assuming a permissible dropout rate of 10%, 66 subjects were enrolled.
The Mann-Whitney U-test for comparisons between groups of continuous data and the Wilcoxon test for paired samples with Bonferroni adjustment were used for multiple comparisons, as appropriate. Categorical variables were compared with Fisher exact probability test. All statistical tests were two-tailed with α = 0.05, and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance. Statistics software for Windows and MS Excel (Microsoft Co., Redmond, WA, USA) were used for the analysis.
Baseline characteristics
Sixty-seven subjects were recruited. Of them, 60 were eligible for randomization. The remaining seven subjects did not pass to the active treatment step because of fasting glucose > 7 mmol/L (three subjects), and WOMAC scores < 30 (four cases). All randomized patients (100%) completed the study.
The baseline characteristics of the groups were well matched, so that subject randomization was effective (Table 2) [27-29]. Gender was predominantly female (37 females and 23 males). Forty-two subjects (70%) were above normal weight (29 were overweight, 13 were obese). In addition, the frequencies of hypertension (65%) and hypercholesterolemia (36.7%) among study subjects were relatively high due to lifestyle factors such as being sedentary (40%) and smoking (26.7%). The frequency of consumption of concomitant medication was high among randomized subjects (51/60, 85%).
Efficacy analysis
Treatment compliance was very good and similar in both groups. Twenty-three subjects were titrated to two daily tablets (2/30 in D-002, 21/30 in the placebo group; p < 0.0001). Only two D-002 patients received 100 mg/day during the last 3 weeks of the study.
At baseline, the total WOMAC scores (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were 38.8 ± 8.2 (D-002 group) and 38.6 ± 8.4 (placebo) and comparable between the groups (Table 3). No significant changes were seen at week 1. After 1 week of treatment, the D-002 group had a decreased (p < 0.001) total WOMAC score by 12.9% compared to a slight decrease (3.1%) in the placebo group (difference of 9.8% vs. placebo). The treatment effect did not wear off but became enhanced during the treatment period. At study completion, the total WOMAC score in the placebo group (34.1 ± 8.5) was similar to that observed at baseline, whereas it decreased significantly (p < 0.00001 vs. baseline and placebo) to 8.9 ± 6.2 in the D-002-treated group (77.1% decrease vs. baseline, 65.4% vs. placebo).
The mean ± SD baseline WOMAC pain scores were 8.7 ± 2.4 (D-002) and 9.2 ± 2.9 (placebo) (Table 4). After 1 week of treatment, the pain score had decreased significantly in the D-002 group (20.7% decrease vs. baseline, p < 0.001; 17.4% vs. placebo, p < 0.01). The effect was more pronounced during the trial, so that at the end of the trial WOMAC pain score in the D-002 group was significantly lower (p < 0.00001) by 69.0% (vs. baseline) and 54.9% (net reduction vs. placebo).
At randomization, the mean stiffness score was 2.9 ± 0.9 in the D-002 group and 3.1 ± 1.0 in the placebo group. At week 1, the score decreased significantly with D-002 (27.6% vs. baseline, p < 0.001; 17.9% vs. placebo, p < 0.05). At study completion, reduced values for stiffness in the D-002 group (p < 0.00001 vs. baseline and placebo) were 89.7% and 76.8% compared to baseline and the placebo, respectively.
The sequential changes in WOMAC physical function scores were similar to those referred above for the other WOMAC scores. The mean baseline values of the D-002 (27.1 ± 5.8) and placebo (26.4 ± 6.4) groups were similar; scores at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment were significantly lower (p < 0.001 for week 2, p < 0.00001 for weeks 4 and 6) than those in the placebo group. The lower score in the D-002 group was accentuated over the 6 week period, so that it was 77.9% and 66.9% at trial completion compared to baseline and placebo, respectively.
Table 5 summarizes the mean VAS scores. Both groups exhibited similar values at randomization; 63.3 ± 13.9 in the D-002 group and 63.5 ± 19.0 in the placebo group. After 1 week of D-002 treatment, the VAS score decreased significantly compared to that at baseline (p < 0.001). This decreased at the end of the trial was 60.2% and 46.8% of baseline (p < 0.00001) and placebo (p < 0.0001).
Twenty-eight of thirty D-002-treated subjects (93.3%) had very good (6/30) or good (22/30) efficacy, whereas only 9/30 (30.0%) subjects from the placebo group had good efficacy (p < 0.0001 vs. placebo). In contrast, while 1/30 (70%) placebo subjects felt that efficacy was fair (14/30) or nil (7/30, 23.3%), only two subjects in the D-002 group (6.7%) stated that their efficacy was fair (p < 0.001 vs. placebo).
Twenty-three participants (six in the D-002 and 17 in the placebo) consumed acetaminophen or metamizole during the trial. Consumption of rescue medications in the D-002 group (6/30) was less frequent (p < 0.01) than in the placebo group (17/30).
Safety and tolerability
The treatment was well tolerated. There were no withdrawals from the study. Seven patients (two in the D-002 and five in the placebo) reported an AE during the study (Table 6).
Vital signs and blood parameters did not change significantly during the study, and individual values remained within normal ranges (data not shown).
Pain and impaired mobility are common OA symptoms that affect the life of sufferers, which currently includes millions of people worldwide [1,2].
We found that patients with OA symptoms treated with D-002 (50 to 100 mg/day) for 6 weeks showed significantly improved pain, stiffness, physical functioning, and total WOMAC and VAS scores for pain compared to those in the placebo-controlled group, and that such benefits were well perceived by the study patients. The effects, mostly observed after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment, were enhanced throughout the study.
Both groups were homogeneous at baseline, indicating that the randomization was adequate and that results are attributable to the D-002 treatment, rather than to initial differences between the groups. The mean age of the study subjects (67 years) was consistent with that expected for this disease, which manifests in mainly elderly people [1-3]. Females (61.7%) outnumbered males (38.3%), and a higher prevalence of OA was observed in postmenopausal females (31 of 37 randomized females [83.8%]) [30,31]. The high frequencies (≥ 20%) of overweight plus obesity (70%), hypertension (65%), sedentary lifestyle (40.0%), hypercholesterolemia (36.7%), and smoking (26.7%) among study subjects reflects not only the occurrence of concomitant coronary risk factors, common in Cuban subjects of this age [32], but agrees with reports of comorbid conditions in middle-aged and older subjects with OA [33].
D-002 treatment produced significant reductions in total (primary outcome) and subset (secondary outcomes) WOMAC scores beginning at week 2, and were enhanced thereafter, so that at study completion the total WOMAC score had decreased by 77.1% versus baseline, 65.4% versus placebo. Subjects experienced less pain and stiffness, and the physical WOMAC scores decreased by 54.9%, 76.8%, and 66.9% versus placebo, respectively.
The significant decrease in the VAS score exhibited a similar pattern. The score was significantly higher beginning after the first week of treatment and accentuated progressively over the trial, with final decreases of 60.2% and 46.8% compared to baseline and placebo, respectively. Despite the differences in WOMAC and VAS scales, the decreased pain detected by these tools in the D-002 (decreases vs. placebo of 54.9% and 46.8% in the WOMAC pain and VAS scores, respectively) and placebo groups (reductions vs. baseline of 14.1% and 13.4% with WOMAC pain and VAS scores, respectively) were comparable.
Modest and clinically nonmeaningful (≤ 15%) decreases in total pain, stiffness, physical function and total WOMAC scores and VAS score were seen in the placebo group at the end of the study. However, this mild improvement in the placebo should not be surprising, as it may occur in any efficacy measurement based on a subjective assessment and, particularly, in placebo-controlled studies in subjects with OA [34]. Possible explanations for this include that participants were advised to remain physically active during the treatment, such as walking 30 minutes every day; and that 17/30 of placebo subjects (56.7%) used rescue medications during the trial. However, this small placebo effect does not limit the efficacy of D-002 for ameliorating OA symptoms seen here. The significance and magnitude of the decreases in the scores following D-002 administration and the reduced use of rescue medication is clear evidence that the efficacy results were attributable to D-002. Twenty-eight subjects (93.3%) perceived that treatment efficacy was very good (6) or good (22), whereas only nine (30.0%) in the placebo group had good efficacy. The significant difference in the dose titration between the groups (two in the D-002 and 21 in the placebo) indirectly supports the treatment efficacy result.
Although these data are consistent with those of a previous 8-week pilot study [16], the effects of D-002 on WOMAC scores seen here were greater than those reported previously. No marked differences in the baseline characteristics of the study participants were observed, with the exception of a predominance of elderly people and males, which explains the higher efficacy of D-002 in this shorter-duration study. As only two D-002-treated patients were titrated to 100 mg/day during the last 3 weeks, dose titration did not seem to explain the difference. Although the lower score in the placebo group was similar to that found previously (11.7% vs. 11.9%), the observation that all subjects completed the study and that treatment compliance was very good reflects an excellent patient/physician rapport. This could have contributed to the subjects performing the recommended daily 30 minutes of walking, which may have resulted in improved results in conjunction with the treatment.
The detailed mechanisms by which D-002 alleviates OA symptoms are unknown and their elucidation is beyond the scope of this study. Nevertheless, the mechanisms are probably associated with the dual anti-inflammatory effect of D-002, demonstrated experimentally [13,14], as D-002 reduces COX and 5-LOX activities in vitro and leukotriene B4 content in pleural exudates of rats with carrageenan-pleurisy [13].
The present results are in line with those from studies of supplements with anti-inflammatory effects and a good gastrointestinal safety profile. These supplements have shown benefits in experimental arthritis and in patients with OA, similar to the case of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which inhibit COX activity and when given together with glucosamine sulfate are more effective compared to glucosamine alone in patients with OA [35-37].
Other complementary treatments seem to be useful for managing OA symptoms. Glucosamine sulfate has a carryover effect similar to disease-modifying agents, and long-term treatment with this agent may lower dependence on NSAIDs and delay OA progression [36]. A meta-analysis suggested that a specific preparation of chondroitin sulfate (Structum, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, Castres, France) (1 g/day) given for 3 to 6 months is effective in terms of reducing pain in patients with symptomatic knee OA, supporting the use of chondroitin sulfate to manage symptomatic knee OA [37].
Oral treatment with D-002 is gastroprotective, in contrast to NSAID-related gastrotoxicity [38-42]. The mechanism whereby D-002 protects the gastric mucosa involves increased secretion and improved composition of the gastric mucus [39,40], and a reduction in lipid peroxidation, generation of hydroxyl radicals, and protein oxidation in the gastric mucosa [41,42]. The antioxidant effects of D-002 have been demonstrated in experimental and clinical studies [43-46]; this is in marked contrast to the NSAID-related gastrointestinal safety profile.
D-002 treatment was safe and well tolerated, which is consistent with previous clinical studies [16,44-46], and the absence of gastrointestinal AEs matched the gastroprotective effects of D-002.
The current concern over the increased cardiovascular and stroke risk associated with COX-2 inhibitors, and the gastrointestinal and renal complications produced by nonselective NSAIDs support the need for new therapies, including complementary medicine for OA management. In such a scenario, the present results suggest that D-002 treatment (50 to 100 mg/day), which is devoid of gastrotoxic effects, could be useful for management of OA symptoms. However, these results are preliminary, and the efficacy of D-002 in patients with OA should be investigated extensively in further studies.
The results indicate that D-002 (50 to 100 mg/day) for 6 weeks ameliorated arthritic symptoms and was well tolerated. D-002 could be beneficial for managing OA symptoms but extensive clinical research is necessary to verify our findings.
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45. Lopez E, Illnait J, Molina V, et al. Effects of D-002 (beeswax alcohols) on lipid peroxidation in middle-aged and older subjects. Lat Am J Pharm 2008;27:695–703.
46. Rodriguez I, Illnait J, Molina V, et al. Comparison of the antioxidant effects of D-002 (beeswax alcohols) and grape seed extract (GSE) on plasma oxidative variables in healthy subjects. Lat Am J Pharm 2010;29:255–262.
Table 1
Table 2
Values are presented as mean ± SD or number (%).
None of the differences were significant.
WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index; OA, osteoarthritis; ACRC, American College of Rheumatology Criteria.
aThe table includes only those consumed by > five subjects.
bThese drugs were stopped for at least 4 weeks before randomization.
Table 3
Values are presented as mean ± SD.
WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index.
aDivided into three domains: pain, stiffness, and physical function. Each domain has several items and each one is graded on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (extreme), the lowest being the better, the highest the worst. A total of 24 items are included in the total WOMAC score.
bp < 0.0083, cp < 0.001, dp < 0.0001, ep < 0.00001. Comparison versus baseline (Wilcoxon test) (Bonferroni adjustment).
fp < 0.00001. Comparison versus placebo group (Mann-Whitney U test).
Table 4
Values are presented as mean ± SD.
aMeasured on the following scale (0-4; where 0 = none, 1 = slight, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, 4 = extreme). Higher score indicates more pain.
bp < 0.008, cp < 0.001, dp < 0.0001, ep < 0.00001. Comparisons versus baseline (Wilcoxon test) (Bonferroni adjustment).
fp < 0.05, gp < 0.01, hp < 0.001, ip < 0.00001. Comparisons versus placebo group (Mann-Whitney U test).
Table 5
Values are presented as mean ± SD.
VAS, visual analog scale.
aMeasured on a 100 mm scale (0-100; where 0 = no pain, 100 = the worst possible pain).
bp < 0.0083, cp < 0.001, dp < 0.0001, ep < 0.00001. Comparisons versus baseline (Wilcoxon test) (Bonferroni adjustment).
fp < 0.01, gp < 0.001, hp < 0.0001. Comparisons versus placebo group (Mann-Whitney U test).


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DOVER — The Portsmouth and Oyster River volleyball teams played 10 games against each other in their two matches during the regular season, and today they will play at least three more.
At 5:30 p.m. the second-seeded Clippers will take on the third-seeded Bobcats in the Division II semifinals at Pinkerton Academy. Portsmouth won both of the regular-season meetings 3-2 and each coach expects another five-game match.
"It's definitely going to be a tough match," said Portsmouth first-year coach Chris Strobel. "We played 10 games against them. We know each other very well."
Portsmouth beat Oyster River 3-2 at home on Sept. 10 and then went to Durham on Oct. 9 and got the same result.
"It's definitely going to be a close match," Oyster River coach Jess Whalen said. "We've felt each other out a little bit."
It will be a battle of teams with two different styles. The Clippers are aggressive with their hitters and like to get quick points, while the Bobcats are defensive oriented and look for long points. That's what makes their matches go five games and last so long.
Portsmouth is loaded with hitters. It is led by sophomore Rosa Drummond, who is 6-feet tall, and fellow 6-footer Alexandra Kamakas. The 5-11 Katie Winchell is a strong hitter as is 5-9 Shannon Mitchell.
"We've got to be aggressive on offense and we need good passes," Strobel said. "They force us into mistakes, which is why the points go so long."
Strobel said he is concerned about the way his team serve receives, which is crucial to getting the quick strikes on offense. He also wants his team to be aware of Brianna Datti, a freshman Libero who "digs everything."
Whalen knows defense is key to her team's success. Datti is the best on the team at that with 152 digs this season.
"She's there all of the time," Whalen said. "Nothing fazes her."
Her top hitter up front is Cynthia Hanson, who Whalen said has to swing hard when she gets the chance and not get into a tipping battle with the Clippers. That's what happened in their last match and the Bobcats "lost a lot of points" doing that.
Oyster River comes into the match with a ton of momentum, having won six games in a row in two playoff matches. It beat No. 14 Plymouth 3-0 in the preliminary round and then downed 11th-seeded Hanover 3-0 in the quarterfinals.
"They have a lot of things going right now," Whalen said. "These are the matches I love to coach. You use strategy against each other."
Portsmouth beat 15th-seeded John Stark 3-0 in the prelims and knocked off No. 7 Laconia in the quarters. This will be Strobel's first trip to the Final Four, and justifies him taking the job.
"This is exactly why I wanted the job," Strobel said. "I knew the potential these girls all had. I had high expectations at the beginning of the year and we've met those expectations."
One more round Portsmouth, OR meet in D-II semis tonight
DOVER — The Portsmouth and Oyster River volleyball teams played 10 games against each other in their two matches during the regular season, and today they will play at least three more.


text:
|Compact version
|Saturday, 14 December 2019
RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 2, No. 191, 98-10-05
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Newsline Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
From: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty <http://www.rferl.org>
Vol. 2, No. 191, 5 October 1998
[01] TAJIK GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION ISSUE ULTIMATUM ON ARMSTajik military helicopters flew over neighborhoods east of Dushanbe on 4 October to drop leaflets ordering the surrender of illegal arms within one week, ITAR-TASS reported. A presidential adviser on defense and social order, Mizrob Kabirov, said this distribution method was necessary because not all residents of the areas have access to television and radio, both of which are broadcasting the order. Kabirov said the leaflets are directed at groups engaged in "banditry, mafia territorial wars, terrorism, and kidnapping." The Tajik government will guarantee the safety and freedom of those who heed the call. Kabirov said, however, said that both the government and United Tajik Opposition are currently drawing up measures to "liquidate" those who refuse to hand over their arms. BP
[02] ARMENIAN PREMIER SEEKS DELAY IN PRIVATIZATION DEBATEPrime Minister Armen Darpinian on 2 October asked his political opponents in the parliament to delay a discussion of his privatization program until he returns from Washington, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reported. Darpinian left for the U.S. on 3 October to participate in consultations on the international financial crisis. PG
[03] GEORGIANS, ABKHAZ EXCHANGE FIREGeorgian and Abkhazian units exchanged fire along the Inguri River on 4 October, ITAR-TASS reported the next day. Georgian Television said that the Abkhaz had attacked the Georgians and that the Georgians had returned fire. PG
[04] SHEVARDNADZE HOPES RUSSIA WILL STABILIZEFollowing a meeting on 3 October with visiting Russian State Duma speaker Gennadii Seleznev, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze said that Tbilisi is "interested in political and economic stability of its great neighbor Russia as well as in its democratic development," ITAR-TASS reported on 4 October. Seleznev reiterated Moscow's desire to continue to serve as an intermediary in Tbilisi's dispute with the breakaway republic of Abkhazia. But he asked Shevardnadze not to press Moscow to ratify the friendship treaty between the two countries anytime soon, the Russian agency said. PG
[05] ADJAR DELEGATION IN TBILISIGeorgian Minister of State Vazha Lortkipanidze met with a delegation from Adjaria on 1 October to discuss the tensions between the Georgian central government and that autonomous republic, Caucasus Press reported quoting the daily "Rezonansi." The Adjar delegation expressed concern at what they perceived as a campaign of vilification of Adjar Supreme Council Chairman Aslan Abashidze in the Georgian central press. And it hinted that the Adjar leadership may demand the closure of some of the media outlets involved. LF
[06] SCHOOLCHILDREN, PENSIONERS STAGE PROTESTS IN WESTERN GEORGIASome 100 schoolchildren blocked the Zugdidi-Anaklia highway on 1 October to protest the continued occupation of their schools by displaced persons who fled Abkhazia's Gali Raion during the fighting in May, Caucasus Press reported the following day. The displaced persons refuse to move from the schools to other accommodation, thus preventing the start of tuition. In Kutaisi, 43,000 pensioners staged a protest against the city authorities' decision to pay their pensions in wheat flour. They have not yet received their pensions for August. LF
[07] BELGRADE REMAINS DEFIANTThe federal legislature is scheduled to discuss Kosova in a special session on 5 October. The previous day, Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic chaired a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council to discuss possible NATO intervention against Yugoslav military targets (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 2 October 1998). The council then issued a statement that said "if we are attacked, we shall defend the country by all available means." Besides Milosevic, those present included Serbian President Milan Milutinovic, Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, federal Defense Minister Pavle Bulatovic, and General Momcilo Perisic, who is chief of the General Staff. On 3 October, that body placed air defense systems on a heightened state of alert. PM
[08] WEST DEBATES NEXT MOVEIn Luxembourg, EU foreign ministers on 5 October began talks on further tightening economic sanctions against Belgrade. In Brussels, NATO planners awaited UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report on whether Milosevic has met Security Council demands regarding Kosova, which Annan is scheduled to present later in the day. NATO is prepared to act if Annan concludes that Milosevic has not met the demands and authorizes the Atlantic alliance to launch air strikes. In Washington, U.S. officials said that special envoy Richard Holbrooke will soon meet with Milosevic in Belgrade. In London, British Defense Secretary George Robinson said on 4 October said that "what is clear is that Milosevic now recognizes that [NATO] means business and that's why he's moving with such speed at the moment." In Paris, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook discussed Kosova with his French counterpart, Hubert Vedrine. Earlier, Vedrine had a telephone conversation about Kosova with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. PM
[09] YELTSIN WARNS MILOSEVICRussian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Defense Minister Igor Sergeev delivered a message from Russian President Boris Yeltsin to Milosevic on 4 October in which the Russian leader urged his Yugoslav counterpart to take immediate measures to end the crisis in Kosova or risk facing NATO attacks. In Moscow, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Russia opposes "any use of force, especially [if it involves NATO] circumventing the UN Security Council, something that can have grave consequences." He added that "hostilities must be stopped [in Kosova], army and security forces withdrawn to permanent locations, and urgent measures taken to overcome the humanitarian crisis and secure the return of refugees." In Prishtina, Kosovar sources reported on 3 October that Serbian forces continued to shell villages in the Gjakova area. PM
[10] RIFT GROWS BETWEEN SERBIA, MONTENEGROIn Podgorica, President Djukanovic is slated to make a televised address on 5 October to explain his differences with Belgrade over Kosova. His supporters will not attend the special session of the federal legislature that same day, RFE/RL's South Slavic Service reported on 3 October. The Belgrade authorities rejected a key Montenegrin demand that opening a border crossing between Montenegro and Croatia at Debeli Brijeg be included on the agenda of the next round of Yugoslav-Croatian talks, the daily "Pobjeda" wrote on 3 October. The previous day, Yugoslav Prime Minister Momir Bulatovic, who is a loyal Milosevic supporter and Djukanovic's arch-rival, sent his wife and children to Bulgaria, "Pobjeda" reported. The pro-Djukanovic paper added: "the man who did nothing to help resolve [the crisis in Kosova] knows how to protect himself and his family, leaving the people to bear the consequences of the flawed policy" of Milosevic. PM
[11] GREECE OPPOSES AIR STRIKESFollowing a 3 October meeting in Delphi, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis said that he and Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov and Romanian President Emil Constantinescu agreed that air strikes "are not the best solution" for the Kosova problem. Simitis added that he made the same point in telephone calls to French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, Italy's Romano Prodi, and German Chancellor-designate Gerhard Schroeder. In Skopje the previous day, President Kiro Gligorov and his Turkish counterpart, Suleyman Demirel, agreed that the Kosova question should be resolved through diplomacy and "within the frontiers of Yugoslavia." Demirel added that his country would participate in any NATO air strikes, although he said he hopes military intervention will not be necessary. Gligorov stated that "the Macedonian government will make a decision" if NATO asks for its support. PM
[12] ALBANIA WANTS MILOSEVIC INVESTIGATED FOR WAR CRIMESForeign Minister Paskal Milo told the UN General Assembly on 2 October that the Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia should investigate Milosevic. Milo accused the Yugoslav leader of ordering "the implementation of...an ethnic cleansing policy against Albanians under the pretext of combating... terrorism." Milo repeated Albania's position that the international community should intervene militarily in Kosova. He stressed that "the peaceful means applied by the international community so far [have failed]." He added that "we risk having another, wider conflict" if the international community takes no action. Milo said that Albania is "in favor of an immediate end of the conflict and...negotiations between Belgrade and Prishtina, with...international [mediation]." The minister added that a solution should respect "the will of the Albanians for self-determination and...international conventions [banning] the change of borders through violence." FS
[13] TIRANA SAYS BELGRADE TRYING TO DRAG ALBANIA INTO CONFLICTThe Albanian Interior Ministry issued a statement on 3 October accusing Serbian forces of twice attacking a border post in the village of Pogaj, in the northern Has Mountains, the previous day. It said there were no casualties and only slight damage but added that the attacks were "a continuation of [previous] provocations made...by the Serbian military machine, which [is] confronted with a probable NATO attack [and] trying to involve Albania." FS
[14] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER SWORN INPandeli Majko became Europe's youngest head of government on 2 October after President Rexhep Meidani swore him in (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 2 October 1998). The parliament is expected to approve Majko's cabinet by 12 October. Among the few key changes, Minister for European Integration Ilir Meta will become deputy prime minister and fellow Socialist Petro Koci interior minister. Majko told journalists on 2 October that he will seek a dialogue with the opposition Democratic Party. He added that his priorities are "a return to stability, drafting a new constitution, and solving the Kosova problem." FS
[15] POPE BEATIFIES STEPINACPope John Paul II said in Split on 4 October that he hopes that "the international community...will not fail to provide timely help" for Kosova. The previous day in Marija Bistrica, the pontiff beatified Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac at a mass attended by some 350,000 persons, including representatives of the Jewish and Islamic communities. The cardinal, who died under house arrest in 1960, is regarded by most Croats as a martyr for his country and faith at the hands of the communists. His critics charge that he did not do enough to rescue Serbs, Jews, and opposition Croats from death at hands of the pro-Axis Ustasha regime during World War II. The Vatican has rejected those charges. The pope said in Marija Bistrica that Stepinac "sums up the whole tragedy that befell the Croatian people and Europe in the course of this century...[namely] fascism, national socialism, and communism," adding that "we all know the circumstances of his death." PM
[16] ANTI-TERRORIST POLICE FOR MOSTARSpokesmen for the UN-sponsored international police force said in Mostar on 4 October that a special anti-terrorist unit will soon go to Croat-held areas of Herzegovina to investigate a recent series of violent incidents against Muslims, who were attempting to return to their former homes. One Muslim was killed and three wounded in a grenade attack on 2 October, and another Muslim's home was damaged in a similar assault two days later. Valentin Coric, the local police chief, resigned his post on 3 October. PM
[17] ETHNIC HUNGARIANS TO REMAIN IN ROMANIAN GOVERNMENTThe Hungarian Democratic Federation of Romania (UDMR), decided on 3 October to remain in the ruling coalition, AP reported. The decision was reached at the party's headquarters in the Transylvanian city of Targu Mures. The party said it does not want to be blamed for a failure of the economic reforms. The UDMR had threatened to leave the coalition because the government refused to establish a Hungarian-language university. The government said last week it would set up a German-Hungarian university, a move that has been criticized by many Romanian politicians. PB
[18] IMF TO RESUME NEGOTIATIONS WITH BUCHARESTRomanian Prime Minister Radu Vasile agreed with IMF Managing Director Michel Camdessus on 3 October that negotiations on a standby loan will resume later this month, an RFE/RL correspondent in Bucharest reported. Vasile is in Washington for talks with IMF and World Bank officials. Central Bank Governor Mugur Isarescu and Finance Minister Traian Decebal Remes are accompanying Vasile. The IMF froze a $530 million loan in May because of dissatisfaction with the pace of Bucharest's economic reforms. PB
[19] BULGARIA, ROMANIA DISAGREE AGAIN OVER DANUBE BRIDGEBulgaria and Romania have failed again to resolve a dispute over the location of a bridge to be built across the Danube River, Reuters reported on 4 October. Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov and his Romanian counterpart, Constantinescu, discussed the issue at a meeting in the Greek city of Delphi but failed to come to an agreement on its location. Stoyanov said Bulgaria favors a location close to the Yugoslav border so that in times of crisis it would offer the shortest route available in circumventing Yugoslavia. The two did agree, however, to set up a committee to examine various options for the bridge. The meeting, hosted by Greek Prime Minister Simitis, also focused on the prospects of Romanian and Bulgarian membership in Western organizations and the fight against crime and drug trafficking. PB
[20] BULGARIAN PRESIDENT ENDS VISIT TO HOLLANDPetar Stoyanov ended a three-day visit to the Netherlands on 3 October by signing an economic cooperation agreement with Prime Minister Wim Kok, ITAR- TASS reported. Stoyanov, who met with Queen Beatrix, held talks with Kok and other officials to discuss the strengthening of relations between The Hague and Sofia. Stoyanov also visited the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. PB
[21] SLOVAKIA'S POST-ELECTION CHALLENGEby Christopher Walker
On the face of it, the results of the recent German and Slovak elections were somewhat similar. Voters in each country decided to change long- standing governing coalitions. In both cases, the countries' leaders, dominant figures on their respective political landscapes, were voted out following lengthy terms in power. However, that is where the apparent similarity ends.
The German election results reflect what can be best described as a normal, cyclical flow in democratic electoral politics. Germans voted for change with a small "c." In contrast, Slovaks voted for a systemic change in their country's political orientation. As a result, the incoming governing coalition in Slovakia will have a challenge that is wholly different from that of Gerhard Schroeder and his expected Red-Green coalition in Germany. The Slovak challenge will doubtless be significantly more difficult.
As they prepare to take power, Mikulas Dzurinda and his governing partners must not only put forward a set of policies on education, the environment, health care, the economy, and a host of other important issues. They must also simultaneously attempt to restructure many of the country's fragile institutions. That restructuring will include overhauling the civil service system and state security apparatus as well as reshaping the Slovak diplomatic corps and judiciary. In addition, the privatization process must be made more even-handed and transparent, and an environment in which a balanced, independent media may flourish must be created. That list is not exhaustive. At the very least, the new government can be said to be facing a demanding agenda.
The case of Slovak media illustrates the challenge facing the new government. Unlike their counterparts in mature democracies, independent media in Meciar's Slovakia found themselves in a constant state of confrontation with the regime. Meciar's extremist policies created a deep split within Slovak society. One was either "with" Meciar's Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS) and thus "with" Slovakia or against both the leadership and the country. With his astute political instincts, Meciar extracted the maximum mileage out of pitting Slovaks against one another based on his definition of what constituted a "good" or "bad" Slovak. This unyielding governing style forced much of Slovakia's political discourse to extremes. For the media, the dynamic was the same. The result was a polarized environment that allowed for pro-government or opposition media, but little in between. A key question now is whether Slovak editors and reporters can shed their combat mentality and allow the news media to perform its vital role in a more balanced manner. The new government can set the tone for this fresh and sorely needed environment.
The need to reshape and reconcile Slovak society is no less important in other key sectors, including the economy--especially with regard to privatization. The opposition forces preparing to take power have said they will seek to prevent any further privatizations by the outgoing government during the HZDS's final 30 days in power. This is one of a number of important signals the new government can send to both the international community and the Slovak population. For foreign investors, it will demonstrate a commitment to reestablishing the soundness of Slovakia's economy and restoring integrity to the country's business culture. For Slovaks, accustomed to cronyism and insider deals, it will help revive a sense of fair play that has been missing for most of the time since Slovakia split from the Czech Republic at the beginning of 1993.
A steadfast commitment to reform by the new government could also bring about another important result: namely, inspire the return to Slovakia of the many talented and ambitious Slovaks who ventured abroad during the Meciar era. Attracting back this valuable human capital would provide an important boost to the country's economic and cultural development and help the country stay the course with its democratic reform program.
Predictably, statements on the opposition victory from the EU and the entire Western establishment have been supportive. While the new Slovak government should have a reasonably long honeymoon period with the West, this time frame will not be infinite. The vast challenges confronting the government may generate a great deal of pressure on the four-party coalition. Should the economy sour in the meantime, the task of implementing tough reform measures will become even more difficult.
In such a case, it may be tempting for the incoming ruling coalition to blame Slovakia's ills on the policies and actions of the HZDS. That strategy, however, would ultimately have limited utility. Attacking the former leadership would only perpetuate the culture of polemic in Slovak politics. Moreover, the opposition will need to show it can govern ably and bring about results in its own right.
The challenges are substantial, but a demonstration of mature and capable political leadership by the incoming Slovak government can go a long way toward gaining back the confidence of average Slovaks and putting Slovakia back on the path to EU and NATO membership.
The author is manager of programs at the European Journalism Network.
Reprinted with permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty


text:
Jennings, Lora M.
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Lora Jennings is a talented and dedicated young attorney, whose varied practice includes employment law, insurance defense, general civil litigation, and intellectual property law. Lora clerked at Martin Pringle for two summers during law school and joined the firm as an associate after graduating from the Washburn University School of Law, cum laude, in 2005. She is active in community organizations, including as an officer in Young Professionals of Wichita and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She is a member of Martin Pringle's community service committee.
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A substantial portion of Lora's practice involves representing clients in defending a wide variety of insurance matters. She has litigated coverage disputes, vehicle accident claims, personal injury and premises liability claims, and other casualty loss claims. She has participated in the defense of personal injury and automobile accident cases.
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text:
An unexpected partnership
After arriving in Minnesota Territory with her sisters to claim their late father's hotel, Elizabeth Bell is shocked to learn her inheritance comes with a handsome co-owner. After too long working for a domineering boss, Elizabeth yearns to be in control -- of the hotel and her life. But Jude Allen won't sell his share, and Elizabeth refuses to leave.
Rescuing soiled doves and giving them hotel jobs is Jude's way of redeeming his past. He's counting on rough frontier life driving his new business partner away before she learns the scandalous and demands he stop his mission. But he may have underestimated Elizabeth...and the power of love to turn a complication into a bright new beginning.
Little Falls Legacy : Building a thriving community through love and faith
My Review:
I do so love a feisty heroine who is not afraid to make a stand. Love the way Elizabeth storms into Jude's life and turns it upside down. Sparks fly as these two sparring partners warily circle each other. With futures at stake neither are willing to give an inch...until they begin to work together and attraction spikes. Romance is out of the question (of course) but maybe a partnership isn't.
A bevy of captivating secondary characters make this read even more memorable. Pastor Ben is a favourite and I'm praying that Meyer has a special story in mind for him. Little Rose and fractious Grace provided plenty of angst and some sweetly tender moments as well. And hotel cook Martha, who mothers everyone and gently shares the gospel in both word and deed -- well everyone needs a Martha like that in their lives!
A multi-layered tale of faith and grace and happily ever afters.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Inherited: Unexpected Family, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and. in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 13 2017. Good luck!


text:
Carrie Steele returns to a favourite café, and two years on, she loves it better than ever.
I reviewed Mimosa Café in Takapuna back in 2015. Two years later, it's as good as ever. Mimosa now has some competition in the 'vegan friendly' stakes here in Takapuna, namely Street Organics around the corner, but there is definitely room for both of them, and they each have a different vibe.
Brunch at Mimosa yesterday was Tofu Benedict for hubby, and the Mango Smoothie Bowl for me. The Tofu Benedict sits on a nice seedy bread, and instead of the usual asparagus, there was a layer of mashed edamame beans, which I'm told was very tasty indeed. There's also thick slices of grilled mushroom, baby spinach, and the most gorgeous looking turmeric hollandaise sauce, smothered over a couple of hefty slices of tofu.
My Mango Smoothie bowl was delightful: a thick, cold smoothy mix, with a few chunks of pineapple, gluten free muesli which was not too sweet, and popped amaranth, all of which added taste and texture to the smoothie mix. There was a lovely cinnamon flavour coming through from the muesli, which came served in a generously sized bowl, topped with shaves of toasted coconut – perfect!
If you plan to visit Mimosa closer to lunchtime, you've just got to try the Vegan Ploughman's Board. It's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds which includes vegan home-made cheese, walnut mushroom pate and olive tapenade – plus lots more! It will feed two modest eaters, or totally satisfy one very hungry person.
Every time I walk past Mimosa and see the 'I YVegan' sign on the window and it makes me smile. I love this café. I would probably come here just for the darling little teapots.
PS: They have new stools at the high tables – and they are very comfy.
Mimosa Café, 460 Lake Road, Takapuna.


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Most homebuyers begin their search on the internet, seeking to sites such as Zillow, Trulia and Redfin for residence-hunting intelligence, including all-crucial home values. No matter whether you have an intention of selling your house or not, it is not unusual to want to know how significantly your property is worth. Right here are some aspects that you must consider and weigh upon before making home improvement: Know the regions of the residence that is in dire require of improvement. He said: 'The past 15 years have observed intense development in the cost commanded for UK home, as effectively as a crash as a direct result of this inflated development.
If you want to know your houses sales cost would be if you sold A lot of men and women like to uncover out what their house is worth by driving their neighborhood to see how a lot their neighbors are selling their houses for. If you spent $20,000 remodeling your kitchen but an inspector finds $50,000 worth of repairs necessary to fix a troubled foundation right before you sell, you could be in problems. This is what we would recommend the home would be worth in a slow market place, or if there was not considerably demand in the local location for this sort of house.
They overlook the home existing situation, year of building, and the indicates of transaction involved when buying among other variables that cannot be tracked properly. Start by seeking up your property worth estimates, then get a greater notion of how much your residence is worth by making use of the pricing tool and the insight of a local agent. A full professional appraisal is a need to if you are applying for a loan and is always going to be the most precise evaluation of your home's worth.
If you happen to be a social butterfly, you could already have the inside scoop on what type of property improvement projects your neighbors are functioning on. Even so, if you're more of a reserved type of individual you could use a tool like Trulia to watch property sale trends and MLS listings. To get a fast estimate of how considerably you can get from selling your house, take advantage of totally free on the internet tools that give a rough thought of your house worth. If you are trying to sell your residence in this buyer's marketplace then you should know how significantly your house is truly worth.
Individuals who rent out properties on Airbnb received a boost at the Price range when the Chancellor said he was extending the tax-cost-free allowance for those creating cash from the 'sharing economy'. You are going to want comps only if you happen to be hunting to list your property for sale with an agent or broker they're not worthwhile for securing a loan or line of credit.


text: Desirous up to blow your mind is a busty non-professional posing bare. Shouldn't that babe look very stimulating in a red tshirt that she removes to off miles unfathomable breast area cleavage in a zebra traditional bra and matching panties. Her long jet darksome hair is awesome. It is so vibrant and hangs way decrease her back. What's very particular is when Briana Lee disrobes off her essentiell and pants. Briana Lee's big billibongs along with your darling delicious looking love souterrain can make me cum repeatedly afresh.


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In 1977, three young women sat down together at a kitchen table to talk about forming a community organization that would bring arts and educational programming to the McClellanville area. Since then, the McClellanville Arts Council has grown to include a gallery, a retail shop, and a studio housed in two repurposed buildings, one formerly the telephone company, the other built as a fire station. It has endured through Hurricane Hugo and several recessions, produced two award-winning community cookbooks, hosted countless concerts and lectures, mounted exhibits featuring artists and craftsmen from this area and beyond, and brought programs to the local schools.
In the past year alone, we sponsored installation of the Pinckney Street Solar System, a permanent outdoor exhibit; hosted The Way We Worked, a travelling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, sponsored many classes and activities for children, and brought nationally-known craftsmen and writers to the Arts Center to teach and to speak.
We have more exciting plans for this year and beyond, including a year-long focus on local food, from fishing, hunting, and agriculture to cooking classes for children and adults.
What can you do to help us continue this important work?
On the Arts Council's thirtieth birthday, we raised enough money to renovate the gallery building and put in a beautiful wood floor. Now the roof that has served us well since Hurricane Hugo urgently needs to be replaced, and we have started a fund to finance those repairs. We also have a fund to help underwrite the cost of programs for children and keep the cost affordable.
If you are not yet a member, please join us and receive a discount on all classes, concerts, and workshops. If you are already a member, please consider raising your membership category and/or adding a separate donation as a fortieth birthday gift.


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#Final Countdown
# final-countdown - Monday 22 June, 2015
Enda Kenny says he believes a deal is possible for Greece
Finance Minister Michael Noonan earlier said he wasn't optimistic a deal could be reached today.
# final-countdown - Saturday 30 May, 2015
O'Connell's final stand and more talking points as Munster track down silverware
Strap yourselves in, because the Pro12 final is going to be intense.
# final-countdown - Thursday 26 March, 2015
'We're running out of games': Leo Cullen fronting up for business end of the season
Friday marks Leinster's penultimate fixture at the RDS this season, unless they can make a late push for the top two.
# final-countdown - Saturday 13 December, 2014
Old Belvedere v Blackrock: Everything you need to know about today's AIL Division 1A final
Can Old Belvedere seal a superb season with another title?
# final-countdown - Sunday 16 November, 2014
"€178 per year" .... Ministers are zeroing in on the final figure for water charges
The final package will be announced on Wednesday, but it looks like homes with more than one adult will pay €178 — no matter how many adults live in the household.
# final-countdown - Saturday 11 October, 2014
Ming dynasty: Fitzmaurice upsets Fianna Fáil to take Dáil seat
Ming-backed turf-cutter Michael Fitzmaurice picked up transfers from all over the field to pip the FF candidate to the post.
# final-countdown - Saturday 27 September, 2014
5 talking points for Tipperary ahead of today's All-Ireland hurling final replay
Paying the penalty, mind games and other issues for the Premier men to ponder.
# final-countdown - Saturday 6 September, 2014
Kilkenny and Tipp county boards returned unwanted final tickets last night
They were put up for sale on the GAA's website.
John Gardiner column: Old rivals but there's a lot of new faces in their first All-Ireland final
TheScore.ie columnist lost his first championship decider to the Cats in '03 before winning the next two.
# final-countdown - Wednesday 3 September, 2014
Open thread: who will be the unsung hero in this year's All-Ireland hurling final?
We know the star names — but can one of Kilkenny or Tipp's lesser lights steal the show on Sunday?
# final-countdown - Friday 1 August, 2014
Cheika's Waratahs need to snap 10-year Crusaders streak to claim Super Rugby crown
New Zealand's Crusaders are aiming for their eighth title since the southern hemisphere's elite club competition began.
# final-countdown - Saturday 5 July, 2014
Higuain fires Argentina into World Cup semis
Alejandro Sabella's side will play either the Netherlands or Costa Rica, who face off later.
# final-countdown - Friday 27 June, 2014
Burton vs. White: 9 things we learned from the fifth and final Labour hustings
There's anger among the 'survivors of the bloodbath', the threat of Sinn Féin needs to be taken seriously, and Joan Burton has twice as many things to be proud of as Alex White…
# final-countdown - Sunday 25 May, 2014
Two out of Ireland's three Euro constituencies won't make first count tonight
Lynn Boylan has been voted in as MEP in Dublin, but South and Midlands-Northwest have adjourned until tomorrow.
# final-countdown - Saturday 24 May, 2014
In Photos: The painstaking and forensic process of counting the votes
Open ballot box. Take out votes. Sort out first preferences. Repeat ad nauseum.
# final-countdown - Tuesday 6 May, 2014
'Jesus, this could be the final couple of games' - Penney wants long Munster goodbye
The New Zealander has resigned himself to the fact that Glasgow have the second home semi-final spot wrapped up.
# final-countdown - Saturday 3 May, 2014
'We don't want to be known for having won one All-Ireland. We want to get back there again'
Gearóid Ryan is ready to put his horrific injury history behind him and drive Tipp back to the top table.
# final-countdown - Thursday 1 May, 2014
This class promo will get you excited for the 2014 Allianz Hurling League Final
Kilkenny and Tipperary are set to renew their longstanding rivalry this weekend.
# final-countdown - Sunday 27 April, 2014
5 talking points ahead of Dublin and Derry's National Football League final
"Lucky" Dublin, lethal Lynch and plenty more to look forward to this afternoon.
# final-countdown - Friday 25 April, 2014
Here's how Derry and Donegal will line out for the weekend's football league finals
The Oak Leaf show just one change from the side which beat Mayo in the league semis.
# final-countdown - Wednesday 23 April, 2014
'The emphasis is always about staying calm' - O'Gara on Dublin's killer comebacks
Eoghan O'Gara has thrust himself into contention for a Championship start with 3-5 in the league this season.
# final-countdown - Saturday 1 March, 2014
Sunderland captain O'Shea follows winning footsteps of Keane, Carr and Whelan
The Black Cats' leader could become the seventh Irishman to lead his club to a cup win at Wembley.
# final-countdown - Monday 13 January, 2014
In late twist, Donegal County Council passes budget by a single vote
A change of mind by one Independent Councillor and the inability of another to vote, meant the budget was passed after it seemed likely to fail.
# final-countdown - Saturday 28 September, 2013
A Rebel Prayer for the All-Ireland hurling replay
A county looks to you, JBM…
Cork v Clare, All-Ireland senior hurling final match guide
One of the best hurling championships in memory will come to an end this evening (we think).
# final-countdown - Thursday 26 September, 2013
Clare win would kickstart golden era, says selector Louis Mulqueen
But they have to deal with Cork first.
# final-countdown - Wednesday 25 September, 2013
Ladies first: LGFA chief delighted at retention of finals date
The ladies football showpiece is slated in for Sunday at Croke Park.
# final-countdown - Tuesday 17 September, 2013
Sleepless nights for Gavin before he picks Dublin team -- Tommy Lyons
Ger Brennan the man most at risk of missing out on Sunday, says former Dublin manager.
# final-countdown - Friday 13 September, 2013
Keane edge: Galway's camogie hopefuls hoping big-stage experience key in final
The Connacht outfit face Limerick at Croke Park on Sunday.
# final-countdown - Wednesday 11 September, 2013
Against the clock: Large screens to show TDs how long they can speak for
"Your time is up deputy… "
# final-countdown - Sunday 8 September, 2013
Open thread: who will be the unsung hero in this year's All-Ireland hurling final?
Is one of Cork or Clare's lesser lights about to steal the show this afternoon?
# final-countdown - Tuesday 20 August, 2013
'Revenge' is a dish best not served for Clare — Donnellan
Clare captain doesn't want his team-mates too fired-up for their All-Ireland final against Cork next month.
# final-countdown - Wednesday 17 July, 2013
Michael D meets the London footballers before Connacht final clash
The President was in London today on the first day of his official trip to Britain.
# final-countdown - Monday 27 May, 2013
40 hours to go until property tax deadline
Around 1.1 million homeowners have so far paid the charge.
# final-countdown - Saturday 25 May, 2013
Leinster refuse to bask in happiness as Ulster test out secret weapon
Ulster are working on a secret weapon to stump Joe Schmidt in his final game as Leinster coach.
# final-countdown - Friday 17 May, 2013
Parisse and Stade eager to emulate Clermont and beat Leinster up
The abrasive Clermont and Glasgow Warriors packs are a blueprint for the French challengers.
# final-countdown - Saturday 11 May, 2013
Pro12: Battle-scarred Best calls for Ulster improvement
Ulster took their foot off the pedal after 50 minutes last night.
# final-countdown - Tuesday 16 October, 2012
Handball world championships: Glory awaits Brady in final act
Paul FitzPatrick looks forward to tonight's men's singles final where Cavan's Paul Brady will look to win his fourth World Handball title against Luis Moreno.
# final-countdown - Saturday 22 September, 2012
EA Sports Cup: Rovers look to Ciaran's killer instinct
With four goals in six starts since coming back from injury, striker Ciaran Kilduff can fire Shamrock Rovers past Drogheda United.
All-Ireland Final 2012: Here are some of our favourite Mayo and Donegal YouTube clips
Ahead of the big game tomorrow, we recall some of the sides' finest moments.


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Its been a few weeks since I've posted one of these. Mostly 'cause when I am mad at the world its hard for me to give mad props to anyone. I have to admit when I first watched this I was pissed! However, the more I watched and listened the more I thought... "this guy has some serious guts." I've always liked Donald Miller. While I don't agree with his political views, I have enjoyed his books tremendously and my respect for him has only increased as I have come to grips with what he just did.
So "Mad Props" to Donald Miller who had the guts to walk into a room full of Anti-Christians and petition God to do the things we have not been able to do on our own in the name of Jesus Christ. That takes stones! MAD PROPS Don...
Kush – The Best Strains Online
4 months ago


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More from The Daily Oklahoman.
A man fired from his job Thursday beheaded one of his coworkers and stabbed another before being shot by a company executive, police said Friday morning.
Colleen Hufford, 54, died Thursday after she was attacked by Alton Nolen, 30, who had just been fired from his job a Vaughan Foods Co., 216 NE 12, police said
Moore police have asked the FBI for assistance in investigating the beheading after employees of the business told police Nolen recently tried to convert coworkers to Islam.
Police Sgt. Jeremy Lewis said at a Friday morning news conference that Nolen had just been fired when he went into the front office and attacked Hufford. Nolen severed Hufford's head using a knife police said he may have used at his job to cut lettuce and vegetables at the food processing plant.
After killing Hufford, Nolen attacked Traci Johnson, 43, with the same knife. Mark Vaughan, the chief operating officer at Vaughan Foods, then confronted and shot Nolen. Vaughan is a reserve Oklahoma County deputy, Lewis said.
"There's no doubt Vaughan saved Traci Johnson's life," Lewis said.Tell that to all the gun-grabbers like Michael Bloomberg who want to disarm people in schools and workplaces with "gun free zones." How many more workers might have been beheaded by this Muslim if Vaughan had not been armed?
And then there's the typical reaction from the Muslim community, acting like they are the victims.
Saad Mohammad, a spokesman for the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, said leaders of the society's mosque in northwest Oklahoma City are on alert and taking security precautions to protect the Muslims who gather there from any violence that someone might try to attempt in retaliation for the Moore incident.
Mohammad said the anti-Muslim sentiments people may have could be heightened due to the beheadings and violence being perpetrated by the Islamic extremist group ISIS overseas.
"They have this ISIS thing on their minds and now this guy has brought it to America," Mohammad said.
Nolen has tattooed on his abdomen "as-salaamu alaikum," Arabic for "peace be with you," according to Corrections Department records. He had "Jesus Christ" tattooed on his chest, "Judah" on his left arm and praying hands on his right arm.
Court records show that Nolen was convicted on drug-related charges and of assaulting an officer in 2011. In October 2010, Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Betsy Randolph pulled Nolen over and attempted to arrest him on outstanding warrants. While the trooper was attempting to handcuff Nolen a struggle ensued and the trooper was assaulted. Nolen fled into nearby woods, troopers said. A manhunt involving four law enforcement agencies and two helicopters lasted 12 hours before Nolen was apprehended.All we hear about, especially from the Islamist apologist Barack Hussein Obama (even George W. Bush) is how Islam is a religion of peace. Well, if that's true, why aren't they rooting out these extremists from their midst and telling Americans they will not tolerate violence in the name of Islam? Instead, you get cries of "Islamophobe" by the Hamas-linked CAIR grievance group and others, who have (since 9/11) gone around acting like they're the victims of terrorism.
There's this too?
So, since the FBI, under Obama and Holder, have just days ago removed "religion" from assessing terrorist threats, will this be classified as another case of "workplace violence" in another attempt by the Obama Regime to appease the Muslim community?


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Hotel Highlights & Overview
Being the newest Duluth hotel in Canal Park, we thought of everything! Each of our hotel rooms are comfortable and modernly decorated with all the pleasantries of home.
Take advantage of our many amenities, like our complimentary hot breakfasts including local Duluth Coffee Company coffee.
Keep in shape at our fitness center, or swim in our pool.
Join us at our Lakeside Lobby cash bar for your favorite cocktails, or completely relax with a therapeutic massage.
Bringing the kids? Check out why we're considered a kid friendly hotel.
We even have a covered parking area for our motorcyclists!
Experience everything our unique city has to offer. Enjoy incredible views of Lake Superior, watch the ships come in, and skip rocks on our pebble beach. Jump on the Lake Walk and tour downtown Duluth, Canal Park shops and restaurants, or visit one of our many attractions. The Great Lakes Aquarium, Lake Superior Zoo, Spirit Mountain, and Hawk's Ridge are only a short drive away.


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The Student Loan Information and Amount Acceptance Form for 2019-2020 is available via RaiderNet by clicking on Your Financial Aid and selecting 2019-2020 Student Loan Information and Amount Acceptance Form.
Roane State Community College no longer participates in any alternative student loan programs (such as Sallie Mae or LendKey).
Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students that must be repaid. These loans are to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education, though most of the contact will be with your loan servicer. With Direct Loans, you
You may use Direct Student loan money you receive only to pay for your education expenses at the school that is giving you the loan.
Entrance Counseling / Sign your Master Promissory Note for your Direct Loan
|Dependent Students
|Independent Students
First-Year Undergraduate
|$5,500 - No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
|$9,500 - No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Second-Year Undergraduate
|$6,500 - No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
$10,500 - No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
The interest rates listed in the table below are for Undergraduate Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans.
|Date of First Disbursement
|Fixed Interest Rate
|7/1/18 - 6/30/19
|7/1/17 - 6/30/18
|7/1/16 - 6/30/17
|7/1/15 - 6/30/16
How does repayment work if I have Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) and Direct loans?
You will have to make separate payments to each lender. You can also choose to consolidate with the Direct Loan program if you would like to make only one monthly payment.
How can I consolidate my loans with the Direct Loan program?
You may go to studentloans.gov for more information regarding consolidation.
Where can I find information about who services my other federal loans?
You can find information about the servicers of your other loans at www.nslds.ed.gov. You will use your FSA ID to access your information.
Roane State Community College is a TBR and AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Roane State. View full non-discrimination policy.


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CrossLink has partnered with the best tax education partners to ensure our customers' success. Below is a list of CrossLink Authorized Solutions for continuing education.
Fast Forward Academy, LLC provides companies and individuals around the world with the tools to help them efficiently manage their professional education needs. CrossLink has partnered with Fast Forward Academy to provide tax professionals with training and test prep solutions for the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) test.
CrossLink customers now have access to Cloud-Based Video CPE, Cloud-Based Video Exam Review Courses, and an online IRS exam simulator that mimics the actual IRS exam. These products, available through NARTRP in partnership with TaxProCPE, are real tax training from real tax professionals who understand you! Let them help you succeed in your office and on the IRS test!


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Phone: (714) 748-4504
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To our 9:00 am Shabbat Ark of Prayer and the Mishpacha within,
This week's parsha is Nitzavim-Vayelech: Deuteronomy 29:9-3:30, Isaiah 61:10-63:9, Romans 10:1-13.
Because G-d created "everything" and "It was good", I believe we possess in our Divine soul an inherent, deep-seated love for G-d. I believe we therefore do not have to force ourselves against our nature to love G-d. We already have a hidden ability to love Him even though we are evil and corrupt at a fundamental level; all we have to do is open ourselves up to this love, allowing it to manifest itself.
But feeling this love, where my feelings come and go, is one thing; making it permeate my life and the overflow pour out to others, is another.
When G-d sealed the covenant between Him and the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, by pronouncing the curses and threats given there in this weeks parsha, He made every Jew mutually responsible for the behavior of all other Jews with whom he or she had contact.
While I would never presume to know the mind of G-d, I do believe that this responsibility calls us to action in our relationships with those around us ... to not shrink away from engagement. Love for those around us, even strangers because they are the most sacred things this side of Heaven, makes this engagement possible.
Vayelech is Hebrew for "then he went out". Nitzavim means, "You are standing" or "to stand firmly".
To stand or to stand firmly means consistency to me. As a Messianic, I believe I must be consistent and dependable and firm.
But standing firmly does not mean standing still. Together with Nitzavim comes Vayeilech, which means "then he went out." A Messianic can never remain standing in one place, immobile.
My goal then, for me and I hope for you, is to entrench this love in my/our daily lives so that it becomes a permanent fixture of my/our being. The indication of whether my hidden love has permeated my life is if this love has affected my behavior—my/our way of thinking, talking, and acting.
I find gladness and feel a closer presence with G-d when I have had an opportunity to do good to others to make their lives better and the lives I touch better. In my recovery program, this is called, acts of service. I need to be vigilant, available and willing to be of service to G-d and those around me. This needs to be a priority because G-d makes it a priority.
But imagine in today's world being held accountable for the actions and beliefs of Obama, your neighbors, your boss, your subordinates, even your adult children and your parents, or just the people at TAJ. To me, since it is impossible to control the beliefs and feelings of others, this is a very scary prospect when I am held accountable to the G-d that created everything.
So while I believe I have an obligation to provide support as well as correction as part of my everyday life, I do so very imperfectly. Fortunately I also know that G-d is not only just, he is merciful and provides forgiveness to all that repent and seek reconciliation. This knowledge prevents me from hyperventilating about my accountability for others without eliminating my responsibility.
As Messianic believers we should feel strongly and confidently about being believers and stand proudly. We have every right, and even an obligation, to be bold and fearless. Nothing in the world should be able to budge us, today, tomorrow, next week, and next year.
May you be blessed this week, "when you go out" to the routine of your life, with the opportunity to share your experience, strength and hope with someone that can use your light and love.
I hope that if you are able, you will join the 9:00 am Shabbat Teva Tefillah. We pray for the Temple, for Israel and our government.
Blessings to you and yours. May this week be G-d filled and peaceful within the storm.
Your brother in Yeshua in the TEVA TEFILLAH,
Wed, June 5, 2019 @ 12:02 AM
Tue, June 18, 2019 @ 4:12 PM
Fri, June 28, 2019 @ 10:43 AM
Fri, June 28, 2019 @ 10:44 AM
Fri, June 28, 2019 @ 10:57 AM
Your Name:
Your Email/URL (Optional):
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Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.
Temple Aviv Judea704 E Commonwealth AveFullerton, CA 92831Get Directions / Map
Office:(714) 748-4504
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Military Connectors
|In the family of MIL-Spec Wire, military connectors are connectors that conform to military specifications in order to be used in the needed application. The deliberate and well planned design of the connectors incorporates the necessity to protect the connection from environmental factors, allowing them to be used in military and aerospace applications. Military connectors are intended for harsh, unforgiving environments. Military connectors have a low failure rate. Performance is so high for the product because stringent military specifications dictate mature technology. Many MIL Spec numbers for connectors exist like MS3106, MS3102 and MIL-C-26500.
When pinpointing the connector configuration part of military connectors, there are some focal factors to consider. These include number of contacts, shell size, contact type, specific military specifications met, shell style or gender, coupling type, contact size, contact termination options, backshell accessories included, lanyard included, and applicability to audio or visual applications.
You may see military connectors under another name. A few popular ones used for military connectors rear accessories include: endbells, strain-relief clamps, cable clamps, and backshells. They all are the same product.


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Marquee Hire in Isle of Wight
Located to the south of mainland England is the Isle of Wight. Home to around 140,000 people, the island was part of Hampshire before becoming an independent administrative county in 1890.Read More
For marquee hire on the Isle of Wight – please contact the providers listed below.
The island hosts a number of festivals each year – where marquees can be seen.
Some of the well known settlements on the island include Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor.
Statement Marquees
Choose from our range of contemporary marquees, striking Capri marquees or stunning stretch tents for your special event.


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Not to be outdone by Teen Vogue's raunchy and unsafe "Guide to Anal Sex" for teen girls, Seventeen magazine has waded into the cultural septic tank with this: "This Realistic Vagina Manicure is Exactly What I Needed Today," by Hannah Orenstein. That's right, I hope you're not eating dinner, but they are featuring a nail artist who has created goopy-looking genitals your teen daughter can wear on her fingers. I already have nightmares about people with fake nails (and all the bacteria underneath) at restaurants. Now add genitalia. Wonderful!
Clearly, this isn't in the same category as the extreme sex guide that Teen Vogue thought it could sell to American teens (before it shuttered), but it is one more example of the mental illness that exists on the left. What's with this obsession with vaginas and selling sex to minors? This makes you look nuts, fyi. This, in a nutshell, is why Trump won.
Orenstein's other contributions to a magazine for minors recently: "These are the 10 Best Places to Get Condoms for free," "43 Girls Get Real About Their First Time Having Sex," "30 Girls Get Real About the Moment They Knew They Weren't Straight," and "18 Girls Get Real about Masturbating." This is deliberate targeting of children with the political messaging and ideology of the far left, not to mention sexual grooming.
We're all done with this cultural sickness. If you are doubtful, read the replies to Seventeen's tweet. There are hundreds and none of them positive.
In case you don't think this is political, see another set of nails by the same artist also featured in Orenstein's article. She doesn't hide her dislike for President Trump.
Like Teen Vogue, Seventeen also thinks all teen girls are or should be anti-Trump. I don't know what kind of household you run, but in mine, we respect the presidents of the United States, including the ones I don't personally like. If you've done so well in life that you became the primary resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, you deserve basic respect and a little awe. We've only had 45 of them in over 200 years. Even a president you hate is still sitting in George Washington's chair right now. Have a little respect for the office at the very least.
There's something highly unsavory about teaching teenagers, who know absolutely nothing about life yet, to spit on the iconic and important American institution of the presidency. It's almost as gross as these nails.
You know what my pre-teen daughter is into? Minecraft, live-streaming, and making clay miniatures. Wouldn't those things be more appropriate for an audience of 12- to 17-year-olds? What teenager do you know who would enjoy wearing genitalia on her fingers? And what 12- to 17-year-old do you know who is so politically aware that she knows why she should like or dislike a sitting president? Is there anyone at Seventeen who looks at this stuff and thinks, maybe this isn't appropriate for our audience?
Dump Seventeen straight into the garbage where it belongs.


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"We are losing our decency as a nation," Burkman said in a statement. "Imagine your son being forced to shower with a gay man. That's a horrifying prospect for every mom in the country. What in the world has this nation come to?"
Jack Burkman, man of complex opinions, Part Deux.
These are truly the mole people.