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The combination of favourable market conditions and the Company's successful strategy, were key to the strong results that consolidate leadership in the Mediterranean and the positive trend in all markets. An overview on MHI's results include:
Financial management
- In the first nine months, Meliá Hotels International share price increased by 40.5 per cent
- The Company is committed to strengthening its balance sheet without adversely affecting the intensity of growth via low capital-intensive formulas
- Robust improvement in Mediterranean resorts and palpable recovery in Spanish cities, with RevPAR rising in all regions by 28 per cent
- Average revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 11 per cent, due to 85 per cent growth in average room rates
- Net Profit increased by 133 per cent
- Melia.com revenues grew by 25 per cent up to September 2015, a key factor in revenue management
- 17 hotels signed to date in 2015, with a total of 15,150 rooms in the pipeline, the highest number in the history of the Group
- Intensive schedule of hotel openings for the end of 2015 (11) and 2016 (15) respectively
- Cuba continues to be a focus for strategic growth, with the company committed to strengthening its leadership and bonds with the destination
- Successful tour of senior management through Asia Pacific, with the addition of hotels in Indonesia and an important strategic alliance to enter the Thai market
- The group expects to end 2015 with double-digit growth in global RevPAR
- 2016 is expected to maintain the growth trend in the main feeder markets for Spain and the Mediterranean
- The Company will present its 2016 – 2018 Strategic Plan
Meliá Hotels International presented results today for the first nine months of the year, reflecting a favourable performance in the Mediterranean summer season, as well as the continued improvement of city hotels in Spain. The Company recorded a net profit of €52.9 million, a 51 per cent increase over the same period in 2014.
The Company highlighted the results of its recurring operations, doubling those of the same period in 2014, with a solid performance of the hotel business and real estate management as the most important factors. The business achieved an overall increase in average revenues per available room (RevPAR) of 11 per cent, 85 per cent of which can be attributed to price increases, and an improvement in EBITDA and EBITDA margin of 28 per cent and 209 basis points, respectively.
The results of the Real Estate department has contributed to debt reduction objectives and the improvement of the value and quality of Meliá Hotels International portfolio; through the sale of six resort hotels in February 2015 to a joint venture, 80 per cent owned by Starwood Capital and 20 per cent by Meliá Hotels International, with the Company continuing to operate the hotels.
The Group continued to strengthen its international expansion, with 17 new hotels signed in 2015 to date, with a major focus on the Asia Pacific market. This was cemented following the recent tour of the continent by senior MHI executives, with several new hotels signed and an announcement of the Company's entry into Thailand with the opening of up to 5,000 rooms over the next few years. The Company pipeline has reached a record high, and now includes 63 hotels with 15,150 rooms.
Meliá Hotels International continues to strengthen its balance sheet thanks to positive cash-flow generation, and in the most recent quarter reduced net debt by €29 million to €840 million. Key financial ratios also continue to improve, with the Company achieving its commitment to maintain the Net Debt/EBITDA ratio below 3.5 and also control its EBITDA/net interest expense ratio thanks to the efforts to reduce financial costs.
Improvement in all regions
In the Americas there was a healthy RevPAR increase of 4.8 per cent.
By country, the best performance came from Mexico, with an increase of 7.4 per cent in RevPAR in dollar terms due to Paradisus Cancun improving revenues by 30 per cent after its rebranding to a Paradisus Resorts. Paradisus Playa del Carmen also generated an estimated 2015 EBITDA of 36 million US dollars with higher expectations for 2016.
Hotels in the Dominican Republic increased RevPAR by 5.3 per cent thanks to price improvements, as well as overcoming the fall of 80 per cent with demand from the Russian market. Amongst the hotels under management, the Company highlights the performance of Meliá Nassau in the Bahamas, which has doubled results after a renovation to an "all inclusive" experience.
EMEA (+ Premium Europe)
RevPAR in owned and managed hotels in EMEA increased by 10.3 per cent, which can be attributed to an increase in average prices. By country:
- Italy has seen record RevPAR growth of 19.7 per cent thanks to improvements in all hotels, in particular Meliá Milano has seen 48 per cent growth in revenues due to room renovations and Expo Milano 2015. The launch of ME Milan Il Duca also had a major impact on the city, with Gran Meliá Rome continuing to show an upward trend in revenue, with an increase of 13 per cent to date
- Germany, recorded significant improvements compared to 2014, overcoming the decrease in 2015 major trade shows. Highlights include INNSIDE Wolfsburg with an increase in RevPar by 45 per cent, Tryp Munchen and Berlin hotels have seen a RevPAR growth of between seven and eight per cent in all cases
- United Kingdom, where results were boosted by the strength of the pound sterling, a marked improvement in RevPAR was seen including an increase of 25 per cent at ME London. The launch and successful positioning of INNSIDE Manchester as a leading hotel in the city has exceeded initial revenue forecasts for September and October 2015
- France continues to grow, fundamentally due to the strong performance of newly opened Meliá Paris La Défense, which opened in March 2015, in terms of revenue and competitive positioning
- Spain – Premium hotels, which includes some of the luxury Meliá-brand hotels and all of the ME by Meliá and Gran Meliá hotels improved overall RevPAR by nine per cent, due to MHI's strategy in the luxury market. In particular the luxury resort of ME Ibiza, Spain, in the third quarter increased RevPar by 38 per cent, with an average rate of €500 between June and September 2015. Other key hotels include Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora (+ 12 per cent), Gran Meliá Don Pepe (+ eight per cent) and Meliá de Mar (+ nine per cent). In urban luxury hotels there were also consistent improvements, with an overall 21 per cent RevPAR increase at Gran Meliá Colon, eight per cent at Gran Meliá Victoria, six per cent at Gran Meliá Fenix and 11 per cent at Meliá Barcelona Sarriá
The summer season saw a sharp increase in tourism demand, both from the domestic Spanish market and overseas markets. They were boosted by a number of internal factors, such as the recovery of the economy and employment in Spain, along with external factors including the fall in oil price, dollar and pound exchange rates, as well as the unfortunate instability of competing sun and beach destinations in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
Due to these market conditions, there was a 6.4 per growth in RevPAR in resort hotels in the Mediterranean through a strong commitment to product innovation and enhanced customer experiences. The Group highlights the evolution of average revenues in newly-renovated hotels such as Meliá Cala Galdana in Menorca up by 49 per cent, Sol House Aloha in Malaga increased by 38 per cent, Sol Beach Menorca grew by 27 per cent and Sol House Trinidad up by 22 per cent. The renovation and rebranding of Sol Hotels & Resorts has seen significant changes in its target market segmentation, which has led to important price increases and a higher percentage of early bookings.
The most popular destinations were in the Balearic Islands, with an outstanding performance in both Ibiza and Mallorca, where the Company saw a marked improvement in the segmentation and hotel performance in the Magaluf - Calvià Beach Project.
Spain (city hotels)
The 11.2 per cent improvement in Spain is attributable to a recovery in all of the different customer segments, both in business and leisure travel, as well as the Company's strategy to boost travel to Spain from the major markets in the EMEA region. The most notable increases were in Madrid, as demand continues to grow both in business and leisure travel, with particularly strong and sustained growth in the Group segment.
In other Spanish regions, improving sales through melia.com and the optimisation of the business strategy have favoured a positive performance, together with an intense programme of reforms, brand changes and the renovation of city hotels.
Financial management
Meliá Hotels International maintains a strong commitment to reduce its net debt, one of the most important objectives in its strategic plans since 2011. In this regard, compared with December 2014, Group debt has been reduced by €146.6 million.
In the latest 2015 quarter, debt reduction of €29 million was achieved through improvements in cash-flow. The debt reduction has also resulted in €32 million lower financial expenses due to the lower gross debt and improved average interest rates when compared to the first nine months of 2014.
In the upcoming months, the Company has just announced further disposals of resort hotel assets, which will continue to be managed by the Group, as in the joint venture with Starwood, maximising opportunities in the economic cycle and strengthening the value of its brands, innovation, and excellence as a management company, with no impact on the nine month financial results.
Strong growth in Asia
The Group is now present in 41 countries, and its international growth strategy has seen a significant boost in recent years thanks to strong growth in Asia, both in China and in the major markets in Southeast Asia. In recent years, Meliá Hotels International has nearly quadrupled its portfolio in the region, with 32 hotels currently open or already signed up for future incorporation.
In China, the Company has two existing hotels and is preparing to open a further six over the next two years. While in Indonesia the Group signed its thirteenth hotel, INNSIDE Bandung, due to an impeccable 30 year track record in the country.
The company has just announced a strategic alliance with the leading business conglomerate in Thailand, TCC Land assets, with a commitment to open 3,000 to 5,000 rooms in the country over the coming years.
Outlook for 2015/2016
In view of the third quarter results, Meliá Hotels International has revised its estimate for global RevPAR, increasing growth for the year, forecasting double-digit growth, justified by price increases.
For Q4, forecasts expect a strong performance in the Canary Islands (Mediterranean division) due to the persistent instability in competing destinations. Stronger sales in city hotels in Spain, supported by major conferences in Madrid and Seville, several sports events, and the Spanish Constitution public holidays in December have also strengthened the projection.
In EMEA, the Company expects to grow in Europe based on strong demand for European destinations and growth in local transient business. In the Americas, favourable conditions are expected to increase year end, in addition to the positive impact of Meliá Jamaica's December 2015 opening.
Looking ahead to 2016, the Company bases its projection on analyst consensus and expects sustained growth in the major feeder markets for Spain and the Mediterranean, and also predicts a positive performance in America due to strong trends for demand. The growth of the Group's business in the Americas will also be strengthened by three important openings of Meliá Jamaica, December 2015, ME Miami and INNSIDE New York in Q1 2016.
Gabriel Escarrer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International said: "2015 has been the beginning of a new stage of growth, in which we have begun to reap the rewards of the years spent focusing on financial rigour and globalisation, all made possible by brands which offer a completely renewed and differentiated value proposal to new customer segments. From 2016 onwards, our new Strategic Plan will undoubtedly allow us to maximise these strengths."
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International is one of the largest hotel companies worldwide as well as the absolute leader within the Spanish market, with more than 370 hotels (current portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries and four continents under the brands: Gran Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus Resorts, ME by Meliá, INNSIDE by Meliá, Tryp by Wyndham and Sol Hotels & Resorts. The strategic focus on international growth has allowed Meliá Hotels International to be the first Spanish hotel company with presence in key markets such as China, the Arabian Gulf and the US, as well as maintaining its leadership in traditional markets such as Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Its high degree of globalisation, a diversified business model, the consistent growth plan supported by strategic alliances with major investors and its commitment to responsible tourism are the major strengths of Meliá Hotels International, being the Spanish Hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking) and one of the most attractive to work worldwide.
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world?
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities locally and nationally.
Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.
Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to make a difference.

subset: commoncrawl


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Special YouTube channel features daily latte artwork
Latte art is definitely catching on. A few photos of lattes that were taken by excited customers were posted online, and that was what introduced many to the new art form. Now there's a dedicated YouTube channel for everyone's viewing pleasure.
Not that it's going to be easy, but with these videos on the latte art YouTube channel, maybe you too can make your own latte art masterpiece. It will no doubt take a lot of practice, but anything is possible with effort and patience. New lattes are uploaded daily, so it should be fun to follow for the coffee/latte connoisseur. For those interested, a link to the channel can be found at the end of this article.
Students: Watch dramas without ads — 50% off DramaFever Premium!
Note: You must actually know how to make a latte first.


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Meeting of RIN in historic Moscow State University, attended by Ambassador of India Shri Pankaj Saran and Rector of the University Viktor Antonovich Sadovnichy.
The second Russia India Network of Universities (RIN) meeting is being held in Moscow & Tomsk, Russia from 5-10 October,2017
From Indian Side seven Institute of Technology representative, including Director IIT, Hyderabad,are participating and from
From Russian Side Rectors and Vice Rectors of13 member universities of RIN are participating.
Dates of Meeting: Moscow 5-7 October
Tomsk 8-10 October


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Congratulations to Kirsten who won the Cupcake Batter Dispenser and Icing Writer giveaway from Kid Smart Living!! But wait… there's more! Another giveaway from the wonderful, generous, fabulous (and a million other like adjectives) folks at Kid Smart Living in honor of National Craft Month. This time: A cookie cutter stencil set and the Easy-Squeeze Icing Writer Decorator Pen.
(You must click the link or the picture to enter. Any comments left on this post will not be entered in the giveaway.)


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Zurker: a Marketing Study
By Terri Wells
Social networks face an uphill struggle when competing against Facebook. Few networks know this quite as well as Zurker. Now eighteen months old, the site welcomes a growing number of members, but has faced a serious struggle simply to get the word out. Continue reading
Keyword Research: Two Unusual Resources
"Check what keywords your competitors are using, and build better content to win their traffic." Sound familiar? While that statement represents one traditional approach to keyword research, it could also kick off a losing battle. You really want to be where your competitors aren't, but where you can still find lots of traffic looking for what you have to offer. To do this, you may need to do a little research off the beaten path.
Continue reading
Republishing Content: The Right Way to Do it
To totally misquote Barbie, "Writing original content is hard!" Well, if it was easy, anybody could rank, right? When you need to create something new on a daily basis for your blog, it's tempting to find a great piece of work and just copy it. That's illegal – but there is a legal way to do it.
Continue reading


text: A new firehouse was erected with space for two pieces of equipment and a recreation room. The adjoining lot was used for the annual carnival and parking space. In the recreation room was a billiard table, card tables, piano, comfortable chairs and reading material. The company also operated their own store for the convenience of the members and served soft drinks, candies, tobacco and other small items which gave the firemen another source of revenue.


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Here's a lesson in democracy. In preparation for the upcoming November elections a group of local activists sent a questionnaire to the 85 candidates from their county running for seats in the state legislature. They hoped the information they'd receive would encourage debate and allow voters to make better decisions at the ballot box.
What did they get instead? They got slammed. Their survey was called "abhorrent and repulsive," and the newspaper that brought the charges against them ignored their calls for a reasonable policy debate and did not allow them to respond with as little as a letter to the editor.
The candidate survey from Peace Action Montgomery came under attack for a single question in it, that – you guessed it – addressed the Israeli occupation.
Del. Benjamin Kramer (D-Montgomery), one of the candidates receiving the survey, issued a public letter calling the questionnaire "anti-Semitic" and promising to encourage fellow candidates to ignore it.
Anti-Semitic? You be the judge.
Question 5 is composed of only three sentences. The first two are statements of facts:
1. "In the past, the Maryland state legislature has exercised its power to order the state's pension system to divest its holdings in companies that are complicit in illegal activities in other countries."
2. "The World Court has ruled that Israel's separation wall and settlements in the West Bank are illegal."
Based on those facts, a legitimate policy question is asked:
"Would you support a similar divestment bill targeting companies that knowingly participate in these illegal activities in Israel?"
The question does not single out Jews. It does not even single out Israel. It does single out actions that break international law. What's wrong with that?
Ask Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, who described the questionnaire by Peace Action Montgomery as "abhorrent and repulsive." The JCRC holds its own set of candidate forums and distributes questionnaires to inform its members. But apparently others cannot do as much.
This whole controversy erupted on the front page of the local Washington Jewish Week ("Parsing the D-word"). Peace Action Montgomery was quoted in the D-article, but its letter to the editor following the publication of the slander was never printed. In that letter, Peace Action Montgomery called for an open, reasonable debate on the merits of BDS, pro and con. The group even invited the paper that slandered it to co-moderate the debate. But the Washington Jewish Week has chosen to ignore the invitation altogether. What are they so afraid of?
We print here what the Washington Jewish week would not publish:
"Parsing the D Word" (July 29) not only pointed out the controversy over using divestment as a strategy to encourage Israel to abide by international laws regarding human rights; it also included statements by an unidentified Jewish backer to MD Delegate, Jim Pettit, that slammed Peace Action Montgomery as "a façade" and questioned its legitimacy as an organization that truly promotes peace. In reality, anyone who took the time to review our activities would see that we have consistently opposed military interventions and U.S. funding of ALL military occupations, but particularly those in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories, since they garner by far the largest chunk of U.S. taxpayer dollars. We also vehemently oppose anti-Semitism and bigotry and are offended at being defamed for our support for human rights, protection of civil rights and opposition to violations of the rule of law.
Our question to the Washington Jewish Week is why the published article neglected to point out that our letter in response to Delegate Kramer invited him to join us in a public debate on the issue of how best to advance a just resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, with Washington Jewish Week as a co-moderator of the event, along with a representative of another organization.
We have had no response to that invitation and so propose it again. We hope that Del. Kramer and/or Washington Jewish Week will accept this invitation for a much needed dialogue on this significant issue.
There are a lot of benefits of a wholesome lifestyle. But can medicines help us? In fact, it is not so easy to find trusted web-site. Choosing the best treatment variation for a racy disease can get really confusing considering the merits and demerits of the existing treatment methodologies. Diflucan (fluconazole), the first of a new group of synthetic antifungal agents, is existing as a powder for oral suspension. Viagra which is used to treat erectile disfunction and similar states when erection is of low quality. Cialis is a medicine prescribed to treat a lot of complaints. What do you know about buy cialis online cheap? Our article focuses on the treatment of erectile disfunction and buy cialis cheap. Generally, both men and women suffer from sexual dysfunctions. What are the symptoms of sexual disorders? In fact, a scientific reviews found that up to three quarters of men on such preparation experience erectile dysfunction. Such disease is best solved with vocational help, commonly through counseling with a certified physician. Your sex therapist can help find the treatment that is better for you and your partner. The most common objectionable side effects of such medications like Cialis is dizziness. This is not a complete list of potential side effects and others may occur. Even if this cure is not for use in women, this medicine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.


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FORT COLLINS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Big Shot Bikes is expanding its shop and distribution center from 7,000 square feet to just over 12,000.
"This expansion will effectively double our capacity and allow us to continue to grow while better serving our customers," said owner Matt Peterson. "The new space will allow us to streamline production, fulfill our orders in a more efficient manner, ultimately allowing our bikes to reach the customer more quickly."
Big Shot Bikes, founded in 2009, sells custom fixies, single-speed road bikes and cruisers.
"By introducing our cruiser line last year we created a need for more space to accommodate our growth. This new space will allow us to expand our inventory without hindering production," Peterson said.


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Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who was a high school principal, founded AARP, in the year 1958.AARP has its roots in the national Retired Teachers Association, that was established much earlier in the year 1947, in order to solve the health insurance needs of the local teachers. This is a non-governmental organization that is known to be serving the interests of special class of people, such as those who are of the age of 50 years or above. Today the activities of AARP have diversified, and include membership of diversified class of people. It is expected that the membership of the company, will be around 70 million by the year 2015.
AARP Ratings
overall rating
Based on 5 review – 1 is lowest, 5 is highest
There are many services that can be linked to AARP, and the services of the company includes that of negotiating offers so that there are reduced rates for members at various places that includes tourist attractions, automobile rental companies and motel and hotel chains. There are many programs that are provided at reduced costs, in order to mange different kinds of scams and complexities that may arise, in case of predatory lending and financing. They are very popularly known to be defending and advancing the interests of the senior population, through great efforts at the state and national government level. This organization does not support or oppose, or provide money to any candidate or political party. This organization also publishes a popular magazine that is known as AARP The Magazine that mainly focuses on issues that are directly related to the process of aging. This is a bimonthly magazine, and is sent to all members of AARP, making the circulation of the magazine one of the largest in the world.
With AARP You Get
There are number of facilities that you receive as a member of AARP.
- You are provided with expert advice on aspects of healthy living, protection of the interests of the customers and also on how to take care of your aging parents.
- There are many kinds of help facilities that include tax prep help, safety courses for drivers and local chapters and nationwide volunteer work.
- Several of your issues are represented in appropriate places, such as issues related to Medicare, social security and consumer safety.
- You are also provided with different kinds of insurance that includes health, automobile and homeowners insurance.


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Work with the top real estate agent in Temecula call, 951-200-5750
Temecula, California (PRWEB) May 25, 2014
Kevin Leonard is one of the top home loans specialists in the United States. Recently the mortgage professional added a real estate agent in Temecula to his mortgage website. He is making Realtor connections and partnering up with the top Realtors that he and his team are offering home loans in. By doing this, not only can they help connect loans with buyers, but they can also now connect those buyers with the best real estate agents in those areas. By working with both sides of the market, this will help make the entire process of buying a home an easier for the consumer. The mortgage lender and his team have grown to be one of the most reliable and professional mortgage originators in the business.
The entire home buying process can be extremely stressful for most people. From getting approved for a loan, to understanding that loan, and all the way up to finding the right Realtor who will help clients find a dream house. Finding the right Temecula Realtor can be very difficult. Those that are searching for an agent want to make sure that they find someone who not only understands exactly what to look for, but someone who knows the price range that will fit within the client's budget. Someone who will have their clients best interest, and who will make sure that everything is taken care of also, someone trustworthy but most importantly, with lots of local experience. Kevin Leonard does this by connecting the buyer with the top real estate agents in their specific areas. By providing simple information in their videos, for example see "real estate agent Temecula", he and his team are able to get out the real estate information in an easy to understand way.
Kevin Leonard has been focusing on expanding the Riverside County real estate market, along with the other cities in Southern California. By spending their energy working with the an internet marketing company to professionally create videos and rank websites they have been very successful in connecting prospective buyers with the best real estate agents in Temecula. The mortgage professional helps his entire Realtor partnerships by setting up all the internet marketing tools needed to compete in today's market. The mortgage consultant along with the marketing company has completed videos for each city and is in the works of releasing them to the public. Kevin Leonard started a few months back with videos for San Diego real estate brokers, and the videos have been able to rise in the ranks, and showcase their Realtors and the services they provide. The mortgage group's focus right now is the Temecula and Murrieta areas. The Temecula Valley has recovered nicely since mortgage crisis, and has just been missing one thing, the right home loan specialist to connect the right buyers with the top real estate agents in the business. The mortgage originator has combined mortgage professionals with real estate agents in Murrieta and Temecula by developing informative videos to find sellers and buyers. The "Murrieta real estate agent" video was released with the main goal to get potential clients for that particular Realtor. The mortgage consultant along with his marketing firm is completing videos for each city in Riverside County, and should be completed by the end of June, 2014.
Kevin Leonard and his team has uploaded the new videos on video sharing sites, and mortgage banking forums to promote the real estate agents in Temecula and Murrieta area. The videos were released in hopes to get the attention of potential clients to provide pre-approvals for home loans in Riverside County. To find out more about the new marketing drive by the mortgage professional, or to speak with a Riverside home loans specialist company representative call (951) 200-5750.
About: Kevin Leonard entered into the mortgage business in 1997. He is personally responsible for thousands of fundings, and along with his team, he has over 5 billion in residential loans funded to his credit. Mr. Leonard has a full understating of the loan process from start to finish and also consults with mortgage bankers in the secondary market. There are few, if any, that have the experience that Kevin Leonard has in the mortgage profession. He was one of the first to register with NMLS in 2008 when it was first instituted, and currently is licensed in the state of California as a loan originator. He now has numerous partnerships with the top real estate agents in Temecula for a reason; he is the best in the business.
Kevin Leonard
(951) 200-5750


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The RIA market continues to grow, but it wound up in second place last year.
The success of the dually registered channel was a highlight in 2012, Cerulli Associates said in a recent report.
While RIA assets under management rose by 14.7%, advisors able to receive both fees and commissions did even better, increasing their assets by 19.1%. These two channels led the way last year, which Cerulli attributed to advisor movement from other channels.
With access to both commission- and fee-based business, dually registered advisors have additional ways to generate revenues, Cerulli associate director Tyler Cloherty told Financial Planning. They might continue to collect trail commissions from mutual funds, for example. Some dually registered advisors may start their own RIA yet maintain their relationship with an independent broker-dealer for back office services, research, and so on. Some advisors also might want to retain their ability to offer commission-based products such as variable annuities, Cloherty added.
According to Cerulli, the dually registered channel is especially popular among advisors moving from independent broker-dealers. These advisors are used to independent operation while their increased reliance on fee-based relationships makes the economics of managing those relationships under their own RIA more attractive than using their IBDs corporate RIA.
In fact, aggregators have chosen the dually registered model, which offers the easiest transition for advisors with both fee and commission business, often the case with wirehouse and other broker-dealer advisors. By offering equity as well as payouts, those aggregators have had success recruiting productive advisors from wirehouses, regional firms, and private banks. Broker-dealers should consider offering advisors multiple paths within their firm to help retain advisors under one umbrella, the Cerulli report suggested.
Looking ahead, Cerulli sees wirehouses losing 6.9% of asset market share from 2011 to 2014. The RIA and dually registered channels are expected to gain some of those assets, with projected increases of 2.2% and 2.4%, respectively. However, Cerulli sees regional firms as the biggest winners, with a 3.5% increase in asset market share.
Wirehouses are concentrating on more affluent investors and moving away from the mass market, according to Cloherty, so there is some planned attrition among their advisors. Low- to mid-level advisors may be solid producers at regional firms, he said. Adding such advisors and serving investors that the wirehouses no longer pursue may allow regional broker-dealers to increase their share of client assets this year and next.
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Gingivitis Symptoms
In some cases, the patient is unaware of the existing gingivitis as it may or may not be painful. Regular visits to name for dental examinations and cleanings will ensure the quick detection of any irregularities in the teeth and gums. Below we have provided a list of some the common symptoms that may indicate a presence of gingivitis.
- Red, swollen gums
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- Itchy or sensitive gums
- Gum recession (when the gum draws away from the tooth)


text: 16 December 2009A new magazine hoped to inform consumers about cosmetic surgery is to launch in the US in January 2010. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is launching New You, an official consumer magazine to represent the views of the 2,500 strong organisation. The editor in chief, J. P. Faber explained that the magazine would focus on the wants and needs of the average individual rather than celebrity driven. The magazine backers hope that the magazine will help plastic surgery enter the mainstream and work towards removing the stigma sometimes attached to undergoing cosmetic treatments. All of the magazine's content will be reviewed by a board of editorial advisors to ensure that it is relevant and accurate. Jeff Knezovich, executive vice president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery said: "Our goal is to educate the public about their choices in cosmetic procedures. "Whether our readers want to reduce wrinkles to look younger, or change something more fundamental with a facelift or liposuction, we want them to be fully informed about the costs, the results and the safety issues." The first run of the magazine will see 250,000 copies delivered to waiting rooms in cosmetic surgery clinics, book stores, newsstands and high end hotels and spas. Faber explained that the team behind New You were specifically aiming their magazine at a particular demographic as mass audience magazines are facing challenges during the downturn. He said: "Our readers are actively spending on their appearance, specifically to reverse the signs of aging. This is a great audience for any provider of cosmetic products or procedures." The UK's first cosmetic surgery magazine was launched in November of this year.


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Over the past year, MAALA has risen from little known Kiwi enigma to garnering near instant acclaim on the world stage. Since first single 'Touch' hit the airwaves (reaching #2 on the Alternative Airplay charts and over 1 million streams on Spotify alone), the accolades flooded in, the streams kept flowing, and the fan base grew exponentially. In an age of oversharing, MAALA's anonymity put the focus back on the music. Where it should be.
With the wheels firmly in motion, fellow Kiwi Zane Lowe, host of Apple's taste-making Beats 1 radio show, proclaimed that MAALA's music 'blew him away', even premiering the buzzing, new wavy 'Into the Air' to millions of listeners. Evidently, Evan's first release, 2015's MAALA EP, was an instant success (Top 5 iTunes, #3 NZ Top 40) with over three million streams and counting. Numerous international blogs praised the release, including Hilly Dilly ("…a rather invincible body of work,") Acid Stag, ("Another mysterious newcomer bringing some serious talent to the scene…") as well as local blogs including Sniffers and Libel. A sold out EP release show followed.
Now with his recently released new album Composure, MAALA reaches – and in many cases, surpasses -- the upper echelons of his contemporaries. The songs twist and turn but never deviate from their path. Some swell up in steady euphoric revelry; others simmer in the heat of heartbreak and lost love. All this from a guy of just 21.


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Grammies in town so she took the kids last night so Colt and I were left home alone..
So when Colt came home we hit the kitchen for a date night in. We scavenged through the fridge and came up with this years summertime salad must have: Nectarine Summer Salad With Prosciutto Blue Cheese And Lemon Rosemary Thyme Vinaigrette.
Whew that was a mouthful!
Sorry, not sorry for the long name but I wanted to make sure you understood just how amazing this salad is. The dressing is light and fragrant followed by the sweet bites of nectarine, thin salty slices of prosciutto and sharp, salty bites of blue cheese.
Every bite was an amazing mouthful of flavor explosion.
If blue cheese isn't your thing feta or goat cheese would make a great substitute. Chow down, mow down, devour! It won't last long.
The Lemon Rosemary Thyme Vinaigrette is super easy to make. Just shake together: 1/3 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, 3 tablespoons Water, 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon Honey, 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt, 1 teaspoon Freshly Chopped Rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Thyme with stems removed. This can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
In a large bowl add about 8 ounces Mixed Baby Lettuce, 2 whole Sliced Ripe Nectarines, 4 ounces Thinly Sliced Prosciutto and 1/3 cup Blue Cheese Or Other Desired Cheese. Drizzle with Lemon Rosemary Vinaigrette. Add Fresh Black Pepper to taste.
Devour and enjoy every flavor packed bite!
Yield: 5 ServingsPin it
Nectarine Salad With Prosciutto Blue Cheese And Lemon Rosemary Thyme Vinaigrette
Nectarine Summer Salad With Prosciutto Blue Cheese And Lemon Rosemary Thyme Vinaigrette perfect for summer barbecues, picnics and hot summer days.
Rated 55 based on 2 customer reviewsprep time: 15 MINScook time: total time: 15 mins
- 1/3 cup Lemon Juice, Fresh Squeezed
- 3 tablespoons Water
- 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary, Stems Removed and Chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Thyme, Stems Removed
- 8 ounces Mixed Baby Lettuce
- 2 whole Nectarines, Pit Removed And Sliced
- 4 ounces Prosciutto
- 1/3 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
- Fresh Black Pepper To Taste
- In a jar with a tight fitting lid shake together lemon juice, water, olive oil, honey, sea salt, rosemary, and thyme. Vinaigrette can be refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large bowl add baby lettuce, nectarines, prosciutto and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and add fresh black pepper to taste.
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© 2015 Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
Created using The Recipes Generator


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More Information
Most private centers only take private coverage or cash payments. To get the best care possible at these private facilities, typically you need a private health plan.
Self Admissions
Most private centers only take private coverage or cash payments. To get the best care possible at these private facilities, typically you need a private health plan.
Admit A Loved One
Most private centers only take private coverage or cash payments. To get the best care possible at these private facilities, typically you need a private health plan.
Health Insurance?
Most private centers only take private coverage or cash payments. To get the best care possible at these private facilities, typically you need a private health plan.
Drug abuse rates are increasing globally, and it's affecting multiple generations, genders, and demographics. Even in the United States, drug abuse has reached levels that are far from tolerable. Street drugs and prescription painkillers alike are being misused at alarming rates, causing addiction and other dangerous effects such as fatal overdose.
And despite the number of deaths caused by drug abuse, the numbers aren't going down. For many countries all over the world, the fight against drugs is one where they are on the losing end.
The Rise of Drug Addiction
As we already know, most drugs are illegal. Even those that are prescribed legally have to be used in the exact manner it is prescribed, or else they will be considered both illegal and dangerous. And yet drug use and misuse is prevalent in most parts of the world.
Individuals that are taking drugs illegally are not likely to speak up about their drug habits, so determining extremely accurate statistics is nearly impossible.
However, there are still several surveys, reports, and studies that we can rely on in order to track the rise of drug addiction in the country. And these significant bits of information suggest that drug use in the US is very high, and is still on the rise. Some studies claim that it is at a point where it is approaching historic levels.
Addiction Statistics
For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, reported in 2014 that an estimated 24.6 million Americans over the age of 12 had used an illicit drug during the last month. This represented 9.4 percent of the demographic. For reference, it was only 8.3 percent back in 2002.
Employee drug testing can also be a reliable way of determining the numbers related to drug use. Quest Diagnostics is among the top providers of these tests. In 2015, they reported that the percentage of employees testing positive for drugs has reached a 10-year high. Their report was based on almost 11 million drug test results. 4% of the urine tests were positive. In 2014, the percentage was only 1.4.
The UN's World Drug Report of 2016 states that the number of heroin users in the United States has reached a 20-year high. Since 2000, the number of deaths related to heroin abuse has increased five-fold.
As for opioids, the number of drug overdose deaths since 1999 has quadrupled, despite the fact that certain opioids are supposed to be helpful. From these statistics, we can tell the difference between drug use and drug abuse. Certain drugs can be helpful if used correctly—but unfortunately, many people opt to use their prescription drugs recreationally.
It also appears as though people have not been deterred by the fact that they know more about the dangers of drug abuse now more than ever. In the age of technology and accessible information through the internet, the overdose rates for street drugs have skyrocketed.
Recreational Drug Use: No Demographic is Safe
Because of the rampant use of drugs in the US, we can say that there are no demographics that are completely immune to its temptations. In fact, certain groups have even seen significant increases in drug consumption over the past decade. We're talking about groups that aren't usually viewed as the ones that are prone to substance abuse.
Baby boomers are definitely the most surprising example. This demographic represents adults over the age of 50. The group is composed of people who were born between 1945 and 1964. There are individuals within this demographic that used drugs in their younger years, but stopped once they've started their own families. However, they resumed taking drugs recently, now that they have fewer responsibilities. Will we see an increase in admissions for boomers into alcohol and drug treatment programs? The data says we will.
It also happens to be the generation that was historically obsessed with drugs.
It's surprising to find out that older adults are abusing drugs and being arrested for drug-related offenses. In other cases, baby boomers who take drugs recreationally die from drug overdose. The numbers suggest an increasing rate of overdose-related deaths in this demographic. Again, the numbers tell us that we will see an increased number of older people coming into drug and alcohol rehab centers.
Women & Addiction
In recent years, women have also become more prone to the temptations of drug abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that the gap in heroin use between men and women have narrowed significantly throughout the 21st century.
According to the CDC, the rate of heroin use among women increased 100 percent from 2002 to 2013.
Now according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, or NCADD, women are the fastest growing demographic of alcohol and drug abuse in the United States. Around 4.5 million women over the age of 12 have been reported to have a substance use disorder, while 3.5 million have been misusing their prescription drugs, Among girls between age 12 and 17, prescription painkillers, alcohol, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs are being abused at a rate that now matches that of boys the same age.
Another demographic that is often not seen as in danger of substance abuse problems are wealthier individuals. Drug abuse has always been viewed as a problem for the poor. Recent studies suggest otherwise. In 2007, the Healthy Kids Survey found that wealthy kids from Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California were more likely to use drugs that kids from poorer communities.
The survey cited that the kids had more disposable income, coupled by the fact that their parents were more likely to be absent. The wealthier kids also faced more pressure of having to be successful. These factors may have contributed to the substance abuse problem.
Previously, drug use was linked to poverty due to low education. But affluence can bring its own set of risk factors, such as those mentioned above. And we've established that in this age of information, even more people are abusing illicit substances.
Even the 2012 study published by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs confirmed that young adults with higher levels of socioeconomic status were more likely to drink alcohol and use marijuana, compared to their poorer peers.
Why Are Drugs Abuse More Now?
While it's clear that the numbers are rising, it's not exactly easy to know the specific reasons why. Several theories are being presented as to why drug abuse problems only seem to be worsening despite the constant campaigns against them.
Some say that there has been a rise in cases of chronic pain, which potentially leads to an increase in prescription painkiller abuse. The increase in opioid prescriptions has led to opioid abuse and addiction. These prescription painkillers may have even served as the gateway for much worse drug problems.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 11.2 percent of American adults experience chronic pain, while 17.6 percent are struggling with severe pain.
Prescription Drug Addiction Trends
With an estimated 126 million Americans reporting some level of pain, it's no surprise that more and more prescription painkillers are being given away. And the fact that painkillers are more accessible than street drugs only makes them much easier to abuse, for those who have that intention. The correlation between pain and drug abuse then becomes much easier to see.
Another theory suggests that there is simply a change in perspective when it comes to drugs. Americans of different ages will have different perceptions when it comes to the dangers of drug use. This theory is somewhat backed up by the changing views on marijuana, which is now legal in several states for recreational and medicinal use. In 2015, a survey revealed that 58% of the population was in favor of legalizing the drug.
Of course, this theory does not fully hold up when talking about other drugs. Favorable opinion on marijuana does not reflect the opinion on other illicit drugs, after all.
Although it could be stated that popular culture and the media could have an effect on how the general public perceives drug use, with TV shows and movies showing different interpretations of the effects of various substances. While some may choose to be responsible with their portrayal, others may romanticize the nature of drug abuse, leading some of the viewers to believe that it is not that dangerous.
One of the more plausible theories states that more people are abusing drugs because more people are stressed out these days. This simple explanation is rooted in the idea that employees have shown high levels of stress and anxiety related to their job security and income. Another factor that causes stress for employees, according to surveys, is the threat of workplace discrimination.
The American Psychology Association, or APA, conducted a study in 2015 that measured the stress levels of Americans on a scale of 1 to 10. The average stress level stood at 5.1, which was a slight increase from the year before. One quarter of the respondents reported extreme stress due to money and work problems.
The survey also found that 61 percent of adults were reportedly experiencing unfair treatment on a day-to-day basis.
Stress due to financial problems as well as professional problems may push a person to look for distractions. Unfortunately, some people turn to drugs in order to forget about their problems for a while, not minding the larger problems that the substance will cause in the future.
Other common factors that may cause drug abuse are mental illness and environment.
How to Know If Someone is Abusing?
If you think someone you care about is abusing their prescription drugs, make sure to keep track of their intake. Someone who is abusing a drug will run out of their prescription much sooner than they are supposed to. They will take the drug in large doses, or simply take it more often than they should.
Some people will attempt to hide the fact that they are abusing their prescription pills, so you're gonna have to work smarter to learn the truth.
There are also those who attempt "doctor shopping". This means that they'll visit multiple doctors just to get the same prescription over and over again. This is a clear sign of substance abuse, because more often than not, the first prescription should be enough for them.
While we cannot effectively stop drug use in the entire nation, we can do our part when it comes to helping the people we can reach out to. Parents and community leaders alike should do their part in taking a proactive solution to substance abuse and its prevention.
Sometimes change starts when you begin looking for the signs and recognizing the risk factors.
Even if your loved one doesn't admit that they are abusing a drug, there are signs you can watch out for that will speak volumes about what's really going on. An addicted individual may have problems at work or at school. They will begin neglecting their responsibilities, and their own health and appearance.
You will notice behavioral changes. They may start acting euphoric for no apparent reason, or they may become secretive.
If stress is the primary cause of drug abuse, parents should teach their children about the various healthy ways to manage stress. This way, they could channel their energy into something more productive. It could even reduce their drug use.
But if all else fails, the best way to deal with addiction is through drug rehab. Be aware that you won't have full control over the success of the rehab process, but it can significantly improve the person's chances of getting better.
Addiction is hard to beat—but every addicted individual should start somewhere. They should take the right path towards sobriety.
Substance abuse and drug addiction are problems that are present in every society. Curiosity, youthful rebelliousness, and other factors can cause people to experiment with drugs. Before they know it, they are already hooked. The best thing to do is to have a group of trained professionals deal with the physical and mental effects of addiction. That way, the individual can go back to living a sober life.
Heroin Abuse: An Overview
Heroin is one of the most commonly abused drugs today. In fact, the UN states that heroin use and heroin addiction in the US is at a 20-year high right now, and can be considered an epidemic. This can be attributed to the cheap supply of heroin that's readily available for recreational users. It's no wonder the drug problem has completely gripped the nation. Addiction centers are now facing an epidemic unlike that which has been seen before. As more and more private addiction treatment centers take on private insurance or cash for payment, many addicts (whom often do not have private insurance or cash to pay for care) are left looking for free public assistance inpatient or outpatient care for detoxing and rehab from alcohol or drugs.
Because of the increased rate of heroin abuse, the number of drug-related deaths has also increased.
According to the UN's 2016 World Drug Report, the number of heroin users in the US has reached around one million back in 2014, which is almost three times as many as in 2003. The trend seems to be continuing due to the US legislation introduced in recent years, which makes prescription painkillers harder to access.
Oxycodone, for example, is a powerful opioid that can have similar effects to heroin. Because they can no longer obtain prescription opioids, illicit users turn to street drugs such as heroin. This partial shift from painkillers to heroin can also be due to the fact that prescription pills have been made to be more difficult to crush, dilute, and inject into the bloodstream.
It can also be due to the increased supply of heroin, which lowered the prices in recent years.
Meth, Cocaine, and other Street Drugs: An Epidemic
Heroin may be widely abused, but sadly, it's not the only drug that's causing problems. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and other street drugs have now also reached epidemic status due to their abuse. These drugs are highly addictive, and can cause a wide range of adverse effects for those who are taking them.
But that's not stopping recreational users from taking them for the sake of euphoric sensations. Let's have a closer look at what each of these drugs are, and what the statistics say about their abuse rates.
In 2012, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, or NSDUH, reported that approximately 0.4 percent of the population has used methamphetamine in the past year. This represents approximately 1.2 million people. Among them, 0.2 percent reported to using it in the past month.
In that same year, the Monitoring the Future survey of adolescent drug use and attitudes reported that 1 percent of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders had used methamphetamine within 12 months.
The Drug Abuse Warning Network, or DAWN, which collects information from hospital emergency departments (EDs) to survey drug-related cases, reported that methamphetamine accounted for 103,000 ED visits in 2011. In this department, meth was the fourth most notorious drug that caused ED visits, following cocaine, marijuana, and heroin.
Cocaine happens to be the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world. Recent statistics even show that cocaine has continuously been seized internationally, and now reaches a total of 756 metric tons annually.
The largest quantities of cocaine were intercepted in South America, followed closely by North America.
But the US isn't the only one affected by high rates of cocaine abuse. The European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction states that cocaine is also the second most commonly used illegal drug in Europe. Among people between ages 15 and 34, an estimated 7.5 million have used cocaine at least once in their life. 3.5 million of them have used cocaine in the last year, and 1.5 million have used it as recently as the past month.
In 2006, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 35.3 million Americans over the age of 12 have used cocaine. Even crack cocaine is being abused widely, with 8.6 million people in the US aged 12 above reportedly using it.
This problem persists even today, with cocaine being one of the most prominently mentioned illegal drugs in the Drug Abuse Warning Network.
Why are Prescription Drugs Abused?
Street drugs like heroin and cocaine are abused by illicit users due to the euphoric experience they provide. You would expect prescription drugs to be much safer, but that's where most people are wrong. Prescription drugs can even be considered more dangerous than street drugs, considering how much more accessible they are, and how some people may believe that they are any less addictive.
People experiment with prescription drugs, thinking it will help them have more fun in social scenarios. Some people think it will help them fit in—or for those who are conscious about their appearance, even help them lose weight.
Students have used prescription drugs to help them study more effectively—thinking the drugs have any effect on their productivity.
Prescription drugs are easier to obtain, at least when compared to street drugs. Even family members can have them. This is because prescription drugs are actually given to serve a medical purpose. If they are used exactly as prescribed, they can provide significant health benefits. But if misused, this could have the opposite effect, and actually harm the person taking them. A qualified recovery center can help you overcome your addiction and start a new lifestyle, but you have to be committed not just interested in making a change.
Prescription drugs are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs. Do take note that despite being legally obtained, if a prescription pill is misused, it can still be considered illegal. Misusing your prescription is against the law.
And prescription drug abuse is still on the rise. In 2012, 24 percent of teens surveyed admitted that they have taken a prescription drug without a doctor's prescription. This is simply because they think it is safer and less addictive than street drugs. If they are given away by doctors, surely they should be safe, right? But prescription pills aren't like that at all.
Keep in mind that prescription drugs are only safe for those who are actually in need of them. Most of the time, opioids and opiates are given to patients who are suffering from pain ranging from moderate to severe. Chronic pain sufferers are also given painkillers in order to alter the way their brain perceives pain.
And even in those cases, the user must make sure to take their prescription responsibly. Most prescription painkillers are habit-forming. They can easily find themselves addicted if they are not careful.
But for those who are taking prescription drugs properly, they should have nothing to worry about. Their doctor has already examined them and determined exactly how they should take their medicine. They would have already told the patient what to avoid while taking the drug. Things like drinking alcohol, smoking, and taking other medications should be off the table.
If your doctor prescribes an opioid, do not take it more often than you are supposed to, do not take larger doses than prescribed, and do not share it with your friends.
What Are The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
Opioids are semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives of the opium poppy plant. This includes oxycodone and OxyContin, hydrocodone, and mepiridine. They are prescription painkillers that help block pain signals, but also produce euphoric side effects. This is why they are prone to being abused.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants, or simply depressants, are normally used to treat anxiety, tension, sleep disorders, and panic attacks. Examples are diazepam, alprazolam, and pentobarbital sodium. They work by slowing down brain activity through the increased activity of the neurotransmitter called GABA. Users may become drowsy or sleepy after taking this type of drug.
Because of the way they "depress" the nervous system, you can expect these drugs to have relaxing or sleep-inducing side effects.
Illicit users will take depressants to relax themselves or forget their problems for a while. Of course, just like prescription painkillers, this will cause adverse health effects.
The opposite of depressants, stimulants can also be abused by illicit users. Stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to increase brain activity, resulting in greater levels of energy and alertness. The person will be able to concentrate better as a side effect. Stimulants are often used to treat narcolepsy as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
Abusing these otherwise helpful medications can cause problems at school, work, at home, and even with the law. As the user experiences these social difficulties, their physical and mental health may also deteriorate slowly. And as they become more and more addicted, their body develops dependence for their drug of choice.
In no time, they will become unable to function normally without taking the drug continuously. Becoming reliant on the drug in order to function, the person's health progressively worsens, and their actions become more geared towards the acquisition of the drug. They will center their time and attention on trying to take more of the substance, even if they are already experiencing its adverse effects.
They also become more likely to commit crimes due to their impulsive need for drugs. They may commit a crime in an attempt to obtain more drugs, or they may become a victim of a crime themselves.
Addicted individuals are prone to self-destructive and self-sabotaging behavior. They may get into traffic accidents—and what's worse is that they may begin to harm the people around them.
Other effects may vary depending on the type of drug they are abusing. Those who are taking opioids, for example, are likely to suffer from vomiting, mood changes, and a decline in cognitive function. Some even suffer from decreased respiratory function, coma, and death.
The risk increases when opioids are taken alongside substances like alcohol and depressants.
Speaking of depressants, abruptly ending your depressant intake once you're already dependent can be very dangerous as they can quickly lead to seizures. These drugs, when taken alongside alcohol or other drugs can slow a person's heartbeat to the point of death.
Meanwhile, stimulants may cause both seizures and heart failures. Taking too much of a stimulant can lead to dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat, and behavioral changes. The person may become paranoid or aggressive.
Unlike opioids and depressants may not lead to physical dependence and withdrawal, the euphoric sensations caused by stimulants can make it a hard habit to break.
Rise of Alcohol Addiction Awareness
Alcohol is a very prominent part of just about every culture all around the world. It is very popular in many different nations, and is considered legal in most of them. But it is also important to talk about how alcohol is commonly considered a drug because it is so prevalent in society.
Alcohol abuse is a problem—there's no other way to look at it. There are many people that can be called "high performing" alcoholics because they can still hold down a high paying job and have a family—but there's no denying that they have a problem. They are addicted to a substance and they still need help.
Everyone comes to a breaking point when it comes to addiction, and it is better to get help sooner rather than later.
More Americans are drinking alcohol. And those who are drinking to a point that it is dangerous or harmful—their numbers are steadily rising as well. Drinking patterns have changed between 2002 and 2013. Drinking in general rose substantially within that time frame. And problematic drinking increased by an even greater percentage.
Just like drugs, no demographics are safe. Women, racial minorities, older generations, and people of different economic status have seen large spikes in drinking percentage. And similar to how drug abuse is an epidemic, alcohol abuse has become a public health crisis.
And with the rise in alcoholism comes the rise of violence, crime, accidents, diseases, and psychiatric problems. These are all major issues that can be dealt with by tackling the root cause: excessive drinking.
Studies define high-risk drinking as four or more drinks a day for women, and five or more drinks a day for men—both on a weekly basis. Overall, high-risk drinking rose by 29.9 percent between 2002 and 2013. Among women, it rose by approximately 58 percent. As for older adults, the number rose by to 65 percent.
Some of the theories that support the increase in drug abuse may also explain the increase in alcohol abuse in recent years. Stress can cause people to drink. And the changing popular opinion may make abusing alcohol seem like a safe idea. But regardless of the reasons, the figures are something to worry about.
High functioning alcoholics do exist. Even more so than high functioning drug addicts. Partly because drinking alcohol does not carry the same stigma as drug use. Work parties, birthday parties, happy hours, for adults they all often include consuming alcohol. When you keep drinking for longer periods of time, and need more and more to get "buzzed" or "drunk" you may be developing an addiction. So see an alcohol treatment center for help.
How Long Does Rehab Take?
If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol or a certain drug, it's not too late to seek help. You may be wondering how long rehab lasts, and we can say that 30 days is a good starting point. But depending on a patient's condition, they may take a longer time to adjust.
And achieving sobriety is a lifelong process. It needs to be maintained. The patient must learn how to stay sober—and an addiction treatment center can help them master that.
There are a couple of things you should know about rehab before you go on this journey. For starters, the person must decide for himself that they need help. You cannot force them to become sober again. That decision must come from within. If they cannot maintain their discipline, they won't be able to say goodbye to the substances that harm them. And sadly, there's not much you can do about it. The only thing you need to know is that you shouldn't blame yourself if your loved one refuses to get better.
You must not enable their addictive behavior though. And in many ways, it could even be better if you let them experience the consequences of their actions, so that they can realize that they need professional help. Let them see how important it is to be sober, and slowly they may welcome the idea of rehabilitation.
If they do decide to go into a rehab program, remember to support them all the way. It's not going to be easy, but it's a journey they need to take.
Addiction and its effects may vary from person to person, so expect the rehab facility to create a plan based on the patient's specific needs. It can be done as an inpatient program or an outpatient program, depending on the severity of addiction. Family participation may play a key role—or they may be better off alone for a while.
A 30-day addiction rehabilitation program is one of the more basic types of programs out there. These one-month rehab centers provide their patients the opportunity to stay clean without requiring a long term commitment.
For some patients, this may be all they need to get better. For others, this is a great way to get one foot in the door.
At the end of this program, individuals may choose to go on with a longer rehab program. They may also transition into an outpatient program, or go into a sober living facility to receive aftercare and help them maintain their sobriety.
Most patients don't really know what to expect when entering a rehab. And in some ways that is a good thing, because the only thing they will care about is whether the facility is effective or not. They will also be concerned about the monetary policies of the facility and its program. Of course, those who are addicted to certain substances will definitely suffer financially, so an expensive treatment plan may be off the table.
But consider rehab as a wise investment towards a better future. Even the more expensive ones are more practical than staying addicted and wasting money on drugs. Luckily, you don't even have to spend much for a good rehab program these days.
Most rehab facilities accept health insurance, financial support systems, and flexible payment options including cash payments.Insurance accepted at each center will vary so call ahead to see what type of insurance coverage your treatment center accepts. Rehab Cost varies, as some will pay nothing out of pocket while others may have a co-pay it really depends on your insurance providers's coverage for addiction.
Other than these financial concerns, you should consider the facility's offerings in terms of food quality, housing quality, and room quality. Of course, these will be on top of the actual program itself.
The ability to deal with shorterm and longterm drug abuse should play a role in choosing an addiction recovery center. The rehabilitation process is different depending on the duration of addiction and the severity.
During their 30-day stay in the rehab program, they will attend individual and group therapy sessions. Some facilities offer 12- step group meetings. Some of these programs are heavily based on religion to cater to those with similar beliefs.
Some programs group patients according to hobbies, interests, demographics, and age. This is to help them relate with people who are experiencing similar problems. This can reinvigorate their social skills and help them feel less alone.
During the program, they will go through behavioral therapy, which can teach them various methods of staying sober. At the same time, they will undergo medical detox. This is the part where their drug intake is gradually lowered, so that they don't experiencing intense withdrawal. Many people have questions about rehab. How long does it last, how much does it cost, should I or a loved one be in intensive outpatient or inpatient care? Speaking to a qualified addiction counsellor is the best thing to do when considering addiction treatment. As each person's situation is unique.
If they do experience withdrawal symptoms, it would be easier to manage because medical professionals are there to take care of them. Otherwise, quitting drugs without professional aid can be dangerous, especially for long term drug users.
Take note that 30-day rehab programs do require the patient to live at the rehab center for the duration of the program. This is so that they can focus entirely on getting better, without the usual triggers and temptations that they may come across in their usual environment. They will live with people who are going through similar struggles, so that they can feel less isolated. They can even start building a sober support network by making new friends and acquaintances.
This is a "lockdown" program, meaning the patient will have to stay for the entire 30 days. Initially, they may not be allowed to have visitors. However, certain programs grant more flexibility as the person recovers gradually. This helps them learn to become responsible and accept the responsibilities they've left behind during the course of their addiction.
These 30-day programs may vary based on the facility, so make sure you do your research before enrolling. Inquire about the programs they offer, and learn about the amenities provided. Learn all about the financial plans and payment methods available as well.
The problem of drug abuse and alcohol abuse may still be on the rise, but the only way to lower these figures is by starting with our own families—our own circles. If we can help one person achieve sobriety, we will make all the difference. Look for a rehab center near you today and find out how they can help your loved one get back to living a sober life!
Talking Points:
The Rise of Drug Addiction
Addiction Statistics
Recreational Drug Use: No Demographic is Safe
Women & Addiction
Why Are Drugs Abuse More Now?
Prescription Drug Addiction Trends
How to Know If Someone is Abusing?
Heroin Abuse: An Overview
Meth, Cocaine, and other Street Drugs: An Epidemic
Why are Prescription Drugs Abused?
What Are The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
Rise of Alcohol Addiction Awareness
How Long Does Rehab Take?
Drug Rehab Near Me:
Alcohol Rehab Near Me:
AA Meetings Near Me
Addiction Treatment Centers Near Me:
Inpatient Drug Rehab Near me:
Outpatient Drug Rehab Near Me:
On This Page
- 1 The Rise of Drug Addiction
- 2 Addiction Statistics
- 3 Recreational Drug Use: No Demographic is Safe
- 4 Women & Addiction
- 5 Why Are Drugs Abuse More Now?
- 6 Prescription Drug Addiction Trends
- 7 How to Know If Someone is Abusing?
- 8 Heroin Abuse: An Overview
- 9 Oxycodone
- 10 Meth, Cocaine, and other Street Drugs: An Epidemic
- 11 Methamphetamine
- 12 Cocaine
- 13 Why are Prescription Drugs Abused?
- 14 What Are The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
- 15 Rise of Alcohol Addiction Awareness
- 16 How Long Does Rehab Take?


text:
One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweat-shirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "University of Oklahoma."
And they say blondes are dumb…
A couple is lying in bed.
The man says, "I am going to make you the happiest woman in the world."
The woman replies, "I'll miss you…"
"It's just too hot to wear clothes today," Jack says as he stepped out of the shower, "Honey, what do you think the neighbors would think if I mowed the lawn like this?"
"Probably that I married you for your money," she replied.
He said – Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
She said – That's a good idea… you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart.
Q: What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man?
A: A rumor
A man and his wife, now in their 60′s, were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On their special day a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been so good that each one of them could have one wish. The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband.
Whoosh! Immediately she had airline/cruise tickets in her hands.
The man wished for a female companion 30 years younger.
Whoosh…immediately he turned ninety!!!
Gotta love that fairy!
Q: Why do little boys whine?
A: They are practicing to be men.
Q: What do you call a handcuffed man?
A: Trustworthy.
Q: What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name?
A: You did not hold the pillow down long enough.
Q: Why do men whistle when they are sitting on the toilet?
A: It helps them remember which end they need to wipe.
Q: How do you keep your husband from reading your e-mail?
A: Rename the mail folder "Instruction Manuals"


text:
SHE MAY PLAY a down-on-her-luck waitress in a new CBS sitcom, but Beth Behrs would say she's had a whole lot of luck in her life.
First, her father was offered a job at Dominican University, bringing the young actress and her family from Virginia to Marin — and closer to Hollywood.
Then, with just some modeling jobs, a few bit parts in TV shows and a whole lot of odd jobs behind her, Behrs landed a part in "American Pie Presents: The Book of Love," the seventh film in the raunchy teen sex-comedy series.
And now she's in "2 Broke Girls," one of the most talked-about new TV series this fall not only because it's co-written and executive produced by "Sex and the City's" Michael Patrick King and comedian Whitney Cummings, but also because it co-stars Kat Dennings, who was in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Thor."
"I've wanted to do this for so long, I'm still pinching myself that I'm getting a chance to do this," said Behrs, 25.
In "2 Broke Girls," which premiered Sept. 19, Behrs and Dennings are paycheck-to-paycheck waitresses at a Brooklyn, N.Y., restaurant who keep the banter racy as they try to scrape up enough money to open their own cupcake business. While Dennings' Max is pure working class, Behrs' Caroline is the spoiled once-wealthy daughter of an incarcerated Bernie Madoff-like schemer who's lost everything.
Behrs doesn't come from that sort of background herself — her father David is now head of school at San Domenico School in San Anselmo, her mother Maureen is a first grade teacher at Tam Valley Elementary School and her younger sister Emily is a sophomore at Cal Lutheran University — but she did spend her teenage years in Marin, which is full of privileged, entitled teens.
"None of my friends," said Behrs, who arrived at Tamalpais High in 2001 at age 15 and quickly made friends in the high school's highly regarded drama program. "I'm lucky I got into the Tam high drama program. Tam is such a great high school. No one was mean to me," she said.
But she does share one thing with her character; Behrs was a waitress at the now-closed Chili's near Northgate mall the summer of her senior year. "It was really hard," she said, recalling that she dropped a pretty full tray of drinks on her first night. "I was crying in the bathroom. I much preferred nannying."
A classically trained vocalist, Behrs studied and performed at the American Conservatory Theater, and was heading for a life onstage. "I sing and I like theater and I thought, Broadway, Broadway, Broadway!" But at an audition, a writer for "Cheers" told her that the best thing she could do as a young actress with her comedic timing — "I'm such a jokester; I'm very goofy" — is to get on a TV sitcom.
Behrs still hopes to perform on Broadway one day, but because "2 Broke Girls" is filmed before a live audience, she feels like she's getting some of that experience. "It's exhilarating. It has all the adrenaline of Broadway," she said.
Behrs always knew she wanted to be an actress.
"At a young age, she was all about performing and acting," her father said. "I still remember her singing at the top of her lungs at age 4 or 5, 'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.'
But he isn't too ruffled by her role in "American Pie." "It's not 'Doctor Zhivago,'" he laughed. "When an actress is trying to make it into the industry and you get a role like that, it does make an impact. You have to take risks," he said. "It's amazing to us that she has that comedic timing. We're just very happy and proud of her. She's worked hard."
A former Miss Marin, Behrs was a California Arts Scholar in acting, which gave her the opportunity to work with actress Helen Hunt. After graduating from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television in 2008, she won a Young Musician's Foundation Vocal Scholarship.
But it was "American Pie" that gave Behrs — she talks raunchy in the film but doesn't bare all — her biggest break. "This was my first really big role. I'm very lucky because I hadn't had much experience although I'd trained for so long," she said. "The friends I made on that film are some of my best friends. It was such a great experience."
Working in Hollywood happily hasn't strayed too far from what Behrs imagined it would be like. "Michael Patrick King has created such a familylike environment, it doesn't feel like I'm at work when I'm at work," she said. But she didn't anticipate the long hours a sitcom demands, with pages and pages of dialogue to memorize each week, which doesn't leave her much time to socialize.
Still, she manages to come back to Marin frequently to visit with friends and family. "I'm still friends with all my friends from Tam," she said.
Behrs is hopeful "2 Broke Girls" has a long run. "I'd love for this to be like a 'Friends.'"
And, understandably, she's somewhat nervous about any negative reviews. "I'm going to try not to read them," she said. "My mom's been sending me the good ones."
Vicki Larson can be reached at email@example.com; follow her on Twitter at @OMGchronicles, fan her at on Facebook at Vicki-Larson-OMG-Chronicles.
if you watch
What: "2 Broke Girls"
When: 8:30 p.m. Mondays
Where: CBS


text:
Delicate pink parasol coral (Metallogorgia
sp.) extends into the water column.
The term 'coral' evokes images of shallow sunlit reefs
with a wide diversity of associated organisms, including an abundance
of colorful fishes. Most people are aware of the role that coral
reefs play in supporting the local economies of tourist destinations
like the Florida Keys and the Hawaiian Islands. Further, most
are aware of the dangers that increasing water temperatures, overfishing,
and disease on the ecological health of reef ecosystems. However,
most people, except fishermen and some scientists, are unaware
that corals also occur in cold water and deep-sea regions around
the earth.
Although the existence of deep-sea corals was first
documented about two and a half centuries ago, most of what we
know about them has come from exploration and research within
the past few decades. With the development of simple underwater
imaging technologies like camera sleds, and more complex vehicles
like occupied submersibles and remotely operated vehicles, scientists
have been able to begin the study of corals and associated organisms
within their natural environments.
What Are Deep-Sea Corals?
Deep-sea corals are members of the Class of animals called
Anthozoa, which among other creatures, includes sea anemones,
stony corals, soft corals and sea pens. Deep-sea corals
inhabit the colder deep waters of our continental shelves,
submarine canyons, seamounts, mid-ocean ridges and other
habitats within the ocean abyss to depths deeper than 6000
m. Where current and substrate conditions are suitable,
these corals can form complex reefs, thickets or groves
of high complexity, depending on species. Similar to the
ancient redwood and sequoia trees, these animals are slow
growing and can reach hundreds of years to over a millennia
in age, they provide habitat for many other organisms (including
species of economic importance), and their skeletons provide
important historical records of climate change.
Ecology of Deep-Sea Coral
Like ancient forests, corals provide habitat for a diversity
of other organisms. Unlike the terrestrial forests, however, little
is known about their distribution, ecological role, and conservation
status. In fact, recent evidence suggests that fishing has had
substantial impacts on these communities in both the North Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans. This combined with their slow growth rate
and potential role as habitat for a number of commercially and
ecologically important species could produce long lasting effects
on deep-sea communities. We must understand the distribution,
fundamental life history, repbroduction and ecological role of
these organisms in order to manage and conserve these forests
of the deep.
Polyps extended from deep-sea coral
Coral Systematics
Imagine collecting a net full of fish and not being able to name
them by species. How would it be possible to map their distribution,
understand their ecological role, or understand if they are common
or rare? One of the fundamental problems in working with deep-sea
corals is identifying who all of the species are and how they
are distributed. While some species are quite common across ocean
basins, finding new species (or sub-species) and range extensions
is not uncommon. There is much to learn about the how the diversity
of coral species are distributed in the deep sea waters of the
Population Genetics
How are populations of corals connected? Are coral populations
spread across the undersea landscape along a series of stepping-stones
or do they send larvae everywhere and patchy populations are the
result of random recruitment? Modern molecular techniques that
can track markers in the genes of corals can be used to understand
how populations are connected and can lead to understanding of
how best to conserve these long-lived animals.
Population Age Structure, Reproduction and Recruitment
How old are coral colonies? When do corals spawn? What environmental
changes trigger reproduction? How many new recruits survive to
reproductive age? These are critical questions for understanding
how coral population's change and how resilient they are to natural
and human caused disturbances.
Grenadier searches for food.
Functional Role
What role do corals play in mediating the distribution and abundance
of mobile organisms like crustaceans and fishes? Do corals enhance
local patterns of biological diversity? Do corals provide sites
for fish spawning? Do corals enhance feeding opportunities for
fish by concentrating prey items like shrimp? Do corals provide
shelter from predators? These questions and many others get at
the issue of the functional role of corals in deep-sea ecosystems.
Understanding the functional role of corals allows us to understand
both the fundamental way in which these mysterious communities
of organisms operate and how we might conserve and sustainably
use these components of biological diversity.
NURP Projects
Studies of deep-sea corals are difficult to accomplish without
the fine-scale maneuverability of undersea vehicles. Using occupied
submersibles and remotely operated vehicles, research has been
conducted in highly complex environments where corals occur at
high densities. Current research has only begun to clarify our
understanding of the ecology of corals and their functional role.
Below are a few examples of recent NURP projects focused
on this new and exciting area of research:
Baco-Taylor, A., T. M. Shank, and T. C. Shirley. Deep
Sea Precious Corals as Habitat for Macroinvertebrates in Hawaii.
(Operations year: 2005)
David, A. W.. Mapping the Oculina Banks Marine Protected
Area. (Operations year: 2005)
Grigg, R. W., and S. E. Kahng. The Ecological Impact
of an Alien Marine Invertebrate on Hawaiis Deep Water
Coral Reef Community. (Operations year: 2005)
Miller, M. W., and A. N. Shepard. Effectiveness of the
Oculina OHAPC: monitoring coral health and use by groupers. (Operations
year: 2005)
Shepard, A.N. and J.K. Reed. Mapping and Characterization
of the Oculina Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (OHAPC) off
the East Coast of Florida. (Operations year: 2002,
Stone, R., J. Heifetz, D.A. Woodby and J.R. Reynolds.
Distribution of deep-sea corals and associated communities in
the Aleutian Islands. (Operations year: 2004)
Watling, L. E., P. J. Auster, and K. J. Eckelbarger.
The Ecology of Deep Water Octocorals off the Northeast Coast of
the United States (Operations years: 2002,
NURP Publications
McDonough, J.J. and K.A. Puglise. 2003. Summary: Deep-Sea
Corals Workshop. International Planning and Collaboration Workshop
for the Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic Ocean. Galway, Ireland,
January 16-17, 2003. U.S. Dep. Commerce, NOAA
Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/SPO-60, 51 p.
This document summarizes the proceedings of the Deep-Sea
Corals Workshop held in Galway, Ireland on January 16-17,
2003. The workshop was hosted by the Irish Marine Institute
and organized by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Fisheries (Office of Science and Technology) and Research
(NOAA's Undersea Research Program and Office of Ocean Exploration).
This document summarizes the proceedings of the Deep-Sea
Corals Workshop held in Galway, Ireland on January 16-17,
2003. The workshop was hosted by the Irish Marine Institute
and organized by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Fisheries (Office of Science and Technology) and Research
(NOAA's Undersea Research Program and Office of Ocean Exploration).
Puglise, K.A., R.J. Brock, and J.J. McDonough III. 2005.
Identifying critical
information needs and developing institutional partnerships to
further the understanding of Atlantic deep-sea coral ecosystems.
In: A. Freiwald and J.M. Roberts (eds.). Cold-water Corals
and Ecosystems. Springer-Verlag: Berlin Heidelberg. pp. 1129-1140.