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|Surviving the Midlife Attack
Surviving the Midlife Attack
By mid-life many of us will face the surmounting turmoil of traumatic life events. An escalation of emotional triggers caused by midlife attacks such as job loss, divorce, financial struggles, aging parents, death of loved ones and health scares will hit. The anxiety brought on by an increasing climate of outer chaos, and inner assaults, can overcome even the most resilient and optimistic of people who are getting older. To some, it may seem as if the problems keep getting bigger and solutions smaller as crises takes its toll on a person's ability to stay calm and in control. How do we manage?
The prime time for break downs, burnout and building stressors is mid-life and leads to problems such as anxiety, chronic worry, sleepless nights, fear, doubt and an inability to function in day to day life. Not only that, it seems to affect the ability to be happy and to know what you want, need and value at a deep and soulful level.
People who feel as if they've become robots as they age, seem to be going through the motions required to survive, yet are living more of an empty, isolated, and corps-like life. A person can feel terribly alone even when they have numerous friends, family members and social circles; thinking no one understands.
Life's problems can derail us—yet they can also prompt a person to evaluate and resurrect what matters most in life. Mid-life, and in reality, anytime we face struggle or a crossroad, is a point where one must go deeper, asking important questions about the meaning of life, what is my purpose, why am I here? This period of assessment is an ideal opportunity to sift out of your life what is now worthless, and assure that you are living authentically; the life you desire most.
"During a time in my life when I was burning out and dealing with an increasing level of challenges that became more than I could handle, I came to understand how it feels to just want to give up, to leave this world and be done. The emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion was perceived by me as being beyond my ability to handle with effectiveness. My body was on strike and shutting down; telling me it was time for change. I listened!" Lori Bestler
Struggles can force change, and they can inspire a fresh start. Each day becomes a chance for a new beginning that can promote seeking and defining your individual truth apart from what you were taught. Often a person during hard times seeks a stronger spiritual dimension in their life as well. Some people become more self-aware. They can take more risks, worry less about pleasing everyone and become more selective of their social circles. Relationships are much richer as a result.
After a person has walked through the wilderness, ended their sabbatical, and has risen up above all the toil realizing that the stock market can crash, the economy can sink, homes, jobs and loved ones can be lost, pension plans can be emptied too soon, and in spite of it all they conclude that you can always begin again. Renewal can strengthen courage, increase compassion, and enhance motivation to move in a new direction; new career, new relationship, or a new location. This is a perfect time to rewrite your world view.
Mid-life analysis can produce a profound personal acceptance of one's self. Through the journey we are able to shape beliefs that better fit personal experience and intuition. No longer wanting to be a carbon copy of what family, friends, or anyone else thinks, a feeling of being set free can arise. Ultimately, the next chapter of life becomes richer as the enlighten awareness of what matters most to you is clear.
Four Steps for Moving Beyond the Struggle
The most critical question to ask is; how do we manage in the face of struggles so that we don't fall apart or sink into the minds abyss, unable to cope? Here's how.
1. Take time off—after a shock, assess what just happened. Feel the pain. It's an alarm prompting you to notice what it is that you believe about what happened, what didn't happen that you wish it would have, and begin imagining what your future might look like moving forward.
2. Seek out healthy supporters—assure that you have a person in your life that is a useful influence; encouraging, understanding, listening, and is a wise advisor to help you muddle through the murky emotional waters. A strong supporter will help you avoid the drop offs and arrive safely at a place of clarity, competence and confidence to navigate the next steps and move forward.
3. Believe in the best outcome—whether a person can comprehend a best case scenario picture of the future in the landscape of their mind depends on what perspective they create from the event. The reaction to offences, surprise attacks and setbacks sets the stage for everything that follows; success, health, and well-being. A person could think, "Why does my life keep getting worse?" and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Another person could think, "There must be a valuable purpose in all of this. I know it will get better in time." And it usually does. Having faith in what is not seen is powerful.
Read motivational stories of people who overcame obstacles to strengthen that faith muscle. Devotionals are good resources to uplift and put thoughts back in proper perspective.
4. Remember your successes—when you reflect on the moments in the past that you felt were unbearable yet endured them, grew from them, and in some ways realized that life is better as a result, you can keep going. Moving beyond and looking beyond current challenges requires the ability to feel competent and confident in your ability to thrive in the face of tragedy and still enjoy life.
Should you find yourself in need of a strong supporter, good guidance, and a person who can help you sift through your struggles and begin to live a richer and more meaningful life, contact Lori for a No Cost Coaching Consultation.
Stop the struggle and start living. Contact Lori Now!
Lori Bestler is a nationally recognized Mind EmPowerment Coach, Award Winning Motivational Speaker, Corporate Trainer, and Self Help Recording Artist with MindScapes Unlimited.
Lori has helped to transform thousands of men and women's lives through her Strategic Mind System of Success, Rapid Results Coaching Program and Audios, Retreats, Seminars and Speaking engagements. She specializes in working with high level entrepreneurs and independent business professionals with busy minds as well as empathic and high sensory individuals. Lori helps clients overcome barriers in thought patterns, limiting beliefs and behavior which can lead to issues such as stress, anxiety, negative thinking, and weight problems, lack of focus and follow-through, and procrastination. Clients experience results in areas such as financial success, improved relationships, confidence, high self-esteem, stress reduction, behavior change, better health, and greater fulfillment in life. Ms. Bestler runs a private coaching and hypnotherapy practice in Anoka, MN, assisting clients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding Twin Cities Metropolitan Areas, as well as all over the U.S. www.mindscapesunlimited.com
© Mindscapes Unlimited Mind Coaching Center


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For fans hungry for the premiere of Skyfall, Sony has a new online game to whet their appetites. The premise is simple—MI6 is looking for a few good recruits. And it's called the British Intelligence Officers Exam.
In a text-based online simulator, the game pairs fans with MI6 agents working in the field. Then it tests their mettle in life-and-death scenarios requiring cunning, coldness and a suite of Sony devices all designed to work together. Players are evaluated on their ability to solve complex problems under duress. Anyone can play. Devious solutions and Easter eggs have fans coming back for more.
Through this game experience, players can recognise the value of the connectivity between Sony's products and services. Do you think you have what it takes to be an MI6 agent?
The game was available online from October to December 2012, and was spearheaded by Sony and W+K Portland, in collaboration with game production company Hide&Seek and development partner Existor. Get in touch at firstname.lastname@example.com to request a login to the archive.

subset: commoncrawl


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Search Content
Five things we learned from last year's Great American Eclipse
It's been a year since the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, captured millions of imaginations as the moon briefly blotted out the sun and cast a shadow that crisscrossed the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.
"It was an epic event by all measures," NASA astrophysicist Madhulika Guhathakurta told a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in New Orleans in December. One...
On a mountain in Wyoming, the eclipse brings wonder — and, hopefully, answers
View the video
CASPER MOUNTAIN, Wyo. — It's nothing like a sunset. It's cold and dark, but it's not like nighttime, or even twilight. The moon just snaps into place over the last slivers of the sun, turning the sun into a dark hole. The only illumination — a flat, ghostly, metallic sort of light — is from peaked gossamer streamers stretching out toward the edges of the sky.
Science Ticker
Today is the day! A last-minute guide for watching the Great American Eclipse
Just a stab in the dark, but you've probably heard: There is a total solar eclipse today, August 21.
For the first time since 1979, the moon's shadow will zip across the continental United States. The shadow will travel from Oregon to South Carolina in a swift 92 minutes. For those in the path of totality, total darkness will last only a couple of minutes. There and elsewhere in most of...
Does the corona look different when solar activity is high versus when it's low?
Some cities have all the luck.
Carbondale, Ill., is just a few kilometers north of the point where this year's total solar eclipse will linger longest — the city will get two minutes and 38 seconds of total darkness when the moon blocks out the sun. And it's the only city in the United States that will also be in the path of totality when the next total solar eclipse crosses North...
Science Visualized
Here are the paths of the next 15 total solar eclipses
August's total solar eclipse won't be the last time the moon cloaks the sun's light. From now to 2040, for example, skywatchers around the globe can witness 15 such events.
Their predicted paths aren't random scribbles. Solar eclipses occur in what's called a Saros cycle — a period that lasts about 18 years, 11 days and eight hours, and is governed by the moon's orbit. (Lunar eclipses...
Where does the solar wind come from? The eclipse may offer answers
The sun can't keep its hands to itself. A constant flow of charged particles streams away from the sun at hundreds of kilometers per second, battering vulnerable planets in its path.
This barrage is called the solar wind, and it has had a direct role in shaping life in the solar system. It's thought to have stripped away much of Mars' atmosphere (SN: 4/29/17, p. 20). Earth is...
Why are the loops in the sun's atmosphere so neat and tidy?
View the video
When the Aug. 21 solar eclipse unveils the sun's normally dim atmosphere, the corona will look like an intricate, orderly network of loops, fans and streamers. These features trace the corona's magnetic field, which guides coronal plasma to take on the shape of tubes and sheets.
These wispy coronal structures arise from the magnetic field on the sun's visible...
What can the eclipse tell us about the corona's magnetic field?
View the video
The star of any solar eclipse is, of course, the sun. And total eclipses give the sun's wispy, tenuous atmosphere the spotlight. This region, called the corona, is normally too dim to observe directly. But with the moon blocking the sun's bright disk, the corona comes into view.
And the view is dazzling. The corona's hot plasma is a radiant, ever-changing tiara...
Can the eclipse tell us if Einstein was right about general relativity?
Almost a century ago, a solar eclipse revealed the geometry of spacetime. Now, physicists and amateur astronomers — armed with do-it-yourself gear — are going to double check that math during the Aug. 21 solar eclipse.
In his 1915 general theory of relativity, Albert Einstein predicted that the sun's gravity should distort spacetime in its vicinity. Stars behind the sun would appear...
What can we learn about Mercury's surface during the eclipse?
On the morning of August 21, a pair of jets will take off from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to chase the shadow of the moon. They will climb to 15 kilometers in the stratosphere and fly in the path of the total solar eclipse over Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee at 750 kilometers per hour.
But some of the instruments the jets carry won't be looking at the sun, or even at...


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It turns out it is an issue in the X driver. Thanks to develcuy for the fix! You simply change the accelaration mode from EXA to XAA in the xorg.conf file:
in /etc/X11/xorg.conf
you insert in
Section "Device"
Identifier "Configured Video Device"
Option "AccelMethod" "XAA" # not EXA
It's also supposed to help with some memory issues. I will see if that maybe fixes my problems with plasma x shared pixmap cache I just posted about earlier. Even though its the older one of the two x acceleration infrastructures, the intel driver's support of it seems much more stable and fast.
It turns out there is a better fix for this issue, just upgrade to the newest driver package.
The new driver package does not always fix the issue. I hope that these fixes will not be required for Kubuntu 8.10.


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A blog about the art of writing and the writing business. Writing for the soul and writing to be paid.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
The Writers Blog Alliance
While the founders are still working on a precise mission statement, suffice to say that the WBA's initial goal is to become a central blog for writers and readers, one that can compete for a place with the top blogs.
As we all know, links are the currency of blogs. Therefore, in order to achieve a high standing, many blogs would have to link to the WBA. These blogs are us, the members.
So by getting the WBA to rise in the standings, the WBA will take its members higher in the standings with it.
Meaning - imagine a Boing Boing that is composed by its own members - that is you and me! Now, imagine Boing Boing linking to your blog. That's what it would mean - better marketing and PR for you and your blog.
But That's Not ALL...
It's not just about the links. The WBA will act as a meeting place for writers, agents and editors, and it will have many other benefits for both readers and writers.
One of the already existing features is a collaborative blog, because we know it's all about the content. Other features will include a directory, forums and a magazine. There is also talk about having sections about publishers, agents, self-publishing and more.
Everything writers and readers need.
With more members and higher standings, the more beneficial the WBA will be for its members.
To learn more about the WBA, visit Gone Away, one of the founders' blogs, where he put together an All About WBA post.
Other members of note:
Deborah Woehr - Webmaster
Joshua Estell - Webmaster
Improving the WBA
Deborah and Josh requested feedback and ideas for site improvement.
Categories: WBA
19 comments:
- Carter said...
Thanks for posting this, Melly. It's a definite plus for the whole community of writers.
- 15 September, 2005 10:48
- Melly said...
Carter, I see you joined!
That's great :)
- 15 September, 2005 11:05
- elcapitanhink said...
Webmaster? Me? Nawww.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. :)
- 15 September, 2005 14:27
- Eric Mutta said...
Another site to register on, another password to remember, and another day goes by :-) [runs off to check out the WBA].
- 15 September, 2005 14:59
- Melly said...
Josh, you're not the webmaster?
But it says so right there!
You're also the designer and programmer of the new site, aren't you? I should have mentioned it.
- 15 September, 2005 15:18
- Melly said...
Eric, I see you joined. That's great.
- 15 September, 2005 15:23
- Shirazi said...
Let me in. I am already linking.
- 16 September, 2005 02:01
- Melly said...
Hi Shirazi,
Here's ther register page
register now
- 16 September, 2005 08:13
- Cavan said...
This reminds me, I should probably post something about the WBA, too, when I unpause BE again. That'll recruit a few more for Deb and Clive, hopefully.
- 16 September, 2005 17:55
- lee pletzers said...
Nicely said, Melly
- 16 September, 2005 19:37
- Melly said...
That'd be good, Cavan. With the traffic you're getting from BE, that'd be good.
Why, thanks, Lee.
- 16 September, 2005 20:38
- elcapitanhink said...
Yeah melly, they keep me in the basement and toss me the occasional Triscuit™.
Actually deb gave me admin priviledges just so I could poke around, but I am sure to be involved when the new site comes up. Sorta like the ship's engineer, or a chiseling mechanic. :)
Boy, the blogger captcha is 7+ letters now? sheesh. Next thing they'll ask you to recite a poim while standing tippytoes.
- 17 September, 2005 05:08
- Melly said...
Okay Scotty.
And those word veri... man!
I either get them wrong, or write them in the wrong field, or forget about them altogether.
It's f'ing annoying, but I had spam before, and that was even more annoying, although I used to talk to it from time to time...
I've said enough, I think.
- 17 September, 2005 09:00
This is interesting, a wonderful idea. Best of luck to you all :o)
- 17 September, 2005 13:00
- Melly said...
Thanks easywriter.
Whenever you're ready...
- 17 September, 2005 14:22
- John said...
Nicely put, Melly. I'm sure a lot of folk are signing up right now :-)
- 17 September, 2005 14:35
- Melly said...
Hi John, thanks for visiting.
Quite the honour, I must say.
I know that Carter and Eric joined, and I think Jennifer came through here also.
I have high hopes for shirazi and easywriter as well.
- 17 September, 2005 14:55
- ME Strauss said...
Great post Melly,
It gets the point across clearly and concisely with passion and charm.
- 18 September, 2005 21:48
- Melly said...
Why, thank you Liz :)
- 19 September, 2005 08:51


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Previous Lecture
Complete and continue
Set Yourself Up For Freelancing Success!
Module 0: Welcome to Set Yourself Up For Freelancing Success
Overview of this 7-week e-course (7 min video training)
Access to the private community group
Introduction to your instructor
Your copy of "The Business of Writing & Editing" e-book
Course curriculum roadmap
Module 1: Foundations of Freelancing
Lesson 1: Basics of freelancing
Lesson 2: Step-by-step freelance guide
Lesson 3: The 3 pillars of freelancing success
Lesson 4: How to identify & overcome your weaknesses
Lesson 5: What you need to know about creating customized strategies: 6 tips
Lesson 6: Why it's okay to not be an expert (yet)
Lesson 7: 3 steps to increase your confidence as a freelancer (30 min video training)
Take action now!
Module 2: Branding + Building Your Business
Lesson 1: Basics of branding
Lesson 2: How to identify your ideal client + create your ideal client profile
Lesson 3: How to construct your brand's voice
Lesson 4: Why the design of your business matters
Lesson 5: How to come up with your business name
Take action now!
Module 3: Defining & Pricing Your Freelance Services
Lesson 1: Basics of defining your services
Lesson 2: How to hone in on your niche
Lesson 3: How to set rates + price your services
Lesson 4: How to write your freelance services webpage
Take action now!
Module 4: Creating Your Marketing Strategy
Lesson 1: Basics of marketing
Lesson 2: The value of relationship-building
Lesson 3: Choose the marketing technique that's right for YOU
Lesson 4: Email lists + blogging for business
Lesson 5: Tips for in-person networking
Take action now!
Module 5: Pitching Your Services & Working with Clients
Lesson 1: Basics of working with clients
Lesson 2: Tips for pitching your services to potential clients
Lesson 3: Strategies to gain experience & position yourself as an expert
Lesson 4: Why you should give away some of your secrets for free
Lesson 5: Every successful freelancer's secret weapon
Lesson 6: How to put together your client directory
Lesson 7: Best practices for client communications
Lesson 8: Maintaining client relationships after a project ends
Take action now!
Module 6: Managing Your Freelance Business Effectively
Lesson 1: Basics of effective business management
Lesson 2: Organization + project management tips
Lesson 3: Tips for developing healthy work habits
Lesson 4: Time management & the art of the productive break
Lesson 5: How to avoid unnecessary mental stress: the importance of contracts
Lesson 6: Expert interview: best practices for putting together contracts (11 min video training)
Lesson 7: Case study: bookkeeping tips for your freelance business (30 min video training)
Take action now!
Module 7: Taking Your Freelance Business to the Next Level
Lesson 1: Basics of "leveling up" your business
Lesson 2: Course recap + your vision for the future
Lesson 3: Why other freelancers are NOT the enemy
Lesson 4: How do you know when (and how much) to spend money on your freelance business?
Lesson 5: Group coaching call replay: additional tips for freelancers (35 min video training)
Take action now!
Module 8: What's Next & Where To Go From Here
A final note on taking your business to the next level...
What's next?
Your thoughts + feedback
Office Hour Replays
Office Hours for Module 1: Wed. Dec. 14 at 5 PM Central
Office Hours for Module 2: Dec. 29 at 12 PM Central
Office Hours for Module 3 + 4: Jan 18 at 5 PM Central
Office Hours for Module 5: Jan. 26 at 5 PM Central
Office Hours for Module 6: Feb 2 at 5 PM Central
Office Hours for Module 7: Feb. 8 at 5 PM Central
Goal Setting & Strategic Planning Bootcamp!
Live bootcamp - Sat. March 11 2017 at 11 AM Central
Lesson 3: Why other freelancers are NOT the enemy
Lecture content locked
If you're already enrolled,
you'll need to login
Enroll in Course to Unlock


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Welcome! We ♥ to design and build software for the social web!
"Die Socialisten" is a Vienna-based social software company focusing on the design & implementation of apps and marketing solutions on social web platforms like Facebook, Twitter & beyond. Our products include solutions for social media management and social media hubs & hashtag campaigns.


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A Sandwich a Day: Lobster Club at Hubbard Inn
Reviews of Chicago sandwiches.
Don't get tripped up by the name. The Lobster Club ($15) at Hubbard Inn is really just a lobster roll, right down to the top-split and grilled bun. Sure, bacon makes an appearance, so at least part of the "club" name makes sense, but the real question here is whether this is a great lobster roll or a disappointing one. For whatever reason, most lobster rolls I've tried fall into one of those two extremes. That's probably due to the fact that the sandwich is always expensive, so it's either worth the cost of admission or not. (You can find my picks for the best ones in Chicago here.)
Sadly, this one belongs in the disappointing camp, solely because the lobster meat is shredded instead of left in big chunks. Nothing can save a lobster roll that commits this sin. Even a perfectly crispy and salty piece of bacon can't save the day. I mean, I still ate the whole thing, but it could have been so much more satisfying.
Hubbard Inn
110 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)
This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Serious Eats. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.


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Transdev York
We run local buses in and around the city of York, including the popular Unibus, and the CitySightseeing open top tour buses.
At Transdev in York, we operate Unibus, York CitySightseeing tour buses and local bus services, as well as the popular and innovative Little Explorers linking York with Knaresborough, Ripon and Harrogate.
In addition to running these services, we also have buses available for hire.
We're a member of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, the York Quality Bus Partnership and York Tourism Bureau. Our drivers are entered for RoSPA national safe driving awards. York CitySightseeing Tours have VisitBritain Quality Assurance, achieved through independent assessment.
Drop us a tweet @yorkbus.
See also:


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The Wood County Texas Genealogical Society will be hosting free workshops at the libraries throughout Wood County this spring. The workshops will provide an opportunity to use available computers to aid in genealogical research. Researchers will be able to access Heritage Quest and Ancestry.com. Included in the workshop will be a short session on getting started with one's research.
The first workshop will be on Thursday, February 21 at the Mineola Library from 10 a.m. until noon. The second workshop will be on Tuesday, March 5 at the Winnsboro Library from 2 until 4 p.m. The next workshop will be on March 26 at the Hawkins Library beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. The fourth workshop will be on March 28 at the Alba Library from 10 a.m. until noon. The final session will be a night meeting at the Quitman Library on April 2. This workshop will be in the Shamburger Room beginning at 6 p.m. There is no pre-registration. Just show up and be ready to work.
If you have any pictures of old Wood County families, buildings, or events, the Society would love to be able to scan these into our collection.
Filed under: Workshops | Tagged: Alba, Hawkins, Mineola, Quitman, Winnsboro |


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No specific information given about this artwork. If this is your image, consider adding some details about it to best represent your artwork.
This page has been viewed 1,895 times and has a total bandwidth of 202.9 MB. In total this artist's portfolio has been viewed 11,851 times and has a total bandwidth of 2.98 GB.
This portfolio is considered 'heavy use' and the artist is encouraged to become a Pro Artist or make a one-off donation. Both options remove this notice and ads from the artist's page and give a boost to the number of visitors they will receive.


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Intrepid hardware hacker Torsten Lyngaas cracked open his Eee PC and decked it out with $450 worth of extra hardware, including a GPS receiver, an FM transmitter, Bluetooth, extra USB ports, 802.11n, and an extra 4GB flash storage drive.
Lyngaas has published a set of instructions with photographs on his personal wiki that describe the steps he took to install all of the components. An additional page provides all of the information he accumulated while working on his modifications. Additional details can be found in his blog.
The DIY approach doesn't look particularly compelling when you add up the cost of the machine and the $450 that Lyngaas spent on components, but some hobbyists clearly consider the journey more valuable than the destination. "If you say I could get a much better, powerful, plain old, regular laptop for the same money," Lyngaas wrote in his tutorial, "I say: What's the fun in that?"


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Washington D.C., May 18, 2012 / 04:09 am (CNA).-
A law professor at George Mason University believes that current threats to religious freedom are intrinsically connected to the modern understanding that "sexual freedom is about shaping yourself."
Helen Alvaré, who has formerly worked with the U.S. bishops' pro-life office, spoke on May 10 at the Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C. She observed that many modern threats to religious freedom "are coming by way of a newly strong government position on human sexuality."
This view holds that sex is unrelated to procreation or the union of man and woman, but is simply about "expressing oneself" and forming one's identity through various sexual acts, she explained.
Alvaré traced this understanding of sexuality through court decisions in the last 50 years.
In 1965, the Supreme ruled in Griswold v. Connecticut that the Constitution implicitly protects the "right to marital privacy" and that married couples therefore have a right to contraception. At this point, Alvaré observed, the union of the married couple was still intact in the understanding of sex.
By 1992, however, the court upheld the "right" to abortion by describing sexual decisions as a means of shaping one's identity, she said.
In its Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision, the plurality opinion affirmed "the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life."
At this point, Alvaré said, sex has been "completely disconnected from the other person" and is solely about expressing oneself and building identity.
This view is reflected today, she explained, pointing to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S., which distributes information to young people encouraging them to explore and express themselves in different sexual ways.
This disconnected idea of sexual expression as an individual right can also be seen in a careful reading of the court cases supporting a redefinition of marriage, Alvaré added. In these court opinions, "same-sex marriage is not about the two people in the marriage. It's about the individual expressing themself sexually."
It is in this context that the Obama administration's contraception mandate comes into being, with "no hesitation in divorcing sex from everything" that it physically, emotionally and spiritually means, she continued.
The mandate has been heavily criticized as a major threat to religious freedom because it will require employers to offer health insurance plans that cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, even if doing so violates their religious beliefs.
Alvaré views the mandate as a "culmination" of a view of sexuality that has become more and more disconnected from marriage, procreation and the natural unity of man and woman.
She explained that this way of thinking began with the argument that taking the babies out of sex would allow couples to flourish, women to escape poverty and children to avoid being raised in bad situations.
But this has changed drastically, in a way that is evident by the "models of freedom" used to defend the contraception mandate, she said.
Rather than a woman facing poverty or a married couple overwhelmed by a dozen kids, the iconic figures in the sexual freedom debate today are unmarried, highly educated, and fairly well-off financially.
She pointed to Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown University law student who has become a leading figure in the push for free birth control.
These women are not talking about marriage, poverty or the wellbeing of children, Alvaré observed. Rather, they are simply saying that they want a regular sex life with a constant supply of contraception, and they want someone else to pay for it.
This "right to a commitment-free, child-free sexual experience" has become so elevated that no religious conscience is permitted to object to it, she said, explaining that when disconnected sexual expression becomes a basic and fundamental right, religious liberty suffers.
This can be seen today, as Catholic individuals and institutions are told that they shouldn't "even be able to have a critical stance" on issues such as contraception, she said.
She also observed that proponents of the mandate are making claims of a "war on women" and using "language of discrimination," as if religious individual seeking to follow their conscience were violent members of the Ku Klux Klan, who should not have a voice in the public square.
The Catholic Church's idea of sexuality as being connected to marriage and new life is "absolutely contrary" to the modern understanding, Alvaré explained.
As Catholics step up to defend religious freedom, she noted, they also have a chance to help change the way that human sexuality is viewed.
"I really see this time as an opportunity," she said.
Tags: Religious freedom, Sexual ethics
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The term "summer break" has different meanings for different college students. For some it is a three month vacation without classes and for others it is a chance to work ahead on their studies. For Lipscomb women's basketball player O'Neisha Smith, it is internship season.
The rising senior is working her second consecutive summer as an intern, this year at the Public Defender's Service (PDS) in Washington D.C. having spent last summer at the U.S. Federal Probations in Nashville.
The PDS is a federally funded, independent legal organization that was created by a federal statute. The PDS generally handles the serious, complex, resource-intensive and time-consuming criminal and juvenile delinquency cases.
Working for PDS, Smith is an investigator for two attorneys at the office. She works on General Felony 1 cases and Accelerated Felony cases, or cases that are over in 100 days.
"My job is to basically go out into the field to find, interview and take written statements from witnesses," Smith said. "I also attend court hearings for our clients, canvass areas where the incident took place, write up memos for attorneys and make exhibits for the attorney to present in court."
The social work major has been able to piece together the pair of internships over the last two summers which gives her a view of the beginning and end of the justice process.
"Working at PDS, I am able to experience the beginning process of when a client is placed under arrest and also get to see and do the necessary steps to begin the case," Smith said. "Working at the U.S. Federal Probations I was able to see the end result after the clients have gone through their trial and see how probation is set up."
Although it is labeled as an internship, Smith says she doesn't feel like an intern in the office.
"It almost feels as if I am working here for real," Smith said. "The attorneys and clients are depending on us to gather the information needed to contribute to their cases."
With her senior year on the horizon, Smith is able to take what she is learning in D.C. and apply both the upcoming basketball season and her upcoming graduation.
"A life lesson that can intertwine between my job and basketball can be the importance of maintaining balance along with being prepared both mentally and physically," Smith said. "When you are conscious and aware in life, it sets the stage for achievement.
"Lastly I would say learning to persevere while never giving up."


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Network-Wide Meeting Materials: Team-Based Evaluation
The NISE Net Network-Wide Meeting was held in San Francisco on October 26 - 28, 2010 and included a number of concurrent sessions and workshops (see the full list of workshops and sessions). Some of the presenters and organizers have graciously offered to make their presentations, handouts, or other resources from their workshops and sessions available to the larger Network through the Nano Bite blog. The following materials are from the Team-Based Evaluation Session led by Christine Reich and Amy Grack Nelson.
The Team-Based Evaluation workshop was focused on helping attendees further their understanding of evaluation and its process so they may begin to embed evaluation into their work. The presentation that Christine and Amy developed is attached, as well as two handouts developed by Amy. In addition, I've provided links to resources that can be downloaded elsewhere (in one case from the nisenet.org catalog) as well as some places to learn more.
If you have any questions about these materials, please feel free to get in touch with Christine or Amy:
Christine Reich
Director, Research and Evaluation
Museum of Science, Boston
Amy Grack Nelson
Evaluation and Research Associate
Science Museum of Minnesota
Attached Resources:
- Workshop Powerpoint Presentation: Includes a definition of evaluation and generally covers planning an evaluation, data collection, and data analysis to help you embed systematic inquiry into your work to help you better test your assumptions.
- Survey Design Tips: A two-page document with tips and information on designing a survey.
- Data Collection Using Carousel Sheets Guide: A three-page activity guide explaining how to use carousel sheets, a participatory data collection method that allows you to quickly gather a lot of information from a group.
Other NISE Net Resources:
- Program Evaluation Guide and Program Survey Template: a set of tools, including guidelines and templates, to facilitate in program evaluation (these documents were handed out during the workshop, and are also available for download from the nisenet.org catalog here)
For More Information:
- Christine and Amy also handed out copies of the "Planning a Program Evaluation" worksheet developed by the University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative Extension. That worksheet can be downloaded at http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-1W.PDF
- Diamond, J., Luke, J., & Uttal, D. (2009). Practical evaluation guide: Tools for museums and other informal educational settings. Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira. (referenced in powerpoint presentation)
- Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. (referenced in powerpoint presentation)
- http://www.evaluationspringboard.org/science/ (referenced in powerpoint presentation)


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For some, it's the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it's the most stressful and dreaded.
Continue Reading Below
The holiday season is filled with parties, gift buying and giving, food making and family visits that can lead to increased stress and blood pressure levels.
"With money concerns, family conflict and a general chaotic schedule, there is no doubt the holidays are quite stressful," says Michale Smith, the chief medical editor at WebMd. "People spend about 42 hours a year on holiday activities. That's a lot of time to fit into a busy schedule."
Between all the wrapping, caroling, baking and shopping, here are four ways to keep your stress level under control this holiday season.
Create a Holiday Budget
Buying gifts for everyone on the list is a top stressor for most consumers. Combating the lines and crowds at the store are tough enough, but the financial strain gift giving places on budgets is hard to deal with.
To prevent stress related to holiday shopping, Paul J. Rosch, chairman of the board of The American Institute of Stress, recommends creating a holiday budget before embarking on shopping trips that includes all the people you need gifts and a dollar limit.
Having a list to stick to will give you control of your expenditures and prevent overspending. "Stress results from threats and challenges over which you feel you have little control," says Rosch. "The best way to avoid such problems is to prevent or minimize them."
Identify Stress
We are all quick to blame family, friends and work for our stress, but we are in charge of how we handle the pressure.
"Stress comes from inside not outside," says WebMd's Smith. "We become miserable around the holidays because we worry about the future or fret about the past when we really should focus on the present." While it's tempting to reignite family feuds or clear up misconceptions at gatherings, Smith advises waiting to broach these topics until after the new year to avoid unnecessary stress.
Keep a Regular Schedule
The holiday season can be frantic between holiday parties and last-minute shopping trips, making it hard to stick to a normal routine, which adds to the stress. Smith warns people not to feel obligated to attend every party or event and that it is more important to get sleep and stay as regular as possible.
Make Yourself a Priority
It's not uncommon to over eat, drink too much, sleep too little and back burner exercise or normal habits during the holidays, but doing that will only make you more stressed out, experts warn.
According to Eudene Harry, the medical director for the integrative and holistic Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center in Florida, over indulging in high sugar and fatty foods makes you more tired and irritable which raises stress levels.
Exercise is a great stress management tool that improves your mood and increases your memory. When you don't set aside time to do workout or get enough sleep can lead to resentfulness which will lead to a bah-humbug holiday.
"We get overwhelmed during holidays. We get determined do everything," says Harry. "You need to take time for yourself."


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Product 36/150
Size 235 x 170cm approximately
DESCRIPTION: Gazni rugs often display two or three geometrical medallions, as this one does, sometimes with characteristic S-shaped patterns. The principal colour is red, though bold, warm shades of green and yellow are used as well; it also incorporates usually a beige border. Each border has a different ground colour, going from red at the outer to blue as the inner border, with a soft apple green in the central borders. As with all hand made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from thus remaining finely balanced refraining from being too bold. Gazni rugs have always been popular in Europe, largely because of their robust quality and their resemblance of the Kazak antique carpets.


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Latest media releases
UBS wins prestigious Euromoney Award
UBS has been awarded the title "Best Private Bank Globally" in the 2013 Euromoney survey. The annual Euromoney awards are among the most prestigious in the wealth management industry, as they are based on votes from over 2,000 client-facing private banking professionals working for around 380 of our peer companies around the world. Regaining the top position in the Euromoney survey this year underlines UBS's role as the pre-eminent wealth manager in the world today who succeeds in regaining recognition not only from clients and prospects, but also from our peers across the industry.


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VALDOSTA, Ga. – It was a battle, but the No. 3 Georgia College baseball team (9-2) finally put down an always tough Valdosta State University (3-8) squad Wednesday, 3-1 on the road.
Travis Echols (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Josh Young (Lake Havasu City, Ariz.) and Shawn Ward (Evans, Ga.) each tallied RBI, Echols with the go-ahead run in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk.
GC got its scoring going in the fifth, when Ikaika Anderson (Austell, Ga.) led off with a walk. Anderson promptly stole second and third, scoring on a Young sacrifice fly.
Ward ripped an RBI single up the middle in the ninth, bringing the score to 3-1 while plating Anderson, who walked.
Picking up the victory for the Bobcats was reliever Ryan Parson (Madison, Ga.) (1-1) who went 2 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four. Senior Tanner Moore (Thomasville, Ga.) earned his fourth save of the season while tossing the final two innings scoreless.
The Bobcats are back in action Friday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., hosting Philadelphia University.
The Georgia College Department of Athletics, back-to-back winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/BobcatSports and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.


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Rugged Outdoor Wear by Kakadu Traders
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Office Hours
Physician-specific; click on profiles below.
Patricia J. Aurelien, DO
Fabio E. Su Diaz, MD, MHA, FAAFP
New Patient Packet
Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Model of Care
The Holy Cross Medical Group Mercy Family Life Center Practice is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Level 3 Certified Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) facility, which is the highest level achievable. The PCMH concept proactively engages patients in their care with their physicians who work collaboratively with their team using evidence-based medicine and clinical practice guidelines. These teams coordinate and closely track patient progress aligned with Holy Cross Hospital's commitment to explore new avenues of improving the health of our patients as well as members of the community at large. Patricia J. Aurelien, DO, and Fabio E. Su Diaz, MD, MHA, FAAFP, have been instrumental in creating the PCMH model of care at the Holy Cross Medical Group Mercy Family Life Center in Pompano Beach, FL. They have a thorough understanding of the clinical aspects of their patients' needs in a practice serving many Spanish- and Creole-speaking patients, as well as those who are underinsured, uninsured and, in many cases, undocumented. They had tremendous participation in the areas discussed below:
Restructuring: An initial step was revisiting our understanding of patient and clinical team needs. We identified ways to better meet patients' needs and how to enable clinicians to continue to provide the same high quality of care structured in a way that tracks, monitors and reports on patient progress.
Creating Collaborations: Several hundred patients at the practice live with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. The appointment schedule is reviewed well in advance to identify these patients. As appointments are scheduled, a nurse reviews their records to determine if tests were ordered and completed and, if not, follows up with the patient prior to the appointment.
Ensuring Accessibility: Appointment times were increased initially to allow for more comprehensive patient visits. Additionally, several slots are left open for patients who call in and need to be seen that day or the next.
Communication & Trust: In forging impactful patient engagement, the healthcare teams are mindful of cultural behaviors and language barriers. Trust must be developed among a population with many unaccustomed to ongoing relationships with healthcare providers.
Education that Empowers: In addition to a clinical summary with physician recommendations, patients are provided with informational materials customized to their individual needs so that they can be an active participant in their care at home. While conforming to HIPAA regulations, caregivers, including family members are enlisted to help.
Electronic Health Records (EHR): The Holy Cross Medical Group offices are equipped with various robust EHR tools, including a disease registry that collects data beyond one provider allowing us to track patients who receive care elsewhere, thereby identifying opportunities to close our patients' care gaps in relation to clinical practice guidelines.
There are currently five Level 3 Certified Patient-Centered Medical Homes in the Holy Cross Medical Group, and we plan to create several additional PCMH facilities in the future.


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Bethesda started E3 a day early with their first ever press conference. It had some monumental moments of its own, like the gameplay reveal of Fallout 4 and its crazy crafting system that is sure to have gamers pouring hundreds of hours into the game later this year. Not to mention finally seeing what DOOM is going to look and play like. Now Microsoft finished their press conference for Xbox, and if you know me at all you know how much of an Xbox fan I am. To say I left their conference excited is quite an understatement.
For all of the bizarre, backwards localization choices Nintendo makes (or doesn't make), every once in a while The Big N decides to take a chance on something outside their ordinary wheelhouse. It's been happening since as long as the idea of localization existed.
To carve out a path for humanity in this chaotic and uncaring universe, human beings have always sought some level of order and organization; codes that we as a culture can subscribe to so as to ease suffering and bring about balance. And so we developed the concept of justice, and law to establish what is or is not just. Unfortunately, we cannot conceive of justice without its opposite. And so 'injustice' was born.
The idea of telling supplementary stories across two or more mediums is not particularly new nor is it a foreign concept in the world of video games. Since the dawn of marketing people have tried to find ways to dominate mind-share for an IP in as many avenues as possible. It's not hard to be cynical about a sea of paperback tie-ins, phoned-in comics, and empty companion apps all crashing on the shores right around the release date of every AAA release.
Hopefully by now you've all had a chance to look at the Mario Party 10 review that was posted up earlier this week, if not (or if you wanted to see it in operation live) we played through a Bowser Party tonight on Radial Dialogue! Jen played out the role of King Koopa and well... it was interesting, to say the least.
Hopefully some of you were able to join us, it does look like the viewership is (slowly) growing, which is exciting and rewarding for us here! Episode 12 deviates from the video-game centric talk though and allows Jen and I the opportunity to talk about some stuff (outside of gaming) that had us excited today. Chiefly amongst those pieces were the details surrounding a particular casting for the upcoming AMC series Preacher and the return of X-Files to Fox!
I'm a huge fan of games that pay attention to the small details. More often than not a game will get some bonus points, and even make me overlook other flaws, if they get the little things right. A prime example would be the Amazing Spider-man game, who took the time to animate web-cartridge reloads on Spider-man. It was a small touch that made the nerd in me crazy excited!
If you're a wrestling fan, this is your week for Games with Gold. There's a bunch of WWE stuff on sale this week via Games with Gold, but there's also a little something for those who have been looking for an excuse to pick-up Evolve. Both the standard edition and the "Digital Deluxe" version of the 4v1 hunting... simulator(?) are on sale for 20% off!
The full details on the deals that Microsoft/Xbox are offering (both platforms) are detailed for you below!
Welcome, fans! There's plenty of talk and rage on the most recent episodes as Jen and I dig through a couple of stories that we had things to say about. Twitch was attacked recently, causing everyone to need a change of their passwords… good thing they don't store your credit card information!
Online gaming on PC has been around forever, but it took quite a while for it to be the norm on consoles. Older generations tried it ala Sega Channel and other outlets, but it really wasn't until the Network Adapter for Playstation 2 arrived in 2002 which is when it started to hit its stride and lay the groundwork for Xbox Live and PSN moving forward. If you're newer to gaming or younger than myself, you simply might take online gaming for granted. Hell, you might even take being online for granted also.
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The Japanese digital TV system called ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial) is touted as the most flexible to respond better to the needs of mobility and portability. In addition to sending digital television signals, the system allows transmission of data for mobile phones, computers and the websites of television programs, among other possibilities.The Japanese ambassador said, however, which are in final negotiations for an agreement on investment protection, considering the determinant to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Currently there are eight Japanese companies currently operating in Angola, but Ambassador Ryozo Myoi is confident that this number will increase rapidly with the signing of investment protection protocol, recognizing the market entry of Angolan banks into Japan. The diplomat said that Angola annually exports to Japan about 20 million dollars in oil, while the reverse turnover stands at 200 million, primarily in the motor vehicle trade.


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I'm exploring the web to find sites I like
Indiantown Road - St. John's
"Lovely Resort"
Posted by: Debbie and Pat on Dec 2, 2013
see all reviews
A 200 villa luxury family style resort is situated on 30 spectacular waterfront acres hidden away on the untouched north-east coast of Antigua.
Share your experiences with others. Don't forget to send your review to Debbie by using an easy form.
"Lovely Resort"
Posted by: Debbie and Pat
on Dec 2, 2013 >
10 contribution(s) Canada
Visited on: Dec, 2013 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
598 people found this review helpful
Room Number:
This was our first trip to Antigua, and Westjet Vacations had a great deal for this resort when we booked it in September.
The resort is located 30 minutes from the airport.
On arrival there was a little confusion about our room, apparently the travel agency did not pass on our room requests, so they had to change our room. We had asked for a room where we could get internet access, not all the rooms have it due to the resort being so spread out. But it all got sorted and we were taken to our room. Rooms are in single storey semi-detached bungalows. The room is very large, 700 square feet. Absolutely loved the room. Nice large tub, king-sized bed, sofabed, small kitchenette with fridge, sink, and microwave, and a gorgeous large covered verandah overlooking the water. The mattress is very hard, but we did get used to it and slept very well. You can ask for a mattress topper, apparently that makes it a little softer. We had a waterview room and were very happy with the view and glad we hadn't upgraded to waterfront. All the rooms are the same whether they are hillside, waterview or waterfront, it's just the view that's different.
We did pay extra to have internet access in our room ($50 for the week), but they do have free access in the pool/bar area.
Restaurants and Bars:
Breakfast is buffet style at the main restaurant. For lunch you can go to the buffet at the main restaurant or the beach restaurant. We tried both and preferred the main buffet. Food was excellent.
For dinner you can eat at the main buffet (no reservations required), or make a reservation at either the Beach restaurant or Buccaneer's Restaurant. Make your reservation early in the day at Guest Services as the good times fill up quickly. We tried both the beach restaurant and Buccaneer's Restaurant for dinner, both were good food, service in Buccaneer's wasn't too good – they seemed somewhat overwhelmed and we waited forever for our desert and tea, and finally just got up and left. Service in the other restaurants was very good.
There is also a 4th restaurant, Nicole's, that you have to pay a supplement to eat at. It is $30 US each. We ate there one night and the food was excellent. I had the beef tenderloin, lobster was also available.
There is a dress code for the restaurants in the evening (except the buffet), men must wear a collared shirt, long pants, and proper shoes.
There are several bars – the main bar by the pool, the beach bar near the main beach, and the Rasta bar on Rasta Beach. They do not have drink menus, which would have been nice. Said they are working on one.
The resort is very spread out and very hilly. Maybe not a good choice for someone with mobility issues, although they do have golf carts that go around regularly to take you where you want to go. You can even phone from your room and request one. Beautiful vegetation and flowers everywhere. You will also see a lot of mongooses around (apparently they were brought to Antigua to get rid of the snakes, which they did, but now there is a large population of mongoose). Also a lot of different birds, that come and sit on the railing of your balcony and hummingbirds everywhere . Over the water you can see the pelicans diving for fish. At night you hear the tree frogs, reminded me of Bermuda.
There are two small beaches on the property, or you can go to Long Bay Beach, a couple minutes' walk from the front entrance of the hotel. You have to go down 40 steps to the resort's main beach (that's the easy part). The beach bar is at the top of the stairs, so not too convenient. Would have been nice if they had bar service on the beach.
There is a large main pool, as well as several smaller ones throughout the property. The main pool is located by the bar and main building housing all the restaurants, guest services, spa, etc.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
They do have entertainment in the evening – singers, DJ's, band, that kind of thing. All entertainment is over at 11 p.m. Definitely not a party place. Most of the clientele was from England, along with Canadians and Americans. There were lots of families with young children there. There are some daily activities, you can read the daily activities at Guest Services. One thing we loved was that there was no loud music playing around the pool as is often the case. Very relaxing.
The spa was very nice. It was a little pricey, but I had a couple of massages and they were the best I've ever had!
Water at the resort is good to drink. Our tour company rep did say we should use bottled water in the room, as the tap water there was not as purified as in the rest of the resort. We did buy a large bottle, which we could get refilled at the bar. They do not have bottled water at the bars or restaurants. We did use the tap water in the room to make tea and coffee, as we were boiling it.
Weather was good. A little bit of rain a couple of days, but not enough to interfere with anything.
Devil's Bridge is one of the island attractions and is actually adjacent to the hotel property. A staff member walks over with a group a couple times a week. There are also other tours you can book – swimming with stingrays, catamaran tour, etc. Shirley Heights is supposed to be a good trip, we didn't go but another couple we talked to went and said they were ready to come back after 10 minutes. Depends what you like.
Other Comments:
Overall we thought the resort was great. However, we did get it for a good price, and had we paid full price, might have balked at having to pay extra for internet in our room and to eat at Nicole's Restaurant. Also feel they should have bar service on the beach. The resort was built in 2007, but seems much older because of the style. It reminded me more of a resort in Northern Ontario than a Caribbean resort. The resort is actually on the Atlantic side of the island.
Posted by:
Cathy on Feb 26, 2012 >
1 contribution(s) Canada
Visited on: Feb, 2012 | Leisure | With Spouse/Partner
776 people found this review helpful
Room Number:
Room Block:
across from the adult pool
Our arrival was around 9 pm or so. ( dosen't really matter.....we're there and it's warm. Life is good .) Check in was very quick and with rum punch in hand we were whisked off to our room to drop off our bags and then taken to the buffet where they were waiting to welcome us with a huge smile. Given the time of night we were pleased to see that the buffet was still full of options and everything very fresh . While eating we could hear the entertainment below us at the main pool bar. Finishing our eats and drinks we headed down and enjoyed the rest of the evening,and having a blast with the staff. After saying our goodnights and taking a drink for the road , we headed back to room anxious for morning so we could check out the resort in the daylight.
Large , clean, with a beautiful view overlooking one of the beaches and the ocean in the distance. Stocked mini fridge would be nice , but if you take a trip into town or shop at the resort gift shop you can always buy beer , wine , liquor to stock your own fridge. ( No big deal !! ) Our room was right across from the adult pool which was perfect. Shaded areas with internet and every day they bring a cooler filled with pop , ice and glasses for you to help your self and there is also washrooms there too. If your room is around this pool , stocking your own fridge is convient so you don't have to go all the way down to the bar for a drink.
Restaurants and Bars:
No complaints about any thing !!! All was good . Chef Raj was one of the nicest people you could ever want to meet. He makes an effort to come out and meet guests , have a friendly chat and to make sure you are happy and enjoying all your meals. We have travelled a lot and only had one not so great holiday. The food holds it's own to almost anywhere else we've been.
The grounds were impeccable. Very clean with bananna trees every where. The mini golf course is awsome. The childrens play area was great. Quite an impressive jungle gym. With so many young families with small children, we didn't see or hear one unhappy child! Not one!! LOL . The gym was bright,and very well equipped. The spa (so I heard ) was incredible. The beaches were very clean and the water sports were great , with lots to do . Our only disappointment was that the beach wasn't long enough to go for those long romantic walks , but the views and the fantastic blues of the water make up for it. There is no fighting for a spot around the pools or on the beaches and you can always find a shady spot.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
We were in Antigua last year at a different resort and just fell in love with the island and the people, so we went back again this year. We rented a car last year and had a great adventure finding our way around the island to all the attractions. If you are adventerous enough this is a much cheaper way to see the island rather than hiring a taxi. This year we rented a car for two days and had a blast. We found all kinds of secluded beaches , all with that fantastic turquoise blue water as far as the eye can see. We also took a helicopter tour over Montserrat. AWSOME AWSOME AWSOME experience. A must do. $240. US per person 45min. tour. It seems a lot longer than 45 min though. You can also walk to Devils Bridge from the resort. Very interesting to see. There is a couple of venders there to sell stuff but if you say no thanks they don't hound you. Shirley Heights in English Harbour is the highlight of sightseeing. You get that picture perfect postcard shot. St. Johns has great duty free shopping in it's port harbour.
Other Comments:
As we've said , we have travelled a lot and to date....... Antigua is our new favorite place. Yes we will be going back next year. The Verandah ......... TWO THUMBS UP FROM CANADA !!!!!!!!!!!
Jamie and Cathy Grove from Guelph Ontario
"Excellent Vacation!"
Posted by:
GreatVacation on Feb 23, 2012 >
1 contribution(s) Canada
Visited on: Feb, 2012 | Leisure | Family and Kids
781 people found this review helpful
Our family spent a week at the Verandah at the end of January 2012. The service was excellent, the food was spectacular, the grounds were beautiful and the rooms were very comfortable. It's a relatively quiet resort, with no big parties or a disco, which was perfect for us (parents and two adult children). There really wasn't much to find wrong with this vacation – we had a great time.
We were treated with rum punch immediately upon arrival and were shuttled to our room in a golf cart relatively quickly. The check in staff was friendly and working as quickly as they could. We had to wait a little while as another flight was delayed and was checking in at the same time as ours. It didn't really matter, we were just happy to be there.
The rooms are large and very clean. The bathroom and tub are enormous and the verandah out back was lovely. The mattress was a little hard but when we mentioned it to the cleaning staff they brought some foam for the top of the mattress which made a big difference.
Restaurants and Bars:
The food was great! The buffet has a different theme every night so you don't get tired of the flavours. Nicole's was spectacular – it really was fine dining and worth the extra cost. Buccaneer's was also good – a step up from the buffet and nice to be seated at an a la carte restaurant for a change. We only went to the beach grill for lunches and had mixed experiences. The food was good and there was some variety (always had a fish of the day) although the service was slow. You have to place your order and then wait for it to be brought to you. If you go around 12:30 it may take a while to get your food, and seating will be limited.
There are two beaches on the resort which was nice. We spent most of our time on the water sports beach since it had a good amount of shade and activities. Neither are big enough to walk along. The fact that there are two beaches and two pools meant that there was always space to relax. No location ever felt crowded or rowdy. The grounds are gorgeous and easy to get around, with banana trees everwhere!
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
There are plenty of sail boats and kayaks avaialble on the Sports beach (which was the nicer beach in my opinion). You could sign up in advance, and rarely have to wait longer than an hour to use something. There aren't a lot of 'scheduled' activities (i.e. yoga at 10) but I did see a schedule with some options. Staff were never walking around trying to rally people into doing things, which was refreshing.
Other Comments:
Everyone who works at the Verandah was very friendly and attentive. From the cleaning staff to the beach staff to the bar staff, everyone greets you with a smile and a hello. On Tuesday nights there's the Manager's Cocktail party where the managers from each department come around to ask how your stay is and if there's anything they can address while you're there. It was a really nice added touch.
Entertainment at this resort means a different live band performing at the main bar each night (some are better than others). The best performers were the steel pan band who was there on Tuesday night. Some nights it was a dj, others a repetitive singer, but either way, it's a nice place to gather for a drink after dinner.


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How This Quilter Mends Pants
Ok. I hate mending. Seriously. I would rather make something from scratch than mend. Even hemming pants or reattaching a button ... yuckeroni.
If I can figure out how to turn a mending chore into some semblance of a quilting task ... well ... THAT is something altogether different.
This is a pair of my daughter's leggings with not one, but two holes. (She's an overachiever in this department.)
Not expensive. And she'll probably outgrow them next week.
But never mind. I've got an idea.
* * * *
I drew a few hearts on my computer, printed them out, traced them onto fusible web, made fusible patches from pretty coordinating fabric (Lecien's Flower Sugar) & found matching thread.
Then I spent all of about 10 minutes at my sewing machine.
Only the top and bottom hearts are covering holes. But they're so far apart I thought it would look better with a few connecting elements.
I don't think anyone would ever guess this was a patch job!
AND she really likes them. Bonus!


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Reset Metasploit Pro Web Console Password For msf User
Awhile back I installed a version of Metasploit Pro while juggling a couple other tasks and unfortunately I noted the password in an encrypted text document and forgot the location which in itself was a fail. Regardless of the mistake I made luckily Metasploit Express and Metasploit Pro make it easy enough to change the msf user web console password without any pain. Use the directions below to modify the msf users login information on your Metasploit Pro or Metasploit Express installation.


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There has been considerable debate in recent years as to the emergency electrical power needs of freestanding, outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). This may seem odd when you consider that emergency power requirements for health-care facilities have been codified since the early 1960s via a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard on the subject. Originally a standard just for hospitals (designated NFPA 76A, Standard for Essential Electrical Systems for Hospitals), the document's scope was expanded to all health-care facilities in 1971, thus making it applicable to ASCs. In 1984, this document was incorporated along with 13 other health-care documents developed by the NFPA Technical Committee on Health Care Facilities into what is now NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities.
The main issues surrounding this subject are what system is adequate to meet the needs of an ASC, and how long should such a system be capable of providing (or required to provide) power in the event of loss of normal power? Although a few simple answers could be provided, it was observed at a recent conference in California (organized by the authors of this article) that the needs of ASCs are not identical — nor is one emergency power supply system configuration of the essential electrical system practical or possible for all ASCs.
What issues should be addressed during the design and installation period when the type and capabilities of the essential electrical system are being specified? This situation involves more than just the equipment that will be supplying electrical power when normal power is interrupted. The extent of power, the quality of the power, and location of the power source are just a few of the many issues that need to be reviewed. Let's address seven key questions that arise on these types of projects.
- How many transfer switches (minimum) are necessary for ASCs?
The answer is simple: It depends. If the load on the essential electrical system is less than 150kVA, NFPA 99 states that a facility can install just one transfer switch. However, all other requirements for essential electrical systems must be followed. It also needs to be noted that, with only one transfer switch for transferring power from the normal source to emergency power source, its failure essentially shuts down the delivery of power from the emergency power supply. Even if the essential electrical load is less than 150kVA, an ASC can install more than one transfer switch.
If the essential electrical load is more than 150kVA, an ASC with critical patient care areas, or those using electrical life-support equipment, would have to follow the requirements for a Type 1 EES, as listed in NFPA 99, Chapter 4. This could become complicated for those ASCs located within a commercial building.
Unlike a hospital (with no independent tenants), the wiring of the ASC portion would have to meet more stringent requirements, including the installation and coordination of ground-fault interrupters (GFIs). The number of transfer switches would increase, because NFPA 99 requires a transfer switch for each branch of the emergency system and a transfer switch for the equipment system, which could entail three transfer switches (one for non-delayed items, delayed-automatic items, and delayed automatic or manual items). All of these possibilities must be reviewed before determining how many transfer switches (at minimum) will be required.
- Is a short (10-second) interruption of normal power always acceptable?
In 1960, a time of 10 seconds (maximum) was established with respect to how long an alternate power system could take to come online and replace the normal power source (i.e., once it was determined that the normal power supply coming into a facility or suite had been interrupted — as opposed to a momentary interruption or dip).
In the '60s, the mechanics of starting an engine, then connecting it to a generator and the power becoming relatively stable, took about 7 to 8 seconds. The technical members of the committee developing the standard for essential electrical systems wanted a safety factor included (e.g., in case the engine didn't start the first time), so they requested a 10-second criteria. At that time, the medical members of the Technical Committee could accept this scenario.
This time interval (from recognizing loss of normal power to transfer to emergency power source, using engine-generator systems that require some time before being able to supply electrical power) has not been changed since then. Today, however, there are electrical devices (e.g., computers, digital monitors) that cannot tolerate even 1/60th of a second interruption of power without shutting down or operating incorrectly. Some of these electrical devices are medical devices that either provide life-support functions to patients connected to them or produce extremely vital, real-time information to doctors while treating patients. As such, other methods to maintain a constant supply of electricity have become necessary.
One method is the inclusion of a battery within a device that allows the device to continue operating normally for some (short) period of time when regular power is interrupted. Another is the placement of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) between the device and normal power circuitry. These methods are not an "emergency power source of the essential electrical system" as discussed in this article; however, they do provide for continuous power (on a limited time basis) to devices until power from the alternate power source is connected to the distribution system of the essential electrical system.
Variations of the above designs have been developed with the intent of having certain devices powered continuously when normal power is interrupted.
- Do I have to use an engine gen-set, or can I use another type of power source?
There are now quite a few ways to generate AC electricity — from engines connected to generators (the traditional way) to batteries connected to DC-to-AC converters to gas turbines connected to generators — just to name a few. There are also a variety of engine types (diesel, spark-ignited, and flywheel, among others).
For health-care facility emergency power purposes, the main performance criteria for whatever method used has been the necessity of supplying 60-Hz (AC) power to the electrical loads on the essential electrical system within 10 seconds, and supplying this power for some period of time without requiring a new supply of fuel. Because emergency power became necessary in the later '50s, the most common method used has been the engine-generator configuration. Whatever method is used, it has to meet the 10-second (max) criteria of restoration of power.
- Where can alternate power sources be located?
When requirements for essential electrical systems were first developed, the model used was normal power being supplied by an electric utility company power station through electric wires to the facility. The alternate power source model was an engine-generator system installed on the property of the health-care facility (if a big system was necessary, such as for a hospital). Later, it was permitted to have an engine-generator system (located on the facility's property) supply normal power and have the local utility company be the alternate power source (very few health-care facilities use this method). If an engine-generator system onsite is used for normal power, but the utility company is not reliable enough as an alternate source, then a second engine-generator system must be installed on the premises.
However, the Technical Committee responsible for essential electrical system requirements was very clear in requiring at least one source of electric power to be located on the property of the health-care facility. This requirement was an assurance that some power would be available if external power for the facility was interrupted. Furthermore, the location of the emergency power source on the property of the ASC, or within a building where the ASC offices are located, was situated so it is protected from rain, snow, floods, winds, vandalism, etc., if located outdoors. If located within a building, then it must also be protected from flooding, sewer backup, a fire within the building, vandalism, etc.
NFPA 99 originally listed criteria for protecting emergency power sources. Now, NFPA 110 has the main responsibility for all emergency power sources. (NFPA 99 can add additional requirements specifically related to health-care facilities.) One of the major safety measures for an emergency power source located within a building is that it must be enclosed in a room having a 2-hour fire rating.
- How long does the emergency power source have to provide power in an ASC?
The length of time an emergency power source has to be able to provide power without being refueled has generally remained the responsibility of governmental authorities, but other groups and organizations have an influence on the minimum time. Factors used in determining this time include the level of medical/surgical care provided and the probability of natural disasters that can be expected in the area (e.g., hurricane, tornadoes, earthquake).
If Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) accreditation is mandated by a state, or patients are insured through the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the minimum time required by these two entities need to be obtained.
For ASCs that do not use electrical life-support equipment or do not have patient care areas meeting the definition of "critical care area," NFPA 99, Chapter 14 states that a Type 3 essential electrical system can be installed. Requirements for a Type 3 essential electrical system (as listed in Chapter 4, section 4.6 of NFPA 99) require power sufficient for life safety and for the "safe cessation of procedures in progress." The length of time will vary, depending on the procedures being performed at the ASC, and needs to be determined by staff, including medical, surgical, and nursing personnel.
For ASCs that do use "electrical life-support equipment," or have "critical care area(s)," NFPA 99, Chapter 14 states that a Type 1 essential electrical system is to be installed. However, Type 1 system requirements do not specify a minimum number of hours that the essential electrical system has to be able to supply power without having to be refueled or recharged.
With respect to life safety criteria and minimum operating times of emergency power to safely exit any building, NFPA 101 requires power for emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, etc., to be able to function for a minimum of 1½ hours upon loss of normal electrical power.
A May 4, 2007, CMS letter to State Agency Directors listed various conditions under which a battery system could be used as the alternate power supply of the EES. While no specific minimum run time (without refueling) was listed, some consultants recommend 4 hours. Each ASC needs to learn what minimum operating time it must meet in order to satisfy all regulatory authorities and non-governmental organizations.
- Is the quality of emergency power a factor?
The power produced by emergency power sources in ASCs has to meet most of the same quality criteria as the main power source, because there will be patients who will be at the same risk as those in hospitals — namely, if inhalation anesthesia is administered, there will be a patient(s) on electrical life-support equipment.
Similar concerns involve voltage regulation and governors to handle large load variations, particularly as a result of equipment that cycles on and off (e.g., compressors, chillers). Other concerns are those resulting from spikes and harmonics on the power line, and those associated with the proper grounding between the normal and emergency power system.
For ASCs located in commercial buildings, it may also be necessary to protect critical equipment from abnormal power variations with appropriate power quality equipment. This could be necessary during normal power operation and emergency power operation.
Although manufacturers are required to indicate on the nameplate the maximum load that its generator system can handle, designers and/or users need to discuss what types of loads will be connected to the emergency power supply system before making a decision on the power supply. While NFPA 99 requires testing the generator system with all expected loads connected, additional tests (dropping the largest loads and then reconnecting them simultaneously) might be useful to learn if the generator system can handle the sudden load.
- Are battery-operated lighting units required in operating rooms?
A requirement for battery-operated lighting units was proposed and accepted for the 1996 edition of NFPA 99. It was the result of concern raised by anesthesiologists on the NFPA 99 T/C on Electrical Systems (and on behalf of all persons working in the operating room during a procedure) regarding the 10-second blackout that would occur when normal power was interrupted. The loss of power even for 10 seconds was becoming intolerable, considering the hazards it exposed many patients to, according to the anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists argued that having at least some lighting turn on automatically would greatly help them and others working in the operating room tend to the basic needs of patients, prevent tripping over cords, avoid knocking equipment over, and maintain the sterile zone. It would also eliminate the need for anesthesiologists or others to find a flashlight in the dark, and then hold it while tending to patients.
It should be noted, however, that battery-operated emergency lighting units are not part of the normal electrical distribution system, nor are they part of the essential electrical distribution system or "life-safety" measures. They are an interim operational mechanism for supplying some measure of lighting in an operating room when power to general lighting is interrupted for any reason. This interruption does not include the deliberate switching of a wall switch (for general lighting) from on to off in the operating room. These lighting units do have to be installed in accordance with NFPA 70, because they need to be connected to the circuits of general lighting in order to monitor them for power.
The wording added into the 1996 edition of NFPA 99 has been revised over the years. The 2009 edition will make some further modifications with regard to a minimum lighting level, and add testing criteria for the lighting units.
Klein is the president of Burton Klein Associates in Newton, Mass. He can be reached at [email protected]. Ginsburg is general manager of task force solutions in Anaheim, Calif. He can be reached at [email protected].
Sidebar: Additional ASC Resources
Following is a list of some of the applicable documents used by governmental authorities and non-governmental organizations for the installation and maintenance of ambulatory surgical center (ASC) emergency power sources:
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (particularly Art. 517, Health Care Facilities)
NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities (particularly Chapter 4, Electrical Systems, and Chapter 14, Other Health Care Facilities)
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (particularly Chapter 20, New Ambulatory Healthcare Occupancies, and Chapter 21, Existing Ambulatory Healthcare Occupancies)
NFPA 110, Stand on Emergency & Standby Power Systems (particularly safety requirements for generator systems)
NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Energy Emergency & Standby Power Systems (particularly safety requirements for stored energy power supply systems)
Guidelines for Design & Construction of Health Care Facilities (particularly Part 3 - Ambulatory Care Facilities)
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) monitors the care given to patients who are receiving Social Security benefits. Congress requires CMS to use NFPA 101 as the reference document on matters relating to life safety. CMS can inspect hospitals, ASCs, etc., that accept payment by CMS for patient services, or it may have the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), or American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) do the inspection for them.
States can have one or more departments inspecting ASCs, such as a Department of Health & Safety (or equivalent) or the State Fire Marshal Office.
Local inspectors of emergency power systems for ASCs generally are the city or town's electrical inspectors. They rely on the state in which the city or town is located for the electrical code they will use to approve electrical installations, such as emergency power supplies. Although a few cities still have their own electrical codes, most states use NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, as the basis for electrical installation requirements in their state.
JCAHO Environment of Care Standards (for ambulatory care facilities)
AAAHC Standards Handbook (beginning with Physical Environment Checklist)


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Message Board
John Baker Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Baker has written!
Author Baker's Book Reviews
Death Minus Zero
John Baker is one of those writers that you know from the first book, if there is any justice in the literary world, will be widely acclaimed by both fans and critics. His writing style draws the reader into the book from the first page and his stories and characters linger in the mind for days after the book is finished. The first book in the Sam Turner series is POET IN THE GUTTER. It introduces the reader to one of the most refreshing private inv...
Poet In The Gutter
Sam Turner is adrift emotionally and financially when he tells his new men's group that he's a private investigator. Soon one of the members makes Sam's fantasy into reality when he hires Sam to follow his perhaps errant wife. When murder is part of the case Sam finds himself exchanging information with the York police. Gaining a bit of fame after a televised interview, Sam is inundated with work offers and must hire some assistants. Celia, a retired...
Shooting in the Dark
A blind woman is being stalked. Or is she? When her sister turns up dead on the North Yorkshire Moors, private investigator Sam Turner has to take her seriously. A story of revenge with a strong thematic content, exploring the nature of seeing....


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It's a story that is captivating people on both sides of the Atlantic.
On Feb. 28, the Desert Sun newspaper reported, a man was discovered unconscious in a Motel 6 in Palm Springs. He was taken to the hospital, where he awoke in the emergency room.
Four pieces of identification the man carried indicated that his name was Michael Thomas Boatwright. But the man couldn't remember his name and didn't recognize his own face on his California ID. He believed his name was Johan Ek. He spoke only Swedish.
Today, more than four months later, Boatwright's caretakers know a bit more about their patient — he was probably born in Florida, is a veteran and spent some years in Sweden during the 1980s — but Boatwright reportedly still doesn't remember much about his past and still isn't speaking English. He remains hospitalized while medical staff figure out how to release him safely into the world.
While stressing that they had not examined Boatwright directly, neurologists and psychologists contacted by the Los Angeles Times said that the man's condition most likely stemmed from a psychological — rather than a physiological — cause.
Dr. Robert Bright, a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., said that he looks for one of three different things when he encounters a patient with memory and identity loss.
First, he said, is the possibility that "some sort of medical, organic thing has caused an insult to the brain," such as a traumatic brain injury, a stroke, a seizure, loss of oxygen or an infection. In such cases, however, patients usually have memory loss around the time of the incident but are unlikely to lose their sense of identity or their ability to speak in their native tongue, or to forget more remote events in their lives, Bright said. Doctors would usually also see something abnormal on an MRI, he added.
Thus far, there have been no reports of red flag test results in Boatwright's case.
"It would be highly unlikely for this to be because of a problem with the brain," agreed UCLA behavioral neurologist Dr. Mario Mendez. "Events from the distant past are relatively retained. Especially if they're strong, personally referent items — things you've heard all your life. From a neurologic point of view, it would be very unusual to lose such fundamental information."
The second — and highly more likely — possibility, the Mayo Clinic's Bright said, was that there was a psychological cause and the patient is experiencing what's known as dissociative fugue, or global psychogenic amnesia. With such patients, whose unconscious break from reality may be a form of self-protection, "there tends to be a wall — they don't remember anything," he said.
"A lot of these people will have a history of a psychiatric condition — depression, for example, or PTSD — and there's typically an acute stressor that triggers the event," he added.
We don't know what might have happened to Boatwright. But his brain may have essentially shut down and "gone back to this other time and place" — Sweden — for a reason, Bright said.
"Maybe Sweden was a place of less stress" for Boatwright, he said.
The third possibility, Bright added, is that Boatwright is malingering — consciously making the whole thing up — to avoid some kind of trouble.
Bright said that determining when patients are faking memory loss is difficult for psychologists, who usually can make that call only when they figure out what the patient gains by lying. "You find out [the patient] is wanted, or he's about to go to prison," Bright said.
If Boatwright's identity loss does stem from psychological causes, Bright added, his doctors and nurses should be able to help him pull out of it by treating the underlying issue — offering psychotherapy or medication to address depression, if that's indicated, or working with family to alleviate relationship stress if that was the trigger.


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Thursday, April 18, 2013
Awards presented at annual meeting of Clinical Research Forum
Three projects led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators have been named among the Clinical Research Forum's Top 10 Clinical Research Achievements of 2012. The MGH-led teams are being honored for work to develop a system allowing people with paralysis to control computerized equipment via a small device implanted into their brains, for a clinical trial showing that a combination of two targeted treatment drugs significantly delays the development of treatment resistance in a common form of melanoma, and for a new approach to diagnosing hard-to-find chromosomal abnormalities that can provide critically important information. "There's never been a moment in the history of biology that's more optimistic for spectacular breakthroughs to happen. However, it will require strategic investments at a most difficult time in our history," said William F. Crowley Jr., MD, founder and past chairman of the Clinical Research Forum and director of the MGH Clinical Research Program. "America is a world leader in biomedical research and if we are to retain that leadership role globally, we have to continue making these national investments." The awards are being presented today at the Clinical Research Forum's annual meeting in Washington, D.C. MGH award recipients are:
Additional award recipients are from Yale University School of Medicine, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. Awardees were selected from nominated projects by the Clinical Research Forum's Board of Directors, senior leaders at some of the country's top academic health centers, all of whom recused themselves from discussing and judging submissions from their own institutions. The Clinical Research Forum is an organization comprised of the nation's most prestigious and acclaimed academic medical centers and healthcare systems whose goal is to sustain and expand a cadre of talented, well-trained clinical investigators at all stage of career development, and support nurturing environments and comprehensive research capabilities within academic institutions. Its mission is to provide leadership to the national clinical and translational research enterprise and promote understanding and support for clinical research and its impact on health.Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $775 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine. In July 2012, MGH moved into the number one spot on the 2012-13 U.S. News & World Report list of "America's Best Hospitals."
Sue McGreevey, 617 724-2764, email@example.com
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