text: URMC / Structural Biology & Biophysics Facility / Equipment Equipment Instruments Available for Structure Determination Bruker AXS X8 Prospector Ultra microfocus IµS sealed-tube X-ray generator featuring a highly sensitive charge coupled device (CCD) APEX II detector for rapid data acquisition and crystal analysis (MC 1-6811). The X-ray facility was recently upgraded in 2010 by an NIH/NCRR shared instrument grant (1S10 RR026501) worth $477,916 awarded to Dr. Joseph Wedekind. The state-of-the-art system from Bruker AXS comprises an I(μ)S microfocus sealed tube Cu(Kα) X-ray source, integrated optics, and a highly sensitive APEX II CCD detector that can read out diffraction images in ˜1 sec. An Oxford 700-series cold stream is available to cool crystals to 100 K for data collection. Close up of X8 Prospector I(μ)S microfocus sealed tube Cu(Kα) X-ray source, integrated optics, and APEX II CCD detector. In addition, the upgraded system includes a point-and-click motorized goniometer head for rapid sample centering. The CCD detector is mounted on a 4-circle platform to rapidly obtain the most complete data sets. The 0.120 mm beam size produced by Bruker's multilayer Quazar optic is well suited for small crystals. The system can resolve a 295 Angstrom unit cell for challenging applications. A Mosquito liquid-handling robot (TTP LabTech) is available for rapid setup of nanoliter-scale crystallization experiments. Nearby temperature-controlled rooms equipped with microscopes are available for crystal growth, documentation and mounting. The associated computational and stereographics facility houses several Linux and Mac workstations. Graphics and computational packages include: Coot, O, PyMol, CNS, CCP4, Phenix, SOLVE/RESOLVE, and HKL2000. The X-ray facility is located in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics. The executive director is Dr. Joseph Wedekind. Mosquito crystallization robot (TTP LabTech) for high-throughput, nanoliter-scale crystallization experiments (MC 1-6824). Microscopes for crystal viewing (MC 1-6807). Computers and software for structure determination and graphics (MC 1-6818). Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) DynaPro Plate Reader II (Wyatt Technologies). Automated DynaPro Plate Reader II with onboard Domestic camera for industry standard microwell plates (96, 384, or 1536 well plates), fully integrated Dynamics software, and Peltier-driven temperature regulation that permits control of the plate from 4C - 85C with an ambient temperature of 24C. Dry gas required for operation below 20C. (MC 3-7418). Instrument Available for Molecular Interaction Analysis BIAcore T200 for automated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to attain high-quality kinetic or affinity data to quantify molecular binding interactions. Instrument sensitivity allows detection of macromolecular interactions, as well as macromolecular interactions with small molecules (>100 Da) (MC 3-8536). The BIAcore T200 purchase was funded by an NIH/NCRR shared instrument grant (1S10 RR027241) worth $386,596 awarded to Dr. Clara Kielkopf. VP-ITC (Microcal) isothermal titration calorimeter to determine the affinities and thermodynamic basis for macromolecular interactions. Fluoromax-3 fluorimeter to study macromolecular interactions using fluorescence. Instrument Available for Determination of Molecular or Particle Size Wyatt technology's DynaPro Plate Reader II instrument allows for high-throughput data collection of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS, a.k.a. Quasi-elastic Light Scattering) data which can be used to determine the hydrodynamic radius (size) and size distribution of polymers and biopolymers in solution. Determine the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and sample polydispersity (Survey multiple buffer conditions to find the buffer that gives the lowest %polydispersity) Determine the Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of surfactants under a variety of sample conditions (pH, temp, etc.) Plate reader accepts 96, 384, 1536-well glass bottom plates with approximate minimum sample volumes of 100, 50, and 5 µL respectively (Average read time for a full 384-well plate is <1 hour) Temperature controlled operation allows for the determination of polydispersity, size, and thermal stability between the range of 4- 85°C Onboard camera allows user to capture images of each well so images can be inspected for precipitant, bubbles, etc., which can lead to poor results The latest DYNAMICS software is available to collect, display, and analyze your data The minimum concentration of the material under investigation depends on the molecular weight, the larger the polymer the lower the conc. that can be sampled. Using lysozyme (14 kDa) as an example a sample conc. as low as 0.125 mg/mL can be used whereas a protein with a molecular weight of ˜120 kDa could be used at a conc. of 0.015 mg/mL. We recommend starting with 0.5 - 1 mg/mL and trying multiple concentrations. The volume of sample needed depends on the plate used (see above) and the number of wells used (duplicate samples are recommended). Dr. Jenkins is available to help new users on the design, implementation, and analysis of DLS data on a fee-per-service basis. Instrument Available for Purification of Proteins and Peptides ÄKTA chromatography systems are robust user friendly systems widely used in both academic and industry labs. The ÄKTA Pure is a modular chromatography system for purification of proteins and peptides. The system is designed to allow for the easy addition of new modules as our purification needs evolve over time. The system supports a wide range of chromatography techniques and meets the automation requirements needed to deliver the highest purity. The ÄKTA's user friendly UNICORN™ software has been designed to work with GE columns and media to meet any purification challenge. The Pure measures the UV absorbance at a fixed wavelength of 280 nm and is capable of a 0.001- 25 ml/min flow rate and has a max system pressure of 20 MPa The system accepts chromatography columns sold by GE and other companies such as Bio-Rad and maintains a library of commonly used columns to aid in purification method generation The ÄKTA has inlets for up to 4 buffers so it can equilibrate, elute, clean, and then prepare the column for storage without additional manual intervention Chromatography columns can be run in both directions to aid in cleaning and due to the unique column by-pass mode columns do not have to be removed to clean the system The system is equipped with a pH valve (can be taken off-line when not needed) that allows for simultaneous monitoring of pH and conductivity during such tasks as ion exchange chromatography The ÄKTA Pure and its fraction collector are stored in a 4 °C cold box and the fraction collector accepts 10-18 mm commonly used tubes such as Corning and Falcon 15 ml tubes The latest UNICORN software is available to collect, display, and analyze your data All knew ÄKTA users must undergo training with Dr. Jenkins on the instrument before being allowed to use the instrument alone, the amount of training depends on the users familiarity with ÄKTA systems Dr. Jenkins is available to help users with purification experiment design, implementation, and analysis of data on a fee-per-service basis The purchase of the ÄKTA Pure system was made possible through the support of the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)


text:
NEW YORK -- Both teams needed a win. Badly. Desperately.
The Mets had dropped three of four to the lowly Washington Nationals, their manager on the hot seat, their clubhouse unity in question. The Yankees were coming off a lackluster three-loss series in Tampa and dealing with the reality of an offense without Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada.
The Mets, fresh off a team meeting to re-establish their focus, came away with the 7-4 victory at Yankee Stadium yesterday -- and perhaps most importantly, the hope of a turnaround along with it.
"I don't think it's a secret," manager Willie Randolph said of his 21-19 club, "that we needed to win in the worst way."
Conversely, the Yankees (20-23) kept sliding to a season-low three games under .500 and are beginning to feel like nothing they do, short of getting A-Rod and Posada back, will make their offense ignite. Three home runs off Johan Santana (5-2) weren't enough. Getting more aggressive on the basepaths resulted in two runners being thrown out.
"We hit the three home runs. That was about it," said Derek Jeter, who hit a two-run shot off Santana in the first inning, doubled in the eighth but also was thrown out trying to stretch a single in the sixth. "We need to get some things going."
Jeter's homer provided Yankee fans -- and perhaps team co-chairperson Hank Steinbrenner -- a few innings of smugness concerning the left-handed ace-that-got-away in the offseason, particularly because Yankees starter Andy Pettitte (3-5) was shutting down the Mets through the first three innings.
But the Yankees ran themselves out of a what could have been a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third, when Johnny Damon tried to score from first on Bobby Abreu's double to right-center. Third-base coach Bobby Meacham waved Damon around third, but Brian Schneider perfectly received Luis Castillo's relay throw from right fielder Ryan Church and blocked the plate to keep Damon from scoring.
"Sometimes when you are having trouble you are a little bit more aggressive," manager Joe Girardi said, "to try to get things going and try to steal a run here and there, and it just kind of opens up the floodgates."
The Yankees came away from the inning empty-handed, and the Mets capitalized on the momentum. They wore down Pettitte for three runs and 41 pitches in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead on a single by Carlos Beltran, a bases-loaded walk by Schneider, and a swinging bunt down the third-base line by Castillo.
When Pettitte departed after six innings, Jose Reyes and David Wright tagged reliever Kyle Farnsworth for seventh-inning home runs to increase the lead to 6-2. After Santana pitched 7Ò strong innings, closer Billy Wagner, the man who started the whole ruckus by calling out his teammates earlier this week, got the four-out save.
All of a sudden, the dysfunctional Mets were looking awfully in sync, and Randolph, on the managerial hot seat, could breathe a little easier.
"It's good that, with after what happened the last few games, with the negativity floating around, to come out and get a win," Wright said. "You also have to put things in perspective. We haven't played as well as we're capable of. We're only a few games out. It's still the middle of May. As players you have to tune out, drown out all the rumors and things going around. You can't put more pressure (on yourself) than is already out there."
Of course, for New York baseball teams the middle of May might as well be the end of August, and for the Yankees, especially, the watchful eye of Steinbrenner is trained on the win column.
The next test for both teams comes tonight, in the second game of this rain-shortened Subway Series. If the Mets can string together back-to-back wins, it could be a sign of the consistency they've been lacking. If the Yankees ride ace Chien-Ming Wang to victory, they can claim to be back on track, particularly with A-Rod's imminent return to the lineup.
Despite the Yankees' loss, the ever-vocal Steinbrenner isn't ready to see anyone lose his job yet -- including Randolph.
"We've got to get it going and obviously the Mets have to, too," Steinbrenner said after yesterday's game. "I think it's a shame that Willie's getting so much crap. I don't feel like it's deserved. But I really feel like we're going to go back on a winning run and the Mets are, too. And I think that would be great.
"Obviously, I'd like to win two out of three when we play them, but when we're not playing them, and we do well and they do well, I think that would be great."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – For a little over a decade, Darwin Bennett was owner and editor of a weekly newspaper called the White Laker Observer.
It was a crucial decade – 1973 to 1984 – that transformed the White Lake community and Bennett forever.
The former Detroit News night reporter, tired of the gritty city, moved with his family to what he thought was pristine White Lake. He purchased two local newspapers with borrowed money, merging and converting them to a free-circulation, advertiser-supported weekly.
After a few years of successful, conventional small-town journalism, Bennett in 1977 became a crusader and an advocate. Appalled by what he was learning about Hooker Chemical Co.'s waste-disposal practices, he wrote hard-hitting news stories and editorials, attended meetings, and eventually joined picketing protesters.
There were costs. According to Bennett, he was pressured by company officials and employees to back off, including pressure on the advertisers that supported his newspaper. At times he feared for his safety.
Now retired, in his late 70s and living in Lake Odessa, Mich., Bennett in August 2014 agreed to an email interview with MLive Muskegon Chronicle.
Independent of MLive, Bennett also did a 50-minute videotaped interview in 2013 for the White Lake Environmental History Project. We've embedded that interview from YouTube.
Here are excerpts from Bennett's email response to MLive.
On being a night reporter in Detroit: "Went to work for the Detroit News in 1969 just two years after the riots and found myself knocking on doors at 3 a.m. on 13th Street (scene of the major riots in 1967) asking them about murder and the cops shooting up the neighborhood. ... For a graduate of Lake Odessa (pop. 2,000) High it was quite a culture trip. ... I talked to a lot of widows that year."
On moving to White Lake: "It was beautiful and one of the major reasons for buying where I did. I had covered pollution in Detroit when you could not see six inches down into the water near my home in Gibraltar. I had left Detroit for that reason and when I saw White Lake and Lake Michigan I turned to my wife and said, 'This is where I want to live.'"
On his turning point: "We did quite well and by January 1977 we were well established (we won one national and several Michigan Press awards). Then I got a call from one of the local businessmen inviting me to a meeting about pollution of White Lake. ... Their goal: absolutely no pollution (zero discharge) of White Lake. I was frankly skeptical. As a professional reporter I have always tried to sit back and listen to all the facts (from both sides), present them to the public and let them make up their own mind about wrongdoing."
On being persuaded: "Environmental attorney Winton Dahlstrom said, 'Well, Bennett, are you going to sit on the fence, or are you going to take a side?' 'I am here to listen, not to fight someone else's battles,' I said. Dahlstrom cited Hooker's own official reports, DNR reports and many other pollution problems. Two years later, almost every fact presented that evening turned out to be true. Dahlstrom, a tough hockey player, was a tough checker and knew his facts. ... (Then) Warren Dobson, a Hooker employee, came forth on his own to reveal that (vehemently denied by officials at the time) that Hooker had ... dumped chemical barrels behind the plant rather than dispose of them properly."
On fears for his safety: "When the furor in White Lake had reached a fever pitch, (Bennett, Dahlstrom and another man) did file a statement with the Whitehall police ... that we were concerned for our safety. I had long ago quit walking in front of our picture windows."
On being an advocate: "There comes a time in every person's life that he or she must stand up (yes, I picketed Hooker along with many other concerned citizens and I'm glad I did) for what is right. Just because you are a reporter or a newspaperman, doesn't mean you lose your rights as a citizen."
On the costs of taking an unpopular stand: "Vindication is a wonderful term but very unfulfilling to those environmental warriors who lost much. The late Warren Dobson lost his job and eventually hunted illegally in the woods for meat to feed his wife and eight children refusing charity. Others had their lives forever changed. After a seven-year battle with Hooker, I lost (1984) my newspaper, my wife through divorce and my house and I did it knowingly because I had seen other newsmen embroiled in similar dilemmas. ... I knew what I was doing and did it anyway, and would do it again only fight harder. Mankind must always fight for the important things in life. Clean, safe water is one of them."
John S. Hausman covers courts, prisons, the environment and local government for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email him at email@example.com and follow him on Twitter.


text:
FLINT, MI – Gov. Rick Snyder "feels strongly" that the state's public safety plan is the "right strategy to protect the citizens of Flint and combat the violent crime which has plagued the city for decades."
The governor's office issued a statement in response to Genesee County
Sheriff Robert Pickell's critical remarks about the city lockup and the state's overall public safety plan.
Pickell said the state's plan that included the re-opening of the city lockup and troopers making traffic stops in hopes of arresting felons is "not the answer" to solving Flint's crime problems.
Pickell said he would send Snyder a letter saying the state's plan "may be fundamentally flawed." He also is asking for funding for a mobile response team staffed by officers familiar with the city of Flint that he says would deter crime far better than random stops by an increased number of Michigan State Police troopers.
"That strategy is not working," Pickell said. "I'm going to send (Snyder) a letter today (asking that he) revisit the strategy."
But the statement from the governor's office urged patience.
"Over a thousand criminals have been lodged in the city jail
since its opening, criminals who would have otherwise remained on the
streets," the statement read. "The crime problem in Flint didn't occur overnight, and the
solution will not take place overnight."
The work is beginning to "create positive change," according to the statement.
Snyder caused a splash in Flint last year when he announced in March that the state would pay for new anti-crime initiatives, including the reopening of the city lockup and an increased number of MSP troopers.
Pickell said no more than 53 inmates have ever been in the city lockup at one time and said state police troopers are appreciated but are being misused. His department runs the lockup with the state paying the bill for the operation.
"It (isn't) working because Flint has, I think, 100 (officers fewer than it should)," he said.
Mayor Dayne Walling called the Flint city lockup a "necessary tool" to fight crime in the city.
"The city lockup is a necessary tool," Walling said "The records show that as many as 1,000 individuals can be in and out over the course of a month who otherwise would have not seen the inside of a jail cell.
First Lt. Matt Bolger, commander of the Flint state police post, said statistics show the strategy is working.
"Since the Flint city lockup opened up, we locked up a large number of people that otherwise wouldn't have been lodged at the county jail," said Bolger. "I guess I don't see how that would be a failure."
According to Bolger, there were 679 people locked up in the jail in December – 341 from Flint police and 333 from state police, along with five from Mott Community College and University of Michigan-Flint police.
Bolger said troopers arrested 227 people on weapon-related charges and 452 on drug-related charges and seized 111 firearms last year. There were also 395 felons arrested on 686 criminal counts, he said.
"If the sheriff's position is taking guns and drugs off the street (and) arresting criminals somehow doesn't improve public safety, I guess I would be very confused," Bolger said.
Flint City Council President Scott Kincaid said any plan would be better than the one in place.
"Sixty-six homicides (in 2012) and four homicides in the first 12 days (this year) definitely demonstrates that what's in place isn't working," said Kincaid.
The sheriff's comments come after a year in which Flint tied its all-time record for homicides and after a blood-soaked first two weeks in 2013.
On Saturday, Jan. 12, Steven E. Lawson, 28, was shot to death at a church funeral -- a new low for the community, according to county Commissioner Brenda Clack, D-Flint.
"This weekend shows just how low we've gone," Clack said. "We're at the bottom ... rock bottom.
"We're so low, I'm afraid this community is going to be destroyed (because criminals) are running wild.
"When you take crime to church ... the only person who would do that is someone who believes nothing is going to happen" in response.
Clack said she supports construction of a team of "professional crime eliminators" such as Pickell is proposing.
Staff writer Ron Fonger contributed to this report.


text:
If you're anything like me, you may have trouble parting with scrapbook supplies — even if it helps you be more organized!
If you've taken the tools organization quiz and the product organization quiz and, despite determining which supplies you can let go of, still find yourself in need of a little motivation, what if I told you that you could put those supplies to good use in another way?
Finding a charity you feel good about helping out can make parting with your scrapbook supplies a little easier.
Not sure how to get started? Try approaching some of your local organizations to see if they are accepting donations. Some of these organizations may include:
- Day care centers
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Retirement centers
- Nursing homes
- Art-therapy centers
You can also donate your supplies to charities specifically created to help others heal through scrapbooking.
Operation Scrapbook is a charity that accepts new or gently used scrapbooking/stamping supplies to provide scrapbooks for foster children and hospice patients.
Mothers of Angels is a group of mothers celebrating, remembering, and supporting each other through the emotional times of losing a child. They accept supply donations from individuals and companies to help mothers survive day-to-day by offering an emotional outlet through the creative process of preserving a child's memories.
Charity Scrapbook Buddies is a Facebook group that was set up to get the word out about crops and other scrapbook functions that help those in need.
For US military personnel, Operationwritehome.org collects homemade cards for men and women in the military to send to their families. Use your excess supplies to create and donate your homemade cards. Be sure to read the guidelines posted on the home page, and then check out the blog for updates on what cards are currently most needed.
Crops of Luv is a non-profit organization founded to create scrapbooks for children to preserve the memories created as a result of participating in the wishes granted by non-profit organizations. Crops of Luv collects and puts together memory books for these children and their families, who fill them with treasured photographs and stories. You can help these families remember their fun times by donating your excess supplies.
Want more ideas about how to donate? Take a look at the March/April 2009 issue of Simple Scrapbooks for a list of additional community and non-profit organizations that will use your supplies to help others.
With these and many other charities out there, desperately in need of supply donations, why not take this opportunity during Organization Week to enrich the stash of other scrapbookers who are facing the opposite problem you are?
Pull out those extra supplies and give someone else the healing experience of scrapbooking. You never know; donating to a charity and helping someone out could be your favorite part of getting organized.
What other charities or organizations have you donated to? We'd love to hear your ideas so please leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker!
Amber Ellis, online senior editor
P.S. Don't forget that today is Free Font Friday! Download the CK Scratchy Box font for free.


text:
Results tagged ' Jonny Gomes '
Sunday vs STL
Reds lineup vs Cardinals
Stubbs 8
Janish 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9
Rolen 5
Lewis 7
Hernandez 2
Wood 1
*Gomes is 0-for-13 lifetime vs Carpenter, and Lewis is hitting well and left handed. Therefore no surprise there that he is starting.
*Ryan Hanigan was supposed to be in the starting lineup today but is still bothered by a sore right hand. Hanigan was hit on the base of his hand by a Fernando Salas fastball in the eighth inning on Friday night. There was still some swelling where his hand and wrist met. X-rays were negative for a fracture.
"It's got some fluid in there. It's tender," Hanigan said. "Nothing to be too concerned about, I can play. I'm trying to get one more day. Hopefully, it will be significantly better tomorrow. If something were to happen, I could play."
Lewis here
Reds lineup vs. Astros
Stubbs 8
Heisey 7
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9
Hanigan 2
Janish 6
Valaika 5
Wood 1
*OF Fred Lewis was activated from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. OF Jeremy Hermida was optioned to Louisville to make room for Lewis. Hermida was 2-for-18 in 10 games with the Reds.
Lewis played 15 games during his rehab assignment while trying to come back from an oblique injury. After seven games Double-A Carolina, he played eight games for Louisville and batted .300, (6-for-20) with 1 HR, 3 RBIs 8 walks, 5k, 1sb, 6 R).
"I got to Louisville and everything was pretty much healed," Lewis said. "I pretty much felt 100 percent. I'm just ready to get the ball moving. It was a long process. But I'm happy I got some at-bats and stuff and get back game ready."
Lewis' 20-day rehab assignment expired on Tuesday, so a move had to be made to get him back.
"It was a baseball decision and a business decision," Dusty Baker said. "Hermida had options and Fred had no options."
*Miguel Cairo is bothered by a sore leg and hasn't played since Saturday. Dusty Baker believed Cairo was possible for Thursday. Cairo is available to pinch-hit or enter in a double switch if need be today.
*Jonny Gomes is really struggling to find a spark lately. In 14 games since April 17, Gomes is 5-for-47 (.106).
Reds lose, Cueto to pitch Sun.
It looks like changes are afoot to the rotation. Dusty Baker revealed tonight that Johnny Cueto will be activated to pitch on Sunday vs. the Cubs. He will replace Mike Leake.
That decision appeared to have been made before Leake was roughed up for seven runs over 3 2/3 innings for a 10-4 Reds loss to the last-place Astros
"We'll probably move him to the bullpen," Baker said. "We were trying to do that anyway. Remember, coming out of Spring Training, he was going to be the long man. He performed well in those other guys absence. Tonight was the first time he got whacked around in a while. You can't exactly pick your nights when you get whacked around."
"I'm ready. I'm pretty happy. I feel good," said Cueto, who has been out since Spring Training with right biceps/triceps irritation.
Cueto was originally slated to get another rehab start at Class A Dayton Friday, but that has obviously been changed.
The rotation has a 5.56 ERA for the season and entered the night ranked 15th out of 16 NL teams. Before Cueto comes back, Homer Bailey returns on Thursday.
*The Reds are under .500 for the first time this season at 14-15. It's the first time they've been sub-.500 since 5/7/10.
*Since starting the season 5-0, the Reds are 3-9 in their last 12 home games.
*Joey Votto extended his reach safely streak to all 29 games this season by going 2-for-4 with a first-inning double and fourth inning single. His latter two at-bats brought two outs on a total of two pitches. Votto made the third out in the fifth on a fly ball to center field with runners on first and second. In the seventh with runners on the corners and two outs, he popped a first pitch to second base.
*That pop out was Votto's first of this season and according to fangraphs.com, it was his first since he had two in 2009. He was also caught stealing second base in the fourth inning when his team was down 7-1.
"That wasn't trying to do too much," Baker said of the caught stealing. He thought he had a good jump and I green light certain guys who think they can get a good jump. It looks bad when you get thrown out, but sometimes you try to slow-walk a team by inching them back. It's not like we had a whole bunch of offense going against Happ in the first place."
*Incredible play by 2B Brandon Phillips…he made a third inning barehanded stop on Jason Burgeois and flipped the ball to first base between his legs for the out while on the move.
*Did anyone watch the Jonny Gomes piece on ESPN's E:60 tonight? If so, how was it? Anything we didn't already know before?
"That inning, I was leaving the ball over the middle and not getting ahead. I was getting 2-0 counts quite a bit. I just wasn't attacking, getting ahead." — Mike Leake on his fourth inning.
"I know I sound like a broken record, you just hate to keep going to your bullpen so early. It destroys you, but the bullpen is in decent shape. We had some guys give us some innings in there just to save us for tomorrow and the ensuing days." — Dusty Baker
Nice night for naught for Volquez
As good as Edinson Volquez pitched, he deserved a better outcome. But one fastball that missed location to Yadier Molina became a three-run home run in a 3-0 loss. Not helping was Cardinals starter Jake Westrbook with his 9.82 ERA shutting the Reds lineup down.
Volquez had a nice fastball working and a nice changeup. He was hitting 97 mph. He even got through the first inning for the first time this season without allowing a run.
"I think he took a pretty good swing on that ball," Volquez said of Molina's homer. "He's real aggressive with runners on base, especially deep in the game. He's always hitting the ball the other way and I think he was looking for that pitch inside. He took a very good swing."
*Molina appeared to enjoy his homer an awful lot, with a raised fist in the air after it cleared the fence and a curtain call after returning to the dugout. Some wondered if it might bring retribution later on. Sure enough in the eighth, Aroldis Chapman came in very tight at the midsection with a fastball. Molina looked Chapman's way and both benches were warned. I asked Dusty Baker later if there was some displeasure at Molina's homer celebration, but he said no. Also Chapman threw inside at Molina with two runners on. If he hit Molina, it would've loaded the bases and likely could have helped blow a still close game open.
"Every time you hit a home run, what do you want? You want to be mad? Or sad?" Molina said. "No. you've got enjoy it, man, especially me. I don't hit a bunch of home runs. Every time I get an opportunity to enjoy it, that's the way you have to play this game — fun. [Volquez] is a great pitcher. He was throwing hard. The breaking ball was good. He was pretty good today."
*Joey Votto continues to be a base-reaching machine despite the lack of quality of pitches he sees. Votto walked twice (once intentionally) and hit a ninth-inning double. He has reached in all 22 games played this season.
*Jonny Gomes has struggled hitting clean up behind Votto with Scott Rolen out. Gomes was 0-for-3 with a walk and all three outs came with runners in scoring position. The Reds were 0-for-5 overall RISP. Since moving into the fourth spot, Gomes is 1-for-12. Baker did not say if he was considering a lineup change.
*Nick Masset had another nice relief outing with a perfect 1 1/3 innings. He's had four-straight scoreless appearances since the two bad games at San Diego.
*Chapman has not allowed an earned run in 10 appearances, 9 2/3 innings.
"He threw the ball better than he has in a couple of years – under control, throwing strikes, and excellent changeup, a good breaking ball. I thought we were going to get out of that one inning. He popped up a couple of guys." — Dusty Baker on Volquez
"Good stuff, man. He was having his live fastball that he's had in the past and keeping that changeup down really good man. He threw me a 3-2, really, really nasty changeup. He was mixing his pitches. I guess he made one mistake and Yadi took advantage. Besides that he was keeping everybody off-balance and was pitching in and out and mixed his pitches pretty well. he always had that stuff, and the main thing is if he can stay healthy, he's going to be one of the good ones in the game." Albert Pujols on Volquez
"I just made a mistake, wrong pitch to him. I know he's really aggressive with runners on base. I just threw the wrong pitch. That was my call too. Ryan wanted a different pitch. I made a mistake. He wanted a changeup because we got him out the AB before with breaking ball, changeup and a fastball/two-seamer to strike out in his last at-bat. He was looking straight fastball." — Edinson Volquez on the Molina at-bat.
Big win in extras
I won't run it all down here but please read the game story on the web site for how all the great defensive plays saved the Reds collective bacon tonight — namely Brandon Phillips exceptional bare-handed snag and throw in the eighth.
*Unfortunately, starter Sam LeCure got the short end with a no-decision after a really nice night of pitching. In his second start of the season, eCure was sensational for six innings as he gave up one earned run on only one hit with two walks and eight strikeouts. LeCure retired the last 12 batters faced in a row.
*The Reds took LeCure out after 87 pitches.
"Young LeCure pitched great tonight," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He pitched outstanding. But his endurance level wasn't quite where we want it to be to go deep in the ballgame. He gave us all he had."
"We got into a good groove and there wasn't a whole lot of shaking going on and we were able to get on the same page early," said LeCure about himself and catcher Ryan Hanigan.
*All of the hits, and all six runs scored, in the top of the 11th came with two outs.
*Hanigan was 0-for-4 until his two-out double to left field in the 11th scored Jonny Gomes with the go-ahead run in a 2-2 game.
*Drew Stubbs homer was a first-pitch shot and absolutely tattooed. You don't see many get of center field that quick.
*Aroldis Chapman had a quick 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh. Interestingly, Chapman only topped out at 98 mph when struck out Brad Hawpe looking with his final pitch.
*Nick Masset had another rough one — his third in a row. Two hard hits started the eighth and led to the game-tying run scoring on a groundout. It was Phillips' play that kept San Diego from taking the lead.
*And in tonight's notebook — I talked to Phillips and Bill Bray about their good starts to the season.
*Also a Homer Bailey update: 3 ip, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K and 37 pitches during his game at the team complex in Goodyear.
"We played good defense. Sam made a great start. There at the end, I got a pitch to hit. You never know with two outs. I was having a tough night at the plate to that point. I was just trying to battle. I got a pitch I could handle and put a good swing on it. — Ryan Hanigan
"Hani just let the game come to me. I thought it was really fitting that he got what turned into the game-winning RBI there. He did such a great job with everybody. He called a great game. How many balls did he block in big situations? I thought it was really fitting that he came up with that hit." — Sam LeCure
"We've got to get Masset together. He's struggling right now. He's struggling with location. Great velocity, just poor location. The ball is right down the middle. He suffered with this last year. We have to do something to help him figure it out." — Dusty Baker.
Lineup, FS Ohio statement
Reds lineup vs. Astros
Stubbs 8
Phillips 4
Votto 3
Rolen 5
Bruce 9
Heisey 7
Hernandez 2
Janish 6
Volquez 1
*This is the first game Jonny Gomes hasn't started after four in a row.
*The last time Astros starter Nelson Figueroa faced the Reds on 9/29/10 (the day after the Reds clinched the NL Central), he worked 6 2/3 scoreless innings. However, the Reds didn't run out their 'A' lineup for that game.
*Got a few inquiries about the four ill-timed commercial breaks during last night's game on television. Here is a press statement from Fox Sports Ohio:
During the Cincinnati Reds telecast last night, advertisements interrupted game action for some viewers. This issue occurred only for Time Warner Cable customers, as Time Warner experienced a technical issue.
Time Warner ensures us that steps are being taken so that this does not occur again.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
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Stunning win on Opening Day
That Reds penchant for the drama didn't disappear after an off-season. Ramon Hernandez brought it all back, and then, some with a stunning three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. It gave the Reds a 7-6 win.
Cincinnati came into the ninth down 6-3 against Brewers closer John Axford. A fun conclusion for the Reds and their 42,398 fans at GABP…but not a well-played game overall.
*The Reds were 1-for-10 RISP with 10 LOB. They were 0-for-9 before Hernandez came through.
*Edinson Volquez was rocked for three homers, including two in a row to start the game. Carlos Gomez hit the second one and it sailed 429 feet into the upper deck of right field. Not a cheapie by any stretch.
*Jonny Gomes made an error fielding Ryan Braun's two-out single. It put Braun on 2B and a Jordan Smith balk later put runners on second and third. A possibly tough insurance run scored on Casey McGehee single.
*The Reds were resilent, give them credit. They did not pack it in on a freezing cold day.
*Brandon Phillips' nifty slide step to avoid McGehee's tag saved a rally. McGehee should have just thrown to first base and that game likely doesn't end like it did. Scott Rolen hustled hard to beat the throw to first base, as well. Asked to describe his speed, Rolen dryly replied "Electric."
*Credit the Reds bullpen, especially Sam LeCure and winning pitcher Logan Ondrusek for keeping Milwaukee in check.
*Gomes nearly won the game himself with a long screamer of a fly to center field. It went for a sac fly but put Hernandez in position to win the game.
*Check out this photo gallery from the game.
*The last Reds walk-off home run on Opening Day came from the bat of Joe Randa on 4/7/2005 vs. the Mets in a 7-6 win.
*Hernandez is the fifth Reds player to collect four hits on Opening Day.
*The Reds are now 4-9-1 in their last 14 openers. The tie, incidentally came vs. MIL in 2000, after an official game was called because of rain.
*The last time a team hit two home runs to begin a season was the Reds on April 7, 1969 vs. the Dodgers. Pete Rose and Bobby Tolan each went deep against Don Drysdale at
Riverfront Stadium. Crosley Field.
*Cincinnati hadn't won an Opening Day game since 2007, so it was the first in the tenure of Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty.
"We don't want to win it like that. We got lucky enough we got the win today. To me, it's amazing. This is one of the best opening days I've ever had in my career. I'm so happy that I helped my team and my team won a ballgame." — Ramon Hernandez
"They were getting some hits with runners in scoring position and we weren't. If you keep putting them out there, sooner or later something good is going to happen. The key is opporutunies. If you don't have opportunities, you don't have much of a chance." — Dusty Baker
"We ended the season on a walk-off last year to clinch the division and start it that way this year. We kind of struggled to put together productive innings today. We got some base runners and weren't able to capitalize and get them across. I think it's a huge shot in the arm for us to start the year. It's always great to win the first one and in that fashion, it's even more special." — Drew Stubbs, who hit a homer in the fourth inning.
"I think I was a little bit excited in the first inning. After that, I calmed down and threw my pitches." — Edinson Volquez
"Obviously, my opinion doesn't really matter. But if my first inclination was that he was not out of the baseline, I would have made sure I kept going towards him a little bit more than I did instead of also trying to make a throw. In hindsight, I wish I had just come through and made a thtow to first and not even worried about him." — Brewers 3B Casey McGehee on the non-tag of Phillips in the ninth.
"I got away with one in the at-bat before with Gomes. This time I paid for it." — John Axford, who gave up the game-ending homer to Hernandez.
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Another crazy day at the yard
It's been an amazing clip of high-scoring affairs involving the Reds. Thursday's 15-13 loss featured a combined 34 hits.
In the last seven games, the Reds have been outscored by a 72-71 margin.It's hard to make heads or tails of what we see out here. Looking at the spring stats coming into the day, 10 of the top 11 in team runs scored were from the Cactus League. (Reds scored 152 runs entering day). In team ERA, nine of the bottom 10 teams were also from the Cactus League (Reds were at 5.49 and ranked 27th).
The air is thin at the higher altitudes and many pitchers often have trouble with dry baseballs and gripping the ball. Mistakes that still can be outs in Florida or in regular season parks become blights on the line score.
I'm certainly not making excuses for the pitchers or taking anything away from the hitters, but I think a little context is needed.
"Another long one but if you hang something here, it's going to fly," Reds manager Dusty Baker said postgame. "There are some guys that played well today. We made some mistakes. It's getting a little stagnant. You know you have some more work to do but guys are ready to go. We're scoring a lot of runs. When you're playing someone like the Texas Rangers, you know you're going to give up some runs and you better score some runs. That's what happened today."
Now for some of the day's highlights….
The good:
*Travis Wood's line isn't pretty, but he did pitch pretty good. Wood allowed seven runs (five earned) over 5 1/3 innings with no walks and five strikeouts. A two-error third inning led to Nelson Cruz's grand slam.
"I felt good," Wood said. "I just got in trouble that third inning there. I ended up giving up a grand slam. That hurts but we were able to battle back as a team. … I feel like I'm ready for the season. I got stretched out pretty good. My pitches seem to be working pretty good. So, I'll pitch every fifth day and get ready the other four. I'll go out and give it everything I've got."
"We threw the ball around that one inning. You need some help from your friends," Baker said. "That one inning he didn't get much. He got his work in. His pitch count is where we wanted to get it."
*Wood also hit a RBI double in the fifth inning.
*Dave Sappelt continues to push to take an outfield spot. While going 2-for-3 Sappelt smoked a two-run homer off of the center field batters' eye. He's batting .553 (21-for-38) this spring.
*Jonny Gomes has a four-game hitting streak (5-for-13, .385) after he hit a three-run homer to left field. It was his second homer in three games. His average is still only .171.
*Paul Janish was 2-for-3 with three RBIs
*With two outs in the sixth, Chris Heisey's two-run triple to left field re-tied the score at 10-10.
*Francisco Cordero enjoyed another 1-2-3 inning today for his seventh-straight scoreless outing. Five of his last six have been perfect.
*Scott Rolen was plunked on his left elbow by a Tommy Hunter fastball in the first inning. He was lifted for PH Juan Francisco when he couldn't grip his bat. There was no word on his condition.
"He had stitch marks on his elbow," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "I didn't hear anything so no news is good news."
*Bullpen candidate Jose Arredondo had another rough day. In the five-run eighth inning, Arredondo allowed five earned runs, four hits with one walk, one wild pitch and one strikeout. His spring ERA is 16.20. Because he's still trying to find his way back from Tommy John surgery, it's possible he could begin the year on the DL, which would help the Reds since he's out of options.
"Arredondo is still inconsistent," Baker said. "He'll throw a heck of a breaking ball and hang one. He'll throw a fastball low and away and then get one out over the plate. It shows me he's not quite there yet."
Other news:
*Bronson Arroyo, who has been battling the flu for over two weeks, pitched in a Minor League game on Thursday vs. a Dodgers Class A team. Arroyo threw 87 pitches over 5 2/3 innings and allowed three earned runs and six hits with one walk and six strikeouts.
*Pitching against the Indians' Class A team, Dontrelle Willis pitched one scoreless inning with one walk and two strikeouts.
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Lots of crooked numbers
If you're one of those folks that love crisp pitching, quick innings and a low-scoring affair…be glad you were not at grand HoHoKam Park on Friday. For those that enjoy bountiful offense, it was hitter's delight for both teams as the Reds eeked out a 14-13 win that featured a combined 40 hits.
"I told the guard sitting next to me in the second inning that this looks like a 13-12 game," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "Then we had that five-run lead, I said 'man, I'm nervous.' Anything can happen in these games, especially in this park. Our guys kept battling and we scored just enough."
The highlights:
*Sam LeCure came in with seven scoreless innings over four relief appearances in the making of a strong bid for a bullpen spot. LeCure started vs. Chicago and had a long afternoon for just 2 1/3 innings of work. He allowed six earned runs and eight hits with one walk and no strikeouts.
LeCure had a one-walk, scoreless first inning but the hits started coming in a two-run Cubs second.
"I felt like I made some pitches in the second inning to get out of that deal," LeCure said. "We had a potential double play that was going to be tough to turn."
The lasers started coming in the third as four of his five batters faced reached with sharp line drive hits. Alfonso Soriano's RBI double was the end.
"I made some pitches I was happy with even though I ended up giving up some runs," LeCure said. "I haven't pitched in trouble in all of Spring Training. I didn't have a guy get to second base until today. I understand it's going to happen. The last inning, they were hitting missiles all over the place. The ball was starting to come up some. Overall, I'm trying to take some positives from it. I pitched in some trouble, which I hadn't done. I got stretched out more than I had. I think that will bode well for me when it's time to pick guys for the team."
*Daniel Ray Herrera, who is trying to earn a bullpen spot, inherited runners on second and third with one out from LeCure and both scored. A sac fly by Soriano followed. After a wild pitch, Darwin Barney's RBI single on the ground to left field scored another run. Herrera returned in the fourth inning and picked up two outs. Then he allowed two singles and a walk but escaped the bases loaded jam.
*Jared Burton allowed three earned runs and three hits over two innings with a homer.
*Matt Maloney gave up three earned runs and five hits over two innings with two walks.
*The regular players played seven innings. The lineup had an Opening Day-type look to it.
*Jonny Gomes, who came in batting .071, went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles.
*Scott Rolen (3rd inning) and Joey Votto (5th inning) slugged their first homers of the spring. Both came against Carlos Zambrano on the first pitch. Rolen's was a three-run shot and Votto's was for two runs.
*Speaking of Rolen, I took my turn asking him about the discussion of how many games played. It will be seen in today's feature. Not surprising, he doesn't buy into the speculation nor worry about injuries.
"You have 162 games ahead of you. We're going to be injured," Rolen said. "We're going to be beat up, banged up, bruised up and that's a fact. It's something that we know. So is everyone else in the league. That's true. Hopefully we stay away from the big injury."
*Reds starter Homer Bailey pitched on Friday in a Minor League game for Class A Bakersfield vs. Brewers Minor Leaguers. Bailey gave up four earned runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings with no walks and seven strikeouts. He threw 76 pitches.
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Arroyo on his start
It was one the hottest days we've had in Goodyear so far during camp came as temperatures reached the upper 80s on Thursday. No complaints at all, especially given all of the rain I'm hearing about in Cincinnati. Hopefully the Ohio River subsides soon before any really serious problems happen.
A bunch of Giants homers in the third inning — three to be exact — helped send the Reds to a 7-0 loss.
The highlights:
*San Francisco crushed three homers against Bronson Arroyo in the third, including back-to-back one-out shots by Andres Torres (2-run HR) and Freddy Sanchez. Cody Ross added a solo homer with two outs. Overall, Arroyo allowed four earned runs and five hits over four innings with one walk and two strikeouts.
"I felt the same as the first two times out," Arroyo said. "I got a little tired after three innings but it's probably expected this time of year. I haven't felt great all spring but I haven't felt bad at all. Command is good. They hit three off-speed pitches out of the park."
*Arroyo said he threw all fastballs in the fourth inning to build his endurance.
*The much anticipated spring debut of Edinson Volquez finally came. Volquez, a bit jet-lagged from his long Wednesday flight from the Dominican lasted 2 1/3 innings with two runs (one unearned), two hits two walks, a hit batter and two strikeouts. There will be much more from him on MLB.com soon.
*Aroldis Chapman gave up one run and two hits in his two innings and struck out three. But he had better command than in his previous three outings.
"He looked pretty good," manager Dusty Baker said. "He threw a real good changeup. He's been working on that. That would give him a third pitch to keep them off his fastball. He threw strikes with it. He threw a couple of good breaking balls. He looked a lot better this time than last time and that's the objective."
*And it's the not always "just spring" category, Giants starter Madison Baumgarner had a little extra motivation for the Reds. Baumgarner last faced the Cincinnati Aug. 25 when he allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 2 2/3 innings. The Giants ended up making a big comeback before the Reds won 12-11 in 12 innings.
"I definitely didn't forget about it. It's hard to forget about something like that," Baumgarner said.
Today, Baumgarner worked a crisp four scoreless innings with six strikeouts. His only hit was a one-out soft single to right field by Brandon Phillips, who was caught stealing. The Reds had only five hits overall on the day.
*In part two of "it's not just spring", Jonny Gomes threw out Pat Burrell at second base trying for a double on a drive off the left field wall in the fourth inning. Gomes pumped his fist when Burrell was called out. Granted, Burrell isn't fleet of foot, but it was a good throw.
*It was a busier than usual day with media and guests. Besides a slew of national writers that were over, a crew from "Rome Is Burning?" was shooting with Brandon Phillips, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo — formerly of WFAN in New York, was here with Sirius/XM radio. And James Denton of "Desperate Housewives" fame was watching the pre-game workout. Denton is friends with Sean Casey, who is here as a guest instructor.
*Finally, former Reds intern and current Triple-A Louisville employee Danny "Blue" Steele has started a new team blog called, "The Bats Signal." It's still getting started but it should provide ample updates once the regular season begins.
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FLINT, MI — During the weekend before people gather with their families for Thanksgiving, Genesee County will host a film that profiles an award-winning journalist, a one-day only performance by Flint Youth Theatre, a stand-up comedy show, and more. Read below for more information about things to do this weekend.
"Flint Made Me"--Thursday, Nov. 21
At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 21, the Flint Journal office will screen "Flint Made Me," a short film profiling Flint Journal journalist Eric Woodyard and how he reached the current point in his career. DVDs and official "Flint Made Me" tees designed by Educated Evil will also be on sale at the event as a fundraiser to help launch Woodyard's inaugural Flint Made Me scholarship, which will be given to a Flint Southwestern Academy student this year. The Flint Journal office is located at 540 S. Saginaw, Flint.
"Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown"—Friday, Nov. 22
Flint Youth Theatre will continue its First Stage series with a one-day-only performance of "Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown" at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the theater, located at 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint. The play is based on an installment of the popular children's series by James Preller, which sees Theodore "Jigsaw" Jones and his friend Mila using their detective skills to track down a classmate playing practical jokes. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the theater, by calling 810-237-1530, or online at FlintYouthTheatre.org.
The Awkward Chuckle Tour — Thursday, Nov. 21
The Flint Local 432 will host the Awkward Chuckle Tour, with stand-up comedians Desiree Freeman, Vincent Hughes and Joe Allard, on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The show has a $4 cover. Flint Local 432 is located at 124 W. First Street, Flint.
Love and Theft — Thursday, Nov. 21
For Country Night at the Machine Shop, country duo Love and Theft will perform at with special guests Blackjack Billy and Canaan Smith on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the concert, which is for attendees 18 and older, are $22 in advance. For more information, visit TheMachineShop.info.
FSPA Faculty Concert Series: Brandon Cota — Friday, Nov. 22
In the latest installment of the Flint School of Performing Arts Concert Series, cello instructor Brandon Cota will perform a free show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. The concert is at the Flint Institute of Music, located at 1025 E. Kearsley St., Flint.
Other events in Genesee County
Michigan Clay Artist Invitational with the Flint Alpha Porcelain Artists – All week
The Greater Flint Arts Council will begin displaying pieces from the Michigan Clay Artist Invitational, where clay artists from around the state and the Flint Alpha Porcelain Artists will showcase items for holiday shopping. The invitational is on display weekdays at the Greater Flint Arts Council through Friday, Dec. 6. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 810-238-2787.


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Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine Side Effects
For the Consumer
Applies to aspirin / butalbital / caffeine: capsules, tablets
Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking aspirin / butalbital / caffeine:
Dizziness; drowsiness; gas; lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; fast heartbeat; red, swollen, or blistered skin; stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to aspirin / butalbital / caffeine: oral capsule, oral tablet
Endoscopically identifiable gastric mucosal lesions occur in most patients who receive a single dose of aspirin. Clinically evident gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported in as many as 3% of treated elderly patients. Anorectal ulceration and rectal stenosis have been reported in patients who abuse aspirin-containing rectal suppositories. One case-controlled study has suggested that an association between aspirin (and other NSAID) consumption and appendicitis may exist.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal effects are common and include epigastric distress (in as many as 83% of patients treated with regular aspirin), abdominal discomfort or pain, endoscopically identifiable gastric mucosal lesions, nausea, and vomiting. More serious gastrointestinal effects include hemorrhage, peptic ulcers, perforation, and esophageal ulcerations.
In clinical trials of caffeine citrate, five cases of necrotizing enterocolitis were reported among the 46 infants exposed to the caffeine citrate injection.
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain have been reported frequently with the use of butalbital.[Ref]
Renal effects of aspirin include reduction in glomerular filtration rate (particularly in patients who are sodium restricted or who exhibit diminished effective arterial blood volume, such as patients with advanced heart failure or cirrhosis), interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, elevations in serum creatinine, elevations in blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria, hematuria, and renal failure.[Ref]
The mechanism of an aspirin-induced decrease in renal function may be related to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis with consequent decreases in renal blood flow. Vasodilating renal prostaglandins may be particularly important in patients who exhibit arterial underfilling (i.e. heart failure, cirrhosis). The administration of high doses of NSAIDs to such patients has produced acute renal failure in rare instances.[Ref]
Hematologic effects of aspirin (in addition to predictable antiplatelet effects which may result in hemorrhage) include increased blood fibrinolytic activity. In addition, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocyturia, megaloblastic anemia, and pancytopenia have been reported rarely. Aplastic anemia has also been reported.[Ref]
Aspirin hypersensitivity reactions include bronchospasm, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Approximately 10% to 30% of asthmatics are aspirin-sensitive (with the clinical triad of aspirin sensitivity, bronchial asthma, and nasal polyps).[Ref]
The mechanism of aspirin-induced hypersensitivity may be related to an up-regulation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism with a resulting increase in the products of 5-lipoxygenase (such as leukotrienes).[Ref]
Dermatologic effects from the use of aspirin have been reported rarely and include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and a lichenoid eruption.[Ref]
Cases of aspirin-induced hepatoxicity and cholestatic hepatitis, particularly at high doses, have been reported rarely.[Ref]
Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that chronic aspirin use may decrease the risk of large bowel neoplasms. Other studies have not found such a beneficial effect.[Ref]
Metabolic side effects of aspirin have included dehydration and hyperkalemia. Respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, particularly during salicylate toxicity, have been reported. A case of hypoglycemia has been reported in a patient on hemodialysis. Salicylates have also been reported to displace triiodothyronine (T3) and throxine (T4) from protein binding sites. The initial effect is an increase in serum free T4 concentrations.[Ref]
Cardiovascular effects of aspirin have been reported rarely and include salicylate-induced variant angina, ventricular ectopy, conduction abnormalities, and hypotension, particularly during salicylate toxicity.[Ref]
Nervous system
Regarding the use of aspirin, some investigators have suggested that tinnitus may be a less reliable indicator of salicylate toxicity than previously believed. Patients with high frequency hearing loss may have difficulty perceiving tinnitus. In a study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, those with tinnitus had no greater salicylate levels than those without tinnitus. Elderly patients may be less likely to perceive tinnitus than younger patients.[Ref]
Central nervous system effects in patients receiving aspirin include agitation, cerebral edema, coma, confusion, dizziness, headache, cranial hemorrhage, lethargy and seizures. Tinnitus and subjective hearing loss (or both) may occur. Some investigators have reported that modest doses may result in decreased frequency selectivity and may therefore impair hearing performance, particularly in the setting of background noise.
Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, and an intoxicated feeling have been reported frequently from the use of butalbital. Headache and seizures have been reported infrequently. Mental confusion, excitement, or depression have also been reported due to either intolerance (primarily in elderly or debilitated patients) or due to an overdose of butalbital.[Ref]
Reye's syndrome typically involves vomiting, neurologic dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction during or shortly after an acute viral infection.[Ref]
In one study of the effects of caffeine, 634 women with fibrocystic breast disease (compared to 1066 women without the disease), the occurrence of fibrocystic breast disease was positively associated with average daily consumption of caffeine. Women who consumed 31 to 250 mg/day of caffeine were reported to have a 1.5 times increase in odds to have the disease. Women who consumed over 500 mg/day of caffeine were reported to have a 2.3 times increase in odds.
Reye's syndrome, although rare, has been associated with aspirin use in children with an acute viral illness. Reye's syndrome has also been reported even more rarely in adults.[Ref]
Consumption of higher doses of caffeine (>600 mg/day) has been reported to have lead to caffeinism. Caffeinism is a syndrome characterized by anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders (similar to anxiety states). It has also been reported that chronic, heavy caffeine ingestion may be associated with depression. Caffeine may cause anxiety and panic in panic disorder patients and may aggravate PMS.
Many side-effects noted with aspirin use are dose-related.[Ref]
Musculoskeletal effects of rhabdomyolysis have occurred in patients receiving aspirin.[Ref]
Respiratory effects including hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, and tachypnea have occurred in patients receiving aspirin.
Dyspnea has been reported frequently with the use of butalbital.[Ref]
Renal effects of interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, proteinuria, renal insufficiency, and renal failure have occurred in patients receiving aspirin.[Ref]
Endocrine effects of aspirin use have been reported to include hypoglycemia (children) and hyperglycemia.[Ref]
Prolonged labor and pregnancy, decreased infant birth weight and stillborn births, antepartum and postpartum bleeding have occurred due to aspirin use by women during the third trimester of pregnancy.[Ref]
Cases of localized periorbital edema have been reported rarely in patients receiving aspirin.[Ref]
1. Lanas A, Serrano P, Bajador E, Esteva F, Benito R, Sainz R "Evidence of aspirin use in both upper and lower gastrointestinal perforation." Gastroenterology 112 (1997): 683-9
2. Petty GW, Brown RD, Whisnant JP, Sicks JD, O'Fallon WM, Wiebers DO "Frequency of major complications of aspirin, warfarin, and intravenous heparin for secondary stroke prevention: a population study." Ann Intern Med 130 (1999): 14-22
3. Dickinson JP, Prentice CRM "Aspirin: benefit and risk in thromboprophylaxis." Qjm Mon J Assoc Physician 91 (1998): 523-38
4. "Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel"
5. He J, Whelton PK, Vu B, Klag MJ "Aspirin and risk of hemorrhagic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." JAMA 280 (1998): 1930-35
6. Boissel JP "Individualizing aspirin therapy for prevention of cardiovascular events." JAMA 280 (1998): 1949-50
7. Surks MI, Sievert R "Drugs and thyroid function." N Engl J Med 333 (1995): 1688-94
8. Boyle CA, Berkowitz GS, LiVolsi VA, Ort S, Merino MJ, White C, Kelsey JL "Caffeine consumption and fibrocystic breast disease: a case-control epidemiologic study." J Natl Cancer Inst 72 (1984): 1015-9
9. Sawynok J "Pharmacological rationale for the clinical use of caffeine." Drugs 49 (1995): 37-50
10. "Product Information. Bayer aspirin (aspirin)." Bayer, West Haven, CT.
11. Clementz GL, Dailey JW "Psychotropic effects of caffeine." Am Fam Physician 37 (1988): 167-72
Not all side effects for aspirin / butalbital / caffeine may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.
More about aspirin/butalbital/caffeine
Consumer resources
- Other brands: Butalbital Compound, Fiorinal, Farbital
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This material does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or combination thereof in no way should be construed to indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of materials provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the substances you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.


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Oct 29 : Brews & Boos Beer Festival
Nov 03 - Nov 06: Off Beat Arts & Music Festival
Nov 11 : Veterans Day ParadeView All Events
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In Reno Tahoe USA, we get an average of 40 feet of snow per year. That's a lot of white stuff! With all that snow comes countless winter activities, so bundle up, buttercup.
We have 18 different resorts for all levels of skiers and boarders. If downhill skiing isn't your thing, maybe you would rather explore our beautiful terrain on a snowmobile or cross-country skis
We even have sleigh rides to take you through our picturesque winter landscapes. Snowshoeing or inner-tubing are always a possibility, or you can step out like an explorer with a team of dogs and your dog sled. And if you feel like ice-skating, choose from five ice rinks.
Whatever it is that makes your winter wonderful, we've got it covered. Just make sure to dress for the occasion. We don't want you to catch a chill or lose any fingers or toes.


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|The taxis in our network are seen countless times every day.
It's a 24/7 advertising medium that delivers your message in a professional manner. And it takes your message further than buses, Mobile Advert and Smart Move. See how here.
To demonstrate the reach of the taxi medium we GPS tracked a single taxi over the course of a month. This staggering wealth of information has been transformed into a beautiful interactive Google Earth plug-in. Like never before you can fly around Auckland, zoom right in and out and see exactly where this taxi traveled. Which streets and areas had the most exposure, how many times it went to the airport or which days/weeks were the busiest. Get it here.
If you don't have time for the full interactive experience then you can look at our quick animations below.
Auckland CBD
Auckland CBD and suburbs
Auckland region
On top of that this video from the BBC illustrates the capability of 300 London taxis to turn the city into a glowing orb of exposure. The same applies to New Zealand, and we are commissioning a similar study here.


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Don't let it get away!
Keep track of the stocks that matter to you.
Help yourself with the Fool's FREE and easy new watchlist service today.
Just when you thought that the limbo bar of e-reader prices couldn't get any lower, Amazon.com's (Nasdaq: AMZN ) cranking up the Chubby Checker.
The leading online retailer is now taking pre-orders for a special $114 Kindle, priced at a $25 discount to its conventional non-3G model.
There's a catch to the discount, though. Buyers will be subjecting themselves to ad-supported screensavers and the occasional sponsored offer.
You're probably shaking your head in disbelief. Who would want to carry around a digital billboard for a measly $25 markdown?
"Two words: Tack-y," I heard you say.
I hear you, but I raise you two more words: brilliant Bezos.
Raising the bar by lowering the stick
Sponsored screensavers and special offers will only show up when your Kindle is dormant or on the lower part of your e-reader's home screen. In other words, it's not going to pop up just as you're knuckles deep into a Stephen King classic.
Amazon is also giving out some examples of these special offers:
- $10 for $20 Amazon.com gift card
- $6 for 6 Audible books (normally $68)
- $1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store (choose from over 1 million albums)
- $10 for $30 of products in the Amazon Denim Shop or Amazon Swim Shop
All of the examples are for Amazon.com promotions. If the first one seems awfully familiar, it's because it's the same deal that helped LivingSocial move 1.3 million Amazon gift cards earlier this year. Amazon's a minority stakeholder in the social coupon site. The sponsored screensavers will lean on third-party brand advertisers. Amazon's singling out Chase, Olay, General Motors' Buick, and Visa as launch sponsors, but the actual special offers appear to be largely an in-house affair.
Is that so bad? If a Kindle owner is already a frequent Amazon shopper, these markdowns may not be a distraction at all. I'm guessing that more than a few of the owners of the non-subsidized $139 Kindle and $189 Kindle 3G wouldn't mind these offers.
Turn the page
Where do you think this will lead? Right now, we're looking at a real pricing advantage that the Kindle will have over Barnes & Noble's (NYSE: BKS ) Nook and the easily forgettable "me too" competition. Do you really think that a deficit-saddled Barnes & Noble or a juggling Sony (NYSE: SNE ) can build out this kind of promotional ecosystem? The Nook does offer in-store perks, but it's unlikely to match Amazon pricing if it means even steeper losses.
Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL ) hasn't had a problem moving iPads despite the e-reader price war. The consumer knows the difference between a multimedia tablet and a much cheaper one-trick e-ink pony. However, will Apple be immune to Amazon's next salvo?
I can't be the only one that sees where this is going next.
I took advantage of Amazon's intuitive platform to dust off a coming-of-age novel I wrote in college. It's not very good and sloppily edited, but I was able to sell more than 100 digital copies through Amazon's Kindle store at $0.25 each. Sales slowed dramatically a year later when Amazon required a minimum selling price of $0.99. I would have no problem giving the book away if Amazon offered up a revenue-sharing ad-supported model for authors.
A $25 haircut on the hardware may not move more Kindles, but access to free ad-supported books (as well as the premium versions sans ads that are available now) could be a real differentiator. If Amazon is already conditioning readers to accept ads for lower Kindle prices, it won't be long before Amazon's Kindle morphs into the Google AdSense of self-publishing by monetizing chapters.
Amazon can't back off now. Google (Nasdaq: GOOG ) would prefer to be the Google AdSense of any growing web-based media form, and it wouldn't be a stretch to do just that through an Android-powered e-reader. Apple has a history of protecting content prices on iTunes, but it's not going to price its virtual bookstore out of contention.
The web-based publishing game is changing.
Have you recently become an e-reader convert? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.


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This deal has ended.
Through 1/11, Newegg has the Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker Set on sale for just $89.99 after this $40 mail-in rebate. This system offers 5.1 surround sound at up to 135 watts and has either gaming or music modes. Shipping is free and there's no sales tax (except CA, TN, NJ).No longer available


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This is something that's been tantalizingly close for some time… and now it's happened! Today we acknowledge that, with version 3.0, WordPress has pulled itself out of the 'blogosphere' and into the realms of bona fide website content management.
It's always been a great, easy-to-install and easy-to-manipulate platform for content publishing, but with some of the new developments, especially around custom content types, it's now a real contender when we put together company brochure sites, community websites and shops.
WordPress has a great search engine friendly core which can be enhanced via a number of easy-to-install plugins. It gives you control over all meta data on the page and most importantly the main meta title.
All of the WordPress generated code is in full compliance with the standards of the W3C. This has it's obvious advantages when considering cross browser compatibility and it is also forward compatible when it comes to future technology and not forgetting SEO benefits.
Content creation and editing
With the advent of the new custom content types WordPress is no longer constrained to posts and pages. We've created sites with multiple content types such as products, properties, testimonials, case studies and more. This gives the user the ability to easily identify the content they need to add and even better – use a tailored interface which prompts each part of the content which is required.
Of course at its base is the familiar content editing interface which has made WordPress the most successful open source content editing system around – so writing news and blog content on your site is simply a given.
Multi-site management
Integrated with WordPress 3.0 is the ability to publish multiple sites from the one install. This feature makes managing a number of websites simple and opens up WordPress for even more extensive multi-lingual and localised support. This feature used to be a separate version of WordPress but it's now part of the standard version which ultimately means that with a small amount of effort WordPress is able to cope with multiple sites – even if it's only been used for a single site before.
So – you've written your content and you've discovered that things are slowing down a bit. We've worked out that fine tuning the performance of a WordPress website is simple. There's a number of excellent plugins which will help speed things up from the massively impressive (and extensive) W3 Total Cache to more specific optimisation plugins like WP Minify which compresses (minimises) your stylesheets and javascript files.
All in all – for sites which need to constantly manage content – be it products, news or a simple page – then we reckon WordPress is hot on the heals of most Content Management Systems available at the moment. Oh and did we mention that there's no license fee…


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Oswego, NY -- Firefighters with the Oswego Fire Department were out in force Tuesday digging out nearly 900 fire hydrants in the city, fire Chief Jeffrey McCrobie said.
"We are attempting to keep them all cleared out in the event of an emergency," he said. "We have also received assistance from the Oswego County Sheriff's department weekend work program."
McCrobie thanked city residents who have taken the time to clean hydrants near their properties.
Anyone with a hydrant in his or her area that is buried with snow should call the fire department at 343-2161, McCrobie said.


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Hi, im Deyan, a 21 year old artist from Bulgaria. I'm studying at the National Art Academy in Sofia. My main skills lie in painting and graphic design.
I will make my best to keep my portfolio updated with cool stuff.
Shipping within Europe usually takes 8-10 business days. The rest of the world may take a little longer.
Why not write us an E-Mail or give us a call? We are available most of the time!
We want you to be happy with our products. If you're not satisfied, you'll get back your money - quick and trouble-free!
Shopping at ARTFLAKES is easy and secure. Your data is treated confidentially and is saved only for the processing of your order. It is not distributed to third parties.
Buy Posters and Art Prints online. © 2016 FINEART FACTORY GmbH


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Metropolis Magazine
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Each issue reveals innovative new projects, unique design ideas and cultural developments. Metropolis Magazine highlights impressive architecture, from unusual homes and apartments to unique colleges and buildings. The publication also includes articles about established and emerging designers and architects, modern design portfolios and stunning photos. From why design education matters to the importance of aesthetics, Metropolis Magazine is the go-to guide for designers and architects. Written by industry professionals, it's a trustworthy source for anyone who wants to learn more about design.
Packed with comprehensive coverage of the design world, Metropolis magazine is ideal for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest developments and trends. Each issue reveals upcoming design events, new projects and impressive designs. Anyone who wants to learn more about architecture and design will look forward to each new issue of Metropolis Magazine.
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I am seeing a list of Top 10 Titles for magazines on the left side of the page right now. I like them all except Metropolis. It's just not my style. I don't have any customers who have this style either. If you like artsy-fartsy uncomfortable looking design, then get this magazine.
Metropolis Magazine is all about design. It is not just homes but much more.


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What to Expect with Graves'
Page Organization
- What to expect with Graves' disease and Graves' eye disease
- Treatment during phase one, the active inflammatory phase
- How can I relieve the burning in my eyes?
- What treatments are available for advanced cases of Graves' eye disease?
- Why are my eyes "dry" when they produce a constant flow of tears?
- What measures should I take when I can't close my eyes?
- How can I reduce the appearance of swelling?
- Will I need surgery?
- Does nutrition have an effect on Graves' eye disease?
- What's new in treating Graves' eye disease?
- Treatment during phase two, the stable phase, after inflammation has subsided
What to expect with Graves' disease and Graves' eye disease
What is Graves' disease?
Graves' disease is a disorder of the immune system. It is not known why the lymphocytes—white blood cells involved in the body's protective defenses—begin to attack the body's own tissues. When lymphocytes attack the thyroid gland, it responds by producing too much thyroid hormone. This causes symptoms of nervousness, rapid heartbeat, tremor, weight-loss, and other features of hyperthyroidism.
Signs and symptoms of Graves' eye disease
In Graves' eye disease the tissue around the eye is attacked, and the result is inflammation and swelling, causing:
- Redness and pain
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Bulging of the eyes
- Dry eye and irritation, occurring when the eyelids cannot close completely over bulging eyes
Progressive swelling may cause:
- Increased pressure inside the eye socket
- Pressure-pain or deep headache, which worsens with eye movements
- Decreased vision, when swollen tissues push on the optic nerve
The muscles around the eye are particularly susceptible to the attack of lymphocytes. As they tighten and lose their ability to stretch, these symptoms can occur:
- The eye is pushed forward in its socket causing a "staring" appearance
- Restriction of the eye's normal movements, resulting in double vision
As symptoms build, many patients fear they will lose their vision. Fortunately, patients almost never go blind from Graves' eye disease.
Is Graves' eye disease the same as thyroid eye disease?
Yes. You may hear different terms for this disease. Graves' eye disease, Graves' ophthalmopathy, thyroid eye disease, and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy are used to describe this set of eye complications.
How does the thyroid gland relate to the eye?
Although thyroid disease and thyroid eye disease both stem from the immune system's attack on healthy tissue, one disease does not directly cause the other. That's why treatment of the thyroid gland, while important, does not improve the eye disease. The two diseases run their separate courses and do not necessarily occur at the same time.
How does the disease progress?
There are two phases. The active phase, marked by inflammation, usually lasts from six months to two years. The focus during this stage is on medical treatment to relieve the eye symptoms. During the second phase, or the stable phase, inflammation and other symptoms have subsided. The patient may need surgery to correct the more visible effects of the disease.
Treatment during phase one, the active inflammatory phase
How can I relieve the burning in my eyes?
It is important to restore lubrication during the active phase. The surface of the eye dries out because the eyelids are tight and do not blink properly. Inflammation may cause the tear glands to produce fewer tears. Many patients say they feel as if a forest fire has raced through their eyes. Liquid teardrops (or artificial tears) offer significant relief.
Tips on using liquid teardrops:
- Most patients need to use them regularly—at least four times per day and as often as every hour or two in severe disease.
- We recommend non-preserved tears. The preservatives used in some brands can lead to allergies or irritation with long-term use.
- Thicker preparations are available for those who need additional lubrication.
- Brands include Celluvisc, gel preparations such as Moisture Eyes gel, or lubricating ointments such as Refresh P.M. or Lacri-Lube.
- Thicker lubricants can blur vision. Consider using them at bedtime and then use your other teardrops first thing in the morning (to wash out the ointment) and throughout the day.
Other tips:
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light, wind, or other irritants.
- Try to avoid direct heat or air conditioning, especially while driving.
- Use additional artificial tears during activities that cause the eye to blink less and become dry, such as computer use, driving, or reading for extended periods.
What treatments are available for advanced cases of Graves' eye disease?
- Anti-inflammatory medications—chiefly steroids such as prednisone. To avoid side effects associated with long-term use, steroids are given at higher doses for a month or so and then tapered off.
- With careful monitoring, a second course of prednisone can be prescribed for prolonged periods of inflammation.
- Steroids can be injected into the orbit during an office visit. These injections minimize side effects and cause minimal discomfort.
Why are my eyes "dry" when they produce a constant flow of tears?
When your eyes dry out, a reflex occurs, producing massive amounts of tears that flood the eye's drainage system. The same reflex is observed when you begin to cry after smelling an onion. Unfortunately, your tears provide only short-term relief. As a rule of thumb: if your eyes produce excessive tears, they are probably dry. In dry eye, the outer covering of the eye is sometimes damaged and may be covered with small blisters. Treatments include:
- Medication to provide moisture, allowing the blisters to heal.
- A procedure to block the tear drainage system, allowing your own tears to coat the eye instead of draining away. This office procedure is very simple, painless, safe and reversible.
What measures should I take when I can't close my eyes?
If your eyes remain open during sleep, you may experience severe drying that can damage the cornea. In some cases, the cornea may become ulcerated, resulting in loss of vision. One of the best ways to protect your eyes during the night is to make a saran wrap dressing that serves as a moisture chamber. During your visit, we can show you how to make this dressing.
How can I reduce the appearance of swelling?
Unfortunately, a great deal of swelling accompanies Graves' eye disease. You may notice bags under the eyes, increased bulging of the eyes, and swelling of the tissue coating the eyes. Anything that increases the fluid in the body can add to the swelling. Some solutions:
- Reduce salt in your diet to decrease fluid retention.
- Sleep with your head raised, allowing fluid to settle out of your face. You can prop up your bed by placing bricks under the head of the bed frame.
Will I need surgery?
If needed, surgery is generally performed later during the second phase, after the inflammation has subsided. Surgery during the active phase may be needed in severe cases, for example, when pressure on the optic nerve does not respond to medical treatment, severe bulging threatens the health of the eye surface, or symptoms cannot be controlled with medication.
Does nutrition have an effect on Graves' eye disease?
Your body is trying to heal itself from a disease that affects many tissues, and we believe that good nutrition, regular exercise, and plenty of rest can help you recover. Also, in several recent studies cigarette smoking has been shown to worsen the disease. If you are a smoker, one of the most important steps you can take is to stop smoking. You should also try to avoid secondhand smoke.
What's new in treating Graves' eye disease?
Our research team is developing new treatments based on studies of medications used for other autoimmune conditions. Kellogg is the first center in the nation to have conducted a study on Rituximab (anti-CD20) therapy. Among our findings: this therapy was highly effective in patients with severe Graves' eye disease, with its effects lasting up to nine months. The drug is given intravenously in two sessions, each lasting about an hour. Rituximab can have complications due to immune suppression, but our study found that the complications were far fewer than those associated with chronic steroid use. Read about the study.
We believe that Rituximab and similar immune treatments represent the next frontier of treatment for Graves' eye disease. Please watch the Kellogg Eye Center website for reports on our latest findings.
Treatment during phase two, the stable phase, after inflammation has subsided
What are my surgical options?
A series of surgeries can correct the bulging appearance of your eyes, minimize double vision, bring the eyelids into the correct position, and address the sometimes jarring physical changes that come with the disease.
These surgeries are "staged" or performed in a specific order. While some patients may achieve desired results with the first surgery, more than one stage of surgery is usually necessary to achieve optimal rehabilitation.
We recommend allowing two to four months between surgeries. Patients can normally work and return to activities one to two weeks after each surgery.
First stage: minimally invasive orbital decompression surgery
Orbital decompression surgery is designed to remove bone and/or fat from behind the eye, allowing the eye to move back into its socket. The surgery makes more room behind the eye for the enlarged muscles that have developed with the disease.
Kellogg surgeons are among the leaders in adopting minimally invasive techniques. For less severe cases, your surgeon may use a technique that removes soft tissue or fibroblast-fat. For moderate to severe disease, patients may need bony decompression, which involves sculpting areas of bone that form the walls and floor of the eye's orbit.
Surgery can help achieve these benefits:
- Reduce exposure of the surface of the eye
- Improve the eyelid's ability to close over the eye
- Improve the bulging appearance
- Relieve pressure-pain
- Release pressure on the optic nerve, restoring its function and improving vision
Does orbital decompression surgery correct double vision?
For some patients, double vision may improve after orbital decompression. More often, double vision persists after surgery. Many patients go on to have eye muscle surgery, usually two to four months after decompression surgery. In the interim, patching one eye or placing a prism in the eyeglasses will minimize the problem, allowing patients to drive and continue other daily activities.
Second stage: eye muscle surgery
In Graves' eye disease, scarring can cause permanent damage to the eye muscles. Scar tissue, which forms around muscle fibers, becomes stiff and neither contracts nor relaxes as easily as the muscle it replaces. The eyes may then become misaligned, causing double vision.
Eye muscle surgery can minimize double vision, but may not completely eliminate it. The goal of this surgery is to create a tunnel of single vision, allowing patients to achieve good straight-ahead vision needed for driving and reading. The patient is able to resume many activities, but still may experience double vision when looking far to the right or left.
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. In eye muscle surgery, the surgeon repositions the muscles, bringing the eyes into alignment. The incisions are hidden. In approximately 5 to 10 percent of cases, more than one surgery is needed to achieve satisfactory alignment of the eyes.
Third stage: eyelid repositioning surgery
Often in Graves' eye disease, the eyelids open too widely. This accounts for the staring appearance associated with the disease, and it causes the eyes to become dry. The opened eyelids give an unnatural appearance to the eye; and because the disease often affects each eye a little differently, the eyelids can become asymmetrical. Occasionally the opposite problem occurs and the eyelids droop.
Eyelid repositioning surgery is carried out under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The surgeon releases eyelid muscles or tendons that have become tight, allowing the eyelid to return to a more natural position. Sometimes, particularly in the lower eyelid, tissue is added to reinforce the newly relaxed tissues.
Fourth stage: surgery and sculpting to correct the effects of Graves' eye disease
After these corrective surgeries have been completed, our patients often discover that Graves' eye disease has left its mark. Loss of elasticity and puffiness are now permanent features, and the tissues around the eye appear to have aged dramatically.
Once the inflammation has resolved we can address some of these changes with surgery aimed at aesthetic reconstruction, especially in the soft tissue around the eye. Swollen and puffy tissue can be treated with sculpting surgery such as blepharoplasty (eye lift) or facelift surgery. The loss of the skin's elasticity can be treated with laser resurfacing and injections such as fat or Restylane.
The course of Graves' eye disease is challenging, and it is not unusual for patients to feel discouraged and emotionally drained by the physical changes that accompany the disease. We find that patients who decide to pursue this fourth stage—aesthetic rehabilitation—are some of our most grateful patients.


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By MARY ELLEN LOWNEY
HOLYOKE - Police are out looking for clues to solve an early morning shooting that left one man hospitalized with a bullet wound to the leg.
Lt. Donald Whelihan said the man, whose identity police are keeping private, was shot once in the leg in the area around 54 Clemente St. in the south end of the city.
He was found a short time later, at about 2 a.m., in front of 10 Spring St., Whelihan said. He was taken by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center, where he was admitted for treatment.
There is no information at present on his condition, Whelihan said.
No arrests have been made, but police have talked with several people who were outside at the time, and are working the case.
"We're following leads right now, trying to talk to people," he said.
Whelihan said there appears to be no connection between this shooting the and weekend homicide of Joseph Scott-Maille, 21, of Springfield.
Scott-Maille, a former Holyoke High School football player, shot and killed Saturday afternoon in what police believe was a drug deal gone sour. No arrests have been made in that killing.
Both crimes remain under investigation.
Holyoke police seek shooter
on May 31, 2007 at 6:42 AM, updated May 31, 2007 at 6:46 AM
By MARY ELLEN LOWNEY


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Jackson Police Department reports for Tuesday, July 16 officers made 7 Arrests, 23 Traffic Stops, 17 Field Contacts, and responded to 112 Dispatches.
Officers arrested a subject on an outstanding warrant in the 600 block of McBride St.
Officers conducted foot patrol in the Second St. area. 7 tickets issued for various traffic violations and loud music.
Officer Mills arrested a subject on an outstanding warrant.
Officer Galbreath arrested a subject on an outstanding warrant.
Officer Hossain arrested a subject in the area of First/Union on two outstanding warrants.
Officer Mills arrested a 35-year old woman for disorderly conduct and possession of a knife in the 1200 block of Burr St.
Officer Lillie arrested a subject on an outstanding warrant.
1500 block of Blair Park MDOP-Officer Ganzhorn responded to a possible B&E report. The resident returned home to find her apartment door kicked in, however, nothing in the apartment was taken or disturbed. Possibly domestic related.


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I get asked this question frequently or can tell by the way callers and customers are speaking that they don't know the difference between memory or RAM and the hard drive. I've come up with an easy analogy to assist you in understanding the difference between the two and how they are much like the kitchen in your house.
First memory or RAM are the same thing (Random Access MEMORY). Memory for a computer is like the size of your kitchen. The more counter space and floor space in your kitchen the more dishes you can prepare at one time. The same is true for a computer, the more memory you have the more programs you can run simultaneously.
Your hard drive is like the kitchen cabinets. The more cabinets in a kitchen, the more food, pots, and pans you can store away until you need them. Your hard drive stores your programs, Windows (the operating system), pictures, documents, movies, and so on. Its that simple.


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Start 3ds max.
Load up your scene.
Enter the material editor.
Navigate to the material of your pit/startglow.
Click on it.
Right at the top you will see dropdown selection boxes for "Source Blend" and "Dest[ination] Blend".
Set one to Src Alpha and the other to Inv Src Alpha.
Repeat for all your glow materials.
Select all the objects that use said glow materials.
Click on the hammer icon in 3ds max.
Under Utilities (if set up properly), click on GMT Converter v2.52g.
Under GMT Output, make sure the output path is set to the folder you want to export into and click "Do Mesh"
Copy the generated .gmts to your ModDev path and fire up rF2 in dev mode.
Check the materials.
In case the glow appears inverted, re-set the Blend modes by switching them around (Inv Src Alpha for Source Blend, Src Alpha for Dest Blend) and re-export, copy over to ModDev, re-check.


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What is in this article?:
- Lucas vows not to support bad ag policy
- 50/50 chance for deadline
- Revenue Plan concerns
- Waiting until summer for farm bill debate is better than bad legislation now.
- Direct payments issue offers big target.
- Revenue assurance programs may replace direct payments.
Congressman Frank Lucas, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, would rather forego passing a hurry-up farm bill that jeopardizes the well-being of rural America and take his chances fighting for a better program next summer.
"I will not be a part of legislation that's bad policy," Lucas said during a telephone hook-up to the Texas Ag Forum, meeting recently in Austin.
The Texas Ag Forum is an association of key agricultural leaders and representatives from across the Texas food and fiber system. The Forum meets when appropriate to discuss crucial agricultural issues.
Lucas said farm legislation in the 1930s and 1980s represented "bad federal policy that almost destroyed agriculture in the Southwest. I will not give away a huge portion of rural America to get a bad deal. I'll take my chances next summer."
He admitted that waiting until summer would mean a fight.
Debate on the 2012 farm bill has been unusual, Lucas said. "In a normal year we would be holding field hearings at this point. This is not a normal year. We have the Super Committee (a committee equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, senators and representatives charged with reducing the deficit by $1.5 trillion) standing over our shoulders or behind us with a cattle prod," Lucas said.
"We (both the House and Senate committees on agriculture) are doing our part to meet our responsibility of deficit reduction. And we have a lot of members of Congress who have no clue where their food comes from."
Lucas said he's convinced that the ag committees can come up with $23 billion in farm bill savings. "We're putting together a framework so we don't have to depend just on the Super Committee's numbers. We have a lot of discussions going on."