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Some Thoughts about Faith Healing
The notion that prayer, divine intervention or the ministrations of an individual healer can cure illness has been popular throughout history. Miraculous recoveries have been attributed to a myriad of techniques commonly lumped together as "faith healing. During the past forty years, several investigators have studied this subject closely and written about their findings.
Louis Rose, a British psychiatrist, investigated hundreds of alleged faith-healing cures. As his interest became well known, he received communications from healers and patients throughout the world. He sent each correspondent a questionnaire and sought corroborating information from physicians. In Faith Healing [Penguin Books 1971], he concluded, "I have been unsuccessful. After nearly twenty years of work I have yet to find one 'miracle cure'; and without that (or, alternatively, massive statistics which others must provide) I cannot be convinced of the efficacy of what is commonly termed faith healing." [1]
Evangelistic "Healers"
During the early 1970s, Minnesota surgeon William Nolen, M.D., attended a service conducted by Kathryn Kuhlman, the leading evangelical healer of that period. After noting the names of 25 people who had been "miraculously healed," he was able to perform follow-up interviews and examinations. Among other things, he discovered that one woman who had been announced as cured of "lung cancer" actually had Hodgkin's disease—which was unaffected by the experience. Another woman with cancer of the spine had discarded her brace and followed Ms. Kuhlman's enthusiastic command to run across the stage. The following day her backbone collapsed, and four months later she died. Overall, not one person with organic disease had been helped. Dr. Nolen reported his findings, which included observations of several other healers, in Healing: A Doctor in Search of a Miracle, a book that I heartily recommend [2].
C. Eugene Emery, Jr., a science writer for the Providence Journal, has looked closely at the work of Reverend Ralph DiOrio, a Roman Catholic priest whose healing services attract people by the thousands. In 1987 Emery attended one of DiOrio's services and recorded the names of nine people who had been blessed during the service and nine others who had been proclaimed cured. DiOrio's organization provided ten more cases that supposedly provided irrefutable proof of the priest's ability to cure. During a six-month investigation, Emery found no evidence that any of these 28 individuals had been helped [3].
The most comprehensive examination of contemporary "healers" is James Randi's The Faith Healers [4]. The book describes how many of the leading evangelistic healers have enriched themselves with the help of deception and fraud. Some of Randi's evidence came from former associates of the evangelists who got disgusted with what they had observed.
Randi's most noteworthy experience was the unmasking of Peter Popoff, an evangelist who would call out the names of people in the audience and describe their ailments. Popoff said he received this information from God, but it was actually obtained by confederates who mingled with the audience before each performance. Pertinent data would be given to Popoff's wife, who would broadcast it from backstage to a tiny receiver in Popoff's ear. After recording one of Mrs. Popoff's radio transmissions, Randi exposed the deception on the Johnny Carson Show. First he played a videotape showing Popoff interacting with someone in the audience. Then he replayed the tape with Mrs. Popoff's voice audible to illustrate how Popoff used the information.
Randi also exposed the techniques used by evangelist W.V. Grant, who calls out people in the audience by name and describes their ailments. Grant obtains this information from letters people send him and by mingling with the audience before his show. To help his memory, he uses crib sheets and gets hand signals from associates who also use crib sheets. After one performance, Randi was able to retrieve a complete set from the trash Grant left behind! Following another performance, Randi found that some members of the audience had given false information about themselves, their ailments, and their medical care. For example, after "Dr. Jesus" had "put a new heart" into a man supposedly awaiting open-heart surgery, Randi found that the details (including the doctor and hospital named by Grant) could not be corroborated.
Grant's subjects typically are "slain in the spirit" and fall backward into the arms of his assistants. In 1986 I observed from a few feet away what happened when he encountered an elderly woman who did not wish to fall backward when he touched her forehead. Grant pushed his fingers into her neck so hard that she could not remain standing. I also watched him "lengthen" the leg of a man who limped up to the stage, supposedly because one of his legs was shorter than the other. The audience may have been impressed with this feat, but I was not. Before the show began, I noted that the man was one of Grant's assistants and walked normally.
Intercessory Prayer
In 1988, two investigators reported that their thorough search of the scientific literature had located only three controlled examinations of the effects of prayer by third parties on people who were unaware of the prayers [5]. Of these, one (the Byrd study described below) claimed benefit but was poorly designed, whereas the others found no benefit and were well designed [6,7]. Surprised by the small number of published studies, Witmer and Zimmerman asked 38 journal editors whether they had ever received but rejected a manuscript on the subject of intercessory prayer. They also asked the editors to ask their readers whether they knew of any such study, published or unpublished. No editor or reader responded affirmatively. Since that time four more studies have been published, two showing no benefit and two claiming a positive result.
The Byrd study, involving patients in the coronary care unit at San Francisco General Hospital, compared 192 patients who were prayed for by Christians located outside the hospital with 201 patients who served as controls [8]. The published report stated that the prayed-for group had fewer complications. However, the author's tabulation was not valid because he scored interrelated complications separately and therefore gave them too much weight. The average length of hospital stay, which was not subject to this type of scoring error, was identical for the treatment and control groups [5,9].
Another study examined what happened to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in 406 patients who received intercessory prayer or no prayer. The prayer was offered for 15 minutes daily for 12 weeks. The researcher reported improvement in all of the subjects but found no differences between the prayer and no-prayer groups [10]. A study of the effects of intercessory prayer on 40 recovering alcoholics also found no benefit [11]. A 6-month study of 40 advanced AIDS patients exposed to 10 weeks of "distant healing" reported fewer new illnesses, physician visits, and hospitalizations in the "distant healing" group [12].
In 1999, the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine published a better-designed study of nearly a thousand consecutive patients who were newly admitted to the coronary care unit of a hospital in Kansas City. The researchers created a 35-item score sheet that was used to measure what happened to the patients during a 28-day period in which 15 groups of 5 persons ("intercessors") prayed individually for about half the patients. The intercessors were given the patients' first names and were asked to pray daily for "a speedy recovery with no complications." The prayed-for group had a 10-11% reduction in total scores even though their average length of hospital stay was similar to that of the "usual-care" group. The researchers also noted that: (a) some patients had asked hospital clergy to pray for them; (b) many, if not most patients in both groups were probably receiving intercessory and/or direct prayer from family, friends and/or clergy, so that the study was most likely measuring the effects of "supplementary intercessory prayer"; (c) although the difference would be expected to occur by chance alone only 1 in 25 times such an experiment were conducted, chance still remains a possible explanation of the results; and (d) using the scoring method of the San Francisco study yielded no significant difference between the two groups [13].
The researchers concluded that "the result suggests that prayer may be an effective adjunct to standard medical care" and that further studies should be done [13]. I disagree. The "10-11% reduction in the score sheet" may be statistically significant but is not clinically significant and probably occurred by chance.
In 2001, Mayo Clinic researchers have found no significant effect of intercessory prayer (prayer by one or more persons on behalf of another) on the medical outcomes of more than 750 patients who were followed for 6 months after discharge from in hospital coronary care unit. The patients were randomized within 24 hours of discharge into a prayed-for group and a control group. The prayer involved at least one session per week for 26 weeks by five randomly assigned individual or group intercessors [14].
Intercessory prayer studies accomplish nothing. "Believers" won't change their view if further studies are negative, and nonbelievers won't change theirs if additional studies appear positive. Prayer may help some people feel reassured when they are worried, but to me it makes more sense to spend one's time and energy on more constructive health-promoting activities. Although luck is still a significant factor, I think it is more sensible to believe that health is more likely to be influenced by prudent living than by magical thinking. Also, if praying for people worked, would strangers praying against them cause them to become sicker? Or, as one of my religious friends put it, "Is God is so stupid that he or she would respond to popularity contests?"
Fraudulent "Spiritual" Advice
Many "psychics" and "healers" offer to help with life's problems through the mail or by telephone. Some call themselves Sister, Madame, Reverend, Doctor, Father, Prophet, Madame Queen, Reverent Mother, or Reverend Sister. The purported benefits may include better luck, better health, and/or a financial benefit. Some of these individuals attempt to persuade respondents to send money repeatedly for their services. During the 1970s, for example, a "spiritual reader" who operating as "Mother McGown," "Mother Luther," and "Mother Alma" guaranteed help within three days for illnesses, loneliness, and other problems. All respondents to her ads received identical mimeographed letters stating: "I have received your letter and found out that I could help you. I have found that you have hoodoo [bad luck] in your home along with sickness and love life problems. As soon as you read this letter, call me immediately." Those who telephoned were told that their problems would be solved if they sent a specific sum of money, usually $50 (but no personal checks). Follow-up letters would then ask for more money because the problem was worse than it was initially believed to be. The Postal Service took action in response to complaints from victims who had spent money but received no results. It turned out that the perpetrator belonged to a gypsy clan whose female members operated under various names in many states. The scheme was ended when one of them was prosecuted by the Postal Service and sentenced to three years' probation by a federal judge in Austin, Texas.
Is Anyone Helped?
Is there any evidence that faith healing works? The first step in approaching this question is to specify what should be considered proof that an ailment has been healed by a supernatural method. In my opinion, three criteria must be met: (1) the ailment must be one that normally doesn't recover without treatment; (2) there must not have been any medical treatment that would be expected to influence the ailment; and (3) both diagnosis and recovery must be demonstrable by detailed medical evidence.
If I wanted to demonstrate that I had an effective new treatment method, I would take pains to document the basis for my belief. For example, if I thought I could cure cancer with prayer, I would begin by making certain that patients I worked on actually had cancer. I would obtain their records, talk with their doctors, and have independent physicians examine them to determine their current status. After administering my treatment, I would conduct careful, long-range follow-up studies and report the outcome in detail.
Has any "faith healer" ever sent for the medical records of a client? Or had a client examined by a doctor before and after healing is administered? Or inquired about a client's health months or years after the healing? Or even kept statistics to indicate what percentage of people with various ailments appear to have been helped? Or compiled data that an independent investigator could verify? As far as I know, no healer has ever done any of these things. On the other hand, many cases have been documented in which people with serious disease have died as a result of abandoning effective medical care after being "healed."
Thus, as far as I am concerned, there is no reason to believe that faith healing has ever cured anyone of an organic disease. What about functional ailments—in which the symptoms are bodily reactions to tension? Some people who visit "healers" may feel better because the experience causes them to relax or because of a placebo effect. But any benefit of this type should be weighed against the fact that people who are not relieved may conclude that they are "unworthy" and become depressed as a result. Money spent for a fruitless experience with a healer is another negative factor.
Christian Science
A number of religious sects favor prayer over medical care. Christian Science is probably the best known of these groups and is the only form of faith healing that is deductible as a medical expense for federal income tax purposes. Christian Science contends that illness is an illusion caused by faulty beliefs, and that prayer heals by replacing bad thoughts with good ones. Christian Science practitioners work by trying to argue the sick thoughts out of the person's mind. Consultations can take place in person, by telephone, or even by mail. Individuals may also be able to attain correct beliefs by themselves through prayer or mental concentration. "You can Heal," a pamphlet of the Christian Science Publishing Society, states that "every student of Christian Science has the God-given ability to heal the sick." Two weeks of class instruction are required to become a practitioner.
The weekly magazine Christian Science Sentinel publishes several "testimonies" in each issue. To be considered for publication, an account must be "verified" by three individuals who "can vouch for the integrity of the testifier or know of the healing." During the past few years, believers have claimed that prayer has brought about recovery from anemia, arthritis, blood poisoning, corns, deafness, defective speech, multiple sclerosis, skin rashes, total body paralysis, visual difficulties, and various injuries. Most of these accounts contain little detail, and many of the diagnoses were made without medical consultation.
As far as I know, no systematic, medically supervised study of the outcome of Christian Science healing has ever been performed. However, a recent study suggests that devout Christian Scientists, who rarely consult doctors, pay a high price for avoiding medical care. The study was performed by William F. Simpson, Ph.D., an assistant professor of mathematics and computer science at Emporia State University. Dr. Simpson compared alumni records from Principia College, a Christian Science school in Elsah, Illinois, with records from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, and published his findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Even though Christian Science tenets forbid the use of alcohol and tobacco, the death rates among those who had graduated from Principia between 1934 and 1948 were higher than those of their University of Kansas counterparts—26.2% vs. 20.9% in men, and 11.3% vs. 9.9% in women [15]. A subsequent study comparing the mortality of Christian Scientists and Seventh-day Adventists (who also are admonished to abstain from cigarettes and alcohol) found even greater differences [16].
Rita and Douglas Swan, whose 16-month-old son Matthew died of meningitis under the care of two Christian Science practitioners in 1977, are not surprised by these statistics. Angered by their experience, she founded CHILD, Inc., to work for legal reforms that can protect children from inappropriate treatment by faith healers. She and a colleague collected and reviewed the cases of 172 children who died between 1975 and 1995 when parents withheld medical care because of reliance on religious rituals They concluded:
- 140 of the deaths were from medical conditions for which survival rates with medical care would have exceeded 90%. These included 22 cases of pneumonia in infants under two years of age, 15 cases of meningitis, and 12 cases of insulin-dependent diabetes.
- 18 more had expected survival rates greater than 50%
- All but three of the remainder would probably have had some benefit from clinical help. [17]
Participation and membership in the Christian Science Church have been declining steadily for many years. Between 1971 and 2009 the number of U.S. practitioners and teachers listed in the Christian Science Journal fell from about 5,000 to about 1,160 and the number of churches fell from about 1,800 to about 900. Subscriptions to the Christian Science Sentinel fell from about 175,000 in 1988 to 24,130 in 2009. The church does not disclose how many members it has, but the current subscription figure suggests there are fewer than 50,000 members worldwide [18]. The steady membership decline is not surprising because the church's doctrines have little appeal to modern youth.
Is Spirituality Helpful?
A 1996 poll of 1,000 adults found that 79% believed that spiritual faith can help people recover from disease [19]. This idea is also popular among physicians. Although many studies have found associations between various measures of religiosity and health, no well-designed study has demonstrated that religious beliefs or prayer actually benefit health [20]. In fact, one well-designed study found just the opposite. The study involved patients whose progress was followed for nine months after discharge from a British hospital. They evaluated the outpatient records and the responses of 189 patients to questionnaires. the researchers concluded that the health status of patients with stronger spiritual beliefs were more than twice as likely to be unimproved or worse [21]. Although some studies have found that churchgoers tend to be healthier and to live longer than nonchurchgoers, church attendance itself is unlikely to be responsible for the difference [22].
Can anything be done about faith healing? Believers don't see it as a problem, while most nonbelievers don't see it as a priority issue and have little sympathy for its victims. But a few things might help lower faith healing's toll on our society:
- Laws to protect children from medical neglect in the name of healing should be passed and enforced. In states that allow religious exemptions from medical neglect, these exemptions should be revoked. Maybe the practice of evangelistic faith healing on minors should be illegal.
- Faith healing should no longer be deductible as a medical expense.
- Reporters should be encouraged to do follow-up studies of people acclaimed to have been "healed."
- "Healers" who use trickery to raise large sums of money should be prosecuted for grand larceny.
- Rose L. Faith Healing. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1971.
- Nolen W. Healing: A Doctor in Search of a Miracle. New York, 1974, Random House Inc.
- Emery CE. Are they really cured? Providence Sunday Journal Magazine, Jan 15, 1989.
- Randi J. The Faith Healers. Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books,1987.
- Witmer J, Zimmerman M. Intercessory prayer as medical treatment? An inquiry. Skeptical Inquirer 15:177-180, 1991.
- Joyce CRB, Weldon RMC. The objective efficacy of prayer: A double-blind clinical trial. Journal of Chronic Diseases 18:367-377, 1965.
- Collipp PJ. The efficacy of prayer: A triple-blind study. Medical Times 97:201-204, 1969.
- Byrd RC. Positive therapeutic effects of intercessory prayer in a coronary care unit population. Southern Medical Journal 81:826-829, 1988.
- Posner G. God in the CCU? A Critique of the San Francisco Hospital study on intercessory prayer and healing. Free Inquiry, Spring, 1990.
- O'Laoire S. An experimental study of the effects of distant, intercessory prayer on self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 3(6):38-53, 1997.
- Walker SR and others. Intercessory prayer in the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence: A pilot intervention. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 3(6):79-86, 1997.
- Sicher F, Targ E and others. A randomized double-blind study of the effect of distant healing in a population with advanced AIDS: Report of a small-scale study. Western Journal of Medicine 169:356-363, 1998.
- Harris WS and others. A randomized, controlled trial of the effects of remote, intercessory prayer on outcomes in patients admitted to the coronary care unit. Archives of Internal Medicine 159:2273-2278, 1999.
- Aviles JM and others. Intercessory prayer and cardiovascular disease progression in a coronary care unit population: A randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 26:1192-19198, 2001.
- Simpson WF. Comparative longevity in a college cohort of Christian Scientists. JAMA 262:1657-1658, 1989.
- Comparative mortality of two college groups. CDC Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report 40:579-582, 1991.
- Asser S, Swan R. Child fatalities from religion-motivated medical neglect. Pediatrics 101:625-629, 1998.
- Barrett S. The origin and current ctatus of Christian Science. Quackwatch, Dec 18, 2009.
- McNichol T. The new faith in medicine. USA Today, April 7, 1996, p 4.
- Sloan RP, Bagiella E, Powell T. Religion, spirituality and medicine. Lancet 353:664-667, 1999. The full text of this article can be accessed online by registering at the Lancet Web site and going to the contents page of the Feb 20th issue.
- King M, Speck P, Thomas A. The effect of spiritual beliefs on outcome from illness. Social Science & Medicine 48:1291-1299, 1999.
- Gorski T. Should religion and spiritual concerns be more influential in health care? No. Priorities 12(1):23-26, 41, 2000.
This article was revised on December 27, 2009.


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Visit our New Milford, Connecticut bed and breakfast directory of historic, romantic, and adventure B&B's. You can browse through our detailed listings of New Milford, Connecticut bed and breakfasts and inns with nearby city listings that include pictures, room rates, booking information and area activities. Every New Milford, Connecticut b&b inns has complete contact information and a direct link to the innkeepers.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ever see those weddings where it just looks so low-key and fun that you know you'd totally get along with the couple? Thats what this one reminded me of! All the inspiration came from the groom's tie, and because she's a botanist (how cool is that?), they did all their own flowers AND gifted their guests with seeds bottles personalized for their home regions!
Photography: Jennifer Emerling / YEAH! weddings
Event Coordinator + design of pie table: Sara of Something Events
DJ: Dart DJ
Caterer: Jennie Cooks Catering
DJ: Dart DJ
Caterer: Jennie Cooks Catering
Venue: Marvimon
[images from Jennifer Emerling / YEAH! weddings ]


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The Herd is a special White House 2012 series covering the obvious and not so obvious potential choices to be selected as Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate on the Republican presidential ticket. Each day, White House 2012 will introduce you to one the many Republicans which we believe will be at least considered for for the vice presidency by the now inevitable presidential nominee, Mitt Romney.
In addition to a biographical information and a brief assessment of each potential nominee and their chances of being selected by Mitt Romney, White House 2012′s coverage also includes each potential nominee's voting records, as well as a listing of their public statements and links to their web sites.
Today White House 2012 takes a look at the former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee.
Born: August 11, 1955, Hope, Arkansas
Spouse(s): Janet Huckabee
Children :John Mark, David, Sarah
Residence :North Little Rock, Arkansas
Alma mater: Ouachita Baptist University
Profession:Politician, Talk Show Host,Author, Public Speaker, & ordained Minister
Religion: Southern Baptist
- 1992, Ran for U.S. Senate in Arkansas against incumbent Dale Bumpers
- 1993, Huckabee to run in the special election for lieutenant governor and won, becoming only the second Republican since Reconstruction to serve as Arkansas lieutenant governor.
- 1994, Huckabee was re-elected to a full term as lieutenant governor, beating Democratic candidate Charlie Cole Chaffin with nearly 59 percent of the vote
- 1996, Huckabee announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Senator David Pryor.
- During that campaign Democrat Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker was convicted on one count of arranging nearly $3 million in fraudulent loans in conjunction with the Whitewater scandal. Tucker announced that he would resign. Lt. Governor Huckabee then withdrew from the senate race and assumed the office of Governor on July 15, 1996.
- 1998, Huckabee was elected to his first full term as Governor.
- 2002, Huckabee was reelected to his second four-year term
- 2008, Huckabee ran for the Republican presidential nomination but withdrew from the race when it became apparent that John McCain had won enough delegates to cinch the nomination.
(Click here for Huckabee's White House 2012 Presidential Contenders Page)
Mike Huckabee could be a surprise pick by Romney designed to appeal to the Southern and evangelical base of the G.O.P. which need to find a good reason to vote Mitt. But picking him could also be a decision to appeal to independent voters. While Huckabee is not necessarily considered a big independent vote getter, if given that mission in a campaign for Vice President, Huckabee could do a good job. His ability to articulate issues in a folksy, down-to-earth manner is quite effective and his command of the issues is admirable.
Some suggest that bad blood from the 2008 Republican nomination contest, still exists between Romney and Huckabee. And they are probably right. However contrary to those who believe that will prevent Romney from picking Huckabee or Huckabee from jumping at the chance to be one heartbeat away from the Oval Office, that bad blood will not be the reason for it to actually happen. Bad blood did not prevent Huckabee from inviting Romney on to his to weekly Fox News show. Huckabee did not let bad blood get in the way of ratings for his show, nor did it allow Romney to get in the way some free airtime. Hard feelings did not prevent John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson from teaming up. And it didn't keep Ronald Reagan from calling upon George H. W. Bush to be his Vice President. So neither Romney or Huckabee will let the campaign rhetoric of 2008 get in their way either. And both men genuinely know that defeating Barack Obama in the election is the only thing they need to concern themselves with.
That leaves only a few reasons for why it may not happen.
Romney may easily conclude that there are other better suited running mates who can bring a better advantage to the ticket regarding a particular state's electoral college vote, or who can perhaps better appeal to certain needed demographic that Romney needs to win. Another reason could be that Huckabee just might want to enjoy life and keep making money in the private sector or retire to his lush estate in Florida.
Another reason for Huckabee not being given a place on the ticket could be the same issues which probably prevented him from running for President.
When Huckabee was Governor of Arkansas, he pardoned Maurice Clemons, a man who's criminal history included five felony convictions In 2009, killed 4 police officers in cold blood as they sat in a Lakewood, Washington coffee house.
The fact is that even after Clemons went on a spree in Arkansas that was so violent that a judge saw fit to sentence him to 95 years behind bars, Governor Huckabee issued Clemons clemency, and he did so over the objections of prosecutors.
In 1988 then Vice President George H.W. Bush used a similar incident in the now infamous Willie Horton ad, to decimate the Democrat presidential nominee, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
For obvious reasons, this will more than likely derail any chance for Huckabee to selected by Mitt Romney as his running mate.
- Excellent campaigner who can connect with voters, especially Independents
- Can help Romney bolster his standing among Southerners and evangelicals
- Has a fairly decent conservative record on the issues
- Executive experience
- High, positive national name ID
- Helps to firm up Romney's committment to his opposition to abortion
- Has a serious Willie Horton-like issue hanging in his closet
- The material used against Romney by Huckabee in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination against Romney in 2008 could be used against Romney again in 2012. This is not a lethal factor, but it is a consideration.
- Huckabee may sincerely not be interested in seeking elected office
General Assessment:
Huckabee would make a decent compromise candidate for Vice President who helps compensate for some of the weaknesses that Romney has among conservatives, Southerners, and evangelicals.
He is a good, smooth talking, campaigner who is quick on his feet and could actually make a good choice were it not for the Clemons clemency tragedy, which is far to significant to not become an issue during the campaign and does raise serious, legitimate doubt about Huckabee's judgement.
Huck is a possible but not probable choice for the Republican vice presidential nomination.
Mike Huckabee On The Issues
Filed under: Mike Huckabee, The Herd, Vice Presidential Contenders | Tagged: 2012 Presidential Election, 2012 presidential election news, Anthony Del Pellegrino, Arkansas, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, election news, George H.W. Bush, Huckabee, Jim Guy Tucker, kempite, long list, Mike Huckabee, Mike Huckabee bio, Mike Huckabee Can Mike Huckabee deliver conservatives to mitt Romney, mike huckabee for vice president, Mike Huckabee voting record, Mike Huckabee's public statements, Mitt Romney, Mitt romney vice presidential screening process, mitt Romney's short list, potential Republican vice presidential nominees, race for the white house, Republican, republican election news, republican vice president, republican vice presidential long list, Romney, Romney 2012, romney Huckabee 2012, Romney to name Mike Huckabee as his running mate, romney's vice presidential screening process, Romney- Huckabee, veep watch, vetting a potential vice presidential nominee, Vice President Huckabee, Vice President Mike Huckabee, vice presidential candidates, vice presidential choices, WH12, White House 2012, whitehouse12.com, who will mitt romney pick, who will mitt romney pick to be his running mate, will Mike Huckabee accept the Republican nomination for Vice President, Will Mike Huckabee be Mitt Romney's pick for Vice President, will Mike Huckabee be on the republican presidential ticket, will Mike Huckabee run for vice president, will mitt Romney pick Mike Huckabee, Willie Horton |


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The U.S. vaccine market is estimated to be worth USD 12.8 billion in 2012 and is further expected to reach USD 17.4 billion by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2012 to 2018. Human vaccine segment occupies about 80% of the U.S. vaccine market.
U.S. will continue to lead the global vaccine market due to rising prevalence of infectious diseases in humans and animals, and advancement in biotechnology in the region. Short functional shelf life of certain vaccines will have negative impact on the market growth, but huge product pipeline of the multinational firms will overcome this concern and will drive the future growth of the market.
Pediatric vaccine segment in the U.S. human vaccine market enjoys high share as well as high growth rate due to government compulsion for child immunization. Adult & adolescent vaccine market is expected to grow moderately over the next six years due to rising awareness and increasing vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) and such other viral diseases.
Livestock vaccine is the leading segment of the overall U.S. animal vaccine market accounting for 58.1% in 2012 due to more organized dairy sector and increased awareness towards prevention of infectious diseases in cattle. Bovine vaccine market is the largest revenue generating segment of the overall Livestock vaccine market in 2012 due to rising vaccination to protect breeding animals against infectious diseases. Together feline vaccine and canine vaccine accounted for about 95.1% of the overall U.S. companion animal vaccine market in 2011.
In 2011, overall leading producers of human vaccine for the U.S. market were Sanofi-Aventis, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi-Pasture and Novartis. The leading producers of animal vaccine for the U.S. market includes Pfizer Animal Health, Merial (Sanofi-Aventis), Intervet/Schering-Plough (Merck) and Novartis Animal Health.
This report helps to identify factors, which will be the driving force behind the U.S. Vaccine market and sub-markets in the next six years. The report provides extensive analysis of the U.S. vaccine market, current market trends, industry drivers and challenges for better understanding of the U.S. vaccine market structure. The report has segregated the U.S. vaccine industry in terms of its product type. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2012 through 2018 in terms of value in USD million.
Segments Analyzed
U.S. vaccine market- by Product
- Human vaccine
- Pediatric Vaccines
- Adult & Adolescent vaccine
- Other human vaccine
- Animal vaccine
- Livestock vaccine
- Bovine vaccine
- Porcine vaccine
- Ovine vaccine
- Companion animal vaccine
- Feline vaccine
- Canine vaccine
- Equine vaccine
- Other animal vaccine
» Read More...


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2007 Rural Missouri Reader's Choice Award
campaigning is over, the ballots have all been cast, the counting
done and the results are in! It's time again for
the annual Best of Rural Missouri Readers' Choice Awards.
This is the sixth year we have hosted the contest in these pages,
and our readers continue to impress us with their knowledge of
Missouri culture and loyalty to hometown favorites.
As usual,
there are some obvious winners who by now can almost paper
a wall with our winner's certificates. However, in
an attempt to mix things up we changed a few categories and
were rewarded with some surprises and new places to check out.
kind of expect to see tourist destinations like Branson,
Hermann and Ste. Genevieve among the winners. But who would
have guessed tiny Elsberry would field two winners this year?
Or that restaurants in out-of-the-way places like Warsaw, Marshall
and Collins would have such a following?
But that's
part of the allure of daytripping in rural Missouri — you
never know what delights await you off the beaten path. And that's
the reason for this contest anyway, to celebrate the uniqueness of the
Show-Me State while at the same time introducing these alternatives to
the national chains to our readers.
We hope you'll put this issue
in your glove compartment as you vacation in Missouri this summer. Enjoy!
Dining worth the drive
Lamberts, Sikeston & Ozark,
(573) 471-4261 or (417) 581-7655
2nd: The Pear Tree, Bevier, (660) 773-6666
3rd: Charley's Buffet, Lincoln, (660) 668-3806
No surprises
here, our three winners have been the same three since 2004.
In fact, Lambert's and The Pear Tree have been
first and second since the contest began, with Lambert's
Ozark location just a few votes ahead of the original in Sikeston.
Reader's love Lambert's for the "pass alongs," tasty
treats like "throwed rolls" and the generous portions.
You can't say you've dined in Missouri until you
head north to Bevier for a meal at the The Pear Tree restaurant.
The owner will greet you, seat you and ask if you want the onion
rings (you do). More readers have called us for directions to
Charley's than any other contest winner.
choice: Even if you don't like German food
you will like Der Essen Platz in Cole Camp for its nachspeisen
(desserts). (660) 668-2333.
Best ribs
1st: Chuck
Wagon, Warsaw, (660) 438-2503
2nd: Buckinghams Smokehouse BBQ, Columbia & Springfield,
(573) 449-7782 or (417) 886-9979
3rd: Hickory Log, Dexter, (573) 624-4950
This year
our staff decided to specialize in the barbeque category. We
picked ribs because brisket isn't always consistent,
not everyone does a pork steak and we just plain like ribs. As
a result, last year's third place winner, Chuck Wagon,
took the well-deserved honors. With two locations and the friendliest
wait staff, Buckinghams was a close second. An obvious winner
was Dexter's Hickory Log, which measures its rib output
in tons these days.
Editor's choice: The most popular item
on the menu at Lonnie Ray's
Café and BBQ in Harrisburg is ribs. Their meat is seasoned with homemade
spice rubs with additional flavor coming from the hickory pit. (573) 874-0020.
Best seafood
Le Maire's
Cajun Catfish, Sedalia, (660) 827-3563
2nd: Gary's (formerly Dowd's) Catfish & BBQ,
Lebanon, (417) 532-1777
3rd: Hemingway's Restaurant, Springfield, (417) 891-5100
While Missouri
isn't exactly known for its seafood, we
figured readers would know what we were talking about. They did,
and Sedalia's Le Maire's came out on top. For 22
years Frenchie's been frying up these spicy filets. You
know our second place winner as Dowd's, but the name has
been changed to Gary's and the place has greatly expanded
to seat an additional 65. For those who don't understand "seafood" is
Missouri for catfish, Hemingway's located at Bass Pro Shops
Springfield superstore was the logical choice. But will they
cook you that big bass in the tank?
Editor's choice: Unless
you've been to Hawaii, you've never
had seafood like they make at Bear's Aloha Grill, inconveniently located
in New Hampton and offering dishes you probably can't pronounce. Bear
pulls out all the stops to make your trip worthwhile and unforgettable, and
the coffee is first-class. (660) 439-3013
Best dessert
A Slice of Pie, Rolla, (573) 364-6203
2nd: The Blue Owl, Kimmswick, (636) 464-3128
3rd: Smith's Short Shop, Collins, (417) 275-4575
There was
a time when dessert was just something you ate after you cleaned
your plate. Now restaurants that specialize in this category
have regulars who come just for the treats. Many a traveler
has left Interstate 44 or Highway 63 to pick up a pie at the
aptly named A Slice of Pie. Their offerings are varied and
always monumental. Last year we joked that The Blue Owl would
win if the category was just dessert instead of pie. Perhaps
their beautifully crafted desserts were too pretty to eat.
Smith's is a new
one this year, best known for its wonderful homemade cobblers
and pies that come in peach, cherry, blackberry, strawberry/rhubarb,
sour cream/raisin and many more.
Editor's choice: Past winner
Cooky's in Golden City
was just one vote away from the winners. They are known for
their fabulous pies. (417) 537-4741.
The Candy Factory, Columbia, (573) 443-8222
2nd: Richardson's Candy House, Springfield & Joplin,
(417) 883-3900 or (417) 623-7171
3rd: Fourth Street Fountain, Elsberry, (573) 898-9793
A new category
for 2007, this one had our readers telling us about all kinds
of things the dentist would steer you away from. Our first-place
winner is a family-owned business that's
been around for more than 20 years. They make all their chocolates
upstairs. Second-place Richardson's was featured in our
February issue. It's a popular spot for lovers looking
for Valentine's Day gifts. Taking a different tack for
third place, our readers selected the old-fashioned soda fountain
in Elsberry. The Fourth Street Fountain uses the original soda
fountain from its days as a drug store.
Editor's choice:
A more popular tourist destination than the Capitol is Jefferson
City's Central Dairy. You can choose from dozens of flavors,
and a one-scoop cone will have at least three scoops. (573) 635-6148.
Best Chili
Chili Parlor, Independence, (816) 861-7308
2nd: Casper's, Springfield, (417) 866-9750
3rd: Joan's Drive In, Marshall, (660) 886-7771
Nothing beats
a good bowl of chili, even when the weather turns nice. Missouri
has a number of restaurants that have built their reputation
on this savory dish. Top of the heap is Dixon's,
which has been serving steaming bowls of its signature dry-style
chili since 1919. Casper's is a bit of a dive located in
a vintage quonset hut downtown, thus the perfect spot for chili.
Newcomer Joan's Drive In uses a secret recipe but the owner
does share part of the secret to her outstanding chili: "I
put my love in it." Plus fresh meat, she adds.
choice: Fred & Red's in Joplin is known for their
chili and tamales. Try the spaghetti red and add a little mustard. Get there
early. This place hasn't changed much since 1923 and it only seats
22 customers. (417) 781-5341
Best coffee shop
1st: Lakota
Coffee Company, Columbia, 1-800-452-5682
2nd: Mud House, Springfield, (417) 832-1720
3rd: Cosmic Cofee, Warsaw, (660) 438-6171
Coffee snobs
rejoice! This category is back due to popular demand. (The
editor demanded it.) No college town would be complete without
a coffee house to hang out in, and Columbia's Lakota
Coffee Co. fits that role to a trendy T. Visitors can do their
homework while Web browsing through their wireless connection.
Second place Mud House comes with some "perks," including
a well-stocked bookcase, artwork and lunch. Shannon Noand, owner
of our third-place winner, discovered gourmet coffee and opened
her business in the Boonslick Library. For a quick pick up try
her Super Sonica with 30 percent more caffeine.
choice: Small drive-through coffee spots are popping up around
the state, catering to coffee lovers who can't bear the thought of filling
their travel mugs at a convenience store. The best of these is Macon's
Javasmith located south of town. (660) 385-1060
Best winery
1st: St.
James Winery, St. James (573) 265-7912
2nd: Stone Hill Winery, Branson, Hermann and New Florence 1-800-909-9463
3rd: Les Bourgeois, Rocheport, (573) 698-2133
Wine has
come of age in Missouri, which is home to more than 60 wineries.
Our three winners are among Missouri's largest.
For 35 years, the Hofherr family has been making award-winning
wines in St. James. Today they produce 150,000 cases of wine
annually from grapes grown nearby. Stone Hill Winery, with three
locations, has roots that go back to 1847 and helped lead the
rebirth of Missouri's wine industry. Les Bourgeios is as
famous for its views of the Missouri River as it is for its fine
Editor's choice: Cooper's Oak, Missouri's
newest winery, uses its connections with California wineries
to produce varieties not normally found in Missouri. It's
located in Higbee next to the A&K Cooperage,
producers of wine barrels made from Missouri oak. Its Vidal Blanc is available
now and Merlot, Cabernet, Michelle's Sweet Red and Norton will be ready
soon. (660) 456-7507
Best microbrewery
Flat Branch Pub & Brewing,
Columbia, (573) 499-0400
2nd: Springfield Brewing Company, Springfield, (417) 832-8277
3rd: Trailhead Brewing Company, St. Charles, (636) 946-2739
is home to the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch.
But that's not what we were looking for in this category.
Instead, we sought the small craft breweries that may have begun
in someone's basement. With its college location, Flat
Branch couldn't miss though the crowd is more professor
than student. The Oil Change Stout (this was once a Studebaker
dealership) is popular with the hard-core beer lovers. Springfield's
brew pub was established to research brewing equipment made by
its owners. Their Mueller Unfiltered Wheat is the best seller.
Trailhead brewery has enough selection to offer a beer or ale
that will compliment the many dishes at this full-service restaurant.
choice: We featured Little Yeoman Brewery in 1999. The brewery
has changed hands since then with new owner Chad Frederick
moving it to Cabool. He makes five beers, and they are all
good. (417) 926-9185.
Best AgriMissouri product
Smokehouse, California, (573) 796-3134
2nd: Hammons Black Walnuts, Stockton, (417) 276-5187
3rd: Memory Lane Dairy, Fordland, (417) 767-2697
Rural Missouri
is proud to support the Missouri brand. Businesses like first-place
winner Burger's are putting the state
on the map with a mail order following that sends Missouri meats
around the world. Likewise, Hammons is the world's largest
supplier of eastern black walnuts. While not world-class yet,
Memory Lane is also gaining a large following by bringing back
milk — including plain, chocolate and strawberry — in
glass bottles.
choice: Picking just one AgriMissouri product as the best
proved impossible. So we instead direct you to the newly
opened Missouri Valley Mercantile located east of Jefferson
City on the Osage River. This store features enough made-in-Missouri
products to fill our gift basket with a nice selection of
jerkies, barbeque sauces and summer sausage. (573) 395-3311.
Best state park/historic site
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, (573) 364-2968
2nd: Elephant Rocks State Park, Graniteville, 1-800-334-6946
3rd: Bennett Springs State Park, Lebanon, (417) 532-4338
state parks and historic sites are the crown jewels of the
state's public areas. They are so diverse
there is something for everyone. First place winner Ha Ha Tonka
is a case in point. You can come for a look at the impressive
castle ruins, or return later for the wonderful hiking trails
and nature areas. Elephant Rocks State Park's second place
finish shows Missourians love the St. Francis Mountain region,
even with Johnson's Shut-ins out of commission. Bennett
Springs is the most popular of the state's four trout parks
and a fine place to begin a Niangua River float trip when you're
finished fishing for trout.
Editor's Choice: Kirksville's
Thousand Hills State Park offers Indian petroglyphs, a lake
for boating and fishing, plus 17 miles of hiking and biking
trails in a setting that is more Ozark than north Missouri.
(660) 665-6995.
Best fall festival
1st: Oktoberfest,
Hermann, 1-800-932-8687
2nd: Heritage Days, Warsaw, 1-800-927-7294
3rd: Old Tyme Apple Festival, Versailles, (573) 378-4401
no better way to get to know a town or region than to attend
one of the many festivals around the state. Perhaps the best
reflection of a town's heritage is the Oktoberfest
held in Hermann. Attend this event and you will be eating sauerkraut
with the most German of Missourians. Warsaw's link with
its past comes alive in October with a huge variety of craftspeople.
This year's event is Oct. 20-21. The Old Tyme Apple Festival
in Versailles offers a fiddling contest, car cruise, sock hop,
apple pie contest and more. As many as 35,000 people have attended.
choice: In a state known for its mules, a festival that celebrates
mules has to be the most Missouri of all. We recommend the Clark County Mule
Festival set for Sept. 14-16 in Kahoka. No telling what you will see at this
year's event. But you are guaranteed to laugh at the antics of the
mules and their riders. (660) 866-2330 or (660) 727-3295.
Best offbeat attraction/museum
Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum, Mansfield, 1-877-924-7126
2nd: Titanic – The World's Largest Museum, Branson,
3rd (tie): Wonders of Wildlife Museum, Springfield,
(417) 887-7334
3rd (tie): Cranes Museum & Shop, Williamsburg, (573) 254-3356
When we added
this category we fully expected to receive votes for giant
lumberjacks, the Hair Museum and the World's
Largest Goose. We did get those votes but our winners are more
attractions than offbeat. Mansfield's claim to fame is
its beloved writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose Little House books
are among the most widely read children's stories. Branson's
latest attraction has made a "Titanic" impression
on our readers, showing interest in the ill-fated ship hasn't
waned so many years after its sinking. A tie for third place
featured two very different places to see. Bass Pro Shops' fabulous
outdoor museum is icing on the cake to an already amazing store.
Crane's is the place to shop for your outdoor work wear
with names like Carhartt, Wolverine, Filson and LaCrosse. The
addition of a museum (we thought the store was a museum) offers
visitors a taste of life from a time when stores like this were
the norm.
Editor's choice: Anyone wanting to celebrate the
high price of gas will be intrigued by King City's claim
to the world's largest gas pump,
which towers two stories above the city park.
Most beautiful town
1st: Hermann,
2nd: Carthage, (417) 359-8181
3rd: Ste. Genevieve, (573) 883-3686
Having to
pick just one Missouri town for the title of most beautiful
must have been difficult for our readers — 160
different towns drew votes. The center of Missouri's wine
industry, Hermann once again came out on top, proving its location,
chosen for its resemblance to the Rhine River Valley, was a wise
one. Carthage boasts one of Missouri's most beautiful town
squares and courthouses. It's also a well-known spot on
Route 66. Missouri's oldest town keeps Missouri's
French connection alive.
Editor's choice: You will love
the antebellum charm of Lexington's
historic homes. Don't miss the courthouse with its cannon ball reminder
of the Civil War. (660) 259-3082.
Best vacation spot
1st: Branson
2nd: Lake Ozark, 1-800-451-4117
3rd: Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, 1-800-225-6343
Branson has
grown from a sleepy little Ozark town to a world-class travel
destination, with attractions for visitors of all ages. With
its new Landing added to the mix, tourists will once again
find a reason to return. All this attention to Branson hasn't
hurt business at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks
though. From golfing to boating to honeymooning, it remains a
popular destination. So strong is the Branson pull that attractions
like Big Cedar Lodge are becoming destinations themselves. This
is one of the most charming places to stay, with plenty to do
on site or easy access to Branson proper.
Editor's choice:
We've recently rediscovered extreme
southwest Missouri, including Cassville, Neosho, Noel and Pineville.
This area offers a lot to do and see, with nice float streams
and thousands of acres of public land.
rodeo/horse show
1st: American
Royal, Kansas City, (816) 274-1900
2nd: Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, 1-800-455-2855
3rd: Fall Show and Celebration, Ava, (417) 683-2468
Horses add
millions to Missouri's economy, and riders
are getting more sophisticated in their choice of steeds and
equipment. The state's many rodeos and horse shows reflect
this trend and offer equestrians a chance to mingle. The granddaddy
of them all is the famous American Royal, one of the few big
city winners in this contest. It started in 1899 when Kansas
City was a cowtown. The Sikeston version of a rodeo gives up
nothing to the KC event, offering its own distinctive version
of downhome fun, complete with musical performances each evening.
Ava is home to the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Association, and
its annual show has been crowning the World Grand Champion since
Editor's choice: Hillsboro has been hosting a horse
show for 61 years. Last year's event offered 44 different
classes ranging from western pleasure mules to barrel racing.
(636) 789-2600.
Best equestrian trail
1st: Cross
Country Trail Ride, Eminence, (573) 226-3492
2nd: Mark Twain National Forest, (573) 364-4621
3rd: Cuivre River State Park, Troy, (636) 528-7247
When Missouri
horse lovers aren't attending horse shows
they are riding their horses and mules on the many trails. These
days, it's not unusual for riders to spend $50,000 on a
trailer that serves as home away from home to the rider and horse.
The Cross Country Trail Ride has changed Eminence from a float
town to a float and ride town, with tack shops and BBQ restaurants
catering to the horse crowd. For a set-your-own pace ride, the
other two winners are great places to go. Many parts of the Ozark
Trail are open to horses.
choice: St. Louis County caters to riders with its stables
and trails located at Greensfelder Park near Eureka. Campsites
include facilities for horses. (314) 615-4386.
Best hike or bike trail
1st: Katy
Trail State Park, 1-800-334-6946
2nd: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton, (573) 364-2968
3rd: Springfield Conservation Nature Center, (417) 888-4237
is blessed with a multitude of hiking and biking trails. These
can range from easy paved greenways to the 350-mile-long, rugged
Ozark Trail. A former railroad, the Katy Trail survived controversy
to become one of the nation's leading rails-to-trails
projects. Hikers and bikers can do short sections or attempt
the entire 225 miles. Many businesses have sprung up along the
trail. Ha Ha Tonka visitors who only stop at the castle ruins
miss the 15 miles of natural history on this park's trails.
The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages visitors to
its Springfield Nature Center to smell the woods after a rain
or surprise a white-tailed deer on one of the center's
six trails.
choice: Whether you are on a bike or on foot, the 14-mile
loop around Council Bluff Lake near Potosi is a real sample
of the Ozarks. This Forest Service Trail features great views
of the lake and a swimming area to cool off at the end. (573)
Best county fair
Ozark Empire Fair, Springfield, (417) 833-2660
2nd: Boone County Fair, Columbia, (573) 474-9435
3rd: Webster County Fair, (417) 859-3925
Like the city in which it is held, Springfield's Ozark
Empire Fair retains a county fair feel while still offering a
huge variety of attractions and food such as alligator on a stick.
The fair's organizers keep its primary mission focused
on agriculture. The Boone County Fair remains one of Missouri's
largest, with a good mix of music, livestock, tractors and rides.
Webster County holds its fair July 18-21 in Marshfield.
choice: No other fair offers as many big-name performers as
the Montgomery County Fair. Join them for five days of fun
July 17-21. (573) 564-3526
Best antique shop
1st: St.
Mary Antique Mall, St. Mary, (573) 543-2800
2nd: Heartland Antique Mall, Lebanon, (417) 832-9350
3rd: Ice Chalet, Columbia, (573) 442-6893
was once home to many shoe factories. When many of these plants
closed, they became antique malls like the one in St. Mary,
a small town just south of Ste. Genevieve. This monster mall
boasts more than 600 vendors and is open seven days a week.
Heartland Antique Mall in Lebanon is a frequent stop for tour
buses and just one of many attractions in Lebanon. Columbia's
Ice Chalet has 28,000 square feet and brags "no crafts."
choice: Besides having a great name, the Junk-Shun Barn at
Willow Springs offers a great selection of vintage items
inside its barn-like interior. (417) 469-3339.
Best golf course
St. St. James Golf Club, (573) 265-8688
2nd: Eagle Knoll, Hartsburg, 1-800-909-0564
3rd: Sun Valley Golf Course, Elsberry, (573) 898-2613
While golf
won't replace hunting and fishing as the favorite
leisure activities of our readers, it is catching on. Readers
tended to favor home-town courses like St. James' municipal
links and the Sun Valley course in Elsberry over the better known
clubs at Lake of the Ozarks and Branson.
Second place winner Eagle Knoll, however, earned accolades
from Golf Digest which called it one of the nation's
best values.
choice: Top of the Rock, just a short drive (in a car, not
a tee shot) from Big Cedar Lodge, offers the best views in
Missouri while keeping most of the natural features in place.
Under renovation, it should reopen in time for the summer
season. 1-800-225-6343.
Best cave
1st Meramec Caverns, Stanton, (573) 468-6072
2nd Fantastic Caverns, Springfield, (417) 833-2010
3rd Onondaga Cave, Leasburg, (573) 245-6576
Our readers
chose three of the most impressive show caves in a state known
for its caves. Lester Dill practically invented the term show
cave when he opened our first-place winner in 1935. Fantastic
Caverns, where visitors ride in Jeep-drawn trams, has given
back much to the community through its many educational programs.
Onondoga Cave (a state park) is equally as spectacular as its
cousin Meramec Caverns but with a more natural feel.
choice: Highway workers accidentally discovered Springfield's
Riverbluff Cave, giving scientists an underground ice age time capsule to explore.
The cave's field house is open to the public and features displays
ranging from mammoths to millipeds. (417) 883-0594.


text:
Sausage and Rice Casserole is a simple recipe perfect for supper, side dishes, potlucks and Thanksgiving (sometimes called Rice Dressing or Rice Stuffing).
Anybody that's been here a while knows about my love affair with rice. And that my poor ol' Canadian, potato-loving husband is just out of luck. Because if I'm doing the cooking, we eating rice.
And p.s… to the fella that said rice is yankee food on the facebook page the other day… um… well, the East Coast low country and the Gulf Coast bayou were built on rice so, those of us in those areas have rice in our blood. And that covers a pretty good chunk of the South. Whew, I've wanted to get that off my chest for a few days now. I feel so much better!
Anyway! I came across a recipe for a sausage and rice casserole in one of my old Paula Deen cookbooks the other day and just had to try it! When I pulled it out of the oven both girls came into the kitchen sniffing around like little hound dog puppies. It's got a good bit of celery and onion in it so I had a feeling they would lose their enthusiasm when I pulled the lid off. But nope! Angel Baby asked what the green stuff was and Flossy told her, "Just don't worry about it. It's like spaghetti and meat loaf. There's all kinds of stuff in spaghetti and meat loaf we don't like but it tastes good when it's cooked all together."
I noticed they were hanging around pretty close as I was taking pictures. When I was done I gave them spoons and let them go to town. And those two little suckers just about knocked the bottom out of my casserole dish! I finally had to take it away from them! God bless them. God bless their little rice loving, green stuff eating, Southern hearts.
If you love comfort food casseroles like this one, check out a few of these recipes too!
- Chicken & Stuffing Casserole - An addictive casserole recipe with Pepperidge Farm stuffing, sour cream and chicken.
- Smothered Chicken Casserole - Layers of creamy potatoes (think Potatoes Au Gratin) topped with chicken, smothered with cheese and bacon!
- Pork Chop Casserole - An easy pork chop bake made with rice and French onion soup.
- Hamburger & Rice Casserole - Ground beef and rice baked together in a classic casserole recipe that's easy to make your own.
- Chicken Tetrazzini - Classic tetrazzini made with pasta, mushrooms, wine (optional) and cheese. Super easy AND super delicious!
Sausage and Rice Casserole
- 1 pound pork sausage (I use "hot")
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced celery
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 14.5-oz can chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 10.5-oz can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- You can use other creamed soup flavors but I highly encourage you to use Cream of Celery so things aren't too "chickeny" (now, there's a word I never thought I'd use).
- Use uncooked rice.
- I don't know if this can be made with Minute rice or brown rice because I've never cooked either type of rice.
- This recipe doubles BEAUTIFULLY in a 3-qt 13x9 dish. Cook for 15-30 minutes longer or until rice is tender. I almost always double it.
- You must cover the dish TIGHTLY with foil to ensure the moisture stays inside to cook the rice through.
- If serving as a side dish, this makes 4-6 servings. As a main dish, it serves 3-4 (or maybe 5 skinny people).
- I don't know how this could be converted to a slow cooker recipe.
- Recipe adapted from Paula Deen.
Jailhouse Rice


text:
Bags can be a quick project and always a useful gift. Both of these bags come together really quickly:
Last year was a little bit tight financially for us – we'd just bought a new house which was an excellent Christmas present for one and all, but since kids seem to like something to unwrap under the tree, I came up with some quick handmade gifts, maximizing one of the resources I had a lot of: fabric.
quilt-as-you-go table runner. Tutorial here.
I'm looking forward to this week. My kids are out of school as of today, so I got most of the running around, Santa's helper stuff done and out of way last week. This week I'm hoping we can just make cookies, finish sewing projects, visit friends, and get the house presentable for Santa and all the family coming here on Christmas Day. The fact that it's snowing makes me want want to just hunker down next to the fireplace eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough and snuggle.


text:
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Calendar — Ask about an event or get your schedule for the day from Google Calendar.
Flight information — Get status updates on your upcoming flight.
Apps for the Google Assistant — Get things done and have some fun on Google Home with third-party created apps for the Google Assistant
Get things done
Shopping list — Create a shopping list and check what's already on it.
Shop on Google Home — Order everyday essentials and buy items on your shopping list with your Google Assistant on Google Home.
Cook — Find & make your favorite recipes using step-by-step cooking instructions from your Google Assistant.
Make calls — Call friends, family, and businesses using just your voice and Google Home.
Shortcuts — Create faster, easier ways to do your favorite things with your Google Assistant.
Reminders — You can set, ask about, and delete reminders on Google Home.
Send information from Google Home to your phone — Your Google Assistant can send information from Google Home to your phone.
Find your phone with your Google Assistant — Never lose your phone again! You can ask your Google Assistant to ring or call your phone.
Ask your Assistant to remember things — Get a little help from your Assistant to remember things.
Broadcast voice messages to Google Home devices — Send a message to everyone in your home by broadcasting messages on all of your Google Home devices.
Manage tasks
Timer — Set and manage a timer for cooking, game time, laundry, and even sleep.
General and media alarms — Never run late or miss a flight or meeting. You can set and manage alarms with just your voice.
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Facts & info — Ask Google what you want to know.
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Stream your security camera — Keep an eye on what matters by streaming your security camera on your TV using Google Home and Chromecast or a TV with Chromecast built-in.
Doorbell — Hear when someone's at your door or stream your video doorbell on your TV using Chromecast or a TV with Chromecast built-in.
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Games — Test your knowledge with trivia and games.
Fun — Try various queries to see if Google Home has some surprises.
Google Home is only available to purchase in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, India, Singapore, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Austria, Korea, and Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and The Netherlands.
The Google Assistant on Google Home is only available in English (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, India, Singapore), Canadian French, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish and Spanish (Spain and Mexico).


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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Latest Innovations. Subspecialty Care. Strength in Patient Follow-Up
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes a group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation or ulceration in the small and large intestines. Most often IBD is classified as one of two conditions:
- Ulcerative colitis causes ulceration and inflammation of the superficial layers of the inner lining of
the colon or rectum (or both) that is usually diffuse and uniform. The inflammation typically begins in the rectum and lower (sigmoid) intestine and spreads upward to the entire colon. It rarely affects any but the lowest section of the small colon.
- Crohn's disease is an inflammation extending into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall, normally concentrated in certain areas, primarily the small intestine, typically the lower part called the ileum. The condition is also sometimes referred to as ileitis or enteritis. It can affect areas anywhere in digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, appendix, colon, rectum, or anus.
In IBD, the immune system (in and as it affects the GI system) is abnormally and chronically activated for unknown reasons. If the disease progresses, small erosions in the intestinal track can turn to ulcers severe enough to cause scarring and stiffness in the bowel, and eventually a narrowed, obstructed, or punctured bowel. Perforations and fistulas can create urgent medical conditions. The course of IBD is different for every person. Some individuals with IBD may progress to these complications; some may not. Patients with widespread ulcerative colitis are greater risk of colon cancer.
Causes/risk factors
Adolescence or young adulthood are the most common periods for IBD to begin, although it can also occur in childhood or later in life. The condition affects males and females equally. It can sometimes run in families. For example, about 20 percent of people with Crohn's disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease.
The cause of IBD is not known for certain. Researchers investigating this condition have been looking at infectious organisms, such as viruses or bacteria that may affect the body's immune system and trigger an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall. One theory suggests that, as a result of overly sanitary environments in modern life, persons who develop IBD may not have had fully normal GI exposure to these germs at a young age and therefore experience an immune overreaction to them in the digestive tract at some later point of exposure. However, although a lot of evidence indicates that patients with this disease have abnormalities of the immune system, it is not known conclusively whether the immune problems are a cause or a result of the disease.
Signs & symptoms
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause similar symptoms that often resemble other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. These conditions may sometimes go into remission (a period when the symptoms go away) for months or even years, but normally the symptoms will return. Most patients experience recurrence at various times over a lifetime. IBD manifests itself differently in different people, depending in part on the location and severity of the inflammation, but the primary symptoms are:
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea (sometimes bloody);
- weight loss;
- fatigue;
- loss of appetite;
- rectal bleeding;
- loss body fluids and nutrients;
- night sweats;
- fever;
- and anemia due to bleeding.
There is no way to predict when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return.
In addition to taking a medical history and performing a physical examination, physicians may request the following diagnostic procedures in order to diagnose IBD:
- blood tests to determine if there is anemia resulting from blood loss, or if there is an increased number of white blood cells, suggesting an inflammatory process;
- stool culture;
- barium, upper-GI x-ray (upper GI series or barium swallow);
- upper endoscopy;
- biopsy;
- barium, lower-GI x-ray (lower GI series or barium enema);
- colonscopy;
- CT scan
- or video capsule endoscopy (PillCAM).
At this time there is no cure for these diseases, however, several methods are helpful in controlling them. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease generally require long-term medical care. The goals of treatment are to get patients into remission and keep them there with minimal side effects and to improve their quality of life by:
- correcting nutritional deficiencies;
- controlling inflammation;
- relieving abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
Treatment may include:
- medication. Different types of medications can help to relieve symptoms by decreasing inflammation, and a variety of new or improved drugs for this purpose offer a wide choice of medications. These include 5-ASA compounds, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or immuno-modulator medications (which more directly affect the body's immune function). Drugs to control diarrhea and intestinal spasms can sometimes help relieve cramps and diarrhea. Infusion with the monoclonal-antibody drug infliximab can help patients who have not gotten adequate response from other therapies.
- diet. No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating Crohn's disease. Certain symptoms are sometimes made worse by milk, alcohol, hot spices, or fiber, but this may not be true for everyone. Some patients benefit from low-fiber, or softer or liquid diets.
- supplements. Nutritional supplements or special high-calorie liquid formulas may sometimes be suggested, especially for children with delayed growth. Large doses of vitamins are useless and may even cause harmful side effects.
- feeding through a vein. A small number of patients, who temporarily need extra nutrition, may need periods of feeding by vein (intravenously).
- surgery. Most patients with IBD will not require surgery, a treatment typically reserved for those for whom drug therapy and other treatments have not been successful. When patients medically treated still experience severe bleeding, debilitating illness, perforation of the colon, or high risk of cancer, operations to remove the most diseased section of the intestine can be beneficial. Surgery for IBD, though will not cure the disease. The inflammation tends to return to the areas of the intestine next to the area that has been removed. Types of surgery include drainage of abscesses or removal of a section of bowel. Among the latter type of operations for IBD are:
- ileostomy. This entails removal of the entire colon and rectum with creation of a small opening (or stoma) in the abdominal wall where the tip of the lower small intestine, the ileum, is brought to the skin's surface to allow drainage of waste.
- colostomy. The rectum is removed and the colon is attached to the stoma. Sometimes, a temporary colostomy may be performed when part of the colon has been removed and the rest of the colon needs to heal.
- ileoanal anastamosis. Also called a pull-through operation, this procedure avoids the use of an external pouch. The diseased portion of the colon is removed and the outer muscles of the rectum (anus) are preserved. The ileum is attached inside the rectum, forming a pouch, or reservoir, that holds the waste. This allows the patient to pass stool through the anus in a normal manner, although the bowel movements may be more frequent and watery than usual.
Surgery can significantly improve the quality of the patient's life; however, about half of patients treated in this way experience a return of the disease within a few years. Anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulator drugs can help to decrease the chance of recurrence.
At their Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, the experienced staff of Aria's Division of Gastroenterology can review all treatment option and offer complete evaluation and care recommendations. As needed, the team works closely with surgeons in Aria's Division of General Surgery and Section on Colorectal Surgery who are experts in providing surgery for IBD and for surgery of the small intestine.


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Speaking in advance of his testimonial next month, and at a time when Rooney's future is in the air, Ferdinand revealed he has received "loads of offers" during his 11 years at United but said he was never tempted to leave because of his belief that Old Trafford is the only place to be to win trophies.
The former England international, who said that he hopes to finish his playing career at United, pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo's £80-million transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 as evidence that the grass is not always greener elsewhere. Although Ferdinand acknowledged that Ronaldo has excelled in Spain, he questioned whether winning one La Liga title and the Copa del Rey in four years at Madrid was a satisfactory return.
"I don't see where you go better from here," Ferdinand said. "For instance, Cristiano has been ridiculous individually, but has he won more trophies since leaving than what we've won? That's the way I look at it. I wouldn't say he shouldn't have gone; it was his dream to go there, so you have to respect that. But I just look at things in a black-and-white way: I want to win trophies so why would I leave here?
"Who am I going to go to who is going to win more trophies than us? Obviously you could say that Barcelona have won more trophies but I'm in my country where I'm from, and you're proud when you win the league in your country.
"I've had loads of offers over the years to go to other football clubs but I've never really wanted to go anywhere. I came to Man United for one simple reason and that was to win trophies, so I could retire and say how many trophies I've won and look back and say I've made a success of my career.
Mature enough
"That's all you do, and I'm sure most young players, or players in their prime, when they're asked to come to Manchester United, that should be the question they ask themselves: 'Have I got a chance to win?' Do you want to be part of that history of the club? Normally the answer is 'yes'."
Asked whether that was the sort of message he would convey to Rooney, Ferdinand replied: "I think when someone is at your club who has been there for the length of time he's been there – I think this is his ninth season – he's more than clued up to understand the dynamics of the club and what goes on at the club, and so he's mature enough now and old enough to make his own mind up."
Whatever the outcome for Rooney, the best possible news for United supporters would be that Ronaldo is brought back to Old Trafford. The Portuguese has issued mixed messages about his future but his most recent remarks suggested he is keen to remain in Madrid.
"Could it happen? I don't know the financial situation of [United]," Ferdinand said. "Obviously, I think if you asked any Man United fan, they'd want me to say, 'yeah', and the players are no different, I'm sure."
At the age of 34, Ferdinand is about to start his 12th season at United, on the back of a title-winning campaign when Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the central defender played the best football of his Old Trafford career. He signed a new one-year contract in May and, if everything goes to plan, United will be where he ends his playing days.
"I'd like to [finish playing at United], yeah. I wouldn't play for anyone else in England. I wouldn't want to come to Old Trafford as an away player – it just wouldn't feel right. If I played for another team, it would have to be abroad."
Preseason training
This is the start of a new era at Old Trafford and, although Ferdinand said that one week of preseason training is nowhere near long enough to assess the differences between David Moyes and Ferguson, the central defender was full of praise for the way the new manager has overhauled the backroom staff at United, in particular the decision to name Ryan Giggs as player-coach.
"I think this is the perfect situation," said Ferdinand. "I thought it was a masterstroke to put Giggsy on the coaching staff because he's got the experience, he's an icon at the football club, he's got the respect of the players and he can be a great sounding board for the manager.
"Also, bringing in an ex-player like Phil Neville, who has got a great work ethic and who is just starting his coaching career – I think it's just great to have some players who are entwined in the club's history to be part of his staff, but also to have [the manager's] blend and his people that are coming in to give new ideas to add to that is good."
With 430 United appearances to his name, there is no shortage of memories for Ferdinand to draw on, but three key moments stand out. "I think winning the first Premier League trophy [in 2003] because you just think it's never going to happen, so to get that one under your belt was great.
"The Champions League [final win against Chelsea in 2008] was just an unbelievable night – you just don't think in your wildest dreams that you're ever going to get a chance to get your hands on that trophy.
Threats to United's hopes
"To be captain that night was phenomenal, a bonus on top of everything else. Probably the manager's last trophy as well – that's a great part of this club's history, so to be a part of his last championship team is a great thing."
Ferdinand expects Manchester City and Chelsea to be the main threat to United's hopes of retaining their title, which was the sixth he has won since his £30-million transfer in 2002, when he arrived from Leeds United with a clear idea of what he was setting out to achieve.
"I think I said on the first day that I went to the club, I want to be able to walk out with my head held high and etched in some way in the club's history. You only do that by being successful," Ferdinand said.
"There are only a few clubs in the world that set the demands that this club sets, and I think the top players want that on their shoulders – they want what the club, the history and the fans at the time demand, as well as what the individuals at the club demand of each other.
"You can only probably count on one hand the amount of clubs that have got that within their walls, and we're one of them." – © Guardian News & Media 2013


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COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland women's basketball team released its 2014 non-conference schedule Wednesday, which includes home matchups against four local foes, a trip to Puerto Rico and their ACC/Big Ten Challenge game at Final Four opponent Notre Dame.
In their first matchup since the 2014 Final Four, the Terrapins will open the season against Mount St. Mary's at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. They will host Wagner two days later on Nov. 16.
South Florida, who the Terrapins beat on the road to open last season, will come to College Park for a 7 p.m. game on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Maryland will finish that week with a trip across town to George Washington on Saturday, Nov. 22, then will host Loyola on Monday, Nov. 24.
Maryland will head to Puerto Rico for the San Juan Shootout over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Terps will take on 2014 NCAA Tournament team James Madison on Friday, Nov. 28, then Washington State on Nov. 29.
After their trip to Puerto Rico, the Terrapins will head to Indiana to take on the Fighting Irish on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Due to a scheduling conflict with the men's ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Maryland and Notre Dame will play in Fort Wayne at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The Terps will return home to host Towson and American on Sunday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 12, then will play a noon game at Coppin State on Dec. 21.
The Terrapins will host Goldey-Beacom for an exhibition on Saturday, Nov. 1 and the University of the District of Columbia for an exhibition one week later.
Head coach Brenda Frese and the Terps went 28-7 in the 2013-14 season and made a trip to the Final Four in Nashville. The Terrapins beat Army and Texas in the NCAA First and Second Rounds in College Park, then beat top-seeded Tennessee in the Sweet Sixteen and won at No. 3 Louisville to advance to the Final Four.
The full Big Ten schedule and television information will be available on umterps.com at a later date. For the list of the Terps' home and away Big Ten opponents, log on to http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=716399&SPID=120729&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=29700&ATCLID=209421180.


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A long four years for Olympic skier Hannah Kearney
If you're an NFL player and you lose the Super Bowl, you have 12 months to prepare to try it again. If you're an Olympic skier, you wait four long years. It was an eternity for Hannah Kearney.
In 2005, the New England moguls skier was World Champion – on top of the world. Just a year after her first World Cup win, the pig-tailed Kearney scored somewhat of an upset in Ruka, Finland to take gold. More importantly, though, it set her up for the big show in Sauze d'Oulx 12 months later as the Olympic Winter Games came to Torino.
Despite having only two World Cup wins, many considered her a contender to repeat her world title on opening day in Torino. When asked by USA Today a week before the Games if she was the favorite, Kearney didn't quite go there but said she was one of a handful who had a chance at gold. She also pointed squarely at two-time World Cup champ Jenn Heil of Canada.
But, it wasn't to be in Torino!
In fact, Hannah Kearney never got her chance to ski for a medal. Competing in her first Olympic run, Kearney didn't make it out of qualifiers – skiing shaky from the start and winding up 22nd, two spots away from a berth in the medals round.
"I felt embarrassed, defeated and uncertain of my future," said Kearney recently. "But once I realized that the world doesn't stop when things don't go as you planned, I continued on with my ski career and my former level of happiness returned."
That happiness was tested again when a knee injury took her out for a year. Her coaches and strength trainers kept her going. She persevered – sights set on the opening night showdown at Cypress Mountain outside Vancouver where she knew it would be Jenn Heil again. But this time, the Canadian would be carrying the hopes of millions of Canadians all anxious to kickoff their Olympics with gold.
In the 1,463 days from Sauze d'Oulx to Cypress, Kearney never lost her focus. Every day, she thought of that loss in 2006. Every day she worked harder. She kept meticulous training notes and every day she talked to her trainers. She left no stone unturned in her quest to become an Olympic champion.
"It seems as if there is a theme amongst the stories of successful athletes in that they find motivation in the setbacks. It could be called stubbornness or even insanity, but it is usually called perseverance when it is followed by success."
For all her work, for all her mental anguish, she still wasn't sure. Her U.S. Ski Team trainer, Alex Moore, knew she was ready. On the day of qualifying, he gave her a little card. On it was a lightning bolt and a few key notes: "Hannah, since May, 14,000 jumps, 126 hours of A-1 jogs or bikes, 450-plus training sessions, 140 recovery hot-cold baths, 1,000 jumps on the water ramps, 224 visual-coaching-program diary entries, 21 hours at lactate threshold, 190 sets of Supermans (stretching exercise), 1,400 reps of squats, 1,500 Romanian deadlifts or glutes/hams and 470 pull-ups."
It was pouring rain that night in Cypress, the kind of nasty, sideways rain that makes it even worse. "I like the rain," said Kearney – not atypical of great athletes who are inspired by the worst conditions.
Kearney was also inspired by one of her heroes – 1992 Olympic gold-medalist Donna Weinbrecht, who had won 18 years earlier to the day. "Embrace it," Weinbrecht told Kearney before her gold medal run. She did.
Despite the partisan Canadian crowd rooting for hometown hero Jenn Heil, it was Hannah Kearney's night. Her dominant qualifying run set the stage and she wiped the slate clean from Torino. She heard the crowd after Heil put down an amazing finals run. Then it was her turn. Kearney was nearly flawless, winning every scoring category and taking nearly a full-point victory.
Hannah shared a lot of smiles that evening – along with bronze teammate Shannon Bahrke. The smiles washed away the tears from four years earlier.
"I really want to be part of an Olympic montage," Kearney told ESPN Olympic writer Bonnie Ford. "And I think I've earned my right now."
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The Miners ended up on the wrong side of a close game on senior night but are still fighting for playoff seeding.


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Unsigned Spotlight: Night Like This (Pop Punk/Alternative/Acoustic)
How often do you hear the phrase "less is more"? Do you believe those words? Do you apply them to certain aspects of your life? Every once in a while a band comes along that reminds you just how much sheer beauty can be created within the musical ideology of minimalism. Enter Des Moines, Iowa pop-punk/acoustic trio Night Like This. A surprisingly overlooked quality that many of the most popular and beloved artists in modern history share is that multiple members contribute vocals. (The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac…Read More


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