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Mitral valve
regurgitation means that one of the valves in your heart—the mitral valve—is
letting blood leak backward into the heart.
Heart valves work like
one-way gates, helping blood flow in one direction between heart chambers or in
and out of the heart. The mitral valve is on the left side of your heart. It
lets blood flow from the upper to the lower heart chamber.
See a
picture of mitral valve regurgitation.
When the
mitral valve is damaged—for example, by an infection—it may no longer close
tightly. This lets blood leak backward, or regurgitate, into the upper chamber.
Your heart has to work harder to pump this extra blood.
leaks are usually not a problem. But more severe cases weaken the heart over
time and can lead to
heart failure.
There are
two forms of mitral valve regurgitation: chronic and acute.
If you have mild to
moderate chronic mitral valve regurgitation, you may
never have symptoms. If you have moderate to severe disease, you may not have
symptoms for decades.
If your heart weakens because of your
mitral valve, you may start to have symptoms of heart failure. Call your doctor
if you have any of these symptoms:
Acute mitral valve regurgitation
is an emergency. Symptoms come on rapidly. Symptoms include severe shortness of
breath, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, and chest pain.
Because you may not have symptoms, a specific type of
heart murmur may be the first sign your doctor
notices. Further tests will be needed to check your heart. Tests may
Finding out that something is wrong with your heart is
scary. You may feel depressed and worried. This is a common reaction. Sometimes
it helps to talk to others who have similar problems. Ask your doctor about
support groups in your area.
Treatment for chronic cases includes regularly checking your heart to make
sure it is working properly. You may take medicines to relieve symptoms or to prevent or treat complications. Medicines include:
You may need surgery to repair or replace your mitral
valve if you get symptoms of heart failure, if the size of your left ventricle
(your heart's main pumping chamber) increases, or if your heart weakens.
If you have chronic mitral valve
regurgitation, your doctor may want you to make some lifestyle changes to ease
the load on your heart.
Treatment for acute mitral valve regurgitation
occurs while you are in the hospital or the emergency room. You need surgery right away to repair or
replace the valve.
Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
Learning about mitral valve regurgitation:
Being diagnosed:
Getting treatment:
Ongoing concerns:
Living with mitral valve regurgitation:
There are
two forms of mitral valve regurgitation (MR): chronic
and acute. Chronic mitral valve regurgitation develops slowly over several
years. Acute MR develops suddenly.
Chronic mitral
valve regurgitation is caused by diseases or conditions that damage the mitral
valve over time. The valve then allows blood to leak backward
The mitral valve may become hard, or calcified,
around the tough ring of tissue (annulus) to which the mitral valve flaps are
attached. Normally the mitral annulus is soft and flexible. But as a person
ages, calcium may build up inside the annulus. This hardened mitral valve
cannot close completely, and blood leaks backward (regurgitates) into the upper
left chamber of the heart (atrium).
of diseases or conditions that can cause mitral valve regurgitation
Acute mitral
valve regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve or one of its supporting
structures ruptures suddenly, creating an immediate overload of blood volume
and pressure in the left side of the heart. Your heart
doesn't have time to adjust to the increased volume and pressure of blood (as it does in chronic MR).
Causes of sudden rupture include:
Symptoms of chronic
mitral valve regurgitation (MR) may take decades to
appear. With acute MR, symptoms come on suddenly, and you are critically
If you have
mild-to-moderate chronic mitral valve regurgitation, you
may never develop symptoms. If you have moderate-to-severe disease, you may not
have symptoms for decades. Depending on the severity of your mitral valve
regurgitation and condition of your heart, you may not develop symptoms of
heart failure for many years.
appear as the
left ventricle expands to accommodate the larger
amount of blood (volume overload) flowing into the chamber. The larger the left
ventricle, the more advanced the MR. Symptoms include:
Acute mitral valve regurgitation is an emergency. Symptoms of acute
mitral valve regurgitation appear suddenly. Most people who develop acute MR
are already in the hospital or emergency room because of another heart problem.
Symptoms include severe shortness of
breath, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, and chest pain.
Risk factors for
mitral valve regurgitation (MR) include:
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you or a person you are with has:
Call a doctor immediately if you
Watchful waiting is a
wait-and-see approach. If you do not have symptoms of MR, your doctor will
still want to see you every 6 to 12 months or as soon as you have symptoms for
the first time. If your doctor has talked with you about what to do if you have
symptoms, follow your doctor's instructions. Contact your doctor if your
symptoms get worse.
professionals who can evaluate symptoms that may be related to mitral valve
regurgitation include:
They frequently can also order the tests needed for
further evaluation of symptoms.
mitral valve regurgitation (MR) can be difficult to
diagnose. It is a "quiet" condition and often has no symptoms, or your symptoms
may be confused with other heart-related conditions.
Chronic MR is
often diagnosed during a routine checkup or a visit to the doctor for another
condition. A
heart murmur may be the first sign leading your doctor
to the diagnosis, especially if you have no other symptoms.
MR causes sudden symptoms and is much less common than chronic mitral valve
regurgitation. It is usually diagnosed while you are already hospitalized or in
the emergency room.
When your doctor suspects you have MR, he or
she will discuss your medical history, do a physical exam, and likely
order tests to check your heart. Your doctor uses the information to find out how severe your MR is. For more information, see Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Severity.
find out the severity of your MR, your doctor will ask you to describe the
symptoms you are experiencing, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest
During the physical exam, the doctor will take your blood
pressure, check your pulse, listen to your heart and lungs, look at the veins
in your neck (jugular veins), and check your legs and feet for fluid buildup
Echocardiogram (sometimes called an echo or
echocardiography) is a type of
ultrasound exam. It helps your doctor find out how severe your MR is. Also, echocardiography can help
determine whether the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) is
functioning properly, whether any structural problems exist that may affect the
mitral valve, and whether the chambers of the heart are enlarged.
electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is a test that measures
the electrical signals that control the rhythm of your heartbeat.
Although the EKG may reveal abnormal electrical activity
in the heart, further testing is often still needed to find out the severity
of MR and to confirm whether MR is causing enlargement of the left ventricle.
The result of an EKG is often normal in people who have mild MR.
chest X-ray may be done to evaluate heart size and to
assess symptoms of MR, such as shortness of breath. Calcium deposits on the
heart valves may sometimes be seen on a chest X-ray.
Cardiac catheterization, a test that evaluates
your heart and heart (coronary) arteries, may be done to:
How often you see your
doctor and what tests are done will be determined by how severe your chronic
mitral valve regurgitation is.
Severity of mitral regurgitation
Suggestions for monitoring and tracking
Treatment for chronic mitral valve regurgitation (MR) includes monitoring
your heart function and symptoms, as well as treating symptoms as they develop.
If MR becomes severe, the mitral valve will need to be repaired or replaced.
Treatment for acute MR is immediate. Medicines and
urgent surgery are usually needed.
Treatment depends on whether
you have symptoms or complications, and how severe the regurgitation is.
Monitoring. If you don't have
symptoms and you only have mild-to-moderate regurgitation, your doctor may only
monitor your heart and valve function with an
The echocardiogram uses
painless ultrasound waves to check how well your heart is pumping blood (ejection fraction) and to measure the size of your
left ventricle. The smaller the ejection fraction, the harder your heart must
work to pump a sufficient volume of blood.
Medicine. Your doctor may prescribe
medicines to relieve symptoms or treat complications. For more information, see Medications.
Surgery. Valve repair or replacement surgery might be recommended if:1
For more information, see Surgery.
Initial treatment for acute MR
includes medicines as needed to stabilize your condition.
If medicines don't help, an
intra-aortic balloon pump may be used for a short time to help circulate blood and ease the workload on your heart. Surgery is done immediately to replace or repair the valve.
mitral valve regurgitation (MR) develops slowly. And
most people go years without having any symptoms. Before symptoms start, your
condition may not be serious and you generally feel good. But even during this
time, MR is doing irreversible damage to your heart. Because of this ongoing
damage, your doctor may suggest surgery before you start having symptoms.
Although it may be difficult to think about surgery when you feel well, not
having surgery could lead to
heart failure.
You will begin to have
symptoms of chronic MR when your heart begins to weaken. A variety of medicines
are available to treat your symptoms as MR progresses and to prevent
People with mitral valve
regurgitation sometimes develop serious complications including:
Watch for symptoms. After you are
diagnosed with
mitral valve regurgitation (MR), it is important to
watch for symptoms of
heart failure. These symptoms show that your heart
is weakening and MR is getting worse. Symptoms of heart failure include
shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in your feet and ankles. If new
symptoms develop or if your symptoms become worse, call your doctor.
Be active. You may need to be cautious about physical activity if you have
symptoms, irregular heart rhythms, or changes in your heart size or function.
But regular activity, even low-level activity such as walking, will help keep
your heart healthy. If you want to start being more active, talk to your doctor
first. Your doctor will help you create a safe exercise plan. For more information, see Mitral Valve Regurgitation and Exercise.
Limit sodium. Your
doctor may advise you to limit sodium in your diet. If you consume too much
salt, it will cause your body to retain excess fluid. Most of the sodium in our
diets comes from processed foods, not the salt shaker. Foods to avoid include
potato chips, pretzels, salted nuts, processed meats and cheeses, pizza, canned
soups, canned vegetables, olives, fast foods, and frozen dinners (unless the
label clearly states the product is low-sodium).
When you are
grocery shopping, check labels carefully for sodium content. Your doctor may
advise you to limit salt to less than 2,300 mg a day. Add more fresh fruit and
vegetables to your diet to replace foods high in sodium. Read labels carefully
to identify
sources of hidden sodium in your diet.
Prevent endocarditis.
Take good care of your teeth, and see your dentist regularly. If you have an
artificial valve, you may need to take
antibiotics before you have certain
dental or surgical procedures. The antibiotics help
prevent an infection in your heart called
Medicines do not prevent or correct the
damage to the heart caused by
mitral valve regurgitation (MR). In chronic regurgitation, they might be used in some people to reduce the severity of regurgitation. Or they might be used to treat complications of mitral regurgitation. In acute regurgitation, medicine is used as emergency treatment before surgery.
chronic MR, you probably won't need medicines unless you have symptoms.
People with
chronic and severe MR who also have an enlarged, abnormally functioning
left ventricle may not benefit from mitral valve
surgery and are often treated with medicines to try to relieve their symptoms.
Depending on the severity of their MR, some older people may also be treated
with medicines because they may not be good candidates for surgery. That's because they are at greater risk for developing complications
during or following surgery.
Vasodilators. You might take these medicines if you have symptoms or high blood pressure or if your heart is not pumping blood as well as normal.
Antibiotics. If you have an
artificial valve, you may need to take
antibiotics before you have certain
dental or surgical procedures. The antibiotics help
prevent an infection in your heart called
endocarditis. You will likely take antibiotics
after surgery to repair or replace a valve. If you
have had rheumatic fever, you may take antibiotics to avoid getting it again.
Medicine after surgery. If you have surgery for mitral regurgitation, you will likely take a blood thinner. Blood thinners prevent blood clots. Blood thinners include antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin, or anticoagulant medicine, such as warfarin. You may need to take this medicine for the rest of your life.
In acute MR, medicines are used in the hospital to
stabilize your condition until you can have surgery to replace or repair the
Vasodilators such as nitroprusside help reduce the
amount of blood flowing back into the left atrium.
Diuretics help reduce workload on the heart.
Medicines are used to prevent or treat complications of mitral regurgitation such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. For more information, see the topics:
If your chronicmitral valve regurgitation (MR) becomes severe or you
have symptoms of
heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling,
and fatigue, surgery to
repair or replace your mitral valve will be needed.
Surgery is usually delayed if no
symptoms or signs of heart failure are present. Your doctor will check for symptoms and check your heart during your regular visits. If follow-up tests show
enlargement or abnormal function of the left ventricle, then the doctor usually
recommends surgery.
Some doctors believe it's best to repair or replace the valve before you
develop severe symptoms, because it leads to better long-term health. On the
other hand, surgery is a major procedure that has its own risks and
complications. Even if you have no symptoms, talk to your doctor about the
benefits of surgery and about your heart's condition, your age, and your
overall health.
With acute MR, urgent surgery to
repair or replace the valve is usually needed. In some cases, surgery to
correct the cause of acute MR may also be needed.
Repair is typically preferred over replacement. The
decision between repairing or replacing the valve depends on the type of damage
you have. For more information, see the topic Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Repair or Replace the Valve.
If mitral valve repair is done before the heart is severely damaged by the faulty valve,
most people have excellent short- and long-term results.1
To repair the valve, the
surgeon may:
replacement, the badly damaged valve is removed and a mechanical (plastic or
metal) or bioprosthetic valve (usually made from pig tissue) is sewn into
place. Before you have valve replacement surgery, you and your doctor will decide on which type of valve is right for you.
For more information, see:
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons provides patient information on surgeries of the chest and throat that are done by cardiothoracic surgeons. These surgeries include heart, lung, and throat surgery. The patient information section of the website describes diseases, surgeries, patient options, and what to expect after surgery. And using the website, you can search for surgeons in your area.
Visit the American Heart Association (AHA) website for information on
physical activity, diet, and various heart-related conditions. You can search for information on heart disease and stroke, share information with friends and family, and use tools to help you make heart-healthy goals and plans. Contact the AHA to find your
nearest local or state AHA group. The AHA provides brochures and information
about support groups and community programs, including Mended Hearts, a
nationwide organization whose members visit people with heart problems and
provide information and support.
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHLBI) information center offers information and publications about preventing
and treating:
CitationsBonow RO, et al. (2008). 2008 Focused update incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 Guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing committee to revise the 1998 Guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease). Circulation, 118(15):Other Works ConsultedAdams DH, et al. (2011). Mitral valve regurgitation. In V Fuster et al., eds., Hurst's The Heart, 13th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1721–1737. New York: McGraw-Hill.Badiwala MV, et al. (2009). Surgical management of ischemic mitral valve regurgitation. Circulation, 120(12): 1287–1293.Bonow RO, et al. (2008). 2008 Focused update incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 Guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing committee to revise the 1998 Guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease). Circulation, 118(15):Oakley RE, et al. (2008). Choice of prosthetic heart valve in today's practice. Circulation, 117(2): 253–256.Otto CM, Bonow RO (2012). Valvular heart disease. In RO Bonow et al., eds., Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 9th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1468–1539. Philadelphia: Saunders.Rodriguez L, Gillinov AM (2007). Mitral valve disease. In EJ Topol, ed., Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.Stout KK, Verrier ED (2009). Acute valvular regurgitation. Circulation, 119(25): 3232–3241.Whitlock RP, et al. (2012). Antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy for valvular disease: Antithrombotic therapy and prevention of thrombosis, 9th ed.—American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest, 141(2, Suppl): e576S–e600S.
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Last Revised:
November 29, 2011
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
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Top Cars
7 Great Fuel-Efficient Small Sedans
Are you looking to save money by purchasing a new, small sedan that gets great gas mileage? If so, you've come to the right place: We've listed seven of our favorite fuel-efficient small sedans that combine important traits like affordability, equipment and reliability with some of the best gas mileage available.
Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
The compact Chevrolet Cruze sedan now offers a diesel model -- and, as far as small sedans go, it's one of the most fuel-efficient around. Despite a surprisingly muscular 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque, the Cruze Diesel manages to return 27 miles per gallon in the city and 46 mpg on the highway, which are excellent figures for a diesel-powered compact sedan. And while this sedan's price is a little steep (starting around $25,500 with shipping), we appreciate its impressive list of standard equipment, which features leather upholstery, heated seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Find a Chevrolet Cruze for sale
Dodge Dart AERO
The Dodge Dart AERO is the most fuel-efficient model in the compact Dodge Dart sedan family. Offering gas-saving features like active grille shutters and low-rolling resistance tires, the Dart (at 28 mpg city/42 mpg hwy) boasts figures that place its gas mileage near hybrids and the miserly Volkswagen Jetta TDI. But the Dart's pricing isn't quite as steep as those models, with a starting figure of around $21,000 with shipping. And despite its very competitive price, the Dart AERO includes many lavish features -- there's a standard 8.4-in touchscreen, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a USB port.
Ford Focus SFE
The Ford Focus SFE (for "super fuel economy") is the pick of the Ford lineup when it comes to fuel-efficient small sedans. Offered only with an automatic transmission, the Focus SFE returns 28 mpg city/40 mpg hwy, which are excellent numbers for a car that isn't aided by diesel or hybrid power. The Focus SFE also includes luxury touches like automatic headlights, 16-in aerodynamic wheels, Bluetooth, Ford's SYNC system and cruise control, all for just over $20,000 with shipping.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic Hybrid has always been overshadowed by Toyota's slightly larger Prius, which offers better gas mileage and slightly more interior room. But the Prius is a hatchback -- and in a listing of fuel-efficient sedans, the Civic Hybrid will always warrant a mention. Not only does it combine traditional Civic traits like durability and easy-to-use controls, the Civic Hybrid also boasts an impressive 44 mpg city/47 mpg hwy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The Civic Hybrid also starts at just $25,500, which is a reasonable figure considering its gas mileage and standard equipment like keyless ignition and entry, a 7-in touchscreen and Honda's LaneWatch blind spot camera.
Find a Honda Civic Hybrid for sale
The latest Mazda3 is one of our favorite small sedans, due to its ability to combine an excellent driving experience and handsome styling with practical features and stellar gas mileage. Pricing isn't so bad, either: The Mazda3 starts around $18,000 with shipping for a base model, which returns up to 29 mpg city/41 mpg hwy thanks to an efficient 155-hp 4-cylinder engine. And if you want more luxury, the Mazda3 delivers -- drivers can add high-end options like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Toyota Corolla LE Eco
The Corolla LE Eco isn't a hybrid, and it doesn't offer a diesel engine. But it still manages to boast some of the best fuel economy in the small sedan world: 30 mpg city/42 mpg hwy, the same figures as the diesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Its pricing is a little more competitive than the Jetta's, however, with a starting MSRP of around $19,500 that includes automatic climate control, a backup camera, Bluetooth and a 6-in touchscreen. Rounding out Corolla LE Eco benefits: the sedan boasts a totally new look for 2014, both inside and out.
Find a Toyota Corolla for sale
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The diesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta TDI is an excellent car for shoppers who want to maximize their fuel economy -- especially if they spend a lot of time on the highway. That's because the Jetta TDI's impressive city gas mileage rating of 30 mpg is trumped by an even more enticing 42 mpg hwy, a figure that places the Jetta TDI ahead of nearly every other car in its class. Best of all, the compact Jetta straddles the midsize sedan line when it comes to cargo room, interior volume and features like an available power sunroof, a navigation system and a high-end Fender-branded sound system -- though it maintains a compact car-like base price of $22,000 with shipping.

subset: commoncrawl


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Diane Sawyer to Anchor a Special One-Hour Edition of "World News" from Port Au Prince, Haiti
ABC News Special: "Earthquake Haiti: The Race to Save a Country" to Air Tonight at 8:00 p.m., ET
ABC News will continue its comprehensive coverage of the Haiti earthquake tonight, Thursday January 14th with a special one-hour edition of "ABC World News with Diane Sawyer" followed by the ABC News special, "Earthquake Haiti: The Race to Save a Country," anchored by Diane Sawyer in Haiti and George Stephanopoulos and Elizabeth Vargas in New York, at 8:00 p.m., ET.
Note: This program replaces the "Grey's Anatomy" episode previously scheduled.
Diane Sawyer will anchor "World News" from Port au Prince, Haiti. The broadcast will include the latest information on the scope of the disaster as well as aid and rescue efforts in Haiti, with reports from "Good Morning America" Anchor Robin Roberts, "GMA Weekend" Anchor Kate Snow, "World News Sunday" Anchor Dan Harris, Senior Heath and Medical Editor Richard Besser and Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz. "World News Saturday" Anchor David Muir and Barbara Pinto will report on American efforts to help Haiti and its people.
"Earthquake Haiti: The Race to Save a Country" will be anchored by Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos and Elizabeth Vargas. The hour-long special will feature additional reporting from ABC News anchors and correspondents on the scene in Haiti. "20/20" co-anchor Chris Cuomo will report from "Little Haiti" in Miami, FL, where families are still holding out hope that their loved ones have survived, as they await news and information from Haiti.
On Friday, January 15 "20/20," anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and Chris Cuomo, will be devoted to the earthquake in Haiti.
Jon Banner is the executive producer of "World News." David Sloan and John Green are the executive producers of "Earthquake Haiti: Race to Save a Country"


text:
Open Season
Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet
Waking Sleeping Beauty
The Lion King
Beauty and the Beast
Oliver and Company
The Emperor's New Groove
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
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Live the adventures of a genius inventor robot named Rodney Copperbottom as he moves to the big city to work for the company founded by his childhood hero. When Rodney uncovers a villain's plot to take over the city, the brave young bot, with the help of his new friends, overcomes all obstacles to realize his dreams -- and make the world a better place for all robots. Take wild rides in fast-paced robot vehicles, upgrade your gadgets with cooler, more useful parts, and team up with your trusty Wonderbot to solve challenging puzzles, battle evil bots, and explore a highly interactive 3D universe that brings the world of Robots the Movie to life.
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Cessna 152 vs. LSA: Vintage Wins the Day
On the flight training line, ancient 152s can still be more profitable, chiefly because LSAs lack a mature parts chain and repair support infrastructure.
It's fair to say the entire foundation of the GA industry was built on the back of the dowdy Cessna 150 and 152. But even the newest of these airframes date to aviation's Jurassic age. Some in the industry thought the light sport wave would fill the need for new airframes as the old 150s and 172s become uneconomical to operate. To a degree, that has happened, but the wave has been more of a ripple than a tsunami. LSA sales have been modest at best and these airplanes have proven more kite-like than even the venerable Piper Cub. Flight schools have found LSA economics less attractive than was originally thought and maintaining an old Cessna is just more profitable.
To put some numbers on these otherwise vague sentiments, we recently visited a busy commercial flight school near Dallas�U.S. Aviation Group�which operates both older 152s and newer LSAs, specifically the Remos line. We flew both airplanes, compared their flight characteristics and spoke with the staff about their impressions of teaching in both.
U.S. Aviation is headquartered at Denton, Texas, tucked in under the Dallas-Fort Worth Class B airspace. It's a relative rarity�a recently organized flight school that's a full-service business, including light and heavy maintenance, avionics, training, charter and an in-house engine overhaul shop. It was founded by three aviation-interested investors six years ago and has grown rapidly enough to employ more than 170 people in a sprawling facility in Denton and a second in Hondo, Texas.
U.S. Aviation specializes in training foreign students, including Chinese nationals. A lot of them. When we visited in early March of 2012, more than 100 Chinese students were enrolled in various phases of training. The company's general manager, Jeff Soules, told us these pilots are exposed to intense, drink-from-a-firehouse training that takes them from zero to 250 hours, a commercial ticket with instrument rating and 20 hours of turbine time in about 10 months. The school's two dozen or so Cessna 152s�in fact, all of its airplanes�are constantly on the move and the maintenance shop is hopping with mechanics to keep them airworthy.
What we found most intriguing about this operation is how well it tracks every dime that goes in and out and every maintenance metric that can be measured. Given the large number of hours flown, U.S. Aviation struck us as the ideal laboratory for a hardnosed comparison of old-school 152s against new-age LSAs.
With 77 aircraft in the fleet, Jeff Soules told us the company's aircraft choices are driven by cost, availability and dispatchability and it gains by having fleet commonality. Nonetheless, it decided to try the LSA route because these airplanes are new, more technologically advanced than the older Cessnas and because selling airplanes is part of its business strategy.
Before 2008, when LSA sales looked promising, U.S. tilted toward two LSAs, the Breezer and the Remos G3, both German imports. Soules said U.S. Aviation liked the G3 because it has slightly better payload than other LSAs they shopped. "You can carry a couple of people with no problem. We found them to be a stable airplane to fly," he says.
Although would-be buyers and LSA companies complain that banks are reticent to finance light sport purchases, U.S. Aviation didn't have this problem, probably because it's well capitalized and can show a lender a positive� P and L. As part of its continuing expansion, U.S. Aviation put a couple of new G3s on the line in 2008. Soules told us the airplanes were well received if not enthusiastically sought after. They liked the G3's folding-wing option, which they put to use in trailering the airplanes around to various promotional events. "We had an airplane at the Dallas boat show. We had one at one of the malls for most of December," he said. You can't do that with a 152.
But from the purchasing point of view, the G3 and the other LSAs are at a significant disadvantage compared to legacy 152s or 172s. "In the LSA market, you put a lot of money down up front, wait a few months and they start to build your airplane," Soules says. That ties up capital but, more important, you can't fly what you don't have. "You just can't make money like that," he says. In buying a 152, says Soules, U.S. Aviation shops the used market, makes a deal and gets the airplane on line quickly.
There are tradeoffs. There aren't many, if any, cherry 152s out there and cosmetically, the legacy trainers won't win best of show. "Before we even put them on the line, we do about $10,000 worth of work on them," says Soules. "We put in a Garmin radio, we paint them. We do any repairs to bring them to our standards."
Cost wise, you can buy 152s all day for about $20,000 to $25,000 plus or minus 20 percent. Add another $15,000 for upgrades and perhaps even an engine overhaul and you're into the airplane for $35,000 to $40,000, less than a third of the cost of a new LSA. We asked if U.S. Aviation views the supply of used 152s as sustainable for the long haul. Is there a shortage of serviceable 152s?
"Right now, no," says Soules. "But I think there's going to be. You know, South American buyers are going after these airplanes. I bought one for $24,000 that the seller had listed for less than that. We've gone as far as California and Florida to pick them up and truck them back." Despite their age, support for these airplanes remains good. U.S. Aviation has a large, computer-inventoried parts system and neither Soules nor the maintainers we spoke to suggested that the 152s or older 172s go AOG for lack of parts.
But that's not the case for the LSAs. It's not so much availability of parts for the newer airplanes, although that can be a spotty problem, so much as it is documented procedures to repair things that break. And that's where LSA costs spiral out of competition.
Maintenance Delta
U.S. Aviation presented us with a detailed spreadsheet comparing direct operating costs�maintenance and fuel only�for all the airplanes in its fleet. It has accurate tracking for these numbers because the company's mechanics keep careful tabs on both the hours spent slinging wrenches and time burned to chase parts and doing the paperwork necessary to keep the FAA happy.
That's where the numbers run off the rails. Soules' spreadsheet showed direct hourly costs for the Cessna 152s to be $27.80 per hour, not including the engine reserve. Block fuel burns are 5.2 GPH at about $5.15 per gallon, so call that $55 per operating hour, plus engine reserves of $9 an hour. Our estimate of the all-in total is about $64 an hour, if the engine is outsourced for overhaul.
Scrolling down the columns for the LSAs�U.S. Aviation lumps the Breezer and Remos together, since the costs are similar�revealed a maintenance cost of $69 per hour and block fuel burns of 3 GPH for a total of $84.45. Add the Rotax engine reserve ($11) and the total is about $96�$32 more than the 152s or 50 percent. (Later Rotax engines, with 2000-hour TBOs, reduce this $3 per hour.) These numbers don't include the capital costs of buying a new airplane against an older airframe. What's going on here? Do the LSAs break so much more often than the 152s to drive the costs this much higher. Or are parts more expensive?
Neither, really. The higher costs relate to the way maintenance happens at a busy flight school. Dispatch reliability is everything and when an airplane goes down for maintenance, the less time it's down, the better. But Soules told us the Rotax-powered LSAs soak up more time for� routine scheduled maintenance. "An oil change on a Rotax isn't difficult," he says, "but it takes just a little longer than it does on the O-235."
But the larger component of the higher LSA costs probably relates to the paper chase, according to Nathan Probst, who is the LSA go-to guy at U.S. Aviation. "The problem is that the manufacturers may have the guidelines out there for maintenance, but they're not the best at making sure you can get them," Probst says. "Part of the reason is that a lot of the LSAs are made overseas. They're coming from the Czech Republic, from Australia and from Germany. The support over there may be fine, but it's not here." Parts can be a problem, more in delay in getting them than in getting them at all. Delays also accrue from having to do repairs not listed in what may be a sketchy repair manual to begin with.
"So the snag you run into there," adds Probst, "is that you have to get a letter of authorization for the repair. What's in the maintenance manual is the bare minimum according to ASTM."� But quality of the documentation varies widely, says Probst, with companies like Jabiru and Remos near the top, but others less so. U.S. Aviation does volume work on LSAs outside its own fleet, and is approved to repair most LSAs.
When the repair manual offers no solutions, that entails not just contacting the company to obtain the LOA, but finding the right person who can or even will respond. Meanwhile, the airplane just collects dust. This sort of thing might not be much of an issue for a private owner who can tolerate an AOG airplane for a few days or even weeks, but a flight school doesn't have that luxury. By comparison, legacy Cessnas can be repaired flexibly using accepted practices well-established in Cessna documentation or in advisory circulars. For the would-be LSA maintainer, the process is fuzzier and improvisation is much less certain. The FAA gives no prizes for creative maintenance solutions.
Theoretically, as the LSA industry matures, shouldn't it get better at providing the kind of documentation that Cessna developed over 50 years? "Absolutely, it should," says Soules. But who's supposed to fund that learning curve? If U.S. Aviation doubled down on its LSA fleet, it would have much higher capital and investment costs and significantly higher hourly operating costs in return for�what?
Does New Matter?
We asked Soules if it mattered to his customers if an airplane was new or 30 years old. Does the cosmetic condition of the airplane have a bearing in attracting new students? His answer was a qualified no. The core of U.S. Aviation's market is contract foreign training, mostly from China. It gets some local flight training prospects who may or may not be attracted to shiny new versus rough around the edges. But neither Soules nor the company's in-house examiner, Howard Hurlbut, were sure they could detect such a preference.
For flight hours bought in block time, U.S. offers its 152s at $90 per hour and the LSAs for $95 an hour. Soules says he thinks the LSAs should probably be billed at closer to $110, almost what it charges for a Cessna 172. The G3 we flew in was a steam-gauge airplane and we asked if a slick glass panel might prove more attractive to foreign students.
"No," said Soules, without hesitation. "The graduates coming out of this school will probably never see another light sport or light airplane. They'll go straight into an Airbus or a Boeing." Those aircraft will likely be glass airplanes, but with systems that bear no resemblance to a Dynon or Garmin system. Besides, he adds, adding the task of mastering a glass system slows for a zero-time student's� learning of the stick-and-rudder skills necessary to solo an airplane. (And the LSAs' twitchy control forces make soloing a little harder, too.)
None of the foregoing suggests that light sport airplanes can't or don't have a role in the training market. We have spoken to operators who are succeeding with them, especially those plying the recreational market where glass panels and shiny white paint matter more than they might with young Chinese students just learning to fly.
But there's little question that in the training role, LSAs aren't cheaper, despite their lower fuel burn. Even though the lower fuel burns can be offset further by using mogas, higher capital costs and less efficient maintenance flow keeps costs higher. It remains to be seen if costs will come down as LSAs age, just as they have with legacy Cessnas. A more mature parts and support chain would help.
But say this about an old 152 with 8000 hours, of which U.S. Aviation has several: It has stood the test of time. These airplanes have been beat mercilessly for 30 or more years and not only are they still flying, they're still making money. If you're in the flight training business, isn't that the point? Find out more about U.S. Aviation Group at USAviation.aero and 866-383-2400.
This article first appeared in the April 2012 issue of Aviation Consumer magazine.


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Where to shop for kids and teens on Long Island
We found top spots to find on-trend basics that work for every grade.
Geared to girls in high school and college, the store tries to stay trendy but affordable, says owner and buyer Laura Greenfield. "We really help you pick out outfits and put things together," she says. "Our stylists are trained. I train them myself."
WHAT'S HOT: Graphic T-shirts for girls are in, as are beaded Lokai bracelets, Greenfield says, adding that rompers will continue to be popular worn with tights. The stores carry brands such as Free People, Articles of Society, and Tractor.
INFO: 6401 Jericho Tpke., Commack Peppertree Commons, 631-499-4100
Lester's, which also has stores in Manhattan, Rye Brook and Brooklyn, is most popular with tweens, says divisional merchandise manager Jill Oralevich, but the store sells baby through adult sizes for both males and females.
WHAT'S HOT: For girls, the store is seeing "tons of fringe," Oralevich says, as well as lots of plaids and camouflage, too. The onesie fleece jumpsuits will most likely go from summer camp through to the first days of school, she notes.
INFO: 90 Northern Blvd., Greenvale, 516-626-1161
Please Mom
Please Mom caters to boys and girls from newborn up to size 16 with a selection of clothing, accessories, backpacks and lunchboxes.
WHAT'S HOT: Little girls still love their back-to-school dresses, says Jaime Horowitz, co-owner of Please Mom, but also are buying lots of soft fleece outfits. Big hair bows are still in, and puffy down coats are already on the racks. Small furballs on keychains to clip onto backpacks are also a hit, she says. Boys' clothes feature sports-related sweatshirts and flannel shirts, she says.
INFO: 7915 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury (516-496-4441); 1022 Willis Ave., Albertson (516-621-2450)
Zoey's carries clothing for girls of late elementary age through middle school and high school, sizes 6 to 16 and juniors.
WHAT'S HOT: Owner Angelo Zeck says he can't keep Karma bracelets, Flying Monkey jeans, So Nikki clothing or anything with emojis in the store.
INFO: 5500 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa, 516-795-3244
Ruby and Jenna
Teen girls are the biggest customers at Ruby and Jenna stores, five of which are on Long Island, says owner Barbara Lubel. She says she chooses merchandise that reflects what is happening in the fashion world, but is not overly trendy.
WHAT'S HOT: Colors for the fall are olive and burgundy, Lubel says. "Plaids are still around, oversized. . . . Casual wear is still super important for kids." Fringe and faux suede and leather are also popping up, she says, as are casual dresses worn with sneakers.
INFO: Four locations: 1018 Old Country Rd., Garden City (516-794-5939); 377A S. Oyster Bay Rd., Plainview (516-933-7175); 3521 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside (516-544-2315); 433 Glen Cove Rd., East Hills (516-801-3444; 60 Jobs Lane, Southampton (631-283-1915, Only open May through October).
Max & Gino's
The sportswear store focuses on middle-school girls growing out of the "cutesy" stage, manager Kelly Ford says. The store's own unisex brand, Butter Supersoft, is one of its biggest sellers of items like hoodies and sweatpants. "The designs are really cool, not just basic solids," Ford says. "Some are tie-dyed and dip-dyed."
WHAT'S HOT: Girls are looking for graphic tees with flannel button-down shirts. Denim jeans are softer and broken in with rips, says Ford. Customers also like the soft T-shirts from Los Angeles brand Lauren Moshi and knit sweaters, she says.
INFO: Three stores: 1317 Broadway, Hewlett (516-295-6895); 7911 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury (516-364-1700); 160 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station (631-271-1144).
Linda's G2G
This store is situated between the middle school and high school in Port Washington, so kids in the neighborhood know about it, says owner Linda Levinger. The store carries popular brand names for girls such as Wildfox, a vintage-inspired knitwear line. The store posts some of its new merchandise on Instagram daily so kids can show their parents their favorites.
WHAT'S HOT: Lots of vegan fur and leather, tops and jackets with thumbholes and shredded jeans.
INFO: 1013 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, 516-767-0071


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Live Fully, Breathe Deeply, Eat Simply Quote Wall Tapestry
Small: 51" X 60" ($44.99)
Our lightweight Wall Tapestries feature vivid colors and crisp lines, giving you an awesome centerpiece for any space. Our tapestries aren't just wall hangings either - they're durable enough to use as tablecloths or picnic blankets. Tip: try searching for mandalas, florals, black, pink or any of your favorite colors or styles.
- Available in three sizes
- 100% lightweight polyester with hand-sewn finishes
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- Machine wash with cold water on gentle cycle
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This quote, "live fully, breathe deeply, eat simply" is my personal mantra, well, among many! But it's an essential mantra that I need to tap into when life gets me down.
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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
by Terry Duffy
Legacy Drive, green space, zoning, recreation, water and CWM issues were among a host of items covered at an active Lewiston Town Board regular meeting, Monday night at Town Hall.
The session opened with a public hearing on the Legacy Drive acquisition matter. A years-old discussion issue, the town of late has been seeking eminent domain of an 81-by-150-foot parcel of Legacy Drive that has seen the road completed and structures built but never occupied, and the road never actually dedicated due to a title issue.
The situation became aggravated following the death of developer Benjamin Siccoli and disagreements among family members. Its status today is that of a non-used "paper street" with earlier constructed buildings falling into disrepair, thus prompting the town to seek action.
Attorney John Blair of Blair and Roach LLP of Niagara Falls, the lone speaker, appeared on behalf of the estate and told Town Board members, "We believe there are alternatives" to the town's seeking eminent domain status. Blair said that, while the matter remains in dispute, family interests are still pursuing alternative options to resolve the matter, including access and egress changes to the parcel. "(We see the town's) eminent domain process as a waste of taxpayer money, as well as a conflict with the private objectives of Siccoli interests," Blair told the board.
Board members took his comments into consideration as they elected to table the matter for a period of 90 days before making a final decision. But they did approve related resolutions, including the town accepting "lead agency" status; a determination on whether such an eminent domain would serve the public interest of the town; and acceptance of a "short" environmental assessment form en route to a negative declaration of the property.
It is now tabled for further review.
In public comments, the issue of surplus green space and the town's attempts to sell these parcels off was revisited when residents of the Lewistowne Park subdivision appeared before the board with questions. The Town Board had recently approved the sale of one parcel of town-owned green space on Powell Lane to Coppins family interests and is moving toward the disposition of other similar lands in the subdivision it now views as declared surplus, hard-to-maintain properties, and liabilities to the town.
However, one resident who spoke said he felt differently. Robert Schule of Sara Court, speaking on behalf of other residents who joined him that evening, told Supervisor Steve Reiter and the board members the "forever green element" was a selling feature that Giusiana developers of Lewistowne Park used in their selling enticement to buyers. "The privacy element (of that parcel and similar lands) influenced my purchase," said Schule, also telling the board that the town's latest move has the potential to negatively impact the property and any resale value.
Reiter and Town Attorney Mike Dowd responded that after much discussion the town decided it would be in its best interests to divest itself of the properties; that the green space/recreational intents of the developer were never realized and the lands, now overgrown and poorly maintained were a liability. Dowd said the town views the alternative of selling the lands as its best option.
Reiter said that the developer's earlier vision of the green space to what it has become today is far different. "It's turned into a nightmare," said Reiter, telling the resident of the town's problems of maintaining trees, of overgrowth problems and access, not to mention that some residents also have taken action to modify some green spaces on their own with sheds, etc. "There has been a lot things done to the green space beyond what it was intended for," said Reiter. He told the resident the town is moving ahead with surveys and notices will be provided to affected neighboring property owners on options to purchase lands.
"We've come to a point where we had to do something," added Town Councilman Ernie Palmer.
Attorney Joe Leone, a Lewistowne Park resident and a former town attorney told the board he supported the town's latest moves, but suggested the town consider adding a conservation easement to prevent any future negative impact on the lands.
Another topic heard in comments involved town-wide rezoning amendments now in the process of being finalized by the town. Resident Amy Witryol told the board she supported conditional approval of its rezoning, providing it modify rezoning of "unique properties" owned by the town up in the Lake Ontario Ordnance Works area, plus the U.S. government-owned Niagara Falls Storage Site. In her comments Witryol said she supported the town, "Approve the zoning and map conditioned on:
"The town's directive that within 30 days, the consultant (Wendel Engineers) shall propose cleaner zoning alternatives for the Niagara Falls Storage site and three unique properties located on the former Lake Ontario Ordnance Works Site owned by the Town of Lewiston, Niagara Mohawk (now known as National Grid) and Chemical Waste Management LLC."
In a resolution later that evening on zoning codification by Councilman Al Bax, the board approved the addition of the LOOW classifications suggested by Witryol plus language on the exemptions.
Moving on to other discussion matters:
•Reiter provided a synopsis on the town's recreation/senior building schedule "if all goes perfectly." He said the Lewiston-Porter Board of Education had reviewed and modified a letter of intent on the sale of the land that fronts Lew-Port High School. Reiter said the town had requested the district reduce the sale price in half, which it did. He also said agreements were made regarding priority of future use of the center by Lew-Port versus that of a paying customer.
He said the town would be moving on its intent to assume lead agency status, and that solicitation letters would be sent to "other agencies" to gauge their intents or interests regarding the center, if any.
And he said that a 30-day public comment period would follow and emphasized that funding would be provided completely via the Niagara Greenway Commission "with no impact on individual taxpayers." Further, Reiter said he approached both the Town of Porter and the Lew-Port District regarding support/funding of the project and both responded positively.
•In another recreation matter, it was reported the Lewiston Family Ice Rink, thanks "to the generosity of our sponsors and continued interest and attendance at the rink," would in operation until Feb. 10, with a "Learn to Curl" exercise set for Feb. 2 and the town to begin shutdown on Feb. 10. Councilman Mike Marra said Recreation Director Mike Dashineau informed him the town would be able to operate the rink "on a weather-dependent basis."
Daily updates for rink usage and hours can be found at http://www.lewportsports.com/.
•Reiter noted the confusion presented in an earlier Niagara Gazette article on water consolidation discussions between the town and Village of Lewiston, and wished to clarify a few issues. Noting a disputed area of cost, he said that for a village property valued at $100,000 the actual cost under town control would be $111.97 per 6,400 cubic units of water usage versus the current $227.20 paid to the village.
"I'm looking for a fair way of how we can help them out with our power discounts," said Reiter. "The town has nothing to gain here, other than opportunity to save village residents money."
And regarding questions over winter water usage/billing for "snowbirds," Reiter said all that an affected resident would need to do is simply notify the town of an upcoming prolonged absence and the town would shut off water service to the property with no cost involved.
Reiter said the town would be working at resolving its misunderstandings with the village on this matter in coming months.
•Finally moving to the CWM issue and money received from the company in support of ice rink operations, Reiter reiterated the town's stance on opposition to any future CWM expansion efforts.
"Recently the town accepted a donation from Waste Management," Reiter began. "And there was a lot of discourse about conflict of interest ... so I would ask that once again, we resolve our stand against the expansion of the landfill ... and I would say that 'whereas the advertisement on behalf of the town appeared in the Lewiston-Porter Sentinel on Dec. 3, 2012 (actually it was Dec. 8), be it resolved it continues to be the Town of Lewiston's position that it is firmly against the continued expansion of commercial hazardous waste landfilling in Niagara County and we view that as adverse to the area's economic and public health.' "
Reiter made the motion, which was seconded by Palmer.
In his remarks, Palmer stated he opposed CWM expansion and said the controversy raised by the $5,000 donation was understandable. "But I think this organization, which explicitly lowers the quality of life in this area, should be giving contributions to programs that benefit our children," said Palmer. "I think it's incumbent on them and others who disrupt our quality of life to at least try to pay back the community, even it's a token $5,000. At least it's something. I would hope that in the future we would see more community responsibility from organizations like Waste Management. So therefore I don't think we should we return this contribution."
Reiter's motion on the town's opposing CWM's expansion plans went on to pass the board by a unanimous vote.
In her comments following the session, Witryol challenged Palmer's views, suggesting that it could be used down the road by CWM in a legal opinion against the town.
"For Councilman Palmer to make a statement, 'I think that if you're damaging the town, we ought to get paid for it,' that you're cutting off your nose to spite your face, if the compensation for that damage helps them create another 40 years worth of damage. And that's the question that's going to be asked," she said. "If he's going to translate that (view) we really should get compensated without getting legal advice as to whether or not it would have the opposite effect, then I think that's very problematic as a public official."


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The Glories of Spanish Painting Brought Home
If you can't get to Madrid for a visit to the Museo del Prado, the Prado will come to you, or at least meet you halfway. At the Museum of Fine Arts here —its only U.S. stop—a treasure trove of Spanish pictures awaits. "Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces From the Prado" has no theme other than the glory of Spanish painting during its golden age, from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Think of it as a tapas banquet of uncommon richness.
Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces From the Prado
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Through March 31
The Prado opened in 1819. That's when Spanish painting, more or less ignored elsewhere, started to inspire 19th-century artists like Édouard Manet and John Singer Sargent. And if the current exhibit (80 oils and also 20 works on paper by Francisco de Goya) lacks the greatest of the Prado's masterpieces (Diego Velázquez's "Las Meninas," Goya's "Maja" portraits), it still gives you a cornucopia by which to judge the accomplishments of Spain's major painters, plus others known mostly to scholars, and some ringers, the non-Spanish artists (El Greco, Titian, Rubens, Tiepolo, Mengs) who worked in Spain.
The second-floor exhibition hall in the MFAH's Beck building combines grand spaces for court portraits and large religious scenes with smaller places for still lifes, landscapes and other work. There's also a single, dimly lighted room for Goya's engravings from his three horrific late series, "Caprices," "Disasters of War" and "Follies, or Proverbs." In a brilliant stroke, the MFAH has hung its own Goya, "Still Life with Golden Bream" (1808-12)—one of only a dozen still-life paintings by this master of portraiture—in the midst of the engravings depicting carnage, madness, mutilation and death.
Death pervades Spanish art: That's the cliché, but there's also a feeling for life's pleasures, for the intersections between darkness and the famous light of "sunny Spain." The Goya fish attest to the mingling. The bodegón—still life, called nature morte in French—is a distinctive Spanish genre, and the best way to begin and end this show is to look at the two side rooms that include 13 items redolent of both sensuous riches and death. Baskets of fruits and flowers, ordinary objects, assume a preternatural sheen, their vibrant colors offset by their somber backgrounds and the odor of decay hovering close by.
The next room has small religious pictures. Coming in you see, right in front of you, a small Titian close-up of "Christ Bearing the Cross" (c. 1565) beside El Greco's "The Veil of St. Veronica" (c. 1586-95).
These small works and spaces ready you for the weight of both secular and religious paintings in the grander areas. In the largest hall hang nine court portraits. These include Velázquez's full-length picture of King Philip IV in hunting garb (1633), with the famous Habsburg jaw that also affected his daughter nearby (on the wall that is), the Empress Margarita Teresa of Austria (painted in 1665-66 by Juan Bautista Martínez). Not all of the aristocracy was so ungainly. Consider the very handsome Don Gregorio de Silva Mendoza y Sandoval, Fifth Duke of Pastrana (by Juan Carreño de Miranda, c. 1679), elegantly attired and decorated, beside his equally comely steed.
A room of impressive religious pictures, all of which attest to the power of the Counter-Reformation in 17th-century Spain, matches the hall of portraits of the nobility. A stunning Jusepe de Ribera rendering (1631-37) of either St. James the Greater or the perhaps apocryphal St. Alexis of Rome depicts a pilgrim with ragged clothes holding a staff: Whoever he is, he is a study in gloomy contemplativeness, drawing us in. Across the room, you find what art historians would call a rare 1663 Annunciation-from-the-Right (90% of all Annunciation scenes put Gabriel on the left, the Virgin on the right—no one has ever figured out why) by the lesser-known Francisco Rizi, whose feathery brush strokes, lively colors and crowded canvas attest to the lighter side of the traditionally dark Spanish palette. Those brighter shades appear as well in some marvelous oil cartoons by Goya ("The Crockery Vendor," "Tobacco Guards" from the late 1770s), studies for tapestries. You see why Goya is one of the old masters of color as well as blackness, of spirited secular life as well as the horrors and nightmares of war and destruction.
The exhibit has a modest didactic side. At several points you come upon wall signs saying "Spanish Painting Mirrors Itself," and you find examples of how later artists imitated earlier ones. The most gripping of the pairs is Mariano Fortuny's 1871 "Elderly Nude Man in the Sun," a study in dappled rolls of flesh painted with a thick impasto (think of a skinnier version of one of Lucian Freud's models) against a dark background, and seen beside a picture by Ribera that Fortuny had copied several times: a c. 1631 portrait of the aged St. Andrew.
When you finish with the other works—19th-century landscapes; a room of dwarfs and mythological scenes; portraits of secular, nonroyal people; the great Velázquez rendering of a tired, middle-age "Mars" (c. 1638) with shaded eyes and sagging musculature—return to where you began, the tempting still lifes. Look at the small pair by Luis Meléndez—one, from 1770, of a chocolate service; the other, from the 1660s, with a loaf of bread whose insides are so densely packed that they appear almost geological in their tactile, three-dimensional depth.
Then move to the tiny, great Francisco de Zurbarán picture "The Lamb of God" (c. 1635-1640), a real lamb with woolly fleece, fit for a feast and a still-life painting, and also a symbol of Christ as the "Agnus Dei." Life and death coalesce right here. Finish off the banquet with the exhibit's smallest picture, Juan van der Hamen y León's "Plate With Plums and Cherries," done in 1631, the last year of this young artist's life. Beside the Zurbarán, it reminds you of the exquisite brevity of life's pleasures.
Mr. Spiegelman's latest book is "Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness" (FSG/Picador).


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Best Kids Parties: Where the Wild Things Are
Name: Félix (2)
Location: San Anselmo, CA
Our little wild thing and his pals celebrated his second year with a very wild rumpus inspired by his favorite book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
With a desire to make it a DIY event, we began by collecting crafty ideas along with inspiration from several other wild rumpus parties we came across online, and got to work transforming our backyard into a jungle fit for a wild thing. Our garden is already in a rather savage state, so the theme suited us.
We collected large cardboard appliance boxes and created a toddler size boat to "sail off in and out of weeks". Using another large box, we painted up a rendition of a tree-swinging wild thing for a fun photo booth! We slung a bed sheet over some rope to create a teepee for making "mischief of one kind...and another", and had the bubble machine running for extra ambiance! Rolls of moss were used as a table runner, and we even had some recent tree cuttings to add to the woodsy look.
Snacks were kept simple, with healthy munchies like veggies and hummus and a fruit salad served in a watermelon carved out to look like a monsters mouth. Our birthday rumpus desserts came in the form of wild thing cupcakes and mini-jars of milk with paper straws which were served along side a sundae bar with crazy toppings like "monster fur", "tree bark", and "dirt"!
We had lots of fun creating and rebranding simple party favors for our young revelers. Bubble labels were removed and replaced with an illustration from the book. By enlarging one of the wild thing faces, printing it on card stock, and attaching a jumbo popsicle stick to the back, we were able to create masks. Mini gold crowns, were trimmed in faux fur for that "king of all wild things" look, and each partygoer also left with a handmade magnet of the birthday boy playing the starring role in his very own wolf suit!
I wanted to make a special wolf suit for the birthday boy, but since he is a summer birthday, the regular furry head-to-toe number just wouldn't do. Instead I sewed up a summer romper version in terry cloth that did the trick nicely for a sunny afternoon fête, although it didn't stay pure white for long!
Judging by the smiles of a dozen giddy 2-4 year olds and one chocolate covered birthday boy in a not so white wolf suit, our rumpus was a wild success!
Awesome! Thanks Elaine!
(Images: reader Elaine)


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Rating: 2.4/5 (Total votes: 86)
Counter Terrorist - Are you a fan of Counter-Strike? Well, this game is not CS, but when you are away from your PC, you can still enjoy shooting at some terrorists with this easy and simple-to-play, addictive counter-terrorist game for the casual gamer. Your mission is to shoot the terrorists as they appear. But be careful, the enemies may sometimes lob a grenade in your direction. Installs on external SD card for Froyo.
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Get Immediate Help
If you or someone you're with shows the signs of a heart attack, don't wait to seek help. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. While Emergency Medical Services are treating you on the way to the hospital, a team is preparing for your arrival.
The most appropriate facility in the region to care for heart attack patients is The Medical Center. The Medical Center is an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI designated by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC). Percutaneous coronary intervention, commonly referred to as PCI, is the use of cardiac catheterization to treat the narrowed coronary arteries of the heart. It allows cardiologists to go directly to the source of and open an obstruction, thus preserving heart muscle and potentially reducing death. But if a heart attack patient needs emergency intervention beyond PCI, The Medical Center is the only hospital in Southcentral Kentucky that can perform open heart surgery if needed.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense - like the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. According to the American Heart Association, here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
- Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Heart Attack Signs for Women
Like men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain are more likely to happen in women than in men. According to the American Heart Association, women may also experience pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue. If you are a woman, watch for these warning signs and call 911 immediately.
Aspirin Can Save Your Life
Medical Center EMS reports that more than half of households who called 911 with heart attack symptoms did not have aspirin on hand. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots from forming that could block blood flow to the heart. The American Heart Association recommends keeping 324 mg noncoated aspirin or four baby aspirin on hand in an easily accessible location.
Early Heart Attack Care
Heart attacks have "beginnings" or early, mild symptoms that can occur days or weeks before an actual heart attack. You can put yourself at risk when you don't recognize or even worse, ignore these early warning signs. You miss your opportunity to prevent a heart attack and avoid the damage to your heart - damage that can debilitate or even kill you.
The Deputy Heart Attack program provides the essential early heart attack care education to help you save a life! Take the Deputy Heart Attack Course.
Early Heart Attack Symptoms
Four key early warning signs to watch for:
- Shortness of breath without exertion when doing normal activities.
- Chronic heartburn.
- Discomfort or pain that may disappear or be intermittent. Crushing, squeezing or pressure can occur in the chest, shoulders, neck and jaw.
- Feeling of impending doom: Some patients have reported having a feeling of anxiety or fear before a heart attack. Especially when combined with other heart attack symptoms, this feeling can be an early indicator.
Other early symptoms include fatigue, nausea, feeling of fullness and back pain.
According to the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), these "beginnings" described above occur in over half of all heart attack patients. Be attentive to these early symptoms; do not ignore them; and, do not delay seeking medical attention. Early recognition of these warning signs and medical intervention can prevent damage to the heart muscle.
Take the EHAC Oath
The SCPC is promoting early heart attack care (EHAC) and urging healthcare professionals and patients to take the following oath to help prevent the untimely death and disability from heart disease:
"I understand that heart attacks have beginnings and on occasion, signs of an impending heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain, and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack.
I solemnly swear that if it happens to me or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate our Emergency Medical Services."


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Free Batik Quilt Patterns
Create vibrant, graphic quilts using batik fabric. View a collection of free quilt patterns that feature batiks.
Juxtaposition [1]
Batiks in rich jewel tones make this throw-size quilt dance with color.
Tile Style [4]
Inspiration can come in the most unlikely of places. While on a quilt retreat, the designerof this stunning batik throw was captivated by the twists and turns of a tiled auditorium floor.
Split-Rail Summer [7]
The mottled blues and greens of this complex-looking quilt call to mind a bubbling brook and a peaceful meadow.
Patriotic Patches [10]
Red squares add a punch of color to serene blue and white strips.
Batik Triangles Table Topper [13]
Mitered corners in the border and binding echo the miter look of the triangle blocks in this sparkling batik table topper.
Batik Rainbow Wall Hanging [16]
Use a breathtaking assortment of batiks in a Square-in-a-Square design. This wall hanging begins with warm colors in the center, then moves to cool colors around the outside for a final product that resembles a vibrant rainbow-color firework.
Put a Spin On It [19]
Looking for a quick shower gift? Larger-than-life Pinwheel blocks ensure this baby quilt comes together quickly.
Color Flow [22]
Use an explosion of bright hues in a wall hanging. The rainbow effect—with stairsteps moving from hot to cool colors—stands out against the black background.
Into the Wild [25]
Combine African-theme prints and bright batiks in a quilted throw. Solid black sashing creates crisp lines and makes the savanna scenes in the center of the quilt come to life.
Pineapple Sparkle [28]
Pops of yellow, red, and blue make Pineapple blocks sparkle. The rich browns and tans in this batik wall hanging increase the contrast even more.
Watercolors [31]
Using a range of blue and green batiks and prints gives the sense of a deep, impenetrable ocean.
Star Bright Wall Quilt [34]
Punch up the color palette with a variety of fiery batiks. A shimmering star in the middle radiates red, yellow, and orange.
The Light and Dark of It [37]
Use an unexpected mix of batiks and prints to add depth and scrappiness to a wall hanging. Careful placement of light and dark fabrics makes a checkerboard look that grows darker in the corners
Elegant Chandeliers [40]
The unexpected pairing of batiks and metallic prints results in a sophisticated wall hanging.
Painter's Palette [43]
Make graphic triangles by mixing dark, medium, and light batiks in a variety of hues.
What a Treat Wall Quilt [46]
Use precut batik strips in bubblegum pink and chocolate brown for a sweet-as-can-be wall quilt.
Batik Lanterns [49]
Colorful batik lanterns shine bright against a dark blue batik sky in this beautiful wall hanging.
Star Burst Wall Quilt [52]
This bright quilt, perfect as a table topper or wall hanging, features a blazing star of fiery red, yellows, and orange batiks.
Blooming Batiks [55]
Bright batiks and fusible appliqué compose a vibrant wall hanging. A cool blue background offsets the red and orange in the appliqués and blocks.
Tropical Patches [58]
A bevy of batiks results in a tropical-look wall hanging. Punches of orange and pops of teal interspersed throughout the patchwork draw the eye around the quilt and add sparkle.
Batik Strips Table Topper [61]
Frame a panel of 2-1/2"-wide batik strips with piping for the center of a quick and easy table runner.
Batik Ocean Waves [64]
Gold triangles in one corner of each Ocean Waves block of blue and cream batiks create contrasting pinwheels when the quilt top is assembled.
Summer Chevrons [67]
Pops of color in the patterned border echo the bright prints and batiks in the quilt center.
Batik Jewels Throw [70]
Careful color placement of large triangle-square units in jewel-tone batiks and prints creates a diagonal-stripe effect.
Hot and Cold Wall Quilt [73]
Mix hot and cool batiks in a large wall hanging. A fiery border offsets the calming sea of blues in the center.
Batik Strips and Squares [76]
Mottled prints and batiks blend together for a seamless appearance on this wall hanging made using precut 2-1/2"-wide strips.
Plum Batik Throw [79]
Precut strips make up the simplified blocks in a throw. Two borders in different batiks round out the throw.
Tropical Crossing Wall Quilt [82]
Careful fabric selection and placement make bright batik fabrics pop off a light, scrappy background.
Splashes of Color [85]
Use batiks in a quick-to-sew bed-size quilt! Delicious sherbet-tones provide the foundation while pretty coordinating prints add a softer touch.
Flying Geese Quilt [88]
Join Flying Geese units into a soothing quilt using an assortment of blue and green batik fat quarters.
Tropical Twist [91]
Cut bright batik fabrics in strips to form vibrant geometric blocks. Vivid blue sashing frames the eye-popping blocks.
Botanical Wall Quilt [94]
Use a palette of jewel-tone batiks to compose a wall quilt that has Hawaiian flair.
Sea and Sand [97]
Combine batik and tone-on-tone fabrics in an easy-to-piece quilt.
Striking Black-and-White Quilt [100]
Opposites attract attention on this throw of mostly black-and-white batiks. The red stars in the sashing and border offer just the right accent!
Bargello Wall Quilt [103]
Use an array of pastel batiks to get the subtle color changes needed for a watercolorlike wall hanging.
Bundles of Borders Wall Quilt [106]
Alternate precut 2-1/2"-wide strips and 1-1/2"-wide strips to make a beautiful batik wall hanging.
Two-Tone Star Table Runner [109]
Create the illusion of diagonal stripes in a graphic, gift-worthy table runner with clever fabric placement in the star blocks.
Southwestern Circles Throw [112]
Use hand-dyed batiks and machine piecing and appliquéing in a quilt that combines hard lines and soft curves.
81-Patch Wall Hanging [115]
Strip-piecing makes this quilt come together quickly and provides a good opportunity to practice your 1/4-inch seams.
Batik Baskets Wall Hanging [118]
Give Basket blocks exotic flair with batik fabrics. Choose analogous colors—neighbors on the color wheel—such as mustard-color setting squares and green borders, to highlight the contrast between the quilt center and borders.
Autumn Batik Table Topper [121]
If combining colors is a challenge for you, turn to Mother Nature for inspiration. Here batik fabrics in a variety of fall colors, patterns, and textures are assembled into a square table topper.
Wild Triangle-Squares Wall Hanging [124]
A subtle safari feeling emerges from this wall hanging. The batiks in the center square have limited contrast, which allows them to blend for a watercolor effect.
Batik Triangle Stars [127]
While all four blocks in this batik wall hanging are the same, careful fabric placement creates the illusion that they're different.
Pastel Strip Quilt [130]
Light setting rectangles and border are perfect areas to showcase quilting designs in a lap-size quilt.
Batik Courthouse Steps [133]
For striking contrast between adjacent Courthouse Steps blocks, use dark batik strips for all sides of the B blocks.
Cool Four-Patch Runner [136]
The versatile Four-Patch is a basic block using a variety of cool-tone batik fabrics.
Batik Patches [139]
Combine dozens of batiks in a rainbow palette to create a scrappy lap-size quilt.


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Here's a roundup of the latest mock drafts, along with the Eagles' picks:
SI.com's Don Banks has the Eagles going with Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe at No. 15:
Poe finds his NFL home, and it's not surprising to see Andy Reid taking the athletically gifted big man from Memphis. The Eagles need more strength up the middle of their defense, and the hope is that newly acquired linebacker DeMeco Ryans was just the beginning of that upgrade.
It's worth noting that Banks has Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox coming off the board at No. 9 to the Panthers, but he has Michael Brockers falling all the way to 25.
Charles Davis of NFL.com has the Eagles taking Brockers:
The Eagles want to get stronger down the middle of their defense, and this redshirt sophomore from the bayou is only going to get better.
Davis also has Cox going to Carolina. He's got the Cardinals taking Poe at 13.
Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com also has the Birds taking Brockers:
Before trading for DeMeco Ryans, just about everyone (including me) had the Eagles drafting Luke Kuechly, the do-everything middle linebacker out of Boston College. With the linebacker position addressed via Ryans, Philly can go a variety of directions with the 15th pick. Brockers may fulfill a huge area of need—Philly already has Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson at DT—but he could be the best player on the board. An active, big body, Brockers came on strong towards the end of the 2011 season and had a fantastic week at the Combine.
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com has the Eagles taking Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly:
No, I didn't forget that the Eagles traded for quality middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Perhaps the better question might be if you forgot how poorly Philadelphia's entire linebacking corps fared last season. In proving his athleticism at the Combine (and his jaw-dropping consistency throughout his entire career), Kuechly is earning top 15 grades from some clubs as an outside linebacker, as well as for the inside position. The addition of Ryans and Kuechly would turn what was the Eagles' worst unit into one of the team's greatest strengths.
ESPN's Todd McShay has the Eagles taking Alabama safety Mark Barron. He thinks Kuechly could still be an option though too:
Don't rule out Kuechly if he should fall this far. Yes, Philadelphia brought in ILB DeMeco Ryans via trade, but Kuechly might be too good to pass and has the ability to move to the outside.
The Sporting News mock draft predicts Cox will last to the Eagles:
Philadelphia wants to add a playmaker to the interior of its defensive line. Cox is the most explosive, dynamic inside force in the draft and a perfect fit in the Eagles' scheme.
Russ Lande of The Sporting News has the Birds taking Poe:
The Eagles want to improve the strength and production from their interior defensive line. They could get much bigger (346 pounds) and athletic with Poe.
Albert Breer of NFL.com has the Birds going with Poe too:
One scout told me you can assemble 40 or so plays on tape to make Poe look like a star. Philly hopes Jim Washburn can draw more out of him.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com thinks the Eagles will draft Cox:
General manager/head coach Andy Reid likes using his first-round picks to bolster the defense, and Cox has a chance to be an effective pass rusher next to Cullen Jenkins, who turned 31 in January and received a restructured deal this offseason that may have lessened his grip on the team's cap.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has the Eagles landing Cox too:
Cox is the kind of potential three-technique who can create behind the line of scrimmage and stop plays before they start. The Eagles don't have a huge need at DT, but Cox could still mature into a playmaker inside, at a position where Philly lacks an impact guy.
ESPN's Mel Kiper goes with Cox as well. In the second round, he has them taking North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown and Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen:
My top tight end for much of the year, Allen didn't test well, but he's there on tape.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has the Eagles taking Brockers.
Evan Silva of Pro Football Talk has the Birds taking Cox:
Cox fits line coach Jim Washburn's scheme as a gap shooter.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.


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Holland America Line's ms Eurodam will be arriving in Port Everglades on Saturday with one less passenger aboard.
An American man was reported missing by his wife Thursday and is presumed to have fallen overboard the ship that left Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 24 on a seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailing.
Here's the statement from Holland America about the incident:
Seattle, Nov. 29, 2012
"At 3:30 am local time this morning, a 42-year-old male guest sailing on ms Eurodam was reported missing by his wife. The ship contacted the U.S. Coast Guard, turned around and coordinated with the Coast Guard to assist in the search for the man, who is a U.S. citizen. Eurodam was released at 4:00 pm local time by the USCG and is now proceeding to Fort Lauderdale for an on-time arrival Dec. 1. The ship departed St. Thomas yesterday at 5:00 pm local time and was en route to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, where a call was originally scheduled for tomorrow but has now been cancelled. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest and his family. "
For other reports about the missing cruise ship passenger, click here.


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Only hotels in 21740 zip code are listed below. Search for cheap and discount hotel rates in Hagerstown, MD for your upcoming leisure or conference / group travel. We list the best 21740 hotels and motels so you can review the Hagerstown hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. Hotels in Washington county and area code 301 are also listed.
How should we direct your call?


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SHELBY � Rate hikes loom for the city of Pleasant Living.
Shelby City Council this week unanimously approved increasing the natural gas base rate paid by its customers, starting with the next billing cycle May 1.
It would be the first gas rate hike for Shelby since 2007.
The city provides natural gas to 9,613 customers. Natural gas funnels to more than 8,000 customers classified as residential.
Residential customers� rate will increase 35 cents, according to city of Shelby documents, meaning an average customer would see a bill increase by nearly $4.24 each month during the coldest period of the year, according to Brad Cornwell, city of Shelby director of public utilities.
Staff sampled usage from five to six houses in different areas of the city to estimate the hike�s average cost impact when usage is at its peak. The winter months span from October to March.
The increase comes from the city�s natural gas provider, Williams Pipeline Company, formerly known as Transco. In August 2012, the company filed a capacity charge increase totaling about $315,000 for service to the city.
The city receives its gas from Williams through a pipe in the Grover area near I-85. The company�s filing came after the city approved its budget for the current fiscal year. The city�s fiscal year starts July 1.
Councilman David White said he doesn�t like to see rates increase but voted in favor of the hike noting the coming costs to the city.
City Manager Rick Howell said the city couldn�t afford to absorb the cost of the increase from Williams, noting �the profit margin of the system has grown slimmer and slimmer each year��
�That cost wasn�t budgeted for last year,� Cornwell said.
As of now, the city of Kings Mountain has no plans to increase the natural gas base rate for any of its customers.
The city has initially decided to pay for a natural gas transportation rate increase handed down by Williams, according to Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey.
Reach reporter Alicia Banks at 704-669-3338, email at firstname.lastname@example.com and follow on Twitter@TheStarAlicia.
What are the natural gas base rate hikes for city of Shelby�s customers?
Residential: $.35/DT
Commercial: $.26/DT
High Load Factor: $.13/DT
Interruptible: $.05/DT
*DT stands for dekatherm, a measuring unit for natural gas.
How many customers does city of Shelby provide natural gas for?
Residential: 8,166
Commercial: 1,447
Total: 9,613
*Source: City of Shelby Utilities Department


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Hale-Haven PeachPrunus persica 'Hale-Haven'
This vigorous, hardy, productive and dependable tree is noted for its high-yielding properties and exceptional fruit quality. The peaches it produces are tough-skinned, standing up to handling and preventing bruising. One of the finest for home use or roadside markets, Hale-Haven peaches are one of the finest varieties for home use and roadside markets—excellent for both canning and freezing.
This tree is available in standard and dwarf sizes. While it is self-fertile, planting more than one tree is recommending to ensure a good crop. See our Fruit Tree Spacing Guide for more specifics.


text: Cataract Diagnosis and Symptoms Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults aged 55 and older. The Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Consultation Service provides cataract surgery for patients at Mass. Eye and Ear. What is a cataract? A cataract is a progressive clouding of the natural crystalline lens inside the eye. There are four primary reasons that cataracts develop: The most common form of cataract is associated with normal aging, which can cause the lens to harden and turn cloudy. These are called "senile cataracts" and generally affect people 50 years or older. Traumatic cataracts may result from injuries: a sharp blow, an electrical or chemical burn, or a very high dose of radiation. Certain medications, such as steroids, or diseases, such as diabetes, can also cause the lens to cloud and form secondary cataracts. In rare cases, children can be born with cataracts. This primarily occurs because of heredity factors or because the mother had a disease during pregnancy. When significantly advanced, this cloudiness interferes with the passage of light to the retina, and blurry vision results. A person who develops a cataract in one eye will usually develop a cataract in the other eye as well, although the second cataract may not develop for several years. What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts? Depending on the size and location of the cloudy areas in the lens, a person may not realize a cataract is developing. Signs include: Vision becomes blurry, hazy, or washed out A reduction in night vision A sensitivity to light and glare A need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescription Double vision in one eye For more information about cataracts, please visit our webpage under the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service. Make An Appointment Today! 617-573-3202


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No one is happier than this mom about the hot retro trend, back to the old-fashioned, "sit up straight and eat your peas" style of parenting.
I rejoice with every new sign that so-called helicopter parenting is dying—to wit, the arrival of Denise Schipani's "Mean Moms Rule: Why Doing the Hard Stuff Now Creates Good Kids Later."
I could go on about how Schipani's advice is terse, tart and fun—just like her long-time blog—and you'll enjoy every minute of the book. All true.
But the best part about "Mean Moms Rule" is that it works. The tip that changed my world and my shopping bill: "Say no, smile, don't apologize."
Now that my five-year-old has entered the retail acquisition phase—"Bobby has nine Bay Blades, and I only have ooooone," he whined recently—I need thicker armor, and Schipani's wisdom is paying off big time.
She reminds me that being a firm and financially sane parent will help my little guy grow up to be a steady, self-disciplined young man.
"Mean Moms Rule" is a great investment for all parents, whether you fly in helicopters or not.


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You are here: Home ‹ Board index ‹ Movie Discussion ‹ All Other/Older Movies ‹ Older Movies
Welcome to the board!
Discuss older Jim Carrey movies.
4 posts • Page 1 of 1
Welcome to the board!
Welcome to the Past & Current Movies message board!

Edited by: JCOAdmin at: 12/9/00 2:07:21 pm

Jim is the best actor !
If anybody seen the Lair Lair they whould know what I mean. Jim just makes you laugh your A$$ off.if anybody feels diffrent e-mail me

email@example.com

thats how i feel

Chip Douglas
I have to admit that although I love all of Jim´s performances, Chip Douglas (The Cable Guy) has a very special place in my heart. The way the movie had been marketed was a big mistake, otherwise The Cable Guy would have got much more recognition. The dark aspects of Chip´s character in combination with his kindness and dedication were really fascinating. At that time, Jim had already proven to be able of serious acting, too.
Also I thought that Jim was stunning in Once Bitten and extremely lovable in The Duck Factory. Of course, all later movies are no less fantastic ... He is simply a natural talent, and I don´t think he will ever be able to not deliver a masterpiece of acting.

Jim Carrey's Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday to YOU Jim!!!(and Andy!)(Love, Burned)

4 posts • Page 1 of 1
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I�m writing to thank Elon University and the Times-News for sponsoring the Healthcare Forum. More than 200 people attended the event and the audience questions were thoughtful. All the questions are located at the following website: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/special_programs/communityconnections/questions.xhtml
Thanks especially to Dr. Tom Arcaro, Catherine Parsons at Elon and Times-News editor Madison Taylor who tweeted commentary throughout the evening.
What I found as a panelist, was there are areas of agreement among the diverse opinions. Healthcare is a moral obligation to citizens, the need to balance government versus individual accountability and the need for reforming our mental health system.
Especially gratifying was the students � the panelists, those in the audience and those who broadcast the event. It is overwhelming to listen to the future leaders of our country speak with such passion and intelligence about a very timely topic. Kendall Crouther, Miles Grunvald, Maria Restuccio, Marissa Rurka, and Kaitlin Stober were all excellent examples of what is right with our young people. I am confident they will be good stewards of our commitment to healthcare improvement and redesign.
Again, a major thank you to Elon and the Times-News for hosting this event.
Dr. Connie B. Bishop is director of Quality Improvement and Risk Management Piedmont Health Services, Inc. in Burlington.


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British Furniture Designer
Hilton attended Portsmouth College of Art and then Kingston Polytechnic. After graduation he was an industrial designer and model maker until 1984. In 1991, he designed the "Balzac Armchair" for SCP Limited, a company started by Sheridan Coakley in 1984 and now based in Shoreditch, London. Hilton was Habitat's top designer, and his furniture is held in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the Geffrye Museum, London, and the Manchester City Art Gallery. He was elected a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) in 2005. In 2007 Matthew launched his company Matthew Hilton Limited.


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About Me:
I Love The BeaTles
Favourite Track:
If I Fell (AHDN)
Tell us why:
If i Fell; All My Loving; Misery; Chains; Do you want to know a seceret?; I'm a Loser; I Feel Fine; I'll get You; Tell Me Why; Help; Ticket To Ride; I love every song that they ever wrote, They are still the Greatest Band ever. My Grandson showed my Grandson (when he was 2) the ending of A Hard Days Night when he was extremely upset one day he immediately calmed down and has loved them evr since, that's totally awesome. Now He's 5yrs and he watches The BeaTles Cartoons DVD of every episode (that I bought him) everynite when his Mommy puts him to bed:) I have him on Video singing If I Fell,and several others from our FAV-OR-ITE Band. He Named them at 2yrs old and started singing any song in his version. But If I Fell and Tell Me Why were the ones taht hooked him then I had to buy him a harmonica for I Should Have Known Better he does John tapping his foot and Georges jig perfect. Tony Campbell on FaceBook
Tell us why:
I love them All feel like a liar if I choose just one


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» Tires » Bridgestone » BLIZZAK W965
Price start from $199.80 + Tax
Light Truck and SUVs / Winter / Economy
Come snow or ice, the Blizzak W965 with UNI-T is built for business as usual, to keep commercial light trucks and vans on the move in winter weather. The combination of UNI-T technology and special tread blocks deliver sure-footed traction so you can count on meeting your schedule.
- Tread Blocks - Helps improve snow traction for commercial use
- Zigzag Sipes - Improves snow and ice traction by increasing the number of biting edges
- MULTI-CELL COMPOUND - Removes the thin layer of surface water to improve grip on ice using millions of microscopic pores in the compound