text:
Flossing can be Murder (Update): Inventor becomes Victim
Jim Fetzer and Sean Dix
Sean Dix at "Occupy Wall Street"
Sean Dix has invented an ingenious device known as "the floss ring". He brought it to Johnson & Johnson (hereafter "J&J") in 1994, unaware that J&J had been attempting to develop a similar product of its own, but without success. That began a series of horrendous experiences that culminated on 21 December 2009, with an apparent attempt on his life by means of a massive injection of flouride administered by his long-time dentist. He has made heroic attempts to expose the malfeasance by J&J by contacting local and state authorities. As you will read here, they now include efforts to file charges for attempted murder that have reached as high as the offices of Manhattan District Attorney then Robert Morganthau/now Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., the Office of the Attorney General then Andrew Cuomo of the State of New York, and even the Office of then Governor David Paterson/now Andrew Cuomo of New York.
On Sunday, 5 December 2010, Sean Dix, the inventor of the Floss Ring, sent the following letter to the prominent law firm of Dear, Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Lason, Anello & Bohrer, P.C., which lays out the basic elements of his story. To facilitate easy of reading, I have done some stylistic editing and added a few graphics. I have found his history so compelling that I interviewed him as my featured guest on "The Real Deal" on Friday, 1 April 2011, where the interview is archived at http://radiofetzer.blogspot.com. But there is nothing the least bit "April Foolish" about what he has had to endure. This is such a stunning example of corporate corruption that I am going to devote several blogs to exposing it. Lest anyone doubt that Sean had invented something of great interest and potential value, here, as a preface, is an excerpt from an article that appeared in The New York Times:
The New York Times
Business Day… Monday, November 16, 1998
Patents – Sabra Chartrand
"An entrepreneur hopes that sterilized dental floss will encourage people to keep their teeth cleaner."
Many people dislike flossing their teeth and do so irregularly. Flossing has such a bad image that people tend to floss erratically even when they understand that it is the only way to really clean below the gum line. But Sean Dix is hoping that those people who do use dental floss will prefer a sterile product. Mr. Dix is a former diamond cutter turned inventor who won a patent a few years ago for inexpensive plastic rings that aid flossing. He had trouble flossing himself because of a skin condition: wrapping thin floss around his fingers irritated them. So he designed the rings, won a patent, quit his diamond-cutting job and became a full-time floss entrepreneur. Now Mr. Dix, who lives in New York, is expanding his business to include his newly patented sterile dental floss. His latest invention started when he learned how floss is traditionally manufactured…."
Elderly woman with Sean's J&J flyer on Wall Street
Ironically, "Occupy Wall Street" has created an opportunity for Sean to interact with a concerned and supportive audience. He has handed out thousands of his flyers. His story of the exploitation of an individual by a powerful corporation resonates with those who are there is protest the abuse of the people by bankers and traders who are only interested in enrichening themselves, no matter what the cost to the American public. He has been interviewed by reporters from many nations, but not by ABC, CBS, NBC or CNN, which flee as soon as they notice the name of "Johnson & Johnson". As I have explained to Sean, this may be because their airing of his charges against J&J might trigger a lawsuit by that company against them. That they have not put him on the air, therefore, does not mean that they would not be equally disturbed by what his experiences have to tell us about life in Amerika, the new fascist state blending big business with big government and dominating the media with propaganda and misinformation.
Here is my first but not my last interview with Sean on 8 April 2011, "Corporate Corruption Extraodinaire",
and my subsequent interview with Mary Sparrowdancer on 27 April 2011, who has championed his cause:
For more about this case, search "Sean Dix poison", including especially the virtually complete records of his astonishing case.
Sean's Story (told in the first-person)
In 1993 I invented "Floss Rings" and the first truly Sterilized Floss.
In 1994 I offered them to J&J not knowing that J&J had lied by falsely advertising its own floss as "Sterilized and Surgically Clean" 120 years ago as one of the longest false-ad campaigns in corporate history.
Few know that J&J helped underwrite the first Food and Drug Act of 1906 to ensure that this lie, among others, would not be exposed. On 30 September 2010, the Congressional Oversight Committee had J&J and the FDA answering questions about J&J's largest recall in corporate history. It's no mystery as to why J&J was reprimanded along with the FDA together, since J&J had been instrumental in the creation the FDA.
I own 55 years worth of these false floss ads–more than the ADA and Google combined. Here are some samples of its false advertising from 1906, 1912, and 1921:
Johnson & Johnson's "ABSOLUTELY ASEPTIC" floss (1906)
Johnson & Johnson's "guaranteed surgically clean" (1912)
Johnson & Johnson's "Surgically Clean Floss" (1921)
The floss discovery led me to uncover the biggest of J&J's misrepresentations, namely: that J&J had founded its company with the first "Sterilized Sutures" beginning in 1887. (You can visit J&J's website for its own "History".)
I have every J&J ad from January to October 1887, where J&J did not advertise in November or December of that year. All ten months in 1887 are full page advertisements for "Zonweiss Dental Cream". J&J claims as of this date to have pioneered Sterilized Sutures beginning in 1887. The truth is that J&J's first ad, which appeared in January 1887, had a "Gulliver's Travels" theme ending in October 1887 with a witch, who was selling "Zonweiss Dental Cream".
Sterilized sutures would not come for several more years and only after J&J had exhausted its advertisements for the failed Zonweiss Dental Cream. J&J had to finally get serious and come up with something that was useful. They did, but it took over a decade to perfect sutures and, as you can see, even today they are still recalling them because of contamination issues, so they never really did even get that right.
Of course this has nothing to do with J&J's Cat-A-Logs from the 1950s, where J&J mockingly joked about selling "Contaminated Sutures" in their Ethicons Suture Catalogs. (See Ethicon Catalog 1 and Ethicon Catalog 2). That was in poor taste even in 1950, but with people dropping like flies from J&J's products in hindsight, that is probably something J&J would prefer I hadn't found with several original volumes, with each picture and caption worse than the next.
Needless to say, J&J had and still has a vested interest in keeping me silent and off the market, which they have done for the most part for the past 14 years to everyones detriment, beginning with influencing CNN to air a hatchet job on my company on 12 June 1996, which was one week before my "FlossRings" were placed in the National Museum of Dentistry, where they are additionally listed under "George Washington's Ivory Teeth" as one of its 32 permanent public exhibits.
The Pursuit of Justice
My pursuit of justice eventually appears to have led J&J to have an operative contact me to threaten my life by describing the numerous ways that I could be killed and make it look like an accident or suicide. Poisoning was mentioned more than any other method–and several times. This was unsettling as I had originally offered my patents to J&J, where its unethical negotiating practices had prompted me to end discussions with them. Concerned about these death threats thinly disguised as "worldly advice", I contacted as many of the proper authorities as possible, only to be ignored at the mention of CNN or J&J. I have included three clips of over ten mentions of how I could be killed. [Co-author's note: several of them were played during the interview on "The Real Deal" on Friday, 1 April 2011, which can be accessed above and at http://radiofetzer.blogspot.com.]
Supporting expert documentation
Frustrated with having my business ruined on CNN and being threatened for pursuing justice and being ignored on both complaints, I felt I had no choice but to document it for the public record by forcing their hand. Seven months after becoming tired of looking over my shoulder, I generated a federal trial by issuing a letter containing threatening language designed to generate a trial to expose the true threats that were made against me insofar as the government was doing nothing on my behalf. My intentions to get into court by violating positive law were not only described in my letter but were explained to Joel Klein–the head of the Federal Anti-Trust Division at the time–in a letter prior to the letter that generated my trial. The arresting detective by the name of "Everett" even testified that this was my stated purpose and that he was had been hired by CNN to try and prevent my letter from going out before I faxed it. They all knew.
I was arrested and finally had a day in court because the government had refused to listen any other way. The federal judge and prosecutor did everything possible to tilt my trial in their favor beginning with introducing me to the jury pool with my hands behind my back being escorted by two correctional officers. I was offered "time served" but declined in favor of documenting the truth for history. Needless to say, I was railroaded and spent a year in jail and was put on probation where my court ordered psychologist, Dr. Caffery, agreed on tape that he believed that what J&J did was criminal and that he was willing to "bet money on it" along with the fact that he knew I generated my trial to expose what happened to me and that the government had further harmed me, knowing full well why I had generated my trial. He stated that he could do something about it, but he, like everyone else. chose not to; so I stopped going to him, which prompted my re-arrest one calender year to the day later.
Another Miscarriage of Justice
This time Federal Judge Clarence Cooper acknowledged on transcript that he knew that I had generated my trial to expose what happened to me and that Turner (CNN) had perpetuated a wrong upon me, but still sent me to prison–this time for another year–stating that at some point I had to give up my campaign for truth and justice. I found it especially ironic to be lectured on giving up by a black judge (Clarence Cooper) in Atlanta, no less, the home of the civil rights movement whose struggles had eventually afforded him his lofty position only by not giving up. In prison I suffered a severe MRSA infection, which I believe was intentionally given to me and lasted for a solid year after my release. This may have actually been the first attempt on my life, since some of the boils were so severe I almost passed out; but I refused to go to the doctor on the prison compound, fearing that they were waiting for me to show up. Pulling out boils the size of marbles with no anesthetic in a prison with inadequate medical supplies was an experience I would not wish even upon those who gave me the experience.
When Governor Paterson replaced Elliott Spitzer, I sent him a package with the death threats and supporting documentation in the hopes that he would open an investigation. He sent back a letter stating for the first time that my difficulties were a "criminal matter". This was the first time any government official had ever classified what has happened to me as a criminal matter and instructed me to contact District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, which I did three times over the next year-and-a-half via certified mail. DA Morgenthau never responded and, when I called to follow up, I was told that the DA's office didn't care what the Governor thought.
On 25 February 2009, I contacted Lucinda Franks, Morgenthau's wife, in an attempt to reach Morgenthau. (I have Lucinda Franks' E-mail.) I had no other agenda other than to reach him but, two days later, I read in Crains, NY, that Morgenthau would be ending his re-election bid. I later explained this to a State Supreme Court Justice, who personally knows Morgenthau, who told me he would look into it. When I subsequently saw the Justice, who refers to me as his friend, he told me, "You did it!", in reference to our conversation about Morgenthau days earlier; and I believed him, even though I had no intention of ending his re-election bid. I simply wanted him to address my concerns.
A notice about Floss Rings from PREVENTION Magazine (November 1997)
The Attempted Murder
Six months after my last letter to Morgenthau in April 2009, I was poisoned at my dentist's office. The date was 21 December 2009. I was given a syringe full of fluoride sublingually that left me unable to hold a conversation that night with a friend who had called me. I was in a fluoride induced stupor for the next 17 days. I recorded all of my calls with my dentists office beginning the next morning; I was lied to over 40 times by being told that no fluoride was used until she slipped and admitted using fluoride twice two weeks later. I have in total 17 conversations with no less that 60 confirmed lies including the "smoking gun" that fluoride had been used on me. I even saved my urine the morning after as it was the darkest urine I had ever seen in my life. It was blood I was urinating.
My urine later forensically tested positive for fluoride with levels of 160-132mg/L (the EPA standard being 1mg/L or lower), while my creatinine levels were 5636mg/L, which is indicative of acute kidney failure. The normal range is 300-3000 where 1000 mg/L being the normal range. My kidneys, eye sight, bones, and other body parts have been affected, even though, fortunately, I continue to recover due to my diet of primarily raw fruits and vegetables. I have been told that my alkaline diet is what saved me and that I should be dead, with no doubt, where others have died with less fluoride in their urine.
On 27 January 2010, I tried to file criminal charges, but was basically discouraged by the NYPD and the FBI; and, after contacting the DA's office, I left a voicemail message that was never returned. I was told by the NYPD to get a lawyer to bring this case to the DA; but the lawyers I spoke with would not touch my case unless I could have a toxicologist summarize the raw forensics. I found a toxicologist who agreed to provide a narrative and began asking for more data without ever giving me a cost or completion estimate. Six months into this ordeal, I was told that the toxicologist wanted to publish my case in a peer review journal and in her book, at which point I felt awkward saying "No" after she supposedly had been working on her narrative for six months.
A False Criminal Complaint
Eventually the dentist who knew she was being privately investigated filed a false criminal complaint stating that I threatened to kill her no doubt citing my previous case. On 31 August 2010, I was threatened with arrest by a detective named "Morales" from her precinct, who sounded more like a friend of hers who was attempting to intimidate me and who told me that my charges would not be entertained at their precinct, the 19th.
I then asked the toxicologist to please contact the DA's office to let him know that she was working on a narrative and would soon conclude it, since she had finally set a deadline of 1 September 2010, which came and went without the narrative as promised. The toxicologist told the Special Prosecutor, Thomas Wornom, that she would be ruling that I was poisoned but that she was also going to publish it in an article and subsequently promised him a copy of the narrative before I was to receive it, which I objected to since the DA's office had all but ignored everything that led up to my being poisoned.
This led to a rift that was not to be resolved when the toxicologist changed our agreement yet again by stating that she wanted to provide the narrative as a "private letter" to the DA, which, in my opinion, was to protect the publishing rights which had now apparently superceded my request for a one page statement from our first meeting in February 2010, which I needed to have in order to file charges as instructed, so I could discover exactly what kind of fluoride compound I was poisoned with, how much and why. I believe J&J is behind it but that needs to be proven in court through a real investigation.
The Toxicological Report
Eventually I had to hire another toxicologist to review the same forensic data and found Dr. Michael J. Norvell, a Board Certified Toxicologist with 25 years experience, who was able to provide a simple one page statement of fact that I had suffered a classic case of fluoride poisoning and that finding out exactly what the fluoride compound was and how much was critical to my current and future health. I submitted his report (see Flossrings.rtf & CV1.rtf) on 26 November 2010 via fax and followed up monday morning asking whether Thomas Wornom had questioned the dentist Diana Deidan to find out what exactly she poisoned me with, how much and why. I was unable to reach him until Thursday, 2 December 2010, when Thomas Wornom told me that he had not questioned Diana Deidan and had no intention of questioning her and that I should seek a civil attorney.
Stunned at this blatant disregard for my life even after a Board Certified Toxicologist had ruled that I was poisoned, I called the next morning 3 December 2010 and spoke with Jeanette Molina in Cyrus Vance's office to explain that a Board Certified Toxicologist had issued a statement that I had suffered a classic case of fluoride poisoning, while the dentist is clearly on record denying it over 40 times before admitting it twice and then denying it again, after I have been threatened with being poisoned and spent two years in prison for attempting to expose it!
Of special note : Several days after I was poisoned I ran into the Supreme Court Justice with whom I had conversed about Morganthau. Upon seeing me, he looked as if he had seen a ghost. His body language immediately registered as someone who did not expect me to be walking around and he has since avoided speaking with me at all costs. And this is a man knows Morgenthau personally. What am I to make of that?!
Reflections on My Death
A poster fitting the occasion
If I am to be openly murdered in the not too distant future, I would like a few facts to be known.
I have tried to be a productive citizen but this has been denied in every way possible or the past 14 years.
After living with the threat of premature death for simply trying to fulfill my potential and enjoy the fruits of my labor, I have been unconstitutionally incarcerated and finally poisoned in similar manner to that which I was threatened with. I have suffered the near total loss of all but my physical life and that is still not guaranteed. This is not a life, and I believe that the functions of these various methods of social isolation, financial ruin, intentional poisoning and then denial of any justice is designed to push me over the edge so that I may be murdered "legitimately" by this government .
Unfortunately for this government, I am no murderer and I will not give them an opportunity to destroy what I have tried to build and offer humanity, which has been clinically proven to be as effective as the toothbrush if not more so. Valued at over $250 million a year by Florida State University (using figures supplied by J&J), one would think the government would want to see me thriving instead–but apparently not. There is no shame dying or being murdered for trying to live in peace and contributing to humanity with whatever talents one has the potential to offer. There is shame in never living for any other purpose than to deprive others of their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and the fruits of their labor.
For the Firm
I believe I have a solid case against the City, & State of New York, Robert Mogenthau, the current DA's office, J&J, and many others, where my purpose for contacting you is two-fold:
I hope you [Co-author's note: the firm to whom this letter, in its original version, was directed] can take my case on contingency, given the overwhelming proof that I have backed up in multiples at the minimum to prevent being wiped out as I have almost been and you can do the right thing by not only me but humanity or you can recuse yourselves, as you might have to defend the current DA, in which case this will serve as a sample discovery for you to digest. I believe in transparency and so I have no problem sharing all of my files with anyone J&J included. That is what a fair trial would consist–a comparison of facts available to both sides.
On a final note. I have been told that I was responsible for Morgenthau stepping down, even though that wasn't remotely on my mind. I am curious to know what a serious effort might yield along with irrefutable facts in an article that is soon to be posted. The last one can be found googling "CNN J&J" where you should find, "Sean Dix: The American Dream and Justice, Part One", by Mary Sparrowdancer. "Part Two" was nearing its completion when I was poisoned. Now my story has become even more convoluted. Truth is stranger than fiction.
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sean Dix
The FlossRing Company
145 East 15th Street 12-A
New York, NY 10003
P.S. I forgot to mention that the 86 year old holocaust survivor whose shop I learned the jewelry business in some 25 years ago right around the corner from your office on 47th street stated right off the bat that J&J must have been behind my being poisoned without any prompting on my part.
Jim Fetzer, a former Marine Corps officer, is McKnight Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Sean Dix is the inventor of "The Floss Ring" and a dedicated American who stands up for the principles on which this nation was founded.


text:
And lead us not into temper tantrums
It takes a parish to make a family with rambunctious toddlers feel welcome.
The angelic little tot, so cute in her Sunday best, is letting out some not-so-cute cries from the pew behind you. Do you: a) smile sweetly to yourself, realizing baby Jesus probably made a few peeps at temple, too? Or: b) silently curse the wailing little cherub for interfering with your comprehension of the first reading?
Now her older brother is kicking the back of the pew. Dad tries to placate the pair with some Cheerios. One lands in your hair. A few more find their way under your shoe—crrrunnnch. Do you: a) pray God gives you patience to endure the little devils for an hour? Or: b) pray those parents start disciplining their kids before you do?
What's that smell? Someone has a dirty diaper. And she's not the only one. "I have to go potty," her brother announces to the entire congregation, already straining to hear Father's homily through the Romper Room din. Do you: a) offer to help the mother, remembering this is the family Mass, after all? Or: b) offer to head up a committee to get rid of the family Mass for good?
Not long ago I was tempted to answer "b" to scenarios like these. Now I'm the mom with two toddlers, constantly chasing, shushing, and apologizing for my kids' "spirited" (pardon the pun) behavior during Mass.
I could use some help—not just from priests and parish staff, but from all those curmudgeon Catholics out there glaring at our 2-year-old for acting, well, like a 2-year-old.
Take last Christmas Eve: Despite extensive discussions with our children about the meaning of Jesus' birthday, church was just a new place to wreak havoc. The child-inclusive ritual of placing pieces of hay in the life-sized manger gave our 2- and 3-year-old children the idea that it was OK to play in the sanctuary. And who gives kids candles at the beginning of Mass? Mock swordfights ensued—when they weren't racing down the aisle toward "Jesus' bed."
Believe me, I was not reflecting on the miracle of the incarnation during the prayer after communion. Nor, I bet, were those sitting around us.
What's a parent of young children to do? Take turns going to Mass alone, while your spouse stays home? Skip Mass until the kids are developmentally able to sit still for an hour? Arm yourself with religious-themed board books, snacks, and sippy cups, and spend the entire service trying to keep your kids from disrupting it?
My husband and I have tried all of those options but now attend a more casual, family-friendly Mass in our parish gym, where there's room for kids to play with cars and coloring books on the floor. Even there, I find myself apologizing to our pastor for our children's boisterous "reactions" to his homily. To his credit, he insists that screaming children don't distract him and always thanks us for coming and bringing the kids.
What a saint.
Or is he? Isn't that what Catholic communities should be doing: not only tolerating young families, but encouraging them and helping with the challenges of maintaining a spiritual life during the diaper years and beyond? Doesn't this count as a pro-life issue?
While it is primarily the parents' responsibility to keep their children from misbehaving and disrupting Mass, I believe parishes—and parishioners—could do more to help these already sleep-deprived moms and dads make the weekly celebration of the Eucharist a family-friendly experience.
Even simple things can make a world of difference. Make some room in the back for strollers and car seats. Realize that having to ask an usher for a key to the restroom can be disastrous for a recently potty-trained toddler. Maybe even provide some books or other supplies for parents who might have forgotten to fully stock the diaper bag in the mad rush to get to Mass before the gospel.
Sunday school for preschoolers or a parish nursery can be a godsend, allowing parents time to recharge spiritually without having to pay $10 an hour for a babysitter.
Not all parishes offer this option, nor is it the best one for every child. A 6-month-old cannot craft Noah's ark out of Popsicle sticks. And it's either too expensive to hire an employee or impossible to find enough volunteers to offer childcare for five Masses a week. Perhaps that is why the cry room was invented.
Forget women's ordination or the new translation of the missal: The most controversial issue among Catholics today is cry rooms.
Cry room supporters argue that other parishioners deserve a chance for prayer and meditation without the interruptions of a hungry newborn's cries or inappropriate discussions of bodily functions right at the moment of consecration. Mommies and daddies can relax in cry rooms, they say, and avoid the guilt of knowing their progeny are disturbing their fellow Christians.
Cry room opponents say that relegating parents and small children to a crowded, chaotic room with a lousy speaker system makes them want to cry—or just stay home. And it sends the wrong message that children and young families are a problem to be shuttered away, rather than a part of the community to be accommodated, even celebrated.
On the other hand, modern cry rooms with large plate-glass windows and better speaker systems allow families to feel that they are part of the congregation and prevent parents from having to seek refuge in echoing choir lofts, drafty vestibules, or even outdoors when their kids need a diaper change or a break from the pew.
It may be a bit of a "progressive-traditional" issue. Cry room proponents tend to emphasize the need for a respectful atmosphere at Mass so that adult Catholics can give proper reverence to God. Cry room opponents have a different view of liturgy: It's not about private prayer; it's a community celebration, and kids are part of that community.
I tend to side with the latter group. While I experience Jesus' presence in the Eucharist, I also see God in the ragtag group of folks who gather weekly at Mass to encourage one another to be better Christians. Some of those who inspire me most are parents—immigrant parents who could not bring all their children to this country, parents of adopted or foster children, parents who have lost a child, parents struggling to teach their children faith and countercultural values against all the odds. I also am inspired by seeing the face of God in a child.
When I want a "me and Jesus" moment, I seek it elsewhere, perhaps at a weeknight Taizé service or with devotional reading after the kids have gone to bed.
I don't have all the answers, but I do have some suggestions—both for parents and for those without young kids.
Moms and dads, treat church as you would any mixed-age gathering. This is not Chuck E. Cheese, "where a kid can be a kid." Leave the talking action figures and loud rattles at home. Don't drag kids to a Mass that overlaps with naptime.
As children grow older, involve them in saying prayers, singing, and kneeling during Mass. Even young ones can benefit from explanations about what's going on "up there." Sometimes the more "smells and bells," the better. Sit in the front pew so they can see.
Monitor your kids, but don't spend the entire hour shushing and berating them. Sometimes I think my constant threats of "time out" are more distracting than my misbehaving kids.
And to parishioners who think clicking their tongues in disapproval is the Christian response to a struggling parent, remember that no one—maybe not even Mary and Joseph—achieves Holy Family perfection every day. Empty-nesters' now-grown kids probably weren't as well behaved as they remember. And the future children of parents-to-be will not be as perfect as they imagine. I speak from experience on that one.
Instead of adding to a parent's guilt, how about helping to alleviate some of it? Smile understandingly. Say, "Thanks for bringing your kids to church." Even offer to show a child the statues or stained glass windows while Mommy talks to someone after Mass. I'm grateful that others have done these things for me.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says parents "must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons." So should parishes and all Catholics. One way to do that is to welcome them—cries, poopy diapers, and all—at Mass.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs" (Matt. 19:14).
I think he also said, "Whatsoever you do to the most harried parent, that you do unto me." Or something like that.
"And the survey says..."
1. Parents with young children who cannot sit quietly for an hour-long Mass should:
56% - Bring the kids to Mass. Kids will be kids, and other parishioners should recognize that.
49% - Bring the kids to Mass, but be prepared to leave if it seems like they're disturbing other parishioners.
12% - Hire a babysitter or alternate Masses with their spouse so someone can stay home with the kids.
6% - Be excused from the obligation to attend weekly Mass.
20% - Other
Representative of "other":
"You might have to leave if kids are too disruptive, but parishioners need to be tolerant of normal, age-related behavior."
2. My parish serves small children and their parents by:
55% - Offering a children's liturgy of the word during at least one of the Sunday Masses.
45% - Offering a cry room.
32% - Creating an overall child-friendly atmosphere at Mass.
25% - Holding Sunday School/Catechism during one of the Masses so parents can attend Mass in peace.
18% - Holding a family Mass every Sunday.
14% - Other
3. As a parishioner without small children, my feelings about cry rooms are:
58% - They should be provided for parents who want them, but I don't mind kids at Mass.
22% - I wish more parents would use them, as their crying children are a distraction.
8% - They send the wrong message that children are not part of the community at Mass.
12% - Other
4. As a parent, my feelings about cry rooms are:
33% - I like to have that option when needed, but prefer to feel like part of the congregation.
13% - I hate them. I feel like a second-class Catholic banished to the cheap seats.
13% - They're OK for those who want them, but I don't like the glares if I choose not to use it.
7% - Using one is better than trying to feed a baby in the bathroom.
5% - I love them and use them regularly.
29% - Other
Representative of "other":
"I don't like them, because they give children the idea it is OK to whatever they want in Mass. Even though my kids aren't behaving, I want them to see that everyone around them is."
This article appeared in the August 2011 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 76, No. 8, pages 27-31).
Image: William Petersen

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This morning, after waking up at 5am to get ready for work as usual (actually, it would probably be more accurate to say that I hit the snooze button from 5 to 5:40 before finally getting up), I headed down to my car at 6 where I discovered, to my dismay, that my car battery was dead. As much as I would like to blame something or someone else, it was my fault. I just might have left the light on inside my car when I was rummaging through the glove compartment last night... But this didn't bother me nearly as much as my discovery the other day that one corner of my front bumper had popped loose and refuses to go back into place. Upon that discovery, which was in the parking lot of our gym, I burst into tears. Which might have been a little bit of an over-reaction. But the thought of spending money on car maintenance always makes me feel stressed. My car battery is all better now, by the way, thanks to Jamie. My bumper, not so much. I'm not sure what to do about that.
However, I'm pushing aside all feelings of stress because as I write this, I can hardly contain my excitement that after tomorrow, Jamie and I have a whole week off work for a little fall vacation. Of course, I'm already dreaming up so many recipes I want to make over the week. We went back on forth on so many options for how to spend the week - a visit to my sister and her new baby, flying to Maine to eat seafood and enjoy the fall weather, going to the beach and getting some sun... But in the end, we decided to stay here and have a relaxing week of day trips here and there around Denver, starting with tomorrow night, an event that I'm looking forward to much more than he is... the ballet! Yes, that's right, we'll be going to the opening night of Swan Lake. I've only been to the ballet once, to see the Nutcracker Suite, and I'm really looking forward to the evening. And Jamie likes doing things that make me happy. He's sweet like that.
I had actually first suggested going to see a wrestling match tomorrow night at the Pepsi Center - because I like to keep my man happy, too - and then the ballet another night. Wrestling for him and ballet for me!
I made a warm bacon and egg salad for dinner tonight, and as an experiment, I also made a quick and healthy baked banana pudding. Jamie says this pudding is a hybrid. Not really a pudding - certainly not the sweet yellow banana pudding from a box with mounds of whipped cream and vanilla wafers - and not really banana bread either, but a cross between the two. Really, it's simply an incredibly moist banana bread with a pudding-like texture, due to the very low amount of flour in the recipe. So I'm calling it a pudding.
What I like about it is that it's so healthy. There's nothing in this recipe that isn't good for you, with very little fat and sugar. Normally I wouldn't bake on a weeknight, unless I'm baking treats to take to work the next day, but this only took 5 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. I had intended the recipe to be just two servings, but it was pretty filling, so I'd recommend this as four servings, unless you're eating this on its own for breakfast or something.
The "salad" is also a bit of a hybrid - I've never made a salad before with a fried egg on top. I got the idea for this salad from this month's issue of Food and Wine, although I simplified my version a little from theirs. It was surprisingly good, although I quickly sauteed the spinach which wilted it a little too much, so next time, I would probably leave the greens raw. But since it was a warm salad, it didn't feel summery at all, which made it a nice weeknight, fall dinner.
I made the homemade croutons from some dark pumpernickel rye, so they had a really nice deep flavor, complemented by the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and thyme I tossed them with before baking.
And warm banana pudding while relaxing on the couch on a chilly winter night is, of course, total comfort.
Baked Banana Pudding
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup skim milk
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray 4 ramekins with non-stick baking spray.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth. Pour into the ramekins and bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm, with a small dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Yields 4 servings.
Warm Bacon, Egg and Spinach Salad
homemade croutons
- 1 cup bread cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt, pepper, garlic powder and ground thyme, to taste
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2-4 eggs
- 1/4 cup shaved white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup homemade croutons
- salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a bowl, toss together the bread cubes, olive oil and seasonings. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10 minutes, until crispy. Set aside to cool.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Set on a paper towel to drain, then cut into smaller bite-sized pieces. Spray the skillet with a little non-stick spray, and crack the eggs into the skillet. Cook on one side only for 2-3 minutes, until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Set on a paper towel to drain, then cut into smaller bite-sized pieces. Spray the skillet with a little non-stick spray, and crack the eggs into the skillet. Cook on one side only for 2-3 minutes, until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, mustard and vinegar. Pour over the spinach leaves and toss until coated.
Divide the spinach between two plates. Top with the bacon and fried eggs. Scatter the shaved cheese and croutons over the salad and sprinkle with parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve while eggs are still warm.
Yields 2 servings.


text:
io9 is looking for a new crop of interns to convert into brain-implanted science experiments. Are you obsessed with science fiction and/or science? Want experience with blogging? Check out our fall internship program.
io9 is looking for interns who are obsessed with science fiction and/or science. An intern works 5 - 10 hours per week doing research, fact-checking, and contacting sources in the science and entertainment industries for story ideas and information. Some writing may be involved too, depending on experience. You must be detail-oriented, very familiar with science and/or science fiction, and able to work quickly. Photoshop and graphic design skills are a plus.
Day-to-day, the job involves seeking out story ideas and helping editors gather more data for stories they're working on. This is an unpaid internship. Send us your resume, and URLs for three samples of your writing by September 15.
Sorry, you must be 18 or over to apply.
Send materials to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Image of steampunk keypad vambraces via bruteforcestudios.com


text:
UP up for our special offers. Enter your email & click on SUBMIT
Wrap Yourself In the softness of the luxurious 600TC 100% Egyptian Cotton Duvet cover like those found in world-class hotels. Grown mainly in the Nile Valley, Egyptian cotton is world-renowned for it's supreme softness. Nothing refreshes mind and body more than a good night's sleep. Egyptian cotton duvet cover are superior, long-staples 100% cotton woven with 600 threads per square inch for a smooth, silky touch that caresses your skin like a kiss.
Care Instructions: Machine wash in cold water with similar colors. Warm iron when necessary. Tumble-dry low. Do not bleach.
Queen: One Queen Duvet cover: For 86 x 86, 2 Pillow shams 20 x 26.
» Satisfaction Guarantee
» 30-day Return Policy
» We Value Your Privacy
Safe and secure order through Yahoo! Brand Names are Registered Trademarks of their Respective Holders.
email us at email@example.com


text:
A day of hikes, lectures and cupcakes is planned to celebrate Great Smoky Mountains Association's 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 22nd, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C.
GSMA's legacy of providing financial support to Great Smoky Mountains National Park began in 1953 with a slightly longer name (Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association) and a $100 start-up loan from Mount Rainer Natural History Association. The organization's mission in the last 60 years has remained the same – to assist national park visitors by providing educational and other park-related sales items; to build a membership program of those who wish to support the park; and to use the proceeds of both these efforts to contribute to preservation efforts in the most-visited national park in America.
"Our organization started by selling postcards and Pioneer Farmstead pamphlets for a nickel. Our lifetime memberships were offered for $5," said Terry Maddox, GSMA executive director. "Since then we have become home to one of the largest and most recognized national park publication teams, increased our membership ranks to more than 12,000 individuals and supporting businesses, expanded our visitor center and stores to eight in North Carolina and Tennessee, and grown our staff of GSMA employees to 70. "More importantly, our organization in the last 60 years has contributed more than $30 million to the national park," he said. "I'd call that an effort worth celebrating."
GSMA contributions to the national park have been used for a wide variety of preservation efforts, including protecting bears from human interaction, restoring historic structures in Cataloochee Valley, Elkmont and Cades Cove, the fight against threats to the hemlock trees, backcountry rangers to protect the most isolated areas of the park, and archival storage of park-related documents and artifacts. GSMA was instrumental in the effort to bring elk back to the park, as well as worked to ensure the native brook trout population remains vibrant.
Most recently GSMA funds have been used to complete a renovation of the Clingmans Dome Information Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tenn., and to construct a new visitor center at Oconaluftee, near Cherokee, N.C., both of which enrich the visitor experience by providing interpretive displays, current event information and assistance in planning your national park visit.
Two events will be held during the year to celebrate the organization's 60th anniversary, the first of which is set at Oconaluftee on the North Carolina side of the park, said Lisa Duff, GSMA marketing and membership director. "The people on both sides of the park have played an important part in the GSMA story over the years," said Duff. "We plan to honor both for the contributions they've made."
Most aspects of the daylong event are free and open to the public, including the official anniversary program at 2 p.m., the GSMA book signing beginning at noon and the GSMA historic photo exhibit, said Duff. Only GSMA members will be invited to take part in the day's other planned activities, said Duff, "Which means if you join GSMA anytime prior to or during the day June 22 you'll be eligible to participate in all the events planned during the day."
GSMA members should preregister for the following, as space is limited:
8 a.m. – GSMNP Ranger Jason Fisher will give an elk program, limit 50
9 a.m. – Bryson City artist Elizabeth Ellison will conduct an outdoor watercolor class or participants can opt to bring the medium of their choice, limit 10
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Individuals and teams are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt at Oconaluftee, Mingus Mill and Smokemont, prizes to be awarded
10 a.m. – GSMA volunteer Westy Fletcher will lead an interpretative hike along the Oconaluftee River, limit 20
1 p.m. – Indoor storytelling and artistic program by Sylva's Ammons Sisters, limit 50
4 p.m. – Naturalist Liz Domingue will lead a salamander safari, limit 20
To preregister for any of these activities, call the GSMA Membership Department at 865.436.7318, Ext. 222 or 254 by Friday, June 14.
A second 60th anniversary event is planned for Sept. 13-15 in Townsend, Tenn. That event will feature a full day of similar activities on Saturday, plus dinner and dancing in the evening. Preregistration will be accepted starting in early August.
For more information about GSMA's membership and volunteer opportunities, visit SmokiesInformation.org or call 888.898.9102, Ext. 222 or 254.
Hiking in the Smokies


text:
That addition is david's addition, not a standard distinction.
On the last paragraph, I'm not sure what distinction you are drawing between the Greater and the Supreme. The GD had no Greater, only a Lesser and a Supreme. In Liber O, the Supreme is renamed the Greater. I have reverted to calling it Supreme because there IS a Greater Ritual of the Pentagram that has never been published, so I'm pretty sure it's not what you mean.


text:
Calling All Revenue-Generation Ideas
You can't cut your way to prosperity. That seems to be the message coming out of many of the comments we received on our recent blog about the next phase of network consolidation. So, if cutting alone isn't the answer, what are your ideas for revenue growth?


text:
Tagged: torrent download Red Riding Hood 2011
Valerie (Seyfried) is a beautiful young woman torn between two men. She is in love with a brooding outsider, Peter (Fernandez), but her parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie… Read More »


text:
West Covina: Miniature Pinscher Breeders
Below is a sample search of our Miniature Pinscher breeders with puppies for sale. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions.
(Detailed contact information has been omitted. Enter your zip or postal code above to access our up-to-date directory).
This is a FREE search tool! Use the form at the top to get complete listings for breeders in your area!
Important: Breeders.net has not screened the listed breeders and accepts no responsibility for their reputation or quality. It is your responsibility to investigate. See How to Find a Dog.
Desert Sun
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Rescue
We no longer breed . We are a rescue only. We have lots of rescues.We have Chocolate/Rust/Tan,Black/Rust/Tan. Call Melanie at 760-900-7788 or Lisa after 3 pm at 909-214-7695
Aztex Min Pins
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service,Rescue
I am an AKC Breeder of Merit. As of Nov, we have 6 beautiful and playful blk/rst m pups and 4 reds, 2 f, 2 m available for love and companionship. Litter box trained too! UDT on shots.
T Bench Miniature Pinschers
Services: Puppies
We are raising quality miniature pinschers, producing beautiful companion animals.Our minpins are AKC registered. We also have ACR registered Harlequin pinschers. Lots of colors and patterns.
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
AKC Breeder of Merit. Our puppies are raised in our home with love & attention. We breed with a focus on health, temperament and according to the Min Pin standard. Show/pet, puppies & adults.
Four Tens Kennel
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
I have been showing and breeding Miniature Pinschers for 40 years. I have show prospects, champions and some pets for sale. I am a breeder of merit with AKC and my dogs are healthy and well socialized
Whitehouse Kennel
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service
I have raised and shown this breed for 40 years and have finished 137 AKC Champions. I am a BREEDER OF MERIT with AKC. I have companion babies and retired champions available at present.
Flashfire Min Pins
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
I started showing Min Pin�s in 1989. I have over 100 champions to our credit. Our min pins are raised under foot and very healthy. We strive to breed the best miniature pincher�s according to the akc
Hunter Ridge Kennels, LLC
Services: Puppies
We are a Professional Kennel dedicate to providing healthy puppies to families all over the US. Veterinarian Approved! We offer both local pick up and flights for our puppies
Envi Mi Min Pins
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service
Small show/hobby breeders of quality AKC min pins. We use only AKC registered dogs in our breeding program to ensure you get the best quality puppy available! Our babies are raised in home under foot.
Services: Puppies
I raise min pin puppies in my home they are raised pain free
Annie's Min-Pins
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service
Additional Information: Quality min pins from our home to yours! Our babies are registered with the AKC or APRI. Champion bloodlines. References available! Thanks
C's Mini Pinschers
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
I am a small hobby/show breeder of 20yr+. AKC registered puppies are raised with love in my home. My dogs live with me and are part of the family.
Finch's Pets
Services: Puppies
Our puppies are AKC registered, microchipped, have tail docked and dew claws removed. Ears can be cropped for an additional fee. They are loved and cared for as soon as they are born.
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
AKC Breeder of Merit. (Puppies born 09/10/2019)Member of Miniature Pinscher Club Of America for nearly 30 years. Showing exhibiting Min Pins over 38 years. Health Guarantee. Ch.Adults & Puppies
Services: Puppies
Males-Females PUPS Email Today. Vet Ck, Health Guarantee, Shots UTD, Tails docked, no dewclaws, Ears natural. Please leave your email address, so I can reply.SHIPPING ~USA lower 48 states ONLY
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service,Rescue
Breeder of show quality Min pins since 1984, a lifetime as a breeder, exhibitor, and all breed rescue. Contact me for info on available puppies, adults and rescues.Health guarantee included.
Shadowpins MP
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
AKC Breeder of Merit, member of Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Toy Dog Club of Western Mass and Marion-Alachua Dog Training Assoc. Info about current dogs available is listed below
Sun Reh
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Rescue
No puppies available at this time but have two litters planned for Summer 2017.
Keltic Kennel Miniature Pinschers
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Rescue
NEW LITTER DEC 2018 ..Feisty and versatile, our min pins have it all, competing in conformation, obedience, agility and rally. Inquiries welcome, e-mails answered promptly.
101 Doggies Lane
Services: Puppies
Sunrich Kennels
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service
Quality pet Min Pins, raised for temperament and conformation. At this time, I have No min pin puppies available.....
Sanderlin Miniature Pinschers
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs
AKC Breeder of Merit of show quality Min Pins for 22 yrs.Champ.bloodlines. Breeding for quality and temperment. All of my dogs are health certifid with the OFFA.org all puppies are raised in my home.
KISA Kennel LLC
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Stud Service
Miniature Pinschers
Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Rescue
AKC Breeder of Merit. Sires OFA CHIC#. Beautiful health tested Minpin pups out of temperament and health tested parents. Parents are AKC champions. Spay/neuter contract on petsPUPS AVAILABLE YES
Services: Puppies
iI HAVE SMALL MIN. PINSCHER PUPPIES AVAILABLE. tHE PRICE IS $1795. I ACCEPT CASH ONLY. THEY HAVE ALL SHOTS, WORMED AND VET CHECKED. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 609/685/0208. THANKS


text:
Algarve CentralHoliday villas to rent in Albufeira Olhos de Agua, holiday apartments to let in Villamoura. Central Algarve is a wonderful place to have a great relaxing beach vacation, sightseeing or playing golf. Rent a short-time holiday villa in Central Algarve through Welcome Worldwide Holiday Villa Rentals, we offer a wide range of self-catering holiday rental accommodation in Central Algarve: townhouses, beach apartments and luxury villas with private pools. Short-term holiday let direct from the owner in Central Algarve.
Find the perfect holiday home!
Use the search parameters on the right column to find the perfect place for your holidays.
2 results found
- Price - lowest first
- Price - highest first
- Max guests - lowest first
- Max guests - highest first
Ref.: 63780976378097
Vilamoura Detached Villa
Holiday Villa to rent in Vilamouraweekly from€1260
Beautiful Pink Villa in the heart of Vilamoura.More details »
Max Guests
Contact Owner
add to Favourites
Ref.: 24153452415345
Vilamarques Golf
Holiday Villa to rent in Vilamouraweekly from€5000
Amazing and unsual 9 bedroom Villa with heated pool, nightclub, views over the golf course and many more unique attractionsMore details »
Max Guests
Contact Owner
add to Favourites
Owners Access
Advanced Search
- Any
- Aegean Islands
- Algarve Central
- Andalucia / Inland
- Aragon
- Balearic Islands
- Bali / Lesser Sunda Islands
- Black Sea Coast
- California
- Castilla La Mancha
- Costa Blanca / Valencia / Alicante
- Costa Brava
- Costa del Azahar / Castellon
- Costa del Sol
- Crete
- Dalmatia
- Dubrovnik Riviera / Islands
- Florida
- Goa / West India
- Guanacaste
- Ionian Islands
- Island of Gozo
- Island of Malta
- Khomas
- Koh Samui
- Kwa Zulu Natal
- Macedonia / Thrace
- Mainland Greece / Thessaly
- North Island
- Pays de la Loire / Vendee
- Peloponnese
- Phuket
- Puntarenas
- Rabat
- Rhone-Alpes
- Sardinia
- South India
- Sulawesi
- Umbria
- Western Cape
Guests (min)Reset Search
Slide both ends to define the price range
Property Type
Interior Facilities
Entertainment Facilities
Exterior Features
Swimming Pools
Activities Nearby
My favourite propertiesFree Text SearchEnter your destination or keywords to find a holiday property
Latest News and Articles
Latest News(view all)Security Update As you may already be aware, we are constantly working to reduce the number of spam/scam enquiries being received by holiday property owners
Latest Articles(view all)5 tricks for staying healthy while pregnant and on holiday 5 tricks for staying healthy while pregnant and on holiday Travelling whilst pregnant can sometimes be more stressful than needed. Maybe you've had this booked for a while, or maybe you've nabbed a last-minute getaway to chill out before your bundle of joy arrives.