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Morning Sunshine
Product Description
Product Details:
8 Yellow Gerberas
6 Orange Gerberas
6 Red Gerberas
Contrast Wrapping and a Satin Ribbon Bow
Mini Flowerpedia:
Gerbera flowers were named after Trauggott Gerber, a botanist and physician from the 1700s.
Gerbera daisies have developed a protection mechanism against fungal diseases.
Flower Meaning - Gerberas are symbolize for cheerfulness, loyal love, innocence and purity.
Care Guide
When you receive your flowers in a Bunch/Bouquet form, remove the packaging and let them breathe for sometime.
Cut 1-2 Inches of the stems at a 45 degree angle, remove the leaves below the water line and settle the flowers in a clean vase with clean water.
While Removing the leaves, only remove the leaves below the water line but do not remove all leaves along the stem length.
After Every 24 hours , please cut around 1-2 cms of the flower stem from the bottom and change the water.
Do not place flowers near by any source of excessive heat or in direct sunlight.
Do not placed flowers under a fan.
In case of damaged petals or leaves remove it from the flowers.
To get the most of the benefits from the flowers daily mist of water can help.
Follow the care guide and Enjoy your flowers!
Delivery Guide
The product image has displayed is only indicative in nature, but we put our 100% efforts to match the image displayed, the actual product delivered may vary in shape or design as per the availability.
As a Buy Any Flowers team one of our promises to you is that your flowers quality and freshness is our priority.
Our all orders are delivered in Buy Any Flowers temperature controlled delivery vans.
Some flower stems may arrive in bud form to make sure your arrangement will be in the finest and freshest condition for as long as possible.This is in addition to protect the flowers while in transit, but to also perform the flowers to last even longer.
As per our experience, watching the flowers to burst into full bloom in the following days after the delivery is not less than the magic.
Most of our orders are delivered on time as per the selected time slot. This may not achieve in very rare cases where the situation is beyond our control i.e., traffic congestion, enroute, remote location for delivery, etc.
The delivery cannot be redirected within the same time slot to any other address once its prepared and out for delivery.
Please be informed that substition of flowers can be done without informing you due to temporary and/or unavailability in the region, because we give utmost priority to deliver on time as most of our orders are for gifts for a special occasions.

subset: commoncrawl


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Track Record
Real-world tax savings and financial gains
When you come to my office, you can see my "Wall of Fame" — framed copies of huge tax refund checks and letters of thanks from many of my clients. Here are just a few examples of the bottom-line difference I have been making to every one of my clients since 1985.
Over $1,100,000 cash back from old tax returns
In 2003, the IRS issued new regulations allowing corporations that meet certain requirements to be classified retroactively as S corporations. This was a gold mine for tax payers who were in effect paying double taxes under their current status as C corporations. I have so far helped many new clients review their past three years of returns and recoup anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 in tax overpayments.
Help with an IRS audit over back taxes
"When IRS audited my payroll taxes, Emil revised my corporate and individual taxes for the last 3 years and I ended up with a big outlay of cash for both my personal and corporate tax returns. He saved me from a lot of penalties and interest charges, as well as bringing me through my personal audit in which I got a refund when it was completed." Eldon H., CEO
Restructuring expenses saves $70,000 in taxes
"Emil restructured several areas of my state and federal returns — including rental income. It made a difference of over $70,000." Irene V., President
Supporting clients in "growth mode"
"Our company has been in growth mode for the past 9 years and has been through a few CPA firms. Mr. Estafanous and his staff have proven to be very professional, experienced and current on the latest tax changes. I am confident his firm will fully support our accounting and tax preparation needs for years to come." Mike P., CEO
Fast response for M&As and other scenarios
"I have worked with Emil Estafanous on acquisitions, dissolutions and ongoing business planning for clients. He is very knowledgeable, practical and responsive which is critical to be able to meet the time demands we face in most merger/acquisition transactions." Kevin F. Gillespie, Attorney
Financial and commercial loan expertise
"Mr. Estafanous has been instrumental in assisting me process commercial loans for his clients. I often times require year-to-date financial information for prospective borrowers and Mr. Estafanous has always obliged with quick turn-around, eliminating potential delays." Randy Gerritsen Wells Fargo Bank, CBB
Payroll management peace of mind
"We have been doing business with Emil Estafanous for at least 15 years. He always been available to answer our questions, guide us through the employment payroll minefields, always represented us in an honest professional manner. He is a trusted member of our business network." Bob and Donna B., owners of a sign manufacturing company
"Emil Estafanous, CPA has been preparing our personal and business income tax return for the past 5 years. We appreciate his high professional standards and careful work. He is excellent, always accommodating and pleasant to work with." E. S., owner of a realty firm
"I had realized a sizable stock market gain. By analyzing all facts, Emil was able to shelter these gains, restructure my business, lower my taxes, cover my family's medical insurance, and build for retirement. In short, I was able to write off all my investment expenses as business expenses, which left over one million dollar available for my trading activities." Owner of an investment firm
Knowledge of future trading
"As a future trader himself, Emil understands how to use this type of investment to manage risk and protect capital. His ability to help structure this type of activity and elect the proper way to treat profits and losses makes a real difference for clients who would otherwise owe huge amounts of taxes." Steven B., Partner in an LLC
Real-world business advice
"Emil asked 'do you have to have your business incorporated in California?' As he helped me answer that question, he also helped me save $330,000 in state taxes by diversifying my operation. One of the secrets was that I didn't just incorporate in another state – I'd have still been liable for California state taxes which are rising along with payroll and employment taxes." Steve C., software developer
Tax help with medical expenses
"I could be covered by health insurance through my company. But I was turned down because of my preexisting condition – diabetes. Emil showed me an alternate way to have the business provide coverage for my doctor bills and expensive medication." Charles F. Vice President of a local company
A resource for other CPAs
"Emil assists other CPAs when they need second options on complicated tax issues or when out-of-state CPAs need his expertise on in-state requirements or strategies. Emil is also helpful to our law firm when the challenges our clients face involve tax or financial accounting issues. So many times he helps us explore alternative solutions." Managing partner in a law practice
Strong support when business goes bad
"I had been losing money in my business, but my tax bill was still going to be huge. Through restructuring and finding additional deductions, Emil was able to eliminate 70% of what I owed. Plus, my credit had suffered and he showed me ways to protect and improve my standing so that I could continue doing business." Sole proprietor


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Basic Specifications | |
Full model name: | Canon PowerShot A560 |
Resolution: | 7.10 Megapixels |
Sensor size: | 1/2.5 inch (5.8mm x 4.3mm) |
Lens: |
4.00x zoom
(35-140mm eq.) |
Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD |
Extended ISO: | 80 - 1600 |
Shutter: | 1/2000 - 15 sec |
Max Aperture: | 2.6 |
Dimensions: |
3.6 x 2.5 x 1.7 in. (91 x 64 x 43 mm) |
Weight: | 5.8 oz (165 g) |
Availability: | 03/2007 |
Manufacturer: | Canon |
Full specs: | Canon A560 specifications |
Your purchases support this site
Buy the Canon A560
4.5 out of 5.0
Canon PowerShot A560 Overview
by Dave Etchells
Review Date: 6/14/2007
The Canon PowerShot A560 was introduced in January of 2007, as one of the lower-end models in the A-series lineup. It's a near-twin upgrade of the A550 model that came onto the market slightly before it, but as we'll see, the Canon A560 actually sports a number of worthwhile enhancements relative to the 550 model. To make the comparison easier, here's a list of enhancements the Canon A560 boasts over the A550:
- A bigger 2.5" LCD, vs the 2.0" one on the 550
- Face-detection autofocus (a really handy feature, IMHO)
- Higher light sensitivity, to ISO 1600 vs 800.
(Although noise very much becomes a factor at ISO 1600) - About 10% longer battery life
- Somewhat more readable menus
- Red-Eye correction is available in Playback mode
Like the A550, and also an upgrade from earlier low-end models, the Canon A560 has a higher resolution image sensor: 7.1 megapixels, up from 5 megapixels in last year's A530. The 2.5-inch LCD screen also edges out its 1.8" forerunner and the 2.0" screen on the A550. To accommodate the larger file sizes generated by its greater resolution, the A560 is compatible with SDHC memory cards. The A560 is also more energy efficient. With high-capacity rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, you can take up to 1,400 shots with the LCD off, or 550 with the LCD on, impressive numbers by any standard.
The A560's 4x zoom lens with a 35-140mm 35mm equivalency is a very attractive feature, easily besting the more common 3x zooms. And while many people prefer to simply leave the camera dial permanently on AUTO, this camera's easy-to-set scene modes are also a help in what might otherwise be challenging conditions.
With its high quality imaging, competent feature set, and wide availability for less than $200, the Canon PowerShot A560 is a great all-around camera, able to meet the needs of a wide range of users. For pros and advanced amateurs, it's nice to have a pocket-sized alternative to a more bulky digital SLR, yet the price makes this camera an attractive entry for anyone who has been thinking about going digital. As I'll describe below, the camera is not only easy to use, but highly intuitive, making the A560 a great choice for non-technophiles.
Canon PowerShot A560
User Report
by Dave Etchells
While it's technically an entry-level camera (only the A550 and A460 are beneath it in the PowerShot lineup), the Canon A560 delivers very respectable performance and image quality. It's a measure of how far the digicam world has come that an "entry level" camera sports a good-quality 4x zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD, and usable ISO settings to 800. (The A560 can shoot at ISO 1600, but the image quality there is barely adequate for snapshots. Still, decent-looking 5x7 inch prints at ISO 800 are pretty surprising for a basic, affordable camera these days.)
Pocket Size? Size is often an important consideration for camera users, so it's worth discussing where the Canon A560 fits in the spectrum of available models. I particularly mention size because the features and performance of this camera make it a great all-around, take-anywhere camera, so users are likely to want to pack it along with them wherever they go.
While the Canon A560 isn't as small as Canon's own SD-series models or other subcompact cameras on the market, it does fit fairly well into most pants pockets (unless you're wearing skin-tight jeans), and larger purses. If you really need tiny, look elsewhere, but the A560 is very portable, while avoiding some of the optical and performance trade-offs found in many subcompact models. It's also a good bit cheaper than most subcompacts.
User Interface. I've been a fan of Canon's user interface ever since they adopted their current Function menu design, where frequently-used options appear in a menu running down the left side of the screen when you press the "Function" button. (The button in the center of the 4-way controller on the camera's back.) I've always found this menu setup to be fast, effortless, and pretty much self-explanatory.
For more sweeping mode changes, the Canon A560 uses a conventional Mode Dial on the top of the camera body, with options for fully automatic operation, "Manual" mode, five common Scene modes, an SCN setting that offers a number of less-common Scene options, and Movie mode. In full Auto mode, the camera is a pure "point & shoot", you just aim it at your subject, zoom in or out and push the Shutter button, and the camera does the rest. In Auto mode, you can change the size (resolution) of the captured images, turn the flash off or leave it on Auto, select self-timer or normal shooting modes, and tell the camera whether or not you want it to use high ISO (light sensitivity) settings when warranted, but that's about it. The camera chooses every other setting, and generally does a very good job of it. If you're a beginner, you couldn't ask for a more user-friendly experience.
If you're a bit more comfortable with camera settings and options, "Manual" mode gives you more control over things like exposure and white balance, but really experienced shooters may be frustrated with the lack of explicit control over aperture and shutter settings. The camera does always inform you what shutter speed and aperture it's chosen for each shot, but some users (like myself) may wish for more direct control over the exposure process.
If you're willing to make just a small investment in learning the Canon A560's capabilities, a little time spent exploring its rich assortment of Scene modes will be well rewarded. Mode Dial options for Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets and Indoor (the last indicated by a party-horn icon) automatically configure the camera for the various situations their names suggest. These are a great way for novice photographers to bring back good-looking photos from what otherwise would be tricky shooting situations. By pre-setting things like flash mode, white balance, focus options, etc, the A560's Scene modes simplify things a lot for novice shooters. For less common situations, the SCN position on the mode dial provides access to Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, and Aquarium options.
The only significant feature missing from earlier Canon models is a stitch-assist mode for making panoramic photos from multiple overlapping exposures. I suspect this was used by relatively few owners, but it's a feature I've always enjoyed playing with myself.
9-point AiAF with Face Detection. Like the rest of its siblings, the A560 uses Canon's excellent 9-point intelligent autofocus system. This means the camera divides the scene into 9 areas, and focuses on what it thinks are the most important parts. (Usually the subjects closest to the camera.) Often, if you don't like the camera's first choice of focus points, simply releasing and lightly pressing the shutter button again will produce another set of points you may like better. It's a fast and convenient way to shoot, and the AiAF system's choice of focus points is right more often than not.
The Canon A560 takes a big step up from the A550 and last year's predecessors though, with the addition of Face Detection to its focusing system. Face Detection is enabled by default, although you can turn it off if you for some reason don't want the camera to seek out faces. Face detection is appearing in more and more cameras from a variety of manufacturers, but Canon's system is among the best. I've personally found face detection to be really handy, since it not only finds and focuses on faces in the image (which are usually what I care most about having sharply focused), but it also uses the faces it's thus identified to help set exposure and flash intensity. It's really pretty amazing to see it in action, the camera puts little white brackets around the face it's focusing on, and you can see the brackets track the face as you move the camera around and zoom in or out. If it finds more than one face in the image, it'll put grey brackets around the secondary ones to indicate that it recognizes them, but won't be using them for the focus determination. It's fairly intelligent about its choice of which face to use too, generally picking the one that's closest to the center of the frame, but also seemingly taking into consideration size, proximity to the camera, etc. The screen shot at right shows Face Detection in action, with the camera pointed at my computer screen with several of our standard "Marti shots" displayed on it. You can see that the camera picked the face in the upper left as the primary one. (I had been moving the camera around a bit, that one was picked when it was nearer the center of the screen, and the camera continued tracking it as it moved away from center.) The other two faces show the grey secondary-face brackets around them. Very slick!
Responsiveness. All in all, the Canon A560 was pretty responsive in our tests, although it was just a little sluggish in continuous mode. Start-up was pretty quick, capturing the first image just 1.5 seconds after being turned on according to our lab results. There's a modest delay (about 1.6 seconds) between shots in single-shot mode, and the camera takes a bit over 10 seconds to recharge after a full-power flash exposure. That's quite a bit longer than average, even though the flash itself doesn't seem to be any more powerful than those in competing models. In continuous mode, the A560 managed only 1.3 frames/second. Not bad, but we expected more from its Digic III processor. The zoom was reasonably fast and responsive, about what we'd expect for this kind of camera.
Viewfinder. While I'm personally a big believer in optical viewfinders, on a practical basis, I most often use the rear panel LCDs to frame my photos when I'm shooting with digicams. This is partly because I can often see more detail on a nice big LCD screen than in the itty-bitty optical VF, but also because I'm often already looking at the LCD screen to monitor and adjust camera settings anyway.
The Canon A560 offers a 115,000 pixel, 2.5-inch LCD, which takes up much of the camera's rear panel. While 115,000 pixels is fairly low resolution, I didn't really feel it was lacking in detail. (That said though, more pixels would definitely be nice. Hard to argue over, given the A560's price though.) The LCD screen did get a little washed out in bright sunlight but never became totally unusable.
I very often find myself using the Grid overlay on digicams that offer this feature. It makes it easy to keep my verticals and horizontals aligned as they should be, something I find surprisingly easy to forget about when I'm quickly snapping photos. Having an alignment grid displayed on-screen is a handy reminder, not to mention a useful tool for getting the alignment just right. The A560's grid is easy to turn on from the main shooting menu, just scroll down to the Disp. Overlay option. There's also an option to show a mask that trims the image top and bottom to give a 3:2 aspect ratio. This lets you see what part of the image will fit into a 4x6 inch print. The screen shot at left shows both features in play.
Power. The Canon A560 is powered by a pair of AA batteries, convenient if you need to find power in remote parts of the world. It's also a great idea to buy a pair of the (very expensive) Lithium AA cells sold by Eveready. They have a very long shelf-life and pack lots of power, so you can just stash a couple of them in your camera bag, and always have a backup power source at hand. (They're too expensive for routine use, but just great for this sort of emergency backup.)
The trade-off with AA cells is the A560's bulkiness in comparison to some of Canon's Digital ELPH cameras, but there are a lot of are folks who will buy nothing but AA-powered cameras, avoiding custom battery packs like the plague. If you're one of them, the A560 is for you. (Do get a couple of sets of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable cells and a good charger for them though, you'll save many times the cost of batteries + charger over the life of the camera.) One piece of good news though, is how sparingly the A560 sips power: Even normal alkaline batteries last a surprisingly long time in it.
ISO 1600? High ISO (high light sensitivity) is a feature being touted by many manufacturers these days, but it's often accompanied by image quality ranging from bad to unbelievably awful. The Canon A560 sports ISO settings as high as 1600, and does better than many compact cameras at that setting. That said though, don't expect to be making poster-size from your ISO 1600 shots. At ISO 1600, color suffers somewhat, and even 4x6 inch prints show very noticeable grain. A grainy picture is perhaps better than one blurred by too much subject or camera motion, but as a consumer, you need to take really high ISO ratings for compact digicams with a large grain of salt. (If you really need high-ISO performance, bite the bullet and buy a digital SLR: The worst DSLR does way better than the best consumer digicam at high-ISO shooting.)
At ISO 800 though, image quality improves quite a bit, to the point that most users will likely find 5x7 inch prints quite acceptable, and even 8x10 inch ones will probably be fine to display on a wall, shelf or other location where people aren't likely to walk up and squint at them at close range. This is quite an achievement compared to what was possible just a couple of years ago. Don't get me wrong, images at ISO 800 definitely have noise in them, but many users will find the results quite acceptable for snapshots and even modest enlargements.
At low ISO settings, shots from the Canon A560 show excellent color and a lot of detail. You can easily make 13x19 inch prints from them, if you have a printer that can handle paper that large.
Speaking of color, the Canon A560 generally did well with its white balance: While Auto wasn't perfect with our indoor test subject, it wasn't at all bad (some people would prefer the amount of warmth it left in the images), while Incandescent and Manual both did an excellent job of handling the very warm household incandescent lighting. (Most homes in the US use incandescent or warm-white compact fluorescent lighting, very warm-hued light sources that are very hard for many digital cameras to handle properly.)
Summary. The Canon PowerShot A560 is an excellent basic digital camera for all-around usage. While not as small as many subcompacts, it fits in most pants pockets or larger purses, and avoids some of the optical, image quality, and performance trade-offs that are often found in subcompact models. It offers a lot of capability (and great looking images) for the money, and a range of features that should suit beginning through intermediate photographers very well. All in all, it's a great entry-level camera, but one with at least some features to grow into as your photographic skills mature.
If you have just a little more money, you might consider the A570 IS, which adds a few higher-end features from the ELPH series in about the same form factor, as well as an image-stabilized lens for sharper shots under dim lighting. If you're just looking for a simple, good-performing digital camera to get started with though, the Canon A560 is hard to beat.
Basic Features
- 7.1-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as large as 3,072 x 2,304 pixels
- 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
- Real-image optical viewfinder
- 4x 5.8-23.2mm lens (equivalent to 35-140mm zoom on a 35mm camera)
- 4.0x digital zoom
- AiAF 9-zone autofocus and a single zone autofocus mode
- AF Assist light for low-light focusing
- Automatic modes plus a long shutter setting, as well as 11 preset Scene modes
- Exposure compensation +/- 2EV in 1/3 step increments
- Shutter speed range from 1/2,000 to 15 seconds, depending on aperture
- Built-in flash with three operating modes plus red-eye reduction
- SDHC/SD/MMC memory storage
- Power supplied by two AA batteries or optional AC adapter
Special Features
- 30fps 640x480 Movie mode (with sound); up to 60fps at 320x240 in Fast Frame Rate mode
- Still frame sound caption recording
- Continuous Shooting in Manual and Scene Modes
- Menu-set variable delay/multi-shot Self-Timer mode
- Creative Effects menu
- Auto White balance plus five preset white balance modes and custom white balance setting capability
- Auto ISO adjustment with six ISO equivalents up to ISO 1600 plus a HI ISO setting to automatically boost sensitivity to high levels in low light shooting
- Evaluative, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering options when shooting in manual mode
- DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility
In the Box
The Canon PowerShot A560 box includes the following items:
- Canon PowerShot A560 camera
- Wrist strap WS-800
- Two AA-type alkaline batteries
- USB cable IFC-400PCU
- AV cable AVC-DC300
- 16MB MMC memory card MMC-16
- Software CD
- Instruction manuals, software guide, and registration kit
Recommended Accessories
- Larger capacity SDHC/SD card. (At least 512MB recommended, 1-2GB would be better.)
- Spare set of rechargeable AA batteries and a charger
- AC adapter kit
- Soft case
- High Power Flash HF-DC1
Pro: | Con: |
The Canon PowerShot A560 is another great little camera from Canon. While classed and priced as an entry-level camera, the A560 takes great, high-resolution shots, has a nice 4x zoom lens, and is quite easy to use. The user interface is clean and uncluttered, the combination of no-nonsense mode dial and simple Function menu making it easy to get to the functions you'll use most frequently. There's also a very good movie mode for collecting "video snapshots" at quality levels as high as 640x480 pixels and 30 frames/second. The biggest plus over its little brother the A550, though, is its Face-Detection autofocus system, a very handy feature when photographing people, and one that worked very well in our use of the camera. To those of us who've been dealing with digital cameras for a while, it's amazing that an under-$200 entry level camera can capture enough detail to make beautiful 13 x 19 inch prints (let alone with all the 560's other features as well), but that's exactly what the Canon A560 does. This is a great little all-around camera, at a great price, an easy Dave's Pick as one of the better cameras on the market in its price range.


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March 21, 2013 - Registration Still Open for NJRA Redevelopment Training Institute Workshop
REGISTRATION STILL OPEN FOR Attendees Will Learn about Tax Abatements, the Municipal Budget and the |
TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III today announced that registration is still open for the upcoming "Tax Abatements and the Municipal Budget" workshop being held on March 26, 2013 at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, NJ. This workshop is part of the Redevelopment Training Institute hosted by the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), an affiliated agency of the DCA.
"Decisions on whether to offer tax abatements and how much such abatements should be are often not straightforward," said Commissioner Constable. "This workshop will give attendees direct access to real estate attorneys and consultants who will share their experiences on how to assess properly whether or not a municipality should exempt a project from full taxation."
The workshop session will review the tax abatement law, the abatement process, and the potential economic and fiscal benefits of the project from the municipality's perspective, including any economic spillover benefits of the project. Attendees will also learn to explore the different contractual obligations between the developer and the municipality, and how to calculate and negotiate payments to maximize revenue for the municipality.
Additionally, the workshop will cover how a municipal budget works, how development affects municipal expenditures, key provisions of the short- and long-term tax exemption law, how PILOT revenues are allocated and utilized, and how Fiscal Impact Studies are performed and their importance in redevelopment planning.
"Municipalities are coming to the realization that they are true partners in the redevelopment and development of projects," said Leslie A. Anderson, NJRA Executive Director. "Like any other investor, municipal officials must analyze their "investment" in development projects to see if projects have a positive or negative impact on the municipal budget and if they meet the municipality's goals and objectives."
This workshop has been approved for six (6) Continuing Legal Education Credits (CLE), 5.5 PTA Credits through the State of New Jersey, Assessor Continuing Education Eligibility Board, and six (6) Certification Maintenance credits through The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
The NJRA RTI offers intensive training courses that focus on the redevelopment of New Jersey's communities. The NJRA RTI is designed to provide non-profit and for-profit developers, professional consultants, entrepreneurs, city/county staff, and lawyers with a body of knowledge of the redevelopment and real estate development process and project financing.
The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, a DCA affiliate, is an independent authority committed to revitalizing urban New Jersey. NJRA invests financial and technical resources into redevelopment projects to ensure that projects are urban-focused, neighborhood-based and investment-driven.
For further information on the NJRA RTI, including application information, registration and directions, please call the RTI Hotline at 609-278-5779 or visit http://www.njra.us/rti.


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You've probably heard of overbites, crooked teeth, or underbites whether you know someone who has one of these conditions or if you've experienced one yourself. These conditions are considered different types of malocclusions, which is the official term for mismatched teeth or jaw issues caused by misalignments with your bite. Roughly 2/3 adults have some degree of malocclusion as very few people have perfectly aligned teeth. While some cases do not require significant treatment or treatment at all, we want to educate you on this common orthodontic occurrence and give a brief guide to malocclusions.
What is malocclusion?
Occlusion refers to the meeting of your teeth, or the actual contact of your teeth in your upper and lower jaws. Your teeth should fit easily and comfortably within your mouth without crowding, gaps, or any teeth that may be rotated or twisted. There should be a slight overlap of your upper jaw on your lower jaw so that your molars can fit into the grooves of their opposite molars.
Malocclusion refers to any deviation from the ideal occlusion. Most people have a malocclusion to some degree, but often it is so minor that treatment is not necessary unless for aesthetic reasons. There are three main categories of malocclusions:
Class 1 – This is the most common type of malocclusion where the bite is normal, but there may be a slight overlap.
Class 2 – Commonly referred to as an overbite where a severe overlap is present, meaning the upper teeth and jaw significantly protrude over the lower jaw and teeth.
Class 3 – More commonly known as an underbite, this class refers to cases where the lower jaw juts out causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.
The types of malocclusion can vary, but any type can cause issues for a patient. Common types of malocclusions include:
Crossbite – When the upper teeth bite down inside the lower teeth. It can occur on one side or both and may involve either the front or back teeth.
Open bite – When the front teeth do not overlap with the lower teeth or jaw when the mouth is closed there is a space between the top and bottom teeth.
Overbite – A severe overlap of the lower front teeth. In severe cases, the front teeth may hit the gums when a person bites their teeth together.
Overcrowding – Often caused by a lack of space resulting in teeth that overlap or become crooked, rotated, or twisted.
Overjet – Similar to an overbite, but occurs when the top teeth extend beyond the bottom teeth horizontally.
Spacing – Spaces that occur between two or more teeth
Underbite– An underbite is an anterior crossbite that occurs with the front teeth. When the mouth is closed the lower teeth protrude forward of the top teeth.
Symptoms of malocclusions vary depending on the classification, type, severity, and patient but common symptoms include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Abnormal signs of wear on teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Alteration in facial features
- Frequent biting inside of the cheek or tongue
- Headaches
- Tooth grinding
- Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain
- Speech complications
- Mouth, teeth, or jaw pain
- Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
There is no single direct cause for all malocclusions. The majority of the time it is heredity due to a size difference in the upper or lower jaw or jaw shape. Sometimes certain birth defects such as cleft lips or cleft palates can lead to the development of malocclusions.
It can also be acquired from childhood habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier usage, or bottle feeding beyond the age of three. Children who have little space between their baby teeth are likely to experience overcrowding with their permanent teeth which can result in malocclusions.
Other causes for malocclusion include abnormally shaped teeth or bite patterns, presence of extra teeth, loss of teeth due to injury or accident, or impacted teeth. Malocclusions may also occur due to poor dental care such as poorly-fitted crowns or other dental/orthodontic appliances. Medical conditions such as allergies or enlarged adenoids or tonsils may also lead to airway obstructions and could create a degree of malocclusion.
Malocclusions are often diagnosed during routine dental exams. If suspected, x-rays, photographs, and molds are taken and often given to an orthodontist to study and confirm.
If a malocclusion is confirmed, an orthodontist will handle treatment in most cases. Treatment varies depending on the type of malocclusion and is determined on an individual basis. Several factors are considered including age, medical history, overall health, and the severity of the malocclusion.
Common types of malocclusion treatments may include but are not limited to:
- Orthodontic appliances such as braces, aligners, or retainers to correct the position of teeth
- Extraction of teeth to alleviate overcrowding
- Capping, bonding, or reshaping of teeth
- A palatal expander can be used in younger patients to widen the jaw
- Plates and wires may be used to help stabilize the jaw
In severe cases, surgery may be needed and you may need to be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon or oral surgeon.
If not treated, the malocclusion may worsen over time and become more pronounced. Depending on the type of malocclusion, it may become difficult for you to clean your teeth and gums which can put you at risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
For more information on malocclusion and treatment options or to schedule a consultation, please contact Glow Orthodontics today.


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Monday, January 31, 2011
Nazis or Stalin: What will Egypt choose?
At present, their choice is like having to choose between the Nazis or Stalin - between the Islamic fundamentalists of the Moslem Brotherhood vs. the iron-fisted dictator Mubarak.
Not a great option in either case for the Egyptian people.
But do the Egyptian people actually have a choice?
The reality is that the only choice they got was to demand change.
As to what change they'll get, that's in the hands of those who had previously organized, waiting for this day to come, and in those who hold the power today.
If ElBaradai takes over tomorrow, it won't have been through democratic elections, that's for sure. And there would be no guarantee of democratic elections in the immediate future either.
But I would not take it as a 100% given that Mubarak is completely down and out.
If I were Mubarak, and I cared about the future of Egypt (and as Egypt is his life's work, I assume he does), he would be doing everything right now to make sure that the Moslem Brotherhood aren't in a position to take over the country - an act that would turn Egypt into Iran and Gaza.
Mubarak would be taking steps to weaken their influence and growth.
While it will now be impossible to lock the Moslem Brotherhood out, it is still possible to marginalize and minimalize their influence.
Mubarak would publicly announce that elections will be held in 6 months under international supervision and management, and that he is asking the UN to send in those observers immediately.
Mubarak would announce that he is retiring in 3 months time, and he is staying on for those 3 months solely to ensure that preparations for elections are complete and that laws are in place for democratic elections every 5 years.
After those 3 months, his number 2, Suleiman would take the reins as acting President until elections are held (to give him some sort of incumbents advantage, even though he's associated with Mubarak)
His goal would be to first calm down the street and make it clear and transparent that he has set up the irrevocable mechanisms for transition to a democratic government.
His second goal is to give Suleiman a fighting chance. The way he will do this is is ensuring that the widest number of parties can run independently and get elected. This will hopefully weaken the possibility of the Moslem Brotherhood gaining too much individual power.
His third goal is to scare the people once the street has calmed down. He must force them to consider if they really want to vote Moslem Brotherhood and turn Egypt into Iran.
Calming the street down is important.
Once the people see they are getting what they want and are given the time to think, that will block the immediate ascension of the Islamic fundamentalists.
The Moslem Brotherhood may still win the elections in 6 months time as they are the most organized, but 6 months give others a chance too.
Tomorrow the Moslem Brotherhood could control everything - without elections. But in 6 months time, they would be an important party, but not necessarily the ruling one.
The Egyptian people don't need to have to choose between the Nazis and Stalin, but will if they aren't given the chance to calm down and think about what they want for their future.
ElBaradai and Muslim Brotherhood are counting on them not having that chance to think.
(Thanks Jameel for the Nazi-Stalin concept)
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3 comments:
- NormanF said...
Agreed... a democratic transition would have to be managed carefully.
Egypt is a country older than its history that began with the Arab conquest in the 7th Century. Egyptians are acutely aware of their history as heirs to the oldest dynasties that go back to the dawn of human history.
In particular, Egypt had always had Pharaohs with absolute powers, whether kings or Presidents. Developing a real democracy in the face of a very ancient tradition is a tall order.
Whether the Egyptian middle class that is pushing for it will get it remains to be seen. - 11:12 AM, January 31, 2011
Egyptians aren't pushing for democracy, they are pushing for better economic circumstances, and not the kind that take patience an hard work. Rather than liberty, I suspect most Egyptians are interested in liberating the property of elites and foreigners. I have a feeling they'll want Castro.
More analysis at:
http://electme.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-ten-plagues.html - 4:03 PM, January 31, 2011
I see the MB like the snake in Aesop's fable....
They both want to cross, and the fox says, "I'll give you a ride on my back if you won't bite me." The snake agrees, but halfway across he bites the fox, who cries, "You said you wouldn't bite me. Now we'll both die." And snake says, "But you knew I was a snake." - 7:58 PM, January 31, 2011


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With all the weight loss books out there, do we really need another weight loss guide? In this case, the answer is yes.
We've seen tons of weight loss books and diets ranging from keto to paleo. But we've never seen one quite like Eat The Fat Off.
From the title, you may get the idea that the book is about the keto diet… but it's not.
John Rowley, the author of this guide, delves into the eating habits of Greek residents on an island. What he noticed was that they were at a healthy weight and obesity was not an issue there.
The people were not even exercising that much. With further research, he discovered that the enzymes in the food they were eating were actually helping them shed the fat and keep it off, without their knowledge.
To the Greeks, this was just their normal meals. To John Rowley, it was the answer to preventing obesity and creating fat loss.
He then created a series of cookbooks based on the foods these people were eating and he focused on foods that increased production of the body's fat burning enzymes.
The end result is an online bestseller that has sold thousands of copies and helped many people lose weight without struggle. The meals are tasty and nutritious. Being on this diet is beyond easy.
About John Rowley, The Creator
John Rowley is the maker of this product. He is quite a popular personality who you might have seen on famous TV channels, including Fox News, The Huffington Post, and some other media outlets.
In all these news channel programs, John has been sharing the process which this thinning enzyme uses to make a person lose fat. He also revealed that thousands of folks are using the same strategy and are losing weight naturally.
John also stated that big food companies spend millions of dollars on such junk foods that are causing an increase in weight. But it's not their fault because it's all up to you whether to eat such food that causes weight gain or not.
Besides this, he tells all the hardships that he went through in his life. Due to eating a lot of junk food, John got heart disease in the 40s. He was a fat, lazy, and underrated guy who decided to change his fate.
John Rowley started to understand the things that cause an increase and decrease in body fat. After gaining much knowledge, he was able to know the right secret of weight loss, which he has revealed in his product.
How Eat The Fat Off Program Works
"Eat the fat off" guide you that how you can become slimmer the right way. The product not only focuses on the fat-burning process. It also aims around the serotonin, appetite, dopamine, and melatonin.
You are only going to become slimmer, but also you will lead a healthier life via this product. The principal element is that it's not a temporary solution. It is a permanent answer for the people who want to get rid of their fat bodies.
Once you use the product the right way, you will observe a better mental strength, health, and intuition. Additionally, it is a one-time investment, so you don't have to rebuy it like other weight loss products. This product has worked for many people, and that is the reason I'm reviewing it.
But you should keep it in mind that to get the desired result, you have to follow the instructions as they are present in the product. If you still have any doubts about this fat-burning item, then you can read the reviews of various users on the internet.
Here's a look about the 5-part series that makes up this program, as well as the different types of topics covered throughout:
- Introduction
- Energetic Foods
- Endo-Thermic Foods
- Enzymatic Foods
- Enjoy Every Meal
- Part 1: Minding Your Mind
- A Lesson From The Neighborhood
- Why Do You Want to Lose Weight
- Going to Failure
- Part 2: Monitoring Your Mouth
- No Free Ride
- Eat The Weight Off
- Healthy vs. Physique Transforming
- Superior Fats
- The Million-Dollar Question, How To Lose Fat?
- Phase 1 Activate Your Thinning Enzymes
- The Overall Plan
- Foods to Eat
- Healthy Snacks
- How to Eat at Restaurants
- Old School Still Works
- Part 3: Maximizing Your Muscles
- Exercises That Work
- One Size Fits All Programs
- Workouts For Everyone
- The Perfect Routine
- Incredible Results in Only 7 Minutes
- The Workout Schedule
- Part 5: Mastering Your Mores
- The Power of Habits
- Planning and Scheduling
- Final Thoughts
- Introduction
Plus the Grocery Guide, Meal Planning Blueprint and Cheat Your Way To Trim guide which provides you with even more helpful and easy ways to experience great, sustainable results with this program. All of the hard work is done for you.
The Good Points:
▶ The product is an online bestseller for a couple of years and has many positive reviews. This is social proof that the methods in Eat The Fat Off work.
▶ The protocol is short (21 days) and that's enough time for you to see some weight loss. Depending on how overweight you are, you may need to repeat this cycle a few more times to reach your ideal weight. The good news is that the protocol is easy to follow.
▶ By working with the enzymes in your body, specifically the lipase-P enzyme, you'll accelerate your weight loss. That's exactly what this program teaches you to do.
The lipase enzymes are responsible for catalysing the hydrolysis of fats in your body. These enzymes speed up fat burning. So, eating foods that aid in producing these enzymes will positively impact your weight loss.
▶ Besides just helping you to lose weight, the diet recommended in Eat The Fat Off will boost your energy, improve your gut health, reverse aging, make your skin healthier and prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease. These are fantastic side benefits.
▶ The product is comprehensive with 3 cookbooks packed with fat burning meals. You'll be consuming similar dishes to what people on the Greek island eat… and these are tasty meals! That's the BEST part of this program. You do not have to sacrifice taste for weight loss.
▶ Unlike the keto or paleo diet, this is a much more lenient diet to follow. You'll not struggle with it. That also means that once you lose weight, you just carry on eating these meals. They're tasty and healthy. This is a lifestyle choice not a quick fix.
▶ This program is covered by a 60-day money back guarantee. It's risk free!
▶ You have instant access to the product after purchase. That means you can implement it minutes from now.
The Bad Points:
▶ You'll need to follow the diet tips and advice in the book closely. You can't wing it and take a haphazard approach.
▶ All fat loss takes time. While the methods in this program will accelerate your weight loss, you cannot expect to lose the weight overnight. You'll have to be patient. Within a month, you'll see and feel the difference.
▶ This product is only available online. A credit/debit card will be required to purchase it.
Benefits of using "Eat the fat off":
Weight loss
Are you tired of doing the workout, eating the food that you don't like, or other things to lose weight? If that's true, then this product will help you in doing so. It targets unwanted body fat and makes you slimmer.
When you follow the program instructions as they are given, you will see much faster results. As you are only going to get outcomes if you follow the guidelines so the result may vary from person to person.
Tasty diet
Now you don't have to eat supplements or other food that you don't like to lose weight. This program contributes to such delicious food items that most people love to eat.
Tasty diet doesn't mean that you can eat the food as much as you want to. The food is delicious, but you need to keep it in mind that you have to follow the diet plan as it is given.
The product provides all the natural diet so that it doesn't harm your health. It will aid you in losing body fat without using any harmful medicines.
As it uses all the organic food stuff, so it doesn't have any negative impact on both physical and mental health.
Money-back policy
If you are not happy with the results, then you can get a refund, which is another fantastic feature of this product. This money-back guarantee is valid for 60 days, which is enough to start seeing the results.
- As it carries all the natural ingredients, so it's a safe product.
- You are going to feel younger and fitter after using this thing.
- The program supports people in losing weight naturally.
- You are going to get rid of obesity and illness issues.
- It has some additional health benefits.
- The product comes with an easy guide.
- It is not recommended for teenagers.
- The program is only available online.
100% recommended!. Unlike most weight loss books that focus on cutting your carbs and exercising your butt off daily, Eat The Fat Off focuses on eating in a way that primes your body for fat loss.
While clean eating and exercise is beneficial, knowing what to eat and how it affects you is imperative. The Greeks and people in the Mediterranean eat tasty food that's healthy – and obesity is not a problem there. They're not fitness fanatics either.
This is proof that there's more to weight loss than just diet and exercise. John Rowley's book is eye-opening and the information is on point. If you apply it, you'll find yourself losing weight faster and easier than you ever thought possible.
And you won't need to starve yourself or spend hours on a treadmill. It doesn't get better than that.
Eat The Fat Off works. It truly does.
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They ask for more
What do you think this fan club is for?
I slithered up each rose corridor
I kept a warm, safe place at my core
Before I lost it
They ask for blood
What do you think this woman's made of?
I stuck a small, thin pin in my thumb
They dreamt a low, long line to be crossed
And I crossed it
I'm alive
But a different kind of alive
Than the way I used to be
I retire to a split, white smile to be seen
In some old stag magazine
And this girl's eyes, when they were roughly wrenched open
I could see a starry stair up your thigh
You hid behind your hair
Oh, but I saw you smiling
While all these guys, all these curious sets of eyes
Safe behind a tv screen
I let them pry, pick apart and hang up to dry almost every piece of me
If you don't love me, I'm sorry
Oh, what a trip
Oh, what a shimmering silver ship
Oh, what a hot half-life I half lived
Oh, and the stripes and stars, how they stripped off the siding
When my life ripped
Off from the part that played as a kid
Into the part that plays through your lips
To find a warm, safe place and sit curled up inside it
So, here's goodbye
From the part that's staying behind
To the part that has to leave
To the sublime lips that were never spoiled by lying
But to the face inside the being
Who wasn't me
Who wasn't me
Oh, no, no
She's not me
Oh, oh


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Open Source HOWTOs
In these articles we share information on how to make the most of open source software. Software that Netservers staff have extensive knowledge of include:
- GNU Linux Operating systems (CentOS, Ubuntu, Fedora etc.)
- Asterisk PBX
- Linux Netfilter (iptables)
- Apache + mod_perl
- Sendmail
- Cyrus IMAPD
- OpenLDAP
- Samba


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In April, the British Medical Journal published "How the NHS Measures Up to Other Health Systems," a report about two studies conducted by the New York–based Commonwealth Fund that compared the health-care systems of 14 advanced countries. On the 20 measures of comparison, Britain's famous (or infamous) centralized system, the National Health Service, performed well in 13, indifferently in two, and badly in five. Was this a cause for national rejoicing?
If popular satisfaction is the aim of a health-care system, the answer must be yes. According to the report, the British were the most satisfied with their health care of all the populations surveyed; they were the most confident that in the event of illness, they would receive the best and most up-to-date treatment; and they were the least anxious that their personal finances would prevent them from receiving proper treatment. One could doubtless raise objections to these measures of comparison, but let us for the sake of argument take the results at face value. Subjective satisfaction and relief of anxiety are not minor achievements. Indeed, though the free market's ability to satisfy more needs and desires than any other system is usually cited as one of its principal advantages, here was an apparent instance of the contrary: a nonmarket health-care system that yielded the most satisfaction.
Still, the studies contained a paradox that the authors of the BMJ article failed to notice or, at any rate, to remark upon. On several measures of actual achievement, rather than subjective assessment, the NHS came out the worst of all the systems examined. For example, it ranked worst for five-year survival rates in cervical, breast, and colon cancer. It was also worst for 30-day mortality rates after admission to a hospital for either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. On only one clinical measure was it best: the avoidance of amputation of the foot in diabetic gangrene. More than one reason for this outcome is possible, but the most likely is that foot care for diabetics—a matter of no small importance—is well arranged in Britain; the amputation rate is four times higher in the United States.
Overall, however, Britain seems to face a self-esteem problem: too much of it. How is it that the population most confident that it will receive treatment of the highest possible standard, featuring the latest medical advances, actually has the worst survival rates in precisely those diseases that require the most up-to-date treatments?
One explanation is ignorance. I do not mean this in a disparaging way; the differences between countries' survival rates are not immediately visible to casual inspection. The average Briton or Swede is unlikely to know that the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 51.6 percent in Britain but 59.8 percent in Sweden, or that the 30-day fatality rates for myocardial infarction in those two countries are 6.3 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively. (The figures for the United States are 65.5 percent and 5.1 percent.) Personal experience or acquaintance is not enough to reveal these facts. By contrast, the average Briton knows that if he suffers a heart attack, he will be taken to the hospital and connected to a lot of machines, from which he concludes that he is having the best possible treatment.
Another explanation is ideology. The British population has largely been persuaded that the NHS embodies social justice. The system has become a golden calf before which even Margaret Thatcher found it necessary to bow down: "The NHS is safe in our hands," she said. And the egalitarian nature of the NHS makes it almost the only institution in a fractured and antagonistic society that can claim allegiance across many divides. We are not proud of our armed forces any longer or, indeed, of anything else; only the NHS survives to unite us. We increasingly are a nation defined by our health-care system.
In my youth, I often heard the refrain that the NHS was "the envy of the world," and people in Britain are still inclined to believe it, even though they probably have never met anyone who envied the NHS and, indeed, know only of Continental Europeans residing in Britain who hurry home as soon as they require medical treatment, horrified by the prospect of subjecting themselves to the rigors of a British hospital. A marked cognitive dissonance reveals itself here.
This attachment to the NHS, notwithstanding any particular experience of it, finds reinforcement in a generally accepted historiography that is propagated by the system's praise singers. According to this narrative, medical treatment in Britain was all horror, cruelty, and darkness until the NHS's creation in 1948 suddenly brought ease, kindness, and light. Such stories as the following are told ad nauseam:
As I was born in September 1939, I am one of those who can remember what a difference the NHS has made. I had hospital treatment both before the NHS came into existence in 1948 and pretty soon afterwards as well.
I had an operation to remove my adenoids in 1946 and, when asked to provide a specimen, was handed an empty milk bottle. At the time I loved drinking milk, and for an impressionable seven-year-old the thought of urinating in a bottle almost turned me off milk for life. It certainly turned me off private healthcare.
A couple of years later I had to have my tonsils removed, this time under the NHS. When asked to provide a sample, I was handed a proper receptacle.
That story, offered by a Labour MP on the occasion of the NHS's 60th anniversary, appeared in the Western Mail, a large daily newspaper in Wales, and is, in fact, a mild example of the genre. It does not occur to the MP that his anecdote does not by itself prove much. Horror stories from the NHS also abound, as in this paragraph from the April 10 Independent reporting British patients' recent experiences with nurses:
Diana watched her father "fighting for breath" and "thrashing around in blood-stained sheets" while five or six nurses "laughed and joked about their recent holidays." Caroline was told by the midwife who was meant to be helping her through labour that she was busy "eating her biscuits." Lesley woke up from her operation for breast cancer and was given a drink "reluctantly," by a nurse who wouldn't stop reading her magazine. Bronwen, who had open heart surgery, said that there were plenty of nurses "hanging around chatting, sometimes on mobile phones," but not many who seemed to want to do "their job." Denis "woke up in something akin to corrective treatment camp" where he saw "elderly confused people being threatened in quiet corners" and patients "being verbally abused."
These ordeals are far worse than anything that the Labour MP suffered in 1946. Would he conclude from them that state-sponsored medicine was an abomination?
The horror stories in the Independent were relayed to the columnist after she publicized some bad treatment that she had received; in a health-care system employing 1.2 million people, it would be surprising to find no such stories. For every one of those, however, one could probably find another of devotion and good care. My mother was nursed extremely well in the NHS in the five weeks leading up to her death; my 92-year-old uncle was nursed in it abominably before he died. What is clear is that articles like the one in the Independent, though they appear regularly in the British press, leave no trace in Britons' opinions about their health-care system. Apparently, the NHS was born with original virtue; all other systems partake of original sin.
The two most common measures of public health—used because they are relatively trustworthy, from a statistical point of view, and because they are thought to reflect the state of people's health in general—are life expectancy at birth and the infant-mortality rate. If we look at these two measures, it is clear that the NHS has been neither a triumphant success nor a complete disaster.
In the 48 years of the twentieth century that preceded the establishment of the NHS, British life expectancy rose from 47 to 66 (that is, by 19 years, or 40.4 percent); in the 48 years after the institution of the NHS, life expectancy rose from 66 to 77.5 (by 11.5 years, or 17.4 percent). Thus life expectancy rose more, both absolutely and relatively, before the NHS than after it. It is clear that the NHS made absolutely no difference to the century-long improvement. Similarly, the infant-mortality rate fell from 140 per 1,000 live births in 1900 to 36 per 1,000 in 1948, a decline of 104 (or 74.3 percent); between 1948 and 1996, the rate fell from 36 to 6, a decline of 30 (or 83.3 percent). Again, it is obvious that the NHS made no difference to the trend.
What happened in France was broadly similar. But one finds an interesting, if slight, difference. In 1948, when Britain inaugurated its National Health Service, France's life expectancy was six years less than Britain's; by 1998, France's life expectancy had overtaken Britain's by a year. Of course, the connection between life expectancy and health-care systems is not necessarily straightforward. Nor does this statistic tell us much about universal health-care systems in general. But at a minimum, the figure shows that the NHS has not proved the salvation of Britain's population, as popular mythology claims.
The NHS was founded on the principle that health care should be allocated according to need and not according to ability to pay, so that treatment, paid for by general taxation, should be free at the point of service. In this way, the health of the poor would come closer to equaling that of the rich.
Has this happened? The answer must be no—quite the contrary. According to a 2009 report of the House of Commons Health Committee, the difference in the death rates of men in the highest and lowest social classes has widened considerably in the epoch of the NHS. (The report uses the registrar-general's classification of the population, with "social class I," the highest, consisting of professionals and upper managerial staff and "social class V," the lowest, of unskilled workers.) Between 1930 and 1948, a man in the lowest class in England and Wales was 1.2 times more likely to die at any given age than a man in the highest, a ratio that remained constant even as general life expectancy increased. By 1993, after 45 years of the NHS, a man in the lowest social class was 2.9 times more likely to die at any given age than a man in the highest. The class gap widened even further between 1997 and 2007—a decade in which the Labour government doubled health-care spending. So whatever else may be said, the effect of the NHS has not been egalitarian.
Two considerations arise here, however. The first, as a simple thought experiment shows, is that equality in health is not necessarily desirable in itself. Suppose that the infant-mortality rate in the highest social class is three per 1,000 live births, while that in the lowest is six per 1,000 (approximately the case in Britain today). Then suppose that we could reduce the rate by one death per 1,000 births in each social class, yielding two per 1,000 in the highest class and five per 1,000 in the lowest. A cause for rejoicing, certainly—but not from the point of view of equality, for the ratio of deaths in the lowest class to deaths in the highest class would widen from 6:3 to 5:2—that is, from 2.0 to 2.5. Surely, however, only a latter-day Lenin would reject such an improvement because it increased inequality. Similarly, an increase in the infant-mortality rate of the highest social class, to six per 1,000, would represent an advance to complete equality; but again, no one but a Lenin would wish it.
Second, the increased inequality of British health is necessarily attributable to the NHS only if the health-care system is the only, or overwhelmingly the most important, determinant of a population's health—and it is not. For example, it has been estimated that half of the variance in life expectancy between the highest and lowest social classes in England and Wales is attributable to the difference in their rates of smoking. One's level of education also has a profound effect on one's chances in life. Both factors are beyond the scope of the NHS, or of any system of health care, to affect.
But the point is that one of the claimed vindications of the system is that it is egalitarian in effect. Clearly, it is not. What is striking in Britain is the persistence of the idea that the NHS is egalitarian, even while journalistic and governmental laments at the widening health gap between the rich and the poor grow ever louder.
Of course, there is more to life than the infant-mortality rate and life expectancy; the years between infancy and death must be occupied somehow. Does the NHS make the passage between birth and death easier, better, and more comfortable, or more difficult, worse, and more uncomfortable, for those who come within its jurisdiction?
This question is by no means easy to answer, and perhaps the same answer cannot be given for everyone. The statistics demonstrate that the system is neither the total disaster that some claim nor the answer to mankind's prayers (as Michael Moore's tendentious film Sicko suggested). At one time, the NHS could even claim certain strengths that other systems lacked—for example, in the coordination of medical care by means of a universal (and compulsory) system of family doctors. The lack of such coordination in the United States leads not only to a high rate of medical error but to duplication of effort. For example, the American rate of polypharmacy (the taking of four or more medicines daily) is twice the British rate. This difference is unlikely to reflect genuine medical need; the American polypharmacy rate is also two and a half times the Swiss rate, and whatever one might think of British medical care, few would impugn the quality of care in Switzerland.
Traditionally, the NHS has been inexpensive compared with most health-care systems, Britain spending less on its health care per head and as a proportion of GDP than any other developed country. But this reality is changing quickly. The NHS was inexpensive because it rationed care by means of long waiting lists; it also neglected to spend money on new hospitals and equipment. I once had a patient who had been waiting seven years for his hernia operation. The surgery was repeatedly postponed so that a more urgent one might be performed. When he wrote to complain, he was told to wait his turn.
Such rationing has become increasingly unacceptable to the population, aware that it does not occur elsewhere in the developed world. This was the ostensible reason for the Labour government's doubling of health-care spending between 1997 and 2007. To achieve this end, the government used borrowed money and thereby helped bring about our current economic crisis. Waiting times for operations and other procedures fell, but they will probably rise again as economic necessity forces the government to retrench.
But the principal damage that the NHS inflicts is intangible. Like any centralized health-care system, it spreads the notion of entitlement, a powerful solvent of human solidarity. Moreover, the entitlement mentality has a tendency to spread over the whole of human life, creating a substantial number of disgruntled ingrates.
And while the British government long refrained from interfering too strongly in the affairs of the medical profession, no government can forever resist the temptation to exercise its latent powers. Eventually, it will dictate—because that is what governments and their associated bureaucracies, left to their own devices, and of whatever political complexion, do. The government's hold over medical practice in Britain is becoming ever firmer; it now dictates conditions of work and employment, the number of hours worked, the drugs and other treatments that may be prescribed, the way in which doctors must be trained, and even what should be contained in applicants' references for jobs. Doctors are less and less members of a profession; instead, they are production workers under strict bureaucratic control, paid not so much by result as by degree of conformity to directives.
This can happen under any system with third-party payment: it is an old observation that he who pays the piper calls the tune. But to have only one paymaster is to compound the problem, to make sure that there is only one tune. Therefore, even when the paymaster gets something right, an intangible harm is done.
And often, of course, unique paymasters do not get things right, since they have little incentive to do so, if not positive incentives not to do so. For example, the NHS recently abandoned its attempt to introduce a single database containing the entire population's medical records—after $20 billion had been spent on the project. There is absolutely nothing to show for the money, except possibly a number of new information-technology millionaires. Historians will later sift through the records to decide whether incompetence or corruption was more to blame.
In obeying directives not because they are right but because they are directives, doctors lose their self-respect, their probity, and their intellectual honesty. Gogolian absurdity can result—with a hint of Kafkaesque menace and Orwellian linguistic dishonesty. When the British government decreed that every patient arriving in the emergency room should be admitted to a hospital ward within four hours if admission was necessary (and that hospitals would face fines if they failed to adhere to the rule), traffic jams of ambulances formed outside one famous hospital, with their patients prevented from entering the emergency rooms until the hospital could comply with the directive. Other hospitals redesignated their corridors as wards so that they could claim that patients on stretchers had been admitted in time. In a centralized system, the setting of targets will encourage organized deception, as well as distortion of effort.
In the United States, after President Obama's health-care law proposed fining hospitals that readmitted too many patients within 30 days of discharge, editorials in the New England Journal of Medicine pointed out the dangers posed by that rule. They omitted to say that when giant bureaucracies set targets for others to reach, they intend not so much to procure improvement as to impose control.
A line of ambulances outside the King's College Hospital emergency room in London (Cate Gillon/Getty Images)


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Loren the Amazon Princess
Queen Karen has disappeared! Join the Amazon Princess Loren in her journey to find what happened to her mother.
Release Date: April 2012
Genre: Fantasy Roleplay
Platform: PC, Mac, Linux (reviewed on PC)
I love casual games! It's true I don't play them that often (I generally choose the bigger games for my gaming time) but I admire them and like how they've grown both the gaming business and the gaming community.
I just finished playing Winter Wolves new casual RPG, Loren, The Amazon Princess. Despite its corny title, it's a solid, fun game worthy of your attention.
While it's not actually a Flash game, Loren looks like one, which puts it right in the casual game wheelhouse. The 2D art is flat but colorful and evocative, and the animations are so minimal they could have been created in PowerPoint.
When you begin the game, you choose to play as one of two preset characters, each a slave the titular (and I do meantitular) Princess. Her mother, the Queen of the Amazons, has disappeared, and it's up to you to help her! This quest leads to a much larger story about a long-sleeping evil that threatens the entire land blah blah blah standard RPG tropes blah blah. Who cares, it's the same story every RPG ever made has.
What makes Loren fun to play is that it manages to be both a true casual game and a true turn-based RPG at once. It's extremely light on its feet – loading times are nonexistent, and saving happens instantaneously. You can save any time you like, so the game has a pick-up and put-down quality that is a breeze.
Plus it's an honest-to goodness role-playing game.
Your party can consist of, at most, six members at a time. You meet a colorful band of characters in your adventures, and you end up with far more than the maximum of six, and so you get to decide how you switch the party members in and out, which you can do before every battle.
Battles are turn-based, with both your party and the enemies lining up in two rows – melee in front, casters and ranged in back.
Characters level up individually, and upon leveling, you get extra stat points to spend, as well talent trees to invest in (each character has access to two talent trees). The skills you invest in are meaningful and you can really see and feel how they affect combat.
The game has nice music and acceptable voice acting.
The game also has a lot of story. In a modestly-budgeted title such as this, "a lot of story" means a lot of reading.
A lot of reading. BUT: The story is a good one, and it's actually worth taking the time to read the vignettes. They also provide you with helpful information.
One of the more interesting aspects of the game is the romance minigame. There are several characters you can romance when you go wind down at camp. The game allows for romance with several different characters, and there is no gender restriction, which is something I always appreciate. The game gives you choices about how explicit you want the romance to ultimately get. I, of course, chose the Extra Spicy option.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by some of the main story battles, it's a breeze to level up. There are various repeatable missions you can undertake in towns and out in the wilderness. There's extra treasure and items to be plundered this way, also.
It's fun to switch your various party members in and out and find which combinations work the best for you.
Spread across four chapters, Loren, The Amazon Princess isn't a long game, but it still manages to feel epic. The stakes feel high and at times you are forced to make painful choices.
Bargain-priced and full of charming, chewy RPG goodness without ever being too filling, Loren, The Amazon Princessis an admirable, well-built game that I'm happy to recommend. It's a shame the game won't be appearing on mobile platforms, where I think it would be completely at home.
Grade: B
Editor's Note: This game contains some nudity. A "cover up" option is available to make the game more appropriate for a younger audience.
System Requirements:
- Windows 2000/XP/VISTA/Windows 7
- Mac OS 10.4+ or Linux
- CPU 1.6 Ghz – 1GB RAM


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South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 5 - Municipal Corporations
Council-Manager Form of Government
SECTION 5-13-10. Applicability of Chapter 7.
Except as specifically provided for in this Chapter the structure, organization, powers, duties, functions and responsibilities of municipal government under the council-manager form shall be as prescribed in Chapter 7.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-80; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-20. Structure of council-manager form of government; election of members of council and mayor.
(a) Under the council-manager form of government there shall be a municipal council composed of a mayor and four, six or eight councilmen.
(b) The members of council and the mayor shall be elected in accordance with Chapter 15.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-81; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-30. Powers and duties of municipal council.
All legislative powers of the municipality and the determination of all matters of policy shall be vested in the municipal council, each member, including the mayor, to have one vote. Without limitation of the foregoing, the council shall:
(1) Employ a manager;
(2) Establish other administrative departments and assign and distribute the work thereof upon recommendation of and with the approval of the manager;
(3) Adopt the budget of the municipality;
(4) Authorize the issuance of bonds by bond ordinance, subject to such restrictions and limitations as may be prescribed by law;
(5) Have the power to inquire into the conduct of any office, department or agency of the municipality, make investigations as to municipal affairs and give the public information concerning them;
(6) Adopt plats;
(7) Adopt and modify the official map of the municipality;
(8) Provide for an independent annual audit of the books and business affairs of the municipality and for a general survey of municipal business;
(9) Provide for the general health and welfare of the municipality in accordance with the statute law of the State with reference to the general police powers granted to municipalities;
(10) Enact ordinances of any nature and kind, not prohibited by the law or Constitution of the State or of the United States; and
(11) With the advice of the manager, appoint all committees, boards and commissions relating to the affairs of the municipal government, except as otherwise provided by law.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-82; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-40. Councilmen prohibited from holding other offices during term, appointing or removing employees whom manager is empowered to appoint and dealing with employees under control and supervision of manager.
(a) Except where authorized by law, no councilman shall hold any other municipal office or municipal employment while serving the term for which he was elected to the council.
(b) Neither the council nor any of its members shall in any manner be involved in the appointment or removal of any municipal administrative officers or employees whom the manager or any of his subordinates are empowered to appoint.
(c) Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations, neither the council nor its members shall deal with municipal officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the manager except through the manager, and neither the council nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-83; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-50. Employment and qualifications of manager.
The council shall employ a manager and fix his compensation. The manager shall be employed solely on the basis of his executive and administrative qualifications. He need not be a resident of the municipality or state at the time of his employment and may reside outside the municipality while in office only with the approval of the council.
No councilman or mayor shall be employed as manager of the municipality from which he was elected during the term for which he shall have been elected.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-84; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-60. Surety bonds of manager and other municipal employees.
The municipal council may require suitable surety bonds of the manager and other municipal employees conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties. The cost of such bonds shall be paid by the municipality.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-85; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-70. Term of employment and compensation of manager; removal of manager by council.
The term of employment of the manager shall be at the pleasure of the council and he shall be entitled to such compensation for his services as the council may determine. The council may, in its discretion, employ the manager for a definite term. If the council determines to remove the manager he shall be given a written statement of the reasons alleged for the proposed removal and the right to a hearing thereon at a public meeting of the council.
Within five days after the notice of removal is delivered to the manager, he may file with the council a written request for a public hearing. This hearing shall be held at a council meeting not earlier than twenty days nor later than thirty days after the request is filed. The manager may file with the council a written reply not later than five days before the hearing. The removal shall be stayed pending the decision at the public hearing.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-86; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-80. Designation by manager of administrative officer to act in manager's absence or disability; effect of manager's failure to designate officer.
By letter filed with the municipal clerk the manager shall designate a qualified municipal administrative officer to exercise the powers and perform the duties of manager during his temporary absence or disability.
In the event of the failure of the manager to make such designation the municipal council may by resolution appoint an officer of the municipality to perform the duties of the manager until he shall return or his disability shall cease.
During such absence or disability, the council may revoke such designation at any time and appoint another officer of the municipality to serve until the manager shall return or his disability shall cease.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-87; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-90. Responsibilities of manager.
The manager shall be the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of the municipal government. He shall be responsible to the municipal council for the proper administration of all affairs of the municipality and to that end, subject to the provisions of this chapter, he shall:
(1) Appoint and, when necessary for the good of the municipality, remove any appointive officer or employee of the municipality and fix the salaries of such officers and employees, except as otherwise provided in this chapter or prohibited by law and except as he may authorize the head of a department or office to appoint and remove subordinates in such department or office;
(2) Prepare the budget annually, submit it to the municipal council and be responsible for its administration after adoption;
(3) Prepare and submit to the municipal council at the end of each fiscal year a complete annual report on the finances and administrative activities of the municipality for the preceding year and make such other financial reports from time to time as may be required by the council or by Chapters 1 through 17;
(4) Keep the municipal council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the municipality and make such recommendations as may seem to him desirable; and
(5) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law or required of him by the municipal council, not inconsistent with the provisions of Chapters 1 through 17.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-88; 1975 (59) 692.
SECTION 5-13-100. Council authorized to create, change and abolish offices, departments or agencies.
Municipal council may, by ordinance, create, change and abolish offices, departments or agencies of municipal government upon the recommendation of the manager or may, in accordance with such recommendations, assign additional functions and duties to such offices. The head of each department shall be designated director thereof and shall have supervision and control over his department subject, however, to the direction of the manager.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 47-89; 1975 (59) 692.


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Call 24/7 for help
Below you can find a list of rehab centers in Beckham County, OK that may provide luxury services. Both luxury drug and alcohol rehab may be provided in Beckham County rehab facilities, which include luxurious amenities and upscale services such as supervised alcohol detox, drug detox and more.
Call (855) 474-4942 for 24/7 help with treatment.
Red Rock Behavioral Health Services Elk City Office is a luxury rehab in Beckham County, OK that is situated in the 73644 zip code.
Location: 3080 West 3rd Street, Elk City, OK 73644 in Beckham County
Luxury Services Include:
Luxury dual diagnosis treatment in Beckham County is a specialized program offered by upscale rehab centers for individuals dealing with both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. These facilities provide high-quality, personalized care that addresses both addiction and underlying psychological issues, often in a luxurious and comfortable environment.
Luxury drug rehab centers in Beckham County offer a range of services and amenities designed to enhance the overall treatment experience. These may include private accommodations, gourmet meals, spa services, fitness facilities, holistic therapies, and personalized treatment plans. The goal is to create a serene and supportive environment for recovery.
A luxury alcohol rehab program in Beckham County offers luxurious treatment for alcohol addiction in a luxurious setting. You can expect a combination of evidence-based therapies, individual counseling, group support, and experiential activities. Additionally, these programs often provide upscale accommodations and amenities, ensuring a comfortable and comprehensive recovery experience.
Many luxury rehab centers in Beckham County do accept insurance, but it varies from facility to facility. Some may accept certain insurance plans, while others may require private payment. It's essential to contact the rehab center directly and discuss your insurance coverage and payment options with their admissions team to determine if your plan is accepted.
Luxury rehabs in Beckham County distinguish themselves from standard facilities through their focus on providing a high-end, upscale experience for clients. They offer luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, a wide range of therapeutic modalities, and a more personalized approach to treatment. The emphasis is on comfort, privacy, and individualized care to facilitate a successful recovery.


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Look at this baby.
Lovely, no? Now think of this baby abstractly — as a sack of hundreds of millions of atoms. Here's the atomic formula for a new human being, arranged by elements, according to scientist Neil Shubin.
Notice that the two most plentiful atoms are H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) which shouldn't be a big surprise, since 2 H's and an O make water, and we humans are very moist, especially when we're born.
It turns out, a brand new human baby is 75 percent water.
We're born as wet as a fresh potato. Tomatoes are wetter (93.5 percent water). Apples, too, but only slightly (80 percent). Check out this fruit vs. baby comparison.
OK, we aren't as wet as watermelons (who'd want to be?), but still, we begin our lives as noisy dewdrops that will one day learn to crawl, then walk. As science writer Loren Eiseley once put it, people "are a way that water has of going about, beyond the reach of rivers."
Aging = Drying
But then, with every step we take, we begin to dry. The longer we live, the drier we get. One year after birth, a human baby is only 65 percent water – a ten percent drop, says the U.S. Geological Survey.
Babies are wetter than children. By the time we're adults, the USGS says, adult men are about 60 percent water, adult women 55 percent. Elderly people are roughly half water.
There are variations, of course. The more buff you are (muscle tissue stores more water) the wetter you are. Because women generally have more fat cells, they tend to be a bit drier. Fat cells aren't as moist. The water that lubricates your joints, flushes your waste (I'm talking about pee), assists seminal reproduction, and absorbs shocks to your bones — as you age, the moisturizer in you slowly dwindles.
And the odd thing is, our wet parts aren't where you'd think. I figured if some giant fist were to plunge out of the sky and squeeze a human like a sponge, the wettest bit would be our blood. That's wrong.
High Tide
Our brains, lungs, heart, liver and kidney contain the wettest tissue — between 65 and 85 percent water. Bones, of course, are dryish, (but still 31 percent water.) There's also water between cells, but only a small fraction of our H 2O is blood. Most of the water inside us is stored, not in our veins, but in our 100 trillion teeny cells. We are an assemblage of water packets, slightly salty, like the sea we came from. As Loren Eiseley put it, we're a "concentration" of water, "that indescribable and liquid brew which is compounded in varying proportions of salt and sun and time," and on the day we're born, we're at high tide. After that, very quietly, the sea within us ebbs and ebbs, and as it goes ... so do we.
Paleontologist Neil Shubin writes about water and the human body in his bookThe Universe Within: the Deep History of the Human Body . Loren Eiseley wrote about water in his classic,The Immense Journey .
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Home prices around the country are soaring with interest rates at near-historic lows. There are more buyers than houses for sale, which means for an increasing number of Americans, getting into a new home is not just a tough financial decision. It's an emotional one.
ANTONIO: Got a lot to talk about for sure.
RAVEN: Either way, it's life-changing...
ANTONIO: Yeah.
RAVEN: ...For us.
CORNISH: Enter a new Netflix reality series "Marriage Or Mortgage," where young couples with something like $35,000 to spend choose between a dream wedding or a home.
RAVEN: We have decided to go wedding.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Congratulations.
RAVEN: Thank you.
CORNISH: Real talk - I am obsessed.
MICHELLE SINGLETARY: (Laughter).
CORNISH: And so is Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist for The Washington Post.
SINGLETARY: You know, you've been together for eight years. You got two kids. I'm sorry. That cake has been cut. Let's just use this money to build your wealth.
CORNISH: To Michelle, "Marriage Or Mortgage" is built on a false premise that a major financial decision, like a house, is somehow equivalent to...
SINGLETARY: A party, which is what it is - it's a party.
CORNISH: And Michelle wrote about this show recently, which, to be fair, was filmed pre-pandemic. But it still reveals a lot about the emotions of home-buying and why, especially right now, it is not for everyone.
SINGLETARY: What I was intrigued by this show, however, after watching it was the decision-making process that these couples were making. And one of the things I tell people all the time is you cannot make sound financial decisions based on your emotions. And this is what all those folks are doing. Oh, I dreamed of having a wedding since I was 6. Really, 6 - 6?
CORNISH: But I remember that couple. The - they felt as though they were entitled to it. And I don't mean that in a mean way but that they had been together for a long time, and they had not gotten to have this moment. And this is...
SINGLETARY: That's right.
CORNISH: ...Where, I guess, behavioral economics comes in, right?
SINGLETARY: And I want to just tell you, I am not of the ilk that thinks that homeownership is an automatic guaranteed wealth-builder. We saw in the Great Recession how that is not always the case. But where it goes off for me in the decision-making process is looking at your finances long term. And this is what I always tell people. If you have no debt and you're saving towards your retirement, if you got kids, you're saving for their college fund, you have an emergency fund and then you've got an extra $35,000, you could do whatever you want with that money. You don't need my advice. But if you can't tick off all those boxes, for me, that is reckless. It's financially reckless.
CORNISH: But as you were watching the show, did you think to yourself, what does this say about people's attitudes towards homeownership?
SINGLETARY: Yeah.
CORNISH: And what conclusions did you come to about that?
SINGLETARY: I do think that - because not all of the couples are younger - they do sort of have this attitude. Well, you know, my parents plopped all their money in a house, and I don't have to follow that path. I actually don't have a problem with that way of thinking because people just don't realize how much of their income they're obligating to that mortgage.
And I know people want to jump on the low interest rates, and I get that. But you cannot jump into a house before you're ready for it. It will create all kinds of economic chaos in your life. There are other ways to build equity for yourself and well - you know, retirement savings, not having debt. So you're saving to send your kids to college, or you're paying off your debt. Those are all ways to secure yourself financially that's not tied to owning a home.
CORNISH: Michelle - as usual, you're just speaking too many truths.
SINGLETARY: (Laughter).
CORNISH: I'm going to go around telling people, look; that cake has been cut.
SINGLETARY: (Laughter) That's right, right?
CORNISH: I'm going to say that now.
Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist for The Washington Post. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Welcome back to the another episode of the Ether! Today we have part 3 of a 3 part Cephii space chatting about L1 tokenomics, and a whole bunch of other stuff. This space was recorded on March 26th 2022.
Today's episode of the Ether is brought to you by Orbital Command! Orbital Command is a community validator on Terra dedicated to educating, expanding, and promoting the LUNAtic community.
You can take advantage of their Terra LUNA Intel Report on Telegram, bringing you the hottest news and updates on all things Terra each and every day.
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GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), is a fast-acting, central nervous system depressant once sold as a food supplement. It is now generally called a club drug because of its popularity among teens attending all-night dance parties (raves). GHB also is known as the club drug, Liquid Ecstasy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Georgia Home Boy, Liquid X, Liquid E, GBH, Soap, Scoop, Easy Lay, Salty Water, G-Riffick, Cherry Meth, Nature's Quaalude, Zonked, Organic Quaalude, G, Jib, and Woman's Viagra.
GHB was developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, and subsequently sold in health food stores as a performance enhancer for bodybuilders. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned GHB in 1990. On the street, GHB is used for its ability to produce a feeling of euphoria and hallucinations.
GHB can be made in secret labs with inexpensive ingredients. It's usually sold as a liquid by the dose (a capful from a bottle or drops). In some cities, GHB is put into water guns and users buy it by the squirt. In other instances, candy, such as a lollipop, is dipped in GHB and sold.
GHB's effects vary each time a person uses it, and it affects each person differently. In general, the effects begin 15 to 30 minutes after taking the drug and last three to six hours. Taking less than 1 gram produces a feeling of relaxation and reduced inhibitions. At 1 to 2 grams, heart rate and breathing slow down, and balance and coordination are affected. Other effects include vomiting, high blood pressure, mood swings, violent behavior, and vertigo. At higher doses, coordination and speech are strongly affected, and the person may drift into a coma-like sleep. Excessive use also can lead to irregular and depressed respiration, tremors and death.
GHB produces a feeling similar to alcohol, and its effects are intensified when combined with alcohol. The drug is addictive, and its withdrawal symptoms include sweating, insomnia, muscle cramping, tremors and anxiety.
It's difficult to predict a person's reaction to GHB; the purity and strength of doses vary. No tests are available to detect GHB use, and many emergency room doctors and nurses are unfamiliar with it, so many GHB incidents go undetected.
GHB is characterized as a "date-rape" drug because, being odorless, colorless and nearly tasteless (except for a slightly salty taste), it's easily slipped into drinks. It can make a person feel less inhibited, increase sexual feelings and cause amnesia for the period of intoxications, making a charge of date rape harder to establish. The most dangerous feature of GHB is that an overdose can occur within minutes.


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Fancy making a difference?
Volunteering for Scouting is one of the most fun, rewarding and positive things you can ever do.
"For anyone thinking of becoming a Scout, I say, go for it, come and join the big adventure."
Bear Grylls, UK Chief Scout
We are constantly on the lookout for new leaders to help run our Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, Scout Troops and Explorer Units. You can help either as a Section Leader or an Assistant Section Leader or an Occasional Helper if you prefer. With groups running on all nights of the week we can be incredibly flexible to fit your schedule.
We also need people to help at a District level; this could be accounting, budgeting for a big event or running a big District camp for all our young people.
A lot of the activities that young people enjoy most need specialist training to run in order to keep them safe whilst still having a great time. Activities such as climbing, abseiling, archery and kayaking are run by "Skills Instructors", people who have been training in a specific skill and then assessed as competent and safe to run it. As with all our roles we can provide the training needed if this is something you are interested with.
If none of the above appeal then it doesn't mean there isn't a role that matches your needs…please get in touch.
Similar to the roles available, our training is flexible with a mix of weekend and evening sessions available. Ample drinks and biscuits are provided on our courses with some being fully catered. The amount of training needed varies depending on the role but we always aim to keep it as fun and relevant as possible. Training courses can also lead to nationally recognised qualifications from the Open College Network!
Contact us today to find out more