text:
Issey | Tulle Opera Glove
An elbow length fine Tulle glove with the traditional mousquetaire button opening on the inside of the wrist. This allows the hand to be removed from the glove whilst leaving the sleeve of the glove in the arm. Perfect for brides.
Elbow Length. Issey is 12 inches long, measured from where the thumb meets the wrist, to the opening of the glove.
Care guide
We make our gloves in hand sizes from 6 to 8½. To find your glove size, pass a tape measure around the widest part of your hand - usually over your knuckles, excluding the thumb. The result, in inches, is your glove size. If you are between two sizes, round down to the lower.
How do I measure my hand size?
Here is how you convert from centimetres to inches:
Glove size | Inches | Centimetres |
6 | 6 | 15.2 |
16.5 |
7 | 7 | 17.8 |
19 |
8 | 8 | 20.3 |
8½ |
21.6 |
How do I guess someone's glove size?
If you are buying gloves for someone and don't know their glove size (and don't want to ruin the surprise), their height can indicate their most likely glove size. Please note, this is statistically most likely but won't be correct 100% of the time.
Applies to women only
Height | Most likely glove size |
Under 5'1" | 6½ |
5'1" to 5'6" | 7 |
5'7" to 5'8" | 7½ |
5'9" to 5'11" | 8 |
Above 6' | 8½ |
How fast will my gloves arrive?
Most of our gloves are made 'to order' but we work swiftly. Our 'time to make' ranges from one to three days, depending on how busy the atelier is. If your order is time critical, we offer a "rush" priority service - you can select this at checkout. Please see checkout options for an accurate total (glovemaking + shipping) delivery time.
Can I return/exchange?
Yes - there is a 60 day window for you to consider your purchase. Gloves returned with in a saleable condition will be eligible for a refund, exchange or store credit. Please see our return policy for more information.
Will they fit?
Yes - they will fit like a glove ought to fit, but please take care when providing accurate sizing information. For guidance on this, please refer to our measuring guide. Please take care with the sizing info and, if you have any doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to help and we really want your gloves to fit perfectly.
Can I have a personal message included?
Yes - we send a handwritten note with every order. This will be an option during the checkout process. Just let us know if you want to say something special!
One glove or two?
Some people have asked this question! You will receive a pair of gloves.
Not sure about glove style - can I speak to a real person?
Of course! Contact us via phone, email, WhatsApp or Instagram during UK business hours, details can be found here.
We also provide free (no charge, no pressure) video stylist consultations. This provides a hassle-free way to shop our collections, wherever you are around the world. From navigating the right glove for a specific event, to finding a perfect match for the big day, our dedicated team is on hand to help.
How can I tell if the glove will match my outfit/work with my dress?
We strongly recommend that you book a video stylist consultation. Just like our gloves, each appointment is bespoke to you. It's free - no charge, no pressure - and fun. You'll be asked to let us know of any specific requests ahead of your consultation and maybe share a link or an image of the dress, and then we can walk you through the options. We also offer complimentary material swatches. We charge for shipping the swatches but this charge is instantly reimbursed to you as store credit, which can be used against your order.
Can I order a bespoke length?
Yes. Please reach out to us ahead of placing your order. Please note, this may make the purchase non refundable.
Can I order a bespoke colour?
Yes, we work with a very good dyeing house.This service is available for all gloves, apart from leather and suede styles. Please reach out to us ahead of placing your order. Please note, this may make the purchase non refundable.
Can I wear my engagement/wedding ring over my gloves?
Gloves made from Tulle or Silk can be fine enough for rings to slip over.
Where are the gloves made?
All our fabric gloves are made right here in our atelier in Sussex, England. Our leather gloves are made by our partners in Naples, Italy.
Do you have a shop?
No - but you are welcome to visit us in Sussex. Be sure to call first. We are about 90 minutes by car from London. Alternatively, if you are visiting the UK and short of time, we can usually deliver to your hotel/UK address 'next day'.
Presentation box
Every pair of gloves is delivered with care, wrapped within our premium gift box and accompanied by a handwritten note. It doesn't get more personal than that.
Complimentary products
People also bought
Tulle Swatch
If you unsure which colour or fabric will best work with your outfit, we recommend ordering fabric swatches. Our swatches are 4 inches x 6 inches. The amount you pay (including shipping) is reimbursed to you straightaway as store credit, which can be used against any future orders you place with us. If you prefer a colour which we don't have as standard, we do offer a bespoke dyeing service - please contact us.
Our glovemaking
The hub of our glovemaking operation is a small, flint walled building that was built some 150 years ago to house dairy cows. All around us are pastures. A mile to the south, the green hills of the South Downs separate us from the salt seas of the English Channel.
It takes a lot to make a good pair of gloves. Great fabrics, selected with great care from mills large and small, skill and people with a passion for making things just right.
Almost everything we make is made to order. So that the person who is making your gloves knows exactly what you want in terms of glove size, style and dimensions. They will also know your name and you will know theirs because, when they've finished your gloves and they're completely happy with them, they will sign the tag to say so.
Virtual Personal Shopping
Our virtual appointments offer a hassle-free way to shop our collections, wherever you are around the world. From navigating the right glove for a specific event, to finding a perfect match for the big day, our dedicated team are on hand to help with the following:- Styling and product edits
- Sizing, measuring and fit advice
- Gift suggestions
Your Time is Precious
We're here to work around your schedule. With our simple booking process, you select the time and day that works best for you. Virtual consultations are available Monday to Friday, 9:00-16:00 BST.
Tailored to You
Just like our gloves, each appointment is bespoke. You'll be asked to share any specific requests or queries when booking. This helps us pre-select suitable products, ensuring you get the most out of your 30 minute consultation.
It's complimentary, always.
It's not only the quality of our product that sets us apart, but our approach. We don't believe in charging our customers for advice. As advocators of slow fashion, we endeavour to guide you in making the right decision. Our gloves transcend seasons, so take your time to consider your purchase. We're just happy to offer some friendly advice along the way.


text:
It's possible, however, to make your own.
I have years of experience in canning, meat processing, and charcuterie. I make my own bacon, sausages, corned beef, patés, and more. But I had never put up any pickled meats, so I started by searching for some kind of recipe or written technique that I could study and use - or at least use as a starting point for my own recipe. I pored through my collection of vintage cookbooks and books on charcuterie and meat preservation, to no avail. And when I turned to the internet, the search was almost as frustrating - most Google hits for "pickled tongue" lead to message board postings by people trying to find the commercially prepared product.
Finally, a search on the Chowhound message board found this thread, in which Chowhound user Porker shares his recipe for pickled pork tongue. Lamb's tongue is smaller, more tender, and cooks more quickly than pork tongue, so I made a few tweaks to the recipe - including scaling it to handle the ten-pound wholesaale box of lamb's tongues my neighborhood butcher obtained for me. But without Porker's help and the groundwork he did in developing his recipe, this recipe wouldn't have been such a success.
So, follow along with this step-by-step photo tutorial.
Step One: Curing
Because the tongues are going to be canned for storage, they need to be cured to help prevent botulism (the combination of curing, the acidic vinegar pickle, and refrigeration keeps the pickled tongue safe to eat.) Normally, curing with Instacure #1 (formerly known as Prague Powder #1 or "pink salt") requires about 1 ounce for every 30 pounds of meat, but because we'll be using a simple overnight liquid brine, we need a stronger concentration.
Make as much brine as needed to completely cover the tongues using this baseline:
12 cups of water
1 cup of pickling or kosher salt
6 tablespoons Instacure #1
For the ten-pound batch of tongues I prepared, I needed 3 batches of this brine (2½ gallons.)
Mix the ingredients for the brine in a stainless steel (non-reactive) pot. Wash the tongues under cool running water. Place them in the pot, bring just to a boil on high heat, then remove from heat, allow to cool to room temperature, and store overnight in the liquid.
Because I was processing ten pounds of meat I had to do this step in a 21-quart stockpot which would not fit in my fridge. So, when the tongues had cooled down enough to handle, I divided them between three one-gallon glass jars and filled the jars to the top with the still-warm curing brine. Then, off they went into the fridge for their overnight soak.
Step Two: Cooking
The next day, drain off the curing brine and discard it, and rinse the tongues.
Make up a batch of cooking brine using this baseline:
3 cups of water
1 cup of vinegar
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of pickling spice
As before, make up as many batches as you will need to cover the tongues in the pot. Bring up to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer the tongues gently for two hours, until they are fork-tender. Drain the cooked tongues and shock them under cold running water. You'll notice that the tongues are covered in a loose yet tough membrane "shell" - this is the skin of the tongue and it has to be removed. Peel off the skins, and use a sharp knife to remove any roots, veins, and fatty tissues under the tongue.
The skinning process is very easy and although a little tedious will go quickly. When the skin cooks, it becomes hard and plastic-like, and most of the time will peel easily from the tongue. Once it's off, you can use the knife blade to scrape away any fatty bits under the tongue and especially under the thickest part, where you'll find fatty clumps and veins that you'll want to take out if only for appearances' sake.
With the tongues cooked tender, skinned, and ready for the final processing, you're ready to can them.
Step Three: Canning
NOTE: The USDA recommends that meats be canned using a pressure-canning process. I believe that the hot water bath process used here is safe because of the nitrite in the Instacure #1 and the acidity of both the cooking and the canning brines. However, I DO NOT KEEP THESE CANNED TONGUES ON THE SHELF AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, I KEEP THEM IN THE REFRIGERATOR AND I RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO THE SAME. I assume no responsibility for your actions in your kitchen; this is simply a chronicle of my own actions in my kitchen.
Wash your canning jars and prepare the canning brine: You won't need as much of the canning brine as you do cooking brine - only about eight cups or so. For this canning brine, you'll need:
4 cups of water
4 cups of vinegar
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp of pickling spices if desired (I skipped this because I just wanted a nice clear brine.)
Pack the tongues in your canning jars, leaving at least 1½ inches headspace (two inches is even better - the tongues swell during processing and if you don't leave lots of headspace the brine won't completely cover the meat.) Add brine to cover the tongues completely and within ½-inch of the top of the jar. Cap the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate 3 to 4 days before eating.
The ten pounds of tongues I process yielded eight 1½-pint widemouth jars of pickled snacks.
Special thanks for the info and encouragement from Porker at Chowhound, and to Anthony Caronna, my neighborhood butcher at Caronna's Market in Thompsonville CT, who was happy to get the lamb's tongues for me on special order. Caronna's, located on Pearl Street right next door to the yellow-brick art deco Thompsonville Fire Department, has been in operation since 1918.
PLEASE NOTE: I know that many of you reading this blog post have been brought here by Google and Bing as you search for the commercially-produced lamb's tongues you or your family members once purchased at grocery stores. Unfortunately, when the Rogers Company went out of business, pickled lamb's tongues became unavailable - they were the only company in the United States making them, and no one else has stepped forward to continue the tradition.
Because I enjoy pickled tongues and wanted to enjoy them again, I developed and published this recipe to help those who are interested in the product make their own, in their own home kitchen, the way I did. I am not a commercial supplier, just a hobbyist who likes to fiddle around in the kitchen.
If you decide to try making your own pickled tongues and have questions or want more information, please feel free to send me an email and I will do what I can for you to help make your job easier. Canning anything is a little intimidating - canning and preserving meat products can seem overwhelming to someone who's never done it before.
Please do not write asking to buy pickled lamb's tongues from me. I don't sell them and I won't send you any. I wrote this post to help you make your own, and the only way you're going to get any pickled lamb's tongue is if you get off your ass and get to work.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Well the piggy bank is looking pretty good these days. We've even been celebrating a tiny bit. Blue Bird and I...ahem. AND we even broke down and we finally bought our plane ticket
I would like to stay in an apartment (a STUDIO would be great). That way I can stock up on yogurt and macarons and sardines in the fridge. Gotta stay on that EURO DIET after all. I don't need much space. Nothing deluxe PULEEZE. Hey I'm an artist! Internet would be great, so I can keep you all up to date. I don't care WHERE that little studio is. What counts is COST. LOW cost would be so lovely...sigh
Please let me know if you have any good ideas. I read that Craigslist PARIS is way too full of scamers, so I'm not going that route. A hotel would do in a pinch.
You can leave your ideas here or contact me by email


text:
Pope John Paul II will be made a saint, the Vatican announced Friday, according to Reuters and other news outlets, including Italy'sLa Repubblica.
In addition, the wire service writes, "the Vatican said Pope John XXIII, who reigned from 1958 to 1963 and called the Second Vatican Council — which enacted sweeping reforms to modernize the Church — would also be made a saint."
As we reported last month, "a committee of theologians [recently] approved a second miracle attributed to Pope John Paul II's posthumous intercession — a sine qua non for sainthood." That miracle involved a Costa Rican woman. It's believed she was cured of a severe brain injury after her family prayed to the memory of the late pope.
John Paul II was pope from 1978 to 2005.
We'll have more on the decisions by Pope Francis as the news develops.
Update at 10 a.m. ET. Vatican Radio's Coverage:
"Journalists in the Holy See Press Office busy getting to grips with Pope Francis' first encyclical the Light of Faith, were somewhat surprised Friday lunchtime when Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. called them back for a second announcement: Pope Francis had approved the cause for canonization of two of his venerable and much loved predecessors Blessed John XXIII and Blessed Pope John Paul II."
Update at 8:15 a.m. ET. No Second Miracle For John XXIII:
Pope John XXIII is being made a saint even though theologians have not attributed two miracles to him — as normally required for sainthood. Pope Francis has apparently decided to make John XXIII a saint in part because of the work that pope did during the Second Vatican Council and the reforms that followed. According to the National Catholic Reporter:
"Francis ... apparently is willing to move forward with a sainthood declaration for John XXIII without waiting for the formal process of documenting a second miracle to reach conclusion. With regard to John XXIII, a Vatican spokesman said today that because it's the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and because 'no one doubts' the late pope's holiness, Francis has decided to move forward."
Update at 8:05 a.m. ET. John Paul II's Other Miracle.
From our earlier post:
Another miracle attributed to the former pope was approved by the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 2011. It involved the healing of a French nun, who reportedly recovered from Parkinson's disease in 2005 after praying to the late John Paul. The Catholic Church maintains that there is no medical explanation for the nun's recovery.
Update at 7:55 a.m. ET. To Be Canonized Before Year's End:
Rocco Palmo, who writes the respected Vatican-watching blog, tweets that a Vatican spokesman says "JPII and John XXIII to be canonized before year's end – Pope to take soundings before deciding date, but early buzz tips Dec." And he notes that "@AP floats Dec 8 – Immaculate Conception – as possible date for dual JPII-John XXIII canonizations... it does fall on a Sunday this year..."
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
Anguilla Visa free
Visa Free
9 verified_user
Anguilla visa for Grenadian citizens
Grenadian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Anguilla. Anguilla Visa free is free for Grenadian citizens. With this tourist visa stay is usually short with a period of 3 months. Applicant is not required to be present when applying for Anguilla visa free. A total of 3 documents are required for applying Anguilla visa free. You can find Anguilla visa exemptions.
Anguilla tourist visa conditions for Grenadian citizens
- Applicant: required
- Max stay: 3 months
- Processing time: ~2 hours
- Visa fees: Free
- Stay: short term
Anguilla tourist visa requirements for Grenadian citizens
Documents required for Anguilla tourist visa from Grenada include passport and other supporting documents. A total of 3 documents are required.
Travel itinerary
Proof of Funds
Original Passport or Travel document of Grenada with at least 6 months remaining validity on the date of travel and have at least 2 visa pages clear of any markings.
Travel itinerary (travel reservation to and from Grenada in your name, not a ticket)
Embassy recommends not to purchase hotel and flight tickets until visa is approved. So don't risk your money, time and effort by buying actual tickets. Get best hotel and flight itinerary within minutes for any country visa.
Proof of enough money for your stay and to leave Anguilla
How to apply for Anguilla tourist visa from Grenada
Anguilla visa free process for Grenadian cirizens is straightforward and simple. By following these 4 steps and carrying the necessary documents, Grenadian citizens can expect a hassle-free arrival and entry into Anguilla. It is important to note that the immigration authorities have the right to request additional documentation or information as they see fit. Travelers are advised to have all required documents and information ready for presentation to the immigration officers upon arrival in Anguilla.
Valid passport
Submit documents
Receive visa
Check that Grenada passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Anguilla. If not apply for a new Grenadian passport.
After arriving, Grenadian citizens can go to Anguilla immigration counter.
Upon arrival in Anguilla, present Grenada passport or Travel document to the immigration officer at the counter.
You will receive Anguilla visa stamp in your passport, which allows you to stay in Anguilla for the 3 months on your stamping.
Anguilla visa exemption for Grenadian citizens
Anguilla travel details
Anguilla is part of North America
with main city at The Valley. Its Developing country
with a population of 13K. The main currency is East Caribbean Dollar.
The languages spoken are English.
As you prepare for your trip to Anguilla, it's important to be well-informed about all aspects of your journey.
For the latest
Travel Details
, including flight availability and costs, check out our updated section to help you plan your itinerary efficiently.
Customs Regulations
is also crucial to ensure a hassle-free experience at the Anguilla border.
Lastly, your health and safety are paramount, so don't forget to familiarize yourself with the
Health Regulations
in Anguilla, including required vaccinations
and health advisories. These resources are designed to make your travel experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
It's important to consider getting travel medical insurance to ensure you're covered in case of unexpected medical emergencies.
For just $42, you can get coverage for 4 weeks, providing peace of mind and financial protection while you're away from home.
Fly to Anguilla
✈ best flight deals
Stay in Anguilla
🛏 hottest hotel deals
Insurance in Anguilla
🏥 travel insurance cover
Money in Anguilla
💳 access money easily
Drive in Anguilla
🚙 best car rentals
Anguilla visa options
While planning your visit to Anguilla as an Grenada citizen, you might be curious about other visa types and requirements.
If you're considering exploring Anguilla beyond the usual tourist spots, our comprehensive guide on
Anguilla's Tourist Visa
offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to Anguilla, understanding
Transit Visa
Requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.
Additionally, if you aspire to blend travel with work, our detailed information on
Digital Nomad Visa
can help you navigate the possibilities of working remotely while soaking in the rich culture and serene landscapes of Anguilla.
You can see the visa details, documents required, official website and other details for Anguilla visa but if you still have question which are unanswered then you can discuss with the community.
Frequently asked questions about Anguilla visa free
Countries to travel near Anguilla for Grenada citizens
Disclaimer: The information in the site should be used as a guide only. You are advised to contact your local official mission/consulate/embassy and ensure you have the latest information. We take no responsibility.


text:
Even if they want to, many Christians find it hard to talk to others about Jesus. Is it possible this difficulty is because we're trying to speak a language we haven't actually spent time practicing?
To become fluent in a new language, you must immerse yourself in it until you actually start to think about life through it. Becoming fluent in the gospel happens the same way—after believing it, we have to intentionally rehearse it (to ourselves and to others) and immerse ourselves in its truths. Only then will we start to see how everything in our lives, from the mundane to the magnificent, is transformed by the hope of the gospel.
- Pages: 224
- Type: Hardcover
- Publication Date: Feb. 28, 2017


text:
We use cookies to collect and analyse information on our site's performance and to enable the site to function. Cookies also allow us and our partners to show you relevant ads when you visit our site and other 3rd party websites, including social networks. You can choose to allow all cookies by clicking 'Allow all' or manage them individually by clicking 'Manage cookie preferences,' where you will also find more information.
Tell us who you are and what you need and we'll find the best contact for you.


text:
Those who remember newspapers might recognize this as a "clip and save." Maybe the more modern term would be a "cut and paste." Whatever, if you want some of the details and logistics about Tuesday night's caucuses in Iowa, here they are:
-- When: 7 p.m. Central time (8 p.m. ET).
-- Where: 1,774 precincts across the state. (Democrats can find their locations here; Republicans can find their locations here.)
-- Who: We'll focus for now on the Republican process, because that's where the action is this year since President Obama doesn't have an intra-party opponent (though Democrats will be caucusing, as we explained earlier).
The caucuses are open only to Iowa residents. And as NPR's Don Gonyea explained on All Things Considered, "you can participate if you'll be 18 years old on Election Day of November 2012. If you're a registered Republican, your name should already be on the list. If not, you can register as a member of the party on the spot, regardless of your political affiliation.
-- What happens (again, focusing on Republicans): After the Pledge of Allegiance, a caucus chairman and secretary will be elected. Then, representatives from each campaign (and in a few places, the candidates themselves) will be given two to five minutes to make their cases.
When the speeches are over, caucus-goers will get blank slips of paper on which to write the name of the candidate they support. Those slips get dropped in ballot boxes.
Votes are counted in front of everyone. Results are called into the state party. And, hopefully not too late in the evening, we'll have results. The Des Moines Register says the caucuses usually last about an hour.
For more:
-- The Register has an interactive graphic about both the Democratic and Republican caucus processes posted here.
-- The Iowa Republican Party's website.
-- The Iowa Democratic Party's caucus page.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
I have really been into the Guinness and chocolate flavour combo lately! Guinness, like coffee, has the ability to bring out chocolates natural flavour and make it even better, if that is possible. Even after the Guinness chocolate cheesecake and the chocolate stout cake I was looking for more and this Guinness chocolate pudding that I found on epicurius was looking pretty good. Not only does this recipe use Guinness in the chocolate pudding but it also reduces some Guinness into a syrup and then mixes it into whipped cream which is then placed on top of the pudding as if it were the bubbly head of a Guinness after freshly poured! How cool is that?
As far as pudding recipes goes, this one is pretty standard including eggs, sugar, cream, chocolate and of course the Guinness. This recipe is pretty easy but you are going to want to make sure that you do not boil the cream or turn the eggs into scrambled eggs when you add the hot cream to them. Just mix the cream into the eggs nice and slowly and everything will be fine. For a treat like this it really pays off to use a nice quality dark chocolate and if you save some of the chocolate flakes from when you chop it, you can use them as a garnish on the Guinness whipped cream topping.
Tip: If you do accidentally scramble the eggs and get little bits in your pudding or custard, you can run it through a fine meshed sieve to remove any large bits helping to ensure that it is nice and smooth.
This Guinness chocolate pudding is so amazingly smooth, creamy and decadently, chocolaty good!
Use some of the leftover egg white to make some coconut macaroons.
Guinness Chocolate Pudding
Guinness and chocolate combine to form something truly amazing in this pudding that is topped with a Guinness syrup whipped cream.
- 1 can Guinness Draught
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 7 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 8 large egg yolks
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pour the Guinness into a large bowl and wait a few minutes for the foam to subside.
- Mix half of the Guinness and 2 1/4 cups of heavy cream in a large sauce pan, heat over medium until bubbles just start to form, remove from heat, mix in the chocolate and let it melt.
- Mix the eggs and 1 cup of sugar in a large bowl and slowly mix in the Guinness mixture.
- Pour the mixture back into the sauce pan and cook over low heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes.
- Give the mixture 1 minute on high in the blender, run it through a fine mesh sieve, divide between glasses leaving 1 inch of space, cover in plastic and let chill in the fridge to set.
- Meanwhile, simmer the remaining Guinness and sugar over medium heat until it has reduced to about 1 tablespoon, about 15-20 minutes, and let cool.
- Beat the remaining cream until soft peaks are form, mix in the Guinness syrup and place on top of the Guinness pudding in the glasses.
Guinness Chocolate Cheesecake
Chocolate Stout Cake
Chocolate Pots de Creme
Yogurt Panna Cotta
Guinness Chocolate Syrup
Bacon Guinness Chocolate Pancakes with a Frothy Whipped Cream Head and Guinness Chocolate Syrup
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Coconut Macaroons
Molten Chocolate Cake
Green Tea and White Chocolate Opera Cake
Green Tea Macarons
Strawberry Souffle
Dorie's Perfect Party Cake


text:
Blog Post
Related Posts
It can be difficult to know what to say and how to express your
Spring is in the air with the warmer weather, birds singing, and more flowers
Need to add more color to your dinner table this Easter? These Easter cake
Enjoy the warmer weather and welcome spring with truly Easter gifts and gift baskets for
Finding a perfect gift for special romantic Valentine's Day is made easy on the
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and is the time to show your
Golden Greeting -Lavishing Holiday gift Convey your special greetings with a lavishing Golden Greetings gift
Set a happy tone with gourmet chocolates and savory treats presented in a golden
Holiday Package Gift Basket Play Santa and surprise them with this holiday gift package. This
Eat, Drink and be Merry – Holiday gift basket Sweeten their Christmas by surprising them
A Bird Garden Gift Box and Gourmet Chocolates-Medium They won't be able to say no
Santa's Delivery musical Figurine gift This beautiful Santa's Delivery Musical Figurine Gift will be the
Porcelain cake set with gourmet cakes Celebrate a special occasion by sending your best holiday
Cheese and Wine Pleasers Send this elegant Cheese And Wine Pleasers Gift Basket for a birthday
A Lasting Impression Lasting Impression Gift Basket: Send this gift with a fantastic look to
My Sincere Appreciation Gift Basket My Sincere Appreciation Gift Basket: Your Sincere Appreciation will be
Golden Nugget – Chocolate gift basket Receiving Golden Nugget Chocolate Gift Basket will be like
White Christmas Like the fresh white snow glittering in the moonlight White Christmas Gift Basket holiday
Godiva Celebrations Gift Basket Godiva Celebrations Gift Basket is a perfect Christmas gift for everyone
Children's Christmas Gift Package from Santa will be a sure hit among the children
Hunter's Chocolate Pleasures Warm up their soul by sending Hunter's Chocolate Pleasures Gift Box elegant
Reindeer Delivery Gift Basket Reindeer Delivery Gift Basket, is filled with all kind of goodies
Christmas Night Gift Basket When you really want to indulge someone exceptionally good, you may
Reindeer Delivery Tower Box What a lovely gift for the Holidays is this Reindeer Delivery
Highland Specialty Holiday Gift Basket This delightful red metal container holds a charming collection of
Holiday Chocolate Gift Tower Presented in a festive silver pine cone gift tower an array
A World of Thanks Gift Basket Your Sincere Appreciation is going to be well received
Christmas Sampler Christmas Sampler – Holiday sampler gift basket has plenty to offer with a
Hungarian Delight – Hungarian chocolate gift basket Surprise someone with a wide array of Hungarian
A Cozy Christmas Wish It will be a Cozy Christmas Wish for someone who will
Funeral Gift Baskets In a sorrowful time of a loss it is a respectful gesture
When a cheerful visit is not possible to do, sending a get well soon
If you're looking to give something meaningful to a loved one for a birthday,


text:
Ever since I made the roasted pumpkin, pancetta and sage soup a few days ago I have found myself thinking about soups more often. After avoiding soups during the hot summer days I am now free to make them whenever I want and that is good because I have a few ideas that I have been wanting to try! Up first was one for a cream mushroom and roasted cauliflower soup! Cauliflower works really well as a thickener in soups and I was thinking that I could use some to make one of my favourite soups, cream of mushroom soup , a bit heartier.
A few years ago I discovered that roasting vegetables very often makes them better and I have been roasting pretty much any vegetable that I can get my hands on ever since. Cauliflower is no exception to my theory and in fact it is one of the shining examples of it as roasted cauliflower is so addictively good! I could literally eat a bowl of roasted cauliflower just like a bowl of popcorn and I have often made it just to snack on. Using the flavour enhanced roasted cauliflower in soups is also amazing and I could not resist the opportunity to use it in this recipe. Although roasted mushrooms are also really good, I wanted to saute them and let them caramelize a bit to build up their flavour and then to deglaze the pan with some white wine to make sure that we get all of that caramelized mushroom flavour from the bottom of the pan. I finished the soup off with some garlic, leeks, thyme and a healthy dose of heavy cream to make sure that the soup was indeed creamy.
I really like how simple two ingredient soups very often turn out to be so insanely good and this creamy mushroom and roasted cauliflower soup is no exception! If you are a fan of mushrooms then this is definitely a soup for you! You can use pretty much any type of mushroom that you want and I like wild mushrooms and I tend to go with a base of cremini and then add in some shiitake, oyster and even shimeji mushrooms. I served this mushroom and cauliflower soup with garnished with even more sauteed mushrooms along with some garlic rubbed crostini. I also happened to have some pancetta and blue cheese on hand and I could not resist trying my second bowl garnished with them! The tangy blue cheese and salty, crispy fried pancetta went really well with the creamy mushroom soup and I highly recommend it.
Note: I like my soup nice and thick, but if you prefer a smoother soup you can use only a half a head of cauliflower instead of a full head.
Creamy Mushroom and Roasted Cauliflower Soup
A creamy wild mushroom soup that is thickened with roasted cauliflower.
- 1 small head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 leeks, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound of mushrooms such as button, cremini or wild, sliced
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth or chicken stock
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cream (or milk)
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the oil along with the salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast the cauliflower in a preheated 400F/200C oven until lightly golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat.
- Add the whites of the leeks and and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add the mushrooms and the thyme and saute until the mushrooms are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the greens of the leeks and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the wine and deglaze the pan.
- Add the broth and cauliflower, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency with a stick blender.
- Add the cream, return to a boil and remove from heat.
Creamy Roasted Mushroom and Brie Soup
Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa Salad in Balsamic Vinaigrette
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Roasted Cauliflower and Red Pepper Soup
Pot Roast Mushroom Soup
Cauliflower and White Cheddar Soup with Dill
Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich (aka The Mushroom Melt)
Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Soup
Mushroom and Kale Lasagna Roll Ups in Creamy Gorgonzola Cauliflower Sauce
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Cauliflower Soup with Goat Cheese
Roasted Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Carbonara
Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quiche with Quinoa Crust
Creamy Roasted Asparagus and Brie Cauliflower Soup
Roast Head of Cauliflower in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Cauliflower Chowder
Creamy Parmesan Mushroom and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Asiago Roasted Mushroom Mashed Cauliflower
Asiago Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup
Asiago Cauliflower and Quinoa Chowder
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Rosemary and Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup
Asparagus Soup


text:
Gluten-Free Focaccia Recipe with Garlic + Tomato
Italian Flatbread for a Blue Moon
An Italian focaccia flatbread recipe from the archives- because this lovely bread is just too good not to share with all you new readers. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon we ate focaccia every morning for breakfast. After a few cappuccinos, that is. Six between us. To fortify us for the walk across the piazza to the tiny bakery. After all, we were in Italy. Doing what you do in Italy.
Wake up.
Rub the garlic infused sleep from your eyes.
Pull on your jeans.
Walk to the local espresso bar.
Buon giorno!
The always smiling owner of the Podere Villuzza would greet us every morning on our way out the door, wishing us, Good day, for your blue moon!
I am thinking about our honeymoon today because our anniversary just passed. March is our month. And this time around marked our
In so many ways we are just getting started. It still feels new. Even through the toughest years- in New Mexico, the most difficult of our marriage. The most isolated. We wonder aloud over root beer and popcorn how we got through it, how we wandered into that commitment, buying that tiny casita in the middle of an empty, windswept desert. On impulse. Investing all we had in curved adobe walls and tile floors tough enough to break a hip on.
We look into each others eyes for answers.
There are none.
We were bewitched, I tell my husband. We were infatuated. With the light. The summer monsoon skies. The smell of roasting chile. It was a seduction. The desert pulled us in and whispered stories in our ear, weaving her magic like a smoke screen, letting us feel as if we belonged there. Soothing our east coast gringo fears that it might be rough giving up our roots, our community, the quick jaunt to fetch the morning newspaper, grab an espresso, or browse in a book store.
We believed in the power of space and sky. We imagined inspiration dripping from our pores in the sandpaper heat. We embraced the notion of alchemy and willingly submitted ourselves to burn, trusting the process.
It worked for Georgia O'Keeffe.
Be careful of your heroes, I've learned. Choose carefully. I identified so strongly with Georgia- her strength, her depression, her stubbornness. Her colors. The way she painted the world. It all felt so intimate and true, so deep down familiar. And so for years I spun a narrative in my associative brain. A dream of the painted desert and her earthy pigments. Images of mud huts and fierce blue sky. A belief these imaginings were destiny, a trust that I was meant to live in New Mexico, that it was here I would find my home.
Because I have never felt at home.
Except in my husband's grasp. The first time I shook his hand I knew. He was my country. And so we sit together and sift through possibilities once more, this time more sober. This time without the flush and dazzle of infatuation. We speak of dreams gingerly now. Step by step. We examine and turn over each impulse looking for the hidden. The unconsidered.
It took almost three years to sell the casita. We lowered our price. And lowered it again. To less than what we paid for it. We swept it clean every time the realtor called for a showing. We baked cookies to fill the kitchen with vanilla and spice. We crossed our fingers.
The truth is we fell out of love- not with each other- but with the desert. Why she clung to us we do not know. They like to say in Santa Fe that the desert pulls you in like a magnet, and if you don't belong she spits you out. The night I fell and broke my hip- the night that changed how I navigate the world- forever- I said to Steve-- She has spit me out.
Today in our Connecticut (rented) barn studio I stack unopened jars of paint next to a bundle of clean brushes and palette knives. I pick through memories. I think about beginnings. Our blue moon in Italy. Biting into tender, fresh baked breads scented with garlic and adorned with fresh tomatoes. I decide it's time to bake a focaccia. Like the ones we ate in San Gimignano. Before we set down roots. Before we ever bought a house.
I turn to my husband and tell him, I'm going to bake a focaccia today.
And from now on?
Let's rent first.
Tomato-Garlic Focaccia - Italian Flatbread Recipe
By Karina Allrich March 2009.Flatbreads are super easy to make. Don't be intimidated. You can stir up a dough, plop it into a cake pan, rise and bake it in under an hour. And it's delicious with gluten-free flours.
1 cup sorghum flour
1 cup potato starch (not potato flour!) or tapioca starch
1/2 cup millet flour or certified GF oat flour
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons each: chopped rosemary, thyme, basil
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cup warm water (at 110º F)
A pinch of raw sugar
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or raw agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon mild rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 free range egg, beaten, or Ener-G Egg Replacer, mixed
A dusting of GF cornmeal
Note: You'll need sliced fresh garlic and tomatoes for topping.
Turn on the oven briefly- just to warm it; then turn it off.
Whisk together the flours, starch, xanthan gum, sea salt, garlic, and herbs in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, proof the yeast in warm water and pinch of sugar.
When the yeast is poofy, pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil, honey, vinegar, and egg or egg replacer.
Stir to combine. The dough should be sticky- it doesn't really feel like typical wheat bread dough- more like a thick muffin batter.
Scoop the dough into a 9-inch cake pan dusted with cornmeal.
Using wet hands pat and shape the dough into a rounded loaf.
Top with sliced tomatoes and fresh garlic; sprinkle with extra herbs, if you like, and a little coarse sea salt.
Place the pan into the warm oven and allow it to rest and rise for 30 minutes.
Turn on the oven to 375ºF.
Once the oven is 375º put the timer on for 20 minutes. Bake until golden and firm- from 25 to 35 minutes. When you thump it, it should sound hollow.
Remove from the pan as soon as you can handle it, and cool on a wire rack. Slice with a sharp bread knife.
Makes one loaf.
Recipe Source: glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com
All images & content are copyright protected, all rights reserved. Please do not use our images or content without prior permission. Thank you.
GFG Notes:
My focaccia took 30 to 35 minutes to bake without eggs. If you use eggs, the loaf might be done sooner. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness. If it seems to be doughy, bake longer. Everyone's oven is slightly different, and humidity /heat affects flours.
To make panini with this loaf- cut the loaf into squarish pieces; slice these in half, horizontally, stuff with sandwich fillings and grill in a dab of olive oil- scrumptious.
Slice thin wedges for serving with a dipping plate of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar.
This focaccia freezes well. We thawed two wedges and sliced them; grilled them in olive oil and topped with Italian deli fixin's for an easy, simple supper.


text:
Speeches Shim
Bugala Island
Lake Victoria, Central Uganda
This is a story of connectivity
The connectivity of an island
An island with communities disconnected
Disconnected from access to safe water
Disconnected from electricity
Disconnected from the mainland
What happens when a remote island connects?
When a state-of-the-art ferry connects the island to the mainland?
When a water filtration system is installed in a community where water-borne diseases run rampant?
Healthy children run free
Food and other supplies enter from the mainland
Tourism and businesses grow
And people's daily lives improve
All because of an infrastructure project
Financed by the private sector
The private sector is lowering the rates of disease
The private sector is building new roads
The private sector is strengthening communities
The private sector is investing because of a credit guarantee from USAID
The Kalangala Infrastructure Project connected Kalangala to the mainland with a new state-of-the-art ferry, opening up transportation lines for goods and services
The ferry launched on August 16th, 2012
The project also installed a safe water-treatment system in the village of Kasekulo
Since the system was installed, cases of water-borne diseases dropped over 80 percent
USAID is supporting private businesses around the world
Find out more at USAID.gov
For more information log on to: www.usaid.gov/dca
Twitter: #usaid_credit
Financing for the project from: INFRACO, UDC of Uganda, IDC of South Africa, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund
USAID and Guarantco are jointly guaranteeing a $7 million loan from Nedbank, which helped catalyze the partnership


text:
Grotus is a four piece heavy music band from San Francisco. Their sound incorporates lots of drums, 2 bass players, throaty vocals, guitar, and tons of sampled sounds of everything from yodeling pygmy trios to cartoon music to power tools. Lyrical themes include steroids in cows, drugs in people, humans in nature, war as entertainment, Zen, cosmetic surgery, cancer, environmental destruction, radical history, and so forth. Performances include projected video, huge volume, hair, sweat, Star Trek bits, smoke, and a healthy dose of Spinal Tap.
Grotus was formed in November 1989 as a three piece by guitar victims Fox, Tanner, and Carson. Intent on doing something different, the trio got some samplers and began to make sample-based music-soundtrack/collage/crush-rock with a strong political bent. Grotus added a live drummer, Bruce Boyd, in March '91 and quickly gained a strong local following, leading to opening slots for national touring acts including Nine Inch Nails, Mr. Bungle, Jesus Lizard, and Consolidated. They released two singles and appeared on two compilations before releasing their debut full length work, Brown, in November 1991. Then followed their first U.S. tour, supporting Mr. Bungle, in March and April '92. The previously scorned guitar began making an occasional cameo, beginning an evolution into the heavier locomotive rhythms present on Grotus' Spirit EP, Luddite, released February, '93.
The band has since gone their separate ways, but the music still remains!
Your cart is currently empty.


text:
And Lauren was inspired by both the famous belly cakes and Suzy's Wreck to create her own CW tribute costume:
Well, not too long ago, I got a delightful e-mail from the cake's creator, Burton (also responsible for the fabulous Frankenstein wedding cake), and I got my answer: he's both.
Here's his explanation:
"I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before Cake Wrecks inspired cakes get their own category at cake shows. Since I am usually very far behind the curve on most things (current affairs, fashion, street slang, which fork to use…) I thought I would try to get ahead of the curve on this one. So I decided to enter a competition cake partially inspired by the Cake Wrecks blog. And why go half way? I entered it in Kerry Vincent's own Oklahoma State Sugar Arts Show."
Yes, Burton made a middle-aged half-naked mohawk-man carrot jockey for Kerry Vincent. Told you he was nuts.
Here's the whole cake, with Burton's notes:
See the little fireman's hat? That's an ode to yet another famous classic Wreck.
Wondering how the crowd reacted? [evil snicker] Burton, fill us in on all the gory details.
"Public opinion did not favor this entry. Every time I saw anyone approach my cake they would immediately exclaim, 'Oh, look at the cute pumpkin scarecrow cake!' and then pass my cake by on their way to see the cute pumpkin scarecrow cake that was several entries down the table. My entry did get high marks from Craig Gustafson of American Cake Decorating Magazine, though, and the judges gave it first place in its category —take that, cute pumpkin scarecrow cake!"
And just because I had fun reading it, here's the rest of his e-mail:
"After the judging I spoke with one of the judges who admitted that most of them didn't know the significance of the carrot until Bronwen Weber set them straight. [Bronwen rocks.] I actually got to meet and make a fool of myself in front of Bronwen as well as Kerry Vincent and several other celebrity decorators. While I may not have made a fool of myself in front of Jennifer Matsubara, I at least left her convinced that I am very creepy, if the look in her eyes and the speed with which she backed away were any indication." [Hah!]
"I just thought I would let you know how something as sweet and innocent as the naked, mohawk-baby carrot jockey can be twisted and perverted in the wrong hands. Mine."
The good thing, Burton, is that most of us are just twisted enough to love you for doing this, so it's all good. Wreck on, my friend. Wreck. On.
(Still trying to figure out what the deal is with the carrot jockeys? Well, I don't have much of an answer for you, but you can start by going here.)


text:
Olympus Digital Recorders
Olympus Digital Recorders provide superior sound, convenient file management and longer recording time. Many models have the ability to quickly transfer audio files to a computer via USB, PC connection or removable media. With an extensive battery life, your Olympus recorder will out live your smart phone hands down!


text:
Tickets for events at Novello Theatre, London
Venue Information
The Novello Theatre is a West End theatre on Aldwych, in the City of Westminster. The theatre was built as one of a pair with the Aldwych Theatre on either side of the Waldorf Hotel, both being designed by W. G. R. Sprague. The theatre opened as the Waldorf Theatre on 22 May 1905, and was renamed the Strand Theatre, in 1909. It was again renamed as the Whitney Theatre, in 1911 before again becoming the Strand Theatre, in 1913. In 2005, the theatre was renamed by its owners (Delfont Mackintosh Theatres) the Novello Theatre in honour of Ivor Novello, who lived in a flat above the theatre from 1913 to 1951. The black comedy Arsenic and Old Lace had a run of 1337 performances here in the 1940s, and Sailor, Beware! ran for 1231 performances from 1955. Stephen Sondheim's musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened here on the day of Kennedy's assassination, running for nearly two years. In 1971, the comedy No Sex Please, We're British opened here, remaining for over 10 years of its 16-year run until it transferred to the Garrick Theatre in 1982. The theatre was extensively refurbished in 1930 and again in the early 1970s. It was Grade II listed by English Heritage on 20 July 1971. After The Rat Pack: Live From Las Vegas in 2005, its 100th anniversary year, the theatre was extensively refurbished. The current seating capacity is 1,105. The theatre reopened on 8 December 2005 with the Royal Shakespeare Company's annual London season, playing to 4-week runs of Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, A Midsummer Night's Dream and As You Like It, concluding in March 2006. In 2006, the theatre played host to the London premiere of the Broadway musical Footloose, starring Cheryl Baker. Ending on 11 November, Footloose made way for the Royal Shakespeare Company's return season for 2006-7, following which the Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone made its European premiere on 6 June 2007. The London production starred Elaine Paige, Bob Martin, Summer Strallen and John Partridge. The London production closed after a run of only two months on 4 August 2007 after failing to attract audiences, despite positive notices. It was announced on 10 July 2007, just three days after the announcement of Drowsy's premature closure that the theatre would be the home of a new musical version of the MGM motion picture Desperately Seeking Susan with music by Blondie and Deborah Harry, directed by Angus Jackson, and starring Emma Williams and Kelly Price. The musical previewed on 16 October 2007 (originally 12 October 2007), receiving its world premiere on 15 November 2007. However, just two weeks after its opening, following a critical mauling, the show announced its final performance for 15 December 2007, having played just four weeks of previews and four weeks of open run, losing over ?3.5 million. A quick replacement came in the form of the cross-West End transfer of Shadowlands from the Wyndham's Theatre, commencing 21 December 2007 for a 12 week run to 25 February 2008. Producer Phil McIntyre opened ZooNation's adaptation of the musical Into the Woods, entitled Into the Hoods, on 26 March 2008. This theatre is one of the 40 theatres featured in the 2012 DVD documentary series Great West End Theatres.
By Tube
Closest tube stops: Covent Garden (approx. 300m) Charing Cross (approx. 600m) Holborn (approx. 600m)
By Train
The closest station is Charing Cross which is about 600m from the venue.
By Car
It is advised to use public transport as the venue is in central London.
By Bus
Buses 6, 19, 13 and 77a stop outside the theatre with many more serving the Strand.
If you have to drive, there is a NCP car park on Drury Lane.
Wheelchair Access
The venue has separate access for wheelchair users off Catherine Street. The Venue is not suitable for scooters. The theatre provides transfer seats for one wheelchair in total per performance. Transfer seats are available at A23 and A24 in the Dress Circle. Each wheelchair user must bring a non-disabled companion. Customers who can't transfer from their wheelchair can use Dress Circle AA 10-11. Please contact 0844 482 5137 for more information and to book.
Hearing Systems
There is a Infra-red system in the auditorium.
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are not allowed into auditorium. However, staff are happy to dog-sit.
General Access Info
For all access and disabled info and bookings, please call 0844 482 5137.


text:
Welcome to mayabunder.Andamanonline.in – mayabunder's No.1 portal that provides resources for Businesses, General users and Visitors to mayabunder.
mayabunder.Andamanonline.in brings you complete business, leisure, travel and tourism, weather, latest news and all other related information about mayabunder.
mayabunder.Andamanonline.in provides you the best platform for creating you website, your business listing in our business directory with dedicated profile pages, Free and Premium classified Ads, Latest News from mayabunder, latest weather updates for mayabunder, current events, festivals and all other important and relevant information about History, Geography, Administration, Travel and Tourism in mayabunder.
mayabunder.Andamanonline.in provides a free platform for many useful services like:-
mayabunder.Andamanonline.in is a part of the India Online Network which is India's largest network of 475 main portals and nearly 4000 sub-sites that covers all the states, union territories, all cities and towns of India with individual portals for each of them.
The India Online Network was launched by our company Pan India Internet Pvt. Ltd. in the year 2009.


text:
For such small objects, the child's handcuffs are surprisingly heavy when cradled in the palms of one's hand. Although now rusted from years of disuse, they still convey the horror of their brutal purpose, which was to restrain Native children who were being brought to boarding schools. "I felt the weight of their metal on my heart," said Jessica Lackey of the Cherokee tribe as she described holding the handcuffs for the first time.
Lackey, an alumnus of Haskell Indian Nations University, was working at the school's Cultural Center & Museum when the handcuffs were unwrapped last spring after being kept in storage for several years. I had heard rumors about the existence of the handcuffs during visits to Haskell over the years and had made numerous inquiries to school authorities about them, but people seemed very reluctant to discuss this touchy artifact. This past summer, however, Haskell agreed to allow a public viewing of the handcuffs. Andy Girty, one of the elders who first blessed the handcuffs when they were given to Haskell in 1989, helped unwrap them for me.
Known as the Haskell Institute in its early years, the school opened its doors in 1884. It was originally founded as an instrument of the final solution to this country's "Indian problem"; Haskell Institute's mission then was embodied in the now infamous motto of Captain Richard H. Pratt, founder of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School: "Kill the Indian, Save the Man." This mind-set led to decades of forced acculturation through brutal military-style incarceration cloaked as education in U.S. Indian boarding schools.
Although begun as a model for assimilation, native students have, over the years, transformed Haskell into a model for self-determination. The school's early curriculum featured training in domestic and farming skills but has since evolved into four-year university.
Haskell's Cultural Center & Museum, located on campus, tells the full—and often cruel—story of Haskell's painful past as well as providing a venue to showcase Native art, culture from the past and present. Opened in 2002, the center features the permanent exhibit Honoring Our Children Through Seasons of Sacrifice, Survival, Change and Celebration, featuring artifacts, photos and letters from the school's early days.
Among the artifacts currently on display isa heavy iron lock and key for the school jail, which held unruly students. Letters, photographs, copies of early school newspapers and daily menus are among the more commonplace artifacts of early daily life displayed at the museum. One display includes a heavy lock and key from the small on site jail used to punish unruly students. Soon, perhaps, the handcuffs will be included among these artifacts, adding its chilling testimony regarding the practices used by early educators to kill the Indian and save the child.
Not much is known about the diminutive handcuffs, which were donated to the Cultural Center in 1989 by a non-Indian man who described their use to Bobbi Rahder, former director of the Haskell Cultural Center & Museum. "He told us they were used to restrain captured Indian children who were being taken to boarding schools," says Rahder. The middle-age white man said his father had the handcuffs for years but that he no longer wanted to have them in his possession. "He seemed relieved to get rid of them," Rahder recalls.
I made many phone calls, but was unable to track down the man, who is said to have lived in Lawrence. According to Rahder, he failed to respond to messages they had left him over the years, and he has not been seen at Haskell since the day he brought the handcuffs to the Cultural Center. "It was all very vague. He didn't tell us how his father came to have the handcuffs. He showed up one day and donated them to the Center," she says.
Mysterious donations are common at the Cultural Center. Rahder has witnessed scores of non-Indian donors dropping off important—and often poignant—historical artifacts relating to Haskell. Last year, Roger Bollinger of Pennsylvania donated an 1880s leather-bound photo album containing photos and corresponding identifications of Haskell's very first students in 1884. This album represents the only known identifiable photos from that inaugural class. Bollinger knew little of Haskell and had no idea how the album came to be in his family's possession. A supporter of education and cultural understanding, he decided tom donate the album to Haskell.
The handcuffs, however, were different, notes Rahder, who took them from the man. "I was shocked and afraid to touch them," she recalls.
She says she immediately contacted administrative and spiritual leaders at the school for guidance on handling the handcuffs. Leaders at Haskell were overwhelmed by the brutality of the tiny handcuffs, she noted.
Girty, of the Cherokee Nation, who is a Cherokee language instructor at Haskell and a number of other elders and leaders, conducted a modest ceremony the next day at the school's medicine fire. His wife, Frances, of the Creek and Choctaw Nations, provided a tiny handmade quilt in which the handcuffs were reverently wrapped before being stored in the Cultural Center's archives. The handcuffs remained in storage for more than 20 years.
Although the Cultural Center displays a number of artifacts related to the harsh treatment of early Indian students at Haskell, the handcuffs were simply too painful to be addressed, opined Rahder. She says elders blessed the handcuffs and instructed her to put them away. She did as she was told, trusting that students and faculty would one day decide on the appropriate treatment of this painful artifact. The handcuffs languished in the archives of the center until this past summer.
As word of the handcuffs began to leak out over the past few years, students and faculty began discussing the importance of acknowledging their existence and putting them on display. For whatever reason, no one at the school has been willing to take the lead in the handling of this powerful artifact, but with the approval of Haskell administration, Girty agreed to unwrap them for ICTMN.
For Lackey the handcuffs are a tangible example of the painful history between Native people and the U.S. "The history of our genocide has been so swept under the rug by the mainstream. People need to see the impact that these policies had on us," she says.
According to Girty, who was a student at Haskell in 1959, there are many stories of the brutal means used by authorities to bring and keep students at school in its early days. For instance, reservation authorities would hold back Native families' food rations if they refused to allow children to be sent to early boarding schools, he noted. "If those handcuffs could talk, they would tell some terrible stories," he says.
Steve Prue, spokesman for Haskell, says there are no immediate plans regarding how the handcuffs will be presented to the public, nor how they will be displayed. He agrees with students that the handcuffs are an appropriate item to be included in displays of other Haskell artifacts at the Cultural Center. "It's good to have these sorts of things on display in the Cultural Center," he says. "They tell the story of who paid the price for us to be here now."


text:
How was your weekend ? I wish I could say mine was as tranquil as above.
The weekend was gorgeous after a long line of cold, snowy and rainy weekends. So I went to the park with a book and tea, thinking I could plonk LS in a swing, let BS fend for herself and sit down and read this wonderful book under the shiny blue sky.
I didn't realize that everyone else in the state(?) had the exact same brilliant plan.
The park was spilling over with kids of all ages and sizes, Moms & Dads of all ages and sizes, Grandparents of all ages...ok you get the drift. So though I could drink my cups of tea, I couldn't read a single page of the book.
So I am still going on at the pace of reading only a couple of pages at night every day though I am itching to know how Greg Mortenson managed to open all 50 schools in Baltistan
Currently Reading: Three Cups of Tea


text:
Now on Startselect!
Now available at Startselect: placeholder2. At Startselect you can purchase your digital games and gift cards anywhere and anytime. All of our products are fully authorized and supported by the publisher or developer.
Do you want to purchase this product? Just pick one of the payment methods, check out and you will receive your digital code almost immediately in your mailbox. If you run into any problems or if you have a question, our support team is standing by. We want to give you the easiest shopping experience, so you can use your product straight away!
Happy with your choice? Be sure to check out all the other products available at Startselect!
Discover our brands


text:
William Eggleston Democratic Camera: Photographs and Video 196-2006
William Eggleston. Heard of him? I think you have so I won't waste your time with repeating his story but the thick catalog that accompanies his retrospective at the Whitney Museum is worth spending a bit of time over. At 304 pages, William Eggleston Democratic Camera: Photographs and Video 196-2006 is a substantial contribution to the discussion of this quirky artist much like Figments from the Real World was for Winogrand or Peter Galassi's exercise in the extreme was for Lee Friedlander.
The first thing one notices with Democratic Camera is the dustjacket. Now, choosing an image that will be the face put forward for a life's work can be tricky business to say the least. One might jump to certain obvious mainstream 'hits' from the artist's career. For Eggleston this might be say, the tricycle picture (cover of the 'Guide'), or the woman with the red hair at the concession counter (Hasselblad Award). The red ceiling picture (Foundation Cartier). Obviously you wouldn't choose one of those for this cover too but you get the idea. OR you can pick a lesser known image, you know he has tens of thousands laying around. But what they decided upon would have been my last choice - the dolls lined up on the Cadillac hood. The paper stock has a glossy finish too. For a book on David Byrne? Perfect match. Here, I'm not loving it.
Getting into the body of the book, it starts off decent enough with the ubiquitous Sponor's Statement and Directors' Forword, a preface, and onto the first essay by Thomas Weski which gives an extensive peek into Eggleston's background and practice. Finely written, it serves both newcomers and Eggleston aficionados well and is the most substantial of the essays included.
A second text by Elisabeth Sussman discusses his video work with the Sony-PortaPak and the rarely seen 'Stranded in Canton.' This footage, over 72 hours in total, has been edited into a 76 minute rough cut video from which many stills are reproduced. As a side note, small book from Twin Palms has been published which reproduces many stills as well as includes a DVD of Stranded in Canton.
The 'plates' section starts off with 9 of his early black and white photographs mostly made around shopping centers - 6 of which were unknown to me. These early photos follow in the traditions of Bresson and Winogrand and are fine examples with much merit. I think this set up makes his turn to color seem all the more important in terms of taking a risk as he was mining a good vein in black and white as well.
The selection of plates is a good mix of familiar and not. Although printed by Steidl, some of the reproductions do suffer from slight heaviness and others seem murky. The aforementioned girl with the red hair at the concession stand image has had all of the golden tone of sunlight somehow drained away and the image of the young black children along the roadside is dreadfully reproduced out of focus.
The back of the book features three short essays by Donna De Salvo, Tina Kukielski, and Eggleston's long-time friend Stanley Booth. One that I particularly enjoyed was Donna De Salvo's dedication to discussing one image - the photo of the plastic toy animals from the 14 Pictures portfolio published in 1974. It was this image in particular that made Eggleston a complete mystery to me when I was in school and is an example of how my view of him has swung dramatically. That picture drew an almost irrational response of anger from me when I first saw it. Like my father when visiting the MoMA asked if I thought Picasso was putting us on, I couldn't see any merit to that photograph. Today, it is one that I can't shake and think of often with enjoyment because it so easily confounds by appearing silly or overly simple. Deeper consideration proves otherwise yet the image seems so understated that it doesn't invite such consideration easily.
Of course all of my criticisms are subjective and aimed primarily at the choices of design and material but the overall feel of this book is a turn off. The paper, which I think has been flood varnished (a process of coating the entire page as opposed to spot varnish which just covers the photos) has a very glossy appearance which I don't like. Did I mention I hate the dustjacket?
Is it true that this is the first retrospective of Eggleston in the United States? If so it has been much needed as his influence has spread to many outside of the medium, especially those in filmmaking. He is now the stuff of legend partly due to his persona with its air of Southern aristocracy, ever present libations, and his speech pattern which has the slowness of a spilt molasses/quaalude paste. Unfortunately, those that put together this catalog drained some of this added charm from the project and what is presented seems clinical and plastic - much like the dolls that grace the cover.


text:
Wherein a surgeon tells some stories, shares some thoughts, and occasionally shoots off his mouth. Like a surgeon.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spendtacular Surgery
In order to remove an otherwise inoperable tumor, surgeons have extirpated more or less a woman's entire intestinal tract, taken away the tumor, and re-installed her guts. The operation took fifteen hours, at least two anesthesiologists, and who knows (because the article doesn't say) how many surgeons and nurses and aides. The extraordinary effort was required because of the location of the cancer, at the backside of the abdominal cavity, enwrapping itself amongst the blood supply to those gut organs. High fives all around.
It's not that it's not amazing. It's a salad of surgical steps steeped in transplantation techniques, and a melange of magic, making mayhem manageable. Had I done it, I'm sure I'd have found it exciting and dramatic, and I'd no doubt be impressed as hell with myself. TV cameras, interviews. I might even have convinced myself it was worth it; it's obvious the patient thinks so, and I don't mean to diminish that. She looks like a very nice person. (In the print version, there are pictures.)
Even forgetting for a moment that when a cancer insinuates itself into blood vessels it is almost certainly incurable (because in doing so it invades into the bloodstream and spreads elsewhere), I don't think it's unreasonable to be skeptical. Because it seems a good example of the dilemma of health care costs driving us into medical bankruptcy. In asking whether it's appropriate to do such a thing, am I out of bounds? Considering it -- given the finitude of resources -- a waste of money, am I heartless? Were I the patient, would I think differently? (Well, I think I can answer that last one in the negative: I happen to recoil [admitting the chips are not yet down] at the idea of that many people and that much money being devoted to the personal old fuck that is me, and I tell myself I'd not allow it.)
I guess it's a matter of the particular versus the abstract. The woman is a person whom many people no doubt know and love. Were she my friend or relative, were I looking her in the eye, I'd likely feel differently, and so might you. But as a matter of policy I find it troubling; or at least a good subject for discussion. I remember being outraged at Ronald Reagan (one of a bazillion times) when, shortly after demanding reduced federal funding for health care, he got all misty over a girl who'd just had (or maybe was asking for) a liver transplant (I think it was) and chipped in a few bucks for her fund. But it's how we think. Or don't think, depending on how you look at it. If we tear up in wonderment when we read such a story, then we must also be willing to pay: well up; pony up. But if we think it's an imbalance in equity, then we must also be willing to say so when it's grandma.
In my area there's an increasing crisis in hospital bed availability, and it extends to adjoining counties. Projections suggest impending shortages of surgeons nationwide. Medicare will go bust on its current trajectory. Looking at this spectacular (as in "spectacle") operation seems a good way to frame the debate: should it have been done? Should there be parameters: age, odds of cure, projected costs? Number of people required, or time taken up in an operating room? Are insurers obliged to cover such things? Is Medicare? If not, are we okay with "heroic" (I have a problem with that term, too) care being given only to those that can afford it?
I have opinions, but not answers. Answers can only come from confronting such questions straight up, in Congress and in the voting booth. Cost, benefit, society. Taxes, deficits. Priorities. In these times, of all times, it feels like the clock is ticking. Meanwhile, I wish the lady well.
30 comments:
- webhill said...
I know what you mean. I find myself worrying about these things on a smaller scale all the time in my own practice. I mean, I have seen a caring couple agonize over whether or not to send their pet to surgery for a bleeding liver mass. Sure, it could be a hemangioma or other benign bleeding mass, and sure, it's possible we could fix it. But it's not a certainty. What *is* a certainty is that their bill is going to be at least $1500 and probably more - and when the wife cries because she wants to save her dog but the kids all need new shoes, that's when I step in and say euthanasia is a kindness, not a cruelty, and that I believe in taking care of the whole family, and not putting one member above all, as long as we do not allow anyone to suffer needlessly. Just because maybe we can do something in veterinary medicine does not mean we will. At the same time, I get annoyed with people who say "what? $200 to work-up and regulate my newly diabetic cat? I can get a new cat for $20 or free!" so there you go. But even in veterinary medicine there is a tendency to spend more and do more and more expensive things "because we can," and it's kind of getting out of control in my opinion.
- rlbates said...
I agree with both you and webhill. I found myself thinking the same sort of thoughts in residency when I would hear that a liver transplant patient was getting a THIRD liver after rejecting the first two. When does the next person in line get the liver (treatment)?
- mark's tails said...
All good questions, I wish I had an answer.
I was going to end my comment there but I have to add one more thing given webhill's comment.
Generality here: I've often wondered how most people feel it compassionate to end the suffering of their family pet yet insist that every needle stick, procedure, line, CPR etc is necessary for a 'loved one' with a known terminal illness. - 3/25/2008 1:43 PM
- ArkieRN said...
I had this exact thought when pouring blood products into a "well ventilated" patient who had progressed into DIC resulting in using up nearly the entire hospital supply on one GSW patient. It was taking two ICU nurses to hook up the IVs and inflate the pressure bags and the blood was still spilling out of the patient faster than we could replace it.
- Ros said...
There has to be a stop point. The brute fact is if we don't figure one out, one will be figured out for us by necessity. Our nation and most of us individually are so incredibly wealthy that we've developed a problem almost every human being who lived before 1900 would find inconceivable. We're so fat, rich, and happy we literally can't imagine the well running dry.
...but it will. And if we haven't made these decisions intelligently beforehand, they'll be made for us by the blunt force of reality itself.
Unfortunately if history is any guide, humanity is functionally incapable of making such a decision at any sufficiently complex or powerful level of organization. The communal resources of the many will continue to be profligately expended on the few until there aren't enough resources left. Apres moi, le deluge, etc, etc.
Awareness of this problem will hopefully inspire your readers to create living wills and, perhaps, so avoid the worst of the excesses. - 3/25/2008 3:32 PM
- MedStudentGod (MSG) said...
I believe rationing care is necessary. Unless certain patients can pay, up front, for these heroic measures I don't feel they should be done. Like you said, it seems like this was done for spectacle and not much else. Far too often that's the ego talking of doctors who fail to do the best of the patient or society.
BTW: I just received your novel and have already poured through the first 5 chapters. Interesting reading I must say. - 3/25/2008 3:58 PM
I also think we need rationing, but that it needs to be across the board. There needs to be set guidelines, and not one set of rules for rich people and another set for those less fortunate. It becomes very easy to say, "yes, we need to not provide care for those who can't pay" when you know darn well, that statement will not ever effect you or your family, medstudentgod.
I dont see rationing as a bad thing at all, if it is done in a moralistic and ethical manner. Also, there needs to be better advocates to inform people of the importance of medical directives. I think when grandma is laying in the ER, or even her own bed, many times people claim to want everything done to save her, becuase in reality, they dont know what her wishes are. They are afraid of making a mistake or of being accused of being heartless. - 3/25/2008 7:59 PM
There are too many variables and every situation so different that no body of law would ever be able to create a blanket law governing these types of situations. It would be such a vaguely written law that it would, almost, certainly be ineffective as most laws on the books are. You can't tell a hard working, blue collar, unisured, American that he is unable to have a, potentially, life-saving operation because of his inability to pay. Even if the surgery only has a chance of extending his life for a few years, most people would want to live that extra time, as long as it wasn't an extreme quality of life depreciation.
Personally, I would much rather pass away than live an extra few years with severe quality of life depreciation. I wouldn't want to be a burden on my family.
I think the biggest problems, financially, for the medical field have potential solutions if something would be done. Malpractice suit caps, illegal immigrant health care (Bill their country of origin, then once they are better, send them back. Probably wouldn't get paid though). I think we need to lower health care costs by fixing these types of problems rather than denying health care, no matter how ridiculous.
Sorry for the long rant. - 3/25/2008 11:36 PM
Dr Schwab,
Out of curiosity, how much would you estimate a surgery like this to cost the healthcare system? - 3/26/2008 3:56 AM
- broca's area said...
a good insight into a surgeons mind!!:)
- Sid Schwab said...
aj: that's an excellent question, and one about which I can only conjecture from the cheap seats in the ballpark. Since it may well have been considered "experimental," the surgeons may not have been paid at all. If they were, I doubt there's any code for it, so they'd have gotten a fee that would reflect a very much lesser operation. Most hospitals charge an hourly rate for operating rooms. I suppose it varies but I'd guess it's now around 2K/hr, not including the equipment used which would be considerable. Anesthesia fees. Intensive care fees, floor care fees. There are unpredictable downstream costs: directly related to post-surgical issues and possible complications, and then, costs related to predicted (but not certain) recurrence. I'd guess the initial hospital charges, excluding professional fees, were at least $100K. But I was also thinking of resource management: the commitment of so many people and so many hours of high-demand and high-skill services such as OR, recovery room, ICU for one person with such a long-shot, as opposed to have them available to many other people with much better odds. Which is, of course, the most difficult calculation, philosophically, given the fact that money and beds are finite.
dr. sid, how do you feel about people going to foreign countries for transplants that they don't qualify for in the u.s.?
if they pay for it completely themselves, is that okay? should they be entitled to transplant level follow up here?
thanks for your thoughts. - 3/26/2008 7:56 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
anonymous: going overseas for transplant is not something I've heard much about; off the top of my head, the issues that come to mind are the ethics of "buying" organs and, by implication, facilitating the coercive selling of them. Of course that may or may not be the case every time. But given the waiting lists here, I'd guess that if one can go overseas and get an organ in less time, some shady dealings might be going on.
It's another matter entirely, that of getting care on return. Most doctors, and surgeons particularly, don't much like the idea of managing other doctors' problems; that's particularly true when someone has gone elsewhere "on the cheap" and then expects care back home. As to being "entitled" to such care: I'd say if they chose to circumvent the system, there'd be no entitlement, and it'd be their responsibility to work things out, presumably ahead of time. Just one man's opinion... - 3/26/2008 8:33 AM
- gay CME guy said...
Another intriging and excellent post. In today's Chicago Tribune, there was an article about when Medicare & SS going bankrupt, with more outgo than income. (I've already tossed the paper, as I read in on the train). We (as in humans, Americans in particular) have to get over this incredibly selfish notion of saving at all costs. The Catholic church helps to perpetuate this.
I especially appreciate webhill's comments. My previous dog had bladder cancer. I was provided with the option of giving her chemo. Taking the financials out of the picture, I could not put her through that, so I could selfishly have more time with her.
Yes, I know, a dog is not a human. But why do we insist on utilizing "heroic" measures (a misnomer if ever there was one) to extend existence. I call it existence, but it usually isn't living. I watched my cousins do that to their father with stage 4 esophogeal cancer. The last few months of his existence were miserable. The mostly ignored medical advice, and was provided paliative care. They weren't doing it for him. They were doing it for themselves. Even before this, I've made certain that people know, that I NEVER want to be in similar circumstances.
These aren't easy issues and decisions to grapple with. I don't mean to suggest otherwise. But these kinds of discussions need to be had with our loved ones while we're healthy. - 3/26/2008 8:33 AM
I agree with the poster who says that rationing is necessary and that it has to be across the board - not dependent on whether you can pay or not.
I do not believe that Americans will accept it if it isn't pay-ability independent, and I don't think it would be right either. - 3/26/2008 9:48 AM
- IVF-MD said...
Consider this scenario.
What if there are enough resources / manpower / facilities etc to provide procedures for 100 people?
So the priority list is made, as determined by whatever triage criteria are set, irrespective of ability to pay, of course.
The fortunate 100 people get "saved". Person #101 is out of luck.
Now, what if person #101 saves up enough money to fund 3 additional procedures? So by allowing him to get the procedure, he and two additional patients get saved, thereby allowing three more people (counting himself)to derive benefit? Is that wrong?
I realize rarely is it that clearly defined, but it is true that those who contribute most to the workforce are the ones who are funding the original 100 procedures to begin with. Without the workforce, then nobody gets saved.
Bear in mind that the great prosperity achieved during the past 100 years was due in great part to a system where those who work hardest and contribute the most are motivated to so by the chance to derive proportional compensation and self-benefit. - 3/26/2008 11:34 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
IVF: unless I'm missing your point, it seems -- while true (the workforce) -- to be off point. In terms of what I was saying, it's more like this: what if there are resources for 100 operation "equivalents." Since resources are limited and finite, that makes sense. So then what if one person's operation is so extensive that it uses up, say, 10 equivalents. Then only 91 people get an operation. That is a more realistic scenario, at least in terms of the questions I think I was raising.
- IVF-MD said...
Dr S, your point is correct. I wasn't adequately addressing the specific situation of a mega-operation like this, but rather just the general idea of whether there should be any consideration at all of willingness/ability to pay as a criterion for triaging any form of medical rationing.
The only way to extend that example to THIS particular case is if the patient consuming the resources for this 10-unit mega-operation comes up with funding to cover the costs of 11 or 12 procedures. I know that is far-fetched, but I trust you get the point :) - 3/26/2008 12:14 PM
My mother-in-law has a leiomyosarcoma, the same type as this woman, and hers is also in what we have been told is an inoperable spot. I love my MIL, but when it's gotten to that point, it's gotten to that point, and there is a time for putting fear aside and simply facing the fact squarely that each of us is given a life, and then it ends. The blessing of cancer is having and treasuring the time to make memories and to tell your loved ones you love them. You get a chance to say goodbye.
There are studies which demonstrate that across cultures, we exhibit higher rates of compassion and will donate at higher rates when a single person is observed to be in need. The rates of demonstrable compassion and offers of assistance go down as the population in need rises.
This seems somewhat counterintuitive, doesn't it?
But with a single person, we attach emotional identification, and with a group, that emotional attachment is diminished by its increasing abstract qualities. We still "think globally while acting locally".
If this woman's plight had been presented as representative of a group's situation and assistance with financing targeted for the group, I expect that the expressions of sympathy and affiliative/identification statements wouldn't have been as strong.
Some of our compassion is still very much rooted in the ability to self-identify. So the more "real" the person's experience is, the likelier we are to offer help and to "support the cause".
It's a major reason that community and public health initiatives are so difficult to garner enthusiastic and widespread support. Ditto preventive health initiatives. The need can only be imagined - can't see what has been prevented, and so, more difficult to perceive, to identify with,and to emotionally invest.
One related point - cases such as this one are heroic in investment and in "life saving". It's much sexier to join up and support something that "saves a life" instead of investing in a water treatment plant or in diesel exhaust emissions reductions, no? - 3/26/2008 2:42 PM
I think these heroic measures are sometimes needed, abstractly speaking. Just to know how far we can push the medicine frontier. I am opposed however to have these kinds of surgeries to be common practice. I also somehow opposed to giving 20 plus meds for people that has metabolic syndrome/CHF/HTN, etc etc, unless they can pay fully on their own. I think the money spent on this surgery is too high, but if we think about it, spending medicare/aid money on people with metabolic syndrome/CHF/HTN/drug addicts etc, etc is also waste of money.
I agree that rationing of health care based on the financial and personnel constraints of the healthcare system as well as the patient's likelihood of survival, is needed. However, I don't believe that health practitioners should be in a position of making decisions about care based on whether we believe the patients are responsible for their illness.
Taking your example of not spending money on people with hypertension (and I hope i am not misrepresenting you here). . I think that if a treatment is deemed not financially viable to control this, then it should not be provided through government subsidy (Im assuming this is how it works in the USA).
However, I don't believe we should not be able to withold medications based on whether a patient has hypertension/atherosclerosis because they have eaten too much fried food compared to if they have familial hypercholesterolaemia. - 3/26/2008 5:18 PM
Im trying to understand this poster who think people with high blood pressure should not be given medication calling it a waste of effort. I also want to know how I caused my HBP?
I have literally had it since I was a kid. First diagnosed when I was about 17 years old. Still in school, very active, not overweight. The only reason the doctor started checking it was because of daily nose bleeds. At age 19, many years ago, was when I first went on medication. Back then we didn't really have the good meds for it that we have today. This was back in the early 70s. I was on lasix for years. Now, I take 4 different meds daily. My mother also had HBP for as long as I can remember as did both of her parents. My grandmother and mother both were about 4ft 11in tall and weighed usually less than 100 pounds, so I dont understand this thinking that it is caused by our behavior. What behavior? What was I doing at age 17 that caused me to have horrible nose bleeds and a lifetime battle with HBP?
Why is it easier to blame patients for their illnesses than to just treat them? - 3/26/2008 6:08 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
anonymous: I assume, because you were diagnosed so young, you've been evaluated for such things as vascular anomalies in the kidney?
- Unknown said...
It may be a stark opinion, but I do not believe the health care debate or rationing will be dealt with until politicians have absolutely no choice(IE when the Medicare trust funds go bankrupt in the next couple decades). Why solve a problem for the people who did not elect me(IE the 10-30year olds of today)? It really is no different than insurers who ignore preventative medicine savings because almost certainly the patient will be differently insured 20years later when the cost/medical loss of a myocardial infarction is incurred. Medicare was a gift to those who first received it in the late 1960s. They didn't pay a dime into it and received all the perks. When the pleurality of the voting population is over 60 and has paid into the medicare system for 40 years the story will be different. There will be an expectation of care.
My guess is in order to maintain the benefits they will "use democracy" to mandate coverage levels similar to that seen by today's Medicare. To future politicians, good luck getting elected on an issue like cutting health care spending when the AARP or equivalent runs the show. David Walker, the recently resigned Comptroller of the United States, puts it best in his bipartisan lectures. Here is a link to one: Page 10 is the most fascinating in my opinion.
In short, the underfunding of Medicare is roughly 50 Trillion dollars or $450,000 per household. At current estimates the Medicare burden is 90% of America's total net worth. And this estimate includes a laughable 40% cut in physician reimbursement that cannot happen if the government expects doctors to keep seeing Medicare patients. The congress is currently unwilling to touch this issue and all 3 presidential candidates claim fiscal seriousness. However, Obama and Clinton's healthcare plans(if they can really be called such) expect to save $50Trillion by expanding individual coverage to the federal books. Disease management, administrative savings, and evidence based medicine may relieve some of the fiscal damage, but the resulting costs on my generation(I'm a 23 year old medical student)are not acceptable. Universal healthcare is a laudable goal, but I require candidates to "Show me the money" before I sign off on any of it. If the candidates want to be taken seriously on matters of Federal fiscal policy 3 things matter: Medicare, Defense Spending, and EVERYTHING else. More importantly, they matter in that order.
Although my opinion means little in the current debate, if I were in a position of influence a mighty axe would be wrought into medical spending. Starting with procedures like the ones mentioned above by Dr. Schwab and the commentators. To believe the costs of the mega-procedure are not passed on to other patients is naïve. And 3 livers are you kidding? At my institution each of those transplants runs over $200k(I forget the exact number Dr. Busittil presented) a piece. $200k on one probably forgone patient may be acceptable, but X 3 it is ludicrous.
Wow I just ranted my way out of 20 minutes of studying the lungs :P - 3/26/2008 9:22 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
chris: well said and provocative. And all you need to know about the lungs is "good air in, bad air out."
- Unknown said...
Good air in, bad air out. Is that all? Why are there 5 forms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? My apologies I don't mean to whine it just seems odd that I need to learn this and we get absolutely no education on anything that is being discussed in this post. By that I mean rationing, health care financing, Medicare reimbursement etc.
Thanks for the kind words and the phenomenal book. I read it when I started medical school/started reading this blog - 3/26/2008 10:01 PM
i see my comment strikes a chord... Apperantly, we (collectively) only think certain measures is a waste of money, if we/people we know, don't have the disease. I apologize for the comment, did not mean to stir up such an emotional response.
Although, it really goes to show that nobody has any place to determine/judge what is proper/not proper, heroic/not heroic. - 3/27/2008 10:08 AM
It's a shame that the government doesn't fund medical research more liberally. I'm sure many commonplace operations that the public takes for granted today were initially considered "heroic" or cutting edge, and very costly, at the time.
- JP said...
Under the umbrella of research, does this surgery lend itself to innovations in medicine (perhaps ones that may ultimately one day save resources)?
Moving this post to the head of the list, I present a recently expanded sampling of what this blog has been about. Occasional rant aside, i...
In no way is it false modesty to say that physicians are not healers. At best, what we do is to grease the way, to make conditions as favora...
Finally I'm getting around to writing about the gallbladder. Don't know what took me so long, seeing as how, next to hernias it'...
I finished the previous post with the sad story of my patient, illustrating diagnostic difficulties at the fringes of biliary disease. An...