text:
Legend of the Lady of Llyn y Fan Fach
The story of Llyn y Fan Fach in the Carmarthen Brecons tells how a widow's son of Blaen Sawdde near Llanddeusant used to graze his mother's cattle near Llyn y Fan Fach. While there one day he saw a maiden more beautiful than any he had seen before, sitting on the surface of the water. He reached out for her offering her some of his bread but she slipped from his grasp saying "Your bread is too hard baked, it will never catch me". The lad returned the next day with some underbaked dough, while she again refused saying "Your bread is wet, I Don't want you".
He returned the third day when she appeared, accepted his bread, and consented to become his bride on condition that he did not strike her three times without cause "Tri ergyd diachos". If this happened, she would leave him for ever. Thereupon she disappeared into the lake. A little later an old man appeared accompanied by two identical maidens. This man, the maiden's father, greeted the boy and said he would give his consent to the match provided the youth could identify his love. As the young man looked on in his dilemma, one of the maidens put forward her foot and the lad straightaway recognised her. The old man confirmed his choice, consented to the match, and promised the couple as many sheep, goats, and cattle as the maiden could count in one breath. She immediately began to count in five's. The couple married and went to live happily and prosperously in a farm called Esgair Llaethdy and had three sons. Years passed and eventually one causeless blow was struck and then another and finally a third, and the wife, true to her warning returned to the lake taking her cattle with her.
The husband was broken hearted. Her sons wandered long searching for her and on one of their searches she appeared to them at a place called Dol Hywel and told her eldest son Rhiwallon that he was to benefit mankind by his medicine. She then furnished him with a bag of medical prescriptions and promised that he and his descendants would be for many generations the most skilful physicians in the country. On another occasion she accompanied her sons to a place called Pant y Meddygon where she pointed out to them various plants and herbs which grew in abundance in that place. The knowledge she imparted to them together with their unrivalled skill caused them to be more famous than any before them, and in order that their learning should not be lost they committed it to writing for the benefit of mankind through the ages.


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Right after I began in Real Estate, there was a "gold rush". I received my license at the beginning of 2006 because a friend talked me into it. Neither of us, nor anyone else for that matter, had any idea what was about to happen. We saw an unprecedented market in Southern California. Not only was there a great demand for housing, prices were skyrocketing. People that had spent decades building equity were also trying to cash in on the market. Lenders were approving people, legally and not-so-legally, at an alarming rate. It had to end somewhere and when the dust settled, everybody knew it wouldn't be good. It wasn't just California, it was happening in a lot of areas of the United States.
A side effect to the housing market's record breaking numbers, was the number of people trying to get their Real Estate License. It seemed like everyone was a Realtor. At the time, it wasn't that bad, for lack of better terms: there was plenty to go around. A lot of Realtors were becoming "rockstars". Lavish lifestyles were being lived and there didn't seem to be an end in sight to the amount of money that could be made. A lot of people were involved in the loan side as well as the Realtor side. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing in my opinion because being a Real Estate Professional is a rewarding career to those who are willing to work hard.
Showing houses and listing appointments usually have to be done when other people are not working, so being a realtor generally means you are not on a 9-5 schedule. It literally means you work for someone that can contact you at any time, so your are on call 24-7. Being an honest and hard-working Realtor means that you can help a lot of people realize their dream of owning their own home. A home is where you raise a family, share good times, build things, have privacy, and accomplish your daily tasks. Owning a home is a source of pride. Real Estate Professionals realize this and develop our own sense of pride knowing that we facilitate the manifestation of this dream for a lot of people. It is hard to meet someone, share time with them, get to know their family, and help them fulfill a dream without becoming connected as people. Sometimes Realtors get a bad rap as "used car salesmen", which couldn't be further from the truth. Realtors can't be
successful without caring and most often develop life-time relationships with their clients.
successful without caring and most often develop life-time relationships with their clients.
A Real Estate License isn't easily earned or kept, but is definitely worth the work…

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ambrogio Fogar
(Filed: 31/08/2005)
Ambrogio Fogar, who died on August 24 aged 64, survived for 73 days in an open boat amid the frozen waters of the South Atlantic after his yacht was sunk by a killer whale off the Falklands in 1978.
Fogar was one of Italy's best-known sailors and explorers, and first came to notice in Britain when he entered the 4th Transatlantic Race in 1972. This contest had begun in 1960 as a half-crown wager between Sir Francis Chichester and Lt-Col "Blondie" Hasler, one of the "Cockleshell Heroes", to see who could sail fastest single-handed from Plymouth to Rhode Island.
During the 1972 race, Fogar lost the use of his rudder and then his radio soon after leaving Devon, but he demonstrated his mettle by continuing to compete and by finishing 26th out of the field of 54.
The following year, he became the first Italian yachtsman to sail solo around the world in a westerly direction, against the prevailing wind, and only the 50th man to circumnavigate the globe alone since Joshua Slocum made the first passage in 1898.
When Fogar arrived in Britain to compete in the 5th Transatlantic Race, in 1976, officials looked askance at his catamaran, Surprise, as it lacked a cabin and Fogar slept in a crate inside one of the hulls. But they conceded that the Italian "seems to know what he is doing", even though he candidly admitted that he was expecting to capsize several times during the voyage. Fogar said that he had plans in place to deal with this eventuality.
Two years later, shortly after returning from an expedition to the Bermuda Triangle with Uri Geller, he was faced with just such an emergency. While he and a friend, Mauro Mancini, were making an attempt to circumnavigate Antarctica, Surprise was overturned by a killer whale, and the pair were forced to take to a rubber dinghy.
They had virtually no food supplies, and nothing but rainwater to drink. For almost two-and-a-half months they drifted across the waves, sustained by their friendship, their reserves of fat and by Fogar's faith in God, which Mancini eventually came to share.
Eventually, they were spotted by a Cape Town-bound Greek cargo vessel and were rescued after having travelled some 1,300 miles towards Africa from the location of the wreck. Two days later, however, Mauro Mancini suddenly died, apparently after contracting an otherwise innocuous cold aboard ship that his weakened system was unable to throw off and which speedily developed into pneumonia.
On his return to Italy, Fogar was blamed for the death of Mancini, a journalist, by the media. Only the posthumous publication of the diary Mancini had kept when aboard the dinghy cleared the yachtsman's name. In the diary Mancini had written: "Fogar is an exemplary sailor and a very courageous man. I hope that the newspapers will treat him with the respect and morality that he has shown me aboard this vessel."
Ambrogio Fogar was born in Milan on August 13 1941. He first made a living selling sports cars, then qualified as a stunt pilot. His initial love was for parachuting, but after a serious accident in which he lost most of his teeth he gave it up in favour of sailing.
He renounced this after the death of Mancini, and in 1983 attempted to become the first man to walk unsupported to the North Pole. The British explorer David Hempleman-Adams set off at the same time, but in the event neither man reached his goal, the Briton being hampered by injury and the Italian by disintegrating pack ice.
For a time, Fogar claimed to have reached his destination, but it was later revealed that he had been taken there by the aircraft which had picked him up. Nonetheless, his exploits – which also included the ascent of several peaks in Africa, where he contracted malaria – earned him much renown in Italy, and he was able to parlay this into a successful career as a television presenter and author. His books include My Atlantic (1974) and The Raft (1978), the story of his time in the lifeboat.
Then, in 1992, Fogar was rendered permanently paralysed as the result of a crash while competing in the Paris-Peking rally. He spent the last 13 years of his life in bed, unable to breathe or to speak except with the aid of machines. Many regarded it as a cruel destiny for a man of action, but he inspired admiration by his defiance of his condition.
In 1997 he took part in a round-Italy yacht race strapped into a specially-adapted wheelchair. He also became an ardent supporter of Greenpeace and of anti-whaling campaigns.
Ambrogio Fogar was a Commander of the Order of the Italian Republic.
He was divorced, and is survived by two daughters.
Information appearing on telegraph.co.uk is the copyright of Telegraph Group Limited and must not be reproduced in any medium without licence. For the full copyright statement see Copyright
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The Rev. Todd Thomas Called to St. Timothy's as 8th Rector
The Rev. Todd Thomas
We're excited to share that the Vestry of St. Timothy's Church in Southeast DC has called the Rev. Todd Thomas, EDOW Missioner for Congregational Vitality as the congregation's 8th rector. Todd begins his ministry at St. Timothy's on September 1. His last day on the EDOW staff will be July 31.
We have been anticipating this move for some time. When Todd joined the diocesan staff, he told us that he would gladly serve for 2-3 years, but that his heart was in parish ministry. Last fall he began in earnest his search for a new call, which is when we also reorganized our staffing structure resulting in the call to the Rev. Anne-Marie Jeffery as Canon for Congregational Vitality.
Bishop Mariann writes, "We're thrilled that Todd will remain in the diocese as part of the clergy team of the South DC Region and that St. Timothy's has a new rector passionate about congregational vitality. The congregation is poised for a new season of mission and ministry, and Todd will be a faithful, visionary, and Christ-centered leader and partner on the journey."
"Coming into the Episocpal Diocese of Washington has been a journey of ordination, discovery and growth, and my time with the Bishop's staff has given me the chance to meet so many in the diocese and to begin what I hope are life-long friendships," shares Rev. Todd. "I've often said in regional gatherings and meetings that this is a great time to be in our diocese, and I still believe that! I cannot wait to see what God will do with our shared ministry and passion at St. Timothy's, to continue serving in our diocese as a rector, and to keep becoming a Beloved Community in this Episcopal corner of Christ's church."
Todd initially joined diocesan staff two years ago as the Missioner for Young Adult and Campus Ministries. As the diocese embarked on the strategic planning process, Todd's affinity for parish vitality became apparent and his portfolio expanded to include congregational revitalization. After a collaborative development process calling on the talent and wisdom of leaders from across the diocese, Todd introduced the Vital Signs of Parish Health last fall. A key tool for parish vitality, the vital signs can be used as a lens through which parish leaders approach their decision-making process. During the pandemic, Todd convened a weekly online Bible study with young adults in the diocese, providing a pastoral space for deepening faith during the crisis.
Founded in 1944, St. Timothy's is a landmark in the Hillcrest neighborhood of the District of Columbia. The St. Timothy's is involved in the life of its community and has served hundreds of families though its Child Development Center over the course of four decades.
St. Timothy's has been selected as one of the parishes in the first cohort of the Tending Our Soil Thriving Congregations initiative that launches in September.
Bishop Mariann and EDOW's senior staff are discerning how best to round out diocesan staff leadership as we emerge from the pandemic and will provide an update on the process later this summer.
For now, please join us in congratulating Todd and St. Timothy's.


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Article Text
Background and aims: Conflicting results exist about the presence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) specific IS900 DNA in Crohn's disease (CD) tissues. Therefore, we examined IS900 in a large number of gut samples from patients with CD (n = 100) and ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 100), and in non-inflamed control tissues (nIBD, n = 100). We hypothesised that IS900 DNA detection might be associated with distinct clinical phenotypic characteristics in CD.
Methods: The prevalence of MAP DNA in surgically resected tissues was examined using a mechanical-enzymatic disruption technique and nested IS900 specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD patients were stratified according to the criteria of the Vienna classification and other clinical characteristics.
Results: IS900 PCR detection rate was significantly higher in CD tissue samples (52%) than in UC (2%) or nIBD (5%) specimens (p<0.0001). In CD patients, IS900 DNA was detected in samples from both diseased small bowel (47%) as well as from the colon (61%). No firm association between MAP specific IS900 detection rates and clinical phenotypic characteristics in CD could be established. However, corticosteroid medication constituted a factor which tended to have a negative influence on IS900 DNA detection rates in CD (p<0.01).
Conclusions: The presence of MAP specific IS900 DNA is a predominant feature of CD. Therapeutic intervention against MAP might represent a potential target for disease mitigation in Crohn's disease.
- CD, Crohn's disease
- MAP, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
- nIBD, non-inflammatory bowel disease
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease
- IQR, interquartile range
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- RT, room temperature
- UC, ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
- inflammatory bowel disease
- bacterial control
- ulcerative colitis
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- CD, Crohn's disease
- MAP, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
- nIBD, non-inflammatory bowel disease
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease
- IQR, interquartile range
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- RT, room temperature
- UC, ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
- inflammatory bowel disease
- bacterial control
- ulcerative colitis
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of as yet unknown and possibly heterogeneous aetiology. Disturbances in intestinal immunoregulation as well as genetic factors are likely to be involved. However, a possible infectious aetiology has also been repeatedly discussed. In this respect, one of the most plausible candidates is Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP represents a fastidious organism which can only rarely be detected by conventional microbiological techniques. The DNA sequence, IS900, first identified in 1989,1 is considered the gold standard in detecting and differentiating MAP from other types of bacteria/mycobacteria.2–4 However, discrepancies and experimental difficulties have surrounded the detection of MAP specific sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in IBD. Whereas several studies reported IS900 DNA to be present in gut tissues from a proportion of patients with CD,5–9 others could not confirm such findings.10–14 In fact, the frequency of IS900 detection in bowel specimens is highly variable and ranges from 0% to 100% in ulcerative colitis (UC) and from 0% to 100% in CD. Furthermore, the sequence has also been found in gut tissues from control patients with diseases not specifically related to IBD (nIBD) (0–87.5%).15 As a consequence of these technical difficulties, optimised PCR methods and specialised extraction procedures have been developed in an attempt to more reproducibly detect MAP DNA within tissue samples.16
In this study, our objective was to examine the detection rate of MAP in IBD patients using optimised tissue sample processing and a nested IS900 specific PCR. We analysed surgically resected transmural bowel tissues from a large number of cases with CD as well as UC and nIBD controls. Our results showed that the presence of MAP DNA within gut tissue reflects a phenomenon which is predominantly associated with CD.
Patients and tissue samples
One hundred patients with CD, 100 patients with UC, and 100 patients with nIBD were included in the study. All patients underwent surgical resection of the small and/or large bowel segments for disease at the University Hospital, Heidelberg. The diagnoses of CD and UC were established by conventional clinical, radiological, and histological criteria. As nIBD controls, samples from patients resected for intestinal cancer, familiar adenomatous polyposis, and other non-IBD related conditions were used. In such patients, any form of IBD was excluded clinically and by histopathology. Procedures for subject recruitment and methods of human tissue analysis were in accordance with protocols approved by the ethics committee of Heidelberg University.
Clinical characteristics in CD patients were stratified according to the criteria of the Vienna classification17 and by other features. The respective Vienna classification status concerning age at diagnosis (A), location (L), and disease behaviour (B) was determined. Age was defined as the time when the diagnosis of CD was definitively established by radiology, endoscopy, pathology, or surgery. Location was defined as the maximum extent of disease involvement at any time before the first resection. Behaviour of disease referred to the indication for surgery, either stricturing disease or penetrating disease. Stricturing disease was defined as the occurrence of constant luminal narrowing without the presence of penetrating disease at any time during the course of the disease. A penetrating disease was based on the presence of intra-abdominal or perianal fistula, inflammatory mass, and/or abscess at any time during the course of the disease, even if there were coexisting strictures. Anoperineal lesions of CD were characterised by the presence of ulceration, fistula, abscess, and stricture. Excluded were perianal skintags.18 Further data were collected from patient charts and the Heidelberg Crohn registry.
Transmural tissue samples were obtained from macroscopically diseased intestine in each case of CD or UC. Two samples were analysed for each investigated site (small bowel/ileum or colon). In nIBD controls, transmural biopsies were taken from non-affected normal intestine. Samples were excised from tissue blocks which had been snap frozen by immersion in liquid nitrogen using a sterile scalpel. Samples were subsequently transferred to 1.5 ml sterile screw tubes and labelled with a specific code number. Coded samples were randomly chosen for DNA extraction and PCR analysis in a blinded manner, with reagent and negative controls intercalated.
DNA extraction
The methodology for DNA extraction of MAP from resected bowel specimens has been previously described.16 Briefly, tissue samples were thawed and approximately 200–300 mg of each tissue were placed in a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube containing 500 μl sterile saline (0.9% NaCl). After centrifugation at 10 000× g for three minutes the pellet was resuspended in 600 μl of mycobacterial lysis buffer (2 mM sodium EDTA, 400 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris HCl (pH 8.0), 0.6% sodium dodecyl sulphate, and 33 μg/ml of proteinase K (Sigma, Deisenhofen, Germany)) and transferred to a blue capped Matrix B Ribolyser tube (Qbiogene, Heidelberg, Germany).The tubes were incubated at an angle of 45° at 37°C overnight with gentle shaking. Following incubation, the tubes were chilled on ice for five minutes and mechanically disrupted using a Hybaid ribolyser machine (AGS, Heidelberg, Germany) at a setting of 6.5/ms2 for 45 seconds and then immediately chilled again on ice for at least 15 minutes. After consecutive extraction steps with equal volumes of phenol (pH 6.7, saturated in 1×TE = 10 mM Tris HCL, 1 mM sodium EDTA (pH 8.0)), phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (25:24:1; Sigma, Germany), and chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (24:1) with intermediate centrifugation at 10 000× g for one minute, respectively, the final aqueous layer (450 μl) was transferred to a new tube containing 90 μl of 10 M ammonium acetate and mixed thoroughly. DNA was then recovered by precipitation with 1 ml of ice cold 100% ethanol at room temperature (RT) for one hour. DNA was pelleted by microcentrifugation, washed with 750 μl of ice cold 70% ethanol, air dried at RT for 30 minutes, and dissolved in 50 μl of 1×TE. DNA concentration and purity was evaluated by UV absorption spectrophotometry. Extracted DNA samples were stored at 4°C and used for PCR experiments within seven days.
Mycobacterium paratuberculosis strain and plasmid
As controls, we used a positive bacterial control consisting of M paratuberculosis grown in Kirchner's medium which was kindly provided by Dr PTJ Willemsen (Laboratorium voor Mycobakteriele infecties Afdeling Bacteriologie, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). A positive DNA control, pIDL60, was a gift from T Bull (St George's Hospital, London). pIDL60 is made from a variant vector of the pcDNAII cloning series (2.6 kb in length) and contains a 2.8 kb insert of M paratuberculosis DNA, which includes a single copy of IS900.
IS900 specific nested PCR
IS900 [L/AV] PCR specific for MAP was conducted as a nested primer PCR as previously described.16 Briefly, the first round PCR mixture comprised 5 μl of DNA sample extract in a final volume of 50 μl with 2 μM of each primer, L1 (5′-CTT TCT TGA AGG GTG TTC GG-3′) and L2 (5′-ACG TGA CCT CGC CTC CAT-3′); 1×Expand High Fidelity reaction buffer containing 1.5 mM mgCl2, and 10% dimethyl sulphoxide; 200 μM each of dATP, dGTP, dCTP, and dTTP; and 3.5 U of Expand High Fidelity Taq polymerase (Expand High Fidelity PCR system; Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Reactions were cycled as follows: one cycle of 94°C for five minutes, then 30 cycles of 94°C for one minute, 58°C for one minute, and 72°C for three minutes, followed by one cycle of 72°C for seven minutes.
Following primary PCR, all products were treated with 1 U of uracil-DNA glycosylase (1 U/μl; Roche) at RT for 10 minutes to eliminate PCR carryover contamination from any previous reactions. For the nested PCR, 5 μl of the primary amplification were then used with the primers, AV1 (5′-ATG TGG TTG CTG TGT TGG ATG G-3′) and AV2 (5′-CCG CCG CAA TCA ACT CCA G-3′) in a total volume of 50 μl. The PCR mix had the same ingredients as the primary reaction mixture except that 2 μM of each primer AV1 and AV2 was used and dTTP was replaced by 400 μM dUTP. The cycling conditions were: one cycle of 94°C for five minutes, then 40 cycles of 94°C for one minute, 58°C for one minute, and 72°C for three minutes, followed by one cycle of 72°C for seven minutes. To prevent carryover contamination, extensive precautions were taken as described recently.16 PCR products were visualised with ethidium bromide on 1.5% agarose gels and the positive 298 bp amplification products were sequenced in both directions using AV1 and AV2 as the sequencing primers. Samples shown to be IS900 negative were subsequently tested for PCR inhibition by repeating the PCR with the original DNA extract spiked with the control plasmid pIDL60.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (release 8.02; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina, USA). To compare MAP specific IS900 positive detection rates in the three groups CD, UC, and nIBD disease, Fisher's exact test was applied. Age differences between groups (median with interquartile range (IQR)) were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A subgroup analysis of patients with CD was performed using the χ2 test, if appropriate, or Fisher's exact test, to analyse the association between the IS900 PCR results and clinical parameters of the Vienna classification (age, behaviour). The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyse the association between location of CD, classified as upper gastrointestinal, ileal, ileocolonic, and colonic manifestations, and IS900 PCR results. Other factors analysed by the χ2 test, if appropriate, or Fisher's exact test with respect to IS900 PCR results were sex, duration of disease, perianal disease, occurrence of granulomas, and corticosteroid medication. To calculate the association between clinical/biological disease characteristics and positive IS900 PCR results logistic regression analysis was performed. Odds ratio's with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were given. Two sided p values were always computed and an effect was considered as statistically significant at a p value of ⩽.05.
MAP specific IS900 DNA detection in specimens from patients with CD, UC, and nIBD
IS900 nested PCR was performed with tissue samples from 100 patients with CD, 100 patients with UC, and 100 patients with nIBD. Clinical characteristics of the patients, including indication for surgery, in each study group are summarised in table 1. Median age was significantly higher in nIBD controls compared with CD or UC patients (median age 61 years v 34 and 39 years in CD and UC; p<0.0001, respectively). There were more females among CD patients than in the UC or control groups (p = 0.0242). Median disease duration was 10 years in CD and eight years in UC. At the time of sampling, 76 CD patients and 80 UC patients were being treated with corticosteroids and/or azathioprine while nIBD patients were not receiving immune suppressive medications. None of the patients received anti-MAP treatment with rifabutin or clarithromycin.
The results for IS900 DNA detection in the different study groups, including sites of tissue sampling, are shown in table 2. Detection rate of MAP specific IS900 DNA by PCR was considerably higher in patients with CD (52%) compared with UC patients (2%) and nIBD controls (5%) (p<0.0001, respectively). In the CD group, specimens tested positive by IS900 PCR were derived from the small bowel/ileum (n = 30), colon (n = 20), and rectum (n = 2). In 18 of these cases (35%), both transmural samples analysed for each site were found to be positive by IS900 PCR whereas in the remaining cases only one of two investigated samples proved to be positive. In the UC and nIBD group, only seven of 200 patients tested positive. The respective samples were derived from the rectum in UC (n = 2) and from the small bowel (n = 1), colon (n = 3), and rectum (n = 1) in nIBD. In all of these cases MAP DNA was detected in one of two investigated samples.
PCR amplification of MAP specific insertion sequence IS900 and subsequent agarose gel analysis of the amplified products showed a single band of 298 bp for positively tested tissue samples. As shown in fig 1, the PCR products differed in intensity. However, the amplicon sequences from the tested PCR products showed 100% identity with the IS900 sequence of MAP. All negative reagent and process controls were PCR negative, demonstrating the absence of contamination. All tissue samples that tested PCR negative by the IS900 PCR were retested after they were spiked with low IS900 copy number and were shown not to be inhibitory.
IS900 DNA PCR results and clinical features in CD patients
A possible association of MAP specific IS900 DNA detection with clinical features of CD patients was investigated by stratification of CD cases according to the criteria of the Vienna classification system and other characteristics. Ethnicity of all 100 CD patients was Caucasian and a family history of IBD in a first or second degree relative was reported in 10%. Extraintestinal manifestations were documented in 16% of all cases. Table 3 summarises the MAP specific IS900 DNA PCR results and statistical data with respect to these subgroups.
No statistically significant associations were found with respect to sex, age at disease presentation (<40 years v >40 years), and disease behaviour (stricturing v penetrating). The presence or absence of granulomas within the resected specimens, as determined by conventional histopathology, had no significant influence on the PCR results.
A weak association was found between MAP specific IS900 detection rate and colonic/ileocolonic (p = 0.0466) as well as perianal disease involvement (p = 0.0394). In this respect, CD patients with ileal disease revealed a lower IS900 detection rate (40.5%) compared with those with colonic (66.7%) or ileocolonic disease manifestations (57.1%). Furthermore, the frequency of MAP DNA detection tended to be decreased in patients with a disease duration of longer than 15 years (>75% percentile of median disease duration) (p = 0.0392) and in individuals receiving corticosteroids at the time of resection (p = 0.0097).
A disturbance in intestinal immunoregulation with development of an exaggerated immune response against components of the enteric microflora is thought to be implicated in the pathogenesis of CD. Epidemiological and linkage studies suggest that genetic factors play a significant role in determining disease susceptibility, and a variety of genes have been postulated to be involved.19 For example, one of the best replicated linkage regions, IBD1 on chromosome 16q, contains the Crohn's related gene NOD-2/CARD15 which is involved in host resistance to microbial pathogens.20,21 Mutations of NOD-2 are observed in approximately 8–17% of CD patients and are associated with an early disease onset, ileal location, and a stricturing phenotype.22 While such data basically support a role for enteric microorganisms in CD, the question of a possible infectious agent causing the disease is controversial. The chronic granulomatous type of inflammation that is characteristic of CD has long led to speculations that an unusual intracellular or slowly replicating microorganism may be involved. In this context, there are increasingly compelling data that MAP, a major cause of chronic IBD in agricultural, domestic, and wild animals, might also play a role in the pathogenesis of human CD. Promising results in this respect come from trials that include macrolide antibiotics and indicate that a cure for CD by such treatment might be possible.23–26
In this study we explored the detection rate of MAP in transmural samples of the gut in a large group of patients with CD as well as UC and nIBD controls. IS900 PCR analysis revealed that MAP IS900 DNA is detectable in a high percentage of tissues from patients with CD (>50%) whereas it is uncommon in UC or nIBD controls (<5%). Although the presence of DNA does not constitute proof that MAP causes CD, our results confirm that MAP detection is a relatively specific feature of CD rather than UC or non-IBD controls. Our results thus support findings from other studies which detected IS900 DNA in a proportion of cases with CD.5–9,16,27–29
However, the published reports reveal a striking variability in IS900 detection rates, which also include negative findings.10–14,30 This phenomenon is most likely caused by methodological differences in study design and detection procedures. One of the major difficulties of working with this organism is its slow growing nature and the complexity of the cell wall. It has been postulated that MAP IS900 DNA in CD is present in low abundance within the tissues and that the microorganism occurs in a tough ZN negative lysis resistant form putatively coated with methylated and acetylated fucose.30,31 These features can cause inability to effectively extract DNA from the mycobacteria. Furthermore, MAP is thought to reside within the extranuclear body of infected cells, probably in the phagosome. However, some commercial DNA isolation kits may remove all of the non-nuclear cellular organelles with the consequence of false negative results.32 Therefore, specialised extraction procedures, including mechanical-enzymatic techniques of tissue disruption as well as standardised PCR protocols, are necessary to reproducibly detect MAP DNA from tissues. Confidence in the results of the present study was ensured by rigorous testing, as described above. However, even with our optimised protocol, negative test results in individual samples from a given MAP positive patient do occur. Apart from technical reasons, heterogeneous distribution of MAP sequences within the tissue might be of relevance in this respect.
In two recent studies on MAP in IBD, the control groups were reported to have MAP DNA in approximately 30% of cases, in contrast with our results.4,30 Using a population based approach, Bernstein et al investigated colonoscopic biopsies and were unable to detect MAP DNA in any of the investigated 24 cases with CD but in six of 19 healthy control patients (32%) and in one of 28 UC patients.30 However, as discussed by these authors, their use of a standard DNA extraction technique rather facilitates the detection of the vegative form of MAP but may have led to non-detection of the lysis resistant paucibacillary form which is postulated to reside in the intestines of CD patients.30 Thus differences in methodology may in part explain the differences from our results.
Using a similar technical approach as in our study, Bull et al investigated a series of freshly obtained mucosal biopsies from individuals with CD and controls.4 In this study, MAP DNA was found in a significantly higher percentage of CD cases (34 of 37 patients; 92%) compared with controls, which is in line with our results. However, 26% of individuals in the nIBD control group (9/34) were positive for MAP DNA (cases with UC were not investigated). The use of freshly processed non-frozen mucosal samples may be one possible reason for the relatively high percentage of positive cases in both groups compared with our data. However, as the authors point out, the control group in this study did not represent a healthy population but comprised patients undergoing ileocolonoscopy for diverse reasons who did not have an established diagnosis of CD, including conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, suspected ischaemia, lymphocytic colitis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. This is in contrast with our nIBD control group which comprised a large number of samples from non-involved gut from patients with colorectal or other tumours in which IBD was excluded clinically and by histopathology. Discrepant detection rates might be influenced by such conditions and the choice of material (mucosal or transmural) may also have affected the results. In this context, no information on morphology of the investigated samples was given in the study by Bernstein and colleagues.30
Concerning the investigated clinical features, our results did not reveal any firm association between MAP detection rates and disease phenotype in CD. Some weak statistical associations were found between MAP specific IS900 detection rate and colonic/ileocolonic as well as perianal disease involvement. Although these associations were weak, it should be emphasised that the detection rate of MAP in CD was equivalent and in fact even somewhat higher in colonic compared with ileal samples (47% and 61%, respectively). This clearly indicates that differences in MAP detection rates between CD and UC cannot be attributed to different tissue sources. The elevated frequency of IS900 DNA in colonic specimens of CD, but not in colonic samples of patients with UC, is striking and is likely to reflect a phenomenon specifically related to CD in this context. In agreement with the results observed by other investigators, we found the IS900 sequence to be prevalent in CD tissue samples regardless of the presence of granulomas.29,33
Two clinical factors tended to be associated with a rather decreased MAP specific IS900 DNA detection rate within the tissue specimens—namely, a disease duration of more than 15 years (weak significance) and corticosteroid treatment at the time of resection. The reasons for these findings are unclear at present. It might be speculated that the slow growing nature of MAP and chronic interference with the intestinal immune system could affect the amount of microorganisms within the tissue in long term disease. Apart from this, immune modulation with corticosteroids may interfere with tissue mediators affecting the in vivo growth of MAP.
In conclusion, our results confirm that detection of MAP specific IS900 DNA is a predominant feature of CD rather than UC or non-IBD controls. Therapeutic intervention against MAP may be a potential target for disease mitigation in Crohn's disease.
This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 405, project B6).
↵* F Autschbach and S Eisold contributed equally to this paper.
Conflict of interest: None declared.


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Erica and Jamal have been married for four years, and for the most part, they've loved every minute of being together. They consider themselves lucky to have found each other, especially after comparing their current relationship to the people they'd known before. But lately, something just feels off, and Jamal isn't quite sure why. Emily has been coming home later than she normally does from work; and when he asks her about it, she tells him she's not interested in talking. He knows that she's not cheating, but he doesn't understand why she isn't open to communicating with him.
From Erica's perspective, she's simply feeling burnt out. Her mental health has been suffering, and she hasn't felt the desire to connect with Jamal the way that she used to. But she doesn't want the dynamic that's going on currently to continue, so she's interested in talking to a mental health professional about the relationship issues that they're facing. After talking to Jamal about it, both partners have agreed—it's time for them to take the next steps and seek professional assistance from a marriage counselor.
If your relationship is currently having problems, and you're not sure what to do next, consider whether you and your partner could benefit from talking to one of the mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Concord, CA. Our providers are ready to help you both achieve the goals you have in mind for your relationship and your individual mental health needs, too.
What Are the Benefits of Talking with a Couples Therapist or Marriage Counselor?
Opening up to a mental health professional can help anyone, including those in relationships, to understand both themselves and their partner more clearly. At Thriveworks in Concord, CA we'd love to help be a part of that process, and we're standing by to assist. One of our marriage counselors or couples therapist can team up with you and your loved one to help you both:
- Establish healthy boundaries
- Highlight the importance and need for compromise
- Rebuild trust after infidelity or dishonesty
- Rekindle sexual intimacy together
- Help both partners manage anger or anxiety
Even though sharing the details of your relationship might feel intrusive at first thought, the truth is that our providers are committed to helping you move forward and find stable ground as a couple. Talking with one of our mental health professionals gives them the feedback they need to offer you personalized coping strategies and communication methods that are designed for your relationship's unique needs.
Should We Talk to a Relationship Counselor?
Ultimately, the choice is up to those in the relationships as to whether or not mental health services are needed. But there are common warning signs that serve as indications when partners start to lose their balance and the dynamics have turned sour, including:
- Passive-aggressive or abusive behavior
- Inability to respect each other's boundaries
- Cheating
- Lying and other forms of emotional manipulation
- Arguments that last for hours or days
- Avoiding physical touch or sex
If you're experiencing any of the signs above, don't feel ashamed. Just know that our providers at Thriveworks in Concord, CA can help—and they aren't going to judge you or chastise you. It may be helpful to view mental health assistance in your relationship as a proactive way to preserve the bond that you both share.
Schedule Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks in Concord, CA
There's no need to face the challenges posed by your relationship difficulties by yourselves. If your relationship is ready to take the next steps towards healing and growth, call the Thriveworks team in Concord, CA, and enroll in our services. We'll help with every step of the process, and when you're finished, you'll have instant access to exclusive benefits, including:
- Online therapy: With online therapy, moving your relationship forward doesn't need to be held up by your busy schedule or time spent apart for work or travel. As long as you can talk privately, and get access to the internet, you and your partner can still attend sessions together
- Scheduling assistance 7 days a week: Our scheduling specialists are available every day of the week, helping you find the right counselor to fit your needs and the schedule that fits both of your lives.
- Life coach q/a chat line: For those questions that can't wait until your next session.
If your relationship is beginning to falter, you can turn to the mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Concord, CA to help. With the assistance of a marriage counselor or relationship therapist, both you and your loved one can learn to communicate more effectively and establish new levels of trust and commitment.


text: Brought to you by Hotelbeds VIDEO: Game-changing technology to define travel's futureFrom Our Partners / TechnologyBy PhocusWire | March 29, 2022Share Technology will always be at the heart of the travel industry, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of the sector over the last two years.Paula Felstead, chief technology and operations officer at Hotelbeds, joined the company in October 2021 after a tech career in financial services and telecommunications. In an interview with PhocusWire, she describes her first impressions of joining both a leading player in the travel industry and the wider marketplace.Felstead is also a big advocate of nurturing young talent, especially women, in the technology arena.The full interview with PhocusWire's Kevin May is included below...Game-changing technology to define travel's future * Check this interview with Carlos Munoz, chief commercial officer at Hotelbeds, about recovery tactics for accommodation providers and using data. HotelIT ServicesWholesalerCoronavirus


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Masked gunmen have committed a spate of robberies around Berkeley in the past few days, targeting businesses and pedestrians, authorities say.
There were six armed robberies between Tuesday and Thursday alone, police said in response to a Berkeleyside inquiry Friday. That's not counting two armed robberies last week, of the 7-Eleven store on College Avenue in the Elmwood neighborhood. Multiple readers have been asking Berkeleyside for information this week about the crimes.
"Berkeley is way out of control and I no longer feel safe here," one woman wrote, along with her request for information. "I was born here."
BPD provided brief descriptions Friday of each of the recent incidents.
Wednesday, May 16, 3:30 a.m.: A man in a mask armed with a handgun robbed the 7-Eleven clerk, at 2887 College Ave., of money and merchandise.
Sunday, 3:30 a.m.: A man and woman, both in masks, robbed the Elmwood 7-Eleven at gunpoint. Police are investigating whether the two incidents are related.
- Tuesday, 6 p.m.: A man in a mask armed with a handgun robbed the Chevron gas station clerk at San Pablo Avenue and Gilman Street of cash.
Tuesday, 10 p.m.: A man with a gun committed a pedestrian robbery at Addison and California streets.
Tuesday, 10:30 p.m.: A man with a handgun robbed a pedestrian in the 2400 block of Prospect Street.
Wednesday, 11:30 p.m.: Two males armed with a handgun robbed a pedestrian at Channing Way and Dana Street.
Thursday, 9:30 p.m.: Two men robbed a couple at gunpoint.
- Thursday, 10:30 p.m.: A masked man with a gun robbed Farm Burger at 1313 Ninth St.
Lt. Peter Hong of the Berkeley Police Department said having so many armed robberies of pedestrians and businesses in such a short period is unusual, but occurs from time to time.
"It's fortunate that nobody was hurt," he said Friday.
Berkeley has averaged about a robbery a day over the past five years. Hong said Friday that about a quarter of Berkeley's robberies in 2017 involved a gun.
Generally, there is more of a mix of armed and strong-arm robberies, he said. And it's not uncommon for the same business to be targeted more than once.
Pedestrian robberies tend to make up the majority of the robberies in the city, with commercial robberies averaging about 30% of the total in the past three years, according to data released earlier this year by BPD. In 2017, there were 257 pedestrian robberies, 87 commercial robberies, nine home-invasion robberies, one bank robbery and 10 carjackings.
For context, the chances of getting robbed in Berkeley last year were 30 in 10,000.
Investigators are working on all the cases and ask the community to share tips, surveillance footage and anything else that might be helpful. The BPD Robbery Detail is at 510-981-5742.
(Note: Limited suspect descriptions were released because the cases are still under investigation, and also because Berkeleyside primarily aimed to report the list of the incidents overall, as well as available numerical context.)


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How You Could Be Impacted by a HVAC Parts and Equipment Shortage
As we begin enjoying the summer, our A/C units work harder than ever to keep us cool. Unfortunately, the more HVAC systems run, the sooner they'll be needing repair or replacement as machinery gets worn out from routine operation. And just as the pressure for repairs is set to culminate around mid-summer, thousands of homeowners are going to get an unwelcomed surprise. An international raw materials shortage is causing issues for the HVAC industry, and that means extended wait times for thousands across North America. If you're looking to repair your air conditioning system, we recommend doing this soon. Here's why.
Why Is There a Shortage?
We all know how challenging the past year has been, and it's disrupted the supply chain. Several compounding factors plus COVID-19 have led to a worldwide raw materials shortage for many sectors, including HVAC manufacturers. These essential material shortages will impact the availability of many household appliances including washing machines, refrigerators and A/C units. Production has slowed for lots of HVAC manufacturers and inventories are beginning to become scarce.
Why the Shortage Could Impact You
With less equipment in stock than previously, more than 125,000 HVAC contractors will be impacted. Smaller scale contractors without access to large supply networks might have inevitable problems getting necessary parts for repairs. You may be without A/C for weeks while you wait on parts to be delivered.
That's why we strongly encourage any homeowner who is thinking about replacing their HVAC unit to do it soon rather than waiting until later in the summer to have access to the choice selection and price.
How Winnipeg Supply Service Experts Can Help
We've assisted you for decades. We know the neighborhoods and are proud to be an essential part of our local communities. Unlike little companies, we can reach a much larger range of suppliers.
Even during shortages, our scale means we have more access to get what you need for repairs and replacements. All Service Experts location is joined to an international supply network, allowing us to make it through this supply disruption with fewer troubles than little companies. We integrate the customer service and proficiency of a local business with the ordering power and support of an industry leader.
Getting ahead of equipment shortages? There's an Expert for that. Call us at 204-800-0613 to request Expert service now.


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Buy your way to Heaven! The Catholic Church brings back indulgences
These days, you can get a deal on anything. Even salvation! Pope Benedict has announced that his faithful can once again pay the Catholic Church to ease their way through Purgatory and into the Gates of Heaven.
Never mind that Martin Luther fired up the Reformation because of them: Plenary Indulgences are back.
The New York Times reports that even though the church officially broke with the age-old practice -- you do something good, and the Church will help absolve you -- in 1960, the Pope has quietly reintroduced it. The Catholic Church had technically banned the practice of selling indulgences as long ago as 1567.
As the Times points out, a monetary donation wouldn't go amiss toward earning an indulgence. It writes, "charitable contributions, combined with other acts, can help you earn one." You can even buy indulgences this way for loved ones who are already dead, greasing their way to Heaven by doing something for the Church here on Earth.
Why would the Catholic Church agree to this reversal? It wouldn't be the harsh economy, would it, or the church's fading influence? Not at all, says a Brooklyn bishop. "Because there is sin in the world," he told the newspaper.
Reformation? What Reformation?


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Critics: Sexual harassment a big problem in Philly fire dept.
Some hope the scandal will spur changes aimed at squashing the sexism that keeps many women feeling unwelcome
Philadelphia Daily News
PHILADELPHIA — Having your boss unzip his pants and "adjust himself" in front of you should not be part of anyone's workday.
Neither should opening a desk drawer and discovering that a colleague has ejaculated all over its contents.
But these stomach-turning events — and others just as offensive — were not unusual for female members of the Philadelphia Fire Department, the Daily News has found.
Such incidents hint at larger ingrained problems — sexual harassment, discrimination and questionable relationships between supervisors and subordinates — that the department's leaders have ignored for years, critics say.
In fact, the Inspector General's Office referenced systemic issues in its investigation into allegations that 15 Fire Department employees had sexual encounters with or sexually harassed a mentally troubled female paramedic.
In a report given to city officials last month — but not publicly released — the I.G.'s office recommended seven men be disciplined, according to the city's union for firefighters and paramedics. The men now await disciplinary hearings.
Reformers hope the scandal, which has snagged headlines nationally, will spur changes aimed at squashing the sexism that keeps many women feeling unwelcome in city firehouses.
"We're hoping, in light of the seriousness of these allegations, that it is the impetus for change, and the union and the department can work together to affect comprehensive sexual-harassment policies and training departmentwide to reduce the risk of any of our members being treated without the respect that they deserve," said Joe Schulle, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22.
Some were less optimistic.
Just 150, or 7 percent, of the department's 2,100 members are women.
Sexual harassment is an expected, everyday part of their job, many agree.
"If you want to hang with the boys, you have to just take the jokes and roll with the punches, the 'c'mon, baby' and 'you know you like it' comments," said one female paramedic, who asked that her name be withheld for fear of prompting further harassment.
Sandra Stewart, who went through the Fire Academy last year, agreed: "There was one instructor, a captain, who always used the word 'fireman.' One time, I said, 'Oh, you mean firefighter.' He looked me dead set in my face and said, 'No, I mean fireman.' "
Sexual harassment is probably more prevalent than lawsuits and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints suggest, because many women don't speak up about the boorish behavior they endure, said Marina Angel, a Temple University law professor who specializes in gender issues.
When they do - as the young paramedic who sparked the Inspector General probe did - they're often met with scorn and slurs, Angel said.
"The worst harassment usually takes place when there are very few women in an overwhelmingly male workplace, and that's the case with the Fire Department," she said.
"It's not about sex. It's about power. It's about telling these women, 'You don't belong in this workplace.' It's about being demeaning and telling the women 'You're nothing but a piece of horseflesh.' "
Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer declined to comment through mayoral spokesman Mark McDonald, who said: "The fire commissioner is not commenting on any situation or incident that could involve disciplinary hearings. But it is fair to say that if the commissioner and his team discerned a need for increased training, new policies or some other action, stemming from one or more incidents or related situations that ended up in a disciplinary hearing, he would consider his options once that hearing process had run its course."
Three decades of bias
Almost as long as there have been women in Philadelphia's fire service, there have been charges of gender bias and harassment.
Dorothy Covey was one of the city's first female firefighters, joining the department in 1985. She got fired in 2005 and sued the city the following year, claiming her dismissal was retaliation for filing two previous complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination. That case settled for $74,400, court records show.
Few lawsuits have been as spectacular, though, as Katrina Northern's. In 1998, the ex-firefighter sued the city and then-Commissioner Harold Hairston, saying she was fired two years earlier because she was a black woman.
During the monthlong trial, one female ex-firefighter testified that her colleagues brought prostitutes into their West Philly station, while Northern testified that pornography was plentiful in many fire stations.
The city paid Northern $298,500 in June 2000 to settle, according to city records.
Sexual harassment has been such a pervasive problem in the Fire Department that it affected even Philly's most famous female firefighter.
Joyce Craig, who earned the tragic distinction of being Philly's first female firefighter to die on duty when she perished in a Dec. 9 basement blaze in West Oak Lane, filed an EEOC complaint against several of her male colleagues at North Philly's Engine 45 several years ago, a source said. Although her claims were investigated, no one was disciplined, a source said.
Harassment sometimes goes beyond the firehouse:
- Randolph Waddell, an instructor at the Randolph Fire and EMS Training Center in East Falls, last year was transferred and suspended for 160 hours after he allegedly repeatedly propositioned a 19-year-old student there, sources said.
- A woman kicked out of the Fire Academy in February 2014, two weeks shy of graduation, filed an EEOC complaint last summer alleging gender and age discrimination. Sandra Stewart, 41, said officials told her she failed to pass a skills course, even though she insists she did. Men who graduated in that class included a man so old everyone called him "Pop-Pop" and two others who failed the skills test - one overweight and another who used crutches throughout training because of a leg injury, Stewart said. The EEOC complaint remains unresolved. Stewart, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican against Democrat Bobby Henon for the 6th District City Council seat in 2011, said she plans to sue.
Hidden, pricey problem
Most incidents never make headlines, though, because EEOC proceedings are private, the details only becoming public if the complainant finds no relief through the EEOC and files a lawsuit.
Like Colleen Mitchell.
Soon after Mitchell was promoted to lieutenant, becoming the highest-ranking female officer on the department's fire side, she experienced "severe, pervasive and regular harassment and threats on the basis of her gender directed at her by male co-workers and supervisors," according to a federal lawsuit she filed in September 2003.
That included finding semen coating a photo album in her desk drawer, according to the lawsuit. She reported the harassment to her bosses, who failed to adequately discipline her co-workers and demoted her.
The case settled for $280,000, according to city records. Mitchell, who eventually left the department, declined to comment, saying the city forbade her from discussing the case as a settlement condition.
Confidentiality agreements cannot be required nor enforced when it comes to public payouts, according to the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. But they are a common practice in city settlements, according to attorneys with experience suing the city, further ensuring the public won't learn of potentially systemic problems.
Two years after Mitchell's lawsuit, Lisa Jeter joined North Philly's Engine 34, fresh out of the Fire Academy.
On her first day, Jeter met the station's commanding officer, Robert Blanks. After a quick building tour, Blanks took Jeter to his office to complete personnel information.
That's when it started.
"You're a very attractive woman," Blanks repeatedly told Jeter, as he asked if she had a husband, boyfriend or children, according to a federal lawsuit Jeter filed against the city in 2008.
A month later, Jeter fell asleep on a sofa inside the station. Blanks plopped into a chair beside her, drifting to sleep as well. Soon after, he gave Jeter a glowing progress report - and asked for her phone number, the lawsuit alleged.
The chitchat and shared nap apparently weren't enough. Blanks began touching Jeter, grabbing her hands and ignoring her protests that she wanted to work without being sexually harassed, according to the lawsuit.
One day, Blanks "unbuttoned and unzipped his pants and adjusted himself" in front of her, Jeter alleged in her lawsuit. She requested a transfer the next day, but Blanks balked - and it was 10 weeks before Jeter got the transfer she so desperately wanted, the lawsuit stated.
Jeter reported Blanks' behavior to higher-ups - including then-Capt. Derrick Sawyer, whom Mayor Nutter appointed last summer as fire commissioner, the department's top post.
Despite a "zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination," Sawyer "failed to promptly and/or effectively investigate and report Jeter's sexual harassment complaints," according to the lawsuit.
The city paid $90,000 to settle Jeter's lawsuit, according to the city records.
Jeter no longer works for the Fire Department, and did not respond to a request for comment. Blanks committed suicide in October 2012, according to the Medical Examiner's Office. At the time, he was under investigation for a separate matter, a source said.
Changes needed
You might think the union's Joe Schulle would know all the dirty details of the latest sex scandal.
Instead, he had to file a right-to-know request for the Inspector General's report because city officials have refused to release it or name whom the I.G.'s office investigated beyond the seven members recommended for discipline. Only redacted portions of the report have been shared with the union.
In fact, case law suggests that the city is breaking the law by withholding the I.G.'s report from the union.
A 2011 ruling by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board stated the city must give the union copies of the I.G.'s investigative reports so the union can sufficiently defend members facing discipline.
Union officials plan to file an unfair-labor-practice complaint this week over the withheld report, Schulle said.
Such secrecy is the first hurdle to fixing the Fire Department's gender problems, he added.
"There's really no justification to say, 'We won't give you the report,' unless there are things in the report you don't want us to see," Schulle said. "If the I.G. identified serious systemic problems in the department, how can you go and scapegoat these guys without addressing the systemic problems?"
McDonald, the mayor's spokesman, said the Law Department released to the union the portion of the Inspector General's report relating to each member who was recommended for discipline.
"Given the nature of this matter, there was a need to protect the privacy of those involved," he said. "So, if a Fire Department employee was not recommended for discipline, his or her portion of the I.G. report was not released."
Beyond the issue of transparency, Schulle said the department is long overdue for sensitivity training.
"How do you combat the bad behavior in the firehouse? The answer to that is really simple: You have to have training - really aggressive, proactive, annual, up-to-date training conducted by experts," Schulle said, adding that the last departmentwide EEOC training was in 2008.
"A lot of times, management will send out a general memo to the [battalion] chief and say, 'Train your people.' But the chief is not an expert on it. He's a battalion chief; he's an expert in fighting fires, not preventing sexual harassment," Schulle added.
Counseling also is key.
Chronic workplace sexual harassment can lead to a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, Temple University's Marina Angel said.
But the department's employee-assistance program is no refuge for women, many agree.
Men staff it - and they're firefighters and paramedics, not professionals trained in effective psychological counseling, one female paramedic said. Because it is part of the department, many members also don't trust that their sessions are kept confidential, Schulle added.
Such concerns prompted the union two years ago to create its own mental-health program, contracting Mental Health Consultants to counsel troubled firefighters and paramedics, Schulle said.
"The policies in place aren't strong enough," Angel agreed. "When the leadership is taking part where are you going to turn?"
Wanted elsewhere
After getting booted out of the Fire Academy, Stewart moved from Tacony to Moorestown, N.J., disappointed that the city she loved didn't love her back.
She's now working in another male-dominated field, driving a delivery truck. Lately, she's been checking out the suburban fire departments, hoping to put her skills to work for someone who wants them.
"In Philly, I was constantly made to feel like a fish out of water, like I had some nerve being who I was and the age I was, going out for the Philadelphia Fire Department," Stewart said. "It's just a whole different atmosphere over here. People are encouraging over here, saying, 'We would love to have you!' "
Copyright 2015 Philadelphia Daily News
All Rights Reserved


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Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a specialty Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam that is performed to view the biliary tract. This allows doctors to examine the bile duct, liver, pancreatic duct and gallbladder to detect gallstones, tumors or other diseases.
MRCP is a noninvasive alternative to traditional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an invasive exam where a tube is inserted through the mouth and passed down into the small intestine.
Because there is no ionizing radiation used in an MRI exam, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a very popular tool in the medical community. In addition, MRI is a totally painless exam and has no known side effects.
When would I get an MRCP study?
Your medical provider may recommend Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography to be appropriate in order to:
- diagnose unexplained abdominal pain
- assess diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct
- determine the cause of pancreatitis.
What Will I Experience?
You may be instructed not to eat or drink anything for several hours prior to the MRCP.
MRI exams are painless. However, some patients find it challenging to remain still. Others may feel closed-in (claustrophobia) or anxious while in a conventional closed MRI scanner. The scanner can be noisy. Nervous or anxious patients may be offered a mild sedative if available in the facility.
A patient may also ask their medical provider to prescribe a mild sedative to take before the exam. If a mild sedative is taken, the patient will need to have someone drive them to our center and take them home once the exam is done.
It is normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm. It is important that you remain perfectly still while the images are being recorded, which is typically only a few seconds to a few minutes at a time. You will know when images are being recorded because you will hear tapping or thumping sounds when the coils that generate the radiofrequency pulses are activated. You will be able to relax between imaging sequences, but will be asked to maintain your position as much as possible.
You will usually be alone in the exam room during the MRI procedure. However, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times using a two-way intercom.
You will be offered earplugs or a headset to reduce the noise of the MRI, which produces loud thumping and humming noises during imaging. MRI scanners are air-conditioned and well-lit. Some of our scanners have music you can listen to during the test.
If it is determined that the exam requires an injection of intravenous contrast material, it is normal to feel coolness and a flushing sensation for a minute or two following the injection. The intravenous needle may cause you some discomfort when it is inserted and once it is removed, you may experience some bruising. There is also a very small chance of irritation of your skin at the site of the IV tube insertion.
MRCP is often performed in conjunction with an MRI of the abdomen. The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.


text:
How many liters of oxygen would be needed to produce 45.0 liters of carbon dioxide if the temperature and pressure for both are 22.0° C and 75.0 psi?
1 Answer
Feb 23, 2016
A precise volume of
At constant pressure, and constant temperature, equal volumes of gases contain an equal number of molecules; this is Avogadro's law of combining volumes.
Given that reaction has
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Dragonfly Princess DIY Earrings
Learn how to make a stunning pair of earrings with this tutorial for Dragonfly Princess DIY Earrings. This DIY jewelry project features a gorgeous beading pattern. You'll feel like a fairy princess with these jewels hanging from your ears! Choose your favorite crystals to create these homemade earrings for yourself, or pick out birthstone colors to give them as DIY gift ideas. With a design as pretty as this, you can't go wrong. Follow the step-by-step tutorial to learn how to make earrings that are true stunners.
Project TypeMake a Project
Bead TypeCrystal, Glass, Seed
Time to CompleteUnder an hour
Bead Technique UsedStitched
Bead Project TypeEarrings
Difficulty LevelIntermediate
Never wanted this pattern to end? You're in luck; there is a matching bracelet! The bracelet uses the same beading motif, so you will feel like an expert while weaving this magical beaded jewelry set.Dragonfly Princess DIY Bracelet
Read NextGorgeous Goddess Beaded Earrings
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Nov 11, 2018
I like the look of these earrings and have been wanting to try the beadweaving and after looking at the tutorial it seems so easy to understand. I like the textured look of these and like the different styles. They can be dressed up or down and will look great with any outfit. I like to make earrings for gifts too. We do not have any place close to buy most of these beads so what is the best place on-line? Cant't wait to get started. The step-by-step pictures help a lot too.
mulberrygalprinces s
Jul 19, 2017
I know it says intermediate and I am just a beginner but after reading thru the instructions I think I can do this one. It's very well explained and there is nothing complicated so I want to give it a try. They are so pretty. I want to make them in black and white for a party that I am going to that has a black and white theme. Thank you for sharing this one.
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text: How to Create Layered Veneer Marquetry by Journal Staff • Feb 24, 2016 Print Print See author Ken Horner's technique for creating and cutting layered veneer marquetry patterns. The process is easy to learn and can add a nice bit of flair to your next project. You can find a PDF of this pattern here.


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eco finger paint
Regular price $ 19.00
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Finger paints are often the first experience a child has applying color to paper, before the development of manual dexterity which enables a child to hold a paint brush.
This food safe, non GMO ingredients ( including potatoes, rice and beans) provide an all-natural, fun-filled and colorful adventure for the very youngest artist.
Directions: Mix the powdered finger paint base with an equal amount of water to create a silky smooth liquid paint. Mix only what is needed for a single use, though excess unused liquid paint can be safely stored covered in the refrigerator for a day or two.
4 colors: blueberry blue, cabbage green, watermelon red and orange...well orange!
Ages 3 and up
Made with organic fruit and vegetable extracts.
Proudly Made in USA


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On Sunday, April 7, the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Falls Church and George Mason High School LWV Student Unit will host two candidate forums, Virginia Senate District 35 (currently held by Senator Dick Saslaw) and Falls Church/Arlington Commonwealth Attorney (currently held by Theo Stamos).
The program will be held at George Mason High School auditorium (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) at 3 p.m.
Student members of LWV, who attend Mason, will moderate both forums.
The forum is open to the public. Audience members will have a chance to submit questions of their own to the candidates.


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Microsoft is opening Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for Mac devices to public preview following a two-month limited preview period, the company said this week.
The Mac version of Microsoft's endpoint security platform, along with its new Threat & Vulnerability Management tool for Mac, was announced in March. There were two parts to Defender ATP on Mac: a new user interface on Mac clients called Defender ATP, built to resemble the Windows 10 interface, and reporting for Mac devices on the Defender ATP portal.
Microsoft Defender ATP for Mac can be installed on devices running macOS Mojave, High Sierra, or Sierra that admins want to protect. In its limited preview, it provided anti-malware protection and let users configure their defense by running scans (full, quick, custom path); reviewing detected threats; and quarantine, remove, or allow threats on the machine.
Users could also configure advanced settings: disable or enable real-time and cloud protection; add exclusions for files and paths; manage threat notifications; and manually check for updates. Microsoft also included its AutoUpdate service so Defender ATP for Mac was kept current. Admins can review alerts as they do on Windows machines, but Mac detections are included.
During the limited preview period, Microsoft worked with early users to collect feedback and make changes. Now, Defender ATP users who have enabled preview features can access Defender ATP for Mac via the onboarding section in the Microsoft Defender Security Center.
Read more details here.


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1st Marown Scout Group
Group Scout Leader: Paul Craine
Caarjyn Veeney (Dear Friends / Dear All)
Fastyr mie
I am very pleased to pass on the great news that 1st Marown Cubs and Scouts will be able to resume face-to-face scouting from this Friday (3 July).
We have been given training and submitted a Covid-19 risk assessment document, which has been checked and approved by the Island Commissioner, and I want to share with you how our meetings will
work over the next few weeks. The Isle of Man is currently at Level 1: Stay Responsible, with no social distancing required. When that changes, our risk assessment will be reviewed.
I recognise that the approach we are taking amounts to being 'cautious', but Isle of Man Scouts are the first in the UK to start up again and we want to be able to run an adventurous programme.
• Our meetings in the near future will all be outdoors. We will work with the Cubs and Scouts together most weeks – although working separately. This will give us greater flexibility with leaders.
• When you drop-off or collect your sons/daughters please do not hang about – a staggered start and end with minimal contact between parents is preferable.
• At the start and end of every meeting we will use a hand sanitiser.
• We would ask that Cubs and Scouts attend in uniform (if they have it) unless told otherwise in advance – and that they do not wear clothing that they have worn at school for a Cub/Scout meeting.
• Cubs and Scouts should try to visit a toilet before setting off for a meeting.
• No Cubs, Scouts (or Leaders) should attend a meeting if they have symptoms that might relate to Covid-19.
• If any Cub, Scout (or Leader) shows signs of symptoms at a meeting – we will end the meeting and send all participants home.
I would be grateful if all parents would provide us with the following updated information by email.
1. Please indicate that you have read the notes above and find these arrangements acceptable.
2. Please provide an update of the best phone numbers for contacting you during a meeting.
3. Please provide a brief update of any pre-existing health condition of your child.
Now for something more exciting
Our meeting this Friday (3rd July) will involve Climbing and River Walking. We have been able to book the Scout Camp Site at Mullin y Carty (at the southern end of the Ballamodha Straight – the entrance is clearly marked on the right, going south, just after the bridge over the river). The site has climbing walls
and has access to the Silverburn River. We will have additional leaders working with us on these activities.
Cubs and Scouts will need to arrive in uniform – but will need a complete change of clothes and a towel for the river walking. They may choose to arrive with their clothes for river walking under their uniforms – but they will still need a change of clothes for later.
They will need appropriate footwear for use on the climbing wall – and an old pair of trainers or strong, suitable, alternative shoes for the river walking (not wellies).
Cubs and Scouts need to be dropped-off at 6.15pm and collected at 8.15pm.
I hope to see a good turnout on Friday – it will be great to meet up with everyone again.
Yours in Scouting


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The Bank of Spain has warned that the crisis will cost the nation as much as £11.5billion (€13.5billion). The country's most affected sector will be the automobile industry, it said.
In a new report, the financial institution said that shortages in the supply chain would set Spain's economy back as much as 0.3 percent of its GDP this year, and as high as 0.9 percent in 2022.
It added that in these cases "international spillover effects would play a pivotal role."
In a worst-case scenario, it would cost around £11.5billion (€13.5billion) to the economy.
The bank explained: "In recent quarters global supply chains have been significantly disrupted, which has affected the strength of the recovery in activity in the main world economies.
"In particular, these bottlenecks have affected various sectors of activity very unevenly and have had a particularly severe impact in those industries located in the upstream stages of the value chain, i.e. in those sectors supplying goods for use in other industries."
It added that "major imbalances between supply and demand recorded recently in the semiconductor and integrated circuit industry have had a very significant adverse impact on the motor vehicle industry, where many manufacturers have been forced to halt or cut their production plans."
With regards to the Spanish automobile industry in particular, the "scale of the shock" is expected to see a 9 percent contraction in production for the second half of 2021.
In 2022, the industry will experience a 7 percent contraction in production, the bank said.
As the industry accounts for 10 percent of Spanish GDP, its economy is highly sensitive to the downturn in the single industry because of shortages.
Shortages of key materials such as natural gas and semiconductors – which are used to make microchips – had an impact on production across the globe as many economies unlocked from the coronavirus pandemic.
Natural gas prices rose sharply from April and many EU countries struggled with a lack of supply.
This has had an impact on consumers, with inflation and household bills rising.
Remainers ridiculed after crisis-hit EU descends into 'dictatorship' [REACTION]
Biden blasted for Brexit meddling as relationship hits 'all-time low' [INSIGHT]
Brexit Britain win as £110m wind factory plans unveiled [REPORT]
As of September, Spanish households were paying about 40 percent more than a year ago because of the crisis.
The energy crisis has been compounded by a lack of HGV drivers in the UK and Europe, meaning supplies – including of fuel – have been unable to reach shops and petrol pumps.
The Bank of Spain also noted that there were "strains" in the energy and commodity sectors which "have also had a negative impact on numerous manufacturing sectors, such as those that make intensive use of natural gas".
These include the production of fertilisers and plastics.
A shortage of magnesium in the country, it reported, had impacted the production of aluminium alloys.
The bank also admitted that the industrial collapse was expected to take a blow to the rest of the economy because of what it dubbed "the spillover effects between sectors".
This was because sectors which may not have seen shortages in some way relied on others that had.
They noted that owing to the globalised economy, worldwide economic forces were having an impact on individual industries.
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega
Source: Read Full Article


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Suite 350, Dock Door #23
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Phone: 888-539-3623 Ext: 80049
E-mail: email@example.com
In order to ensure prompt repair support and smooth communication, please complete the form below and email it to the repair department using the link below. Once received, KEYENCE will review your request and contact you as soon as possible with the next steps to resolve your problem. Please do not send products to KEYENCE without prior authorization.


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Title: Pass It On: Transferring Wealth, Wisdom, and Financial Smarts to Future Generations
Authors: Lori B. Gervais and Roger G. Gervais
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing
Publishing date: Oct. 9, 2020
Who is this book for?
- Parents planning for their children's financial futures
- Those wanting to further their own financial knowledge and skills
- Readers who are or will soon be starting a family
What's inside this book?
- Clients' stories of talking to children about managing wealth
- Tips on how to begin the conversation about preserving the family fortune
- Lessons on transferring family values, as well as transferring wealth
- Instructions on preparing children to inherit responsibility as well as money
- The authors' personal experiences both in growing up and in raising their own children
Lessons you'll learn from this book:
- How to speak to children about preserving your family's wealth
- How to ensure your personal values concerning your money are maintained
- How to instill responsibility
- How to use money for creating a great positive effect on your community and future generations
- How and why financial literacy must be addressed within the family
Questions this book will answer for you:
- How do I prepare my children to manage their inheritances?
- How can I maintain my family values while also transferring family wealth?
- How do I introduce the topic to my family?
What people are saying about this book:
"Managing money and finances can be some of the most challenging concepts for any family to navigate. I love the way the authors break it down and give us ways to help not only as a couple managing finances…more importantly equipping us with tools to help educate our family, setting us up for success for the future." — Tara Gundrum
"…Pass It On, provides a financial framework that all of us can customize to meet our financial and life objectives. It goes well beyond wealth management or estate planning, providing clear, practical and actionable guidance we can all apply to virtually any financial matter. A must read." — H. Edward Wynn, author of We the People: Restoring Civility, Sanity and Unifying Solutions to U.S. Politics
"Many parents fear leaving their kids' substantial wealth. It can be difficult to know if they will be good stewards of what you leave them. If you are looking to learn a path and framework for passing on wealth and wisdom to those you care about, you will want to check out this book." — Timothy J. McNeely, CFP CIMA
Your Turn: Tell us how you've used the advice of "Pass it On" in your own life.


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The most harmful lie spread about climate change is not that it's fake — it's that there's nothing you can do. Here are some effective ways to make a difference, from climate journalist Emily Atkin.
Environmental groups often use frightening images to sound the alarm on big issues — but to be effective at inspiring action, climate-related visuals need to promote hope rather than fear. Here, eight designs with an optimistic vision, and how the artists are driving change in their own lives.
We humans
Yes, the weather is getting worse — but we're not suffering equally. Here's what we can do
From extreme heat to floods, climate change is hitting poor communities the hardest. As we strive to address carbon emissions, we need to address these inequities too.


text:
The Henna Hair Color Shampoo are manufactured at our premises, under the guidance of our skilled professionals. All the products are made by using the premium quality material, which is procured from the certified vendors. For the satisfaction of our customers, all the products are examined on different aspects, to ensure the quality and result. Furthermore, our company is offering the range of Henna Hair Colorà Shampooà at market leading prices. Moreover, packaging facility of all the products is also available as pr the clients' requirement.Ã
Features :


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Human Tape-recorders10 December 2018
Because of so much reading, people today have ended up as tape-recorders and their cassettes are full of superfluous things. But according to Abba Isaac, teaching without action is a 'repository of shame'.
You see, lots of people who are interested in sports read sports magazines or newspapers and just sit there like lemons, but they admire the athletes. 'He's amazing', they say. 'Well done'. But they don't break a sweat themselves or shed a couple of pounds in weight. They read and read about sports and lie around. That's not doing them any good. All they have is the pleasure of reading.
Some secular-minded people read newspapers, others read a romance or an adventure, or go to the stadium to watch the game and pass their time. Some of those who read spiritual texts do the same. They may stay up all night madly reading spiritual books and they're happy. They pick up a spiritual book, settle down comfortably for a bit and start reading.
'That's done me good', they say. Better to say you've enjoyed yourself, that you've had a pleasant time. Because it hasn't done you good at all. It's of benefit only when you see what you've read, examine yourself and then try to make an effort to put it into practice. 'What does what I read mean? Where am I spiritually? What should I do?' And there's the fact that the more you learn, the more responsibility you have. I'm not saying not to read, not to know a lot and not to have responsibility, because that would be misleading. But don't read just for pleasure.
The bad thing is that if you read a lot and you've got a good memory, you remember a lot. You can then say a lot and fool yourself into thinking that you're actually applying what you've read. In this way, you create a false picture, both for yourself and for other people. So don't be content only with reading a lot. Make sure you apply it. Wide reading edifies people in a general way. The aim is, however, to become educated in a God-centred way. I've no intention of going and becoming a university professor*, in which case I'd be obliged to know all sorts of things. If I need to learn something from another sphere of knowledge, I'll be able to easily enough, as long as I've acquired God-centred education.


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Being on a variety of deadlines myself, I have been enjoying the pretty pictures. I do look forward to more chattiness in the future as it will also mean that another book is imminent.
Reminder: I'm Totally on a Deadline
Posted on November 20, 2013 Posted by John Scalzi 30 Comments
I've seen some grousing about the relative lack of content here this month, so I'd like to remind folks I have a book deadline and pay copy has to take a precedence to writing here, for reasons which should be obvious but if not are related to me eating and having a roof over my head. Don't worry, after the novel has been turned in and I've slept for, oh, three days straight, I'll probably be back to my usual chatty self.
In the meantime, enjoy the pictures. They're pretty. And that's not nothing.
30 Comments on "Reminder: I'm Totally on a Deadline"
Feel free to forward any grousers to me, and I will ensure they are appropriately chagrined.
Write the damn book already!
The pictures have been amazing, but I am biased toward Chicago.
The bonus with picture posts is not only does your productivity increase but so does mine!
Remember, Whatever readers: Your satisfaction with the content on John's blog 100% guaranteed, or your money back!
Grousing? Give them their money back. Oh wait….
(Dammit, DGL snuck in while I was typing! d'oh!) >;^)
Dear people who have been grousing because John has been busy doing that thing we pay him to do because he's so damn good at it,
Kindly STFU.
People are seriously grousing about… When they don't even pay… What are they… GYAH!
I can't even articulate how gobsmacked (I've always wanted an excuse to use that word!) I feel. It would take every single Picard-facepalm on the internet to express it.
Look grousers, when you are paying the man to post content, then you can complain. That simple enough?
Entitled asshats are always slightly more vocal than the rest. Most of us readers understand you gotta do what you gotta do. We're happy to even have you as often as we do.
After all, you're not our bitch.
Much love,
Give me your undivided attention! I demand books every 6 months and 1500 words a day on this blog. No excuses! I paid for it … Wait, wait. No, I did not pay for this blog. Shit. Well, as you were sir. Pardon the interruption.
Some people just won't be happy until you write 5,000 words about how you're facing a deadline and don't have time to write a long post.
I like it when John updates Whatever, but I like it a lot more when I have a new book of his to read.
Write, you! Write your pay copy! Write, John, write like the wind! *cracks whip*
Where I come from we call that a CATFOTFIC (Complaint About The Flavor Of The Free Ice Cream).
I actually thought you'd made it pretty clear you were staying away to meet a deadline. Huh.
And here I thought Whatever was converting exclusively to your travel photo sharing site.
When an artist is at work, the observer stands silently respectful and pushes cookies under the door whenever keyboard sounds begin to fade; macadamia chocolate chip is a good choice. Others on request.
Wow, I can't believe anyone is grousing! You warned us pretty clearly that you had a book to write and that content would be sparse. There's only 24 hours in a day, and some of them you need to spend with your wonderful family. (oh, and sleep, I guess.)
I appreciate the pictures very much, even if I scarcely comment. And I appreciate your books very much, which….wait for it…..
require you to take time away from this blog to write them.
No grousing from me…just best wishes on how well this next book will sell.
To be clear, none of the people who were grousing were being dicks about it. I merely thought the point beared repeating that I'm on a deadline.
Pics are great, but writing lets us make pictures in our heads and you are damn good at using those symbols that keep showing up when I press my fingers down on this keypad to make pictures in our heads. Thank you and Godspeed!
Dude, why are you reading this! Get back to work, you're on a deadline!
Grousing? How rude. I mean, you do this of your own free will. You already entertain us with your craft in writing science fiction. This is just for fun. Like icing. Or that caramel coffee thang you seem to enjoy. You may have bad taste in coffee beverages, but I've no gripes with you here, dude. Write on! (get it?)
Xopher, CATFOTFIC makes me think of the Borscht Belt one-liner, "The food here is like poison — and in such small portions, too."
To paraphrase Neil Gaiman:
Neither John Scalzi nor George R R Martin are you bitches.
I just like the purty pitchers.
"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."
Douglas Adams
Haterz be hating!
Tell the grousers to go do NaNoWriMo while they wait for you! Then we can all be on a deadline
Honestly, re-think your whole approach to existance if you think whiners like that are worth a post. Write what you want, when you want. Sell it or give it away. Lots of people are forced to do things to live. You are totaly free, so every time you act like a slave to your fans the rest of us die a little. (No pressure, of course)
Whatever the reason, keep on reminding me that you are hard at work on another book. I like hearing that another bit of reading pleasure is coming my way. And thanks for that piece of abstract pointillism produced by nature. I love fall colors


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Stack Up
Ep. 4 of Telltale's GOTG ("Who Needs You") Out Now
The Guardians Go Spelunking in A Divisive Fourth Episode
The only thing worse than "hitting rock bottom" is knowing you haven't hit it yet; this idiom seems to have inspired the fourth episode of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series. Entitled "Who Needs You," Telltale takes a break from the Eternity Forge plot to focus on the bonds you've built over the past three episodes. "Who Needs You" tests how well you've befriended the Guardians, and how much the team believes they really need each other. Starlord's leadership has led his friends into some deep holes in the past; this time, it looks like "hitting rock bottom" will shatter the team forever.
"Who Needs You" has the standard Telltale mechanics we know and love, but with a tiny tweak in the walking segments. Starlord's jet boots malfunction in episode three, and some desperate repairs from Rocket aren't enough to get them working perfectly. If Starlord uses the jet boots for too long, they'll overheat and turn off. On solid ground, that might not be a hazard—too bad Starlord has to use them over pits of acid! The new mechanic adds a new way fail in a game without many ways to lose, though the controls for this feature have some issues with moving forward.
As one should expect by now, GOTG's playlist is simply phenomenal. That said, "Who Needs You" features a song that meshes so perfectly with the situation that it puts all the other sequences to shame. Watching a threadbare Milano trying to escape a monstrous worm is enjoyable enough; pairing that chase with Queen's "Stone Cold Crazy" is just too perfect for words. The stakes, the energy, the fun, everything about that scene jumps up to a scale that would've been impossible to maintain otherwise. Whoever decided to incorporate that song deserves a damn pay raise!
Setting that chase scene aside—which feels remarkably hard to do—the rest of "Who Needs You" has a considerable lack of energy. All the momentum built up through the Forge story arc seems lost in the caves where the Guardians wake up. Aside from a few mentions of Hala and how the galaxy has never been in so much danger, "Who Needs You" makes almost no connections to the overall plot. It feels isolated from the rest of the story, and while that seems appropriate for the "all is lost!" moment the episode builds toward, it also throws the game out of its groove. When you can ask the question "why did the developers place this episode here?" and not find a convincing answer, that's a bad sign.
When it comes down to it, "Who Needs You" serves its technical purpose by bringing our heroes to their most dire moment. Filled with doubt about Starlord's leadership, and perhaps even furious at his choices throughout the game, the Guardians of the Galaxy are falling apart at the seams. The stage is set for the final battle against the Kree; the only question is, will Starlord have to face them alone?
"Who Needs You," episode four of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series, is available now for Steam, PS4, and Xbox One.
#Marvel #TannerHastings #Telltaleseries #4 #telltale #Ep4 #Episode4 #GuardiansoftheGalaxy #WhoNeedsYou #TelltaleGuardiansoftheGalaxy #GOTG #TellTaleGOTG