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Whether it is Bethesda, MD or Midway, AL we find the proverbial lemonade stand going the way of the dodo, thanks to ordinances and regulation. Obviously I grew up in a different era. Growing up the local magistrates would have been run out of town for suggesting that a lemonade stand didn't have proper license and registration; that is because the thought of licensing or regulating a lemonade stand was considered ridiculous. Why should it not be the same today?
For that matter who would have seen a baggy pants ordinance coming to Collinsville either; even if it is claimed to be supported by 75% of the residents? When I decided to rent my house rather than sell it in the depressed market we face today, who would have thought I would need a license to do so?
But it is not just the locals that are getting carried overboard, oh heck no, local municipalities are nothing compared to the Federal Government. How about this little excerpt from the HHS rules on the new Health Exchanges: "The intent of this proposed rule is to afford States substantial discretion in the design and operation of an Exchange. Greater standardization is proposed where required by the statute or where there are compelling practical, efficiency or consumer protection reasons." Can anyone explain that to me?
John Stossel recently called these regulations cancer, a disease that hurts those who politicians have intended to be helped. Perhaps George Orwell had it right when he said, "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind"
Now, please don't misunderstand me, I am not so naïve to believe that this is all the doing of our elected officials; no I think you could add the plaintiffs bar and out of control courts into the mix as well and probably the teacher's union to boot. We no longer foster a sense of personal accountability and achievement is no longer a goal worth attaining.
I am glad that I grew up in a different era, and by God's grace I intend to teach my grandchildren what they are missing; even if we can't do it over a cup of lemonade from the kids at the corner.


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Over the last few years timelapses have become extremely popular as they show a different perspective on the movement of life and allow people to experience progress in a short period of time. Everyday people are continuously pushing the limits of timelapses and coming out with some incredible results. Below are a few timelapses that are just outstanding and show what the future of this medium has to offer. If you would like to learn more about the HDR techniques used to create the timelapses below click here.
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Listed below are schools offering Medical Assistant programs in Hawaii. As a rule, you should contact at least 3-5 schools during the course of your research, and ideally more. As with many things in life, the way to find the right Medical Assistant program for your needs is to spend some time shopping around.
Settled by Polynesians between A.D. 300 and 600, Hawaii was an independent kingdom until Queen Liliuokalani was deposed in 1893 and the Republic of Hawaii was established. The republic was short-lived; however, as it was annexed by the United States in 1900. Today, the 50th state is a hot tourist destination where people can see the only royal palace in the nation as well as the largest volcano by volume. For those living on the islands, income is below the national average, but the cost of living is, on average 30 to 60 percent higher than other states. Medical assistants buck this trend with pay that is on the high end of the scale for the profession.
Medical Assistant Education in Hawaii
Hawaii has fewer than five medical assisting schools, but more than half are CAAHEP accredited. Students can look to the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists and other organizations as well as their schools for financial assistance.
Medical Assisting Careers in Hawaii
At just under $16 an hour, the mean hourly wage of medical assistants in Hawaii is relatively high, according to 2010 data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The profession is expected to grow at above average rates nationally. In Hawaii, with the health care sector adding over 1,000 jobs in 2011, medical assistants have a bright future.


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Most of these people outside the Virtue Feed and Grain Restaurant in Alexandria Sunday didn't know each other.
A lot didn't know Officer Peter Laboy either.
But they were drawn there Sunday for a fundraiser in his honor after hearing the story of his incredible bravery and will to live after being shot in the face during a traffic stop last month.
"I was visiting him yesterday for an hour. He's getting better, but he has a long way to go," Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille says.
And the fundraiser-- will go a long way to help his family see him through.
Businesses throughout the community donated all kinds of sporting goods and memorabilia for a silent auction that lured people from across the region here.
Police Chief Earl Cook says it warms his heart seeing just how much his officers mean to the community.
"I'm overjoyed, and I am thrilled for the family," Chief Cook says.
It took some people two hours to get in, but no one got out of the line.
Why did we wait in line? Because of everything Officer Laboy did for the community," Gwencarol Holmes says. "We want to give back."
And as they walked past the motorcycle Officer Laboy rode on the job, buffed to a brilliant shine by his friends on the force. Many in this crowd say this tragedy has drawn the community closer together.
"The support of the community is overwhelming," Norbert Butler says.
The officer's wife continues to post updates on his progress on the hospital's Caringbridge website. It's been viewed more than 39,000 times so far.
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Loretta Lynn (née Webb; born April 14, 1932) is a multiple gold album American country music singer-songwriter whose work spans more than 50 years. She has received numerous awards and other accolades for her groundbreaking role in country music.
Loretta Lynn
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The Gospel Spirit 2004Reviewed by Sue Keogh
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By Julian Pecquet - 06/04/12 08:28 PM EDT
"It was encouraging to see firsthand how this innovative technology is protecting lives and significantly diminishing the effectiveness of a tool terrorists use to inflict harm and escalate violence," Portman said in a statement from Israel.
In Abu Dhabi, he met with crown prince and American and local business leaders before connecting with Reps. David Dreier (R-Calif.) and David Price (D-N.D.) and heading to Kabul with them on Sunday. In Paktika Province, Afghanistan, Portman visited a special forces team and service members from Ohio before heading back to the U.S. on Monday.
House Dems to highway conferees: Steer clear of environmental provisions
Industry groups: Administration overestimating emissions at 'fracking' sites


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It's a car, and it does its job well by Ben on 07/16/2010. Trim: 2005 Suzuki Forenza S, Owned 3 years.
Pros: The fuel econ is very average for this size of a car, but don't believe those who says that it is bad. last year I took a road trip from Atlanta to PCB, I ran 420 miles on a full tank of gas. Good handling and comfortable.
Cons: acceleration kicks in very slow, passing someone is hard. The only major problem I have had was a engine gas-leak that cost me a few hundred to fix but that might have something to do with me wrecking the car three years ago. I also had some electrical problems with the head lights but it was covered by the warranty . definitely road noise but I got used to it.
Overall review: if you want a car that gets you from point A to point B at a lower cost than the "name brands" then, this is it. But don't expect anything more.
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Seriously consider this car! by Ben in Nevada on 09/07/2005. Trim: 2005 Suzuki Forenza S, Owned less than 1 year.
Pros: I have owned the car four months and it is performing very, very well. It drives very well and handles any driving conditions ideally. Very impressed with the power even when accelerating up mountain passes with the A/C on. It just gets better every day I drive it. Suzuki has the right idea with this car.
Cons: Nothing really. Maybe the seats could be a little cushier.
Overall review: Great car for the price and the amenities that come standard. Very reliable and cheap to operate. Highly recommend this vehicle.
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Stylish Car by An MSN Autos Consumer on 07/31/2008. Trim: 2005 Suzuki Forenza EX, Owned less than 1 year.
Pros: Sound system is great, has good fuel economy, a/c works exeptionally well, very comfortable interiors, love the sunroof, and the way the car lights up on the inside.
Cons: Would like more horsepower.
Overall review: THis car is amazing i would recommend it 2 anyone I know.
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GREAT CAR! by Doc from West Palm Beach on 06/06/2008. Trim: 2005 Suzuki Forenza S, Owned 1 year.
Pros: I like the way it drives, it's confortable, you get what you payed for. It's relatively cheap on gas (400 miles in the city with full tank).
Cons: I had to change the battery after 2 years.
Overall review: I recommend this car to anyone who wants a reliable car with affordable price, cheap on gas.
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Good car after 2+ yrs, 25k miles. by Tom in Mpls on 12/31/2007. Trim: 2005 Suzuki Forenza LX, Owned 2 years.
Pros: Good looks, Handled better than '05 Ford Focus. No buzzes/rattles after 2 yrs. Great brakes. Great buy. Good support from all local dealerships I've used
Cons: Steering wheel could raise a bit more. Once had unexplained check engine light. Computer reprogrammed for occaisional odd downshift. Ok now.
Overall review: Best car I found for the price. Still happy with it after 2+ yrs. Suspesion is well balanced for a daily driver.
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everyone has forgotten one common occurence- everyone jumps, everyone is fine, but even after you kill the mob that the dps aggroed because he fell on it, everyone is still in combat. "Why are we in combat," you ask with a growing sense of trepidation as you realize what must have happened. the healer jumped a little late, and before jumping, he got the attention of one of the non elite pats up above. so now that pat has taken the long way around, and 3 minutes later comes out of the tunnel with the entire first half of the instance in tow.


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MSN India brings you latest Headlines, Breaking News and Mobile updates- all in a single click. Now, check out minute by minute update on cricket & sports news on Twitter.
Giving Sachin Bharat Ratna would require change of rules
The 'Bharat Ratna' was started in 1954 and has so far been given to 41 eminent personalities, none of whom are sports-persons, the reason being the criteria for the coveted honour.
Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says given the current rules "Tendulkar does not qualify for the honour and giving the award to him would require a change in the rules."
According to the criteria at present, the award is given for exceptional contribution in the fields of art, literature, science and social service. The criteria does not have any mention of sports.
Kashyap says the government has to decide whether it wants to include sports in the criteria for the award. The Sports Ministry will have to present such a proposal for cabinet approval.
"Once the cabinet gives its approval, the Home Ministry can bestow this honour on not just Sachin Tendulkar but any other athlete," he said.
Indian cricket team's prominent players such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag have all asked for the honour to be bestowed on Tendulkar after the side's World Cup win.
Source: PTI


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When we moved to Tennessee three years ago, the #1 thing I was most looking forward to? Knowing and loving our neighbors. I know it was a long shot, but when I grew up in Germantown, right outside of Memphis, neighbors were a big part of life. The house I grew up in had a steep driveway and the week we moved in from California, we were iced in. A neighbor brought us groceries to the bottom of the driveway. I remember the '94 ice storm when I had strep throat and the power was out for a week- Dad was gone on a trip and Mr. Danny came over and built us a fire, and then we drove to a hotel with the next door neighbors. Summertime always meant a bbq at the park and kick-the-can in the street with my friends. I really did have the idyllic childhood, and after 8 years in Florida, a huge reason we moved was that we never really felt that in Orlando.
We moved into our Nashville home in December, which meant not a lot of time for meeting the neighbors when everyone's staying warm inside. We were really slow to meet people and I'd been praying for that special family that would help make our street feel like home. Cue Drew, a very pregnant Juliann, and their son Luke! These guys hailed from Texas and I couldn't be happier to have them right next door. I mean, just look at Ansley!
Just a fair warning that if you have a family this cute and move next door, we will force photos on you. Especially when said photos involve colorful leaves or snow. ;)
Thank you guys for the photo time!!! :)


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- An espresso glossary:
Common and uncommon espresso machine terminology.
- Coffee glossary:
A collection of coffee related terms organized by letters.
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Reno, Nev. » The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has agreed to let ranchers continue grazing cattle and sheep on more than 300 square miles of northern Nevada rangeland as long as lingering drought conditions don't worsen.
But some ranchers say they don't believe the temporary agreement is practical over the long term and they're taking their concerns to Gov. Brian Sandoval in petitions being delivered in a Pony Express-style procession scheduled to arrive at the state Capitol in Carson City on Friday.
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Last weekend, BLM officials backed off earlier threats to force most if not all of the livestock off the Argenta grazing allotment in Humboldt and Lander counties.
Under a temporary agreement with the three largest permittees, grazing will be allowed to continue at existing levels but with the caveat the livestock must be removed within a week after range conditions deteriorate to the point they trigger a mandatory drought response.
Among other things, the height of grass stubble in riparian areas can't drop below 4 inches.
"The 2014 agreements avoid issuance of a BLM grazing decision that would either temporarily close all or part of the allotment or require grazing permit terms to be temporarily modified in order to prevent drought related resource damage," BLM spokeswoman Lesli Ellis-Wouters said.
"The federal grazing regulations specifically require BLM to temporarily close all or part of an allotment or modify management practices if it is determined that grazing use poses a likelihood of resource damage due to drought," she said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Most of the livestock impacted belong to Tomera Ranches — 11,890 out of the more than 13,000 Animal Unit Months (AUM) permitted. An AUM is the amount of forage needed to sustain one cow and her calf, or one horse, or five sheep or goats for a month.
Pete Tomera of Battle Mountain was among those gathering signatures on horseback Thursday and could not be reached immediately for comment. But he said in a speech to supporters in Carlin on Monday they reluctantly agreed to the deal as an alternative to selling hundreds of cattle.
"The agreement BLM forced on us is not a good one. There are many unreasonable restrictions," Tomera said at the rally in conjunction with a horseback ride from Elko to Battle Mountain dubbed the "Grass March."
"We feel we are being set up for failure," he said. "We feel the BLM is still using their heavy-handed efforts to keep us all under their control."
Elko County Commissioner Grant Gerber, organizer of the "Grass March," said he modeled it after Gandhi's legacy of non-violent civil disobedience, including the "Salt March" protesting Great Britain's monopoly on India's salt supplies in in 1930. Riders gathered signatures along the way on petitions urging a halt to BLM's removal of cattle and the firing of BLM District Manager Doug Furtado.
Eddyann Filipini, whose Badger and Chiarra Ranches have nearly 1,500 AUMs in the Argenta allotment, said ranchers riding segments of the route in relays like the Pony Express reached Fallon on Thursday and should arrive at the Statehouse in Carson City at 10 a.m. Friday.
Filipini said in a letter to the governor on May 23 that forage and grass is abundant in the area and that the BLM restrictions make no sense.
"I feel the actions of the Battle Mountain BLM are tyranny and blackmail," said Filipini, whose family has been ranching in Nevada since the 1870s.
Copyright 2014 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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We showed you McCain stumbling over the question of whether birth control should, indeed, be covered by insurance companies in the same way Viagra is (answer=hell yes). But who asked the question?
Many news outlets have alluded to "the woman from the LA Times," but we wanted to name her and thank her for doing what journalists are supposed to do–ask the hard questions and demand answers from our nation's political power players. Thank you Maeve Reston!
By the way, I love that community blogger JentheFem and others have started to write their own Thank You Thursdays. The best form of flattery!
78 Comments
If Birth control pills are covered by insurance companies they will have to pass on that cost to the customers – if not they will go bankrupt. And the cost will go up for all the people who do not use it too. This is kind of unjust because people not using it would be financing others who are using it – women who are not using it will be paying more for their coverage.
And also it will be easy for misusing it. There is no way the companies can guarantee that the pill is being used by the policy holder.
I think it is a good decision.
AJoy: So you're saying that no prescriptions should be covered, right?
Because every single thing you stated could be said ove every kind of drug.
And how do you "misuse" birth control? I'm pretty sure it won't get you high. the only things I know that it has been used for other than birth control are some variants are believed to help with skin conditions (acne) and to regulate unusual or problematic menstruation issues. And as far as I know the pill is not really the best for the former.
How about you say: "If heart surgery is covered by health insurance they will have to pass along the cost….blah blah blah."
Most of what is covered by insurance companies should have a prescription. Which means that if the medicine is not taken (most likely) it could be fatal/very bad to the patient. So, the patient will be forced to take it.
It is difficult to monitor the usage of sleeping pill – the person could give it others…
If the cost of all medicines is say 10,000, the company has to charge 11,000 and make the 1,000 profit. If the cost goes up due to covering the sleeping pill people will be forced to pay more.
If a patient has to have a heart surgery he/she will have to have it done. Sleeping pill is a choice.
AJoy: What are you talking about? This isn't a discussion of sleeping pills, this is a discussion of birth control pills.
AJoy: Ok, point taken. In the vast majority of cases, birth control or lack thereof is not life or death. But that's not the issue at hand. The issue is why aren't sexual health drugs covered in the same way for men and women?
If an insurance company chooses not to cover drugs that are specifically used for sexual health purposes, then fine. I don't agree with the decision, but it's not sexist. But why is it that they'll cover a drug whose only purpose is to allow men to get their jollies, but not drugs that women need not only to have a healthy sexual life, but also often to simply lead a normal life.
"whose only purpose is to allow men to get their jollies"
this is a tough one for me. viagra and drug like it are often used recreationally by those who dont -need- it but viagra is also used so that men can "have a healthy sexual life, but also often to simply lead a normal life."
I dont see viagra or birth control as 100% analagous, maybe 98% so and i think both should be covered under health insurance but I never quite got how they are used as completely the same in this argument. Without viagra a lot of men would be unable to perform sexually, not being able to have sex at all seems different to me than having than having to worry about the consequences. to not be able to enjoy sex and/or orgasm at all is a medical problem, birth control seems more a life necessity. both are needed but i dont know why the image of a vitamin v popping old man or men simply wanting their jollies is the only image brought up when this conversation comes up.
"whose only purpose is to allow men to get their jollies"
this is a tough one for me. viagra and drug like it are often used recreationally by those who dont -need- it but viagra is also used so that men can "have a healthy sexual life, but also often to simply lead a normal life."
I dont see viagra or birth control as 100% analagous, maybe 98% so and i think both should be covered under health insurance but I never quite got how they are used as completely the same in this argument. Without viagra a lot of men would be unable to perform sexually, not being able to have sex at all seems different to me than having than having to worry about the consequences. to not be able to enjoy sex and/or orgasm at all is a medical problem, birth control seems more a life necessity. both are needed but i dont know why the image of a vitamin v popping old man or men simply wanting their jollies is the only image brought up when this conversation comes up.
had a question on this, a few weeks ago i read a few posts from people who were upset young women were being charged more for health insurance than young men, how much would that chasm grow with mandatory birth control coverage? I'm all for it I'm just curious what the costs would be.
had a question on this, a few weeks ago i read a few posts from people who were upset young women were being charged more for health insurance than young men, how much would that chasm grow with mandatory birth control coverage? I'm all for it I'm just curious what the costs would be.
dan&danica: I agree that a healthy sex life is important for men and women, and that my previous comment was dismissive of that. I suppose my only point was (supposed to be) that without Viagra, men can still hold a job, go grocery shopping, take their kids to school, leave the house, etc. For many women (my mother was one for a long time) the pill is the only thing that makes it possible to do these things. My mother would bleed through in literally 15 minutes until she was prescribed birth control for this reason. It also caused a host of other medical maladies including severe anemia (that nearly killed her).
If we're going to speak of degrees of necessity (which AJoy was), I cannot possibly see how Viagra could be more so.
The problem with AJoy's argument is that corporations (including insurance companies) don't make a standard amount of profit. They don't say – "Well, our costs our X, so we'll charge consumers X + $1000, and make $1000 per consumer." Corporations charge as much as they can get away with. So the assumption that covering birth control pills (or any medication) will automatically raise costs is a false one.
Beyond that, I view health care as a human right. So we need to be fighting for the inclusion of all medication that doctors and patients decide they need – which ranges from antibiotics to oral contraceptives to, yes, Viagra. I don't think we should be okay with insurance companies choosing not to cover certain medications. They're certainly not passing those savings on to us.
Sorry, it is Birth control pill not sleeping pill in my previous comment.
I think sexual desire could be a "decease" that affects only few Men or Women (I guess Women have their own Viagra if Viagra is only for Men). If all Men are covered to take Viagra it is a problem.
Problem with Birth control pills is 100% of the Women between 13-55 years are eligible to buy it. If companies start covering that kind of stuff they will go bankrupt.
This is my opinion.
Biological and medical inequities render the analogy imperfect and not the analogy itself.
Even if there were a male birth control pill on the market, it doesn't change the fact that it is the woman who must carry the fetus to term for 9 months.
And as for Viagra: not being able to enjoy sex/orgasm has been a reality for many women at least in some parts of our lives. Yet there is no such magic bullet (pun intended) treatment available. Would insurance ever consider a vibrator for an anorgasmic women if it were deemed medically necessary? (Insurance does cover other medical necessary gadgets).
So we can't compare things that don't yet exist (viagra for women or birth control pills for men).
The analogy is really the best we have to offer. Furthermore, an analogy need not be perfect to be useful.
Now if someone could create a pill to transfer a fetus into a belly of a man—well then the conversation might be different.
A few things about the pill:
1) As hiya points out, there are legitimate, non-contraceptive reasons for prescribing birth control pills, including the treatment of several severe illnesses, namely, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and endometriosis.
2) Pregnancy is a medical condition, and a much more dangerous medical condition than inability to get an erection.
3) Ovulating every month (the pill stops ovulation) is not "normal." It is only in the past century that we have been well-fed enough (and delayed/limited childbearing enough) that women have ovulated every month. More ovulation = higher risk of ovarian cancer.
4) If the insurance companies were looking at this from a profit perspective, paying for a woman's birth control for life (or even 10 or 20 women) is much less expensive than a hospital birth in a normal pregnancy. (Add in prenatal care, and well-baby checkups . . .)
5) A larger number of women then men suffer sexual dysfunction. Yet we have a drug for male, but not female, sexual dysfunction. Wonder if those same companies pay for testosterone creme, which some women with low libidos swear by. I am thinking no.
"dan&danica: had a question on this, a few weeks ago i read a few posts from people who were upset young women were being charged more for health insurance than young men, how much would that chasm grow with mandatory birth control coverage? I'm all for it I'm just curious what the costs would be."
The hormones in birth control pills probably cost a nickels and dimes per pill to produce. Any drug on the market beyond the life of it's patent usually has a myriad of generic manufactures producing it. This produces competition, such that prices fall fast. It boggles the mind why we pay such high prices for oral contraceptives that have essentially not changed for 30 years.
One time, in Europe I was in a pinch and I went to a pharmacy to see if I could get 1 pack of birth control pills. Now keep in mind that yes, Europe has price controls but also keep in mind that pharmaceutical companies aren't going to sell something without seeing a profit.
I think the cash price for 1 pack (1 month supply) was under 20 dollars (for a brand name). People with insurance would have paid a lot less.
In the US they are overcharging cash paying customers such that the same pack would have cost 40-50 dollars for brand name, 30 dollars for generic. Insurance companies make contracts with the drug companies and in turn they get deep discounts. Then they turn around and charge the patient a copayment. They incentive generics by jacking up copayments on the brand name drugs and tell you that you are saving money, but they are the ones pocketing most of it.
If insurance companies don't want to cover birth control pills then they don't deserve to be the middlemen. Women should be allowed to pay cash what other citizens pay in other countries.
end of story.
I absolutely think that insurance could cover birth control, but lets not get too up in arms about them covering Viagra. My boyfriend's grandfather is on a low dose of it for heart problems, and I think a healthy sex life is important for everyone. Just because people want to hurt women's health insurance coverage doesn't mean we should take out our anger on the men who rely on insurance for their needs.
That being said, hell yeah cover the pill. It's very necessary for many women's quality of life.
Birth control pills vs. ED pills is comparing apples to oranges.
Birth control pills exist for reasons of choice. It has nothing to do with a medical condition. (Having said that, I guess I realize there are medical conditions for which those drugs could be prescribed, in which case, yeah, one could argue that they should be covered.)
The drug Viagra and others are meant to treat a medical condition: the lack of the ability to achieve an erection. ED is a loss of normal body function. Drugs to treat it are no different in purpose than drugs to treat high blood pressure, acid reflux, etc. They are treating an abnormal condition.
But all this stuff about "the insurance company should cover this, the insurance company should cover that…" is nonsense. An insurance company can do whatever the heck they want to do, as they see fit to run their business, as any other corporation sees fit to run their business. Just because you "think" insurance should cover something doesn't make it so. I'd like my co-pays to be zero, but it ain't gonna happen. I'd like Aetna to cover the chest x-ray my doctor gives me each time I have an annual physical, but they don't. I think they should, but at the end of the day, they write the policy and I pay the premium. If I don't like it, I can take my business elsewhere.
This argument makes about as much sense as telling an automobile manufacturer what they have to cover under their warranties. Baloney. They don't have to cover anything, and the only reason they do is to make sure you actually will buy a car from them. It's a business decision, nothing more, nothing less.
Anyway, women get plenty of money thrown at them through all the offices of women's health the government has set up for them and they live longer than men on average. So, I don't have much sympathy that women have to actually pay their own money for a drug which basically allows them the pleasure of screwing without worrying about the consequences.
I find Scarbo's comments interesting. Viagra is seen as treating a medical condition, that is the inability to achieve an erection for men, but the contraceptive pill "basically allows them (women) the pleasure of screwing without worrying about the consequences". Hmmmmm. Isn't the purpose of supplying a drug for men to achieve an erection so that they can "screw" as well? Obviously men do not have to worry about the consequences of their sexual activity in Scarbo's world. Surely a woman choosing to take the contraceptive pill IS taking responsibility for her sexual activity in not conceiving unwanted children? Also, all sorts of women use the contraceptive pill. I am married, have completed my family and want no more children. Does that put me in the same category as these shameless women "screwing around", or do we read here the implication that they might be single yet sexually active, hence morally questionable? I live in a country where this isn't even an issue, and never has been. The contraceptive pill has been available to women for decades, subsidized by the government. The irony is that the government will not subsidize Viagra! It is interesting the way priorities and policies vary when corporate interests are removed. The American health system is driven by the profit motives of large insurance companies, mostly run by middle-aged and older males. No wonder Viagra is seen as necessary and hence paid for by them! And yes, Scarbo, using the contraceptive pill is a choice. It gives women the choice to be in charge of their fertility, and hence their lives. You come across as very bitter towards women, Scarbo. Perhaps some self-examination as to why might be in order?
Scarbo – I totally agree with you. I wanted to say all the things you said (except money spent on Women by Government – I was not aware of it). Very well written.
I guess Government spending more money on Women's health so that they live longer is part of Patriarchy.
I have read that more people suffer because of Prostrate cancer than Breast cancer (not sure about the actual numbers). But they spend more money on Breast cancer. It is not going to change anytime soon.
I went on birth control when I was 15. The reason was because my cramps were so bad I would miss 3 or 4 days of school a month, and lie in bed taking bottles of advil and tylenol, hoping that some magic combination would keep me from feeling like there was a knife in my gut. The cherry on top was when I had to run to the bathroom every half hour or so to puke. One time, after coming back from the bathroom, I collapsed in the middle of my floor, unable to get back to my bed. My sister found me and called my mom screaming "I can't believe you won't let her go on birth control!" Obviously it worked, cause I had an appointment the next month and was put on the Nuvaring.
So Scarbo, for this reason I was extremely offended by your comment on how birth control is not medically necessary unless one has certain conditions. I do not have PCOS or endometriosis. My period function was perfectly "normal", medically speaking.
The same exact arguments can be made against drugs meant to reduce prostate size. "Well, I understand that it really hurts the guy to pee, but it's not like it's deadly. Besides, if insurance companies cover prostate medication because a few men want it, then it will make everyone's premiums go up, regardless if they even have prostate issues."
And it's easy to go the whole "if you don't like the service your insurance is offering, take your business elsewhere" bullshit. Sometimes, going to another insurance company isn't an option, especially if your insurance is covered by your job. Opting out and getting insurance elsewhere is incredibly expensive, and not affordable to many people. I love how it's always the white, upper middle class, males, who usually work in IT that always tell us wimenz to just "take our business elsewhere", as if we hadn't thought of that. Sometimes that's just not fucking possible.
MLEmac: I think the problem many of the critic here are raising is that the analogy is just not exact.
I agree that, for many, birth control pills have a therapeutic effect in mitigating the symptoms some women experience in their cycle.
Do you think this analogy is better (more analogous): insurance companies should cover birth control pills for women and ED medication and CONDOMS for men?
Breast Cancer gets much more funding and charity because of the massive success of organizations such as Komen. I run in my local Race for the Cure every year and I have spent a great deal of time trying to raise money for Breast Cancer research. I have a very personal connection to the issue. Two of my Grandmother's sisters died of breast cancer, and my grandmother had it, but caught it early enough that she was successfully treated. My mother and I have a high risk factor for breast cancer because of this family history. So naturally, I'm going to care a great deal about this particular issue because I am very familiar with it (duh).
That said I also support Prostate cancer research. The fact that so much more attention and money is given to breast cancer does not mean that money and attention should be taken away from breast cancer research. Hell I think more should be given. It means that men should try and raise the same kind of awareness for their own medical issues. Start your own race for the cure. I will gladly stand on the sidelines holding a sign and cheering men on if they want to have their own 5Ks. I will support any increase in grants given to prostate research, and I will not whine about any male privilege if prostate cancer charities gain the same sort of recognition and support as breast cancer. Maybe after you gain some ground there, we can all start talking about the life expectancy gap, crime rates among males, suicide rates, I could go on.
What it comes down to is that I, and other women, will naturally support issues that are affecting us the most, because we will be the most familiar with it and have the most emotional connection. We have been damn successful in raising this kind of awareness, and the reason men's health issues have not gained as much ground in recent years is because they doesn't have the same kind of PR work aiding them. So instead of whining about women's success in this area, why don't you do a little work to catch up? There is plenty of lab space for more research, and I will gladly support any sort of push to use it.
Well, seeing as condoms aren't a prescription, that doesn't work either, unless you want to push to make all OTC drugs free, in that case EC should certainly be covered as well.
I understand that Viagra and Birth Control are not a homologous pair. Obviously, when we are talking about parts of the body that are biologically different in men and women, then we are going to run into that problem. However, it is not false or far-fetched to comment on the fact that medications affecting men's sexual health, such as viagra and prostate medicines are covered, no questions asked seems to be a double standard when there are medications affecting women's health levels, that can treat a multitude of conditions which can cause pain and disrupt ones life (pregnancy being the ultimate disruption), as well as make the overall standard of living higher and reducing the risk for ovarian cancer, and we have to FIGHT to get coverage for these.
I find another ridiculous double standard in the way that insurance which covers pregnancy, doesn't cover birth control. I have a feeling that there may be a strong negative correlation between those two. Just a hunch…..
You know, I think the whole viagra is for a legitimate health condition, but birth control is a lifestyle choice crowd should just say what they really mean,
"Viagra is something that middle-aged or elderly men use to screw their trophy wives and/or mistresses. This is of vast importance, ED can kill just like blue balls! Birth control is something sluts use to screw around without suffering the consequences. Women are sluts! Make them pay for their slut pills!"
I'm only half-joking. This shit makes me sick. I guess in this country, massaging the ego of some old guy is of more importance than giving a woman the tools to control her family size.
"So, I don't have much sympathy"
That about sums it up, eh, Scarbo and Ajoy? Add to that "I don't have much empathy," "I don't have much common sense," and "I don't have much imagination." These are things that have kept you, Scarbo (and presumably Ajoy, since you gave a hearty second to the former), from understanding why birth control's accessibility should be widened by insurance companies. We'll leave aside for now the rank overtones of misogyny in Scarbo's phrase "the pleasures of screwing without worrying about the consequences."
On second thought, no we won't.
Watch and learn.
You are one of the following:
1. A woman who has never had children.
In this case, you must also be either abstinent or do not use birth control OR contraception of any kind, condoms included, is that correct? Because a woman who denounces "the pleasure of screwing without the consequences" is clearly someone who is either entirely free from the burden of potential pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood (i.e. abstinent), or who is heedless to their perils and "screws" with total abandon, sans protection. If the latter, you mock BC-using women for their self-absorption in refusing to throw caution to the wind. This, I believe, is the only way to reconcile your gender with your contempt for women, women's bodies and reproductive realities, and women's choices.
Lack of empathy with others who do not follow your personal path? Check.
See also my advice to men, below.
2. A woman who has had children.
You either brought them into this world the "responsible" way–the one man, one wedding way–and thus have contempt for those who JUST CAN'T HANLE (a la Jack Nicholson) the consequences, or you fell prey to the perils of pleasure, were punished with an unwelcome baby, and believe passionately that other pleasure-seeking women should suffer just as effing much as you did. My hat is off to you, madam, for your remarkable ability to pass judgment on other women's lives and fates (because pregnancy can be fate-altering)as a reflection of your own personal choices. You, you, you and your reproductive situation should drive insurance policy in this country, not the needs of millions of other women who may choose different life paths.
3. A man. You have no imagination, and no empathy. You cannot stretch your mind to accept the potential terror–and it can indeed be terrifying, even to women with planned pregnancies–of a being over which you have little to no direct control stationing itself inside your body, which heretofore has been yours and for you alone, and taking over in every sense: corporeal, emotional, mental, financial, existential.
Because you cannot or will not refuse to excercise your mind in this fashion, you view with hatred and contempt those who attempt to mitigate the potential damages of an unplanned pregnancy. As AliCat points out, these are the designated "Responsible" (TM) women; these are the ones you might be praising because they are not contributing to the glut of unwanted, impoverished kids in the U.S., right?
And please tell me more of these "pleasure-seekers," these wantons, these hedonists. Do they include men who wear condoms? "Men's penises deliver semen to wombs; that's what they're meant for, dammit, and heaven help those men who seek pleasure untethered from this biological purpose."
But you haven't made this argument, have you?
I don't know which of the above you are, but they all have something in common: you are a hypocrite, and one with deeply antagonistic feelings toward women generally. Your anatagonism appears to be a combination of fear and disgust of women's bodies (your own body, perhaps?), especially in their sexual and reproductive capacities; ambivalence towards women's attempts to take the reigns of their own lives; and contempt for women's temerity in seeking pleasure.
If you are a woman, I fear for your self-confidence, sense of self-worth, and lack of empathy. If you are a heterosexual man, I genuinely question how you can bring yourself to have relations–sexual, emotional, or otherwise–with these creatures for whom you bear such contempt.
Wow. Some of these comments are extremely hypocritical.
Why is a man's loss of his erection a serious medical concern but a woman's desire to control when she has children not?
Pregnancy IS a medical condition. The Pill is preventative care. In addition, the Pill is prescribed to treat a number of other medical issues besides pregnancy prevention.
It is the ultimate irony to declare that women who use contraception are not taking responsibility for sex. I suppose every single sex act is supposed to result in a baby, huh?
Basically, what a few of you are saying is that men have a god-given right to boners but women are whores if they choose to have sex while using contraception.
Furthermore, who are the Viagra-taking men having sex with? They must be sharing their newfound boners with someone (if not more than one). Could it be a filthy, hedonistic slut who uses birth control? Maybe they're even married to filthy, hedonistic sluts on birth control! Ew!
Or maybe they're college dudes seeking that three hour hard-on to share with all the filthy, hedonistic sluts on campus.
SarahMC: Maybe a better way to frame the point some are trying to make is that ED is a dysfunction. While pregnancy may be a medical condition, it is not a dysfunction for which birth control is a "treatment."
Does that clarify the distinction?
Is it a dysfunction or is it nature's way of telling you to keep it in your pants?
Ok, that's not fair.
However, with all the slut-shaming that goes on when we talk of reproductive rights for women, I would like, just once, to turn the tables and talk about men who take viagra the same way some folks talk about women who take birth control or have abortions.
It's such a double standard.
Women upthread have explained how their menstrual cycles can be dysfunctional and cause pain.
I have explained how pregnancy, unlike ED, can end in medical issues, and that includes death. A "dysfunction" btw is not as serious as a medical condition, such as pregnancy.
You cannot argue with a straight face that ED is more dangerous or serious than pregnancy.
Also, I notice you have not answered my point that it is not "normal" for a woman to ovulate every month. I am only 28, and I have already had 1 1/2 times the number of periods a normal woman used to have throughout her entire reproductive life. Which increases my risk of ovarian cancer.
The reason people get up in arms about this is that ED, while troubling, is a sexual dysfunction, not a medical condition. It does not cause physical pain nor does it contribute to disease states. (Like PCOS, for one). The pill covers a host of medical conditions, including but not limited to pregnancy, and covering birth control is cheap compared to covering pregnancy (which companies do cover.)
Sorry, which women's health offices are you referring to? To my knowledge, women in this country are less likely to have medical insurance than men. Women live longer because men in general are more frail (why more male babies die and more male pregnancies miscarry) and because men, traditionally, worked outside the home and were subject to more stress. Now that women are taking on higher-stress jobs, the longevity gap is closing. That's right, we work in your jobs, we die younger like you.
Oh and here's a short list of dysfunctions that birth control can help treat (aside from pregnancy prevention):
Painful or irregular periods, acne, ovarian cysts, the symptoms of endometriosis.
I guess if we wanted to stay in line with the idea that "Viagra treats a medical condition while birth control is a lifestyle choice," we could say that viagra treats a serious medical condition while women should just choose to suffer through unwanted pregnancy or a number of other reproductive health-related issues.
'Cuz they're not men, see?
Ismone, engaging on the longevity point is futile. Some "what about the menz?" anti-womanists (and I am NOT saying Scarbo's male, much less one of these) have a few paltry tracks on their record, and the "women live longer than men, so women have it better!" trope is one of them. But the turnstyle needs to screech this broken record to a damn halt.
Let's suppose that the "longevity gap" isn't narrowing, and that women everywhere are just assured of living longer than men, irrespective of occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle. In all countries. For all time.
And. So?
Not only is this **not** evidence that women do not face human rights, workplace, reproductive, and myriad other injustices, it is irrelevant to them to begin with.
The fact that a set of people lives longer than another has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of said lives while the people ARE on earth.
And the quality of a life, no matter how long, is severely lessened when one faces clitoral cutting, or less pay for the same work, or tenacious sexually objectifiying reprsetation in the media, or female-only purity balls, or any other woman-restrictive custom or policy.
ismone, glad i refereshed, you said it so much better than i was planning on. you also left out that men tend to drink more than women, smoke more than women and drive more than women – and great paths to that last path…
at any rate, the issue here, i think is mccain's inability to answer the question and scarbo and friends' arguments than BC should not be covered like Viagra is.
i've got news on the economic front, though… BC is a lot cheaper than pregnancy (and do insurers HATE covering pregnancy – heck, my partner and i have to file separately, when we have health insurance money, because there's such a premium on "risk of pregnancy") and (according to FactCheck.org) 86% of insurers agree (and, hence, cover BC)… so it's not really a big deal on the ground level, but rather it's an issue that (a) mccain couldn't seem to deal with the question (meaning he's afraid of alienating women or he's scared of sex, which makes me scared of him facing down much scarier issues) (b) scarbo and ajoy are mad at women for living longer and think that health care should be denied them in light of this 4-6 year life expectancy discrepancy.
Ismone: I acknowledged upthread that birth control does have many therapeutic benefits. It also has a recreational use. That is why I suggested a better analogy was women/birth control=men/viagra and condoms. if we want to get into the question game, you never answered that question.
And, no, I am not suggesting that ED is more dangerous than pregnancy, but I am suggesting one is a dysfunctional condition and the other is a functioning condition.
However, I am not grasping your distinction between a dysfunction and a medical condition. I would say that any dysfunction is probably a medical condition, while not every medical condition is a dysfunction. ED is a medical condition right, like kidney failure, tachycardia, acid reflux, etc.
As for recent increased ovulation in women, you say that monthly periods are not "normal." What does that ("normal") mean? You are not suggesting that infrequent ovulation caused by malnutrtion is preferable or normal, right? You seem to be suggesting that, because regular ovulation creates an increased risk of ovarian cancer, birth control should be covered as a preventative measure. However, if that is the case, that would appear to suggest that birth control use should be encouraged for every woman as part of their overall health, much the way regular mammograms and pap smears are encouraged.
You are not suggesting that, are you?
Even if that's a legitimate claim, Jut Gory, why would you privilege dysfunctions over other medical conditions?
I take a cocktail of medications for chronic neuropathic pain. My pain is not a dysfunction. Is it somehow less serious than ED?
What do you need Viagra for, Jut Gory, if not "recreational use?"
I don't understand how the birth control pills "have a recreational use." Does pregnancy prevention fit your definition of recreational?
I mean, I've heard of sex-themed parties where men have popped viagra (whether they needed it or not) like candy in order to go for hours, but I've never heard of birth control being used this way.
There is no recreational use for birth control; but there is for viagra.
SarahMC: No, I am not privileging dysfunction over medical conditions. I was responding to Ismone, who said ED is not a medical condition. I was trying to understand what she meant. (By the way, I have no problem with insurance companies covering pregnancy, but, likewise, I am not troubled that birth is not. At the same time, I would have no problem if it were covered, but I do not think the analogy to Viagra is persuasive on that point.)
Perhaps, "recreational use" was a bad choice of words. I was trying to separate the different effects of the drugs. I am sure you agree that Viagra has no contraceptive side-effects. My ultimate point was to say that that IS one of the benefits desired by many and, to make the analogy more accurate, condoms would have to be added to the mix.
If ever there was a drug intended and taken for "recreational use," it is Viagra.
How any man can, with a straight face, insist that the birth control pill is a recreational drug whilst Viagra is a Very Serious Drug that treats Pressing Medical Dysfunctions, is beyond me. It really is privilege in action.
I have read comments written by men on other blogs that reflect the same attitudes we see here. It's absolutely stunning.
And chances are, most of these men either are in or have been in sexual relationships with women who "recreationally" take the Pill. YOU benefit from the Pill, boys.
Okra, that is a really good point. I shouldn't let myself get sidetracked, but I also like what puckalish has to say about how it is correlated with lifestyle choices (which are more socially acceptable among men.) And you're right, Okra, that although it is a problem, it is a complete non-sequiter.
First, menstruation is not a "functioning condition" for all people. Second, pregnancy can be much more serious than a dysfunction. Not all pregnancies are "normal" and even normal pregnancies strain the body.
Let me be really clear. A dysfunction or abnormality doesn't necessarily have downstream affects on health. ED certainly does not. But, pregnancy and menstruation do have downstream effects, some of which are very severe and effect women's health.
You are comparing a less than normal function issue to a genuine health issue. Do you see the problem with that?
"Normal" in this context means the average number of ovulations women have had throughout most of evolutionary history. And yes, although I do not take birth control as a prophylactic measure agaisnt ovarian cancer, it is not necessarily a bad idea. Ovulation does strain the ovaries.
Does it bother you, in the slightest, that women who have menstrual dysfunction, which is PAINFUL and DEBILITATING, as some women have reported upthread (and I could tell you about my problems, if you care to hear) whereas ED doesn't keep anyone home from work and is not painful.
Not that sexual dysfunction isn't a QOL issue, but it just doesn't rank up there for me with people having to stay home from work, go through a difficult or even normal pregnancy, and have increased risk of ovarian cancer if they are denied the pill.
SarahMC: You're last comment was a little too sarcastic.
Let me re-cast it and see what you think: "YOU benefit from [Viagra], [girls]."
Word, SarahMC.
Every time I hear, "viagra treats a serious medical condition while birth control is a lifestyle choice," this is what I hear
"a man's right to sexual pleasure overrides a woman's right to reproductive health."
or shorter:
""YOU benefit from [Viagra], [girls]."
Not so much if we don't a. want to get pregnant or b. have access to birth control to prevent said unwanted pregnancy.
13lesslee: What about a. if you want to enjoy a fully and mutuall intimate and satisfying sexual relationship with your partner over the course of your life?
I stand by my sarcastic remark; we are not saying that insurance should not cover Viagra, or that Viagra is only used by [stereotype]. People ARE making that argument about the Pill.
And it's a lot easier for women have a satisfying sex life when they're not fretting about having an unplanned pregnancy.
Also, a hard penis is not required for women to enjoy sex.
well, i guess in a perfect world we don't have to worry about what can come from having a fully and mutually intimate and satisfying sexual relationship with your partner over the course of your life this, of course, being (dun dun dun):
an unplanned pregnancy or two or three
for those of us who live in reality, we have to worry about such things which is why we take birth control. so we can have the awesome sex life with our awesome partner without having to worry about unplanned pregnancies.
but, hey, why should something like the stress of having and raising a kid take away a man's right to his boner?
and oh yeah, i forgot to mention- a woman can get off in other ways that don't include a man's erection.
"An insurance company can do whatever the heck they want to do, as they see fit to run their business, as any other corporation sees fit to run their business"
See, even automobile insurance and home owner's insurance companies by definition are obligated to provide a basic levels of service.
Here's an example:
"The law requires insurers that sell residential property insurance in California to offer earthquake coverage to their policyholders. Residential property insurance includes coverage for homeowners, condominium owners, mobilehome owners, and renters."
A health insurance company likewise has obligations to provide at least some minimum standards of health care–standards that are shaped by policy and medical evidence and of which prevention and treatments fall under.
Birth control pills do fall under this standard of care in most other industrialized countries and according to non-governmental health agencies. The claim that insurers do not have this obligation is bordering on absurdity even from a business perspective.
@Spike: so lawmakers have passed laws telling a business how to run itself. Doesn't make it right. In fact, same insurance company can say "sod this" and turn to some other line of work if they so desire. Instead, they've decided to accept the regulations (and don't think they didn't lobby against them) and conduct business anyway.
@less13lee: Every time I hear, "viagra treats a serious medical condition while birth control is a lifestyle choice," this is what I hear: "a man's right to sexual pleasure overrides a woman's right to reproductive health." or shorter: men>women
Clever re-framing there. How about leaving it at "a man's right to regain normal function" without the editorializing.
And what does insurance have to do with "rights" anyway? Does anyone really know what "rights" are anymore? Or do we just define them conveniently as needed?
Anyway, I suppose you can always look for ways you can cynically claim victim status if you want. While you're at it, tell me how women's longer average life span and gigantic heaping portions of government cash devoted to women's health contribute to that, will ya?
13lesslee: I know that women can get off in other ways. That is why I qualified it by saying mutually satisfying. But, I will remember your comment the next time I am accused of being sexually selfish or failing to satisfy my SO's needs.
Actually, on second thought, no, I won't. I try not to be selfish in that respect.


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Niopha Keegan
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I have a level 70 Draenei Shaman and I recognize the difficulties the class has. How can the devs say the class is fine when it has the lowest population at max level of any class despite the fact that druids have less race options? Furthermore (and I'm not sure if this is true but I've heard it is) how can active Horde Paladins outnumber active Horde Shaman if Shaman are a "fine". Lets assume that they are viable, well then they simply aren't fun. And if they aren't fun, then Blizzard should be trying to make them more fun. Where is the damned Totem UI?
And finally, if Enhancement Shaman aren't meant for PvP and aren't meant for Raiding and aren't meant for Heroics (you try being a melee dpser when cleaves are flying left and right), then what are they meant for in end game? Every spec should have at least some viable role in one of the 3 end game forms.
The class needs help and Blizzard doesn't want to acknowledge it.


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Tefal aluminium 24cm 'Superior' frying pan
Item No.3310019571
Tefal's range of frying pans come with a unique thermospot technology which tells you when the pan is heated to the optimum temperature. This 24cm 'Superior' frying pan comes in an ultimate non-stick coated aluminium with a soft hold handle.
- Suitable for all hobs excluding induction
- Oven safe up to 180C
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime guarantee on non-stick coating
- This guarantee does not cover damage caused by incorrect use such as overheating, professional use or if the product is knocked or dropped.
- This guarantee does not cover stains, discolouration or scratches on the inside or outside of the product due to normal wear and tear.
- Aluminium
- Diam: 24 cm
- HWD: 43 x 24 x 7.5 cm
- Enamel finish
- Intensium coating
- Anti-warp base
- Thermospot
- Curved comfortable handle
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Womens Ams Team
Kelly Underwood
Astro Sign: Taurus
What year did you start riding: 2001
Goofy/Reg?: Goofy Stance: 20" / -16° Back /16° Front
Recent Glog Posts
Photo Gallery
Weird Cinema
Kelly Underwood - Timberline Parks
Kelly Underwood Spring @ Bachelor & Timberline
Curious Questions and Answers
Tell me a story about a day on your board?
My first experience at Ms. Superpark was all time and getting to meet and ride with all the shred ladies was awesome! In the morning while the speed was good, I played on the kickers and felt completely stable thanks to Magne-Traction. As the snow softened up, finding lines on the jib island was the place to be. I love the ease and connection I feel with my B-Nice, the Banana Tech allows immediate responsiveness on the rails so I could finish out the days confident and strong.
What is your gname? Where do you hang? Who is your gn-Gang?
My name is Kelly or when gettin G thug it's swish. As for the hang spots, I've been at Hood, and the upcoming season will be endless adventures in Salt Lake City with my main comrade Sarah Gall and friends.
Where do you live on the web? Instagram, FB athlete page, Tweester? Rattle them off
@kswish is where I tend to end up more often than the fb
What Gnu do you like to ride? Do you ride multiple Gnus? Any other Gnu products in your arsenal?
I rode the B-Nice all last season and had the time of my life. When gettin jibby and riding in summer slush I like to ride the B-Street, but in powder the B-Pro is super fun!
How do you make magic? Got a story of you and your board sharing a magical experience?
The magical times=(love+snowboarding)(laughter+great friends)(live+amazing life)
The memory I recall at the moment… While in Chile this summer, we were extremely lucky to receive a blizzard and it was the first taste since last winter, so we rallied around the mountain, full blown white out, hootin' and hollerin' and smiles couldn't be lost!
Do you ever make magic while getting wild in a weird way? Explain
In the wild, wild NW I like to get weird, wild, and wet in the rain cause it tends to pour every so often on the mountain. Facing all the elements really livens me up. Respect our planet and keep the snow falling.
Technology is important. Do you use it? Is your board so technologically advanced that it makes magic all by itself, or do you still control it?
I'm the park ranger and guide the board to showcase all the resort has to offer, but the board is magically comfortable from the first day so we can start the relationship off strong.
Back flips or front flips? Do you enjoy being upside-down?
Backflips, being upside down is amazing.
Name your three favorite essentials for going out in the Wild on a split mission. Three essentials for getting weird? Three essentials for making magic? That's nine essentials.
- IPod Shuffle
- Water
- Luna Lemon Zest
- Bubbles
- Water/dust/freeze/shock proof Camera
- Turquoise
- Great attitude
- Friends
- Snowboard under my feet
Who or what do you want to thank? Sponsors, individuals, spirits, etc.
I want to thank my amazing mother, GNU, Dakine, Smith Optics, the guardian, and the earth. All for being so magically wonderful!


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The Making of a (Good) Gluten-Free Beer
Beer Sessions
Quick beer-brewing lesson: most beer is made from barley. Barley contains gluten. Therefore, most beer is not gluten-free. This is why I am absolutely fascinated by this new process by which the Craft Brew Alliance and Widmer Brothers Brewing in Oregon have made a barley-based gluten-free beer. It's science meets craft brewing in the best possible way.
Earlier this year, the Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) with Widmer Brothers Brewing released Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale. These were two gluten-free beers brewed—somehow, someway—with barley as their base. It seemed impossible. Most other gluten-free beers rely on gluten-free grains like sorghum, which get close (but not quite) to regular beer.
The secret to this gluten-free beer is surprising. According to a recent press release, it's an enzyme that's actually been used in the brewing industry for years to reduce chill-haze, the undesired cloudiness in some beers from suspended proteins. This enzyme works as a clarifying agent to break down those proteins, and apparently, it breaks down gluten right alongside.
Combine that with an already low-gluten barley and with keeping equipment completely sanitized, Widmer Brothers is able to produce a beer that meets the gluten-free standards of less than 20 ppm. They also sell exclusively in bottles, never in kegs for restaurants to put on tap, to reduce any risk of cross-contamination.
Pretty nifty, right? Here's the bad news, though: the beer is currently only available in Oregon. You can drop them a note on their website to let them know you'd like the beer in your state.
• The Process by Which Omission Beer Becomes Gluten Free, press-release via BeerPulse
• Omission Beer: Drinking is Believing
Have any of you tried this beer yet? Do you think it shows promise for gluten-free beers?
Related: Sorghum to Cider: 5 Gluten-Free Beers and Beer Alternatives
(Image: Omission Beer)
7 Comments
I actually just had Omission at a bar in Seattle... it was delicious! I don't know that I would have tried it had the bartender not been a friend (who's wife is celiac) as it just sounds like ti might be a risk. But it was great! Very delicious. I enjoy Redbridge but there's something about being able to have a "beer beer".
There are quite a few stores in Seattle who carry this beer, including Whole Foods! Probably because Portland is our quirky neighbor :).
I just bought this beer for my gluten-free brother TWO DAYS AGO! (In a Whole Foods, in NorCal.) He really liked it.
I'd like to know who is calling this gluten-free, and what kind of tests has it undergone? Because if it has barley, I do NOT consider it gluten-free and wouldn't touch it with a pole.
This really worries me because the top allergens have to be declared on packaged foods under new FDA guidelines, but as we all know FDA does not regulate alcohol, that's the ATF's job. So this really, REALLY concerns me, as a long-time serious Celiac (over 12 years now). I'll stick to my husband's gluten-free homebrew.
I'm a beer wholesaler in North Carolina and we got these beers earlier this month.
The current FDA-approved gluten assay is NOT suitable for complex mixtures like beer, so an alternative is needed both to test for residual gluten, and, more importantly, the safety of the final product. Earlier this year, the TTB, which regulates beer labeling and advertising in the US, took a cautious stance in its interim ruling on barley-based beer. A review about the challenges of testing for gluten in beer can be found at:
Is "gluten-free" beer made with barley malt safe for celiacs?
I live in Portland and found this on a whim. The pale ale is amazing- a great pale ale regardless of its gf status. I don't know if this appropriate for celiacs but for those of us who just have gluten intolerance, this beer changed my life.
Seriously- yum.


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Is it better to put food waste down the garbage disposal or throw it out in the trash? I'll be a guest on Jerome McDonnell's Worldview program on WBEZ 91.5 FM Tuesday, August 26 at approximately 12:40p.m. discussing this very question with Jerome and his co-host Kate Sackman of the EcoMyths Alliance. Also joining me will be Northwestern University's expert on life cycle analysis, Professor Eric Masanet.
Ever since the big storm of June 30/July 1, I've been pondering the intense rain events we've been experiencing in the Chicagoland area in recent years. As I noted in my newsletter from July 5 ("It Was Worse Than I Thought — Storm Story 2.0"), it's not just the amount of rain that has been significant, but the intensity as well. If 3.6 inches of rain were to fall over a 24-hour period, the total would be a lot of rain, but the local sewers are designed to handle that amount. (Most local storm sewers are designed to handle a five-year storm — the amount of rain that has a one in five chance of occurring every year.) But if those 3.6 inches fall in 40 minutes — as happened near Midway Airport between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22 — then no local sewers can accommodate so much rain in such a short a period of time. That amount of rain in 40 minutes is greater than a 100-year storm event (a rainstorm that has a one in one hundred chance of occurring every year. Big diff.)


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- Description:
- Custom-made suits, online
- Founders:
- McGregor J. Madden, Steve DeWald, Richard Hallé
- Categories:
- Curated Web
- Website:
- http://www.propersuit.com
Company DetailsUpdate
Proper Suit was started to solve a problem every man has - shopping for suits is hard. Its time consuming, over-priced and most importantly doesn't fit. With Proper Suit, men get the best suits that fit perfectly every time. We combine the world's best fabrics, auto-cad laser cutting technology, expert fit specialists and wonderful customer service to delivery highly personalized garments that help men look they're best and save $1,000s of dollars.
We start by scouring the planet for the very best in materials and combine them with full-canvas construction, 100s of customization options and our 300 point fit check consultation. As a vertical manufacturer we circumvent the over-priced and ineffective retail mark-ups by manufacturing the garments ourselves.
Proper Suit was founded in 2010 by McGregor J. Madden and Richard Alan Hall. The company is run out of an expansive loft office in Chicago's River North District.
Current Team (2)Update
Richard Hallé
Co - Founder
McGregor J. Madden
Co - Founder
Past Team (2)Update
Steve DeWald
CTO & Founder @ Data Marketplace
Steve DeWald
CTO & Founder @ Data Marketplace
Competitors (2)Update
A Tailored Suit
A Tailored Suit is an online men's custom clothing company that enables users to design custom...
Indochino sells menswear, accessories, wedding wear and personalized digital gift cards online.


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Availability: Usually Ships Within 24-48 Hours
Natural Factors - Bone Collagenizer Matrix - 40 Vegetarian Capsules
Natural Factors Bone Collagenizer Matrix is crucial to your bone health. Collagen provides the "binding sites" for calcium and other bone minerals. When bone collagen diminishes, bone mineral density decreases. In addition, collagen gives bones the vital flexibility they need. New bone research reveals that collagen, in conjunction with deposited calcium, gives bones their ability to withstand physical stress, as with sudden impact. Unlike calcium that you can ingest and recieve the benefits, you cannot "eat" collagen expecting to add collagen to your bones. They key is stimulating the cells that naturally generate bone collagen, called osteoblasts. Biosils new bone collagenizer matrix is clinically proven to increase bone collagen formation (BCF), and increase bone mineral density (BMD) at the critical hip region, in women already taking 1000mg of calcium and 800IU of vitamin D daily. What's Unique about Natural Factors?
Roland Gahler, Natural Factors' visionary leader, has invested in people, science and technology, to create natural health formulas that are safe, reliable and effective. Their goal is to deliver supplements that marry the wisdom of ancient herbal knowledge and the science of modern clinical research to enhance the health of consumers everywhere. For them, integrity means being able and willing to stand behind every product they produce. Each person at Natural Factors feels responsible for the supplements and herbal remedies they sell. They don't make placebos - they produce products that work to create better health.
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Jeff on the last wall on the arete warming his hands
© GD1234, Mar 2010
Route: pinnacle ridge
Climbers: jeff quinn and myself
Camera used: cannon


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Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799
Bldg. A, Room A1044
Phone: (301) 295-9121
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Global Health, Assistant Professor
Trained in Pediatrics and Global Health policy. Staff experience at Joint Forces Command, and international experience with missions to El Salvador, Rwanda, and Ukraine.
Boetig, Brad. "Bilateral Institutional Relationships: A New Mission for U.S. DoD Medical Capabilities in Support of Health Diplomacy". Military Medicine. 177, 7:763, 2012.
"Medical and Public Health Civic Action Programs: Using Health Engagement as a Tool of Foreign Policy" World Medical and Health Policy Journal. Vol 2. 2010. Issue 1.
"Interrelationship of Culture, Economics, and Security in Afghanistan" Small Wars Journal. July 2009.
Board Certification in Pediatrics


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Don Ackner didn't need a Delorean and a flux capacitor to travel back in time at Devil's Bowl Speedway Sunday night. He just needed Ken Tremont Jr. to have some bad luck.
When Tremont had to pull into the pits on lap 13, while leading the 30-lap 358-modified feature feature, Ackner inherited the lead and went on to end a long winless drought at Vermont's "Fastest Half Mile."
The win was the first for Ackner at the Bowl since Aug. 17, 1997, but a lot has changed for Ackner since then. Once one of the dominant drivers in the Champlain Valley Racing Association, Ackner, who won the modified track championship at Devil's Bowl in 1994, has been in and out of retirement, and is now racing strictly for fun.
And it's always fun when you're sitting in victory lane. The victory was Ackner's 33rd career win at the Bowl, and only Tremont, with 58 victories, has more wins during the modern era at the Bowl.
Tremont wasn't the only one who had problems in the feature Sunday night. Jimmy Ryan, who started on the pole, led the first two laps, but then only ran three more before bringing out the first caution of the night.
Tremont had started second, got around Ryan on lap three and looked like he was in for an easy night when his luck ran out on lap 13, handing the lead to Ackner. With the rest of the feature going green, Ackner was able to get into traffic and pull away from defending track champion Todd Stone for the victory. . Tim Laduc, who won on opening night, Rob Langevin and Vince Quenneville Jr. completed the top five in the Spring Championships, which offered double points.
Rookie Tim Hartman Jr. completed a heck of a weekend by recording his first career win at the Bowl in the 25-lap budget sportsman feature. Hartman had also picked up his first career win at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday night.
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VIP Duralok Interlocking Anti-Fatigue Black Mat 38" x 61" - Center 3/4" Thick Bevel Edge
Other Available Colors:
Other Available Colors
- Center mat connects to end sections
- Beveled edge for safety
Cactus Mat
Companion Items
How To Clean Your Anti Fatigue Kitchen Mat
Watch this video to learn how to properly clean your rubber anti fatigue kitchen mats. All you need is some warm water, mild dish detergent, deck brush, and a secure rack to transport your anti fatigue mats between cleaning and drying.
This 38" x 61" VIP Duralok interlocking anti-fatigue black mat provides a durable, anti-slip and anti-fatigue surface without the need for extra connectors or add-on beveled edges! This center section connects easily to end sections to create a custom-length surface.
Perfect for kitchens, bars, prep areas, assembly lines, and behind counters, the Duralok interlocking anti-fatigue mat drains well, and features a molded beveled edge to reduce tripping hazards.
This black mat is ideal for general purpose use at bars, service areas, and any non-grease kitchen / industrial area. Each VIP Duralok interlocking anti-fatigue mat center section is 38" x 61" and 3/4" thick.
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please note this in the comment section while checking out! Please feel free to log on to our Live Chat should you have any questions
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Overall User Rating: VIP Duralok Interlocking Anti-Fatigue Black Mat 38" x 61" - Center 3/4" Thick Bevel Edge ( 5.0 stars from 1 review )
If you want to see how much better your feet and legs feel at the end of the day, you wont believe it with this mat.Great and it's so easy to clean.
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Warning: This discussion is thick with spoilers.
While a jumbo tub of hot buttered popcorn is one of our most frequently indulged guilty pleasures, we think a good movie deserves a little better company than junk food. Try out our movie and meal pairings for yourself or feel free to suggest one of your own favorites in the comments. The Movie: M ... More >>
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The Year's Best in Movies, TV and Music
An agile teen battles the forces of evil in the Japanese blockbuster Princess Mononoke
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MONDAY, Nov. 29 (HealthDay News) -- A study involving men and
their mothers suggests a new function for the "love hormone"
oxytocin in human behavior.
Men who inhaled a synthetic form of oxytocin, a naturally
occurring chemical, recalled intensified fond memories of their
mothers if, indeed, Mom was all that caring.
But if men initially reported less close relationships with Mom,
oxytocin seemed to encourage them to dwell on the negative.
These findings, published online Nov. 29 in the journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, appear to contradict public perception about oxytocin's beneficial effects, the researchers say.
"There's a popular idea that oxytocin has these ubiquitous positive effects on social interactions, but this suggests that it depends on the person to whom it's given and the context in which it's given," said study lead author Jennifer Bartz. "It's not this universal attachment panacea."
Another expert agreed.
"People were thinking that oxytocin was going to generally make things more positive but depending on how someone's attachment really was, it just made the memory of that come back stronger," said Keith A. Young, vice chair for research in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in Temple. "The oxytocin seemed to tap into the actual memory rather than making everything better."
Oxytocin, which is produced in abundance when a mother
breast-feeds her baby, is known as the "bonding" hormone and may
actually have therapeutic applications.
One study found that people with high-functioning autism or
Asperger's syndrome were better able to "catch" social cues after
inhaling the hormone.
Oxytocin has also been linked to trust, empathy and generosity,
but may also spark the less attractive qualities of jealousy and
By fostering attachment, oxytocin is considered critical to
survival of an individual, and also to survival of the species.
"It's what allows the infant to survive to maturity and to reproduce by ensuring the caregiver stays close to the infant and provides nurturance and support to an otherwise defenseless infant," explained Bartz, assistant professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
Those initial experiences with an early caregiver -- usually a
mother -- stay with us and guide our later relationships, for
better or for worse.
The researchers hypothesized that oxytocin would amplify
whatever initial memories men had about their mothers, and this
turned out to be accurate.
Thirty-one men, aged 19 to 45, were asked about the care they
had received from their mothers during childhood, based on their
own recollections
The men also made two visits to the clinic, about a month apart,
once to receive oxytocin and once to receive a placebo. In effect,
each man acted as his own control group.
Men who had initially described their mothers as warm and
nurturing tended to think even more highly of them after receiving
the oxytocin.
But men who hadn't reported such positive connections actually
downgraded their assessment of the maternal relationship after
taking oxytocin.
"We found that participants who were more securely attached, when they got oxytocin, they remembered mom as more close," Bartz said. "For those who were more anxiously attached, it amplified it in the other direction. It brought to mind their chronic insecurities about their relationship with their mother.
"This supports this idea that oxytocin may actually play a role in the formation of these memories," she added.
"It's not just a 'happy' drug," said Paul Sanberg, distinguished professor of neurosurgery and director of the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair in Tampa. "Because oxytocin differentiates like that [between pleasure and anxiety], it's more evidence that it's involved in human attachment. This is the first empirical evidence."
Most of the evidence we have so far on oxytocin as an attachment
hormone has been in animals, noted Sanberg, who was not involved
with the study.
More information
Colorado State University has more on
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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