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HOOVER — Steve Spurrier finally has South Carolina near the top of the Southeastern Conference heap.
HOOVER — Steve Spurrier finally has South Carolina near the top of the Southeastern Conference heap.
He also believes he has the talent to keep the Gamecocks there.
One year after leading South Carolina to an 11-win season and the school's first postseason top-10 ranking, Spurrier said Tuesday that "we're getting a little bit of a name out there."
The 67-year-old Spurrier is entering his eighth season at South Carolina. After five mediocre seasons, he is 20-7 the last two years.
With that success has come some swagger that hasn't often been associated with the Gamecocks. The program has swept rivals Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee two years in a row.
"Once you get wins you start to get your confidence back," South Carolina receiver Ace Sanders said at SEC media days. "Coach Spurrier knows what kind of guys he has. That's why he's so confident. That's why I'm confident. I know I expect big things."
Spurrier said he expects junior quarterback Connor Shaw to be improved this fall after playing well late last season. He also expects star running back Marcus Lattimore to be completely healthy after a knee injury wiped out the last half of his 2011 season.
Spurrier — a former quarterback — has often clashed with his quarterbacks throughout the years. But he had nothing but praise for the 6-foot-1, 207-pound Shaw, who started nine games last season and led the Gamecocks to an 8-1 record.
Shaw said Spurrier is demanding, but also knows what he's talking about.
"He's been there and done that, he's pretty much a perfectionist," Shaw said. "You have to have thick skin, but I know that by now, and that's what you want so that you can get better as a player."
Lattimore rushed for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns before tearing a ligament in his left knee in a game against Mississippi State on Oct. 15.
"The doctors can do wonderful things now with those knee surgeries," Spurrier said. "... Feels like (Lattimore) got a good surgery. Marcus rehabbed beautifully, has done everything they asked and probably a little bit more. He should be ready to go."
The Gamecocks also have a senior-laden defense led by D.J. Swearinger, Shaq Wilson and DeVonte Holloman.
"I think our defense is one of the best in the nation, not just in the SEC," Swearinger said. "We've got to work to earn it though, and we're working hard in the offseason to try and get in the No. 1 spot this year."
Now the Gamecocks have their sights set on a chance at the SEC championship. South Carolina advanced to the title game in 2010 before getting hammered by Auburn. Last season, the Gamecocks swept all five of their Eastern Division rivals, but two losses to Western Division foes kept them out of the title game.
Spurrier's not making any predictions about this season, but it's obvious he's confident that the program has reached an elite level.
Spurrier is still mostly known for his great success at Florida during the 1990s, but is intent on making some of those same memories at South Carolina. He feels close.
"We realize we're not favored like we usually were during those years at Florida," Spurrier said. "We've got some teams ranked ahead of us. That's OK."


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we always wonder what other people, especially models, carry around in those bags of theirs. so we surprised the gorgeous img model, yana karpova, by asking her to give us a peek into her givenchy pandora bag. most of the products found in her bag came from this awesome health store live + live organic
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Item Number: KJ60004
Jeep CJ 76-86 1/2" Lift Front; Non Greaseable Shackles
Daystar's Greasable Super Shackles are the ultimate shackle upgrade for maximum strength and durability. They include replacement bushings, sleeves, and gun-drilled bolts with an easy-to-access grease zerk for convenient servicing.
*Non-greasable versions retain the factory bushings and do not include hardware.


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Gadgets We Miss
Many people would agree that we are living in a golden age for technology. Devices are ultra-portable, fitting right in our pockets, and networks are as fast as ever even without wires. It's amazing. Of course, all of this will be eclipsed in a few years when there's an entirely new golden age of tech we can't even begin to imagine.
While wondering about the future of technology and all the great gadgets to come, we naturally paused to reflect on the previous golden ages and all the fantastic gear that made them great. The most popular and innovative phones, cameras, and computers of today evolved from some seriously awesome devices that stole the show in their day.
Still, there's no way you could ever compare, for example, the cellular phones of yesteryear with today's smartphones and ever think the past comes out ahead. So why is it we think back on certain products and just can't help but sigh with longing? The tech world isn't like most other worlds in which you lament, "they don't build it like they used to." A sturdy washing machine might give you a good 20 years, but you wouldn't brag about a 20-year-old phone because, typically, devices created today are so much more capable and convenient. Do you prefer your three-pound MacBook Air with machined aluminum casing or your old 16-pound Mac Portable the size of a suitcase?
Okay, sometimes we want the Mac Portable. (Well... maybe an iBook.)
The point is, there are a lot of computers and gadgets in the past that were utterly fantastic in their day—fantastic enough even to transform the way we lived. Sure, technology has progressed beyond their capabilities, but we can't hold that against them. Here's a quick list of the tech devices that we miss most—even though we'd probably never, ever use them again.
1 Original iPod
2 Motorola Flip Phone (StarTAC or Razr)
3 Atari VCS/2600
4 Polaroid Camera
5 CDs and DVDs
6 Typewriter


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Jorge Cordero was walking to a neighborhood market in Southbridge to buy bananas for his wife when he was hit by a car on Main Street.
The car kept going. A witness gave police a partial plate number, saying it had turned onto Coombs Street.
The 81-year-old Cordero was taken to Harrington Memorial Hospital with a severe head injury and then flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The next day, on Sept. 30 of last year, police found a damaged Hyundai Elantra at 83 Coombs St. that matched the description. According to police reports, the owner of the car, Karen Morin, tearfully confessed that she was the driver.
The next day, police got a call from Morin's sister. She claimed that Karen was covering for the actual driver � her husband, Corey Morin, who had a suspended license and criminal record for drug-related offenses. Police also learned from another relative that Corey had packed a suitcase and was planning to flee, according to reports.
Police interviewed the passenger in the car, Andrew Sprague, who also claimed Karen was the hit-and-run driver, but police were skeptical. A few days later, Karen admitted her husband was behind the wheel, according to reports.
"Karen apologized for lying to me but she did not want Corey to go to jail," according to a report filed by Southbridge Police Sgt. Ryan Roettger. "Karen stated that Corey has a job now, and has been going to the (methadone) clinic religiously, and felt that any jail time might cause Corey to relapse into drugs and would hinder his ability to provide for her and her kids."
Police obtained a video from Spectrum Health Systems that showed Corey leaving the clinic in the Hyundai minutes before the accident. He eventually confessed to being the driver and said he had taken his eyes off the road while reaching for his sunglasses, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Jorge Cordero went from hospital to rehabilitation and back again. In addition to his head injuries, he suffered a broken leg and broken ribs. He contracted pneumonia and was placed on a breathing tube.
The patriarch of a large family and great-grandfather of 10, he came to the United States from Ecuador and had worked as a machinist for American Optical. After the accident, his wife of 58 years visited him every day.
"He was kind of a homebody but liked to go out for walks," said his granddaughter, Edith Jaehne. "He was in pretty good health. The fact that someone could hit him and just drive away ..."
Police charged Corey Morin with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving with a suspended license. Sprague was charged with obstruction of justice, while Karen Morin was charged with improper operation of a motor vehicle.
Corey Morin is free on personal recognizance, but his alleged victim would never go home. Last month, on Feb. 27, Cordero died at St. Vincent Hospital. He lived on the same street as the man who allegedly hit him.
"I feel terrible for the family," said Police Chief Daniel R. Charette. "He was hit and just left in the road. ... Our people did a great job putting this together."
The case is in the hands of Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., who will determine whether the charges against Corey Morin will be upgraded. The lawyer for the Corderos, Michael Caplette, said the Morins had a small insurance policy and the victim's widow will receive little to nothing in compensation.
"This family has suffered for five months," he said. "It's just one of those cases that reminds you how unfair life can be."
Contact Dianne Williamson at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Criminology Single Major
Part of the Bachelor of Arts program
Commencing semesters, 2019
Semester 1
Semester 2
Program level
Program code
Humanities and Social Sciences
School of Social Science
St Lucia
Delivery mode
Australian/domestic students
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Email: hass.uq.edu.au/askhass
Phone: 07 3365 1333
International students
International Student Advisor
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: Outside Australia: + 61 3 8676 7004
Within Australia (Free Call): 1800 671 980
Why study Criminology?
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field in the social and behavioural sciences, drawing on the areas of sociology, psychology and psychiatry, anthropology and law. The criminology major at UQ is distinguished by its theoretical and methodological focus on crime and public policy. The major is strongly underpinned by sociological theories, and students undertaking this major become highly trained in social research methods and critical thinking, and learn to examine crime and its regulation within the context of social, economic and political shifts in contemporary society. The major is strongly cross-disciplinary and enables students to combine criminology with other fields of study such as sociology, political science, law, psychology, history and philosophy.
View the course list for courses that can be studied as part of the Criminology single major.
What it costs
Please view the Bachelor of Arts for indicative fees.
How to apply
Please view the Bachelor of Arts for information on key dates and how to apply.


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Dreama Welth
Dreama Welth's Details
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Hi, I am a lovely and natural girl .During the new acquaintances I am very shy but when I know you better ,I can trust you .
My Fantasies
I love to have sex on a soft ,big bed .In the comfort and coziness, with good music and good wine)
My Obsessions & Desires
I was very excites when I during sex, look into the eyes of my partner
Additional Info
I love the comfort of home,always try to create it around .I know how to knit and love to give gifts to my closest people .Gifts which are created by my hands .
Special Info
I believe that the human eye can reveal all the secrets of his soul .Since the eyes are the window to the soul.
My Fetishes
Balloons, Feet, Legs, Role Play/Costumes, Spanking, Stockings/Panty Hose, Sugar Daddy, Teasing, Tickling, Voyeurism
My Sex Toys
Handcuffs, Tickler
Role-Playing Scenarios
Bad Cop/Good Cop, Boss / Secretary, Cowboy/Cowgirl, Dirty Talk, Doctor / Nurse, Service Worker/Housewife, Student/Teacher
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Dreama Welth has setup a wish list at our authorized sex toystore. If you purchase an item from the wishlist it will be sent discreetly to Dreama Welth!
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When you're happyWhen you're happy, look at the bottom of your heart, and you will see that now you enjoy it so that it was upsetting you. Live well with a heart... Read More »
MusicI am a person who measures time in songs. If I listened to 4 songs over 3 minutes, then it took 12 minutes. Read More »
Autumn leaves in the windAutumn leaves in the wind, circling,
Autumn leaves in the alarm screaming:
�All dies, all dies! You're black and Gol
... Read More »
everyone hides as best he can.everyone hides as best he can. There are those that wait do not wait and think do not think! In the fall, and under my canoe got into the habit of... Read More »
People known to be divided into several typesPeople known to be divided into several types of behavior in the morning. For example, I don't sleep, not dyed, but sing! Every morning I get up... Read More »
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The Last Snow of Winter
Author: Ian Muise
As spring break arrives, Mark Poole is focused on his goal of becoming a veterinarian, set on pleasing his proud parents even though he really wants to be artist. He also carefully keeps his desires frozen-for their sake. But he can't help the attraction he feels for the burly, unapproachable lineman who shares two of his classes.Cliff Stevens is equally set on achieving his adopted dream of becoming a professional football player to the exclusion of almost everything else. Cliff drifts through the days alone, but he can guess what Mark has in mind when he catches him watching one day.After an accidental encounter, Cliff proposes a bargain: for one week during the break, they will set aside their reservations and play at being together, exploring each other and perhaps even learning a little about themselves as well.
Its weird, normally when I don't like a book, I can pick that one element that made it so for me – the characterization, a situation that I couldn't get past the believability (even in fiction), but in this book, there just wasn't that one thing overall that I could pinpoint – it was more of a general dislike. I chose to read it for 3 reasons – 1) it was on a list of challenge books in one of my goodreads groups that I had to pick from; 2) it was a new to me author and I am always interested in trying those out and 3) it fit for another reading challenge (snow in the title) – so there were multiple reasons why – and while some of my GR friends had given it iffy reviews, my normal ones that I look and trust hadn't read it – so I decided to give it a chance – I kind of wish, I had paid more attention to the naysayers.
I think my biggest issue, if I was to chose one, was how dated it felt. The book was published in 2010 and as far as I could tell (there were no specific dates mentioned), it was supposed to be a contemporary. However, it was set in a college where the students didn't have their own computers – the one main character had to go to a computer lab (and get permission to use it) in order to write his term papers. Now, maybe I am out of the loop, but when I graduated college in 2005, all of the students had their own computers, it was basically a requirement – yes, we did have a computer lab off campus but that was for the math/engineering types who had to have all those sorts of funky programs (I took one class there and never again) – so it was very disconcerting to read about it when I couldn't even point out the time period. I mean, if it had been maybe set 10 years earlier (and mentioned in the book), it would have been more believeable.
My second issue was that in general, I just never really connected with the characters – there were just too one-dimensional – Mark, the primary main character was going to be a veterinarian because that is what he thought was a good and acceptable job to counter the fact that he was gay – but it just didn't ring true – most people I know who want to be doctors/lawyers/vets – anything that requires multiple years of school need to have that passion. From the description, I also thought that he was in veterinary school already – I mean, with the term – "focused on his goal of becoming a veterinarian" as the first line in the description – but he was really pre-vet doing his undergraduate degree.
The other character, Cliff, I felt was slightly better as a character – but there was still just something that didn't work. He kept pushing for things and then all of a sudden did a 180 degree character turn – which resulted in my biggest pet peeve the "huge misunderstanding," which was ultimately solved wayyy to quickly…
As a review, I'm personally not a fan of writing negative reviews, I mean, I hate it when I have to write about how much I dislike a book – and yet, I think that sometimes they are needed. In this case, I felt strongly enough about it in a negative light that a review was warranted. Overall, I would give it 1.5 stars – I finished it because I needed to and while i had major issues as described above, the writing wasn't bad – there weren't any major grammatical errors or anything like that. It just didn't quite work for me.


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Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles preview
3 hours ago | Tim Costello
The Australia Indigenous Dreamtime side have defeated the New Zealand Maori by 34-26 in a highly entertaining contest at the Sydney Football Stadium this afternoon.
Advertised as a curtain raiser to the World Cup Opening Ceremony, and the main Kangaroos v Kiwis match to follow later this evening, the Aboriginal v Maori clash proved to be the perfect precursor to the night's events.
Following a sensational Haka ceremony - which included a line of Aboriginal spears advancing towards a pack of concerned looking Maori jerseys - the match kicked off in fine style.
Maori took an early lead but the Dreamtime team struck back to lead 10-4 after 20 minutes of play.
A further exchange of tries saw the Dreamtime take a handy 16-8 lead at half time.
The second half saw a Maori comeback, the visitors posting a 26-22 lead with just 12 minutes remaining.
But the Dreamtime side lifted in the final stages, coming from behind to score two more tries and run out deserving winners.
Australia Indigenous Dreamtime 34: Tries: R Wesser 2, R Jensen 2, J Carney, Y Gordon Goals: J Soward 4/5, D Watkins 1/1 defeated New Zealand Maori 26: Tries: S McKendry, S Kenny-Dowell, C Stanley, J Rpana, A Taumata Goals: B Goodwin 2/4, C Stanley 1/1
Sydney Football Stadium Kick off: 4:00pm (AESDT) Referee: Tony Archer (AUS)
By the clock: Australia Indigenous Dreamtime v New Zealand Maori IND v NZM
3 min: TRY NZM. NZM 4-0 18 min: TRY IND (J Carney). 4-all 19 min: CONVERSION IND (J Soward). IND 6-4 22 min: TRY IND (R Wesser). IND 10-4 26 min: TRY NZM (S Kenny-Dowell). IND 10-8 33 min: TRY IND (R Jensen). IND 14-8 33 min: CONVERSION IND (J Soward). IND 16-8 ---- 48 min: TRY NZM (C Stanley). IND 16-12 49 mim: CONVERSION NZM (B Goodwin). IND 16-14 54 min: TRY IND (R Jenson). IND 20-14 54 min: CONVERSION (J Soward). IND 22-14 59 min: TRY NZM (J Rpana). IND 22-18 59 min: CONVERSION (B Goodwin). IND 22-20 67 min: TRY NZM (A Taumata). NZM 24-22 67 min: CONVERSION (NZM). NZM 26-22 71 min: TRY IND (R Wesser). 26-all 71 min: CONVERSION (J Soward). IND 28-26 79 min: TRY IND (Y Gordon). IND 32-26 80 min: CONVERSION (J Soward). IND 34-26
Australia Indigenous Dreamtime team: 1. Rhys Wesser (Penrith Panthers/South Sydney Rabbitohs) 2. Justin Carney (Canberra Raiders) 3. Maurice Blair (Penrith Panthers) 4. Jamal Idris (Canterbury Bulldogs) 5. Ty Williams (North Queensland Cowboys) 6. Jamie Soward (St George-Illawarra Dragons) 7. Preston Campbell (c) (Gold Coast Titans) 8. Carl Webb (vc) (North Queensland Cowboys) 9. Ian Lacey (Ipswitch Jets) 10. George Rose (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) 11. Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers) 12. Derrick Watkins (Brisbane Broncos) 13. Dean Widders (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 14. Chris Sandow (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 15. Rod Jensen (Huddersfield Giants) 16. Yileen Gordon (Canterbury Bulldogs) 17. Peter Jensen (Thirlmere/Tahmoor Roosters) 18. Denis Moran (Narwan Eels) (one to be omitted)
New Zealand Maori: 1. Bronx Goodwin (Unattached/Tanui) 2. Jordan Rpana (Gold Coast Titans/Ngati Toa) 3. Chase Stanley (St George-Illawarra Dragons/Ngapuhi) 4. Karl Johnson (Comets/Ngapuhi) 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowell (Sydney City Roosters/Kai Tahu) 6. Arana Taumata (Canterbury Bulldogs/Tuwharetoa) 7. Rangi Chase (St George-Illawarra Dragons/Ngati Kahungunu) 8. Weller Hauraki (Parramatta Eels) Ngapuhi 9. Ben Ellis (C) (St George-Illawarra Dragons) Tuwharetoa 10. Sam McKendry (Penrith Panthers) Ngapuhi 11. Craig Smith (Unattached former NZ International/Te Whanau Apanui) 12. Wairangi Koopu (NZ Warriors/Ngapuhi) 13. Lee Te Maari (Canterbury Bulldogs/Tanui) 14. Charlie Herekotukutuku (North Sydney Bears) 15. Joseph Cahill (Sydney Roosters/Ngati Kahungunu) 16. Chance Bunce (Cronulla Sharks/Ngapuhi) 17. James Tamou (Sydney Roosters/Tuhoe) 18. Kevin Proctor (Melbourne Storm/Ngapuhi) (one to be omitted) Head Coach: Luke Goodwin (NSW Maori RL/Tanui)
SHOULD THE DREAMTIME v MAORI BECOME AN ANNUAL FIXTURE? POST YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW


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Rivers, Clippers ready to challenge Warriors | Questions abound for new-look Hornets | Pistons open camp in much better space | What's next for KG?
No. 1: Rivers, Clippers ready to challenge Warriors — They can't hide from it, the expectations or the obstacles. And Doc Rivers knows as much, has prepared for as much heading into the 2016-17 NBA season with designs on taking the Los Angeles Clippers to places they haven't been before, even with the Golden State Warriors and their superstar-studded roster (Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green) standing in the way. Rivers insists his Clippers are ready to challenge the Warriors, no matter what the doubters think. Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times breaks down the challenges facing the Clippers with training camps set to kick off around the league:
Last season the Clippers had another successful regular season (53-29) and had high hopes going in the playoffs. But that quickly evaporated when they lost a first-round series to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Paul broke his right hand and Griffin reinjured his left quadriceps tendon in Game 4, forcing both to miss the last two games of the series.
Once again there were complaints that the L.A. Clippers still had never made it past the second round of the playoffs.
"You should never run from the truth. That's true," Rivers said. "But getting past the second round is such a [expletive] goal. That's not my goal. My goal is to be the winner. So, to be the winner, part of that is getting past the second round. The second round talk does nothing for me. The endgame is being the winner."
Rivers quickly pointed out that "we're not" one of the favorites to win the 2017 NBA championship.
Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has the Warriors as the title favorites at 5-7 odds, with defending NBA champion Cleveland second (5-2), San Antonio third (6-1) and the Clippers fourth (20-1).
"We're in the conversation," Rivers said.
So much of the Clippers' success will be determined by the health of Paul and Griffin, both of whom Rivers said are 100% healthy based on how well they have looked while playing in pickup games at the practice facility.
But Griffin has another cloud hovering over him. He broke his right hand in a fight last January with then Clippers assistant equipment manager Matias Testi.
Griffin penned a letter to Clippers fans on the Players' Tribune Friday, apologizing for last season.
"It's been a hard year for Blake – from the knee injury to the Matias thing," Rivers said. "Blake had a year of life lessons. And that's OK. I don't have a problem with that. We all have them. I actually will say Blake is in the best physical and mental place he's been in since I've been here."
The Clippers will gather together for media day Monday and open their training camp Tuesday at UC Irvine.
In recent weeks Rivers has watched as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has taken a knee during the the national anthem in his quest to raise awareness about racial injustice.
"When I hear people say, you have to stand with your team, that's true. But there are certain issues that transcend everything," Rivers said. "This is a very serious problem we have. And to me, none of us are smart enough to know the solutions. But what we can do is start the debate and the talk.
"And usually when enough people get to talking, there are usually results in some type of action. To me, whether you like what Kaepernick did or not – and it's not for me to tell you if you should or shouldn't – the fact that you're reading about a statement that I'm making about it means what he's doing has had an impact. Now we have to get to the endgame and that's the hard part."
On the basketball court, the hard part for the Clippers and the rest of the league will be getting past the Warriors with Durant and two-time MVP Stephen Curry as the expected super team of the NBA.
"There's always going to be a competitor in our league. There's never going to be one team that wins it every year," Rivers said. "There's always going to be someone that's standing in front of you and our job is to stand directly in front of them and block their way.…
"But that's fine, if that's what people want to believe [about the Warriors]. We're just not going to believe that crap."


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Welcome to the Oasis Med Spa, the newest, state of the art. Oasis Med spa is located in the beautiful Fort Pierce, Florida offering Oasis Deep Cleansing Facial in Port St Lucie. Our Laser services include Intense Pulse Light (IPL), Acne and Skin Titan® (tightening). Skin services include Signature Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Massage Therapy and Aesthetic Skin Care Products for all skin.
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Our board certified staff is highly trained about Oasis Deep Cleansing Facial in Port St Lucie and has many years of experience.


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Super Thick Tacky Glue
by Aleene's
Professional crafters favor this specially formulated glue for its ability to adhere heavy, hard-to-hold items. The super thick and tacky texture securely bonds even natural items including pine cones, sea shells, stones, dried materials, silk flowers, and potpourri.
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Average User Rating: Based on (7 Reviews)
5 7
Carolyn J. from Cataumet, MA says:
I use this thicker glue for everything doll related. I love it and ordered three 3. It is the best because it dries clear. The price was right on this site!
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400 Series Calligraphy Pad
by Strathmore
This natural white paper provides an ideal surface texture for smooth ink flow. 20 lb. Tape bound. 8 1/2 in. x 11 in., 50 sheets per pad. #405
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i love it! the price is fantastic and so far it is the best paper for the best price. Very affordable and great for finished work and inexpensive enough to use to learn on.
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Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
Revision as of 10:11, May 13, 2008 by Scouterdennis (Talk | contribs)
| Arts and Hobbies
Bronze Award
1. Medal with Arts and Hobbies device pin.
2. Arts and Hobbies ribbon device.
| This is the Venturing Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award.
Boy Scouts can earh the Art and Graphic Arts Merit Badges.
Webelos Scouts can earn the Artist Activity Badge
Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts can earn the Cub Scout Art Belt Loop & Pin
The Venturing Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award focuses on the Venturer acquiring and cultivating lifelong skills, arts and hobbies. The Bronze Award metal is pinned immediately above the seam of the left pocket; the ribbon device is worn above the left pocket in a rack above any knots.
Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award requirements
Do nine of the following. (Activities or projects that are more available in your area may be substituted with your Advisor's approval for activities shown below.)
View the change list (history) of these requirements. The text of these requirements may be locked. In that case, they can only be edited by an administrator.
Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.
Requirement resources
Related awards
- Boy Scout
- Art Merit Badge
- Golf Merit Badge
- Graphic Arts Merit Badge
- Photography Merit Badge
- Theater Merit Badge
- Webelos
- Cub Scout
- Cub Scout Art Belt Loop & Pin
See also
External links
- Venturing Bronze Award on the BSA scouting.org site.
Program-level awards: Venturing Award • Discovery Award • Pathfinder Award • Summit Award
Expert-level awards: Quest Award • TRUST Award • Ranger Award
Scout ranks: Star • Life • Eagle Scout • Eagle Palms


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Best practices for responsible investment: Mirova publishes inaugural engagement report Mirova publie son 1er rapport d'engagement
Mirova, an asset manager dedicated to responsible investment, is publishing its first engagement report to share the best practices that it applies in terms of Social Responsible Investment. This approach is delivered via its collaborative engagement platform.
An overall engagement strategy
Mirova's engagement report explains how it exerts its influence to ensure that sustainable development issues are better taken into account in financial markets. The report sets out the approach Mirova has initiated in all of the asset classes it manages (equities, bonds and infrastructure) and towards all market actors: financial markets, regulators and companies.
An innovative and pioneering collaborative engagement platform
Since 2014, Mirova has developed its own collaborative engagement platform made up of Mirova experts and client representatives. The platform gives Mirova and its partners the opportunity to influence companies' practices through close dialogue. The platform's first two collaborative engagement initiatives were launched on themes closely related to current trends:
• Risk management in the supply chain in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector, as well as in the textile sector, where price competition can lead to abuses;
• Offshore exploration in the Arctic, the environmental and financial risks of which are not sufficiently taken into account in the context of a limited carbon budget.
These first two initiatives are supported by 32 institutional investors and target 16 companies whose practices are considered inadequate. In addition to enhanced transparency, Mirova's collaborative engagement platform sets a deadline of three years for the targeted companies to obtain an improvement in practices or to change strategy.
Mirova will launch its third initiative of collaborative engagement on the issue of financing the transition to a low-carbon economy by January 2016.
Hervé Guez, Director, Responsible Investment Research at Mirova concludes:
"It is only through the mobilisation of the greatest number that we can tackle the major challenges we are all facing. Mirova is determined to help ensure that environmental and social criteria are better taken into account in the functioning of financial markets. It is with this in mind that Mirova will launch its third collaborative engagement initiative on the theme of financing the transition to a low-carbon economy."
Mirova's first engagement report is available on Mirova's website - http://www.mirova.com/ or by clicking here: Mirova engagement report
Press Contact
Sonia Dilouya
Bérengère Savelli
Tél. +33 (0)1 44 50 58 73
About Mirova
Mirova offers a global responsible investing approach involving Equities, Fixed Income, General and Renewable Energy Infrastructure, Impact Investing, and Voting and Engagement. It has €5.6 billion in assets under management and €42.9 billion in Voting and Engagement. Its team of circa 50 multidisciplinary experts include specialists in thematic investment management, engineers, financial and environmental, social and governance analysts, project financing specialists and experts in solidarity finance.
www.mirova.com @Mirova_RI
(1) Source : Mirova – 30/06/2015.
About Natixis Asset Management
Natixis Asset Management ranks among the leading European asset managers1 with €328.6 billion in assets under management and 649 employees2. Natixis Asset Management offers its clients tailored, innovative and efficient solutions organised into six investment divisions:
Fixed income, European equities, Investment and client solutions, Structured products and volatility developed by Seeyond, Global emerging developed by Emerise, and Responsible Investing developed by Mirova.
1 Source: IPE Top 400 Asset Managers 2015 ranked Natixis Asset Management as the 46th largest asset manager based on global assets under management, and by the country of the main headquarters and/or main European domicile, as of 31 December 2014.
2 Source: Natixis Asset Management - Natixis Asset Management Asia Limited as of 30 June 2015.
Reference to a ranking does not indicate the future performance of the fund manager.
Seeyond is a brand of Natixis Asset Management. Emerise is a brand of Natixis Asset Management and Natixis Asset Management Asia Limited with teams in Paris and Singapore. Natixis Asset Management Asia Limited is an asset manager, 100% subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management.
Mirova is a subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management.
About Natixis
Natixis is the international corporate, investment, insurance and financial services arm of Groupe BPCE, the 2nd-largest banking group in France with 36 million clients spread over two retail banking networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne.
With more than 16,000 employees, Natixis has a number of areas of expertise that are organized into three main business lines: Corporate & Investment Banking, Investment Solutions & Insurance, and Specialized Financial Services.
A global player, Natixis has its own client base of companies, financial institutions and institutional investors as well as the client base of individuals, professionals and small and medium-size businesses of Groupe BPCE's banking networks.
Figures as at June 30, 2015


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Optima Health responds to King v. Burwell
June 25, 2015
By: Sentara Corporate Communications
The Supreme Court today upheld the Affordable Care Act, ruling that subsidies can be used to purchase private health coverage in all states on any government exchange. This decision provides definitive guidance to states and health plans on how subsidies will be managed.
Michael M. Dudley, president of Optima Health and senior vice president of Sentara Healthcare shares his reaction to the ruling and help explain what this means to Optima Health 32,000 members covered under individual plans purchased through the federal exchange.


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Sept. 24, 2008
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -
Team USA Women's Sitting Volleyball Box Scores PDF Format
Her nightstand. That's where Katie Holloway's silver medal from the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team is probably resting at this moment. It's not that Holloway, one of the Paralympics' top performers, is upset about her new jewelry. It is that she wants to always be near it to remind her that the next one that joins it is a gold.
"Winning a medal hasn't really set in," said Holloway. "Seeing it and holding it brings a great sense of accomplishment. It shows that all the hard work and dedication I put in this summer and in the past few years has really paid off."
Born without a bone in her right leg, Holloway, a four-year letterwinner for the Cal State Northridge women's basketball team who graduated in 2008, was spurred to check out the sport by Northridge women's volleyball coach and former Olympian Jeff Stork. She quickly found herself as one of the Americans' top performers, leading the team in scoring in three of its five matches in Beijing.
"Hearing the `USA' chants during our matches was pretty inspiring," said Holloway. "At first our nerves were strong, but we rebounded and winning the silver was an awesome finale."
In one of the tournament's biggest upsets, the Americans defeated the world's top ranked squad from the Netherlands in a five-game, two-hour match. Holloway led the Americans with 23 points in the match on 84 attempts, a hitting percentage of .274.
Still, it was the trip halfway around the world to compete in athletics in its grandest stage that Holloway will always remember.
"The experience was just awesome," said Holloway. "From the second we stepped off the plane, we were surrounded by smiling, friendly volunteers. They were all overwhelmed to see us and just happy for us to be there."
Surrounded by the world's best, Holloway soaked up the experience of meeting people like her, excelling in sport and life despite disability. In addition to spending time with the U.S. delegation, she also befriended the Australian wheelchair basketball team and a group of blind track athletes.
"It was exciting to be in the cafeteria because it was always full of athletes in all shapes and forms," added Holloway. "I was very inspired to see all these people with disabilities doing something amazing with their lives."
A native of Lake Stevens, Wash., Holloway stayed in constant contact with her family and friends back in the states, many of whom she met in her time at Cal State Northridge.
"All the support I received at CSUN got me to where I am today," added Holloway. "If I had never gone to Northridge, I would not be a silver medalist. Just to know that people stayed up until the middle of the night to watch our gold medal match is an incredible feeling."
Of her many memories, Holloway points to a post-practice bus ride before the gold medal match with the host nation, China, as her favorite. While riding back to their hotel, Holloway and her teammates saw a public bus riding next to them with the eyes of the riders glued to a television. On the screen, the team's thrilling five-set victory over the Netherlands.
"It might just be one of the coolest things I have ever seen," added Holloway. "We all started screaming and pointing at the bus and the people just looked back at us like we were crazy. I never thought I'd see myself on TV on a bus."
The team also took time to tour the many attractions Beijing has to offer.
"We went to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City and every cab ride was an adventure," stated Holloway. "Climbing the Great Wall is an experience I will never forget."
With her return to the states comes her return to training. She has moved to the team's official site in Oklahoma with hopes of representing her country again in London in 2012. Only when she returns next time, she wants the medal she brings back for her family and friends to be of a slightly different shade.
"Being able to travel the world and represent my country is an experience I will never forget," concluded Holloway. "Now I am hungry to get back into training so that the next medal we win is a gold."


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Kristen Morse, Directorwww.centernyc.org
The Center for New York City Affairs is an applied policy research institute established in 1964 to investigate the impact of public policies on neighborhoods and communities in New York City. The center is widely recognized for its role as a nonpartisan broker of information and analysis and for supporting dialogue and collaboration between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, residents, reform and policy change advocates, academic researchers, and journalists. Its ultimate mission is to improve the effectiveness of local government and other public services for all citizens, especialy in low-income communities. Current CNYCA projects include Child Welfare Watch, Feet in Two Worlds, Insideschools, and College Ready Communities. The center offers an active program of public lectures and debates and academic support to the Politics and Advocacy specialization at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy.
Charles Allison, DirectorKevin McQueen, Instructor
The Community Development Finance Project (CDFP) connects private, public, and philanthropic capital markets with academic education in the fields of community development, social entrepreneurship, sustainability management, and urban design. Its mission is to teach an array of financial management skills to graduate students of management and urban policy. Its primary vehicle is its signature course, the Community Development Finance Lab, which engages students over two semesters in real client-based projects and building networks with working professionals in the field. CDFP is also committed to the replication of its community development and nonprofit finance curriculum and practice-based learning approach at other universities; to the sharing of knowledge, particularly applied research; and to an active program of civic engagement.
Alberto Minujin, Executive DirectorBeatrice Mauger, Associate Directorwww.equityforchildren.org
Founded in 2006, Equity for Children advances an agenda of social justice for children and strengthens the impact of programs and social public policies dealing with children's well-being. Based in New York City, Argentina, and Mexico, with websites in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, we have a strong commitment to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged and underserved children around the world, with particular emphasis on Latin America and New York City. We are currently working on several model initiatives to engage children and youth as well as their families through a holistic and participatory approach to foster social accountability, create evidence for sound public policies, and influence policymakers to improve child well-being locally, nationally, and globally.
Michael I. Markowitz, Director www.newschool.edu/irp
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The Observatory on Latin America (OLA) was founded with the goal of fostering multiple narratives and opportunities for public discussion about the new, dynamic processes of reform and renewal in the Western hemisphere. OLA supports both academic study of and public debate about contemporary political and economic forces and conflicts in the region. OLA is equally concerned with generating a public dialogue between people and governments in the United States and Latin America and on developing an understanding the challenges of building social democracy in the global economy of the 21st century. The observatory also provides opportunities for Latin American leaders to express their views directly to audiences in the United States.
Steering Committee: Michele Kahane, Cynthia Lawson, Judy Mejia, Mary Watson, Tony Whitfield www.newschool.edu/social-innovation
Successful social innovation involves helping individuals, organizations, and communities develop the ability to devise effective, just, and sustainable solutions to social and environmental problems. The Social Innovation Initiative is an academic partnership designed to provide students in all colleges of The New School with the skills necessary to act as versatile change leaders in a variety of careers and in diverse sectors of society. This community of faculty and students engages in curricular and extracurricular educational experiences that address a number of contemporary social and environmental challenges, developing a foundation of understanding about social innovation, a body of applied research, creative and professional practice, and original methods of experiential teaching and learning. The initiative is supported by The New School for Public Engagement, Eugene Lang College, and Parsons and was inspired by an 2009 invitation from Ashoka University in Japan to The New School to join its Changemaker Campus Initiative.
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A protest was organized in Kansas City, as fans were encouraged to wear black.
As fitting as that is for a funeral, they were too depressed to carry it out, as Arrowhead Stadium emptied out shortly after halftime, during a 28-6 loss to the Bengals.
The Chiefs dropped to 1-9, trying both their bad quarterbacks in an effort to capitalize on the momentum gained by a near miss at Pittsburgh last week.
Brady Quinn replaced Matt Cassel at halftime, and was 9-of-14 for 95 yards, to Cassel's 8-of-16 for 93.
When they blow it up in Kansas City, quarterback's going to be first on the list of priorities, though there are many.
The Bengals played efficiently enough, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown.
But it's hard to give them too much credit for improving to 5-5, when all they really did was show up for target practice.


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Table of Contents
> Pet dander allergy
Pet dander allergy
Also listed as:
Animal dander allergy
Related Terms
Author information
Integrative therapies
Integrative Therapy Quick Links:
Nasal irrigation
Black seed
Cat's claw
Eucalyptus oil
Hypnotherapy, hypnosis
Shea butter
Stinging nettle
Thymus extract
Vitamin E
Grape seed
Related Terms
Allergen, allergic, allergic asthma, allergic reaction, allergic response, allergy, allergy shots, animal dander, antibodies, antibody, antigen, asthma, cat allergy, corticosteroid nasal sprays, corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium nasal sprays, dander, immune, decongestant, dog allergy, immune defense system, histamine, hypersensitive, hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity reaction, Ig, IgE, immune-mediated, immune response, immune system, immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin E, immunotherapy, inhaled corticosteroids, inflammation, inflammatory response, long-acting beta agonists long-acting bronchodilators, nasal sprays, oil gland, pet dander, protein, RAST®, sensitization, sensitized, short-acting beta-2 agonists, skin test.
Animals secrete oily fluids from their skin, which contain allergens called dander. These fluids collect on fur, feathers and other surfaces inside the home, and they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Proteins in the animal's saliva also cause allergic reactions. These allergens are so small that they can become airborne for extended periods of time.
An allergy, or hypersensitivity reaction, occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless (allergen), such as animal dander, mold, pollen or dust mites. The white blood cells of an allergic individual produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which attaches to the allergen. This triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergic symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes and hives.
Allergic reactions to pets with fur or feathers are common, especially among people who have other allergies or asthma. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 15-30% of people with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs. Individuals who are allergic to dogs may be allergic to all dogs or just certain breeds. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies.
Allergies to animals can take two or more years to develop, and the symptoms may not subside until months after discontinuing contact with the animals.
Allergy treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Many lifestyle changes, such as limiting the pet to certain areas of the home, can be made to reduce allergy symptoms. Commonly used allergy medications include antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Patients who have allergic asthma that is triggered by animal dander may benefit from asthma medications.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. .
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pet Allergies. .
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. .
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. .
The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center. Allergy Overview. .
Most allergies are inherited, which means they are passed on to children by their parents. Although people inherit a tendency to be allergic, they may not inherit an allergy to the same allergen. When one parent is allergic, their child has a 50% chance of having allergies. That risk jumps to 75% if both parents have allergies.
Typically, an allergic response is not triggered the first time the body encounters the allergen. The first or several times after the body is exposed to an allergen, the immune system becomes sensitized. During this process, the body's white blood cells develop immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the allergens in the pet dander. Once sensitized, the antibodies quickly detect and bind to the pet dander allergens in the body. These antibodies also trigger the release of chemicals (like histamine) that cause allergic symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.
Allergies to animals can take two or more years to develop, and allergy symptoms may not subside until months after discontinuing contact with the animal. Individuals who want to keep their animal can make lifestyle changes or take allergy medications like antihistamines to control their symptoms.
The actual fur and hair of the animal does not trigger allergic reactions. Animals secrete oily fluids, which contain the allergens. These fluids collect on the fur, feathers and other surfaces inside the home. These allergens are so small that they can become airborne for extended periods of time. Inhaling the airborne allergens can also trigger an allergic reaction. The more the pet sheds or molts, the more pet dander is present. Proteins in the animal's saliva may also be responsible for allergic reactions. These allergens are capable of triggering reactions for several months.
Pet dander is often found in homes without animals because the dander can be carried on people's clothing. The allergens become airborne when the animal is petted or groomed, when the animal sheds, molts, or grooms itself or when the air is stirred where the allergens have settled.
The severity of allergy symptoms varies among individuals, and does not necessarily correlate with the length of time exposed to the allergen. Individuals who have minor allergies may not experience symptoms until several days after contact with the pet. Highly sensitive individuals may experience symptoms within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure.
Common symptoms include stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sinusitis (allergic inflammation of the sinuses), allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), as well as swollen, red and itchy eyes. Rhinoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the nose and eyes in response to an allergen) may also occur. Highly sensitive individuals may experience an intense rash on the face, neck and upper chest. If the animal licks an allergic individual, the skin may become red.
Allergies are commonly associated with asthma. It is estimated that about 20-30% of people who have asthma may experience a severe asthma attack after contact with a cat. Asthma symptoms may include bronchospasms (abnormal contraction of the bronchi, resulting in airway obstruction), coughing (constantly or intermittently), wheezing or whistling sounds when exhaling, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness or chest pain and fatigue.
Skin test
: The standard diagnostic test for pet allergies is a skin test. During the test, the skin is exposed to different allergy-causing substances, including pet dander. The skin is then observed for any signs of an allergic reaction. If an allergen triggers an allergic reaction to a test, the patient will develop reddening, swelling or a raised, itchy red wheal (bump) that looks similar to a mosquito bite. The healthcare provider will measure the size of the wheal and record the results. The larger the wheal, the more severe the allergy is. A skin test is typically conducted in a healthcare provider's office, and causes minimal, if any discomfort. The needles used barely penetrate the skin's surface and will not cause bleeding.
Allergen-specific immunoglobulin (IgE) test
: An allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, commonly referred to as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST®), may also be used to determine whether the patient is allergic to animal dander. However, this test is less accurate than a skin test. The allergen-specific IgE test is usually performed in patients who have severe, coexisting skin diseases (like eczema or psoriasis) that make it difficult to interpret a skin test.
in vitro
test is conducted outside of the body in a laboratory setting. During the procedure a sample of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then sent to a laboratory that performs specific IgE blood tests. The pet dander allergen is bound to an allergosorbent (paper disk). Then the patient's blood is added. If the blood contains antibodies (immunoglobulins that detect and bind to antigens) to the pet dander, the blood will bind to the allergen on the disc. A radiolabelled ANTI-IgE antibody is then added to the disc to measure the level of IgE present in the blood. The higher the radioactivity, the higher the level of IgE in the blood and the more severe the allergy.
A qualified healthcare provider will interpret the results of the test. In general, the sensitivity of these tests range from 50-90%, with the average being about 70-75%. Patients receive test results in about 7-14 days.
: Allergy treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. The best way to relive allergy symptoms is to avoid exposure to the pet dander. However, environmental changes and allergy medications can help relieve symptoms in individuals who do not want to give up their pets. Commonly used allergy medications include antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants and allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots). Patients who have allergic asthma that is caused by animal dander may benefit from asthma medications.
Allergen avoidance
: The most effective way to relieve allergy symptoms is to avoid exposure to the pet dander allergens. Individuals who have severe allergies may consider giving their pets to a shelter. However, individuals who do not want to give up their pets can minimize their contact with dander. Limiting the pet to certain areas of the home and/or preventing the animal from entering the bedroom may help reduce allergy symptoms. Also, allergic individuals should wash their hands with soap and water after contact with their pet. This removes the allergens from the skin and helps reduce symptoms.
Environmental changes
: Keep surfaces clean throughout the home to reduce the amount of pet dander. Vacuum carpets and fabric-covered furniture regularly to remove pet dander inside the house. A vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate hair (HEPA) filter may help remove pet dander. Highly sensitive individuals may consider wearing a dust mask while vacuuming. Using an air cleaner with a HEPA filer may help remove pet allergens from the air. Do not allow the pet on human furniture, which can collect dander.
Short-acting antihistamines
: Short-acting antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) have been used to relieve mild to moderate allergy symptoms. Most short-acting antihistamines are available over-the-counter. Use cautiously, especially in children because these medications often cause drowsiness, and they have shown to impair cognition in children (even in the absence of drowsiness). However, loratadine (Claritin®), another over-the-counter medication, does not cause drowsiness or affect learning in children.
Longer-acting antihistamines
: Longer-acting antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra®) or cetirizine (Zyrtec®) are available by prescription for mild to moderate allergy symptoms. They cause less drowsiness than short-acting antihistamines, and are equally effective. These medications usually do not interfere with learning. Side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, sore throat, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
: Nasal corticosteroid sprays can effectively relieve allergy symptoms in patients who are not responding to antihistamines. Commonly prescribed corticosteroid sprays include fluticasone (Flonase®), mometasone (Nasonex®), and triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ®).
: Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed® Nasal Decongestant) may help relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion (stuffy nose). These drugs shrink the tissues and blood vessels in the eyes and nose that swell in response to contact with an allergen. Nasal decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin®) should not be used more than twice daily for three consecutive days because of rebound nasal congestion (significant return of stuffy nose). Oral decongestants do not cause this effect.
Cromolyn sodium
: Cromolyn sodium is available as a nasal spray (Nasalcrom®) to treat allergy symptoms that affect the nose, such as sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip and itchy nose. This medication is most effective when taken before the patient is exposed to known allergens. Cromolyn sodium may take two to four weeks to start working. Eye drop versions are available for itchy, bloodshot eyes.
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots)
: Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is often used to treat patients who suffer from severe allergies, or those who experience allergy symptoms more than three months a year. Allergen immunotherapy involves injecting increasing amounts of a diluted allergen into a patient over several months.
Asthma medications
: If animal dander is causing asthma symptoms, treatment may include inhaled corticosteroids (like Aerobid®, Azmacort®, Beclovent®, Flovent®, Pulmicort® or Vanceril®), long-acting beta agonists (like Serevent®), a combination of inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting bronchodilators or short-acting beta-2 agonists (like albuterol®), to help open the airways.
Integrative therapies
Good scientific evidence
: Bromelain has been studied in various clinical studies for sinusitis with mixed results. Further research is necessary.
Avoid if allergic to bromelain, pineapple, honeybee, venom, latex, birch pollen, carrots, celery, fennel, cypress pollen, grass pollen, papain, rye flour, wheat flour, or members of the Bromeliaceae
family. Use cautiously with history of bleeding disorder, stomach ulcers, heart disease, liver or kidney disease. Use caution before dental or surgical procedures or while driving or operating machinery. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Good scientific evidence suggests that butterbur may be effective for allergic rhinitis prevention in susceptible individuals. Comparisons of butterbur to prescription drugs, such as fexofenadine (Allegra®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®), have reported similar efficacy. Additional studies are warranted before a firm conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to
Petasites hybridus
or other plants from the Asteraceae/Compositae family (such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums). Raw, unprocessed butterbur plant should not be eaten due to the risk of liver or kidney damage or cancer. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Nasal irrigation
: There is good evidence from clinical studies to recommend the use of nasal irrigation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. One study demonstrated that reflexology massage may be equally effective; however, the advantage of irrigation (i.e. inexpensive, performed at home, minimal adverse side effects) makes the technique beneficial. Methodological and statistical reporting are lacking in some of these trials. A well-conducted, randomized controlled trial, fully reporting data would make the case for allergic rhinitis stronger.
Early research suggests that nasal irrigation may help treat chronic sinusitis, with improvements in sinus-related quality of life, decreases in symptoms, and decreases in medication use. Further study is needed before a conclusion can be made.
Nasal irrigation is generally well tolerated. Use cautiously with history of frequent nosebleeds. If the irrigation liquid is hot, the nose may become irritated.
: Use of probiotic
Enterococcus faecalis
bacteria in hypertrophic sinusitis (sinus inflammation) may reduce frequency of relapses and the need for antibiotic therapy. Further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be made.
Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to probiotics. Use cautiously if lactose intolerant.
Unclear or conflicting scientific evidence
: There is currently insufficient available evidence on which to base recommendations for acupuncture in non-allergic rhinitis. However, studies suggest that it may offer possible benefits. Additionally, more studies are needed of stronger design to determine whether or not acupuncture offers benefit in sinusitis.
Acupuncture should be avoided in patients with heart disease, pulmonary disease, infections, bleeding disorders, medical conditions of unknown origin, or neurological disorders. Pregnant women, the elderly, diabetics, people with a history of seizures, and those receiving radiation therapy and/or taking drugs increasing bleeding risks should also avoid acupuncture.
: Despite widespread use in over-the-counter agents and vapors, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend use of eucalyptus oil as a decongestant-expectorant (by mouth or inhaled form).
Essential oils should be administered in a carrier oil to avoid toxicity. Avoid with a history of allergic dermatitis. Use cautiously if driving/operating heavy machinery. Avoid consuming essential oils. Avoid direct contact of undiluted oils with mucous membranes. Use cautiously if pregnant.
Black seed
: Studies in patients with allergies found that black seed decreased subjective measures of severity of allergies. The effect of black seed for allergies is still not clear and further study is required before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid with a known allergy/hypersensitivity to black seed, its constituents, black seed oil, or to members of the Ranunculaceae family. Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported after topical use of black seed or the oil from the seed.
Cat's claw
: It has been suggested that cat's claw may help treat allergies and related respiratory diseases. However, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support this claim. More well-designed trials are needed to determine whether cat's claw is a beneficial treatment.
Avoid if allergic to cat's claw or
plants or plants in the Rubiaceae family, such as gardenia, coffee, or quinine. Avoid with history of conditions affecting the immune system (such as AIDS, HIV, some types of cancer, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus). Use cautiously with bleeding disorders or with history of stroke, or if taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Stop use two weeks before surgery/dental/diagnostic procedures with bleeding risk, and do not use immediately after these procedures. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Cat's claw may be contaminated with other
species. Reports exist of the potentially toxic Texan-grown plant
Acacia gregii
being substituted for cat's claw.
: Oral tricholine citrate (TRI) effectively relieved allergic rhinitis symptoms in limited available study. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
Choline is generally regarded as safe and appears to be well tolerated. Avoid if allergic to choline, lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine.
: Preliminary study suggests that ephedrine nasal spray may help treat allergic rhinitis. Additional research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Ephedra taken by mouth can cause serious side effects, including heart attack, seizure, and stroke. Therefore, ephedrine nasal sprays should only be used in the nose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has collected thousands of reports of serious toxicity linked to ephedra (including over 100 deaths). Ephedra products are banned from dietary supplements because of serious health risks, including heart attack, heart damage, breathing difficulties, and fluid retention in the lungs. Avoid with history of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, heart attack, stroke, seizure, eating disorders, anxiety, prostate disease, mental illness, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart disease, eye disease, depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, or sleep problems. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Eucalyptus oil
: There is currently insufficient available evidence to recommend either for or against eucalyptus oil as a decongestant-expectorant.
Avoid if allergic to eucalyptus oil or with a history of seizure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, intestinal disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, or the blood condition known as acute intermittent porphyria. Use caution if driving or operating machinery. A strain of bacteria found on eucalyptus may cause infection. Toxicity has been reported with oral and inhaled use.
: Currently, there is insufficient human evidence to recommend honey for the treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to honey, pollen, celery or bees. Honey is generally considered safe in recommended doses. Avoid honey from the genus
because it may cause a toxic reaction. Avoid in infants younger than 12 months of age. Use cautiously with antibiotics. Potentially harmful contaminants (like
C. botulinum
or grayanotoxins) can be found in some types of honey and should be used cautiously in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
: Several studies suggest that some horseradish constituents may offer antibiotic activity and may help treat sinusitis. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to horseradish (
Armoracia rusticana
), its constituents, or members of the Brassicaceae family. Large oral doses may provoke allergic reactions. Use cautiously with clotting disorders, hypotension (low blood pressure), thyroid disorders, kidney disorders and inflammation, gastrointestinal conditions, and ulcers. Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets (blood thinning agents), antihypertensives (blood pressure-lowering agents), anti-inflammatory agents, or thyroid hormones. Use cautiously if undergoing treatment for cancer. Avoid medicinal amounts of horseradish if pregnant or breastfeeding; based on herbal textbooks and folkloric precedent, horseradish has been used to induce abortion.
Hypnotherapy, hypnosis
: It has been suggested that hypnotherapy may be effective for allergies. However, further research is necessary.
Use cautiously with mental illnesses such as psychosis/schizophrenia, manic depression, multiple personality disorder, or dissociative disorders. Use cautiously with seizure disorders
: Conclusive data on kiwi's therapeutic benefits for preventing lung conditions and other respiratory problems is currently lacking. Kiwi and other fruits high in vitamin C may benefit lung conditions in children, especially wheezing. More research is warranted before a recommendation can be made.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to kiwi, latex, birch pollen, banana, chestnut, fig, flour, melon, poppy seeds, rye grain, sesame seeds, and related substances. Kiwi is generally considered safe when taken in amounts naturally found in foods. Use cautiously with anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, cilostazol, or clopidogrel. Use cautiously with hormone therapies or serotonergic drugs. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding because clinical trials testing safety in supplemental doses are currently lacking. The amount found in foods appears to be safe in most people.
: According to preliminary clinical study, MSM reduces symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). However, larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to MSM. Long-term effects of supplementation with MSM have not been examined. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Research shows that topical application of an alcoholic onion extract significantly reduced responses to allergies. Although intriguing, more research is needed in this area to establish the efficacy and dosing of topical onion extracts.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to onion (
Allium cepa
), its constituents, or members of the Lilaceae family. Use cautiously with hematologic (blood) disorders, diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hypotension (low blood pressure). Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets (blood thinners). Avoid medicinal doses if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Preliminary evidence suggests some benefit of perilla extract for seasonal allergies. Further clinical trials are required before conclusions can be made.
Avoid if allergic/hypersensitive to perilla or members of the Lamiaciae/Labiatae family. Use cautiously with cancer, low HDL-cholesterol, and immune disorders. Use cautiously if taking NSAIDS or barbiturates. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Only a few types and combinations of probiotics have been studied as a possible allergy treatment. They have been studied mostly in children, teenagers, and young adults. Further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be made.
Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to probiotics. Use cautiously if lactose intolerant.
: Reflexology involves the application of manual pressure to specific points or areas of the feet called "reflex points" that are believed to correspond to other parts of the body. Results from early studies are not conclusive regarding the use of reflexology for sinus inflammation.
Avoid with recent or healing foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout flares affecting the foot. Use cautiously and seek prior medical consultation with osteoarthritis affecting the foot or ankle or with severe vascular disease of the legs or feet. Use cautiously with diabetes, heart disease, unstable blood pressure, cancer, active infections, past episodes of fainting (syncope), mental illness, gallstones, kidney stones, or with a pacemaker. Use cautiously if pregnant or breastfeeding. Reflexology should not delay diagnosis or treatment with more proven techniques or therapies.
Shea butter
: Shea butter is derived from the nut of the shea tree (
Vitellaria paradoxa
), which grows in West Africa. Limited evidence suggests that shea butter may relieve nasal congestion. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made.
Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to shea butter or its constituents. Use cautiously if allergic to latex. Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants. There is currently insufficient available safety evidence for use of shea butter during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
: Research suggests that an herbal combination preparation containing sorrel, Sinupret®, may have beneficial effects in improving symptoms of sinusitis when used with antibiotics. It is not clear if these same effects would be seen with sorrel alone or what dose may be safe and effective. For allergic rhinitis, there is not enough evidence to make a conclusion at this time. More research of sorrel alone is needed.
Avoid sorrel with a known allergy to sorrel or any of its constituents. Avoid large doses of sorrel because there have been reports of toxicity and death. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sorrel formulations may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with the prescription drugs metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®). Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina may help improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to spirulina or blue-green algae. Use cautiously with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder of a liver enzyme that disrupts normal body functions), autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Use cautiously with products containing the blue-green algae species
spp., and
spp.; in underweight patients or in those taking antiobesity agents or appetite suppressants; of if consuming a high-protein diet. Avoid in children or if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Stinging nettle
: For many years, a freeze-dried preparation of
Urtica dioica
has been prescribed by physicians and sold over-the-counter for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Clinical trials demonstrating statistical significance over placebo and/or equivalence with other available treatments are needed to support the use of nettle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to nettle, the Urticaceae family or any ingredient of nettle products. Use cautiously with diabetes, bleeding disorders, and/or low sodium levels in the blood. Use cautiously with diuretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The elderly should also use nettle cautiously. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thymus extract
: Thymus extract may reduce allergy symptoms due to its potential immune stimulating effects. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to thymus extracts. Use bovine thymus extract supplements cautiously due to potential for exposure to the virus that causes "mad cow disease." Avoid use with an organ transplant or other forms of allografts or xenografts. Avoid if receiving immunosuppressive therapy, with thymic tumors, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disorder), untreated hypothyroidism, or if taking hormonal therapy. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding; thymic extract increases human sperm motility and progression.
Vitamin E
: Although thought to aid in reducing the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, vitamin E intake may not be effective. Current evidence is limited, however, and more studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to vitamin E. For short periods of time, vitamin E supplementation is generally considered safe at doses up to 1,000 milligrams per day. Avoid doses higher than 1,000 milligrams a day. Avoid with retinitis pigmentosa (loss of peripheral vision). Use cautiously with bleeding disorders. The recommended dose of vitamin E for pregnant women of any age is 15 milligrams; for breastfeeding women of any age, the recommended dose is 19 milligrams. Use beyond this level in pregnant women is not recommended.
Fair negative scientific evidence
Grape seed
: Grape seed has been used to treat immune system disorders due to its antioxidant effects. However, a well-designed human study of allergic rhinitis sufferers showed no improvement in allergy symptoms with administration of grape seed extract ingredients.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to grapes or other grape compounds. Use cautiously if taking blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or anti-platelet agents. Use cautiously with bleeding disorders or if taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Use cautiously with drugs processed using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. Use cautiously with blood pressure disorders or if taking ACE inhibitors. Avoid with disorders that increase the risk of bleeding or with active bleeding disorders (stomach ulcers, bleeding into the brain, etc.). Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Traditional or theoretical uses lacking sufficient evidence
: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus is commonly found in mixtures with other herbs. Western herbalists began using astragalus in the 1800s as an ingredient in various tonics. Although astragalus has been suggested as a potential treatment for allergies, human research is currently lacking.
Avoid if allergic to astragalus, peas, or any related plants or with a history of
bark-induced asthma. Avoid with aspirin or aspirin products or herbs or supplements with similar effects. Avoid with inflammation (swelling) or fever, stroke, transplants, or autoimmune diseases (like HIV/AIDS). Stop use two weeks before and immediately after surgery/dental/diagnostic procedures with bleeding risks. Use cautiously with bleeding disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, or kidney disorders. Use cautiously if taking blood-thinners, blood sugar drugs, diuretics, or herbs and supplements with similar effects. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
: Kudzu has been suggested as potential treatment for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and hives. However, human studies are currently lacking in this area.
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to
Pueraria lobata
or members of the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family. Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants, anti-platelet, blood pressure-lowering agents, hormones, antiarrhythmics, benzodiazepines, bisphosphonates, antidiabetic agents, agents that are broken down by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes, mecamylamine, neurologic agents, or methotrexate. There is currently a lack of well-designed studies on the long-term effects of kudzu. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep surfaces clean throughout the home to reduce the amount of pet dander. Curtains, upholstery and carpets are most likely to accumulate pet dander. Therefore, pets should not be allowed on human furniture.
Vacuum carpets and fabric-covered furniture regularly to remove pet dander inside the home. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate hair (HEPA) filter. Highly sensitive individuals may consider wearing a dust mask while vacuuming.
Using an air cleaner with a HEPA filer may help remove pet allergens from the air.
Regularly clean the animal's bed and litter box.
Bathe the pet often. Dry the pet after washing, and wash the towel.
Sleep with the bedroom door closed to keep pet out.
Brushing the pet may suspend dander into the air. Therefore, pets should be groomed outdoors by an individual who is not allergic.
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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text:
Call me crazy, but I believe that when a writer creates a character, they're allowed to decide what that character says and does.
But, strangely enough, when a writer reaches a certain level of success, they have less control rather than more.
A few weeks ago I was at a local restaurant-slash-arcade watching some people play the new Rambo video game, which involved shooting large plastic assault weapons at a giant screen. When David Morrell created the character more than thirty years ago, he probably couldn't have conceived of it some day being a coin-operated attraction. But when David sold the rights to that novel, and that character, others were able to decide what Rambo did.
Rights, however, don't matter much to fans. I've noticed a growing trend on Amazon.com where fans somehow feel justified in saying authors aren't being true to the characters they've created.
I'm guilty of this myself. My very first (and only negative) Amazon review was of Hannibal written by Thomas Harris. I was hugely disappointed in how Harris had turned the ultimate evil serial killer into a hero who only kills rude people.
Apparently I helped to spearhead a disturbing trend, because in recent years there have been thousands of fans heaping such criticism at Anne Rice, Patricia Cornwell, Janet Evanovich, Karin Slaughter, Lee Child, and many others, claiming these authors have disrespected their own protagonists.
What a fascinating social phenomenon this is.
It's one thing liking or disliking a book. But it is something else entirely for a reader to take ownership of a character, and to chastise the creator of that character for causing said character to do things the reader doesn't believe that character should do. Can you imagine painting a picture of a duck and then having other people tell you that it isn't a duck at all?
Expectation plays a huge part in this. When we're entertained by things we've read, we expect more of the same. But when the writer does something that we don't agree with, then our expectations aren't met, and we're disappointed and perhaps even angry.
Consider how odd this is. Characters are no longer confined to the page, or to the imagination of the writer. They exist in the minds of the readers. And if something on the page doesn't mesh with what is going on in the reader's head, the author is to blame.
But the author really can't be untrue to a character they created. It's impossible. As the creator, the author can chose to do whatever they want with the character. There is no intrinsic right or wrong, true or untrue, fair or unfair.
Yet readers can become attached to characters to the point where they take ownership of them, and then they decide for the writer what is allowed and what isn't. If they believe that the writer wasn't true to their own creation, the 1 star scathing reviews begin to accrue.
Does this affect the writer? It has to, to some degree. All opinions are valid, even if you disagree with them. The artistic part of the writer can't help but be hurt by the negative comments, and the business part of the writer can't help but think that haters can't really be good for the bottom line.
So does that mean, when you reach a certain level of success, creativity is more about placation than invention?
I haven't reached a level where I get scads of emails from people who don't like what I've done with my characters. But I can foresee it happening. Books are like children, and once they're out in public the writer/parent has little control over what they do and how they effect others. Success means you will invariably disappoint a segment of your audience.
Strangely, though, our expectations and opinions can change. We've all seen movies that we disliked, then saw them again and liked them, and vice versa. Art needs an audience, and is only endowed with the attributes we ascribe to it. In other words, what you bring to the table may be more important than what's being served.
So now I look back on my review of Hannibal and I think I was wrong. Not in disliking the book, but in blaming Harris for my disappointment. Hannibal Lector belongs to Thomas Harris, and only he can dictate what his character does. He saw his character differently than I did, and he's allowed to do that because he created him. I'm allowed to dislike the choices that Harris made, but I have to realize that biases and expectations aren't on the page; they're in my head.
Because we're such an opinionated species, and because the Internet allows for the anonymity to say things we'd never say in public, we're quick to voice our disappointment in public forums.
But maybe instead of rushing to post that 1 star review we should try to figure out who is truly to blame...
Sunday, July 06, 2008
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text:
Interview date: 05/20/2008
Run date: 06/02/2008
Music Home / Entertainment Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
Funny how we're almost ashamed to call soul "soul" anymore. Amy Winehouse is considered what? Pop, we guess. Old Van Morrison records get played on classic rock stations. And self-taught English soul crooner – and we mean true vintage '60s Sam Cooke soul, not the compressed, remixed, triple-overdubbed, homogenized and watered-down 2008 flavor – James Hunter's a definite soul phenomenon, and nothing else. Yet his 2006 album People Gonna Talk went from indie obscurity to a Grammy nomination for best traditional blues album – in an amazing group that included Duke Robillard, Dion DiMucci, Tab Benoit, and Ike Turner, who took the trophy for Risin' with the Blues. It wasn't his first album; his 1996 Ace Records debut, Believe What I Say, featured two duets with Van Morrison, a mentor who's extolled Hunter's virtues from time to time. Hunter's back June 10 with a new record, The Hard Way, which will be sold in Starbucks on the Go Records/Hear Music imprints. It features New Orleans R&B great Allen Toussaint on keys as well as Hunter's working band, loaded with tenor and bari sax and the mandatory soul organ. He'll tour this summer with the likes of Toussaint and Willie Nelson. It's a far cry from his days in his hometown of Colchester as a failed signal maintenance trainee for the British Rail in the late 1970s.
Bullz-Eye caught up with the charmingly self-deprecating Hunter on a transatlantic call May 20 and 22, as he geared up for the release of the new record.
Bullz-Eye: How does an Englishman get into soul music so much that he decides to make a go at singing it for a living?
James Hunter: It's a freak thing, really. There are varied accounts of how it happened, one of which is that I had a colleague on the railway who would keep me informed of the latest reissues and releases. So there were a few kindred spirits in Colchester. And probably because there's not much else to do there. If you've heard the indigenous English music, that will give you a clue as to how I gravitated to the American stuff.
BE: At what point did you realize you weren't just a fan and decided it was your life's calling?
JH: It went hand in hand with realizing, essentially, I was unemployable by any other standards (laughs). I think it was my first couple of years on the railway – it was a process of elimination; part of it was that I wanted to avoid gainful employment. I think that's what it was. Apart from trying to avoid work...I also think it was when I first started busking – playing outdoors – in London. I think it was when we started to get invited indoors to play...
BE: ...that you realized you had something...
JH: ...apart from rabies!
BE: Tell me why you think this real retro '60s soul is making a comeback on the pop charts?
JH: It's the usual thing – what looks like a movement is a succession of coincidences. A whole bunch of us seemed to have latched on to a particular style at the same time. It's usually something that comes along – like a movement – usually starts when [pop] music seems to lose its way, they don't know what direction to take.
BE: You can definitely say that about a lot of the pop music on the charts right now.
JH: Some of it sounds a bit wayward, doesn't it? To some degree or another, pop stars have been manufactured. But it's slightly more extreme or overt. Part of the process of making them who they are is actually part of the entertainment. They all seem have won competitions on TV programs.
BE: Of the flavors of old American soul – Memphis, Motown, Muscle Shoals – what's your favorite?
JH: Off the top of my head, the very, very early Motown, before it was barely called that, when it was all baritone sax, flute, and tambourine. Early Marv Johnson sides and the sort of stuff Jackie Wilson was doing.
BE: Yeah, I noticed you had [Motown bassist extraordinaire] James Jamerson as one of your top MySpace friends.
JH: (Laughs) I don't think I have many people who are alive on there, have I!
BE: You mentioned Jackie Wilson. Who are your favorite soul singers – the ones who influenced you the most?
JH: Wilson, definitely. The attraction of his stuff...he shows that music can be a lot of pyrotechnic showing-off and still be completely valid. There are so many different levels you can appreciate different artists that are ostensibly in the same realm: Little Willie John for his passion, Jackie Wilson for his pyrotechnics. For the whole package, my favorite is a group, the 5 Royales. Some of their songs were more famously recorded by other people, like "Think" – the James Brown one, not the Aretha Franklin one – and "Dedicated to the One I Love," by the Shirelles, that was one of theirs. Some of their songs are more famous than they are.
BE: Some writers have compared you to Sam Cooke. How does that make you feel?
JH: I regard it as ludicrous flattery – but I can't object to it. You can't really kick up about it. I know there's a certain similarity in the sound, but on many levels I couldn't even to begin to approach what he did. So I just take it for the compliment that is. I'm just glad he's not [around] to be offended by it. Not that I'm glad he's not alive, but if there's an upside, he doesn't have to be compared to this English twit from Colchester.
BE: Tell me a little about the new record.
JH: The recording was a bit more exciting, because Liam [Watson] – this bloke from Toe Rag Studios – stripped his equipment down even further from what he already had the previous time, and used even fewer tracks to record us. In fact, the whole band – except for vocals and guitar – he had on one single track.
BE: That's unbelievable.
JH: It is unbelievable. We didn't believe it ourselves. He claims it produces a slightly better quality recording. I don't believe him. I think the reason he did that is because he hates mixing and he wants to get the mixing process over before we've recorded the thing. So he's getting the mixing done while we're running through it. The upside for us is that [there's] less we have to do with it afterwards.
BE: Is that how you get the vintage sound? Are you using vintage gear or how do you make it sound so retro?
JH: I think it might be the way I write, I think it's a particular favorite style of mine, the kind of directness, the earthiness of some of that old stuff. Whenever I try to write, it tends to come out that way. If it can be said to work, it's because we approach it like it's real music, not that over-reverent feeling toward it that stops us from doing it as if it's real. From my point of view, all I'm doing is writing pop songs. What determines whether it's pop music is whether or not grownup people buy it.
BE: You did get some traction in the world of popular music with the last record. How did it feel when you got nominated for a Grammy?
JH: I was staggered, actually. I was only dimly aware of what the Grammys were, only that it was a fairly big deal, really. I was quite surprised. Our manager had that in mind from the start, that was a particular target of hers, to be nominated and win one. It wasn't particularly galling to lose to Ike Turner – because if there was no Ike Turner I'd probably never be doing what I'm doing.
BE: Did you end up going to the ceremonies?
JH: We did. And I met Dion! He was nominated in the same category as me and Ike and Duke Robillard. Our manager spotted Dion and dragged me over to say hello to him. He's somebody who's a bit of a musical icon for me. It was great meeting him, especially when he said he thought I was going to win.
BE: I've seen him live – he's all right.
JH: I think he's doing a bluesy style now, but I said I'd always be completely enamored of the stuff he probably doesn't want to talk about anymore. If there's one bunch of people who could do doo-wop approaching the way the black guys could do it, it's the Italians!
BE: Oh, for a second there I thought you meant his Christian folk phase, which he doesn't talk about anymore, either.
JH: Oh really? I did not know that! I was talking about his doo wop, I didn't know he'd gone God-ded up.
BE: How'd you fall into touring with Willie Nelson a little this summer?
JH: No idea; I think we got foisted upon him (laughs), our managers and agents thought it'd be a good idea. I wasn't even sure they were expecting us when I got there, but once they got resigned to the fact that we'd be hanging on their coattails they were very nice about it.
BE: Anything else you'd like to say to the readers of Bullz-Eye who are discovering you by reading this interview?
JH: I'd like to apologize in advance. Humbly and sincerely, for what you're about to hear.
BE: You've got nothing to apologize for. The album's excellent, and I wish you the very best.
JH: Thank you very much.
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text:
In late May, a group from the New Museum traveled to Seoul, Korea, where we were invited to curate a one-night exhibition event. I tapped Lauren Cornell, Executive Director of Rhizome and Adjunct Curator… Read more
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