text:
48 Concerning Moab:
This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says:
"Woe to Nebo, for it will be ruined.
Kiriathaim will be disgraced and captured;
the stronghold[a] will be disgraced and shattered.
2 Moab will be praised no more;
in Heshbon[b] people will plot her downfall:
'Come, let us put an end to that nation.'
You, the people of Madmen,[c] will also be silenced;
the sword will pursue you.
3 Cries of anguish arise from Horonaim,
cries of great havoc and destruction.
4 Moab will be broken;
her little ones will cry out.[d]
5 They go up the hill to Luhith,
weeping bitterly as they go;
on the road down to Horonaim
anguished cries over the destruction are heard.
6 Flee! Run for your lives;
become like a bush[e] in the desert.
7 Since you trust in your deeds and riches,
you too will be taken captive,
and Chemosh will go into exile,
together with his priests and officials.
8 The destroyer will come against every town,
and not a town will escape.
The valley will be ruined
and the plateau destroyed,
because the Lord has spoken.
9 Put salt on Moab,
for she will be laid waste[f];
her towns will become desolate,
with no one to live in them.
10 "A curse on anyone who is lax in doing the Lord's work!
A curse on anyone who keeps their sword from bloodshed!
11 "Moab has been at rest from youth,
like wine left on its dregs,
not poured from one jar to another—
she has not gone into exile.
So she tastes as she did,
and her aroma is unchanged.
12 But days are coming,"
declares the Lord,
"when I will send men who pour from pitchers,
and they will pour her out;
they will empty her pitchers
and smash her jars.
13 Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh,
as Israel was ashamed
when they trusted in Bethel.
14 "How can you say, 'We are warriors,
men valiant in battle'?
15 Moab will be destroyed and her towns invaded;
her finest young men will go down in the slaughter,"
declares the King, whose name is the Lord Almighty.
16 "The fall of Moab is at hand;
her calamity will come quickly.
17 Mourn for her, all who live around her,
all who know her fame;
say, 'How broken is the mighty scepter,
how broken the glorious staff!'
18 "Come down from your glory
and sit on the parched ground,
you inhabitants of Daughter Dibon,
for the one who destroys Moab
will come up against you
and ruin your fortified cities.
19 Stand by the road and watch,
you who live in Aroer.
Ask the man fleeing and the woman escaping,
ask them, 'What has happened?'
20 Moab is disgraced, for she is shattered.
Wail and cry out!
Announce by the Arnon
that Moab is destroyed.
21 Judgment has come to the plateau—
to Holon, Jahzah and Mephaath,
22 to Dibon, Nebo and Beth Diblathaim,
23 to Kiriathaim, Beth Gamul and Beth Meon,
24 to Kerioth and Bozrah—
to all the towns of Moab, far and near.
25 Moab's horn[g] is cut off;
her arm is broken,"
declares the Lord.
26 "Make her drunk,
for she has defied the Lord.
Let Moab wallow in her vomit;
let her be an object of ridicule.
27 Was not Israel the object of your ridicule?
Was she caught among thieves,
that you shake your head in scorn
whenever you speak of her?
28 Abandon your towns and dwell among the rocks,
you who live in Moab.
Be like a dove that makes its nest
at the mouth of a cave.
29 "We have heard of Moab's pride—
how great is her arrogance!—
of her insolence, her pride, her conceit
and the haughtiness of her heart.
30 I know her insolence but it is futile,"
declares the Lord,
"and her boasts accomplish nothing.
31 Therefore I wail over Moab,
for all Moab I cry out,
I moan for the people of Kir Hareseth.
32 I weep for you, as Jazer weeps,
you vines of Sibmah.
Your branches spread as far as the sea[h];
they reached as far as[i] Jazer.
The destroyer has fallen
on your ripened fruit and grapes.
33 Joy and gladness are gone
from the orchards and fields of Moab.
I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses;
no one treads them with shouts of joy.
Although there are shouts,
they are not shouts of joy.
34 "The sound of their cry rises
from Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz,
from Zoar as far as Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah,
for even the waters of Nimrim are dried up.
35 In Moab I will put an end
to those who make offerings on the high places
and burn incense to their gods,"
declares the Lord.
36 "So my heart laments for Moab like the music of a pipe;
it laments like a pipe for the people of Kir Hareseth.
The wealth they acquired is gone.
37 Every head is shaved
and every beard cut off;
every hand is slashed
and every waist is covered with sackcloth.
38 On all the roofs in Moab
and in the public squares
there is nothing but mourning,
for I have broken Moab
like a jar that no one wants,"
declares the Lord.
39 "How shattered she is! How they wail!
How Moab turns her back in shame!
Moab has become an object of ridicule,
an object of horror to all those around her."
40 This is what the Lord says:
"Look! An eagle is swooping down,
spreading its wings over Moab.
41 Kerioth[j] will be captured
and the strongholds taken.
In that day the hearts of Moab's warriors
will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation
because she defied the Lord.
43 Terror and pit and snare await you,
you people of Moab,"
declares the Lord.
44 "Whoever flees from the terror
will fall into a pit,
whoever climbs out of the pit
will be caught in a snare;
for I will bring on Moab
the year of her punishment,"
declares the Lord.
45 "In the shadow of Heshbon
the fugitives stand helpless,
for a fire has gone out from Heshbon,
a blaze from the midst of Sihon;
it burns the foreheads of Moab,
the skulls of the noisy boasters.
46 Woe to you, Moab!
The people of Chemosh are destroyed;
your sons are taken into exile
and your daughters into captivity.
47 "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab
in days to come,"
declares the Lord.
Here ends the judgment on Moab.
49 Concerning the Ammonites:
This is what the Lord says:
"Has Israel no sons?
Has Israel no heir?
Why then has Molek[k] taken possession of Gad?
Why do his people live in its towns?
2 But the days are coming,"
declares the Lord,
"when I will sound the battle cry
against Rabbah of the Ammonites;
it will become a mound of ruins,
and its surrounding villages will be set on fire.
Then Israel will drive out
those who drove her out,"
says the Lord.
3 "Wail, Heshbon, for Ai is destroyed!
Cry out, you inhabitants of Rabbah!
Put on sackcloth and mourn;
rush here and there inside the walls,
for Molek will go into exile,
together with his priests and officials.
4 Why do you boast of your valleys,
boast of your valleys so fruitful?
Unfaithful Daughter Ammon,
you trust in your riches and say,
'Who will attack me?'
5 I will bring terror on you
from all those around you,"
declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.
"Every one of you will be driven away,
and no one will gather the fugitives.
6 "Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites,"
declares the Lord.
7 Concerning Edom:
This is what the Lord Almighty says:
"Is there no longer wisdom in Teman?
Has counsel perished from the prudent?
Has their wisdom decayed?
8 Turn and flee, hide in deep caves,
you who live in Dedan,
for I will bring disaster on Esau
at the time when I punish him.
9 If grape pickers came to you,
would they not leave a few grapes?
If thieves came during the night,
would they not steal only as much as they wanted?
10 But I will strip Esau bare;
I will uncover his hiding places,
so that he cannot conceal himself.
His armed men are destroyed,
also his allies and neighbors,
so there is no one to say,
11 'Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive.
Your widows too can depend on me.'"
12 This is what the Lord says: "If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, why should you go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, but must drink it. 13 I swear by myself," declares the Lord, "that Bozrah will become a ruin and a curse,[l] an object of horror and reproach; and all its towns will be in ruins forever."
14 I have heard a message from the Lord;
an envoy was sent to the nations to say,
"Assemble yourselves to attack it!
Rise up for battle!"
15 "Now I will make you small among the nations,
despised by mankind.
16 The terror you inspire
and the pride of your heart have deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rocks,
who occupy the heights of the hill.
Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's,
from there I will bring you down,"
declares the Lord.
17 "Edom will become an object of horror;
all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff
because of all its wounds.
18 As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown,
along with their neighboring towns,"
says the Lord,
"so no one will live there;
no people will dwell in it.
19 "Like a lion coming up from Jordan's thickets
to a rich pastureland,
I will chase Edom from its land in an instant.
Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this?
Who is like me and who can challenge me?
And what shepherd can stand against me?"
20 Therefore, hear what the Lord has planned against Edom,
what he has purposed against those who live in Teman:
The young of the flock will be dragged away;
their pasture will be appalled at their fate.
21 At the sound of their fall the earth will tremble;
their cry will resound to the Red Sea.[m]
22 Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down,
spreading its wings over Bozrah.
In that day the hearts of Edom's warriors
will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
23 Concerning Damascus:
"Hamath and Arpad are dismayed,
for they have heard bad news.
They are disheartened,
troubled like[n] the restless sea.
24 Damascus has become feeble,
she has turned to flee
and panic has gripped her;
anguish and pain have seized her,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
25 Why has the city of renown not been abandoned,
the town in which I delight?
26 Surely, her young men will fall in the streets;
all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,"
declares the Lord Almighty.
27 "I will set fire to the walls of Damascus;
it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad."
28 Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked:
This is what the Lord says:
"Arise, and attack Kedar
and destroy the people of the East.
29 Their tents and their flocks will be taken;
their shelters will be carried off
with all their goods and camels.
People will shout to them,
'Terror on every side!'
30 "Flee quickly away!
Stay in deep caves, you who live in Hazor,"
declares the Lord.
"Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has plotted against you;
he has devised a plan against you.
31 "Arise and attack a nation at ease,
which lives in confidence,"
declares the Lord,
"a nation that has neither gates nor bars;
its people live far from danger.
32 Their camels will become plunder,
and their large herds will be spoils of war.
I will scatter to the winds those who are in distant places[o]
and will bring disaster on them from every side,"
declares the Lord.
33 "Hazor will become a haunt of jackals,
a desolate place forever.
No one will live there;
no people will dwell in it."
34 This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, early in the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah:
35 This is what the Lord Almighty says:
"See, I will break the bow of Elam,
the mainstay of their might.
36 I will bring against Elam the four winds
from the four quarters of heaven;
I will scatter them to the four winds,
and there will not be a nation
where Elam's exiles do not go.
37 I will shatter Elam before their foes,
before those who want to kill them;
I will bring disaster on them,
even my fierce anger,"
declares the Lord.
"I will pursue them with the sword
until I have made an end of them.
38 I will set my throne in Elam
and destroy her king and officials,"
declares the Lord.
39 "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam
in days to come,"
declares the Lord.
7 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace." 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."[a]
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:
"The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
'You are a priest forever.'"[b]
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[c] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


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Limit Sucrose As Painkiller For Newborns
Using sucrose to reduce pain in newborns undergoing painful procedures should be limited to babies having blood taken (venipuncture) for the newborn screening test but not for intramuscular injections, write Dr. Anna Taddio and co-authors.
In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial of 240 newborns at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, researchers found that "sucrose reduced overall pain in newborns when administered before painful medical procedures during the first 2 days after birth."
However, "unexpectedly, we did not observe analgesic effects during either intramuscular injection of vitamin K in either group [newborns of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers] or during repeated heel-lancing for blood glucose monitoring in newborns of diabetic mothers."
As all newborns experience pain from medical procedures in the first days of life, the results of this study will be helpful in reducing pain responses. The authors recommend updating pain management guidelines to reflect these findings.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Service Description
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For Mailchimp use? I can code the template to include Mailchimps editable tag so you can edit them on Mailchimps user interface.
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text:
Donald Everett Brennan, Sr.
Graveside services for Donald Everett Brennan, Sr., 75, of Sweetwater, will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Rest Haven Cemetery in Rockwall, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater.Brennan died Monday, July 1, 2013 at his residence.He was born Sept. 5, 1937, in Dallas, Texas. He married Patricia Dawson on Oct. 17, 1958 in Mesquite, Texas. Donald was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater. He served in the Air Force and also worked at Texas Instruments in Dallas as an Electronic Technician.Survivors include his sons, Donnie Brennan and wife Hilary of Sweetwater and Matthew Brennan and wife Veronica of Royse City, Texas; daughter, Teresa Brennan Shanks of Royse City, Texas; and 10 grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia in May 2003.


text:
Find us on:
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the Office of Rare Diseases Research(ORDR), created the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center to help people find useful information, in English or Spanish, about genetic and rare diseases. You can speak with an information specialist Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. You can write to GARD anytime via e-mail, letter, or fax. Bilingual information specialists are available to respond to inquiries in Spanish. All information requests are completely confidential.
Review Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2015
List reviewed web resources
The Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR) was established in 1993 within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal focal point for biomedical research. ORDR coordinates and supports rare diseases research, responds to research opportunities for rare diseases, and provides information on rare diseases. Public Law 107-280, the Rare Diseases Act of 2002, established the ORDR by statute. The goals of ORDR are to stimulate and coordinate research on rare diseases and to support research to respond to the needs of patients who have any one of the more than 7,000 rare diseases known today.
Review Date: Thursday, August 04, 2011
The Association for Glycogen Storage Disease (AGSD) is a nonprofit support group, established in 1979, for families and persons affected by glycogen storage disease (GSD). AGSD was organized to promote and protect the interests of all persons affected by GSD; to coordinate scientific, educational, and charitable activities related to GSD; to act as a clearinghouse on GSD-related matters; and to publish and distribute material to doctors and other interested persons. AGSD holds a yearly conference focusing on the latest research, care, and treatments available to affected persons.
Review Date: Friday, January 06, 2012
The Association for Neuro-Metabolic Disorders, (ANMD), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1984 at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor. ANMD's primary objective is to serve as an advocate organization for families of patients with neuro-metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), galactosemia and biotinidase. ANMD provides educational information for parents and children; provides networking information on support groups for new parents; supports scientific research into the treatments of neuro-metabolic disorders.
Review Date: Wednesday, March 04, 2009
The A-T Children's Project was established to raise funds to support and coordinate biomedical research projects, scientific conferences and a clinical center aimed at finding a cure for ataxia-telangiectasia, a lethal genetic disease that attacks children, causing progressive loss of muscle control, cancer and immune system problems. A-T Children's Project is a national, non-profit group that responds to inquiries from any individual interested in learning about ataxia-telangiectasia.
(Se habla español)
Review Date: Friday, December 12, 2008
Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc. (BDRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides parents and expectant parents with information about birth defects and support services for their children. BDRC has a parent-matching program that links families who have children with similar birth defects. BDRC also sponsors the National Birth Defect Registry, a research project that studies associations between birth defects and exposures to radiation, medication, alcohol, smoking, chemicals, pesticides, lead, mercury, dioxin and other environmental toxins. Each year, BDRC responds to thousands of birth defect information requests from all over the world. BDRC's on-line environmental health updates provide thousands of parents, professionals and organizations with daily news on the latest birth defect research.
Review Date: Thursday, September 17, 2015
The Children's Blood Foundation (CBF) was founded in 1952 as a philanthropic organization to support the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. The Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center is the sole beneficiary of CBF's committed efforts. Major emphasis is on blood diseases affecting children: leukemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, platelet disorders, retinoblastoma, and AIDS. CBF trains physicians and hematology nurse clinicians in the treatment of blood diseases. Other CBF activities include a hemophilia home care program, group discussions for parents and patients, genetic counseling and screening, and public education.
Review Date: Friday, February 20, 2009
Children's Craniofacial Association is a national, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, headquartered in Dallas,Texas, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with facial differences and their families. Nationally and internationally, CCA addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. CCA's mission is to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences.
Review Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011
The mission of the Cystinosis Research Foundation is to support bench and clinical research that is focused on developing improved treatments and a cure for Cystinosis. The Cystinosis Research Foundation is dedicated to educating the medical and public communities about Cystinosis to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment. Since 2003, the foundation has raised more than $20 million for 103 studies and fellowships in 11 countries making the Cystinosis Research Foundation the largest source of grants for Cystinosis research in the world.
Review Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (DEBRA) was formed in 1979 as a self-help group for persons suffering from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of inherited skin disorders characterized by the formation of blisters after mild trauma. Staff provide professional and emotional guidance, raise funds for research, and help administer public and professional education. DEBRA of America and its sister organizations in Australia, England, New Zealand, and Israel are dedicated to improving public and professional understanding and awareness of EB.
Review Date: Monday, August 25, 2008
The Dysautonomia Center at NYU Langone Medical Center brings together physicians, researchers and nursing staff to focus on the research and treatment of autonomic disorders in children and adults. The Center offers an accredited fellowship program to train young physicians and a post-doctoral research fellowship to train young scientists in autonomic nervous system physiology. Our outpatient clinical service is dedicated to the diagnosis of autonomic disorders and the management of these conditions in adults and children. In addition to our clinical services, we have a number of approved studies and trials aimed at better understanding and treating different autonomic disorders. The Center is supported by grants from the Dysautonomia Foundation, Inc. and the National Institutes for Health.
Review Date: Monday, October 05, 2015
The Dysautonomia Foundation is an international organization created in 1951, to provide services for patients with Familial Dysautonomia, a Jewish genetic disorder. We support a Treatment and Evaluation Center at NYU Medical Hospital in NYC as well as a satellite center at Hadassah Hospital - Israel. The Foundation funds research into FD leading to a cure. It also offers support services to families including information on Treatment and Research.
Review Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Dysautonomia Information Network (DINET) is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to raise awareness of autonomic nervous system dysfunction and to promote dysautonomia education, support and networking.
Review Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Founded in 1999 and professionally certified as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization in 2002, the Dysautonomia Youth Network of America, Inc. (DYNA) is the first and only 501(c) (3) non-profit organization in existence specifically for childhood/adolescent/young adult onset dysautonomia conditions. The organization proudly serves patients, caregivers, families, physicians, researchers, educators and the public at large. Most DYNA members reside in the United States but some members hail from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, England, South America, and Singapore. In addition to members reflecting the geographical diversity of dysautonomia conditions, they also reflect the diversity of dysautonomia conditions themselves. Members have a host of conditions such as: Post-Viral Dysautonomia, Generalized Autonomic Failure, Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS)/Vasovagal Syncope, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH), Post-Viral Dysautonomia, Non-Familial Dysautonomia and Multiple System Atrophy.
Review Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation established in 1989. It is committed to providing education and support services to families around the world affected by FA. The Fund sponsors a variety of programs and services to assist the FA patients and their families. The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund manages two online Support Groups, which allows adults with FA and families affected by FA to exchange questions and information with others affected by FA. The Fund provides education to those affected by FA. The Annual Family Meeting brings specialists and families together, providing parents and adults with FA with the latest information on health care guidelines, as well as giving children with FA opportunities for leisure activities in a supportive environment.
FightSMA is an international 501(c)(3) organization committed to accelerating a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which kills more babies than any other genetic disease. Since it was founded in 1991 as Andrew's Buddies Corp., FightSMA has worked to bring higher levels of awareness and understanding of SMA by funding research, launching awareness campaigns, and holding an annual conference.
Review Date: Wednesday, April 06, 2016
The Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, Inc. (FIRST) is a nonprofit organization supported by public contributions and membership fees. FIRST raises funds to promote research on ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin disease, provide advice, guidance, and support among those affected; and distribute educational material to the public and medical professionals. The Foundation uses its national network of volunteers to bring self-help and educational support to individual members and their families. FIRST sponsors national and regional meetings and conferences, which feature leading researchers and clinicians and allow individuals with Ichthyosis to meet each other.
Review Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Genetic Alliance is a nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to transforming health through genetics and promoting an environment of openness centered on the health of individuals, families, and communities. Genetic Alliance's network includes more than 1,000 disease-specific advocacy organizations, as well as thousands of universities, private companies, government agencies, and public policy organizations.
Review Date: Monday, October 24, 2011
The Hereditary Disease Foundation (HDF) aims to cure genetic illness by supporting basic biomedical research. The Foundation uses a variety of strategies – workshops, grants, fellowships, and targeted research contracts – to solve the mysteries of genetic disease and develop new treatments and cures. HDF has spent over $60,000,000 to support pioneering research in genetics, gene therapy, molecular and cell biology, cell survival and death, animal models, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and other areas relevant to the understanding of inherited diseases. HDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Review Date: Monday, October 31, 2011
HDSA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization recognized as a charity in good standing by the IRS(EIN: 133349872) and meets all the required high Standards of Excellence of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
HDSA currently supports more than 40 scientists and 16 major HD laboratories in North America and around the world through HDSA Coalition for the Cure with annual grants which range from $40,000 to $100,000 for HD investigations. Twenty-one HDSA Centers of Excellence at locations in major hospitals and university medical centers are supported by HDSA across the continental United States. The national office also produces and distributes, free of charge, publications and informational materials on HD and maintains a toll-free information hotline to assist physicians, patients and family members. Through 12 HDSA regions, 38 volunteer-based chapters and affiliates, 200+ support groups, HDSA reaches out across the nation to offer HD patients and their families guidance, encouragement, resource information and leadership opportunities at HDSA events, meetings and seminars.
Review Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) is a genetic disease of the skin, hair, teeth and central nervous system. The condition was named because of the way the skin looks under the microscope. "Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome" is another name commonly used for IP. Other names are: Bloch-Siemens incontinentia pigmenti, melanoblastosis cutis linearis, and pigmented dermatosis, Siemens-Bloch type.
Founded in 1995, IPIF is a non-profit organization guided by a Scientific Advisory Council, whose members are acknowledged experts in their fields. IPIF consists of patients, physicians, educators, parents, relatives, and volunteers who are striving to take leadership in supporting research, education, and funding. IPIF is a source of reliable information and support for patients and families in the United States and worldwide. Its mission is to encourage and support research on IP, and to provide family support and education.
Review Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Joubert Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by decreased muscle tone, difficulties with coordination, abnormal eye movements, abnormal breathing pattern and cognitive impairment. These issues are due to abnormal brain development, resulting in decreased size of the cerebellar vermis and other brain abnormalities that appear as the "molar tooth sign" on a brain MRI. Although rare, several hundred individuals with Joubert Syndrome have been reported in the medical literature. Mutations in at least 10 genes cause Joubert Syndrome, accounting for ~50% of patients. Subsets of individuals with Joubert Syndrome can also have polydactyly (extra fingers or toes), as well as retinal, kidney and liver disease requiring medical intervention.
Joubert Syndrome is one of a growing group of disorders called "ciliopathies," caused by dysfunction of a part of the cell called the cilium. The cilium functions as an antenna for many cell types, allowing cells to communicate with each other and sense their environment during the development and function of many organs. In fact, cilia are required to sense light in the eye, odors in the nose and fluid flow in the kidneys and liver. Disruption of cilium function likely explains the incidence of eye, kidney and liver problems in individuals with Joubert Syndrome.
KS&A is a non-profit organization addressing the needs of the approximately 1 out of 500 individuals who were born with one or more extra X and/or Y chromosomes, as well as their families and the clinicians, educators and research scientists serving them. Conditions addressed include: 47,XXY; Klinefelter syndrome; Trisomy X; 47,XYY syndrome and the approximately 20 additional variations involving additional X and/or Y chromosomes and mosaicism.
Review Date: Monday, September 19, 2011
Little People of America, Inc. will provide support and information to people of short stature, (dwarfism), and their families. Primary membership usually is offered to those people who are around 4'10" in height as an adult. LPA is a non-profit, member run organization founded in 1957.
LPA will assist those who have a diagnosis of dwarfism with their physical and developmental concerns resulting from short stature. LPA offers information on employment, education, disability rights, adoption of short statured children, medical issues, clothing, adaptive devices and parenting tips. Information is provided through hundreds of dedicated volunteers throughout the U.S. as well as through a national newsletter "LPA Today," chapter, and district newsletters. LPA also provides opportunities for social interaction at chapter, district, regional meetings, national conferences, and participation in athletic events. LPA, Inc. provides educational scholarships, medical assistance grants, access to our medical advisory board, and funds for publications and other projects.
Review Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The primary mission of Lynch Syndrome International (LSI) is to serve our global communities by focusing on providing support for individuals afflicted with Lynch syndrome, creating public awareness of the syndrome, educating members of the general public and health care professionals and providing support for Lynch syndrome research endeavors. LSI, an all volunteer organization, is founded and governed by Lynch syndrome survivors, their families, and health care professionals who specialize in Lynch syndrome. If diagnosed early, Lynch syndrome survivors may have favorable outcomes which enhance survival, the longevity and quality of life as well as the emotional well-being of the afflicted.
Review Date: Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) Family Support Group provides opportunities for support and personal contact for those with MSUD and their families. MSUD, which derives its name from the distinct sweet smell of the urine, affects the way the body metabolizes certain components of protein. The purpose of the support group, which began in 1983, is to gather and distribute information on MSUD, strengthen the liaison between families and professionals, and encourage research and newborn screening for MSUD. The organization sponsors biennial symposia. The group develops resources to meet the goals of support and education.
Review Date: Thursday, July 08, 2010
The Mount Sinai Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases is the oldest center in the country dedicated to the care of patients with genetic disorders that are prevalent in the Jewish community and to conducting research focused on the development of improved diagnostic and treatment modalities.
The Center conducts a Jewish genetic disease screening program, which provides expert screening and genetic counseling to individuals at risk for being carriers of these diseases. All services are provided by board-certified genetic counselors and clinical and molecular geneticists.
The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) is a non-profit organization established in 1957. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of persons affected by ataxia through support, education and research. The Foundation supports research in dominant, recessive and sporadic ataxia. In addition, the Foundation has developed an extensive library of NAF brochures, fact sheets, books, and other educational material relating to ataxia. Also available to its members is a quarterly newsletter called "Generations," which provides the latest information on ataxia research, articles on living with ataxia, and personal accounts of ataxia families throughout the United States. For more information, visit NAF's web site at: www.ataxia.org.
Review Date: Thursday, October 27, 2011
The National Fragile X Foundation unites the fragile X community to enrich lives through educational and emotional support, promote public and professional awareness, and advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for fragile X syndrome.
Review Date: Wednesday, February 02, 2011
The NGF, a non-profit organization established in 1984, is an objective, independent voice of the Gaucher community, dedicated to providing leadership, outreach and innovative thinking. The NGF funds research, grants financial assistance, promotes education and awareness, and supports legislation. In addition, the NGF offers a wide range of programs and resources to meet the ever-increasing needs of individuals and families affected by Gaucher disease.
Review Date: Monday, September 12, 2011
The National Marfan Foundation was founded in 1981 by patients and families of patients with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. The organization has three goals: to educate patients, physicians, and the public about Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders; to support affected people and their families; and to foster and develop research. The NMF holds an annual conference in the summer.
Review Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
The National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center (NNSGRC) is a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Genetic Services Branch and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), Department of Pediatrics. The project is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The mission of the NNSGRC is to: 1) provide a forum for interaction between consumers, health care professionals, researchers, organizations, and policy makers in refining and developing public health newborn screening and genetics programs; and 2) serve as a national resource center for information and education in the areas of newborn screening and genetics.
Review Date: Thursday, May 22, 2014
The National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation supports and promotes research to find treatments and a cure for all types of Niemann-Pick Disease, and provides support services for individuals and families affected by NPD. A comprehensive Web site, brochures, posters, newsletters, Facebook group, listserv groups, blog, etc., are available.
Review Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) is an organization of families and professionals working together to raise awareness, offer support, provide education and advocacy, and promote and fund research to enhance the quality of life of those affected by Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children.
The Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Foundation (formerly Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome International) is a non-profit group that operates on national and international levels. The purpose of the organization is to support families dealing with this rare disease, to advocate research, disseminate medical information and raise public awareness.
Review Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) was founded in 1971 to educate the public about sickle cell disease, identify carriers of the disease, promote the interests of sickle cell patients, and make recommendations for screening, treatment, and genetic counseling programs. The SCDAA provides program development consultation for its 86 affiliates, raises funds, conducts a national screening program, conducts public educational and staff training programs, and provides patient services and financial aid through its affiliates.
Review Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The principal mission of this Center is to help break the sickle cycle. The Center works towards this goal by providing the sickle cell patient and professional access to education, news, research updates and world wide sickle cell resources via its web site; and offering compassionate care, education, counseling, and research for patients with sickle cell disease.
Review Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Children's Tumor Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) medical foundation, dedicated to improving the health and well being of individuals and families affected by the neurofibromatoses (NF).
The mission of The Children's Tumor Foundation is to: Encourage and support research and the development of effective treatments for neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, schwannomatosis and related disorders (hereafter collectively referred to as "NF"); Support persons with NF, their families and caregivers by providing thorough, accurate, current and readily accessible information; Assist in the development of clinical centers, best practices, and other patient support mechanisms (but not including direct medical care) to create better access to quality healthcare for affected individuals; and,
Expand public awareness of NF to promote earlier and accurate diagnoses by the medical community, increase the non-affected population's understanding of the challenges facing persons with NF, and encourage financial and other forms of support from public and private sources.
Review Date: Sunday, April 01, 2012
The Feingold Center for Children was established in 1984 to provide diagnosis and treatment to children born with birth defects, genetic diseases and intellectual disorders throughout the New England area. The Center houses the Pregnancy Exposure Information Line, a toll-free service which provides information concerning the effects that drugs, medications, radiation, infections, or environmental agents may have on the fetus.
Progeria is a rare and fatal genetic disease of accelerated aging in children. Without the discovery of new treatments, all children with Progeria will die of heart disease at an average age of 14 years. The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) was founded in 1999 in response to the complete lack of progress being made to help children with Progeria. Our mission is to discover treatments and the cure for Progeria and its aging-related disorders, including heart disease. We have filled a void, taking these children out of the background where they had been for over 100 years and putting them and Progeria at the forefront of scientific efforts.
Review Date: Thursday, April 07, 2016
UMDF's mission is to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families. Since 1996, the UMDF has provided more than $8 million in grants to support the research that may lead to a less invasive diagnosis and ultimately a cure. Members of the UMDF are able to network with other families and individuals to talk about mitochondrial disorders. UMDF members are able to find support on the local and regional level through various chapters, groups and ambassadors. The UMDF maintains a website to provide the latest news and information about issues relating to mitochondrial disease research and information. The UMDF also holds an annual international symposium that brings together the best physicians and researchers for patients and family members to gain valuable information.
The Turner Syndrome Society of the United States (TSSUS) is a national non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides health-related resources to patients, families and physicians for the diagnosis and treatment of Turner syndrome. There are chapters and support groups located throughout the country. TSSUS holds an annual conference with speakers from a variety of professions including medical experts, social workers, educators and psychologists. These meetings provide an opportunity to exchange information on many topics of interest to TS patients of all ages.
Review Date: Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Williams Syndrome Association, Inc., is a national, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide support and the latest medical and educational information to individuals with Williams Syndrome and their families. WSA also strives to increase awareness and knowledge of Williams Syndrome among the professional community and the general population. Williams Syndrome is a rare, genetic disorder which is present at birth and affects males and females equally. It can occur in all ethnic groups and has been identified in countries throughout the world. Inquiries are accepted by the WSA via telephone, mail, electronically or in person.
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George (Vladimirou) of Conakry
His Eminence, the Most Reverend George (Vladimirou) of Zimbabwe is Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Zimbabwe, part of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. His Eminence's names day is April 23.
George Vladimirou was born on March 27, 1966 in Limassol, Cyprus. He graduated as a "Leader" from the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School in Spetses at which he attended under a scholarship. He continued his education at the Aristotelian University of Thessalonica where he studied law. Beginning in 1989, he studied Business Management at the Thames Valley University of London. From London he returned to Greece and entered the University of Athens to study Theology.
George worked also as a teacher at the Greek School of the Virgin Mary in Camberwell Green during his four years in London. During the period of 1993 to 1997, after completing his education, he worked in the private sector in Athens and performed voluntary missionary work at centers in Madagascar and India.
In 1998, he entered the clergy as he was ordained deacon on June 30. Then, on July 5, 1998, he was ordained priest by His Eminence Nikitas of Hong Kong. With his ordination, Fr. George was named Dean of the Cathedral of St. Luke in Hong Kong, and shortly thereafter he was appointed Chancellor of the Hong Kong Archdiocese. During his time in Hong Kong, Fr. George began a local Orthodox magazine, "The Censer" and taught at the St Makrina Greek School of the Archdiocese. He also taught on the subject of Orthodox faith in the local Anglican and the Lutheran seminaries.
In 1999, Fr George transferred to the Church of Alexandria, where he became a member of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches and of other groups in which he represented the Patriarch of Alexandria. On February 22, 2001, Fr. George was elected Bishop of Nilopolis by the Holy Synod of the Church of Alexandria. On March 4, 2001, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, he was consecrated by Patriarch Petros VII in the Church of the Annunciation in Alexandria, Egypt. At the same time he was appointed the Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria. On October 27, 2004, Bp. George was elected Metropolitan of Zimbabwe by the Holy Synod and enthroned on December 19, 2004.
George (Vladimirou) of Conakry
|Preceded by:
|Bishop of Nilopolis
|Succeeded by:
|Preceded by:
Theodoros Choreftakis
|Metropolitan of Zimbabwe
|Succeeded by:
Categories > People > Clergy > Bishops
Categories > People > Clergy > Bishops > Bishops by century > 21st-century bishops
Categories > People > Clergy > Bishops > Bishops by city > Bishops of Accra
Categories > People > Clergy > Bishops > Bishops by city > Bishops of Conakry
Categories > People > Clergy > Bishops > Bishops by city > Bishops of Zimbabwe


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Dogs say the funniest things
What do dogs think about? What would they say if they could talk?
Find out this weekend when comedian/ventriloquist Todd Oliver takes the stage in Danbury with two of his furry companions, Irving and Lucy.
Todd Oliver & Friends is the name of the 7 p.m. show at The Palace Danbury on Saturday, March 15. Oliver was a semifinalist on "America's Got Talent" and has appeared on many other shows, such as "Late Night with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
Oliver's real-life, home-raised house pets are part of his act.
A true animal lover, Oliver lives on a Missouri ranch with his wife and daughter. They have several horses, dogs and cats. In addition to his show Saturday, Oliver will talk about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. And people from Danbury Animal Welfare Society will be in the lobby to highlight adoptable animals and provide information.
Oliver was 10 when he received a ventriloquist dummy for Christmas. He spoke about it in a recent interview:
Q: How did you get started in ventriloquism?
A: My dad died three days after that Christmas when I was 10, so I didn't do much with it (the dummy). When I was about 13, I went to the library and found books on ventriloquism. I started as a volunteer, doing it for schools, and I'd get out of school to do it. The audience is a great teacher.
Q: How did you wind up on "America's Got Talent" in 2012?
A: They use professionals and amateurs; they had called me to do the show more than a few times. The first time when they called I thought I didn't need to do it. I didn't realize it gets more viewership than Letterman and Leno together. Then I was going to be working in a theater and a tornado tore up the theater. We were out of work for three months. They called (again) and my manager said you get great viewership.
Q: So you decided to do it and wound up a semifinalist. What was most challenging about that?
A: The most challenging thing was writing material that would be appropriate for that show. They suggested I write edgier material. I don't work blue or off-color; I'm a family-friendly act. They were trying to push me beyond that. The challenging thing was to compromise, but it was a respectable compromise, and it was successful and it worked out.
Q: What can you share about your experiences with Jay Leno and David Letterman?
A: The Letterman show is in The Ed Sullivan Theater and that's the greatest room I've ever worked. Lots of my heroes worked there. A representative from Letterman's show came in and said `Enjoy the moment; it's a sensational atmosphere; there's a magic about it.' Of course it was fabulous. ... Jay Leno is more approachable than David Letterman though they're both nice guys. You don't see David except when you're doing your act; he's more of a private guy. I understand that and I respect that, that's cool, both were very nice.
Q: What will you cover in Danbury?
A: Did you ever wonder what your dog would say if he could talk to you? Talking dogs are funny. I have some other characters, too, some original songs, and multimedia -- great videos. It's clean, hip family fun.
Q: How do you write comedy?
A: I look at things from a dog's point of view. Every dog has its own personality. Dogs have a certain attitude. It's how dogs look at humans and what we do, and how dogs look at life.
The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St., March 15, 7 p.m., $25 adults, $15 12 and younger, 203-794-9944, www.thepalacedanbury.com, or Saturday at box office starting 6 p.m., www.funnydog.com.
M.B. Tuccio is a freelance writer in Connecticut; firstname.lastname@example.com
Q: Any last thoughts?
A: The greatest sound to my ears is kids and their parents laughing together. I want to make families and people of all ages laugh and be involved. The second thing is to continue creating awareness about adopting dogs and cats, supporting shelters and controlling pet populations.
We have two dogs on our ranch that I picked up off the road. One was running loose on the highway, I pulled over and grabbed him. Another one is a shepherd someone dumped off. She was sitting in the same spot for two days, presumably waiting for them to come back. She had no collar. She's a ranch dog now.


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The evolution of funk music, Napster and Sharon Jones' battle with cancer are among the topics that will get the documentary treatment for VH1, the network announced on Thursday.
VH1 revealed its slate of upcoming films as part of its Emmy Award-winning "Rock Docs" franchise.
First to arrive is "Finding the Funk," which explores the history and evolution of funk music and its impact on hip-hop and house music.
PHOTOS: Iconic rock guitars and their owners
Narrated by the Roots' Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson,...


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Everyone talks about getting a favorable rate on their mortgage. One of the most important factors in getting that favorable rate is your credit score. In this section, you will learn what it means, how it is determined and how to improve it.
Your credit score is essentially a standardized way for lenders to determine how risky it is to lend you money. The better the score, the lower the risk. The lower the risk, the lower your interest rate. In order to get the most favorable rate on your mortgage, you will want to have the best credit score possible.
Most lenders use a standard "grading" system to categorize credit scores. While some lenders develop their own systems for classification of scores, below is a general guide to score categorization:
|Credit Score
|800 - 850
|750 - 799
|700 - 749
|650 - 699
|600 - 649
|550 - 599
|500 - 549
|300 - 499
Your credit score is formally known as a Fair Isaac Corporation Score (commonly called the FICO® score). It ranges from 300 to 850 and is calculated according to the following risk factors:
Payment History (35% of score)
Amounts Owed (30% of score)
Length of Credit History (15% of score)
How many new accounts you have
Types of Credit (10% of score)
If your credit score is keeping you from getting a better mortgage rate, here are a few things you can do to clean up your credit history.
Obtain a complete copy of your credit report from the three leading reporting agencies:
Review your credit report line-by-line, specifically searching for errors, omissions, duplications and "common name" errors.
Federal law requires credit bureaus to contact all creditors on items where mistakes were made. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1971, if these firms fail to respond to you in writing within 30 days, they are obligated to remove the disputed items from your records.
The Fair Isaac Resolution Resources Helpline is 1-800-777-2066.
Most merchants are willing to negotiate customized repayment plans for those that find themselves with considerable debt.
Chapter 13 bankruptcies stay on an individual's record for 7 years.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies stay on an individual's record for 10 years.
Judgments, Garnishments or Liens
Liens, garnishments and judgments are typically indicators of an unstable borrower. Any judgments, garnishments or liens must be paid in full. Prior to closing, proof that the judgment, garnishment or lien has been cleared must be obtained; this can be reflected through a clear credit report supplement or a paid receipt form from the creditor. IRS tax liens also must be paid in full. Standard property tax liens do not have to be recorded as paid in full since they are not yet due or payable. Also, the borrower is obligated to provide a satisfactory letter of explanation.
Delinquent Child Support
Any outstanding child support payments must be brought current, and specific documentation from the credit-reporting agency stating this fact must be in the file with no exceptions. Because of the seriousness of the delinquency/default, which in many states can cause incarceration, a letter from the court or the legal authority responsible for collection in the city/state (e.g. district attorney, sheriff, etc.) is acceptable. A letter from an ex-spouse and copies of personal checks are not acceptable, nor is an agreed-upon, but not yet completed, payment plan.


text: This is a wireless dimmer. It allows you to turn on/off electronics up to 8 AMP, as well as dim - reduce voltage. So you can use this device to DIM led by remote control! From the picture you can see the controller has up/down button for the dimming function.


text: Tuesday, November 08, 2011 Direct Access Study Featured in Bend Bulletin The Bend Bulletin recently highlighted the Health Services Research (HSR) study on direct access that found that patients who self refer to physical therapy had fewer visits and lower costs compared with patients who are referred by physicians. The article features study co-author Janet K. Freburger, PT, PhD, and several PTs who practice in Oregon. APTA's Public Relations Department was contacted by the reporter for this article. The association continues to roll out its communications plan on this important study to members, the media, and the public. Comments How can I get a copy of the study from Health Services Research? Posted by Ari Levine, PT on 11/10/2011 1:21 PM


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NEW YORK -- Up and down the Atlantic coast, people are telling horror stories about how long it has taken to get an insurance check for flood damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. Nearly 40 percent are still waiting for the final settlements they desperately need to rebuild.
The delays have prompted criticism from officials including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has blamed the bottlenecks partly on "excessive paperwork" requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
But federal data suggest that the speediness, or sluggishness, of the process may be linked to which insurance company is handling your claim.
(MORE: Bloomberg to Push Electric Car Spaces)
Three and a half months after the Oct. 29 storm, some of the private-sector companies that service flood insurance policies for the government program have paid out on nearly all of their claims by now, while others have yet to hit the halfway mark.
Selective Insurance Co. of America, a New Jersey-based carrier hit with 18,599 flood claims after the storm, had been able to settle only 39 percent of those policies as of Monday, according to data collected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
By comparison, Allstate Insurance Co. had closed 94 percent of its 16,309 claims, paying out some $718 million to storm victims. That's far more than the $415 million distributed by Selective.
Such disparities make a huge difference to struggling homeowners.
After the floodwaters receded, Allstate sent a parade of adjusters and a building engineer to Danny Gallagher's home on Staten Island, a single-family ranch that had been washed off its foundation. He received a check for the full value of his $132,000 policy, minus his deductible, in around a month.
"My insurance company did very well by me," Gallagher said.
Meanwhile, Anthony Cavallo said he waited two months before an engineer hired by Selective visited his flooded home in Union Beach, N.J., to make a crucial assessment over whether the house could be salvaged. He said he is still waiting for a copy of the engineer's report, if it was ever finished, but last week finally received a check in the mail, marked "full and final payment," for $104,000. He said that is less than his policy limit and less than half of what it will cost to rebuild.
"I am beyond the horror of losing everything we own," said Cavallo, who has been living with his wife and daughter in a trailer parked in their driveway while the insurance struggles play out. "Tear the piece of crap down and let me move on with my life."
(MORE: A Daily Diary of Superstorm Sandy)
Selective declined to make anyone available for an interview but said in a written statement that FEMA's data "does not tell the entire story."
It said certified adjusters were in short supply and had extremely large workloads because of the massive number of claims. Many policyholders, the company said, also "do not understand the coverage," and were appealing payments unnecessarily.
So far, the National Flood Insurance Program has been hit with more than 138,000 claims related to Sandy. Companies participating in the program have collectively paid out $4.1 billion.
Selective is handling more Sandy-related flood claims than any other company. The bulk of its customers are in hard-hit areas of New Jersey, where claims might be extra-complicated because of the severity of the damage.
"Since Sandy, we have been working steadily to quickly and accurately handle claims," said a statement from the Branchville, N.J.-based company. "Many of our own employees, because we are headquartered in NJ and our largest regional office is in NJ, were impacted by the storm as well."
Insurance companies have little incentive to delay payment of claims.
Under the rules of the National Flood Insurance Program, the federal government ultimately foots the bill for all claim payouts. Insurance companies make a commission selling policies and are allowed to keep a share of the annual premiums to cover administrative costs, but have none of their own capital at risk when claims are paid or denied.
Insurers are paid a fee for processing claims, but they cannot collect until a claim is closed, meaning carriers that resolve things quickly get paid faster. Payments for approved claims are higher than they are for denials.
A few companies have pushed hard for quicker closures.
The USAA General Indemnity Co. has closed 83 percent of its relatively modest 3,261 Sandy flood claims, placing it second after Allstate in terms of the completion rate among companies handling a substantial number of storm claims.
Travelers Group has closed a less-stellar 58 percent of its 18,215 claims, but it also advanced more than $223 million to customers whose settlements have yet to be finalized. When those partial payouts are taken into account, it ranks among the companies that have paid the most to customers, with a total distribution approaching $602 million.
(PHOTOS: Meteor Crashes to Earth)
The Hartford Fire Insurance Co., according to FEMA, has closed a similar 56 percent of its 10,693 claims but has advanced much less in partial payments. So far, it has paid out just under $230 million, or an average of $23,588 per submitted claim, not including those later closed without payment. That ranks it alongside Selective in terms of the least money advanced so far when divided by the total number of claims. By comparison, Allstate's average payout per submitted claim is $50,845.
Hartford spokesman Thomas Hambrick said he couldn't discuss the company's handling of claims in detail, but added, "We take this work seriously and are working with FEMA to resolve flood claims from Storm Sandy as quickly as possible."
Drawing comparisons between the companies isn't entirely clear-cut. The statistics don't take into account factors like a company's mix of business or level of exposure to the storm. It is possible for an insurer to have paid less money to customers to date simply because its policyholders suffered less damage, or had purchased less coverage.
In a letter to New Jersey's congressional delegation this month, Gov. Christie blamed National Flood Insurance Program rules for leading to payment delays. He said the program's paperwork requirements were "extraordinarily extensive, requiring up to 12 hours for an adjuster to complete a single proof of loss form."
"Claimants whose houses have washed away are provided large and daunting forms requiring an itemization of each and every item lost as well as potentially requiring receipts and serial numbers for individual items," he said.
FEMA officials say they have tried to speed the claims process by giving insurers servicing flood policies additional flexibility to make partial payments.


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What about playing off the Got Milk ads...?
At the top..
Think Atheist?
We Do.
Then in that same grey bar but situated closer to the bottom..
Join us at ThinkAtheist.com
Thinking is fun again!!
Not a bad idea Rob.
It keeps it simple and plays off something everyone is familiar with. As a result, it's a bit more approachable and not derisive as that recent slavery/shackles one.
We can be more derisive and confrontational once the trolls start to post in the forums.. LOL
Like! Great Idea!
Good ideas all. There could be a series of ads. I was listening to an ad guy today on NPR. He said the best ads don't start with a visual but with the catchy sound bite. You could play on something that everyone, OK, maybe most have heard. Rene Decartes said, I think, therefore I am. It might be more apt to be remembered.
So how about: "We think, therefore we are atheist. " Or some variation on that theme.
I agree.. A series of ads would be good. Could have the same 'slogan' but with different images to show that people from all walks of life are atheists.. from the college student on her computer.. the high school jock playing football... the crossing guard who makes sure your kids cross the street safely .. the scientist in the lab.. the corporate business man heading to his next meeting.. the professional race car driver, etc.. you get the idea..
Love it! Don't forget our men and women in the military.
Yeah! Let's post it across the street from Kirk Cameron's house.


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Wait, copy/pasting levels is a bad thing? Dragons Age 3 reputed to be much less like Halo
Subject: General Tech | April 11, 2012 - 04:19 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: gaming, dragon age 3, BioWare
If you can believe the hints that BioWare is dropping, Dragon Age 3 should feel a lot less like a very expensive, poorly designed add on and more like an actual new game. Of course, this comes from a very quick talk given at PAX about an unannounced game which might or might not be in development, so your sodium intake for the day should be adjusted to compensate. They also implied that your choices would Effect the ending of the game ... now where have we heard that before?
"Rumours are flying that Dragon Age 3 might be something more like the sequel to Dragon Age we've been hoping for. After Dragon Age 2 came out feeling more like a side-project, BioWare have dropped some hefty hints that they're looking to redress much of that in an unannounced third game for the series. At a PAX East panel, as spotted by Eurogamer and recorded by Gamespot, Dragon Age developers discussed what a hypothetical game might contain, were it to exist, which it currently doesn't, but obviously does. It's to be a far more varied game, with new locales, and decisions that carry over from previous games."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Need For Speed: World PC (Free-to-Play) Review @ eTeknix
- Harassing Ford: Han Solo Adventures @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Game Of Thrones RPG Out In June, Kissed Its Sister @ Rock, Paper, SHOTGUN
- Fan Makes FTC Complaint Over Mass Effect 3 Ending, But it Won't Hold Water @ Forbes
- Kinect Star Wars (XBOX 360) Game Review @ HardwareHeaven
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