text:
Using whole-brain voxel-based morphometry, childhood maltreatment was associated with lower mean gray matter volume, after controlling for substance use disorder, psychiatric history, age, sex, total intracranial volume, and substance dependence by age, in the left medial temporal lobe (1087 voxels; maximum: x = −20, y = −16, z = −26). A, The gray matter volume cluster predominantly includes regions of the hippocampus and parahippocampal and fusiform gyri. Statistical parametric maps have been height thresholded at P < .005 (t ≥ 2.61) and cluster thresholded using topological false discovery rate to set the overall error rate to P < .05. B, Box-and-whisker plot of estimated, standardized region-of-interest (ROI) cluster volumes by group (no trauma vs trauma). The shaded boxes indicate the 75th (top) and 25th (bottom) percentiles; horizontal lines in the middle of the boxes, the median (50th percentile); and whiskers, the minimum and maximum volumes.aA t test revealed significant differences in the estimated volumes for the ROI between the 2 groups at P < .001.
Using whole-brain voxel-based morphometry, substance use disorder was associated with lower mean gray matter volume, after controlling for childhood maltreatment, psychiatric history, age, sex, total intracranial volume, and substance use disorders by age, across 4 clusters. Gray matter volume differences are depicted as statistical parametric maps on rendered surfaces in the bilateral thalamus (1337 voxels; maximum: x = 6, y = −4, z = 10), left midcingulate gyrus and bilateral supplementary motor area (3899 voxels; maximum: x = −6, y = −31, z = 48), bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and right cuneus and precuneus (2166 voxels; maximum: x = −5, y = −61, z = 7), and right fusiform gyrus (1157 voxels; maximum: x = 35, y = −73, z = −15). Statistical parametric maps have been height thresholded at P < .005 (t ≥ 2.61) and cluster thresholded using topological false discovery rate to set the overall error rate to P < .05.
Among the subset of the substance-dependent sample for whom additional data were available (n = 72 [91.1%]), relapse time course was examined as a function of childhood maltreatment (A), and severity of relapse (defined as maximum number of days of drug use [alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis] during the 90-day follow-up) was examined as a function of childhood maltreatment–predicted gray matter volume differences in a whole-brain identified region of interest (ROI) (B and C). A, Significantly faster rate of drug relapse for participants with childhood maltreatment compared with those without childhood maltreatment (P value reflects the generalized Wilcoxon χ2 test). B, Correlation between ROI gray matter volume and severity of relapse in the entire subsample (n = 72). C, Relationship between ROI gray matter volume and severity of relapse among those individuals for whom severity of relapse was greater than 0 days (n = 52 [72.2% of subsample]).
eAppendix. Supporting Information
eTable 1. Cluster Details for Gray Matter Difference in Relation to Childhood Maltreatment
eTable 2. Cluster Details for Group Volumetric Difference in Relation to Substance Dependence Diagnosis
eTable 3. Cluster Details for Gray Matter Difference in Relation to Continuous Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Scores
eFigure 1. Main Effects of Childhood Maltreatment and Substance Dependence on Regions of Interest
eFigure 2. Effects of Educational Attainment on Childhood Maltreatment and Substance Dependence Predictions of Gray Matter Volume
eFigure 3. Gray Matter Volume Differences Related to Continuous Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Scores
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Van Dam NT, Rando K, Potenza MN, Tuit K, Sinha R. Childhood Maltreatment, Altered Limbic Neurobiology, and Substance Use Relapse Severity via Trauma-Specific Reductions in Limbic Gray Matter Volume. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(8):917–925. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.680
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Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the most common sequelae of childhood maltreatment, yet the independent contributions of SUDs and childhood maltreatment to neurobiological changes and the effect of the latter on relapse risk (a critical variable in addiction treatment) are relatively unknown.
To identify structural neural characteristics independently associated with childhood maltreatment (CM; a common type of childhood adversity), comparing a sample with SUD with a demographically comparable control sample, and to examine the relationship between CM-related structural brain changes and subsequent relapse.
Design, Setting, and Participants
Structural magnetic resonance imaging study comparing 79 treatment-engaged participants with SUD in acute remission in inpatient treatment at a community mental health center vs 98 healthy control participants at an outpatient research center at an academic medical center. Both groups included individuals with a range of CM experiences. Participants with SUD were followed up prospectively for 90 days to assess relapse and relapse severity.
Standard 12-step, recovery-based, inpatient addiction treatment for all participants with SUD.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Gray matter volume (GMV), subsequent substance use relapse, days to relapse, and severity of relapse.
Controlling for SUD and psychiatric comorbidity, CM (dichotomously classified) was uniquely associated with lower GMV across all participants in the left hippocampus (cornu ammonis 1-3, dentate gyrus), parahippocampus (presubiculum, parasubiculum, prosubiculum, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex), and anterior fusiform gyrus (corrected P < .05; uncorrected P = .001). Among the sample with SUD, CM prospectively predicted a shorter relapse to use of any drug (P = .048), while CM-related GMV reductions predicted severity of substance use relapse (P = .04).
Conclusions and Relevance
Findings indicate that CM was related to decreased GMV in limbic regions, which in turn predicted increased risk of relapse in SUD. These results suggest that CM may significantly affect the course of SUD treatment outcomes and that SUD treatment planning may benefit from identifying and addressing CM.
Childhood adversity plays a role in approximately 30% of all mental illness worldwide.1 Estimates suggest that approximately 40% to 50% of those who experienced childhood maltreatment (CM), herein defined as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as well as physical and emotional neglect, will develop substance abuse problems.2 Those who experience CM are at least twice as likely as those without CM to initiate illicit substance use and 2 to 3 times more likely to do so in early adolescence.2 Childhood maltreatment is associated with increased severity of substance use disorders (SUDs) and may also increase the number or frequency of relapse.3,4 While neurobiological alterations have been associated with both CM5-7 and SUD8,9 separately, dissociating the contributions of CM from SUD has been difficult. Unique contributions of CM and SUD, their possible additive or interactive effects on neurobiological function, and the impact on course and severity of psychopathology remain largely unknown.
Human research assessing neurobiological effects of early adversity has focused on regions of interest (ROIs) such as the hippocampus and amygdala5,7 with a priori hypotheses based on preclinical literature. While validating earlier findings, this approach does not allow investigation of the effects of CM on the whole brain, especially regions known to be affected by CM (eg, orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, striatum, prefrontal cortex).6,10 Research showing adversity-related neurobiological sequelae in multiple brain regions raises the important question of whether these effects are specific to childhood adversity or instead are linked to other types of insults and environmental deprivation, including substance use and psychiatric comorbidity associated with such adversity. Further, evidence suggests that neurobiological alterations related to substance use may be significant in the course of SUD and associated rates of relapse,11 but to our knowledge such studies have not examined the potential role of CM in the neurobiological alterations associated with SUD.
To examine the neurobiological specificity of childhood adversity, we examined the specific effects of CM vs SUD on brain morphology. The methods included whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM)12 in a sample of 98 healthy control individuals from the community with no history of substance abuse or dependence and 79 treatment-engaged individuals with SUD who were abstinent for 4 to 5 weeks and met criteria for alcohol, cocaine, and/or cannabis use disorders. Changes in whole-brain morphometry were examined to assess the independent and interactive relationships of CM and SUD. After identifying significant brain regions associated with CM by whole-brain VBM, we also examined the specific effects of CM and SUD on estimates of gray matter volume (GMV) in significant regions. Finally, we prospectively examined the ability of CM as well as CM-related GMV changes to predict substance use relapse and relapse severity during a 90-day postdischarge follow-up period among the subsample of inpatient-treated, recovering participants with SUD.
Individuals aged 25 to 50 years were selected for this study from a recruited sample of 255 participants to limit possible effects of substance abuse on neurodevelopmental processes.13 A total of 98 healthy controls (HCs) with no history of SUD from the community and 79 participants who met DSM-IV criteria for SUD limited to alcohol, cocaine, and/or cannabis use disorders participated. All HCs were recruited from advertisements in local newspapers, advertisements on websites, and flyers in the community. Treatment-seeking participants with SUD were recruited using the same processes as well as via addiction treatment centers in the greater New Haven, Connecticut, area. The SUD and HC groups were group matched on relevant demographic variables.
All participants with SUD had been abstinent for approximately 4 to 5 weeks and were engaged in standard inpatient treatment at the time of the scan. Weekly substance use was verified by a combination of self-report, breathalyzer, and urine toxicology prior to inpatient admission. Individuals with SUD specific to opioids, sedatives, methamphetamines, and any other drugs (except nicotine) were excluded. Those with primary Axis I diagnoses (other than SUD, as described earlier), those receiving psychoactive medications, and those with any history of psychosis were excluded. Individuals with secondary lifetime and/or current major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders were not excluded given high comorbidity with SUD.14 The HC group comprised 98 comparison participants who were free of Axis I psychiatric diagnoses (other than lifetime history of major depressive disorder or any anxiety disorders), confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders,15 and had no lifetime or current history of SUD (including alcohol).
Across both groups, potential participants were excluded for any history of serious head trauma (defined by a blow or knock to the head with accompanying loss of consciousness ≥30 minutes) or neurological conditions. All participants underwent medical examination to ensure good physical health; individuals taking prescription medications and those requiring acute medical attention were excluded. All participants gave both written and verbal informed consent. The study was approved by the Human Investigation Committee of the Yale University School of Medicine.
Participants completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders,15 Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ),16 and other measures as described in previous analyses of GMV with subgroups of participants from the current sample, including assessment of cumulative adversity in the HCs, individuals with alcohol dependence and relapse, and sex differences in cocaine dependence.17-19 Standardized cutoffs recommended by the CTQ manual20 and used in prior studies21 were used to classify individuals into a group with CM if they exceeded cutoff scores on any 1 or more of the CTQ subscales (cutoff scores: emotional abuse, 13; physical abuse, 10; sexual abuse, 8; emotional neglect, 15; physical neglect, 10). Categorical groups for CM were used to ensure a focus on moderate to severe CM.
Participants with SUD completed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan between weeks 4 and 5 of abstinence. Participants with SUD were discharged from inpatient treatment soon after and returned for repeated face-to-face follow-up interviews at 14, 30, and 90 days after discharge, at which time relapse outcomes were evaluated using urine and breathalyzer samples and the Form 90 substance use calendar.22 The HCs completed all assessments over 2 or 3 appointments and the MRI scan was conducted in a separate, subsequent session. Breathalyzer and urine toxicology screens were conducted for HCs at each appointment.
Participants were scanned on a 3-T scanner (TIM Trio; Siemens AG). Data for each participant consisted of a single sagittally acquired high-resolution T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid-acquisition gradient-echo scan (176 slices; 1-mm3 isotropic voxels; field of view, 256 × 256 mm; acquisition matrix, 256 × 256; repetition time, 2530 milliseconds; echo time, 3.66 milliseconds; flip angle, 7°).
Image segmentation and registration were performed in Statistical Parametric Mapping version 8 software (SPM8; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London) using the VBM toolbox (VBM8; Department of Psychiatry, University of Jena). Resulting segmentations were validated visually23,24 to approximate the gold standard (ie, manual segmentation25,26); segmentation demonstrated appropriate face validity in all images. Rigid-body aligned segmentations for each participant were registered to an average template generated by diffeomorphic anatomical registration through exponentiated Lie algebra (DARTEL)27 using gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid segmentations. The DARTEL-registered data were then affine transformed to Montreal Neurological Institute space, modulated, and smoothed with a 6-mm Gaussian filter. The default parameter settings were used for all steps of the DARTEL registration. Final outputs were smoothed, modulated gray matter segments (1.5-mm3 voxels).
The GMV was regressed on CM group (dummy coded), SUD group (dummy coded), and any psychiatric history (dummy coded as present or absent) using a multiple regression model implemented in SPM8. Covariates controlled for participant age, sex, and total intracranial volume (TICV) in both cases,28 with the additional inclusion of the age-by-SUD interaction term. The TICV was calculated by voxelwise summation. While substance use duration has been shown to be a relevant variable to GMV changes in addiction,29 preliminary analysis suggested that it was not a significant covariate in our model; it was therefore excluded.
Whole-brain statistical analysis was conducted using topological false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple comparisons.30 Topological FDR ensures that the familywise error rate is equivalent to P < .05 for cluster-level inference. Data were height thresholded at P < .005, and subsequently extent thresholded for contiguously activated voxels, based on the SPM-generated FDR cluster threshold.30
Anatomical regions within significant clusters were initially identified using the Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas.31 To acquire localized specificity of volumetric differences specific to subfields of medial temporal lobe structures, significant clusters were mapped to probabilistic cytoarchitectonic maps32 using the SPM Anatomy toolbox version 2.0.33,34
We extracted ROIs using the MarsBaR toolbox (http://marsbar.sourceforge.net/). Individual volumes were estimated for each cluster of interest with a modified version of the voxelwise summation used to estimate TICV.
Relapse was assessed by face-to-face interview on days 14, 30, and 90 of the postdischarge period, with urine and breathalyzer samples at each interview and, where necessary, collateral informant report (ie, family members or significant others; for additional details, see the articles by Rando et al18 and Seo et al35).
The Kaplan-Meier (survival) estimator36 was used to examine time to relapse to any drug (ie, alcohol, cocaine, or cannabis) as a function of primary dependence group, duration of drug use, CM group, and whole-brain identified ROIs (for both SUD and CM). The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to examine significant differences in relapse rates between groups because of its greater sensitivity to survival differences over early and short assessment periods.37
In addition to examining relapse rate, severity of relapse was examined. This variable was defined as days of use (in the 90-day follow-up period) of an individual's most commonly used drug. Backward stepwise regressions examined whether any of the whole-brain identified GMV clusters were able to predict severity of relapse. As relapse is relatively easy to identify (dichotomous outcome), while quantity of use is more difficult to self-report,38 severity of relapse was examined only in individuals for whom there was additional information (ie, urine and breathalyzer data, secondary report, official records).
Demographic, substance use, and individual characteristics are provided in Table 1 and Table 2. The HC and SUD groups significantly differed on age, education, and psychiatric history. Age and psychiatric history were included as covariates in the main model. Separate analyses included educational history as an additional covariate. Further analyses indicated that while psychiatric comorbidity was higher in the SUD group than in the HC group, psychiatric comorbidity was actually better accounted for by CM than SUD (eAppendix in Supplement).
Controlling for age, sex, TICV, substance dependence, psychiatric history (ie, depression, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder), and age-by-SUD interaction, VBM results indicated that CM was associated with smaller GMV in a cluster that encompassed the left hippocampus as well as the parahippocampal and fusiform gyri (corrected P < .05; uncorrected P = .001; 1087 voxels) (Figure 1 and eTable 1 in Supplement). Close examination of the CM-related cluster revealed that 40.8% (443 voxels) of the cluster overlapped the parahippocampal gyrus, 38.4% (417 voxels) overlapped the fusiform gyrus, and 10.9% (118 voxels) overlapped the hippocampus. Childhood maltreatment was not associated with increased volume in any region. Probabilistic cytoarchitectural mapping using the SPM Anatomy toolbox version 2.033 revealed significant GMV reductions associated with CM in subregions of the parahippocampus (including presubiculum, parasubiculum, prosubiculum, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex), hippocampus (including cornu ammonis regions 1-3 and dentate gyrus), amygdala, and cerebellum (Table 3).
The SUD status (a single group contrast of SUD vs no SUD) predicted decreased GMV across 4 clusters primarily in the following regions: (1) bilateral thalamus, (2) left midcingulate gyrus and bilateral supplementary motor area, (3) bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and right cuneus and precuneus, and (4) right fusiform gyrus (Figure 2 and eTable 2 in Supplement). Whole-brain GMV interaction analysis (CM by SUD) resulted in no significant clusters. We examined SUD- and CM-related ROIs for all subgroups as well (eFigure 1 in Supplement); there were only main effects of CM and SUD.
Psychiatric history (psychiatric history vs no history) yielded no clusters that exceeded the FDR-corrected threshold. Post hoc analyses of the CM-identified ROI cluster by any psychiatric diagnosis and posttraumatic stress disorder alone revealed no significant differences by affective disorder history (eAppendix in Supplement). As previous analysis in the cocaine-dependent subsample showed sex differences in GMV,19 we also examined whether there was an interaction between CM and sex on GMV. No clusters exceeded an FDR-corrected threshold at P < .05. Analyses including education as an additional covariate indicated no effect on CM-related GMV findings but changes to SUD-related GMV findings (eAppendix and eFigure 2 in Supplement). Finally, secondary analyses examining continuous CTQ scores (with age, sex, and TICV as covariates) indicated significant GMV decreases in the bilateral medial temporal lobe (eAppendix, eFigure 3, and eTable 3 in Supplement).
Seventy-two of the 79 participants with SUD (91.1%) were successfully followed up during the 90-day period subsequent to treatment. Neither duration of primary substance use nor educational attainment were significant predictors of relapse and were therefore omitted from subsequent analyses. There was no difference in likelihood of relapse as a function of CM status (χ21 = 1.14; P = .29). However, those with CM exhibited a significantly shorter time to any drug relapse than those with no CM (mean [SD], 27.60 [5.07] vs 42.03 [6.08] days, respectively; generalized Wilcoxon χ2 = 3.90; P = .048). Figure 3A shows survival function.
None of the 4 SUD-identified or CM-identified clusters predicted time to relapse. However, the CM-related GMV estimate was significantly predictive of substance use severity after initial relapse. A backward stepwise regression indicated that GMV for the CM-related cluster was a significant predictor of days of use during the follow-up period (r = −0.265; F1,61 = 4.52; P = .04; R2 = 0.070). Decreasing GMV of the trauma-related cluster predicted increasing severity of use. Examining only those who relapsed (50 of 63 participants [79.4%]), the relationship was even stronger (r = −0.363; P = .01; R2 = 0.132) (Figure 3B and C).
Using whole-brain VBM analyses, lower GMV in the left medial temporal lobe or limbic region was uniquely associated with CM. Probabilistic cytoarchitectural mapping revealed that the CM ROI included subfields of the hippocampal complex that are critically involved in neurogenesis (eg, cornu ammonis 3 and dentate gyrus7) and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (eg, subiculum39) and more generally contribute to heightened risk for anxious temperament.40 Notably, the regions identified overlap with a number of brain regions shown to be affected by early life stress in preclinical studies.41,42 Further, while CM itself was predictive of time to relapse, GMV differences in the CM-related limbic ROI (but not any of the ROIs identified in relation to SUD) were predictive of severity of relapse (measured in days of drug use during a 90-day follow-up period). The present findings represent the first documentation of the specific associations of CM-related limbic GMV alterations on the clinical course of SUD (alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis use disorders), demonstrating its prospective association to relapse severity in a defined episode of abstinence and early recovery. While our study focused on one of the most common sequelae of CM (ie, SUD43) and the relapsing nature of SUD, the impairments of this specific limbic region may generalize to other psychiatric conditions as well.44,45
Our findings are especially relevant for the neurobiological basis of CM and its role in addictive behaviors. Childhood adversity, including CM, is a major contributing factor to the development of addictive behaviors,43 although there are numerous methodological limitations in this area of research, not the least of which is the fact that SUDs are commonly related to neurobiological changes on their own.8,9,46 Interestingly, in this study, those GMV changes statistically associated with SUD were distinct from CM, and only 1 of the SUD-related clusters (located in the posterior cingulate, cuneus, and precuneus) replicated our previous analyses of cocaine-dependent19 and alcohol-dependent18 samples. Further, this study failed to show a significant interaction between CM and SUD on GMV. The findings also indicated that the CM-specific ROI was predictive of severity of relapse, while SUD-related ROIs were not. Thus, CM and SUD may have unique, albeit possibly additive, neurobiological effects. As previous research on the neurobiology of SUDs has often failed to consider CM, it may be the case that previous identifications of GMV deficits in SUD may actually relate to CM. Regular assessment of CM in addiction treatment settings may help clinicians identify those at greater risk for relapse, potentially permitting individually tailored treatments to address CM-related pathophysiology. As the current results used the CTQ clinical cutoff thresholds, they support use of these clinical cutoffs in the clinical setting to identify individuals with SUD who have CM-related pathophysiology for CM-related specialized services. Additionally, CM-related neurobiological changes in SUD reported herein may inform the development of new therapies to improve outcomes in individuals with both SUD and CM.
The neuroanatomical alterations related to CM may also have important functional implications. The present data suggest that CM is primarily associated with the structural integrity of the hippocampal complex. Broadly speaking, deficits in the hippocampal complex may contribute to altered learning mechanisms,47 especially in the context of reward-based learning.48 These deficits may create inflexibility with regard to rule-based learning47 and the emotion-memory interface,49 which interact with temperamental alterations40 to create predispositions for anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. There may be unique contributions of altered hippocampal complex structure and function to anxiety,50 depression,51 and/or addictions11; however, it seems more likely that these mechanisms are involved in an interactive, dynamic way to create shared vulnerability that may revolve around the processing of and response to stress.41
Childhood maltreatment in this study was retrospectively self-reported. Despite the inherent limitations of retrospective self-report, numerous studies have established the reliability and validity of retrospective self-report of childhood adversity and CM.52-57 Additionally, an impressive body of literature has established a link between retrospective report of early childhood deficits and psychiatric and physical illness.55,58 We also cross-sectionally assessed CM; thus, our results cannot speak to the timing and duration of CM. Further, the CTQ assesses only childhood abuse and neglect. Because there are important links between childhood adversity and a host of neurobiological and medical sequelae,55 future studies should examine a broader context of childhood adversity (eAppendix in Supplement).59
As our MRI collection was cross-sectional, all findings related to GMV are subject to questions about directionality in terms of relationships between variables. Our SUD sample was limited to individuals with alcohol, cocaine, and/or cannabis use disorders; hence, the findings may not generalize to individuals with opioid, methamphetamine, sedative, and any other SUDs. Our HC and SUD samples also differed on age, education, and psychiatric comorbidity, which were statistically accounted for in the analyses and did not appear to significantly affect the main findings pertaining to CM or CM-related risk for relapse.
Our findings indicate that CM is associated with altered structural integrity of the hippocampal complex. Such neuroanatomical specificity on the hippocampal complex provides an important translational link between the preclinical literature on early life stress and clinical research related to CM in at-risk and SUD samples. More importantly, we present the first evidence, to our knowledge, directly linking CM-related neurobiological effects to relapse risk and severity in SUD. These findings suggest that routine and thorough assessment of CM during adulthood and especially among individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse may be highly relevant in treatment planning for those with comorbid CM and SUD.
Corresponding Author: Rajita Sinha, PhD, Yale Stress Center, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church St S, Ste 209, New Haven, CT 06519 (firstname.lastname@example.com).
Submitted for Publication: December 3, 2013; final revision received March 3, 2014; accepted March 28, 2014.
Published Online: June 11, 2014. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.680.
Author Contributions: Dr Sinha had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.
Study concept and design: Rando, Tuit, Sinha.
Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.
Drafting of the manuscript: Van Dam, Rando, Sinha.
Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Van Dam, Potenza, Tuit, Sinha.
Statistical analysis: Van Dam, Rando, Sinha.
Obtained funding: Potenza, Sinha.
Administrative, technical, or material support: Rando, Tuit, Sinha.
Study supervision: Tuit, Sinha.
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Potenza has consulted for and advised Boehringer Ingelheim; has consulted for and has financial interests in Somaxon; has received research support from the National Institutes of Health, Veterans Affairs, Mohegan Sun Casino, National Center for Responsible Gaming and its affiliated Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders, Forest Laboratories, Psyadon, Ortho-McNeil, Oy-Control/Biotie, and GlaxoSmithKline; has participated in surveys, mailings, or telephone consultations related to drug addiction, impulse control disorders, or other health topics; has consulted for law offices and the federal public defender's office in issues related to impulse control disorders; provides clinical care in the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Problem Gambling Services Program; has performed grant reviews for the National Institutes of Health and other agencies; has given academic lectures in grand rounds, continuing medical education events, and other clinical or scientific venues; and has generated books or book chapters for publishers of mental health texts. Dr Sinha is on the scientific advisory board for Embera NeuroTherapeutics.
Funding/Support: This work was supported by grants P50-DA016556 (Dr Sinha), R01-AA13892 (Dr Sinha), and RL1-AA017539 (Dr Potenza) from the National Institutes of Health, Roadmap Fund for Medical Research grants UL1-DE019586 (Dr Sinha), PL1-DA024859 (Dr Sinha), and UL1-RR024139 (Yale Clinical and Translational Science Award) from the National Institutes of Health, and the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Role of the Sponsor: The funding agencies had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.
Disclaimer: The contents of the article are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of any of the funding agencies.


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Foster Foundering In '96 Race Eddies
Gramm and Dole do battle over Senate vote
AFTER months of partisan attacks against his nomination for surgeon general, Henry Foster is about to get a day in court.
But when debate opens on the Senate floor, it won't be a contest between those who support or oppose the nominee so much as another round in a contentious competition between two Republican presidential candidates.
Ever since he acknowledged performing abortions during his career as an obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Foster's nomination has added fuel to the rivalry between Sens. Bob Dole (R) of Kansas and Phil Gramm (R) of Texas.
Their maneuvering illustrates how much presidential politics is injecting itself into the workings of Congress's upper chamber fully eight months before the nation's first presidential primary.
"It always has been a presidential shooting match," says Sen. Arlen Specter (R) of Pennsylvania, noting with disgust the Dole-Gramm posturing. Mr. Specter, an aborition-rights supporter, is also vying for the presidency.
"The Republican position has been an embarrassment to the Senate and the country," he says. Foster "deserves his day in court. We should put abortion behind us; it has no place in politics."
Dole and Gramm would disagree. Both men oppose the Foster nomination. Both want the support of conservative and antiabortion groups that protest the Foster bid. As Senate majority leader, Mr. Dole has the authority to keep the nomination from reaching the floor, and in the face of Gramm's filibuster threats, considered doing so.
But after a closed-door meeting with Foster on June 19, Dole decided to bring the issue before the full Senate, probably before the July 4 recess.
It is widely assumed that Dr. Foster, whose nomination rekindled the political brush fires of abortion, has enough support to eke out the simple majority necessary to win confirmation.
Whether the nomination can survive a filibuster is less certain. Shutting off Gramm will require 60 votes, which means Foster supporters will have to persuade 13 Republican senators to cross the isle. Dole agreed to give Foster two attempts to break the filibuster. If he does, he will likely be confirmed; if not, his nomination will languish indefinitely.
To be sure, the Senate majority leader's decision reflects careful political calculation. Dole is the undisputed frontrunner in the GOP presidential race, while Gramm's campaign is struggling. By filibustering, Gramm may end up looking too conservative, but he may also succeed.
"In the end, Dole is walking a very fine line," says Barbara Sinclair, a professor at the University of California, Riverside. "He wants to get the right [conservatives] on his side without letting the moderates get the willies. In this case, holding the nomination off the floor would have cost more than bringing it up."
"Gramm is dead in the water," she adds. Dole "will stand back and see if Gramm can sustain the filibuster. If he can't, he'll look foolish. This could push him under or revive him."
Clinton nominated Foster in February after asking Joycelyn Elders to step down over her controversial views on sex education and condom distribution.
Although Foster built a solid record with his programs to discourage pregnancy, gang violence, and drug abuse among teenagers during his career in Nashville, Tenn., his nomination ran into trouble early over abortion. The administration initially said he had performed the procedure twice, but records subsequently indicated he had carried out 39 abortions.
Foster also ran into trouble over his role and what he knew about controversial reproductive experiments involving black men and retarded women.
Reflecting the view of a number of her GOP colleagues, Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R) of Kansas, chair of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, felt strongly that Foster deserved the consideration of the full Senate even though she personally opposes the nomination. The panel voted 9 to 7 to forward the bid.
"She decided she could not support Foster in committee, but believed the nomination should be debated on the floor, and that there should be an up or down vote," says Mike Horack, a spokesman for Senator Kassebaum. "She'll vote to invoke cloture," the parliamentary measure to break a filibuster.

subset: commoncrawl


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The data on this site is partly delivered by fellow genealogy researchers and relatives.
Without them I would not have discovered interesting links between different families.
Here are a list of people that contributed to my research. There are probably people I forgot to mention but my thanks goes to them as well!


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Our Partners
New partnerships and further development of existing partnerships between clinical services, academia, industry and patients and the public are essential in order to realise the benefits of genomics for precision medicine in Wales.
We anticipate that strong, effective partnerships will speed up change, accelerate adoption and drive up quality outcomes for patients.
Our partners support us in the advancement of life sciences in Wales and enable shared risk and decision making to achieve the five 'P's of precision medicine: prediction and prevention of disease; more precise diagnoses; targeted personalised interventions; and a more participatory role for patients.
GPW Partner Diagram
The Welsh Government is the devolved executive of Wales. Its agenda is to deliver a Wales which is prosperous and secure, healthy and active, ambitious and learning, united and connected.
Delivering its services through seven health boards and four NHS trusts in Wales, NHS Wales provides a range of primary, secondary, specialist tertiary and emergency care services.
All Wales Medical Genomics Service
The All Wales Medical Genomics Service provides specialist genetic clinical and laboratory services to individuals and families with, or concerned about, rare genetic conditions.
Pathogen Genomics Unit (PenGU)
The PGU has been working with research partners to translate academic genomics approaches into clinical practice. Including analysing DNA sequences of samples of the flu virus.
Wales Gene
Wales Gene Park facilitates high quality genetic and genomic health research in Wales, and the informed involvement of patients, public and professionals.
Higher Education Institutions
All universities in Wales are key partners in the programme in terms of genomics education opportunities for the workforce and research and innovation in genomics for patient benefit
Patients and the Public
Co-producing the work of GPW and future precision medicine services in Wales; the public help to shape our work and add value to ensure the delivery value-based healthcare
Effective partnership working are essential if we are to realise the benefits of precision medicine in Wales as they accelerate change and adoption, and increases quality outcomes


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You guessed it! More apple incorporation! This is a lovely little treat to be enjoyed this autumn with all the flavors of fall!
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1 pomegranate, seeded
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 tangerine, halved and sliced thin
1 cinnamon stick
1 bottle of your favorite red wine - I used Dark Horse merlot
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup triple sec
Heat the honey and water in a small sauce pan until they are melted together.
Put the prepared fruit and cinnamon stick into the bottom of a large pitcher. Pour the honey mixture over the fruit.
Pour in the wine, pomegranate juice, apple cider, brandy and triple sec.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Serve in heavy wine glasses.
Drink responsibly!


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There's no escaping your biological clock. It's not just a feature of your brain – as recent studies have revealed, every single cell in your body is influenced by its own circadian rhythm. That's why it appears that there's also no getting around jet lag, that most frustrating of modern phenomena.
A new study, however, suggests that the future might be quite different. Based on the discovery of a signaling molecule in the eye that lets the brain know when it's time to be awake and when it's time to sleep, there's a chance that we could develop eye drops to influence the molecule, and thus influence our brain's perception of whether it's day or night.
Theoretically, bespoke eye drops could cancel out jet lag. Now that would be rather wonderful, wouldn't it?
First, let's step back a little. The study, published in the Journal of Physiology, looked at the eyes of laboratory rats, whose biology is not too dissimilar from our own. It turns out that they have a compound in their eyes named vasopressin.
This signaling molecule can also be found in the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the Mary Poppins-sounding cranial region that is the "control center" for the body's biological clock. Until now, it's not been clear what the SCN's vasopressin actually did.
The SCN is not actually knowledgeable of the time itself – after all, that's a distinctly human concept. Instead, it gets its information from the reactions of the eyes' retinal ganglion to light levels. More light suggests that it's daytime, and these ganglions send signals back to the brain telling you that you should be awake.
That's why using bright phone screens at night prevents you from falling asleep quickly. This is also why jet lag messes up your biological clock – the cells let your brain know its nighttime when it assumes, based on your usual routine, that it should be daytime.
As it turns out, the eyes' ganglion cells also contain vasopressin too. As discovered by the University of Edinburgh-led team, this signaling molecule travels from the eye's retina to the brain in order to let it know what time of day it is.
Could this be the end of dreaded jetlag? Tymonko Galyna/Shutterstock
This got them thinking – what if you could use an eye drop to boost or reduce the amount of vasopressin that is transmitted? You could effectively fool the brain that it's daytime or night.
"Our exciting results show a potentially new pharmacological route to manipulate our internal biological clocks," coordinating author Mike Ludwig, a professor of physiology at the University of Edinburgh, said in a statement.
"We are still a long way off from this," he hastened to add. Shut up and take our money, we say.


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Even selected individually, these keep images strongly coordinated and invite visitors to interact (take one and fold it). Photos: Viola Di Sante.
System and format for the MAXXI communication tools / Publishing / MAXXI National Museum of 21th Century Arts
Time, the fragment that suggests the whole, variability, all captured in the fluid structural element of the MAXXI galleries along with dynamic images, generate the format of this communications package.
What we did


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Dear Gossips,
On the Chinese calendar, today is the Start of Spring. Which means that, technically, the Year of the Horse is over and the Year of the Goat/Sheep has begun. Chinese New Year is on February 19. But the astrological year actually kicks off today. I know it's confusing but we live by the moon.
Anyway, every Chinese zodiac sign has its sign of opposition. Last year, the Horse was sh-tty for Rats. In the Year of the Goat/Sheep, it's the Ox who will have it rough.
That's me. And some of you too.
As she always does, my ma, the Chinese Squawking Chicken, has some advice if you're an Ox:
Get your teeth cleaned or your blood checked in March. I can't get into too much detail about why but it can't hurt to see the dentist and/or go for a physical.
Be extra, extra careful in July and August. These are the "goat/sheep months".
NEVER EVER EVER eat lamb this year. No goat cheese, nothing that comes from that animal. From today on, it's off the menu. Cannot stress enough the seriousness of this.
Last year I mentioned that for Rats, who were in for it during the Year of the Horse, the Tiger sign could help them. And that being around Tigers would help to mitigate their bad luck. For the Ox, our friend signs are Chickens and Dogs. Those who are born in the Year of the Chicken and the Year of the Dog might be able to protect us.
Dogs in particular – like the animals and the people of the sign – are particularly useful in reducing danger.
Look Ox gossips, to quote Mimi, I know this sounds bleak. But there are low periods in every cycle. It's just our time right now. And we can use it to our advantage. As I say every year, the way we brace ourselves during our low luck flows will have a profound impact on how high our luck rises on the upswing. So be smart. Stay away from risk. Save your money. Use it to fortify your foundation – that could mean improvements in your home, it could mean not going for that promotion at work but instead investing in courses or programs or projects that will improve your skill and portfolio, and, especially, take care of your body. Keep it strong and stable. That way, when we the Ox come out of this sh-t, we'll be ready to ascend. This is how the Fates test us.
The Squawking Chicken will have more Chinese New Year tips in the next couple of weeks. And she's working on getting those charms. Remember, Chinese New Year is on February 19th. Make it a point, all Ox included, to gather with family and friends for a proper celebration. That's the only way to start a new year – with happiness and love.
Yours in gossip,


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Thor: Ragnarok Spoiler Free Movie Review
Thanks to Disney and Marvel Studios I was invited to attend the red carpet premiere of THOR: Ragnarok. Beyond the press event and red carpet experience, I had the chance to see the new Marvel film before it releases on November 3rd. I'm excited to finally share my thoughts on the new Thor movie with you! Read my full THOR: Ragnarok spoiler-free movie review below.
THOR: Ragnarok Spoiler Free Movie Review
Is THOR: Ragnarok a Comedy or Action Film?
If you enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy and previous Thor movies, then you'll love THOR: Ragnarok. It's a nice mesh between the two movie styles. I will admit that I lean more towards preferring action over comedy in my superhero films. If you have seen the movie trailer then you know it is no spoiler to say that Thor finds himself captured, without his hammer and being forced into a lethal gladiatorial fight.
With the survival of the Asgardian civilization resting on his shoulders, I was a little shocked to see Thor being light-hearted and making jokes within the first scene of the movie. My first reaction was "this is kind of cheesy". Chris Hemsworth's character is so solemn and serious in all the other films. Even when it showed him with his love interest, Jane, his character was pretty straight-forward. In the Avenger films, he is filled with so much determination that we do not get the chance to see this other side of him.
At the end of the day, the comedy works. To me THOR: Ragnarok has a higher level of action than Guardians of the Galaxy with a steady mix of comedy throughout the movie. Taika Waititi did an amazing job directing this film and giving the actors a chance to show their true potential. We see more depth to Thor's character than ever before and you will be pleased.
Is THOR: Ragnarok Worth the Price of Admission?
The simple answer is, yes! With the increased price of admission at movie theaters, it can get pretty expensive. After our family of six sees a movie, the amount we spend on tickets could buy three Blu-ray copies of the same movie when it releases for home viewing. Although going to our local theater for entertainment is one of our family's favorite pastimes, we are selective with which movies we spend money on.
This film is not one you want to watch for the first time at home while messing with your phone or working on your laptop. You will not want any distractions while watching THOR: Ragnarok. Too much happens! In almost every scene there is either a new character development or a plot twist you didn't see coming.
Not only do I recommend seeing THOR: Ragnarok in theaters, I highly suggest you splurge for the XD upgrade. The graphics are sharper, the colors are enhanced, and the sound is amazing in the XD theater. Some theaters offer free XD upgrade on specific showtimes, contact your local theater to find out. The special effects and graphics team stepped up their game in this film. Thor travels between colorful worlds.
Am I Ready to See THOR: Ragnarok?
As mentioned above, a lot transpires in this Marvel film. If you've never seen a Marvel movie before, you can still enjoy THOR: Ragnarok thanks to all the action and new characters introduced. However, to fully understand the beginning plot and the backstory of the main characters you will want to see these previous four Marvel films:
If you have seen the above Thor and Avengers movies, I suggest rewatching THOR: The Dark World and AVENGERS: Age of Ultron again. THOR: Ragnarok picks up two years after AVENGERS: Age of Ultron leaves off. There is a lot of reference to that movie and you will not understand several crucial parts to this film if you haven't seen it.
New THOR: Ragnarok Characters and Plot Twists
So many new characters! We are introduced to the Valkyrie and Grandmaster. Marvel's first female villain to grace the big screen, Hela played by Cate Blanchett, is marvelously done.
You will not want to take your eyes off the screen for fear of missing something. Then after it is over, you'll want to watch it again.
Is THOR: Ragnarok Family Friendly?
My youngest is 11-years-old and my oldest is 20. Our entire family has been counting down the days for THOR: Ragnarok to release in theaters on November 3rd. With that being said, my kids have seen all the Marvel films and love them. THOR: Ragnarok has a lot of action. It is not gory and there are no love scenes. There are a couple of emotional scenes that some children may find sad.
Fellow blogger, Bert from First Time Mom, writes her review with elementary-aged children in mind. If you have younger children I suggest reading her review before making your decision.
Calling all Hulk Fans!
This movie may be called THOR: Ragnarok but Mark Ruffalo plays a major part. You see more Hulk scenes in this film than any other Marvel movie yet. In the previous Avenger movies, we see Bruce Banner more than the Hulk. Not this time! Not only do we get more face time with the Hulk, his character has developed to a whole new level. He talks and has a personality beyond anger.
I'm not sure if it is because we see so much more of the Hulk but I felt like his graphics were more detailed. You could see more of a resemblance of Bruce Banner in his face and mannerisms. If you are not already a huge fan of the Hulk, you will be after watching THOR: Ragnarok.
See THOR: Ragnarok in theaters on November 3, 2017. You can buy your movie tickets now and with most theaters offering reserved seating nowadays, I highly recommend not waiting.
What Happened to Thor's Hair?!
Just wait and see… As you can tell from the photos above, Thor has his long locks in some scenes and his new short do in others. All I will say is, you'll get to experience the monumental event on screen.


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U.S. Is Running Out Of Space For Separated Migrant Families
Migrant parents separated from their children under the Trump administration's zero tolerance policy could now get a second chance to ask for asylum in the U.S. Meanwhile, immigrant families and children traveling alone continue to be apprehended in large numbers at the Southwest border, and the government continues to struggle with what to do with them. NPR's John Burnett covers immigration for us, and he's on the line from Austin. Hi, John.
JOHN BURNETT, BYLINE: Hey, Ari.
SHAPIRO: First tell us about the news today regarding the lawsuits against the federal government over separated families.
BURNETT: Right. The ACLU announced a breakthrough in its negotiations with the Justice Department over the fate of all these parents and kids separated at the Southwest border. One part of the agreement allows separated parents who've been ordered departed to get a second chance to make their case for asylum. And even if it's denied, they may be allowed to stay in the country while their children make their own cases in immigration court.
The agreement would also give parents who were deported home without their kids a second shot at asylum. Some of those parents that are now back in Guatemala and Honduras claim they were intimidated by immigration agents into voluntary departure before they could make their case for why they're fleeing danger. So the ACLU announced today the government will permit parents on a case-by-case basis to return to the United States to ask for protection and to be reunited with their child. It's a big deal because Homeland Security was dead set against parents being allowed to return to the U.S. once they're deported.
SHAPIRO: Right. And there's also some new information to help answer the larger question about whether this controversial policy of family separation actually succeeded in deterring immigrant families from making the journey north to the U.S. border.
BURNETT: Right, Ari. And so yesterday there were some new figures released by Customs and Border Protection, the August numbers for people apprehended at the border. And they were disheartening to the government. The numbers of parents with children arrested at the border jumped nearly 40 percent, more than 400 people a day. That breaks the record for arrests of families at the border. In the busy Rio Grande Valley down here in South Texas, they used buses, not vans, to haul all the migrants to the station for processing.
And we also learned that the flow of unaccompanied kids crossing the border without a parent has not slacked off. There's been a 12 percent increase in those arrests. That's about 140 kids taken into custody every day.
SHAPIRO: Those are such large numbers. What is the government doing with these undocumented immigrants? Where are they going?
BURNETT: Well, the families are released with a Notice to Appear in immigration court, which the administration hates. It complains that migrant families come here knowing they won't be detained. And the kids traveling alone are sent to shelters, but the government is running out of places to put them. Just this week, we heard that that big tent camp for teenage immigrants built in the Chihuahuan Desert out in Tornillo, Texas, will expand from 1,200 to 3,800 beds.
SHAPIRO: Wow.
BURNETT: And - yeah, right.
SHAPIRO: But isn't the objective not to warehouse these immigrant children but rather to release them to sponsors here in the United States?
BURNETT: And that's where the bottleneck occurs. I spoke with a shelter manager out in Tornillo yesterday, and he told me the problem is that Health and Human Services is taking so long to vet family members who stepped forward to sponsor the kids. HHS has this new rule. They have to fingerprint everyone who's living in the house where the kids are headed, and that can take a long time. Currently there are 12,800 kids in the government's care, an all-time high. The shelter manager told me it's like having a restaurant where people keep coming in the door, but no one leaves.
SHAPIRO: That number 12,000 is so large. What does the government say about that?
BURNETT: A spokesman for Health and Human Services got back to me on email, and she said it's taking so long because the government - because the department, quote, "maintains high standards for vetting children sponsors for the safety and well-being of the child." She added, children who entered the country illegally are at a high risk for exploitation by traffickers. And finally, she said there's a crisis at the border, and it's a symptom of a larger problem - a broken immigration system.
SHAPIRO: NPR's John Burnett in Austin, Texas - thanks, John.
BURNETT: You bet. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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One of the co-founders of the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm behind the powerful phone-surveillance software Pegasus, NSO Group, has denied that their products were involved in the Saudi Arabian government's torture and murder of journalist in self-imposed exile Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year, the Times of Israel reported on Saturday. However, they would not clarify whether the Saudi government was in possession of the Pegasus system.
Shalev Hulio said in a "rare interview" that his company's products were only used to track terrorists and criminals and that any misuse would be detected and punished, the Times wrote:
"There was no use on Khashoggi, including listening, monitoring, tracking, collecting info with any product or technology of NSO," Shalev Hulio told the Yedioth Ahronoth daily in a rare interview... "In the last half year the company's products have been part of thwarting several large terror attacks in Europe, both with car bombs and suicide bombers," Hulio said.
... Hulio added that any use of NSO products for activities other than crime and terrorism prevention results in "immediate sanctions by the company, decisively and without compromise."
Pegasus, a spyware program, uses flaws called "zero day" vulnerabilities—ones that software vendors lack prior awareness of—to gain access to the inner workings of mobile devices. Programs like it can be used to access everything from cellular microphones and cameras to keyboards and stored data, according to CNN. The network reported that researchers at Toronto's Citizen Lab have tracked the use of Pegasus to at least 45 countries where operators "may be conducting surveillance operations," including 10 that "appear to be actively engaged in cross-border surveillance." Citizen Lab researchers found that Saudi officials targeted dissident Omar Abdulaziz, who lives in Canada under an asylum program and communicated with Khashoggi via the encrypted WhatsApp messaging service, and those messages were compromised. CNN wrote:
In the case of Khashoggi, Citizen Lab researchers say the text message went to Abdulaziz, disguised as a shipping update about a package he had just ordered. The link, which Citizen Lab says it traced to a domain connected to Pegasus, led to Abdulaziz's phone becoming infected with the malware, giving hackers access to virtually his entire phone, including his daily conversations with Khashoggi.
In one text, before his death on October 2 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Khashoggi learned that his conversations with Abdulaziz may have been intercepted. "God help us," he wrote.
As CNN previously reported, Khashoggi was much more critical of infamously repressive Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in his messages to Abdulaziz than he was in his columns for the Washington Post, referring to him as a "beast" and stating that "the more victims he eats, the more he wants." These messages may have served as a pretext for Saudi officials to carry out his torture and execution.
According to CNN, when asked whether NSO Group sold Pegasus to Saud al-Qahtani, a high-ranking and allegedly brutal political adviser to the prince, Hulio denied any such sale had occurred. However, he refused to say whether or not NSO Group had sold the software to the Saudi government in general:
"All sales are authorized by Israel's Defense Ministry and are only made to states and their police and law enforcement organizations," he said, and "only for use fighting terrorism and crime."
Asked point blank if NSO Group sold the system to Saudi Arabia, Hulio said, "We do not comment on any questions about specific clients. We can neither deny or confirm."
A Washington Post report in December 2018, citing "three former U.S. officials," stated that Saudi officials had shown significant interest in Pegasus and worked with a Luxembourg-based NSO Group affiliate named Q Cyber to acquire it:
Two sources told me that Q Cyber dealt directly with the Saudis, helping solve problems that arose with cyber-monitoring systems. Q promised that it could access targets in a half-dozen Middle Eastern countries, as well as many of the biggest nations in Europe. Some Israelis were concerned about sharing these super-secret capabilities with a leading Arab nation, but two knowledgeable former U.S. officials told me the Saudi purchase was approved by the Israeli government.
As Gizmodo previously reported in November 2018, human rights nonprofit Amnesty International has asked the Israeli government to revoke NSO Group's export licenses after reports the firm had met with Saudi officials and that Pegasus was used to target its workers. Abdulaziz is also suing NSO Group, saying that it violated international law by selling its cyber-intelligence tools to repressive governments. Per the Times, his suit was filed in Tel Aviv and asks for $160,000 in damages as well as "an order preventing NSO from selling its technology to Saudi Arabia."
In a statement to the Post last month, an NSO Group spokesperson said: "While as a matter of security, we will not discuss whether a particular government has licensed our technology, this lawsuit is completely unfounded. It shows no evidence that the company's technology was used and appears to be founded on a collection of so-called reports and articles that have been generated for the sole purpose of creating news headlines that do not reflect the reality of NSO's work."
"We follow an extremely rigorous protocol for licensing our products—which are only provided after a full vetting as well as licensing by the Israeli government," the spokesperson added.


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Pet Dental Care
Westside Animal Hospital provides dental care for dogs and cats in Colorado Springs. Dental care is commonly overlooked, but pets can develop periodontal disease, which can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung, and kidney disease.
Veterinary Dental Exams
Oral exams and dental cleanings are two critical components of your pet's veterinary dental care regimen. We administer an oral exam during your pet's annual preventive care visit. As your pet ages, we look for anomalies, the accumulation of plaque and tartar, periodontal disease, and oral tumors. Based on the results, a professional dental teeth cleaning may be recommended.
Pet Dental Cleaning
If a professional pet dental cleaning is needed, this procedure can be performed in one day at our animal hospital. A typical dental cleaning for a dog or cat includes:
- Pre-anesthetic exam — For the safety and comfort of your pet, veterinary dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia. Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. We will administer a physical exam and a safety blood work panel.
- Dental radiographs — Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth are taken in order to completely evaluate your pet's oral health. X-rays can detect abnormalities that cannot be observed during a physical examination.
- Anesthesia monitoring — During anesthesia, we continually monitor and record your pet's vital signs.
- Scaling and polishing — During the dental cleaning, we will scale and polish each tooth. Polishing smoothes out any scratches in the tooth's enamel and protects your pet's teeth.
- Fluoride/sealants — This helps strengthen and desensitize teeth, as well as decrease future plaque.
We will closely monitor your pet throughout his or her recovery and will contact you when the procedure is completed to arrange a time for discharge.
Home Dental Care
It is important to establish a home dental cleaning regimen for your pet. We offer many home dental care products to assist you, such as special diets and dental chews. We are available to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and assist you with your home dental program.
Your pet's oral health is very important. Together, we can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.


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As Christmas approaches and you prepare to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jesus remind yourselves frequently that his only message is: LOVE. Nothing else, just Love, which of course is everything!
During this season, when many of you get very stressed out, it is most important to remember this message. Just this one word: LOVE. Maybe you could print it up in a 48pt font in your favorite color on a large piece of card and pin it up where you will be unable to avoid seeing it many times throughout your day. The importance of being loving and releasing any fears and anxieties to which you may be clinging cannot be overemphasized. And remember, you have boundless help from all of us in the spiritual realms who are forever cheering you onwards towards your moment of awakening.
It is close at hand, so restate your intent to awaken regularly throughout your day because it is extremely effective, and when you do you open yourselves more fully to the field of divine Love that always surrounds you, allowing it to flood into your hearts. And yes, when it does, it will most definitely bring tears of joy to your eyes. A perfect Christmas gift from One who loves you all so dearly.
You just cannot conceive of how dearly and lovingly we watch over you as you struggle with the seemingly endless round of daily chores that so demandingly fill your earthly lives. You do not give up. Amazing! Your spiritual intentions require incredible devotion on your part so that the distractions and interruptions that the illusion lays in your way to entice you away from your path fail to do so. Your performance, as you work through your lessons to release all within you that is not in alignment with Love, is a joy to behold.
Many of you believe or think that you are not doing very well, that you could do better, or that you do not deserve God's Love. Nothing could be further from the truth. Never accept any doubts about your worth that come into your mind, your worth is infinite in the sight of God, always. All doubts about your worth, your value, your pricelessness in the eyes of God are of the illusion and should be dismissed, discarded with the trash, released with any other unloving thoughts that may arise, thus allowing His Love to fill every space in your hearts. It is your right and your eternal destiny to feel eternally loved, all that you need do is dismiss any doubts you may have on the subject and allow God's Love to suffuse you. It will!
The field of infinite Love in which you have your eternal existence is VAST! The opportunities it provides for you to explore and develop your creative abilities in untold delectation are boundless. When you awaken from the nightmare in which the illusion has apparently enfolded you, where you can presently discern no easily identifiable exit, unaccustomed joy will sweep over you as you begin to understand how amazing are the prospects spread out before you. You have faint memories of Reality, and they have helped you keep on keeping on towards your inevitable awakening, but memories, as you are well aware, are no substitute for Reality.
Reality is your Home, and you have been feeling lost and alone ever since you chose to leave It by pretending to separate from your Source. As you have been told many times, you have never left Home, to do so is utterly impossible, but your imagination is mightily powerful and you succeeded in convincing yourselves that you had separated from It, and that conviction is the cause of all your woes. It led you to believe that you were living in a very threatening and dangerous environment, and what you believe in presents itself to you because your beliefs are very powerful. As an analogy, it is rather like taking drugs to enter into an altered state of consciousness, and what you experience within the illusion is very definitely a greatly altered state from that of Reality.
While within the illusion moving into an altered state can provide temporary relief, pleasure, or escape from the illusion, and sometimes horror, the altered state that is the illusion can never provide what you are truly seeking, namely a return to Reality. That state is only available when you release yourselves from the illusion, and release from the illusion is obtained solely by embracing Love wholeheartedly and allowing It to dissolve all within you that is not in perfect and harmonious alignment with It.
The process that you are presently undergoing is precisely that. You are, with enormous help from all with whom you commune in the spiritual realms, gently disentangling yourselves from the ties and commitments that the illusion seems to impose upon you. The illusion does not hold you, you cling to it, fearful that without it you will cease to exist. That is precisely what human fear of death is all about – absolute terror that when you die your existence is terminated, permanently. Hence the extreme efforts to which so many go to avoid or delay their deaths.
When you open yourselves wholeheartedly to Love, as you are all learning to do, and allow It to suffuse you, that intense fear declines as the Love suffusion expands, expanding your hearts as It does so. Most of you have met and connected with people who offer their love to all regardless of their race, color, creed, or social position, and who are always at peace with themselves and all others, people you would perhaps describe as "big-hearted." Those are just souls who are a little further along the path that you are all following. The Love they share so freely and easily flows abundantly through them continuously, and everyone notices It because all feel warmed by It. Love is never lost by sharing, It just expands to abundantly fill any space that is opened to It. That is what allowing is all about.
So, to re-emphasize most firmly, your path to awakening is the path of Love. It surrounds you constantly awaiting your acceptance of It. To accept It is to accept everyone with whom you interact in any way at all. That is sometimes difficult for you, especially if you have recently experienced betrayal, as many have. Recognize that this attitude – acceptance of all others – is an essential part of your awakening process, and ask us for help to release your fear of it.
Acceptance does not mean that you give your power away to another by accepting abuse, abuse in any form. It means seeing or being aware of the damage and pain that others, like yourselves, are experiencing, intending to forgive their abuses and betrayals, and then sending them love without putting yourselves in thrall to them or placing yourselves in a position that allows them to abuse you. You are free, that is how you were created, and there is never any need or requirement for you to submit to another in any way at all, or for that matter attempt to make another submit to you.
Honor one another as your Father in Heaven honors all of you, and by doing so, then awaken.
With so very much love, Saul.
by JohnSmallman. Wordpress.com


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Click here for bingo online
Davis California USA 1992****The Ramsgate Thanet Advertiser approx. 1949
JOHN HENRY BROWNE RAMSGATE'S CAPTAIN (Approx.1949)
Tom Thumb Johnny Browne playing soccer 7 miles off the coast of England on the treacherous Goodwin Sands (approx. 1950).
"Tom Thumb" Browne's History Told
(Copied from an old tattered newspaper clipping, much of it unreadable now (The Ramsgate Thanet Advertiser approx. 1949)
I like fair play. So let Dickie Mayes receive the praise he merits for another great exhibition of dogged perseverance which makes more and more difficult Ramsgate's choice of forwards for future games.
Johnny Browne's appearance, on Saturday, was his first before a home crowd this season, so the time seems ripe for a few words about that great little player who, since his debut at Deal on 1st. January last year, won permanency in Ramsgates team and affection from every supporter.
I shall always think of him as the "Tom Thumb" of footballers. A quiet unassuming personality with the natural ability of a good ball player. Ramsgate can "thank" the war years for the benefit of his services. But for those intervening years, it is certain Johhny would still have been at Villa Park.....but lets start at the beginning.
Like most footballers, Johnny Browne was in the game as a youngster and had scarcely started to wear long pants before being spotted by Tottenham Hotspur, in whose "A" team he developed rapidly. Wisely Johnny learnt a trade, joined in turn two well-known London amateur clubs then moved north as far as the Midlands, where his future seeded assured with Aston Villa.
Came the war. In the services he continued his football, as a guest player, with a Southern League club then, returning to Villa after demobilization, found the wasted years had robbed him of his chance to stardom. Bath City, Southern League club, obtained Johnny's signature and it was with genuine regret that they acceded to his request for release after two or three seasons of valuable service.
On 1st. January a new forward turned out for Ramsgate athletic. I remember well the heading of the report which appeared in the Thanet Advertiser after the match which "laid the Deal bogey"- it was "Browne IS good" proving a gross understatement of subsequent ability.
By the way. I wonder if it is generally known that Johhny broke a leg. It happened way back at Villa Park.
Johnny Browne
(Another old newspaper article)
Whilst only 9 years old. Johnny Browne began to take a keen interest in soccer. His ability soon won him a place on the school team, though the first game he played in was lost 14-0. However, the last two seasons he was a major force in winning the championship without losing a single point.
Johnny broke into football when he played as an amateur in Tottenham Hotspur. In 1939 he signed with Aston Villa, but in April of that year, he had the misfortune to break a leg.
Whilst serving with the R.A.F. he played in representative football on a number of occasions, and when on Villa's transfer list, was offered terms by various league clubs. He first joined Bath City during the 1944-45 season.
During the five and a half years he was with the R.A.F. spent mostly in Malta and Egypt, he took part in 40 raids (as a Wellington Bomber tail gunner) with Bomber Command, which included the first 1,000 bomber raid on Cologne. He once had the remarkable experience of being in two bomber crashes in a fortnight (See pictures below).
Click on the pictures to read more about John H Browne's WWII service
Johnnie Browne/Wellington bomber crash (Egypt 1941)
John M. Browne age 6 years
Is the radio enthusiast next door, or your neighborhood radio station, slowing down your modem and jamming your telephone? Then, you may need a K-Y RFI filter.
Web Author: KI6KY
Copyright ©1999 by John K. Browne - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


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Council of the Corporation of
The Township of Billings
Regular Meeting
June 2, 2015
PRESENT: Mayor Austin Hunt, Councillors Sharon Alkenbrack, Barb Erskine, Brian Parker
Staff: Kathy McDonald, Clerk Treasurer and Rick Rusk Public Works Superintendent
Media: Tom Sasvari, Sharon Jackson
Members of the General Public
Regrets: Councillor Tom Imrie
2015-141 Erskine – Parker
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this regular meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Billings be opened at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Austin Hunt presiding.
2015-142 Parker – Erskine
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the May 19, 2015 regular meeting of Council be accepted as presented.
Councillor Parker reported on the May 20 Manitoulin Municipal Association meeting.
Councillor Erskine reported on the Recreation Committee meeting.
Councillor Alkenbrack reported on the Economic Development Committee.
Mayor Hunt reported on an article in the Milestones Magazine.
2015-143 Alkenbrack – Erskine
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council accepts the proposal from C2S Engineering for the Billings Waterfront Improvement Project – the Preliminary Studies and the Master Plan, in the amount of $75,000.
2015-144 Alkenbrack – Parker
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council agrees to establish a Go Green Committee to replace the current Landfill Advisory Committee.
2015-145 Erskine – Parker
WHEREAS Spina bifida is a birth defect that develops within the first four weeks of pregnancy resulting in varying degrees of permanent neurological damage; and
WHEREAS hydrocephalus is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. It may be present at birth or may develop at any stage later in life; and
WHEREAS there is no cure for either of these conditions that result in varying degrees of disability; and
WHEREAS the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario serves people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, their families and the public; and
WHEREAS Health Canada has proclaimed June as Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS there are many people who are not aware of the Association or that it offers support, information and education programs and funds research to find ways to prevent and treat these conditions; and
WHEREAS the Association encourages all Ontarians to learn more about these conditions and to appreciate the challenges faced by individuals affected by them
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Township of Billings hereby proclaims the month of June to be SPINA BIFIDA AND HYDROCEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTH in the township of Billings and I urge all citizens to give full consideration and attention to the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario for their work on behalf of those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their families.
2015-146 Alkenbrack – Parker
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes the following accounts for payment:
General Accounts $35,988.82
Water Capital Accounts $17,397.77
And that the Mayor and Treasurer be authorized to sign cheques number 3088 to 3114 and 89 and 90 as described in the attached register.
2015-147 Alkenbrack – Parker
BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-Law 2015-24, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council be given first, second and third reading and enacted.
2015-148 Parker – Alkenbrack
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adjourns from this regular meeting of Council at 8:30 p.m. until our next regular meeting of June 15, 2015 or Call of the Chair.
__________________________ _______________________________
Austin Hunt, Mayor Kathy McDonald, Clerk Treasurer
These minutes have been prepared but are not considered official until approved by Council at a subsequent meeting.


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Saturday, March 3, 2012
Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam (wedding chapter 157-166)
(Continued from Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam article dated June 18th, 2011).
157)Paathraani Vyasthrunochchambhuhu Paathraapaathravichakshanaha
Paandutheertham Samaarabhya Shreeshailaavadhi Bhoosuraaha.
Meaning:Lord Rudra, an expert in distinguishing the good from the bad was incharge of arranging plates for meals. From Pandu theertham (in Seven Hills) to Srisailam (in Andhra Pradesh, situated in Nallamalla Hills, Kurnool District)brahmins,
158)Devaascha Nibideebhoothaaha Thasmin Krishnamahothsavey
Sthithaa Devadwijaasthathra Swaswapaathraanthikey Prudhak.
Meaning:Devas arrived in several groups. Devas and brahmins sat in front of the meals plates assigned for each of them.
159)Thadaaha Bhagavaan Raajan! Brahmaanam Chathuraananam.
Shree Bhagavaan:-
Anarpitham Na Daathavyam Devaanaancha Dwijanmanaam.
Meaning:At that time Lord Srinivasa instructed Lord Brahma not to serve food for the Devas and brahmins without first offering the food to God, for which Lord Brahma responded...
Sarvagyam Sarvabhokthaaram Sarvalokeshvareshvaram
Thvaameva Vedmi Govinda! Na Thvaththulyo Na Chaadhikaha.
Meaning:''Govinda! You know everything and you are all-pervading. You enjoy every creation in this Universe and are the Dictator in all the worlds! Is there anybody equal to You or more powerful than You?
161)Kasmai Nivedayeyam Bhoho Prashaadhi Kamalaapathey
Sa Puthravachanam Shruthvaa Puthramaaha Hasanniva.
Meaning: Tell me then whom do You order me to offer this food to??" Lord Brahma questioned. Lord Srinivasa replied with a smile...
162) Shree Bhagavaan:-
Ahobilanrusimhasya Poojaam Kruthvaa Nivedaya
Ithyuktho Vaasudevena Nrusimhasyaarpanam Nrupa.
Meaning:The Lord instructed that the food should be offered to Lord Narasimha of Ahobilam....
163)Brahmaa Chakaara Sarveshaam Muneenaamapi Sammatham
Gruhaaraadhanadevaamscha Manthryaanarcha Thathah Param.
Meaning:Lord Brahma did as he was instructed and also performed great rituals and pooja to the deities at home. All the monks who were assembled there were greatly pleased.
164)Akshathaarghyaambugandhaischa Dhoopadeepaadilepanaihi
Vipraanaamarchanam Chakrey Brahmaa Cha Vidhipoorvakam.
Meaning:Lord Brahma felicitated the brahmins with turmeric-coated rice, perfumed rose water, sandal paste, incense and oil lamps.
165)Nanaamaanandasampoorno Haristhaan Loukikai ssamaha
Parivesham Thathaschakruhu Ashtau Dikpaalakaasthadaa.
Meaning:Lord Srinivasa, acting like an ordinary mortal prostrated to the brahmins. Ans as the Äshtadikpaalakaas"( Guardians of the eight directions:- (1)Kubera-North (man), 2) Yama-South (male buffalo), 3) Indra-East (Airaavatha-white elephant), 4) Varuna-West (crocodile), 5) Eeshaana- Northeast (bull), 6) Agni-Southeast (male goat), 7) Vaayu- Northwest (spotted deer) and 8) Nairuthi-Southwest (horse)...
166)Paathrasamskaarapoorvancha Chakrusthey Pariveshanam
Pariveshancha Sampoornam Akarnyaagnimukhaaddarihi.
Meaning: cleaned the vessels and started to serve the food, Lord Srinivasa being duly informed of the news (the the Áshtadikpaalakas were cleaning vessels and serving food) informed Lord Agnihothra...
(To be continued.......)
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RADHASHTAMI - 23rd September, 2023
There has been much talk about raga therapy.It is a vast subject that needs deep scrutiny and understanding.As far as therapy is concerned...
(YANTRA FOR SLOKA NO.1) SLOKA NO. 1:- "Shivah Shakthyaa Yuktho Yadi Bhavathi Shakthaha Prabhavithum Na Chedevam Devo Na Khalu Kushalah...


text:
The seasons always change. And life will find a way.
—Sara Bareilles,
Cracked, the sidewalk,
and snapped, the branches,
and bent the dead weeds
with their shriveled leaves
weary like prayer flags spent.
Even the rocks are chipped
and the smell of decay
weaves into the breeze.
There is nothing on this
late autumn walk
that seems whole, which is to say
everything is broken together—
me, the weeds, the sad concrete—
even so this odd heart,
ripening out of season,
chooses to fall deeper in love
with the world, though the forecast
is for cold and getting colder.


text:
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I had to solve the problem of how to effectively light our subjects since 80% of our filming was done at night. I also didn't want to settle for overused camera-mounted lighting. I wanted to make sure our interview subjects were artistically lit, setting our footage aside from others. Since our chase teams were so small, we couldn't spare manpower for separate lighting grips. We needed a way to mount our LED lighting panels to our HVXs and HPX170s without sacrificing much weight or flexibility. I first thought about Israeli arms, but they need two hands to loosen, place, and tighten. That would add more complication to an already complicated night.
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Their breakup was nearly a decade ago, but Rihanna still has feelings for Chris Brown. However, it's not in the way you're thinking. "Rihanna has had a recent change of heart and would like to be more in Chris' life and talk to him more. She would like to have more of a friendship with him. But, she wants to make sure all her friends know and Chris himself that, it will not get sexual. Friendship only is what she is looking for because she misses him and his sense of humor," a source close to the "Umbrella" singer tells HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY.
It's certainly surprising to hear Rihanna wants to be on good terms with Chris considering everything they went through. As many of you may know, Chris and Rihanna's relationship came to an abrupt end after Chris assaulted Rihanna after a Grammy's pre-party in 2009. Nevertheless, we're sure Chris will be more than willing to be in Rihanna's life. As we previously reported the "With You" singer was pretty bothered after seeing how cozy Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were at the Louis Vuitton fashion show on June 21. "It hurts Chris to see Rihanna snuggling up to A$AP. Chris is for sure jealous of Rihanna's relationship with him. It kills him that he and Rihanna aren't as close anymore and that they have not maintained a closer relationship since breaking up," a source explained to HL EXCLUSIVELY.
Well, it looks like Chris' wish has finally come true. But, we're not sure how his rumored lady friend Ammika Harris will feel. On June 27, Chris seemingly confirmed that there's something going on between him and the model when he commented "mines…" on one of her photos. I guess we will have to see how this all plays out!


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On September 19, 2011, Charlie Savage reported in the New York Times that,
The Defense Department's general counsel, Jeh C. Johnson, has argued that the United States could significantly widen its targeting, officials said. His view, they explained, is that if a group has aligned itself with Al Qaeda against Americans, the United States can take aim at any of its combatants, especially in a country that is unable or unwilling to suppress them.
While late to take a firm possition, State Department lawyers are now "trying to reach out to European allies who think that there is no armed conflict, for legal purposes, outside of Afghanistan, and that the United States has a right to take action elsewhere only in self-defense," according to an unnamed high official.
The State Department's top lawyer, Harold H. Koh, has agreed that the armed conflict with Al Qaeda is not limited to the battlefield theater of Afghanistan and adjoining parts of Pakistan. But, officials say, he has also contended that international law imposes additional constraints on the use of force elsewhere. To kill people elsewhere, he has said, the United States must be able to justify the act as necessary for its self-defense — meaning it should focus only on individuals plotting to attack the United States.
–Charlie Savage, "At White House, Weighing Limits of Terror Fight," New York Times, September 15, 2011
This debate involves much more than a division between the President's lawyers. For the government's principal experts on international law are in the State Department, not in the Pentagon. Moreover, it is far from clear that the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy and Air Force share the views expressed by the General Counsel of the Pentagon, a civilian appointee whose duties extend far beyond questions of international law. While Koh is also a political appointee, his office is made up of career experts in international law, and he himself is an international lawyer of distinction.
For further details on the debate and the implications of the Pentagon's position, see
David Cole, "A Secret License to Kill", NYR Blog, September 19, 2011; and
The Trenchant Observer, "International Law and the Use of Force: Drones and Real Anarchy Unleashed Upon the World," July 17, 2011
Roland Paris, "Lethal drones strike at our very heart," The Globe and Mail, September 14, 2011.
In his article, Savage reports that,
The dispute over limits on the use of lethal force in the region — whether from drone strikes, cruise missiles or commando raids — has divided the State Department and the Pentagon for months, although to date it remains a merely theoretical disagreement.
These differing views on the legality of targeted killings are far from theoretical, however, as the United States has reportedly been engaged in a broad pattern of conducting such targeted killings outside the Afghanistan war theater. Moreover, the fact that targets may be high-level or high-value targets does not dispense with the requirement under international law that such attacks be conducted only in self-defense, and in accordance with the specific requirements of necessity, immediacy and proprtionality that are conditions for the exercise of the right of self-defense.
"Signature Stikes" — War Crimes?
Savage also reports that,
In Pakistan, the United States has struck at Al Qaeda in part through "signature" strikes — those that are aimed at killing clusters of people whose identities are not known, but who are deemed likely members of a militant group based on patterns like training in terrorist camps. The dispute over targeting could affect whether that tactic might someday be used in Yemen and Somalia, too.
–Charlie Savage, "At White House, Weighing Limits of Terror Fight," New York Times, September 15, 2011
Even if these stikes are considered to be within the Afghanistan war theater, obliterating groups of individuals whose identies are unkwown solely on the basis of some probabalistic algorithim appears to violate not only the international law of self-defense but also the precepts of international humanitarian law (the law of war). If that is the case, they constitute war crimes.
The Stakes: War Without Legal Limits, or International Law Governing the Use of Force
Reports of this debate on the legality under international law of targeted killings should be read in conjunction with unquestioned reports that the United States is actively developing a broad range of new drones for warfare, some as small as bees, and other reports that the United States is engaged in building a number of drone bases throughout a broad swath of countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
See The Trenchant Observer, "International Law and the Use of Force: Drones and Real Anarchy Unleashed Upon the World," July 17, 2011; and
"Craig Whitlock and Greg Miller, "U.S. building secret drone bases in Africa, Arabian Peninsula, officials say," Washington Post, September 20, 2011.
Connecting the dots, it becomes clear that the fundamental issue the United States faces is whether to seek its future security and that of the world through military means that tear down fundamental norms of international law and the authority of international institutions created to ensure their observance, or rather by acting in concrete ways to uphold and further develop with other countries the international law governing the use of force.
If President Obama wishes to follow the second course, he should listen to the State Department lawyers whose mandate includes both upholding international law and institutions ("dédoublement fontionnel"), and listening carefully to the opinions of international lawyers representing the views of other countries.
All should bear in mind that international law is a collective effort, and not a matter determined by the unilateral views of a single state or a small goup of states.
The Trenchant Observer
e-mail: email@example.com
"La guerre, c'est une chose trop grave pour la confier à des militaires."
"War is too serious a matter to just be handed over to some military men."
–Georges Clemenceau


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In an inspired piece of advertising the folks behind the haunted attraction the FRIGHTDOME have produced a commercial that certainly grabs the attention of any true horror fan. FRIGHTDOME is one big ass haunted attraction in Las Vegas and this year they have developed an attraction based on the Marcus Dunstan flicks THE COLLECTOR and THE COLLECTION, two of my favorite films.
So, to get the word out they produced the following TV spot and I've gotta say, it's pretty damn fine! Check it out.
If you've got the bucks or just happen to be in the area you can CLICK HERE and check out the attractions website where you can find all the info you could possibly want or need about visiting the FRIGHTDOME.