text:
- Research article
- Open Access
- Open Peer Review
Comparison of foot orthoses made by podiatrists, pedorthists and orthotists regarding plantar pressure reduction in The Netherlands
- Nick A Guldemond†1Email author,
- Pieter Leffers†2,
- Nicolaas C Schaper3,
- Antal P Sanders4,
- Fred HM Nieman5 and
- Geert HIM Walenkamp†1
© Guldemond et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2005
- Received: 10 May 2005
- Accepted: 20 December 2005
- Published: 20 December 2005
There is a need for evidence of clinical effectiveness of foot orthosis therapy. This study evaluated the effect of foot orthoses made by ten podiatrists, ten pedorthists and eleven orthotists on plantar pressure and walking convenience for three patients with metatarsalgia. Aims were to assess differences and variability between and within the disciplines. The relationship between the importance of pressure reduction and the effect on peak pressure was also evaluated.
Each therapist examined all three patients and was asked to rate the 'importance of pressure reduction' through a visual analogue scale. The orthoses were evaluated twice in two sessions while the patient walked on a treadmill. Plantar pressures were recorded with an in-sole measuring system. Patients scored walking convenience per orthosis. The effects of the orthoses on peak pressure reduction were calculated for the whole plantar surface of the forefoot and six regions: big toe and metatarsal one to five.
Within each discipline there was an extensive variation in construction of the orthoses and achieved peak pressure reductions. Pedorthists and orthotists achieved greater maximal peak pressure reductions calculated over the whole forefoot than podiatrists: 960, 1020 and 750 kPa, respectively (p < .001). This was also true for the effect in the regions with the highest baseline peak pressures and walking convenience rated by patients A and B. There was a weak relationship between the 'importance of pressure reduction' and the achieved pressure reduction for orthotists, but no relationship for podiatrists and pedorthotists.
The large variation for various aspects of foot orthoses therapy raises questions about a consistent use of concepts for pressures management within the professional groups.
- Peak Pressure
- Pressure Reduction
- Professional Group
- Plantar Pressure
- High Pressure Region
A variety of foot impairments such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are associated with elevated plantar forefoot peak pressures and metatarsalgia[1]. Reduction of forefoot plantar pressure through foot orthoses is a common treatment for these conditions and for non-specific metatarsalgia. Moreover, forefoot pain is one of the most common foot complaints for which foot orthoses are prescribed[2]. Several studies have shown effectiveness of foot orthoses and/or inserts on pressure reduction in patients with metatarsalgia [3–10], but there seems to be considerable variation for different aspects of orthoses therapy such as prescription habits [11–14], foot examination [15–22]and casting[23]. No publications on the evaluation of different professional groups are available as far as plantar pressure management is concerned.
Dutch medical specialists and general practitioners prescribe foot orthoses which are mainly provided by podiatrists, pedorthists (orthopaedic shoemaker) and orthotists (orthopaedic technician). These disciplines have separate vocational training. They differ regarding diagnostic procedures, construction of orthoses and therapeutic approach e.g.: pedorthists are specialized in foot orthosis therapy for orthopaedic shoe wear, whereas podiatrists and orthotists mainly provide foot orthoses for non-orthopaedic shoe wear. In general, orthotists take care of more severe disorders than podiatrists[14]. Although each discipline has a specific focus on particular foot problems, all three disciplines provide foot orthoses for comfort shoes to treat foot impairments associated with elevated plantar forefoot peak pressures: e.g. higher than 700 kPa[24, 25]. It is not known what the consequences of these differences are for the extent of pressure reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of custom-made foot orthoses, made by representatives of these professional groups in the Netherlands, on forefoot plantar pressure and walking convenience. Three patients with metatarsalgia and elevated forefoot plantar pressure were chosen as examples to show the effects of the orthoses. The specific aims were to assess possible differences in plantar pressure reduction in these patients between the professional groups, its variability within the groups and the differences of that variability between the three groups. In addition, the relationship between the importance of pressure reduction as stated by the therapist and the effect on plantar peak pressure through foot orthoses was evaluated.
As representatives of their professional groups, ten podiatrists, ten pedorthists and eleven orthotists from the southern part of The Netherlands were asked to construct foot orthoses for three patients with metatarsalgia and elevated forefoot peak pressure. Podiatrists were approached through telephone directories. Companies of pedorthists and orthotic workshops were approached through member lists of the professional associations. Each delegated between one and three therapists for the study. The median professional experience in years was 7.5; 16.5 and 20, respectively for podiatrists, pedorthists and orthotists.
Patient characteristics
Age (yr)
Weight (kg)
Body length (cm)
Preferred walking speed (m.s-1)
Systemic diseases
Arthritis psoriatica
Structural classification
pes plano valgus
calcaneus valgus
hallux valgus
claw toes
Specific diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis
MTP-1 joint Extension
MTP-1 joint Flexion
*Bare foot peak pressure (kPa)
Casting and construction of foot orthoses
Two sessions were organised at the University Hospital Maastricht with an interval of three weeks between sessions. The first session included patient examination and casting. Therapists were asked to rate the 'importance of pressure reduction' per patient through line bisection of a 100 millimetre visual analogue scale. The orthoses were constructed in the three weeks between the sessions. During the second session, before final delivery, the therapists had an opportunity to check the constructed orthoses for adequacy. If deemed necessary, accommodations of orthoses were made.
Inshoe plantar pressure measurement and evaluation of foot orthoses
Per patient 31 pairs of foot orthoses were evaluated twice in two sessions. Two pairs of sham orthoses were added to create eleven blocks of three pair of orthoses, one from each discipline. The blocks were randomized to determine the measurement sequence and this sequence was reversed for the second session. All orthoses were evaluated in the patient's own shoes and wearing standard thin socks while walking on a treadmill. The Pedar Insole-system® (Novel, Munich) was used to measure plantar pressures[26, 27]. The first author performed all measurements. Whether these off the shelf shoes had enough space for adding orthoses and the Pedar insole was checked. Patients individually chose their preferred walking speed (table 1), which was kept the same for all subsequent measurements. To minimize a possible effect of the test sequence, such as a possible effect of fatigue on plantar pressures, an equal number of steps from both sessions were used for evaluation. Data were recorded for approximately 50 seconds with a frequency of 50 frames per second. Plantar peak pressure was estimated by calculating the mean over the readings of 40 steps (20 steps per session). This was done for six separate regions: big toe (BT) and metatarsal one (mt-1) to five (mt-5) through anterior-posterior radiographs and Novel 'create any mask®' software[28]. Baseline values of inshoe plantar pressures, i.e. without orthoses, were calculated as the mean of 4 measurements: for each session, one before and one at the end of the test series. In order to check the influence of fatigue on peak pressure, we compared the before and after values without orthoses of each test session. After each measurement, patients scored walking convenience for left and right orthosis on a ten-point scale on a questionnaire: How do you rate the walking convenience of these orthoses (0 = extremely bad, 10 = excellent)? Walking convenience was estimated by calculating the mean score of the two sessions.
Baseline inshoe peak pressures (kiloPascal).
A left
A right
B left
B right
C left
C right
Variance of the maximal pressure reduction was used to show the within-group variation and to test for equality of these within group variations between the three disciplines. For this purpose a homogeneity of variance analysis was performed with a repeated measures ANOVA, using the GENOVA computer program[29].
For the assessment of the relationship between achieved pressure reduction and 'importance of pressure reduction' we used the maximal pressure reduction. For this purpose linear regression analysis was performed for the cases were there was a wide distribution of the 'importance of pressure reduction' ratings. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 12.01® software (SPSS Inc.). An alpha level of 0.05 was chosen to judge statistical significance.
Description of constructed orthoses
Orthoses made by podiatrists clearly differ from orthoses from pedorthists and orthotists. All podiatrists constructed thin insoles out of rubber, leather and cork, but they varied in the application of corrective and/or supportive elements. In broad outlines, orthoses of pedorthists and orthotists were similar. The pedorthists and orthotists made orthoses that look more like the 'Root style' orthoses[14, 30]. However, within the professional groups, there was a considerable variation in applied materials and the use of corrective and supportive adaptations. All orthoses from podiatrists were fully custom-made while this was only the case for 56% of orthoses from pedorthists and 45% of those from orthotists. The remainder were partly or completely constructed from prefabricated elements. Podiatrists constructed full-length orthoses for all patients. Pedorthists provided 34% full-length orthoses, 20% three-quarter and 46% 'in between' length orthoses. Orthotists provided 58% full-length orthoses, 24% three-quarter and 18% 'in between' length orthoses.
Plantar pressure measurements
For all three patients, the changes of the plantar pressure measurements without orthoses, from before to after the test series, were very small. The change during session 1 for patient A was 0.4, patient B -4.5, patient C 5.1 kPa. During session 2: patient A -0.3, patient B -4.3, patient C -2.1 kPa. We concluded that there was no relevant effect of fatigue on peak pressures in the course of the measurement sessions.
Effect of orthoses on highest pressure regions for patient A
Effect of orthoses on highest pressure regions for patient B
The highest baseline peak pressures for patient B were measured in both mt-3 regions (table 2). Orthotists, pedorthists, and podiatrists achieved median reductions of 93, 91 and 58 kPa respectively: figure 1. For the right mt-3 region, these reductions were 57, 24 and 43 kPa respectively. The difference between orthotists and pedorthists was statistically significant: p = .019 (figure 1).
Effect of orthoses on highest pressure regions for patient C
The highest baseline peak pressures for patient C were also measured in both mt-3 regions (table 2). Orthoses of pedorthists, orthotists and podiatrists achieved a median reduction of 149, 141 and 136 kPa respectively in the left mt-3 region (figure 1). For the right mt-3 region, these reductions were 89, 83 and 65 kPa respectively (figure 1).
Effect of orthoses on highest pressure in big toe regions of patient B and C
For patient B and C, a high peak pressure was measured in the corresponding right and left BT region (table 2). Orthoses of pedorthists, orthotists and podiatrists achieved a median reduction of 46, 44 and 3 kPa respectively, in the right BT region of patient B (figure 1). For the left BT region of patient C, orthoses of orthotists, podiatrists and pedorthists achieved a median reduction of respectively 162, 160 and 120 kPa (figure 1).
Within group variances of maximal peak pressure reduction
Maximal peak pressure reduction calculated for the total plantar surface of all forefeet (kiloPascal).
Mean reduction
-186 : 4
-226 : -15
-228 : -18
The relationship between the 'importance of pressure reduction' and the effect on peak pressure
Linear regression analysis showed only statistically significant weak negative associations between the 'importance of pressure reduction' ratings by orthotists and the effect on peak pressure for the left and right foot of patient B. Importance of pressure reduction explained 50% (p = .015) and 48% (p = .019) of the variance of the effect on peak pressure, respectively (figure 3). There was no statistically significant relation between ratings of podiatrists and effect on peak pressure for patient A and B.
Podiatrists had less years of professional experience than pedorthists (p = .037) and orthotists (p = .008), while orthotists and pedorthists did not differ in years professional experience. Multiple regression analysis showed that there was no, or a very weak, relationship between achieved pressure reduction and years professional experience, number of constructed orthoses per week, or importance of pressure reduction (data not shown).
Mean effects of orthoses on walking convenience (10-point scale)
Patient A
Patient B
Patient C
6.5 ± 0.3
6.5 ± 0.6
4.0 ± 0.4
4.0 ± 0.4
4.8 ± 1.3
5.0 ± 0.9
7.5 ± 1.1
7.5 ± 0.8
7.0 ± 1.0
7.0 ± 1.0
5.0 ± 1.6
5.3 ± 1.3
7.5 ± 0.8
7.5 ± 0.7
6.5 ± 1.0
6.5 ± 1.0
4.5 ± 1.3
4.5 ± 1.3
We studied the effect of 186 custom-made foot orthoses (31 therapists, 3 patients, 2 feet) made by podiatrists, pedorthists and orthotists on plantar pressure and walking convenience for three patients with elevated forefoot peak pressures and metatarsalgia. Within the three disciplines there was a large variation in construction of the orthoses and achieved peak pressure reductions. On average, the pedorthists and orthotists achieved slightly greater pressure reductions and a better walking convenience than podiatrists.
In accordance with what was reported in other studies, it turned out to be impossible to categorize the constructed orthoses in general orthotic classifications, such as 'functional' or 'accommodative'[11]. Therefore, we only described aspects of the shape of the orthoses and the materials used. Generally speaking, the orthoses made by pedorthists and orthotists were similar to orthoses of Anglo-Saxon podiatrists, although, rigorous application of procedures for casting and construction of functional orthoses according to the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics & Medicine (ACFAOM) and the Australian Podiatry Council practice guidelines[31, 32], were not commonly used. Orthoses of podiatrists were constructed according to the principles described by Lelièvre[33] and further developed by Lavigne and associates [34–36]. They were based on pressure sheet and physical examination and constructed as a thin sole with delicate corrective and/or supportive elements made from leather, rubber and cork. The Dutch podiatric orthoses are different from the custom-made foot orthoses made by the Anglo-Saxon podiatrists, which are usually constructed according to the concepts formulated by Root et al[11, 16, 30, 37, 38].
We assessed the pressure reduction effect of orthoses for the region with the largest peak pressure. This is where the largest effects should be achieved. In general, pedorthists and orthotists achieve greater reductions, than podiatrists. However, these differences in peak pressure reductions between podiatrists versus pedorthists and orthotists were statistically significant for only one of the patients. In addition, the maximal local reduction of peak pressure calculated for the whole plantar surface over all forefeet was statistically significantly greater with orthoses of pedorthists and orthotists than orthoses of podiatrists.
In one of the patients, at the location of the highest baseline peak pressure, the podiatric orthoses even resulted in a increase of the peak pressure. Such an increase of plantar pressure could be dangerous, especially in neuropathic feet[39, 40].
According to the ratings for 'importance of pressure reduction', optimizing pressure distribution was a main treatment goal for most therapists (figure 2). However, there was no relationship for podiatrists and a weak relationship for orthotists (figure 3) between the supposed 'importance of pressure reduction' and the achieved pressure reduction. This implies that there is a discrepancy between treatment goal and treatment effect with respect to plantar pressure reduction. This is worrisome because optimizing pressure distribution is an important aim of foot orthoses therapy [25].
Walking convenience is important for the patient's preference and acceptance of an orthosis for daily use. Two patients scored walking convenience better for orthoses of pedorthists and orthotists compared to orthoses of podiatrists. For patient C there were no clear differences. However, because walking convenience was judged immediately after the measurement session, it remains unclear whether the patient's preference will stay the same after getting used to the orthosis.
The general theoretical and practical concepts of foot orthoses therapy should be common to the therapists of each discipline concerned. The situation in the Netherlands for establishing this professional uniformity is optimal because there is only one school for each discipline. Nevertheless, there is a large variation in orthoses construction and treatment effects within each discipline, while there were no differences in the variation in effect on peak pressure among the three disciplines.
We evaluated the effects of foot orthoses therapy on plantar pressure and walking convenience for only three patients. We did not set out to examine patient-specific therapy outcome. Although the effects of orthoses for patients with other foot pathologies and plantar pressure patterns could be different, we see no reasons why the differences between the professional groups and the variation within professional groups would be substantially different for other patients. We are of the opinion that the therapists who participated in our study are a fair representation of their national colleagues. There could even be some underestimation of the variation within professional groups because some of the therapists work within the same company.
Variation in plantar pressure management could be the result of inconsistent application of diagnostic procedures, of setting treatment goals and methods of constructing orthoses. In a previous study we indeed showed that therapists often disagree about the locations with high plantar pressures[41]. Information about variability of clinical achievements among therapists is essential for the interpretation of the results of studies where foot orthoses therapy is evaluated[42, 43]. Only when there is a small variation is it possible to extrapolate the effect of therapy achieved by one therapist to his or her colleagues.
We showed a large variation among therapists for the Dutch situation. It is difficult to say whether these results can be generalised to professional groups in other countries. However, we do not know of any study showing that the situation is better elsewhere. Insofar as variation has been studied, specific aspects like diagnostic procedures and orthoses prescription show similar variability problems[11, 23, 44–52].
This study showed differences between three disciplines that construct custom foot orthoses for patients in The Netherlands with respect to construction, presumed importance of plantar pressure reduction, achieved pressure reduction and walking convenience. On average, pedorthists and orthotists achieved a slightly larger pressure reduction in high peak pressure regions and a better walking convenience than podiatrists did. There was a weak relationship between the 'importance of pressure reduction' and the achieved pressure reduction for orthotists, but no relationship for podiatrists and orthotists. The large variation in construction of the orthoses and in peak pressure reduction within the professional groups raises questions about a consistent application of therapeutic concepts for the management of elevated peak pressures.
A better understanding of and consensus about the mechanisms underpinning the effectiveness of foot orthoses therapy is needed in order to improve foot orthoses therapy, This must lead to unambiguous guidelines that enable improved education and consequently less variation between therapists.
This study was supported by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) and the Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation. We thank all patients and therapists who participated in this study.
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Pre-publication history
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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The Producer
The Dalwhinnie distillery, currently owned by Diageo, was founded by James Buchanan and called Strathspey when it opened in 1897. It is the highest distillery in Scotland, located midway between Perth and Inverness and situated at 326m/1073ft.
It is in a glen with the Monadhlaith Mountains on the one side, the Forest of Atholl, the Cairngorms and the Grampians to the other. Dalwhinnie is Gaelic for meeting place and the village stands at the junction of old cattle-droving routes from the west and north down to the markets of Crieff and Falkirk in the Central Lowlands. James Buchanan became well known for his Buchanan and Black & White blends.
Stretching a point the distillery can regard itself as being on Speyside, though it is 5 miles or more from the beginning of the dense distillery country to the north. Dalwhinnie was damaged by fire in 1934 and reopened in 1938. The distillery also serves as a meteorological observation point and every day the distillery manager treks, wades or slides across the lawn to the 'Stevenson Screen' to record the day's observations.
Only 10% of the production is marketed as single malt, the remaining being used, among others, in the Black & White blends.
Other wines by this producer:
The Region
Maybe because it is the largest geographical area, the Highlands is also the hardest Whisky region to pin down stylistically. For this reason it is easiest not to consider the Highlands as one large are, but as 4 smaller and much more distinct ones.
North-Highland malts tend to be light bodied, delicate whiskies with complex aromas and a dryish finish sometimes spicy, sometimes with a trace of salt. Northern Highland distilleries are almost all coastal. The most northerly is Old Pulteney, situated about as far north as you can go in Wick, which produces a delicious, fragrant, dry whisky.
Working south along the route of the A9, next comes Clynelish at Brora (built in 1969, beside an earlier distillery who's whiskies are known as Brora) - a sophisticated and complex whisky older expressions are very highly regarded and the malt deserves to be better known. Perhaps the reason that it is rarely seen as a distillery bottling is that it's malt is a key component of Johnnie Walker.
The best known of all the Northern Highland malts is Glenmorangie. Glenmorangie, is made at Tain on the Cromarty Firth, and is the most popular malt in Scotland. Over the last decade Glenmorangie pioneered the now often copied process of wood finishing. Althoght this process is not universally popular; it transformed the company's commercial success.
The Eastern Highlands produce a number of whiskies that can be confused with those of Speyside. In the north of the region close to the southern border of Speyside, whiskies which are smooth, sometimes with a little smoke, malty-sweet, such as Macduff, Ardmore, Glen Garioch and Knockdhu are made.
Further south is Fettercairn, and Glencadam, at Brechin, which produces an unusual creamy, fruity malt. The area between the Moray and the Tay has two distilleries of note; Royal Lochnagar and Glendronach. The first is a wonderfully smooth, rich whisky made in the shadow of the mountain of the same name in a distillery established in 1825 The second is also luscious and often sherried.
In the Western Highlands there only two distilleries on the mainland those of Oban and Ben Nevis. Oban is a perfect, sheltered harbour makes it the principal seaport for the Isles and the capital of the West Highlands. Its whisky has a misty, briny character, with a background of heather and peat.
The Oban whisky stills used are among the smallest in Scotland; the cramped nature of the site is attested to by the odd position of the worm tubs, fed by unusually short lyne arms, and nestled in the 'vee' between the roofs of the still house and an adjoining building.
The whiskies of the Central Highlands are a mixed bag. Generally they are lighter-bodied and sweeter that their cousins to the east, but not as sweet as Speysides.
The Central Highland single malts used to be known as 'Perthshire Whiskies'. Most are found along the valleys of the Tay and its tributaries. The furthest north is Dalwhinnie, which is almost in Speyside indeed; it is at the very head of the river, over sixty miles from Grantown-on-Spey.
Blair Athol and Edradour whisky distilleries are both near Pitlochrie. The former was founded in the 1790s and was substantially rebuilt in 1949 Edradour is the smallest distillery in Scotland - a happy survivor of the days of 'farm distilleries' - yet produces a clean, fresh, attractive and justly popular whisky.
South again is Aberfeldy distillery, on the edge of the pretty town of the same name. Glenturret, at Crieff is one of the claimants to being the oldest distillery, although it was dismantled in the 1920s and is much changed.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Sugar Madness on Valentine's Day
Yesterday was Valentine's Day. I spent the day pigging out with my sweetie. We went out for sushi lunch then we went cheesecake shopping. Decided on the cappuccino cheesecake...it was so sweet it made my teeth hurt instantly. So today I'll finish off the cheesecake. Then, and only then, I will behave myself. I will eat lots of veggies. I will. I mean it, I will.
"Colorful Harvest at the Farmers Market"
Prints Available Here!
But first, that cheesecake is whispering my name. I swear it is.
Click here to visit my gallery
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I've started some changes on the site, in that I've made contact with a Polish distributor, who also manufacturers IBG Models. .. IBG kits are in stock !! .. there are also new-to-me other Polish manufacturers that I now have an opportunity to looks at their kits .. a few new issue A Model kits are instock... stay tuned !!
Keep an eye on the SALE KITS category under the search engine as kits are being added often . Sale specials are first offered to subscribers that have signed up to receive new offers ( .. see this home page on the left hand, lower corner) and then any unsold kits go to the SALES section.
We have also started using Interac e-Transfers if that is your preferred method of payment .. Cheers Rob
Our policy is to respond to your orders and enquiries as quickly as possible with full costs and quick delivery of kits that we have in stock. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible price and personal service.
Enquiries for quotes on for kits not currently carried are welcome. I am always building inventory, and will offer discounted prices on orders to accommodate customers that are willing to wait the extra time and pre-pay for items that I haven't brought in yet.


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Darcy Trill, RDHAP, mobile dental hygenist who specializes in the treatment of people with disabilities and special needs in their homes, provides a compelling overview of the risks of ignoring dental health for DM patients, and strategies for achieving and maintaining oral health.
Care Tools Research
New data is available on the frequency, progression and treatment of GI symptoms in DM1 and DM2.
A recent study corroborated increased susceptibility to cancer in DM1, for women in particular, and linked the elevated risk to depressed levels of a tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA).
Although up to 25% of people with myotonic dystrophy report that gastrointestinal symptoms are their most troubling issue, we still understand little about their cause. MDF Fellow Dr. Melissa Hinman at the University of Oregon is tackling this issue with Dr. Andy Berglund of the University of Florida using zebrafish models.
In this webinar, Kari Lane, RD, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian at the University of Utah, discusses nutritious diets to maintain heart and GI health for people living with myotonic dystrophy.
Community-led session presented by Regina Thompson and Jessica Nussbaum. Two caregivers discuss different ways of preparing food for those with dysphagia.
Cynthia Gagnon, PhD, OT, of the Université de Sherbrooke, discusses ways to modify daily living activities to best benefit those living with DM.
Linda Nguyen, MD, of Stanford University, discusses GI health as it relates to myotonic dystrophy, and ways to combat these symptoms.
Accurate diagnosis is critical when treating GI symptoms in people with myotonic dystrophy.
Careful assessment of the digestive tract is essential to relieve symptoms and to avoid secondary effects and complications. Gastrointestinal symptoms often develop gradually so that patients adopt compensatory mechanisms and consequently avoid necessary examinations.
Congenital DM1
- Accumulation of amniotic fluid in the mother caused by reduced ingestion of amniotic fluid by the fetus (polyhydramnios)
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that result from dysfunction of alimentary tract skeletal or smooth muscles are common. They can be a disabling and potentially serious feature of myotonic dystrophy (DM). Common GI symptoms include:
...What emergency interventions should be followed? Does chewing food a lot help food go down easily? Does drinking lots of liquids with a meal help? Any particular type of liquid?
...Are these related to the following: a) digestion, b) type of food eaten, c) muscles not working properly? How can these problems be treated?
A discussion of the signs and symptoms of dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, as well as the different muscles that can be affected by this DM symptom.
Click here for a print-ready version of this page.


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Airbus and Boeing have again decided to join forces in reaching out to their suppliers to encourage the use of RFID technology where appropriate.
The two major airplane OEMs will help produce and support a full one day symposium on how RFID makes business improvements possible. Boeing & Airbus share about 70 percent common suppliers. So use and implementation of RFID for suppliers needs to be standardized across the board.
RFID Symposium Co-Located with MRO Asia 2007 and MRO Europe 2007
The event, titled: Enabling Business Improvements with RFID - A Global Aviation Update from Airbus and Boeing will be held the day before MRO Asia in Shanghai, China and again the day before MRO Europe in Milan, Italy. That would be Oct. 16 in Shanghai and Nov. 6 in Milan.
Participants will include:
Carlo K Nizam, Head of Value Chain Visibility and RFID, Airbus
Ken Porad, Associate Technical Fellow, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Subjects will include Demystifying RFID – The Basics particularly to executives who have heard of RFID but need a primer. An RFID Chaos Scenario. The Airbus & Boeing; a Common Approach - Ensuring value through interoperability and common infrastructure. We will also have case studies, a look at the Airbus vision and strategy, and for part of the day will also feature hands on demonstrations of RFID technology as it would be use in commercial aerospace applications.
More details are available on the AVIATION WEEK conferences website that you can find here: http://www.aviationweek.com/conferences/index.htm
Ed Hazelwood


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Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (PC) review
"The combat's great, and because of that, Revengeance's biggest problem isn't that it's over so quickly, but that it constantly kills its own pace whenever it seems to really get going."
Freelance review by Mike Suskie (January 12, 2014)
Mike Suskie is a freelance writer who has contributed to GamesRadar and has a blog. He can usually be found on Twitter at @MikeSuskie.
More Reviews by Mike Suskie [+]
If you enjoyed this Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance review, you're encouraged to discuss it with the author and with other members of the site's community. If you don't already have an HonestGamers account, you can sign up for one in a snap. Thank you for reading!
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It's now time to reserve your private airport transfer.
#1 in the Algarve www.yellowfishtransfers.com
Our fleet comprises 70 vehicles from estate cars, people carriers, cabriolets and mini-buses. All with comfort to make your journey a pleasant experience.
If you're still looking for your ideal holiday accommodation, don't forget to come back and reserve your private airport transfers.
Casa Rita offers pet-friendly accommodation in Tunes, 9 km from Albufeira and 37 km from Lagos. Guests benefit from terrace. There is a seating area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom. A TV is offered.
Nr. rooms:
Starting from:
Transfer price:
from €60.00
Located in Silves, Villa Emily is 2.7 km from the Tunes Train Station and 30 km from the Silves Castle. The unit features a fenced outdoor swimming pool, billiards, table tennis and a trampoline. The villa has high ceilings and 4 bedrooms.
from €60.00
Set in Tunes, this apartment features a terrace. The unit is 9 km from Albufeira. The unit is fitted with a kitchen. Towels and bed linen are provided in this self-catering accommodation. There is a private bathroom with a bidet and shower.


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Whats On Cape Town
Parents and teachers – get set for SUCCESS
A practical, useful workshop filled with numeracy, literacy, card games ideas for 4 - 8 year olds
Cost: R100 payable at the door.
Renee is a teacher ( BA; DSEMH; Foundation Phase; Montessori Pre Primary) educational consultant, author and life coach. She has shared her ideas in SA, Namibia, Swaziland, India, Thailand and Cambodia. Visit www.reneelighton.co.za Follow her on twitter: @Reneelighton
To book Renee for a talk in your area contact her on 082 71 44356 or 021 6839224
Entertainment for kids parties, functions or school functions and venues of choice by the parent.
Web: www.clamberclub.com
Clamber Club Babies in Sunset Beach will be opening on October the 14th
Clamber Club Somerset West Holiday Club
Tots n Pots Constantia - Cape Town
Deirdre will be holding a WINTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP for the holidays. A morning class from 10 – 11.15 and an afternoon class from 2.30 – 3.45. Classes are R130 each. She will also be doing COOKING CLINICS some mornings from 9-12 for R200. Here children will make two recipes , we will have a food quiz with prices and games. HOT CHOCOLTAE and MUFFINS for all!. Email or call 076 816 3892
Planet Kids - the most exciting and inclusive play centre in Cape Town!
Jumping Castles, fun ramps, intergalatic ball wall, outside and indoor areas, fooft slide, dream swing. Open Wednesday to Sunday as well as during School Holidays and on Public Holidays. Drop off facility. Planet Kids is passionate about what we call 'inclusive play' and we welcome kids with all abilities. Our facilities are wheelchair 'friendly' and our staff are always keen to be as accomodating as possible.For kids 2 – 13 yrs : R30 for the first hour (R50 for 2 hours) Under 2 yrs : R1 per month of age (minimum charge R10) per hour
Parents : Free entry Planet Kids is located at 3 Wherry Road, Muizenberg Website
Workshops by Renee Lighton
Noordhoek Farm Village 7 days a week from (9am til 5) a popular family friendly destination. The playground accommodates various age groups with suitable activities and safety features. The high activity zones for bigger children are physically separated from the low activity zones for children of lower ages and the space was opened up to ensure that parental visual contact is available at all times from any location in the playground and from Cafe Roux. Cafe Roux is situated adjacent to the playground and offers childrens parties as well as welcoming children of all ages and providing a kiddies menu. All the restaurants are child friendly, with specially planned meals and menus to accommodate our little people. In addition Noordhoek Farm Village offers Free children's activities every Saturday morning between 10h30 and 12h30. 021 789 2812
Table Mountain Cable way - Lower cable station, Tafelberg Road. Tel: 021 424 8181
South African National Circus School - Trapeze acts, acrobatics and more. Find them at 2 Willow Road, Hartleyvale, Observatory. Tel: 021 692 4287/073 2733 538.
Adventure Boot Camp Nationwide - Tel: 021 447 27 46 or visit their website.
Drakenstein Lion Park - A rehab and re-homing centre for rescued lions. Old Paarl Road (R101) Klapmuts. The Park is open daily from 09h30 to 17h00. Feeding Times are on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 16h00. Admission is R50 for adults and R25 for children. Tel: 021 863 3290.
The Playshed - offers a wide range of activities for children to enjoy, including a magnificent jungle gym with excellent ball pond and amazing slides. Different play stations engage the little ones in exciting ways ensuring that their minds and bodies are well entertained while having fun. We are conveniently situated in Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands with easy access from 3 major high ways - N1, N2 and M5. Parking is for free! Come and have some fun with us!!
City Sightseeing Canal Cruise 9am - 5pm daily every half hour- Take a 35 minute long boat cruise on the Shosholoza or Bonamanzi boats. R20 Adults and R20 children. The cruise leaves from the Jetty behind the One and Only Hotel. Visit
World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa - Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature. A tropical garden setting in the Hout Bay Valley is the environment in which the aviaries are spaced over 4 ha of land, framed by the back of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Constantiaberg, Chapman's Peak and Little Lion's Head. Valley Road, Houtbay. Tel : 021 790 2730. The World of Birds is open 9h00 – 17h00, every day of the week, 365 days of the year. The Monkey Jungle is open from 11:30 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 15:30. website
The Giraffe House - c/o R304 towards Stellenbosch and R101 (towards Paarl) -is a Wildlife Awareness Centre providing easy access to some of our wonderful wildlife and bird species. Focusing mainly on African wildlife, Giraffe House aims to provide a place for people to enjoy a family picnic in the fresh air, whilst experiencing and learning about animals and conservation. Education is our primary focus, and we cater for preschool and school groups. Guided tours will be available on request. Recreation and relaxation are important in today's busy world, and Giraffe House offers the family an opportunity to spend affordable quality time together outdoors. Jungle gyms and a giraffe jumping castle are available. There is no restaurant on the permises, but a refreshment kiosk supplies snacks and something to drink. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic basket. Giraffe House is also a fun kiddies party venue. Entrance fees: Adults R45, Pensioners R30, Kids (2 - 15) R25. Open 7 days week from 9-5pm. Tel: 021 224 4506 for more information.
Tel: 086 742 6739.
Cool Runnings tobogganing - is the most popular adventure sport hitting the world right now. It's a summer version of the thrilling winter sport but on steel instead of snow. Ride the 1,25 kilometers of twisting steel half-pipe at Cool Runnings Bellville, and reach up to 40k per hour. You control the speed with a servo hand brake, so you can go as fast or slow as you like. These bob sleds on wheels are suitable for all ages - even 8 year old's can go down alone, while kids under 8 sit in the double-seat with an adult. Tel: +27 (0)21 9494439. Opening Hours - Tues-Fri 12am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, School + Public Holidays (incl Mondays) 9am-6pm.
The Blue Train - is a fun activity for children from one year old and up. Have a little trip on Cape Town's only miniature train with a view of the sea, passing ships and Robben Island. Train tickets are R9 a ride. Proceeds generate funds for the Rotary Club of Sea Point's projects, so this is not only fun, but good causes benefit as well. You can also spend quality time in the upgraded safe park, playing on a climbing rock, a jumping castle or the jungle gym as well as ride on our new tricycle track. Group bookings for rides are available. A nominal fee is charged for children to use the park facilities. This is also a great place to celebrate a birthday. On weekends and public holidays: R10 per child for the use of the tricycle track, the jumping castle, the climbing rock, the jungle gym and the ball park. Tel: 021 4344297/072 3838195.
ADULTS ONLY - MYSTERY GHOST BUS TOUR - Cape Town Groups of 30 or more - Any Night. Teambuilding, Birthdays, Bachelors, Bachelorettes, Clubs Try the EVP on our website Bookings through Computicket or Checkers/Shoprite
Baby and Kids Lifestyle Market- Observatory Recreation Centre 9 - 1pm - A new holistic baby and children's market that features over 60 stalls selling quality preloved baby and children's clothing toys and decor for babies and children.There are also various activities for children two play areas and pony rides. Tel: 083-309-8024
Graceland Venues is based in Paarl. Parents can host their child's party, day visit or hire the venue and enjoy the numerous fun activities available. Read moreBizzy Bodies (Somerset West, WCape) has the biggest indoor play gyms in Cape Town with supervision for children from the age of one to 12 years and convenient coffee shops for parents. 021 852 2101 or Westlake Business Park - 021 7020505. View Busy Bodies Website
Kidz Discovery Club (Camps Bay) - Age-appropriate, professional baby-and-toddler and mother-and-child groups. Art and tactile exploration, language, fine and gross motor development, visual motor play and funky experiments. 3 months to 4,5 years. Read more
Millstone Farmstall and Cafe - The Millstone Farmstall has a fantastic kiddie's garden with a tree house ship for pirate voyages for the boys. There is a Wendy House on stilts with a slide that is ideal for toddlers, and there are swings under a tree. Milly May, the resident friendly pig, is also waiting to make new friends! Kiddies can feed the horses or go on rides, and the farmstall also sells organic produce grown on the farm. They are also the only wood-fired bread bakers in Cape Town, with a fabulous range of breads. Their handmade butter biscuits are legendary, and they sell honey straight from the beehives. For more information and for bookings please contact Millstone Farmstall & Cafe on 021 4478226
ATLANTIC RAIL DAY TRIPS - 10h30 - 16h00 at Monument Station, Cape Town - Atlantic Rail will be running a trip from Cape Town to Fish Hoek (return) departing Cape Town at 10h30 and later departing Fish Hoek at 14h30 for the journey back. Cost: R220 Adults, R110 Children (3 - 12 Yrs) read more
Stodels Nurseries Milnerton - Garden centre with fantastic outdoor play area for children of all ages. On Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 to 6 you can enjoy a cup of coffee while the children jump on the jumping castle pr climb on the jungle gym. Call 021 5284000 WebsiteGymboree Play & Music- Join us every Thursday morning from 9-11am for play time where you and your child can explore our incredible playfloor at leisure outside of class time. Every two weeks our playscape changes. Come and see why we are the global leader in classes for kids!
Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie - Great place to spend some family time. Home to some very friendly farm animals – including goats, pigs, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and a pony – Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard is a fun-filled favourite with visitors to Imhoff. Home to some very friendly farm animals – including goats, pigs, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and a pony – Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard is a fun-filled favourite with visitors to Imhoff. Website 021 7832007 Read more
Barrydale Country Fair Tractor- trailer and donkey carts will take visitors on a tour around the town, visiting local shops, restaurants and studios, where there will be a variety of entertainment, activities and specials. There will be a craft market and food stalls on the municipal lawns in the center of town, and a children's entertainment area on the NG church lawns, with a jumping castle, games, face painting, etc. Other activities include: A parade with vintage cars, floats & motorbikes, a downhill soap-box cart race, a flower-arranging competition and auction, a beer tent with live entertainment, the Karoo Saloon potjie-kos competition finals, wine-tasting, luxury picnics at the Blue Cow, farm tours, and much more.


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I have tried two themes, Spirit and Luke and Sara, as starter themes for website redevelopment. I have tried adding regions and using drag and drop to add widgets, text, images, etc. and have found that I can add regions, but I cannot drag and drop anything. Rather it will add element in left region only (does not drag all the way across) and will highlight the entire site, which cannot be undone, causing me to reload the entire page and start over.
Any ideas on what is causing this and how to fix it?


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New Chapters of Communalism in BJP's Grand Plan
By Dr. Javed Jamil, The Milli Gazette Online
Published Online: May 01, 2014
Sangh Parivar appears to be fast heading to the final leg of its plan to divide the country on communal lines. The positioning of Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate was the first step of the final push. Without gaining political power, the plan could not have been executed. There was the need of a leader whose name in itself was enough to enthuse those -- and there are plenty of them – who are silent or open sympathizers of Hindutva.
Through a meticulously planned exercise, inch by inch, first Modi was projected as Symbol of Development, and then slowly but steadily he started opening his communal cards.Amit Shah was quickly dispatched to UP to try to repeat the Gujarat Experiment in the biggest Indian state. If Uttar Pradesh goes the Gujarat way, the grand plan would become successful within no time. Muzaffarnagar riots followed after instigating many smaller riots in the state. The right beginning was made. The riots-accused were felicitated by Modi. They are now proud BJP candidates for Lok Sabha. Modi then started opening up his new agenda of communalism. He did not require raising the older issues. They were already there in the open. New issues were required.
If Muslims are to be kept in check, they need to be hit hard on the economic front. The thinking is perhaps that Hindus (and more specifically certain sections of Hindus) cannot monopolise the resources of the country unless Muslims (and the rest of Hindus) are kept out of the race. If during last few decades, there is one business sector where Muslims have performed rather well, it is the meat industry. The meat exports have not only flown back dollars to the country, unfortunately for the Sangh Parivar, a significant portion of these dollars have landed in Muslim homes and businesses. The leather industry, which is also directly related to the meat industry, has also prospered in Muslim populations of some cities like Agra and Kanpur. Modi started attacking meat exports several months back. I had taken notice of this when he talked about "Pink Revolution" in a Bangalore rally about four months back and then in Delhi in Baba Ramdev's programme. It has attracted media attention only now when he repeated the issue several times in his rallies in UP and Bihar. "Pink Revolution" is dangerous, in Modi's now well known brilliant mind. How? Only he knows. He should know that it is only the male buffaloes or the female buffaloes that have lost the ability to procreate and produce milk are slaughtered. The burgeoning of the meat industry in fact boosts the milk industry. Male animals are now not much in use in India to plough fields. Modi's eagle-like eyes have not yet fallen on chicken industry. That may be the next in line. Or, perhaps he might have not seen it as a Muslim-majority business.
Obviously, Sangh Parivar does not want Muslims to prosper in any field. This is why it opposes reservation to Muslims. While Hindu SCs and Hindu OBCs have been granted reservations in education as well as jobs, upper caste Hindus have found in private institutions an alternative for reservation. The children of rich Hindus are now dominating the private institutions; and this has also helped them in taking hold of not only the Education Sector but also all the other industrial sectors. So, while most Hindu sections have got the reservation, none of Muslims has benefited. Muslim OBCs do not get reservation in practice and Muslim upper classes, who do not form more than 10 percent of the community, do not have enough money to take advantage of private institutions. Ironically, legal experts say that Muslims cannot be given reservation because the Indian Constitution does not provide reservations on the basis of religion. The truth is that Muslims are being DENIED reservations exactly on the ground of religion. How denial on the basis of religion is allowed by Constitution is for the pundits to answer.
Modi has now opened another front. In his rallies in Assam, he propounded another theory: Hindus from anywhere in the world are welcome to migrate to India because "India is the natural land for them". Muslim migrants on the other hand are to be thrown out even if they are facing severe human crises. This opens a new vista of communalisation: Globalization of Hindutva. Ideally, Muslims should not have any objection to attempts by any religion to safeguard its interests. But Sangh Parivar almost always links their interests to denying Muslims their genuine rights.
And of course, if Sangh politics is on the rise in the country, it would automatically reduce Muslim presence in the political institutions of the country. If one or two "Muslim" candidates are expected to be part of 200 plus BJP contingent in Lok Sabha, it can be safely assumed that Muslim presence in the next Lok Sabha will hit an all time low.
The Grand Plan is in full swing. Money is flowing freely to make the plan successful.
The success or the failure of the Plan depends on how soon or late the majority community recognises the inherent dangers in the Plan. Hopefully they understand sooner than later.
Dr Javed Jamil is a thinker and writer with over a dozen books including his latest, "Muslims Most Civilised, Yet Not Enough" and "Muslim Vision of Secular India: Destination & Road-map". Other works include "The Devil of Economic Fundamentalism", "The Essence of the Divine Verses", "The Killer Sex", "Islam means Peace" and "Rediscovering the Universe". He may be reached at doctorforu123@]yahoo.com
We hope you liked this report/article. The Milli Gazette is a free and independent readers-supported media organisation. To support it, please contribute generously. Click here or email us at email@example.com comments powered by Disqus


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Fresh Littleneck Clams
(Austrovenus Stutchburyi)
New Zealand littleneck clams, more traditionally known as the New Zealand cockle, tuaki or tuangi, have been exported to a dozen countries for over twenty years. These carefully managed wild stocks are harvested in the brilliantly clear unpolluted waters of our Southern Pacific Ocean, on the Otago coast. All harvesting, processing and packaging operations comply with the New Zealand government, USFDA and EU standards.
Green-lipped Mussel
(Perna canaliculus)
Also known as the New Zealand mussel, the greenshell mussel, kuku, and kutai, is a bivalve mollusc in the family Mytilidae the true mussels. It has great importance as a cultivated species in New Zealand.
Queen Scallops
(Zygochlamys Delicatula)
Queen scallops are dredged from the brilliantly clear, unpolluted waters of our Pacific Ocean and immediately frozen to retain the qualities of the fresh product making them available all year round. All harvesting, processing and packaging operations comply with the New Zealand government, USFDA and EU standards.
Farmed King Salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
King salmon, sometimes known as Chinook, is native to the northern Pacific Ocean and the largest of the Pacific salmon family. King Salmon are adapted to life in both fresh and salt water. In the wild they swim up rivers from the sea to breed.
All salmon farmed in New Zealand are King Salmon.
They are born in land-based hatcheries and transferred to sea pens or fresh water farms to grow out to harvest size.
Most sea farming occurs in the Marlborough Sounds, Stewart Island and Akaroa Harbour, while fresh water operations in Canterbury, Otago and Tasman utilise ponds, raceways and hydro canals for grow out operations.
The sea pens used are made of netting and are around 18,000 cubic metres in size. New Zealand's low stocking densities, ranging between less than 1 kg/m3 up to around 25 kg/m3 (depending on the life stage of the salmon).
In New Zealand, our focussed farming practices, strict bio-security procedures and absence of any native salmon species mean that our King Salmon are raised without need for vaccines or antibiotics.


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Today the EPA released its annual accounting of US greenhouse gas emissions for 2012. And it's good news.
The highlights:
1. After increasing greenhouse gas emissions nearly every year from 1990 to 2008, emissions are down 8% since President Obama was sworn in, and down 5% from 2010 to 2012.
2. As of 2012, annual greenhouse gas emissions are at the lowest level since 1994.
3. If we keep up the pace of a 5% cut every two years, at the end of his presidency Obama will beat his 2009 pledge to have cut emissions 17% from our 2005 levels, by 1.8 percentage points.
4. If we kept up the same pace through 2030, we will have cut emissions from our 2010 level by 40%, hitting the target set by the most recent UN climate panel report necessary to avoid a climate crisis.
The icing on the cake is that we've put ourselves on this trajectory without congressional legislation to cap carbon emissions and before the EPA finishes its rule to limit emissions by power plants.
President Obama was able to drive emissions reductions thanks to the green energy investments in the Recovery Act, new regulations for automobile fuel-efficiency, planned regulations that dried up investment in coal plants and — most controversially on the left — supporting the natural gas boom that has cut our coal consumption. (Last month he announced plans for regulations that would mitigate the methane leakage from natural gas that also harms the climate.)
But that does not mean we can remain on auto pilot if we are to stay on this trajectory. As the UN panel warned, per Bloomberg, "The world needs to triple the energy it gets from renewables, nuclear reactors and power plants that use emissions-capture technology to avoid dangerous levels of global warming."
To put that in perspective, the share of our energy that we got from renewables in 2012, according to the EPA, is 9.3%, which is up 25% from 2008, when it was 7.4%. Now we need it to go up 300%, while the Recovery Act's level of investment were temporary and have not been renewed.
And the US can't solve the problem alone. While emissions are down here and in Europe, emissions are up in China, India and Japan, and basically flat in Russia.
Fortunately, the White House and the State Department are serious about forging an international agreement, and the new numbers confirming our recent emissions cuts will bring credibility to the negotiating table.
So while there is a lot left to do, we should take heart that we are presently on right path, and know that it is possible to stay on it.


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lol no, the US is still probably the most desired place by gold diggers around the worldGhost wrote:Part of the problem with hoping for that is the local women won't seek you just because of how bad their standard of living is, but also how based on how well your country is doing. Just about everyone these days knows that the U.S. is in dire straights and has become a shithole of sorts.Tsar wrote:Hopefully. That's why I hope the overall living standards for most Russians (and everyone in Eastern Europe) collapses.Hero wrote:Maybe it will be like the 90's again, when any guy with an American passport could score a Russian babenomadphilippines wrote:especially with the economic collapse there it doesnt sound like a wise place to go
also, as much as i want to have easy girls to hook up with, i dont know that wishing for millions of peoples standard of living decreasing is the best for karma


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My wife and I had an argument last night. Okay, not an argument per se, more of a very lively and engaged discussion. There were a number of things we hadn't been able to address for a while due to being short on time and long on fatigue, so we finally went ahead and hashed 'em out. When my beautiful wife reads this, she might not be terribly fond of the idea of me airing our dirty laundry, but I'm doing it for a good reason, so I hope she'll forgive me. Okay honey? Thanks. I love you.
Did I mention that she's very, VERY beautiful? And smart? Yep, that's my wife.
And who doesn't have a little dirty laundry? I've never put much stock in the idea that I should put up a facade of perfection. The perfect marriage, family, and friendship do not, in fact, exist. I think that anyone who pretends they have it all figured out is in for a nasty surprise at some point. Why not just be honest? Ain't none of us perfect, so why pretend? It's exhausting.
So we're not perfect, and we had a heated discussion to air some frustrations. It wasn't entirely pleasant, but it was necessary in order to clear some things up and join forces to start coming up with solutions. I also decided that I would really not mind if there were about four more hours in the day; that extra time would have likely allowed us to talk about these things much sooner than we did. I would also be able to blog more often, and spend more time eating Cheetos. As you know, we have three little munchkins that consume most of our non-work time, and that's just the way things work. We love them with all our hearts, and wouldn't trade a moment of it, but it really cuts down on quality time as a couple if you're not careful. Then, frustrations can fester because you're not talking about them, and resentment can set in, and resentment can be deadly.
I'm a guy. I need cave time, as all guys do. At the end of a fifteen-hour day of work and kids, my brain is about to go caveman, and I'm close to the point at which I start grunting unintelligibly. I need some time alone to process the day, and I'm not always good at leaving my cave to connect with my wife. Our conversation last night really got me thinking about priorities, and I decided mine might not be entirely in order. I went to the ever-reliable internet for answers, and it turns out I've got a mild case of something called "priorititis". WebMD says that symptoms may include sleeplessness, irritability, shortness of breath, spontaneous rash, and unintelligible grunting. I think WebMD is mostly full of it, but at least they got the last one right.
Before we had kids, spending time together came easy. We didn't have to spend our attention and energy on nearly as many things and people. I admit that I've had a hard time getting used to the way things are now, but that's no excuse. An extra four hours in the day would likely help a lot, but since the physics involved in moving our planet the correct extra distance from the sun in order to accomplish that would result in roughly seven billion people-shaped icicles and I don't have that kind of power anyway, I guess I'll make do with the time I have.
And I guess that's part of marriage. You adapt to changes in your life and continue to make each other your top relational priority, or you don't. If you don't, you start to resent. You stop talking about anything meaningful. Over time, you turn cold toward each other. I'm willing to do anything to prevent those things from happening, so it's us that will need to change, not our circumstances. Or the earth's orbit.
Over our years together, when out for dinner, we've occasionally seen an elderly couple sitting at a table nearby who, throughout their entire meal, say barely a word to each other. They don't make much eye contact. They don't smile at each other. We always say we don't want to become "that couple", and really, what couple does? But so many couples don't understand in their early years what it takes to avoid it, the sheer amount of effort, work, and time that are necessary. "Happily ever after" falls apart if you don't work at it together after the credits roll on the love story.
Don't get me wrong. "Ever after" can be happy. But it's a long road, and you have to arrive together and still liking each other most of the time for that to happen. You can't grunt your way through it, letting your "priorititis" get increasingly worse. Thankfully, I think I'm on the road to recovery.


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My monday sucked. Tuesday ended horribly. Wednesday was sad. Thursday isn't over.
Once again, walk with my as I recount my day (from this Thursday night's perspective) in chronologically forted stylistics.
I woke up at 1015, and I was pissed. I have nothing against 1015, except that it makes me fifeteen minutes late for Assembly Language. That class seems to be my biggest problem with this semester. And that's only because I keep missing it.
Bad start. I didn't feel good. I spent all of Sunday night, and an obscene amount of Monday morning doing homework. Assembly language, actually. Oh, right, and I was studying for a Math test. Just the thing I wanted to do.
I felt like crying. In fact, I did all day. My eyes burned, I couldn't look up, and I felt like dying. So. I made a decision.
I walked to Assembly with my printed assignment, and I then wrote Tom a note. I spelled out how bad my day was (already) and how I had worked and worked on the program, and was sure that it worked, just not sure why it didn't for me. I would later figure out that the problem was NOT my program, but other elements in the equation.
I walked around head down to get something quick to eat, then I came back up to the room, showered, ate, and studied for Math. I decided now would be a good time to start reading up for my essay rough draft, which was technically due on Monday (that day) but was not expected until Wednesday (for all intensive purposes.)
So, I trotted off the Math. I was on time this day (I'm usually late), but why, I asked myself? I took the test, which was not as bad as it could have been, and I got to leave early, which was not as good as it could have been. I had fifteen minutes before my next class. Where did I go? I went to that bathroom on the second floor of East Hall (the one I talked about in that "relativity" post) and I just stood there. Coat, bag, all, again. I just stood there and waited. I hated this day.
I went to my class, where I played Bejeweled the whole time, kept my head down, and urged the day along. The rest of it played well. No large speed bumps. Most people did note my unusually depressed self, but I told them that I would be better later, not sure if I would.
Then the play. You can't act when you're depressed. I had to cheer up, and so I did on the way up. I was still dampered, but I was in a good condition to perform. And so I did. I said the same lines I have so many times; I made all the guestures I've made time and time again; and I acted as I know how to do.
Guess who was there? Alicia. So, after those dumb pictures ("Miles, you can only take three pictures, Miles. Miles!") I took Alicia back to my place and me … uh… talked to Adam. She wrote on my wipeoff board, signed the loft, and then (after some confusion) we walked out to her car, where we … uh… came back in the building. She hadn't met Jeff!
So, we went up to Jeff's room where we …uh… talked to Jeff. We talked music and stuff, and then Alicia swore (which shocked me) and then she swore some more. It was crazy. Finally I walked her to her car. We said goodbye, and she drove off.
Well, everyone who met her (and some people, like Adam, who had already met her) were asking who that hottt chick was that I was showing around. And then Adam says, "Hey Miles. Why don't you tap that?" And to tell you the truth, I don't have a good reason.
It makes me wonder…
Then I did homework until 330 am.
I woke up way before my first class. I felt a lot better. Sleep does much to your outlook on things. It tends to brighten mine. I attacked the day with vigor.
I don't remember what happened during the day.
Then the play happened, and we got the worst audience ever. Ugh they make me so mad! (for you, Jamie) But seriously, the only good thing to come out of it was that I became part of a three person … person named "Rethleb" which involves Me, Heather, and Rob. We are three equal persons (not unlike the trinity) though we don't have any special powers (like the trinity) and Rob gets TWO letters of the name, which isn't at all fair.
I then went home and worked on homework until 330 am again.
I made it to ASM today! Hoooo man was I stoked! Then I made it to all my other classes! Not much happened today. At least, not much comes to mind. The final night of the play.
We had the play, and we had the best audience ever. I couldn't believe it. They laughed at everything. I had to bounce for practially 20 minutes to make space for the laugh lines. It was great. This energy was surging through me. I LOVE THAT FEELING. That's why I act. When the script, actor, and audience all come together. Both skits garnered piles of laughs, which I hope to trade in for a cool pen flashlight. No, not really.
They don't have those anymore. I'll get a green Alien eraser.
I got a number of compliments from people saying that they thought my skit was the funniest and that I was the "best actor up there." I'm serious! I don't know what to say to that. What do you say? I say, "Well, thank you" and try to bear the awkward silence. I would normally have a witty saying to it, but I can't think of anything. These people just rob me. I would love to say back to them something corney like, "Well, you know, it was the synergy of the whole group. I got to work with some really talented and funny people and it's an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life" but they're usually gone by then.
Alas. The day ended on a sad note. As Jamie gave me a ride home, I reflected. This play marks the end of a lot of things. Some of these people I am never going to see again. Jamie, Heather, Amanda. It makes me sad. I like these people! Others, I might see but never get a chance to hang out with. How is THAT fair? You spend so much time with these people, that they become a family.
I didn't cry, but I felt meloncholy. I hoped, deep down, that I was just being dramatic.
Almost up to speed. Today went well. I went to SAD, and everyone else in the group showed up, too. Wonderful.
Mike had this program on his VIAO (is that right??) where you basically run this skier into things because it's funny and he's violently thrown about. Kinda like another program I discovered today: Porrasturvat. It was written in ASM, which is cool and at the same time depressing, and you basically throw a guy down a flight of steps.
There is this badly conceived and convoluted story about WHY you do this, but it doesn't hold up. It's funny (in a sick way) to watch his body fly down the steps. OH, and you get points for this.
I had a Flash final, which I didn't get all the way finished with. Oh well. I'm hoping the cool things I tried to get done shine over the simple things he asked for and that I couldn't complete. I tried.
Before that, however, Jeff and I went to see Bob (Jackson) who had a copy of my snow speech (finally!) and also has his "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" poster hidden behind his door for fear of ridicule. At least that's what he told us. We had a nice chat before going to Flash.
After flash, I had a SAD meeting in Val's room. We got a lot done, but I got nothing done. I was shelled out. Useless and space absorbing.
When I got back, I went down to return Mandy's nail polish that I borrowed. No one was in their room, so I gave it to Erin to give to Mandy. Then Erin and I talked for a very long time. It was a nice chat. I enjoyed it.
Then I went to the Drama Club meeting. Actually, I was late. Actually, they cancelled the meeting but we hung out until 815 (officially the meeting cancellation time), but Bob (Davison) and I talked until 930. Then I came here.
And I worked on some stuff before settling down to write this. So this is all I'm going to type so that Jill can go to bed.


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It's difficult to imagine functioning in today's world without credit. Whether buying a car or purchasing a home, credit has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Having easy access to credit goes hand in hand with having a good credit score, so it's important to know how to maintain a positive credit score and credit history.
The importance of having a good credit score
Your credit score is based on your past and present credit transactions. Having a good credit score is important because most lenders use credit scores to evaluate the creditworthiness of a potential borrower. Borrowers with good credit are presumed to be more trustworthy and may find it easier to obtain a loan, often at a lower interest rate. Credit scores can even be a deciding factor when you rent an apartment or apply for a new job.
How is your credit score determined? The three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) track your credit history and assign you a corresponding credit score, typically using software developed by Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO).
The most common credit score is your FICO score, a three-digit number that ranges from 300-850. What's a good FICO score? For the most part, that depends on the lender and your particular situation. However, individuals with scores of 700 or higher are generally eligible for the most favorable terms from lenders, while those with scores below 700 may have to pay more of a premium for credit. Finally, individuals with scores below 620 may have trouble obtaining any credit at all.
Factors that can negatively impact your credit score
A number of factors could negatively affect your credit score, including:
- A history of late payments. Your credit report provides information to lenders regarding your payment history over the previous 12 to 24 months. For the most part, a lender may assume that you can be trusted to make timely monthly debt payments in the future if you have done so in the past. Consequently, if you have a history of late payments and/or unpaid debts, a lender may consider you to be a high risk and turn you down for a loan.
- Not enough good credit. You may have good credit, but you may not have a substantial credit history. As a result, you may need to build your credit history before a lender deems you worthy of taking take on additional debt.
- Too many credit inquiries. Each time you apply for credit, the lender will request a copy of your credit history. The lender's request then appears as an inquiry on your credit report. Too many inquiries in a short amount of time could be viewed negatively by a potential lender, because it may indicate that you have a history of being turned down for loans or have access to too much credit.
- Uncorrected errors on your credit report. Errors on a credit report could make it difficult for a lender to accurately evaluate your creditworthiness and might result in a loan denial. If you have errors on your credit report, it's important to take steps to correct your report, even if it doesn't contain derogatory information.
Fixing credit report errors
Because a mistake on your credit report can negatively impact your credit score, it's important to monitor your credit report from each credit reporting agency on a regular basis and make sure all versions are accurate.
If you find an error on your credit report, your first step should be to contact the credit reporting agency, either online or by mail, to indicate that you are disputing information on your report. The credit reporting agency usually must investigate the dispute within 30 days of receiving it. Once the investigation is complete, the agency must provide you with written results of its investigation. If the credit reporting agency concludes that your credit report does contain errors, the information on your report must be removed or corrected, and you'll receive an updated version of your credit report for free.
If the investigation does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you can add a 100-word consumer statement to your credit file. Even though creditors are not required to take consumer statements into consideration when evaluating your creditworthiness, the statement can at least give you a chance to tell your side of the story.
If you believe that your credit report error is the result of identity theft, you may need to take additional steps to resolve the issue, such as placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report. You can visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website at ftc.gov for more information on the various identity theft protections that might be available to you.
Finally, due to the amount of paperwork and steps involved, fixing a credit report error can often be a time-consuming and emotionally draining process. If at any time you believe that your credit reporting rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.
How student loans affect your credit score
If you've graduated college within the last few years, chances are you're paying off student loans. The way in which you handle your student loans during the repayment phase can have a significant impact--positive or negative--on your credit history and credit score.
Your main goal when paying back student loans is to make your payments on time. Being late with even one or two loan payments can negatively affect your credit score. If you are in default on your student loans, don't ignore them--they aren't going to go away. If necessary, contact your lender about loan rehabilitation programs; successful completion of such programs can remove default status notations on your credit report. Of course, if you are making your loan payments on time, make sure that any positive repayment history is being correctly reported by all three credit bureaus.
Even if you are paying your student loans in a timely manner, having a large amount of student loan debt can have an impact on another important factor that affects your credit score: your debt-to-income ratio. Having a higher-than-average debt-to-income ratio could hurt your chances of obtaining new credit if a creditor believes your budget is stretched too thin, or if you're not making progress on paying down the debt you already have. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help improve your debt-to-income ratio:
- Consider a graduated repayment option in which the terms of your student loan remain the same but your payments are smaller in the early years and larger in the later years.
- Consider extended or income-sensitive repayment options. Extended repayment options extend the term you have to repay your loans. You'll pay more interest over the long term, but your monthly payments will be smaller. Income-sensitive plans tie your monthly payment to your level of discretionary income; the lower your income, the lower your payment.
- If you have several student loans, consider consolidating them through a student loan consolidation program. This won't reduce your total debt, but a larger loan may offer a longer repayment term or a better interest rate.
*Disclaimer: This commentary is provided for educational purposes only. The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein reflect our judgment as of the date of writing and are subject to change at any time without notice. They are not intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation. All investments carry a certain risk and there is no assurance that an investment will provide positive performance over any period of time. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Investment Advisory Services offered through Asset Strategy Advisors, LLC (ASA), a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC, a broker-dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance offered through Charles River Financial Ins Agcy (CRFG). ASA, CRFG and Triad are separate companies.


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Posted by The Headrest DVD Player Authority on May 02, 2015
This is a public service announcement provided by the online authority for car headrest DVD players, OnFair. Serving busy families looking to entertain their kids during long family drives for nearly a decade, we know car headrest DVD players better than anyone.
With the luxury of shopping online you're able to quickly search and compare headrest DVD player packages from seller to seller, package to package. There are many choices on the market and chosing the best headrest DVD player package for your needs can become a challenging task.
Also with the luxury of the Internet, the world is closer together and online sellers half way around the world are trying to capture your dollar with little worry if they deliver the quality of product you're looking for.
The #1 selling strategy from global sellers is to offer a product that looks similar to more expensive packages but at a cheaper price. Because many buyers make quick decisions based on what they see in a photograph without reading the details...unfortunately...this strategy works.
What happens is the quick-deciding customer receives their cheap headrest DVD player package, open the box and quickly find out they may have saved a few bucks but lost a ton of value and if they would have done just a little more homework before selecting the true-best headrest DVD player for their needs they would have found OnFair at the top of their list. Because the cost of shipping the cheap headrest back to China is so expensive, many customers just accept their bad decision at this point and live with it...
It's not what's inside the box, but what's NOT inside the box that will surprise you. Cheap headrest DVD player packages typically leave out some of the most important accessories and components to make your headrest DVD player install and enjoyment the best it can possibly be.
HERE'S A QUICK TEST. If the package doesn't include headphones or a cigarette lighter power cable or VERSA headrest posts...it's too cheap for you! Move on...quickly!
The purpose of this public service announcement is to save you the BAD SURPRISES and help you find the GOOD SURPRISES! The solution is clear. OnFair is the online authority for car headrest DVD players with the biggest value for your buck. They offer headrests at a price far less than a car dealership but don't cut corners when it comes to important accessories or quality components.
OnFair designs the best value, the best combination of pieces and parts and they offer the most complete source of information and support to help you chose the best headrest DVD player package to fit your vehicle but more importantly, fit your needs!
OnFair brings new headrest DVD players to the market all the time, the latest and greatest headrest DVD player package on the planet is an EPIC package your EPIC family is guaranteed to LOVE. Check it out.
If finding the greatest value for your family is top priority, check out their Autotain MAGIC Silver headrest DVD player package which contains all the "Important" features without car dealership pricing.
Let us tell you a little secret...are you ready…are you sitting down...this is a biggy...a shock factor magnitude of 10...here it is...many car dealerships actually buy from OnFair before they mark up the price and install our headrests into cars on their lot. Shhhhh, don't tell anyone you got your headrests directly from the world's premier headrest DVD player supplier and this will remain our little secret.
We hope you appreciate our extreme efforts to offer you the best of both worlds. We know what you're looking for. Enjoyable family drives AND money left in your wallet.
There's only 1 step left. Choosing which OnFair headrest DVD player package you'll enjoy most.
Cheers to your next road trip!
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If you already own a Bronto(s) and need parts or service support Kardie Equipment can assist you. We currently have the largest group of Bronto Mechanics within North America and have more than 30,000 maintenance hours. Our team not only has a vast knowledge of the aerial work platformsbut we also have a great relationship with the manufacture and can help with expediting parts. In addition to basic support, Kardie Equipment also can consult and help your fleet group improve current maintenance programs to ensure that you get the longest life and return on your Bronto(s). We also can take over the annual maintenance and certification of your Bronto(s). Call our support team to learn more about how we can help you improve your overall parts, service, and maintenance.
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This exquisite condo is located along the side of Easy Street, a beginner slope at the base of Sugar Mountain, and is just minutes from golf and tennis. The unit is decorated and furnished with classic southern accents and the balcony overlooks a tranquil creek. This spacious condo with a King size bed in the master bedroom, 2 Twin beds in the guest room and a Full sleeper sofa in the living area will sleep up to 6. The stone fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilly winter evenings. Features include a fully equipped kitchen, ceiling fans, a washer and dryer, a wet bar, WiFi, TV and a single tub with jets to ensure comfort on your vacation. Enjoy access to the Branches Clubhouse where you may relax under a big-screen TV, read from the collection of books or join in a game of foosball or ping-pong. Non-smoking, no pets allowed.
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Top 3 Trends and Predictions for the 2016 NRF Retail's BIG Show
The NRF Retail's BIG show is 6 short days away. As we begin 2016, the retail industry is once again turned on its head. If the 2015 holiday shopping season and Black Friday served as a harbinger for things to come, NRF 2016 won't disappoint. What are the top 3 trends and predications for this […]Read More


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AutoLocation Switching
A security policy that allows an Agent to automatically adapt the rules and policies based on the location and network environment. For example, locations named Office, Telecommuter, and Home enforce different security policies depending on where the user logs in. If a client connects to the enterprise network using a Symantec Agent with AutoLocation Switching enabled, the Agent automatically determines which location and therefore which security policy must be enforced based on the client's current network characteristics.