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Next year marks 25 years in which there has been an artist who has weaved in and out of musical genres like Muhammed Ali did in the boxing ring. His name is Wyclef Jean. The Haitian rapper-songwriter, producer, global icon turns 49 years old on (Oct. 17). Happy early Birthday Wyclef.
On Tuesday October 9th at 8am, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will announce the next class of nominees. With 2019 being his 25th year after the release of his first commercial recording, Blunted on Reality with the now disbanded Fugees, it makes Wyclef eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As a Member of the National Recording Arts and Science (Florida Chapter), which may not have any influence on your induction process, I nominate Wyclef Jean to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, which is next year 2019. When he is inducted, it would be an honor with Wyclef's permission to give his introduction.
Wyclef is known for being one-third of the Fugees. The group rose to fame with songs like Ready or Not and Killing Me Softly from their sophomore album The Score. It was Wyclef's eclectic production along with some other amazing producers that made that album so unique and refreshing from other hip-hop music in the 90's era.
After the Fugees split up, Wyclef released his critically-acclaimed solo project The Carnival, featuring the incomparable Celia Cruz, the soulful sounds of the Neville Brothers and many more. In between his next album he co-wrote and produced Destiny Child's first # 1 hit "No, No, No (Part 2) Remix" lead by the global superstar, Beyoncé Knowles. His sophomore solo album, The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book went country with Kenny Rogers, then with Dwayne, "The Rock" Johnson at the cusp of his Hollywood blockbuster launch with the track,"It Doesn't Matter." At the same time, Wyclef expressed, Black Lives do Matter with his prophetic Diallo, just when he called 911with Mary J. Blige. In Masquerade his Rock n Roll spirit was displayed in the timeless hit "Knocking on Heaven's door." Next, he celebrated The Preacher's Son album with Patti Labelle and Cassidy, the he spent Three Nights in Rio where Wyclef's guitar spoke with that of Carlos Santana.
Wyclef's musical journey, along with his cousin Jerry Duplessis, continued when he took us to the beautiful island of their birth, Haiti, with Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101.Before Carnival Vol II in 2007 when Wyclef drove a Fast Car, with Paul Simon, he tugged at our hearts with the tear jerker Millions of Voices featuring the African Children Choir for the film Rwanda.It wasn't just Any Other Day with Norah when he exchanged bars in Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) with Akon, Lil Wayne and Raekwon (remix) just like he did with Freddie Mercury of the Immortal band Queen back in 1998 with Another One Bites the Dust (Remix),Wyclef in 2006 traveled the world with Shakira letting us know with their number one hit song in over 55 different countries and one of the highest selling singles of the 21st Century with Hips Don't Lie. In 1998 the dynamic duo of Wyclef with Jerry 'Wonda' Duplessis reminded the world with the late, great Whitney Houston with My Love is Your Love
Wyclef is also known for his activism and charitable efforts. In all of his efforts, to paraphrase Rocky Balboa, "it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." Wyclef has and still get his share of criticism. "Clef", if you are reading this be encouraged by a Haitian proverb my father once told me, "It's easier to criticize than to criticize." If you, or members of your record label at Heads Music are reading this article, continue to create Wyclef on your birthday and beyond. Give some people something to talk about. I envision your music and great sense of production will evolve, building on your legacy, from the small screen like Netflix, Prime or Hulu or even on the big screen. The possibilities are endless. In Wyclef's latest album Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugeehe reminds us that we must Carry On, since we are all on Borrowed Time. Wyclef is now taking his time to find collaborators for his new album, "Wyclef Goes Back to School."
In terms of 2019 his first year of eligibility for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation's Nominating Selecting Committee, I hope you are reading this article. I don't work for Wyclef or even know him personally, but I am a fan of his work
I believe Wyclef continues to demonstrate unquestionable musical excellence and talent. He's had and continue to have a significant impact on the development, evolution and preservation of Rock & Roll. In terms of the categories Wyclef embodies the Performerscategory (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 2018),which honors bands or solo artist which demonstrates musical excellence. Such a descriptor includes (but isn't limited to) influence or other performers or genres: length and depth of career and catalog, stylistic innovations, or superior technique and skills.Next is theRock & Roll of Fame Award for Music Excellence (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 2018)is the award that honors performers, songwriters and producers who have changed the course of music history. These artists have dedicated their lives to creating influential, important music with originality, and have achieved a level of timeless distinction.To reiterate a statement I made earlier, the dynamic duo of Wyclef Jean and his cousin 'Wonda' Duplessis (who should also be inducted) lived out that definition with song like D'aillo, My Love is your Love and one of the highest selling singles of the 21st Century with Hip Don't Lie.
In conclusion, I'll quote the legendary Ice Cube, during his N.W.A 2016 Rock Hall induction acceptance speech "Rock & roll is not an instrument; rock & roll is not even a style of music. Rock & roll is a spirit. … It's been going since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, rock & roll, heavy metal, punk rock and, yes, hip-hop. And what connects us all is that spirit. …Rock & roll is not conforming to the people who came before you but creating your own path in music and in life."
Again, Wyclef Jean Happy early 49th birthday. For you 50thnext year if not before, to me or millions of your fans (check out the petition to get Wyclef on the Miami Beach recording of the Daily Show with Trevor Noah) you will be a Rock & Rock Hall of Fame Inductee.
Yanatha Desouvre is an Amazon best-selling author whose latest action mystery/thriller novel Revelations: Roads to Redemption pays homage to Wyclef Jean almost 25 years discography as well as honors timeless Haitian proverbs. He's also a Professor of Marketing, Coach and IT Professional For more info www.yanatha.com
Works Cited
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (2018, 09 24). Induction Process. Retrieved from https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/induction-process


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Scrummy raw and dairy, wheat and sugar free cheesecake, yum, yum!!
I finally made (well sort of finally made) this most scrummy raw food dairy-free, wheat-free and sugar-free cheesecake that my brother's girlfriend introduced to me in the summer. Very easy to make, even for me, although Mum did take over as she gets very impatient with my efforts in the kitchen!!!
Yummy indeed. Although I guess we should remember that while it is dairy, wheat and sugar free, it does contain a lot of fats and while these may be deemed "good" fats, they still put a lot of pressure on the liver (read Barbara Wren and her fabulous books on cellular awakening/into the light" for more on this) so save as a treat.
Happy making and eating!
Raw 'Cheesecake'
Makes one 7" cheesecake
½ cup Brazil nuts
¼ cup almonds
¼ cup dessicated coconut
1 tablespoon cacao or carob powder (both hard to find in Gsy so used 85% plain choc)
Pinch salt
2 – 4 dates (stoned) – depending on size
1 teasp raw agave nectar or honey
Blitz in food processor until crumbly – the mixture should stick together when pressed between your fingers. If it doesn't either add a little water or more honey. Press into bottom of 7" springform tin or similar container.
2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (the original recipe called for blueberries but I have also made it with mango and loganberries. I think apricots, nectarines etc would work as well)
1 cup cashews, finely ground
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
2 tablespoons melted cacao butter (hard to find in Gsy but internet gave good quality white chocolate as an dairy alternative or more coconut oil if non-dairy)
¼ cup raw agave nectar or honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Large pinch salt
Blitz in blender until smooth and creamy. Pour over the crust and chill until ready to serve.
Sauce - Optional
You could make a sauce to go with it using perhaps one cup of the same fruit and a small amount of honey – blitzed.
I have used some of the fruit to decorate the top i.e. whole blueberries on the blueberry one and sliced mango washed in lemon juice on the mango one etc.
It doesn't take long to set and seems to keep for several days. However, keep in the fridge until just before serving as, because the coconut oil is the setting 'agent' it becomes less solid if allowed to get too warm.

subset: commoncrawl


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Best Seo company in the USA
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It was a great week for the Prince! Last Thursday, he visited the New York City Media Lab's Future Reality conference, where he was presented side-by-side with VR superstars like Ken Perlin of NYU and Resh Sidhu of Framestore! Check back soon for more photos!
The Prince was also featured on Technical.ly, a prominent online technology magazine. April Joyner, who wrote the article on Hamlet, had this to say about the experience:
"For my part, after being dazzled by the VR technology, especially the ability to "teleport" among different perspectives of the action using video game controllers, I found it intriguing to see the ghost of Hamlet's father up close, as Casey delivered a rousing monologue, and imagine what encountering such an imposing presence might feel like."
You can read the full article here.
Check back next week for more news about the Prince!
RT @PunchdrunkUK: Tomorrow we are off to #SXSWEdu for the #futureartandculture programme featuring @marshmallowlf @philharmonia… https://t.co/Xan8MNlWE3
RT @mixedimmersion: Getting ready for #SXSW... really looking forward to hanging out with the 'A-Team' @marshmallowlf @philharmonia… https://t.co/G2WYrF563j
RT @usaBritish: What will the emergence of #VR and #AR mean for theatres? Learn more at the @sxsw panel today with @TheRSC,… https://t.co/ZL8RoIChCv


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Silver Star
Plant Group
Size (Can grow to)
Large 50cm - 1mtr
Growth Habit
Medium Light
The Ctenanthe setosa is an evergreen perennial, native to Central and South America (primarily Brazil) and these species are commonly called Siler Star or Grey Star. They are grown for their attractive foliage. The Silver has elongated, rectangular shaped greyish leaves with a striking striped pattern on the top side of the leaf and a beautiful purple on the underside. The leaves grow atop tall, slender red stems. They are a fantastic plant because of their low maintenance requirements and the mature plants are excellent performers. Position in a partial to shaded position in your garden. If you have it indoors ensure there is good filtered light. They do best in well-draining soil. Water when the top layer so soil starts to dry. Remember to adjust the watering for the different seasons.
We also grow the Ctenanthe lubbersiana Golden Star and the Ctenanthe burle marxii as part of the Decorative Indoor Range
Don't forget to check out the other varieties of Ctenanthe we grow as part of the Easy Care Range


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If you've got a good presence on social media or perhaps you even have a blog or website, you can start bringing in money immediately by promoting all sorts of companies, products, services and offers online.
IZEA – IZEA works in addition to a blog or on its own. You get paid to blog, tweet, take photos and take videos. The pay is mostly based on your following, so if you want to make money with your tweets, you'll need to grow you Twitter following. Likewise, if you want to make money with blogs, you'll need substantial blog traffic (more on blogging below).
Work for someone from home. Virtual assistances (VAs) can do everything from checking emails and making travel plans to handling internet research or working for their small business. High-end earners can command $50-$100 an hour.
Starting a law firm is yet another practical way to make a million US dollars in one year from the scratch. The services of lawyers are need in every parts of the United States of America. Statistics has it that the United States of America has about 165,000 law offices and they generate about $180 billion in annual revenue.
Thank you John. I have really started checking scams out. It took me 3 times getting burned to start looking for scams, your review stopped me from getting hooked by the fourth My Millionaire Mentor. I am a young 60 year old who woke up after being strong and healthy and within 24 hours went through two open heart surgeries and a mild stroke. I am not able to return to work so am looking for a way to make money online from home. Thanks for saving me from losing the little money I have left to live on. I'm glad there is someone like you looking out for us.
Disclaimer: CFD trading can be volatile and you can lose your entire capital, so don't throw your life savings into it! Past performance does not guarantee future results. Trading CFDs may not be suitable for you. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
You can enjoy the best of life without spending five eight-hour days working like a slave to pay the bills, put your kids through college, and taking care of sick parents while paying the mortgage. We want you to work smart, not hard.
Of course, that's the dilemma. While the ability to save more is within your control, the ability to generate a certain return isn't 100% in your hands. And as your time horizon shrinks, so too will your ability to accurately predict how your investments are likely to perform. So let time determine which of the two other levers — savings or investing- — you pull harder.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational purposes only. Investing of any kind involves risk. While it is possible to minimize risk, your investments are solely your responsibility. It is imperative that you conduct your own research. I am merely sharing my opinion with no guarantee of gains or losses on investments.
I invested $3,000 to get help writing my first book proposal from a highly successful writer. That $3,000 got me maybe 4 or 5 hours of his time. But in those 4 or 5 hours, he taught me what I needed to know to create an amazing book proposal. He provided me resources that dramatically enhanced and sped up my process. With his help, I was able to get a literary agent and eventually a multi six figure book contract.
Infinitesimal Number systems Number names Orders of magnitude List of notable numbers Indefinite and fictitious numbers Extended real number line Power of two Power of 10 Long and short scales Titanic prime Gigantic prime Megaprime Largest known prime number
Only if you are able to tap into what makes your heart truly sing will you be able to call yourself a success in your daily life. Don't ask yourself what you love about your job, or even what made you first get interested in your line of work. Instead, ask yourself, what about your current role makes your heart sing.
Sorry… I posted my comment before I was ready. However, just by looking at the last information I posted, it would appear to me that since the $49 is a Front End Cost, there will be other cost involved. Plus, it also sounds like there may be some kind of recurring ordering or billing.
Area: A square a thousand objects or units on a side contains a million such objects or square units, so a million holes might be found in less than three square yards of window screen, or similarly, in about one half square foot (400–500 cm2) of bed sheet cloth. A city lot 70 by 100 feet is about a million square inches.
Start a blog, chronicle your journey online. Build a blog on WordPress (wordpress.org, not wordpress.com). If you play it right, you will gain a following of other people who are also trying to make money online.
"Successful people generally agree that consciousness is contagious, and that exposure to people who are more successful has the potential to expand your thinking and catapult your income," he writes. "We become like the people we associate with, and that's why winners are attracted to winners."
If you asked people if they would want to make a million dollars legally in one year, you definitely are going to get a resounding yes from everybody. Nevertheless, the challenge that might be encountered in this quest is that it is one thing to want to earn a million US dollars in a year, and it is entirely another kettle of fish to know the process to follow to earn a million US dollars in a year.
To inspire you, we looked for people who have become rich. Just how did they do it? For some, like Julie and Bill, everything flowed quickly from one good idea. Others spent a working lifetime patiently building wealth. We also asked what they've done with their wealth — and what advice they have for others. We demonstrate how to find the cash to invest your way to millionaire status.
Use your accurate and quick typing skills to enter information. Go through Craigslist or Upwork and find data entry and administrative jobs for yourself. These jobs can be easily done through telecommuting.
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A friend of mine is close friends with a guy who is the #1 affiliate in the world for DirectTV. He makes $10 per referral everytime someone signs up with DirectTV because of his recommendation. He's made over $20,000,000 in the last few years marketing DirectTV online.
http://tairita25.msociety.hop.clickbank.net, it's not free, but it's not much to invest as well. You won't make millions out of it, but it will pay your bills every month, which I was looking for. I am using it, and am satisfied with it. You should try it yourself! 🙂
The one idea this book had right was to Think Big! It is important to always be thinking bigger and better. I had a friend a while back tell me about a method to increase happiness. She said that even if you are extremely happy about everything in your life, don't think that you are at the pinnacle of your happiness. Try to constantly bring up your happiness scale, so what was the "happiest day of your life" one day, will eventually be "just a regular day."
If you already have a website or blog, look for vendors that offer related but non-competing products and see if they have an affiliate program. Stick to familiar products and brands—they're easier to sell. To promote those products:
For example; if you play the 'Who want to be a Millionaire' game show, you stand the chance of answering to questions that can earn you're a million US dollars. So also is same if you participate in any realty show or talent hunting show that has a million US dollars as the prize money for the winner. You stand the chance of winning the show and becoming a million dollar richer.
Watch videos of people interviewing successful people, including millionaires on youtube. Watch people like Barbara Walters and notice the questions she asks. Then email people and ask them if you can interview them for your blog /or podcast.
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Yes, he is a mega-millionaire, but that's not why I look up to him. Besides being that and a world-renowned author and public speaker, he's a success at serving others in large scale; he wakes up every morning and does what he loves — serving others — while making a ton of money in how to become a millionaire without winning the lottery process.


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What is the WOD tomorrow??
Do you know how many times I get asked this a week??
I'll let you in on a secret the wod is going to be CrossFit and it is going to involve fitness. The WOD is going to be Scalable and it will be functional and it will be built to increase your fitness level and help you stay on the wellness & fitness side of the continuum.
If you are wondering about the workout is as you may not attend class due to movements you cant do, difficulty of the intensity level or movements you do not like… then I have another secret for you. If you base your workouts you attend on those factors you don't actually really CrossFit. CrossFit is General prepared fitness, done with functional movements, at high intensity and is constantly varied. Key word there is constantly varied! That's how we get better at the general preparedness part. Picking things we like or movements we can do versus new movements or ones we struggle with is not how we get better, its how you specialize. CrossFit specializes in not specializing.
Every movement can be scaled, modified for ability or injury or even lack of mobility and fitness level. Every coach at Indestri can do that for you if you communicate your concerns or injuries. We (as coaches) look at the stimulus of the workout and then modify for that purpose if you are injured, we look at the skill in a movement and scale for your ability to help you become better movers. If you have an injury that will never let you squat does that mean you don't come squat days??? ( If that were the case I could never CrossFit as 70% of movements we do are squat based, although i can get to the bottom of a squat I'm not coming back up lol ) So of course you come, because your coach knows you can't because you told them and they have a huge bag of movements at their disposal that will allow you to increase your fitness level and keep you safe and part of the class.
Lastly if you are wondering about the workout because you are tired and sore and worried you will not be able to perform… Then that is a great indicator to take a rest day or come to the gym and ask for some mobility and maintenance work. You can still be part of the class and warm up, cool down and socialize, just might be doing stretches while others are doing bench press,, and that's OK and that is being smart allowing you to stay on the positive side of the continuum.
Sooooo…. next time you are about to ask "Whats the WOD tomorrow?"
Think, why am I asking? and just realize my answer is always going to be .. "It's CrossFit, see ya tomorrow"
- Coach Stouty
Friday, October 26th, 2018
Bench Press
Descending ladder 10-8-6-4-2
Increasing weight each set starting at approximate 50% @10 reps
aiming for 90% @2 reps
WOD: 20 mins
4×3 min Rounds
20 Db push press
Max rep pull ups
Rest 2 mins between rounds
**Scale Up with Strict Presses & Weighted Pull Ups**
Level 2
20 Db Push Press 35/20
Max rep banded strict pull ups
Rest 2 mins
Level 1
20 Push Press
Jumping Pull ups or max rep ring rows
Cash Out:
2 min Plank
Check back each night at 8pm for the next days WOD
Contact us:
Address: 200 Mountain Rd #3, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4V5
Phone: (705) 444-0006
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• All New York Approved Exit Signs feature 8-inch red lettering that is compliant with New York City code.
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Second Corner Madawaska – USA Four Corners Journal Day 13
Wind is the best way to describe today's challenge. The morning in Madawaska was partly sunny and cold. The road from Riviere-du-Loup to Montreal was overcast, cold, and windy. I rode into the headwind most of the day. Fortunately the sun came out around 5:00 p.m. and the ride from Montreal to Ottawa was pleasant and chilly.
I went to the post office at 8:30 and had them hand cancel my 2nd corner envelope. Then I went down the street and through Canadian Customs. I was on the road by 8:50. The first 60 miles was nice, but by the time I got to Riviere-du-Loup the weather closed in. The wind was blowing the smoke from a large chimney straight to the side. I'd have taken a picture if there had been a place to pull off, but there wasn't so you'll just have to imagine it.
I'm staying this evening at the home of Gary and Nancy. Nancy is a Motor Maid. Beth contacted several Motor Maids in the Ottawa area asking if they could host me this evening. Another couple, Nelia and Hillbilly, was going to be my host, but they had to go out of town because of the death of a close friend. Fortunately Nancy was able to step in and offer me a their hospitality. Many thanks Gary and Nancy.
There wasn't much along the way to report on. I had breakfast at a nice cafe in Madawaska. Lunch was in a very nice restaurant adjacent to a motel along the way. As I mentioned, the wind was a big factor in the ride. I had to keep my speed down and keep the bars steady as the gusts passed by. My shoulders protested as they haven't had to work so hard all of this trip.
I wore the rain suit all day to keep out the wind. Tomorrow I think I'll put on the electric jacket and see if it will keep me warm.


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Experience & Practice Area
Prior to joining Kenyon Disend, Kim spent 11 years as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Kent and 10 years before that as a real estate and land use attorney in private practice. While at the City of Kent, Kim's practice heavily emphasized land use and real estate. Kim handles a variety of land use matters and special projects for numerous cities. Currently, Kim serves as City Attorney for the City of Lake Forest Park, and as Deputy City Attorney for the City of Sammamish.
Seattle University School of Law, J.D., Cum Laude, 1990
University of Puget Sound, B.A., Magna Cum Laude, 1987
Admitted to Practice
Washington, 1990
Professional Activities
Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys
Washington State Bar Association


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I have been going to the South Falls at Silver Falls Park my whole life. It is a beautiful place, and I was a bit intimidated to try to paint something that I was so fond of. I hope a little of the peaceful feeling that it gives me comes through in the painting.
Silver Falls : South Falls, 12x16, pastel on board
Available through Etsy
Available through Etsy


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Professor Ronald Poppe studied German Filology. On top he has the universitary diploma of Finance and Accountancy. In Belgium he has been appointed accountant by The King.
He started his career in Gulf Oil as Budget Manager. After 5 years he switched to ITT where he was responsible for the large overseas investments. Later ITT was taken over by Alcatel. Professor Poppe stayed another seven years at Alcatel as a Financial Engineering Manager. There he was responsible for valuating enterprises and trying to find cheap financing in order to pay the takeover amount. Amongst other he created Mietec , a chip company and he took over ACEC, an electical equipment producing enterprise.
Ronald Poppe is Professor at several Universities such as the Erasmus University in Rotterdam where he teaches 'Advanced Finance' , at the University of Brussels where he teaches Financial Engineering, and several other.
The long list of the companies he gave seminars for is Swissair, Alusuisse Lonza, Johnson Controls, General Electric, Coca-Cola, Novo Nordisk, Partek, ING Bank, DHL, GDF Suez, Recticel, Siemens, Barco, etc.
He has been teaching as well in the USA as in Agentina and Brasil and especially in China and Singapore. He is also very well known in the seminar business in The United Arab Emirates. As from 1996 onwards he became President of The Gelana Finance Group. A Group specialised in Training, consulting, takeovers of companies.
The innovation that Gelana Finance realised in E-learning in order not to become become one of those many companies selling E-learning is the fact that their E-learning modules are given live with a Professor who is explaining the student the problem in depth just as if he was in a real seminar room with other students. If you want to see module one of his film click here


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I just listed this awesome House for sale, 2620 27 Street, Calgary, Alberta
BEST PRICED DETACHED HOME IN KILLARNEY!!! Great Inner City Home Close To Downtown Located On A Quiet Treelined Street. WHY SPEND MONEY ON CONDO FEES??? Very well maintained inner city home with million dollar homes all around. This home is close to downtown and 17th Ave. The kitchen has had some upgrades over the years with counter tops, cupboards. The main floor features finished on-site hardwood flooring. With a total of over 900 sq ft of developed living space. Nicely landscaped yard, newer fence and a large double detached garage. Great investment property. Freshly paved front street and paved rear alley.


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On his Monday program, Chris Matthews would have produced gales of laughter if only he had had a live audience – and if only leftists had a sense of humor. Indeed, his guests' vapid, conspiracy-mongering exchanges would have been serial moments of unintended hilarity. As it stands, Matthews, David Corn, and Ron Suskind merely demonstrated again the way the Left builds its sure pronouncements of Bush administration wrongdoing on assumptions about shadows of penumbras.
Matthews was, again, in a fit over the alleged role Dick Cheney played in not telling Congress about a non-operational non-program the CIA allegedly considered launching but never did, according to anonymous sources.
Assuming this story is true, Matthews asked his guests to analyze its implications. One of his fair-and-balanced analysts was the author (and serial liar) Ron Suskind. The other analyst was David Corn – the Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones, a longtime blogger at The Nation, and co-author of the book Hubris with Michael Isikoff. Corn was last seen trying desperately to link Richard Armitage's leak of Valerie Plame's name to the Bush White House.
On Matthews' show last night, Ron Suskind claimed that President Bush told his CIA to "just make sure it gets done, and Dick [Cheney] will take it from here," in order to preserve his own plausible deniability about evil counterterrorism programs "the United States never should essentially take responsibility for."
David Corn then swore to Suskind's lie, at least until pressed:
David Corn: The CIA serves the president. The president says, "Hey, this is my guy. Go see him."
Matthews: Do you know if he ever told them that?
Corn: No, I don't know if he said that.
Matthew himself broke through his other guest's nonsense:
Matthews: You say this president said to his vice president, "You do this dirty work" — what he called it, "the dark side" or whatever Cheney called it — "and no, don't tell me about it." Do we know that happened, there was actually a conversation like that?
Ron Suskind: I have no doubt there was that conversation. The fact is –
Matthews: But we don't know if there was. You just assume.
Nonetheless, Matthews chose to fume against "Chee-nee" (what else is new?) and allowed Suskind to spin the admittedly hypothetical situation into "a violation of the basic issues of accountability in a democracy."
It may never have happened, but it gave Matthews and his leftist viewers a reason to hate, which seems to be MSNBC's raison d'etre.
This story originally appeared on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, on NewsRealblog. It has been edited to remove certain clunky insertions made by another blogger.


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A Hypnotherapist is a health care professional that uses their knowledge in alternative medicine and hypnotherapy to treat patients.
These professionals work with patients who want to eliminate or reduce unwanted behaviors or thoughts.
For example, of an individual who is trying to quit smoking may use a hypnotherapist as a means to quit or reduce their smoking.
Hypnotherapists may also work with a variety of other clients attempting to change an unwanted behavior.
Individuals who want to become a Hypnotherapist will have an interest in alternative medicine as well as have the ability to work well with clients and individuals who want to work on changing their behavior.
Education Requirements to Become a Hypnotherapist
The road to become a Hypnotherapist can vary between individuals because there are a limited number of accredited hypnotherapy programs.
However, individuals have some options to choose from in order to become Hypnotherapist.
Training programs vary from short term seminars that result in a certification, attending an accredited program for hypnotherapy training or pursue a formal education as a psychologist or medical practitioner.
The best option for individuals who want to become a Hypnotherapist is to acquire a graduate degree in Psychology that also includes training in hypnotherapy or complete a certification program in addition to attending graduate school.
Some short term hypnotherapy programs can last from one weekend to 8 weeks.
Individuals must research the program they are interested in order to determine how long it is.
These programs can begin with the basics of hypnotherapy, the anatomy of the mind and brain waves to teaching techniques that will help retrain the brain to be in the present moment, not in the past.
More comprehensive programs can last from 12 months to 2 years.
These programs offer in depth information on hypnotherapy in addition to the basics.
Classes will start with the fundamental background on hypnotherapy and may include some of the following courses:
- Hypnosis
- Clinical Hypnosis
- Handwriting analysis
- Medical Hypnosis
- Dream therapy
- Age regression
- Past life regression
- Clinical applications of hypnotherapy including: behavior modification, habit control, stress reduction
Individuals who want to become a Hypnotherapist also have the option to become a medical practitioner or counseling professional and then attend workshops and classes geared to learning hypnosis as a way to offer comprehensive services to their clients.
Some recommended medical professions include: medical doctor, nurse or Physician assistant.
Some helpful counseling professions include: life coach, social worker or psychologist.
Individuals choosing either a medical or counseling profession will fulfill the requirements to enter these professions, such as attending medical school for medical doctor, nursing school for nurses and graduate school to become a psychologist.
These individuals may then complete a certification program to add to their credentials, or for psychologists, gain additional training in hypnotherapy while in graduate school.
Hypnotherapist Job Description
Hypnotherapists are experienced in working with individuals who want to change their behavior to lead a healthier life.
These professionals meet with their patients to determine the behavior or symptom they'd like to reduce or eliminate.
Most commonly, Hypnotherapists are thought to help individuals curb such behaviors like smoking or overeating, but these professionals can also help aid patients manage stress, reduce physical pain and help curb or eliminate phobias.
A Hypnotherapist uses the state of hypnosis, which causes individuals to be in a state of inner concentration, to guide the patient in focusing their awareness towards a specific goal aimed at healing.
Additional medical goals can include: treating depression, athletic performance, sleep disorders or sexual performance.
Hypnotherapist Salary and Career Path
Hypnotherapists can earn up towards $75,000 per year although this amount can depend on a variety of factors including whether an individual is a small business owner or works for a medical or counseling establishment.
The job outlook for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, which includes hypnotherapists and other alternative health care professionals, is expected to increase by 8 to 14 percent through the year 2022.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in alternative medicine may benefit in becoming a hypnotherapist.
Hypnotherapy can be a specialty that can be combined with other specializations such as psychology or medicine which can help individuals stand out when applying for jobs.
In addition, individuals pursuing this profession can also expect a healthy job outlook.


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Netflix' Days of Monopoly Price Premiums Are Over
"Netflix was basically a monopoly in the streaming business until about six months ago, and the effect was that content providers were underpricing their products," said Charlie Wolf, an analyst who covers the company at Needham. On February 22nd, Amazon announced that it would stream 5,000 movies and television shows at no additional charge to customers who signed up for a Prime membership, which costs $79 a year.
via NFLX Tumbles On Qwikster Announcement; Are Netflixs Best Days Behind It?.


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Five Minute Briefing - Information Management: May 16, 2016. A concise weekly report with key product news, market research and insight for data management professionals and IT executives.
There are many ways to combine structured with unstructured data explained Jana Mikovska, senior consultant as Raytion, and Sebastian Klatt, vice president of business development at Raytion. Their presentation at Data Summit 2016 focused on approaches and advantages of combining the two to uncover knowledge buried in unstructured information.


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I can't believe I managed to pull myself away from the Olympic coverage long enough to get this post up. :-) I typically get into the Summer Olympics, but this year, I've found myself watching sports I've never given a second thought to like rugby and judo. The ongoing … [Read more...]
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Starting a Website in 2016 – A Guide for Beginners
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Selling Video From WordPress & Lessons About Membership Sites
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My New Niche & What I'll Do Differently
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http://www.jwz.org/images/or2dv.jpgRelated: Humour
Still life: Bent objects » Article » OWNI.eu, Digital Journalism UPDATE: The Return of Bent Objects Wires transform these objects from inanimate to hilarious works of art. Little polish girl McDonalds as Sculpture Materials Yeah, this is where those come from Water is dangerous This was found on the newsgroup: rec.humor.funny A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide." And for plenty of good reasons, since: it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting it is a major component in acid rain it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state accidental inhalation can kill you it contributes to erosion it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical.
8 Scenes That Prove Hollywood Doesn't Get Technology As we have previously mentioned, hilarious things happen when writers try to write characters who are smarter than themselves. For instance, I don't doubt that some research goes into writing the medical jargon on House, but we all know that at some point they fake it. And that's fine, because what percentage of the audience is composed of not only doctors, but genius doctors? It's probably not even half.
Morka, p4 Morka, page 4 All artwork on this page is © copyright 2009 the artists. Photos and images from Morka.YCP.ZEK from Croatia. in Rijeka, Croatia 2005 in Parenzo, Croatia 2008 in Ljubljana, Slovenia 2007 Rock-paper-scissors-lizard-spock A diagram explaining the outcomes of the game The normal form matrix of rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock. Rows represent available choices for player 1, columns those for player 2. Numbers in cells show utility (payoff) for player 1, player 2. Rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock is an expansion of the classic selection method game rock-paper-scissors. It operates on the same basic principle, but includes two additional weapons: the lizard (formed by the hand as a sock-puppet-like mouth) and Spock[1] (formed by the Star Trek Vulcan salute).
Things People Said: Courtroom Quotations The following quotations are taken from official court records across the nation, showing how funny and embarrassing it is that recorders operate at all times in courts of law, so that even the slightest inadvertence is preserved for posterity. Lawyer: "Was that the same nose you broke as a child?"Witness: "I only have one, you know." Lawyer: "Now, Mrs. Johnson, how was your first marriage terminated?"Witness: "By death." 25 Old Ads That Couldn't Be Published Today 25 Old Ads That Couldn't Be Published Today Jon December 29, 2010 2 Meanwhile In Japan – KillMyDayNow.com Salvia divinorum Salvia divinorum (also known as Diviner's Sage,[2] Ska María Pastora,[3] Seer's Sage,[4] and by its genus name Salvia) is a psychoactive plant which can induce "visions" and other hallucinatory experiences. Its native habitat is in cloud forest in the isolated Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca, Mexico, where it grows in shady and moist locations.[5][6] The plant grows to over a meter high,[1] has hollow square stems, large leaves, and occasional white flowers with violet calyxes. Botanists have not determined whether Salvia divinorum is a cultigen or a hybrid; native plants reproduce vegetatively, rarely producing viable seed.[7][8] Mazatec shamans have a long and continuous tradition of religious use of Salvia divinorum, using it to facilitate visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions.[1] Most of the plant's local common names allude to the Mazatec belief that the plant is an incarnation of the Virgin Mary, with its ritual use also invoking that relationship. History


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Vincent St Aubyn Crump – March 2004
The role of food allergy in atopic dermatitis, which has never been in doubt amongst practising Allergists, has been the source of more controversy than any other subject matter amongst dermatologists. Some of the confusion arises from dermatologists who assume that because atopics will have several positive IgE-mediated reactions to foods and inhalants, "it is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis of clinically relevant food allergy". Every clinician treating infants with atopic dermatitis successfully will agree that a significant proportion of these kids with severe eczema will be found to have a relevant food allergy, if it is looked for.
Several published prospective studies have determined the incidence of the common food allergies in children as:
- Cow's milk: 2.5%
- Eggs: 2%
- Peanuts: 0.5 – 0.7%
Cow's milk allergy / intolerance & atopic dermatitis (AD) in infancy & childhood
Symptoms suggestive of CMPA/CMPI are seen in about 5-15% of infants, but the "true incidence" ranges from 2% to 3%, when the strict diagnostic criteria are used (1)
Adverse reaction to cow's milk should be the term used to describe cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) & cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI), because no differentiation is possible on the basis of symptoms, and there is no reliable single lab test available for the diagnosis of CMPA or CMPI.
Approximately one third of AD children have a diagnosis of CMPA/CMPI according to elimination diet and challenge tests, and about 40-50% of children <1 year of age with CMPA/CMPI have AD.
CMPA/CMPI may induce a diverse range of symptoms including:
- Skin (most common) – AD, urticaria, angioedema (swelling of various body parts)
- Respiratory – rhinitis, asthma, cough
- Gastrointestinal – vomiting, diarrhoea, colic, gastroesophageal reflux
- Anaphylaxis
- Non-specific – failure to thrive, irritability.
AD is the most common skin manifestation of CMPA/CMPI.
AD is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the individual's genes, environment, psychic, immune system and drug therapy contributes to its severity.
Immunologic findings include:
- Increased IgE
- Increased eosinophils
- Increased spontaneous histamine release from mast cells
- Increased IL-4 and Il-5 secreting Th2 cells
- Decreased numbers of interferon-gamma secreting Th1 cells.
Koch's postulate of causality in AD
Over the past 2 decades several studies have fulfilled Koch's postulate of causality:
- Removal of causative agent leads to resolution
- Introduction of causative agent leads to the disease
- Avoidance of the causative agent leads to prevention of the disease.
In studies in children with food-related AD where oral controlled food challenges were used (2,3) skin reactions occurred in three fourths of the positive challenges and consisted of itchy, measles-like or flat red lesions in the usually affected sites of AD.
Most of the reactions occurred within an hour after beginning the oral challenge. Eggs, milk and peanut were the most common foods responsible for the reactions. Milk-induced reactions were 10-40% of the positive response (2).
Prognosis of food Allergy in infants with atopic dermatitis
Most food allergy is acquired in the first one to two years of life. The prevalence of food allergy peaks at 5% – 8% at one year of age and then falls progressively until late childhood, after which the prevalence remains stable at 1- 2%.
Most food allergy is indeed lost over time. It is therefore not surprising that dermatologists treating only adults with atopic dermatitis will see relatively few with food allergy. In a prospective study by Bock (6) almost all of the adverse reactions had been lost by the age of three years. Among these, there were 11 children with confirmed milk allergy, all of whom were able to tolerate milk by the age of three. The median duration of adverse reactions to milk was only 9 months.
Egg Allergy
All the studies looking at egg allergy in infancy shows that the vast majority of egg allergy is also outgrown by the school-age years.
Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy is likely to be lifelong for most but not all patients. About 20% of children with peanut allergy will outgrow their allergy. The more severe the allergy the least likely it is to be out-grown.
Important studies from around the world linking AD with foods
Atopic Dermatitis and food Hypersensitivity reactions
Burks AW; James JM et al, Dept. Paediatrics, Univ. Arkansas, Little Rock, USA
Paediatrics, 132(1): 132-6 1998 Jan
To determine the role of food hypersensitivity in atopic dermatitis and to determine whether patients with atopic dermatitis who had food hypersensitivity could be identified by screening prick skin tests using a limited number of food allergens.
Study Design
Patients with atopic dermatitis attending Arkansas Children's Hospital Paed. Allergy Clinic underwent allergy skin prick testing to a battery of food allergens. Patients with positive skin prick tests underwent double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges.
165 patients were enrolled and completed the study. Patients ranged in age from 4 months to 21.9 years (mean 48.9 months). 98 (60%) of the children had at least 1 positive prick test. A total of 266 DBPC food challenges were performed. 64 children (38.7% of total) were interpreted as having a positive challenge. Seven foods (milk, egg, peanut, soy, wheat, fish, and cashew) accounted for 89% of the positive challenges. By use of screening prick skin tests of these 7 foods we could identify 99% of the food allergic patients correctly.
This study confirms that most children with atopic dermatitis have food allergy that can be diagnosed by a skin prick test for the 7 foods.
The incidence of food allergy in atopic dermatitis
Ogura Y, Ogura H, Zusi N., Dept of Clinical Research & Paed Allergy, Kochi National Hospital, Japan
Arerugi 2001 Jul; 50(7): 621-8
To clarify the incidence of food allergy in atopic dermatitis, 226 non-selected cases with AD attending their hospital were evaluated by oral food challenges based on masked food challenges.
181 of 200 cases (26 cases dropped out) showed a positive reaction to at least one challenge test.
In conclusion
The incidence of food allergy in AD was 90.5%, and egg allergy, cow's milk allergy, soy bean allergy, wheat allergy, rice allergy were 83.5%, 51.5%, 33.5%, 20.0%, 2.5% respectively in the 200 cases.
The association of atopic dermatitis in infancy with IgE-mediated food sensitisation
Hill DJ, Sporik R, Thorburn J, Hosking CS, Dept. Allergy, Royal Children's Hosp., Melbourne, Australia
J Paediatrics 2000 Oct; 137(4): 475-479
To prospectively investigate the association of high levels of IgE sensitisation to foods and the presence of AD (judged by reported topical steroid use during the first 16 months of life) in a birth cohort of 620 Australian children "at risk" of allergic disease because of family history.
A total of 559 of the children in the cohort were fully evaluated, and the cumulative prevalence of AD was 24%. More children in the cohort who had AD had strongly positive skin test results, consistent with IgE sensitization to either cow's milk, egg, or peanut at 6 months (22% vs 5%, and at 12 months 36% vs 11%) than those without AD. The calculated attributable risk percent for IgE food sensitisation as a cause of AD was 65% and 64% at these times. In a separate group of infants with severe AD, the equivalent rates of IgE food sensitisation at 6 months were 83% and at 12 months, 65%.
IgE food sensitisation is a major risk factor for the presence of AD in infancy.
Evidence that Atopic Dermatitis is part of a systemic TH2 disease (Atopy), which also includes asthma and allergic rhinitis:
- Patients with AD have elevated total IgE level and specific IgE (CAP – RAST)
- Nearly 80% of children with AD eventually go on to have asthma or allergic rhinitis.
- When mice are sensitised through the skin with protein antigen, it induces a localised allergic dermatitis, elevated serum IgE, airway eosinophilia, and hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, suggesting that the skin exposure to allergen in AD may enhance the development of allergic asthma.
Laboratory correlates of AD & Food Allergy
- AD associated with elevated food specific IgE antibodies
- Ingested food proteins can trigger skin mast cells (Walzer, J Immunol 1927)
- AD with food allergy have GI malabsorption
- Plasma histamine rises during positive food challenges (Sampson et al NEMJ 1984)
Eosinophils are activated when causal foods are being ingested J Roy Soc Med 1997; 90 (S30): 3-9]
Diagnosis of food allergy in atopic dermatitis
The value of skin prick tests (SPT) in diagnosis of food allergy in AD
From a study published by Sporik et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2000; 30:1540-1646, the size of the SPT wheal can predict with 100% accuracy that the open food challenge will be positive.
Milk Egg Peanut
Children: 0-2 years of age >6mm >5mm >4mm
Children: all ages (median=3 yrs) >8mm >7mm >8mm
Value of specific IgE antibody (CAP-RAST) in the diagnosis of food allergy
Recently, new developments in the lab (in-vitro) diagnostics for IgE-mediated food allergies have occurred. Correlating food allergen-specific IgE concentrations in the serum (Immuno-CAP RAST) and skin prick test wheal diameters with patient histories and outcome of DBPCFC diagnostic decision points have been established for peanut, egg, milk and fish.
Diagnostic decision points that are 90% to 100% predictive of clinical reactivity to common food allergens.
(Hugh Sampson) JACI 2001; 107: 891-896
Allergen Decision point (KUA/l) ppv Sensitivity Specificity
Egg 7 98% 61% 98%
Milk 15 95% 57% 94%
Peanut 14 100% 57% 100%
Soy 30 73% 44% 94%
Wheat 26 74% 61% 92%
Atopy Patch Test (APT) (4)
Recently, the atopy patch test (APT) has been used to supplement the skin prick test in the diagnosis of food allergy in children with atopic eczema. These tests are particularly useful in investigating delayed reactions to milk and improves the accuracy of skin prick tests, since about half of the reactions following the ingestion of milk are not mediated by specific IgE antibodies to milk protein (delayed hypersensitivity) (5).
Food allergy and atopic eczema are both common diseases in infancy. Atopic eczema "is a complex disease with many triggers, foods being very important and often missed in infancy". From the very good studies carried out in recent years, showing clear causality between foods and eczema in infants, it is time for egos and emotions to give way to rationality.
(1) Host A & Halken S. Epidemiology and prevention of cow's milk allergy. Allergy 1998;56 (suppl 45): 111-113
(2) Sampson HA & McCaskill CC. Food Hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis: evaluation of 113 patients. J Pediatrics 1985;56: 669-675
(3) Burks AW, James JM et al. Atopic dermatitis and food hypersensitivity reactions. J Paediatrics 1998;56: 132-136
(4) Niggeman B, Reibel S and Whan U. The atopy patch test (APT) – a useful tool for diagnosis of food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2000;56: 281-285
(5) Host A. Cow's milk protein allergy and intolerance in infancy: some clinical, epidemiological and immunological aspects. Paediatr Allergy Immunol 1994;56: 5-36
(6) Bock SA. Prospective appraisal of complaints of adverse reactions to foods in children during the first 3 years of life. Pediatrics 1987:79:683-8.


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Our Real Estate servicies in Guardamar
Real Estate services.
Our incredible unique offer currently running includes not just your luxury property but full furnishings from our bespoke custom furnishings store. It's just a part of our real estate service, which takes you right through from when you decide you would like to buy a property through to viewings, legal guidance, and the property purchase itself. Our service is bespoke, comprehensive, and fast.
Assistance at the Notary's office.
As a high-end company, we care about all the details involved in the selling of a property. For this reason, all agreements and contracts will be signed before a notary to provide security throughout the selling process. We collaborate with qualified professionals to ensure you feel comfortable and secure, knowing that all of the legal requirements are fully taken care of.
Translation system
In order to avoid irregularities or misunderstanding, our agency employs qualified estate agents to help you fully understand the process and your purchase in almost any language. So regardless of what area you buy in or who you purchase from, when you purchase with us you will never feel 'out of the loop'.
NIE application and residence permit.
When you purchase a property in Spain, you want your purchase to go as smoothly as possible. We make becoming a resident or temporary resident easy, by helping our clients to get their NIE and residence permit.
Opening of bank accounts.
We will provide advisory services for the opening of a Spanish bank account - ensuring that you are legally compliant and also don't incur any extra charges for purchasing your property. We help you navigate the paperwork and if you have questions, we are just a phone call away to help you.
Renovation, construction and new building construction services.
Silverhouse Property are experts on renovating your house and designing it according to your own taste. We also offer construction and new building construction services, so if you have a particular type or style of property in mind, don't hesitate to call us. We can make your dream become reality with our extensive network of collaborative specialist partners in the Costa Blanca area.


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October 21
The Health Gospel: Is healing, health and wellness always God's will?
Years ago I would have said yes and I'm not alone in this belief. Many people believe that God's will is always healing, health and wellness. I can understand this tendency. After all God is all together good, perfect, all loving and all powerful. Since this is the case, wouldn't God always desire to heal? And there are also many passages in the Bible that could, if isolated from the rest of the Bible, lead someone to believe this well intended vain of theology. (i.e Matthew 21:22 - And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.") There are, however, many problems with this belief. I will list 5 and try to keep this extremely short.
1. It isn't Biblical....Here's a few examples.
Exodus 4:11 - So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?
: Here, God self admittedly makes people deaf, mute and
blind. You may not like that. You may not think it's fair. But,
please remember who we're talking about here….God.
John 9:1-3 - Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
: Here, Jesus teaches us that a man was born blind so that the works of God would be revealed in Him.
John 5:3, 8-9 - In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water….Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
: If healing is always God's will, why did Jesus limit healing to certain people? Why didn't He just heal everyone at once?
John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
: Here, according to Jesus, sickness can bring God glory. Of course Jesus eventually healed Lazarus, but his illness was the will of God. I wonder how many times Mary and Martha prayed for their brother before his death?
2 Timothy 4:20 - Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
: Why would Paul leave his friend sick? Did he not think to
pray? Did Paul not have enough faith?
Philippians 2:25-27 - Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
: Once again, someone extremely close to Paul was sick, and in this case for a considerable time. Paul wasn't expecting God to heal him as if it were the norm for God to do such things. Paul recognized that it was the mercy of God, not his faith filled prayers that resulted in the eventual healing of his friend.
1 Timothy 5:23 - No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.
: Timothy was a close companion of Paul, yet was frequently sick. We can be certain that Paul prayed for his friend, but here he instructs Timothy to drink a small amount of wine to ease his condition.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
: In this passage Paul explains that he had a sickness that God refused to heal. Some argue that this "thorn in the flesh" was not a physical infirmity, yet I suggest noticing the phrases "concerning this thing"and "I will boast in my infirmities". Either way, God didn't answer the 3 prayers.
2. It's illogical.
In the previous passage Paul made a bold statement. He said that he boasts in his infirmities. Why would Paul boast in something that wasn't God's will?
3. It magnifies man and limits God.
This belief makes the healing all about us. If we have enough faith a healing takes place and if not, it doesn't. We should never get the attention for a miracle. God should always get the attention.
Additionally, this belief limits God to mere human understanding, forgetting that God has infinite wisdom. Although a sickness may seem bad to us, in God's infinite wisdom, only He can know what is truly best. What if you were too sick to go to work, yet God was protecting you from an auto accident? What if you were too sick to board your plane on 911? I think you get the point.
4. It hurts people.
I feel bad for the countless people who love Jesus with all of their heart, yet suffer from sicknesses believing that they must not have enough faith. This type of belief can discourage, dismay and even lead someone away from the Lord. Why can't I be healed? Do I not have enough faith? Does God not love me? Is God mad at me?
Bottom line is this….when someone is sick, we are to pray for healing and have faith in God, trusting Him with the outcome. Ultimately, walking with God is all about submitting to His Lordship and surrendering to His will. Walking with God is not about telling God what to do and manifesting the self willed faith to see it through.
5. It doesn't work practically.
In Genesis 2 God promises death (physical and spiritual) as a result of sin and in Romans we are taught that all have sinned. This means that everyone will die. Statistics confirm this truth, as everyone of us will someday die (except for a few people in the Bible, the rapture and those alive at the second coming of Christ). So, if God always heals, how does everyone die? Does everyone have to die instantly in some tragic accident?
In closing, I must say that I understand this false theology. It is easy to believe in and submit to God when He is a personal genie, answering every prayer as I wish. But, in that case, I'm really god….telling God what to do. But, God is not a genie and He does not take orders or "prayers" from any of us. In this fallen existence we will sometimes be sick and we will ultimately all die. Then, we go home, where there is no sickness or death. I am looking forward to that day.
August 27
Mayweather vs. McGregor
Well, that's all folks. What do I think?
Floyd did it again. He clearly won a boxing match and did it in such a way that we are left with this idea that someone could beat him. And that's what he does. He's patient. He's calm. He is calculated. He sticks to a plan. And he wins, leaving us to believe that he is beatable. For 50 straight fights he has done this...and it's genius.
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in Floyd. I wanted him to leave boxing with the "Wow! Did you see that?!!", first or second round knock out that I know he is completely capable of. I wanted him to meet Connor in the middle of the ring and show him he has no place being there with a legend. I wanted to see Floyd show everyone the gangster in him....the macho....the warrior....the kill or be killed mentality.
But Floyd is a smarter fighter than me.
I guess that's partly why I had 3 losses in 25 fights and he is undefeated. He doesn't allow emotion to effect his craft. He's not trying to impress. He doesn't have anything to prove to anyone....and he knows it.
He stuck to his game plan and won like he has done for over 2 decades. It wasn't my game plan. It was his. And it was exactly what I predicted, just 4 or 5 rounds more patient.
I don't want to take anything away from McGregor in all of this. I'd be a fan if he was humble / non-delusional. He's a warrior. He's macho. He's worked hard to get where he's at. And I tip my hat to him....He lasted 10 rounds with Floyd Mayweather. He could probably do very well in the squared circle, but ironically, he's got a ways to go if he chooses to go that way.
So, now Floyd is left in an interesting place. He's officially retired....again. Now 50 and 0 and 40 years old, I don't think we'll see him in the ring again. His entire life has been consumed with boxing and now....it's over.
And my friend, this is the way life is. It's short. It's a vapor. Legends come and go. Fight night's come and go. Moments of grandeur come and go. Enormous wealth comes and goes. Great accomplishments come and go. Ultimately we will all be left with the same question that Floyd Mayweather has to answer. What now?
Pascal once said that every human has a God shaped hole in his heart. Boxing success, wealth and fame have blinded Floyd for 4 decades to one simple fact. It's all about Jesus. Nothing else matters. A very wise, extremely powerful and wealthy man once sought and acquired everything this life has to offer. He ended his journey by saying, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil."
Don't miss Jesus. Nothing else matters. It only seems like it does.
August 26
Mayweather vs. McGregor
Well, I've had quite a few people sending me texts and calling me to find out what I think about the Mayweather / McGregor fight tonight. No doubt my former world ranking and professional boxing experience sparks some interest in the subject, but I'm sure my time in the ring with Floyd makes my honest opinion all the more interesting. So, what do I think?
Let me start with this. There is one (and only one) reason that McGregor is taking this fight. Money. I'll go ahead and give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he can't be stupid enough to think he can win. He's probably not that dumb. He knows he can't win, but also that there is no other way he could ever make this kind of money. He's fighting for the payday. On a positive note, he has absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain, except looking really stupid (which will happen).
McGregor is a UFC fighter with a 21 and 3 record. He is a mediocre stand up fighter and has a horrible defense. Mayweather is, without a question, one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. He is 49 and 0. He's never been down in 49 fights. He's fought and beat everyone. He is a technician with the best defense in boxing. He is razor sharp and incredibly accurate. Tonight, Floyd will be able to do whatever he wants to do, whenever he wants to do it. Connor, on the other hand, won't be able to do anything he wants to do, ever.
I really feel like it is disrespectful to Floyd (and to boxing) to compare him to McGregor. Connor has 0 chance of winning. He will come out 100 miles per hour tonight, doing all that he can to hurt Floyd. Mayweather will stay calm, collective and composed. Connor will get tired. Floyd won't. Slowly and surely Floyd will pick him apart and should finish him in 6 rounds or so. Or, in Connor's only hope, hail merry, early fight haste, Mayweather may knock him out with a perfectly placed shot.
In closing, there is only one person who can help McGregor win this fight. His name is Jesus. Connor doesn't know Him, but I saw God working in Floyd's life back in 2004. He sent me to Vegas to be a witness to Floyd, to draw Floyd into a relationship with Him. I actually saw some good fruit from our time together so long ago. So, just maybe, maybe....maybe, God could use a loss tonight to humble Floyd and open his eyes to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know He certainly has in times past with me. And, if that's what happens, I will rejoice and thank God. That's the best thing that could ever happen to Floyd.
Enjoy the most lucrative and widely publicized boxing clinic in history.
June 20
How you doin?
This is a question people often ask. In fact, you may have asked or have been asked this question several times today. The typical response is "ok", "alright", "good" or "great". These responses are based on many different variables, such as, one's health, financial status, employment, social status or relational heath. I have come to find, however, that none of these really determine how you're doing. At best, they may provided some information as to how things are going, but there is only one variable that can reliably determine how you're doing.
Are you fully surrendered to God?
That's it. That's the only reliable indicator of how you're actually doing. As my friend, Stuart Migdon, once said, "No matter where you're going, if you're fully surrendered to God, it's the right direction." No matter what's going on in your life, if you're fully surrendered to God, you are doing great. Why? Because He is sovereign over everything, all together good, loves you immeasurably and will get the final, eternal say on all things.
The apostle Paul is a great example here. His life was circumstantially significantly better before his conversion experience. Before his conversion he may have said, "I'm doing great!", but he was fighting against God and heading toward eternal punishment. After the Damascus Road, however, he encountered much adversity and persecution, including ship wreck, beatings, snake bites and being stoned to death. However, in Philippians 4 he writes, "....for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Paul saw the bigger picture. How we're doing depends only upon our relationship and submission to God. Don't be blinded by circumstantial ease and deceived into thinking you're doing good. Make sure you're submitted and surrendered to God and then, no matter what's going on, you are....good. He gets the last say and He works everything together for the good of those who love Him.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son...." - Romans 8:28-29
February 3
Sometimes, there's no easy answer.
We live in a world that is falling apart. There are mountains of problems that we, as humans, are completely incapable of fixing. The consequences of a sin filled world have simply piled up too high. As far as the current immigration situation goes, there is no easy fix. How do you show compassion towards hurting people and protect the innocent in our own land? I don't think there's a good answer. Some answers are better than others, but either way someone gets hurt.
I'm immediately reminded of our Bible study from Sunday night through 1 Timothy. In the 2nd chapter Paul writes, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." There were considerable problems in Ephesus where Timothy was stationed to oversee the church. He had many challenges ahead, but Paul makes the most important thing very clear.....prayer.
The problems in Ephesus were too great for Timothy to fix, so Paul knew that prayer was the answer. He depended upon help from God. In the same way, the problems in America are simply too great for us to fix. We can certainly improve some issues by making wise decisions, but ultimately, we need God to heal our land. Only He can truly fix the many problems we face.
We need to pray.
As Oswald Chambers once said, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work." We can do nothing of lasting eternal value without the hand of God (John 15:5), but we can humble ourselves, seek the Lord and call out to Him. Then, He will hear us, forgive us and heal our land.
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14


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SFL calls on Sask. Party to shut down new for-profit blood plasma clinic
February 18, 2016
Today Canadian Plasma Resources opened a for-profit blood plasma clinic in Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is calling on the Sask. Party government to ban such clinics, as was recently done in Ontario.
"These types of clinics really are the privatization of our blood supply, and they present a number of moral, ethical, and safety concerns," said SFL president Larry Hubich, "for-profit blood plasma clinics violate the five principles presented by Justice Krever as a result of the inquiry into this country's tainted blood scandal that infected over 30,000 Canadians with HIV and hepatitis C," he added.
The SFL joins the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Canadian Health Coalition, and many other healthcare organizations and professionals in calling for the provincial and federal governments to uphold the five basic principles of blood system governance as recommended by Justice Krever:
- Blood is a public resource;
- Donors should not be paid;
- Sufficient blood should be collected so that importation from other countries is unnecessary;
- Access to blood and blood products should be free and universal, and;
- Safety of the blood supply system is paramount.
"There are a number of risks to our national voluntary blood supply system if Canadian Plasma Resources is allowed to operate in Saskatchewan or in any other province," said Hubich, "as we know from Justice Krever and healthcare professionals, paying donors compromises the safety of plasma, creates competition with our voluntary blood system, and does not create self-sufficiency for the country," he added.
The SFL supports a publicly-regulated, not-for-profit voluntary blood and plasma donation system in Canada as recommended by Justice Krever, the World Health Organization, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, the International Society of Blood Transfusion, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the European Blood Alliance.
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The SFL represents over 100,000 working people across the province in 37 affiliated unions.
For additional information, contact:
Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
o: 1 (306) 525-0197
m: 1 (306) 570-1855
e: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Let me introduce myself. I am Abigail. Forty (oh shit) with a husband and two kids. Rich – that's not my financial status, that's my husband's name – Connor and Lucas.
I have many hats: mother, wife, and business owner. Oh, and driver, nurse and entertainer. Cook, cleaner and Lego house builder.
Shall I go on? Yes, I think I bloody will.
Teacher of how to sodding well say please and thank you, singer of songs, encylopedia. Bum wiper, party planner and play date manager. Disciplinarian, Chief Funster and baggage handler. No wonder I look bloody exhausted.
This blog will be all about those hats, about keeping those plates spinning and about mixing metaphors because I am too tired to untangle them. Expect musings on the mundane (how to stay awake in a meeting when you haven't had a decent night's sleep for four years), the miraculous (I got out the door without so much as a splash of baby milk on my work clothes) and mucus. Well, there are kids involved.
Click here to find out more about Abigail.


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Approach to Improving Safety
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- Error Reporting and Analysis 1
- Human Factors Engineering 4
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Technologic Approaches
- Computerized Adverse Event Detection
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Search results for "Computerized Adverse Event Detection"
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Journal Article > Review
A review of current and emerging approaches to address failure-to-rescue.
Taenzer AH, Pyke JB, McGrath SP. Anesthesiology. 2011;115:421-431.
Describing failure to rescue as a key area for improvement in patient safety, this piece reviews efforts to reduce its incidence, including rapid response teams and early warning scoring systems.
Journal Article > Commentary
Using an automated risk assessment report to identify patients at risk for clinical deterioration.
Whittington J, White R, Haig KM, Slock M. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2007;33:569-574.
The authors describe development and testing of an electronic assessment tool to help clinicians determine early warning signs in patients and promptly call in a rapid response team.
Journal Article > Study
A prospective controlled trial of the effect of a multi-faceted intervention on early recognition and intervention in deteriorating hospital patients.
Mitchell IA, McKay H, Van Leuvan C, et al. Resuscitation. 2010;81:658-666.
An intervention including staff education and implementation of a "track-and-trigger" system improved detection of clinically unstable patients, increased utilization of the rapid response system, and improved some clinical outcomes.
Journal Article > Study
Defining the incidence of cardiorespiratory instability in patients in step-down units using an electronic integrated monitoring system.
Hravnak M, Edwards L, Clontz A, Valenta C, DeVita MA, Pinsky MR. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168:1300-1308.
A continuous physiologic monitoring system appeared to detect physiologic instability earlier than standard monitoring techniques. Prior research has questioned the false negative rate of such systems, but that problem was not noted in this study.
Journal Article > Review
Systematic review and evaluation of physiological track and trigger warning systems for identifying at-risk patients on the ward.
Gao H, McDonnell A, Harrison DA, et al. Intensive Care Med. 2007;33:667-79.
Rapid response teams are being widely implemented in hospitals worldwide. These teams are summoned to evaluate patients who meet specific clinical "triggers" (e.g., abnormal vital signs). This systematic review evaluated the ability of such triggers to accurately identify inpatients whose clinical condition is deteriorating. The false-negative rate of commonly used triggers was relatively high, meaning that a significant proportion of acutely unstable patients would not be identified by such criteria. This problem was noted in a prior negative study of rapid response teams. The authors recommend further research to determine the combination of triggers that most accurately identifies clinical instability.


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I left London in early last month and will become a resident of Canada in a few weeks. In the meantime I'm in the US, where the healthcare battle is raging. And I'm pregnant and uninsured.
In London, knowing we were moving, we booked appointments at the Fetal Medicine Clinic on Harley Street and paid £100 for a seven-week scan, then another £150 for a 12-week scan. Since we were about to move I didn't bother involving the NHS, and let's be real, it's not like they were going to do anything interesting in these early days.
Now it's time for my 20-week scan, the one where a radiologist counts fingers, toes and heart chambers.
I called up the local hospital.
"Can I just book an appointment and pay?"
"No, sorry, you need a referral from a doctor."
"So I have to see a doctor who will tell me I'm pregnant, due on the 4th of May, and should really go in for a 20-week scan."
"That's right."
"And how much will the scan be?"
"You said you were self-paying, correct? Then it'll be $140 - we give a 50% discount if you're self-paying. Plus $80 for having the radiologist look at the scan."
"So if I had insurance, the charge would be $440 but my total will be $220."
"That's right."
I called the doctor's office, who told me I could see a nurse practitioner or a doctor.
"Well, if either could give me the referral and I'm paying myself, then I guess I should see a nurse practitioner since she would be less expensive."
"Actually, no, they're the same price, which is $95.16, and that includes a 15% self-pay discount. But you can come in tomorrow."
So, what exactly is wrong with US healthcare?
"Nothing," says my well-insured step-father. "We don't have to cross the border to get good care like that couple from Canada that we met in Mexico."
"The fact I have to pay $700 a month for out-of-pocket insurance," says my unemployed, middle-class friend.
"The fact I had to pay $1300 a month for my family's insurance during my maternity leave, since my company hadn't bee around for a year before I had my baby," says my employed cousin.
"The fact doctors can't afford malpractice insurance out of a group practice," says my orthopedic surgeon brother-in-law.
"Malpractice insurance," says my mother. "We get great care, but they have to give it, otherwise people will sue."
So really, there are two problems. Private coverage is out of control. If the US culture wasn't so litigious, malpractice insurance wouldn't be so high, doctors wouldn't have to charge so much, and insurance premiums would then be lower. But do people with insurance really care, since their insurance is paying and for the most part, their jobs provide that insurance?
What they do care about are their tax dollars paying for those without insurance - the poorest people (whose emergency coverage already gets begrudgingly absorbed by the medical community), or those in the next socioeconomic bracket (who have some assets but no insurance, and who will be chased by collection agencies until their assets are gone).
Although many insured Americans may give to charity, supporting initiatives that allow people to live off the state is just not the American Way. Work hard and make money. What you get for working hard should be yours to keep. And therein lies the problem.
In the meantime, I'll pay more in small town America than I would in a world-class establishment and be glad I'm moving on.
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After years of impoverishment, Guyana is suddenly on the verge of prosperity. Since 2015, a consortium led by Exxon Mobil has developed at least 10 deepwater oil wells off Guyana's shores, with a combined productive capacity of around 750,000 barrels per day. Exploration is ongoing, with most experts anticipating the country's oil reserves exceed the current estimate of 5 billion barrels. One way to grasp the magnitude of these discoveries is that in 10 years, Guyana, with a population of slightly less than 800,000, could pump nearly a barrel of oil per person each day—more production on a per capita basis than Saudi Arabia today.
Still, there are unrealistic expectations. Take the prediction of Guyana's minister of natural resources that, thanks to an oil-backed sovereign wealth fund in the works, "Each Guyanese is going to be a U.S.-dollar millionaire, or worth that, in a few years." Of course, the spectrum of disasters linked to sudden oil windfalls, from Angola to Nigeria to next-door Venezuela, suggests otherwise. The oil curse hangs over Guyana, with risks of inflation, corruption and inequality, among other things.
Apparently aware of these traps, the government has not saddled itself with excessive borrowing ahead of the likely surge in petrodollars.
Yet disputes over how to manage this budding oil industry have spilled into Guyanese politics, with a vote of no confidence in President David Granger in late December, driven by a backlash over how his government handled oil contracts. "They sold our patrimony" to Exxon Mobil, opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo of the People's Progressive Party said of Granger's government. Although the vote triggered new elections within three months, the government is challenging it in court, adding to the political uncertainty.
The discovery of oil, it was initially thought, might provide a remedy for one of South America's poorest countries. Now there are fears not only about the possible economic dislocations of the oil boom, but its corrosive effects on the political and social fabric of a country with a history of racial divisions.
There are good reasons for concern. Membership in Guyana's major political parties is mainly along ethnic lines, a legacy of its colonial history. The People's Progressive Party, or PPP, which was in power from 1992 to 2015, is mainly comprised of Indo-Guyanese, while Afro-Guyanese dominate the People's National Congress, which is a key member of the Partnership for Unity coalition that Granger headed when he won the presidency four years ago. Once elected, political parties have a tremendous advantage in perpetuating their stay in office, as the PPP did. Whichever party is in power when the oil revenues start coming in is likely to expand its patronage network to do just that.
That is why oil has raised the political stakes. Well before December's no-confidence vote, the opposition was questioning the agreements between Granger's government and Exxon Mobil, calling them unusually favorable to the energy giant and demanding more transparency. An $18 million signing bonus was channeled to Guyanese officials, the opposition alleged—which turned out to be true, although Exxon Mobil claimed the payment was standard industry practice "in many petroleum agreements." The production sharing agreement entitles Guyana to a 2 percent royalty on gross earnings, with the crude volume evenly split, but only after Exxon Mobil recoups its operational costs from oil sales, capped at 75 percent of total monthly production. Even the IMF considered the deal to be exceedingly generous to Exxon Mobil and advised the government to negotiate a higher share of crude proceeds and a more progressive tax regime in subsequent agreements.
Despite the current gloom, it is not too late for a scenario in which oil is used to solve Guyana's problems.
In the surprise vote of no confidence on Dec. 21, Charrandas Persaud, an Indo-Guyanese lawmaker from the Alliance for Change, broke from Granger's ruling coalition and cast the deciding vote. Coalition members shouted at him to change his vote, and he was later escorted out of the building by police through a back door. Fearing for his life after the vote, and denying official charges from the government that he was bribed $1 million for it, Persaud, who also has Canadian citizenship, fled for Canada, where he remains. Guyana's government then announced it would challenge the no-confidence vote on the grounds that Persaud was ineligible to serve in parliament because of his Canadian citizenship.
Granger's government had taken some positive steps regarding oil. It published a "green paper" last August to advance the national discussion over how to manage the windfall and began building management and oversight mechanisms to deal with its commercial oil sector partners. It proposed a "natural resources" sovereign wealth fund and other steps to strengthen institutions. However, as outlined in the green paper, members of the sovereign investment committee would be appointed by the finance minister, potentially limiting the body's autonomy. Such an arrangement would do little to alter the perception of ethnic favoritism in decisions regarding government jobs and investment, social programs, and state contracts.
With oil revenues still several years out, it is possible to imagine several scenarios. Perhaps the greatest danger for Guyana is the current political turmoil escalating to the point of tension between Indian and African communities. When the oil revenues finally arrive, they could go to patronage networks rather than the national interest.
It is easy to imagine another scenario in which the Indo-Guyanese majority returns a PPP government to power in March. If Afro-Guyanese feel Granger's government was brought down unfairly by Indo-Guyanese politicians, they might think that the democratic system won't protect their interests. Such disillusionment could lead to escalations of communal violence, government paralysis, and expanded criminality and corruption.
Despite the gloom, it is not too late for a better scenario, in which oil is used to solve Guyana's problems, rather than stoke old ones. Granger and Jagdeo met earlier this month and insisted that new elections would be called soon. "We don't want our country to go into a constitutional crisis," Jagdeo insisted. "The president said he doesn't want Guyana to be seen as a failed state." Yet the legal challenge to the no-confidence vote still hasn't been resolved. Guyana's High Court on Thursday ruled that the no-confidence motion was valid and that general elections must be held by March, unless parliament votes to extend Granger's government, which is very unlikely. The government immediately announced it would appeal the court's decision, taking it all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice in Trinidad, if needed.