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Jamie Insole, a long term smoker describes the effect that vaping has had on his habit.June 7th, 2014
I write this piece as a hardened tobacco-smoker of eighteen years who has, in the past, smoked anything up to forty to Camels' per day. Initially rejecting e-cigs as a bit of frippery, my then partner convinced me to buy one following the death of her friend's son. Since then, bar for the occasional drunken-accident, I have clung tightly to my 'photon-tank'. Significantly, this has nothing to do with any commitment to quitting. Rather, it is because I, like many, have quickly come to prefer the rich flavour vapour to that of smoke. What's more, a simple headcount at Cardiff Central would suggest that I am now in the majority.
Public health drives are rarely modelled by physicians. Rather they have become the property of canny advertising consultants. Whilst seeking to preserve the façade of scientific efficacy, they seek to shock and 'suggest' through an established set of referents. Often, the statistical probability of developing an unpleasant and ultimately fatal disease is bound to the suspicion of foul odours, bad-skin and impotence.
Overall, attempts to engineer aversion have proved broadly successful. Having grown up in the late eighties, when courtesy determined that one should only smoke on the top-floor of a double-decker bus, I have witnessed a gradual but radical shift in perception. What was once an everyday event has now become widely perceived as an act of aggression.
This is precisely why we need to draw a distinction between 'public health' and social-conditioning. Whereas the one lends its self to rational debate, the other operates on a mute, subliminal level. In way of anecdotal evidence, I point to a friend who recently remarked "why should I be made to inhale somebody else's breath"? The stakes are high – the 50 or so senior health professionals whose letter featured in last weeks nationals estimated that e-ciggs might potentially save tens of millions of lives world wide. Is it not good sense to think that at least some of this might benefit Wales?
Granted; besides the welcome suspension of nicotine, gelatine and preservative, it would of course be desirable to have some certainty as to what it is I am actually inhaling. However, many of the current proposals far exceed normal quality control. For instance, the suggestion that access should be restricted to pharmacies is not only mean but frankly ludicrous. Clearly an attempt to 'medicalise by association', the likely affect of not being able to purchase out-of-hour 'e-juice' will be to drive addicts like me to the nearest off licence to wretch upon a packet of ten B&H. From this perspective, policy-makers might as well recommend that contraception be returned to the chemist's top-shelf (lest young people be tempted into unprotected sex).
Similarly, the notion that an e-cig will 'normalise' or 'glamorise' tobacco consumption can be easily refuted through the following simple experiment. Next time you are at the bar, offer a Lambert full-strength to a friend or stranger who has for the past three months been happily enjoying vanilla & amaretto. It would be wise to step-away as the effect can easily be compared to inviting a polished taster to knock back a can of special brew!
As any law undergraduate will attest, rights, far from being inviolable, coexist amidst a jumbled range of often contradictory categories. Consequently, my right to free expression is qualified by your right to life, a transaction governed by the principle of 'proportionality'.
However, what is proportionate can only be properly considered in the wider context of comparative harms. The fact that some Welsh Health Trusts are now prepared to countenance the suspension of treatment pending the completion of a 'quitters-course' possibly suggests some of what is at stake. Moreover, given the demographics (smoking is a class issue!), and peculiar strains on the Welsh Health Budget, far from attempting to prohibit or control these machines, it is difficult to see why policy makers are not insisting that charger-points be installed in public places?
So let's lighten up! Some of us have now acquired visible breath, a predicament not uncommon in Scandinavia. Similarly, the notion that mere exhalation carries a personal or secondary risk does not bode well for joggers, laughers or anybody else who happens to be engaged to strenuous public activity.
On a parting note, if Welsh Government are serious about tackling the major killers of our age, perhaps they would like to spend some time focusing on work-related stress? Speaking as a trade union organiser and ex-tobacco smoker who acquired the addiction as a part consequence of 'performance-management', bringing dignity to Welsh workplaces would possibly do more to save lives than restricting access to an innovation that has permitted me to at least mitigate one of the worlds most compelling and deadly addictions.
Doctor – "do no harm"!
Tags: e-cigarettes, IWA, nicotine, Smoking, vaping
31 Responses to:""Let's lighten up!""
David Grant says:
This is the last of an interesting series of viewpoints. However there are very legitimate concerns about e-cigarettes, and there is a strong probability that the smoker who switches to e-cigarettes is just continuing to bathe the carcinogenic tar residues in their lungs with cancer promoting nicotine – thus accelerating the development of, say, lung cancer.
See this:
and this:
As an example, the stop smoking guru Allen Carr smoked something like 60 to 100 cigarettes a day for 33 years. He stopped smoking after seeing a hypnotherapist, and sadly died of lung cancer 23 years after stopping smoking. If, instead of stopping smoking, he had switched to e-cigarette nicotine it is very likely that his lung cancer diagnosis would have occurred sooner and he would have died earlier – because of the continued interaction between the e-cig nicotine and the smoke tar residue that remained in his lungs.
These devices are being banned from public for all sorts of very good reasons:
There is a good summary of e-cig research here, with some very good policy recommendations towards the end:
The best thing to do if you are a smoker is to recognise that you aren't addicted to smoking (smoking is just a habit of dependency, not an addiction) – and just stop smoking:
Yes, the Welsh government should ban the use of these devices in public – they are not zero emission and there is no way that anyone can tell what drugs are contained in the pollution that they generate (an e-cig may well be either a fake or its contents may have been tampered with by the user).
E-cigarettes should be subject to the same advertising and purchasing restrictions as tobacco cigarettes.
The real reason why vapers clamour for their 'right' to use these devices in public is, obviously, because they have been encouraged to do so by an e-cig industry which wants to use its users as 'walking billboards' for its products, to recruit new, dependent, users. Also, unfortunately most vapers don't understand that there is a potential risk associated with inhaling cancer promoting nicotine into lungs filled with the toxic tar residues from years of smoking.
Dr Julie Bishop's discussion of the 'precautionary principle', is well articulated and is the correct approach:
"They cannot currently smoke tobacco where and when they choose so it seems illogical to argue that they are somehow disadvantaged by not being allowed to vape where and when they like."
Keith Regan says:
Excellent piece Jamie. Like you I now vape and hope to continue well into the future with my preferred flavours. PH have, for some reason, decided to go for us vapers in a big way. If PH had their way we would all be taken outside and stoned to death. Fortunately there are those in the SSS who have seen the benifit of vaping and are encouraging it, even at the risk of putting themselves out of a job.
As has been said before, if all smokers started vaping we could save a million lives of Britains alive today! Just think about it!
David Grant says:
Furthermore – E-cigarettes should not be widely advertised or used in public.
Not just because widespread advertising and public use contributes enormously to normalisation of an activity (vaping) for which there is no evidence whatsoever that it is either safe when used long term or that vaping will not either worsen existing health conditions or create new health problems (in fact the available evidence indicates the opposite).
And not just because these devices are not zero emission and introduce unknown and unnecessary psychoactive drugs and pollution into the air for others (non-users, including children) to breathe passively – with effects that may include discouraging a user from successfully quitting either smoking or vaping.
And not just because widespread advertising and public use will encourage new users (and children) to start using e-cigarettes and waste their life to nicotine inhalation – and also possibly act as a gateway to addiction to harder illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine etc.
But also (less well known) because smoking and cigarette imagery are believed to provoke a 'Pavlovian response' (derived from the conditioned response of Pavlov's dogs that salivated in response to environmental indicators, a dinner bell, that indicated it was dinner time). The Pavlovian response experienced by the smoker is an experiencing of the desire to have cigarette in response to imagery (real or advertising) that depicts cigarettes.
For example, see the following link:
Embedded in the depths of the above link, where it assesses latest research it is stated: "The 34% of participants who had used e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to think about smoking cigarettes after viewing the ad than nonusers (83% and 72%, respectively), suggesting that viewing an e-cigarette commercial may induce thoughts about smoking and cue the urge to smoke."
And also this link:
Both links talk about people developing the urge to smoke as a result of observing others smoking, and this again strongly supports the proposition that advertising or public use of any kind will undermine attempts to quit by smokers who may be finding it difficult and who may be struggling in their attempt to quit their habit of dependency upon nicotine.
So, the bottom line is that advertising and public use of e-cigarettes will not only encourage new people to start using these devices, but will also contribute to normalising the activity and its 'acceptability' within society, but, very significantly, will also work to actively undermine the quit attempts of those users of both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes who may be in the early stages of quitting and finding it difficult to resist the temptation to have 'just one cigarette'.
This fact, of course, is well known to the cigarette industries (both e and tobacco) and is the main reason why they are encouraging their users to campaign so vigorously on their behalf for the 'freedom' to use e-cigarettes in public spaces.
And of course the above reasons are all part of the rationale behind other countries, that are more advanced, progressive, and less corrupt than the UK, having already implemented bans on these these devices.
Liam Bryan says:
Wow, there's a lot to pick out of what David Grant is saying – this statement jumped out at me:
"The best thing to do if you are a smoker is to recognise that you aren't addicted to smoking (smoking is just a habit of dependency, not an addiction) – and just stop smoking:"
Which is great news to the 20% of the population who are smokers, and full of empathy to boot.
I don't know but I suspect that David Grant may be having his livelihood threatened somehow by these devices – which he doesn't really get – for instance he thinks " its contents may have been tampered with by the user". Does he mean the eliquid I make myself and pour into the 4ml tank over my self wound coil?
I would encourage David Grant to look at the other side of the argument for a minute:
I am also insulted by David Grant's suggestion that I am being encouraged by industry: "This fact, of course, is well known to the cigarette industries (both e and tobacco) and is the main reason why they are encouraging their users to campaign so vigorously on their behalf for the 'freedom' to use e-cigarettes in public spaces.". I'm commenting here because ecigs have stopped my smoking and I'm appalled by moves by a (thankfully decreasing) number of so-called Public Health advocates to restrict their use.
Fergus Mason says:
@David Grant –
"there is no way that anyone can tell what drugs are contained in the pollution that they generate "
Yes there is. It's called scientific analysis, and IT'S BEEN DONE. There is no health risk from exhaled vapour. Please stop this hysterical scaremongering and try to grow up a bit.
Roger Hall says:
Having just read David Grant's long rant I do wish that the focus on any e-cig discussion was based around facts and the simple and overriding objective which is to try and reduce the harm caused by smoking tobacco. Fact: We all now know that 50% of smokers will die from smoking related diseases. Fact: We now all know that it isn't nicotine that causes the harm but the smoke. Fact: Nicotine is considered safe enough to be given to 12 year children via nicotine patches and gum, so let's not attempt to use imaginary health concerns about nicotine to sidetrack the issues. Fact: E-cigarettes are considered universally to be at least 95% safer than smoking tobacco. Fact: The use of an e-cig involves no combustion or smoke so is not legally considered to even be smoking. Fact: The ban on smoking was brought about because of the health concerns of second hand tobacco smoke – vaping does not produce smoke, so the same fears are non existent. Fact: Without e-cigs tobacco smokers have no safer alternative to a product that is legally available as a recreational consumer product, namely the tobacco cigarette. Fact: The NHS has spent over £1.2 billion pounds on NHS Stop Smoking Services over the past 12 years with a success of 147,000 long term quitters. Fact: E-cigs without any public funding or state involvement have generated 700,000 full time ex smokers in under 5 years. Fact: Sweden has the lowest rates of smoking related diseases within the EU. Fact: Sweden endorses and encourages a recreational consumer nicotine alternative to tobacco namely Snus. Fact: The EU chooses to ban the use of Snus anywhere except Sweden, despite all scientific and statistical data demonstrating that if smokers have a viable alternative to smoking tobacco they will embrace it and lives will be saved. Fact: An e-cig is not a cigarette and does not contain tobacco. Fact: encouraging e-cigs by every means possible will ensure that more and more current tobacco smokers choose to use a safer alternative. Sadly not everyone wants to see the demise of tobacco smoking be replaced by a safer and less harmful alternative and the facts are there for everyone to see.
Tony Holden says:
Having read a couple of links provided by David Grant in his comments, I can see that they report on "research" by Stanton Glantz. In my experience much of this gentleman's research draws conclusions that bear little, or no relation, to to the data being used.
Can I also point out that nicotine is not carcinogenic, nor is there a strong probability that it will promote the growth of cancer, as claimed by David Grant, even when it bathes, "the carcinogenic tar residues in their lungs with cancer promoting nicotine". An idea that belongs with the medical advances of ancient Greece, and the four humours.
David says:
Could Mr.Grant share with us his interpretation of the precautionary principal ?
Robert Heyes says:
What a load of tosh is written here by David Grant (former VC of Cardiff University perhaps?), who is being very selective about the 'research' he quotes – The Smokeless Society for goodness sake!
He clearly also doesn't understand all the ramifications of the precautionary principle. The burden of proof that an action or policy is not harmful is upon those proposing it. I would contend that forcing vapers to stand outside with the smokers would be harmful, and would also remove one of the nudges that gets people to start vaping in the first place.
One thing I have never understood about people of David's ilk who don't want to see e-cigarettes (or cigarettes for that matter) in public is that they force us out of the pubs and on to the street – there is no logic in this position.
mattdidius says:
@david grant
wow, so many things backward, ill thought and just plain wrong in 2 comments. But i'll limit myself to just this. TAR stands for Tobacco aerosol residue that you think it needs another residue on the end goes some way to illustrating you know nothing of which you are speaking
Neal Roff says:
David Grant. Are you Martin McKee in disguise? I ask because you seem to be writing directly from the mans work. The last paragraph is word for word a McKee Quote. Almost all the links you provide are opinion pieces, usually written by Anti Smoking/Tobacco organisations and NOT scientific evidence. There is little scientific data that suggests Vaping is anything other that reasonably safe, what little there is could be considered highly questionable and in fact has been questioned by many scientists. Your two comments would appear to be those of someone from one of the many organisations with a vested interest is preventing the uptake of e-cigs for whatever reason. I call you out on these two statements:
You said "The real reason why vapers clamour for their 'right' to use these devices in public is, obviously, because they have been encouraged to do so by an e-cig industry which wants to use its users as 'walking billboards' for its products, to recruit new, dependent, users."
What e-cig industry would that be? The ecig industry is a mass of very small companies and certainly not organised in the way you suggest unless you are referring to Big Tobacco who have only just started to try and buy there way into the market. They most certainly have not had any influence on the uptake and use of e-cigs as you well know. Far from it, until late last year and, to a degree, even now have tried to get ecigs bannned and over regulated to pave the way for their wonder e-cigs.
And you said
"Also, unfortunately most vapers don't understand that there is a potential risk associated with inhaling cancer promoting nicotine into lungs filled with the toxic tar residues from years of smoking."
Cancer promoting nicotine? Really? There is only one possible thing about nicotine that could be related to cancer. Nicotine facilitates blood vessel growth which when combined with an already existing cancer could and the word is COULD enable the cancer cell to grow more readily. That would be the already existing cancer cell because as far as ANY science is aware, nicotine is not carcinogenic. If you were to read the cited sources for the opinion piece you quoted you would have discovered that for yourself. Nicotine also has the potential for many health gains. This is becoming clearer and more researched as people are able to disassociate relatively harmless nicotine from the scourge of tobacco smoking.
Fergus Mason says:
@David Grant –
"cancer promoting nicotine"
When you say "cancer promoting" are you referring to the fact that it encourages the repair and growth of blood vessels? Because if you are that's a bit like demanding a ban on "fire promoting" oxygen – technically true, but in fact extremely dishonest.
Alan Beard says:
Excellent article Jamie,one of the fellow people replying to this has put forward the worst set of cherry picked data and so called "studies to support his and Julie Bishops position that I shall refrain from commenting further other than saying thanks… to yourself!
vereybowring says:
@David Grant.
Must have taken quite an effort to dig out all those articles with negatives whilst at the same time completely ignoring all the positive research. Have you considered trying for a job working for Stanton Glantz who is so good with data he can come to different conclusions from the the raw data ? Then he has worked in tobacco control for many years so you've have a lot of catching up to do in spinning data to suit your needs.
To read many studies and articles that report all sides of the debate I suggest you get along to nicotinepolicy..net and read everything there – come back when you've finished, it may however take some time.
Joanne Lincoln says:
Good piece from Jamie Insole – some good observations on social conditioning, especially. Sadly, commenter David Grant fails to get it at all, despite having read the article. Let's straighten out the issue of e-cig manufacturers wanting their customers to become walking billboards, for a start. Fully 80% of the market is dominated by companies that most people have never even heard of. That alone kind of makes a massive hole in any "evil marketing empire" you can imagine. Now, it's quite possible that companies such as JoyeTech are beaming subliminal messages directly into the brains of members of the public, but unlikely. These are not companies who advertize in the mass media to any appreciable extent.
The e-cigarette currently in my hand is made by companies who have never advertized or even marketed their products in anything like a conventional way. The idea of "e-cigarette companies" using insidious marketing techniques is a non-argument. Besides which, these are legal products sold by legitimate businesses. What's wrong with them being marketed?
Let's also dismiss the idea of companies encouraging users to "campaign so vigorously on their behalf for the 'freedom' to use e-cigarettes in public spaces.". As one who knows about these vigorous campaigners, I find this particularly offensive and incredibly poorly informed. At no time has any company, or its representatives, encouraged me or anybody I know to undertake campaigning on, effectively, their behalf. People are quite capable of organizing themselves into such campaigns without any form of commercial backing. It is certainly the case in the UK that every single campaign against draconian e-cigarette regulation has been funded the campaigners themselves.
I can forgive all of that and put it down to the writer being in possession of poor information, but to put forward the notion that e-cigarettes can " possibly act as a gateway to addiction to harder illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine etc." is an argument so groundless and facile that it beggars belief. You know nothing of which you speak. Truly nothing. To make such a claim with absolutely no evidence to support it is monumentally irresponsible. That is straight from the playbook of celebrated charlatan Stanton Glantz. Whose study, incidentally, Mr. Grant links to in support of the claim that using an e-cigarette provokes a Pavlovian response in smokers. Take the time to read the methodology used in this so-called study. Then draw conclusions. Short version – it's another non-argument. Which seems to be all that some people have left in the locker.
David Moger says:
Well David Grant. We can see you have a problem with vaping. It would be helpful to other readers of these comments to know who you are and on who's behalf you are writing. I dout if you will respond or tell the truth. In the mean time could all the people who have read David Grants comments remember that there are many groups of people who are against vaping for financial reasons not public health. Governments do not want to loose the tobacco tax. Pharma companies do not want to loose the NRT business or the lung cancer and COPD drugs that they spent millions on developing so they have to keep selling them so people have to keep smoking. All the anti smoking organisations and smoking cessesion people could all be looking for new jobs if smokers switched to vaping. Just saying.
Anthony Billingham says:
In response to David Grant's comment on nicotine being as bad as he suggests.
The truth, http://www.ecigarette-politics.com/the-great-nicotine-myth.html
Also you need to look at the positive side of nicotine, see here. http://www.nicotinepolicy.net/all-authors/85-jacques-le-houezec/640-the-positive-effects-of-nicotine
As for this comment, "And of course the above reasons are all part of the rationale behind other countries, that are more advanced, progressive, and less corrupt than the UK, having already implemented bans on these these devices. "
Evidence of corruption has not been supplied, to support the claim.
But I will say in response, that many so called "experts" in other countries. Are largely funded, both directly and in-directly by big pharmaceutical companies. Who stand to loss the most in the wake of the e-cigarette tidal wave. So I'll let the reader, decide if any corruption is afoot.
As for the renormalizing, and non-smoker up take argument. The recent ASH survey clearly shows the gateway swings the other way, out of tobacco smoking. http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_891.pdf
ronaldo says:
e-cigs save lives fact
ecigs don't pollute fact
nicotine does not give you cancer fact
there is no passive anything with e-cigs fact
flying in a airplane pollutes ban it
airplane kicks out to much pollution ban it
planes are bad for my health ban it
I would say close all airports ban all cars stop the sale of all alcohol ban the sale of tobacco coffee coca cola shut down Mc donalds burger king ect ect ect as all have proved to be more dangerous than a ecig
I will never holiday I wales again if the bigots get there way
Dr David Upton says:
David Grant, I doubt that's your real name. You display a misunderstanding of smokers, vapers and the psychology and chemistry underlying both cigarette addiction and nicotine usage. You also show a complete misunderstanding of motivation to vape and you do a great disservice to public health with your comments. There is a great deal of published research, which you clearly do not understand, and which would lead an unbiased observer to different conclusions to your own.
Please do not enter a discussion where you clearly do not understand the research you quote in support of your untenable position.
Geoffrey Cliff says:
Was the supposedly erudite David Grant ever a student under Professor Mark Drakeford? His ignorance is at least on a par with the latter, and his suppositions and unfounded accusations against vaping show the same rabid lip-foaming manner that marks the professor's 'public health' debating methodology. Both these gentlemen should immediately find alternative employment, and I suggest that they are amply qualified for a career in cherry-picking!
Tim Laslett says:
Thank you Jamie for an interesting and perceptive article.
As to the comments by David Grant (or whoever you are), what can be said of someone who quotes a succession of discredited opinion pieces to reveal his own twisted dogma. A PH employee who fears for his job? Or a planted Pharma stooge? Either that, or he just wants to wind up Vapers for the 'sport'. There's a few of those around as we well know.
To be honest, it doesn't really matter because the argument for tobacco harm reduction has already, in actuality, been won. This is evident from the eloquent prose presented by the real people who advocate on behalf of E-cigarettes on this page. Real people, Mr Grant. Unlike yourself.
Patricia Waters says:
David – would you like to re-post on this thread once you have read the open letter recently sent to Dr. Chan of the WHO by 53 eminent world wide experts? But no – I have a feeling you might know better than them.
Paul Beal says:
Thank you for your socially aware piece Jamie Insole. Having been smoke free for over a year now, thanks to vaping, it's always a pleasure to hear from like-minded individuals who just "get it".
I think the article itself and the subsequent comments effectively deal with the ludicrous counter argument of the blatantly agenda driven David Grant, with his links to the idiot's consensus upon which it relies merely proving the financial interests at stake, so I'll take this opportunity to simply remind him that a stink held down in lies will never be as effective as one kicked up by truth.
Martin Sowle says:
David grant type .improof. in to your web browser, oh and think of the children the ones that will meet their grand parents who now have a chance of being here instead of dieing of smoking related Desease as all my grandparents did.
Neal Roff says:
A question for you David Grant. Would you be the same David Grant that is a former colleague of the previous PHW Chair? If so, that would explain your position wouldn't it.
Alan Beard says:
As others have pointed out ,the "studies" that David Grant refers to all have traceability back to Stanton Glantz ,I wonder also if Mr Grant also has some connection with the consultants like Julie Bishop who advised the Welsh Government in drafting the White Paper .
If any part of what I have included above is correct then sadly Science has been ill-served, and dogma taken over. Numerous unsupported and ill founded comments abound in the 2 comments that seems also to be present from Ms Bishop and consequently the White Paper .
Were any of the 50 experts who sent a joint letter to the WHO consulted at any stage in this process ,those people are the World experts not a marginalised US Professor qualified in Mechanical Engineering whose self stated tactics involve manipulating the truth to suit his own agenda .Surely the advisers to and the Welsh Government itself couldn't possibly put forward this discredited work as part of the White Paper.
I just wonder if the Welsh Government are having some regrets at its choice of consultants – surely to wish to produce a progressive workable policy with popular support was required not something totally unfounded dogma driven and deeply unpopular . So whether or not my initial suspicions of Mr Grants comments are factual or not, the White Paper needs to be resubmitted once unbiased research and independent consultants are sought
Andrew Jinks says:
As someone who has never smoked but who has several family members and other loved ones who are struggling to give up by various means, I agree with the main thrust of what Jamie is saying. I don't see the sense in what Mark Drakeford is proposing, it seems like badly researched paternalism.
But there is one aspect of of the debate about vaporisers/e-cigarettes that does worry me – the danger of helping to renormalise smoking, especially amongst young people. The fact that many (not all) e-cigs resemble cigarettes I find a problem. Also the marketing of flavours of nicotine solution (if that's the right word) like bubblegum – something I would argue is clearly aimed at kids rather than adults. If the Welsh Assembly Government wanted to regulate on those issues I would support them, but not what they are proposing at the moment.
Keith Stammrs says:
Great piece, and good points for a tobacco smoker looking for electronic cigarettes as an healthier alternative, wishing to keep the habit without the adverse health implications. The Hippocratic oath if it were ever observed by those with their" honorary doctorate's" would bar them from ever giving any allopathic medication as it probably kills more people than the dis-eases it is formulated to cure, note that a medic unless he/she is a full time researcher has no business giving advice based on research findings that are unverified, or have been put out by a vested interest ie ; Pharmaceutical company wishing to profit from what they say they found, as too many pharmas have been caught falsifying drug trials and withholding adverse findings to be trusted with the public's health concerns. Good luck to all those electronic cigarette users who have taken it upon themselves to seek out a healthier, cleaner and more socially acceptable alternative to tobacco smoking..
Alan Beard says:
@Andrew Jinks
2 comments that you made towards the end ASH-LDN very recently published a survey and study and found no gateway or re-normalisation evidence ,the only teenage users were previous smokers see http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_715.pdf
The UK market for cigalike types is ~30% and actually decreasing due to consumer preference for more customisable types .
Customising also includes + encompasses your last point Adults Do Like flavours like bubblegum -my wife aged 55 actually prefers that over any of the other 100 or so flavours we currently use
Why so many flavours + some frivolous ones at that? …choice!!
If the only teenagers using e-cigs are former cigarette smokers (as per ASH study) does it make any difference what flavours are available on the market, restrictions along the lines you advocate would have no positive result rather causing inconvenience for adult users
Davidoff says:
David Grant says:
@Alan Beard
The BBC's Panorama sting on Pattrick Mercer MP revealed the steps that are required for rich lobbyists to obtain influence with politicians:
1. Establish an All Party Parliamentary Group of about 20 MPs drawn from all persuasions.
2. Establish a 'secretariat' to run the APPG for the MPs – because the MPs aren't really bothered enough about the topic to do anything themselves about it – but are always on the lookout for a free holiday or conference in an exotic place such as Fiji. Ideally the 'secretariat' is established as a fake/bogus charity e.g. 'Friends of Fiji' to give the appearance of the arrangement being above aboard.
3. Having established the APPG the rich lobbyist now has a group of MPs which it can use to 'gain influence' within Westminster.
With smoking, of course, the APPG is the APPG on Smoking and Health, for which its secretariat is the 'charity' ASH (Action on Smoking and Health).
ASH is not 'anti-smoking' but 'pro-industry' – hence its pushing of nicotine patches and gum etc. for the pharmaceutical industry (ineffective for cessation), and now e-cigarettes on behalf of BAT (maintains the nicotine dependency just changes the delivery mechanism – and again ineffective for cessation).
ASH exists solely to provide a nice balance of reward to the tobacco industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the tax income for the country. And by pushing an nicotine, an addictive and dangerous drug, as a solution, smokers/vapers never quit and remain dependent – and the cash keeps rolling in…
Many people think ASH is a charity (after all it is registered as a charity), and leave it £k's in bequests in wills and charitable donations – which of course it is happy to accept (even though it is really a front group for industry)…
…and of course (in the case of ASH) any research is supported by 'research' carried out by academics and professors in Colleges and Universities across the UK, such as Nottingham University – who are all part of the industry.
Deborah Arnott is the Chief Executive, Action on Smoking and Health (UK) (ASH (UK)) – and she has been awarded the position of honorary Associate Professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Nottingham – the university which was given £4m 'sponsorship' by tobacco giant BAT in 2000 – which it seems the university used to establish a 'campus' in China(!) – where e-cigarettes were developed and are now being manufactured. Small world isn't it ?
ASH is not interested in helping smokers/vapers to stop. Smoking is a psychological problem. When Allen Carr died ASH immediately called the 50%+ success of his approach into doubt and were taken to court and had to apologise/retract what they said. See:
Only this morning there are news reports that NICE are trying to force more drugs on the nation – probably to swell the coffers of the pharmaceutical industry, and this is being resisted by doctors. See:
There are huge problems within the UK and the NHS regarding industry lobbying and the willingness of NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) to take on board the views and opinions of 'consultants' and professors in Universities and Colleges who are all funded by very rich and powerful industries and are being paid to push/endorse/recommend products.
ASH is a lead campaigner for industry and all of ASH's 'research' and statements are designed to sell product, mainly nicotine – if ASH really wanted to help smokers it would promote the fact that the overwhelmingly vast majority of successful quitters quit cold turkey, 'unassisted'.
Take everything that ASH says with a pinch of salt.
@Andrew Jinks
Might be worth bearing mind also that an Israeli toddler has already died as a result of drinking e-cig juice (presumably attracted by the nice flavourings) – and a dog was also killed earlier this year by e-cig juice. Not to mention people being killed by the exploding battery packs:


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The New Zealand Judge overseeing the ongoing case against Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom has made the news by calling the United States the enemy of his country when it comes to IP law. Speaking at the NetHui conference in Auckland last week, District Court Judge David Harvey said what he thought about the United States:
"We have met the enemy, and he is the US," he said during the event.
The event was organized by the Fair Deal coalition, a group of New Zealanders who are strongly opposed to the U.S.-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership treaty. The group has been lobbying the New Zealand Government to reject the treaty on the grounds that it would put a burden on consumers in the country. Those restrictions include extended copyright time and the possibility of new restrictions on circumventing DVD region codes.
Judge Harvey's comment did not go unnoticed by the NZ press, who think that he might side with DotCom in his fight for extradition to the U.S. to face charges for copyright infringement and other charges.
Auckland University law professor Bill Hodge said that comments such as the one the Judge made "can be seen as probably an extra-judicial comment that isn't helpful." He added that he thinks "judges should be free to make comments, as long as it doesn't appear to show any predetermination with respect to the specific case in the court before them."
Source: Ars Technica

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Images: Task Force Geronimo assumes deployment position [Image 3 of 4]
Photo by 1st Lt. Angela Fry
National Guard Soldiers with Louisiana's 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Shreveport, La., and Oregon's 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, of Springfield, Ore., stand at parade rest on Camp Adder, Iraq, in a formal transfer of authority ceremony, as the cavalry squadron accepted their mission from the 2/162nd in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
This work, Task Force Geronimo assumes deployment position [Image 1 of 4], by 1LT Angela Fry, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.
Date Taken:04.09.2010
Date Posted:05.04.2010 11:55
Photo ID:275583
Size:118.21 KB
Location:CAMP ADDER, IQ
Gallery Images
Associated News
Task Force Geronimo assumes deployment position


text:
אנחנו בפייסבוק
Op-ed: Reckless abandon we saw in Saturday night's protest in Tel Aviv unjustified and dangerous
Yoaz Hendel
Published: 06.24.12, 11:28 / Israel Opinion
Yoaz Hendel
Authorities are not the ones to blame for the failure of the protest; rather, reality is at fault. We have seen protests that were much more justified than the protest of last summer yet nobody covered them. These protests did not enjoy the support of celebrities or municipal backing. In all of these protests it was clear that anarchy is a red line. There is no reason for this attitude to change now.


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i think i would inspect the inside edge of the crank arm for matching marks, because the damage is severe enough to require something getting between the crank arm and the BB to gouge it like that, if i'm seeing what i think i'm seeing. if there are no matching marks on the inside of the crank arm i would think that it most likely occurred during assembly. at least that's the point i would argue...
You should properly focus the camera before shooting. The pictures are ridiculously blurry.
I bought this bike from a LBS that has two locations and one is closed on the weekend which is where I bough it. I took it to the location that is open on the weekend and they were somewhat clueless (they are in ski mode). They did claim that the bottom bracket is assembled in the frame from the factory so the person who built the bike wouldn't have done this during installation of the BB. Considering how clueless they seemed about bikes in general, I'll disregard their comment and take it to the shop that is open tomorrow and see what they say.
If they say it's alright and it may be, I'd be sure to get a signed and dated work order explaining your concerns so if it fails at a later point you have some proof of it being a factory defect.
2012 Trek 5.2 Madone
1985 Raleigh Olympian
As posited, they scratched it pressing in the BB which is likely PF30 or BB30.
Hey if they can get you to buy it that way and you accept it then they are happy.
Go there and request a replacement. They will likely give you grief about it but tell them you won't accept it.
If you put it on your credit card, leave the bike there and stop payment if they don't replace it.
I heard back from Cannondale support and they basically said sorry nothing we can do, talk to the dealer. This is a bit of a letdown for sure. I've heard great things about Cannondale support but so far this doesn't feel great.
Took it to the shop this morning and the mechanic agreed with the running consensus that this damage was from the BB pressing which is done before they get the bike. He said he didn't notice it because during the build, he spends the vast majority of his time on the drive side of the bike which makes sense.
He took some pictures and is going to talk to their Cannondale rep to see what can be done. He mentioned a possible epoxy solution which if that's the route I have to go, I won't be very pleased with since it looks clearly that i was sold a damaged bike from the start.
Make them make it right.
In the Bike Business, I am!!!
In ALL cases of potential warranty you go to a shop and they get with the rep and then it moves on from there. They get calls all day long from "experts" who want new bikes.
And it's obvious many do not know how this works, but most bikes are pretty much assembled anymore. The work to install those parts would have been done at the factory, not at the shop. We pull all that apart and reinstall it, but my guess is that shop does not do that.
Last edited by roadwarrior; 01-27-14 at 02:30 PM.
In the Bike Business, I am!!!
How this works is you have to go thru the dealer since Cannondale doesn't deal direct. You are under 30 days so Cannondale will warranty the frame only and the shop will swap the components over unless the shop owner has the exact same bike on the floor and is willing to swap and save you the hassle. You have to stand your ground but be nice. The scratch is clearly from somebody tapping the lip of the bearing race in and if you wait they will say you did it as an excuse not to warranty the frame. My friend had his 2012 Madone crack a week after he bought it at the headtube and he stood his ground since it was under 30 days and said he wants a whole new bike and Trek gave him a whole new bike.
But not after the shop wanted to just swap the components. That's what I would do especially if your not sure of the mechanics abilities at your local shop.
OP, sorry to read about your travails.
There are a few things that feel worse than plunking down your hard earned cash and not getting what you thought you were paying for. Worse than that, is having to deal with an LBS that was initially happy to sell you the product but then is not being as supportive as you had hoped they would be. In this sense, buying from a chain bike store is more satisfying in that they would take the bike back, no excuses, no questions.
Eventually, your bike will get lots of nicks and scratches...but at least those are nicks and scratches that YOU put there.
Let us know how this is finally resolved.
My current stable:
1989 SLX Bottecchia (Campy Athena 11s)
1999 Cannondale F400 mountain bike
2012 Bianchi Infinito (Campy Record 11s)
2012 Colnago C59 in PR99 color scheme (Campy Record 11s)
2016 Colnago C60 in MHWH color scheme (Campy Record 11s)
I can't believe that shop is closed on weekends. How do they stay in business?
Fantasy: Espresso and a tailwind
Reality: Diarrhea and a headwind
I wonder who would have pressed in the bottom bracket, can't see the Cannondale factory making this sort of mistake.
Got an update today from the bike shop. Basically Cannondale said that from the pictures it doesn't look like a problem but we could send the frame to them to have them inspect/scan it and if there is damage they'd repair it. I called bull**** on that since it's clear that I was sold damaged goods out of the box (even according to the shop mechanic that put the bike together). I said I'm not interested in a repair to damage Cannondale caused, I'm interested in a the bike I'm paying $2K for not being damaged before it leaves the factory. Bike shop said they'd talk to Cannondale again and see what they say. They said if they do send out a new part, it'll likely just be the frame and we'd have to go through the hassle of disassembling and rebuilding the bike around the new frame which I imagine they aren't too excited about since it's lost labor for them as well.
So far I'm not very impressed with Cannondale's support or the bike shop's execution on this matter. Unless things turn around in the next few days, I can safely say they've both lost a customer.
I would find a new LBS if they dont fix it. I guess I'm lucky, if i would OF walked in with this problem my lbs would OF had a new bike for me asap. The LBS should get you a new bike/frame, what ever as fast as they can, then they should deal with cannondale. I bet they end up taking care of you and fixing it but they should OF done it right away. Good luck with it. My bad for the grammers, me sa hopes some ones with a life is out there on the intersweb can check it for me.
Last edited by TyLerDuRDeN_187; 01-29-14 at 09:49 PM.
Massive sweeping generalization statement as follows: Most LBS' suck.
They probably "installed" the press fit BB by banging it in with a crescent wrench or something and dinged the hell out of your BB shell. That's what my untrained eye focusing on a very blurry picture over the internet tells me.


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On 29 October 1994, the Egyptian Minister of Health issued a decree which seeks to medicalize female genital mutilation (FGM) by designating a number of selected hospitals to perform the operation for a fee of LE10 (approximately US $3). The decree represents a turnaround on the part of the Health Minister, Ali Abdel Fatah, who publicly stated at the United Nations International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo in September 1994, that the practice of FGM should be banned and that those who perform it should be punished. According to press reports, the government's intention to pass a law against FGM was initiated by the Minister of Population and Family Planning, Maher Mahran, to put an end to the "butchery that damages the health and lives of more than a half of all young girls."
Female genital mutilation takes different forms in different countries: the partial or total removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy), the removal of the entire clitoris and the cutting of the labia minora (excision), or in its most extreme form the removal of all external genitalia and the stitching together of the two sides of the vulva, leaving only a very small vaginal opening (infibulation). In Egypt, an estimated 80%-90% of the female population is subjected to female genital mutilation, usually in the form of clitoridectomy or excision.
The declared reason for the recent decree is to limit the practice of FGM. However, it appears that the decree was issued as a result of pressure from sectors of the religious establishment. The Sheikh of Al-Azhar (a preeminent Islamic university in Cairo) has stated that female circumcision has a place in the jurisprudence of Islam. This view is strongly disputed by other Islamic scholars, including the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Mohammed Al Tantawi, who has issued a fatwa (religious judgement) which states that the Quran contains nothing on female circumcision. In addition, the Grand Mufti's fatwa states that as the hadith (the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed) are weak on this subject, one should defer to the opinion of doctors.
Women, and men, who come from cultures which practice FGM are increasingly giving voice to the devastating harm inflicted by FGM, and movements for its eradication are growing. A number of non-governmental organizations in Egypt are working to stop the practice of FGM. The Cairo Family Planning Association initiated the campaign in 1979 by organizing a ground-breaking seminar entitled "Bodily Mutilation of Young Females" which was held in Cairo. This effort has culminated in the formation of the Egyptian Society for the Prevention of Harmful Practices to Woman and Child.
Following the 1994 ICPD, during which the issue was highly publicized around the world by the Cable News Network (CNN) broadcast of the clitoridectomy of a young girl in Cairo, members of groups campaigning against FGM came under severe criticism. At a seminar held in Cairo in December 1994, Aida Seif al-Dawla from the New Woman Research Center, an Egyptian non-governmental organization, stated: "All this occurred knowing full well that female circumcision was not a religious matter, nor was it a measure for any morality. It was merely a political balance of power, at the expense of the whole issue of women...The decision to codify circumcision instead of criminalizing it, is a decision to codify the control of women, and codify violence against them, in addition to codifying their inferior status in society."
Although FGM is associated with Islam, there is no mandate in the Quran for FGM, as noted by Sheikh Mohammed Al Tantawi, the Grand Mufti of Egypt. Moreover, FGM in Egypt is a cultural practice among both Christians and Muslims, as it is in many other countries. FGM is prevalent in the band of African countries which stretches across the center of the continent. It is also found in some Asian countries and among immigrant populations in Western Europe and North America. As recently as the 1940's and 1950's, FGM was used by doctors in England and the United States to combat hysteria, lesbianism, masturbation and other perceived sexual deviance in girls and women. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was signed by the Egyptian Government in 1990, requires governments to take effective measures to abolish traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children. In 1982, the World Health Organization issued a formal statement expressing unequivocal opposition to the medicalization of FGM in any setting.
An estimated 100 million girls and women around the world have undergone female genital mutilation. At least 2 million girls every year, 6,000 every day, are at risk of suffering FGM. For those who survive the cutting, which is generally done without anaesthetic, lifelong health consequences may include chronic infection, severe pain during urination, menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth, and psychological trauma. An extreme form of the many traditional practices used around the world to deny women independence and equality, FGM is defended by both men and women in the cultures where it is practiced as a rite of passage and a social prerequisite of marriage, and is used to control women's sexuality by safeguarding virginity and suppressing sexual desire.
Support the efforts of women's organizations in Egypt to spread awareness and to work towards the complete eradication of female genital mutilation. Send letters and petitions appealing for the revocation of the Ministerial decree of 29 October 1994, which condones and medicalizes female genital mutilation in Egypt. Express concern over the harmful physical and psychological consequences of female genital mutilation on young girls in Egypt and note the statement made by the Grand Mufti of Egypt that one should defer to the opinion of doctors. Urge government authorities to honor the pledge made by the Minister of Health at the International Conference on Population and Development to ban female genital mutilation and to take legal action against those who perform it. Appeals should be addressed to the Egyptian Ambassador to your country, and to:
His Excellency Muhammed Hosni Mubarak
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
'Abedine Palace
Cairo, Egypt
Telegrams: President Mubarak, Cairo, Egypt
Telexes: 93794 WAZRA UN
His Excellency Dr. Ali Abdel Fatah
Minister of Health
Ministry of Health
Magles El Shaab Street
Cairo, Egypt


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Comet on Ebay
Hey I want this comet pretty bad. Do you guys think it's worth 950$ http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...477767842&rd=1
not bad but what about shipping?
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Marian Seldes
Birth Name: Marian Seldes
Born: 08/23/1928
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA
The 1960s saw her flourish in original roles in plays by some of the acknowledged masters of the American theater. Seldes originated the role of Blackie in Tennessee Williams' "The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore" (1964) and had the title role of "Tiny Alice" (1965) in Edward Albee's play. In 1966, she achieved one of the pinnacles of her career as Julia, the much married daughter of a bitter couple, in Albee's blistering "A Delicate Balance", a performance that earned her a well-deserved Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Play. Five years, Seldes was elevated to the leading category for her strong turn in the one-night flop "Father's Day". (She lost to Maureen Stapleton.) By this...
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text:
Did you ever have anything in your life that you just kind of…ignored until it went away? Or at least, ignored it until you forgot about it or pretended it went away? That's kind of what I did with multicast.
For a long, long time, I would hear people mention multicast, and I would be like, "oh, multicast, yeah, talking to lots of hosts at one time, yeah, that's cool…" then do my best to not join in that conversation, because I had less than nothing to add. In fact, all I could do was show my ignorance, and THAT'S no fun.
So my shame of not knowing it drove me deeper into my cave. "It's not like anyone even uses it. I've been doing networking for years and its never come up".
Then I started learning more about IPv6, and multicast would creep into the conversation. And I'd ignore it, and sure enough, the next paragraph wouldn't mention it anymore, and I could go back to pretending it didn't exist. But it kept coming up, and one day I slipped.
I thought to myself, "so, I know that multicast is all about sending data to lots of hosts at once, but how could it really do that?" And so I slipped into the inescapable void of my curiosity.
As it turns out, it's really not all that crazy, and it's really not that difficult, at least on the surface. There are two sides of the proverbial coin. There's the theory of how it works, and there's the practical application. Lets look at the practical side.
A prototypical example use-case would be video streaming. Every multicast application (and by application, here, I mean every solution, such as a NASA video stream and the like) picks or is assigned a particular multicast IP address, then everyone on the internet that wants to watch the stream joins that multicast IP address…and when I say it joins that multicast IP address, I mean that the machine uses a protocol called IGMP to tell its local router that it wants in on the action.
The local router is hopefully configured to know about IGMP so it listens. If it's configured properly, then it uses a protocol called PIM (or one much like it) to let the next closest router to the video source know that it has someone who wants to watch. That router then sends PIM updates to the router it thinks is closer to the source than it, and so on.
Eventually, you wind up with a tree starting with the root being the video server, and forming the branches are all of the routers who have clients that used IGMP to let them know that they wanted to watch. The video source sends out one packet, to its closest router, and the router remembers which connections joined that group and sends the packets to those routers, which send the packets to the next routers, and the packets eventually wind up at the clients who are watching the stream.
No one machine sends a ton of packets, and no routers have to remember much besides which interfaces belong to which groups. It works out nicely, even though, and I say this with the greatest apology now that you've read the preceding paragraphs, almost no one uses it like this.
Sure, there are some internal networks that use it for things like teleconferencing, but I bet yours doesn't. Except you Googlers and Yahoos out there. Your university probably does, I guess, especially if it's on that whole Internet2 thing, but the vast majority of you will never have to deal with multicast video streams.
That doesn't mean that multicast is going away. Actually, with IPv6, it's getting more airtime.
The biggest difference between IPv4 and IPv6, in my opinion, is the idea that your interface isn't going to belong to only one layer 3 (IP) network.
You know how, right now, you are probably on a private block, like 192.168.whatever? Well, with IPv6, you're still going to have a private block, only it's called link-local. Your machine, and every other machine, will have a link-local network address on their interface. It doesn't route to the internet at all. When you have one machine that wants to talk to another local machine, it's going to happen over the link-local interface.
Of course, your computer will also want to talk to the internet, probably, so you're going to have an IP with the "real" network prefix (which is probably going to be assigned automatically by the IPv6 autonegotiation process, which I'll write more about later). This "real" network IP will allow you to communicate with the outside world (and it with you, unless you set up your firewall rules correctly). That's two IP addresses so far. How many more?
Well, there is also going to be the "All Nodes" multicast group, FF01::1 for "node-local" (AKA "all interfaces on the same machine") and FF02::1 for the link-local (AKA "the local broadcast domain" because routers don't forward link-local packets) group. Your machine will belong to these multicast groups, because things like ARP are going away with IPv6.
Instead of ARP (and ping and passive IP collision detection), IPv6 includes a protocol called NDP, which provides for all kinds of things…and most of those features come from using multicast addresses.
So what happens is really just a smaller version of above, where the host tells the router that it wants to join a multicast group. Except that in IPv6, we don't use IGMP anymore, we use MLD, but it works mostly the same way. The router sends us any packets that are sent to that IP address, and things go swimmingly.
If the machine that you're working on IS the router, well, then it's going to join any number of IPv6 multicasts…the "All Routers" multicast (ff02::2), maybe the All DHCP Servers group (ff02::1:2), and seriously, a ton of other multicast groups.
The big reason for all of these groups is service discovery. It's kind of like, in IPv4, if you had a specific private IP block for, say, DNS servers. If you just knew that somewhere in 192.168.32.0/24, there would be a DNS server, you could join that network, ping the broadcast, and the DNS server would respond. You could use that to add it to your configuration. It's kind of like that, but instead of a broadcast, it's multicast.
If you're the rare networking wonk who didn't know multicast, you've probably already asked, "yeah, but how does that work at the switch?", in which case I invite you to read the wiki entry on IP Multicast: Layer 2 Delivery.
So despite my earlier fears, multicast doesn't operate by magic, just by protocols that I've never configured because they didn't matter to me. But even with the scant knowledge that I just imparted, you can feel a little bit better about needing to use multicast all over the place with IPv6.


text:
Craftsman 20 gal. Wet-Dry Vac, 6.5 Peak hp
Featuring Pos-I-Lock™ technology, this 7 foot hose stays firmly in place as you stretch into deep pockets and around obstacles, pulling dirt from every corner with the help of 8 accessories that keep all the tools you need for the cleanup job close at hand. A great way to clean-up the house, shop and every vehicle you own, the craftsman 20 gallon wet dry vac packs power, flexibility and convenience into one tough package. The perfect clean for shop or jobsite, add it to your tool kit.
- Includes: Craftsman 20 Gallon Wet Dry Vac, two extensions, four adaptive ends, hose, filter and bags
- Powerful 6.5 horse motor gives the Craftsman 20 gallon wet dry vac extra strength
- Features a huge 20 gal. drum capacity for more work with less emptying
- Large drain allows easy emptying
- Convenient 7 ft. hose is useful for various clean-up jobs
- Extra long 20 ft. cord allows you to move freely throughout


text:
Quote randallpacker:I am
currently in touch with Apple to find a solution to the Fusion Drive problem. It doesn't
seem to work with most audio interfaces. Given that this is the "high performance" hard
drive for the iMac, I am hoping Apple will figure out how to resolve the problem.
Quote G-Doubleyou:The real issue appears to be the new Intel chipset, some have had success with
Thunderbolt and USB2 hubs.
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Happy Birthday Arto!
Posted By etnies in Skate, Skip To The Comments (0)
Nov 9 2005 / Wednesday
etnies would like to take a moment to wish Arto Saari a kick ass birthday! He's on tour right now and you can bet he's celebrating. We'll get you the photos when he's back!


text:
FAMILIES IN TRANSITION, Wonderful Central Florida 32765 Charity that is so WORTHY of Our Support
Please take the time to read this post and watch the video. It makes you realize how fortunate we are, and how, through no fault of our own, we could become homeless in the blink of an eye.
These families were so courageous living in cars and trucks.........unimaginable to me.
Leave your comments on Kevin's post, I am disabling them on this post.
This has got to be at the top of your list of worthy, heartfelt organizations that need and deserve your help.
To all of the realtors on Active Rain, I am reaching out to each and everyone of you to please watch this video and then at the end, go to the following link: FAMILIES IN TRANSITION.
Our company, Keller Williams allows our agents to contribute to any charity with each and every closing and I can tell you that our office each year first raises $3,000 for our internal charity KW Cares which pools money to be used for the benefit of agents and their families financially affected by natural disaster like the Joplin Tornados, or Hurricane Katrina.
Once we raise this amount each year, then our office decided to take on a more LOCAL PROJECT and this year we are raising $10,000 to feed 500 families in need a Traditional Christmas Meal here on the Treasure Coast. I have personally contributed from each closing to each of these, but after seeing this incredible story tonight on 60 minutes and knowing that this was in my very neighborhood I moved down from in 2004, I cannot help but be drawn back to helping such and incredibly worthy cause. And I am laying down the gauntlet to my own Keller Williams Agents of Central FL. This means you Oveido, and Waterford, and Lee Vista, and Vineland, and Lake Mary, and all the rest.
I know that if all of you ask your MCA's to contribute to this wonderful organization called FAMILIES IN TRANSITION, you will see a DIRECT IMPACT in your own backyard, and these are your future folks. Come on Agents, Let us UNITE and help the next generation y. We all know these are our future clients, our future elected officials, and even our future neighbors and could be future employees, so let's donate to this incredibly worthy cause. I now challenge you to watch this video and not shed a tear.
Kevin B Tolbert PA, GRI, CDPE
Keller Williams Realty of Port St Lucie
1850 SW Fountainview Bld Ste 200
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
Direct: 772-834-0099
Email: email@example.com
To see all our local listings please goto www.SearchforSouthFloridaHome.Com
To see all our statewide listings, please goto www.IsellPortStLucieLand.Com
To see all my blogs, please goto www.kevinbtolbertpa.com


text:
GE unveils 'Industrial Internet'
General Electric unveiled a collection of "Industrial Internet" technologies to help specific business sectors reduce wasted costs and improve operations. Airlines, railroads, healthcare firms, manufacturers and energy companies all stand to benefit from enhancing the connections between their machines and the Internet, according to GE.
The Industrial Internet includes nine technologies and services that focus on analytics and product diagnostics, reports Andrew Nusca at ZDNet. The idea is to better leverage a company's networks, facilities and other assets to boost productivity.
One of the new services, called Taleris, takes data from sensors on aircraft parts to perform diagnostics in real time. This service is offered in partnership with Accenture.
Hospitals can use GE's new "Hospital Operations Management" service, which connects a host of data from bed assignments, equipment management, patient flow, transportation and workflow. They can also take advantage of the new "DoseWatch" software, designed to help monitor radiation dosages.
For the railroads, GE is offering RailConnect, which analyzes freight movements. For utility companies, there is the new Grid IQ, which monitors the electric grid "more dynamically." Oil and gas drillers can try out the new "Subsea Integrity Management" monitoring system.
If your industry is not the target of any of these new offerings from GE, fear not: the company said it has 20 more technologies coming out next year.
For more:
- see Andrew Nusca's article at ZDNet
Related Articles:
GE turns to tech workers in the auto industry
GE to open big tech facility in Michigan


text:
Barton drops out of race for state House nomination
James A. "Jamie" Barton has ended his campaign for the Republican nomination in the race for 124th state legislative district.
Barton, 49, of Orwigsburg, released a prepared statement Wednesday announcing his withdrawal from the race as he faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.
"It is with sadness that I announce today that I have officially removed my name from the ballot for the upcoming primary election for the House of Representatives' 124th District," Barton wrote.
Charges were initially filed against Barton after he crashed his vehicle about 11 p.m. Feb. 24 on Reddale Road in West Brunswick Township. Magisterial District Judge James Ferrier dismissed the charges on March 19, ruling that police were unable to prove he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
However, Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine A. Holman said she refiled the charges Wednesday with Ferrier's office.
Since the accident occurred in his jurisdiction, charges had to be filed in Ferrier's office. The case will be heard by a different district justice.
The rest of Barton's statement reads: "By state law, withdrawals must be filed no later than 5 p.m. March 26, 2014.
"The controversy surrounding my car accident has and will continue to be a distraction through the primary election. It will be extremely difficult to focus my time and energy on pursuing the core issues that are at the heart of my campaign with all the outside noise. It's imperative for the health of our great state that taxpayers are able to focus on issues, as opposed to outside distractions.
"As a professional courtesy, I personally called Representative Knowles and shared with him my decision to withdraw from the race.
"To all of those who have supported this cause and my efforts, I'm disappointed I couldn't fulfill my goal. Your belief in a better Pennsylvania is something we hold true and remains important. I hope as a businessman and community leader in the private sector, I'm able to continue to fight for the values we hold so dear."
State police at Schuylkill Haven allege Barton was DUI to the extent that he was incapable of safe driving, but did not administer a full blood alcohol test. Holman said Barton refused to take a blood alcohol test and prosecutors may use that as new evidence in a second preliminary hearing.
State law still allows refiling the DUI charges even without additional evidence.
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Home : Brands : MATIS : MATIS Corrective :
Both women and men can find that lines and wrinkles on their face and neck increase in number and severity as they age. No matter your gender, the aging process diminishes the levels of collagen and elastin in your skin. The reduction in these vital proteins can lead to a loss of firmness, sagging skin, and the formation of expression lines. These changes can begin as young as thirty years of age and continue as the skin matures. MATIS Corrective Products contain cutting-edge skin care ingredients that help to minimize the depth of wrinkles by relaxing the muscles under the skin and boosting hydration. By smoothing expression lines and wrinkles, MATIS Corrective Products can help the complexion to appear more youthful.
In their research and development laboratories, MATIS has amassed a wealth of talent that contributes to the development of MATIS Corrective Products. Biologists, chemists, and skin care specialists work together to ensure that the treatments in this advanced range incorporate the latest scientific breakthroughs. Before they are released to the market, every new formulation is extensively tested to ensure that it meets rigorous quality standards.
To add one or more items to your bag, check the box to the left of each desired
item and then click the "Add to Bag" button at the top or bottom of the page. Items
are listed in SKU number order.
Although the age of 30 may not feel old, in skin care terms your complexion is starting to lose its elasticity and flexibility. Expression lines that previously did not seem particularly bothersome become indelibly etched on the skin. However, there are steps you can take to slow down the effects of aging on your skin. You can smooth and relax your skin with MATIS Corrective Products. These treatments help to reduce the severity of the expression lines and wrinkles that form as you age.
Each morning, give your skin a wrinkle-reducing boost with MATIS Reponse Corrective Wrinkle Correcting Care . Advanced active ingredients stimulate the production of collagen and relax the muscles to give skin a smoother appearance. Microspheres of hyaluronic acid infuse the skin with moisture, helping it to look plumper and firmer. For best results, this silky treatment should be smoothed along the wrinkles and expression lines on the forehead and at the corners of the eyes, sweeping outwards toward the edge of the face.
For women who want a smooth complexion, MATIS Reponse Corrective Instant Filler reduces the appearance of expression lines. Micro-powders fill wrinkles and give the complexion a velvety finish. The surface layers of the skin are hydrated and plumped by hyaluronic acid microspheres. The muscles that control the formation of expressions are relaxed, helping to iron out current wrinkles and prevent new expression lines forming. Sweep this filler over your skin with your finger tips after your other skin care treatments to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.


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Lions Club peace contest accepting submissions
Citizen Staff Reports 09/05/12
Students enrolled in Rolfe, Fairfield and Elko Middle Schools are invited to participate in the Lions International Contests, sponsored locally by the Richmond Battlefield Park Lions Club.
The 2012-13 theme is "Imagine Peace" and students may enter the essay contest or poster contest to express their feelings about peace. Essays must be no longer than 500 words in length, submitted in English, type-written in black ink and double spaced. Students entering the poster contest may use a variety of mediums, including charcoal, crayon, pencil or paint.
Students who are ages 11-13 by Nov. 15 are eligible to participate. The contest is open to students who are visually impaired. The local winner's entry will be submitted to District competition. One grand prize winner will receive an award of $5,000 from Lions Clubs International. Submission deadline is Sept. 28.
For more information, visit http://richmondbattlefieldparklionsclub.org/about-us/lions-contests
19th Annual Asian American Celebration planned May 21
Citizen Staff Reports 05/16/2016
The Asian American Society of Central Virginia will hold its 19th Annual Asian American Celebration on Saturday, May 21 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd St. in Richmond, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
The theme for this year's celebration will be "Our Heritage," in recognition of May as the Asian Pacific American Heritage month, designated by the U.S. Congress in 1992. > Read more.
The theme for this year's celebration will be "Our Heritage," in recognition of May as the Asian Pacific American Heritage month, designated by the U.S. Congress in 1992. > Read more.
Sandston Founders Club honors Sydnor
The Founders Club of Sandston presented lifetime membership to Charles W. Sydnor at its 12th annual meeting last month.
Sydnor, who grew up in Sandston and later served as president of Emory and Henry College for eight years, was honored by Founder Club President Alice Taylor Baldwin at the April 23 event at Sandston Memorial Recreation Center. > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
For our Top 10 calendar events this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Henrico, state brace for possible influx of Zika virus cases
Citizen's Kruszewski wins 8 VPC awards
Dominion requests 3-month deferral in Varina substation case
Lost in time
Railroad improvements to close sections of Charles City, Miller roads May 24-25
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May. 19, 2016Click here to read the print edition.
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Cultural Arts Center announces summer class schedule
CAT's 53rd season opens with new directors
Weekend Top 10
Innsbrook to host Central Va. Wine Festival
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Obituary – Robert "Bob" L. Millican
Obituary – Scott B. Cutler
Obituary – Frances West Fleming
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19th Annual Asian American Celebration planned May 21
Sandston Founders Club honors Sydnor
Anthem LemonAid registration opens
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'Good old days' were good – for some
Of character and parenting
Opinion: Rename school for late Henrico officer
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Strawberry visits Tuckahoe Little League
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CalendarCAT Theatre, located at 319 N. Wilkinson Rd., will present "Don't Cry For Me, Margaret Mitchell" May 20 to June 4. This hilarious show is based on actual events from… Full text


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- Home
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Police looking for Taylor man accused of stabbing his girlfriend
TAYLOR — A 34-year-old borough man fled after stabbing his girlfriend in the chest Thursday night, police said.
Police were searching for Barry Lewis, 202 S. Main St., who was accused of stabbed 37-year-old Jennie Falkenstein after a domestic dispute at about 9:15 p.m., Officer John Harrison said. Ms. Falkenstein was being treated at Geisinger Community Medical Center, but police did not know her condition late Thursday.
She was conscious but "wrenching in pain" at the scene, Officer Harrison said.
Police described Mr. Lewis as black, about 6 feet tall with long black dreadlocks and tattoos on both his left arm and neck. He was wearing black shorts, a white tank top and a black vest. Police believe he fled with the weapon.
Anyone who sees him is asked to call Taylor police at 570-562-2210.
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Jim Thorpe
There are many challenges facing youth and their families today, and although efforts are made to help them, most have limited success. When youth begin engaging in "risky" behaviors, such as substance use, it can lead to serious problems, not only for the youth involved and their families, but also for their community and society. There is good news though. There are programs out there that have been proven to decrease risky youth behaviors, enhance positive youth development, and strengthen families. And since resources are limited, it only makes sense to use programs that we know work.
Effectively delivering these evidence-based programs year after year requires a level of human and financial resources that would be difficult for any one agency or organization to sustain. This is why in 2002, Jim Thorpe formed a team of volunteers representing a number of local youth-serving entities to take on this task. This group of individuals, known as the PROSPER Team, is lead by Mindy Graver, a representative from Carbon County Extension and is co-lead by Holly Mordaunt from LB Morris Elementary School. After a second elementary school was built in the district, the Jim Thorpe PROSPER Team rebuilt itself in 2006 to include members from the new elementary school and other social service agencies that work with youth and families. The team now includes representatives from the Jim Thorpe Area School District, the Carbon County Assistance Office, Carbon-Monroe-Pike MH/MR, the Carbon County Right from the Start Program, Blue Mountain Health, and the Carbon County Drug and Alcohol Commission.
What the Jim Thorpe PROSPER Team does for the community
The team is relatively small compared to traditional "big-tent" coalitions so that it can focus its efforts on helping youth make good choices and become responsible citizens. Each year the PROSPER Team invites 5th and 6th grade students and their parents to participate in the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14. The PROSPER Team also works very closely with area schools to provide Project ALERT to 7th graders and Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) to 4th graders.
Because of the PROSPER Team and its supporters, these programs have been making a difference in the lives of Jim Thorpe youth and families for over 8 years.
"This program opened my eyes to how my daughter and I functioned as a unit before and after the program. I have learned so many valuable things and discovered that my daughter is a very unique and cool individual. Thank you for offering this program!"—2010 Parent Participant


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Hey all,
I'm new to this whole map creation hobby (or addiction ), and I see alot of amazing talent and art images / maps here and I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction?
I've been searching all over the net for images that are used specifically for mapping software such as CC3 and Dundjinni but I'm pulling my hair out.
Where do I go to get modern images such as images / objects for schools, hospitals, police stations etc.?
Also, where or how, do some of you get the images of magazines, toilets, sinks, showers etc that I see in a lot of your maps?
Thanks for the help and hopefully, I will have my first map done and up to share


text: As with every trailer I have had, I seem to have the worse luck getting a good connection at the plug. I brush the connections, bend them, and tryed WD-40. What's the best way or product to fight corosion? I was gonna go buy some dyelectric grease (sorry for the sp). Dave


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June 5, 2006
First U-M Men's Fantasy Football Experience to benefit the University of Michigan Prostate Cancer Research
ANN ARBOR, MI – The U-M Men's Fantasy Football Experience, a new two-day event championed by Michigan Football Coach Lloyd Carr, will benefit the "Men of Michigan" Prostate Cancer Research Fund. This first annual fundraiser, on August 3-4, 2006, will help to advance awareness, research and treatment of prostate cancer while giving participants a truly unique, insider's perspective on Michigan Wolverine football.
The growth of prostate cancer cases is staggering. Today, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. Through education, screening and early detection, most cases are curable when found before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
At the same time that prostate cancer cases are increasing, funding for prostate cancer research is lagging. "With the help of the University of Michigan's Athletic Department, this unique event will raise prostate cancer research funds and promote awareness of this devastating disease," said Dave Brandon, U-M Regent and former U-M football player who helped plan the benefit.
Dr. Kenneth Pienta, Director of the U-M Prostate Cancer Program at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center adds, "Proceeds generated from this event will be used to provide seed grants for prostate cancer research. NIH does not support high-risk new research with grant funding until scientific projects are well underway. This event will help to ensure that funding is available for medical advancement."
The Men's Fantasy Football Experience is open to Michigan fans from across the country. Only 116 select "players" will be allowed to register for the "team," which is exactly the number of lockers at Michigan Stadium. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for maize and blue fans to get inside of Michigan football like never before possible," said Scott Draper, Assistant Athletic Director. Each "player" will get his own personalized locker in the U-M team locker room and wear authentic practice and game apparel.
U-M coaches, players and former players will provide a special opportunity to gain insight on the requirements of successfully competing at the national level in Division I college football. Participants will dine with the coaches and players at the "recruitment" dinner, review and analyze game films and learn insider Michigan football coaching tips including weight training and conditioning, defensive and offensive plays and effective winning strategies.
There will be roundtable discussions on leadership, player recruitment and game strategy. Participants will attend a typical team meeting, review an actual scouting report, and suit up in the U-M team locker room. After taking the field in Michigan Stadium, the hallowed Big House, participants will experience a pre-game warm-up, run patterns from the Michigan offensive and defensive playbooks, catch a touchdown pass and kick the extra point after scoring a touchdown!
The cost for the two-day experience is $2,500 per person and includes meals and overnight accommodations. For more details, registration information and sponsorship opportunities, please call Steffanie Samuels at 734-615-9843, send e-mail to email@example.com, or go to the Web site at www.med.umich.edu/urolog. Corporate partners to date include NIKE and Ufer & CO. Insurance.
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Crop Circle Information Centre moves to Wiltshire Museum in Devizes (From This Is Wiltshire)
Crop Circle Information Centre moves to Wiltshire Museum in Devizes
6:00pm Friday 9th May 2014 in By Jill Crooks, Devizes area senior reporter
The Crop Circle Information Centre is to move into the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes for the peak summer season.
It was based at Woodborough Garden Centre in the Pewsey Vale last summer, when it was visited by at least 5,000 people, the majority of them from overseas, but it will be in the museum's art gallery from mid-June to the end of August.
Museum director David Dawson said: "Having the CCIC here is a natural progression in our interest in the Wiltshire landscape."
The crop circle pass scheme, introduced in Wiltshire last year, is to be repeated, but the charge has been simplified.
There were three types of passes at different prices – per day, week or month – and organiser Monique Klinkenbergh said it was confusing for visitors, so this year the pass will cost £10 for the entire crop circle season.
Ms Klinkenbergh, who has been studying crop circles since 2006 and spends her summers in Clench Common near Marlborough to investigate them, said the pass scheme had been received well generally.
Four farmers – David Hughes of Beckhampton, James and Jill Hussey of Hackpen, Jeremy Leonard of Netherstreet and John Hayward from Titcombe – signed up to the scheme to allow people who bought a pass access to their land which had crop circles. Each farmer received a payment to reimburse them.
She said: "People interested in visiting crop circles felt more comfortable with a pass. For 20 years it has been chaos. People didn't know if they were welcome on farmers' land.
"With the pass system people really valued the feeling they could explore knowing they were not doing an illegal thing."
Last year 206 passes were sold and payments to farmers totalled £2,250 plus a donation of £500 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
Additional donations made by the public amounted to just under £5,000 and this has been carried over into the Wiltshire Farmers Crop Circle Fund.
The crop circle passes will be available to buy online from mid-May at www.cropcircleaccess.com and there is a free App at cropcircleaccess.
Passes can also be bought at Stick & Stones Cafe at Woodborough Garden Centre, and Faux Art in The Parade, Marlborough.
Normal admission charges to the museum will apply for those who wish to visit the CCIC.
Last year was one of the sparsest for the number of crop circle formations.
In Wiltshire, there were 33 circles and just three others elsewhere in the UK.
This was the lowest in Wiltshire since 2006's 22 reports.
In 2012, there were 54 crop circles in Wiltshire and 19 in the rest of the UK. The year with the most recorded crop circles in Wiltshire was 2000, with 79 instances.
It is thought extreme cold and wet spring in the UK delaying crops was a factor last year, when the first formation was on June 2. The first this year was on April 16, near Wootton Rivers.
Comments (7)
Please log in to enable comment sorting
8:11pm Fri 9 May 14
mhudston says...
11:19am Sat 10 May 14
By the sea says...
4:31pm Sat 10 May 14
Mrs Donnyfly says...
By the sea wrote:It's not a wide, sweeping statement at all. In fact the only evidence available is that they are man-made. So unless it's the farmers themselves doing it, the only other reasonable alternative is that they are being done by people encroaching the land and damaging what isn't theirs... i.e. vandalism.
Any evidence for this wide sweeping statement would be welcome by all..
9:13pm Sat 10 May 14
Suzanne Taylor says...
10:07pm Sat 10 May 14
Paul Tucker says...
Having said that, anyone who believes the ornate patterns that people come to see are anything but man-made is plain cuckoo.
12:45pm Sun 11 May 14
Grumpyoldgit99 says...
4:50pm Thu 15 May 14
politepanda says...
"There's enough war in the world with lives at stake, and we don't need more of same in crop circle conversations." - What? Good grief.
I'm not a debunker - really I'm not. But I don't believe in santa or the sasquatch, either.
And I have the right to say so. Without putting anyone's life at stake.
Comments are closed on this article.


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Ask the Expert
February 21, 2013
Significant specialized subject expertise lies behind each Gelman Research Guide. Find a Research Guide on your topic and you'll find that librarian's contact information on the right side of the first page. Contact him or her for an appointment to discuss your research needs in depth, confident you'll be talking to The Expert.


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Capital Goods - April 2009
For those who frequent that strange piece of architecture known as the North Carolina Legislative Building, it would be easy enough to conclude that the $789 billion federal stimulus package is all about saving state government. Recent talk there has revolved around what North Carolinas share of the stimulus money will do to help close a budget gap believed to be approaching $3 billion. Not including the tax breaks going to individuals and businesses, North Carolina will receive $6 billion during the next three years. About half will end up in the states operating budget.
But this money was to boost the economy, right? Does funneling billions into government programs accomplish that? Ask 10 people, and you may get 10 different answers. Ask 10 economists, and you could face the same predicament.
Most economists believe the plan will help stabilize the economy, even if it doesnt prompt a recovery. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moodys Economy.com, wrote recently that he believes the jobless rate nationally will be 2 percentage points lower at the end of 2010 than it would be without the stimulus plan. Closer to home, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden agrees that the federal infusion of money into the state should mitigate the effects of the recession. It doesnt take us back to growth, and it doesnt turn the economy around, but he expects it will create some much-needed jobs, at least in some sectors. The White House estimates 105,000 jobs will be created in North Carolina by the federal legislation. Walden thinks that number is probably high but says even 70,000 would be significant.
A good chunk of them will be in construction. The state will be pulling down $775 million in highway-construction money. An additional $131 million will go to other transportation projects. Town and city governments in North Carolina will receive $138 million for sewer and water projects. Theres also $136 million for public housing and housing assistance. All ultimately will flow to private contractors.
You can look at those numbers in different ways. North Carolina already is spending almost $3 billion a year to build and maintain roads. That $900 million in new transportation money comes to less than 25% when thrown into the pot, so the stimulus plan hardly will be rebuilding Americas infrastructure, as some supporters claimed early on. But the Federal Highway Administration estimates that every $1 billion in road infrastructure projects creates 35,000 jobs. If one of those jobs is yours or that boost in construction keeps your business running, the effort hardly seems inconsequential.
Some economists, including key Obama adviser Christina Romer, see tax cuts as more effective than government spending at spurring growth. Tax breaks make up more than 30% of the plan and include a range of cuts for individuals and businesses. The signature tax break the Making Work Pay credit is forecast to put an average of $13 a week in workers pockets beginning in June. With North Carolinas 4.1 million employed, that pumps an additional $53 million a week into the Tar Heel economy. Over the course of a year, that comes to $2.8 billion.
As for the stimulus money moving into existing state-government programs, it too will percolate through the economy. The biggest piece will be $2.35 billion for Medicaid, the health-care program for the poor. Most eventually will make its way into the hands of health-care providers, who buy groceries, cars and homes and reinvest in businesses. Then theres $722 million for public-school and early education programs, $67.5 million for child-care subsidies and $112.9 million for home weatherization.
Of course, none of this money is free. The federal government, increasing the deficit and national debt, is borrowing it. Some economists, Walden points out, believe government spending accomplishes little because it crowds out consumption and private-sector investment as people put their money into higher-paying treasury bonds the government uses to finance its debt. A few economists think that crowding out is complete: Without the stimulus plan, the same amount of private economic activity would have occurred utilizing the same amount of money used to pay for the government plan. Others reject that theory.
Most economists, though, believe the infusion of federal money will help in North Carolina and elsewhere. Government needed to take action even if there was plenty of disagreement about the particulars. This isnt your fathers or your grandfathers recession, Walden says. But Zandi, the Moodys economist, wrote that the success or failure of the plan will be determined by what it does to peoples psyches, not their pocketbooks. His words reflect what many people already understand: Unless the plan helps dissipate the current dark mood of pessimism, it will not stem the economic downturn.
Scott Mooneyham is the editor of The Insider, www.ncinsider.com.


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Former Mint Hill fire chief, Jeremy Russell, pleaded guilty to one account of embezzlement Tuesday in the Charlotte U.S. District Court. For nearly two years Russell stole $225,000 from the Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Mint Hill by creating a sham business called Regional Medic & First Responder Supply Connection. Mint Hill invoices were sent to his fake company and bank account. The announcement from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte reads:
Russell generally kept the invoices to amounts under $5,000 and got the corresponding checks signed off by those at the Town and Fire Department with payment authority. According to the charging document, Russell picked up the checks at the mail drop and then deposited them into the bank account in Regional Medic's name…According to the bill of information, Russell used the money to fund his personal lifestyle and a gambling habit.
The plea comes after a federal investigation of Russell's actions. The Town of Mint Hill received a federal subpoena May 24 and has been cooperating with investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorneys Office involving Russell. The town took disciplinary action against him in April, and he resigned from his position as the Fire/EMS Operations Director.
The embezzlement charge has a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Russell has agreed to pay restitution "to all victims directly or indirectly harmed by the defendant's relevant conduct."


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Morning Minute: Blazers Outlook to Playoffs Weak
Morning Minute: Blazers Outlook to Playoffs Weak
January 31, 2013, 10:30 am
Morning Minute: Blazers Playoff Status Bleak
In this morning's Morning Minute, Dwight talks about how the Blazers outlook to making a run at the playoffs is not so bright, according to one major projection website. Do you buy the logic, or agree with the assessment? Find out the formula here: