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By E. Eduardo Castillo- Russia's foreign minister on Tuesday warned anew Ukraine that it must demilitarize, threatening further military action and falsely accusing Kyiv and the West of fueling the war that started with Moscow's invasion.
Sergey Lavrov said Ukraine must remove any military threat to Russia — otherwise "the Russian army (will) solve the issue." His comments also reflected persistent unfounded claims by the Kremlin that Ukraine and its Western allies were responsible for the 10-month war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.
Russia launched the war on Feb. 24, alleging a threat to its security and a plot to bring NATO to its doorstep. Lavrov reiterated on Tuesday that the West was feeding the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia, and said that it depends on Kyiv and Washington how long the conflict will last.
"As for the duration of the conflict, the ball is on the side of the (Kyiv) regime and Washington that stands behind its back," Lavrov told the state Tass news agency. "They may stop senseless resistance at any moment."
In an apparent reaction, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted that "Russia needs to face the reality."
"Neither total mobilization, nor panicky search for ammo, nor secret contracts with Iran, nor Lavrov's threats will help," he said. "Ukraine will demilitarize the RF (Russian Federation) to the end, oust the invaders from all occupied territories. Wait for the finale silently…"
A day earlier, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the Associated Press in an interview that his government wants a summit to end the war but that he doesn't anticipate Russia taking part.
Kuleba said Ukraine wants a "peace" summit within two months with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres acting as mediator. But he also said that Russia must face a war crimes tribunal before his country directly talks with Moscow.
Both statements illustrate how complex and difficult any attempts to end the war could be. Ukraine has said in the past that it wouldn't negotiate with Russia before the full withdrawal of its troops, while Moscow insists its military gains and the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula cannot be ignored.
Testifying to the hardships of war, families of Ukrainian prisoners of war believed held by Russia on Tuesday said the Christmas holiday season is particularly painful and appealed for more to be done to bring their loved ones back home.
Neither Ukraine nor Russia have revealed the exact numbers of POWs they hold, while hundreds have been released as part of prisoner exchanges. Iryna Latysh's husband Yevhen was captured exactly 300 days ago, in the early days of the war, and she says Christmas isn't the same without him.
"We were decorating the Christmas tree together this time last year," she sobbed. "We put the star together, the decorations."
U.N. human rights investigators have warned that Ukrainian POWs appear to be facing "systematic" mistreatment — including torture — both when they are captured and when they are transferred into areas controlled by Russian forces or Russia itself.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continued on Tuesday in the Russia-claimed Donetsk and Luhansk regions that recently have been the scene of the most intense clashes.
Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said that Russian forces are trying to encircle the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, but without success. Heavy battles are also underway around the city of Kreminna in the Luhansk region, Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai said.
In the partially occupied southern Kherson region, Russian forces shelled Ukrainian-held areas 40 times on Monday, wounding one person, Ukrainian authorities said. The city of Kherson itself — which Ukraine retook last month in a major win — was targeted 11 times, said regional administrator Yaroslav Yanushevich.
Since its initial advances at the start of the war 10 months ago, Russia has made few major gains, often pummeling Ukraine's infrastructure instead and leaving millions without electricity, heating and hot water amid winter conditions.
Lavrov didn't specify how the Russian army will achieve its goals of demilitarizing and "denazifying" Ukraine — which was Russia's stated goal when the invasion started in February. The reference to "denazification" comes from Russia's allegations that the Ukrainian government is heavily influenced by radical nationalist and neo-Nazi groups. The claim is derided by Ukraine and the West.
Lavrov warned further Western support for Ukraine could lead to direct confrontation.
"We keep warning our adversaries in the West about the dangers of their course to escalate the Ukrainian crisis," he said, adding that "the risk that the situation could spin out of control remains high."
"The strategic goal of the U.S. and its NATO allies is to win a victory over Russia on the battlefield to significantly weaken or even destroy our country," he said.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree banning oil exports to countries that support a $60-per-barrel price cap that was declared by the European Union and Group of Seven countries in a bid to reduce Moscow's revenue during wartime. The ban takes effect in February and will run through July.
The price cap is higher than what Russian oil has sold for in recent weeks, so the potential effects of Putin's ban are uncertain.
An Associated Press story


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On 1 August 2014, W3C began a transition away from this document; see the current W3C Process Document.
The Member Submission process allows Members to propose technology or other ideas for consideration by the Team. The formal process affords Members a record of their contribution and gives them a mechanism for disclosing the details of the transaction with the Team (including IPR claims). The Submission process also allows the Team to review proposed technology and accurately relay the status of Submission requests to the media.
Note: To avoid confusion about the Member Submission process, please note that:
The Submission process consists of the following steps:
Publication of a Note by W3C does not imply endorsement by W3C, including the W3C Team or Membership. The acknowledgment of a Submission request does not imply that any action will be taken by W3C. It merely records publicly that the Submission request has been made by the Submitter. Documents that are part of an acknowledged Submission request may not be referred to as "work in progress" of the W3C.
The list of acknowledged Submissions [PUB10] may be found at the Web site.
When more than one Member jointly participates in a Submission request, only one Member formally sends in the request. That Member must copy each of the Advisory Committee representatives of the other participating Members, and each of those Advisory Committee representatives must confirm (by email to the Team) their participation in the Submission request.
At any time prior to acknowledgment, any Submitting Member may withdraw support for a Submission request (described in "How to send a Submission request" [MEM8]"). A Submission request is "withdrawn" when no submitting Members support it. The Team must not make statements about withdrawn Submission requests.
Prior to acknowledgment, the Submitter must not, under any circumstances, refer to a document as "submitted to the World Wide Web Consortium" or "under consideration by W3C" or any similar phrase either in public or Member communication. The Submitter must not imply in public or Member communication that W3C is working (with the Submitter) on the material in the Submission request. The Submitter may publish the documents in the Submission request prior to acknowledgment (without reference to the Submission request).
After acknowledgment, the Submitter must not, under any circumstances, imply W3C investment in the acknowledged material until, and unless, the material has been adopted as part of a W3C Activity.
The Submitter must agree that, if acknowledged, published material will be subject to the W3C document notice [PUB18] and will include a reference to it. The Submitter may hold the copyright for the content of a W3C Note published as the result of an acknowledged Submission request.
A Submission request must fulfill the requirements established by the Team. The Team must send a validation notice to the Submitter as soon as the Team has reviewed any Submission request and judged it complete and correct.
Prior to a decision to acknowledge or reject the request, the Team must hold the request in the strictest confidentiality. In particular, the Team must not comment to the media about the Submission request.
If a Working Group is already pursuing work in the area of a Submission request, the Team should coordinate its evaluation of the request with the Working Group, while ensuring confidentiality.
The Director acknowledges a Submission request by sending an announcement to the Advisory Committee. This announcement must be made between one and four weeks after the validation notice. The announcement may be made at any time during the three-week window, but the Team must tell the Submitter, within one week of the validation notice, when the announcement is most likely to be made.
Once a Submission request has been acknowledged, the Team must:
The Director may reject a Submission request for a variety of reasons, including the following:
In case of a rejection, the Team must inform the Submitter's Advisory Committee representative(s). The Advisory Committee representative(s) may appeal the decision to the Director, who, after consultation with the Advisory Board, may uphold or reverse the decision. If requested by the Submitter, the Team must provide rationale to the Submitter about the rejection. Other than to the Submitter, the Team must not make statements about why a Submission request was rejected.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Ski Journal Mailing List
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Subscription includes 4 issues of The Ski Journal and 50% off the McLovin Cord Cap.
Save 10% – Subscribing to The Flyfish Journal entitles you to receive a 10% discount on all merchandise and back issues available in our online store The discount is valid on all purchases for the full duration of any one or two-year subscription! That's in addition to receiving 25% off of the newsstand price and the convenience of home delivery.
In response to customer requests, all subscriptions are now auto-renew. To cancel at any time while still receiving benefits for the remainder of your active subscription, simply visit My Account.
We respect your time, and only send you the occasional update.


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The LJK laboratory is an Applied Mathematics and Computer Science laboratory created in January 2007 in Grenoble, France. A joint research unit of the UJF, the INPG, the UPMF, the CNRS and INRIA, it combines the forces of applied mathematicians and statisticians from the former laboratories LMC and LabSAD with graphics and computer vision experts from the former laboratory GRAVIR. Its expertise centres on the computational and statistical sciences and their uses in analysing natural phenomena, with applications ranging from environmental modelling through life sciences, nanosciences, visualization and signal processing to mathematical finance.
The name of the laboratory makes reference to Jean Kuntzmann (1912-1992) who was a precursor in applied mathematics and informatics in Grenoble. |


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NEW YORK (AP) — CNN snapped up former Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski to work as a political commentator on Thursday, only three days after the political operative was fired.
Lewandowski was to make his debut on Erin Burnett's "Outfront" program on Thursday night, a spokeswoman said.
The combative Lewandowski now joins a press corps that he was occasionally at odds with during the Trump campaign. That includes a CNN producer: Noah Gray tweeted last November that Lewandowski had threatened to pull his credentials when he tried to film a demonstration at a Trump rally.
Lewandowski also was charged with misdemeanor battery last spring following an altercation with a female reporter from Breitbart News who had tried to ask Trump a question following a rally. The charges were later dropped.
CNN has used a handful of Trump surrogates as commentators during its political coverage, most prominently Jeffrey Lord and Kaleigh McEnany.
Lewandowski may be limited in what he can say on the air. The Associated Press has reported that Trump requires nearly everyone working in his businesses and presidential campaign to sign nondisclosure agreements preventing them from releasing confidential or disparaging information about him.
After his firing on Monday, he gave interviews to a number of reporters and remained positive toward Trump, saying he did not understand why he was fired. The campaign let him go following a rough three weeks for the presumptive Republican nominee.
The campaign manager's former boss tweeted two disparaging messages about CNN on Thursday, forwarding Breitbart News articles critical of the network. "The Clinton News Network is losing all credibility," Trump tweeted. "I'm not watching it much anymore."
The hiring was first reported by Politico.


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HungarianReference.com is the internet's most complete guide to the Hungarian language.
The objective of this site is to serve as a reference to the beautiful Hungarian language. If is not intended to be a ground-up course, it is not intended to teach you Hungarian. It is meant to be a companion to your own study.
This is a reference guide. Think of it as a text book, rather than a novel, in that you will find all the facts but reading it from cover-to-cover might be a little dry.
I had some quite interesting reasons for writing this page. My intended audience is the intelligent native English speaker. A little about the author, Daniel Clarke.
Some good pages for you start from:
Hungarian is an almost unique language, completely isolated from all the major players in linguistics - the Romance group, the Germanic group, in fact it's not even an Indo-European language. Larning this you will be presented with a lot of challenges, not least all of the endings (students of Latin or Russian will know one or two cases such as dative, instrumental, etc - Hungarian has about 20 cases), but you will learn one of the most beautiful languages there is.
It is the most logical language I have ever seen, and it is my perfect language.
It is 99% phonetic (and the remaining 1% follows strict but complex rules for the exceptions), it is almost entirely causal (one can see the origins of a word's structure), and as you learn you will the see the pieces of the puzzle slot together in a way that is so smooth that it might make you think it was an artificial language.
Words and phrases that you will learn as set pieces will all come together as your study progresses, so do not worry if it seems a little daunting at first.
I really appreciate the pedagogy [teachings]. So many language tools seem think that hiding how the language works will make it easier to learn.
- Anonymous from UK
This is an awesome site. It is well organized
- Anonymous from USA
Thank you very much for this site. I was looking for long but never found something this clear and systematic. I don't think I could manage [to learn quickly] without the help of your site.
- Jana from Sweden
Simple, straightforward explanations and examples using EASY words! Thank you.
- Anonymous
Very beautiful. We never have enough practice at studying this beautiful language. Thank you for everything you've made so far.
- Marko from Belgrade. (translated and paraphrased by Daniel)
This site has to be the best I've found so far. I have been studying Magyar for two years.
'Like' us on Facebook:
Find a Hungarian Teacher:


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Securing a mortgage is a significant milestone in the journey towards homeownership. However, the process can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the best mortgage rate. In a world where interest rates fluctuate and financial landscapes evolve, understanding how to navigate this is crucial. This guide aims to demystify the process and empower you with the knowledge to snag the best mortgage rate tailored to your financial situation.
Tips for Securing the Best Mortgage Rate:
1. Boost Your Credit Score:
Your credit score is a key factor in determining the interest rate you'll be offered. Take proactive steps to improve your credit score by paying bills on time, reducing outstanding debts, and correcting any errors on your credit report. Even a small increase in your credit score can make a significant difference in the interest rate you qualify for.
2. Save for a Larger Down Payment:
A larger down payment signals to lenders that you are a low-risk borrower, which can lead to a lower interest rate. While the standard down payment is often 20%, saving more can potentially unlock better rates and save you money in the long run.
3. Shop Around:
Don't settle for the first mortgage offer that comes your way. Different lenders may offer varying interest rates and terms. Take the time to shop around, obtaining quotes from multiple lenders to ensure you're getting the best possible deal. Online mortgage comparison tools can be valuable resources in this process.
4. Understand Different Loan Types:
Familiarize yourself with various loan types, such as fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the type of mortgage you choose can impact your interest rate. Make an informed decision based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
5. Consider Points and Fees:
Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are upfront fees paid to the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate. Evaluate whether paying points makes sense for your financial situation. Additionally, be aware of other fees associated with the loan, such as origination fees and closing costs, and factor these into your decision-making process.
6. Lock in Your Rate:
Mortgage rates can fluctuate daily based on market conditions. Once you've found a favorable rate, consider locking it in. This means that the lender guarantees that specific interest rate for a set period, typically between 30 and 60 days, protecting you from potential rate increases during that time.
7. Maintain Stable Employment and Income:
Lenders prefer borrowers with stable employment and a consistent income history. Avoid making major career changes or financial decisions that could negatively impact your income stability during the mortgage application process.
8. Debt-to-Income Ratio:
Lenders also consider your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. A lower DTI is favorable and can improve your chances of securing a lower interest rate. Paying down existing debts before applying for a mortgage can help in this regard.
In conclusion
Securing the best mortgage rate is a nuanced process that requires careful consideration of various factors. By proactively managing your credit, exploring different loan options, and being diligent in your search for the right lender, you can increase your chances of locking in a favorable interest rate. Remember, the mortgage rate you secure can have a lasting impact on your financial well-being, so take the time to navigate the mortgage landscape thoughtfully and make informed decisions on your path to homeownership.


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This collection captures the idle transition between summer and going into autumn.
The total contrast of feeling warmth in the sand at the end of summer as the cool breeze blows from the ocean.
Leaves starts to crisp, summer foliage droops gracefully.
A timeless jewellery with sustainability in mind, Fixxture continues to grow its interchangeable handmade collection. We've extended your playtime with this Autumn collection adding a spinoff series to our JAS collection.
This design is carefully Handcrafted and Hand-hammered in Argentium Sterling Silver and finished with stainless steel earstud.
Processing time: As each product is made-to-order, please allow 3-5 business days for us to work on your handmade order.


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About the Author
Tatiana Gabroussenko
Tatiana Gabroussenko obtained her PhD in East Asian Studies at the Australian National University. She is currently a professor of North Korean studies at Korea University, Seoul. Her latest book, "Soldiers on the Cultural Front: Developments in the Early History of North Korean Literature and Literary Policy," was included in the Choice magazine list of Outstanding Academic Titles of 2012.


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UPDATE: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved CBP's proposal to collect the social media handles of visitors from Visa Waiver Countries in December 2016. The question is on the online ESTA form and looks like this:
U.S. border control agents want to gather Facebook and Twitter identities from visitors from around the world. But this flawed plan would violate travelers' privacy, and would have a wide-ranging impact on freedom of expression—all while doing little or nothing to protect Americans from terrorism.
Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, has proposed collecting social media handles from visitors to the United States from visa waiver countries. EFF submitted comments both individually and as part of a larger coalition opposing the proposal.
CBP specifically seeks "information associated with your online presence—Provider/Platform—Social media identifier" in order to provide DHS "greater clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity and connections" for "vetting purposes."
In our comments, we argue that would-be terrorists are unlikely to disclose social media identifiers that reveal publicly available posts expressing support for terrorism.
But this plan would be more than just ineffective. It's vague and overbroad, and would unfairly violate the privacy of innocent travelers. Sharing your social media account information often means sharing political leanings, religious affiliations, reading habits, purchase histories, dating preferences, and sexual orientations, among many other personal details.
Or, unwilling to reveal such intimate information to CBP, many innocent travelers would engage in self-censorship, cutting back on their online activity out of fear of being wrongly judged by the U.S. government. After all, it's not hard to imagine some public social media posts being taken out of context or misunderstood by the government. In the face of this uncertainty, some may forgo visiting the U.S. altogether.
The proposed program would be voluntary, and for international visitors. But we are worried about a slippery slope, where CBP could require U.S. citizens and residents returning home to disclose their social media handles, or subject both foreign visitors and U.S. persons to invasive device searches at ports of entry with the intent of easily accessing any and all cloud data.
This would burden constitutional rights under the First and Fourth Amendments. CBP already started a social media monitoring program in 2010, and in 2009 issued a broad policy authorizing border searches of digital devices. We oppose CBP further invading the private lives of innocent travelers, including Americans.


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The primary necessity for survival is the availability of air. Once you have air to breathe, water, food, and shelter become the next requirements for your continued existence on the planet; that is, clean water and properly prepared food.
Even in normal times, there are many instances where an outbreak of infectious disease occurs due to water of poor quality. Ingesting food that was incompletely cooked caused the deaths of medieval kings in medieval times and may even have sparked the Ebola epidemic in 2014.
Epidemics caused by organisms that cause severe diarrhea and dehydration have been a part of the human experience since before recorded history. If severe enough, dehydration can cause hypovolemic shock, organ failure, and death. Indeed, during the Civil War, more deaths were attributed to dehydration from infectious diseases than from bullets or shrapnel.
Off the grid, water used for drinking or cooking can be contaminated by anything from floods to a dead opossum upstream from your camp. This can have dire implications for those living where there is no access to large amounts of IV hydration.
Therefore, it stands to reason that the preparation of food and the disinfection of drinking water should be under supervision. In survival, this responsibility should fall to the community medic; it is the medic that will (after the patient, of course) be most impacted by failure to maintain good sanitation.
Many diseases have disastrous intestinal consequences leading to dehydration. They include:
Cholera: Caused by the marine and freshwater bacterium Vibrio cholera, Cholera has been the cause of many deaths in both the distant and recent past. It may, once again, be an issue in the uncertain future.
Cholera toxins produce a rapid onset of diarrhea and vomiting within a few hours to 2 days of infection. Victims often complain of leg cramps. The body water loss with untreated cholera is associated with a sixty per cent death rate. Aggressive efforts to rehydrate the patient, however, drops the death rate to only one per cent. Antibiotic therapy with doxycycline or tetracycline seems to shorten the duration of illness.
Typhus: A complex of diseases caused by bacteria in the Rickettsia family, Typhus is transmitted by fleas and ticks to humans in unsanitary surroundings, and is mentioned here due to its frequent confusion with "Typh-oid" fever, a disease caused by contaminated, undercooked food.
Although it rarely causes severe diarrhea, Typhus can cause significant dehydration due to high fevers and other flu-like symptoms. Five to nine days after infection, a rash begins on the torso and spreads to the extremities, sparing the face, palm, and soles. Doxycycline is the drug of choice for this disease.
Typhoid: Infection with the bacteria Salmonella typhi is called "Typh-oid fever", because it is often confused with Typhus. Contamination with Salmonella in food occurs more often than with any other bacteria in the United States.
In Typhoid fever, there is a gradual onset of high fevers over the course of several days. Abdominal pain, intestinal hemorrhage, weakness, headaches, constipation, and bloody diarrhea may occur. A number of people develop a spotty, rose-colored rash. Ciprofloxacin is the antibiotic of choice but most victims improve with rehydration therapy.
Dysentery: An intestinal inflammation in the large intestine that presents with fever, abdominal pain, and severe bloody or watery mucus diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin one to three days after exposure. Dysentery, a major cause of death among Civil War soldiers, is a classic example of a disease that can be prevented with strict hand hygiene after bowel movements.
The most common form of dysentery in North America and Europe is caused by the bacteria Shigella and is called "bacillary dysentery". It is spread through contaminated food and water, and crowded unsanitary conditions. Ciprofloxacin and Sulfa drugs, in conjunction with oral rehydration, are effective therapies.
Another type is caused by an organism you may have read about in science class: the amoeba, a protozoan known as Entamoeba histolytica. Amoebic dysentery is more commonly seen in warmer climates. Metronidazole is the antibiotic of choice.
Traveler's Diarrhea: An inflammation of the small intestine most commonly caused by the Bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). Most strains of this bacteria are normal inhabitants of the human intestinal tract, but one (E. coli O157:H7) produces a toxin (the "Shiga" toxin) that can cause severe "food poisoning". The Shiga toxin has even been classified as a bioterror agent.
In this illness, sudden onset of watery diarrhea, often with blood, develops within one to three days of exposure accompanied by fever, gas, and abdominal cramping. Rapid rehydration and treatment with antibiotics such as Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin is helpful. The CDC no longer recommends taking antibiotics in advance of a journey, but does suggest that Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (Bismuth Subsalicylate), two tablets four times a day, may decrease the likelihood of Traveler's Diarrhea.
Campylobacter: The second most common cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. after Salmonella, this bacteria resides in the intestinal tract of chickens and causes sickness when meat is undercooked or improperly processed. It's thought that a significant percentage of retail poultry products contain colonies of one variety, Campylobacter Jejuni. It is characterized as bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, and cramping which begins two to five days after exposure. Although controversial, Erythromycin may decrease the duration of illness if taken early.
Trichinosis: Trichinosis is caused by the parasitic roundworm Trichinella in undercooked meat, mostly from domesticated pigs. Trichinosis causes diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms, usually starting one to two days after exposure. Fever, headache, itchiness, muscle pains, and swelling around the eyes occur up to 2 weeks later. Recovery is usually slow, even with treatment with the anti-helminthic (anti-worm) drugs Mebendazole and Albendazole (Albenza).
Giardiasis: The most common disease-causing parasite in the world is the protozoa Giardia lamblia. It has even been found in backcountry waters in many national parks in the U.S. Symptoms may present as early as one day after exposure, although it more commonly presents in one to two weeks. Patients complain of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, violent (often called "projectile") vomiting, and gas. Metronidazole is the drug of choice in conjunction with oral rehydration.
There are many other pathogens that can cause life-threatening dehydration if untreated. Although we have mentioned common antibiotic treatments where applicable, most of the above will resolve on their own over time with strict attention to oral (or intravenous) rehydration. Many antibiotics (Cipro is an example) are associated with adverse effects that can be worse than the illness they're designed to treat, so use judiciously.
It should be noted that some of these illnesses may be mimicked by viruses that are completely unaffected by antibiotics, such as Norovirus. Norovirus has been implicated in many of the outbreaks you read about on cruise ships.
Air, food, water, and shelter is necessary for survival. Bad air, food, water, and shelter leads to the next requirement, and that is medical supplies. Have a good medical kit and know how to use all its components. If you can accomplish this goal, you'll be an effective medic if things go South.
Joe Alton MD
Find out more about infectious disease and 150 other survival medical topics in the award-winning "Survival Medicine Handbook", now in its 700-page Third Edition. Plus, fill those holes in your medical supplies with kits and individual items from Nurse Amy's store at store.doomandbloom.net.


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The Review
The Paris Review No. 13
Wit v. wisecrack: Dorothy Parker on the Art of Fiction.
Jean Genet's "A Thief's Journal": "My face is an oval, very pure; my nose is smashed, flattened by a punch in some forgotten fight. The look on my face is blasé, sad and warm, very serious."
James Blake's letters from prison.
Stories by Nadine Gordimer and Richard Yates. Poems by Richard Howard and James Wright.


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Novel Treatment Options for Neuroendocrine Tumors
This information was originally presented at the NCCN 22nd Annual Conference: Improving the Quality, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of Cancer Care™ held in Orlando, Florida, from March 23 - 25, 2017.
Target Audience
This educational program is designed to meet the educational needs of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists; nurses; physician assistants; pharmacists; pathologists; and other health care professionals who manage patients with cancer.
Learning Objectives
Following this activity, participants should be able to:
- Summarize the standard of care for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.
- Discuss emerging studies regarding new treatment options for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors.
Matthew H. Kulke, MD, MMSc
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center | Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
All faculty and activity planners participating in NCCN Continuing Education activities are expected to disclose any relevant financial relationships with a commercial interest as defined by the ACCME's, ANCC's, and ACPE's Standards for Commercial Support. All faculty presentations have been reviewed for adherence to the ACCME's Criterion 7: The provider develops activities/educational interventions independent of commercial interests (SCS 1, 2, and 6) by experts on the topics. Full disclosure of faculty relationships will be made prior to the activity.
The faculty listed below discloses the following relevant financial relationships:
Matthew H. Kulke, MD, MMSc
Ipsen: Consulting Fees, Honoraria
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consulting Fees, Honoraria
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consulting Fees, Honoraria
The NCCN Activity Planning staff listed below discloses no relevant financial relationships:
Kimberly Bayer; Robert W. Carlson, MD; Mark Geisler; Kristina M. Gregory, RN, MSN, OCN; Kristin Kline Hasson; Rose Joyce; Karen Kanefield; Lisa Kimbro, MBA, CPA; Joan S. McClure, MS; Diane McPherson; Melanie Moletzsky; Deborah Moonan, RN, BSN (employed by NCCN until 2/7/2017); Lisa Perfidio; Liz Rieder; Shannon K. Ryan; Kathy Smith; Jennifer McCann Weckesser (employed by NCCN until 2/3/2017); Gary J. Weyhmuller, MBA, SPHR
The NCCN Clinical Information staff listed below, who has reviewed content, discloses no relevant financial relationships:
Jennifer Burns, BS; Ndiya Ogba, PhD
The ACCME/ANCC/ACPE defines "conflict of interest" as when an individual has an opportunity to affect CE content about products or services of a commercial interest with which he/she has a financial relationship.
ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC focuses on financial relationships with commercial interests in the 12-month period preceding the time that the individual is being asked to assume a role controlling content of the CE activity. ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC have not set a minimal dollar amount for relationships to be significant. Inherent in any amount is the incentive to maintain or increase the value of the relationship. The ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC defines "relevant' financial relationships" as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 12 months that create a conflict of interest.
Faculty Disclaimers
All faculty for this continuing education activity are competent in the subject matter and qualified by experience, training, and/or preparation to the tasks and methods of delivery.
Faculty presentations may include discussion of off-label use. Faculty will disclose that the use in question is not currently approved by the FDA per the product labeling.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physician Assistants
AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. PAs may receive a maximum of 0.50 hours of Category I credit for completing this activity.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
NCCN designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.60 contact hours.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. |
NCCN designates this knowledge-based continuing education activity for 0.50 contact hour (0.050 CEUs) of continuing education credit. UAN: 0836-0000-17-070-H01-P
Available Credit
- 0.50 ACPE contact hours
- 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 0.60 ANCC contact hours
- 0.50 Participation
Required Hardware/software
To complete this activity, users will need:
- A device with an Internet connection
- One of the two latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari (Internet Explorer is no longer supported)
- Adobe Flash Player and/or an HTML5 capable browser for video or audio playback
- Adobe Reader or other PDF reader software for certificate viewing/printing


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Grilling | Grilling Method & Time Grilling is a dry heat cooking method that quickly cooks the surface and then slowly moves to the middle. When grilled properly, the meat will have a crisp flavorful outside coating with a moist center. Grilling is generally done outdoors with the heat applied on the bottom surface of the meat. Grilling infuses the meat with a smoky flavor from the juices dripping on the charcoals. There are two basic types of grilling that are used, indirect grilling and direct grilling. Grilling is ideal for cooking smaller ham cuts, such as ham slices, using the direct grilling method. It is not the best-suited method for cooking a whole or half ham. Because direct grilling uses high heat and short cooking times, a whole or half ham will become overcooked on the outside before the inside reaches the proper temperature. Indirect grilling is more suited for cooking whole or half hams.
Indirect Heat Grilling on Charcoal Grills Once the ham is prepared and the charcoals have been heated properly (see Charcoal Grill Setup), there are several easy steps to follow in order to cook ham with indirect heat on a charcoal grill. | |
Once the ham is prepared and the gas grill have been heated properly (see Gas Grill Setup), there are several easy steps to follow in order to cook ham using indirect heat on a gas grill. | |
Direct Heat Grilling
Direct heat grilling is a method of grilling where you cook the meat directly over the heat source. The meat is cooked quickly over medium coals and should be watched carefully to prevent overcooking. The meat cooked using direct heat can be cooked with the hood up but is generally cooked with the hood down. The ham is generally turned once during the cooking process. Direct heat is good for cooking smaller cuts, such as ham slices.
The heat from direct heat grilling will cook the ham quickly and if the cuts are too thin, they will overcook, causing them to dry out. The ham must be watched carefully while grilling. Coating the ham slices with a little oil or marinating it before cooking will help keep it moist. It is important that the heat source be properly preheated so that it seals the juices into the meat quickly. The temperatures at which the ham is cooked and the distance it is from the heat source are both important in producing tender, juicy, properly done ham.
Direct Heat Grilling on Charcoal Grills | |
Direct Heat Grilling on Gas Grills | |
| |
Type of Ham | Grilling Method |
Grilling Time | Heat Level |
Ham Steak 1-inch, pre-cooked |
Direct/Indirect | Direct: 2-4 minutes each side Indirect: 5-7 minutes each side |
Either Direct or Indirect can be used for pre-cooked ham steak. Direct is quicker but Indirect will give more of a grill taste. |
Ham, pre-cooked, boneless, 1 lb. |
Indirect | 55-60 minutes | |
Ham, whole w/bone 8-12 lbs. |
Indirect | 1¾-2¾ hours |
Grilling Ham Slices
Ham slices that are going to be grilled should be a minimum of 1 inch thick and no thicker than 2 inches. Prepare and grill as indicated below. |
Grilling Ham Slices
Note: It is generally suggested to turn the cuts only once. Also, do not overcrowd the pieces so that if there are flare-ups from the drippings there is room to move pieces out of the way of the flames. |
Grilling Whole Ham
When purchasing a ham, take into consideration that a whole or half, fully cooked ham will be cooked in less time than a partially cooked or an uncooked ham. |
Grilling Ham
Note: Grilling whole or half hams is not always recommended because of their size and density. Some people feel that grilling does not necessarily enhance the flavor of the ham because of the smoked or curing process it has gone through. If you enjoy grilling, it is worth a try to taste for yourself whether or not it is worth it. |
For more information on ham, see Meat - Ham.
Grilling Tips
- When grilling ham slices or steaks, preheat the grill to proper temperature to ensure the meats surface is seared quickly to seal in juices.
- Using clean racks and coating them with vegetable oil or a nonstick vegetable oil spray will help prevent the meat from sticking.
- To keep ham slices flat while grilling, clip fat around the edges at 1 to 1 ½ inch intervals.
- Do not use a fork to turn the ham as it cooks. The piercing causes juices to escape. Use tongs to turn.


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Steve Martin
actor, comedian, playwright
Born: 8/14/1945
Birthplace: Waco, Texas
Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor, comedian and playwright known for his broad physical comedy and nice-guy screen appeal. The self-titled "wild and crazy guy's" films include The Jerk (1979), Roxanne (1987), Father of the Bride (1992), and Bowfinger (1999) with Eddie Murphy. His plays include Picasso at the Lapin Agile (1993) and he has diversified into hardcover fiction with Shopgirl: A Novella (2000).
See also:


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How faster deliveries could open the door to on-demand warehousing
As retailers and logistics firms aim to become more agile to meet consumer delivery expectations, on-demand space is catching on
As the pressure mounts on retailers and logistics companies to meet ever-faster delivery times, the idea of on-demand space within warehouses is gaining traction.
Online booking systems to give companies access to the space they need for limited periods of time are already in operation across Europe and in the U.S.
In the U.S., UPS recently launched its on-demand concept, Ware2Go, while California's flowspace and Seattle-based FLEXE continue to expand.
In Europe, Stowga has developed a presence across the UK and Swiss firm Log-hub's marketplace covers some 38 countries globally. In the Benelux region, on-demand start-up, Stockspots has backing from listed logistics developer and manager Montea.
"It's about agility," says Jon Sleeman, EMEA Logistics & Industrial research director at JLL, pointing to the extra pressure on delivery caused by seasonal highs. "Retailers need to be able to scale up and down and have highly variable requirements — be that Black Friday, Christmas, or sales season."
On-demand warehousing has potential for businesses working on a local scale as well as those with international distribution networks looking to reduce their capital expenditure or build their network in certain areas.
Smaller retailers, for example, could consider stripping back their occupancy to a "core network" and using on-demand facilities more, says Sleeman. It could also support the growth of smaller businesses — particularly e-commerce firms, who have lower budgets but still need to meet consumer expectations for fast delivery times.
"For bigger retailers, using on-demand warehousing to supplement rather than replace their existing facilities is logical," Sleeman adds.
And while the numbers of warehouses offering an on-demand service are growing, Sleeman believes it will be some time before large-scale use becomes common.
"For on-demand warehousing — known also as warehousing as a service — to go mainstream, a change in mindset from users will be required," he says.
Thinking flexibly
It's not just companies who could benefit from more flexible space solutions; warehouse owners could find their assets more utilized — with the ability to lease out empty, underutilized space in their portfolios.
"You could argue a lot of warehousing replicates and duplicates," he says, pointing to the similar needs that tenants have when taking space.
However, some warehouse owners are reluctant to adapt to the changing needs of their tenants, says Sleeman, with traditional leasing structures the main stumbling block.
"It's a big step from secure income, medium or long-term leases to what is essentially a "pay-as-you-go" model," he says. "Most landlords want a more certain income stream — a tenant to sign, stay and commit. It's easier."
Practical issues, such as the risk of mixing up of stock from multiple tenants or delays in moving goods, may also be a concern.
Yet as the warehouses blazing a trail in on-demand services start to address such considerations, more traditional industrial real estate owners could start to see its potential. New technology could help. In the U.S., start-up OLIM, for example, has launched an online platform that includes daily warehousing on demand across the country.
"On-demand warehousing platforms have to be supported by substantial data on the inventory of buildings, the requirements of companies and the volatility of their activity." Sleeman says. "
Booking more than just a warehouse
The on-demand concept could also extend to other essential components of the supply chain, with innovative solutions such as truck booking offering a solution for those in a rush. Germany's TimoCom offers both warehousing and freight sharing.
In Australia, the CLIK Collective is a new co-warehousing concept with a co-working space attached, designed specifically for local e-commerce businesses in Melbourne.
For now, the use and offer of on-demand warehousing is, modest says Sleeman.
"But with the wider cultural shift to more shared services impacting real estate in areas such as offices, it's likely to grow in the coming years."


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Mar '13 |
21 |
7:00 pm |
Humorous and masterful, Mitch O'Connell: the World's Best Artist by Mitch O'Connell, (Last Gasp Publishing) is a career-spanning retrospective of work from the king of kitsch, Mitch O'Connell. This full-color, 284 page tome—resplendent with a foam-filled, vinyl, glitter-enhanced cover—collects all the good stuff (the crappy art is under lock and key) from this prolific pop artist. If you appreciate the finer things in life, such as beehives, boobs, and big-eyed kittens, you will not want to miss this book.
"I am stunned by how remarkably talented he is … I've been jealous of him for over 30 years!"-Mark Frauenfelder, Boing Boing
"What David Lynch might read to his kids at night! Great!" – Boston Globe
Mitch O'Connell's work has been featured in such places as: Playboy, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, GQ, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek, and Juggs. He has made campaign art for Coke, McDonalds, KFC, Kelloggs, and more. His tattoo designs can be found on bodies belonging to people with impeccable taste the worldwide. His previous books include Mitch O'Connell Tattoos, Pwease Wuv Me, and Good Taste Gone Bad.
Mr. O'Connell will be joined by the book's designer Jospeh Allen Black.
For more info: mitchoconnell.com lastgasp.com and jospehallenblack.com
Thursday, March 21st, 7pm – Free Event


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Insurance companies have cancelled policies for several million Americans, causing widespread confusion and anxiety. Here's an attempt to explain what's happening and why—and what you can do if you've received one of those letters.
I just got a letter from my insurance company, cancelling my health policy. WTF?
Sorry to hear that. It's pretty scary. Most likely it's a by-product of the Affordable Care Act—you know, "Obamacare." You can get a new plan, but you may not find one just like your current policy. The price might be different, too.
I thought President Obama said I could keep my plan if I like it. I'm pissed off.
That's fair. The vast majority of Americans get their health insurance from large employers or from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Not much is changing for them. But the law is reorganizing the "non-group" market. That's for people who buy insurance on their own, directly from insurers. It's a small portion of the population, but it's a big country so that's still a lot of people—probably a few million. It sounds like you're one of them.
But why disturb insurance for people like me?
Because the non-group market is pretty messed up. It's probably the source of most health insurance horror stories you've heard.
For one thing, insurers don't like to cover people who might actually get really sick and run up big medical bills. When you apply, they check your medical history and records. If insurers find evidence of pre-existing medical conditions—or something about you, like your age, makes you a likely candidate for illness—they won't offer you a regular policy at a normal price. They might charge you higher premiums. They might refuse to cover services related to pre-existing conditions. Or they might deny you coverage altogether. This is called "medical underwriting."
In the past, if you got sick, insurance companies would frequently scour your records all over again, just to see if they could find something—anything—that was an early sign of illness. If they found one, they'd refuse to cover your bills and you'd be stuck with tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical bills. That was called "rescission." Pretty much everybody thought that was awful. It was a big scandal. Obamacare prohibited that practice.
The other big problem with the non-group market is that insurers frequently sell policies that have really big gaps in coverage. The worst of these are so-called "mini-med" plans. You pay some absurdly low monthly fee—$25 or maybe $50—so it sounds like a great deal. But the benefit might consist of covering just a few doctor visits, or maybe a few hundred dollars a year. Then you're on your own.
Even more generous policies on the non-group market frequently leave out key services. They might not include rehabilitative services or mental health or maternity. They might have huge deductibles, like over $10,000 for one person. They might have no limit on how much you could pay out of your own pocket. People usually don't know about this when they buy the policy, because insurance is pretty confusing. They only find out after they've gotten in an accident or developed some ailment—and discover the huge bills.
So what does Obamacare do about this?
It puts an end to medical underwriting. Insurers have to sell policies to anybody willing to pay the premiums. And they can't charge people more, or hold back benefits, to people with pre-existing conditions. They can charge older people more than younger people, but the rates can't vary by more than a factor of three. (Today, insurers will typically charge older people as much as five times what they'd charge a younger person.) The only other variable insurers can use in pricing is smoking: If you're a tobacco user, they can charge you more.
The other big change is on the benefits side. The law sets a broad standard for how much coverage all policies must provide. At a minimum, they must provide an "actuarial value" of 60, which is like saying the policy must cover 60 percent of the typical person's medical expenses. There's a limit on out-of-pocket expenses: If you have an Obamacare policy, and over the course of a year you end up spending more than $6,350 in co-payments, deductibles and so on, the policy must pick up additional charges completely, as long as they are part of your covered services. (For a family, the out-of-pocket maximum is twice that—$12,700.)
The law also establishes a set of "essential health benefits" that all policies must cover. The standard is a little complicated to explain, but it's more or less like the requirements now in place for most small business policies—with specific guarantees of prescriptions, mental health, rehabilitative services, and maternity, among other things.
Insurers who scrapped their old plans did so either becuase state regulators ordered them to do so—or because the insurers decided, for business reasons, to start anew rather than modify existing plans to meet Obamacare guidelines.
Maternity and mental health, huh? What if I don't need them?
This has been a subject of debate lately. Some people would argue it's wrong to make you pay for services you don't think you will need. Others would argue that's the whole point of insurance—to get you paying for a menu of services, only some of which you might need. For example, most insurance policies cover cancer. You might never get cancer, but most people want to insure against the risk of it. Why not mental illness and other services the law requires that insurance include?
Maternity and pediatric services are a bit different, since only women actually use maternity care and only people with children need pediatric care. Some would say men shouldn't have to pay for maternity and that people shouldn't pay for pediatric services if they don't have or expect to have kids. Advocates for including these would argue that they are an investment in the public good that pays in the long run, that men are equally responsible for parenthood even if they don't physically carry babies, and that getting born XY rather than XX is precisely the sort of random event for which insurance is supposed to pay. Also, for what it's worth, lots of people don't plan to have kids but end up with kids anyway.
Do keep in mind that, for better or for worse, employer policies operate by the same principles. Employees pay the same premiums, regardless of gender or medical condition. And while employees sometimes have choices over benefits, particularly at really large companies, they don't typically get to choose whether to include stuff like mental health and maternity.
So what kind of options will I have?
Each state has its own marketplace, with its own insurers and multiple plan options. By law, the benefits fall into different categories—bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Bronze plans are the least generous: For the typical person, they'd cover about 60 percent of medical expenses. Platinum plans are the most generous: They'd cover about 90 percent of medical expenses. People under 30 have the option of enrolling in special catastrophic-only plans, which are pretty similar to the bronze plans but structured a bit differently and sometimes cheaper. See this FamiliesUSA guide to the metal levels if you want more specific information.
The plans are available to anybody, regardless of pre-existing condition. They must cover each of the essential health benefits, with the out-of-pocket limit I mentioned previously. But every plan will structure its benefits differently. You'll want to pay close attention to the co-payments and deductibles, which are the costs you pay out-of-pocket when you go to the doctor, pick up a prescription, and so forth. Those costs can get pretty high. You might be surprised—and in some cases surprised unpleasantly—to learn how threadbare even some of the new Obamacare policies can be.
Before you make any decisions, a little background reading might not be a bad idea. Consumer Reports has a good interactive guide to Obamacare. The Kaiser Family Foundation has more resources for people who want to learn about the new law. HealthInsurance 101 is another useful resource.
How do I learn about my options and pick one?
The primary method of enrollment is supposed to be online. The federal government is running websites for 36 of the state marketplaces, while 14 states plus the District of Columbia are running their own. If you just go to healthcare.gov, it will direct you to the proper site. If you want help from a human being, you can use a toll-free number or visit a "navigator" in person. Navigators are people the federal government and state trained to help people enroll. You can also try enrolling via an insurance broker or insurance company, as people have traditionally done, or by printing out the paper application (from healthcare.gov) and mailing it.
Sounds great. But I heard the websites aren't working.
This has been a huge problem. Most of the state-run sites are working pretty well right now, after some early glitches. The best seem to be in California, Connecticut, Kentucky, and New York. But the federal site, healthcare.gov, barely worked for the first few weeks. Performance appears to have improved a great deal in just the last few weeks. More and more people are using it successfully. But some still run into errors.
President Obama has said that most people will be able to use the federal sites by the beginning of December, in time to arrange coverage for January. But if the site can't handle the expected rush of traffic, the federal government is going to have to rely more heavily on alternative methods of enrollment—or come up with some other contingency plans, so that nobody goes uninsured at the beginning of the year. They'll probably think of something, but it might be pretty cumbersome for everybody involved—state officials, insurers, doctors and hospitals and pharmacies, and, of course, people like you. This is another good reason to be angry.
When I go on the websites, I'll find these new plans with these new benefits, available to everybody. Super. But what are they going to cost me?
Good question. The requirement that insurers sell to everybody and the requirement that all plans include comprehensive coverage will tend to make insurance more expensive in most states. Think of this way: We're telling the insurers they must cover sick people they wouldn't cover before and include benefits they wouldn't include before. That means they're going to spend more money. In response, they're going to raise premiums.
How those prices compare to your current policies will depend on what you have now and where you live. In states like New York, which already had many of these regulations, the prices will tend to come down. But most states don't have such regulations on the books already. In those places, the premiums will tend to go up.
I knew it: Obamacare is going to make me pay more for my insurance, right?
Not so fast. The law is changing a bunch of other things, too. It's introduced a bunch of "payment reforms" into Medicare that will encourage doctors, hospitals, and drug and device makers to be more efficient and lower their prices. Many experts believe the industry is already responding and that those responses are one reason health care costs aren't rising as fast as they have in the past. You might not notice these savings, because they are the equivalent of premium increases you'll never see. But they appear to be real. And they are supposed to get bigger over time.
The law also has something called the "medical-loss ratio." It's basically a limit on how much money insurance companies can divert to profits and overhead. Or, to put it another way, it's a requirement that insurers spend most of their money on actual medical services for beneficiaries. This is basically a check on insurance company profiteering and, to the pleasant surprise of many experts who were skeptical of it, it seems to be having some effect. The provision went into effect not long after the Affordable Care Act became law and, already, several million Americans have gotten rebate checks because of it.
But I heard premiums were doubling or more in some cases, even with those changes.
Again, you're hearing only part of the story. The law also has subsidies, in the form of tax credits. And these are very special tax credits. You don't have to wait until the end of the year to file for them. You get them right upfront, when you buy your insurance policy through one of the marketplaces. It's basically like a discount on the sticker prices and for some people the discount will be huge—like thousands of dollars a year, almost as much as the insurance itself. For several million people, the price of the cheapest available policy will be absolutely nothing. The plan will be free. Of course, those are the bronze plans that don't offer much coverage and those people might want to pay a little more to get better insurance. Also, remember that not everybody gets those tax credits.
So will I get one of those discounts?
It depends entirely on your income. The subsidies are largest for people whose incomes are at or just above the poverty line, which is about $11,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a family of four. The higher your income, the less money you get. Once your income becomes higher than 400 percent of the poverty line, which is roughly $46,000 for an individual and $94,000 for a family of four, you are no longer eligible for subsidies. You'd have to pay the full insurance premium.
To see what kind of subsidy you would probably get, try out the Kaiser Foundation's "subsidy calculator." It will tell you how much you'd have to pay for the second-cheapest silver plan in your area, as well as the cheapest bronze plan. It's not an official estimate. And the actual premiums will be different if you decide to choose a different insurance plan.
By the way, the law has a second set of subsidies that haven't gotten much attention. These are "cost-sharing subsidies." They reduce the deductibles, co-payments, and so on, so that you don't have to pay so much every time you go to the doctor, fill a prescription, or need more intensive care. These subsidies are structured in the same way—the higher your income, the lower the subsidy—only they stop altogether at just 250 percent of the poverty, which is about $29,000 for an individual and $59,000 for a family of four.
What if my income is really low. Then what?
The original idea was that anybody with an income below 133 percent of the poverty line, or about $15,000 for an individual and $31,000 for a family of four, wouldn't even bother with private insurance. They'd enroll in Medicaid, the same program that already insures tens of millions of low-income Americans. But the Supreme Court disrupted that plan. The states run their own Medicaid programs and, thanks to the Court's July 2012 ruling on the Affordable Care Act, the states have a lot more leeway to reject the Medicaid expansion. About half have done just that.
If you live in one of those states and your income is above the poverty line, you can still qualify for the subsidies that will help you buy private insurance in the new marketplaces. But if your income is below the poverty line, then you may not qualify for Medicaid. It will depend on what guidelines your state had in place before.
If you're wondering which states have expanded Medicaid to all low-income people and which ones haven't, just look at a political map. Most of the blue states—the ones in which voters supported Obama in the last election—have expanded their Medicaid programs. Most of the red states have not. But there are some exceptions.
I heard some people won't be able to see their doctors anymore. What's that all about?
Insurers are trying to keep premiums low, in order to grab all those new customers in the marketplaces. One way to do that is to limit beneficiaries to a network of doctors and hospitals that will accept lower reimbursement. The idea isn't new: Insurers did a lot of this in the 1990s, when managed care—you know, HMOs—first became popular. Consumers didn't like it so insurers backed off just a bit, but now they're pushing the approach again. They figure that people will generally shop on price, even if it means sticking within narrow networks, and there's a lot of marketing evidence to suggest they are correct.
The problem is that some people want wider access, might be willing to be pay for it, but aren't going to find plans within their means that provide it. (Nobody is going to stop these people from seeing their favorite doctor or hospital, but the out-of-pocket charges will be more than many and possibly most can pay.) Plans are supposed to pick networks that provide quality care, not just cheap care. And Obamacare actually requires all plans to have "adequate" networks. But that doesn't mean plans will always include the doctors or hospitals people want. If you have a favorite provider or hospital, you'll want to check whether they belong to plans available to you—or whether you'd pay more to use them.
I heard the President told insurers not to cancel plans. So I can keep my current policy after all?
That depends. The president told insurers they had the option to renew existing plans, even those expiring sometime in calendar 2014, for one more year. And he told state regulators they had the option to allow plans to take that step. But notice the key word in both sentences: "Option." It's entirely at the discretion of the insurers and the state authorities. Some plans, like Florida Blue, have announced they will be offering customers the right to renew expiring policies. But the state insurance commissioner of Washington has already said he's sticking with the original policy: In his state, insurers can't renew plans expiring after December unless those plans qualify for the law's original "grandfather" clause. (That clause allowed plans in place as of March, 2010, to remain in effect indefinitely.)
What if I decide not to get insurance?
The law includes an individual mandate. If you have access to affordable coverage and decline to get it, you'll have to pay a financial penalty. In 2014, it's either 1 percent of your household income or a flat fee of $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, up to $285 for a family. You would pay whichever is sum is greater. The penalty increases in 2015 and 2016. The law does inculde some exemptions, so you can always check to see if you qualify for one.
So is Obamacare a good deal for me?
Only you can answer that. Partly it will depend on your circumstances. What's your income and health status? Where do you live? What kind of insurance do you have now? But partly it will depend on what you value. The government is establishing a new set of standards for health insurance and those standards are forcing many people, like you, to change your arrangements. Do you care about the protections the new law gives you? If those protections cost you more money—and for some people they will—are they worth it?
You might also have an opinion about the law's underlying philosophy. One way to think of Obamacare is as an attempt to spread the financial burden of illness across a more diverse group of people, so that they healthy will subsidize the sick and the wealthy will subsidize the poor. It's more or less the way employer insurance already functions. Do you think that's the right thing to do? The law pays for its new protections with some new revenues, like a new tax on the wealthiest Americans, and with some reductions in what Medicare pays providers and insurance companies. Do those bother you? Do they seem like a worthwhile tradeoff for making coverage more stable and widely available?
One parting note: Don't simply compare Obamacare coverage to the insurance you have now. America's health care system has been in flux for a long time. Even if the Affordable Care Act had never become law, you could have run into problems down the road—because your insurance had become unaffordable, because you needed new coverage and couldn't get it, or because your benefits didn't meet your needs once you got sick. Maybe you will like your options under Obamacare. Maybe you won't. Either way, make sure you think through what the future without those options might really be like.


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Memorystock.com Blog - Memory Upgrade Help for Dell HP Compaq Computer Memory, DDR3 DDR2 Memory Installation, Laptop Memory Upgrade Blog.
The ideal way to increase Your Apple Systems - MacBook / MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro is to upgrade RAM Memory and Storage Memory.
Unlike Non-Mac PCs and Notebooks, Apple has been revolutionary in making their hardware and software remain sophisticated. Surprisingly, it is easier to upgrade RAM memory on all Macs for a novice user.
Before we start finding a compatible memory for Your Mac, we'll start with a brief introduction to Memory, RAM Memory and Storage memory.
Memory is information or data acquired, retrieved. In order to store this data, we need storage memory such as Hard Disk or SSD (Solid State Disk).
To process this data back and forth, we need a temporary storage device known as RAM memory.
When data builds up in storage, we need more space to continue saving data. Likewise, when huge data is processed, RAM memory will run low. Usually, we are accustomed to delete data from storage to make way for more data, or close other applications to make way for a certain data or applcation to work better. Subsequently, the Mac or PC will slow down and end in 'low memory' errors*
To counter this issue, it is necesarry to upgrade RAM memory with a faster speed, better throughput, less latency RAM memory. Standard memory that ships with Macs can be 4 GB or 8GB. Sometimes, standard memory can be the maximum memory supported.
With a few exceptions for some Models, upgrading RAM memory for your Mac does not void Apple Warranty.
One other easy way is to contact our RAM memory Experts at Memorystock. We provide support by live chat, email and phone.
It takes very little effort to speed up your Mac, dramatically. So why wait, log on to www.memorystock.com for compatible, inexpensive quality RAM for your Mac. While it is easy to find cheap RAM memory, we recommend to purchase from a reliable source, especially for Mac.
To further increase your Mac Performance, you can upgrade the Processor of your mac, but it is not inexpensive or easy as upgrading RAM memory.
*low on memory errors can also be a flaw in the software.
Boosting Your Mac's Performance, RAM for your Mac, how to find memory type and memory speed, What is RAM?, Macbook RAM, iMac RAM, Mac Memory, Mac Memory upgrade, Mac Mini RAM upgrade.
Memorystock.com: Source for all memory upgrades since 1999.


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Magee has manufactured window components for over 50 years and is the industry leader in supplying window components to OEMs and airlines worldwide. Magee utilizes FAA-approved materials to meet the demanding needs of the airline industry with value, quality, functionality, durability and innovation. Our manufacturing process starts with the most advanced materials and produces ready-to-install shades in a variety of self-coil and rigid styles that meet or exceed rigid OEM aircraft specifications, along with full window cartridge assemblies for most commercial aircraft currently in service.
Window Reveal Assembly
- Reference Number: 411T1210-18
- Magee Product Number: R411T1210-18
- Effective Date: Thursday, 27 April 2017
- Aircraft Type: 767
- Control Spec/Drawing: View / Download


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This is Ajay's personal weblog (stress on personal) and the views expressed here do not reflect the views of her company or the publication(s) she writes for.
While Ajay tries to be as honest as possible, it will be stupid for anyone to take everything she writes hook line & sinker. Sometimes Ajay is just having fun. Most of the time she writes when the mood suits her.
Ajay is a fan of the following: clothes, massages, shoes on sale, bags, make-up, net surfing, hot brewed coffee, buffet breakfasts, trying out different restos, luxury hotels, comfy beds, gadgets, Asia & its diversity as well as a hundred other things she's forgetting right now.
Ajay has been to the following countries: the US, Belgium, Holland, England, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Lichstenstein, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iran & Australia. She plans to travel throughout Asia, when her schedule permits.
It was only recently that Ajay got over her fear of flying. Her other phobias include earthquakes, heights and snakes.
Ajay lives and breathes the internet.
Ajay's three secret wishes which will probably be unfulfilled during her lifetime: being a vegetarian, being a lesbian and doing a threesome.
Tomorrow is always a better day. 😀
(to be continued)


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- This event has passed.
Event Series:
French Table
French Table
April 14, 2023 @ 12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
Come one Come All !
WHEN: Wednesdays/ Fridays
TIME: 12:40-1:40 p.m.
WHO: Anyone wanting to practice their French skills are welcome
WHERE: Emerson dining hall, look for the French flag!
CONTACT US: Email with questions or comments:


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The Cleveland Browns won their first football game since Christmas Eve 2016 on Thursday night – but was it rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield's 201 yards and the team's two touchdowns, or was it all thanks to #RallyPossum?
An opossum was first spotted loose in Section 101 of Cleveland's FirstEnergy Stadium at about 7:30 p.m. Minutes later, with hands as deft as receiver Jarvis Landry's, a fan sporting a number 99 jersey grabbed the waylaid marsupial by its tail and placed it gingerly in a box. It, apparently, was a sign of the victory to come.
The Browns won the game, but the opossum may have won the internet Thursday night.
The tweet from @BustedCoverage with the opossum capture on video had over 1.7 million views as of Friday morning, and the responses were amazing:
He's watched his team play dead for 3 years
— Michael Da Prof of Biz (@MRudolphComedy) September 21, 2018
I got 99 problems but a possum ain't one! pic.twitter.com/HDKHAc0xUW
— Rickie Dragon (@Rickie_Dragon) September 21, 2018
Can it kick?
— Frisco slim (@SlimFrisco) September 21, 2018
By Friday morning, "Rally Possum" even had its own t-shirt, because of course it does:
I told you Cleveland would have a shirt by 6 am pic.twitter.com/CYWRZy8oXO
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) September 21, 2018
It also has its own Twitter account now - @possum_rally, featuring gems like this:
I really love this guy! #Browns #RallyPossum pic.twitter.com/S8XAFV6J3R
— Mike Kelly (@mikekellyindeed) September 21, 2018
Was it a cursed opossum lurking in the stadium for the last two years, and capturing him finally lifted the curse?
Was the opossum actually a genie that granted Browns fans' wishes upon its capture?
Was it just a funny thing that happened? We may never know.
Editor's Note: Possom or Opossom? The marsupial native to North America is an opossum, while a slightly different creature native to Australia is written "possum." So, while the internet may refer to it as the Rally Possum, the actual animal is an opossum.


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Poor Andy. Once upon a time, he had the power to kill children just by doing some very bad science and writing a few very bad papers, and now he's reduced to living in Texas and being supported by mobs of New Age cranks. He's powerless and bored, but his ego is still being inflated by sycophants…so what does he do? He decides to sue the British Medical Journal and journalist Brian Deer for defamation.
He has no medical career left. His entire life is now tied to his anti-vaccine crusade, and he's got nothing to contribute, other than his status as a martyr to the cause, so what he's done now is crawled up on a cross and is asking for more nails to be hammered in. He knows he can't lose in the grand scheme of things; if he wins the court case (which won't happen), he's a hero; if he loses (the inevitable result), he's a victim of the evil forces of Big Pharma, and his defeat proves that the bad guys are out to get him, so he must be right.
Orac explains why he's going to lose the court case.
I find it very amusing that Dr. Wakefield claims his "professional reputation" was damaged by Deer's most recent article The reason, of course, is that Dr. Wakefield's reputation was destroyed by his having done and publicized his bad science, by his having intentionally consorted with the antivaccine movement and continued (in my opinion) to crank out bad science in the service of smearing the MMR with the claim that it causes autism. Wakefield destroyed his own reputation by doing fraudulent science. That happened years before Brian Deer ever wrote that BMJ article a year ago. Wakefield had already been found guilty by the General Medical Council of "serious professional misconduct," which included acting in ways not in the clinical interests of disabled children. Shortly after that, he was struck off the medical register, and fired from Thoughtful House. All of this happened many months before Brian Deer wrote his article.
To but it bluntly, Andrew Wakefield no longer had any professional reputation to be trashed. This will be a major problem for him in any libel action, because one has to prove damage to one's reputation to be successful in a libel suit.
Just wait, though. When his case is thrown out, he'll throw himself into the arms of his sympathetic supporters, and they will respond with more affirmations and more money and more status in his movement.
(Also on Sb)


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Worst Foods for IBS Sufferers
While there is no cure for IBS, the most effective treatment is a combination of daily modifications that are the result of trial and error.
Although each case of IBS is unique, certain foods can aggravate the condition. If you learn what foods do not agree with your digestive system, you could reduce the risk of flare-ups by eliminating those foods from your diet. Here are some common foods that can make IBS worse, along with substitutions that may be gentler on your system.
Dairy Products
As much as you might crave a glass of cold milk or a hot fudge sundae, the lactose in milk products may not agree with your gut. Almost half of the world's population is somewhat lactose intolerant, and IBS can make it even worse. Thankfully, there are many substitutes for dairy products. Try almond milk, soy ice cream, lactose-free yogurt and sour cream made with tofu.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.
Fruits that are high in fructose can exacerbate IBS symptoms. You may want to substitute apples, pears, watermelon and dried fruit with fruits lower in fructose, such as bananas, grapes, kiwi, citrus, cantaloupe and berries.
Beans contain saccharides that are not digestible, so don't be surprised if you can't tolerate baked beans, chick peas, lentils and soybeans. You may find that you can digest oats, rice, quinoa or millet much easier.
Sugar Substitutes
Artificial sweeteners can cause digestive problems, so avoid sweeteners that end in "ol." These sweeteners are often used in gum and candy, so read food labels carefully and avoid products that contain sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol and xylitol. Natural sweeteners like honey, stevia and maple syrup are best (Source: Cleveland Clinic).
The best diet to alleviate your IBS symptoms will be unique to you, so keep a daily food journal and pay attention to your body. Remember to schedule regular visits with your doctor to monitor your IBS, and share any new symptoms or concerns at each appointment.


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Imported from renren
"…if we do this work … and the result is that Linux works great …" --Bill Gates
From: Bill Gates
'-- Sent: Sunday, January 24, 1999 8:41 AM
Jeff Westorinon; Ben Fathi ;
TO: Carl Stork (Exchange); Nathan Myhrvofd; Eric Rudder
Subject: ACPI extensions
One thing I find myself wondering about is whether we shouldn't try and make the "ACPI" extensions somehow Windows specific.
It seems unfortunate if we do this work and get our partners to do the work and the result is that Linux works great without having to do the work.
Maybe there is no way to avoid this problem but it does bother me.
Maybe we could define the APIs so that they work well with NT and not the others even if they are open.
Or maybe we could patent something relaled to this.
If this is the reason that Xen 4.0 is still not fully support ACPI 3.0, then f*ck you Bill Gates!


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Channel: 8th Street Latinas
My partner in crime said he had invited some friends to hang with us, he never mentioned who they were so i was extremely anxious. When Shy and Daisy showed up i almost busted one right in my pants cause i knew what we were in for. These sexy wild latinas partied with us a couple of times before and i have to say that they are truly my favorites. These girls do it all and do it good, from pussy licking to cock sucking and even cum swapping. check out the flick to see how talented these mamis are.


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American Assassin by Vince Flynn
#1 New York Times bestselling author Vince Flynn returns with yet another explosive thriller, American Assassin, introducing the young Mitch Rapp, as he takes on his first assignment.
Before he was considered a CIA superagent, before he was thought of as a terrorist's worst nightmare, and before he was both loathed and admired by the politicians on Capitol Hill, Mitch Rapp was a gifted college athlete without a care in the world . . . and then tragedy struck.
Two decades of cutthroat, partisan politics has left the CIA and the country in an increasingly vulnerable position. Cold War veteran and CIA Operations Director Thomas Stansfield knows he must prepare his people for the next war. The rise of Islamic terrorism is coming, and it needs to be met abroad before it reaches America's shores. Stansfield directs his protÉgÉe, Irene Kennedy, and his old Cold War colleague, Stan Hurley, to form a new group of clandestine operatives who will work outside the normal chain of command–men who do not exist.
What type of man is willing to kill for his country without putting on a uniform? Kennedy finds him in the wake of the Pan Am Lockerbie terrorist attack. Two-hundred and seventy souls perished that cold December night, and thousands of family and friends were left searching for comfort. Mitch Rapp was one of them, but he was not interested in comfort. He wanted retribution.
Six months of intense training has prepared him to bring the war to the enemy's doorstep, and he does so with brutal efficiency. Rapp starts in Istanbul, where he assassinates the Turkish arms dealer who sold the explosives used in the Pan Am attack. Rapp then moves onto Hamburg with his team and across Europe, leaving a trail of bodies. All roads lead to Beirut, though, and what Rapp doesn't know is that the enemy is aware of his existence and has prepared a trap. The hunter is about to become the hunted, and Rapp will need every ounce of skill and cunning if he is to survive the war-ravaged city and its various terrorist factions.
As action-packed, fast-paced, and brutally realistic as it gets, Flynn's latest page-turner shows readers how it all began. Behind the steely gaze of the nation's ultimate hero is a young man primed to become an American Assassin.
Vince Flynn is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of nine previous thrillers, including Consent to Kill, Act of Treason, and Protect and Defend. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and three children. Visit his website at www.vinceflynn.com
- THE RAVENWOOD CONSPIRACY with Michael Siverling - July 19, 2024
- DIVIDED WE STAND with Robert Cole - July 19, 2024
- A MIXED BAG OF CAT TAILS with Debbie De Louise - July 19, 2024


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I think fabric headbands are so cute right now! I see people wearing them, I see them in stores, etc! Q tried one on once and I just fell in love! Too cute! ....BUT... she would never leave it on her head. I know that. So I could never bring myself to shell out the $$ they cost, even though they are adorable!
Well, I got home.... and after pining away for these headbands and knowing it was silly to spend the money, I decided to make my own! So here is my very informal tutorial on How to Make a Fabric Headband - the really fast and easy way! (and highly imperfect. Did I mention that?)
Supplies Needed:
1. elastic thread ~ yes, I happened to have this on hand! lol
2. plastic needle (not necessary, I suppose, but definitely made it easier. Plus you should already have one for threading ribbon through your daughter's hairstyles! :D Too cute!)
3. fingernail clippers or scissors (I was too lazy to go get the scissors and the fingernail clippers were right there!)
4. 2 clear rubber hair elastics. You know, the kind that you use when you don't want the elastic to show, but then you feel bad for using them because they're so tough on hair? :) (btw, if you soak them in coconut oil before using them in hair they are much softer and gentle! But you don't need to do that for this project.)
5. a strip of fabric! I already had one cut, I suppose if you were starting from scratch you'd need a scissors for this part! Or just tear it. But a fingernail clipper would take FOREVER. lol
Ok! Now, (drum roll please......) HOW TO MAKE the HEADBAND:
(yes, this is rocket science, it just doesn't get the same recognition!)
1. Measure how long you want the headband to be. If your daughter's head is available - all the better! Otherwise, it's okay to guess. We'll be using elastic to help fudge the sizing!
* to do this I wrapped the fabric around Q's head and held a hand on the fabric at the base of her neck on either side - a small gap between my hands because that's where the elastic will go! (Wow, I hope that made sense!)
2. Using your clear hair elastics, tightly wrap one around each spot where your hands were.
3. Next thread your elastic thread (on your crafting needle!) through the clear hair elastics and tie them tightly to each elastic! I used two strands of elastic thread to try to make it a bit stronger.
4. .... oh wait. That's it! You're done! :D Easy, huh? :) I even left the ends of the fabric hanging down long :)
I also made her a white sparkly gauzy one! I think they're adorable, maybe someday she'll learn to leave it on! Oh well! They were cheap! :)
Oh, yeah, one more design note.... I didn't bother to sew the edges because I figure they can just be tucked under! I made my strips of fabric wide so that I can have a wide headband....OR..... fold it up and have a narrow one! That's the versatility of fabric for ya! :) It's so soft and thin that folding it works. (and who has the time to fold over the edges and sew them up?? Especially when I think about how often Q will actually wear it....)
Enjoy! and be sure to send me pictures if your little one leaves it on long enough for you to get the camera out! :D
(This post originally was shared in Oct 2010 - I hope you still enjoy it!)


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KyotoUI Landing Page Builder Kit for Figma - 500+ Components & Variants
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Yesterday I indicated that I am a little bit envious of American Thanksgiving. We Canadians are impassioned about almost nothing (except our lack of passion and our distaste towards most things American) and make far less fuss about Thanksgiving than our friends across the border. I don't think that is a good thing, but I also kind of like America and Americans. That is probably grounds for treason up here. While I often spend Christmas in the US of A, I have never spent a Thankgiving down there. Perhaps I'll have to do that sometime soon.
While I am somewhat envious of American Thanksgiving I am in no way envious of Black Friday. In fact, one could make the argument that the entire long weekend is a celebration not of thanksgiving, but of excess and gluttony. On Thursday people eat far too much and follow that on Friday by spending far too much. Excess: it's the American way! Wouldn't it make for a nicer weekend if, instead of shopping, people went out and shared what they had rather than spend it?
Now that I have offended what is probably 80% of my readership, I will turn to other topics.
This just in: sending out an email announcing the conclusion of this month's giveaway on a day when everyone is out of the office is just a bad idea. My inbox is being flooded with Out of Office notifications. Lesson learned.
A couple of weeks ago I received an odd review request. The producers of the film The God Who Wasn't There asked if I would watch and review the production. It is an anti-God documentary that seeks to prove that Jesus never existed. What Bowling For Columbine did to gun culture and what Supersize Me did for fast food, this is supposed to do with religion. I'm not entirely sure what Bowling For Columbine did to gun culture, but if this production is a parallel, then I'd say "not much." It is poorly made, terribly documented and the only shocking thing about it is that anyone could think it is shocking. I find it amusing that part of their marketing program is sending it to people like myself and Joe Carter, who didn't like it anymore than I did. However, it does provide an opportunity to answer some of the common claims made against Jesus' existence so I am hoping to examine some of the film's claims next week. I will feed their marketing claim, but only with well-reasoned, rational, documented evidence to disprove their nonsensical claims. Here are a few of the claims made in the film:
- Jesus Christ is a fictional character.
- Jesus bears a striking resemblence to "other" ancient heroes and legends.
- Contemporary Christians are largely ignorant of the origins of their religion.
- Christianity is obsessed with blood.
- The Bible is, and was only intended to be, symbolic literature.
- There is no empirical data to support God's existence.
And so on. As I said, there is really nothing new here, except perhaps a very poor interpretation of the sin against the Holy Spirit.
Earlier this week I received an advance copy of a forthcoming book dealing with the Purpose Driven movement and Rick Warren. I have read most of it and am happy to say that it explains the movement in a very thorough, yet even-handed way. There is nothing alarmist in the book and it avoids sounding like a rant. It is well-argued, well-researched and will surely help a lot of people unravel the Purpose Driven movement. I hope to bring a preview before long.
I have a couple of things I am hoping to begin writing this weekend with a view to posting them here next week. I trust that, upon the conclusion of this long weekend, there will actually be some people around to read them!
May God bless and keep you this weekend as you seek to honor Him in all you do.


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Medicines are an important part of managing asthma. Ask your child's healthcare provider about your child's asthma medicines. Find out how they work, how they're taken, and what their possible side effects are. It's very important that you make sure your child is using the inhaler correctly. And that you use a spacer when the provider advises. Both practices will increase the amount of medicine getting to your child's lungs. There are 2 types of asthma medicines:
Long-term controller (maintenance) medicines. These medicines reduce inflammation and prevent narrowing of the airways. A child with asthma can have inflamed airways at any time, not just when they have symptoms. So, controller medicines are taken daily, even when the child feels well. This helps keep asthma symptoms from getting worse and prevents flare-ups.
Quick-relief (rescue) medicines. These help stop symptoms from getting worse and flare-ups once they have started.
Your child's medicines are a vital part of your child's Asthma Action Plan. If you don't have an action plan, talk with your child's healthcare provider about getting one. If you do have one, review it with the provider to be sure it's up to date.
Controller medicines reduce the chance that a child will have to go to the emergency room or need to stay in the hospital. Many kids with asthma take long-term controller medicine. Be aware that:
These medicines are not used to reduce symptoms right away. Other medicines are used for quick relief (see below).
Controller medicines must be taken every day, in many cases twice a day. Follow all directions from your child's healthcare provider.
Your child may not understand why it's important to take medicine when they feel well. And remembering to take medicine each day can be hard for anyone. You can help by being firm and consistent. Try these tips:
Create a routine. Taking the medicines should be part of getting ready for bed or getting ready for school.
Set up a reward system. For example, award a point for each day your child sticks to the schedule. Your child then earns rewards based on these points.
If your child is old enough, make sure they understand what long-term controllers do and don't do.
Explain the importance of these medicines to any other caregivers, such as daycare providers, teachers, school nurses, and babysitters. That way, the routine will be followed when your child is in someone else's care.
Don't make any medicine changes without checking with your child's healthcare provider.
How it's taken
What it's used for
Inhaled corticosteroid
Inhaler or nebulizer
Controls airway inflammation. The first-choice controller medicine for most kids with asthma.
Other anti-inflammatory
Inhaler or pills
Helps control airway inflammation. Used for mild asthma or along with inhaled corticosteroids.
Long-acting bronchodilator
Keeps muscles around the airways from becoming tight. Used only in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.
Knowing how to manage flare-ups is key to asthma control. Learn to recognize your child's symptoms early and to act quickly. This will help you stop flare-ups before they get serious. Follow your child's Asthma Action Plan. If your child doesn't have an action plan or if the plan is not up-to-date, talk with their healthcare provider. Your child's Asthma Action Plan tells you exactly what symptoms signal a flare-up, and what to do. The action plan may include:
Watching for symptoms of moderate and severe flare-ups and knowing what to do.
Using quick-relief (rescue) medicine, such as a short-acting bronchodilator. This eases your child's breathing right away.
Continuing or increasing controller medicine. This treats airway inflammation, which is the underlying cause of the flare-up.
Short-acting bronchodilator
Gives quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
Oral corticosteroid
Pills or liquid
Taken for severe asthma flare-ups. Reduces swelling and mucus in airways.


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There's nothing complicated about the American public's love of the hot dog, and there isn't anything complicated about Sneaky Pete's success as a franchise of traditional and C-Store locations. From the beginning, Sneaky Pete's has kept things simple: quality food, prepared to order, served hot and fast.
The foundation of it all, the cornerstone of Sneaky Pete's fame, is the famous Sneaky Pete's Hot Dog Sauce. One taste of the Original Sneaky Pete – a tender, juicy hot dog covered with tangy kraut, onions, a little mustard and topped with the famous Sneaky Pete's sauce – and you'll see that "the secret is in the sauce."
The other favorites in the lineup – Bacon Cheddar Dog, Famous Chili Slaw Dog, Pete's Slaw Dog, Famous Chili Cheese Dog and Smoked Sausage Dog – all bring a new twist to familiar ingredients. Let's not forget the Junkyard Dog,™ the biggest, baddest dog of them all, which includes everything. Enjoy an American classic today.. Sneaky Pete's… The Way Hot Dogs Should Be!®