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Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Drug Rep Rant
I'm not a big fan of pharmaceutical reps. I make no secret of that. I know that they have their place in the huge (failing) US health care system. If for anything else, they bring sample meds for those of my patients who cannot afford them and who do not qualify for indigent medication programs.
I think my real issue is that I have never liked sales people whether it's selling me a car, or selling me a pair of shoes, or selling me a drug. For the most part, sales people don't really care about you and they don't care about my patient. All they care about is one thing - Dr. A prescribing their product.
Our office has drug reps bring in lunch 2-3 days a week. For me, I'd rather go home for lunch, and not have any drug rep lunches - EVER. But, out of courtesy for bringing lunch for the office, I go into our lunch room with a smile on my face.
The rep then starts with her dog and pony show. The product today is insulin. I get to see all the funky charts and graphs of why their product is better than the others. I'm also shown the recommendation THE some ivory tower commission recommending starting insulin earlier in the treatment course for diabetes.
Then, as I'm quickly eating my lunch, I feel my muscles tense up a little bit as they reach "the ask" where they try to get a committment from you to at least give their product a try. I always hate this part of the lunch.
I inform them how difficult it is to at least talk about insulin with some of my patients. There's a lot of myths that I have to deal with when it comes to insulin therapy.
"But Doctor A, my product is so easy for patients to use. You can proudly tell them that they hardly ever feel the needle. And, isn't my product so much easier to take than the many pills that you have your patient on?"
As I always do, I give a fake laugh and tell them that they have made good points. I also tell them that I will keep their product in mind. Then I scurry out of the room....
I get back to my office and close the door. I'm fuming at this point. How dare this rep come in my office and push a product on me! Of course, I know that insulin is better to start earlier rather than later. I've seen the data on this.
One of the things I've always wanted to do is to bring in a rep with me and say, "Ok, Mr. V is in room 3 and I think he needs to be on insulin. I don't want you to come out of that room until he's agreeable to start insulin." See what I go through everyday, not just once a day, but several times a day.
"But, Mr. V, you won't even feel the needle. And, it's so much easier than all the pills that you're taking." That thought makes me chuckle.
Good primary care docs have a rapport with patients. The age of paternalistic medicine is over. Gone are the days where the doc says take this medicine and the patient did it. Patients are more knowledgable about medicine and the meds that they take. They hear about side effects from friends, from drug store printouts, from television, and other sources. Don't get me wrong, more knowledge is good.
There's also a lot of misinformation and myths out there, especially about insulin. Many of my patients think insulin therapy is equal to hospice care - means that nothing else can be done and they will die soon. Many cringe at the thought of giving themselves an injectable medicine.
Sometimes, it can take months and months of communication. I have to understand where the patient is at and hopefully they understand my point of view when it comes to insulin. Drug reps have this TV show mentality that everything is solved during the 10 minute office visit with a prescription for their product in hand. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.
34 comments:
The one plus side is that this has given you a push out of your writer's block. :)
By the way, we need more doctors like you. - Tuesday, January 23, 2007 5:52:00 PM
- Sarebear said...
What to do when your GP breaks that rapport trust, and lets you down. And have nowhere to turn, medically speaking.
Film at '11!
He didn't fail in his skill, technique, or expertise; he failed ME, as his PATIENT, in something that . . . . well, anyway, I'm on my own.
NOT looking for advice that way here, of course, but I thought it might make an interesting blog topic for you (not me specifically, but the problem in general). I've been with him since he finished residency, 16-17 years ago. I'm not about to leave him. It's one of those things where, after mulling it over, I still think he failed me, but I also think it's possibly not something he's aware of, although if I get the courage to mention it I think he'll see what I mean.
ANYWAY! The smarminess of the whole drug rep thing, would drive me nuts. - Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:50:00 PM
while it's quite easy, and popular, to bemoan those evil pharmaceutical companies for their marketing practices, this is ignorant of the reality of business. for every herceptin, gleevac and prozac, there are a hundred failed chemical compounds that eat up resouces, lab time, and most importanly, and forgotten by the public, cash. in order to recoup that incredible lost money, they are required to charge seemingly exorbinant prices and outlandish advertising. the end result of limiting the companies income, would be a sharp, drop in the outuput of life saving drugs.
- Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:29:00 PM
a patient point of view...not related to insulin or drug reps. I have always been very fortunate to have great health benefits with excellent insurance companies. However...good Primary Care Docs are few and far between. Even if you are able to find one that is still taking new patients the chances of building a repertoire with them are rather low. They just don't have the time. The thought of "months and months of communication" is unheard of. It seems like you are a great doctor for your patients... I'm just saying.
- Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:10:00 PM
I can see how salespeople piss you off but not all salespeople are just looking to make a buck.
I currently work in a gift shop and I dont just try to push crap on customers.I strive to assist the individual to pick out a proper gift for them.I try to help them and sometimes some of my customers have become my friends too. - Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:21:00 PM
I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing a little of the day-to-day Dr. A. I look forward to more of the same.
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:25:00 AM
- NeoNurseChic said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:04:00 AM
- NeoNurseChic said...
I liked this post. And for the record, I'm commenting at nearly 5am because I cannot sleep. Maybe this is partially due to the fact that somebody at work has been reading my blog while at work (stressful, and I blogged about it) and also because I worked until 11pm tonight and got home after midnight and can never unwind that easily. I fell asleep for like 30 minutes and then woke up and have been awake ever since, so I decided to catch up on some blog-hopping.
I can see also what wealthandtaste is saying about pharmaceutical research, and I think there are some drug company commercials that try to show this to the public - about how the researcher is inspired by their grandparent with alzheimers and the like. I do agree that probably a lot of the chemists and researchers are inspired in the same ways that we are inspired to go into medicine and nursing because of various stories and reasons. But still - the drug pushing that goes on still borders on criminal sometimes!!
I used to work in research at the headache center where I also go as a patient - although I was volunteer. Not gonna get into that aspect right now. So anyway - I was there through countless drug lunches. At one point, I remember sitting and eating my lunch and just overhearing this drug rep offering my former neuro tickets to Phillies games for box office seats and all this stuff. Now - I like to think he declined because this is his integrity and not because I, his patient, was also at the table. I really think that he's not the type to accept things like that. But it was just hard to listen to. Even though you can accept those things and then still choose not to listen to the drug reps and prescribe their drugs, doesn't one feel guilty if they go and enjoy the box office seats and then pick the other drug? I dunno... I'm glad I don't have to make that moral choice. I might write with a neoprofin pen I got from a drug rep, but I'm not picking whether to give that or indomethacin to my baby - the docs are!
Some of us who go to the headache center used to have this running joke that the center's psychiatrist's kids must have their college education funded by Eli Lily based on prescriptions of Concerta. (I think that's who makes concerta....no?) He seemed to have almost all his patients on it!! I went on it for a genuine reason because my brain had been obliterated (or so it seemed) by the topiramate. And then that one - a ton of research studies have come out of the center regarding the efficacy of topiramate for migraine and other headache types. I would wager a guess that a lot of those were funded by the drug company that makes topamax! Now - I won't say that for sure because I'm not currently taking the time to look it up.
I remember going to this one conference for the American Headache Society and walking around looking at the poster presentations. I was standing in front of a few in a row on topamax and this one rep from the drug company started to talk to me. So I got into it - because I hate topamax - and started saying how I feel the effects on memory and concentration can be quite prohibitive for some patients. (Wayyyy back when I first started on topamax, the effects on cognition were listed as "rare".) The drug rep says to me, "Well the data now is showing that it only effects 1 in 5! Isn't that great?!" Oh yea....1 in 5 people on your drug gets so stupid that they might lose their job or fail their classes - I think that's wonderful.
Now I know the drug does wonderful things for temporal lobe epilepsy and some with migraine have found true bliss with it. I just have been one with a bad experience.
So here's another drug-related question. If you, as a physician, were to personally have a bad experience with a medication and its side effects - do you think it would in any way alter your prescribing of the drug, even unintentionally? I had to give topamax to an infant recently, and I had to cringe the entire time I was doing it, even though I knew the baby needed it! I don't know what I would think if I were a doc and prescribing for headaches. But it is an interesting ethical dilemma, you must admit!
Anyhow - gonna try to get some sleep. I haven't had a sleepless night in awhile, and I'm so tired that you'd think I could sleep like a rock! Wish me luck! lol
Carrie :) - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:05:00 AM
- #1 Dinosaur said...
Who's in charge of your office? Why do you have to go listen to a rep if you don't want to? Is your staff pressuring you for the free food? I agree with your observations, but I've gone a step further and acted on them. Life is too short to spend time fuming about encounters you don't really have to have.
I won't even get into the pharma canard about "all the failed compounds" accounting for exhorbitant drug prices. Most of that research is done at public expense through federal funding of academics, which is then patented and financially exploited by pharma. The biggest single line item on the pharma budget -- after "profit" -- is Marketing. R&D is way down the list.
Damn; you got me started. Now I shall stop. - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 6:52:00 AM
Dr. A. totally off topic but I wondered if you are having problems getting in to Bobby's site? I try and nothing. It's like it is completely gone! I was wondering if maybe he is having PC problems?
Thanks - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 7:56:00 AM
i used to sell different sorts of products before, so i can have allowance for school. money that i will never have if i don't sell anything.
it might piss other people off if i tell them about the products i sell, but i will never sell anything if i never tell anyone.
dr. A, i know where you're coming from, and i agree with why you are fuming mad at how insistent some reps are. to save you the trouble of feeling negative things about the rep, here's my unsolicited advise: you can try looking at the whole situation this way: they are just doing their jobs, because if they don't, they would be lousy employees, and will not make money that they need.
i know it takes a lot not to be rude to sales people, because really, why would we listen to someone tell us about something we don't like or need? but it wouldn't really hurt to just politely say no either. so you may be fuming mad, but at least you have the decency to be polite. that still makes you a good person. so, i think what i'm saying is: keep up the fake smile, with a real good intention. you are making one rep's life less miserable. you make a difference! - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 9:58:00 AM
I probably spend way too much time with the reps in our office, especially if they bring lunch, but I have a canned response as soon as a rep pressures me to "try just one patient" on his/her product: "I am unable to predict the type of patient I'm going to see over the next several days, nor can I determine in advance if your product would be appropriate for my patient. So, no, I will not promise you that I will write for your product within the next several days -- or if at all. Thanks for lunch and your time." Smile graciously. The change from the discourse we had prior to the question is so obvious, even the most determined rep realizes he's crossed the line. That "hard sell" turns me off EVERY time.
Keep up the good work -- and don't be tense regarding those lunches 'cause you'll end up with indigestion!
A - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:25:00 AM
I enjoyed this post also. I can't really comment on the intricacies of the exact situation as I an not a doctor but I suppose this may be a place for you to practice your diplomacy skills?
I would think of the pharm. reps as tools. Use them for what you need and don't allow them to irritate you if you can. - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:48:00 AM
I don't know, I would sit through just about anything for a free lunch but I work in a non-profit and am broke. I should have gone to med school when I had the chance.
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:32:00 PM
It must be highly annoying sitting through all that thrice a week, I agree that pitching it to the patient is not quite so simple as pitching it to the doc.. Even when the reps are right.(most drugs-you gotta wonder about, they're probably not even as effective as older/proven ones) It's also kind of sad(to me,anyway) said patients' viewpoint regarding insulin injections(though common) maybe they need to see examples of people living a long + healthy life on it. I'm sure you have a few model diabetic patients you could use as examples.. Either that, or I can come over and knock some sense into their heads.
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007 12:59:00 PM
- Pieces of Mind said...
Actually my sense is that federal funding for research has been declining and the privately funded studies by the drug companies are picking up this slack.
The free marketeers might see this as a good thing, but it's a little like allowing the fox to guard the henhouse, no?
You would be surprised at how the pharms pitch their products to the news media, even out here in Podunksville. They know my name; they have my phone number; they know my e-mail address. At various times they've sent me trinkets such as a pen shaped like a hypodermic needle, a snow globe containing faux drug capsules, etc. etc. The mind boggles at the waste of money. - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 3:19:00 PM
I agree with the doctor,drug company's are greedy,and so are the reps.As far as insulin goes,I wouldn't rush people that fear the needle. I would tell them to read diabetic magazine,so they can read,and learn about people that use the product,so they will feel more comfortable about insulin shots.Ive been on Insulin for almost 7-years now,for my type 2.
and that helped me into insulin shots. Robert - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:53:00 PM
- Muddy said...
As a person with type 2 diabetes, I currently have an AC1 of 5.1 ....WITH oral medications (not insulin). My doctor(a family practice doctor that I have seen for the past 20 yrs) knows my preference is to stay away from shots for as long as possible, but that I am also committed to staying healthy without complications even more. One day, as the disease progresses, I may have to consider other meds or shots to control my diabetes..but for now I dont...and for that I am thankful. In fact, he suggested that as I continue to loose weight, that we might consider just diet and exercise alone (without meds). Not everyone that has diabetes needs insulin right off the bat. Different things work for different people differently. There is a saying that "your mileage may vary" where treating diabetes is concerned. This certainly is true as what works for me might send someone else's blood glucose through the roof and vice versa. No one could convince me that a shot would be less painful and more convenient than the two pills I take twice a day. The only thing that would convince me insulin might be a better choice for me would be seeing my AC1 and daily numbers rise to an unacceptable level where my diabetes could not be controlled with just oral meds, diet and exercise. I would be offended if I was treated like a piece of meat when I went into the Dr's office...where it might be assumed that one size fits all in treating patients. Thankfully my Dr was sensitive to this and listened to me as he offered his expertise in treating me.
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:11:00 PM
I'm not the first to notice: The funk is ovah!
But I'd balk at sticking myself too. - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:44:00 PM
- Dr. Snark said...
Cool blog. I hate sales reps, too.
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007 7:12:00 PM
Fortunately, I have a terrific MD (Internist) but because I've lost my job and my husband's insurance stinks we're going to have to switch to an HMO. Gasp!!! I guess I'll be going to Mexico along with my friend to obtain our meds because the price is sooooo high here.
I concur with the previous writer about Topamax ("Dope-a-max").
Thanks for your blog and giving us an opportunity to see things from the other side of the stethoscope!
Gracie - Wednesday, January 24, 2007 9:01:00 PM
- Mark Osler said...
Wow! I had no idea that drug reps are that intrusive. It sure seems to pay well-- I teach criminal law at a law school, and a few of my students became drug reps instead of defense attorneys or prosecutors. I thought that was sad at the time, but now it seems even sadder.
- Thursday, January 25, 2007 11:19:00 PM
If the drug rep causes this must internal angst, tell the jerk that NO, you're not gonna have the free lunch today. Sorry, but to come online and sulk about it just doesn't make sense to me.
- Friday, January 26, 2007 3:08:00 PM
I hope you're not dissing the funky charts and graphs, as my life's work is to churn out the data to support them. I probably made the ones for the competing products, too. Amazing what you can do with data. ;)
- Friday, January 26, 2007 8:48:00 PM
the way the reps do it is by providing lunch for the entire office, i.e. the nurses and secretaries too.
then if you tell the rep to f off, you're the bad guy and everyone hates you. fiendishly clever, really. - Saturday, January 27, 2007 11:08:00 PM
As a pharmacy technician, and also as a friend of a drug rep, I have conflicting opinions on this subject. I have sat through many a drug rep spiel. Most of the time it was just in one ear and out the other, while I wondered to myself if this rep had ANY idea what, exactly, their so-called "miracle" drug actually did. Do the drug reps really know what other treatment options are out there? Do they understand the differences between their product and the "competition"? I had a rep come in pushing Synthroid, of all things!!! I mean, come on. So when I mentioned something about levothyroxine (generic drug name of exact same above-mentioned drug) she gave me this blank look and asked me what that was!!!!
I do agree however, that drug reps do have their place if they are well-trained, well-informed and NOT ex-lawyers, ex-Arts grads, etc. It's sad that one of the only stipulations Pharmaceutical companies have for hiring drug reps is that they have graduated with a degree. They don't care WHAT degree. You could get a degree in "dog walking" and they would consider hiring you. I think the pharmaceutical companies need to re-think who they hire and get some knowledgable people instead of just the "hotties". - Sunday, January 28, 2007 12:41:00 PM
I think that doctors are much more at fault for the cost of rising health care. They cap the number of doctors in med school and residency to keep the cost high.
Uncap those med schools....let more doctors graduate and compete.
As for sales people....sounds like you are a terrible sales person when it comes to selling the patient on taking his drug. Let's face it...we are ALL SALES PEOPLE.
A teacher sells education...study hard to children/parents.
A lawyer sells their service.
A taxi sells rides.
Everyone in America is envious of those that make money and doctor...your head is on the block now that you thrown away your human shield...the drug rep...
I will see your head rolling soon. - Thursday, February 01, 2007 5:43:00 PM
- ken said...
I must be in the minority. I have never been upset by having a drug rep. visit. I think they try to be nonintrusive. Although most of the time they have not been great resources for knowledge I appreciate having samples to provide patients who are short of funds or coverage and especially like to try a medication and prove its value for that patient before I ask them to spend their hard earned cash on it.
The patient education matierials have also been a value. Recently, the patient information provided on the new vaccine gardasil has allowed me to give information that my patients can take home to review with their daughters and make an informed decision about either requesting the vaccine or waiting till they are older.
I don't feel obligated to use their products because of any promotional lunch and I believe they all understand that a pizza is not going to change how any physician directs care for their patients. - Friday, February 02, 2007 4:24:00 PM
It's not about the food, or the push to prescribe, it's about sharing information in an interactive environment. If you want a rep to shut up, tell them to shut up. Then share your concerns with them so they leave your meeting more informed. They will take your experience and insight to the next lunch. At the end of the day, or week, you can take or leave what a rep has to share. Hopefully, the information you get is worth a few minutes of attention. If not, at least you won't go away hungry. Just a thought from a rep who actually cares about you and your patients.
- Sunday, February 25, 2007 2:15:00 AM
- C.C. said...
You are not doing anyone any favours by going to the luncheon as a 'courtesy' to the drug rep for providing the meal. I happen to be a drug rep but more importantly I'am a consumer. I hate to be sold and especially asked for a committment. How do I avoid this? I tell the rep. You would find less reps coming around providing lunch if you were honest with them about their products / therapeuic area. I have had doc's tell me they will not use my drug because it is just too difficult to dose and they don't have enough time in a day to explain the strategy to their patients. I get that. Im not there to make your lives anymore hectic than they already are. Im there to provide a service and if my service is not of value then I wont waste your time - but pls dont waste my time either. Some docs - especially GP's - have a 'know it all' attitude and shut down when a rep (who is clearly inferior in the eyes of MDs) is explaining the fundamentals of their product. Who else is going to provide you with up to date info? Journals? Colleagues? Doubtful - Take your head out of your ass and man up when you don't have any interest in the topic of the day. You will be doing yourself, the rep and your patients a huge favour.
- Tuesday, March 06, 2007 1:39:00 PM
- Clint said...
It's interesting because I spent 14 years in the pharmaceutical industry with many of those as a rep. I'm retired from the industry so I can comment as an outsider now. Yes, there are some pushy reps out there but there are also many (usually very experienced) reps who are not pushy. I was one of them. I always used my time with doctors to share published clinical studies with them. Many doctors just don't have the time to keep up with all the journals so I approached my job as to help them keep up to date with some studies they may have missed. This was usually much appreciated. So it just depends on the rep. Most of the doctors I dealt with welcomed me whether they used my company's products or not.
- Thursday, April 19, 2007 2:30:00 PM
- Michael Benjamin said...
Clint, that is the biggest crock of hooha out there. The "busy doctor" argument is a worn-out chestnut. All I have to say is, I wouldn't be a very good doctor if my best source of information was a drug rep. That would be just pathetic.
Dr. Anonymous, I think you posted a reasonable narrative of a drug rep visit, and I have been there many times, my brother. Amen to you. - Friday, May 04, 2007 3:17:00 AM
You Have Now Been Sampled (Drug Reps, Part 2)
While the pharmaceutical industry's image and reputation has suffered, and has been complicated with their declining profits due to a few reasons, these companies still apparently insist on keeping most of their gift- givers on board. Known presently as simply drug reps today, this job has become a vocation void of a sense of accomplishment, which will be described below.
So they may be named at times in different ways, these promoters will be referred to as drug reps, which number close to 100,000 in the U.S. presently, it is believed. The cost to the pharmaceutical industry of these employees is around 5 billion dollars a year. Income for each rep grosses close to or above 100,000 grand a year on average, along with great benefits and a company car, as well as stock options as they gladly work from their homes.
The main function these days of drug reps, I believe, is primarily to offer doctors various types of inducements of a certain value. The drug sampling of doctors may be considered an inducement, and a rather valuable one for the drug rep, as many believe that these samples are what ultimately influence the doctor's prescribing habits over anything else, including statements from drug reps. This may be why the drug industry spends around 20 billion every year on samples.
While historically drug reps have used their persuasive abilities to influence the prescribing habits of doctors in an honest and ethical manner. However presently, most health care providers now simply refuse to speak with them, or have banned all drug reps permanently from their practices for a number of reasons, including the recommendations from their colleagues. It is possible that this may be due to the following reasons:
1. The doctors lose money. Doctors are normally busy, so their time is valuable. As a drug rep, you are a waste of their time. Yet they will accept your samples still. The credibility you possibly have as a rep is not considered anymore to be present in your vocation due to various controversies associated with the pharmaceutical industry, it is speculated.
2. Most drug reps in the U.S. are hired for their looks and their personality. As a result, many are somewhat ignorant in regards to anything that is clinically relevant to a medical practice, so doctors seem to know this and have responded in such ways. Most drug reps have college degrees that do not correlate with their profession as a drug rep, which is to say that the clinical training of drug reps is limited. In fact, many consider this of such a serious nature that an Act is presently being considered called the SafeRx Act that would certify pharmaceutical reps, and this would be mandatory. One main reason would be to ensure personal accountability for their tactics and statements, I believe, which may improve the quality and safety of their function in the medical community.
3. Many drug reps, it is believed, are void of any ethical considerations due to ignorance of what they are coerced to do or say to prescribers by their employer, and this allows them to embellish the benefits of their promoted products at times in addition to offering inducements to doctors. This is usually due to the rep being unaware of the consequences of their actions at times, yet at other times what reps say is with premeditated intent for potential financial gain for such a drug rep. Worse yet, due to pressure to keep their high-paying jobs, they always are anxious to please their superiors, who require them to offer various types of inducements to physicians that are designated targets of a particular drug company. Such tactics are especially true with the larger drug companies. These reps are in fact coerced to spend these individual promotional budgets assigned to them by their employer. While legally risky, the drug companies continue to dispense to their reps these large budgets reps have been forced to be responsible for dispensing, and are required to spend these budgets. In fact, so much emphasis is placed on this promotional spending, there seems to be an association between the money a rep spends and the progression that occurs with their career working for their pharmaceutical employer. Disclosure laws are being considered presently to mandate the release of all funds dispensed from pharmaceutical companies, which is to say to allow others to see where their money goes and who it goes to, as it is presently very secretive, overall. It is not unusual for a big drug rep to spend 50 thousand dollars a year for clinic lunches alone. In addition, drug reps hire doctors as speakers for certain disease states, and they find many other ways to spend this money they are required to spend.
4. Another issue is what is referred to as data mining. The American Medical Association sells this prescribing data on individual doctors to pharmaceutical companies, which allows them to track the scripts a doctor writes, and the data is free of the patient names. Yet the names the products prescribed are well illustrated and available to the drug reps. This allows reps to tailor their tactical approach with any given doctor, if they see the doctor at all during an office visit. Worse yet, doctors who greatly support the promoted products determined by this data allow reps to reward those doctors who favor the rep's products that they promote, and this could be considered a form of quid pro quo. Laws are being considered presently to prevent this practice of allowing reps to have this data. Doctors are opposed to the data the reps have as well about them for privacy and deceptive reasons, so they say.
5. Overall, reps can be best described as far as their function goes with their profession is to, whenever possible, manipulate doctors with remuneration or other forms of inducements, as they also continue to sample such doctors along with others their promoted meds. Also, frequent lunches are in fact bought often for doctors' offices and their staff as a method of access, primarily, as stated earlier with the money reps spend earlier for this type of function. Essentially, because of the income and benefits the drug reps receive that they would likely not be able to obtain with any other job, they are compelled to do such unethical if not illegal tactics mentioned earlier that they perhaps normally would not do in another setting. Usually these drug reps rarely refuse to implement such tactics encouraged to them by their employers.
6. Samples keep the prescriber from selecting what may be their preferred choice of med due to cost savings from samples left with a medical office by a drug rep. In addition, doctors are now being paid by prescription providers, which are called pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that are typically owned by a managed care company to have a doctor switch their patients to generic substitutes, if they exist, and this is often not disclosed to such patients. Apparently, these PBM companies are doing this in response to the activities of the branded drug companies, as they continue pay doctors often for various reasons, which are questionable in themselves.
It is likely that most drug reps are good and intelligent people who unfortunately are coerced to do things that may be considered corruptive to others in order to maintain their employment, ultimately. It seems that external regulation is necessary to prevent the drug companies from allowing the autonomy of drug reps that exists, with their encouragement, which forces the reps to do the wrong thing for the medical community, possibly. Clearly, greed has replaced ethics with this element of the health care system, which is the pharmaceutical industry, as illustrated with what occurs within these companies. However, reversing this misguided focus of drug companies is not impossible if the right action is taken for the benefit of public health. Likely, if there are no drug reps, there is no one to employ such tactics mentioned earlier. Because authentically educating doctors does not appear to be the reason for their vocation. This is far from being the responsibility of a pharmaceutical sales representative.
"What you don't do can be a destructive force." --- Eleanor Roosevelt
Dan Abshear - Monday, May 26, 2008 11:24:00 PM
Complaining about it here while being unable to have an honest, decent exchange with the rep about the items that won't make you prescribe his product is avoidant and passive to me. If you are bothered by the lunches, why cant you just say no to these lunches. And if you want your staff not to be deprived of those lunches, well then welcome the lunches and the conversation with the rep but to appear very accomodating, smiling, while seething inside shows your disorder in interpersonal dealings. Something to think about. Be real, that's all. Heck, I've had a lot of reps through but they know that their lunches are not our handshakes. They are merely business and social necessities of each other's trade. That's fine with me. But I make sure I am the doctor and be forthcoming and honest without being rude to the guy/gal who are just doing his/her job.
- Friday, March 27, 2009 8:04:00 PM


text:
LYON, France – Operations carried out in Togo and Ghana co-ordinated by INTERPOL have resulted in the seizure of pirated and counterfeit goods worth USD 1.5 million.
Products including soup cubes, computer supplies, African fabrics, plastic packaging used for food and water, cigarettes and CDs were recovered by around 100 police, customs and Intellectual Property crime specialists during Operation Atlantic which also saw 16 arrests.
In addition to conducting raids on wholesalers and markets in the city centres of Lomé, Togo and Accra, Ghana, officers also carried out checks and seizures at the seaport of Tema in Ghana, one of the key entry points for merchandise in Western Africa.
"These operations enabled the law enforcement agencies in Ghana and Togo to focus on products and commodities specific to the region, such as wax textiles and packaging for food and drinks, products which consumers would assume to be genuine," said Operation Atlantic co-ordinator Roberto Manriquez, a criminal intelligence officer from INTERPOL's Intellectual Property crime unit at its General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon.
"Operation Atlantic again shows that there is nothing which cannot be counterfeited and that the criminals behind this illegal trade will try to profit in any way from activities which endanger the health and safety of consumers."
The operations, which were conducted between 28 March and 8 April, followed a series of INTERPOL training programmes to update national police on successful investigation techniques as well as tackling wider consumer health and safety issues arising from dangerous counterfeit goods.
Operation Atlantic is the latest in a series of anti-counterfeiting operations co-ordinated by INTERPOL, including Operation Jupiter in the Americas region which in 2010 saw interventions across 13 countries result in the seizure of fakes worth USD 200 million and more than 1,000 people arrested.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
16-year-old Salmina lives in Mozambique. Last year, at only 15, she felt that her life was at stake when she was forced to marry a 58-year-old man and leave school.
Thanks to a community member who was trained in child protection issues by World Vision, she escaped from the nightmare. Now she is looking forward to going back to school and pursuing her dream of teaching mathematics. Read how World Vision is helping to raise awareness around this important issue.
* * *
"The man came [to] our home one afternoon and found us sitting after lunch," recalls Salmina. "He told my father that he wanted to marry me."
Salmina woke up to a destructive truth: She would be one more child with broken dreams in Mozambique, one of 10 countries around the world with high rates of child marriage.
Here, one in two women gets married before age 18 and one in four gets married before 15.
"I was so shocked when I heard that," says the 16-year-old, recalling one of worst days of her life.
Her opinion was never even asked. It was her father's choice to decide her future. She had to listen and remain quiet until the conversation was done.
"I regretted I was unable to express my feeling or decide for myself," Salmina says.
After that meeting, she did not hear from the man for a little while. She was so hopeful the man would give up his intentions.
She was mistaken.
He returned again with a case of beer, another of soft drinks, and 1200 meticais (US$40) for the presentation ceremony, as tradition demanded in southern Mozambique.
The ceremony took place, and as happens in most cases, Salmina dropped out of school.
The news broke the heart of the local chief Hilário Vilanculos, father of three, who could not bear the situation. He reported it to the community leader, who called Salmina's father and the man who was about to marry her for a hearing.
The two men were convinced that the Salmina was not ready for marriage yet, insisting that she return to school.
"My role is to educate my peers [about] the advantages of a child continuing their studies instead of getting married early," Vilanculos says. "There is too much resistance of people regarding this. It was not easy for them to accept this at once, but after in-depth explanations they realized that this is important."
Good news was about to come and fill Salmina´s heart with hope again.
"I knew then that the authorities succeeded to convince my father," Salmina says, with a big smile shining on her face. "I was so happy and I [ran] to share the news with my friend."
To complete her happiness, there is one more thing she needs to do: "I want to return to school. My only and best friend, Finani, is going to school and I am not," Salmina says.
Looking back, her father agrees that this was the right thing to do. Despite his challenges to provide for his children, one thing is sure — his daughter is returning to school next year.
"I think it was good that she did not marry him, and will only marry when [her] education [is] concluded," Salmina's father says.
Hilário Vilanculo, whose role was crucial in helping Salmina avoid being a child wife, was also happy with the result.
"When I managed to stop this marriage, I felt good. I feel motivated because I am responsible, I am a father, and I would feel satisfied if all parents could accept that their children have the right to continue their studies," Vilanculos explains.
"To stop a matter like this one is not easy, you need to be brave," he continues. "Our relationship with other people is not upon the rights of children and the benefits of the community, because here the future of a child is at stake."
World Vision has been promoting mobilization campaigns in the community, demonstrating the benefits of encouraging children to continue their studies. The partnership with influential community members among community leaders, local chiefs, and local authorities has been vital to achieving this goal.
"Before the Child Protection [program came] we had a number of early marriages," he says. "Children dropped out over early pregnancy and early marriage, but thanks to the awareness the Child Protection brought that has been reducing. We have children, especially girls, who study beyond basic education. Others even reach the higher degrees," Vilanculos adds.
World Vision has been providing legal assistance, judicial assistance, and psychosocial assistance to the victims and their families, thanks to an agreement established with Legal Aid Institute, the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, and psychosocial aid institutes.
Child sponsorship is one of the best ways to protect children and keep them in school. Consider sponsoring a child in Mozambique today!


text:
Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
Gum Surgery near Swampscott, Reading MA
Cosmetic periodontal procedures are a conventional way to cover unsightly, sensitive, or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short, unsightly teeth, this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. Bernstein, Dr. Lock, Dr. Singh, Dr. Sterio, Dr. Hanratty, and and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist.
Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure, crown lengthening. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to more than one tooth, to even your gum line, and to create a beautiful smile.
Another cosmetic procedure is the soft tissue graft. It is used to cover unattractive tooth roots, reduce gum recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual loss.
Tooth loss causes the jaw bone to recede and can lead to an unnatural looking indentation in your gums and jaw, and appearance of a general aging. The original look of your mouth may not be recaptured because of spaces remaining under and between replacement teeth. They may appear too long compared to nearby teeth.
Bone grafting following tooth loss can preserve the socket/ridge and minimize gum and bone collapse. There is less shrinkage and a more aesthetic tooth replacement for either an implant crown or fixed bridge around the replacement teeth.
For more information about gum grafting, and bone grafting, please refer to the treatment section of our website, and click on each individual procedure for an in-depth description.
Call us with any questions or choose an option below to book your appointment online.
Request Online Video Consultation In-Person Office AppointmentsPerico
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text:
How to build OpenBIOS on Mac OS X
Apple's GCC on Mac OS X does not support the elf binary format. So compiling OpenBIOS on Mac OS X is not easy. Thankfully someone has already made a PowerPC cross compiler for Mac OS X that can compile OpenBIOS. Note: this tutorial was made with Mac OS 10.6. I suggest you use Mac OS 10.5 or higher when trying to build OpenBIOS.
Part 1: Installing the cross compiler on Mac OS X
1). Download the AWOS cross compiler: http://awos.wilcox-tech.com/downloads/AWOS-CC.bz2
2) Expand this bz2 file by double clicking on it.
3) Rename the file AWOS-CC to AWOS-CC.img.
4) Open the image file.
5) Open the "AWOS Cross-Compiler for OS X" file on the newly mounted disk.
6) Select the "PowerPC Support" and the "i386 Support" check boxes when given the option.
7) Continue with the installation until it is finished.
8) Add the new compiler's folder to the PATH variable. This is the command you use if you are in the Bash shell:
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/ppcelfgcc/bin
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/i386elf/i386elf/bin
Note: the above step will probably need to be repeated with each new session of the shell you start. It can be made permanent by altering the .bash_profile file for the Bash shell. It is located in your home folder.
To open this file use these commands:
cd ~
open .bash_profile
Then simply paste the export commands in this file. Save changes when you are done.
To test to see if the cross compilers work issue these commands:
i386-elf-gcc --version
ppc-elf-gcc --version
You should see a message like this print:
ppc-elf-gcc (GCC) 4.2.3
Copyright (C) 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
This should conclude installing the compiler.
Part 2: Building OpenBIOS from source code
1) Open the Terminal application.
2) Change the current directory to the inside of the openbios-devel folder.
3) Open the file makefile.target and add a # in front of this text "CFLAGS+= -Werror". Save the changes when done.
4) Type this command in the terminal and watch the show:
CROSS_COMPILE=ppc-elf- ./config/scripts/switch-arch ppc && make build-verbose
There is a known build issue when building on Mac OS 10.6. The switch-arch script will report your computer as 32 bit (x86) when it is really 64 bit (amd64). If you see the message "panic: segmentation violation at …" while building, you probably have this problem.
If this happens to you, try setting the HOSTARCH variable before using the switch-arch script.
HOSTARCH=amd64 CROSS_COMPILE=ppc-elf- ./config/scripts/switch-arch ppc && make build-verbose
To test out your newly created binary in qemu, use the -bios option:
qemu-system-ppc -bios <path to binary>/openbios-qemu.elf.nostrip
This tutorial was made using information available on 12/21/2017. If you encounter any problems, please report it to the openbios developer list: email@example.com.


text: Lindgen_Secret_Pond.jpg Put yourself shin-deep in your favorite trout stream. The water's cold and clean. Its course is broken by rocks and downed wood, sheltered by overhanging foliage. You know where the trout lie, and know where the fly needs to hit the water. You know what's hatching. Everything is perfect. What would you do to keep it just like it is? Anglers all over America volunteer for Trout Unlimited because they value the connection between healthy habitat and their opportunity to chase trout in their favorite places. Conservation is TU's hallmark—no other group does what we do for fish and for those who pursue them. Check out the latest examples of TU's good work, and join TU to become a part of the organization that makes fishing better.


text:
BRUSSELS, Belgium – Sharing and managing police data related to organized crime is the aim of the INTERPOL West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Programme, which held its inaugural workshop on 21-22 November.
Developed by INTERPOL, the WAPIS Programme is an EU-funded project initiated during Belgium's presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2010. The project facilitates the collection, centralization, management, sharing and analysis of police information among countries belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Mauritania.
The event marked the beginning of the first planning phase of the WAPIS Programme and was attended by senior law enforcement officers from West Africa, including INTERPOL's Vice President for Africa, Adamu Mohammed from Nigeria, together with representatives of the European Union, ECOWAS and CIVIPOL. The two-day workshop also brought together the points of contact of the five pilot countries (Benin, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania and Niger) and Sierra Leone.
The Special Representative of INTERPOL to the EU, Pierre Reuland, said: "WAPIS is an ambitious programme and unique in its genre. WAPIS will become a regional system, compatible with European countries and the rest of the world through the INTERPOL I-24/7 secure global police communications system."
The workshop focused on evaluating the existing police data and flows in the five pilot countries in order to assess their needs, and concluded with a visit to the data centre of the Belgian Integrated Police and a demonstration of their systems.
The WAPIS Programme forms one of the pillars of the EU's Cocaine Route Programme and is financed through the Instrument of Stability. During the opening, Adriaan van der Meer, Head of Unit, Instrument for Stability, Nuclear Safety, of the European Commission DG Development and Cooperation – EuropeAid stated: "The WAPIS Programme will enhance the exchange of criminal information between West African countries themselves and the rest of the world using modern policing tools to fight threats posed by organized crime as well as terrorism."
Besides the EU and the pilot countries, ECOWAS is a crucial partner for the WAPIS Programme, as it will be the final owner of the police information system. Colonel Dieng, Head of Regional Security Division of ECOWAS, underlined the importance of early involvement and ongoing cooperation between all partners.
In 2013, five other workshops will follow in West African countries in order to assess in detail the needs of the countries and to establish a detailed plan for the second and third phases of the WAPIS Programme.


text:
Published 3:56 am Tuesday, December 4, 2012
NEW YORK (AP) — Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein are the finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
The three players invited to attend the presentation ceremony in New York were announced Monday on ESPN.
Manziel is the favorite to win college football's most famous player of the year award on Saturday night in Manhattan. He would be the first freshman to win the Heisman and the first Texas A&M player since halfback John David Crow won the school's only Heisman in 1957.
The closest a freshman has come to winning the Heisman was Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma in 2004, when he finished second to Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart. Peterson was a true freshman. Manziel is a redshirt freshman, meaning he attended school last year and practiced with the team but did not play in a game.
Michael Vick of Virginia Tech came in third in 1999 as a redshirt freshman and Herschel Walker was a true freshman for Georgia in 1980 when he finished third in the Heisman balloting.
Nicknamed Johnny Football, Manziel quickly became a national sensation this season, putting up huge numbers in first-year Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin's spread offense. He led the 10th-ranked Aggies to a 10-2 record in their first season in the Southeastern Conference.
With a knack for improvisation, Manziel racked up an SEC-record 4,600 yards of total offense, including 1,181 rushing to lead the conference. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Manziel zoomed to the front of the Heisman race on Nov. 10, when he passed for 253 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 92 yards as the Aggies upset then-No. 1 Alabama 29-24 in Tuscaloosa.
Manziel and Texas A&M will play Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.
Te'o is trying to become the first defense-only player to win the Heisman. The Fighting Irish have seven Heisman winners, tied for the most with Ohio State and Southern California, but none since Tim Brown in 1987.
He became the face of the No. 1 team in the country and leader of a defense that has been the toughest to score upon in the nation. The senior intercepted seven passes, second-most in the country and tops for a linebacker. He also led the Fighting Irish with 103 tackles, and earlier Monday won the Butkus Award as country's best linebacker.
Te'o and the Irish face No. 2 Alabama in the BCS championship game on Jan. 7 in Miami.
Klein would be the first player from Kansas State to win the Heisman. He seemed to be the front-runner for several weeks until Manziel's late push. When Klein threw three interceptions in the Wildcats' late-season loss to Baylor, Manziel moved to the front of the race.
Klein is a multitalented quarterback like Manziel, but with a different approach. The 6-5, 226-pound senior is a bullish runner who scored 22 touchdowns and threw for 15 more, while leading the seventh-ranked Wildcats (11-1) to the Big 12 title. Earlier in the day, Klein won the Johnny Unitas Award given to the top senior quarterback in the nation.
Kansas State plays Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl.


text:
I've often heard people proclaim "Oh, fudge!" and mean it as a profanity. That just seems wrong to me--fudge should in no way be associated with anything negative. In my eyes, it's a gift from God. Manna from Heaven, if you will. Would you agree?
Although I personally prefer my mint fudge, this version by my Mammacita is for the chocolate purist. If ever anything melted in your mouth, this is it. It's smooth and creamy, as fudge should be, but some of its appeal is that it's not too rich. It seems to be the perfect balance of decadent chocolate and subtle sweetness. Kudos to you, Mamster. Kudos to you. And by kudos, I mean bear hugs and more fudge.
Fudge a la Mammicus
18 oz semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 bags)
14 oz condensed milk
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 cup marshmallow crème
Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in intervals until chips are melted. Stir in the peanut butter and marshmallow crème and mix until thoroughly combined. Pour mixture into an 8x8" pan lined with wax paper and refrigerate until set. Cut into bite-sized morsels of delight.
January 15, 2009
for the purist
Yum55 comments:
- Culinary Wannabe said...
Just when I think my fudge cravings have disappeared with the holidays! It's not even 8 am, and because of this post I am throwing chocolate bits into my yogurt. :)
- January 15, 2009 at 7:29 AM
- Anonymous said...
I could so make that right now!
Who cares if the holidays are over.....isn't Valentine's Day coming up????
Yummmmmmmm...... - January 15, 2009 at 8:18 AM
- Gloria Baker said...
Grace I really love fudge and this look absolutely tempting!!!! LOL Gloria
- January 15, 2009 at 8:24 AM
- Elle said...
I'm with Rachael--Valentine's Day is looming on the horizon. This would be perfect! And even the kids could make it!
- January 15, 2009 at 8:33 AM
- Peter M said...
Yesterday I was in the fcuk store and I was thinking...FUDGE!
Valentines eh? Skip dinner and just eat fcuk, er fudge. - January 15, 2009 at 8:40 AM
- kat said...
I can see the appeal of this though I think fudge is too sweet for me
- January 15, 2009 at 9:13 AM
- sunita said...
I agree :-) and with fudge like yours, who wouldn't :-D
- January 15, 2009 at 9:18 AM
- Theresa said...
Oh Fudge!!! I can't help my self when it comes to fudge. I made it for the holidays and nearly at the whole darn thing!!! Now I'm paying to shed those lbs!!
- January 15, 2009 at 9:53 AM
- Ingrid_3Bs said...
MMMMM, marshmallow creme! I bet it taste wonderful. Thanks Mamacita! :-)
~ingrid - January 15, 2009 at 10:47 AM
- Anonymous said...
There's peanut butter in there?! Delicious.
- January 15, 2009 at 12:00 PM
- Veronica said...
Thanks to a fudge-filled holiday I've had to add 15 minutes to my elliptical workout everyday...and now this?? Oh the temptation!
- January 15, 2009 at 12:03 PM
- OhioMom said...
Oh I like the simplicity of the recipe, and peanut butter too ?
YUM! - January 15, 2009 at 12:12 PM
- vanillasugarblog said...
yes manna from the gods, oh yes.
I'm with you on the mint fudge too.
I don't know if I've made this version though, but I will be, hello! - January 15, 2009 at 12:21 PM
- Heather said...
mmm. your mom sounds like a chocolate master!
- January 15, 2009 at 12:28 PM
- Paula said...
Fudge is definitely food of the gods. YUM! Plus, it's gluten free, too!
- January 15, 2009 at 12:39 PM
- LyB said...
Chocolate, marshmallow crème and a hint of peanut butter... I think your mom is on to something! :)
- January 15, 2009 at 12:48 PM
- Susan @ SGCC said...
I am a fudge purist and this looks amazing! This recipe is definitely going in the queue!
- January 15, 2009 at 1:09 PM
- Pam said...
I love simple fudge recipes. This looks and sounds so good.
- January 15, 2009 at 1:17 PM
- Sandie said...
Is it sad to admit that fudge was my first love? And from simple recipes to the ones that are a p.i.t.a. to make, I love them all!
- January 15, 2009 at 1:22 PM
- Habbala said...
WOW! This looks amazing and simple. I am totally going to make some this weekend!!!!
- January 15, 2009 at 1:37 PM
- Marjie said...
No, I never say "Oh, fudge!" It's always considerably less polite than that. Fudge is a good thing, and is usually used as in "Oh, fudge, please! Not too much, just enough to satisfy the chocoholic in me!"
- January 15, 2009 at 2:01 PM
- Anonymous said...
Thanks to your Mammicus for sharing her fudge recipe! I can't believe how simple but good it looks :)
- January 15, 2009 at 6:34 PM
- La Bella Cooks said...
I love making fudge and this reminds me I need to get to it! This is a perfect and easy recipe.
- January 15, 2009 at 6:47 PM
- Robin said...
I love the names you have given you Mammallammadingdong. I have funny names for my mom too! Gotta love the fudge, looks so decadent!
- January 15, 2009 at 8:06 PM
- La Cuisine d'Helene said...
Looks insane. My boys would love it.
- January 15, 2009 at 8:47 PM
- Bunny said...
My son has been asking me for fudge, i think this is a sign that I should make it!
- January 15, 2009 at 10:37 PM
- MaryBeth said...
I love fudge, yours looks very good. My diabetic blood sugars are going through just looking at it.
- January 15, 2009 at 10:51 PM
- Emily said...
Oh my. Yes. I need some fudge. I didn't have ANY at Christmas. That's terrible! Do you like peanut butter fudge? Mmmmmmmm.
- January 15, 2009 at 11:54 PM
- Anonymous said...
The ingredients alone made me swoon...I wouldn't even need a picture.
- January 16, 2009 at 2:36 AM
- Katie said...
I ate way to much during the holidays but your 1 tablespoon of peanut butter just seems like a tease.
- January 16, 2009 at 9:21 AM
- Mike of Mike's Table said...
I didn't know what I wanted to do for dessert this weekend, but now I do. Oh fudge how I love thee
- January 16, 2009 at 10:27 AM
- Alejandra Ramos said...
Just the picture of fudge makes my mouth drool. I just love it even though I've never actually made any. I think I'm really going to have to try it out!
- January 16, 2009 at 10:51 AM
- Jessica@Foodmayhem said...
I love chocolate but fudge is too sweet for me.
- January 16, 2009 at 11:15 AM
- Chef Fresco said...
ummmmm fudge... it's like the caviar of chocolate
- January 16, 2009 at 11:34 AM
- Anonymous said...
Gosh, I love fudge. It's been so long since I made it though. It's one of my favorites.
- January 16, 2009 at 2:44 PM
- The Blonde Duck said...
I love peanut butter fudge. And caramel fudge...
- January 16, 2009 at 9:02 PM
- Sophie said...
The kind of fudge I crave all depends on my mood, kind of like my taste in music :). I could go for this right now...and the mint fudge, I feel gluttonous, that's the mood I'm in! :)
- January 16, 2009 at 10:25 PM
- Sharon said...
When I exclaim "oh fudge!" its not taking the fudge's name in vain. Rather, I'm thinking to myself "if only I had eaten fudge, my lack of good judgement wouldn't have happened."
Enough of my craziness...this looks amazing! - January 17, 2009 at 1:58 AM
- KJ said...
I've never made fudge before, this looks like a good way to start.
- January 17, 2009 at 6:46 AM
- Sandy said...
oh, how i'd like to dive into that fudge right now. gift from GOD? yes!
- January 17, 2009 at 8:09 AM
- Tiina said...
Oh yes! And I totally agree with your funge philosophy. :)
- January 17, 2009 at 2:42 PM
- pam said...
I believe that I could live on fudge alone. I collect fudge recipes like some people collect fine antiques.
- January 17, 2009 at 4:36 PM
- Manger La Ville said...
Wow this sounds like a really easy way to make fudge. I just recently made fudge for father as a Christmas recipe. It took a decent amount of work and timing. I think these chocolaty and decadent.
- January 17, 2009 at 5:15 PM
- Nazarina A said...
I totally agree and you took such a good picture of your fudge , just sitting there and teasing us!
- January 17, 2009 at 5:24 PM
- Anonymous said...
Mmmmm... fudge. It's not just for Christmas any more. :)
Looks amazing!! - January 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM
- Maria said...
I wish I could have a little taste! The fudge looks fabulous!!
- January 17, 2009 at 8:03 PM
- veggie belly said...
Wow, what a gorgeous looking piece of fudge! I'm salivating for some!
- January 17, 2009 at 11:12 PM
- Anonymous said...
o wow i didn't know that was how you made fudge. and such few ingredients!! i reeeally want chocolate now....
- January 18, 2009 at 2:48 AM
- Lori said...
Okay I am seriously drooling. I think if I ate this I would go into sugar coma. Yum! I'll take a piece of that and a piece of the peppermint one to go please.
- January 18, 2009 at 1:35 PM
- Jaime said...
i haven't made fudge in forever. want to send some of that my way? :)
- January 18, 2009 at 4:22 PM
- Deborah said...
So many people think fudge is just for the holidays - I totally disagree with that. This looks amazing!
- January 19, 2009 at 1:28 PM
- Anonymous said...
wow, the recipe sounds so simple and looks very delicious. I like the addition of a tablespoon of peanut butter!
- January 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- Lore said...
I agree! It would be such a said world without this kind of teasing, delicious fudge.
- January 19, 2009 at 3:26 PM
- test it comm said...
That fudge is looking really good!
- January 22, 2009 at 10:24 PM
- Jeanne said...
Some of my earliest cooking memories are of making chocolate fudge with my mom - I used to eat all the little blobs of fudge that she put in cold water to test whether it had been boiled long enough :) I love the sound of peanut butter in the recipe!
- January 31, 2009 at 7:31 PM


text:
Goat Milk Compared to Cow's Milk
What does goat's milk give you that cow's milk doesn't? In many parts of the world, goat's milk is preferred to cow's milk. Even in the United States, goat milk is gaining popularity. Goats eat less and occupy less grazing space than cows, and in some families the backyard goat supplies milk for family needs. Goat's milk is believed to be more easily digestible and less allergenic than cow's milk. Does it deserve this reputation? Let's disassemble goat's milk, nutrient-by-nutrient, to see how it compares with cow's milk.
Different Fat
Goat's milk contains around ten grams of fat per eight ounces compared to 8 to 9 grams in whole cow's milk, and it's much easier to find lowfat and non-fat varieties of cow's milk than it is to purchase lowfat goat's milk. Unlike cow's milk, goat's milk does not contain agglutinin. As a result, the fat globules in goat's milk do not cluster together, making them easier to digest. Like cow's milk, goat's milk is low in essential fatty acids, because goats also have EFA-destroying bacteria in their ruminant stomachs. Yet, goat milk is reported to contain more of the essential fatty acids linoleic and arachnodonic acids, in addition to a higher proportion of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids. These are easier for intestinal enzymes to digest.
Different Protein
Goat milk protein forms a softer curd (the term given to the protein clumps that are formed by the action of your stomach acid on the protein), which makes the protein more easily and rapidly digestible. Theoretically, this more rapid transit through the stomach could be an advantage to infants and children who regurgitate cow's milk easily.
Goat's milk may also have advantages when it comes to allergies. It contains only trace amounts of an allergenic casein protein, alpha-S1, found in cow's milk. Goat's milk casein is more similar to human milk, yet cow's milk and goat's milk contain similar levels of the other allergenic protein, beta-lactoglobulin. Scientific studies have not found a decreased incidence of allergy with goat's milk, but here is another situation where mothers' observations and scientific studies are at odds with one another. Some mothers are certain that their child tolerates goat's milk better than cow's milk, and mothers are more sensitive to children's reactions than scientific studies.
Less Lactose
Goat's milk contains slightly lower levels of lactose (4.1 percent versus 4.7 percent in cow's milk), which may be a small advantage in lactose-intolerant persons.
Different Minerals
Although the mineral content of goat's milk and cow's milk is generally similar, goat's milk contains 13 percent more calcium, 25 percent more vitamin B-6, 47 percent more vitamin A, 134 percent more potassium, and three times more niacin. It is also four times higher in copper. Goat's milk also contains 27 percent more of the antioxidant selenium than cow's milk. Cow's milk contains five times as much vitamin B-12 as goat's milk and ten times as much folic acid (12 mcg. in cow's milk versus 1 mcg. for goat's milk per eight ounces with an RDA of 75-100 mcg. for children).
The fact that goat's milk contains less than ten percent of the amount of folic acid contained in cow's milk means that it must be supplemented with folic acid in order to be adequate as a formula or milk substitute for infants and toddlers, and popular brands of goat's milk may advertise "supplemented with folic acid" on the carton.
Goat Milk Formula vs Commercial Formula for Allergic Infants
Parents of babies allergic to cow's milk and other commercial formulas often ask if it's safe to use goat's milk as an alternative. In theory, goat's milk is less allergenic and more easily digestible than cow's milk, but it should not be used as a substitute for infant formula. Like cow's milk, it can cause intestinal irritation and anemia. If your baby under one year of age is allergic to cow's milk-based formulas, try either a soy-based formula or a hypoallergenic formula. If your baby can't tolerate either soy or hypoallergenic formulas, in consultation with your doctor and/or a pediatric nutritionist see the goat's milk formula recipe below.
This formula has stood the test of time. One batch contains 715 calories and nineteen calories per ounce, which is essentially the same as cow's milk formulas. This is sufficient for an infant six to twelve months. A baby on goat's milk formula should also receive a multi-vitamin with iron supplement prescribed by her doctor. In infants over one year of age, goat's milk can be readily used instead of cow's milk. (Be sure to buy goat's milk that is certified free of antiobiotics and bovine growth hormone (BGH). For more information about goat's milk call 1-800-891-GOAT.)
Goat's Milk Recipes
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before feeding any recipes to infants as a formula. Raw (unpasteurized) goat milk may be unsafe for infants, so be sure to use a pasteurized brand.
(12 oz container) Powdered Goat Milk | Water | Rice Syrup | Calories (per oz.) |
6 Scoops (84 g) | 36 oz. | 6 ½ Tbsp. | 20 |
As baby matures during their first year, gradually increase ratio of powder to water until whole milk level is reached (see below). Discontinue adding rice syrup (carbohydrates). | |||
To reconstitute to Whole Milk | |||
Powdered Goat Milk | Water | Calories (per oz.) | |
8 scoops (112 g) | 32 oz. | 19 |
Evaporated Goat Milk | Water | Rice Syrup | Calories (per oz.) |
12 oz. | 24 oz. | 5 Tbsp. | 20 |
As baby matures during their first year, gradually increase ratio of evaporated goat milk to water until whole milk level is reached (see below). Discontinue adding rice syrup (carbohydrates). | |||
To reconstitute to Whole Milk | |||
Evaporated Goat Milk | Water | Calories (per oz.) | |
12 oz | 12 oz. | 19 |
Alternative carbohydrates include corn syrup and simple table sugar.
Table Sugar = 48 calories per Tbsp.
Corn Syrup = 60 calories per Tbsp.
Rice Syrup = 42 calories per Tbsp.
NOTE: Any time goat milk is the sole source of nutrition, we recommend the feeding of a vitamin supplement. Always consult your healthcare provider before using goat milk formula.


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The dough for the crackers is just like that for refrigerator cookies. In fact, you can keep the dough wrapped and refrigerated and just slice and bake some crackers as you need them rather than making them all at once. Flour, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, finely chopped garlic, and salt were pulsed in a food processor. Anchovy paste is an optional ingredient, and I added it because I love the extra hit of umami from anchovies. So, the anchovy paste was added with some water, and the mixture was pulsed until the dough came together. The dough was divided in half, and each was kneaded and rolled into a long cylinder. The dough cylinders were wrapped in plastic and chilled for a couple of hours. Meanwhile, I made the tapenade which was started by sauteing finely chopped shallot and garlic, and fresh thyme. Then, chopped pitted Castelvetrano green olives, pitted Kalamata black olives, and finely chopped preserved lemon were added and warmed. The tapenade can be stored in the refrigerator and re-warmed before serving. The cracker dough cylinders were sliced into thin circles, the circles were topped with freshly ground black pepper, and then baked for about 15 minutes until browned and crunchy.
These peppery, parmesany, and slightly lemony crackers with the tapenade were great with drinks for a pre-dinner snack. And, I love that I don't have to fret about what I could possibly make to go with dip ever again. I just have to decide which combo to try next.
Caesar's Sables
Recipes reprinted with publisher's permission from Crackers and Dips.
Everyone loves Caesar salad. So what if you could fit all the savory, salty flavor of that brilliant salad into a little crumbly cracker? Caesar lovers everywhere, rejoice: here is your cracker! These rich crackers are similar to the French pastry/cookies called sables [sah-BLAY], which means "sandy," and as the name advertises, these crackers have a sandy, crumbly texture and they're very rich, thanks to an ample dose of lemon olive oil. The dough can be made up to three days in advance, so they're perfect for entertaining; just slice and bake when needed. Try them with a dab of Warm Olive Tapenade with Preserved Lemon, eat them by the handful, or use them as a garnish for Caesar salads as a sort of overgrown crouton. Whatever the application, they're tres delicieux.
2 cups/255 g unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup/115 g grated Parmesan cheese (firmly packed)
1/2 cup/120 ml lemon-infused olive oil, or extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp finely grated organic lemon zest
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 tbsp chopped anchovies (about 6 small fillets) or 1 tbsp anchovy paste (optional)
1/4 cup/60 ml water
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
In a food processor or large bowl, pulse or mix the flour, cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and salt until well combined and crumbly. Add the anchovies (if using) and water. Pulse or stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and begins to stick together, 15 pulses (do not overmix), stopping once to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Turn half of the dough out onto a 16-in-/40.5-cm-long piece of plastic wrap and squeeze and gently knead the dough to form it into an 8- to 9-in-/20- to 23-cm-long log that is about 1 1/4in/3.5 cm in diameter. Roll up the log in the plastic wrap and roll on the work surface under your palms to make a uniform cylinder. Repeat with the other half of the dough and another piece of plastic wrap. Chill the logs in the refrigerator until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/gas 4. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Unwrap the logs and use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to cut the logs crosswise into 1/8-in-/3-mmthick slices using a gentle sawing motion. If any crumbly bits break off while slicing, press them into the cracker and shape with your fingers into a round. Arrange the slices 1 in/2.5 cm apart on the baking sheets and sprinkle them with the pepper. If any of the crackers were sliced too thickly, use your fingers to press them out until they are of the same thickness as the others.
Bake until the crackers are golden brown around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Rotate the pans once from top to bottom and from back to front while baking. Transfer the crackers to a cooling rack. Once cool, store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Warm Olive Tapenade with Preserved Lemon
Cold olives leave me cold. You can marinate them, stuff them, or purée them into a tapenade, but if they're cool, I'm bored to tears. Warm olives are another matter. Applying just a little heat to olives transforms them into a fruity, sensuous pleasure. For this warm olive tapenade, I use a mix of meaty, bright green Castelvetrano olives (find them at olive bars or in jars at better markets) and brinier kalamata olives to achieve a balance of sweet, salty, fruity, and bitter flavors. This warm dip goes splendidly with the Caesar's Sables, the Smoked Almond Thins, and the buttery Macadamia Nut and Coconut Flour Club Crackers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, so it's a great homemade holiday gift; consider making a double batch so you can share the warm olive love.
1 cup/160 g pitted Castelvetrano green olives
1/2 cup/80 g pitted kalamata black olives
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon
In a food processor, pulse all the olives until they form a chunky paste the consistency of granola, or mound them on a cutting board and chop with a sharp chef's knife.
In a small saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic, and thyme and saute until the shallot is tender and the garlic is fragrant but not browned, 1 minute. Add the chopped olives and preserved lemon and cook, stirring frequently, until the olives are hot to the touch, 3 minutes. Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and serve immediately. (Once cool, the tapenade can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Rewarm in a small saucepan or in the microwave before serving.)


text:
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
I'm the Map...I'm the Map, I'm the Map, I'm the Map...
As far as my kids' names go...we've gotten one from Brooklyn, NY and one from Lexington, MA. Anyone from Austin, TX? Savannah, GA? Clayton, MO? Or Clayton, AL? Or Clayton, CA? Jackson, MS?
I hope this map works. You should be able to zoom in and out and if you click on a marker, you should be able to read the name of the town and the name of the person who sent the letter from there.
View Larger Map
Sorry I didn't think to stop and take a picture of my toilet-wading daughter yesterday. Will these pictures from July suffice?
60 comments:
- Michelle Kemper Brownlow said...
I was waiting for that picture of Brooklyn, too! :) - January 16, 2008 at 11:07 PM
- Mary said...
Glad to see South Dakota was represented in your cards already!
I was born in Jackson, Wyoming! Guess that makes me from there, even though I always say I'm from SoDak, but I live in Cali. I have a geographic identity crisis. - January 16, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Alabaster, AL on the way!!!!
Stephanie Honeycutt - January 16, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Wow--that's so great that you've gotten so many responses and that Austin's enjoying it! This reminds of Flat Stanley in a way...
LOL! Loved those pictures of Brooklyn in the toilet!
My little boy isn't mobile, yet, but if he ever does that, I think I would just die on the spot--no return! I have the weirdest aversion to toilets (and non-carpeted floors) that I just don't know what I'd do... - January 16, 2008 at 11:25 PM
- Debbie @ Three Weddings said...
Cool map. This is going to be very intersting.
- January 16, 2008 at 11:33 PM
- Laura ~Peach~ said...
WOW cool you got ours fast! it took me a bit to figure out how the map worked but i got it finally!
Laura ~peach~ and the pits LOL - January 16, 2008 at 11:45 PM
- Kim VanDerHoek said...
Oh, thanks for the reminder to send my postcard. I had it all filled out and everything. I just need a stamp and to remember to pop it in the mail. Remembering is the hard part!
- January 16, 2008 at 11:57 PM
This is such a cool project! I should have sent one in--I see that Oklahoma doesn't have the representation it could.
- January 17, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Wow... None from the great country to the north yet?
I will have to change that... maybe send some photos of the beauty that existsaround here. I do have a postcard already, but I may have to add some to it so that you dont think the whole country is as boring as my little town is! haha! I also need to remember that little stamp.... hmmm.
-Dustin. - January 17, 2008 at 12:28 AM
- Rick said...
Just pick up my post card today. Cost me $.30. But Austin is WELL worth it. Austin Meehan that is, not Austin, TX (With apologies to the Austinites, or Austinians, or Austiners, out there.)
http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/ - January 17, 2008 at 1:40 AM
Please know, I love your blog, and read it daily. I wish I could join the laughter about the baby in the toilet. Yes, funny, and cute. I have a friend who lost her son when he was playing in the toilet, his older brother left the seat up, little bro was playing with a toy and drowned. I seriously don't want to ruin the fun, but please be careful, shut the lid and lecture kids.. yeah yeah..I have four and know how that goes.
- January 17, 2008 at 1:53 AM
So glad you got my letter that fast. When the letter has been gone, I thought I could have written some of that stories about my grandma....
and there are some really funny and wild stories about that redskirt women in their traditional dress....
Heike from Hannover - January 17, 2008 at 3:35 AM
- Zsuzsanna said...
Hey, I check your blog every day, but I have never left a comment on it yet. I know you have a lot to do and don't have much time to sit and approve comments on your blog all day. I did e-mail you via e-bay when you had the auction just to thank you for making me laugh.
Anyway, that map is REALLY neat! We live in Tempe, AZ, and since you don't have anything from our state yet I'll be sure and get a card out to you this week. Also, our family is taking a 2-week European vacation in late Feb./early March, at which point I could send you more cards from Germany, Austria, Hungary, and possibly Switzerland. No, we are not independently wealthy! The tickets were only $350 /person, and my family lives all over the place there so we can stay with them.
We have 4 little ones (so far), three boys ages 6, 4, and 3 years old, and an 11 month old girl.
Keep up the great work! - January 17, 2008 at 3:50 AM
When my Dad was in the Army back in the '70s we were stationed in the Panama Canal Zone and lived on Ft. Clayton. That doesn't help Austin any (sorry).
- January 17, 2008 at 4:46 AM
Well, not from Mississippi, but Austin will get one from Jackson Minnesota!
BTW...I love your blog! - January 17, 2008 at 7:43 AM
I live off Clayton Road in Wildwood, MO (which is 10 miles west of Clayton, MO). Does that count?
I'll get my card off today!!
stlmom - January 17, 2008 at 7:51 AM
- LHD said...
Hey Dawn - Click here...look familiar?? Love your blog!!! Thanks so much for inspiring moms...Lauren
http://hallsey.blogspot.com/2008/01/diving-for.html - January 17, 2008 at 8:00 AM
I'm going to be getting mine out in the mail this week...I live in Poplarville, MS now, but I lived in Jackson for three years...does that count?? LOL
- January 17, 2008 at 8:11 AM
- Jessica said...
Hey...there's a Jackson, MI too! Hehe. I work there. I don't live there but I work there. I'll try to get a postcard out from Jackson, MI. I swear! I'll try!!!
- January 17, 2008 at 8:36 AM
Hi Dawn, I have my post card for Austin here just need to fill it in. There was only two to choose from so I picked the one I thought Austin would be interested in.Wanted to find one of Michigan Adventure amusment park. Kids love that place. Kristine in Michigan.
- January 17, 2008 at 8:38 AM
- Michelle said...
You should be getting mine in a couple days - that way Denver won't look so lonely there on the map : D (we're in Bailey)
- January 17, 2008 at 8:50 AM
- Jennie said...
Yay! That is such a fun project! Glad you guys got our letter! :)
- January 17, 2008 at 8:51 AM
- MaNiC MoMMy™ said...
Thanks for the whirlpool photos! Just think, back then you had three comments, now you get hundreds!
Did you get that contract in your hot little hands yet!?!? - January 17, 2008 at 9:00 AM
- momteacherfriend said...
How fun watching them come in. Glad you got ours.
Enjoy your project Austin! - January 17, 2008 at 9:05 AM
- Julie said...
My 2 year old once did "washey hair" in the toilet, because daddy left the seat up. Frankly, I'm just glad he had flushed! Now we just keep the bathroom door closed. The hard part is reminding our friends and family to do the same. Maybe I should relate the drowning story posted by another reader to emphasize my point.
I'm surprized Austin had only gotten 50 responses. The onslaught must be on it's way! - January 17, 2008 at 9:14 AM
- The LUCKY WIFE said...
I would LOVE to send Austin some info and pictures from Long Island, NY. But where do I send them? Sorry - I haven't been keeping up with your blog lately - I have some serious catching up to do! Since December 1st I think.. maybe even longer! Crazy months lately, but even still, I REALLY want to send some stuff for him, and you, and anyone who cares!
My husband's son had a Flat Stanley project for school. He sent us this paper man called Flat Stan and we took him out all over the island for pictures and stories and sent it back. He got an A, but actually, we had a blast doing it and would love to do it again for some one else! So if ANYONE out there needs a Flat Stan project, or some other paper man, please contact me for an address. firstname.lastname@example.com We really got a kick out of the faces on people when we asked that they pose with Flat Stan for a picture, at their jobs, or in their yards, or where ever they were.. it was fun! - January 17, 2008 at 9:23 AM
- Unknown said...
I live/work close to Austin, TX so I'll try to run down the street to get some postcards at lunch and send them to Mr. Austin!!!
- January 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
- Shelly said...
I love the map. I wish I had the opportunity to do this project in school. I love learning about different places. The map helps me get involved. I will be sending out my card on Friday. It is so exciting when our kids are excited and enjoying school.
- January 17, 2008 at 10:05 AM
- Nicole Wilson Conley said...
fun project!
i live near Clayton, NC - but not in it... I'm in Raleigh.
and i'm single with no children but i LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!
iamalmostthirty.blogspot.com - January 17, 2008 at 10:23 AM
- Lucille said...
Very very cool with the map! Dawn - are you a closet techie chick? LOL!
And the title - that was supposed to be sung via DORA the Explorer style - yes?
Thanks a lot...I've got that song stuck in my head now!
www.whosgoingtotellyou.blogspot.com - January 17, 2008 at 10:50 AM
- Mandolin said...
None from Alaska yet? I'll have to get my mom to send him one :D
- January 17, 2008 at 11:18 AM
- tm said...
Morning Dawn,
I live in Concord, CA which is right next to Clayton,CA. I am actually about a mile from the boarder. I would be happy to send you a post card but I need your address. You can send it to me at email@example.com - January 17, 2008 at 11:28 AM
- tm said...
Oh I found the link to your original post... no need to send you address. Thanks
- January 17, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Did anybody else notice that Dawn only got **3 COMMENTS** in her July post??? Unbelievable!!!
- January 17, 2008 at 11:41 AM
- MaBunny said...
I will get our postcard int he mail soon. Had to LOL at the Chickenbut comment now in Brooklyns vocabulary.
Hope all else is going well.
Mabunny - January 17, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Hi Dawn. I just thought I'd let you know there's also a Clayton, New Mexico. I used to live nearby, but it's such a small town I doubt you'll find any postcards from there.
- January 17, 2008 at 12:27 PM
This is my first comment, been reading your blog for a few months now, its great to hear your stories!
I'll be sending you guys some info on Delaware!!
I love your kid's names, what are thier middle names?
One last, thing I have a Brooklynn too, that is a great name! :o) - January 17, 2008 at 12:43 PM
- Bekah said...
I guess I'm not the only one who had good intentions but has yet to get anything into the mail to you....until today. Could not let your poor Savannah not get anything from Savannah, GA! Put a letter in the mail today!
- January 17, 2008 at 12:53 PM
What, no mail from Antarctica yet??
- January 17, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Hey, this is a shout out to Zsuzsanna in Tempe, AZ! I'll send Austin a card from Tucson, AZ so central and southern Arizona are represented. Any northern Arizona folks out there willing to send Austin a card?
By the way, Dawn, if you do have any more children and want to keep the trend of place names, there are several towns in Arizona to choose from - Carefree, Why, and, my personal favorite, Surprise.
Sandy in we-have-the-best-winter weather-anywhere, Tucson - January 17, 2008 at 1:48 PM
- Irishmama said...
Only one from PA so far? Hmmm. I went to 3 stores this week looking to purchase a postcard....I will get something out to you soon.
- January 17, 2008 at 2:03 PM
- Alexis AKA MOM said...
I can't wait to see my name and blip on the map appear ... LOL. Ok I must start with I'm sorry, my crazy Type A personality took over and I just had to print everything I could find about WA state. Hopefully you won't fall asleep reading it all =D. Thank you for all the fun stories. You make me laugh everyday and I know I'm not alone. My kids are normal? right? Hugs!
- January 17, 2008 at 2:36 PM
I'm a new reader of your blog and didn't realize, until today, that you have a daughter named Savannah! My name is Dawn & I have an almost 4 year old named Savannah. My husband's name is Jack, so maybe I live in a slightly parellel universe from you! ;-) And I break the similarities entirely with my 6 year old DJ (Danny Jack). I LOVE your blog, thanks for all the laughs. Can't wait for your book to come out!
- January 17, 2008 at 2:39 PM
- Femme au Foyer said...
Hi Dawn,
A card from Austin, TX is on it's way! :) - January 17, 2008 at 4:05 PM
I just spent 3.5 hours researching my "report" for Austin. Can't let Utah miss having its little flag on the map (or maybe it's because I just need to get a life!) Cool map by the way, where did you find it?
- January 17, 2008 at 4:35 PM
- Marly said...
I've been reading since your ebay and thanks so much! You've really helped me realize we all go through the same things :) I have a 5.5, almost 4 yr old boys and one 3 month old daughter.
I was just going to say that Utah wasn't represented but I see Angie is also from here. I'll try to find a fun post card and send it out.
Thanks for the laughs! - January 17, 2008 at 5:35 PM
- Jen lleras said...
I am so happy you got my postcard and i hope it helps, will you be posting any of the postcards? I picked the funniest most interesting one I could for you guys!
-Jen , Maryland - January 17, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Hi Dawn,
I'm planning on getting that letter to you about my town. But I didn't write the address done so if you could please do it again for me that would be great!!!
You make me LOL everyday and I look forward to waking up every morning to read your blog! - January 17, 2008 at 6:45 PM
A little off the subject BUT a friend of mine sent this to me today and I just HAD to pass it on to you and your followers (me included). Check this out, it is SO worth it:
Diane from Manteca, CA - January 17, 2008 at 7:26 PM
- Kristen said...
I love reading about your daily activities! what a great life! I am just figuring out all this blogging stuff, and i was wondering if you could tell me how I can get a video from youtube onto my blog? I am having lots of trouble!!
Thanks for making my day! - January 17, 2008 at 7:36 PM
I'm sending one from savannah, GA!! I love your blog!
- January 17, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Yeah - you got my letter - thanks for putting Beaver on the map ;o)
- January 17, 2008 at 10:11 PM
- Angela said...
The scariest thing for me: I immediately knew the tune that accompanies your title! "I'M THE MAP..." Now it's stuck in my head!
Love your blog...like everyone else!
-Angela - January 17, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Since this is an ongoing project, My city has a huge Winter festival coming up in February. (Wanna bundle up, come out to Winnipeg, and watch dog sled races and log sawing contests, and other sorts of strange behaviors?) Don't worry we have heated tents, and tons of snow sculptures around!! I plan on taking alot of photos with my new digital camera, and sending a whole little care package about our Winter Festival. I LOVE winter!! And well, Winnipeg Manitoba isn't too too far from you, if you want to take a winter holiday let me know!
- January 17, 2008 at 10:56 PM
- Cheeziemommie said...
My aunt used to climb in the toilet when she was lil too! Crazy!
So it looks like you/Austin haven't received any mail from the streets of Bakersfield (CA) home of Buck Owens? :) It just so happens that we will be at the museum tomorrow with my kids' school so I'll pick up a post card and send it your way this weekend! Such a fun project! - January 18, 2008 at 12:06 AM
- bluekaeru said...
There is also a Clayton, NC. It is about 20 minutes from where I work.
- January 18, 2008 at 9:52 AM
- Unknown said...
Thanks for the reminder! With my migraine this weekend I completely forgot!
- January 18, 2008 at 10:46 AM
- Traci Lyn said...
Aw...Poor Clayton! There is a tiny little town in DELAWARE (Yes, that's ACTUALLY a state...the FIRST state, in fact!) called Clayton. I checked today and they have their own post office. Although, I'm not so sure that they have their own post mark. Here in the Big (OK...2nd smallest state in the union!)Delaware, our mail system is...uh...wierd. If you mail something in DOVER (the capital) to someone in Dover, the letter will travel to Wilmington first. There the stamp is "cancelled" and then sent back to Dover. I will make a trip to Clayton next week and see if they can maybe "Hand Stamp" it right there in the post office! I'll also send a letter from Dover--where I live! Good luck!
- January 18, 2008 at 4:50 PM
The map works great. I love how specific it is, instead of just labeling everything near a big city as the same city. Thanks for the reminder, too! Your mistake was telling us we had 4 months to do this! I'll try not to procrastinate much longer! I bet he'll get lots more.
- January 18, 2008 at 9:21 PM
I work in Clayton MO...if that counts. I live about 20 minutes north in Florissant, MO.
- January 19, 2008 at 9:53 AM


text:
Bryer Slim-Fit Joggers - Deep Forest
Regular Price
$ 46.50
Sale Price
$ 46.50
Regular Price
$ 46.50
Sold Out
Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- $ 46.50
- Sale Price
- $ 46.50
- Regular Price
- $ 46.50
- Unit Price
- per
Comfy and functional, these slimming joggers feature long side pockets, a drawstring at the waist, and ribbed cuffs.
- Side Pockets
- Drawstring Waist
- Ribbed Cuffs
- Slimming Joggers
- Moisture-Wicing
- Four Way Stretch
- Sizes Sm-Lg
- Fabric : 80% recycled polyester, 20% spandex
- Imported
- Available in Black and Deep Forest
Size + Fit:
- small - 2 & 4
- medium - 6 & 8
- large - 10 & 12
Fit can vary by sizing and brand and this is a general sizing guideline to start from. Always feel free to reach out to us at email@example.com if you have questions on a specific item and would like sizing assistance - we are happy to help!
Model Information:
Beth is 5'7" and typically wears a small or medium in tops and bottoms. She is wearing a size medium in these joggers. Other model measurements:
- Bust: 36" or 34D
- Waist: 30"
- Hips: 40"
We are happy to do an exchange/return for items that did not work for you. Please follow the appropriate directions below and let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
Click the Link Below to Start Your Return:
Sale items: Please note that all sale items are final sale.
Garment Care + Laundering: Kindly be advised that we require customers follow the care instructions in accordance to what is listed on the on their garment label and cannot assume liability for items that are not laundered as recommended. Please take extra care to follow the laundering requirements as many of the items available in our boutique require extra care. Consequentially returns and exchanges for items that are mishandled cannot be accommodated.
All sale items & accessories are final sale.
Items eligible for returns must be received within 20 days of the date the items were received. Items must have their original tags attached and be free from any stains and be unaltered, unwashed, and unworn.
To return your items, please mail them to:
Gallery 512 Boutique
20 N Minnesota Street
New Ulm, MN 56073
After we receive your item(s), we will issue a refund, less shipping costs, within 5 business days. If you received free shipping and are returning your entire purchase, please note that a shipping cost of $6.95 will be deducted from the return amount.
All sale items & accessories are final sale.
If you wish to exchange your item for another size, please email us at email@example.com with your order number, item number, and the size you would like to exchange for. If we have the size in stock, we would be happy to do an exchange for you and will hold your size for 5 days upon request. The customer requesting the exchange will be required to pay $6.95 shipping for the items being requested. Once we receive the original item back in the mail, we will issue a shipping invoice and mail the new requested size upon payment.
All sale items & accessories are final sale.
You may return your item(s) to our store location for store credit. In order to issue a store credit, please bring the original invoice with the return. Without the invoice, we are unable to process the return at the store location. Returns must have original tags, be unworn, unaltered, and unwashed.