text:
Wake-up call
A few months ago, I went to my dermatologist, and she noticed a suspicious looking mole on my back. A small dot, a black, flat dot, but still, it concernced her. "Hmm," she said, "Let me just get my special light and magnifying glass." She left the room, and I started to panic. All those years of me faking-and-baking had now come back to haunt me.
I was doomed. I was convinced that I had skin cancer. Why would I be one of the lucky ones? Not to mention the fact that I never wear sunscreen, and in fact, lather up on the oil (with an SPF of 8) when I'm on vacation somewhere hot. Not the best thing to do, right? However, I was naive. Young. Stupid. And in the need of a tan!
Now, as a mom of two young children, I see things differently. I do things differently - not thinking about myself only, but thinking about them first, and about their future.
They are the reason I quit smoking. They are the reason I started watching what I eat. They are the reason I work out. And now, I'm going to try to give up something else, too. Tanning in an indoor salon.
My surgery was scheduled. For one month, I had to wait to get the procedure done. The day of my surgery, I was nervous. I was convinced I was dying. Still afraid of what to tell my family, still thinking about how my children would live without their mommy. Skin cancer is no joke. Yes, it is one of the 'better' cancers to have, but still - it can be deadly. And the saddest part - it is preventable, for the most part.
Last July, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer declared tanning beds "carcinogenic to humans', and reclassified tanning equipment to the highest cancer risk category. I was never under the impression that tanning beds were safer than the sun, but I also never truly believed how bad they were for us. Now, doctors in Ontario are trying to ban the use of tanning beds for people under the age of 18. I'm in full agreement.
And although I'm no doctor, I'm sure if tanning beds are used in moderation - a couple of times a year - you will likely be okay. Don't take my word for it, though.
After my suspicious mole was removed, I had to wait one week to get the results. One day after work, I came home to a message left for me from my doctor. "Hi Loukia, it's Dr. R. I just wanted to let you know that we have your results and your biopsy is back. I wanted you to know that the results show that you are okay - there is nothing to worry about and it is benign."
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I hugged my children even tighter that night. And I was so, so thankful that I was so lucky.
36 comments:
- coffeewithjulie said...
It was not until I lived in Australia that I really took sunprotection and the risk of skin cancer seriously. It is very scary, and people die from it. That's what I think about when I look at my pasty white skin in the mirror and feel tempted to tan it up -- it's not worth it, Julie! Such an important post as the sun season is just around the corner. Thanks!
- April 14, 2010 at 9:31 AM
- JLA said...
Great post, Loukia. Happy to hear all is well.
That said, I think suggesting it's 'probably' ok to use tanning beds a few times a year is a dangerous suggestion that I'm sure your doctor would definitely not agree with.
Tanning beds and a bit of colour attained via natural sun are not at all the same thing. Using a tanning bed to prevent a burn before a vacation is also not any better. Furthermore, those few times are not 'just a few' - they are an intense dose added to your lifetime of sun exposure.
For all the reasons you plan to stop - and for your readers, I think you should consider confirming your suggestion with your dermatologist.
- April 14, 2010 at 10:07 AM
- CalgaryDaddy said...
Whew! I think that people do need to be made more aware of the dangers of the tanning beds. Teens think that it must be safe....
Good post.
- April 14, 2010 at 10:07 AM
- Denise Nielsen said...
My best friend died of this at 37. One of the last things she said to me was "Promise you'll always put sunscreen on your kids." My three fair-skinned kids never go out without it and a hat, and nor do I. It's a terrifying thing to have to wait to hear from a doctor. So glad it turned out ok for you, and thanks for the reminder.
- April 14, 2010 at 10:19 AM
- skichik79 said...
happy to hear it wasn't dangerous. it always takes one scare to make us think ok I probably should not do this ... we learn from our mistakes .. better late then never ... My skin is transparent white right now and im going on vacation I was so tempted to go tanning but decided against it ...thanx for your post Lou
- April 14, 2010 at 10:20 AM
- Chandra said...
I read another blog...her name is Heather and she has skin cancer, more then likely from tanning beds and she is fighting for her life and the life of her two little kids...its just awful.
I am still one of those people that use tanning beds, but only a few times a year..as I am right now..just trying to jump start the tanning...it is sooooo bad and I know its wrong but I cant stop myself. I have two young children to think about. Don't get me wrong I think about it EVERY single time I lay in the bed. In my defense I NEVER go the full 15 minutes...EVER.
It's still bad. I need to stop.
- April 14, 2010 at 10:20 AM
- Lindsey said...
Good post! It really gets everyone thinking about what they need to change in their lives for the sake of the children.
Thanks for sharing :)
- April 14, 2010 at 10:46 AM
- Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...
Very true, and so many of us see the same thing when we are younger. i am glad it was a false alarm.
- April 14, 2010 at 10:57 AM
- T Rex Mom said...
Glad everything worked out - children do change perspective, don't they?
- April 14, 2010 at 11:58 AM
- Kate Coveny Hood said...
That's very good news! I often think back with regret about the hours I spent sunning for my looks. Even if I didn't now care more about health, I'd be feeling the same regret because that sun damage is starting to show. I have two vertical lines next to one of my eyes (used to be just one - but it now has a friend - yeah!) It absolutely makes me look older and there is no simple plastic surgery fix for that kind of thing. Anyone who thinks they'll just deal with the consequences later with their plastic surgeon is kidding themself. You can almost always tell when someone has "had work done." So the best way to maintain your youth is to stay in the shade and use lots of sun block. Wish I had listened to that public service announcement when I was a teenager and figured 40 was old and I wouldn't care anymore.
- April 14, 2010 at 2:22 PM
- Mommy Lisa said...
I am positive for the skin cancer gene and get suspicious moles taken off every year.
Never has it been anything yet.
Knock on wood.
But my doctor has done all of them right then and there - I have never had to go back.
- April 14, 2010 at 2:25 PM
- Sarah said...
My father worked outside for 35 years and never used sunscreen. He would always just tan and never burn. He's 70 yrs old now and has to go for constant surgeries to remove suspicious moles which have all come back cancerous. It's very scary and makes me not want to be in the sun at all. I see how much he's had to go through. I am crazy with the sunblock now.
- April 14, 2010 at 2:30 PM
- Kerry @ First Time Fancy said...
I hear ya - I had two removed on my back when I was only 19. It was scary stuff. Thankfully, I was the same as you, nothing to worry about. It really is a wake up call though... I stopped using tanning beds and was more careful to put on sunscreen more often. I could still do better, but I'm working on it!
- April 14, 2010 at 2:32 PM
- Karma & Adam said...
Great post! I never tan, and if I happen to be reading my book in the sun I'm wearing a minimum of spf 30. I wear sunscreen every day on my face in the winter, and all over in the summer.
I'm a mom and a cancer survivor (non-hodgkin's lymphoma) and would never, ever sacrifice my life or that of my daughter's for a tan. Sure, you might feel "better" when you're tanned, but trust me, you feel a lot better without cancer. My advice? Get a good self tanner, or embrace your natural colour.
- April 14, 2010 at 2:32 PM
- Jennifer said...
And people in the US wonder why there will be a tax on tanning. This is exactly why. I think they should put a special tax on fast food too. These are things that increase health risks.
- April 14, 2010 at 2:52 PM
- Nikosmommy said...
I absolutely adore having a tan and I love the sun! (We holiday in Greece every summer but I load up myself and the kids with SPF 50, hats and t-shirts at the beach for the ENTIRE time we're there.) It's hard because we all tan well and just assume that b/c we can tan we'll be safe. Not true, I have to remember to be diligent!
I do admit that every early summer for about 3 weeks I'll go tanning to get a 'base' before we head to Greece. I just can't stand the thought of burning in the blazing hot sun (and I don't want to stand out as the whitey-Canadian girl!!) So vain I know!!
- April 14, 2010 at 2:52 PM
- Rebecca said...
So happy things were ok.
- April 14, 2010 at 3:02 PM
- Tiffany Lockette said...
So glad to hear that it wasn't anything serious.
- April 14, 2010 at 3:34 PM
- hoobingfamilyadventures.com said...
I am so glad to hear everything is okay! I know, I have spent way too much time in the sun but after having a baby am planning to park it in the shade on our beach vacations!
- April 14, 2010 at 3:38 PM
- Chelle said...
So scary, honey! I used to tan {haven't for almost 10 yrs now} and I cringe thinking of how often I would go. I get nervous thinking about it--a girl whose blog I read is battling skin cancer right now :(
Thanks for the post and reminder--I'm constantly telling my sister to stop and not to start again after she has her baby...let's hope she listens!
Happy everything was okay for you. {{hugs}}
- April 14, 2010 at 3:51 PM
- anya said...
I'm with you on this one! Great post.
- April 14, 2010 at 4:05 PM
- Shannon @ AnchorMommy said...
Omigosh, Loukia! Scary!!! I'm so happy to hear you're okay. I was the same way in my 20's -- I did stuff without thinking of the consequences, and as for tanning beds...I thought, how bad can it be? I didn't do it much and I haven't gone near a bed in years, but still. That damage is always there.
- April 14, 2010 at 4:10 PM
- Finola said...
Great post and I'm glad everything was OK.
As a follow-up post, how about talking about some of the tanning lotions out there? I was considering trying one for my legs this spring, but I also worry about the chemicals that may be in those products. Is there any good information out there?
- April 14, 2010 at 8:53 PM
- Hailey said...
Girl, I am an avid believer in the fact that tanning beds kill. I am also a believer in sunscreen. Lots of it.
I am only 25. In the past 18 months, I have had 5 basal cell carcinomas removed. If only I had listend to my Mom during my teenage years.
I am so glad that everything turned out ok.
- April 14, 2010 at 8:56 PM
- Krystyn said...
Skin cancer is so scary and so serious. I fake baked before prom and my wedding and that's it. And, I know it wasn't smart. And, I've had tons of moles removed.
And, there is skin cancer in my family (not that I think it's hereditary).
Glad you got your wake up call...and glad your mole was okay.
- April 15, 2010 at 1:03 PM
Great post and I'm glad everything was okay. I had a mole removed last year.. same thing, I was totally freaked out, convinced I was going to die, etc. Thankfully, they removed it all and there was nothing to worry about. Still, it scared me and I realized how dangerous tanning beds and the sun in general are. I would totally be all for a ban of tanning beds at every age!
- April 15, 2010 at 2:49 PM
- BeachMama said...
Whew, good news. I, like you spent may years baking. I went to the dermatologist last summer on my own to check out my skin. Thankfully he told me I was wasting his precious time, but I waited in fear for six months for that appointment wondering what I may have done to my skin. I am a little more careful now when I sit in the sun. And gave up the tanning beds when J was born.
- April 15, 2010 at 4:39 PM
- CaraBee said...
I tanned a lot, both in tanning beds and the sun, when I was in my teens, but I took a trip to Costa Rica when I was 22 and saw all these women at the resort who were in their 40s and 50s who looked so OLD because they were super duper dark. Their skin looked like leather. I decided right then and there that my heavy tanning days were over.
I've had several moles removed and spots tested. I see a derm annually. Luckily, I've never had any positive result on the biopsies, but that doesn't mean I am less diligent with my sunscreen. So, yeah, I'm kinda pasty, but I would much rather be a young-looking, no cancer-having 50 than a tan 36 year old.
- April 15, 2010 at 10:19 PM
- Chantal said...
I was so glad to read that tweet (when you got your results) and this post! Thank GOD!
- April 16, 2010 at 10:29 PM
- Pres. Kathy said...
I am very happy to hear that everything turned out okay. When I was younger I remember tanning. It was so COOL to be darker. The funny thing is that I use to tan when I would go to Greece for the summer - I never tanned in Chicago. Weird huh? This is a good reminder for me to watch my little guy when he plays outside.
- April 17, 2010 at 12:07 PM
- Christy said...
So glad everything worked out. I regret all my years laying out without any sunscreen at all! I cringe when I think of those days...
- April 18, 2010 at 5:06 PM
- Chrissy MacCEO said...
I am so glad this wake up call was just that--a wake up call, and nothing more serious. Glad you are ok!!
- April 18, 2010 at 8:49 PM
- Brittany at Mommy Words said...
I am so glad it came back okay. Holy crap that is scary. And being a mommy makes it so much more so! xoxo
p.s. I am white as a ghost. I might glow when you meet me and light shines on me. I am not an angel, I just have a nasty relationship with direct sunlight ;)
- April 18, 2010 at 10:35 PM
So sad to hear you had to go through this :( but so happy to hear all turned out OK :)
I, too, have used tanning beds and would lie in teh sun in the 70's with baking oil (gasp) on!
Last fall was my wake up call...had a suspicious mole biopsied and the results came back positive for a rare aggresive cancer. I remember not being able to breathe when he told me. Worrying about my kids endlessly. Freaking out at the hospital when they were about to put me under for my second most extensive surgery. They were able to remove it all, thank God. I've had to deal with a lengthy and nasty wound healing but that is nothing compared to what could have been. I'm a lucky one :)
Great post Loukia :)
- April 20, 2010 at 8:55 AM
- Jessica said...
It's all about the spray tan!
- April 20, 2010 at 10:49 AM
- T~T said...
oh dear 0 glad it was good news - get a spray tan!!
- April 20, 2010 at 10:59 AM


text:
Mr. Jeff Smoler has been the owner of J.E.S. Designs, a commercial, residential, and custom cabinet company since 1983. Some of Mr. Smoler's high-profile clients have included O'Hare International Airport, National Car Rentals and the Abbey Spa Resort on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. He has received four presidential citations for his work and a Medallist award from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Mr. Smoler is a member of ASID, national Vice-President of the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD), a member of the American Woodworker Institute, and national president of the Consortium of Design and Construction Careers. His specialties include healthcare as well as kitchens and baths, home theater, & home office computer furniture.
He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Chicago Academy of Fine Art (CFA) with a minor in business from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. He also teaches computer-aided design at CFA.
Mr. Smoler & His Career | The Actual Work | Education Information & Advice | Job Information & Advice | Industry Trends
ArtSchools.com: How did you discover you had a talent for interior design?
JS: I decided to try it for one semester in 1964- I'm still trying 36 years later.
How did your career unfold?
I was an assistant manager in a furniture store working my way through college; after graduation I opened my own design studio.
My initial clients came through working in the furniture store because there were many customers coming there who didn't like what they saw, and I had to go out looking for the things that they wanted. I was promoted to manager while working on my thesis - and you can imagine how time-consuming that was. Eventually, I was forced to open my own business.
What has been your key to success?
To be able to listen to my clients. T o be true to my word. To treat each client the way that I would expect to be treated.
What was your greatest success and biggest setback?
Designing and fabricating 565 National Car Rentals in 90 days was my greatest success. I really have no setbacks as of yet.
What are your favorite projects that you've completed in your career and why?
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and all of the National Car Rentals were my favorites projects. Millions of people visit my designs each year.
At O'Hare, I was contracted to do all the bars and restaurants - the public places. I designed a sports bar there for which I had to get permission from FAA to put and antenna on the roof.
I was the 200th designer interviewed for the job, and I'll tell you why I got the job: There were other designers who showed very fancy restaurants, but they didn't know anything about fast-food - it isn't fine dining. I brought a commercial kitchen designer with me - I deferred to him when it came to his expertise, and I handled the other aspects of design. I know that's why I got the job because I researched and found out why the other 199 didn't get it.
For National Car Rentals, I designed the interior of all of their free-standing structures - and everything had to be fabricated and installed in 90 days! At the airports, I designed what's inside the booths, and every one is different. I designed a module that would fit all of them
Every single client is interesting when you get into the details.
What do you enjoy most about your job, your career?
The challenge of different clients as I do both commercial and residential designs.
Since every client is completely different, I have to research the client as well as the project. For instance, for O'Hare, I got an original blueprint of the airport to know the physical limitations of what I could do. Doing the research is the most important thing; I have been using the Internet more and more. In the future, the Internet will be even more important for finding these resources.
Who were the biggest inspirations for your career?
My biggest inspiration was a designer named Ausby Lee. He was a pioneer of ASID and I wanted to apprentice for him but the job was filled. I finally arrived when in election for ASID treasurer I beat him.
Describe a typical day of work for you as an interior designer.
I check my e-mails at 7:00 AM, then I do drawings and visit clients & sites.
How does your work get from being a drawing to actualization?
Let's say we are doing a simple kitchen - the absolute minimum number of drawings is five. I have to do perspective drawings, which are 3-D visualizations of what the room will look like. If there are cabinets or furniture, I'll draw them also - each one of which is at least five drawings. A typical project includes about 20 drafted drawings.
These days I'm doing about 90 percent of my own fabrication, too. That way I have control of the project. When I lose control, that's when problems start. When other manufacturers send you the wrong pieces and sizes, etc. I do it locally, have it measured and installed all by one company, if I can - and, usually, it's mine.
Are there specialty software programs for interior design professionals? If so, what are they and what do they do?
Impact does the actual business accounting, etc.; AutoCad rel 2000i does the drawing.
What are some of the professional organizations for interior design professionals?
American Society of Interior Designers (36,000 members); International Interior Design Association , IIDA (9000 members).
Is it important to collaborate with your interior design colleagues? How have your professional collaborations benefited your career?
If you can, it enhances all that you do. That is why I am active in three design organizations. Many design organizations offer referral services. I received O'Hare Airport as a design referral.
What are some common myths about interior design professionals?
The most common myth is that all interior designers are gay. I am not and it does not affect my work in any way.
What is your degree in? What did you like and dislike about your interior design-related education?
My degree is a BFA, MFA in interior design with a minor in business.
How does a prospective art student assess their skill and aptitude for interior design?
Take as many drafting and CAD classes as you can. If you still enjoy it, then continue.
If someone has the art talent already, should they go to design school and why?
Yes, it will broaden their feel for good design.
What types of degrees (majors) can one get that will lead to a career in interior design?
Unless you have at least three years of college drafting, you're not going to get into the business, and the only way you can get that skill is through interior design or architecture - the same basic training, only architecture also includes engineering. Art is fine, but if you can't visually describe to a client what you're trying to do, you're not doing them any good.
Based on what you hear in the industry, what do you think are the most respected and prestigious interior design schools, departments or programs?
Any school that is Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) accredited. FIDER is an acronym for the foundation of interior design education resource. It accredits interior design programs in the US & Canada.
What factors should prospective students consider when choosing a school? Are there any different considerations for those who know that they want to specialize in interior design?
They should visit as many different schools as possible and talk to the students as well as faculty.
Who are three of the most renowned interior design professionals in the world right now? How did they get to the top?
Anyone who has his or her own TV design show.
It's a very nondescript business. It's a business where you don't really know the people. I don't think it's as important to be famous as it is to have longevity. Recognizable designers, like Bill Blass, get into interior design by lending their name to a product - then, they get a percentage. But they aren't the best.
What is the average salary for interior design professionals in the US? What are people at the top of this profession paid?
Average salary is $40,000. Tops are over $100,000.
What are the best ways to get a job in the field of interior design?
Apprentice with a licensed designer
Describe your ideal job candidate and your nightmare job candidate.
One who is more proficient than I am is my ideal. One who I have to train is my worst.
How available are internships in this field?
Only a few exist. It's a very sad thing, and it's because designers just don't pay. Understand that most interior designers are one- to three-people offices; they aren't huge corporations. Most of the available internships are unpaid, and they work you very hard.
How is the job market now for the interior design industry? What do you think it will be in 5 years?
The job market is very hot right now. It will only grow in the next 5 years.
The economy is driving it - particularly the building industry. If home buying is strong now, two to three years from now, interior design will be strong; if there's a downturn in those industries, then we know the bad times are coming. But commercial and home construction are flying right now. The only field that is slowing down is health care - I was doing a lot of hospitals five years ago.
What are some of the trends that you see in the field of interior design, which could help students, plan for the future?
Cad, digital photography, and 3-D rendering are some of the trends in the future.
The time to learn these programs is when you're in school. Students should become the best that they can be at any of those because this is a very busy industry right now, and employers can pick and choose whom to hire. So, if one person's skills in these programs are so-so and another is outstanding, who's going to get hired? No one is training on-the-job right now.
Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself, your career, or the profession that would be interesting or helpful to others aspiring to enter and succeed in interior design?
I strive to be the best that I can be (not the army). I try to get as much of my work published as possible. I embrace technology, as I would not have existed in business if I did not. I enjoy seeing my clients smile at the end of a project. I truly get a good feeling about what I do. It is not work but love.

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> Alagille syndrome
Alagille syndrome
Related Terms
Signs and symptoms
Integrative therapies
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Risk factors
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Related Terms
AHD, Alagille syndrome 1, Alagille's syndrome, Alagille-Watson syndrome, ALGS, ALGS1, anomalies of the optic disc, aortic aneurysms, arterioheptaic dysplasia, AS, ASD, atrial septal defect, autosomal dominant, AWS, Axenfeld anomaly, basilar artery aneurysms, butterfly-like vertebrae, cardiac disease, cardiovertebral syndrome, cholestasis with peripheral pulmonary stenosis arteriohepatic dysplasia and hepatic ductular hypoplasia, cholestatic liver disease, chronic cholestasis, coarctation of the aorta, dominant negative effect, glomerulosclerosis, growth hormone resistance, haploinsufficiency, heart defects, hepatic ductular hypoplasia, hepatofacioneurocardiovertebral syndrome, hepatosplenomegaly, hypoplasia of the hepatic ducts, inherited genetic disease, intellectual disability, internal carotid artery anomalies, iris attachment to Descemet membrane,
gene, Jagged1, lipoid nephrosis, liver defects, middle cerebral artery aneurysm, Moyamoya disease,
gene, occult renal artery stenosis, PA, papillary abnormalities, patent ductus arteriosus, paucity of interlobular bile ducts, PDA, peripheral pulmonary stenosis, posterior embryotoxon, pulmonary atresia, pulmonary valvular stenosis, renal artery stenosis, renal disease, retinitis pigmentosa, rickets, right-sided heart disease, syndromic bile duct paucity, tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, VSD, Watson-Miller syndrome.
Alagille syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple systems in the body. The five major signs and symptoms associated with Alagille syndrome are problems with the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine to help digest fats, narrowing of the main artery from the heart to the lungs, abnormal vertebrae, eye problems, and characteristic facial features. People with three of these five main signs are considered to have the syndrome. Additional signs and symptoms may involve the veins, bones, ears, pancreas, kidney, and intestine. Symptoms may vary widely among patients, even among members of the same family.
Alagille syndrome is caused by mutations or defects in the
genes. Mutations in the
gene cause the majority of cases, while mutations in the
gene cause fewer than 1% of cases. These genes provide the instructions for making proteins that play a role in communication between cells during fetal development. The mutations disrupt this communication and cause errors in development.
Alagille syndrome is inherited, or passed down from parent to child. The syndrome follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, meaning that only one copy of the defective gene is necessary for the disease to appear. There are about 226 genetic mutations, or abnormalities, associated with Alagille syndrome. About 70% of cases of Alagille syndrome are associated with known mutations. About 30% of cases of Alagille syndrome, however, have unknown causes. In about 30-50% of cases of Alagille syndrome, a person inherits the disorder from a parent. The remaining cases appear to result from a spontaneous mutation in the egg or sperm cells or in the developing embryo.
The incidence of Alagille syndrome is estimated to be about one in 70,000 live births worldwide. Some researchers state that the incidence may be higher due to unreported cases of the disease. Others estimate that the prevalence may be as high as one in 20,000 live births. Alagille syndrome appears to affect males and females in equal numbers. No particular race or ethnic group appears to be affected more than any other.
People are often diagnosed with Alagille syndrome early in life, when symptoms are first apparent. About 10% of people with Alagille syndrome die from complications of the disease. This may be caused by severe heart or liver disease early in life, or by heart attack or stroke later in life.
There is no cure for Alagille syndrome. Treatment focuses on reduction of symptoms and prevention and management of complications. If managed properly, most people with Alagille syndrome can have normal life spans.
Signs and symptoms
: If symptoms of Alagille syndrome are severe, they may be detected early in life (often by six months of age or younger). Less severe forms of the disease may not be detected until adulthood. Symptoms are extremely variable, even among people with Alagille syndrome who are members of the same family. Many people with Alagille syndrome have poor growth and developmental delays.
: People with Alagille syndrome may have mild-to-moderate intellectual disability. Researchers typically use intelligence quotient (IQ) tests to measure the severity of a person's intellectual disabilities. Individuals who have IQs of 85-115 are considered to have average intelligence.
People with mild intellectual disabilities have IQs of 52-69. From birth to age six, these individuals are able to develop normal social and communication skills, but motor coordination is slightly impaired. By late adolescence, they are able to learn up to about a sixth-grade level and are generally able to learn age-appropriate social skills. Adults with mild intellectual disabilities are usually able to work and support themselves, although some may need help during times of social or financial stress.
People with moderate intellectual disabilities have IQs of 36-51. Children younger than six years of age are able to talk or communicate with others, but social awareness is generally poor. Motor coordination is typically fair. Adolescents are able to learn some occupational and social skills. For instance, they may be able to learn how to travel alone in familiar places. Adults may be able to support themselves with a job but usually require guidance and assistance during times of social or financial stress.
People with severe intellectual disabilities have IQs of 20-35. Young children can say a few words, but their speech is limited. Motor coordination is generally poor. Adolescents can usually talk or communicate with others and are able to learn simple tasks. Adults typically require lifelong assistance and guidance with daily activities.
People with profound intellectual disabilities have IQs of 19 or lower. Children younger than six years old have very little motor coordination and may require nursing care. Adolescents typically have limited motor and communication skills. Adults usually require lifelong nursing care.
: The most common eye symptom associated with Alagille syndrome is called posterior embryotoxon, a malformation of the back of the eye that occurs in about 80-90% of patients. It does not affect vision but can be helpful with diagnosing Alagille syndrome. Other eye symptoms may include changes in the iris and retina, which can be detected with an ophthalmologic exam. The eyes may also be jaundiced (have a yellowish tinge) caused by chronic liver problems.
: Distinctive facial features seen in patients with Alagille syndrome include a prominent and broad forehead, deep- and wide-set eyes, a straight nose with a bulbous tip, and a small pointed chin. The face appears as an inverted triangle.
: About 90-97% of people with Alagille syndrome have heart problems. These often include poor circulation of blood from the heart to the lungs, caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels. About 7-16% of people with Alagille syndrome also have tetralogy of Fallot, which is a hole between the lower ventricles, or compartments, of the heart, and blockage of the right ventricle. Tetralogy of Fallot may be indicated by a bluish tinge to the skin, lips, and nail beds. Additional heart symptoms may include heart murmur (an extra or unusual sound during a heartbeat), a hole in the heart muscle wall that separates the atria, or upper compartments, of the heart, and narrowing or malformation of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body.
: Liver-related symptoms observed in patients with Alagille syndrome include enlarged liver, which may not cause symptoms but may cause pain or tenderness, jaundice (yellowish discoloration) of the skin and the whites of the eyes (caused by liver problems), cholestasis (the inability of bile to flow normally from the liver to the small intestine), and liver failure. Cholestasis may cause deficiencies in the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K. About 15% of people with Alagille syndrome will progress to cirrhosis, or excessive scarring of the liver, and liver failure. The only treatment for liver problems this severe is transplantation.
: A characteristic feature of Alagille syndrome is the butterfly shape of the vertebrae, or the bones that make up the spinal column. This reportedly occurs in 30-90% of cases and does not usually cause any symptoms. Bones in the ribs and hands may also be affected (e.g., they may be shorter than normal).
: Liver problems may cause the skin may develop a yellowish tinge (jaundice). Additional common skin symptoms may include itching and xanthomas (cholesterol deposits under the surface of the skin), which do not generally cause any symptoms.
: Other symptoms that may be observed in people with Alagille syndrome include pancreatic problems, delayed puberty, a high-pitched voice, very flexible finger joints, skull problems, an enlarged spleen, issues with kidney structure and function, and blood vessel problems.
: Most children with Alagille syndrome are evaluated for liver or heart problems by six months of age. Sometimes, family members with less severe symptoms may be diagnosed after a family member with a more severe form of the disease is diagnosed. Diagnosis of Alagille syndrome may be difficult, because of the wide variability of symptoms.
The five major symptoms associated with Alagille syndrome are chronic problems with the bile ducts, narrowing of the main artery from the heart to the lungs, abnormal vertebrae, eye problems, and distinctive facial features. People with three of these five main symptoms are considered to have the syndrome. After diagnosis of Alagille syndrome, patients should be regularly followed by a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and kidney specialist.
Blood tests
: A sample of blood may be drawn to measure levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Inadequate bile in patients with Alagille may cause reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, resulting in decreased levels. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood are other common features of Alagille syndrome caused by cholestasis. Other considerations may include measurements of clotting, enzyme levels, bilirubin, bile acids, and anemia.
: An echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart, can be used to test for abnormal heart structure and function.
Eye exam
: An eye exam using a special piece of equipment known as a slit lamp may be used to provide a magnified, three-dimensional view of the different parts of the eye to check for abnormalities.
Genetic testing
: If Alagille syndrome is suspected, a genetic test may be performed to confirm a diagnosis. A sample of the patient's blood is taken and analyzed in a laboratory for defects in the
genes. If these are detected, a positive diagnosis is made.
Imaging studies
: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures inside the body and may be used to assess the health of the liver, kidneys, and spleen. An ultrasound done during pregnancy may be able to detect the heart problems associated with Alagille syndrome in a developing fetus. X-ray imaging may help a clinician assess the shape of the vertebrae or bones that make up the spinal column. Imaging studies can be used throughout the course of the disease to periodically assess the health and function of the blood vessels, heart, liver, and kidneys.
An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a type of imaging study that allows a clinician to assess the health and function of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. An ERCP combines the use of X-rays and an endoscope, which is a long, flexible, lighted tube that is inserted into the mouth and down the throat. Before the exam, the patient is given certain drugs (anesthetics) to numb the back of the throat and aid in relaxation. The patient then swallows the endoscope so a clinician may view the inside of the stomach and upper small intestine. Dyes may be injected through the tube so that other parts of the digestive tract, such as the pancreas and bile ducts, may be visible in an X-ray.
Liver biopsy
: In a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed for analysis in a laboratory. In Alagille syndrome, it may be necessary to acquire a liver biopsy to assess the bile ducts. Liver biopsy findings may vary depending on the age of the patient and the stage and severity of the disease. A liver biopsy done on a newborn may not reveal findings characteristic of Alagille syndrome and may lead to misdiagnosis. Because problems with the bile ducts do not occur only in Alagille syndrome, other tests may be needed to verify the cause of this symptom.
Prenatal DNA testing
: If there is a family history of Alagille syndrome, prenatal testing may be performed to determine whether the fetus has the disorder. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can diagnose Alagille syndrome. However, because there are serious risks associated with these tests, patients should discuss the potential health benefits and risks with a medical professional.
During amniocentesis, a long, thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the uterus, and a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the fetus. Cells in the fluid are then analyzed for normal and abnormal chromosomes. This test is performed after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage is about one in 200-400 patients. Some patients may experience minor complications, such as cramping, leaking fluid, or irritation where the needle was inserted.
During chorionic villus sampling (CVS), a small piece of tissue (chorionic villi) is removed from the placenta between the ninth and 14th weeks of pregnancy. CVS may be performed through the cervix or through the abdomen. The cells in the tissue sample are then analyzed for a mutation in the
genes. Miscarriage occurs in about 0.5%-1% of women who undergo this procedure.
Heart disease
: Narrowing of the blood vessels and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can lead to heart disease in patients with Alagille syndrome.
Kidney disease
: Problems with the kidneys, including narrowing of the renal artery, having a single kidney, and structural malformations, may occur in patients with Alagille syndrome. Scarring and hardening of the blood vessels in the kidney can also lead to complications. This causes protein to be excreted in the urine and further kidney damage.
: Complications that result from the inability of bile to be delivered from the liver into the small intestine include jaundice (yellowing) of the skin and whites of the eyes, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Although the exact cause is not known, there have been several reports of hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer, in patients with Alagille syndrome.
: If vitamin deficiencies are not recognized, patients with Alagille syndrome may develop osteopenia, or low bone density, which increases the risk of fracture.
: Although eye symptoms of Alagille syndrome do not typically affect vision, visual impairment has been observed in patients with intracranial hypertension high blood pressure in the brain).
: Other complications that may be seen in Alagille syndrome include anemia (low levels of red blood cells), bleeding in the brain, and severe itching of the skin.
: There is no cure for Alagille syndrome. Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms and the prevention and management of complications. Treatment strategies for people with Alagille syndrome should include the expertise of a geneticist, physician, gastroenterologist, nutritionist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and liver transplant specialist. Growth should be monitored using standard growth charts, and nutritional intake should be modified based on this information.
: People with Alagille syndrome tend to absorb nutrients better when the diet is higher in carbohydrates and medium-chain triglycerides. Patients who are underweight may benefit from high-calorie supplements or overnight tube feeding. In addition, patients should receive supplementation with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Zinc supplementation may also be necessary in some patients.
: Most medications used in Alagille syndrome treat the discomfort associated with itching of the skin. Drugs that stimulate bile, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall®), can help treat the symptoms of itching and cholesterol deposits under the skin. Rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®) and antihistamines such as hydroxyzine (Atarax®, Vistaril®) and diphenhydramine may also help with itching. Liver function should be closely monitored in patients taking rifampin, because of the potential for liver damage.
Cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine (Questran®) can be used in patients with high blood cholesterol levels. These medications may worsen fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, however, and should be used with caution in patients with Alagille syndrome. Prescription-strength versions of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and minerals such as zinc may also be prescribed.
All patients with Alagille syndrome, except those with narrowing of the artery to the lungs, should also receive antibiotics that protect against an infection of the heart called subacute bacterial endocarditis.
Liver transplantation
: Patients with Alagille syndrome with severe liver disease may benefit from liver transplantation. Liver transplantation should be considered if a patient has progressively worsening liver function, high blood pressure in the main vein leading from the liver to the heart, failure to thrive in infants, and severe itching that does not respond to other treatments. Liver transplantation is a complex procedure that may be associated with several complications, including organ rejection. About 80% of people who have successful liver transplants survive for five years after the procedure. Improved liver function and some catch-up growth may be observed in these patients.
Occupational therapy
: Patients with Alagille syndrome may benefit from occupational therapy. During sessions, a therapist helps the child learn skills to help him or her perform basic daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, and communicating with others. Parents and caregivers can ask their children's pediatricians to recommend a therapist.
Spleen guard
: Patients with an enlarged spleen should wear a padded spleen guard to protect the organ and surrounding areas from traumatic injury.
: A procedure called biliary diversion, in which a connection is made between the gallbladder and the skin so that bile may be drained to the outside of the body, may help reduce the severe itching that some patients experience. Patients with more severe forms of Alagille syndrome may require heart surgery to correct structural and functional problems in the heart.
: Vaccinations for hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and Pneumovax may decrease the risk of complications from chronic liver disease.
: Individuals with severe heart disease are often advised to avoid physical activity. Individuals with an enlarged spleen should avoid rough contact sports such as football. Individuals with liver disease should avoid alcohol consumption.
Integrative therapies
: Currently there is a lack of scientific evidence on the use of integrative therapies for the treatment or prevention of Alagille syndrome. The therapies listed below have been studied for related conditions, such as fat-soluble vitamin deficiency.
Unclear or conflicting scientific evidence
: ADEKs® is a multivitamin with minerals, mainly consisting of vitamins
, and
Vitamin C
, B-complex vitamins,
folic acid
, and
are also found in this supplement. ADEKs® may be given to increase these necessary nutrients along with the pancreatic enzymes. This preparation uses high doses of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in a water-miscible form. It is available as liquid, drops, and tablet that must be chewed or crushed before swallowing. Patients should speak with their doctors before taking any supplementation, especially before taking ADEKs®. Recommended doses should not be exceeded, because of the risk of toxicity. Pregnant women and patients taking anticoagulant therapy should use ADEKs with caution.
: Because Alagille syndrome is inherited, there is currently no known way to prevent the disease. However, a number of options are available for prospective parents with a family history of Alagille syndrome.
Genetic testing and counseling
: Individuals who have Alagille syndrome may meet with a genetic counselor to discuss the risks of having children with the disease. Individuals with a family history of Alagille syndrome, but who have not been diagnosed with the syndrome themselves, may meet with a genetic counselor to determine whether they carry the defective
If an individual who has not yet been diagnosed with Alagille syndrome is found to possess one of the defective genes, he or she may undergo genetic counseling before conceiving a child. Genetic counselors can explain the options and the associated risks of various tests, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
During amniocentesis, a long, thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the uterus, and a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the fetus. Cells in the fluid are then analyzed for normal and abnormal chromosomes. This test is performed after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage is about one in 200-400 patients. Some patients may experience minor complications, such as cramping, leaking fluid, or irritation where the needle was inserted.
During CVS, a small piece of tissue (chorionic villi) is removed from the placenta between the ninth and 14th weeks of pregnancy. CVS may be performed through the cervix or through the abdomen. The cells in the tissue sample are then analyzed for a mutation in the
genes. Miscarriage occurs in about 0.5%-1% of women who undergo this procedure.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be used with
in vitro
, artificial fertilization. In PGD, embryos are tested for defective
genes, and only the embryos that are not affected are chosen to be implanted. Because Alagille syndrome can be detected in a fetus, parents may choose whether or not to continue the pregnancy. Genetic counselors may assist parents with these difficult decisions.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Alagille Syndrome Alliance. .
Alessandro G, Incerti M, Andreani M. Alagille syndrome: prenatal sonographic findings. J Clin Ultrasound. 2007 Mar-Apr;35(3):156-8.
Dyack S, Cameron M, Otley A, et al. An autosomal recessive form of Alagille-like syndrome that is not linked to JAG1. Genet Med. 2007 Aug;9(8):544-50.
Goldmuntz E, Moore E, Spinner NB. The cardiovascular manifestations of Alagille syndrome and JAGI mutations. Methods Mol Med. 2006;126:217-31.
Kim BJ, Fulton AB. The genetics and ocular findings of Alagille syndrome. Semin Ophthalmol. 2007 Oct-Dec;22(4):205-10.
Ling SC. Congenital cholestatic syndromes: what happens when children grow up? Can J Gastroenterol. 2007 Nov;21(11):743-51.
Nagasaka H, Miida T, Hirano KI, et al. Fluctuation of lipoprotein metabolism linked with bile acid-activated liver nuclear receptors in Alagille syndrome. Atherosclerosis. 2008 Feb 29;
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. .
Schwartz R, Rehder K, Parsons DJ, et al. Intense pruritus and failure to thrive in Alagille syndrome. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Feb;58(2 Suppl):S9-11.
: Alagille is a rare, inherited genetic disorder caused by mutations or defects in the
genes. Mutations in the
gene cause the majority of cases, while mutations in the
gene cause fewer than 1% of cases. There are about 226 different types of genetic mutations in these genes that are associated with Alagille syndrome. About 70% of cases of Alagille syndrome are associated with known mutations. About 30% of cases of Alagille syndrome, however, have unknown causes.
: In about 30-50% of cases of Alagille syndrome, a person inherits the disorder from a parent. When inherited, the syndrome follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Individuals receive two copies of most genes, one from the mother and one from the father. For a person to inherit a dominant disorder, only one copy of the disease-causing gene is necessary. If one parent has the disorder, there is a 50% chance that the child will have the disorder. If both parents have the disorder, there is a 75% chance that the child will have the disorder.
Random occurrence
: About 50-70% of cases of Alagille syndrome occur in individuals with no family history of the disease. These cases are caused by a spontaneous mutation in the egg or sperm cells, or in the developing embryo. These individuals can pass the disorder on to their children.
Risk factors
Because Alagille syndrome is inherited, a family history of the disease is the only known risk factor. In about 30-50% of cases of Alagille syndrome, a person inherits the disorder from a parent. The remainder of cases appears to result from a spontaneous mutation in the egg or sperm cells or in the developing embryo. A child of a person with Alagille syndrome has about a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder.
The incidence of Alagille syndrome is estimated to be about one in 70,000 live births. Some researchers believe that the incidence may be higher because of unreported cases of the disease. Others estimate that the prevalence may be as high as one in 20,000 live births. Alagille syndrome appears to affect males and females in equal numbers. No particular race or ethnic group appears to be affected more than any other.
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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Kelsey Grammer Talks Ex-Wife Camille, Gay Marriage on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' [VIDEO]
On Monday's 'Piers Morgan Tonight,' Kelsey Grammer talked about his marriage to (and bitter divorce from) third wife Camille, which has played out in the media and on her reality show 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.'
The 'Frasier' actor, who alluded to his ex-wife's hunger for fame, said the reality show was his "parting gift" to her.
"It was my way of saying, 'Look, you always wanted to be famous. Here you go.' … [she got] attention… which I think is what she was most interested in," he added.
Asked by Morgan whether he thought Camille had married him because he was a TV icon, Grammer said, "No, I think she married me because I was Frasier."
Also on Grammer's mind is his political life. While Grammer, who recently wed for the fourth time, is a self-professed Republican, he differs from the party line when it comes to gay marriage — he supports it and doesn't think the government should be involved.
"I guess I'm more libertarian in that way," he said. "I think marriage is up to two people that love each other, and if you find a church that you want to get married in, you go right ahead," he said.


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Key findings of the survey include:
The survey also found that CFP® professionals strongly believe in the importance of CFP Board's priorities and initiatives.
Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents report that the service they receive from CFP Board meets their expectations – a dramatic increase from 2011, when that number was 48 percent.
"The CFP® certification is of great value to people's careers, their employers and most importantly, their clients," said Chief Executive Officer Kevin R. Keller, CAE. "The support of our nearly 69,000 CFP® professionals is important to CFP Board's work, especially as we continue to strengthen our standards and ensure that the public seeks financial advice from competent and ethical financial planning professionals."
The telephone survey of 803 CFP® professionals was conducted in late May and early June using a random sample of CFP® professionals. The sampling error is +/- 3.5 percent and has a 95 percent confidence level. ABOUT CFP BOARD The mission of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. is to benefit the public by granting the CFP® certification and upholding it as the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning. The Board of Directors, in furthering CFP Board's mission, acts on behalf of the public, CFP® professionals and other stakeholders. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, and the federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board currently authorizes nearly 69,000 individuals to use these marks in the U.S.
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A Third of Workers Lie About Being Sick, Survey Finds
(NEW YORK) -- Having a job these days is a valued commodity, but important or not, workers will occasionally call in sick whether they're feeling lousy or just need that proverbial "mental health day."
CareerBuilder's survey of nearly 4,000 people reveals that in about a third of the cases over the past year, employees called in sick when they really weren't ill. Some of the real reasons for skipping work were pretty mundane, such as wanting to catch up on sleep, listed by 16 percent of the hooky players.
However, the excuses can also be pretty creative or pretty lame depending on your perspective, according to CareerBuilder, which also interviewed nearly 2,500 hiring managers and human resource professionals. Those excuses include:
- "Employee was upset after watching The Hunger Games."
- "Employee's dead grandmother was being exhumed for a police investigation."
- "Employee's hair turned orange from dying her hair at home."
In any case, employers can be pretty understanding up to a point since workers' absences can also put a burden on their associates.
It's not so surprising to learn then that three in ten bosses will check up on people to make sure they really are sick by either calling an employee at home or asking for a doctor's note.
Meanwhile, the most popular month of the year to skip out on work is December since it's not only traditionally the height of flu season but also when people go out to do their holiday shopping.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio


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Tyres in Addington
Conveniently located in Croydon, Whitehorse Tyres Limited is easy to reach from Addington. Carrying one of the widest ranges of tyre brands and sizes in Croydon you can book online (pay in store), call us or simply drive in. For your convenience we've provided driving instructions from Addington to our location in Croydon.


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N.M. Tech Students Win Top Poster Awards at Materials Symposium, Dec. 5, 2002
SOCORRO, N.M., December 5, 2002 -- New Mexico Tech materials engineering students garnered three of the top prizes at a research poster competition held recently in conjunction with the 14th Annual Rio Grande Regional Symposium on Advanced Materials in Albuquerque.
New Mexico Tech doctoral candidate Shuwei Ma won first place in the graduate division for his poster titled "Microstress Evolution in a High-Volume Fraction Y/Y3 Superalloy." Ma received a $200 cash prize as part of his award.
Another Tech doctoral candidate, Huseyin Adanir, placed third overall in the graduate poster competition with his presentation on "Developing of and Wetting Behavior in Sn-Based Ag-Cu Master Braze Alloy," and received $50 for his efforts.
Mike Czerepak, an undergraduate student at New Mexico Tech, presented "Effect of Ion Exchange Treatments on the Fracture Toughness of Anodic Bonds" in the undergraduate poster competition and placed third in his division, also earning $50 as part of his award.
The poster competition featured nearly 50 presentations made by university students representing New Mexico Tech, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Texas at El Paso.
Posters were judged by a panel of professionals in materials engineering fields on the basis of visual presentation, technical content, and oral presentation.
The Rio Grande Regional Symposia on Advanced Materials are technical meetings which are sponsored each year by the New Mexico Section of the American Ceramic Society, the New Mexico Section of the Materials Research Society, and the Albuquerque Section of ASM International.
The popular series of meetings and presentations are often used by materials researchers and students throughout the Rio Grande geographic area as a means of "warming up" for presentations to be made at other national conferences.


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San Antonio came out in style to support the 1st Annual Spring Block Party at The Shops at
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Pot of Gold? You didn't really believe that blarney did you?
Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - contributing to fund efforts to help homeless female military veterans come home. Visit Denny Lyon Gifts @ CafePress.com - see what's new!
Warriors Pearl Foundation: New Funny St. Paddys Day Design: Pot of Gold:From Denny: Mardi Gras is past, the Lenten season is upon us and St. Patrick's Day is coming sooner than you think! Get ready and wear a funny hilari-tee to show your Irish support! This new Denny Lyon design celebrates the "green" holiday in humorous teasing style.
Check out Denny Lyon Gifts for more products from denny lyon designs sporting this design. Help support the effort to gather funds for homeless female military veterans by purchasing any of the merchandise in this Cafe Press store...


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Clean In Place Servo Pump Fillers Sanitize Themselves
Hinds-Bock's sanitary pumps are CIP – Clean In Place, they sanitize themselves. Not only are there fewer parts to clean, but the front cover plates are hinged for rapid sanitation swab testing.
Hinds-Bock's Family of Servo Pump Fillers are ideal for a wide variety of flowable products. The servo controller makes change over from one size container to another quick and easy without change parts. Hinds-Bock servo filling machines feature the latest in controls technology, achieving the highest efficiency with the smallest possible footprint. Operator fill adjustment is easy. Simply call up a recipe on the HMI Panel. Fill parameters are tuned to maximize speed, product spread or to eliminate splash.
HB Servo Pump Fillers are ideal for a wide range of flowable products like sauces, dressings, jellies, condiments, shampoos and products with particulates like Macaroni and Cheese. It is also ideal for Fettuccini Alfredo, Fruit Desserts with particulates like whole pitted cherries or apple pieces, and Lasagna Sauce with meat fillings.


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Sandy Hook Survivors Record Song for Charity [VIDEO]
While the tragedy of Sandy Hook elementary shook the nation to its core, there is no way to imagine what the students who survived are feeling. It's hard to find words to describe what they are going through. Instead of finding words to help, they used music. You're going to want to have a box of tissues handy.
20 students at Sandy Hook Elementary teamed up with their music teacher and folk singer Ingrid Michaelson to record a special rendition of "Over The Rainbow". The song which is available on iTunes and Amazon will give the proceeds to a local United Way and the Newtown Youth Academy.
In a segment on Good Morning America, you got an inside look at these children, hat include current and former students, and the process that this came together. One child said she became part of the song because she simply wanted to help. Ten year old Kayla Verga said she became a part of it because of her friend six year old Jessica Rekos, who was shot during the massacre.
"Singing the song makes me feel like she's with me and she's beside me, singing along with me," Kayla told GMA.
One of the most inspirational and heartwarming quotes came from ten year old Jane Shearin.
"I really want to be kind to the people who have lost their loved ones and help them to recover from their sorrow," she said, adding that she hoped "someday our world will be peaceful and loving, no violence at all."
To these kids it isn't about being on TV, or singing with a superstar. It truly is their way of reaching out and lifting up those around them. And after the tragedy they experienced, for them to be making such a huge difference such as this is truly inspirational. These children didn't have someone tell them to do it, they wanted to do it.
Let's make 'Over The Rainbow' by The Children of Newtown number one on the charts. Click the designated link to download on iTunes and Amazon.


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John Mayer Recovering From Surgery, Three Dead & Company Shows Postponed
The Dead & Company are postponing three shows following guitarist John Mayer's surprise surgery from a bout of appendicitis on Tuesday (December 5).
"John Mayer is recovering from the emergency appendectomy he underwent yesterday and is in good spirits," a representative for Mayer tells Billboard. "The Dead & Company concerts scheduled for December 7 in Orlando, Florida and December 8 in Sunrise, Florida, in addition to the December 5 show in New Orleans, are postponed. All tickets for these shows will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Information on the rescheduled concerts will be announced as soon as possible. Should ticketholders choose to seek a refund, they will be available at the point of purchase."
The December 5 show at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans was officially postponed yesterday. The December 7 show had been booked for the Amway Center in Orlando, while the December 8 was to take place at BB&T Center in Sunrise.
Mayer was on tour with Grateful Dead founding members Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir, along with Mickey Hart, who joined the band two years after its formation in 1967. The Dead & Company performed Saturday (December 2) at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Friday (December 1) at American Airlines Center in Dallas and Wednesday (November 29) at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Photo: Getty Images


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Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.
Thanks to John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch for providing the idea for Amanuensis Monday.
I will admit I am something of a newspaper junkie. Back in my working days B.C. (Before Child), I use to read three newspapers a day. For several years when I worked in the serials department of a university library, I read many of the magazines, journals, and newspapers that came in each week while I was on my lunch hour. I was very well read and could converse on a variety of topics, not in great depth of course, but just enough to be popular at cocktail parties. I read anything that looked interesting, from the news of the day to Time magazine's cover story to the report of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. If you want to rivet cocktail party goers just start chatting about the latest findings in Scientific American or Nature or Sex Roles or Psychology Today. If you really want to wow 'em chat up your tuna knowledge. You WILL be the life of the party. Trust me. Now I'm lucky to have time to glance at the headlines and obits online on a daily basis. Such is the life of the busy stay-at-home suburban mom.
That said, I love old newspapers. I love the news, what's perceived as the news, the editorials, the letters to the editor, the social news, the gossip, the advertisements, and the classifieds. I go to the library to look up one obit on microfilm, and I am sucked into a newsy vortex. Last week as I was preparing my nun post for the 99th edition of the Carnival of Genealogy, I was hoping to find some information on the opening of St. Mary's School in Worcester, MA in 1915. I didn't find a word about the school opening, but I did find some fascinating reading. On one page alone the headlines shouted out, "Fail to Find Mother of Abandoned Baby" and "German Alien Women to Register June 17" and "Man Kills Woman and Kills Self" and my favorite, "Sewer Committee Hosts at Luncheon Yesterday." I can't find an article about a school opening, but I can find out the Worcester Sewer Committee entertained 40 members of the sanitary section of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. Apparently lunch was followed by a tour of the sewer plant and system. Oh boy, lunch and a show. Digest on that.
Given my fascination with old newspapers I've decided to post occasional transcriptions of local stories, well, periodically.
Worcester Daily Telegram. June 5, 1918.
Fail to Find Mother of Abandoned Child
All the efforts of the police department to find the mother of the three-hours-old girl discovered in the woods in the rear of 390 Lovell street, yesterday forenoon had failed up to an early hour, this morning. From the time the police were notified they worked on the case without result.
The baby was found by August Andrew, 18 Southbridge street: Joseph Menchette, Shrewsbury, and Francis Rawson, 574 Pleasant street, yesterday forenoon.
The cries of the infant attracted the attention of three men who were working in their gardens close by. They found the baby resting on a pillow of leaves and moss, and partially covered with leaves.
The men notified police headquarters, and the ambulance with Police surgeon Robert J. Northridge, was sent to the scene. Dr. Northridge said the baby was only a few hours old and would have died of exposure in a short time. The baby was wrapped in blankets and taken to city hospital.
A whisky bottle, freshly emptied, was found near the spot.
This story really touches me on so many levels. What happened to the baby? Who was the mother, and what happened to her? What were the circumstances of the mother's life that made her think this act was her only option? Sadly, I'm guessing the bottle of whiskey was the desperate mother's choice of anesthesia. Or maybe she just had a drinking problem. We'll never know.
There are hundreds of stories in the city and this is just one of them...
Other Posts You Might Like:
Madness Monday: The Stuff We Throw Away, and...
Amanuensis Monday: Frank L. Naramore Obituary
COG 97: Researching "The Coldbrook Tragedy" (Part 1 of 4)
Tuesday's Tip: A Tale of Two Indexers


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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- A new era of Tennessee Tech women's basketball is underway, and the Golden Eagles are ready to hit the court running. In their first regular season game of the year, Tech hosts Tennessee Wesleyan Saturday, in the first part of a double-header.
Tennessee Tech (0-0) vs. Tennessee
Wesleyan (1-2)
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012
6 p.m. CT
Eblen Center - Cookeville, Tenn.
The Broadcasts
TV: none
Radio: Fox Sports Radio, 106.1 The Eagle (Roger Ealey)
Webcast: OVC Digital Network (Brandon Goodwin)
Setting the Stage
Tennessee Tech will open the 2012-13 season in the first part of a double-header when it takes on Tennessee Wesleyan in Cookeville, Tenn.
Saturday's game will be Tech's annual First Tennessee Bank's Poster night. Every fan in attendance will receive a free schedule poster, and players from both the women's and men's team will be available post-game for autographs.
A Glance at the 2012-13 Golden Eagles
After going .500 last season, and winning 17 games on the heels of an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship last season, the Golden Eagle women's basketball team will welcome a nice mixture of experience and youth on its 2012-13 roster as Tech looks to win its second OVC title in three years and advance to the NCAA tournament under first-year head coach Jim Davis.
Gone is the three time outstanding female athlete Tacarra Hayes, who led the 2011-12 team in points, rebounds, assists and steals last season. Hayes also earned All-OVC First Team and OVC Tournament honors as one of the most versatile guards to grace the Purple and Gold. However, the Golden Eagles bring back four starters and eight letterwinners who are ready to step in and fill the void.
Highlighting the list of returners is second team All-OVC and preseason OVC performer Jala Harris, a senior guard who joined the team after fulfilling her transfer requirements last fall. Harris was second on the team in scoring last season with 15.2 points per game.
Returning alongside Harris is the rest of the Alabama trio Kellie and Kylie Cook. The twin sisters combine for a powerful one-two punch as swing players. Both are able to knockdown the tre and punch it in in the paint. Fellow senior Katherine Barker's consistent play will also be vital to Tech's success.
Also returning in the backcourt and a likely candidate to start this season is sophomore Diamond Henderson who averaged 1.4 points in her rookie season. Newcomers to the Golden Eagle roster include a familiar face to the Upper Cumberlands, Lashay Davis. Other candidates vying for time at the guard position is true freshman Hope Scantland and juniors Christina Caddy, and Kayla Kimes a transfer from Roane Community College.
Back to anchor the bigs will be junior forward Molly Heady, who averaged 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, and T'Keyah Williams who should see increased playing time in her second year. Other candidates looking to fill the middle will be Candace Parson, who red shirted last season due to injury. Tech also added some height to their roster with the signing of 6-2 freshman Tia Nicholson, sunshine sensation Mariah Dean, 5-9 forward Quira Demery and Kanaja Murray.
For complete gamenotes, please click here.
Saturday's game will be a part of a special ticket plan on
Tech's campus. Anyone holding a ticket for the football game will
be admitted to the basketball games, and anyone with a ticket to
the basketball games can attend the football game. To take
advantage of this opportunity, fans only need to show their ticket
at the ticket window at either Tucker Stadium or Eblen Center, and
they will receive a complimentary ticket to the other event that
For additional information on this special ticket offer, visit or call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.


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- Description
Details46361 Speckle in Boysenberry is part of a collaboration between Silver State and Sunbrella. Sunbrella is well-known in the fabric community for its durable, breathable, water-repellant, and mold- and mildew-resistant construction. Silver State creates fabrics for elegant and luxurious living, inside or out. The outcome of their collaboration is immense.
- Specification(s)
Additional Information
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Gone are the days when high cholesterol was something that only affected adults. Today, even young children are facing the negative health consequences of too much blood cholesterol. While the hypercholesterolemia guidelines establish healthy levels of blood cholesterol for everyone, parents should be aware of the causes of high cholesterol in children.
Blood cholesterol is essential for supporting human life. Simply put, it is a waxy fat produced by the liver that the body uses to form parts of cells. When cholesterol is at acceptable levels, it doesn't have negative health consequences. If too much of it accumulates in the blood, though, people can develop heart disease and other ailments. Because high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, can take years to harm the body, parents must look to its causes early to help combat its negative health effects. Generally, children develop unacceptably high cholesterol due to three factors.
There is no question that obesity has become a problem in virtually every segment of society. Like with other age groups, for children, expanding waist sizes contribute to high levels of blood cholesterol. With kids, obesity is typically the result of two factors. First, a high-calorie diet can cause youngsters to put on weight. Then, lack of physical activity can make shedding pounds difficult. Eventually, excess weight contributes to the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood. As you might suspect, then, losing weight is an effective way to begin to combat high cholesterol.
While the body's liver naturally produces cholesterol, certain foods contain it as well. If children eat a diet that is high in cholesterol-rich foods, excess amounts can accumulate in their blood. While grains, fruits, and vegetables typically contain no cholesterol, animal-based foods can have a significant amount of it. In particular, red meat, dairy products, and egg yolks are common causes of high cholesterol in children. Further, if a child eats a diet high in saturated and trans-fats, he or she is apt to develop hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, certain foods block the body's ability to absorb cholesterol, helping those with high levels to bring them down. Barley, apples, eggplants, beans, and grapes are superfoods when it comes to battling high cholesterol.
If high cholesterol were entirely due to environmental factors, it would probably be easier to fight. Unfortunately, genetics plays a significant role in establishing a person's cholesterol levels. If you wonder if your child has hypercholesterolemia, you might consider your own test numbers. In fact, if a parent has high cholesterol levels, a child is up to twice as likely to have them as well. While you can't change your child's genetics, you can use information to battle the environmental factors that contribute to high levels of blood cholesterol. Given the negative health consequences of hypercholesterolemia, you likely want to do everything you can to put your child on the right path despite any genetic predisposition he or she might have inherited from you or your spouse.
Every parent should understand the causes of high cholesterol in children. Because of the devastating health effects associated with hypercholesterolemia, if your child is in a high-risk group, you probably want to seek medical intervention.


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The Clear Creek Independent School District is committed to ensuring safe and nurturing learning environments for students and staff. We strive every day to create an intentional culture of school safety, and believe that everyone deserves to be physically and emotionally safe.
Clear Creek ISD has a fully staffed Safe & Secure Schools division which is led by a veteran security advisory for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Staff is well trained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Incident Management system and also partners with the Texas School Safety Center.
CCISD hired a third-party safety company to audit our elementary schools immediately following the tragic events in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. The year-long audit and campus assessments were presented to the Board of Trustees during the February 2014 general meeting. The Board approved $1.8 million in capital improvements to further enhance the physical security inside and around elementary schools. Of the committed funds, CCISD has expended $1,442,378 to date on upgrades described in this report, leaving a balance of $392,164 for future safety improvements.


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58211C New Camel Microfibre Fabric Fox Fur Parka Hood Stroller Coat Jacket XS
Original Retail is $800.
New Camel Microfibre Stroller with Fox Hood trim. This is a roomy stroller, that may fit larger sizes. The hood is detachable.
Fur garment sizing is not always accurate. Although a size may be provided, to ensure a proper fit, measure one of your own garments and compare the measurements to those provided below. All measurements provided below are in INCHES.
Overall Length ~ 32 inches
Sweep at Bottom ~ 46 inches
Shoulder to Shoulder ~ 18 inches
Sleeve Length from Neck Seam ~ 30 inches
Across Back from Armpit to Armpit ~ 21.5 inches
Chest at Fullest Point with Coat Closed ~ 43 inches
Closure Type ~ Zipper/Snaps
International Buyers--Please Note:
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
|ARW Brand


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HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS — The Los Angeles Lakers just can't stay out of the headlines, and off of the Hang Time Podcast, these days.
From the firing of Mike Brown to the hiring of Mike D'Antoni, and the dalliance with Phil Jackson between the two, the Lakers have served as one-stop shopping for their fill of the reality-TV-style melodrama that surrounds their basketball.
The quiet but powerful force behind the scenes in this whole affair is longtime Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, whose voice never seems to rise above a regal whisper even in what looks like a crisis. Kupchak joins us on Episode 93 of the Hang Time Podcast to clear the air on all things Lakers.
Whose bright idea was it to install the Princeton offense?
Why D'Antonio over Phil, or was it instead of Phil?
Is anything less than a title this season viewed internally as a failure for Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and the crew?
And, perhaps most intriguing, is his putting to rest the debate that our TNT colleagues Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley have waged over the past 15 months about the unquestioned best big man in the league, Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum?
(Hey Shaq, spoiler alert, you're not going to like Kupchak's answer …)
Feast on all that and more on our Thanksgiving special, Episode 93 of the Hang Time Podcast, with your hosts Sekou Smith, Lang Whitaker and Rick Fox (well, you'll have to listen up to see what happened to Rick).
As always, we welcome your feedback. You can follow the entire crew, including the Hang Time Podcast, co-hosts Lang Whitaker of SLAM Magazine, Sekou Smith of NBA.com and Rick Fox of NBA TV, as well as our new super producer Gregg (just like Popovich) Waigand and the best engineer in the business, Jarell "I Heart Peyton Manning" Wall.
– To download the podcast, click here. To subscribe via iTunes, click here, or get the xml feed if you want to subscribe some other, less iTunes-y way.


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About Jack Bendlecott
The movie "Gremlins" scared me as a kid.
>Start calling, vocally, loudly, and most importantly publicly for criminal charges, jail time, and immediate firing ~.
And it better be for a Class B/1 Felony. If they end up convicted, they should forever be barred from serving in any law enforcement capacity, in the military or for a security service. Also, no more second-amendment rights for them.
Hell, invent the new law of forcing them to register as a Psychopath Offender (PO) for the rest of their lives.
LOL. Yer cute. The verdict is already in: Manning is going to burn.
Expecting a government that jettisons its own laws when they are inconvenient, ignores 200+ years of precedent, and makes up enemies when no real ones exist to play by the rules is sadly ignorant.
They're doing it for the same reason the Stasi did it: to protect the state from the people.
Quicher bitchin'! You don't pay the War of 1812 phone tax anymore, so just give it time and the 9/11 one will go away...someday.
When/why did we ever let businesses start doing that?!
Isn't this kind of thing better left to the private sector?
If the Techdirt commenting system allowed it, I'm sure she would've included many different font faces and colors in her WOT.


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Here's a picture of one of the nice gifts that I received, a new bicycle, in pretty blues and pinks. Come spring, I can be walking or bicycling!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Knock knock. Who's there? Doctor.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Something Different
Anyway, a very interesting night. There was classical music, and a trio singing Christmas carols (the bass was sick), all from the Cleveland Institute of Music. I think I'd like to try it when a different music genre was there. I guess I'm totally uncool, but most of the modern classical stuff didn't really cut it for me. Especially one piece where either the piano was wildly out of tune, or there were notes that deliberately sounded grating to the ear. Physically painful, even.
We had a chance to see hipsters in their natural habitat. Lots of them. I took anthropological notes. :D
For some reason, I really found it funny that atop the upright piano, was a bust lamp of Elvis. A very large bust of Elvis. In blues. The lampshade shook when the modern classical musicians were pounding on the piano keys, but Elvis stayed solid.
This bar serves hot dogs, tater tots and french fries, and beer. However, you can get about thirty different toppings for your hot dogs and tater tots. Including mole, the Mexican chocolatey stuff. Which, no.
I found it interesting that the cellist, who looked very Korean, was named Carlos.


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I got into coding.
Currently, the trade is closed at the crossing of the fractal. I would like it to be done at the close of the candle.
Is it a few lines to modify or is it the structure of the code to be redone?
http://www.fxcodebase.com/code/viewtopi ... =31&t=2791
Thanks for your help.


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Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson Live in Boston Contest Winner Announced
Congratulations to Heather Klingenberg —she's the winner of our trip to Boston to see Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson live in concert!
We are flying Heather and a guest to Boston to see the the concert on August 9 at Boston's Comcast Center. They will also get two nights hotel accommodations, and we're giving them $500 to spend any way they want as they explore one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities.
Who will win next? Our VIP program has tons of great contests happening right now—including the hottest gadgets, shopping sprees, cash, trips and more. You can also play games, access exclusive content, and share your feedback.