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The Walk of a Lifetime
The South West Coast Path National Trail is rated as one of the top walks to be found anywhere in the world by Lonely Planet and voted Britain's best walking route by the readers of Walk magazine.
Where else can you walk along 630 miles of such superb coastline? The heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery along the way are truly inspirational and every day walking it brings stunning new experiences.
Whether you're looking for an afternoon stroll to take you to a beauty spot, or to embark on the challenge of hiking the entire route from Somerset's Minehead on the edge of Exmoor around to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset, or something in between, you've come to the right place. On this website you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip.
Use our Walk Finder tool (top right of page) to search for the perfect walk for you.
Discover the Coast Path
Interactive map
Welcome to the Coast Path short walk map
How to use the map
To find walks, use the map controls to move the map and zoom into the area you are interested in. As you zoom into a section of coastline, walks and the other items shown on the key, will appear on the map. Clicking on any of the symbols will bring up more details about that walk or feature.
If the map is becoming too cluttered, you can hide features by un-ticking the box beside it in the key. If the box is greyed out, it means that feature is hidden unless you zoom in closer.


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first i new to this site so im gonna say what up.
now for the problem. i have a miller 175 that has a tendacy to just decide to turn the voltage wide open when it wants to at times. usually when im welding something thin like body panels and stuff. when i weld something thicker i cant really tell the difference but it does do it at times. i am wondering if it is the voltage rheostat on the machine thats shorting out. im kinda curious if this is a common problem or if someone else had this same problem. i would say the machine is about 10 years old.
Results 1 to 3 of 3
01-13-2013, 08:05 AM #1Junior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Posts
- 1
miller 175 keeps burnig wide open on its own
01-16-2013, 07:10 PM #2Junior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2013
- Posts
- 3
miller 175 keeps burnig wide open on its own
I have a Miller tig welder that had the same problem. It turned out that a relay inside was worn out. Actually the points on the relay would stick closed because they were arcing. I was able to take the relay apart, sand the points and get it working again. Eventually the relay had to be replaced.
The voltage control pot on the Millermatic 175 is a 50K ohm, I would definately start there for t-shooting it.Kevin Schuh
Service Technician
Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

subset: commoncrawl


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Comments On Aug 07, 2015:I replaced my factory clutch cable. Very pleased with fitment and performance so far. and you cant beat the cost of it.
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Comments On Jul 30, 2015:Fits perfect and lasts a long time!
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Comments On Jul 28, 2015:Good product, would buy again
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Comments On Jul 25, 2015:I don't have any complaints with this cable. It works very well, the fit was good, and it was cheap. What more is there to ask?
I've put 300 miles on it and haven't noticed very much stretch at all.
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Comments On Jul 19, 2015:price and fit are perfect. you cant go wrong with these!
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Comments On Jul 08, 2015:cable fit well, improved the feel of the lever, a great way to make your bike feel new
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Comments On Feb 12, 2015:Bought as my stock cable was stretched. Fit great and was easy to adjust.
Additional Comments On Jul 07, 2015:Good replacement for a stretched stock cable.
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Comments On Jun 25, 2015:Bought this motion pro clutch cable to replace my broken OEM cable. Have boughten Motion Pro products in the past and they have never been an issue. However, after riding the bike for approx. 20 total miles and having to constantly adjust the cable at the perch I thought my clutch plates were going bad. I thought the plates/basket were bad because I could never get the bike to go easily into neutral when I stopped and the bike always wanted to creep along when stopped in gear and the clutch in. So I bought a clutch kit and installed it and still had to keep adjusting the cable at the perch and at the inline adjustment and could never get the creeping to subside...WHAT THE HECK?!?! Finally, near the end of a ride I lost total feel at the clutch lever and could not get any resistance with both adjusters all the way extended. I got the bike back to the truck by speed shifting and started doing a search on the WWW when I got home. I found one instance of a guy in the UK who had the same problem and found that his cable sheathing had buckled and collapsed near the motor end of the cable and this in essence made the cable to long to compensate for. This is not easy to see b/c the end of the cable is under the carb and behind the starter and header pipe. In short, I will not purchase another Motion Pro cable...sticking with OEM from now on. It caused a lot of wasted time and frustration until I finally realized the problem.
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Comments On Jun 18, 2015:Good quality cable. Works as it should.
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Comments On Jun 14, 2015:Fits like oem costs a lot less
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A Transformers Birthday Party With a Very Special Guest
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Jennifer Chen, PharmD
A variety of new medications and combination treatments along with novel delivery devices are in development to help patients with COPD achieve improved symptom control and a better quality of life. This article will discuss different inhalation delivery devices currently available in the market (pMDI, DPI and Soft Mist Inhaler) and their limitations for hospice patients.
Types of inhalers
pMDI (pressurized metered dose inhaler) is the most commonly used device. The drug is dissolved in the propellant called hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) under pressure. The system releases a metered volume of propellant containing the medication. It requires a high degree of hand-breath coordination for effective treatment, which is the major disadvantage of pMDI. These devices deliver the medication at a high velocity which may result in some of the dose being deposited at the back of throat and swallowed instead of actually being inhaled, especially if the inhalation is not timed well with the actuation of the device. Although a spacer or holding chamber may be used in conjunction with the inhaler to improve drug delivery in patients with poor coordination, this transforms the inhaler into a bulkier device that makes it less portable and more difficult to transport. Some examples of pMDI currently available in the market are Ventolin HFA, Xopenex HFA, Atrovent HFA, QVar, Flovent HFA, Advair HFA and Dulera.
DPI (dry powder inhaler) were developed to help overcome the problems of hand-breath coordination associated with pMDIs. The powdered drug is dispersed into particles by the patient's own inspiratory effort. The issue of hand-breath coordination is resolved, but the patient must generate adequate inspiratory force to ensure that the medication from a DPI is being delivered to the lungs. This may result in erratic dosage and compromise the consistency in disease control for patients who have inadequate positive inhalation force. Some examples of DPI currently available in the market are Foradil Aerolizer, Serevent Diskus, Adviar Diskus, Asmanex Twisthaler, and Breo Ellipta.
SMI (Soft Mist Inhaler) generates a soft mist that last longer and delivers higher fine particle fraction than the aerosol cloud, which should lead to improved lung and reduced oropharyngeal deposition versus other types of inhaler. Although the Soft Mist inhaler is not dependent on inspiratory flow rate and has simplified coordination of inhalation and actuation, the device still requires positive inhalation force and some degree of hand-breath synchronization.1 Currently Combivent Respimat, Striverdi Respimat, Spiriva Respimat and Stiolto Respimat are on the market.
Inhaler technique
Poor inhaler technique is often a main cause of sub-optimal COPD management. In a recent study of 1664 adult patients (mean age 62 years old), critical errors were observed in 12% of patients using a pMDI and 35% of patients using a DPI.2 According to the study, the most common critical errors with MDIs and DPIs are no or short breath-holding after inhalation and failure to achieve a forceful inspiratory flow, respectively. The correct inhalation technique of soft mist inhalers resembles that used with a MDI although the study did not assess the mishandling of SMI.
Use of inhalers in the hospice setting
In general, the use of inhaler devices may be limited in the hospice setting because most end-stage COPD patients do not have effective positive force to inhale medication contents from the device nor able to synchronize actuation with inhalation. Unlike the inhalers, no special inhalation techniques are needed for optimum delivery with conventional nebulizers, which is usually the most effective way to deliver inhaled medications in hospice patients. An inhaler should only be prescribed with the absolute certainty that the patient can use it correctly. Continued and repeated education for both healthcare professionals and patients in correct inhalation technique is essential to ensure optimal COPD management.
Clinical resources
The Clinical Resources section of the Outcome Resources Member's website contains some additional information that may be helpful. The Clinical Resources section is available to all Outcome Resources hospice clients through the "Member Login".
Jennifer Chen, PharmD
Antipsychotic medications cause four main extrapyramidal symptoms: pseudo-parkinsonism, akathisia, acute dystonia and tardive dyskinesia. (Tardive dyskinesia, tardive dystonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with prolonged treatment of antipsychotic medications are not typically seen in hospice patients and will not be included in this discussion.)
Acute dystonia involves with spastic contractions of the muscles, most commonly, in the head and neck. It can occur after a single dose of the antipsychotic agent or days after initiating treatment. Acute dystonic reactions can be life threatening if left untreated. Signs and symptoms are often resolved within 10 minutes of using IM or IV benztropine or diphenhydramine.
Akathisia is commonly described as "anxiety" or "agitation" due to the patient's presentation of inner motor restlessness. Therefore, it can be difficult to differentiate akathisia from psychiatric anxiety and agitation. Although it is more likely with older generation (traditional) agents, it can also be seen with second-generation antipsychotics. Treatment options include: dose reduction, addition of a low-dose beta blocker (propranolol 20-40mg/d) or a low-dose benzodiazepine (lorazepam 0.5mg q12h).
Pseudo-parkinsonism is a reversible syndrome that include extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as: stiff posture, shuffling gait, masked facial expression and slow pill-rolling finger tremors. It is often dose-related, therefore it is frequently managed by dose reduction. Most patients recover within two months, and often recover within hours or days of reducing the dose. Anticholinergic drugs are best avoided in older patients because they may cause confusion as well as worsening tardive dyskinesia. Anti-parkinsonism medications such as amantadine may be used to treat drug-induced Parkinsonism. However, it is more suitable for younger patients with drug-induced Parkinsonism as they may also cause confusion and sometimes psychosis in older people. Prophylactic anticholinergics (eg. benztropine and trihexyphenidyl) and anti-parkinsonism medications for hospice patients with prior history of EPS and for those treated with relative high doses of antipsychotic drugs are not recommended due to unfavorable risk profile in older patients.
First generation antipsychotics (FGA) such as haloperidol have been thought to cause more EPS than second-generation antipsychotics (SGA). In fact, recent clinical trial has found there was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups (FGA vs. SGA) in terms of EPS profile.(1) A systematic review and meta-analysis also compared the new generation antipsychotics versus low-potency conventional antipsychotics and have shown that optimum doses of low-potency conventional antipsychotics might not induce more EPS than new generation drugs.(2) EPS is a potential risk for all antipsychotics so early detection and effective management are important to reduce complications. The use of first generation antipsychotics should not be disregarded due to its risk of EPS and in fact, the older class of drugs are usually associated with better outcomes and lower costs.
Jim Joyner, PharmD, CGP
Haloperidol (Haldol) is one of the most useful medications in the hospice setting. It is classified as an antipsychotic drug and is widely used to help manage psychotic symptoms and agitated states resulting from a variety of conditions during end-of-life care in hospice patients. In addition to the psychotropic activity, it is very effective for controlling nausea and vomiting, especially nausea-vomiting that is induced by opioids. Haloperidol is available in a variety of dosage forms including crushable oral tablets, oral concentrated solution (2mg/ml) which may be given sublingual, and a sterile solution for IM or IV injection. These various dosage forms are very advantageous for compromised hospice patients who can no longer take traditional oral tablets due to lack of adequate swallowing ability or severe nausea.
Unfortunately, many hospices have experienced resistance from administrators and directors when they attempt to use Haloperidol during end-of-life care for their patients who reside in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). In some cases, this resistance has risen to the level of threatening to completely derail the relationship between the hospice and the SNF. Reasons for the resistance often do not have anything to do with quality of patient care, but are driven primarily by fear of deficiency reports and related fines which might be levied upon the SNF by State and Federal licensing agencies citing the inappropriate use of this drug.
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic drug. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have developed very strict standards governing the use of all antipsychotic drugs in patients who reside in the skilled nursing facilities. These standards are backed with the force of regulation and licensing survey teams may assess deficiency notices and fines with regard to perceived inappropriate use of these antipsychotic medications in the SNF.(1) The regulatory measures were developed in response to past history of abusive practices at some SNFs where antipsychotics were used inappropriately to "chemically restrain" patients and not as a part of coordinated clinically acceptable intervention to manage their condition. Current regulations have been drafted with the intent to ensure that antipsychotic drugs are used to treat a specific documented condition for which the medication helps to maintain the patient's highest practicable mental, physical, and psychosocial well-being in collaboration with the attending physician and facility staff. This includes the administration of the lowest effective dosage, for a duration that is clinically indicated to treat the patient's specific condition, and appropriate non-pharmacological interventions are considered as a part of therapy along with the antipsychotic drug. Periodic tapering of doses and trials of discontinuation are also recommended as a part of the detailed regulatory guidance for this class of drugs. Close monitoring of patient behaviors and possible adverse effects is required along with detailed documentation of all observations related to the monitoring.
SNF compliance with these regulations can be daunting considering the level of documentation required as well as the highly subjective way in which many of the licensing survey teams interpret the regulations and apply them to individual patients. This is why many SNF administrators and directors of nursing may view antipsychotic medications, and Haloperidol specifically, as high risk to their organization. For this reason, most SNFs will attempt to limit antipsychotic utilization as much as possible.
These regulations were created with the intent to guide antipsychotic utilization in the SNF patient suffering from one of the various forms of dementia or otherwise unspecified agitation. For this reason, specific exceptions were written into the surveyor guidance regarding intent of the regulation. The exceptions preclude requirements normally imposed on the use of these medications in the SNF. One of these exceptions is the use of antipsychotic drugs for "adjunctive therapy at end of life," and another exception is for "nausea and vomiting associated with cancer or cancer chemotherapy". This is exactly the case when Haloperidol (or other antipsychotics) are used for a hospice patient in the SNF. Unfortunately, many practitioners as well as some licensing surveyors are not well versed on the distinction between these exceptions for hospice patients and other non-hospice SNF patients. Hospice directors and administrators can take a lead role by being pro-active and discussing this issue with their counter parts at the SNFs to help correct the misconceptions.
Haloperidol is sometimes singled out as the major offender of this regulatory scenario since it is one of the older classes of antipsychotic drugs commonly referred to as "traditional" antipsychotics. The newer generation of antipsychotic drugs such as Quetiapine (Seroquel) or Risperidone (Risperdal) are commonly referred to as "atypical" antipsychotic drugs since they tend to be more effective for certain types of atypical psychoses associated with catatonia. The older, traditional antipsychotic drugs may have a greater risk for inducing involuntary movement disorders (parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, etc.) than the newer atypicals in general. For this reason Haloperidol is sometimes perceived to be a greater risk to SNF patients than the newer generation antipsychotic drugs. This may be true at high doses, however, at daily doses of 5mg or less (commonly used), haloperidol is tolerated just as well as the newer generation antipsychotic drugs. (2,3) In addition, much of the involuntary movement disorder risk is associated with longer durations of therapy of 3 to 6 months, or more. Such long durations of therapy are unusual for hospice patients.
It was never the intent of the SNF regulations to restrict the use of antipsychotic drugs, including Haloperidol, for use in managing end-of-life symptoms in hospice patients. Unfortunately, the distinction between end-of-life care and care for other nursing home residents has become blurred in many instances resulting in the denial of an extremely useful medication for dying patients.
1. Federal regulation (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Skilled Nursing Facilities)
F-329; 483.25(l) Unnecessary Drugs, subsection 2. Antipsychotic Drugs
2. Parellada,et al. Risperidone in the Treatment of Patients with Delirium
J. ClinPsychiatry2004;65:348-53. 16
3. Han, et al. A Double Blind Trial of Risperidone and Haloperidol for the
Treatment of Delirium.
Psychosomatics2004:45(4): 297-301
Esther Liu, PharmD, MSIA, CGP
As of April 20th, 2015, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist (ASHP) has officially announced that there is a shortage of atropine ophthalmic solution.
Atropine was one of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grandfathered medications originally marketed before 1938 which was prior to current requirement of filing a New Drug Application with the FDA. Many manufacturers could legally produce generic atropine products without filing New Drug Application (NDA) or Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), which made atropine ophthalmic solution a very cost-effective medication in the past.
Since July 2014, Akorn, one of the many generic atropine ophthalmic solution manufacturers, filed an original NDA for atropine ophthalmic solution and obtained FDA approval. This act removed atropine ophthalmic solution from the FDA's grandfather list. This requires any manufacturers, who wish to continue producing atropine ophthalmic solution to file for an ANDA and obtain FDA approval. This shift in FDA approval status on atropine ophthalmic solution has discouraged the rest of the generic manufacturers from continuing to produce the product and Akorn has become the only atropine ophthalmic solution manufacturer since January 2015. Due to this sudden drop in availability from multiple manufacturers, there has been a shortage of atropine ophthalmic solutions from Akorn, as well as a significant price hike on this medication.
Moving forward, we will expect to see only the Akorn atropine ophthalmic solution products in the market until more generic manufacturers have successfully obtained FDA approval on their ANDA. There is no estimated date on when this will happen.
Here is the current price and shortage status for the Atropine Sulfate 1% Ophthalmic Solution, Akorn
2ml Bottle, NDC 17478-0215-02 ---- AWP $30.74 (~ 1week supply if used 1 gtt QID)
5ml Bottle, NDC 17478-0215-05 ---- AWP $58.35 (~ 2 weeks supply if used 1 gtt QID) à shortage
15ml Bottle, NDC 17478-0215-15 ---- AWP $95.25 (~ 4 – 6 weeks supply) à back ordered
In a hospice setting, atropine ophthalmic solution was recommended in many hospice formularies and their comfort kits for the use of managing excessive secretions when used orally. Atropine injectable solution was sometimes used orally as well as a substitution when the ophthalmic solution was not available, but there is currently also a shortage of this formulation since February 2015. Here are some comparable cost-effective alternatives for managing excessive secretions while atropine ophthalmic solution is in shortage (price quoted on 15 day-supply):
Hyoscyamine (Levsin) 0.125mg Sublingual tab (0.125mg QID) --- AWP $52
Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) 1mg tab (1mg TID) --- AWP $59
Atropine Eye Drop 5ml Bottle (1gtt QID) ---- AWP $58 à in shortage
With the current increase in price of atropine ophthalmic solution, the cost of managing excessive secretions routinely is roughly the same amongst atropine ophthalmic solution, hyoscyamine and glycopyrrolate (see above price comparison for 15 days). However, atropine ophthalmic solution is a less cost-effective option for hospice comfort kits now due to its smallest non-breakable package size being a 2ml bottle (cost $30 per bottle) in comparison to Levsin or Robinul, which can be dispensed in smaller quantity such as 6 tablets ($5 - $8). It is highly recommended for hospices using atropine ophthalmic solution to evaluate the need to substitute atropine with hyoscyamine on their formulary, as well as their comfort kits due to the significant accessibility issues and cost-effective reasons.
ASHP Drug Shortage Updates:
FDA Drug Shortage Database:
Dr. Jim Joyner, PharmD, CGP
A hiccup is an involuntary reflex involving the respiratory muscles of the chest and diaphragm, mediated by the phrenic and vagus nerves and a central (brainstem) reflex center. A single episode can last for a few seconds to as long as several days. Persistent hiccups can last for months. There are a wide range of possible causes for hiccups including; stress or excitement, esophageal or gastric distension, liver disease, CNS lesions, or cancer. Irritation of the vagus nerve or the diaphragm is a common mechanism.
Many drug and non-drug treatments have been used, but there is little evidence of any one superior approach to management; virtually all current data are anecdotal. When choosing a drug treatment strategy for hiccups, consider the suspected etiology, patient's drug-allergy history, potential drug-disease state contraindications, and potential adverse effects from any proposed drug therapy.
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) is the only drug with an FDA approved indication for treatment of hiccups. Haloperidol (Haldol) is a useful alternative. Chlorpromazine and Haloperidol should not be used in patients with Parkinson's disease because they may exacerbate involuntary movements. Metoclopramide (Reglan) increases GI motility and may be especially useful if hiccups are related to esophageal or gastric distention. The muscle relaxant, Baclofen (Lioresal), is thought to have a direct relaxation effect upon the diaphragm and may be most useful in patients where an irritation of the diaphragm is suspected. Dexamethasone (Decadron) may be appropriate as an adjunct to one of the previously mentioned drugs if there is hepatomegaly or tumor involvement. All of these drugs are available as relatively low cost generics, so the choice of therapy should be based upon the suspected etiology behind the hiccups, the patient's drug allergy history, and other health conditions that may predispose the patient to adverse drug effects. In difficult cases it may be necessary to combine two to three of the drugs listed below in order to achieve adequate results (haloperidol and chlorpromazine should not be combined because they exert a similar mechanism of action that would represent at therapeutic duplication).
Common Doses for Hiccups:
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) 25-50mg Q6h po,pr
Haloperidol (Haldol) 1– 2mg Q6h po, sl
Metoclopramide (Reglan) 10-15mg Q6h po
Baclofen (Lioresal) 5 –10mg Q6h po
Dexamethasone (Decadron) 2-6mg daily po
Dr. Jim Joyner, PharmD, CGP
Opioids are the mainstay of treatment for management of severe dyspnea in late stage CHF and COPD. The use of opioids in dyspnea is supported by extensive experience as well as clinical studies with the use of both oral and parenteral opioids, specifically morphine. The mechanism of action is unclear and it is interesting that opioids can alleviate dyspnea in many patients without changing the respiratory rate or producing any measurable changes in blood gas parameters. Speculation as to the actual mechanism of action has centered around the probability that opioids decrease brainstem responsiveness to carbon dioxide and diminish reflex vasoconstriction caused by increased PCO2 levels, decreasing the perception of dyspnea. There is also the opioid induced effect of decreased anxiety which often accompanies dyspnea.
Morphine and other opioids are often administered in small doses orally, sublingually, or by injection (SC & IV) for dyspnea management. Nebulized inhaled opioids are also used for this purpose, but to a much lesser extent. The use of the inhaled route of administration is favored by some in the palliative care community because of the possibility of a more rapid onset than oral or sublingual routes and possibly less side-effects than systemically administered opioids.
There are no controlled trials to confirm the perception that nebulized opioids have any clear benefits over the other more conventional routes including oral, sublingual, subcutaneous, and intravenous. One extensive review of 18 randomized, double-blind, controlled trials of opioids for management of dyspnea in terminally ill patients concluded that there was adequate evidence to support the use of oral or IV opioids for dyspnea, but not the use of nebulized opioids. (1) An earlier published report evaluated blood levels after nebulized morphine and orally administered morphine which demonstrated rapid absorption by the inhaled route compared with oral morphine, but significantly more variability. (2)
Disadvantages of administering opioids via nebulizer would include to the following:
• Increased cost over other routes (nebulizer & preservative-free drug solutions)
• More complex method of administration
• Lack of portability (nebulizer)
If opioids are to be used via nebulizer, the "preservative-free", sterile solutions for injection are preferred in order to avoid respiratory irritation. The drug solution is diluted in 2 to 3ml of "preservative-free" normal saline prior to administration. Doses used fall within these ranges:
Morphine 2.5 – 10mg
Hydromorphone 0.25 – 1mg
Fentanyl 25- 50mcg
The majority of hospice patients with dyspnea will benefit from non-inhaled opioids and tolerate them well. The nebulized opioid alternative may be appropriate for those few patients who may refuse oral or injectable opioids or those who have exhibited certain adverse effects to systemic therapy.
(1) Jennings, Davies, Higgins et al. Opioids for the palliation of breathlessness in terminal illness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001; 4CD002066
(2) Masood, Thomas. Systemic absorption of nebulized morphine compared with oral morphine in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmcol. 1996; 41:250-2
Dr. Stephanie Cheng, PharmD, MPH
Striverdi Respimat was given FDA approval on July 31, 2014 and is indicated for use as a long-term, once-daily maintenance bronchodilator treatment of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. The active ingredient, olodaterol, is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) bronchodilator that is formulated as a liquid spray for use via the latest type of inhalation device called a Respimat. The recommended dose is 2 inhalations once daily. Each actuation of the device delivers 2mcg of olodaterol.
Warnings/Side Effects
Thus far, Striverdi Respimat has only been indicated for use in COPD and has not been studied in patients with asthma. As with all LABA, it is not for use for the relief of acute symptoms and is contraindicated in patients with asthma without use of a long-term asthma control medication. Striverdi Respimat should not be initiated in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD and should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular or convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis or sensitivity to sympathomimetic drugs. A life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm can occur and Striverdi Respimat should be discontinued immediately. The most common adverse reactions include: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, urinary tract infection, cough, dizziness, rash, diarrhea, back pain and arthralgia.
Safety and Efficacy
Compared to other LABA bronchodilators (formoterol, indacaterol, salmeterol, and arformoterol), olodaterol has demonstrated similar safety and efficacy.
Advantages of Striverdi Respimat
Striverdi Respimat is being promoted with two advantages over the current LABA on the market. The first advantage is Striverdi Respimat is dosed as once daily. All of the other LABA, aside from Arcapta Neohaler (indacaterol), are dosed BID.
The second promoted advantage of Striverdi Respimat is the drug delivery system. The Respimat Inhaler system is a multi-dose, propellant-free, hand-held liquid inhaler. The device delivers a pre-measured amount of medication in a slow-moving mist, which the patient inhales through a mouthpiece. This method of medication delivery allows more of the drug to enter the lungs instead of the esophagus compared to devices with a propellant, such as a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). Compared to the LABAs that come as a Dry-Powder Inhaler (DPI) (formoterol, indacaterol and salmeterol), a patient requires less force to inhale the medication. There have also been studies done which show that patients preferred the Respimat device over the other types of inhaled drug delivery devices, particularly if the patient has vision problems or arthritis.
These advantages are hoped to improve patient compliance with the medication.
Disadvantages of Striverdi Respimat
One of the main disadvantages of Striverdi Respimat is that in patients with COPD, positive inhalation pressure becomes a problem as the disease progresses. Most patients with severe or end-stage COPD are unable to inhale deep enough for inhalers to be effective and are generally switched to the nebulized form of LABAs (Brovana or Perforomist).
Another disadvantage of Striverdi Respimat is that it requires more training and education for a patient to use it correctly. One clinical trial comparing a patient's proper technique in using the Respimat or a MDI for the first time demonstrated that the proportion of patients demonstrating good technique was higher for the MDI (80%) versus the Respimat (48%). By the final attempt, 98% of patients demonstrated satisfactory inhaler technique with the MDI compared to 96.4% with the Respimat.
Cost is a third disadvantage of Striverdi Respimat. Similar to other long-acting beta agonist bronchodilators currently available (Arcapta, Foradil, Serevent), Striverdi Respimat is also relatively expensive. Cost for these products may range between $6 - $8 per day based upon average wholesale price (AWP).
Place in Hospice Therapy
Although Striverdi Respimat provides another option for patients with COPD that could help with improving patient compliance with the medication, it is largely cost prohibitive in the hospice setting. Additionally, because of the training required for proper inhaler technique and the inability of most severe or end-stage COPD patients to have enough positive inhalation, this dosage form may not be as efficacious compared to other dosage forms.
1. [Package Insert] Striverdi Respimat (olodaterol) Inhalation Spray. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Aug 2014.
2. Anderson P. Use of Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler in COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. Sept 2006;1(3):251-259.
3. Feldman GJ, Bernstein JA, Hamilton A, et.al. The 24-h FEV1 time profile of olodaterol once daily via Respimat and fomoterol twice daily via Aerolizer in patients with GOLD 2-4 COPD: results from two 6-week crossover studies. Springerplus. 2014 Aug 9;3:419.
4. Koch A, Pizzichini E, Hamilton A, et.al. Lung function efficacy and symptomatic benefit of olodaterol once daily delivered via Respimat versus placebo and formoterol twice daily in patients with GOLD 2-4 COPD: results from two replicate 48-week studies. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2014 Jul 5;9:697-714.
Dr. Jim Joyner, PharmD, CGP
The results of a clinical trial of ABH topical gel vs placebo for the management of nausea in cancer patients were recently published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.(1) ABH topical gel is a pharmacy-compounded product consisting of Lorazepam (Ativan), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and Haloperidol (Haldol) usually prepared in a pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) base. It has been used frequently in some palliative care settings for management of nausea and vomiting, despite very limited scientific data to support continued use. The product has gained a following due to the ease of use (topical administration) and perceived efficacy.
This recent study was a well designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of ABH topical gel against a placebo gel. The trial was completed with 20 patients who had an active cancer diagnosis. Nausea in these patients was related to the following: pain, pain medication, bone marrow transplant, or related to their cancer. Results of this trial showed no difference in efficacy between ABH topical gel or the placebo gel for treating nausea or vomiting. The researchers concluded that ABH topical gel should not be used in cancer patients experiencing nausea.
The results of this trial are consistent with earlier research on healthy volunteers who received topical ABH gel and had serial blood samples drawn at various intervals up to 4 hours after application.(2) Blood levels of each of the 3 drugs were evaluated. That small study on 10 volunteers, published in 2012, demonstrated that none of the three medications in the ABH gel formulation were absorbed to any significant degree. The researchers concluded that topical application of this product was ineffective.
The data is conclusive that ABH topical gel is not an efficacious product and cannot be recommended.
(Also see our previous 2011 blog article on ABH Gel.)
1. Fletcher, Coyne, Dodson, et al. A Randomized Trial of the Effectiveness of Topical ABH Gel vs Placebo in Cancer Patients with Nausea. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Vol 48;5.
November 2014
2. Smith, Ritter, Poklis, et al. ABH Gel is not Absorbed From the Skin of Normal Volunteers.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Vol 43;5 May 2012
Jennifer Chen, PharmD
A new formulation of Spiriva will be available on the market in January 2015. Both Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat contain the same active ingredients – tiotropium. Tiotropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator indicated for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment for COPD. This new formulation turning the inhalation powder of tiotropium into inhalation spray is called Spiriva Respimat. The dry-powder inhalation, Spiriva HandiHaler, will continue to be available on the market. Spiriva Respimat provides a pre-measured amount of medicine in a slow-moving mist that helps patients inhale the medicine and is intended to deliver medication in a way that does not depend upon how fast the dry powder is breathed in from the inhaler. This new formulation may reduce the errors involving the inadvertent oral administration of Spiriva HandiHaler capsules for inhalation.
The results from clinical trial (TIOSPIR) shows Spiriva Respimat had a safety profile and exacerbation efficacy similar to Spiriva HandiHaler device(1). The most common side effects reported include sore throat, cough, dry mouth and sinus infection. One study assessed the effect of switching from HandiHaler to Respimat in patients with COPD shows similar effects and usability but patients experienced cough for the first 4 weeks of switching before they got used to the new formulation. The other finding was that dry mouth appeared to improve after switching to Respimat. However, this study was done on a small group of COPD patients (about 30 patients) and these patients were followed for 12 weeks after switching(2).
With similar costs and efficacy, the use of Spiriva Respimat may be limited in the hospice setting due to its requirement of active inhalation for effectiveness of drug delivery and training of inhaler technique as most end-stage COPD patients do not have effective positive force to inhale medication contents from the inhalers.
Comparison of Spiriva HandiHaler and Spiriva Respimat and Instructions
1. Wise RA, Anzueto A, Cotton D, et al. Tiotropium Respimat Inhaler and the Risk of Death in COPD. N Engl J Med 2013;369:1491-501.
2. Asakura Y, Nishimura N, Maezawa K, et al. Effect of switching tiotropium HandiHaler to Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler in patients with COPD: the difference of adverse events and usability between inhaler devices. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2013 Feb;26(1):41-5.
Jim Joyner, PharmD, CGP
Hysingla ER, extended-release hydrocodone, has recently been approved by the FDA on November 20, 2014. This is the second single-entity, extended release hydrocodone medication to be approved in a little over 1 year. Last fall, Zohydro ER was approved and detailed on the Outcome Resources blog in March of 2014. Both of these products are intended for routine management of chronic severe pain.
Hydrocodone analgesics were previously only available in combination with acetaminophen (as Lortab, Norco, or Vicodin) or in combination with ibuprofen (Vicoprofen). These new products represent a significant increase in hydrocodone unit strengths. The older combination products contained hydrocodone in strengths of 5 or 10mg, while the two new extended release products are available in single tablet or capsule strengths as high as 50mg (Zohydro ER capsule) or 120mg (Hysingla ER tablet). The availability of hydrocodone in these new strengths, which are 5 to 10 times greater than the old combination products, have many clinicians very concerned about the potential for serious dosing errors, mis-use, or abuse of these new high-potency opioid products. Both of these products are being touted by the manufacturers as being free from the risk of acetaminophen induced liver toxicity that may occur with high doses of the older combination products. While this is true, the greater risk may actually be associated with the much higher strengths of hydrocodone available in these new products.
Hysingla ER has been formulated to reduce the potential for abuse when the drug is chewed and then taken orally, or crushed and snorted, or injected. The tablet is difficult to crush, break or dissolve. It also forms a viscous hydrogel (thick gel) and cannot be easily prepared for injection. The FDA has determined that the physical and chemical properties of Hysingla ER are expected to make abuse by these routes difficult. However, abuse of Hysingla ER by these routes is still possible. Zohydro ER is not currently available in an abuse deterrent dosage-form, however, the manufacturer has applied to the FDA for approval of a new version of the product that would have similar deterrents built into it. FDA approved Zohydro ER last year amid significant criticism related to the product's lack of abuse deterrent attributes. If approved, the new abuse deterrent version of Zohydro ER would be available in the spring of 2015.
Hysingla ER is designed to release drug over a 24 hour period. It should be taken just once a day (every 24 hours) on a routine schedule. It is not appropriate for "prn" usage for breakthrough pain. Several strengths will be available: 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120mg. Tablets must be swallowed whole.
Zyhydro ER is designed to release drug over a 12 hour period. It should be taken every 12 hours on a routine schedule. Like Hysingla ER, it is not appropriate for "prn" use either. Zohydro ER is available in the following strengths: 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50mg. Capsules must be swallowed whole. Alcohol must be avoided in patients taking Zohydro. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or the use prescription or non-prescription products that contain alcohol while taking Zohydro ER may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of hydrocodone.
The role of these new long-acting hydrocodone products in hospice patients will be very limited due to factors such as high cost and the availability of other long-acting opioids with established track records of efficacy in severe chronic pain (Methadone tablets and solution, Morphine Extended Release dosage-forms, etc.)
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Education Resources and Support for Hospices
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Deltaweld® 302 MIG Welder
Rock solid reliability, exceptional value and power efficient operation make this the "Better!" MIG solution for the most demanding industrial manufacturing applications. Combined with the 70 Series wire feeder this system is the workhorse of the industrial market.
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See Accessories for pricing and additional options.
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Product Information
Deltaweld models are available in 300, 450 and 650 amps. Choose the model that best suits your welding application.
LVC™ Line voltage compensation keeps welding parameters constant even when input voltages change ±10%. Eliminates need to change welding parameters throughout the day.
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Unique Fan-On-Demand™ cooling system operates only when needed. Reduces contaminants drawn into the machine and excess noise in work areas.
Enclosed circuit board provides additional protection by eliminating contaminants which cause premature failure of components.
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Remote control capability allows operators fine tuning capability at an extended distance.
15 amp 115 VAC duplex receptacle allows operators the flexibility to run grinders, drills, coolers, etc. from power source without the need for additional 115 VAC power in weld area.
Power efficient for exceptional value and return on your investment.
Digital meters for presetting or monitoring welding voltage or amperage for more precise control.


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In a few different sites and blogs, there's a lot of mention of military presses being bad for the shoulder. Are they any worse than any other exercise? and if so, what would be an alternative method to get the same results?
Take the 2-minute tour ×
Physical Fitness Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs. It's 100% free, no registration required.
From what I've read, the problem isn't the motion as much as the bar position. In short, with the bar behind the neck, it is very easy to injure yourself, and in people who lack the proper shoulder flexibility to cause rotator cuff injuries.
The "press" in its general definition of a standing lift with the bar in front of the head is a very safe lift and does not come with the extra stress on the tendons and ligaments. It's also very beneficial at addressing all the muscle groups referenced in your diagram.


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Music & Music Education Program Menu
Armstrong State University
Department of Art, Music & Theatre
Fine Arts Hall, Room 125
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Fax 912.344.3419
Music & Music Education Program
In a city whose musical roots include famed composer Johnny Mercer's auspicious beginnings, music students at Armstrong can immerse themselves in musical studies both in the classroom and in the community. Extensive music theory, history and education course sequences support private studio performance regimens that produce well-rounded young professional musicians and music educators in degree areas of performance (Bachelor of Art in Music) and classroom education (Bachelor of Music Education).
The renowned international Savannah Music Festival, Savannah Jazz Festival, and Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus concert events provide additional local musical stimulation for the aspiring music student.
AMT students put their course of study into frequent practice, enjoying bountiful opportunities to collaborate with peers in vocal ensembles ranging from University Chorale to the more intimate setting of the Armstrong University Singers, and instrumentally in Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Solo and collaborative recitals are integrated into the Armstrong music student's degree program, while weekly performance classes provide ample opportunity for each student to master performance techniques and develop commanding stage presence. Music students enjoy concerts and recitals in Armstrong's 1,000-seat state-of-the-art concert hall, the Fine Arts Auditorium, considered by many to be the most acoustically perfect concert venue in Savannah.
Recognized student organizations
Music Education students begin to develop professional networks through involvement in Armstrong's collegiate chapter of National Association for Music Education (NAfME) professional organization and interacting with field professionals at several Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) events sponsored and hosted by Armstrong each year. Men in the music program may join Armstrong's collegiate music fraternity chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Additional musical activities available to Armstrong music students include involvement in the Savannah chapter of Georgia Music Teachers Association (GMTA), a predominantly keyboard-oriented professional teaching organization. Annual music festivals and series at Armstrong include: Piano in the Arts concerts and masterclasses, Southeastern Choral Arts Festival, Outdoor Children's Arts Festival, and the Winterfest Invitational Middle and High School Honor Band whereby music education students can gain invaluable experience.
Events Calendar
2016 GMEA All-State Percussion Audition Video Demonstrations
Middle School Band
Concert Band
Symphonic Band


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About LIM College
From Fashion Fantasy to Reality
LIM College Partners with Fashion Fantasy Game & Junior Achievement of New York to Deliver Fashion Education Through Social Media Gaming Platform
LIM College has partnered with Junior Achievement of New York (JA New York), Fashion Fantasy Game (FFG), and the High School of Art & Design to pilot a unique business education program that gives high school students a taste of what it would be like to own their own fashion retail business or fashion design company. At the center of the program is Fashion Fantasy Game (www.fashionfantasygame.com), a sophisticated, educational social-networking web game platform that allows students to make real world business decisions in a virtual environment. This partnership focuses on emerging synergies between online social networking and education--an idea that resonates strongly with a younger generation of students.
The goal of the program is to ignite students' entrepreneurial spirit in a competitive online environment. At the end of the seven-week intensive program, student groups will have their businesses judged on profitability, revenues and marketing execution. The winning team will be announced on April 13 and will get to have dinner with Fashion Fantasy Game CEO Nancy Ganz. They will also receive JA Job Shadow placements with NYC fashion designers and retail outlets.
The program kicked off on February 23 at LIM College. More than 30 high school students were grouped in teams of four and each team received $20,000 Fashion Buckz game currency to launch their fashion line and retail operation. Students from Art & Design High School interacted with LIM College faculty experts in design, marketing, and retail operations. They gave students business and design tips and briefed them on industry best practices. Over the course of the program, the high school students will continue to be mentored by LIM College faculty and students. The LIM College mentors will meet with the high school teams once a week in the classroom to discuss winning business strategies and monitor students' progression and achievements in a virtual business environment.
"The FFG platform is excellent for younger students thinking about pursuing a career in fashion because not only does it give them hands-on experience and insight into the skills needed to be successful in this field, but it does so in a way that is fun and collaborative," said Professor Michael Palladino. "We jumped at the opportunity to be involved in this program because it allows our college students and faculty to put their skills to use mentoring younger students. LIM College has been involved in molding the next generation of fashion business leaders for more than 70 years and it is always a rewarding experience."
"This marks the first time JA New York has targeted an exploration into the fashion industry," said Joseph Peri, president of Junior Achievement of New York. "It's also an exciting look into leveraging social networking, new technologies and popular culture to educate young people. Teens have been inspired by television shows and fashion marketing platforms such as Project Runway and New York Fashion Week and long to create their own space and statements within this industry. By partnering with LIM College and Fashion Fantasy Game, we're giving young people an interactive, fun experience revolving around business lessons that will remain with them long after the competition ends."
Developed by fashion industry veteran and successful entrepreneur Nancy Ganz, FFG creates a virtual world for style-savvy young adults. Ms. Ganz, whose previous business success include revolutionizing the intimate apparel industry with the invention of the Hipslip and development of the Bodyslimmers line of shape wear, which she sold to Warnaco in 1996, has always been drawn to the business side of fashion. When her daughter approached her teen years, she saw an opportunity to create an online game that would offer teens a creative outlet and social networking experience, with underlying lessons about financial management and business development.
"Starting your own fashion line is more than just designing. To be successful, it also requires one to be business-savvy. Red may be a great color on the runway, but in business, it means bankruptcy," said Ganz. "Kids are already web savvy users. This is an opportunity to elevate young people's web interactions by delivering quality fashion business education while young people are having fun and connecting and sharing with each other. By teaming with JA New York & LIM College--both dedicated to teaching students entrepreneurial and business skills--this competition will allow teens to showcase their creativity and business smarts."


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Fremont Oktoberfest
The Fremont Oktoberfest is a beer-drinking, knowledge-learning, and even family-friendly festival happening in late September. This blog will help the seasoned veterans and the newbies experience the Fremont Oktoberfest to its absolute fullest.
Posts filtered on Tag
Where to Start in the Tasting Garden
With over 100 beers, where does one start in the Fremont Oktoberfest Tasting Garden? Well, that depends on what beers you enjoy. Sampling different beers is like trying different foods. The dish may be called the same thing but each Chef has their own interpretation of the dish, their own recipe. Beer is like that. […] [Read More]


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Beat writer John Hickey will answer all questions about the hot-streaking Oakland A's during a live chat Friday.
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(Guglielmo Winery)
A renegade Prohibition-era winery turns 90 in Morgan Hill
Founded at the height of Prohibition, Morgan Hill's Guglielmo Winery is celebrating its 90th birthday.
(Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
VMAs: Nicki Minaj fires back at Miley Cyrus
After winning award for 'Anaconda," Minaj challenges Cyrus, who responds by seemingly blaming the media for feud.


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Jean-Michel Cazabat
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Snakeskin round toe ballet flat with smooth leather trim around collar and 15mm stacked heel.
Style # 502422948
Need Help? Have Questions? Contact Us.
Please call 1.888.222.7639 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
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Lots of beads
Stretchy cording
Large lobster claw clasps
Small Paint brush (optional)
Step #2
Start stringing more beads on to your liking adding spacers along the way.
You will use two spacers when making each band. Put one on about 1/3 of the way and the other about 2/3 of the way.
Keep adding beads until you like the look and have the correct length.
Then add clasps and small beads like on the opposite side all to one side of the cording as shown.
Tie coring together in a square knot.
Right over left, left over right. Check to make use it is secure.
Use a small paint brush to apply super glue to help keep it all together.


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• Provides one-stop shopping for the events
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To recreate the playability of an acoustic piano, Piaggero features Yamaha's own Graded Soft Touch (GST) keyboard, giving keys in the lower octave a heavier touch than those in the upper octaves. While this scaled level of resistance is graded for a piano-like response, the keys themselves are not weighted for the sake of portability. This brings the NP-V80 and NP-V60 in at less than 16 pounds but still provides a touch that all pianists can appreciate. Along with superb grand piano sound, Piaggero features a number of popular instrument Voices, such as organ, strings, and guitar all recorded using Yamaha's AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) stereo sampling technology for amazingly true-to-life sound. These keyboards also boast over 160 preset Styles -- from the basic rock and jazz beats to contemporary electronic rhythms -- that follow and backup the performer with dynamically responsive accompaniment. At the touch of a button, Piaggero's Music Database offers pre-set combinations of Styles, Voices, effects and tempos based on the song you'd like to perform.
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I am trying to stay logged in to a website (www.nectar.com).
It works fine on two computers with any browser but on my laptop (Win 7 x86) no browser can stay logged in to the website after the browser closes.
The only security running are Windows Firewall (which I have reset to default) and MSE (which is pretty much at default settings).
All other sites are fine - I have tried using IE9, Firefox and Chrome and that one site can not retain the session when the browser closes.
I have cleared browsing history for each browser (including cookies) to reset the cache but it makes no difference.
Driving me nuts - anyone got any idea what is going on?


text: New Color Printer A color laser printer is now available in the Noreen Reale Falcone Library. Students can print to the new printer from all public computers in the library cluster (near the IT Service Desk), the library classroom and the library workstations (near the Library Services Desk), as well as by using the MyPrint wireless printing service (https://myprint.lemoyne.edu/). The printer, which can make double- as well as single-sided copies, is located across from the Service Desk and can be selected by choosing the printer LIB-HP500M551DN (Library Public Color Printer) from the print menu. Copies are charged against your Le Moyne print quota. Contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. Posted in: Announcements, New Services on September 30, 2013 09:19 E-mail to a Friend | Permalink | Retweet | del.icio.us Current Articles | Archives | Search


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Costs and FinancingPage address: http://www.mnsu.edu/admissions/international/costs.html
The following is the actual annual cost for international students attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for the 2014-2015 school year. Tuition, fees and board charges are subject to change by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
|Tuition and Fees (Estimated)
|Fall Semester (12-18 credits with Cultural Contribution Scholarship)
|Spring Semester (12-18 credits)
|Total for Fall & Spring Semesters
|Room and Board
|On-Campus Housing (9 months)
(Based on average ON campus room and meal costs)
|Total for Room and Board (9 months)
|Miscellaneous Expenses
|Books & Supplies
|Health Insurance
|Personal Expenses
|Total for Miscellaneous Expenses
|Total Estimated Expenses for 9 Months Academic School Year
(with the Cultural Contribution Scholarship 1st semester)
The Expenses figure is the 9 month academic year 2014-2015. Summer is not included. Additional resources would be needed to cover Summer costs. The Expense Budget for future school years could see an increase. The final and accurate figure for each school year is usually not known until at least July of each year.
The budget is current as of August 2014.
* First semester reduced tuition and fee rates may continue based on meeting and maintaining the Cultural Contribution Scholarship Requirements of a 2.5 GPA and 25 completed cultural contribution hours.


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You spend almost 10 months preparing for the arrival of your newborn. You buy toys, bassinets, clothes, and books -- not to mention diapers, formula, and countless onesies. But before you spend another dime on baby expenses, maybe you should think about saving a penny -- or two.
"Bringing up a child from birth to 18 years old now costs around $200,000," says Michael Farr, author of A Million Is Not Enough. "And that doesn't include school or college. For new parents, the trick is to buy smart and save wisely."
WebMD has gathered cash-saving tips and budget-planning advice from family financial experts and frugal moms who live the baby-money balancing act every day. Read on to find out how you can raise your little one while keeping your wallet intact.
Baby Dollars and Sense
"The first thing you need to do when you know you are starting a family is get your financial bearings," says Farr, who is the president of money management firm Farr, Miller & Washington in Washington, D.C.
Before baby is born, Farr recommends that a couple analyze their budget and get a good sense of what they spend their money on, how much they spend every month, and importantly, what's a necessity versus a nice-to-have.
With a little one on the way, the nice-to-haves need to be prioritized. The goal is to cut a good number of the frivolities off the list, Farr tells WebMD. By trimming the fat from your monthly spending, you can begin to prepare your bank account for the arrival of your newborn. But when you stop buying things you don't need, don't start buying things your baby could live without.
"Parents often fall victim to the hidden pressure of having to have everything for their baby, even things a newborn doesn't need," says Ellie Kay. Kay is author of Living Rich for Less. "Worse yet," she says, "they buy name-brand items that are overpriced and impractical."
Kay, a family financial expert, explains that sometimes, overzealous new parents equate love for their new child with "stuff." Then they end up with a home filled with unnecessary baby accessories.
Unfortunately, the unnecessary starts to add up. Then the next thing a mom and dad know, the nice-to-haves get in the way of what baby really requires -- daycare if a parent works, food, health care, diapers, and safety essentials.
Baby Budget
When you look at the math, the numbers can cause sticker shock. With the cost of raising a child to 18 in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, where does all the money go, and how can such a little person cost so darn much? Here's a breakdown of the financial picture:
- Daycare costs run about $1,200 a month, depending on where you live. So sometimes it makes sense for one parent not to work, because when you compare that number versus the after-tax salary of one parent, two kids in daycare equal about $30,000 in annual salary.
- With insurance co-pays of $25, the annual cost of visits to the pediatrician's office is about $250.
- Not only is parenting an expensive endeavor, it can be a dirty job, too. By the time a child is potty-trained, he or she can go through thousands of diapers. The cost of diapers amounts to $1,500 to $2,000 in total by the time your baby is out of them.
- Food costs are the most expensive, topping out at more than $100/week.
And for new parents, there's something else to consider. Farr says one of the most important places to put your money is in savings. The goal is to make sure you always have at least six months of cash reserves on hand.
Farr tells WebMD that in this kind of economy, when jobs get tight and the risk of lay-offs is higher, parents need to have enough money put away in case the worst case scenario happens. "Then if they lose part or all of their income," Farr says, "they're prepared, for their sake and for the sake of their child."
All told, baby expenses can run a family around $2,000 month, and that's for just the bare minimum. So spending wisely is the key to raising a baby on a budget.
Baby on a Budget: Advice From the Pros
"Babies add significant financial pressure to a family simply because of the physical needs of children," says Kay. "So when you're buying for a baby, you need to focus on the sheer necessities."
A good formula to follow focuses on three approaches:
- Spend your money on the necessities your baby needs.
- Be conservative when you buy items your baby will grow out of quickly.
- Take advantage of opportunities to use hand-me-downs.
Here's advice from the money experts as well as moms who spend their money on all the right things.
Buy bulk. "Buy diapers in bulk especially the first year," says Jennifer Bianco, a mother of two small children from Providence, R.I. "You go through them so quickly it will save you money in terms of cost-efficiency as well as gas. That's because it will mean fewer trips to the store in the middle of the night when you run low on diapers."
Make your own baby food. "All you need is a small food processor so you can process fruits like apples and bananas and veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes," says Bianco. "It's a lot cheaper and healthier than most baby foods found in the store."
Save now, wear later. "Buy a larger size of the current season's clothes on sale for the next year's season," Bianco tells WebMD. "It's easy to do from birth to one year when you have a good idea that your child will likely fit into that size."
Don't fall victim to marketing. "Don't go buy every kind of gear for your baby before he or she is born," says Bianco. "Lesson learned: I bought the Baby Bjorn carrier for $70 and my daughter hated it and cried so much as a newborn whenever I put her in it. Now I'm going to give it to my friend so she can try it -- for free."
Borrow for your baby. "Take advantage of your friends and family who have had babies before you," says Kara Angelone, a mother of 2-year old twins in Tampa, Florida. "Most of them will be happy to get rid of clothes or other baby gear. Or at least they'll let you borrow and then you can return the favor with some of the things you bought new. In the end, borrowing for your baby can save everyone some money."
Put your money where it matters. "Spend your money on safety items like car seats and cribs," says Angelone. "Those are places you definitely don't want to buy used -- because you don't know what you're getting and because you can't put a price on the safety of your child."
Take advantage of tax deductions. "Twenty to 35% of child care expenses can be deducted depending on your income," says Farr. "Some states offer additional benefits, so check with your tax adviser."
Tax-free is free money. "Check into an employer-sponsored dependent-care account, where you contribute an annual amount in pretax dollars to be used for qualifying dependent care expenses," recommends Farr.
Cash is king. "A good rule of thumb when you are trying to raise a baby on a budget," says Kay, "is to always pay cash. If you have cash, you know you can afford it."


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I once saw dice with a "cylindrical" shape, and numbers printed on the sides. The friend who had them called them "clippide", although a google search returns nothing. What is the real, official name of such dice ?
Take the 2-minute tour ×
Role-playing Games Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for gamemasters and players of tabletop, paper-and-pencil role-playing games. It's 100% free, no registration required.
From the wikipedia article on dice.
The full geometric set of "uniform fair dice" (face-transitive) are:
I believe you are talking about a rolling log/rolling pin style dice.


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BIBLE MEDITATION: "....I am GOD, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where to go." Isaiah 48:17 (The Message Bible)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: What is your idea of the good life? Each person has his own idea about what it means to live the good life. In the 1880's James Whitcomb Riley wrote a series of poems about the ideal life. He described it as a life that is humble, safe, care-free and filled with hope. Riley's poems depicted a life where dreams were created, promoted and supported; where the home is happy, problems are few and comforts are freely available even without riches. The life depicted in these poems became known as the "Life of Riley." Living the "Life of Riley" became a popular phrase for living the good life. Living the life of Riley for some means living a life where they are not required to do much, get more and are protected from loss by various means that may border on the illegal if necessary. Maintaining such a good life becomes their goal and consumes all of their energy, time and focus. It determines their friends, activities, politics and sometimes, even their religion.
In this text the prophet Isaiah reminds Israel that God has been its teacher, leader, provider and protector; if they follow him He will show them how to live well. Despite the fact that God brought Israel so far on its journey the nation often strayed away from Him. They experienced many periods of trouble, war, and loss when they moved away from Him. In this text God, speaking through Isaiah, reminds them that He has been their life teacher throughout all times and that if they follow what He instructs they will live well.
The King James Version uses the phrase, "thy God which teacheth thee to profit." Many have taken that phrase and others like it to mean that God places an emphasis on making money, earning a profit and gaining physical prosperity. A closer look however, shows that the phrase actually means to "Live well" or to live profitably for His purpose.
God promised Israel not only to teach them the principles of living well, but that He would "lead thee by the way thou shouldest go." The Message paraphrase of this same text says, "....I am GOD, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where to go." The thought is clear: If God's people listen to Him and follow his direction He will, as Matthew Henry declares, "Open their eyes and direct their steps. By his grace, He will lead us in the way of duty and by his providence he will lead us in the way of deliverance.
To live well before God is to be obedient to Him. In verse 19, He notes that if the people had been obedient, their lives would have been peaceful, happy, and productive like peaceful river, with joys rebounding frequently like the waves on a sea.
To live well before God is to love Him, praise Him and acknowledge Him. That's why the word says in Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths." The path to living large is obtaining money, but the path to truly living well is to live a life rooted in the word of God. As believers, our goal in life is to not just to live well, but to live well before God. We want to do His will and to live our life's purpose. Then and only then can we say we are "living well."
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Marco Polo, 'G.U.R.U.' — Producer Enlists Talib Kweli and DJ Premier to Honor MC's Passing
Today (April 19), marks three years since the passing of Keith Elam, better known to the world as Guru from Gangstarr.
To honor the fallen rapper's legacy, producer Marco Polo recruited Talib Kweli and DJ Premier for a song named after him-- "G.U.R.U."
Polo's new album, PA2: The Direct


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learn cost effective ways to reduce smog causing emissions.
continue your everyday life and still help reduce dangerous ozone levels.
leading by example, exercising your authority, and influencing economic development and land use decisions.
Save Money and Reduce Pollution.
Participants are eligible to receive four CFL lightbulbs. Get more program information or email us.


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Schedule of events
Hall of Fame/ Hall of Honor
Food and lodging
Attendance list
St. Gertrude Dining Hall
Old Main, first floor
Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. / 11 - 3 p.m. / 5 - 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / 5 - 7 p.m.
With house-made pastries for breakfast, hot-off-the
grill specials for lunch, and a salad bar with local and
sustainable products or traditional dishes for dinner,
Bon Appétit
Management Co. offers something for everyone! Don't have
time to sit and eat? You'll find healthy grab-and-go options,
including prepared sandwiches and soups.
The Monk's Bean Cafe
Harned Hall
Friday 7:30 - 3 p.m. / Saturday 1 - 3 p.m.
Enjoy your favorite coffee or espresso drink, fruit
smoothes, and house-made desserts.
The Ramada Olympia is offering a special rate for alumni and
their families during Homecoming Weekend. For reservations, call
360-459-8866 and mention you are with Saint Martin's University
4520 Martin Way E
Olympia, WA 98516360-459-8866
Candlewood Suites
4440 3rd Avenue SE
Lacey, Washington 98503 877-226-3539
Quality Inn & Suites
120 College St. SE Lacey, WA 98503
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Lacey
4460 3rd Avenue SoutheastLacey, WA 98503


text: Erin Cass (SL Production Manager) was born and raised in New Orleans. After heading out west for awhile, Erin has called NY State home for the past 7 years. She received her BA in Theatre from Louisiana State University and her MFA in Stage Management and Producing form CalArts in Los Angeles. Ever since, Erin has worked in theatre, dance, television, film and commercial production. She is thrilled to be a part of the Pilobolus family.


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The Cactus Lounge – named for its desert mural vista – is located off The Lobby and looks out onto the sunny pool deck. It also plays host to a live acoustic music series, book readings and many an informal meeting and meal.
"All baby-blue tabletops and chocolate-brown banquettes, it's artful down to the last saltshaker. The taste is impeccable"
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For inquiries, please contact us at:
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Test ID: AST
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (GOT), Serum
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Diagnosing and monitoring liver disease, particularly diseases resulting in a destruction of hepatocytes
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is found in high concentrations in liver, heart, skeletal muscle and kidney. AST is present in both cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells. In cases involving mild tissue injury, the predominant form of AST is that from the cytoplasm. Severe tissue damage results in more of the mitochondrial enzyme being released. High levels of AST can be found in cases such as myocardial infarction, acute liver cell damage, viral hepatitis and carbon tetrachloride poisoning. Slight to moderate elevation of AST is seen in muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis and crushed muscle injuries.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
0-11 months: not established
1-13 years: 8-60 U/L
> or =14 years: 8-48 U/L
0-11 months: not established
1-13 years: 8-50 U/L
> or =14 years: 8-43 U/L
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values are seen in parenchymal liver diseases characterized by a destruction of hepatocytes. Values are typically at least 10 times above the normal range. Levels may reach values as high as one hundred times the upper reference limit, although twenty to fifty-fold elevations are most frequently encountered. In infectious hepatitis and other inflammatory conditions affecting the liver, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is characteristically as high as or higher than AST, and the ALT/AST ratio, which normally and in other condition is <1, becomes greater than unity. AST levels are usually elevated before clinical signs and symptoms of disease appear. Five- to 10-fold elevations of both AST and ALT occur in patients with primary or metastatic carcinoma of the liver, with AST usually being higher than ALT, but levels are often normal in the early stages of malignant infiltration of the liver. Elevations of ALT activity persist longer than do those of AST activity. Elevated AST values may also be seen in disorders affecting the heart, skeletal muscle and kidney.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Pyridoxal phosphate is a cofactor in the reaction and is necessary for enzyme activity.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, 1994


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Look, we love Bones with every bone in our body, but there's no denying that Hodgins (TJ Thyne) and Angela (Michaela Conlin) have taken a turn for the WTF. Between the rampant cheating, the terrifying More »
Get ready to LOL yourself silly, because this week's episode of Bones was all about comedy! Oh, and murder. And peanut butter-covered human remains. And bashed in skulls. And cheating scandals. With t More »
An episode about a wacky artist glued to the remains of a dead stand-up comic? Oh yeah, this episode of Bones definitely had lots of great lines. Check out the best quotes from "The But in the Joke." More »
This week's episode of Bones was all about art and unicorns — oh, and cheating. Yes, one of our favorite characters got her mack on with an imposter, and we are devastated. Check out our roundup of OM More »
"Bones" always has the best quotes. Thus, an episode like "The But in the Joke" -- in which comedy plays a major role -- must have many witty things to say. Here are some of the best.Hodgins: "Babe, I More »
"The But in the Joke" had everything we need from a "Bones" episode: A gruesome murder, vastly differing opinions on important things like art and humor, personal reflection, a living person covered i More »
This week's episode, "The But in the Joke," isn't going to go down as one of the most memorable episodes overall, but it did provide some laughs courtesy of our resident FBI agent. And Angela finds he More »
I thought last week was going to be the return to form for Bones , but it turns out I was wrong. (See what I did there? Except I'm not joking.) " The But In The Joke " was the third of the four bon More »


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- Independent
- The Enterprise
- The Recorder
Maryland's Public Service Commission decided Monday that electricity customers can permanently stop utilities from installing so-called smart meters that use radio waves to transmit data for billing and potentially other applications.
But the commission said it needs more information to decide whether customers can opt to keep their analog meters or will have to get a smart meter that operates without using radio waves.
Three commissioners –– W. Kevin Hughes, recently nominated to become PSC chairman, Lawrence Brenner and Harold D. Williams –– voted to get more information before deciding which way to go in allowing customers a permanent opt-out of the smart meters that some groups have opposed, citing radiation, health, safety and privacy concerns.
The commissioners said those ratepayers who decide to permanently opt out will have to share any extra expense that keeping two separate metering systems entails.
Two commissioners, Chairman Douglas R.M. Nazarian, recently nominated to the Court of Special Appeals, and Kelly Speakes-Backman, did not vote with the majority, but issued a dissenting opinion. They said that customers should not be allowed to opt out, but utilities should be required to provide a reduced-radiation or radiation-free smart meter upon request.
In May, the commission issued an interim order that allowed customers temporarily to opt not to have a smart meter. The interim order remains in effect until the commission decides which option customers should have.


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- hessam mohammadi
- Tehran Iran
- Iran
Computer Programmer,
This conversation is closed.
Do you think religion has played a positive role in people's personal lives?is it neccessary or not?
They must refer to their wisdom or their beliefs?
Aug 5 2013: Hello Hessam,
Whether or not a person embraces a certain religious or philosophical belief is a personal choice. We are often born into a family which practices a religious belief, and as we become adults, we can choose to continue with that belief and practice or not.
If people choose a particular religious or philosophical belief, apparently, they feel it is necessary for their personal life experience, otherwise they would not choose it.
There are lots of people who use religion as a valuable life guide, and there are people who use it to control and oppress other people. If it is used as a beneficial life guide, it may be considered a "positive role". Any belief and practice that controls, oppresses or excludes certain people, I do not believe is beneficial to the whole of humankind.
You write..."They must refer to their wisdom or their beliefs?"
We might think that people would actually live their beliefs, and we know that does not always happen. Some folks seem to embrace certain beliefs and forget to apply those same beliefs to the life experience.
Maria Khan
Aug 5 2013: Referring to one's personal lives, I think this is an unfair question to be honest. It truly depends on the experiences each individual has had with religion and how that affected their life.
- +2
Personally, I have grown up around religion my whole life. I'm Muslim and I am thankful everyday for being born into it. I have learned so much about humanity, kindness, relationships, individuals and more by reading the Quran and learning about Islam. I would never have set my career around wanting to help people if it wasn't for the teachings I had as a child. I would never make sure to dress respectably and in that, learning to respect my own body as a woman if it was not for Islam. I would never make sure that every guy I want to be in a relationship with me has to respect me and treat me right. I would never have put so much thought into everything I say and do for my parents. The Quran always talks about being kind to your parents and I really love that.
Of course, I am not blind to all that goes in the social media about Islam and all that is negative. The people who are Muslim and did not like it, I really believe it is because they didn't have positive experiences with it. It really depends on everyone's situation and environment in my opinion.
Great Question! I hope I helped your thoughts untangle a bit!Aug 4 2013: No, religion has not played a positive role in anyone's life. It may have played a role, but only to fill in the gaps where the person is too illiterate, confused, immature, backwards, stupid, etc to build a model of the universe from evidence rather than wishful thinking.
This is similar to a child who wonders where their tooth goes after it falls out. Mom and dad say you put it under your pillow and the tooth fairy comes for it.
How do presents get under the tree on Christmas morning. Santa comes down the chimney and leaves them.
All ridiculous stories even if you do go to great lengths to make them consistent and complete (Santa has magic reindeer and one with a glowing nose in case its foggy, etc).
But they fill a spot in the child's understanding of the universe until such time as their thinking can handle reality.
In the case of religions, sometimes this never happens.
I am still holding out hope for the human race although evolution is a frustratingly slow process in this regard
Linda Taylor
Aug 3 2013: Religion has benefited many people. It gives them security and tradition. It gives them a basis on which to behave towards other people.
- +2
And no. Religion is not necessary. That from personal experience.
Aug 3 2013: how do you know that tradition is right or correct? why don't you want pass the red lines,maybe you get something better.
Linda Taylor
Aug 3 2013: You want me to assign right and wrong to tradition? I am just not that silly. I only assign right and wrong to my own behavior because I have my own morals. I do not hold the moral standard for the rest of the world.
- +1
I do not understand the red line reference.Aug 4 2013: Traditions are neither right nor wrong, they are a connection to your cultures history. Some traditions loose their meaning over time and are slowly dropped. For example, no one remembers what the Yule log was for at Christmas. I have always thought Ash Wednesday was for planting certain types of trees and I went to Church one year during palm Sunday and some guy slapped me with a plant and threw water on me. Boy, there was almost trouble then... but I digressAug 5 2013: I think when it comes down to it, it's not religion that matters but what they choose to do with it. Some people can seem very religious and by-the-book but deep down lack inner peace and spiritual strength, and end up missing the entire point. Some people can be atheists but have good connection with their soul. Religion can only become a positive influence if it is practiced with clear conscience, kind & open heart and above all a good faith.
For me at least, I always try to separate faith and religion because the latter has become too saturated and distorted.
Whisky Delta
Aug 5 2013: Some do find it necessary to have in their lives. Some need the positive focus on something positive to keep them from becoming harmful to others. In extreme cases it is bad, very bad; everything in moderation. I believe many morals are written in this place (religion) behind something powerful in order to keep us from harming each other. However, some of these morals are contradicting and totally up for interpretation which can be ...um, not positive at all.Aug 5 2013: There is no blanket answer to this question as it depends on individual.
- +1
Comment deleted
Aug 5 2013: aleykomaslam .
thank you,maybe one person has the some moral virtues and does'nt believe in any religion. religion does'nt give us new thing. all things that we need are in nature,i want to complete yours. religion, in the past 2500 years, cheated people.and people who didn't have enough information believed it. we born free, but, why we can not think freely!! why we have to wait till religion says to us do it or don'tdo it. look at in middle east, most of the religious countries,most of them have many problems that west countries dont have, for example i think at least for my country, believd in islam, in past 2500 years, didn't help us to improve. because religion dont let people think and think and think, and says do everything that i say so god will take you to heaven and beisde it the religion leaders do their work->stealing their money and freedom and every thing .i hate islam and every religion .thats it.but thanks for your comment, good luck .khodahafez
Mike Colera
Aug 5 2013: Hessam,
- +1
I broached this subject awhile back and this is what you will learn as did I....
If a person comes from a religious background and has held to those values, he will say that religion is important to his life.
If he is not religious or can not reconcile religion, he will say that religion is not important to him, other values hold more meaning.
bart hsi
Aug 5 2013: You should refer to human conscience rather than the nominal religion. For example for many Catholic priests, occasionally you find some of them did hideously immoral things, even though they study and practice christianity all their life. I am not saying that religion led them to their misconduct, but it didn't prevent their misconduct either.
- +1
The word tradition could be interpreted in many ways, some of it could be linked to the main religion in that geological region also. For example, most of the Iranion tradition probably is linked to Islam. It probably is quite different from Christianity. Most of the posting here referring Christmas tradition as if they are separated from Christianity.But probably that's not so, otherwise, why it is named CHRIST-mas? So, whether one belives in Santa Claus or not, this is related to Christian religion. I am neither a Moslem nor a Christian, you may consider me as a disciple of Confucius. His teaching involves lot of morality and philosophy, but he kept his distance from religion overall. If you believe that humanity or moralty plays the most positive role in personal life, then I think I am doing OK in that respect.
Aug 5 2013: great, so do i.Aug 4 2013: Generally and overall?
I strongly believe religion has served no good interest in the lives of humans.
It serves its own agenda which is to completely destroy the human spirit.
Its natural propensity is to gravitate into Fascism and control.
As Linda says below: " It gives them a basis on which to behave towards other people."
Yes,. To kill them, torture them, terrorize them, impoverish them, enslave them and corral and control them.
Not what she meant, but what I mean.
It is my personal and direct experience with religion and people of religion that has taught me all of this.
I no longer have any doubts about it.
Aug 4 2013: but slogan of many religions is that ,be kind with each other, don't lie,dont kill,don't steal,
however,why people still believe in these religions, it seems that they've got used to refere their ignorance to something beyond this world.
totally i agree with you.Aug 4 2013: Religion has played a positive role in the lives of many people. It usually offers hope based on faith. It also frequently provides a faith based explanation to many of the mysteries of life to many people, thus offering a measure of comfort. Science is offering new explanations to many of these mysteries, but the choice of which path to follow is up to the individual.
'Is it necessary or not?' is kind of a personal issue, but in some areas, religious policies and doctrine are interwoven with civil laws, cultural moral codes, and acceptable social behavior. In these instances, the answer is complex.
In some countries, there is a complete separation between church and state. In this case, there are civil laws in place to provide social order. In these instances, whether a person uses religion as a basis for a personal philosophy is not important, therefore religion is not necessary.
In countries where there is no separation between church and state, and religion is being used to help with social order and civil law, then it is necessary.Aug 5 2013: Hello:) hessam mohammadi! Religion takes a huge part of people's lives and it is same with me. If we think that the present life will totally end when we died, every thing would be in vain, hopelessly. I find religion helps people live in apositive way and do their best in every moment. Rather than worshiping a certain religion passionately, religion is meaningfu as it isl in that people gain happiness and peace from it.Aug 5 2013: Let me express a view which some will not like. Religion has played a positive role but it has played a major role in controlling the population from revolting against the country leaders. This is true of the Christian, Muslim, Buddhism, etc.Aug 4 2013: Religion can be positive or negative (certainly negative in the case of entire societies). Anyone can perceive religion in their own fashion, therefore, whether one reaps positive or negative results is entirely dependent on their sanity. This is why no one can ever trust religion to provide them with a consolidated truth. Christianity alone has been determined to contain 48,000 denominations, that is, it has 48,000 truths. This is a clear contradiction that applies to all known religions. Anyone who turns to religion for guidance will soon find their minds led astray in the realm of mysticism. Most people don't realize it because they end up being fooled by their own theology.Aug 4 2013: through the centuries religions have been a moral source for many a peoples. As I shared Hessam, human beings left on their own regarding the morality of behavior is one I have yet to put much stock in.
I thank you for your reply !
mary ellenAug 4 2013: I believe the system of an organized religion plays an important role when speaking to the moral development of not only the individual but, the human race. Moral development concerns rules and values about what people should do in their interactions others, (this is a conversation in of itself). Religious concepts are powerful moral teachers and offer a ready-made set of values through teachings, religious books, rituals and, services.
From the on-set of organized religious practices, it brings to the table its inherent "Achilles heel". There is the danger that an individual will cease thinking for themselves and simply accept religious dogma without question. World leaders have asserted a privilege to choose the religion of an entire populous; control of others has been gained through fear, through the sands of time lives have been lost over religious practices/ beliefs. To this very day, emotional hatred resulting in horrendous acts are taking place in the name of set of religious beliefs.
I firmly believe that organize religion is not the catalyst of any of this. It is simply the Trojan Horse that speaks to the injurious part of human behavior we have yet to rise above. Organized religion remains a positive and much needed part of any culture. The moral compass of the human race is slowly but surely progressing from its infantile state of consciences but the journey is only beginning.
Aug 4 2013: ok, but moral development does'nt need to religion, its about humanity, its come from humanity, .for example ,i have my mentality with best moral factors, and i dont have any religion, so whats the problem ?you know that stealing is not acceptable but why you want to religion says it to you?