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Is a Career in Nursing Right for You?
Is a Career in Nursing Right for You?
Over the course of a lifetime, we are faced with a number of difficult decisions—one of which includes choosing a professional career. While the sky is the limit when it comes to settling on a particular vocation, healthcare occupations—such as nursing—have substantially grown in popularity over the past several years. Before pursuing a career in nursing, individuals should evaluate their interests and strengths, and decide if they coincide with the requirements for nursing professionals. Identifying the benefits and drawbacks of being a nurse, learning about different career options, and discovering methods of preparing for transitioning to a nursing career are all important steps for those considering a career in healthcare. In addition, individuals who are interested in learning more about the profession may want to consider interviewing a professional in the field.
What Does a Career in Nursing Offer?
With the baby boom generation getting closer and closer to retirement age, it is no surprise that more and more people have begun seeking medical care. As the number of individuals requiring medical assistance grows, so do the amount of jobs related to the provision of this care. Most professionals agree that there are currently not enough nurses available to provide adequate amounts of high-quality medical care to patients. Due to these nursing shortages, individuals in the healthcare field often receive higher-than-average salaries and benefits. Nurses are also often able to obtain positions in a wide range of sectors, making their profession more versatile than others in the business or manufacturing worlds. As with other careers, there are some drawbacks associated with becoming a nurse. Often, nurses have to work long hours, and can be faced with dangerous situations. While it is uncommon, nurses can face contamination from serious, life-threatening infections and/or contagious conditions.
Nursing's Popularity Has Perks, Drawbacks— A first-hand view at the busy world of nursing, as well as the reasons that drive students to the nursing field.
Why Go Into Nursing: Interviews with Nurses - Do you have even the slightest interest in nursing? Take a look at some of these interviews with nurses to see if it's a career you'd like to consider.
Is Nursing the Right Choice for You?
While nursing is often seen as a lucrative and respected position, individuals should not enter this career simply for the money or recognition. Instead, those who are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse should have a genuine interest in helping individuals who are sick, injured, or otherwise impaired. Nurses are also traditionally expected to have a great deal of compassion, and should be able to recognize and respond quickly to emergent situations. Individuals who are interested in becoming nurses may want to consider taking an on-line quiz to identify their personal strengths and passions.
Could Nursing be Your Passion? - Quiz for individuals interested in entering the field of nursing.
Characteristics of Being a Good Nurse - This article outlines some of the many attributes of effective nurses.
Critical Thinking and Nursing - Describes how critical thinking is essential in the field of nursing.
Are You Sure? (.pdf) - This document offers students points to think about when considering the possibility of a career in nursing.
The Ideal Nurse Practitioner Candidate - A diagram showing some of the traits that make individuals great nurses.
What are some Different Nursing Career Options?
As discussed previously, nursing is one of the only careers in which professionals can obtain employment in a variety of fields. For example, while nurses traditionally work in hospitals with adults, they may also find jobs caring for children. In addition, positions with school districts, nursing homes, and even community centers have recently increased in popularity. In many cases, the likelihood of obtaining these alternative positions depends on the educational level of the nurse in question. Depending on the amount and level of schooling, individuals can obtain a position as a CNA, LPN, RN, BSN, or NP. Traditionally, salaries and job availability increase along with education level.
Nursing Career Exploration - From the Mayo Clinic, this is an interactive look at some of the responsibilities associated with different nursing positions.
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics - This article gives brief descriptions of different nursing positions, along with a general summary of what one can expect with nursing.
The Nurse Career - This article lists some of the many different specialty areas available to nurses, as well as other information of interest to students who wish to pursue nursing.
Nursing Degree - An article that briefly details the different career options available to nurses.
Exploring a Career in Nursing - A short article mentioning some of the different nursing career pathways.
What to do in High School
It is never too early to begin preparing for a career in nursing. In fact, most experts agree that individuals who are interested in becoming nurses should begin planning their future as early as during their high school years. Not only passing—but also excelling in math and science-related courses, such as biology, chemistry, and physics—is essential for those who hope to enter a career in healthcare. In addition, students who hope to become future nurses should consider volunteering with local hospitals, attending nursing camps, or visiting public health agencies to increase awareness and gain experience. These practices can significantly improve the chances of gaining acceptance to a high-quality nursing program. In addition, excelling in school and participating in extra-curricular activities may also open up scholarship opportunities, thus decreasing the costs of attending a nursing program after high school.
Nursing Scholarships—Scholarships designed for use by students considering a career in nursing.
Career Pathways in Nursing: Entry Points and Academic Progress—Tips and suggestions for selecting an appropriate nursing program.
How Should We Prepare Students for Health Care Careers?—Tips for parents and teachers on preparing students for health care careers.
Preparing in High School—Tips and recommendations for preparing in high school for a career as a nurse.
Nursing Scholarship Program—Discusses the benefits and selection criteria for the US Department of Health & Human Services' Nursing Scholarship Program.
Nursing Resource Guide
Ultimate Nursing Resource Guide
It might be time to consider a nursing career if you enjoy helping people. Nurses provide patient care and help to educate families about the care and treatment of specific diseases and physical maladies for other family members. Nurses can choose from a variety of educational paths to further their career; they obtain can undergraduate or graduate degrees or receive certification from a nursing program. Most nurses require a license or certification within the individual state that they work. Each state's requirements are somewhat different, but most follow similar requirements. To find out more about a career in nursing, review the following resources:
- Job Opportunities: Discover the job opportunities that exist for people with nursing degrees
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Understanding the nursing career
- How to become a Nurse: California guide to becoming a nurse in the state.
- Nursing Career: What it takes to become a nurse
- Career Profiles: The different careers available to nurses.
The United States has multiple organizations for nurses based on the type of care the nurse provides. There are organizations for surgical nurses, nurse practitioners, assisted living nurses, registered nurses, critical care nurses and more. Each organization offers opportunities for job hunting, while others offer opportunities for grants and scholarship for furthering an education in nursing. To find out about some of the many nursing organizations, click on any one of the following links:
- The American Nurses Association: The ANA offers a guide to nursing.
- ACNP: An organization for nurse practitioners.
- National Nurses: A California organization for nurses
- AALNA: Information on the American Assisted Living Nurses Association
- Nurses in the Air: The National Flight Nurses Association.
- Critical Care Nurses: An organization for nurses that provide critical care.
With advances in technology, nursing research has entered a whole new era. The National Institute on Nursing Research conducts research into treatment plans for patients with debilitating diseases. Nurses involved in this kind of research typically have advanced degrees. To understand more about nursing research, visit any one of the many sites below:
- Nursing Research: A nursing study on coronary disease and type 2 diabetes for patient care.
- Research and Nurses: Information on the National Center for Nursing Research
- News on Health and Aging: The government's website on health and aging news and research
- Centers for Disease Control: An introduction to nurses at the CDC and what they do.
- Surgeon General's Speech: The role of nursing research with regards to the nation's
- Understanding New Health Care Laws: Information on the Affordable Health Care Act
Journals and Newsletters
A variety of medical journals and newsletters, some that require a subscription fee and some do not, keep the nurse informed of advances in technology, the biomedical field, health care as well as provide information about new treatment modalities and updates on patient care and vaccines. Several of the sites below provide links to journals and newsletters pertinent to those in nursing:
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Articles about primary care research and direction
- Midwest Nursing Research Society: MNRS Matters newsletter for nurses.
- Journals and Newsletters: A list of publications recommended by Health and Healing.
- PASCAL: Electronic journals and newsletters for nurses.
- Nursing Journals: A list of nursing journals from "A Timely Resource for Advancing the Nursing
- National League for Nursing: A comprehensive list of nursing publications and journals.
Clinical Nursing
Clinical nursing specialists are nurses with advanced degrees. CNS typically have advanced degrees and often oversee the work of other nurses as well as contribute to a patient's treatment plan. To find out more about CNS, review some of the roles these nurses play at any one of the following websites:
- Health Care Without Harm: The role nurses play in the HCWH movement.
- Nursing Roles: Understanding the difference between clinical and practical nursing.
- Veteran Affairs: Clinical Nursing Program at Veterans Affairs.
- Clinical Nurses:: The National Association of Clinical Nurses
- Advanced Nursing Degrees: Clinical Nurse Specialists hold advanced degrees.
- Clinical Nurses: Their role in rural hospital environments.
Additional Resources
Many organizations, associations and governmental websites provide information and resources to nurses to keep them apprised of changes in health care laws, keeping alert to Medicare fraud and much more. Review any one of these free resources for more information:
- Scholarship Overview NHSC: Information on Available Scholarships through the National
- Health Care Workforce Center: The state of Massachusetts offers loans to nursing students.
- Health Care Law: Keys to understanding health care law.
- Medicare Fraud: The government's fight against Medicare fraud affects all health care professionals.
- Flu: The steps to caring for someone that has the flu.
- NSNA: The National Student Nursing Association provides scholarships and grants to nursing students.
Nurses Through History
Women Nurses Throughout History
Florence Nightingale lit the way for other women to follow her example after answering a higher calling to serve as a nurse in the Crimean War. Since that time and throughout history, women have answered that same call and have served as nurses in several of this country's major wars and conflicts.
American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)
It was the needs of the wounded noted by General Horatio Gates to Commander George Washington that finally brought in the services of nurses into the American Revolutionary War of 1775, one nurse to 10 patients. It took an act of Congress to allocate the nurses officially and then a matron to supervise 10 nurses and oversee 100 wounded. Prior to this, organized nursing during wars didn't exist.
- Lost to History: Nurses in the Revolutionary War.
- Pennsylvania Nursing History: From an Almshouse to a General Hospital.
- War and Nursing: The call for nurses during the Revolutionary War.
- Military History: America's first nurses in the Revolutionary War.
- Military Medicine: Women served as nurses in the U.S. beginning with the Revolutionary War.
The Civil War (1861-1865) and After
Women nurses were found on both sides of the Civil War where they served tirelessly in hospitals or close to the War's brutal battlefields and fronts. History tells us of Dorothea Lynde Dix, who served as the Union's first superintendent of female nurses during the Civil War. She was nicknamed "Dragon Dix" for her stern ways, but she would convince the military of the importance of women providing nursing services, forming the first "nursing organization" during the war. Dix believed in treating patients equally, no matter the side of the war on which the solider served.
- Dorothea Dix: The Union's Superintendent of Female Nurses.
- Civil War Nurses: The highlights of Civil War nurses from the Museum of American History.
- The Story of Three Civil War Nurses: Louisa May Alcott, Georgeanna Woolsey and Sophronia Bucklin served as nurses during the Civil War.
- Medicine and Nursing in the Civil War: Nursing in the Civil War – a brutal job.
- Clara Barton: Nurses in the Civil War received little to no training.
Spanish-American War (1898) and beyond
The first female "Contract Nurses" were appointed during the Spanish-American War after the Surgeon General received the authority to do so from Congress in 1898. During this time, over 1,500 women became contract nurses under this authority. This led to the creation of a "Chief of Staff" system and the understanding of the importance of having nurses corps trained in military procedures available and on call. By 1901, the Army Reorganization Act passed Congress that included the Nurse Corps as a permanent group under the Medical Department. The Surgeon General was also required to keep a list of qualified nurses able and willing to serve during emergencies, resulting in the establishment of the first "Reserve Corps" of female nurses.
- Contract Nurses: The first "Contract Nurses" brought many women to the Spanish-American War.
- Anna Barbara Heldman: A 38-year public health nurse who served in the Spanish-American War.
- The American Red Cross: Women from the Red Cross contracted with the army during the Spanish American War.
- The Army Nurse Corp: Nurses of the Spanish-American War
- Mary Gladwin: A Red Cross nurse honored for her work during the war.
World War I (1917-1918) and after
Only 403 nurses were on active duty when the U.S. entered World War I in April of 1917. As the war continued, over 12,000 nurses would be involved in the war and stationed around the world. Base hospitals were established overseas to provide care for the war wounded. Women who served in WWI were neither commissioned nor held officer status and encountered many difficulties when working with war medics who would not accept a woman's authority. After the war, it was decided to give nurses "Relative Rank," to avoid this problem – but women were still paid less than men and didn't have the same status as males in the same ranks.
- Deployed as Nurses: Young girls and women worked as WWI nurses.
- Base Hospital 21: More than 60 nurses worked at this hospital during WWI
- Voluntary Aid Detachment: Women serving as nurses in WWI.
- Hospital Units: The American Red Cross, medical schools and nurses work to establish hospital units in WWI.
World War II (1942-1945)
Many nurses were killed during this war and several served as prisoners of war stuck behind enemy lines. Nurses assisted in many theaters and fronts during the war, often called to be surgical nurses and work with doctors, as they performed new procedures on the wounded. New ways of conducting surgery or medical treatments often developed out of need during wars.
- Cadet Nurse to Army Corps: A nurse stationed in the U.S. during WWII.
- The 38th Evac Unit: This hospital unit was called into service in 1942.
- Army Nurse Desegregates Hospital: After serving in WWII, Nurse Louise Cavagnaro desegregates Johns Hopkins.
- Good Care: One doctor tells of poor patient care prior to nurses' arrival in WWII.
Post-World War II (1947-1950)
After World War II, laws changed across the country for nurses. New York created the first laws that required nurses to receive mandatory licensing. The Regular Nurse Army Corps was officially created by Congress in 1947. Nurses in the Army Corps would serve in the Army National Guard, the Air Guard and the Army. The law also allowed for women nurses to receive the same status as men, finally doing away with the "Relative Rank" of nurses. Women nurses could receive a permanent rank and an officer's commission equal to that of other male officers.
- Interview: An interview with a nurse who served in WWII and after.
- Shortage of Nurses 1948: Nursing shortage after WWII and beyond.
- Mandatory Licensure: New York enacts the first laws requiring nurse mandatory licensing for nurses.
- Nursing Organizations: This Dallas Nursing Association formed shortly after WWII.
- Nursing Shortage: The war causes a nursing shortage.
Korean War (1950-1953)
Not as many women were sent to serve in the Korean War because of its brutality, but those who did serve were close to the fighting. Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals were first developed during the Korean War. Called M.A.S.H., units, the hospitals were able to be put up or taken down in a day. A movie and well-known television series was built around the history of the MASH units. Medical technology changed because of the procedures used in the MASH units.
- Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals: MASH units formed during Korean War
- Military Nurse: Gladys Pinckney serves in WWII and Korean as a nurse.
- Korean War: Less women nurses sent to the Korean war.
- MASH: These units provided rapid care with the help of nurses.
- Medical Technology: MASH units changed nursing and medical technology.
Vietnam (1965-1972)
Medical units containing Army nurses were deployed during the Vietnam War buildup in the beginning. Nurses served at the few field hospitals available at the beginning of the war. In 1970, the first female nurse received a promotion to Brigadier General during the Vietnam War. Col. Anna Mae Hays, 13th Chief of the ANC, was the first woman nurse to achieve this rank. After the cease fire in 1973, over 5,000 nurses left Vietnam to return home.
- Vietnam Nurses: Women volunteer to serve as Vietnam Nurses.
- Vietnam War: The nurses of the Vietnam War.
- Booklist: A list of books about women nurses in Vietnam War.
- The Army Nurse Corps: Women military nurses in Vietnam were able to receive promotions.
Elderly Health
Elderly Health Issues
It's very common for new medical problems to develop as people age. Elderly health issues can be caused by the simple and unavoidable act of aging, by injuries or lifestyles people had younger in life, or a combination of both. By seeing a primary care physician regularly, you and your doctor can work to prevent some of these issues, or to catch them early so that treatment can begin at the earliest phase, sometimes even before the onset of symptoms.
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Dementia, or a loss of brain function, can occur in people of all ages and is a symptom of various diseases. However, the majority of people with dementia are the elderly. As people age, they normally become a bit more forgetful at times but an excessive amount of forgetting over a long period of time may be a sign of dementia. It can also be a sign of mild cognitive impairment, which can be a transition phase from regular forgetfulness to dementia. Having mild cognitive impairment does not guarantee that you will get dementia. Between 50 and 80% of all elderly dementia cases are actually cases of Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that impacts daily life and will worsen over time. While some causes of dementia can be treated, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but the symptoms can be treated.
Parkinson's Disease
There is no known cause for Parkinson's Disease at this time, but several risk factors seem to be involved in determining the chances of getting it. Genetic mutations or exposure to certain toxins can cause the neurological changes that bring about Parkinson's. However, the risk for experiencing the onset of Parkinson's increases with age. More men have Parkinson's than women and the reasons for this gender difference is still unknown. Parkinson's affects the nervous system in such a way as to cause involuntary movement or slowed movement depending on the progression and the person. It is a progressive disease but can be managed with the right medical care. It's important to know the warning signs of Parkinson's Disease so that it can be caught early so be aware of tremors in hands or the lower face that seem to come on gradually but worsen, a change in handwriting, or a decreased sense of smell for certain scents.
Having Type I Diabetes as an older adult, usually means you've had it for quite some time and are managing it with medications, diet, and daily insulin injections. Type I indicates that the pancreas makes little to no insulin on its own. As we age, the risk for complications with Type I diabetes increase, so it's important to manage diabetes carefully. Type II Diabetes is more common, but also harder to diagnose. Because Type II is usually the result of several risk factors and is usually found in older adults or the elderly it may not be found as quickly as Type I. The easiest way to prevent Type II Diabetes in the elderly is to maintain a healthy weight, avoid excessive intake of sugars, and to see a primary care physician regularly so they can monitor any changes in your glucose levels. Managing elderly diabetes is possible with the right treatment and support.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, whether mild or chronic, affects over a third of the US population over 65 and the percentage continues to rise within older age brackets. As the human body ages, it naturally sees some decline in cognitive and functional abilities, and hearing loss is thought to be either a symptom of that decline or another ability that sees decline with age. There are other factors that may contribute to hearing loss, such as a buildup of earwax or a bone growth that can be corrected by a doctor. If it does appear to be just age, then hearing aids may be suggested to improve quality of life.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that makes them brittle and weak. It's most common in women who have already gone through menopause but there are several other factors. Taking certain medications over a long period of time, having another disorder that can put you at risk, or having a family history are all factors that can't be controlled. However, minimizing the risk for Osteoporosis or managing it after it has set in is easy with a few lifestyle changes. It is important for all elderly people, not just women, to keep their bones healthy by not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, and ensuring a diet containing enough Vitamin D and Calcium to support bone strength.
The types of cancer that are diagnosed for elderly patients are just as varied as those diagnosed in younger patients. However, the elderly are ten times more likely to get cancer and fifteen times more likely to die from that cancer than those who are younger (under age 65.) The types of cancer seen are usually those caused by lifestyle choices like smoking or by a genetic predisposition. There are thought to be many reasons why the elderly are so susceptible to cancer, but a large factor in the cancer mortality rates has been found in a lack of preventative screening or treatment for those over a certain age. Speaking with your regular doctor about screening for any cancers that may be common in your family or common for your age, race, or lifestyle can go a long way toward diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Disease
Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is mainly seen in the elderly and is caused by a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process of plaque buildup in the arteries. This process, as well as the heart disease caused by it, is usually seen in older adults. The plaque buildup takes time, but it is also usually caused by other risk factors that also affect the elderly. One in four deaths each year in the United States is caused by heart disease, but there are preventative measures and management techniques. The biggest preventatives for heart disease are to stay healthy by not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, and eating balanced meals to maintain a healthy weight.
Career Guide for Nurses
Career Guide for Students: Nursing
With more than 2 million registered nurses currently working in the United States, it is hard to imagine there is a shortage underway. Nursing is currently the nation's largest health care profession and as the baby boomer generation reaches maturity, more nurses are in demand to meet growing health care demands. The economy may be sour for some, but certainly not for nurses. There are numerous opportunities for nurses beginning at the entry level all the way to those with post-graduate degrees. Whether beginning with a diploma program through a hospital or working on a doctorate degree, the nursing field provides stability, many opportunities, an excellent salary, and lots of room for advancement.
Nature of the Work
Nursing involves a variety of skills and there are many specialties that affect the nature of the work nurses perform. In general, nurses treat and educate patients and the public regarding a variety of health care issues. Nurses also serve as educational resources for patients, their families, and the public. Duties performed by many nurses include performing tests on patients, assisting by analyzing test results, reviewing and updating patient's medical records, administering various medical treatments and pharmaceuticals, operating various instruments and machines associated with medicine, and many times offer grief services. Other duties performed by nurses vary according to specialty and some nurses choose to enter the managerial side. These nurses may spend their time governing or managing a team of nurses, rather than performing day-to-day nursing tasks.
- Nursing (PDF)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Registered Nurses
- Nursing Career Overview
- Nursing: A Career to Consider
- What is Nursing? (PDF)
Education requirements for nurses vary according to the type of position sought after. There are basically three types or strategies used to enter the nursing field and to become a registered nurse. These include a diploma program offered through a hospital, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor's of science in nursing degree. A bachelor's of science in nursing degree usually takes four years while an associate degree in nursing takes between two and three years. Hospital based diploma programs often take up to three years to complete. Those who plan to advance in their careers will find that a bachelor of science degree is preferable and then attaining a post-graduate degree will provide the greatest opportunities. Many fast track based programs that enable those have a diploma or associate's degree to obtain their bachelor of science in nursing. These are often referred to as RN to BSN programs and are a very effective way for hospitals to ensure their nursing staff is well trained and highly qualified. As health, care demands have increased, so too has the need for nurses who are trained in advanced skills.
As there is increasing demand for highly educated
- Nursing: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- Helping Veterans Transition to Careers in Nursing
- National League for Nursing
- National Institutes of Health Office of Science Education explores Nursing education
- American Midwifery Certification Board
There are many opportunities for employment for nurses, and the field offers incredible room for advancement. A variety of fields hire nurses such as dentists, hospitals, clinics, there are positions in nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, working on ambulances, in emergency rooms, holistic nurses that assist with treatments such as acupuncture, or biofeedback, hospice and critical care nurses and more. There are additional job opportunities that do not involve working directly with patients. Some nurses use their degree to work in fields such as legal, criminal, or forensics while others may go into research. Nurses may choose to approach the business side of the field or become administrators. There is always room for career advancement and nurses may choose to continue their education or develop more specialties that provide additional employment opportunities as well.
- The Nursing Career
- Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Physician Assistants in Physician Offices (PDF)
- What Every Nursing Student Needs to Know When Seeking Employment (PDF)
- Home Health Care Nursing (PDF)
Job Outlook (include projections, earnings/wages here as well)
The health field, and nursing in particular, has a very strong job outlook. Current estimates from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that the nursing field is on a fast track until at least 2016 and some projections estimate 2020. The demand for nurses is related to the baby boomer generation that is growing old and in need of more health care services. Other factors that attribute to the demand is the fast pace of technological advances that ensure more medical conditions may be treated. As more breakthrough developments are made, more people seek the services of health care professionals. It is interesting to note that there is faster growth for nursing positions in areas such as outpatient and medical facilities, rather than in hospital settings. Hospitals are discharging patients faster than before which has caused a greater demand for nurses in other areas, however, the stability of a hospital's workforce does not negate or counteract the overall demand for nurses. According to current projections, registered nurses and those with a bachelor's degree, masters, or doctorate who are licensed and in good standing will not have difficulty finding work.
Nursing salaries vary upon specialization, the degree attained, and the area where the nurse works. Many registered nurses state they earn an average of $55,000 per year or more. Nursing wages can range from $25,000 per year for someone just starting out to over $200,000 per year for nurse managers in charge of anesthesia. Not only does nursing provide a lucrative salary, but it also offers a number of benefits and bonuses.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook Registered Nurses (PDF)
- Registered Nurses Career Outlook
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Nursing Jobs
Nursing jobs vary depending upon the field or specialty in which a nurse has trained. Though there are many similarities within the nursing field in general, there are differences depending upon the area in which a nurse is focused. One nurse may specialize in forensics and assist rape victims or handle physical evidence from a crime scene while another nurse may be a certified midwife and assist in the care of pregnant women and delivery of babies. Some examples of nursing jobs include nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, critical care nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, home health care nurses, occupational health nurses, perianesthesia nurses that assist after surgical procedures, holistic nurses, and emergency or trauma nurses. Registered nurses may work in one area then decide to specialize in another area. Often a nurse will undergo additional, specialized training to work in another area.
- About Critical Care Nursing
- International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists
- Guide to Hospital Nursing Residency Programs for B.S.N.s
Nursing Associations/Organizations
There are multiple nursing associations one may join that provide a nurse with plenty of resources, information, and helps keep the nurse up-to-date regarding changes in the field. Nursing organizations are based upon specialty and each type of nurse may find an organization to join. In addition to specialized nursing organizations, there are general type associations that address the nursing field as a whole. Nursing associations provide many benefits and all nurses are encouraged to join associations and network together. As these organizations are a vital component to the field, you may find that your organization becomes an important resource throughout your nursing career.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale - A Nursing Prodigy
Florence Nightingale is probably the most well-known figure in the history of nursing. She was referred to as the Lady with the Lamp, due to her practice of carrying a lantern as she made her way around the wards. Taking her name from her birthplace in Italy, Florence grew up in England and is most famous for her work during the Crimean War when she improved the standard of nursing care by improving hygiene in hospitals. She raised nursing to the level of a profession and influenced the founding of the British Red Cross movement, which provides volunteers to carry out health work throughout the world. Florence Nightingale is less well known for her equally important work with medical statistics, where she invented colorful graphic ways of displaying health information which persuaded the authorities to reform the way hospitals were run.
Florence was born in 1820 in Italy but her family later moved to England. In 1837 she thought that she heard God speaking to her in the garden of her home, asking her to carry out his work. Her early life was a sheltered one, living as the daughter of a wealthy English family, but Florence was unhappy and had to fight to become a nurse. After training as a nurse, Florence gained work in a nursing home located in London's Harley Street. By 1854 the Crimean War had begun and Turkey, Britain and France were all fighting against Russia. Florence went to Turkey to manage the nurses in hospitals run by the army. In a hospital in Scutari, near the capital of Turkey, Florence and her nurses were not welcomed at first by the doctors working there. After an influx of injured soldiers arrived all of the nurses were soon working flat out.
The conditions in the hospital were poor, with 10,000 men lying in dirty and rat-infested surroundings, some in corridors rather than the actual wards. The roof leaked, drinking water was scarce and the food was appalling. Florence and her team set to work, cleaning the wards and kitchens and preparing nourishing food for the patients. Florence also saw to it that the supply of drinkable water was increased and the sewers were mended. As a result of all the changes she made, the survival of the patients in her care increased dramatically. Another nurse, Mary Seacole, made her own way to the Crimea taking medicines and supplies with her. Mary met Florence Nightingale and, in her day, was as famous as Florence for her outstanding nursing work during the Crimean War.
When the war ended, Florence returned to England where she became involved in training nurses, setting up her own school in London, and publishing numerous articles and books. The training school received funding from the British public who were extremely grateful for all of Florence's work during the war. Florence's training was very influential and her ideas were eventually taken up by all hospitals, raising the standard of nursing care in Britain. She was one of the first proponents of evidence-based medicine and believed that public health policy should be guided by knowledge derived from medical statistics; she successfully used her own statistical evidence to convince the British authorities that hospital reforms were necessary in order to lower mortality rates. In Florence's later years she suffered from ill health which was brought on by her efforts in the Crimea. Her achievements were recognized by the British State and she received the Royal Red Cross from Queen Victoria in 1883; in 1907, she was awarded the Order of Merit, becoming the first woman ever to obtain this honor. She died in 1910 in her home in London.
The following links provide more information about Florence Nightingale, her life and work.
Florence Nightingale's life and links with Hampshire, England
The statistical rose diagrams invented by Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale: one of the first advocates for evidence-based health care
Letters about nursing: correpondence between Florence Nightingale and William Rathbone
The nurse Mary Seacole - lesser known contemporary of Florence Nightingale
Anatomy Learning Center
Nursing Students: Anatomy Learning Center
Anatomy refers to the study of the structures within the human body while physiology is an examination of how they function. Understanding human anatomy and physiology is essential for those entering the health care industry. Having a solid understanding of anatomy is a required to obtain positions as physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses or doctors, in addition to health care-related jobs in pharmaceutical or medical device sales. The depth of knowledge required increases as the level of patient involvement rises with regard to medical testing, diagnosis and treatment. Human anatomy is a medical-related vocabulary shared across the health care field and enables efficient communication between patients, nurses and doctors. Acquiring an understanding of how the body's organs and physiological systems relate to one another facilitates effective testing, diagnosis and treatment. The majority of students struggle with understanding human anatomy and the body's related physiological responses, such as the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, urinary, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, nervous and reproductive systems. This page serves as a supplemental guide for students in order to increase their level of understanding with regard to anatomy and physiology by providing graphics, tutorials, animations and videos, in addition to various dissections of the body's organs.
- Anatomy.TV
- Visible Body
- The Bone Box
- Web Anatomy
- Full Body Dissection
- Master Muscle List
- The Anatomy Lesson
- The Virtual Body
- Interactive Body
- Open Chambers of the Heart
- Medical Anatomy Animations
- Human Physiology Animations
- 3D Interactive Human Anatomy
- Human Anatomy Dissections
- 3D Visible Human Dissections
- Basic Anatomy-Tissues and Organs
- A Guided Tour of the Visible Human
- Atlas of the Human Body
- Artificial Anatomy: Body Parts
- Atlas of Human Anatomy
- Human Anatomy Animations
- Netter Images, Medical Illustrations
- The Science Picture Company
- Musculoskeletal Anatomical Images
- Human Anatomy Learning Modules
- Human Anatomy Dissection Lectures
- Anatomical Object Viewer
- Human Anatomy Laboratory Dissections
- Muscular System Identification Tutorials
- Anatomical Images and Anatomy Quizzes
- BioDigital Human Anatomy 3D Animations
- Removal of the Heart from the Pericardial Cavity
- InnerBody-Your Guide to Human Anatomy Online
- Anatomy Videos of Body Parts and Organ Systems
- Collection of Stereoscopic Images of Human Anatomy
- Resources for Gross Anatomy Education-Images and Movies
- Get Body Smart-Online Human Anatomy and Physiology Textbook
- Removal of the Epicardium and Identification of the Coronary Blood Vessels
- Human Anatomy Pathologies-Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis, Extremities, and Head and Neck
- Cross-Section Tutorials of the Head, Neck, Upper and Lower Limb, Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis
- Anatomy, Digestive, Endocrine, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic and Reproductive Systems Image Bank
Nursing For Kids
Nursing For Kids: First Aid Resources
Do you know what to do when your friend is stung by a bee or your nose is bleeding? Sometimes, these things can happen so it's a good idea to learn some basic nursing skills. In this article, you will find many great First Aid resources on burns, nose bleeds, choking, CPR, insect bites, animal bites, cuts and scrapes, plus other general information. By learning these skills, you will be much better prepared to face various emergencies. First aid is about using your basic skills along with common sense to keep an injured person safe until help comes. Most times, you will be able to ask an adult for help with first aid but it is also good to know some basic skills so you can help yourself or your friends if someone gets injured.
- The Heimlich Maneuver, What to Do When Someone is Choking
- How to Clear a Blockage for Babies
- Universal Choking Sign
- How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver
- Choking Prevention for Children
- How to Do CPR in Three Simple Steps
- CPR Quiz
- Basic Steps to Perform CPR
- CPR is as Easy as C-A-B
- Animated Slide Show All About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Cuts & Scrapes
- Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises
- Skin Trauma
- Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises Skin Injuries
- First Aid Cuts & Scrapes
- Cuts and Grazes
Nose Bleeds
- What Causes Nose Bleeds?
- General Information on Nose Bleeds
- Simple Overview of Nose Bleeds
- Does Nose Picking Cause Nose Bleeds?
- How to Stop a Nosebleed
Burns – Chemical and Heat Related
- Dr. Sears - Burns
- Burns and Scalds
- Chemical, Heat-related, and Electrical Burns
- Types of Burns
- Burn Prevention
Insect Bites
- A Factsheet on Insect Bites & Stings
- Information on Insect Bites
- Symptom Checker to Find out About Insect Bites
- Do You Know What an Insect is?
- Questions About Allergies to Ant Bites
Animal Bites
- Dog Bite Statistics
- First Aid Tips for Animal Bites
- Dog Bite Prevention Page
- First Aid Tips for Dog Bites
- An Overview of Animal Bites
First Aid Resources


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'high storage capacity'
Hands-free calling quality is good
'Bluetooth comes built-in as well, so you can connect your phone wirelessly for hands free conversations.'
Voice lane guidance removes guesswork from highway and street driving
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covering over 29,474 products.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Volunteers at the Siteman Cancer Center make an important difference in the lives of patients treated for cancer and their families. As a volunteer at Siteman, your personal attention and compassion can make a tremendous difference in a patient's experience.
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at Siteman. Volunteers may choose opportunities that have direct patient contact, such as working as a patient navigator or helping in a treatment area. Other opportunities have limited or no patient contact, including assisting in an administrative area. Most volunteer opportunities involve working Monday through Friday during business hours. A limited number of evening opportunities are available. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.
If you would like more information on how you can help at Siteman, call 314-747-9095 or toll-free 800-594-0417.
To be considered for a volunteer position at the Siteman Cancer Center, you must complete the application process. This process includes completing an application, submitting a reference form, receiving a current tuberculosis (PPD) skin test, passing a criminal background check and having your picture taken for your identification badge. Additionally, you must interview and attend new volunteer orientation.
Take the first steps to begin the application process by clicking on the "Application" link below. You will be directed to complete the online form.
Once your application and reference form are received, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. The interview will help decide the best volunteer placement for your talents and availability. Please allow one to one and a half hours to complete the interview.
Contact information
Mailing Address:
660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8100
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-747-9095 or toll-free 800-594-0417


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This week is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of direct democracy -- initiative, referendum, and recall -- in California.
Virtually media piece on the event has mentioned the fact that the process can only be used by people and groups that are rich enough to afford the $2 million-plus cost of qualifying measures (and the millions that have to be spent to win a campaign).
Which makes this the perfect time to ask a question: could California design a cheaper alternative to the signature gathering process?
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
James Fishkin, a Stanford professor who is an expert at what is called "deliberative democracy," says yes. Writing in the New York Times, he suggests using a deliberative body of citizens -- essentially a large citizens jury -- to decide what makes the ballot. He writes:
A real reform of the initiative process would let the people's considered judgments — after a process of deliberation, and not just yes or no — set the agenda, not influential special interests that have the money to collect the petitions.
Something like this happened in the first democracy, in ancient Athens, where a deliberating microcosm chosen by lot, the Council of 500, set the agenda for the votes by everyone in the assembly.
If the ballot initiative process is to survive for another century, it must take into account the considered judgments of voters coming together to deliberate hard choices and not just cast a vote based on sound bites.
How could this work?
Citizens selected at random could be asked to convene in gropus and consider proposals for ballot initiatives from experts and groups across the political spectrum - and then decide which ones go on the ballot. Or the citizens group might try to come up with its own ideas.
Technology also might be used to propose and vet ideas, with people voting or being polled on-line.
The conversation about alternatives to signature gathering is new. But it's an important conversation for the state.
Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @PropZero or add your comment to our Facebook page.


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Don't convert your sports courts yet; these tips will help you turn tennis, racquetball and similar activities into surefire revenue.
In an age of time constraints and intense competition, and in a business where space is increasingly viewed as real estate, clubs with sport courts face the challenge of justifying the use of 6,000 square feet (the approximate square footage necessary for a tennis court) for play - that is, unless the clubs can make money with the space. How do you maximize the profits of sports courts? Here are several proven ideas and tips to help you increase your club's court sports participation and profits.
Unlike the lines drawn on a court, court sports provide boundless opportunities for marketing. A comprehensive marketing plan starts with a detailed calendar of events that identifies the start and end dates for all court-related programs, including lessons, leagues, team competitions, clinics, socials/mixers and tournaments.
The calendar will help you see if programs compete for the same players. You want your programs to complement each other; you wouldn't want a league competing against lessons, nor would you want a senior swimming class to take place during a senior tennis class. Having the calendar up front also allows you to plan and promote in advance.
Once your calendar is complete, you must consider the most effective advertising and promotions strategy. If designed for members, the program would be advertised within the club. However, when marketing a nonmember program, the advertising, in most cases, would be external (e.g., newspaper, radio, television, etc.).
Cost would certainly be a factor when advertising a program externally. Other considerations would be: Are there any usage limitations? Is the program offered for nonmembers? Is the program designed to be a membership campaign? Is a membership offer (incentive to join) part of the program? What fees will be charged for nonmember participation?
Based on our experience at Tennis Corp. of America (TCA), we've realized the greatest success advertising court sports programs in the newspaper. For example, TCA's Mid-Town Tennis Club, Chicago, allocates most of the advertising budget to newsprint media for its patented Tennis In No Time (a tennis program for beginners).
The newspaper section where the advertisement is placed is retained by the reader more than one day (the section also contains other Chicago events). It also may be "zoned" (targeted to a specific region) to reach prospects living near the club.
Newspaper advertising may not be for every club. That's why a club must evaluate the advertising options available in its community and the costs associated with the different media. For example, is there an event such as a tennis tournament, basketball game, etc., that is being televised locally? Advertising the same-sport program at your club during the telecast may be a good idea.
Partner to Cut Costs
Since we all face budget constraints, consider ways to reduce or limit your advertising costs. Dennis Margoni, TCA's regional manager at the Indian Creek Racquet Club, Overland Park, Kan., partners with the community's parks and recreation department by advertising the club's tennis programs in the department's local bulletin.
If a student enrolls for a lesson through the parks bulletin vs. the club lesson brochure, the parks and recreation department keeps 25 percent of the tennis lesson revenue. The club gets the rest of the revenue, plus the recognition of being in the bulletin.
"Indian Creek does extensive advertising through the Johnson County parks and recreation bulletin for our junior group beginner lessons and all levels of our adult group lessons," Margoni says. "The classes offered mirror the club's class schedule. The additional registrants help to increase class participation and introduce potential members to the club. We also provide the certified instructors for their outdoor summer programs, giving our teaching staff more hours as well as providing additional revenue for the club."
With a little planning, you also can save a lot of time and money by promoting court-related programs to people who are finishing their lessons. Arm your teaching professionals with promotional fliers and information about upcoming events. Your members will appreciate the personal attention and early notice for future activities.
Lenny Schloss, director of the Baltimore Tennis & Fitness Center, increases participation with free 30-minute tennis lesson/workout cards. His professionals are empowered to give prospective students a 30-minute free lesson. If the student commits to additional lessons (at normal rates), the professional earns an additional commission for successful recruiting.
Program for People
Naturally, even the greatest marketing efforts won't work unless you have excellent programs to back them up. Programs for court sports must be well thought through from concept to implementation. Start by determining whom the program is designed for: children, adults, seniors, recreational or competitive, beginner or open level, member or nonmember.
A common mistake that I routinely see is scheduling courts for the varying levels of players whom the clubs serve. The rule is simple: Beginner/introductory levels receive the most convenient time slots, advanced and open level players generally receive the less preferred time slots. People considering a new sport, particularly one requiring instruction, will not participate if the class schedule is inconvenient.
On the other hand, people dedicated to a particular sport aren't as concerned with the convenience; they'll make the time to play. Reasonably speaking, a player who has devoted the time to reach an advanced playing level will participate when the schedule allows.
This leaves plenty of room for creativity. Roger Mitten, Mid-Town Tennis Club's head tennis professional, is responsible for nearly $3 million in tennis court and programming revenues. He and his team schedule a variety of niche marketed programs at "shoulder hours" (non-prime time), which increases participation as well as increases the value of prime-time courts.
"Mid-Town has increased member involvement in tennis (and the tennis department's revenue) by programming shoulder hours [7 to 8:30 a.m. and 10 to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday]," Mitten says. "As a result of programming adult group lessons at these times, we have been able to increase dramatically the number of members served.
"The increased participation has a multiplier effect in the sense that the players involved in these shoulder hour classes eventually go on to take private lessons, play on Mid-Town teams, etc. By programming the shoulder times, we have been able to accommodate new members and involve them in organized programs when traditional prime-time hours are filled."
I do not suggest offering introductory lessons at the least convenient times. A niche marketed program may be a late-night tournament designed to attract people who are "night owls" and, more than likely, do not have early morning schedules.
I recall a few years ago a member questioning me why we charged prime- time fees during shoulder hours when, from 9 to 10 p.m., the courts were half-occupied, and wide open at 10 p.m. The answer is that shoulder hour programs create court exchange (demand); this demand justifies the price. Court exchange increases the value of a court because players are bumped at the end of their schedule time. If no exchange occurs, the club is not perceived to be busy. There is no perceived demand.
Bring Peers Together
In addition to considering skill levels to organize programs, create programs to attract peer groups. Peer groups share common experiences, can relate to each other and, most importantly, typically have similar schedules.
"Indian Creek Racquet Club offers a membership program for people 50 years old and up," Margoni explains. "Seniors may play [tennis] weekdays between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Fees for membership are approximately 50 percent of a regular membership. Twice per week, players are paired by gender and twice per week, play is mixed. About 106 of the nearly 1,000 memberships at Indian Creek are program participants. The average age of the participants is 69. The club reserves as many as seven of the nine courts per weekday for the program."
Margoni and the other professionals at Indian Creek realize many benefits attributed to organizing a midday senior's tennis program. The club gains membership revenues, sells available court time, and increases pro shop and restaurant sales - not to mention the fact that the club generates additional lesson revenues from 10 percent of the club's membership.
Staffing for Success
Even with great programs that appeal to a wide variety of people, the success of your club's court sports activities depends on the people charged with the responsibility of leading and teaching the programs. We are all looking for talented employees to represent our businesses. And, indeed, by hiring "experts," your activities may gain immediate credibility. However, you also have the option to hire experts or people who are less experienced, as long as they show potential.
Hiring less experienced personnel requires a training plan. In fact, any person you hire should show willingness to learn and be trained by your organization. Encourage your staff to increase their knowledge by attending related seminars and conferences.
Whether expert or future talent, recruits should be friendly and service- oriented. Besides being able to teach proper technique, today's successful teaching professional should be on time, promptly return telephone calls and anticipate students' needs.
A teaching professional should also be enthusiastic - within reason. Be careful of the instructor who tells you he has a clientele who will follow him to your club. Rarely have I seen students follow their teaching professional; students are generally involved in other activities at their club, have friends, and are used to a routine that is tough to give up.
Finally, look for teaching professionals who want to share the responsibility of increasing court participation. Encourage "buy-in." Reward (compensate) your instructors for increasing participation in programs and lesson groups, and teaching lessons during off-peak times. Reward your staff for recruiting new players who make a commitment to your club.
Excellent professionals who take charge of great programs which are sold through smart marketing - that's the way to get more people on your courts. The goal is to create excitement among membership.
Memorable Experiences
Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore, co-founders of Strategic Horizons LLP and co-authors of Every Business a Stage: Why Customers Now Want Experiences, wrote that consumers desire services that provide "memorable experiences." To maximize court sports profits, you must go beyond the facility, to pay attention to the details of your business that will distinguish your club from your competitors, and make the service memorable for the participants.
I will conclude with these thoughts. Does your club place fresh flowers in your court sports lounges and have decorative artwork hanging on the walls? Do you offer towels near the courts, and is water available on each court for the players? For social events, are food, background music, players' name tags, and awards routine elements of the service? Do you mail trophies to the champions instead of having them prepared in advance for the tournament finals?
Remember, the right activities will contribute to your club's court sports programs, making them well attended, memorable and profitable.
Four Ways to Wow
Ajay Pant and Jeff Long, head pro and assistant head pro at the Forest Grove Athletic Club, Palatine, Ill., offer these tips for impressing members in tennis clinics.
- Show videotapes of top players going through exactly what members go through. Emphasize that pressure is purely perceptional.
Show the students they are "normal" when they get nervous. We actually have students write down how they feel physically and mentally before a second serve down match point. No right or wrong answers and no consulting with your buddy. When we read out responses, attendees suddenly realize they are not alone.
- Give out small prizes (T-shirt, key chain) for "mentally tough" answers. Members love these.
- Make the clinic personal. We share all sorts of outrageous examples from our own playing days. We make it a point to get the attendees to laugh at our own embarrassing lapses. Average club players leave the workshop feeling that if their pro could collapse under pressure, it is OK for them too. Just do not make a habit of it!


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Let me introduce you to 7th Sole, an online site dedicated to bringing you fashionable shoes, that are sure to fit every personality. Besides their online site, they also offer a physical store location located in the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles, 211 West 7th Street Los Angeles CA 90015 to be exact. If your ever in Los Angeles, you should definitely check out their store, but until then you can visit them them on their Online Site. They have a broad base of customers located everywhere in the United States to Canada. This wonderful company was developed in 2009 by the Erazo family. Their site currently reads "Ana Miriam Shoes, LLC", so please do not be confused when you see this because they will soon be changing the name of their company to 7th Sole.
Now that I have introduced you to their company, let me introduce you to their dazzlingly designed shoes including Boots, Flats, Heels, Sandles, Wedges, and even a couple of style boots for children. Their site is sorted into categories, which makes it easy to find exactly what your looking for, without waisting time searching around. If you love deals you will especially love their 50 % off clearance section, or their Sandles and Wedges priced at 30% off. While browsing their clearance section I found a pair of highly fashionable boots(pictured below), for only $19.99, thats a savings of twenty dollars!
I love the fact that I can casually browse the site online, while in the comfort of my own home, without having to wait in long lines at crowded shoe stores. This way I don't have to haul my children with me, as you may know what a challenge that can be! I took a look around their site for a while, before I came across a pair of shoes that really stood out from the rest. Let me just say I am totally into the latest animal print themed heels, so when I saw the Zebra printed Stilleto's I knew we were destined for each other! I could just picture myself making a stunning entrance in this stunning pair of heels.
The Unsensored Andrea Zebra Stilleto Heel screams sassy and trendy, and is anything but ordinary! This gorgeous pair of heels features a white pump decorated with black zebra stripes, a stunning zebra platform, and topped off with a 5.5 inch black heel. 7th Sole offers this particular style in a size 6-9 including whole and half sizes. I especially appreciate the fact that they offer half sizes because I wear a size 8 and a half in Stilletos. I also noticed that all of their sizes are fully in stock, which is nice because I hate when I find a pair of shoes that I love, and then later am disappointed to find out they are no longer available in my size. This pair of wild heels would match perfectly with a black dress or any black and white printed clothing.
Unsensored Andrea Pink Leopard Stilleto Heel! If animal prints is not your style, be sure to check out their other selection of chic shoes. No matter if you are young or old, they have styles that will suit your needs.
BUY IT: You can purchase either the Unsensored Andrea Zebra Stilleto Heels or the Unsensored Andrea Pink Leopard Heels for only $37.99 at 7th Sole. I also want to point out that they offer FREE shipping to all US customers with no minimum order!
*If your entry is chosen and it is not a valid entry another winner will be chosen instead.


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Sellers already stocking up on ugly Christmas sweaters for next year
Parties, family traditions drive need for tacky wear
Searching the racks of a new shop near the Ohio State University campus, Justine Boggs discovered the perfect holiday top: a denim button-down adorned with embroidered bells, candy canes and a strand of lights.
She had to have it.
"It encompasses Christmas in the ugliest way possible," said Boggs, 22, of the campus area.
"Honestly, can we get any uglier?"
Something festively hideous is just what she needed for a charitable event based on "ugly Christmas sweaters."
She found the $8 gem at Christmisc., a temporary South Campus Gateway store dedicated to tacky holiday sweaters and similarly tacky gifts.
The hunt for attire with sequined reindeer and festive snowmen is apparently on the uptick.
"It's been around for a little while," Christmisc. owner Nate DeMars said of the "ugly sweater" theme for Christmas parties.
"But now it's entrenched as a mainstream holiday tradition."
The past two Christmases, DeMars sold seasonal attire at the men's suit store he owns called Pursuit - with sweaters "a big hit," he said.
With the opening of the next-door space, which previously housed a campaign office for Barack Obama, DeMars secured a short-term lease and outfitted a shop with fake Christmas trees, cutout snowflakes and large candy canes.
To amass his kitschy collection of 1,200 - the shirts and sweaters cover a range from "jolly to heinous to straight out of Mrs. Claus' closet" - he devoted six months to scouring thrift stores beyond central Ohio.
He also accepted donations, including some from relatives: his mother, an aunt and a grandmother from chilly Wisconsin.
He opened the store on Nov.?20, he said, and in the first three days sold more than 200 sweaters, which he prices at $8 to $38.
"We've developed an eye for what's ugly - and what's not," DeMars said. "The more outlandish, the better."
His favorite find? A sweater depicting the dozen gifts highlighted in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Like him, others, too, are responding to the demand for garish seasonal wear.
"It's what everybody is looking for," said Josh Harden, the 32-year-old owner of the mobile pop-up store Ghetto Vintage - and, since June, Clothing Underground, a resale shop in the OSU area.
Combined, the ventures carry several hundred eye-popping sweaters.
Harden, though initially worried that the trend might have outlived itself, spent a year scouting a collection spanning basic $10 jumpers to pricier options "covered from top to bottom in stitching and applique."
"The kids on campus, the fraternities and sororities, they've all been coming in and stocking up," he said.
In the Clintonville neighborhood, Rag-O-Rama has seen earlier-than-usual interest in similar seasonal apparel, said Vance Whitener, CEO of the Georgia-based chain.
Such items are popular at all four Rag-O-Rama stores - even the one in balmy Tempe, Ariz., he said.
"We're already replenishing the racks," said Whitener, who has sought used Christmas sweaters for five years - and in recent weeks has noticed other retailers selling such goods at premium prices. (His go for about $8 to $24.)
"Obviously, people are wearing them for Thanksgiving this year."
Joe Valenti, who runs a Short North retro-housewares shop called Flower Child, has beefed up his stock, too.
He'll peddle additional sweaters via a 1966 Airstream trailer to be set up during the monthly Gallery Hop.
A stand-in Santa Claus will share the trailer, with proceeds from $2 photos to benefit the nonprofit Charity Newsies.
The continued popularity of the sweaters is traced to an open-ended appeal, said Valenti, who also operates a Flower Child in Cleveland.
"There's no expectation with a Christmas sweater," he said. "It's kind of like Halloween: Everybody wants to go and laugh at each other and have a good time."


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- Home
- Jeans
Tall Jeans
Button-fly wide legs, coated slim legs, vintage-look straights: our jeans for tall women tick off AW19's key trends (and feel amazing too). Looking for something more classic? Try our new Ultra Stretch jeans or Everyway skinnies. They're part of our core denim programme, which has rave reviews and is made from 100,000 recycled plastic bottles, no less. With over 40 years' of denim know-how and 140,000+ pairs sold each year, it's fair to say no one does tall women's jeans like we do.
Since Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss created the first pair of blue jeans in 1873, jeans have become the iconic piece that every woman needs in her wardrobe. Our #WeAreTallJeans campaign survey showed us that tall women lack choice of style on the market. We, Long Tall Sally, give taller women that choice. We offer diverse designs and washes – from skinny to bootcut and everything in between. Our jeans have been our bestseller since 1976. For forty years we've made a conscious effort to consistently deliver on-trend denim and improve our existing garments.Multibuy
Quality tall jeans needn't cost a fortune, which is why we offer our tall ladies the 'multibuy collection.' The collection offers a wide range of styles and washes where women can purchase more than one pair for a great price.Fit
#WeAreTallJeans' survey results showed that 80 percent of tall women struggle to find jeans with the perfect fit. 50 percent of women's biggest challenge is finding the correct length. We take pride in tailoring our jeans for tall women and take everything into consideration: pockets, knee positions, hems, waistbands – everything.
Our denim jeans come in three rises and three leg lengths, 34", 36" and 38". Waistbands are perfectly positioned to ensure comfortability for tall women. The pockets are extended to accommodate the larger hand of taller women and knee positions are amended to support each leg length. The new super-stretch fabric positions "lifting" pockets that create a flattering curve, all whilst being snug at the waist with a no gape back fit.Jeans for all occasions
58 percent of women have the option to wear jeans to work. They are a universal garment that can be styled with most items in your wardrobe. Date night? The classic black skinny is perfect with a Bardot top and heeled sandals. Just relaxing with friends? A straight or bootcut leg can be paired with a t-shirt or long-sleeve jersey and trainers.
Take inspiration from celebrities who rock jeans well. Icons such as Alexa Chung, Rihanna, Selena Gomez and many more inspire us to style jeans in a multitude of ways. If you're ever stuck for ideas, browse our Instagram where we share our ootds.


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I'm currently writing LaTeX articles containing all of my lessons content in order to have it on a very few pages instead of the heavy thing the teacher gives us with exercises, demonstrations and so on.
The goal of it is to be really short so I can see it before an oral. I've already tried to improve this with :
\marginparwidth 0pt
\oddsidemargin 0pt
\evensidemargin 0pt
\marginparsep 0pt
\topmargin 0pt
\textwidth 6.5in
\textheight 8.5in
And I specified a small font-size in the document class :
\documentclass[a4paper, 10pt]{article}
This works really well. However, the
\maketitle command creates the title very low on the first page and this is kind of awkward.
Is there a workaround for this? And by the way do you have other tips to reduce the space taken by the text while still keeping it legible?


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15 Offbeat Holidays You Can Celebrate in September
September brings back-to-school season and summer's end, but there are plenty of unusual things to celebrate this month.
1. September 3rd: National Skyscraper Day
After Labor Day, you can honor the construction workers and engineers who built the world's modern architectural wonders. One European real estate data company defines a skyscraper as at least 330 feet, while in the United States a building starts to qualify around 500 feet. But, really, any building that towers above its skyline can count if you're looking to do some gazing in your hometown.
2. September 4th: Eat an Extra Dessert Day
You may have observed this holiday a little early on Labor Day, but go ahead and indulge those residual gluttonous impulses because this holiday gives you the green light. That leftover pie isn't going to eat itself, so really, it's the least you can do.
3. September 6th: National Fight Procrastination Day
One of these years we're going to get around to celebrating.
4. September 8th: National Grandparents Day
Founder Marian McQuade wanted to set aside a special day not only for the lonely elderly, but also to encourage grandchildren to "tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents provide." President Jimmy Carter was so on board with this initiative, he made the first Sunday after Labor Day an official national holiday to honor grandmas and grandpas across the country. To this day, the President continues to get in on the action - here's Barack Obama's official proclamation from 2011.
5. September 10th: TV Dinner Day
The TV Dinner was first introduced to consumers in the United States by C.A. Swanson & Sons in the early 1950s. This pre-packaged, frozen meal would not only provide you a whole dinner with the slight flick of an oven -- it was also designed for ease of consumption while parked in front of a television screen. Take a stroll down your local supermarket's frozen food aisle to truly appreciate all the TV Dinner has done for our food options.
6. September 15th: National Felt Hat Day
You may think Robin Hood, you may think 10-gallon cowboy, or you may think fedora -- but whatever you think, today you have carte blanche to sport your felt-hat-of-choice with pride. Disclaimer: you may still have to remind people the holiday technically prevents them from mocking your accessory.
7. September 16th: National Stay Away from Seattle Day
You may be surprised to learn that this is actually a very pro-Seattle holiday. Continually deemed one of the best cities to live in America, today was designated to give the city a little breather from all the people rushing to stay there. If only the rain observed holidays, right? If you're considering Seattle as a destination, temporary or permanent, be a little more considerate than the weather and try to plan around the 16th.
8. September 18th: Rice Krispies Treats Day
A whole day!
9. September 19th: Talk Like a Pirate Day
The establishment of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th was based on someone's ex-wife's birthday. While the date selection might have been arbitrary, the possibilities of TLAPD are endless. If you want to expand your pirate repertoirrrrrr, the official website provides lingo in English, German, Dutch, and even a little Mandarin to provide a truly international annoyance to coworkers and family members.
10. September 21st: World Gratitude Day
In 1977, those hippies at the United Nations Meditation Group established World Gratitude Day to appreciate existence. Even the least existential among us can recognize a thing or two in our lives for which we feel grateful. For example, we feel grateful that you are still reading this article.
11. September 21st: Oktoberfest
Don't let the "Oktober" part of the name fool you -- the 16-day festival of beer, oompa music, and wurst always starts in late September - and this year, it kicks off on the 21st. Though historically a Bavarian celebration held annually in Munich, Oktoberfests have popped up in cities all over the world. Though the holiday started as a royal wedding celebration, it has since been eclipsed by the beer which must adhere to strict German Beer Purity laws (Reinheitsgebot) to be considered official Oktoberfest Beer. Luckily for us non-Germans, globalization has granted us access to such tasty brews in our local corner stores and supermarkets.
12. September 24th: National Punctuation Day
"A celebration of the lowly comma, correctly used quotation marks, and other proper uses of periods, semicolons, and the ever-mysterious ellipsis." National Punctuation Day gives you the opportunity to dress up your sentences with all kinds of context and accentuation! Or, take the day to remind yourself what a semicolon actually does.
13. September 27th: Hug a Vegetarian Day
Vegetarians need hugs too! In previous years, PETA has set up hugging hotspots throughout the United States and Canada. Folks nice enough to do that certainly deserve a hug, right?
14. September 28th: Drink Beer Day
Finally, an excuse.
15. September 28th: Museum Day
Anyone who has visited the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. knows they are especially awesome because admission is totally free. If you have visited a museum almost anywhere else in the United States, you know they typically cost a pretty penny. On this special Saturday, however, Smithsonian is partnering with museums all over the country to offer free admission on what they have deemed "Museum Day."
Which weird holidays will you be celebrating this month?


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Synology DiskStation DS1511+ full review
One of the great advantages of a good NAS drive is its expandability. Buy a four-bay NAS unit, then even if your storage requirements are only for as much data you could fit on one or two disks, you can increase capacity later as needs demand. For Synology, that ability to grow with your data pool goes a step further with the Synology DS1511+. Nay, two steps further, because its network-attached RAID options can expand beyond the bounds of the internal disks, tripling capacity by adding up to two additional DX510 break-out boxes.
The Synology DS1511+ is a five-bay NAS, with disks slotting into the front in push-to-release caddies. The DX510 expansion box looks identical from the front, and also has five bays available for hard disks. It connects via locking eSATA ports on the back of the DS1511+.
Based on the current hard-disk maximum capacity of 3TB for a 3.5in SATA hard disk, a fully laden Synology DS1511+ with two DX510s represents a staggering 45TB of raw capacity. That ought to be enough for anyone...
Like other examples of Synology's network storage, the Synology DS1511+ is a smart and well-presented unit, if mostly finished in plastic rather than metal trim. Two 80mm fans help keep the air flowing around the internal disks. Unlike many NAS boxes, there are no USB ports on the front to jack in USB disk or USB thumbdrive and exchange data. Instead, joining the two eSATA ports, are four USB 2.0 ports behind.
For the all-important network connection there are two gigabit ethernet ports here. Besides supporting dual-link failover, such that two independent network paths can be connected to cover one link's downtime, Synology also promises link aggregation. This enables higher speed operation, combining the bandwidth of two network interfaces, although it requires a managed network switch to set up. Synology quotes read/write speeds up to around 166/198MBps when used this way over a Windows CIFS network.
See all: storage reviews
Synology DS1511+: DSM 3.2
For any good NAS installation, the hardware is only half the story. Network storage solutions need powerful software to drive them along, to juggle the manifold tasks the modern NAS often tackles beyond simple file serving.
For Synology, this takes the form of DiskStation Manager 3.2 (DSM 3.2). This features a very approachable graphical user interface, using HTML5 to closely resembles a modern desktop OS once you've logged on through a web browser. Animations and window transparency makes the environment feel more like a modern desktop Linux OS than a NAS configuration page.
Most of the options to configure a DiskStation are available from Control Panel, closely modelled on Mac OS X's System Preferences interface.
From Control Panel you can create Shared Folders, add users and manage groups of users; and select which network protocols are enabled, from the usual choices of CIFS for Windows users, AFP for Macs, and NFS for Linux and UNIX systems.
As well as a UPnP media server and iTunes server, Synology offers its own Audio/File/Download and Photo Stations. These allow network access from free iPhone and iPad apps. There's even a mail server included here. WebDAV, LDAP and SNMP are also supported. More ambitious business networks can also set up the DiskStation for iSCSI use.
See also: Group test: what's the best NAS device?
Synology DS1511+: Setup
Like most Synology NAS drives, the DS1511+ is supplied as an empty unit to which you must insert your own hard disks. Unlike some drives, such as those from QNAP, the unit is even bereft of any operating system – you must download and install this yourself, thankfully an easy operation using the Synology Assistant software for Windows and Mac. Synology only loads the Linux kernel on embedded NAND flash; the rest of the OS is installed on a small partition created on every disk after loading into the NAS.
After assembling some disks and plugging into your network, this first helps locate the unit after it's been assigned an IP address by your router's DHCP server. Synology Assistant then guides you through the process of installing the OS and setting up your chosen volume structure.
Aside from the usual JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6 types, Synology has its own SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) system. This allows disks of different capacities to be mixed together, without the usual limitation of reducing the final sum to a multiple of the smallest disk in the array. In fact, this is the default RAID option in DSM 3.2.
Synology DS1511+: Performance
We tested the DS1511+ over a gigabit network, using one LAN port. Networking protocol was AFP, and the disks fitted were Western Digital Caviar Green, three disks of 1TB, 1TB and 1.5TB capacity in SHR mode.
At the 1MB file size level, we saw write speeds of about 39MBps, and reads of around 93MBps.
Moving to larger files let the Synology perform stretch its legs, up to 49MBps for sequential writes and 122MBps sequential reads, using 100MB data.
As can be typical for network-attached storage, small file handling was much slower, around 2MBps for random writing of 4kB files, and 9MBps random reads.
Using Blackmagic Disk Speed Test with its largest file tests, the DS1511+ showed sustained read speeds of 88MBps and 110MBps for writes.
Power consumption of the system when idle with three disks was just 21W.
Synology DiskStation DS1511+: Specs
- Five-bay NAS drive
- 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor
- 1GB RAM (expandable to 3GB)
- DSM 3.2 Linux operating system
- 2 x gigabit ethernet
- 2 x eSATA
- 4 x USB 2.0
- VGA port
- iSCSI support
- 157 x 248 x 233mm
- 4.25kg
- three-year warranty
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Project Location: The Dalles, Oregon
Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District restored the "natural" portion of the Riverfront Park defined as the area east of the chain link fence at Riverfront Park in The Dalles, Oregon. Restoration consisted of mechanically removing all invasive trees and shrubs in this 40 acre section of the park and restoring it to native vegetation. Sport fish that benefited from this project include Steelhead, Chinook salmon, Sockeye salmon, White sturgeon, American shad, Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, Walleye, Northern pikeminnow, and Carp.


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One NASA astronaut eating chipsmore, his favourite biscuit while he watching direct broadcast of trial process at a court while he drive APRIL FOOL O, a spacecraft. He slack that broadcast and forgot that his aircraft is moving to a sun!!
Hulk Hogan menangis seperti bayi. "Hei Hogan, hentikan tangisanmu! Bukan engkau tidak pernah hisap PUTING susu ibumu!! Badan besar tetapi otak dan jiwamu terlalu lemah!!! Bayi babi itu marah sambil membeliakkan mata dan menunjuk jari dia ke lubang kanan hidung Hogan. Hulk Hogan crying like a baby. "Hey Hogan, stop your cry! Not you never suck your mum's tit milk!! Big body but your brain and soul are too weak!!! The baby pig angry while it dilate eyes and its finger touch Hogan's right nostril.
"Oh pig that never lawyer to help you, why you suck Hogan's ugly anal?, Hogan lawyer ask. "Because I never go to school! I did not know that is a crime matter. My parent never tell that is a sin. I still baby. If human being's baby will not treat do crime, why not me? A part of peoples who come to see the trial scream, 'Wow! True, judicious your words pig!!". Judge hit the table with a hammer. "Please silent! Lawyer, please talk more".
"Indeed you never go to school but you know Hogan attempt to avoid your rape deed to him. Reason that, sure you know this is a sin. Sodomy is illicit". The small pig laughter. "You are stupid lawyer. Your academic achievement need assessment again because actually you might not competent to be a lawyer. Not exist in bible. Also has not in act that pig will go to the jail if sodomy. Furthermore, I will not to hell. Reason I am a pig. "
The small pig is walking now in front of lawyer, judge and Hogan while its hand [= front left leg] held its left side waist and its right hand massage repeatedly its chin. Has a beard? Many peoples at the court scream for praise the pig. Judge hold the hammer but he cancelled his desire to knock the table when a man whistle for praise the pig. Reader did not know why? Make your sight nearer. Knew? A famous people in the world. Yes, Barrack Obama who whistle! President of USA! The lawyer be silent. Did not know to reply. He look at the judge. Hulk Hogan look confuse. He mop up his water eyes with handkerchief. Still exist a sound of mucous in his nose. Judge also be confuse. The silence condition at court. The pig look at whole peoples. Look at around it. Police who stand like a statue, not move in hours. Torture self? Barrack Obama whose face look always serious like Bruce Lee is now smile like Mr. Bean, felt astonish when look at the intelligent pig. Pig smile while it walk toward the judge. Pig massage repeatedly judge's beard and say: "Did not know to make verdict? Let me be a judge. Listen everyone!!! Human being the cruel. Kill my community, kill my parent, my younger brother and sisters, my grandfather and grandmother and kill my lover!! Whole of you kill them, afterwards make ham burger, gelatin from pork, medicine from pig. Pig's hair, you make brush. Pig's dung you make fertilizer. You cheat muslims at whole parts of this world!! Party who had authority give non-illicit sign license actually eat bribe, not honest and deceive and make collusion with manufacturer for yield product contain part of pig!!! The judge reply, "Indeed we eat pork but no exist any law prohibit us to eat it". Cute baby pig reply, "No happen bible prohibit it?" "I am not sure about that,"Judge replied. "It is not fair!! If you said like that, is mean I also never make something wrong when I sodomy Hulk Hogan because not exist any law and no happen bible prohibit me to do it!!".
Judge, lawyer and Hogan be quiet, do not know what must to say. They have no any idea. They look like a statue, reason what pig said astonish them. So, their face like fool mr. Bean, now. Baby pig confident he will win in this trial. So, it say, "Obama, come here, please." Obama come toward it. "You astonish me,"Obama praise the pig. "Really? Thanks!! If so, please you command the judge give his clothes to me and appoint me as the Highest Chief or Leader of Judge for United States Of America, now." Barrack do like what pig ask him to do. The judge with shiver give the clothes he wear to the pig. Pig wear it and after that it run very fast to the judge's chair. "Now, whole of you, with the permission from U.S President, be witness that I promise to be the best judge in the world, the most fair judge in this planet and God also be my witness." Everyone except Hogan & lawyer clap their hand. "Thanks, please sit down, everyone. Now, as a new judge, I command the government of USA to pay in seven million dollar to Hulk Hogan reason I sodomy him and I will pay to USA government, my debt, seven million dollar when I has enough money to pay by instalment. And you, "ex-judge", you still can work here as my assistant. Are you feel my command satify you? Hogan? "Ex-judge"? Lawyer? They nod repeatedly. "GOOD! THANKS!", said the pig.
"I also command the government of USA TO DO THESE MATTER:
1= USA must stop bully any countries. Stop force other countries like MALAYSIA to agree with USA's policy that is not fair. Stop force them accept DOLLAR as exchange money in the world business especially matter like petroleum. This make other countries be more poor or indigent because USA be stubborn, did not want to pay any tax to other countries in international trade. USA also still cruel because use military to force any countries and NAJIB, a prime minister of MALAYSIA so that destroy any block in their international trade policy. They make block to save their economy from robber like USA AND GREEDY PERSONS LIKE JEW TRADER. Jew colonize USA by become member of USA Parliament and they use World Bank to rob any countries by instalment which contain RIBA, the illicit matter and a very cruel matter. Real meaning of USA is United Satan of America!!!!
2= Let muslim women can wear jilbab or purdah, the clothes which cover whole of their body, face, hair, head and other parts except eyes.
At one iceberg, a lover couple enjoy their love while they saw a very fast comet move down toward arctic ocean. "Make our wish darling," said the man to his beautiful lover. "Because the comet come here". However, the beautiful woman did not make it. She use telescope and she scream, "OOOHHH MY GOD!!! This comet has shape like human being, like a man and I saw his anal emitted fire!! And something like burn chipsmore biscuit move down with burning fire near the comet!!!!


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Trina (Feat. Gunplay & Ice Berg) - Beam
Trina "Beam" music video featuring Gunplay & Ice Berg
Directed by Morocco Vaughn
Follow @TRINArockstarr on Twitter
Posted by @Worldstarvids
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You are here
9th Annual Joint American Homeopathic Conference
The 9th annual Joint American Homeopathic Conference (JAHC), Advancing Practice: Approaches for Acute and Chronic Care took place April 4-6, 2014. The Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, CA provided a beautiful and peaceful backdrop for this exciting event. Whether you've attended before or this will be your first time, the 2014 JAHC was an event not to be missed.
Thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making the 2014 JAHC such a great event!
Save the Date!
Save the Date now for the 2015 JAHC being held May 8-10, 2015 at the Loews in Philadelphia, PA.


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Canon 40mm Pancake Suffers AF Woes
Canon's announcement of an affordable EF 40mm f/2.8 sent lots of EOS shooters to their retailer of choice to pre-order the lens as quick as they could. Unfortunately, some have encountered a problem with the focus system that Canon recently acknowledged with a service advisory. It seems that putting pressure on the lens barrel while it's attached to the camera – be it from a jostle in your camera bag or just putting the lens cap in place – can cause the auto focus to stop functioning.
In these instances, taking the lens off and re-attaching it or pulling the battery out will straighten things out – until it happens again. It seems there's no damage occuring to the lens in these cases. Canon will offer a firmware update in late August 2012 to fix the issue. Until then, those early adopters will have to endure with a finicky lens.
Be on the lookout for the firmware update later this month. For now, head over to Canon's service website for more information on the issue.


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the cards/odds are stacked in favour of somebody/something
the cards are stacked in favor of (someone or something)
Someone or something is very likely to be successful due to some existing circumstances, conditions, or obstacles that will aid or benefit someone or something. The cards were stacked in favor of the film—an all-star cast, a huge budget, and a great marketing campaign—but it turned out to be one of the biggest flops in the history of the industry. Everyone knows the cards are stacked in favor of those who already have business connections through their friends or family.


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Home » woman director » Turbo Kid (2015)
Turbo Kid (2015)
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Turbo Kid (2015) 910109.
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Master Critic
Posts: 1856
Joined: June 05, 2011, 02:05:03 AM
Re: Writers Parasite [Contains Adult Language & Situations]
Sip;ing from a bottle hidden in an old freezer now filled with tools
A watching eagles n such sor'
n why?
Reasons for the seasons some say
n why?
Seven day s a week now, a workin
n why?
Cuz maybe trying ta bide the time?
Cuz maybe there ain't nuf time to eat all the good eats
works till I's die.
What's that?
What's that a flying by?
By, golly by gee, an old crow or squab or chicken
a clucking
that be why.


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Capathia Jenkins can definitely act but all those who know her also know that this diva can blow and blow and blow you right off this planet. This woman who grappling with two dueling passions each with a strong grip: acting and music, yet she refuses to pick one because they both represent her soul. Capathia approaches a song the same way she approaches a script, like an artist. She looks for the nuances, the secret hidden within the notes or text. She seeks the melody, harmony and rhythm. She asks herself: what am I trying to say? What do I want my audience to experience with me? She wants to take her audience on a journey…more
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Havana Nirvana, China
Your first thought is to stuff your travel humidor. Why? Because you're Shanghai-bound and you have no idea if good cigars have made it to mainland China. Well, stop fretting and save that space in your suitcase for something else, because China's largest city has recently become ground zero for Cuban cigars. Thanks to Eddie Li, the globe-trotting owner of the upscale cigar lounge Harvana Nirvana, not only have good cigars made it here, but the ideal place to enjoy them has as well.
Havana Nirvana's layout consists of a handsome full bar, a cigar lounge and an accessories display area -- complete with cigar-related publications for sale. Walking through the front door is like entering a candy store for cigar enthusiasts. A wall of clubby-looking, custom-designed private humidor lockers outfitted with brass lionheads catches your eye. Walk on to discover the reason you came -- the stogies. More than 70 Cuban cigar varieties and sizes are displayed behind the glass doors of a state-of-the-art walk-in humidor. This place is so well stocked that it seems almost unimaginable that there won't have something to please your palate. One look at the cigar collection and the cedar-lined private lockers lining the outside of the humidor and you know Eddie is on the right track. (The lockers can be rented for U.S.$435 per year.)
Attentively maintained by Eddie at a lovingly constant 63 degrees Fahrenheit with 75 percent humidity, this walk-in-humidor is stogie heaven. The humidor utilizes a sponge-roller that picks up moisture from within the unit and disperses it.
Because there's not much to do in Shanghai outside of working and shopping (both of which get old fast), one's hobbies and diversions become the focus of intense analysis and doting. Sometimes it's hard to get a life in Shanghai, but it's not hard to get a cigar -- anymore. And with that cigar, have yourself a Mojito made with (oh my God) fresh-picked mint, a rarity in China. Or try a Cuba Libre. If your eyes get thirsty, Li has plastered an array of antique cigar bands set out in frames throughout Havana Nirvana's interior.
If you want to quench more than your thirst and eyes, Li's thought of that as well. As Havana Nirvana is not equipped with a full kitchen, food comes directly from one of the restaurants in the adjoining Ritz-Carlton Hotel, just a few feet outside from the cigar lounge. The arrangement works well. How many cigar bars offer such a wide selection of international cuisines? Patrons can choose from such cuisines as Cantonese (big surprise there), Thai, Malaysian, Japanese, American-style Tony Roma's and from the Hard Rock Café as well. There's even good pizza, delivered fresh from the popular Long Bar next door.
Since you're in Shanghai and can't help but become wrapped up in the shopping frenzy, you may as well check out Havana Nirvana's retail displays. With a full range of cigar accessories (including cutters, lighters, exquisite handmade travel humidors, ashtrays and cases), something is bound to appeal to the cigar lover in you. No designer knockoffs here, and that's something that cannot be said for the mean streets below.
Nancy Johnson is a writer living in Shanghai, China.
Havana Nirvana
2/F, Shanghai Centre Retail Plaza, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai, China
(8621) 6279 8008
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.


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(Reuters) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Tuesday approved online gambling within the state's border, a move that he hopes can help boost state revenues and revive Atlantic City casinos.
The measure, announced the same day that Christie unveiled his new budget plan for fiscal 2014, will legalize Internet gaming to New Jersey's 9 million residents and also create opportunities for European companies with expertise in running online gaming operations.
New Jersey, the 11th most populous state, will become the largest so far and the third in the United States to allow online gambling after Delaware and Nevada, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Nevada, home to international gambling Mecca Las Vegas, last week became the first U.S. state to allow interstate online poker.
"We are offering a responsible yet exciting option that will make Atlantic City more competitive, while also bringing financial benefits to New Jersey as a whole," Christie said in a statement.
The Republican governor signed the legislation after Democratic lawmakers agreed to make several changes, including a provision to review the program after 10 years to gauge its impact on problem gambling.
By legalizing internet gaming, New Jersey could see a huge jump in state casino revenue, to an estimated $436 million in fiscal 2014 from $235 million this fiscal year, which ends June 30, according to budget documents.
Earlier this month, the prospect of a quick approval of online gambling in New Jersey spurred gains among gaming companies on both side of the Atlantic amid hopes it could unlock a market worth up to $1 billion.
Reporting by Tiziana Barghini and Hilary Russ; Editing by Eric Walsh


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The Inn was built in 1836 and is built from convict hewn sandstone. Initially the inn was a stopover for Cobb and Co coaches travelling between Sydney and Newcastle. Amazing to think that what is now a 3 hour drive required an overnight back in 1836.
The food served at the Settlers Arms is basic pub-fare. Nothing gourmet and nothing that you'd class as fine dining or Gastro-Pub food. It's simple Aussie pub food, and to be honest you're in St Albans more to soak up a bit of history, enjoy a country drive, have a beer and take in the surrounds. The food hits the spot in an location that is as removed from 2012 (the year, and the postcode) as you can get.
The Boy and I both order to the T-Bone Steak ($27.00). They are ENORMOUS.
As with all good Aussie Pubs, this one is home to a fine pooch or two who will happily camp by your table hoping a chip or a stray piece of steak falls their way.
Settlers Arms Inn is at 1 Wharf Street, St Albans. Phone them on 4568 2111. You can reach the pub by taking either of the two Ferry's out of Wiseman's Ferry. Enjoy the drive!
Oh, and when you get back to Wiseman's Ferry you can duck back to the shopping arcade for more Kitty spotting. This is Rosie, daughter of Reg and Rita. She doesn't like people and this is her best "get the hell away from me" look.