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Posted by: jgurner on March 15, 2011
Movies, TV, Etc.
Did I hear something about a new Star Wars movie coming out...?.
The term "dry spell" doesn't even begin to describe my recent musical output.
Not much to be excited about right now except actually being alive.
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The Cobras (6-21, 4-16) followed the same script from Thursday night's loss to Barton, falling behind 23-3 for the second game in a row. CC again made a furious second half comeback but ran out of gas down the stretch.
Coker fell behind by as many as 22 points midway through the opening period but whittled away at the lead to trail 44-33 at the break. The Cobras made a 12-5 run to open the second period to make it 49-45 but
Coker scored 25 points off of 18 Royals turnovers but 58 percent shooting helped
Jason Fulwood scored 22 points to lead Coker and shot 5-9 from three-point range. Michael Pierce and Darian Kearney each scored 12 points and

subset: commoncrawl


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Beginning in June 2009, Novell Business Continuity Clustering 1.2 supports using Identity Manager 3.6.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) on Novell Open Enterprise Server (OES) 2 SP1 Linux. Updating to Identity Manager 3.6.1 is needed only for 64-bit support, or to take advantage of bug fixes that might be offered in 3.6.1. You can upgrade from Identity Manager 3.6 (which is 32-bit only) to Identity Manager 3.6.1 on 32-bit or 64-bit platforms.
IMPORTANT:For information about installing or upgrading Identity Manager 3.6.1, see the Novell Identity Manager 3.6.1 Installation Guide.
The following sections contain information about upgrading to Identity Manager 3.6.1 in an existing BCC environment:


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Sorry, Carson Daly. Bye bye, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. You have been officially eliminated from the '80s vs. '90s March Madness bracket with TRL being drive-byed out of the running by East Coast vs. West Coast Rap and the girls falling victim, like so many '80s pop icons before them, to the power of cocaine. Be sure and tattoo on a tear and snort a line in their memory.
Today stepping back into the '80s stadium, we for sure, like, have the Valley Girls going head to head with popular school supply artist and illustrator of dreams Lisa Frank. Can unicorns, dolphins and neon tigers beat out Valspeak, jumpsuits and hanging out at the mall? I don't know — what does Julie Brown think?
Over in the '90s conference, Gameboy is trying to configure itself into the next round like a particularly difficult Tetris square as it goes agains the Rachel, the most popular haircut of the decade. Take a moment to really consider your choices. Which one will be there when the rain starts to fall? (Answer: Neither. One is an electronic device and the other is a precisely styled haircut.)
You have 24 hours to vote!


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Achieve with us.®
Deciding if a child has FASD takes several steps. There is no one test to diagnose FASD, and many other disorders can have similar symptoms. In general, FASD is diagnosed by 4 criteria:
The Arc, 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006(800) 433-5255, ©2018 All rights reserved.
View Larger Map
Want to donate physical items? Contact a local chapter.


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"The show was fantastic!! The seats were some of the best I have ever had.
Basically, I ordered the tickets at the last minute and was able to get
both good seats and not have to pay an arm and a leg which made the whole
experience that much better."


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For this piece on Interior Design, DesignSchools.com interviewed Mr. David Sprouls, the Director of Admissions at the New York School of Interior Design in New York City. His experience with interior design students should speak volumes for those interested in pursuing an education in the field.
As Director, Mr. Sprouls sets the policies and standards for admission into the school, represents the school and recruits students, interviews prospective students, reviews applications and awards scholarships. He previously worked as an Admissions Counsellor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) of the State University of New York.
Mr. Sprouls received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Restoration from FIT in 1997, where he specialized in the study of interiors and decorative arts of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and he also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and American Studies from Rutgers University.
Benefits of an Education in Interior Design
Why should someone pursue an education in Interior Design? What are the benefits of a formal education in the field?
In the last decade, numerous states in the United States have passed legislation recognizing interior design as a profession. Standards have been set and licensing processes are in place, meaning that, in many states, you must have an education in order to legally practice in the field. An exam has been developed by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), which is required to become state-certified; in order to sit for the NCIDQ exam, one has to have at least two years of an interior design education, and work experience is required beyond the education.
An education in interior design involves decorative elements, such as color, textiles, furniture. It also includes architectural and space planning aspects, including building codes, materials, and systems, as well as methods of construction. This is a profession that directly affects the health and safety of the public. An education is imperative for the understanding of this.
What kinds of careers will a formal education prepare them for?
Many opportunities are open to graduates of interior design programs. One may choose to work in an architecture or interior design firm dealing with residential spaces. Or one may like designing interiors for offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, retail shops, museums, or even cruise ships! Lighting, furniture, and fabric design are options. Another choice is working in the publishing industry for a shelter magazine. The options are almost endless!
Testing & Assessment
How can prospective students assess whether this is the right field for them?
A good Interior Designer has interests in many different areas. Inspiration can come from fashion, graphics, photography, textiles, etc. Anywhere really. So if an individual loves the arts, or architecture, or furniture design, or space planning, or whatever! Interior Design is a good field to explore.
There are no specific tests to assess one's ability that I know of. One just has to have a love of good design.
How important is raw talent, and how much can be developed in school?
Creativity is necessary in order to become a good designer. But one should not be dissuaded if they feel they do not have "raw talent." What is "raw talent?" Do you produce fantastic renderings? Do you have a great eye for color? Are you a whiz with CAD programs? Are you unsure?
Education is about discovering your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses. If one has a passion for design, then the learning process is about developing your talents.
Interior Design Education
What should prospective students look for when evaluating and comparing Interior Design schools and programs?
It is important to do the proper research when deciding on a school. Here are a few things to look for and questions to ask:
- Find out who the faculty are and what their background is
- How current are the facilities?
- What access will you have to showrooms, museums, galleries?
- Who are the alumni?
- What type of students does the school attract?
- Is there a liberal arts component?
What are the most popular specialties within the field of Interior Design?
The biggest "specialties" that most interior design students will distinguish in the course of their education is between Residential and Contract/Commercial design. Every program is different, but I am not aware of any that specializes in only one of these areas.
There are also specialties, such as kitchen and bathroom design, textiles or colors, etc. - but there aren't majors in these fields, per se. Rather, they're just part of an overall program which interior design students may choose to study through required or elective classes.
The biggest accreditation body for the visual arts is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). It is an organization of schools, colleges, and universities that offer art and design studies. Besides having and setting high standards, what makes NASAD important is that the United States Department of Education recognizes it as the agency responsible for the accreditation of all art and design curricula.
As I already mentioned, the accreditation body for Interior Design schools and programs is FIDER. Graduating from a FIDER-accredited program means that you have received an education that has been recognized by the interior design profession as meeting educational requirements for entry into the profession.
There are interior design programs located around the country. The FIDER website lists those that have met their accreditation standards.
What other credentials and/or recognitions (such as school rankings) are important for schools to have? Are there any academic credentials specific to Interior Design programs?
There is no ranking of interior design schools or programs. But there are directories and websites that rate schools according to their competitiveness. Another important indication of a program's success is the how its students do in design competitions that are sponsored throughout the year by a various firms and organizations. The best place to look for information regarding the quality of Interior Design programs is the FIDER web site.
How important are the credentials of faculty at any given Interior Design school? How should prospective students evaluate the faculty?
A student's education is only as good as the person passing on the knowledge. The credentials of a program's faculty are very important when one is evaluating schools. Check the school's catalog for a listing of faculty and their education, and determine:
- how many faculty members there are in relation to the number of students
- how many of them are actively involved or working within the industry;
- what is the educational background of faculty members.
How difficult is it to get into a good Interior Design program?
Applying to an interior design program is like applying to any good design program. If you have the drive, the grades, and a fine portfolio, then your chances are high that you will be admitted. Depending on the school, certain aspects of an application weigh more heavily than others, but basically they will all take into consideration your previous academic work, your essay, recommendations, and your portfolio. Keep in mind that some programs have very specific portfolio requirements, while some schools have options other than a portfolio.
What do prospective students need to do when applying to Interior Design school? Who do they contact? Can you walk us through the process?
The first thing one should do is contact the school for their promotional literature or visit their website. Generally the Admissions Office is the place to start.
Is there some way to consolidate the application process for multiple schools, or is it different for every college? How important are portfolios?
Consolidation of applications may be the way of the future, but it's not here yet. It is too difficult and depends too much on the varying portfolio requirements from school to school.
Most design schools do require a portfolio for admission, but there are some that don't. For example, NYSID does not require one for its certificate program. It's hard to advise students regarding portfolios for interior design because the field is so different. A good foundation, though, would be to have a strong fine arts portfolio. From there, you can probably meet the requirements and produce work that the individual schools require.


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Business Web Solutions
A website is a big part of your business. Our team has a proven track record of creating and promoting websites for small businesses. Smart Sites provides Strategy, Design, Development, Hosting, and Marketing.
Web Hosting Solutions
Before we created websites, we hosted them. We continue to provide the hardware and infrastructure to over 100,000 websites online today.
We have been keeping websites up for over 15 years and still sport a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Our hosting services range from $3.95 per month personal plans (T35 Hosting) to multiple IP dedicated servers for over $2,500 per month (HostSEO.org).
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We provide high quality solutions for marketing agencies. We work behind-the-scenes, helping marketing agencies provide reliable services to their customers.
Backlink Build specializes in search engine optimization (SEO) and is the backbone of thousands of successful online marketing campaigns. Proxy Key allows marketing executives to manage their media from around the globe.


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mjsip version 1.7
mjUA 1.7
mjProxy and mjSBC 1.7
mjsipME version 1.7
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)
is the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) signaling
standard for managing multimedia session initiation;
it is currently defined in RFC 3261. SIP can be used
to initiate voice, video and multimedia sessions, for
both interactive applications (e.g. an IP phone call
or a videoconference) and not interactive ones (e.g.
a Video Streaming), and it is the more promising candidate
as call setup signaling for the present day and future
IP based telephony services. SIP has been also proposed
for session initiation related uses, such as for messaging,
gaming, etc.
The MjSip stack has been used
in research activities by Dpt. of Information Engineering
at University of Parma
and by DIE - University
of Roma Tor Vergata and several commercial
products. It is currently commercially exploited by
MjSip includes all classes
and methods for creating SIP-based applications. It
implements the complete layered stack architecture as
defined in RFC 3261 (Transport, Transaction, and Dialog
sublayers), and is fully compliant with RFC 3261 and
successive standard RFCs. Moreover it includes higher
level interfaces for Call Control and User Agent implementations.
MjSip comes with a core package implementation that
Read more...


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Having to stick with Qt4 for now implies a major rewrite "soon" (when Qt5 is integrated).
This is a non issue: Qt5 didn't change the desktop widgets from Qt4, only very few functions are now named differently.
I must know because I ported a few apps from Qt4 to Qt5.
Just use CommonQt (or try EQL5 if you are a ECL user).


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Steve Bellone, the Democratic town supervisor of Babylon, formally entered the race for county executive yesterday at a rally in his hometown, making him that party's de facto nominee and setting him on a collision course with the G.O.P. front-runner, Suffolk County Treasurer Angie Carpenter.
Mr. Bellone, who served on Babylon's town board for four years before being elected supervisor in 2001, graduated from North Babylon High School and received a bachelor's degree from Queens College in 1991. He enlisted in the Army the following year, earning a master's degree in public administration while serving. He went on to Fordham for a law degree and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1999.
Environmental groups have praised him, the Sierra Club of Long Island designating him the environmentalist of the year in 2009.
Married with two daughters, Mr. Bellone considers himself to be a centrist Democrat, emphasizing tax cuts and balanced budgets, though he insisted when reached by phone yesterday that his fiscal conservatism hasn't prevented him from investing in things that matter.
"Government matters," he said in describing his vision. "It affects people's lives, communities. It needs to be operating. You can make government both effective and efficient. It can do the things it needs to do to help our community move forward and still be as cost-effective as possible for taxpayers."
The Babylon supervisor will face another western Suffolk candidate in Ms. Carpenter. No candidates from the East End have entered the race.
In a statement released to supporters to coincide with his announcement yesterday, Mr. Bellone said, "I have listened, and now it is time to lead. I will bring people together to get things done by ending the notion that divisive politics and press statements are a substitute for actual leadership. I will work with, and not against, our police officers to make our communities safer," he said, referring to the current administration's treatment of county police, which later by phone he called "demoralizing."
County Executive Steve Levy has declined to seek re-election in the wake of allegations of campaign fund-raising impropriety.
In the speech, Mr. Bellone went after the Levy administration for the sex offender trailers that remain in Southampton Town and Riverhead, and he promised a top-to-bottom review of the county's finances related to them. He confirmed over the phone that he would support sharing the burden of housing the offenders, calling the situation "unacceptable."
"What's happening on the East End right now with respect to sex offenders is some of the worst public policy I've ever seen," he said. "It would be a focus of mine from the beginning."
As Ms. Carpenter has, Mr. Bellone indicated that he would support legislation to more equitably share countywide sales tax revenues for public safety, money that under the Levy administration has been earmarked for western Suffolk. The issue is a top priority of County Legislator Jay Schneiderman of Montauk.
Mr. Bellone said he knows and respects his probable Republican opponent. He sees himself as having Democrats across the county united behind him, and with the county Democratic Party treating him like their nominee, a protracted primary fight appears unlikely.


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- Licensed and fully insured
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We are going to assist you to fully grasp the strategy
You have to be kept informed concerning Home Inspection in West Bend, IA. You don't want to go in without knowing it properly, and it's good to understand what you should expect. That is why we try to make every effort to make sure that you are familiar with the plan and are not confronted with any surprises. You can begin by discussing your job with our client service representatives once you dial 888-358-0442. In this call, you get your questions resolved, and we can set up a time to begin services. We consistently arrive at the scheduled hour, ready to work together with you.
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Photos: Crazy golf pants
Yep, it's that time of year where we find (with very little effort) the wackiest golf pants around. These are seriously wild, questionable fashion choices for a day on the links. Guys do not attempt to try this at home. Wardrobe malfunctions or savvy fashion statements? You make the call.
Copyright © 2019, Chicago Tribune


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Testimony given by Ken Nibali, Associate Commissioner for Disability, from the 9/12/00 Hearing on the "Inspector General Report on the Implementation of the Drug Addiction and Alcoholism Provisions of the P.L. 104-121".This hearing was held before the House Committee on the Budget, Task Force on Welfare
I am pleased to be here today to discuss issues relating to the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) implementation of the drug addiction and/or alcoholism (DAA) provisions of Public Law 104-121. While SSA worked aggressively to successfully implement this legislation, we are appreciative of the work by the Inspector General to identify potential concerns with our implementation and give us the opportunity to address those concerns. I will discuss the history of these provisions, the steps we took to implement the legislation, the recent review and report by the Inspector General of implementation, and our actions and results pursuant to his recommendations. Again, I want to thank the Inspector General and his office for helping us implement this legislation.
The original legislation passed by Congress in 1972 to create the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program required that disabled individuals whose DAA condition was material to their disability accept treatment if available and have their benefits paid to a representative payee. These two special requirements did not apply to SSI recipients who were determined to be disabled independently of their substance addictions (e.g., recipients who were disabled due to heart disease). Nor did they apply to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries. All SSI cases in which alcohol and/or drug addiction was material to the finding of disability were flagged with special DAA codes.
The Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994, P.L. 103-296 enacted August 15, 1994, placed additional stringent requirements on individuals disabled due to DAA. Among other things, it extended the treatment participation requirements to SSDI beneficiaries whose substance abuse was material to their disability, required suspension of benefits for non-compliance with treatment, and limited payment of benefits to SSI recipients disabled due to DAA to 36 months. For DI beneficiaries disabled due to DAA benefits were limited to 36 months during which treatment was available. Our efforts to identify and code all DAA cases intensified. Special DAA codes were also applied to SSDI cases to indicate DAA materiality.
All benefits for individuals disabled solely due to DAA were eliminated in Public Law 104-121, the Contract with America Advancement Act of 1996 which became law on March 29, 1996. Among other things, for individuals whose DAA is a contributing factor material to the finding of disability, this law prohibited DI and SSI eligibility effective with all claims filed or finally adjudicated on or after March 29, 1996. This prohibition was effective January 1, 1997, for individuals already receiving benefits based on DAA. SSA was required to notify current beneficiaries of the new provisions by June 27, 1996, and complete new medical determinations by January 1, 1997 for affected current beneficiaries who requested such a determination by July 29, 1996. Benefits (including Medicare and Medicaid) would stop unless the new determination showed that DAA was not material to the finding of disability (i.e., beneficiaries had to be disabled regardless of any DAA condition). Additionally, beneficiaries who have a DAA condition and are incapable of managing their benefits are required to have a representative payee and to be referred to the appropriate State agency for treatment.
SSA took immediate steps to implement the legislation. We immediately instructed our disability adjudicators on how to process DAA cases under the new law, including the prohibition against allowing benefits in any case where DAA was material to the finding of disability. We were able within days of enactment to mail information across the country to several hundred organizations within the disability community-including legal aid and advocacy groups, payees, and county and state welfare agencies-informing them of the new law and what they could do to help their clients navigate the appeals process.
In June 1996, over 209,000 beneficiaries with special DAA codes were notified that their disability benefits would terminate effective January 1, 1997, due to the change in the law and that they could request a new medical determination.
- We received about 141,000 responses to the over 209,000 initial notices. Of these, about 131,000 cases required a medical decision. Of the remaining 10,000 cases: about half had benefits terminated for some non-DAA reason before a DAA medical decision was made; about 4,000 had been incorrectly coded as DAA on SSA's systems; and almost 900 were found eligible for other benefits based on age. For the 68,000 individuals who did not respond to the initial notice, eligibility to disability benefits was terminated effective January 1, 1997.
- SSA made medical decisions in about 131,000 cases. After appeals, benefits were continued based on another disability in about 81,000 cases and 50,000 were ceased.
- Out of all the 209,000 identified DAA beneficiaries, SSA ceased benefits for about 123,000 beneficiaries and continued benefits based on another disability (or based on age) for about 86,000 beneficiaries.
Benefit payments continued past January 1997 for beneficiaries whose timely filed appeals were still pending, but the vast majority of terminations were effectuated by January 1, 1997.
By the end of 1998, with the exception of a few appeals, the 209,000 identified DAA beneficiaries had either established that DAA was not material to their disability or had their benefits stopped.
OIG Review and Report and SSA's Actions
In November 1998, SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) questioned whether some individuals were being paid disability benefits on the basis of DAA. OIG found that almost 20,000 beneficiaries with a diagnosis of DAA or a DAA code were still receiving benefits and asked SSA to respond.
In response to the OIG inquiry, SSA immediately started a review process through a combination of expedited continuing disability reviews (CDRs) and other expedited folder reviews.
Subsequent to the OIG review, on May 12, 2000, the Inspector General issued the report Implementation of Drug Addiction and Alcoholism Provisions of Public Law 104-121. The report noted that SSA had not identified every beneficiary for whom DAA was a contributing factor material to the finding of disability, identified the almost 20,000 cases OIG had questioned, and projected that an estimated 3,190 individuals may be being paid benefits who should have been terminated for DAA materiality.
OIG made a number of recommendations to SSA involving reviewing cases and modifying our systems so that DAA diagnosis codes would not be accepted. We agreed with all of the recommendations. Because we had begun action as soon as OIG had questioned us about beneficiaries with DAA coding, I am happy to report that we had already corrected many of the problems by the time the report was issued, and since then have corrected the rest. We released cases for priority review and accelerated continuing disability reviews for others. The results are that a total of 339 of the almost 20,000 individuals identified by the Inspector General were found to be improperly receiving benefits because of DAA materiality and thus benefits have been ceased. Additionally, in August 1999, we completed modifying our systems to preclude a DAA diagnosis in all cases except denials.
The Inspector General did SSA a good service by identifying this group of cases involving DAA that were not reviewed and suggesting that we implement system edits to ensure that no DAA cases can be paid benefits. In retrospect we can see that we should have initially reviewed even those cases where our systems coding showed that a determination had already been made that DAA was not material. We took action as soon as the Inspector General brought this to our attention. The bottom line is that SSA implemented the DAA legislation timely and terminated benefits to more than 123,000 out of the over 209,000 individuals originally coded as DAA.
We at SSA are proud of the actions we have taken to implement the DAA legislation. While regretting that we did not locate the final few hundred individuals until the Inspector General brought this to our attention, I cannot say enough about the dedicated employees in SSA and the State DDSs who handle our disability program.
Again, I would like to thank the Inspector General and his office for their help in our implementation of this legislation. By identifying cases that were incorrectly coded and needed review, they provided us a valuable service. That concludes my statement. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.


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The Finance Department receives Income from Parishes, so that it can be made available to pay Stipends and housing costs as well as make grants to Clergy and PCC's. The department works alongside the support departments and PCC's treasurers offering financial support and guidance.
George Colville - Diocesan Secretary (Ext 247) Financial Policy, Diocesan Budgets.
Nigel Strange (Ext 241) Parish Share, Trusts, Diocesan accounts, Budgets, Information Technology, items for Finance and Central Services Committee, Real Time Information.
Maxine Southwick (Ext 239) Stipends, Clergy Moves, Diocesan Fees (formerly Assigned Fees), Vacancy Expenses Claims (formerly Interregnum Claims), DBF Payroll.
Gill Ellis (Ext 242), Payments from the DBF, Parish Share Direct Debits
Sharon Taylor-Booth (Ext 262) Parish Share, Parish Share Direct Debits, Trusts, Information and general advice for parishes
Emma Hathaway (Ext 246) Invoices to and payments from the DBF


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Dec. 31, 2010
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - In the final meet of 2010, the UC Santa Barbara men's and women's swim team defeated visiting West Virginia in a dual at Campus Pool on Friday afternoon. The Gaucho women outscored West Virginia, 158-103, while the men posted a 161-91 victory.
UCSB got rolling immediately as both the women and men's `A' relay teams won the 200 yard medley relay. The women's team of Allie Knight, Paige Bradley, Miranda Schneider and Kendall Neely touched the wall in 1:46.03, almost three seconds faster than West Virginia's second-place finish.
For the gentlemen, Kevin Ferguson, Tim Freeman, Max Horrell and Chris Peterson finished in 1:31.93, blowing away their Mountaineer counterparts by over five seconds.
Andrea Ward then opened the individual swims with a phenomenal showing in the 1,000 freestyle. Ward finished in 1:06.32, which is the second fastest time in UCSB history and just .62 seconds off of Tabitha Bonney's 20 year-old school record.
For the men, Ryan Garcia captured first in the 1,000 free in 9:47.80. He was a two-event winner on Friday after he also won the 200 backstroke in a time of 1:51.72.
Several other Gauchos won multiple individual events during the dual. Paige Bradley was a three-event winner, taking first in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.48), the 200 breast (2:20.07) and the 400 individual medley (4:26.88).
Kevin Ferguson captured the top spot in the 100 backstroke (50.62) and the 100 free (44.96). Allie Knight won both the 100 backstroke (58.08) and 200 back (2:04.65). Lucas Norman won the 200 free (1:42.01) and the 500 free (4:41.67). Tim Freeman, in his first meet of the season, took first in the 100 breast (57.17) and the 200 breast (2:05.05) and Max Horrell won the 200 butterfly (1:53.12) and the 100 fly (51.27).
UCSB swept the sprint freestyle events as Kendall Neely won the women's 50 free (23.76), Chris Peterson won the men's 50 free (20.21) and Katie Tomkinson won the 100 free (52.65), an event which the Gauchos swept first through third; Mariah Tharp finished second in 53.07 and Anne Peanasky was third in 53.22.
Randy Aakhus rounded out the individual victories winning the 400 IM (4:05.64) by over six seconds.
The Gauchos capped off the meet with wins in both 400 free relays. Peanasky, Mariah Tharp, Emma Hunt and Katie Tomkinson finished in 3:31.28. On the men's side, Ferguson, Peterson, Norman and Andrew Latimer touched the wall in 3:05.73.
The Gauchos will be back in action on Jan. 8 when they head to USC for a dual meet with the Trojans, which is scheduled for a noon start.


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Early menopause was defined as going through menopause before age 46, either naturally or surgically through removal of both ovaries.
"It is important for women to know that early menopause is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease-the number one killer of American women. They can then work harder to improve their modifiable risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, by exercising and following a healthy diet," said the study's principal author, Melissa Wellons, MD. She is a fellow at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Previous research found a link between early menopause and cardiovascular disease in mostly white and European populations, according to Wellons, but the new study had a multiethnic representation of women. Of the more than 2,500 participants, about 40 percent were white, 25 percent were black, 22 percent were Hispanic and 13 percent were Chinese-American.
At the beginning of the study in July 2000, women were ages 45 to 84. Nearly 28 percent of the women reported early menopause; 446 women had natural menopause and 247 had surgical menopause. Women not yet past menopause were included in the group that did not have early menopause. Follow-up tracked whether participants had a cardiovascular disease event, which included a heart attack, nonfatal cardiac arrest (a suddenly stopped heart), angina (chest pain due to narrowed or blocked arteries), probable angina followed by angioplasty or bypass surgery, a stroke or death due to stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular disease.
No one had any such event before age 55. After that, women who had early menopause were more likely to have had a cardiovascular disease event than women who had not gone through menopause before age 46.
Even when the researchers' statistical analysis controlled for current or previous use of hormone replacement therapy or for major cardiovascular risk factors, it did not change the results. Early menopause remained a risk factor on its own, although it is unclear why, Wellons reported.
"Our study is observational; therefore, we cannot conclude that early menopause somehow causes future cardiovascular disease," Wellons said. "However, our findings do support the possible use of age at menopause as a marker of future heart and vascular disease risk." This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Women's Health Weekly via NewsRx.com. To see more of the NewsRx.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.newsrx.com . Copyright 2010, Women's Health Weekly via NewsRx.com


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AGCS Perth
Level 10, Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty is a dedicated global carrier for corporate and specialty insurance solutions. In the Pacific region, we offer industrial insurance solutions for approximately 60% of the BRW's Top 100 companies. Through our global network of Allianz Group companies, in more than 160 countries, we have access to the full range of insurance and risk management products, while our single point of contact approach ensures an easy way of doing business with us. AGCS Pacific can respond to your needs for comprehensive global insurance coverage by coordinating international insurance programs, providing locally admitted solutions in more than 160 countries. The well balanced portfolio and product mix of AGCS Pacific closely mirrors that of our global network with a strong emphasis on energy, property, liability, financial lines, construction projects and entertainment. Additionally, the organization also offers tailored insurance solutions for specialty classes, including oil & gas energy, power & utilities, PharmChem as well as risk consulting and loss control services via a team of Allianz Risk Consultants (ARC) based in Sydney. Client focus is a key element of our strategy. We aim to build strong partnerships with our clients and brokers, and our market management team works with staff across the business to develop tailored solutions for our clients. Key account and broker relationship management is an integral part of our business helping us to constantly improve the AGCS value proposition.
Company Staff
Andrew Seeley
Iain Ritchie
Risk Consulting
Ronan Gallagher
Willem van Wyk
Chief Executive Officer


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|Poison Prevention Week: Know Your Poisons
Poison Prevention Week is March 18-24 , a good time to check around the house for items that might hurt your pet(s). The Pet Poison Helpline website (@PetPoisonHelp on Twitter) is a great resource and yielded these Top Ten Lists.
The Pet Poison Helpline fields emergency calls from both pet guardians and veterinarians in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. While the service charges a small fee ($39 U.S.), they have veterinary poison specialists on hand all the time. The information on the website is free.
If your dog or cat eats something poisonous call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately! The sooner a dog poisoning or cat poisoning is diagnosed, the easier, less expensive, and safer it is to treat your pet.
The Top Ten Dog Poisons
- Chocolate
- Insect bait stations
- Mouse and rat poison
- Fertilizers (even compost)
- Xylitol-containing products (i.e., sugar-free gums and candies)
- Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin® in brand name or generic form)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol® in brand name or generic form)
- Silica gel packs
- Amphetamines (such as ADD/ADHD drugs)
- Household cleaners
The Top Ten Cat Poisons
- Lilies
- Topical flea and tick medicine designed for dogs only
- Household cleaners
- Mouse and rat poison
- Paints and varnishes
- Veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®)
- Glow sticks/glow jewelry
- Amphetamines (such as ADD/ADHD drugs)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol® in brand name or generic form)
- Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin® in brand name or generic form)


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Edwardsville, Ill. - Making his return to his home state, Kellen Thornton led the Tennessee State men's basketball team to an 83-73 victory on Wednesday night in Edwardsville, Ill.
Thornton finished the game with a team-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting. He also led the team with seven boards.
Fellow Illinois products Robert Covington and Patrick Miller also cashed in 18 and 17 points, respectively, while Jordan Cyphers added 18 of his own from the shooting guard position.
Cyphers was the Tigers' main option during the game's early going, scoring 10 of his team's first 12 points on 3-of-3 shooting that included a pair of triples.
Even with Cypher's offensive outburst, TSU (16-11, 10-4 OVC) still trailed 13-12 until Covington nailed a three of his own at the 13:32 mark.
Covington's triple was part of a 4-for-5 start for TSU from outside the arc.
The sides traded blows for the next six minutes until SIUE's Kris Davis canned a wide-open three to make the score 27-24 in favor of the Cougars. The lapse in defense caused TSU head coach Travis Williams to call time.
After the stoppage, Thornton went to work and converted on consecutive fade-away jumpers. The senior forward's strong play couldn't stop the Cougars, as the home side eventually went up by seven after an 8-2 run.
Four straight triples from Cyphers, Thornton, Miller and then Cyphers again gave TSU a 44-41 advantage heading into halftime. The strong outside shooting allowed the Tigers to end the half on a 12-2 scoring stretch.
TSU was 8-of-11 from deep during the first half which is the most threes the team has had in a half this year and its 66.7 conversion rate was the best for any half as well. TSU has made more than eight threes in just 4-of-26 full games before Wednesday.
Cyphers and Thornton combined for 27 of TSU's 44 first half points and the duo picked up right where it left off, pouring in TSU's first two baskets of the second stanza.
However, the Tigers were outrebounded (5-0) and outshot (71.4 - 60.0 percent) during the second half's first five minutes, allowing the Cougars to tie the score at 51.
From that point, TSU went on a 13-2 run that included Covington nailing a three at the 10:34 mark. The string of baskets caused SIUE to call timeout to re-group.
The pep-talk did little, as TSU stole the ensuing inbound pass, allowing an easy lay-in for Covington.
SIUE used the next three minutes to pull within three, 66-63, but seven straight points by Thornton later in the half stopped the Tigers' slide and put his team in the driver's seat, 73-65.
TSU never relinquished its lead and Miller buried a pair of freebies with 49 seconds left, allowing the Tigers to walk away with an 83-73 road win.
Tennessee State shot 30-of-52 from the field (57.7 percent) and 10-of-15 from beyond the arc (66.7 percent).
SIUE (9-15, 5-9 OVC) was led by Davis who scored 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting. His play allowed the Cougars to make 29-of-60 shots for the contest (48.3 percent).
TSU will take a one-game reprieve from conference play on Saturday when the team comes home to face Loyola (Md.). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the OVC Digital Network.
--TSU Tigers--


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Where Can I Buy Dutch Glow?
Dutch Glow is a century old furniture polish that was created to polish, clean and nourish wood furniture. Reveal and bring back wood's natural beauty and at the same time remove years of wax build up. Don't ruin your furniture with other wax or silicone sprays.


text: Create die-cut rectangles of different sizes in record time with Framelits dies and the Big Shot. Framelits Dies help you create detailed die cuts with just a few turns of the Big Shot handle. * 13 dies * Largest die: 5-1/4" x 3-7/8" (13.3 x 9.8 cm)* Use with Big Shot


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Wow. As I was packing for this Hawaii trip, I realized that traveling with an infant is pretty tricky. We somehow managed to just bring one carry-on suitcase, a backpack, and a diaper bag for a week. No checked bags. All this while still being able to cloth diaper the whole time. Amazing. And for those of you wondering if a giant BOB Revolution jogging stroller fits in the airport security x-ray, it does!
Aside from being miserable and spitting up in the car, and cutting teeth on the night flight to Kona, waking up every couple hours at night (combination of jet lag and teething), and Grandpa having a chest pain scare (He is ok), I'd say it went pretty well. What can I say? It's definitely not the vacation I was used to. But as every parent knows, the game changes when you bring a little one into the world. Overall, Miles did so so well and I am so proud of him for putting up with all of us adults 😉
This trip was full of firsts for Miles. First plane ride, two brand new front teeth, first swim, First taste of banana and papaya, first time to stick his tiny toes in the sand. So much fun and totally worth it.
Thanks to grammy and grandpa for spending time with us. There's nothing like spending time with family in paradise.


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What do wildlife wish for at Christmas?
Find out at the Wildlife Christmas Party and make their wishes come true
Who: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC)
What: Don't miss out on helping our permanent wildlife residents that cannot return to the wild, but are still on Santa's nice list. Join in the Christmas spirit of giving and watch the wildlife residents playfully open presents and enjoy. Guests will have the opportunity to make and deliver enrichment activities as presents to SWCC wildlife such as foxes, bears, bobcats, and cougars. These presents will give the animals a chance to explore new toys and solve puzzles for snacks – truly a unique opportunity.
When: Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.
Where: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale, 85262
Cost: $20 per child 12 & under; $30 per adult
Contact: To make reservations or for more information visit www.southwestwildlife.org or call 480-471-3621.
Scottsdale Shares campaign assists with holiday donations
The Scottsdale Shares campaign returns this holiday season. Its goal is to make it easier for residents to get information about city charitable programs and assist them in making donations.
The campaign provides one point of contact for residents, businesses and organizations seeking to assist those in need through donations or volunteer activities.
The Scottsdale Shares website features information about many city programs that assist those in need during the holidays. It includes links to information on how to make donations as well as a list of community needs and volunteer opportunities. The web address is: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Shares.
Anyone who wants more information on local charitable programs or how to contribute can also call the city's information phone line at 480-312-3111. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Charitable programs participating in the Scottsdale Shares campaign this season are:
The Vista del Camino Food Bank, which annually experiences low supplies of food during the holiday season.
Scottsdale's Adopt-A-Family Program, which assists families in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons through donations of food, gift cards or monetary contributions that can be used for age-appropriate children's gifts.
The Scottsdale Fire Department's annual toy drive to benefit the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Program and the Paiute Neighborhood Center. The program kicks off on Nov. 27 and will continue through Dec. 24.
Scottsdale's Adopt-A-Senior Program provides isolated, homebound seniors with personalized holiday packages that include grocery gift cards, postage stamps and small-size hygiene items.
The Paiute Community Center's annual toy and teen gift program. Paiute teams up with many organizations to help less fortunate Scottsdale youth have a brighter holiday.
For more information visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Shares.


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Media Watch: All Patriots Media - a launch to organize a "community"
Starting February 1, 2010, a new media brand will hit the airwaves via the internet live online – allpatriotsmedia.com 8am PST, and simulcast over the general radio broadcast outlets in Little Rock, Arkansas - 50,000 watt torch, 880am KLRG 10am CST and 1340am WTAN 11am EST (offers live streaming and is a Don Imus syndicated station) in Tampa Bay, Florida. As of this week, an additional agreement will have the show broadcast via a three-camera production on Galaxy 19 on free to air satellite. Phone in direct at 1-866-826-1340.
Born from the spirit bubbling up from the tea party movement, All Patriot Media Network (APMN), the entertainment multi-media brand and vision of Tony Katz, extols the values of Freedom, Liberty, Capitalism and the uniqueness of America. Tony's goal is to bring America a new slate of entertainment, providing a clear option to the offerings commonly found on traditional and recognized main stream media outlets.
Tony Katz - Founder of the Freedom Cigars discussion group, visionary, and host of All Patriots Media Network's "The Tony Katz Radio Spectacular". Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)
This excerpted and edited from PRLog -
Tea Party Leader Takes to the Airwaves
Rising Tea Party star and former radio host Tony Katz signs a radio deal with Tan Talk Radio Network to broadcast "The Tony Katz Radio Spectacular" in two states.
January 21, 2010
Former Florida radio host and current Tea Party organizer Tony Katz has licensed with All Patriots Media, and the Tan Talk Radio Network, to broadcast his show, The Tony Katz Radio Spectacular, starting February 1, 2010.
The one-hour daily show positions the concepts of freedom, liberty and capitalism in proper context. Focusing on "right vs. wrong", instead of "right vs. left", the show features talks on trending topics including healthcare, cap and trade, big government, and constitutional issues.
"I'm thrilled to be back on the air, and it's incredibly sweet to be returning to Tampa Bay, a town that has done so much for me over the years," said Tony Katz. "Being on 880am in Little Rock is going to be wonderful. It's the heart-of-America places where you get the most honest conversations. And I look forward to being a part of those conversations everyday."
Reference Here>>
We, at MAXINE, were able to catch up with Tony at Porto's in Burbank to get some additional insight from him as he looks forward to becoming another voice for American values freedom in a new media world.
Since he is looking to launch a media platform that will be able to add to the discussion in an entertaining way ... through humor, he sees All Patriot Media Network as a perfect vehicle to capture the ignited passions represented by the now, ten-month old Tea Party movement.
Tony views the business proposition side of APMN as a capitalistic "passion play" and envisions the arguments to invest in this fledgling new media enterprise, characterized through these two, logic-based scenarios.
First, wouldn't one, who had a passion for American culture nearly 20 years ago, like to have had a chance to invest in Rush Limbaugh's Excellence In Broadcasting (EIB) Network if the opportunity existed? If yes, would they invest in a similar opportunity now?
Second, one could invest in All Patriots Media Network to participate at a chance at helping to save a nation and culture (while pursuing a profit) .... or pass, sit on the sidelines and end up giving virtually all of their money to a big Government that continues to pursue its appetite for reducing personal freedoms while gaining more control over all things.
Pretty scary thoughts, but as Tony told us, he has had an active imagination most of his life, especially when it comes to nightmares. No one ever would have imagined some 30 years ago that our country would ever be confronted with these kind of threats from within our community. Simply stated, threats that are based on an elected Government dedicated to the pursuit of Statism ... and, yes, that is a nightmare.
Give All Patriots Media Network a listen at its live launch of the "The Tony Katz Radio Spectacular", Monday morning, and maybe one just might give this internet based, new media enterprise a chance at an investing support to pursue APMN's vision of a multi-media platform for original audio and video content that perpetuates the values of Freedom, Liberty, Capitalism and the uniqueness of America.
At the very least, be entertained and find a new resource that would get one caught up on American culture news and events ... before Barack Obama's control agenda of "Net Neutrality" ruins this freedom too.


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As we emerge from our winter burrows and venture forth in search of springtime treats, the South Fork is complying by offering a plethora of new restaurants for the upcoming season. They include an old friend at Spring Close getting a facelift, a perennial favorite, Almond, in a new location, and a city cousin, Nobu, taking up residence in Southampton.
Starting off in East Hampton, Spring Close restaurant is set to open its doors in the next few weeks with Colin Keilor, a former manager of Nichol's restaurant in East Hampton, at the helm along with a partner, Michael Lomansey. The restaurant is at the corner of Pantigo Road and Spring Close Highway, and the new owner is well aware of the game of musical restaurants that the site has been part of. It was home to the now-defunct Laundry and before that to the Farmhouse, and once upon a time it was called the Spring Close House.
"The whole concept is to be year round," said Mr. Keilor. The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast and brunch on the weekends. The new eatery will be warm and inviting — old-fashioned rather than modern — and the food will be mainly continental American, but Mr. Keilor said there are some twists in the menu that he's not ready to reveal yet. "We plan on being here for a while," he said with a laugh.
The Beach House is the new moniker for the former JL East-Prime 103 location, across the street from Nichol's on Montauk Highway. Michael Gluckman sold Bamboo, a bit east of there, earlier this year (it's now Shiki, a Japanese restaurant), and renovated the Beach House, which will open in the next few weeks. As of press time, there was little information available, although it is obvious from the major renovation work that the property will be spruced up in time for the opening.
Shiki, which recently received a positive review in this paper, serves up sushi, sashimi, and other Asian delicacies at 47 Montauk Highway. Specialties include black pepper tuna sushi, a miso Scottish salmon main dish, and a barrage of raw fish platters with tempting names like Black Pearls roll, Sweet Heart roll, and the Pink Lady roll. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Shiki offers bento boxes for lunch.
One of the bastions of North Main Street, Della Femina, is changing hands. Its final day of business will be on Saturday. Jerry Della Femina, who opened the popular eatery in 1993, sold the building and restaurant to the Hillstone Group, which owns many restaurants including the upscale Houston's chain. The new restaurant will be called the East Hampton Grill, not to be confused with the Grill on Pantigo, part of a group of restaurants owned by Ben Krupinski. It opened last year on Pantigo Road in East Hampton.
Page at 63 Main in Sag Harbor is the latest restaurant from Jerry Wawryk. Formerly Blue Sky, a well-reviewed Mediterranean restaurant, the spot has an enclosed patio area where fresh, local organic produce and healthy snacks will be sold. The market can be accessed from an alley without disturbing diners. Other items, suitable for a picnic or to go, will also be available.
The restaurant's menu also focuses on sustainable and organic ingredients. Jessie Flores, who has worked at Della Femina for the past nine years, is the executive chef.
Why Page? Mr. Wawryk explained that is a nod to his family's lineage: George Page, c. 1810, was one of the last whaling captains out of Sag Harbor. The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner of Almond, which recently closed on Montauk Highway west of the Bridgehampton Commons, will reopen their restaurant in downtown Bridgehampton on the corner of Montauk Highway and Ocean Road. The new spot will give the 10-year-old restaurant a larger dining space, as well as some sidewalk tables.
The duo plans to keep the integrity of the historic space intact, including its 100-year-old tin ceilings and hand-carved back bar. Mr. Weiner, the executive chef, will bring back some of his signature favorites such as roast chicken with hand-crushed potatoes and steamed black mussels with shallots, white wine, and parsley. Plats du jour will include such dishes as rack of lamb, bouillabaisse, and whole roasted fish.
"We are very excited about our new home for Almond. We look forward to seeing Almond fans again and introducing them to our new home," Mr. Lemonides said.
Almond is slated to reopen in May. Initially the restaurant will serve dinner starting at 6 p.m. daily. Lunch and brunch service will be added at a later date.
Only a few weeks ago, Dan Murray was given the lease to the restaurant at the Poxabogue Golf Course in Sagapanack, which he ran as the Fairway restaurant until last year. Known for stacks of pancakes in the morning and hearty sandwiches in the afternoon, the restaurant will return to the golf course in the coming months.
Upscale Japanese cuisine from Nobu Matsuhisa, a world-renowned chef, will be settling in at the former Capri Motel on Montauk Highway in Southampton. Nobu at Capri is one of three new businesses that will occupy that spot, along with a Cynthia Rowley store and the Bathing Club at Capri.
Steven Kamali Hospitality, of Montauk's Surf Lodge, has partnered up with Nobu to create the new eatery, which also plans to offer catering. Word also has it that Surf Lodge is taking over Second House Tavern in Montauk.
New over the winter, Patrick Glennon and Damien O'Donnell of Harbor Bistro on Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton took over the former Fiddlers Cove space. Their family-friendly restaurant is called the Harbor Grill, and according to the father and son-in-law team, it offers "old-school East Hampton dining with the prices to match." Some choices include Mongolian barbecue chicken wings, burgers and steaks, and fish and chips, with an assortment of other comfort foods from meatloaf to pasta. The Harbor Grill is open seven days a week, serving dinner starting at 4 p.m. Beginning in June, lunch will be served as well.
As the season approaches, other food news is sure to come, as some restaurant spaces are still empty and waiting for their next chapter. What of the Amagansett space occupied by Exile? The former Old Stove Pub? Or the space that Almond recently vacated? Stay tuned


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Story highlights
- Police ask public to send recordings of crash
- Newspaper editor who saw crash describes tumble of powerless police helicopter
- Police chief: 8 people are confirmed dead; 14 remain seriously injured in the hospital
- The pub was packed with Friday night drinkers when the helicopter crashed through the roof
Authorities found eight bodies Saturday in the ruins of a Glasgow pub struck by a police helicopter and feared more would be discovered as they slowly explored the unstable building.
But it might have been much worse, according to a senior journalist who saw the crash.
The downtown Clutha Bar was packed with about 150 people listening to a band about 10:15 p.m. Friday, but far more people would have been endangered just a short walk away in Glasgow's central shopping district, said Gordon Smart, editor of the Scottish Sun newspaper.
From a nearby parking deck, Smart watched the helicopter tumble into the bar and waited for an explosion and fireball. A blast might have killed hundreds in the busy area, Smart said.
Instead, he said, there was an "eerie silence."
"I think it's a miracle that more people didn't die," Smart told CNN.
Three perish on helicopter, at least five on ground
Three of the dead were two police officers and the civilian pilot of the helicopter, Chief Constable Stephen House of Police Scotland said. Five more victims had been inside the pub.
Fourteen people remain seriously injured in Glasgow hospitals, House said. Earlier, police said 32 in total were taken to local hospitals.
Glasgow police early Sunday announced that one body had been removed from the building, with more still inside.
"Safety work will continue during the evening to stabilize the building and helicopter to ensure a safe working environment for emergency personnel," a police statement said.
House said he expected the recovery operation to continue for "many days."
Authorities offered no theories on the cause of the crash.
Police Scotland used its Facebook page to appeal to the public for "any photographs, audio or video footage they have of the incident or surroundings areas."
'Fell from the sky like a stone'
Smart was on top of a six-story parking deck when he heard a gargling sound "like a car running out of petrol but incredibly loud."
"I looked around, and in front of me, between 500 feet and 1,000 feet in the air, I could see a helicopter in distress. And then suddenly it just completely lost power and fell from the sky like a stone and tumbled over, nose over tail," Smart said.
From his vantage point in front of the pub, Smart could not see the helicopter after impact.
'What I did see, and it's something that will stick with me for the rest of my life, was Glaswegian people running toward the scene, not away from the scene, people running to help, not running away from what could have been a huge explosion," Smart said.
Grief and pride
The head of the Scottish government, First Minister Alex Salmond, said it was a "black day for Glasgow and for Scotland."
But, he said, people should take heart from the swift response of emergency responders and the "instinctive courage of ordinary Glaswegians" in the face of adversity.
"As First Minister, it's a day we can take great pride in how we've responded to this extraordinary tragedy," he said. Salmond said that Saturday is St. Andrew's Day, Scotland's national day.
British Prime Minister David Cameron extended his deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones, and he praised emergency responders and "the bravery of ordinary Glaswegians who rushed to help."
Inside: Surreal quiet before alarm
The helicopter struck the pub as patrons listened to the Esperanza band, which had taken the stage a short time earlier.
"Most of the helicopter appeared to be inside the pub," said Jim Murphy, a UK member of parliament who arrived at the site moments later and saw people scrambling out to get out. Murphy represents a portion of Glasgow.
Patrons described a surreal quiet, followed by alarm.
"We were watching the band and there was kind of like a (roof) panel fell, there was a whoosh of dust, said Grace Maclean. "Then we laughed that the band said, 'We didn't think we were going to bring the roof down,'" Maclean said.
"The roof didn't come down. ...It didn't come completely down anyway," Maclean said.
"No one had a clue," she said. "There was no explosion. No bang. It was really quiet."
But it quickly became apparent something was wrong, and amid the choking dust there was an outburst of noise from the patrons.
"Everyone was yelling (for) their friends, but everyone seemed to find everyone," Maclean said.
'Blood pouring'
Band manager Gary Anderson described his bewilderment when he heard "a loud bang followed by lots of debris, smoke, stuff coming coming towards where I was standing at the door."
People he knew pulled him outside into the street, he said, where he could see the rotor blades sticking out of the building's roof.
"The fire brigade, paramedics, police were all there within minutes and everybody was just helping folk who could get out, just shouting on them because at this time you couldn't really see much inside, you were just trying to help people out and shouting to them, 'come here, come here' towards the doors," he said.
"There were people staggering out, there were lots of people coming out with blood pouring from their head and covered with all sorts of just debris from whatever it was had happened."
In a Facebook posting, the band indicated that all its members made it out safe.
"It seems that the band are all OK. Not so sure about everyone else," the post said.
A later post, by the band's bass guitar player, spoke of the realization "that it is all definitely horribly real. Despite the situation everyone was so helpful and caring of each other. The police, ambulances, firefighters all did a stellar job and continue to do so today in extremely difficult conditions."
Smoke and people running
Christina O'Neill, who saw the crash from her apartment across the street, said she heard what sounded like a low-flying airplane.
"I thought that didn't sound right for a couple of seconds," she said.
After the sound of impact, she saw smoke and people running from the pub.
"I know there were a lot of people lying on the ground kind of getting looked into," she said.
The pub's Facebook page contained numerous posts from people concerned about the incident.
Bond Air Services, which reportedly owns the helicopter involved, said it was working with police and emergency services.
"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this tragic incident," the company said in a statement.


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Interview with the trio behind the fashion label "Reckless Ericka"
The Interview
The trio behind the label "Reckless Ericka", Afton Chen, Ruth Marbun, and Louis Koh, have proven that they are showing no signs of slowing things down. From launching a new line "Odds by Reckless Ericka", to the opening of their first boutique "The Reckless Shop" at the Stamford house recently, it is almost safe to say that they are nothing less than being ambitious. Telling us more about the label and the philosophy of their new line, the different tastes of music that they prefer, the trio-force behind Reckless Ericka reveals it all in our exclusive interview. By Luth Seah Zhiqiang
TSG: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Balancing classic tailoring with the edgy use of silhouettes and colours, and constructing avant-garde silhouettes with classic details. Infusing edginess and quirkiness into our brand's identity and core.
TSG: What is the philosophy behind the new line "Odds by Reckless Ericka"?
'Odds by Reckless Ericka' is a chic, casual and street styled womenswear. Odds features drapes on jerseys that stresses on the basic silhouette, yet enhances the femininity of a woman. In this, we hope it will capture the youthfulness and energy of women. It is priced to reach out to the general masses.
TSG: Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and where you're from, your environment while growing up?
Afton: I am Singaporean. Part of my childhood was spent in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) where I had some of my best memories. The school that I had attended (Kaohsiung American School) had nurtured the creative side in me with various projects and skits. I enjoyed designing my own costumes for the skits and that was when I discovered the fun in designing and clothes making. My parents have been amazingly supportive of me to pursue my dreams to allow me to continue my work and I am thankful for their love.
TSG: Was becoming a fashion designer what you always wanted to do in your life?
Afton & Ruth: Yes, it's what we've always wanted to do.
TSG: Your designs have won you a sort of celebrity fan base that includes Adam Lambert, Sara Nuru, Rebecca Tan and Nadya Hutagalung. How do you feel about it?
We're really glad to have the wonderful opportunity to be able to work with talented artistes like them. It was definitely a great experience.
TSG: Who has been the greatest influence on your career and who are your favourite designers?
Afton: Aitor Throup. I admire his fascinating work that pays huge attention to the anatomy of the human body, and his illustrations are really intriguing. My other favourite designers would be Ann Demeulemeester, Paul Poiret, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexander McQueen, Elsa Schiaparelli and Mihara Yasuhiro.
Ruth: My parents are my greatest influence for my career. It may sound cliché but it's them that made me who I am today. To name one of my favourite designers would be Vivienne Westwood. I admire her madness and passion in everything she believes in.
TSG: How did You, Ruth and Louis meet?
Afton: 3 of us met in school!
TSG: Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure who has guided or influenced you?
We are truly grateful to Nic Wong and Daniel Boey.
TSG: How different is working on your own, compared to working with others?
When working on your own, you have to be conscientious in managing your time as the line blurs between your personal life and work. A lot of overtime work involved, but we love our brand!
TSG: Do you think the best creative work is developed in private without too much outside influence?
Afton: Creative work is best when there're more heads involved in the thinking process because the design will turn out to be a melting pot of styles, cultures and artistic viewpoints.I don't have a fixed, single object of influence or inspiration, because inspiration is the strangest thing! It comes from everywhere, in any form and best of all, it springs up when you least expected.
Ruth: I think the best creative works are always the ones that come sincerely from the heart with all the passion.
TSG: Who would be the ideal public ambassador for the brand? And why?
Afton: Patti Smith.
Ruth: Karen Elson will be great. Simply because I love her. With Jefferson Hack. That will be awesome.
Louis: Johnny Depp, he is quirky!
TSG: How do you find your materials, and what goes into your decisions when putting them together?
We make bi-annual trips overseas for fabric hunting. We wouldn't want to limit ourselves so we keep an open mind while looking. We love the challenge of piecing the materials together and set the mind ticking and decide when we have everything in front of us.
TSG: In no more than five words, what does beauty represent to you?
Afton: Confidence.
TSG: What is your choice of music?
Afton: Swing big band arranger Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, and British rock from the 60s and 70s (The Beatles, The Kinks, Joy Division, The Who, Queen, Siouxsie and the Banshees). Music has always been one of the sources of inspiration for me. There's always something about the musical arrangements, vocal harmonies, and lyrics that intrigues me in a way that I can't simply put it to words.
Ruth: I'm more a band person though I listen to many kinds of music. I'm into the oldies, a bit stuck in the nineties, and love to surprise my self with new ones. To name a few: Bob Dylan, The Smiths, The Kinks, Jamie T, Two Door Cinema Club. And I love to sing and dance to music!
Louis: Pop rock, because it keeps me happy. The Killers
TSG: If you could live in any time period, what period would you choose and why?
Afton: I love it now but if I had to choose, it would be the Roaring Twenties. I am fascinated with the sudden dynamic changes in the social, arts, music and fashion scenes that are so different from the Victorian lifestyle. This was also when modern fashion was created and I would love to attend Marchesa Casati's masquerade balls.
TSG: What's the best and worst thing about being a young designer in Singapore?
Best: The Singapore retail industry today is definitely opening up to young local designers and labels and there has been great support from organisations like SPRING Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board and Design Singapore backing our industry. Worst: We yearn for more acceptance and better education about local designers to the consumers.
TSG: What has the industry taught you?
Afton: To have hope, as it is a positive expectation of good!
Ruth: Many things. How to be tough on decisions and compromise at the same time.
Louis: Taught me to be truthful to the brand and it never hurts to go the extra mile.
TSG: In your opinion, what's a designer's role in the current economic climate?
It's easy to lament and blame the effects of recession, but instead of doing so, a designer should look into re-branding or restructuring to appeal and stay above the crowd.
Stockist / Link
Reckless Ericka
The Reckless Shop Stamford House, #01-03 Tel: +65 6338 8246


text: Marana, Arizona - Four weeks after missing the cut in his first event with his new Nike golf clubs, Rory McIlroy is confident his game is in much better shape heading into this week's WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship at Dove Mountain. The Northern Irishman has not competed since his premature exit from the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship but said he was feeling refreshed after mixing some welcome holiday time with 10 days of practice sessions over the past month. "I'm actually much happier with how I'm swinging the club," world number one McIlroy told reporters at Dove Mountain on Tuesday while preparing for Wednesday's opening round. "The clubs were performing fine in Abu Dhabi, it was just the fact that I wasn't swinging at my best. I feel like I've turned a corner with my swing. I've got it back on track, and that's ultimately what's going to help me play better." Widely panned for switching his golf brand last month from Titleist to Nike in a lucrative deal reported to be worth as much as $250 million over 10 years, McIlroy said he now tried to blinker himself from criticism as much as possible. "At the start (of his career) I guess I paid a lot more attention to it, but now I try to not read anything or not watch anything because you don't want any negative thoughts creeping into your head," the 23-year-old added. "It's part of what we do. We're under the spotlight and we're going to get criticised from time to time, rightfully or wrongfully so. That's just the way it is. I've learnt that, and I'm dealing with it." McIlroy, who has put a new putter and a slightly heavier driver in his bag, said he had prepared himself for likely criticism when his switch to Nike was announced with much fanfare before last month's Abu Dhabi Championship. "I knew it would happen if I didn't play well, and I probably put a little bit too much pressure on myself to play well because of that," he smiled. "Abu Dhabi was a busy week. There was a lot going on. "But I've had a nice few weeks off and I feel like I'm coming into this event prepared, ready and swinging the club well. Hopefully that can translate into playing some good golf and getting quite far into this week." Six-times major champion Nick Faldo was among those who criticised McIlroy for his switch from Titleist to Nike, telling Reuters it was "a dangerous move". McIlroy responded: "Nick Faldo doesn't know how I feel over the golf shot and I don't know how he felt, but my guess is he was a little more analytically minded than I am. "I try and keep things as simple as possible. If I see the ball going in the direction that I want in the flight that I want, then I'm happy. It feels good, and hopefully I can show that to everyone this week." McIlroy, who has been vacationing with his girlfriend, former world women's tennis number one Caroline Wozniacki, in recent weeks, will take on a good friend, Ireland's Shane Lowry, in the opening round at Dove Mountain. "We played foursomes together for Ireland," McIlroy grinned. "We were part of the same Irish amateur team for a few years. "If we'd have thought playing in the European team championships at Western Gailes that we'd be playing in the first round of the Match Play here in a few years' time ... it's pretty cool to think where we've come from."


text:
Yale attackman Deron Dempster
Yale (11-4) at Notre Dame (11-2) The Bulldogs are on a nine-game winning streak under coach Andy Shay. They are quick to loose balls, play with a strong sense of self and understand their strengths and weaknesses. They learned from four early-season losses. Attackman Deron Dempster, who missed time with a concussion in the middle of the year, has been been scoring goals in bunches. Linemate Matt Gibson is creative and explosive, and has ramped up his leadership role. On the other side of the field, Yale's defense is underrated. Meanwhile, Notre Dame coach Kevin Corrigan leads the nation's top defense. The Fighting Irish were flat and uninspired throughout most of their upset loss to St. John's in the Big East semifinals last week. An abrupt turnaround is needed. Scoring goals doesn't come easy for Notre Dame. "We are a victim of our defense. We get a low number of possessions," Corrigan said. "We don't have offensive superstars but a lot of different options, including a capable third midfield." Notre Dame has an impressive record at home and more playoff experience.
Yale Athletics
Copyright © 2019, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad


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MetroSonus wrote:damn.. that shiznit is goot
Apparently slow, evolving ambient pads is one of the things it does really well... do you know someone who might like that, Metro?
Moderators: MetroSonus, Plink Floyd
MetroSonus wrote:damn.. that shiznit is goot
ClavAnother wrote:Yes. But I was thinking that it's not cheeep enough to justify losing half the voices
christianrock wrote:So now the DeepMind 6 is coming, a more affordable version with 6 voices...
Seen it too.christianrock wrote:There's also a 12-voice desktop coming!
MetroSonus wrote:The rack costs more than the 12 for some reason.. any reason why? other than a different chassis.. usually the rack version of something is a cost effective way to ditch the keys.
Users browsing this forum: soundwave106 and 6 guests


text:
I purchased an 01 I30t and the nav disc is for map4. I live in zone 9 but mainly travel the eastern seaboard. Is it possible to find a disc that is compatible w/ the infi sys that covers the US.
does anone have mca 7,8 & 9 version 5.5 if some contact me at email@example.com


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Big Laguna Splash
Fun splash on a very pretty Laguna Beach night at Shaw's Cove.
Corona Del Mar Sunset
Sunset hour in Corona Del Mar.
Slowing it down
Slow shutter of a wave in Laguna
Beach Painting
abstract photo taken in crystal cove. If I could paint it'd hopefully look something like this.
Evening in Paradise
The beginning of an amazing sunset in Huntington.
Pink fire
sky on fire above Main Street in Huntington Beach.
Laguna Reflections
Taking in the sunset twice off of the tide pools in Laguna
Ray of light
Clouds doing there thing
lil big sunset
A pretty one in corona Del Mar
Coral Cay Madness
Reflections in coral cay
Row Row Row
Not a bad view while rowing
HB Pier
a breezy day in Huntington Beach.
Sunset Wedge
One of many pretty sunsets at the Wedge while a swell was in town.
Peek a boo Laguna Beach
The inside of a lil wave at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach.
Lil nugget
Lil nugget of a curl
Balboa Pier
A moody evening in June on the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach.
Sunset session
One last surf before the end of the day.
Prickly evening
Who knew there was cactus in Laguna Beach.
Wave time
Shorebreak at Crescent Bay
Double the views
Ocean blvd
lil reflection in Corona Del Mar
The pier
a sweet reflection on a rad night
Phone mirror
Taking in the views from all angles
Peaceful day
Close up on the shore in Huntington Beach.
Foamy Sunset in Laguna Beach
Close up of the foam during the sunset at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach.
Splash Under Balboa Pier
Another lil close up splash underneath the Balboa Pier.
Palm tree vibes
Infamous Laguna Beach palm trees
Last surf
Hanging out on the rocks at Crystal Cove watching people get their last surf of the day in.
Reflecting sky
Glassy water by the pier in Newport Beach to end the day.
Calming waters
A fire like sunset reflecting in the water.
Crash Crash
Fun waves in Laguna
Peaceful moments after a sunset in Newport Beach.
Huntington Beach doing its thing
Through the wickets
Different perspective on a good night
Winter Burn
A burner downtown Huntington Beach
Coming in hot
Plane landing at John Wayne with a pretty sunset.
Dancing Water in Huntington Beach
Very close up splash during a sunset in Huntington Beach.
Balboa Pier Flipped
Used the crystal ball to flip the Balboa Pier.
Spray of light
lil splash in laguna
Two views, one pic
Playing with my mirror during sunset at Crescent bay in Laguna Beach.
Cotton Candy Skies
One of the best sunsets to this day in Huntington Beach.
Overlooking Huntington
Views from the Hyatt in Huntington.
overlooking Crescent Bay beach
A big day at the Wedge
Ocean Fire
An epic night in Huntington Beach
Electric Sky
Pretty sky in Corona Del Mar
Foam Party
A foamy morning at the Wedge in Newport Beach
Surf City
Huntington Beach living up to it's nickname.
Happy Huntington
Sunset featuring a foamy Huntington Beach ocean.
Splash in Newport Beach
Fun lil close up splash in Newport Beach by the Balboa Pier.
Constant Motion
Taken in the crystal cove area looking over one of the coolest beaches in Southern California.
Sky on Fire
One of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever witnessed in Huntington Beach.
Cactus cooler
Up in the hills of Laguna Beach.
Ruby's on fire
Wish I would have gone to Rubys on this night
Summer Time
Perfect evening in Surf City
View from above Huntington Beach
Double trouble
2 Ruby's is better than one
Balboa Fun Zone
View of the Balboa Fun zone from Balboa Island
Palm Ave
Sunrise in Newport Beach.
HB Evening
long exposure during sunset downtown Huntington Beach
Huntington BeachCaliforniaSunsetColorful


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A total of 15 members of the Hope College community will have work featured in the one-night-only Active site sculpture exhibition being featured in Grand Rapids on Friday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 11 p.m.
The exhibition will be displayed in the Federal Building, the former Grand Rapids Art Museum, located at 155 N. Division Ave., between Pearl and Lyon streets, in Grand Rapids.
It will include student and faculty work from eight institutions: Aquinas College, Calvin College, Grand Valley State University, Hope, Kendall College of Art & Design, School of Visual Arts NYC, UICA: ArtWorks/Urban Clay Studio and Western Michigan University. It has been curated and organized by Paul Amenta and Todd Ernst and is sponsored by the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in conjunction with the 21st International Sculpture Conference.
The Hope artists represented include 11 students, two recent alumni and two members of the faculty.
The students with work in the exhibition are Daryl Andresen of Park Ridge, Ill.; Theresa Fernandez of Grand Rapids; Amy Gilles of Wauconda, Ill.; Rachelle Kreuze of Kalamazoo; Kari Luidens of Altamont, N.Y.; Kristen Mulder of Holland; Justine Post of Midland; Emilie Puttrich of Arlington Heights, Ill.; Randall Schultz of Grand Haven; Sarah Sligh of Holland; and Audrey Wasielewski of Traverse City.
The two alumni with work featured are Arianna Baker, a 2003 graduate from Holland; and Jon Kay, a 2008 graduate from Three Rivers.
The faculty with work in the exhibition are Bill Mayer, professor of art; and Juliane Shibata, visiting assistant professor of art.


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Verlander: Game 5 start 'not just another game'
DETROIT -- After dominating the Athletics in Game 2 of the American League Division Series -- seven shutout innings, four hits, 11 strikeouts -- Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander began preparing himself to pitch the decisive Game 5 if this playoff matchup got that far.
Which is kind of interesting since he wasn't supposed to start Game 5. Max Scherzer was.View Full Game Coverage
DETROIT -- After dominating the Athletics in Game 2 of the American League Division Series -- seven shutout innings, four hits, 11 strikeouts -- Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander began preparing himself to pitch the decisive Game 5 if this playoff matchup got that far.
Which is kind of interesting since he wasn't supposed to start Game 5. Max Scherzer was.View Full Game Coverage
Well, things change. Facing a must-win situation in Game 4 on Tuesday night at Comerica Park, manager Jim Leyland used Scherzer, a 21-game winner, to pitch the seventh and eighth out of the bullpen in the Tigers' 8-6 win. Which meant that Verlander gets the assignment in that must-win Game 5 matchup Thursday night at O.co Coliseum (8 p.m. ET on TBS).
"I prepared myself like it was possible," Verlander said after Game 4. "I didn't know what anybody had planned or what the plans were coming in, but I knew there was a chance. So I just threw my [bullpen session] on my normal day and prepared as best I could.
"It's not just another game. The season is on the line. The whole season, the way we battled and played as a team, comes down to one game. May the best team win. You can't treat it like another game, you know. It's a little bit different. There is more to it. It's going to be fun. It's what you play the game for. It's exciting. This is what you dream of as a kid, to be on the mound in a clinching game."
Tale of the Tape: Game 5
|Justin Verlander
|Sonny Gray
|2013 regular season
|Overall: 34 GS, 13-12, 3.46 ERA, 75 BB, 217 SO
|Overall: 12 G, 10 GS, 5-3, 2.67 ERA, 20 BB, 67 SO
|Key stat: Verlander extended his postseason scoreless-innings streak against the A's to 22 innings in his Game 2 no-decision -- the longest streak against the A's since 1905.
|Key stat: Gray became the second pitcher in A's postseason history with at least eight scoreless innings, nine strikeouts and four or fewer hits in Game 2.
|At O.co Coliseum (reg. season)
Career: 11 GS, 5-4, 2.16 ERA
Career: 7 GS, 3-1, 1.66 ERA
|Against this opponent
Career: 16 GS, 8-6, 2.31 ERA
Career: 1 GS, 0-0, 0.00 ERA
|Loves to face: Eric Sogard, 0-for-9, K
Hates to face:: Coco Crisp, 8-for-28, 2 2B
|Loves to face: Austin Jackson, 0-for-4, 4 K
Hates to face:: Don Kelly, 2-for-3, 2 1B
|Game Breakdown
|Why he'll win: Verlander pitched in this spot last year, tossing a complete-game, 11-strikeout outing that sent Detroit to the ALCS.
|Why he'll win: Gray has a 1.85 ERA over his last seven outings.
|Pitcher beware: Verlander struggled down the stretch with his highest ERA (3.46) and WHIP (1.31) since 2008.
|Pitcher beware: He's a rookie making his 12th career start in a win-or-go-home deciding game of a playoff series.
|Bottom line: Verlander pitched well enough to win in Game 2 with seven shutout innings but was outlasted by Gray. Even one run by the Tigers could be enough to get the win.
|Bottom line: Gray will need to be as sharp as he was in Game 2 if he wants to outlast Verlander again for the A's, who are 1-11 in possible clinching games since 2000.
When the Tigers decided to start Scherzer in Game 1, it wasn't a surprise. Scherzer is probably the front-runner to win the AL Cy Young Award this season. Verlander, by his own admission, struggled to find himself all year.
It was, however, noteworthy. Because it meant that Verlander, who prior to this season had been the undisputed ace of the staff, wouldn't start the all-important Game 5 if it came to that. And it was Verlander who, almost exactly a year earlier, started in the same situation in the same stadium and fired a four-hit shutout to eliminate the Athletics. The Tigers eventually went all the way to the World Series.
The planets had to align for Verlander to be in this situation, of course. First, the Tigers had to win Game 4 to extend the series. Then the game had to unfold in such a way that Leyland would activate his plan to use Scherzer out of the bullpen. That happened when starter Doug Fister needed 104 pitches to get through six innings. The Tigers' manager had said he wouldn't bring Scherzer in if Detroit was trailing; the score was tied when Scherzer came out for the top of the seventh.
With that, Verlander slipped into the open spot in the rotation. And because there are two travel days built into the schedule, he'll be pitching with full rest.
While Verlander's overall numbers for the season aren't up to his usual level, he pitched extremely well in his last two starts of the regular season, and then underlined the fact that he was back in top form in his first start of the playoffs, albeit in a 1-0 loss to the A's.
"I think it's just some of the adjustments I made, one of the maybe a thousand that I tried to make this year," he said. "It was definitely a grind all year. Then it reached a point where I realized it was going to take awhile, that it wasn't going to be one thing I had to fix.
"I knew it wasn't going to be a quick process, and I set a date for myself that I needed to be ready at all costs for the postseason. The last month of the season, I think I found some things that really benefited me. My location, just my stuff in general."
Now Verlander will have an opportunity to marshal all that in the game that will determine whether Detroit advances to the AL Championship Series or has all winter to think of what might have been. It wasn't supposed to work out this way, but the Tigers feel pretty good about their chances now.
"We used a 21-game winner out of the bullpen and now we can pitch a Cy Young winner in his place," marveled center fielder Austin Jackson. "How many teams could do that?"
Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com.


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Seems like life is just flying by. It is hard to believe that I have not written something in over 3 months! I have all these great ideas and things I want to share, the problem is trying to find time to write them!
I am really going to try hard to write more. I love reading everyone's blog and thinking to myself yup, that is exactly what we go through.
Anyway, I guess I will start with yesterday. Brianna went to the Endo for her normal 3 month check up. She had a great appointment. She gained almost 3.5 pounds and grew one inch in three months!! That is AWESOME!! She is still cruising along in the 50% for both. I know she isn't going to be super tall, I am only 5'3. Her blood pressure was great and her skin looked wonderful.
The last few months we have been dealing with more highs then ever before. (Could be because she is grow, but could just be because.) Numbers is in the 300's. I was a little worried about what her A1C would be. I was guessing something in the 6's. BUT it was 5.6!!! Only a slight increase from 5.5 last time. Endo was really happy, and told me that I am WAY to hard on myself and that her numbers are great.
I know there was a big debate over whether or not to publish what the A1C is. But for me I am proud of it. I don't put it out there to make others feel bad. I do it in hopes to encourage people. I also post things because I don't talk to all my family daily and this gives them a chance to know how Brianna is doing. I would have posted what her number was regardless.
I was asked what are your secrets. LOL! Really I don't have any. But here are a few things that I think really help with keeping her numbers in range, the best I can.
I feel SO SO SO blessed with our insurance company. How many people can say that? Brianna is able to receive all the supplies she needs. I never have to worry about any supplies. There are days if she is having really crazy numbers that I will test 20+ times, YES 20!! On average I test 13-15 times a day. But I never have to worry about running out of test strips. Our new insurance is even covering Blood Ketone strips, again a blessing because those suckers are EXPENSIVE!! (On a later post I am going to post how much diabetes really cost a month.)
Brianna also wears a CGM. What is a CGM? Well it is a continuous glucose monitor. It gives us a good idea where her numbers are heading. Not always perfectly calibrated but for the most part, it is close. We have the settings on her CGM really tight. I have it alarming probably more then it should but I don't want her to sit in the 200's for hours and not get a correction. I take full advantage of the CGM. Brianna wears her CGM 24/7. I do not give her a break, and really she doesn't like having it off. She doesn't always feel her lows so this helps. I do understand that some people don't want a CGM because of the additional poke but if it will keep her safer?? Again I feel so blessed that our insurance covers this. The cost is ridiculous! I know several friends that would love one but their insurance doesn't think it is medically necessary to that I say REALLY??!?
Another thing that I think keeps her A1C lower is what I run her at night. This is something that sometimes takes me out of my comfort zone. At night her range is anything lower then 90 I will treat with carbs (unless CGM shows she is going up. Again LOVE the CGM) and I correct anything over 130 sometimes 140 (unless CGM shows she is dropping, man I love that thing :-) )
I know these numbers are low 90-130 is a really tight range, but think of it this way they sleep 8-10 hours (I would love to sleep that long!!) and if she stays in the 200's all night that is a HUGE part of her day. When she runs higher she feels really bad in the morning, and all that sleep doesn't really matter. I know everyone is different I would never suggest you change your settings with out talking with your doctor. I can do this also because she does have the CGM and MySentry- can you tell how much I love the CGM???
Another person that plays a big part in Brianna's day is our school nurse. One that is there full time, the clinic aid, and then the RN come every 3 days. They take great care of Brianna. I know they always have her be interest at heart. They call any time she is low or really high, so we can talk about how to treat her. They are also starting to use the CGM. She will call and say she is 154, but the CGM is showing her is dropping and there is an arrow down. So we can treat her early and hopefully keep her in class more. They are very supportive. I love that they are willing to take the time and call, vs just giving her 15 carbs- that would send her through the roof!!!
Another HUGE part of her A1C being great is our Endo. She is the best! She is really available to her patients, by phone, or e-mail. We go a large Children's Hospital. There are several different doctors and nurse practitioners. The one we picked is, I think, the best. She is always there to check carelink and offer her suggestions. Yes suggestions, she doesn't make me change things. She really believes I know Brianna best. She LISTENS and takes what I say into consideration. I love that she doesn't just call and say do this! We make constant changes. We never leave Brianna's settings the same for 3 months, how can you, a lot changes during 3 months!! We are always tweaking things.
Lastly I think about why I keep her numbers in range the best I can. What is running through my mind? Well, I think about my daughter in 20 years. I want her to be complication free. I never want to look at her and think you know what I didn't do EVERYTHING in my power to keep you healthy. Do I lose sleep?, sure, am I stressed and worried more then most non-d parents absolutely but in the end she is MORE then worth it.
Well, hopefully the next post will come long before August. I can't wait for summer! The kids only have 20 more days of school! Wow!!
Thanks for reading! We love reading your comments. :-)


text:
Just because you're retired doesn't mean you necessarily want to stop working completely. In fact, working in retirement has become the new normal. Nearly three-quarters of workers over 50 say their ideal retirement will include working, according to a survey by Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and Age Wave. And retirees are not working just to supplement income, some 62% of working retirees stated staying mentally active was the most important reason to work versus just 31% who said they simply needed the money.
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