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The history must be tailored to the specific clinical circumstances and disease category.
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
The risk of intrauterine transmission is highest when primary infection occurs during pregnancy, with a significantly increased risk of adverse fetal effects if fetal infection occurs during the first half of pregnancy. [33]
Among congenitally infected infants, approximately 10% have signs and symptoms of disease at birth, and these symptomatic infants have been reported to have a 40-90% risk of subsequent neurologic sequelae, including mental retardation, microcephaly, development delay, seizure disorders, and cerebral palsy. [34, 35, 36] Although the remaining 90% of infants are asymptomatic at birth, a range of 7-20% have been reported to subsequently develop permanent sequelae, particularly sensorineural hearing loss. [37, 38, 39]
Congenital CMV infection is the most common cause of nongenetic sensorineural hearing loss. Other complications include cognitive impairment, chorioretinitis, and cerebral palsy. Motor deficits and seizures occur in 23% and 19%, respectively, of pediatric patients with symptomatic congenital CMV infection. [21, 22]
Hence, congenital infection may be classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic in nature (see the image below). Overall, it has been estimated that in a given cohort of 1000 infants with congenital CMV infection, 170-190 will have permanent sequelae, of whom one third are from the symptomatic group and two thirds are from the asymptomatic group.
Cytomegalic inclusion disease (CID)
Approximately 10% of infants with congenital infection have clinical evidence of disease at birth. [40] The most severe form of congenital CMV infection is referred to as CID.
CID almost always occurs in women who have primary CMV infection during pregnancy, although rare cases are described in women with preexisting immunity who presumably have reactivation of infection during pregnancy.
CID is characterized by intrauterine growth restriction, hepatosplenomegaly, hematological abnormalities (particularly thrombocytopenia), and various cutaneous manifestations, including petechiae and purpura (ie, "blueberry muffin baby"). However, the most significant manifestations of CID involve the CNS. Microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, cerebral atrophy, chorioretinitis, and sensorineural hearing loss are the most common neurologic consequences of CID.
Intracerebral calcifications typically demonstrate a periventricular distribution and are commonly encountered using CT scanning (see the image below). The finding of intracranial calcifications is predictive of cognitive and audiologic deficits in later life and predicts a poor neurodevelopmental prognosis.
Most infants who survive symptomatic CID have significant long-term neurologic and neurodevelopmental sequelae. Indeed, it has been suggested that more children have long-term neurodevelopmental handicaps as a result of congenital CMV infection than either Down syndrome or fetal alcohol syndrome. [41]
Asymptomatic congenital CMV
Most infants with congenital CMV infection are born to women who have preexisting immunity to CMV. These infants appear clinically healthy at birth; however, although infants with congenital CMV infection appear well, they may have subtle growth restriction compared with uninfected infants. Although asymptomatic at birth, these infants, nevertheless, are at risk for neurodevelopmental sequelae.
The major consequence of inapparent congenital CMV infection is sensorineural hearing loss. Approximately 15% of these infants have unilateral or bilateral deafness. Routine newborn audiologic screening may not detect cases of CMV-associated hearing loss because this deficit may develop months or even years after birth. [42]
Acquired CMV infection
In contrast to congenital infection, acquired CMV infection occurs postnatally. Primary infection in this context is generally asymptomatic, although CMV disease may occur in certain risk groups.
Perinatal infection
Perinatal acquisition of CMV usually occurs secondary to exposure to infected secretions in the birth canal or via breastfeeding. Most infections are asymptomatic. Indeed, in some reviews, CMV acquired through breast milk has been referred to as a form of natural immunization.
Some infants who acquire CMV infection perinatally may have signs and symptoms of disease, including lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, and pneumonitis, which may be severe. Disease secondary to acquisition by breast milk is generally limited to premature infants with low birth weight. These infants may have considerable morbidity. Whether interventions such as freezing or pasteurization are warranted to decrease the risk of transmission to these high-risk infants is unclear. More studies are needed on the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants who acquire CMV infection perinatally from breast milk.
CMV mononucleosis
Typical CMV mononucleosis is a disease found in young adults. Although CMV mononucleosis may be acquired by blood transfusion or organ transplantation, CMV mononucleosis is usually acquired via person-to-person transmission. [43]
The hallmark symptoms of CMV mononucleosis are fever and severe malaise. An atypical lymphocytosis and mild elevation of liver enzymes are present.
Clinically differentiating CMV mononucleosis from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced mononucleosis may be difficult. CMV mononucleosis is typically associated with less pharyngitis and less splenomegaly. As with EBV mononucleosis, the use of beta-lactam antibiotics in association with CMV mononucleosis may precipitate a generalized morbilliform rash.
Transfusion-acquired CMV infection
Posttransfusion CMV infection has a presentation similar to that of CMV mononucleosis. Incubation periods range from 20-60 days.
The use of seronegative blood donors, frozen deglycerolized blood, or leukocyte-depleted blood can decrease the likelihood of transmission and is recommended for high-risk patients (eg, neonates, immunocompromised patients).
CMV infections in immunocompromised patients
CMV causes various clinical syndromes in immunocompromised patients. Disease manifestations vary in severity depending on the degree of host immunosuppression. Infection may occur because of reactivation of latent viral infection or may be newly acquired via organ or bone marrow transplantation from a seropositive donor. Infections may also be mixed in nature, with donor and recipient isolates both present. Viral dissemination leads to multiple organ system involvement, with the most important clinical manifestations consisting of pneumonitis, GI disease, and retinitis.
CMV pneumonitis
CMV is a major cause of pneumonitis in immunosuppressed children and adults. This disease may be observed in the setting of HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, malignancy, and solid organ or bone marrow transplantation.
The mortality rate is based on the degree of immunosuppression, with mortality rates of at least 90% reported in bone marrow transplant recipients. Solid organ transplant recipients are also at risk of developing CMV pneumonitis, although mortality rates are lower.
The illness usually begins 1-3 months following transplantation and starts with symptoms of fever and dry, nonproductive cough. The illness progresses quickly with retractions, dyspnea, and hypoxia becoming prominent.
The illness is an interstitial pneumonitis, with a radiographic appearance of diffuse bilateral interstitial infiltrates. Because the differential diagnosis of pneumonitis is extensive in immunocompromised patients, consider performing a bronchoalveolar lavage or open lung biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and direct appropriate therapy.
CMV GI disease
GI tract disease caused by CMV can include esophagitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, pyloric obstruction, hepatitis, pancreatitis, colitis, and cholecystitis. Characteristic signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, epigastric pain, icterus, and watery diarrhea.
Stool may be Hemoccult positive or frankly bloody. Endoscopy and biopsy are warranted, and characteristic cytomegalic inclusion cells may be observed in GI endothelium or epithelium.
Although CMV enteritis does not carry the same ominous prognosis as CMV pneumonitis, antiviral therapy is warranted.
Differentiating CMV hepatitis from chronic rejection in liver transplantation patients may be difficult, even with biopsy.
Evidence of active CMV infection, including viral inclusion–bearing cells, is often observed in patients with exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease), although whether this represents a source of active bowel pathology in this setting remains unclear.
CMV retinitis
Before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV infection, CMV retinitis was the most common cause of blindness in adult patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with an overall lifetime prevalence of more than 90%.
HIV-associated CMV retinitis in children, in contrast to adults, has been relatively rare, probably reflecting overall differences in CMV seroprevalence between the populations. Retinitis is less common in transplantation patients.
CMV produces a necrotic rapidly progressing retinitis with characteristic white perivascular infiltrate with hemorrhage (brushfire retinitis).
Peripheral lesions may be asymptomatic, and even advanced disease does not cause pain. In children, strabismus or failure to fix and follow objects may be important clues to the diagnosis.
The disease can progress to total blindness and retinal detachment if left untreated. CMV chorioretinitis is also observed in symptomatic infants with congenital infection, although the disease does not usually progress to vision loss. The presence of chorioretinitis in an infant with congenital infection indicates a poor neurodevelopmental prognosis.
Other CMV syndromes
Various syndromes have been attributed to CMV infection, although cause and effect relationships are often difficult to establish.
Menetrier disease is a rare disorder characterized by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the gastric mucous glands, which results in massive enlargement of the gastric folds. Most cases appear to be CMV associated, although the pathogenesis is unknown.
In children with congenital HIV infection, co-infection with CMV appears to accelerate the HIV disease progression and HIV-associated neurological disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that CMV infection may be a cofactor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In addition, the phenomena of posttransplant vascular sclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis appear to be CMV-induced lesions.
The long-term health consequences of CMV infection may include atherosclerosis, immunosenescence, and an increased risk of malignancy. [2] These associations require further study but provide a potential justification for universal vaccination of both sexes against CMV.
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Your Favorite Hot Or Cold Buddy
The Mug Buddy is the perfect travel buddy for hot and cold drinks. With it's comfortable easy-grip handle and 24oz capacity, you will fall in love with this buddy. For all of your indoor and outdoor adventures, bring along your new favorite mug! Did we mention it won't spill and it fits in cup holders ;)

subset: commoncrawl


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• 4 large boneless skinless chicken half breasts
• 1 cup Teriyaki Sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 3 Tablespoons Peanut oil
• teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic choped fine
Marinate the chicken in the Teriyaki, grated ginger, garlic, salt and pepper at least two hours.
Heat the oil a skillet and quickly brown both sides of the chicken breasts.
Add 1/2 cup of the marinade to the skillet and cover. Poach the breasts
(turning once) until the liquid is gone and the breasts are a dark golden brown.
Remove and set aside while preparing the salad. This can be done the day before, but
refrigerate the chicken in a closed container.
• 2 ripe pineapples, Cut lenthwise (Do not remove the leaves. Trimming them is OK) and hollowed out.
• Reserving the pineapple.
• 1 head butter lettuce
• 1 head Red lettuce, Iceberg or other crisp lettuce or mixed micro greens
• 6 scallions diced in rounds, both white and green portions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil to stir-fry the snow peas
• 1 cup chinese snow peas, cut in 1 inch pieces and stir fried in sesame oil
• 1 can sliced water chestnuts
• 2 mangos, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, julienned
• 1/4 cup peeled carrot, julienned
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews
1. Put a large leaf of Red Lettuce in at the stem end of the pineapple.
2. Fill the bottom half of the pineapple with a bed of cut up lettuce leaves
3. Mix the scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, snow peas, water chestnuts
and cashews together and place on the bed of lettuce.
4. Mix the mango and pineapple chunks together and make a layer of fruit
5. Cut a chicken breast lenthwise and then in 1/4 inch slices crosswise (Keeping the shape of the breast)
Wth a spatula, lift the chicken breast pieces and place lenthwise on the fruit.
6. Mix the red bell pepper and carrot strips together and place on top of the chicken breasts
7. If you are going to dress the salad and not leave that to your guests, this is the time to do it.
• 1/2 cup peanut oil or grapeseed oil
• 2 tablespoons Oriental sesame oil
• 1 small clove garlic, peeled and blanched
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste or Tabasco®
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Put all the above ingredients in a jar and tigthten lid. Shake mixture until fully blended.
Pour over salad when ready to serve or let your guests serve themselves.
Mai Fun, (Chinese rice threads) These thrown into deep pan of hot oil will expand quickly into a
snow white fluffy noodle with which you can top your salad. You can also make scallion
flowers, place some Nasturtiums, or pickled ginger. Use your imagination or what you
have on hand. You can even use the Chun King® fried noodles sold in most groceries and supermarkets.
This is a very spectacular salad and worth every minute of time it takes to prepare.
If you want to make an impression, this is really going to make you look good.
It tastes great too!
Yield: 4 servings (Easy to double)


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Best Influencer Marketing Trends in 2018Monika kaur 5 years ago
In 2018, influencer marketing isn't just a social marketing fad anymore. More and more businesses are using this strategy as a very effective form of advertising. Camille Greco describes the best influencers as those"who give a human voice to brands that benefit from the authentic relationships between the influencer and its audience". The best influencer marketing trends allow brands to engage in a non-invasive yet realistic manner with their audience. Here's a look at some of the top influencer marketing trends in 2018.
Unique Campaigns and Tools
More and more brands are coming online and using approachable tools such as Onalytica and Buzzsumo. This means the campaign itself needs to be unique, inspired by new influencer relationships and one that uses new and different media.
Bold, Loud, and Different
With so much competition among businesses, new and innovative marketing strategies are being used by brands to differentiate their campaigns. Incorporating Q&A sessions, live webinars, using bold, loud, exciting engaging experiences are some of the ways companies stand out and gain a bigger audience.
Focus on Sales
Influencer marketing isn't just limited to brand awareness. In 2018,it's about conversions and business gains. By taking advantage of the growing audience,brands and businesses are now able to tap into this reality by converting them into profits and endorsements.
Brand Representatives
Brands are now maintaining long term business partnerships with influencers to adopt the role of brand ambassador and work as part of a company's internal marketing team. This nurturing relationship means the influencer will be the brand spokesperson and representative at events or in videos.
Bigger Budget
An influencer marketing budget needs to be well planned and carefully thought out. A higher budget does not always equate to more success but it does enable brands to use multiple strategies or different tools for a better campaign experience.
Influencers Choice
Influencers are in demand and therefore have the ability to be more strategic in choosing the kind of businesses they want to work with or help grow through their personal branding and audience base. Most ad campaigns or marketing programs will be customized to suit the influencer so that they can effectively influence the target audience in a way that best suits them.
Influence on all Platforms
Building influencer marketing programs on channels such as Snapchat, Instagram and Youtube is easier said than done. Businesses know how important the role of an influencer is to expand their programs and reach out to newer audiences.
There are three definite winners that help brands convert their ad campaigns into sales and gains.
1. Videos Three quarters of Internet traffic is a result of video marketing. Videos that are engaging, fun, authentic and creative can be very effective in driving sales. Influencers collaborate with company brands to create high quality, one of a kind video content.
2. Instagram Instagram is the most effective video marketing tool today. It supports unconventional thinking and creative ideas giving influencers the perfect platform to create top notch ad content that is result oriented. Brands use Instagram to add links, to tag followers and to create stories that will enhance their brand.
3. Budget The more popular influencer marketing gets, the greater the demand for an influencer, resulting in higher value and cost of service. It is important that companies set aside a budget using which they can create the perfect campaign strategy to bring about brand awareness and sales in collaboration with the influencer.
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This section contains 317 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
"The Fourth Diary of Anaos Nin" (1971) Summary and Analysis
With the publication of the fourth diary of Anaos Nin, Vidal—who once persuaded E.P. Dutton to publish two of her novels—says he's not so sure that her diaries would establish her as "a great sensibility." Reviewing his own appearance in her diaries, Vidal warns literary historians to deal gingerly with Anaos's "facts." For example, he points out to her that when they first met he was a uniformed warrant officer, not a lieutenant, and she "laughs gaily" but does not correct the error before publication.
Anaos Nin was born in 1903, the daughter of a Spanish composer-pianist, raised in France but "unhappily transplanted" to New York as a child where she began to keep a diary "in order to win her absent father's love." The...
(read more from the "The Fourth Diary of Anaos Nin" (1971) Summary)
This section contains 317 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)


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Barclay Damon was recently listed as one of the top 12 Buffalo-area law firms for immigration matters in Buffalo Business First's article "Buffalo-Area Immigration Lawyers See Range of Issues Stemming From Washington."
In the same article, Immigration Practice Area attorneys Gretchen Aylward, of counsel, and Melle Fabian, associate, were quoted together, providing insight on pressing immigration issues that have largely stemmed from the current Washington DC administration.
"We're seeing much higher scrutiny in connections with applications for work authorization, particularly in regard to Canadians seeking temporary work authorization in the United States. There has also been a substantial increase in requests for additional evidence on pending applications, and in denials of applications. As a result, we're advising our clients to take extra precaution while being interviewed . . . and to make sure they maintain proper status in the United States."
For Buffalo Business First subscribers, the full article is available here.
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Resort Reservations: Clothing Optional Resorts For Adults Only
Click on Lauren's Box
Enjoy Lauren's Box…cleaner, tighter, and completely rejuvenated.
Clicking Lauren's Box will take you to our contact page. Let us know where you'd like to go and we will check rates for you. We are no longer direct affiliates with Desire, but booking your travel through us supports our dream!
- Lifestyle Resorts
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If you want to book a combination trip to more than one property, email us and we can set it up for you. Boop!


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ASIAN 290: Asian American Studies Internship
For more information and to set up an appointment to discuss ASIAN 290, please email the HCAP Program Director, Caitlin Ho.
What is ASIAN 290?
ASIAN 290 is an opportunity for students to gain course credit for participating in a substantive internship at a local or national community-based organization that serves, or is led by, Asian Americans and/or Pacific Islanders. Through the Hunter College AANAPISI Project (HCAP) Leadership Internship Program, students receive support in identifying and applying to an AAPI community-based internship in New York City.
ASIAN 290 is a course that includes field experience and individual assignments - it is designed to help students reflect on their internship experience and connect Asian American Studies scholarship to practice. Students may earn 3 credits for
one semester, and up to 6 credits for two semesters. ASIAN 290 is recommended for students seeking a minor in Asian American Studies, but it is not mandatory.
ASIAN 290 Course Requirements:
● Work a minimum of 7 hours per week at internship placement during the fall semester (September - December) or spring semester (February - May)
● Meet every two weeks, one-on-one with the instructor
● Complete course assignments: bi-weekly reflection posts and a final digital story project
● Attend 1 HCAP event or workshop during the semester
ASIAN 290 Learning Outcomes
By completing ASIAN 290, students will be able to:
●Demonstrate familiarity with the social, political, and economic contexts in which organizations work to advance or remedy Asian American issues, be they related to the arts/literature, housing, gender equity, urban planning, public health, mental health, youth development, or any number of other critical concerns;
●Demonstrate understanding of the heterogeneity and evolving complexity of the Asian immigrant population in the U.S., along intersecting axes of race, class, sexuality, gender, religion, language, and national affiliation;
●Develop and communicate narratives of one's own professional goals, personal background, and interest in advancing Asian American issues and community-based work.
This sounds great! How do I get started?
Students must first apply to the Hunter College AANAPISI Project (HCAP) Leadership Internship Program the semester before they plan to start their internship. As a first step, students should contact HCAP Program Director, Caitlin Ho at: firstname.lastname@example.com to set up a meeting to discuss interests and the application process.
Once selected, students will work with the HCAP Program Director to identify an internship placement. Students will apply to at least one internship at an AAPI organization in New York City during the summer or winter break prior to the fall or spring semester that they intern. Once matched, students may register for ASIAN 290.
What do I need to apply?
- Completed ENGL 120
- Preferably completed 1-2 other Asian American Studies courses (ie: ASIAN 210)
- Schedule a meeting with the HCAP Program Director the semester before to discuss your interests and learn more about the application


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June 21, 2018
This product has been discontinued and is no longer distributed.
If you still desire a copy which still works,
contact Mr. J.V. Presogna.
1.1 Upgrade, October 26, 2012
FOR 32-Bit and 64-Bit WINDOWS SYSTEMS
Any Resolution of 1024 x 768 or Higher
This Will Install in "Program Files (x86)" on both 32-Bit and 64-Bit Units
Save the Download to Your Hard Drive
Extract Installer from Downloaded 2.55 MB Zip File
JVP-Script is a 2-Screen Word Processor with many tools and features. Document
Window is for building documents, and Notes Window is for quick access to stored notes. For
writers, attorneys, teachers, students or anyone who does research. A lot of the many
features are automatic, including features for screenwriters.
Features: There are many features included in JVP-Script, and the best way to review them is to download the Preview, which has the complete Help File for the program. In addition to word processor features, you get a complete environment of utilities, including sorting, cd labels, and even an rtf editor for those who know how to use one. For a quick view of some of the highlights, check out the details at the following link. Quick View of Details
New in 1.1 Upgrade: Added JVP-SpreadSheet and Calculator, added Mail Merge Operations with manual single entries or imported Mailing List, added mass printing capability (Loop Load for letters), added 2-Column Format for page construction, and added minor changes and better function to Make Envelope and the 2-Window Sort, as well as faster SpellCheck.
ORDER (See Below):
Use this button to download JVP-Manager, to buy JVP-Script.
JVP-Script, by Mr. J.V. Presogna, © 2010 - 2012
JVP-Script was written using the SharpDevelop IDE in C#.
You must have the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - 4.0 to use the program.
If you do not have the Microsoft .NET Framework, you can get it here:
Microsoft Downloads
Download File Size = 2.55 MB Zip File


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Twins give VIP treatment to 11-year-old #VoteDozier supporter
The deadline is closing in for Minnesota Twins fans to vote Brian Dozier into the All-Star Game, and one Minnetonka boy is doing all he can to make sure that happens.
11-year-old Noah Olson has been standing outside of his home, holding up #VoteDozier signs in a grassroots campaign for the second baseman. Word of his hard work made its way to the Twins front office, and Noah was brought to Target Field Thursday night to meet Dozier face-to-face.
"It was awesome!" Noah said. "Just shaking his hand, it was great!"
Voting for the final All-Star selections will end Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.


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The prevalence of gastric ulcers in pigs is a subject that has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It is classified as severe inflammation, lesions or actual ulceration of the upper, inner part (par oesophagus) of the pig's stomach. Unlike the rest of the pig stomach, this area is unprotected by a mucus coating and is therefore less able to withstand acidic conditions. This leads to the formation of stomach lesions and potential ulcers. Not only do stomach problems reduce production, it also impairs health and welfare of pigs.
A review in Denmark showed that 60 – 80% of all pigs monitored scored signs of gastric lesions, hyperkeratosis, ulceration or scarring, indicating previous lesions (Canibe et al., 2016). This is further supported by the research of Friendship (2004). This publication indicates that the incidence of stomach lesions and ulcers might be as high as 80%.
Evidence is available, indicating that the prevalence of gastric problems is even higher in sows. The previously mentioned study by Canibe and co-workers (2016), carried out by Aarhus University in Denmark, reviewed that between 15 – 79% of sows have gastric ulcers and/or scars. It is concluded that sows show a higher ulceration prevalence than finisher pigs.
Possible gastric ulcers issues are likely to be increased in times of stress and periods of low feed intake. Stomach ulcers may lead to increased stress, reduced feed intake and possibly reduced pig performance and longevity in the sow herd.
The exact cause of gastric ulcers in pigs is not fully understood. However, it has been associated with particle size and pelleting of diets, feed availability, or other events leading to high stress levels within a herd (MSD Vet Manual 2014). There is a general belief that the increase in gastric ulcers during the 1950s was associated with intensification of pig production. For example improved leaner genetic lines, greater stocking densities, fine grinding and pelleting of feed. The continued intensification during the last decades is thought to have resulted in a further increase in the occurrence and prevalence of gastric problems.
Symptoms of stomach ulceration problematics in pigs include restless behaviour, loss of body condition, poor or variable appetites, black and tarry faeces and anaemia. In extreme cases, haemorrhaging or sudden deaths may occur, especially in pigs of 50 – 60 kg live weight. Of course, this results in significant economic losses for farmers and impaired welfare and health for the animals. There is little doubt that gastric lesions or ulcerations cause discomfort or pain in pigs, but it remains unclear from what severity the pigs will start showing symptoms of this discomfort. Hence, it can be questioned whether pain and agitation caused by gastric problems can trigger and be associated with behavioural problems such as tail, flank, or ear biting.
It is well recognized that feeding coarsely ground meal or higher fibre diets can reduce the incidence of ulcerations. This is most likely a result of less fluid in the stomach and firmer digesta and a reduced gastric emptying rate. Hence, this results in the fibre creating an actual barrier for stomach acid encountering the pars oesophagus region. However, this strategy could result in an impaired feed utilization with a consequent lower animal productivity and increased environmental load (Millet et al., 2012). That makes this strategy unpopular in modern intensive pig farming. Strategies which help reduce the incidence of ulceration while still maintaining the most efficient output are the desired solution for modern, high-producing pig farms.
Dietary factors reported to increase the risk of gastric ulcers in pigs:
Management factors reported to increase the risk of gastric ulcers in pigs:
CeltiCal is a 100% natural animal feed ingredient. It meets the nutrient requirements for nutrition in sows, piglets and fattening pigs. The basis is a marine mineral complex with 74 bioavailable minerals.
CeltiCal has proven its efficacy in over twenty swine specific in vivo studies and counting. Research has been carried out in different regions worldwide with fattening pigs, sows and piglets. The results show that CeltiCal consequently increases the number of healthy stomachs and reduces the severity of gastric lesions and inflammation. At the same time CeltiCal enhances growth performance, improves feed conversion ratio, and reduces mortality.
This is also of great importance for high prophylactic sow herds. Piglets weaned per sow and litter weights weaned per sow are at the rise. It is important to reduce the risk for gastric inflammation and lesions in order to increase production, health, welfare and sustainability of these sows.
In 2006, the Dutch research institute Schothorst Feed Research (SFR) found a reduction of gastric ulcers and inflammation with CeltiCal. Besides, they also measured an improved feed conversion ratio in fattening pigs.
In a field trial carried out in Co. Wexford in Ireland, Celtical also increased the amount of healthy stomachs found. After the exerpimental period, CeltiCal was taken out of the diets again. Pigs went back on their previous diets and stomachs of pigs were examined again after a period of time. It showed that the amount of pigs suffering from stomach inflammation and ulcers had increased again and was even higher than before CeltiCal had been used. This shows the clear effectiveness of CeltiCal to support a healthy stomach function, reduce gastric problems and improve animal health and welfare at the same time. For more research data and details, please contact the team.
The video shows that the gastrointestinal tract of a pig is subject to large pH fluctuations. Chiang et al. (2008) published in the Journal of Animal Sciences that there is also a correlation between meal size and pH. Higher feed intake results in an increased pH > 3.5 for a longer time. CeltiCal helps to optimise the pH along the digestive tract. Hence, overall feed utilization is improved. CeltiCal supports digestion and a healthy gut. This will optimise enzyme activity and improves the conversion of micro and macro nutrients of the diet.
The inclusion of CeltiCal in pig diets controls the negative impact of gastric acid in the very upper part of the pig's stomach. Hence, CeltiCal protects the par oesophagus region from acid erosion and ulceration. The matrix of the bioavailable marine minerals starts reacting and thus soothing any affected area in the upper part of the stomach very rapid after the pig eats. Subsequently, this leads to less buffering material in the rest of the digestive tract. As a result, CeltiCal has a positive contribition to the Acid Binding Capacity (ABC) of a pig diet in the digestive system.
This is also demonstrated by Steenkamp and co-workers (2014) in a trial with pigs starting at 27 kg live weight up to 70 kg and a ten week feeding period. The report confirms that CeltiCal in a pellet and meal diet improved stomach health and reduced gastric ulcers. Also, stomach pH in both diets was reduced when pigs are fed CeltiCal. The pH along the rest of the digestive tract was also more acidic. This should have further benefits for animal gut health and a better balance of microbial populations.
Data confirms that a healthier gut function with CeltiCal improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). For the pellet diet FCR reduced by 0.10 pts to 2.42 with CeltiCal. And also the meal diet improved FCR by 0.13 pts to 2.65 with CeltiCal.
In summary, it could be concluded that gastric ulcers are a significant challenge in pig herds, which must be managed to sustain Performance Excellence and animal welfare. Over twenty research papers specific for our marine minerals and pig application have demonstrated the very clear potential in reducing the occurrence and severity of stomach lesions and gastric ulcers. A healthy stomach function leads to Gut Excellence.
In return, pig producers and hog farmers get an easy to manage high performing herd with relaxed animals. CeltiCal enables to optimise feed conversion ratio and support animal welfare at the same time.
CeltiCal offers nutritional solutions for:
The report of Steenkamp (2014) is published by Stellenbosch University Library. Download the full report here and get powered by our science.
Our marine minerals are fully compliant with the following globally recognised quality assurance schemes:
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What Cantor Wants
Most people don't think about their high school yearbook quote much after age 18. But Eric Cantor, the U.S. House majority leader, chose a quote 30 years ago that seems particularly prescient given the ongoing debt-ceiling debate: "I want what I want when I want it." The lyrics from a Henry Blossom operetta appropriately describe Cantor's drive – his ambition is so great that some have wondered whether he has his eye on John Boehner's job. Cantor's advisers insist he's not aiming for the speaker position, despite the fact that he dramatically walked out of debt-reduction talks last week and thereby stalled negotiations. As the nation faces financial chaos and possible default, perhaps someone should tell Cantor some different lyrics: "You can't always get what you want."


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Abbott Collection
Dish Cloth Set - Teapot and Cups - Abbott Collection
Dish Cloth Set - Teapot and Cups - Abbott Collection
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Swedish Dish Cloth Set of 2 with Teapot & Cups Print.
If you love a good cuppa tea, you'll definitely want to complement your cleaning with this fun set of 2 Teapot & Cups Amazing Swedish Dishcloths. These biodegradable Swedish-made dishcloths are as durable as they are eco-friendly — each featuring bright, colourful teacup and teapot graphics — to complement your cleaning. Ultra-absorbent, each machine-washable cloth replaces up to 15 rolls of paper towel, and lasts for up to 12 months. Perfect for the home, office or cottage.
Specifications: 6.5x8"L Cellulose/Cotton Ivory


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Continue reading "The First Element Of The American Character" »
Ed Morrissey has blogged at Captain's Quarters since 2003, and has a daily radio show at BlogTalkRadio, where he serves as Political Director. Called "Captain Ed" by his readers, Ed is a father and grandfather living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, a native Californian who moved to the North Star State because of the weather.
Senate GOP Caucus Caving On Earmarks?
The British newspaper The Guardian reports that the watered-down version of ethics reform will apparently get Republican backing after all in the Senate. Despite removing requirements for certification by chamber parliamentarians for earmark compliance, the elimination of searchability, and the restriction of the definition of personal benefit to an impossibility for enforcement, the Minority Leader and the Republican Whip both indicated that they would press the caucus to pass the bill:
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said he will fight the bill because it ``guts key earmark reforms.'' He noted that, unlike a previously adopted version, it would allow the majority party's leaders - not the Senate parliamentarian- to rule on whether earmark disclosure requirements have been met in bills reaching the Senate floor.
Dissident senators would not be able to challenge the ruling, but they could try to strike an unreported earmark by offering an amendment.
Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott, R-Miss., said some Republicans think a nonpartisan ``third party or parliamentarian'' should rule on such disclosure matters, but he stopped short of saying he would oppose the bill. ...
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., declined to say whether he would support the bill. He noted that an objection from Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina - who shares some of Coburn's concerns - prevented House and Senate negotiators from working on a final draft in conference.
``As a result of that, none of our people were involved in the final product,'' McConnell told reporters Tuesday. ``But in a sense, we made it difficult on ourselves because one of our members prevented us from going to conference.''
So with the biggest Republican porker in the Senate answering search warrants from both the FBI and the IRS today, the GOP chooses today to shrug off the dilution of key earmark reforms? What's left on earmarks is almost useless, and earmarks have been at the heart of almost every major public corruption case over the last few Congresses.
That's not to say that the bill doesn't have other good points. It puts more pressure for disclosure of "bundling" contributions from lobbyists to political campaigns, for example, and it does require the reporting of earmarks 48 hours before a vote. However, it doesn't require that for conference reports, and it fails to provide the easy accountability that the previous version did -- the version that Democrats used to congratulate themselves on their new direction on ethics in January.
Mitch McConnell has done an especially good job as Minority Leader so far in this session. He must believe that opposing the bill in its current form would allow the Democrats to paint the GOP as opposed to reform. We need to demonstrate that we need real earmark reform, not another coat of varnish on the existing system -- and that fighting for real reform will win the confidence of voters in the long run.
But They're Low In Tar!
Smokers have spent the last few years exiled to the outdoors in order to service their addiction during working hours. A new study in Australia might give them some company -- laser printers and copiers:
The office printer causes frustration when it isn't working but it may be posing as much danger to staff as smoking a cigarette when it is, scientists in Australia said.
An investigation into 62 laser printers revealed that 17 of them -- almost 30 per cent -- released high amounts of minute toner particles into the air.
Professor Lidia Morawska from the Queensland University of Technology, who led the research, said: "Ultra-fine particles are of most concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs where they can pose a significant health threat. ...
The study, conducted in a large open-plan office in central Brisbane, showed that particles increased five-fold during working hours.
Emissions were worst when new cartridges were used, and when graphics and images which required larger quantities of toner were being printed.
The American Chemical Society's journal, Environmental Science and Technology, will publish the study later this week. It will reportedly include a list of popular printer brands with an index of emissions for each model. It will allow employers to select the lowest-emission choices for the work environment, as well as launch a million lawsuits around the world.
How did the researchers stumble on this gold mine for the legal profession? They actually wanted to test ventilation systems in offices to see how well they kept outdoor pollutants from nearby roads. When they began testing office environments, they didn't find disturbing levels of outdoor pollutants, but were surprised to see the printer particle levels reach levels "far higher" than anything from outside.
The researchers said that workers who spent months and years exposed to these high particulate levels could be at high risk for pulmonary diseases. Determination of the potential for Laserjet Lung will have to be conducted in further studies. However, don't be terribly surprised to see commercials soon that ask, "Have you worked near a laser printer for more than a few months? You may be owed compensation! Dial 800-SUE-HAPI for more information!"
Why Democrats Are Different
The Wall Street Journal reports on what the Democrats have on their agenda before Congress takes its August vacation this year -- and it's not how they can reduce expenses. Instead, the Democrats have a raft of new and increased taxes for the American public, a few of which threatens to return us to the marginal rates of the Carter administration:
With a new Democratic majority, the agenda on Capitol Hill has shifted abruptly this year, and no more so than on taxes. For a decade the focus in Congress was which taxes to cut. Now everywhere you look someone running the Congress, or running for President, is proposing to raise taxes on some industry or group of Americans. ...
It's all the more remarkable given that federal tax revenues as a share of GDP are currently above their modern historical level. The latest budget estimate is that fiscal 2007 revenues will reach 18.8% of GDP, compared to the 40-year historical average of 18.3%. Tax revenues this year are rising by nearly 8%, following increases of 11.8% in 2006 and 14.6% in 2005. The budget deficit is down to 1.5% of GDP, and falling. But apparently Democrats still think Americans are undertaxed.
It's quite a list, too. On CQ Radio today, Phil Kerpen deconstructed the capital-gains tax increase for hedge funds and private equity from 15% to 35%, the top marginal rate for personal income tax. Like most other capital gains, this income has already been taxed through the partnerships. However, despite the populist rhetoric coming from the Democrats on this topic, the primary investors that this tax will affect will be the limited partners who will wind up with smaller returns as the general partners absorb more of the revenue to cover the increased taxes. Those limited partners are in large part pension funds for teachers, police, and firefighters, as well as other unions and public employees.
But that's not where the Democrats stop with new taxes. As the WSJ points out, that's merely where it starts:
Elections have consequences, and the last one has large consequences for the American economy. Taxing foreign companies at a higher rate will have the effect of discouraging the expansion of foreign investment here in the US. For American workers, that means more outsourcing of jobs and a higher trade imbalance. How does that make America more competitive?
The higher taxation of oil leases seems especially backward at this moment. We're hearing nothing but "energy independence" from the Democratic presidential candidates. How do they think we'll accomplish that -- by discouraging domestic production? Now the workers who lose jobs when foreign companies pull out of the US can pay higher gas prices, too.
So far, the Democratic Congress has delivered on its promise to return to the economic policies of a previous Democratic administration. They just didn't mention that they meant the Carter administration.
CQ Radio: Private Equity And Public Health
Today on CQ Radio (2 pm CT), we'll have two great guests on two important policy issues. First, Phil Kerpen from Americans for Prosperity will join us to discuss the new tax increase floated by the Democrats. Kerpen will explain why this proposal will damage the American economy -- and how targeted tax cuts could generate the revenue that Congress seeks. In the second part of the hour, Dr. Scott Atlas joins us to discuss his participation on Rudy Giuliani's health-care policy team. Rudy's efforts on this are in the news today, as he pushes for private enterprise solutions rather than socialized medicine.
Call 646-652-4889 to join the conversation!
Did you know that you can listen to CQ Radio through your TiVo service? Click here for the instructions. Also, you can subscribe to CQ Radio through iTunes now by clicking this link:
Why Not Increase Revenue Through Growth Rather Than Punishment?
Phil Kerpen criticized the tax-first impulse of the current Congress, as demonstrated by the recent notion of increasing tax penalties on equity partnerships. In yesterday's Wall Street Journal, he makes the case that Congress itself has caused much of the problem it seeks to correct through the Sarbanes-Oxley regulation -- and uses the AMT to remind people what happens when Congress uses taxes to moderate the market:
Not content to merely spend the record influx of cash coming into the federal treasury, some members of Congress are pushing to hike the capital-gains tax on so-called "carried interest" -- the share of partnership profits, typically 20%, that hedge-fund and private-equity investment managers have not sold to their outside investors. This would be nothing more than a punitive tax on those the congressmen perceive to be making too much money.
This is the same kind of thinking that led Congress in 1969 to enact the Alternative Minimum Tax. An effort to "soak the rich," the AMT was supposed to fall on the 155 households that, because their income was mostly dividends from municipal bonds, paid no federal income taxes. But, because lawmakers conveniently forgot to index the AMT for inflation, it now hits an increasingly large portion of upper middle income folks, especially those in "Blue States" such as New York, New Jersey and California, who write off large state and local income taxes on their federal tax returns. ...
Under current law, individual partners in an investment partnership such as a hedge fund or private equity fund are taxed based on what the underlying partnership income is; if the income comes from a capital gain, it is taxed at the capital gains rate. Ordinary income is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. This tax treatment is consistent with the rationale for a lower capital gains tax rate -- to alleviate the double taxation of corporate-source income and to encourage risk taking, entrepreneurship and capital formation.
The legislation Congress is considering ends those protections, saying in effect that it doesn't matter if the income is a clear-cut capital gain, such as proceeds from the sale of corporate stock. What matters is who receives the income, in this case politically unpopular rich guys.
All investors should be on notice that if the capital gains tax is considered a loophole for investment partnerships, it can't be long before the capital gains tax is raised for everyone else. Some leading Democrats, including Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and presidential candidate John Edwards, are already calling to do just that.
Well, some might say, so what? Why treat one kind of income differently than another? Isn't that unfair, and doesn't it just amount to a dodge to allow rich people to pay less than their share?
Not all income is equal in terms of its benefit to the economy. Investment carries risks that need to be rewarded in a "progressive" tax scheme. Otherwise, capital would increasingly get locked up in corporations with a steady and predictable return, rather than in the new ventures that create jobs and growth for the economy. If a system doesn't recognize the value of the risk, fewer investors will spend their money on new ventures -- and the economy will lose its engine for growth.
Now, in this case, advocates of the tax hike point out that they would only be bringing the equity-partnership tax to the same level as the corporate capital-gains tax, which is now at 35%. Kerpen answers that by advocating a drop in that rate to the same level as the existing equity-partnership rate. If Congress wants to make up for the loss of revenue that will occur when they restrict or eliminate the AMT, then they should open up more risk-reward in the current tax system to create more growth. That would allow investors to take more risks and to get rewarded for it.
Kerpen notes that two-thirds of all voters are now investors. Congress should give them a break and allow them to reap the rewards of investment and keep America competitive.
UPDATE: Phil Kerpen is also the head of Americans for Prosperity, and he wrote at length about the proper strategy for capital-gains tax policy. He includes this chart to show the effect of capital-gains tax cuts and tax increases over a three-year period:
Are They Looking For Frozen Pork?
The FBI and the IRS raided the newly-renovated home of Senator Ted Stevens in Alaska, looking for evidence of political corruption in an investigation that has already corralled his son and one of his closest political backers. Bill Allen, the CEO of oil-services firm VECO, got convicted of bribing state legislators earlier this year, and now the FBI and IRS want to see what Allen may have given the Republican Senator in exchange for millions of contracts in earmarks:
Agents from the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service raided the Alaska home of Sen. Ted Stevens (R) yesterday as part of a broad federal investigation of political corruption in the state that has also swept up his son and one of his closest financial backers, officials said.
Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator in history, is under scrutiny from the Justice Department for his ties to an Alaska energy services company, Veco, whose chief executive pleaded guilty in early May to a bribery scheme involving state lawmakers.
Contractors have told a federal grand jury that in 2000, Veco executives oversaw a lavish remodeling of Stevens's house in Girdwood, an exclusive ski resort area 40 miles from Anchorage, according to statements by the contractors. ...
(AP) Stevens, 83, is under a federal investigation for his connections to Bill Allen, founder of VECO Corp., an Alaska-based oil field services and engineering company that has reaped tens of millions of dollars in federal contracts.
These are the wages of pork. Allowing earmarks gives lawmakers far too easy a path to reward constituents who reward the lawmakers. It's bad enough when they buy political contributions through earmarks to protect their incumbencies, but we've seen Duke Cunningham and William Jefferson shake down special interests for their own personal enrichment.
Stevens has not yet been charged with a crime, and judgment should be held until we at least see an indictment. Given that Stevens has been one of the more ridiculous figures in Washington in protecting his pork, though, he brings these character questions on himself. Hysterical defenses of $200 million projects to benefit a few dozen residents of an island practically begs people to question who gets the money and how that benefits Stevens.
We should keep a close eye on this investigation and the companion probe into Stevens' Alaskan colleague in the House, Don Young. Both have connections to VECO, and both have insisted that earmarks are their own money to do with what they see fit. Until we end that facility by which our elected representatives can raid the taxpayers' treasury to bestow favors and line their own pockets, we will continue to see embarrassing corruption probes into the activities of members of both parties. This, unfortunately, is where partisanship ends in Washington. (via Michelle Malkin)
Lieberman On Offense On Iran, Iraq
The Hill interviewed Senator Joe Lieberman about his unique position in the upper chamber, and how he sees the debate on Iraq and Iran. Lieberman castigated his former colleagues in the Democratic caucus as excessively partisan and unwilling to meet the threats posed by America's enemies:
Lieberman, the Democrats' 2000 vice presidential nominee, insists he is not actively considering joining the Republican Party. But he is keeping that possibility wide open as his disenchantment grows with Democratic leaders. The main sticking points are their attempts to end the war in Iraq and their hesitation to take a harder line against Iran.
"I think either [Democrats] are, in my opinion, respectfully, naïve in thinking we can somehow defeat this enemy with talk, or they're simply hesitant to use American power, including military power," Lieberman said in a wide-ranging interview with The Hill.
"There is a very strong group within the party that I think doesn't take the threat of Islamist terrorism seriously enough." ...
As Lieberman sees it, however, the Democratic Party has slipped away from its "most important and successful times" of the middle of last century, where it was tough on Communism and progressive on domestic policy.
Lieberman may see himself as the last of the Scoop Jackson Democrats. He would probably find more company with the Blue Dog Democrats in the House, but for now he has to settle for the company of Republicans. He has increased his attacks on Democratic insistence on retreat and appeasement, almost defying them to cast him out of the caucus and potentially unsettle the leadership composition of the Senate.
They have started to do so, in small measures. While Lieberman opposes the caucus on Iraq and Iran, he works with the Democrats on domestic policy, and he serves as chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. When Harry Reid celebrated a legislative victory on a new Homeland Security bill, Lieberman didn't get an invite to the press conference, which mystified Lieberman, given his efforts for that win.
Lieberman knows he could lose that chair if the Democrats expand their majority in the 2008 election, a good possibility given the imbalance in Republican seats at risk. He has already endorsed one Republican for re-election in defiance of Chuck Schumer's DSCC, Susan Collins. He will likely endorse the Republican candidate for President, since none of the Democrats in this cycle's crop of contenders will demonstrate any kind of strength or tenacity on Iraq or Iran. Nevertheless, he won't switch parties; he wants to remain an independent.
I think that's wise. As such, Lieberman has the most potential to assist in keeping the Senate from declaring a surrender on the Beltway beachhead. We can expect Lieberman to get even more vocal when Petraeus reports in September, especially if the surge keeps producing more success.
Unclear On The Concept
A sixteen-year-old boy got arrested on "soft drug" charges in Germany, and got remanded to a children's home for observation and care. He kept testing positive for marijuana even though he couldn't leave the home. They checked his pockets and found a packet of pot -- a care package from his mother:
A mother regularly sent her 16-year son packets of cannabis into the children's home where he had been placed in care, German police said.
"She apparently didn't want her son to feel bad," Detlev Kaldinski, spokesman for the police in Rotenburg, central Germany, told SPIEGEL ONLINE.
The 39-year-old single mother now faces a charge of breaching German drug laws. Her son had been committed to the home for abuse of soft drugs.
She had sent her son pot five times since his entry to the home. Apparently, Mummy didn't want to see her son suffer, so she decided to send the hair of the dog as a comfort while he was supposed to be rehabbing. It appears that German authorities may have discovered the real problem at the boy's home.
Still, we know how the boy got the pot, but how did he get away with lighting up? Pot has a distinctive aroma, one which notoriously lingers. The police and the community may wonder what the facility management is doing at the children's home -- and what else may be happening behind their backs.
High Noon For The AG
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin' ...
The Senate Judiciary Committee has reached an agreement with the White House to produce a letter to "clarify" the testimony of Alberto Gonzales on his midnight meeting at the hospital with John Ashcroft. The letter must arrive by noon today, and the committee will release it immediately to the news media. At that point, they will determine whether to recommend an investigation into perjury charges against the Attorney General (via Memeorandum):
The Senate Judiciary Committee's ranking Republican, Arlen Specter (Pa.), emerged from a crucial Monday briefing and gave the Bush administration 18 hours to resolve the controversy over apparent contradictions in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's congressional testimony.
Gonzales took issue last week with former Deputy Attorney General James Comey's description of internal dissent in 2004 over the legal authority for the National Security Agency's (NSA) warrantless eavesdropping program. Frustrated Democrats called for a special prosecutor to investigate Gonzales for perjury, noting that several officials have publicly echoed Comey's account. Those calls prompted Specter to request a classified briefing to clear up the dispute.
Specter aides released a statement late Monday that suggested a bombshell to come on Tuesday afternoon.
"Given the difficulty of discussing classified matters in public, I think it is preferable to have a letter addressing that question [of Gonzales' veracity] from the administration … by noon tomorrow, which will be made available to the news media," Specter wrote in the statement. "The administration has committed to producing such a letter."
Whatever the letter says, the perjury issue will likely die off, as even Ruth Marcus notes in her Washington Post column today. No fan of the AG, Marcus argues that Gonzales didn't commit perjury, and that the Senate would be foolish to argue otherwise:
As the Times put it, "If the dispute chiefly involved data mining, rather than eavesdropping, Mr. Gonzales' defenders may maintain that his narrowly crafted answers, while legalistic, were technically correct."
Congress deserves better than technically correct linguistic parsing. So the bipartisan fury at Gonzales is understandable. Lawmakers are in full Howard Beale mode, mad as hell at Gonzales and not wanting to take it anymore.
But perjury is a crime that demands parsing: To be convicted, the person must have "willfully" stated a "material matter which he does not believe to be true."
The Supreme Court could have been writing about Gonzales when it ruled that "the perjury statute is not to be loosely construed, nor the statute invoked simply because a wily witness succeeds in derailing the questioner -- so long as the witness speaks the literal truth" -- even if the answers "were not guileless but were shrewdly calculated to evade."
In other words, the Senate Judiciary Committee did a lousy job of asking the right questions. In fact, Gonzales tried to tell them that during the interrogation, which I watched as it happened. The committee members should have easily read Gonzales' desire to go into private session to clarify his answers at that moment, but they either were too caught up in themselves to notice or deliberately ignored it. He obviously wanted to give them a more complete answer but could not do so in open testimony, due to the nature of the counterterrorism activity.
Marcus is right in another respect, which is that Congress has taken this badgering too far. These programs over which they have attempted to trip Gonzales are not new, and Congress has been aware of them for almost six years. Regardless of whether the data-mining efforts qualify as a separate program or not, the entire effort has been overseen by Congressional delegations since 2001, and kept in check by them and the DoJ since. If the Senate thinks that it has moved outside of the legal boundaries established in 2001 and adjusted at the insistence of Congress and the DoJ in 2004, then ask about that -- but quit playing games and exposing confidential national-security efforts just to harangue Gonzales out of office.
I say this as no fan of the AG, as CQ readers know. My friends at Power Line have an excellent post up about why they feel the need to defend Gonzales. They see him as strong on the war (agreed) and able to stand up to the Democrats in Congress. I disagree, both on his ability and the requirement of the latter. His appearances before Congress have been disasters in which he has argued that he has little knowledge of what his aides do at his own department, even to the extent of firing high-profile presidential appointments without any guidance from him.
The AG, in a perfect world, should be fairly independent and minimize the politicization of the Justice Department in order to maintain confidence in the fairness of prosecutions and the implementation of policy. It's when this office seems excessively partisan that we get the plague of independent prosecutors that run roughshod over justice. This administration is not the first to have a politicized DoJ, but it's not something we should encourage.
Gonzales should have resigned months ago, but the Senate has now made that almost impossible with their hysterics over a perjury that never happened. We'll see which side backs down at High Noon today. Unfortunately, we're woefully short of Gary Coopers these days.
Ellison: Progress Is Being Made
When Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack of the Brookings Institution wrote in yesterday's New York Times that Congress should give General David Petraeus more time in Iraq to expand on the progress he has already made since the beginning of the surge, critics reacted by painting them as stooges of the Bush administration. What will they do when Democratic Representatives Keith Ellison and Jerry McInerney talk about the progress Petraeus is making? McInerney even spoke of adjusting his demand for a withdrawal deadline:
Ellison said that local leaders in Ramadi told him of how they partnered with U.S. and Iraqi military officials to virtually rid al-Qaeda from the city. Although the lawmakers had to travel in flak vests and helmets, "we did see people walking around the streets of Ramadi, going back and forth to the market."
There have been fewer anti-U.S. sermons as the violence has been reduced, Ellison said, and religious leaders meet regularly with U.S. military officials.
"The success in Ramadi is not just because of bombs and bullets, but because the U.S. and Iraqi military and the Iraqi police are partnering with the tribal leadership and the religious leadership," he said. "So they're not trying to just bomb people into submission. What they're doing is respecting the people, giving the people some control over their own lives." ...
McNerney, the California congressman, also said he saw signs of progress in Ramadi and was impressed by Petraeus, who argued in favor of giving President Bush's troop surge strategy time to work.
McNerney said he still favors a timeline to get troops out of Iraq — something House leaders may bring to the floor again this week as part of a defense spending bill — but is open to crafting it in a way more favorable to generals' wishes.
This demonstrates the dilemma for Democrats as the surge presses forward over the next few months. Even war critics now acknowledge that progress has been made by Petraeus and that the new war strategy has created hope for Iraqis -- and that the alternative will be a catastrophe. Ellison spoke about how he "cared" for the Iraqis as well as the troops, and having said that, he will find it hard to care for them by watching them disappear in the rear-view mirror.
The return of normality for the Iraqis that he met in Ramadi came through the offices of the American military, and a precipitate withdrawal would end it, probably immediately. The reduction of anti-American rhetoric from the mosques comes not because we left those parts of Iraq, but because we stayed and drove out the terrorists. The nation-building of our alliances with tribal leaders, and our adherence to their customs, comes from having made mistakes and learned tough lessons in the first years of the war -- and applying those lessons properly and to good effect now.
Democrats seemed in a big hurry to pass retreat demands ahead of the September reporting deadline, and now we can see why. As Petraeus makes more progress and pacifies more of the nation, the Democrats will see themselves marginalized by all the shrieking that took place before. By the end of September, Petraeus will have extensive improvements to report, and the national attention on his successes will paint the Democrats as a party of surrender in a region we cannot afford to lose.
I've Been YouTubed On The YouTube Debate
Yesterday on CQ Radio, I spoke with Rep. Tom Cole of the NRCC on a wide variety of topics relating to the Republican caucus in the House. However, I decided to ask Rep. Cole his opinion on the YouTube debate towards the end of the interview. I thought he might demur, given his focus on Congress rather than the presidential race, but instead he gave a rather impassioned plea for Republicans to engage in the debate.
CQ Radio listener TechRepublican put together an excellent YouTube presentation:
Oh, the irony! It's excellent, and it serves as a reminder that one can find something newsworthy at CQ Radio every day.
Which Party Is The Most Partisan In Congress?
Both parties like to blame the other for failing to exercise independence in Congress. Their supporters blame the members of the opposite side for excessive partisanship which keeps Washington DC from accomplishing anything for the people. The Washington Post decided to take a look at the 110th Congress to see which party exercises the most partisanship -- and the Democrats win the prize.
In fact, the Democrats take nine of the top ten partisan spots, as well as scoring 8 points higher in partisanship as a party. The lone Republican ties for first, though:
100% - Charlie Norwood (R-GA)
100% - Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
99.7% - Nita Lowey (D-NY)
99.4% - Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA)
99.1% - Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
98.9% - Xavier Bacerra (D-CA)
98.7% - Diana DeGetter (D-CO)
98.6% - Gary Ackerman (D-NY)
98.6% - Hilda Solis (D-CA)
98.6% - Ellen Tauscher (D-CA)
98.6% - Al Wynn (D-MD)
Of course, Norwood is dead, and has been since February (h/t: The Anchoress). After Norwood, the next Republican comes in at 94.8%. JoAnn Davis (R-VA) has only cast 134 votes, however, as she has missed significant time while fighting a recurrence of breast cancer. She comes in at #174 on the list of partisans -- which means that Democrats occupy all of the previous 173 slots, of those among the living, anyway.
In comparison, Republicans occupy all of the ten positions for the least partisan Representatives. The percentage of party votes for these range between 68%-78.4%. The first Democrat at that end of the spectrum comes in at #18.
If people want to know which party better puts bipartisanship into practice, and which holds the top living 173 slots for partisanship in Congress, the Post has the information for them. (via The Moderate Voice)
UPDATE: Hey, what do you know? The Democrats win in the Senate, too! The Republicans make it a little closer, being less partisan by only six percentage points this time (88.5%-82.3%), but the Democrats sweep the Top Ten Partisans again:
97.8% - Dick Durbin (D-IL)
97.1% - Ben Cardin (D-MD)
97.1% - Daniel Inouye (D-HI)
97.1% - Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
97.0% - Joe Biden (D-DE)
97.0% - Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
96.7% - Jack Reed (D-RI)
96.7% - Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
96.6% - Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
96.6% - Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
The most partisan Republican in the Senate is the newly-seated John Barasso of Wyoming, at #13 on the list but with only 51 votes. Of Republicans who have served more than a few weeks, Johnny Isakson (R-GA) is tops ... at #28. Republicans take the top 14 spots of the most bipartisan Senators, with Lousiana's Mary Landrieu breaking the Democratic jinx.
Democrats -- They put the party in partisanship!
Does The NAACP Endorse Dogfighting?
Michael Vick had a bad day in court, as one of his co-defendants apparently flipped and will cooperate with federal authorities. However, Vick got some public support from the NAACP -- which accused the government of "piling on" in prosecuting Vick:
The president of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP criticized the prosecution of Vick at a news conference Monday morning. Dr. R.L. White, Jr., accused the government of "piling on."
"There's a penalty in football for piling on," White told reporters. "After a player has been tackled and somebody piles on, they're penalized for unnecessary roughness. Today, the NAACP blows the whistle and warns the powers that be that you are piling on."
Will the NAACP clarify this statement? Are they now endorsing dogfighting and opposing the prosecution of those who allegedly stage these events and slaughter dogs who don't perform? Filing charges in court when grand juries hand down indictments does not qualify as "piling on" -- unless one wants to argue that the alleged activity should go unprosecuted completely.
Vick could be innocent of the charges, but that will be the jury's decision. In the meantime, the NAACP just take a 5-yard penalty for offsides, and perhaps keep their mouths shut until after the trial. Something tells me that Vick can afford better representation than Dr. White.
Fred Flop Or First Fruits?
Apparently, three million dollars doesn't go as far as it used to go. According to The Politico, that's how much money Thompson raised in his first month as an official non-candidate. The number comes a little south of expectations, which has some people in panic mode prematurely:
Fred Thompson plans to announce Tuesday that his committee to test the waters for a Republican presidential campaign raised slightly more than $3 million in June, substantially less than some backers had hoped, according to Republican sources.
Thompson plans to make the disclosure in a filing with the Internal Revenue Service, as he continues to operate his prospective campaign as a political organization that does not require disclosure to the Federal Election Commission. ...
Some are already saying a prospective Thompson run is a flop. "I just don't see it anymore," said a key Republican who had been extremely enthusiastic about a Thompson candidacy.
"That number is really underwhelming. There were indications it could be double that. They've been saying that people were waiting for Fred, and the money was going to pour in. He looks like he's already losing momentum."
The situation needs a little historical context, the Thompson campaign insists. They sent around a response just a few minutes ago, pointing out that Thompson did pretty well -- compared to the exploratory fundraising of the current frontrunners. Rudy Giuliani only raised $258,660 in his first 30 days, and John McCain pulled in $1,130,351 in his first month. They also point out that Mitt Romney loaned his campaign $850,000 during the exploratory phase.
Exploratory candidates have somewhat ambiguous limits on the total funds they can raise as well. The FEC rules stipulate that they have to stay within "what could reasonably be expected to be used for exploratory activities", a clause that the folks at DailyKos accused Thompson of violating. The Fred team points out that The Politico just covered that story about three weeks ago.
I recall hearing that the expectation out of the gate was $5 million, which would have been a substantial number for a non-candidate. That number may not have come from the Fred campaign itself but political analysts gauging what Fred would need for a running start. In that sense, three million would be disappointing, but that's only if one buys that analysis. Given his status and the limitations of his fundraising activities, this is not a bad number.
We already know the Q2 fundraising for the current candidates. Extrapolating his fundraising to a full quarter, Fred would have raised $9 million as a non-candidate. That's what John Edwards raised in Q2 as a top-tier Democratic candidate, and only $2 million below John McCain. Had he met the $5 million goal, he would have outraised Romney and come just below Giuliani.
I think that Fred has no reason to panic. In fact, I'm a little suspicious of these themes of impending disaster halfway through the year before the primaries, especially for candidates and non-candidates who draft double-digit support in national polling.
UPDATE: Mark Tapscott concurs:
There is also a technical term for a supposedly high-ranking GOP operative who would so quickly conclude that $3 million raised in 26 days for an unannounced candidate is evidence of "a flop." That technical term is "unvarnished garbage." No truly experienced national political operative would make such a claim, unless he was talking to a reporter looking for a quote that serves somebody's agenda.
This weekend, the Minnesota open-borders contingent turned themselves into the equivalent of Fred Phelps when they decided to picket the home of Senator Norm Coleman -- as he and his family prepared to bury his father, Norm Coleman, Sr. Coleman's presumed opponent for the 2008 Senate Race, Al Franken, couldn't breathe a word of sympathy for Coleman, and some -- not all -- of the liberal bloggers here in the state followed his lead:
A few hundred protesters crowded together briefly Sunday afternoon on the sidewalk and in the street in front of U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman's St. Paul home, shouting for an end to immigration policies and enforcement practices that the demonstrators say unfairly divide families.
The rally -- during which participants first gathered at Summit Avenue and North Lexington Parkway and then marched about a mile to Coleman's house on Osceola Avenue -- came a day before today's burial of Coleman's father, Norman Coleman Sr., at Arlington National Cemetery. He died Thursday of bladder cancer at 82.
Protest organizers discussed whether to change their plans in reaction to the elder Coleman's death, said Alondra Espejel, with the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network.
Seeing parallels in the grief felt by Sen. Coleman and that of children who have had parents deported, organizers decided to go ahead.
That's a load of horse hockey, and it's the same thought process used by Phelps and his gang of heartless idiots when they stage homophobic protests during the funerals of American service members. Deportation is not death, no matter what one thinks of American immigration policy. The MIFN saw an opportunity to exploit the death of Coleman's father and afflict the Coleman family during their mourning -- and to grab some headlines. The MIFN and every person at that protest are nothing but ghouls.
In comparison, Al Franken is merely classless. Given the chance to show some humanity and either acknowledge Coleman's loss or focus on other topics, Franken did neither. It speaks volumes about Franken and his lack of taste, as well as his singular focus on himself. At least Franken had the sense to stay off of Coleman's sidewalk.
However, we should acknowledge those who did show class. Liberal bloggers and Coleman opponents MNPublius and Centrisity had the class to acknowledge the personal loss of our state's Senator. This shouldn't surprise anyone who follows these two blogs. Others ... didn't, and that shouldn't surprise anyone, either.
Captain's Quarters features an authoritative blogroll, listing many websites that feature the top political thinking on the Internet. In order to make the list easier to navigate, it has been divided into a number of sections.
Click on the section title to expand the list.


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Tuesday Morning
On Tuesday in the first of 22 classes, Kool Tyme and Janene Steggeman drove to the winner's circle with a unanimous tie of the judges to claim the Show Pleasure Driving class title for drivers 18-45 yearsold. Ro-Day-O and Rheanne Greene drove a commanding reserve. Heir's Town and Alice Unger showed everyone they were in town by claiming the yellow ribbon for third.
In a group of seven strong riders, Emily Garten under the guidance of Kathy Boggs of Cape Cod captured the equitation title for riders 14 years old. With a strong ride, Shana Jo Brown riding Absolut-Leigh So claimed the red ribbon for reserve.
In the Amateur Gentleman's Hackney Pony Stake, Heartland Newsmaker and Jeff McClean made headlines with an impressive drive
for the Golden Creek Farm. Classical Dancer with Ed Frickey at the whip had all the right moves to claim reserve after winning last year.
Brittany McGinnis is no stranger to the winner's circle and she returned to Freedom Hall's winner's circle to collect the honors in the 10 and Under Equitation Class. This talented young rider bested the field of six under the direction of Delovely. Ellen Medley Wright also showed the Delovely tradition of winning rides by adding the reserve title to her list of wins.
In a large group of 22 entries, The Bachelor Prince and Christy Bennett of Oklahoma City, Okla., rode to the winner's circle to be the Three-Gaited Pleasure Riders 14-15 Years Old winner. Who Needs Mama and Tate Bennett was reserve to only the champion.
After a challenging duel at Lexington, the equitation class for 13-year-old riders promised to bring two very talented riders back to faceoff. Alexandra Flynn riding under the Delovely banner, had a powerful ride to be named the champion. Kyle Gagnon under the guidance of Marsha and Gary Garone was also rewarded with a rousing round of applause for his reserve performance.
Tina Turner was the Amateur Gentlemen's Harness Pony champion with Kevin Michael at the whip for the High Spirits Farm. Black Diamond and Dinwiddie Lampton, last year's winner, drove a
close reserve for the Brookside Farm.
Undulata's Jimmy Hollywood and Carenn Dubuc rode to the winner's circle in a tough group of 16 and 17-year-old three-gaited pleasure riders for the Edith Tomasko Trust. Lookin' Yonder and Laura Dozer were reserve to only the champion.
Jacqueline Beck earned a unanimous decision in the equitation class for 12-year-old riders under the guidance of Delovely. Jared Hill directed by Michael Craighead claimed the reserve
title and Jessica Moctezuma of North Wind Stables was third.
In the first division of the split Amateur Roadster to Bike class, Gingerbread Man and Danny Bugg returned to defend their 2002 win. One outstanding class and one year later, they returned to Louisville's winner's circle. Dragster and Buck Davis were also in the first division defending their 2002 win in the second split of the same class. Their efforts earned them the reserve finish.
In division 2, Spill The Ink and William Shatner made their mark claiming top honors. They left the ring with Shatner calling out in joy. Master Charles and Merle Tracy, an entry of the Get A Grip & Stuff Co., were reserve.
The split 12-13 Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class saw the multi-titled Riva Diva and Ali Judah in the winner's circle. This talented team also won one of the qualifying splits at the 2002 World's Championship Show. CH Uncle Abe and Daryl Higdon claimed the reserve title showing under the Biggins Farm banner.
In the second split with a unanimous vote of the judges, CH Sweet Virgina and Kelley Ricker repeated their win from last year as well. CH Born To Be Blue and Thea Ervin added reserve champion to their impressive list of wins this season.
After a brief break the horn sounded to start the afternoon classes.
In the Four-Year-Old Hackney Pony class, Kingsley Acclaim and Junior Schut drove to the winner's circle to claim top honors for Lambert and Betty Schut. Heartland Elegant Dancer and Lonnie Lavery showed their fancy footwork to drive away with the reserve title.
The equitation class for 11 year-old riders was a strong group of seven entries. Ashley Stine under the direction of Marsha and Gary Garone overpowered the rest to take home the title. Rachel Machamer under the guidance of Cloverleaf Farm, added a reserve win to her list of wins from the season.
In the ASHA Foundation Show Pleasure Driving Youth Challenge Finals the winner was no stranger to Louisville. CH Advantage Me and Aliyah Asch won this division for the fourth consecutive year for Sarah Asch, leaving the ring with the floral blanket and the
tricolor ribbon. Kalarama's High Roller and Ali DeGray earned the reserve honors in this fine class.
In the first split of the 46 and Over Show Pleasure Driving class, Harlem's Proud Mary and an elegantly attired Misdee Wrigley claimed the title for Kaaba Inc. in a class that was filled with talented entries. River Dance and Dr. Randall Finken, who have made an impressive resume for themselves including last year's win in a qualifying split of this class were reserve. Another well-decorated team, CH Harlem's Strong Will and Terri Dolan drove a strong third.
In the second split, Data and Becky Taggart drove to the winner's circle to receive top honors. Big Show and Richard Hegner turned in a strong performance to claim reserve champion.
In the 13 and Under Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited division, the bold going bay Fox De Jour and Kelsey Price outperformed the rest to claim the title. Endolane's Top Cat and Kelley Ricker rode a commanding reserve.
In the Adult 18-35 Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class with 16 entries, Hear The Music and Jenna Vannoy of Louisville proved victorious trotting away the winner. Bongo and Corbin Smith added reserve champion to their long list of wins from this season. Highpoint's Mahogany Prince and Abigail Reising gave a valiant
effort to receive third.
With a repeat win in the Amateur Roadster To Wagon class, The Secret's Out and Danny Bugg continued to dominate amateur wagon competition. Meadow Demon and Lana Gilpin drove a demanding second in this class. Free Agent and a decked out Judy McNeish were third in this fast paced class.
In the 11 and Under Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class with 15 entries, Shiny New Penny and Faye Wuesthofen shined their way to the top to claim the title. The new team of Seismic Force and Tyler Devore had their crowd behind them receiving the reserve honors.
In the Four-Year-Old Harness Pony class, with a unanimous decision of the judges, Shake Don't Stir and Mary Gaylord McClean were crowded the champion. Heartland Expectation and Randy Harper were reserve for Ed and Karen Frickey.
In the first split of the 36 and Over Five-Gaited Pleasure class, High In The Sky and Pamela Milligan claimed the title. A Touch Of Heir and Melissa Beck rode a commanding reserve for owner Sally Wood. Callaway's Misha and Vicki Reed gave a great effort for the yellow third place ribbon.
In the second split of the 36 and Over Five-Gaited Pleasure class, Sprinkles and Michelle Macfarlane gave a powerful performance to receive the title for the third year in a row. Callaway's Capital Reporter and Theresa Vonderschmitt rode a close second to Macfarlane for B & T Vonderschmitt LLC. Callaway's
Rockaway rounded out the top with the third place tie.
In the $10,000 Weanling Breeders' Stake, Stonecroft Ring Leader left the ring as the leader of this group of fine weanlings winning the blue with handler Joan Lurie for Stonecroft Farm. Next Big Thing proved just that claiming reserve with handler Nelson Green for Ceil and Kenneth Wheeler. The striking black filly, Mountainview's Celestial Night, claimed the yellow third place ribbon with Fred Sarver for Jones Mountainview Saddlebreds.
Tuesday Evening
After a swift moving morning session and a short break, the evening performance was filled with excitement - The ASHA Kentucky Futurity Two-Year-Old Fine Harness class had enough entries to split the class into two sections with numbers to be posted for a Friday Night finals. The ASHA National Futurity Three-Year-Old Fine Harness Class was split into three sections, also with numbers to be posted for a Friday night finals.
freak accident, a catch ride and many other fine champions.
The ASHA National Three-Year Old Futurity started the evening with 11 fine entries. Amelia Heir Cat and Don Harris had the crowd behind them winning the title for Judy Harris. My Elegance On Parade and Dena Lopez were reserve. Sue-She and Wendy Winstead were third for Carl Holden Jr.
In the 14-15 Year-Old Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Stake, Sunken Treasure was crowned the winner with catch rider Mandy Martin for Rebecca and Janice Taggart. The new team of She's Bedazzled and Will Harris put it all together to claim the reserve world's title under the Infinity Stable banner.
The Three-Gaited Amateur Gentlemen's class ranked this way: Nightly Affair and Chris Nalley trotted to the winner's circle to claim the title with a strong performance. Just Special and Doug Lindstrom rode a strong reserve for the Revocable Trust of Diane Lindstrom. Sir Andrew and Milward Dedman rounded out
the top three.
In the Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under Amateur class, Strapless and Ceil Wheeler gave a flawless performance to claim the title. In almost thirty years of showing here at Louisville, Wheeler had yet to make it into the winner's circle herself. Monday evening she earned her first world's championship with Summer Sweet. This evening Strapless made her a double world's champion.
Callaway's Buttons and Bows and Mary Gaylord McClean trotted a strong second for the Golden Creek Farms. Callaway's Abigail Adams and Sally Groub Gayeski accepted the yellow ribbon for third.
In the 16-17 Year-Old Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited class with 16 grand entries, CH Chandler and Lisa McClaren were met in the winner's circle by Julie Ann Wroble. Caramac's Big Ticket and Dakota Willimon had the reserve ticket to win after some saddle trouble that caused her to take a fall. A new combo, The Great Gazoo and Ross Berger, gave a grand effort in their first appearance here this week for third much to mom's delight.
In the Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class, Lime Twisted Gin and Melissa Moore claimed top honors and the title with a unanimous decision of the judges for Liberty Saddlebreds. Glider's Star and Matt Shiftet were reserve to the champion and received a rousing round of applause for their efforts.
Jayme Zirkle was awarded the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation Scholarship in center ring by Anna Marie Knipp.
The Amateur Five-Gaited Stallion and Gelding class had 18 exciting entries. I'm A Treat and Deborah Visser under the Kalarama banner added this title to their list of wins. Time Well Spent proved that was true for rider Barbara Manilow when they received the reserve honors. The Full Monty and Liz Shatner topped out the ribbons with third for Belle Reve Farm.
In the Three-Gaited 15.2 and Over Amateur class where nine entries answered the call, Yes It's True and Phillipa Sledge received top honors for the second year in a row for the Pidgeon Roost Farm. CH Supreme Inheritance and Michelle Hartman rode a close reserve. Firecracker Jack and Vicki Reed finished with the third place award.
In the Amateur Five-Gaited class with seven powerful entries, Such Sweet Memories and Marion "Bit" Hutchenson proved victorious for the second year in a row winning the title. CH Belleavanti and Johnny Wellington rode to the reserve finish.
One of the most exciting and crowd pleasing classes of the evening was the ASHA National Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Futurity. One of the many outstanding horses entering the ring was last year's Two-Year-Old Five-Gaited World's Champion I'm First, by CF First Night Out, owned by the Stonecroft Farm.
Steve Wheeler entered the ring on the standout star but after only a few rounds it became obvious that Wheeler was unable to ride. Nelson Green entered the ring and Pat McConnell rode over to check on Wheeler who had been kicked in the warm up ring by another trainer's horse. Wheeler was taken to the hospital where it was later determined that he had a seriously broken leg.
After conversation with stewards and officials in center ring, trainer Nelson Green mounted the horse in street clothes and to the crowd's delight, quickly returned to the rail. With all the excitement, many of the entries were on edge resulting in several more near misses and small collisions, but the ultimate result was a class of incredible youngsters who were electric.
There had been a precedent in world's championship history for such an emergency rider change. Many years ago, Earl Teater broke his leg in a class and Tom Moore lept over the rail to finish and win the five-gaited gelding class for Teater.
With much the same result, Green found the crowd on their feet with their hands in the air as his name was called and I'm First lept to the winner's circle.
Shame On You and Virgil Helm also received a tremendous applause from the crowd when they took the reserve title. Belle Divine and Larry Hodge rounded out the top awards in this outstanding group of young horses with the third place ribbon.
In the first split of the Roadster to Bike Stallion/Gelding division, a unanimous decision of the judges panel proved that for the second year in a row Invincible Summer and Raymond Shively were champions for owner Judy McNeish. Geronimo and Danny Bugg drove a close second to the champion. Quill with Jon Walker at the whip closed out the top three.
In the second split of the Roadster to Bike Stallion/Gelding division, Wrapped In Glory and Debbie Foley topped the seven entries to claim the title. The Navigator and Lucky Wallingford had a commanding drive to finish second to Foley. Phoenix and John Nix gave a great effort to round out the ribbons in third.
In the Amateur Ladies Hackney Pony class nine entries answered the gate call. For the second year in a row, with a unanimous tie of the judges, Heartland Rain Song and Jackie Stred drove to the winner's circle. Mr. Hackeye and Sharon Lewis returned to the ring after several years away from the green shavings in a comeback year to claim the reserve honors. Heartland Twice As Nice and Karen Frickey finished up in third for the Frickey Farm.
In another highlight of the night, the Five-Gaited Mares class, nine enter the gate for consideration. Adelita and Larry Hodge were not only the unanimous tie of the judges but the crowd favorite winning the title for David Rudder. Princess Shalimar and Kim Skipton rode a strong reserve tie under the George Knight banner. My Chanel and Lonnie Quarles closed out the top ribbons with the yellow third place and another strong round of crowd support.
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The Recording Academy CEO has defended the organization's Grammy nomination of Marilyn Manson, the shock rocker who has been accused of sexual abuse or misconduct by multiple women.
Manson is up for "Album Of The Year" at the 2022 Grammy Awards for his role as both a featured artist and songwriter on Kanye West's latest album, "Donda".
In a new interview with The Wrap, Harvey Mason Jr. said:
The Recording Academy "won't restrict the people who can submit their material for consideration. We won't look back at people's history, we won't look at their criminal record, we won't look at anything other than the legality within our rules of, is this recording for this work eligible based on date and other criteria. If it is, they can submit for consideration.
What we will control is our stages, our shows, our events, our red carpets. We'll take a look at anyone who is asking to be a part of that, asking to be in attendance, and we'll make our decisions at that point. But we're not going to be in the business of restricting people from submitting their work for our voters to decide on.Harvey Mason Jr. in a new interview with The Wrap
At least 15 women — including Westworld actress Evan Rachel Wood — have publicly accused Manson of sexual assault. He is currently facing three lawsuits from women who claim to have been sexually abused by him in the past, including his ex-girlfriend Ashley Morgan Smithline and Game Of Thrones actress Esme Bianco.
After Wood shared her accusations, several other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Marilym Manson.
The 52-year-old rocker, whose real name is Brian Warner, later released a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram:
Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.Marilyn Manson on Instagram
In the months since Wood came forward with her allegations, Manson has also been dropped by his label, Loma Vista Recordings, longtime manager Tony Ciulla, as well as the talent agency CAA, which provides representation for individuals across various mediums.
Manson's attorney Howard King said in a statement:
Mr. Warner vehemently denies any and all claims of sexual assault or abuse of anyone. These lurid claims against my client have three things in common — they are all false, alleged to have taken place more than a decade ago and part of a coordinated attack by former partners and associates of Mr. Warner who have weaponized the otherwise mundane details of his personal life and their consensual relationships into fabricated horror stories.Howard King, Marilyn Manson's lawyer